bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An implementation of viscous pressure-force (‘soft-sphere’) model in REBOUND for local ring simulations
Authors: Mondino-Llermanos A E , Salo H
Published: April 2022

Numerical simulations are an essential tool for studying dynamics of dense, self-gravitating planetary rings. Here, we present a new implementation of a soft-sphere collision model into the parallel gravitational N-body code REBOUND. Specifically, our module is designed for simulations done in the local shearing sheet approximation, and includes a simple viscoelastic model for the contact forces between colliding particles. The soft-sphere treatment is particularly important in regimes where collisions cannot be treated as independent binary impacts, as is done in the hard-sphere method already implemented in the code. The new module is fully parallelized with MPI and it can be used in conjunction with the available gravity octree method, also fully parallelized, to perform self-gravitating simulations. We check the validity of our soft-sphere model by successfully reproducing the main steady-state properties of non-gravitating and self-gravitating systems reported in earlier literature. Moreover, we show that it gives realistic results also in the high optical depth and strong self-gravity regimes, where the hard-sphere method fails due to particle overlaps. In addition, we test the CPU-scaling and efficiency of the MPI-parallelization. The algorithm proves to retain much of the original REBOUND speed without sacrificing the accuracy of the results. Our new tool can thus be applied with confidence to planetary ring studies, such as those aimed at understanding the onset and evolution of viscous overstability in dense self-gravitating rings.
Using lower-redshift, non-CMB, data to constrain the Hubble constant and other cosmological parameters
Authors: Cao Shulei , Ratra Bharat
Published: April 2022

We use updated Hubble parameter and baryon acoustic oscillation data, as well as other lower-redshift Type Ia supernova, Mg ii reverberation-measured quasar, quasar angular size, H ii starburst galaxy, and Amati-correlated gamma-ray burst data, to jointly constrain cosmological parameters in six cosmological models. The joint analysis provides model-independent determinations of the Hubble constant, H0 = 69.7 ± 1.2 $\rm {km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}}$, and the current non-relativistic matter density parameter, Ωm0 = 0.295 ± 0.017. These error bars are factors of 2.2 and 2.3 larger than the corresponding error bars in the flat ΛCDM model from Planck TT,TE,EE+lowE+lensing cosmic microwave background anisotropy data. Based on the deviance information criterion (DIC), the flat ΛCDM model is most favored but mild dark energy dynamics and a little spatial curvature are not ruled out.
The role of nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase metallochaperones in making metalloenzymes
Authors: Vaccaro Francesca A , Drennan Catherine L
Published: April 2022

Metalloenzymes catalyze a diverse set of challenging chemical reactions that are essential for life. These metalloenzymes rely on a wide range of metallocofactors, from single metal ions to complicated metallic clusters. Incorporation of metal ions and metallocofactors into apo-proteins often requires the assistance of proteins known as metallochaperones. Nucleoside triphosphate hydrolases (NTPases) are one important class of metallochaperones and are found widely distributed throughout the domains of life. These proteins use the binding and hydrolysis of nucleoside triphosphates, either adenosine triphosphate or guanosine triphosphate, to carry out highly specific and regulated roles in the process of metalloenzyme maturation. Here, we review recent literature on NTPase metallochaperones and describe the current mechanistic proposals and available structural data. By using representative examples from each type of NTPase, we also illustrate the challenges in studying these complicated systems. We highlight open questions in the field and suggest future directions. This minireview is part of a special collection of articles in memory of Professor Deborah Zamble, a leader in the field of nickel biochemistry.
Leptomeningeal disease and tumor dissemination in a murine diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma model: implications for the study of the tumor-cerebrospinal fluid-ependymal microenvironment
Authors: Pan Shelei , Ye Dezhuang , Yue Yimei , Yang Lihua , Pacia Christopher P , DeFreitas Dakota , Esakky Prabagaran , Dahiya Sonika , Limbrick David D , Rubin Joshua B , Chen Hong , Strahle Jennifer M
Published: April 2022

Background

Leptomeningeal disease and hydrocephalus are present in up to 30% of patients with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), however there are no animal models of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dissemination. As the tumor–CSF–ependymal microenvironment may play an important role in tumor pathogenesis, we identified characteristics of the Nestin-tumor virus A (Nestin-Tva) genetically engineered mouse model that make it ideal to study the interaction of tumor cells with the CSF and its associated pathways with implications for the development of treatment approaches to address CSF dissemination in DIPG.

Methods

A Nestin-Tva model of DIPG utilizing the 3 most common DIPG genetic alterations (H3.3K27M, PDGF-B, and p53) was used for this study. All mice underwent MR imaging and a subset underwent histopathologic analysis with H&E and immunostaining.

Results

Tumor dissemination within the CSF pathways (ventricles, leptomeninges) from the subependyma was present in 76% (25/33) of mice, with invasion of the choroid plexus, disruption of the ciliated ependyma and regional subependymal fluid accumulation. Ventricular enlargement consistent with hydrocephalus was present in 94% (31/33). Ventricle volume correlated with region-specific transependymal CSF flow (periventricular T2 signal), localized anterior to the lateral ventricles.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report CSF pathway tumor dissemination associated with subependymal tumor in an animal model of DIPG and is representative of CSF dissemination seen clinically. Understanding the CSF–tumor–ependymal microenvironment has significant implications for treatment of DIPG through targeting mechanisms of tumor spread within the CSF pathways.
DOMINANT AWN INHIBITOREncodes the ALOG Protein Originating from Gene Duplication and Inhibits AWN Elongation by Suppressing Cell Proliferation and Elongation in Sorghum
Authors: Takanashi Hideki , Kajiya-Kanegae Hiromi , Nishimura Asuka , Yamada Junko , Ishimori Motoyuki , Kobayashi Masaaki , Yano Kentaro , Iwata Hiroyoshi , Tsutsumi Nobuhiro , Sakamoto Wataru
Published: April 2022

The awn, a needle-like structure extending from the tip of the lemma in grass species, plays a role in environmental adaptation and fitness. In some crops, awns appear to have been eliminated during domestication. Although numerous genes involved in awn development have been identified, several dominant genes that eliminate awns are also known to exist. For example, in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), the dominant awn-inhibiting gene has been known since 1921; however, its molecular features remain uncharacterized. In this study, we conducted quantitative trait locus analysis and a genome-wide association study of awn-related traits in sorghum and identified DOMINANT AWN INHIBITOR (DAI), which encodes the ALOG family protein on chromosome 3. DAI appeared to be present in most awnless sorghum cultivars, likely because of its effectiveness. Detailed analysis of the ALOG protein family in cereals revealed that DAI originated from a duplication of its twin paralog (DAIori) on chromosome 10. Observations of immature awns in near-isogenic lines revealed that DAI inhibits awn elongation by suppressing both cell proliferation and elongation. We also found that only DAI gained a novel function to inhibit awn elongation through an awn-specific expression pattern distinct from that of DAIori. Interestingly, heterologous expression of DAI with its own promoter in rice inhibited awn elongation in the awned cultivar Kasalath. We found that DAI originated from gene duplication, providing an interesting example of gain-of-function that occurs only in sorghum but shares its functionality with rice and sorghum.
Treatment of chikungunya-associated joint pain: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Rodrigo Chaturaka , Herath Tharuka , Wickramarachchi Uchila , Fernando Deepika , Rajapakse Senaka
Published: April 2022

Post-chikungunya joint pain (arthritis or arthralgia) is a clinical concern in endemic regions as it may cause a debilitating illness sometimes years after the acute infection. This systematic review analyses evidence from controlled clinical trials regarding the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to treat post-chikungunya joint pain. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane library and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies without any language or time limits, excluding retrospective studies, and prospective observational studies without a control group. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven assessed pharmacological interventions and four assessed non-pharmacological interventions (exercise, neuromodulation). The number of participants in each intervention arm varied from 10 to 75 and, given the heterogeneity of interventions, a meta-analysis was not possible. Available evidence does not show any added benefit of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, stand-alone methotrexate or ribavirin compared with anti-inflammatory drugs or placebo/no treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce pain up to 24 wk of treatment but long-term residual impact after stopping treatment is unassessed. Currently, there is also no high certainty evidence to recommend non-pharmacological methods such as exercise and neuromodulation.
6Film Theory
Authors: Lash Dominic
Published: April 2022

This chapter discusses six notable books published in 2021 (with the exception of Shane Denson’s work, published in late 2020), chosen so as to illustrate both the depth and the breadth of the year’s work in film theory and criticism. It is divided into seven sections: 1. Shane Denson, Discorrelated Images; 2. Adriana Gordjuela, Flashbacks in Film; 3. Paul Coates, Comparative Cinema; 4. Anna Backman Rogers, Still Life; 5. Daniel Morgan, The Lure of the Image; 6. Hoi Lun Law, Ambiguity and Film Criticism; 7. Conclusion.
Osteology and phylogenetic position of the diminutive ‘microsaur’Odonterpeton triangularefrom the Pennsylvanian of Linton, Ohio, and major features of recumbirostran phylogeny
Authors: Mann Arjan , Pardo Jason D , Sues Hans-Dieter
Published: April 2022

The group of Permo-Carboniferous tetrapods known as Recumbirostra have recently been hypothesized to represent the earliest radiation of fossorial reptiles. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and diversity of this clade is essential to understanding the origin and early evolution of amniotes. Here, we redescribe the diminutive ‘microsaur’ Odonterpeton triangulare from the Moscovian-age deposit of Linton, Ohio, revealing new details on the structure of the cranium and palate, including the presence of a conspicuous transverse flange of the pterygoid, which is a feature traditionally associated with early amniotes. Phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of Odonterpeton triangulare within Recumbirostra as sister taxon to the recently described Joermungandr bolti from the slightly older Mazon Creek, Illinois, Lagerstätte. Together, these two diminutive recumbirostrans are placed in an Odonterpetidae clade. Furthermore, we provide a discussion of newly recognized anatomical features in recumbirostrans and discuss major features of recumbirostran phylogeny. We designate a new recumbirostran clade, Chthonosauria (Brachystelechidae + Molgophidae), which is supported by a number of shared derived cranial features.
Biocontrol and Growth Promotion Potential of Combined Application of Trichoderma simmonsii and Aspergillus westerdijkiae Against Apple Tree Dieback Disease
Authors: Ben M'henni Yosra , Salem Ibtissem Ben , Souli Mounira , Tounsi Slim , Debieu Danièle , Fillinger Sabine , Boughalleb-M'hamdi Naima
Published: April 2022

Our study aimed at selecting new biological control agent (BCA) strains for their inhibitory activities against Pythiaceae species causing apple dieback as new sources to control this important disease of Tunisian apple orchards. We focused on antibiosis as a mode of action of selected isolates obtained from our screening. The fungal isolates Trichoderma simmonsii A2, T. asperellum A3, and Aspergillus westerdijkiae A7 showed the strongest inhibition profiles against the tested Pythiaceae isolates with respect to inhibition rates and activity spectra in in vitro inhibition assays using the isolates or their culture filtrates. In particular, A. westerdijkiae A7 culture filtrate inhibited growth of Pythiaceae isolates by up to 100%. T. simmonsii A2, A. westerdijkiae A7, and one bacterial isolate ( Bacillus sp. strain B2) were tested for their protective effect in planta against dieback disease on apple rootstocks alone or in combination as preventive and curative applications. The results revealed that T. simmonsii A2 exhibited the strongest preventive activity against Pythium undulatum BME and Phytophthora inundata BGA1 in solo application. The combination of different BCAs had contrasting effects on disease control, indicating additive or synergistic effects between two BCAs but negative interactions in the triple combination. Our study also revealed that the three tested BCAs had plant growth-promoting activities on root and shoot parameters, alone or in combination. Altogether, our study provides promising leads for new BCAs. The BCA combination is of particular interest for further studies aiming at the isolation of new molecules with anti-oomycete and/or plant growth-promoting activity.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Metastatic Melanoma to a Neurofibroma
Authors: Ireland Amanda , Williams Bernadette , Rijhumal Anmol , Mesbah Ardakani Nima
Published: April 2022

We present an extraordinary case of metastatic cutaneous melanoma to a pre-existing neurofibroma in a 75-year-old man with a history of primary invasive melanoma in an anatomically close vicinity. Histological examination of the metastatic melanoma showed a well-circumscribed intradermal nodule of frankly malignant epithelioid melanocytes without an intraepidermal component, surrounded and sharply demarcated from a diffuse spindle cell proliferation with morphological features of a neurofibroma. The spindle cell component showed bland cytologic features, with no mitotic activity or lymphocytic inflammation and no features of malignancy. By immunohistochemistry, both components expressed S100, while HMB45 positivity and complete loss of p16 were only observed in the epithelioid cells. The morphologically distinct areas were analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization, which demonstrated an abnormal profile (gain of RREB1 and homozygous loss of CDKN2A) in the epithelioid nodule; however, no abnormalities were detected in the spindle cell component. Next-generation sequencing showed somatic NRAS and PTEN mutations in the melanoma cells only. The overall molecular findings supported the immunomorphological diagnosis of metastatic melanoma within a neurofibroma over the potential differential diagnosis of melanoma with a neurofibroma-like spindle/desmoplastic component.
Vital Sign Changes During Intravenous Ketamine Infusions for Depression
Authors: Keith Katherine M. , Geller Jamarie , Froehlich Alexis , Arfken Cynthia , Oxley Megan , Mischel Nicholas
Published: April 2022

Purpose/Background

Subanesthetic dosing of intravenous ketamine has shown to be an effective treatment for patients with major depressive disorder. It is unknown whether sympathetic response is related to treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate sympathetic response to ketamine infusions as it relates to treatment outcomes.

Methods/Procedures

This retrospective study examines an outpatient population diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar depression treated with ketamine infusions. Patient characteristics, depressive symptoms measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and vital signs were retrieved by chart review. Patients (n = 145) were categorized as responders (50% reduction in PHQ-9 or less than 10 on final PHQ-9) or nonresponders. Changes in vital signs were recorded during each infusion for the initiation series.

Findings/Results

Ketamine responders (51.7%) showed a significant greater increase in systolic blood pressure response during the first infusion when compared with nonresponders. There was no difference seen in diastolic pressure, heart rate, or rate pressure product. Changes in vital signs for subsequent infusions also did not approach significance.

Implications/Conclusions

Physiologic sensitivity to the effects of ketamine may predict treatment responsiveness. Blood pressure and heart rate did not always increase. Further work should examine possible influences on physiologic responses.
Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at auricular concha region in promoting of rehabilitation of ischemic stroke patients with upper limb motor dysfunction
Authors: Liu Yilin , Zhang Liping , Wang Sanrong , Long Lu , Zang Qianwen , Jia Gongwei
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Ischemic stroke (IS) is the one of the most severe neurological disease, survivors may live with upper limb motor dysfunction (ULMD) resulting in heavy social and economic burden. Nowadays, there are few approaches to promote the rehabilitation of ULMD. Auricular acupuncture (electroacupuncture [EA]) has long been used in the treatment of neurological disorders in China. This treatment has become an attractive treatment option due to its low cost, portability, minimal side effects, and ease of use in clinical and operational environments. However, its efficacy and safety in consciousness recovery remain to be proved.

Methods:

A total of 80 IS patients with single upper limb motor function impairment will be recruited in the trial and randomized into EA or control groups. Patients in the control group will receive routine conventional treatment alone while patients in the EA group will receive EA treatment for 3 consecutive weeks based on routine conventional treatment. Baseline evaluation was carried out on day of enrollment, post-treatment evaluation was carried out 14 and 21 days after enrollment, and the 2 groups were follow-ups in 3 and 6 months after the end of the trial. The efficacy will be assessed with the changes in the upper limb Fugl–Meyer assessment, Wolf motor function test, action research arm test, active range of motion, and Barthel index. The safety of EA will be estimated by monitoring the incidence of adverse events and changes in vital signs during the study period. Analysis of feasibility will be descriptive and the change in outcome measures between groups will be analyzed using an independent sample t test.

Discussion:

This study tried to narrow the evidence gap on the efficacy of EA at the auricular on the recovery of ULMD in patients with IS. The results of this trial will provide strong evidence for the efficacy and safety of EA of auricular concha region stimulation for IS patients.

Trial registration: This trial has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, numbered ChiCTR2100049678.
The right apical tracheal bronchus with bronchial leiomyoma
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ma Haitao
Published: April 2022

Rationale:

Tracheal bronchus is an aberrant bronchus that arises directly from the carina of the trachea. It was rare, with only 0.1% to 2% on the right and 0.3% to 1% on the left side of the lateral wall. Tracheal bronchus is usually asymptomatic and can be accidentally detected during bronchoscopy or computed tomography (CT).

Patient concerns:

A 62-year-old woman presented with recurrent cough and sputum for more than 1 month.

Diagnosis:

Bronchoscopy and three-dimensional-CT confirmed that the bronchial leiomyoma blocked the opening of the right apical segmental tracheal bronchus.

Interventions:

After 2 bronchoscopy treatments, the patient still complained of. cough and sputum. Finally, the patient underwent thoracotomy for a right apical segmentectomy and tracheoplasty.

Outcomes:

The patient was safely discharged and no longer experienced cough. or sputum.

Lessons:

Surgery can reliably remove bronchial leiomyomas. When crossing. the tracheal bronchus, it is important to be cautious about the pulmonary. In such situations, bronchoscopy and three-dimensional-CT are beneficial for surgery.
Extended-release tofacitinib for refractory Behçet disease
Authors: Wang Chrong-Reen , Wong Tak-Wah , Hsu Sheng-Min
Published: April 2022

Rationale:

Although single-cytokine inhibitors can be considered in treating severe or refractory Behçet disease (BD), these biologic agents are associated with potential therapeutic failure due to the multi-cytokine pathogenesis involving Th1- and Th17-type cytokines with activated Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathways. Notably, there is an increasing trend toward the use of small-molecule targeted drug tofacitinib (TOF), a pan-Janus kinase inhibitor, with immediate-release formulations for treating patients with severe or refractory systemic vasculitis involving different vessel sizes. Despite no reported efficacy of extended-release formulations in refractory BD yet, such a dosage form has pharmacokinetic parameters that are comparable to those of conventional immediate-release formulations.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:

We report the case of a 27-year-old local woman with recurrent manifestations of arthritis, orogential ulcerations, papulopustular lesions, and anterior uveitis. She was diagnosed with BD for more than 3 years, and received long-term corticosteroids plus immunosuppressants therapy with the complication of opportunistic candidiasis infection.

Interventions and outcomes:

Under extended-release TOF 11 mg once-daily therapy, the patient achieved disease remission while sparing the use of corticosteroids during follow-up.

Lessons:

Our clinical observations implicate the oral convenience and therapeutic efficacy of extended-release TOF formulations in controlling the disease activity of BD.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Muscle Tightness in Young Adults
Authors: Bhimani Rozina , Hang Justin-Tou Ya
Published: April 2022

In young adults, muscle sprains and strains leading to muscle tightness are considered short-term and believed to have no ill effects on quality of life. However, recent advances in the science indicate that muscle tightness is an invisible condition that can limit life activities. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and characteristics of muscle tightness in young adults. The study used descriptive quantitative design. One hundred individuals aged between 18 and 27 years completed a survey based upon a validated muscle tightness measurement tool. Seventy-two percent of participants reported experiencing muscle tightness that limited their daily living and recreational activities. Fifty-six percent reported experiencing pain with muscle tightness. Women were more likely than men to experience muscle tightness. Awareness, prompt evaluation, and treatment of this condition are key to preventing negative consequences associated with chronic muscle tightness.
The incidence and characteristics of chronic pain and fatigue after 12 months later admitting with COVID-19; The Post- COVID 19 syndrome
Authors: Janbazi Lobaneh , Kazemian Alireza , Mansouri Kourosh , Madani Seyed Pezhman , Yousefi Naseh , Vahedifard Farzan , Raissi Gholamreza
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate chronic pain and fatigue in patients 12 months after hospitalization for Covid-19.

Methods

We studied the COVID-19 patients discharged from Hospital, March 10 and April 20, 2020.

Results

A total of 157 patients were included in this study. Forty-three patients (27.4%) complained of chronic fatigue and muscle weakness in the last six months. The visual analog fatigue scale (VAFS) score of 3.84 ± 1.48 was obtained. Forty patients (25.5%) were suspected of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Twenty-four patients (15.3%) had severe chronic pain or exacerbation of previous chronic pain, most of which were reported in the lower back (70.8%) and lower extremities (66.7%). Pain intensity had a mean score of 2.33 ± 0.87 and was mainly described as "muscle cramps," "persistent dull pain," and "boring and numbing." In women, chronic pain and fatigue, extended hospital stays, ICU admission, and depressed mood were common than in men.

For these pain and fatigue, 37% used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 16.3% used antidepressants. Only one person had applied for physiotherapy, and none of the patients had received psychotherapy.

Conclusion

Fatigue and chronic pain in patients recovering from COVID-19 are common complications, even after 12 months of illness.
Catalyst-free decarboxylation of 4-hydroxycinnamic acids: efficient synthesis of 4-vinylphenols
Authors: Yang Qian , Li Youjuan , Liu Huanhuan , Wang Enhua , Peng Mei , Deng Tingfei , Pan Xiong , Luo Zhongsheng , Yan Yanfang , Yang Lishou , Yang Xiaosheng
Published: April 2022

We report herein an efficient protocol for the synthesis of 4-vinylphenols by a catalyst-free decarboxylation of
trans
-4-hydroxycinnamic acids. A variety of 4-vinylphenols has been synthesized in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol also features no polymerization.
Agrilactobacillus fermenti sp. nov. isolated from fermented vegetable residue
Authors: Lin Shih-Yao , Hameed Asif , Tsai Chia-Fang , Hung Mei-Hua , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: April 2022

A polyphasic taxonomic approach was used to characterize a Gram-stain-positive fermentative bacterium, designated strain CC-MHH1034T, isolated from a fermented vegetable residue. Cells of strain CC-MHH1034T were facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, and non-spore-forming rods, exhibiting positive catalase, oxidase and protease activities. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °С and pH 6.0. Strain CC-MHH1034T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with

Agrilactobacillus composti

(95.9 %) followed by

Agrilactobacillus yilanensis

(95.1 %) and established a distinct taxonomic lineage associated with these species. Highest orthologous average nucleotide identity (OrthoANI) values were recorded for strain CC-MHH1034T versus

Agrilactobacillus

(71.1–71.6 %, n=2) followed by

Ligilactobacillus

(66.5–66.8 %, n=2),

Lactobacillus

(64.1–65.8 %, n=4). The mean digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) value obtained for strain CC-MHH1034T against

Agrilactobacillus

was 19.2–19.5 % (n=2). The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified glycolipids, four unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The major polyamine was sym-homospermidine and meso-diaminopimelic acid was detected as the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The dominating cellular fatty acids (>5 %) included C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and C18 : 1
 ω9c. Based on its distinct phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic traits together with results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence, OrthoANI, dDDH, and the phylogenomic placement, strain CC-MHH1034T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Agrilactobacillus

, affiliated to the family

Lactobacillaceae

, for which the name Agrilactobacillus fermenti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-MHH1034T (=BCRC 81220T=JCM 33476T).
Finite element method based co-simulation platform for the numerical analysis of motor drive system
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng , Huang Huiwen , Shao Dingguo , Yang Xinsheng , Zhang Changgeng
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to develop a finite element method based co-simulation platform for the numerical analysis of motor drive system. With the rising requirement of industry, the comprehensive design of motor drive systems has attracted increasing attentions. An accurate model, which considers the coupling between motor and its drive system, is vital for the analysis and design of motor drive system.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the coupling relationship between motor and its drive system, a flexible and extensible co-simulation platform of motor drive system is developed with the C++ language and finite element machine model to carry out the comprehensive analysis of motor drive system. The control system simulation program developed with C++ language adopts the same discrete form as the single-chip microcomputer and can simulate the interrupt mechanism, making the simulation closer to the actual control system. With the finite element analysis results of current step, the winding input voltage of next step is calculated by the executable program of control system and is fed into the finite element analysis, forming the two-way coupling analysis of drive system.

Findings

Preliminary studies, such as calculation of machine core losses fed by inverters, and control parameters optimization, are conducted with this platform, which shows the flexibility and expansibility of this platform.

Originality/value

The power inverter circuit along with the controller is modeled using the C++ language, and embedded into the finite element machine model to achieve more realistic motor drive system simulation and complex functions.
The joint influence of the timing and framing of an online upselling message on consumer perceptions: the roles of construal level and reactance
Authors: Denizci Guillet Basak , Mattila Anna S. , Peng Zixi (Lavi) , Gao Yixing (Lisa)
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the interactive effect of timing and framing of hotel’s upselling message on consumer attitudes toward the message. The mediating role of reactance between the timing of upselling message and consumer attitudes is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A 2 (timing: immediately after the booking vs one week prior to arrival) by 2 (framing: concrete vs abstract) experimental design was used. A total of 250 Chinese consumers were recruited and were randomly exposed to a hotel online upselling scenario. The consumer attitudes and reactance were measured.

Findings

When the framing of upselling message involves specific room attributes, consumers show more favorable attitudes when receiving the promotion one week prior to arrival (vs immediately after the booking). However, when the framing of upselling message involves price, consumer attitudes do not differ across the time of receiving the promotion. Reactance mediates the effect of message timing on consumer attitudes when the message framing involves specific room attributes.

Practical implications

This research suggests that hotel managers should offer concrete message framing that includes specific room attributes at the time proximal to consumers’ arrival to increase acceptance of online room upselling. In addition, it is important for hotel managers to take consumers’ reactance into consideration when developing an online upselling strategy.

Originality/value

Research on online hotel room upselling is scant. This study adds to the upselling literature by examining the joint influence of timing and framing of upselling promotions on consumer attitudes toward such messages. Furthermore, this study extends our understanding of the role of reactance in the online upselling process.
Supply chain sustainability drivers for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector: an Indian perspective
Authors: Prashar Anupama
Published: April 2022

Purpose

: Sustainability in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chains (SC) is receiving greater than ever attention due to the increasing awareness of sustainability challenges such as climate change and labor rights. A definite solution is to integrate sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices all through the upstream and downstream entities of SC. This study identified and compared the drivers for the implementation of SSCM practices in Indian FMCG sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A methodology based on Grey-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), a hybrid multiple-criteria decision making (MCDM) technique and sensitivity analysis was used to envisage the complex causal relationships among the identified SSCM drivers and to identify the critical ones.

Findings

The results showed that regulatory and legislative pressure, competition pressure and innovativeness dominantly drive the implementation of SSCM practices in the upstream and downstream SC of the FMCG sector.

Originality/value

The study examined levers of sustainability in FMCG supply chains in an emerging market with most of the extant research limited to automotive and electronic supply chains.
Personal finance behaviour: a reasoned action approach
Authors: Sam Philomina Araba , Frimpong Siaw , Kendie Stephen
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study sought to examine the impact of financial knowledge, financial attitude, locus of control and income on financial behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the reasoned action approach framework by Fishbein and Ajzen (2010), with formal sector workers in three districts of Ghana as the population. Questionnaires were used to collect data and analysed using partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results of the study revealed that perceived financial knowledge, financial attitude and locus of control had a significant positive relationship with financial behaviour intention. The assertion that actual financial knowledge and income influence actual financial behaviour was not supported by the findings. However, income moderated significantly the intention–actual financial behaviour relationship.

Practical implications

The findings imply that having financial knowledge or earning a higher income in itself does not guarantee the good financial behaviour of people. It is recommended that financial education must focus on developing good financial attitudes and beliefs to enhance the needed behavioural change.

Originality/value

To the best of the researcher's knowledge, there is no study of financial behaviour that adopts the methodology and variables used in this research in Ghana.
Narratives of life after political imprisonment: Republican and Loyalist ex-prisoners in Northern Ireland
Authors: Hunt Nigel , Willis Stacey
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of prison experience in ex-political prisoners in Northern Ireland in the context of changing and conflicting master narratives.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of nine interviews were conducted with Loyalist and Republican political ex-prisoners in Northern Ireland. Eight were male and one was female. All had been in prison for substantial sentences relating to the Troubles.

Findings

This study highlighted the challenges faced by political ex-prisoners regarding the changing conflicting master narratives in Northern Ireland and identified how they deal with these challenges. The participants adapted to post-conflict society by attempting to understand and make sense of their experiences, including justifying their actions as appropriate for the era and identifying positive changes in society resulting from the conflict.

Research limitations/implications

A narrative approach can be beneficial for understanding the experiences of political ex-prisoners. It enables a theoretical perspective to look not only at the personal but also at social elements of why people behave as they do. The findings demonstrate that political ex-prisoners do have different experiences to non-political ex-prisoners. The sample size was small and was drawn from a specific group of political ex-prisoners who were actively seeking reconciliation. The findings may be different for other groups.

Practical implications

A narrative approach can help the practitioner understand the context in which a person lives; ex-political prisoners may be very different from ordinary ex-prisoners because of the context in which they were imprisoned and the reasons for which they were imprisoned. They are likely to continue with the narrative of the conflict they fought in and may still have the same aims (e.g. Northern Ireland to become part of Ireland), though they may or may not believe in the same means. These are issues that should be discussed and elaborated when working with ex-political prisoners.

Social implications

The master narratives active in the society into which the political ex-prisoner is released may impact the success or otherwise of their re-integration into society.

Originality/value

Understanding the role of conflicting master narratives in dealing with the implications of being an ex-political prisoner.
Emotional communication by service robots: a research agenda
Authors: Becker Marc , Efendić Emir , Odekerken-Schröder Gaby
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Many service industries are facing severe labor shortages. As a result, service providers are turning to new sources of labor, such as service robots. Critics however often point out that service robots lack emotional communication capabilities without which they cannot be expected to truly replace human employees and fill the emerging labor market gaps. Here, a research agenda for the investigation of the role of emotional communication by service robots and its effects on customers and their service experience are laid out. This paper aims to propose that research in this area will further understanding of how service robots can add value to service frontlines, engage customers, increasingly replace service employees and ultimately help overcome pressing labor shortages.

Design/methodology/approach

A research agenda structured around the three-step emotional communication process (i.e. read, decide and express) and the four emotional communication strategies crucial for service interactions (i.e. mimicking, alleviating, infusing and preventing) are conceptualized.

Findings

Three contributions are made. First, the importance of emotional communication by service robots during service interactions is highlighted. Second, interdisciplinary research priorities and opportunities in this emerging field are mapped out. Third, a theoretical structure to connect the findings of future studies is provided.

Originality/value

Service research investigating the role and implications of emotional communication by service robots is scarce. A research agenda to guide the exploration of this crucial, yet underresearched component of customer-robot service interactions is structured and mapped out.
Earnings autocorrelation and accounting restatements
Authors: Bryan David B. , Mason Terry W.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether earnings autocorrelation affects the risk of an accounting restatement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses logistic regression and identifies restatements between 2004 and 2016. Following prior research, (Dao et al., 2012; Francis and Michas, 2013; Francis et al., 2013; Lennox and Li, 2014; Lobo and Zhao, 2013; Paterson and Valencia, 2011), this study allows time between the end of our sample period and the date that this study obtained the restatement data because it takes time for material misstatements to be identified.

Findings

Bryan et al. (2018) report a negative association between autocorrelation and audit fees, suggesting that auditors view lower autocorrelation as increasing inherent risk. This study finds that autocorrelation is negatively related to accounting restatements, implying that although auditors react to lower autocorrelation by increasing their risk assessments (Bryan et al., 2018), their risk response is not sufficient. This study finds that autocorrelation has a fairly large effect: a shift from the 75th to the 25th percentile of autocorrelation is associated with a 9.38% increase in the likelihood of a restatement.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the stream of research that investigates the determinants of restatements. Not only do this study identifies autocorrelation as a factor that contributes to restatements, but importantly, this study’s results reveal a fairly substantial effect size: a shift from the 75th to the 25th percentile of autocorrelation is associated with a 9.38% increase in the likelihood of a restatement. While Bryan et al. (2018) find that autocorrelation affects audit fees, this study links autocorrelation to a more drastic consequence: accounting restatements.
Conserving the dignity of teaching through ethics as ‘mise en question’
Authors: Castillo Katja , Kukkola Jani , Siljander Pauli
Published: April 2022

In this article, we examine Emmanuel Levinas’ understanding of ethics through a conceptual analysis of ethics as ‘mise en question’. We contribute our perspective to the conversation on the Levinasian approach to education provoked by Alistair Miller, Soyoung Lee and Paul Standish. Through a systematic reading of Levinas’ texts as well as his unedited notes, we formulate a stance to support Levinasian ethics in the context of education. We argue that Levinasian ethics understood through mise en question helps reformulate the pedagogical relationship as a dynamic relationship where both the teacher and the student are called into question by the other. The otherness of the teacher challenges the student towards responsibility, to be a student-in-question, and the otherness of the student summons the teacher to respond, to be a teacher-in-question. In this way, the dignity of teaching can be conserved. By analysing Levinas’ unedited notes, we trace his commitment to teaching as a dialectic process where the subjectivity of the subject shifts away from being to a being-in-question.
Defining emergency medicine
Authors: Crofton Andrew K , Staib Andrew N
Published: April 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to the development of alternative means of accessing unplanned care in order to avoid unnecessary ED presentations and hospital admissions. We explore the definition of emergency medicine, which patients are better served by accessing unplanned hospital care via alternative pathways, and the concept of emergency care completion.
Mediastinal “deep freeze”—transcarinal lymph node cryobiopsy
Authors: Gershman Evgeni , Amram Ikan Alon , Pertzov Barak , Rosengarten Dror , Kramer Mordechai Reuven
Published: April 2022

Background

The diagnostic yield of endobronchial ultrasound‐transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) from mediastinal lymph nodes ranges from 66%–89%. However, in many cases cytologic material is not sufficient for full molecular evaluation. A novel method of transcarinal cryobiopsy aims to provide bronchoscopically obtained, larger specimen samples from mediastinal lymph nodes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of transcarinal EBUS‐guided lymph node cryobiopsy.

Methods

Patients referred for EBUS‐TBNA, based on abnormal mediastinal clinical and radiographic findings, were enrolled into this prospective interventional study between July 2020 and August 2021. All EBUS‐TBNA procedures were performed using ProCore 22G needle (Cook Medical) to create, both a transcarinal tract for the cryoprobe and to obtain TBNA samples. For EBUS guided transcarinal cryobiopsy, we used flexible 1.1 mm or 1.7 mm cryoprobe inserted into the working channel of the EBUS scope and into the target subcarinal lymph node.

Results

Twenty‐four patients with male predominance 2:1 and mean age of 60.12 ± 10.16 years were enrolled. All target lymph nodes had hypoechoic, homogenic consistency with demarcated borders, without central structures. Cryobiopsy provided pathological diagnosis in 20 cases (83.33%), with 1.1 mm cryoprobe in 14 and with 1.7 mm cryoprobe in 6 cases. In one case each, pathology was provided by TBNA or by cryoprobe alone. No immediate or late complications were encountered during the procedures.

Conclusion

Transcarinal EBUS guided lymph node cryobiopsy following EBUS‐TBNA proved to be efficient with a high diagnostic yield and can be considered safe, because no immediate or late complications occurred.
Prenatal alcohol exposure contributes to negative pregnancy outcomes by altering fetal vascular dynamics and the placental transcriptome
Authors: Pinson Marisa R. , Tseng Alexander M. , Adams Amy , Lehman Tenley E. , Chung Karen , Gutierrez Jessica , Larin Kirill V. , Chambers Christina , Miranda Rajesh C. ,   Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Published: April 2022

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to alter fetal blood flow in utero and is also associated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), suggesting an underlying connection between perturbed circulation and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Timed‐pregnant C57/BL6NHsd mice, bred in‐house, were exposed by gavage on gestational day 10 (GD10) to ethanol (3 g/kg) or purified water, as a control. Pulse‐wave Doppler ultrasound measurements for umbilical arteries and ascending aorta were obtained post‐gavage (GD12, GD14, GD18) on 2 fetuses/litter. RNA from the non‐decidual (labyrinthine and junctional zone) portion of placentas was isolated and processed for RNA‐seq and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, and the association between transcriptomic changes and fetal phenotypes assessed.

Results

Exposure to ethanol in pregnant mice on GD10 attenuates umbilical cord blood flow transiently during gestation, and is associated with indices of IUGR, specifically decreased fetal weight and morphometric indices of cranial growth. Moreover, RNA‐seq of the fetal portion of the placenta demonstrated that this single exposure has lasting transcriptomic changes, including upregulation of Tet3, which is associated with spontaneous abortion. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified erythrocyte differentiation and homeostasis as important pathways associated with improved umbilical cord blood flow as gestation progresses. WGCNA also identified sensory perception of chemical stimulus/odorant and receptor activity as important pathways associated with cranial growth.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that PAE perturbs the expression of placental genes relevant for placental hematopoiesis and environmental sensing, resulting in transient impairment of umbilical cord blood flow and, subsequently, IUGR.