bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo bite force in lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis, Psittaciformes) and their relative biting performance among birds
Authors: Dickinson E. , Young M. W. , Granatosky M. C.
Published: September 2022

Bite force represents a critical measure of an animal's feeding capabilities and has been analyzed in the context of ecology and body size in numerous vertebrate lineages. Among birds, bite force potential has been comprehensively quantified in finches; however, no in vivo data have been reported within parrots (order: Psittaciformes), and an anatomical estimate of bite force has been calculated for only two species. Despite this paucity of data, the parrot feeding system represents one of the most functionally interesting among tetrapods, exhibiting many anatomical novelties unique among birds and contributing to locomotion when parrots climb vertical surfaces. Within this study, we present in vivo bite force data from six rosy‐faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) at a range of gapes (2.5–10 mm, or 20–50°). These data are contextualized against more than 70 other avian taxa for which bite forces have been previously reported. Our findings demonstrate that bite forces decreased iteratively with each increase in gape size, with all between‐group differences yielding statistical significance. Relative to other birds, Agapornis, Psittacus, and Myiopsitta all exhibit larger bite forces than would be expected for their body size. We infer that the diet of parrots – many of which are specialized granivores, capable of crushing large and mechanically resistant seeds – may have contributed to their relatively strong biting capabilities. This interpretation is supported by other recent studies highlighting how the mechanical properties of foods drive bite forces in other vertebrate lineages, such as lizards and bats.
Characterization of a foxtail mosaic virus vector for gene silencing and analysis of innate immune responses in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Bredow Melissa , Natukunda Martha Ibore , Beernink Bliss M. , Chicowski Aline Sartor , Salas‐Fernandez Maria G. , Whitham Steven A.
Published: September 2022

Sorghum is vulnerable to many biotic and abiotic stresses, which cause considerable yield losses globally. Efforts to genetically characterize beneficial sorghum traits, including disease resistance, plant architecture, and tolerance to abiotic stresses, are ongoing. One challenge faced by sorghum researchers is its recalcitrance to transformation, which has slowed gene validation efforts and utilization for cultivar development. Here, we characterize the use of a foxtail mosaic virus (FoMV) vector for virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) by targeting two previously tested marker genes: phytoene desaturase (PDS) and ubiquitin (Ub). We additionally demonstrate VIGS of a subgroup of receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) and report the role of these genes as positive regulators of early defence signalling. Silencing of subgroup 8 RLCKs also resulted in higher susceptibility to the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (B728a) and Xanthomonas vasicola pv. holcicola, demonstrating the role of these genes in host defence against bacterial pathogens. Together, this work highlights the utility of FoMV‐induced gene silencing in the characterization of genes mediating defence responses in sorghum. Moreover, FoMV was able to systemically infect six diverse sorghum genotypes with high efficiency at optimal temperatures for sorghum growth and therefore could be extrapolated to study additional traits of economic importance.
Virtual terrors
Authors: Ordóñez Angulo Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

A long‐standing aim of cinema – in particular of ‘extreme’, ‘unwatchable’ or ‘feel‐ bad’ cinema – has been to acquaint viewers with extreme suffering. In this article I first offer an explication of that aim in terms of recent work in philosophy of mind, then exploit the resulting framework to examine claims to the effect that a new technological development, Virtual Reality, provides cinema's best shot at achieving that aim.
Molecular and regulatory mechanisms of oxidative stress adaptation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Yu Shuxing , Ma Qizhao , Li Yuqing , Zou Jing
Published: September 2022

Dental caries is a chronic progressive disease, which destructs dental hard tissues under the influence of multiple factors, mainly bacteria. Streptococcus mutans is the main cariogenic bacteria. However, its cariogenic virulence is affected by environmental stress such as oxidative stress, nutrient deficiency, and low pH to some extent. Oxidative stress is one of the main stresses that S. mutans faces in oral cavity. But there are a variety of protective molecules to resist oxidative stress in S. mutans, including superoxide dismutase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase, Dps‐like peroxide resistance protein, alkyl‐hydrogen peroxide reductase, thioredoxin, glutamate‐reducing protein system, and some metabolic substances. Additionally, some transcriptional regulatory factors (SloR, PerR, Rex, Spx, etc.) and two‐component systems are also closely related to oxidative stress adaptation by modulating the expression of protective molecules. This review summarizes the research progress of protective molecules and regulatory mechanisms (mainly transcription factors) of oxidative stress adaptation of S. mutans.
Strategies for dealing with policy ambiguities
Authors: Fowler Luke
Published: September 2022

Ambiguities often weave through policies, leading to conflict and confusion over the intents and purpose of said policy and how it may manifest in any specific instance. Given that policy management is a core function for most public service agencies, the challenges here are almost universally experienced as public servants balance the political, legal, and technical requirements of policies against their functionality in practice. To this end, the authors use a grounded theory approach to identify themes in how practitioners cope with policy ambiguities. Relying on data from program evaluation reports and interviews with practitioners, the authors triangulate five themes: interpretation as a collaborative endeavor, teach people how to think, processes simplify and guide, consistency comes from horizontal communication, and policy interpretation evolve. Conclusions argue that ambiguity is a key theoretical and practical challenge that impacts the quality and character of democratic governance.
Pioneering role of the Production and Operations Management in promoting empirical research in operations management
Authors: Roth Aleda M. , Singhal Vinod R.
Published: September 2022

We describe the pioneering role of the Production and Operations Management ( POM) in promoting empirical research in innovation, operations, and supply chain management. We also review and discuss the most influential empirical papers published in POM based on each paper's Google Scholar citation counts. We selected the top 200 cited papers from the 2085 papers published or forthcoming in POM to identify the most influential empirical papers. We classify these 200 papers into three categories: (a) review and conceptual development, (b) analytical, and (c) empirical papers, and then compare these papers across the categories in terms of citation counts. Next we analyze the 75 empirical papers from the top 200 cited papers published in POM by covered topics, data sources, and data analysis methods. Focusing the analysis on empirical papers among the top 200 cited papers can underrepresent emerging themes among the more recently published empirical papers. Therefore, we also analyze 19 more recent empirical papers from 2016 to 2021 that are not covered in the top 200 cited papers but have been impactful given the brief time since their publication. We conclude by offering our thoughts on how editors, reviewers, and authors can work together to further enhance and ensure the quality and influence of future operations management (OM) empirical science research.
Operations for entrepreneurs: Can Operations Management make a difference in entrepreneurial theory and practice?
Authors: Fine Charles H. , Padurean Loredana , Naumov Sergey
Published: September 2022

Although entrepreneurship‐related papers have had some representation in Production and Operations Management (POM) over the past 30 years, the topic still seems a bit like a poor stepchild in the research of operations management (OM) scholars. Yet, entrepreneurship is important to the economy, and many schools are growing significantly their entrepreneurship programs and offerings but often without reference to or inclusion of operations courses. This paper is motivated by the question of the operations needs of new ventures and how they might differ from the needs of large, established firms. Toward that end, we review briefly the state of entrepreneurship scholarship in POM (and beyond), present our own (field‐based) research (and cases), and propose a framework for what we call “operations for entrepreneurs,” that we hope can be a basis for further productive research and curriculum development by the OM community.
Technology, knowledge, and manufacturing before the Industrial Revolution
Authors: Singhal Kalyan , Singhal Jaya
Published: September 2022

Long‐term vision depends on history, and on history alone. Scholarship in technology, manufacturing, and operations management is incomplete without a knowledge of history. In chronicling the history of technology, knowledge, and manufacturing, we have traced the remarkable continuity in the evolution of humans from hominins to homo sapiens, in the migration of homo sapiens from Africa to the furthest reaches of the world, and in the rise of civilizations and industrialization driven by agriculture surplus. Technology, knowledge, and manufacturing did not and do not exist in isolation and many disciplines have addressed them in the literature. Here, we concern ourselves with human history until 1760, roughly when the Industrial Revolution began. Our companion paper, Singhal and Singhal (2022; Technology and manufacturing‐and‐service operations 1760–1945. Production and Operations Management, this issue), explores the history of technology and manufacturing‐and‐service operations since the Industrial Revolution.
Nobel laureates’ contributions to and impacts on operations management
Authors: Sethi Suresh P. , Gupta Sushil , Agrawal Vipin K. , Agrawal Vijay K.
Published: September 2022

Operations management (OM) has evolved to its current status due to the contributions of researchers in many fields including economics, finance, behavioral sciences, operations research/management science, mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Many of these contributors are Nobel laureates—winners of the highest academic award. The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences is awarded to those with monumental works in economics. Yet, some winners have also made contributions to operations management, the field of this journal. Others have developed important concepts and techniques that have made an enormous impact on OM research. Here, we describe the OM contributions as well as the impactful concepts of these Laureates.
Trust, confidence, familiarity, and support for land‐based recirculating aquaculture facilities
Authors: Johnson Branden B. , Rickard Laura N.
Published: September 2022

Surveys in three U.S. localities (n = 523) with proposed or existing land‐based aquaculture facilities probed trust's relationship with perceived net benefits and public intentions to cooperate with siting of this novel technology. The trust, confidence, and cooperation (TCC) model posits that shared values shape willingness to be vulnerable to others (trust), while past performance shapes certainty that others will behave as expected (confidence). Trust affects confidence given moral outweighs performance information, possibly varying by familiarity. Other research suggests that trust shapes benefit and risk perceptions, which drive cooperation (defined here by potentially observable behavior: voting on siting, trying to influence government decisions directly or through citizen groups, and buying or eating facility fish). Confirmatory factor analyses suggested that a two‐factor model fit the trust/confidence measures better than a one‐factor model or a two‐factor model without inter‐factor correlation, indicating (despite a strong association of trust and confidence) that they are empirically distinct. Path analyses suggested that trust had stronger direct effects on cooperation than did confidence, reflecting the TCC notion that moral information underlying trust judgments is more influential, and stronger indirect effects through benefit‐risk judgments. Model fit was better than if the benefit‐risk mediator was omitted. Trust in government had a small direct effect on cooperation and confidence, but a large effect on trust in the corporation, and model fit was much worse if any of these paths was omitted. Low familiarity with the project lowered both model fit and trust–confidence association. We discuss implications for risk analysis theory and practice.
Suction dynamics‐induced bubbly sand under groundwater table fluctuations
Authors: Sassa Shinji , Yang Soonbo
Published: September 2022

Bubbly sand is found in intertidal zones and has been considered to be closely related to swash and tides. Unlike bubble structures that arise from in situ methane gas production and bubble growth in river and marine sediments due to organic matter decomposition, the formation mechanism and conditions of bubbly sand remain unresolved. The present study aims to resolve them on the basis of a conceptual model and controlled laboratory experiments. The study demonstrates that bubbly sand is a consequence of the cyclic expansion of sand under groundwater table fluctuations. The varying intensity of dynamics of suction, which is sand moisture tension defined by negative pore water pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, controls the manifestation of a full spectrum of sand behaviour relevant to the formation of bubbly sand. Namely, with increasing intensity of suction dynamics under larger groundwater table fluctuations, the sand behaviour varies from enhanced cyclic contraction, to weak contraction, loosening and expansion resulting in bubbly sand. The suction dynamics‐induced cyclic expansion of sand occurs under conditions where the maximum suction developed exceeds the air‐entry suction of sand such that the degree of saturation becomes lower than 60%, while the groundwater tables cyclically rise to and fall from the sediment surface. Accordingly, the sand porosity changes remarkably from dense to super‐loose states of bubbly sand. These findings account for previously unanswered questions with respect to bubbly sand, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and will lead to a renewed understanding of the geological record and morphological features at waterfronts that are subject to groundwater table fluctuations.
Behind a fluttering veil of trust: The dynamics of public concerns over farm animal welfare in Norway
Authors: Kjærnes Unni , Borgen Svein Ole , Thorjussen Christian Bernhard Holth
Published: September 2022

Farm animal welfare has climbed on the public agenda over the last decades. However, while expectations of public engagement in animal welfare are high, the scholarly literature does not point out any clear dynamic behind public involvement. This article argues that people's trust in institutional actors is a key explanatory factor. Most people's connection to farm animals and farms is indirect and rather abstract. To paraphrase, people observe animal welfare through ‘a veil of trust’ in institutions. With dependence on the actions and information from institutional actors, the social dynamics of public concern are closely related to trust in these actors. Trust varies, depending on the social context. Based on a unique integration of Norwegian public opinion surveys conducted from 1997 to 2020, the article analyses how people's concerns and worries over animal welfare are linked to trust in the truth‐telling of institutional actors. The generally high trust in institutions in Norway may therefore explain the continued low levels of public concern for animal welfare. But our analysis also shows that the ‘veil of trust’ in institutions flutters over time and between different categories of actors.
Identification of HLA‐C*03:599 novel allele variant in two South Indian individuals in a Brahmin family
Authors: Tambe Manisha , D'Silva Selma Z. , Parsaniya Bansi , Pinto Andrea S. , Singh Meenakshi
Published: September 2022

The novel allele HLA‐C*03:599 as compared with HLA‐C*03:04:01:02 displays polymorphism at position; gDNA 1618 (G>T).
Supplemental Material: Early Cretaceous continental-scale sediment routing, the McMurray Formation, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Wahbi Abdullah M. , et al.
Published: September 2022

Supplemental Data 1: Analytical methods followed at the Arizona LaserChron Center. Supplemental Data 2: U-Pb detrital zircon (DZ) ages from randomly picked samples. Supplemental Data 3: U-Pb DZ ages from biasly picked samples.
Supplemental Material: Morphometric constraints on the formation of new terrestrial analogs for planetary pits
Authors: Naor R. , al. et
Published: September 2022

Text: Uncertainty on morphometric parameters. Figure S1: Variation in juba Ai/Ao. Table S1: Geometries used for Table 1 parameters. Text: Calculation of shape. Table S2: Equipotential (horizontal) lowest-rim cross-section parameters. Table S3: Geographic and geological characteristics of the juba depressions.
Transport and Possible Outcome of Lipofuscin in Mouse Myocardium
Authors: Wang L. , Xiao C.-Y. , Li J.-H. , Tang G.-C. , Xiao S.-S.
Published: September 2022

This study was performed to clarify the transfer and final end of lipofuscin substances that have been formed in cardiomyocytes. The hearts of BALB/c mice were obtained for resin embedding and ultra-thin sectioning. The specimens were observed under a transmission electron microscope, and the images were acquired using an XR401 side-insertion device. Lipofuscin granules are found abundantly in myocardial cells. Cardiomyocytes can excrete lipofuscin granules into the myocardial interstitium using capsule-like protrusions that are formed on the sarcolemma. These granules enter the myocardial interstitium and can be de-aggregated to form membrane-like garbage, which can pass from the myocardial stroma into the lumen of the vessel through its walls. Smaller lipofuscin granules can pass through the walls of the vessels and enter the blood vessel lumen through the capillary endothelial cells. When the extended cytoplasmic end of macrophages and fibroblasts fuse with the endothelial cells, the lipofuscin granules or clumps in the myocardial interstitium are transported to the capillary walls, and then, are released into the lumen of the blood vessel by the endothelial cells. The myocardial tissues of mice may have the ability to eliminate the lipofuscin produced in the cardiomyocytes into the myocardial blood circulation.
Catastrophic health expenditure in the Northern midlands and mountainous areas and its determinants, Vietnam from 2014 to 2020: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thuong Nguyen Thi Thu , Huy Tran Quang , Huy Dang Ngoc
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The study assesses households’ catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) by income group, urban versus rural area, and influencing factors in the Northern midlands and mountainous areas of Vietnam.

Design/setting

A cross-sectional study with the four waves of data from 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020 Vietnam household living standards surveys was used.

Participants

The number of participants in this study were 1658, 1661, 1659 and 1662 households in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020, respectively. We included households residing in the Northern midlands and mountain areas of Vietnam.

Outcomes measure

We examined out-of-pocket health payments and capacity to pay by income groups and place of residence, the incidence of CHE and impoverishment. A logistic regression model was used to examine the influence of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics on CHE.

Results

The findings showed a remarkable decrease in CHE between 2014 and 2016, followed by a considerable increase between 2016 and 2018. The CHE rates in the region were between 3.5% and 5%, with the highest value observed in 2014. In addition, the differences in household CHE rates according to income and place of residence were observed. The results also indicated that medical impoverishment ranged between 3.4% and 3.9%. Overall, factors such as the burden of disease, rural settlements, increasing use of healthcare services, visiting private health facilities and having an old-aged person in the household were significantly and positively associated with CHE. By contrast, households that were wealthier, participated in health insurance, had a household head employed and female-headed households, were negatively associated with CHE.

Conclusions

The findings provide useful information that can guide policy-makers to design policies, and interventions necessary to reduce CHE in the region, narrow the gap between the rich and the poor, the rural and urban settlements, and ensure universal health coverage.
Costs of childhood vaccine delivery in Iraq: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Garcia Cristina , Hossain SM Moazzem , Lami Faris , Jabbar Firas , Rahi Alaa , Kadhim Kamal A , Al-Dahir Sara , Kou Griffiths Ulla
Published: September 2022

Objectives

In recent years, Iraq has expanded and revised the childhood immunisation schedule, but estimates of the costs of the programme are unavailable. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic costs of delivering childhood vaccines in Iraq from a government perspective.

Setting

Health facilities were sampled using multistage probabilistic sampling and stratifying the country into three regions: Central and South, North/Kurdistan Region, and Retaken Areas. Cost data were collected from 97 health facilities and 44 district and regional vaccine stores. Total national costs were extrapolated using sample weight calibration.

Participants

Administrators at each health facility and vaccine store were interviewed using a standardised survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Total costs of vaccine delivery per year, costs per dose delivered and delivery costs per fully vaccinated child.

Results

An estimated 15.3 million vaccine doses were delivered in 2018, costing US$99.35 million, excluding costs of vaccines and injection material. Nearly 90% of delivery costs were attributed to personnel salaries. Vaccine record-keeping and management (21%) and facility-based vaccine delivery (19%) were the largest cost contributors. Vaccine transport and storage, programme management, and outreach services represented 13%, 12% and 10%, respectively. All other activities represented less than 10% of the total cost. Average costs per dose delivered was US$6.48, ranging from US$9.13 in Retaken Areas to US$5.84 in the Central and South. Vaccine delivery costs per fully vaccinated child totalled US$149.

Conclusion

This study provides baseline evidence of the current programme costs and human resource uses which can be used for annual planning, identifying areas for improvement, and targeting strategies to increase programme efficiency.
Protocol for a multicentre, prospective observational study of elective neck dissection for clinically node-negative oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (END-TC study)
Authors: Yanamoto Souichi , Michi Yasuyuki , Otsuru Mitsunobu , Inomata Toru , Nakayama Hideki , Nomura Takeshi , Hasegawa Takumi , Yamamura Yoshiko , Yamada Shin-ichi , Kusukawa Jingo , Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Hasegawa On , Ueda Michihiro , Kitagawa Yoshimasa , Hiraki Akimitsu , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Ohiro Yoichi , Kobayashi Wataru , Asoda Seiji , Kobayashi Takanori , Iino Mitsuyoshi , Fukuda Masayuki , Ishibashi-Kanno Naomi , Kawaguchi Koji , Aijima Reona , Noguchi Kazuma , Okura Masaya , Tanaka Akira , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Shintani Yukari , Yagihara Kazuhiro , Yamashiro Masashi , Ota Yoshihide , Miyazaki Akihiro , Takeshita Akinori , Kawamata Hitoshi , Hiroshi Iwabuchi , Uchida Kenichiro , Umeda Masahiro , Kurita Hiroshi , Kirita Tadaaki
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In early-stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), elective neck dissection (END) is recommended when occult lymph node metastasis is suspected; however, there is no unanimous consensus on the risks and benefits of END in such cases. The management of clinically node-negative (cN0) OTSCC remains controversial. This study, therefore, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of END and its impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with cN0 OTSCC.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, multicentre, nonrandomised observational study. The choice of whether to perform END at the same time as resection of the primary tumour is based on institutional policy and patient preference. The primary endpoint of this study is 3-year overall survival. The secondary endpoints are 3-year disease-specific survival, 3-year relapse-free survival and the impact on patient QoL. Propensity score-matching analysis will be performed to reduce selection bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Clinical Research Review Board of the Nagasaki University. The protocol of this study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry. The datasets generated during the current study will be available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. The results will be disseminated internationally, through scientific and professional conferences and in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Trial registration number

UMIN000027875.
Estimating deaths averted and cost per life saved by scaling up mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in low-income and lower-middle-income countries in the COVID-19 Omicron variant era: a modelling study
Authors: Savinkina Alexandra , Bilinski Alyssa , Fitzpatrick Meagan , Paltiel A David , Rizvi Zain , Salomon Joshua , Thornhill Thomas , Gonsalves Gregg
Published: September 2022

Objectives

While almost 60% of the world has received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, the global distribution of vaccination has not been equitable. Only 4% of the population of low-income countries (LICs) has received a full primary vaccine series, compared with over 70% of the population of high-income nations.

Design

We used economic and epidemiological models, parameterised with public data on global vaccination and COVID-19 deaths, to estimate the potential benefits of scaling up vaccination programmes in LICs and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in 2022 in the context of global spread of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV2.

Setting

Low-income and lower-middle-income nations.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were expressed as number of avertable deaths through vaccination, costs of scale-up and cost per death averted. We conducted sensitivity analyses over a wide range of parameter estimates to account for uncertainty around key inputs.

Findings

Globally, universal vaccination in LIC/LMIC with three doses of an mRNA vaccine would result in an estimated 1.5 million COVID-19 deaths averted with a total estimated cost of US$61 billion and an estimated cost-per-COVID-19 death averted of US$40 800 (sensitivity analysis range: US$7400–US$81 500). Lower estimated infection fatality ratios, higher cost-per-dose and lower vaccine effectiveness or uptake lead to higher cost-per-death averted estimates in the analysis.

Conclusions

Scaling up COVID-19 global vaccination would avert millions of COVID-19 deaths and represents a reasonable investment in the context of the value of a statistical life. Given the magnitude of expected mortality facing LIC/LMIC without vaccination, this effort should be an urgent priority.
Fluorescent Indocyanine Green versus Technetium-99m and Blue Dye for Bilateral SENTinel Lymph Node Detection in Stage I–IIA Cervical Cancer (FluoreSENT): protocol for a non-inferiority study
Authors: Baeten Ilse G T , Hoogendam Jacob P , Braat Arthur J A T , Veldhuis Wouter B , Jonges Geertruida N , Jürgenliemk-Schulz Ina M , Zweemer Ronald P , Gerestein Cornelis G
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Nowadays, two predominant methods for detecting sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in cervical cancer are in use. The most conventional method is a combination of a radiotracer, technetium-99m (99mTc) and blue dye. More recently, another method for SLN mapping using indocyanine green (ICG) is becoming widely accepted. ICG is a fluorescent dye, visualised intraoperatively with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging, providing real-time visual navigation. The presumed advantages of ICG over 99mTc, that is, being cheaper, non-radioactive and logistically more attractive, are only valuable if its detection rate proves to be at least non-inferior. Before omitting the well-functioning and evidence-based combined approach of 99mTc and blue dye, we aim to provide prospective evidence on the non-inferiority of ICG with NIR fluorescence imaging.

Methods and analysis

We initiated a prospective non-inferiority study with a paired comparison of both SLN methods in a single sample of 101 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IA–IB2 or IIA1 cervical cancer receiving primary surgical treatment. All patients undergo SLN mapping with ICG and NIR fluorescence imaging in adjunct to mapping with 99mTc (including single photon emission computed tomography with X-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT)) and blue dye. Surgeons start SLN detection with ICG while being blinded for the preoperative outcome of SPECT/CT to avoid biased detection with ICG. Primary endpoint of this study is bilateral SLN detection rate of both methods (ie, detection of at least one SLN in each hemipelvis). Since we compare strategies for SLN mapping that are already applied in current daily practice for different types of cancer, no additional risks or burdens are expected from these study procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

The current study is approved by the Medical Ethics Research Committee Utrecht (reference number 21–014). Findings arising from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences and through patient organisations.

Trial registration number

NL9011 and EudraCT 2020-005134-15.
Mixed-methods study examining family carers’ perceptions of the relationship between intrahospital transitions and patient readiness for discharge
Authors: Bristol Alycia A , Elmore Catherine E , Weiss Marianne E , Barry Lisa A. , Iacob Eli , Johnson Erin P , Wallace Andrea S
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Intrahospital transitions (IHTs) represent movements of patients during hospitalisation. While transitions are often clinically necessary, such as a transfer from the emergency department to an intensive care unit, transitions may disrupt care coordination, such as discharge planning. Family carers often serve as liaisons between the patient and healthcare professionals. However, carers frequently experience exclusion from care planning during IHTs, potentially decreasing their awareness of patients’ clinical status, postdischarge needs and carer preparation. The purpose of this study was to explore family carers’ perceptions about IHTs, patient and carer ratings of patient discharge readiness and carer self-perception of preparation to engage in at home care.

Methods

Sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study involving retrospective analysis of hospital inpatients from a parent study (1R01HS026248; PI Wallace) for whom patient and family carer Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS) score frequency of IHTs and patient and caregiver characteristics were available. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit a subsample of carers with diverse backgrounds and experiences for the participation in semistructured interviews to understand their views of how IHTs influenced preparation for discharge.

Results

Of discharged patients from July 2020 to April 2021, a total of 268 had completed the RHDS and 23 completed the semistructured interviews. Most patients experienced 0–2 IHTs and reported high levels of discharge readiness. During quantitative analysis, no association was found between IHTs and patients’ RHDS scores. However, carers’ perceptions of patient discharge readiness were negatively associated with increased IHTs. Moreover, non-spouse carers reported lower RHDS scores than spousal carers. During interviews, carers shared barriers experienced during IHTs and discussed the importance of inclusion during discharge care planning.

Conclusions

IHTs often represent disruptive events that may influence carers’ understanding of patient readiness for discharge to home and, thus, their own preparation for discharge. Further consideration is needed regarding how to support carers during IHT to facilitate high-quality discharge planning.
Pain management in advanced cancer: physical activity as an outcome – accelerometer feasibility study
Authors: Lord Sarah , Good Phillip , Mielke Gregore Iven
Published: September 2022

Objective

Cancer pain is a common distressing symptom. Numerical Pain Scales (NPS) assess pain but lack information about function and quality of life. This feasibility study assesses the use of triaxial accelerometers to measure function as an outcome measure in pain studies in advanced cancer.

Methods

Advanced cancer participants were recruited from two palliative care services, with an average pain score of ≥3 on NPS. ActiGraph wGT3X-BT Accelerometers were worn for 1 week on the wrist. Patients recorded daily pain scores, Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) scores, and their daily opioid use.

Results

24 participants were recruited. A total of 142 days of accelerometer data was collected (5.9 days/participant). The average daily step count was 5723.7. The average acceleration was 14.4 milligravity units/day. An average of 93 min/day total activity across all intensities was recorded. No correlation was seen between acceleration or average daily minutes in activity and total daily oral morphine equivalent, ESAS, ‘average pain’ score or ‘worst pain’ scores using spearman’s correlation coefficients. Overall, participants were satisfied with the study.

Conclusions

Accelerometers are a feasible method to measure activity as an outcome measure in advanced cancer. Further study is required to assess the impact of pain management strategies on function.
Equatorial orbits of spinning test particles in rotating boson stars
Authors: Zhang Yu-Peng , Zeng Yan-Bo , Wang Yong-Qiang , Wei Shao-Wen , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study circular orbits of spinning test particles in the background of a rotating boson star. Using the pole-dipole approximation and neglecting the back-reaction of the spinning test particle on the spacetime, the equation of motion of the spinning test particle is described by the Mathisson–Papapetrou–Dixon equation. We solve this equation under the Tulczyjew spin-supplementary condition and obtain the four-momentum and four-velocity of the spinning test particle. Quite different from the spinless particle, the effective potential of the spinning particle with zero orbital angular momentum goes to infinite at the center of the rotating boson star. This will lead to the fact that the spinning particle can not pass through the center of the boson star. However, when the spin angular momentum and orbital angular momentum satisfy $$2{\bar{s}}+{\bar{l}}=0$$

2

s

¯

+

l

¯

=
0

, the effective potential is not divergent anymore and the spinning particle can pass through the center of the rotating boson star. We still investigate how the spin affects the structure of the circular orbits and we find that the spin will induce the larger or smaller regions of no circular orbits, unstable circular orbits, and stable circular orbits. Moreover, the radius and energy of the circular orbit will be decreased or increased by the particle spin. These results will have an important application in testing the gravitational waves in the boson star background.
Spectral features and optical absorption of vertically stacked V-groove quantum wires
Authors: Giraldo-Tobón Eugenio , Palacio J. L. , Miranda Guillermo L. , Fulla M. R.
Published: September 2022

The spectral features and the linear, nonlinear, and total optical absorption coefficients of two realistic$$\mathrm {GaAs/Ga}_{1-x}{\mathrm{Al}}_x{\mathrm{As}}$$GaAs/Ga1-xAlxAsvertically stacked V-groove quantum wires confining electronic states were theoretically studied. The compact density matrix formalism and the finite element method were used as solution frameworks. The influence of the barrier width, inter-sidewall angle, the crescent thickness of the stack, and the influence of a static electric field on the energy spectrum and the optical coefficients is addressed. Increasing the crescent thickness (inter-sidewall angle) leads to a reduction (non-monotonous increase) of the energy values, while the presence of a static electric field leads to controllable stark-like patterns. In all cases, anti-crossing points are reported. By increasing the crescent thickness, inter-sidewall angle, or barrier width, a non-monotonous blue-/red-shift of the resonant peaks of the optical absorption is observed. In addition, the results in asymmetric/symmetric vertically coupled V-groove quantum wire systems suggest that the quantum tunneling phenomenon can be linked to the enhancement of the total optical absorption due to the possibility of the generation of dipole moments by higher electron mobility. Thus, optical fields oriented along the growth direction enhance the optical absorption. Furthermore, the absorption coefficient maximum is drastically modified by varying the inter-sidewall angle, and even the evolution tendency can be inverted due to the anti-crossing points in the energy spectra. Since the obtained resonant peaks are located below 20 meV in the spectra, the analyzed system could be interesting for exploring and designing new Terahertz devices.
Role of Astaxanthin as a Stimulator of Ovarian Development in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Its Potential Regulatory Mechanism: Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Qiang Jun , Tao Yi-Fan , Lu Si-Qi , Ma Jun-Lei , He Jie , Xu Pao
Published: September 2022

A 60-day feeding experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of dietary astaxanthin on gonad development, the antioxidant system, and its inherent mechanism in female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were fed with diets containing astaxanthin at five levels [0 mg/kg (control), 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg]. At the end of experiment, the group fed with 150 mg/kg astaxanthin showed significantly increased specific growth rate, feed utilization, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index compared with the control group (

P
<
0.05

). Gonad development was stimulated in the groups fed with 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg astaxanthin, and their gonadosomatic index and egg diameter were significantly higher than those of the control group and the group fed with 200 mg/kg astaxanthin. The ovaries of females in the groups fed with 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg astaxanthin were fully developed, the eggs were gray-yellow and uniform in size, and a large number of oocytes developed to stages IV and V. The serum levels of 17 β-estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher in the groups fed with 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg astaxanthin than in the group fed with 200 mg/kg astaxanthin. Compared with the control and the other groups, the group fed with 150 mg/kg astaxanthin showed significantly higher transcript levels of genes encoding hormone receptors and higher catalase activity in ovarian tissues, lower malondialdehyde content, decreased apoptosis (reduced granulosa cell apoptosis and lower transcript levels of bax and caspase-3), and reduced follicular atresia. Gene ontology analyses revealed that cell division and the cell cycle were enriched with differentially expressed genes in the group fed with 150 mg/kg astaxanthin, compared with the control group. We concluded that dietary astaxanthin at a concentration of 150 mg/kg activates follicle development by inhibiting expression of mapk1 (involved in MAPK signaling) and increasing the expression genes involved in oocyte meiosis (chp2, ppp3ca, map2k1, and smc1a1) and progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation (igf1, plk1, and cdk1). In conclusion, female Nile tilapia fed with 150 mg/kg astaxanthin showed increased growth, reduced oxidative stress in ovarian tissue, lower levels of cell apoptosis, and improved oocyte development.
Big Data Mining and Analysis of Agricultural Products Based on e-Commerce Platform
Authors: Meiling Hu
Published: September 2022

Solve the problem of agricultural product big data mining based on e-commerce platform, meet the needs of e-commerce development to agricultural products, meet the diversified needs of e-commerce platforms, and improve people’s living standards and convenience. According to 1000 online questionnaires, 866 people believe that e-commerce can bring them convenience, and 134 people believe that the convenience is insufficient. Even agricultural products, as a traditional primary industry, have begun to be “involved” in the sales mode of e-commerce platforms. In the face of the increasingly huge online consumer demand market, the agricultural product economy has redisplayed a strong market vitality. Of course, the huge market base also makes the e-commerce model of agricultural products pay attention to big data mining and analysis. This paper focuses on how to carry out big data mining and analysis of agricultural products more efficiently from the technical level. Therefore, the agricultural product user data mining technology of e-commerce platform based on Hadoop is proposed. Through the intervention of association rule analysis and algorithm, the improvement of relevant algorithms and agricultural products user behavior analysis system under e-commerce platform based on Hadoop is proposed. The results show that the system can realize the analysis of commodity association degree under various agricultural products user behavior modes and can better help the e-commerce platform of agricultural products realize precision marketing.
Temperature Field of Concrete‐Filled Steel Tubular Arch Bridges and Its Application
Authors: Zhou Qian , Feng Pengcheng , Zhou Jian-Ting , Jing Shihong , Zheng Guohui , Zhou Wuzhao
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to reveal the evolution rule and influence mechanism of temperature field and its effect of long‐span concrete‐filled steel tubular arch bridges in a plateau area. The temperature field and its effect of large‐diameter concrete‐filled steel tubular arch bridges under strong radiation, hydration heat, and large temperature difference were studied using the ANSYS transient thermal analysis method. The optimization method on transverse perfusion sequence and perfusion‐time interval considering temperature effect was proposed based on stress influence line, equivalent age theory, and energy method. Results showed that the temperature field along the radial direction distributes as a symmetrical three‐segment polyline with an influence depth of D/4 under ambient temperature and hydration heat, and it distributes as an asymmetric three‐segment polyline with an influence depth of D/8 under solar radiation, ambient temperature, and hydration heat, and this is smaller than the specified value of D/4. The maximum temperature on the sunny side is about 20°C higher than that on the shaded side. The influence of solar radiation absorption coefficient and ambient temperature on the maximum temperature gradient and maximum stress is greater than that of wind speed. The optimization method on transverse perfusion sequence and perfusion‐time interval considering temperature effect proposed in this paper is reasonable and convenient for engineering applications.
Immune Effect of T Lymphocytes Infiltrated by Tumors on Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sheng Siyuan , Lu Chuangang , Guo Jianhui , Liu Minjing , Wu Yongdong
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer is increasing every year and it has high morbidity and mortality. Antitumor immunotherapy is a new method for the treatment of lung cancer. Currently, tumor immunotherapy mainly includes classical immunotherapy and immune-targeted therapy To explore the influence of tumor T-lymphocyte (T-cell) infiltration in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, 100 NSCLC patients diagnosed and treated in Changde Second People’s hospital were recruited. Patients were followed up for 3 years. The subjects were divided into a survival group (group S) and a death group (group D). The patient’s pathological tissue sections were made, and the degree of T-cell infiltration was counted by H&E (Hematoxylin and eosin) staining. The infiltration degree was graded, and the positive rate of T-cell subsets was calculated by immunohistochemical staining. The 3-year positive rate was 48%, with 48 cases in group S and 52 cases in group D. The positive rate of H&E staining of group S was 100%, including 0 cases of grade 0, 5 cases of grade 1 (10.42%), 16 cases of grade 2 (33.33%), and 27 cases of grade 3 (56.25%). The positive rate of group D was 86.54%, including 4 cases of grade 0 (8.89%), 10 cases of grade 1 (22.22%), 25 cases of grade 2 (55.56%), and 6 cases of grade 3 (13.33%). The total number of T-cell infiltrates in group S was much higher than that in group D (

P
<
0.05

). Immunohistochemical results showed that the mean positive rate of CD8+ T-cell infiltration was 72.1% in group S and 47.6% in group D, with a considerable difference (

P
<
0.05

). No remarkable difference was found in CD4+ and CD25+ (

P
<
0.05

). CD8+ + CD4+, CD8+/CD4+, CD25+/CD8+, CD25+/CD4+, and CD25+/(CD8+ + CD4+) positive rates were calculated, and the difference between group S and group D was substantial in CD8+ + CD4+ (

P
<
0.05

). The results showed that T cells infiltrated by tumors had an immunosuppressive effect on tumor cells.
Rapid and Simultaneous Quantification of Six Aristolochic Acids and Two Lignans in Asari Radix et Rhizoma Using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Liu Hanze , Cheng Xuemei , Guan Huida , Wang Changhong
Published: September 2022

Asari Radix et Rhizoma (AR) is a widely-used Chinese herbal medicine containing multiple active lignans and rare nephrotoxic components-aristolochic acids derivatives (AAs). However, the current quality control method carried out by Chinese Pharmacopoeia has defects in trace AAs detection and insufficient marker ingredients, which is unable to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of AR. To improve the quality control method of AR, a rapid, sensitive, and reliable chromatographic analytic method based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) was established for the simultaneous analysis of multiple AAs and lignans in AR samples. Positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was applied for the detection of the eight analytes. The method showed available linearity (R2 ≥ 0.991), the limit of quantification (2–5 ng/mL), precision (RSD <8.12%), and accuracy (89.78–112.16%). A total of 6 AAs and 2 lignans were quantified for their content in 15 AR samples. The content of AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and aristololactam I (AL-I) was much higher than the AA-I controlled by pharmacopoeia. Considering the potential toxicity of AAs, AA-IVa, AA-VIIa, and AL-I should also be controlled in AR. A considerable amount of active sesamin was detected in AR, suggesting that it could be added as a quality marker for the quality control of AR. The newly developed analytical method could be applied for the fast evaluation of toxic AA’s content and quality during quality control of AR or preparations containing AR.