bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political machines and the curse of public resources in subnational democracies
Authors: Cendales Andrés , Garza Nestor , Arcila Andres
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper argues that decentralization reforms in Colombia, implemented since the 1980s, have led to the decentralization of political clientelism rather than its demise. Clientelism is a system of political and economic institutions that turns every local democracy into an extractive political institution. The authors theoretically demonstrate that an increase in public resources will increase corruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop and test a subnational public choice model, where clientelism in elections and corruption in public administration constitute a stable long-term institutional equilibrium. The model comprises two linked subgames: electoral tournament and corruption in public policy. The model makes two predictions that currently oppose predominant approaches: (1) increasing the severity of jail sentences to electoral crimes increases their price and the predominance of machine politics, instead of improving the quality of electoral tournaments and (2) increasing local governments' public finance increases clientelism in elections and corruption in public administration.

Findings

The authors find evidence in favor of the theoretical model of curse of public resources, using difference-in-differences estimation with a database 2016–17 of Colombia's 1,034 municipalities. This country is well-suited for our analysis because it has a long-term commitment to formal democratic processes (since 1958), while plagued by endemic corruption and clientelism problems.

Originality/value

(1) The theoretical approach is innovative and disruptive of current models on the problem, (2) the model builds upon the Colombian situation, a country with prominent corruption and political violence problems regardless of its relatively long-term commitment with free elections (since 1958) and (3) the theoretical discussion is tested using a comprehensive set of difference-in-differences estimations.
Conflicting logics for crisis management in tourism
Authors: Öberg Christina
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In tourism research, crisis management mostly refers to operational, on-location, chaotic measures taken as a crisis strikes a tourism destination. Related to COVID-19, this paper focuses on public initiatives representing strategic-oriented crisis management while showing that such initiatives may not help those needing support. More precisely, the paper discusses and exemplifies the conflict of logics between private sector interests and public initiatives related to crisis management in tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

The main data source is a structured newspaper review of COVID-19 and tourism as covered in the Swedish press, comprising more than 4,000 items.

Findings

Findings indicate logics manifested at different levels and a logic gap between small and large firms. Large firms are potentially better able to adapt but tend to wait passively for financial support rather than reformulate their business operations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to research on crisis management in tourism by taking a public, societal-level view of crisis management juxtaposed against the local actors' sphere of operations. The conflict of logics proves how support needs to be improved to better help a sector in crisis. Thematic logics are introduced as a concept and captured in the conflicts between the present and the future, survival and change and operations and aggregates in crisis management. Broadly, the paper provides valuable insights into the future of tourism while indicating policy failures in the sector.
Exploring mindfulness in/as education from a Heideggerian perspective
Authors: Brito Rodrigo , Joseph Stephen , Sellman Edward
Published: July 2021

Over the past decade or so within this journal, there have been critical debates concerning the role of mindfulness within education, the influence of neoliberalism on education in general and well-being interventions specifically, and the relevance of the philosophy of Martin Heidegger for critiquing modernity including the nature and purpose afforded education. In this article, we propose that these debates are sufficiently interrelated to develop a more unified argument. We will show how a Heideggerian perspective is conceptually rich, in both its heritage, as it draws upon both East-Asian wisdom and western thinking, and its engagement, as it confronts the implications of what Heidegger called a ‘technical-era’, for offering such a unified critique. The focus of this critique is on instrumental forms of mindfulness (mindfulness ‘in’ education), which when framed by neoliberalism has rather narrow goals concerning individual well-being and performance. In contrast, more critical and integral forms of mindfulness (mindfulness ‘as’ education) offer the potential for more holistic and authentic learning. Throughout the article, we discuss how Heideggerian philosophy offers a number of useful concepts (e.g., enframing, Dasein, authenticity, meditative thinking), which are able to both critique the instrumentalisation of approaches like mindfulness by neoliberalism and speak to more holistic education oriented toward more authentic being in the world.
Volatile composition analysis of tree peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) seed oil and the effect of oxidation during storage
Authors: Zhang Yu , Luo Jingwen , Zeng Fankun
Published: July 2021

Peony (Paeonia section Moutan DC.) seed oil is a novel vegetable oil with unique aromatic profile. The objectives of this study were to characterize the volatile compounds with optimized analysis conditions, and to study the effects of oxidation during storage. The Headspace Solid‐phase Micro‐extraction (HS‐SPME) conditions were optimized with factors including extraction fiber, extraction time and temperature, as well as sample amount and desorption time. Then, the aromatic compounds extracted from peony seed oil were determined using the odor activity value (OAV) method coupled with the GC‐olfactometry. Results found that the best HS‐SPME conditions were DVB/CAR/PDMS fibers with magnetic stirring for 50 min of extraction at 60°C. The optimal sample amount was 4 g with 6 min of desorption. Forty‐one volatile components were found, and 19 aromatic components were identified using GC‐MS and GC‐olfactometry. This is the first study to describe 4,7‐dimethylbenzofuran in peony seed oil with a unique aroma of grass, light bitter, and fragrance. The stability of alcohol and terpenoids decreased as accelerated oxidation progresses. This study provides the theoretical basis for the sensory attributes, and shelf‐life of peony seeds oil products for industry production and marketing.
Characterization and epitope prediction of phosphopyruvate hydratase from Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp)
Authors: Yang Yi , Liu Huiying , Zeng Wen , Yang Yunjia , Zhang Jing , Yin Jie , Wu Jieling , Lai Kefeng
Published: July 2021

Shellfish allergies constitute an important cause of food‐induced anaphylactic reactions, which pose challenges to food safety and human health worldwide. In the present study, the specific IgE (sIgE) binding characteristics of different shrimp proteins of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) to the sera of eight shrimp‐allergic patients from China were studied by sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and nanoliquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. According to the PLGS scores (>2000) and the sequence coverage (>40%), eight proteins with sIgE binding activity were identified, including myosin heavy chain type 1 (K4Q4N8), hemocyanin (G1AP69 and Q95V28), phosphopyruvate hydratase (O96656), arginine kinase (C7E3T4), tropomyosin (A1KYZ2), sarcoplasmic calcium binding protein (H7CHW2) and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (A0A097BQP2). Among these eight proteins, phosphopyruvate hydratase was a prevalent IgE‐binding protein among these Chinese patients with binding observed in 100% of sera. Moreover, 13 peptides were predicted as epitopes of phosphopyruvate hydratase. These new details help us to understand the crustacean IgE‐binding proteins especially Penaeus monodon IgE‐binding proteins, that would cause allergic reaction to Chinese patients. And our findings may provide essential information to improve allergy prevention and clinical treatment to shrimp allergy in China.

Practical Application

This research may have diagnostic and therapeutic value for shrimp allergies in China.
Strategic Reassessments: Aid and Bureaucracy in Australia‐India Relations 1951–1970*
Authors: Prakash Teesta
Published: July 2021

Australia‐India relations during the Cold War years were tense. The dominant argument in the current literature that explains this tension is the Nehru‐Menzies dissonance, which resulted in fundamentally opposite readings of the Cold War. However, the role of Australian aid to India has been understudied in the bilateral relations literature. India was the largest receiver of Australian aid between 1951–1969, but in 1969, there was a marked decrease in this aid as Indonesia replaced India as the main aid recipient. By drawing on archival material, this article suggests an additional explanation for the dramatic change to the Australia‐India relationship. By examining the role of Australian ministers and senior bureaucrats, this paper argues that between 1951–1969, Australia’s aid to India was driven by its strategic interests in India. However, by 1966 Australia’s strategic interests in India became tenuous due to the souring of United States‐India relations, primarily because of the stresses of the Vietnam War. Thus, a sizeable cut in Australian aid to India was made in 1969 and the subsequent decision to make Indonesia the foremost beneficiary of its aid was a result of strategic reassessments in Australian foreign policy, to adhere more closely to United States (US) interests in Asia.
Sevoflurane inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation and invasion and induces apoptosis by miR‐144‐3p/YAP1 axis
Authors: He Ke , Yao Shudong , Zhang Yiqiang , Shen Jun
Published: July 2021

Background

Sevoflurane (SEV) is a typical volatile anaesthetic and has an antitumour activity in various cancer cells. Here, we were curious whether SEV has tumour‐suppressive effects in neuroblastoma (NB).

Methods

NB cell lines (K‐N‐SH and SK‐N‐AS) were treated with SEV (1%, 2% and 4%). Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK8) and Transwell assays were conducted to examine cell proliferation and invasion, respectively. The apoptosis was verified by flow cytometry, and the yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1), Bax, Bcl2 and cleaved caspase3 levels were detected by western blotting. Quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) was conducted to monitor the miR‐144‐3p level in SEV‐treated NB cells. The targeted relationship between miR‐144‐3p and YAP1 was predicted by bioinformatics and testified by the dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

SEV mitigated NB cell proliferation and invasion and strengthened apoptosis dose‐dependently. SEV upregulated miR‐144‐3p. Moreover, the miR‐144‐3p inhibitor transfection significantly reduced the tumour‐suppressive effect of SEV on NB cells. Furthermore, the dual‐luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR‐144‐3p targeted YAP1 and overexpressing YAP1 partially weakened the inhibitive effects of miR‐144‐3p on NB cells.

Conclusion

SEV abated NB cell proliferation and invasion and accelerated apoptosis through the miR‐144‐3p/YAP1 axis.
Debate: Coping and resilience in the time of COVID‐19 and structural inequities
Authors: Zilberstein Karen
Published: July 2021

The hardships associated with COVID‐19 have highlighted the importance of coping and resilience, and many mental health providers and organizations have responded by promoting the use of individual and familial coping tools. While individually oriented techniques benefit many, they can also disadvantage populations struggling the most. They exact a cost by placing a higher burden on those with fewer resources and thus risk widening structural inequities. Since community‐level interventions can also enhance resiliency and are cheaper and more sustainable, more effort should be put into developing and deploying them. At a time in which hardship is widespread, parents are overwhelmed by multiple demands, structural inequities are rampant, and demand for services outpaces capacity, the mental health field must prioritize more equitable methods of assisting large numbers of children and families.
Prognostic implications of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes for recurrence in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Wu Yuan , Gao Yue , Chen Lingxi , Jin Xin , Chen Pingbo , Mo Qingqing
Published: July 2021

The recurrence of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is largely attributed to tumour cells escaping from the surveillance of immune cells. However, to date there is a lack of studies that have systematically evaluated the associations between the infiltration fraction of immune cells and the recurrence risk of EOC. Based on the micro-ribonucleic acid (microRNA) expression profiles of 441 EOC patients, we constructed a microRNA-based panel with recurrence prediction potential using non-negative matrix factorization consensus clustering. Then, we evaluated the association between recurrence risk and infiltration proportions among 10 immune cell types by CIBERSORT and a multivariable Cox regression model. As a result, we identified a 72-microRNA-based panel that could stratify patients into high and low risk of recurrence. The infiltration of plasma cells and M1 macrophages was consistently significantly associated with the risk of recurrence in patients with EOC. Plasma cells were significantly associated with a decreased risk of relapse [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.58, p = 0.006), while M1 macrophages were associated with an increased risk of relapse (HR = 1.59, p = 0.003). Therefore, the 72-microRNA-based panel, M1 macrophages and plasma cells may hold potential to serve as recurrence predictors of EOC patients in clinical practice.
Variations in deceased donor kidney procurement biopsy practice patterns: A survey of U.S. organ procurement organizations
Authors: Emmons Brendan R. , Husain S. Ali , King Kristen L. , Adler Joel T. , Mohan Sumit
Published: July 2021

Background

Procurement biopsies have become a common practice in the evaluation and allocation of deceased donor kidneys in the United States despite questions about their value and reproducibility. We sought to determine the extent of OPO‐level differences in criteria used to decide which deceased donor kidneys undergo a procurement biopsy and to assess the degree of variability in procurement biopsy technique and interpretation across OPOs.

Methods

Each of the country's 58 OPOs were invited to participate in the survey. OPOs were divided into two groups based on organ availability ratio and deceased donor kidney discard rate.

Results and Conclusions

Fifty‐out‐of‐fifty‐eight invited OPOs (86% response rate) responded to the survey between November 2020 and December 2020. Thirty (60%) OPOs reported that they have formal criteria for performing kidney procurement biopsy, but for 29 of these OPOs, transplant centers can request biopsy on kidneys that do not meet criteria. OPOs used a total of seven different variables and 12 different numerical thresholds to define impaired kidney function that would prompt a procurement biopsy. Additionally, wide variability was seen in biopsy technique and procedures for biopsy interpretation and reporting of findings to transplant programs. These findings identify a clear opportunity for standardization of procurement biopsies to best practices.
Genetic resistance and tumour morphology in birch infected with Taphrina betulina
Authors: Christita Margaretta , Overmyer Kirk
Published: July 2021

Witches’ broom of birch (Betula spp.) caused by Taphrina betulina is an understudied disease that causes the formation of woody tumours, from which ectopic axillary buds and branches grow to form a broom‐like structure. We have addressed two aspects of this disease using naturally infected mature trees in the field. Broom symptoms offer a convenient means of scoring susceptibility in the field. Variation in broom symptom presentation suggests possible variation in resistance against witches’ broom disease. We tracked the local distribution of susceptible individuals among 721 trees at 159 independent sites. The analysis supports the hypothesis that there was genetic resistance segregating in these birch populations. Anatomical changes in broom symptom bearing branches of European silver birch (Betula pendula) were also addressed by comparing sections of tissues from three locations in the same branch, which were normal, swollen in infected tissue adjacent to a tumour, and inside a tumour. Examination of tumours revealed disorganized and swollen xylem, expanded secondary phloem and expanded periderm. Swollen tissues newly infected from spreading disease adjacent to tumours exhibited enhanced growth only in secondary phloem and the periderm, which also exhibited distortions. This finding suggests that tumour formation and possibly pathogen colonization may initiate in these tissues.
Modeling oxygen permeability through topcoat and thermally grown oxide in dense Yb2Si2O7 environmental barrier coatings
Authors: Singh Sonia , Nganbe Michel , Chen Kuiying
Published: July 2021

The oxygen permeability of ytterbium disilicate (YbDS) topcoat (TC) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) thermally grown oxide (TGO) is evaluated. The primary goal is to elucidate the oxidation mechanisms in environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). For this purpose, oxidant diffusion is investigated using physics‐based and numerical modeling. The oxygen permeability constants are systematically evaluated and quantified in terms of thermodynamics using defect reactions and the parabolic rate constant (kp), respectively. Dry oxygen and wet oxygen conditions as well as different temperatures, partial pressures, and topcoat modifiers are investigated. The results offer evidence that the oxygen permeability constant for the YbDS topcoat is an order of magnitude higher than for the TGO. As such, the TGO hinders the oxidant diffusion stronger, proving to be the diffusion rate‐controlling layer. Moreover, water vapor strongly increases the oxidant permeation with defect reactions playing a key role. It is suggested that the mass transfer through the topcoat is primarily by outward ytterbium ion diffusion and inward oxygen ion movement, with the latter being dominant, particularly in wet environments. The effect of topcoat modifiers on oxidant permeation is composition sensitive and seems to be related to their interaction with oxygen ions and their mobility.
Impact of pre‐ablation weight loss on the success of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Peigh Graham , Wasserlauf Jeremiah , Vogel Kelly , Kaplan Rachel M. , Pfenniger Anna , Marks Daniel , Mehta Arjun , Chicos Alexandru B. , Arora Rishi , Kim Susan , Lin Albert , Verma Nishant , Patil Kaustubha D. , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod S.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Obesity is an established risk factor for recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) after ablation. The impact of pre‐procedure weight changes on freedom from AF (FFAF) after ablation in obese and nonobese patients is unknown.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation was performed. Before ablation, all candidates were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits according to American Heart Association guidelines, including weight loss, by their physician. The primary endpoint was FFAF through 1‐year after completion of the 3‐month blanking period.

Results

Of the 601 patients (68% male; average age 62.1 ± 10.3 years) included in analysis, 234 patients (38.9%) were obese (body mass index ≥ 30) and 315 (52.4%) had paroxysmal AF. FFAF was observed in 420 patients (69.9%) at 15 months. Percent change in weight that occurred during the year before ablation independently predicted FFAF through 15‐months in all patients (adjusted odds ratio =  1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.11–1.23). Subgroup analyses based on paroxysmal vs persistent AF, presence of obesity, and history of prior ablation were performed. Percent change in weight over the year before ablation was independently associated with FFAF in all subgroups except nonobese patients with persistent AF.

Conclusion

Pre‐ablation weight loss was associated with FFAF in both obese and nonobese patients. Further studies are needed to define the optimal approach to weight loss before AF ablation.
Inhibition of IL‐17 prevents the progression of traumatic heterotopic ossification
Authors: Tu Bing , Yu Bo , Wang Wei , Li Juehong , Yuan Feng , Zhu Jing , Fan Cunyi
Published: July 2021

Traumatic heterotopic ossification (HO) is the abnormal formation of bone in soft tissues as a consequence of injury. However, the pathological mechanisms leading to traumatic HO remain unknown. Here, we report that aberrant expression of IL‐17 promotes traumatic HO formation by activating β‐catenin signalling in mouse model. We found that elevated IL‐17 and β‐catenin levels are correlated with a high degree of HO formation in specimens from patients and HO animals. We also show that IL‐17 initiates and promotes HO progression in mice. Local injection of an IL‐17 neutralizing antibody attenuates ectopic bone formation in a traumatic mouse model. IL‐17 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by activating β‐catenin signalling. Moreover, inhibition of IL‐17R or β‐catenin signalling by neutralizing antibodies or drugs prevents the osteogenic differentiation of isolated MSCs and decreases HO formation in mouse models. Together, our study identifies a novel role for active IL‐17 as the inducer and promoter of ectopic bone formation and suggests that IL‐17 inhibition might be a potential therapeutic target in traumatic HO.
Preoperative anesthesiology consult utilization in Ontario – a population‐based study
Authors: Dion Joanna M.M. , Campbell Robert J. , Nguyen Paul , Beyea Jason A.
Published: July 2021

Rationale, aims and objectives

Physician consultations are a limited resource. Anesthesiologists provide anaesthesia during surgery and procedures, prepare patients for surgery in preoperative clinics, and provide postoperative care. This study sought to evaluate current consultation usage patterns, with an aim to determine possible opportunities for efficiency.

Method

A retrospective comprehensive population‐based cohort study was performed, evaluating all hospitals in the Canadian province of Ontario from 2002 to 2018. The main outcome measures were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification of the patients, and whether the patients underwent surgery within 3 months following the anaesthesia consultation.

Results

A cohort of 2,023,499 patients, and a total of 2,920,100 preoperative anaesthesia consultations was obtained. The number of consults per year doubled between 2003 (112,983/year) and 2017 (246,427/year), despite a less than 40% increase in practicing Canadian Anesthesiologists over this same timeframe. Each year, an average of 19.3% of the consults (range: 17.7–20.5%) were for patients that did not progress to having surgery. Of those that did have surgery following the anaesthesia consult, 37.2% were ASA Classification I or II. The most common surgical procedures (percent of total) following anaesthesia consult were: Knee arthroplasty (9.5%), hip arthroplasty (5.8%), cataract extraction (4.1%), repair of muscle of chest/abdomen (3.3%), hysterectomy (2.8%), and cholecystectomy (2.7%).

Conclusions

This study reveals data on utilization and trends over time of preoperative anaesthesia consultations. Potential opportunities for optimization were found, including patients who did not proceed to surgery, and healthier patients undergoing low to moderate risk surgery.
Multiple AT‐rich sequences function as a cis‐element in the ORF3 promoter in channel catfish virus (Ictaluridherpesvirus 1)
Authors: Yu Fei , Li Shuxin , Chen Hongxun , Hao Kai , Meng Lihui , Yang Jiayue , Zhao Zhe
Published: July 2021

The expression of herpesvirus genes during infection of tissue culture cells can be classified into three main classes: immediate‐early (IE), early and late. The transcriptional regulation of herpesvirus IE genes is a critical regulatory step in the initiation of viral infection, with their regulation differing from that of early and late genes. Herein, we report that an IE gene (ORF3) promoter in channel catfish virus (CCV, Ictalurid herpesvirus 1) can be activated regardless of the presence or absence of CCV infection, indicating that the ORF3 promoter is efficiently driven by host–cell transcription factors in a viral infection‐independent manner. The analysis of truncated promoter activity suggested that several transcription elements play a role in activating the ORF3 promoter, with the key cis‐elements seemingly located in the flanking sequence of the start codon ATG. We further found that this flanking sequence contained multiple AT‐rich sequences, and systematic mutational analyses showed that these AT‐rich sequences affected normal transcription levels of the ORF3 promoter. To summarize, multiple AT‐rich domains, representing the novel architecture of IE gene promoters in Ictalurid herpesvirus 1, serve as a cis‐element for ORF3 transcription.
Find the centroid: A vision‐based approach for optimal object grasping
Authors: Xu Jun‐Jie , Liong Sze‐Teng , Tan Lit‐Ken , Gan Y. S.
Published: July 2021

Recently, the booming development of deep learning techniques facilitates remarkable progress in a wide range of applications, has provided insightful cues in today's modern industry and research societies. For instance, the manufacturing and agricultural industries have witnessed the unparallel dominance in AI vision to integrate the production management. Therefore, owing to its impressive learning capability, this article aims to develop an automated system that can integrate data processing and packaging operations. Notably, the inspection system can capture the geometric properties of an ellipsoidal ham and thus can be grasped by the robotic arm. Prior to the centroid detection, a series of instant segmentation procedures is introduced to determine the position of the object, which incorporates both the object localization and semantic segmentation processes. As a result, the proposed model yields a promising segmentation accuracy when experimented on the ham dataset that consists of 293 images. The best Sørensen–Dice coefficient achieved is 91%, which indicates the compelling performance. To further verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework, quantitative and qualitative visualization are presented to demonstrate the quality of the image segmentation task. The proposed algorithm and the raw data are publicly available at https://github.com/jason2303779/Ham-Centroid.

Practical Applications

Recently, the booming development of deep learning techniques facilitates remarkable progress in a wide range of applications has provided insightful cues in today's modern industry and research societies. For instance, the manufacturing and agricultural industries have witnessed the unparallel dominance in AI vision to integrate production management. Therefore, this paper aims to develop an automated system that can integrate data processing and packaging operations due to its impressive learning capability. In brief, this paper introduces the first plausible mechanism to precisely identify the geometric center of an irregular‐shaped object, viz, ellipsoidal ham. A novel pipeline that composes both the object detection and semantic segmentation architectures is proposed to facilitate the vision understanding process. Succinctly, the inspection system can capture an ellipsoidal ham's geometry properties and thus facilitate the robotics vision for food products, especially in stimulating automatic industrial manufacturing development.
Arbitrage in International Sovereign Debt Markets? Evidence from the Inflation‐Protected Securities of Six Countries
Authors: KITA ARBEN , TORTORICE DANIEL L.
Published: July 2021

We consider an arbitrage strategy that exactly replicates the cash flow of a sovereign nominal bond using inflation swaps and inflation‐linked bonds. The strategy reveals a violation of the law of one price in the G7 countries, which is largest for the eurozone. Testing the strategy's exposure to deflation, volatility, liquidity, and macro‐economic risks shows the observed mispricing is a risk premium, which is more pronounced in the eurozone. We find less support that financial limits to arbitrage explain the mispricing. We conclude that pure long‐run arbitrage opportunities persist when these strategies are exposed to intermediate financial risks.
Australian care givers' knowledge of and attitudes towards paediatric fever management
Authors: Arias Daniel , Carter Stephen R , Chen Timothy F , Moles Rebekah J
Published: July 2021

Aim

Non‐evidence‐based practice and inappropriate paediatric fever management by care givers is common. The aim of this study was to survey a large sample of Australian parents and care givers utilising a validated Fever Management Tool, to determine the current knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Australian care givers regarding fever management.

Methods

This study employed a cross‐sectional survey conducted via a third‐party market research company. Univariate analysis of demographic factors and their influence on knowledge scores were tested. A multivariate linear regression model was specified using all available independent univariate predicators to determine the demographic factors influencing care givers fever knowledge.

Results

Data from 1000 questionnaires were analysed. The participants' total knowledge scores were evenly distributed with a mean score of 15.4/29 correct answers in the True/False questionnaire, a median score of 16 and a standard deviation of 4.27. It highlighted that Australian care givers had poor knowledge in questions related to ‘teething’, ‘physical cooling methods’ and ‘medication dosing’. In the multivariate analysis, 28.9% of the total variance was explained (R2 value = 0.289, P < 0.001) with 5 of 11 factors contributing.

Conclusion

Overall, this cross‐sectional survey has provided a strong understanding of the current knowledge, attitude and beliefs of Australian care givers in regards to fever management in their children. Total knowledge of fever management was generally poor in Australia with many participants harbouring misconceptions and non‐evidence‐based practices. Future interventions improving fever management practices should be tailored to the specific weaknesses faced by Australian care givers in order to promote long term change.
An ultra‐long‐acting recombinant insulin for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in cats
Authors: Gilor Chen , Hulsebosch Sean E. , Pires Jully , Bannasch Michael J. , Lancaster Thomas , Delpero Andrea , Ragupathy Ramya , Murikipudi Sylaja , Zion Todd
Published: July 2021

Background

Treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) in cats typically requires insulin injections q12h‐q24h, posing a major compliance barrier for caregivers. Novel treatments enabling decreased injection frequency while maintaining safety are highly desirable. Insulin fused with feline immunoglobulin fragment crystallizable (Fc) has an ultra‐long plasma half‐life because it recycles through cells where it is protected from proteolysis.

Hypothesis

Glycemic control can be achieved in diabetic cats with a recombinant fusion protein of a synthetic insulin and feline Fc (AKS‐267c) administered SC weekly.

Animals

Five cats with spontaneous DM.

Methods

Cats previously controlled using insulin glargine q12h were transitioned to once‐weekly injection of AKS‐267c. The dose of AKS‐267c was titrated weekly for 7 weeks based on continuous glucose monitoring. Clinical signs, body weight, fructosamine concentrations, and mean interstitial glucose concentrations (IG) were compared between baseline (week 0, on insulin glargine) and the last week of treatment. Data were assessed for normality and compared using parametric or nonparametric paired tests (as appropriate).

Results

After 7 weeks of once‐weekly injections, compared to baseline, there were no significant changes in clinical signs, body weight (median [range] gain, 0.1 kg [−0.1 to +0.7]; P = .5), fructosamine (−60 mmol/L [−338 to +206]; P = .6), and mean IG concentrations (change = −153 mmol/L [−179 to +29]; P = .3), and no adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusion

Successful control of clinical signs and maintenance of glycemia was achieved with this once‐weekly novel insulin treatment. The efficacy and safety of this novel formulation should be further assessed in a large clinical trial.
Beyond the building: Unleashing leadership potential in the graduate classroom
Authors: Perkins Miriam Y.
Published: July 2021

This essay explores how classroom teaching and learning can become an incubator for leadership skills graduate students need to enhance community well‐being. Teaching leadership skills at the graduate level, however, is often siloed into an elective course or internship. The developing field of humanitarian architecture addresses the need for leadership skills by prioritizing design thinking oriented toward collaborative community transformation. In conversation with humanitarian architecture's themes, this essay offers three classroom case studies exploring compelling ways to nurture leadership skills in the graduate theological classroom and beyond: (1) disrupt power differentials by sharing leadership with students; (2) create or retool a single course assignment to develop and assess a needed leadership competency; and (3) explore learning beyond the building by working in partnership with community leaders and organizations. Humanitarian architecture's focus on “building for community transformation” provides theological educators a guiding metaphor for teaching the public pastoral leadership skills faith communities need to navigate the future.
Catastrophic costs among tuberculosis‐affected households in Zimbabwe: A national health facility‐based survey
Authors: Timire Collins , Ngwenya Mkhokheli , Chirenda Joconiah , Metcalfe John Z , Kranzer Katharina , Pedrazzoli Debora , Takarinda Kudakwashe C. , Nguhiu Peter , Madzingaidzo Geshem , Ndlovu Kwenzikweyinkosi , Mapuranga Tawanda , Cornell Morna , Sandy Charles
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the incidence and major drivers of catastrophic costs among TB‐affected households in Zimbabwe.

Methods

We conducted a nationally representative health facility‐based survey with random cluster sampling among consecutively enrolled drug‐susceptible (DS‐TB) and drug‐resistant TB (DR‐TB) patients. Costs incurred and income lost due to TB illness were captured using an interviewer‐administered standardised questionnaire. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the risk factors for experiencing catastrophic costs.

Results

A total of 841 patients were enrolled and were weighted to 900 during data analysis. There were 500 (56%) males and 46 (6%) DR‐TB patients. Thirty‐five (72%) DR‐TB patients were HIV co‐infected. Overall, 80% (95% CI: 77–82) of TB patients and their households experienced catastrophic costs. The major cost driver pre‐TB diagnosis was direct medical costs. Nutritional supplements were the major cost driver post‐TB diagnosis, with a median cost of US$360 (IQR: 240–600). Post‐TB median diagnosis costs were three times higher among DR‐TB (US$1,659 [653–2,787]) than drug DS‐TB‐affected households (US$537 [204–1,134]). Income loss was five times higher among DR‐TB than DS‐TB patients. In multivariable analysis, household wealth was the only covariate that remained significantly associated with catastrophic costs: The poorest households had 16 times the odds of incurring catastrophic costs versus the wealthiest households (adjusted odds ratio [aOR: 15.7 95% CI: 7.5–33.1]).

Conclusion

The majority of TB‐affected households, especially those affected by DR‐TB, experienced catastrophic costs. Since the major cost drivers fall outside the healthcare system, multi‐sectoral approaches to TB control and linking TB patients to social protection may reduce catastrophic costs.
Evaluating blood donor experiences and barriers/facilitators to blood donation in the United States using YouTube video content
Authors: Rael Christine Tagliaferri , Pierre Dominique , Frye Victoria , Kessler Debra , Duffy Louisa , Malos Nick , Van Tieu Hong
Published: July 2021

Background

Understanding donor perception of the blood donation experience is central to maintaining an adequate blood supply. Studies that use questionnaires to assess barriers/facilitators to donation may be influenced by response bias. To address this, we conducted an innovative study integrating quantitative informatic techniques with qualitative data analysis of YouTube video content to explore donor experiences and barriers and facilitators to whole blood donation.

Methods

Sampling of YouTube videos was conducted using search parameters for identifying relevant videos, based on donors' language used to describe their whole blood donation experiences (e.g., blood donation, blood donor, donated blood, gave/give blood). We eliminated duplicate videos; filtered out non‐English videos, those made outside the United States, and those with no transcripts; and restricted the time period during which videos were posted from 2015 to 2019. Search parameters were fed into a Python script, which downloaded video transcripts for all search results. The final sample was 102 noncommercial and 34 commercial transcripts. The subsequent transcriptions were uploaded into qualitative analysis software and coded two coders. A third coder randomly selected transcripts to review to ensure consistency.

Results

Barriers to whole blood donation include having prior negative experiences with donation and donation‐related fear. Facilitators included altruism, having a personal connection to donation, donation center incentives, and positive experiences with blood center staff.

Conclusion

Themes identified in this study were similar to those in the existing literature. This suggests that current questionnaires to address barriers/facilitators to donation are unlikely to be meaningfully impacted by response bias.
Rotor Behavior and Friction Torque Characteristics of a Gerotor Pump Used for Automatic Transmissions
Authors: Yanada Hideki , Uchino Takumi , Takeno Takahiro , Kojima Ryo , Yokoyama Hiroshi
Published: July 2021

Rotor behavior may affect the torque characteristics of gerotor pumps, but the measurement of the behavior has received little attention. Thus, in this study, we measure the rotor behavior of a gerotor pump used for automatic transmissions under various operating conditions. The experiments revealed that the inner rotor rotated near the middle of the cover wall and casing sidewall, slightly tilted with respect to them. The outer rotor rotated in the vicinity of the casing sidewall and came closer to the sidewall with decreases in the dimensionless parameter μN/ΔP (where μ [Pa·s] is the oil viscosity, N [s−1] is the rotational speed, and ΔP [Pa] is the pressure difference). In addition, the eccentricity of the outer rotor was observed to increase with decreases in μN/ΔP. The inclination of the inner rotor and the approximation of the outer rotor to the casing sidewall may increase the driving torque of the pump. Taking the measured results on rotor behavior into account, a clear physical meaning is given to an existing mathematical model of viscous friction torque.
Combined State and Parameter Identifiability for a Model of Drug-Resistant Cancer Dynamics
Authors: Doosthosseini Mahsa , Fathy Hosam
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes the combined parameter and state identifiability for a model of a cancerous tumor's growth dynamics. The model describes the impact of drug administration on the growth of two populations of cancer cells: a drug-sensitive population and a drug-resistant population. The model's dynamic behavior depends on the underlying values of its state variables and parameters, including the initial sizes and growth rates of the drug-sensitive and drug-resistant populations, respectively. The article's primary goal is to use Fisher identifiability analysis to derive and analyze the Cramér–Rao theoretical bounds on the best-achievable accuracy with which this estimation can be performed locally. This extends previous work by the authors, which focused solely on state estimation accuracy. This analysis highlights two key scenarios where estimation accuracy is particularly poor. First, a critical drug administration rate exists where the model's state observability is lost, thereby making the independent estimation of the drug-sensitive and drug-resistant population sizes impossible. Second, a different critical drug administration rate exists that brings the overall growth rate of the drug-sensitive population to zero, thereby worsening model parameter identifiability.
Low-frequency multi-order acoustic absorber based on spiral metasurface
Authors: Kong Deqiang , Huang Sibo , Li Dongting , Cai Chen , Zhou Zhiling , Liu Botao , Cao Guoxin , Chen Xuefeng , Li Yong , Liu Shengchun
Published: July 2021

In this work, we propose a spiral metasurface for multi-order sound absorption in the low-frequency range (<1000 Hz). By dividing the long channel of the spiral metasurface into a series of tunable sub-cavities and employing recessed necks, the metasurface can quasi-perfectly (>0.95 in experiments) absorb airborne sound at multiple low-frequency orders without being limited by the number of equivalent cavities. Owing to the superior impedance manipulation provided by the spiral metasurface, each absorption order can be tuned flexibly with a constant external shape. By suitably modulating the sub-cavities and the recessed necks, we obtained multi-order high-absorption metasurfaces with dual-chamber, tri-chamber, and four-chamber designs. The ratio of the lowest resonant wavelength to the thickness is as high as 78. The samples, which are fabricated by three-dimensional printing technology, were measured to verify the theoretical results. We also investigate the relationship between the geometric parameters of the recessed necks and the sound absorption performance, which facilitates the more feasibly designed multi-order metasurfaces. The concept can be further applied to broadband absorption with ultra-thin thickness and has potential applications for noise reduction.
An engineered protein-phosphorylation toggle network with implications for endogenous network discovery
Authors: Mishra Deepak , Bepler Tristan , Teague Brian , Berger Bonnie , Broach Jim , Weiss Ron
Published: July 2021

Building synthetic protein–based switches

Synthetic circuits can potentially help to control complex biological processes, but systems based on regulating gene expression respond to stimuli at the minute to the hour time scale. Working in yeast cells, Mishra
et al.
report synthetic regulatory circuits based on protein phosphorylation reactions that respond to inputs within seconds (see the Perspective by Kholodenko and Okada). Multicomponent logic gates allowed ultrasensitive and stable switching between states. After validating their effective synthetic circuit, the authors searched known yeast protein interaction networks for similar regulatory motifs and found previously unrecognized circuits that function as native toggle switches in yeast.

Science
, aav0780, this issue p.
eaav0780
; see also abj5028, p.
25
Astrocytes close the mouse critical period for visual plasticity
Authors: Ribot Jérôme , Breton Rachel , Calvo Charles-Félix , Moulard Julien , Ezan Pascal , Zapata Jonathan , Samama Kevin , Moreau Matthieu , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , Sabatet Valentin , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Milleret Chantal , Billuart Pierre , Dallérac Glenn , Rouach Nathalie
Published: July 2021

How astrocytes close a critical period

During the visual critical period, brain circuits are rewired to adjust to sensory input. Closure of the critical period stabilizes the circuits. Looking at development in the mouse visual cortex, Ribot
et al.
found that astrocytes increase their expression of the gap junction channel subunit connexin 30, which in turn inhibits expression of a matrix-degrading enzyme (see the Perspective by Kofuji and Araque). As the matrix stabilizes, inhibitory interneurons mature, and the unusual flexibility of the critical period comes to an end.

Science
, abf5273, this issue p.
77
; see also abj6745, p.
29
Sequencing of 640,000 exomes identifies
GPR75
variants associated with protection from obesity
Authors: Akbari Parsa , Gilani Ankit , Sosina Olukayode , Kosmicki Jack A. , Khrimian Lori , Fang Yi-Ya , Persaud Trikaldarshi , Garcia Victor , Sun Dylan , Li Alexander , Mbatchou Joelle , Locke Adam E. , Benner Christian , Verweij Niek , Lin Nan , Hossain Sakib , Agostinucci Kevin , Pascale Jonathan V. , Dirice Ercument , Dunn Michael ,   Regeneron Genetics Center,   DiscovEHR Collaboration, Kraus William E. , Shah Svati H. , Chen Yii-Der I. , Rotter Jerome I. , Rader Daniel J. , Melander Olle , Still Christopher D. , Mirshahi Tooraj , Carey David J. , Berumen-Campos Jaime , Kuri-Morales Pablo , Alegre-Díaz Jesus , Torres Jason M. , Emberson Jonathan R. , Collins Rory , Balasubramanian Suganthi , Hawes Alicia , Jones Marcus , Zambrowicz Brian , Murphy Andrew J. , Paulding Charles , Coppola Giovanni , Overton John D. , Reid Jeffrey G. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Cantor Michael , Kang Hyun M. , Abecasis Goncalo R. , Karalis Katia , Economides Aris N. , Marchini Jonathan , Yancopoulos George D. , Sleeman Mark W. , Altarejos Judith , Della Gatta Giusy , Tapia-Conyer Roberto , Schwartzman Michal L. , Baras Aris , Ferreira Manuel A. R. , Lotta Luca A.
Published: July 2021

How genes affect human obesity

Obesity is linked to many human diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. There is thus great interest in understanding how genes predispose individuals to, or protect individuals from, obesity. Akbari
et al.
sequenced more than 600,000 exomes from the United Kingdom, the United States, and Mexico and identified 16 rare coding variants (see the Perspective by Yeo and O'Rahilly). Some of the alleles associated with body mass index (BMI) were brain-expressed G protein–coupled receptors. One variant allele was found in Mexican populations at low frequency and was associated with lower BMI. Deletion of this gene in mice resulted in a resistance to weight gain, suggesting that this gene provides an avenue of study for the prevention or treatment of obesity.

Science
, abf8683, this issue p.
eabf8683
; see also abh3556, p.
30
Crystal structure of a key enzyme for anaerobic ethane activation
Authors: Hahn Cedric J. , Lemaire Olivier N. , Kahnt Jörg , Engilberge Sylvain , Wegener Gunter , Wagner Tristan
Published: July 2021

How to feed an enzyme ethane

When released from ocean floor seeps, small hydrocarbons are rapidly consumed by micro-organisms. Methane is highly abundant and is both produced and consumed by microbes through well understood biochemical pathways. Less well understood is how ethane, also a major natural component of gaseous hydrocarbons, is metabolized. To understand how microbes take advantage of this energy and carbon source, Hahn
et al.
solved the x-ray crystal structures of an enzyme they call ethyl coenzyme-M reductase, which converts ethane into the thioether ethyl-coenzyme M as the entry point for catabolism. They found an expanded active site and, using a xenon gas derivatization experiment, a distinctive tunnel through the protein that is proposed to permit access of the gaseous substrate.

Science
, abg1765, this issue p.
118