bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powerful Entanglements: Interrelationships Between Platform Architectures and Young People’s Performance of Self in Social Media
Authors: Flasche Viktoria
Published: October 2021

This chapter explores intertwinements between digital media and communicative and socio-cultural practices as they emerge in relation to contemporary cultures, specifically youth cultures. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok are discursive-operative networks within a framework of economic strategies. The chapter’s empirical approach draws on the assumption that young people’s aesthetic practices, transmitted via social media formats, evoke in each instance specific relational modes that preform a space of possible subject positions. The chapter summarises the findings of two selective longitudinal studies examining young people’s practices of self-articulation, consistently interpreted in the context of the specific platform used in each instance. These findings point to the potential of aesthetic-tentative practices as performed by young people to catalyse societal critique.
Implementation of a Microservice-Based Certification Platform
Authors: Copei Sebastian , Wickert Manuel , Zündorf Albert
Published: October 2021

Interoperability between edge devices and backend systems plays an important role for a successful digital transformation of the energy system. To provide interoperability, edge devices as well as backend systems use standardized communication protocols. Vendors of such systems often certify their products to verify compatibility to a certain version of communication protocol standard. Since standardization and certification processes are classically very time consuming, they seem to be incompatible with agile software development. Therefore we proposed an agile standardization and certification approach. Here we will present a basic implementation of a microservice based certification platform that supports certification as a service. The platform allows software vendors to integrate certification of their products directly in their continuous delivery pipeline. This will lay the ground for the evaluation of certification as a service in a concrete scenario.
From Project to Product
Authors: Philip Matthew , Thirion Yoan
Published: October 2021

As technical advances have enabled organizations to deliver software to the market faster, in turn shortening the feedback loop for new ideas and spurring innovation, legacy organizations need to update their mindset from a project-driven to a product-driven approach or risk being displaced by product-native organizations. This poster shows the high-level principles that represent our experience guiding organizations with a project-to-product approach.
Is Your Software Ecosystem in Danger? Preventing Ecosystem Death Through Lessons in Ecosystem Health
Authors: Evertse Robert , Lencz Abel , Šinik Tea , Jansen Slinger , Soussi Lamia
Published: October 2021

The health of an ecosystem is by definition the most basic requirement for its survival. This paper aims to examine the driving forces behind the health of software ecosystems, in a comparative manner between four different ecosystems which have experienced a major downfall. We examine these ecosystems for similarities, from which demise principles are derived. Consequently, countermeasures are proposed in an attempt to combat these demise principles. The findings show that the main demise principles are Underestimation of competitors, Lack of innovation, and Incorrect management of the ecosystem. The proposed countermeasures to address these demise principles are to Increase market awareness to increase competitive advantage, Increase product quality, Increase platform quality, Adjust value propositions and Formulate a partner-oriented strategy.
Disaster Healthcare Workers’ Experience of Using the Psychological First Aid Mobile App During Disaster Simulation Training
Authors: Choi Yun-Jung , Jung Hae-Sun , Choi Eun-Ju , Ko Eunjung
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The study aimed to examine the experience of disaster healthcare workers with simulation training using the Psychological First Aid (PFA) mobile app.

Methods:

This study was designed using qualitative research methodology with focus group interviews. The participants were 19 disaster healthcare workers from community mental health service centers who attended disaster simulation training in flood, fire, or leakage of hazardous chemicals. Before the simulation, participants were provided the PFA mobile app and allowed to practice the PFA techniques to apply them during the simulation. Data were collected through focus group interviews and qualitatively analyzed using the content analysis method.

Results:

The findings were divided into 6 categories: experience in realistic disaster situations, satisfaction with education methods using a mobile app, effectiveness of the PFA app in disaster relief, confidence in disaster relief by integrating experience and knowledge of the PFA app, self-reflection as a disaster healthcare worker, and identifying limitations and making developmental suggestions.

Conclusions:

Based on the participants’ developmental proposals in this study, the disaster simulation training, incorporating improvements in the disaster simulation training and the PFA app features, will serve as a new framework for disaster support education and systematic mental health services to survivors by disaster healthcare workers.
Melting Arctic Sea Ice Strengthens Tides
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: October 2021

If climate change throws off the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle of Arctic sea ice, it could trigger a reinforcing cycle of sea ice melt in parts of the Canadian Arctic.
Understanding Tremors Through Tree Rings
Authors: Wheeling Kate
Published: October 2021

Researchers look to carbon isotopes and cell-level wood anatomy to understand how seismic-induced changes in water availability affect tree growth.
Geophysical and Geochemical Evidence for a New Mafic Magmatic Province Within the Northwest Shelf of Australia
Authors: Yule C. T. G. , Spandler C.
Published: October 2021

The formation of mafic magmatic provinces are significant geological events that can drive mass extinctions and continental rifting and can influence basin evolution, petroleum prospectivity and mineralization. Buried magmatic provinces, however, are rarely identified and difficult to define. The Northwest Shelf of Australia contains large volumes of potentially interconnected mafic igneous material across several sedimentary basins. However, limited study and a lack of surface exposure have prevented detailed description and classification of these rocks. In this study, the distribution and composition of these mafic igneous rocks are described using an integrated geophysical and geochemical approach, which included over 10,000 km line length of 2D seismic data, well log data and chemical analysis of samples from 14 wells across the Browse, Roebuck, Canning and North Carnarvon basins. Using this combined data set, we demonstrate interconnectivity of buried mafic igneous rocks across the Northwest Shelf and calculate a total surface area exceeding 280,000 km2 and a cumulative minimum volume of ∼140,000 km3. Petrology and geochemistry of samples indicate they are basaltic and doleritic with alkaline and sub‐alkaline compositions and formed in a continental rift setting. Collectively, the igneous rocks meet the criteria for classification as a mafic magmatic province (MMP) and closely match the criteria required for classification as a large igneous province (LIP). Emplacement of the newly defined Northwest Shelf MMP may represent hotspot magmatism that could have initiated rifting of the Cimmerian Block from NW Australia during the Permian and could have potential for future, large scale CO2 sequestration and storage.
MAVEN Observations of Magnetic Reconnection at Martian Induced Magnetopause
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Jiang , Xu Xiaojun , Cui Jun , Cao Jinbin , Ye Yudong , Xu Qi , Wang Ming , Zhou Zilu , Chang Qing , Xu Jiaying , Wang Xing
Published: October 2021

The Martian‐induced magnetopause (IMP), characterized by the sudden changes of magnetic fields and ion compositions, is the transition boundary separating the magnetosheath from Martian induced magnetosphere. Based on the magnetic field and plasma measurements by Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN, we for the first time report a magnetic reconnection at the dayside IMP. The clear plasma jet and bipolar Hall magnetic field provide solid evidence for the identification of the magnetic reconnection. Our observations demonstrate that the newly arrived interplanetary magnetic field and the anchored magnetic field in the induced magnetosphere can reconnect with each other at the IMP. Such reconnection allows the planetary ions to escape from Mars through the reconnected magnetic fields across the IMP, resulting in a significant increase in the local loss rate of the ionospheric ions.
Long-term protective immunity induced by an adjuvant-containing live-attenuated AIDS virus
Authors: Okamura Tomotaka , Shimizu Yuya , Asaka Masamitsu N. , Kanuma Tomohiro , Tsujimura Yusuke , Yamamoto Takuya , Matsuo Kazuhiro , Yasutomi Yasuhiro
Published: October 2021

The use of an adjuvant in vaccination is thought to be effective for enhancing immune responses to various pathogens. We genetically constructed a live attenuated simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) to express the adjuvant molecule Ag85B (SHIV-Ag85B). SHIV-Ag85B could not be detected 4 weeks after injection in cynomolgus macaques, and strong SHIV-specific T cell responses were induced in these macaques. When the macaques in which SHIV-Ag85B had become undetectable were challenged with pathogenic SHIV89.6P at 37 weeks after SHIV-Ag85B had become undetectable, SHIV89.6P was not detected after the challenge. Eradication of SHIV89.6P was confirmed by adoptive transfer experiments and CD8-depletion studies. The SHIV-Ag85B-inoculated macaques showed enhancement of Gag-specific monofunctional and polyfunctional CD8+ T cells in the acute phase of the pathogenic SHIV challenge. The results suggest that SHIV-Ag85B elicited strong sterile immune responses against pathogenic SHIV and that it may lead to the development of a vaccine for AIDS virus infection.
Keratoconus patients exhibit a distinct ocular surface immune cell and inflammatory profile
Authors: D’Souza Sharon , Nair Archana Padmanabhan , Sahu Ganesh Ram , Vaidya Tanuja , Shetty Rohit , Khamar Pooja , Mullick Ritika , Gupta Sneha , Dickman Mor M. , Nuijts Rudy M. M. A. , Mohan Rajiv R. , Ghosh Arkasubhra , Sethu Swaminathan
Published: October 2021

Inflammatory factors have been considered to contribute to keratoconus (KC) pathogenesis. This study aims to determine the immune cells subsets and soluble inflammatory factor profile on the ocular surface of KC patients. 32 KC subjects (51 eyes) across different grades of severity and 15 healthy controls (23 eyes) were included in the study. Keratometry and pachymetry measurements were recorded. Ocular surface immune cells (collected by ocular surface wash) immunophenotyped using flow cytometry include leukocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, pan-T cells, gamma delta T (γδT) cells and NKT cells. Tear fluid collected using Schirmer’s strip was used to measure 50 soluble factors by multiplex ELISA. Proportions of activated neutrophils, NK cells and γδT cells were significantly increased in KC patients. Significantly higher levels of tear fluid IL-1β, IL-6, LIF, IL-17A, TNFα, IFNα/β/γ, EPO, TGFβ1, PDGF-BB, sVCAM, sL-selectin, granzyme-B, perforin, MMP2, sFasL and IgE, along with significantly lower levels of IL-1α and IL-9 were observed in KC patients. Alterations observed in few of the immuno-inflammatory parameters correlated with grades of disease, allergy, eye rubbing and keratometry or pachymetry measurements. The observation implies a distinct immuno-inflammatory component in KC pathogenesis and its potential as an additional therapeutic target in KC management.
The “Trojan Horse” effect of nanoplastics: potentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon uptake in rainbow trout and the mitigating effects of natural organic matter
Authors: Zhang Yueyang , Goss Greg G.
Published: October 2021

Massive annual production of plastics worldwide, coupled with prolonged environmental degradation and poor recycling policies has resulted in serious concerns regarding the ecological impact of these materials.
Dual performing copper–platinum core–shell nanozyme for environmental electrochemistry–electrocatalytic oxidation and electroanalysis of ammonia
Authors: Naveen Bommireddy , Reddy Bommireddy Purusottam , Palathedath Suresh Kumar
Published: October 2021

Copper–platinum core–shell nanostructures are prepared on pencil graphite substrate for electrochemical oxidation and electroanalysis of ammonia.
Intramolecular π-conjugated channel expansion achieved by doping cross-linked dopants into carbon nitride frameworks for propelling photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and mechanism insight
Authors: Li Chunmei , Zhou Tingxu , Yan Ming , Cheng Shasha , Wang Yun , Sun Jingxue , Chen Gang , Dong Hongjun
Published: October 2021

PYM as a cross-linked bridge in CN frameworks via a multi-bonding mode expedites the transfer and separation of intramolecular photoproduced electron–hole pairs by π-conjugated channel expansion to improve the PHE activity.
An optimized fuzzy logic for the energy management of a hybrid electric air-taxi
Authors: Donateo Teresa , Terragno Alberto , Ficarella Antonio
Published: October 2021

The goal of this investigation is to model a hybrid electric air-taxi and minimize its fuel consumption by on-line energy management. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is considered as a suitable way to reduce traffic congestion and pollution as well as increase mobility in metropolitan areas. Urban air-mobility is an interesting application for electric and hybrid-electric power systems because of limited speed (compared with longer distance commuters) altitudes up to 1000ft and short-range requirements that make possible electrification even with the limited performance of today batteries. However, in case of hybrid electric propulsion systems, the fuel consumption and the environmental impact depends on the energy management. After obtaining reference values of fuel economy over four different missions with the Dynamic programming method, this investigation proposes and optimize a fuzzy logic for the on-line energy management of the hybrid vehicle for UAM in order to minimize fuel consumption and, consequently, local environmental impact.
On the use of tapered channels gas distributors to promote convection in PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: d’Adamo Alessandro , Borghi Massimo
Published: October 2021

Polymeric Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC) are promising power propulsion systems for the decarbonization of the transportation sector. Despite being a well-known method for the direct production of electric current from the reactants chemical energy, one of the major limitations to their large-scale industrial development are fluid dynamics and mass transport aspects, crucially limiting the electrochemistry rate under critical conditions. This is especially verified in PEMFC with serpentine-type gas distributors, for which such areas are identified in proximity of the gas channel bends where the dominant mechanism for species transport shifts from a convection-enhanced to a diffusion-limited one. An engineering method to enhance the convective transport in such deficient areas is the use of gas distributors with tapered channels, effectively forcing the flow in diffusive media and improving the reactants delivery rate and products removal. A numerical analysis is presented on a limited domain representing a section of a serpentine gas distributor. A multi-dimensional CFD study is carried out comparing conventional-type and tapered channel distributors, evaluating the combined effect of pressure losses, catalyst layers utilization, flow regime in anisotropic diffusion media and convection/diffusion balance via a non-dimensional analysis. The study covers various inlet Reynolds numbers and in-plane permeability of porous materials for two diffusion media thicknesses, with the aim to extend the generality of the study. Conclusions based on the simulation results outline channel tapering as a very effective way to improve the power density of PEMFC, although an energetic cost/benefit analysis indicates a reduced cell efficiency.
Effect of level of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes and anthelmintic treatment on milk yield in dairy sheep
Authors: Martínez-Valladares María , Martín-Ramos Elías , Esteban-Ballesteros Myriam , Balaña-Fouce Rafael , Rojo-Vázquez Francisco Antonio
Published: October 2021

The effects of gastrointestinal nematode infections and anthelmintic treatment on milk yields was compared between flocks with a low level (LL) of eggs per gram (epg) before partum and with a high level (HL). Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) were carried out before partum comparing a treated group with netobimin with an untreated group. Ewes belonging to LL flocks produced 55.4% more milk than ewes from HL flocks. A negative correlation was found between the mean epg before treatment and the mean milk yield per flock (r = −0.860; p < 0.01). However, treated ewes produced 10.1% more milk than untreated ewes in LL flocks, although in HL flocks, treated ewes produced less milk (−2.7%). The treatment of flocks even with low levels of infection can improve the milk yields. In this study, the epg before partum had a greater influence on total milk yield than the anthelmintic treatment.
Short- and long-term effects of surface fires on heat stress protein content in Scots pine needles
Authors: Korotaeva N. E. , Gette I. G. , Pacharkova N. V. , Kosov I. V. , Borovskii G. B.
Published: October 2021

Plants can minimise the damaging effects of high temperatures through numerous protective mechanisms; however, it is largely unknown how these mechanisms respond to extreme temperatures associated with wildfire. We investigated the effect of experimental burning (EB) on the accumulation of stress heat shock proteins (Hsps), which are one of the factors of thermotolerance in plants, in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Previous fire exposure led not only to short- and long-term changes in the content of stress proteins in needles but also to changes in the accumulation of these proteins in response to reheating. The content of Hsp 101, Hsp 70 and Hsp 17.6 in the needles increased on the second day after EB (short-term effect of fire). Three years after EB, the content of Hsps in the fire-exposed needles was lower compared with the control needles. When these needles were subjected to the heat stress test at 45°C, the content of Hsps increased, whereas the content of Hsps in control needles decreased. Our results suggest that Scots pine needles retain a fairly long-term ‘stress memory’, expressed through proteomic defence mechanisms, to wildfire heat-induced damage.
Szegő-type limit theorems for “multiplicative Toeplitz” operators and non-Følner approximations
Authors: Nikolski N. , Pushnitski A.
Published: October 2021

An analog of the First Szegő Limit Theorem for multiplicative Toeplitz operators is discussed, with the emphasis on the role of the multliplicative Følner condition in this topic.
Modelling and analysis of decentralized energy systems with photovoltaic, micro-hydro, battery and diesel technology for remote areas of Nepal
Authors: Sanjel Nawaraj , Baral Bivek
Published: October 2021

Remote areas of Nepal suffer from limited or no access to electricity. Providing electricity access in remote areas is one of the foremost challenges of any developing country. The purpose of this study is to develop and propose a reliable and low-cost model for electrification. The study presents an optimized choice between decentralized renewable-energy systems and grid expansion. Opting for an analytical method for the modelling and analysis of electrification options based on life-cycle cost (LCC) and economic distance limit, each energy system for varied load conditions is compared for a better option. A framework for energy-system selection based on available resources is proposed. It compares the grid-expansion option with potential isolated renewable-energy systems to ensure energy access to the area under consideration. Additionally, off-grid configurations that rely on renewable energy sources are also considered for the necessity of backup supply to ensure continuous power to the research area. Techno-economic assessment is carried out for different off-grid and hybrid configurations proposed in this study and their feasibility checks are carefully examined. Commercial efficacy of the proposed hybrid energy systems is assessed by comparing the life cycle and energy cost and by performing different additional sensitivity analyses. The study concludes that reduced generation cost supports the increasing penetration of electrification. The LCC for grid expansion is the most economical under high-load conditions, whereas for the isolated and sparsely settled populations with low-load conditions, photovoltaic power backed up with a diesel generator is the most economical.
Outcome of 5-years active cardiological management of oncohematological patients on targeted therapy
Authors: Emelina E , Gendlin G , Nikitin I
Published: October 2021

Background

The overall survival of oncohematological patients (pts) depends not only on the severity of the cancer, the anticancer therapy used and the comorbidity of the pts. The most important role in the management of these pts is played by the supervision of a cardiologist.

Purpose

To assess the effect of active cardiac management on the overall survival of oncohematological pts on targeted therapy with ibrutinib.

Methods

We examined and observed in dynamics for 5 years 217 pts with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), constantly receiving ibrutinib, inducing arterial hypertension (AH) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in a part of the pts. All pts underwent echocardiography (Echo), 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring (HM), assessment of comorbidity using the Charlson index and screening of fragility using the G8 questionnaire. Everyday measurement of blood pressure, heart rate in the morning and in the evening with keeping a measurement diary was recommended for all pts, but 89 pts were performed, who constantly contacted us remotely using instant messengers and formed an active cardiac management (ACM) group.

Results

We studied the overall survival of pts with CLL receiving targeted therapy with ibrutinib, depending on cardiac monitoring, starting from the first visit. The age of pts in the ACM group (n=89) and in other pts (n=138) did not differ and amounted to 66.0 (60.0–70.0) years and 66.0 (59.0–74.0) years respectively. The number of men and women in the groups was comparable. In the ACM group, there were significantly more pts with AH - 86.5% and with AF - 42.7% compared to 50.4% with AH and 15.9% with AF in the rest of the pts (p<0.0001 in both cases) and a comparable number of pts with coronary artery disease. According to the screening HM, there were more pts with short AF episodes in the ACM group - 31.4% versus 8.0% in the rest of the pts (p<0.0001). Accordingly, the number of pts who received cardiological treatment in the ACM group was 87.6%, in the group of other pts - 53.6% (p<0.0001). Echo parameters did not differ in the groups. Indicators that significantly affect survival in the general group (Charlson index, scores of the G8 questionnaire) did not differ significantly in the ACM group and in other pts with CLL. The groups also did not differ in hematological status and the number of cases of second tumors. At the same time, despite a significantly more pronounced cardiac comorbidity, oncohematological pts under active cardiac monitoring, including continuous remote monitoring, demonstrated better survival compared to other pts (p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Conducting active cardiac management, including constant remote observation, allows achieving higher overall survival rates of hematological cancer patients, despite a more severe cardiac status compared to other pts under periodic supervision of a cardiologist.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): no founding sources
Doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity is mediated by increased CerS2 expression and ceramide accumulation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kretzschmar T , Wu J M F , Bekhite M , Gruen K , Bogoviku J , Mueller T , Graeler M , Franz M , Schulze P C
Published: October 2021

Background

Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapeutic drug with cardiotoxicity as a severe side effect. Interestingly, Dox increases the expression of ceramide synthase 2 (CerS2) and increases long- chain ceramide levels with proinflammatory effects.

Aim

The purpose of our study was to identify the role of increased long- chain ceramides synthesized by CerS2 in Dox mediated cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We incubated HL-1 cells (murine cardiomyocytes) with 0.7 μM Dox for 24h. In parallel cells were pretreated with fumonisin B (100 μM, 4h, FuB) to reduce Dox effects. We generated CerS2 ko mice and treated them with Dox and also generated doxycycline- inducible CerS2 mice. Expression of genes and proteins were measured with immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB) or qPCR. Ceramide levels were determined with mass spectrometry. Cellular staining was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Mitochondrial viability and activity were detected using seahorse analyzer.

Results

Protein expression measurement showed increased CerS2 level in vitro (2.4±0.32, p=0.03 for WB, 2.2±0.10, p<0.001 for IF). Coherently, very long chain ceramides were increased with the highest peak for C16:0 (1.9±0.04, p<0.001). FuB pretreatment reduced most ceramides to normal levels. Dox increased mRNA level of TNFα (6.0±0.48, p<0.001), IL-6 (4.6±0.37, p<0.001), IL-1β (46.2±0.59, p=0.05) and BNP (4.7±0.46, p=0.03). FuB reduced IL-1β (20.1±0.23, p=0.002) and BNP (2.3±0.05, p=0.01) expression. Dox reduced mitochondria fusion related genes MFN1 (0.7±0.18, p=0.02) and MFN2 (0.3±0.37, p=0.01) and increased mitochondria fission related genes Mff (1.5±0.22) and FIS1 (1.5±0.18). FuB returned Mff and FIS1 expression to normal levels. Mitochondrial ATP production was reduced with Dox (0.3±0.19, p<0.001) and was slightly improved with FuB (0.5±0.12, p<0.001). Dox led to increased cleaved Casp3/Casp3 ratio (64.9±0.61, p=0.04). In vivo CerS2 overexpression showed comparable results as well as increased fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our data show that Dox mediated cardiotoxicity is in part mediated by CerS2 and ceramides. CerS2 could be a valuable drug target for treatment of chemotherapy- associated cardiomyopathies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Immunofluorescence HL-1
Cefazolin susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) causing late-onset neonatal bacteraemia
Authors: Marr I. , Swe K. , Henderson A. , Lacey J. A. , Carter G. P. , Ferguson J. K.
Published: October 2021

Background

CoNS bacteraemia causes significant neonatal morbidity. Previous work has suggested that β-lactam antibiotics vary in their binding affinity to PBP2a (produced by the mecA gene) present in most CoNS.

Objectives

We evaluated cefazolin MICs for CoNS isolated in an Australian neonatal ICU (NICU) and correlated them with isolate genotype and phenotype.

Methods

Significant blood isolates from 2009 to 2017 were speciated and underwent broth microdilution testing for cefazolin, cefoxitin, oxacillin and flucloxacillin. Correlation with mecA presence and PBP2a expression was evaluated. A selection of Staphylococcus capitis isolates underwent WGS.

Results

The CoNS (n = 99) isolates were confirmed as S. capitis (n = 57), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 32), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 2) and Staphylococcus warneri (n = 8). The MIC of cefazolin was ≤2 mg/L for 30% of isolates and 75% had an MIC of ≤8 mg/L (MIC90 = 16 mg/L). This contrasted with MIC90s of cefoxitin, oxacillin and flucloxacillin, which were all ≥32 mg/L. WGS found a number of S. capitis isolates closely related to the globally established NRCS-A clone.

Conclusions

CoNS displayed distinctly lower MIC values of cefazolin than of other agents tested. MIC variation may be related to binding affinity of PBP2a or regulation of expression of mecA by mecR1-mecI functional genes. Further, NRCS-A S. capitis strains were present in this Australian NICU before and after the unit underwent physical relocation, which raised questions about a common environmental source. It is considered justified to conduct a randomized clinical trial that assesses cefazolin versus vancomycin for management of late-onset neonatal sepsis.
Simple bone cyst of spinal vertebrae: two case reports and literature review
Authors: Safaei Saeid , Athari Mirbahador , Azimi Parisa , Mirbolook Ahmadreza , Yazdanian Taravat , Hamzehzadeh Farhad
Published: October 2021

Simple bone cyst (SBC) is not a common lesion in the spine and especially in the vertebral body. We intend to report two cases of SBC located in the vertebral body, and review the literature. Two cases include a 24 year-old male and 26 year-old male with vertebral body lesion of T12 and L5 vertebrae,retrospectively. Both lesions were found to be SBC and confirmed by pathology. Both cases were managed with surgery, the cavity was filled with bone graft and posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation with pedicle screws, and rods were carried out. There was no recurrence. There have been 21 cases of SBCs in English literature, and only 8 cases have been reported in the vertebral body. SBC is a rare benign lesion in the spine and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis when suggested by radiologic investigations.
Incidental finding of a gastric schwannoma: a case report
Authors: Cruz Centeno Nelimar , Suarez Dominguez Albert , Mojica Mañosa Pablo , Carlo Victor P
Published: October 2021

Gastric schwannomas are rare peripheral nerve sheath tumors which are usually found incidentally while undergoing workup for other conditions. Despite their benign nature, they require surgical resection with negative margins. It is important to differentiate gastric schwannomas from gastrointestinal stromal tumors prior to surgical excision, as this can alter the recommended surgical plan. This can be achieved with endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle aspiration with analysis of the sampled tissue using immunohistochemical stains. We present the case of a 68-year-old female patient with an incidental finding of a gastric fundus schwannoma. Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection was performed with complete excision of the tumor and negative margins. Pathology was confirmed with immunohistochemical stains positive for S-100 and negative for CD117 and DOG1. Post-operative recovery was uneventful without tumor recurrence.
Techniques of Justice: W. E. B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits and the Problem of Visualizing the Race
Authors: Fusco Katherine , Olman Lynda C.
Published: October 2021

This essay responds to recent calls for a closer examination of visualizations of race in multi-ethnic literature by revisiting the work of W. E. B. Du Bois in this area: particularly, the infographics he created for the 1900 Paris Exposition and the covers he commissioned for The Crisis during his editorship of that journal. Utilizing an approach derived from Foucault’s theories of panopticism, we consider how Du Bois engaged contemporary visual stereotypes of Blackness. First, Du Bois engaged the analytic mode of panopticism in order to break down existing stereotypes of black communities and reveal their diversity and similarities to white communities. Then, Du Bois engaged the synoptic mode to create new, elegant, and abstract visual stereotypes of black achievement and excellence. Our analysis provides valuable context to previous critiques of Du Bois’s elitism by demonstrating it to be—in the visual realm at least—an inevitable consequence of attempting to replace one panoptic stereotype with another: panopticism tends to support rather than subvert hegemony. Notwithstanding, Du Bois’s infographics, with their analytic interventions and visual abstractions, point to techniques for intervening in the visualization of race that bear further investigation in his wider body of scientific and editorial work.
Development of a Novel Epidural Hemorrhage Model in Swine
Authors: Donaldson Ross I , Buchanan Oliver J , Graham Todd L , Ross James D
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury is a major public health concern. Among patients with severe traumatic brain injury, epidural hemorrhage is known to swiftly lead to brain herniation and death unless there is emergent neurosurgical intervention. However, immediate neurosurgeon availability is frequently a problem outside of level I trauma centers. In this context, the authors desired to test a novel device for the emergent management of life-threatening epidural hemorrhage. A review of existing animal models determined that all were inadequate for this purpose, as they were found to be either inappropriate or obsolete. Here, we describe the development of a new epidural hemorrhage model in swine (Sus scrofa, 18-26 kg) ideal for translational device testing.

Materials and Methods

Vascular access was achieved using an ultrasound-guided percutaneous Seldinger catheter-over-wire technique with 5 Fr catheters placed in the bilateral carotid arteries, for continuous blood pressure and to allow for withdrawal of blood for creation of epidural hemorrhage. To simulate an actively bleeding and life-threatening epidural hemorrhage, unadulterated autologous blood was infused from the vascular access point into the epidural space. To be useful for this application and clinical scenario, brain death needed to occur after the planned intervention time but before the end of the protocol period (if no intervention took place). An iterative approach to model development determined that this could be achieved with an initial infusion rate of 1.0 mL/min, slowed to 0.5 mL/min after the first 10 minutes, paired with an intervention time at 15 minutes. All experiments were performed at Oregon Health & Science University, an Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care accredited facility. Oregon Health & Science University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, as well as the United States Army Animal Care and Use Review Office, reviewed and approved this protocol before the initiation of experiments (respectively, protocol numbers IP00002901 and 18116010.e001).

Results

The final developed model allows for the infusion of a known volume of autologous, unadulterated blood directly into the epidural space, without the use of a balloon or other restricting membranes, and is rapidly fatal in the absence of intervention.

Conclusions

This animal model is the first to mirror the expected clinical course of epidural hemorrhage in a physiologically relevant manner, while allowing translational testing of emergency devices. This model successfully allowed the initial testing of a novel interventional device for the emergent management of epidural hemorrhage that was designed for use in the absence of traditional neurosurgical capabilities.
Proof of new S-matrix formula from classical solutions in open string field theory: Or, deriving on-shell open string field amplitudes without using Feynman rules, Part II
Authors: Masuda Toru , Matsunaga Hiroaki , Noumi Toshifumi
Published: October 2021

We study the relation between the gauge-invariant quantity obtained by T. Masuda and H. Matsunaga (arXiv:1908.09784) and the Feynman diagrams in the dressed $\mathcal {B}_0$ gauge in the open cubic string field theory. We derive a set of recurrence relations that hold among the terms of this gauge-invariant quantity. By using these relations, we prove that this gauge-invariant quantity equals the S-matrix at the tree level. We also present a proof that a set of new Feynman rules proposed by T. Masuda and H. Matsunaga (arXiv:2003.05021) reproduces the on-shell disk amplitudes correctly by using the same combinatorial identities.
The Relationship Dilemma: Why Do Banks Differ in the Pace at Which They Adopt New Technology?
Authors: Mishra Prachi , Prabhala Nagpurnanand , Rajan Raghuram G
Published: October 2021

India introduced credit scoring technology in 2007. We study its adoption by the two main types of banks operating there: new private banks (NPBs) and state-owned public sector banks (PSBs). Soon after the technology is introduced, NPBs start checking the credit scores of most borrowers before lending. PSBs do so equally quickly for new borrowers but very slowly for prior clients, although lending without checking scores is reliably associated with more delinquencies. We show that an important factor explaining the difference in adoption rates is the stickiness of past bank structures and managerial practices. Past practices inhibit better practices today.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Associations between Binocular Vision Disorders and Contact Lens Dissatisfaction
Authors: Tilia Daniel , Bakaraju Ravi C. , Asper Lisa J. , Papas Eric B.
Published: October 2021

SIGNIFICANCE

These data demonstrate that binocular vision disorders (BVDs) contribute to contact lens (CL) dissatisfaction independently of CL discomfort (CLD) in myopic, pre-presbyopic, adult, single-vision CL wearers.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine whether BVDs contribute to CL dissatisfaction and whether this contribution is independent of CLD.

METHODS

Participants attended one clinical visit while wearing their habitual CLs. Symptoms from CLD and BVDs were measured with the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) and Convergence Insufficiency Syndrome Survey (CISS), respectively. A comprehensive binocular vision (BV) assessment was performed. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was used to measure CL dissatisfaction from CLD and BVDs based on reported correlations between the CLDEQ-8 and the CISS with the OSDI. Participants were categorized according to their CL comfort status (CLD [≥12 on CLDEQ-8] or non-CLD [<12 on CLDEQ-8]) and BV status (BVD or non-BVD).

RESULTS

Seventy-six participants completed the trial, and 19 (25%) were diagnosed with BVD. Those diagnosed with BVD scored higher than did those diagnosed with non-BVD for the OSDI (25.1 ± 12.7 vs. 10.7 ± 7.3, P < .001) and CISS (18.7 ± 7.7 vs. 11.9 ± 5.9, P = .001), but not the CLDEQ-8 (P = .25). Those categorized as having CLD scored higher than did those categorized as having non-CLD for the OSDI (19.0 ± 12.3 vs. 9.3 ± 5.9, P = .003) and CISS (16.1 ± 6.8 vs. 11.0 ± 6.2, P = .001). There were no significant interactions between BV status and CL comfort status for any questionnaire (P > .08).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher scores for OSDI in those with CLD or BVD indicate that both conditions contribute to CL dissatisfaction. Higher scores for the CISS in those with CLD suggest a degree of overlap for some BVD symptoms. Nonsignificant differences between BVD and non-BVD for the CLDEQ-8 suggest that BVDs contribute to CL dissatisfaction independently of CLD.
Stimulatory Effect of CMV Immunoglobulin on Innate Immunity and on the Immunogenicity of CMV Antigens
Authors: Deml Ludwig , Hüber Christian M. , Barabas Sascha , Spindler Theresa , Cozzi Emanuele , Grossi Paolo
Published: October 2021

Background.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin (CMVIG) is used for the prophylaxis of CMV infection after transplantation. Beyond providing passive CMV-specific immunity, CMVIG exerts enhancing and suppressive immunomodulatory functions. Although the anti-inflammatory activities of CMVIG have been extensively documented, its immunostimulatory activities remain poorly characterized.

Methods.

This exploratory study analyzed the capacity of CMVIG to modulate cell-mediated innate and adaptive immunities in vitro on freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CMV-seropositive and -seronegative healthy individuals, using interferon-γ (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot and intracellular cytokine staining assays.

Results.

We showed that CMVIG treatment increases the number of IFN-γ–secreting PBMCs of both CMV-seronegative and -seropositive individuals, indicating a global stimulatory effect on innate immune cells. Indeed, CMVIG significantly increased the frequency of natural killer cells producing the T helper cell 1–type cytokines tumor necrosis factor and IFN-γ. This was associated with the induction of interleukin-12–expressing monocytes and the activation of cluster of differentiation (CD) 4+ and CD8+ T cells, as measured by the expression of tumor necrosis factor and IFN-γ. Interestingly, stimulation of PBMCs from CMV-seropositive subjects with CMVIG-opsonized CMV antigens (phosphoprotein 65, CMV lysate) enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation, suggesting that CMVIG promotes the immunogenicity of CMV antigens.

Conclusions.

Our data demonstrate that CMVIG can stimulate effector cells of both innate and adaptive immunities and promote the immunogenicity of CMV antigens. These immunostimulatory properties might contribute to the protective effect against CMV infection mediated by CMVIG.
Absolute or Relative Quantification of Donor-derived Cell-free DNA in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Case Series
Authors: Osmanodja Bilgin , Akifova Aylin , Budde Klemens , Choi Mira , Oellerich Michael , Schütz Ekkehard , Beck Julia
Published: October 2021

Background.

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) is increasingly recognized as a valuable biomarker for acute transplant injury, with possible indications in the detection of cellular or humoral rejection and the guidance of immunosuppressive therapy. There is an ongoing debate on whether relative or absolute quantification of dd-cfDNA is more reliable for the detection of acute transplant injury.

Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed all 22 kidney transplant recipients who underwent dd-cfDNA measurements (percentage and absolute) between April 2020 and April 2021 at our institution. Of these, 9 (41%) showed discrepancies between absolute (cutoff: 50 copies/mL) and relative (cutoff: 0.5%) quantification in at least 1 dd-cfDNA measurement.

Results.

We report on 9 of 22 cases with discrepancies in relative and absolute quantification of dd-cfDNA, which were predominantly late posttransplant patients. We found bacterial and viral infections, as well as low leukocyte count from chronic myeloid leukaemia treatment, to be reasons for variability in total cell-free DNA (cfDNA), leading to inter- and intraindividual variability in relative dd-cfDNA quantification. When correlating dd-cfDNA quantification and biopsy results, as well as clinical course, our data indicate that relying solely on relative dd-cfDNA can lead to false-negative and false-positive results.

Conclusions.

In summary, these cases argue that absolute quantification of dd-cfDNA is better suited in patients with underlying conditions affecting total cfDNA levels and suggest using both absolute and relative dd-cfDNA together for higher reliability and interindividual comparability in the clinical setting. Especially for patients with chronic active antibody–mediated rejection, further studies on the use of dd-cfDNA are desirable.
Does genetic predisposition modify the effect of lifestyle-related factors on DNA methylation?
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Hodge Allison M , Wong Ee Ming , Joo Jihoon E , Makalic Enes , Schmidt Daniel F , Buchanan Daniel D , Severi Gianluca , Hopper John L , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , Milne Roger L , Southey Melissa C , Dugué Pierre-Antoine
Published: October 2021

Lifestyle-related phenotypes have been shown to be heritable and associated with DNA methylation. We aimed to investigate whether genetic predisposition to tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption and higher body mass index (BMI) moderates the effect of these phenotypes on blood DNA methylation. We calculated polygenic scores (PGS) to quantify genetic predisposition to these phenotypes using training (N=7,431) and validation (N=4,307) samples. Using paired genetic-methylation data (N=4,307), gene-environment interactions (i.e. PGS x lifestyle) were assessed using linear mixed-effects models with outcomes: 1) methylation at sites found to be strongly associated with smoking (1,061 CpGs), alcohol consumption (459 CpGs) and BMI (85 CpGs), and 2) two epigenetic aging measures,PhenoAgeandGrimAge. In the validation sample, PGS explained ∼1.4% (P=1×10−14), ∼0.6% (P=2×10−7) and ∼8.7% (P=7×10−87) of variance in smoking initiation, alcohol consumption and BMI, respectively. Nominally significant interaction effects (P<0.05) were found at 61, 14, and 7 CpGs for smoking, alcohol consumption and BMI, respectively. There was strong evidence that all lifestyle-related phenotypes were positively associated withPhenoAgeandGrimAge, except for alcohol consumption withPhenoAge. There was weak evidence that the association of smoking withGrimAgewas attenuated in participants genetically predisposed to smoke (interaction term: -0.02, P=0.06) and that the association of alcohol consumption withPhenoAgewas attenuated in those genetically predisposed to drink alcohol (interaction term: -0.03, P=0.04). In conclusion, genetic susceptibility to unhealthy lifestyles did not strongly modify their effects on blood DNA methylation. Potential associations were observed for epigenetic aging measures, which should be replicated in additional studies.
Sequence Recognition by a Pseudorotational Cycle of Sugar Puckers: A Base Pair Switching Model via N-E Sugar Pucker Conversion for Homologous Recombination
Authors: Nishinaka Taro
Published: October 2021

A triplex DNA model bound to a helical filament of homologous recombination protein, such as Escherichia coli RecA, is presented. This model suggests that a function of the nucleoprotein filament could be at least partly attributed to the lowering of transition energy of duplex DNA structure having the E-type sugar puckers. Key events during homologous recombination such as sequence recognition, base pair switching and elongation/contraction of the helical pitch may correlate with the pseudo-rotation angle of sugar puckers along the N-, E-, S- and W-types. A conformational change of sugar puckers during the reaction is resolved into two motions by introducing a pair of parameters, μ1 and ν3, which defines a swing orientation of bases and a torsional angle of phosphate backbones, respectively.
Tacit knowledge sharing and creative performance: a transformative learning perspective
Authors: Mohammed Neethu , Kamalanabhan T.J.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between tacit knowledge-sharing and creative performance of employees from a transformative learning perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Structural Equation Modeling to analyze data collected from 440 employees working in Information Technology industry, using a survey-based questionnaire.

Findings

The dimensions of tacit knowledge-sharing - tacit knowledge-seeking and tacit knowledge-contribution, positively affect employees' creative performance. Further, an individual’s bisociative cognitive style reinforces the positive association between tacit knowledge-sharing and employee creativity.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the field of knowledge management by using a new theoretical lens, Transformative Learning Theory, to examine how tacit knowledge-sharing adds value to knowledge workers in terms of enhancing their creativity.