bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural diffusion dynamics depend on behavioural production rules
Authors: Chimento Michael , Barrett Brendan J. , Kandler Anne , Aplin Lucy M.
Published: August 2022

Culture is an outcome of both the acquisition of knowledge about behaviour through social transmission, and its subsequent production by individuals. Acquisition and production are often discussed or modelled interchangeably, yet to date no study has explored the consequences of their interaction for cultural diffusions. We present a generative model that integrates the two, and ask how variation in production rules might influence diffusion dynamics. Agents make behavioural choices that change as they learn from their productions. Their repertoires may also change, and the acquisition of behaviour is conditioned on its frequency. We analyse the diffusion of a novel behaviour through social networks, yielding generalizable predictions of how individual-level behavioural production rules influence population-level diffusion dynamics. We then investigate how linking acquisition and production might affect the performance of two commonly used inferential models for social learning; network-based diffusion analysis, and experience-weighted attraction models. We find that the influence that production rules have on diffusion dynamics has consequences for how inferential methods are applied to empirical data. Our model illuminates the differences between social learning and social influence, demonstrates the overlooked role of reinforcement learning in cultural diffusions, and allows for clearer discussions about social learning strategies.
Temperate and tropical lizards are vulnerable to climate warming due to increased water loss and heat stress
Authors: Mi Chunrong , Ma Liang , Wang Yang , Wu Danyang , Du Weiguo , Sun Baojun
Published: August 2022

Climate warming has imposed profound impacts on species globally. Understanding the vulnerabilities of species from different latitudinal regions to warming climates is critical for biological conservation. Using five species of
Takydromus
lizards as a study system, we quantified physiological and life-history responses and geography range change across latitudes under climate warming. Using integrated biophysical models and hybrid species distribution models, we found: (i) thermal safety margin is larger at high latitudes and is predicted to decrease under climate warming for lizards at all latitudes; (ii) climate warming will speed up embryonic development and increase annual activity time of adult lizards, but will exacerbate water loss of adults across all latitudes; and (iii) species across latitudes are predicted to experience habitat contraction under climate warming due to different limitations—tropical and subtropical species are vulnerable due to increased extremely high temperatures, whereas temperate species are vulnerable due to both extremely high temperatures and increased water loss. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the vulnerability of species from different latitudinal regions to climate warming in ectotherms, and also highlights the importance of integrating environmental factors, behaviour, physiology and life-history responses in predicting the risk of species to climate warming.
Microbiome composition and autochthonous probiotics from contrasting probiosis/dysbiosis states in cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fish epitheliocystis
Authors: Villegas-Plazas Marcela , Villamil Luisa , Martínez-Silva María Angélica , González-Jiménez Tatiana , Salazar Marcela , Güiza Linda , Mendoza Mabel , Junca Howard
Published: August 2022

Microbiome components and bacterial isolates related to healthy and epitheliocystis states in aquaculture cycles of cobia fish were studied. We detected well-defined 16S rRNA amplicon gene sequence variants showing differential abundance in healthy or diseased cycles. Isolation trials were performed, and experimental tests were used to determine probiotic potential of the bacterial strains obtained from water, tissues or live food used in this aquaculture model. The taxonomic affiliation of these strains was cross-compared against microbiome components, finding that some of them had close or identical affiliation to the abundant types found in healthy cycles. Strains belonging to the groups already identified as predominant by culture-independent means were screened as potential probiotics based on desirable activities such as antagonism and antibiosis against marine pathogenic bacteria, quorum quenching, bile acid resistance, antibiotic sensitivity and enzymatic activities for improved nutrient digestion. We have also found that in the tracking of microbiome composition across different developmental stages of cobia, healthy cycles exhibited a consistent high relative abundance of a

Mesobacillus

sp., while in the diseased cycle the emergence of a

Vibrio

sp. was observed. Our study suggests that epithelocystis in cobia is associated with a displacement of a symbiotic microbiome community linked to the increase frequency of

Vibrio

species.
Plant-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains harbour multiple virulence traits critical for human infection
Authors: Ambreetha Sakthivel , Marimuthu Ponnusamy , Mathee Kalai , Balachandar Dananjeyan
Published: August 2022

Introduction.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

causes fatal infections in immunocompromised individuals and patients with pulmonary disorders.

Gap Statement. Agricultural ecosystems are the vast reservoirs of this dreaded pathogen. However, there are limited attempts to analyse the pathogenicity of

P. aeruginosa

strains associated with edible plants.

Aim. This study aims to (i) elucidate the virulence attributes of

P. aeruginosa

strains isolated from the rhizosphere and endophytic niches of cucumber, tomato, eggplant and chili;and (ii) compare these phenotypes with that of previously characterized clinical isolates.

Methodology. Crystal-violet microtitre assay, swarm plate experiment, gravimetric quantification and sheep blood lysis were performed to estimate the biofilm formation, swarming motility, rhamnolipid production and haemolytic activity, respectively, of

P. aeruginosa

strains. In addition, their pathogenicity was also assessed based on their ability to antagonize plant pathogens (Xanthomonas oryzae, Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum) and kill a select nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans).

Results. Nearly 80 % of the plant-associated strains produced rhamnolipid and exhibited at least one type of lytic activity (haemolysis, proteolysis and lipolysis). Almost 50 % of these strains formed significant levels of biofilm and exhibited swarming motility. The agricultural strains showed significantly higher and lower virulence against the bacterial and fungal pathogens, respectively, compared to the clinical strains. In C. elegans, a maximum of 40 and 100% mortality were induced by the agricultural and clinical strains, respectively.

Conclusion. This investigation shows that

P. aeruginosa

in edible plants isolated directly from the farm express virulence and pathogenicity. Furthermore, clinical and agricultural

P. aeruginosa

strains antagonized the tested fungal phytopathogens, Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum. Thus, we recommend using these fungi as simple eukaryotic model systems to test

P. aeruginosa

pathogenicity.
Saturation-scale functional evidence supports clinical variant interpretation in Lynch Syndrome
Authors: Scott Anthony , Hernandez Felicia , Chamberlin Adam , Smith Cathy , Karam Rachid , Kitzman Jacob O.
Published: August 2022

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a cancer predisposition syndrome affecting more than 1 in every 300 individuals worldwide. Clinical genetic testing for LS can be life-saving but is complicated by the heavy burden of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), especially missense changes. To address this challenge, we leveraged a multiplex analysis of variant effect (MAVE) map covering >94% of the 17,746 possible missense variants in the key LS geneMSH2. Here, to establish the clinical validity of these functional data, and to demonstrate their utility in large-scale variant reclassification, we overlaid them on clinical databases comprising >15,000 individuals with an MMR gene variant uncovered during clinical genetic testing. Our functional measurements agreed with the clinical interpretation for every one of 47 control variants with available classifications, satisfying accepted thresholds for ‘strong’ evidence for or against pathogenicity. We then used these scores to attempt reclassification for 682 unique missense VUS, among which 34 (5.0%) scored as deleterious in our function map, in line with previously published rates among other cancer predisposition genes. Consistent with their pathogenicity, functionally abnormal missense variants were associated with significantly elevated risk for LS-related cancers. Combining functional data and other lines of evidence, ten variants were reclassified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic, and 497 could be moved to benign/likely benign. Finally, we applied these functional scores to paired tumor-normal genetic tests, and identified a subset of patients with biallelic somatic loss of function, reflecting a sporadic Lynch-like Syndrome with distinct implications for treatment and relatives’ risk. This study demonstrates how high-throughput functional assays can empower scalable VUS resolution and prospectively generate strong evidence for variant classification.
Distinguishing features of Long COVID identified through immune profiling
Authors: Klein Jon , Wood Jamie , Jaycox Jillian , Lu Peiwen , Dhodapkar Rahul M. , Gehlhausen Jeff R. , Tabachnikova Alexandra , Tabacof Laura , Malik Amyn A. , Kamath Kathy , Greene Kerrie , Monteiro Valter Silva , Peña-Hernandez Mario , Mao Tianyang , Bhattacharjee Bornali , Takahashi Takehiro , Lucas Carolina , Silva Julio , Mccarthy Dayna , Breyman Erica , Tosto-Mancuso Jenna , Dai Yile , Perotti Emily , Akduman Koray , Tzeng Tiffany J. , Xu Lan , Yildirim Inci , Krumholz Harlan M. , Shon John , Medzhitov Ruslan , Omer Saad B. , van Dijk David , Ring Aaron M. , Putrino David , Iwasaki Akiko
Published: August 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in the development of a constellation of persistent sequelae following acute disease called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or Long COVID1–3. Individuals diagnosed with Long COVID frequently report unremitting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a variety of cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions1–3; however, the basic biological mechanisms responsible for these debilitating symptoms are unclear. Here, 215 individuals were included in an exploratory, cross-sectional study to perform multi-dimensional immune phenotyping in conjunction with machine learning methods to identify key immunological features distinguishing Long COVID. Marked differences were noted in specific circulating myeloid and lymphocyte populations relative to matched control groups, as well as evidence of elevated humoral responses directed against SARS-CoV-2 among participants with Long COVID. Further, unexpected increases were observed in antibody responses directed against non-SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogens, particularly Epstein-Barr virus. Analysis of circulating immune mediators and various hormones also revealed pronounced differences, with levels of cortisol being uniformly lower among participants with Long COVID relative to matched control groups. Integration of immune phenotyping data into unbiased machine learning models identified significant distinguishing features critical in accurate classification of Long COVID, with decreased levels of cortisol being the most significant individual predictor. These findings will help guide additional studies into the pathobiology of Long COVID and may aid in the future development of objective biomarkers for Long COVID.
Perceived usefulness of simulation learning in hospitality education
Authors: Price-Howard Lisa Kate , Lewis Heather
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of simulation learning techniques within both face-to-face and online courses. The specific objective for this study was to answer two questions: (1) What are the specific benefits the simulation learning component adds to the course(s)? (2) How do students perceive the usefulness of the simulation learning component to their prepared readiness to enter the industry?

Design/methodology/approach

An open-ended survey was administered at the end of the course to conduct a content analysis of student perspectives of the incorporation of cloud-based, educational simulation learning into educational courses. A discussion of the students' perspective of the SIM labs benefits, ease of use and perceived usefulness of this trending learning component has been reviewed, along with the comparison of the online and face-to-face viewpoints.

Findings

Some of the identified successes were the ability to collaborate between online and face-to-face classes. Another was the ability to incorporate the application and decision-making components of the textbook into their virtual position of the simulation (SIM) learning lab from an owner's/general manager's perspective. Finally, the SIM labs provided the instructor with a measurable tool to have students compete in a healthy environment.

Originality/value

Valuable insights were gained into the student's perspective and helped in needed adjustments to better utilize this type of active learning. By studying a specific simulation learning component of this type of electronic learning (e-learning,) valuable contextual explanations to support the other types of active learning techniques mentioned above can be gained.
Somebody is watching me: framing surveillance as rent-seeking behavior
Authors: Dzhurova Albena , Sementelli Arthur
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper examines how contemporary workplace surveillance can simultaneously incentivize and commodify workforce behavior. Specifically, workplace surveillance is reconceptualized as rent-seeking, which offers a framework for analyzing novel employer-employee relationships stemming from alternate views of risk and reward.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of workplace microchipping is studied qualitatively as a backdrop for theorizing emergent labor relations in the context of surveillance capitalism and biopolitics.

Findings

Reconsidering surveillance within the context of personal risk and entrepreneurial lure offers much to 21st century discourse on labor and supervision. It is imperative that the public sector engages in appropriate regulatory protocols to manage emergent behavior in organizations.

Originality/value

This study departs from the popular conceptualization of human microchipping as an intersection of legal and ethical considerations of surveillance. Instead, the authors examine a different aspect of the microchipping phenomenon, taking into account employee creative reactions to employer surveillance in the context of risk and return.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2022-0009
Effects of wall slip on the dynamic characteristics of water-lubricated bearing considering rough contact
Authors: Guo Juan , Han Yanfeng , Chen Shouan , Cai Jianlin , Dai Haiming
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the role of the wall slip on the dynamic characteristics of the multi-groove water-lubricated bearing considering rough contact, including stiffness and damping coefficients of the water film and contact stiffness coefficient of the asperity contact.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified perturbed average Reynolds equations with the wall slip are derived, and the calculated perturbed hydrodynamic pressures are integrated to obtain the stiffness and damping coefficients of the water film. The elastic-plastic contact model of Kogut and Etsion is used to determine the contact stiffness coefficient.

Findings

Numerical results reveal that the wall slip has the more significant impact on the water film stiffness coefficients compared with the damping and contact stiffness coefficients. When the slip angle lies in a reasonable range, the lubrication performance can be effectively improved, especially in the mixed lubrication condition. In addition, it is worth emphasizing that the abrupt change of the water film stiffness coefficients occurs at the region II (pressure zone) in this study.

Originality/value

The influence mechanism of the wall slip on the dynamic characteristics of the water-lubricated bearing considering rough contact is first revealed.
On autonomous transportation systems
Authors: Jia Limin , Chen Xiyuan , Ma Xiaoping , Xu Qing , Yu Haiyang , Sun Wei , Luo Weiming , Gao Bolin , Dong Honghui
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to define the concept, composition, connotation, functional technology and development path of autonomous transportation systems (ATS) and provide theoretical basis and support for the construction and development of ATS.

Design/methodology/approach

The research analyzes the concept and connotation of ATS, studies the composition and structure of ATS, sorts out pillar function technology system including perception, digitization, interoperability, computing and integration in ATS hierarchically, and looks forward to the future development path of ATS from human participation and systems intelligence.

Findings

This paper puts forward the concept, composition, connotation and structure of ATS, proposes the pillar functional technology system of ATS and proposes four development stages of ATS.

Originality/value

The research can provide a theoretical and scientific basis for the high-quality, efficient, orderly construction and development of ATS.
Mechanisms of ultraviolet‐induced melasma formation: A review
Authors: Yang Jian , Zeng Jinrong , Lu Jianyun
Published: August 2022

Melasma, a pigmentation disorder, commonly occurs in exposed skin areas and can be attributed to several factors. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the primary factor that induces and aggravates melasma. Considering gene expression, exposed skin areas experience abnormal gene expression, involving melanin metabolism, oxidative stress, impaired skin barrier function, and abnormal composition of nerve factors. From a histological perspective, UVR can cause basement membrane collapse, melanocyte sinking, and disorders of skin lipid metabolism. Emerging therapies have focused on these pathological alterations in melasma, including platelet‐rich plasma, mesotherapy, and phytochemicals. Understanding the role of UVR in the development of melasma can facilitate early prevention and highlight the future direction of melasma treatment.
Do cracks improve the conductive ability of porous rocks?
Authors: Han Tongcheng , Fu Li‐Yun
Published: August 2022

Cracks widely exist in rocks and are important in various geophysical applications. However, although electrical methods are conventionally employed for the detection and characterization of cracks, the fundamental question whether cracks improve the conductive ability of porous rocks (a quantification of their electrical conductivity if their porosity and saturant are the same) remains largely unaddressed. We address this knowledge gap through theoretical models with confirmed validity. We show that the conductive ability of a rock containing non‐interacting penny‐shaped cracks with random orientation will be improved only in the case when the aspect ratio of the cracks is below a certain value, which is referred to as the critical crack aspect ratio. We also show that the critical crack aspect ratio is uniquely determined by the porosity and electrical conductivity (or cementation exponent) of the porous rock where the cracks reside. We further demonstrate that the critical crack aspect ratio is some representation of the pore structure, and using two times the critical crack aspect ratio as the pore geometry can give rise to a reasonable agreement between modelled and measured P‐ and S‐wave velocities. The critical crack aspect ratio offers a consistent microstructure for the joint elastic–electrical modelling for the improved characterization of cracks through integrated seismic and electrical surveys.
Deep learning multiphysics network for imaging CO2 saturation and estimating uncertainty in geological carbon storage
Authors: Um Evan Schankee , Alumbaugh David , Commer Michael , Feng Shihang , Gasperikova Erika , Li Yaoguo , Lin Youzuo , Samarasinghe Savini
Published: August 2022

Multiphysics inversion exploits different types of geophysical data that often complement each other and aims to improve overall imaging resolution and reduce uncertainties in geophysical interpretation. Despite the advantages, traditional multiphysics inversion is challenging because it requires a large amount of computational time and intensive human interactions for preprocessing data and finding trade‐off parameters. These issues make it nearly impossible for traditional multiphysics inversion to be applied as a real‐time monitoring tool for geological carbon storage. In this paper, we present a deep learning (DL) multiphysics network for imaging CO2 saturation in real time. The multiphysics network consists of three encoders for analysing seismic, electromagnetic and gravity data and shares one decoder for combining imaging capabilities of the different geophysical data for better predicting CO2 saturation. The network is trained on pairs of CO2 label models and multiphysics data so that it can directly image CO2 saturation. We use the bootstrap aggregating method to enhance the imaging accuracy and estimate uncertainties associated with CO2 saturation images. Using realistic CO2 label models and multiphysics data derived from the Kimberlina CO2 storage model, we evaluate the performance of the deep learning multiphysics network and compare its imaging results to those from the deep learning single‐physics networks. Our modelling experiments show that the deep learning multiphysics network for seismic, electromagnetic, and gravity data not only improves the imaging accuracy but also reduces uncertainties associated with CO2 saturation images. Our results also suggest that the deep learning multiphysics network for the non‐seismic data (i.e., electromagnetic and gravity) can be used as an effective low‐cost monitoring tool in between regular seismic monitoring.
Drivers of Odonata flight timing revealed by natural history collection data
Authors: Woods Taylor , McGarvey Daniel J.
Published: August 2022

Global change may cause widespread phenological shifts. But knowledge of the extent and generality of these shifts is limited by the availability of phenological records with sufficiently large spatiotemporal extents. Using North American odonates (damselflies and dragonflies) as a model system, we show how a combination of natural history museum and community science collections, beginning in 1901 and extending through 2020, can be leveraged to better understand phenology.

We begin with an analysis of odonate functional traits. Principal coordinate analysis is used to place odonate genera within a three‐dimensional trait ordination. From this, we identify seven distinct functional groups and select a single odonate genus to represent each group. Next, we pair the odonate records with a list of environmental covariates, including air temperature and degree days, photoperiod, precipitation, latitude and elevation. An iterative subsampling process is then used to mitigate spatiotemporal sampling bias within the odonate dataset. Finally, we use path analysis to quantify the direct effects of degree days, photoperiod and precipitation on odonate emergence timing, while accounting for indirect effects of latitude, elevation and year.

Path models showed that degree days, photoperiod and precipitation each have a significant influence on odonate emergence timing, but degree days have the largest overall effect. Notably, the effect that each covariate has on emergence timing varied among functional groups, with positive relationships observed for some group representatives and negative relationships observed for others. For instance, Calopteryx sp. emerged earlier as degree days increased, while Sympetrum sp. emerged later.

Previous studies have linked odonate emergence timing to temperature, photoperiod or precipitation. By using natural history museum and community science data to simultaneously examine all three influences, we show that systems‐level understanding of odonate phenology may now be possible.
Reef fishes weaken dietary preferences after coral mortality, altering resource overlap
Authors: Semmler Robert F. , Sanders Nathan J. , CaraDonna Paul J. , Baird Andrew H. , Jing Xin , Robinson James P. W. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Keith Sally A.
Published: August 2022

The direct and indirect effects of climate change can affect, and are mediated by, changes in animal behaviour. However, we often lack sufficient empirical data to assess how large‐scale disturbances affect the behaviour of individuals, which scales up to influence communities.

Here, we investigate these patterns by focusing on the foraging behaviour of butterflyfishes, prominent coral‐feeding fishes on coral reefs, before and after a mass coral bleaching event in Iriomote, Japan.

In response to 65% coral mortality, coral‐feeding fishes broadened their diets, showing a significant weakening of dietary preferences across species.

Multiple species reduced their consumption of bleaching‐sensitive Acropora corals, while expanding their diets to consume a variety of other coral genera. This resulted in decreased dietary overlap among butterflyfishes.

Behavioural changes in response to bleaching may increase resilience of coral reef fishes in the short term. However, coral mortality has reduced populations of coral‐feeders world‐wide, indicating the changes in feeding behaviour we document here may not be sufficient to ensure long‐term resilience of butterflyfishes on coral reefs.
The softstone vessels assemblage from the Long Collective Grave 1 (LCG‐1) at Dibbā al‐Bayah (Sultanate of Oman): A preliminary assessment
Authors: Genchi Francesco , Tursi Giampiero
Published: August 2022

The present contribution aims to provide an overview of the large collection of soft stone vessels and lids coming from the collective tomb Long Collective Grave 1 in the Dibbā al‐Bayah funerary complex, along with a brief description and evaluation of the tomb itself. The corpus of material here discussed has been recovered during the 2012 season, and it mainly encompasses the chronological span between the second and first millennium BC. The findings are classified and organised in tables according to their chronological phase, and successively on the basis of their morphology and decorative patterns to which a major focus is addressed. Given the outstanding manufacturing of the materials, the finely incised and even plastic decorations, and their state of preservation, an assessment of such remarkable corpus, although partial, contributes significantly to the study of the diffusion and production of stone vessels in South‐East Arabia.
Kites of AlUla County and the Ḥarrat ʿUwayriḍ, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Repper Rebecca , Kennedy Melissa , McMahon Jane , Boyer David , Dalton Matthew , Thomas Hugh , Kennedy David
Published: August 2022

A comprehensive remote sensing survey of AlUla County in north‐west Saudi Arabia has revealed 32 examples of the ancient, stone‐built animal traps known as ‘kites’. Noting that most (27) are located on the Ḥarrat ʿUwayriḍ, a satellite survey of parts of that lavafield outside of AlUla County was undertaken, identifying a further 175 kites. These show commonalities with ‘V‐shaped’ kites previously identified in mountainous areas along the western extents of the Arabian Shield in the Sinai Peninsula, Negev Desert and south‐west Saudi Arabia. A study of the form and placement of these kites in their ecological and geological contexts suggests that they are representative of a distinct complex, exhibiting sophisticated morphological adaptations to target specific games over similar terrain.
Piece‐rate cuts and ratchet effects
Authors: Shearer Bruce S.
Published: August 2022

I use a quasi experiment, conducted in the field, to evaluate how the workers of an economic firm responded to threats to cut their piece rates. During the study, the piece rate paid to workers was initially set above the regular rate, given working conditions. In a commitment treatment this high rate was paid without any threat of revision. During a non‐commitment trial, the high rate was accompanied by a threat from management to reduce the rate if, after two days of work, average earnings were too high. The empirical results display strong ratchet effects. Workers withheld output by 16% under non‐commitment relative to commitment. The firm eventually reduced the piece rate from the initial high rate, but left it above the regular rate, giving workers the possibility to extract rents. Workers showed no tendency to restrict output during this phase of the study.
The extreme gendering of COVID−19: Household tasks and division of labour satisfaction during the pandemic
Authors: Haney Timothy J. , Barber Kristen
Published: August 2022

For many years, scholars have directed our attention to the gender gap in domestic labour. Even when women engage in paid employment, they nevertheless perform the majority of the household labour in most wealthy countries. At the same time, disasters and crises both expose and exacerbate existing social inequalities. In this paper, we ask: in what ways has the COVID−19 pandemic contributed to the gender gap in household labour, including childcare? How do women and men feel about this gap? Using data from the Canadian Perspectives survey series (Wave 3), conducted by Statistics Canada three months into the pandemic, our analyses consider the task distribution that made household labour intensely unequal during COVID−19, with women ten times more likely than men to say childcare fell mostly on them, for example. Yet, in nearly all of our models, women did not ubiquitously report being more dissatisfied with the division of domestic tasks within the house, nor were they more likely than men to say that the household division of labour “got worse” during COVID; however, parents did feel that it got worse. We discuss what these findings mean for women's mental health, long‐term paid labour, and interpersonal power, and raise questions about why it is we are not seeing a decrease in women's reported satisfaction with this division of labour. These findings spotlight gender inequality and the family as ongoing pillars of capitalism, and how the structural and interpersonal weathering of the pandemic comes at a particularly great expense to women.
Human platelet lysate‐derived extracellular vesicles enhance angiogenesis through miR‐126
Authors: Bordin Antonella , Chirivì Maila , Pagano Francesca , Milan Marika , Iuliano Marco , Scaccia Eleonora , Fortunato Orazio , Mangino Giorgio , Dhori Xhulio , De Marinis Elisabetta , D'Amico Alessandra , Miglietta Selenia , Picchio Vittorio , Rizzi Roberto , Romeo Giovanna , Pulcinelli Fabio , Chimenti Isotta , Frati Giacomo , De Falco Elena
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key biological mediators of several physiological functions within the cell microenvironment. Platelets are the most abundant source of EVs in the blood. Similarly, platelet lysate (PL), the best platelet derivative and angiogenic performer for regenerative purposes, is enriched of EVs, but their role is still too poorly discovered to be suitably exploited. Here, we explored the contribution of the EVs in PL, by investigating the angiogenic features extrapolated from that possessed by PL.

Methods

We tested angiogenic ability and molecular cargo in 3D bioprinted models and by RNA sequencing analysis of PL‐derived EVs.

Results

A subset of small vesicles is highly represented in PL. The EVs do not retain aggregation ability, preserving a low redox state in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and increasing the angiogenic tubularly‐like structures in 3D endothelial bioprinted constructs. EVs resembled the miRNome profile of PL, mainly enriched with small RNAs and a high amount of miR‐126, the most abundant angiogenic miRNA in platelets. The transfer of miR‐126 by EVs in HUVEC after the in vitro inhibition of the endogenous form, restored angiogenesis, without involving VEGF as a downstream target in this system.

Conclusion

PL is a biological source of available EVs with angiogenic effects involving a miRNAs‐based cargo. These properties can be exploited for targeted molecular/biological manipulation of PL, by potentially developing a product exclusively manufactured of EVs.
A neuropsychological approach to differentiating cannabis‐induced and primary psychotic disorders
Authors: Woolridge Stephanie M. , Wood‐Ross Chelsea , Voleti Rohit , Harrison Geoffrey W. , Berisha Visar , Bowie Christopher R.
Published: August 2022

Aim

Rates of cannabis use are elevated in early psychosis populations, rendering it difficult to determine if an episode of psychosis is related to cannabis use (e.g., cannabis‐induced psychosis), or if substance use is co‐occurring with a primary psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia). Clinical presentations of these disorders are often indistinguishable, hindering assessment and treatment. Despite substantial research identifying cognitive deficits, eye movement abnormalities and speech impairment associated with primary psychotic disorders, these neuropsychological features have not been explored as targets for diagnostic differentiation in early psychosis.

Methods

Eighteen participants with cannabis‐induced psychosis (Mage = 21.9, SDage = 4.25, 14 male) and 19 participants with primary psychosis (Mage = 29.2, SDage = 7.65, 17 male) were recruited from early intervention programs. Diagnoses were ascertained by primary treatment teams after a minimum of 6 months in the program. Participants completed tasks assessing cognitive performance, saccadic eye movements and speech. Clinical symptoms, trauma, substance use, premorbid functioning and illness insight were also assessed.

Results

Relative to individuals with primary psychosis, individuals with cannabis‐induced psychosis demonstrated significantly better performance on the pro‐saccade task, faster RT on pro‐ and anti‐saccade tasks, better premorbid adjustment, and a higher degree of insight into their illness. There were no significant differences between groups on psychiatric symptoms, premorbid intellectual functioning, or problems related to cannabis use.

Conclusions

In early stages of illness, reliance on traditional diagnostic tools or clinical interviews may be insufficient to distinguish between cannabis‐induced and primary psychosis. Future research should continue to explore neuropsychological differences between these diagnoses to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Pioglitazone attenuates ischaemic stroke aggravation by blocking PPARγ reduction and inhibiting chronic inflammation in diabetic mice
Authors: Guo Yaru , Zuo Wenqiang , Yin Lu , Gu Tingting , Wang Shiquan , Fang Zongping , Wang Bairen , Dong Hailong , Hou Wugang , Zuo Zhiyi , Deng Jiao
Published: August 2022

Diabetes can cause vascular remodelling and is associated with worse outcome after ischaemic stroke. Pioglitazone is a commonly used anti‐diabetic agent. However, it is not known whether pioglitazone use before ischaemia could reduce brain ischaemic injury. Pioglitazone was administered to 5‐week‐old db+ or db/db mice. Cerebral vascular remodelling was examined at the age of 9 weeks. Expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), p‐PPARγ (S112 and S273), nucleotide‐binding domain (NOD)‐like receptor protein 3 (Nlrp3), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) was evaluated in the somatosensory cortex of mice. Neurological outcome was evaluated 24 h after brain ischaemia. Results showed that early pioglitazone treatment provided a long‐lasting effect of euglycaemia but enhanced hyperlipidaemia in the db/db mice. Diabetic mice exhibited increased vascular tortuosity, narrower middle cerebral artery (MCA) width and IgG leakage in the brain. These changes were blocked by early pioglitazone treatment. In diabetic animals, PPARγ expression was reduced, and p‐PPARγ at S273 but not S112, Nlrp3, IL‐1β and TNF‐α were increased in the somatosensory cortex. PPARγ decrease and Nlrp3 increase were mainly in the neurons of the diabetic brain, which was reversed by early pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone attenuated the aggravated neurological outcome after stroke in diabetic mice. But this protective effect was abolished through restoring cerebral inflammation by intracerebroventricular administration of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in pioglitazone‐treated diabetic mice before MCAO. In summary, early pioglitazone treatment attenuates cerebral vascular remodelling and ischaemic brain injury possibly via blocking chronic neuroinflammation in the db/db mice.
The effect of hydrogen on the fracture toughness of friction‐stir welded API 5L X70 pipeline steels
Authors: Giarola Joseane M. , Avila Julian A. , Cintho Osvaldo M. , Pinto Haroldo C. , de Oliveira Marcelo F. , Bose Filho Waldek W.
Published: August 2022

The hydrogen embrittlement (HE) leads to severe steel degradation of mechanical properties. The hydrogen atoms diffuse into the steel and get positioned into reversible and irreversible trap sites. The pipe to transport oil and gas needs to be welded to construct long‐distance pipeline projects; thus, friction‐stir welding (FSW) has proven an excellent alternative to joining these pipelines. Therefore, this work assessed and analyzed the influence of hydrogen on the microstructure and fracture toughness of API 5L X70 steel welded by friction‐stir welding. The in‐service conditions were simulated by charging the specimen electrolytically in a 3.5% NaCl water solution with an intensity current of 2 mA·cm−2. According to fracture toughness tests, the base metal (BM) was more affected by hydrogen embrittlement than the friction‐stir zone (SZ), with a fracture toughness reduction of 20% after hydrogen charging. The SZ fracture toughness did not statistically show changes in hydrogen charging by the used times; however, the fracture mechanism changed from ductile to brittle‐like after 4 days of charging. The SZ depicted a better fracture toughness than BM due to the bainitic microstructure, a significant amount of irreversible hydrogen trapping.
pRB immunostaining in the differential diagnosis between pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma and glioblastoma with giant cells
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Simbolo Michele , Ciaparrone Chiara , Pedron Serena , Mafficini Andrea , Scarpa Aldo
Published: August 2022

Aims

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare circumscribed glioma, characterized by frequent BRAF p. V600E mutation, and classified as grade 2 or 3. Owing to overlapping clinical–pathological features, the histological distinction from glioblastoma (GBM) with giant cells (GCs) is challenging. Based on the high frequency of TP53 and RB1 alterations in the latter, this study aimed to assess the value of BRAF, p53, and pRB immunostainings in the differential diagnosis.

Methods and results

In 37 GBMs with ≥30% GCs and in eight PXAs, we assessed the alterations of 409 cancer‐related genes and immunostainings for BRAF, p53, and pRB. GBMs with GCs were TP53‐mutated in 30 cases, RB1‐altered in 11, and BRAF‐mutated in none. PXAs were BRAF‐mutated in six cases, TP53‐mutated in three, and RB1‐altered in none. pRb immunostaining was lost in 25 GBMs (11 RB1‐altered and 14 RB1‐unaltered), retained in all PXAs and six GBMs, and inconclusive in six GBMs. pRb loss had 100% specificity and 80.6% sensitivity for GBM with GCs. P53 immunostaining was observed in 22 TP53‐mutated GBMs and in one TP53‐mutated PXA. It showed 87.5% specificity and 60% sensitivity to identify GBM with GCs. BRAF immunostaining corresponded to BRAF mutation status and it had 100% specificity and 75% sensitivity for detecting PXA.

Conclusion

This study shows for the first time that loss of pRB immunostaining is sensitive and specific for distinguishing GBM with GCs from PXA in routine practice. Thus, it could complement an immunohistochemical panel that includes BRAF and p53 immunostainings for the differential diagnosis.
Impact of workplace violence on South Korean nurses' turnover intention: Mediating and moderating roles of depressive symptoms
Authors: Pang Yanghee , Dan Hyunju , Jeong Hyunseon , Kim Oksoo
Published: August 2022

Aim

To identify the mediating and moderating roles of depressive symptoms in the relationship between workplace violence and nurses' turnover intention in South Korea.

Background

Workplace violence and depressive symptoms are known to influence turnover intentionsof employees.

Introduction

Among healthcare workers, nurses may be at the greatest risk of exposure to workplace violence because they have frequent contact with patients and families of patients. Depressive symptoms reported to be related to workplace violence are one set of factors affecting turnover intention.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed and employed to investigate mediation and moderation roles of depressive symptoms between workplace violence and turnover intention.

Results

Verbal violence and sexual harassment increased depressive symptoms, which in turn increased turnover intentions in a sample of Korean nurses. Depressive symptoms showed partial mediation effects between verbal violence and sexual harassment and turnover intention. Depressive symptoms showed moderating effects on sexual harassment and turnover intention.

Discussion

It is necessary to reduce turnover intention not only by preventing violence but also by managing depressive symptoms in nurses who have experienced verbal violence and sexual harassment.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms were shown to have a mediating and moderation roles on the relationship between WPV and turnover intention.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Hospital managers such as hospital and nursing directors should provide effective policies to prevent verbal violence and sexual harassment to reduce turnover intention in the workplace. It is needed to educate patients and patient caregivers about the importance of preventing violence against nurses. Policies should be established to provide regular check‐ups for depressive symptoms and psychological support for nurses who have experienced WPV.
Femtosecond laser induced amorphization of quantum dots and application in three‐dimensional optical data storage
Authors: Sun Shengzhi , Wang Chao , Yan Chaoyue , Song Juan , Man Tao , Feng Wenju , Wang Huafeng , Qian Bin , Qiu Jianrong
Published: August 2022

The information burst in modern society poses new challenges to information preservation technology, both in storage efficiency, capacity, and security. Multi‐dimensional optical data storage based on the femtosecond laser direct writing technique is a promising way to face these challenges. Herein, a new optical storage method based on femtosecond laser‐induced local darkening of CdSe quantum dots doped glass is reported. Photoluminescence image and spectrum indicate that highly luminescent well‐crystallized CdSe quantum dots can be amorphized by a single femtosecond laser pulse and reconstructed by thermal treatment, resulting in reversible luminescence modulation, in which the luminous efficacy of CdSe quantum dots in glass matrix was well recovered after each cycle of writing and erasing. Complicated patterns written inside the glass and multi‐layer information are also successfully inscribed and well demonstrated. Data bit could be written by just one 380 fs single pulse with pulse energy as low as 100 nJ. The present work provides a potential way for three‐dimensional optical information storage and data encryption with low power consumption, fast writing speed, large capacity, and high security.
A new optical temperature sensor based on the fluorescence intensity ratio of Mn2+ and Mn4+
Authors: Shi Lin‐Ying , Zhao Dan , Zhang Rui‐Juan , Yao Qing‐Xia , Liu Wen
Published: August 2022

In the course of preparing Mn‐doped phosphors, the mix‐valence state of Mnn+ ions may be obtained with associated interesting properties. This work prepared a new phosphor Ba3MgSb2O9:Mn (BMS:Mn) by a traditional high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis method. In this structure, Mnn+ can replace Mg2+ site as Mn2+ oxidation state or Sb5+ site as Mn4+. Moreover, the emitting bands of Mn2+ and Mn4+ at around 596 and 758 nm are simultaneously observed by using 350 nm as exciting wavelength. Interestingly, the temperature‐dependent emitting intensities corresponding to Mn2+ and Mn4+ are different at temperatures from 10 to 300 K. With increasing temperature, the intensity of Mn2+ luminescence has some enhancement at 10–200 K and then decreases gradually, whereas Mn4+ luminescence goes into rapid decline. By using this character, BMS:0.01Mn can be used as an optical temperature sensor at 10–300 K based on the fluorescence intensity ratio of Mn2+ and Mn4+. The maximum relative sensitivity (Sr) at 125 K is as high as 1.51% K−1.
Natamycin as a safe food additive to control postharvest green mould and sour rot in citrus
Authors: Du Yujie , Li Yajuan , Tian Zhonghuan , Cheng Yunjiang , Long Chao-an
Published: August 2022

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential inhibitory mechanism and assess the feasibility of natamycin as an antifungal agent in the utilization of citrus storage.

Methods and Results

In this study, the mycelial growth, spore germination as well as germ tube elongations of Geotrichum citri-aurantii and Penicillium digitatum were significantly inhibited by natamycin treatment. The relative conductivities of G. citri-aurantii and P. digitatum mycelia were increased as time went by and the damages of plasma membranes were up to 17.43% and 28.61%. The mitochondria abnormalities and vacuolation were also observed in the TEM. Moreover, the sour rot and green mould decay incidences were reduced to 18.33% and 10% post incubation with G. citri-aurantii and P. digitatum under 300 mg L−1 natamycin application, respectively. For the citrus storage experiment, there was no significant difference in edible rate, juice yield, total soluble solid (TSS) content, titratable acid (TA) and decay incidences of the ‘Newhall’ navel orange fruit treated with 300 mg L−1 natamycin stored for 90 d.

Conclusions

Natamycin could decrease the expansions of green mould and sour rot and maintain quality and improve storability on citrus fruit.

Significance and Impact of the study

This work explores the potential inhibition mechanism of natamycin G. citri-aurantii and P. digitatum and assesses the feasibility of natamycin as an antifungal agent in the utilization of citrus storage.