bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum flux densities for electronic–nuclear motion: exact versus Born–Oppenheimer dynamics
Authors: Schaupp Thomas , Engel Volker
Published: March 2022

We study the coupled electronic–nuclear dynamics in a model system to compare numerically exact calculations of electronic and nuclear flux densities with those obtained from the Born–Oppenheimer (BO) approximation. Within the adiabatic expansion of the total wave function, we identify the terms which contribute to the flux densities. It is found that only off-diagonal elements that involve the interaction between different electronic states contribute to the electronic flux whereas in the nuclear case the major contribution belongs to the BO electronic state. New flux densities are introduced where in both, the electronic and the nuclear case, the main contribution is contained in the component corresponding to the BO state. As a consequence, they can be determined within the BO approximation, and an excellent agreement with the exact results is found.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Chemistry without the Born–Oppenheimer approximation’.
Mixed-quantum-classical or fully-quantized dynamics? A unified code to compare methods
Authors: Coonjobeeharry J. , Spinlove K. E. , Sanz Sanz C. , Sapunar M. , Došlić N. , Worth G. A.
Published: March 2022

Three methods for non-adiabatic dynamics are compared to highlight their capabilities. Multi-configurational time-dependent Hartree is a full grid-based solution to the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, variational multi-configurational Gaussian (vMCG) uses a less flexible but unrestricted Gaussian wavepacket basis, and trajectory surface hopping (TSH) replaces the nuclear wavepacket with a swarm of classical trajectories. Calculations with all methods using a model Hamiltonian were performed. The vMCG and TSH were also then run in adirect dynamicsmode, with the potential energy surfaces calculated on-the-fly using quantum chemistry calculations. All dynamics calculations used the Quanticspackage, with the TSH calculations using a new interface to a surface hopping code. A novel approach to calculate adiabatic populations from grid-based quantum dynamics using a time-dependent discrete variable representation is presented, allowing a proper comparison of methods.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Chemistry without the Born–Oppenheimer approximation’.
Paternity sharing in insects with female competition for nuptial gifts
Authors: Browne Jessica H. , Gwynne Darryl T.
Published: March 2022

When males contribute costly investments to offspring (i.e., paternal care or nuptial gifts), they are expected to have high confidence of paternity. While studies of species with exclusive male parental care have provided support for this hypothesis, paternity may be more uncertain in systems where males feed each mate. While mating co-occurs with each oviposition in many male-care systems, allowing control over insemination, mating is separated from egg-laying in nuptial-gift systems so that males typically compete more with rivals for fertilizations. Given the costly gift investment, and long refractory periods that limit male ability to gain fitness from frequent copulations, there should be strong selection to avoid cuckoldry, especially complete paternity failure. Further, because females are expected to mate frequently to obtain male-supplied nutrition prior to oviposition, males may be unable to avoid sperm competition because virgins will be rare (and lower quality), and females are expected to undermine male traits that limit remating or manipulate sperm stores. Thus, paternity sharing, in which males are not excluded from siring offspring completely, is an expected outcome of sperm competition in these systems. Using wild-caught females in two species (an orthopteran and a dipteran), in which sexually selected females compete for important male nuptial gifts, we examined paternity patterns and compared them to findings in other insects. Using microsatellite analysis of offspring and sperm stores, we found evidence of shared paternity in both study species, where very few males failed to sire offspring. Although paternity was not equal among sires, our estimates of paternity bias were similar to other insects with valuable nuptial gifts and contrasted with patterns in gryllid crickets where males supply little more than sperm and are frequently excluded from siring offspring. Further support for paternity-sharing is the lack of last-male sperm precedence in either of our study species.
Key residue on cytoplasmic dynein for asymmetric unbinding and unidirectional movement along microtubule
Authors: Kubo Shintaroh , Shima Tomohiro , Kon Takahide , Takada Shoji
Published: March 2022

Cytoplasmic dynein 1 is almost exclusively responsible for intracellular transport toward the minus-end of microtubules in animal cells. One of the key factors for the unidirectional movement of dynein is the asymmetry of the unbinding of the motor from the microtubule when an external load is applied; it dissociates more easily from microtubules with minus-end directed loading than with plus-end directed loading. To elucidate the molecular basis for this property, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to identify the key residues responsible for asymmetry, which were then examined experimentally. First, we reproduced asymmetry in the unbinding behavior of dynein using coarse-grained simulations. Then, data analysis together with mutational analysis in silico predicted the specific residues that may be responsible for the asymmetry in unbinding. To examine this prediction, we expressed and purified recombinant dynein with mutations in either of the identified key residues. Consistent with the simulations, one of the mutants did not exhibit asymmetry in the in vitro unbinding assay. Moreover, the mutant dynein was able to bind and move diffusely along a microtubule but was unable to restrict its movement to the minus-end direction. Our results demonstrate both experimentally and theoretically how the key residue on the microtubule-binding domain generates asymmetry in unbinding, which is a critical mechanism for the unidirectional movement of dynein along a microtubule track.

Significance Statement

Cytoplasmic dynein moves to the minus end of microtubules. This unidirectional dynein motility provides the driving force for various cellular activities including vesicle transport, organelle positioning and cell division. One of the key factors for dynein to exhibit unidirectional movement is the asymmetry of unbinding of dynein from the microtubule depending on the direction of external load. By combining computational simulations and in vitro experiments, we identified a residue responsible for the asymmetry. A point mutation at the residue indeed abolished unidirectional motility, highlighting the importance of the asymmetric unbinding property in dynein’s unidirectional movement.
SCExecute: cell barcode-stratified analyses of scRNA-seq data
Authors: Edwards Nathan , Dillard Christian , Prashant NM , Liu Hongyu , Yang Mia , Ulianova Evgenia , Horvath Anelia
Published: March 2022

Motivation

In single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, stratification of sequencing reads by cellular barcode is necessary to study cell-specific features. However, apart from gene expression, the analyses of cell-specific features are not supported by available tools that are designed for bulk RNA-Seq data.

Results

We introduce a tool – SCExecute – which executes a user-provided command on barcode-stratified, extracted on-the-fly, single cell binary alignment map (scBAM) files. SCExecute extracts the cell barcode from aligned, pooled single-cell sequencing data. The user-specified command option executes all the commands defined in the session from monolithic programs and multi-command shell-scripts to complex shell-based pipelines. The execution can be further restricted to barcodes or/and genomic regions of interest. We demonstrate SCExecute with two popular variant callers - GATK and Strelka2 – combined with modules for bam file manipulation and variant filtering, to detect single cell-specific expressed Single Nucleotide Variants (sceSNVs) from droplet scRNA-seq data (10X Genomics Chromium System).

Conclusion

SCExecute facilitates custom cell-level analyses on barcoded scRNA-seq data using currently available tools and provides an effective solution for studying low (cellular) frequency transcriptome features.

Availability

SCExecute is implemented in Python3 using the PySAM package and distributed for Linux and Python environments from https://github.com/HorvathLab/NGS/tree/master/SCExecute.
Osmotic stress via calmodulin lead to the formation of stress granule in Drosophila S2 cells
Authors: Zhang Chujun , Grond Rianne , Damen J. Mirjam A. , Wu Wei , Rabouille Catherine
Published: March 2022

Cellular stress of S2 cells leads to the formation of stress assemblies by phase separation of cytoplasmic components. We have shown that the cellular stresses of either high increase of the NaCl concentration in the extracellular medium, or a moderate one combined to amino acid starvation, leads to the formation of Sec bodies where components of the endoplasmic Reticulum exit sites (ERES) coalesce. These extracellular stresses lead to both the activation of salt inducible kinase (SIK), and to ER stress triggering the activation of the two downstream kinases IRE1 and PERK. Interestingly, the same stresses also result in the formation of a second stress assembly, the stress granules, which stores specific RNAs and RNA binding proteins. Here we asked whether stress granule formation is governed by the same pathways as Sec bodies. However, we found that the inhibition of SIK, IRE1 and PERK does not affect stress granule formation. Instead, we found that osmotic stress through the addition of either salts (including calcium chloride) or sucrose leads to the formation of stress granules. Interestingly, stress granule formation is partly modulated by calmodulin activation, suggesting the involvement of calcium signaling. Furthermore, as Sec body formation is driven by entirely different pathways, these results show that the same cells under the same stress, form two different stress assemblies by non-overlapping downstream pathway activation, perhaps explaining that they do not coalescence into a single structure.
A fraction of an executive: new ways to save and compete
Authors: So Maggie , Teckchandani Atul
Published: March 2022

Purpose

A new way for business leaders to access targeted professional help is via fractional service providers. Fractional service providers can provide tremendous advantages, as they are much more closely associated with the company than outsourcing or consulting service providers, while being more cost effective than full-time employees. A fractional service provider that can be of particular benefit to startups and small businesses is a fractional CFO or Controller – who can provide an organization with the skills to perform all of the activities that a finance and accounting department should perform and provide a consistent leadership voice on all finance-related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first introduces fractional services and discusses how fractional service providers differ from outsourcing, consulting engagements and full-time employment. Then, it presents an explanation of why fractional service providers may be best suited to manage the finance and accounting functions in a small or medium-sized business. Finally, it discusses factors that business leaders should consider and best practices they should use when using fractional services.

Findings

Using a fractional CFO or Controller will provide an increased focus on the company’s financial health and allow the organization to perform (or oversee) all of the activities that a finance and accounting department should be performing. The scope of work a fractional CFO or Controller performs can be easily modified to meet the needs of the firm, Moreover, they require little direct management. As a result, a fractional CFO or Controller can often be a more cost-effective option than hiring for the finance and accounting function on a full-time basis.

Originality/value

In today’s world, organizations are increasingly seeking ways to maintain effectiveness while also being flexible in how human capital is used. This paper discusses one such flexibility: incorporating fractional service providers. The key premise of this paper is that fractional service providers, specifically fractional CFOs or Controllers, can be an extremely effective way for many organizations, especially small businesses and startups, to get more sophisticated help and guidance in finance and accounting-related matters – thereby acting as an excellent bridge between an ineffective finance and accounting function and creating such a function staffed by full-time employees.
Competing with artificial intelligence – can the records and information management profession withstand the challenge?
Authors: Xie Sherry Li , Siyi Li , Han Ruohua
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To report on a study that focused on the records and information management (RIM) profession’s competencies with respect to the development of AI.

Design/methodology/approach

Designed as deductive, the study distilled artificial intelligence (AI) insusceptibility indicators, creative intelligence and social intelligence, from the Oxford study and applied them to the current RIM core competencies developed by ARMA International. Manual coding and semantic analysis served as the primary inquiring methods, and both statistical and qualitative results are presented.

Findings

The RIM profession as a whole is currently AI-resistant, yet it is not AI-proof. To be AI-proof, the existent competencies model needs to be redesigned as the AI-resistant parts are mingled with AI-prone ones, and the prescriptions of some RIM theories and principles are not ready for AI judgements or adjustments. It requires also strategizing collaborations among all stakeholders so that we can be one step ahead of future unfavorable organizational decisions. If our professional nature renders us AI-resistant for now, then it is our professional unity that will ensure us AI-proof in the future.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is first of its kind within the international RIM community. It provides detailed assessment data on AI insusceptibility and targeted suggestions regarding the RIM community as a whole.
Rethinking the M&A process: Learning private equity’s secret to outperforming corporate strategic acquirers
Authors: Gilligan John , Galpin Timothy
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Although M&A transactions often destroy shareholder value for corporate strategic buyers, PE firms, whose business model is predicated upon repeating M&A, have a better record of creating value for their investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The critical aspects that comprise the PE playbook are organized around the three main deal phases Pre-deal, Deal and Post-deal.

Findings

Research has found that 60 percent of surveyed strategic buyer executives indicated their companies do not have a comprehensive end-to-end M&A approach using a playbook.

Practical/implications

Ample evidence exists demonstrating that corporate strategic buyers experience significant difficulty in creating value from their transactions.

Originality/value

Though many view PE firms as value-destroyers, various peer-reviewed studies have found that PE-backed firms have a surprisingly favorable record.
Herbivore‐induced branching increases sapling survival in temperate forest canopy gaps
Authors: Churski Marcin , Charles‐Dominique Tristan , Bubnicki Jakub W. , Jędrzejewska Bogumiła , Kuijper Dries P. J. , Cromsigt Joris P. G. M.
Published: March 2022

Tree architectures reflect the main abiotic and biotic selection pressures determining tree growth and survival. Studies have shown that trees growing in herbivore‐dominated ecosystems, such as savannas, develop denser, more divaricate ‘cage’‐like architectures in response to chronic browsing pressure (also known as ‘brown world’ architectures). In contrast, trees growing under resource‐limited conditions develop traits that allow them to better compete for abiotic resources (referred to as ‘green world’ architectures); for example, light limitation can induce trees to form more pole‐like structures that allow them to grow faster in height. In temperate forests, abiotic drivers have traditionally been assumed to be the main factors affecting plant architecture. However, gap dynamics typically characterize old‐growth temperate forests, where disturbances such as storms create gaps with temporary high‐light availability, but also attracting intense mammalian browsing. Under such conditions, one would expect tree saplings to exhibit high architectural plasticity enabling them to develop a ‘cage’ in response to high herbivore pressure, but when herbivore pressure declines switch to a more pole‐like structure that allows them to grow quickly in height and compete for light.

We tested the ability of five dominant European tree species to induce a ‘cage’ architecture (hereafter referred to as ‘cage plasticity’) under contrasting light and herbivory regimes in a full‐factorial experiment in Białowieża Forest. We planted 720 young tree saplings in six replicated blocks in which we manipulated ungulate browsing (exclosure vs. control) and light levels (gap vs. closed forest).

Two out of the five species (hornbeam Carpinus betulus and lime Tilia cordata) were able to develop a cage when exposed to ungulate herbivores but only under high‐light conditions. These two species had the highest survival rates in the herbivory treatment over a 10‐year period.

Synthesis. Cage plasticity in temperate forest tree species may reflect an overlooked adaptation to mammal herbivory originating in a past when large mammals exerted strong selection pressures in European ecosystems. Our findings challenge the view of closed‐canopy forest communities being solely driven by abiotic drivers and call for a re‐evaluation of the importance of large herbivores in shaping the functional traits of temperate tree species.
Deleted genes associated with obesity in Mexican patients diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Zambrano‐Zaragoza José Francisco , Vázquez‐Reyes Alejandro , Durán‐Avelar Ma. de Jesús , Gutiérrez‐Franco Jorge , Vibanco‐Pérez Norberto , Agraz‐Cibrián Juan Manuel , Pérez‐Cambero Horacio , Ayón‐Pérez Miriam Fabiola
Published: March 2022

Aim

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a complex metabolic condition in which both lifestyle and genetic factors have a pathogenic role. The LEP gene encodes leptin, which regulates appetite, body weight, and several metabolic functions. Proopiomelanocortin (POMC), regulates food intake and energy balance. The aim of the study was to determine partial or complete deletions of genes associated with obesity in patients diagnosed with NAFLD.

Material and methods

Blood samples and DNA from 43 individuals diagnosed with NAFLD by ultrasonographic technique (Fibroscan) were obtained. The partial or complete deletions of genes were determined by MLPA (Multiplex Ligation‐dependent Probe Amplification) using the SALSA probemix P220‐B2 Obesity only on 43 individuals. Fifty blood samples from healthy individuals were included.

Results

Eleven out of 43 individuals analyzed by MLPA presented some deletion of the genes analyzed: six were female and five were male. The partial or complete deletion of the LEPR and POMC genes was observed in eight patients (18.6%), SIM1 in six patients (13.9%), GRIK2 and SH2B1 in two patients (4.7%), SEZGL2 in four patients (9.3%), and MCR4 in one patient (2.3%).

Conclusion

Partial deletion was observed in LEPR, POMC, SIM1, GRIK2, SH2B1, SEZGL2, and MCR4 genes in 26% of the cases, and we suggest that these alterations probably has a potential relationship for the development of NAFLD.
National culture moderators of pay for individual performance and the financial performance of multinational enterprises
Authors: Posthuma Richard A. , Campion Emily D. , Campion Michael A. , Zhang Haiyan
Published: March 2022

We examined the effectiveness of pay for individual performance (PFIP) in companies operating in multiple cultures. With the use of data from 308 multinational enterprises (MNEs) collected by IBM's WorkTrends™ project, we tested hypotheses regarding the moderating influence of the nine dimensions of the GLOBE country culture model on the relationship between PFIP and changes in financial performance over time. Multiple employees per firm (meanN = 24.7 employees) reported the extent there was a PFIP climate (PFIPc) in their firm. We matched these data at the firm level to changes in net income per employee over 4 years from the Wharton Research Data Service (WRDS). Consistent with predictions developed from contingency and cross‐cultural theories, after including relevant controls, we found the positive relationship between PFIPc and subsequent MNE performance is greater in cultures higher in future orientation, institutional collectivism and uncertainty avoidance and also lower in in‐group collectivism, power distance and humane orientation.
Educational psychological provision in Irish‐medium primary schools in indigenous Irish language speaking communities (Gaeltacht): Views of teachers and educational psychologists
Authors: Murtagh Lelia , Seoighe Ailsa
Published: March 2022

Background

Schools located in indigenous Irish‐speaking areas collectively known as the Gaeltacht are unique in terms of their sociocultural and linguistic identity and important in the key role they play in the preservation of the language. Those situated in Category A Gaeltacht districts are Irish‐medium schools in communities with the strongest use of Irish and are the focus of the present study. Educational psychologists (EPs) who work with these schools are challenged to provide culturally and linguistically sensitive services for these schools. The EPs’ work is impacted by state policies in relation to language planning, Irish language education and inclusive education.

Aims

This qualitative research study aims to describe the views and experiences of EPs and teachers in relation to educational psychological services in primary schools in Category A districts in the Gaeltacht. It explores how the service meets the needs of schools and students and seeks to identify barriers in provision.

Method

The study is underpinned by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theoretical framework and the bilingual education and sociocultural theories of Jim Cummins. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four EPs and eleven teachers working in Category A schools. The transcribed interview data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The findings are presented under identified themes using relevant transcript extracts in original and translated form and the findings are interpreted in the light of the theoretical frameworks adopted and relevant literature. Key findings indicate that both EPs and teachers were happy with the new models of special education support and consultation in operation in the schools and were also positively disposed towards Irish‐medium education. However, the findings also reveal that the quality of educational psychological and special education services is adversely impacted by factors such as inadequate translation services, the lack of suitable assessment tools and assessors who were not fully proficient in Irish.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the urgent need for macro‐level policies relating to children's education in indigenous Irish‐speaking communities to be matched by practices that ensure educational psychological services such as consultation, interventions and assessments can be provided in a timely fashion through the medium of Irish. Recommendations include improved translation services, assessment through the medium of Irish, professional training for psychologists working with this cultural and linguistic minority and recruitment of psychologists who are competent Irish speakers.
Prevention and management of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis: A systematic review of outcome measures used in clinical studies in the last 10 years
Authors: Derks Jan , Ichioka Yuki , Dionigi Carlotta , Trullenque‐Eriksson Anna , Berglundh Jessica , Tomasi Cristiano , Graziani Filippo
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate outcome measures, methods of assessment, and analysis in clinical studies on the prevention and management of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis.

Methods

Systematic electronic searches (CENTRAL/MEDLINE/SCOPUS) up to April 2021 were conducted to identify longitudinal clinical studies with ≥10 patients on either the prevention or management of peri‐implant diseases. Outcome measures of this analysis were the choice of outcome measures, methods of assessment, and analytical methods. Risk of bias was evaluated according to study design. Data were extracted into evidence tables and outcomes were analysed in a descriptive manner.

Results

The analysis of the 159 selected studies revealed that probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding/suppuration on probing (BOP) were reported in 89% and 87% of all studies, respectively. Additional outcome measures included plaque scores (reported in 64% of studies), radiographic outcomes (49%), soft tissue dimensions (34%), and composite outcomes (26%). Adverse events (8%) and patient‐reported outcomes (6%) were only rarely mentioned. A primary outcome measure was clearly defined only in 36% of studies. Data on PPD, radiographic outcomes, and soft tissue dimensions were primarily reported as mean values and rarely as frequency distributions. For radiographic outcomes and soft tissue dimensions, it was frequently unclear how clustered data were handled.

Conclusions

PPD and BOP were routinely reported in studies on the prevention and management of peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis, while composite outcomes, adverse events, and patient‐reported outcomes were only infrequently described.
Study on the immunopathological effect of titanium particles in peri‐implantitis granulation tissue: A case–control study
Authors: Rakic Mia , Radunovic Milena , Petkovic‐Curcin Aleksandra , Tatic Zoran , Basta‐Jovanovic Gordana , Sanz Mariano
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To identify titanium particles (TPs) in biopsy specimens harvested from peri‐implantitis lesions and secondarily to study the histopathological characteristics in peri‐implantitis compared to periodontitis, in order to evaluate whether the presence of TPs could alter respective inflammatory patterns.

Material and methods

Biopsies containing granulation tissue were harvested during routine surgical treatment in 39 peri‐implantitis cases and 35 periodontitis controls. Serial sections were obtained using titanium‐free microtome blades. The first and last sections of the peri‐implantitis specimens were used for identification of TPs by scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. Intermediate sections and periodontitis specimens were processed for descriptive histological study using haematoxylin–eosin staining and for immunohistochemical analysis using CD68, IL‐6, Nf‐kB and VEGF markers.

Results

TPs were identified in all peri‐implantitis specimens as free metal bodies interspersed within granulation tissue. However, presence of macrophages or multinucleated giant cells engulfing the TPs were not identified in any specimen. Peri‐implantitis granulations were characterized by a chronic inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils. About half of peri‐implantitis patients exhibited a subacute infiltrate characterized with lymphocytes interweaved with neutrophils and eosinophils. When compared to periodontitis, peri‐implantitis tissues showed higher proportions of macrophages and a more intense neovascularization, based on significantly higher expression of CD68 and VEGF respectively.

Conclusion

TPs were identified in all peri‐implantitis specimens, but without evidencing any foreign body reaction suggestive for direct pathological effects of TPs. The peri‐implantitis granulation tissue was characterized by intense neovascularization and presence of a chronic inflammatory infiltrate dominated by plasma cells, neutrophils and macrophages.
Plane of mesocolic dissection as predictor of recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for sigmoid colon cancer: A cohort study
Authors: Sakjah Sara , Olsen Anna Sofie Friis , Gundestrup Anders Kierkegaard , Born Pernille Wolder , Bols Birgitte , Ingeholm Peter , Kleif Jakob , Bertelsen Claus Anders
Published: March 2022

Aim

To investigate whether intramesocolic plane dissection assessed on fresh specimens by the pathologist is a risk factor for recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for sigmoid cancer when compared with mesocolic plane dissection.

Method

Single‐centre study based on prospectively registered data on patients undergoing resection for UICC stage I–III sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma during the period 2010–2017. The patients were stratified into either an intramesocolic plane group or a mesocolic plane group. Primary outcome was risk of recurrence after 4.2 years using inverse probability treatment weighting and competing risk analyses.

Results

Of a total of 332 patients, two were excluded as the specimen was assessed as muscularis propria plane, 237 (72%) specimens were deemed as mesocolic and 93 (28%) as intramesocolic. The 4.2‐year cumulative incidence of recurrence after inverse probability treatment weighting was 14.9% (10.4–19.3) in the mesocolic group compared with 9.4% (3.7–15.0) in the intramesocolic group, thus the absolute risk difference between the mesocolic plane and intramesocolic plane was 5.5% (−12.5–1.6; p = 0.13) in favour of the intramesocolic group.

Conclusion

Intramesocolic plane dissection was not a risk factor for recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for sigmoid cancer when compared with mesocolic plane dissection. No difference in risk of local recurrence, death before recurrence, and in overall survival after 4.2 years was observed between the two groups. With less than 1% of the specimens deemed as muscularis propria plane dissection, the classification appears unusable for the risk prediction of sigmoid colon cancer.
Covid‐19 First Wave Impact National Survey for HIV Clinicians by Public Health England (PHE), the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and the Children’s HIV Association (CHIVA)
Authors: Shanks Gabriella , Shah Ammi , Williams Amanda , Asboe David , Anderson Jane , Delpech Valerie , Ely Amanda , Waters Laura
Published: March 2022

Introduction

This short report describes the results of a survey that was developed by Public Health England (PHE), the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and the Children's HIV Association (CHIVA) and circulated to all UK national health service HIV providers in the UK following the first wave of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2; coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19]) pandemic to assess the impact of the pandemic on HIV clinics.

Methods

The survey was created by BHIVA/CHIVA and PHE and was piloted prior to circulation to all HIV clinics within the UK on 3 July 2020. The survey questions were designed to assess the impact of the first wave of COVID‐19 on HIV clinics and lead/senior HIV clinicians. Clinicians’ responses were collected between 3 July 2020 and 17 September 2020. The survey responses were collated, and non‐statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The results of the survey confirmed that services had undergone substantial changes, including a shift from face‐to‐face consults to predominantly virtual consultations. Some clinicians’ responses suggested that the first wave had many negative effects on people living with HIV, including their ability to access mental health services.

Conclusion

The first wave of COVID‐19 caused significant changes to HIV services within the UK. There was a shift toward the use of technology in healthcare, and results from subsequent clinician surveys carried out since the first wave of COVID‐19 will reflect the ongoing transformation of care towards a more virtual service.
The antibacterial activity and antibacterial mechanism of the tea polyphenol liposomes/lysozyme–chitosan gradual sustained release composite coating
Authors: Zhang Ran , Li Qiuying , Yang Lili , Dwibedi Vagish , Ge Yonghong , Zhang Defu , Li Jianrong , Sun Tong
Published: March 2022

To obtain long‐lasting preservation materials, the tea polyphenol liposomes (TP‐Lips)/lysozyme (LZM)–chitosan (CS) composite coating with the gradual sustained property was prepared by tape casting method. These coatings were characterised, and their physicochemical properties were measured. Meanwhile, the antibacterial mechanisms of coatings were studied using the spoilage bacteria of aquatic products (Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens) as target strains. Compared with CS coating, the incorporation of TP‐Lips makes the cracks and granular matter of the coatings increase. Except for the oxygen permeabilities (OP) and carbon dioxide permeabilities (CDP), the rest of the physicochemical properties are decreased, including tensile strength (Ts), elongation at break (EB) and light transmittance (T). Antibacterial mechanisms indicate that TP and LZM have a synergistic antibacterial effect. The slow‐release system composed of liposomes and coating prolongs the action time of TP and LZM. Hence, the TP‐Lips/LZM‐CS coating could be a hopeful material in food preservation field with excellent antibacterial properties.
Optimization of Synthetic Vocal Fold Models for Glottal Closure
Authors: Taylor Cassandra J. , Thomson Scott L.
Published: March 2022

Synthetic, self-oscillating models of the human vocal folds are used to study the complex and inter-related flow, structure, and acoustical aspects of voice production. The vocal folds typically collide during each cycle, thereby creating a brief period of glottal closure that has important implications for flow, acoustic, and motion-related outcomes. Many previous synthetic models, however, have been limited by incomplete glottal closure during vibration. In this study, a low-fidelity, two-dimensional, multilayer finite element model of vocal fold flow-induced vibration was coupled with a custom genetic algorithm optimization code to determine geometric and material characteristics that would be expected to yield physiologically-realistic frequency and closed quotient values. The optimization process yielded computational models that vibrated with favorable frequency and closed quotient characteristics. A tradeoff was observed between frequency and closed quotient. A synthetic, self-oscillating vocal fold model with geometric and material properties informed by the simulation outcomes was fabricated and tested for onset pressure, oscillation frequency, and closed quotient. The synthetic model successfully vibrated at a realistic frequency and exhibited a nonzero closed quotient. The methodology described in this study provides potential direction for fabricating synthetic models using isotropic silicone materials that can be designed to vibrate with physiologically-realistic frequencies and closed quotient values. The results also show the potential for a low-fidelity model optimization approach to be used to tune synthetic vocal fold model characteristics for specific vibratory outcomes.
Participation and Performance by Gender in Synchronous Online Lectures: Three Unique Case Studies during Emergency Remote Teaching
Authors: Nichols Sierra C. , Xia Yongyong Y. , Parco Mikaylie , Bailey Elizabeth G.
Published: March 2022

Studies have documented that men’s voices are generally heard more than women’s voices in face-to-face undergraduate biology classes, and some performance gaps have also been documented. Some of the few studies on gender equity in traditional online biology education suggest that women participate more and perform better in asynchronous online courses compared to men.
Functional and Highly Cross-Linkable HIV-1 Envelope Glycoproteins Enriched in a Pretriggered Conformation
Authors: Nguyen Hanh T. , Qualizza Alessandra , Anang Saumya , Zhao Meiqing , Zou Shitao , Zhou Rong , Wang Qian , Zhang Shijian , Deshpande Ashlesha , Ding Haitao , Chiu Ta-Jung , Smith Amos B. , Kappes John C. , Sodroski Joseph G.
Published: March 2022

The development of an efficient vaccine is critical for combating HIV-1 infection worldwide. However, the instability of the pretriggered shape (state 1) of the viral envelope glycoprotein (Env) makes it difficult to raise neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Pasteurella multocida Strain Pm1, Isolated from a Calf
Authors: Gondaira Satoshi , Fujiki Jumpei , Hirano Yuki , Murata Ryo , Uchida Ikuo , Usui Masaru , Iwasaki Tomohito , Okabayashi Tamaki , Iwano Hidetomo , Higuchi Hidetoshi
Published: March 2022

Bovine pneumonia is a disease that causes significant economic losses in livestock industries and is vital for animal welfare. The whole-genome sequence of
Pasteurella multocida
strain Pm1, isolated from a calf suffering from pneumonia in Japan, is reported here.
Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Isolated from an Adult in Kibera, an Urban Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kikwai Gilbert K. , Juma Bonventure , Nindo Fredrick , Ochieng Caroline , Wamola Newton , Mbogo Kevin , Call Douglas R. , Hunsperger Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

An
Escherichia coli
strain (sequence type 636) was isolated from an adult residing in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, and was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The draft genome was 5,075,726 bp, with a Col(BS512) plasmid plus
aph(6)-Id
,
bla
TEM-1B
, and
dfrA7
genes, which encode kanamycin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim resistance proteins, respectively.
Global Distribution of
mcr
Gene Variants in 214K Metagenomic Samples
Authors: Martiny Hannah-Marie , Munk Patrick , Brinch Christian , Szarvas Judit , Aarestrup Frank M. , Petersen Thomas Nordahl
Published: March 2022

The ever-growing collection of metagenomic samples available in public data repositories has the potential to reveal new details on the emergence and dissemination of mobilized colistin resistance genes. Our analysis of metagenomes deposited online in the last 10 years shows that the environmental distribution of
mcr
gene variants depends on sampling source and location, possibly leading to the emergence of new variants, although the contig on which the
mcr
genes were found remained consistent.
Global Composition of the Bacteriophage Community in Honey Bees
Authors: Busby Taylor J. , Miller Craig R. , Moran Nancy A. , Van Leuven James T.
Published: March 2022

Viruses that infect bacteria (bacteriophages) are abundant in the microbial communities that live on and in plants and animals. However, our knowledge of the structure, dynamics, and function of these viral communities lags far behind our knowledge of their bacterial hosts.
Distinct Diet-Microbiota-Metabolism Interactions in Overweight and Obese Pregnant Women: a Metagenomics Approach
Authors: Lotankar Mrunalini , Mokkala Kati , Houttu Noora , Koivuniemi Ella , Sørensen Nikolaj , Nielsen Henrik Bjørn , Munukka Eveliina , Lahti Leo , Laitinen Kirsi
Published: March 2022

We observed partially distinct diet-gut microbiota-metabolism and inflammation responses in overweight and obese pregnant women. In overweight women, gut microbiota community composition and the relative abundance of
A. finegoldii
were associated with an inflammatory status. In obese women, a higher dietary quality was related to a higher gut microbiota diversity and a healthy inflammatory status.
Entanglement teleportation in anisotropic Heisenberg XY spin model with Herring–Flicker coupling
Authors: Ait Chlih Anas , Habiballah Nabil , Nassik Mostafa , Khatib Driss
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the features of quantum teleportation of a maximally entangled input thermal state using a system, consisting of two qubits (spin-1/2) anisotropic XY Heisenberg model with Herring–Flicker coupling in the presence of a magnetic field, are discussed. So, we study the influence on the thermal entanglement of different physical parameters such as temperature [Formula: see text], magnetic field [Formula: see text], degree of anisotropy [Formula: see text] and distance [Formula: see text] between the two spins. The goal is to determine the conditions of use of the system as a good channel to promote quantum teleportation. The amount of output entanglement is quantified by the concurrence [Formula: see text], and the quality of teleportation is analyzed using the concept of fidelity [Formula: see text]. It is shown that [Formula: see text] presents a maximum at extremely low temperature for a large range of the parameter [Formula: see text]. Also, when we increase the temperature, we observe a dissipation of the appropriate range of [Formula: see text] and the decrease of the amplitude of [Formula: see text]. Besides, under an external magnetic field [Formula: see text], we show the appearance of quantum phase transitions with the entanglement vanishing when the condition [Formula: see text] is fulfilled, then the system can ensure the ideal communication transmission. Concerning the Ising model [Formula: see text] in the ground state, the output entanglement is nonzero only in the presence of the magnetic field [Formula: see text], and this model is useful for ensuring a distorted transmission. At finite temperature, the fidelity [Formula: see text] is less than the value 2/3, so that the system is useless as a quantum channel for providing quantum teleportation.
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE ABDOMINAL DRAW-IN MANEUVER IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS ON MUSCLE THICKNESS AND BALANCE RATIO IN NONSYMPTOMATIC ADULTS
Authors: PARK CHANHEE , CHA YOUNGJOO , KIM KYOUNGTAE , PARK ILBONG , OH WONJUN , KANG SHUHO , LEE CHAEKWAN , YOON SAMWON
Published: March 2022

Core stability mediated by the abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) has been proven to be an important component of neuromuscular motor control before movement. However, no previous research has investigated which position is best for performing ADIM to achieve optimal core stability. This study aimed to define the effectiveness of performing ADIM in three different positions (prone, supine, and hook lying) on abdominal muscle thickness in nonsymptomatic participants. In total, 30 nonsymptomatic participants (mean age: [Formula: see text] years) were randomly assigned to a trial sequence using the random sequence method. The clinical outcomes were transverse abdominis (TrA), external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) muscle thicknesses, which were evaluated using ultrasonography (US) and muscle thickness balance ratio. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the US data to determine if the resulting TrA, IO, and EO muscle thicknesses from the three different positions were statistically significant. Bonferroni correction was used as a post hoc test if statistical significance was found. The [Formula: see text] value was set to 0.013. One-way ANOVA showed a significant difference in the thickness of the TrA, IO, and EO muscles resulting from the different positions ([Formula: see text]). Post hoc analysis using Bonferroni correction revealed that the prone position resulted in greater changes than the supine and hook-lying positions ([Formula: see text], respectively). ANOVA did not show a significant change in the TrA, IO, and EO muscle thickness balance ratios ([Formula: see text], 0.44, and 0.59, respectively). The results provide innovative clinical evidence that performing ADIM in different positions (prone, supine, and hook lying) has different effects on abdominal muscle thickness in nonsymptomatic participants.
Girmitiyas’ Fables: Folklore of Indians in the Sugar Colonies
Authors: KUMAR ASHUTOSH
Published: March 2022

This paper explores the folklore of indentured Indians and endeavors to understand the elements of Indian folk culture in the sugar colonies in the age of the empires. While examining the content and context of the folklore, it finds that the indentured folktales were very much influenced by the Indian socio-cultural life, however, these folktales got transformed and modified due to the contact with host countries’ languages, places and space. On the other hand, the content of the indentured folksongs not only depicted the culture and pain of separation from homeland and familial ties, but also became an instrument to resist against the plantation hardship.
Time- and Query-optimal Quantum Algorithms Based on Decision Trees
Authors: Beigi Salman , Taghavi Leila , Tajdini Artin
Published: March 2022

It has recently been shown that starting with a classical query algorithm (decision tree) and a guessing algorithm that tries to predict the query answers, we can design a quantum algorithm with query complexity
O(
√
GT
where
T
is the query complexity of the classical algorithm (depth of the decision tree) and
G
is the maximum number of wrong answers by the guessing algorithm [
3
,
14
]. In this article, we show that, given some constraints on the classical algorithms, this quantum algorithm can be implemented in time
Õ
(√
GT
). Our algorithm is based on non-binary span programs and their efficient implementation. We conclude that various graph-theoretic problems including bipartiteness, cycle detection, and topological sort can be solved in time
O(n
3/2
log
2
n
) and with
O(n
3/2
) quantum queries. Moreover, finding a maximal matching can be solved with
O(n
3/2
) quantum queries in time
O(n
3/2
log
2
n
), and maximum bipartite matching can be solved in time
O(n
2
log
2
n
).
Integration of an AI-Based Platform and Flipped Classroom Instructional Model
Authors: Li Bing , Peng Miaomiao
Published: March 2022

This article aims to evaluate a flipped class teaching model based on an AI (artificial intelligence) Language Learning Platform. The platform adopts mainstream collaborative filtering and BPMF (Bayesian Probabilistic Matrix Factorization) and big data management methods to provide students’ detailed performance analysis reports and push recommendation exercises. The researcher reconciled the flipped teaching model with the AI-based language learning platforming in an experimental class and conventionally in a control class. At the end of the semester, the researcher compared students’ performance as well as their attitudes toward the course between the two classes through a postexam paper and a questionnaire. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the survey shows that although the AI-based language learning mode failed to significantly increase students’ English listening scores, compared with the students in the traditional class, those receiving the new mode held a more positive attitude toward their English listening experience, especially in regard to learning interest, study autonomy, and class involvement. The flipped class mode not only relieved students’ partial cognitive processing workloads in class, but also boosted their confidence to engage in classroom discussion by reducing their nervousness through before-class preview. The AI-based language learning platform mainly performs monitoring and tutoring functions which facilitate the flipped class instruction. This study proposes a new flipped teaching model and proves it effective, indicating that for the flipped class learning mode to be successful, it is of importance to integrate face-to-face classroom instruction with the AI-technology-assisted online learning experience in a way that they can coherently support each other.