bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual variations in McGurk illusion susceptibility reflect different integration-segregation strategies of audiovisual speech perception
Authors: Dong Chenjie , Wang Zhengye , Li Ruqin , Wang Suiping
Published: December 2023

The McGurk illusion is a widely used indicator of audiovisual speech integration. In this illusion, incongruent visual articulations biases the auditory speech percepts, resulting in illusory percepts that different from both auditory and visual inputs. Despite its widespread use, its validity for measuring audiovisual integration has been questioned due to substantial individual variations. Classical forced fusion theories propose that variations in McGurk illusion susceptibility reflect differences in multisensory integration ability, whereas Bayesian causal inference (BCI) theory proposes that these variations reflect different audiovisual integration-segregation strategies used according to unisensory accuracy and inferred casual structures of the auditory and visual signals. To test these two proposals, we investigated the relationships between variations in McGurk illusion susceptibility and unisensory accuracy across testing time (Experiment 1, N =161), task type (Experiment 2, N = 88), and stimuli (Experiment 3, N = 37). We found stable negative correlations between McGurk illusion susceptibility and unisensory accuracy both at the group level and single participant level. Participants with weak illusion susceptibility had higher unisensory accuracy than participants with strong illusion susceptibility. Conversely, participants with strong illusion susceptibility were more likely to incorrectly categorize the auditory and visual stimuli as illusory percepts. Moreover, participants with similar unisensory accuracy showed similar McGurk illusion susceptibility. Consistent with the BCI theory, our results indicate that individual variations in McGurk illusion susceptibility reflect different integration-segregation strategies used by participants due to variations in unisensory accuracy. Failing to perceive an illusion does not indicate a failure to integrate audiovisual signals; instead, it indicates a successful segregation of incongruent signals. These findings suggest that caution is necessary when generalizing variations in McGurk illusion susceptibility to differences in audiovisual integration ability.
Genome-wide and chromosomal microsatellite marker landscape analysis within the genus Crassostrea
Authors: Sahu Basanta Pravas , Fazil Mohamed Madhar , Panda Subhasmita , Thiyagarajan Vengatesen
Published: December 2023

Microsatellite is a classical codominant marker frequently used to study genetics and evolution of living entities as well as molecular breeding in commercially important species. Although it has a tremendous application in oyster aquaculture, the lack of knowledge about its type, distribution pattern, and comparative analysis is limited. Thus, in this study, we conducted a genome-wide as well as chromosomal microsatellite landscape analysis within the genus Crassostrea. The genome-wide microsatellites number varied from 169432-212368, with relative abundance (RA) and relative density (RD) ranging from 310.18-336.5 loci/Mb and 7553.4-8793.42 bp/Mb, respectively. About 14.99-16.75% of total microsatellites were considered compound microsatellites having cRA and cRD, 21.78-25.5 loci/Mb, and 1332.81-1694.54 bp/Mb, respectively. The mononucleotide microsatellites were predominant followed by di and tetranucleotide. The RA and RD of the SSRs revealed no correlation with genome size but a significant correlation with GC content. However, the number of SSRs showed a significant relationship with the genome size but no relation with GC content. In contrast, the incidence of cSSR was positively associated with genome size and GC content. Finally, 29 cSSR loci were developed and validated inC. hongkonensisusing one wild population followed by its cross-species amplification. The allele number (Ne), observed heterozygosity (Ho), expected heterozygosity (He), inbreeding co-efficient (Fis), the polymorphic information content (PIC), ranged from 2-10, 0.092-0.897, 0.0001-1, 0.088-0.828, respectively. The present study elucidated microsatellite evolution within the Crassostrea genome and the loci developed can be utilized for brood stock analysis, parentage assignment, and construction of linkage map of the respective species.
mTOR signaling controls the formation of smooth muscle cell-derived intimal fibroblasts during vasculitis
Authors: Stock Angus. T. , Parsons Sarah , Hansen Jacinta. A. , D’Silva Damian. B. , Starkey Graham , Fayed Aly , Lim Xin Yi , D’Costa Rohit , Gordon Claire. L. , Wicks Ian. P.
Published: December 2023

The excessive accumulation of fibroblasts within the intimal layer of inflamed vessels is a feared complication of vasculitis, which can lead to arterial stenosis and ischemia. In this study, we have investigated how such intimal fibroblasts develop during Kawasaki Disease (KD), a paediatric vasculitis typically involving the coronary arteries. By performing lineage tracing studies in a murine model of KD, we reveal that vasculitis-induced intimal fibroblasts develop independently of both adventitial fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and instead derive from smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Notably, the emergence of SMC-derived intimal fibroblasts - in both mice and in patients with KD, Takayasu’s arteritis and Giant Cell arteritis - coincided with their activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. Moreover, the genetic deletion of mTOR signalling in SMCs abrogated the emergence of intimal fibroblasts, demonstrating that mTOR is an intrinsic and essential regulator of vasculitis-induced, SMC-derived intimal fibroblasts. Collectively these findings provide molecular insight into the pathogenesis of arterial stenosis and identify mTOR as a therapeutic target to prevent adverse vascular remodelling in vasculitis.
Analysis of influencing factors of aircraft fuel tank flammability
Authors: Geng Leiming , Zhang Ruihua , Liu Weihua
Published: December 2023

Purpose

It is an indispensable part of airworthiness certification to evaluate the fuel tank flammability exposure time for transport aircraft. There are many factors and complex coupling relationships affecting the fuel tank flammability exposure time. The current work not only lacks a comprehensive analysis of these factors but also lacks the significance of each factor, the interaction relationship and the prediction method of flammability exposure time. The lack of research in these aspects seriously restricts the smooth development of the airworthiness forensics work of domestic large aircraft. This paper aims to clarify the internal relationship between user input parameters and predict the flammability exposure time of fuel tanks for transport aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the requirements of airworthiness certification for large aircraft, an in-depth analysis of the Monte Carlo flammability evaluation source procedures specified in China Civil Aviation Regulation/FAR25 airworthiness regulations was made, the internal relationship between factors affecting the fuel tank flammability exposure time was clarified and the significant effects and interactions of input parameters in the Monte Carlo evaluation model were studied using the response surface method. And the BP artificial neural network training samples with high significance factors were used to establish the prediction model of flammability exposure time.

Findings

The input parameters in the Monte Carlo program directly or indirectly affect the fuel tank flammability exposure time by means of the influence on the flammability limit or fuel temperature. Among the factors affecting flammability exposure time, the cruising Mach number, balance temperature difference and maximum range are the most significant, and they are all positively correlated with flammability exposure time. Although there are interactions among all factors, the degree of influence on flammability exposure time is not the same. The interaction between maximum range and equilibrium temperature difference is more significant than other factors. The prediction model of flammability exposure time based on multifactor interaction and BP neural network has good accuracy and can be applied to the prediction of fuel tank flammability exposure time.

Originality/value

The flammability exposure time prediction model was established based on multifactor interaction and BP neural network. The limited test results were combined with intelligent algorithm to achieve rapid prediction, which saved the test cost and time.
Numerical analysis on the thermal management of phase change material with fins for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Li Shian , Cheng Yuanzhe , Shen Qiuwan , Wang Chongyang , Peng Chengdong , Yang Guogang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to improve the thermal management of lithium-ion batteries. The phase change material (PCM) cooling does not require additional equipment to consume energy. To improve the heat dissipation capacity of batteries, fins are added in the PCM to enhance the heat transfer process.

Design/methodology/approach

Computational fluid dynamics method is used to study the influence of number of vertical fins and ring fins (i.e. 2, 4, 6 and 8 vertical fins, and 2, 3, 4 and 5 ring fins) and the combination of them on the cooling performance.

Findings

The battery maximum temperature can be decreased by the PCM with vertical or ring fins, and it can be further decreased by the combination of them. The PCM with eight vertical fins and five ring fins reduces the battery maximum temperature by 5.21 K. In addition, the temperature and liquid-phase distributions of the battery and PCM are affected by the design of the cooling system.

Practical implications

This work can provide guidelines for the development of new and efficient PCM cooling systems for lithium-ion batteries.

Originality/value

The combination of PCM and fins can be used to reduce the battery maximum temperature and temperature difference.
Learning to expand our communities to support coaching for equity: a collaboration of seven university-based teacher preparation programs
Authors: Ries Elizabeth , Holyoke Erica Steinitz , Dunham Heather , Young Murphy K. , Mosley Wetzel Melissa , Garcia Criselda , Payne Katherina , Wilhelm Annie Garrison , Estrada Veronica L. , Maurer Alycia , Trautman Katie
Published: December 2023

Purpose

There is an urgent need for teacher preparation programs to equip teachers to teach in innovative and transformative ways, meeting the needs of diverse learners. Coaching is an instrumental tool for supporting change and development, especially in contexts with decentralized teacher preparation guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

This multicase study examines cross-institutional programmatic innovations for coaching teacher candidates (TCs) and centering equity using improvement science and equity coaching. The authors explore the networked improvement community’s (NIC’s) examination of problems of practice through plan–do–study–act cycles in three coaching contexts within and across seven institutions.

Findings

Qualitative methods revealed that adapting coaching protocols can center equity and build equity-focused practices. This work highlights revisions to coaching within and across teacher preparation programs (TPPs), which the authors hope inspires extending equity-centered coaching and improvement science to new contexts. This cross-case analysis revealed program innovations for coaches, digital technologies and alignment.

Practical implications

This study addresses ongoing challenges faced by TPPs in the United States, including TCs' understandings of equity in teaching and decentralized teacher preparation that results in varied and incongruent understandings about quality teaching. This study builds on previous scholarship that examines shifts in coaching practices by disrupting silos in TPPs as examined innovations.

Originality/value

The paper offers a unique view of cross-institutional collaboration in coaching to improve transformative teaching experiences in teacher preparation field experiences.
Modelling organ donation information adoption among Malaysian youth using the information adoption model (IAM)
Authors: Madli Faerozh , Sondoh Stephen , Totu Andreas , T. Ramayah , Janin Yuzainy , Syed Annuar Sharifah Nurafizah , Cham Tat-Huei
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The shortage of organ donors is an under-researched global issue that demands immediate attention. This attention should begin at the government level and related organizations. In Malaysia, the shortage of organ donations has been a pressing issue faced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for a considerable length of time. In reaction to this issue, the MOH deployed the Organ Donation Awareness Strategic Campaign Plan by using the platform of social media to disseminate information regarding organ donation to the public. However, the number of registrations is still low among Malaysians. Moreover, the observation from the literature shows that there are limited studies which have been initiated to focus on social media in the context of organ donation campaigns.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research design has been used to understand the issue. Three hundred and eighty-four completed questionnaires were collected from the target sample, which comprised university students in Malaysia. For this study, partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for data analysis.

Findings

The result shows that information usefulness is vital because it will lead individuals to adopt organ donation information on social media. More specifically, predictors that positively influence youth or university students to accept information as useful are visual information, information sharing, accessibility of information, needs of information and attitude towards information. Subsequently, information usefulness positively influences information adoption. In the meantime, information quality and credibility do not significantly affect information usefulness.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may assist MOH or interested parties in designing a sound marketing strategy in the context of organ donation promotion by providing empirical evidence.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical evidence about information characteristics in the context of organ donation promotion.
Using Big Data to enhance data envelopment analysis of retail store productivity
Authors: Castellano Nicola , Del Gobbo Roberto , Leto Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The concept of productivity is central to performance management and decision-making, although it is complex and multifaceted. This paper aims to describe a methodology based on the use of Big Data in a cluster analysis combined with a data envelopment analysis (DEA) that provides accurate and reliable productivity measures in a large network of retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is described using a case study of a leading kitchen furniture producer. More specifically, Big Data is used in a two-step analysis prior to the DEA to automatically cluster a large number of retailers into groups that are homogeneous in terms of structural and environmental factors and assess a within-the-group level of productivity of the retailers.

Findings

The proposed methodology helps reduce the heterogeneity among the units analysed, which is a major concern in DEA applications. The data-driven factorial and clustering technique allows for maximum within-group homogeneity and between-group heterogeneity by reducing subjective bias and dimensionality, which is embedded with the use of Big Data.

Practical implications

The use of Big Data in clustering applied to productivity analysis can provide managers with data-driven information about the structural and socio-economic characteristics of retailers' catchment areas, which is important in establishing potential productivity performance and optimizing resource allocation. The improved productivity indexes enable the setting of targets that are coherent with retailers' potential, which increases motivation and commitment.

Originality/value

This article proposes an innovative technique to enhance the accuracy of productivity measures through the use of Big Data clustering and DEA. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no attempts have been made to benefit from the use of Big Data in the literature on retail store productivity.
Addressing the loss of exploratory innovation: the roles of organizational foresight and strategic orientation
Authors: Zhang Ruxin , Lin Jun , Li Suicheng , Cai Ying
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how to overcome and address the loss of exploratory innovation, thereby achieving greater success in exploratory innovation. This phenomenon of loss occurs when enterprises decrease their investment in and engagement with exploratory innovation, ultimately leading to an insufficient amount of such innovation efforts. Drawing on dynamic capabilities, this study investigates the relationship between organizational foresight and exploratory innovation and examines the moderating role of breakthrough orientation/financial orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used survey data collected from 296 Chinese high-tech companies in multiple industries and sectors.

Findings

The evidence produced by this study reveals that three elements of organizational foresight (i.e. environmental scanning capabilities, strategic selection capabilities and integrating capabilities) positively influence exploratory innovation. Furthermore, this positive effect is strengthened in the context of a high-breakthrough orientation. Moreover, the relationships among environmental scanning capabilities, strategic selection capabilities and exploratory innovation become weaker as an enterprise’s financial orientation increases, whereas a strong financial orientation does not affect the relationship between integrating capabilities and exploratory innovation.

Research limitations/implications

Ambidexterity is key to successful enterprise innovation. Compared with exploitative innovation, it is by no means easy to engage in exploratory innovation, which is especially important in high-tech companies. While the loss of exploratory innovation has been observed, few empirical studies have explored ways to promote exploratory innovation more effectively. A key research implication of this study pertains to the role of organizational foresight in the improvement of exploratory innovation in the context of high-tech companies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the broader literature on exploratory innovation and organizational foresight and provides practical guidance for high-tech companies regarding ways of avoiding the loss of exploratory innovation and becoming more successful at exploratory innovation.
Participatory action research and empowerment of nursing home residents
Authors: Bilfeldt Annette , Mahler Marianne
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss participatory action research with staff, residents and relatives contributed to the residents’ quality of life through the development of an inclusive praxis in a public nursing home in Denmark. The project addressed the residents’ reports about a lack of influence in their everyday lives.

Design/methodology/approach

The project used future-creating workshops as an important methodological tool. Theoretical concepts about developing a social reflexive and colletive morally obliging praxis were central to frame democratic learning and acting. The theoretical concepts of empowerment and capability were also applied. This paper will outline the methods and the results obtained.

Findings

Learning processes were initiated, enabling staff to respectfully engage in dialogue with residents and their relatives about their needs and wishes. The development of a democratic knowledge-building process was established based on the perspectives of the residents, relatives and staff. In conclusion, the project contributed to the development of a more reflective and democratic praxis focused on empowering the residents as the primary “stakeholders” in the daily life of the nursing home.

Originality/value

The research paper is based on the authors’ own research.
Social and solidarity economy in the cultural field: governance as a transforming lever? A comparison between three French organizations
Authors: Ferraton Cyrille , Petrella Francesca , Richez-Battesti Nadine , Vallade Delphine
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the “crafts” of governance within social and solidarity economy (SSE) cultural organizations, considering formal and informal rules, to support their project of democratization of arts and culture and more generally of cultural democracy. The hypothesis is that it is through participatory and democratic governance that SSE can have a transformative role.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds upon a qualitative, multiple case study of three SSE organizations in the performing arts and audiovisual production in France. Although different in age, size and legal form, they all experiment a more participative governance system, not without tensions, to face deep institutional changes in their environment.

Findings

The results show that legal forms from the SSE are necessary safeguards but not sufficient to effectively implement a democratic governance beyond the “one member, one vote” principle. Democratic governance is supported by both formal and informal rules. By experimenting with innovative participative and democratic governance rules, these organizations contribute to the transformation of practices in the cultural field (democratization of art and culture) but also in society at large by fostering cultural democracy.

Research limitations/implications

Building upon three case studies, this exploratory work stresses important issues that are worth to explore on a larger scale to understand by which levers SSE can play a transformative role in the cultural field.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on SSE and on governance by enlarging the analysis beyond the board of directors and the statutory rules. Applying the approach of collective action and reasonable values developed by Commons to SSE, it shows that participatory governance cannot be based on an ideal or a choice of preestablished values and principles but must leave room for creativity and representations of stakeholders not only to support transformation of practices within the cultural field but also externally by increasing cultural democracy.
The analysis of critical success factors for successful kaizen implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a textile industry case study
Authors: Kazancoglu Yigit , Lafci Cisem , Berberoglu Yalcin , Jagtap Sandeep , Celik Cansu Cimitay
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The primary objective of this research is to determine critical success factors (CSFs) that enable textile enterprises to effectively implement Kaizen, a Japanese concept of continuous development, particularly during disruptive situations. The study aims to provide insights into how Kaizen is specifically employed within the textile sector and to offer guidance for addressing future crises.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a structured approach to determine CSFs for successful Kaizen implementation in the textile industry. The Triple Helix Actors structure, comprising business, academia and government representatives, is utilized to uncover essential insights. Additionally, the Matriced Impacts Croises-Multiplication Applique and Classement (MICMAC) analysis and interpretative structural modeling (ISM) techniques are applied to evaluate the influence of CSFs.

Findings

The research identifies 17 CSFs for successful Kaizen implementation in the textile industry through a comprehensive literature review and expert input. These factors are organized into a hierarchical structure with 5 distinct levels. Additionally, the application of the MICMAC analysis reveals three clusters of CSFs: linkage, dependent and independent, highlighting their interdependencies and impact.

Originality/value

Major contribution of this study is understanding how Kaizen can be effectively utilized in the textile industry, especially during disruptive events. The combination of the Triple Helix Actors structure, MICMAC analysis and ISM provides a unique perspective on the essential factors driving successful Kaizen implementation. The identification of CSFs and their categorization into clusters offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers and academia seeking to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the textile industry.
Host space, not energy or symbiont size, constrains feather mite abundance across passerine bird species
Authors: del Mar Labrador María , Serrano David , Doña Jorge , Aguilera Eduardo , Arroyo José L. , Atiénzar Francisco , Barba Emilio , Bermejo Ana , Blanco Guillermo , Borràs Antoni , Calleja Juan A. , Cantó José L. , Cortés Verónica , De la Puente Javier , De Palacio Diana , Fernández‐González Sofía , Figuerola Jordi , Frías Óscar , Fuertes‐Marcos Benito , Garamszegi László Z. , Gordo Óscar , Gurpegui Míriam , Kovács István , Martínez José L. , Meléndez Leandro , Mestre Alexandre , Møller Anders P. , Monrós Juan S. , Moreno‐Opo Rubén , Navarro Carlos , Pap Péter L. , Pérez‐Tris Javier , Piculo Rubén , Ponce Carlos , Proctor Heather C. , Rodríguez Rubén , Sallent Ángel , Senar Juan Carlos , Tella José L. , Vágási Csongor I. , Vögeli Matthias , Jovani Roger
Published: December 2023

Comprehending symbiont abundance among host species is a major ecological endeavour, and the metabolic theory of ecology has been proposed to understand what constrains symbiont populations.

We parameterized metabolic theory equations to investigate how bird species' body size and the body size of their feather mites relate to mite abundance according to four potential energy (uropygial gland size) and space constraints (wing area, total length of barbs and number of feather barbs). Predictions were compared with the empirical scaling of feather mite abundance across 106 passerine bird species (26,604 individual birds sampled), using phylogenetic modelling and quantile regression.

Feather mite abundance was strongly constrained by host space (number of feather barbs) but not by energy. Moreover, feather mite species' body size was unrelated to the body size of their host species.

We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the bird–feather mite system and for symbiont abundance in general.
Altering environmental conditions induce shifts in simulated deep terrestrial subsurface bacterial communities—Secretion of primary and secondary metabolites
Authors: Herzig Merja , Hyötyläinen Tuulia , Vettese Gianni F. , Law Gareth T. W. , Vierinen Taavi , Bomberg Malin
Published: December 2023

The deep terrestrial subsurface (DTS) harbours a striking diversity of microorganisms. However, systematic research on microbial metabolism, and how varying groundwater composition affects the bacterial communities and metabolites in these environments is lacking. In this study, DTS groundwater bacterial consortia from two Fennoscandian Shield sites were enriched and studied. We found that the enriched communities from the two sites consisted of distinct bacterial taxa, and alterations in the growth medium composition induced changes in cell counts. The lack of an exogenous organic carbon source (ECS) caused a notable increase in lipid metabolism in one community, while in the other, carbon starvation resulted in low overall metabolism, suggesting a dormant state. ECS supplementation increased CO2 production and SO42− utilisation, suggesting activation of a dissimilatory sulphate reduction pathway and sulphate‐reducer‐dominated total metabolism. However, both communities shared common universal metabolic features, most probably involving pathways needed for the maintenance of cell homeostasis (e.g., mevalonic acid pathway). Collectively, our findings indicate that the most important metabolites related to microbial reactions under varying growth conditions in enriched DTS communities include, but are not limited to, those linked to cell homeostasis, osmoregulation, lipid biosynthesis and degradation, dissimilatory sulphate reduction and isoprenoid production.
Individual genotypes from environmental DNA: Fingerprinting snow tracks of three large carnivore species
Authors: De Barba Marta , Baur Molly , Boyer Frédéric , Fumagalli Luca , Konec Marjeta , Miquel Christian , Pazhenkova Elena , Remollino Nadège , Skrbinšek Tomaž , Stoffel Céline , Taberlet Pierre
Published: December 2023

Continued advancements in environmental DNA (eDNA) research have made it possible to access intraspecific variation from eDNA samples, opening new opportunities to expand non‐invasive genetic studies of wildlife populations. However, the use of eDNA samples for individual genotyping, as typically performed in non‐invasive genetics, still remains elusive. We present successful individual genotyping of eDNA obtained from snow tracks of three large carnivores: brown bear (Ursus arctos), European lynx (Lynx lynx) and wolf (Canis lupus). DNA was extracted using a protocol for isolating water eDNA and genotyped using amplicon sequencing of short tandem repeats (STR), and for brown bear a sex marker, on a high‐throughput sequencing platform. Individual genotypes were obtained for all species, but genotyping performance differed among samples and species. The proportion of samples genotyped to individuals was higher for brown bear (5/7) and wolf (7/10) than for lynx (4/9), and locus genotyping success was greater for brown bear (0.88). The sex marker was typed in six out of seven brown bear samples. Results for three species show that reliable individual genotyping, including sex identification, is now possible from eDNA in snow tracks, underlining its vast potential to complement the non‐invasive genetic methods used for wildlife. To fully leverage the application of snow track eDNA, improved understanding of the ideal species‐ and site‐specific sampling conditions, as well as laboratory methods promoting genotyping success, is needed. This will also inform efforts to retrieve and type nuclear DNA from other eDNA samples, thereby advancing eDNA‐based individual and population‐level studies.
Value of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with pT2N0M0 non‐small cell lung cancer receiving radical resection
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Yang Siqian , Zhao Yue , Zhang Yang , Huang Qingyuan , Wu Haoxuan , Hu Hong , Sun Yihua , Zhang Yawei , Xiang Jiaqing , Ye Ting , Chen Haiquan
Published: December 2023

Background

Associations between adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) and the improvement in survival for patients with pT2N0M0 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received R0 resection remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the value of ACT for patients with pT2N0M0 NSCLCs, and to identify the subgroups who could benefit from ACT.

Methods

Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate independent prognostic factors. High‐risk factor (HRF) included visceral pleural invasion (VPI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and poor differentiation/undifferentiated tumors.

Results

Of the 899 patients, 277 (30.8%) patients received ACT. More younger patients (p < 0.001) and male patients (p = 0.007) received ACT. With the increase of pathological tumor size (p < 0.001) and the number of HRFs (p < 0.001), there was a significant rise in the proportion of patients receiving ACT. For all patients, ACT could not improve recurrence‐free survival (RFS) (p = 0.672) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.306). For patients with pathological stage IIA or radiological pure‐solid tumors, ACT could significantly improve the OS (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037, respectively), and multivariate analysis revealed that ACT was an independent prognostic factor for patients with pathological stage IIA (p = 0.005). ACT could improve the OS significantly in patients with pathological stage IB pure‐solid lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) (p = 0.043).

Conclusion

ACT was valuable for patients with pathological stage IIA (pT2bN0M0) and patients with radiological pure‐solid LUAD of pathological stage IB. A combination of radiological features and pathological subtypes could be helpful when selecting patients with pT2N0M0 NSCLCs for ACT.
Viral uptake and pathophysiology of the lung endothelial cells in age‐associated severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection models
Authors: Tsumita Takuya , Takeda Ryo , Maishi Nako , Hida Yasuhiro , Sasaki Michihito , Orba Yasuko , Sato Akihiko , Toba Shinsuke , Ito Wataru , Teshirogi Takahito , Sakurai Yuya , Iba Tomohiro , Naito Hisamichi , Ando Hitoshi , Watanabe Haruhisa , Mizuno Amane , Nakanishi Toshiki , Matsuda Aya , Zixiao Ren , Lee Ji‐Won , Iimura Tadahiro , Sawa Hirofumi , Hida Kyoko
Published: December 2023

Thrombosis is the major cause of death in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, and the pathology of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) has received much attention. Although there is evidence of the infection of ECs in human autopsy tissues, their detailed pathophysiology remains unclear due to the lack of animal model to study it. We used a mouse‐adapted SARS‐CoV‐2 virus strain in young and mid‐aged mice. Only mid‐aged mice developed fatal pneumonia with thrombosis. Pulmonary ECs were isolated from these infected mice and RNA‐Seq was performed. The pulmonary EC transcriptome revealed that significantly higher levels of viral genes were detected in ECs from mid‐aged mice with upregulation of viral response genes such as DDX58 and IRF7. In addition, the thrombogenesis‐related genes encoding PLAT, PF4, F3 PAI‐1, and P‐selectin were upregulated. In addition, the inflammation‐related molecules such as CXCL2 and CXCL10 were upregulated in the mid‐aged ECs upon viral infection. Our mouse model demonstrated that SARS‐CoV‐2 virus entry into aged vascular ECs upregulated thrombogenesis and inflammation‐related genes and led to fatal pneumonia with thrombosis. Current results of EC transcriptome showed that EC uptake virus and become thrombogenic by activating neutrophils and platelets in the aged mice, suggesting age‐associated EC response as a novel finding in human severe COVID‐19.
Prescribed burning can promote recovery of Atlantic coastal heathlands suffering dieback after extreme drought events
Authors: Velle Liv Guri , Haugum Siri Vatsø , Telford Richard J. , Thorvaldsen Pål , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: December 2023

Questions

During the winter of 2014, an intense drought combined with sub‐zero temperatures resulted in a massive Calluna dieback in Norwegian heathlands. We studied the initial vegetation recovery under two management approaches: natural recovery and prescribed burning. We hypothesized that natural recovery will be slower in more drought‐affected sites, whereas burning will facilitate post‐fire recovery in all sites by effectively removing dead and damaged heath. Both natural recovery and post‐fire succession will be slower in the north.

Location

Calluna heath in seven sites spanning an approx. 600‐km latitudinal gradient along the coast of Norway (60.22–65.69° N).

Methods

After a natural drought, 10 permanent plots per site were either burnt or left for natural recovery. Vegetation data were recorded annually in 2016 (pre‐fire) and 2017–2019 (post‐fire) reflecting a factorial repeated‐measures design (n = 280). The data were analyzed using mixed‐effects models.

Results

Two years after the drought, we observed high but variable Calluna damage and mortality. Over the four years of study, damaged Calluna recovered, whereas dead Calluna showed little recovery. Both the extent of the damage and mortality, as well as the rate of natural recovery, are only weakly related to site climate or environmental factors. Fire efficiently removed dead and damaged Calluna and facilitated post‐fire successional dynamics and recovery in a majority of sites.

Conclusions

Extreme winter drought resulted in substantial and often persistent damage and dieback on Calluna along the latitudinal gradient. In sites with high mortality, prescribed burning removed the dead biomass and, in some cases, facilitated vegetation recovery. Traditional heathland management, which uses burning to facilitate all‐year grazing by Old Norse sheep in Atlantic coastal heathlands, can be an efficient tool to mitigate dieback events and more generally to increase resistance to and resilience after extreme drought events in the future.
Evaluation of T‐cell clonality by anti‐TRBC1 antibody‐based flow cytometry and correlation with T‐cell receptor sequencing
Authors: Nguyen Phillip C. , Nguyen Tamia , Wilson Clarissa , Tiong Ing Soo , Baldwin Kylie , Nguyen Vuong , Came Neil , Blombery Piers , Westerman David A.
Published: December 2023

Flow cytometry (FC) incorporating the T‐cell receptor β constant chain‐1 (TRBC1) has been recently proposed as a new standard in T‐cell clonality assessment. While early studies demonstrated high sensitivity in samples with conspicuous tumour burden, performance in real‐world samples, including those with low tumour burden and correlation with molecular methods has been limited. We evaluated TRBC1‐FC performance and correlated the results with high‐throughput TRB sequencing and a targeted next‐generation sequencing gene panel. Our cohort consisted of 90 evaluable samples from 57 patients. TRBC1‐FC confirmed T‐cell clonality in 37 out of 38 samples (97%) that were involved in a mature T‐cell neoplasm (MTCN). T‐cell clonality was also identified in nine samples from patients lacking a current or prior diagnosis of MTCN, consistent with the emerging entity T‐cell clonality of uncertain significance. TRBC‐FC was polyclonal in all samples and negative for disease involvement by standard pathology assessment. However, correlation with TRB sequencing in 17 of these samples identified two cases that harboured the known clonal sequence from index testing, indicating the presence of measurable residual disease not otherwise detected. Our study provides real‐world correlative validation of TRBC1‐FC, highlighting the strengths and limitations pertinent to its increasing implementation by general diagnostic laboratories.
Impact of the COVID‐19 era on clinical presentation, management and microbiology in paediatric peritonsillar abscess: A case–control study
Authors: Heilig Yotam , Sapir Aviad , Yafit Daniel , Ben‐Shimol Shalom , Kaplan Daniel M. , Cohen Oded
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is the most common soft‐tissue infection of the head and neck. This potential complication of tonsillitis has demonstrated unique microbial trends during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This era has resulted in a major shift in the hygiene and social habits of the general population, which has resulted in changes in the presentation, management and microbiology of several infectious diseases. To date, the impact of COVID 19 on PTA microbiology and clinical presentation in the paediatric population has yet to be investigated.

Design

Retrospective chart review comparing all cases of paediatric (age 0–18) PTA in an academic tertiary centre during the COVID‐19 pandemic (03/2020–02/2022) and compared them to two control groups: pre‐COVID (03/2018–02/2020) and post‐COVID (03/2022–03/2023). All patients were treated with either needle aspiration, incision and drainage or both means in addition to intravenous antibiotics.

Setting

A large Ear Nose and Throat department in a tertiary referral center.

Participants

Consecutive children aged 18 years or under, admitted with a diagnosis of Peritonsillar abscess.

Main Outcome Measures

We analyzed the clinical and microbiologcal features of all cases of pediatric peritonsillar abscess during the COVID‐19 era (03/2020‐02/2022) and compared them to a pre and post control cases.

Results

A total of 96 PTA cases were included (35 pre‐COVID, 35 COVID and 26 post‐COVID). The means of procedural treatment shifted in favour of incision and drainage versus needle aspiration during the COVID era. The length of hospitalisation increased during the COVID era (3.6 days vs. 2.1 and 3.1 pre and post‐COVID respectively, p < .001). No other notable differences in the clinical and demographic features were found between the three eras. The COVID‐19 era saw an increase in Fusobacterium (37.1% vs. 8.6% and 24% pre and post‐COVID, respectively; p = .008) and Streptococcus Anginosus (31.4% vs. 5.7% and 7.7% pre and post‐COVID, respectively; p = .007) species isolation.

Conclusions

The COVID‐19 pandemic did not seem to impact the clinical presentation of paediatric PTA yet resulted in a change in microbiological pathogens. The choice of I&D as a means to shorten hospital stay during the pandemic may have led to an actual increase in hospital stay, suggesting that NA may be the preferred management approach.
Computed tomographic contrast tenography aids pre‐operative diagnosis in clinical conditions of the digital flexor tendon sheath
Authors: Shanklin Alexander J. , Baldwin Christopher M. , Ellesmere Leah , Stack John D.
Published: December 2023

Common pathology within the digital flexor tendon sheath (DFTS) includes tearing of the manica flexoria, marginal longitudinal lesions of the deep digital flexor tendon and fetlock canal constriction. These are a frequent cause of lameness in cob‐type breeds where skin thickness can make obtaining diagnostic ultrasound images difficult. Radiographic contrast tenography in the standing patient can be used to identify pathology but provides limited information on the exact lesion configuration. This report describes the use of computed tomographic contrast tenography under general anaesthesia to identify and detail the configuration of intrathecal DFTS pathology in four clinical cases (six limbs) subsequently assessed with DFTS tenoscopy. Computed tomography findings altered surgical planning in two cases, and in all cases computed tomography findings were confirmed by tenoscopy. Computed tomographic contrast tenography correctly predicted all lesions observed during tenoscopy: manica flexoria pathology including laterality (4/4 torn and 2/2 intact), fetlock canal constriction (3/3 limbs), deep digital flexor tendon injury (1/1) and intrathecal adhesions (5/5 limbs). Computed tomographic contrast tenography was a useful pre‐operative imaging modality which aided surgical planning. The technique may be applicable for use in standing computed tomography systems where it would provide the diagnostic benefits listed without the associated risk of prolonging anaesthesia.
Fatigue behavior of Ti‐6Al‐4 V alloy manufactured by cold metal fusion
Authors: Kaschube Deborah , Pawlowitz Tobias , Solterbeck Claus‐Henning , Schloesser Jana , Malekan Mohammad , Bohlmann Berend
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the fatigue behavior of small specimens of Ti‐6Al‐4 V produced using the additive manufacturing process cold metal fusion. As the process is still comparatively new, no data were available beforehand. Strain‐controlled fatigue tests were carried out on small specimens under alternating loads. The results are presented in the form of a stress–strain diagram according to Ramberg–Osgood and a strain–life curve according to Coffin–Manson. Comparison with results reported for similar specimens fabricated via the laser engineered net shaping (LENS) additive method shows comparable fatigue behavior. Analysis of the fracture surfaces shows a very mixed fracture pattern with an often mountainous surface, especially for specimens tested under high strain. This made the detection of crack initiation very difficult for those specimens. The analysis of specimens tested under low strain reveals large surface defects to be the crack initiators. Smaller secondary cracks form at internal crack initiation facets.
Pesticide safety behaviours among agricultural workers and farmers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Aye Thant Sin , Jirapongsuwan Ann , Siri Sukhontha
Published: December 2023

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate the pesticide safety behaviours and related factors among cabbage farmers in Kalaw Township, Myanmar.

Background

Unsafe chemical pesticide practices affect farmers' health and the environment. Understanding pesticide safety behaviours is necessary for healthcare providers to protect agriculture workers against unwanted adverse health effects.

Methods

The cross‐sectional study was conducted among 195 cabbage farmers from March to May 2019. Safety behaviours and factors applied in the PRECEDE–PROCEDE model as a framework were assessed using questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify any associations.

Results

Altogether, 72.1% of the farmers had a low level of safety behaviours. Goggles and masks were rarely used before and during pesticide applications. All of the farmers experienced adverse health effects after using pesticides. The attitudes toward pesticide poisoning; support from family, co‐workers and healthcare providers; and the availability of personal protective equipment were significantly associated with safety behaviours.

Conclusion

Our data provide novel empirical evidence for an opportunity to design effective nursing interventions to promote pesticide safety behaviours among Myanmar agricultural workers. Nurses should pay more attention to promoting comprehensive interventions to reduce both exposure and health effects among agricultural workers through the involvement of supported stakeholders.
BN6BT ceramics via cold‐sintering with annealing: Effects of grain size of precursor powders and annealing temperature
Authors: Lian Han‐li , He Ya‐ru , Liang Xin‐juan , Shi Meng , Liu Li‐na , Chen Xiao‐ming
Published: December 2023

In this work, (Bi0.5Na0.5)0.94Ba0.06TiO3 (BN6BT) lead‐free ceramics were prepared via cold‐sintering followed by annealing, and effects of grain size of precursor powders and annealing temperature on microstructure, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics were studied. The precursor powders for cold sintering were obtained by mixing the powders with sub‐micrometer (average grain size, AGS = 0.26 μm) and nanometer (AGS = 73 nm) grains in various mass ratios (1:0, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4). The precursor powders were mixed with deionized water and cold sintered at 180°C for 1 h under 500 MPa. The cold‐sintered samples were then annealed at temperatures between 800 and 1000°C for 2 h. For the ratios of 1:2 and 1:4, the corresponding ceramics annealed at 950°C exhibit dielectric and ferroelectric properties similar to those of the BN6BT ceramics sintered at 1170°C via the solid‐state sintering method. The present BN6BT ceramics exhibit dense microstructure with finer grains with AGS = 280 nm, higher breakdown strength (BDS = 160 kV· cm−1) compared to the solid‐state sintered BN6BT ceramics with AGS = 1.6 μm and BDS = 75 kV· cm−1. The results demonstrate that the cold‐sintering followed by annealing is effective in preparing BN6BT ceramics with fine grains and excellent dielectric and ferroelectric properties at relatively low temperatures.