bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and AgeTech
Authors: Sixsmith Andrew
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview of the emerging AgeTech sector and highlight key areas for research and development that have emerged under COVID-19, as well as some of the challenges to real-world implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a commentary on emerging issues in the AgeTech sector, with particular reference to COVID-19. Information used in this paper is drawn from the Canadian AGE-WELL network.

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has particularly impacted older adults. Technology has increasingly been seen as a solution to support older adults during this time. AgeTech refers to the use of existing and emerging advanced technologies, such as digital media, information and communication technologies (ICTs), mobile technologies, wearables and smart home systems, to help keep older adults connected and to deliver health and community services.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the potential of AgeTech, key challenges remain such as structural barriers to larger-scale implementation, the need to focus on quality of service rather than crisis management and addressing the digital divide.

Practical implications

AgeTech helps older adults to stay healthy and active, increases their safety and security, supports independent living and reduces isolation. In particular, technology can support older adults and caregivers in their own homes and communities and meet the desire of most older adults to age in place.

Social implications

AgeTech is helpful in assisting older adults to stay connected. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of the informal social connections and supports within families, communities and voluntary organizations.

Originality/value

The last months have seen a huge upsurge in COVID-19-related research and development, as funding organizations, research institutions and companies pivot to meet the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. This paper looks at the potential role of technology to support older adults and caregivers.
Negative behaviors among employees: the impact on the intention to leave work
Authors: Durrah Omar , Chaudhary Monica
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study examines the effect of three negative behaviors namely alienation behavior, cynicism behavior and silence behavior on employees’ intention to leave work in the telecommunication sector in the Sultanate of Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a simple random sampling technique, data was collected using a questionnaire from 204 employees working in two leading telecommunication service providing agencies (Omantel and Ooredoo) in Oman. The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) through AMOS software.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate a significant effect of both cynicism behavior and work alienation behavior on employees’ intention to leave work while silence behavior did not appear to affect employees’ intention to leave work.

Practical implications

The research suggests that the policymakers are required to take corrective measures and implement policies and work practices that ensure employees’ sincere engagement to work.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the knowledge regarding the effect of employees’ negative behavior on the intention to leave work. The work is novel in the context of studying the effect in the Sultanate of Oman.
The pyrrhic victory of FinTech and its implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: evidence from fieldwork in rural Zambia
Authors: Chikalipah Sydney
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the possible effect of mobile money services, which forms part of FinTech, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses field data from the Chongwe district of Zambia. The data were collected in 2019.

Findings

The findings strongly suggest that (1) the factors that hinder access to credit and savings by the poor do not simply recede following the adoption of mobile money services and (2) that mobile money is not a silver bullet of ending financial exclusion but merely a tool which contributes to other financial inclusion strategies.

Practical implications

This study argues that mobile money is winning the battle but losing the war – implying that the service is mainly used to transfer funds (OTC transactions) among users.

Originality/value

This is the first study to have been conducted in Zambia to assess the possible contributing effect of FinTech (mobile money) on SDGs.
Signalling theory as a framework for analysing human resource management processes and integrating human resource attribution theories: A conceptual analysis and empirical exploration
Authors: Guest David E. , Sanders Karin , Rodrigues Ricardo , Oliveira Teresa
Published: November 2020

Signalling theory is presented as an approach to advance the study of human resource management (HRM) processes highlighting line managers as signallers of HR messages and employees as receivers. Signalling theory is also offered as a framework to integrate the two attributional approaches to HRM focusing on HRM strength and HR attributions. A study of employees in 83 bank branches confirms that strong HR signals, reflected in implementation of a coherent set of high‐commitment HR practices and consensus about their implementation have a positive association with the HR attributions and attitudes of employees as signal receivers. We found no link with branch performance. The study confirms the utility of signalling theory as a framework for advancing our understanding of HR processes.
Influence of different temperatures on brining kinetics, salt concentration and texture properties of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) during brining with ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Piao Yin‐Zi , Zhao Chang‐Cheng , Eun Jong‐Bang
Published: November 2020

The effects of ultrasound treatment at different temperatures (4, 10, and 25 ℃) on the brining process of Chinese cabbage were investigated based on their salt diffusion coefficients and texture profiles. Salt weight increased significantly, but water weight decreased in Chinese cabbage treated with ultrasound at increasing temperatures. According to Fick's second equation, the effective diffusion coefficient of Chinese cabbage showed a notable increase as temperature was increased. High temperature caused unfavorable texture properties, and among these, hardness showed the most significant decrease when brining temperature was set at 25 °C. Consequently, results from the texture profile analysis and brining kinetics modeling suggest that optimal brining conditions could be achieved at 10 °C. At this temperature, the diffusion coefficient of Chinese cabbage is higher, the brining time is reduced, and the preferred qualities of kimchi are preserved.

Practical Application

Ultrasonication is an effective technology that can be utilized in kimchi manufacturing. It presents the advantage of reducing brining time while maintaining the acceptable textural properties of kimchi. This study investigated the impact of different temperatures on the texture properties and brining times of Chinese cabbage during brining and reveal a practical application worthy of further study in food industries and provide valuable information for improving the quality of kimchi.
Evaluation of proximate composition, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of ginkgo seeds fermented with different rice wine starters
Authors: Shen Dongbei , Shi Hongjun , Wu Caie , Fan Gongjian , Li Tingting
Published: November 2020

Ginkgo seeds are distinguished as source of highly promising food and traditional Chinese herbal for thousands of years. It is well known for the significant curative effects on some diseases, such as cough and asthma. The current work aimed to study the proximate composition, phytochemical content, and antioxidant capacity of ginkgo seeds fermented by 17 varieties of rice wine starters. Solid state fermentation was used to improve the nutrition of ginkgo seeds. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between the flavonoids, approximate composition, and antioxidant activity in fermented ginkgo seeds. Through principal component analysis (PCA), Yp rice wine starter was found as the most suitable for ginkgo seeds fermentation. After fermentation of Yp rice wine starter, the content of quercetin increased by 188.1%, the content of reducing sugars and peptides increased by 16 and 24 times, respectively, and the scavenging ability of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radicals increased from 4.69 to 12.43 mg TE/g. The solid‐state fermentation of ginkgo seeds could be efficiently applied to food industrial production, and fermentation significantly increased the antioxidant activity and flavonoid content of ginkgo seeds, as well as improved their nutrition.

Practical Application

Traditionally, rice wine starter was used for brewing wine, only some folk use rice wine starter for food production. In this paper, ginkgo seeds are selected for fermentation, which not only solves the problem of ginkgo seeds surplus, but also provides a reliable technical route for industry. It provides reference for the application of rice wine starter in food in the future.
Quantification of γ‐sorbitol crystal growth rate and solubility in the presence of mannitol and maltitol
Authors: DeJong Amy E. , Hartel Richard W.
Published: November 2020

In many confectionery systems, an understanding of crystallization behavior is essential for proper control of product texture. While this knowledge is well developed in sucrose‐based systems, there is little information on controlling crystallization in sugar‐free systems, such as those formulated with sorbitol. By leveraging such advances in time domain‐nuclear magnetic resonance (TD‐NMR) methodology, the impact of mannitol and maltitol on modulating sorbitol crystal growth in sugar‐free systems. Binary and ternary systems of sorbitol mixed with mannitol, maltitol, or a mixture thereof were evaluated at total impurity addition levels of 10% and 20%. Polyol mixtures were dissolved in water, evaporated to 10% moisture, and mixed with γ sorbitol seed crystals to create a sugar‐free fondant. Fondants were crystallized at 25 °C, and crystal content was measured using TD‐NMR over time. Crystal content increased rapidly at the start but quickly tapered off to a final asymptote indicating phase equilibrium. In all systems, the addition of impurities decreased the extent and rate of sorbitol crystallization, with mannitol having the greatest impact on rate. When both mannitol and maltitol were present as impurities, the rate of crystallization was reduced to a greater extent. At the highest level of mannitol, the final crystal content increased, presumably because mannitol also crystallized.

Practical Application

Controlling sorbitol crystallization in the presence of impurities is a key to controlling quality in certain confections.
Isolation and compositional analysis of galactoglycerolipids from perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] leaves and comparison to the galactoglycerolipids from spinach and parsley
Authors: Lee Soo Jeong , Song Yejin , Chung Min‐Yu , Kim In‐Hwan , Kim Byung Hee
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to isolate monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs) and digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs) from perilla [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton] and to investigate their fatty acid profiles. Perilla displayed the greatest total MGDG and DGDG content among the three types of leaf vegetables tested, that is, spinach, parsley, and perilla, containing 0.16 g/100 g MGDG and 0.04 g/100 g DGDG (on wet weight basis). High purity MGDG (approximately 97 g/100 g) and DGDG (approximately 86 g/100 g) were isolated from perilla chloroform/methanol (2:1, v/v) extracts by two‐step silica gel column chromatography. MGDGs were primarily composed of 18:3n‐3 and 16:3n‐3, predominantly located at the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions, respectively. In DGDG, 18:3n‐3 and 16:0 were the most abundant fatty acids and were primarily found at the sn‐1 and sn‐2 positions, respectively.

Practical Application

MGDGs and DGDGs are the most prevalent forms of galactoglycerolipids found in leaf vegetables including perilla and have been shown to exert health‐beneficial effects, such as antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and appetite‐suppressing activities. Both MGDGs and DGDGs possess emulsifying properties. The present study may help better understand the health‐beneficial effects of MGDG and DGDG from perilla, by providing total composition and positional distribution of the fatty acids. The present study also successfully established a protocol to isolate high purity MGDG and DGDG from perilla, thereby increasing their possible use as an ingredient in foods and nutraceuticals.
Genome‐wide assessment of diversity and differentiation between original and modern Brown cattle populations
Authors: Moscarelli A. , Sardina M. T. , Cassandro M. , Ciani E. , Pilla F. , Senczuk G. , Portolano B. , Mastrangelo S.
Published: November 2020

Identifying genomic regions involved in the differences between breeds can provide information on genes that are under the influence of both artificial and natural selection. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and differentiation among four different Brown cattle populations (two original vs. two modern populations) and to characterize the distribution of runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands using the Illumina Bovine SNP50 BeadChip genotyping data. After quality control, 34 735 SNPs and 106 animals were retained for the analyses. Larger heterogeneity was highlighted for the original populations. Patterns of genetic differentiation, multidimensional scaling, and the neighboring joining tree distinguished the modern from the original populations. The FST‐outlier identified several genes putatively involved in the genetic differentiation between the two groups, such as stature and growth, behavior, and adaptability to local environments. The ROH islands within both the original and the modern populations overlapped with QTL associated with relevant traits. In modern Brown (Brown Swiss and Italian Brown), ROH islands harbored candidate genes associated with milk production traits, in evident agreement with the artificial selection conducted to improve this trait in these populations. In original Brown (Original Braunvieh and Braunvieh), we identified candidate genes related with fat deposition, confirming that breeding strategies for the original Brown populations aimed to produce dual‐purpose animals. Our study highlighted the presence of several genomic regions that vary between Brown populations, in line with their different breeding histories.
Bleeding from the pancreatic cut surface post pancreaticoduodenectomy: a review of a tertiary referral centre
Authors: Ackermann Travis , Tan Darius , Bowers Kaye , Cullinan Mark , Spilias Dean , Croagh Daniel , Berry Roger
Published: November 2020

Background

Haemorrhage from the pancreatic cut surface after pancreaticoduodenectomy is uncommon. The optimal treatment for post‐pancreatectomy haemorrhage (PPH) from the pancreatic cut surface remains controversial.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent a pancreatiocoduodenectomy between 2008 and 2018 at a single tertiary institution in Melbourne, Australia, to analyse the incidence, potential risk factors, treatment and outcomes of cut surface PPH.

Results

A total of 168 pancreaticoduodenectomies were performed during the study period with pancreaticogastrostomy being the most common method of reconstruction at our institution (84.5%). There were 12 instances of cut surface PPH (7.1%). The majority of cases of cut surface PPH occurred within 48 h following pancreaticoduodenectomy (67%) with 41.7% occurring in the first 24 h. All but one patient required surgical intervention but length of stay did not appear to be increased compared to those without cut surface PPH. There was a trend towards patients with cut surface PPH being more likely to have a non‐dilated pancreatic duct (75% versus 49%; P = 0.079). No significant differences were noted between patient with and without cut surface PPH with regards to abnormalities in platelet counts (3.2% versus 0%; P = 0.529), international normalized ratio (4.5% versus 8.3%; P = 0.694) and prophylactic anticoagulant administration or continuing antiplatelet use (28.2 versus 16.7%; P = 0.630).

Conclusion

We believe that an unobstructed pancreas, in combination with the acidic environment associated with a dunking pancreaticogastrostomy anastomosis, may predispose to bleeding from the cut surface of the pancreas.
Comparable risk of recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator recipients treated with single beta‐blocker or combined amiodarone
Authors: Schupp Tobias , Behnes Michael , Kim Seung‐hyun , Müller Julian , Weidner Kathrin , Reiser Linda , Huseynov Aydin , Bollow Armin , Borggrefe Martin , Taton Gabriel , Reichelt Thomas , Ellguth Dominik , Engelke Niko , Akin Muharrem , Große Meininghaus Dirk , Bertsch Thomas , Akin Ibrahim
Published: November 2020

This study sought to assess the prognostic impact of treatment with single beta‐blocker (BB) compared to combined therapy with BB plus amiodarone (BB‐AMIO) on recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) recipients. A large retrospective registry was used including consecutive ICD recipients with index episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias from 2002 to 2016. Patients treated with BB were compared to patients treated with BB‐AMIO. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied for the evaluation of the primary end‐point defined as first recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias at five years. Secondary end‐points comprised first appropriate ICD therapies, first cardiac rehospitalization and all‐cause mortality at five years. Among 512 ICD recipients, 81% were treated with BB and 19% with BB‐AMIO. BB and BB‐AMIO were associated with comparable risk of first recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (46% vs. 43%; log rank P = .941; HR = 1.013; 95% CI 0.725‐1.415; P = .941) and appropriate ICD therapies (35% vs. 37%; log rank P = .389; HR = 0.852; 95% CI 0.591‐1.228; P = .390). BB was associated with decreased long‐term all‐cause mortality within an univariable analysis only (20% vs. 28%; log rank p = 0.023). In conclusion, BB and BB‐AMIO were associated with comparable risks regarding recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias at five years.
Chronic fluoxetine treatment impairs motivation and reward learning by affecting neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala
Authors: Puścian Alicja , Winiarski Maciej , Łęski Szymon , Charzewski Łukasz , Nikolaev Tomasz , Borowska Joanna , Dzik Jakub M. , Bijata Monika , Lipp Hans‐Peter , Dziembowska Magdalena , Knapska Ewelina
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose

The therapeutic effects of fluoxetine are believed to be due to increasing neuronal plasticity and reversing some learning deficits. Nevertheless, a growing amount of evidence shows adverse effects of this drug on cognition and some forms of neuronal plasticity.

Experimental Approach

To study the effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment, we combine an automated assessment of motivation and learning in mice with an investigation of neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala and basolateral amygdala. We use immunohistochemistry to visualize neuronal types and perineuronal nets, along with DI staining to assess dendritic spine morphology. Gel zymography is used to test fluoxetine's impact on matrix metalloproteinase‐9, an enzyme involved in synaptic plasticity.

Key Results

We show that chronic fluoxetine treatment in non‐stressed mice increases perineuronal nets‐dependent plasticity in the basolateral amygdala, while impairing MMP‐9‐dependent plasticity in the central amygdala. Further, we illustrate how the latter contributes to anhedonia and deficits of reward learning. Behavioural impairments are accompanied by alterations in morphology of dendritic spines in the central amygdala towards an immature state, most likely reflecting animals' inability to adapt. We strengthen the link between the adverse effects of fluoxetine and its influence on MMP‐9 by showing that behaviour of MMP‐9 knockout animals remains unaffected by the drug.

Conclusion and Implications

Chronic fluoxetine treatment differentially affects various forms of neuronal plasticity, possibly explaining its opposing effects on brain and behaviour. These findings are of immediate clinical relevance since reported side effects of fluoxetine pose a potential threat to patients.
The implications of variations in nasal irrigation recipes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Whittaker Joshua D. , Reynolds Timothy , Lee Patrick K.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study aims to investigate the variations in publicly available nasal irrigation recipes published in the United Kingdom (UK).

Design

Internet searches used to identify eligible nasal irrigation recipes. These were then examined for their physical and biochemical properties, through theoretical calculations and experimental measurement.

Setting

Recipes produced by healthcare providers or official national bodies in the UK.

Participants

No human participants.

Main outcome measures

Solution osmolality (classified into hypo‐, iso‐ and hypertonic), acidity (pH) and specific gravity.

Results

Thirteen unique recipes were identified from 17 sources. Osmolality ranged from 166.2 to 1492.2 mosmol/kg in volumes ranging from 142 to 1136 mLs (isotonic range 275‐295 mosmol/kg). Specific gravity ranged from 1.006 to 1.034. pH ranged from 7.74 to 8.11. No recipe produced a solution with isotonic properties. The majority produced hypertonic irrigations.

Conclusions

Most publicly available nasal irrigation recipes produce hypertonic solutions but there is great variability in the osmolality and volume. UK organisations should take action to review published recipes to bring these into alignment with latest guidelines (recommending against hypertonic saline use) and reduce variability in patient interpretations.
Enforcing Kubelka–Munk constraints for opaque paints
Authors: Centore Paul
Published: November 2020

The Kubelka–Munk model relates the colours of paint mixtures to the absorption and scattering coefficients (K and S) of the constituent paints, and to their concentrations (C) in the mixtures. All Ks and Ss are non‐negative, and Cs are physically constrained to be between 0 and 1. Standard estimation procedures cast the Kubelka–Munk relationships as an overdetermined linear system and apply ordinary least squares (OLS). OLS, however, sometimes produces coefficients or concentrations that are less than 0 or greater than 1. These physically impossible solutions occur because OLS projects a target vector (such as a desired reflectance spectrum) onto a vector subspace, while in fact the set of physically realisable paint combinations is a convex polytope, which is a subset of that subspace. This paper reformulates Kubelka–Munk estimation problems geometrically, as the problem of finding the point on that polytope which is closest to a target vector. The solutions to the reformulated problem are always physically realisable. If feasible, a worker could solve the reformulated problem with a ready‐made commercial solver. Otherwise, the Gilbert–Johnson–Keerthi algorithm is recommended as particularly suitable for Kubelka–Munk estimation; this algorithm has been tested on some simple cases and released as open‐source code.
The roles and functions of Paneth cells in Crohn’s disease: A critical review
Authors: Yang Erpeng , Shen Jun
Published: November 2020

Paneth cells (PCs) are located at the base of small intestinal crypts and secrete the α‐defensins, human α‐defensin 5 (HD‐5) and human α‐defensin 6 (HD‐6) in response to bacterial, cholinergic and other stimuli. The α‐defensins are broad‐spectrum microbicides that play critical roles in controlling gut microbiota and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complicated autoimmune disorder. The pathogenesis of CD involves genetic factors, environmental factors and microflora. Surprisingly, with regard to genetic factors, many susceptible genes and pathogenic pathways of CD, including nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2), autophagy‐related 16‐like 1 (ATG16L1), immunity‐related guanosine triphosphatase family M (IRGM), wingless‐related integration site (Wnt), leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), histone deacetylases (HDACs), caspase‐8 (Casp8) and X‐box‐binding protein‐1 (XBP1), are relevant to PCs. As the underlying mechanisms are being unravelled, PCs are identified as the central element of CD pathogenesis, integrating factors among microbiota, intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and the immune system. In the present review, we demonstrate how these genes and pathways regulate CD pathogenesis via their action on PCs and what treatment modalities can be applied to deal with these PC‐mediated pathogenic processes.
SynGAP is expressed in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus and regulates circadian‐gated locomotor activity and light‐entrainment capacity
Authors: Aten Sydney , Kalidindi Anisha , Yoon Hyojung , Rumbaugh Gavin , Hoyt Kari R. , Obrietan Karl
Published: November 2020

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus functions as the master circadian clock. The phasing of the SCN oscillator is locked to the daily solar cycle, and an intracellular signaling cassette from the small GTPase Ras to the p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is central to this entrainment process. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of SynGAP—a GTPase‐activating protein that serves as a negative regulator of Ras signaling—within the murine SCN. Using a combination of immunohistochemical and Western blotting approaches, we show that SynGAP is broadly expressed throughout the SCN. In addition, temporal profiling assays revealed that SynGAP expression is regulated over the circadian cycle, with peak expression occurring during the circadian night. Further, time‐of‐day‐gated expression of SynGAP was not observed in clock arrhythmic BMAL1 null mice, indicating that the daily oscillation in SynGAP is driven by the inherent circadian timing mechanism. We also show that SynGAP phosphorylation at serine 1138—an event that has been found to modulate its functional efficacy—is regulated by clock time and is responsive to photic input. Finally, circadian phenotypic analysis of Syngap1 heterozygous mice revealed enhanced locomotor activity, increased sensitivity to light‐evoked clock entrainment, and elevated levels of light‐evoked MAPK activity, which is consistent with the role of SynGAP as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling. These findings reveal that SynGAP functions as a modulator of SCN clock entrainment, an effect that may contribute to sleep and circadian abnormalities observed in patients with SYNGAP1 gene mutations.
A new strain of Taylorella asinigenitalis shows differing pathogenicity in mares and Jenny donkeys
Authors: Wilsher Sandra , Omar Hussein , Ismer Ann , Allen Twink , Wernery Ulli , Joseph Marina , Mawhinney Ian , Florea Laura , Thurston Lisa , Duquesne Fabien , Petry Sandrine
Published: November 2020

Background

Three horse mares inadvertently inseminated with semen from a Tayorella asinigenitalis‐positive Jack donkey developed severe, purulent endometritis whereas two Jenny donkeys mated naturally to the same Jack donkey did not develop clinical signs of infection.

Objectives

To isolate and identify the causative agent.

Study design

Case report.

Methods

Endometrial swabs from the infected mares were cultured on selective and non‐selective media under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions. Isolates were subjected to Gram staining, oxidase and catalase tests, the Monotayl Latex Agglutination test and PCR to test for both T. equigenitalis and T. asinigenitalis. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and the bacterial isolate was genotyped using MLST.

Results

A new sequence type of T. asinigenitalis was confirmed.

Main limitations

A limited numbers of mares and donkeys are described.

Conclusions

This strain of T. asinigenitalis causes a severe venereal infection in mares but not in Jenny donkeys.
Arc self‐association and formation of virus‐like capsids are mediated by an N‐terminal helical coil motif
Authors: Eriksen Maria S. , Nikolaienko Oleksii , Hallin Erik I. , Grødem Sverre , Bustad Helene J. , Flydal Marte I. , Merski Ian , Hosokawa Tomohisa , Lascu Daniela , Akerkar Shreeram , Cuéllar Jorge , Chambers James J. , O’Connell Rory , Muruganandam Gopinath , Loris Remy , Touma Christine , Kanhema Tambudzai , Hayashi Yasunori , Stratton Margaret M. , Valpuesta José M. , Kursula Petri , Martinez Aurora , Bramham Clive R.
Published: November 2020

Activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) is a protein interaction hub with diverse roles in intracellular neuronal signaling, and important functions in neuronal synaptic plasticity, memory, and postnatal cortical development. Arc has homology to retroviral Gag protein and is capable of self‐assembly into virus‐like capsids implicated in the intercellular transfer of RNA. However, the molecular basis of Arc self‐association and capsid formation is largely unknown. Here, we identified a 28‐amino‐acid stretch in the mammalian Arc N‐terminal (NT) domain that is necessary and sufficient for self‐association. Within this region, we identified a 7‐residue oligomerization motif, critical for the formation of virus‐like capsids. Purified wild‐type Arc formed capsids as shown by transmission and cryo‐electron microscopy, whereas mutant Arc with disruption of the oligomerization motif formed homogenous dimers. An atomic‐resolution crystal structure of the oligomerization region peptide demonstrated an antiparallel coiled‐coil interface, strongly supporting NT‐NT domain interactions in Arc oligomerization. The NT coil–coil interaction was also validated in live neurons using fluorescence lifetime FRET imaging, and mutation of the oligomerization motif disrupted Arc‐facilitated endocytosis. Furthermore, using single‐molecule photobleaching, we show that Arc mRNA greatly enhances higher‐order oligomerization in a manner dependent on the oligomerization motif. In conclusion, a helical coil in the Arc NT domain supports self‐association above the dimer stage, mRNA‐induced oligomerization, and formation of virus‐like capsids.

Database

The coordinates and structure factors for crystallographic analysis of the oligomerization region were deposited at the Protein Data Bank with the entry code 6YTU.
A modified normalization method for determining fracture toughness of steel
Authors: Gao Hui , Wang Weigang , Wang Yanlin , Zhang Bohua , Li Chun‐Qing
Published: November 2020

Normalization method (NM) is a practical method for determining the J–R curves and fracture toughness of steels. There is some concern, however, about the performance of this method on steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength owing mainly to the assumption of infinite strain hardening exponent. This paper intends to analytically modify the NM by removing this assumption and incorporating the strain hardening in calculating the blunting corrected crack length. This modification enables the NM to be applied to steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength. Experiments are undertaken to verify the modified NM (CNM). A comparison of fracture toughness determined by CNM with that by the unloading compliance method and NM corroborates the improved accuracy of the developed CNM. The paper concludes that the developed CNM overcomes the deficiency of the NM for steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength.
The lunar compass of European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) increases the probability that they recruit to North Sea coasts
Authors: Cresci Alessandro , Sandvik Anne D. , Sævik Pål N. , Ådlandsvik Bjørn , Olascoaga Maria Josefina , Miron Philippe , Durif Caroline M. F. , Skiftesvik Anne Berit , Browman Howard I. , Vikebø Frode
Published: November 2020

The European eel hatches in the Sargasso Sea and migrates across the Atlantic Ocean toward Europe. At the continental shelf, larvae metamorphose into glass eels and then recruit to coastal habitats and estuaries. Among other cues, glass eels orient in situ using lunar cues, but what role this lunar compass plays in their recruitment to the coast is unknown. To assess this, we incorporated empirical in situ observations of glass eel swimming and lunar‐driven orientation into a biophysical advection model. We simulated dispersal of glass eels drifting with the North Atlantic Current to test the hypothesis that lunar‐driven swimming and orientation behavior affects recruitment to North Sea coasts. Particles were released from the continental slope north of Scotland, an obligate passage for migrating eel larvae. Four numerical experiments were conducted: one with passive drift and three including glass eel swimming speeds (ranging from 3 to 12 cm/s) and lunar‐driven orientation. With a speed of 3 cm/s, the lunar compass increased recruitment to the North Sea coasts of Southwestern Norway and Scotland by 34%–40%. Conversely, orientation behavior decreased recruitment to northern areas like Iceland (−46%), the Faroe Islands (−39%) and Northern Norway (−49%). Behavior affected the timing of recruitment to Southwestern Norway, causing peaks of abundance in May–June, but not to other regions. These results show that lunar‐driven orientation and swimming behavior observed in glass eels substantially increases their recruitment to North Sea coasts. Results agree with the distribution of eel in northern Europe, which decreases in abundance with increasing latitude.
Fertility management for industrial hemp production: Current knowledge and future research needs
Authors: Wylie Sarah E. , Ristvey Andrew G. , Fiorellino Nicole M.
Published: November 2020

Until recently, commercial cultivation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) was illegal in the United States. Industrial hemp is cultivated for multiple purposes including fiber, seed, and biomass production; each requiring a different agronomic system which may require different nutrient and fertility recommendations. However, there is limited peer‐reviewed research available on hemp plant fertility requirements and soil‐nutrient removal. This essentially multiplies the research effort needed to generate scientifically sound fertigation recommendations. Some fertility research has been published from European and Canadian studies, but as cultivation of hemp increases in the U.S. researchers and extension personnel will be asked to generate recommendations for profitable hemp cultivation. This creates a need for new, updated, and relevant fertility research to form the basis of peer‐reviewed recommendations. This article reviews and summarizes the current state of peer‐reviewed industrial hemp fertility research and we pose ideas for future fertility studies necessary for the development of industrial hemp fertilizer recommendations.
Lignocellulosic ethanol production combined with CCS—A study of GHG reductions and potential environmental trade‐offs
Authors: Lask Jan , Rukavina Slavica , Zorić Ivana , Kam Jason , Kiesel Andreas , Lewandowski Iris , Wagner Moritz
Published: November 2020

The combination of bioethanol production and carbon capture and storage technologies (BECCS) is considered an indispensable method for the achievement of the targets set by the Paris agreement. In Croatia, a first‐of‐its‐kind biorefinery project is currently underway that aims to integrate a second‐generation ethanol plant into an existing fossil refinery. The goal is to replace the fossil fuel production by second‐generation ethanol production using miscanthus. In the ethanol fermentation, CO2 is emitted in highly concentrated form and this can be directly compressed, injected and stored in exploited oil reservoirs. This study presents an assessment of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of miscanthus ethanol produced in combination with CCS technology, based on data from the planning process of this biorefinery project. The GHG reduction potential is evaluated as part of a full environmental life cycle assessment. This is of particular relevance as a lignocellulosic ethanol industry is currently emerging in the European Union (EU) and LCAs of BECCS systems have, so far, often omitted environmental impacts other than GHG emissions. Overall, the ethanol to be produced in this planned biorefinery project would clearly achieve the EU's global warming potential (GWP) reduction target for biofuels. Depending on the accounting approach applied for the biological carbon storage, reduction potentials between 104% and 138% relative to the fossil comparator are likely. In addition, ethanol can reduce risks to resource availability. As such, the results generated from data based on the intended biorefinery project support the two major rationales for biofuel use. However, these reductions could come at the expense of human health and ecosystem quality impacts associated with the combustion of lignin and biogas. In order to prevent potential environmental trade‐offs, it will be imperative to monitor and manage these emissions from residue combustion, as they represent significant drivers of the overall environmental impacts.
The multidimensionality of soil macroecology
Authors: Eisenhauer Nico , Buscot François , Heintz‐Buschart Anna , Jurburg Stephanie D. , Küsel Kirsten , Sikorski Johannes , Vogel Hans‐Jörg , Guerra Carlos A.
Published: November 2020

The recent past has seen a tremendous surge in soil macroecological studies and new insights into the global drivers of one‐quarter of the biodiversity of the Earth. Building on these important developments, a recent paper in Global Ecology and Biogeography outlined promising methods and approaches to advance soil macroecology. Among other recommendations, White and colleagues introduced the concept of a spatial three‐dimensionality in soil macroecology by considering the different spheres of influence and scales, as soil organism size ranges vary from bacteria to macro‐ and megafauna. Here, we extend this concept by discussing three additional dimensions (biological, physical, and societal) that are crucial to steer soil macroecology from pattern description towards better mechanistic understanding. In our view, these are the requirements to establish it as a predictive science that can inform policy about relevant nature and management conservation actions. We highlight the need to explore temporal dynamics of soil biodiversity and functions across multiple temporal scales, integrating different facets of biodiversity (i.e., variability in body size, life‐history traits, species identities, and groups of taxa) and their relationships to multiple ecosystem functions, in addition to the feedback effects between humans and soil biodiversity. We also argue that future research needs to consider effective soil conservation policy and management in combination with higher awareness of the contributions of soil‐based nature's contributions to people. To verify causal relationships, soil macroecology should be paired with local and globally distributed experiments. The present paper expands the multidimensional perspective on soil macroecology to guide future research contents and funding. We recommend considering these multiple dimensions in projected global soil biodiversity monitoring initiatives.
Prevalence and incidence of pre‐diabetes and diabetes mellitus among people living with HIV in Ghana: Evidence from the EVERLAST Study
Authors: Sarfo Fred Stephen , Norman Betty , Nichols Michelle , Appiah Lambert , Osei Assibey Shadrack , Tagge Raelle , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: November 2020

Background

Available data from high‐income countries suggest that people living with HIV (PLWH) have a four‐fold higher risk of diabetes compared with HIV‐negative people. In sub‐Saharan Africa, with 80% of the global burden of HIV, there is a relative paucity of data on the burden and determinants of prevalent and incident dysglycaemia.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence and incidence of pre‐diabetes (pre‐DM) and overt diabetes mellitus (DM) among PLWH in a Ghanaian tertiary medical centre.

Methods

We first performed a cross‐sectional comparative analytical study involving PLWH on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (n = 258), PLWH not on cART (n = 244) and HIV‐negative individuals (n = 242). Diabetes, pre‐DM and normoglycaemia were defined as haemoglobin A1C (HBA1c) > 6.5%, in the range 5.7–6.4% and < 5.7% respectively. We then prospectively followed up the PLWH for 12 months to assess rates of new‐onset DM, and composite of new‐onset DM and pre‐DM. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with dysglycaemia among PLWH.

Results

The frequencies of DM among PLWH on cART, PLWH not on cART and HIV‐negative individuals were 7.4%, 6.6% and 7.4% (P = 0.91), respectively, while pre‐DM prevalence rates were 13.2%, 27.9% and 27.3%, respectively (P < 0.0001). Prevalent DM was independently associated with increasing age [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (aOR, 95% CI) = 1.82 (1.20–2.77) for each 10‐year rise], male sex [aOR = 2.64 (1.20–5.80)] and log(triglyceride/HDL cholesterol) [aOR = 8.54 (2.53–28.83)]. Prevalent pre‐DM was independently associated with being on cART [aOR (95% CI) = 0.35 (0.18–0.69)]. There were a total of 12 cases of incident DM over 359.25 person‐years, giving 33.4/1000 person‐years of follow‐up (PYFU) (95% CI: 18.1–56.8/1000), and an rate of incident pre‐DM of 212.7/1000 PYFU (95 CI: 164.5–270.9/1000). The two independent factors associated with new‐onset DM were having pre‐DM at enrolment [aOR = 6.27 (1.89–20.81)] and being established on cART at enrolment [aOR = 12.02 (1.48–97.70)].

Conclusions

Incidence rates of pre‐DM and overt DM among Ghanaian PLWH on cART ranks among the highest in the literature. There is an urgent need for routine screening and a multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular disease risk reduction among PLWH to reduce morbidity and mortality from the detrimental effects of dysglycaemia.
Validation study of the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26 for patients with testicular cancer
Authors: Yamashita Shinichi , Suzukamo Yoshimi , Kakimoto Kenichi , Uemura Motohide , Kishida Takeshi , Kawai Koji , Nakamura Terukazu , Goto Takayuki , Osawa Takahiro , Yamada Shigeyuki , Nishimura Kazuo , Nonomura Norio , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Shiraishi Takumi , Ukimura Osamu , Ogawa Osamu , Shinohara Nobuo , Ito Akihiro , Arai Yoichi
Published: November 2020

Objective

To validate the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26 in Japanese‐speaking testicular cancer survivors.

Methods

A total of 200 testicular cancer survivors were recruited at eight high‐volume institutions in Japan. The participants completed the Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30 and the International Index of Erectile Function 15 questionnaires. A total of 40 participants completed a retest of the questionnaires 2 weeks after the first response. The psychometric properties of the Japanese version including test–retest reliability, internal consistency and concurrent validity were evaluated.

Results

The mean age at response was 43 years (range 22–74 years), and the mean period after treatment was 77 months (range 0–416 months). The response rate for each item, except sexual function, was high, and the percentage of missing values was less than 3.5%. For test–retest reliability, seven of 12 scales met the criteria (intraclass correlation 0.70–0.86). For internal consistency, four of seven scales met the criteria (Cronbach’s alpha 0.62–0.91). For concurrent validity, treatment side effects of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26 were related to some domains of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Core 30. The sex‐related subscales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26 were moderately correlated with some International Index of Erectile Function 15 domains.

Conclusions

The psychometric properties of the Japanese version are equivalent to the properties of the original European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26. The Japanese version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire‐Testicular Cancer 26 questionnaire is a useful tool to assess the health‐related quality of life of testicular cancer patients.
L'Organisation internationale du Travail et le travail pénitentiaire: une invitation à changer de paradigme
Authors: MILMAN‐SIVAN Faina , SAGY Yair
Published: November 2020

Les auteurs reviennent sur la vision normative de l'OIT concernant le travail pénitentiaire, qu'ils jugent déconnectée de la réalité des prisons, où l'on constate un foisonnement de formes hybrides de travail des détenus, mêlant secteur public et secteur privé. Ils décrivent les controverses qui entourent la position de l'OIT, à l'heure où les États Membres pressent l'Organisation d'assouplir une vision dichotomique, toujours plus contestée. L'article montre les risques auxquels l'OIT s'expose si elle devait camper sur ses positions, mais aussi si elle adoptait la position défendue par certains de ses États Membres. Les auteurs proposent deux options permettant de dépasser ces positions antagonistes.
An iterative combinatorial auction design for fractional ownership of autonomous vehicles
Authors: Bogyrbayeva Aigerim , Takalloo Mahdi , Charkhgard Hadi , Kwon Changhyun
Published: November 2020

This study designs a new market for fractional ownership of autonomous vehicles (AVs), in which an AV is co‐leased by a group of individuals. We present a practical iterative auction based on the combinatorial clock auction to match the interested customers together and determine their payments. In designing such an auction, we consider continuous‐time items (time slots) that are defined by bidders and naturally exploit driverless mobility of AVs to form co‐leasing groups. To relieve the computational burdens of both bidders and the auctioneer, we devise user agents who generate packages and bid on behalf of bidders. Through numerical experiments using the California 2010–2012 travel survey, we test the performance of the auction design. We also compare various bidding strategies and study the effect of activity rules on the bidders' payoffs. We find that the designed activity rules successfully remove the strategic behavior of bidders. We also find that core‐selecting payment rule brings the largest revenue to the auctioneer in most cases.