bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of exosome release and extracellular vesicle-associated miRNAs for human bronchial epithelial cells irradiated with high charge and energy ions
Authors: Li Zhentian , Jella Kishore K. , Jaafar Lahcen , Moreno Carlos S. , Dynan William S.
Published: July 2020

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that mediate transport of nucleic acids, proteins, and other molecules. Prior work has implicated exosomes in the transmission of radiation nontargeted effects. Here we investigate the ability of energetic heavy ions, representative of species found in galactic cosmic rays, to stimulate exosome release from human bronchial epithelial cellsin vitro. Immortalized human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC3-KT F25F) were irradiated with 1.0 Gy of high linear energy transfer (LET)48Ti,28Si, or16O ions, or with 10 Gy of low-LET reference γ-rays, and extracellular vesicles were collected from conditioned media. Preparations were characterized by single particle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and immunoblotting for the exosomal marker, TSG101. Irradiation with high-LET ions, but not γ-rays, stimulated exosome release by about 3-fold, relative to mock-irradiated controls. The exosome-enriched vesicle preparations contained pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular patterns, including HSP70 and calreticulin. Additionally, miRNA profiling was performed for vesicular RNAs using NanoString technology. The miRNA profile was skewed toward a small number of species that have previously been shown to be involved in cancer initiation and progression, including miR-1246, miR-1290, miR-23a, and miR-205. Additionally, a set of 24 miRNAs was defined as modestly over-represented in preparations from HZE ion-irradiated versus other cells. Gene set enrichment analysis based on the over-represented miRNAs showed highly significant association with nonsmall cell lung and other cancers.
Probabilistic estimation of identity by descent segment endpoints and detection of recent selection
Authors: Browning Sharon R. , Browning Brian L.
Published: July 2020

Most methods for fast detection of identity by descent (IBD) segments report identity by state segments without any quantification of the uncertainty in the endpoints and lengths of the IBD segments. We present a method for determining the posterior probability distribution of IBD segment endpoints. Our approach accounts for genotype errors, recent mutations, and gene conversions which disrupt DNA sequence identity within IBD segments. We find that our method’s estimates of uncertainty are well calibrated for homogeneous samples. We quantify endpoint uncertainty for 7.7 billion IBD segments from 408,883 individuals of White British ancestry in the UK Biobank, and use these IBD segments to find regions showing evidence of recent natural selection. We show that many spurious selection signals are eliminated by the use of unbiased estimates of IBD segment endpoints and a pedigree-based genetic map. Nine of the top ten regions with the greatest evidence for recent selection in our scan have been identified as selected in previous analyses using different approaches. Our computationally efficient method for quantifying IBD segment endpoint uncertainty is implemented in the open source ibd-ends software package.
Meaning of food in eating patterns
Authors: Chinea Cristina , Suárez Ernesto , Hernández Bernardo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conceptually and empirically verify the meaning of the food construct, while adapting and validating the Meaning of Food in Life Questionnaire proposed by Arbit et al. (2017) into Spanish and comparing groups with specific and non-specific eating patterns in relation to the meaning of food.

Design/methodology/approach

Confirmatory factor analysis and multivariate analysis involving groups with specific and non-specific eating patterns.

Findings

Results show that the adapted version of the scale retained the five food meaning factors, although four items from the original version had to be removed. Multivariate analyses of variance show that there are significant differences in the moral and sacred factors of food meaning when comparing people with specific and non-specific eating patterns. Significant differences in the moral, sacred and social factors were found when comparing between people with a specific diet, vegans/vegetarians and people who do not consume gluten/lactose or are on a diet.

Research limitations/implications

Differences in the meanings attributed to food can be observed among the different ways people eat. This could have implications on ethics, sustainability and well-being by considering the characteristics of the five factors of food meaning.

Originality/value

This study suggests that food meaning is a complex and rational process, where eating patterns play a key role in the attribution of meaning.
Building student‐teacher relationships and improving behaviour‐management for classroom teachers
Authors: Yassine Jordan , Tipton‐Fisler Leigh Ann , Katic Barbara
Published: July 2020

Teachers can at times view behavioural intervention procedures as time‐consuming. Thus, socially‐valid classroom‐based interventions are a critical component to behavioural success. This study examined the effects of traditional behavioural interventions with two kindergarten students presenting with challenging behaviours, including aggression, tantrums and noncompliance. Notably, it was found that traditional behavioural procedures were not sufficient to substantially reduce the behaviours alone. Therefore, a relationship‐building component was added to target positive student‐teacher relationships. Student outcomes resulted in a significant reduction in challenging behaviour as well as teacher‐reported behaviours showing a reduction across all measured periods. Ongoing teacher consultation, increased student‐teacher relationships (STRs) and use of effective classroom management strategies are necessary for effective models of behaviour support.
Study of the efficacy of Aureobasidium strains belonging to three different species: A. pullulans, A. subglaciale and A. melanogenum against Botrytis cinerea of tomato
Authors: Di Francesco Alessandra , Di Foggia Michele , Zajc Janja , Gunde‐Cimerman Nina , Baraldi Elena
Published: July 2020

The difference in antagonistic activity against the causal agent of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) of tomato between Aureobasidium strains belonging to three different species, namely A. pullulans, A. melanogenum and A. subglaciale, was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo assays. In the yeast–pathogen direct interaction experiment, all the strains significantly reduced B. cinerea growth, with A. melanogenum the least efficient species (17.8% of reduction) compared to A. pullulans and subglaciale (22 and 27.8%). The non‐volatile metabolites produced by all three species reduced mycelial growth between 95 and 100%. These metabolites were characterised by FT‐IR spectroscopy as polysaccharides, lytic enzymes, siderophores and antibiotics. The inhibitory effect of Aureobasidium strains on pathogenic enzymes such as xylanase, polygalacturonase and pectinase was measured showing A. pullulans strains as capable of strong inhibition of xylanase, an enzyme directly related to the virulence of necrotrophic pathogens such as B. cinerea. Our data demonstrate that the different species of Aureobasidium isolated from a range of non‐conventional environments exerted variable efficacy against B. cinerea, with A. pullulans as the most active species followed by A. subglaciale and A. melanogenum as ineffective and not suitable for biocontrol applications.
Testosterone positively regulates functional responses and nitric oxide expression in the isolated human corpus cavernosum
Authors: Gur Serap , Alzweri Laith , Yilmaz‐Oral Didem , Kaya‐Sezginer Ecem , Abdel‐Mageed Asim B , Dick Brian , Sikka Suresh C. , Volkan Oztekin Cetin , Hellstrom Wayne J. G.
Published: July 2020

Background

Testosterone (T) deficiency is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The relaxant response of T on the corporal smooth muscle through a non‐genomic pathway has been reported; however, the in vitro modulating effects of T on human corpus cavernosum (HCC) have not been studied.

Objectives

To compare the effects of various concentrations of T on nitric oxide (NO)‐dependent and nitric oxide‐independent relaxation in organ bath studies and elucidate its mode of action, specifically targeting the cavernous NO/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway.

Materials and methods

Human corpus cavernosum (HCC) samples were obtained from men undergoing penile prosthesis implantation (n = 9). After phenylephrine (Phe) precontraction, the effects of various relaxant drugs of HCC strips were performed using organ bath at low (150 ng/dL), eugonadal (400 ng/dL), and hypergonadal (600 ng/dL) T concentrations. The penile tissue measurements of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), neuronal (n)NOS, and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) were evaluated via immunostaining, Western blot, cGMP and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) assays.

Results

Relaxation responses to ACh and EFS in isolated HCC strips were significantly increased at all T levels compared with untreated tissues. The sildenafil‐induced relaxant response was significantly increased at both eugonadal and hypergonadal T levels. Normal and high levels of T are accompanied by increased eNOS, nNOS, cGMP, and NOx levels, along with reduced PDE5 protein expression.

Conclusion

This study reveals an important role of short‐term and modulatory effects of different concentrations of T in HCC. T positively regulates functional activities, inhibition of PDE5 expression, and formation of cGMP and NOx in HCC. These results demonstrate that T indirectly contributes to HCC relaxation via downstream effects on nNOS, eNOS, and cGMP and by inhibiting PDE5. This action provides a rationale for normalizing T levels in hypogonadal men with ED, especially when PDE5 inhibitors are ineffective. T replacement therapy may improve erectile function by modulating endothelial function in hypogonadal men.
Correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality indexes in finishing Simmental × Luxi bulls fed high‐concentrate diets
Authors: Geng Chunyin , Zhang Min , Yang Lianyu , Jin Yinghai
Published: July 2020

Circulating leptin concentrations could potentially be used as a predictor of production traits in cattle. This study aimed to clarify the correlations between circulating leptin concentrations and growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality indexes in finishing bulls fed high‐concentrate diets (concentrate‐to‐forage ratio 70:30). Fifty‐seven Simmental × Luxi F1 crossbred bulls were used for 112‐day finishing experiment. Circulating leptin concentrations and relevant indexes of growth performance, and carcass traits and meat quality were measured during or after finishing trail. The results indicated that the leptin concentrations tended to be negatively correlated with dry matter intake (DMI) (r = −.233, p = .081), and were positively correlated with 12th‐rib fat thickness (r = .330, p = .012), marbling score (r = .336, p = .011), and intramuscular fat content (r = .368, p = .021). Moreover, the leptin concentrations were negatively correlated with cholesterol content (r = −.339, p = .037) and were not correlated with sensory indexes including tenderness, juiciness, and like flavor (p > .05). In conclusion, circulating leptin concentrations may potentially be used as a predictor of carcass traits related to content of fat and beef quality traits related to content of cholesterol in finishing bulls fed high‐concentrate diets.
Metacommunity structure analysis reveals nested patterns in deconstructed macroinvertebrates assemblages
Authors: Williams‐Subiza Emilio A. , Brand Cecilia , Miserendino M. Laura
Published: July 2020

Understanding processes driving patterns of species distribution and diversity is one of the main objectives of community ecology.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the spatial variation in assemblage composition of stream‐dwelling macroinvertebrates and identify which factors (e.g. water quality, land cover) are the most important drivers.

We applied the elements of the metacommunity structure approach on a dataset of 38 communities from the Futaleufú basin in northwestern Patagonia. To better understand assemblage variation, we deconstructed our macroinvertebrate dataset into different taxonomic and trait groups. We then identified the most influential factors driving community composition using random forests.

We found that half of our datasets (i.e. macroinvertebrate groups) exhibited a nested structure with clumped species loss, while the other half showed a quasi‐nested pattern with either clumped or stochastic species loss.

Overall, water quality was the most important driver of community variation, although climate, geography, and land cover were more or less relevant in particular cases. We found differences in the relative importance of the selected explanatory variables among datasets. This would suggest that different components of the macroinvertebrate community respond differently to environmental factors.

Our findings could be of value for conservation planning, as they suggest that preserving the most species‐rich streams would, to some extent, guarantee the conservation of the entire species pool.
Accuracy of self‐reported weight, height and body mass index among older people in Japan
Authors: Yazawa Aki , Inoue Yosuke , Kondo Naoki , Miyaguni Yasuhiro , Ojima Toshiyuki , Kondo Katsunori , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: July 2020

Aim

Weight and height are usually self‐reported in population‐based epidemiological surveys. While the accuracy of self‐reports has been extensively studied in younger populations, less is known in older populations. We investigated the accuracy of self‐reported weight, height and body mass (BMI) in an older cohort in Japan, where overweight/obesity and underweight coexist.

Methods

We used data from older Japanese adults (≥65 years) participating in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study in 2016 to 2017 (7357 men and 9271 women). Self‐report data were linked to objective data obtained from clinical examinations.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 74.5 ± 5.8 years, mean ± SD weight, height and BMI were 55.7 ± 10.1 kg, 156.0 ± 8.9 cm and 22.8 ± 3.1, respectively. Results showed high intraclass correlation coefficients for self‐reported and measured values (0.97 for weight; 0.96 for height). While weight/height were overestimated among men (weight by 0.096 kg; height by 0.27 cm) and women (weight by 0.18 kg; height by 0.27 cm), BMI tended to be slightly underestimated (−0.034 kg/m2 for men; −0.037 kg/m2 for women). However, the absolute differences between self‐reported and measured values were not negligible; people had a higher risk for both under‐ and overestimation of their BMI category with increasing age. Lower education predicted BMI overestimation, whereas lower income predicted BMI underestimation.

Conclusions

Overall accuracy of self‐reported body habitus was higher in this cohort of older Japanese compared with previous reports. Nevertheless, misclassification of BMI due to the misreporting of their weight/height was more common among the oldest‐old, as well as those with lower education and income. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 803–810.
p16 Immunoexpression in sinonasal and nasopharyngeal adenoid cystic carcinomas: a potential pitfall in ruling out HPV‐related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma
Authors: Antony Vijay M , Kakkar Aanchal , Sikka Kapil , Thakar Alok , Deo Suryanarayan V S , Bishop Justin A , Jain Deepali
Published: July 2020

Aims

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is frequent in the sinonasal region. The recently described human papilloma virus (HPV)‐related multiphenotypic sinonasal carcinoma (HMSC) histopathologically resembles solid AdCC, but has a better outcome. Thus, clinical and pathogenetic differences between HMSC and sinonasal AdCC necessitate their distinction. We conducted this study to assess p16 immunoexpression in previously diagnosed AdCC cases, and to identify HMSC cases in p16 immunopositive cases.

Methods and results

Cases diagnosed as sinonasal and nasopharyngeal AdCC were retrieved. Histomorphological features were reviewed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p16 was performed. HPV testing was performed in p16‐positive cases by mRNA in‐situ hybridisation (mRNA ISH) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. MYB rearrangement was assessed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation. One hundred and two AdCC cases were retrieved. Six cases (5.9%) showed diffuse p16 positivity. HPV mRNA ISH and PCR were negative in p16‐positive cases. Two cases showed MYB rearrangement. p16‐positive cases were composed of basaloid cells demonstrating a cribriform pattern, at least focally. The predominant pattern was cribriform in three and solid in three cases. One case showed two distinct components: keratinising squamous cell carcinoma and cribriform AdCC. Other morphological patterns seen were tubular, reticular, epithelial‐myoepithelial carcinoma‐like, and glomeruloid, forming a minor component of the tumour area.

Conclusions

p16 staining alone, even when diffuse and strong, cannot be used as a surrogate for HPV testing to distinguish sinonasal AdCC from HMSC. p16 IHC should be accompanied by more specific methods, such as mRNA ISH, so as not to erroneously diagnose HMSC over sinonasal AdCC, bearing in mind the highly aggressive nature of the latter.
Biases in variance of decomposed portfolio returns
Authors: Alexeev Vitali , Ignatieva Katja
Published: July 2020

Significant portfolio variance biases arise when contrasting multiperiod portfolio returns based on the assumption of fixed continuously rebalanced portfolio weights as opposed to buy‐and‐hold weights. Empirical evidence obtained using S&P 500 constituents from 2003 to 2011 demonstrates that, compared with a buy‐and‐hold assumption, applying fixed weights led to decreased estimates of portfolio volatilities during 2003, 2005 and 2010, but caused a significant increase in volatility estimates in the more turbulent 2008 and 2011. This discrepancy distorts assessments of portfolio risk‐adjusted performance when inappropriate weight assumptions are employed. Consequently, these variance biases have effect on statistical inference in factor models and may result in erroneous portfolio size recommendations for adequate diversification.
Pay progression in routinised service sector work: navigating the internal labour market in a fast food multinational company
Authors: Butler Peter , Hammer Anita
Published: July 2020

The United Kingdom's widespread use of low‐skill, low‐paid employment has been well documented. It has been argued internal labour markets (ILMs) benefit such workers, affording them with opportunities for progression. Relatively little is known, however, about the impact of ILMs on entry level workers undertaking routinised service sector work. Drawing on qualitative data, this article explores the prospects on offer in a market leading, fast food multinational company. Potential enabling features include on‐the‐job training, a transparent and integrated pay structure and a professed culture of progression. Occupational movements to positions above the low‐pay threshold are, however, relatively rare. We conjecture this contradiction is the result of the business context in which the firm operates. The findings suggest that in sectors where price leadership strategies dominate, escape from low pay is likely to be exceptional, even within large organisations featuring some of the classic characteristics of ‘pure’ or strong ILMs.
Color comparison of three layered resin composite systems with three shade guides
Authors: Diamantopoulou Sofia , Kakaboura Afrodite , Margaritis Vasileios , Papazoglou Efstratios
Published: July 2020

Objective

To investigate the color difference using both ΔE*ab and CIEDE2000 formulas of all combinations of all enamel and dentin shades of three different composite systems with three different shade guides, to compare the coverage error (CE) of the shade guides for each composite and to investigate whether coverage error is affected by enamel shade layer thickness (0.5 vs 1 mm).

Materials and Methods

Disk specimens from all enamel and dentin shades of Essentia, Enamel Plus HRi, and IPS Empress Direct composites were fabricated. Color measurements were performed for all enamel‐dentin combinations and for two thicknesses per enamel shade: 0.5 and 1 mm. Color was measured for three shade guides: Vitapan Classical, 3DMaster, and Ivoclar. Minimum color difference between layered composites and shade tabs, closest shade tab match and CE of all shade guides were calculated for all composite shade combinations.

Results

In most cases, the closest match was a mismatch. CE of 3DMaster was significantly lower for IPS Empress Direct and Enamel Plus HRi at 0.5 mm enamel thickness. Shade guides exhibited higher lightness values compared to composites and composites lower chroma values compared to shade guides.

Conclusions

Shade guides do not match well to the layered composites. 3DMaster performed better than the other two shade guides, in most cases.
Whale sharks Rhincodon typus get cleaned by the blue‐streak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus and the moon wrasse Thalassoma lunare in the Philippines
Authors: Araujo Gonzalo , Miranda Joni A. , Allen Harriet L. , Labaja Jessica , Snow Sally , Ponzo Alessandro , Legaspi Christine G.
Published: July 2020

Cleaning interactions are essential for healthy marine ecosystem communities. This study reports the first documentation of the whale shark Rhincodon typus cleaning behaviour in the Indo‐West Pacific by two wrasse species, the blue‐streak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus and the moon wrasse Thalassoma lunare in Cebu, Philippines. This study documented 36 cleaning interactions with 14 individual whale sharks. The cleaning interactions appear opportunistic rather than targeted by the sharks, unlike that observed in other species of elasmobranchs. Further work should focus on understanding the drivers of these unique cleaning interactions.
Red rice (Oryza sativa L.) use in flour production: Convective drying and bioactive quality
Authors: Santos Newton Carlos , da Silva Wilton Pereira , Barros Sâmela Leal , Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , de Brito Araújo Ana Júlia , da Silva Nascimento Amanda Priscila
Published: July 2020

This study aimed to develop red rice flours in order to provide alternatives to replace conventional flours in the production of gluten‐free foods for people who suffers from celiac disease. To obtain the flour, red rice grains were dried at temperatures of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80°C and air velocity of 1.5 m/s. Mathematical models (empirical and diffusive) were fitted to the experimental data obtained and, subsequently, the dehydrated grains were ground to obtain the flour, which was subjected to physicochemical and bioactive characterization to verify the impact of the applied temperatures on the final product quality. It was found that the Page model is more reliable to describe the drying kinetics of red rice, since it showed higher coefficients of determination (R2) and lower chi‐square (χ2). The diffusion model showed satisfactory fit, with coefficient of determination (R2) higher than 0.99 and chi‐square (χ2) lower than 0.0146659. Higher drying rate was found at the temperature of 80°C, but cracks were observed in the grains and there was greater degradation of anthocyanins. The pH, total titratable acidity, and flavonoids did not differ between the temperatures applied. Lower values of moisture content, water activity, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity were obtained in the grains subjected to temperature of 80°C. Therefore, the temperature of 40°C was the one that ensured greatest conservation of all bioactive compounds analyzed and greater antioxidant activity for all three methods.

Practical applications

The diffusion model provides a realistic and physical interpretation of the drying operation, stimulating the correct time needed to reduce the moisture content of the material, of initial value at the equilibrium value. In this way, it is possible to save energy and reduce the degradation of bioactive compounds promoted by thermal damage, which material is submitted, in addition to aiming at the optimization of drying equipment projects.
Advances in the assessment of self‐determination: internal structure of a scale for people with intellectual disabilities aged 11 to 40
Authors: Vicente E. , Verdugo M. A. , Guillén V. M. , Martínez‐Molina A. , Gómez L. E. , Ibáñez A.
Published: July 2020

Background

Advances in theoretical frameworks of self‐determination require the development of new assessment instruments. This study examines the dimensional structure of a self‐determination scale and analyses the factorial invariance of its measurement across age and gender.

Method

The AUTODDIS Scale was used to assess the self‐determination of 541 people with intellectual disabilities aged from 11 to 40.

Results

Different models (correlational and hierarchical structures) of the scale were tested. The correlational model obtained from the exploratory structural equation model approach provided the best fit for the data. The results also supported measurement invariance across youths (aged 11 to 21 years) and adults (aged 21 to 40 years) and across genders.

Conclusions

This study contributes to international research on self‐determination and the development of assessment tools in this field, offering a better understanding of this multifaceted and complex construct. The results provide construct validity evidence regarding a new measurement tool tested across people aged 11 to 40, using information from third parties. However, further research is needed to explore the best ways to understand and assess the different factors related to self‐determination.
Information concerning ICU patients’ families in the handover—The clinicians’ «game of whispers»: A qualitative study
Authors: Nygaard Anne Mette , Haugdahl Hege Selnes , Brinchmann Berit Støre , Lind Ranveig
Published: July 2020

Aims and objectives

To explore how information concerning ICU patients´ families is included in the ICU clinicians’ daily handover.

Background

Handover refers to the transfer of information and care responsibility between clinicians. An effective and precise handover are of great importance to ensure quality of care. Although improvements in handovers have received increasing attention in recent decades, little is known about how information about ICU patients’ family members is included in handovers.

Design

A qualitative study using Charmaz’ constructivist grounded theory approach.

Methods

Data were gathered through participant observation, focus groups, dyadic and individual interviews of physicians and nurses from four ICUs in different Norwegian hospitals. The data consist of 270 observation hours, seven focus groups, three dyadic interviews and two individual interviews. Field notes and transcribed interview data were analysed using constructivist grounded theory approach. COREQ checklist was applied as reporting guideline for this study.

Findings

“A game of whispers” emerged as the core category, representing missing information about the patient's family during the handover. Together with three subcategories: “documentation dilemmas,” “being updated” and “talking together,” the core category explains how transfer of family‐related information between clinicians is continually processed and resolved.

Conclusions

This study indicates challenges related to appropriate and high‐quality handover concerning ICU patients´ families. Oral handovers are essential in terms of clinicians’ need to elaborate on written information and update each other. However, oral transmission involves a high risk of information loss during the handover. Written documentation about the family seems to be inadequate and poorly structured.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study findings suggest a need for increased awareness in practice and research of the importance of transferring appropriate and reliable information about patients’ families between ICU clinicians. User‐friendly handover tools and patient records that include information on patients’ family members should be developed.
Rebel with a cause: When does employee rebelliousness relate to creativity?
Authors: Petrou Paraskevas , van der Linden Dimitri , Mainemelis Charalampos , Salcescu Oana Catalina
Published: July 2020

Although the literature implies that rebelliousness can be a precursor of creative behaviour, this assumption has rarely been tested empirically. In the present study, we hypothesized that trait‐level rebelliousness may have an inverted U‐shaped relationship with creativity. Additionally, we expected that the effect is pronounced under two conditions, namely when individuals strive for success (i.e., high promotion focus) or when they are not failure‐avoidant (i.e., low prevention focus). We conducted a three‐wave weekly survey study among a heterogeneous sample of 156 employees. The results suggested that the expected non‐linear relation rebelliousness–creativity occurred under high promotion focus, but we did not find a direct link between rebelliousness and creativity. Furthermore, prevention focus did not moderate the non‐linear link. Additional analyses revealed that rebelliousness has a linear link with creativity when promotion focus is high and, at the same time, prevention focus is low. Our study reveals that rebelliousness in itself is not sufficient to unlock creativity. Instead, we uncover promotion focus as the condition that amplifies the link between moderate rebelliousness and creativity. Additionally, when employees simultaneously focus on promotion and refrain from prevention, the more rebellious they are, the more creativity they report.

Practitioner points

Employee rebelliousness is not necessarily an obstacle for organizations; when displayed by employees who want to achieve positive outcomes, it can be a creative force.

When employees are moderately rebellious, this can best be coupled with a high promotion focus, so that the potential for creativity is maximized.

When employees are more than moderately rebellious, this can best be coupled with both high promotion focus and low prevention focus, so that the potential for creativity is maximized.
Magnetic resonance imaging analysis of long‐term neuropathology after exposure to the nerve agent soman: correlation with histopathology and neurological dysfunction
Authors: Reddy Sandesh D. , Wu Xin , Kuruba Ramkumar , Sridhar Vidya , Reddy Doodipala Samba
Published: July 2020

Nerve agents (NAs) produce acute and long‐term brain injury and dysfunction, as evident from the Japan and Syria incidents. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a versatile technique to examine such chronic anatomical, functional, and neuronal damage in the brain. The objective of this study was to investigate long‐term structural and neuronal lesion abnormalities in rats exposed to acute soman intoxication. T2‐weighted MRI images of 10 control and 17 soman‐exposed rats were acquired using a Siemens MRI system at 90 days after soman exposure. Quantification of brain tissue volumes and T2 signal intensity was conducted using the Inveon Research Workplace software and the extent of damage was correlated with histopathology and cognitive function. Soman‐exposed rats showed drastic hippocampal atrophy with neuronal loss and reduced hippocampal volume (HV), indicating severe damage, but had similar T2 relaxation times to the control group, suggesting limited scarring and fluid density changes despite the volume decrease. Conversely, soman‐exposed rats displayed significant increases in lateral ventricle volumes and T2 times, signifying strong cerebrospinal fluid expansion in compensation for tissue atrophy. The total brain volume, thalamic volume, and thalamic T2 time were similar in both groups, however, suggesting that some brain regions remained more intact long‐term after soman intoxication. The MRI neuronal lesions were positively correlated with the histological markers of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation 90 days after soman exposure. The predominant MRI hippocampal atrophy (25%) was highly consistent with massive reduction (35%) of neuronal nuclear antigen–positive (NeuN+) principal neurons and parvalbumin‐positive (PV+) inhibitory interneurons within this brain region. The HV was significantly correlated with both inflammatory markers of GFAP+ astrogliosis and IBA1+ microgliosis. The reduced HV was also directly correlated with significant memory deficits in the soman‐exposed cohort, confirming a possible neurobiological basis for neurological dysfunction. Together, these findings provide powerful insight on long‐term region‐specific neurodegenerative patterns after soman exposure and demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo neuroimaging to monitor neuropathology, predict the risk of neurological deficits, and evaluate response to medical countermeasures for NAs.
Politics, Competence, and Performance: Evidence from the US State Budget Agencies
Authors: Yu Jinhai , Jennings Edward T.
Published: July 2020

The relationship between administrative competence and political responsiveness is central to public administration theories. This study examines the conditional effects of competence on performance as moderated by politics. Synthesizing the theories of neutral competence and responsive competence, we propose a model of contingent competence. We argue that the impact of competence on performance is conditional on both the preferences of political principals and the degree of political control as indicated by agency politicization. With multiple indicators of state fiscal performance, the empirical test uses data on US state budget agencies between 1986 and 2008. The results support the proposition. When budget agencies are highly politicized, competence of budget agencies influences state fiscal performance in accordance with the preferences of Democratic and Republican elected officials when one or the other party controls state governments. The findings enhance the understanding of how institutional designs shape bureaucratic politics and agency performance.
Momentum transfer in hypervelocity cratering of meteorites and meteorite analogs: Implications for asteroid deflection
Authors: Flynn George J. , Durda Daniel D. , Molesky Mason J. , May Brian A. , Congram Spenser N. , Loftus Colleen L. , Reagan Jacob R. , Strait Melissa M. , Macke Robert J.
Published: July 2020

Asteroid porosity ranges from 0 to >50%, with most >20%, and some asteroids exhibit a water feature in their reflection spectra. Porosity and hydration are expected to influence the momentum transferred in hypervelocity collisions. We conducted a series of measurements of the post-impact momentum, characterized by a factor β, the ratio of the total linear momentum acquired by the target to the momentum of the impactor. We measured β for anhydrous meteorites, samples of their asteroidal parent bodies, spanning a wide range of porosities: 7 samples of the CV3 carbonaceous chondrite Northwest Africa (NWA) 4502 (2.1% porosity), 7 samples of the ordinary chondrite NWA 869 (6.4% porosity), and 4 samples of the ordinary chondrite Saratov (15.6% porosity), as well as 2 samples of terrestrial pumice (80% porosity). We also measured hydrous meteorite analog targets, including 2 samples of terrestrial serpentine (17.9% porosity) and 4 samples of terrestrial montmorillonite (51.5% porosity), the two clay minerals that dominate the composition of the hydrous CI carbonaceous chondrite meteorites, as well as 4 samples of hydrous meteorite analog material prepared by powdering and hydrating an anhydrous carbonaceous chondrite. We found that for both anhydrous and hydrous samples β decreased with increasing porosity, consistent with hydrocode modeling. The β for each target type was >2 demonstrating that crater ejecta makes a significant contribution to recoil in hypervelocity collisions.. The β values we measured for the anhydrous samples are larger, with β = 3.55 for NWA 4502, 2.69 for NWA 869, 2.10 for Saratov, and 2.15 for pumice, than results from hydrocode modeling for 10 km/s impacts into relatively strong, porous rock targets. The momentum enhancement by ejecta (β - 1) for the moderate porosity (17.9%) hydrous serpentine targets (β = 4.70), the highly porous (51.55% porosity) hydrous montmorillonite targets (β = 2.79), and the intermediate porosity (~26%) CI-analogs (β = 2.99) are much larger than β value for anhydrous targets of similar porosity, indicating jetting of water vapor could significantly affect deflection of hydrous asteroids and comets in natural or human-induced collisions.
Corning0120 High-Lead Glass Subject to Shock Loading
Authors: Farfan Bernardo , Reinhart William , Alexander Scott
Published: July 2020

Equation of state properties were studied for the high-lead glass Corning 0120, which is a potash-soda-lead glass also referred to as G12. This glass, which contains approximately 30% PbO by weight and has a density, ρo, of 3.034 g/cm3 possesses properties suitable for many applications in industry such as optical components for space exploration instrumentation. Further understanding of its mechanical properties is desired for more complex applications in various fields, including applications where the glass may experience high-pressure shock loading. In this work plate impact experiments were conducted to determine the dynamic response of Corning 0120 at high stress levels. Tests were conducted over the pressure range from approximately 5 to 24 GPa utilizing the 90 mm bore single-stage powder driven gas gun at the Sandia National Laboratories STAR Facility. For this study, we used one-inch diameter Corning 0120 glass samples of two different thicknesses (3 mm and 7 mm) to use the evolution of the shock wave propagation through the material for analysis. The time-resolved material response was measured by means of a Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflector system (VISAR). Results will be presented detailing the high-pressure shock loading response characteristics of the high-lead glass Corning 0120. Comparisons are made with similar results for lead free glass to assess the most prominent changes compared to lower density glasses and other lead filled glasses.
Impact Modeling for the Double Asteroid Redirection Test Mission
Authors: Rainey Emma S.G. , Stickle Angela M. , Cheng Andrew F. , Rivkin Andrew S. , Chabot Nancy L. , Barnouin Olivier S. , Ernst Carolyn M. ,   the AIDA/DART Impact Simulation Working Group
Published: July 2020

The Asteroid Impact Deflection Assessment (AIDA) collaboration is a joint ESA-NASA planetary defense collaboration that will include the first full-scale test of an asteroid deflection by kinetic impactor [1]. The AIDA collaboration comprises two independent spacecraft, the NASA-sponsored Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and the ESA-led Hera. In September 2022 the DART spacecraft will impact the secondary member of the binary asteroid system 65803 Didymos (Didymos-B) at a speed of ~6.7 km/s and mass ~500 kg. The resulting period change in the orbit of Didymos-B will be measured using Earth-based observations. Hera will arrive post-impact and perform detailed measurements to characterize Didymos-B.
HyFIRE: Hypervelocity Facility for Impact Research Experiments at Johns Hopkins University
Authors: Simpson Gary , Shaeffer Matthew , Ramesh K.T.
Published: July 2020

The Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute (HEMI) recently installed a hypervelocity impact facility (HyFIRE) including a two-stage light gas gun at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. The HyFIRE launcher has a launch tube bore diameter of 7.62 mm and is designed to attain launch velocities up to 7 km/s. The enclosed ballistic range and terminal test chamber provide multiple axes with which to view both projectile free flight and terminal impact, maximizing diagnostic access to events of interest.

Initial test diagnostics include ultra-high-speed optical video and orthogonal 300 kV flash x-ray imaging. Photon doppler velocimetry for surface velocity measurement—currently used in HEMI’s laser shock facility—as well as emission spectroscopy/pyrometry are planned, providing researchers across multiple disciplines with the ability to investigate the coupling of mechanics, physics and chemistry present in high energy density impact events. Initial experiments at the facility investigate the fragmentation of inert impactors on anvil targets, with an aim towards identifying the dominant mechanisms controlling the fragmentation characteristics, temperature distributions and trajectories of generated debris fields.
Hypervelocity Impact on Concrete and Sandstone: Momentum Enhancement from Tests and Hydrocode Simulations
Authors: Chocron Sidney , Walker James D. , Grosch Donald J. , Beissel Stephen R. , Durda Daniel D. , Housen Kevin R.
Published: July 2020

Concrete, sandstone, and, in a previous round of experiments, pumice, were tested under hypervelocity impact at SwRI. Aluminum spheres with diameters of 1 and 1.75 in were shot at a velocity of approximately 2 km/s using a 50-mm conventional powder gun. The targets were mounted on a swing so that the momentum enhancement could be measured. The size effect, i.e. comparing momentum enhancement generated by the small and large projectiles, was of particular interest in this project. The targets were also scaled, although for sandstone we were limited by the natural geometry of the rocks. The results from the experiments show a clear size effect for the concrete while sandstone did not show any size effect, possibly because of experimental artifacts. The sandstone behavior was investigated with computations using the EPIC hydrocode. The porosity and compressive strength of the sandstone used in the impact tests were measured and reported. The rock is very similar to one reported and extensively tested by Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in 1974. Two material models (Holmquist-Johnson Concrete and Johnson-Holmquist-Beissel) were fit to the data from LLL. The momentum enhancement predicted by the code is reported for different parameter studies.
Validation of an Improved Contact Method for Multi-Material Eulerian Hydrocodes in Three-Dimensions
Authors: Walls Kenneth C. , Littlefield David L.
Published: July 2020

Realistic and accurate modeling of contact for problems involving large deformations and severe distortions presents a host of computational challenges. Due to their natural description of surfaces, Lagrangian finite element methods are traditionally used for problems involving sliding contact. However, problems such as those involving ballistic penetrations, blast-structure interactions, and vehicular crash dynamics, can result in elements developing large aspect ratios, twisting, or even inverting. For this reason, Eulerian, and by extension Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE), methods have become popular. However, additional complexities arise when these methods permit multiple materials to occupy a single finite element.
Conical impact fragmentation test (CIFT)
Authors: Neel Christopher , Sable Peter , Flater Philip , Lacina David
Published: July 2020

Conical impact fragmentation tests (CIFT) were conducted to develop and demonstrate an experimental capability for uniformly inducing controlled fragmentation in structural metals. The setup involves a conical specimen impacting a mating conical target (similar in geometry to a funnel) at nominal velocities of 1 - 2 km/s. Three experiments were conducted as proof of concept to characterize the fragmentation behavior of 1018 steel. Photonic Doppler velocimetry probes on the free outer surface of the target cone allow for validating simulations that can indicate strain uniformity in the target cone. Overall, experimental results demonstrate CIFT to be a feasible method to evaluate fragmentation behavior. The conical geometry produces consistent and bounded strain rates that are maintained for at least 10 microseconds. Furthermore, when compared with other laboratory techniques, the CIFT technique is shown to be more ideal than sphere-on-plate impact (SPI) and more tunable than cylinder expansion (CYLEX), and so is a promising fragmentation characterization tool.
Identification of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa O17 and O15 O-Specific Antigen Biosynthesis Loci Reveals an ABC Transporter-Dependent Synthesis Pathway and Mechanisms of Genetic Diversity
Authors: Huszczynski Steven M. , Hao Youai , Lam Joseph S. , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: July 2020

P. aeruginosa
is a problematic opportunistic pathogen that causes diseases in those with compromised host defenses, such as those suffering from cystic fibrosis. This bacterium produces a number of virulence factors, including a serotype-specific O antigen. Here, we identified and characterized the gene clusters that produce the O15 and O17 O antigens and show that they utilize a pathway for synthesis that is distinct from that of the 18 other known serotypes. We also provide evidence that these clusters have acquired mutations in specific biosynthesis genes and have undergone extensive horizontal gene transfer within the
P. aeruginosa
population. These findings expand on our understanding of O antigen biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria and the mechanisms that drive O antigen diversity.
Quasi-homologous evolution of self-gravitating systems with vanishing complexity factor
Authors: Herrera L. , Prisco A. Di , Ospino J.
Published: July 2020

We investigate the evolution of self-gravitating either dissipative or non-dissipative systems satisfying the condition of minimal complexity, and whose areal radius velocity is proportional to the areal radius (quasi-homologous condition). Several exact analytical models are found under the above mentioned conditions. Some of the presented models describe the evolution of spherically symmetric dissipative fluid distributions whose center is surrounded by a cavity. Some of them satisfy the Darmois conditions whereas others present shells and must satisfy the Israel condition on either one or both boundary surfaces. Prospective applications of some of these models to astrophysical scenarios are discussed.
Potential Targets for Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Review of Qing-Fei-Pai-Du-Tang and Its Major Herbs
Authors: Zhong Linda Li Dan , Lam Wai Ching , Yang Wei , Chan Kam Wa , Sze Stephen Cho Wing , Miao Jiangxia , Yung Ken Kin Lam , Bian Zhaoxiang , Wong Vivian Taam
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020. No specific treatment and vaccine with documented safety and efficacy for the disease have been established. Hence it is of utmost importance to identify more therapeutics such as Chinese medicine formulae to meet the urgent need. Qing Fei Pai Du Tang (QFPDT), a Chinese medicine formula consisting of 21 herbs from five classical formulae has been reported to be efficacious on COVID-19 in 10 provinces in mainland China. QFPDT could prevent the progression from mild cases and shorten the average duration of symptoms and hospital stay. It has been recommended in the 6th and 7th versions of Clinical Practice Guideline on COVID-19 in China. The basic scientific studies, supported by network pharmacology, on the possible therapeutic targets of QFPDT and its constituent herbs including Ephedra sinica, Bupleurum chinense, Pogostemon cablin, Cinnamomum cassia, Scutellaria baicalensis were reviewed. The anti-oxidation, immuno-modulation and antiviral mechanisms through different pathways were collated. Two clusters of actions identified were cytokine storm prevention and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding regulation. The multi-target mechanisms of QFPDT for treating viral infection in general and COVID-19 in particular were validated. While large scale clinical studies on QFPDT are being conducted in China, one should use real world data for exploration of integrative treatment with inclusion of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and herb-drug interaction studies.