bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Prosopis velutina Invasion on Soil Characteristics along the Riverine System of the Molopo River in North-West Province, South Africa
Authors: Comole Alvino Abraham , Malan Pieter Willem , Tiawoun Makuété André Patrick
Published: March 2021

Invasive alien plants are one of the major threats to ecosystems. Many invasive plant species, such as Prosopis species, have been introduced around the world and can alter the soil properties of invaded ecosystems. It is one of the most aggressive invasive plant invaders in the North-West Province of South Africa, but little information is available about their influence on soil properties. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Prosopis velutina invasion on selected soil properties at five different sites along the riverine system of the Molopo River in North West Province. At each study site, soil characteristics were measured from soil samples taken under P. velutina canopies, between canopies and in the benchmark stands free of Prosopis species. The effect on selected soil properties of P. velutina invasion varied between the three stands and between sites. In all the sites, almost all soils collected from under the canopies had a significantly higher soil exchangeable Ca, K, Mg, and Na, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), Electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) than the other sample positions, except for the pH which had the high value in intercanopies. Significantly higher (p<0.05) values of almost all soil properties were found on the densely invaded sites (Tshidilamolomo I and Tshidilamolomo II) compared to lightly invaded sites (Mabule, Black Heat Farm, and Bray). However, it was difficult to generalise as the effects often appear to be site-specific. In addition, the findings also indicated that soils textural classes ranged between sand, silt, and clay in all study sites with a higher proportion of sand in the benchmark than in the soil under the canopies and intercanopies. Soil characteristics differed significantly more between sites than among positions. The site effects observed in this current study provide evidences that this species may occupy a relatively broad soil niche.
A Network Selection Scheme Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process for Marine Internet
Authors: Zhou Liang , Jiang Sheng-Ming , Yan Tao
Published: March 2021

The marine Internet technology has been proposed to exploit abundant communication and network resources available in the ocean in order to provide more cost‐effective and handy network services therein. Basically, the marine Internet architecture is based on heterogeneous large‐scale dynamic wireless, which consists of different types of networks such as satellite networks, coastline networks, and ship ad‐hoc networks etc. These networks are different in terms of networking cost, capacity, and performance as well as availability and reliability. This imposes challenges for network selection, especially when there is no guarantee on the availability and reliability of network resources in oceans, which is different from network selection in terrestrial environments. Thus, this paper studies a network selection scheme by jointly considering the above uncertainty of network resources based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) for marine Internet. The proposed scheme is evaluated through a simulation study on the EXata platform, in comparison with the Simple Additive Weighting and the Multiplicative Exponent Weighting schemes. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme yield better performance.
Validation of a One-Step Reverse Transcription-Droplet Digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) Approach to Detect and Quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Nasopharyngeal Swabs
Authors: Mio Catia , Cifù Adriana , Marzinotto Stefania , Marcon Barbara , Pipan Corrado , Damante Giuseppe , Curcio Francesco
Published: March 2021

Background. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has rapidly spread worldwide from the beginning of 2020. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) is, to this day, the preferred methodology for viral RNA detection, even if not without problems. To overcome some of the limitations still existing for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids in various applications, the use of one-step reverse transcription-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) has been established. The purpose of this study was, then, to evaluate the efficacy of ddPCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs, optimizing the detection of low-viral load-burdened samples. Methods. The RT-ddPCR workflow was validated for sensitivity, specificity, linearity, reproducibility, and precision using samples from 90 COVID-19-infected patients referred to the Department of Laboratory Medicine of the University Hospital of Udine (Italy). Results. The present study shows that RT-ddPCR allows the detection of as low as 10.3 copies of a SARS-COV-2 E-gene per sample with a higher level of accuracy and precision, especially at low concentration. Conclusion. During the postpeak phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it is essential to rely on a highly robust molecular biology method to identify infected subjects, whether they have symptoms or not, in order to prepare appropriate containment measures.
Prediction of Welding Deformation and Residual Stress of a Thin Plate by Improved Support Vector Regression
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Di , Ren Shuai , Zhou Hong-gen , Zhou Jiasheng
Published: March 2021

Thin plates are widely utilized in aircraft, shipbuilding, and automotive industries to meet the requirements of lightweight components. Especially in modern shipbuilding, the thin plate structures not only meet the economic requirements of shipbuilding but also meet the strength and rigidity requirements of the ship. However, a thin plate is less stable and prone to destabilizing deformation in the welding process, which seriously affects the accuracy and performance of the thin plate welding structure. Therefore, it is beneficial to predict welding deformation and residual stress before welding. In this paper, a thin plate welding deformation and residual stress prediction model based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grid search(GS) improved support vector regression (PSO-GS-SVR) is established. The welding speed, welding current, welding voltage, and plate thickness are taken as input parameters of the improved support vector regression model, while longitudinal and transverse deformation and residual stress are taken as corresponding outputs. To improve the prediction accuracy of the support vector regression model, particle swarm optimization and grid search are used to optimize the parameters. The results show that the improved support regression model can accurately evaluate the deformation and residual stress of butt welding and has important engineering guiding significance.
Regulation of OATP1B1 Function by Tyrosine Kinase–mediated Phosphorylation
Authors: Hayden Elizabeth R. , Chen Mingqing , Pasquariello Kyle Z. , Gibson Alice A. , Petti James J. , Shen Shichen , Qu Jun , Ong Su Sien , Chen Taosheng , Jin Yan , Uddin Muhammad Erfan , Huang Kevin M. , Paz Aviv , Sparreboom Alex , Hu Shuiying , Sprowl Jason A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

OATP1B1 (SLCO1B1) is the most abundant and pharmacologically relevant uptake transporter in the liver and a key mediator of xenobiotic clearance. However, the regulatory mechanisms that determine OATP1B1 activity remain uncertain, and as a result, unexpected drug–drug interactions involving OATP1B1 substrates continue to be reported, including several involving tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI).

Experimental Design:

OATP1B1-mediated activity in overexpressing HEK293 cells and hepatocytes was assessed in the presence of FDA-approved TKIs, while rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics in the presence of an OATP1B1 inhibiting TKI were measured in vivo. Tyrosine phosphorylation of OATP1B1 was determined by LC/MS-MS–based proteomics and transport function was measured following exposure to siRNAs targeting 779 different kinases.

Results:

Twenty-nine of 46 FDA-approved TKIs studied significantly inhibit OATP1B1 function. Inhibition of OATP1B1 by TKIs, such as nilotinib, is predominantly noncompetitive, can increase systemic concentrations of rosuvastatin in vivo, and is associated with reduced phosphorylation of OATP1B1 at tyrosine residue 645. Using genetic screens and functional validation studies, the Src kinase LYN was identified as a potential regulator of OATP1B1 activity that is highly sensitive to inhibition by various TKIs at clinically relevant concentrations.

Conclusions:

A novel kinase-dependent posttranslational mechanism of OATP1B1 activation was identified and interference with this process by TKIs can influence the elimination of a broad range of xenobiotic substrates.
Kabuki Syndrome: Identification of Two Novel Variants in KMT2D and KDM6A
Authors: Khodaeian Mehrnoosh , Jafarinia Ehsan , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Shafeii Shohreh , Almadani Navid , Daneshmand Mohammad Ali , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: March 2021

Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the following 5 crucial symptoms: dysmorphic facial features, growth retardation, skeletal abnormalities, intellectual disability, and dermatoglyphic malformations. Studies show that most of the KS cases are caused by mutations or large deletions in the KMT2D gene, while the other cases show mutations in KDM6A. We studied 2 patients with suspected KS in 2 unrelated families by whole-exome sequencing to identify the possible genetic cause(s) and by Sanger sequencing to validate the identified variants and check the segregation in other members of the families. Finally, the potential effects of the variants on the structure and function of respective proteins were tested using in silico predictions. Both affected members of the families showed typical manifestations of KS including intellectual disability, developmental delay, and abnormal facial characteristics. A novel heterozygous frameshift variant in the KMT2D gene, c.4981del; p.(Glu1661Serfs*61), and a novel hemizygote missense variant in the KDM6A gene, c.3301G>A; p.(Glu1101Lys), were detected in patients 1 and 2, respectively. The frameshift variant identified in the first family was de novo, while in the second family, the mother was also heterozygous for the missense variant. The frameshift variant in KMT2D is predicted to lead to a truncated protein which is functionally impaired. The Glu1101 residue of KDM6A (UTX) affected in the second patient is located in a conserved region on the surface of the Jumonji domain and predicted to be causative. Our findings provide evidence on the possible pathogenicity of these 2 variants; however, additional functional studies are necessary to confirm their impacts.
Effect of thiourea on structure, morphology and optical properties of spray deposited CZTS thin films for solar cell applications
Authors: Mahewar Ramesh B. , Vidule Ravikumar R. , Ravangave Limbraj S.
Published: March 2021

Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) films of different Thiorea (SC (NH2)2) molarity were deposited by using simple chemical spray technique at substrate temperature 275°C. Analytical reagent Grade Copper chloride (CuCl2), Zinc chloride (ZnCl2), Tin chloride (SnCl4.5H2O) were used as Cu+ , Zn+ , and Sn+ ion sources respectively and thiourea (SC(NH2)2) (0.02, 0.04 0.06 0.08, and 0.1 M) was used as a Sion source. A set of five CZTS films was deposited using five different molarity of thiourea. The structure, Morphology, Elemental analysis and optical properties of these films were studied using X-ray diffratometer (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX) and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques respectively. The XRD spectra showed that all films are polycrystalline tetragonal structure with preferential orientation along (112) plane. The calculated crystallite size was increased with increase in thiourea concentration. Variations of optical band gap with thiourea molarity have been investigated using Tauc plots. SEM micrographs exhibits CZTS spherical granules regularly arranged with some void spaces. Purity of deposited films was investigated using EDX analysis. All the CZTS films exhibits higher absorption coefficient (𝛼 > 104) cm-1 and band gap in the reported range (1.2-1.53 eV) can be used as an absorber layer in solar cells.
Performance of rubber seed oil as an alternative to diesel in oilbased drilling mud formulation
Authors: Destiny Amanze Josiah , Amanze Fortune Chukwuebuka
Published: March 2021

The formulation of an oil-based mud was made possible with the oil extracted from rubber seeds using the famous soxhlet extraction method. The mud was formulated using the API standard of 25 g of bentonite to 350 mL base fluid. The choice of Rubber oil comes as a result of its flash point and aniline point which lies in the range of base oils used for mud formulation. The rheological properties of the rubber OBM were beyond the scope of the viscometer and hence thinner was added to reduce its viscosity and its suitability to compete favorably with diesel OBM was checked. The 10-sec and 10-min gel strength of the Rubber OBM was recorded as 68 lb/100 ft2 and 69 lb/100 ft2 respectively while that of Diesel was 65 lb/100 ft2 and 67 LB/100 ft2 . The plastic viscosity of Rubber OBM was 12 cp while that of Diesel was 17 cp. They both exhibited Bingham Plastic behavior and a similar yield point of 146 lb/100 ft2 . The formulated mud samples were subjected to temperatures of 60 oC and 75 oC and it was discovered that Rubber OBM was likely to retain its rheological property than diesel OBM. Comparison with other rheological properties of diesel OBM showed that the formulated mud could be used alternatively for diesel in drilling operations.
Circular RNA Calm4 Regulates Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells Pyroptosis via the Circ-Calm4/miR-124-3p/PDCD6 Axis
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Liu Huiyu , Yu Hang , Zhou Yang , Zhang Junting , Xin Wei , Li Yiying , He Siyu , Ma Cui , Zheng Xiaodong , Zhang Lixin , Zhao Xijuan , Wu Bingxiang , Jiang Chun , Zhu Daling
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Circular RNAs are emerging as important regulators of pulmonary hypertension where pyroptosis plays a critical role. However, whether and how the circular RNAs regulate pyroptosis remained unexplored. Here, we show evidence for the involvement of a specific circular RNA known as circ-Calm4 in pulmonary hypertension and the underlying signaling pathway in pyroptosis.

Approach and Results:

Circ-Calm4 was upregulated in both mouse model of pulmonary hypertension in vivo and cultured smooth muscle cells in vitro. We performed immunoblotting, quantitative real-time PCR, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) release assay, Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide double staining, Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide fluorescence staining, and immunostaining to clarify the roles of circ-Calm4 in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell pyroptosis. Silencing the circ-Calm4 with its small-interfering RNA mitigated the upregulation of pyroptosis related phenotypes induced by hypoxia. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-124-3p suppressed the luciferase activity of the circ-Calm4 and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization showed the colocalization of circ-Calm4 and miR-124-3p. The circ-Calm4 was found to act as a competitive endogenous RNA to regulate miR-124-3p. The pyroptosis-related alterations were all diminished with miR-124-3p in hypoxic pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Inhibition of the gene targeted by miR-124-3p encoding the
Pdcd6
(programmed cell death protein 6) abrogated pyroptosis-related phenotypes under hypoxia stimulation.

Conclusions:

Our findings show a new signaling pathway, the circ-Calm4/miR-124-3p/
Pdcd6
axis was demonstrated in regulation of hypoxia-induced pyroptosis, which may potentially be useful for the design of therapeutic strategies for protecting the cellular functionality against pyroptosis as well as pulmonary hypertension.
Late Survival Benefit of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Compared With Medical Therapy in Patients With Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion: A 10‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Park Taek Kyu , Lee Seung Hun , Choi Ki Hong , Lee Joo Myung , Yang Jeong Hoon , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Choi Jin‐Ho , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol , Lee Sang Hoon , Choi Seung‐Hyuk
Published: March 2021

Background

As an initial treatment strategy, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO) did not show midterm survival benefits compared with optimal medical therapy (OMT). We sought to evaluate the benefit of PCI compared with OMT in patients with CTO over extended long‐term follow‐up.

Methods and Results

Between March 2003 and February 2012, 2024 patients with CTO were enrolled in a single‐center registry and followed for ≈10 years. We excluded patients with CTO who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (n=477) and classified patients into the CTO‐PCI group (n=883) or OMT group (n=664) according to initial treatment strategy. Patients with multivessel disease received PCI for obstructive non‐CTO lesions in both groups. In the CTO‐PCI group, 699 patients (79.2%) underwent successful revascularization. The CTO‐PCI group had a lower 10‐year rate of cardiac death (10.4% versus 22.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.44 [95% CI, 0.32–0.59];
P
<0.001) than the OMT group. After propensity score matching analyses, the CTO‐PCI group had a lower 10‐year rate of cardiac death (13.6% versus 20.8%; HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.45–0.91];
P
=0.01) than the OMT group. The relative reduction in cardiac death at 10 years was mainly driven by a relative reduction between 3 and 10 years (8.3% versus 16.6%; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.27–0.71];
P
<0.001) but not at 3 years (5.7% versus 5.0%; HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.63–2.00];
P
=0.71). The beneficial effects of CTO‐PCI were consistent among subgroups.

Conclusions

As an initial treatment strategy, CTO‐PCI might reduce late cardiac death compared with OMT in patients with CTO. Extended follow‐up of randomized trials may confirm the findings of the present study.
Time to Thrombolysis and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Yafasova Adelina , Fosbøl Emil Loldrup , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Kruuse Christina , Petersen Jeppe Kofoed , Alhakak Amna , Vinding Naja Emborg , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Køber Lars , Butt Jawad Haider
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

It is well-established that increasing treatment delay reduces the benefits of thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, most studies focus on short-term outcomes. This study examined long-term outcomes according to time to thrombolysis in patients with first-time ischemic stroke.

Methods:

In this nationwide cohort study, all Danish patients with first-time ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis between 2011 and 2017 and alive at discharge were identified through the Danish Stroke Registry. The association between time from symptom onset to thrombolysis and the long-term rate of the composite of death and recurrent ischemic stroke was examined using multivariable Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analysis.

Results:

The study population included 6252 patients with first-time ischemic stroke treated with thrombolysis (median age, 69 years [25th–75th percentile 60–78 years], 60% men). The median follow-up was 2.5 years (25th–75th percentile 1.2–4.1 years). The median time to thrombolysis was 138 minutes (25th–75th percentile 101–185 minutes), and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at presentation was 5 (25th–75th percentile 3–10). The absolute 3-year risk of the composite outcome was 19.0% (95% CI, 16.4%–21.8%) in the 0 to 90 minute group, 23.3% (21.8%–24.9%) in the 91 to 180 minute group, and 23.8% (21.6%–26.1%) in the 181 to 270 minute group. Compared with thrombolysis within 90 minutes, time to thrombolysis >90 minutes was associated with a higher rate of the composite outcome (91–180 minute: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.06–1.48]; 181–270 minutes: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.12–1.61]). In restricted cubic spline analysis, the rate of the composite outcome increased with increasing time to thrombolysis and leveled off after 138 minutes.

Conclusions:

In this nationwide cohort of patients with ischemic stroke, the long-term rate of the composite of death and recurrent ischemic stroke increased with increasing time from symptom onset to initiation of thrombolysis.
Camellia luteocalpandria (Theaceae), a new species and the first discovery of sect. Calpandria in China
Authors: YU XIANG-QIN , LIU EN-DE , LIU ZHEN-WEN , XIAO BO , MA JIN-LIN , YANG SHI-XIONG
Published: March 2021

Camellia luteocalpandria, a new species is described and illustrated from Yunnan, China. This is the first discovery of Camellia sect. Calpandria in China. It can be easily distinguished from the other two species in the section by its yellow flower, bracteoles and sepals glabrous adaxially, and the filament 1-whorled and all united without free or partly united filament inside the tube. The new species is assessed to be Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN categories and criteria.
Communication and Teamwork During Telemedicine-Enabled Stroke Care in an Ambulance
Authors: Joseph Anjali , Chalil Madathil Kapil , Jafarifiroozabadi Roxana , Rogers Hunter , Mihandoust Sahar , Khasawneh Amro , McNeese Nathan , Holmstedt Christine , McElligott James T.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to understand the communication among care teams during telemedicine-enabled stroke consults in an ambulance.

Background

Telemedicine can have a significant impact on acute stroke care by enabling timely intervention in an ambulance before a patient reaches the hospital. However, limited research has been conducted on understanding and supporting team communication during the care delivery process for telemedicine-enabled stroke care in an ambulance.

Method

Video recordings of 13 simulated stroke telemedicine consults conducted in an ambulance were coded to document the tasks, communication events, and flow disruptions during the telemedicine-enabled stroke care delivery process.

Results

The majority (82%) of all team interactions in telemedicine-enabled stroke care involved verbal interactions among team members. The neurologist, patient, and paramedic were almost equally involved in team interactions during stroke care, though the neurologist initiated 48% of all verbal interactions. Disruptions were observed in 8% of interactions, and communication-related issues contributed to 44%, with interruptions and environmental hazards being other reasons for disruptions in interactions during telemedicine-enabled stroke care.

Conclusion

Successful telemedicine-enabled stroke care involves supporting both verbal and nonverbal communication among all team members using video and audio systems to provide effective coverage of the patient for the clinicians as well as vice versa.

Application

This study provides a deeper understanding of team interactions during telemedicine-enabled stroke care that is essential for designing effective systems to support teamwork.
New fabricated PMMA-PVA/graphene oxide nanocomposites: Structure, optical properties and application
Authors: Kadhim Mohammed Abdul , Al-Bermany Ehssan
Published: March 2021

Graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) bring more interest in the tunable bandgap and enhanced the optical properties of nanocomposites. The developed method successfully mixed the PMMA- dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) with PVA dissolved in distilled water (DW) and DMF. New (PMMA-DMF)-(PVA-DW-DMF)/GO nanocomposite was successfully fabricated with various loading ratios of GO nanosheets for the first time. Several factors were applied to get fine desperation and homogeneous using the acoustic-solution casting method. Optical Microscope (OM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–visible spectrophotometer were applied to investigate the structure and optical properties of the PMMA-PVA-GO nanocomposite. The OM images confirmed the fine homogenous matrix and GO distribution in the nanocomposites. FTIR spectra exhibited the most functional group of polymers and GO in the nanocomposites and strong interfacial interaction between the GO and matrix as confirmed by the shifting in the XRD patterns of the PMMA. The optical properties results of the PMMA-PVA/GO nanocomposites revealed an improvement up to 400% of the absorbance, 337% of the absorption coefficient, 51% of the refractive index, 210% of the real and 125% of the imaginary dielectric constants in terms to increase the GO concentrations, whereas the reduction in the transmittance and energy bandgap results of allowed and forbidden indirect transition were exhibited up to 9 and 16.4%, respectively. These results could grow for better and wide applications such as radiation shielding, specific optoelectronic applications, and filters ultraviolet also could use in landfilling the chemical, nuclear, and radioactive waste.
In-situ cutting temperature and machining force measurements during conventional drilling of carbon fiber polymer composite laminates
Authors: Kubher Sagar , Gururaja Suhasini , Zitoune Redouane
Published: March 2021

The evolution of in-situ cutting temperature and machining forces during conventional drilling of multi-directional carbon fiber reinforced polymer (MD-CFRP) laminates using a novel inverted drilling setup is presented. The in-situ cutting temperature was measured using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) optical sensor embedded in the stationary drill. The effect of machining parameters such as spindle speed and feed rate on the temperatures and machining forces were studied that indicate the predominant effect of spindle speed on machining temperatures. The drilled MD-CFRP samples and drill bits were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography ([Formula: see text]) techniques to assess machining-induced damage in the samples and tool wear in the drill bits. Exit-ply delamination was observed in MD-CFRP samples that aggravates with increase in cutting temperature and thrust force caused by evolving tool wear. The measured in-situ machining temperatures using the current experimental setup can be used to achieve better machining models.
Evaluating Field Theory as a Valid Theoretical Construct to Inform Christian Leadership Praxis
Authors: Momeny Leonard S. , Etzel Gabriel
Published: March 2021

Leadership is a popular area of study but appears to be locked within a never-ending loop of retroactive behavioral analysis. Field theory offers modern leadership study an opportunity to break this cycle, potentially unlocking previously undiscovered relationships within the leadership phenomenon. The authors evaluate field theory for Christian application via Trentham’s principle of inverse consistency. After reorientation toward a Christian worldview, field theory is demonstrated as a valid theoretical construct to inform Christian leadership praxis.
Methylphenidate exerts neuroprotective effects through the AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li P , Huang Y , Yang Y , Huang X
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Cerebral ischemia is the main cause of permanent adult disabilities worldwide. This study investigated the reparative effects and potential mechanisms of methylphenidate (MPH), a medication for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Methods:

In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and in vivo cerebral ischemia-reperfusion models were established. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups ( n = 20): Sham, Model, and MPH (0.5 and 1 mg/kg). Rats in MPH groups were treated with 0.5 or 1 mg/kg MPH via intraperitoneal injection for 7 days. Rats in the Sham and Model groups were treated with PBS during the same period. Cell viability was measured using MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/PI staining. Protein expression was detected by Western blot. The volume of cerebral infarction was detected by triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The DNA damage in ischemic brain tissues was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay.

Results:

MPH treatment significantly reduced OGD/R-induced cell damage, shown by the increased cell viability and decreased apoptotic rate. p-AMPK and p-ACC protein expression increased in the OGD/R model after MPH treatment. The addition of AMPK inhibitor largely abolished the neuroprotective effects of MPH, evidenced by the reduced cell viability, increased apoptotic rate, and decreased protein expression of p-AMPK as well as p-ACC. Moreover, MPH treatment significantly alleviated the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and decreased apoptosis in brain tissues, which may be associated with the AMPK/ACC pathway.

Conclusions:

MPH exerted protective activities against oxidative stress in the OGD/R model and ameliorated brain damage of rats in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model, at least in part, through activating the AMPK pathway. These data demonstrated neuroprotective properties of MPH and highlighted it as a potential therapeutic agent against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Vodafone India Ltd: Managing in a Turbulent Emerging Market
Authors: Pai V. S.
Published: March 2021

Along with the global telecom sector, the Indian telecom market has evolved over the past three decades. From the first generation technology in the 1990s, the telecom industry in India offered 4G services in 2012. From microwave technology it has moved into underground fibre optic cables, enhancing the quality and variety of telecom services. Ahead of several emerging markets, subscriber demand in India shifted to data from voice telephony. Subscriber base grew substantially, but average revenue per user (ARPU) has fallen significantly. Intense competition has led to consolidation in the industry. The mobile services faced market disruption from Reliance Jio (R-Jio). The latter launched a strategy of predatory pricing resulting in data wars. R-Jio’s network was based on 4G technology, while other competitors were still offering 2G- and 3G-based services. In comparison to competitors, R-Jio laid more fibre optic cables. Therefore, it could effortlessly upgrade the services offerings to 5G and other future technologies, which competitors could not match so they experienced fall in profits or outright losses. R-Jio also moved into providing fibre-to-the-home technology accompanied with ultra-high-speed internet that could provide a host of entertainment features. As a virtual knee-jerk reaction to the severity of the competitive challenge facing it, Vodafone initiated merger talks with Idea Cellular and soon achieved its culmination. This merger resulted in the largest telecom service company in India. However, Vodafone Idea Ltd.’s balance sheet was over leveraged, rendering it incapable of playing the price cutting game. Besides, it was unclear if it would be able to build the formidable infrastructure required to invest in 5G spectrum, offer superior content as well as smart devices. It soon became obvious that the merger could catapult Vodafone to the pole position in the industry but staying and flourishing there would require it to be more resourceful, imaginative and aggressive. Balesh Sharma, the CEO of Vodafone-Idea Ltd., and his top management team had to respond to the challenges the company was facing and emerge successful.
Teaching Empathic Communication to Pediatric Interns: Immediate and 3-Month Impact
Authors: Niehaus Jason Z. , Palmer Megan M. , Slaven James E. , Fettig Lyle
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Evaluate pediatric intern self-reported preparedness to Deliver Serious News, Express Empathy, and Medical Error Disclosure after a 1-day simulation based-empathic communication training. Additionally, we sought to evaluate self-reported use of communication skills and describe the clinical scenarios in which the skills were used.

Methods:

Pediatric interns completed the survey immediately and 3 months after participating in the communication course.

Results:

Self-reported preparedness to Deliver Serious News, Express Empathy, and Medical Error Disclosure all significantly improved. At 3 months, 73.9% of respondents reported using the skills at least weekly and 62% described the clinical scenarios in which they used skills. These descriptions show an ability to use the skills appropriately, and in some cases apply the skills in advanced, more difficult scenarios.

Conclusion:

A 1 day simulation-based reflective teaching course for pediatric interns is an effective way to teach empathic communication skills. They feel more prepared to deliver serious news, respond with empathy and disclose a medical error. In addition, the interns value the training as a part of their education and report using the skills in appropriate scenarios at 3 months.
Brains that Fire Together Wire Together: Interbrain Plasticity Underlies Learning in Social Interactions
Authors: Shamay-Tsoory Simone G.
Published: March 2021

Social interactions are powerful determinants of learning. Yet the field of neuroplasticity is deeply rooted in probing changes occurring in synapses, brain structures, and networks within an individual brain. Here I synthesize disparate findings on network neuroplasticity and mechanisms of social interactions to propose a new approach for understanding interaction-based learning that focuses on the dynamics of interbrain coupling. I argue that the facilitation effect of social interactions on learning may be explained by interbrain plasticity, defined here as the short- and long-term experience-dependent changes in interbrain coupling. The interbrain plasticity approach may radically change our understanding of how we learn in social interactions.
“Siri, Show Me Scary Images of AI”: Effects of Text-Based Frames and Visuals on Support for Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Bingaman James , Brewer Paul R. , Paintsil Ashley , Wilson David C.
Published: March 2021

This research note examines how framing influences attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI). It uses an experiment embedded in a nationally representative online survey to test the effects of text-based frames and visuals on opinion about developing, funding, and banning AI. Participants exposed to a “social progress” frame reported greater support for AI than those exposed to a “Pandora’s box” frame. Images (virtual assistants, personal robots, menacing movie AIs, or none) did not influence opinion by themselves but interacted with textual frames to do so. The results extend our understanding of framing effects on public attitudes toward emerging technologies.
Pluralistic Ignorance as a Contributing Factor to Concussion Underreporting
Authors: Baugh Christine M. , Foster Craig A. , Johnson Brian R. , D’Lauro Christopher
Published: March 2021

Background

Concussion underreporting is endemic, and social norms are an established predictor of concussion reporting behavior. However, pluralistic ignorance—a situation in which most individuals in a group hold the belief that their peers’ views differ from their own, despite views actually being similar—has not been studied in this context.

Aim

To assess whether pluralistic ignorance contributes to concussion underreporting.

Method

We surveyed 2,504 military service academy cadets. Each cadet was presented with a survey asking about their willingness to self-report a concussion, their perception of other cadets’ willingness to report a concussion, and personal and demographic factors.

Results

Most cadets viewed themselves as more willing to report a concussion than others (mean difference = 1.12, 95% CI [1.02, 1.21]), a belief consistent with pluralistic ignorance. Demographic characteristics were associated with holding this belief. For example, female cadets and upper-class cadets were more likely to show this disparity than male or under-class cadets, respectively. Collegiate athletes not only showed similar willingness to report concussion as nonathletes but also perceived other cadets as less likely to report concussions. Meanwhile, future pilots showed less self-report willingness and perceived that others were similarly unwilling to report concussions.

Discussion

A majority of this economically and geographically diverse population displays characteristics of pluralistic ignorance: They largely share proconcussion reporting sentiments but incorrectly perceive that others do not. This belief is not held uniformly in all subpopulations, which may inform how these beliefs are developed and maintained.

Conclusions

Pluralistic ignorance is an important consideration in concussion education efforts.
Childhood Malnutrition and the Association with Diarrhea, Water supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices in Kersa and Omo Nada Districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Soboksa Negasa Eshete , Gari Sirak Robele , Hailu Abebe Beyene , Mengistie Alemu Bezatu
Published: March 2021

Background:

Inadequate water supply, sanitation, hygiene practices, and diarrhea are related to malnutrition, but there is limited evidence in Ethiopia about their association. Thus, the objective of this study was to describe childhood malnutrition and the association with diarrhea, water supply, sanitation and hygiene practices.

Methods:

A case-control study design was performed from December 2018 to January 2019 in Kersa and Omo Nada districts of the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Both children aged 6 to 59 months were chosen randomly from malnourished and well-nourished children in 128 cases and 256 controls, respectively. Bodyweight, length/height, mid-upper arm circumference, and presence of edema of the children were measured according to the WHO references. Then, the nutritional status of the children was identified as a case or control using the cutoff points recommended by the WHO. To see the association-dependent and independent variables, logistic regression analysis was used.

Results:

A total of 378 children were included in this study (98.44%). Malnutrition was significantly increased among children who delayed breastfeeding initiation(AOR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.62-6.00), had diarrhea (AOR = 9.22; 95% CI: 5.25-16.20), were living in households indexed as the poorest (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.12-5.62), defecated in a pit latrine without slab/open pit (AOR = 2.49; 95% CI: 1.17-5.30), collecting drinking water from less than/equal to 1 km distance (AOR = 4.77; 95% CI: 1.01-22.71) and sometimes practiced hand washing at the critical times (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.16-5.74) compared with their counterparts. However, lactating during the survey (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.18-0.67), water collection from unprotected sources (AOR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05-0.95) and collection and disposal of under-5 children feces elsewhere (AOR = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.01-0.49) significantly reduced the likelihood of malnutrition.

Conclusions:

Early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding, diarrhea prevention, and the use of improved latrine and handwashing practices at critical times could be important variables to improve the nutritional status of children.
Racial appraisal and constraints of identity among multiracial and multiethnic persons in Sweden and Japan
Authors: Tö rngren Sayaka Osanami
Published: March 2021

Increasing immigration and intermarriage in Sweden and Japan have led to a growing multiracial and multiethnic population. Approximately 7% of the Swedish population and 2% of the Japanese population are multiracial and multiethnic today. Based on a total of 39 interviews with mixed persons in Sweden and Japan, I examine the self-claimed and ascribed identification among mixed Japanese and mixed Swedes. I argue that, despite the contextual differences, there are commonalities of experiences and identification. These commonalities of experiences shed light on the conditions the mixed individuals feel that they must fulfill in order to have their different claims to identities validated. The study gives a unique insight into how racial appraisal constrains individual choices of identity in a context where there is no official classification of racial and ethnic groups.
Mama! I hear your silence: Grief and COVID-19 on the Global North and South disparity
Authors: Mfoafo-M’Carthy Magnus
Published: March 2021

In this conversation with Mama, I use my mother’s voice as a reflexive mirror to explore the social work silences that the COVID-19 pandemic expresses so eloquently in my own life and work. I seek to highlight the intimate link between Mama’s silence and social work silence.
Reflections on a pandemic: Disruptions, distractions and challenges of a clinical social worker on the frontline in New York City
Authors: Felder Stephanie S
Published: March 2021

For many of us, COVID-19 markedly changed our world and how we operate in it daily. While the behavioral health ramifications of this pandemic are not fully known, they have clearly had an impact. For weeks, we all watched in disbelief as COVID-19 ambushed China, Italy, and other countries. When President Trump implemented the March 16, 2020, live broadcast detailing plans of how our nation would address COVID-19, we knew that it was just a matter of time before we began to experience what we saw happening around the world. Quickly, the escalation of COVID-19 in the United States caused a major shift for social work education, practice, and research. Social workers are serving in critical roles during this pandemic and providing care for COVID-19 patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to provide reflection on the disruptions, distractions, and challenges of a social worker serving in a leadership role on the frontlines at the Javits Center in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can prior instruction successfully alter the tackle type executed by a player?
Authors: Edwards Suzi , Tahu Timana , Buchanan Matthew , Tucker Ross , Fuller Gordon , Gardner Andrew
Published: March 2021

The tackle is the in-game activity with the greatest risk for injury in collision sports. Qualitative match analysis has associated injury risk with tackle technique (e.g. tackle height, head position before contact). This exploratory study used gold-standard three-dimensional (3D) motion capture to investigate whether prior instructions to a tackler to execute different torso tackle types altered their tackle technique. Fifteen amateur-level rugby code players performed four sets of 10 tackle trials after instructions from an expert coach: two Australian National Rugby League (NRL) coaching manual instructions on upper and lower torso tackle height (UpperNRL, LowerNRL); and two novel variants that altered the tackler’s contact with the ball carrier’s upper torso ( UpperPop) via a vertical ‘pop action’, or mid-torso ( MidTorso) via increasing the contact height to the mid-torso. 3 D motion capture confirmed a favourable ‘head up and forward’ gaze focus on ball carrier before contact and a ‘straight back’ posture was more evident in UpperPop instruction than other instructions, with the least flexion for the head, trunk, trunk-pelvis, thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic (p < 0.01). MidTorso also attained a more optimal ‘head up and forward’ and a ‘straight back’ posture than a LowerNRL (p < 0.001). ‘Leg drive on contact’ revealed ankle, hip (p < 0.01) and thigh angles (p < 0.05) differences, likely to reflect the UpperPop ‘pop action’ instruction than other instructions. For coaches, this study demonstrated that amateur-level rugby-code players could follow instruction from an expert coach to execute tackling techniques within a session. Inclusion of tackle specific coaching instruction training program may be a viable injury reduction strategy.
Guest Editorial: Technologies and Relationship Marketing
Authors: Thaichon Park , Soutar Geoff , Weaven Scott
Published: March 2021

In the special issue “The Impact of the Current and Future Technologies on Relationship Marketing,” the Australasian Marketing Journal presents a series of papers covering topics to gain a better understanding of the current and future technologies that may play a role or have a robust impact on relationship marketing and contribute to theories associated with relationship marketing. The topics for the special issue include, but are not limited to, (a) the role of social media–enabled technology; (b) social media marketing on value co-creation and engagement; (c) mobile app technology and intention to purchase; (d) digital content marketing and content marketing strategies; and (e) building and maintaining customer relationships via online relationship marketing.
Current treatment options for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in elderly and frail patients: practical considerations for the hematologist
Authors: Schmittlutz Katrin , Marks Reinhard
Published: March 2021

Treatment decisions for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma in elderly and frail patients still remain challenging. The heterogeneity of elderly patients consists of various physical and psychological states, coexisting comorbidities as well as frailty and socioeconomic status. Comprehensive geriatric assessment in elderly patients is efficient and necessary for risk stratification to identify fit patients without cardiac comorbidities who can tolerate curative treatment with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone (R-CHOP) and those who are not suitable for a standard regimen. If anthracycline-containing therapy is not feasible, alternative treatment options have to be carefully evaluated and individual risk factors have to be considered.
Current evidence and the emerging role of eltrombopag in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Drexler Beatrice , Passweg Jakob
Published: March 2021

Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is characterized by a reduced stem cell reserve. Several preclinical studies have confirmed the beneficial effect of thrombopoietin (TPO) on the expansion and maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Thus, TPO receptor agonists seem to be an ideal therapeutic agent for AA to augment marrow function. First studies with eltrombopag as a single agent at 150 mg/day showed an overall response rate of 40–50% in patients with refractory severe AA (rSAA). Subsequent studies examined the first-line use of eltrombopag together with horse antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine, reaching response rates up to 94%. Although used at high doses, known adverse events in the form of skin, gastrointestinal, or hepatic impairment are feasible in AA, however first data show a relatively high rate of clonal evolution in the form of karyotypic aberrations in patients with rAA. Nonetheless, there is a strong rationale that eltrombopag can contribute to restoring hematopoiesis in SAA by stimulating HSCs. Further studies are needed to decide if eltrombopag is clearly superior to current established treatments and to determine optimal treatment duration, dosage, and long-term effects.