bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thumb II Site Inhibitor Allosterically Suppresses the Dynamics of HCV NS5B RNA‐Dependent RNA Polymerase
Authors: Jois Bhavna , Deredge Daniel , Johnson Kenneth , Wintrode Patrick
Published: June 2021

The NS5B RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase of human hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major target for drug development in the search for an effective treatment of hepatitis C. Various nucleoside analogs and allosteric non‐nucleoside inhibitors, classified based on the drug binding site, have been shown to bind NS5B and inhibit HCV replication. However, the genetic diversity of HCV and the rapid development of resistance mutations have stressed the need for better understanding of the mechanism of inhibition at a molecular level. With this intention, we have used hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry to characterize the local dynamics of NS5B in the presence and absence of these inhibitors. We have verified that the inhibitor binding to the polymerase causes significant loss of exchange at the binding site and in regions adjacent. Additionally, we have seen that large regions of NS5B that are distant from the drug‐binding site show a significant loss in protein dynamics as detected by H/D exchange. This allosteric inhibition encompasses specific regions of NS5B that are involved in its catalytic cycle, including the fingers, finger extensions and thumb.

Funding Source: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
Glia Maturation Factor Stimulates Release of Proinflammatory Mediators from Mast Cells
Authors: Zaheer Asgar , Kempuraj Duraisamy , Ramasamy Thangavel , Zaheer Smita , Santillan Donna , Santillan Mark
Published: June 2021

We have investigated if brain protein glia maturation factor (GMF) and Parkinson's disease (PD)‐relevant toxin 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and α‐synuclein can activate mast cells to release inflammatory mediators. Mast cells are implicated and suggested as a therapeutic target in neuroinflammation but its role in PD is not yet understood. We have analyzed the effect of recombinant GMF, MPP+, α‐synuclein and recombinant IL‐33 on mouse bone marrow‐derived cultured mast cells (BMMCs), human umbilical cord blood‐derived cultured mast cells (hCBMCs), and mouse embryonic brain‐derived cultured astrocytes. The release of cytokines/chemokines was determined by ELISA and the expression of co‐stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD40Ligand by flow cytometry. GMF significantly released chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) from BMMCs when compared to un‐treated control cells. GMF, α‐synuclein and MPP+ activated BMMCs to release interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and IL‐8 release from hCBMCs. IL‐33, an IL‐1 family member induced the expression of GMF in human mast cells. GMF induced more tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) release from astrocyte‐ mast cell co‐culture. Flow cytometry showed increased IL‐33 expression by GMF and MPP+in astrocytes. GMF also induced the expression of CD40 in astrocytes. In conclusion, proinflammatory mediator release from mast cells following GMF, MPP+ or α‐synuclein treatment, and significant release of GMF by mast cells indicate a novel drug target for neurodegenerative diseases including PD.
Workplace Incivility and Its Effects on the Physical and Psychological Health of Nursing Faculty
Authors: Sherrod Jayme Trocino , Lewallen Lynne Porter
Published: June 2021

AIM

The aim was to explore 1) the relationship between nursing faculty attributes and their experiences with workplace incivility and 2) the impact of experiences with workplace incivility on the physical and psychological health of nursing faculty.

BACKGROUND

Qualitative evidence suggests that workplace incivility impacts the physical and psychological health of nursing faculty. This has not been explored in a quantitative manner.

METHOD

A cross-sectional, correlational survey was distributed to nursing faculty teaching in the southeastern United States. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and hierarchical multivariate multiple regression.

RESULTS

Faculty age, full-time status, highest degree earned, orientation programs, and program type were significantly related to experiences with workplace incivility. Workplace incivility was significantly related to an increase in headaches, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems and a decrease in subjective well-being.

CONCLUSION

Workplace incivility significantly impacts the physical and psychological health of nursing faculty.
Efficacy of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy with Tetrachlorodecaoxygen-Anion Complex Instillation Compared with Standard Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy for Accelerated Wound Healing: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Burusapat Chairat , Sringkarawat Sophilak
Published: June 2021

Background:

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with instillation is a novel wound therapy. The optimal solution is still being investigated. Tetrachlorodecaoxygen-anion complex (TCDO) causes increased phagocytosis and oxygenation. The authors’ objective was to investigate the efficacy of NPWT with TCDO instillation (NPWTi) and to compare the results with NPWT alone.

Methods:

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Inclusion criteria were wound size greater than 4 cm2 and depth greater than 10 mm. Exclusion criteria were malignancy, immunocompromise, and allergy to TCDO. Patients were randomized into NPWT and NPWTi groups. Outcome measurements consisted of wound surface area, depth, volume, tissue culture, and pathologic evaluation.

Results:

A total of 24 patients in each group were enrolled. The percentages of wound surface area reduction of NPWTi and NPWT groups were 24.1 ± 6.8 and 28.2 ± 7.6 on day 12, and 19.0 ± 6.6 and 22.7 ± 7.8 on day 15, respectively (p < 0.05). The percentages of wound depth reduction were 16.4 ± 5.3 and 22.5 ± 10.5 on day 12, and 12.0 ± 6.7 and 14.1 ± 8.0 on day 15, respectively (p < 0.05). The percentages of wound volume reduction were 17.9 ± 4.6 and 21.6 ± 5.8 on day 12, and 14.7 ± 6.0 and 17.1 ± 6.6 on day 15, respectively (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference in microbial reduction was found between the groups. Histopathologic examination showed that more angiogenesis was observed in the NPWTi group than in the NPWT group.

Conclusions:

NPWT with TCDO instillation statistically significantly accelerated wound healing, but it did not show significant microbial reduction. The authors’ results suggest that TCDO instillation may be an adjunctive treatment in NPWT.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Perceived Professionalism of a Dietitian Is Not Influenced by Attire or White Coat
Authors: Tadros Farah J. , Benoit Teresa H. , Folsom Susannah C. , Lim Charissa M. , Tanner Marty , Arbeau Timothy , Solch Rebecca J. , Langkamp-Henken Bobbi
Published: June 2021

Personal attributes, including dress, are contributors to perceived professionalism of a dietitian; however, few studies examine this relationship. This study determined whether perceived professionalism of a dietitian was influenced by attire. Participants (n = 474) completed an online questionnaire during which they were randomized to watch 1 of 4 identically scripted videos, of a dietitian, wearing 1 of 4 combinations of attire (business professional with a white coat, business professional without a white coat, scrubs with a white coat, and scrubs without a white coat) giving a diet instruction. Participants rated professionalism by scoring 8 subcharacteristics, averaged to represent a mean total professionalism score. Attire and white coat did not influence perceived professionalism of a dietitian.
The ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase from Melainabacteria: a comparative study between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic bacterial sources
Authors: Ferretti María V. , Hussien Rania A. , Ballicora Miguel A. , Iglesias Alberto A. , Figueroa Carlos M. , Asencion Diez Matías D.
Published: June 2021

Until recently, all members of the cyanobacterial phylum were considered capable of performing oxygenic photosynthesis. This view has been questioned after the discovery of a group of presumed non-photosynthetic cyanobacteria named Melainabacteria. Using metagenomic data, we identified sequences encoding putative ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.27, ADP-GlcPPase) from free-living and intestinal Melainabacteria. These genes were de novo synthesized and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The purified recombinant proteins from the free-living and the intestinal Melainabacteria showed ADP-GlcPPase activity, with Vmax values of 2.3 and 7.1 U/mg, respectively. Both enzymes had similar affinities towards ATP (S0.5 ∼0.3 mM) although the one from the intestinal source displayed a 6-fold higher affinity for glucose-1P. Both recombinant ADP-GlcPPases were sensitive to allosteric activation by glucose-6P (A0.5 ∼0.3 mM), and to inhibition by Pi and ADP (I0.5 between 0.2 to 3 mM). Interestingly, the enzymes from Melainabacteria were insensitive to 3-phosphoglycerate, which is the principal activator of ADP-GlcPPases from photosynthetic cyanobacteria. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first biochemical characterization of an active enzyme from Melainabacteria, offering further data to discussions regarding their phylogenetic position. This work contributes to a better understanding regarding the evolution of allosteric mechanisms in ADP-GlcPPases, an essential enzyme for the synthesis of glycogen in prokaryotes and starch in plants.
Investigating the experiences of individuals in recovery from problem substance use and their perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Smith Emma , Carter Melody , Walklet Elaine , Hazell Paul
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how enforced forms of social isolation arising from the first COVID-19 lockdown influenced experiences of problem substance use, relapse and coping strategies for recovery in individuals engaging with harm reduction recovery services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative semi-structured interview design was adopted for this research. Seven participants were recruited from a harm reduction recovery organisation. During their initial interview, participants volunteered information regarding their experience of the first lockdown due to emerging concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a second semi-structured interview at the end of the first lockdown regarding their experience of enforced isolation during this time.

Findings

Three themes identified from the analysis were isolation resulting in hindered human capabilities; adjusting to a new normal: an individual experience; and unexpected benefits to recovery resulting from isolation. While some participants reported boredom, loneliness and relapse events, others reported that the national response to the virus did not adversely affect them as they had already adjusted to living in a state of anxiety, isolation and uncertainty. These findings illuminate negative, neutral and positive aspects of substance use recovery throughout the COVID-19 lockdown as well as highlighting the complex and individualised role that social connectedness plays in relapse occurrence.

Originality/value

Participants reported differences in how they were affected by the pandemic, leading to theoretical implications for the effect of social isolation on recovery. For this reason, individuals with a history of dependency should be considered potentially vulnerable to the effects of enforced isolation and should be supported accordingly.
New fraud star theory and behavioural sciences
Authors: Monteverde Vicente Humberto
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the theory of the fraud star and the formulation of its microeconomic model, based on the behavioural sciences.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a practical exploration, first in the convergence of the economics of fraud and the behavioural sciences, based on these tools, formulating the new theory of the star of fraud and formulating its microeconomic model.

Findings

The paper concludes with a new model of the fraud star theory and its microeconomic modelling. Take into account the new theory of the fraud star of this article.

Research limitations/implications

There are no limitations in the model.

Practical implications

The practical implications are to apply the new fraud star theory and calculate your income, in different scenarios.

Social implications

The social implication is to know the income for the crime of fraud, according to the level of regulations, control and effective punishment.

Originality/value

The present work is original; there is no new theory of the fraud star, nor its microeconomic model, and it does not exist in the academic field, only in this work.
Fifteen years of customer engagement research: a bibliometric and network analysis
Authors: Hollebeek Linda D. , Sharma Tripti Ghosh , Pandey Ritesh , Sanyal Priyavrat , Clark Moira K.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In recent years, customer engagement (CE) with brands, which has been shown to yield enhanced firm sales, competitive advantage and stock returns, has risen to occupy a prominent position in brand management research and practice. Correspondingly, scholars have explored CE’s conceptualization, operationalization and its nomological networks as informed by different theoretical perspectives. However, in spite of important advances, the knowledge structure of the overall corpus of CE research remains tenuous. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the intellectual structure of CE research.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this gap, this study deploys bibliometric and network analysis to map CE’s literature-based landscape. Using bibliometric analysis, important CE-publishing journals, authors and influential CE articles (2005–2020) are uncovered. Using network analysis, prominent CE themes are also unearthed.

Findings

The results document key CE-publishing journals and authors and their respective contributions to the literature. Five CE themes are also identified, including CE measurement/methods, online CE, CE’s value co-creating capacity, CE conceptualization and customer/consumer brand engagement. Further, an agenda for future CE research is provided based on the presented network analysis results.

Practical implications

The reported findings generate important implications for brand managers. For example, the identified critical role of online (vs offline) CE offers a range of strategic opportunities, as outlined.

Originality/value

This paper offers a pioneering bibliometric and network analysis of the CE literature, thus mapping the field. From the identified CE themes, important avenues for further CE research are also identified.
Regional differences in the fatty acid composition, and vitamin and carotenoid concentrations in farm bulk milk in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Mitani Tomohiro , Kobayashi Kuniyuki , Ueda Koichiro , Kondo Seiji
Published: June 2021

In this study, we investigated the regional differences in the composition of farm bulk milk produced at three different dairy areas in Hokkaido, Japan. A field survey was conducted at Central, Tokachi, and North areas of Hokkaido, three or four times a year. At each farm, an interview questionnaire for farm basal data was conducted, and 500 ml of bulk tank milk sample was obtained. Fatty acid composition, and vitamin and carotenoid concentrations in the milk samples were determined. In Central and Tokachi areas, corn silage was used as the main forage. In North area, fresh herbage was the dominant feed in the summer season, and grass hay was the main feed in the winter season. Discriminant analysis revealed that the composition of milk samples differed among the areas and seasons. Milk from Central and Tokachi areas contained a higher ratio of linoleic acid compared with that from North area, but there were only slight differences in the composition of milk between Central and Tokachi areas. The concentrations of carotenoids and α‐tocopherol were higher in samples from North area and the ratios of trans‐vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher in the summer season than in the indoor season.
Rare earth element geochemistry of lake sediments from the eastern Nanling Mountain area (South China) and its implication for East Asian monsoon related chemical weathering over the past ~47 000 years
Authors: Zhong Wei , Yu Jian , Ye Susu , Tang Xiaowen , Wei Zhiqiang , Quan Mingying , Li Tianhang
Published: June 2021

Chondrite‐normalized rare earth element (REE) data of a ~47.0‐ka lake sedimentary sequence from the Dahu Swamp in the eastern Nanling Mountain area were used to determine climatic variations within the region. These sediments proved to be valuable proxies of climatic changes and their origin is discussed. The influences of grain size, organic matter absorption and Fe‐Mn oxides on REE composition were determined to not be significant. The dominant source of sediments was ascertained to be the weathered granite residues from the catchment, enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE). Intensified East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) resulted in intensive chemical weathering, leading to enhanced REE and LREE fractionations in the weathered residues; this caused the increase in REE and LREE, and decrease in heavy rare earth element (HREE) fractionation degrees in the sediment. Therefore, our results indicate that changes in LREE/HREE, (La/Yb)N, (La/Sm)N) and (Gd/Yb)N, the proxies of REE, LREE, and HREE fractionations, can serve as proxies of regional climate‐induced chemical weathering and thus serve to constrain EASM changes.
The epigenetics of keloids
Authors: Stevenson Andrew W. , Deng Zhenjun , Allahham Amira , Prêle Cecilia M. , Wood Fiona M. , Fear Mark W.
Published: June 2021

Keloid scarring is a fibroproliferative disorder of the skin with unknown pathophysiology, characterised by fibrotic tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Therapeutic options are few and commonly ineffective, with keloids very commonly recurring even after surgery and adjunct treatments. Epigenetics, defined as alterations to the DNA not involving the base‐pair sequence, is a key regulator of cell functions, and aberrant epigenetic modifications have been found to contribute to many pathologies. Multiple studies have examined many different epigenetic modifications in keloids, including DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs. These studies have established that epigenetic dysregulation exists in keloid scars, and successful future treatment of keloids may involve reverting these aberrant modifications back to those found in normal skin. Here we summarise the clinical and experimental studies available on the epigenetics of keloids, discuss the major open questions and future perspectives on the treatment of this disease.
Regulatory noncoding RNAs: functions and applications in health and disease
Authors: Arraiano Cecília Maria
Published: June 2021

Science is facing a new RNA world that is shaping our knowledge, and we are discovering a new horizon in molecular biology. New technologies revealed thousands and thousands of new RNAs, most of them located in what was once known as the “dark matter of DNA”. They are functional regulatory RNAs and do not code for proteins, and they orchestrate the cellular function according to the changes needed. These noncoding RNAs are ubiquitous, and they are present from viruses to humans. In this Virtual Issue, The FEBS Journal features a collection of recent articles on long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs. It gives a broad perspective regarding their role in vascular diseases, ocular diseases, immune cell development and homeostasis, inflammation, production of extracellular matrix, and cancer. Furthermore, review‐type articles highlight the potential use of noncoding RNAs in a wide range of applications.
Body Image Related to Sexual Health: Development of the Concept
Authors: Wilson Christina M. , McGuire Deborah B. , Rodgers Beth L.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Disturbances in body image can have an impact on sexual health and are prevalent in women of reproductive age. Although body image is important, the definition of this concept is inconsistent across the disciplines of nursing, medicine, and psychology. Use of a consistent definition in clinical practice and research could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of disturbances in body image, thereby advancing research‐based knowledge and clinical practice. The purpose of this concept development was to advance the concept of body image as it relates to sexual health among women of reproductive age from the perspectives of 3 disciplines with a strong focus on body image: nursing, medicine, and psychology.

Methods

Strategies for concept development as described by Rodgers provided the basis for this work. The process includes a search, review, and synthesis of the literature surrounding the concept of interest.

Results

Seventy‐one articles, mostly qualitative and quantitative descriptive, were included and used to develop the concept. Body image related to sexual health in women of reproductive age is a multifaceted concept that is composed of an emotional and behavioral response to one's perceived appearance, sexuality, and degree of femininity. An individual's body image is influenced by sociocultural identities, race, ethnicity, and health status. It has both physical and psychological impact on health outcomes.

Discussion

This interprofessional and comprehensive definition of body image should enhance understanding, assessment, and management of body image disturbances, thus bridging disciplines and enhancing interprofessional research and practice.
Myogenic autoregulation in bone marrow arterioles and in vivo intramedullary pressure in femora of conscious, female Long Evans rats
Authors: Noh Sunggi , Lee Seungyong , Green Sophie , Prisby Rhonda
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The ability to regulate skeletal blood flow is critical for the maintenance of bone. The myogenic response is essential for regulating tissue blood flow. Myogenic responsiveness in bone marrow arterioles has not yet been determined. Furthermore, the literature is disparate regarding intramedullary pressures (IMP) within bone. The purposes of this study were to (1) determine whether bone marrow arterioles have myogenic activity and (2) assess if the autoregulatory zone corresponds with IMP. Also, this study provides detailed methodology on dissecting and isolating bone marrow arterioles for functional assessment.

Methods

Experiment 1: Femoral shafts of female Long Evans rats were catheterized to assess in vivo IMP. Experiment 2: Bone marrow arterioles from female Long Evans rats were cannulated. Active and passive myogenic responses were determined.

Results

In vivo intramedullary pressure averaged 32 ± 3 mmHg, intramedullary pulse pressure averaged 5.28 ± 0.03 mmHg, and the mean maximal diameter and wall thickness of the bone marrow arterioles were 96 ± 7 µm and 18 ± 2 µm, respectively. An active myogenic response was observed and differed (p < .001) from the passive curve.

Conclusion

Bone marrow arterioles have myogenic responsiveness and the autoregulatory zone corresponded with the range of IMP (15–51 mmHg) within the femoral diaphysis of conscious animals.
Fleshy‐fruited invasive shrubs indirectly increase native tree seed dispersal
Authors: Vergara‐Tabares David L. , Blendinger Pedro G. , Tello Agustina , Peluc Susana I. , Tecco Paula A.
Published: June 2021

Biological invasions are one of the main threats to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in the Anthropocene. Fleshy‐fruited invasive plants establish mutualistic interactions with native seed dispersers and may affect the mutualisms between native partners, negatively by disrupting plant dispersal through competition for seed dispersers or positively by facilitating seed dispersal via the attraction of fruit‐eating animals. Moreover, the invaders' density in the neighborhood of native plants may modulate the direction and/or magnitude of such effects on natives. In mountains of central Argentina, the cessation of fruiting of the dominant native tree Lithraea molleoides overlaps with the beginning of the fruiting of invasive shrubs (Pyracantha spp.). This partial overlap allows for testing opposite predictions regarding the effect of invasive fruits on native seed dispersal. We compared frugivory by seed disperser birds on L. molleoides during non‐overlapping and overlapping periods, at six sites that differed in Pyracantha shrub density (high, low and no‐invasion). We counted frugivory during 2 h on 15 individuals of L. molleoides at each site and period, totaling 360 h of observation. Frugivory on the native tree was similar among sites during the non‐overlapping period and remained constant in both periods at non‐invaded sites. At invaded sites, frugivory increased from non‐overlapping to overlapping period and was greater at highly invaded sites. The resource provided by Pyracantha did not disrupt seed dispersal of the dominant native tree. Rather, it facilitated frugivory by seed dispersers and this effect may be exacerbated with higher fruit availability of invasives. Our results provide a counterview to the prevailingly negative impacts of invasive species on the seed dispersal of native species since the fruiting of invasive plants facilitated the seed dispersal of native species in a continental region contrasts with the mutualism disruption commonly observed in insular environments.
Safety and efficacy evaluation of the automatic stepwise recruitment maneuver in the neonatal population: An in vivo interventional study. Can anesthesiologists safely perform automatic lung recruitment maneuvers in neonates?
Authors: Serrano Zueras Clara , Guilló Moreno Verónica , Santos González Martín , Gómez Nieto Francisco Javier , Hedenstierna Göran , García Fernández Javier
Published: June 2021

Background

A new software has recently been incorporated in almost all new anesthesia machines to enable automatic lung recruitment maneuvers. To date, no studies have assessed the safety and efficacy of these automatic software programs in the neonatal population.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the lung recruitment maneuver performed using the automatic stepwise recruitment maneuver software of the FLOW‐i 4.3 Anesthesia System® in a healthy and live neonatal model.

Methods

Eight male newborn piglets were included in the study. The lung recruitment maneuver was performed in pressure‐controlled ventilation with a constant driving pressure (15 cmH2O) in a stepwise increasing positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) model. The target peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) was 30 cmH2O and PEEP was 15 cmH2O. The maneuver lasted for 39 seconds. The hemodynamic variables were monitored using the PICCO® system. The following respiratory parameters were monitored: oxygen saturation, fraction of inspired oxygen, partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood, end‐tidal carbon dioxide pressure, PIP, plateau pressure, PEEP, static compliance (Cstat), and dynamic compliance (Cdyn).

Safety was evaluated by assessing the accuracy of the software, need for not interrupting the maneuver, hemodynamic stability, and absence of adverse respiratory events with the lung recruitment maneuver. Efficacy was evaluated by improvement in Cstat and Cdyn after performing the lung recruitment maneuver.

Results

All lung recruitment maneuvers were safely performed as scheduled without any interruptions. No pneumothorax or other side effects were observed. Hemodynamic stability was maintained during the lung recruitment maneuver. We observed an improvement of 33% in Cdyn and 24% in Cstat after the maneuver.

Conclusions

The automatic stepwise recruitment maneuver software of the FLOW‐i 4.3 Anesthesia System® is safe and efficacious in a healthy neonatal model. We did not observe any adverse respiratory or hemodynamic events during the implementation of the lung recruitment maneuver in the pressure‐controlled ventilation mode using a stepwise increasing PEEP (30/15 cmH2O) approach.
Organizational Resilience to Disruption Risks: Developing Metrics and Testing Effectiveness of Operational Strategies
Authors: Baghersad Milad , Zobel Christopher W.
Published: June 2021

This study draws from the system resilience literature to propose three different metrics for evaluating the resilience performance of organizations against disruptions: the initial loss due to the disruption, the maximum loss, and the total loss over time. In order to show the usefulness of the developed metrics in practice, we deploy these metrics to study the effectiveness of two resilience strategies: maintaining operational slack and broadening operational scope, by empirically analyzing the performance of manufacturing firms that experienced a disruption during the period from 2005 to the end of 2014. The results show that maintaining certain aspects of operational slack and broadening business scope and geographic scope can affect these different metrics in different ways. Our results help decisionmakers in risk management to gain a better understanding of the conditions under which the recommended strategies actually improve organizations’ resilience, as well as the ways in which they may do so.
Improved Heat-Transfer Correlation for Transcritical Methane Based on a Velocity Profile Correction Term
Authors: Zhang Meng , Sun Bing
Published: June 2021

In this paper, three-dimensional numerical simulations of the transcritical flow and heat transfer of methane are performed in a rectangular channel under asymmetric heating. The accuracy of four different Nusselt number correlations in the calculation of transcritical methane flow and heat transfer is compared, and two improved heat transfer correlations are proposed based on the Bishop correlation with and without adding a velocity profile correction term. The obtained results show that the proposed heat transfer correlations can accurately predict the heat transfer of transcritical methane. It is also shown that by adding a velocity profile correction term, the error between calculated values and those obtained from numerical simulations is reduced from 6.33% to 2.82%. Moreover, it is revealed that under severe heat transfer deterioration conditions, the proposed heat transfer correlations overestimate the convective heat transfer coefficient near the inlet. When the heat transfer is significantly improved, the variation of convective heat transfer coefficient becomes very different from the base case. A large error is noticed between the calculated results of correlation Modified 1 and the results obtained from the numerical simulations, while the correlation Modified 2 with velocity profile correction term still proves satisfactory calculation accuracy.
Scattering problems via real-time wave packet scattering
Authors: Staelens M. , Marsiglio F.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we use a straightforward numerical method to solve scattering models in one-dimensional lattices based on a tight-binding band structure. We do this by using the wave packet approach to scattering, which presents a more intuitive physical picture than the traditional plane wave approach. Moreover, a general matrix diagonalization method that is easily accessible to undergraduate students taking a first course in quantum mechanics is used. Beginning with a brief review of wave packet transport in the continuum limit, comparisons are made with its counterpart in a lattice. The numerical results obtained through the diagonalization method are then benchmarked against analytic results. The case of a resonant dimer is investigated in the lattice, and several resonant values of the mean wave packet momentum are identified. The transmission coefficients obtained for a plane wave incident on a step potential and rectangular barrier are compared by investigating an equivalent scenario in a lattice. Finally, we present several short simulations of the scattering process, which emphasize how a simple methodology can be used to visualize some remarkable phenomena.
Oscillation of a balanced hollow cylinder on an inclined plane
Authors: De Luca R.
Published: June 2021

The static and dynamic properties of an asymmetric rigid body are studied using a Lagrangian approach. The body consists of a thin-walled cylinder balanced by a point mass attached to its inner surface. When resting on an inclined plane, stable and unstable equilibrium points are found, and oscillations about the stable point are studied for different angles of inclination and different values of the balancing mass. The analysis illustrates the utility of Lagrangian mechanics, and the derived results can be experimentally verified using simple materials.
Integrating numerical modeling into an introductory physics laboratory
Authors: Sachmpazidi Diana , Bautista Manuel , Chajecki Zbigniew , Mendoza Claudio , Henderson Charles
Published: June 2021

Traditional introductory physics laboratories typically focus on guided experimentation while neglecting essential aspects of the scientific practice including computational reasoning. While there is a broad consensus among physics faculty on the need to introduce undergraduate students to computation, its integration in physics curricula is far from adequate. In this article, we document the process of redesigning a calculus-based introductory physics laboratory course to incorporate computational modeling. We describe the instructional design and document students' and instructors' experiences and attitudes towards this new course. Despite some challenges, students identified numerical modeling as the most important and beneficial feature of the lab course. The computational tools allowed students to engage in more complex and realistic experiments than conventional laboratories, which triggered their interest and kept them engaged in the task. Results from instructor interview data corroborate the positive perceived aspects of student attitudes towards the course.
The voice of COVID-19: Acoustic correlates of infection in sustained vowels
Authors: Bartl-Pokorny Katrin D. , Pokorny Florian B. , Batliner Anton , Amiriparian Shahin , Semertzidou Anastasia , Eyben Florian , Kramer Elena , Schmidt Florian , Schönweiler Rainer , Wehler Markus , Schuller Björn W.
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 is a global health crisis that has been affecting our daily lives throughout the past year. The symptomatology of COVID-19 is heterogeneous with a severity continuum. Many symptoms are related to pathological changes in the vocal system, leading to the assumption that COVID-19 may also affect voice production. For the first time, the present study investigates voice acoustic correlates of a COVID-19 infection based on a comprehensive acoustic parameter set. We compare 88 acoustic features extracted from recordings of the vowels /i:/, /e:/, /u:/, /o:/, and /a:/ produced by 11 symptomatic COVID-19 positive and 11 COVID-19 negative German-speaking participants. We employ the Mann-Whitney U test and calculate effect sizes to identify features with prominent group differences. The mean voiced segment length and the number of voiced segments per second yield the most important differences across all vowels indicating discontinuities in the pulmonic airstream during phonation in COVID-19 positive participants. Group differences in front vowels are additionally reflected in fundamental frequency variation and the harmonics-to-noise ratio, group differences in back vowels in statistics of the Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients and the spectral slope. Our findings represent an important proof-of-concept contribution for a potential voice-based identification of individuals infected with COVID-19.
Nonlinear rheometry of entangled polymeric rings and ring-linear blends
Authors: Parisi Daniele , Kaliva Maria , Costanzo Salvatore , Huang Qian , Lutz Pierre J. , Ahn Junyoung , Chang Taihyun , Rubinstein Michael , Vlassopoulos Dimitris
Published: June 2021

We present a comprehensive experimental rheological dataset for purified entangled ring polystyrenes and their blends with linear chains in nonlinear shear and elongation. In particular, data for the shear stress growth coefficient, steady-state shear viscosity, and first and second normal stress differences are obtained and discussed as functions of the shear rate, as well as molecular parameters (molar mass, blend composition, and decreasing molar mass of linear component in the blend). Over the extended parameter range investigated, rings do not exhibit clear transient undershoot in shear, in contrast to their linear counterparts and ring-linear blends. For the latter, the size of the undershoot and respective strain appear to increase with the shear rate. The universal scaling of the strain at overshoot and fractional overshoot (the ratio of the maximum to the steady-state shear stress growth coefficient) indicates subtle differences in the shear-rate dependence between rings and linear polymers or their blends. The shear thinning behavior of pure rings yields a slope nearly identical to predictions (−4/7) of a recent shear slit model and molecular dynamics simulations. Data for the second normal stress difference are reported for rings and ring-linear blends. While N2 is negative and its absolute value stays below that of N1, as for linear polymers, the ratio –N2/N1 is unambiguously larger for rings compared to linear polymer solutions with the same number of entanglements (almost by a factor of 2), in agreement with recent nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, –N2 exhibits slightly weaker shear rate dependence compared to N1 at high rates, and the respective power-law exponents can be rationalized in view of the slit model (3/7) and simulations (0.6), although further work is needed to unravel the molecular original of the observed behavior. The comparison of shear and elongational stress growth coefficients for blends reflects the effect of ring-linear threading, which leads to significant viscosity enhancement in elongation. Along the same lines, the elongational stress is much larger than the first normal stress in shear, and their ratio is much larger for rings and ring-linear blends compared to linear polymers. This confirms the interlocking scenario of rings and their important role in mechanically reinforcing linear matrices.
Effective Therapy Targeting Cytochrome
bc
1
Prevents
Babesia
Erythrocytic Development and Protects from Lethal Infection
Authors: Chiu Joy E. , Renard Isaline , Pal Anasuya C. , Singh Pallavi , Vydyam Pratap , Thekkiniath Jose , Kumar Madelyn , Gihaz Shalev , Pou Sovitj , Winter Rolf W. , Dodean Rozalia , Frueh Lisa , Nilsen Aaron C. , Riscoe Michael K. , Doggett J. Stone , Mamoun Choukri Ben
Published: June 2021

An effective strategy to control blood-borne diseases and prevent outbreak recrudescence involves targeting conserved metabolic processes that are essential for pathogen viability. One such target for
Plasmodium
and
Babesia
, the infectious agents of malaria and babesiosis, respectively, is the mitochondrial cytochrome
bc
1
protein complex, which can be inhibited by endochin-like quinolones (ELQ) and atovaquone.
Electron Microscopy Reveals Unexpected Cytoplasm and Envelope Changes during Thymineless Death in Escherichia coli
Authors: Rao T. V. Pritha , Kuzminov Andrei
Published: June 2021

Thymineless death is a dramatic and medically important phenomenon, the mechanisms of which remain a mystery. Unlike most other auxotrophs in the absence of the required supplement, thymidine-requiring
E. coli
mutants not only go static in the absence of thymidine, but rapidly die of chromosomal damage of unclear nature.
Spontaneous cervical haematoma caused by extracapsular haemorrhage from a parathyroid carcinoma presenting with acute onset neck swelling and dysphonia
Authors: Bates James , LaPorte Sarah , Abraham Ann , Gurr Paul
Published: June 2021

We present the case of a 69-year-old male patient who presented with progressive neck swelling causing symptoms of dysphonia and dysphagia. Flexible nasendoscopy revealed bruising of the right hemilarynx, hypopharynx and parapharyngeal mucosal consistent with a spontaneous cervical haematoma. After conservative management, the haematoma self-resolved and the source of the haematoma was thought to be a parathyroid adenoma. Surgical excision was completed, and histopathological assessment revealed a parathyroid carcinoma. Spontaneous cervical haematoma can progress to airway obstruction and the initial focus is to observe for any signs of progression and establish a secure airway if required. The subsequent challenge is to establish the origin of the haematoma and as in this case this can be a diagnostic challenge. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of spontaneous cervical haematoma, the importance of comprehensive investigation and the possibility of malignancy preoperatively, especially important when complete excision gives the best opportunity for cure.
Biallelic variants inCPAMD8are associated with primary open-angle glaucoma and primary angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Li Xueqing , Sun Wenmin , Xiao Xueshan , Fang Lei , Li Shiqiang , Liu Xing , Zhang Qingjiong
Published: June 2021

Background/Aims

This study aims to assess the contribution of biallelicCPAMD8variants in patients with different forms of glaucoma, especially primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), based on a systematic analysis of exome sequencing (ES).

Methods

Potentially pathogenicCPAMD8variants were selected from the ES data of 5307 subjects with various eye conditions through multiple bioinformatics analyses. Of the 5307 subjects, 1221 probands had different forms of primary glaucoma. The genotype–phenotype correlation was assessed by a systematic review of biallelicCPAMD8variants that including our data and data from the literature. The expression profile ofCPAMD8in human tissues was determined at the mRNA and protein levels.

Results

BiallelicCPAMD8variants, including one frameshift and six missense variants, were exclusively present and significantly enriched in patients with glaucoma (one with juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG), two with POAG and two with PACG) compared with none of the 4086 probands with other eye conditions in this cohort (p=4.1E-07). The effect of variants in these patients is relatively mild compared with that reported in patients with anterior segment dysgenesis or primary congenital glaucoma.CPAMD8mRNA was highly expressed in the optic nerve, ciliary body, retina and iris, whereas the CPAMD8 protein was mainly detected in the nonpigmented epithelium of the iris and ciliary process, determined by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions

The data from this study not only provide further evidence to support the association of biallelicCPAMD8variants with JOAG but also suggest that biallelicCPAMD8variants might be associated with POAG and PACG.
Neural Network Backstepping Controller Design for Fractional‐Order Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Chen Youjun , Wang Songyu
Published: June 2021

In this work, a backstepping controller design for fractional‐order strict feedback systems is investigated and the neural network control method is used. It is noted that in the standard backstepping design, the fractional derivative of the virtual quantity needs to be calculated repeatedly, which will lead to a sharp increase in the number of controller terms with the increase of the system dimension and finally make the control system difficult to bear. To handle the estimation error, certain robust terms in the controller at the last step are designed. The stability of the controlled system is proven strictly. In addition, the proposed controller has a simple form which can be easily implemented. Finally, in order to verify our theoretical method, the control simulation based on a fractional‐order chaotic system is implemented.
Certain Classes of Analytic Functions Bound with Kober Operators in
q
-Calculus
Authors: Purohit S. D. , Gour M. M. , Joshi S. , Suthar D. L.
Published: June 2021

Through applying the Kober fractional

q

-calculus apprehension, we preliminary implant and introduce new types of univalent analytical functions with a

q

-differintegral operator in the open disk

U
=

ξ
∈
ℂ
:
∣
ξ

|

<
1

. The coefficient inequality and distortion theorems are among the results examined with these forms of functions. Specific cases are responded and addressed immediately. The findings include an expansion of the numerous established results in the

q

-theory of analytical functions.
Study on the Effect of Unilateral Sand Deposition on the Spatial Distribution and Temporal Evolution Pattern of Temperature beneath the Embankment
Authors: Chen Ling , Yu Hong , Li Xiaolin , Ding Zekun
Published: June 2021

In the context of climate warming and the frequent wind‐sand hazards in the Qinghai‐Tibet Engineering Corridor (QTEC), the construction of the embankment will affect the thermal regime of permafrost underground. The influence of embankment construction on the variation of the permafrost table beneath it is different, especially for the regime with different mean annual ground temperatures (MAGTs). In this study, the effects of the unilateral sand particles deposition on the spatial distribution and temporal evolution pattern of temperature beneath the embankment are investigated through the numerical simulations, in which the heat transfer is considered. The model is validated by the field observed data of soil temperatures around an experimental zone built at the sand hazard area in Honglianghe, the interior of Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). The simulated results indicate that the temperature field beneath the embankment is asymmetrically distributed under the condition of unilateral sand particles deposition. This asymmetry gradually weakened with the increase of operation time and the gradual adjustment of the permafrost temperature field. By comparing the permafrost table beneath the natural surface, the sand deposition center, and the middle of the embankment center, it could be found that the unilateral sand particles deposition has less effect on the degradation of the permafrost table in the center of the embankment. However, for the center of the sand deposition, the change of the permafrost table is larger with the increase of time and the corresponding rate of permafrost table degradation is higher than that without sand particles deposition, especially for the high‐temperature permafrost. In addition, with different sand thickness and width conditions, the effect of “narrow‐thick” form sand particles deposition on the temperature field beneath embankment is greater than that of “wide‐thin” form sand deposition. Hence, in order to reduce its impact on the long‐term thermal condition beneath the embankment, it is necessary to clean the thicker deposition sand particles at the toe of the embankment.
Fel d1 Blocking Antibodies: A Novel Method to Reduce IgE-Mediated Allergy to Cats
Authors: Satyaraj Ebenezer , Sun Peichuan , Sherrill Scott
Published: June 2021

Fel d1 is an important allergen produced by cats that causes IgE reactions in up to 95% of cat-allergic adults. Immunotherapy to reduce human allergy to cats has demonstrated that people have the capacity to produce allergen-specific neutralizing antibodies that block IgE-mediated allergic responses. We wished to determine if “blocking” antibodies could be used to reduce the IgE binding ability of cat allergens prior to their exposure to humans. Here, we describe the characterization of Fel d1-specific antibodies. We demonstrated the efficacy of a rabbit polyclonal and an allergen-specific chicken IgY to bind to Fel d1 in cat saliva and block Fel d1-IgE binding and IgE-mediated basophil degranulation. Fel d1 blocking antibodies offer a new and exciting approach to the neutralization of cat allergens.