bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid consolidation of 3D printed composite parts using compression moulding for improved thermo mechanical properties
Authors: Savandaiah Chethan , Maurer Julia , Plank Bernhard , Steinbichler Georg , Sapkota Janak
Published: June 2022

Purpose

3D printing techniques such as material extrusion based additive manufacturing provide a promising and cost effective manufacturing technique. However, the main challenges in industrial applications remain with the quality assurance of mass produced parts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of compression moulding as a rapid consolidation method for 3D printed composites, with an aim to reduce voids and defects and thus improving quality assurance of printed parts.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop an understanding of the inherent voids in 3D parts and the influence on mechanical properties, material extrusion additively manufactured (MEX) parts were post consolidated by using compression moulding at elevated temperature.

Findings

This study comparatively investigates the influence of carbon fibre length, undergoing process induced scission during filament extrusion and IM and its impact on void content and mechanical properties. It was found that the post consolidation significantly reduced the voids and the mechanical properties were significantly improved compared to the nonconsolidated material extrusion additively manufactured parts, reaching values similar to those of the IM parts.

Practical implications

Adaptation of extrusion-based additive manufacturing with hybridisation of reliable compression moulding technology transcends into series production of highly adaptive end user applications, such as drones, advanced sports prosthetics, competitive cycling and more.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the current understanding of 3D printing and provides a step towards quality assurance for mass production.
Self-determination theory and its predictors for sharing knowledge: a critical review
Authors: Ferger Kevin , Rechberg Isabel D.W.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of extrinsic, intrinsic and amotivation on an individual’s knowledge-sharing behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature on self-determination theory (SDT) as an applied predictor of knowledge-sharing behavior, and documented the extent to which SDT conceptual framework components have been studied in relation to predict knowledge sharing.

Findings

Building from SDT and its sub-theories, this study uncovers a gap in the knowledge-sharing literature as the continuum of the SDT framework has yet to fully be applied to knowledge-sharing behavior.

Originality/value

Contributing to the literature on knowledge management and knowledge sharing, this study is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, of its kind to apply Deci and Ryan’s self-determination continuum, in its entirety, to a knowledge-sharing conceptual framework. The authors thereby address the potential impact of amotivation on an individual’s knowledge-sharing behavior.
No evidence that seasonal changes in large‐scale environmental conditions drive migration in seabirds
Authors: Lambert Charlotte , Fort Jérôme
Published: June 2022

Seasonal variability is one of the main drivers of seasonal movements like migration. The literature has suggested that bird migration is often driven by poor environmental conditions during one season and permits avoidance of resource shortage or harsh weather by tracking the more favourable conditions.

We tested at the global scale, and focusing on seabirds, whether this pattern exists in the marine realm. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that seabird migration permits achieving stability in niche occupancy, and that it is triggered by seasonal variations in niche availability.

We collated data on monthly presence of species over marine ecoregions from literature and expert knowledge. First, we quantified niche occupancy during breeding and non‐breeding periods from environmental conditions encountered in ecoregions in which species were present at each periods and compared seasonal dynamics across migratory strategies. Second, we quantified the seasonal niche dynamics from simulated residency in breeding and non‐breeding grounds to quantify the seasonality in niche availability and to test its effect on seabird migratory strategies.

We demonstrated that all seabirds are niche trackers, yet resident and dispersive seabirds displayed higher levels of niche tracking throughout the year, regardless of the environmental seasonality, while migrants exhibited more divergent seasonal niches. In most cases, migratory status was not related to the unavailability of favourable conditions at the breeding or non‐breeding grounds, suggesting that the availability of the favourable niche is not the main driver of migration.

We hypothesise that this unexpected pattern might arise from strong constraints imposed on seabirds by the scarcity of suitable breeding sites which constrain the range of environments available for optimising reproductive success. This work sheds new light on the ecological drivers of migration.
The shape of trees: Reimagining forest ecology in three dimensions with remote sensing
Authors: Lines Emily Rebecca , Fischer Fabian Jörg , Owen Harry Jon Foord , Jucker Tommaso
Published: June 2022

How ecologists think about above‐ground forest structure and dynamics is fundamentally shaped by the data we can collect. This has historically been limited to what is possible with simple equipment such as a tape measure, which has often led to the three‐dimensional complexity of the form of trees being reduced to the diameter of a trunk, and perhaps the height of the tree. While simple and pragmatic, this trunk‐centric framework has some obvious limitations, as many of the major processes that influence how trees grow and interact with one another happen up in the canopy. For instance, the structural complexity of individual trees' leaf and branch arrangements and how trees fill canopy space are direct drivers of individual tree and whole‐forest productivity and dynamics, but remain poorly studied because they have traditionally been challenging to measure.

However, recent advances in remote sensing and data processing are revolutionising our ability to accurately measure tree and forest structure from leaves to landscapes. Not only do we have access to more accurate data on structure, but we also have data spanning a much broader range of spatial, temporal and ecological scales, and new avenues of research that challenge how we understand forests are emerging.

Synthesis. Here, we review the new opportunities these technologies bring us to measure the physical structure of trees and highlight the technological developments needed to maximise their value to the field of forest ecology. Today, perhaps for the first time, how ecologists choose to study above‐ground forest structure and dynamics is limited more by creativity than by what we can measure.
Whole grain rice: Updated understanding of starch digestibility and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: Cheng Zihang , Qiao Dongling , Zhao Siming , Zhang Binjia , Lin Qinlu , Xie Fengwei
Published: June 2022

Nowadays, resulting from disordered glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic diseases (e.g., hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes, and obesity) are among the most serious health issues facing humans worldwide. Increasing evidence has confirmed that dietary intervention (with healthy foods) is effective at regulating the metabolic syndrome. Whole grain rice (WGR) rich in dietary fiber and many bioactive compounds (e.g., γ‐amino butyric acid, γ‐oryzanol, and polyphenols) can not only inhibit starch digestion and prevent rapid increase in the blood glucose level, but also reduce oxidative stress and damage to the liver, thereby regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. The rate of starch digestion is directly related to the blood glucose level in the organism after WGR intake. Therefore, the effects of different factors (e.g., additives, cooking, germination, and physical treatments) on WGR starch digestibility are examined in this review. In addition, the mechanisms from human and animal experiments regarding the correlation between the intake of WGR or its products and the lowered blood glucose and lipid levels and the reduced incidence of diabetes and obesity are discussed. Moreover, information on developing WGR products with the health benefits is provided.
Complex characterization and formation mechanism of scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) protein hydrolysates/κ‐carrageenan/konjac gum composite gels
Authors: Yan Jia‐Nan , Cui Xiao‐Fan , Jiang Xin‐Yu , Li Lin , Sun Wen , Wu Hai‐Tao
Published: June 2022

The combination of κ‐Carrageenan (KC) and konjac gum (KGM) were introduced to examine the impact on gelation and microstructural behaviors of scallop male gonads hydrolysates (SMGHs) and the involvement of intermolecular forces. In terms of G′ response of SMGHs/KGM/KC, it obviously enhanced by 3.6‐ and 108.5‐fold than controls of KGM/KC and SMGHs/KC at 0.1 Hz, accompanying increasing melting temperatures from 27.9 (KGM/KC) and 30.0 (SMGHs/KC) to 33.7°C (SMGHs/KGM/KC), respectively. Additionally, SMGHs/KGM/KC with decreasing relaxation time T23 and blue shift of hydroxyl group than controls suggested higher water retention capacity and ordered conformation. Moreover, SMGHs/KGM/KC formed compact networks with thick walls as reflected by cryo‐SEM and showed rougher surface with more aggregation as reflected by AFM. Furthermore, electrostatic in couple with hydrophobic interactions were dominant interactions, while hydrogen bonds were involved in subordinately in SMGHs/KGM/KC.

Practical Application

Scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) male gonads are always discarded during processing despite high‐protein content and edibility. In the current research, scallop male gonad hydrolysates (SMGHs) exhibited gelation behavior, which have a potential role in developing marine source protein as a functional food base such as kamaboko gels, can, sausage and spread and even delivery vehicles for bioactive compounds.
Evaluating the Impact of Low Impact Development Practices on the Urban Flooding over a Humid Region of China
Authors: Zhou Yan , She Dunxian , Wang Yueling , Xia Jun , Zhang Yongyong
Published: June 2022

Global warming and the rapid development of urbanization increase the likelihood of the occurrence of urban inundation, causing serious economic losses and threats to people's lives. Low impact development (LID) practices have attracted increasing attention as an effective approach which can mitigate urban inundation to some extent. Investigating the impact of LID practices on urban inundation is of significant importance to the prevention and control of urban flooding. This study constructed a coupling model with the combination of Storm Water Management Model and a 2D hydrodynamic model to provide a comprehensive simulation of urban inundation. The inundation situations are simulated with various scenarios by considering the implementation of LID practices under various rainfall return periods in Wuhan, China. We found that the LID practices can be more effective for urban inundation mitigation under rainfall events with smaller magnitude, and its ability in reducing the flood risk is weakened for extreme rainfall events. The results showed that LID practices can reduce the inundation area by 22.52%–38.9%. Especially for the inundation area with water depth larger than 0.4 m, the LID practices can reduce the inundation area by 71.52%–88.73% under different scenarios. Besides, the LID practices have a certain impact on the inundation area affecting traffic with a reduced rate of 37.2%–90.06%. This study can provide scientific support and a potential guiding significance for the future implementation of LID practices in cities under similar construction conditions.
The association between decidual vasculopathy and abnormal uterine artery Doppler measurement
Authors: Stevens Droïma , Schiffer Veronique , Severens‐Rijvers Carmen , de Nobrega Teixeira Johnny , van Haren Ashlee , Spaanderman Marc , Al‐Nasiry Salwan
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Placental syndrome is an umbrella term encompassing the clinical phenotypes of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction, and is associated with high maternal and neonatal morbidity. In women with placental syndrome, histologicl examination of the uteroplacental unit commonly demonstrates pathological lesions, such as decidual vasculopathy. Decidual vasculopathy are pathological changes in the spiral arteries, which are associated with adverse outcome in preeclampsia and long‐term maternal cardiovascular health. The relation between placental syndrome phenotypes and placental pathology has been previously demonstrated; however, the role of uteroplacental Doppler measurements as a link between placental syndrome phenotypes and the underlying placental pathology is still unclear. We hypothesized that decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uteroplacental Doppler profiles and ultrasound placental parameters, independent of clinical phenotype.

Material and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective cohort of pregnancies with placental syndrome, as well as cases without hypertensive disease or fetal growth restriction. The study group was divided into women with decidual vasculopathy on histologic analysis of placental specimen and those without the lesions. Outcome parameters included maternal and fetal Dopplers, estimated fetal weight, placental weight and thickness, placental lacunae and abnormal placental calcification.

Results

Compared with the women without the lesions (n = 91), the group with decidual vasculopathy (n = 25) had a higher mean uterine artery pulsatility index (1.70 vs 0.81, p < 0.001) and uterine artery pulsatility index percentile (>p99 vs p67, p < 0.001). Decidual vasculopathy was associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler profile (defined as pulsatility index p > 95 and/or bilateral notch) (82%) compared with women without the lesions (33%) (odds ratio [OR] 9.3, 95% CI 2.4–36.0), which remained significant after adjusting for possible confounding factors preeclampsia, tobacco use and gestational age at birth (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.3–39.1). Decidual vasculopathy was not associated with fetal Doppler abnormalities or placental parameters and only modestly so with lower cerebroplacental ratio (p = 0.036).

Conclusions

Histologic decidual vasculopathy is associated with abnormal uterine artery Doppler, independent of clinical phenotype during pregnancy.
Expertise in an uncertain world: The role of expert knowledge in addressing environmental and planning challenges
Authors: Elsmore Sophie , Congreve Alina
Published: June 2022

This special section addresses the geographies of knowledge and expertise across contemporary environmental and planning challenges. Understanding the changing role of expert knowledge and how it weaves its way into policy and decision‐making is more important than ever given the mammoth challenges we face. Different forms of expertise can often be conflicting and competing with one another, reflecting the power relations underpinning their deployment. The four papers in this special section from geography and planning speak to the diverse knowledge claims and networks of expertise that shape and seek to challenge contemporary decision‐making. The special section reflects on how embedded expertise operates across different sectors and scales. It pays attention to how expertise can become destabilised across particular geographies, as the mobility of knowledge generated in one context is deployed elsewhere. By attending to the multiplicities of knowledge at play across environmental and planning challenges, the papers break down the assumption that there is a single form of expertise.
Factors associated with nonadherence to the use of coumarin derivatives or direct oral anticoagulants: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Freitas Nunes de Sousa Waleska Jaclyn , Sernizon Guimarães Nathália , Costa Viana Catiane , Silva Machado Pamela Thayna , Fonseca Medeiros Amanda , Sousa Vianna Mayara , Pedra de Souza Renan , Margotto Bertollo Caryne , Parreiras Martins Maria Auxiliadora
Published: June 2022

Nonadherence to thromboprophylaxis treatment with oral anticoagulants (OAC) is a public health problem and may be associated with high mortality rates. We sought to synthesize the factors associated with nonadherence to therapy with coumarin derivatives or direct oral anticoagulants. A systematic review was performed at electronic databases Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Lilacs and grey literature (Google Scholar, MedNar, OpenGray, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and hand search). This study was conducted according to Cochrane's method and PRISMA. The registration on PROSPERO is CRD42020223555. Overall, 1270 studies were identified and nine studies were selected for this review. In hand searching, 77 studies were found, but none included. The associated factors with nonadherence were heterogeneous, and some factors were described as both risk and protection for nonadherence, with few variables showing consistent results among the studies. Variables reported only as risk factors were “male sex”, “hospitalization”, “Charlson score” and “bleeding”, while “white race”, CHA2DS2VASc (score range 2‐9)” and “polypharmacy” were reported only as protective factors. Most studies did not present details in the description of concepts and methods to assess nonadherence. In clinical practice, the knowledge on factors associated with nonadherence is helpful to identifying patients at higher risk of complications that would benefit from individualized interventions.
A roadmap for ladybird conservation and recovery
Authors: Soares António O. , Haelewaters Danny , Ameixa Olga M. C. C. , Borges Isabel , Brown Peter M. J. , Cardoso Pedro , de Groot Michiel D. , Evans Edward W. , Grez Audrey A. , Hochkirch Axel , Holecová Milada , Honěk Alois , Kulfan Ján , Lillebø Ana I. , Martinková Zdenka , Michaud J. P. , Nedvěd Oldřich , Omkar  , Roy Helen E. , Saxena Swati , Shandilya Apoorva , Sentis Arnaud , Skuhrovec Jiri , Viglášová Sandra , Zach Peter , Zaviezo Tania , Losey John E.
Published: June 2022

Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) provide services that are critical to food production, and they fulfill an ecological role as a food source for predators. The richness, abundance, and distribution of ladybirds, however, are compromised by many anthropogenic threats. Meanwhile, a lack of knowledge of the conservation status of most species and the factors driving their population dynamics hinders the development and implementation of conservation strategies for ladybirds. We conducted a review of the literature on the ecology, diversity, and conservation of ladybirds to identify their key ecological threats. Ladybird populations are most affected by climate factors, landscape composition, and biological invasions. We suggest mitigating actions for ladybird conservation and recovery. Short‐term actions include citizen science programs and education, protective measures for habitat recovery and threatened species, prevention of the introduction of non‐native species, and the maintenance and restoration of natural areas and landscape heterogeneity. Mid‐term actions involve the analysis of data from monitoring programs and insect collections to disentangle the effect of different threats to ladybird populations, understand habitat use by taxa on which there is limited knowledge, and quantify temporal trends of abundance, diversity, and biomass along a management‐intensity gradient. Long‐term actions include the development of a worldwide monitoring program based on standardized sampling to fill data gaps, increase explanatory power, streamline analyses, and facilitate global collaborations.
The Darwinian shortfall in plants: phylogenetic knowledge is driven by range size
Authors: Rudbeck Alexander V. , Sun Miao , Tietje Melanie , Gallagher Rachael V. , Govaerts Rafaël , Smith Stephen A. , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Eiserhardt Wolf L.
Published: June 2022

The Darwinian shortfall, i.e. the lack of knowledge of phylogenetic relationships, significantly impedes our understanding of evolutionary drivers of global patterns of biodiversity. Spatial bias in the Darwinian shortfall, where phylogenetic knowledge in some regions is more complete than others, could undermine eco‐ and biogeographic inferences. Yet, spatial biases in phylogenetic knowledge for major groups – such as plants – remain poorly understood. Using data for 337 023 species (99.7%) of seed plants (Spermatophyta), we produced a global map of phylogenetic knowledge based on regional data and tested several potential drivers of the observed spatial variation. Regional phylogenetic knowledge was defined as the proportion of the regional seed plant flora represented in GenBank's nucleotide database with phylogenetically relevant data. We used simultaneous autoregressive models to explain variation in phylogenetic knowledge based on three biodiversity variables (species richness, range size and endemism) and six socioeconomic variables representing funding and accessibility. We compared observed patterns and relationships to established patterns of the Wallacean shortfall (the lack of knowledge of species distributions). We found that the Darwinian shortfall is strongly and significantly related to the macroecological distribution of species' range sizes. Small‐ranged species were significantly less likely to have phylogenetic data, leading to a concentration of the Darwinian shortfall in species‐rich, tropical countries where range sizes are small on average. Socioeconomic factors were less important, with significant but quantitatively small effects of accessibility and funding. In conclusion, reducing the Darwinian shortfall and smoothen its spatial bias will require increased efforts to sequence the world's small‐ranged (endemic) species.
Prey selection and growth in 0+ Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L. in littoral zones of seven temperate lakes
Authors: Karus Katrit , Zagars Matiss , Agasild Helen , Feldmann Tõnu , Tuvikene Arvo , Puncule Linda , Zingel Priit
Published: June 2022

We studied the relationships between the planktonic food base and feeding patterns of juvenile mid‐summer/early autumn Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L., a common predatory freshwater fish in large parts of Europe and Asia. The feeding of 0+ perch was studied during summer and autumn in littoral habitats of seven lakes with different environmental conditions – four Latvian (Auciema, Riebinu, Vārzgūnes, Laukezers) and three Estonian (Kaiavere, Prossa and Akste) lakes. Simultaneously, the abundance, biomass and structure of zooplankton communities were examined. We focused on the littoral areas because many studies in lakes suggest that littoral habitats are particularly important for 0+ fish growth and survival. We were interested in the question: can the diet and growth of 0+ perch be explained by zooplankton community structure? We also presumed that if the amount of zooplankton is low, more benthic invertebrates will be consumed by 0+ perch. Opposite to expectations, we found that zooplankton always counted for over 90% of diet biomass in perch. There were also clear correlations between the zooplankton biomass in a given lake, the zooplankton biomass in 0+ perch stomachs, and the fish growth rate. The study also suggested that nutrient enrichment can positively impact the 0+ perch feeding conditions in lakes.
Prevalence of venous thromboembolism and its associations in a large racially homogenous population of sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Okoye Helen Chioma , Ezekekwu Chinedu , Nwagha Theresa Ukamaka , Korubo Kaladada , Omunakwe Hannah E. , Nnachi Oluomachi Charity , Madu Anazoeze Jude , Nwogoh Benedict , Efobi Chilota Chibuife , Muoghalu Ebele Adaobi , Nonyelu Charles , Okoye Augustine E. , Obodo Onochie Ikenna , Ugwu Chioma Sandra , Egolum Michael C. , Nnachi Oji Anya , Okpala Iheanyi
Published: June 2022

To determine the prevalence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among adult sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in Nigeria.

Methods

This was a multicentre retrospective study in which the medical records of adult SCD patients were reviewed. Information on demographics, steady‐state haemogram, clinical phenotypes, duration of follow‐up, history of VTE including risk factors and management was collected.

Results

Of the 509 SCD patients with a median (IQR) duration of follow‐up of 2 years, 10 (2.0%) had VTE (9 DVT and 1 PE). Their median (IQR) age was 27 (22.8–30.3) years. Identifiable risk factors for VTE included positive family history (2, 20%) surgery, splenectomy, paraplegia and cancer (1, 10% each). No risk factor was identifiable in four persons. VTE had no significant association with age and gender. VTE was significantly associated with the following events: acute chest syndrome [p = .002, odds ratio (OR) 8, 95% CI 2.2–28.9], osteonecrosis [p = .012, OR 5.24, 95% CI, 1.45–18.91] and vaso‐occlusive crisis [p = .035]. Also significantly associated with VTE were pulmonary hypertension [p = .001, OR 23.3, 95%CI 5.18–105.06] and stroke [p = .032, OR 9.35, 95%CI 0.87–53.25].

Conclusion

The prevalence of VTE among SCD patients in Nigeria is low. It is significantly associated with vaso‐occlusive crisis, pulmonary hypertension and stroke.
An improved cellular automata model for soil erosion in coastal areas based on discrete physical variables
Authors: Tang Shengqiang , She Dongli , Wang Hongde , Lv Haishen
Published: June 2022

Soil erosion is a major and costly environmental hazard worldwide. Obtaining a thorough understanding of the soil erosion process is essential for erosion control. The high erodibility of the saline‐sodic soil in coastal areas causes rills to develop rapidly and erosion patterns change substantially during the rainfall process. Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamics of the soil surface morphology is crucial for revealing the mechanism behind the severe soil erosion process, but simulating these dynamics with many existing empirical or physical models is difficult. Cellular automata (CA) provides a simple alternative approach with high computational efficiency for modelling the complex patterns of soil erosion evolution using local interactions rules. However, previously established CA models poorly simulated the lateral erosion. By dividing the runoff amount into a discrete variable of every constituent cell and considering the runoff flow velocity when calculating the flow direction, the CA model developed here, based on discrete physical variables (CADV), could simulate soil erosion rate dynamics and rill morphological development with low relative errors. The variations in the simulated sediment yield rates during rainfall events were consistent with the experimental measurements, and the relative errors of cumulative sediment yields between the simulated and measured values were lower than 5% from the 38th to 60th min (the end of rainfall event) during the rainfall. The morphological characteristics of slope erosion with relative errors in rill length, rill width, and rill depth were lower than 5% at specific times during rainfall events. Specifically, regarding the rill width parameter, the relative errors of the maximum and average rill widths were both lower than 5% when the rainfall event ended at the 60th min. The results show that the CADV is an appropriate tool for describing the soil erosion process and improving our understanding of the erosion process characteristics of saline‐sodic soil slopes in a coastal region of China.

Highlights

Cellular automata based on discrete variables (CADV) improves soil erosion simulation.

CADV simulates soil loss and rill morphological development with low relative errors.

CADV improves insight into the mechanism of soil erosion in coastal area.

CADV provides a new approach to improve soil erosion modelling with cellular automata.
Detection of brain somatic variation in epilepsy‐associated developmental lesions
Authors: Bedrosian Tracy A. , Miller Katherine E. , Grischow Olivia E. , Schieffer Kathleen M. , LaHaye Stephanie , Yoon Hyojung , Miller Anthony R. , Navarro Jason , Westfall Jesse , Leraas Kristen , Choi Samantha , Williamson Rachel , Fitch James , Kelly Benjamin J. , White Peter , Lee Kristy , McGrath Sean , Cottrell Catherine E. , Magrini Vincent , Leonard Jeffrey , Pindrik Jonathan , Shaikhouni Ammar , Boué Daniel R. , Thomas Diana L. , Pierson Christopher R. , Wilson Richard K. , Ostendorf Adam P. , Mardis Elaine R. , Koboldt Daniel C.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Epilepsy‐associated developmental lesions, including malformations of cortical development and low‐grade developmental tumors, represent a major cause of drug‐resistant seizures requiring surgical intervention in children. Brain‐restricted somatic mosaicism has been implicated in the genetic etiology of these lesions; however, many contributory genes remain unidentified.

Methods

We enrolled 50 children who were undergoing epilepsy surgery into a translational research study. Resected tissue was divided for clinical neuropathologic evaluation and genomic analysis. We performed exome and RNA sequencing to identify somatic variation and we confirmed our findings using high‐depth targeted DNA sequencing.

Results

We uncovered candidate disease‐causing somatic variation affecting 28 patients (56%), as well as candidate germline variants affecting 4 patients (8%). In agreement with previous studies, we identified somatic variation affecting solute carrier family 35 member A2 (SLC35A2) and mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase (MTOR) pathway genes in patients with focal cortical dysplasia. Somatic gains of chromosome 1q were detected in 30% (3 of 10) of patients with Type I focal cortical dysplasia (FCD)s. Somatic variation in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway genes (i.e., fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 [FGFR1], FGFR2, B‐raf proto‐oncogene, serine/threonine kinase [BRAF], and KRAS proto‐oncogene, GTPase [KRAS]) was associated with low‐grade epilepsy‐associated developmental tumors. RNA sequencing enabled the detection of somatic structural variation that would have otherwise been missed, and which accounted for more than one‐half of epilepsy‐associated tumor diagnoses. Sampling across multiple anatomic regions revealed that somatic variant allele fractions vary widely within epileptogenic tissue. Finally, we identified putative disease‐causing variants in genes not yet associated with focal cortical dysplasia.

Significance

These results further elucidate the genetic basis of structural brain abnormalities leading to focal epilepsy in children and point to new candidate disease genes.
Molecular detection and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in Chinese racehorses
Authors: Xu Chunyan , Wei Zilin , Tan Feng , Liu Ao , Yu Fuchang , Zhao Aiyun , Zhang Longxian , Qi Meng , Zhao Wei
Published: June 2022

Background

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite causing diarrhoea in humans and animals. Although Cryptosporidium has been found in domestic horses (farmed or kept at pasture), there has been only one published study of Cryptosporidium infections in Chinese racehorses, which was restricted to a very small geographical area.

Objectives

To investigate the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the faeces of racehorses in China and to perform molecular characterisation of the parasite.

Study design

Cross‐sectional.

Methods

A total of 621 fresh faecal samples were collected for DNA extraction from racehorses at 17 equestrian clubs from 12 provinces of China from December 2016 to May 2018. All the DNA were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium species/genotypes and subtypes by PCR amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA and 60 kDa glycoprotein genes respectively.

Results

PCR analysis revealed that 11 samples (1.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Among them seven samples were identified as C. parvum and four were C. hominis. The C. parvum isolates were identified as subtype IIdA14G1 (n = 4) and IIdA15G1 (n = 3), while all C. hominis isolates were identified as subtype IkA18G1 (n = 4).

Main limitations

A single faecal sample from each horse was used instead of multiple samples that could improve the detection rates of the parasite.

Conclusions

Although Cryptosporidium infection rate was relatively low in the investigated racehorses, the presence of zoonotic subtypes IIdA14G and 1IIdA15G1 of C. parvum and IkA18G1 of C. hominis, suggesting that these animals are a potential source of Cryptosporidium in humans.
The portion of goods that falleth to me: Parental rights, children's rights, and medical decisions after COVID‐19
Authors: Gibson B. Isaac
Published: June 2022

The advent and perpetuation of the COVID‐19 pandemic has served to highlight issues in American law that have long gone unaddressed. Prominent among them are the issues involving parents, the government, and the medical decisions of children. This article examines the current state of American law involving parental rights, children's rights, and the government's role in medical decisions of children and proposes a uniform act as a solution to the discrepancy and unpredictability in this area of American law.
Characterization of primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma following solid organ transplantation
Authors: Shimshak Serena , Dai Christina , Comfere Nneka , Sokumbi Olayemi
Published: June 2022

Background

Immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation is a known risk factor for the development of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). Primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) occurring in the posttransplant setting is rare, which has made comprehensive understanding of this disease challenging. This study aims to further characterize the spectrum of clinicopathologic features of CTCL in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for SOTR who were diagnosed with CTCL at a multi‐site academic medical center from January 1, 1998, to December 31, 2013. Eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Data collected included patient demographics, transplanted organ, the time between transplant and CTCL diagnosis, clinical presentation and rash morphology, a histological subtype of CTCL, immunosuppression regimens, and patient status. Twelve diagnostic skin biopsies for five patients were examined and reviewed by a board‐certified dermatopathologist.

Results

Six (75%) out of the eight patients were men, two (25%) were women, and the median age was 53 years. The median time from the date of transplant to the diagnosis of CTCL was 8.2 years. Transplanted organs included the liver (4), kidney (3), and heart (1). Clinical presentation varied from papulonodules, comedone‐like lesions, intense pruritis, and scaly erythematous eruptions. The most common histologic presentation was folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) (7/12). Epstein–Barr virus‐in situ hybridization (EBV‐ISH) was negative in all specimens.

Conclusions

We emphasize the rarity of CTCL among SOTR. Although rare in the general population, the FMF subtype appears to be disproportionately seen in SOTR compared with other CTCL.
Relative contribution of Imprinting, X chromosome and Litter effects to phenotypic variation in economic traits of sheep
Authors: Ghafouri‐Kesbi Farhad , Zamani Pouya , Mokhtari Morteza
Published: June 2022

Data on Zandi sheep were analysed to quantify maternal and paternal imprinting, X chromosome and litter effects' contribution to phenotypic variation in birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), growth rate (GR), Kleiber ratio (KR), efficiency of growth (EF) and relative growth rate (RGR). To this end, a two‐step approach was adopted. In the first step, each trait was analysed with a series of 16 animal models, which were identical for fixed and autosomal additive genetic effects but differed for combinations of maternal permanent environmental, maternal genetic, X chromosome and litter effects. For each trait, the best model was selected by the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio tests (LRTs). In the second step, three additional models were fitted by adding maternal imprinting, paternal imprinting or both (models 17, 18 and 19) to the best model selected in the first step. Estimators of bias, dispersion and accuracy of breeding values estimated within 19 models with whole, and partial data were used to evaluate how well were the 19 models in estimating breeding values for the animals when their records were masked. For all traits studied, fitting the litter effect led to a better data fit. Also, it resulted in noticeable decreases in residual variance and other maternal variances. For growth traits, models containing the X‐linked effects fitted the data substantially better than corresponding models without the X‐linked effects. For BW, WW and GR, estimates of X‐linked heritability () ranged between 0.09 (GR) and 0.14 (BW). Ignoring X‐linked effects from the genetic evaluation model resulted in significant inflated autosomal additive genetic variance. For BW, WW, EF and RGR, models containing the imprinting effects provided a better fit of the data than otherwise identical models. Imprinting effects contributed significantly to the phenotypic variation of these traits in a range between 5% (RGR) and 8% (BW, WW). A sharp decline was observed in autosomal additive genetic variance following including imprinting effects in the model (27% to 40% depending on the trait). The least bias and dispersion, as well as greater accuracies for breeding values of focal animals, were for a model which included imprinting, X‐linked and litter effects. It was concluded that imprinting, X‐linked and litter effects need to be included in the genetic evaluation models for growth and efficiency‐related traits of Zandi lambs.
Sterols of Testudodinium testudo (formerly Amphidinium testudo): Production of the Δ8(14) sterol gymnodinosterol and chemotaxonomic relationship to the Kareniaceae
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Elkins Lindsey C. , Sabir Kyra , Graeff Jori E.
Published: June 2022

Testudodinium testudo is a peridinin‐containing dinoflagellate recently renamed from Amphidinium testudo. While T. testudo has been shown via phylogenetic analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA genes to reside in a clade separate from the genus Amphidinium, it does possess morphological features similar to Amphidinium sensu stricto. Previous studies of Amphidinium carterae and Amphidinium corpulentum have found the sterols to be enriched in Δ8(14) sterols, such as 4α‐methyl‐5α‐ergosta‐8(14),24(28)‐dien‐3β‐ol (amphisterol), uncommon to most other dinoflagellate taxa and thus considered possible biomarkers for the genus Amphidinium. Here, we provide an examination of the sterols of T. testudo and show they are dominated not by amphisterol, but rather by a different Δ8(14) sterol, (24R)‐4α‐methyl‐5α‐ergosta‐8(14),22‐dien‐3β‐ol (gymnodinosterol), previously thought to be a major sterol only within the Kareniaceae genera Karenia, Karlodinium, and Takayama. Also found to be present at low levels were 4α‐methyl‐5α‐ergosta‐8,14,22‐trien‐3β‐ol, a sterol previously observed in Karenia brevis to be an intermediate in the production of gymnodinosterol, and cholesterol, a sterol common to many other dinoflagellates. The presence of gymnodinosterol in T. testudo is the first report of this sterol as the sole major sterol in a dinoflagellate outside of the Kareniaceae. The implication of this chemotaxonomic relationship to the Kareniaceae is discussed.
Personality and peer groups in adolescence: Reciprocal associations and shared genetic and environmental influences
Authors: Clark D. Angus , Durbin C. Emily , Heitzeg Mary M. , Iacono William G. , McGue Matt , Hicks Brian M.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Peer groups represent a critical developmental context in adolescence, and there are many well‐documented associations between personality and peer behavior at this age. However, the precise nature and direction of these associations are difficult to determine as youth both select into, and are influenced by, their peers.

Method

We thus examined the phenotypic, genetic, and environmental links between antisocial and prosocial peer characteristics and several personality traits from middle childhood to late adolescence (ages 11, 14, and 17 years) in a longitudinal twin sample (N = 3762) using teacher ratings of personality and self‐reports of peer characteristics.

Results

Less adaptive trait profiles (i.e., high negative emotionality, low conscientiousness, and low agreeableness) were associated with more antisocial and fewer prosocial peer characteristics across time. Associations between personality traits related to emotionality (negative emotionality and extraversion) and peer behavior were largely attributable to shared genetic influences, while associations between personality traits related to behavioral control (conscientiousness and agreeableness) and peer behavior were due to overlapping genetic and shared environmental influences.

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest a set of environmental presses that push youth toward both behavioral undercontrol and antisocial peer affiliations, making the identification of such influences and their relative importance a critical avenue of future work.
Development of intraindividual value structures in middle childhood: A multicultural and longitudinal investigation
Authors: Daniel Ella , Döring Anna K. , Cieciuch Jan
Published: June 2022

Objective

We examined changes in value interrelations during middle childhood. In line with the Personal Values Theory, we expected a value system, with individuals similarly valuing related motivations, and setting priorities between conflicting motivations. We hypothesized this system to develop dynamically during middle childhood as children deepen their understanding of their own values.

Method

Using unfolding analysis, we estimated intraindividual value structure coherence, that is, the extent to which the interrelations among a child's values are similar to the hypothesized interrelations. Cross‐Cultural Study 1 (N = 4615, 6–12‐year‐old children) included children from 12 countries. Cross‐Sequential Study 2 (N = 629, 6–10‐year‐old children at Time 1) included three annual measurements.

Results

In Study 1, we found a curvilinear association between age and intraindividual value structure coherence: Children's values were more coherent at ages 9–10 than before or after. Study 2 confirmed this pattern of within‐individual development.

Conclusions

We propose that development in coherence with the theoretical value structure offers insight into children's understanding of values as well as changes in value priorities.
When I say…response process validity evidence
Authors: Shankar Sneha , St‐Onge Christina , Young Meredith E.
Published: June 2022

In the latest “When I Say...” response process validity evidence is argued as requiring emotional and motivational processes, in addition to cognitive, if we are to strive for equity and fairness in educational measurement.
Impact of educational videos on maternal anxiety caused by children's heart surgery
Authors: Liu Shu‐Juan , Yen Wen‐Jiuan , Chang Yan‐Zin , Ku Min‐Sho
Published: June 2022

Background

Mothers of children undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease experience significant stress. Therefore, finding a strategy to decrease this is vital.

Aims

To examine whether adding educational digital video discs to routine education can reduce maternal anxiety and depression when their children undergo heart surgery and when surgical or post‐surgical complications occur.

Study Design

In a teaching hospital, 120 mothers whose children underwent elective heart surgery were randomly and equally divided into two groups: mothers receiving routine education plus a digital video disc before surgery and mothers receiving only routine education. Mothers' anxiety and depression levels were compared before education, after education (before surgery), and on discharge day. The effect of watching the digital video disc on maternal anxiety and depression on discharge day was evaluated for the participants whose children had surgical or post‐surgical complications.

Results

Compared with only routine education, mothers' anxiety after education and on the discharge day decreased more if digital video disc was added. Depression decreased more after education, but no difference was found on the discharge day. Anxiety levels of mothers whose children had surgical or post‐surgical complications on the discharge day decreased more if they watched the digital video disc, compared with those receiving only routine education (Beck anxiety inventory score 3.4 ± 1.9 and 6.1 ± 2.4 respectively; p‐value .001).

Conclusions

Compared with only routine education, adding digital video disc could decrease mothers' anxiety, and until the day of discharge. Compared with only routine education, adding digital video disc could decrease mothers' anxiety on the discharge day if their child had surgical or post‐surgical complications.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Adding educational digital video disc to routine education could decrease mothers' anxiety until the day of discharge. It could also decrease mothers' anxiety if their child had surgical or post‐surgical complications.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy outcomes with left ventricular lead concordant with latest mechanical activation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Allen LaPointe Nancy M. , Ali‐Ahmed Fatima , Dalgaard Frederik , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Sanders Schmidler Gillian , Al‐Khatib Sana M.
Published: June 2022

Background

For cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), image‐guided approaches targeting left ventricular (LV) lead placement at the site of latest mechanical activation had inconsistent outcomes. We examined evidence for improved CRT outcomes when LV lead placement concordant with latest mechanical activation occurred.

Methods

A review of EMBASE and PubMed was performed for randomized controlled trials or prospective observational studies from October 2008 through October 2020 comparing outcomes with concordant versus discordant LV lead placement. Meta‐analyses were performed to assess the association between concordance and death, death or heart failure (HF) hospitalization, ≥ 15% reduction in LV end systolic volume (LVESV), and changes in LVESV or ejection fraction (LVEF).

Results

From 5897 citations, nine publications (eight studies) with 1355 patients were selected; 975 with a concordant LV lead and 380 with a discordant lead. Mean age was 66–68 years, 82% were male, and 64% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Meta‐analyses demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in death/HF hospitalization at 2 years (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.16, 0.92) and LVESV at 6 months (mean difference [MD] ‐13.4%; 95% CI ‐6.7%, ‐20.0%), and an increase in LVEF (MD 4.03; 95% CI 0.77, 7.30) with the concordant LV lead. There were trends toward decreased death at 2 years (OR 0.49; 95% CI 0.19, 1.23) and ≥ 15% reduction in LVESV at 6 months (OR 3.81; 95% CI 0.24, 61.24) with concordant LV lead placement.

Conclusion

A concordant LV lead was associated with better CRT outcomes. Further study of feasible methods to achieve LV lead concordance is needed.