bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of eliminating urethral catheterization following ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy
Authors: Hori Shunsuke , Otsuki Hideo , Fujio Kei , Nakajima Koichi , Mitsui Yozo
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To show that elimination of a urethral catheter in ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases is not disadvantageous.

Methods

We reviewed 164 non‐catheterized patients (experimental group) and 656 catheterized patients (control group) with renal or ureteral stones treated at our institution. Inclusion criteria were initial operation, patient age 18 to 75 years, no dysuria, and no preoperative febrile urinary tract infection due to calculi. The primary areas of evaluation were patient background, stone characteristics, perioperative factors, and postoperative evaluation results.

Results

The proportion of women was significantly lower (24.4% vs 37.2%; P = 0.01) and the proportion of multiple stone cases was significantly higher (34.9% vs 19.2%; P < 0.001) in the experimental as compared to the control group, while there were no significant differences for patient background or stone characteristics. The percentages of short‐term preoperative stent insertion (72.0% vs 33.0%; P = 0.009) and negative preoperative urine culture cases (58.0% vs 23.0%; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group, with no differences regarding other perioperative factors. There was no significant difference for complete stone clearance rate between the groups (P = 0.339), while only one patient underwent re‐catheterization and there were no cases of urinary retention. Interestingly, the rate of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection was significantly lower (P = 0.024) in the experimental (5.7%) than in the control (9.0%) group.

Conclusion

Postoperative urethral catheterization can be eliminated in low‐risk ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy cases, although additional studies are needed.
Coevolutionary theory of hosts and parasites
Authors: Buckingham Lydia J. , Ashby Ben
Published: January 2022

Host and parasite evolution are closely intertwined, with selection for adaptations and counter‐adaptations forming a coevolutionary feedback loop. Coevolutionary dynamics are often difficult to intuit due to these feedbacks and are hard to demonstrate empirically in most systems. Theoretical models have therefore played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of host–parasite coevolution. Theoretical models vary widely in their assumptions, approaches and aims, and such variety makes it difficult, especially for non‐theoreticians and those new to the field, to: (1) understand how model approaches relate to one another; (2) identify key modelling assumptions; (3) determine how model assumptions relate to biological systems; and (4) reconcile the results of different models with contrasting assumptions. In this review, we identify important model features, highlight key results and predictions and describe how these pertain to model assumptions. We carry out a literature survey of theoretical studies published since the 1950s (n = 219 papers) to support our analysis. We identify two particularly important features of models that tend to have a significant qualitative impact on the outcome of host–parasite coevolution: population dynamics and the genetic basis of infection. We also highlight the importance of other modelling features, such as stochasticity and whether time proceeds continuously or in discrete steps, that have received less attention but can drastically alter coevolutionary dynamics. We finish by summarizing recent developments in the field, specifically the trend towards greater model complexity, and discuss likely future directions for research.
SUMOylation of methyltransferase‐like 3 facilitates colorectal cancer progression by promoting circ_0000677 in an m6A‐dependent manner
Authors: Liu Qiong , Huang Qi , Liu Huan , He Feng‐Jiao , Liu Jun‐Hao , Zhou Yang‐Ying , Zeng Man‐Ting , Pei Qian , Zhu Hong
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major health issues in the world. Circ_0000677 has been shown to be upregulated in CRC with unclarified function and mechanism. Methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) acts as a regulator for gene expression via the mechanism of RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) in different types of cancer, which is under the control of SUMO1‐based SUMOylation. We aim to investigate their roles in CRC progression.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the expressions of METTL3, circ_0000677, and ATP binding cassette subfamily c member 1(ABCC1) in CRC patients' tissues and cell lines. The functions of ABCC1 and circ_0000677 in CRC were studied by manipulating their level via knocking down or overexpression. RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to identify the specific binding of target genes. The biological function of SUMOylation of METTL3 was investigated in vivo by xenograft mice tumor model.

Results

METTL3, circ_0000677, and ABCC1 were upregulated in CRC patients' samples and cell lines. Circ_0000677 positively regulates CRC cell proliferation and drug resistance via affecting ABCC1 expression. METTL3 facilitated circ_0000677 level via m6A modification. METTL3 was regulated by SUMO1‐mediated SUMOylation in CRC. Mutation of METTL3‐K459 could suppress tumor growth in vivo via regulating circ_0000677/ABCC1 axis.

Conclusions

Overall, our study revealed that circ_0000677 and its downstream target ABCC1 were upregulated in CRC cells, induced by the METTL3‐mediated m6A modification of circ_0000677 and SUMO1‐mediated SUMOylation of METTL3. This work provided a new strategy for the therapeutic treatment of CRC.
Optimizing voice‐controlled intelligent personal assistants for use by home‐bound older adults
Authors: O'Brien Katherine , Light Sophia W. , Bradley Sara , Lindquist Lee
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Social isolation is a major public health concern, as isolated individuals are at increased risk of poor overall health, as well as at increased risk of unhealthy behaviors. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, social distancing strategies have led to increased rates of loneliness and social isolation. There is a clear need for strategies to mitigate the effects of social isolation and loneliness on the mental and physical health of older adults. In this study, we sought to better understand how voice‐controlled intelligent personal assistants (VIPAs) could be leveraged to reduce loneliness and social isolation among home‐bound older adults.

Methods

Patients and geriatric experts were recruited to use VIPA devices (Google Home) in their homes for 4 weeks and then provide feedback. No prior training was provided. Geriatric experts were recruited via email solicitation from the Northwestern Medicine Geriatrics Clinic, and patients were solicited directly from geriatric primary care physicians. The investigators used qualitative analysis to identify codes and overarching themes.

Results

A total of 288 comments were received from 16 participants. Eight major themes were identified: Administrative, Companionship, Home Control, Education, Emergencies, Entertainment, Health and Well‐Being, and Reminders.

Discussion

Results demonstrate that VIPAs can be useful across multiple domains and potentially play a role in providing physical, social, and cognitive stimulation to home‐bound older adults. VIPAs have a wide range of functionality, many of which could be implemented to focus on common geriatric syndromes and may ultimately be a tool to help mitigate social isolation and the consequential loneliness.
Toward a life cycle inventory for graphite production
Authors: Surovtseva Daria , Crossin Enda , Pell Robert , Stamford Laurence
Published: January 2022

Global electrification of mobility and energy storage is driving an unprecedented demand for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) for which graphite is one of the major components. Multiple prior studies have attempted to assess the environmental footprint of LIBs by way of life cycle analysis (LCA), and the poor quality of inventory data on the production of graphite (at various purities) has been highlighted consistently. This work reviews the available inventories used in the assessment of natural and synthetic battery‐grade graphite production, and demonstrates that some upstream, downstream, and peripheral processes—including important processes associated with mining, calcination, and other steps—are often omitted, leading to greatly underestimated impacts. It proposes a new rigid framework for comparing different graphite production routes and a corresponding indicative inventory for synthetic graphite production. This inventory is used to estimate the global warming potential and energy demand of synthetic graphite, yielding results of 13.8 kgCO2‐eq/kg and 45.9 MJ/kg, respectively, suggesting that prior literature may have underestimated these results by a factor of two or more. The work concludes by highlighting the need to evaluate a broader suite of applicable impact categories and to fully account for the full suite of by‐and co‐products in future LCAs.
Factors Associated With Normal Physiologic Birth for Women Who Labor In Water: A Secondary Analysis of A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Carpenter Jane , Burns Ethel , Smith Lesley
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Research to understand factors associated with normal physiologic birth (unassisted vaginal birth, spontaneous labor onset without epidural analgesia, spinal, or general anesthetic, without episiotomy) is required. Laboring and/or giving birth in water has been shown to be associated with a high proportion of physiologic birth but with little understanding of factors that may influence this outcome. This study explored factors associated with normal physiologic birth for women who labored in water.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of a UK‐based prospective observational study of 8064 women at low risk of childbirth complications who labored in water. Consecutive women were recruited from birth settings in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Planned place of birth, maternal characteristics, intrapartum events, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were measured. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression modelling explored factors associated with normal physiologic birth.

Results

In total, 5758 (71.4%) of women who labored in water had a normal physiologic birth. Planned birth in the community (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.58; 95% CI, 2.22‐2.99) or at an alongside midwifery unit (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.41) was positively associated with normal physiologic birth compared with planned birth in an obstetric unit. Duration of second stage (aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.70), duration in the pool [aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.90‐0.96), and birth weight of the neonate (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65‐0.85) were negatively associated with normal physiologic birth. Parity was not associated with normal physiologic birth in multivariate analyses.

Discussion

Our findings largely reflected wider research, both in and out of water. We found midwifery‐led birth settings may increase the likelihood of normal physiologic birth among healthy women who labor in water, irrespective of parity. This association supports growing evidence demonstrating the importance of planned place of birth on reducing intervention rates and adds to research on labor and birth in water.
Optimal individualization of patient‐oriented ovarian stimulation in Japanese assisted reproductive technology clinics, a review for unique setting with advanced‐age patients
Authors: Kuroda Keiji , Katagiri Yukiko , Ishihara Osamu
Published: January 2022

Ovarian stimulation is a key issue in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment. ART practice in Japan is unique with various types of ovarian stimulation protocols, which may contribute to lower pregnancy rates compared to other countries. This review aims to clarify optimal individualized ovarian stimulation for improving the pregnancy rate per one oocyte retrieval cycle in Japan. We performed a literature review to describe ovarian stimulation, classification of infertile women depending on ovarian reserve and response, and Japanese ART data and discussed optimal conventional and mild ovarian stimulation protocols in Japan. According to Japanese ART registry data, the live birth rate of 30–35‐year‐old women was 32%–37% per ET cycle; therefore, four to five embryos are calculatedly needed when aiming a cumulative live birth rate of ≥80%. Mild stimulation aimed at collecting 5–10 oocytes can be alternative choice as an optimal ovarian stimulation protocol in young women. In 40‐year‐old women, the live birth rate is 18.8%, resulting in eight or more embryos as necessary. Conventional stimulation must be required in women with advanced age. In poor responders, however, mild stimulation may be sufficient for maximumly extracting their ovarian function. In Japan, mild ovarian stimulation can be selected in patients with a good prognosis and poor responders; however, conventional ovarian stimulation is necessary for women in advanced age.
Shared transformational leadership and safety behaviours of employees, leaders, and teams: A multilevel investigation
Authors: Lyubykh Zhanna , Gulseren Duygu , Turner Nick , Barling Julian , Seifert Matthias
Published: January 2022

We investigate the extent to which transformational leadership behaviours enacted by team members – shared transformational leadership – relate to safety behaviours of team members, teams, and team leaders. We also consider the role of perceived organizational support in moderating the relationships between shared transformational leadership and safety behaviours. We collected data from 2,139 crew members (‘team members’) and 98 chief engineers (‘team leaders’) working on merchant shipping vessels (‘teams’). Team members’ perceptions of shared transformational leadership positively related to team members’ safety compliance and safety participation. Shared transformational leadership became less effective in relation to team members’ safety compliance under conditions of high levels of perceived organizational support. Shared transformational leadership at the team level related to higher levels of safety participation of teams. Teams’ shared transformational leadership was positively related to team leaders’ safety participation, but only under low levels of perceived organizational support. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the important role of shared transformational leadership in relation to safety behaviours and suggest that the effectiveness of shared transformational leadership might vary depending on perceived organizational support.

Practitioner points

Transformational leadership behaviours exercised by team members – shared transformational leadership – are associated with higher levels of mandated and discretionary safety behaviours of team members.

Teams that have higher levels of shared transformational leadership demonstrate higher levels of team‐level discretionary safety behaviours.

Shared transformational leadership is more strongly associated with employees’ mandated safety behaviours under low levels of perceived organizational support.

When leaders perceive low levels of organizational support, their teams’ shared transformational leadership becomes a more important correlate of leaders’ discretionary safety behaviours.

In addition to traditional leadership training that involves formal leaders only, organizations should consider implementing activities that foster shared leadership behaviours.
The content validity of the Behavioural Appraisal Scales in people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: A Delphi study
Authors: Wessels Marleen D. , Paap Muirne C. S. , van der Putten Annette A. J.
Published: January 2022

The Behavioural Appraisal Scales (BAS) were developed in The Netherlands to assess functional abilities of people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). It is recommended that further studies examine the psychometric properties of the BAS. The aim of this study was to evaluate and, if necessary, improve the content validity of the BAS. A two‐round Delphi study was used. In Round 1, parents, researchers and practice professionals indicated for each item whether they would retain, adapt or remove it, explaining their answers. The BAS were adapted based on this feedback. In Round 2, participants were given the adapted version and asked to indicate for each item whether they wanted to retain or remove it, again providing an explanation. Feedback was analysed by calculating the percentage of participants who wanted to retain, adapt or remove a certain item. Content analysis was used to analyse participants' explanations. In Round 1, more than 20% of the participants wanted to remove 11 from the 122 items, and wanted to retain or adapt the remaining items. Seven categories of adaptations emerged: (1) feasibility, (2) the construct the item measures, (3) applicability, (4) similarity among items, (5) splitting items, (6) reassignment and (7) the professionals who score the items. In Round 2, for all items >80% of the participants indicated they wanted to retain the item. Experts felt that the content validity of the BAS could be improved. After the adaptations, the content validity was evaluated as good. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether the new or adapted items are not too easy or too difficult, whether information from different informant groups results in being scored differently, and to evaluate possible differential item functioning.
DNA barcodes and microsatellites: How they complement for species identification in the complex genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae)
Authors: Terrones Alejandro , van der Bank Michelle , Moreno Joaquín , Juan Ana
Published: January 2022

DNA barcoding allows the identification of an organism by comparing the sequence of selected DNA regions (barcodes) with a previously compiled database, and it can be useful for taxonomic identification of species in complex genera, such as Tamarix. Many species of this genus show convergent morphology, which leads to frequent errors in their identification. Highly variable genetic markers, such as microsatellites or short sequence repeats (SSR), could be used to differentiate species where DNA barcodes fail. Here, we tested the ability of both, 5 different marker regions (rbcL, matK, ITS, trnH‐psbA, and ycf1), and 14 microsatellites, to properly identify Tamarix species, especially those from the Mediterranean Basin, and compared the pros and cons of the different analytical methods for species identification. DNA barcoding allows the genetic identification of certain species in Tamarix. The two‐locus barcodes matK + ITS and ITS + ycf1 were the best‐performing combinations, allowing up to 69% and 70%, respectively, correct identification. However, DNA barcoding failed in phylogenetically close groups, such as many Mediterranean species. The use of SSR can aid the identification of species, and the combination of both types of data (DNA barcoding and SSR) improved the success. The combination of data was especially relevant in detecting the presence of hybridization processes, which are common in the genus. However, caution must be exercised when choosing the clustering methods for the SSR data since different methods can lead to very different results.
Linguistic rights and duties of immigrants and national identity in Catalonia: Between accommodation and transformation
Authors: Riera‐Gil Elvira
Published: January 2022

In 2018, the Government of Catalonia redefined its educational language policy through a programmatic document entailing a relevant shift: instead of highlighting the protection of Catalan as the national language, it stressed multilingualism and interculturalism as educational pillars. In doing so, it widened the scope of linguistic rights and duties of immigrants (LRDI). The exceptional growth of international immigration in Catalonia over the last two decades is at the root of this change. This article addresses LRDI from a theoretical and empirical perspective. First, it contributes a categorisation of approaches to LRDI (adjustive, accommodative and transformative) based on a comprehensive analysis of contemporary linguistic justice theories. Second, it analyses the challenging position of minority nations in managing LRDI and suggests that their explicitness in language policies has often been misinterpreted as monist by the literature. Finally, it documents a trend in Catalonia, in terms of rationale and policies, towards a pluralist reframing of national identity and the recognition of immigrants' languages.
Leafminer attack accelerates the development of soil‐dwelling conspecific pupae via plant‐mediated changes in belowground volatiles
Authors: Escobar‐Bravo Rocío , Schimmel Bernardus C. J. , Glauser Gaétan , Klinkhamer Peter G. L. , Erb Matthias
Published: January 2022

Herbivore population dynamics are strongly influenced by the interactions established through their shared host. Such plant‐mediated interactions can occur between different herbivore species and different life developmental stages of the same herbivore. However, whether these interactions occur between leaf‐feeding herbivores and their soil‐dwelling pupae is unknown.

We studied whether tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf herbivory by the American serpentine leafminer Liriomyza trifolii affects the performance of conspecific pupae exposed to the soil headspace of the plant. To gain mechanistic insights, we performed insect bioassays with the jasmonate‐deficient tomato mutant def‐1 and its wild‐type, along with phytohormones, gene expression and root volatiles analyses.

Belowground volatiles accelerated leafminer metamorphosis when wild‐type plants were attacked aboveground by conspecifics. The opposite pattern was observed for def‐1 plants, in which aboveground herbivory slowed metamorphosis. Leafminer attack induced jasmonate and abscisic acid accumulation and modulated volatile production in tomato roots in a def‐1‐dependent manner.

Our results demonstrate that aboveground herbivory triggers changes in root defence signalling and expression, which can directly or indirectly via changes in soil or microbial volatiles, alter pupal development time. This finding expands the repertoire of plant–herbivore interactions to herbivory‐induced modulation of metamorphosis, with potential consequences for plant and herbivore community dynamics.
Pannexin 1 role in the trigeminal ganglion in infraorbital nerve injury‐induced mechanical allodynia
Authors: Kurisu Ryoko , Saigusa Tadashi , Aono Yuri , Hayashi Yoshinori , Hitomi Suzuro , Shimada Masahiko , Iwata Koichi , Shinoda Masamichi
Published: January 2022

Objectives

The detailed pathological mechanism of orofacial neuropathic pain remains unknown. We aimed to examine the pannexin 1 (Panx1) signaling in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) involvement in infraorbital nerve injury (IONI)‐induced orofacial neuropathic pain.

Materials and Methods

Mechanical head‐withdrawal threshold (MHWT) was measured in IONI‐treated rats receiving intra‐TG Panx1 inhibitor or metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antagonist administration and MHWTs in naive rats receiving intra‐TG mGluR5 agonist administration post‐IONI. Glutamate and Panx1 in the TG were measured post‐IONI. Panx1, mGluR5, and glutamine synthetase expression in TG were immunohistochemically identified, and changes in the number of mGluR5‐P2X3‐expressed TG neurons were examined.

Results

MHWT was significantly decreased post‐IONI, and this decrease was reversed by Panx1 inhibition or mGluR5 antagonism. mGluR5 agonism induced a decrease in the MHWT. IONI increased extracellular glutamate in TG. Panx1 was expressed in satellite glial cells and TG neurons, and intra‐TG mGluR5 antagonism decreased the number of mGluR5 and P2X3 positive TG neurons post‐IONI.

Conclusions

IONI facilitates glutamate release via Panx1 that activates mGluR5 which was expressed in the nociceptive TG neurons innervating the orofacial region. In turn, P2X3 receptor‐expressed TG neurons are enhanced via mGluR5 signaling, resulting in orofacial neuropathic pain.
Genetic elimination of lipoxygenase‐2 improves sprouting and tocopherols, and removal of Kunitz trypsin inhibitor enhances in vitro protein digestibility in soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Rani Anita , Tayalkar Trupti , Jha Priyamvada , Mittal Priyanka , Anshu Aseem Kumar , Rawal Reena
Published: January 2022

Genetic removal of lipoxygenase‐2 (Lox‐2) and Kunitz trypsin inhibitor (KTI) from soybean seeds is desired as the former generates off‐flavour associated with soy products while the latter affects protein digestibility. In the present study, Lox‐2 null and KTI null introgressed lines developed by introgressing null alleles of Lox‐2 and KTI in recurrent genotype JS97‐52 were assessed for sprouting attributes, storage protein fractions, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), tocopherol composition, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number and Bowman–Birk inhibitor (BBI) in comparison with the recurrent genotype. Lox‐2 null introgressed line (NLx2IL) exhibited significantly (P < .05) higher first count, sprouting index, sprout length, tocopherol isomers and reduced TBA number. Null KTI introgressed line (NKTIIL) showed significantly (P < .05) enhanced IVPD and BBI concentration. The study showed that genetic elimination of lipoxygenase‐2 and KTI improved the sprouting and nutritional value of soybean, respectively.
The Complex Reality of Vice Presidential Selection in the Modern Era
Authors: Baumgartner Jody C , Park Baekkwan
Published: January 2022

This essay updates the small amount of formal research dedicated to explicating the factors that drive the selection of a vice presidential nominee. Demographic and political characteristics of the individuals on the presidential nominees' short lists, as well as various measures of presidential ticket balance, are modeled for the 24 contested major party vice presidential nominations from 1960 through 2020. Discrete choice analysis highlights the idea that the calculus used by presidential nominees to select their running mate has become more complex in the modern era. Years served in national political office, exposure in the national media, bringing either gender or racial/ethnic diversity to the ticket, and youth are all factors that seem to matter in the selection process. Predicted probabilities generated from the model correctly identify 18 (75%) of the eventual nominees.
Genetic improvement of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii: A review of global status
Authors: Pillai Bindu R. , Ponzoni Raul W. , Das Mahapatra Kanta , Panda Debabrata
Published: January 2022

Giant freshwater prawn (GFP), Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is a tropical species widely cultured in several countries across the world. It has high market demand accompanied by attractive prices. The global farmed production of this species in 2018 was 237,124 tonnes (t) valued over 1.93 billion USD. Due to its importance in freshwater aquaculture, several countries have started genetic improvement programmes for this species with varying degree of success. The selective breeding programmes for M. rosenbergii were started rather late (in the mid‐nineties) compared with other aquaculture species such as salmon (1975), tilapia (1986) and rohu carp (1992). At present, genetic improvement programmes with this species are continuing in Vietnam, China, India, Thailand and Indonesia. In the majority of the breeding programmes, the major selection trait is growth rate. The heritability of growth rate (harvest body weight; HBW) ranged from 0.056 to 0.407. In most of the programmes, response to selection was moderate to high ranging from 4.4% to 11% per generation. Selection for faster growth has also brought correlated response of higher edible meat without detrimental effects on flesh quality attributes. There was low response per generation (1.1% per generation) in survival rate. The present paper reviews the selective breeding programmes for GFP being carried out in different countries with a focus on experiences gained and the problems faced in disseminating the improved strain. The challenges faced during the conduct and practical implementation of breeding programmes are discussed, and we outline research areas that could lead to improved productivity in this species.
Understanding asymmetrical malpigmentation in flatfishes and improvement measures for aquaculture
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shao Changwei , Chen Songlin , Bao Baolong
Published: January 2022

Pleuronectiformes, an order known as flatfishes, is important in mariculture worldwide with the unique characteristic of body asymmetry, and thus has value in scientific research. Also, as an economically important species, flatfishes have great developing potential for industrial aquaculture. Their rapid growth, rich nutrition, delicious taste, and high‐quality protein are accepted and favoured by consumers all over the world. Due to large‐scale breeding and expanding production, however, different degrees of abnormal body colour flatfishes have emerged, which seriously affect commercial value of the fish, even reducing it by half; therefore, relevant research has been carried out. This article reviews how environmental factors affect body colour abnormalities and possible genetic mechanism of abnormal body colouration of flatfishes, summarizes the hypotheses of the mechanism of body colour asymmetry, and proposes the latest improvement measures obtained at the genomic screening level to prevent the occurrence of abnormal body colour. This review suggests the molecular mechanism of abnormal asymmetric distribution of body colour, suggests measures for avoiding malpigmentation in flatfishes, and provides a constructive theoretical reference for healthy development of the flatfish breeding industry.
A novel methodology concentrating on risk propagation to conduct a risk analysis based on a directed complex network
Authors: Ma Xiaoxue , Deng Wanyi , Qiao Weiliang , Luo Huiwen
Published: January 2022

A novel methodology is proposed in the present study to describe the risk propagation process by quantitatively evaluating the criticality and sensitivity of risk events according to complex network theory, based on which risk matrices are developed to interrupt the risk propagation process by setting up safety barriers. The applicability and accuracy of the improved k‐shell decomposition algorithm and risk flow model for calculating the criticality proposed in this study are verified by the susceptible‐infected‐recovered (SIR) simulation, which is widely regarded as a benchmark for complex networks (CN) issues. The results confirm the advantages of the proposed methodologies considering comprehensively various comparison indicators. The sensitivity of the nodes is quantified by running an SIR simulation with a variable infection rate and recovery rate. Finally, the criticality and sensitivity of risk events contribute to the development of risk matrices with three different risk scenarios, based on which the applicability and effectiveness of safety barriers are qualitatively analyzed to interrupt the risk propagation process. The framework and methodologies proposed in this study could well present the risk propagation process within CNs and are proven to have a great potential for studies on safety barriers.
Beliefs about suicide prevention by excluding the phenomenon versus the person: The role of cultural orientation, attitudes towards suicide, and social reactions to suicidal persons in Turkish university students
Authors: Eskin Mehmet , Köskün Tolga , Harlak Hacer
Published: January 2022

Based on their cultural orientation, people display approving/disapproving attitudes to suicide/suicidal persons that may be seen as either phenomenon excluding or person excluding. We tested whether cultural value orientations and suicidal attitudes were related to beliefs in the efficacy of excluding the phenomenon versus the person for preventing suicide. A total of 857 Turkish university students responded to a survey that include measures of cultural orientation, prevention beliefs related to phenomenon exclusion and person exclusion, and suicide related attitudes. While participants with an individualistic value orientation reported person exclusion to be more effective in preventing suicide, participants with a collectivistic orientation believed phenomenon exclusion to be more effective. Permissive attitudes to suicide were inversely related to beliefs in the effectiveness of phenomenon exclusion but positively to beliefs in the effectiveness of person exclusion for preventing suicide, but the magnitude of the relationships was low. While phenomenon exclusion was positively related to the social acceptance of and helping for a suicidal peer, the opposite was true for person exclusion prevention beliefs (The magnitude of the relationships was low to medium). Participants who attempted suicide believed less in the efficacy of phenomenon exclusion in preventing suicide than those who did not report any suicide attempts. Our findings imply that culture‐sensitive prevention efforts in contexts and individuals with an individualistic value orientation may target reducing the stigma surrounding suicidal persons, but in contexts and individuals with a collectivistic value orientation, they may target decreasing the stigma surrounding the phenomenon of suicide itself.
Aetiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illness at the emergency ward of the University of Gondar Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Akelew Yibeltal , Pareyn Myrthe , Lemma Mulualem , Negash Markos , Bewket Gezahegn , Derbew Agegnehu , Belay Gizeaddis , Pollmann Julia , Adriaensen Wim , Peeters Marjan , Ombelet Sien , Adane Aynishet , Mohammed Rezika , van Griensven Johan , Cnops Lieselotte
Published: January 2022

Objective

Causes of acute febrile illness (AFI) often remain undetermined in developing countries, due to overlap of symptoms and limited available diagnostics. We aimed to assess the aetiology of AFI in adults in a referral hospital in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

While all participants were tested for malaria by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), microscopy was only done on physician's request. Dengue virus (DENV) infections were detected using an RDT and ELISAs and dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya cases were identified by PCR. Bacterial aetiologies were investigated using blood culture and PCR.

Results

The aetiology of acute infection was identified for 20.5% of 200 patients enrolled. Eleven percent tested positive for Plasmodium, while microscopy was only requested for half of the identified malaria cases. For 4.0% of the Plasmodium‐infected patients, an acute or past DENV (co‐)infection was detected. We found 7.5% acute and 13.0% past DENV – all serotype 3 – infections. Bacterial infections were observed in 4.5% of the patients.

Conclusion

Malaria is still a considerable aetiology of AFI and dengue is underrecognised. There are areas where both diseases occur concomitantly, and the DENV‐3 serotype presumably spreads from Sudan to northern Ethiopia. As only 20.5% of the aetiologies were identified, a broader testing platform is required.
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation for Acoustic Data Communication in Ultrasonic Structural Health Monitoring Systems
Authors: Márquez Reyes Octavio A. , Moll Jochen , Zonzini Federica , Mohammadgholiha Masoud , De Marchi Luca
Published: January 2022

Delivering information from the transducers to the base station is one of the main challenges in current guided wave-based structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. In recent years, novel solutions started to be investigated, which are based on guided ultrasonic waves (GWs). These waves experience mild power dissipation, hence being capable to travel comparatively long distances. The key idea is to exploit GWs as a means to transmit digital information (e.g. a damage indicator) directly over the mechanical waveguide. The advantage is that conventional radio-frequency communication is not needed and this is of the uttermost importance in harsh environments.

Among the very different modulation techniques, a Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)–based modulation strategy is specifically employed in this work and numerical results are presented. More in detail, finite element simulations based on frequency steerable acoustic transducers (FSAT) are performed showing spatial multiplexing capabilities as widely used in modern 5G data communication systems.
Preliminary Acoustic Study of 3D Localization of Buried Polyethylene Pipe
Authors: Xerri William , Saracco Gineth , Gassier Ghislain , Zomero Laurent , Picon Philippe
Published: January 2022

Acoustic waves are commonly used to locate buried polyethylene pipes. In this preliminary study we are particularly interested in pipes depth. To obtain depth information we are moving towards a multi-sensor solution. Several estimators are implemented and tested on real data. A depth estimator according to the relative delays between sensors is proposed. We compare two relative delays estimators : the method using the cross-correlation and the one using the coherence function. We will verify on real measurements that the second method is much more efficient than the first one. Before discussing the results we will present another approach which consists in adapting the MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnals Classification) algorithm to our problem.
Determination of the Case Depth by Ultrasonic Backscatter of Case and Induction Hardened Steel With a Soft Hardness Gradient
Authors: Graja Paul , Meyendorf Norbert
Published: January 2022

Heat treatment of steel is a common industrial procedure to alter the microstructure of a component locally. Often, only the surface of a component is heat-treated to a certain thickness such that it benefits from the high durability provided by a hardened microstructure, while the core microstructure remains ductile. The nondestructive determination of this thickness, the case-hardened depth, can be performed by evaluating the slight differences of the ultrasonic backscatter from the grains of changing size in different layers. However, current methods require a small transition zone from the hardened to the core microstructure for accurate results. In this work, a different approach for the determination of the case-hardened depth of components with a large transition zone is described. This approach utilizes ultrasonic frequencies about 20 MHz in contact technique. The ultrasound is introduced in an oblique setup with a wedge and is mode converted to the transverse mode. The statistical evaluation of the backscattering shows promising results for the determination of the case-hardened depth of hardened components with a smooth decrease of the hardness over the depth.
Early Fatigue Damage Evaluation of Nonlinear Guided Wave Imaging in Hyperelastic Materials
Authors: Zhao Chengwei , Tanweer Sunia , Li Jian , Lin Min , Zhang Xiang , Liu Yang
Published: January 2022

Nonlinear ultrasonic guided waves have superior sensitivity of the early fatigue damage. This paper investigates the analysis of the second harmonics of Lamb waves in a free boundary aluminum plate, and the internal resonance conditions between the Lamb wave primary modes and the second harmonics. The Murnaghan’s model is implemented in a finite element (FE) analysis to describe the hyperelastic constitutive relation for nonlinear acoustic modeling. The second harmonics of s0 mode are actuated by a 60kHz Hanning-windowed tone burst. A guided wave signal processing platform is developed for tomographic imaging. The different stages of fatigue are reflected by the changes of third-order elastic constants (TOECs) in Murnaghan’s model. The reconstructed damage locations match well with the actual ones cross different degrees and depths of fatigue.
Adaptive Data Acquisition for Fast Ultrasonic Imaging Using Laser Induced Phased Arrays
Authors: Lukacs Peter , Stratoudaki Theodosia , Davis Geo , Gachagan Anthony
Published: January 2022

This study introduces a novel data acquisition method, the Selective Matrix Capture (SMC), that can adapt the array geometry during data acquisition, to the demands of the inspected structure, such as the defects encountered. The adaptive data acquisition method is enabled by the use of Laser Induced Phased Arrays (LIPAs). We have previously demonstrated high-resolution ultrasonic images of the interior of components using Full Matrix Capture (FMC) and the Total Focusing Method (TFM). However, capturing the FMC requires long synthesis time due to signal averaging and mechanical laser scanning, compromising the application potential of LIPAs. Given that most components are defect free, significant time savings can be obtained by only acquiring high-fidelity data when a defect is indicated. The paper presents the Selective Matrix Capture that acquires data more efficiently without a priori knowledge of the location of the defects, while still achieving the superior imaging quality provided by an FMC data set.
Explainable Machine Learning for Damage Detection: in Carbon Fiber Composite Plates Under Varying Temperature Conditions
Authors: Schnur Christopher , Moll Jochen , Lugovtsova Yevgeniya , Schütze Andreas , Schneider Tizian
Published: January 2022

Understanding on how a machine learning model interprets data is a crucial step to verify its reliability and avoid overfitting. While the focus of the scientific community is nowadays orientated towards deep learning approaches, which are considered as black box approaches, this work presents a toolbox that is based on complementary methods of feature extraction and selection, where the classification decisions of the model are transparent and can be physically interpreted. On the example of guided wave benchmark data from the open guided waves platform, where delamination defects were simulated at multiple positions on a carbon fiber reinforced plastic plate under varying temperature conditions, the authors could identify suitable frequencies for further investigations and experiments. Furthermore, the authors presented a realistic validation scenario which ensures that the machine learning model learns global damage characteristics rather than position specific characteristics.
Dietary Restriction in Mice Beginning at One Year of Age: Effect on Life-Span and Spontaneous Cancer Incidence
Authors: Weindruch Richard , Walford Roy L.
Published: January 2022

Lifelong dietary restriction beginning at 3 to 6 weeks of age in rodents is known to decelerate the rate of aging, increase mean and maximum life-spans, and inhibit the occurrence of many spontaneous cancers. Little is known about the effects of dietary restriction started in middle age. In the experiments now reported, the food intake of 12- to 13-month-old mice of two long-lived strains was restricted by using nutrient-enriched diets in accordance with the concept of “undernutrition without malnutrition.” The mice on the restricted diet averaged 10 to 20% increases in mean and maximum survival times as compared with the control mice. Spontaneous lymphoma was inhibited by the food restriction.

Reproduced with permission from
Science
. Copyright 1982 American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Richard Weindruch, Roy L. Walford, Dietary Restriction in Mice Beginning at One Year of Age: Effect on Life-Span and Spontaneous Cancer Incidence.
Science
215
, 1415-1418 (1982).
Pleiotropy, Natural Selection, and the Evolution of Senescence
Authors: Williams G. C.
Published: January 2022

A new individual entering a population may be said to have a reproductive probability distribution. The reproductive probability is zero from zygote to reproductive maturity. Later, perhaps shortly after maturity, it reaches a peak value. Then it declines because of the cumulative probability of death. There is a cumulative probability of death with or without senescence.

The selective value of a gene depends on how it affects the total reproductive probability. Selection of a gene that confers an advantage at one age and a disadvantage at another will depend not only on the magnitudes of the effects themselves but also on the times of the effects. An advantage during the period of maximum reproductive probability would increase the total reproductive probability more than a proportionately similar disadvantage later on would decrease it. So natural selection will frequently maximize vigor in youth at the expense of vigor later on and thereby produce a declining vigor (senescence) during adult life. Selection, of course, will act to minimize the rate of this decline whenever possible. The rate of senescence shown by any species will reflect the balance between this direct adverse selection of senescence as an unfavorable character and the indirect favorable selection through the age-related bias in the selection of pleiotropic genes.

Variations in the amount of fecundity increase after maturity, in the adult mortality rate, and in other life history features would affect the shape of the reproductive probability distribution and thereby influence the evolution of senescence. Any factor that decreases the rate of decline in reproductive probability intensifies selection against senescence. Any factor that increases the rate of this decline causes a relaxed selection against senescence and a greater advantage in increasing youthful vigor at the price of vigor later on. These considerations explain much of what is known of phylogenetic variation in rates of senescence. Other deductions from the theory are also supported by limited available evidence. These include the expectation that rapid morphogenesis should be associated with rapid senescence, that senescence should always be a generalized deterioration of many organs and systems, and that postreproductive periods be short and infrequent in any wild population.

Reproduced by permission.

G. C. Williams, Pleiotropy, Natural Selection, and the Evolution of Senescence.
Evolution
11
, 398-411 (1957).
The Maintenance of the Accuracy of Protein Synthesis and Its Relevance to Aging
Authors: Orgel L. E.
Published: January 2022

The ways in which the accumulation of mutations might contribute to the process of aging in higher organisms or in individual clones of cells has been discussed at length. No corresponding treatment of the consequences of transcription errors in the translation of the DNA message into RNA and protein sequences seems to be available. Here I show that a consideration of the rate of accumulation of such errors leads to a paradox, the resolution of which may be relevant to the problem of aging, and that there are a number of simple experiments that should decide whether this is the case.

Reproduced by permission.

L. E. Orgel, The Maintenance of the Accuracy of Protein Synthesis and Its Relevance to Aging.
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
49
, 517-521 (1963).
A reflective millimeter-wave photonic limiter
Authors: Kononchuk Rodion , Suwunnarat Suwun , Hilario Martin S. , Baros Anthony E. , Hoff Brad W. , Vasilyev Vladimir , Vitebskiy Ilya , Kottos Tsampikos , Chabanov Andrey A.
Published: January 2022

Wide-aperture free-space limiter with enhanced damage threshold provides protection from high-power millimeter-wave radiation.
Quantifying structural relationships of metal-binding sites suggests origins of biological electron transfer
Authors: Bromberg Yana , Aptekmann Ariel A. , Mahlich Yannick , Cook Linda , Senn Stefan , Miller Maximillian , Nanda Vikas , Ferreiro Diego U. , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: January 2022

Computational exploration of similarities among metal-binding protein structural motifs elucidates the origins of life.
First measurements of low-energy cosmic rays on the surface of the lunar farside from Chang’E-4 mission
Authors: Luo Pengwei , Zhang Xiaoping , Fu Shuai , Li Yong , Li Cunhui , Cao Jinbin
Published: January 2022

The intensity of low-energy cosmic rays on the lunar farside is consistent with that observed in the near-earth space.
Quantum holography with undetected light
Authors: Töpfer Sebastian , Gilaberte Basset Marta , Fuenzalida Jorge , Steinlechner Fabian , Torres Juan P. , Gräfe Markus
Published: January 2022

Experiments show the performance of quantum holography using undetected photons.