bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognosis for survival to discharge and racing performance in Thoroughbred foals treated for single joint septic arthritis (2009–2016)
Authors: Whisenant Katrijn D. , Ruggles Alan J. , Stefanovski Darko , Woodie J. Brett , Hopper Scott A. , Embertson Rolf M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Haematogenous septic arthritis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in foals. Previous research has demonstrated a variable prognosis for athletic performance in foals diagnosed with septic arthritis.

Objective

To determine the racing prognosis for Thoroughbred foals, 6 months of age or less with single septic joint of presumed haematogenous origin without recognised systemic sepsis or other serious comorbidity compared with a group of maternal sibling controls.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Data were collected from Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in‐patient records from 2009 to 2016. Parameters evaluated included: diagnostic tests, therapeutic regimens, final diagnosis and outcome. Racing records were obtained from a public archive for cases and two maternal siblings. Univariable analyses of categorical variables were conducted.

Results

Ninety‐five cases of Thoroughbred foals 6 months of age or less were included in this study. The last measured synovial cell count prior to hospital discharge or euthanasia (OR 0.5,pvalue 0.002, 95% CI: 0.3–0.8) was an indicator of poor prognosis for survival to discharge. Overall, the prognosis for survival was high (93%). Total winnings per career were the only statistically significant racing performance variable between cases and paired controls (IRR 0.7,pvalue, 0.05, 95% CI: 0.5–0.99).

Main limitations

Retrospective study, evaluation of one regional population, potential for unknown prior exclusionary treatment on farm, unknown chronicity, no data on acute phase proteins and proportion of neutrophils of synovial fluid and unknown medical records of controls.

Conclusions

While total winnings were reduced compared with maternal siblings, Thoroughbred foals with single joint septic arthritis have a favourable prognosis for both survival and starting in a race.
Congruence couple therapy for alcohol use and gambling disorders with comorbidities (part I): Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Bonnie K. , Ofori Dei Samuel M. , Brown Matthew M. R. , Awosoga Olu A. , Shi Yanjun , Greenshaw Andrew J.
Published: October 2022

A nonblinded randomized trial was conducted at two Canadian provincial outpatient addiction clinics that tested the effectiveness of a systemic congruence couple therapy (CCT) versus individual‐based treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) on nine clinical outcomes: (1) primary outcomes—alcohol use and gambling, psychiatric symptoms, and couple adjustment; (2) secondary outcomes—emotion regulation, substance use, depression, post‐traumatic stress symptoms, and life stress. Data of primary clients and partners (N = 46) were analyzed longitudinally across baseline, posttreatment (5 months), and follow‐up (8 months). Alcohol use disorder (95%) and gambling disorder (5%) were in the severe range at baseline, and co‐addiction was 27%. Psychiatric comorbidity was 100%, and 18% of couples were jointly addicted. Between‐group comparison favored CCT in primary outcomes with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (Cohen's h = 0.74–1.44). Secondary outcomes were also significantly stronger for CCT (Cohen's h = 0.27–1.53). Within‐group, for all primary outcomes, a significant proportion of symptomatic CCT clients and partners improved, converging with ANOVA results of large effect sizes (0.14–0.29). All secondary outcomes improved significantly in CCT with large effect sizes (0.14–0.50). TAU showed significant within‐group improvement in alcohol use, other substance use, and life stress with large effect sizes (0.16–0.40). Primary clients and partners made largely equivalent improvement within CCT and within TAU. Results were triangulated with clients' satisfaction ratings and counselors' reports. Overall, significant within‐group effects were detected for CCT both clinically and statistically and between‐group difference favored CCT. Future trials are required to validate these promising findings.
Associations of maternal insulin sensitivity during pregnancy with childhood central adiposity in the Genetics of Glucose regulation in Gestation and Growth (Gen3G) cohort
Authors: Ghildayal Nidhi , Allard Catherine , Blais Kasandra , Doyon Myriam , Arguin Melina , Bouchard Luigi , Perron Patrice , Hivert Marie‐France
Published: October 2022

Background

Childhood obesity has been associated with prenatal exposure to maternal hyperglycaemia, but we lack understanding about maternal insulin physiologic components that contribute to this association.

Objectives

Evaluate the association between maternal insulin sensitivity during pregnancy and adiposity measures in childhood.

Methods

In 422 mother–child pairs, we tested associations between maternal insulin sensitivity measures at ~26 weeks of pregnancy and child adiposity measures, including dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry body composition and anthropometry (body mass index and waist circumference) at ~5 years. We used linear regression analyses to adjust for maternal age, ethnicity, gravidity, first‐trimester body mass index, and child sex and age at mid‐childhood.

Results

In early pregnancy, maternal mean age was 28.6 ± 4.3 years and median body mass index was 24.1 kg/m2. Lower maternal insulin sensitivity indices were correlated with greater child adiposity based on anthropometry measures and on dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry total and trunk % fat in univariate associations (r = −0.122 to −0.159). Lower maternal insulin sensitivity was specifically associated with higher dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry trunk % fat (n = 359 for Matsuda; β = −0.034 ± 0.013; p = 0.01) after adjustment for covariates, including maternal body mass index.

Conclusions

Maternal insulin sensitivity during pregnancy may contribute to increased risk for higher offspring central adiposity in middle childhood.
Effect of microstructures on dielectric breakdown strength of sintered reaction‐bonded silicon nitride ceramics
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Zhou You , Tanabe Keisuke , Arima Souhei , Hirao Kiyoshi , Ohji Tatsuki , Murayama Norimitsu , Fukushima Manabu
Published: October 2022

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) was prepared from silicon by a sintered reaction‐bonded silicon nitride method using yttria and magnesia as sintering additives. Post‐sintering (PS) of nitrided compacts was carried out at 1850°C under a nitrogen pressure of 1 MPa. Effect of PS time on microstructure and dielectric breakdown strength (DBS) of the prepared Si3N4 ceramics was evaluated. The DBS was measured using specimens with four different thicknesses (0.30, 0.20, 0.10, and 0.05 mm) in order to examine the thickness dependence. The porosity of the sintered Si3N4 decreased by prolonging the PS time, and the full density could be achieved at the PS time of over 6 h. After full densification, rod‐like β‐Si3N4 grains grew up, and their maximum grain size increased from 45.1 to 154.7 μm by prolonging the PS time from 6 to 48 h. The DBS of the thick Si3N4 substrates (0.30 mm) showed little variation from 35.4 to 47.0 kV/mm, regardless of the PS time. On the other hand, that of the thin ones (0.05 mm) dramatically decreased from 99.5 to 9.8 kV/mm with increased the PS time from 6 to 48 h. Because the DBS sharply decreased at the thin substrate sintered for longer time in which some large‐elongated grains might span the substrate thickness‐wise throughout, it was inferred that the interface between β‐Si3N4 grains and grain boundary phase/intergranular glassy films might be a path of the dielectric breakdown.
Composition segregation and grain growth in (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 piezoceramics prepared by two‐step cold sintering process
Authors: Jiang Jiahao , Chen Shuaimin , Zhao Chunlin , Lin Cong , Wu Xiao , Gao Min , Lin Tengfei , Fang Changqing
Published: October 2022

Cold sintering process (CSP) is a new method to prepare ceramics under quite low temperature. In this work, two‐step CSP under different pressures was employed to prepare (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) ceramics. The density of KNN green pellets can be raised by enhancing the pressure of second‐step CSP. Energy‐dispersive spectroscopy reveals the composition segregation of A‐site cations in large grains. The dissolution rate of K+ in an aqueous medium is faster than Na+, and high pressure can accelerate K+ dissolution, resulting in more Na+ in some grains. Besides, the diffusion rate of Na+ in grains is better than K+, which promote the grains growth. Finally, the piezoelectric property is improved even with low ceramic density due to the larger grains, which possess the higher performance composition. This result demonstrates that the pressure and inhomogeneous dissolution of alkali metal ions among CSP play an important role in grain growth and piezoelectric enhancement.
Resilience amongst Ontario registered practical nurses in long‐term care homes during COVID‐19: A grounded theory study
Authors: Connelly Denise M. , Garnett Anna , Snobelen Nancy , Guitar Nicole , Flores‐Sandoval Cecilia , Sinha Samir , Calver Jen , Pearson Diana , Smith‐Carrier Tracy
Published: October 2022

Aims

This study aimed to understand how the personal and professional resilience of Registered Practical Nurses working in long‐term care (LTC) homes in Ontario were impacted during the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

Background

Registered Practical Nurses are primary regulated healthcare providers that have worked in Ontario LTC homes during the COVID‐19 pandemic. As frontline workers, they have experienced increased stress secondary to lockdowns, changing Ministry of Health recommendations, social isolation and limited resources. LTC homes experienced almost a third of all COVID‐19‐related deaths in Ontario. Understanding registered practical nurses' (RPNs) resilience in this context is vital in developing the programs and supports necessary to help nurses become and stay resilient in LTC and across a range of settings.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to recruit 40 Registered Practical Nurses working in LTC homes across Ontario for interviews. Charmaz's Grounded theory guided in‐depth one‐on‐one interviews and analyses completed between April to September 2021.

Results

Registered Practical Nurse participants represented 15 (37.5%) private, and 25 (62.5%) public LTC homes across Ontario Local Health Integration Networks. Findings informed two distinct perspectives on resilience, one where nurses were able to maintain resilience and another where they were not. Sustaining and fraying resilience, presented as bimodal processes, was observed in four themes: ‘Dynamic Role of the Nurse’, ‘Preserving Self’, ‘Banding Together’ and ‘Sense of Leadership Support’.

Conclusion

Resilience was largely drawn from themselves as individuals. Resources to support self‐care and work‐life balance are needed. Additionally, workplace supports to build capacity for team‐based care practices, collegial support in problem‐solving and opportunities for ‘connecting’ with LTC nursing colleagues would be beneficial. Our findings suggest a role for professional development resources in the workplace that could help rebuild this workforce and support RPNs in providing quality care for older adults living in LTC.

Patient or Public Contribution

Our research team included two members of the Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario, and these team members contributed to the discussion and design of the study methodology, recruitment, analysis and interpretation. Further, RPNs working in long‐term care during the COVID‐19 pandemic were the participants in this study and, therefore, contributed to the data. They did not contribute to data analysis or interpretation.
A concept analysis of nurses in conflicts after World War II
Authors: Fink Anne M. , Milbrath Gwyneth R.
Published: October 2022

Aim

We analysed nurses' experiences during military conflicts since World War II.

Background

Nurses have successfully reduced morbidity and mortality in populations affected by wars; despite centuries of nurses' global involvement in wars, there is limited knowledge about their experiences.

Method

We used Rodger's evolutionary concept analysis methodology to understand the antecedents, attributes, consequences, context and implications of nurses' war‐related experiences. We analysed data from quantitative and qualitative research, media reports, editorials, historical reviews and published accounts of nurses' experiences in many locations, including Afghanistan, Bosnia, Croatia, Korea, Kosovo, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Russia, Somalia, Ukraine and Vietnam.

Findings

Two antecedent conditions preceded nurses' war involvement: actively responding to human suffering and having resources for readiness. Nurses were defined by five attributes: sacrifice, resourcefulness, tunnel‐vision, survival mindset and comradery. We also found evidence for seven consequences; nurses saved lives (reduced morbidity and mortality), however, some nurses faced professional burnout/disillusionment, restricted practice authority, isolation and post‐traumatic stress after war. In addition, growth and pacifism were consequences for some nurses who were exposed to war.

Conclusion

The findings of our concept analysis illustrate how nurses have fulfilled critical life‐saving roles, but some nurses' post‐war experiences were debilitating, stigmatized and unsupported. We conclude that research about the resourcefulness, innovations and resiliency nurses have developed during wars is essential, and professional support mechanisms must be developed to prevent post‐traumatic stress, burnout and attrition from the profession. Governments can use utilize the knowledge nurses developed during wars to expand emergency preparedness skillsets and promote nurses as the leaders of international efforts to promote peace.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Patients, service users, caregivers and members of the public were not involved in conducting this concept analysis or preparing the manuscript.

Impact statement

By understanding nurses' involvement with post‐WWII conflicts, we have demonstrated the significant public health contributions, challenges and personal and professional growth experienced by nurses.

Nurses' war‐related knowledge should be utilized to innovate healthcare practices during disasters and to advise policymakers in developing, implementing and evaluating peace‐promoting operations.
Steam blanching and ethanol pretreatment enhance drying rates and improve the quality attributes of apple slices via microstructure modification
Authors: Lin Zina , Geng Zhihua , Liang Wenxin , Zhu Huacheng , Ye Jinghua , Wang Jun , Xu Huaide
Published: October 2022

The effect of steam blanching (SB) and ethanol pretreatment (EP) (75–95% [v/v], 10–25 min) on the drying characteristics and quality attributes of apple slices with hot air drying (HD) (60°C, 1.5 m/s) was evaluated. The drying time was reduced by 10.71% and 19.64–47.32% with SB and various EPs compared with fresh; the drying rate and effective moisture diffusion coefficient significantly accelerated. EP resulted in a higher water loss and solid loss of the apple samples. Furthermore, EP greatly affected the rehydration rate and microstructure of dried apple slices. In addition, SB and EP played a positive role in improving the quality of dried apple slices, particularly a higher phytochemical concentration, and antioxidant activities compared with fresh, and EP groups exhibited higher retention of phenolic compounds. Besides, all the dried apple slices with SB and EPs showed a brighter color than the fresh. Therefore, SB and EP can be used as appropriate pretreatment methods for the HD of apples. This combination of the two pretreatment methods provides a theoretical basis for the pretreatment technology before drying of apple and broadens the train of thought in the selection of osmotic media.

Novelty impact statement

Steam blanching and ethanol pretreatments contribute to the drying rate and quality of apple slices. The pretreatments of E85T25 and E95T25 significantly shorten the drying time, E95T25 shows the highest retention of phenolic compounds, and E85T25 shows the highest phytochemical concentration. E85T25 and E95T25 are suitable pretreatment methods for the HD of apple slices.
High‐throughput genome editing in rice with a virus‐based surrogate system
Authors: Tian Yifu , Zhong Dating , Li Xinbo , Shen Rundong , Han Han , Dai Yuqin , Yao Qi , Zhang Xuening , Deng Qi , Cao Xuesong , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Lu Yuming
Published: October 2022

With the widespread use of clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated nuclease (Cas) technologies in plants, large‐scale genome editing is increasingly needed. Here, we developed a geminivirus‐mediated surrogate system, called Wheat Dwarf Virus‐Gate (WDV‐surrogate), to facilitate high‐throughput genome editing. WDV‐Gate has two parts: one is the recipient callus from a transgenic rice line expressing Cas9 and a mutated hygromycin‐resistant gene (HygM) for surrogate selection; the other is a WDV‐based construct expressing two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting HygM and a gene of interest, respectively. We evaluated WDV‐Gate on six rice loci by producing a total of 874 T0 plants. Compared with the conventional method, the WDV‐Gate system, which was characterized by a transient and high level of sgRNA expression, significantly increased editing frequency (66.8% vs. 90.1%), plantlet regeneration efficiency (2.31‐fold increase), and numbers of homozygous‐edited plants (36.3% vs. 70.7%). Large‐scale editing using pooled sgRNAs targeting the SLR1 gene resulted in a high editing frequency of 94.4%, further demonstrating its feasibility. We also tested WDV‐Gate on sequence knock‐in for protein tagging. By co‐delivering a chemically modified donor DNA with the WDV‐Gate plasmid, 3xFLAG peptides were successfully fused to three loci with an efficiency of up to 13%. Thus, by combining transiently expressed sgRNAs and a surrogate selection system, WDV‐Gate could be useful for high‐throughput gene knock‐out and sequence knock‐in.
The election of women as Fellows of the Royal Microscopical Club
Authors: Hamer Pam
Published: October 2022

The Royal Microscopical Society received its charter in 1866 but it was not until the following century that women were elected as full Fellows of the Society. There is strong evidence that women were using microscopes and reporting scientific observations prior to this but the discussions among the gentlemen of the Society provide a window into the attitudes which prevailed at that time.
Longitudinal associations of neuroticism with life satisfaction and social adaptation in a nationally representative adult sample
Authors: Schunk Fabian , Trommsdorff Gisela
Published: October 2022

Objective

Correlational studies have frequently linked neuroticism to lower well‐being and poorer social adaptation. In this study, we examined the longitudinal associations of neuroticism with life satisfaction and aspects of social adaptation (i.e., loneliness, number of close friends, and interpersonal trust).

Method

Cross‐lagged panel models (CLPMs) and random intercepts cross‐lagged panel models (RI‐CLPMs) were used to analyze the prospective associations between variables in a nationally representative adult sample from Germany (N = 5,663 to 11,079 per analysis; 2–4 measurement waves with lags of 4–5 years).

Results

CLPMs indicated that higher neuroticism was related to lower life satisfaction, higher loneliness, fewer friends, and lower interpersonal trust, but not vice versa. At the within‐person level, RI‐CLPMs revealed similar findings with increased neuroticism predicting decreases in life satisfaction, increases in loneliness, and decreases in interpersonal trust. Indices of social adaptation partially mediated the link between neuroticism and life satisfaction at the between‐person but not at the within‐person level. Exploratory multigroup analyses support the generalization of the cross‐lagged effects of neuroticism on life satisfaction and social adaptation across age, gender, and geographical regions (East versus West Germany).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the role of neuroticism in shaping psychosocial outcomes over time.
Contextualizing Potential Factors Impacting on Behaviors of Primary School Adolescents in Northern Uganda
Authors: Opio Alfonse , Olido Kenneth , Awachorac Judith , Oryema Christine , Onen David
Published: October 2022

Our study contextualized empirical factors influencing adolescent behaviors. An assessment using focus group discussion (FGD) was done with randomly selected adolescents in primary schools in Northern Uganda to explore the influence of child poverty and parenting among other factors on adolescents' behaviors. A semi‐structured interview guide and in‐depth interviews were also conducted for parents/guardians and teachers, respectively. Adolescents expressed desirable developmental outcomes contrary to teachers' concerns regarding achieving them. Parenting and places of residence had a significant positive impact on adolescent behaviors, with the village residence having a much earlier influence compared to parenting. Our findings revealed a scanty understanding of child poverty, parenting, and adolescent development among parents/guardians. Any action‐oriented toward awareness would promote adolescent behavioral development.
Long‐term decline of regions and the rise of populism: The case of Germany
Authors: Greve Maria , Fritsch Michael , Wyrwich Michael
Published: October 2022

What characterizes regions where right‐wing populist parties are relatively successful? A prominent hypothesis proposed in the emerging “geography of discontent” literature claims that places that are “left behind” constitute a breeding ground for the rise of populism. We re‐examine this hypothesis by analyzing the rise of populism in Germany. Our results suggest that high vote shares of populist parties are associated with the long‐term decline of a region's relative welfare, which goes beyond a lifespan of people inhabiting such “left behind” places. Moreover, we are able to show that a place‐based collective memory about past prosperity plays a crucial role in shaping present resentment. Finally, we find the education level of the regional population to be an important channel through which the collective memory about the past translates into populism support today.
Strengths of associations between depressive symptoms and loneliness, perfectionistic concerns, risky alcohol use and physical activity across levels of sleep quality in Swedish university students: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Johansson Fred , Côté Pierre , Onell Clara , Källberg Henrik , Sundberg Tobias , Edlund Klara , Skillgate Eva
Published: October 2022

Previous research shows that sleep quality may interact with some other predictors of depression, such that poor sleep could strengthen the association between these factors and depression. We aimed to determine the presence of statistical interactions between sleep quality and loneliness, risky alcohol use, perfectionistic concerns and/or physical inactivity in relation to depressive symptoms. Further, we aimed to describe the functional form of the statistical interactions and associations. We used a cross‐sectional design and included 4262 Swedish university students. All measures were self‐reported, sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and depressive symptoms with the short‐form Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Regression models of increasing complexity (linear and non‐linear, with and without interactions) were compared to determine the presence of associations and statistical interactions, and to explore the best functional form for these associations and interactions. Out‐of‐sample R2 from repeated cross‐validation was used to select the final models. We found that sleep quality was associated with depressive symptoms in all final models. Sleep quality showed a linear interaction with perfectionistic concerns in relation to depressive symptoms, such that perfectionistic concerns were more strongly associated with depressive symptoms when sleep quality was poor. Loneliness, risky alcohol use and physical inactivity were non‐linearly associated with depressive symptoms but did not interact with sleep quality. We concluded that out of the four examined variables, only perfectionistic concerns interacted with sleep quality in relation to depressive symptoms. This interaction was weak and explained little of the overall variance in depressive symptoms.
Incidence trends of acute viral hepatitis caused by four viral etiologies between 1990 and 2019 at the global, regional and national levels
Authors: Ouyang Guoqing , Pan Guangdong , Guan Linjing , Wu Yongrong , Lu Wuchang , Qin Chuang , Li Shuai , Xu Honglai , Yang Jianqing , Wen Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

Hepatitis is a major public health challenge and a leading cause of death worldwide. We aimed to study the cause‐specific incidence and temporal trends of acute viral hepatitis (AVH).

Methods

Data on AVH etiologies were available from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to quantify temporal trend in AVH age‐standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) by region, sex and aetiology.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the global incidence of AVH increased by 8.02%, from 244 350 063 in 1990 to 263 951 645 in 2019, with an average decreasing ASIR of 0.52% (95% CI −0.58% to −0.45%) annually. The ASIR of AVH due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) decreased, while those of hepatitis A (HAV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis E (HEV) remained stable, with EAPCs (95% CI) of −1.47 (−1.58 to −1.36), 0 (−0.09 to 0.09), −0.35 (−0.83 to −0.13), and −0.16 (−0.41 to 0.09) respectively. Although the number of new AVH cases increased in the low sociodemographic index (SDI), low‐middle SDI regions, the ASIRs decreased in all five SDI regions. Globally, HAV and HBV are the leading causes of acute hepatitis. The EAPC is significantly associated with a baseline ASIR of less than 5500 per 100 000 population (ρ = −0.44), and with the 2019 human development index (HDI) (ρ = 0.16) for AVH.

Conclusions

Although the ASIR of AVH showed a generally decreasing trend, the burden of AVH remains a major public health challenge globally. The findings may be helpful for policymakers in establishing appropriate policies to reduce the viral hepatitis burden.
Using Proline Synthetase and BT gene to improve soybean (Glycine max) drought and insect resistance
Authors: Huimin Cui , Shuo Qu , Lamboro Abraham , Yaolei Jiao , Qi Cai , Piwu Wang
Published: October 2022

In agricultural production, developing a high yield with good quality and a stable yield are significant goals. To meet the aim of agriculture and produce high‐yielding, drought‐resistant and insect‐resistant varieties are preferred in the breeding of soybean. The pCAMBIA3301 plasmid was used as the base vector, and an overexpression vector containing the proline synthase gene Fu‐1 was recombined. The Fu‐1 gene was genetically transformed into the high‐generation (T7 generation) containing CryAb13‐1 transgene via the pollen tube channel method. Soybean was used to create a novel material that is insect resistant as well as drought‐resistant. Traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification was used to identify the transformed T2 generation plants, and Southern blot hybridization (SBH) and fluorescence quantitative PCR were used for detection. The test results showed that there were 10 positive plants in the T2 generation plants that were detected by common PCR. SBH results showed that Fu‐1 and CryAb13‐1 genes were integrated into soybean in the type of a single copy. The expression levels of Fu‐1 and CryAb13‐1 genes were variable in different tissues, according to the results of fluorescence quantitative PCR. In soybean roots, stems and leaves, the average expression levels of the Fu‐1 gene were 4.43, 1.86 and 2.51, respectively. CryAb13‐1 gene was expressed in roots. The average expression levels in roots, stem and leaf were 1.80, 1.38 and 5.28, respectively. The highest expression level was found in leaves in different soybean tissues. The indoor drought resistance identification showed that the water content, relative conductivity, POD activity, SOD activity, MDA and Pro content of the transformed plants after seven days of stress were significantly changed, and the drought resistance ability was significantly improved. Hence, we obtained a new soybean that can resist both drought and insect.
Tomato deploys defence and growth simultaneously to resist bacterial wilt disease
Authors: Meline Valerian , Hendrich Connor G. , Truchon Alicia N. , Caldwell Denise , Hiles Rachel , Leuschen‐Kohl Rebecca , Tran Tri , Mitra Raka M. , Allen Caitilyn , Iyer‐Pascuzzi Anjali S.
Published: October 2022

Plant disease limits crop production, and host genetic resistance is a major means of control. Plant pathogenicRalstoniacauses bacterial wilt disease and is best controlled with resistant varieties. Tomato wilt resistance is multigenic, yet the mechanisms of resistance remain largely unknown. We combined metaRNAseq analysis and functional experiments to identify coreRalstonia‐responsive genes and the corresponding biological mechanisms in wilt‐resistant and wilt‐susceptible tomatoes. While trade‐offs between growth and defence are common in plants, wilt‐resistant plants activated both defence responses and growth processes. Measurements of innate immunity and growth, including reactive oxygen species production and root system growth, respectively, validated that resistant plants executed defence‐related processes at the same time they increased root growth. In contrast, in wilt‐susceptible plants roots senesced and root surface area declined followingRalstoniainoculation. Wilt‐resistant plants repressed genes predicted to negatively regulate water stress tolerance, while susceptible plants repressed genes predicted to promote water stress tolerance. Our results suggest that wilt‐resistant plants can simultaneously promote growth and defence by investing in resources that act in both processes. Infected susceptible plants activate defences, but fail to grow and so succumb toRalstonia, likely because they cannot tolerate the water stress induced by vascular wilt.
Enhancing solidarity among Europeans: Toward a political reappraisal of theEUand its citizenship
Authors: Ghibellini Alberto
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the EU's ability to mobilize European citizens in its favor and counteract such phenomena as nationalism, populism, and “sovereignism” has significantly decreased. Consequently, the suggestion has been made that the EU's social dimension should be enhanced and its citizenship be made more salient in that regard. Such a suggestion has become even more topical after the COVID‐19 outbreak and the strain it has placed on the health‐care systems and economies of EU member states. Starting from a debate which addresses that suggestion, in this article I argue that, before attempting to enhance its social dimension, the EU should first try to strengthen its still weak political foundations in order to cope with its predicament. The article also shows that this move would be consistent with the rationale behind the European integration process, where economic issues were originally regarded as only means to achieve an ever‐closer political union.

Related Articles

Barrault‐Stella, Lorenzo, and Thomas Douniès. 2021. “Introduction to the Special Issue: Citizenship as a Tool of Government in Europe.”Politics & Policy49(4): 824–41.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12423.

Ewert, Benjamin. 2021. “Citizenship as a Form of Anticipatory Obedience? Implications of Preventive Health Policy in Germany.”Politics & Policy49(4): 891–912.https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12421.

McBeth, Mark K., Donna L. Lybecker, and Kacee A. Garner. 2010. “The Story of Good Citizenship: Framing Public Policy in the Context of Duty‐Based versus Engaged Citizenship.”Politics & Policy38(1): 1–23.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00226.x.
Emotive facets of place meet urban analytics
Authors: Acedo Albert , González‐Pérez Alberto , Granell Carlos , Casteleyn Sven
Published: October 2022

The lack of a well‐established and unified place theory across disciplines is decelerating its formalization, evolution, and especially its pragmatic implications and applicability. In this article, we identify research gaps in the emotive facets of place scholarship. We found that it: (1) rarely joins physical, social, and individual variables in the same model; (2) omits the immediately perceived and sensory dimensions; (3) disregards the analysis of how individual–place emotive relationships vary across time; and (4) overlooks the difficulties of reducing multifaceted emotive facets of place into geographic features. Next, we examine these research gaps through the lens of technology‐based advancements in urban analytics. Finally, we discuss the need to combine social‐oriented research and (spatial) data‐driven disciplines to enrich and expand the research area of emotive facets of place and connected disciplines.
A Novel Yield Criterion for Nickel-Based Superalloys
Authors: Irmak Firat , Hanekom Kevin , Torkaman Alex , Gordon Ali P.
Published: October 2022

With the significant evolution of modern gas turbine engines, selection of high-temperature resistant alloys in the hot section is known to be the fundamental solution to enhance the capabilities of these engines. In general, the high-temperature components are mainly comprised of polycrystalline, directionally solidified, and single crystal superalloys. Single crystal (SX) superalloys were developed in the 1980s to achieve high fatigue resistance and substantial creep rupture strength by eliminating grain boundaries. Directional solidification methods enabled the solidification arrangement of the materials to be comprised of columnar grains which are aligned parallel to the 〈001〉 direction. These casting types have been frequently used with nickel-based superalloys (NBSAs) to develop modern gas turbine blades. In this work, the yield behavior of generic SX and directionally solidified (DS) NBSAs is studied. By observing various SX and DS alloys, it was concluded with need for a novel criterion that can present anisotropic and tensile/compressive asymmetric yield surfaces. This novel criterion is comprised of the criterion proposed by Hill for anisotropic materials and the method developed by Drucker and Prager for alloys that have different tensile and compressive yield strengths. Additional terms to Hill's criterion are introduced to capture the coupling effect of normal stress and shear stress when the applied loads are not in the direction of principal axes of the material coordinate system for single crystal alloys. The parameters for the criterion are obtained from simple uniaxial tension and compression experiments. Results are compared with various well-established yield criterions. Additionally, the novel criterion is utilized to capture the effective stress and strain of multi-axial loading of turbine blades under nonisothermal conditions
Shape-Adaptive Electrostatic Soft Gripper With Transform Mechanism for Multifunctional Grips
Authors: Jung Ho Sang , Kim Ji Yeop , Yang Sang Yul , Kim Kihyeon , Park Jae Hyeong , Gong Young Jin , Moon Seung Jae , Choi Hyouk Ryeol
Published: October 2022

This paper proposes a shape-adaptive electroadhesion dielectric elastomer actuator (EA-DEA) pad gripper that can actively adapt to the shape of curved objects and quickly handle various objects by combining an EA pad and a multi-layered DEA driven by electrostatic force. This gripper has a rapid release function capable of detaching thin and light objects in less than 0.2 s with bending motion of multi-layered DEA and reverse polarity voltage. Moreover, combined with a transform mechanism that changes the posture of the EA-DEA pad gripper, a multifunctional gripper handling various objects from thin to irregularly shaped objects is implemented. The high voltage controller is configured to generate the variable and reversible voltages required for the control of the developed gripper. To verify the performance and practicality of the proposed multifunctional gripper system, we demonstrate the gripping task in three modes formed by controlling the EA-DEA pad gripper and the transform mechanism to adapt to the object shape. According to the experimental results, this gripper can reliably and rapidly pick and place various objects, such as thin film, hexahedron, cylinders, spheres, irregular shaped, deformable, and fragile objects corresponding to each mode.
Development of Lower Limb Exoskeleton for Walking Assistance Using Energy Recycled From Human Knee Joint
Authors: Chen Bing , Shi Chenpu , Zheng Chengwang , Zi Bin , Zhao Ping , Li Yuan
Published: October 2022

This paper illustrates the design and testing of a lower limb exoskeleton for walking assistance. First, the biomechanics of the human knee and ankle joints during walking and the strategy of energy recycling and releasing are introduced. Next, the hardware design of the exoskeleton is described. The exoskeleton is primarily composed of a waist module, a knee module, and an ankle module. Two clutch mechanisms are designed for one-way motion transmission, and an energy storage spring is designed to store the energy recycled from the human knee motion. Additionally, the modeling of the human-exoskeleton system is presented. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the developed exoskeleton. The experimental results demonstrate that the exoskeleton has the potential to recycle the negative work from the wearer’s knee flexion during the late stance phase and knee extension during the swing phase to assist the wearer’s ankle plantarflexion during the stance phase. During a gait cycle, reductions of 11.6% and 15.6% of the average muscle activities of the gastrocnemius and soleus are observed, respectively. In addition, the peak gastrocnemius and soleus activities during the push-off stage are reduced by 16.9% and 42.6%, respectively.
Magnetohydrodynamic Natural Convection of Water in an L-Shaped Container Filled With an Aluminum Metal Foam
Authors: Al-Damook Amer , Azzawi Itimad D. J.
Published: October 2022

The current research employed computational simulation to assess magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection in an L-shaped container with a metal foam, which has a variety of engineering applications. The originality of this study is the use of numerical simulation combined with multi-objective optimization in terms of cooling rate enhancement and entropy generation reduction to investigate the optimal natural convection regimes. The influence of varied aspect ratios (AR), tilted angles of the container (θ), Hartmann number (Ha), and porosities (Φ) on the cooling rate with regard to the average Nusselt number (Nuave), Nusselt number enhancement (NNE), dimensionless surface temperature ([Ts]) and entropy generation (S) were evaluated. According to the findings of this study, little effect was found to be exerted by the MHD and θ on the Nuave, Ts, and S except for a porosity of 0.9. Furthermore, the Nuave and NNE enhance while the Ts and S reduce as the aspect ratio AR increases. In this case, the maximum increase in NNE was 8.78 times, with the greatest reductions in Ts and S as AR = 0.8, Φ = 0.1, θ = 0 deg, and Ha = 0 compared to the least favorable design. Thus, this optimum investigation of the CFD yields a novel approach and valuable recommendations for the optimum design of cooling in an L-shaped container.
Mental Health and Perceived Stress in Kinesiology Graduate Students
Authors: Mullin Elizabeth M. , Bottino Anna , Wadsworth Danielle D. , Petruzzello Steven J. , Vargas Tiffanye M.
Published: October 2022

While the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been noted in the general population and among undergraduate students, little is known about the impact on graduate students. We surveyed kinesiology graduate students (N = 272) enrolled in American Kinesiology Association member institutions regarding their well-being. Overall, graduate students reported poor mental health and high perceived stress. Cisgender women reported worse outcomes than their counterparts. No significant differences were found among sexual orientation or racial and ethnic identity. In open-ended responses, graduate students identified both increased and decreased well-being and delineated methods that helped or would have helped their well-being during the pandemic. Faculty and administrators must put intentional effort into recognizing mental health disparities, provide open and clear communication, and increase access and visibility of resources to support the mental health and well-being of graduate students.
Inflammasome Activation Dampens Type I IFN Signaling to Strengthen Anti-
Toxoplasma
Immunity
Authors: Hu Zhiqiang , Wu Dan , Lu Jiansen , Zhang Yufen , Yu Shao-Meng , Xie Yingchao , Li Hongyu , Yang Jianwu , Lai De-Hua , Zeng Ke , Jiang Huaji , Lun Zhao-Rong , Yu Xiao
Published: October 2022

As a key component of innate immunity, inflammasome is critical for host antitoxoplasmosis immunity, but the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. In this study, we found that inflammasome signaling was activated by PAMPs of
T. gondii
, which generated a protective immunity against
T. gondii
invasion by suppressing type I interferon (IFN-I) production. Mechanically, inflammasome-coupled IL-1β signaling triggered the expression of negative regulator SOCS1, which bound to IRF3 to inhibit IFN-I production.
Genomic and Epidemiological Features of Two Dominant Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Clones from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Surveillance Effort
Authors: Annavajhala Medini K. , Kelly Nicole E. , Geng Wenjing , Ferguson Samantha A. , Giddins Marla J. , Grohs Emily C. , Hill-Ricciuti Alexandra , Green Daniel A. , Saiman Lisa , Uhlemann Anne-Catrin
Published: October 2022

Methicillin-susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
(MSSA) is a significant pathogen in neonates. However, surveillance efforts in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have focused primarily on methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA), limiting our understanding of colonizing and infectious MSSA clones which are prevalent in the NICU.
Lactococcus lactis’ Effect on the Intestinal Microbiota of Streptococcus agalactiae-Infected Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Tan Chunyan , Li Qiuyue , Yang Xuejiao , Chen Jiayu , Zhang Qilin , Deng Xianyu
Published: October 2022

L. lactis
KUST48
(
LLK48
) with a bacteriostatic effect against
S. agalactiae
was isolated from tilapia intestinal tracts.
S. agalactiae
infection significantly reduced the relative abundance of intestinal bacteria and various physiological functions in zebrafish intestines.
LLK48
demonstrated infection and subsequent therapeutic effects on the
S. agalactiae
infection in the zebrafish intestine. Therefore, the potential probiotic
LLK48
can be considered as a therapeutic treatment for
S. agalactiae
infections in aquaculture, which can reduce the use of antibiotics and help maintain fish health.
Chlamydia trachomatisCell-to-Cell Spread through Tunneling Nanotubes
Authors: Jahnke Rico , Matthiesen Svea , Zaeck Luca M. , Finke Stefan , Knittler Michael R.
Published: October 2022

Intracellular bacterial pathogens often undergo a life cycle in which they parasitize infected host cells in membranous vacuoles. Two pathways have been described by which chlamydia can exit infected host cells: lytic cell destruction or exit via extrusion formation.
Investigation into financial conflicts of interest and screening for atrial fibrillation in the UK: a cross-sectional study
Authors: McCartney Margaret , McCutcheon Calum , Cooke Millie , MacDonald Ronald , Mekwi Lena , Noruddin Ummi Haji , O'Keeffe Mary
Published: October 2022

Objective

To understand the relationship between financial conflicts of interest and recommendations for atrial fibrillation (AF) screening in the UK, via examining (1) if the UK media recommend for or against screening for AF, and (2) the financial conflicts of interests of AF screening commentators.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting/participants

References in UK mainstream media, Twitter, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), patient information websites and major UK heart-related charities regarding screening for AF between1 January 2018 and 31 July 2021.

Outcome measures

Proportion of references advocating for, against and presenting balanced/neutral views on screening. Proportion of references citing commentators with financial conflicts of interest.

Results

217 media stories were identified, containing 284 comments about screening for AF. 185/217 (85.3%) of articles were in favour, 9 (4.1%) were against and 23 (10.6%) were balanced. Quotations within were located from 194 commentators; 44 were quoted more than once. 41/44 (93.2%) were in favour of screening. Of these 41, 37 (90.2%) had a direct or indirect financial conflict of interest, including that due to a work role. Two were balanced and one was negative. 2553 tweets using 3 hashtags promoting screening were analysed. 2119 (83%) of the most impactful tweets promoting AF screening were by industry or organisations with industry funding. Of 23 NHS organisations holding information about funding and promoting AF screening online, 22 (96%) had industry funding. 9 (90%) of the top 10 patient information websites promoting AF screening had industry funding. Four main UK patient charities in this sector promoting screening received industry funding.

Conclusions

The vast majority of UK media promotes screening for AF, in contrast to the position of the independent UK National Screening Committee, which recommends against screening. Most commentators, internal NHS organisations and UK charities promoting screening had a direct or indirect financial conflict of interest. Independent information was rare. The reasons for this are unknown. Readers should consider the potential for the impact of financial conflicts on recommendations to screen.
Development of an intervention (PICASO) to optimise the palliative care capacity of social workers in Flanders: a study protocol based on phase I of the Medical Research Council framework
Authors: Taels Brent , Hermans Kirsten , Van Audenhove Chantal , Cohen Joachim , Hermans Koen , Declercq Anja
Published: October 2022

Introduction

An important challenge for future palliative care delivery is the growing number of people with palliative care needs compared with the limited qualified professional workforce. Existing but underused professional potential can further be optimised. This is certainly the case for social work, a profession that fits well in multidisciplinary palliative care practice but whose capacities remain underused. This study aims to optimise the palliative care capacity of social workers in Flanders (Belgium) by the development of a Palliative Care Program for Social Work (PICASO).

Methods and analysis

This protocol paper covers the steps of the development of PICASO, which are based on phase I of the Medical Research Council framework. However, additional steps were added to the original framework to include more opportunities for stakeholder involvement. The development of PICASO follows an iterative approach. First, we will identify existing evidence by reviewing the international literature and describe the problem by conducting quantitative and qualitative research among Flemish social workers. Second, we will further examine practice and identify an appropriate intervention theory by means of expert panels. Third, the process and outcomes will be depicted in a logic model.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was given by the KU Leuven Social and Societal Ethics Committee (SMEC) on 14 April 2021 (reference number: G-2020-2247-R2(MIN)). Findings will be disseminated through professional networks, conference presentations and publications in scientific journals.