bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Steroid in Local Infiltration Analgesia in One-Stage Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Paired-Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Chan Vincent Wai Kwan , Chan Ping Keung , Yan Chun Hoi , Henry Chun Him , Chan Chi Wing , Chiu Kwong Yuen
Published: July 2020

Although local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is effective in relieving pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), its effect is short lasting and the optimal combination of drugs is unknown. Steroids being a potent and long-acting anti-inflammatory drug might extend LIA's effect. This study aims to evaluate the role of steroids in LIA. This is a paired-randomized controlled study involving one-stage bilateral TKA patients. LIA containing ropivacaine, ketorolac, and adrenaline with or without triamcinolone was given. One knee was randomized to receive LIA with steroids, while the other received LIA without steroids. The primary outcome was knee pain in terms of the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes were rehabilitation progress, functional scores, and complications. Outcomes were compared between the knees of the same patient and documented up to 1 year. A total of 45 patients (90 TKAs) were included. LIA with steroid knees showed lower VAS score at rest and during activity from postoperation day 1 to 5 and at 6 weeks (p < 0.05). Passive and active range of movement was also greater in LIA with steroid group from day 1 to 7 and day 2 to 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Steroid-treated knees also achieved active straight leg raise earlier (1.2 vs. 2.0 days, p < 0.05). No differences in Knee Society Score and complication rates between both groups. Steroids in LIA offer additional and extended benefit in pain control and rehabilitation after TKA, while no adverse effects were found up to 1-year follow-up.
Free movement of workers under challenge: the indexation of family benefits
Authors: Blauberger Michael , Heindlmaier Anita , Kobler Carina
Published: July 2020

This paper traces the political debate about the export and the indexation of family benefits in the European Union (EU). We ask why such a technical legal issue has become salient in several EU member states. Explanations building on financial and political justifications prove to be insufficient. Rather, we argue, indexation has to be understood in the broader context of the contestation and constitutionalization of the free movement of workers. Free movement and equal treatment of workers have become contested with Eastern enlargement, but their legal framework is largely removed from political adjustments as it is constitutionalized in the Treaties and progressively interpreted by the Court of Justice (CJEU). At least symbolically, indexation promises to address these economic and legal challenges and serves as an “outlet” for member state governments. We illustrate our argument with empirical evidence from the debates preceding the Brexit referendum and the Austrian reform of family benefits.
Shifting baseline syndrome among coral reef scientists
Authors: Muldrow Milton , Parsons Edward C. M. , Jonas Robert
Published: July 2020

The ‘shifting baseline syndrome’ has received much attention and acceptance within the conservation science community. In this study, the ‘shifting baseline syndrome’ based on which each generation of fisheries scientists accepts the stock size and species composition extant in the beginning of their careers as the normal baseline, as proposed by Pauly in 1995, was tested. It was hypothesized that Florida Keys reef scientists use the reef conditions at the beginning of their careers as the baseline for the evaluation of change. A cohort of these scientists was used as a study group to test this hypothesis and explore expert opinions on reef baselines. Snowball sampling led to a total of 54 interviews of Florida Keys Reef-experienced scientists. Among all contacts, 48% responded and were interviewed for a total of 37.6 h. Correlation statistics were used to analyse the respondent’s age and experience and their correlations with the reported baselines. Ninety-six percent of the interviewees were professional scientists. Baselines for the Florida Keys bank reef ecosystem were established based on the respondents’ testimonies. Independent of the age, experience, or affiliation, the respondents agreed that the baselines for the Florida Keys bank reef are a coral cover of ~33% and 44 years before present (1972). Seventy percent of the respondents who were under the age of 40 stated that they never witnessed anAcroporasp.-dominated reef, whereas 96% of the experts over the age of 60 stated the opposite. This demonstrates the dramatic change in the interaction with the coral reef from one generation of experts to the next; however, the consensus regarding the baselines is high. Our results indicate the general consensus regarding reef baselines among scientists, which may inform the management practices of a wide range of stakeholders. This study provides evidence that Florida Keys reef scientists are not subject to the shifting baseline syndrome, highlighting that education and experience may counter potential baseline shifting. These results can be used as references for the establishment of unified restoration goals in coral restoration programs. Appropriate coral baselines have been debated for decades, with little understanding of the community consensus.
Self-assembly and entropic effects in pear-shaped colloid systems. II. Depletion attraction of pear-shaped particles in a hard-sphere solvent
Authors: Schönhöfer Philipp W. A. , Marechal Matthieu , Cleaver Douglas J. , Schröder-Turk Gerd E.
Published: July 2020

We consider depletion effects of a pear-shaped colloidal particle in a hard-sphere solvent for two different model realizations of the pear-shaped colloidal particle. The two models are the pear hard Gaussian overlap (PHGO) particles and the hard pears of revolution (HPR). The motivation for this study is to provide a microscopic understanding for the substantially different mesoscopic self-assembly properties of these pear-shaped colloids, in dense suspensions, that have been reported in the previous studies. This is done by determining their differing depletion attractions via Monte Carlo simulations of PHGO and HPR particles in a pool of hard spheres and comparing them with excluded volume calculations of numerically obtained ideal configurations on the microscopic level. While the HPR model behaves as predicted by the analysis of excluded volumes, the PHGO model showcases a preference for splay between neighboring particles, which can be attributed to the special non-additive characteristics of the PHGO contact function. Lastly, we propose a potentially experimentally realizable pear-shaped particle model, the non-additive hard pear of revolution model, which is based on the HPR model but also features non-additive traits similar to those of PHGO particles to mimic their depletion behavior.
Vortex core formation in a Francis turbine during transient operation from best efficiency point to high load
Authors: Goyal Rahul
Published: July 2020

This study presents the experiments performed on a model Francis turbine during load acceptance from best efficiency point to high load conditions. The Reynolds number varies from 7.3 × 105 to 9.0 × 105 during the measurement. A vortex core is generally observed in the draft tube of the Francis turbine at high load operation. However, the mechanism of formation of the core is not yet highlighted using an experimental flow-field study. This paper illustrates the mechanism involved in the formation of the vortex core using synchronized velocity and pressure measurements. The measurements are performed on a model Francis turbine. A fully developed vortex core is observed in the draft tube at high load operation, and the formation of the core originates with the formation of the stagnant, reverse, and recirculating flow regions during load acceptance. The vortex core rotates in the direction opposite to the runner rotation. The axial velocity profiles are observed to change from jet-like to wake-like during the formation of a vortex core. The large velocity gradients represent the sharp transition in the flow around the center axis of the draft tube. The severe pressure fluctuations corresponding to rotor–stator interaction and pressure waves are observed in the draft tube and vaneless space.
Nonequilibrium free-energy profile of charge-transfer reaction in polarizable solvent studied using solvent-polarizable three-dimensional reference interaction-site model theory
Authors: Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Norio
Published: July 2020

The effects of the electronic polarization of solvent on the nonequilibrium free-energy profiles of charge-transfer reactions were studied using integral equation theory. Employing the solvent-polarizable three-dimensional reference interaction-site model theory, recently proposed by us, we first present a theoretical formalism that gives the free-energy profile in polarizable solvents. We then perform numerical calculations on three model systems. We demonstrate that electronic polarization of the solvent alters the solvent reorganization energy in two different ways. The first is the reorganization of the equilibrium solvation structure through the modification of the solute–solvent interaction, and the second is the stabilization of the nonequilibrium solvent fluctuation through the electronic polarization. The former increases, whereas the latter decreases the reorganization energy. In our model calculations, the solvent reorganization energy is reduced because the latter makes a larger contribution than does the former.
Effect of charge-transfer states on the vibrationally resolved absorption spectra and exciton dynamics in ZnPc aggregates: Simulations from a non-Makovian stochastic Schrödinger equation
Authors: Feng Shishi , Wang Yu-Chen , Ke Yaling , Liang WanZhen , Zhao Yi
Published: July 2020

The vibrationally resolved absorption spectra of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) aggregates (up to 70 monomers) are explored using the non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equation. Various types of local excitations, charge-transfer (CT) excitations, and exciton–phonon couplings are explicitly included in a comprehensive model Hamiltonian, which is parameterized by first-principles calculations. The absorption spectral simulations clarify that the two absorption bands in the Q-band region observed in experiments can be assigned to the contribution from the CT-mediated interactions, rather than the mixtures of different-type aggregates, as prevailingly assumed. Furthermore, the relative intensities of the two bands are found to be closely related to the intermolecular distance and molecular number in a ZnPc aggregate. From the investigation of the decoherence process after optical excitation, it is found that CT states can induce coherence regeneration as the time scale of charge separation is much faster than that of the vibration-induced decoherence. However, they would instead boost the decoherence process as the two time scales become comparable. The two different effects of CT states may suggest a novel way to regulate the decoherence process in excitation energy relaxation.
Is water consumption embedded in crop prices? A global data-driven analysis
Authors: Falsetti Benedetta , Vallino Elena , Ridolfi Luca , Laio Francesco
Published: July 2020

Agricultural production exploits about 70% of all water withdrawals around the globe, but to date, it is not clear if and how this water consumption is taken into consideration in the price of the agricultural primary goods. To shed light on this point, we analyze the farm gate prices of twelve representative crops in the period 1991-2016, considering data from 162 countries in total. The crop price dependence on the water footprint is investigated, also accounting for the country’s water scarcity as a possible additional determinant of the price, and of the land footprint as a possible confounding factor. We find that prices of staple crops (e.g. wheat, maize, soybeans, and potatoes) typically embed the amount of water used for their production. Differently, food products that do not contribute in an essential way to the human diet and whose production is more export-oriented (e.g. coffee, cocoa beans, tea, vanilla) exhibit weaker or negligible water-price links. These variations may be ascribable to specific market dynamics related to the two product groups. Staple crops are often produced in markets where many producers have more space for price setting and may have an incentive to include also the value of water in the final crop price. In contrast, cash crops are cultivated in situations where few producers are ‘price takers’ with respect to the international market. This mechanism may decrease the influence of the water used on crop farm gate price composition. The understanding of different water impacts on crop prices may be useful for increasing efficiency in water allocation and governance decisions, with the aim of improved environmental sustainability in this domain.
Online Liquid Microextraction Coupled with HPLC-ABTS for Rapid Screening of Natural Antioxidants: Case Study of Three Different Teas
Authors: Qian Zheng-Ming , Fang Bo-Wen , Chen Hai-Ming , Li Chun-Hong , Huang Qi , Chen Ling , Li Wen-Jia , Li De-qiang
Published: July 2020

In the present study, an online liquid extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (HPLC-ABTS) system for rapid screening of antioxidants in tea samples was proposed. As an example, the tea samples were firstly extracted by online HPLC extractor with mobile phase at 70°C, then the hyphenated HPLC-ABTS was used for the chromatographic separation on a Poroshell EC C18 column by 0.3% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile with a gradient elution at 1.5 mL·min−1, and the UV and antioxidant chromatograms with detection wavelengths at 270 nm and 750 nm were recorded, respectively. The established system integrated the processes of online HPLC sample extraction, HPLC separation and online antioxidants detection, the total analysis time of which was <20 min. The developed method was successfully applied to samples of green tea, oolong tea and black tea. As a result, 11 antioxidants were found in tea samples, including gallocatechin, epigallocatechin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, epigallocatechingallate, epicatechingallate, rutin, 1,4,6-trigalloylglucose, quercetin-3-glycoside and kaempferol-3-glucoside. The combined online liquid microextraction and online HPLC-ABTS method is a rapid and green approach for the quality evaluation of tea.
Geographical patterns of root nodule bacterial diversity in cultivated and wild populations of a woody legume crop
Authors: Ramoneda Josep , Roux Johannes J Le , Frossard Emmanuel , Frey Beat , Gamper Hannes Andres
Published: July 2020

There is interest in understanding how cultivation, plant genotype, climate and soil conditions influence the biogeography of root nodule bacterial communities of legumes. For crops from regions with relict wild populations, this is of even greater interest because the effects of cultivation on symbiont communities can be revealed, which is of particular interest for bacteria such as rhizobia. Here, we determined the structure of root nodule bacterial communities of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), a leguminous shrub endemic to South Africa. We related the community dissimilarities of the root nodule bacteria of 18 paired cultivated and wild rooibos populations to pairwise geographical distances, plant ecophysiological characteristics and soil physicochemical parameters. Using next-generation sequencing data, we identified region-, cultivation- and farm-specific operational taxonomic units for four distinct classes of root nodule bacterial communities, dominated by members of the genus Mesorhizobium. We found that while bacterial richness was locally increased by organic cultivation, strong biogeographical differentiation in the bacterial communities of wild rooibos disappeared with cultivation of one single cultivar across its entire cultivation range. This implies that expanding rooibos farming has the potential to endanger wild rooibos populations through the homogenisation of root nodule bacterial diversity.
Fetal expression of genes related to metabolic function is impacted by supplementation of ground beef and sucrose during gestation in a swine model
Authors: Hoyle Ashley S , Menezes Ana Clara B , Nelson Megan A , Swanson Kendall C , Vonnahme Kimberly A , Berg Eric P , Ward Alison K
Published: July 2020

To determine the effects of maternal supplementation on the mRNA abundance of genes associated with metabolic function in fetal muscle and liver, pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; initial body weight (BW) 221.58 ± 33.26 kg; n = 21) fed a complete gestation diet (corn–soybean meal based diet, CSM) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 isocaloric supplementation treatments: control (CON, 378 g/d CSM, n = 5), sucrose (SUGAR, 255 g/d crystalized sugar, n = 5), cooked ground beef (BEEF, 330 g/d n = 6), or BEEF + SUGAR (B+S, 165 g/d cooked ground beef and 129 g/d crystalized sugar, n = 5), from days 40 to 110 of gestation. Sows were euthanized on day 111 of gestation. Two male and 2 female fetuses of median BW were selected from each litter, and samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle and liver were collected. Relative transcript level was quantified via qPCR with HPRT1 as the reference gene for both muscle and liver samples. The following genes were selected and analyzed in the muscle: IGF1R, IGF2, IGF2R, GYS-1, IRS-1, INSR, SREBP-1C, and LEPR; while the following were analyzed in the liver: IGF2, IGF2R, FBFase, G6PC, PC, PCK1, FGF21, and LIPC. No effect of fetal sex by maternal treatment interaction was observed in mRNA abundance of any of the genes evaluated (P > 0.11). In muscle, the maternal nutritional treatment influenced (P = 0.02) IGF2 mRNA abundance, with B+S and SUGAR fetuses having lower abundance than CON, which was not different from BEEF. Additionally, SREBP-1 mRNA abundance was greater (P < 0.01) for B+S compared with CON, BEEF, or SUGAR fetuses; and females tended (P = 0.06) to have an increased abundance of SREBP-1 than males. In fetal liver, IGF2R mRNA abundance was greater (P = 0.01) for CON and BEEF than SUGAR and B+S; while FBPase mRNA abundance was greater (P = 0.03) for B+S compared with the other groups. In addition, maternal nutritional tended (P = 0.06) to influence LIPC mRNA abundance, with increased abundance in CON compared with SUGAR and B+S. These data indicate limited changes in transcript abundance due to substitution of supplemental sugar by ground beef during mid to late gestation. However, the differential expression of FBPase and SREBP-1c in response to the simultaneous supplementation of sucrose and ground beef warrants further investigations, since these genes may play important roles in determining the offspring susceptibility to metabolic diseases.
The Relationship Between Ingested Dose of Ethanol and Amount of Ethyl Glucuronide Formed in Blood
Authors: Fosen Jan Toralf , Mørland Jørg , Høiseth Gudrun
Published: July 2020

A positive non-linear relation between the dose of ethanol ingested and the area under the curve (AUC) for ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in urine is previously observed. The relation between both doses and AUC of ethanol and the AUC for EtG in blood is not previously published, and this study aimed to investigate this relationship. After an overnight fast, 10 healthy volunteers ingested 0.5-g ethanol per kilo body weight (low dose) in one occasion and 1.0-g ethanol per kilo body weight (high dose) in the next occasion. Results showed that there was a significant higher median ratio between blood AUC for EtG and dose of ethanol in the high-dose (8.99; range 7.37–10.94) group compared to the low-dose (5.02; range 4.25–6.15) group (P = 0.005). The median ratio between the AUC for EtG and AUC for ethanol was actually significantly higher in the low-dose (1.77; range 1.51–2.24) group compared to the high-dose (1.67; range 1.30–2.02) group (P = 0.005), although values are quite similar. This study therefore showed that the ratio between the AUC for EtG in blood and dose of ethanol is higher after intake of 1.0 g/kg than 0.5 g/kg. This pattern is however not seen when AUC for EtG is compared to AUC for ethanol. Results therefore support that the percentage of ethanol converted to EtG is not increasing when the doses increase. An explanation for the positive non-linear relation previously observed between the dose of ethanol ingested and amount of EtG formed may be a relative higher first-pass metabolism of ethanol at lower doses.
Association of Mild Hyperbilirubinemia with Decreased ECG-Based Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Young Men
Authors: Sengul Cihan , Sen Ahmet , Barutcu Suleyman , Cakir Cayan , Sarikaya Remzi
Published: July 2020

Objective

Hyperbilirubinemia is associated with protection against various oxidative stress-mediated diseases. We aimed to investigate the association between bilirubin and novel electrocardiography (ECG)-based ventricular repolarization parameters.

Methods

We enrolled 201 healthy men with mild hyperbilirubinemia (group 1) and 219 healthy men with normal bilirubin levels (group 2). The Tpeak-Tend (Tp-e) interval (defined as the interval from the peak of the T wave to the end of the T wave), corrected (c) Tp-e interval, QT interval, cQT interval, and Tp-e interval/QT interval ratio were measured from leads V5 and V6 with 20 mm/mV amplitude and 50 mm/second rate.

Results

The Tp-e interval, cTp-e interval, and Tp-e interval/QT interval ratio were significantly lower in group 1 compared with group 2. The cTp-e interval showed a significant negative correlation with total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, and unconjugated bilirubin. The cTp-e interval (odds ratio [OR], 0.900; P =.002) and Tp-e interval/QT interval ratio (OR, 0.922; P =.04) were significantly associated with mild hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusion

We showed the association of mild hyperbilirubinemia with decreased novel ECG-based ventricular repolarization parameters.
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Intraoperative Fluoroscopy for Disc Space Preparation: Analysis of Fusion Rate and Clinical Results
Authors: Lin Guang-Xun , Sharma Sagar , Rui Gang , Song Myung-Soo , Kim Jin-Sung
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Meticulous disc space preparation is an important step toward ensuring arthrodesis in the interbody fusion procedure. Although minimally invasive techniques are becoming increasingly advanced in lumbar interbody fusion, concerns exist regarding adequate discectomy and sufficient endplate preparation from a transforaminal lumbar approach.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the radiographic and clinical outcomes of single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) using the intraoperative fluoroscopy-guided method for disc space preparation.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of 25 patients operated between June 2016 and Dec 2017. The radiographic outcomes included the intraoperative percentage of disc space preparation, fusion, and subsidence. Percentage of disc space preparation was calculated through intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging. Clinical outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and satisfaction rate.

RESULTS

Mean age of patients was 62.9 yr. The mean follow-up period was 22 mo. Mean extents of disc space preparation were 61.5% in the anteroposterior view and 80.3% in the lateral view. Fusion rates were 86% and 92% at 6 and 12-mo postoperatively, respectively. All patients showed clinical improvement according to VAS and ODI.

CONCLUSION

MI-TLIF with intraoperative fluoroscopy-guided disc space preparation is shown to lead to potentially improved fusion rate. It is a safe and effective surgical method for degenerative lumbar disease. Additionally, in cases of cage subsidence caused by the endplate violation during disc space preparation, thorough sufficient bone grafting of the defect region avoids pseudoarthrosis.
Polarized proton spin filter for epithermal neutrons based on dynamic nuclear polarization using photo-excited triplet electron spins
Authors: Takada Shusuke , Tateishi Kenichiro , Wakabayashi Yasuo , Ikeda Yoshimasa , Yoshioka Tamaki , Otake Yoshie , Uesaka Tomohiro
Published: July 2020

To polarize neutrons with energy beyond 0.1 eV, we developed a novel polarized proton spin filter based on dynamic nuclear polarization using photo-excited triplet electron spins. The spin filter consists of a single crystal of naphthalene doped with deuterated pentacene and has a size of $\varnothing15\times4 \, {\rm mm}^3$, allowing it to cover a wide beam diameter. It was operated in 0.35 T and at 90 K. We succeeded in polarizing neutrons in the energy range 0.1–10 eV using a RIKEN accelerator-driven compact neutron source. The averaged values of the proton and neutron polarization were $0.250\pm0.050$ and $0.076\pm0.015$, respectively.
Systematic Review of Changes and Recovery in Physical Function and Fitness After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome–Related Coronavirus Infection: Implications for COVID-19 Rehabilitation
Authors: Rooney Scott , Webster Amy , Paul Lorna
Published: July 2020

Objective

This review sought to (1) compare physical function and fitness outcomes in people infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) with healthy controls, (2) quantify the recovery of physical function and fitness following SARS-CoV infection, and (3) determine the effects of exercise following SARS-CoV infection.

Methods

Four databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, ProQuest, and Web of Science Core Collections) were searched in April 2020 using keywords relating to SARS-CoV, physical function, fitness, and exercise. Observational studies or randomized controlled trials were included if they involved people following SARS-CoV infection and either assessed the change or recovery in physical function/fitness or evaluated the effects exercise postinfection.

Results

A total 10 articles were included in this review. Evidence from 9 articles demonstrated that SARS-CoV patients had reduced levels of physical function and fitness postinfection compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, patients demonstrated incomplete recovery of physical function, with some experiencing residual impairments 1 to 2 years postinfection. Evidence from 1 randomized controlled trial found that a combined aerobic and resistance training intervention significantly improved physical function and fitness postinfection compared with a control group.

Conclusions

Physical function and fitness are impaired following SARS-CoV infection, and impairments may persist up to 1 to 2 years postinfection. Researchers and clinicians can use these findings to understand the potential impairments and rehabilitation needs of people recovering from the current coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. While 1 study demonstrated that exercise can improve physical function and fitness postinfection, further research is required to determine the effectiveness of exercise in people recovering from similar infections (eg, COVID-19).

Impact

Considering the similarities in pathology and clinical presentation of SARS-CoV and COVID-19, it is likely that COVID-19 patients will present with similar impairments to physical function. Accordingly, research is required to measure the extent of functional impairments in COVID-19 cohorts. In addition, research should evaluate whether rehabilitation interventions such as exercise can promote postinfection recovery.
Potential cardiovascular implications of electronic cigarettes: how evident is the evidence?
Authors: Liew Chee H
Published: July 2020

With increasing use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) worldwide, both leisurely and as a smoking cessation aid, the potential health implications of e-cigarettes have generated concerns. Poor oral health associated with e-cigarette use may put additional strain on cardiovascular health. Acute effects of e-cigarette exposure on cardiovascular health are well established. Few studies have demonstrated the long-term cardiovascular implications of using e-cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes may pose less of a threat to vascular function compared to tobacco cigarettes. While further research is necessary for strengthening the available evidence base, the use of e-cigarettes beyond supporting smoking cessation should not be encouraged.
How to evaluateex anteimpact of funding proposals? An analysis of reviewers’ comments on impact statements
Authors: Ma Lai , Luo Junwen , Feliciani Thomas , Shankar Kalpana
Published: July 2020

Impact statements are increasingly required and assessed in grant applications. In this study, we used content analysis to examine the ‘comments on impact’ section of the postal reviews and related documents of Science Foundation Ireland’s Investigators’ Programme to understand reviewers’ ex ante impact assessment. We found three key patterns: (1) reviewers favoured short-term, tangible impacts, particularly commercial ones; (2) reviewers commented on process-oriented impact (formative) in a more concrete and elaborate manner than on outcome-oriented impact (summative); and (3) topics related to scientific impacts were widely discussed even though the impact section was to be used for evaluating economic and societal impacts. We conclude that for ex ante impact assessment to be effective, funding agencies should indicate the types of impact expected from research proposals clearly instead of a general ‘wish list’ and that more focus should be put on process-oriented impact than outcome-oriented impact.
A Comprehensive Approach for Estimating Collective and Average Effective Doses of Galactic Cosmic Radiation Received by Pilots
Authors: Yang Zi-Yi , Sheu Rong-Jiun
Published: July 2020

This study proposes a feasible and comprehensive approach for estimating collective and average effective doses of galactic cosmic radiation received by pilots on the basis of data in publicly available civil aviation annual statistical reports. Large uncertainties are associated with the estimation of these quantities because the radiation environment at aviation altitudes is complex, and a large number of flights operated by various air carriers is involved. A best estimate can be obtained through this approach because it considers all passenger, cargo, and charter flights operated during a long period of time instead of subjectively selecting some representative flights for dose evaluation. The approach becomes feasible and practical with the aid of a special feature called automatic batch analysis in the NTHU Flight Dose Calculator. There are two international airlines in Taiwan: China Airlines and EVA Air. As a demonstration, the collective effective dose received by the 2,513 pilots from the two airlines in 2018 was estimated to be 4,947 person-mSv, and the average effective dose per pilot was 1.97 mSv. These estimates were considered representative because they were based on all 151,526 flight segments operated that year. The assessment of the annual effective doses received by pilots in Taiwan from 2006 to 2018 was performed. The results varied in the range of 1.70–2.97 mSv because of variations in solar activity and operational flight routes. A regression model that can effectively reproduce the derived average effective dose rates on board aircraft was obtained for future application in aircrew dosimetry.
Genetic validation of the use of tocilizumab, statins and dexamethasone in COVID-19
Authors: Schooling CM , Yeung SL Au , Kwok MK , Zhao JV
Published: July 2020

Background

New means of treating COVID-19 are urgently needed. Genetic validation of drugs can foreshadow trial results, and help prioritize investigations. We assessed whether common drugs, suggested as possible treatments for COVID-19 (tocilizumab, anakinra and statins) with established genetic proxies, are effective in COVID-19. We also included dexamethasone as a positive control exposure because the RECOVERY trial suggested benefit in severe COVID-19.

Methods

We assessed, using Mendelian randomization, whether genetic proxies of tocilizumab, anakinra, statins and dexamethasone use affected risk of very severe (cases=536, non-cases=329391) or hospitalized (cases=3199, non-cases=897488) COVID-19 using a recent genome-wide association study.

Results

Using rs2228145 (IL6R) to proxy effects of tocilizumab use, no association with very severe COVID-19 was found, but possibly an inverse association with hospitalized COVID-19 (odds ratio (OR) 0.83 per standardized effect of higher soluble interleukin-6r, 95% confidence interval 0.67 to 1.02). Using rs12916 (HMGCR) to proxy effects of statins use, an inverse association with very severe COVID-19 was found (OR 0.30 per standardized effect, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.89). Using rs6743376 and rs1542176 to proxy effects of anakinra use, no associations with COVID-19 were found. Dexamethasone, instrumented by cortisol, was possibly inversely associated with very severe COVID-19 (OR 0.20 per standardized effect 95% CI 0.04 to 1.04).

Conclusion

Our study provides some genetic validation for the use of both tocilizumab and statins in COVID-19, but not anakinra, whilst being consistent with the findings from the RECOVERY trial about dexamethasone. Investigation of the underlying mechanisms might facilitate re-purposing and development of effective treatments.
Individuals with and without Normal Tension Glaucoma Exhibit Comparable Performance on Tests of Cognitive Function
Authors: Cui Qi N. , Green David , Jethi Mohit , Porco Travis C. , Kuo Jane , Driver Todd , Ward Michael , Possin Katherine , Ou Yvonne
Published: July 2020

Aim

Glaucoma and dementia are both age-related neurodegenerative diseases with significant societal impact. Despite evidence suggesting an association between normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and dementia, lack of consensus remains due to conflicting reports. This cross-sectional cohort study administered a battery of neurocognitive tests targeting executive function, learning, and memory in subjects with NTG and unaffected controls to evaluate aspects of cognition impacted by dementia.

Methods

Fifty NTG and 50 control patients ≥ 50 years of age were recruited from the UCSF Department of Ophthalmology. Demographic data and glaucoma parameters were extracted from electronic medical records for both groups. Tests of executive function (Executive Abilities: Measures and Instruments for Neurobehavioral Evaluation and Research [EXAMINER]) and learning and memory (California Verbal Learning Test–Second Edition [CVLT-II]) were administered to both NTG and Controls. Race, handedness, best-corrected visual acuity, maximum intraocular pressure, optic nerve cup-to-disc ratio, visual field and optic nerve optical coherence tomography parameters, and a measure of general health (Charlson Comorbidity Index) were compared between NTG and Controls as well as within NTG subgroups. Multivariate linear regression was used to compare group performances on the EXAMINER battery and CVLT-II while controlling for age, sex, and years of education.

Results

NTG and Controls were comparable with respect to age, sex, race, education, handedness, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (p>0.05 for all). Performance on the EXAMINER composite score and the CVLT-II did not differ between NTG and Controls (p>0.05 for both).

Conclusions

This is the first prospective study in which the cognitive function of subject with NTG were evaluated using a comprehensive, computerized neurocognitive battery. Subjects with NTG subjects did not perform worse than unaffected controls on tests of executive function, learning, and memory. Results do not support the hypothesis that individuals with NTG are at higher risk for cognitive dysfunction and/or dementia.
The structure and spontaneous curvature of clathrin lattices at the plasma membrane
Authors: Sochacki Kem A. , Heine Bridgette L. , Haber Gideon J. , Jimah John R. , Prasai Bijeta , Alfonzo-Mendez Marco A. , Roberts Aleah D. , Somasundaram Agila , Hinshaw Jenny E. , Taraska Justin W.
Published: July 2020

Clathrin mediated endocytosis is the primary pathway for receptor and cargo internalization in eukaryotic cells. It is characterized by a polyhedral clathrin lattice that coats budding membranes. The mechanism and control of lattice assembly, curvature, and vesicle formation at the plasma membrane has been a matter of longstanding debate. Here, we use platinum replica and cryo electron microscopy and tomography to present a global structural framework of the pathway. We determine the shape and size parameters common to clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We show that clathrin sites maintain a constant surface area during curvature across multiple cell lines. Flat clathrin is present in all cells and spontaneously curves into coated pits without additional energy sources or recruited factors. Finally, we attribute curvature generation to loosely connected and pentagon-containing flat lattices that can rapidly curve when a flattening force is released. Together, these data present a new universal mechanistic model of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Strategic HRM and organisational performance: does turnover intention matter?
Authors: Haque Amlan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Applying the job-demand resources model and the psychological contract theory, this paper aims to examine the mediating influence of employee turnover intentions (ETI) on the relationship between strategic human resource management (SHRM) and perceived organisational performance (POP).

Design/methodology/approach

With a two-phase data-collection method, 200 complete responses were collected through an online questionnaire survey. This study applied a structural equation modelling to examine the multivariate associations and provided comprehensive outcomes for the proposed hypothesised model.

Findings

This study suggests that SHRM has direct significant effects on both ETI and POP; partial mediational effect on POP via ETI; and ETI has negative effect on POP.

Practical implications

This paper suggests that organisations aiming higher POP should encourage SHRM and improve their strategic approaches of HRM. The implications of the study results can help organisations to recognise the adverse effects of ETI and effective SHRM outcomes.

Originality/value

Despite the significant relationship between HRM and organisational performance, limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of ETI. This paper examines the unique meditational role of ETI on the relationship between SHRM and POP, which has not been utterly observed from employee perspective.
Knowledge sharing and absorptive capacity: interdependency and complementarity
Authors: Balle Andrea Raymundo , Oliveira Mírian , Curado Carla Maria Marques
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to resolve contradictions in the literature regarding the relationship between knowledge sharing (KS) and absorptive capacity (AC). The authors analyze the reasons for which KS has been interpreted as an antecedent and those for which it has been seen as a consequent of AC.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a systematic review of the literature to identify the arguments supporting the relationships between the constructs and propose a model. Additionally, the hypotheses were tested using SEM to assess the proposed model.

Findings

The findings reveal the nature of the relationship between KS and AC. Suggesting AC is bi-dimensional, consisting of potential AC and realized AC, while the relationship between these two dimensions depends on KS.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides consistent theoretical grounds for future empirical research. The study findings demonstrate KS provides a real contribution towards AC, validating the previous literature on the impact of KS antecedents on realized AC. Additionally, the authors provide evidence to suggest knowledge donation is an output of the AC process, thus generating a debate on the nature of knowledge donation (requested vs unrequested), which raises interesting research questions to be addressed in the future. As a limitation, empirical data was only collected in the context of software development in two countries.

Practical implications

The results elucidate the central role of knowledge collection within AC. For managers, the importance of the role of knowledge collection to fully benefit from AC and exploit knowledge is highlighted.

Originality/value

The research design is original in that it combines a systematic and integrative literature review to the ground and propose hypotheses with empirically testing of the emerging model. The study clarifies the relationship between KS and AC, providing evidence to show knowledge donation is an output of the AC process. The benefits of this study can be seen at the team and firm-level.
Negotiating conflicts of interest: working with multiple stakeholders
Authors: Kristensen Catharina Juul
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to examine conflicts of interest (COI) in qualitative social research with multiple and often powerful stakeholders such as organisations and funders.

Design/methodology/approach

The article offers an explorative qualitative analysis of a selected group of Danish doctoral students' experiences and negotiations of COI in their qualitative, multiple stakeholder research. The point of departure is that while potential and readily identifiable sources of COI, such as funding institutions, are important to disclose this may provide inadequate insight into stakeholders' actual – and potentially undue – influence on the research during the research process. This calls for a focus on research practice. Finally, the current neoliberal policy changes affecting universities provide the backdrop for the study.

Findings

Focusing on negotiations around COI in practice, the analysis illuminates the complex reality of negotiating different – and sometimes conflicting – expectations and interests when conducting long-term qualitative studies. It also shows examples of stakeholders' attempts to potentially, and unduly, influence doctoral students' research. Finally, it suggests that stakeholders and researchers alike can be both powerful and potentially vulnerable when engaging in qualitative research.

Originality/value

The article contributes to the existing literature by explicitly focusing on COI in qualitative social research, and by exploring experiences and negotiations of COI in practice.
Sequential co‐infections drive parasite competition and the outcome of infection
Authors: Zilio Giacomo , Koella Jacob C.
Published: July 2020

Co‐infections by multiple parasites are common in natural populations. Some of these are likely to be the result of sequential rather than simultaneous infections. The timing of the co‐infections may affect their competitive interactions, thereby influencing the success of the parasites and their impact on the host. This may have important consequence for epidemiological and eco‐evolutionary dynamics.

We examined in two ecological conditions the effect of sequential co‐infection on the outcome of infection by two microsporidians, Vavraia culicis and Edhazardia aedis, that infect the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The two parasites have different transmission strategies: V. culicis is transmitted horizontally either among larvae or from adults to larvae, while E. aedis can be transmitted horizontally among larvae or vertically from females to their eggs.

We investigated how the timing and order of the co‐infection and how the host's food availability affected the parasite's transmission potential (the percentage of individuals that harboured transmissible spores) and the host's juvenile survival, its age at emergence and its longevity.

The outcome of co‐infection was strongly affected by the order at which the parasites arrived. In co‐infections, V. culicis had greater horizontal transmission if it arrived early, whereas the transmission potential of E. aedis, either vertical or horizontal, was not affected by the competitor V. culicis. The availability of food determined the duration of infection leading to variation in mortality and in the transmission potential. For both parasites low food decreased juvenile survival, delayed emergence to adulthood and increased horizontal transmission potential. High food increased juvenile survival and the probability of emergence with higher vertical transmission for E. aedis. Overall, our results suggest that early infection favours transmission and that (a) V. culicis plastically responded to co‐infection, (b) E. aedis was not affected by co‐infection but it was more susceptible to factors extending or decreasing the time it spent in the host (time of infection and food).

Our results emphasize the complexity of the impact of co‐infection on host–parasite interactions. In particular, the timing and order of sequential co‐infections can result in different within‐host dynamics and modify infection outcomes.
Characterization of NMCR‐2, a new non‐mobile colistin resistance enzyme: implications for an MCR‐8 ancestor
Authors: Ullah Saif , Ji Kai , Li Jun , Xu Yongchang , Jiang Chengjian , Zhang Huimin , Huang Man , Feng Youjun
Published: July 2020

MCR‐4 and MCR‐8 are two recently identified members of an ongoing MCR family of colistin resistance. Although that aquatic reservoir for MCR‐4 is proposed, the origin and mechanism of MCR‐8 is poorly understood. Here we report a previously unrecognized non‐mobile colistin resistance enzyme, termed NMCR‐2, originating from the plant pathogen Kosakonia pseudosacchari. NMCR‐2 (551aa) gives 67.3% identity to MCR‐8 (565aa). NMCR‐2 is placed as a progenitor/ancestor for MCR‐8 in phylogeny of MCR members. Genetic study reveals that nmcr‐2 is comparable to mcr‐8 in the ability of producing phenotypic colistin resistance. Biochemical analyses determine that these two enzymes catalyse the transfer of PEA from the donor PE lipid substrate to the recipient lipid A molecule by a putative ‘ping‐pong’ trade‐off. Further experiment of protein engineering demonstrates that the two motifs (TM region and catalytic domain) of NMCR‐2 are functionally exchangeable with that of MCR‐8, rather than MCR‐1. Physiological impacts of nmcr‐2 and/or mcr‐8 are detected in Escherichia coli, featuring with fitness cost. Evidently, the action and mechanism of NMCR‐2 is analogous to that of MCR‐8. Therefore, our finding underlines that NMCR‐2 might be a possible progenitor of MCR‐8.
Transboundary crisis management under the volcano: The case of the Icelandic ash cloud
Authors: Bravo‐Laguna Carlos
Published: July 2020

This paper discusses the intricacies of external transboundary crises, namely those cross‐border threats whose management requires coordination among EU and non‐EU countries. Specifically, it explores the extent to which European integration theories shed light on the coordination of external transboundary crisis responses by assessing the weight and role of the actor constellations involved in the civil aviation response to the 2010 Icelandic ash cloud crisis. The use of social network analysis as a methodological tool generates novel empirical evidence on the configuration of crisis management structures. The analysis shows that many EU Member States led decision‐making, whereas supranational organizations were instrumental in the coordination of the ash cloud crisis response. The centrality of these bodies contrasts with the peripheral position of most interest groups. This paper also suggests that external transboundary crises present complex management dynamics that distinguish them from generic transboundary threats. For example, the response to the ash cloud crisis was not commanded by the European Economic Area/European Free Trade Association countries where its epicentre was located. The empirical analysis was based on information extracted from a survey to experts involved in the management of this episode, as well as from ten semi‐structured elite interviews.