bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University-Affiliated Research Centers: evasive entrepreneurship within the DOD
Authors: Reilly Chandler
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The Department of Defense (DOD) has long partnered with universities and other nonprofit organizations to perform early-stage, military-related research using research centers established under long-term contracts known as Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). Over the last 25 years, there has been a shift in the type of arrangement used to University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) that this paper argues is the result of bureaucrats acting as evasive entrepreneurs in response to changing regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Extending the theory of evasive entrepreneurship to bureaucrats, the author shows how regulations increase the cost of bureaucratic action and incentivize the creation of substitute actions to avoid those regulatory costs and capture benefits. Qualitative evidence from DOD documents is used to support the contention that UARCs serve the same function as FFRDCs. Quantitative evidence on the number of FFRDCs and UARCs and their funding illustrates how bureaucrats respond to political restrictions.

Findings

Bureaucrats have little to no recourse to respond to budgetary cuts or spending ceilings. In the case of FFRDCs, spending ceilings were introduced starting in the 1960s and led to a decline in the number of DOD FFRDCs. Bureaucrats can however strategically evade new regulations by reorganizing transactions justified by existing federal law that contradicts new regulations. Once FFRDCs were federally regulated in 1990 there were strong incentives to create substitute arrangements leading to the creation of UARCs in 1996 that have ultimately replaced FFRDCs as the research center of choice for the DOD.

Originality/value

The article makes three contributions. First, it applies the concept of evasive entrepreneurship to a political context and then use that framework to understand the creation and establishment of the DOD's UARCS. Second, the organizational features and purpose of UARCs are analyzed. Third, the evidence provided shows how regulations resulted in a shift in the DOD's R&D strategy toward working with universities.
Big data from customers and non-customers through crowdsourcing, citizen science and crowdfunding
Authors: Cappa Francesco
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The unprecedented growth in the volume, variety and velocity with which data is generated and collected over the last decade has led to the spread of big data phenomenon. Organizations have become increasingly involved in the collection and analysis of big data to improve their performance. Whereas the focus thus far has mainly been on big data collected from customers, the topic of how to collect data also from those who are not yet customers has been overlooked. A growing means of interacting with non-customers is through crowd-based phenomena, which are therefore examined in this study as a way to further collect big data. Therefore, this study aims to demonstrate the importance of jointly considering these phenomena under the proposed framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study seeks to demonstrate that organizations can collect big data from a crowd of customers and non-customers through crowd-based phenomena such as crowdsourcing, citizen science and crowdfunding. The conceptual analysis conducted in this study produced an integrated framework through which companies can improve their performance.

Findings

Grounded in the resource-based view, this paper argues that non-customers can constitute a valuable resource insofar as they can be an additional source of big data when participating in crowd-based phenomena. Companies can, in this way, further improve their performance.

Originality/value

This study advances scientific knowledge of big data and crowd-based phenomena by providing an overview of how they can be jointly applied to further benefit organizations. Moreover, the framework posited in this study is an endeavour to stimulate further analyses of these topics and provide initial suggestions on how organizations can jointly leverage crowd-based phenomena and big data.
Embedded librarianship and Greek academic libraries
Authors: Kyprianos Konstantinos
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed overview of the role and participation of embedded librarians in the academic e-classroom. More specifically, this paper reflects the perceptions of Greek academic librarians regarding the use of learning management systems (LMSs). Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the most popular software, to list the services provided through LMSs and to determine the level of librarians’ engagement with LMSs. Finally, it investigates the challenges and benefits of their use.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey research was used as the methodological design. An adequate questionnaire was created for the collection of quantitative data to study the activities and experiences of academic embedded librarians.

Findings

According to the study findings, a considerable percentage of academic librarians use the potential of LMSs, indicating that embedded librarianship is the future for Greek academic libraries. However, it seems that LMSs are not fully exploited even during the pandemic when the libraries remained closed.

Research limitations/implications

This study was exploratory in nature and thus its scope was limited. It was limited to embedded librarianship in academic libraries.

Practical implications

Embedded librarianship comes with many challenges for its practitioners; yet, it also has the potential to connect libraries and librarians directly to the overall institutional aims and enhance their positions in the academy.

Originality/value

The role and participation of embedded librarians in Greek academic institutions is a research area that has not been fully investigated. Therefore, this paper can give insights into this critical issue, especially during a pandemic.
Ceasefire monitoring under fire: TheOSCE, technology, and the 2022 war in Ukraine
Authors: Verjee Aly
Published: August 2022

This Policy Insight discusses what was the world's largest dedicated third‐party ceasefire monitoring operation, the Special Monitoring Mission (SMM), which, until the Russian invasion in early 2022, oversaw a ceasefire in Ukraine. Although it may now seem obvious to conclude that the SMM failed to deter conflict escalation, this once‐heralded, ‘model’ mission provides insights for the design and implementation of other ceasefire monitoring efforts. This Policy Insight argues that the limitations and differing interpretations of the SMM's mandate, an inability to attribute responsibility for violations, and a failure to act in response to violations substantially weakened the practice of ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine. Still, important lessons can be identified for future monitoring work, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere, including agreeing on the mechanisms for consequences when violations occur, better understanding the limitations of remote sensing technology in monitoring, and establishing more robust planning for mission suspension, evacuation, and termination.
Editorial: Going through the slippery landscape of conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder and help for children in humanitarian crises
Authors: Ola Bolanle
Published: August 2022

This editorial presents the contentious debate among authors from different disciplines on the problems of psychiatric diagnoses with conduct disorder, and opposition‐defiant disorder as case illustrations. Furthermore, it provides an overview of opinions of experts on mental health interventions for adolescent refugees.
Characteristics of rural registered nurses and the implications for workforce policy
Authors: Yates Max C. , Auerbach David I. , Staiger Douglas O. , Buerhaus Peter I.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Rural registered nurses (RNs) play an integral role in providing care for an underserved population with worse health outcomes than urban counterparts. However, little information is available on the profile of this workforce, which is necessary to understand the capacity of these nurses to provide quality and demanded care presently and in the future.

Methods

We utilize data from the American Community Survey to provide a contemporary analysis on the supply of rural RNs in the United States.

Findings

While the number of physicians serving rural populations has decreased in recent years, and rural nurse practitioners (NPs) remain in short supply, rural RNs have steadily grown in numbers at a rate comparable to urban RNs. Rural RNs are markedly less diverse than the populations they serve and only half of rural RNs had a bachelor's degree or higher compared to over 70% for urban RNs. In their supply, young rural nurses appear on pace with urban nurses to adequately replace older nurses and continue to grow the workforce, based on data through 2019.

Conclusions

The rural RN workforce is projected to steadily grow amidst declining rural physicians and limited rural NPs. The burgeoning investments in the rural health workforce present opportunities to help diversify, increase educational access, and further rural readiness for rural RNs moving forward.
Trauma and survivance: The impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Indigenous nursing students
Authors: Van Bewer Vanessa
Published: August 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in tremendous educational and health impacts for Indigenous peoples and communities. Yet, little is known about the impacts of the pandemic on Indigenous nursing students in Canada. Guided by an Indigenous conceptual framework and a qualitative sharing circle methodology, the interconnected personal, academic, and community impacts of the pandemic were explored with Indigenous nursing students (n = 17). Overall, the pandemic exacerbated and compounded prior traumas Indigenous students and communities have experienced across generations on Turtle Island. Participants suffered worsening psychological distress and significant losses during the pandemic, especially losses in learning and cultural safety. However, the pandemic also revealed silver linings including: the benefits of online learning; and demonstrations of posttraumatic growth, survivance, and community strength. These findings are relevant to informing culturally safe and trauma‐informed strategies, policies, administrators, and educators in schools of nursing.
The role of ferroptosis in fish inflammation
Authors: Gao Feng , Shi Xiaowei , Pei Chao , Zhao Xianliang , Zhu Lei , Zhang Jie , Li Li , Li Chen , Kong Xianghui
Published: August 2022

Ferroptosis, as one of cell death modalities, is driven by iron‐dependent phospholipid peroxidation and regulated by various cellular metabolic pathways, including iron, amino acid and lipid metabolism, as well as disease‐related signalling pathways. Cell survival or death is a critical issue in the inflammatory response. On the one hand, ferroptosis is more immunogenic than apoptosis, and ruptured ferroptotic cells release damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which can trigger an inflammatory response. On the other hand, various pathogenic bacteria may cause peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on the cell membrane, leading to ferroptosis. In fish, the key genes and signalling pathways related to ferroptosis are conserved, but there are still differences among fish species. In recent years, frequent occurrences of fish diseases have posed a considerable challenge to the large‐scale aquaculture. The specific precursors for ferroptotic cell death were iron‐dependent oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, which always occur in fish inflammation. This review summarizes recent studies on ferroptosis in fish inflammation, that is, iron‐dependent programmed cell death, to address ferroptosis, inflammation and correlations between them in fish. This review may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis and inflammation in fish and provides suggestions for sustainable development and large‐scale aquaculture farming.
Experimental and Modeling Investigation on Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Horizontal Gas Wells
Authors: Luo Chengcheng , Cao Yufeng , Liu Yonghui , Zhong Sicun , Zhao Suhui , Liu Zhongbo , Liu Yaxin , Zheng Danzhu
Published: August 2022

Wellbore pressure gradient in gas wells is significant in designing deliquification technologies and optimizing production. At present, no model has yet to be established specifically for gas wells at a wide gas flowrate range. When calculating pressure gradient in a specific gas field, engineers must evaluate these widely used models and get the best performance model at a certain range. To establish a more comprehensive model in horizontal gas wells, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the flow behavior of liquid-gas two-phase flow at different gas and liquid velocities and inclined angles in a 50 mm visual pipe. The evaluation of these widely used models against the experimental data shows that no model can predict liquid holdup at different gas velocity ranges, and huge deviations due to several reasons can be observed. After conducting a comprehensive analysis, a new liquid holdup correlation was proposed based on the Mukherjee–Brill model by correlating from the experimental results, which have parametric ranges closer to the production of gas wells. This new model adopts a new dimensionless gas velocity number to characterize flow similarities and better scale up pressure from the experiment to the gas wells. By validating against experimental data and field data, the results indicate that the new two-phase flow model has stable performance and can accurately predict pressure gradients at different ranges of pressure and gas/liquid velocities.
Finite Element Model of a Piezo-Electric Actuator Coupled to the Middle Ear
Authors: Burovikhin D. , Dalhoff E. , Wagner A. , Schneider F. , Lauxmann M.
Published: August 2022

The hearing contact lens® (HCL) is a new type of hearing aid devices. One of its main components is a piezo-electric actuator. In order to evaluate and maximize the HCL's performance, a model of the HCL coupled to a middle-ear model was developed using finite element approach. The model was validated step by step starting with the HCL only. To validate the HCL model, vibrational measurements on the HCL were performed using a laser-doppler-vibrometer (LDV). Then, a silicone cap was placed onto the HCL to provide an interface between the HCL and the tympanic membrane of the middle-ear model, and additional LDV measurements on temporal bones were performed to validate the coupled model that was used to evaluate the equivalent sound pressure of the HCL. Moreover, a de-eper insight was gained into the contact between the HCL and tympanic membrane and its effects on the HCL performance. The model can be used to investigate the sensitivity of geometrical and material parameters with respect to performance measures of the HCL and evaluate the feedback behavior.
The Azithromycin Pro-Drug CSY5669 Boosts Bacterial Killing While Attenuating Lung Inflammation Associated with Pneumonia Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Saris Anno , Qin Wanhai , van Linge Christine C. A. , Reijnders Tom D. Y. , Florquin Sandrine , Burnet Michael , Strass Simon , de Vos Alex F. , van der Poll Tom
Published: August 2022

Antibiotic resistance is a major problem, with methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) being a prototypical example in surgical and community-acquired infections.
S. aureus
, like many pathogens, is immune evasive and able to multiply within host immune cells. Consequently, compounds that aid host immunity (e.g., by stimulating the host-mediated killing of pathogens) are appealing alternatives or adjuncts to classical antibiotics.
Comprehensive Subcellular Localization of Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus Proteins
Authors: Yuan Cong , Suo Xuepeng , Duan Yueyue , Li Xiangtong , Shi Lei , Cao Liyan , Kong Xiangyu , Zheng Haixue , Wang Qi
Published: August 2022

SADS-CoV is the first documented spillover of a bat coronavirus that causes severe diseases in domestic animals. Our study is an in-depth annotation of the newly discovered swine coronavirus SADS-CoV genome and viral protein expression.
Reconstruction of a Soil Microbial Network Induced by Stress Temperature
Authors: Yang Dailin , Kato Hiromi , Kawatsu Kazutaka , Osada Yutaka , Azuma Toyohiro , Nagata Yuji , Kondoh Michio
Published: August 2022

By combining amplicon-based diversity survey with recently developed nonlinear analytical tools, we successfully determined the interaction networks of more than 150 natural soil microbial genera under less or more temperature stress and explored the applicability of the stress gradient hypothesis to soil microbiota, shedding new light on the well-known hypothesis.
Succinate Dehydrogenase Subunit C Contributes to Mycelial Growth and Development, Stress Response, and Virulence in the Insect Parasitic Fungus Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Ding Jin-Li , Li Xiu-Hui , Lei Jia-Hui , Feng Ming-Guang , Ying Sheng-Hua
Published: August 2022

The electron transport chain (ETC) is critical for energy supply by mediating the electron flow along the mitochondrial membrane. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is also known as complex II in the ETC, in which SdhC is a subunit anchored in mitochondrial membrane. However, the physiological roles of SdhC remain enigmatic in filamentous fungi.
Ferroelectric Domain Reversal: The Role of Domain Wall Conduction
Authors: Sturman B. , Podivilov E.
Published: August 2022

Ferroelectric domain reversal is a vast research area relevant to the fundamental science and applications as well as to macro- and nanoscales. An instantaneous compensation of typically huge depolarizing electric fields is a key element here. On the other hand, the domain wall (DW) conduction is now regarded as a general ferroelectric phenomenon. Being often separated by big surface energy barriers in macroscopic experiments, the DW conduction becomes easily available under the conditions of atomic-force microscopy. We claim that the DW conduction has to be regarded as a crucial and general ingredient of the domain reversal processes. Its importance is in providing an automatic compensation of the depolarizing electric fields. The presence of DW conduction essentially modifies the basics of domain reversal processes, including the relations for domain nucleus energies, the domain grows velocities, and the domain shapes. Concerning atomic-force microscopy applications, domain reversal theories have to include injection models from conductive tip electrodes. Below we provide specific primary results relevant to the basics of DW conduction mediated ferroelectric domain reversal.
Effects of Anchimeric Assistance in Phosphonium Enolates Chemistry
Authors: Salin A. V.
Published: August 2022

Phosphonium enolates are key intermediates of phosphine-catalyzed reactions extensively used in current organic synthesis for construction of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds. Herein, general methods for increasing the rates, chemo- and stereoselectivity on the basis of effects of anchimeric assistance for the reactions involving formation of phosphonium enolates are discussed.
Meaningful thresholds for patient-reported outcomes following interventions for anterior cruciate ligament tear or traumatic meniscus injury: a systematic review for the OPTIKNEE consensus
Authors: Macri Erin M , Young James J , Ingelsrud Lina Holm , Khan Karim M , Terluin Berend , Juhl Carsten Bogh , Whittaker Jackie L , Culvenor Adam G , Crossley Kay M , Roos Ewa M
Published: August 2022

Objective

We synthesised and assessed credibility (ie, trustworthiness) of thresholds that define meaningful scores for patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following interventions for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear or traumatic meniscus injury.

Design

Systematic review, narrative synthesis.

Data sources

We searched five databases, handsearched references of included studies and tracked citations.

Eligibility

Included studies investigated: individuals with ACL tear or meniscus injury; mean age <35 years; and PROM thresholds calculated using any method to define a minimal important change (MIC) or a meaningful post-treatment score (Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) or Treatment Failure).

Results

We included 18 studies (15 ACL, 3 meniscus). Three different methods were used to calculate anchor-based MICs across 9 PROMs, PASS thresholds across 4 PROMs and treatment failure for 1 PROM. Credibility was rated ‘high’ for only one study—an MIC of 18 for the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality-of-life (KOOS-QOL) subscale (using the MID Credibility Assessment Tool). Where multiple thresholds were calculated among ‘low’ credibility thresholds in ACL studies, MICs converged to within a 10-point range for KOOS-Symptoms (−1.2 to 5.4) and function in daily living (activities of daily living, ADL 0.5–8.1) subscales, and the International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (7.1–16.2). Other PROM thresholds differed up to 30 points. PASS thresholds converged to within a 10-point range in KOOS-ADL for ACL tears (92.3–100), and KOOS-Symptoms (73-78) and KOOS-QOL (53-57) in meniscus injuries.

Conclusion

Meaningful PROM thresholds were highly susceptible to study heterogeneity. While PROM thresholds can aid interpretability in research and clinical practice, they should be cautiously interpreted.
Edge Computing with Artificial Intelligence: A Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: Hua Haochen , Li Yutong , Wang Tonghe , Dong Nanqing , Li Wei , Cao Junwei
Published: August 2022

Recent years have witnessed the widespread popularity of Internet of things (IoT). By providing sufficient data for model training and inference, IoT has promoted the development of artificial intelligence (AI) to a great extent. Under this background and trend, the traditional cloud computing model may nevertheless encounter many problems in independently tackling the massive data generated by IoT and meeting corresponding practical needs. In response, a new computing model called edge computing (EC) has drawn extensive attention from both industry and academia. With the continuous deepening of the research on EC, however, scholars have found that traditional (non-AI) methods have their limitations in enhancing the performance of EC. Seeing the successful application of AI in various fields, EC researchers start to set their sights on AI, especially from a perspective of machine learning, a branch of AI that has gained increased popularity in the past decades. In this article, we first explain the formal definition of EC and the reasons why EC has become a favorable computing model. Then, we discuss the problems of interest in EC. We summarize the traditional solutions and hightlight their limitations. By explaining the research results of using AI to optimize EC and applying AI to other fields under the EC architecture, this article can serve as a guide to explore new research ideas in these two aspects while enjoying the mutually beneficial relationship between AI and EC.
Shape Dependence on the Electrochemistry of Uncoated Magnetite Motifs
Authors: Salvatore Kenna L. , Vila Mallory N. , McGuire Scott C. , Hurley Nathaniel , Huerta Citlalli Rojas , Takeuchi Esther S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Marschilok Amy C. , Wong Stanislaus S.
Published: August 2022

Using a variety of synthetic protocols including hydrothermal and microwave-assisted methods, the morphology of as-prepared magnetite has been reliably altered as a means of probing the effect of facet variations upon the resulting electrochemical processes measured. In particular, motifs of magnetite, measuring ∼100 to 200 nm in diameter, were variously prepared in the form of cubes, spheres, octahedra, and plates, thereby affording the opportunity to preferentially expose either (111), (220), or (100) planes, depending on the geometry in question. We deliberately prepared these samples, characterized using XRD and SEM, in the absence of a carbonaceous surfactant to enhance their intrinsic electrochemical function. Herein, we present a direct electrochemical comparison of specifically modified shape morphologies possessing 3 different facets and their impact as electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. Our overall data suggest that the shapes exhibiting the largest deliverable capacities at various current densities incorporated the highest surface energy facets, such as exposed (220) planes in this study. The faceted nature of different morphologies highlighted a trend in electrochemistry of (220) > (111) > (100); moreover, the degree of aggregation and polydispersity in prepared samples were found to play key roles as well.
Inhibition of Aluminum Corrosion with the Addition of the Tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate Anion to a Sulfonylamide-Based Ionic Liquid for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Hwang Jinkwang , Aoyagi Ikuma , Takiyama Masaya , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hagiwara Rika
Published: August 2022

Ionic liquids (ILs) based on sulfonylamide-type anions have gained widespread utility as electrolytes for secondary batteries. Although sulfonylamide-based IL electrolytes are known to form a stable passivation layer that prevents Al corrosion, the Al electrode in the Na[FSA]-[C2C1im][FSA] ([FSA] = bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide and [C2C1im] = 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium) IL, is found to be afflicted by pitting corrosion at potentials above 4 V vs Na+/Na during electrochemical measurement at 90 °C. Therefore, this study investigates the suppressive effect of [FAP]− (FAP = tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate) on the Al corrosion behavior of the IL electrolyte. Here, the inhibited corrosion of the Al electrode is confirmed through a series of cyclic voltammetry measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Charge-discharge tests performed using a Na3V2(PO4)2F3 positive electrode demonstrates that the addition of [FAP]– into the IL enhances cycling performance at the intermediate temperature of 90 °C.
The Alteration of HDL in Patients with AMI Inhibited Angiogenesis by Blocking ERK1/2 Activation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Zhe , Han Wen-Qi , Wang Qun-Rang , Wu Hao-Yu , Liu Xin-Hong , Xing Kun , Cheng Gong , Chang Feng-Jun
Published: August 2022

Objective. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was found vasoprotective, but numbers of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have normal or even high levels of pathological HDL (pHDL). So, we investigate the mechanism of pHDL in AMI patients on angiogenesis. Methods. HDL with normal levels from healthy subjects (nHDL, control group,

n
=
20

) and patients with AMI (pHDL, experimental groups,

n
=
30

) were obtained by super high speed centrifugation. Then, effects of HDL on proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and expression of ERK1/2 and its phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with or without PD98059 (inhibitor of ERK1/2) preincubation were detected. Results. Compared with the control group (nHDL), HDL from the experimental group (pHDL) significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HUVEC (

P
<
0.05

), while these effects of HDL could substantially be blocked by preincubation of PD98059 (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. HDL in AMI patients affects angiogenesis by inhibiting ERK1/2 activation free from HDL levels.
An Improved Method for Estimating the Strength of Jointed Rock Mass Using Drilling Technology
Authors: Zhang Yong , Li Peng , Liu Fengyin
Published: August 2022

During underground excavations for civil and mining engineering purposes, the variations in mechanical properties of jointed rock mass are important, especially for the design of underground structures. The unreasonable evaluation of strength properties for rock masses can lead to the structure instability of underground construct, which subsequently causes collapse accidents in underground engineering and poses a serious threat to the structures safety. Rock mass classification system is an effective method for determining the strength parameters for rock masses. Firstly, the existing approaches for determining the strength parameters of rock masses are reviewed using classification systems such as the joint factor, jointing index methods, rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system (Q), geological strength index (GSI), and rock quality designation (RQD). Since in some cases, rock quality designation (RQD) is the only information available, a comparative study with other methods then is conducted to verify the limitation and deficiencies of RQD method. On this basis, a newly developed method from RQD classification system based on drilling special energy is established to estimate the rock mass strength. Finally, the developed method is applied in the tunnel engineering in the Daheba hydropower station in Hanjiang to the Weihe River project of China, and the results are compared with those from the previous works. The in situ test results show that the developed method can give appropriate values compared to various suggested relationships from RMR, Q, and GSI. The results can be treated as an important design reference for the prevention and treatment of surrounding rock instability and underground excavations in the Daheba hydropower station.
Tumor Cell Extrinsic Synaptogyrin 3 Expression as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Murphy Ryan M. , Tasoulas Jason , Porrello Alessandro , Carper Miranda B. , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Coffey Alisha R. , Kumar Sunil , Zeng Peter YF. , Schrank Travis P. , Midkiff Bentley R. , Cohen Stephanie , Salazar Ashley H. , Hayward Michele C. , Hayes D. Neil , Olshan Andrew , Gupta Gaorav P. , Nichols Anthony C. , Yarbrough Wendell G. , Pecot Chad V. , Amelio Antonio L.
Published: August 2022

Over 70% of oropharyngeal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) cases in the United States are positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) yet biomarkers for stratifying oropharyngeal HNSC patient risk are limited. We used immunogenomics to identify differentially expressed genes in immune cells of HPV(+) and HPV(−) squamous carcinomas. Candidate genes were tested in clinical specimens using both qRT-PCR and IHC and validated by IHC using the Carolina Head and Neck Cancer Study tissue microarray of HNSC cases. We performed multiplex immunofluorescent staining to confirm expression within the immune cells of HPV(+) tumors, ROC curve analyses, and assessed survival outcomes. The neuronal gene Synaptogyrin-3 (SYNGR3) is robustly expressed in immune cells of HPV(+) squamous cancers. Multiplex immunostaining and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses confirmed SYNGR3 expression in T cells, but also unexpectedly in B cells of HPV(+) tumors. ROC curve analyses revealed that combining SYNGR3 and p16 provides more sensitivity and specificity for HPV detection compared with p16 IHC alone. Patients with SYNGR3-high HNSC have significantly better prognosis with 5-year OS and DSS rates of 60% and 71%, respectively. Moreover, combining p16 localization and SYNGR3 expression can further risk stratify HPV(+) patients such that high cytoplasmic, low nuclear p16 do significantly worse (HR, 8.6; P = 0.032) compared with patients with high cytoplasmic, high nuclear p16. SYNGR3 expression in T and B cells is associated with HPV status and enhanced survival outcomes of patients with HNSC.

Significance:

These findings indicate that codetection of SYNGR3 in immune cells and p16 in tumor cells by IHC can more reliably identify the HPV(+) subgroup of patients with low-risk head and neck cancer that may be appropriate for clinical trials involving treatment deescalation.
Spiny lobster fecundity on the Brazilian continental shelf (Decapoda, Achelata)
Authors: Gaeta Juliana , Cintra Israel Aniceto , Torres Marina T. , Da Silva Jessica L. S. , Cruz Raúl
Published: August 2022

Spiny lobsters are the main target of commercial fisheries along the coast of Brazil. Little is known about lobster egg production, making it difficult to estimate reproductive capacity. The purpose of this study was to update fecundity data on Brazilian lobsters as a subsidy for stock management and prevention of overexploitation. For the first time, fecundity equations for the two main Brazilian species of spiny lobster are proposed: Egg count = 29 552e0.0274x (; ; ) for Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804) collected off Northeastern Brazil and the Great Amazon Reef System, and Egg count = 13 662e0.0361x (; ; ) for Panulirus laevicauda (Latreille, 1817) collected off Northeastern Brazil in 2021. Mean fecundity data for the period 1968-2021 show that fecundity levels declined over four decades, then partially recovered after the 6-month closed season was implemented in 2012, suggesting the measure has been effective at protecting lobster reproduction, allowing stocks of both species to recover between fishing seasons. Efficient management requires strict control of lobster fisheries, regular collection of reliable fishing data and investments in life cycle research.
Using landmark-based geometric morphometrics for holotype selection in cryptic species: a case study of Western Australian Halicyclops (Copepoda, Cyclopoida)
Authors: Karanovic Tomislav
Published: August 2022

Holotype designation is mandatory for animal species descriptions, yet we are lacking studies on its selection. Landmark-based geometric morphometrics (LBGM) can be used to detect subtle phenotypic variations and to calculate mean shapes of groups for certain characters, which should provide reliable tools for selecting holotypes that are most representative even of cryptic species. Western Australian copepods from the genus Halicyclops Norman, 1903 (Halicyclopidae) were studied here in a subterranean archipelago of calcretes by a combination of molecular phylogenetics (using mitochondrial COI and 12S markers) and LBGM, on the same specimens. Bayesian analyses of molecular markers resulted in five deeply divergent and congruent clades, supported with maximum posterior probabilities. ANOVA analysis of LBGM data showed that the effect of these clades was a much larger contributor to shape variation than the effects of locality or individual. Therefore, five new endemic species were described, employing a condensed format appropriate for cryptic species. All of them are destined for extinction due to approved uranium mining in the region. Four morphological structures used for LBGM analyses provided different degrees of phenotypic species separation in both sexes, and representative holotypes and allotypes for one structure were sometimes close to species’ extremes of variability for another structure.
Preliminary investigation of age analysis in crustacean species from the Indian coast, using growth bands
Authors: Chakraborty Rekha Devi , Gayathri A. P. , Purushothaman P. , Kuberan G. , Maheswarudu G. , Abdussamad E. M.
Published: August 2022

The present study represents the first information on direct age determination based on band counts in the mesocardiac ossicle (gastric mill) and eyestalk, in Aristeus alcocki, Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, Panulirus homarus, and Portunus sanguinolentus from India. The determination of growth bands is important in understanding the accurate age of a specimen for the effective management strategies for stock sustainability of the natural resource. Longitudinal sections of the eyestalk and meso-cardiac ossicle of the gastric mill were observed for growth band counts in all species except for P. homarus, where the growth bands were recorded only in the ossicle. Growth bands count five in females and four in males of A. alcocki, respectively. In the case of inshore prawns, two growth bands were observed in P. monodon and one growth band in P. indicus, five growth bands in P. homarus, and three in P. sanguinolentus.
Statistical evidence for the presence of trajectory in single-cell data
Authors: Tenha Lovemore , Song Mingzhou
Published: August 2022

Background

Cells progressing from an early state to a developed state give rise to lineages in cell differentiation. Knowledge of these lineages is central to developmental biology. Each biological lineage corresponds to a trajectory in a dynamical system. Emerging single-cell technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing can capture molecular abundance in diverse cell types in a developing tissue. Many computational methods have been developed to infer trajectories from single-cell data. However, to our knowledge, none of the existing methods address the problem of determining the existence of a trajectory in observed data before attempting trajectory inference.

Results

We introduce a method to identify the existence of a trajectory using three graph-based statistics. A permutation test is utilized to calculate the empirical distribution of the test statistic under the null hypothesis that a trajectory does not exist. Finally, a p-value is calculated to quantify the statistical significance for the presence of trajectory in the data.

Conclusions

Our work contributes new statistics to assess the level of uncertainty in trajectory inference to increase the understanding of biological system dynamics.
Impact of signal-averaged electrocardiography findings on appropriate shocks in prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients with nonischemic systolic heart failure
Authors: Nomoto Michiru , Suzuki Atsushi , Shiga Tsuyoshi , Shoda Morio , Hagiwara Nobuhisa
Published: August 2022

Background

Appropriate shock therapy is associated with subsequent all-cause death in heart failure (HF) patients who receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. To evaluate the impact of signal-averaged electrocardiography (SAECG) findings on appropriate shocks in prophylactic ICD patients with nonischemic systolic HF.

Methods

We studied 86 patients with nonischemic HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% who underwent new ICD implantation for the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. We excluded patients who had a previously implanted permanent pacemaker and patients who received cardiac resynchronization therapy with an ICD. SAECG was performed before implantation. Abnormal SAECG findings were defined if 2 of the following 3 conditions were identified: filtered QRS duration (fQRS) ≥ 114 ms, root-mean-square voltage during the last 40 ms of the fQRS (RMS 40) < 20 μV, and duration of the low-amplitude potentials < 40 μV (LAS 40) > 38 ms; additionally, patients with a QRS complex ≥ 120 ms who met both the RMS 40 and LAS 40 criteria were also considered to have abnormal SAECG findings. The primary outcome was the first occurrence of appropriate shock after implantation of the ICD. The secondary outcomes were the first occurrence of inappropriate shock and all-cause mortality.

Results

Forty-two patients met the criteria for abnormal SAECG findings (49%). During a median follow-up period of 61 months, 17 patients (20%) died, 24 (28%) received appropriate shock therapy, and 19 (22%) received inappropriate shock therapy. There was a significantly higher incidence of appropriate shocks in patients with abnormal SAECG findings than in those with normal SAECG findings (log-rank test, p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis revealed that abnormal SAECG findings were independently associated with the occurrence of appropriate shock (hazard ratio 2.67, 95% confidential interval 1.14–6.26). However, abnormal SAECG findings were not related to inappropriate shock. There was no difference in the incidence of all-cause death between patients with abnormal and normal SAECG findings.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that abnormal SAECG findings are associated with a high probability of appropriate shocks in prophylactic ICD patients with nonischemic systolic HF.
Decreased daily exercise since the COVID-19 pandemic and the deterioration of health-related quality of life in the elderly population: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tamai Koji , Terai Hidetomi , Takahashi Shinji , Katsuda Hiroshi , Shimada Nagakazu , Habibi Hasibullah , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: August 2022

Backgrounds

The current prolonging state of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), could affect many aspects of people’s lives, especially the elderly population who experience a decrease in regular exercise. However, whether this decrease in regular exercise affects health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the elderly population, remains unclear.

Methods

The current population-based cross-sectional survey aimed to identify the relationship between the decrease in regular exercise since the COVID-19 pandemic and any changes in the HRQOL in the general elderly Japanese population. This study was conducted as a part of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Habikino city in Japan, between June and July 2021 using printed questionnaires. The participants included residents of the city who were aged ≥ 65 years, and were being vaccinated for COVID-19 at the city’s center. The EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) was assessed at two different time points (pre-pandemic and current). Data on lifestyle changes, including their regular exercise routine since the pandemic, were collected.

Results

Finally, 14,494 participants (45.3% of the city’s total elderly residents) were enrolled. Among them, 4321 participants (29.8%) had experienced a decrease in regular exercise since the pandemic. These participants showed a significantly higher rate of deterioration in all the EQ-5D-5L domains than the participants who did not experience a decrease in regular exercise. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, participants with a decrease in regular exercise were significantly related to the EQ-5D-5L index deterioration compared to those with an unchanged regular exercise routine (p < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio = 5.60) independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and the existence of back pain, joint pain, and/or numbness of extremities.

Conclusion

The current survey that included 45% of the elderly people living in a city revealed that up to 30% of them had experienced a decrease in the regular exercise since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease was significantly related to HRQOL deterioration independent of age, sex, BMI, baseline activities of daily living status, and musculoskeletal symptoms. Our data could be useful for understanding the current problem and provide a strong basis for the creation of exercise guidelines for the post-COVID-19 era.
Prevention of muscle atrophy in ICU patients without nerve injury by neuromuscular electrical stimulation: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Bao Weiwei , Yang Jiajia , Li Mingna , Chen Kang , Ma Zheng , Bai Yuehong , Xu Yiming
Published: August 2022

Background

Extensive muscle atrophy is a common occurrence in orthopaedics patients who are bedridden or immobilized. The incidence is higher in intensive care unit (ICU) inpatients. There is still controversy about how to use neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in ICU patients. We aim to compare the effectiveness and safety of NMES to prevent muscle atrophy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients without nerve injury.

Methods

ICU patients without central and peripheral nerve injury were randomized into experimental group I (Exp I: active and passive activity training (APAT) + NMES treatment on the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle), experimental group II (Exp II: APAT + NMES treatment on gastrocnemius alone), and control group (Ctl: APAT alone). Changes in the strength of gastrocnemius, the ankle range of motion, and the muscle cross-section area of the lower leg were evaluated before and after the intervention. Also, changes in prothrombin time, lactic acid, and C-reactive protein were monitored during the treatment.

Results

The gastrocnemius muscle strength, ankle joint range of motion, and cross-sectional muscle area of the lower leg in the three groups showed a downward trend, indicating that the overall trend of muscle atrophy in ICU patients was irreversible. The decrease in gastrocnemius muscle strength in Exp I and Exp II was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05), but there was no difference between Exp I and Exp II. The decrease in active ankle range of motion and cross-sectional area of the lower leg Exp I and Exp II was smaller than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the decrease in Exp I was smaller than that of Exp II (all P < 0.05). The curative effect in Exp I was better than in Exp II. There were no significant differences in the dynamic changes of prothrombin time, lactic acid, and C-reactive protein during the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In addition to early exercise training, NMES should be applied to prevent muscle atrophy for patients without nerve injury in ICU. Also, simultaneous NMES treatment on agonist/antagonist muscle can enhance the effect of preventing muscle atrophy.

Trial registration

This study was prospectively registered in China Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org.cn) on 16/05/2020 as ChiCTR2000032950.
Early menopause and weight loss are significant factors associated with risk of future fracture in middle-aged women
Authors: Moberg Louise , Hamrefors Viktor , Fedorowski Artur , Rogmark Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Background

To identify factors related to reproductive history and weight change associated with first incident fracture in middle-aged women.

Methods

In total, 18,326 women from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study were included in this prospective population-based cohort study. Participants were included 1991–1996 and followed to 2016. Using data from the National Patient Registry, linked with every participants’ unique personal identification number, any first fracture affecting spine, thoracic cage, upper and lower extremities was identified. The association of baseline factors with incident fracture risk was analyzed using Cox regression models.

Results

For participating women, median age 56.0 years, the multivariable Cox regression analysis observed that early menopause (40–44 years) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–1.27) but not premature menopause < 40 years (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.91–1.24) was associated with future fracture risk. Self-reported weight loss since age 20 was also associated with future fracture risk (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.17–1.65) whereas a daily alcohol consumption in the third quartile (5.36–11.42 g/day) compared to the lowest quartile (0–0.80 g/day) was associated with decreased future fracture risk (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.96). The multivariable Cox regression analysis also observed that increasing age and weight at baseline, current smoking, a positive history of previous fracture and family history of fractures were associated with increased fracture risk whereas an increasing BMI was associated with a decreased fracture risk. No association to parity or period of lactation was observed nor ever-use of oral contraceptives and menopausal hormone therapy.

Conclusion

This study shows that early menopause between 40 to 45 years and self-reported weight loss since age of 20 are relevant factors associated with increased fracture risk in middle-aged women. These factors were independent of traditional predictors of fracture risk among women and may be considered in preventive initiatives.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov with identifier: NCT04151732, since Nov 5th 2018.