bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A three-generation Muckle–Wells syndrome family: Detailed family history, physical examination, and inter-departmental collaboration
Authors: Kato Daigo , Yamaide Fumiya , Kida Issei , Takasaki Yoshinari , Sato Noriko , Nakano Taiji , Yamaide Akiko , Shimojo Naoki
Published: January 2022

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a rare inherited autoinflammatory disease caused by gain-of-function mutations in the NLRP3 gene, with a genotype–phenotype correlation. The clinical presentation of each mutation has been previously studied. However, very few studies have reported on the clinical characteristics and treatment effectiveness across different generations within a family with the same mutation. A detailed investigation of family members of patients with CAPS may help in the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of undiagnosed CAPS. Herein, we report a 2-year-old boy (proband), his father, and his grandmother who presented with several symptoms of CAPS, such as persistently positive inflammatory reactions and hearing impairment. All three patients had the same pathogenic mutation in the NLRP3 gene (c.1049C > T (p.Thr350Met) heterozygous mutation) and were diagnosed with CAPS. With canakinumab treatment, the laboratory data of all three patients improved, the proband and father’s skin rash disappeared, and his grandmother’s arthropathy improved. The proband’s hearing also showed slight improvement but not in his father or grandmother. Among the various non-specific symptoms associated with CAPS, chronic ocular hyperaemia is a finding that can be easily identified by non-ophthalmologists. Diagnosis of CAPS should be considered when eye symptoms are present in a combination of hyperinflammatory response, arthropathy, or skin symptoms. Thorough family history records, physical examinations, and close collaboration between paediatricians and adult rheumatologists are important for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of inherited autoinflammatory diseases.
Telehealth Music Therapy Services in the United States With Older Adults: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Wilhelm Lindsey , Wilhelm Kyle
Published: January 2022

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many music therapists in the United States turned to telehealth music therapy sessions as a strategy to continue services with older adults. However, the nature and perception of telehealth music therapy services for this age group are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe music therapy telehealth practices with older adults in the United States including information related to session implementation, strengths and challenges, and adaptations to clinical practice. Of the 110 participants in the United States who responded to the survey (25.2% response rate), 69 reported implementing telehealth music therapy services with older adults and responded to a 32-item survey. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. Results indicated that while all participants had provided telehealth music therapy for no more than 6 months, their experiences with telehealth varied. Based on participant responses, telehealth session structure, strengths, challenges, and implemented changes are presented. Overall, 48% of music therapists reported that they planned to continue telehealth music therapy with older adults once pandemic restrictions are lifted. Further study on the quality, suitability, and acceptability of telehealth services with older adults is recommended.
Assessment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Intervention Strategies in the Nordic Countries Using Genomic Epidemiology
Authors: Duchene Sebastian , Featherstone Leo , Freiesleben de Blasio Birgitte , Holmes Edward C , Bohlin Jon , Pettersson John H O
Published: January 2022

We explored how the duration, size, and number of virus transmission clusters, defined as country-specific monophyletic groups in a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) phylogenetic tree, differed among the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Our results suggest that although geographical connectivity, population density, and openness influence the spread and the size of SARS-CoV-2 transmission clusters, the different country-specific intervention strategies had the largest impact. We also found a significant positive association between the size and duration of transmission clusters in the Nordic countries, suggesting that the rapid deployment of contact tracing is a key response measure in reducing virus transmission.
Key Data Elements for Longitudinal Tracking of Physical Function: A Modified Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Young Daniel L , Fritz Julie M , Kean Jacob , Thackeray Anne , Johnson Joshua K , Dummer Danica , Passek Sandra , Stilphen Mary , Beck Donna , Havrilla Suzanne , Hoyer Erik H , Friedman Michael , Daley Kelly , Marcus Robin L
Published: January 2022

Objective

Physical function is associated with important outcomes, yet there is often a lack of continuity in routine assessment. The purpose of this study was to determine data elements and instruments for longitudinal measurement of physical function in routine care among patients transitioning from acute care hospital setting to home with home health care.

Methods

A 4-round modified Delphi process was conducted with 13 participants with expertise in physical therapy, health care administration, health services research, physiatry/medicine, and health informatics. Three anonymous rounds identified important and feasible data elements. A fourth in-person round finalized the recommended list of individual data elements. Next, 2 focus groups independently provided additional perspectives from other stakeholders.

Results

Response rates were 100% for online rounds 1, 3, and 4 and 92% for round 2. In round 1, 9 domains were identified: physical function, participation, adverse events, behavioral/emotional health, social support, cognition, complexity of illness/disease burden, health care utilization, and demographics. Following the fourth round, 27 individual data elements were recommended. Of these, 20 (74%) are “administrative” and available from most hospital electronic medical records. Additional focus groups confirmed these selections and provided input on standardizing collection methods. A website has been developed to share these results and invite other health care systems to participate in future data sharing of these identified data elements.

Conclusion

A modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify critical data elements to track changes in patient physical function in routine care as they transition from acute hospital to home with home health.

Impact

Expert consensus on comprehensive and feasible measurement of physical function in routine care provides health care professionals and institutions with guidance in establishing discrete medical records data that can improve patient care, discharge decisions, and future research.
Disease modification in gout: a qualitative study of gout expert rheumatologists
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A
Published: January 2022

Objective

The aim was to examine the views of health-care providers regarding disease modification in gout, with the potential to derive a provisional set of domains for disease modification in gout.

Methods

A qualitative nominal group study was performed with 20 gout experts (15 expert/expert panel members of the 2012 and/or 2020 ACR gout guidelines and/or 2015 ACR/EULAR gout classification criteria) about what constitutes disease modification in gout: ‘What sorts of things do you think constitute a change in the course of disease in gout? (positive); what are all the ways in which gout as a disease can be modified?’

Results

Decrease in gout flares was rated number one rank in all six nominal groups as indicative of disease modification in gout, followed by serum urate lowering, which was rated number one rank in one of the six nominal groups (tied score with flares in one nominal group). Other components of gout disease modification were to improve quality of life/productivity; restore function; reduce/eliminate pain; reduce tophi burden; and joint preservation or resolution of joint damage. Potential additional components that were not ranked in the top three votes within each nominal group were: decreasing health-care cost/utilization; reducing cardiovascular/renal morbidity/mortality; and stopping formation of urate crystals.

Conclusion

This qualitative study provides a provisional set of domains for disease modification in gout. Future studies for the development of thresholds for disease modification domains and wider consensus on this definition are needed.
Cadherin-11 Regulates Cell Proliferation via the PDGFRβ-ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Passanha Fiona R , Divinagracia Madeleine L , LaPointe Vanessa L S
Published: January 2022

Controlling stem cell fate is the cornerstone of regenerative medicine. Cadherins have an important role in cell fate commitment and the function of cadherin-11 in the regulation of differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has recently come to light. To better understand how cadherin-11 regulates hMSC behavior, we explored its interaction with receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), an important family of proteins involved in a myriad of cellular functions. In this study, we provide evidence that cadherin-11, a cell adhesion protein expressed in hMSCs, regulates the activity of several RTKs, including PDGFRβ and PDGFRα. By knocking down cadherin-11 we found that the changes in the RTK activity caused hyperactivation of the MAPK pathways, which were sustained through the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of ERK1/2 and subsequently caused a decrease in cell proliferation. Together these results provide compelling evidence for the important role of the interaction of cadherin-11 and RTKs in the behavior of hMSCs.
High-quality tasks for e-assessment in mathematics
Authors: Gallaun Dennis , Kruse Karsten , Seifert Christian
Published: January 2022

This paper is dedicated to e-assessment in mathematics and the development of the corresponding electronic tasks. Due to its electronic nature e-assessment can be used to efficiently provide a huge number of tasks for training. This makes it a valuable tool for large classes, which are typical for mathematics as a service subject. In order to develop good tasks, one can address different aspects, e.g. the randomization of problems under the restriction that they are comparable with regard to fairness, providing open-ended tasks to demonstrate understanding rather than guesses and the handling of errors, i.e. how to cope with mistakes made by students. When it comes to demonstrate understanding, mathematical proofs play a prominent role and we present a way how to transform them to an electronic task in form of a proof puzzle. A further aspect of tasks is their authenticity with regard to today’s work environment, which goes along with the application of specialized software. In this contribution we describe how to deal with each of the mentioned aspects of tasks.
Meta-Analysis of the Field Efficacy of Seed- and Soil-Applied Nematicides on Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis Across the U.S. Cotton Belt
Authors: Faske Travis R. , Kandel Yuba , Allen Tom W. , Grabau Zane J. , Hu Jiahuai , Kemerait Robert C. , Lawrence Gary W. , Lawrence Kathy S. , Mehl Hillary L. , Overstreet Charles , Thiessen Lindsey D. , Wheeler Terry
Published: January 2022

Meta-analysis was used to compare yield protection and nematode suppression provided by two seed-applied and two soil-applied nematicides against Meloidogyne incognita and Rotylenchulus reniformis on cotton across 3 years and several trial locations in the U.S. Cotton Belt. Nematicides consisted of thiodicarb- and fluopyram-treated seed, aldicarb and fluopyram applied in furrow, and combinations of the seed treatments and soil-applied fluopyram. The nematicides had no effect on nematode reproduction or root infection but had a significant impact on seed cotton yield response ([Formula: see text]), with an average increase of 176 and 197 kg/ha relative to the nontreated control in M. incognita and R. reniformis infested fields, respectively. However, because of significant variation in yield protection and nematode suppression by nematicides, five or six moderator variables (cultivar resistance [M. incognita only], nematode infestation level, nematicide treatment, application method, trial location, and growing season) were used depending on nematode species. In M. incognita-infested fields, greater yield protection was observed with nematicides applied in furrow and with seed-applied + in-furrow than with solo seed-applied nematicide applications. Most notable of these in-furrow nematicides were aldicarb and fluopyram (>131 g/ha) with or without a seed-applied nematicide compared with thiodicarb. In R. reniformis-infested fields, moderator variables provided no further explanation of the variation in yield response produced by nematicides. Furthermore, moderator variables provided little explanation of the variation in nematode suppression by nematicides in M. incognita- and R. reniformis-infested fields. The limited explanation by the moderator variables on the field efficacy of nematicides in M. incognita- and R. reniformis-infested fields demonstrates the difficulty of managing these pathogens with nonfumigant nematicides across the U.S. Cotton Belt.
A Laminarin-Based Formulation Protects Wheat Against Zymoseptoria tritici via Direct Antifungal Activity and Elicitation of Host Defense-Related Genes
Authors: de Borba Marlon C. , Velho Aline C. , de Freitas Mateus B. , Holvoet Maxime , Maia-Grondard Alessandra , Baltenweck Raymonde , Magnin-Robert Maryline , Randoux Béatrice , Hilbert Jean-Louis , Reignault Philippe , Hugueney Philippe , Siah Ali , Stadnik Marciel J.
Published: January 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of the laminarin-based formulation Vacciplant to protect and induce resistance in wheat against Zymoseptoria tritici, a major pathogen on this crop. Under greenhouse conditions, a single foliar spraying of the product 2 days before inoculation with Z. tritici reduced disease severity and pycnidium density by 42 and 45%, respectively. Vacciplant exhibited a direct antifungal activity on Z. tritici conidial germination both in vitro and in planta. Moreover, it reduced in planta substomatal colonization as well as pycnidium formation on treated leaves. Molecular investigations revealed that Vacciplant elicits but did not prime the expression of several wheat genes related to defense pathways, including phenylpropanoids (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase), octadecanoids (lipoxygenase and allene oxide synthase), and pathogenesis‐related proteins (β‐1,3‐endoglucanase and chitinase). By contrast, it did not modulate the expression of oxalate oxidase gene involved in the reactive oxygen species metabolism. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated limited changes in leaf metabolome after product application in both noninoculated and inoculated conditions, suggesting a low metabolic cost associated with induction of plant resistance. This study provides evidence that the laminarin-based formulation confers protection to wheat against Z. tritici through direct antifungal activity and elicitation of plant defense-associated genes.
Temperature Influences on Powdery Mildew Susceptibility and Development in the Hop Cultivar Cascade
Authors: Gent David H. , Claassen Briana J. , Wiseman Michele S. , Wolfenbarger Sierra N.
Published: January 2022

The hop cultivar ‘Cascade’ possesses partial resistance to powdery mildew (Podosphaera macularis) that can be overcome by recently emerged, virulent isolates of the fungus. Given that hop is a long-lived perennial and that brewers still demand Cascade, there is a need to better understand factors that influence the development of powdery mildew on this cultivar. Growth chamber experiments were conducted to quantify the effect of constant, transient, and fluctuating temperature on Cascade before, concurrent to, and after inoculation as contrasted with another powdery mildew-susceptible cultivar, ‘Symphony’. Exposure of plants to supraoptimal temperature (26 and 32°C) before inoculation led to more rapid onset of ontogenic resistance in intermediately aged leaves in Cascade as compared with Symphony. Cascade was overall less susceptible to powdery mildew when exposed to constant temperature ranging from 18 to 32°C directly after inoculation. However, cultivar also interacted with temperature such that proportionately fewer and smaller colonies developed on Cascade than Symphony at supraoptimal yet permissive temperatures for disease. When plants were inoculated and then exposed to high temperature, colonies became progressively more tolerant to temperatures of 26 to 30°C with increasing time from inoculation to exposure, as moderated by cultivar, the specific temperature, and their interaction. Subjecting plants to simulated diurnal temperature regimes at the time of inoculation or 24 h later indicated Cascade and Symphony responded proportionately similarly on days predicted to be marginally unfavorable or marginally favorable for powdery mildew, although Cascade was quantitatively less susceptible than Symphony. In sum, this research indicates that Cascade is overall less susceptible to powdery mildew than Symphony, and supraoptimal temperature before, concurrent to, or after infection may interact differentially to moderate disease risk in Cascade. Therefore, cultivar-specific risk assessments for powdery mildew appear warranted.
Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award 2021 Visionary Leader Elvira Fardella-Roveto
Authors: Duffy Christine
Published: January 2022

The following manuscript is the winning 2021 Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award entry submitted to Nursing Management in recognition of Elvira Fardella-Roveto, RN, FNP-BC, assistant vice president and administrator of St. Mary's Home Care in New York.
A syndemic effect
Authors: Richard-Eaglin Angela , Muirhead Lisa , Webb Michelle , Randolph Schenita D.
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the interconnection between the syndemic effect of racial inequities and disparities as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black Americans. It also highlights meaningful reforms and priorities to achieve health equity in Black communities.
Gun violence prevention and treatment: A challenge for NPs and NP educators
Authors: DeSimone M. Elayne
Published: January 2022

Firearm injuries are considered among the five leading causes of death for people ages 1–64 years. The issue is of concern for nurse practitioners (NPs) and NP educators as the need for gun violence–related health care increases. This essay focuses on several local and national efforts to address the short- and long-term consequences of gun violence.
Optothermal grid activation of microflow with magnetic nanoparticle thermophoresis for microfluidics
Authors: Zablotsky D. Y. , Mezulis A. , Blums E. , Maiorov M. M.
Published: January 2022

We report focused light-induced activation of intense magnetic microconvection mediated by suspended magnetic nanoparticles in microscale two-dimensional optothermal grids. Fully anisotropic control of microflow and mass transport fluxes is achieved by engaging the magnetic field along one or the other preferred directions. The effect is based on the recently described thermal diffusion–magnetomechanical coupling in synthetic magnetic nanofluids. We expect that the new phenomenon can be applied as an efficient all-optical mixing strategy in integrated microfluidic devices.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)’.
Longitudinal remagnetization of uniaxial antiferromagnetic nanoparticles: the role of spontaneous magnetic moment
Authors: Poperechny Igor S.
Published: January 2022

A kinetic theory of magnetic response of uniaxial antiferromagnetic nanoparticles is presented. Within the developed framework, a particular case when an external field is applied strictly along the anisotropy axis is considered in detail. Analysis of the relaxation spectrum of an antiferromagnetic particle with a spontaneous magnetic moment is performed. It is shown that in a wide frequency range the magnetic response of such particle is determined entirely by the relaxation mode with the longest time. An analytical expression for this time that explicitly contains a value of the decompensation magnetic moment is derived. Also, simple formulae for both static and dynamic longitudinal magnetic susceptibility of an antiferromagnetic nanoparticle are obtained. According to them, longitudinal susceptibility grows quadratically with the value of the spontaneous magnetic moment. Besides, if the latter is not zero, the change of the static susceptibility with temperature turns out to be non-monotonic. The influence of the spontaneous magnetic moment of the particle on the magnetization curves in strong fields is analysed using both energy approach and kinetic theory. The calculated dependences of the dynamic coercivity on the amplitude and variation rate of the applied field are qualitatively compared with experimental data.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)’.
Variability of complex oscillatory regimes in the stochastic model of cold-flame combustion of a hydrocarbon mixture
Authors: Bashkirtseva I. , Slepukhina E.
Published: January 2022

Processes of the cold-flame combustion of a mixture of two hydrocarbons are studied on the base of a three-dimensional nonlinear dynamical model. Bifurcation analysis of the deterministic model reveals mono- and bistability parameter zones with equilibrium and oscillatory attractors. For this model, effects of random disturbances in the bistability parameter zone are studied. We show that random forcing causes transitions between coexisting stable equilibria and limit cycles with the formation of complex stochastic mixed-mode oscillations. Properties of these oscillatory regimes are studied by means of statistics of interspike intervals. A phenomenon of anti-coherence resonance is discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)’.
Modelling of liquid film migration in Al-Cu alloys
Authors: Fang Hui , Lippmann Stephanie , Zhang Qingyu , Zhu Mingfang , Rettenmayr Markus
Published: January 2022

Microstructural evolution in the presence of liquid film migration (LFM) is simulated for Al-Cu alloys using a cellular automaton (CA) model. Simulations are performed for the microstructural evolution and concentration distribution in an Al-4 wt.%Cu alloy with initially equiaxed grain structures holding in a temperature gradient. A slight deviation from local equilibrium, estimated from experimental data, is considered to be the driving force for LFM. The direction of LFM is triggered by concentration fluctuations setting a concentration gradient as a further driving force. The simulation successfully reproduces the experimentally observed microstructures generated by LFM accompanied by a particle free zone behind the liquid film. The solid concentration in the particle free zone is found to be the equilibrium solid concentration. The simulated concentration profile across the migrating liquid film agrees well with experimental measurements. The simulated grain structure becomes coarser and highly elongated after holding in the temperature gradient. The results reveal that the increase in transversal grain width is mainly controlled by LFM, while the grain elongation in longitudinal direction is attributed to both LFM and temperature gradient zone melting. The solid concentration decreases from the initial (supersaturated) composition to the local equilibrium solid concentration corresponding to the local temperature.

This article is part of the theme issue 'Transport phenomena in complex systems (part 2)'.
Temporal trends of hepatitis C virus transmission in internally displaced people who inject drugs in Odessa, Ukraine
Authors: Yakovleva Anna , Kovalenko Ganna , Redlinger Matthew , Smyrnov Pavlo , Tymets Olga , Korobchuk Ania , Kotlyk Lyudmyla , Kolodyazeva Ganna , Podolina Ganna , Chernyavskaya Svetlana , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Friedman Samuel R , Goodfellow Ian , Wertheim Joel O. , Bortz Eric , Meredith Luke , Vasylyeva Tetyana I
Published: January 2022

Background

Due to practical challenges associated with genetic sequencing in low resource environments, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in forcibly displaced people is understudied. We examined the use of field-applicable HCV sequencing methods and phylogenetic analysis to determine HCV transmission dynamics in internally displaced people who inject drugs (IDPWID) due to war in eastern Ukraine.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we used modified respondent-driven sampling to recruit IDPWID who have settled in Odessa, Ukraine. We generated partial and near full length genome (NFLG) HCV sequences using Oxford Nanopore MinION in a simulated field environment. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods were used to establish phylodynamic relationships.

Findings

Between June and September 2020, we collected epidemiological data and whole blood samples from 164 IDPWID. Rapid testing identified an HIV, anti-HCV, and HIV/HCV co-infection prevalence of 39%, 67.7%, and 31.1%, respectively. We generated 57 partial or NFLG HCV sequences and identified eight transmission clusters, of which at least two originated within a year and a half post-migration. Unstable housing post-migration was associated with more reports of injection drug use in the past 30 days (p=0.048).

Interpretation

Local generation of viral sequencing data and phylogenetic analysis in rapidly changing low-resource environments, such as those faced by forcibly displaced people, can inform timely adaptation of prevention and treatment.

Funding

Oxford University John Fell Fund, ISS Wellcome Trust, Branco Weiss Fellowship.
Human red blood cells express the RNA sensor TLR7 and bind viral RNA
Authors: Lam LK Metthew , Clements Rebecca L. , Eckart Kaitlyn A. , Weisman Ariel R. , Vaughan Andy E. , Yehya Nadir , Meyer Nuala J. , Jurado Kellie A. , Mangalmurti Nilam S.
Published: January 2022

Red blood cells (RBCs) express the nucleic acid-sensing toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and bind CpG-containing DNA. However, whether human RBCs express other nucleic acid-sensing TLRs and bind RNA is unknown. Here we show that human RBCs express the RNA sensor, TLR7. TLR7 is present on the red cell membrane and associates with the RBC membrane protein Band 3. RBCs bind synthetic single-stranded RNA and RNA from pathogenic single-stranded RNA viruses. RNA acquisition by RBCs is attenuated by recombinant TLR7 and inhibitory oligonucleotides. Thus, RBCs may represent a previously unrecognized reservoir for RNA, although how RNA-binding by RBCs modulates the immune response has yet to be elucidated. These findings add to the growing list of non-gas exchanging RBC immune functions.

Significance

Red blood cells interact with pathogens, cytokines, and CpG-containing DNA; however, their immune functions remain largely unexplored. Here, we report that RBCs can bind synthetic or viral RNA and express TLR7. TLR7 interacts with the RBC membrane protein Band 3 and this interaction is increased during acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. Our study suggests that RBCs may have immune functions mediated by viral RNA, and RNA-carrying RBCs can potentially be a reservoir for RNA-based diagnostics.
AwMelWolbachiavariant inAedes aegyptifrom field-collectedDrosophila melanogasterwith increased phenotypic stability under heat stress
Authors: Gu Xinyue , Ross Perran A. , Rodriguez-Andres Julio , Robinson Katie L. , Yang Qiong , Lau Meng-Jia , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: January 2022

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika and chikungunya remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality across tropical regions. Population replacement strategies involving thewMel strain ofWolbachiaare being used widely to control mosquito-borne diseases transmitted byAedes aegypti. However, these strategies may be influenced by environmental temperature becausewMel is vulnerable to heat stress.wMel infections in their native hostDrosophila melanogasterare genetically diverse, but few transinfections ofwMel variants have been generated inAe. aegyptimosquitoes. Here we successfully transferred awMel variant (termedwMelM) originating from a field-collectedD. melanogasterpopulation from Victoria, Australia intoAe. aegypti. The newwMelM variant (clade I) is genetically distinct from the originalwMel transinfection (clade III) generated over ten years ago, and there are no genomic differences betweenwMelM in its original and transinfected host. We comparedwMelM withwMel in its effects on host fitness, temperature tolerance,Wolbachiadensity, vector competence, cytoplasmic incompatibility and maternal transmission under heat stress in a controlled background.wMelM showed a higher heat tolerance thanwMel, with stronger cytoplasmic incompatibility and maternal transmission when eggs were exposed to heat stress, likely due to higher overall densities within the mosquito. BothwMel variants had minimal host fitness costs, complete cytoplasmic incompatibility and maternal transmission, and dengue virus blocking under standard laboratory conditions. Our results highlight phenotypic differences between closely relatedWolbachiavariants.wMelM shows potential as an alternative strain towMel in dengue control programs in areas with strong seasonal temperature fluctuations.
Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis reveals dual sensing of HIV-1 in blood Axl+ dendritic cells
Authors: Brouiller Flavien , Nadalin Francesca , Mohamed Ouardia Aït , Bonté Pierre-Emmanuel , Delaugerre Constance , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Ginhoux Florent , Ruffin Nicolas , Benaroch Philippe
Published: January 2022

Sensing of incoming viruses represents one of the pivotal tasks of dendritic cells (DC). Human primary blood DC encompass various subsets that are diverse in their susceptibility and response to HIV-1. The recent identification of Axl+DC, a new blood DC subset, endowed with unique capacities to bind, replicate, and transmit HIV-1 prompted us to evaluate its anti-viral response. We show that HIV-1 induced two main broad and intense transcriptional programs in different Axl+DC potentially induced by different sensors; a NF-κB-mediated program that led to DC maturation and efficient antigen-specific CD4+T cell activation, and a program mediated by STAT1/2 that activated type I IFN and an ISG response. These responses were absent from cDC2 exposed to HIV-1 except when viral replication occurred. Finally, Axl+DC actively replicating HIV-1 identified by quantification of viral transcripts exhibited a mixed NF-κB/ISG innate response. Our results suggest that the route of HIV-1 entry may dictate different innate sensing pathway by DC.
Dynamic evolution of small signaling peptide compensation in plant stem cell control
Authors: Kwon Choon-Tak , Tang Lingli , Wang Xingang , Gentile Iacopo , Hendelman Anat , Robitaille Gina , Van Eck Joyce , Xu Cao , Lippman Zachary B.
Published: January 2022

Gene duplications are a hallmark of plant genome evolution and a foundation for genetic interactions that shape phenotypic diversity1–5. Compensation is a major form of paralog interaction6–8, but how compensation relationships change as allelic variation accumulates is unknown. Here, we leveraged genomics and genome editing across the Solanaceae family to capture the evolution of compensating paralogs. Mutations in the stem cell regulator CLV3 cause floral organs to overproliferate in many plants9–11. In tomato, this phenotype is partially suppressed by transcriptional upregulation of a closely related paralog12. Tobacco lost this paralog, resulting in no compensation and extreme clv3 phenotypes. Strikingly, the paralogs of petunia and groundcherry nearly completely suppress clv3, indicating a potent ancestral state of compensation. Cross-species transgenic complementation analyses show this potent compensation partially degenerated in tomato due to a single amino acid change in the paralog and cis-regulatory variation that limits its transcriptional upregulation. Our findings show how genetic interactions are remodeled following duplications, and suggest that dynamic paralog evolution is widespread over short time scales and impacts phenotypic variation from natural and engineered mutations.
Government domestic debt arrears and private investment in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kulu Evans , Brafu-Insaidoo William Gabriel , Peprah James Atta , Bondzie Eric Amoo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the effect of government domestic payment arrears on private investment. The authors argue that an increase in government domestic arrears can reduce private sector investment owing to the competition for credit.

Design/methodology/approach

The prediction is empirically tested using data for 33 Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries for the period 2007–2018 using a panel general methods of moment estimation technique. This is also complemented with impulse responses derived from the standard vector autoregressive model.

Findings

The results show that an increase in government domestic arrears adversely affects private investment in SSA and most subregional communities within SSA. It also revealed that private investment negatively responds to shocks in government domestic arrears.

Originality/value

This is the first study that attempts to investigate the effect of government domestic borrowing arrears on private investment. It seeks to serve as a guide to governments in their domestic borrowing decisions to ensure timely servicing.
CAPTCHA for crowdsourced image annotation: directions and efficiency analysis
Authors: Moradi Mohammad , Keyvanpour Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Image annotation plays an important role in image retrieval process, especially when it comes to content-based image retrieval. In order to compensate the intrinsic weakness of machines in performing cognitive task of (human-like) image annotation, leveraging humans’ knowledge and abilities in the form of crowdsourcing-based annotation have gained momentum. Among various approaches for this purpose, an innovative one is integrating the annotation process into the CAPTCHA workflow. In this paper, the current state of the research works in the field and experimental efficiency analysis of this approach are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

At first, and with the aim of presenting a current state report of research studies in the field, a comprehensive literature review is provided. Then, several experiments and statistical analyses are conducted to investigate how CAPTCHA-based image annotation is reliable, accurate and efficient.

Findings

In addition to study of current trends and best practices for CAPTCHA-based image annotation, the experimental results demonstrated that despite some intrinsic limitations on leveraging the CAPTCHA as a crowdsourcing platform, when the challenge, i.e. annotation task, is selected and designed appropriately, the efficiency of CAPTCHA-based image annotation can outperform traditional approaches. Nonetheless, there are several design considerations that should be taken into account when the CAPTCHA is used as an image annotation platform.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze different aspects of the titular topic through exploration of the literature and experimental investigation. Therefore, it is anticipated that the outcomes of this study can draw a roadmap for not only CAPTCHA-based image annotation but also CAPTCHA-mediated crowdsourcing and even image annotation.
EMDR therapy with people who have intellectual disabilities: process, adaptations and outcomes
Authors: Porter Joanne L.B.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Emerging evidence indicates that adapted eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can be useful for people with intellectual disabilities in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the required adaptations are not described in enough detail across the literature, making it difficult for therapists to easily adapt EMDR for people with intellectual disabilities. This paper aims to address this by describing 14 clinical cases, along with outcome data for six people, and the views of five people with intellectual disabilities about EMDR.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 14 people with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities and varied experiences of trauma were offered EMDR by one clinical psychologist in a UK NHS setting; nine people completed EMDR therapy, six people provided outcome data with pre-post measures and five people were asked two questions about EMDR therapy.

Findings

Adaptations are described. The outcome data indicate reductions in symptoms of PTSD following EMDR intervention. EMDR was liked and perceived as useful.

Originality/value

This paper provides details about adaptations that can be made to the standard EMDR protocol, reports the views of service users about EMDR and adds evidence that EMDR reduces symptoms of PTSD in people who have intellectual disabilities.
Encroachment in a three-echelon supply chain: manufacturer encroachment or distributor encroachment
Authors: Wang Tian , Liang Yangyang , Zheng Zhong
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate manufacturer encroachment and distributor encroachment in a three-echelon supply chain consisting of an upside manufacturer, an intermediate distributor and a downside retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use the optimization theory to mathematize the proposed question and build a model. First, the authors consider sequential quantity decisions, where the encroacher decides on the direct selling quantity after determining the retailer's order quantity. Second, the authors relax this sequential decision process assumption by reconsidering a circumstance in which quantity decisions are decided simultaneously.

Findings

In contrast to previous studies, this study shows that in three-echelon supply chains, the upside firm is more likely to encroach compared with the downside firm. The “bright side” of encroachment exists for all players only when the encroachment cost is at a moderate level. However, in manufacturer encroachment under simultaneous quantity decisions, the “bright side” skips the distributor but benefits the retailer directly as the encroachment cost increases from zero to a certain level. The main reason lies in that the distributor loses its pricing power because the end-market has been disturbed by the simultaneous quantity decisions. A comparison of the results of sequential and simultaneous quantity decisions reveals the merit of simultaneous quantity decisions. The authors find that the intermediate role (the distributor in our model) in three-echelon supply chains may benefit more from simultaneous quantity decisions. That is, the distributor may achieve a better profit even in a market with intensified competition.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper contribute to the marketing science literature on encroachment. The majority of existing literature has focused on manufacturer encroachment in two-echelon supply chains. This paper innovatively investigates and compares manufacturer encroachment and distributor encroachment in a three-echelon supply chain.
A study on diesel engine crankshaft bearing failure analysis with consideration of bearing lubrication
Authors: Liu Qi , Huo Baiqi , Liu Yunsheng , Zhu Junchao
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The edge of diesel engine crankshaft main bearing is more likely to fail in its real working condition. This paper aims to study the bearing failure mechanism by finding the relationship between bearing lubrication characteristics and its working condition.

Design/methodology/approach

This work builds the mixed lubrication model of crankshaft bearing to analyze the cause of bearing abnormal wear, and the finite difference method was used to solving the average Reynolds equation. During the analysis, journal misaligned angle, external load and roughness are considered.

Findings

The result shows that the wear of the diesel engine crankshaft bearing happens in engine startup phase and the bottom of the bearing are more prone to be excessively worn. Under the influence of journal misalignment, bearing asperity contact load and speed range of mixed lubrication will increase markedly. The edge of the bearing will be excessively worn. The effect of misalignment on bearing lubrication performance varies under different shaft rotation speed.

Originality/value

The former research studies on crankshaft bearing either just focused on its lubrication characteristics or interested in its failure types (wear, adhere, cavitation). This paper studies the relationship between bearing failure mechanism and lubrication performance.
Prediction and test of stable transmission time of spiral bevel gear during a loss-of-lubrication event in helicopter transmission system
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Yang Kai , Tang Wen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a prediction model of stable transmission time of spiral bevel gear during a loss-of-lubrication event in helicopter transmission system.

Design/methodology/approach

To observe the temperature change of spiral bevel gear during working condition, a test rig of spiral bevel gear was developed according to the requirements of experiments and carried out verification experiments.

Findings

The prediction is verified by the test of detecting the temperature of oil pool. The main damage form of helicopter spiral bevel gears under starved lubrication is tooth surface burn. The stable running time under oil-free lubrication is mainly determined by the degree of tooth surface burn control.

Originality/value

The experimental data of the spiral bevel gear oil-free lubrication process are basically consistent with the simulation prediction results. The results lay a foundation for the working life design of spiral bevel gear in helicopter transmission system under starved lubrication.
Structural indicators of suicide: an exploration of state-level risk factors among Black and White people in the United States, 2015–2019
Authors: Robertson Ryan A. , Standley Corbin J. , Gunn III John F. , Opara Ijeoma
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Death by suicide among Black people in the USA have increased by 35.6% within the past decade. Among youth under the age of 24 years old, death by suicide among Black youth have risen substantially. Researchers have found that structural inequities (e.g. educational attainment) and state-specific variables (e.g. minimum wage, incarceration rates) may increase risk for suicide among Black people compared to White people in the USA. Given the limited understanding of how such factors systematically affect Black and White communities differently, this paper aims to examine these relationships across US states using publicly available data from 2015 to 2019.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were aggregated from various national sources including the National Center for Education Statistics, the Department of Labor, the FBI’s Crime in the US Reports and the Census Bureau. Four generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to examine the impact of state-level variables on suicide rates: Black adults suicide rate, Black youth (24 years and younger) suicide rate, White adult suicide rate and White youth suicide rate. Each model includes state-level hate group rates, minimum wage, violent crime rates, gross vacancy rates, and race-specific state-level poverty rates, incarceration rates and graduation rates.

Findings

Across all GEE models, suicide rates rose between 2015–2019 (ß = 1.11 – 2.78; ß = 0.91 – 1.82; ß = 0.52 – 3.09; ß = 0.16 – 1.53). For the Black adult suicide rate, state rates increased as the proportion of Black incarceration rose (ß = 1.14) but fell as the gross housing vacancy rates increased (ß = −1.52). Among Black youth, state suicide rates rose as Black incarcerations increased (ß = 0.93). For the adult White suicide rate, state rates increased as White incarceration (ß = 1.05) and percent uninsured increased (ß = 1.83), but fell as White graduation rates increased (ß = −2.36). Finally, among White youth, state suicide rates increased as the White incarceration rate rose (ß = 0.55) and as the violent crime rate rose (ß = 0.55) but decreased as state minimum wages (ß = −0.61), White poverty rates (ß = −0.40) and graduation rates increased (ß = −0.97).

Originality/value

This work underscores how structural factors are associated with suicide rates, and how such factors differentially impact White and Black communities.
Dynamic capability, ambidexterity and social network—empirical evidence from SMEs in China
Authors: He Xin , Wu Xia , Croasdell David , Zhao Yanhai
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The investigation of organization's ambidextrous innovation is a challenge in the research studies of management sciences. As existent literature showed a positive relation between dynamic capability (DC) and innovation, few empirical studies are conducted to explain how DC impacts on the balanced and combined dimension of ambidexterity and still less on how social network moderates this relation. As a result, this paper aims to investigate and provide empirical evidence on DC’s influence on ambidexterity in the context of China.

Design/methodology/approach

By a relational model of DC, ambidextrous innovation and social network, this study has conducted multiple regression analysis on the data collected from 350 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in mainland China.

Findings

The results show that, DC has positive influence on both the combined and balanced dimension of ambidexterity; and both the relational network and structural network play an inverted U moderating role, where the moderation of relational network is stronger than that of structural network.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical support on DC's influence on ambidexterity together with the moderation of social network.
Building and evolving a culture of excellence: a conceptual exploration
Authors: Provance Travis W. , Ramisetty Suresh Babu , Urick Michael Joseph , Wieczorkowski Kelly A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptually explore building a culture of excellence from the ground up as well as evolving a current culture to one more focused on excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reviewed extant research related to organizational cultures and cultures of excellence that have implications for building or evolving into these types of cultures.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that the “people side” of organizations is crucial to forming a culture of excellence. Specific people-oriented considerations to forming such a culture include leveraging leaders and understanding other influences including diversity as well as external aspects. Changing culture must occur at the assumptions (and not just artifacts) level. Furthermore, there are many barriers to building a culture of excellence, many of which are also related to an organization’s people.

Research limitations/implications

A qualitative grounded theory approach whereby researchers asked organizational members to define “culture of excellence” could help build a clearer model for the formation of cultures of excellence. Quantitative approaches should also test how successful the influencers, noted in this study are in creating cultures of excellence. This study’s conceptual links between cultures of excellence and performance should also be tested empirically.

Practical implications

This paper provides practitioners insight into the importance of culture and considerations for how to change an organizational culture.

Social implications

This paper advocates for the importance of social considerations in the workplace regarding creating a culture of excellence.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first that discusses creating a culture of excellence. Furthermore, it is one of only a handful of articles that links people to excellence.