bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life‐history traits are poor predictors of species responses to flow regime change in headwater streams
Authors: Carey Nicole , Chester Edwin T. , Robson Belinda J.
Published: May 2021

Recent climate change is altering the timing, duration and volume of river and stream flows globally, and in many regions, perennially flowing rivers and streams are drying and switching to intermittent flows. Profound impacts on aquatic biota are becoming apparent, due in part to the strong influence of flow regime on the evolution of life history. We made predictions of life‐history responses for 13 common aquatic invertebrate species (four caddisflies, five mayflies, two stoneflies, a dragonfly and an amphipod), to recent flow regime change in Australian mediterranean climate streams, based on historic studies in the same streams. Size distributions, phenology, voltinism and synchrony were compared, revealing five main responses. More than half of the species were restricted to perennially flowing streams and were absent from those that had switched to intermittent flows (including all four caddisfly species). These formerly common species are at risk of extinction as climate change progresses. Two mayfly species had divergent responses in voltinism and synchrony, and one relied on drought micro‐refuges to persist. One stonefly species changed development timing to suit the new flow regime, and the amphipod species retreated to subterranean refuges. Two formerly common species were not detected at all during 2016–2017. In addition, a new mayfly species and a caddisfly species proliferated under new flow regimes, because they had life histories suited to brief hydroperiods. Importantly, previous life history rarely predicted species’ actual responses to climate‐driven flow regime change, raising doubts about the veracity of predictions based on species traits. This is because a species’ potential for flexible phenology or growth rate is not necessarily indicated by life‐history traits.
A parsimonious model for calculating the greenhouse gas emissions of miscanthus cultivation using current commercial practice in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lask Jan , Kam Jason , Weik Jan , Kiesel Andreas , Wagner Moritz , Lewandowski Iris
Published: May 2021

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a widely recognized tool for the assessment of the potential environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of a product or service. The environmental impact category most commonly quantified in LCAs is global warming potential, a measure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. For agricultural products such as miscanthus, the creation of an inventory can be labour‐intensive and is context‐specific. This impairs the transfer of results to comparable but not necessarily similar situations. Farmers and small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises cannot easily dedicate resources for this purpose (in particular when using marginal land) and often lack the expertise to do so. Simplified LCA models could offer a promising solution to this problem. They are simplified versions of more complex models that require only a few critical parameters to calculate representative results. This study develops such a model for the computation of GHG emissions associated with commercial miscanthus cultivation. The model focuses on rhizome‐based propagation and the indirect harvesting method (cutting to swath, swathing, baling). A parametric life cycle inventory (LCI) was established and used to identify the most influential parameters by means of a global sensitivity analysis (GSA). A simplified model for calculating GHG emissions associated with miscanthus cultivation was developed by fixing input parameters with a low relevance at their median impact values. Six of 38 parameters were identified as relevant parameters: soil carbon sequestration, harvestable yield, duration of cultivation period, quantities of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer applied, and distance between field and customer. The simplified model allows practitioners an easy assessment of the GHG emissions associated with the production and supply of miscanthus. It thus provides a wider audience facilitated access to LCA knowledge and promotes its use as a management and reporting tool in bio‐based industries.
Economic viability and carbon footprint of switchgrass for cellulosic biofuels: Insights from a spatial multi‐feedstock procurement landscape analysis
Authors: Sesmero Juan P. , Trull Nathanial U. , Gramig Benjamin M.
Published: May 2021

We study a situation in which a multi‐feedstock cellulosic biofuel plant can procure stover from productive cropland and switchgrass from marginal land, where growing corn for stover is typically not profitable. We calibrate our model to growing conditions in a promising area of Indiana, USA. We find that cost‐minimizing biorefineries are likely to include switchgrass in the mix of feedstocks despite their high cost of production relative to corn stover. This is because the biorefinery can reduce cost by buying switchgrass grown on marginal land near the plant instead of paying to cover high transportation costs to procure stover from more distant suppliers. Moreover, the share of switchgrass will rise further if the procurement region is constrained by transaction costs or natural barriers. This is because procuring switchgrass can alleviate the cost of paying to induce land conversion to corn to procure additional stover from the intensive margin. Under the assumption that switchgrass is grown on marginal land, inclusion of switchgrass in the feedstock mix not only reduces the cost of producing biofuels but also their carbon footprint without displacing food crops. A key caveat is that high transaction costs of contracting for switchgrass and/or farmers’ reluctance to grow switchgrass on marginal land can severely undermine its inclusion in the feedstock mix. However, these forces may be countervailed by a differential subsidy for biofuels that include a higher share of switchgrass, which would be warranted because of their lower carbon footprint.
Social policy responsiveness in multilevel contexts: How vertical diffusion of competences affects the opinion‐policy link
Authors: Peters Yvette
Published: May 2021

Do multilevel structures of governance affect representation? This study examines how regionalization and globalization are related to social policy responsiveness. It has been argued that the interests of nonpopular actors, such as international organizations or private corporations, have gained importance in determining public policies. Moreover, national governments have delegated decision‐making capabilities down to subnational authorities. These developments might constrain governments in their policymaking, leading them to be less responsive to their citizens' preferences. I investigate whether the relation between public opinion and welfare state effort is affected by globalization and decentralization. To examine these relations and possible explanations, I analyze data from the European Social Survey (2002–2012) and from Eurostat using a time‐series cross‐sectional approach. Consistent with the expectations set out in this study, I find that decentralization facilitates, while globalization hinders, the responsiveness of welfare spending to public preferences.
Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs): A review of generic and condition‐specific measures and a discussion of trends and issues
Authors: Churruca Kate , Pomare Chiara , Ellis Louise A. , Long Janet C. , Henderson Suzanna B. , Murphy Lisa E. D. , Leahy Christopher J. , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: May 2021

Background

Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) are questionnaires that collect health outcomes directly from the people who experience them. This review critically synthesizes information on generic and selected condition‐specific PROMs to describe trends and contemporary issues regarding their development, validation and application.

Methods

We reviewed academic and grey literature on validated PROMs by searching databases, prominent websites, Google Scholar and Google Search. The identification of condition‐specific PROMs was limited to common conditions and those with a high burden of disease (eg cancers, cardiovascular disorders). Trends and contemporary issues in the development, validation and application of PROMs were critically evaluated.

Results

The search yielded 315 generic and condition‐specific PROMs. The largest numbers of measures were identified for generic PROMs, musculoskeletal conditions and cancers. The earliest published PROMs were in mental health‐related conditions. The number of PROMs grew substantially between 1980s and 2000s but slowed more recently. The number of publications discussing PROMs continues to increase. Issues identified include the use of computer‐adaptive testing and increasing concerns about the appropriateness of using PROMs developed and validated for specific purposes (eg research) for other reasons (eg clinical decision making).

Conclusions

The term PROM is a relatively new designation for a range of measures that have existed since at least the 1960s. Although literature on PROMs continues to expand, challenges remain in selecting reliable and valid tools that are fit‐for‐purpose from the many existing instruments.

Patient or public contribution

Consumers were not directly involved in this review; however, its outcome will be used in programmes that engage and partner with consumers.
Long‐term consumer involvement in cancer research: Working towards partnership
Authors: Milley Kristi , Chima Sophie , McIntosh Jennifer G. , Ackland Elle , Emery Jon D.
Published: May 2021

Background

Meaningful consumer involvement in health research is important. There are limited data on how to maintain long‐term consumer involvement.

Objective

To identify barriers and facilitators to meaningful long‐term consumer involvement in research.

Design

Six semi‐structured interviews were conducted with members of the Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group (PC4) Community Advisory Group (CAG) and included the review of 40 supporting documents. Interviews and documents were analysed using inductive thematic analysis; the themes were mapped onto the domains of Cancer Australia's National Framework for Consumer Involvement in Cancer Control.

Results

Equality, respect and feeling valued were facilitators to long‐term involvement. These elements were part of an overarching theme of organizational commitment. Creating balance, managing competing deadlines and integrating a consumer role with a personal life were key barriers to involvement. These themes mapped strongly to the National Framework for Consumer Involvement in Cancer Control domains of committed organizations, capable consumers, inclusive groups and shared focus.

Conclusion

Research networks should reflect on several factors to maintain long‐term consumer involvement. Networks should aim to build a meaningful relationship, using clear communication and education, that reinforces the value and scope of a consumers contributions. We found that consumer education needs do not diminish over time and adequate skill development, support and feedback need to be on‐going. Creating regular opportunities for feedback and reflection are important to continue to meet best practice guidelines.
Miocene provenance change in Himalayan foreland basin and Bengal Fan sediments, with special reference to detrital garnet chemistry
Authors: Yoshida Kohki , Nakajima Toru , Matsumoto Yuki , Osaki Ai , Rai Lalit Kumar , Cruz Jarrett W. , Sakai Harutaka
Published: May 2021

Bengal Fan Miocene sediments were collected during International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 354 and investigated using petrographic and detrital garnet chemistry analyses. The Miocene Siwalik Group, which is composed of sediments deposited in the Himalayan foreland basin, was also analyzed for comparison with the Bengal Fan data for the provenance change during the Miocene. Our petrographic analyses revealed that the Miocene sediments of the Bengal Fan and Siwalik Group consist predominantly of Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC)‐derived detritus such as chloritoid, staurolite, sillimanite, and/or kyanite, which appear among the accessory minerals. The chemistry of the detrital garnet varies across the stratigraphy; most of the garnet is rich in almandine and poor in spessartine and pyrope. However, pyrope‐rich garnet, which is considered to originate from the HHC core (granulite facies), was found in the lower to upper Miocene deposits. The deposition of HHC‐derived detrital garnet began before the Middle Miocene (15 Ma) and before the Late Miocene (10–9 Ma) in the Siwalik Group. The Bengal Fan data, by contrast, indicated that pyrope‐rich garnet appeared in the Early Miocene (17.3 Ma) and Late Miocene (8.5–6.5 Ma). We conclude that the Bengal Fan sediments record the erosion of the HHC zone since the Early Miocene that appears in the Siwalik sediments. Furthermore, we found that the HHC‐derived inputs decreased from the late Middle Miocene (12 Ma) to the early Middle Miocene (10 Ma) in both the Nepal Himalaya foreland basin and the Bengal Fan. The disappearance of the HHC‐derived detritus is probably the result of dilution by Lesser Himalayan detritus, which suggests that the Lesser Himalayan zone, which is composed of metamorphosed and unmetamorphosed sedimentary rocks, was uplifted.
Nocturnal flight calling behaviour of thrushes in relation to artificial light at night
Authors: Gillings Simon , Scott Chris
Published: May 2021

Migratory birds are subject to many pressures during their life cycle and many are declining as a consequence. Evidence from North America shows that for species that migrate at night, bright artificial light sources associated with urban areas can disrupt natural movement patterns, leading to direct and indirect fitness consequences. Comparable evidence for species and urban areas in Europe is limited. This study aimed to measure the response of nocturnally migrating thrushes to artificial light at night in the UK. We used passive acoustic recorders deployed across a gradient of artificial lighting to record the flight calls of three thrush species, with an expectation of greater call rates over brightly lit areas. We trained a convolutional neural network automatically to locate and identify thrush calls in the audio recordings, achieving area under the curve (AUC) values in withheld validation data of 0.93–0.98, and recall on independent field data of 85–94%, depending on species. Seasonal patterns of call rates were positively correlated across sites but there were large differences in absolute rates between sites. Call rates were up to five times higher over the brightest urban areas compared with darker villages, suggesting a strong phototaxic effect of artificial light at night on migratory thrushes. These results confirm that monitoring of flight calls can provide valuable information on the timing of nocturnal migration, but that the effects of artificial lighting must be taken into account in any comparisons of abundance across sites. European cities are not blighted by mass mortality of migrants striking illuminated buildings; even so, these results show that nocturnal migrants are influenced by light pollution. Ascertaining whether this has fitness consequences is a priority so as to inform the design and illumination of future urban areas.
Mitochondrial substitution rates estimation for divergence time analyses in modern birds based on full mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Arcones Angel , Ponti Raquel , Vieites David R.
Published: May 2021

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a popular resource used for the study of evolutionary processes in birds, especially to infer divergence times between lineages. In many cases, due to the scarcity of fossils with which to constrain the age of nodes on a phylogenetic topology, dating relies on mtDNA substitution rates that, ideally, are specific to the taxa being studied. As such values are often unavailable, many studies use fixed‐rate values from other studies, such as the ‘standard molecular clock’. The validity of this universal rate across all bird lineages and for the different mtDNA loci has been questioned by multiple authors. We here performed the most comprehensive calibration of the mtDNA molecular clock in birds, with the inclusion of complete mitochondrial genomes for 622 bird species and 25 reliable fossil calibrations. The results show variation in the rates among lineages and among markers, confirming the lack of universality of the standard molecular clock. Moreover, we provide specific rates for every mtDNA marker (except D‐loop) in each of the sampled avian orders, a valuable tool for molecular clock analyses in the absence of fossil calibrations.
The profiles of English medium instruction teachers in higher education
Authors: Macaro Ernesto , Sahan Kari , Rose Heath
Published: May 2021

The global growth of English Medium Instruction (EMI) in higher education and international mobility of faculty and students necessitates that we better understand commonalities of teachers in these emerging contexts. This paper reports on a survey of 461 EMI university lecturers from more than eight countries which attempted to discern the various profiles of EMI teachers at an international level. Data explored teachers’ disciplines, age, experience, professional development, teaching contexts, and the role of English proficiency in their professional capacity. Results revealed statistically significant differences in profiles according to the disciplines and country of residence of the teachers. For example, teachers in the Natural Sciences and those in Spain were more likely to report having opportunities for teacher training and EMI certification.
Effects of camellia oil on the properties and molecular forces of myofibrillar protein gel induced by microwave heating
Authors: Han Keying , Feng Xiao , Yang Yuling , Wei Sumeng , Tang Xiaozhi , Li Shanshan , Chen Yumin
Published: May 2021

The effects of camellia oil (CO) addition (0–50 mg·mL−1) on the properties, structures and molecular forces of chicken myofibrillar protein (MP) gel induced by microwave heating were studied. Results indicated that the hardness, gumminess, chewiness and water holding capacity of the gel (50 mg·mL−1 MP) were the highest after 40 mg·mL−1 CO addition. For 40 mg·mL−1 CO addition, the gel network was more homogeneous, and the hydrophobic interaction of MP reached the maximum according to the S0‐ANS values, while electrostatic repulsion was the minimum according to the zeta potential. The α‐helix content decreased and the β‐sheet content increased as CO concentration increased from 0 to 40 mg·mL−1. Increased CO induced the unfolding of MP molecules and exposure of internal hydrophobic groups, which affected the hydrophobic interaction and the gel properties. To conclude, 40 mg·mL−1 of CO was the optimal amount to prepare composite gel when MP was 50 mg·mL−1.
Analysis of the water‐soluble compounds as a tool for discriminating traditional and industrial high moisture mozzarella made with citric acid
Authors: Faccia Michele , Natrella Giuseppe , Gambacorta Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

High moisture mozzarella from cow milk is a pasta filata cheese that can be manufactured by different protocols. Fermentation by autochthonous starter is used for the traditional product, whereas direct acidification with citric acid is widely used at industrial level. Both types are stored immersed in a liquid for preserving freshness, but this packaging method is known to favour the changes of the quality characteristics. The present study aimed to assess the evolution of the soluble compounds and to evaluate their use as chemical indices for discriminating the two types of mozzarella. The contents of lactose, organic acids, water‐soluble nitrogen and free amino acids differently changed over time. The whole patterns of these soluble compounds allowed discrimination of the two products during the whole storage period. The simple analyses of lactic acid and lactose could be a rapid tool to protect traditional mozzarella from industrial imitations obtained with citric acid.
Therapeutic communication within the nurse–patient relationship: A concept analysis
Authors: Xue Wantong , Heffernan Catrina
Published: May 2021

Aims

To explore the concept of therapeutic communication within the nurse–patient relationship, using concept analysis.

Background

Therapeutic communication is a term that is often used in the nursing and related sciences literature, and yet it is still an ambiguous concept. Concept clarification is required to support other healthcare professionals' understanding and to guide theory development and practice.

Design

A concept analysis methodology was used, as proposed by Walker and Avant.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was performed using the Cochrane database, Science Direct, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES with studies published within the last 20 years.

Review Methods

The framework by Walker and Avant was adopted. The attributes, antecedents, consequences and uses of the concept were identified.

Results

The attributes were information exchange, mutual respect, engagement and managing health issues of concern to the patient. The antecedents were those related to the nurse and those related to the patient. The consequences included patient satisfaction, quicker recovery time, high‐quality health care outcomes and positive nurse–patient relationship outcomes.

Conclusions

A theoretical definition of the concept was developed. The attributes, antecedents and consequences identified in this paper can be used in nursing education, research and managerial and organizational planning.
Composition control of lead‐free piezoelectric BNT thin ceramic films deposited by ex situ sputtering
Authors: Hamieh Ahmad , Ponchel Freddy , Remiens Denis
Published: May 2021

(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 thin film growth by ex situ sputtering has been investigated and reported in this paper. An original approach, based on the growth process, was used in order to precisely control the film composition, which has never been reported in BNT growth. The bismuth content in the films and so the composition of amorphous sputtered films was controlled by a slight heating of the substrate during the growth (150–240°C). Then, films were crystallized, obviously without any change in composition, by a post‐annealing treatment. More precisely, without substrate heating and using a stoichiometric target, the film presents an excess of Bi but when it is deposited at 200°C the film becomes stoichiometric. It was shown that the sticking coefficient of Bi is particularly sensitive even at low substrate temperatures, whereas Na and Ti sticking coefficients are not impacted. Followed by a post‐annealing in air at 650°C, the composition of the amorphous BNT films deposited at 200°C remains stoichiometric and the film exhibits a high (100) preferred orientation in a pure perovskite phase and a dense microstructure. The evaluation of the electrical properties as a function of the Bi content in the film, adjusted by the deposition temperature, shows a strong impact on the ferroelectric properties where the best performances were obtained with the stoichiometric BNT film deposited at 200°C.
Serum exosomal lncRNA XIST is a potential non‐invasive biomarker to diagnose recurrence of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Lan Fengming , Zhang Xiaodan , Li Huibing , Yue Xiao , Sun Qinghong
Published: May 2021

Exosomal lncRNAs secreted by cancer cells can serve as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of various tumours. Here, we are committed to explore the diagnostic and prognostic value of serum exosomal XIST secreted by tumour cells to predict recurrence in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Significant increments in XIST and exo‐XIST from tumour tissues and blood serum were found in reoccurring TNBC patients by comparison with non‐recurrences. Levels of serum exo‐XIST were only significantly increased in TNBC recurrence and no association with other clinicopathological parameters. Additionally, serum exo‐XIST levels could be served as an assessment of change in the load of triple‐negative breast cancer. Expressions of exo‐XIST were markedly decreased after resection of the primary breast tumours and obviously elevated at the time of recurrence. Finally, an obvious association was identified between serum exo‐XIST levels and a poorer overall survival (OS) in TNBC patients. Levels of serum exo‐XIST may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker to predict the recurrent TNBC‐loading status.
microRNA‐454‐mediated NEDD4‐2/TrkA/cAMP axis in heart failure: Mechanisms and cardioprotective implications
Authors: Wang Yaowen , Pan Wei , Bai Xinyu , Wang Xukai , Wang Yan , Yin Yuehui
Published: May 2021

The current study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which miR‐454 influences the progression of heart failure (HF) in relation to the neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 4‐2 (NEDD4‐2)/tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA)/cyclic adenosine 3',5'‐monophosphate (cAMP) axis. Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to establish a HF animal model via ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery. The cardiomyocyte H9c2 cells were treated with H2O2 to stimulate oxidative stress injury in vitro. RT‐qPCR and Western blot assay were subsequently performed to determine the expression patterns of miR‐454, NEDD4‐2, TrkA, apoptosis‐related proteins and cAMP pathway markers. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay coupled with co‐immunoprecipitation was performed to elucidate the relationship between miR‐454, NEDD4‐2 and TrkA. Gain‐ or loss‐of‐function experiments as well as rescue experiments were conducted via transient transfection (in vitro) and adenovirus infection (in vivo) to examine their respective functions on H9c2 cell apoptosis and myocardial damage. Our results suggested that miR‐454 was aberrantly downregulated in the context of HF, while evidence was obtained suggesting that it targeted NEDD4‐2 to downregulate NEDD4‐2 in cardiomyocytes. miR‐454 exerted anti‐apoptotic and protective effects on cardiomyocytes through inhibition of NEDD4‐2, while NEDD4‐2 stimulated ubiquitination and degradation of TrkA protein. Furthermore, miR‐454 activated the cAMP pathway via the NEDD4‐2/TrkA axis, which ultimately suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis and attenuated myocardial damage. Taken together, the key findings of the current study highlight the cardioprotective role of miR‐454, which is achieved through activation of the cAMP pathway by impairing NEDD4‐2‐induced TrkA ubiquitination.
Information‐driven stock price comovement
Authors: Box Travis , Shang Danjue
Published: May 2021

By observing changes in stock price comovement for individual firm‐pairs, we can infer which types of information are consumed and incorporated into asset prices. Consistent with the predictions of the information‐driven comovement hypothesis, we find that stock price comovement is stronger when investors consume qualitative information about firms whose payoffs covary strongly with many others. Furthermore, as aggregate correlation falls, so does the demand for these high‐covariance signals. Our findings imply that investor information consumption choices are shaped by a market for information and that these choices can sometimes drive excessive stock price comovement.
Performance evaluation of a modified jaggery making plant: A comparative study
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Mahesh
Published: May 2021

Jaggery is the unrefined form of concentrated sugarcane juice obtained by its continuous heating in traditional plants (TPs). The lack of technological advancements in these plants causes high bagasse consumption and low thermal efficiency. In present research work, a modified plant (MP) having two pans is fabricated to overcome these drawbacks. The improved plant has modified boiling and gutter pans with fins at the bottom to enhance its heat transfer capacity. A TP has also been fabricated and tested for comparison purpose. The performance of these plants has been compared on the basis of performance parameters. The rates of heat utilization (31.23%), water evaporation (32.92%), jaggery production (44.83%), and thermal efficiency (35.32%) of MP are found higher, while the rates of bagasse consumption (4.41%), heat generation (3.38%), heat loss (20.66%), temperature of exhaust gases (8.92%), and draft generated (6.12%) are observed lower than that of TP. The improvement in performance parameters of MP has reduced the concentration time in boiling pan by 8% which makes the plant an economical and fuel self‐sustainable. The actual results obtained for the plants have also been compared with theoretical values and observed in good agreement. The experimental errors have also been evaluated.

Practical applications

The traditional jaggery manufacturing plants are tiny in size and run by the farmers on their own level with small investments. These plants are designed by local artisans without any technological advancements and are placed in decentralized sectors of India. Any technological upgradation requiring large investment would not be affordable for the farmers. The innovations involving very less investment and modifications in existing plants are acceptable. Moreover, innovations must be universal that can be implemented in different types and capacity of the plants. In present research work, fins are fitted at the bottom of boiling and gutter pans of a two pan jaggery manufacturing plant that enhanced the heat transfer capacity of pans and consequently, improved the overall performance of the plant. The fitment of fins at the bottom of pans is universal that needs very less investment and constructional changes, thus affordable for small investors.
Pressure‐induced modification of sodium caseinate techno‐functional properties
Authors: Costo Rocío , Sanz Pedro D. , Guignon Bérengère
Published: May 2021

Sodium caseinate (NaCas) is a quite common ingredient for the manufacture of food products because of its multiple techno‐functional properties. These properties might be enhanced or impaired by high‐pressure treatment, which could be employed both, as a preservation treatment or for transformation purposes. To check whether pressure could be able to produce changes in the techno‐functional properties of NaCas, aqueous solutions of NaCas at mass fractions of 0.026, and 0.052 were prepared and treated under pressures of 200 or 600 MPa during 15 min at 15, 30, or 60°C. Changes in turbidity, viscosity, foaming, gel‐forming, and emulsifying properties of the NaCas solutions before and after pressure–temperature treatments were measured. Turbidity analyses showed that casein aggregates were significantly modified after pressure treatments at 30°C and 60°C. Several techno‐functional properties of NaCas dispersions were concomitantly affected. This study suggests that some properties as viscosity, foamability, or water holding capacity are affected by high‐pressure treatments but as these changes are below 20%, NaCas should be considered as a pressure‐proof additive.
Nondestructive detection for Panax notoginseng powder grades based on hyperspectral imaging technology combined with CARS‐PCA and MPA‐LSSVM
Authors: Yao Kunshan , Sun Jun , Tang Ningqiu , Xu Min , Cao Yan , Fu Lvhui , Zhou Xin , Wu Xiaohong
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology to detect Panax notoginseng powder grades. The hyperspectral images of 240 Panax notoginseng powder samples were collected in the spectral range of 450–1,000 nm. Savitzky–golay (SG) and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were used to preprocess the original spectra. A method of combing competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the spectral data and eliminate the influence caused by the randomness of Monte Carlo (MC) sampling. The least‐squares support vector machine (LSSVM) modeling results showed that CARS‐PCA had better spectral information extraction performance than PCA and CARS, and two principal components were extracted for modeling. The average classification accuracy of PCA‐LSSVM, CARS‐LSSVM, and PCA‐CARS‐LSSVM was 88.33, 90.93, and 92.5%, respectively. To further improve the modeling accuracy, a marine predators algorithm least squares support vector machine (MPA‐LSSVM) model was proposed to identify the grades of Panax notoginseng powder. The result indicated that MPA‐LSSVM had higher modeling accuracy and stronger robustness than the other compared models, and the classification accuracy of the training set and test set was 96.67 and 95%, respectively. The results illustrated the potential of HSI technology as an effective tool in Panax notoginseng powder grades detection.

Practical Application

This study verified the feasibility of using HSI technology to detect the grades of Panax notoginseng powder. Two principal components were extracted, which were used for simplifying the LSSVM model based on full wavelengths. The simplified model achieved high classification accuracy (95%), which provides a basis for the design of a multispectral imaging system.
Preliminary evaluation of the short‐term outcomes of polytetrafluoroethylene mesh for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Nakai Kensaku , Hamuro Akihiro , Kitada Kohei , Tahara Mie , Misugi Takuya , Nakano Akemi , Koyama Masayasu , Tachibana Daisuke
Published: May 2021

Aim

Tension‐free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgery using synthetic polypropylene (PP) soft mesh had spread rapidly. However, the frequency of mesh‐related postoperative complications had increased, and PP was banned in April 2019. In Japan, however, transvaginal surgery using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) mesh had been approved. In this study, we evaluated the clinical outcome and quality of life (QOL) of the postoperative course using PP mesh and PTFE mesh (named “ORIHIME™”) in a combination surgery for utero‐sacral ligament suspension and anterior vaginal support using anterior TVM.

Methods

The vaginal hysterectomy and utero‐sacral ligament colpopexy augmented by anterior vaginal mesh implants using PP mesh and PTFE mesh were performed on patients with stage III to IV cystocele and uterine prolapse. The clinical outcome and QOL changes in their postoperative course were evaluated by comparing 15 cases of PP mesh and 13 cases of PTFE mesh.

Results

There was no difference between the PP group and PTFE group in characteristics. No mesh‐related complications occurred during the follow‐up period. With regard to the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP‐Q) score, no significant difference was found between the two groups. Comparing the postoperative QOL of both groups, the PTFE group had significantly higher values in two domains than PP group (SF‐12v2 questionnaire).

Conclusions

We used the world's first PTFE mesh to compare PP mesh with postoperative POP‐Q and QOL after the same surgery, with the same operator, and at the same institution. The results showed no significant difference between both mesh materials in the short‐term.
Interpersonal relationships and creativity at work: A network building perspective
Authors: Ozer Muammer , Zhang Guangxi
Published: May 2021

The important role of social networks in creativity has long been recognized in the literature. However, research to date has primarily focused on the structural, informational, and relational dimensions of social networks in creativity. Acknowledging the importance of employees themselves, past research has also called for further research to study the human side of social networks in addition to their structural, informational, and relational dimensions. Addressing this research need, we studied the indirect relationship between employees’ tertius iungens orientation (i.e., their strategic, purposeful, and effortful behavior to either connect otherwise disconnected coworkers in their organization or facilitate preexisting relationships among them) and their creativity through their interpersonal relationships with their coworkers. In addition, we studied how this indirect relationship is moderated by the expectations of both the focal employees and their coworkers. Based on a multi‐source and multi‐wave survey study in one of the major Internet companies in the world, our results showed that employees with a tertius iungens orientation enjoyed high‐quality interpersonal relationships with their coworkers and in turn exhibited high levels of creativity. The results also indicated that while employees’ job aspirations positively moderated the relationship between their tertius iungens orientation and interpersonal relationships, their organizational status positively moderated the relationship between their interpersonal relationships and creativity. These results expand extant research in the area by showing how and under what conditions employees’ creativity is influenced by their strategic, purposeful, and effortful behaviors to take advantage of the benefits of social networks. Considering firms’ interest and efforts to increase employee creativity, our study also suggests that firms can increase employee creativity by hiring people with a strong tertius iungens orientation and training their existing employees about the value of such an orientation.
Poor sleep is associated with small hippocampal subfields in cognitively normal elderly individuals
Authors: Liu Che , Lee Sang H. , Hernandez‐Cardenache Rene , Loewenstein David , Kather Josefina , Alperin Noam
Published: May 2021

Recent studies demonstrated reduced hippocampal volumes in elderly healthy individuals who are cognitively normal but poor sleepers. The association between sleep quality and the pattern of volume loss across hippocampal subfields (HSs) is not well known. Thus, it is the focus of the present study. Sleep quality was self‐assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The HS volumes were measured using sub‐millimetre in‐plane resolution T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging data. A total of 67 cognitively normal elderly individuals aged 60–83 years were classified into 30 normal sleepers with a PSQI <5 and 37 poor sleepers with a PSQI ≥5. The two groups were equivalent in age, gender distribution, ethnicity, education attainment, handedness and cognitive performance. Compared to normal sleepers, poor sleepers exhibited significantly lower normalised volumes in the left cornu ammonis field 1 (CA1), dentate gyrus (DG) and subiculum. In contrast, there were no significant differences in normalised grey and white matter volumes between the two groups. The global PSQI was negatively associated with the normalised volumes of the left CA1, DG and subiculum. Sleep duration was associated with the normalised volumes of the bilateral CA1, DG, left CA2 and subiculum. Verbal memory scores were associated with the left CA1 volume. In conclusion, poor sleep quality, especially insufficient sleep duration, was associated with volume loss in several HSs that are involved in specific learning and memory tasks. As the hippocampus does not regulate sleep, it is more likely that poor sleep leads to small hippocampi. Thus, based on this assumption, improving sleep quality of poor sleeper elderly individuals could benefit hippocampal health.
Spatial regulation of protein A in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Zhang Ran , Shebes Mac A. , Kho Kelvin , Scaffidi Salvatore J. , Meredith Timothy C. , Yu Wenqi
Published: May 2021

Surface proteins of Staphylococcus aureus play vital roles in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis. Recent work suggests that surface proteins are spatially regulated by a YSIRK/GXXS signal peptide that promotes cross‐wall targeting at the mid‐cell, though the mechanisms remain unclear. We previously showed that protein A (SpA), a YSIRK/GXXS protein and key staphylococcal virulence factor, mis‐localizes in a ltaS mutant deficient in lipoteichoic acid (LTA) production. Here, we identified that SpA contains another cross‐wall targeting signal, the LysM domain, which, in addition to the YSIRK/GXXS signal peptide, significantly enhances SpA cross‐wall targeting. We show that LTA synthesis, but not LtaS, is required for SpA septal anchoring and cross‐wall deposition. Interestingly, LTA is predominantly found at the peripheral cell membrane and is diminished at the septum of dividing staphylococcal cells, suggesting a restriction mechanism for SpA septal localization. Finally, we show that D‐alanylation of LTA abolishes SpA cross‐wall deposition by disrupting SpA distribution in the peptidoglycan layer without altering SpA septal anchoring. Our study reveals that multiple factors contribute to the spatial regulation and cross‐wall targeting of SpA via different mechanisms, which coordinately ensures efficient incorporation of surface proteins into the growing peptidoglycan during the cell cycle.
Early evidence of establishment of the tropical bedbug (Cimex hemipterus) in Central Europe
Authors: Balvín O. , Sasínková M. , Martinů J. , Nazarizadeh M. , Bubová T. , Booth W. , Vargo E. L. , Štefka J.
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, the world has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of bedbugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). Although populations of the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius L., expanded in temperate regions of its original distribution, the tropical bedbug, C. hemipterus (F.), increased its abundance in warmer regions, where it also had been historically distributed. However, C. hemipterus has recently been observed to be expanding to other areas, e.g. North Australia, Middle East, the United States and Russia. In other parts of Europe, few sporadic and ephemeral introductions of C. hemipterus were recorded until recently. We conducted an extensive sampling of European bedbug populations starting in 2002 and found that C. hemipterus has recently become locally established. Among 566 examined infestations, nearly all of which involved C. lectularius, C. hemipterus occurred in six infestations collected since 2019. In at least three cases, the social background of inhabitants of the infested properties indicated that tropical bedbugs likely spread within local communities. Using cytochrome oxidase subunit I, we linked five of the infestations to the most common haplotype found globally, and one to an African haplotype. In all infestations, we observed two kdr‐associated mutations in the sodium channel gene, which are also commonly found across the world.
Agents’ Self‐Routing for Blended Operations to Balance Inbound and Outbound Services
Authors: Legros Benjamin
Published: May 2021

This study aims to evaluate the cost of agents’ self‐routing in a service system with inbound and outbound customers. We assume that inbound customers arrive over time depending on the waiting time offered, while outbound customers can be contacted at all times. Furthermore, agents are in control of routing decisions and are aware of the state of the system. Accordingly, they decide whether to serve an inbound or outbound customer, or to idle. The system manager seeks to provide a suitable trade‐off between agents’ choice of serving inbound and outbound customers by incentivizing their actions through linear payouts. Hence, there arises a problem of determining the cost of agents’ self‐routing, which can be interpreted as a variant of the principal‐agent problem where the agents’ efforts are directed toward selecting their routing policy. Through a Markov decision process, we show that the agents’ optimal policy is a reservation threshold policy for inbound customers, and express the compensation parameters that minimize staffing cost. We conclude that motivating idling decisions through linear payouts incurs high costs. This justifies the current practice of using automated routing in call centers. Moreover, paying for idling cannot reduce staffing cost. However, discriminating between delayed and non‐delayed customers in the reward structure presents a high potential of reducing agents’ pay. Finally, in situations where agents do not know the status of their colleagues, our analysis argues in favor of not revealing the state of the system to them through delay announcements when the objective waiting time is low.
Identification of three novel HLA alleles: HLA‐A*68:01:58, ‐B*27:05:52 and ‐DRB1*14:04:09
Authors: Loginova Maria , Smirnova Daria , Kutyavina Svetlana , Makhova Olga , Paramonov Igor
Published: May 2021

Three novel alleles were identified during routine next generation sequencing.
Embodied spatial mobility (in)justice: Cycling refrains and pedalling geographies of men, masculinities, and love
Authors: Waitt Gordon , Buchanan Ian , Lea Tess , Fuller Glen
Published: May 2021

This paper seeks to better understand spatial mobility justice with reference to the bodily sensations of cycling, discerned here as different pedalling rhythms in emergent territories that our participants narrate as “love.” Differential or striated mobility is not just the result of gendered, classed, and racialised social norms but is productive of the frictions and affordances of these social hierarchies. We build on these arguments by asking the question: Are some places more affective than others in working for and against mobility justice for cyclists? This paper takes up this challenge by drawing on Deleuze and Guattari’s notions of the refrain. In this way, mobility justice is conceptualised as repeated sequences of living that temporarily order space, time, bodies, and selves through which differential subjects and uneven spatial conditions are constituted. Through an appreciation of mobility justice as a mobile assemblage comprised of rhythmic qualities of spatiality, contingent subjects, embodied knowledge, and fleeting practice, the paper draws on the experiences of three men‐who‐cycle and drive to map processes of gendered, classed, sexed, and aged inclusion and exclusion from public space in the car‐dominated small city of Wollongong, Australia. Considering the politics of “love,” we explore the possibility of cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers to move together, or not, in proximity with each other.
Checklist of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) from two contrasting boreal fens: an update on oribatid mites of Canadian peatlands

Authors: Barreto Carlos , Lindo Zoë
Published: May 2021

A checklist of the oribatid mite species from two boreal fens in Northern Ontario, Canada is presented. 174 peat soil samples, collected between 2015–2020, yielded a heterogeneous assemblage of 80 species, 57 genera and 33 families. Species richness and diversity were significantly higher in a Sphagnum-dominated fen (69 species) compared to a Carex-dominated fen (51 species), and although 40 species were found at both sites, overall composition was significantly different between the two sites. We also present an update to the seminal work of Behan-Pelletier and Bissett (1994) on Oribatida of Canadian peatlands with 45 new species records for peatlands. Records for the parthenogenetic families Brachychthoniidae Thor, 1934 and Suctobelbidae Jacot, 1938 were considerably expanded, but other families such as Punctoribatidae, Thor, 1937 remain poorly represented in Canadian peatlands. Taken together, species richness estimates range from 86–105 species based on our sampling and the number of undescribed species recorded suggests that the oribatid mite fauna still need further examination to encompass their actual biodiversity in peatlands. We report that the oribatid mite fauna of Canadian peatlands comprise 186 species that includes all published records as of February 2021 and species presented here.