bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Birth‐order effects on risk taking are limited to the family environment
Authors: Lejarraga Tomás , Schnitzlein Daniel D. , Dahmann Sarah C. , Hertwig Ralph
Published: November 2023

Why is the empirical evidence for birth‐order effects on human psychology so inconsistent? In contrast to the influential view that competitive dynamics among siblings permanently shape a person's personality, we find evidence that these effects are limited to the family environment. We tested this context‐specific learning hypothesis in the domain of risk taking, using two large survey datasets from Germany (SOEP, n = 19,994) and the United States (NLSCYA, n = 29,627) to examine birth‐order effects on risk‐taking propensity across a wide age range. Specification‐curve analyses of a sample of 49,621 observations showed that birth‐order effects are prevalent in children aged 10–13 years, but that they decline with age and disappear by middle adulthood. The methodological approach shows the effect is robust. We thus replicate and extend previous work in which we showed no birth‐order effects on adult risk taking. We conclude that family dynamics cause birth‐order effects on risk taking but that these effects fade as siblings transition out of the home.
Urban–rural differences in associations among perceived stress, resilience and self‐care in Chinese older adults with multiple chronic conditions
Authors: Jin Yuanyuan , Brown Roger , Bhattarai Muna , Song Junyang
Published: November 2023

Background

Social determinants of health (SDH) are mainly comprised of structural and intermediary domains. Emerging evidence suggests that the burden of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) in older adults is exacerbated by structural determinants (e.g. low income and low education). However, less attention was paid to the intermediary determinants (i.e. material circumstances, psychosocial factors and behavioural factors) of MCCs.

Objectives

To investigate the associations among perceived stress, resilience and self‐care in Chinese older adults with MCCs by comparing urban and rural groups.

Methods

A convenience sample (125 and 115 participants from urban and rural settings, respectively) of Chinese older adults with MCCs was enrolled between January and April 2022. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses and propensity score weights were used to determine the associations among perceived stress, resilience and self‐care.

Results

Hypothesis 1 regarding the negative associations between perceived stress and self‐care was fully supported in the rural group. However, for the urban group, the negative association was only supported for the relationship between MCCs‐related perceived stress and self‐care maintenance. Hypothesis 2 was fully supported regarding the positive associations between resilience and the three components of self‐care in both groups, although the relationship between resilience and self‐care monitoring was marginally significant in the urban group. Hypothesis 3 regarding the moderating effect of resilience was only supported in the relationship between general perceived stress and self‐care monitoring in the rural group. After adding the propensity score weights, the moderating effect was no longer statistically significant in the rural group.

Conclusions

The urban–rural disparities in the Chinese context might largely be attributed to the complex interactions of the structural determinants and intermediary determinants. Findings can inform the development of culturally tailored interventions to promote self‐care and reduce urban–rural disparities for Chinese older adults with MCCs.

Implications for practice

With the increasing number of older adults in China who are living with multiple chronic conditions and the call for effective interventions to improve their health outcomes, current findings can inform the development and implementation of nurse‐led culturally tailored interventions to promote self‐care and reduce urban–rural disparities for Chinese older adults with MCCs.
Barriers and enablers to medication adherence in glaucoma: A systematic review of modifiable factors using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Bott Deborah , Subramanian Ahalya , Edgar David , Lawrenson John G. , Campbell Peter
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Nonadherence to medication reduces treatment effectiveness, and in chronic conditions it can significantly reduce health outcomes. In glaucoma, suboptimal adherence can lead to sight loss, which places a greater financial burden on society and reduces patients' quality of life. Interventions to improve adherence have so far had limited success and lack robust theoretical underpinnings. A better understanding of the determinants of medication adherence behaviour is needed in order to develop interventions that can target these factors more effectively. This systematic review aims to identify modifiable barriers and enablers to glaucoma medication adherence and identify factors most likely to influence adherence behaviour.

Recent Findings

We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and sources of grey literature up to August 2022 for studies reporting determinants of glaucoma medication adherence. Data describing modifiable barriers/enablers to adherence were extracted and analysed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), a behavioural framework consisting of 14 domains representing theoretical factors that most likely influence behaviour. Data were deductively coded into one of the TDF domains and inductively analysed to generate themes. Key behavioural domains influencing medication adherence were identified by frequency of study coding, level of elaboration and expressed importance. Eighty‐three studies were included in the final synthesis. Four key domains influencing glaucoma medication adherence were identified: ‘Environmental Context and Resources’, ‘Knowledge’, ‘Skills’ and ‘Memory, Attention and decision processes’. Frequently reported barriers included complex eyedrop regimens, lack of patient understanding of their condition, forgetfulness and difficulties administering eyedrops. Whereas simplified treatments, knowledgeable educated patients and good patient–practitioner relationships were enablers to adherence.

We identified multiple barriers and enablers affecting glaucoma medication adherence. Four theoretical domains were found to be key in influencing adherence behaviour. These findings can be used to underpin the development of behaviour change interventions that aim to improve medication adherence.
Interpreting performance information: Motivated reasoning or unbiased comprehension? A replication and extension
Authors: Brogaard Lena , Madsen Jonas Krogh , Petersen Ole Helby
Published: November 2023

Despite a growing number of studies on how prior beliefs distort citizens' interpretation of performance information for service providers, little is known about whether prior beliefs matter equally across different services and types of providers. In this study, we provide a wide replication and extension of the experimental design used in Baekgaard and Serritzlew (2016) with three types of providers (public, non‐profit, and for‐profit) across two services (nursing homes and refuse collection). Based on two large‐N nationally representative experiments (N = 3018 and N = 3020), we find that citizens' sector preference does indeed impact their interpretation of performance information, corresponding to the original study. However, public sector preference plays a substantially different role in the two services. Our findings strengthen the external validity of previous research and simultaneously identify theoretical boundaries to its application across various services and providers. This, we argue, underlines the importance of replicating and extending pivotal studies on performance information.
1. Lumbosacral radicular pain
Authors: Peene Laurens , Cohen Steven P. , Kallewaard Jan Willem , Wolff Andre , Huygen Frank , Gaag Antal van de , Monique Steegers , Vissers Kris , Gilligan Chris , Van Zundert Jan , Van Boxem Koen
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Patients suffering lumbosacral radicular pain report radiating pain in one or more lumbar or sacral dermatomes. In the general population, low back pain with leg pain extending below the knee has an annual prevalence that varies from 9.9% to 25%.

Methods

The literature on the diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral radicular pain was reviewed and summarized.

Results

Although a patient's history, the pain distribution pattern, and clinical examination may yield a presumptive diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain, additional clinical tests may be required. Medical imaging studies can demonstrate or exclude specific underlying pathologies and identify nerve root irritation, while selective diagnostic nerve root blocks can be used to confirm the affected level(s).

In subacute lumbosacral radicular pain, transforaminal corticosteroid administration provides short‐term pain relief and improves mobility. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment adjacent to the spinal ganglion (DRG) can provide pain relief for a longer period in well‐selected patients. In cases of refractory pain, epidural adhesiolysis and spinal cord stimulation can be considered in experienced centers.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of lumbosacral radicular pain is based on a combination of history, clinical examination, and additional investigations. Epidural steroids can be considered for subacute lumbosacral radicular pain. In chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, PRF adjacent to the DRG is recommended. SCS and epidural adhesiolysis can be considered for cases of refractory pain in specialized centers.
Disaster preparedness perception, pyschological resiliences and empathy levels of nurses after 2023 Great Turkiye earthquake: Are nurses prepared for disasters: A risk management study
Authors: Ediz Çiçek , Yanik Derya
Published: November 2023

Objective

The purpose of the study is to determine the disaster preparedness perceptions, psychological resilences and empathy levels of nurses after 2023 Great Turkiye Earthquake.

Method

This descriptive study was conducted in 2023 using with E‐Anket. This study was carried out with voluntary participation of 464 nurses living in different geographical regions of Turkiye. The data of the study were obtained utilizing Nurses’ Disasters Prepardeness Perception Scale (NDPPS), Pyschological Resileince Scale (PRS) and Empathy Scale (ES).

Results

In this study, the disaster preparedness perception of the nurses was found to be at medium level. More than half of the nurses (65.1%) reported that they did not received any disaster training before. A meaningful was found between the nurses’ disaster preparedness perceptions and their empathy levels and psychological resilence.

Conclusions

As in many countries, it is possible to state that also in Turkiye, the training of nurses for disasters are inadequate and that the studies on this subject are limited. This study will provide a theoretical platform to develop nurses' awareness of disaster preparedness and pyschological resilience and empathic approach programs to increase disaster resilience, and to conduct future research on disaster nursing.
Loss of function mutations at the tomato SSI2 locus impair plant growth and development by altering the fatty acid desaturation pathway
Authors: Quevedo‐Colmena A. S. , Ortiz‐Atienza A. , Jáquez‐Gutiérrez M. , Quinet M. , Atarés A. , Yuste‐Lisbona F. J. , Moreno V. , Angosto T. , Lozano R.
Published: November 2023

The stearoyl‐ACP desaturase (SACPD) is a key enzyme in the regulation of saturated to unsaturated fatty acid ratio, playing a crucial role in regulating membrane stability and fluidity, as well as photosynthesis efficiency, which makes it an important research focus in crop species.

This study reports the characterization and molecular cloning of pale dwarf (pad), a new tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) T‐DNA recessive mutant, which exhibits a dwarf and chlorotic phenotype. Functional studies of the T‐DNA tagged gene were conducted, including phylogenetic analysis, expression and metabolomic analyses, and generation of CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines.

The cloning of T‐DNA flanking genomic sequences and a co‐segregation analysis found the pad phenotype was caused by a T‐DNA insertion disrupting the tomato homologue of the Arabidopsis SUPPRESSOR OF SALICYLIC ACID INSENSITIVITY 2 (SlSSI2), encoding a plastid localized isoform of SACPD. The phenotype of CRISPR/Cas9 SlSSI2 knockout lines confirmed that the morphological abnormalities in pad plants were due to SlSSI2 loss of function. Functional, metabolomic and expression analyses proved that SlSSI2 disruption causes deficiencies in 18:1 fatty acid desaturation and leads to diminished jasmonic acid (JA) content and increased salicylic acid (SA) levels.

Overall, these results proved that SSI2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of polyunsaturated fatty acid profiles in tomato, and revealed that SlSSI2 loss of function results in an inhibited JA‐responsive signalling pathway and a constitutively activated SA‐mediated defence signalling response. This study lays the foundation for further research on tomato SACPDs and their role in plant performance and fitness.
Revisiting scriptures: Unbinding a critical comparative subfield
Authors: Newton Ritchard
Published: November 2023

“Scriptures” is a term provoking no shortage of anxiety for postmodern scholars. This literature review introduces theorists to a subfield committed to theorizing about that term in critical and comparative terms. Revisiting the contributions of classic and contemporary scholars, readers will learn how the analytical study of scriptures is being unbound from the baggage of the term's Christian provenance while also keeping its history, politics, and mediation in the fore.
Radiocarbon ages of microcrystalline authigenic carbonate in Lake Neusiedl (Austria) suggest millennial‐scale growth of Mg‐calcite and protodolomite
Authors: Neuhuber Stephanie , Gier Susanne , Draganits Erich , Steier Peter , Bolka Monika , Ottner Franz , Spötl Christoph , Hippler Dorothee , Meister Patrick
Published: November 2023

Authigenic Mg‐calcite and dolomite are frequently observed in restricted, evaporative environments, such as lagoon or lake systems, but their formation is difficult to capture due to slow growth rates. Lake Neusiedl, an alkaline and subhaline lake with a mean water depth of 0.7 m in Austria, offers a natural system to study the precipitation of Ca‐Mg‐carbonate phases, which occur as fine‐grained, unconsolidated and largely homogenized mud. To elucidate the timing and formation mechanisms of these authigenic carbonate phases, the mineralogical and isotopic composition and radiocarbon age of different sediment grain‐size fractions from <0.2 to >3.0 μm were analysed. X‐ray diffraction analyses show two broad peaks of Mg‐calcite and protodolomite (lacking ordering peaks), suggesting that the carbonates are authigenic rather than detrital in origin. Calibrated carbon‐14 ages range between 200 cal yr bp and 3700 cal yr bp. The linear correlation of age and grain size suggests a very slow growth rate of single crystals of 0.23 to 0.60 μm/ka. These rates suggest an extremely slow sedimentation rate in a shallow lake that existed during most of the Holocene. The higher abundance of protodolomite in older grain fractions, in contrast to the presence of high‐Mg calcite in the youngest fractions, suggests a growth succession where high‐Mg calcite develops first and subsequently transforms into protodolomite. Much higher ages of 6 cal ka bp to 15 cal ka bp are measured in carbonates of lake deposits exposed on land, in a section north‐west of the recent lake, suggesting a growth rate of those carbonate minerals of 0.13 μm/ka. These time constraints further suggest that some carbonate grains could already have nucleated from lake water before or during the last glacial maximum, although under slightly different hydrochemical conditions.
Disclosure as family practice: Changing family dynamics in Hong Kong after a gay son comes out
Authors: Kong Travis S. K.
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the family dynamics between parents and gay sons after the latter's disclosure of their sexual orientation. Situated in the “doing family” and life course literature, the paper offers a sociological account of coming out and family dynamics in Hong Kong that presents the narratives of both gay sons and their parents, examining the changing moral and emotional economies of family life across two generations. Thirty‐five in‐depth individual interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of gay sons (n = 15) and their mothers (n = 14) and/or fathers (n = 6). The findings revealed that heteronormative family life, as part of the moral economy of family life, is challenged after disclosure, with parents forced to admit or accept the queer component of their family. Yet, both parents and gay sons work hard to accomplish a “correct” version of sexual normativity that views homosexuality as inborn (sexual essentialism) and conforms to the “good homosexual” image. Sons' disclosure also shifts the burden of the closet, as part of the emotional economy of family life, to their parents, especially mothers, on whom that burden often takes an emotional toll. The paper concludes that disclosure is a contested site of negotiation of the meaning of male identity, parenthood, and homosexuality, as well as a key family practice that changes the moral and emotional economies of families, eventually leading to the formation of new family forms. By viewing disclosure as family practice in a culture where intergenerational closeness and family co‐residence are prominent, this paper rethinks coming out, arguing that in the Chinese context it should be understood not only as identity politics, as it often is in Western contexts, but also as relational politics, thus revitalizing the coming‐out debate across cultural contexts and offering new insights on the relationship between homosexuality and contemporary family life.
All in, against all odds. Path shift in family policy via cross‐party agreement: the case of the Single Universal Allowance reform in Italy
Authors: Madama Ilaria , Mercuri Eugenia
Published: November 2023

The introduction of the Single Universal Child Allowance in 2021 marked a sharp turning point in Italian family policy. Presented as a major revolution aimed at combating the country's alarmingly low birth rates as well as child poverty, the reform was also meant to rationalise the benefits system while overcoming the historical fragmentation and uneven protection granted to families. Against this backdrop, the article contributes to the literature from two different angles. First, the study offers fresh empirical evidence of the path‐shifting scope of the reform, marking a rupture with the longstanding weak model of income support. Second, the article engages from an interpretative standpoint with the puzzling emergence of a cross‐party consensus around approval. Drawing from the comparative literature on institutional change and the modernisation of family policies, the article asks which factors made it possible—after decades of substantial inertia—to overcome path dependency through cross‐party agreement in Italy, providing an in‐depth, original examination of parties' positions throughout the legislative process and identifying key elements of agreement and conflict.
The CDX2 G allele and the FoKI F allele of the VDR gene are more prevalent and related to changes in vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris: A pilot study
Authors: AbdElneam Ahmed Ibrahim , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem , Arshad Mohammad , Mohammed Ghada Farouk , Atef Lina Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Psoriasis is a chronic, non‐contagious autoimmune condition marked by dry, itchy,erythematous and scaly plaques. From modest, localized plaques to total body coverage, the severity of psoriasis varies. Plaque, guttate, inverted, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis are the five primary kinds. About 90% of cases are of plaque psoriasis, commonly known as psoriasis vulgaris. Study aims to determine the impact of an rs2228570 (FokI) variant and an rs11568820 (CDX2) variant on serum vitamin D levels (SVD) in patients with psoriasis, and the correlation between the two variants and disease severity.

Methods

A case‐control study consisting of 95 psoriasis vulgaris patients and 84 healthy controls. The clinical investigation, molecular genetics analysis, and biochemical analysis were done for both groups.

Results

SVD levels were significantly decreased in psoriasis patients group. FokI genotypes analysis, we found no significant variance between groups. CDX2 G/G genotype is more prevalent in patients than controls. Moderate psoriasis vulgaris patients with CDX2 G/G genotypes have higher SVD levels than CDX2 G/A, and CDX2 A/A p = 0.003.

Conclusion

The study found a difference in vitamin D levels between patients and healthy subjects, as well as a difference in vitamin D levels with different FoKI and CDX2 genotypes.
Faculty perspectives and values toward mathematics and science content information used in teacher preparation admissions processes
Authors: Slavit David , Roth McDuffie Amy , Griggs Nicole , Goldhaber Dan , Theobald Roddy
Published: November 2023

This qualitative study examines the information collected about applicants to mathematics or science teacher preparation programs (MSTPPs) and how university faculty perceive and value this information in admissions decisions. Based on document review and interviews with MSTPP faculty and admissions directors, we found that broad measures of mathematics and science content background (e.g., achievement test scores, past mathematics and science courses taken) were used more frequently than information on applicants‐specific mathematics and science content knowledge and dispositions. In many cases, application components (such as interviews and personal essay statements) were perceived by faculty to be conducive to surfacing applicants‐content knowledge and dispositions; however, they were not constructed or employed in a way that afforded the obtainment of this information. We highlight salient examples of MSTPPs‐collection and use of information related to mathematics and science and discuss implications for TPP admissions processes.
Effects of low‐density polyethylene and polyamide microplastics on the microbiological and chemical characteristics of an Andisol
Authors: Riveros Gustavo , Soria Rocío , Villafuerte Ana , Gómez Paloma , Ortega Raúl , Miralles Isabel , Schoebitz Mauricio
Published: November 2023

Microplastics (MPs) are a significant threat to soils. However, there is scarce information on the impact of MPs on soil properties, particularly in volcanic ash‐derived soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of polyamide (PA) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) MPs on the biological and chemical characteristics of an Andisol from central Chile. Twenty‐one parameters were evaluated, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorous (AP), available nitrogen (AN), inorganic nitrogen forms (NH4+, NO2− and NO3), carbohydrates (CHO), polyphenols (POLs), humic substances, soil basal respiration (SBR) and activities of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, β‐glucosidase, phosphatase and urease. For this, a microcosm was set up in clay pots in an incubation chamber at 21°C and 60% soil moisture, with the addition of PA and LDPE at doses of 1% and 3% w/w; a control treatment consisting of microcosm without MPs was also included. After 6 weeks of incubation, PA addition resulted in an increase in TOC and NH4+ by up to 32% and 26%, respectively, and a decrease in NO3− by 22%. AP decreased by 15%–19% with the addition of PA and LDPE. Similarly, acid phosphatase and β‐glucosidase activities decreased by 15% and 26% with PA and LDPE, respectively. The distance‐based linear model (DistLM) was used to analyse relationships in chemical and biological datasets. The analysis revealed that TOC and TP were primary components in the best model for predicting microbiological changes (R2 = .469, AICs = 16.026), indicating that MPs accumulation affects soil carbon cycling and P content. Overall, the results show that MPs addition alters soil chemical and microbiological properties in Andisols, with varying effects depending on the type and dose of MPs, with the highest dose (3%) producing the most marked negative effects.
Long‐term fertilization regulates dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes by altering paddy soil organic carbon components
Authors: Li Chenglin , Wei Zhijun , Wang Xiaomin , Ma Xiaofang , Yang Pinpin , Shan Jun , Yan Xiaoyuan
Published: November 2023

To enhance rice yields, synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers are often applied in rice paddy fields. Under waterlogged conditions, denitrification, anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) are the main N transformation processes. However, the effects of long‐term fertilization on the dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes remain largely unclear. Here, we investigated rates of denitrification, anammox and DNRA and the abundance of bacterial and nitrate reduction‐related genes (16S rRNA, narG, nirK, nirS, nosZ and hzsB) in rice paddy fields under different fertilization regimes [i.e., non‐fertilization (CK), NPK fertilization (NPK) and NPK fertilization plus straw returning (NPKS)]. The rates of denitrification, anammox and DNRA in the CK treatment were 46.18, 0.35 and 1.29 nmoL N g−1 h−1, respectively, which were significantly (p < .05) increased by 7.32%–27.78%, 2.45–4.12 folds and 1.01–13.23 folds by NPK and NPKS treatments. This was largely consistent with the increased bacterial and nitrate reduction‐related gene abundances in the NPK and NPKS treatments. In addition, NPKS also significantly increased the relative contribution of DNRA to the total nitrate reduction relative to NPK and CK treatments, indicating that NPKS was more beneficial to N retention in the paddy field. Changes in rates of dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes in response to NPK and NPKS treatments were correlated to variations of soil total N, ammonium contents, pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and nitrate reduction‐related genes, among which SOC contents had the highest explanation. Specifically, fulvic‐like compounds, alkyl C and methoxyl and nitrogen‐alkyl C were the key components determining denitrification, anammox and DNRA rates, respectively. Overall, our study suggests that long‐term NPK and NPKS fertilization stimulate rates of dissimilatory nitrate reduction processes mainly by altering soil C components and NPKS is more effective in maintaining soil fertility in the paddy field.
Patterns and outcomes of late onset thyroid disturbances after COVID‐19 vaccination: A report of 75 cases
Authors: Kaur Upinder , Reddy Noti Taruni Srija , Reddy Jaideep , Krishna Dondapati Venkata Vamshi , Dehade Amol , Agrawal Neeraj Kumar
Published: November 2023

Isolated cases of subacute thyroiditis exist in the early period of COVID‐19 vaccination, largely after mRNA vaccines. Here we report late onset thyroid disturbances and persistent health issues in patients of thyroid disorders after COVID‐19 vaccination. Seventy‐five patients with post COVID‐19 vaccination thyroid disturbances were identified. Among these, 41 had flare of underlying thyroid illness, majority occurring at a median time lag of 28.4 weeks since 2nd dose. Thirty‐one cases of new onset hypothyroidism and three of new onset hyperthyroidism were reported, with a median time lag respectively of 17.2 and 22.6 weeks since 2nd dose. Most cases occurred after ChAdOx1‐nCoV‐19, which was the commonest vaccine employed in mass roll out in India. Significant improvement was observed in majority, after a median follow up of 22–26 weeks. New onset health issues persisting for ≥4 weeks were reported in 37.3% and were common in individuals with history of COVID‐19 before vaccine. New onset metabolic, musculoskeletal, and reproductive disorders were the common health complaints. Active monitoring is warranted for late onset adverse events after COVID‐19 vaccines of all types. Larger studies with involvement of unvaccinated individuals are required to understand the incidence and causality of late onset thyroid disturbances after COVID‐19 vaccines.
Origin and early divergence of tandem duplicated sorbitol transporter genes in Rosaceae: insights from evolutionary analysis of the SOT gene family in angiosperms
Authors: Yang Fan , Luo Jiawei , Guo Wenmeng , Zhang Yuxin , Liu Yunxiao , Yu Ze , Sun Yaqiang , Li Mingjun , Ma Fengwang , Zhao Tao
Published: November 2023

Sorbitol is a critical photosynthate and storage substance in the Rosaceae family. Sorbitol transporters (SOTs) play a vital role in facilitating sorbitol allocation from source to sink organs and sugar accumulation in sink organs. While prior research has addressed gene duplications within the SOT gene family in Rosaceae, the precise origin and evolutionary dynamics of these duplications remain unclear, largely due to the complicated interplay of whole genome duplications and tandem duplications. Here, we investigated the synteny relationships among all identified Polyol/Monosaccharide Transporter (PLT) genes in 61 angiosperm genomes and SOT genes in representative genomes within the Rosaceae family. By integrating phylogenetic analyses, we elucidated the lineage‐specific expansion and syntenic conservation of PLTs and SOTs across diverse plant lineages. We found that Rosaceae SOTs, as PLT family members, originated from a pair of tandemly duplicated PLT genes within Class III‐A. Furthermore, our investigation highlights the role of lineage‐specific and synergistic duplications in Amygdaloideae in contributing to the expansion of SOTs in Rosaceae plants. Collectively, our findings provide insights into the genomic origins, duplication events, and subsequent divergence of SOT gene family members. Such insights lay a crucial foundation for comprehensive functional characterizations in future studies.
Jasmonate activates secondary cell wall biosynthesis through MYC2‐MYB46 module
Authors: Im Jong Hee , Son Seungmin , Kim Won‐Chan , Kim Kihwan , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Ko Jae‐Heung , Han Kyung‐Hwan
Published: November 2023

Formation of secondary cell wall (SCW) is tightly regulated spatiotemporally by various developmental and environmental signals. Successful fine‐tuning of the trade‐off between SCW biosynthesis and stress responses requires a better understanding of how plant growth is regulated under environmental stress conditions. However, the current understanding of the interplay between environmental signaling and SCW formation is limited. The lipid‐derived plant hormone jasmonate (JA) and its derivatives are important signaling components involved in various physiological processes including plant growth, development, and abiotic/biotic stress responses. Recent studies suggest that JA is involved in SCW formation but the signaling pathway has not been studied for how JA regulates SCW formation. We tested this hypothesis using the transcription factor MYB46, a master switch for SCW biosynthesis, and JA treatments. Both the transcript and protein levels of MYB46, a master switch for SCW formation, were significantly increased by JA treatment, resulting in the upregulation of SCW biosynthesis. We then show that this JA‐induced upregulation of MYB46 is mediated by MYC2, a central regulator of JA signaling, which binds to the promoter of MYB46. We conclude that this MYC2‐MYB46 module is a key component of the plant response to JA in SCW formation.
Retrospective evaluation and review of approaches for nonspecific lameness in dogs presented to an emergency service (2013–2014): 134 cases
Authors: Ramos Meghan T. , Hartzell Alexandra M. , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to characterize and evaluate the emergency approach, diagnosis, management, treatment, and follow‐up of nonspecific canine lameness cases.

Design

Retrospective case series from September 25, 2013 to September 25, 2014.

Setting

The study was conducted at an urban university teaching hospital.

Animals

A consecutive sample of dogs presenting to the emergency service with nonspecific lameness in the designated timeframe was used to identify 134 cases. Owners were contacted to participate in the follow‐up survey; dogs that died prior to data collection were excluded from the survey. Medical records were reviewed for lameness localization, etiology of lameness, diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations.

Interventions

Based on review of the medical records, the lameness localization, presumptive source of lameness (joint, soft tissue, neurological, or bone), diagnostics obtained, medications prescribed, and owner recommendations were recorded. Survey data included duration of lameness, perceived response to treatment, and activity level.

Measurements and Main Results

Definitive diagnoses were not assigned in 88.8% of lameness cases. A presumptive diagnosis of soft tissue injury was assigned in 45.3% of cases. Single limb lameness was more prevalent than multiple limb lameness. Owners whose dogs were treated with medication were significantly more likely to report that the lameness resolved (P = 0.049). Dogs with injury localized to ≥1 of the joints were significantly less likely to have resolution of lameness (P = 0.037). Treatment recommendations were predominantly pain control and activity restriction.

Conclusions

Nonspecific lameness represents approximately 4% of canine urban emergency cases. Highlighting the points of clinical care considerations in understanding the etiology of lameness in dogs represents an opportunity for improved patient care and growth in emergency referral and follow‐up.
Regional associations between inspiratory tongue dilatory movement and genioglossus activity during wakefulness in people with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Jugé Lauriane , Liao Angela , Yeung Jade , Knapman Fiona L. , Bull Christopher , Burke Peter G.R. , Brown Elizabeth C. , Gandevia Simon C. , Eckert Danny J. , Butler Jane E. , Bilston Lynne E.
Published: November 2023

Inspiratory tongue dilatory movement is believed to be mediated via changes in neural drive to genioglossus. However, this has not been studied during quiet breathing in humans. Therefore, this study investigated this relationship and its potential role in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). During awake supine quiet nasal breathing, inspiratory tongue dilatory movement, quantified with tagged magnetic resonance imaging, and inspiratory phasic genioglossus EMG normalised to maximum EMG were measured in nine controls [apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≤5 events/h] and 37 people with untreated OSA (AHI >5 events/h). Measurements were obtained for 156 neuromuscular compartments (85%). Analysis was adjusted for nadir epiglottic pressure during inspiration. Only for 106 compartments (68%) was a larger anterior (dilatory) movement associated with a higher phasic EMG [mixed linear regression, beta = 0.089, 95% CI [0.000, 0.178], t(99) = 1.995, P = 0.049, hereafter EMG↗/mvt↗]. For the remaining 50 (32%) compartments, a larger dilatory movement was associated with a lower phasic EMG [mixed linear regression, beta = −0.123, 95% CI [−0.224, −0.022], t(43) = −2.458, P = 0.018, hereafter EMG↘/mvt↗]. OSA participants had a higher odds of having at least one decoupled EMG↘/mvt↗ compartment (binary logistic regression, odds ratio [95% CI]: 7.53 [1.19, 47.47] (P = 0.032). Dilatory tongue movement was minimal (>1 mm) in nearly all participants with only EMG↗/mvt↗ compartments (86%, 18/21). These results demonstrate that upper airway dilatory mechanics cannot be predicted from genioglossus EMG, particularly in people with OSA. Tongue movement associated with minimal genioglossus activity suggests co‐activation of other airway dilator muscles.

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Key points

Inspiratory tongue movement is thought to be mediated through changes in genioglossus activity. However, it is unknown if this relationship is altered by obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

During awake supine quiet nasal breathing, inspiratory tongue movement, quantified with tagged magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and inspiratory phasic genioglossus EMG normalised to maximum EMG were measured in four tongue compartments of people with and without OSA.

Larger tongue anterior (dilatory) movement was associated with higher phasic genioglossus EMG for 68% of compartments.

OSA participants had an ∼7‐times higher odds of having at least one compartment for which a larger anterior tongue movement was not associated with a higher phasic EMG than controls. Therefore, higher genioglossus phasic EMG does not consistently translate into tongue dilatory movement, particularly in people with OSA.

Large dilatory tongue movements can occur despite minimal genioglossus inspiratory activity, suggesting co‐activation of other pharyngeal muscles.
Journey Mapping the Virtual Design Thinking Experience: Engaging Students Across Disciplines in Human-Centered Design
Authors: Moore George , Rao Vivek , Goucher-Lambert Kosa , Agogino Alice
Published: November 2023

Practitioners’ and students’ experiences while engaging in design thinking and human-centered design activities is well understood to shape outcomes of those activities. However, an understanding of the trajectory of experiences that characterizes the design thinking process, and relates experiences to outcomes, is still emerging. To contribute to this knowledge area, we examine six student teams engaged in a project-based learning course, and seek to understand each participant and team’s experiences with the design thinking process across each design phase, through discrete assessments, and holistically, through reflections on the entire process: what we term journey mapping the students’ experiences. This approach reveals two preliminary findings about the trajectory of novices participating in design thinking work. First, we note that the beginning, research-oriented phases of the design thinking process appear to offer a less positive experience than later phases. Second, we note that students of engineering and non-engineering backgrounds have differing retrospective reflections on their design thinking experiences. These findings suggest that deeper engagement with particular design thinking phases, and an awareness of disciplinary experience, can positively shape the experiences of design thinking practitioners. Also, these results suggest that the significant factors impressing upon a participant’s design thinking experience may change throughout the process.
Assessing Learning of Manual Assembly Processes Using Wrist-Worn Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Renu Rahul Sharan , Johnson Kirk , Smith Nathaniel , Dawkins Jerel , Righter James
Published: November 2023

The objective of the research presented here is to study the use of Inertial Measurement Units to assess how consistently a person performs a manual assembly process. In conjunction with this objective, the research also explores the use of two novel metrics to plot learning curves — cycle-to-cycle consistency, and consistency with average.

These new metrics allow for insight into the progress a person is making while learning how to perform an assembly process. This is a deeper level of insight than the prevalent approach of using cycle times as a metric to plot learning curves. Experiments are conducted where three co-authors performed the assembly of two products fifteen times each. They wore IMUs on both wrists which allowed the difference in consistency between dominant and non-dominant hand to be analyzed.

Pearson Correlation Coefficient between the consistency-based learning curves and the cycle time-based learning curves were computed. It was found that these learning curves are weakly correlated, thus indicating the need for both to be considered individually while evaluating whether a trainee is ready for a live assembly line or not.

This research needs to be strengthened by performing experimental tests where the participants are not related to the study, by collecting more cycles of data for a larger variety of products, and by including a metric of correctness. This is needed to ensure that people perform the correct process consistently.
Design and User Experience Evaluation of 3D Product Information in XR Shopping Application
Authors: Qin Kaitong , Zhen Yankun , Dong Tianshu , Chen Liuqing , Zhang Ting , Zhang Yumou , Zhou Tingting
Published: November 2023

Current 3D product information pages are believed to enrich the online shopping experience since it provides a more immersive experience. However, existing solutions still retain the 2D UI elements in the product information design, preventing users from fully immersing themselves in the virtual environment and further degrading the shopping experience. Therefore, how to redesign the presentation of product information in a virtual environment is an essential challenge. In this work, we first construct a design space based on previous design cases of product information design in virtual environments, which contains three dimensions: visual presentation, user interaction and spatial relation. Then nine new 3D information design solutions are produced by combining elements in the design space. After that, we devised a user study to compare these solutions and investigate how different dimensions affect users’ shopping experience and task efficiency of the primary objective in shopping. The results reveal that users’ spatial memory and task efficiency are both impacted by how information is organized in terms of visual presentation dimension, and that users’ hedonic experiences are influenced by the differences in the constituent elements of information. It is found that the different spatial relationship between 3D information and 3D product lead to differences in pragmatic quality.
Detection of Singularities in Finite Element Simulations: A 3D Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Bickel Sebastian , Goetz Stefan , Wartzack Sandro
Published: November 2023

The growing digitalization trend has a great influence and impact on the entire product development domain. The new algorithms and methods transform and improve many established processes and workflows. In addition to converting existing know-how into the new processes, available data can also be used to implement various models to enhance the development process. At the same time, the lack of experienced engineers leads to an increasing number of novice engineers from the field of 3D design, who have to perform tasks from the simulation department. Therefore, support for these less experienced users of product development software through newly available methods from the field of data-driven methods is reasonable. Correspondingly, the goal of this paper is to present a method for singularity detection in Finite Element (FE) simulations that detects the presence of a singularity in a computed simulation with the help of Deep Learning. For this purpose, a dataset of calculated simulations with several components with and without singularities is first generated. Then, a new approach based on PointNet and labeled datasets of FE simulations is proposed. Afterwards, the new procedure is compared against a classic Machine Learning approach, whereby different parameter settings were investigated for both approaches.
Thinking Beyond the Default User: The Impact of Gender and Stereotypes on Designers’ Interpretation of Users and Their Needs
Authors: Schauer Anastasia M. K. , Nunn Margaret , Schaufel Hunter , Fu Katherine
Published: November 2023

Throughout the mechanical design process, designers, the majority of whom are men, often fail to consider the needs of women, resulting in consequences ranging from inconvenience to increase risk of death or serious injury. Although these biases are well-studied in other fields of research, the mechanical design field lacks formal investigation into this phenomenon. In this study, undergraduate engineering students (n = 151) took a survey in which they read a Persona describing a student makerspace employee and a Walkthrough describing their interaction with the makerspace while completing a project. During the Walkthrough, the user encountered various obstacles, or Pain Points. Participants were asked to recall and evaluate the Pain Points that the user encountered, then evaluated their perceptions of the makerspace and user. Six different experimental conditions were used to investigate the impact of gender-stereotyped tasks and the gender of a user on designers’ interpretation of them and their needs. In addition to finding that the gender of a user impacted the way a task environment was perceived, results confirmed the presence of androcentrism, or “default man” assumptions, in the way designers view end users of unknown gender. Future work will explore methodologies of overcoming this bias so that designers are able to consider the diverse needs of a range of users.
Case Study: Rapid Design Process for a High-Velocity and Accurate Linear Stage in an Optomechanical Device
Authors: Kresie Scott W.
Published: November 2023

This paper showcases how the design process execution in a challenging environment where cost, time, and COVID-19 induced supply chain factors are significant considerations. The design process was executed in six phases: defining SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) requirements, concept development, concept selection, risk reduction prototyping, final design, and verification testing. Defining SMART requirements is critical to quickly define the design scope which allows for a time-efficient and targeted approach during the subsequent phases. Positional accuracy and speed requirements were the most critical functional requirements. Next, we engaged in a concept development phase, which involved exploring existing designs and novel concepts, with input from subject matter experts familiar with the design space. Two concepts emerged as reasonable approaches: a direct-drive linear motor-based design and a lead-screw based design which were initially developed in parallel. To narrow down the design space, a concept selection phase was used to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each concept, factoring in the weighted relative importance of each design requirement. The linear motor-based design was determined to best fit the design requirements and proceeded into risk reduction prototyping. Risk reduction prototyping involves design and creation of limited prototypes to learn the key limitations of a design with respect to the requirements, and iterate the deficient qualities in a short feedback loop. By leveraging readily available components a stage assembly representative of the final design was constructed and demonstrated that critical design requirements could be met. The final design was created and fabricated followed by verification testing to ensure the final stage design met the SMART requirements defined in the outset.