bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inbreeding reduces fitness of seed beetles under thermal stress
Authors: Ivimey‐Cook Edward , Bricout Sophie , Candela Victoria , Maklakov Alexei A. , Berg Elena C.
Published: July 2021

Human‐induced environmental change can influence populations both at the global level through climatic warming and at the local level through habitat fragmentation. As populations become more isolated, they can suffer from high levels of inbreeding, which contributes to a reduction in fitness, termed inbreeding depression. However, it is still unclear if this increase in homozygosity also results in a corresponding increase in sensitivity to stressful conditions, which could intensify the already detrimental effects of environmental warming. Here, in a fully factorial design, we assessed the life‐long impact of increased inbreeding load and elevated temperature on key life history traits in the seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. We found that beetles raised at higher temperatures had far reduced fitness and survival than beetles from control temperatures. Importantly, these negative effects were exacerbated in inbred beetles as a result of increased inbreeding load, with further detrimental effects manifesting on individual eclosion probability and lifetime reproductive success. These results reveal the harmful impact that increasing temperature and likelihood of habitat fragmentation due to anthropogenetic changes in environmental conditions could have on populations of organisms worldwide.
Comparative response to post‐production process of two Anastrepha ludens strains: Application in the sterile insect technique
Authors: Arredondo José , Aguirre‐Medina Juan F. , Meza José S. , Cancino Jorge , Díaz‐Fleischer Francisco
Published: July 2021

The new desiccation‐resistant (DR) strain of Anastrepha ludens Loew differs in its life‐history traits from the non‐selected strain (NS). Given the innate resistance of DR flies to stressors, it is necessary to determine the packing and shipment conditions for their use in the sterile insect technique (SIT). First, we used pupae to evaluate the interaction of hypoxia period (12, 24 and 36 hr) and temperature (15.3 (±0.9), 19.5 (±1.0), 25.5 (±0.6) and 30.1 (±0.5) oC). Second, adults were exposed to densities of 1.0, 1.3 and 1.5 flies/cm2 and chilling periods of 0, 3 and 5 hr. We observed a negative relationship of emergence and flight ability with hypoxia period and temperature in both strains especially when flies were exposed to 36 hr of hypoxia and 30℃. Interestingly, knock‐down time decreased as male density increased, but when chilling time increased, recovery time also increased. Both chilling time and male density had negative effects on male weight. Chilling time reduced male survival when exposed to desiccation, while both chilling time and male density decreased male survival under starvation conditions. Negative effects on number of matings were observed only on the first day after chilling but not on the following days. We found that DR flies survive approximately twice as long as flies from the NS strain when exposed to starvation or desiccation stressors. We discuss our results on the basis of the potential use of DR flies in SIT programmes.
Feasibility of nondestructive detection of apple crispness based on spectroscopy and machine vision
Authors: Liu Penghui , Zhang Peng , Ni Fupeng , Hu Yaohua
Published: July 2021

Texture is an important attribute affecting apple quality and consumer preferences. In general, apple texture is evaluated by such parameters as crispness and hardness. To explore the feasibility of nondestructive detection of apple crispness based on spectroscopy and machine vision, a calibration model based on optical fiber spectroscopy (in the range of 500–1,000 nm) was developed using the partial least squares. A compensation model based on appearance images was established to improve the prediction performance, and a quantitative prediction model based on the fusion of spectra and appearance images was subsequently obtained. The results showed that the determination coefficient of prediction () and root mean square error (RMSE) of prediction (RMSEP) of the calibration model were 0.8921 and 0.1226 N, respectively. The determination coefficients (R2) of the compensation model for positive derivation and negative derivation were 0.9310 and 0.9051, respectively, with a RMSE of 0.0515 N and 0.0420 N, respectively. The mean value and standard deviation that occurred in relative errors both decreased from 8.52 to 6.44% and 6.22 to 5.30% before and after positive derivation compensation and decreased from 8.29 to 5.55% and 5.62 to 4.49% before and after negative derivation compensation using the appearance images. This result indicated that the prediction of apple crispness was more accurate and reliable after the fusion of spectra and appearance images. Therefore, it is feasible to nondestructively detect apple crispness based on spectroscopy and machine vision.

Practical Applications

This study provides a method for nondestructively and accurately detecting apple crispness via spectroscopy and machine vision. According to the crispness of apples, enterprises can not only sell apples to different consumer groups, but also distribute apples in different levels to improve their benefits.
Professional quality of life and caring behaviours among clinical nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Inocian Ergie Pepito , Cruz Jonas Preposi , Saeed Alshehry Abdualrahman , Alshamlani Yousef , Ignacio Ejay Hatulan , Tumala Regie Buenafe
Published: July 2021

Aims and Objectives

To investigate the professional quality of life and caring behaviours among clinical nurses in Saudi Arabia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also examined the influence of the nurses’ socio‐demographic and professional characteristics on the professional quality of life. Moreover, the study examined the influence of professional quality of life on caring behaviour among the nurses amid the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Caring is the core of the nursing profession and considered the heart of the humanistic clinical nursing practice. However, the work nature of the clinical nurses, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic, continues to challenge their professional quality of life and caring behaviours. The factors influencing the professional quality of life and caring behaviours of clinical nurses have not been extensively explored.

Design

Cross‐sectional, descriptive study.

Methods

A purposive sample of 375 clinical nurses in three academic medical centres in Saudi Arabia were surveyed using the professional quality of life version 5 and the short‐form 24‐item Caring Behavior Inventory from May–August 2020. A standard multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of the professional quality of life and caring behaviour. This study adhered to the recommendations of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines.

Results

The majority of the respondents reported average level of compassion satisfaction (57.9%), burnout (54.4%) and secondary traumatic stress (66.9%) in the professional quality of life domains. The result also showed highest degree of caring in terms of ‘assurance of human presence’ while lowest in the ‘knowledge and skills’ in four subscales of caring behaviour. The following variables significantly predicted compassion satisfaction: education, area of assignment and position. Age, education and religion were identified as significant predictors of burnout while religion, nationality and position were significant predictors of secondary traumatic stress. Positive and negative domains of professional quality of life influenced the caring behaviours among clinical nurses.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, clinical nurses exhibited moderate level of professional quality of life and correlates to their caring behaviours. Moreover, clinical nurses’ demographic characteristics predicted their professional quality of life and caring behaviours.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of ensuring good professional quality of life and caring behaviour among clinical nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic is underscored. Nursing leaders can utilise this baseline evidence and apply programmes for clinical nurses to tackle professional quality of life issues and enhance caring behaviours.
Daily living and rehabilitation needs in patients and caregivers affected by myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN): A qualitative study
Authors: Rossau Henriette Knold , Kjerholt Mette , Brochmann Nana , Tang Lars Hermann , Dieperink Karin Brochstedt
Published: July 2021

Aims and Objectives

To explore experiences of daily living and identify rehabilitation needs in patients and caregivers living with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Background

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are chronic haematological cancers. Studies report a high symptom burden but little is known about supportive care and rehabilitation for this patient group.

Design

Qualitative study with a phenomenological approach using focus group interviews to gather knowledge about the participants' lived experiences.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients and seven caregivers attending a 5‐day rehabilitation course were interviewed in 12 focus groups. Systematic Text Condensation was used to analyse the interviews. Reporting adhered to COREQ.

Results

Two main themes for patients were found: The loss of choice and identity due to the need to prioritise energy and The schism of being a person but also a patient. Patients described how living with myeloproliferative neoplasms meant having to prioritise energy and, therefore, losing freedom to choose activities. This changed their identity and impaired their quality of life. Patients of working age seemed to struggle the most in balancing the disease, family, social relationships and work. One main theme was found for caregivers: Influence of the disease. Caregivers reported how the disease limited their social lives, that the disease brought psychological strain, extra work, and that communication between couples was impaired. When both patients and caregivers participated in rehabilitation courses, they reported better understanding between couples and more open conversations. Rehabilitation needs identified were mainly in relation to psychosocial support and patient education, although needs varied across patients and caregivers.

Conclusions

Patients and caregivers expressed difficulties in adjusting to the lives the disease enforced upon them. Our findings indicate that myeloproliferative neoplasms patients and their caregivers would benefit from a combined model of psychosocial support, patient education, peer support and rehabilitation interventions based on an individual needs assessment.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses can be responsible for individual needs assessments and refer patients and caregivers to suitable supportive care and rehabilitation interventions.

Trial registration details

The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection agency (J.nr. 2008‐58‐0035).
Retrospective study evaluation of DGGR lipase for diagnosis, agreement with pancreatic lipase and prognosis in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis
Authors: Hope A. , Bailen E. L. , Shiel R. E. , Mooney C. T.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Activity of 1,2‐o‐dilauryl‐rac‐glycero‐3‐glutaric acid‐(6′‐methylresorufin) ester (DGGR) lipase is considered to be more pancreas specific than traditional lipase assays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase activity for suspected acute pancreatitis in dogs and to assess its prognostic usefulness.

Methods

Retrospective study of case records for suspected acute pancreatitis based on clinician‐stated diagnosis, point‐of‐care and quantitative canine pancreas‐specific lipase (cPL) results and consistent ultrasonographic features. Diagnostic performance of DGGR lipase was assessed by receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, agreement by Cohen's kappa (κ) and prognostic value by multiple regression analysis.

Results

Median DGGR lipase activity was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in dogs with suspected acute pancreatitis [93.7 (range, 11.0–2853.0) U/L (n = 158)] compared to those with no evidence of pancreatitis [range, 20.9 (6.7–89.0) U/L (n = 356)]. A DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L had the best combined diagnostic sensitivity (81.0%) and specificity (92.1%). Previously established cut‐offs (>130 and >80 U/L) had sensitivities of 40.5 and 43.0%, and specificities of 100 and 99.7%, respectively. There was near perfect (κ = 0.821) and substantial (κ = 0.751) agreement between DGGR lipase activity >42.15 U/L and quantitative cPL concentrations ≥200 and ≥400 μg/L, respectively. DGGR lipase activity but not quantitative cPL concentration was statistically (P = 0.043, odds ratio = 0.999) predictive of discharge but clinical utility is questionable.

Clinical significance

Using DGGR lipase at the lower cut‐off could provide an additional test for supporting a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in dogs particularly if cPL results are not available. Larger studies are required to more fully assess its value in prognostication.
Instrumentation and methods for rapid estimation of selected viscoelastic parameters in foods
Authors: Sakurai Naoki , Takashima Tatsuki , Akimoto Hidemi , Blahovec Jiří
Published: July 2021

A new method to estimate the selected viscoelastic parameters of foods using damped vibration analysis is presented for the evaluation of fruits and baked products. A flat disk is attached to the flat sample surface using a laser rangefinder that measures the sample thickness in advance, and it is locked by a trigger. Next, the trigger is released to allow the probe to press the sample through the force of gravity. The damped vibration of the probe caused by the deformation of the food is measured by monitoring the displacement of the probe via a linear encoder. The bulk modulus and viscosity are estimated using the fractional Zener model and mass. Young's modulus (E) is estimated independently by determining the maximum velocity of the probe using Hooke's law. Poisson's ratio (ν), and the shear modulus and viscosity are calculated by employing the estimated E and bulk modulus. The bulk modulus, bulk viscosity, shear modulus, shear viscosity, and E of apples were found to be higher than those of bananas. The bulk modulus, bulk viscosity, E, and shear modulus for white bread were lower than those for pound cake, but the ν values were higher, whereas those of sponge cake were intermediate. After drying the baked products for 1 day, most of the parameters of the samples increased, but the value of ν for white bread decreased. The proposed free‐falling device estimated the four viscoelastic coefficients, Poisson's ratio, and Young's modulus of the food sample in less than 1 s.
Long‐term spatiotemporal genetic structure of an accidental parasitoid introduction, and local changes in prevalence of its associatedWolbachiasymbiont
Authors: Duplouy Anne , Nair Abhilash , Nyman Toshka , van Nouhuys Saskya
Published: July 2021

Population bottlenecks associated with founder events strongly impact the establishment and genetic makeup of populations. In addition to their genotype, founding individuals also bring along parasites, as well as symbionts that can manipulate the phenotype of their host, affecting the host population establishment, dynamics and evolution. Thus, to understand introduction, invasion, and spread, we should identify the roles played by accompanying symbionts. In 1991, the parasitoid wasp,Hyposoter horticola, and its associated hyperparasitoid were accidentally introduced from the main Åland islands, Finland, to an isolated island in the archipelago, along with their host, the Glanville fritillary butterfly. Though the receiving island was unoccupied, the butterfly was present on some of the small islands in the vicinity. The three introduced species have persisted locally ever since. A strain of the endosymbiotic bacteriumWolbachiahas an intermediate prevalence in the parasitoidH.horticolaacross the main Åland population. The infection increases its susceptibility of to hyperparasitism. We investigated the establishment and spread of the parasitoid, along with patterns of prevalence of its symbiont using 323 specimens collected between 1992 and 2013, from five localities across Åland, including the source and introduced populations. Using 14 microsatellites and one mitochondrial marker, we suggest that the relatively diverse founding population and occasional migration between islands might have facilitated the persistence of all isolated populations, despite multiple local population crashes. We also show that where the hyperparasitoid is absent, and thus selection against infected wasp genotypes is relaxed, there is near‐fixation ofWolbachia.
Seven Theses on Dogmatics and Patristics in Catholic Theology☆
Authors: Ayres Lewis
Published: July 2021

These seven theses suggest the centrality of reflection on Patristic theology for the enterprise of dogmatic theology in a Catholic context. Dogmatic theology itself is used here as an alternative to the modern use of “systematic” theology. In order to see why and how Patristic theology should occupy this place, reflection is necessary on the theology of tradition—and the continual authority of Patristic texts for Catholic theologians—and then on the importance of post‐Renaissance modes of historiography. These discussions constitute part of a theological reflection on the nature of theology itself. Although the aim of this piece is to discuss the configuration of (Latin) Catholic theology, the questions raised should be of interest to theologians across a broad ecumenical range.
Varieties of flexibilisation? The working lives of information and communications technology professionals in the United Kingdom and Germany
Authors: Kinsella Patricia , Williams Steve , Scott Peter , Fontinha Rita
Published: July 2021

One feature of ‘flexibilisation’ concerns the growth of more individualised employment arrangements and career trajectories less connected to employing organisations. Informed by the Varieties of Capitalism approach, which emphasises the embeddedness of employment practices within discrete types of capitalist market economy, and based on rich qualitative data from interviews with 32 self‐employed and directly employed ICT professionals in the United Kingdom and Germany, we investigate comparative variation in their experience of flexibilisation. The research findings not only indicate some commonality, particularly in respect of perceptions of independence, but also highlight notable differences with regard to work pressures and insecurity. The paper advances theory by characterising two discrete varieties of flexibilisation, a ‘liberalised’ form evident in the United Kingdom and a more ‘regulated’ type apparent in Germany, contributing to a better understanding of comparative differences in flexibilisation.
Circulating serum vitamin D levels in relation to metabolic syndrome in children: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Rouhani Parisa , Hajhashemy Zahra , Saneei Parvane
Published: July 2021

Findings from epidemiologic studies that evaluated the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children were contradictory. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis on the relation of serum 25(OH)D levels and MetS in children. A comprehensive search was conducted in electronic databases, up to November 2020. Eleven cross‐sectional studies that reported the link between circulating vitamin D levels and MetS in children were included in the analysis. Combining 11 effect sizes from 11 cross‐sectional studies with 22,196 participants revealed that highest versus lowest serum vitamin D concentration was significantly associated with a 50% reduced odds of MetS in children (OR: 0.50; 95%CI: 0.39, 0.64). Subgroup analysis by study location revealed decreased odds of MetS in both non‐Asian (OR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.33, 0.63) and Asian countries (OR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.39, 0.76) with no heterogeneity in these subgroups. When we confined the studies to those with representative populations (n = 21,611), a significant inverse association was found between highest versus lowest circulating vitamin D level and MetS (OR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.42, 0.71). Dose–response analysis showed that each 10 ng/ml (or 25 nmol/L) in serum vitamin D was linearly related to a 12% reduced odds of MetS (OR: 0.88; 95%CI: 0.78, 0.99) in children. A nonlinear association was also detected between serum 25(OH)D and MetS. This meta‐analysis revealed that circulating vitamin D concentration was inversely associated with odds of MetS in children, in a dose–response fashion. The same finding was found in the studies with representative populations.
Capturing nurses’ perception of communicative technologies in nursing facilities: Survey instrument development
Authors: Ali Haneen , Ahmed Abdulaziz , Cole Astin
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the common perception of the call light system as crucial for patient safety, there are usability gaps between what features staff in nursing facilities need to address an alarm quickly and how the call system is designed. A survey instrument was developed to investigate nursing home staff experiences in using call light technology.

Methods

A survey instrument was developed and distributed to staff in two nursing facilities in Up‐State, New York (N= 278). The strength and direction of relationships between pairs of variables were measured using Pearson correlation and analysis of variance to investigate the perceived effect of staff's perception of the call light system on the work system's elements, process and staff outcomes.

Results

The study found correlations between the job‐level workload and the noise in the unit (r= 0.272,p= .000), between job‐level workload and the ease of locating call lights (r= 0.154,p= .023), and between job stress and burnout (r= 0.176,p= .009). Only 64% of nursing home staff believed that the call light system reflected urgent needs, with younger staff relating to this group. The staff gave the work environment a high score, which corresponds to excessive noises caused by the call light alarm, according to 74% of the staff. These associations stem from gaps caused by a lack of user feedback in the design and acquisition process, leading to usability issues that reduce performance and satisfaction over time.

Conclusion

The study found that the type of call light system used is associated with usability challenges that often impeded the performance of the nursing home staff's response to residents. These insights can improve the selection of a new call light system that avoids usability issues and challenges identified by end‐users.
Integrating genomic selection with a genotype plus genotype x environment (GGE) model improves prediction accuracy and computational efficiency
Authors: Jighly Abdulqader , Hayden Matthew , Daetwyler Hans
Published: July 2021

Genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI) is one of the major factors affecting the prediction accuracy of genomic selection (GS) models. Standard models have low power to model complex GEI, and they fail to predict phenotypes in unobserved environments. Here, we developed a novel prediction model that account for GEI, named 3GS, that combines genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) analysis with GS. The model calculates the principal components (PCs) of the environmental phenotypes using GGE analysis and predict the performance of these PCs using standard GS models before converting the GEBVs of these PCs (pcGEBVs) back to the original phenotypes. We demonstrated three advantages of the new model. First, 3GS showed significantly higher prediction accuracy primarily for deviated environments that have low to negative correlations to other environments. Second, 3GS can predict new genotypes in unobserved environments with high accuracy. Third, the computational complexity of 3GS increases linearly with increasing the number of environments and the population size, unlike the standard models that exhibit exponential increase, making it hundreds of times faster than the standard models for large data sets. 3GS can improve prediction accuracy with minimal resources in modern breeding programmes in which massive populations get multi‐environment phenotypes with high‐throughput techniques.
Establishing norms on the Japanese version of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory
Authors: Ito Fumie , Matano Miyuki , Kato Ikuko , Monden Yukifumi , Sunohara Yuki , Kawasaki Masako , Kimura Hitoe , Furuichi Shima , Bussing Regina , Oe Yuka , Morita Nobuaki , Kim Yoshiharu , Brestan‐Knight Elizabeth , Eyberg Sheila , Kamo Toshiko
Published: July 2021

Background

The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is one of the standardized parent rating scales used to identify disruptive behavior problems in children in Western countries. This study aimed to determine norms for the Japanese version of the ECBI, including clinical cutoff scores among the general population in Japan.

Methods

This study established norms for the Japanese version of the ECBI using a sample of 1,992 parents of children aged 2–7, living in Japan. The research evaluates the validity and the reliability of the ECBI scores for the Intensity Scale and the Problem Scale. After validation, a clinical cutoff value of the ECBI scores was calculated, setting the cutoff to above the +1 standard deviation (SD) level based on the population distribution.

Results

The means of the Intensity and Problem Scale scores were 100.07 and 6.57, respectively. Cronbach's α for both the Intensity and the Problem scores was 0.91. At this point, we propose cutoff scores of 125 for the Intensity Scale and 14 for the Problem Scale.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the Japanese version of the ECBI is highly reliable and may be useful as a tool for assessing behavior problems in children.
Contrived self‐defense: A case of permissible wrongdoing
Authors: Ho Tsung‐Hsing
Published: July 2021

It is widely held that a morally wrong action is morally impermissible. I discuss a case of contrived self‐defense and argue that it is morally both wrong and permissible. I compare it with other kinds of morally permissible misbehavior (suberogation, moral dilemma, and right to do wrong) and show that it is significant and original.
Twenty years with the public health intervention wheel: Evidence for practice
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Strohschein Susan , Glavin Kari
Published: July 2021

The Public Health Intervention Wheel (PHI Wheel) is a population‐based practice model for public health nursing practice that encompasses three levels of practice (community, systems, individual/family) and 17 public health interventions. This article shares the story of how the PHI Wheel was created, disseminated, implemented by public health nurses (PHNs) and educators across the globe, and updated with new evidence published in the second edition of Public Health Interventions: Applications for Public Health Nursing in 2019. Evidence on the relevance of PHI Wheel interventions for public health practice in cultural and international settings supports the model's value in explaining PHN practice. This article highlights the experiences of various countries with the PHI Wheel including Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The evidence update confirms the relevance of the model to PHN education and practice and reinforces the conviction that development of new evidence is essential for promoting population health.
CD163‐positive cancer cells are a predictor of a worse clinical course in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Matsubara Eri , Komohara Yoshihiro , Shinchi Yusuke , Mito Remi , Fujiwara Yukio , Ikeda Koei , Shima Toshiyuki , Shimoda Masayuki , Kanai Yae , Sakagami Takuro , Suzuki Makoto
Published: July 2021

CD163 is one of the scavenger receptors expressed on macrophages. However, several immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated that CD163 is also detected on cancer cells, and is associated with a poor prognosis. In the present study, we detected CD163 staining on cancer cells in lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and investigated the relationship between CD163 on cancer cells and the clinical prognosis. CD163 staining was seen in 128 of 342 adenocarcinoma cases and 35 of 103 SCC cases. Among the lung adenocarcinoma cases, the progression‐free survival and overall survival were significantly shorter in the CD163 high group than the CD163 low group. A similar trend was observed among the SCC cases, but the difference was not statistically significant. Additionally, a higher number of macrophages was detected in areas with CD163‐positive cancer cells when compared to areas with CD163‐negative cancer cells. In summary, we found that CD163‐positive cancer cells are a predictor of a worse clinical course in lung adenocarcinoma and SCC.
Inference About Complex Relationships Using Peak Height Data from DNA Mixtures
Authors: Green Peter J. , Mortera Julia
Published: July 2021

In both criminal cases and civil cases, there is an increasing demand for the analysis of DNA mixtures involving relationships. The goal might be, for example, to identify the contributors to a DNA mixture where the donors may be related, or to infer the relationship between individuals based on a mixture. This paper introduces an approach to modelling and computation for DNA mixtures involving contributors with arbitrarily complex relationships. It builds on an extension of Jacquard's condensed coefficients of identity, to specify and compute with joint relationships, not only pairwise ones, including the possibility of inbreeding. The methodology developed is applied to two casework examples involving a missing person, and simulation studies of performance, in which the ability of the methodology to recover complex relationship information from synthetic data with known ‘true’ family structure is examined. The methods used to analyse the examples are implemented in the new KinMix R package that extends the DNAmixtures package to allow for modelling DNA mixtures with related contributors.
Response-Adaptive Rerandomization
Authors: Zhang Hengtao , Yin Guosheng
Published: July 2021

Rerandomization has recently attracted more attention in the literature randomized experiments. It leverages covariate information of participants to achieve a well-balanced allocation, and thus improves the efficiency of inference. However, by only considering covariate information, it may lead to potential ethical issues in clinical trials as a large number of patients might be assigned to the inferior treatment arm. To mitigate this issue, we propose a response-adaptive rerandomization scheme by incorporating response information for two-arm comparative clinical trials. Not only is our method applicable to both continuous and binary outcomes, but it also demonstrates desirable statistical and ethical properties. Extensive simulation studies are performed to illustrate the practicality and superiority of our approach.
Because ‘everybody believes in different things’: Examining tolerance of divergent preferences, beliefs, and morals in kindergarten students
Authors: Danniels Erica , Perlman Michal
Published: July 2021

Societies are becoming increasingly pluralistic, yet acceptance of differing points of view remains an issue. Thus, it is important to understand how young children think about issues related to acceptance of differing views and factors that may be related to sharing greater levels of tolerance. A total of 167 kindergarten students (ages 4–5) were presented with pictures of hypothetical peers and told that each peer held an opposing view from them with respect to a preference (blue, blocks), belief (believing in fairies, believing in superheroes), or moral (lying, tattling). Children were asked if it was okay for this peer to hold a different view, whether they would be willing to play with the peer, and to justify their responses. Measures of children's theory of mind understanding, language ability, and prosocial behaviour were also collected. Children shared tolerant responses more frequently towards peers who held different preferences and beliefs as compared to different morals. Children who shared intolerant responses frequently rejected the peer's different view. Willingness to play with a peer was largely based on factors unrelated to tolerance such as the peer's appearance. Children with higher theory of mind understanding and older children were significantly more likely to report that it was okay for a peer to endorse a different preference or belief, but not a different moral. Implications for children's reasoning about personal versus moral norms and the promotion of tolerance in the kindergarten years are discussed.
Identification of a novel HLA‐A*11 allele, HLA‐A*11:399, in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhou Dan , Quan Zhan‐rou
Published: July 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 90 of HLA‐A*11:01:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐A*11:399.
Detection of the HLA‐DRB1*04:80 allele, a variant of HLA‐DRB1*04, in a Taiwanese individual
Authors: Yang Kuo‐Liang , Li Chi‐Cheng , Lin Py‐Yu
Published: July 2021

One nucleotide substitution in codon 67 of HLA‐DRB1*04:05:01:01 results in a novel allele, HLA‐DRB1*04:80.
A simple genotyping method for CD247 3′‐untranslated region polymorphism rs1052231 and characterization of a reference cell panel
Authors: Al‐Akioui‐Sanz Karima , Moraru Manuela , Vilches Carlos
Published: July 2021

CD247 (or CD3‐ζ chain) is an essential adaptor and signal‐transducing molecule of the T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR) complex, and it also couples to NK‐cell activating receptors such as NKp46, NKp30 and CD16A (FcγRIII). Noncoding sequence polymorphisms and variations in CD247 expression, a tightly regulated process, have been related with an altered immune response in multiple health conditions. A single nucleotide polymorphism (T > A) at nucleotide 844 of the CD247 3′‐untranslated region, rs1052231, has been related with lower CD247 gene expression and it has been investigated as a potential biomarker of autoimmune disease. We present here a simple, accurate, reliable, time‐efficient, and cost‐effective method for CD247‐rs1052231 genotyping. Using this method, based on polymerase chain reaction with confronting two‐pair primers (PCR‐CTPP), we have also characterized the CD247‐rs1052231 genotypes in a panel of worldwide available cell lines, which should facilitate study of the role of this polymorphism in immunity and human health.
When did the Pyrenean shortening end? Insight from U–Pb geochronology of syn‐faulting calcite (Corbières area, France)
Authors: Parizot Oriane , Missenard Yves , Haurine Frederic , Blaise Thomas , Barbarand Jocelyn , Benedicto Antonio , Sarda Philippe
Published: July 2021

Absolute dating helps to define the age and duration of orogen building. Here we present new U–Pb ages of syn‐faulting calcites collected in the northern foreland basin of the Pyrenees. The studied area underwent deformation during the Eocene growth of the belt. This orogenic growth is considered to have persisted until the Late Oligocene, after which post‐orogenic processes prevailed. Microstructural analysis coupled with U–Pb dating of syn‐faulting calcite confirms the well‐known NW‐SE to N–S main shortening stage of the Pyrenean orogen during the Eocene (from 48.7 ± 2.2 to 43.2 ± 5.3 Ma). But our data further reveal NE‐SW shortening during the Miocene, ca. 16 Ma ago, that has never been seen in the northern Pyrenean foreland. We propose that this tectonic phase, now identified on both sides of the Pyrenean Belt, is a consequence of a stronger coupling between Africa, Iberia and Europe at this time.
Ectopic expression of an expansin‐like B gene from wild Arachis enhances tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses
Authors: Brasileiro Ana C. M. , Lacorte Cristiano , Pereira Bruna M. , Oliveira Thais N. , Ferreira Deziany S. , Mota Ana P. Z. , Saraiva Mario A. P. , Araujo Ana C. G. , Silva Luciano P. , Guimaraes Patricia M.
Published: July 2021

Plant expansins are structural cell wall‐loosening proteins implicated in several developmental processes and responses to environmental constraints and pathogen infection. To date, there is limited information about the biological function of expansins‐like B (EXLBs), one of the smallest and less‐studied subfamilies of plant expansins. In the present study, we conducted a functional analysis of the wild Arachis AdEXLB8 gene in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants to clarify its putative role in mediating defense responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. First, its cell wall localization was confirmed in plants expressing an AdEXLB8:eGFP fusion protein, while nanomechanical assays indicated cell wall reorganization and reassembly due to AdEXLB8 overexpression without compromising the phenotype. We further demonstrated that AdEXLB8 increased tolerance not only to isolated abiotic (drought) and biotic (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Meloidogyne incognita) stresses but also to their combination. The jasmonate and abscisic acid signaling pathways were clearly favored in transgenic plants, showing an activated antioxidative defense system. In addition to modifications in the biomechanical properties of the cell wall, we propose that AdEXLB8 overexpression interferes with phytohormone dynamics leading to a defense primed state, which culminates in plant defense responses against isolated and combined abiotic and biotic stresses.
Function of a Psychological Nursing Intervention on Depression, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Older Adult Patients With Osteoporotic Fracture
Authors: Huang Liying , Zhang Caiting , Xu Jiahui , Wang Wei , Yu Miao , Jiang Fusong , Yan Liang , Dong Fanghui
Published: July 2021

Background

Osteoporotic fracture is a serious complication of osteoporosis. The long‐term therapy process and the heavy restriction to physical activities give rise to a psychological burden on osteoporotic fracture patients, especially older adult patients. Psychological nursing interventions significantly alleviate negative emotional reactions in cancer patients. This research aimed to investigate the function of psychological nursing interventions in the reduction of depression and anxiety and the improvement of quality of life in older adult patients with osteoporotic fracture.

Methods

Osteoporotic fracture patients (n = 106) were divided into control group (n = 53) or intervention group (n = 53). In the control group, the participants were given conventional nursing care. In the intervention group, the participants were given psychological nursing interventions. Anxiety, depression, and quality of life were evaluated and compared between the two groups.

Results

After 5 weeks of psychological nursing intervention, the anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased in the intervention group. The Mental Function in Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis score also decreased in the intervention group.

Linking Evidence to Action

Psychological nursing interventions alleviate anxiety and depression in older adult osteoporotic fracture patients and enhance their mental function.
Lessons for Staff Development: Lecturers’ Transition from Face-to-Face to Online Teaching for Masters Courses in Higher Education
Authors: Clapp Alison
Published: July 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been an almost universal pivot to emergency online teaching in higher education, requiring staff development as online teaching differs from teaching face-to-face. The transition has been at short notice, with rapidly created training and little time to engage. Past research into the transition to teach online is scarce. The study described here, carried out in the year before COVID-19, aimed to investigate the how previous experiences of learning and training affected transition, and how staff made sense of the experience, adding to knowledge on successful transition to teaching online distance learning courses. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was carried out after interviewing five experienced online teaching staff in a Graduate School, using semi-structured interviews and open-ended questioning. The overarching themes found were connections to online learning and teaching communities, and developing membership of, and activities in, these communities themselves. Staff with good connections to the online teaching community via other experienced staff, training, and prior experience as online students were able to make the transition to teach online with comparative ease, compared to those who did not. With little connection to the online teaching community, transition was slow and staff retained a greater connection to face-to-face teaching and its community. Post-pandemic, the study suggests that designs for staff development, relational agency (working for short periods with online teaching experts) and situated learning within an online environment are beneficial if elements of online learning and teaching are to be retained for the future.
Use of a True Material Constitutive Model for Stress Analysis of a Swage Autofrettaged Tube Including ASME Code Comparison
Authors: Hu Zhong , Parker Anthony P.
Published: July 2021

This work reports results from a new finite element analysis (FEA)-based user programmable function (UPF) featuring true material constitutive behavior with proper algorithms for accurate stress analysis of swage autofrettage of high-strength thick-walled cylinders. This material model replicates an existing Bauschinger-effect characterization (BEC). This incorporates elastoplastic material behavior during loading. Reversed loading includes a reduced elastic modulus and nonlinear plasticity resulting from the Bauschinger effect (BE), both depending upon the maximum level of loading plastic strain. This case study identifies the difference in stress distributions based on two different material models, a bilinear kinematic hardening model, and the BEC model. Near-bore residual stresses for the BEC case are noteworthy and reported in detail, e.g., axial residual stress is tensile and hoop residual stress exhibits a distinct slope reversal, unlike hydraulic autofrettage. This indicates the possible need to re-assess the ASME pressure vessel code (correction for BE) regarding swage autofrettage.
Selective volatile organic compound gas sensor based on carbon nanotubes functionalized with ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Xiang Jiaxi , Singhal Anuj , Divan Ralu , Stan Liliana , Liu Yuzi , Paprotny Igor
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the theory and results for a new class of low-cost chemoresistive gas sensors designed for selective hydrocarbon gas detection. The sensors utilize a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) backbone functionalized with metal oxide nanocrystals. Specifically, nanoparticles were grown on the surface of the MWCNTs using atomic layer deposition. The crystallinity of the ZnO-MWCNTs’ heterostructure was examined by using a high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The structure of the ZnO/MWCNTs was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x ray. The Hall effect measurement shows p-type characteristics of the MWCNTs, supporting the typical PN junction formation with n-type ZnO nanocrystals. The electron-donating ability of ZnO provided a strong response to the ppm levels of toluene at room temperature (25 °C) and showed strong selectivity with other volatile organic compound gases such as benzene, methane, and formaldehyde.
Sound propagation through elevated, heated jets in cooler cross-flow: An experimental study
Authors: Leav O. , Cazzolato B. , Howard C.
Published: July 2021

Sound propagation through hot exhaust plumes with cooler cross-winds is present in many real world systems. One particular example is the sound propagation from exhaust stacks attached to open cycle gas turbine power stations. The research presented in this paper investigates the sound propagation from a reduced-scale exhaust stack, with a cross-flow from experiments conducted in a wind tunnel. Experimental measurements of the flow and temperature fields provide insight into the complex sound radiation characteristics. Results from the acoustic measurements show the change in the sound directivity arising from the inclusion of the hot exhaust plume, leading to non-axisymmetric sound directivity and a concentration of sound downwind of the exhaust stack outlet. In certain cross-flow conditions, the hot exhaust plume can increase the sound observed downwind by up to 11 dB when compared to the scenario of sound propagation from an exhaust stack in the absence of a heated jet or cross-flow. This paper describes the acoustic directivity at various radial distances from the exhaust stack, acoustic frequencies, jet temperatures, and cross-flow free-stream velocity. The results from this paper emphasise the importance of taking into consideration the hot exhaust plume with cooler cross-flow when estimating sound levels downwind of the stack.
Superposed shear and compression of strong colloidal gels
Authors: Islam M. M. , Lester D. R.
Published: July 2021

Although the rheology of strong colloidal gels is predominantly concerned with either pure shear or pure compressive deformation, the vast majority of practical applications involves an arbitrary combination of shear and compressive stresses and strains. This situation demands a tensorial rheology of colloidal suspensions, where the multidimensional response of these complex materials to arbitrary superposed stress states needs to be characterized and constitutive models developed. In this study, we use 2D discrete element modelling simulations in the absence of hydrodynamic interactions to probe the behavior of a model strong colloidal gel under combined shear and compressive deformation. We consider the deformation and failure of these gels under strain-controlled conditions that range from pure compression to shear-dominated consolidation. Particle-scale observations uncover how shear stresses act to stimulate nonaffine buckling and rupture of force chains during consolidation, leading to augmented failure and collapse of the particle network. At the macroscopic level, we find that the energy required to consolidate a colloidal suspension from the gel point to close packing passes through a minimum that corresponds to weak shear strain, indicating that small amounts of shear play a critical role in destabilizing the colloidal network. These results represent an important step toward a complete understanding of the tensorial rheology of strong colloidal gels.
De-scattering with Excitation Patterning enables rapid wide-field imaging through scattering media
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Park Jong Kang , Yildirim Murat , Boivin Josiah R. , Xue Yi , Sur Mriganka , So Peter T. C. , Wadduwage Dushan N.
Published: July 2021

Computational imaging in combination with full-field multiphoton microscopy demonstrates rapid in vivo deep tissue imaging.
Scale of oceanic eddy killing by wind from global satellite observations
Authors: Rai Shikhar , Hecht Matthew , Maltrud Matthew , Aluie Hussein
Published: July 2021

While wind is the primary driver of the oceanic general circulation, it kills the ocean’s most energetic motions.
Efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells with very high fill factors via incorporation of star-shaped polymer
Authors: Cao Qi , Li Yongjiang , Zhang Hong , Yang Jiabao , Han Jian , Xu Ting , Wang Shuangjie , Wang Zishuai , Gao Bingyu , Zhao Junsong , Li Xiaoqiang , Ma Xiaoyan , Zakeeruddin Shaik Mohammed , Sha Wei E. I. , Li Xuanhua , Grätzel Michael
Published: July 2021

A star-shaped polymer enables inverted perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 22% and a very high fill factor of 0.862.
Experimental method to quantify the ring size distribution in silicate glasses and simulation validation thereof
Authors: Zhou Qi , Shi Ying , Deng Binghui , Neuefeind Jörg , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: July 2021

Ring size distribution of silicate glass can be determined from the first sharp diffraction peak of neutron structure factor.