bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loneliness and psychological well-being among community-dwelling elderly people: the mediating role of death anxiety
Authors: Sreelekha N. , Sia Surendra Kumar 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
The present study aims to investigate the relationship between loneliness and psychological well-being and examine whether death anxiety mediates the association between loneliness and psychological well-being among community-dwelling elderly people in the Kerala state of India.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 209 participants (125 males and 84 females) were selected for this study through the convenience sampling method. SPSS (version 22) was used to estimate descriptive and correlational indices. Mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes Process macro-Version 3.5 and 5,000 bootstrapped sample-based analysis.

Findings
Results indicate the significant indirect effect of loneliness on psychological well-being through the influence of death anxiety. It was thus concluded that lonely feelings among elderly people lower psychological well-being and death anxiety partially mediates the relationship of loneliness and psychological well-being.

Research limitations/implications
The cross-sectional study with the use of questionnaires might not be adequate to establish causal links. All the participants were from community-dwelling. So it reduces the possibility of generalizing the findings to institutional settings. The study recommends the need and importance of mental health support for elderly people through community intervention programs to reduce their feeling of loneliness.

Originality/value
The present study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by substantiating the mediating role of death anxiety in the relationship between loneliness and the psychological well-being of elderly people staying at home.
Does commitment to environment and society pays? Evidence from COVID-19 impact on stock volatility
Authors: Sharma Nishi , Kaur Arshdeep , Rawat Shailika 
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study aims to analyse whether investment in green and sustainable stocks provide some cushion during current precarious time. To compare the impact of COVID-19 on the volatility of sustainable and market-capitalisation-based stocks, daily returns from Greenex, Carbonex, Large-Cap, Mid-Cap and Small-Cap index have been analysed over a period of six years from 2015 to 2021.

Design/methodology/approach
At the outset, logarithmic return of all selected indices has been tested for possible unit root and heteroscedastic. On confirmation of stationarity and heteroscedasticity of data, auto-regressive conditional heteroscedastic models have been applied. Thereafter, volatility is modelled through best suitable model as suggested by Akaike and Schwarz information criterions.

Findings
The findings indicate the positive impact of COVID-19 on the volatility of the indices. Asymmetric power ARCH model indicates highest significant impact of COVID-19 over the volatility of Large-Cap index, whereas exponential GARCH model detected highest significant impact of COVID-19 over the volatility of Mid-Cap Index.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is original in the sense that it aimed at comparing the possible impact of COVID-19 over sustainable and market-capitalisation-based indices.
Solamargine induces autophagy‐mediated apoptosis and enhances bortezomib activity in multiple myeloma
Authors: Han Qiaoyan , Bai Hua , Xu Yong , Zhou Min , Zhou He , Dong Xiaoqing , Chen Bing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy with a poor survival rate. Conventional chemotherapeutic agent‐induced adverse events, including toxicity, neuropathy or drug resistance, significantly decrease the patients' quality of life and can even lead to interruption of treatment. Therefore, novel therapeutic drugs and strategies are urgently needed to improve MM therapy and patient outcomes. Here, we show that solamargine (SM), a steroidal alkaloid glycoside isolated from a Chinese herb Solanum nigrum L., exhibits promising anti‐MM activity. In particular, SM suppressed the viability of MM cell lines (ARP‐1 and NCI‐H929) in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, inducing apoptosis in these cells. RNA‐seq analysis showed that treatment with SM led to the upregulation of genes associated with cell death and autophagy in H929 cells. Further, we found that treatment with SM activated autophagy in the MM cells, as incubation with 3‐Methyladenine, an inhibitor of autophagy, significantly alleviated SM‐triggered apoptosis and inhibition of viability in MM cells. Interestingly, we also observed a synergistic effect between SM and bortezomib (BTZ), a common chemotherapeutic agent for MM, in both MM cells and human bone marrow CD138+ primary myeloma cells. We also confirmed the single‐agent efficacy of SM and the synergistic effects between SM and BTZ in an MM xenograft mouse model. Collectively, these findings indicate that SM exerts an anti‐MM effect, at least in part, by activating cell autophagy and reveal that SM alone or in combination with BTZ is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating MM.
The Bacillus phage SPβ and its relatives: a temperate phage model system reveals new strains, species, prophage integration loci, conserved proteins and lysogeny management components
Authors: Kohm Katharina , Floccari Valentina A. , Lutz Veronika T. , Nordmann Birthe , Mittelstädt Carolin , Poehlein Anja , Dragoš Anna , Commichau Fabian M. , Hertel Robert 
Published: March 2022

SummaryThe Bacillus phage SPβ has been known for about 50 years, but only a few strains are available. We isolated four new wild‐type strains of the SPbeta species. Phage vB_BsuS‐Goe14 introduces its prophage into the spoVK locus, previously not observed to be used by SPβ‐like phages. Sequence data revealed the genome replication strategy and the genome packaging mode of SPβ‐like phages. We extracted 55 SPβ‐like prophages from public Bacillus genomes, thereby discovering three more integration loci and one additional type of integrase. The identified prophages resemble four new species clusters and three species orphans in the genus Spbetavirus. The determined core proteome of all SPβ‐like prophages consists of 38 proteins. The integration cassette proved to be not conserved, even though, present in all strains. It consists of distinct integrases. Analysis of SPβ transcriptomes revealed three conserved genes, yopQ, yopR, and yokI, to be transcribed from a dormant prophage. While yopQ and yokI could be deleted from the prophage without activating the prophage, damaging of yopR led to a clear‐plaque phenotype. Under the applied laboratory conditions, the yokI mutant showed an elevated virion release implying the YokI protein being a component of the arbitrium system.
Bridging ‘Home’ Political and Economic Rationalities with ‘Host’ Demands and Constraints: The Case of Regional Chinese State‐owned Multinational Corporations
Authors: Li Xinxiang , Bo Le , Shen Dan , Soobaroyen Teerooven 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRegional state‐owned multinational corporations (SOMNCs) are a major constituent of the ‘going out’ strategy of the Chinese state. Although SOMNCs are nominally infused with political rationalities, they also have explicit contractual economic targets. We therefore explore the underlying rationalities of regional SOMNCs and the roles of expatriate managers in relation to their international expansion strategies. We mobilize Foucault's conception of ‘governmentality’ in providing a holistic understanding of the case of a regional SOMNC (and its subsidiary in Ghana), notably how its managers rationalize their decisions in terms of reconciling political vision with local contexts, tackling domestic competition via foreign market exploration, mobilizing local engagement, improving expatriate managers’ morale, and reinterpreting an interdependent government–business relationship. Our study suggests that coexisting economic and political considerations between the regional government and SOMNCs are instrumentalized with a view to ‘governmentalizing’ overseas operations via business strategies and localization management practices in the Ghanaian subsidiary. In such an interdependent relationship, political appeals and market imperatives are mutually beneficial and complementary, with expatriate managers skilfully using their affiliation with their government. Our theoretical contribution lies in adapting a governmentality driven framework to forge an alliance between liberal forms of management and non‐liberal forms of governing and control.
The Birth of a Field: Joshua Marshman and the Beginning of Systematic Transcriptional/Reconstructive Studies on Chinese Historical Phonology
Authors: Orlandi Georg 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis article evaluates the pioneering works on Chinese historical phonology by Joshua Marshman (1768–1837), who is routinely credited as the first scholar to have produced a romanisation of the Chinese language for English speakers. This article seeks to demonstrate that Marshman's transcriptional/reconstructive approach has led to an advancement in the field of Chinese historical phonology mainly on two aspects: (i) it led to the establishment of a general theory of phonetic description; (ii) it paved the way to the formulation of a mechanic and systematic model for the individuation of sound changes. For these reasons, Marshman must be regarded as the first real forerunner of modern historical Chinese phonology.
Extraction and detection of morin from Sanghuangporus lonicericola by magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers coupled with HPLC analysis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Luo Yunjing , Xie Ziqi , Kong Chenchen , Na Zhen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, morin magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (Morin‐MMIPs) were synthesized based on magnetic nanoparticles and surface molecularly imprinted technology with superparamagnetism and extraction selectivity. The polymers allowed the separating of morin from complex matrices in the presence of an external magnetic field with no need for centrifugation or filtration. The microstructure of the polymers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Meanwhile, the functional group and magnetic properties of the polymers were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and magnetic vibration meter (VSM). The maximum adsorption capacity of MMIPs was 3.24 mg/g, which was 2.55 times higher than that of MNIPs (1.27 mg/g). Morin was quantified by HPLC‐DAD, which showed good linearity in the concentration range of 0.05–60 µg/ml with the correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9993. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.08 µg/ml, and the spiked recoveries were 87.5–106.8%. The calculation of the adsorption isotherm and kinetic model revealed the adsorption mechanisms, and the adsorption process was consistent with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐secondary kinetic models. Likewise, the material has been successfully used to extract and separate morin from food samples. The method reported in this paper has the advantages of fast adsorption speed, high selectivity, and environmental friendliness. It provided a reliable method for the separation and detection of morin or other natural products.
Effects of a brief blanching process on quality, safety, and shelf life of refrigerated cucumber pickles
Authors: LaFountain Lisa J. , Johanningsmeier Suzanne D. , Breidt Frederick , Stoforos George N. , Price Robert E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRefrigerated pickles are characterized by crisp, crunchy texture, opaque flesh, and fresh flavor. Typically produced without a thermal process, microbial safety relies on preventive controls, brine composition, and sufficient hold time prior to consumption. We hypothesized that brief blanching of whole cucumbers prior to pickling could provide an additional hurdle for pathogenic microbes without negatively impacting finished product quality. Blanch treatments (15, 90, or 180 s) in 80°C water were conducted in duplicate on two lots of cucumbers prior to cutting into spears, acidifying, and storing at 4°C. Enumeration of total aerobes, lactic acid bacteria, and glucose‐fermenting coliforms was conducted for fresh and blanched cucumber. Texture, color, cured appearance development, and volatile compound profiles were analyzed for fresh and blanched cucumber and corresponding pickle products during refrigerated storage. The 90 s blanch consistently achieved a minimum 2‐log reduction in cucumber microbiota and a predicted 5‐log reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 up to 1.1 mm into the cucumber fruit. Blanching had no impact on tissue firmness during refrigerated storage for 1 year (p > 0.098). There were no differences in flavor‐active lipid oxidation products (E,Z)‐2,6‐nonadienal and (E)‐2‐nonenal, and consumers (n = 110) were unable to differentiate between control and 90 s blanched cucumber pickles stored for 62 days. Exocarp color and mesocarp opacity were preserved by the blanching treatment, potentially extending product shelf life. This method offers processors an option for reducing the risk of microbial contamination while maintaining the quality attributes associated with refrigerated cucumber pickles.Practical ApplicationRefrigerated pickles do not undergo thermal processing, which can leave them vulnerable to microbial contamination. This study illustrates that adding a brief blanching step in refrigerated pickle processing can reduce indigenous microbiota without negatively impacting quality attributes. This blanching process could assist pickled vegetable manufacturers in providing additional safeguards for consumers while maintaining a high‐quality product.
Antimicrobial Resistance as a Global Health Threat: The Need to Learn Lessons from the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Cameron Anishka , Esiovwa Regina , Connolly John , Hursthouse Andrew , Henriquez Fiona 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe global COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated existing health, social, and economic challenges and threatened progress towards achieving the UN sustainable development goals. We discuss lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic for global policymaking for health security governance, with a particular focus on antimicrobial resistance. We identify One Health as the primary foundation of public health risk management owing to the collaborative, multidisciplinary, and multisectoral efforts that underpin the One Health approach and that enhance understanding of the complex interactions at the human–animal–environment interface. We discuss the narrow human‐centric focus of the One Health approach, highlight the underrepresentation of the environmental sector in One Health networks, and encourage greater representation from the environmental sector. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of the social sciences for health security research and the need for effective communication and trust. Finally, we underscore the importance of strengthened and collaborative health, social care, and disaster management systems. The application of these lessons will facilitate holistic, multisectoral, collaborative, and ethical actions on antimicrobial resistance.
Identification of a DNA damage repair gene‐related signature for lung squamous cell carcinoma prognosis
Authors: Jia Bin , Gong Ting , Sun Bingsheng , Zhang Zhenfa , Zhong Diansheng , Wang Changli 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundDNA damage repair (DDR) plays a role in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), but the predictive value of DDR in LUSC has not been fully elucidated.MethodsThe LUSC datasets were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were integrated to identify critical genes and construct a DDR gene signature. We performed Kaplan–Meier (KM) curve to compare the overall survival (OS) between the two groups based on DDR signature and used the CIBERSORT tool to compare the immune cell composition. Further gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on the differential expressed genes.ResultWe established the DDR‐related gene signature on LUSC. KM curve showed the low‐risk group had a better prognosis than the high‐risk group in the training set (p = 0.022673) and the complete set (p = 0.003201). The area under receiver operating characteristic curve for OS was 0.98, 0.96, and 0.97 in the training dataset, testing dataset, and the complete dataset, respectively. The composition of immune cells was different between the high‐ and low‐risk group. The GSEA result suggests that genes of the patients in low‐risk group were mainly enriched in the DNA adducts; drug metabolism‐cytochrome P450, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450.ConclusionThis study identified DDR‐associated potential biomarkers related to overall survival of LUSC and establishes the DDR‐associated gene signature.
PhycoCanopy: An R Shiny tool for exploring primary production in macroalgal canopies
Authors: Johnson Mark P. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Macroalgal canopies are considered important for coastal food webs and may have a role in carbon sequestration. Until recently, measures of canopy photosynthesis have been relatively rare, and simulations have sometimes omitted key aspects (e.g. self‐shading, photosynthesis in air). PhycoCanopy offers a way of exploring how different algal parameters and environmental settings can affect net canopy photosynthesis.

The model uses the approach of dividing the canopy into vertical layers, calculating the available light for photosynthesis in each layer with respect to attenuation by the water column and the canopy. A total of 23 parameters can be varied to investigate the consequences of changes in key processes such as the tidal cycle, position of algae relative to the low tide mark and photosynthesis in air.

Predicted net photosynthesis can vary within a day as the timing of tides interacts with the light level at different times. The model offers a means of exploring the sensitivity of different parameters and building a fuller understanding of canopy photosynthesis.

PhycoCanopy allows users to visualize net canopy photosynthesis and to make predictions in situations where parameters are well characterized. The results give an integrated insight into net photosynthesis, particularly as intertidal observations cannot be maintained continuously over the tidal cycle. The model also demonstrates important covariates, such as the area of algal thallus m−2 (thallus area index, TAI), that should be measured to interpret observed variation in canopy photosynthesis.
How substance use prevention research gets used in United States federal policy
Authors: Long Elizabeth C. , Scott Jennifer Taylor , Craig Logan E. , Prendergast Sarah , Pugel Jessica , Crowley Daniel Max 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsThe growing body of research evidence on substance use and substance use disorder (SU/SUD) prevention could be leveraged to strengthen the intended impact of policies that address SU/SUD. The aim of the present study was to explore how research was used in United States federal legislation that emphasized SU/SUD prevention.DesignUsing a mixed‐methods approach, we assessed whether the use of research predicted a bill's legislative progress. We randomly sampled 10 bills that represented different types of research keywords to examine how research was used in these bills, applying content analysis.SettingUnited States Congress.Participants/CasesFederal legislation introduced between the 101st and the 114th Congresses (1989–2017; n = 1866).MeasurementsThe quantitative outcome measures were bills' likelihood of passing out of committee and being enacted. Qualitative outcomes included the ways research was used in legislation.FindingsBills that used any research language were 2.2 times more likely to pass out of committee (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.75, 2.72) and 82% more likely to be enacted (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.23, 2.69) than bills not using research language. Bills using dissemination words were 57% more likely to pass out of committee (OR = 1.57; CI, 1.08, 2.28) and analysis words were 93% more likely (OR = 1.93; 95% CI, 1.51, 2.47) than bills not using dissemination or analysis words. Research was used to (i) define the problem to justify legislative action, (ii) address the problem by providing funding, and (iii) address the problem through industry regulations. However, there was a lack of research use that targets underlying risk and protective factors.ConclusionsIn the US Congress, substance use and substance use disorder prevention bills that use research language appear to be more likely to progress in the legislative cycle than bills that do not, suggesting that legislation using research may be viewed as more credible.
Functional characterization of cAMP signaling of variant porcine MC1R alleles in PK15 cells
Authors: Lan Jin , Wang Min , Qin Ke , Liu Xiaofeng , Shi Xuan , Sun Guanjie , Liu Xiaohong , Chen Yaosheng , He Zuyong 
Published: March 2022

SummaryThe melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), encoded by the classical extension (E) coat color locus, is expressed on the surface of melanocytes and plays a critical role in switching melanin synthesis from pheomelanin (red/yellow) to eumelanin (black/brown). Different MC1R alleles associated with various coat color patterns in pigs have been identified over the past decades. However, functional analysis of variant porcine MC1R alleles has not yet been performed. Therefore, in this study, we examined the subcellular localization and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling capability of MC1R variants in porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK15) overexpressing different MC1R alleles. Transcriptional slippage may partially restore the reading frame of the EP allele, possibly accounting for the observed spot phenotype. The A243T substitution in the e allele severely disrupted the membrane localization of the MC1R receptor, resulting in a severely impaired cAMP signaling capability. Both the V95M and L102P substitutions in the ED1 allele may contribute to the constitutively active function of MC1R, thus accounting for the dominant black phenotype. The D124N substitution in the ED2 allele severely attenuated the cAMP signaling capability of MC1R; however, whether this mutation contributes to the distinct phenotype of Hampshire pigs requires further investigation. Thus, our results provide new insights into the functional characteristics of MC1R variants and their roles in porcine coat color formation.