bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organellar genomic characterization of Anunuuluaehu liula representing a new genus and species of Phyllophoraceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) from the mesophotic zone of Hawai‘i
Authors: Cabrera Feresa P. , Paiano Monica O. , Fumo James T. , Allsopp Kazumi R. , Smith Celia M. , Spalding Heather L. , Kosaki Randall K. , Sherwood Alison R.
Published: January 2024

Over the last 2 decades, routine collections in the Hawaiian Archipelago have expanded to mesophotic reefs, leading to the discovery of a new red algal genus and species, here described as Anunuuluaehu liula gen. et sp. nov. This study provides a detailed genus and species description and characterizes chloroplast and mitochondrial organellar genomes. The new genus, Anunuuluaehu, shares many characteristics with the family Phyllophoraceae and shows close similarities to Archestennogramma and Stenogramma, including habit morphology, nemathecia forming proliferations at the outer cortex with terminal chains of tetrasporangia, and carposporophytes with multi‐layered pericarps. The single species in this genus exhibits distinctive features within the Phyllophoraceae: the presence of single‐layer construction of large medullary cells and the development of long, tubular gonimoblastic filaments. Multi‐gene phylogenetic analyses confirmed it as a unique, monophyletic lineage within the family. Cis‐splicing genes, interrupted by intron‐encoded proteins within group II introns, are present in both the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of A. liula. Notably, a specific region of the coxI group II intron exhibits similarity to fungal introns. Anunuuluaehu liula is presumed to be endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago and thus far is known to live solely at mesophotic depths from Hōlanikū to Kaho‘olawe ranging from 54 to 201 m, which is the deepest collection record of any representative in the family. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the genomic and taxonomic complexities of red algae in mesophotic habitats, emphasizing the significance of continued research in this area to uncover further insights into evolutionary processes and biogeographic patterns.
Variations in antibiotic prescribing among children enrolled in North Carolina Medicaid, 2013‐2019
Authors: Moorthy Ganga S. , Young Rebecca R. , Raman Sudha R. , Smith Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The majority of pediatric antibiotic prescribing occurs in the outpatient setting and inappropriate use contributes to antimicrobial resistance. There are regional variations in outpatient antibiotic use with the highest rates occurring in the Southern states, including in Appalachia. The purpose of this study was to describe the rates and risk factors for inappropriate antibiotic prescription among pediatric patients enrolled in North Carolina (NC) Medicaid.

Methods

We used Medicaid prescription claims data from 2013 to 2019 to describe patterns of pediatric antibiotic prescription in NC. We assessed patient and provider factors to identify variations in prescribing.

Findings

Children who were less than 2 years of age, non‐Hispanic White, and living in a rural area had the highest overall rates of antibiotic prescription. Compared to pediatricians, the risk of inappropriate antibiotic prescription was highest among other specialists and general practioners and lowest among nurse practitioners. Rural areas of NC had the highest rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing, and the risk for non‐Hispanic Black children compared to children of other races/ethnicities was compounded by rurality.

Conclusions

Prescribing practices in NC differ compared to neighboring states with a lower overall risk of inappropriate prescription in Appalachian regions; however, disparities by race and rurality exist. Outpatient stewardship efforts in NC should focus on ensuring health equity by appreciating racial and geographic variations in prescribing patterns and providing education to all health care providers.
Foredune‐forming grass and plant diversity show contrasting responses along the southeastern United States coast after hurricane disturbance
Authors: De Battisti Davide , Angelini Christine , Joyce Matthew , Crotty Sinead , Fairchild Tom P , Fischman Hallie S , Griffin John N
Published: January 2024

Aims

Latitudinal gradients in plant communities are well studied, yet how these fundamental ecological patterns influence ecosystem recovery after extreme weather events remains largely unknown. In coastal foredunes, we investigated how the cover of a key dune‐building grass (Uniola paniculata), vegetation diversity and vegetation cover vary along a short latitudinal gradient during recovery from hurricane disturbance.

Location

Southeastern USA.

Methods

We surveyed 24 sites, from central Florida to north Georgia (>400 km), four times over 18 months. General linear mixed‐effect models were used to unravel patterns of vegetation responses across latitude.

Results

Vegetation properties showed countervailing patterns across the latitudinal gradient. While vegetation richness, functional diversity and total cover generally declined, Uniola cover increased with increasing latitude. Further, the latitude–richness relationship strengthened while the latitude–functional diversity relationship was invariant with increasing time since the hurricane disturbance. Meanwhile, the latitude–Uniola association was seasonally dependent and strongest in the summer. Latitude also influenced diversity–cover relationships: vegetation cover was positively related to species richness at lower latitudes, while it was positively associated with functional diversity only at northern sites. We found no relationship between species richness or functional diversity and increases in cover between time steps; however, recruitment of new species and functional groups was associated with increases in vegetation cover between time steps at northern sites.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the temporal dynamism and contrasting patterns along latitudinal gradients exhibited by key engineering species and overall plant diversity in foredunes — a crucial line of coastal protection — exposed to hurricane disturbances. These results suggest a need for greater integration of latitudinal and diversity effects into our understanding of coastal dune resilience. They also highlight the potential benefits of enhancing dune plant biodiversity, particularly in areas where the dune‐building grasses that are classically employed in restoration (e.g., Uniola) are unfavoured, to accelerate the re‐establishment of well‐vegetated dunes.
Highly clustered mating networks in naturally fragmented riparian tree populations
Authors: Moracho Eva , Klein Etienne K. , Oddou‐Muratorio Sylvie , Hampe Arndt , Jordano Pedro
Published: January 2024

Understanding how spatial patterns of mating and gene flow respond to habitat loss and geographical isolation is a crucial aspect of forest fragmentation genetics. Naturally fragmented riparian tree populations exhibit unique characteristics that significantly influence these patterns. In this study, we investigate mating patterns, pollen‐mediated gene flow, and genetic diversity in relict populations of Frangula alnus in southern Spain by testing specific hypotheses related to the riparian habitat. We employ a novel approach that combines paternity analysis, particularly suited for small and isolated populations, with complex network theory and Bayesian models to predict mating likelihood among tree pairs. Our findings reveal a prevalence of short‐distance pollination, resulting in spatially driven local mating clusters with a distinct subset of trees being highly connected in the mating network. Additionally, we observe numerous pollination events over distances of hundreds of metres and considerable pollen immigration. Local neighbourhood density is the primary factor influencing within‐population mating patterns and pollen dispersal; moreover, mating network properties reflect the population's size and spatial configuration. Conversely, among‐population pollen dispersal is mainly determined by tree size, which influences floral display. Our results do not support a major role of directional pollen dispersal in longitudinal trends of genetic diversity. We provide evidence that long‐term fragmented tree populations persist in unique environments that shape mating patterns and impose constraints to pollen‐mediated gene flow. Nevertheless, even seemingly strongly isolated populations can maintain functional connectivity over extended periods, especially when animal‐mediated mating networks promote genetic diversity, as in this riparian tree species.
Improving single‐stage activity recognition of excavators using knowledge distillation of temporal gradient data
Authors: Ghelmani Ali , Hammad Amin
Published: January 2024

Single‐stage activity recognition methods have been gaining popularity within the construction domain. However, their low per‐frame accuracy necessitates additional post‐processing to link the per‐frame detections. Therefore, limiting their real‐time monitoring capabilities is an indispensable component of the emerging construction of digital twins. This study proposes knowledge DIstillation of temporal Gradient data for construction Entity activity Recognition (DIGER), built upon the you only watch once (YOWO) method and improving its activity recognition and localization performance. Activity recognition is improved by designing an auxiliary backbone to exploit the complementary information in the temporal gradient data (transferred into YOWO using knowledge distillation), while localization is improved primarily through integration of complete intersection over union loss. DIGER achieved a per‐frame activity recognition accuracy of 93.6% and localization mean average precision at 50% of 79.8% on a large custom dataset, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art methods without requiring additional computation during inference, making it highly effective for real‐time monitoring of construction site activities.
A method for suspenders tension identification of bridges based on the spatio‐temporal correlation between the girder strain and suspenders tension
Authors: Xu Qianen , Gao Qingfei , Liu Yang
Published: January 2024

In the actual structural health monitoring system of suspension bridges, only part of suspenders tension can be monitored, but not all the suspenders tension can be obtained. To solve this problem, a method for suspenders tension identification of bridges based on the spatio‐temporal correlation between the girder strain and suspenders tension is proposed. By using actual monitoring data of vehicle loads, a spatio‐temporal correlation model of the girder strain and tension forces of all suspenders is constructed based on the combined application of stacked denoising autoencoder and convolutional neural networks‐long short‐term memory model, so as to realize the preliminary identification of suspenders tension. On this basis, by using the actual monitoring data of suspenders tension and the strain monitoring data obtained through the distributed optical fiber sensors, the delicate identification of tension forces of all suspenders is realized based on the error interpolation of preliminary identification results. The results of the example bridge show that the method in this paper can effectively identify tension forces of all suspenders of the suspension bridge, and identification results are more accurate than the method using only the monitoring data of suspenders.
Aetiology of tinea of vellus hair and substrate specificity in Microsporum species
Authors: Zhou Xin , Liu Wentao , Li Meirong , Wu Rong , Wu Angela , Chen Peiran , Qin Shitong , Li Huanting , Wei Ling , Zhu Guoxing , de Hoog Sybren , Feng Peiying
Published: January 2024

Background

Tinea of vellus hair is a dermatophyte infection with or without localised infection of adjacent skin. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of this disorder have insufficiently been established.

Objectives

To gain insight into the epidemiology and analysis dissection of patterns of vellus hair infection.

Methods

A comprehensive examination of our series of cases and existing literature, clinical information was performed. Microsporum species were assayed for levels of keratinase and SUB1‐3 level after different keratin‐induced cultures.

Results

The infection affects both children and adults, with a male‐to‐female ratio of 1:1.3. The most afflicted areas are the face, neck and upper limbs. Both typical (ringworm‐like) and atypical (tinea incognito) tinea lesions can be observed. The disorder is caused primarily by the zoophilic Microsporum canis (40.39%). Topical antifungal drugs alone are ineffective; mycological cure is achieved in combination with systemic antifungal therapy for 4–8 weeks. In vitro, M. canis exhibited significantly elevated levels of secreted protease and SUB1 and SUB3 transcripts in cat hair cultures. Conversely, the findings of anthropophilic dermatophytes M. audouinii and M. ferrugineum demonstrated the opposite trend, suggesting that there are associations between keratinase activity and expression of SUB1 and SUB3 induced by different keratin substrates among M. canis complex members.

Conclusions

The epidemiological characteristics of tinea of vellus hair help us to understand its transmission patterns and develop effective prevention strategies. There are associations between keratinase activity and expression of SUB1‐3 induced by different substrates, which may explain the host shift and adaptation from pet animals to particular micro‐habitats on the human host.
Associations between household food environment and daily intake of regular and diet soft drinks per BMI status of European children: Feel4Diabetes Study
Authors: Reppas Kyriakos , Papamichael Maria Michelle , Usheva Natalya , Iotova Violeta , Chakarova Nevena , Cardon Greet , Rurik Imre , Antal Emese , Valve Päivi , Liatis Stavros , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Moreno Luis , Manios Yannis , Moschonis George
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate how the availability of food in the household environment is associated with a daily intake of regular and diet soft drinks in European children, considering BMI status. This cross‐sectional study utilised baseline data from 12 211 schoolchildren participating in the Feel4Diabetes European lifestyle modification intervention. Sociodemographics, soft drink intake and household food availability data were collected using parent‐completed questionnaires. Anthropometry was recorded, and children were classified into BMI categories according to the International Obesity Task Force cut‐offs. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis controlled for children's sex, mother's BMI, and educational level, frequent household availability of fruit juice (sugar added), regular soft drinks and salty snacks compared to less frequent were positively associated with daily regular soft drink intake in children, regardless of BMI group (ORs range 1.59–6.69). Conversely, frequent availability of fruit juice (no added sugar) was inversely related to regular soft drink intake in both BMI groups, as was the availability of fresh fruit in the overweight/obesity group, and the availability of diet soft drinks in the underweight/normal‐weight (ORs range 0.31–0.54). In conclusion, habitual household availability of selected energy‐dense foods/beverages was positively associated with a daily intake of regular soft drinks in European children, regardless of BMI status. Contrastingly, household availability of fresh fruit, fruit juice (no added sugar) and diet soft drinks were inversely associated with regular soft drink intake. Programmes focusing on reducing children's soft drink intake should consider reducing the availability of sugar‐added beverages in the household food environment and encouraging water consumption, as a practical, healthier alternative suggestion.
Cryptocarya moschata extract decreases single and mixed biofilms on acrylic resins
Authors: Tasso Camilla Olga , Ribas Beatriz Ribeiro , Ferrisse Túlio Morandin , de Oliveira Jonatas Silva , Jorge Janaina Habib
Published: January 2024

Objective

This study proposed to assess the effect of Cryptocarya moschata extract on single and mixed biofilms formed on denture base and reline acrylic resin.

Materials and Methods

Single and mixed biofilms of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were formed on the samples and treated with C. moschata extract; Nystatin solution at 100,000 IU/mL or Penicillin antibiotic solution at 100,000 IU/mL; or PBS solution. Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by counting colony‐forming units, metabolism assay, assessment of protein components of the biofilm matrix, and of cell viability using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey's post‐test (α = 0.05).

Results

Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced cell viability of C. albicans and S. mutans single and mixed biofilms formed on samples. For all types of biofilms in the C. moschata group, there was a log reduction of the biofilm, proven by the Alamar Blue assay. Analyzing the extracellular matrix protein components, groups treated with the extract exhibited a lower level of fluorescence compared to the PBS groups. Reduction in thickness biofilm and viable cells was perceptible in the C. moschata group when assessing through CLSM.

Conclusion

Cryptocarya moschata extract reduced the single and mixed biofilms of C. albicans and S. mutans on acrylic resins.
Exploring the multidimensionality of home‐based dementia caregiving and related challenges based on digital journaling and interviews
Authors: Davidsson Rebecca , Baker David , Chintakrindi Sameeksha , Lee Jung‐Ah , Kinser Patricia , Ozkaynak Mustafa , Chung Jane
Published: January 2024

Background

Home‐based dementia caregiving is often complicated and may be fragmented due to differences in caregiver roles, needs, preferences and caregiving circumstances. The complex structure of informal caregiving and inadequate support result in negative health outcomes among informal caregivers. Prior methodologies appear to lack a systematic capture of the critical features and intricate structures of home‐based dementia caregiving.

Objectives

To characterize dimensions and delivery frequencies of dementia caregiving tasks provided by family members and explore how caregivers framed their everyday challenges related to providing dementia care and support at home. We evaluated the value of digital journaling (caregiver journaling with a messenger app) as a novel data collection technique to better characterize informal dementia caregiving in the home setting.

Methods

We incorporated multiple data sources from family caregivers, including qualitative interviews, digital journals over four weeks and self‐report caregiver and care recipient characteristics to characterize dimensions, types and frequencies of home‐based dementia care tasks and explore caregivers’ challenges and coping to adapt to the changing caregiving situations. Ten family caregivers completed qualitative interviews and digital journaling.

Results

A content analysis of 124 journal entries and a thematic analysis of 20 qualitative interviews show that caregivers offered assistance that extended far beyond activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL. The key themes identified centred around how caregivers shape caregiving tasks, their personas and caregiving strategies while performing multiple roles, as well as the emotional toll of being a caregiver in the face of maintaining coping and resilience.

Conclusions

The study suggests the use of novel methodology to characterize home‐based dementia caregiving and to identify day‐to‐day care delivery challenges to increase our understanding of how to better support family caregivers.

Implications for Practice

Nursing interventions aimed at improving informal caregivers’ well‐being need to focus on understanding the dynamic nature of caregiving roles and responsibilities, and the evolving needs of caregivers and care recipients.
Experiences of interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults following elective treatment: Qualitative evidence‐synthesis
Authors: Kinsey Debbie , Carrieri Daniele , Briscoe Simon , Febrey Sam , Kneale Dylan , Lovegrove Chris , Nunns Michael , Coon Jo Thompson , McGrath John , Hemsley Anthony , Shaw Liz
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives

Hospitals streamline treatment pathways to reduce the length of time older adults admitted for planned procedures spend in hospital. However patient perspectives have been poorly evaluated. This systematic review aimed to understand the experiences of older patients, carers, families and staff of multi‐component interventions intended to improve recovery following elective treatment.

Research Design and Methods

Bibliographic databases searched in June 2021 included MEDLINE ALL, HMIC, CENTRAL, CINAHL, AMED and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. We conducted citation searching and examined reference lists of reviews. Two reviewers independently undertook screening and data extraction, resolving disagreements through discussion. We used an adapted Wallace checklist for quality appraisal and meta‐ethnography to synthesise data. Clinician, carer and patient views were incorporated throughout the review.

Results

Thirty‐five papers were included in the synthesis. Thirteen studies were conducted in the UK, with patient views the most frequently represented. We identified six overarching constructs: ‘Home as preferred environment for recovery’, ‘Feeling safe’, ‘Individualisation of structured programme’, ‘Taking responsibility’, ‘Essential care at home’ and ‘Outcomes’.

Discussion and Implications

Findings explore the support patients, families and carers need throughout hospital admission, and may inform commissioning of services to ensure patients and carers receive appropriate follow‐up support after hospital discharge. The findings may help hospital and community‐based health and social care staff provide person‐centred care based upon assessments of emotional and physical wellbeing of patients and family/carers. Research is needed to establish a core‐set of patient‐reported outcome measures which capture aspects of recovery which are meaningful to patients.
Finnish telehomecare workers' satisfaction with the inclusion of telehomecare in older adults' home care and factors associated with it
Authors: Hoffrén‐Mikkola Merja , Eloranta Sini , Teeri Sari , Mikkola Tuula , Komulainen Marjatta
Published: January 2024

Background

Telehomecare in older adults' home care in Finland is mainly video‐mediated check‐up and reminder calls with home care clients. Home care workers have reported mixed attitudes and feelings towards utilisation of technologies and remote services in their work.

Objectives

The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate Finnish telehomecare workers' satisfaction with the inclusion of telehomecare in older adults' home care. Another aim was to examine what factors are associated with this satisfaction.

Methods

The data were collected with an electronic quantitative email survey. Five Finnish older adults' home care organisations participated as the target organisations of the study. Two of the organisations were located in large cities, one in a medium‐sized provincial centre and two in rural municipalities. Three organisations provided telehomecare services with centralised service models and two with decentralised service models. In total, the organisations had 103 telehomecare workers to whom the survey was directed.

Results

The telehomecare workers were mostly satisfied with (55.8%) or felt neutral about (20.9%) the inclusion of telehomecare in older adults' home care. Satisfaction was strongly related to the workers' experience of telehomecare making their work easier, improving interaction and enhancing relationships of trust with clients as well as decreasing workload. Application of telehomecare to overcome the workers' physical restrictions, and also their perceptions of being able to influence whether to start working in telehomecare, were strongly related to their satisfaction with the inclusion of telehomecare in home care.

Conclusions

The results confirm that telehomecare job positions function well as relocated job positions in home care when workers have musculoskeletal problems or injuries. However, it is important that workers' willingness to work in telehomecare is also respected. From the telehomecare workers' perspective, good interaction and trustful relationships with clients are important factors that produce good care and increase satisfaction with telehomecare.

Implications for practice

Telehomecare may have a positive impact on the home care workers’ job satisfaction. The homecare workers need training in the use of new technologies. In addition, they need to be able to decide themselves whether they start working in telehomecare or not.
Comparison of En Bloc Resection and Intralesional Excision for Re‐resection of Giant Cell Tumors of the Spine
Authors: Zhou Hua , Tang Yanchao , Hu Panpan , Zhai Shuheng , Liu Xiaoguang , Liu Zhongjun , Wei Feng
Published: January 2024

Objective

Re‐resection of spinal giant cell tumors is an exceedingly difficult procedure. Moreover, the prognosis of patients with en bloc resection or intralesional excision for re‐resection has rarely been reported. This study aimed to compare the prognostic value of en bloc resection with that of intralesional excision in patients undergoing re‐resection for giant cell tumors of the spine.

Methods

This retrospective analysis evaluated patients who underwent revision surgeries for relapse of giant cell tumors of the spine at our center between January 2005 and January 2021. Local progression‐free survival represents the duration between en bloc resection or intralesional excision and tumor recurrence. Neurological recovery, survival rates, local control, and complications were evaluated. The Kaplan–Meier estimator was used for survival analysis.

Results

A total of 22 patients (nine men and 13 women) with a mean age of 34.1 (range 19–63) years were included. Significant statistical differences were found in the local tumor recurrence rate between patients treated with en bloc resection and those treated with intralesional excision (p < 0.05). The 5‐ and 10‐year local progression‐free survival rates were both 90% in the en bloc resection group, while in the intralesional excision group, the 5‐year local progression‐free survival rate was 80% with a 10‐year rate of 45.7%. The en bloc resection group had a lower local tumor recurrence rate than that of the intralesional excision group (p < 0.05), but the former had a higher rate of complications (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

This study revealed a low local recurrence rate in patients who underwent en bloc resection for giant cell tumors, while the perioperative complication rate was high.
Photosynthetic adaptation mechanisms of waterlogged wheat (Triticum aestivum) at flowering under exogenous nitric oxide donor application
Authors: Yang Ru , Ou Jun , Zhang Kou , Qian Tianyu , Yang Wenjun , Zhang Xiangshuo , He Haibing , Zhang Wenjing , Ma Shangyu , Fan Yonghui , Ding Wenjing , Huang Zhenglai
Published: January 2024

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) on the photosynthetic adaptation mechanisms of wheat plants in waterlogging during the flowering stage are poorly understood. Field and pot experiments using two cultivars were conducted with three treatments: waterlogging (WL), waterlogging plus NO donor sodium nitroprusside (WLsnp), and adequate water (CK). The results indicated that the WLsnp and CK treatments exhibited significantly higher 1000‐kernel weight and yield than the WL treatment because of high photosynthetic potential(P<0.05). We found that the photosynthetic performance, including photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), mesophyll conductance (gm), carbon dioxide concentration at the carboxylation site (Cc), maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transfer rate (Jmax), actual electron transfer rate (J), actual PSII efficiency (ΦPSII) and potential maximum efficiency in PSII (Fv/Fm), was significantly improved in the WLsnp treatment compared to the WL treatment, both during waterlogging and after de‐waterlogging. Little difference was observed in the photosynthetic performance between the WLsnp and CK treatments during waterlogging for cultivar YM15 and after de‐waterlogging for cultivar YM24. Further analysis indicated that gs, gm and J were identified as key physiological indicators that synergistically regulate Pn of waterlogged wheat plants. Overall, the improvement of wheat's waterlogging resistance capacity after spraying NO is mainly related to high gs, great gm, and high J.
Electoral Campaigns and Parliamentary Practice: Do Parties Pursue the Issues They Campaigned On?
Authors: Gross Martin , Nyhuis Dominic , Block Sebastian , Velimsky Jan A.
Published: January 2024

Well‐functioning political representation presupposes that the substantive focus of parties‘ parliamentary efforts reflects the issues on which parties campaigned. Although the link between electoral campaigning and parliamentary practice is crucial for successful representation in modern democracies, we still have little evidence that the issues on which political actors campaigned are the ones they focus on in day‐to‐day politics. We investigate the link between electoral campaigning and parliamentary practice by examining the overlap between parties‘ issue attention in manifestos and parliamentary questions. Our results for parties‘ issue attention in local campaigns and in local councils in Germany between 2011 and 2020 show that parties follow up on the issues they campaign on: The more parties emphasise an issue in their campaign, the more they pay attention to it in their parliamentary activities.
Genetic structuring and species boundaries in the Atlantic stony coral Favia (Scleractinia, Faviidae)
Authors: Adam Carolina de Lima , Toonen Robert J. , Carlon David B. , Zilberberg Carla , Barbeitos Marcos Soares
Published: January 2024

Scleractinian corals are the main modern builders of coral reefs, which are major hot spots of marine biodiversity. Southern Atlantic reef corals are understudied compared to their Caribbean and Indo‐Pacific counterparts and many hypotheses about their population dynamics demand further testing. We employed thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) recovered via ezRAD to characterize genetic population structuring and species boundaries in the amphi‐Atlantic hard coral genus Favia. Coalescent‐based species delimitation (BFD* – Bayes Factor Delimitation) recovered F. fragum and F. gravida as separate species. Although our results agree with depth‐related genetic structuring in F. fragum, they did not support incipient speciation of the ‘tall’ and ‘short’ morphotypes. The preferred scenario also revealed a split between two main lineages of F. gravida, one from Ascension Island and the other from Brazil. The Brazilian lineage is further divided into a species that occurs throughout the Northeastern coast and another that ranges from the Abrolhos Archipelago to the state of Espírito Santo. BFD* scenarios were corroborated by analyses of SNP matrices with varying levels of missing data and by a speciation‐based delimitation approach (DELINEATE). Our results challenge current notions about Atlantic reef corals because they uncovered surprising genetic diversity in Favia and rejected the long‐standing hypothesis that Abrolhos Archipelago may have served as a Pleistocenic refuge during the last glaciations.
Using theater as an innovative knowledge translation approach for health research: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Jackson Poppy , Luke Alison , Goudreau Alex , Doucet Shelley
Published: January 2024

Objective:

The objective of this review is to synthesize the existing literature on how theater has been used as a knowledge translation approach for health research and to identify the outcome measures employed for evaluation as well as the facilitators/challenges related to this approach.

Introduction:

The use of arts-based knowledge translation methods is relatively new in health research but has already shown to have positive impacts on knowledge, attitudes, policy, and practice. Specifically, theater has proven to be an effective approach for communicating research findings in a way that stimulates thought and discussion on important health-related topics.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include scholarly literature on how theater is being used as a knowledge translation approach for health research. The review will not impose any limitations related to demographic variables, health issues, or settings. The review will consider papers using any study design, and will also consider other literature, such as protocols, descriptive papers, unpublished papers, and evaluation reports.

Methods:

This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The databases to be searched will include CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, MEDLINE (Ovid), Academic Search Premier (EBSCOhost), and Scopus. Google/Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses will also be searched for unpublished studies and gray literature. All literature identified in the search will be screened by 2 independent reviewers and the results will be presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram. The data extracted from the included literature will be presented in both tabular and narrative format.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/gbcpj
A Golden Eye in the Sky
Authors: Zeldovich Lina
Published: January 2024

The James Webb Telescope is NASA’s largest and most complex orbiting observatory to date. Ten years in the making at a price tag of nearly $10 billion, Webb was designed to not only go where no other telescopes have gone before, but also see things no other telescopes have been able to see. This is the story of the engineering underpinning this new space telescope.
Designing Around Hydrogen Embrittlement
Authors: Gibson Tom
Published: January 2024

There are issues to work out before hydrogen can see widespread use as a fuel. One such barrier is a condition called hydrogen embrittlement, also known as hydrogen-assisted cracking or hydrogen-induced cracking, which causes cracks in steel tanks and pipes exposed to hydrogen.
Machine Learning for Modeling Oscillating Heat Pipes: A Review
Authors: Núñez Roberto , Mohammadian Shahabeddin K. , Rupam Tahmid Hasan , Mohammed Ramy H. , Huang Guliang , Ma Hongbin
Published: January 2024

Oscillating heat pipes are heat transfer devices with the potential of addressing some of the most pressing current thermal management problems, from the miniaturization of microchips to the development of hypersonic vehicles. Since their invention in the 1990s, numerous studies have attempted to develop predictive and inverse design models for oscillating heat pipe function. However, the field still lacks robust and flexible models that can be used to prescribe design specifications based on a target performance. The fundamental difficulty lies in the fact that, despite the simplicity of their design, the mechanisms behind the operation of oscillating heat pipes are complex and only partially understood. To circumvent this limitation, over the last several years, there has been increasing interest in the application of machine learning techniques to oscillating heat pipe modeling. Our survey of the literature has revealed that machine learning techniques have successfully been used to predict different aspects of the operation of these devices. However, many fundamental questions such as which machine learning models are better suited for this task or whether their results can extrapolate to different experimental setups remain unanswered. Moreover, the wealth of knowledge that the field has produced regarding the physical phenomena behind oscillating heat pipes is still to be leveraged by machine learning techniques. Herein, we discuss these applications in detail, emphasizing their advantages, limitations, as well as potential paths forward.
Motion-Based Wave Inference With Neural Networks: Transfer Learning From Numerical Simulation to Experimental Data
Authors: Bisinotto Gustavo A. , de Mello Pedro C. , Cozman Fabio G. , Tannuri Eduardo A.
Published: January 2024

The directional wave spectrum, which describes the distribution of wave energy along frequencies and directions, can be estimated from the measured motions of a vessel subjected to a particular sea condition by resorting to the wave-buoy analogy. Several methods have been proposed to address the inverse estimation problem; recently, machine learning techniques have been assessed as further alternatives. However, it may be difficult to gather large datasets of in-service motion responses and the associated sea states to train effective data-driven models. In this work, an encoder–decoder neural network is trained with the synthetic responses of a station-keeping platform supply vessel (PSV) to estimate the directional wave spectrum. This estimation model is directly applied to perform wave inference from motion data of wave basin tests with a small-scale model of the same vessel. Furthermore, fine-tuning is also used to incorporate experimental data into the neural network model. Results show a satisfactory match between estimated and measured values, both with respect to the energy distribution and the integral spectrum parameters, indicating that the proposed approach can be employed to obtain data-driven wave inference models when there is little or no availability of measured motion records and the corresponding sea conditions.
Multimodal ultrasonography evaluation in thyroid nodule characterization: what is the ideal algorithm?
Authors: Gürsel Başak Erdemli , Çağlar Barış , Özpar Rıfat , Saraydaroğlu Özlem , Gökalp Gökhan , Topal Naile Bolca
Published: January 2024

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic performances of Ultrasonography (US), Shear-wave Elastography (SWE), and Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) findings in the diagnosis of malignant thyroid nodules (MTNs) and to determine the US algorithm with the best diagnostic performance.Material and methods: Eighty-one nodules in 77 patients who had underwent multimodal US with biopsy results, were evaluated. Echogenicity, nodule components, contours, presence and type of calcification, and size were analyzed with US. Nodule stiffness and vascular index (VI) measurements were performed via SWE and SMI. The power of the US algorithm in predicting malignancy was evaluated.Results: Hypoechogenicity, irregular contour, aspect ratio (anteroposterior (AP)/transvers diameter) >1, and >43.9 kPa were the characteristicshad significant efficacy in the diagnosis of MTNs. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values were respectively 100%, 48.5%, and 0.742 for hypoechogenicity; 80%, 90.1%, and 0.855 for irregular contour; 60%, 71.2%, and 0.656 for aspect ratio >1; 60%, 72.7%, and 0.671 for >43.9 kPa; and 93.3%, 90.9%, and 0.921 for the US algorithm. VI did not show significant efficacy in diagnosis.Conclusion: Some B-mode and SWE findings showed sufficient efficacy in differentiating benign and malign nodules on their own. However, diagnostic accuracy increased significantly when the US algorithm was applied
Kinetic Monte Carlo study on the effect of growth conditions on the epitaxial growth of 3C–SiC (0001) vicinal surface
Authors: Chen Xuejiang , Zhang Xinyao , Ai Wensen
Published: January 2024

Due to the lack of research on the microscopic evolution process and the formation of step growth patterns for SiC crystals, it is of great importance to deepen the understanding of the epitaxial growth of a SiC vicinal surface from a microscopic point of view. In this study, a three-dimensional lattice kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm was used to study the step flow growth characteristics of SiC crystals. The microscopic evolution of the step flow growth patterns for SiC vicinal surfaces was shown. C and Si were treated as the basic particles, and the net deposition and diffusion of atoms were considered in this model. The periodic boundary conditions were applied along the step edge and the helical boundary conditions were applied in the direction perpendicular to the step. The surface morphology evolution of SiC crystals grown on step substrates was simulated at different growth temperatures, partial deposition fluxes, and terrace widths. The results indicated that the growth patterns of the SiC vicinal surface could be transformed from a step flow growth to a nucleation growth pattern by decreasing the growth temperature, increasing the deposition flux, and increasing the terrace width.
Hardness, adhesion, and wear behavior of magnetron cosputtered Ti:Zr-O-N thin films
Authors: Cristea D. , Scărlătescu A. I. , Bulai G. , Martínez-Martínez D. , da Silva Oliveira C. I. , Yan G. , Cunha L.
Published: January 2024

Reactive magnetron sputtering was used to deposit Ti:Zr-O-N thin films, by using a single Zr target, with Ti ribbons placed on the erosion track of the Zr sputtering target. Zr-O-N thin films have been also deposited in the same chamber to be used as reference films. The number of Ti ribbons, the applied sputtering current, and the reactive gas flow were the variable parameters. The films were analyzed in terms of structural development and mechanical properties (instrumented indentation, adhesion scratch testing, and wear analysis). The films are either amorphous or composed of a mixture of crystalline phases based on zirconium and titanium oxides or nitrides. Hardness values are situated between ∼10 and 11 GPa for the reference films (deposited without Ti) and up to ∼22 GPa for one of the Ti:Zr-O-N films. The films deposited without Ti behave slightly better in terms of adhesion to the substrate in comparison to the remaining samples in relation to the occurrence of first cracks (Lc1, critical load 1) and for first delamination (Lc2, critical load 2), a phenomenon probably related to the lower hardness of these films, which can accommodate the plastic deformation caused by the diamond indenter, prior to the occurrence of delamination. Adhesion to the substrate is a critical characteristic during wear tests since some of the coatings exhibit severe delamination.
The Effect of Active Release Technique on Hamstring Extensibility: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Palermo Mikala , Reich Sierra , Rives Mika
Published: January 2024

Clinical Scenario: Hamstring extensibility plays a significant role in maintaining postural alignment essential for a functional musculoskeletal system. When hamstring extensibility is lacking, individuals are placed at a higher risk for developing various lumbar spine, pelvis, knee, and foot dysfunctions. Limited hamstring extensibility is common, occurring in as much as 40% of college students and 86% of the adult population. Therefore, it is essential to maintain hamstring extensibility, which can be aided by understanding intervention effectiveness for improving flexibility. Purpose: To critically appraise the literature on the effectiveness of Active Release Technique (ART) for the treatment of hamstring extensibility deficits. Clinical Question: What is the effect of ART in a healthy population with or without hamstring extensibility deficits? Summary of Key Findings: Three studies were included for critical appraisal. Two studies concluded a single treatment session of ART that individuals possessing limited straight leg raise range of motion experienced improved active knee extension, popliteal angle, and sit-and-reach test measures. In the third study, a single session of ART was effective at improving hamstring extensibility in males without hamstring extensibility dysfunction. Clinical Bottom Line: Based on the current level 1 and level 3 evidence, ART may be an effective treatment to produce acute increases in hamstring extensibility. Future research is still needed. Strength of Recommendation: Level B evidence exists to support the use of ART to improve hamstring extensibility in the healthy population.
Unpacking Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Physical Education: What We Know and Do Not Know
Authors: Ward Phillip , Kim Insook
Published: January 2024

Pedagogical content knowledge is an incredibly useful construct to examine teaching and to design teacher education for preservice and continuing education settings. Although it has been central to discussions of teaching effectiveness since Shulman first proposed it in 1986, pedagogical content knowledge has been subject to considerable criticism and elaboration since then. In this paper, we discuss the research on pedagogical content knowledge in physical education, criticisms, and how it has been shaped by those criticisms. We examine pedagogical content knowledge beyond the traditional focus of pedagogy and content, discussing the role of knowledge of students, context, and curriculum as influences on pedagogical content knowledge. In doing so, we identify the strengths and weaknesses of the literature and propose directions for future research.
LiaX is a surrogate marker for cell envelope stress and daptomycin non-susceptibility in
Enterococcus faecium
Authors: Axell-House Dierdre B. , Simar Shelby R. , Panesso Diana , Rincon Sandra , Miller William R. , Khan Ayesha , Pemberton Orville A. , Valdez Lizbet , Nguyen April H. , Hood Kara S. , Rydell Kirsten , DeTranaltes Andrea M. , Jones Mary N. , Atterstrom Rachel , Reyes Jinnethe , Sahasrabhojane Pranoti V. , Suleyman Geehan , Zervos Marcus , Shelburne Samuel A. , Singh Kavindra V. , Shamoo Yousif , Hanson Blake M. , Tran Truc T. , Arias Cesar A.
Published: January 2024

Daptomycin (DAP) is often used as a first-line therapy to treat vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
infections, but emergence of DAP non-susceptibility threatens the effectiveness of this antibiotic. Moreover, current methods to determine DAP minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) have poor reproducibility and accuracy. In enterococci, DAP resistance is mediated by the LiaFSR cell membrane stress response system, and deletion of
liaR
encoding the response regulator results in hypersusceptibility to DAP and antimicrobial peptides. The main genes regulated by LiaR are a cluster of three genes, designated
liaXYZ
. In
Enterococcus faecalis
, LiaX is surface-exposed with a C-terminus that functions as a negative regulator of cell membrane remodeling and an N-terminal domain that is released to the extracellular medium where it binds DAP. Thus, in
E. faecalis
, LiaX functions as a sentinel molecule recognizing DAP and controlling the cell membrane response, but less is known about LiaX in
E. faecium
. Here, we found that
liaX
is essential in
E. faecium
with an activated LiaFSR system. Unlike
E. faecalis
,
E. faecium
LiaX is not detected in the extracellular milieu and does not appear to alter phospholipid architecture. We further postulated that LiaX could be used as a surrogate marker for cell envelope activation and non-susceptibility to DAP. For this purpose, we developed and optimized a LiaX enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We then assessed 86 clinical
E. faecium
bloodstream isolates for DAP MICs and used whole genome sequencing to assess for substitutions in LiaX. All DAP-resistant clinical strains of
E. faecium
exhibited elevated LiaX levels. Strikingly, 73% of DAP-susceptible isolates by standard MIC determination also had elevated LiaX ELISAs compared to a well-characterized DAP-susceptible strain. Phylogenetic analyses of predicted amino acid substitutions showed 12 different variants of LiaX without a specific association with DAP MIC or LiaX ELISA values. Our findings also suggest that many
E. faecium
isolates that test DAP susceptible by standard MIC determination are likely to have an activated cell stress response that may predispose to DAP failure. As LiaX appears to be essential for the cell envelope response to DAP, its detection could prove useful to improve the accuracy of susceptibility testing by anticipating therapeutic failure.