bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Happens in Initial Interactions Forecasts Relationship Development: Showcasing the Role of Social Behavior
Authors: Jolink Tatum A. , Algoe Sara B.
Published: February 2023

We do not know what happens in initial interactions to spark platonic or romantic relationships. This requires data on relationships from their inception, tracked over time. Building on theory about relationship promotion, we identified three exemplar behaviors to test novel hypotheses about relationship development. When starting college, a greenhouse for relationship initiation, first-year undergraduates ( N = 143) reported initial interactions with potential friends and romantic partners, and then 129 of them reported back about those 591 people over the semester. As predicted, reports of each behavior—affectionate touch, shared laughter, and partner’s gratitude expression—were associated with immediate interest in affiliating with the new person, beyond their perceived warmth, competence, and attractiveness; theoretically derived social perceptual mechanisms explained these links. Critically, although not all potential connections blossomed into relationships, these behavioral precursors to relationship promotion predicted relationship development via post-interaction interest in affiliating. Findings are contextualized within attraction literature with implications for relationship development.
Coming to terms with affective infrastructure
Authors: Wilson Helen F.
Published: February 2023

Affective infrastructure has become an unremarkable feature of geographical research. By examining how ‘affective infrastructure’ has been mobilised within geography and political theory, and charting its distinguishing features – whether as metaphor, analogy, or material-technical system – I suggest that Bosworth's explication presents an opportunity for thinking about the role and development of concepts more broadly. Using the Tyne Bridge as an example of affective infrastructure, I reflect on the mechanisms through which a concept appears and ask whether affective infrastructure's ‘power’ comes from its circulation as a term or shorthand. In clarifying its analytical utility, I ask what implications there might be for affective infrastructure's spaces of connotation, and what is at stake when a concept appears.
A brief review of the coupled human-Earth system modeling: Current state and challenges
Authors: Tan Junwei , Duan Qingyun , Xiao Cunde , He Chunyang , Yan Xiaodong
Published: February 2023

Human activities have profound impacts on climate and ecosystems via fossil fuel use and land-use changes, and environmental changes in turn affect human society. Due to strong bidirectional links between the human society and the environment, there is a need to understand the complex dynamics of coupled human-Earth systems (CHES) for mitigation and adaptation purposes. In this paper, four main feedback links between human and Earth systems are identified, and the simulated impacts of some of these feedbacks on natural and social variables based on CHES models are examined. To better understand the current state of CHES modeling, the model development history is briefly described including the implementation of several different coupling forms and approaches. The CHES models are still in a quickly developing stage facing several gaps and challenges in theoretical understanding and modeling techniques. To meet these gaps and challenges, more studies across different research communities with truly interdisciplinary collaboration are required.
Electability salience can bias voting decisions
Authors: Minozzi William , Woon Jonathan
Published: February 2023

“Electability” received considerable attention during the 2020 Democratic primary campaign, with some critics claiming that the term was code for sexism. From a rational choice perspective, “electability” could affect voting in multiple ways, including via expected utility; previous scholarship suggests that many voters consider it as such. Yet this scholarship ignores the role that salience plays in decision making, and is silent on which sorts of candidate might benefit from the effects of priming electability. To address these issues, we conducted a survey experiment during the 2020 primary season, measuring Democratic primary voters’ preferences for candidates, electability estimates, and candidate rankings. Our experiment manipulated salience by randomizing the order in which preferences and electability were elicited. We show that electability salience caused a substantial increase in the probability that a respondent made decisions based only on electability.
The quality of informational social support in online health communities: A content analysis of cancer-related discussions
Authors: Petrič Gregor , Cugmas Marjan , Petrič Rok , Atanasova Sara
Published: February 2023

Objective

Informational social support is one of the main reasons for patients to visit online health communities (OHCs). Calls have been made to investigate the objective quality of such support in the light of a worrying number of inaccurate online health-related information. The main aim of this study is to conceptualize the Quality of Informational Social Support (QISS) and develop and test a measure of QISS for content analysis. A further aim is to investigate the level of QISS in cancer-related messages in the largest OHC in Slovenia and examine the differences among various types of discussion forums, namely, online consultation forums, online support group forums, and socializing forums.

Methods

A multidimensional measurement instrument was developed, which included 20 items in a coding scheme for a content analysis of cancer-related messages. On a set of almost three million posts published between 2015 and 2019, a machine-learning algorithm was used to detect cancer-related discussions in the OHC. We then identified the messages providing informational social support, and through quantitative content analysis, three experts coded a random sample of 403 cancer-related messages for the QISS.

Results

The results demonstrate a good level of interrater reliability and agreement for a QISS scale with six dimensions, each demonstrating good internal consistency. The results reveal large differences among the social support, socializing, and consultation forums, with the latter recording significantly higher quality in terms of accuracy (M = 4.48, P < .001), trustworthiness (M = 4.65, P < .001), relevance (M = 3.59, P < .001), and justification (M = 3.81, P = .05) in messages providing informational social support regarding cancer-related issues.

Conclusions

This study provides the research field with a valid tool to further investigate the factors and consequences of varying quality of information exchanged in supportive communication. From a practical perspective, OHCs should dedicate more resources and develop mechanisms for the professional moderation of health-related topics in socializing forums and thereby suppress the publication and dissemination of low-quality information among OHC users and visitors.
Anti-vaccination attitude trends during the COVID-19 pandemic: A machine learning-based analysis of tweets
Authors: To Quyen G , To Kien G , Huynh Van-Anh N , Nguyen Nhung TQ , Ngo Diep TN , Alley Stephanie , Tran Anh NQ , Tran Anh NP , Pham Ngan TT , Bui Thanh X , Vandelanotte Corneel
Published: February 2023

Objective

Vaccine hesitancy has been ranked by the World Health Organization among the top 10 threats to global health. With a surge in misinformation and conspiracy theories against vaccination observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, attitudes toward vaccination may be worsening. This study investigates trends in anti-vaccination attitudes during the COVID-19 pandemic and within the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Methods

Vaccine-related English tweets published between 1 January 2020 and 27 June 2021 were used. A deep learning model using a dynamic word embedding method, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERTs), was developed to identify anti-vaccination tweets. The classifier achieved a micro F1 score of 0.92. Time series plots and country maps were used to examine vaccination attitudes globally and within countries.

Results

Among 9,352,509 tweets, 232,975 (2.49%) were identified as anti-vaccination tweets. The overall number of vaccine-related tweets increased sharply after the implementation of the first vaccination round since November 2020 (daily average of 6967 before vs. 31,757 tweets after 9/11/2020). The number of anti-vaccination tweets increased after conspiracy theories spread on social media. Percentages of anti-vaccination tweets were 3.45%, 2.74%, 2.46%, and 1.86% for the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, respectively.

Conclusions

Strategies and information campaigns targeting vaccination misinformation may need to be specifically designed for regions with the highest anti-vaccination Twitter activity and when new vaccination campaigns are initiated.
Cardiac Tamponade Related to a Large Pericardial Mass in a Female with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Wirth Scott H. , Pater Colleen M. , Wells Dennis , Tretter Justin T. , Hahn Eunice , Morales David L. S. , Powell Adam W.
Published: February 2023

We report the case of a young female with juvenile idiopathic arthritis presenting with cardiac tamponade secondary to an unusual pericardial mass. Pericardial masses are typically incidental findings. In rare circumstances they can cause compressive physiology warranting urgent intervention. She required surgical excision which revealed a pericardial cyst encapsulating a chronic solidified hematoma. Though certain inflammatory disorders are associated with myopericarditis, to our knowledge this is the first reported case of a pericardial mass in a well-controlled young patient. We theorize her immunosuppressant therapy resulted in hemorrhage into a pre-existing pericardial cyst, suggesting the need for further follow-up in those on adalimumab therapy.
Students’ and Teachers’ Beliefs About Effective Teaching of English for Occupational Purposes
Authors: Bui Hung Phu , Huong Le Pham Hoai
Published: February 2023

Effective teaching of English for Occupational Purposes (EOP) is considered to enhance workers’ performance, efficacy, and professional development. Thus, what students and teachers believe to lead to effective EOP teaching is worth exploring. This study set out to compare students’ and teachers’ beliefs about effective EOP teaching. It employed a sequential mixed-methods design with a questionnaire initially administered to 306 voluntary participants, including 108 teachers and 198 sophomore and junior students who participated in teaching and learning EOP. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with 30 voluntary participants selected from the first stage sample were conducted. The findings showed that students and teachers generally indicated their high agreement with communicative language teaching strategies in EOP. However, discrepancies were found in most observed factors of EOP teaching, including language skills, communicative language teaching, content and language integrated learning, and assessment, except technology integration. From the findings, it is suggested that both EOP students and teachers should be informed of what constitutes effective EOP teaching.
Examining Finance-Growth Nexus: Empirical Evidence From the Sub-Regional Economies of Africa
Authors: Haibo Chen , Manu Emmanuel Kwaku , Somuah Mary
Published: February 2023

This paper examined finance-growth nexus in the finance industry and the influencing factors of economic indicators which deliberate on the performance of the Solow Growth model to prove the actuality of financial development (FD) inside the economic growth (EG) model, based on the regional data from 1980 to 2017 in Africa. We applied the econometric method of GMM style panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) and panel quantile regression (PQR). With the optimal finance-growth outcome, the review shows that the economic indicators influence the finance-growth nexus. The quantile results show that high economic indicators help to strengthen the finance-growth nexus, whereas low economic indicators hinder it. The GMM style PVAR results present a mixed effect in terms of the connection and marginal significance, indicating that FD has a varied impact on economic growth. Last, the granger causality results show a two-way causal association amid finance-growth in Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern African economies and a unidirectional causal link of finance-growth in Northern Africa. The policy conclusion is that to gain the long-term economic benefits of FD, African countries should strive for low and steady economic stability. To attain the required economic stability, it may be important to use suitable fiscal and monetary policies.
Analysis of Modal Split of Intra-urban Trips in a Centenary City: A Case Study of Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu Maxwell Umunna , Obinna Clement , Jiburum Uloma , Okeke Donald Chiuba
Published: February 2023

The mode choice of commuters is an important element in the formulation and design of transportation policy. It gives policymakers a better understanding of the dynamics of intra urban trips. However, most of the studies on the modal split of intra urban trips found in the literature focused on Europe, America, and Southeast Asia with little emphasis on Africa. The lacuna this trend creates motivates this study to present evidence from Nigeria using the centenary city of Enugu as a case study. This study is critical for knowledge production that drives explicit outline strategies for the development of a sustainable urban transportation system in Nigeria. Data on modal split and determinant factors were collected from primary source through the use of a questionnaire. Discriminant analysis was used to classify the modal split of intra urban trips in Enugu into two groups’ namely public and private transport. Although public transport modes are the most used for intra urban trips, the mode share indicates that private transport mode (car) is the most used single mode for intra urban trips. More than three-quarters of commuters that use private transport for intra urban trips prefer the mode, whereas a little less than one-fifth of commuters will switch to public transport modes. On the other hand, most of the commuters that use public transport for intra urban trips prefer the modes and very few others will switch to private transport. Car ownership has the strongest influence on the modal split. The study identifies the need for policy interventions that reflects better understating of the dynamics of intra urban trips.
Using Occluded Text as a Cue Attracting Visual Attention and Preference in Packaging and Advertising
Authors: Liao Ching-Chih
Published: February 2023

This study uses occluded text as a visual cue and hypothesizes that a deliberately incomplete advertisement headline or product name enhances visual attention. An experiment on tea packaging and advertisement is applied to investigate whether visual attention and, even viewer preference enhancement, will be affected by occluded text. The experiment contains two parts: first, an eye tracker observes the differences in the participant’s visual attention between samples of incomplete and complete text; second, a questionnaire records the participants’ preferences between the two samples. The result validates our hypothesis that incomplete text elicits a certain level of visual attention as long as viewers can recognize the text; alternatively, if the occlusion causes difficulty in text recognition, the occluded text will fail to attract visual attention and viewer preference. This is particularly true for advertisement headlines. The experiment results of visual attention and viewer preference for the occluded product name on tea packaging are consistent. As for the occluded advertisement headline, however, it attracts only visual attention but is not able to enhance viewer preference. This could be attributed to the fact that participants are affected by different amounts of received information and their complexities when examining experiment samples.
Corporate Reputation and Users’ Behavioral Intentions: Is Reputation the Master Key That Moves Consumers?
Authors: Yi Mo Ran
Published: February 2023

Despite the diverse perspectives on corporate reputation, few studies investigate consumers as a subject of corporate reputation. Thus, this study uncovers the factors that contribute to and comprise the reputation of mobile carriers, compares the magnitude of each factor’s influence, and verifies how reputation influences users’ behavioral intentions. It constructs and validates an integrated model via exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis of a structural equation model, and multiple mediating effect analysis using bootstrapping, surveying 635 users. Five factors (innovativeness, ethical responsibility, communication authenticity, environmental and philanthropic responsibility, and economic responsibility) had a significant relationship with reputation formation. Reputation positively affected users’ perceptions and behavioral intentions, acting indirectly through other variables, as per the path analysis results. The significant correlation between reputation and cross-buying intention showed that reputation resolves user decision-making uncertainty. The study extends the corporate reputation formation literature and helps establish management strategies.
The Impact of Gastronomic Tourism on Thailand Economy: Under the Situation of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Piboonrungroj Pairach , Wannapan Satawat , Chaiboonsri Chukiat
Published: February 2023

With the COVID-19 pandemic’s complexity and inexorable devastation, this research article attempts to forecast Thailand’s economic move forward through gastronomic tourism promotion. The dynamic input-output (I-O) model was the primary method for classifying gastronomic activities in tourism I-O data, which was investigated sector by sector. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports in Bangkok, Thailand, officially gathered the 2017 I-O table. To briefly explain the empirical results, it found that the main sectors of gastronomic tourism that highly impact Thailand’s economy are the processing and preserving of foods, other foods, food and beverage serving activities, and other food services. In terms of forecasting during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bayesian Structural Time Series (BSTS) based on the dynamic input-output (I-O) model suggests that approximately 1% to 2% of Thailand’s gastronomic tourism will be able to contribute to the GDP of this country substantially. By the way, if this research result is significant, then both the private sector and the government sector need to be concerned and promote those sectors as much as they can.
Thriving While Working Remotely: The Role of Family-Work Affect, Exploration, and Ambidextrous Leadership
Authors: Merkuž Ajda , Mihelič Katarina Katja
Published: February 2023

The new world of work has seen many employees adapting to the dynamics of working from home. With the change in location, the factors that promote employee thriving while working have altered as well. Drawing on the literature on thriving and broaden-and-build theory, this research examines how family-work affect helps employee thriving through increased exploration, with conditional effect of ambidextrous leader. Based on two studies ( n = 483), results confirm the proposed model. In Study 1, the mediating effect of exploration in the relationship between family-work affect and thriving is supported on a sample of university students. Study 2 corroborates the mediating effect and supports the moderating role of ambidextrous leadership among employees. Specifically, the positive effects of family affective experiences on an individual’s exploration were greater under high levels of ambidextrous leadership behaviors. The practical recommendations offered are intended to increase thriving while working from home.
Innovation and Informality: An Analysis With the Colombian Manufacturing Industry 2007 to 2016
Authors: Aguirre Fernando Barrios , Malagón Sandra Yaneth Mora , Téllez Luis Carlos Castillo
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the research is to analyze the effects caused by the competition of companies with labor informality on the innovative behavior of companies with labor formality that compete in the same industry. This research references and analyzes the implementation of law 1429 of 2010, which stimulates the formalization of labor and informal firms. The results estimated by fixed effects exhibit a positive and significant effect of the competition of companies with labor informality in the total innovation of formal companies. On the other hand, once the formalization and job creation policy was implemented, there was a decrease in total innovations of formal companies. The empirical analysis also highlights a different impact of informal competition depending on whether the innovation is in process or product. In particular, this research finds that process innovations are more intensely affected by labor informality than product innovations. The quantitative strategy relies on a panel data econometric model between 2007 and 2016 using the Survey of Innovation and Technological Development (EDIT) and the Great Integrated Household Survey (GEIH) provided by the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).
The Effect of Stock Splits on Liquidity: Evidence from China
Authors: Pandow Bilal Ahmad , Ganai Khurshid Ali
Published: February 2023

Despite many theories that explain the stock split announcement by companies, it has been viewed and aimed differently by corporate managers, regulators and investors. Many studies suggest stock splits are often used to lower the price and bring it to an acceptable trading range. However, few studies focus on emerging economies like China. The present study employs a market model to estimate aberrant volumes. Cumulative abnormal volumes and buy-and-hold abnormal volume estimations were used in accordance with a long-term event study. It was found that after firms have gone for stock splits, their liquidity has increased. Thereby suggesting that there is a significant influence on the post-split liquidity as was found in case of the firm that have gone for stock splits listed on China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange during the select period. Also, a statistically significant upward trend was also observed following the split by the firms. Study findings can be useful to regulators, managers, and investors per their interests. This paper has a limitation of using market model. Future research could also increase the time period and the number of firms that this paper has analyzed.
Polyurethane Scaffold vs Fascia Lata Autograft for Hip Labral Reconstruction: Comparison of Femoroacetabular Biomechanics
Authors: Capurro Bruno , Tey-Pons Marc , Carrera Anna , Marqués-López Fernando , Marín-Peña Oliver , Torres-Eguía Raúl , Monllau Joan Carles , Reina Francisco
Published: February 2023

Background:

The integrity of the acetabular labrum is critical in providing normal function and minimizing hip degeneration and is considered key for success in today’s hip preservation algorithm. Many advances have been made in labral repair and reconstruction to restore the suction seal.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare the biomechanical effects of segmental labral reconstruction between the synthetic polyurethane scaffold (PS) and fascia lata autograft (FLA). Our hypothesis was that reconstruction with a macroporous polyurethane implant and autograft reconstruction of fascia lata would normalize hip joint kinetics and restore the suction seal.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten cadaveric hips from 5 fresh-frozen pelvises underwent biomechanical testing with a dynamic intra-articular pressure measurement system under 3 conditions: (1) intact labrum, (2) reconstruction with PS after a 3-cm segmental labrectomy, then (3) reconstruction with FLA. Contact area, contact pressure, and peak force were evaluated in 4 positions: 90º of flexion in neutral, 90º of flexion plus internal rotation, 90º of flexion plus external rotation, and 20º of extension. A labral seal test was performed for both reconstruction techniques. The relative change from the intact condition (value = 1) was determined for all conditions and positions.

Results:

PS restored contact area to at least 96% of intact (≥0.96; range, 0.96-0.98) in all 4 positions, and FLA restored contact area to at least 97% (≥0.97; range, 0.97-1.19). Contact pressure was restored to ≥1.08 (range, 1.08-1.11) with the PS and ≥1.08 (range, 1.08-1.10) with the FLA technique. Peak force returned to ≥1.02 (range, 1.02-1.05) with PS and ≥1.02 (range, 1.02-1.07) with FLA. No significant differences were found between the reconstruction techniques in contact area in any position ( P > .06), with the exception that FLA presented greater contact area in flexion plus internal rotation as compared with PS ( P = .003). Suction seal was confirmed in 80% of PSs and 70% of FLAs ( P = .62).

Conclusion:

Segmental hip labral reconstruction using PS and FLA reapproximated femoroacetabular contact biomechanics close to the intact state.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings provide preclinical evidence supporting the use of a synthetic scaffold as an alternative to FLA and therefore avoiding donor site morbidity.
Mentoring Experience for Career Advancement: The perspectives of Black Women Academic Nurse Leaders
Authors: Iheduru-Anderson Kechinyere C. , Shingles Rene Revis
Published: February 2023

Mentoring is critical for career advancement in all professions. It is especially crucial for leadership development and succession planning. Studies suggest that increasing the racial minority representation in higher-level leadership will provide diverse skill sets, promote innovation, and yield positive outcomes. The study aimed to examine how Black women academic nurse leaders perceive mentoring in academic nursing using critical race theory as the guiding framework and explore the crucial role of mentorship in promoting and advancing Black women academic nurse leaders. The study used a narrative qualitative research design, purposive sampling, and unstructured interviews to collect and thematically analyze data. Findings fall under two major themes; being mentored and mentoring others. The findings highlight perceived significant differences in the allocation of resources and mentoring for career advancement in academic nursing for Black nurses compared to those classified as white. Increasing diversity in nursing requires deliberate effort from majority white leadership.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Patients with Massive Rotator Cuff Tears or Cuff Tear Arthropathies at a Minimum Follow-up of 7 Years
Authors: De La Selle Hugues , Lascar Tristan , Clappaz Pascal , Decrette Edouard , van Rooij Floris , Saffarini Mo , Obert Laurent
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To evaluate indications and factors that influence long-term clinical outcomes and revision rates for reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in shoulders with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs) or cuff tear arthropathies (CTAs).

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of shoulders with no fracture sequelae that underwent primary RSA between 2011 and 2013. Independent observers collected demographic data, surgical techniques, and implant types, as well as primary outcome measures such as American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score and Constant score (CS).

Study design

Case series, level IV.

Results

From the initial series of 123 patients that underwent RSA, 29 patients died (24%) for reasons unrelated to the shoulder arthroplasty, 11 were lost to follow-up (9%), and 4 required revision surgery (3%). The final cohort of 79 patients comprised 55 women (70%), and 24 men (30%), aged 72.7 ± 7.0. At a final follow-up of 8.9 ± 0.6 years (range: 7.4-10.3) the absolute CS was 59.0 ± 16.2, the age-/sex-adjusted CS was 76.6 ± 41.2, and ASES was 77.1 ± 20.3. Univariable analysis revealed no associations for absolute CS, but revealed that age-/sex-adjusted CS was significantly lower for patients with high blood pressure (β = −15.8, p = .025).

Conclusions

At a minimum follow-up of 7.4 years, the absolute CS was 59.0 ± 16.2, the age-/sex-adjusted CS was 87.4 ± 24.1 and ASES was 77.1 ± 20.3. When stratifying the outcomes of RSA by indication, there were no significant differences in patients with mRCTs versus CTA in terms of absolute CS, age-/sex-adjusted CS, and ASES. Univariable analysis revealed no association with absolute and age-/sex-adjusted CS for type of indication or surgical approach.
Influence of Cavitation on Unsteady Vortical Flows in a Side Channel Pump
Authors: Wang Yefang , Zhang Fan , Yuan Shouqi , Chen Ke , Hong Feng , Appiah Desmond
Published: February 2023

Previous investigation on side channel pump mainly concentrates on parameter optimization and internal unsteady vortical flows. However, cavitation is prone to occur in a side channel pump, which is a challenging issue in promoting performance. In the present study, the cavitating flow is investigated numerically by the turbulence model of SAS combined with the Zwart cavitation model. The vapors inside the side channel pump firstly occur in the impeller passage near the inlet and then spread gradually to the downstream passages with the decrease of NPSHa. Moreover, a strong adverse pressure gradient is presented at the end of the cavity closure region, which leads to cavity shedding from the wall. The small scaled vortices in each passage reduce significantly and gather into larger vortices due to the cavitation. Comparing the three terms of vorticity transport equation with the vapor volume fraction and vorticity distributions, it is found that the stretching term is dominant and responsible for the vorticity production and evolution in cavitating flows. In addition, the magnitudes of the stretching term decrease once the cavitation occurs, while the values of dilatation are high in the cavity region and increase with the decreasing NPSHa. Even though the magnitude of the baroclinic torque term is smaller than vortex stretching and dilatation terms, it is important for the vorticity production along the cavity surface and near the cavity closure region. The pressure fluctuations in the impeller and side channel tend to be stronger due to the cavitation. The primary frequency of monitor points in the impeller is 24.94 Hz and in the side channel is 598.05 Hz. They are quite corresponding to the shaft frequency of 25 Hz (fshaft = 1/n = 25 Hz) and the blade frequency of 600 Hz (fblade = Z/n =600 Hz) respectively. This study complements the investigation on cavitation in the side channel pump, which could provide the theoretical foundation for further optimization of performance.
Fatigue Life Prediction for SiC/Al Materials Based on Path Planning Algorithm Considering Residual Stress
Authors: Shang Wenqian , Liu Xintian , Wang Xu , Wang Xiaolan
Published: February 2023

To explore the influence of path deflection on crack propagation, a path planning algorithm is presented to calculate the crack growth length. The fatigue crack growth life of metal matrix composites (MMCs) is estimated based on an improved Paris formula. Considering the different expansion coefficient of different materials, the unequal shrinkage will lead to residual stress when the composite is molded and cooled. The crack growth model is improved by the modified stress ratio based on residual stress. The Dijkstra algorithm is introduced to avoid the cracks passing through the strengthening base and the characteristics of crack steps. This model can be extended to predict crack growth length for other similarly-structured composite materials. The shortest path of crack growth is simulated by using path planning algorithm, and the fatigue life of composites is calculated based on the shortest path and improved model. And the residual stress caused by temperature change is considered to improve the fatigue crack growth model in the material. The improved model can well predict the fatigue life curve of composites. By analyzing the fatigue life of composites, it is found that there is a certain regularity based on metal materials, and the new fatigue prediction model can also reflect this regularity.
Force Analysis of the Overconstrained Mechanisms Based on Equivalent Stiffness Considering Limb Axial Deformation
Authors: Guo Jinwei , Zhao Yongsheng , Chen Bo , Zhang Guoxing , Xu Yundou , Yao Jiantao
Published: February 2023

Overconstrained mechanism has the advantages of large bearing capacity and high motion reliability, but its force analysis is complex and difficult because the mechanism system contains overconstraints. Considering the limb axial deformation, taking typical 2SS+P and 7-SS passive overconstrained mechanisms, 2SPS+P and 7-SPS active overconstrained mechanisms, and 2SPS+P and 7-SPS passive-input overconstrained mechanisms as examples, a new force analysis method based on the idea of equivalent stiffness is proposed. The equivalent stiffness matrix of passive overconstrained mechanism is derived by combining the force balance and deformation compatibility equations with consideration of axial elastic limb deformations. The relationship between the constraint wrench magnitudes and the external force, limb stiffness is established. The equivalent stiffness matrix of active overconstrained mechanism is derived by combining the force balance and displacement compatibility equations. Here, the relationship between the magnitudes of the actuated wrenches and the external force, limb stiffness is investigated. Combining with the equivalent stiffness of the passive overconstrained mechanism, an analytical relationship between the actuated forces of passive-input overconstrained mechanism and the output displacement, limb stiffness is explored. Finally, adaptability of the equivalent stiffness to overconstrained mechanisms is discussed, and the effect of the limb stiffness on overconstrained mechanisms force distribution is revealed. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the design, research and practical application of overconstrained mechanism.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of resting-state brain networks are associated with migraine disability
Authors: Zhou Yan , Gong Liusheng , Yang Yushu , Tan Linjie , Ruan Lili , Chen Xiu , Luo Hua , Ruan Jianghai
Published: February 2023

Objective

The changes in resting-state functional networks and their correlations with clinical traits remain to be clarified in migraine. Here we aim to investigate the brain spatio-temporal dynamics of resting-state networks and their possible correlations with the clinical traits in migraine.

Methods

Twenty Four migraine patients without aura and 26 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Each included subject underwent a resting-state EEG and echo planar imaging examination. The disability of migraine patients was evaluated by Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS). After data acquisition, EEG microstates (Ms) combining functional connectivity (FC) analysis based on Schafer 400-seven network atlas were performed. Then, the correlation between obtained parameters and clinical traits was investigated.

Results

Compared with HC group, the brain temporal dynamics depicted by microstates showed significantly increased activity in functional networks involving MsB and decreased activity in functional networks involving MsD; The spatial dynamics were featured by decreased intra-network FC within the executive control network( ECN) and inter-network FC between dorsal attention network (DAN) and ECN (P < 0.05); Moreover, correlation analysis showed that the MIDAS score was positively correlated with the coverage and duration of MsC, and negatively correlated with the occurrence of MsA; The FC within default mode network (DMN), and the inter-FC of ECN- visual network (VN), ECN- limbic network, VN-limbic network was negatively correlated with MIDAS. However, the FC of DMN-ECN was positively correlated with MIDAS; Furthermore, significant interactions between the temporal and spatial dynamics were also obtained.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed the notion that altered spatio-temporal dynamics exist in migraine patients during resting-state. And the temporal dynamics, the spatial changes and the clinical traits such as migraine disability interact with each other. The spatio-temporal dynamics obtained from EEG microstate and fMRI FC analyses may be potential biomarkers for migraine and with a huge potential to change future clinical practice in migraine.
Reduced knee laxity and failure rate following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction compared with repair for acute tears: a meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Vecchio Gianluca , Eschweiler Jörg , Schneider Sarah-Marie , Hildebrand Frank , Maffulli Nicola
Published: February 2023

Background

Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, both repair and reconstruction may be performed to restore joint biomechanics and proprioception. The present study compared joint laxity, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and rate of failure following primary repair versus reconstruction for ACL ruptures.

Methods

This meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Pubmed, Google scholar, Embase, and Web of Science were accessed in September 2022. All the clinical investigations comparing repair versus reconstruction for primary ACL tears were accessed. Studies reporting data on multiple ligament injuries settings were not eligible.

Results

Data from eight articles (708 procedures) were collected. The mean length of the follow-up was 67.3 ± 119.4 months. The mean age of the patients was 27.1 ± 5.7 years. Thirty-six percent (255 of 708 patients) were women. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.3 ± 1.1 kg/m2. The mean time span from injury to surgery was 36.2 ± 32.3 months. There was comparability at baseline with regards to instrumental laxity, Lachman test, International Knee Document Committee (IKDC), and Tegner Scale (P > 0.1). Similarity between ACL reconstruction and repair was found in IKDC (P = 0.2) and visual analog scale (VAS) satisfaction (P = 0.7). The repair group demonstrated greater mean laxity (P = 0.0005) and greater rate of failure (P = 0.004).

Conclusion

ACL reconstruction may yield greater joint stability and lower rate of failure compared with surgical repair. Similarity was found in PROMs.

Level of evidence:

III
Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzyme OsUBC11 Affects the Development of Roots via Auxin Pathway
Authors: Han Yunfei , Zhang Chuanzhong , Sha Hanjing , Wang Xiaojing , Yu Yue , Liu Jia , Zhao Guangxin , Wang Jingying , Qiu Guankai , Xu Xingjian , Fang Jun
Published: February 2023

Rice has 48 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, and the functions of most of these enzymes have not been elucidated. In the present study, a T-DNA insertional mutant named R164, which exhibited a significant decrease in the length of primary and lateral roots, was used as the experimental material to explore the potential function of OsUBC11. Analysis using the SEFA-PCR method showed that the T-DNA insertion was present in the promoter region of OsUBC11 gene, which encodes ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and activates its expression. Biochemical experiments showed that OsUBC11 is a lysine-48-linked ubiquitin chain-forming conjugase. OsUBC11 overexpression lines showed the same root phenotypes. These results demonstrated that OsUBC11 was involved in root development. Further analyses showed that the IAA content of R164 mutant and OE3 line were significantly lower compared with wild-type Zhonghua11. Application of exogenous NAA restored the length of lateral and primary roots in R164 and OsUBC11 overexpression lines. Expression of the auxin synthesis regulating gene OsYUCCA4/6/7/9, the auxin transport gene OsAUX1, auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (Aux/IAA) family gene OsIAA31, auxin response factor OsARF16 and root regulator key genes, including OsWOX11, OsCRL1, OsCRL5 was significantly down-regulated in OsUBC11 overexpressing plants. Collectively, these results indicate that OsUBC11 modulates auxin signaling, ultimately affecting root development at the rice seedling stage.
Genomic and phenotypic profiling of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis for antibiotic resistance and intestinal infectivity
Authors: Majumder Satwik , Sackey Trisha , Viau Charles , Park Soyoun , Xia Jianguo , Ronholm Jennifer , George Saji
Published: February 2023

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the prevalent etiological agents of contagious bovine mastitis, causing a significant economic burden on the global dairy industry. Given the emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and possible zoonotic spillovers, S aureus from mastitic cattle pose threat to both veterinary and public health. Therefore, assessment of their ABR status and pathogenic translation in human infection models is crucial.

Results

In this study, 43 S. aureus isolates associated with bovine mastitis obtained from four different Canadian provinces (Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic provinces) were tested for ABR and virulence through phenotypic and genotypic profiling. All 43 isolates exhibited crucial virulence characteristics such as hemolysis, and biofilm formation, and six isolates from ST151, ST352, and ST8 categories showed ABR. Genes associated with ABR (tetK, tetM, aac6’, norA, norB, lmrS, blaR, blaZ, etc.), toxin production (hla, hlab, lukD, etc.), adherence (fmbA, fnbB, clfA, clfB, icaABCD, etc.), and host immune invasion (spa, sbi, cap, adsA, etc.) were identified by analyzing whole-genome sequences. Although none of the isolates possessed human adaptation genes, both groups of ABR and antibiotic-susceptible isolates demonstrated intracellular invasion, colonization, infection, and death of human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2), and Caenorhabditis elegans. Notably, the susceptibilities of S. aureus towards antibiotics such as streptomycin, kanamycin, and ampicillin were altered when the bacteria were internalized in Caco-2 cells and C. elegans. Meanwhile, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and ceftiofur were comparatively more effective with ≤ 2.5 log10 reductions of intracellular S. aureus.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the potential of S. aureus isolated from mastitis cows to possess virulence characteristics enabling invasion of intestinal cells thus calling for developing therapeutics capable of targeting drug-resistant intracellular pathogens for effective disease management.
Nosocomial meningitis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a child with neutropenia in the absence of intracranial devices: a case report
Authors: Mizuno Shinsuke , Fujikawa Tomoko , Uemura Suguru , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Kasai Masashi
Published: February 2023

Background

Coagulase-negative staphylococci can cause hospital-acquired infections, especially in immunocompromised hosts. Bacterial meningitis is a potentially fatal infection of the central nervous system, causing high mortality and morbidity. In general, the causative agents of meningitis, coagulase-negative staphylococci, are associated with direct implantation of a foreign body and the presence of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. Here, we describe a case of nosocomial meningitis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a child with neutropenia who had no intracranial foreign devices.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old boy with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia undergoing chemotherapy through a central venous catheter developed fever on Day 13 post-initiation of chemotherapy. There was no history of implantation of neurosurgical devices. Two blood cultures obtained on Day 14 were positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Clinical improvement was noted, and treatment with vancomycin and removal of the central venous catheter resulted in negative repeat blood cultures on Day 18. However, the patient developed a tendency for somnolence and improper speech, along with persistent fever on Day 26. A lumber puncture was performed on Day 27, resulting in positive culture of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. He was diagnosed with meningitis and the dosage of vancomycin was increased. A repeat CSF culture was positive for Staphylococcus haemolyticus on Day 40, so oral rifampicin was added. CSF findings on Day 46 revealed a low concentration of vancomycin, and treatment was switched from vancomycin plus rifampicin to linezolid. After Day 46, four subsequent cerebrospinal fluid tests of the CSF showed no growth of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. The patient’s symptoms were improved on Day 52. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance images was taken and it showed no abnormalities. Linezolid was continued until Day 72. The patient was discharged without any complications on Day 72.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of Staphylococcus haemolyticus meningitis in a patient without a neurosurgical device. Typical symptoms or signs may be absent in a patient with meningitis who also has neutropenia. Repeated tests of the CSF, and prolonged duration of antibiotics should be considered if atypical pathogens are detected in immunocompromised hosts.
Enhanced antitumor activity of a novel, oral, helper epitope-containing WT1 protein vaccine in a model of murine leukemia
Authors: Minagawa Hikaru , Hashii Yoshiko , Nakajima Hiroko , Fujiki Fumihiro , Morimoto Soyoko , Nakata Jun , Shirakawa Toshiro , Katayama Takane , Tsuboi Akihiro , Ozono Keiichi
Published: February 2023

Background

A Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) oral vaccine, Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) 420, in which the bacterium is used as a vector for WT1 protein, triggers immune responses through cellular immunity consisting of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and other immunocompetent cells (e.g., helper T cells). We developed a novel, oral, helper epitope-containing WT1 protein vaccine (B. longum 2656) to examine whether or not B. longum 420/2656 combination further accelerates the CD4+ T cell help-enhanced antitumor activity in a model of murine leukemia.

Methods

C1498-murine WT1—a genetically-engineered, murine leukemia cell line to express murine WT1—was used as tumor cell. Female C57BL/6 J mice were allocated to the B. longum 420, 2656, and 420/2656 combination groups. The day of subcutaneous inoculation of tumor cells was considered as day 0, and successful engraftment was verified on day 7. The oral administration of the vaccine by gavage was initiated on day 8. Tumor volume, the frequency and phenotypes of WT1-specific CTLs in CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), as well as the proportion of interferon-gamma (INF-γ)-producing CD3+CD4+ T cells pulsed with WT135–52 peptide in splenocytes and TILs were determined.

Results

Tumor volume was significantly smaller (p < 0.01) in the B. longum 420/2656 combination group than in the B. longum 420 group on day 24. WT1-specific CTL frequency in CD8+ T cells in PB was significantly greater in the B. longum 420/2656 combination group than in the B. longum 420 group at weeks 4 (p < 0.05) and 6 (p < 0.01). The proportion of WT1-specific, effector memory CTLs in PB increased significantly in the B. longum 420/2656 combination group than in the B. longum 420 group at weeks 4 and 6 (p < 0.05 each). WT1-specific CTL frequency in intratumoral CD8+ T cells and the proportion of IFN-γ-producing CD3+CD4+ T cells in intratumoral CD4+ T cells increased significantly (p < 0.05 each) in the B. longum 420/2656 combination group than in the 420 group.

Conclusions

B. longum 420/2656 combination further accelerated antitumor activity that relies on WT1-specific CTLs in the tumor compared with B. longum 420.