bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A feasibility quantitative analysis of free fatty acids in polished rice by fourier transform near‐infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Liu Yachao , Li Yongyu , Peng Yankun , Ma Shaojin , Yan Shuai
Published: July 2021

Free fatty acids (FFAs) are an important indicator of the freshness and quality of rice. In this study, the vibration response of C‐H chemical bonds (‐CH3, ‐CH2, H‐C = C‐H) of FFAs in the near‐infrared region was determined by analyzing the standard reagent. In addition, the spectral data of different physical forms of rice and chemometrics, such as partial least squares (PLS), synergy interval‐PLS, and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), were applied to develop an optimal regression model for rice FFAs determination. The performance of the FFAs model established by using the polished rice granule spectrum (PRG) combined with CARS was the best, the correlation coefficients of the calibration set and prediction set were 0.99 (root mean squared errors of the calibration = 2.00 mg/100 g) and 0.98 (root mean squared errors of the prediction = 3.21 mg/100 g), respectively, and the ratio of performance‐to‐deviation was 4.50. Compared with the rice powder spectral, the PRG spectral can better retain the information of FFAs. The result shows that NIRS can rapidly, non‐destructively, and accurately detect FFAs in rice granules, which will help rice business and food regulatory authorities to establish an early warning mechanism of rice aging.

Practical Application

Free fatty acids (FFAs) in rice are an important indicator for evaluating the freshness of rice, and their high responsiveness to the deterioration of rice quality. The real‐time detection of FFAs in rice can timely adjust the parameters of the rice storage environment, which is very meaningful to ensure the quality of rice.
Novel alternative for controlling enzymatic browning: Catalase and its application in fresh‐cut potatoes
Authors: Qiao Liping , Han Xinyu , Wang Hailin , Gao Man , Tian Jinhu , Lu Laifeng , Liu Xia
Published: July 2021

Surface browning is a vital phenomenon that adversely reduces the quality of fresh‐cut potatoes. Although many anti‐browning methods have been explored, it is unclear whether exogenous catalase (CAT) treatment influences the enzymatic browning. Our results showed that 0.05% CAT immersion for 5 min alleviated browning during cold storage (4°C, 8 days), which was accompanied by a higher lightness and lower redness; additionally, lower H2O2 and O2·‐ contents were found. The activities of CAT, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase and the scavenging efficiency of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl were also increased. Moreover, CAT treatment inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase and reduced phenol accumulation. Treatment with 0.1% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) achieved the opposite results. This is the first report of CAT application reducing fresh‐cut potato browning, providing a safe treatment alternative for enzymatic discoloration and preliminarily revealing the underlying mechanism with insight into antioxidant regulation.

Practical Application

This research is helpful for fresh‐cut potato producers because a novel, safe, easy‐to‐carry out anti‐browning solution was proposed. Dipping in 0.05% catalase solution for 5 min revealed color improvement in the quality of fresh‐cut potato slices. The mechanism may rely on enhancing antioxidant ability (ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging), reducing reactive oxygen species (H2O2, O2·‐, malondialdehyde) and controlling enzymatic browning reaction factors (polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase, and phenol accumulation). This method shows promise for better meeting the requirements and demands of consumers for fresh quality products.
Do brassinosteroids alleviate water stress in seedlings of Handroanthus serratifolius?
Authors: Vieira Daniel Amorim , Toro‐Herrera Mayra Alejandra , Mendonça Ane Marcela das Chagas , Barbosa João Paulo Rodrigues Alves Delfino
Published: July 2021

Limited water availability in reforestation areas can compromise plant growth and development, especially for plants at early stages. In this context, the exogenous application of growth regulators, such as brassinosteroids (BRs), can be used to mitigate the negative effects of water restriction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the application of BRs (90% brassinolide +  a brassinosteroid) on initial growth, gas exchange, leaf water potential and leaf anatomy in yellow Ipê (Handroanthus serratifolius), under water restriction conditions. Throughout the experimental period, plants were maintained in two different water regimes: WR1—plants maintained at 100% of the pot capacity; WR2—plants rehydrated with 50% of the evapotranspiration from the previous day. BRs were applied on three occasions during the experimental period, in five concentrations: C1, 0 g/L (application of distilled water); C2, 0.25 g/L; C3, 0.5 g/L; C4, 0.75 g/L; and C5, 1.00 g/L. The dry mass, root:shoot ratio, water status and leaf anatomy traits were evaluated at the end of the experimental period and were analysed in two‐level factorial scheme (2WR × 5BRs concentrations). The plant height, number of leaves, gas exchange and leaf chlorophyll content were evaluated four times during the experimental period and were analysed in a split‐split‐plot design (two WR × five BRs concentrations × four evaluation times). The differences between the means were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pairs of means were separated using the standard error of the difference between the means (SED) and the Fisher's protected least significant difference test (LSD) at p < .05. In addition, all variables were subjected to regression analysis, being the variables evaluated over time, analysed through a two‐stage modelling approach. The results obtained indicate that the water deficit led to reductions in growth and gas exchange parameters, regardless of the exogenous application of the regulator; therefore, higher concentrations (C4 and C5) were the most harmful for the maintenance of metabolic and photosynthetic activity. The exogenous application of BRs in H. serratifolius plants attenuated the effects of water limitation on the leaf water potential, but was not able to mitigate for the negative effects in growth, gas exchange and leaf anatomy.
Recent Excavation Results at Sa’ida Village, Failaka Island
Authors: Almutairi Hamed
Published: July 2021

One of the least known, yet extremely important, archaeological sites in Failaka Island, off Kuwait, is Sa’ida village. A joint Gulf mission started excavation in Sa’ida in 2001. The excavations on Hill 1 then exposed the first Friday mosque discovered on Failaka and in the State of Kuwait. The material data revealed that the village dates to the late Islamic period, specifically to the end of the seventeenth century until the beginning of the nineteenth century, when the village was abandoned due to the plague epidemic that swept the region. Since 2016, four fieldwork campaign indicated that the village was inhabited in the early Islamic era in the seventh–eighth centuries and continued until the beginning of the twentieth century, with a few but long gaps. The six campaigns revealed religious and domestic buildings and were sufficient to reassess the chronology of occupation and abandonment of Sa’ida. They provided a valuable insight into the organisation of the site and the lifestyle of the population, with large courtyard houses and small one‐room buildings.
Preparers’ perceptions of integrated reporting: a global study of integrated reporting adopters
Authors: Arora Mitali Panchal , Lodhia Sumit , Stone Gerard William
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the perceptions of integrated report preparers. Using a case study approach, perceptions of integrated reporting were analysed in six organisations. The study found that preparers operating in different industries held similar perceptions about integrated reporting. It was commonly perceived that integrated reporting is a flexible tool to communicate organisations’ value creation story, as it includes both financial and non‐financial information, and overall performance information. It was found that the case study organisations were committed to addressing the broader sustainability aspects of their organisation’s impacts instead of having a narrow investor‐focused value creation emphasis. This has implications for policy makers, suggesting the need for sustainability issues and a broad range of stakeholders to be at the heart of the transition to integrated reporting.
Adolescent social isolation induced alterations in nucleus accumbens glutamate signalling
Authors: Deutschmann Andre U. , Kirkland Julia M. , Briand Lisa A.
Published: July 2021

Exposure to adversity during early childhood and adolescence increases an individual's vulnerability to developing substance use disorder. Despite the knowledge of this vulnerability, the mechanisms underlying it are still poorly understood. Excitatory afferents to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediate responses to both stressful and rewarding stimuli. Understanding how adolescent social isolation alters these afferents could inform the development of targeted interventions both before and after drug use. Here, we used social isolation rearing as a model of early life adversity which we have previously demonstrated increases vulnerability to cocaine addiction‐like behaviour. The current study examined the effect of social isolation rearing on presynaptic glutamatergic transmission in NAc medium spiny neurons in both male and female mice. We show that social isolation rearing alters presynaptic plasticity in the NAc by decreasing the paired‐pulse ratio and the size of the readily releasable pool of glutamate. Optogenetically activating the glutamatergic input from the ventral hippocampus to the NAc is sufficient to recapitulate the decreases in paired‐pulse ratio and readily releasable pool size seen following electrical stimulation of all NAc afferents. Further, optogenetically inhibiting the ventral hippocampal afferent during electrical stimulation eliminates the effect of early life adversity on the paired‐pulse ratio or readily releasable pool size. In summary, we demonstrate that social isolation rearing leads to alterations in glutamate transmission driven by projections from the ventral hippocampus. These data suggest that targeting the circuit from the ventral hippocampus to the nucleus accumbens could provide a means to reverse stress‐induced plasticity.
Evaluation of Endosequence Root Repair Material and Endocem MTA as direct pulp capping agents: An in vivo study
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Nawal Ruchika Roongta , Augustine Jeyaseelan , Urs Aadithya B. , Talwar Sangeeta
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to assess the human pulpal response to direct pulp capping using Endosequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) and Endocem MTA against ProRoot MTA as control. Intentional direct pulp capping was done using the three materials in 30 caries‐free human premolars. After 30 days, the teeth were extracted, fixed and decalcified. Sections were prepared for histologic examination using light microscopy. Thickness and quality of dentine bridge formed and level of inflammation were evaluated. Difference between dentine bridge thickness of the three groups was statistically significant. Mean thickness of dentine bridges formed in ProRoot MTA group was greater than other two groups, and difference was statistically significant. Difference in dentine bridge thickness between ERRM and Endocem MTA was statistically significant. No significant difference was observed between the 3 groups with respect to inflammation. Results indicate ProRoot MTA performed best with ERRM giving better results than Endocem MTA.
2020 position statement and recommendations of the European Liver and Intestine Transplantation Association (ELITA): management of hepatitis B virus‐related infection before and after liver transplantation
Authors: Duvoux Christophe , Belli Luca S. , Fung James , Angelico Mario , Buti Maria , Coilly Audrey , Cortesi Paolo , Durand François , Féray Cyrille , Fondevila Constantino , Lebray Pascal , Martini Silvia , Nevens Frederik , Polak Wojciech G. , Rizzetto Mario , Volpes Riccardo , Zoulim Fabien , Samuel Didier , Berenguer Marina
Published: July 2021

Background

Prophylaxis of HBV recurrence is critical after liver transplantation in HBV patients. Despite new prophylactic schemes, most European LT centres persist on a conservative approach combining hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and nucleos(t)ides analogues (NA).

Aim

This setting prompted the European Liver Intestine Transplantation Association (ELITA) to look for a consensus on the prevention of HBV recurrence.

Methods

Based on a 4‐round Delphi process, ELITA investigated 16 research questions and established 50 recommendations.

Results

Prophylaxis should be driven according to 3 simplified risk groups: Low and high virological risk patients, with undetectable and detectable HBV DNA pre‐LT, respectively, and special populations (HDV, HCC, poorly adherent patients). In low‐risk patients, short‐term (4 weeks) combination of third‐generation NA+ HBIG, or third generation NA monotherapy can be considered as prophylactic options. In high‐risk patients, HBIG can be discontinued once HBV DNA undetectable. Combined therapy for 1 year is advised. HBV‐HCC patients should be treated according to their virological risk. In HDV/HBV patients, indefinite dual prophylaxis remains the gold standard. Full withdrawal of HBV prophylaxis following or not HBV vaccination should only be attempted in the setting of clinical trials. Organs from HBsAg+ve donors may be considered after assessment of risks, benefits, and patient consent. They should not be used if HDV is present. In poorly adherent patients, dual long‐term prophylaxis is recommended. Budget impact analysis should be taken into account to drive prophylactic regimen.

Conclusions

These ELITA recommendations should stimulate a more rational and homogeneous approach to HBV prophylaxis across LT programs.
Traditional medicines for COVID‐19: Perspectives from clinical pharmacologists
Authors: Yimer Getnet , Ekuadzi Edmund , Fasinu Pius , de Melo Andreia Cristina , Pillai Goonaseelan (Colin)
Published: July 2021

There has been high interest in the use of traditional medicines for COVID‐19 from early in the course of the pandemic. Significant advances in the science of ethnopharmacology have helped to introduce chemical entities identified from natural sources into modern medicine. However, the wider integration of natural products into the modern drug discovery process will require enhanced collaboration amongst the pharmaceutical industry, academic research units, regulatory bodies, ethics review committees and local, regional, continental and international organizations. Revisiting this topic holds promise of benefit for both the current and future pandemics.
COVID‐19 elicits an impaired antibody response against SARS‐CoV‐2 in patients with haematological malignancies
Authors: Passamonti Francesco , Romano Alessandra , Salvini Marco , Merli Francesco , Porta Matteo G. Della , Bruna Riccardo , Coviello Elisa , Romano Ilaria , Cairoli Roberto , Lemoli Roberto , Farina Francesca , Venditti Adriano , Busca Alessandro , Ladetto Marco , Massaia Massimo , Pinto Antonio , Arcaini Luca , Tafuri Agostino , Marchesi Francesco , Fracchiolla Nicola , Bocchia Monica , Armiento Daniele , Candoni Anna , Krampera Mauro , Luppi Mario , Cardinali Valeria , Galimberti Sara , Cattaneo Chiara , La Barbera Elettra Ortu , Mina Roberto , Lanza Francesco , Visani Giuseppe , Musto Pellegrino , Petrucci Luigi , Zaja Francesco , Grossi Paolo A. , Bertù Lorenza , Pagano Livio , Corradini Paolo ,   the ITA-HEMA-COV Investigators*
Published: July 2021

COVID‐19 is associated with high mortality in patients with haematological malignancies (HM) and rate of seroconversion is unknown. The ITA‐HEMA‐COV project (NCT04352556) investigated patterns of seroconversion for SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG in patients with HMs. A total of 237 patients, SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR‐positive with at least one SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG test performed during their care, entered the analysis. Among these, 62 (26·2%) had myeloid, 121 (51·1%) lymphoid and 54 (22·8%) plasma cell neoplasms. Overall, 69% of patients (164 of 237) had detectable IgG SARS‐CoV‐2 serum antibodies. Serologically negative patients (31%, 73 of 237) were evenly distributed across patients with myeloid, lymphoid and plasma cell neoplasms. In the multivariable logistic regression, chemoimmunotherapy [odds ratio (OR), 3·42; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1·04–11·21; P = 0·04] was associated with a lower rate of seroconversion. This effect did not decline after 180 days from treatment withdrawal (OR, 0·35; 95% CI: 0·11–1·13; P = 0·08). This study demonstrates a low rate of seroconversion in HM patients and indicates that treatment‐mediated immune dysfunction is the main driver. As a consequence, we expect a low rate of seroconversion after vaccination and thus we suggest testing the efficacy of seroconversion in HM patients.
Current status of thulium fibre laser lithotripsy: an up‐to‐date review
Authors: Jones Patrick , Beisland Christian , Ulvik Øyvind
Published: July 2021

Objective

To perform an up‐to‐date review to scope the current status of the thulium fibre laser (TFL) in the setting of stone lithotripsy and provide a guide for the clinical urologist.

Methods

A review of world literature was performed to identify original articles on TFL for stone lithotripsy. Our clinical experiences of using the technology have also been shared.

Results

To date there have been 11 clinical studies published on TFL for stone lithotripsy. Three of these have been in the setting of miniaturised percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini‐PCNL) and the remainder have been on ureteroscopy (URS). There has only been one randomised study on this technology, which has been for URS. For URS, the range of settings has been 0.1–4 J × 7–300 Hz for both URS and mini‐PCNL. Stones ranging from 0.4–3.2 and 1.5–3 cm have been treated with URS and mini‐PCNL, respectively. The final stone‐free rate for TFL has ranged from 66.6% to 100% and 85–100% for URS and mini‐PCNL, respectively. The average length of stay ranged from 0.5 to 2.4 days in the URS group, but no studies have been reported this for mini‐PCNL. Operative times in all the studies (both URS and mini PCNL) were <60 min.

Conclusion

Initial clinical studies reveal that TFL appears to be efficacious in the setting of stone lithotripsy. However, further randomised trials are warranted to delineate its formal position, as well as determine the optimal settings for use in clinical practice.
‘Pain‐free TRUS B’: a phase 3 double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial of methoxyflurane with periprostatic local anaesthesia to reduce the discomfort of transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsy (ANZUP 1501)
Authors: Hayne Dickon , Grummet Jeremy , Espinoza David , McCombie Steve P. , Chalasani Venu , Ford Kate S. , Frydenberg Mark , Gilling Peter , Gordon Barbara , Hawks Cynthia , Konstantatos Alex , Martin Andrew J. , Nixon Anthony , O’Brien Colin , Patel Manish I. , Sengupta Shomik , Shahbaz Shekib , Subramaniam Shalini , Williams Scott , Woo Henry H. , Stockler Martin R. , Davis Ian D. , Buchan Nick ,   the Australian and New Zealand Urogenital and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP)
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine whether the addition of inhaled methoxyflurane to periprostatic infiltration of local anaesthetic (PILA) during transrectal ultrasonography‐guided prostate biopsies (TRUSBs) improved pain and other aspects of the experience.

Patients and Methods

We conducted a multicentre, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized phase 3 trial, involving 420 men undergoing their first TRUSB. The intervention was PILA plus a patient‐controlled device containing either 3 mL methoxyflurane, or 3 mL 0.9% saline plus one drop of methoxyflurane to preserve blinding. The primary outcome was the pain score (0–10) reported by the participant after 15 min. Secondary outcomes included ratings of other aspects of the biopsy experience, willingness to undergo future biopsies, urologists’ ratings, biopsy completion, and adverse events.

Results

The mean (SE) pain scores 15 min after TRUSB were 2.51 (0.22) in those assigned methoxyflurane vs 2.82 (0.22) for placebo (difference 0.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.75 to 0.14; P = 0.18). Methoxyflurane was associated with better scores for discomfort (difference −0.48, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.03; P = 0.035, adjusted [adj.] P = 0.076), whole experience (difference −0.50, 95% CI −0.92 to −0.08; P = 0.021, adj. P = 0.053), and willingness to undergo repeat biopsies (odds ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.49; P = 0.01) than placebo. Methoxyflurane resulted in higher scores for drowsiness (difference +1.64, 95% CI 1.21–2.07; P < 0.001, adj. P < 0.001) and dizziness (difference +1.78, 95% CI 1.31–2.24; P < 0.001, adj. P < 0.001) than placebo. There was no significant difference in the number of ≥ grade 3 adverse events.

Conclusions

We found no evidence that methoxyflurane improved pain scores at 15 min, however, improvements were seen in patient‐reported discomfort, overall experience, and willingness to undergo repeat biopsies.
Piercement mechanisms for mobile shales
Authors: Hudec Michael R. , Soto Juan I.
Published: July 2021

We have identified seven mechanisms by which mobile shales can pierce their roofs. The operative piercement mechanism depends on mobile‐shale viscosity, roof strength and stress state. For mobile shales at depths of several kilometres, three mechanisms are possible: fracture piercement, thrust piercement and ductile “piercement.” However, injection up fractures and faults appears to be the dominant mechanism by which mobile shales rise towards the surface. In this process, mobile shales behave similar to magmas rising through the Earth's crust. Nearer the surface, a wider range of piercement mechanisms becomes possible: passive piercement, reactive piercement, active piercement and erosional piercement. These mechanisms all have salt‐tectonics analogues. Although shale tectonics and salt tectonics share common piercement mechanisms, in many cases the resulting structures are different. This is because near‐surface mobile shales can have much lower viscosities than salt. Mobile shales that reach the surface extrude very rapidly, in many cases leading to caldera collapse of the underlying shale chamber. This instability in the near‐surface means that long‐term, stable growth of passive shale diapirs is unlikely, in contrast with the behaviour of salt. A key question in seismic interpretation of mobile‐shale structures is whether large‐volume mobile‐shale diapirs exist. We show that both active piercement and ductile “piercement” can create such structures. Both of these mechanisms create steeply upturned beds on diapir flanks, which are diagnostic. However, active shale diapirs appear to be rare, and ductile “piercements” are not documented. We therefore suggest that large‐volume shale diapirs should be interpreted with caution on seismic data.
Infant Temperament Profiles, Cultural Orientation, and Toddler Behavioral and Physiological Regulation in Mexican‐American Families
Authors: Lin Betty , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Beekman Charles , Crnic Keith A. , Gonzales Nancy A. , Luecken Linda J.
Published: July 2021

This study sought to (a) replicate infant temperament profiles from predominantly White samples in a sample of low‐income, predominantly first‐generation Mexican‐American families, (b) investigate associations between infant temperament profiles and toddler behavioral and physiological regulation, and (c) explore whether mothers’ cultural orientation would moderate those associations. Mothers and infants (n = 322; 46% male) were assessed during pregnancy and at infant ages 9, 12, and 24 months. Latent profile analysis yielded three temperament profiles that were consistent with those from extant research. Compared to the high positive affect, well‐regulated profile, the negative reactive, low regulated profile was associated with poorer behavioral and parasympathetic (i.e., respiratory sinus arrhythmia) regulation, but associations depended on mothers’ Mexican and Anglo cultural orientation.
A nationwide comparison of short‐term outcomes after transanal, open, laparoscopic, and robot‐assisted total mesorectal excision
Authors: Ose Ilze , Perdawood Sharaf Karim
Published: July 2021

Aim

Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery has several limitations. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) can potentially overcome these limitations.

The aim of this study was to compare the rates of non‐radical surgery and anastomotic leakage after TaTME, open TME (OpTME), laparoscopic TME (LaTME) and robotic TME (RoTME) procedures in a nationwide cohort.

Methods

We extracted the demographic, perioperative and pathological data of patients who underwent a curative OpTME, LaTME, RoTME or TaTME procedure between January 2014 and December 2018 from the national database of the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG). We conducted multiple group‐comparisons, uni‐ and multivariate analyses to determine the factors associated with positive resection margin (+RM) and anastomotic leakage.

Results

We included 2393 patients (OpTME = 205, LaTME = 1163, RoTME = 713 and TaTME = 312). The rate of +RM was 5.7% after TaTME. The lowest rate of +RM was achieved after RoTME (8.2%, 4.7%, 2.52%, and 5.7%, after OpTME, LaTME, RoTME and TaTME respectively, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, having a T4 tumour and intraoperative bowel perforation were associated with the risk of +RM (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). The factors associated with anastomotic leakage in multivariate analysis were male gender, high BMI and intraoperative bowel perforation (p < 0.001, p = 0.049, p = 0.002, respectively). TaTME was associated with the highest rate of sphincter‐saving procedures (79.8%, p < 0.001), the lowest rate of bowel perforation (2.9%, p = 0.028) and the lowest rate of conversion to open surgery (1.3%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In a nationwide audit of TME approaches, the rate of +RM was lowest after RoTME. No differences were found between the four approaches regarding the risk of anastomotic leakage. TaTME offered advantages related to sphincter‐saving, perforation and conversion.
A Systematic Investigation of Gesture Kinematics in Evolving Manual Languages in the Lab
Authors: Pouw Wim , Dingemanse Mark , Motamedi Yasamin , Özyürek Aslı
Published: July 2021

Silent gestures consist of complex multi‐articulatory movements but are now primarily studied through categorical coding of the referential gesture content. The relation of categorical linguistic content with continuous kinematics is therefore poorly understood. Here, we reanalyzed the video data from a gestural evolution experiment (Motamedi, Schouwstra, Smith, Culbertson, & Kirby, 2019), which showed increases in the systematicity of gesture content over time. We applied computer vision techniques to quantify the kinematics of the original data. Our kinematic analyses demonstrated that gestures become more efficient and less complex in their kinematics over generations of learners. We further detect the systematicity of gesture form on the level of thegesture kinematic interrelations, which directly scales with the systematicity obtained on semantic coding of the gestures. Thus, from continuous kinematics alone, we can tap into linguistic aspects that were previously only approachable through categorical coding of meaning. Finally, going beyond issues of systematicity, we show how unique gesture kinematic dialects emerged over generations as isolated chains of participants gradually diverged over iterations from other chains. We, thereby, conclude that gestures can come to embody the linguistic system at the level of interrelationships between communicative tokens, which should calibrate our theories about form and linguistic content.
Semantic Similarity of Alternatives Fostered by Conversational Negation
Authors: Capuano Francesca , Dudschig Carolin , Günther Fritz , Kaup Barbara
Published: July 2021

Conversational negation often behaves differently from negation as a logical operator: when rejecting a state of affairs, it does not present all members of the complement set as equally plausible alternatives, but it rather suggests some of them as more plausible than others (e.g., “This is not a dog, it is a wolf/*screwdriver”). Entities that are semantically similar to a negated entity tend to be judged as better alternatives (Kruszewski et al., 2016). In fact, Kruszewski et al. (2016) show that the cosine similarity scores between the distributional semantics representations of a negated noun and its potential alternatives are highly correlated with the negated noun‐alternatives human plausibility ratings. In a series of cloze tasks, we show that negation likewise restricts the production of plausible alternatives to similar entities. Furthermore, completions to negative sentences appear to be even more restricted than completions to an affirmative conjunctive context, hinting at a peculiarity of negation.
Turkish language validity and reliability of the Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test and its comparison with other scales
Authors: Harbiyeli Deniz Ongel , Gemicioglu Bilun , Vehid Hayriye Ertem , Bousquet Jean , Fonseca João A.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Patients with asthma often suffer from concomitant allergic rhinitis (AR). The Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test (CARAT) is a validated tool to assess asthma and rhinitis multimorbidity. Turkish language validity and reliability of CARAT and its compatibility with other scales were evaluated in the study.

Methods

Patients with asthma and concomitant AR were tested with CARAT. Pulmonary function tests, Asthma Control Test (ACT), Assessment Tool for Asthma (ATA) questionnaire and visual analogue scale (VAS) were also used at the same day. With the VAS, patients determined their rhinitis symptom levels, and asthma specialist determined the rhinitis and asthma control levels separately. These questionnaires were repeated in 14 ± 2 days.

Results

Three quarters (77%) of the 100 patients were female (mean age 46.5 years). The mean CARAT score was 19.6 ± 7.2. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Turkish version of the CARAT scale was 0.83, showing a high level of internal consistency. Test–retest reliability coefficient was determined as r = 0.98 (p < 0.001). The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficient of the CARAT scale was 0.79. The p value of the Bartlett test was <0.001. ACT, ATA and VAS expert scales were correlated with CARAT total score (0.577 ≤ r ≤ 0.871). The CARAT scale did not show statistically significant difference according to gender, education, working status, smoking status, presence of polyps and multiple allergen sensitivity (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The Turkish version of the CARAT is a reliable alternative tool for physicians in determining disease control in adult patients with asthma and AR.
Structure, function and connectivity fingerprints of the frontal eye field versus the inferior frontal junction: A comprehensive comparison
Authors: Bedini Marco , Baldauf Daniel
Published: July 2021

The human prefrontal cortex contains two prominent areas, the frontal eye field and the inferior frontal junction, that are crucially involved in the orchestrating functions of attention, working memory and cognitive control. Motivated by comparative evidence in non‐human primates, we review the human neuroimaging literature, suggesting that the functions of these regions can be clearly dissociated. We found remarkable differences in how these regions relate to sensory domains and visual topography, top‐down and bottom‐up spatial attention, spatial versus non‐spatial (i.e., feature‐ and object‐based) attention and working memory and, finally, the multiple‐demand system. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using multivariate pattern analysis reveal the selectivity of the frontal eye field and inferior frontal junction to spatial and non‐spatial information, respectively. The analysis of functional and effective connectivity provides evidence of the modulation of the activity in downstream visual areas from the frontal eye field and inferior frontal junction and sheds light on their reciprocal influences. We therefore suggest that future studies should aim at disentangling more explicitly the role of these regions in the control of spatial and non‐spatial selection. We propose that the analysis of the structural and functional connectivity (i.e., the connectivity fingerprints) of the frontal eye field and inferior frontal junction may be used to further characterize their involvement in a spatial (‘where’) and a non‐spatial (‘what’) network, respectively, highlighting segregated brain networks that allow biasing visual selection and working memory performance to support goal‐driven behaviour.
Neuronal correlates of the subjective experience of attention
Authors: Whitmarsh Stephen , Gitton Christophe , Jousmäki Veikko , Sackur Jérôme , Tallon‐Baudry Catherine
Published: July 2021

The effect of top–down attention on stimulus‐evoked responses and alpha oscillations and the association between arousal and pupil diameter are well established. However, the relationship between these indices, and their contribution to the subjective experience of attention, remains largely unknown. Participants performed a sustained (10–30 s) attention task in which rare (10%) targets were detected within continuous tactile stimulation (16 Hz). Trials were followed by attention ratings on an 8‐point visual scale. Attention ratings correlated negatively with contralateral somatosensory alpha power and positively with pupil diameter. The effect of pupil diameter on attention ratings extended into the following trial, reflecting a sustained aspect of attention related to vigilance. The effect of alpha power did not carry over to the next trial and furthermore mediated the association between pupil diameter and attention ratings. Variations in steady‐state amplitude reflected stimulus processing under the influence of alpha oscillations but were only weakly related to subjective ratings of attention. Together, our results show that both alpha power and pupil diameter are reflected in the subjective experience of attention, albeit on different time spans, while continuous stimulus processing might not contribute to the experience of attention.
The role of leiomodin in actin dynamics: a new road or a secret gate
Authors: Tolkatchev Dmitri , Gregorio Carol C. , Kostyukova Alla S.
Published: July 2021

Leiomodin is an important emerging regulator of thin filaments. As novel molecular, cellular, animal model, and human data accumulate, the mechanisms of its action become clearer. Structural studies played a significant part in understanding the functional significance of leiomodin’s interacting partners and functional domains. In this review, we present the current state of knowledge on the structural and cellular properties of leiomodin which has led to two proposed mechanisms of its function. Although it is known that leiomodin is essential for life, numerous domains within leiomodin remain unstudied and as such, we outline future directions for investigations that we predict will provide evidence that leiomodin is a multifunctional protein.
UBQLN proteins in health and disease with a focus on UBQLN2 in ALS/FTD
Authors: Lin Brian C. , Higgins Nicole R. , Phung Trong H. , Monteiro Mervyn J.
Published: July 2021

Ubiquilin (UBQLN) proteins are a dynamic and versatile family of proteins found in all eukaryotes that function in the regulation of proteostasis. Besides their canonical function as shuttle factors in delivering misfolded proteins to the proteasome and autophagy systems for degradation, there is emerging evidence that UBQLN proteins play broader roles in proteostasis. New information suggests the proteins function as chaperones in protein folding, protecting proteins prior to membrane insertion, and as guardians for mitochondrial protein import. In this review, we describe the evidence for these different roles, highlighting how different domains of the proteins impart these functions. We also describe how changes in the structure and phase separation properties of UBQLNs may regulate their activity and function. Finally, we discuss the pathogenic mechanisms by which mutations in UBQLN2 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. We describe the animal model systems made for different UBQLN2 mutations and how lessons learnt from these systems provide fundamental insight into the molecular mechanisms by which UBQLN2 mutations drive disease pathogenesis through disturbances in proteostasis.
The contribution of diet to the dramatic reduction of the 2013 year class of Gulf of Alaska walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus)
Authors: Lamb Jesse F. , Kimmel David G.
Published: July 2021

A survey‐based time series (2001–2019) showed that age‐0 walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) occurred in very high abundances in 2013 compared with other years; however, recruitment of the 2013 year class to age‐1 was lower than average. Diet composition of age‐0 fish was examined from the 2013 year class to assess the potential impact of the consumed prey on walleye pollock. High abundances of smaller age‐0 fish were found at stations southwest of the Shumagin Islands compared with low abundances of larger fish found surrounding Kodiak Island. Fish in the southwest region showed a higher intake of low‐quality food items such as pteropods and larvaceans compared with fish in the northwest region that had consumed mostly higher quality prey such as large copepods and euphausiids. Even though no significant differences were found in fish condition between regions overall, spatial differences in fish weight were found after accounting for sample day of year. Prey‐specific Index of Relative Importance analysis showed southwest region fish had consumed a larger diversity of taxa, whereas fish from the rest of study area primarily consumed large copepods and euphausiids. These results suggest that high abundances of smaller pollock found in the southwestern part of the study region consumed a higher percentage of low‐quality, lipid‐poor prey taxa, which likely contributed to reduced overwinter survival and increased mortality.
Increased mortality of tropical tree seedlings during the extreme 2015–16 El Niño
Authors: Browne Luke , Markesteijn Lars , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J. , Jones F. Andrew , Lewis Owen T. , Manzané‐Pinzón Eric , Wright S. Joseph , Comita Liza S.
Published: July 2021

As extreme climate events are predicted to become more frequent because of global climate change, understanding their impacts on natural systems is crucial. Tropical forests are vulnerable to droughts associated with extreme El Niño events. However, little is known about how tropical seedling communities respond to El Niño–related droughts, even though patterns of seedling survival shape future forest structure and diversity. Using long‐term data from eight tropical moist forests spanning a rainfall gradient in central Panama, we show that community‐wide seedling mortality increased by 11% during the extreme 2015–16 El Niño, with mortality increasing most in drought‐sensitive species and in wetter forests. These results indicate that severe El Niño–related droughts influence understory dynamics in tropical forests, with effects varying both within and across sites. Our findings suggest that predicted increases in the frequency of extreme El Niño events will alter tropical plant communities through their effects on early life stages.
Clinical attributes and treatment characteristics are associated with work productivity and activity impairment in people with severe haemophilia A
Authors: O’Hara Jamie , Noone Declan , Jain Mohit , Pedra Gabriel , Landis Sarah , Hawes Charles , Burke Tom , Camp Charlotte
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Few studies have examined the real‐world impact of haemophilia on daily activities and work productivity in people with severe haemophilia A (PWSHA).

Aim

To determine clinical attributes and treatment characteristics associated with impairment in daily activities and work among PWSHA using the patient‐reported Work Productivity and Activity Impairment‐General Health Questionnaire (WPAI‐GH).

Methods

PWSHA were asked to complete the WPAI‐GH as part of the Cost of Haemophilia in Europe: A Socioeconomic Survey (CHESS) study. Outcomes were determined for activity impairment (AI), absenteeism, presenteeism and overall work productivity loss (WPL). Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between these outcomes and clinical and treatment attributes.

Results

Overall, 376 participants completed the AI element of WPAI‐GH; 175 were employed and thus also reported on work impact. Mean ± standard deviation scores were as follows: AI = 34.2% ± 25.8%; absenteeism = 0.06% ±0.2%; presenteeism = 26.8% ± 22.4%; WPL = 28.6% ± 24.0%. Increased AI and WPL were associated with high haemophilia‐related morbidity, measured both as chronic pain (p < .001 for both) and joint synovitis (AI: p <0.001; WPL: p = .017). In descriptive and multivariate analyses, lifelong prophylaxis was associated with reduced AI (p < .001 and p = .031, respectively); high therapy adherence was associated with reduced AI (p = .001 and p = .012, respectively) and with reduced WPL (p < .001 and p = .012, respectively).

Conclusion

The WPAI‐GH identified haemophilia‐related morbidity and treatment characteristics, including therapy regimen and adherence, as key attributes impacting functional impairment and work contributions of PWSHA. Early prophylactic intervention and greater adherence to therapy may lead to lower AI and WPL in PWSHA.
A decision aid to support family carers of people living with dementia towards the end‐of‐life: Coproduction process, outcome and reflections
Authors: Davies Nathan , Sampson Elizabeth L. , West Emily , DeSouza Tanisha , Manthorpe Jill , Moore Kirsten , Walters Kate , Dening Karen Harrison , Ward Jane , Rait Greta
Published: July 2021

Background

Family carers of people living with dementia often need support with making decisions about care. Many find end‐of‐life care decisions particularly difficult. The aim of this article is to present an evidence‐ and theoretical‐based process for developing a decision aid to support family carers of people with dementia towards the end‐of‐life.

Methods

Following a systematic process, we developed a decision aid using coproduction methods and matrices to synthesize data from a systematic review and qualitative interviews with people living with dementia and family carers. Data were presented to coproduction workshops of people living with dementia, family carers, practitioners and professionals. Development was guided by the Ottawa Decision Support Framework and a modified Interprofessional Shared Decision‐Making model.

Results

The decision aid covers four decision areas: (1) changes in care; (2) eating and drinking difficulties; (3) everyday well‐being; and (4) healthcare, tests and medication. We present an interactive decision aid, using a variety of approaches including written text, Frequently Asked Questions, top tips and illustrative quotes from people living with dementia and family carers.

Conclusion

This is the first decision aid that focusses on multiple decisions towards the end‐of‐life in dementia care. The process offers a template for others to develop decision aids or similar interventions, and how to include people living with dementia in coproduction.

Patient or Public Contribution

Family carers provided feedback on data collection, data analysis and the decision aid, and one is a coauthor. People living with dementia and family carers were integral to the coproduction workshops.
Research‐ and health‐related youth advisory groups in Canada: An environmental scan with stakeholder interviews
Authors: Chan Michelle , Scott Shannon D. , Campbell Alyson , Elliott Sarah A. , Brooks Hannah , Hartling Lisa
Published: July 2021

Background

Engaging youth throughout the research process improves research quality and outcomes. Youth advisory groups provide one way for youth to express their opinions on relevant issues.

Objective

This study aimed to identify research‐ and health‐related youth advisory groups (‘groups’) in Canada and understand the best practices of these groups.

Methods

Google searches and supplementary methods were used to identify relevant groups in Canada. Group information was extracted from websites or through interviews with key informants.

Results

We identified 40 groups. Groups were commonly part of a hospital/healthcare facility, nonprofit/health organization or research group. The majority focused on a specific content area, most commonly, mental health. Over half the groups advised on health services. Members' ages ranged from 9 to 35 years. The number of members ranged from 5 to 130. Interviews (n = 12) identified seven categories relating to group practices: (a) group purpose/objectives, (b) group development, (c) group operations, (d) group structure, (e) adult involvement, (f) membership and recruitment and (g) group access. Challenges and facilitators to the success of groups were described within the following themes: (a) retaining engagement, (b) creating a safe environment and (c) putting youth in positions of influence. Advice and recommendations were provided regarding the development of a new group.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of research‐ and health‐related youth advisory groups in Canada. This information can be used to identify groups that stakeholders could access as well as inform the development of a new group.

Patient or Public Contribution

Youth advisory group representatives were interviewed as part of the study.
Nicotine in electronic cigarette fluid: importation pathways to unequal harm
Authors: Morgan Jody , Jones Alison , Kelso Celine
Published: July 2021

The Australian Government recently walked away from changes to the importation of nicotine‐containing electronic cigarette fluids, originally due to come into force on 1 January 2021. Additionally, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is in the process of rescheduling nicotine for use in e‐fluids. We are concerned that the 270 000 daily vapers in Australia will purchase high concentrations of nicotine (≥100 mg/mL) for mixing with nicotine‐free locally purchased e‐fluids, which is a pathway of increased relative harm. We would like to see regulation of these products to limit the maximum concentration of nicotine, ensure appropriate child‐resistant containers and compulsory labelling for all nicotine‐containing e‐fluid bottles.
Monolithic ZrB2‐based UHTCs using polymer‐derived Si(Zr,B)CN as sintering aid
Authors: Feng Bo , Fetzer Ann‐Katrin , Ulrich Anke Silvia , Christian Galetz Mathias , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Ionescu Emanuel
Published: July 2021

In the present work, dense ZrB2‐based monoliths were produced via hot‐pressing of ZrB2 powders coated with amorphous polymer‐derived SiCN, SiZrCN, or SiZrBCN at relatively moderate temperatures (i.e., 1800℃). Thus, ZrB2 particles were embedded in polymer‐derived ceramic shell were realized by coating their surface with the corresponding polymeric precursors (polysilazane, Zr‐modified polysilazane, Zr‐ and B‐modified polysilazane, as for SiCN, SiZrCN, and SiZrBCN; respectively), followed by cross‐linking at 200℃ and pyrolysis at 1100℃ in Ar atmosphere. The obtained monolithic samples were carefully characterized concerning their phase composition and microstructure. Typically, the densified samples exhibit a homogeneous microstructure consisting of ZrB2 grains and a multi‐phasic polymer‐derived ceramic grain boundary phase (β‐SiC, t‐BCN, ZrO2, and ZrC). The prepared monoliths exhibited fair hardness values, that is, 12.5, 14.2, and 13.3 GPa for ZrB2/SiCN, ZrB2/SiZrCN, and ZrB2/SiZrBCN.