bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The high energetic cost of rapid force development in cyclic muscle contraction
Authors: van der Zee Tim J. , Kuo Arthur D.
Published: August 2020

Muscles consume metabolic energy for active movement, particularly when performing mechanical work or producing force. Less appreciated is the cost for activating and deactivating muscle quickly, which adds considerably to the overall cost of cyclic force production (Chasiotis et al., 1987). But the cost relative to mechanical work, which features in many movements, is unknown. We therefore tested whether fast activation-deactivation is costly compared to performing work or producing isometric force. We hypothesized that metabolic cost would increase with a proposed measure termedforce-rate(rate of increase in muscle force) in cyclic tasks, separate from mechanical work or average force level. We tested humans (N = 9) producing cyclic knee extension torque against an isometric dynamometer (torque 22 N-m, cyclic waveform frequencies 0.5 – 2.5 Hz), while also quantifying the force and work of muscle fascicles against series elasticity (with ultrasonography), along with metabolic rate through respirometry. Net metabolic rate increased by more than fourfold (10.5 to 46.7 W) with waveform frequency. At high frequencies, the hypothesized force-rate cost accounted for nearly half (41%) of energy expenditure. This exceeded the cost for average force (17%) and was comparable to the cost for shortening work (42%). The energetic cost is explained by a simple first-order model of rate-limiting steps in muscle contraction, primarily crossbridge dynamics. The force-rate cost could contribute substantially to the overall cost of movements that require cyclic muscle activation, such as locomotion.

Summary statement

The energetic cost of isometric muscle force production during cyclic muscle contraction increases sharply with cycle frequency and in proportion to the rate of force development
RNA promotes the formation of spatial compartments in the nucleus
Authors: Quinodoz Sofia A. , Bhat Prashant , Ollikainen Noah , Jachowicz Joanna W. , Banerjee Abhik K. , Chovanec Peter , Blanco Mario R. , Chow Amy , Markaki Yolanda , Plath Kathrin , Guttman Mitchell
Published: August 2020

The nucleus is a highly organized arrangement of RNA, DNA, and protein molecules that are compartmentalized within three-dimensional (3D) structures involved in shared functional and regulatory processes. Although RNA has long been proposed to play a global role in organizing nuclear structure, exploring the role of RNA in shaping nuclear structure has remained a challenge because no existing methods can simultaneously measure RNA-RNA, RNA-DNA, and DNA-DNA contacts within 3D structures. To address this, we developed RNA & DNA SPRITE (RD-SPRITE) to comprehensively map the location of all RNAs relative to DNA and other RNAs. Using this approach, we identify many RNAs that are localized near their transcriptional loci (RNA-DNA) together with other diffusible ncRNAs (RNA-RNA) within higher-order DNA structures (DNA-DNA). These RNA-chromatin compartments span three major classes of nuclear functions: RNA processing (including ribosome biogenesis, mRNA splicing, snRNA biogenesis, and histone mRNA processing), heterochromatin assembly, and gene regulation. More generally, we identify hundreds of ncRNAs that form stable nuclear compartments in spatial proximity to their transcriptional loci. We find that dozens of nuclear compartments require RNA to guide protein regulators into these 3D structures, and focusing on several ncRNAs, we show that these ncRNAs specifically regulate heterochromatin assembly and the expression of genes contained within these compartments. Together, our results demonstrate a unique mechanism by which RNA acts to shape nuclear structure by forming high concentration territories immediately upon transcription, binding to diffusible regulators, and guiding them into spatial compartments to regulate a wide range of essential nuclear functions.
The Population Genetics of Collateral Resistance and Sensitivity
Authors: Ardell Sarah M. , Kryazhimskiy Sergey
Published: August 2020

Resistance mutations against one drug can elicit collateral sensitivity against other drugs. Multi-drug treatments exploiting such trade-offs can help slow down the evolution of resistance. However, if mutations with diverse collateral effects are available, a treated population may evolve either collateral sensitivity or collateral resistance. How to design treatments robust to such uncertainty is unclear. We show that many resistance mutations inEscherichia coliagainst various antibiotics indeed have diverse collateral effects. We propose to characterize such diversity with a joint distribution of fitness effects (JDFE) and develop a theory for describing and predicting collateral evolution based on simple statistics of the JDFE. We show how to robustly rank drug pairs to minimize the risk of collateral resistance and how to estimate JDFEs. In addition to practical applications, these results have implications for our understanding of evolution in variable environments.
MMGB/SA Consensus Estimate of the Binding Free Energy Between the Novel Coronavirus Spike Protein to the Human ACE2 Receptor
Authors: Forouzesh Negin , Onufriev Alexey V.
Published: August 2020

The ability to estimate protein-protein binding free energy in a computationally efficient via a physics-based approach is beneficial to research focused on the mechanism of viruses binding to their target proteins. Implicit solvation methodology may be particularly useful in the early stages of such research, as it can offer valuable insights into the binding process, quickly. Here we evaluate the potential of the related molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MMGB/SA) approach to estimate the binding free energy ΔGbindbetween the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain and the human ACE2 receptor. The calculations are based on a recent flavor of the generalized Born model, GBNSR6. Two estimates of ΔGbindare performed: one based on standard bondi radii, and the other based on a newly developed set of atomic radii (OPT1), optimized specifically for protein-ligand binding. We take the average of the resulting two ΔGbindvalues as the consensus estimate. For the well-studied Ras-Raf protein-protein complex, which has similar binding free energy to that of the SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 complex, the consensus ΔGbind= −11.8±1 kcal/mol, vs. experimental −9.7±0.2 kcal/mol.

The consensus estimates for the SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 complex is ΔGbind= −9.4±1.5 kcal/mol, which is in near quantitative agreement with experiment (−10.6 kcal/mol). The availability of a conceptually simple MMGB/SA-based protocol for analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 /ACE2 binding may be beneficial in light of the need to move forward fast.
Global and Local Mutations in Bangladeshi SARS-CoV-2 Genomes
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahbub , Das Rasel , Rasheduzzaman Md. , Hussain Md Hamed , Muzahid Nazmul Hasan , Salauddin Asma , Rumi Meheadi Hasan , Rashid S M Mahbubur , Siddiki AMAM Zonaed , Mannan Adnan
Published: August 2020

Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) warrants comprehensive investigations of publicly available Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes to gain new insight about their epidemiology, mutations and pathogenesis. Nearly 0.4 million mutations were identified so far in ∼60,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences. In this study, we compared 207 of SARS-CoV-2 genomes reported from different parts of Bangladesh and their comparison with 467 globally reported sequences to understand the origin of viruses, possible patterns of mutations, availability of unique mutations, and their apparent impact on pathogenicity of the virus in victims of Bangladeshi population. Phylogenetic analyses indicates that in Bangladesh, SARS-CoV-2 viruses might arrived through infected travelers from European countries, and the GR clade was found as predominant in this region. We found 2602 mutations including 1602 missense mutations, 612 synonymous mutations, 36 insertions and deletions with 352 other mutations types. In line with the global trend, D614G mutation in spike glycoprotein was predominantly high (95.6%) in Bangladeshi isolates. Interestingly, we found the average number of mutations in ORF1ab, S, ORF3a, M and N of genomes, having nucleotide shift at G614 (n=459), were significantly higher (p≤0.001) than those having mutation at D614 (n=215). Previously reported frequent mutations such as P4715L, D614G, R203K, G204R and I300F were also prevalent in Bangladeshi isolates. Additionally, 87 unique amino acid changes were revealed and were categorized as originating from different cities of Bangladesh. The analyses would increase our understanding of variations in virus genomes circulating in Bangladesh and elsewhere and help develop novel therapeutic targets against SARS-CoV-2.
Photobleaching step analysis for robust determination of protein complex stoichiometries
Authors: Hummert Johan , Yserentant Klaus , Fink Theresa , Euchner Jonas , Herten Dirk-Peter
Published: August 2020

The composition of cellular structures on the nanoscale is a key determinant of macroscopic functions in cell biology and beyond. Different fluorescence single-molecule techniques have proven ideally suited for measuring protein copy numbers of cellular structures in intact biological samples. Of these, photobleaching step analysis poses minimal demands on the microscope and its counting range has significantly improved with more sophisticated algorithms for step detection, albeit at an increasing computational cost. Here, we present a comprehensive framework for photobleaching step analysis, optimizing both data acquisition and analysis. To make full use of the potential of photobleaching step analysis, we evaluate various labelling strategies with respect to their molecular brightness and photostability. The developed analysis algorithm focuses on automation and computational efficiency. Moreover, we benchmark the framework with experimental data acquired on DNA origami labeled with defined fluorophore numbers to demonstrate counting of up to 35 fluorophores. Finally, we show the power of the combination of optimized trace acquisition and automated data analysis for robust protein counting by counting labelled nucleoporin 107 in nuclear pore complexes of intact U2OS cells. The successful in situ application promotes this framework as a new resource enabling cell biologists to robustly determine the stoichiometries of molecular assemblies at the single-molecule level in an automated fashion.
A heuristic method with a novel stability concept to perform parallel assembly sequence planning by subassembly detection
Authors: Gulivindala Anil Kumar , Bahubalendruni M.V.A. Raju , Varupala S.S. Vara Prasad , K. Sankaranarayanasamy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Parallel assembly sequence planning (PASP) reduces the overall assembly effort and time at the product development stage. Methodological difficulties at framework development and computational issues at their implementation made the PASP complex to achieve. This paper aims to propose a novel stability concept for subassembly detection to minimize the complexities in PASP.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, a heuristic method is developed to identify, represent and implement the stability predicate to perform subassembly detection and assembly sequence planning (ASP) at the further stages. Stability is organized into static, dynamic, enriched and no stability between the mating assembly parts. The combination of parts that possesses higher fitness is promoted to formulate the final solution about PASP.

Findings

The results obtained by applying the proposed concept on complex configurations revealed that stability predicate plays a dominant role in valid subassembly detection and final sequence generation further.

Originality/value

The value of the presented study lies in the three types of stability conditions and effective integration to existed ASP method. Unlike the existed heuristics in subassembly detection, the proposed concept identifies the parallel subassemblies during ASP.
Automated guided vehicles in modular integrated construction: potentials and future directions
Authors: Yang Yi , Pan Wei
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the potentials of using automated guided vehicle (AGV) technology in modular integrated construction (MiC) to realise logistics automation in module manufacturing and transport.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a scenario approach through three phases (i.e. scenario preparation, development and transfer), with six steps performed iteratively. The scenarios were systematically developed using a six-aspect socio-technical framework. Data were collected through a comprehensive literature review, site visits and interviews with relevant stakeholders and professionals. Implications regarding strength, weakness, opportunities and challenges and future research directions are provided.

Findings

The developed scenarios of “smart manufacturing” and “last-mile delivery” demonstrated how AGVs could be used to enhance efficiency and productivity in module manufacturing and transport. The synergies between AGVs and emerging information technologies should pave a good foundation for realising logistics automation in MiC. Future research should address: how to define the tasks of AGVs, how will the use of AGVs impact MiC practices, how to design AGV-integrated module manufacturing/transport systems and how to integrate people factors into the use of AGVs in MiC.

Practical implications

This paper reveals the socio-technical benefits and challenges of using AGVs in MiC.

Originality/value

This study extends the understanding of using logistics automation in MiC as emerging research directions, with the intention of directing scholars’ and practitioners’ interest into future exploration. It is the first attempt in its kind. Its findings could be extended to constitute a comprehensive development roadmap and prospects of automation in modular construction.
The competitive efficiency of Costa Rican small and medium-sized businesses: a data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Alonso-Ubieta Suyen , Mora-Esquivel Ronald , Leiva Juan Carlos
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Building on the resource-based view theory, this paper aims to evaluate the role of innovation on competitiveness and competitive efficiency among Costa Rican small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 231 Costa Rican small and medium-size firms for 2019. The authors compute a competitiveness index that includes four pillars: innovation, strategy, markets and human capital. To estimate competitive efficiency, the authors use a non-parametric model, namely, data envelopment analysis, with a single constant input.

Findings

The results confirm that competitive and efficient SMEs present a more homogenous distribution of resources and capabilities. The innovation pillar is positively correlated with competitive efficiency. A positive correlation exists between market experience (business age) and innovation and between innovation and business size in terms of the number of employees.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the understanding on how SME managers’ decision-making processes affect resource allocation within the business, and on how SMEs can introduce strategic actions based on improvements of those resources that will likely have a greater impact on competitive efficiency.

Originality/value

This study contributes to better grasping how the configuration of resources and capabilities, in which innovation plays a decisive role, and contributes to shape the competitive efficiency of small and medium-sized businesses in a developing economy.
Climate change impacts on water resources in a rural community in Limpopo province, South Africa: a community-based adaptation to water insecurity
Authors: Rankoana Sejabaledi Agnes
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study explored the impacts of climate change on water resources, and the community-based adaptation practices adopted to ensure water security in a rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The participatory approach was used to allow community members to share their challenges of water scarcity, and the measures they have developed to cope with inconsistent water supply.

Findings

The study results show that the community obtains water for household consumption from the reticulation system supplied by Mutale River and the community borehole. These resources are negatively impacted by drought, change in the frequency and distribution of rainfall, and increased temperature patterns. The water levels in the river and borehole have declined, resulting in unsustainable water supply. The community-based adaptation practices facilitated by the water committee include observance of restrictions and regulations on the water resources use. Others involve securing water from neighbouring resources.

Originality/value

This type of community-based action in response to climate change could be used as part of rural water management strategies under climate change.
Recruitment, retention and resignation among Non-Career Firefighters
Authors: Lantz Emelie , Runefors Marcus
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of literature about recruitment, retention and resignation among non-career firefighters.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review was conducted to identify factors associated with the recruitment, retention and resignation of non-career firefighters. The authors divided the results into three topics and four levels for further analysis.

Findings

27 articles are included in the review. Most research addresses retention at an organizational level and indicates a link between job satisfaction and factors such as supervisor support, recognition and close relationships within the workgroup. Further, a recurring reason that contributes to resignations seems to be family related (e.g. partner disapproval).

Research limitations/implications

There is a lack of European and Asian research into non-career firefighters. The included research papers generally have low response rates and the sample is often mostly male and Caucasians from a limited area.

Practical implications

The identified factors offer deeper understanding and can help practitioners in their pursuit of the sustainable retention of non-career firefighters.

Originality/value

Because securing adequate numbers of non-career firefighters is important, there is a need to synthesize current evidence to identify and further understand which factors contribute to retention. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first systematic review to synthesize such evidence about non-career firefighters.
What do practitioners expect from an evaluation report? A qualitative analysis of Dutch crisis management professionals' expectations
Authors: Beerens Ralf Josef Johanna , Haverhoek-Mieremet Karin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper seeks to overcome the mismatch between evaluation reports and the expectations of the target audience, by identifying crisis management professionals' expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

An adapted stakeholder information analysis was used to survey the expectations of 84 crisis management professionals in the Netherlands. A general inductive analysis was applied to qualitative data, from which five main themes emerged: purpose; object or focus; reasoning and (meta) analysis; result or conclusion, and the overall design of the evaluation.

Findings

Currently, evaluation reports are seen merely as a way to share experience and support thinking about how to avoid repeating mistakes. However, most respondents expected them to contribute to learning and support improvement. They should provide actionable feedback on what could be done differently or better, and indicate how this can be achieved. Respondents emphasised the need to focus on the human factor and not neglect the context. The wide variety of views underlined that it is difficult to create one evaluation product that meets all expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Although some major themes clearly emerged from the data, it is unclear how they relate to each other, and their relative importance. In addition, no distinction is made between evaluations of real events and simulations.

Practical implications

Users should be encouraged to provide input into the evaluation process by clarifying their needs and how they use evaluation reports.

Originality/value

This research is the first attempt to identify user expectations regarding what constitutes an effective evaluation.
Does outward appearance appeal to the inward mind? The impact of packaging finishes on brand impressions and the subsequent behavior of consumer
Authors: Chen Yu-Shan Athena
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify conditions under which consumers prefer matte packages and those under which they prefer glossy packages and to extend the findings to the context of consumer evaluations.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of four experiments-conducted across a diverse range of settings and consumers (through lab experiments and field studies) and using different types of products (mobile phones, invitation cards, wrappers and coffee packs)- examined the effects of matte and glossy packaging finishes on consumer evaluations (i.e. preferences, attitudes and purchase intentions). This paper further developed moderated mediation models to illustrate the mechanisms underlying the examined effects.

Findings

People with warmth and competence focus favored matte and glossy packaging, respectively. In addition, the warmth (competence) focus enhanced the positive influence of matte (glossy) packaging on brand sincerity (competence), leading to more favorable consumer evaluations (i.e. brand attitudes, product attitudes and purchase intentions).

Practical implications

This study provides managers with insights into conferring desired impressions of sincerity (competence) upon a brand and methods of attracting certain warmth focused (competence focused) consumers by using matte (glossy) packaging finishes.

Originality/value

This is the study to systematically investigate the effect of packaging finishes on brand impressions and consumer evaluations.
Pricing in commercial dental insurance and provider markets
Authors: Nasseh Kamyar , Bowblis John R. , Vujicic Marko
Published: August 2020

Objective

To examine the impact of commercial dental insurer and provider concentration on dentist reimbursement.

Data Sources

We utilized provider data from the American Dental Association, reimbursement data from IBM Watson MarketScan® Commercial Research Databases, submitted billed charges from FAIR Health®, dental insurance market concentration data from FAIR Health®, and county‐level demographic and economic data from the Area Health Resources File and the Council for Community and Economic Research.

Study Design

We used the Herfindahl‐Hirschman Index to separately measure commercial dental insurance concentration and dentist concentration. We studied the effect of provider and insurance concentration on dentist reimbursement. Using two‐stage least squares, we accounted for potential endogeneity in dental insurer and provider concentration.

Principal Findings

Across the dental procedures we examined, a 10 percent increase in dental insurance concentration is associated with a 1.95 percent (P‐value = .033) reduction in gross payments to dentists. Conversely, a 10 percent increase in dentist concentration is associated with a more modest 0.71 percent (P‐value = .024) increase in gross payments. A 10 percent increase in dental insurance concentration is associated with a 1.16 percentage point (P‐value = .016) decline in the allowed‐to‐list price ratio, while a 10 percent increase in dentist concentration is associated with a 0.56 percentage point (P‐value = .001) increase in the allowed‐to‐list price ratio. Similar patterns were found across dental procedure subcategories.

Conclusions

Dental provider markets are substantially less concentrated than insurance markets, which may limit the ability of dentists to garner higher reimbursement.
Long non‐coding RNA HCG11 sponging miR‐522‐3p inhibits the tumorigenesis of non‐small cell lung cancer by upregulating SOCS5
Authors: Fan Gang , Jiao Jin , Shen Feng , Ren Qingxia , Wang Qing , Chu Fulu
Published: August 2020

Background

Numerous studies have shown that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) is involved in various human diseases including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of lncRNA HCG11 in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.

Methods

The mRNA expression of HCG11, miR‐522‐3p and SOCS5 was detected by RT‐qPCR. The regulatory mechanism of lncRNA HCG11 was investigated by CCK‐8, transwell and dual luciferase reporter assays.

Results

Downregulation of lncRNA HCG11 and upregulation of miR‐522‐3p were found in NSCLC tissues and cells, and abnormal expressions of lncRNA HCG11 and miR‐522‐3p were related to adverse clinical outcomes of NSCLC patients. LncRNA HCG11 acted as a molecular sponge for miR‐522‐3p. Functionally, lncRNA HCG11 inhibited cell viability, migration and invasion in NSCLC by downregulating miR‐522‐3p. Further, miR‐522‐3p directly targeted SOCS5. lncRNA HCG11 could positively regulate SOCS5 expression in NSCLC. In addition, HCG11 downregulation or miR‐522‐3p overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of SOCS5 on cell viability, migration and invasion in NSCLC.

Conclusions

LncRNA HCG11 inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion in NSCLC by functioning as a ceRNA of miR‐522‐3p to upregulate SOCS5.
Pericardial immunoglobulin G4‐related inflammatory pseudotumor after right upper lobectomy for lung cancer
Authors: Oda Risa , Okuda Katsuhiro , Murase Takayuki , Sakane Tadashi , Tatematsu Tsutomu , Yokota Keisuke , Endo Katsuhiko , Nakanishi Ryoichi
Published: August 2020

A 75‐year‐old woman underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy for lung cancer. A histopathological examination showed adenocarcinoma, pT1aN0M0 stage IA1. At six months after surgery, chest computed tomography (CT) revealed pericardial nodules that had not been detected before pulmonary resection. Postoperative CT performed two months later revealed that the nodules were growing and F18 fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography showed a maximum standardized uptake of 9.87. Blood tests revealed no elevated tumor markers, with the exception of a mildly elevated interleukin‐2. Based on the above results, thoracoscopic biopsy was performed due to the suspected recurrence of lung cancer or malignant lymphoma. The histopathological examination of the nodule revealed immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related inflammatory pseudotumor. The serum IgG4 levels were elevated (358 mg/dL, normal: 4.5–117.0 mg/dL). No additional treatment was required because all nodules were observed to have disappeared naturally on a follow‐up CT scan performed two months after the surgical biopsy. The patient has been followed‐up for two years without recurrence.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

We report a case of pericardial immunoglobulin G4‐related inflammatory pseudotumor that appeared after right upper lobectomy for lung cancer, and which naturally disappeared without any treatment.

What this study adds

There was an immunoglobulin G4‐related inflammatory pseudotumor which appeared as multiple nodules in the pericardial space, and this should be kept in mind when considering the differential diagnosis of intrapericardial nodules.
Genome‐wide association study reveals novel loci associated with fat‐deposition and meat‐quality traits in Pekin ducks
Authors: Deng M.‐T. , Zhang F. , Zhu F. , Yang Y.‐Z. , Yang F.‐X. , Hao J.‐P. , Hou Z.‐C.
Published: August 2020

Meat‐quality traits play an essential role in meat poultry production. To determine the genetic mechanisms of meat quality in Pekin ducks, we performed a large‐scale GWAS to identify quantitative trait loci affecting meat quality in Pekin ducks. We measured 10 traits in 542 Pekin ducks and genotyped each duck using genotyping‐by‐sequencing. The genetic parameters (genomic heritability, genetic correlation) for 10 meat‐quality related traits were evaluated. Based on the large genotype–phenotype dataset, we performed GWASs for all of these traits. A total of 33 significant QTL (P < 3.03 × 10−5) across 13 chromosomes were identified by loci‐based analysis. Some newly identified candidate genes were discovered for fat‐deposition and meat‐quality traits, including PAG1 for body weight and eviscerated weight, INTU and NUP35 for abdominal fat weight and ratio, NUP3 and ARHGDIB for skin fat weight and ratio, GOLGA5 for breast muscle toughness and breast tenderness, and CTDSPL and PKP1 for breast muscle thickness. The current study is the first systematic report regarding duck meat quality.
Photoacoustic imaging for non‐invasive examination of the healthy temporal artery – systematic evaluation of visual function in healthy subjects
Authors: Sheikh Rafi , Hammar Björn , Naumovska Magdalena , Dahlstrand Ulf , Gesslein Bodil , Erlöv Tobias , Cinthio Magnus , Malmsjö Malin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has the potential to become a non‐invasive diagnostic tool for giant cell arteritis, as shown in pilot experiments on seven patients undergoing surgery. Here, we present a detailed evaluation of the safety regarding visual function and patient tolerability in healthy subjects, and define the spectral signature in the healthy temporal artery.

Methods

Photoacoustic scanning of the temporal artery was performed in 12 healthy subjects using 59 wavelengths (from 680 nm to 970 nm). Visual function was tested before and after the examination. The subjects’ experience of the examination was rated on a 0–100 VAS scale. Two‐ and three‐dimensional PA images were generated from the spectra obtained from the artery.

Results

Photoacoustic imaging did not affect the best corrected visual acuity, colour vision (tested with Sahlgren’s Saturation Test or the Ishihara colour vision test) or the visual field. The level of discomfort was low, and only little heat and light sensation were reported. The spectral signature of the artery wall could be clearly differentiated from those of the subcutaneous tissue and skin. Spectral unmixing provided visualization of the chromophore distribution and overall architecture of the artery.

Conclusions

Photoacoustic imaging of the temporal artery is well tolerated and can be performed without any risk to visual function, including the function of the retina and the optic nerve. The spectral signature of the temporal artery is specific, which is promising for future method development.
Judging the social value of controlled human infection studies
Authors: Rid Annette , Roestenberg Meta
Published: August 2020

In controlled human infection (CHI) studies, investigators deliberately infect healthy individuals with pathogens in order to study mechanisms of disease or obtain preliminary efficacy data on investigational vaccines and medicines. CHI studies offer a fast and cost‐effective way of generating new scientific insights, prioritizing investigational products for clinical testing, and reducing the risk that large numbers of people are exposed to ineffective or harmful substances in research or in practice. Yet depending on the pathogen, CHI studies can involve significant risks or burdens for participants, pose risks to individuals or communities not involved in the research, and lead to public controversy. It is therefore essential to ensure that the risks of CHI studies are justified by their social value—that is, their potential to generate benefits for society—and that public trust can be maintained. In this paper, we aim to clarify how research sponsors, research ethics committees and other reviewers should judge the social value of CHI studies. We develop a list of relevant considerations for making social value judgments based on the standard view of social value. We then use this list to discuss the example of potentially conducting dengue virus CHI studies in endemic settings. We argue that dengue virus CHI studies in endemic settings would fall on the higher end of the spectrum of social value, mostly because of their potential to redirect all fields of future dengue research. Drawing on this discussion, we derive several general recommendations for how reviewers should judge the social value of CHI studies.
Using immersive virtual reality to support designing skills in vocational education
Authors: Kim Kevin Gonyop , Oertel Catharine , Dobricki Martin , Olsen Jennifer K. , Coppi Alessia E. , Cattaneo Alberto , Dillenbourg Pierre
Published: August 2020

Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers possibilities of creating a learner‐centric environment that can provide more presence and engagement for students leading to an enhanced learning experience compared to conventional classroom practices. However, the potential of IVR in vocational education and training (VET) has not yet been explored in‐depth, and it is an open question of whether it can effectively support learner creation in a designing task. In this paper, we present an IVR application developed to support gardener apprentices in designing gardens. Using this application, we conducted an experimental study with gardener apprentices to investigate the effect of the IVR interface compared to paper sketching and learner behavior on the proportion, composition, and creativity of the design outcome. Additionally, we investigated how it can be combined with a paper sketching activity to improve its effectiveness. Our analysis shows that the IVR interface can be more effective for the proportion aspect, but this may be limited to students that are able to use it after working with paper. In terms of the combination order, the effectiveness of IVR on the design quality was improved when it was carried out after the paper sketching and this ordering produced a more effective outcome for the proportion and composition aspects. Finally, our results show that IVR design quality is related to learner behaviors such as the time spent on designing and the number of simulations used. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of IVR applications in supporting designing skills and how effectiveness can be improved by combining it with a conventional method of practice.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

The effectiveness of IVR has been reported in a variety of educational settings.

IVR enhances learning through situated experience, multiple perspectives, and simulations that transfer to the real world.

Most IVR applications for VET have focused on passive learning or basic procedural skills.

What this paper adds

Design and implementation of an IVR application in VET to support design‐related learning.

The use of IVR may have a significant impact on the quality of design outcomes.

The use of IVR after paper sketching may increase the quality of designs during IVR use.

Implications for practice and/or policy

IVR can enhance the design outcome in terms of the proportion aspect, but this may be limited to students that are able to use it after working with paper.

The design quality can be affected by the combination order between IVR and paper sketching where the effectiveness of IVR can be improved when it is carried out after paper sketching.

The behavior of learners while using IVR can be used as indicators of the design quality.
Divided We Stand? Coalition Dynamics in the German Union Movement
Authors: Behrens Martin , Pekarek Andreas
Published: August 2020

Coalitions within national union movements have been an enduring means by which unions pursue shared interests and policy ambitions. Drawing on social movement theory, we focus on the logics shaping union coalitions, and the conditions under which they differ, in order to gain analytical purchase on enduring debates about union behaviour in industrial relations. Taking the German case, we identify four key policy issues that have caused major divisions and competing coalitional activity between unions in the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) over the period 1964 to 2018. Our analysis suggests that there is a degree of fluidity between instrumental and ideological logics, which relates to the evolving socio‐political contexts that shape the dynamics of union coalitions over time. In the German context, our findings indicate that the relative importance of the logics shaping coalition activity varies with the nature of the threats unions encounter. In the face of more specific and immediate threats, coalitional decision‐making was more likely to be driven by instrumental logic, prioritizing the narrower concerns of the union and its core members. However, where unions’ broader social visions came under threat, self‐interest played a more modest role, and choices were more likely to be animated by ideological concerns and questions of public good.
Fundamental research questions in subterranean biology
Authors: Mammola Stefano , Amorim Isabel R. , Bichuette Maria E. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Cheeptham Naowarat , Cooper Steven J. B. , Culver David C. , Deharveng Louis , Eme David , Ferreira Rodrigo Lopes , Fišer Cene , Fišer Žiga , Fong Daniel W. , Griebler Christian , Jeffery William R. , Jugovic Jure , Kowalko Johanna E. , Lilley Thomas M. , Malard Florian , Manenti Raoul , Martínez Alejandro , Meierhofer Melissa B. , Niemiller Matthew L. , Northup Diana E. , Pellegrini Thais G. , Pipan Tanja , Protas Meredith , Reboleira Ana Sofia P. S. , Venarsky Michael P. , Wynne J. Judson , Zagmajster Maja , Cardoso Pedro
Published: August 2020

Five decades ago, a landmark paper in Science titled The Cave Environment heralded caves as ideal natural experimental laboratories in which to develop and address general questions in geology, ecology, biogeography, and evolutionary biology. Although the ‘caves as laboratory’ paradigm has since been advocated by subterranean biologists, there are few examples of studies that successfully translated their results into general principles. The contemporary era of big data, modelling tools, and revolutionary advances in genetics and (meta)genomics provides an opportunity to revisit unresolved questions and challenges, as well as examine promising new avenues of research in subterranean biology. Accordingly, we have developed a roadmap to guide future research endeavours in subterranean biology by adapting a well‐established methodology of ‘horizon scanning’ to identify the highest priority research questions across six subject areas. Based on the expert opinion of 30 scientists from around the globe with complementary expertise and of different academic ages, we assembled an initial list of 258 fundamental questions concentrating on macroecology and microbial ecology, adaptation, evolution, and conservation. Subsequently, through online surveys, 130 subterranean biologists with various backgrounds assisted us in reducing our list to 50 top‐priority questions. These research questions are broad in scope and ready to be addressed in the next decade. We believe this exercise will stimulate research towards a deeper understanding of subterranean biology and foster hypothesis‐driven studies likely to resonate broadly from the traditional boundaries of this field.
Revealing circumstances of epidemiologic transition among Indigenous peoples: The case of the Keg River (Alberta) Métis
Authors: Hackett Paul , Abonyi Sylvia , Engler‐Stringer Rachel
Published: August 2020

Rates of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders are elevated among Indigenous peoples; however, no research has examined the origins of these diseases among the Métis. This case study documents a transition in lifestyle and health that affected the Keg River Métis of northern Alberta during the middle decades of the 20thcentury. This community began to experience previously absent diseases, including obesity, heart disease, gestational and type 2 diabetes, and preeclampsia. This shift in disease burden appears tied to rapid socio‐cultural and economic change driven by a decline of traditional economic activities, access to government transfer payments and wage labour, an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, and a growing availability of non‐traditional foods. This study points to earlier emergence of diabetes among Canadian Indigenous populations than commonly credited and presents the case for a rapidly evolving epidemic tied to environmental and cultural change. Underlying this were structural changes that emerged out of colonization.
Exchange rate passthrough at the micro and macro levels in a small open economy: Evidence from several million unit values
Authors: Lewis John
Published: August 2020

Using a large dataset of import volumes and values for goods imports from around 50 trading partners, and 3,000 goods types, this paper finds that, at the micro level, passthrough is non‐linear in the exchange rate. Passthrough of larger bilateral exchange rate movements (i.e., greater than 8% year‐on‐year change) is just over 0.8, whereas smaller changes have a passthrough of around 0.3. However, regressions using aggregate data indicate that passthrough at the macro level is much closer to 0.8 than to 0.3. The resolution to this apparent puzzle lies in the fact that larger bilateral movements account for the vast majority of variation in the exchange rate index, and hence the non‐linearity at the micro level largely disappears at the macro level. This suggests the care should be taken in inferring macro implications from micro‐based passthrough estimates, and vice versa.

Transmission des variations de taux de change au niveau microéconomique et macroéconomique dans une petite économie ouverte : étude basée sur plusieurs millions de valeurs unitaires. En s’appuyant sur un vaste ensemble de données relatives aux volumes d’importation, à la valeur des importations de biens de 50 partenaires commerciaux et à 3 000 types de produits, cet article montre que la transmission des variations de taux de change est non‐linéaire au niveau microéconomique. Le coefficient de transmission des mouvements de taux de change bilatéraux les plus importants (supérieurs à 8 % d’une année à l’autre) n’est que légèrement supérieur à 0,8 tandis qu’il avoisine 0,3 pour les mouvements plus faibles. Néanmoins, les régressions réalisées à l’aide de macrodonnées montrent que le coefficient de transmission au niveau macroéconomique est plus proche de 0,8 que de 0,3. La solution à cette énigme réside dans le fait que les mouvements bilatéraux les plus importants représentent l’essentiel de la variation de l’indice de taux de change ; ainsi, la non‐linéarité au niveau microéconomique s’estompe considérablement au niveau macroéconomique. Cela suggère qu’il faudrait tirer les conséquences des implications macroéconomiques découlant des estimations microéconomiques du coefficient de transmission, et inversement.
Dermatoscopic features of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck
Authors: Inskip Michael , Cameron Alan , Akay Bengu Nisa , Gorji Mahdieh , Clark Simon P , Rosendahl Nikita , Coetzer‐Botha Martelle , Kittler Harald , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective

Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma is characterized by dermatoscopic dots and structureless areas, including dots in linear arrangement and by coiled vessels. There are no studies describing the dermatoscopic features of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck. We aim to characterize the clinical and dermatoscopic appearance of this entity.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 79 cases of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck.

Results

Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck was characterized dermatoscopically by multiple colors (98.7 %, n = 78), pigmented circles (48.1 %, n = 38), white circles (17.7 %, n = 14), angulated lines (41.8 %, n = 33) and structureless areas (86.1 %, n = 68). Dots in linear arrangement were present in 13.9 % (n = 11). Coiled vessels were present in 7.6 % (n = 6), the dominant vessel type being prominent serpentine vessels (29.2 %, n = 23), thicker and/or redder in color than surrounding vessels, most being in the angular arrangement of the dermal plexus (24.1 %, n = 19).

Conclusions

Pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma on the head and neck differs from current published descriptions of pigmented intraepidermal carcinoma, reaching statistical significance with a lower incidence of coiled vessels and a higher incidence of pigmented circles, with evident similarities to pigmented actinic keratosis at that location.
Non‐native palms (Arecaceae) as generators of novel ecosystems: A global assessment
Authors: Fehr Vincent , Buitenwerf Robert , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: August 2020

Aims

Novel ecosystems are self‐maintaining ecosystems that support species assemblages without historical precedent. Despite much interest and controversy around novel ecosystems, it remains poorly understood how they are generated, what their capacity to support biodiversity is and what the implications for society are. Here, we address these issues through a global synthesis of non‐native palms, since palms are likely generators of novel ecosystems because they are introduced widely beyond their native range and have the capacity to act as ecosystem engineers.

Location

Global.

Methods

We gathered data on non‐native palms from peer‐reviewed literature/papers, grey literature and online databases. We extracted data on the biogeographic context of palm invasions, plant functional traits and anthropogenic drivers to quantify their effects on biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services.

Results

Of the 2,557 palm species, 3.4% (86 species) were recorded as naturalized and 1.1% (28 species) as invasive, which exceeds the average invasion success across all woody plants. Naturalized palms are present in most tropical and subtropical regions around the world, often in urban areas, reflecting the use of palms in horticulture. Many naturalized palms were taller and more likely to originate from open habitats or dry forest than non‐naturalized palms. These features likely represent the naturalized palms’ competitive ability, high fecundity and dispersal ability along with ecological matching to human‐disturbed environments. Overall, literature on ecological effects of palm invasions was sparse, but we found multiple cases in which palm invasions resulted in strong ecosystem changes or even biome shifts.

Main Conclusions

We found strong evidence that palm invasions can generate novel ecosystems. Although there are substantial knowledge gaps on the ecological effects of palm invasion, anthropogenic drivers like urbanization and ongoing global warming will continue to expand palm ranges and promote non‐native palms as generators of novel ecosystems.