bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating uncertainty: Employee participation dynamics in times of crisis
Authors: Lammers Alexander , Giebel Marek
Published: February 2024

The flow of information continues to expand exponentially while, at the same time, decision‐making becomes more complex. Employees, organizations, and societies face an increasingly hard challenge in identifying and utilizing information effectively. In the context of a crisis, the need for timely and correct information increases even more to support management decisions. Communication channels such as meetings and staff involvement committees (voluntary or mandatory) are crucial for efficient knowledge flows between employees, management, and within divisions. However, less is known about their pattern of creation at different stages of a crisis. This empirical study investigates the relevance of the Financial Crisis for the introduction and dissolution of staff involvement committees. Using the German IAB Establishment Panel, we use a conditional difference‐in‐differences framework and provide empirical evidence of whether employers initiated or abolished staff involvement committees in different stages of the recession. Our findings reveal that negatively affected establishments are more likely to introduce communication channels, especially during the crisis.
Prediction of high visceral adipose tissue for sex‐specific community residents in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsuan , Chang Chin‐Sung , Liu Chieh‐Yu , Chang Yin‐Fan , Shun Shiow‐Ching
Published: February 2024

Visceral adipose tissue accumulation is strongly linked with numerous chronic diseases; however, the accessibility for visceral adipose tissue measurement is limited. This study employed a cross‐sectional design to determine the optimal strongest predictor of high visceral adipose tissue in each sex and identified the optimal cutoff value thereof. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 94 men and 326 women aged ≥40 years in southern Taiwan. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to explore the optimal predictor of high visceral adipose tissue (defined as ≥135 cm2 for men and ≥100 cm2 for women) in each sex. The waist‐to‐hip ratio was the strongest predictor for men, with a cutoff value of 0.96 yielding the maximum sensitivity (94.29%) and specificity (93.22%). By contrast, body mass index was the strongest predictor for women, with a cutoff value of 25.45 kg/m2 yielding the maximum sensitivity (87.18%) and specificity (87.55%). The results may serve as a reference for health policy‐makers in screening for high visceral adipose tissue to identify individuals at high risk of developing chronic diseases for health promotion.
How can strategies based on performance measurement and feedback support changes in nursing practice? A theoretical reflection drawing on Habermas' social perspective
Authors: Dufour Emilie , Duhoux Arnaud
Published: February 2024

Strategies based on performance measurement and feedback are commonly used to support quality improvement among nurses. These strategies require practice change, which, for nurses, rely to a large extent on their capacity to coordinate with each other effectively. However, the levers for coordinated action are difficult to mobilize. This discussion paper offers a theoretical reflection on the challenges related to coordinating nurses' actions in the context of practice changes initiated by performance measurement and feedback strategies. We explore how Jürgen Habermas' theory of Communicative Action may shed light on the issues underlying nurses' collective actions and self‐determination in practice change and the implications for the design of strategies based on performance measurement and feedback. Based on this theory, we propose differences between communicative and functional coordination according to the nature of the actions and the purposes involved. The domains of action underlying these coordination processes, which Habermas referred to as the lifeworld and the system, are then used to draw a parallel with aspects of nursing practice. Further exploration of these concepts allows us to consider the tensions between the demands of the system and the self‐determination of nurses within their practice.
Role of intraoperative tumour spillage in prognostic outcome of pleomorphic adenoma: A systematic review
Authors: Agrawal Mansi , Mehta Vini , Sengupta Namrata , Sarode Sachin , Singh Shruti , Anand Rahul , Sarode Gargi
Published: February 2024

Background

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common neoplasm of salivary gland origin. The exact cause of PA recurrence is ambiguous. Incomplete surgical excision and violation or accidental rupture of tumour capsule are the widely accepted causes.

Aim

To study intraoperative tumour spillage‐associated recurrence and prognosis in cases of PA of the parotid gland.

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to include case series and observational studies discussing about intraoperative tumour spillage and recurrence in PA of the parotid gland. Quality assessment for the included studies cases was performed based on Joanna Briggs Institute checklist.

Results

A total of 27 studies were included in this review. The majority of the studies reported about cases of intraoperative tumour spillage in PA of the parotid gland. Overall, 12 studies specifically mentioned about the relation of tumour spillage with tumour recurrence. A total of 3 studies observed the association between the mode of treatment and tumour spillage and recurrence.

Conclusion

Intraoperative tumour spillage is a major factor responsible for PA recurrence. A comprehensive knowledge of the recurrence risk factors is of utmost importance. The results of this systematic review aim to make clinicians and surgeons aware that the capsular status of PA is a principal aspect to be taken care of.
Pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa publication trends: 2012 to 2022
Authors: Park Sarah E. , Shih Terri , Dagenet Caitlyn , Hogeling Marcia , Hughes Meagan , Gillenwater Justin , Shi Vivian Y. , Hsiao Jennifer L.
Published: February 2024

There is a paucity of bibliometric data on pediatric‐focused hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) publications. To better characterize research trends in pediatric HS and gaps in literature, we systematically searched PubMed between 2012 and 2022 for publications on pediatric HS and collected data on study design, topic, country, and level of evidence. Of 109 articles that met inclusion criteria, less than half (44/109, 40.4%) were high level of evidence studies; the most common study types were case reports/series (41/109, 37.6%) and cross‐sectional studies (25/109, 22.9%), and the most common study topics were HS treatments (44/109, 40.4%), comorbidities (20/109, 18.3%), and clinical presentation (14/109, 12.8%). Although there has been expansion of the pediatric HS literature in recent years, our study highlights the need for larger prospective studies and trials to improve our ability to optimally manage pediatric HS patients and identify predictors of disease progression and treatment response.
Efficacy of parent–child interaction therapy for children born premature
Authors: Matano Miyuki , Kurane Koyuru , Wakabayashi Kei , Yada Yukari , Kono Yumi , Tajima Toshihiro , Osaka Hitoshi , Monden Yukifumi
Published: February 2024

Background

Premature children are known to be at a high risk of developing behavioral problems. This study examined the effectiveness of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT) in reducing behavioral problems in young children born premature.

Methods

The study included 18 child–parent pairs with children born at less than 35 weeks of gestation (range: 23–34 weeks, median: 31.0 weeks) and aged 27–52 months (median: 38.0 months). They were assigned to either the PCIT group (n = 7) or the non‐PCIT group (n = 11) based on maternal desire for treatment. The study was designed to examine the effects of PCIT. Specifically, the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) intensity score, ECBI problem score, and Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI‐SF) scores were compared before treatment and after 6 months.

Results

In the PCIT group, the mean ECBI intensity score was 135.7 (SD = 13.5; T‐score = 64) at baseline and 90.1 (SD = 15.5; T‐score = 46) at post‐assessment, the mean ECBI problem score was 9.8 (SD = 1.9; T‐score = 54) at baseline and 4.4 (SD = 3.1; T‐score = 44) at post‐assessment, the mean PSI‐SF total score was 60.1 (SD = 4.8; 95%tile) at baseline and 49.6 (SD = 5.6; 85%tile) at post‐assessment, showing a significant improvement (ECBI intensity scores: p < 0.001, d = 2.03; ECBI problem scores: p < 0.001, d = 1.94; PSI‐SF total scores: p = 0.004, d = 0.86). On the other hand, none of the scores showed significant change in the non‐PCIT group.

Conclusions

The PCIT can be considered as a potential treatment option for behavioral problems in young children born premature.
The role of viruses in oral mucosal lesions
Authors: Dommisch Henrik , Schmidt‐Westhausen Andrea Maria
Published: February 2024

The mucosa of the oral cavity is exposed to a large number of different microorganisms such as archaea, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. Among those, viruses cause specific infections, which can easily be transmitted from one person to another. The infectious route may not only include patients and their relatives but also the dental professional team. Thus, a wide knowledge regarding specific viral infections is crucial for the daily routine. Signs and symptoms of oral viral infections can be completely absent or develop into a pronounced clinical picture, so that early detection and information determine the further course of the infection and its influence on other inflammatory diseases, such as periodontitis, as well as the safety of family members and the social environment. As the clinical manifestation of viral infections may be highly variable leading to heterogenous mucosal lesions it is, in most cases, mandatory to differentiate them by specific microbiological tests in addition to clinical examination procedures. This article will give an overview of the role of viruses infecting the oral mucosa, and in addition, describe their clinical manifestation and management.
On the fence: reevaluating the use of temporary amphibian exclusion fencing
Authors: Gould John , Beranek Chad T. , Callen Alex
Published: February 2024

Temporary exclusion fencing is used around development and remediation sites to protect amphibians. However, by focusing so closely on mitigating potential for harm to individuals, managers may not see the “forest for the trees” and inadvertently cause more harm than good for the populations they are trying to protect. Land developments are necessary, and managers need to be capable of selecting the most appropriate solution that does not impede work activities or animal welfare. Yet, we suggest that adapted fencing solutions or non‐fencing alternatives are not being explored that may reduce impacts on amphibians. Our focus is on project managers so that an open discussion can be had on the extent of fencing that is selected for each project.
Clinical utility of depression measures and symptoms: Implications for suicide risk assessment in high risk, resource limited youth populations
Authors: Chapman‐Hilliard Collette , Pelham Tanisha , Mollo Victoria , Henry Paulette , Miller Benjamin , Yankura Joe , Denton Ellen‐ge
Published: February 2024

Objective

Suicide risk for youth in resource‐ limited settings has been largely underrepresented in the literature and requires targeted examination of practical ways to address this growing public health concern. The present study focuses on the clinical utility of depression risk assessment tools addressing how and for whom suicide prevention intervention is most beneficial within a low‐middle‐income‐country, high suicide risk youth sample.

Methods

Youth who reported a previous suicide attempt versus those who did not were criterion to test the validity of depression and hopelessness symptom assessment tools. We used item analyses to identify depressive symptom endorsements that most informed youth suicide risk, which will better equip rural practitioners for targeted intervention and monitoring of youth with an already high risk for suicide.

Results

Findings demonstrated that practitioners may target symptoms of social anhedonia, depressed mood, concentration disturbance, feelings of worthlessness, sleep disturbance, and fatigue for suicide prevention‐intervention efforts among high‐risk youth.

Conclusions

Study implications are for clinicians' use of the BDI‐II and CES‐D for depression symptom identification and suicide risk monitoring in settings with limited mental health infrastructure.
Stories of country women: Advancing feminist intersectionality for climate change adaptation in Australia
Authors: Casey Sarah , Crimmins Gail , McIntyre Joanna , O'Sullivan Sandy
Published: February 2024

Drought has always had a historical presence in ‘rural’ Australia and is predicted to intensify in frequency and duration due to climate change. We argue here that the creeping havoc drought visits upon humans, animals and ecosystems in an Australian context is a form of ‘slow violence’ . Such harm and hardship are often obscured because they are more challenging to conceptualise and symbolise than sudden, spectacle‐creating disasters. Furthermore, in Australia, it is often obscured because of discursive prioritising of ‘urban’ centres. We resist the ‘invisibility’ of this form of slow violence, applying the concept of slow violence in combination with intersectionality and a relational mode of interviewing to analyse data from 27 interviews undertaken across 3 years with a range of women in drought‐declared regions of South‐West Queensland, Australia. We centre the voices of Aboriginal women as leaders in this space, as well as settler women who are often overlooked in the settler narrative of working the land. In doing so, we interrogate external constructions of ‘the rural’ and bring recognition to stories and knowledges of women who live with its daily and yearly impacts.
Race and democratic decline in the United States: How minority population growth affects election administration
Authors: Coll Joseph A. , Maltby Elizabeth , Rocha Rene R.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We ask whether counties with growing black and Latino populations have reduced the number of poll workers and polling sites. We argue that the association between changing racial demographics and election infrastructure has been exacerbated by the release of certain jurisdictions from the Voting Rights Act's (VRA) “preclearance” requirement under Section 5.

Methods

Relying on data from the 2016 and 2018 Election Administration and Voting Survey and demographic data from the American Community Survey, we conduct a multilevel linear regression on a sample of roughly 4000 counties.

Results

We find that counties respond to changes in the Latino population, though not changes in the black population, by reducing access to election resources. This relationship is especially pronounced in areas formerly covered by Section 5 of the VRA.

Conclusions

Given the importance of polling places and workers for in‐person voting, our findings raise serious concerns for racial equality in election access and influence.
Reassessing pseudosluicing in Austronesian
Authors: Middleton John
Published: February 2024

Pseudosluicing diagnostics have played an important role in wider debates about sluicing. Sluicing is the term used to describe the deletion of an embedded clausal constituent, which leaves only a wh‐phrase overt. Genuine sluicing requires syntactic or semantic identity between the sluiced clause and its antecedent, contrasting with pseudosluicing, in which pro‐drop creates the appearance of a sluice but no identity is required. The underlying structure of sluicing in several Austronesian languages has been argued to be pseudoclefts, which involve a nominal wh‐predicate and a headless relative clause argument. Both Malagasy and Nukuoro have been analysed as having pseudocleft sluicing, and on the basis of this, claims about the type of identity required in sluicing have been made. Both analyses rely on diagnostics that rule out the possibility of pseudosluicing. This paper reexamines the pseudosluicing diagnostics used for Malagasy and Nukuoro and concludes that they have been insufficiently controlled for. This is supported by data from Madurese showing that pseudosluicing diagnostics are inconclusive in these Austronesian languages. Language‐internal support is needed for such diagnostics, especially as they play an important role in the conclusions drawn from Austronesian languages on the wider identity requirement for sluicing. Three language‐specific diagnostics are given which are successfully able to identify pseudosluicing in Madurese.
The OsDIR55 gene increases salt tolerance by altering the root diffusion barrier
Authors: Xue Baoping , Duan Wen , Gong Luping , Zhu Dongmei , Li Xueying , Li Xuemei , Liang Yun‐Kuan
Published: February 2024

The increased soil salinity is becoming a major challenge to produce more crops and feed the growing population of the world. In this study, we demonstrated that overexpression of OsDIR55 gene enhances rice salt tolerance by altering the root diffusion barrier. OsDIR55 is broadly expressed in all examined tissues and organs with the maximum expression levels at lignified regions in rice roots. Salt stress upregulates the expression of OsDIR55 gene in an abscisic acid (ABA)‐dependent manner. Loss‐function and overexpression of OsDIR55 compromised and improved the development of CS and root diffusion barrier, manifested with the decreased and increased width of CS, respectively, and ultimately affected the permeability of the apoplastic diffusion barrier in roots. OsDIR55 deficiency resulted in Na+ accumulation, ionic imbalance, and growth arrest, whereas overexpression of OsDIR55 enhances salinity tolerance and provides an overall benefit to plant growth and yield potential. Collectively, we propose that OsDIR55 is crucial for ions balance control and salt stress tolerance through regulating lignification‐mediated root barrier modifications in rice.
Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse) toxicosis in a dog
Authors: Martindale Danielle M. , Haraschak Jenica L. , Thiel Andrew J. , Samuelson Jonathan P. , Buchweitz John P.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To describe the presentation, management, and postmortem examination findings in a dog with confirmed lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) toxicosis.

Case Summary

A 3‐year‐old female neutered mixed breed dog initially presented with neurological signs suspected to be secondary to LDX toxicosis. The dog was treated as typical for amphetamine toxicoses but developed severe respiratory and cardiovascular signs throughout their hospitalization. The progression of the cardiopulmonary signs led to cardiopulmonary arrest, for which CPR was unsuccessful. Postmortem examination exhibited severe hemorrhage throughout multiple organ systems. Toxicology testing confirmed the presence of unaltered LDX and its metabolite, amphetamine.

New or Unique Information Provided

This is the first case report documenting a severe progression of clinical signs and postmortem examination findings in a case of confirmed LDX toxicosis in a dog. Although the patient did not survive treatment, postmortem examination and microscopic evaluation of tissues allowed visualization of the extent of systemic pathophysiology. With prompt treatment, the prognosis of amphetamine toxicosis in dogs is generally considered good; however, this case report demonstrates a severe case in which even prompt and appropriate treatment did not prevent mortality. This suggests a need to establish negative prognostic indicators for which to monitor in cases of amphetamine toxicosis. Finally, this report is also unique in the fact that the LDX toxicosis was confirmed using a toxicological analysis technique not previously described clinically in dogs.
Women in Finance: Advice from Female Finance Executives
Authors: Dyer M. Renee
Published: February 2024

Women in the finance industry create a needed balance for corporations that can improve firm outcomes. Even with this knowledge, women are still underrepresented in the finance industry. This study is about the factors that lead women into the finance industry and those that discourage them from a career in finance. Interviews with ten women currently working in different sectors of the finance industry uncover the motives that lead them to careers in finance and areas that need to be addressed to encourage more women to choose finance as a college major and a career.
Estimating the Impact of Monetary Stability and Commercial Exposure on the Agricultural Sector’s Production of Vegetable Oils in Iraq for the Period 2003-2020
Authors: Hammad Saad A. , Outhman Noor Yousif , Abdullah Thakir Hadi , Ahmed Hasnaa Rafea , Ulkareem Ali Abd
Published: February 2024

This manuscript aims to estimate the impact of monetary stability and commercial exposure on the agricultural sector's production of vegetable oils in Iraq for the period 2003-2020. We assume that monetary stability and commercial exposure impact the quantity of vegetable oil production. Use descriptive analytical approach and use econometric techniques estimate the impact utilizing unit root testing with the extended Dickey-Fuller (ADF) time series test. The variables became stationary after taking their first difference. According to Johansen, co-integration was observed when co-integration was tested as the vector error correction model (VECM) was applied. There is a long-term equilibrium relationship between the independent monetary stability variable (X1), the independent trade exposure variable (X2), and the dependent variable of the quantity of vegetable oil production (Q). That is, there is a long-term equilibrium relationship that goes from (X1) and (X2) to (Q). The results indicate that there is a significant positive relationship (positive effect) between monetary stability (X1) and the agricultural production of vegetable oils (Q) in the long term. There is an inverse significant relationship (reverse effect) of commercial exposure (X2) on agricultural production of vegetable oils (Q) in the long term. The quality of the model's performance and its safety from standard problems were confirmed. The manuscript recommends that the government of Iraq get up prioritize supporting the vegetable oils sector by developing a strategy that works to increase production and includes providing financial and in-kind support and preparing infrastructure for the agricultural sector to reflect the increase in the production of vegetable oils because they are considered a cash crop and essential for achieving food security.
Daily blood flow restriction does not preserve muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of bed rest
Authors: Fuchs Cas J. , Hermans Wesley J. H. , Nyakayiru Jean , Weijzen Michelle E. G. , Smeets Joey S. J. , Aussieker Thorben , Senden Joan M. , Wodzig Will K. H. W. , Snijders Tim , Verdijk Lex B. , van Loon Luc J. C.
Published: February 2024

We measured the impact of blood flow restriction on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of strict bed rest. Twelve healthy, male adults (age: 24 ± 3 years, body mass index: 23.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) were subjected to 14 days of strict bed rest with unilateral blood flow restriction performed three times daily in three 5 min cycles (200 mmHg). Participants consumed deuterium oxide and we collected blood and saliva samples throughout 2 weeks of bed rest. Before and immediately after bed rest, lean body mass (dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry scan) and thigh muscle volume (magnetic resonance imaging scan) were assessed in both the blood flow restricted (BFR) and control (CON) leg. Muscle biopsies were collected and unilateral muscle strength (one‐repetition maximum; 1RM) was assessed for both legs before and after the bed rest period. Bed rest resulted in 1.8 ± 1.0 kg lean body mass loss (P < 0.001). Thigh muscle volume declined from 7.1 ± 1.1 to 6.7 ± 1.0 L in CON and from 7.0 ± 1.1 to 6.7 ± 1.0 L in BFR (P < 0.001), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.497). In addition, 1RM leg extension strength decreased from 60.2 ± 10.6 to 54.8 ± 10.9 kg in CON and from 59.2 ± 12.1 to 52.9 ± 12.0 kg in BFR (P = 0.014), with no differences between treatments (P = 0.594). Muscle protein synthesis rates during bed rest did not differ between the BFR and CON leg (1.11 ± 0.12 vs. 1.08 ± 0.13%/day, respectively; P = 0.302). Two weeks of bed rest substantially reduces skeletal muscle mass and strength. Blood flow restriction during bed rest does not modulate daily muscle protein synthesis rates and does not preserve muscle mass or strength.

image

Key points

Bed rest, often necessary for recovery from illness or injury, leads to the loss of muscle mass and strength. It has been postulated that blood flow restriction may attenuate the loss of muscle mass and strength during bed rest.

We investigated the effect of blood flow restriction on muscle protein synthesis rates, muscle mass and strength during 2 weeks of strict bed rest.

Blood flow restriction applied during bed rest does not modulate daily muscle protein synthesis rates and does not preserve muscle mass or strength.

Blood flow restriction is not effective in preventing muscle atrophy during a prolonged period of bed rest.
'All this in their ignorance they called civilisation': Analysing the Relationship between Nationalism and the Display of Roman Archaeology in Britain's National Museums
Authors: Givens William
Published: February 2024

This article evaluates how nationalist narratives affect the display of Roman artefacts in national museums. The unique nature of national museums as 'cultural constitutions' and arbiters of the 'Authorised Heritage Discourse' is discussed. This article builds upon previous work by demonstrating how nationalist influence affects the display of Roman artefacts, specifically through the use of two case studies: the British Museum in London and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Museum displays are assessed for indications of nationalist influence through consideration of the use of space and collection composition as well as textual analysis of gallery signage and artefact descriptions. The two museums' divergent approaches to national narrative are then compared.
An Electrochemical-Thermal Coupling Model Based on Two-Factor Parameter Modification for Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhao Mingsi , He Manping , Chen Deqian , Ding Yunhui , Pan Haihong
Published: February 2024

The accurate establishment of battery model can improve the design reliability and reduce the design risk, which provides an important basis for the research of battery. First, the key parameters of the Li-ion battery model are identified by the least square method based on the full-battery equivalent circuit model of the single-particle impedance spectrum, and the diffusion coefficient and exchange current density under different temperatures and SOC conditions are calculated. At the same time, the one-dimensional thermal rate model is used as the heat source of the three-dimensional model, and the mean temperature T of the three-dimensional model is calculated by using Fourier's law, and T is fed back to the one-dimensional model as the key parameter to modify the conductivity, diffusion coefficient, and exchange current density, and a semi-empirical electrochemical-thermal coupling model with two-factor parameter modification is established. Finally, the model is verified by the temperature field distribution and discharge voltage curve at different discharge rates. The maximum temperature difference is less than 3.1 °C, and the maximum voltage difference error is less than 0.131 V. The results show that the improved model can accurately reflect the influence of temperature on the model parameters, and has high accuracy in the estimation of battery terminal voltage and SOC.
Power Loss and Damage Behavior of Gears Operating Under Loss of Lubrication
Authors: Morhard Bernd , Paschold Constantin , Lohner Thomas , Stahl Karsten
Published: February 2024

Geared turbofans need to withstand loss of lubrication due to inevitable off-design conditions. Additionally, the loss of lubrication specifications that have to be fulfilled are getting stricter. For a loss of lubrication event, today's geared turbofans are equipped with secondary oil supply systems. Their omission would reduce space and weight and, consequently, carbon emissions. However, this requires geared transmissions to withstand loss of lubrication events. In order to enable this, knowledge of the power loss and damage behavior of gears under loss of lubrication is required first. In this study, power loss and bulk temperature measurements of test gears under loss of lubrication on an FZG gear efficiency test rig are presented. Hertzian pressures in the pitch point up to 1723 N/mm2 and circumferential speeds up to 20 m/s were considered. The experimental results show the characteristics of increasing power loss and bulk temperatures under loss of lubrication depending on load and speed. At moderate operating conditions, no damage occurs within 20 s under loss of lubrication, whereas a load increase results in slight scuffing, and a speed increase results in severe scuffing. Oil centrifugation has a strong effect on the loss of lubrication performance. Additional experiments under reduced quantity lubrication demonstrate the impact of the remaining oil on the survivability of gears facing the loss of lubrication.
Large-area fabrication of nanometer-scale features on GaN using e-beam lithography
Authors: Yasar Firat , Muller Richard E. , Khoshakhlagh Arezou , Keo Sam A.
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a time- and cost-effective method for the large-area fabrication of photonic crystals with nanometer-scale features on the GaN material. The proposed technique utilizes e-beam lithography and double hard mask layers to enable the high aspect ratio etching of the nanoscale features. The double hard mask layer, which is a photoresist, platinum (Pt) and SiO2, is very strong against plasma etching, making it an effective barrier layer to protect the underlying material during the etching process. The fabricated photonic crystal exhibits a high aspect ratio and excellent uniformity over a large area. This technique can be used for the time-effective production of photonic crystals for various applications such as optical sensing, spectroscopy, and telecommunications. The method presented in this paper can also be extended to other material systems beyond GaN. The proposed approach provides a promising route to achieve the large-area fabrication of nanometer-scale structures with high aspect ratios using e-beam lithography.
Thickness dependent thermal conductivity of strontium titanate thin films on silicon substrate
Authors: Annam Roshan Sameer , Danayat Swapneel , Nayal Avinash , Tarannum Fatema , Chrysler Matthew , Ngai Joseph , Jiang Jiechao , Schmidt Aaron J. , Garg Jivtesh
Published: February 2024

Perovskite materials, of which strontium titanate (STO) and its thin films are an example, have attracted significant scientific interest because of their desirable properties and the potential to tune thermal conductivity by employing several techniques. Notably, strontium titanate thin films on silicon (Si) substrates serve as a fundamental platform for integrating various oxides onto Si substrates, making it crucial to understand the thermal properties of STO on Si. This work investigates the thermal conductivity of STO thin films on an Si substrate for varying film thicknesses (12, 50, 80, and 200 nm) at room temperature (∼300 K). The thin films are deposited using molecular beam epitaxy on the Si substrate and their thermal conductivity is characterized using the frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) method. The measured values range from 7.4 ± 0.74 for the 200 nm thick film to 0.8 ± 0.1 W m−1 K−1 for the 12 nm thick film, showing a large effect of the film thickness on the thermal conductivity values. The trend of the values is diminishing with the corresponding decrease in the thin film thickness, with a reduction of 38%–93% in the thermal conductivity values, for film thicknesses ranging from 200 to 12 nm. This reduction in the values is relative to the bulk single crystal values of STO, which may range from 11 to 13.5 W m−1 K−1 [Yu et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 92, 191911 (2008) and Fumega et al., Phys. Rev. Mater. 4, 033606 (2020)], as measured by our FDTR-based experiment. The study also explores the evaluation of volumetric heat capacity (Cp). The measured volumetric heat capacity for the 200 nm thin film is 3.07 MJ m−3 K−1, which is in reasonable agreement with the values available in the literature.
Tongue position in Mandarin Chinese voiceless stops
Authors: Ahn Suzy , Kwon Harim , Faytak Matthew
Published: February 2024

The current study explores whether Mandarin initial and medial voiceless unaspirated and voiceless aspirated stops differ in their tongue positions and post-vocalic voicing during closure. Ultrasound tongue imaging and acoustic data from five Mandarin speakers revealed (1) no consistent pattern for tongue positions among speakers, and (2) no difference in degree of voicing during closure between the two stop series. These findings suggest that tongue position is not a reliable articulatory correlate for Mandarin laryngeal contrasts. This further suggests that aspiration is not correlated with tongue position differences, unlike the reported correlation between voicing and tongue root advancement.
A way to block TBK1 in ccRCC
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: February 2024

Targeting a driver of TBK1 kinase activity may slow the growth of kidney tumors.
Delayed gametocyte clearance in
Plasmodium vivax
malaria is associated with polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR)
Authors: Salazar Yanka Evellyn Alves Rodrigues , Louzada Jaime , Puça Maria Carolina Silva de Barros , Guimarães Luiz Felipe Ferreira , Vieira José Luiz Fernandes , Siqueira André Machado de , Gil José Pedro , Brito Cristiana Ferreira Alves de , Sousa Tais Nobrega de
Published: February 2024

Primaquine (PQ) is the main drug used to eliminate dormant liver stages and prevent relapses in
Plasmodium vivax
malaria. It also has an effect on the gametocytes of
Plasmodium falciparum
; however, it is unclear to what extent PQ affects
P. vivax
gametocytes. PQ metabolism involves multiple enzymes, including the highly polymorphic CYP2D6 and the cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR). Since genetic variability can impact drug metabolism, we conducted an evaluation of the effect of CYP2D6 and CPR variants on PQ gametocytocidal activity in 100 subjects with
P. vivax
malaria. To determine gametocyte density, we measured the levels of
pvs25
transcripts in samples taken before treatment (D0) and 72 hours after treatment (D3). Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were used to examine the effects of enzyme variants on gametocyte densities, adjusting for potential confounding factors. Linear regression models were adjusted to explore the predictors of PQ blood levels measured on D3. Individuals with the
CPR
mutation showed a smaller decrease in gametocyte transcript levels on D3 compared to those without the mutation (
P
= 0.02, by GEE). Consistent with this, higher PQ blood levels on D3 were associated with a lower reduction in
pvs25
transcripts. Based on our findings, the
CPR
variant plays a role in the persistence of gametocyte density in
P. vivax
malaria. Conceptually, our work points to pharmacogenetics as a non-negligible factor to define potential host reservoirs with the propensity to contribute to transmission in the first days of CQ–PQ treatment, particularly in settings and seasons of high
Anopheles
human-biting rates.
Prebiotic effect of galacto-
N
-biose on the intestinal lactic acid bacteria as enhancer of acetate production and hypothetical colonization
Authors: Matsuzaki Chiaki , Takagi Hiroki , Saiga Sorachi , Kinoshita Yuun , Yamaguchi Misako , Higashimura Yasuki , Yamamoto Kenji , Yamaguchi Masanori
Published: February 2024

Galacto-
N
-biose (GNB) is an important core structure of glycan of mucin glycoproteins in the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa. Because certain beneficial bacteria inhabiting the GI tract, such as bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria, harbor highly specialized GNB metabolic capabilities, GNB is considered a promising prebiotic for nourishing and manipulating beneficial bacteria in the GI tract. However, the precise interactions between GNB and beneficial bacteria and their accompanying health-promoting effects remain elusive. First, we evaluated the proliferative tendency of beneficial bacteria and their production of beneficial metabolites using gut bacterial strains. By comparing the use of GNB, glucose, and inulin as carbon sources, we found that GNB enhanced acetate production in
Lacticaseibacillus casei
,
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
,
Lactobacillus gasseri
, and
Lactobacillus johnsonii
. The ability of GNB to promote acetate production was also confirmed by RNA-seq analysis, which indicated the upregulation of gene clusters that catalyze the deacetylation of
N
-acetylgalactosamine-6P and biosynthesize acetyl-CoA from pyruvate, both of which result in acetate production. To explore the
in vivo
effect of GNB in promoting acetate production, antibiotic-treated BALB/cA mice were administered with GNB with
L. rhamnosus
, resulting in a fecal acetate content that was 2.7-fold higher than that in mice administered with only
L. rhamnosus
. Moreover, 2 days after the last administration, a 3.7-fold higher amount of
L. rhamnosus
was detected in feces administered with GNB with
L. rhamnosus
than in feces administered with only
L. rhamnosus
. These findings strongly suggest the prebiotic potential of GNB in enhancing
L. rhamnosus
colonization and converting
L. rhamnosus
into higher acetate producers in the GI tract.

IMPORTANCE

Specific members of lactic acid bacteria, which are commonly used as probiotics, possess therapeutic properties that are vital for human health enhancement by producing immunomodulatory metabolites such as exopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids, and bacteriocins. The long residence time of probiotic lactic acid bacteria in the GI tract prolongs their beneficial health effects. Moreover, the colonization property is also desirable for the application of probiotics in mucosal vaccination to provoke a local immune response. In this study, we found that GNB could enhance the beneficial properties of intestinal lactic acid bacteria that inhabit the human GI tract, stimulating acetate production and promoting intestinal colonization. Our findings provide a rationale for the addition of GNB to lactic acid bacteria-based functional foods. This has also led to the development of therapeutics supported by more rational prebiotic and probiotic selection, leading to an improved healthy lifestyle for humans.
Opposing genetic polymorphisms of two ABC transporters contribute to the variation of nukacin resistance in
Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Sadaoka Naoki , Le Mi Nguyen-Tra , Kawada-Matsuo Miki , Eng Sopongselamuny , Zendo Takeshi , Nakanishi Jun , Takeda Katsuhiro , Shiba Hideki , Komatsuzawa Hitoshi
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus mutans
is a cariogenic bacterium that produces a variety of bacteriocins and retains resistance to these bacteriocins. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of 127
S
.
mutans
strains to nukacins produced by
Staphylococcus
spp., which are commensal bacteria in humans. We detected diverse susceptibilities among strains. Nineteen strains had a disrupted LctF (type I), which is responsible for nukacin susceptibility, whereas the remaining 108 strains had an intact LctF (type II) and displayed resistance to nukacins. However, the type I strains still showed resistance to nukacins to some extent. Interestingly, 18/19 (94.7%) type I strains carried a
mukA-T
locus, which is related to the synthesis of mutacin K8, and
mukFEG
, an ABC transporter. In contrast, among type II strains, only 6/108 strains (5.6%) had both the
mukA-T
locus and
mukFEG
, 19/108 strains (17.6%) carried only
mukFEG
, and 83/108 strains (76.9%) harbored neither
mukA-T
nor
mukFEG
. We also found that MukF had two variants: 305 amino acids (type α) and 302 amino acids (type β). All type I strains showed a type α (MukFα), whereas most type II strains with
mukFEG
(22/25 strains) had a type β (MukFβ). Then, we constructed a
mukFEG
-deletion mutant complemented with MukFαEG or MukFβEG and found that only MukFαEG was involved in nukacin resistance. The nukacin resistance capability of type II-LctFEG was stronger than that of MukFαEG. In conclusion, we identified a novel nukacin resistance factor, MukFEG, and either LctFEG or MukFEG was active in most strains via genetic polymorphisms depending on
mukA-T
genes.

IMPORTANCE

Streptococcus mutans
is an important pathogenic bacterium not only for dental caries but also for systemic diseases.
S. mutans
is known to produce a variety of bacteriocins and to retain resistance these bacteriocins. In this study, two ABC transporters, LctFEG and MukFEG, were implicated in nukacin resistance and each ABC transporter has two subtypes, active and inactive. Of the two ABC transporters, only one ABC transporter was always resistant, while the other ABC transporter was inactivated by genetic mutation. Interestingly, this phenomenon was defined by the presence or absence of the mutacin K8 synthesis gene region, one of the bacteriocins of
S. mutans
. This suggests that the resistance acquisition is tightly controlled in each strain. This study provides important evidence that the insertion of bacteriocin synthesis genes is involved in the induction of genetic polymorphisms and suggests that bacteriocin synthesis genes may play an important role in bacterial evolution.
Filamin B restricts vaccinia virus spread and is targeted by vaccinia virus protein C4
Authors: Georgana Iliana , Scutts Simon R. , Gao Chen , Lu Yongxu , Torres Alice A. , Ren Hongwei , Emmott Edward , Men Jinghao , Oei Keefe , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: February 2024

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a large DNA virus that encodes scores of proteins that modulate the host immune response. VACV protein C4 is one such immunomodulator known to inhibit the activation of both the NF-κB signaling cascade and the DNA-PK-mediated DNA sensing pathway. Here, we show that the N-terminal region of C4, which neither inhibits NF-κB nor mediates interaction with DNA-PK, still contributes to virus virulence. Furthermore, this domain interacts directly and with high affinity to the C-terminal domain of filamin B (FLNB). FLNB is a large actin-binding protein that stabilizes the F-actin network and is implicated in other cellular processes. Deletion of FLNB from cells results in larger VACV plaques and increased infectious viral yield, indicating that FLNB restricts VACV spread. These data demonstrate that C4 has a new function that contributes to virulence and engages the cytoskeleton. Furthermore, we show that the cytoskeleton performs further previously uncharacterized functions during VACV infection.

IMPORTANCE

Vaccinia virus (VACV), the vaccine against smallpox and monkeypox, encodes many proteins to counteract the host immune response. Investigating these proteins provides insights into viral immune evasion mechanisms and thereby indicates how to engineer safer and more immunogenic VACV-based vaccines. Here, we report that the N-terminal domain of VACV protein C4 interacts directly with the cytoskeletal protein filamin B (FLNB), and this domain of C4 contributes to virus virulence. Furthermore, VACV replicates and spreads better in cells lacking FLNB, thus demonstrating that FLNB has antiviral activity. VACV utilizes the cytoskeleton for movement within and between cells; however, previous studies show no involvement of C4 in VACV replication or spread. Thus, C4 associates with FLNB for a different reason, suggesting that the cytoskeleton has further uncharacterized roles during virus infection.
Draft genome sequences of 12
Mycolicibacterium fortuitum
isolates from human pulmonary infections in Veracruz, Mexico
Authors: Mejía-Ponce Paulina M. , Chimal-Muñoz Miguel , Zenteno-Cuevas Roberto , Licona-Cassani Cuauhtémoc
Published: February 2024

Mycolicibacterium fortuitum
, a fast-growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, is a significant pathogen in healthcare-associated infections, encompassing skin, soft tissue, and pulmonary diseases. In this study, we present draft genome sequences from 12
M
.
fortuitum
strains isolated from sputum samples from patients diagnosed with pulmonary infections in Mexico.
ProQ-dependent activation of
Salmonella
virulence genes mediated by post-transcriptional control of PhoP synthesis
Authors: Bergman Sofia , Andresen Liis , Kjellin Jonas , Martinez Burgo Yolanda , Geiser Petra , Baars Sophie , Söderbom Fredrik , Sellin Mikael E. , Holmqvist Erik
Published: February 2024

Gastrointestinal disease caused by
Salmonella enterica
is associated with the pathogen’s ability to replicate within epithelial cells and macrophages. Upon host cell entry, the bacteria express a type-three secretion system encoded within
Salmonella
pathogenicity island 2, through which host-manipulating effector proteins are secreted to establish a stable intracellular niche. Transcription of this intracellular virulence program is activated by the PhoPQ two-component system that senses the low pH and the reduced magnesium concentration of host cell vacuoles. In addition to transcriptional control,
Salmonella
commonly employ RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. ProQ is a globally acting RBP in
Salmonella
that promotes expression of the intracellular virulence program, but its RNA repertoire has previously been characterized only under standard laboratory growth conditions. Here, we provide a high-resolution ProQ interactome during conditions mimicking the environment of the
Salmonella
-containing vacuole (SCV), revealing hundreds of previously unknown ProQ binding sites in sRNAs and mRNA 3′UTRs. ProQ positively affected both the levels and the stability of many sRNA ligands, some of which were previously shown to associate with the well-studied and infection-relevant RBP Hfq. We further show that ProQ activates the expression of PhoP at the post-transcriptional level, which, in turn, leads to upregulation of the intracellular virulence program.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella enterica
is a major pathogen responsible for foodborne gastroenteritis, and a leading model organism for genetic and molecular studies of bacterial virulence mechanisms. One key trait of this pathogen is the ability to survive within infected host cells. During infection, the bacteria employ a type three secretion system that deliver effector proteins to target and manipulate host cell processes. The transcriptional regulation of this virulence program is well understood. By contrast, the factors and mechanisms operating at the post-transcriptional level to control virulence gene expression are less clear. In this study, we have charted the global RNA ligand repertoire of the RNA-binding protein ProQ during
in vitro
conditions mimicking the host cell environment. This identified hundreds of binding sites and revealed ProQ-dependent stabilization of intracellular-specific small RNAs. Importantly, we show that ProQ post-transcriptionally activates the expression of PhoP, a master transcriptional activator of intracellular virulence in
Salmonella
.