bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalization reveals asymmetric and history-dependent control networks for multi-finger dexterous movements
Authors: Kamara Gili , Rajchert Ohad , Mawase Firas
Published: June 2022

Finger dexterity, fundamental in our daily lives, is manifested by the generation of multi-finger and multi-directional patterns of muscles activity during various motor tasks, and further, by the generalization of learning in one context to other contexts. Tying shoelaces, for example, requires precise coordination of multiple fingers, some active primarily in the flexion direction, others in the extension direction, and some immobile. Nevertheless, whether the control processes of these actions are independent or interact and potentially generalize across each other, remains unclear. In a set of experiments, we sought to characterize the behavioral principles underlying the control process, learning and generalization of dexterous extension and flexion movements. We developed an isometric dexterity task that precisely measures dexterity in terms of finger individuation, force accuracy and temporal synchronization during finger flexion and extension. First, we investigated learning and generalization abilities across flexion and extension directions, both within and across hands. To do so, two groups of participants were trained for 3 days in either the flexion or extension direction. We found improvement in all dexterity measures in both groups following training, though finger extension generally exhibited inferior dexterity. Surprisingly, while the newly acquired finger extension abilities generalized to the untrained flexion direction, the newly acquired finger flexion abilities did not generalize to the untrained extension direction. Generalization biases of the finger flexion direction were also evident in the untrained hand. Next, we examined whether the asymmetric generalization pattern of multi-finger dexterous movements was history dependent. We thus recruited skilled musicians who showed increased baseline levels of dexterity in both directions and found that the degree to which learning generalizes between two contexts was affected by prior experience. Overall, our data indicate that control of multi-digit dexterous patterns is direction-specific in humans, supporting the hypothesis that control circuits for learning of finger flexion and extension are overlapped in that they partially, but asymmetrically, transfer between directions. This ability, however, is modular as it depends on hand use and the history of prior training.
Parvovirus infection alters the nucleolar structure
Authors: Mattola Salla , Leclerc Simon , Hakanen Satu , Aho Vesa , Parrish Colin R , Vihinen-Ranta M.
Published: June 2022

The nucleolus is a dynamic nuclear structure which plays important roles in ribosome biogenesis and cellular stress response to stressors such as viral infection. The nucleolus and nucleolar proteins are essential for the progression of infection by several viruses. Consequently, viral infection often induces alterations in nucleolar structure and composition. Here, we applied a deep learning algorithm segmentation and nucleolin labeling to analyze the nucleolar changes induced by autonomous parvovirus infection. Our results show that the size of nucleoli decreases and nucleolin is released into the nucleoplasm in late infection. Analyses of ki-67, one of the NS2-associated nucleolar proteins and a key factor in nucleolar organization, showed that the interaction between ki-67 with DNA increases in infection. The infection initiated by a viral clone lacking an intact NS2 failed to decrease the nucleolar size, however, the orientation of the nucleoli was changed. Our results suggest that parvoviruses modify and exploit nucleoli and nucleolar proteins during infection, and NS2 protein might play a role in the regulation of these processes.

Authors summary

Autonomous parvoviruses with small genomes and only a small number of encoded proteins depend on the cellular nuclear machinery for their efficient replication. The nucleolus is an active nuclear structure involved in the essential functions of cells including synthesis of ribosomal RNA and regulation of cell growth and cellular stress. Many viruses target the nucleoli to manipulate cellular antiviral defense and to facilitate their replication by recruiting nucleolar proteins. Capsids of dependoparvoviruses, such as AAV, are assembled in the nucleolus, however, much less is known about how autonomous parvoviruses interact with the nucleolus. Our results suggest that the progression of autonomous parvovirus infection results in structural alteration of nucleolar structure and redistribution of nucleolar proteins. Analyses of the nonstructural protein NS2 mutants in comparison to wild-type infection indicated that NS2 might play an important role in viral interactions with the nucleolus.
Imaging Methods in Xenopus Cells, Embryos, and Tadpoles
Authors: Davidson Lance A. , Lowery Laura Anne
Published: June 2022

Xenopus is an excellent vertebrate model system ideally suited for a wide range of imaging methods designed to investigate cell and developmental biology processes. The individual cells of Xenopus are much larger than those in many other vertebrate model systems, such that both cell behavior and subcellular processes can more easily be observed and resolved. Gene function in Xenopus can be manipulated and visualized using a variety of approaches, and the embryonic fate map is stereotypical, such that microinjections can target specific tissues and cell types during development. Tissues, organotypic explants, and individual cells can also be mounted in stable chambers and cultured easily in simple salt solutions without cumbersome environmental controls. Furthermore, Xenopus embryonic tissues can be microsurgically isolated and shaped to expose cell behaviors and protein dynamics in any regions of the embryo to high-resolution live-cell imaging. The combination of these attributes makes Xenopus a powerful system for understanding cell and developmental processes as well as disease mechanisms, through quantitative analysis of protein dynamics, cell movements, tissue morphogenesis, and regeneration. Here, we introduce various methods, of both fixed and living tissues, for visualizing Xenopus cells, embryos, and tadpoles. Specifically, we highlight protocol updates for whole-mount in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, as well as robust live imaging approaches including methods for optimizing the time-lapse imaging of whole embryos and explants.
SyncMRT: a solution to image-guided synchrotron radiotherapy for quality assurance and pre-clinical trials
Authors: Barnes M. J. , Paino J. , Day L. R. , Butler D. , Häusermann D. , Pelliccia D. , Crosbie J. C.
Published: June 2022

In this work, a new image guidance system and protocols for delivering image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) on the Imaging and Medical Beamline (IMBL) at the ANSTO Australian Synchrotron are introduced. The image guidance methods used and the resulting accuracy of tumour alignment in in vivo experiments are often under-reported. Image guidance tasks are often complex, time-consuming and prone to errors. If unchecked, they may result in potential mis-treatments. We introduce SyncMRT, a software package that provides a simple, image guidance tool-kit for aligning samples to the synchrotron beam. We have demonstrated sub-millimetre alignment using SyncMRT and the small-animal irradiation platform (the DynamicMRT system) on the IMBL. SyncMRT has become the standard for carrying out IGRT treatments on the IMBL and has been used in all pre-clinical radiotherapy experiments since 2017. Further, we introduce two quality assurance (QA) protocols to synchrotron radiotherapy on the IMBL: the Winston-Lutz test and hidden target test. It is shown that the presented QA tests are appropriate for picking up geometrical setup errors and assessing the end-to-end accuracy of the image guidance process. Together, these tools make image guidance easier and provide a mechanism for reporting the geometric accuracy of synchrotron-based IGRT treatments. Importantly, this work is scalable to other delivery systems, and is in continual development to support the upcoming veterinary radiotherapy trials on the IMBL.
Crystal structures of the molecular class A β-lactamase TEM-171 and its complexes with tazobactam
Authors: Grigorenko Vitaly G. , Petrova Tatiana E. , Carolan Ciaran , Rubtsova Maya Yu. , Uporov Igor V. , Pereira Joana , Chojnowski Grzegorz , Samygina Valeriya R. , Lamzin Victor S. , Egorov Alexey M.
Published: June 2022

The resistance of bacteria to β-lactam antibiotics is primarily caused by the production of β-lactamases. Here, novel crystal structures of the native β-lactamase TEM-171 and two complexes with the widely used inhibitor tazobactam are presented, alongside complementary data from UV spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching. The six chemically identical β-lactamase molecules in the crystallographic asymmetric unit displayed different degrees of disorder. The tazobactam intermediate was covalently bound to the catalytic Ser70 in the trans-enamine configuration. While the conformation of tazobactam in the first complex resembled that in published β-lactamase–tazobactam structures, in the second complex, which was obtained after longer soaking of the native crystals in the inhibitor solution, a new and previously unreported tazobactam conformation was observed. It is proposed that the two complexes correspond to different stages along the deacylation path of the acyl-enzyme intermediate. The results provide a novel structural basis for the rational design of new β-lactamase inhibitors.
High-resolution structure determination using high-throughput electron cryo-tomography
Authors: Liu Hsuan-Fu , Zhou Ye , Bartesaghi Alberto
Published: June 2022

Tomographic reconstruction of frozen-hydrated specimens followed by extraction and averaging of sub-tomograms has successfully been used to determine the structure of macromolecules in their native environment at resolutions that are high enough to reveal molecular level interactions. The low throughput characteristic of tomographic data acquisition combined with the complex data-analysis pipeline that is required to obtain high-resolution maps, however, has limited the applicability of this technique to favorable samples or to resolutions that are too low to provide useful mechanistic information. Recently, beam image-shift electron cryo-tomography (BISECT), a strategy to significantly accelerate the acquisition of tilt series without sacrificing image quality, was introduced. The ability to produce thousands of high-quality tilt series during a single microscope session, however, introduces significant bottlenecks in the downstream data analysis, which has so far relied on specialized pipelines. Here, recent advances in accurate estimation of the contrast transfer function and self-tuning exposure-weighting routines that contribute to improving the resolution and streamlining the structure-determination process using sub-volume averaging are reviewed. Ultimately, the combination of automated data-driven techniques for image analysis together with high-throughput strategies for tilt-series acquisition will pave the way for tomography to become the technique of choice for in situ structure determination.
Structural analysis of LpqY, a substrate-binding protein from the SugABC transporter of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, provides insights into its trehalose specificity
Authors: Sharma Dipika , Singh Mandeep , Kaur Punit , Das Uddipan
Published: June 2022

The LpqY-SugABC transporter of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) salvages residual trehalose across the cell membrane, which is otherwise lost during the formation of cell-wall glycoconjugates in the periplasm. LpqY, a substrate-binding protein from the SugABC transporter, acts as the primary receptor for the recognition of trehalose, leading to its transport across the cell membrane. Since trehalose is crucial for the survival and virulence of Mtb, trehalose receptors should serve as important targets for novel drug design against tuberculosis. In order to comprehend the detailed architecture and substrate specificity, the first crystal structures of both apo and trehalose-bound forms of M. tuberculosis LpqY (Mtb-LpqY) are presented here at 2.2 and 1.9 Å resolution, respectively. The structure exhibits an N-lobe and C-lobe and is predominantly composed of a globular α/β domain connected by a flexible hinge region concealing a deep binding cleft. Although the trehalose-bound form of Mtb-LpqY revealed an open ligand-bound conformation, the glucose moieties of trehalose are seen to be strongly held in place by direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonds within the binding cavity, producing a K
d of 6.58 ± 1.21 µM. These interactions produce a distinct effect on the stereoselectivity for the α-1,1-glycosidic linkage of trehalose. Consistent with the crystal structure, molecular-dynamics simulations further validated Asp43, Asp97 and Asn151 as key residues responsible for strong and stable interactions throughout a 1 µs time frame, thus capturing trehalose in the binding cavity. Collectively, the results provide detailed insights into how the structure and dynamics of Mtb-LpqY enable it to specifically bind trehalose in a relaxed conformation state.
Ethyl 2-[4-(4-methoxybenzyl)-3-methyl-6-oxopyridazin-1-yl]acetate
Authors: Zaoui Younes , Assila Hamza , Mague Joel T , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Taoufik Jamal , Ramli Youssef , Ansar Mhammed
Published: June 2022

In the title molecule, C17H20N2O4, the inner part of the ester substituent is nearly perpendicular to the dihydropyridazine ring, forming a dihedral angle of 83.21 (7)°. In the crystal, inversion dimers are formed by pairwise C—H...O interactions with the dimers connected into chains extending along the b-axis direction by C—H...π(ring) interactions. The chains are connected by π-stacking interactions to give corrugated layers parallel to the ab plane. The terminal ethyl group is disordered over two two sets of sites with the major component having a site occupancy factor of 0.715 (10)
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT): the impact of service changes due to COVID-19 on people with learning disabilities
Authors: Rodhouse Caroline , Dagnan Dave , Thwaites Richard , Hatton Chris
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Primary care psychological interventions for people with common mental health problems in England are primarily delivered through Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services. People with learning disabilities within IAPT have poorer key clinical outcomes than people who do not identify as having a learning disability. During the global COVID-19 pandemic remote consultations have accounted for nearly 90% of all contacts in IAPT services; this paper aims to report the effects of these on outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Publicly available national data from the COVID-affected period are compared to the most recent available comparison periods that are not during the COVID pandemic. Data are presented graphically.

Findings

People with learning disabilities differ little from those with no disabilities on several key process and outcome variables, although their clinical recovery is very much lower than those without disabilities. People with learning disabilities appear to have been affected by the changes in service delivery in a similar way to those without learning disabilities.

Originality/value

Despite the shift to predominantly remote therapy delivery, outcomes for people with learning disabilities have not been differentially affected compared to those who have no recorded disability. The potential to learn what has worked and not worked in the delivery of remote interventions for people with learning disabilities is highlighted.
Effects of COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ food label reading behaviours and trust in food label information
Authors: Aytekin Sahin Gizem , Gul Fatma Hazan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

There are many studies investigating people’s eating habits during the COVID-19 period, and people have been encouraged to eat healthier. Healthy nutrition is made possible by making healthy food choices and food labels are one of the tools that help consumers make healthy food choices. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers’ food label reading behaviours and their level of trust in food labels.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,012 adults aged 18–65 years from seven different regions of Turkey. Participants’ food label reading behaviours and their trust in food label information were assessed using an online questionnaire, and COVID-19 fear scores were determined using the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S).

Findings

Although not statistically significant, participants’ rate of reading food labels increased during the pandemic (65.6% vs 68.7%, p = 0.078). On the contrary, trust in label information decreased significantly (52.1% vs 43.9%, p < 0.001). In addition, increased COVID-19 fear was associated with an increased rate of food label reading and decreased trust in the label information (p < 0.001).

Research limitations/implications

Because of the study’s cross-sectional nature, the authors cannot provide a causal link between COVID-19 fear and food label reading behaviours and trust in food label information. However, it is difficult to investigate this causal link due to difficulties in studies of consumer behaviour and food choice (e.g. multifactorial effects and complexity). Second, because the present study’s findings were based on self-report data, there may be a risk of resource bias. Nevertheless, the authors think that this study will shed light on future studies as it is the first time that the COVID-19 pandemic has investigated consumers’ food label reading habits and their trust in food labels.

Practical implications

Considering the pandemic as an opportunity to change consumer behaviour, it may be useful to provide food label reading education to consumers, especially during this period. In addition, the information given on the label should be clear and understandable for a better understanding of the food label information. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to conduct food inspections more frequently and share the results with the public to increase consumers’ trust in food labels. Moreover, as the food system shifts towards a “new normal”, it is critical for policymakers to understand the changes in consumer perceptions, preferences and trust in foods.

Originality/value

COVID-19 fear affected consumers’ food label reading behaviours. As far as the authors know, there is no study about the effects of COVID-19 on consumers’ food label reading behaviours.
Adoption of ICTs as an emergent business strategy during and following COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Indian MSMEs
Authors: Kumar Vimal , Verma Pratima , Mittal Ankesh , Tuesta Panduro Juan Alfredo , Singh Sumanjeet , Paliwal Minakshi , Sharma Nagendra Kumar
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to identify how ICT appeared as an emergent business strategy and to investigate the impact of ICT adoption factors on the perceived benefits of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 393 responses from Indian small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) were collected for the final analysis. The study presents the partial least-squares structural equation modeling with the Chi-square test and descriptive analysis as a methodology based on numerous independent variables and one dependent variable.

Findings

The findings indicate that ICT adoption during and following the COVID-19 pandemic is constant in nature of the enterprise. Moreover, the results indicate that different adoption of ICT factors influence on perceived benefits of organizational performance of Indian MSMEs that lent good support except for the regulatory framework.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the current research help Indian MSMEs to take investment decisions in various technologies that help the organization. Furthermore, managers and practitioners help the organization in deciding which technology adoption factors are more critical to the betterment of the organization.

Originality/value

The study found certain ICT adoption factors that have a significant role in organizational performance in Indian MSMEs. Moreover, during COVID-19, investigate ICTs' role as a business strategy.
More efforts after feeling rejected: the effects of poor voice quality on employee's motivation to make high-quality voice
Authors: Liu Pan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the positive side of poor voice quality. Grounding on sociometer theory, this study proposes a model to explore how poor voice quality affects employee's motivation to make high-quality voice via managerial non-endorsement and employee's self-perception of poor voice quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of 247 employees and immediate supervisors of employees in China. To minimize potential common method biases and reduce participants' fatigue, a three-wave method for the data collection with each wave separated by one month was executed. Path analysis and bootstrapping approach were adopted to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

The results illustrated that employee's poor voice quality was able to promote employee's motivation to make high-quality voice via managerial non-endorsement and employee's self-perception of poor voice quality.

Originality/value

First, this study extends our knowledge of the consequences of employee voice. Second, this study further contributes to the literature on voice quality by emphasizing the positive effects of poor voice quality. Third, this study enriches the sociometer theory by the explication of chain mediation as a key mechanism through which poor voice quality affects employee's motivation to make high-quality voice.
Sources of financial law in Ukraine and the European Union: comparative legal aspect
Authors: Glukh Maryna , Matselyk Tetiana , Anistatenko Julia , Anisimova Maryna , Rohozinnikova Kateryna
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Particular attention has been paid to the need to adapt the sources of financial law of Ukraine to the acquis communautaire. This paper emphasizes that the system of sources of financial law is inherently dynamic, which is reflected in the constant development of both its content and external form of expression.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the main approaches to determining sources of law. The main features and peculiarities of the sources of financial law in Ukraine have been outlined. The positions of scholars on the characteristics of the sources of financial law of the European Union (EU) have been analyzed.

Findings

It is considered appropriate to allow soft law to belong to one of the sources of financial law. It is established that the adaptation of financial legislation of Ukraine to EU law is due to the following objectives: implementation of theoretical and practical experience of EU member states in the form of European standards enshrined in the sources of EU law; and harmonization of the rules of financial activity in Ukraine to the norms of EU financial law is necessary to ensure the free movement of persons, goods, services and capital.

Originality/value

The directives of the EU that regulate financial relations and the state of their implementation have been described. This paper proposes to improve the sources of financial law of Ukraine to harmonize the national legislation of Ukraine with the standards of the EU.
Fatigue life assessment of vehicle coil spring using finite element analysis under random strain loads in time domain
Authors: Hamzi Nazirul Muhaimin , Singh Salvinder , Abdullah Shahrum , Rasani Mohammad Rasidi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the fatigue life characteristics of vehicle coil spring under random strain load in the time domain. Cyclic random road loads caused fatigue failure for automotive components during their operating condition. .

Design/methodology/approach

The coil spring model is developed through finite element analysis software. The critical region and fatigue life cycle of coil spring is evaluated through finite element analysis. The experimental is set up to capture the random strain signal of the rural, highway and campus road. The sampling rate of the random strain signals data captured were 500 Hz in 150 s. Then, fatigue life is assessed through Goodman, Brown-Miller, Fatemi-Socie, Wang-Brown fatigue life models. Goodman model is evaluated through finite element analysis in order to compare with fatigue experimental results.

Findings

The fatigue life was estimated for Brown-Miller model is the highest (4.32E4, 4.10E4, and 3.73E4 cycles/block for rural, highway and campus respectively) followed by Goodman model, Brown-Miller, Fatemi-Socie and Wang-Brown models respectively. The conservative fatigue life 1:2 and 2:1 data scattering approach is proposed in order to determine the acceptability of the data.

Originality/value

Hence, the proposed fatigue life models can be used to assess multiaxial fatigue under random strain signals for the automobile coil spring.
Academic achievement and intrinsic motivation in higher education students: an analysis of the impact of using concept maps
Authors: Pestana Susana Cristina Costa , Peixoto Francisco , Rosado Pinto Patrícia
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The study investigates meaningful learning among higher education students using concept maps (CM) as a learning strategy. The main goals were to understand whether the introduction of CM produced changes in students' academic achievement and intrinsic motivation (IM).

Design/methodology/approach

In this quasi-experimental study, academic achievement was collected using achievement tests made in-class, IM through a self-reported questionnaire and the usefulness of CM using an interview. The research sample consisted of 60 undergraduate students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate occupational therapy (OT) program of a Portuguese polytechnic institute in two different consecutive academic years. Students were assigned to 2 groups (experimental group (EG) – 23 and control group – 37). CM were introduced in the pedagogical process of the EG.

Findings

CM produced better academic achievement in the EG. Nevertheless, groups presented a decrease in the levels of IM over time.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of CM as a learning strategy to improve students' learning and academic achievement.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to investigate the double impact of CM on academic achievement and IM in higher education students.
Conversations about conducting marketing research in mental health
Authors: Machin Jane E. , Brister Teri , Bossarte Robert M. , Drenten Jenna , Hill Ronald Paul , Holland Deborah L. , Martik Maria , Mulder Mark , Martik Maria , Viswanathan Madhubalan , Yeh Marie A. , Mirabito Ann M. , Rapp Farrell Justine , Crosby Elizabeth , Ross Adkins Natalie
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to inspire research at the intersection of marketing and mental health. Marketing academics have much to offer – and much to learn from – research on consumer mental health. However, the context, terminology and setting may prove intimidating to marketing scholars unfamiliar with this vulnerable population. Here, experienced researchers offer guidance for conducting compelling research that not only applies marketing frameworks to the mental health industry but also uses this unique context to deepen our understanding of all consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Common concerns about conducting marketing research in the area of mental health were circulated to researchers experienced working with vulnerable populations. Their thoughtful responses are reported here, organized around the research cycle.

Findings

Academics and practitioners offer insights into developing compelling research questions at the intersection of marketing and mental health, strategies to identify relevant populations to research and guidance for safe and ethical research design, conduct and publication.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first instructional paper to provide practical advice to begin and maintain a successful research agenda at the intersection of mental health and marketing.
Mental health services in Hong Kong: development of community-based inclusive development practice faced with the cultural barriers
Authors: Lam Gigi , Chung Eva Yin-Han
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the development of mental health service policy in Hong Kong. After the return of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China, mental health services in Hong Kong transformed from an institution-based care model supplemented by community care to a staging model covering primary prevention, early identification, treatment and integration. However, the staging model is subject to cultural barriers, including collectivist values and medical dominance. Therefore, the development of a community-based inclusive development model that follows a rights-based strategy and addresses the regression of the staging model (due to cultural barriers) should be considered.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a comprehensive literature review which covered the journal articles, policy review papers and service reports. The foundation of this review was laid upon the development of traditional Chinese culture and values. As brought by the influence of the Western world, the mental health service policy was cling towards a medically oriented system. Following the worldwide change in the definition of disability, the ideology of the mental health service system has been developing into a community-based and person-centred model which emphasised on equal participation and human rights. This review serves to evaluate and discuss how a community-based inclusive development can be further developed in Hong Kong.

Findings

A formal support system for providing personal assistance to people with mental health issues through supported decision-making and certified peer specialists forms the principal foundation of a community-based inclusive development model. A review and reconsideration of laws governing guardianship, compulsory treatment and detention should be conducted to enable the local implementation of supported decision-making.

Originality/value

The paper addressed and integrated the theoretical, historical and practical issues in developing a community-based inclusive mental health service policy in Hong Kong.
Characterization of fentanyl HCl powder prior to and after systematic degradation
Authors: Ciesielski Austin L. , Simon Alison G. , Welch Katie , Wagner Jarrad R.
Published: June 2022

Fentanyl HCl is of particular interest in forensic cases but there is a notable gap in literature regarding its analysis. This study utilized a multi‐method approach to characterize fentanyl HCl powder, both fresh and following a forced degradation process. Using sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and direct injection gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), five compounds were identified in fresh fentanyl HCl powder. The identified compounds were: N‐phenylpropanamide, 1‐phenethyl‐4‐propionyloxypiperidine (1‐P‐4‐POP), 4‐anilino‐N‐phenethylpiperidine (4‐ANPP), acetylfentanyl, and fentanyl; all identified compounds but acetylfentanyl and fentanyl decreased in quantity as the sample was degraded. Fresh headspace samples analyzed with solid phase microextraction (SPME)‐GC–MS identified four compounds in common with the powder analyses: N‐phenylpropanamide,1‐P‐4‐POP, 4‐ANPP, and fentanyl. Acetylfentanyl was not present in the headspace samples, although two additional compounds were: N‐phenylacetamide and N‐phenethyl‐4‐piperidinone (NPP). Where direct analysis of degraded fentanyl HCl showed decreased quantities of the identified compounds, headspace samples of the degraded fentanyl HCl resulted in higher quantities, implying that the degradation process drove those compounds to volatilize. Notably, fentanyl was identified in the headspace, implying that this could be an appropriate target for standoff detection. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DCS) confirmed that the forced degradation process had little permanent effect on the powder.
Lactic acid production from food waste hydrolysate by Lactobacillus pentosus: Focus on nitrogen supplementation, initial sugar concentration, pH, and fed‐batch fermentation
Authors: Lobeda Katherine , Jin Qing , Wu Jian , Zhang Wencai , Huang Haibo
Published: June 2022

Lactic acid production from food waste via fermentation is environmentally sustainable. However, the characteristics of food waste fermentation to produce lactic acid are not well understood due to the complexity of food waste. This study aims to understand the effects of key variables on the characteristics of food waste fermentation to maximize lactic acid production. Food waste was enzymatically hydrolyzed and fermented by Lactobacillus pentosus. Key fermentation variables, including nitrogenous nutrient supplementation, initial sugar concentration, and pH, were investigated in batch fermentation to unveil their effects on fermentation titer, yield, and productivity. The results showed that supplementation of 0.25% (w/v%) yeast extract and peptone to the food waste fermentation media significantly improved fermentation titer and productivity, but further increase in the supplementation level did not improve fermentation. Increasing the initial sugar concentration from 40 g/L to 100 g/L increased the fermentation titer from 41.0 g/L to 93.0 g/L and productivity from 0.34 g/L/h to 0.76 g/L/h. pH 6.0 was the optimal pH for the fermentation. At the optimal conditions, food waste fermentation resulted in the highest fermentation titer, yield, and productivity of 106.7 g/L, 1.12 g/g, and 3.09 g/L/h, respectively. The high fermentation yield of 1.12 g/g might be explained by the extra lactic acid production from unidentified compounds in food waste hydrolysates. By applying fed‐batch fermentation, the lactic acid concentration reached 157.0 g/L with a yield and overall productivity of 0.92 g/g and 2.0 g/L/h, respectively. Based on the mass balance, a total of 251 kg lactic acid was produced from 1000 kg food waste.

Practical Application

Food waste is one of the largest municipal solid wastes in the US, and most food waste ends up in landfills, causing significant economic losses and environmental concerns. In this study, we developed a fermentation process to convert food waste into biorenewable lactic acid and demonstrated that food waste is a superior feedstock for fermentation due to its embedded nutrients. Moreover, due to the embedded nutrients in food waste, the supplementation of yeast extract and peptone to fermentation can be reduced by over 50%, which can reduce the operating cost of lactic acid fermentation on an industrial scale.
RNA allows identifying the consumption of carrion prey
Authors: Neidel Veronika , Sint Daniela , Wallinger Corinna , Traugott Michael
Published: June 2022

Facultative scavenging by predatory carnivores is a prevalent but frequently underestimated feeding strategy. DNA‐based methods for diet analysis, however, do not allow to distinguish between scavenging and predation, thus, the significance of scavenging on population dynamics and resource partitioning is widely unknown. Here, we present a methodological innovation to differentiate between scavenging and fresh prey consumption using prey RNA as a target molecule. We hypothesized that the rapid post‐mortem breakdown of RNA in prey tissue should lead to a significantly lower detection probability of prey RNA than DNA when carrion rather than fresh prey is consumed. To test this hypothesis, ground beetles (Pseudoophonus rufipes [De Geer]) were offered either fresh or 1‐day‐old dead Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies (carrion). The detectability of prey RNA and DNA in the beetles' regurgitates was assessed with diagnostic Drosophila‐specific RT‐PCR and PCR assays at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post‐feeding. After fresh fly consumption, prey RNA and DNA were detectable equally well at all times. When carrion prey was consumed, the detection strength of prey RNA immediately after feeding was significantly lower than that of prey DNA and reached zero in most samples within 6 h of digestion. Our findings provide evidence that prey RNA allows distinguishing between the consumption of fresh and scavenged prey, thereby overcoming a long‐known weakness of molecular diet analysis. The assessment of prey RNA offers a generally applicable approach for examining the importance of scavenging in food webs to unravel its functional consequences for populations, communities, and ecosystems.
Lymphovascular invasion: A non‐sized T descriptor for stage IA non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Cai Jing‐Sheng , Wang Xun , Yang Fei , Li Yun , Qiu Man‐Tang
Published: June 2022

Background

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has not been included in the tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) staging manual of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to investigate the predictive value of LVI on stage IA NSCLC and proposed a method of incorporating LVI into the T category based on the latest TNM staging manual.

Methods

The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)‐penalized Cox multivariable regression model was performed to identify prognostic factors. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) between groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize bias.

Results

A total of 1452 eligible stage I NSCLC cases (stage IA without LVI, 1022 cases; stage IA with LVI, 120 cases; stage IB, 310 cases) were included. LASSO‐penalized multivariable Cox analysis revealed that LVI was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS. Survival analysis demonstrated that the survivals of stage IA NSCLCs without LVI were better than those of stage IA with LVI and stage IB NSCLCs. In the matched cohort, the survivals of stage IA NSCLCs with LVI were comparable to those of stage IB NSCLCs.

Conclusions

Stage IA NSCLCs with LVI and stage IB NSCLCs had similar survivals, and we proposed that LVI might be a non‐sized T descriptor that upstaged stage IA diseases to stage IB.
The predictive value of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in suspected preeclampsia in a New Zealand population: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hughes Ruth C.E. , Phillips Ian , Florkowski Chris M. , Gullam Joanna
Published: June 2022

Background

Internationally, placental growth factor (PlGF)‐based tests are used as prognostic markers in suspected preeclampsia. However, Ministry of Health guidelines do not currently endorse PlGF‐based tests in New Zealand (NZ).

Aims

To investigate the predictive value of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt‐1)/PlGF ratio in suspected preeclampsia in a NZ population.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies at 20+0–36+6 weeks gestation with suspected preeclampsia as defined by Society of Obstetric Medicine Australia and NZ (SOMANZ) criteria. Primary objective: to evaluate a sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio >38 at ≤35+0 weeks gestation to predict birth ≤14 days. Secondary objectives: to assess a sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio cut‐off of 38 at ≤37+0 weeks gestation, to rule out preeclampsia ≤1 week, rule in preeclampsia ≤4 weeks, and to predict perinatal outcome. Clinicians were blinded to sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio results.

Results

Included were 222 participants, 19.4% Māori and 10.4% Pasifika. A sFlt‐1/PlGF >38 predicted birth ≤14 days, positive predictive value (PPV) 51.4% (95% CI, 39.6–63.0) and negative predictive value (NPV) 95.9% (95% CI, 91.4–98.1), median (interquartile range) days to birth 14 (2–27) vs 49 (33–70), P < 0.000. A sFlt‐1/PlGF cut‐off of 38 ruled out preeclampsia ≤1 week (NPV 96.2% (95% CI, 92.3–98.2)) and ruled in preeclampsia ≤4 weeks (PPV 75.0% (95% CI, 65.0–82.9)). A sFlt‐1/PlGF >38 was associated with greater perinatal morbidity.

Conclusions

The predictive value of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio in NZ is comparable to that reported in international trials. Used in clinical practice the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio may aid risk stratification in suspected preeclampsia, directing limited resources to those pregnancies at highest risk.
The Formation of Territories Free of Transgenics: Race, Space, and Mobilisation in Colombia
Authors: Hernández Vidal Nathalia
Published: June 2022

The transgenic expansion has situated land and territorial disputes at the centre of the transformations of the global agrifood system. Feminist critical scholarship has examined how states and multilateral organisations exercise top‐down power to promote extractivist agrarian models of development, showing how they have accelerated and intensified material and immaterial dispossession for already poor farmers across the world. In this article, I contribute to this growing body of inquiry by examining how racialisation is entangled with communities’ discourses and tactics to generate seed and agrarian counter‐territorialisation processes. I concentrate on the formation of Territories Free of Transgenics in Colombia among peasant and Indigenous communities. I show the possibilities for socio‐epistemic and territorial reconfiguration that they offer, as well as their limitations. I demonstrate the critical role that racial formations play in seed struggles and the reformation of agrifood systems from below and point out further spaces of inquiry.
Simulation of the lifetime productivity of a dairy herd in Japan according to the number of days to first service of cows
Authors: Yamazaki Takeshi , Takeda Hisato , Sasaki Osamu
Published: June 2022

To determine the optimal voluntary waiting period to first service after calving for maximizing the lifetime productivity of cows in a dairy herd, we simulated the changes in lifetime productivity due to increasing the number of days from calving to first service. We also assessed the effects of changes in the maximum number of services within a lactation, maximum number of calvings, and calf sale prices on lifetime productivity. We evaluated lifetime productivity as lifetime average productivity, that is, the sum of daily revenues from milk and calf sales from first calving to culling. The lifetime productivity at ≤65 days to first service was low because of the low conception rate during early lactation. In addition, lifetime productivity at ≥185 days to first service decreased as the number of days to first service increased. The number of days to first service for maximum lifetime productivity decreased as the maximum number of calvings increased. Furthermore, the decrease in lifetime productivity associated with decreasing the maximum number of services within a lactation from five to four was greater than that when the maximum number of calvings was decreased from six to five.
Effect of freeze–thaw cycles on the physicochemical properties, water‐holding status, and nutritional values of broiler chicken drumstick
Authors: Kaewkot Chonlathee , Hung Yung‐Hsun , Tan Fa‐Jui
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the effects of multiple freeze–thaw (FT) cycles (0, 1, 2, and 4) on the physicochemical properties, water‐holding status, and nutritional values of broiler drumsticks. The results showed that L* (lightness) and b* (yellowness) values, thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances, total volatile basic nitrogen, and total viable counts significantly increased but pH values, protein solubility, and sensorial acceptance decreased after four FT cycles (P ˂ 0.05). The decreases in moisture content thawing loss, centrifugation loss, drip loss, and cooking loss indicated that the water‐holding capacities of samples subjected to multiple FT cycles were diminished. Results of cell microstructure analysis and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the occurrence of ruptured muscle cells with decreased fiber diameters and changes in myosin heavy chain band intensity after multiple FT cycles (P ˂ 0.05). As the number of FT cycles increased, the content of total free amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids including linoleic (C18:2), linolenic (C18:3), eicosatetraenoic (EPA, C20:5), and docosahexaenoic (DHA, C22:6) acids decreased (P ˂ 0.05). In conclusion, four repeated FT cycles accelerated the deterioration of physiochemical properties, reduced the water‐holding status, and considerably impaired sensory characteristics and nutritional values of chicken meat.
Measuring the attitudes of midwives toward sexual and gender minority clients: Results from a Cross‐Sectional survey in Ontario
Authors: Goldberg Jennifer M. , Shokoohi Mostafa , Graf Tatiana , Ross Lori E.
Published: June 2022

Background

In Canada, Ontario midwives provide care to sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. Published literature shows how midwives' attitudes shape the experiences of lesbians, but research examining midwives' attitudes toward SGM people is lacking. Our study measured the attitudes of Ontario midwives toward SGM clients, hypothesizing that attitudes would be positive overall and that there would be no difference in attitudes across practice settings.

Methods

Paper surveys (n = 926) with an option to respond online were sent to Ontario midwifery practices. We measured midwives' attitudes toward sexual minorities (11 questions, scores ranged from 11 to 55) and gender minorities (9 questions, scores ranged from 9 to 45), with higher scores indicating more positive attitudes. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

The 268 completed surveys indicated that midwives' attitudes were positive toward both sexual (mean score 49.2, maximum possible score of 55, ie, 89.4%) and gender minorities (mean score 38.9, maximum possible score of 45, ie, 86.4%). Analyses showed that attitudes toward SGM were associated with midwives' sexual identity and route of entry into the profession (ie, university‐based vs bridging programs), but not practice setting.

Conclusions

Although attitudes of this subset of midwives toward SGM clients were positive, volunteer bias could account for this finding since 32.6% of respondents identified as sexual minorities. Since the attitudes of midwives who entered the profession through the university‐based education program were significantly more positive than those who entered through international bridging programs, future research should examine how SGM‐related content is integrated into midwifery education and training curricula.