bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial-CITE-seq: spatially resolved high-plex protein and whole transcriptome co-mapping
Authors: Liu Yang , DiStasio Marcello , Su Graham , Asashima Hiromitsu , Enninful Archibald , Qin Xiaoyu , Deng Yanxiang , Bordignon Pino , Cassano Marco , Tomayko Mary , Xu Mina , Halene Stephanie , Craft Joseph E. , Hafler David , Fan Rong
Published: April 2022

We present spatial-CITE-seq for high-plex protein and whole transcriptome co-mapping, which was firstly demonstrated for profiling 189 proteins and transcriptome in multiple mouse tissue types. It was then applied to human tissues to measure 273 proteins and transcriptome that revealed spatially distinct germinal center reaction in tonsil and early immune activation in skin at the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine injection site. Spatial-CITE-seq may find a range of applications in biomedical research.
A 3’ UTR-derived small RNA connecting nitrogen and carbon metabolism in enteric bacteria
Authors: Walling Lauren R. , Kouse Andrew B. , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Zhang Hongen , Storz Gisela
Published: April 2022

Increasing numbers of small, regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) corresponding to 3’ untranslated regions (UTR) are being discovered in bacteria. One such sRNA, denoted GlnZ, corresponds to the 3’ UTR of the Escherichia coli glnA mRNA encoding glutamine synthetase. Several forms of GlnZ, processed from the glnA mRNA, are detected in cells growing with limiting ammonium. GlnZ levels are regulated transcriptionally by the NtrC transcription factor and post-transcriptionally by RNase III. Consistent with the expression, E. coli cells lacking glnZ show delayed outgrowth from nitrogen starvation compared to wild type cells. Transcriptome-wide RNA-RNA interactome datasets indicated that GlnZ binds to multiple target RNAs. Immunoblot and assays of fusions confirmed GlnZ-mediated repression of glnP and sucA, encoding proteins that contribute to glutamine transport and the citric acid cycle, respectively. Although the overall sequences of GlnZ from E. coli K-12, Enterohemorrhagic E. coli and Salmonella enterica have significant differences due to various sequence insertions, all forms of the sRNA were able to regulate the two targets characterized. Together our data show that GlnZ promotes survival of E. coli under low nitrogen conditions by modulating genes that affect carbon and nitrogen flux.
Evolutionary relations between mycorrhizal symbiosis and plant–plant communication in trees
Authors: Yamawo Akira , Tomika Hagiwara , Yoshida Satomi , Misuzu Ohno , Nakajima Riku , Mori Yusuke , Hayashi Tamayo , Yamagishi Hiroki , Shiojiri Kaori
Published: April 2022

Ecological factors that drive the evolution of plant–plant communication via volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have not been elucidated. Here, we examined the relationship between type of mycorrhizal symbiosis (arbuscular mycorrhiza, AM; ectomycorrhizal mycorrhiza, ECM) and plant-plant communication within tree species. We hypothesized that ECM promotes plant-plant communication among conspecific individuals in trees, because it promotes their cooccurrence through positive plant-soil feedback. We tested communication using saplings of nine tree species with either AM or ECM, either exposed for 10 days to volatiles from an injured conspecific or not exposed. We evaluated the number of insect-damaged leaves and the area of leaf damage after 1 and 2 months in the field. Most exposed ECM-associated trees had less leaf damage than controls. However, AM-associated trees did not differ in leaf damage between treatments. We combined our results with those of previous studies and analysed the evolutionary relation between mycorrhizal type and the presence or absence of plant–plant communication within tree species. ECM symbiosis is associated with the evolution of plant–plant communication within species. These results suggest that the evolution of types of mycorrhizal symbiosis associates with the evolution of plant-plant communications within tree species.
A drug-discovery-oriented non-invasive protocol for protein crystal cryoprotection by dehydration, with application for crystallization screening
Authors: Bellini Dom
Published: April 2022

In X-ray macromolecular crystallography, cryoprotection of crystals mounted on harvesting loops is achieved when the water in the sample solvent transitions to vitreous ice before crystalline ice forms. This is achieved by rapid cooling in liquid nitrogen or propane. Protocols for protein crystal cryoprotection are based on either increasing the environmental pressure or reducing the water fraction in the solvent. This study presents a new protocol for cryoprotecting crystals. It is based on vapour diffusion dehydration of the crystal drop to reduce the water fraction in the solvent by adding a highly concentrated salt solution, 13 M potassium formate (KF13), directly to the reservoir. Several salt solutions were screened to identify KF13 as optimal. Cryoprotection using the KF13 protocol is non-invasive to the crystal, high throughput and easy to implement, can benefit diffraction resolution and ligand binding, and is very useful in cases with high redundancy such as drug-discovery projects which use very large compound or fragment libraries. An application of KF13 to discover new crystal hits from clear drops of equilibrated crystallization screening plates is also shown.
Warranty or education?: An analysis of marketing strategy choices for remanufactured products
Authors: Wang Manman , Ang Sheng , Yang Feng , Song Jian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Implementing effective marketing strategies can reduce consumers' perceived risks and promote the development of the remanufacturing market. The paper aims to explore the impact of two marketing strategies on the remanufacturing decisions of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and investigates the design of the optimal warranty service (WS) and consumer education (CE) strategies. Moreover, the authors also examine the optimal marketing strategy choices using the three criteria of OEM: profitability, consumer surplus and environmental impact (EI).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a stylized model by game theory, which characterizes how an OEM that produces and sells both new and remanufactured products (RPs) should design the optimal remanufacturing marketing activity, and how to choose between different remanufacturing marketing strategies. Moreover, consumer's utility theory is used to describe consumers' perception of different remanufacturing marketing strategies to derive product demand.

Findings

The results reveal that increasing the warranty and education levels will not always improve the firm's profitability; the result depends heavily on the size of the functionality-oriented consumer (FOC) segment. Remanufacturing marketing strategies might harm the OEM, consumers and environment under certain conditions. Moreover, the optimal marketing strategy selections are jointly influenced by the FOC segment and the new production cost. There exist triple-win regions in which the OEM should not hesitate to perform WS and CE.

Originality/value

Few studies focus on the design and choice of remanufacturing marketing strategies, especially considering the role of consumer perceived behavior. This research contributes the behavioral remanufacturing marketing management and provides managerial implications for the implementation of OEM remanufacturing marketing strategy.
A systematic international entrepreneurship review and future research agenda
Authors: Nave Edgar , Ferreira João J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

International entrepreneurship (IE) has received a considerable amount of attention in the recent decades as a result of globalization enabling access to new international markets and business opportunities. Despite the growing increase in academic publications, IE still faces certain inconsistencies, with doubts remaining as regards its boundaries and the thematic groups making up the field. The purpose of this article is to systematically analyse the IE, mapping the intellectual territory and the evolution of the field.

Design/methodology/approach

Indexed to Web of Science( WoS) database until 2021, from 52 journals, 130 articles were selected, applying content analyses techniques to identify the main research lines.

Findings

The results reveal that IE presents four conceptual themes/clusters: (1) international business networks and opportunities; (2) institutional environments; (3) the characteristics and motivations of entrepreneurs; and (4) internationalisation drivers and processes. Extant analysis show that IE has progressed immensely, concentrating a good diversity of subtopics and research trends. An integrative framework bringing together 27 years of publications and 67 future research lines, detailed by cluster, were also presented in this study to improve understanding and guide future studies.

Originality/value

This review makes a broad contribution to the IE literature, assisting in consolidating the academic field, expanding and complementing the results of previous theoretical–conceptual studies. We reflect and individually discuss the state of the art of the four streams that characterize IE to identify key themes, points of convergence and advance new subfields.
How opening windows and other measures decrease virus concentration in a moving car
Authors: Shu Shuai , Mitchell Thomas Elliot , Wiggins Megan Rhian Rosemary , You Sizeng , Thomas Hywel , Li Chenfeng
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, ventilation in a small cabin where social distancing cannot be guaranteed is extremely important. This study aims to find out the best configuration of open and closed windows in a moving car at varying speeds to improve the ventilation efficiency. The effectiveness of other mitigation measures including face masks, taxi screens and air conditioning (AC) systems are also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Each window is given three opening levels: fully open, half open and fully closed. For a car with four windows, this yields 81 different configurations. The location of virus source is also considered, either emitting from the driver or from the rear seat passenger. Then three different travelling speeds, 5 m/s, 10 m/s and 15 m/s, are examined for the window opening/closing configurations that provide the best ventilation effect. A study into the effectiveness of face masks is realised by adjusting virus injection amounts; and the simulation of taxi screens and AC system simply requires a small modification to the car model.

Findings

The numerical studies identify the top window opening/closing configurations that provide the most efficient ventilation at different moving speeds, along with a comprehensive ranking list. The results show that fully opening all windows is not always the best choice. Simulations evaluating other mitigation measures confirm good effect of face masks and poor performance of taxi screens and AC systems.

Originality/value

This work is the first large-scale numerical simulation and parametric study about different window opening/closing configurations of a moving car. The results provide useful guides for travellers in shared cars to mitigate Covid-19 transmission risks. The findings are helpful to both individuals' health and society's recovery in the Covid-19 era and they also provide useful information to protect people from other respiratory infectious diseases such as influenza.
Innovation adoption in inter-organizational healthcare networks – the role of artificial intelligence
Authors: Cannavale Chiara , Esempio Tammaro Anna , Leone Daniele , Schiavone Francesco
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper explores innovation adoption in inter-organizational healthcare networks. The authors develop theoretical speculations to investigate better the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as an innovative tool to improve buyer-supplier relationships, creating better performance outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a theoretical investigation aiming at exploring the role of AI-based solutions for managing buyer-supplier relationships. The conceptual approach allows us to identify some research streams (e.g. co-working collaborations in supply chain management) by proposing a matrix that helps clarify the analysis's directions.

Findings

The results show the importance of AI that can help the operator in accessing supplier information, including current prices, available stocks, and delivery status, thereby reducing the risk of information asymmetry. AI is intended not only as a technology tool but also as an innovative solution to promote business relationships and support vertical alliances through the value chain between buyer and supplier.

Originality/value

This paper can help healthcare actors examine the choices behind their operational strategies by providing transparency of the activities and availability of information in real-time. Finally, our study reflects the future directions to enhance the cooperation and innovation adoption among healthcare operators.
The effects of empowerment at multiple leadership levels in the fire service: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Huntsman David , Greer Alex , Murphy Haley , Li Xiangyu (Dale)
Published: April 2022

Purpose

While uncertainty during emergency response operations necessitates adaptive performance, emergency response organizations, such as the fire service, tend to constrain adaptive behaviors due to their highly formalized bureaucratic structures. Structural theories suggest that leaders can empower employees to bypass these constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey data from four US fire departments, this research tests whether mid-level supervisors can empower firefighters by increasing their ability to improvise during complex emergency response operations, and whether this enhances department adaptive performance. Moderated mediation is also performed to assess whether senior leaders must also be effective, empowering leaders in order to achieve heightened levels of empowerment and subsequent adaptive performance, as many senior leaders in the fire service are criticized for being overly bureaucratic, risk averse, and resistant to change.

Findings

The findings support compensatory effects and show how immediate supervisors are key to overcoming senior leader deficiencies and producing adaptive performance during conditions of high uncertainty and complexity.

Originality/value

The lack of response organizations’ success during complex incidents is often attributed to senior leaders who are risk averse, overly bureaucratic, and resistant to change (Wankhade and Patnaik, 2020). This study is the first to show how empowering leadership can help overcome these constraints to enhance adaptive performance under complex conditions in the fire service.
A conceptual model of the relationship between organisational intelligence traits and digital government service quality: the role of occupational stress
Authors: Ramakrishnan Subashini , Wong Meng Seng , Chit Myint Moe , Mutum Dilip S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper presents a conceptual model that links digital government service quality with organisational intelligence (OI) traits and occupational stress among the service providers in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper that carries out a systematic review of the key literature from 1978 to 2021, concerning the evolution of models, scales and dimensions attributing to digital government service quality, OI traits and occupational stress. Following this, a new conceptual model is proposed to reflect the need of today's public service delivery from a broader perspective.

Findings

Based on the reviews of the existing models, there is no convincing evidence of the existence of a conceptual model that incorporates digital government service quality, OI traits and occupational stress from the public service providers' viewpoint. Therefore, a conceptual model, with occupational stress acting as a mediator between various OI traits and digital government service quality, is presented as a comprehensive framework to heighten the quality of the public service delivery.

Originality/value

This paper explores the gap in the current service quality studies and proposes a conceptual model that is more reflective of today's public service delivery. Firstly, it helps better understand digital government service quality from a much less focused area, the supply side (service providers) standpoint as opposed to the demand side (citizen) viewpoint (citizen). Secondly, it extends the understanding of performance and evaluation of public service delivery from perspectives such as knowledge utilisation, strategic alignment and participatory decision-making. Thirdly, it extends the literature on digital service quality from a non-technological perspective, as to how it is influenced by employees' psychological well-being factors.
Pedagogy or “trauma porn”? Racial literacy as a prerequisite for teaching racially dignifying content in the Australian social work context
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , Mapedzahama Virginia
Published: April 2022

Purpose

On June 21, 2021, a motion was introduced to the Australian Senate calling on the federal government to reject critical race theory (CRT) from the national curriculum, claiming that CRT is divisive and racist. This was allegedly sparked by revisions to the national school curriculum, which included a more accurate reflection of the historical record of First Nations peoples’ experiences of colonisation and the framing of British arrival onto the continent as an invasion. This paper aims to overview the omnipresence of Western thought systems in the academy and critiques how knowledge production as a disciplinary practice positions race as a “marginalised knowledge”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conceptual and it theorises the morphology and functions of racism within the Australian education system specifically, and across the board. This theorisation offers an invaluable starting point in rethinking how we advocate for and preserve Blac/k scholarship in academia. It examines how the political economy of racism in education offers a transformative position from which scholars can contribute to potential systemic change that promotes racial literacy and racial dignity, and the conditions necessary to foster these changes.

Findings

The paper confirms what studies by Blac/k scholars already highlight: that racialised knowledges are marked – as an aesthetic addition or as disruptive – or unnecessary – and how these patterns of colonial desires are manifested in the classroom or in race discourse.

Originality/value

Specifically, the arguments made in this paper examine two undertheorised concepts, namely, “racial dignity” and “trauma porn” to foreground the reimagination of practices that inform racial literacy in education. This offers a helpful starting place to consider how this form of education facilitates ongoing settler colonialism in Australia. The authors then propose an anti-racist pedagogical practice in social work education entailing three core crucial and transformative elements: self- reflexivity, storytelling and collaboration with Blac/k people.
From direct marketing to interactive marketing: a retrospective review of the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing
Authors: Lim Weng Marc , Kumar Satish , Pandey Nitesh , Rasul Tareq , Gaur Vidhu
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to present a retrospective of the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing (JRIM) on its 15th anniversary. The retrospective includes an analysis of JRIM's growth in publication and citation, and an exploration of the journal's major themes and methodologies employed.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a bibliometric methodology consisting of analytical techniques such as performance analysis, co-authorship network analysis, and bibliographic coupling to present a retrospective of JRIM.

Findings

This study finds that JRIM has grown consistently in terms of its publications and citations with its major themes being social media, advertising and communication, technology adoption, customer behavior, multi-channel marketing, viral marketing, and relationship marketing. This study also reveals that the journal's contributing authors tend to employ empirical and quantitative methodologies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to present a retrospective of JRIM and one of the few that present a retrospective of interactive marketing. Besides presenting the major themes, this study also analyzes the growth that such themes have undergone with time and what are the major themes in recent times in relation to the body of knowledge on interactive marketing curated through JRIM.
Strategic orientations and firm performance: the role of information technology adoption capability
Authors: Nugroho Arif , Prijadi Ruslan , Kusumastuti Ratih Dyah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the multiple entrepreneurial, technology and marketing orientations effects on education service firm performance (FP) and the mediating role of information technology (IT) adoption capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research based on 535 education service small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia and Singapore. Various validity and reliability tests were carried on before the actual analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results conclude that IT adoption capability is crucial for entrepreneurial and technology orientation (TO) to produce higher FP. This finding supports that IT capability is effective at helping firms implement their strategic orientations (SOs). In addition, market orientation (MO) influence on FP is more direct than other orientations under investigation.

Practical implications

This study suggests that SOs, particularly entrepreneurial and technology, enable managers to improve FP via the development of IT adoption capability. The result shows that firms with multiple SOs would be able to respond to market challenges, utilize new technology and become more innovative, which eventually yields higher performance.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of multiple SOs influence on FP using the mechanism of IT adoption capability.
Environment, resources, and surroundings based dynamic project schedule model for the road construction industry in New Zealand
Authors: Purushothaman Mahesh Babu , Kumar Sumit
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in New Zealand (NZ).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted narrative inquiry methodology that involved semi-structured interviews (SSI)/expert opinion and systematic literature review (SLR) data to determine the environment, resources and surroundings factors to develop a system dynamic model of dynamic project scheduling that aids on-time project delivery by reducing the project delay for the road construction industry in NZ. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis, Likert scale and thematic analysis techniques to understand the relationship of these factors to propose a system dynamic model.

Findings

This study concludes that weather, pandemic, material, geotechnical and disaster factors highly influence while other factors such as equipment shortage, breakdown, design error, labour and event had mixed impact on the dynamic scheduling (DS) that aids on-time project delivery. The proposed system dynamic model can enhance the understanding of factors affecting DS.

Research limitations/implications

SLR is limited to English literature. The limitations of an SSI and a small sample size are acknowledged.

Practical implications

The proposed model can reduce the uncertainty and scheduling errors during the planning phase and aid in the lesser scheduling modification during the execution phase. In practice, this study will be helpful for road contractors to understand environment, surroundings and resource in-control and out-of-control factors, overcome road construction delays, reduce cost, aid in stakeholder management and sustainable development.

Social implications

The inclusion of environment, resource and surroundings factors in force majeure clauses will bring an understanding between contracting parties and in turn reduce disputes and delays and help social causes such as on-time infrastructure delivery.

Originality/value

For the first time in a road construction, dynamic project scheduling model that collectively included and linked environment, resource, and surroundings factors to determine the in-control and out-of-control factors for an organisation is proposed. The novelty in the paper is provided by the inclusion of the events, disasters, and pandemics influence on DS in the NZ road construction industry for the first time.
Are the functional diversity terms functional? The hindrances of functional diversity understanding in the Brazilian scientific community
Authors: Bastos‐Pereira Rafaela , Chagas Tássia Rayane Ferreira , de Carvalho Débora Reis , Rabello Ananza Mara , Beiroz Wallace , Tavares Karla Palmieri , Lima Karen Cristina Braga , Rabelo Lucas Mendes , Valenzuela Silvia , Correa César M. A. , Pompeu Paulo Santos , Ribas Carla Rodrigues
Published: April 2022

Interest in functional diversity has grown in recent years, indicating that knowledge on ecosystem functions gain importance. However, the incongruent use of terms may lead to misunderstandings and incomparable results. We aimed to review terms used in functional diversity among the Brazilian scientific community to identify if there is a lack of consensus in the terminology used. We applied online surveys to assess how these terms have been used by the Brazilian academics and searched for their definitions in the scientific literature. The definition of “ecological function” by Brazilian academics is like that of the niche, but we only found two articles defining such a term in the literature. Thus, it seems that “ecosystem function” is a more commonly used term outside of Brazil. The definition of “guilds” coincided with that used in the literature, although we still observed a lack of consensus in the latter. For “traits,” “functional group,” and “functional diversity” concepts, we found some discrepancy between the literature and questionnaires. These inconsistencies can be related to the use of different organizational levels for the definition of traits and to the practice of replacing species with functional groups in standard taxonomic diversity metrics, considering them as measurements of functional diversity. The adoption of cohesive terminology is crucial to ensure the comparability of scientific results in the scientific literature. However, finding a consensus in ecology represents a hard task; therefore, we encourage that, at least, researchers make clear which key concepts they adopted in their research to avoid misunderstandings.
Industrial Policies or Industrial Strategy: The Difficulty of Enacting Long‐Term Supply‐Side Reform in the UK
Authors: Coulter Steve
Published: April 2022

The government's recent ditching of Theresa May's interventionist ‘Industrial Strategy’ and its replacement with the more amorphous and target‐driven ‘Plan for Growth’ has dismayed many in industry. But in many ways, the move merely exemplifies the ad hoc, short‐termist and ideologically driven nature of how industrial strategy has often been conceived and implemented in the UK since its rediscovery as an important tool of supply‐side policy following the market‐fundamentalist Thatcherite interregnum. This short‐termism has sabotaged repeated attempts to move the UK economy onto a higher and more sustainable growth path and will likely hinder the government in meeting its objectives on productivity, decarbonisation and levelling up through reindustrialisation. The problem has both institutional and ideological causes, largely to do with Treasury domination of the supply‐side agenda and its default market failure approach. This hinders successful adoption of the kinds of expansive, ‘mission‐oriented’ industrial strategies followed more successfully in other countries and which could be transformative if applied in the UK.
The addition of an acute care surgery service and its impact on appendicitis outcomes
Authors: Jameson Robert , Guru Swadha Das , Novakovich Morgan , Rahman Ana , Rahman Zoya , Granet Jason , Behm Robert
Published: April 2022

Background

The introduction of the Acute Care Surgery (ACS) model has changed the culture of general surgery call. Without scheduled responsibilities, these surgeons can immediately see and intervene on emergency general surgery (EGS) patients. We hypothesise the constant and immediate availability of the ACS team along with a clinical scope focused on EGS patients results in improved outcomes in a common EGS pathology, appendicitis.

Methods

From 2008 to 2018 a retrospective review was performed including all patients who underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Our institution established an ACS service in 2012. Patients were divided into two groups: the pre‐ACS and the post‐ACS groups. Primary endpoints included time intervals between diagnosis and surgery and overall length of stay (LOS) for both perforated and non‐perforated cases. The Fisher's exact test was used to analyse the data.

Results

The pre‐ACS group had 85 patients and the post‐ACS group had 164 patients. When all patients were compared, the post‐ACS group has a significantly shorter LOS by 2.74 days (p < .001). The post‐ACS group also had a significantly shorter LOS for the non‐perforated (1.96 days; p = .05) and the perforated (5.08 days; p = .001) patients. There was nearly a 4‐h decrease (p = .05) in the time interval from diagnosis to operating room in the perforated post‐ACS group.

Conclusion

Appendicitis patients may receive more immediate care and require a shorter length of stay in institutions who support an ACS model. Further area of study could confirm benefits of an ACS service to other EGS pathologies.
Equivalent intensity but differential dominance of sodium channel blocker insecticide resistance conferred by F1845Y and V1848I mutations of the voltage‐gated sodium channel in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Wang Xingliang , Zhang Jianheng , Yang Yihua , Wu Yidong
Published: April 2022

Two point mutations (F1845Y and V1848I) in the voltage‐gated sodium channel gene of Plutella xylostella are involved in the target‐site resistance to sodium channel blocker insecticides (SCBIs). The contribution of the individual mutations to the SCBI resistance and the associated inheritance modes is as yet unclear. Through 2 rounds of single‐pair crossing and marker‐assisted selection, 2 P. xylostella strains (1845Y and 1848I) bearing homozygous F1845Y or V1848I mutant alleles were successfully established from a field‐collected population, and the contribution of each mutation to SCBI resistance, as well as associated inheritance patterns, was determined. When compared with the susceptible SZPS strain, each of the mutations individually conferred equally high‐level resistance to indoxacarb (378 and 313 fold) and metaflumizone (734 and 674 fold), respectively. However, dominance levels of resistance to SCBIs were significantly different between the 2 resistant strains. Resistance of the 1845Y strain to indoxacarb and metaflumizone was inherited as an autosomal and incompletely dominant trait (D values ranged from 0.43 to 0.76). In contrast, that of the 1848I strain followed an autosomal but incompletely recessive to semidominant mode (D values: −0.24 to 0.09). Our findings enriched the current understanding of inheritance and mechanisms of SCBI resistance in P. xylostella, and will help develop resistance management programs for P. xylostella and other economic pests.
A test of the bifurcation hypothesis in prosecutorial diversion
Authors: Kutateladze Besiki Luka , Dunlea R. R. , Liu Lin , Arndt Maria
Published: April 2022

Research Summary

This study offers a localized test of the bifurcation hypothesis, which suggests that jurisdictions adopting decarceral policies for lower‐level offenses often do so at the expense of increased punitiveness toward more serious offenses. Relying on fresh data from Florida, we examine how adopting a new diversion program targeting low‐level traffic offenses affects overall prosecutorial diversion decisions. The new program is associated with an estimated 8% decrease in the odds of diversion to existing programs. Analyses of marginal effects suggest that the new program reduced diversion for more serious offenses by up to 43%. Although having a prior record disadvantaged defendants overall, defendants with more prior arrests experienced less of a diversion penalty after the new program; but defendants with more prior prison sentences were treated even more punitively after program implementation.

Policy Implications

In support of the bifurcation hypothesis, the effects of a new prosecutor‐led diversion program for low‐level offenses were attenuated by decreased diversion usage for other programs targeting more serious offenses. New diversion policies should focus on the adoption of programs that expand the pool of divertible cases rather than focusing only on minor offenses. Prosecutors should also critically examine prior record considerations in diversion offers, which disqualify defendants from many diversion programs.
Physicochemical characteristics and in vitro digestibility of starches from colored quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) varieties
Authors: Peng Mingjun , Yin Lisha , Dong Jilin , Shen Ruiling , Zhu Yingying
Published: April 2022

The quinoa flour processing is mostly subject to the properties of starch. Starches from four colored quinoa varieties, including white quinoa (QS‐W), yellow quinoa (QS‐Y), red (QS‐R), and black (QS‐B), were compared with respect to their physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility. Results indicated that QS‐B exhibited the highest content of amylose (8.14%) (p < 0.05). All starch samples exhibited as irregular sphere with a particle size less than 3 µm. Results of the FT‐IR and X‐ray showed that the short‐range order of the four quinoa starches exhibited no significant difference; all starches showed a typical A‐type diffractrometric pattern and was not affected by seed color, and QS‐Y had the highest relative crystallinity (34.3%) (p < 0.05). In addition, QS‐W reflected the highest solubility (6.32%) and QS‐Y showed the highest swelling power (19.45 g/g) (p < 0.05). QS‐Y also presented a higher ΔH value (11.46 J/g) (p < 0.05), while QS‐R peak temperature and peak Gʹ were the lowest. Besides, QS‐B had the highest slow‐digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) content, while the lowest estimated glycemic index (eGI) value (p < 0.05). Also, there was a negative correlation between hydrolysis rates and amylose content of quinoa starch.

Practical Application

Due to the low gelatinization temperature of quinoa starch, it can be used to both produce and improve instant and fast food products. Quinoa starch particles are small, and Pickering emulsions and additives have potential application values. Red quinoa contains easily digestible starch, which can be a good food choice for infants and the elderly, while white quinoa starch has less swelling power and can be used in noodle products. The results of this study can help to underpin the study of quinoa nonstarch components versus starch component.
Detection and population genomics of sea turtle species via noninvasive environmental DNA analysis of nesting beach sand tracks and oceanic water
Authors: Farrell Jessica A. , Whitmore Liam , Mashkour Narges , Rollinson Ramia Devon R. , Thomas Rachel S. , Eastman Catherine B. , Burkhalter Brooke , Yetsko Kelsey , Mott Cody , Wood Larry , Zirkelbach Bette , Meers Lucas , Kleinsasser Pat , Stock Sharon , Libert Elizabeth , Herren Richard , Eastman Scott , Crowder Whitney , Bovery Caitlin , Anderson David , Godfrey David , Condron Nancy , Duffy David J.
Published: April 2022

Elusive aquatic wildlife, such as endangered sea turtles, are difficult to monitor and conserve. As novel molecular and genetic technologies develop, it is possible to adapt and optimize them for wildlife conservation. One such technology is environmental (e)DNA – the detection of DNA shed from organisms into their surrounding environments. We developed species‐specific green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle probe‐based qPCR assays, which can detect and quantify sea turtle eDNA in controlled (captive tank water and sand samples) and free ranging (oceanic water samples and nesting beach sand) settings. eDNA detection complemented traditional in‐water sea turtle monitoring by enabling detection even when turtles were not visually observed. Furthermore, we report that high throughput shotgun sequencing of eDNA sand samples enabled sea turtle population genetic studies and pathogen monitoring, demonstrating that noninvasive eDNA techniques are viable and efficient alternatives to biological sampling (e.g., biopsies and blood draws). Genetic information was obtained from sand many hours after nesting events, without having to observe or interact with the target individual. This greatly reduces the sampling stress experienced by nesting mothers and emerging hatchlings, and avoids sacrificing viable eggs for genetic analysis. The detection of pathogens from sand indicates significant potential for increased wildlife disease monitoring capacity and viral variant surveillance. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of eDNA approaches to ultimately help understand and conserve threatened species such as sea turtles.
Genesis of Silica‐phosphatic Nodules with Small Shelly Fossils Preserved in the Lowermost Cambrian of South China
Authors: QIU Hao , FENG Lianjun , CHU Xuelei , LI Luoyang , ZHANG Xingliang , LI Jinhua
Published: April 2022

Silica‐phosphatic nodules are abundant in black shales of the Yanjiahe Formation in the Three Gorges Area of South China, which is correlated to the Fortunian Stage, Terreneuvian Series, Cambrian System. The nodules are rich in small shelly fossils and hence attract the attention of numerous paleontologists and sedimentary geologists. However, the genesis of the nodules and the preservation of the small shelly fossils are poorly understood. Here we analyze morphological, structural, mineralogical and chemical features of the nodules in multiscale using a combination of micro‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser Raman spectroscopy. Results reveal that nodules are concentric in chemical and mineralogical compositions, comprising a silica‐phosphatic core encrusted sequentially by a phosphatic zone, a siliceous zone and a very thin pyrite outer rim. The black shales hosting the nodules demonstrate a laminated texture of alternating clayey and silty laminae, which were respectively deposited in sulfidic/less sulfidic, high/low production, intense/weak chemical weathering conditions. The phosphogenesis of the nodules resulted in the phosphatization of small shelly fossils, which prevented the fossils from being dissolved during diagenesis, whereas the silica encrustation sealed the fossils within the nodules and thus protected the fossils from alteration by deep burial and surface weathering.
Anxiety sensitivity and cannabis use motives among trauma‐exposed young adult cannabis users
Authors: Short Nicole A. , Evans Mariah K. , Raudales Alexa M. , Shapiro Mary , Weiss Nicole H. , Schmidt Norman B.
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Anxiety sensitivity, or fear of anxious arousal, may be an important risk factor for problematic cannabis use. Specifically, anxiety sensitivity may motivate cannabis use to cope with distress, particularly among trauma‐exposed individuals. The current study tested associations among anxiety sensitivity, its subdomains, and cannabis use motives in a sample of trauma‐exposed cannabis users. We hypothesized elevated anxiety sensitivity, particularly cognitive concerns, would be associated with increased maladaptive coping use motives, after covarying for the number of traumas and cannabis use quantity.

Method

Hypotheses were tested in a cross‐sectional study of trauma‐exposed young adult cannabis users (N = 56) (Mage = 20.7 years, 59% women, 73% white). Participants completed self‐report measures, and a clinical interview assessing cannabis use quantity.

Results

Multiple regression analyses indicated that elevated anxiety sensitivity was associated with increased cannabis use coping motives, after covarying for the number of traumas experienced and cannabis use quantity. Specifically, higher levels of anxiety sensitivity cognitive and social concerns were associated with coping motives for cannabis use.

Discussion and Conclusions

Anxiety sensitivity, particularly concerns about cognitive dyscontrol and negative social evaluations of anxious arousal, may motivate cannabis use to cope with stress among trauma‐exposed cannabis users. Future research should include prospective studies with diverse samples to replicate results and determine whether intervening on anxiety sensitivity could reduce maladaptive coping motives for cannabis use.

Scientific Significance

The current study replicates prior research indicating anxiety sensitivity, particularly cognitive concerns, is associated with maladaptive cannabis use. Expanding on prior research, findings indicated anxiety sensitivity is associated with coping motives for cannabis use among trauma‐exposed cannabis users.
Clinical outcomes after positron emission tomography/computed tomography‐based image‐guided brachytherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Kim Nalee , Park Won , Cho Won Kyung , Cho Young Seok
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Although positron‐emission tomography (PET) plays an integral role in cervix cancer diagnosis, there are limited data on PET‐based image‐guided brachytherapy (IGBT). We aimed to report the long‐term outcomes of PET‐based IGBT.

Methods

We reviewed 151 patients treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT), including PET‐based IGBT between 2009 and 2018. After median 45 Gy of external beam RT with the four‐field technique, a median 24 Gy of high‐dose‐rate iridium‐192 IGBT was delivered in six fractions with Fletcher‐Suit tandem and ovoids. All patients underwent 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐PET/computed tomography planning with a brachytherapy applicator. Multivariable analysis of local control (LC) was performed using Cox regression analysis.

Results

The median high‐risk clinical target volume (HRCTV) and HRCTV D90% were 51.8 (interquartile range [IQR] 35.9–79.4) cm3 and 77.7 (IQR 74.7–81.2) Gy, respectively. With a median follow‐up of 57 (IQR 24.3–81.4) months, the 5‐year LC rate was 89.2%. HRCTV ≥72 cm3 was associated with inferior LC (hazard ratio, 3.72, p = .017) after multivariable analysis: the 5‐year LC rates were 94.0% and 77.9% for HRCTVs ≥72 and < 72 cm3, respectively (p = .002). The impact of HRCTV D90% ≥70 Gy on LC was significant in patients with an HRCTV ≥72 cm3 compared to that in those with HRCTV < 72 cm3. Patients with adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma demonstrated inferior LC in both groups. There were 13 (8.6%) and 11 (7.3%) patients with acute and late severe toxicities after RT.

Conclusion

PET‐based IGBT leads to favorable LC, and HRCTV ≥72 cm3 requires further dose escalation to improve outcomes.
Early experience with the Impella pump: Single‐center registry
Authors: Zubarevich Alina , Arjomandi Rad Arian , Szczechowicz Marcin , Luedike Peter , Koch Achim , Pizanis Nikolaus , Kamler Markus , Ruhparwar Arjang , Weymann Alexander , Schmack Bastian
Published: April 2022

Background

With the rapid development of mechanical circulatory support technologies, patients presenting with cardiogenic shock have gained access to various treatment opportunities which were not until recently available. The Impella® pump (Abiomed, Danvers, USA) is a minimally invasive device which provides excellent left ventricular unloading and full circulatory support. The aim of the study was to review our center's experience with Impella® and to analyze the major adverse events associated with the device.

Methods

From January 2020 to January 2022, a total of 32 patients underwent Impella® implantation at our center for various indications.

Results

The mean age at surgery was 60.3 ± 12.4 years and 9.4% were female. All patients presented with acute cardiogenic shock in INTERMACS Class I (53.1%) and INTERMACS Class II (46.9%). Twenty‐six patients (81.25%) out of the whole cohort have been mobilized on Impella® support. Seventeen patients (53.1%) have been weaned from the Impella® support and 10 patients (31.3%) have been bridged to durable LVAD. The median time on Impella® was 7 days (IQR 5.0–11.0). 30‐day mortality was 37.5%, with 56.25% survival until hospital discharge. Only one patient developed vascular complications consisting of arm hypoperfusion. There were no cases of stroke on Impella® support.

Conclusion

The Impella® axial‐flow pump seems an appropriate therapeutic option for patients with acute cardiogenic shock requiring partial or full hemodynamic support. It also provides sufficient left ventricular unloading to allow full mobilization and neurological assessment of the patients. Furthermore, Impella® offers a high rate of myocardial recovery.
Disease activity and therapeutic drug monitoring of polyglutamates of methotrexate after daily or weekly administration of low‐dose methotrexate in patients recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Báez Ana Socorro , Huerta‐García Ana Patricia , Medellín‐Garibay Susanna Edith , Rodríguez‐Pinal Cristian Jazmín , Martínez‐Martínez Marco Ulises , Herrera‐Van Oostdam David , Abud‐Mendoza Carlos , Romano‐Moreno Silvia , Milán‐Segovia Rosa del Carmen
Published: April 2022

Low‐dose methotrexate can be challenging to treat rheumatoid arthritis due to side effects, lack of adherence and risk of medication errors. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of low‐dose methotrexate administered daily or weekly in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were randomized according to a total oral dose of 12.5 mg of methotrexate administered: (A) divided in 5 days/week and (B) once per week. Patients were assessed along 24 weeks after starting treatment. Polyglutamates of methotrexate were quantified by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometer. Patients from groups A and B showed a good response to methotrexate treatment in 29% and 25.5%, respectively, and a global frequency of adverse events of 37%. Methotrexate polyglutamate 3 concentrations were higher in normal weight (body mass index 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) than in obese (body mass index 30 kg/m2) patients with a median (interquartile range) of 28 (17.95–45.15) and 10.35 (5.22–30.88) nM without differences between dosage groups. Daily dosage regimen represents a therapeutic alternative without compromising the efficacy and safety of methotrexate treatment and with similar adherence patterns than weekly dosage regimen; further, methotrexate polyglutamate 3 concentrations could be a useful tool for therapeutic drug monitoring purposes.