bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency-domain preliminary assessment of coupled site and SSI effects according to the Algerian seismic provisions
Authors: Beneldjouzi Mohamed , Hadid Mohamed , Laouami Nasser
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Several studies were made on paired site and soil–structure interaction (SSI) effects, but most of them were site specific. This paper aims to investigate the impact of SSI effects in conjunction with local soil condition effects on the seismic response of typical multistory low- to mid-rise–reinforced concrete (RC) buildings resting on Algerian regulatory design sites through a global explicit transfer function (TF).

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary quantification of SSI effects associated with site effects is carried out through a frequency-domain solution based on the concept of rock-to-soil surface displacement TF performed for each design site category. It results from the combination of the TFs of structure, foundation and soil and reflects how seismic waves are amplified due to changes in the geological contrast between the rock and overlying soil deposits. As well, response modification factors, denoting displacement ratios of the building responses within the flexible and site-structure conditions with respect to the fixed-base one, are carried out.

Findings

In the context of Algerian seismic regulation, the study provides a clear vision of how and when site or SSI effects are expected to be influential, as opposed to the fixed-base hypothesis still retained by the current regulation. This helps engineers to be aware of the extent of the expected seismic damage.

Research limitations/implications

The research applies to low- to mid-rise RC buildings within the Algerian seismic regulation, but it may also be expanded to other examples that fall under other seismic regulations.

Practical implications

The response modification ratio is a quantitative approach to assessing response fluctuations. It draws attention to how the roof level drift varies depending on the condition. These results can be used as numerical parameters in structural seismic design when the structure is comparable because they provide useful information about how the two phenomena interact with the structure.

Originality/value

The study goes beyond particular situations dealing with site specific and offers effective indicators and quantitative evaluation of combined site and SSI effects according to the current national seismic provisions, where no indication about site or SSI effects exists.
Estimating abundance of fish associated with structured habitats by combining acoustics and optics
Authors: Scoulding B. , Gastauer S. , Taylor J. C. , Boswell K. M. , Fairclough D. V. , Jackson G. , Sullivan P. , Shertzer K. , Campanella F. , Bacheler N. , Campbell M. , Domokos R. , Schobernd Z. , Switzer T. S. , Jarvis N. , Crisafulli B. M. , Untiedt C. , Fernandes P. G.
Published: April 2023

The diversity and abundance of fish inhabiting complex reef habitats poses some challenges to surveys based on optical techniques, especially for schooling fish which are difficult to enumerate with such methods. Acoustic surveys are often used effectively to estimate the abundance and distribution of schooling fish but suffer from boundary effects and limited species discrimination.

To reconcile these drawbacks, we present an integrated acoustic–optical survey method, to estimate the abundance of fishes in a subtropical reef habitat in Shark Bay, Western Australia, exploiting the unique benefits of each method.

Acoustic backscatter attributed to multi‐species groups was partitioned to species with the help of concurrent unbaited remote underwater video. This allowed estimation of the abundance of the important fishery sparid, Chrysophrys auratus, as well as 17 other members of the diverse fish community.

The study addresses some of the challenges of assessing abundance of fish species that may be aggregated, but sparsely distributed, associated with a structured habitat, and mixed within a diverse assemblage of other aggregating or solitary fishes in an area where direct capture fisheries survey gears cannot be used.

Synthesis and applications. The acoustic–optical survey method provides data that are vital for the assessment of fish species in ecosystems which are difficult, or impossible for certain species, to survey with existing methods. These assessments are, in turn, essential for either ecosystem‐based fishery management or multiple single‐species quota management, which allow for the sustainable management of the associated fisheries.
Towards the Vernacular, Away from Politics? Political History after the ‘New Political History’
Authors: Goldsmith Rebecca
Published: April 2023

This article considers how modern British political history has changed since the ‘new political history’ of the 1990s. It focusses on the ‘vernacular’ histories which have emerged in the last decade or so. The vernacular ‘turn’ is frequently framed by its proponents in opposition to the new political history, with its focus on the rhetoric of politicians and subsequent tendency to reproduce the perspectives of political elites. This article, however, identifies continuities between these approaches, noting their shared interest in advancing a more complex understanding of the relationship between politics and people in the past. It argues that the real challenge posed by the vernacular lies in the necessary reckoning with the ‘apartness’ of politics from the perspective of ordinary people. Yet here too, this piece suggests, the vernacular turn can be seen as the latest stage in a continual rethinking of the relationship between political, social and cultural history.
Correlation of ACR and TcPO2 in diabetic kidney disease patients: A pilot study
Authors: Sun Jin , Huang Yang , Li Lanhua , Hu Hao , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Xuelian , Zhang Hao , Pan Binbin
Published: April 2023

Objective

Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) is used to assess microcirculation clinically; however, it is not widely available especially in rural hospital. The study was designed to explore potential alternatively biomarkers to assess microcirculation in diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods

A total of 404 patients from Xuzhou first hospital were recruited according to the case records system. Patients were grouped via the ratio of albuminuria and creatinine (ACR; <30 mg/g, 30−300 mg/g, >300 mg/g). Biomarkers in different ACR groups were compared by analysis of variance. Correlation analysis was determined by Pearson or Spearman analysis and binary logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was performed to elucidate the prediction effect of ACR on TcPO2.

Results

A total of 404 diabetic patients were recruited with 248 patients diagnosed as DKD and 156 non‐DKDs. Age and cystatin C were significantly higher in the ACR3 group compared with those in the ACR1 group, whereas glomerular filtration rate, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and TcPO2 were markedly decreased in the ACR3 group (p < .05). Frequency of low TcPO2 (<40 mm Hg) was markedly increased as increment of ACR stages with 30.2% in the ACR3 group (p < .01). There was a negative correlation between TcPO2 and age, ACR, chronic kidney disease (CKD), fast blood glucose, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, and diabetic neuropathy. Further, binary logistic regression showed ACR was an independent influence factor for low TcPO2. After adjusting for age, gender, hypertension, DM duration, body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, diabetic neuropathy, and CKD, ACR was still an independent influence factor for TcPO2 (odds ratio = 2.464, p < .01). The area under the ROC curve was 0.768 (95% confidence interval: 0.700–0.836, p < .001) for ACR. The analysis of ROC curves revealed a best cutoff for ACR was 75.25 mg/g and yielded a sensitivity of 71.7% and a specificity of 71.7%.

Conclusions

ACR could be used as an alternative biomarker for assessing microcirculation in DKD patients.
Platform design biases in ad‐funded two‐sided markets
Authors: Choi Jay Pil , Jeon Doh‐Shin
Published: April 2023

We investigate how platform market power affects platforms' design choices in ad‐funded two‐sided markets, where platforms may find it optimal to charge zero price on the consumer side and extract surplus on the advertising side. We consider design choices affecting both sides in opposite ways and compare private incentives with social incentives. Platforms' design biases depend crucially on whether they can charge any price on the consumer side. We apply the framework to technology adoption, privacy, and ad load choices. Our results provide a rationale for a tougher competition policy to curb market power of ad‐funded platforms with free services.
Black Families, Damned Territories: Anti‐Blackness and Black Motherhood in (White) Portuguese Parliamentary Debates (1995–2001)
Authors: de Araújo Danielle Pereira
Published: April 2023

The perceptions and representations of whiteness around motherhood, family, and black sexuality reproduce the logic of what Hortense Spillers calls “captive flesh”, controlling understandings about femininity, motherhood, and gender. This debate is guided by the politics of the racial neoliberal agenda that works to control the urban territories largely inhabited by black people in the name of preventing “situations of risk” and “juvenile delinquency”. This article seeks to unveil the ideological bases of public policies primarily aimed at “urban development” and “internal security” that connect black maternity to “unstructured families” and “criminal black youth”. This paper examines how notions such as “single mothers”, “isolated women”, “deficient parental capabilities” in Portuguese parliamentary debates by the Parliamentary Commission for Parity and Equal Opportunities and Family (CPPIOF), mainly in the 1990s, foreground colonial representations about the black woman as a threat to white supremacy.
What are the determinants affecting cooperatives’ profitability? Evidence from Spain
Authors: Sala‐Ríos Mercè
Published: April 2023

This study focuses on the analysis of the determinants of Spanish cooperatives’ profitability. We inspect several variables, whose influence on firms’ profitability has been verified by prior literature, and we assess whether these results are confirmed in cooperatives. The data span 13 years (2008–20). We approach the analysis including: (i) firm‐specific factors, (ii) industry‐specific factors, and (iii) location factors. There is a main research question: Are there significant differences in cooperatives’ profitability depending on firm‐specific, industry‐specific and/or location factors? The results emphasize that firm‐specific effects are the most important for cooperatives’ profitability. Summarizing our findings, cooperatives’ profitability is positively affected by size, liquidity, indebtedness, regional specialization in cooperatives, location economies, and lagging profitability, and negatively affected by age and presence in international markets.
Intensity‐dependent effects of cattle and sheep grazing in sand grasslands — Does livestock type really matter?
Authors: Kovacsics‐Vári Gergely , Sonkoly Judit , Tóth Katalin , McIntosh‐Buday Andrea , Díaz Cando Patricia , Törő‐Szijgyártó Viktória , Balogh Nóra , Guallichico Suntaxi Luis Roberto , Espinoza Ami Francis David , Demeter László , Tóthmérész Béla , Török Péter
Published: April 2023

Aims

By analysing cattle‐ and sheep‐grazed sand grasslands, we tested the following hypotheses: (i) livestock type has a stronger effect on the vegetation characteristics than grazing intensity; (ii) sheep grazing results in lower biomass and species and functional diversity than cattle grazing, regardless of intensity; and (iii) increased grazing intensity causes a shift of the trait composition in grasslands.

Location

Sand grasslands in the Nyírség region, East Hungary.

Methods

We selected 26 sand grassland sites grazed by cattle or sheep and classified them into four intensity levels. Vegetation composition was surveyed in 2 m × 2 m plots. We harvested the above‐ground biomass from 20 cm × 20 cm plots; then dried and sorted it to live biomass, litter, moss, and lichen. We compared Rao dissimilarity index, species richness, Shannon diversity, evenness, and the community‐weighted means of nine vegetative and generative traits along a grazing intensity gradient. We calculated functional richness, evenness, and divergence for comparison.

Results

We found that some diversity metrics and community‐weighted means of most studied traits were significantly affected by grazing intensity. Several characteristics were also affected by the interaction of grazing intensity and livestock type, but none of the studied characteristics was affected by livestock type in itself. Increasing Rao dissimilarity index peaking at the fourth grazing intensity level was detected, but for other multitrait indices, no such changes were proven, except for functional divergence, which was the lowest at the first intensity level. Graminoid, forb, and litter biomass were significantly affected by intensity, but none of the biomass fractions was affected by livestock type.

Conclusions

We suggest that for the management of sand grasslands, grazing intensity should be carefully adjusted, considering not only livestock units per hectare. For practical recommendations, well‐defined, long‐term experiments studying different livestock and habitat types along an intensity gradient would be essential.
When consumers lose power: An examination of the stakeholder dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Tang Zhi , Leo Ezekiel , Hull Clyde , Fu Xudong , Stromeyer William
Published: April 2023

Primary stakeholder pressure has long been considered the main reason that firms engage in responsible behaviors. However, prior studies are generally silent on how industry characteristics reshape the relationships among stakeholders. By integrating information asymmetry in credence goods industries with the stakeholder power framework, we posit that the extent to which consumers can evaluate the qualities of goods alters the dynamics between a firm and its two primary stakeholders, regulators and consumers. Longitudinal data collected on 72 pharmaceutical companies indicate that consumers of pharmaceutical products can only influence firms indirectly through the regulator. Further, contrary to the conventional wisdom that innovative firms are more capable of resisting stakeholder pressure, we find that R&D investment increases the dependency of pharmaceutical firms on the regulator. Lastly, we do not find that lobbying reduces dependency on the regulator except for high R&D firms. These findings provide important theoretical, ethical, and policy implications.
Allergic contact dermatitis from propylene glycol: A case series from Australia
Authors: Patel Kajal , Palmer Amanda , Nixon Rosemary
Published: April 2023

Background

Propylene glycol (PG) is used in a variety of cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. PG is a known sensitizer but also irritating when patch tested (PT).

Objectives

The aims were to investigate the frequency of contact sensitization to PG and to identify cases of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on patients PT at the Skin Health Institute (SHI), Victoria, Australia to PG 5% pet. and PG 10% aq. between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2020.

Results

In all, 6761 patients were PT to PG and 21 (0.31%) reacted. Of those 21 individuals, 9 (42.9%) had a relevant reaction. 75% of relevant positive reactions were in patients PT to PG 10% aq. The most common source of PG exposure was topical medicaments (77.8% of relevant reactions) and moisturizers, with the largest group being topical corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Contact sensitization to PG in the patch test population remains uncommon, although it is possible that testing with concentrations of 5%–10% PG did not identify all reactions. Topical corticosteroids were the most important cause. Patients with suspected contact dermatitis to topical corticosteroids should be PT to PG.
Suppression of the gut microbiota–bile acid–FGF19 axis in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zuo Kun , Fang Chen , Gao Yuanfeng , Fu Yuan , Wang Hongjiang , Li Jing , Zhong Jiuchang , Yang Xinchun , Xu Li
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota (GM)–bile acid (BA)–fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 axis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Gut bacterial metabolisms of BAs were determined in an AF metagenomic dataset. The composition of faecal BAs pools was characterized by targeted metabolomics in an independent AF cross‐sectional cohort. Circulating levels of FGF19 were measured by ELISA. In vitro cell experiments were conducted to validate the regulatory role of FGF19 in atrial cardiomyocytes stimulated with palmitic acid. First, metagenomic profiling revealed that gut microbial biotransformation from primary to secondary BAs was dysregulated in AF patients. Second, the proportion of secondary BAs decreased in the faeces of patients with AF. Also, eight BAs were identified as AF‐associated BAs, including seven AF‐enriched BAs (ursodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, etc.), and AF‐decreased dehydrolithocholic acid. Third, reduced levels of circulating FGF19 were observed in patients with AF. Subsequently, FGF19 was found to protect against palmitic acid‐induced lipid accumulation and dysregulated signalling in atrial cardiomyocytes, including attenuated phosphorylation of YAP and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinases II and secretion of interleukin‐1β, mediated via peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α. Our data found decreased levels of secondary BAs and circulating FGF19, resulting in the impaired protective function of FGF19 against lipid accumulation in atrial cardiomyocytes.
Ganglioside GM3 deficiency enhances mast cell sensitivity
Authors: Komuro Mariko , Mizugaki Hinano , Nagane Masaki , Morimoto Misako , Fukuyama Tomoki , Ogihara Kikumi , Naya Yuko , Yokomori Emi , Kaneshima Kimika , Kawakami Yasushi , Kamiie Junichi , Shibata Yuki , Suzuki Mira , Shimizu Takuto , Kawashima Nagako , Okamoto Mariko , Ikeda Teruo , Yamashita Tadashi
Published: April 2023

Mast cells are a significant source of cytokines and chemokines that play a role in pathological processes. Gangliosides, which are complex lipids with a sugar chain, are present in all eukaryotic cell membranes and comprise lipid rafts. Ganglioside GM3, the first ganglioside in the synthetic pathway, is a common precursor of the specifying derivatives and is well known for its various functions in biosystems. Mast cells contain high levels of gangliosides; however, the involvement of GM3 in mast cell sensitivity is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we elucidated the role of ganglioside GM3 in mast cells and skin inflammation. GM3 synthase (GM3S)‐deficient mast cells showed cytosolic granule topological changes and hyperactivation upon IgE‐DNP stimulation without affecting proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, inflammatory cytokine levels increased in GM3S‐deficient bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMC). Furthermore, GM3S‐KO mice and GM3S‐KO BMMC transplantation showed increased skin allergic reactions. Besides mast cell hypersensitivity caused by GM3S deficiency, membrane integrity decreased and GM3 supplementation rescued this loss of membrane integrity. Additionally, GM3S deficiency increased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. These results suggest that GM3 increases membrane integrity, leading to the suppression of the p38 signalling pathway in BMMC and contributing to skin allergic reaction.
Climate change and corporate cash holdings: Global evidence
Authors: Javadi Siamak , Masum Abdullah‐Al , Aram Mohsen , Rao Ramesh P.
Published: April 2023

Using data from 41 countries, we provide novel empirical evidence that firms’ cash holdings are positively associated with their climate change exposure. This evidence is robust to different model specifications and survives a battery of tests to ease concerns related to spurious correlation and omitted variable bias. Using the release of the Stern Review as an exogenous shock to climate change awareness, we show that this association becomes significantly stronger after the release of the Review and particularly so for firms with higher exposure to regulatory and transition risk dimensions of climate change as well as financially constrained firms. Overall, results fit consistently within the precautionary motive framework and suggest that firms hold more cash to safeguard against the adverse impact of climate change.
Identification of TEKTIN1‐expressing multiciliated cells during spontaneous differentiation of non‐human primate embryonic stem cells
Authors: Nishie Tomomi , Ohta Yoshio , Shirai Emi , Higaki Shogo , Shimozawa Nobuhiro , Narita Keishi , Kawaguchi Kotoku , Tanaka Hideyuki , Mori Chika , Tanaka Taiga , Hirabayashi Masumi , Suemori Hirofumi , Kurisaki Akira , Tooyama Ikuo , Asano Shinji , Takeda Sén , Takada Tatsuyuki
Published: April 2023

Tektins are a group of microtubule‐stabilizing proteins necessary for cilia and flagella assembly. TEKTIN1 (TEKT1) is used as a sperm marker for monitoring germ cell differentiation in embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Although upregulation of TEKT1 has been reported during spontaneous differentiation of ES and iPS cells, it is unclear which cells express TEKT1. To identify TEKT1‐expressing cells, we established an ES cell line derived from cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), which expresses Venus controlled by the TEKT1 promoter. Venus expression was detected at 5 weeks of differentiation on the surface of the embryoid body (EB), and it gradually increased with the concomitant formation of a leash‐like structure at the EB periphery. Motile cilia were observed on the surface of the Venus‐positive leash‐like structure after 8 weeks of differentiation. The expression of cilia markers as well as TEKT1–5 and 9 + 2 microtubule structures, which are characteristic of motile cilia, were detected in Venus‐positive cells. These results demonstrated that TEKT1‐expressing cells are multiciliated epithelial‐like cells that form a leash‐like structure during the spontaneous differentiation of ES and iPS cells. These findings will provide a new research strategy for studying cilia biology, including ciliogenesis and ciliopathies.
The diversity of university disciplinary profiles in research and teaching
Authors: Tsivinskaya Angelika
Published: April 2023

Is the ideal of a one‐size‐fits‐all university model—where universities are capable of successfully performing all competencies simultaneously—ever achievable? Has the balance between teaching and research activities grown even more fragile or is such a balance unfeasible? In this paper, we review studies of institutional diversity in higher education and bibliometric analyses. We prose a two‐dimensional typology based on diversity in teaching and research by scientific fields. We investigate the diversity in teaching and research, respectively, at the disciplinary level and address whether these primary activities mirror each other. As a measure of mismatch between the two activities, we assess the distribution of students and publications by scientific fields through a clustering analysis. Our study of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Russia reveals that private universities are less diverse both in research and teaching and have high teaching intensity compared to state universities. Expectedly, universities in the rankings have more diverse profiles and they have a higher research intensity.
Fibroadipose vascular anomaly: a clinicopathological study of 75 cases
Authors: Xue Shuang , Liu Qiuyu , Zhao Yuewu , Kong Lingfei , Fu Fangfang , Gong Yubin , Guo Xiaonan , Dong Changxian , Wang Meiyun
Published: April 2023

Aims

Fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a complex vascular malformation that is likely to be under‐recognised. In this study we aimed to report the pathological features and somatic PIK3CA mutations associated with the most common clinicopathological features.

Methods and results

Cases were identified by reviewing the lesions resected from patients with FAVA registered at our Haemangioma Surgery Centre and unusual intramuscular vascular anomalies in our pathology database. There were 23 males and 52 females, who ranged in age from 1 to 51 years. Most cases occurred in the lower extremities (n = 62). The majority of the lesions were intramuscular, with a few disrupting the overlying fascia and involving subcutaneous fat (19 of 75), and a minority of the cases had cutaneous vascular stains (13 of 75). Histopathologically, the lesion was composed of anomalous vascular components that were intertwined with mature adipocytic and dense fibrous tissues and vascular components with: (a) clusters of thin‐walled channels, some with blood‐filled nodules and others with thin walls resembling pulmonary alveoli; (b) numerous small vessels (arteries, veins and indeterminate channels) – proliferative small blood vessels were often mixed with adipose tissue; (c) larger abnormal venous channels usually irregularly and sometimes excessively muscularised; (d) lymphoid aggregates or lymphoplasmacytic aggregates were usually observed; and (e) lymphatic malformations were sometimes seen as minor elements. All patients had their lessons subjected to PCR, and 53 patients had somatic PIK3CA mutations (53 of 75).

Conclusions

FAVA is a slow‐flow vascular malformation with specific clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Its recognition is fundamental for its clinical/prognostic implications and for targeted therapy.
Immunisation used for offensive and defensive purposes during the Second World War
Authors: Shanks George Dennis
Published: April 2023

The best defence against natural or intentional biological agents during armed conflict is usually immunisation, as with typhoid fever, but exceptional circumstances are informative. A large iatrogenic epidemic of hepatitis B occurred in 1942 due to contaminated lots of yellow fever (YF) vaccine used in the US military, even though there was no natural risk of infection. YF vaccine was intended to protect against Japanese Army's use of YF as a biowarfare agent, which did not eventuate. Salmonella typhi was used to infect German soldiers in a Paris café during Christmas 1941 in the knowledge that the café staff but not the soldiers were likely to be immunised against typhoid fever. German Army use of the Weil–Felix reaction to eliminate civilians likely to be typhus infected was subverted by Polish medical officers. They immunised civilians with locally produced Proteus antigens to create false‐positive Weil–Felix reactions in order to exempt men from forced labour schemes. Immunisation against biowarfare agents has a mixed record, indicating that vaccines rarely cover well for intelligence gaps.
Effects of face masks on language comprehension in bilingual children
Authors: Singh Leher , Quinn Paul C.
Published: April 2023

Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, many children receive language input through face coverings. The impact of face coverings for children's abilities to understand language remains unclear. Past research with monolingual children suggests that hearing words through surgical masks does not disrupt word recognition, but hearing words through transparent face shields proves more challenging. In this study, we investigated effects of different face coverings (surgical masks and transparent face shields) on language comprehension in bilingual children. Three‐year‐old English‐Mandarin bilingual children (N = 28) heard familiar words in both English and Mandarin spoken through transparent face shields, surgical masks, and without masks. When tested in English, children recognized words presented without a mask and through a surgical mask, but did not recognize words presented with transparent face shields, replicating past findings with monolingual children. In contrast, when tested in Mandarin, children recognized words presented without a mask, through a surgical mask, and through a transparent face shield. Results are discussed in terms of specific properties of English and Mandarin that may elicit different effects for transparent face shields. Overall, the present findings suggest that face coverings, and in particular, surgical masks do not disrupt spoken word recognition in young bilingual children.
Spatiotemporal Variability Comparisons of Water Quality and Escherichia coli in an Oklahoma Stream
Authors: Graves Grant M. , Vogel Jason R.
Published: April 2023

Fecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli, for primary body contact recreation (PBCR) in Oklahoma waterbodies, is defined as the geometric mean of 10 samples from the recreation season, May 1 to September 30, with an impairment threshold of 126 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 mL. However, the water quality standards provide limited guidance on spatiotemporal and environmental factors that could influence samples collected and analyzed. In this study, two stream cross sections under baseflow conditions in a central Oklahoma urban perennial stream, Spring Creek, were densely sampled to investigate temporal and spatial variability of E. coli concentrations and water quality parameters across the stream channel. Water quality parameters (specific conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, and total suspended solids (TSS)), stream discharge, and bacteria samples were collected simultaneously at equal intervals across the two cross sections in the morning and afternoon during one summer day with sunny, dry, and hot weather conditions. Results indicate a significant difference between time‐of‐day samples and water quality parameters and E. coli concentrations. Strong correlations between temperature, dissolved oxygen, and time versus E. coli concentrations were observed, while location, turbidity, and TSS were not significant or correlated to measured values. Furthermore, E. coli concentrations were highly variable spatially across each stream cross section, regardless of time of day or location. Results from this study provide an initial indication that stream water quality, spatial cross section sample location, and diurnal variations may be influencing factors on bacteria concentrations.
Prediction ability of an alternative multi‐trait genomic evaluation for residual feed intake
Authors: Pravia Maria Isabel , Navajas Elly Ana , Aguilar Ignacio , Ravagnolo Olga
Published: April 2023

Selection for feed efficiency is the goal for many genetic breeding programs in beef cattle. Residual feed intake has been included in genetic evaluations to reduce feed intake without compromising performance traits as liveweight, body gain or carcass traits. However, measuring feed intake is expensive, and only a small percentage of selection candidates are phenotyped. Genomic selection has become a very important tool to achieve effective genetic progress in these traits. Another effective strategy has been the implementation of multi‐trait prediction using easily recordable predictor traits on both reference animals and candidates without phenotypes, and this could be another inexpensive way to increase accuracy. The objective of this work was to analyse and compare the prediction ability of two alternative different approaches to predict GEBVs for RFI. The population of inference was Hereford bulls in Uruguay that were genotyped candidates for to selection. The first model was the conventional univariate model for RFI and the second model was a multi‐trait model which included a predictor trait (weaning weight, WW), in addition to the traits used in the first one (dry matter intake, metabolic mid test weight, average daily gain and ultrasound back fat) (DMI, MWT, ADG, UBF, respectively). GEBVs from the multi‐trait model were combined using selection index theory to derive RFI values. All analyses were performed using ssGBLUP procedure. The prediction ability of both models was tested using two validation strategies (30 different replicates of random groups of animals and validation across 9 different feed intake tests). The prediction quality was assessed by the following parameters: bias, dispersion, ratio of accuracies and the relative increase in accuracy by adding phenotypic information. All parameters showed that the univariate model outperforms the multi‐trait model, regardless of the validation strategy considered. These results indicate that including WW as a proxy trait in a multi‐trait analysis does not improve the prediction ability when all animals to be predicted are genotyped.
Exploring relationships among students' computational thinking skills, emotions, and cognitive load using simulation games in primary education
Authors: Pellas Nikolaos
Published: April 2023

Background

Owing to the exponential growth of three‐dimensional (3D) environments amongst researchers and educators to create simulation games (SGs) in primary education, there is a growing interest to examine their potential support in computer science courses instead of visual programming environments.

Objectives

This study explores the relationships between students' learning performance, focusing on computational thinking (CT) and programming skills development, in association with their cognitive load (mental load and mental effort) and emotions (happiness, anger, anxiety, sadness) by playing SGs.

Methods

A total of two hundred and ninety participants (n = 290) in fifth‐grade classes (10–11 years old) of Greek primary schools completed all pre‐and post‐intervention tests. A quasi‐experimental study was conducted over a 14‐week timetable course and in two comparison conditions, in which a SG was created by using OpenSimulator&Scratch4SL and Scratch for the experimental group (n = 145) and the control group (n = 145), respectively. To further investigate the effectiveness of the proposed SG in each teaching intervention, an exploration of relationships between students' learning performance, cognitive load, and emotions through multiple analyses, depending on correlation, t‐tests, correlation, and hierarchal regression was delivered.

Results and Conclusions

The findings indicate that the proposed SG created by using OpenSimulator&Scratch4SL positively affected students' emotions and cognitive load, whereas there was no significant difference in learning gain between the two groups.

Implications

The study provides empirical evidence on the effects of SGs on students' knowledge acquisition, highlighting the importance of considering both cognitive and emotional components in the design of these games. The findings also offer valuable insights for implications policy and practice.
Spontaneous regeneration of keratinized tissue at implants and teeth
Authors: Imber Jean‐Claude , Roccuzzo Andrea , Stähli Alexandra , Bosshardt Dieter D. , Muñoz Fernando , Ramseier Christoph A. , Lang Niklaus P. , Sculean Anton
Published: April 2023

Aim

To investigate the spontaneous regeneration of the implanto‐mucosal and dento‐gingival unit after complete removal of keratinized tissue (KT).

Materials and Methods

One hemi‐mandible per dog (n = 4) was allocated to receive three dental implants (test sites, premolar region), whereas three premolars on the contralateral side were controls. After osseointegration, the entire KT (buccal + lingual) was surgically excised on all test and control sites, leaving the bone exposed. Clinical measurements were performed before excision (T0) and after 12 weeks (T1). Following healing, the animals were euthanized, and the specimens were histologically processed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Clinical measurements revealed that at T1, on all teeth, a band of KT was spontaneously regenerated (mean width: 2.60 ± 0.66 mm), whereas on implants, KT was detected only occasionally at mesial or distal but not at buccal sites (mean total: 0.35 ± 0.53 mm; p < .0001). Histologically, spontaneous regeneration of the dento‐gingival unit was evident, displaying masticatory mucosa. At the implant sites, on the other hand, the implanto‐mucosal unit was characterized by a non‐keratinized epithelium and elastic fibres, indicating the characteristics encountered in alveolar mucosa.

Conclusion

After excision of KT at implant sites, the spontaneous regeneration of the soft tissue is characterized by a non‐keratinized epithelium typical for alveolar mucosa, while at tooth sites the spontaneous regeneration was characterized by soft tissue resembling gingiva.
Isotopic life‐history signatures are retained in modern and ancient Atlantic bluefin tuna vertebrae
Authors: Andrews Adam J. , Orton David , Onar Vedat , Addis Piero , Tinti Fausto , Alexander Michelle
Published: April 2023

Isotopic, tagging and diet studies of modern‐day teleosts lacked the ability to contextualise life‐history and trophic dynamics with a historical perspective, when exploitation rates were lower and climatic conditions differed. Isotopic analysis of vertebrae, the most plentiful hard‐part in archaeological and museum collections, can potentially fill this data‐gap. Chemical signatures of habitat and diet use during growth are retained by vertebrae during bone formation. Nonetheless, to fulfil their potential to reveal life‐history and trophic dynamics, we need a better understanding of the time frame recorded by vertebrae, currently lacking due to a poor understanding of fish bone remodelling. To address this issue, the authors serially‐sectioned four vertebral centra of the highly migratory Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus; BFT) captured off Sardinia (Italy) and analysed their isotopic composition. They show how carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulphur (δ34S) isotope values can vary significantly across BFT vertebrae growth‐axes, revealing patterning in dietary life histories. Further, they find that similar patterns are revealed through incremental isotopic analysis of inner and outer vertebrae centra samples from 13 archaeological BFT vertebrae dating between the 9th and13th centuries CE. The results indicate that multi‐year foraging signatures are retained in vertebrae and allow for the study of life histories in both modern and paleo‐environments. These novel methods can be extended across teleost taxa owing to their potential to inform management and conservation on how teleost trophic dynamics change over time and what their long‐term environmental, ecological and anthropological drivers are.
The stability of singlehood: Limitations of the relationship status paradigm and a new theoretical framework for reimagining singlehood
Authors: Tessler Hannah
Published: April 2023

The term single is limited as it is defined as the absence of a romantic partner, which places one's relationship status within a binary, assumes availability for romantic partnership, and implies single is a transitory state preceding union formation. These perceptions of singlehood serve to maintain hegemonic structures of marriage and nuclear family. However, the implications associated with the term single do not represent the experiences of all singles. This paper proposes an alternative framework for classifying singles based on their approach to romantic relationships that considers both openness to and desire for romantic partnership. I provide a typology of singles that defy the assumptions of singlehood and situate these categories within my theoretical framework. Finally, I demonstrate how this framework highlights the potential stability of singlehood, and I conclude by examining how social scientists can use this theory to better understand heterogeneity in singles' experiences.
Parents' childbearing motivations, parenting, and child adjustment: From pregnancy to20‐monthspostpartum
Authors: Nachoum Reut , Moed Anat , Madjar Nir , Kanat‐Maymon Yaniv
Published: April 2023

Objective

Guided by Self‐Determination Theory, the study explored how maternal and paternal prenatal childbearing motivations relate to toddlers' adjustment via parental competence and parenting style.

Background

Although considerable research shows consistent effects of parenting styles on child adjustment, why some parents adopt any specific style is unclear. To explore this, two broad types of childbearing motivations (autonomous and controlled) were conceptualized as early markers of parental competence, specific parenting styles, and subsequent child adjustment.

Method

One‐hundred and fifty‐five married, heterosexual, Israeli couples (N = 310) participated in a 2‐year longitudinal study from pregnancy through 20 months postpartum. Childbearing motivations were measured during pregnancy (T1), parental competence at 4 months postpartum (T2), and parenting styles and child behavior problems at 20 months postpartum (T3).

Results

A dyadic longitudinal path model revealed that childbearing motivations of both parents were positively associated with an adaptive, authoritative parenting style via parental competence. Moderate indirect effects of controlled childbearing motivations on toddlers' behavior problems were evident through the less adaptive—authoritarian and permissive—parenting styles.

Conclusion

This study underscores the importance of childbearing motivations as early indicators of future parenting styles and child adjustment and sheds light on parenting as a complex dyadic process.
Development of a novel prognostic signature derived from essential genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Dai Yibin , Yao Qin , Wang Ziyu , Diao Pengfei , Wang Dongmiao , Yan Enshi , Wang Yanling
Published: April 2023

Background

Substantial heterogeneity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) compromise accurate patient stratification and personalized treatment planning. Current molecular classification is largely based on genes with highly variable expression without considering their functional roles. Here, we sought to identify HNSCC essential genes for patient stratification and prognostication.

Methods

Essential genes for HNSCC were screened from genome‐wide CRISPR knockout datasets. Candidates were further identified through univariate Cox regression. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was utilized to develop the prognostic signature. Candidate essential genes were exploited to classify patients into subgroups by consensus clustering. Survival outcomes, genomic alterations, signaling activities, and therapeutic vulnerabilities were compared between patient subgroups.

Results

Sixty‐eight genes were identified as candidates and utilized to develop an 8‐gene prognostic signature. Patients were segregated into two clusters with distinct survival rates across multiple cohorts based on upregulated essential genes. Cluster 2 exhibited higher TP53, CDKN2A, and NOTCH1 mutations, higher stromal activities, worse prognosis as well as and sensitivities to cell cycle inhibitors. Cluster 1 was characterized by a better prognosis and susceptibility to PI3K/AKT and MAPK inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our study developed a novel and robust prognostic signature and classification derived from essential genes for HNSCC, which sheds new light on HNSCC precision oncology.
Effect of cervical margin relocation on marginal adaptation and microleakage of indirect ceramic restorations
Authors: Adel Marwa , Hamdy Amina , Sabet Ahmed , Ebeid Kamal
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study evaluated the effect of cervical margin relocation (CMR) with two different materials and contamination with hemostatic agents on the margin adaptation and microleakage of ceramic restorations.

Materials and methods

Mesial–occlusal–distal cavities were prepared in 60 human first molars and distributed to 3 groups (n = 20) according to the margin relocation procedure. The groups were: group F; flowable composite applied in two 2 mm increments, group B; bulk‐fill flowable composite applied as a bulk increment of 4 mm thickness and group C (control); no CMR was done. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (subgroup N; no hemostatic agent applied and subgroup H; hemostatic agent was applied). In all groups, ceramic inlays were prepared and cemented. The samples were subjected to thermocycling (10,000 cycles). The adaptation of the cervical margin was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (200×). Samples were then assessed for microleakage analysis with the dye penetration method. Marginal adaptation data were normally distributed and analyzed using two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Ordinal microleakage score data were analyzed using cumulative link models followed by the analysis of deviance using Wald chi‐square tests.

Results

Both CMR and contamination with a hemostatic agent had significant effects on the margin adaptation of the cervical margin. Group C showed the highest adaptation with no significant difference from group F. The lowest adaptation was revealed in group B with a significant difference from group C. Subgroup N (in all groups) showed a statistically higher adaptation than subgroup H. Regarding microleakage assessment, CMR had no significant effect but hemostatic agent application showed a significantly higher microleakage score for all groups.

Conclusions

Both the CMR procedure and contamination with AlCl3 hemostatic agent had a negative effect on marginal adaptation. For microleakage assessment, only contamination with hemostatic agent negatively affected the microleakage with no effect on the margin relocation procedure.
Alteration in the sowing time as an effective cultural management practice against kernel smut of rice
Authors: Sharma Anju B. , Singh Navdeep , Singh Tarvinder Pal
Published: April 2023

Kernel smut of rice caused by Tilletia barclayana (Bref.) Sacc. and Syd., becomes a serious disease for seed production of rice under favourable environmental conditions. The disease has been listed as objectionable disease under the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standards. In this study, effort has been made to generate information on the most suitable time of sowing of rice in relation to minimum disease parameters of kernel smut. Ten rice cultivars viz., PR 111, PR 114, PR 116, PR 118, PR 121, PR 122, PR 124, PR 126, PR 127 and PAU 201 were sown on three different dates of sowing (28 May; 10 June; and 24 June) at an interval of 14 days during the crop season 2019 and 2020 under natural epiphytotic conditions for disease development so as to focus on the most crucial time of disease development under natural field conditions. There was a gradual decrease in disease parameters of kernel smut with delayed sowing in case of all cultivars under study except variety PR 111. Coefficient of infection reduced uniformly with the delay in sowing time in different cultivars during the two consecutive crop seasons in all the test cultivars. Test weight (1000 grain weight) of rice did not vary significantly in response to alteration in sowing time indicating no adverse effect of late planting on the seed quality.