bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pensar globalmente e agir institucionalmente: um estudo da consciência, do comportamento e das competências pró-ambientais dos Secretários-Executivos da Reitoria de um Instituto Federal de Ensino Superior
Authors: Da Silva Willyane Freire , Brito Maria Michelly de Lima Leandro , França Karen Daniele  Lira de , Batista Raphaella Ferreira de Moura Negromonte
Published: November 2022

Os padrões inadequados de consumo e os efeitos nocivos acarretados ao meio ambiente têm desafiado as Instituições Públicas a melhorarem constantemente o valor público a ser agregado à sociedade e ao meio ambiente por meio de resultados ecoeficientes nos serviços prestados à sociedade. Nesse contexto, está inserido o Secretário Executivo na Administração Pública como agente estratégico junto a executivos e subordinados. Todavia, tais mudanças devem vir materializadas no desenvolvimento da consciência e de comportamento pró-ambiental dos servidores que a compõem, de modo a desenvolver competências que os tornem aptos a contribuir com a sustentabilidade organizacional. Assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a consciência sustentável, o comportamento ecológico no trabalho e o domínio das competências para a sustentabilidade organizacional dos Secretários-Executivos de uma Instituição Federal de Ensino Superior. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, tipo survey, com dados obtidos por meio da aplicação de questionários fechados, analisados por meio da estatística descritiva. Os resultados encontrados indicaram que há uma consciência ecológica nos secretári-os executivos, mas que ela não se materializa na mesma intensidade em relação ao comportamento no trabalho. Observou-se que as competências para a sustentabilidade identificadas nesses profissionais, foram a normativa e a preventiva, mas, que necessitam desenvolver as competências sistêmica e interpessoal, pela sua capacidade e abrangência de intervenção na Instituição.
Práticas de consultoria como metodologia de ensino da gestão de pequenas empresas: a experiência Unifesspa
Authors: Santos Juliana Moreira dos , Teixeira Daiane Martins , Fortes Gustavo Passos , Santos Carlos Cesar
Published: November 2022

Esse artigo apresenta os resultados da primeira edição do projeto Consultoria na Prática – Pré Consultores UNIFESSPA.O objetivo do projeto é realizar pré-consultorias aos empreendedores da região de Rondon do Pará. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, adotando a estratégia de relato para descrever a intervenção do projeto. Os resultados demostram que as consultorias realizadas pelos discentes dos cursos de gestão de negócios da Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará (UNIFESSPA) proporcionaram a práxis no contexto empresarial. As atividades do projeto contribuíram para a aproximação da UNIFESSPA com os empreendedores locais e as instituições de fomento ao empreendedorismo, incentivando o empreendedorismo universitário e a conscientização dos alunos sobre a importância da consultoria organizacional como ferramenta complementar de aprendizagem. A implementação do projeto foi apoiada financeiramente pela PROEX/UNIFESSPA e premiado no ano 2018 pela Associação Nacional dos Cursos de Administração (ANGRAD), por apresentar resultados de inovação no ensino e aprendizagem.
O trabalho remoto emergencial em instituição federal de ensino superior na perspectiva dos ocupantes do cargo de secretário (a) executivo (a)
Authors: Pereira Sueli Maria da Silva , Silva Manuela Ramos Da , Santos Maria Madalena Bispo dos , Silva Hinara Beatriz Oliveira da
Published: November 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo geral compreender a prática do trabalho remoto emergencial, a partir de 2020, na visão do secretário (a) executivo (a) da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS). A pesquisa partiu de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre a temática do trabalho remoto no Brasil, bem como os aspectos relacionados à legislação. Como instrumento para coleta de dados foi utilizado um questionário online elaborado na plataforma Google Forms. A técnica de análise de dados utilizada foi estatística descritiva. Como principais resultados constatou que na visão dos participantes a experiência com o trabalho remoto foi satisfatória e os mesmos acreditam que esse novo formato de trabalho é mais produtivo e vantajoso que a modalidade presencial.
Aplicação da pesquisa operacional para o problema de transporte
Authors: Ferreira Marcos Alexandre Oliveira , Oliveira Matheus Ferraz de , Almeida Rafael Ferreira , Dutra Michael David de Souza
Published: November 2022

O papel da logística é atender as exigências dos clientes entregando o produto certo, no lugar certo, na hora certa. Frente a essa questão, torna-se inevitável a importância no que concerne ao transporte, que é uma das atuações da logística. Nesse sentido, esse trabalho trata do clássico problema de transporte em que almeja a minimização dos custos de transporte, o que favorece a competitividade de vários elos da cadeia de suprimentos. Diante disso, será aplicado métodos clássicos da pesquisa operacional para exemplificar qual o método mais adequado a ser utilizado para resolver tal problemática. Considerando os métodos “canto noroeste”, “aproximação de Vogel” e o método “Simplex LP” do Solver do Microsoft Excel, nota-se que os dois últimos são os mais precisos, haja vista que alcançam ou se aproximam da solução ótima.
Otimização do layout de salas de reunião, no enfrentamento ao COVID-19, por meio do aplicativo web sala planejada
Authors: Almeida Rafael Ferreira , Amaral Tatiana Gondim do , Silva Bruno Almeida da , Miranda Rafaela da Silveira
Published: November 2022

Consciência, Responsabilidade e Solidariedade, são pilares importantes aos quais grandes empresas estão pautadas neste cenário de combate à pandemia gerada pelo COVID-19. Neste artigo, aborda-se a aplicação de técnicas de otimização por meio do aplicativo web Sala Planejada, motivado pela necessidade do retorno seguro ao trabalho, respeitando aos critérios de distanciamento social apontados pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. O objetivo é propor um layout otimizado para as salas de reuniões e demais ambientes de convivência, maximizando o quantitativo de lugares disponíveis a partir das dimensões físicas do ambiente e medições das mesas e cadeiras ofertadas. A utilização do Sala Planejada provou-se vantajoso por gerar uma planta otimizada com as coordenadas previstas de cada cadeira e por garantir o distanciamento mínimo necessário para evitar o contágio entre os trabalhadores, podendo ser replicado para as demais unidades da empresa
Competências profissionais e sua gestão na área de logística: um estudo de caso com os colaboradores de uma transportadora da cidade de São João del-Rei / MG
Authors: Silva Antônio Cléber da , Carvalho Francisval de Melo , Barros Leandro Eduardo Vieira , Teixeira Elke Carvalho
Published: November 2022

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar como são formadas e geridas as competências profissionais dos colaboradores de uma transportadora da cidade de São João Del-Rei/MG. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa no formato de um estudo de caso. A coleta de dados foi documental e foram realizadas 11 entrevistas. Para análise dos dados, foi realizada a análise documental e de conteúdo. Como resultados, tem-se que a gestão de competências é realizada pelos colaboradores, pela organização e pela instituição de ensino. As dificuldades nessa gestão são: falta de tempo, falta de autonomia, constantes mudanças e falta de equipe qualificada. Por fim, são apresentadas as limitações e as sugestões de pesquisas futuras.
Early circulating tumorDNAdynamics as a pan‐tumor biomarker for long‐term clinical outcome in patients treated with durvalumab and tremelimumab
Authors: Kansara Maya , Bhardwaj Neeru , Thavaneswaran Subotheni , Xu Chang , Lee Jessica K. , Chang Lo‐Bin , Madison Russell W. , Lin Frank , Hsu Eugene , Patel Vipul Kumar , Aleshin Alexey , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Simes John , Nimeiri Halla , Thomas David M.
Published: November 2022

There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers of early response that can accurately predict the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Patients receiving durvalumab/tremelimumab had tumor samples sequenced before treatment (baseline) to identify variants for the design of a personalized circulating tumor (ctDNA) assay. ctDNA was assessed at baseline and at 4 and/or 8 weeks into treatment. Correlations between ctDNA changes to radiographic response and overall survival (OS) were made to assess potential clinical benefit. 35/40 patients (87.5%) had personalized ctDNA assays designed, and 29/35 (82.9%) had plasma available for baseline analysis, representing 16 unique solid tumor histologies. As early as 4 weeks after treatment, decline in ctDNA from baseline predicted improved OS (P = 0.0144; HR = 9.98) and ctDNA changes on treatment‐supported and refined radiographic response calls. ctDNA clearance at any time through week 8 identified complete responders by a median lead time of 11.5 months ahead of radiographic imaging. ctDNA response monitoring is emerging as a dynamic, personalized biomarker method that may predict survival outcomes in patients with diverse solid tumor histologies, complementing and sometimes preceding standard‐of‐care imaging assessments.
Hybrid‐driven‐based fuzzy secure filtering for nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation systems with cyber attacks
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Song Xiaona , Sun Xiangliang , Stojanovic Vladimir
Published: November 2022

The problem of hybrid‐driven fuzzy filtering for nonlinear semi‐linear parabolic partial differential equation systems with dual cyber attacks is investigated. First, a Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model is employed to reconstruct the original nonlinear systems. Second, a hybrid‐driven mechanism is applied for filter design to balance the systems' performance and the limited network resource consumption under dual cyber attacks composed of deception and denial of service attacks. Based on the Lyapunov direct method, sufficient conditions to guarantee the stability of the augmented system are obtained, and the parameters of the designed filter are earned with explicit form. Finally, a simulation example with robust analysis and comparative analysis is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Metal‐Free Carbon‐Based Covalent Organic Frameworks with Heteroatom‐Free Units Boost Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: You Zhihu , Wang Bingbing , Zhao Zijie , Zhang Qiankun , Song Weichen , Zhang Chuanhui , Long Xiaojing , Xia Yanzhi
Published: November 2022

Accurate identification of carbon‐based metal‐free electrocatalyst (CMFE) activity and enhancing their catalytic efficiency for O2 conversion is an urgent and challenging task. This study reports a promising strategy to simultaneously develop a series of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with well‐defined heterocyclic‐free biphenyl or fluorenyl units. Unlike heteroatom doping, the developed method not only supplies methyl‐induced molecular configuration to promote activity, but also provides a direct opportunity to identify heteroatom‐free carbon active centers. The introduction of methyl groups (MGs) with reversible valence bonds into a pristine biphenyl‐based COF results in an excellent performance with a half‐wave potential of 0.74 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which is among the highest values for CMFE‐COFs as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. Combined with in situ Raman spectra and theoretical calculations, the MG‐bound skeleton (DAF‐COF) is found to produce ortho activation, confirming the ortho carbon (site‐5) adjacent to MGs as active centers. This may be attributed to the opening and binding of MGs, which effectively regulate the molecular configuration and charge redistribution, as well as improve charge transfer and reduce the energy barrier. This study provides insight into the design of highly efficient metal‐free organic electrocatalysts via the regulation of valence bonds.
Enhancing Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Activity of Ti6Al4V by Entrapping Ag and Hydroxyapatite Inside Alginate Filled Pores of TiO2 Layer Grown by Spark Anodizing
Authors: Pupillo Davide , Zaffora Andrea , Di Franco Francesco , Picone Pasquale , Nuzzo Domenico , Santamaria Monica
Published: November 2022

A three‐step electrochemical process is developed to grow a coating on Ti6Al4V alloy for biomedical applications aimed to enhance its bioactivity. The coating is composed by a porous titanium oxide filled with Ag, alginic acid, and hydroxyapatite to provide antibacterial properties and, at the same time, osteointegration capability. Anodized and treated with the electrochemical process samples are characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X‐Ray Diffraction, and Raman Spectroscopy to have information about morphology and composition soon after the fabrication and after immersion in Hanks’ solution. Bioactivity of the samples is also proved by electrochemical tests through Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. Antibacterial properties, cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility of the samples are successfully demonstrated by in vitro tests.
The First Record of Diurnal Performance Evolution of Perovskite Solar Cells in Near Space
Authors: Wang Hui , Jiang Xiao , Cao Yuexian , Qian Lulu , Liu Yang , Huang Min , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue , Wang Kai , Liu Shengzhong(Frank)
Published: November 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), have exhibited potential value for revolutionizing photovoltaic technology for space applications, and they have passed a series of tests in a simulated space environment. Nevertheless, the simulated space environment on land is definitely distinguished from the real‐space conditions, and the results cannot completely represent the real operating state of PSCs in space. Herein, PSCs mounted on a high‐altitude balloon are launched into near‐space and the current–voltage characteristics are measured in situ throughout the 19‐h flight, during which the PSCs are exposed directly to near‐space and experience wide temperature variation, vacuum, and strong irradiation. Thus, the diurnal performance evolution of PSCs is obtained for the first time and a possible variation mechanism is identified. The PSCs present expected stability and a champion power density of ≈12 mW cm−2 at noon, which is demonstrated as the highest result achieved in near‐space for PSCs. Additionally, despite a complex degradation process, the PSCs still deliver a high energy density comparable to that of silicon solar cells. Finally, the challenges facing the space application of PSCs are discussed. This work highlights the feasibility of PSCs in near space and provides direction for further exploration.
Functional network segregation is associated with attenuated tau spreading in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Steward Anna , Biel Davina , Brendel Matthias , Dewenter Anna , Roemer Sebastian , Rubinski Anna , Luan Ying , Dichgans Martin , Ewers Michael , Franzmeier Nicolai ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Lower network segregation is associated with accelerated cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet it is unclear whether less segregated brain networks facilitate connectivity‐mediated tau spreading.

Methods

We combined resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with longitudinal tau positron emission tomography (PET) in 42 betamyloid‐negative controls and 81 amyloid beta positive individuals across the AD spectrum. Network segregation was determined using resting‐state fMRI–assessed connectivity among 400 cortical regions belonging to seven networks.

Results

AD subjects with higher network segregation exhibited slower brain‐wide tau accumulation relative to their baseline entorhinal tau PET burden (typical onset site of tau pathology). Second, by identifying patient‐specific tau epicenters with highest baseline tau PET we found that stronger epicenter segregation was associated with a slower rate of tau accumulation in the rest of the brain in relation to baseline epicenter tau burden.

Discussion

Our results indicate that tau spreading is facilitated by a more diffusely organized connectome, suggesting that brain network topology modulates tau spreading in AD.

Highlights

Higher brain network segregation is associated with attenuated tau pathology accumulation in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

A patient‐tailored approach allows for the more precise localization of tau epicenters.

The functional segregation of subject‐specific tau epicenters predicts the rate of future tau accumulation.
Waste organic acid treatment with polyethyleneimine grafted polystyrene resin
Authors: Meng Qi , Cao Yiwen , Ma Shufeng , Wang Meiling , Niu Hao , Jiang Weihua , Teng Qiaoqiao , Jia Ninghong
Published: November 2022

Organic acid is a kind of important fine chemicals with wide application, while impropriate discharges would cause serious damage to environment. In this report, two polyethyleneimine (PEI‐600, 1800) functionalized polystyrene (PS) resins were facilely prepared to remediate common organic acids. The heavier PEI‐1800 resulted in surprisingly lower nitrogen loading of PSPEI under optimal conditions due to more significant extra grafting. Therefore, PSPEI‐600 was used to adsorb two groups (aliphatic and aromatic) of eight common organic acids, and showed highest adsorptive capacities toward salicylic acid (SA) and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The adsorption of TFA was faster and was mainly due to strong acid–base interactions by forming ammonium carboxylate. SA possessed lower acidity, but its additional π‐π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions with the PSPEI resin led to a slower but overall higher uptake. Kinetic studies indicated that both acid adsorptions conformed to pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, and the adsorption rate was controlled by intraparticle diffusion. The adsorptions followed Langmuir isotherms and were identified as a spontaneous endothermic process.
High improvement of interfacial and mechanical properties in reinforcedPPcomposite by grafting polyethyleneimine modified carboxylicmulti‐walledcarbon nanotubes on short carbon fiber
Authors: Fang Jianpeng
Published: November 2022

The properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) will benefit greatly from improving interfacial performance. In this study, the interfacial properties of the PEI‐CNT‐CF/PP composite was improved by coating polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in aqueous solution (PEI‐CNT) onto the surface of the CF (PEI‐CNT‐CF) to form a network structure. The network formation changed the chemical characteristics and compatibility of CF surface by introducing amine (imine) groups, and could induce transcrystallization (TC) at interface of composite. These positive factors led to a 24.6% increasement in the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of PEI‐CNT‐CF/PP, and further resulted in 16.2% and 5.3% improvement in tensile and flexural strength, respectively. SEM images of the fracture surface demonstrated a significant improvement in the interfacial adhesion between PEI‐CNT‐CF and PP resin. These results indicated that the PEI‐CNT was a great choice to strengthen the interface of CF/PP system.
A comparison of methods for measuring camouflaging in autism
Authors: Hannon Benjamin , Mandy William , Hull Laura
Published: November 2022

Interest in social camouflaging has led to a multiplicity of measurement methods of uncertain validity. This two‐part investigation first used a systematic review (“Study 1”) to identify and appraise methods used to quantify camouflaging of autistic traits, using the Consensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments checklist. A total of 16 distinct measurement tools were identified; all are in the preliminary phases of psychometric evaluation. The systematic review highlighted: (1) the need for parent‐report tools which specifically measure camouflaging; and (2) a lack of studies looking at associations between different methods of camouflaging, which limits understanding of their validity. “Study 2” aimed to begin to address these gaps in knowledge. We created a parent‐report version of the Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT‐Q) and evaluated its concurrent validity in autistic young people by examining associations with the self‐report CAT‐Q and a discrepancy measure. Discriminant validity was investigated by comparing all three methods of measuring camouflaging to a measure of social skills, to test whether they assess a construct distinct from social ability. The self‐ and parent‐report CAT‐Q were significantly related (r = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24–0.65), and were related weakly (r = 0.20, 95% CI = −0.06 to 0.43) and strongly (r = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.23–0.64), respectively, to the discrepancy approach. No measure was associated with social skills. Improving the psychometric properties of these methods, and introducing a novel parent‐report measure, may help selection of appropriate methods in future research and integration into clinical practice.
Signaling pathways in cancer‐associated fibroblasts: recent advances and future perspectives
Authors: Fang Zengli , Meng Qingcai , Xu Jin , Wang Wei , Zhang Bo , Liu Jiang , Liang Chen , Hua Jie , Zhao Yingjun , Yu Xianjun , Shi Si
Published: November 2022

As a critical component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Well‐known signaling pathways, including the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), Hedgehog (Hh), Notch, Wnt, Hippo, nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB), Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways, as well as transcription factors, including hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), P53, Snail, and Twist, constitute complex regulatory networks in the TME to modulate the formation, activation, heterogeneity, metabolic characteristics and malignant phenotype of CAFs. Activated CAFs remodel the TME and influence the malignant biological processes of cancer cells by altering the transcriptional and secretory characteristics, and this modulation partially depends on the regulation of signaling cascades. The results of preclinical and clinical trials indicated that therapies targeting signaling pathways in CAFs demonstrated promising efficacy but were also accompanied by some failures (e.g., NCT01130142 and NCT01064622). Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling cascades in CAFs might help us better understand the roles of CAFs and the TME in cancer progression and may facilitate the development of more efficient and safer stroma‐targeted cancer therapies. Here, we review recent advances in studies of signaling pathways in CAFs and briefly discuss some future perspectives on CAF research.
Significance of Siglec‐15 expression in colorectal cancer: association with advanced disease stage and fewer tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Lu Zhao , Cheng Pu , Huang Fei , Li Jiyun , Wang Bingzhi , Zou Shuangmei , Zheng Zhaoxu , Peng Chunwei
Published: November 2022

Siglec‐15, a novel immune suppressor, is upregulated in many human cancers. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of Siglec‐15 in colorectal cancer (CRC), and investigate whether Siglec‐15 could be a potential target for cancer immunotherapy in patients with CRC. We performed immunohistochemical analyses of Siglec‐15 on a cohort of 805 patients with CRC and made comparisons between clinicopathological characteristics, PD‐L1 expression, CD3, CD8, CD45RO tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and prognosis. We found that Siglec‐15 expression was commonly detected in tumor cells (48.3%) and tumor‐associated stromal cells (33.4%), and was more frequently observed than PD‐L1 expression in tumor cells. In contrast, Siglec‐15 expression was weakly and scarcely found in normal mucosa (13%). Siglec‐15 overexpression in tumor cells was associated with advanced TNM stage (p = 0.020). Co‐expression of Siglec‐15 and PD‐L1 in tumor cells was found in 14.4% of patients, and Siglec‐15 expression was detected in almost half of PD‐L1 negative cases. Elevated Siglec‐15 expression in tumor and stromal cells was associated with sparser CD45RO and CD8 TILs (p = 0.035 and p = 0.004, respectively). The expression of Siglec‐15 did not have prognostic significance. In summary, compared to PD‐L1, Siglec‐15 protein expression is more prevalent in CRC and is associated with advanced disease stage and fewer TILs. These findings support Siglec‐15 as a potential cancer immunotherapy target, in addition to PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors, in patients with CRC.
Dynamic virtual machine relocation system for energy‐efficient resource management in the cloud
Authors: Madireddy Amarendhar Reddy , Ravindranath Kongara
Published: November 2022

Cloud services can be expanded and offered in a flexible manner depending on the needs of the users, and cloud computing has become more popular. The energy consumption to provide users with service quality is the biggest concern in virtualization technology. Therefore, reducing energy consumption is a key step in reducing the operating costs of various organizations' data centers. In this article, we propose a dynamic VM relocation (DVMR) system used inside data centers to study virtualization technologies for reducing energy consumption in cloud computing environments. The DVMR system provides a method for predicting PM load by using and selecting loaded and unloaded PM, thereby effectively managing virtualization and energy saving. Experimental evaluation is done by implementing load threshold‐based relocation. The results show that the proposed system can efficiently balance the load between different PMs and efficiently decrease the energy consumption of the entire system.
Supporting DRPs from Varied Health Science Programs
Authors: Sullivan Matthew A. , Lusk Marie , Clifford Grace , Gossett Jennifer , Petersen Kristina H.
Published: November 2022

Rigorous health profession training programs are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to meet the needs of patients within a fast‐paced environment. Similar to medical education, allied health programs are often plagued by attitudes and mentalities rooted in ableism that may ostracize and further marginalize the very population they strive to heal.
Keep information confidential during remote work
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: November 2022

We often consider the legal implications of remote work in higher education. However, less has been written about the ethical dimensions of remote work for legal and disability compliance professionals serving higher education institutions.
Ontogenetic effects of brood parasitism by the Brown‐headed Cowbird on host offspring
Authors: Jones Todd M. , Di Giovanni Alexander J. , Hauber Mark E. , Ward Michael P.
Published: November 2022

Nest‐sharer avian brood parasites do not evict or otherwise kill host chicks, but instead inflict a range of negative effects on their nestmates that are mediated by interactions between the parasite and host life history traits. Although many of the negative fitness effects of avian brood parasitism are well documented across diverse host species, there remains a paucity of studies that have examined the impacts of parasitism across the entirety of host ontogeny (i.e., from when an egg is laid until independence). More specifically, few studies have examined the impact of brood parasitism on the pre‐ and post‐fledging development, physiology, behavior, and survival of host offspring. To help fill this knowledge gap, we assessed the effects of brood parasitism by Brown‐headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) across the ontogeny (incubation, nestling, and post‐fledging period) of nine sympatrically breeding host species in central Illinois, USA; due to sample sizes, impacts on the post‐fledging period were only examined in two of the nine species. Specifically, we examined the impact of brood parasitism on ontogenetic markers including the embryonic heart rate, hatching rate, nestling period length, nest survival, and offspring growth and development. Additionally, in species in which we found negative impacts of cowbird parasitism on host nestmate ontogeny, we examined whether the difference in adult size between parasites and their hosts and their hatching asynchrony positively predicted variation in host costs across these focal taxa. We found that costs of cowbird parasitism were most severe during early nesting stages (reduction in the host clutch or brood size) and were predicted negatively by host size and positively by incubation length. In contrast, we only found limited costs of cowbird parasitism on other stages of host ontogeny; critically, post‐fledging survival did not differ between host offspring that fledged alongside cowbirds and those that did not. Our findings (i) highlight the direct costs of cowbird parasitism on host fitness, (ii) provide evidence for when (the stage) those costs are manifested, and (iii) may help to explain why many anti‐cowbird defenses of hosts have evolved for protection from parasitism during the laying and incubation stages.
Distribution and conservation of Campanulaceae in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: de Mello Rollim Isis , Trovó Marcelo
Published: November 2022

The geographical distribution of Campanulaceae species from Rio de Janeiro state is detailed based on field expeditions and analyses of herbarium specimens. Twenty‐seven species in six genera were recorded, 17 endemic to Brazil and two endemic to the state. The species were found mostly in High Altitude Grassland, and forest formations, mainly at altitudes above 1000 m asl. Some species were frequently found in anthropized areas, such as urban centers and roadsides. Only three species are currently listed as endangered, but more species may be threatened due to their restricted distribution and current loss of habitat. Some species are represented only by very old records. Due to the low floristic similarity and significant ecosystem diversity represented by the Conservation Units, each one is relevant and irreplaceable for Campanulaceae conservation in Rio de Janeiro state.
Aberrant tryptophan metabolism leads to unfavorable outcomes in lenalidomide‐treated myeloma patients
Authors: Asano Arisa , Ri Masaki , Masaki Ayako , Maeda Yasuhiro , Tachita Takuto , Hirade Kentaro , Marumo Yoshiaki , Nakashima Takahiro , Hagiwara Shinya , Kinoshita Shiori , Suzuki Tomotaka , Narita Tomoko , Kusumoto Shigeru , Komatsu Hirokazu , Inagaki Hiroshi , Iida Shinsuke
Published: November 2022

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO), an enzyme that metabolizes tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn), is an important microenvironmental factor suppressing antitumor immunity. Here, we investigated the clinical impact of aberrant Trp metabolism in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) treated with lenalidomide (Len) and evaluated its effects on T cell immunity ex vivo. Kyn and Trp concentrations were quantified in sera from 72 patients with relapsed or refractory MM prior to the initiation of therapy with Len plus dexamethasone (Ld). Associations of the Kyn/Trp ratio with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. The expressions of IDO in tumor and stromal cells were evaluated during co‐culture, and the effects of culture medium containing low Trp and high Kyn concentrations on T cells in the presence of Len were investigated. Patients with high serum Kyn/Trp ratios (≥46.0, n = 22) had significantly shorter PFS and OS than those with low ratios (4.9 vs. 12.6 months, and 15.5 vs. 45.7 months, respectively). MM cells promoted IDO expression in stromal cells during co‐culture in both a direct contact and an indirect manner. Incubation in medium with a high Kyn/Trp ratio significantly inhibited T cell cytokine production and upregulated the expression of inhibitory immune receptors. These effects were sustained even in the presence of Len. In conclusion, a high serum Kyn/Trp ratio is associated with poor prognosis in patients with MM. We propose that aberrant Trp metabolism reduces anti‐tumor immunity and the efficacy of Len therapy.
Technological transformation and human resource development of early career talent: Insights from accounting, banking, and finance
Authors: Donald William E. , Baruch Yehuda , Ashleigh Melanie J.
Published: November 2022

This paper provides insights into the opportunities and risks that the technological transformation of Human Resource Development (HRD) presents in the context of early career talent in the accounting, banking, and finance sector. Three research questions are explored. (1) What opportunities exist for organizations investing in technology as a talent management strategy for recruiting early career talent? (2) What are the risks or threats to organizations from investing in technology as a strategy for recruiting early career talent? (3) What role do meso‐level actors play in recruiting early career talent? More specifically, to what extent do the views of graduate recruiters and career advisors as agents of organizations and higher education institutions align or diverge? Thirty‐six semi‐structured interviews were conducted with graduate recruiters and career advisors. Thematic analysis was subsequently applied, identifying three themes (i) employer branding, (ii) virtual recruitment, and (iii) diversity and social inclusion agendas, each presented opportunities and risks. The theoretical contribution comes from advancing career ecosystems and the new psychological contract as a theoretical framework by focusing on technological transformation and capturing the dyadic relationship between the meso‐level actors. Our paper integrates three topic clusters of HRD interventions and outcomes, national HRD, and career development, while manifesting the role and importance of under‐represented career actors. Practical implications aim to help shape talent management strategies for recruiting early career talent. Capturing the views of career advisors in this study can help organizations identify blind spots and inform policy.
Differential isoform expression of Allergin‐1 during acute and chronic inflammation
Authors: Geerdink Ruben J. , Pascoal Ramos Maria Inês , van den Hoogen Luuk L. , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Shibayama Shiro , Shibuya Akira , Bont Louis , Meyaard Linde
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Neutrophils are crucial to antimicrobial defense, but excessive neutrophilic inflammation elicits immune pathology. Currently, no effective treatment exists to curb neutrophil activation. However, neutrophils express a variety of inhibitory receptors which may represent potential therapeutic targets to limit neutrophilic inflammation. Indeed, we previously showed that the inhibitory collagen receptor leukocyte‐associated immunoglobulin‐like receptor 1 (LAIR‐1) regulates neutrophilic airway inflammation and inhibits neutrophil extracellular trap formation. The inhibitory receptor Allergin‐1 is expressed by myeloid cells and B cells. Allergin‐1 suppresses mast cell and basophil activation, but a potential regulatory role on neutrophils remains unexplored. We aimed to demonstrate the regulation of neutrophils by Allergin‐1.

Methods

We examine Allergin‐1 isoform expression on human neutrophils during homeostatic (healthy donors) and chronic inflammatory (systemic lupus erythematosus patients) conditions in comparison to other circulating leukocytes by flow cytometry. To reveal a potential role for Allergin‐1 in regulating neutrophilic inflammation, we experimentally infect wild‐type (WT) and Allergin‐1‐deficient mice with a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and monitor disease severity and examine cellular airway infiltrate. Flow cytometry was used to confirm Allergin‐1 expression by airway‐infiltrated neutrophils in RSV infection‐induced bronchiolitis patients.

Results

Only the short 1 (S1) isoform, but not the long (L) or S2 isoform could be detected on blood leukocytes, with the exception of nonclassical monocytes, which exclusively express the S2 isoform. Allergin‐1 expression levels did not vary significantly between healthy individuals and patients with the systemic inflammatory disease on any interrogated cell type. Airway‐infiltrated neutrophils of pediatric RSV bronchiolitis patients were found to express Allergin‐1S1. However, Allergin‐1‐deficient mice experimentally infected with RSV did not show exacerbated disease or increased neutrophil airway infiltration compared to WT littermates.

Conclusion

Allergin‐1 isoform expression is unaffected by chronic inflammatory conditions. In stark contrast to fellow inhibitory receptor LAIR‐1, Allergin‐1 does not regulate neutrophilic inflammation in a mouse model of RSV bronchiolitis.
ALDH2 gene rs671 G > a polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Zhang Zhuoxin , Chen Yijin , Zhuo Qingqing , Deng Changqing , Yang Yang , Luo Wen , Lai Shixun , Rao Hui
Published: November 2022

Background

The susceptibility to some cancers is linked to genetic factors, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) polymorphisms. The relationship between ALDH2 rs671 and colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear in Hakka population.

Methods

Between October 2015 and December 2020, a total of 178 CRC patients and 261 controls were recruited. ALDH2 rs671 was genotyped in these subjects, medical records (smoking history, drinking history and blood cell parameters) were collected, and the relationship between these information and CRC was analyzed.

Results

The proportion of the ALDH2 rs671 G/G, G/A, and A/A genotype was 48.3%, 44.4%, and 7.3% in patients; 62.1%, 34.1%, and 3.8% in controls, respectively. The difference of ALDH2 genotypes distribution between cases and controls was statistically significant (p = 0.011). The higher percentage of smokers and alcoholics, higher level of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count, and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lower level of lymphocyte count, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), and mean hemoglobin concentration were observed in patients. Logistic regression analysis indicated that ALDH2 rs671 G/A genotype (G/A vs. G/G) (adjusted OR 1.801, 95% CI 1.160–2.794, p = 0.009) and A/A genotype (A/A vs. G/G) (adjusted OR 2.630, 95% CI 1.041–6.645, p = 0.041) in the co‐dominant model, while G/A + A/A genotypes (G/A + A/A vs. G/G) (adjusted OR 1.883, 95% CI 1.230–2.881, p = 0.004) in the dominant model were risk factors for CRC.

Conclusions

Individuals carrying ALDH2 rs671 A allele (G/A, A/A genotypes) may be at increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Methane production by anaerobic co‐digestion of dairy manure and cassava wastes for energy recovery
Authors: Martins Raissa Machado Maluf , da Fonseca Yasmim Arantes , Faria Marina Victal , de Aquino Sérgio Francisco , Adarme Oscar Fernando Herrera , Lobo Baêta Bruno Eduardo
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

In this study, the anaerobic co‐digestion of cassava wastewater (CW), cassava bagasse (CB), and dairy manure (DM) was investigated to produce biogas with energy recovery. Mixture experimental design was performed to establish the proportion of each substrate, on the basis of total weight (%wt). The digestion was carried out under mesophilic conditions (35 °C) using a batch test.

RESULTS

The best methane yields were 150.33 NmLCH4 gVS−1 (114.46 NmLCH4 gCOD−1) for the condition with 100% CW (C/N ratio = 14.04) and 130.43 normal mililiters of methane per gram of volatile solid (NmLCH4 gVS−1) and 93.84 normal mililiters of methane per gram of chemical oxygen demand (NmLCH4 gCOD−1) obtained with 66.7% DM, 16.7% CB and 16.7% CW (C/N ratio = 34.84). Experimental conditions containing high proportions of CB (above 33%) yielded high C/N ratios (above 52), resulting in low pH and high volatile fatty acid production, mainly acetic and butyric acids. Kinetics of methane production under optimal conditions were best described by Groot's multi‐stage model.

CONCLUSION

An energy balance for the best conditions were performed, leading to 452.86 MJ tonsubstrate−1 for a high DM content mixture experiment (DM = 66.7%, CB = 16.7%, CW = 16.7%); thereby showing that anaerobic co‐digestion can replace 22.5% of the energy demanded by cassava processing industry. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Role of circulating exosomal biomarkers and their diagnostic accuracy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sha Menazir , Kunduzi Basir , Froghi Saied , Quaglia Alberto , Davidson Brian , Fusai Giuseppe K
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

New biomarkers have the potential to facilitate early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). Circulating exosomes are cell‐derived protein complexes containing RNA that can be used as indicators of cancer development. The aim of this review is to evaluate the current literature involving PC patient groups for highly accurate exosomal biomarkers.

Methods

The literature search followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Eight‐hundred and seventy‐five studies were identified across various databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane) published between 2009 and 2020. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria: human PC patients, diagnosis as outcome of interest, serum biomarker of exosomal content, reporting of diagnostic values, and disease progress. Area under the curve (AUC) of the exosomal biomarker was compared against that of CA19‐9.

Results

Nine papers were reviewed for relevant outcomes based on the inclusion criteria. These studies involved 565 participants (331 PC, 234 controls; male/female ratio 1.21; mean age 64.1). Tumor staging was reported in all studies, with 45.6% of PC patients diagnosed with early‐stage PC (T1–2). The mRNA panel (ARG1, CD63, CK18, Erbb3, GAPDH, H3F3A, KRAS, ODC1) and GPC 1 reported the highest performing sensitivity and specificity at 100% each. The microRNA panel (miR‐10b, miR‐21, miR‐30c, miR‐181a, and miR‐let7a), mRNA panel (ARG1, CD63, CK18, Erbb3, GAPDH, H3F3A, KRAS, ODC1), and GPC 1 showed a perfect AUC of 1.0. Five studies compared the AUC of the exosomal biomarker against CA19‐9, each being superior to that of CA19‐9.

Conclusion

The potential of exosomal biomarkers remains promising in PC diagnosis. Standardization of future studies will allow for larger comparative analyses and overcoming contrasting findings.
Regional differences in summer monsoon precipitation variability reconstructed from multiple proxies in Asia during the past millennium
Authors: Liu Yang , Chen Jianming , Zheng Jingyun , Zhang Xuezhen
Published: November 2022

Rainfall in the Asia summer monsoon (ASM) domain has a complex spatial pattern with the temporal variability at different timescales and their long‐term change has not been fully characterized. An updated 320 multiple proxies network is used to reconstruct the May–October precipitation during the past millennium for eight regions in the ASM domain. The spatial consistency of summer monsoon precipitation variability and the possible links to the internal climate oscillations are investigated. The results show that the regional precipitations over the last millennium in the ASM regions are dominated by the interannual cycle of 2–2.5a and 3.5‐5a, the decadal cycle of ~11a and 15–25a and the multidecadal cycle of ~30a and 40–80a. Coherent dry decades in different regions appear in 1100–1250, 1600–1650 and 1960–2000, while the wet decades appear in 970–990, 1330–1350, 1380–1430, 1550–1580, 1700–1780 and 1810–1910. On interannual scale, the relationships between precipitation for each region and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in both developing and decaying stages are unstable over the entire millennium, but they have opposite‐sign correlations most of the time, which implies that the summer precipitation anomaly for a region tends to reverse in the next summer when a strong ENSO event occurs in the winter. For the long‐term change from multidecadal to centennial scales, the longest dry period of the 12th to 13th centuries in eastern Asia coincides with the period with the lowest ENSO variability due to the in phase change of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, which could result in the neutral interbasin east–west cell in Tropics and low frequency of ENSO events.
Quantitative lipidomic analysis of chicken egg yolk during its formation
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Jinqiu , Li Hanmei , Xiao Yu , Harlina Putri Widyanti , Geng Fang
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The accumulation of lipids in egg yolk during its formation represents a knowledge gap between food science and animal science research to which researchers in either field have not paid sufficient attention. Therefore, the egg yolk samples during different periods of formation (yellow follicle, YF; small hierarchical follicles, SF; and the largest hierarchical follicle, LF) were prepared, and their fatty acid compositions and lipidomes were quantitatively compared.

RESULTS

The fatty acid profiles and lipidomes of egg yolks at the three stages of formation were significantly different. The relative content of oleic acid and palmitic acid were increased, but that of the main polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) was decreased in the SF period to the LF period. Among the 786 lipid molecular species identified, 150 and 46 differentially abundant lipids (DALs) were identified in the pairwise comparison of YF/SF (early stage of egg yolk formation) and SF/LF (late stage of egg yolk formation), respectively. Triglycerides and diglycerides, represented by TG(14:0/18:1/20:1) and DG(18:1/18:1/0:0), were decreased, whereas free fatty acids (especially free unsaturated fatty acids) were greatly increased during yolk formation. The changes in phospholipids were complex; the relative abundance of phosphatidylcholine [represented by PC(18:0/22:5)] decreased, whereas phosphatidylethanolamine [represented by PE(18:0/18:0)] increased. In addition, the relative abundance of lysophosphatidylcholine [represented by LPC(18:1/0:0)] was increased during egg yolk formation.

CONCLUSION

The transport and accumulation of lipids into the egg yolk is dynamically adjusted during its formation, and the transport and timing of different lipid molecular species are different. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Polyacrylic Acid Copolymers as Adhesion‐Adapted Model Materials for Cleaning Tests
Authors: Höhne Susanne , Böhm Carolin , Eisenrauch Vincent , Girsule Christian , Fuchs Enrico , Mauermann Marc , Uhlmann Petra
Published: November 2022

For cleaning tests, which are important in many industrial processes, there are no test contaminations with which geometry‐independent homogeneous films can be produced. Polymer films can fill this gap when they are able to mimic the properties of reference contaminants. For this purpose, acrylic acid (AA) copolymers are prepared by conventional atom transfer radical copolymerization and subsequent acidolysis of the tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) prepolymers. In this way polarity and adhesion can be adjusted by the amount of carboxy groups in the polymer. Dynamic contact angle measurements show that the advancing contact angle of acrylic acid/methyl(meth)acrylate statistical copolymer layers increase with decreasing carboxy group content. Cleaning experiments show accordingly that the amount of residual polymer of coatings made from these polymers is dependent on the absolute number of adhesive carboxy groups in the polymer. Therefore, for an adaption of the polymer layers to hydrophilic reference contaminants it is necessary to incorporate additional hydrophilic monomer components into the polymers, which lead to lower contact angles but also stronger adhesion of the layers. Hence, it is shown that the chosen polymer concept is delivering the leverages to adjust the properties of appropriate test contaminants.