bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association mapping analysis of oil palm interspecific hybrid populations and predicting phenotypic values via machine learning algorithms
Authors: Shin Min‐Gyoung , Ithnin Maizura , Vu Wendy T. , Kamaruddin Katialisa , Chin Ting Ngoot , Yaakub Zulkifli , Chang Peter L. , Sritharan Kandha , Nuzhdin Sergey , Singh Rajinder
Published: October 2021

The genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach was applied to genotype selected interspecific hybrid (F1) and backcross (BC2) families of Elaeis oleifera and Elaeis guineensis. Genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium (LD) was estimated at 150‐kb pairwise distance for r2 values of 0.17 and 0.42 for F1 and BC2, respectively. Single marker‐trait association analysis identified 47 markers associated with five fatty acid composition (FAC) traits (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and iodine value [IV]) in F1, and 12 significant markers linked to oleic acid (C18:1) and vegetative traits (petiole width and mean leaf width) in BC. Within the QTL region associated with FAC traits, we identified key candidate genes influencing fatty acid synthesis. We implemented two machine learning algorithms, namely random forest and gradient boosting, to evaluate the ability of significant markers in predicting phenotype values. We also demonstrated the contribution of different marker combinations on trait values via prediction trees. This is the first attempt to evaluate the predictive ability of a combination of markers associated with traits identified from association mapping analysis in oil palm populations.
Is secondary tracheomalacia associated with airway inflammation and infection?
Authors: Capizzi Antonino , Salvati Pietro , Gallizia Annalisa , Rossi Giovanni A. , Sacco Oliviero
Published: October 2021

Background

Recurrent lower respiratory tract infections are among the most prevalent symptoms in secondary tracheomalacia due to mediastinal vascular anomalies (MVAs). It is not known whether this condition could result in persistent lower respiratory tract inflammation and subclinical infection.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on records of children with tracheomalacia due to MVAs and recurrent respiratory infections who underwent computed tomography scan, bronchoscopy, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) as part of their clinical evaluation.

Results

Thirty‐one children were included in the study: 21 with aberrant innominate artery, four with right aortic arch, one with double aortic arch, and five with aberrant innominate artery associated with right aortic arch. Cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed increased neutrophil percentages and normal lymphocyte and eosinophil proportions. Microorganism growth was detected in 13 BAL samples, with a bacterial load ≥104 colony‐forming units/mL in eight (25.8%) of them. Most isolates were positive for Haemophilus influenzae. Bronchiectasis was detected in four children, all with BAL culture positive for H. influenzae. Four patients underwent MVA surgical correction and 27 conservative management, i.e., respiratory physiotherapy in all and high‐dose amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (40 mg/kg/day) for 2–4 weeks in those with significant bacterial growth. There was an excellent outcome in most of them.

Conclusions

Neutrophilic alveolitis is detectable in secondary tracheomalacia but is associated with a clinically significant bacterial load only in a quarter of the patients. Caution should be used regarding inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions to avoid the emergence of resistance, whilst airway clearance maneuvers and infection preventive measures should be promoted.
Psychosocial outcomes 1‐year post total pancreatectomy and autologous islet cell transplant
Authors: Phillips Anna E. , Steel Jennifer L. , Amin Aarshati , Wijkstrom Martin , Zureikat Amer , Tillman Emily , Jones Rachel , Patel Seema , Fehrman Nicole , Starinsky Stefanie , Nalitt Hailey , Yadav Dhiraj , Slivka Adam , Bellin Melena D. , Carroll Antoinette , Humar Abhinav
Published: October 2021

Background

A paucity of research regarding the psychosocial outcomes after TPIAT exists.

Methods

Adults (>18 years), adolescents (13–18 years), and children (5–12 years) with their parents were administered questionnaires at the time of evaluation for TPIAT and 1‐year postsurgery to assess psychosocial outcomes.

Results

A total of 13 adults (6 male, 46%; mean age 35.2 years) and 9 children/adolescents (4 female, 44.4%; mean age 11.78 years) with CP were included in the study. A total of 69.2% of the adults and 66.7% of the children and adolescents were insulin dependent at 1‐year postsurgery. In adults, improvements on the SF‐36 pain (p = .001) and general health (p = .045) subscales were generally observed 1‐year postsurgery. Adult patients who underwent robotic‐assisted surgery compared to open surgery specifically reported better general health on the SF‐36 (p < .05) at 1 year. For children and adolescents, reductions in average pain in the last week (p < .05), pain interference (p < .001), and fatigue were observed (p < .05) at 1‐year postsurgery. For the entire sample, using repeated measures ANOVA and covarying for age, significant differences were found 1‐year postsurgery in average pain in the last week (p = .034) and pain interference with the following categories: general activity (p < .001), walking (p = .04), normal work (p = .003), sleep (p = .002), and enjoyment in life (p = .007).

Conclusions

While few transplant centers offer this treatment, the improvement in quality of life suggests this may be a viable treatment option for those with CP complicated by intractable pain. (IRB Approval PRO 19080302).
Work environment challenging Irish public health nurses’ care quality: First postnatal visit
Authors: Giltenane Martina , Sheridan Ann , Kroll Thilo , Frazer Kate
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Exploring views and experiences of public health nurses of their work environment and measurement of care practices at first postnatal visits.

Design

An exploratory qualitative design. Data collected using four focus groups and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Sample

Nineteen public health nurses from four health service regions in Ireland participated.

Results

Two themes emerged. Theme one identified "challenges of providing a quality service." Public health nurses identified workload demands and that the working environment can detract from the ability to provide a quality service. Challenges within the home, language barriers, and lack of support from management were key issues. Theme two identified "challenges of measuring quality of public health nursing practice." While Measuring practice through quantitative outcomes such as key performance indicators were viewed as inadequate to measure the quality of care provided, positive views of using quality process indicators to measure the quality of their practice emerged.

Conclusions

Key issues concern the working environment of public health nurses and challenges of providing and measuring care practices. Absence of appropriate supports and resources means public health nurses work hard to provide quality care. Public health nurses were confident they would score high on quality process measurements of their practice.
Impaired differential learning of fear versus safety signs in obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Elsner Björn , Reuter Benedikt , Said Mahboba , Linnman Clas , Kathmann Norbert , Beucke Jan‐Carl
Published: October 2021

Pavlovian learning mechanisms are of great importance both for models of psychiatric disorders and treatment approaches, but understudied in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Using an established Pavlovian fear conditioning and reversal procedure, we studied skin conductance responses in 41 patients with OCD and in 32 matched healthy control participants. Within both groups, fear acquisition and reversal effects were evident. When comparing groups, patients showed impaired differential learning of threatening and safe stimuli, consistent with previous research. In contrast to prior findings, differential learning impairments were restricted to fear acquisition, and not observed in the reversal stage of the experiment. As previous and present fear reversal experiments in OCD differed in the use of color coding to facilitate stimulus discrimination, the studies converge to suggest that differential learning of threatening versus safe stimuli is impaired in OCD, but manifests itself differently depending on the difficulty of the association to be learned. When supported by the addition of color, patients with OCD previously appeared to acquire an association early but failed to reverse it according to changed contingencies. In absence of such color coding of stimuli, our data suggest that patients with OCD already show differential learning impairments during fear acquisition, which may relate to findings of altered coping with uncertainty previously observed in OCD. Impaired differential learning of threatening versus safe stimuli should be studied further in OCD, in order to determine whether impairments in differential learning predict treatment outcomes in patients, and whether they are etiologically relevant for OCD.
Risk factors for chronic cough in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Perret Jennifer L. , Chang Anne B. , Idrose Nur S. , Bui Dinh S. , Lowe Adrian J. , Abramson Michael J. , Walters E. Haydn , Lodge Caroline J. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: October 2021

Despite the challenges of diagnosing and managing adult patients with chronic cough, a systematic synthesis of evidence on aetiological risk factor is lacking. We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE to synthesize the current evidence for longitudinal associations between a wide range of risk factors and chronic cough in the general adult population, following the meta‐analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Fixed‐effect meta‐analysis was conducted where appropriate. Of 26 eligible articles, 16 domains of risk factors were assessed. There was consistent evidence that asthma (pooled adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.33–3.70; I2 = 0%; number of articles [N] = 3) and low education levels/socioeconomic status (SES) (pooled aOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.20–1.72; I2 = 0%; N = 3) were associated with an increased risk of chronic cough after adjusting for smoking and other confounders. While continuous smoking was associated with chronic cough (aOR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.36–2.26; I2 = 57%; N = 3), there was too little evidence to draw conclusions for occupational exposures, outdoor air pollution, early‐life exposures, diet, snoring and other chronic conditions, including obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and chronic pain. Asthma, persistent smoking and lower education/SES were associated with an increased risk of chronic cough. Longitudinal associations between other factors frequently mentioned empirically (i.e., occupational exposures, air pollution and chronic respiratory conditions) need further investigation, ideally with objective and standardized measurement.
An intersectional approach to military sexual violence
Authors: Bonnes Stephanie
Published: October 2021

Despite over 15 years of targeted prevention efforts in the U.S. military, incidence and prevalence rates of sexual violence have remained consistently high. While there has been an abundance of research on military sexual abuse, most studies have explored the issue through reporting isolated demographic variables that correlate with sexual violence vulnerability. However, intersecting oppressions based on race, gender, immigration status, class, sexuality, and other social locations produce diverse risks, experiences, and responses to sexual abuse. In the military context, factors such as branch, rank, unit, deployment status, and combat experience also shape experiences with and responses to sexual harassment and assault. This article argues for an intersectional approach to understand military sexual violence to better unpack the immensely varied sexual abuse experiences that service members may have. Additionally, prior research on the relationship between the military, masculinity, and sexual violence has often ignored the fluidity of masculinity and the myriad of ways in which gender, violence, and victimization are related. In advocating for an intersectional approach to research on military sexual violence, this article also challenges assumptions of a static military masculinity. Finally, an intersectional perspective can reveal the inadequacy of policies, practices, and research that assume a uniform victim experience.
PreK‐8 prospective teachers’ mindsets and depth of learning in mathematics courses
Authors: Lovin LouAnn , Busi Rich , Lovin Nathan
Published: October 2021

Mindsets have been shown to greatly influence individuals’ efforts and subsequent success in the endeavors they attempt. This is particularly true of mathematical endeavors where mindset impacts the ways in which individuals approach and persevere in learning. This exploratory study investigated the mathematical mindsets held by 242 prospective teachers in undergraduate mathematics content courses for PreK‐8 teachers as well as examined the relationships between mindset, depth of learning, challenge seeking choices, and course grades. A strong predictive nature was found to exist among these variables. Recommendations are identified for future research to investigate prospective teachers’ mindsets and depth of learning.
How the media construct happiness under cultural perspective in China: Through collectivistic and individualistic values
Authors: Su Zhenhua , Zhou Qian , Ye Yanyu , Li Dongxiao
Published: October 2021

Objective

The attributes affecting happiness include endogenous material factors such as income and social comparison, and exogenous cultural factors like individual values and national ideology. And the latter is greatly affected by media in China. This study seeks to explore the influence path of media construction on happiness under cultural perspective in China.

Methods

Using Chinese General Social Survey 2015 data, we apply the ordered logit model to calculate the influence of the usage of television and Internet on happiness conspicuously.

Results

The use of television and Internet both have positive influence on happiness, and the influence path is that state media shapes collectivism and Internet shapes individualism. As the state‐controlled media in China, television continuously promotes nationalism and patriotism, thus strengthens audience's collectivistic value. Meanwhile, Internet which enjoys certain speech freedom in China boosts the user's individualistic value which makes a difference in promoting happiness.

Conclusion

The U‐shaped effect of “collectivism‐individualism” on happiness found in this paper empirically illustrates that collectivistic and individualistic values can both facilitate happiness, and also further shows that television and Internet can enhance happiness by influencing cultural values.
Facilitating health professional education research development; an action research approach
Authors: Scott Karen M. , Hughes Monica , Davids Jennifer
Published: October 2021

Background

Educational research and scholarship can advance teaching knowledge and practices. In the Westmead health precinct, Australia, education research has occurred in isolated pockets, with little professional development support. We developed a course to introduce the practice of educational research to multidisciplinary health professional educators in 2019.

Objective

We explored how we, as multidisciplinary teacher educators, could enable educators to undertake education research while improving our practice.

Methods

The course was developed based on Social Development Theory and applied to peer teaching to develop our teacher education capacity. Using action research, we worked together and with learners through repeated planning, observing, reflecting and engaging. We conducted facilitator/learner pre‐/post‐course and post‐workshop surveys, and mid‐course facilitator focus group. Data were analysed through theoretical thematic analysis using Guba and Lincoln's evaluation framework and Social Development Theory.

Results

Facilitators expected the course would enable novice participants to initiate research. Facilitators and learners reported course content, structure and approach were relevant, accessible and effective; however, limited times and irregular attendance challenged knowledge and skills development, and individual research engagement. Mid‐course improvements increased time for application to authentic, collaborative research activities. Facilitators enhanced their teaching through jointly developing the course, reflection and responding to feedback.

Conclusions

Through peer teaching, reflection and discussion, we collaboratively created, then improved, a health professional education research course, and developed our capacity as teacher educators. Our need to overcome challenges forced us to reconsider and adjust our approach. Action research benefits learners and teachers by improving teaching practice through a dynamic, cyclical, responsive approach.
The role of age, gender, experience, education and professional registration in acceptance of QGIS in South Africa
Authors: Henrico Susan , Coetzee Serena , Cooper Antony
Published: October 2021

The benefits of free and open‐source software for geographical information systems, such as QGIS, are appreciated by many all over the world. However, QGIS adoption in South Africa is not primarily influenced by the benefits attributed to open‐source software, such as cost benefits, customizability, improved reliability, quality and security. In the first paper from this study, it was found that habit, followed by facilitating conditions, price value and social influence, had the greatest influence on the behavioural intention of members from South Africa's geospatial community to use QGIS. In this article, several hypotheses were developed and tested to investigate the role that moderators (age, gender, GIS experience, educational level and registration with the South African Geomatics Council) had on the behavioural intention of geospatial practitioners in South Africa to use QGIS. Results show that GIS experience, educational level and registration with the South African professional body for geomatics practitioners had a moderation effect on some of the hypothesized relationships, while age and gender did not have any significant effect. Results also show that as one gains experience, social influence and facilitating conditions are less important when deciding to use QGIS; a postgraduate education and professional registration increase appreciation for getting value for money; and registered professionals are not significantly influenced by the perceptions of others when deciding to use QGIS. Habit is not influenced by any of the moderators, suggesting that breaking the habit of using a particular product is a challenge regardless of age, gender, experience, education level or registration status. These results are useful for developers of any GIS product and for choosing a GIS product for an organization, because they explain which user characteristics influence behavioural intention to use a specific GIS product.
Geographic Information Science education at Esri Development Center institutions
Authors: Curran Emma E. , Bowlick Forrest J.
Published: October 2021

Geographic Information Science (GIS) is fully embedded as a foundational information technology across domains and areas of practice. With this significance, the nature of the knowledge, skills, and practices in GIS requires regular reflection to quantify how GIS learning is structured, and to understand what the next generation of GIS professionals is learning and needs to learn to continue their geospatial practice. We investigate a subset of academic units classified as Esri Development Centers (DCs) to understand the nature of the teaching and learning in GIS taking place at these institutions. Esri DCs are university departments recognized for GIS excellence and provided with access to specialized Esri software and technology. This article discusses the differences in GIS degree programs offered by Esri DCs both in the United States and Europe, the achievements of students crowned “Esri Development Center Students of the Year” at each qualified university, and the relationships between the student accomplishments, GIS degrees, and GIS courses offered at the university where the project was completed. This research finds a strong relationship between the degree requirements and the focus area of student project winners, and a high representation of computational practices, like coding and geocomputation, in GIS work.
Cost‐effectiveness of a weaning food safety and hygiene programme in rural Gambia
Authors: Siu Jade , Jackson Louise J , Bensassi Sami , Manjang Buba , Manaseki‐Holland Semira
Published: October 2021

Objective

The main objective of the economic evaluation was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of a weaning food safety and hygiene programme in reducing rates of diarrhoea compared with the control in rural Gambia.

Methods

The public health intervention, using critical control points and motivational drivers, was evaluated in a cluster randomised controlled trial at 6‐ and 32‐month follow‐up. An economic evaluation was undertaken alongside the RCT with data collected prospectively from a societal perspective. Decision‐analytic modelling was used to explore cost‐effectiveness over a longer time period (4 years).

Results

Direct out‐of‐pocket healthcare expenditure for households due to diarrhoea was large. The intervention significantly reduced reported childhood diarrhoeal episodes after 6 months (incident risk ratio = 0.40, 95% CI 0.33, 0.49) and 2 years after the intervention (incident risk ratio = 0.68, 95% CI 0.46, 1.02). The within‐trial analysis found that the intervention led to total savings of 8064 dalasi 6 months after the intervention and 4224 dalasi 2 years after the intervention. Based on the model results, if the intervention is successful in maintaining the reduction in the risk of diarrhoea, the ICER is US$ 814 per DALY avoided over 4 years. This is cost‐effective.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there are substantial household costs associated with diarrhoeal episodes in children. The within‐trial analysis and model results suggest that the community‐based approach to improving weaning food hygiene and safety is likely to be cost‐effective compared with control.
Fetomaternal hemorrhage: Evidence from a multihospital healthcare system that up to 40% of severe cases are missed
Authors: Carr Nicholas R. , Henry Erick , Bahr Timothy M. , Ohls Robin K. , Page Jessica M. , Ilstrup Sarah J. , Christensen Robert D.
Published: October 2021

Background

We previously reported fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) in 1/9160 births, and only one neonatal death from FMH among 219,853 births. Recent reports indicate FMH is not uncommon among stillbirths. Consequently, we speculated we were missing cases among early neonatal deaths. We began a new FMH initiative to determine the current incidence.

Methods

We analyzed births from 2011 to 2020 where FMH was diagnosed. We also evaluated potential cases among neonates receiving an emergent transfusion just after birth, whose mothers were not tested for FMH.

Results

Among 297,403 births, 1375 mothers were tested for FMH (1/216 births). Fourteen percent tested positive (1/1599 births). Of those, we found 25 with clinical and laboratory evidence of FMH adversely affecting the neonate. Twenty‐one received one or more emergency transfusions on the day of birth; all but two lived. We found 17 others who received an emergency transfusion on the day of birth where FMH was not tested for, but was likely; eight of those died. The 42 severe (proven + probable) cases equate to 1/7081 births. We judged that 10 of the 42 had an acute FMH, and in the others it likely had more than a day before birth.

Conclusions

We estimate that we fail to diagnose >40% of our severe FMH cases. Needed improvements include (1) education to request maternal FMH testing when neonates are born anemic, (2) education on false‐negative FMH tests, and (3) improved FMH communications between neonatology, obstetrics, and blood bank.
Periarticular histiocytic sarcoma with heart metastasis in a cat
Authors: Chalfon Carmit , Romito Giovanni , Sabattini Silvia , Rigillo Antonella , Quinci Manuela , Foglia Armando , Marconato Laura
Published: October 2021

A 4‐year‐old intact female domestic short‐haired cat was referred for recommendations about adjuvant medical treatment 1 month after left forelimb amputation due to periarticular histiocytic sarcoma (HS). At presentation, physical abnormalities were limited to enlarged ipsilateral superficial cervical and axillary lymph nodes. Routine blood analysis, abdominal ultrasound, and thoracic radiology were unremarkable. The cat initially received lomustine without any adverse events. Four weeks later, the cat developed severe acute respiratory distress. Results of thoracic radiographs and transthoracic echocardiographic analysis were suggestive of pulmonary and heart metastasis. Due to the cat's poor clinical condition and prognosis, the owner elected euthanasia, and a necropsy was performed. Based on gross pathology, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry, an HS with nodal, renal, pulmonary, and heart (right auricular and right ventricular) metastases was diagnosed. This case represents the first description of HS with a heart metastasis in a cat, providing further insight into the clinical course and metastatic behavior of this rare malignant neoplasm. Clinicians should be aware of this site of metastasis and consider HS in the list of differential diagnoses for secondary heart tumors in cats.
Assessment of hemostasis in dogs with gastric‐dilation‐volvulus, during resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) or hypertonic saline (7.5%)
Authors: Borrelli Antonio , Giunti Massimo , Calipa Stefano , Botto Angelica , Mengozzi Giulio , Lisa Grassato , Maurella Cristiana , Bruno Barbara
Published: October 2021

Objective

To compare the impact of an IV bolus of hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 (HES) or hypertonic saline 7.5% (HS) on hemostasis in dogs resuscitated for gastric‐dilation‐volvulus (GDV).

Design

Open‐label, parallel‐group randomized clinical trial.

Animals

Twenty‐three client‐owned dogs.

Interventions

Dogs affected by GDV and shock were randomly assigned to receive HES at 10 mL/kg or HS at 4 mL/kg every 15 minutes. Blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis, PCV, total plasma protein, albumin, standard coagulation profile, and thromboelastometry (ROTEM) at baseline (T0) and at the end of bolus (T1). To assess the differences between the 2 groups at T1, Student's t‐test or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was used. To evaluate the differences between T0 and T1, ANOVA for paired data or Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐ranks test was used. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Measurement and main results

Hemostasis was evaluated by means of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and ROTEM. The study included 13 dogs in the HES group and 10 dogs in the HS group. Differences were found between groups at T1: increase in clotting time (P = 0.018) and decrease in fibrinogen level (P = 0.021) in the HS‐treated group.

Between T0 and T1, there were differences for the HES group: increase in clot formation time (P = 0.046), decrease in maximum clot firmness (P = 0.002) in ex‐TEM profile, and decrease in maximum clot firmness (P = 0.0117) in fib‐TEM profile. Between T0 and T1, the following differences were noted for the HS group: increase in clotting time (P = 0.048) and clot formation time (P = 0.0019), decrease in maximum clot firmness (P = 0.031) and α angle (P = 0.036) in ex‐TEM profile, decrease in α angle (P = 0.036) in in‐TEM profile, and decrease in maximum clot firmness (P = 0.017) in fib‐TEM profile.

Conclusion

In dogs affected by GDV, HES or HS infusion caused a similar tendency toward hypocoagulability, with few differences between the 2 groups.
Minimal atelectasis and poorly aerated lung on thoracic CT images of normal dogs acquired under sedation
Authors: Hunt Tania D. , Wallack Seth T.
Published: October 2021

General anesthesia optimizes image quality of thoracic CT in dogs by providing patient immobilization and respiratory control. However, it also comes with disadvantages that may serve as a detractor to the use of CT in veterinary practice. With the use of multidetector helical CT combined with injectable sedation for restraint, parameters such as atelectasis and poorly aerated lung should not be appreciably different from what has been observed in dogs under general anesthesia. This prospective pilot study aimed to evaluate the mean lung attenuation and the amount of atelectasis and poorly aerated lung on thoracic CT images acquired under injectable sedation in normal dogs. The entire thorax of 10 client‐owned dogs was scanned. Attenuation measurements were generated by three‐dimensional reconstruction software. Mean ± SD lung attenuation was ‐707.0 ± 60.0. Atelectasis was not identified on any of the scans. Hypoinflated lung, the percentage of lung parenchyma with attenuation greater than ‐500 and ‐250 Hounsfield units (HU), was 10.7 ± 4.7% and 2.4 ± 1.2% (mean ± SD), respectively. There was no significant change in these percentages over time. Compared to previously published data, thoracic CT images obtained under sedation had mean attenuation comparable to normal expiratory lung and a lower percentage of poorly aerated lung compared to that of anesthetized dogs. Using sedation to complete canine thoracic CT does not itself lead to alterations of lung attenuation and may confer less hypoinflation and atelectasis than general anesthesia.
A threshold volume of 10 ml is suggested for detecting articular cartilage defects in equine carpal joints using CT arthrography: Ex vivo pilot study
Authors: McQuillan Siobhan , Kearney Clodagh , Hoey Seamus , Connolly Susan , Rowan Conor
Published: October 2021

Computed tomographic arthrography (CTA) has been described as a method for detecting articular cartilage defects in equine carpal joints; however, published studies on the effects of contrast volume for lesion detection are currently lacking. The purpose of this prospective, experimental, pilot study was to determine a threshold volume of iodinated contrast for CTA of the antebrachiocarpal (ABC) and middle carpal (MC) joints for detection of articular cartilage surface defects. Articular cartilage defects were iatrogenically created in the surfaces of the ABC and MC joints of 20 equine cadaver limbs using arthroscopy. Unaltered articular surfaces within some joints acted as controls. Joints were imaged precontrast using multidetector CT. The ABC and MC joints were injected with a 150 mg iodine/ml nonionic contrast medium, in 5 ml increments from 5 to 50 ml per joint with CT performed subsequent to each increment. Cartilage defects were measured grossly using a caliper. Detection (qualitative) and measurement (quantitative) of the defects were independently performed by two board‐certified radiologists using medical imaging software. At each volume of contrast, the interrater reliability for gross examination and the two observers in the detection of a defect was calculated (Gwet's AC1). Logistic mixed‐effects models of selected volumes, 0, 5, 10, 15, and 50 ml, demonstrated that at 10 ml contrast and above, no statistically significant difference between either observer and gross examination for defect detection was identified for either joint. Findings supported using a dose of 10 ml for 150 mg iodine/ml concentration contrast media when performing CTA of equine carpal joints.
Improved outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers despite of differences in baseline characteristics
Authors: Akturk Afram , van Netten Jaap J. , Vermeer Marloes , Kruse Rombout R. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , van Gemert‐Pijnen Lisette J. E. W. C. , van Baal Jeff G.
Published: October 2021

The incidence of diabetes is increasing worldwide with concomitant raising number of patients with diabetic foot disease. Diabetic foot disease treatment has received more attention in the past decades, culminating in the creation of multidisciplinary outpatient clinics, but at the same time, complexity of patients seems to have increased. The aim of this article is to study differences in patient characteristics and outcomes (ulcer healing and ulcer‐free survival days) in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer in two prospective cohorts with 15 years in between. Prospective cohort study of all patients in one diabetic foot centre of expertise in 2003–2004 and 2014–2018. Clinical outcomes were determined after a follow‐up period of 12 months. Outcomes were differences in baseline characteristics and comorbidities, and differences in ulcer‐related outcomes between both cohorts. We included all consecutive diabetic foot ulcer patients from our centre for the period 2003–2004 (n = 79) and 2014–2018 (n = 271). Age (67.0 ± 14.3 vs. 71.6 ± 11.5,p = 0.003) and prevalence of end‐stage renal disease (1.3% vs. 7.7%,p = 0.036) were significantly higher in the more recent population. The more recent population had higher healing rate (53.2% vs. 76.4%,p < 0.001), higher median ulcer‐free survival days once an ulcer had healed [173 days (IQR 85.3–295.5) vs. 257.0 (IQR 157.0–318.0),p = 0.026], and fewer minor amputations (20.3% vs. 8.1%,p = 0.002). People with diabetic foot ulcers treated in 2014–2018 were older and more frequently diagnosed with ESRD, compared to this population in 2003–2004, while other characteristics were similar; ulcer‐related outcomes were better.
Analytical Modeling of a Segmented Magneto-Active Elastomer Unimorph Actuator
Authors: Pan Tan , Leng Rui , Ounaies Zoubeida , Frecker Mary
Published: October 2021

Magneto-active elastomers (MAE) are capable of achieving large deflections when actuated using an external magnetic field. Desired shape changes are achieved by judiciously designing a unimorph actuator comprised of an active MAE layer and a passive material substrate. In this paper, an analytical model is developed to predict the shape change of an MAE unimorph actuator that is segmented along its length. The shape change performance of a unimorph actuator consisting of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) embedded with barium hexaferrite (BHF) particles and a passive substrate of Scotch tape is investigated for different segmented geometric configurations.

An Euler-Bernoulli model is developed to predict the free deflection and blocked force of the segmented unimorph given the geometric information, properties of the materials, and the external magnetic field strength. A numerical approach is also developed to account for consecutive segments and different conditions for each segment as the unimorph bends. The conditions include the spatial variation of the magnetic field and the dependence of actuation torque on the bending angle. The model is validated with experiments under the same conditions, and the outcomes show good agreement with the experimental results. The validated model is used in a parametric study to assess the effects of the geometric parameters, material properties, and the magnitude of the magnetic field on the shape change.
Design and Experimental Studies of a Heel-Embedded Energy Harvester for Self-Powered Wearable Electronics
Authors: Li Zhongjie , Jiang Xiaomeng , Peng Yan , Luo Jun , Xie Shaorong , Pu Huayan
Published: October 2021

Recent decades have witnessed a booming increase in the number of wearable electronic devices. However, these devices cannot work for a very long time due to the limited lifespan of internal electrochemical batteries. In this article, we present a novel wearable electromagnetic energy harvester (EMEH) embedded into a heel of a shoe to collect the kinetic energy from human motion to tackle the above problem. The harvester is mainly composed of a pedal, four springs, a cantilever, and an electromagnetic energy transduction unit. In this design, we adopt a cantilever and a two-stage displacement amplification mechanism to convert up the frequency of the excitation, magnify the input displacement from the foot, and take advantage of an alternating magnet pole arrangement to get abrupt changes in the magnetic flux density (MFD). An electromagnetic dynamic model was established to simulate the output power of the harvester. Besides, we fabricated a prototype to examine the output performance of the harvester. The results prove that the cantilever can effectively convert low-frequency human running motions into high-frequency oscillations, which crucially contributes to the high performance of the harvester. As a portable energy conversion source, the proposed harvester can be of great significance in promoting the development of wearable self-powered electronic devices.
Design and Characterization of a Multilayered Multifield-Actuated Polymer Unimorph
Authors: Leng Rui , Uitz Oliver , Ounaies Zoubeida , Seepersad Carolyn
Published: October 2021

In this study, we design, fabricate and characterize a novel unimorph-like structure in which a shape memory polymer (SMP) is actuated using a magneto-active elastomer (MAE), resulting in contactless and large deformation shape change. The constituent materials are: a two-part elastomer, iron oxide microparticles, and a rapid cure epoxy. Combining the elastomer with the iron oxide particles results in an MAE actuator, such that application of an external magnetic field induces dipoles in the iron oxide particles, resulting in the actuation of the MAE. The shape memory epoxy polymers are deformed at an elevated temperature and cooled to lock-in the temporary programmed shape. Subsequent exposure to elevated temperature can then recover a permanent geometry. In a first step, the layered unimorph structure is fabricated using casting techniques in which the SMP serves as the ‘passive’ substrate, and the MAE is cast on top of this substrate or joined post-processing using adhesives. To demonstrate shape change, the unimorph is heated beyond the transition temperature of the epoxy, and a magnetic field is applied to deform the structure. Upon cooling, the shape change is locked into place. This configuration serves as proof-of-concept that the proposed magnetically-responsive polymers are capable of eliciting the shape change of an SMP through bending in response to an external magnetic stimulus. After demonstrating feasibility, the next step is to use additive manufacturing (AM) to produce both the SMP and MAE by developing and tuning MAE and SMP resin formulations for printability. Printability is assessed by characterizing the viscosities, effective yield stress, gelation times, and extent of cure of the material formulations. The bending response of the layered structure is characterized as a function of magnetic field, material composition, geometric parameters, and AM process settings.

The outcome of this research is to enable AM of smart materials and devices that can monitor and adapt to their environment. The medical device industry in particular stands to benefit from customizable devices that adapt their shape for particular patients, diseases, and/or stage of healing.
Effective Initial and Subsequent Loading Surfaces for Phase Transformation in TPMS-SMAs
Authors: Alagha Ali N. , Van Viet Nguyen , Zaki Wael
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the effective behavior of shape memory alloy (SMA) triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures is investigated by means of finite element analysis and numerical homogenization. For this purpose, the onset and subsequent thresholds of phase transformation are determined considering TPMS primitive, gyroid, and diamond unit cells subjected to different loading conditions. At all relative densities studied, the initial phase transformation loading surfaces corresponding to the different geometries considered are found to be reasonably well represented by the anisotropic Hill’s and von Misses yield criterions. The observed surfaces, either shrink or expand as the effective martensite volume fraction increases, depending on TPMS geometry. The determination of subsequent loading surfaces as a function of the effective volume fraction of martensite shows a nonlinear hardening behavior, which seems to follow a unique trend for the different geometries considered. Ultimately, the loading surfaces are found to reach an asymptotic state with distinctly different features compared to their initial shapes.
Fused Filament Fabrication of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastics for Compliant Mechanisms
Authors: Refat Mohamed , Luzi Luca , Agostini Lorenzo , Pucci Riccardo , Berselli Giovanni , Vertechy Rocco
Published: October 2021

In the last decade composite materials, previously almost exclusively used in aerospace and automotive industries, are becoming widespread thanks to the introduction of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process in the additive manufacturing technology. With respect to the standard and more widely used material subtractive technologies, the FFF layer-by-layer construction process is capable of manufacturing parts featuring very complex geometry. Moreover, the deposition of reinforcing filaments provides components with highperformance mechanical characteristics.

Since FFF is a relatively new technology, studies are still needed to fully understand the mechanical behavior of composite materials realized with FFF and how all the process parameters (e.g., layer thickness, filament deposition direction, type of matrix and reinforcement, the interaction between matrix and reinforcement) affect the final result.

This paper deals with the preliminary experimental analysis of straight beams realized in carbon-fiber-reinforced Nylon White composite material with the MarkForged MarkTwo three-dimensional printer. Envisaged application of the considered straight beams is as flexible elements in compliant mechanisms. In particular, tensile and bending tests are performed on nine different straight beam specimens in order to provide a first understanding on how the filament disposition within the sample affects its mechanical response.

From the results it is found that the proper position of the reinforcement filaments provides a very effective means to tune the selective compliance of beam flexures.
First characterization of vocalizations and passive acoustic monitoring of the vulnerable African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis)
Authors: Rycyk Athena M. , Factheu Clinton , Ramos Eric A. , Brady Beth A. , Kikuchi Mumi , Nations Hannah F. , Kapfer Karianne , Hampton Cecilia M. , Garcia Emily R. , Takoukam Kamla Aristide
Published: October 2021

Even among the understudied sirenians, African manatees (Trichechus senegalensis) are a poorly understood, elusive, and vulnerable species that is difficult to detect. We used passive acoustic monitoring in the first effort to acoustically detect African manatees and provide the first characterization of their vocalizations. Within two 3-day periods at Lake Ossa, Cameroon, at least 3367 individual African manatee vocalizations were detected such that most vocalizations were detected in the middle of the night and at dusk. Call characteristics such as fundamental frequency, duration, harmonics, subharmonics, and emphasized band were characterized for 289 high-quality tonal vocalizations with a minimum signal-to-noise ratio of 4.5 dB. African manatee vocalizations have a fundamental frequency of 4.65 ± 0.700 kHz (mean ± SD), duration of 0.181 ± 0.069 s, 97% contained harmonics, 21% contained subharmonics, and 27% had an emphasized band other than the fundamental frequency. Altogether, the structure of African manatee vocalizations is similar to other manatee species. We suggest utilizing passive acoustic monitoring to fill in the gaps in understanding the distribution and biology of African manatees.
Self-backpropagation of synaptic modifications elevates the efficiency of spiking and artificial neural networks
Authors: Zhang Tielin , Cheng Xiang , Jia Shuncheng , Poo Mu-ming , Zeng Yi , Xu Bo
Published: October 2021

A mesoscale plasticity rule improves AI learning.
Mechanism of a COVID-19 nanoparticle vaccine candidate that elicits a broadly neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Zhang Yi-Nan , Paynter Jennifer , Sou Cindy , Fourfouris Tatiana , Wang Ying , Abraham Ciril , Ngo Timothy , Zhang Yi , He Linling , Zhu Jiang
Published: October 2021

With a well-defined mechanism, spike nanoparticles offer an effective vaccine solution to SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Do languages and genes share cultural evolutionary history?
Authors: Greenhill Simon J.
Published: October 2021

Languages and genes tell stories about the past but statistical analysis reveals that these are not always the same.
Ectodermal Wnt Function as a Neural Crest Inducer
Authors: Garcı́a-Castro Martı́n I. , Marcelle Christophe , Bronner-Fraser Marianne
Published: October 2021

Neural crest cells, which generate peripheral nervous system and facial skeleton, arise at the neural plate/ectodermal border via an inductive interaction between these tissues. Wnts and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) play roles in neural crest induction in amphibians and zebrafish. Here, we show that, in avians, Wnt6 is localized in ectoderm and in vivo inhibition of Wnt signaling perturbs neural crest formation. Furthermore, Wnts induce neural crest from naı̈ve neural plates in vitro in a defined medium without added factors, whereas BMPs require additives. Our data suggest that Wnt molecules are necessary and sufficient to induce neural crest cells in avian embryos.
Report urges massive digitization of biospecimens
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

"Extended specimens" would link images and data.
Supporters scramble to rescue storied Jason advisory group
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

Outcry greets Pentagon move to cut long-standing ties.
Response to Comment on “Ghost cytometry”
Authors: Ota Sadao , Horisaki Ryoichi , Kawamura Yoko , Ugawa Masashi , Sato Issei , Adachi Hiroaki , Yamaguchi Satoko , Fujiu Katsuhito , Waki Kayo , Noji Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

Di Carlo
et al
. comment that our original results were insufficient to prove that the ghost cytometry technique is performing a morphologic analysis of cells in flow. We emphasize that the technique is primarily intended to acquire and classify morphological information of cells in a computationally efficient manner without reconstructing images. We provide additional supporting information, including images reconstructed from the compressive waveforms and a discussion of current and future throughput potentials.
Unbiased detection of CRISPR off-targets in vivo using DISCOVER-Seq
Authors: Wienert Beeke , Wyman Stacia K. , Richardson Christopher D. , Yeh Charles D. , Akcakaya Pinar , Porritt Michelle J. , Morlock Michaela , Vu Jonathan T. , Kazane Katelynn R. , Watry Hannah L. , Judge Luke M. , Conklin Bruce R. , Maresca Marcello , Corn Jacob E.
Published: October 2021

Spotting off-targets from gene editing

Unintended genomic modifications limit the potential therapeutic use of gene-editing tools. Available methods to find off-targets generally do not work in vivo or detect single-nucleotide changes. Three papers in this issue report new methods for monitoring gene-editing tools in vivo (see the Perspective by Kempton and Qi). Wienert
et al.
followed the recruitment of a DNA repair protein to DNA breaks induced by CRISPR-Cas9, enabling unbiased detection of off-target editing in cellular and animal models. Zuo
et al.
identified off-targets without the interference of natural genetic heterogeneity by injecting base editors into one blastomere of a two-cell mouse embryo and leaving the other genetically identical blastomere unedited. Jin
et al.
performed whole-genome sequencing on individual, genome-edited rice plants to identify unintended mutations. Cytosine, but not adenine, base editors induced numerous single-nucleotide variants in both mouse and rice.

Science
, this issue p.
286
, p.
289
, p.
292
; see also p.
234