bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incommensurately modulated crystal structure of α′ (O′3)-type sodium cobalt oxide Na
x
CoO2 (x ∼ 0.78)
Authors: Miyazaki Yuzuru , Igawa Naoki , Yubuta Kunio
Published: May 2021

A single-phase sample of α′ (O′3)-type layered sodium cobalt oxide Na
x
CoO2 (x ∼ 0.78) was prepared and its incommensurately modulated crystal structure was analyzed using the (3+1)-dimensional superspace approach to the powder neutron diffraction data. The crystal structure of the cobaltate is accurately described based on the superspace group C2/m(α0γ)00, wherein the positions of Na atoms are most significantly modulated in the monoclinic a direction to form an ordered arrangement. Such a displacive modulation causes a quasi-periodic shift of Na atoms from the centers of the NaO6 polyhedra between undulated CoO2 sheets, changing the form of the NaO6 polyhedron from an octahedral coordination (O) to a trigonal prismatic (P) one, via an intermediate capped trigonal prismatic NaO7 coordination (C). At the positions where the Na atoms are most significantly shifted, the neighboring Na atoms are located at almost touching distances. However, the occupation factor of Na atoms becomes zero at such positions, yielding Na-deficient sites V
Na, sandwiched either between C and P, or C and C-type polyhedra.
Ba5(IO6)2: crystal structure evolution from room temperature to 80 K
Authors: Bi David Wenhua , Baral Priya Ranjan , Magrez Arnaud
Published: May 2021

The crystal structure of Ba5(IO6)2, pentabarium bis(orthoperiodate), has been re-investigated at room temperature based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. In comparison with a previous crystal structure determination by the Rietveld method, an improved precision of the structural parameters was achieved. Additionally, low-temperature measurements allowed the crystal structure evolution to be studied down to 80 K. No evidence of structural transition was found even at the lowest temperature. Upon cooling, the lattice contraction is more pronounced along the b axis. This contraction is found to be inhomogeneous along different crystallographic axes. The interatomic distances between different Ba atoms reduce drastically with lowering temperature, resulting in a closer packing around the IO6 octahedra, which remain largely unaffected.
Salt bridges at the subdomain interfaces of the adenylation domain and active-site residues of Mycobacterium tuberculosis NAD+-dependent DNA ligase A (MtbLigA) are important for the initial steps of nick-sealing activity
Authors: Afsar Mohammad , Shukla Ankita , Kumar Nelam , Ramachandran Ravishankar
Published: May 2021

NAD+-dependent DNA ligase (LigA) is the principal bacterial ligase and catalyses a multistep ligation reaction. The adenylation (AdD) domain at the N-terminus consists of subdomains 1a and 1b, where subdomain 1a is unique to LigA. Small-angle X-ray scattering and X-ray diffraction studies were used to probe changes in the relative spatial dispositions of the two subdomains during the adenylation reaction. Structural analyses of the inter-subdomain interactions of the AdD domain suggest that salt bridges formed by Glu22, Glu26 and Glu87 of subdomain 1a with Arg144, Arg315 and His240 of subdomain 1b play an important role in stabilizing the intermediate conformations of the two subdomains. E22A, E26A and E87A mutations reduce the in vitro activity by 89%, 64% and 39%, respectively, on a nicked DNA substrate, while they show no activity loss on a pre-adenylated DNA substrate, thus suggesting that the salt bridges are important in the initial steps of the ligation reaction. Furthermore, the E22A, E26A and E87A mutants exhibited extremely delayed growth in complementation assays involving the Escherichia coli GR501 strain, which harbours its own temperature-sensitive LigA. The H236A and H236Y mutants, which involve the residue that stacks against the adenine moiety of AMP, severely impact the activity and the ability to complement the growth-defective E. coli GR501 strain. Analysis of the K123A and K123R mutations in the active site rationalizes their total loss of activity and inability to rescue the growth-defective E. coli GR501 strain.
Structure of human factor VIIa–soluble tissue factor with calcium, magnesium and rubidium
Authors: Vadivel Kanagasabai , Schmidt Amy E. , Cascio Duilio , Padmanabhan Kaillathe , Krishnaswamy Sriram , Brandstetter Hans , Bajaj S. Paul
Published: May 2021

Coagulation factor VIIa (FVIIa) consists of a γ-carboxyglutamic acid (GLA) domain, two epidermal growth factor-like (EGF) domains and a protease domain. FVIIa binds three Mg2+ ions and four Ca2+ ions in the GLA domain, one Ca2+ ion in the EGF1 domain and one Ca2+ ion in the protease domain. Further, FVIIa contains an Na+ site in the protease domain. Since Na+ and water share the same number of electrons, Na+ sites in proteins are difficult to distinguish from waters in X-ray structures. Here, to verify the Na+ site in FVIIa, the structure of the FVIIa–soluble tissue factor (TF) complex was solved at 1.8 Å resolution containing Mg2+, Ca2+ and Rb+ ions. In this structure, Rb+ replaced two Ca2+ sites in the GLA domain and occupied three non-metal sites in the protease domain. However, Rb+ was not detected at the expected Na+ site. In kinetic experiments, Na+ increased the amidolytic activity of FVIIa towards the synthetic substrate S-2288 (H-D-Ile-Pro-Arg-p-nitroanilide) by ∼20-fold; however, in the presence of Ca2+, Na+ had a negligible effect. Ca2+ increased the hydrolytic activity of FVIIa towards S-2288 by ∼60-fold in the absence of Na+ and by ∼82-fold in the presence of Na+. In molecular-dynamics simulations, Na+ stabilized the two Na+-binding loops (the 184-loop and 220-loop) and the TF-binding region spanning residues 163–180. Ca2+ stabilized the Ca2+-binding loop (the 70-loop) and Na+-binding loops but not the TF-binding region. Na+ and Ca2+ together stabilized both the Na+-binding and Ca2+-binding loops and the TF-binding region. Previously, Rb+ has been used to define the Na+ site in thrombin; however, it was unsuccessful in detecting the Na+ site in FVIIa. A conceivable explanation for this observation is provided.
Effect of narrow pulse width laser cleaning on corrosion resistance of A5083-H111 aluminum alloy
Authors: Wang Feisen , Ai Sifei , Wang Qian , Cheng Yinfen , Huang Haiqi , Cai Chuang , Xie Di , Chen Hui , Hu Wei
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote the corrosion resistance of the 5083-111H aluminum alloy by laser cleaning.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser with 2 ns pulse width was adopted in this project and the corrosion resistance of cleaned samples was tested by copper-accelerated salt spray (CASS). The surface morphology, elemental composition and distribution were then characterized by SEM. Moreover, surface morphology, elemental composition and distribution were also tested.

Findings

Results suggested a higher corrosion resistance was successfully obtained by laser cleaning. Compared with samples cleaned by 2000 grit sandpaper, mechanical cleaning resulted in a 53% larger height difference between the peak and valley. The content of the oxygen is 8.85% on the surface cleaned mechanically and the distribution is dependent on the distribution of aluminum whereas that of the laser cleaning sample is 24.41% and the distribution existed even in the Al-poor area.

Originality/value

In this project, the 2-ns laser cleaning was proved to have the capability to remove the oxide layer on the aluminum alloy surface while retaining an excellent corrosion resistance and smooth surface. Meanwhile, a thorough elemental distribution and smaller grain size lead to a smaller difference in elemental concentration. This retards the diffusion of oxygen into the substrate and hence increases the corrosion resistance of the surface.
Implementation of a multi-layer radiation propagation model for simulation of microwave heating in hydrate reservoirs
Authors: Gupta Akash K. , Yadav Rahul , Das Malay K. , Panigrahi Pradipta K.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present the implementation of a multi-layer radiation propagation model in simulations of multi-phase flow and heat transfer, for a dissociating methane hydrate reservoir subjected to microwave heating.

Design/methodology/approach

To model the induced heterogeneity due to dissociation of hydrates in the reservoir, a multiple homogeneous layer approach, used in food processes modelling, is suggested. The multi-layer model is incorporated in an in-house, multi-phase, multi-component hydrate dissociation simulator based on the finite volume method. The modified simulator is validated with standard experimental results in the literature and subsequently applied to a hydrate reservoir to study the effect of water content and sand dielectric nature on radiation propagation and hydrate dissociation.

Findings

The comparison of the multi-layer model with experimental results show a maximum difference in temperature estimation to be less than 2.5 K. For reservoir scale simulations, three homogeneous layers are observed to be sufficient to model the induced heterogeneity. There is a significant contribution of dielectric properties of sediments and water content of the reservoir in microwave radiation attenuation and overall hydrate dissociation. A high saturation reservoir may not always provide high gas recovery by dissociation of hydrates in the case of microwave heating.

Originality/value

The multi-layer approach to model microwave radiation propagation is introduced and tested for the first time in dissociating hydrate reservoirs. The multi-layer model provides better control over reservoir heterogeneity and interface conditions compared to existing homogeneous models.
Citizen journalism practices during COVID-19 in spotlight: influence of user-generated contents about economic policies in perceiving government performance
Authors: Raza Syed Hassan , Emenyeonu Ogadimma C. , Yousaf Muhammad , Iftikhar Moneeba
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Citizen journalism practices through social networking sites are increasingly becoming an imperative source of public opinion formation. Given the increase in the volume of information sharing on social media during COVID-19, this study aims to grasp the largely unknown interaction of the individual’s trust in citizen journalism practices and public perception formulation. Drawing on this idea, the study has twofold objectives: first, to examine the influence of user-generated information about economic policies of government during COVID-19 as the antecedent of public perception about government performance and second, to identify the moderating role of trust in citizen journalism practices during COVID-19 through social networking sites.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey method and a sample of 464 adults were collected through an online administrated questionnaire.

Findings

The findings specify that user-generated content that is pro-government economic policies during COVID-19 positively influenced the perception of government performance. On the other hand, user-generated information that criticized government economic policies had a negative influence on public perception.

Originality/value

This study seeks to intensify the understudied phenomenon of how nature and source of the information could interact to influence one’s information processing during a crisis such as pandemic COVID-19. Furthermore, only a little research has been conducted in this area focusing on two mechanisms, namely; citizen journalism and trust in social media user-generated information about prevailing economic insecurities during crisis provided through citizen journalism.
Characterizing an information environment for supporting learning
Authors: Campana Kathleen
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to offer insights into the presence and nature of an information environment provided for young children to support their learning and explore how an information environment for young children can be characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

Observations of video-recorded public library storytimes were used to investigate the presence and nature of an information environment for young children’s learning.

Findings

The observations revealed that storytimes provide a rich, multimodal information environment where information is shared with young children and they are encouraged to interact with it in a variety of ways. The storytime participants take on several different roles that help to foster and sustain the information environment.

Originality/value

This study tests the applicability of Eisenberg and Small’s (1993) information-based education framework for exploring an information environment and recommends revisions to improve the framework’s effectiveness for characterizing information environments for young children.
BIM-based time-cost optimization of a large-span spatial steel structure in an airport terminal building
Authors: Yu Jingyu , Wang Jingfeng , Hua Zhengmao , Wang Xingxing
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Airports are booming in China, to enlarge their capacities and stimulate economic development. Large-span spatial steel structures are commonly used in the terminal buildings of airport projects. Their advantages include prefabrication, strength, usability, adaptability and aesthetic quality. To manage large-span spatial steel structure projects, building information modeling (BIM) is recommended. Although there are plenty of studies on BIM application in steel structure projects, it is still rare to apply BIM to optimize the schedule and cost of steel structures, especially for airport projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper aims to develop a framework in which BIM and a time-cost optimization model are integrated to optimize construction costs and the duration of large-span spatial steel structure projects. A real case study was conducted to verify the feasibility of the BIM-based time-cost optimization model in an airport terminal building, which was built with a large-span spatial steel structure.

Findings

The results preliminarily support the reliability of the proposed BIM-based time-cost optimization model. The BIM-based time-cost optimization model will benefit construction planning for professionals and enrich relevant research on the application of BIM in large-span spatial steel structure projects.

Originality/value

The steel structure is difficult to control budgets and progress. This paper is expected to be adopted for optimizing the time and cost plans for projects involving steel structures in airport terminal buildings.
Effects of learning culture and teamwork context on team performance mediated by dynamic capability
Authors: Gonzalez Rodrigo Valio Dominguez
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between learning culture and teamwork context based on the mediating role played by dynamic capability in manufacturing teams of the industrial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

It proposes that dynamic capability is a key element for improving the performance of teams, which, in turn, is positively affected by learning culture and teamwork context. This study is based on data from a survey of 201 companies in the Brazilian industrial sector with manufacturing teams, and followed the partial least squares approach to model the structural equation that was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that dynamic capability has a strong positive influence on team performance, and also that, despite learning culture and teamwork context having no direct association with performance, they offer contributions mediated by dynamic capability.

Research limitations/implications

This study includes a reduced sample regarding the population of Brazilian industrial companies, being restricted to only one sector of activity. Future studies may obtain larger samples by working with different sectors in different countries.

Practical implications

This article alerts managers to the importance of dynamic capability for improving the performance of teams, and points out the role played by learning culture and teamwork context in this relationship.

Originality/value

This research presents new insights into how dynamic capability contributes to the performance of teams, based on antecedent factors (learning culture and teamwork context).
Forecasting annual foreign tourist arrivals to China by incorporating firefly algorithm into fractional non-homogenous discrete Grey model
Authors: Tang Xiaozhong , Xie Naiming , Hu Aqin
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Accurate foreign tourist arrivals forecasting can help public and private sectors to formulate scientific tourism planning and improve the allocation efficiency of tourism resources. This paper aims to address the problem of low prediction accuracy of Chinese inbound tourism demand caused by the lack of valid historical data.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel hybrid Chinese inbound tourism demand forecasting model combining fractional non-homogenous discrete grey model and firefly algorithm is constructed. In the proposed model, all adjustable parameters of the fractional non-homogenous discrete grey model are optimized simultaneously by the firefly algorithm.

Findings

The data sets of annual foreign tourist arrivals to China are used to verify the validity of the proposed model. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and can be used as a useful predictor for the prediction of Chinese inbound tourism demand.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this paper is effective and can be used as a feasible approach for forecasting the development trend of Chinese inbound tourism.
Can corporate social responsibility enhance organizational image and commitment in the ocean freight forwarding industry?
Authors: Yang Ching-Chiao , Lai Po-Lin , Zhu Xiaonan
Published: May 2021

Purpose

In the past few decades, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has received substantial interest in the competitive business environment. This study aims to empirically examine the impact of CSR on corporate image, organizational commitment and organizational performance in ocean freight forwarders.

Design/methodology/approach

Five critical CSR dimensions were identified based on factor analysis: consumer interests, employee interests, environmental management, disclosure and corporate commitment and sponsorship. Structural equation modelling was subsequently performed to examine the hypothesized relationships among CSR, corporate image, organizational commitment and organizational performance.

Findings

Results indicated that CSR had significantly positive effects on corporate image and organizational commitment, whereas corporate image was positively related to organizational commitment and organizational performance, respectively. Organizational commitment was also positively related to organizational performance. However, CSR did not have a significant direct effect on organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study intended to conduct a survey on logistics service providers; however, due to the limited availability of research on ocean freight forwarding service providers, the present sample was limited to ocean freight forwarding enterprises.

Originality/value

From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the field by identifying the important dimensions of CSR and their effects on corporate image, organizational commitment and organizational performance. Particularly, it demonstrated the effect of CSR on ocean freight forwarding employees’ organizational commitment.
Do anchor investors affect long run performance? Evidence from Indian IPO markets
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Sahoo Seshadev
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Anchor investor (AI) regulation was introduced in 2009 by the Indian market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India to facilitate the price discovery process during the book-building mechanism. This study aims to examine the aftermarket pricing performance of initial public offering (IPO) firms over the long-run period of up to 36 months after the listing date in the anchor investor regime.

Design/methodology/approach

The post-issue performance of 129 Indian IPOs issued from 2009 to 2014 is studied by using buy and hold abnormal returns, cumulative abnormal returns and wealth relatives approaches. This study presents the aftermarket performance indicators of Indian IPOs along with the comparative analysis between anchor-backed and non-anchor-backed IPO categories. Using multiple regression analysis, this study identifies the firm-level variables and issue characteristics that can explain long-term IPO performance.

Findings

This study reports that Indian IPOs continue to underperform in the long run in the anchor regulation era as well. However, anchor-backed IPOs are reported to underperform lesser than the IPOs not backed by anchor investment. Additionally, this study documents that the variables, i.e. offer size, grade, post-issue promoter holding and IPOs issued during hot IPO periods, are significant in explaining the 36-month aftermarket performance.

Originality/value

This study investigates the long-run aftermarket pricing performance of anchor affiliated IPOs in the Indian market context. Thus, it contributes to the limited primary markets’ research from emerging economies. Further, the results provide fresh evidence reaffirming the credibility of AI as an institutional investor for attestation of quality of the issues.
Don’t count them out: PhD skills development and careers in industry
Authors: Mitic Radomir Ray , Okahana Hironao
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify what skills gained during PhD study are linked with preparation and differences between industry and academic positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using student-level data from nearly 2,400 early career PhD alumni from 50 US PhD granting institutions, this study uses a generalized ordered logit model with partial proportional odds to test the main and conditional effects of 14 areas of skill development on perceptions of career preparation.

Findings

This study contributes empirical evidence to show that research skills and communicating with non-technical audiences are positively linked with job preparation.

Practical implications

The combination of sophisticated research and noncognitive skills promotes the idea of a well-rounded PhD – a highly skilled and versatile researcher that can interact in both academic and industry settings – as a goal of doctoral education. The knowledge gained from this study will assist scholars and graduate educators, including faculty advisors, program directors, graduate deans, graduate education professionals and career development professionals to reconceptualize professional preparation for work in industry.

Social implications

For-profit businesses, particularly start-up companies, are vital for economic development and many require PhD-level employees across research and management roles. Developing PhDs with the appropriate skills for industry will better align higher education and economic interests.

Originality/value

The wide scope of doctoral institutions allows for a quantitative approach not appropriate for single-institution case studies of doctoral career pathways research.
A sustainable approach in using construction and demolition waste materials in concrete
Authors: Quedou Pritish Gupta , Wirquin Eric , Bokhoree Chandradeo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential use of construction and demolition waste materials (C&DWM) as an alternative for natural fine aggregates (NFA), in view to solve the disposal problems caused due to landfills. In addition, to evaluate its suitability as a sustainable material, mechanical and durability properties have been performed on different proportions of concrete blending and the results recorded were compared with the reference concrete values.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the NFA were replaced at the proportion of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of C&DWM with a constant slump range of 130 mm–150 mm. This parameter will assess the consistency of the fresh concrete during transportation process. The characteristics of the end product was evaluated through various tests conducted on hardened concrete samples, namely, compressive strength, flexural strength, depth of penetration of water under pressure, rapid chloride penetration test, carbonation test and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test. All results recorded were compared with the reference concrete values.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the use of C&DWM in concrete portrayed prospective characteristics that could eventually change the concept of sustainable concrete. It was noted that the compressive and flexural strength decreased with the addition of C&DWM, but nevertheless, a continuous increase in strength was observed with an increase in curing period. Moreover, the increase in rapid chloride penetration and decrease in UPV over time period suggested that the concrete structure has improved in terms of compactness, thus giving rise to a less permeable concrete. The mechanical tests showed little discrepancies in the final results when compared to reference concrete. Therefore, it is opined that C&DWM can be used effectively in concrete.

Originality/value

This study explores the possible utilisation of C&DWM as a suitable surrogative materials in concrete in a practical perspective, where the slump parameter will be kept constant throughout the experimental process. Moreover, research on this method is very limited and is yet to be elaborated in-depth. This approach will encourage the use of C&DWM in the construction sector and in the same time minimise the disposal problems caused due to in landfills.
The circular RNA circ_GRHPR promotes NSCLC cell proliferation and invasion via interactions with the RNA‐binding protein PCBP2
Authors: Hou Yanyan , Lin Jiafei , Wang Danyang , Zhang Yingwei , Liang Qiuli , Chen Ning , Wu Jiemin , Wu Weiqi , Liu Xiangfan , Ni Peihua
Published: May 2021

As the most common malignancy, lung cancer is characterised by high rates of occurrence and mortality. Although circular RNAs (circRNAs) are known to act as important regulators in cancer, their role in lung cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, circ_GRHPR expression was found to be significantly upregulated in the serum of five patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), compared to that in healthy controls. It is expressed at high levels in NSCLC cell lines, as revealed by qRT‐PCR analysis. Functionally, we demonstrated that circ_GRHPR promotes NSCLC proliferation and invasion in vitro and in vivo by cell proliferation, transwell, cell cycle, and tumour‐forming assays. Mechanistically, RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays showed that circ_GRHPR interacts with the RNA‐binding protein poly(rC)‐binding protein 2 (PCBP2) and regulates its subcellular localisation by forming the circ_GRHPR/PCBP2 complex, localizing PCBP2 mainly in the cytoplasm and reducing the proportion found in the nucleus. Furthermore, we demonstrated that four‐and‐a‐half LIM‐only protein 3 (FHL3) is a tumour‐stimulating factor in NSCLC that interacts with and is influenced by PCBP2. Circ_GRHPR increased FHL3 expression in the nucleus of NSCLC cells by decreasing PCBP2 expression therein and promoting the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells. Therefore, our study identified that circ_GRHPR promotes NSCLC proliferation and invasion, providing a possible explanation for its mechanism of action.
Virulence of Vibrio harveyi ORM4 towards the European abalone Haliotis tuberculata involves both quorum sensing and a type III secretion system
Authors: Morot Amandine , El Fekih Sahar , Bidault Adeline , Le Ferrand Alizée , Jouault Albane , Kavousi Javid , Bazire Alexis , Pichereau Vianney , Dufour Alain , Paillard Christine , Delavat François
Published: May 2021

Environmental Vibrio strains represent a major threat in aquaculture, but the understanding of their virulence mechanisms heavily relies on the transposition of knowledge from human‐pathogen vibrios. Here, the genetic bases of the virulence of Vibrio harveyi ORM4 towards the European abalone Haliotis tuberculata were characterized. We demonstrated that luxO, encoding a major regulator of the quorum sensing system, is crucial for the virulence of this strain, and that its deletion leads to a decrease in swimming motility, biofilm formation, and exopolysaccharide production. Furthermore, the biofilm formation by V. harveyi ORM4 was increased by abalone serum, which required LuxO. The absence of LuxO in V. harveyi ORM4 yielded opposite phenotypes compared with other Vibrio species including V. campbellii (still frequently named V. harveyi). In addition, we report a full type III secretion system (T3SS) gene cluster in the V. harveyi ORM4 genome. LuxO was shown to negatively regulate the promoter activity of exsA, encoding the major regulator of the T3SS genes, and the deletion of exsA abolished the virulence of V. harveyi ORM4. These results unveil virulence mechanisms set up by this environmentally important bacterial pathogen and pave the way for a better molecular understanding of the regulation of its pathogenicity.
Charting the policy development process of social housing bonds in Australia through an impact narrative approach
Authors: Fotheringham Michael , Gorter Tamlin , Badenhorst Anne
Published: May 2021

The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) has, since its inception, prioritised policy relevance in its research. Drawing on an impact narrative approach, this paper presents a case study of the contribution of AHURI research to the development of a specific policy initiative: the Affordable Housing Bond Aggregator function of the National Housing and Finance Investment Corporation (NHFIC). The paper will explore the development of this policy initiative through a series of research projects and publications, and highlight processes of dissemination and engagement with the policy and practice community. This will reveal the value of a strong evidence‐base, and effective knowledge transfer mechanisms in the development and implementation of policy. It will also demonstrate the utility of a policy impact narrative approach in the evaluation of research impact, particularly in relation to policy development processes subject to the vagaries of politics.
‘Well‐leg’ compartment syndrome associated with gynaecological surgery: a perioperative risk‐reduction protocol and checklist
Authors: Addley S , McMullan JC , Scott S , Soleymani majd H
Published: May 2021

‘Well‐leg’ compartment syndrome (WLCS) is an uncommon, but potentially devastating, complication associated with prolonged patient positioning for abdomino‐pelvic surgery. Gynaecologists, anaesthetists and the wider theatre team share a responsibility to minimise the risk of this highly morbid, and even fatal, postoperative complication. This article provides an overview of WLCS related to gynaecological surgery – raising awareness amongst gynaecologists and highlighting the time‐critical nature of diagnosis and management. Given the potential litiginous nature of this complication, we also present a perioperative checklist and risk‐reduction protocol to suggest a standardised approach to prevention and relevant documentation.

Tweetable abstract

Gynaecologists share a responsibility to minimise the risk of postoperative ‘well‐leg’ compartment syndrome.
bRacatus: A method to estimate the accuracy and biogeographical status of georeferenced biological data
Authors: Arlé Eduardo , Zizka Alexander , Keil Petr , Winter Marten , Essl Franz , Knight Tiffany , Weigelt Patrick , Jiménez‐Muñoz Marina , Meyer Carsten
Published: May 2021

Georeferenced biological data of species distributions, abundances or traits are critical for ecological and evolutionary research. However, the accuracy (true vs. false records) and biogeographical status (native vs. alien) of individual georeferenced records are often unclear, which limits their use in species distribution modelling, analyses of biodiversity change and other applications.

Here, we introduced bRacatus, a new method and R package to estimate a given georeferenced record's probability of being true or false and of corresponding to a native or an alien occurrence. Our framework avoided artificial thresholds of data filtering and instead implemented a probabilistic framework which allowed propagating uncertainties in subsequent analyses. We trained and tested our method on 400 terrestrial species of amphibians, birds, terrestrial mammals and vascular plants from four continents.

bRacatus showed good predictive power (mean AUC higher than 0.9; mean RMSE lower than 0.3) for both the accuracy and biogeographical status. Model performance was similar among continents, range sizes and taxa not used in the training. Tests were robust using either range maps or regional checklists of differing levels of data completeness as reference regions.

bRacatus was implemented as a user‐friendly R package that enabled researchers to assess the accuracy and biogeographical status of species occurrences, population abundances, community composition or any other type of georeferenced biodiversity records. We proposed this method as a routine step in addressing the inherent uncertainty of point observations to promote more accurate ecological inference and predictions.
Increased cocaine motivation in tree shrews is modulated by striatal dopamine D1 receptor‐mediated upregulation of Cav1.2
Authors: Duan Ying , Meng Yiming , Du Wenjie , Li Ming , Zhang Jianjun , Liang Jing , Li Yonghui , Sui Nan , Shen Fang
Published: May 2021

The progressively increased motivation for cocaine during abstinence is closely associated with the dysfunction of dopamine (DA) system. As DA receptors also dynamically regulate L‐type calcium channels (LTCCs), in this study we examined how DA receptors (D1R or D2R) and LTCCs (Cav1.2 or Cav1.3) exert their influences on cocaine‐seeking in a tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) model. First, we demonstrated the ‘incubation’ effect by showing tree shrews exhibited a significantly higher seeking behaviour on withdrawal day (WD) 45 than on WD1. Then, we confirmed that longer abstinence period induced higher D1R expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Next, we showed that LTCCs in the NAc participated in drug seeking. Moreover, Cav1.2 expression in the NAc was increased on WD45, and disruption of the Cav1.2 inhibited drug seeking. Finally, we found that D1R antagonist blocked the increase of Cav1.2 on drug‐seeking test. Collectively, these findings suggest that D1R‐mediated upregulation of Cav1.2 is involved in the incubation of cocaine craving.
Simulation and coaching to prevent aggressive events in aged care: A pilot study
Authors: Gordon Susan , Gillham David , Xiao Lily , De Bellis Anita , Baker Nicky
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Evaluation of simulation and coaching training to change the self‐efficacy of aged care workers to prevent and manage workplace aggressive events.

Methods

Seventeen aged care workers from a community and residential aged care service provider completed education modules and two half‐days of simulation using actors and real‐life scenarios, with real‐time coaching. Carer self‐efficacy to identify, prevent and manage anxiety and aggression was measured before, following and six months after training.

Results

After training, participants reported significant improvements in preparedness to prevent and manage aggression, identify and manage triggers in their own behaviour, deflect and alter other triggers, and felt safer in the workplace. Six months after training, participants’ self‐efficacy remained above baseline for all measures and remained significantly improved for feeling safer in the workplace.

Conclusion

This pilot study supports high‐fidelity simulation and coaching to improve the self‐efficacy of aged care workers to prevent and manage workplace aggressive events.
How we treat advanced stage cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma – mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome
Authors: Sethi Tarsheen K. , Montanari Francesca , Foss Francine , Reddy Nishitha
Published: May 2021

T‐cell lymphomas (TCLs) constitute a rare subset of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas, with mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome (MF/SS) being the most common subtype of cutaneous TCLs (CTCLs). Considered an incurable but treatable disease, MF/SS management presents several challenges including diagnostic delays, debilitating effect on patients’ quality of life, need for several lines of therapies, multidisciplinary care and cumulative drug toxicities limiting duration of use. The present review intends to provide an overview of the recent advances in our understanding of the biology of CTCL and how these are being leveraged to provide additional treatment options for management of advanced and recurrent disease. In addition, the discussion of the different modalities of treatment is summarised to further outline the importance of multidisciplinary care and early referral to CTCL centres.
Methoxphenidine (MXP) induced abnormalities: Addictive and schizophrenia‐related behaviours based on an imbalance of neurochemicals in the brain
Authors: Hur Kwang‐Hyun , Kim Seong‐Eon , Ma Shi‐Xun , Lee Bo‐Ram , Ko Yong‐Hyun , Seo Jee‐Yeon , Kim Seon‐Kyung , Kim Young‐Jung , Sung Su‐Jeong , Lee Youyoung , Jung Young Hoon , Lee Yong‐Sup , Lee Seok‐Yong , Jang Choon‐Gon
Published: May 2021

Background and Purpose

Methoxphenidine is a dissociative‐based novel psychoactive designer drug. Although fatal accidents from methoxphenidine abuse have been reported, recreational use of the drug continues. We aim to provide scientific supportfor legal regulation of recreational abuse of methoxphenidine by demonstrating its the pharmacological action.

Experimental Approach

Addictive potential of methoxphenidine was examined using intravenous self‐administration test with rats and conditioned place preference test with mice. Further, a series of behavioural tests (open field test, elevated plus maze test, novel object recognition test, social interaction test and tail suspension test) performed to assess whether methoxphenidine caused schizophrenia‐related symptoms in mice. Additionally, neurotransmitter enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and western blot were used to confirm methoxphenidine‐induced neurochemical changes in specific brain regions related to abnormal behaviours.

Key Results

Methoxphenidine caused addictive behaviours via reinforcing and rewarding effects. Consistently, methoxphenidine induced over‐activation of dopamine pathways in the nuclear accumbens, indicating activation of the brain reward circuit. Also, methoxphenidine caused all categories of schizophrenia‐related symptoms, including positive symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsivity), negative symptoms (anxiety, social withdrawal, depression) and cognitive impairment. Consistently, methoxphenidine led to the disruption of the hippocampal–prefrontal cortex pathway that is considered to be pathological involved in schizophrenia.

Conclusions and Implications

We demonastrate that methoxphenidine causes addictive and schizophrenia‐like behaviours and induces neurochemical changes in brain regions associated with these behaviours. We propose that methoxphenidine could be used in developing useful animal disease models and that it also requires legal restrictions on its recreational use.
The effects of ionizing radiation on domestic dogs: a review of the atomic bomb testing era
Authors: Spatola Gabriella J. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Mousseau Timothy A.
Published: May 2021

Dogs were frequently employed as laboratory subjects during the era of atomic bomb testing (1950–1980), particularly in studies used to generate predictive data regarding the expected effects of accidental human occupational exposure to radiation. The bulk of these studies were only partly reported in the primary literature, despite providing vital information regarding the effects of radiation exposure on a model mammalian species. Herein we review this literature and summarize the biological effects in relation to the isotopes used and the method of radionuclide exposure. Overall, these studies demonstrate the wide range of developmental and physiological effects of exposure to radiation and radionuclides in a mid‐sized mammal.
Children’s oral health‐related behaviours and early childhood caries: A latent class analysis
Authors: Simancas‐Pallares Miguel A. , Ginnis Jeannie , Vann William F. , Ferreira Zandoná Andrea G. , Shrestha Poojan , Preisser John S. , Divaris Kimon
Published: May 2021

Objective

In this cross‐sectional study in a large community‐based sample of preschool‐age children, we sought to identify distinct clusters of modifiable early childhood oral health‐related behaviours (OHBs) and quantify their association with clinical and parent‐reported measures of early childhood oral health.

Methods

We relied upon a questionnaire (n = 8033; 11% in Spanish) and clinical oral health data (n = 6404; early childhood caries [ECC] prevalence = 54%] collected in the context of an epidemiologic study of early childhood oral health among 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children in North Carolina. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of modifiable OHBs based on parents’ responses to 6 questionnaire items pertaining to their children's oral hygiene, diet and dental home. The optimal number of clusters was determined based on measures of model fit and interpretability. We examined associations of OHB clusters with clinical and parent‐reported child oral health status (ie, ECC prevalence, severity and proportion with untreated disease) using bivariate association tests and multivariable regression modelling with marginal effects estimation accounting for clustered data. We used Mplus v.8.6 (Muthén & Muthén, Los Angeles, CA, USA) and Stata v.16.1 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA) for data analyses.

Results

We identified 2 OHB clusters, a favourable (74%) and an unfavourable (26%) one. Children in the favourable OHB cluster had better oral hygiene practices (ie, tooth brushing frequency and fluoridated toothpaste use), lower consumption frequency of sugar‐containing snacks and beverages, less frequent reports of night‐time bottle‐feeding history and a higher likelihood of a dental home. Children in the unfavourable cluster had significantly higher ECC prevalence (57% vs 53%), caries burden (mean dmfs = 9.3 vs 7.6), untreated disease (43% vs 33%) and worse parent‐reported oral health status than the favourable cluster.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the importance and utility of clustering common, modifiable ECC risk factors in population studies – health promotion efforts may centre on groups of people rather than individual behavioural risk factors.
Transcriptional analysis of muscle tissue and isolated satellite cells in spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: Robinson Karyn G , Crowgey Erin L , Lee Stephanie K , Akins Robert E
Published: May 2021

Aim

To analyze transcriptomes from muscle tissue and cells to improve our understanding of differences in gene expression and molecular function in cerebral palsy (CP) muscle.

Method

In this case–control study, eight participants with CP (five males, three females; mean [SD] age 14y 2mo [1y 8mo]) and 11 comparison individuals (eight males, three females; mean [SD] age 14y 0mo [2y 6mo]) were enrolled after informed consent/assent and skeletal muscle was obtained during surgery. RNA was extracted from tissue and from primary satellite cells grown to form myotubes in vitro. RNA sequencing data were analyzed using validated informatics pipelines.

Results

Analysis identified expression of 6308 genes in the tissue samples and 7459 in the cultured cells. Significant differential expression between CP and control was identified in 87 genes in the tissue and 90 genes in isolated satellite cell‐derived myotube cultures.

Interpretation

Both tissue and cell analyses identified differential expression of genes associated with muscle development and multiple pathways of interest.

What this paper adds

Expression differences were found in muscle tissue and in isolated muscle cells.

There was low variability in expression among cells isolated from different muscles.

Expression differences suggest complex functional alterations in spastic cerebral palsy.
Cluster headache in children and adolescents: a systematic review of case reports
Authors: Bastos Sarah N M A N , Barbosa Bárbara L F , Silva Sângela F , Krymchantowski Ana G , Jevoux Carla , Krymchantowski Abouch , Silva‐Néto Raimundo P
Published: May 2021

Aim

To describe the clinical characteristics and therapeutic options available to paediatric patients with cluster headache.

Method

Based on a literature search of the medical databases PubMed, LILACS, and Web of Science and using selected descriptors, we carried out a systematic review of case reports on cluster headache in paediatric patients published from 1990 to 2020.

Results

Fifty‐one patients (29 males, 22 females) with a mean (SD) age of 9 years 7 months (3y 10mo; range 2–16y) were diagnosed with cluster headache. The mean (SD) diagnosis was made 27.8 months (26.2mo) after the onset of cluster headache. Pain occurred at night or on waking up (76.5%) and consisted of 1 to 3 attacks per day (62.7%) lasting 30 to 120 minutes (68.6%). Headaches were unilateral (90.2%), had a pulsatile character (64.7%), and severe intensity (100%). There were autonomic manifestations (90.2%) predominantly ipsilateral to pain, in this order: lacrimation; conjunctival injection; nasal congestion; ptosis; eyelid oedema; and rhinorrhoea. Sumatriptan and oxygen inhalation were the most effective treatments for acute manifestation. Prophylaxis, corticosteroids, verapamil, and gabapentin were the most effective drugs.

Interpretation

Due to the small number of published studies, this review could not provide reliable data; however, it appears that cluster headache in children and adolescents is similar to adults, both in clinical characteristics and treatment.

What this paper adds

Cluster headache in children and adolescents is poorly studied.

Cluster headache is uncommon before 10 years of age and diagnosis is difficult in the first few years of life.

Treatment of cluster headache in children and adolescents is similar to that used in adults.

The notion of the effectiveness of prophylactic treatment is based only on authors’ experience.
Dexterous manual movement facilitates information processing in the primary somatosensory cortex: A magnetoencephalographic study
Authors: Wasaka Toshiaki , Kida Tetsuo , Kakigi Ryusuke
Published: May 2021

The interaction between the somatosensory and motor systems is important for control of movement in humans. Cortical activity related to somatosensory response and sensory perception is modulated by the influence of movement executing mechanisms. This phenomenon has been observed as inhibition in the short‐latency components of somatosensory evoked potentials and magnetic fields (SEPs/SEFs). Although finger is the most dexterous among all the body parts, the sensorimotor integration underlying this dexterity has not yet been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the sensorimotor integration mechanisms in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) during simple and complicated finger movement. The participant performed tasks that involved picking up a wooden block (PM task) and picking up and turning the wooden block 180° (PTM task) using the right‐hand fingers. During these tasks, the SEFs following right median nerve stimulation were recorded using magnetoencephalography. The amplitude of the M20 and M30 components showed a significant reduction during both manual tasks compared to the stationary task, whereas the M38 component showed a significant enhancement in amplitude. Furthermore, the SEFs recorded during continuous rotation of the block (rotation task) revealed a characteristic pattern of SI activity that was first suppressed and then facilitated. Since this facilitation is noticeable during complicated movement of the fingers, this phenomenon is thought to underlie a neural mechanism related to finger dexterity.