bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ACVR1 antibodies exacerbate heterotopic ossification in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) by activating FOP-mutant ACVR1
Authors: Aykul Senem , Huang Lily , Wang Lili , Das Nanditha , Reisman Sandra , Ray Yonaton , Zhang Qian , Rothman Nyanza , Nannuru Kalyan C. , Kamat Vishal , Brydges Susannah , Troncone Luca , Johnsen Laura , Yu Paul B. , Fazio Sergio , Lees-Shepard John , Schutz Kevin , Murphy Andrew J. , Economides Aris N. , Idone Vincent , Hatsell Sarah J.
Published: July 2021

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder whose most debilitating pathology is progressive and cumulative heterotopic ossification (HO) of skeletal muscles, ligaments, tendons, and fascia. FOP is caused by mutations in the type I BMP receptor gene ACVR1, which enable ACVR1 to utilize its natural antagonist, Activin A, as an agonistic ligand. The physiological relevance of this property is underscored by the fact that HO in FOP is exquisitely dependent on activation of FOP-mutant ACVR1 by Activin A, an effect countered by inhibition of Activin A via monoclonal antibody treatment. Hence, we surmised that ACVR1 antibodies that block activation of ACVR1 by ligand should also inhibit HO in FOP and provide an additional therapeutic option for this condition. Therefore, we generated ACVR1 monoclonal antibodies that block ACVR1’s activation by its ligands. Surprisingly, in vivo, these ACVR1 antibodies stimulate HO and activate signaling of FOP-mutant ACVR1. This property is restricted to FOP-mutant ACVR1 and results from ACVR1 antibody-mediated dimerization of ACVR1. Conversely, wild type ACVR1 is inhibited by ACVR1 antibodies. These results uncover an additional novel property of FOP-mutant ACVR1 and indicate that ACVR1 antibodies should not be considered as therapeutics for FOP.
Evolution of Plant Niche Construction Traits in Biogeomorphic Landscapes
Authors: Dong Xiaoli
Published: July 2021

By virtue of niche construction traits, plants play a significant role in shaping landscapes. The resultant outcome is a change in the selective environment, which influences the evolution of these same plants. So far almost all biogeomorphic models have assumed that niche construction traits are invariant in time. On the other hand, niche construction studies have assumed that independent abiotic changes are either nonexistent or are simply linear. Here, I considered the concomitant evolution of plant niche construction traits during landscape development. I constructed a geo-evolutionary model that couples a population genetic module with a landscape development module. Allowing plants to evolve always results in landforms different from those that appear when evolution is not accounted for. The topographic difference between cases with and without evolution ranges from a small difference in the steady-state topography, to drastic differences in landforms. The amount of difference is contingent upon forms of landscape development and the strength of geo-evolutionary coupling. Allowing the landscape to develop while evolution occurs changes evolutionary trajectories for niche construction traits. The landscape can even develop spatial structures that suppress selection. Model results clearly support the need to integrate niche construction theory and biogeomorphology to better understand both.
Auxin and pectin remodeling interplay during rootlet emergence in white lupin
Authors: Jobert François , Soriano Alexandre , Brottier Laurent , Casset Célia , Divol Fanchon , Safran Josip , Lefebvre Valérie , Pelloux Jérôme , Robert Stéphanie , Péret Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Secondary root emergence is a crucial trait that shapes the plant’s underground system. Virtually every developmental step of root primordium morphogenesis is controlled by auxin. However, how the hormone controls cell separation in primordium-overlaying tissues through wall loosening is poorly understood. Here, we took advantage of white lupin and its spectacular cluster root development to assess the contribution of auxin to this process. We show that auxin’s positive role on rootlet emergence is associated with an upregulation of cell wall pectin modifying and degrading genes. Downregulation of a pectinolytic enzyme gene expressed in cells surrounding the primordium resulted in delayed emergence. Pectins were demethylesterified in the emergence zone and auxin treatment further enhanced this effect. Additionally, we report specific rhamnogalacturonan-I modifications during cortical cell separation. In conclusion, we propose a model in which auxin has a dual role during rootlet emergence: Firstly, through active pectin demethylesterification and secondly by regulating the expression of cell wall remodeling enzymes.
High-accuracy mass attenuation coefficients and X-ray absorption spectroscopy of zinc – the first X-ray Extended Range Technique-like experiment in Australia
Authors: Ekanayake Ruwini S. K. , Chantler Christopher T. , Sier Daniel , Schalken Martin J. , Illig Alexis J. , de Jonge Martin D. , Johannessen Bernt , Kappen Peter , Tran Chanh Q.
Published: July 2021

The first X-ray Extended Range Technique (XERT)-like experiment at the Australian Synchrotron, Australia, is presented. In this experiment X-ray mass attenuation coefficients are measured across an energy range including the zinc K-absorption edge and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). These high-accuracy measurements are recorded at 496 energies from 8.51 keV to 11.59 keV. The XERT protocol dictates that systematic errors due to dark current nonlinearities, correction for blank measurements, full-foil mapping to characterize the absolute value of attenuation, scattering, harmonics and roughness are measured over an extended range of experimental parameter space. This results in data for better analysis, culminating in measurement of mass attenuation coefficients across the zinc K-edge to 0.023–0.036% accuracy. Dark current corrections are energy- and structure-dependent and the magnitude of correction reached 57% for thicker samples but was still large and significant for thin samples. Blank measurements scaled thin foil attenuation coefficients by 60–500%; and up to 90% even for thicker foils. Full-foil mapping and characterization corrected discrepancies between foils of up to 20%, rendering the possibility of absolute measurements of attenuation. Fluorescence scattering was also a major correction. Harmonics, roughness and bandwidth were explored. The energy was calibrated using standard reference foils. These results represent the most extensive and accurate measurements of zinc which enable investigations of discrepancies between current theory and experiments. This work was almost fully automated from this first experiment at the Australian Synchrotron, greatly increasing the possibility for large-scale studies using XERT.
Room-temperature ferroelasticity and unusual sequence of phase transitions in the crystal of (N2H5)3[CdCl5]
Authors: Krawczyk Monika K. , Czapla Zbigniew , Ingram Adam , Kozdraś Andrzej , Lis Tadeusz , Przesławski Janusz
Published: July 2021

On the basis of thermal analysis (DSC, DTA, DTG), single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, dielectric studies and optical observation, it is found that the (N2H5)3[CdCl5] crystal exhibits several structural phase transitions. At room temperature, the studied crystal exhibits ferroelastic properties and undergoes phase transition from the monoclinic to the orthorhombic phase on heating above 327 K. Upon subsequent cooling, two structural phase transitions at about 323 and 319 K are observed, where the crystal adopts orthorhombic symmetry. The presented phase transitions are unique due to the fact the first heating run results in different structural changes compared to those observed during cooling and subsequent heating/cooling runs. In the studied crystal, N2H5
+ ions and 1D chains built up from {CdCl5}3− units bridged by Cl atoms occur. The phase transitions observed can be associated with reorientation of cations and partial disorder of cations as well as Cl atoms.
Crystal structure and hyperfine interactions of delafossite (CuFeO2) synthesized hydrothermally
Authors: Siedliska Karolina , Pikula Tomasz , Surowiec Zbigniew , Panek Rafał , Idczak Rafał , Tran Vinh Hung , Jartych Elżbieta
Published: July 2021

The powder specimen of CuFeO2 delafossite was synthesized by a hydrothermal method at 453 K. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed that the obtained pure delafossite phase was a mixture of the 3R and 2H polytypes, predominantly the former. Mössbauer spectral analysis revealed the paramagnetic state of the copper ferrite at room temperature. Below 12 K the spectra had complicated shapes of Zeeman sextets. Changes in the character of the hyperfine interactions did not correspond to the data reported for the single-crystal CuFeO2. Magnetization measurements revealed that magnetic transition occurred at Néel temperature (T
N) = 12.5 K.
Robust optimization of resource-constrained assembly line balancing problems with uncertain operation times
Authors: Jin Wenrui , He Zhaoxu , Wu Qiong
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Due to the market trend of low-volume and high-variety, the manufacturing industry is paying close attention to improve the ability to hedge against variability. Therefore, in this paper the assembly line with limited resources is balanced in a robust way that has good performance under all possible scenarios. The proposed model allows decision makers to minimize a posteriori regret of the selected choice and hedge against the high cost caused by variability.

Design/methodology/approach

A generalized resource-constrained assembly line balancing problem (GRCALBP) with an interval data of task times is modeled and the objective is to find an assignment of tasks and resources to the workstations such that the maximum regret among all the possible scenarios is minimized. To properly solve the problem, the regret evaluation, an exact solution method and an enhanced meta-heuristic algorithm, Whale Optimization Algorithm, are proposed and analyzed. A problem-specific coding scheme and search mechanisms are incorporated.

Findings

Theory analysis and computational experiments are conducted to evaluated the proposed methods and their superiority. Satisfactory results show that the constraint generation technique-based exact method can efficiently solve instances of moderate size to optimality, and the performance of WOA is enhanced due to the modified searching strategy.

Originality/value

For the first time a minmax regret model is considered in a resource-constrained assembly line balancing problem. The traditional Whale Optimization Algorithm is modified to overcome the inferior capability and applied in discrete and constrained assembly line balancing problems.
Informational content of options around analyst recommendations
Authors: Wang Qingxia , Faff Robert , Zhu Min
Published: July 2021

Purpose

More studies have investigated the relation between option measures and stock returns during scheduled corporate events. This study adds to the literature and investigates the informational role of options concerning stock returns following unscheduled corporate news events. The authors focus on individual analysts' recommendation changes rather than consensus revisions, as the recommendation consensus might discard a large amount of potentially valuable information in the aggregation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the econometric model, the authors follow Bakshi et al. (2003) to construct the model-free option implied measures. The authors further decompose the implied option variance into upside and downside components. In such a way, the different informational roles of call and put options can be distinguished. A variety of regression analyses are conducted to examine the predictive power of option implied measures, and the ordered probit model is used to test the tipping hypothesis of analyst recommendations.

Findings

This study’s results show that the option market impounds the “valuable” firm-specific news; thus, the pre-event option market is strongly related to stock returns around recommendations even though recommendation changes are largely “unscheduled”. At the same time, these results suggest that upside (good) and downside (bad) implied volatilities contain distinctive information on subsequent stock returns.

Originality/value

This study provides new evidence that an increase in upside (downside) volatility around analyst recommendation changes would increase the probability that analysts upgrade (downgrade) the stock. The findings provide implications for investors and risk managers in making investment decisions.
Influence of consumer cosmopolitanism on purchase intention of foreign vs local brands: a developing country perspective
Authors: Srivastava Ankur , Gupta Nitin , Rana Nripendra P.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study investigates the role of consumer cosmopolitanism on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions (PIs) towards foreign and local brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The responses were collected on a structured questionnaire through a consumer survey. The data were then analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The results depict the positive influence of consumer cosmopolitanism on consumer attitudes towards foreign brands, which positively influences PIs towards foreign brands and negatively influences the PIs of local brands. Further, the mediating role of perceived quality was observed in explaining the consumer preference towards foreign and domestic brands.

Practical implications

Finally, the study concludes by providing implications for marketing scholars and managers of global and local brands.

Originality/value

The paper examines the underlying mechanisms related to consumer cosmopolitanism and its role in influencing the foreign and local brand purchase.
Exploring the usage of social media in extant campus sustainability assessment frameworks for sustainable campus development
Authors: Adenle Yusuf A. , Abdul-Rahman Mohammed , Soyinka Oluwole A.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

As one of the buzzwords in the present age with considerable impacts in tertiary institutions, social media use in online teaching, learning and information dissemination have been extensively discussed in extant literature. This paper aims to explore the existing campus sustainability appraisal (CSA) tools to identify the length at which social media has been used, especially in environmental sustainability indicators’ selection and empirical verification.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is mainly based on a desktop study involving comprehensive review and content analysis of existing CSA tools’ documents. Webpage content analysis of selected sustainability monitoring and tracking system in higher education institutions was also conducted.

Findings

The tools' content analysis reveals insufficient utilization of social media data and platforms in campus sustainability environmental-dimension indicators selection. To bridge this identified research gap, social media user-generated content for appraising the campus-wide environmental sustainability indicators preference in tertiary institutions was proposed.

Practical implications

The adoption and modification of this study’s proposed approach by tertiary institutions, especially in sub-Saharan African countries, could help address most campus-wide environmental challenges raised, commented on and discussed on social media.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge gaps by revealing the extent of social media utilization in extant tools. With the expanding utilization of different social media platforms by various tertiary institutions worldwide, their administrators' responsibility is to put these social media data into fair use.
Immersion positively affects learning in virtual reality games compared to equally interactive 2d games
Authors: Thompson Meredith , Uz-Bilgin Cigdem , Tutwiler M. Shane , Anteneh Melat , Meija Josephine Camille , Wang Annie , Tan Philip , Eberhardt Richard , Roy Dan , Perry Judy , Klopfer Eric
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study isolates the effect of immersion on players’ learning in a virtual reality (VR)-based game about cellular biology by comparing two versions of the game with the same level of interactivityand different levels of immersion. The authors identify immersion and additional interactivity as two key affordances of VR as a learning tool. A number of research studies compare VR with two-dimensional or minimally interactive media; this study focuses on the effect of immersion as a result of the head mounted display (HMD).

Design/methodology/approach

In the game, players diagnose a cell by exploring a virtual cell and search for clues that indicate one of five possible types of cystic fibrosis. Fifty-one adults completed all aspects of the study. Players took pre and post assessments and drew pictures of cells and translation before and after the game. Players were randomly assigned to play the game with the HMD (stereoscopic view) or without the headset (non-stereoscopic view). Players were interviewed about their drawings and experiences at the end of the session.

Findings

Players in both groups improved in their knowledge of the cell environment and the process of translation. Players who experienced the immersive stereoscopic view had a more positive learning effect in the content assessment, and stronger improvement in their mental models of the process of translation between pre- and post-drawings compared to players who played the two-dimensional game.

Originality/value

This study suggests that immersion alone has a positive effect on conceptual understanding, especially in helping learners understand spatial environments and processes. These findings set the stage for a new wave of research on learning in immersive environments; research that moves beyond determining whether immersive media correlate with more learning, toward a focus on the types of learning outcomes that are best supported by immersive media.
Opening the black box of leadership coaching: an examination of coaching behaviors
Authors: Patrick Susan Kemper , Rogers Laura K. , Goldring Ellen , Neumerski Christine M. , Robinson Viviane
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Leadership coaching is an increasingly popular development tool for school principals. However, specific coaching behaviors are rarely conceptualized or examined in prior research. This study presents a coaching behavior framework and then analyzes actual coaching conversations between principals and coaches to illustrate how specific coaching behaviors create opportunities for principals to reflect and think critically about their leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on theories of interpersonal learning, the authors develop a framework of coaching behaviors to distinguish coaching inquiries and assertions that facilitate critique and reflection and, therefore, activate opportunities for learning. The authors use this framework to code transcripts of 55 principal coaching sessions. The authors analyze the prevalence of certain coaching behaviors and then examine qualitative patterns in how the use of certain behaviors shapes the nature of coaching conversations.

Findings

Only about one-third of coded coaching behaviors in the analytic sample are categorized as coaching inquiries and assertions that activate opportunities for learning. In the qualitative comparisons of extracts from coaching conversations, the authors find coaches' use of these behaviors produced richer, more meaningful dialogue.

Originality/value

Unlike much of the past research on leadership coaching, this analysis examines what happens in conversations between coaches and principals. This framework could be applied to a broad range of coaching programs intended to promote professional learning.
Impact of conspiracy beliefs on Covid-19 fear and health protective behavior: a case of university students
Authors: Naveed Muhammad Asif , Malik Amara , Mahmood Khalid
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of conspiracy beliefs on fear of Covid-19 and health protective behavior of university students in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire was conducted at three universities in Punjab (e.g. two public sectors and one private sector) with permission from concerned authorities for data collection. A total of 374 responses were received that were analyzed by applying both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results indicated the prevalence of conspiracy beliefs and fear of Covid-19 among university students of two public sector universities and one private sector university. Furthermore, the conspiracy beliefs of university students predicted their fear of Covid-19. However, conspiracy beliefs did not predict the health protective behavior of university students.

Research limitations/implications

These results had serious implications for public health in Pakistan demonstrating the critical need for health education and promotion as individual preparedness along with system preparedness is essential to combat Covid-19 pandemic and infodemic. These results are useful for policymakers, healthcare professionals, university administration and library staff for making evidence-based decisions toward health education and promotion related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

It is hoped that the present study would make an invaluable contribution to existing research on promotional health in general and the role of conspiracy beliefs in putting public health at risk in particular as limited studies have been published so far.
Immersive construction detailing education: building information modeling (BIM)–based virtual reality (VR)
Authors: Elgewely Maha Hosny , Nadim Wafaa , ElKassed Ahmad , Yehiah Mohamed , Talaat Mostafa Alaa , Abdennadher Slim
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This research proposes a virtual reality (VR) platform for construction detailing that provides experiential learning in a zero-risk environment. It builds on integrating VR technology as a medium and building information modeling (BIM) as a repository of information and a learning tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This work discusses the proposed environment curricular unit prototype design, implementation and validation. The validation of the VR environment was conducted in three phases, namely, piloting, testing (system usability and immersion) and learning gain validation, each of which has its aim and outcomes and has been assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Findings

After considering the feedback, the VR environment prototype is then validated on the level of learning outcomes, providing the evidence that it would enhance students' engagement, motivation and achievement accordingly. The results indicated 30% learning progress after experiencing the VR environment vs. 13.8% for paper-based studying.

Originality/value

In reference to building construction education, construction site visits provide students with real-life practical experience which are considered an extension for classroom. Nevertheless, it is challenging to integrate construction site visits regularly during the academic semester with respect to the class specific needs. The research at hand adopts integrating VR and BIM in AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) education by proposing a system that can work as a mainstream complementary construction detailing learning method for architecture students. The proposed VR system facilitates a virtual construction site that meets the learning needs where students can explore and build in a real scale environment.
Let's talk about risks: a pillar framework for social media risk management in memory institutions
Authors: Liew Chern Li
Published: July 2021

Purpose

While memory institutions' use of social media has proliferated, research and scholarly literature on risks, resulting from social media use, memory institutions' social media risk-aware culture and, in particular, social media risk management remains scant. This study addresses this knowledge gap and identifies aspects of social media risk management from other sectors that could inform the cultural heritage sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research involves a review of the scholarly and professional literature that contribute to social media risk management discourses. These include those that discuss the different categories of social media risks, social media policies, risk-aware culture and social media risk management strategies and processes. Works discussing social media risk management models and frameworks are also included in the review. Based on the insights gained from these reviews, a pillar framework to guide social media risk management in memory institutions is developed.

Findings

The proposed framework outlines the baseline components relevant for the cultural heritage sector and underlines the evolving and continual nature of these components. Elements particularly important to memory institutions are highlighted. Notably, that social risks as a risk category must be recognised. Also noted is that the conventional apolitical stance still taken by many memory institutions need to be reviewed. The importance of memory institutions to be not overly risk-averse to the point of failing to take advantage of the affordances of social media platforms, thereby stifling potential innovations around services and engagement with their users/audience is discussed.

Originality/value

This research offers an extensive review of the social media risk management literature, both scholarly and professional across different domains. The ensuing insights inform the development of a pillar framework to guide social media risk management in memory institutions. The framework outlines a baseline mapping of the governance, processes and systems components. The expectation is that this framework could be extended to account for contextual and situational requirements at more granular levels to reflect the nuances, variances and complexities that exist among different types of memory institutions and to account for varying attributes, mandates and priorities in the cultural heritage sector.
Application of adaptive parameterized S‐transform to delta sandstone reservoir identification
Authors: Fang Yuxia , Chen Hui , Hu Ying , Li Rui , Li Jun
Published: July 2021

Time–frequency analysis plays an important role in seismic interpretation and reservoir identification because it reveals the variation of seismic frequency contents over time. The S‐transform is recognized as an efficient method for seismic time–frequency analysis, but its frequency distribution biases the actual Fourier spectrum due to the linear frequency‐dependent term in the analytical window. In this paper, an improved S‐transform, named adaptive parameterized S‐transform, is proposed for identifying delta sandstone reservoirs. In the proposed method, three parameters are introduced into the S‐transform to better adjust the time–frequency resolution in different frequency bands. Then these parameters are selected adaptively by using the concentration measure to provide a highly energy‐concentrated time–frequency representation for seismic signals. Two synthetic examples validate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Analysis of field seismic data illustrates that it can provide a better reservoir interpretation with a high resolution. Comparisons between the wavelet transform, S‐transform, and modified S‐transform prove the superiority of the proposed method in describing reservoir distribution and decreasing the uncertainty of reservoir detection. This paper presents a complementary approach to current methods for reservoir detection and identification.
Ambiguity, Managerial Ability, and Growth Options
Authors: Driouchi Tarik , Chen Mingyu , Lyu Zhuo , Bennett David J. , So Raymond H.Y.
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the role of ambiguity and managerial ability in firm growth options from the perspective of behavioural theory. We argue that managerial ability increases both the identification and exploitation of growth options opportunities, but ambiguity reduces strategic growth options value as a result of information incompleteness and non‐Bayesian behaviour. Using a dataset of all US‐listed firms, we test the joint effects of ambiguity and managerial ability on growth options value after controlling for standard determinants and endogeneity. The results indicate that ambiguity has a negative effect on growth options value, while ability has a positive effect. We also find that the negative association between ambiguity and growth options is less pronounced with higher managerial ability. These findings underscore the importance of firm heterogeneity in the identification, exercise, and management of strategic and innovative real options opportunities. The paper's contribution provides relevant management insights into the behavioural antecedents of real options at the firm level as well as highlights that managerial and behavioural characteristics are important determinants of growth options value.
Whey allergens: Influence of nonthermal processing treatments and their detection methods
Authors: Khan Mati Ullah , Lin Hong , Ahmed Ishfaq , Chen Yan , Zhao Jinlong , Hang Tian , Dasanayaka Binaka Prabashini , Li Zhenxing
Published: July 2021

Whey and its components are recognized as value‐added ingredients in infant formulas, beverages, sports nutritious foods, and other food products. Whey offers opportunities for the food industrial sector to develop functional foods with potential health benefits due to its unique physiological and functional attributes. Despite all the above importance, the consumption of whey protein (WP) can trigger hypersensitive reactions and is a constant threat for sensitive individuals. Although avoiding such food products is the most successful approach, there is still a chance of incorrect labeling and cross‐contamination during food processing. As whey allergens in food products are cross‐reactive, the phenomenon of homologous milk proteins of various species may escalate to a more serious problem. In this review, nonthermal processing technologies used to prevent and eliminate WP allergies are presented and discussed in detail. These processing technologies can either enhance or mitigate the impact of potential allergenicity. Therefore, the development of highly precise analytical technologies to detect and quantify the existence of whey allergens is of considerable importance. The present review is an attempt to cover all the updated approaches used for the detection of whey allergens in processed food products. Immunological and DNA‐based assays are generally used for detecting allergenic proteins in processed food products. In addition, mass spectrometry is also employed as a preliminary technique for detection. We also highlighted the latest improvements in allergen detection toward biosensing strategies particularly immunosensors and aptasensors.
The dual mediating roles of impulsivity and emotion regulation of the borderline personality disorder‐violence relationship: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Wojciechowski Thomas
Published: July 2021

Although the past research has indicated that features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) increase the risk for violence, much less research has examined the mediators of this relationship. This study examined the mediating roles that impulsivity and emotion dysregulation may play in explaining the relationship between BPD and violence. The Pathways to Desistance data were used in analyses. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to estimate the direct effect of BPD features on violent offending risk and to examine the mediating roles of emotion dysregulation and impulsivity. Results indicated that the direct effect of BPD symptoms on violence was mediated to non‐significance by key constructs, and the magnitude of the effect was reduced by around 40%. The total indirect effect was significant, and the mediation was attributed mainly to impulsivity. This indicates the importance of structuring treatment programming for BPD patients around impulsivity for reducing violence. Programming focused on improving impulsivity among individuals suffering from BPD may aid in reducing violent offending among this population, particularly those prior histories of involvement with the criminal justice system.
Development and successful real‐world use of a transfer DNA technique to identify species involved in shark bite incidents
Authors: Kraft Derek , Meyer Lauren , Webb Maryann , Scidmore‐Rossing Kaylee , Huveneers Charlie , Clua Eric , Meyer Carl
Published: July 2021

Identifying the species involved in shark bite incidents is an ongoing challenge but is important to mitigate risk. We developed a sampling protocol to identify shark species from DNA transferred to inanimate objects during bite incidents. To develop and refine the technique, we swabbed shark bite impressions on surfboards and wetsuit neoprene collected under semicontrolled conditions. Methods were tested experimentally and then successfully used to identify the species involved in a real‐world shark bite incident. Thirty‐two of 33 bite impressions yielded sufficient DNA sequences for species identification, producing barcodes from five test species, including dusky, Galapagos, bull, tiger, and white shark. The latter three species collectively account for a majority of shark bites worldwide. Our method successfully identified the species (Galeocerdo cuvier) responsible for a fatal shark bite on December 8th, 2020 on the island of Maui, from swab samples collected from the victim's surfboard 49 h after the bite incident. Our experimental results demonstrate that shark species can be accurately identified from transfer DNA recovered from bite impressions on surfboards and wetsuit neoprene. The successful use of our method in the real‐world incident shows great potential for the practicality of this tool. We recommend DNA swabbing as a routine part of the forensic analysis of shark bites to help identify the species involved in human‐shark interactions.
Development, validation, and comparison of FE modeling and ANN model for mixed‐mode solar drying of potato cylinders
Authors: Dhalsamant Kshanaprava
Published: July 2021

This work aims to develop a finite element (FE) model for predicting temperature and moisture ratio of potato cylinders having diameters of 8, 10, 13 mm and 50 mm length during solar drying using COMSOL Multiphysics software. The developed model computed conduction, convection, and radiation with appropriate governing and boundary conditions by coupling heat transfer in solid, laminar flow, transport of diluted species, and moving mesh modules together. Moving mesh module was employed to embrace the effect of inevitable shrinkage parameter all through solar drying. Experimentations and calculations were done based on the requirement of FE model. The developed model showed the increment of product temperature from 299.51–313.73 K, 299.07–313.03 K, and 298.34–314.57 K in case of 8, 10, and 13 mm diameter samples for an effective drying period of 3 h 15 min, 4 h 15 min, and 5 h, respectively. At the same time, the moisture content reduced from 83.57%, 86.57%, and 82.12% (wb) to 9.08%, 9.99%, 10.44% (wb) for the respective samples. To prove the reliability of the FE model predicted results, an attempt was made through the artificial neural network (ANN) model for describing the drying performance of the potato as well. It was found that the FE model better simulated the drying behavior with higher R2 values (R2 = 0.988–0.995). The drying chamber air temperature was also simulated from FE model and validated with experimental data during drying of samples. The prediction capability of FE proposed model based on statistical error analysis showed lower values than ANN model.

Practical Application

In the present study, the potential of mixed‐mode solar drying in food processing industries was established showing detailed investigation of transport processes throughout the solar drying process of potato cylinders. The established finite element (FE) model can be considered as a realistic alternative to experimentation. The food processing industries and dryer engineers can achieve better quality dried products by precisely operating the dryers at the optimum condition by help of the proposed FE model and product shrinkage analysis.
Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its association with age and body mass index: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Thakur Bhaskar , Pathak Mona , Singh Pratima , Padhan Prasanta
Published: July 2021

Aim

The study aims to recognize the prevalence and possible risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google scholar for potential studies published before the October 30, 2020. The study characteristics, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events, and various types of rheumatic diseases were extracted, and the meta‐analysis method was used to pool the estimates.

Results

We identified eight studies with 37 285 patients for this meta‐analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of OSA was 29.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15.2‐46.7; I2 = 99.6%) in the patients with RA. Age was higher in RA patients with OSA but this was not significant. Body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated with OSA in the RA population (standardized mean difference 1.08; P = 0.044). Assessment based on the Berlin Questionnaire© for Sleep Apnea resulted in a more precise estimate of OSA prevalence with reduced heterogeneity (prevalence 45.3%; 95% CI 37.4‐53.3; I2 = 58.8%).

Conclusion

Prevalence of OSA among the RA cohort was 29.8% with significant heterogeneity. However, the prevalence was 45.3% when studies were restricted to the OSA diagnosis based on the Berlin questionnaire with very low heterogeneity. Higher BMI is the principal risk factor of OSA development in RA. Hence, controlling BMI could be a preventive strategy for OSA among RA patients.
Adipose tissue senescence is mediated by increased ATP content after a short‐term high‐fat diet exposure
Authors: Pini Maria , Czibik Gabor , Sawaki Daigo , Mezdari Zaineb , Braud Laura , Delmont Thaïs , Mercedes Raquel , Martel Cécile , Buron Nelly , Marcelin Geneviève , Borgne‐Sanchez Annie , Foresti Roberta , Motterlini Roberto , Henegar Corneliu , Derumeaux Geneviève
Published: July 2021

In the context of obesity, senescent cells accumulate in white adipose tissue (WAT). The cellular underpinnings of WAT senescence leading to insulin resistance are not fully elucidated. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the presence of WAT senescence early after initiation of high‐fat diet (HFD, 1–10 weeks) in 5‐month‐old male C57BL/6J mice and the potential role of energy metabolism. We first showed that WAT senescence occurred 2 weeks after HFD as evidenced in whole WAT by increased senescence‐associated ß‐galactosidase activity and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1A and 2A expression. WAT senescence affected various WAT cell populations, including preadipocytes, adipose tissue progenitors, and immune cells, together with adipocytes. WAT senescence was associated with higher glycolytic and mitochondrial activity leading to enhanced ATP content in HFD‐derived preadipocytes, as compared with chow diet‐derived preadipocytes. One‐month daily exercise, introduced 5 weeks after HFD, was an effective senostatic strategy, since it reversed WAT cellular senescence, while reducing glycolysis and production of ATP. Interestingly, the beneficial effect of exercise was independent of body weight and fat mass loss. We demonstrated that WAT cellular senescence is one of the earliest events occurring after HFD initiation and is intimately linked to the metabolic state of the cells. Our data uncover a critical role for HFD‐induced elevated ATP as a local danger signal inducing WAT senescence. Exercise exerts beneficial effects on adipose tissue bioenergetics in obesity, reversing cellular senescence, and metabolic abnormalities.
Association of alcohol use disorder on alcohol‐related cancers, diabetes, ischemic heart disease and death: a population‐based, matched cohort study
Authors: Leong Christine , Bolton James M. , Ekuma Okechukwu , Prior Heather J. , Singal Deepa , Nepon Josh , Konrad Geoffrey , Paillé Michael , Finlayson Greg , Nickel Nathan
Published: July 2021

Background and aims

High‐risk alcohol consumption is associated with compromised health. This study aimed to compare the incidence of alcohol‐related cancers, diabetes, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and mortality between those with and without an indication of alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Design

Retrospective, population‐based, matched cohort study using data from the Manitoba Population Research Data Repository. Rates were modeled using generalized linear models with either negative binomial distribution or Poisson distribution and a log offset of person‐years to account for each person's time to follow‐up.

Setting

Manitoba, Canada.

Participants

Individuals aged ≥ 12 years with a first indication of AUD (index date) between 1 April 1990 and 31 March 2015 were matched to five controls based on age, sex and geographical region at index. This study included 53 410 individuals with AUD and 264 857 matched controls.

Measurements

Adjusted rate ratios (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined for each outcome from 5 years prior to and 20 years after AUD detection.

Findings

Alcohol‐related cancers (aRR = 4.85, 95% CI = 3.88–6.07 and aRR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.35–2.53 for men and women, respectively), diabetes (aRR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.50–2.02 and aRR = 2.43, 95% CI = 2.20–2.68) and IHD (aRR = 3.59, 95% CI = 3.31–3.90 and aRR = 2.92, 95% CI = 2.50–3.41) peaked in the 1 year prior to index for those with AUD compared with matched controls. All‐cause mortality (aRR = 3.31, 95% CI = 3.09–3.55 and aRR =3.61, 95% CI = 3.21–4.04) was highest in the year of index and remained higher among cases compared with controls throughout the 20‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

People with alcohol use disorder appear to have higher rates of adverse health outcomes in the year before alcohol use disorder recognition, and death at the time of alcohol use disorder recognition, compared with matched controls.
Does co‐occurrence drive vertical niche partitioning in parapatric tamarins (Saguinus spp.)?
Authors: Sobroza Tainara Venturini , Pequeno Pedro Aurélio Costa Lima , Gordo Marcelo , Kinap Natalia Margarido , Barnett Adrian Paul Ashton , Spironello Wilson Roberto
Published: July 2021

Stable species coexistence is a result of a balance between niche and fitness differences. One of the most common competitive patterns that arise from interactions between closely related species is character displacement, which may lead to divergence of certain traits and niche partitioning in areas where species co‐occur. In this study, we used data on 35 groups of two parapatric tamarins (Saguinus midas and S. bicolor) to test for asymmetries in group size and competitively driven divergence in forest strata use, under the influence of resource availability fluctuation across the year. We hypothesised that S. midas is competitively superior to S. bicolor, and this would result from differences in fitness‐related traits (group size). If so, species patterns of vertical habitat across the year should shift in sympatry relative to allopatry. We found that species had similar group sizes, suggesting they have similar competitive abilities. Further, both pied and red‐handed tamarins used lower heights whenever in larger groups, which may be related to a diet shift in response to increases in intragroup competition. In addition, we refuted our prediction of vertical niche partitioning in sympatry. Instead, S. midas moved upwards into the canopy with increasing rainfall over the year (a proxy for resource availability) both in sympatry and allopatry, whereas S. bicolor was unresponsive to both rainfall and geographic contact with S. midas groups. Therefore, the difference in vertical habitat use between these species over part of the year is probably more related to the degree of resource seasonality experienced by each species within their ranges, than to competition.
Deployable designs to temporarily convert subacute hospital rooms into palliative care rooms
Authors: Khine Thinn Thinn , Workman Barbara , Pan Hanmei , Aung Nyein Chan
Published: July 2021

Objective

To explore the design of deployable articles that can turn subacute hospital rooms into palliative care rooms to provide better patient‐centred care and to meet the shortage of dedicated palliative care spaces in Australia.

Methods

Clinicians and a design researcher collaborated to review the literature, obtain clinical/practitioner feedback on needs and use design research methods to produce design concepts and prototypes for use in the subacute care hospital setting.

Results

A design solution that included: (a) A guest‐bed module for improved family togetherness and room personalisation; and (b) A digital connectivity module designed to provide family togetherness virtually.

Conclusions

Informed design solutions for palliative care spaces were derived from clinical feedback and literature evidence. Clinicians expressed great interest and support for further development and implementation in Victorian hospitals. This exploratory concept also provides insights for future research and innovation in the design of palliative care environments.
The fetal cerebroplacental ratio in pregnancies complicated by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Lodge Jade , Flatley Christopher , Kumar Sailesh
Published: July 2021

Background

Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy is common and the optimal ultrasound surveillance of the fetus in this setting is unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between the fetal cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by maternal hypertension.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed over ten years at a single centre. All women who had an ultrasound scan between 34 and 37 weeks gestation with a non‐anomalous singleton pregnancy were included. The hypertensive cohorts were compared to a non‐hypertensive cohort. Each cohort was divided into low CPR for gestational age, or normal/high CPR and these were correlated with intrapartum and perinatal outcomes.

Results

A low CPR in a hypertensive pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of induction of labour, emergency caesarean section and poor perinatal outcome. This significance persists when adjusted for gestational age and birth weight. The diagnosis of pre‐eclampsia combined with a low CPR markedly increases the risk of poor perinatal outcome, with 52.6% (P < 0.001) of fetuses in this group having either neonatal intensive care unit admission, respiratory distress, low Apgar score, or acidosis. The odds ratio of a fetus with low CPR in a woman with pre‐eclampsia having a poor composite outcome is 4.09 (95% CI: 1.85−9.06).

Conclusion

There is an association between low CPR and the perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by a hypertensive disorder. This association appears to be stronger in pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia than in other types of hypertensive disorders.