bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiation for service contracting: incentives, bargaining power, and customer risk aversion
Authors: Li Dong , Li Li
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we analyze negotiation of service contracts when an equipment user (customer) outsources product failure repair service to an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) supplier. The customer is risk averse due to serious consequences of system disruption. The two parties negotiate pricing terms and repair rate. We model the bilateral negotiations under three types of service contract: (i) fixed‐fee contract under which the customer pays a lump sum, (ii) pay‐per‐repair contract under which the customer pays for each repair incident, and (iii) uptime‐based contract under which the customer pays for product uptime. We investigate how different incentives under each contract interact with agents' bargaining power and customer risk aversion in the negotiation process, both theoretically and numerically. Despite that previous studies have shown that fixed‐fee contract generally does not provide incentives for suppliers to invest in repair capacity while uptime‐based contract does, we find that under a bargaining framework fixed‐fee contract can result in the highest (yet suboptimal) repair rate. Furthermore, consensus on contract types may not be achieved between the two parties. For the supplier, uptime‐based contract can result in the highest payoff while pay‐per‐repair contract leads to the lowest. For the customer, it may prefer to choose pay‐per‐repair contract when it is less risk averse and when the supplier has more bargaining power. Our results show some unexplored merits of other types of contracts when the advantages of uptime‐based contract have been highly cited.
Factors affecting the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers in COVID‐19 patients admitted with a Braden scale below 14 in the intensive care unit: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Amini Mahin , Mansouri Feizollah , Vafaee Kamran , Janbakhsh Alireza , Mahdavikian Somayeh , Moradi Yasaman , Fallahi Masoud
Published: March 2022

The pandemic of coronavirus (COVID‐19) has significantly increased the admission of patients with extensive complications, especially for respiratory support, to intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. These patients also suffer from pressure ulcers (PUs) as another complication that occurs due to increased length of hospitalisation and acute conditions of patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of PU and the factors affecting it in COVID‐19 patients admitted to ICUs. This cohort retrospective study used registry data in Imam Reza Hospital located in west of Iran. Four hundred and forty‐five COVID‐19 patients older than 20 years hospitalised in corona ICUs from 20 March 2020 to 30 December 2020, with a Braden score of less than 14 were included in the study. To investigate the relationship between variables in rate prevalence, univariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratio, and for incidence rate in estimating PU risk generated in ICUs, hazard ratio was calculated using cox regression. One hundred and eighty‐three (41.12%) patients were male. The mean age of patients was 63 (SD = ±9.78) years. A total of 1152 cases of PU were generated, with the highest prevalence of PU with 234 cases in the sacrum. One hundred and seventy‐six (55.87%) patients underwent non‐invasive ventilation ulcers. The prevalence of PU was 79.7%. The highest prevalence was found in people over 80 years with 90.67%. The incidence ratio was 46.74%. The highest number of new cases was seen in diabetic patients with 60.96%. First‐degree ulcers were the most common degree of ulceration in 252 (55.38%) patients. Incidence and prevalence excluding first‐degree wounds were 24.04% and 49.66%, respectively. Age, Braden score, BMI, comorbidity, diabetes mellitus, stool incontinence, Glasgow coma scale, vasopressor, and length of hospital stay were significantly associated with PU (P < .05). The incidence and prevalence of PU in patients were high in this study. The length of hospitalisation and Braden score were the most important factors in the development of PU. The widespread prevalence of COVID‐19 and the relatively long stay of patients in the ICU created unfavourable conditions for patients and the treatment system, therefore, it emphasised the use of appropriate measures to prevent PU to avoid double costs and longer stays.
Outcomes of leadless pacemaker implantation in patients with mechanical heart valves
Authors: Loughlin Gerard , Pachón Marta , Martínez‐Sande José Luis , Ibáñez José Luis , Bastante Teresa , Osca Asensi Joaquín , González Melchor Laila , Martínez‐Martínez Juan Gabriel , Cuesta Javier , Arias Miguel A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Device infections constitute a major complication of transvenous pacemakers. Mechanical heart valves (MHV) increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and pacemaker infection, requiring lifelong vitamin K‐antagonists (VKA), which may affect patient management. Leadless pacemakers (LP) are associated with low infection rates, posing an attractive option in MHV patients requiring permanent pacing. This study describes outcomes following LP implantation in patients with MHV.

Methods

This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective study including consecutive patients implanted with an LP at 5 centers between June 2015 and January 2020. Procedural outcomes, antithrombotic management, complications, performance during follow‐up and episodes of bacteremia and IE were compared between patients with and without an MHV (MHV and non‐MHV groups).

Results

Four hundred fifty‐nine patients were included (74 in the MHV group, 16.1%, and 385 in the non‐MHV group, 83.9%). Procedural outcomes and acute electrical performance were comparable between groups. Vascular complications and cardiac perforation occurred in 2.7 versus 2.3% (p = 1) and 0% versus 0.8% (p = 1) in the MHV group and non‐MHV group. One case of IE occurred in the MHV group and 2 in the non‐MHV group. In MHV patients, uninterrupted VKA was used in 83.8%, whereas 16.2% were heparin‐bridged. Vascular complication or tamponade occurred in 1 (8.3%) MHV heparin‐bridged patient versus 1 (1.6%) MHV uninterrupted VKA patient (p = .3).

Conclusion

LP implantation outcomes in MHV patients are comparable to the general LP population. Device‐related infections are rare following LP implantation, including in patients with MHV. In the MHV group, periprocedural anticoagulation management was not associated with significantly different rates of tamponade or vascular complication.
LRG‐1 promotes fat graft survival through the RAB31‐mediated inhibition of hypoxia‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Ho Chia‐kang , Zheng Danning , Sun Jiaming , Wen Dongsheng , Wu Shan , Yu Li , Gao Ya , Zhang Yifan , Li Qingfeng
Published: March 2022

Autologous adipose tissue is an ideal soft tissue filling material, and its biocompatibility is better than that of artificial tissue substitutes, foreign bodies and heterogeneous materials. Although autologous fat transplantation has many advantages, the low retention rate of adipose tissue limits its clinical application. Here, we identified a secretory glycoprotein, leucine‐rich‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG‐1), that could promote fat graft survival through RAB31‐mediated inhibition of hypoxia‐induced apoptosis. We showed that LRG‐1 injection significantly increased the maintenance of fat volume and weight compared with the control. In addition, higher fat integrity, more viable adipocytes and fewer apoptotic cells were observed in the LRG‐1‐treated groups. Furthermore, we discovered that LRG‐1 could reduce the ADSC apoptosis induced by hypoxic conditions. The mechanism underlying the LRG‐1‐mediated suppression of the ADSC apoptosis induced by hypoxia was mediated by the upregulation of RAB31 expression. Using LRG‐1 for fat grafts may prove to be clinically successful for increasing the retention rate of transplanted fat.
Molecular biomarker research in periodontology: A roadmap for translation of science to clinical assay validation
Authors: Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman , Kantarci Alpdogan
Published: March 2022

The number of studies that aims to apply host‐ or microbe‐derived biochemical biomarkers to periodontal disease diagnosis has increased significantly during the last three decades. The biochemical markers can reflect the presence, severity, and activity of periodontal diseases; however, heterogeneities in applied laboratory methods, data presentation, statistical analysis, and data interpretation prevent the translation of candidate host‐ or microbe‐derived biochemical biomarkers to clinical assay validation. Here, we propose a roadmap for making the research outcomes comparable and re‐analysable with the ultimate goal of translating research to clinical practice. This roadmap presents reporting recommendations for host‐ or microbe‐derived biochemical biomarker studies in periodontology. We aim to make essential elements of the research work (including diagnostic criteria, clinical endpoint definitions, participant recruitment criteria, sample collection and storage techniques, biochemical and microbiological detection methods, and applied statistical analysis) visible and comparable.
Intra‐ and inter‐examiner reliability in classifying periodontitis according to the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases
Authors: Abrahamian Lory , Pascual‐LaRocca Andrés , Barallat Lucía , Valles Cristina , Herrera David , Sanz Mariano , Nart José , Figuero Elena
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the inter‐examiner reliability in classifying periodontitis using the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases, when used by postgraduate students, academics, and specialist clinicians trained in European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) postgraduate‐accredited programmes.

Materials and Methods

An online survey including five patients with periodontitis was sent twice to seven specialists in periodontology to provide the staging and grading characteristics. After agreeing on a “gold‐standard” classification, the same questionnaire was sent to 16 EFP and 73 AAP postgraduate programmes, to be answered by their faculty, graduates, and students. The responses were compared with the gold‐standard classification, and the inter‐examiner agreement was calculated.

Results

One‐hundred and seventy‐four participants completed the survey. The inter‐examiner agreement resulted in 68.7% in assigning the stage, 82.4% in assigning the grade, and 75.5% in assigning the extent. The academic position and the experience of the participants did not have any significant influence on classifying periodontitis as the gold standard.

Conclusions

The use of the 2018 periodontitis classification resulted in high inter‐examiner reliability when used by a specialist group of clinicians, postgraduate students, and academicians, irrespective of their current position and experience. Given the low response rate and potential selection bias, results pertaining to the use of this system in classifying periodontitis should be interpreted with caution.
Comparison of periodontal wound healing/regeneration by recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 combined with β‐tricalcium phosphate, carbonate apatite, or deproteinized bovine bone mineral in a canine one‐wall intra‐bony defect model
Authors: Shirakata Yoshinori , Setoguchi Fumiaki , Sena Kotaro , Nakamura Toshiaki , Imafuji Takatomo , Shinohara Yukiya , Iwata Masayuki , Noguchi Kazuyuki
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate periodontal wound healing/regeneration of one‐wall intra‐bony defects treated with recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 (rhFGF‐2) and beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP), carbonate apatite (CO3Ap), or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) in dogs.

Materials and Methods

The stability of rhFGF‐2 adsorbed onto the bone substitutes was evaluated by Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). One‐wall intra‐bony defects (5 × 5 × 5 mm) created in five adult male beagle dogs were treated with rhFGF‐2 alone (rhFGF‐2), rhFGF‐2 with β‐TCP (rhFGF‐2/β‐TCP), rhFGF‐2 with CO3Ap (rhFGF‐2/CO3Ap), or rhFGF‐2 with DBBM (rhFGF‐2/DBBM). Histological outcomes (e.g., linear length of new cementum adjacent to the newly formed bone with inserting collagen fibres [NA] as the primary outcome) were evaluated at 10 weeks post surgery.

Results

Significantly higher amount of rhFGF‐2 was adsorbed onto CO3Ap compared with β‐TCP. Among the treatment groups, the rhFGF‐2/DBBM group showed the highest amount of periodontal tissue regeneration. The rhFGF‐2/DBBM group showed significantly greater formation of NA (3.22 ± 0.40 mm) compared with rhFGF‐2 (1.17 ± 1.00 mm, p < .01) group. Additionally, new bone area in the rhFGF‐2/DBBM group (9.78 ± 2.30 mm2) was significantly higher than that in the rhFGF‐2 (5.08 ± 1.26 mm2, p < .01), rhFGF‐2/β‐TCP (5.91 ± 1.27 mm2, p < .05), and rhFGF‐2/CO3Ap (6.51 ± 1.49 mm2, p < .05) groups. Slight ankylosis was found in the rhFGF‐2/β‐TCP (1/9 sites), rhFGF‐2/CO3Ap (3/10 sites), and rhFGF‐2/DBBM (1/9 sites) groups.

Conclusions

Within their limitations, the present data indicate that DBBM seems to be a suitable carrier for rhFGF‐2 and that rhFGF‐2/DBBM treatment promotes favourable periodontal regeneration compared with rhFGF‐2, rhFGF‐2/β‐TCP, and rhFGF‐2/CO3Ap treatments in one‐wall intra‐bony defects.
Climate change effects on the global distribution and range shifts of citrus longhorned beetle Anoplophora chinensis
Authors: Zhou Yuting , Ge Xuezhen , Liu Jenny , Zou Ya , Guo Siwei , Wang Tao , Zong Shixiang
Published: March 2022

The citrus longhorned beetle (CLB) (Anoplophora chinensis) is an important quarantine pest of main Citrus crops. Its potential distribution and invasion under climate change scenarios have important economic implications for many countries. We used the ensemble maps from both the CLIMEX and MaxEnt models to obtain CLB’s potential distribution in climate‐suitable regions under historical and future climate conditions. Global broadleaved forest cover was overlaid with CLB’s ensemble distributions to further assess the effects of host range. The ensemble models’ projected climate‐suitable regions by 2040–2060 and 2060–2070 under different emission scenarios were used to analyze range shifts. Our results indicate that projected climate‐suitable regions of the CLIMEX are much wider than that of the MaxEnt, but both of them would lose areas with climate change. The global ensemble distributions of CLB concentrated in eastern Asia, central and western Europe and eastern North America, and would shift northward in the future time. Broadleaved forests would cover most of the projected climate‐suitable regions, which provide essential hosts for CLB’s establishment. The ensemble predictive results from the correlative model and mechanistic model highlight the necessity of increasing control, monitoring and quarantine efforts on the pest in the threatened areas.
Mitochondrial adaptations throughout the Trypanosoma brucei life cycle
Authors: Zíková Alena
Published: March 2022

The unicellular parasite Trypanosoma brucei has a digenetic life cycle that alternates between a mammalian host and an insect vector. During programmed development, this extracellular parasite encounters strikingly different environments that determine its energy metabolism. Functioning as a bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and signaling center, the single mitochondrion of T. brucei is drastically remodeled to support the dynamic cellular demands of the parasite. This manuscript will provide an up‐to‐date overview of how the distinct T. brucei developmental stages differ in their mitochondrial metabolic and bioenergetic pathways, with a focus on the electron transport chain, proline oxidation, TCA cycle, acetate production, and ATP generation. Although mitochondrial metabolic rewiring has always been simply viewed as a consequence of the differentiation process, the possibility that certain mitochondrial activities reinforce parasite differentiation will be explored.
Patient dignity and dignified care: A qualitative description of hospitalised older adults perspectives
Authors: Fuseini Abdul‐Ganiyu , Rawson Helen , Ley Lenore , Kerr Debra
Published: March 2022

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to explore older adults’ perspectives about dignity and dignified nursing care during acute hospitalisation in Ghana.

Background

Maintaining hospitalised older adults’ dignity is an essential component of nursing care and one of the most important determinants of wellbeing. To date, no study has been published on older adults’ perspectives of dignified nursing care in the African context.

Study design

A qualitative descriptive research design.

Methods

Twenty hospitalised older adults were purposively selected from the medical and surgical wards of a teaching hospital in Ghana. Data were gathered through semi‐structured interviews between April and August, 2021, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis techniques. The SRQR checklist was used to document reporting of the study.

Results

The following four themes were identified: Effective nurse–patient communication, Maintaining patients’ privacy, Respectful and compassionate care provision and Providing quality and safe care. Dignity was preserved when patients were treated with respect and compassion, provided privacy, and had close family members involved in physical care. Identified barriers to dignity included inadequate information about their health condition, poor communication by the nurses, lack of autonomy, poorly designed healthcare infrastructure and inadequate privacy.

Conclusions

Several enablers and barriers to dignified nursing care have been identified that have been discussed in previous studies. The unique factors identified in the Ghanaian context were family members’ involvement in physical care influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, environmental barriers to privacy and dignity and inadequate involvement in decision making.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses must treat older patients with respect, educate them about the health condition, involve them in care decisions, and identify their preferences regarding provision of hygiene needs, particularly in consideration of religious and cultural beliefs, including involvement of family members. Future planning of healthcare infrastructure needs to consider the importance of private cubicles with disability‐accessible ensuite bathrooms for patients’ comfort and privacy.
Patient and family perceptions of interprofessional collaborative teamwork: An integrative review
Authors: Sigmon Lorie B. , Reis Pamela J. , Woodard Elizabeth K. , Hinkle Julie F.
Published: March 2022

Aims

To understand the patient and family perceptions of teamwork by synthesising existing evidence using the Interprofessional Education Collaborative Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice as a guiding framework.

Background

Advances in healthcare have resulted in more people living longer with health conditions, and patients and families have become the primary caregivers. The role of the interprofessional collaborative team supports a paradigm shift to a care model with the patient and family at the centre of healthcare decisions. However, patient and family views of interprofessional collaborative team care have rarely been studied.

Methods

The authors applied Whittmore and Knafl's methodology to conduct an integrative review of the literature. Databases searched included Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed and PsycINFO along with reference searches. The studies included were those related to patient and family perceptions of teamwork published from 2000 to 2020. The IPEC Core Competencies for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice served as the guiding framework for analysis. A PRISMA flow chart documented the search, inclusion and exclusion criteria for the review.

Results

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The findings identified differing perspectives by patients of the impact of the interprofessional collaborative team in their care which suggests that interventions to increase knowledge about interprofessional collaborative team care from the patient and family perspective may be beneficial.

Conclusions

There is limited research on understanding IPC teams from the patient and family viewpoint. This review reveals incongruencies in patient and provider perspectives of IPC teams and suggests the need for additional research about patient and family perspectives of teamwork. To fully implement the IPC team vision, perceptions of teamwork must be fully understood.
Application of a balloon‐type pressure sensor in texture evaluation of tongue‐crushable foods
Authors: Kohyama Kaoru
Published: March 2022

A relationship has recently been suggested to exist between tongue pressure measured using balloon‐type sensors and the tongue‐crushable food range of individuals. This study was conducted to investigate the applicability of a balloon‐type pressure sensor for texture evaluation of tongue‐crushable soft foods. Six gellan gum gels were used as a soft food model. The fracture force and strain of gels were controlled at two and three levels by changing the gum concentration and acyl‐group content, respectively. The pressure sensor was inserted between a food sample and texture analyzer probe, and pressure values during compression of gels were measured. During the compression test, both the food and tongue‐pressure sensor were deformed, eventually leading to fracture of food gels. Using the tongue‐pressure sensor, the food gels fractured at lower force because of the shape of the sensor but showed longer displacement as the sensor deformed compared to without the sensor. Gels with low‐fracture force in the conventional test without the sensor exhibited lower fracture force, work, gradient, and true stress than those with high‐fracture force in the sensor test. Displacement, clearance, or distance from the bottom plate, and true stress at fracture were appropriate parameters for expressing the fracture characteristics. Both the true fracture stress and fracture pressure in the sensor test decreased with the fracture strain of gels in a conventional test. These results suggest that by using a larger balloon and faster sampling, the sensor can be used to determine the fracture behavior of tongue‐crushable foods.
Association of pneumonia with concentrations of virulent Rhodococcus equi in fecal swabs of foals before and after intrabronchial infection with virulent R. equi
Authors: Cohen Noah D. , Kahn Susanne K. , Bordin Angela I. , Gonzales Giana M. , da Silveira Bibiana Petri , Bray Jocelyne M. , Legere Rebecca M. , Ramirez‐Cortez Sophia C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Intragastric administration of virulent Rhodococcus equi protects foals against subsequent experimental intrabronchial (IB) infection, but it is unknown whether R. equi naturally ingested by foals contributes to their susceptibility to pneumonia.

Hypothesis

Fecal concentration of virulent R. equi before IB infection with R. equi is positively associated with protection from pneumonia in foals.

Animals

Twenty‐one university‐owned foals.

Methods

Samples were collected from experimental studies. Five foals were gavaged with live, virulent R. equi (LVRE) at age 2 and 4 days; the remaining 16 foals were not gavaged with LVRE (controls). Fecal swabs were collected from foals at ages 28 days, immediately before IB infection. Foals were monitored for clinical signs of pneumonia, and fecal swabs were collected approximately 2 weeks after IB infection. Swabs were tested by quantitative PCR for concentration of virulent R. equi (ie, copy numbers of the virulence‐associated protein A gene [vapA] per 100 ng fecal DNA).

Results

Fecal concentrations of virulent R. equi (vapA) before IB infection were significantly (P < .05) lower in control foals (25 copies/100 ng DNA [95% CI, 5 to 118 copies/100 ng DNA) that developed pneumonia (n = 8) than in healthy control foals (n = 8; 280 copies/100 ng DNA; 95% CI, 30 to 2552 copies/100 ng DNA) or those gavaged with LVRE (707 copies/100 ng DNA, 95% CI, 54 to 9207 copies/100 ng DNA).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Greater natural ingestion of LVRE might contribute to protection against pneumonia among foals.
Skua and plant dispersal: lessons from the Argentine Islands – Kyiv Peninsula region in the maritime Antarctic
Authors: Ivanets Viktoria , Yevchun Hanna , Miryuta Natalia , Veselsky Mykola , Salganskiy Oleksandr , Konishchuk Vasyl , Kozeretska Iryna , Dykyi Evgen , Parnikoza Ivan
Published: March 2022

Birds are one of the most likely dispersal vectors for plants in Antarctica. We studied the nesting behavior of south polar skua Catharacta maccormicki and brown skua Catharacta antarctica lonnbergi to assess their potential role in ornithochory in the Argentine Islands – Kyiv Peninsula region. Nest samples were collected during 2009–2020 years in the Argentine Islands – Kyiv Peninsula region including all islands and coasts of the Graham Land from the Lemaire Channel to the islands of Berthelot Islands from north to south and extending from west to east from the Roca Islands, Cruls Islands, Rasmussen Point to the coast. We found that skuas utilize different nest building materials, including bryophytes, vascular plants (hairgrass Deschampsia antarctica) and lichens. In south polar skua nests, mosses and lichens dominate in the nest material; in brown skuas Deschampsia antarctica and mosses dominate. Both bird species likely collect nest components from nearby vegetation formations (< 1 m distant). We conclude that C. maccormicki and C. antarctica lonnbergi are not selective in their choice of plant species, simply using the materials that dominate near the nest. Therefore, both species carry these materials from nearby sites, and only occasionally bring them from distant places. In conclusion, for both species we did not find any evidence to support their involvement in long‐distance ornithochory (stomatochory) in the region.
Reflecting on diachronic Dutch books
Authors: Rescorla Michael
Published: March 2022

Conditionalization governs how to reallocate credence in light of new evidence. One prominent argument in favor of Conditionalization holds that an agent who violates it is vulnerable to a diachronic Dutch book: a series of acceptable bets offered at multiple times that inflict a sure loss. van Fraassen argues that an agent who violates the Principle of Reflection is likewise vulnerable to a diachronic Dutch book. He concludes that agents should conform to both Conditionalization and Reflection. Some authors reply that Reflection is implausible and hence that there must be something wrong with diachronic Dutch book arguments. Other authors try to isolate a principled difference between the Dutch book argument for Conditionalization and the Dutch book argument for Reflection, such that the former argument may succeed even though the latter fails. I pursue a version of this strategy. I contend that, once we properly elucidate the notion of sure loss, non‐reflectors are not vulnerable to a sure loss. An agent who violates Reflection is not thereby subject to a diachronic Dutch book. Appearances to the contrary result from an unmotivated focus upon an overly narrow set of gambling scenarios.
Do 2H and 18O in leaf water reflect environmental drivers differently?
Authors: Cernusak Lucas A. , Barbeta Adrià , Bush Rosemary T. , Eichstaedt (Bögelein) Rebekka , Ferrio Juan Pedro , Flanagan Lawrence B. , Gessler Arthur , Martín‐Gómez Paula , Hirl Regina T. , Kahmen Ansgar , Keitel Claudia , Lai Chun‐Ta , Munksgaard Niels C. , Nelson Daniel B. , Ogée Jérôme , Roden John S. , Schnyder Hans , Voelker Steven L. , Wang Lixin , Stuart‐Williams Hilary , Wingate Lisa , Yu Wusheng , Zhao Liangju , Cuntz Matthias
Published: March 2022

We compiled hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope compositions (δ2H and δ18O) of leaf water from multiple biomes to examine variations with environmental drivers. Leaf water δ2H was more closely correlated with δ2H of xylem water or atmospheric vapour, whereas leaf water δ18O was more closely correlated with air relative humidity. This resulted from the larger proportional range for δ2H of meteoric waters relative to the extent of leaf water evaporative enrichment compared with δ18O. We next expressed leaf water as isotopic enrichment above xylem water (Δ2H and Δ18O) to remove the impact of xylem water isotopic variation. For Δ2H, leaf water still correlated with atmospheric vapour, whereas Δ18O showed no such correlation. This was explained by covariance between air relative humidity and the Δ18O of atmospheric vapour. This is consistent with a previously observed diurnal correlation between air relative humidity and the deuterium excess of atmospheric vapour across a range of ecosystems. We conclude that 2H and 18O in leaf water do indeed reflect the balance of environmental drivers differently; our results have implications for understanding isotopic effects associated with water cycling in terrestrial ecosystems and for inferring environmental change from isotopic biomarkers that act as proxies for leaf water.
Inactivation of the entire Arabidopsis group II GH3s confers tolerance to salinity and water deficit
Authors: Casanova‐Sáez Rubén , Mateo‐Bonmatí Eduardo , Šimura Jan , Pěnčík Aleš , Novák Ondřej , Staswick Paul , Ljung Karin
Published: March 2022

Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) controls a plethora of developmental processes. Thus, regulation of its concentration is of great relevance for plant performance. Cellular IAA concentration depends on its transport, biosynthesis and the various pathways for IAA inactivation, including oxidation and conjugation.

Group II members of the GRETCHEN HAGEN 3 (GH3) gene family code for acyl acid amido synthetases catalysing the conjugation of IAA to amino acids. However, the high degree of functional redundancy among them has hampered thorough analysis of their roles in plant development.

In this work, we generated an Arabidopsis gh3.1,2,3,4,5,6,9,17 (gh3oct) mutant to knock out the group II GH3 pathway. The gh3oct plants had an elaborated root architecture, showed an increased tolerance to different osmotic stresses, including an IAA‐dependent tolerance to salinity, and were more tolerant to water deficit. Indole‐3‐acetic acid metabolite quantification in gh3oct plants suggested the existence of additional GH3‐like enzymes in IAA metabolism. Moreover, our data suggested that 2‐oxindole‐3‐acetic acid production depends, at least in part, on the GH3 pathway. Targeted stress‐hormone analysis further suggested involvement of abscisic acid in the differential response to salinity of gh3oct plants.

Taken together, our data provide new insights into the roles of group II GH3s in IAA metabolism and hormone‐regulated plant development.
An F‐box protein ACOZ1 functions in crossover formation by ensuring proper chromosome compaction during maize meiosis
Authors: Jing Juli , Wu Nan , Xu Wanyue , Wang Yingxiang , Pawlowski Wojciech P. , He Yan
Published: March 2022

Meiosis is an essential reproductive process to create new genetic variation. During early meiosis, higher order chromosome organization creates a platform for meiotic processes to ensure the accuracy of recombination and chromosome segregation. However, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms underlying dynamic chromosome organization in plant meiosis.

Here, we describe abnormal chromosome organization in zygotene1 (ACOZ1), which encodes a canonical F‐box protein in maize.

In acoz1 mutant meiocytes, chromosomes maintain a leptotene‐like state and never compact to a zygotene‐like configuration. Telomere bouquet formation and homologous pairing are also distorted and installation of synaptonemal complex ZYP1 protein is slightly defective. Loading of early recombination proteins RAD51 and DMC1 is unaffected, indicating that ACOZ1 is not required for double strand break formation or repair. However, crossover formation is severely disturbed. The ACOZ1 protein localizes on the boundary of chromatin, rather directly to chromosomes. Furthermore, we identified that ACOZ1 interacts with SKP1 through its C‐terminus, revealing that it acts as a subunit of the SCF E3 ubiquitin/SUMO ligase complex.

Overall, our results suggest that ACOZ1 functions independently from the core meiotic recombination pathway to influence crossover formation by controlling chromosome compaction during maize meiosis.
Mathematics anxiety—where are we and where shall we go?
Authors: Cipora Krzysztof , Santos Flavia H. , Kucian Karin , Dowker Ann
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we discuss several largely undisputed claims about mathematics anxiety (MA) and propose where MA research should focus, including theoretical clarifications on what MA is and what constitutes its opposite pole; discussion of construct validity, specifically relations between self‐descriptive, neurophysiological, and cognitive measures; exploration of the discrepancy between state and trait MA and theoretical and practical consequences; discussion of the prevalence of MA and the need for establishing external criteria for estimating prevalence and a proposal for such criteria; exploration of the effects of MA in different groups, such as highly anxious and high math–performing individuals; classroom and policy applications of MA knowledge; the effects of MA outside educational settings; and the consequences of MA on mental health and well‐being.
Older adult’s longitudinal experiences of household isolation and social distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Brooke Joanne , Dunford Sandra , Clark Maria
Published: March 2022

Background

Due to the global pandemic, governments have enforced household isolation and social distancing to reduce infection and mortality rate. However, the impact of prolonged enforced isolation for older people who are prone to social isolation and loneliness has yet to be understood.

Objectives

A longitudinal study to understand the lived experience of people aged 70 and older, living in England during COVID‐19 restrictions.

Methods

All participants completed five qualitative telephone interviews from 20 April to 7 July 2020. The majority completed individual interviews (n = 13), whilst two participants completed these interviews as a couple. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis completed from the perspective of hermeneutic phenomenology.

Results

Three themes included (1) engagement and confusion with government restrictions; (2) socialisation through virtual platforms and opportunistic physical social contact; and (3) accessing health care during COVID‐19 restrictions.

Conclusion

Older people are committed to following government restrictions, and government campaigns need to consider the potential impact of placing an emphasis on avoiding healthcare services. Virtual platforms are supportive but not sufficient to reduce social isolation and loneliness of older people. Thus, nurses supporting older people living in the community need to understand these concepts to provide holistic care and support older people's mental and physical health.

Implications for practice

Nurses are ideally placed to support older people to understand the current government restrictions, when to attend acute healthcare services or to engage virtually with healthcare appointments, and to discuss the risks of physically socialising with others.
Rich and poor: How political governance crises have affected the relationship between diamond exports and economic growth in the Central African Republic
Authors: Yapatake Kossele Thales Pacific , Ndjakwa Tonga Manuella , Anning Lucy , Ngaba Mbai‐Akem Magalie Gabriella
Published: March 2022

This article examines the role played by political governance crises in the relationship between diamond exports and economic growth in the Central African Republic over the period 1978 to 2010. We used changes in constitution and government and politico‐military crises (including tensions, violence, and politically motivated protests) as proxies for a political governance crisis. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and Bound Test for cointegration are employed to establish short‐run and long‐term relationships. The results show different impacts of the proxy of political governance crises in the relationship between diamond exports and economic growth. We argue that, in a bid to ensure that diamonds fuel economic growth, improving governance of the mining sector and the political governance environment must become a core priority of the country's development strategy.

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On the relationship between the error‐related negativity and anxiety in children and adolescents: From a neural marker to a novel target for intervention
Authors: Meyer Alexandria
Published: March 2022

The current review focuses on our work on the relationship between the error‐related negativity (i.e., ERN) and anxiety in children and adolescents. The ERN is an event‐related potential (ERP) that appears as a negative deflection in the ERP waveform when individuals make errors and has been found to be increased in anxious individuals. We, and others, have extended this work into developmental populations, finding that the ERN can be measured reliably in children and that the ERN is increased among clinically anxious youth. Furthermore, we have found that the ERN predicts risk for increases in anxiety across development, among healthy and clinically anxious children. We have done work to elucidate what psychological phenomena the increased ERN among anxious children may reflect by creating a self‐report measure of error sensitivity (i.e., the Child Error Sensitivity Index) that relates to the ERN. Moreover, we review our work on parenting and the ERN, which suggests that harsh or critical parenting styles may potentiate the ERN in offspring. And, building on these findings, we discuss our recent work to develop novel, computerized intervention strategies to reduce the ERN and thereby risk for anxiety.
Radical geography and the true spirit of liberation
Authors: Akatiff Clark
Published: March 2022

This essay reviews Spatial Histories of Radical Geography: North America and Beyond by Trevor J. Barnes and Eric Sheppard (eds).
Cavity surface residues of PAD4 and SAG101 contribute to EDS1 dimer signaling specificity in plant immunity
Authors: Dongus Joram A. , Bhandari Deepak D. , Penner Eva , Lapin Dmitry , Stolze Sara C. , Harzen Anne , Patel Monika , Archer Lani , Dijkgraaf Lucas , Shah Jyoti , Nakagami Hirofumi , Parker Jane E.
Published: March 2022

Arabidopsis pathogen effector‐triggered immunity (ETI) is controlled by a family of three lipase‐like proteins (EDS1, PAD4, and SAG101) and two subfamilies of HET‐S/LOB‐B (HeLo)‐domain “helper” nucleotide‐binding/leucine‐rich repeats (ADR1s and NRG1s). EDS1‐PAD4 dimers cooperate with ADR1s, and EDS1‐SAG101 dimers with NRG1s, in two separate defense‐promoting modules. EDS1‐PAD4‐ADR1 and EDS1‐SAG101‐NRG1 complexes were detected in immune‐activated leaf extracts but the molecular determinants for specific complex formation and function remain unknown. EDS1 signaling is mediated by a C‐terminal EP domain (EPD) surface surrounding a cavity formed by the heterodimer. Here we investigated whether the EPDs of PAD4 and SAG101 contribute to EDS1 dimer functions. Using a structure‐guided approach, we undertook a comprehensive mutational analysis of Arabidopsis PAD4. We identify two conserved residues (Arg314 and Lys380) lining the PAD4 EPD cavity that are essential for EDS1‐PAD4–mediated pathogen resistance, but are dispensable for the PAD4‐mediated restriction of green peach aphid infestation. Positionally equivalent Met304 and Arg373 at the SAG101 EPD cavity are required for EDS1‐SAG101 promotion of ETI‐related cell death. In a PAD4 and SAG101 interactome analysis of ETI‐activated tissues, PAD4R314A and SAG101M304R EPD variants maintain interaction with EDS1 but lose association, respectively, with helper nucleotide‐binding/leucine‐rich repeats ADR1‐L1 and NRG1.1, and other immune‐related proteins. Our data reveal a fundamental contribution of similar but non‐identical PAD4 and SAG101 EPD surfaces to specific EDS1 dimer protein interactions and pathogen immunity.
Tick‐borne encephalitis virus and West‐Nile fever virus as causes of serous meningitis of unknown origin in Kazakhstan
Authors: Shin Anna , Tukhanova Nur , Ndenkeh Jackson , Shapiyeva Zhanna , Yegemberdiyeva Ravilya , Yeraliyeva Lyazzat , Nurmakhanov Talgat , Froeschl Guenter , Hoelscher Michael , Musralina Lyazzat , Toktasyn Yerubayev , Gulnara Zhumabaeva , Sansyzbayev Yerlan , Aigul Satayeva , Abdiyeva Karlygash , Turebekov Nurkeldi , Wagner Edith , Peintner Lukas , Essbauer Sandra
Published: March 2022

Flaviviruses are a family of viruses that cause many diseases in humans. Their similarity in the antigenic structure causes a cross‐reaction, which complicates the precise diagnostic of disease causing agents. Tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a member of the flavivirus family, is the cause of tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE). Worldwide the awareness of this disease is raising, however, in many countries such as the Republic of Kazakhstan (KZ) there is a lack of serological investigation of flaviviruses in humans. In our study, we focused on two TBE endemic regions of KZ (East Kazakhstan Oblast (EKO) and Almaty (AO)) and a region where TBE cases were registered only since 2010 (Akmola Oblast (AkO)). In KZ, up to 400 cases of serous meningitis of unknown origin were registered annually in the period from 2017 to 2019. Our goals were to calculate the prevalence of antibodies against TBEV in patients with suspected meningitis. We collected 179 sera and 130 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients and included a questionnaire with focus on socio‐demographical factors and observed tick bites. The human samples were tested with TBEV and West‐Nile fever virus (WNFV) IgM and IgG ELISA, by immunofluorescence assay using a flavivirus biochip, and TBEV‐specific real‐time RT‐PCR. We found TBEV and WNFV antibodies in 31 samples by serological and molecular techniques. Seven serum samples out of 31 showed TBEV‐specific antibodies, and three serum pairs had WNFV antibodies. Correlating the serological results with the information gained from the questionnaires it becomes apparent that the number of tick bites is a significant factor for a TBEV infection. This result has an impact on diagnostic in KZ and physicians should be aware that both flaviviruses play a role for serous meningitis of unknown origin in KZ.
The Role of the Official Media Against Circulating Rumors and Media Disinformation About the Corona Pandemic (A'keed Observatory as a Model)
Authors: Sharadga Tahseen Mohammad Anis Hasan
Published: March 2022

The study aimed to identify the role of the official media against the circulating rumors and media misinformation about the Corona pandemic, through the Akeed Media Observatory in Jordan. In this study, the researcher adopted the descriptive and analytical approach, as he monitored the role of the A'keed Media Observatory to confront rumors about the Corona pandemic. The study sample was chosen from the media workers in Akeed Observatory, and their number reached (30) media workers, and in order to achieve the objectives of the study, the researcher developed a questionnaire with the aim of identifying the role of the Akeed Media Observatory in Jordan to address rumors about the Corona pandemic, and the study reached a conclusion that the Akeed Media Observatory in Jordan achieved a large and essential role in confronting circulating rumors and disinformation about the Corona pandemic. The study recommended the development of mechanisms and media strategies to address the rumors about the Corona pandemic.
Response to Comment on “Reversible disorder-order transitions in atomic crystal nucleation”
Authors: Jeon Sungho , Hwang Sang-Yeon , Ciston Jim , Bustillo Karen C. , Reed Bryan W. , Hong Sukjoon , Zettl Alex , Kim Woo Youn , Ercius Peter , Park Jungwon , Lee Won Chul
Published: March 2022

Yuet al. suggested calculating precisely the size ranges of the three parts of our figure 3A, adjusting the free-energy levels in figure 3B, and considering the shape effect in the first-principles calculation. The first and second suggestions raise strong concerns for misinterpretation and overinterpretation of our experiments. The original calculation is sufficient to support our claim about crystalline-to-disordered transformations.
Topological supramolecular network enabled high-conductivity, stretchable organic bioelectronics
Authors: Jiang Yuanwen , Zhang Zhitao , Wang Yi-Xuan , Li Deling , Coen Charles-Théophile , Hwaun Ernie , Chen Gan , Wu Hung-Chin , Zhong Donglai , Niu Simiao , Wang Weichen , Saberi Aref , Lai Jian-Cheng , Wu Yilei , Wang Yang , Trotsyuk Artem A. , Loh Kang Yong , Shih Chien-Chung , Xu Wenhui , Liang Kui , Zhang Kailiang , Bai Yihong , Gurusankar Gurupranav , Hu Wenping , Jia Wang , Cheng Zhen , Dauskardt Reinhold H. , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Tok Jeffrey B.-H. , Deisseroth Karl , Soltesz Ivan , Bao Zhenan
Published: March 2022

Intrinsically stretchable bioelectronic devices based on soft and conducting organic materials have been regarded as the ideal interface for seamless and biocompatible integration with the human body. A remaining challenge is to combine high mechanical robustness with good electrical conduction, especially when patterned at small feature sizes. We develop a molecular engineering strategy based on a topological supramolecular network, which allows for the decoupling of competing effects from multiple molecular building blocks to meet complex requirements. We obtained simultaneously high conductivity and crack-onset strain in a physiological environment, with direct photopatternability down to the cellular scale. We further collected stable electromyography signals on soft and malleable octopus and performed localized neuromodulation down to single-nucleus precision for controlling organ-specific activities through the delicate brainstem.
Hydrocarbon ladder polymers with ultrahigh permselectivity for membrane gas separations
Authors: Lai Holden W. H. , Benedetti Francesco M. , Ahn Jun Myun , Robinson Ashley M. , Wang Yingge , Pinnau Ingo , Smith Zachary P. , Xia Yan
Published: March 2022

Membranes have the potential to substantially reduce energy consumption of industrial chemical separations, but their implementation has been limited owing to a performance upper bound—the trade-off between permeability and selectivity. Although recent developments of highly permeable polymer membranes have advanced the upper bounds for various gas pairs, these polymers typically exhibit limited selectivity. We report a class of hydrocarbon ladder polymers that can achieve both high selectivity and high permeability in membrane separations for many industrially relevant gas mixtures. Additionally, their corresponding films exhibit desirable mechanical and thermal properties. Tuning of the ladder polymer backbone configuration was found to have a profound effect on separation performance and aging behavior.