bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annual Research Review: Emergence of problem gambling from childhood to emerging adulthood: a systematic review
Authors: Richard Jérémie , King Serena M.
Published: November 2022

Background

The risk for problematic gambling and associated high‐risk behaviors is elevated during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Activities with gambling‐like features and novel forms of gambling may place youth at an increased risk for problem gambling.

Aim and method

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the association between both activities with gambling‐like features and novel gambling activities and problem gambling among youth while examining the role of psychopathology and cognitive processes. Six databases (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, Social Work Abstracts, Technology Collection, and Scopus) were searched in November 2021 for peer‐reviewed articles investigating the association between the aforementioned variables among youth up to the age of 25 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the Observational Study Quality Evaluation.

Findings

Forty‐five articles were included in the review. Positive associations were observed between engagement in activities with gambling‐like features (e.g., video games, social casino games, loot boxes) and problem gambling. Increased involvement with novel forms of gambling (e.g., online sports betting, fantasy sports, and esports betting) were also associated with a greater risk for problematic gambling. Males reported higher rates of engagement in these activities and a greater risk of problem gambling than females. Impulsivity, risk taking, cognitive distortions, and specific emotional vulnerabilities were associated with an increased risk of problem gambling.

Conclusions

Despite the need for additional longitudinal research controlling for relevant confounders, these findings underline how engagement in activities with gambling‐like features are relevant in the developmental trajectory toward problem gambling.
Validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Nursing Performance Instrument
Authors: Sugimura Naotaka , Sato Miho , Sumi Naomi , Yano Rika
Published: November 2022

Aim

Work performance of nurses is a critical aspect that concerns the safety of both nurses and patients, but also secondarily influences nurses' turnover due to serious fatigue and burnout. Monitoring nursing performance as well as fatigue is important for appropriate safety management of patients and nurses, and the development of a monitoring tool is essential. The Nursing Performance Instrument (NPI) can provide comprehensive and brief monitoring of nursing performance. This study aimed to verify the validity and reliability of a Japanese version of the NPI (NPI‐J).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on nurses who work in inpatient care across five Japanese hospitals. We considered appropriate factor numbers with parallel analysis and the Velicer's minimum average partial test. The construct validity was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Pearson's correlation analysis. Cronbach's alpha was calculated for the internal consistency.

Results

A three‐factor model eventually showed acceptable fit indices in the CFA. Moreover, the correlation results among the three factors indicated discriminant validity comparable to the original NPI. The correlation results with acute fatigue, chronic fatigue, and burnout verified convergent validity. Internal consistency was insufficient.

Conclusion

The NPI‐J demonstrated acceptable construct validity. This instrument can assess nurses' perceptions of their performance by measuring each item. Future work on the reliability of the sub‐concepts will require additional items or reliability testing based on generalizability theory and item response theory.
Liver‐directed drugs for transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis
Authors: Brannagan Thomas H. , Berk John L. , Gillmore Julian D. , Maurer Mathew S. , Waddington‐Cruz Márcia , Fontana Marianna , Masri Ahmad , Obici Laura , Brambatti Michela , Baker Brenda F. , Hannan Lisa A. , Buchele Gustavo , Viney Nick J. , Coelho Teresa , Nativi‐Nicolau Jose
Published: November 2022

Transthyretin‐mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare, under‐recognized, progressively debilitating, fatal disease caused by the aggregation and extracellular deposition of amyloid transthyretin (TTR) fibrils in multiple organs and tissues throughout the body. TTR is predominantly synthesized by the liver and normally circulates as a homotetramer, while misfolded monomers aggregate to form amyloid fibrils. One strategy to treat ATTR amyloidosis is to reduce the amount of TTR produced by the liver using drugs that directly target the TTR mRNA or gene. This narrative review focuses on how TTR gene silencing tools act to reduce TTR production, describing strategies for improved targeted delivery of these agents to hepatocytes where TTR is preferentially expressed. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), termed RNA silencers, cause selective degradation of TTR mRNA, while a TTR gene editing tool reduces TTR expression by introducing nonsense mutations into the TTR gene. Two strategies to facilitate tissue‐specific delivery of these nucleic acid‐based drugs employ endogenous receptors expressed by hepatocytes. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that recruit apolipoprotein E support low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐mediated uptake of unconjugated siRNA and are now used for CRISPR gene editing tools. Additionally, conjugating N‐acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) moieties to ASOs or siRNAs facilitates receptor‐mediated uptake by the asialoglycoprotein receptor. In summary, ATTR is a progressive disease with various clinical manifestations due to TTR aggregation, deposition, and amyloid formation. Receptor‐targeted ligands (eg, GalNAc) and nanoparticle encapsulation (eg, LNPs) are technologies to deliver ASOs, siRNAs, and gene editing tools to hepatocytes, the primary location of TTR synthesis.
The efficacy and safety of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Choi Mi Soo , Park Byung Cheol
Published: November 2022

Background

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) appears to be safe and effective for hair loss. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) also has a positive biological effect on hair re‐growth.

Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of both PBMT and PEMF for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Materials and Methods

This study was a 24‐week, randomized, double‐blind, sham device‐controlled trial. We recruited 80 subjects with androgenetic alopecia. The subjects got treatment every week for the 1st 12 weeks, every other week for the next 8 weeks. PBMT entails 15‐min therapy, and PEMF was carried out for 10 min.

Results

The baseline hair density was 114.57 (±28.75)/cm2 and 113.31 (±30.07)/cm2 in both treatment and control groups. After 24 weeks of treatment, the mean hair density increased to 139.37 (±31.4)/cm2 in the treatment group but only to 119.78 (±31.92)/cm2 in the control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Based on the global assessment of independent experts, the score was 0.41 (±0.62) in the treatment group and 0.07 (±0.45) in the control group. Only very mild erythema or irritation was reported, and no serious adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusions

A combination of PBMT and PEMF is a valid and safe treatment option for AGA.
Why do leaders engage in destructive behaviours? The role of leaders’ working environment and stress
Authors: Tafvelin Susanne , Lundmark Robert , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Stenling Andreas
Published: November 2022

Complementing previous research on antecedents of destructive leadership, we examined the role of work stressors in the emergence of active and passive destructive leadership behaviours. Building on conservation of resources theory, we examined direct and indirect relations between leaders’ perceptions of workload, role ambiguity and intragroup conflict on ratings of their own destructive leadership, as well as mediating paths through perceived stress. We used a two‐wave survey design consisting of a random sample of 1311 managers. Structural equation modelling revealed that work stressors were only related to passive forms of destructive leadership, whereas personality was related to both active and passive forms of destructive leadership. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Optimization of different application methods of multi‐facial bacterial and fungal antagonists against sheath blight pathogen of rice, Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA
Authors: Haque Ziaul , Khan Mujeebur Rahman
Published: November 2022

Relative effectiveness of seven different application methods of five native bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents (BCAs) and one fungicide (azoxystrobin) was evaluated against Rhizoctonia solani, under pot and field conditions on rice cultivar Pusa Sugandha‐5. Plants grown in pots infected with R. solani suffered a 30%–49% decrease in plant growth and yield of grain. However, treatment with BCAs reduced the adverse effect of the pathogen but significantly varied with the treatment schemes. Amongst the treatments, soil application (SA) at 20 + 40 days after planting (DAP) followed by foliar application (FA) at 60 DAP was recorded as most efficacious, and reduced the severity of disease by 42–68%, resulting in a 21–36% plant growth promotion and yield enhancement. Treatment comprising SA 20 + FA 40 DAP was next in effectiveness but statistically equal to seed priming (SP) + SA 40 DAP of treatment. Amongst the BCAs, Pseudomonas putida was shown to be the most efficient, trailed by Trichoderma harzianum, P. fluorescens, T. viride and Bacillus subtilis. Field trials under naturally infested fields have also validated the effectiveness of P. putida. The SA 20 + 40 + FA 60 DAP with P. putida and T. harzianum were found quite effective and decreased the disease severity and incidence (40–81%), and improved the grain yield (42–72%). Relatively lower ShB control was recorded with SA 20 + FA 60 DAP, however, it was statistically at par with SA 20 DAP treatment and equal to SA 20 + FA 40 DAP.
Impaired autophagy flux by lncRNA NEAT1 is critical for inflammation factors production in human periodontal ligament stem cells with nicotine treatment
Authors: Zhang Taotao , Yang Kuan , Chen Yujiang , Jiang Yuran , Zhou Zhifei , Liu Jiajia , Du Yang , Wang Lulu , Han Xinxin , Wu Xingan , Wang Xiaojing
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Periodontitis is the top reason for tooth loss, and smoking significantly increases severe periodontitis risk. Defective autophagy has been reported to play a vital role in periodontitis. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between autophagy and inflammation factors production in nicotine‐treated periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and the underlying mechanism.

Methods

In this study, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and the mCherry‐GFP‐LC3 plasmid were used to study autophagy flux. The gene levels of inflammation factors and long noncoding RNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (lncRNA NEAT1) were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). Western blot was performed to assess the protein levels of autophagic markers and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR).

Results

We found that nicotine impaired autophagosome‐lysosome fusion and lysosome functions to block autophagy flux, contributing to inflammatory factors production in nicotine‐treated PDLSCs. Moreover, nicotine upregulated NEAT1 by activating α7nAChR. NEAT1 decreased autophagy flux by downregulating syntaxin 17 (STX17).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that NEAT1‐decreased autophagy flux is pivotal for inflammation factors production in nicotine‐treated PDLSCs.
Dirt cheap: an experimental test of controls on resource exchange in an ectomycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Horning Amber L. , Koury Stephanie S. , Meachum Mariah , Kuehn Kevin A. , Hoeksema Jason D.
Published: November 2022

To distinguish among hypotheses on the importance of resource‐exchange ratios in outcomes of mutualisms, we measured resource (carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)) transfers and their ratios, between Pinus taeda seedlings and two ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal species, Rhizopogon roseolus and Pisolithus arhizus in a laboratory experiment.

We evaluated how ambient light affected those resource fluxes and ratios over three time periods (10, 20, and 30 wk) and the consequences for plant and fungal biomass accrual, in environmental chambers.

Our results suggest that light availability is an important factor driving absolute fluxes of N, P, and C, but not exchange ratios, although its effects vary among EM fungal species. Declines in N : C and P : C exchange ratios over time, as soil nutrient availability likely declined, were consistent with predictions of biological market models. Absolute transfer of P was an important predictor of both plant and fungal biomass, consistent with the excess resource‐exchange hypothesis, and N transfer to plants was positively associated with fungal biomass.

Altogether, light effects on resource fluxes indicated mixed support for various theoretical frameworks, while results on biomass accrual better supported the excess resource‐exchange hypothesis, although among‐species variability is in need of further characterization.
Assessing community response to wildfire smoke: A multimethod study using social media
Authors: Postma Julie Marie , Marko Tara , Meyer Marissa , DeNike Abigail , Thomas Jennifer , Walden Von , Butterfield Patricia
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess health‐related responses to wildfire smoke on social media. We examined whether seasonal wildfire smoke is an active topic on Twitter, the correlation between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Twitter search terms, and dimensions of community‐level expression to wildfire smoke through tweets.

Design

Search terms were identified using a conceptual model developed and refined by healthcare providers and public health experts. Wildfire‐related tweets were downloaded from Twitter users in Spokane, Washington during the 2017 and 2018 wildfire seasons. PM2.5 data were correlated with the search terms. A subset of tweets was deductively and then inductively coded to identify perceptions and behavioral responses to wildfire smoke.

Results

Seasonal wildfire smoke is an active topic on Twitter. The term “smoke” was strongly correlated with poor air quality and “unhealthy” was moderately correlated. Deductive analyses revealed a multidimensional response to wildfire smoke. Inductive analysis identified new areas of concern, such as pet and animal health.

Conclusions

Social media is a lens through which public health professionals can assess and respond to local community needs. Findings will be used to broaden the conceptual model, enhance ongoing surveillance of community‐identified health risks, and communicate protective actions.
Isolation and identification of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria from tall fescue rhizosphere and their functions under salt stress
Authors: Li Youyue , You Xiangkai , Tang Zhe , Zhu Tianqi , Liu Bowen , Chen Mo‐Xian , Xu Yuefei , Liu Tie‐Yuan
Published: November 2022

Soil salinity has become one of the major factors that threaten tall fescue growth and turf quality. Plants recruit diverse microorganisms in the rhizosphere to cope with salinity stress. In this study, 15 plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were isolated from the salt‐treated rhizosphere of tall fescue and were annotated to 10 genera, including Agrobacterium, Fictibacillus, Rhizobium, Bhargavaea, Microbacterium, Paenarthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, Bacillus, Halomonas, and Paracoccus. All strains could produce indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). Additionally, eight strains exhibited the ability to solubilize phosphate and potassium. Most strains could grow on the medium containing 600 mM NaCl, such as Bacillus zanthoxyli and Bacillus altitudinis. Furthermore, Bacillus zanthoxyli and Bacillus altitudinis were inoculated with tall fescue seeds and seedlings to determine their growth‐promoting effect. The results showed that Bacillus altitudinis and mixed culture significantly increased the germination rate of tall fescue seeds. Bacillus zanthoxyli can significantly increase the tillers number and leaf width of seedlings under salt conditions. Through the synergistic effect of FaSOS1, FaHKT1, and FaHAK1 genes, Bacillus zanthoxyli helps to expel the excess Na+ from aboveground parts and absorb more K+ in roots to maintain ion homeostasis in tall fescue. Unexpectedly, we found that Bacillus altitudinis displayed an inapparent growth‐promoting effect on seedlings under salt stress. Interestingly, the mixed culture of the two strains was also able to alleviate, to some extent, the effects of salt stress on tall fescue. This study provides a preliminary understanding of tall fescue rhizobacteria and highlights the role of Bacillus zanthoxyli in tall fescue growth and salt tolerance.
Pre‐donation water and salty snacks to prevent vasovagal reactions among blood donors
Authors: Lewin Antoine , Deschênes Jessyka , Rabusseau Isabelle , Thibeault Catherine , Renaud Christian , Germain Marc
Published: November 2022

Background

Minimizing the risk of vasovagal reactions (VVRs) can prevent donor harms and improve donor return. We report the results of a program to reduce VVR rates.

Study Design and Methods

The program was implemented on June 11, 2017 and consisted in drinking water and eating a salty snack before donating blood, plasma, or platelets. All donations made during the “pre‐program period” (October 11, 2015–June 10, 2017) and “post‐program period” (June 11, 2017–May 11, 2019) were included. Study outcomes comprised VVRs (any severity) and syncopal VVRs, whether employee‐ or donor‐reported. An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis proxied causality based on the “pre‐program trend,” the “immediate trend” (i.e., immediately before versus after the program), and the “post‐program trend”. The relative risk (RR) of VVR (along with confidence intervals [CIs]) was reported, overall and stratified by subgroups based on age, sex, donor type (i.e., first‐time versus repeat), and donation type (i.e., whole blood versus apheresis).

Results

The monthly VVR rate (any severity) dropped from 4.6% in the pre‐program period to 4.3% in the post‐program period, and never reached its pre‐program level. The ITS analysis revealed a statistically significant and increasing pre‐program trend (RR [95% CI] = 1.011 [1.002–1.020]), a statistically significant and decreasing immediate trend (RR [95% CI] = 0.848 [0.743–0.969]), and a non‐statistically‐significant and stable post‐program trend (RR [95% CI] = 0.999 [0.993–1.006]). Similar trends were observed for nearly all high‐ and low‐risk subgroups. No statistically significant trend was observed for syncopal VVRs.

Discussion

These results suggest that the herein‐described program durably reduced the incidence of VVRs (any severity) by ~15%.
Non-Axisymmetric Buckling Stress of Axially Compressed Circular Cylindrical Shells: Closed-Form and Simplified Formulae
Authors: Musa Abubakr E. S. , Dehwah Osamah H. A. , Al-Shugaa Madyan A. , Al-Gahtani Husain J.
Published: November 2022

Due to their thin-walled characteristics, axially loaded circular cylindrical shells (CCSs) commonly undergo buckling failure. The limiting buckling stress of such shells has not yet been fully developed due to a wide range of influencing parameters such as sensitivity to imperfections, nonlinearity, and buckling mode. It has been proved early, and in this study, that the nonaxisymmetric buckling stress can be one of the remedies that casts into eliminating the overestimation caused by the classical axisymmetric buckling formula. However, the complex nonlinear constrained optimization required to obtain the nonaxisymmetric buckling stress and mode remains to be the main obstacle for practicing engineers to approach the nonaxisymmetric buckling. In this study, the nonaxisymmetric buckling formula has been cast in a compact form and possible approaches to utilize it have been discussed considering the degree of user knowledge and availability of computational tools. Moreover, it has been used to derive a closed-form buckling stress formula that considers the effect of all geometric and material properties. The proposed closed-form formula predicts buckling stress that is always less than that of the classical formula for L/R greater than 0.91 and the amount of reduction increases with the increase of L/R ratio. In comparison with the exact nonaxisymmetric buckling formula, the proposed closed-form formula yields buckling stress within ± 4%. Thus, it shares the simplicity of the classical axisymmetric buckling formula and the accuracy of the nonaxisymmetric buckling formula.
Floating Oil On Seawater, in Situ Thermal Structure, Thickness, and Remote Sensing: Part 1. Laboratory Study
Authors: Leifer Ira , Daniel William , Melton Christopher , Marston Charlotte
Published: November 2022

Thermal infrared (TIR) remote sensing shows potential for oil spill response. Most TIR remote sensing uses the brightness temperature contrast, ΔTB, between oil and oil-free water. This study evaluates the potential of remotely-sensed ΔTB to quantify oil thickness through a series of lab experiments that measured actual surface temperature contrast, ΔT, for a Denver/Julesburg Basin crude oil. Specifically, TIR and visible video cameras imaged oil layers of different thicknesses, h, floating on seawater. Also, fast thermocouples collected high resolution (to ~10 µm) vertical profiles. A novel deconvolution approach corrected for thermocouple time response. Slope changes in the profiles indicated the oil-water interface location. Experimental illumination was for full sunlight (outdoors) and incandescent light (indoors) for emulsified and unemulsified crude oils.

Oil slicks were classified by distinct behaviors with a transition at h~1 mm. Thinner than this transition, ΔT was strongly sensitive to h, with oil temperatures decreasing monotonically with depth in the slick. In contrast, oil slicks thicker than this transition featured an internal temperature peak with ΔT weakly sensitive to h. This peak isolates the oil below the peak from affecting surface temperatures. Thicker slicks also were associated with a thin warm air layer that increasingly developed with h.

This study highlights the potential for deriving oil slick thickness from ΔTB and the need for an improved understanding of solar insolation absorption and heat transfer for a range of oil and oil emulsion slicks.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Bio-Inspired Riblet for Drag Reduction
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Dutta Sushanta
Published: November 2022

Flow alteration using the bio-inspired riblet structure is a fascinating field of study resulting in drag benefits. Riblets have no power requirement being a passive method. This work aims to study the effect of riblets on flow and drag behavior using both experimental and numerical analysis. The experiments are performed using a flush mount shear stress probe (FMSSP) and constant temperature anemometry (CTA). FMSSP is a novel technique to measure stress without obstructing the flow. The study is done on longitudinal streamwise sawtooth-shaped riblet with a maximum Reynolds number (Re) of 1.68 × 105. Three-dimensional numerical modeling of the riblet structure over a smooth wall is analyzed to study the mechanism responsible for drag-reducing behavior. A maximum reduction of 13.2% in shear stress is observed in the study. The result infers an upward shift in the velocity profile relative to the smooth wall in the near-wall region. Due to riblets, large-scale structures breakdown near the wall and better mixing are observed above the surface. Near-wall vortices are imparted a movement away from the wall due to the riblet tip, thus mitigating the near-wall fluctuations. Along with this, drag-reducing riblets hamper the cross-flow near the wall, thus further decreasing the turbulence intensity. Results suggest that turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) has a similar trend to the drag reduction characteristic near the wall. The finding ascertains the potential application of the riblets for real-life settings.
External and middle ear influence on envelope following responses
Authors: Boothalingam Sriram , Easwar Vijayalakshmi , Bross Abigail
Published: November 2022

Considerable between-subject variability in envelope following response (EFR) amplitude limits its clinical translation. Based on a pattern of lower amplitude and larger variability in the low (<1.2 kHz) and high (>8 kHz), relative to mid (1–3 kHz) frequency carriers, we hypothesized that the between-subject variability in external and middle ear (EM) contribute to between-subject variability in EFR amplitude. It is predicted that equalizing the stimulus reaching the cochlea by accounting for EM differences using forward pressure level (FPL) calibration would at least partially improve response amplitude and reduce between-subject variability. In 21 young normal hearing adults, EFRs of four modulation rates (91, 96, 101, and 106 Hz) were measured concurrently from four frequency bands [low (0.091–1.2 kHz), mid (1–3 kHz), high (4–5.4 kHz), and very high (vHigh; 8–9.4 kHz)], respectively, with 12 harmonics each. The results indicate that FPL calibration in-ear and in a coupler leads to larger EFR amplitudes in the low and vHigh frequency bands relative to conventional coupler root-mean-square calibration. However, improvement in variability was modest with FPL calibration. This lack of a statistically significant improvement in variability suggests that the dominant source of variability in EFR amplitude may arise from cochlear and/or neural processing.
Thixotropic constitutive modeling of shear banding by boundary-induced modulus gradient in lamellar gel networks
Authors: Wang Futianyi , Larson Ronald G.
Published: November 2022

To predict the complex rheology and shear-rate inhomogeneities of lamellar gel networks, we propose a simple thixotropic constitutive model with an elastoplastic stress and a smoothly decreasing modulus near a solid boundary, motivated by the analysis of the effect of confinement and shear flow on lamellae orientation near surfaces. We show that the model qualitatively captures the important features of the lamellar gel shear rheology observed in experiments [Datta et al., J. Rheol. 64(4), 851–862 (2020)]. These include thixotropic shear thinning that is intermediate between constant viscosity and constant stress, a power-law slow creep under small constant shear stress and abrupt transition to fast creep at higher stress, as well as partial recovery of strain upon stress removal. In addition, the model correctly predicts a gap-dependent rheology and roughly predicts the amplitude dependence of storage and loss moduli in oscillatory tests despite having only a single thixotropic time constant. Most importantly, the introduction of the modulus gradient enables the model to predict the unique shear-banding phenomenon of lamellar gel networks wherein a thin, fast-shearing band exists near the boundary that widens only slowly with increased apparent shear rate until a very high rate is reached, while the bulk moves as a plug [Datta et al., J. Rheol. 64(4), 851–862 (2020)]. We discuss the influence of a lower modulus near the boundary and its possible origin in the underlying lamellar structure of the material.
Rheology of polydisperse nonspherical graphite particles suspended in mineral oil
Authors: Larsen Th. , Søbye A. L. , Royer J. R. , Poon W. C. K. , Larsen T. , Andreasen S. J. , Drozdov A. D. , Christiansen J. D. C.
Published: November 2022

We study the role of filler concentration and microphysics on the rheology of polydisperse flake-graphite particles suspended in Newtonian mineral oil. Under steady shear, our samples exhibit shear thinning, and yielding behavior is observed for volume fractions ϕ>0.18. Time-temperature superposition was observed using an Arrhenius-type horizontal shift factor, giving a flow activation energy that is dependent on the graphite volume fraction, suggesting concentration-dependent contributions to relaxation processes in the suspensions. The flow curves are fitted by a constraint-based model, indicating that the flow behavior is controlled by frictional and adhesive contacts, with the model suggesting that the adhesive stress is temperature dependent.
Swiss public health measures associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission using genome data
Authors: Nadeau Sarah A. , Vaughan Timothy G. , Beckmann Christiane , Topolsky Ivan , Chen Chaoran , Hodcroft Emma , Schär Tobias , Nissen Ina , Santacroce Natascha , Burcklen Elodie , Ferreira Pedro , Jablonski Kim Philipp , Posada-Céspedes Susana , Capece Vincenzo , Seidel Sophie , Santamaria de Souza Noemi , Martinez-Gomez Julia M. , Cheng Phil , Bosshard Philipp P. , Levesque Mitchell P. , Kufner Verena , Schmutz Stefan , Zaheri Maryam , Huber Michael , Trkola Alexandra , Cordey Samuel , Laubscher Florian , Gonçalves Ana Rita , Aeby Sébastien , Pillonel Trestan , Jacot Damien , Bertelli Claire , Greub Gilbert , Leuzinger Karoline , Stange Madlen , Mari Alfredo , Roloff Tim , Seth-Smith Helena , Hirsch Hans H. , Egli Adrian , Redondo Maurice , Kobel Olivier , Noppen Christoph , du Plessis Louis , Beerenwinkel Niko , Neher Richard A. , Beisel Christian , Stadler Tanja
Published: November 2022

Genome sequences from evolving infectious pathogens allow quantification of case introductions and local transmission dynamics. We sequenced 11,357 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes from Switzerland in 2020—the sixth largest effort globally. Using a representative subset of these data, we estimated viral introductions to Switzerland and their persistence over the course of 2020. We contrasted these estimates with simple null models representing the absence of certain public health measures. We show that Switzerland’s border closures decoupled case introductions from incidence in neighboring countries. Under a simple model, we estimate an 86 to 98% reduction in introductions during Switzerland’s strictest border closures. Furthermore, the Swiss 2020 partial lockdown roughly halved the time for sampled introductions to die out. Last, we quantified local transmission dynamics once introductions into Switzerland occurred using a phylodynamic model. We found that transmission slowed 35 to 63% upon outbreak detection in summer 2020 but not in fall. This finding may indicate successful contact tracing over summer before overburdening in fall. The study highlights the added value of genome sequencing data for understanding transmission dynamics.
Rapid Pathogen Identification in Aqueous Humor Samples by Combining Fc-MBL@Fe
3
O
4
Enrichment and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Profiling
Authors: Ren Jun , Yu Menghuan , Gao Wenjin , Ding Chuanfan , Li Shengjie , Yu Shaoning , Cao Wenjun
Published: November 2022

Fc-MBL@Fe
3
O
4
capture not only live bacteria in aqueous humor but also bacteria inactivated by antibiotics. Fc-MBL@Fe
3
O
4
combined with micro-LB broth culture significantly reduced the turnaround time (TAT) by more than half a day by shortening the time required for bacterial identification.
Direct assessment of giant red sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) sustainability through experimental fisheries
Authors: Steele Reid W. , MacNeil M. Aaron , Hankewich Sandie
Published: November 2022

The giant red sea cucumber ( Apostichopus californicus) fishery in BC, Canada, is considered sustainable by managers but not by many harvesters. In 1997, the Kitasoo/Xai'xais First Nation began experimental fishing areas (EFAs) at Tolmie Channel and Laredo Inlet to test the effects of different exploitation rates on sea cucumber populations and determine what harvest levels are sustainable. These EFAs were annually surveyed by dive transects and subsequently harvested from 1998 to 2018. Bayesian surplus production models developed in 2011 indicated that the fishery was sustainable, after which the fishery changed from annual to 3-year rotational harvests. Here, we develop updated models to estimate the sustainability of the fishery using all currently available EFA data, including direct estimates of unfished biomass. Our models suggest that the fishery is likely to persist for 175 years at the current harvest rate annually or rotationally, though such long-term projections are likely inaccurate. We present methodology to generate scientific advice for the process of determining a maximum sustainable exploitation rate in the form of crash rate analysis.
Benefits of stocking fewer but larger individuals with implications for native fish recovery
Authors: Fonken Dale R. , Conner Mary M. , Walsworth Timothy E. , Thompson Paul D.
Published: November 2022

Artificial propagation is commonly used to reduce extinction risk for native, imperiled fish species. Thus, identifying stocking strategies that most effectively augment adult abundance is a critical aspect of successful adaptive management. The threatened June sucker ( Chasmistes liorus) , endemic to Utah Lake, UT, USA, experienced major declines in abundance following extensive ecosystem degredation. Over 800 000 June sucker were stocked from hatcheries, grow-out ponds, and refuge populations from 1990–2019 across a range of sizes and seasons. Here, we evaluated post-stocking survival of June sucker using a Cormack–Jolly–Seber model with three covariates: size at stocking, origin, and season. Survival was positively correlated with size at stocking, with evidence of a possible size-selective predation threshold between 200 and 300 mm, and spring stocking appeared to produce higher survival rates than summer or fall. We also compared cost and benefit for stocking hatchery-origin June sucker at different sizes, finding that stocking fewer but larger (age-2) individuals was more cost-effective than stocking more but smaller (age-1) individuals. Our results highlight operational changes that can help maximize the efficacy of native fish hatchery programs.
Palatini formulation of the conformally invariant $$f\left( R,L_m\right) $$ gravity theory
Authors: Harko Tiberiu , Shahidi Shahab
Published: November 2022

We investigate the field equations of the conformally invariant models of gravity with curvature-matter coupling, constructed in Weyl geometry, using the Palatini formalism. We consider the case in which the Lagrangian is given by the sum of the square of the Weyl scalar, the strength of the field associated to the Weyl vector, and a conformally invariant geometry-matter coupling term, constructed from the matter Lagrangian and the Weyl scalar. After substituting the Weyl scalar in terms of its Riemannian counterpart, the quadratic action is defined in Riemann geometry and involves a nonminimal coupling between the Ricci scalar and the matter Lagrangian. For the sake of generality, a more general Lagrangian, in which the Weyl vector is nonminimally coupled with an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar, is also considered. By varying the action independently with respect to the metric and the connection, the independent connection can be expressed as the Levi-Civita connection of an auxiliary Ricci scalar- and Weyl vector-dependent metric, which is related to the physical metric by means of a conformal transformation. The field equations are obtained in both the metric and the Palatini formulations. The cosmological implications of the Palatini field equations are investigated for three distinct models corresponding to different forms of the coupling functions. A comparison with the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model is also performed, and we find that the Palatini type cosmological models can give an acceptable description of the observations.
Renewals in Systems with Two Serially Connected Components
Authors: Li Guanchen , Kagaris Dimitri
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study renewals in a system with two components connected in series. Both components can undergo corrective maintenance (i.e., either full replacement/perfect repair or minimal repair) when a failure occurs. When one of the units fails and is correctively maintained, the other one is either preventively replaced (if cost-feasible) or simply left working as is. When a component is minimally repaired or left working as is, its remaining lifetime is reevaluated (“memory effect”) and is taken into consideration in calculating the next renewal. A “coupled” lifetime that combines the lifetimes of the two serially connected components is proposed to represent the joint lifetime of the system. We develop renewal functions based on the coupled lifetimes and show that they follow the classical or generalized renewal theory depending on whether the components work without memory or not. Approximation formulas for the new renewal functions are also obtained and validated by Monte Carlo simulations for various combinations of distributions, and a comparative cost analysis is conducted.
Reproductive and Metabolic Health of Young Men Conceived Using ICSI
Authors: CATFORD Sarah , HALLIDAY Jane , LEWIS Sharon , O’BRYAN Moira , HANDELSMAN David , HART Roger , MCBAIN John , ROMBAUTS Luk , AMOR David , SAFFERY Richard , MCLACHLAN Robert
Published: November 2022

Background: Use of ICSI has escalated globally. Concerns include: 1) heritability of infertility, 2) effects of poor-quality spermatozoa on offspring health, 3) epigenetic effects of ICSI procedure.

Aim: Compare reproductive and metabolic health of ICSI-conceived men to IVF-conceived and spontaneously conceived (SC) controls.

Method: This study is part of a larger project investigating the health and development, reproductive and metabolic health, and epigenetic profiles of ICSI-conceived men (aged 18-25 years). Age-matched IVF-conceived controls were sourced from the Clinical review of the Health of 22–35-year-olds conceived with and without ART (CHART) study; SC controls were derived from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) study. In subgroup analyses, ICSI-conceived men of fathers with spermatogenic failure (STF-ICSI) were compared with ICSI-conceived men whose fathers had an obstructive cause of infertility, and IVF- and SC controls. Semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones were compared between 120 ICSI-conceived men and 356 SC controls. Resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), height, weight, BMI, body surface area, and serum metabolic markers were compared between 121 ICSI-conceived men, and 74 IVF-conceived and 688 SC controls.

Results: We found no compelling evidence of poorer reproductive health in ICSI-conceived men compared to age-matched SC controls, including a subgroup of STF-ICSI-conceived men. There was no correlation in any of the semen parameters between ICSI fathers and sons, including STF-ICSI father-son pairs. ICSI-conceived men compared with SC controls had higher resting diastolic BP and higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), but a similar proportion had insulin resistance. Metabolic parameters of ICSI-conceived men and IVF-conceived controls were comparable.

Conclusion: This study is the largest to date and indicates comparable reproductive health of ICSI-conceived men, including men whose fathers had STF, to a similarly aged population-representative cohort of SC men. It shows few metabolic differences between ICSI-conceived men, and IVF-conceived and SC controls.
Novel Oocyte-Secreted Factors Improve Mouse IVM Outcomes
Authors: RICHANI Dulama , ZHAO Yiqing , LIAO Xiuhua , CAMPBELL Jared M. , HABIBALAHI Abbas , STOCKER William A. , GOLDYS Ewa M. , HARRISON Craig A. , GILCHRIST Robert B.
Published: November 2022

Background: In vitro maturation (IVM) is a technology designed to obtain mature oocytes following culture of immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) in vitro. IVM is characterized by minimal patient stimulation, making it attractive for patients with excessive AFC or those requiring immediate fertility preservation. However, the clinical uptake of IVM has been slow, primarily due to lower embryo yield and live birth rate relative to IVF, therefore improving IVM culture is required.

Aim: To assess whether supplementation of IVM culture medium with the novel in-house engineered TGFβ proteins cumulin and super-GDF9 improves subsequent embryo development.

Method: Immature mouse COCs were cultured by standard IVM or bi-phasic IVM ± cumulin or super-GDF9. Following IVM, cumulus expansion was scored and COCs were fertilized, and cultured to assess embryo development. Differential staining was performed on day 6 blastocysts following bi-phasic IVM to assess cell allocation. In a separate experiment, hyperspectral imaging of autofluorescence was carried out on oocytes and cumulus cells following standard IVM ± cumulin to assess the molecular composition of these cells.

Results: Both cumulin and super-GDF9 in standard IVM significantly increased cumulus expansion (P<0001; n=104-115 COCs) and blastocyst rate (53.9% control, 73.6% cumulin, 70.4% super-GDF9; P=0.006; n=382-406 oocytes). Hyperspectral imaging showed that oocytes (n=115-158) and cumulus cells (n=532-600) exposed to cumulin during IVM had a distinct spectral profile that varied dramatically (P<0.005) from untreated cells, demonstrating that cumulin has a major impact on the molecular composition of these cells, likely contributing to the improved oocyte quality. In bi-phasic IVM, cumulin did not significantly alter embryo yield (n=387-424 oocytes) or blastocyst cell number or allocation (n=84-112 blastocysts).

Conclusion: Cumulin did not provide an additional beneficial effect in bi-phasic IVM, however in standard IVM, cumulin and super-GDF9 significantly improve oocyte developmental competence suggesting that their effects in human IVM should be investigated.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Live Birth Rates in Day 5 Fresh Versus Vitrified Single Blastocyst Transfer Cycles
Authors: KIEU Violet , POLYAKOV Alex , ROZEN Genia , LANTSBERG Daniel , STERN Kate , TEH Wan Tinn
Published: November 2022

Background: The use of frozen embryo transfers (FETs) in assisted reproduction has increased worldwide. Proponents of FETs suggest that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) in a fresh transfer impairs endometrial-embryo synchronicity, however there has been conflicting evidence on live birth rate (LBR) and clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) outcomes.

Aim: To compare LBRs and CPRs between single autologous day 5 fresh versus vitrified blastocyst transfer cycles, in order to investigate the impact of COH on embryo-endometrium asynchrony.

Method: A large cross-sectional analysis of 6,002 embryo transfers (ETs), comprising of 3774 fresh and 2228 FET cycles from 2016-2019. Inclusion criteria: first two stimulation cycles, single ET, and no pre-implantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Multivariate analysis performed, also sub-group analysis for high-responders (>20 oocytes collected).

Results: Univariate analysis showed no absolute difference in LBR (28.3% vs 27.4%, p=0.43) and CPR (32.2% vs 30.9%, p=0.30), however multivariate analysis demonstrated significantly lower LBR (OR 0.864, p<0.05, 95% CI 0.749-0.997) and CPR (OR 0.852, p<0.05, 95% CI 0.742-0.979) in FET compared to fresh ETs. Younger patient age, previous IVF pregnancy, advanced blastocyst expansion, higher trophectoderm quality and lower cumulative number of ETs all improved the odds of both LBR and CPR (p<0.001). Conventional IVF, rather than ICSI, improved CPR (p<0.05) but not LBR (p=0.138). BMI affected neither LBR (p=0.492) nor CPR (p=0.359). In sub-group multivariate analysis of high-responders, no significant difference in LBR (p=0.439) or CPR (p=0.450) noted.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a relative higher LBR and CPR for fresh ETs compared to FETs, in multivariate analysis. Having a FET decreased the odds of LBR by nearly 14% compared to fresh ET, when adjusted for confounders. Our results suggest that universal freeze-all strategy, without appropriate indication, may lead to suboptimal outcomes. In high-responders, freeze-all cycles may be beneficial, as adjusted outcomes appear to be similar.
Innovation, Commerce and Assisted Reproductive Technology: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: LIPWORTH W. , LEDGER W. , GALLAGHER S. , KARPIN I. , KERRIDGE I. , MAYES C. , MILLS C. , NEWSON A. , NORMAN R. , STEWART C. , WALDBY C.
Published: November 2022

Background: The increasing demand for ART services in Australia has supported the development of a significant number of private sector commercial providers. This sector is innovative and research active, but the effects of commercial influences on research and clinical innovation have not been fully explored. Here we report on the results of a National Health and Medical Research-funded project exploring the views and experiences of professionals working in the ART field.

Aims: To elucidate the views and experiences of expert stakeholders regarding research and innovation in the ART sector.

Method: We interviewed 31 ART industry stakeholders including medical, nursing, counselling, management and scientific staff, owners/directors, regulators, advocates, and referring clinicians using a standardised semi-structured interview guide. Participants were asked about strengths and weaknesses of the current system and what, if any, reform is necessary. Three team members coded the data for themes relevant to research and innovation and analysed it in accordance with the principles of thematic analysis.

Results: There are several positive impacts of commercial forces on research and innovation, including competition, scale, and clinicians’ financial stake in research. Commercialised services can more easily commit to large national, transnational and technology-intensive research projects, and they can translate results rapidly into practice. It is, however, difficult to perform clinical trials in the ART setting and there are incentives to implement interventions in advance of comprehensive evaluation. Clinical innovation is a crucial component of ART practice, but it is hampered by lack of a clear, agreed distinction between innovation, experimentation, and ‘add-on’ treatments; deficiencies in the formal processes used to appraise the outcomes of innovation and challenges of communication and consent.

Conclusions: Professionals who have a deep understanding of research and innovation in the ART sector recognise both benefits and harms of its current commercial organisation. To harness the benefits of commercialisation, the ART industry requires a fair, sustainable, coordinated and needs based approach to research funding and a consistent and principled-based approach to clinical innovation.