bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged time of after-sensation after experimental pain stimuli despite efficient conditioned pain modulation in patients with chronic neuropathic pain after traumatic nerve injuries in upper extremity
Authors: Miclescu Adriana , Essemark Marie , Astermark Mathias , Gkatziani Panagiota , Straatmann Antje , Butler Stephen , Karlsten Rolf , Gordh Torsten
Published: March 2021

Background:

As yet, there is limited research that can identify factors that differentiate between painful and nonpainful neuropathies after traumatic nerve injury. The aim of this study was to compare subjects with pain and without pain, all after operative nerve repair in the upper extremities.

Methods:

Subjects in both groups (pain, n = 69; painless, n = 62) underwent clinical assessment of sensory nerve function and psychophysical tests: quantitative sensory testing and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). Conditioned pain modulation was assessed by pain ratings to 120 seconds pressure stimuli administered before and after a 60 seconds noxious 4°C cold conditioning stimulus (CS). Time of recovery (time off) of pain intensity from peak VASmaxc after CS was recorded. Questionnaires about the quality of life (RAND-36) and disability of the extremity (QuickDash) were completed.

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups for CPM (P = 0.19). Time off was 42 seconds in subjects with pain in comparison with 28 seconds in those without pain (P < 0.0001). Compared with individuals reporting no pain, participants with neuropathic pain after nerve injuries had 1.8 times the odds of recovering later after CS, gain of function findings at sensory examination (P < 0.0001), lower scores of the physical component of RAND-36 (P < 0.0001), and increase arm disability (P < 0.0001). Hyperesthesia to cold pain stimulation (P = 0.03) and lowered pain pressure threshold (P = 0.01) were found in the pain group.

Conclusion:

Recovery after the pain induced by cold CS indicates changes in central processing of pain and provides a potential measurement of endogenous pain modulation in individuals with chronic neuropathic pain.
The Psychosocial Impact of Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease on Patient Health and Well-Being
Authors: Siegel Caroline H. , Kleinman Juliette , Barbhaiya Medha , Sevim Ecem , Vega JoAnn , Mancuso Carol A. , Lockshin Michael D. , Sammaritano Lisa R.
Published: March 2021

Background/Objective

Despite increased awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), there is little research on related psychosocial factors. This cross-sectional study qualitatively assesses the psychosocial impact of UCTD on patient health and well-being.

Methods

We identified 20 adult patients with UCTD enrolled in the UCTD and Overlap Registry at our tertiary care level hospital. A licensed clinical social worker administered a 30-minute semistructured interview by telephone. The standardized questionnaire consisted of 14 open-ended questions on UCTD. A team of physicians, research coordinators, and a social worker used grounded theory to analyze the qualitative data and identify themes.

Results

Among 14/20 study participants (100% female; mean age, 53.6 ± 13.2 years [range, 27–74 years]), all had at least an associate's/bachelor's degree; 9 (64%) were White. The mean disease duration was 14.5 ± 13.5 years (range, 0.5–44 years). Nine study participants (64%) were engaged in counseling or mindfulness training. Ten specific psychosocial themes and categories emerged, including the need for professional guidance and peer and family support to increase awareness, reduce isolation, and promote self-efficacy.

Conclusions

Emerging themes from semistructured interviews of women with UCTD at a major academic center suggest the need for psychosocial interventions (e.g., patient support groups, educational materials, peer counselors) to help UCTD patients manage and cope with their illness. Future studies evaluating the psychosocial impact of UCTD diagnosis on diverse cohorts are needed.
Medical Student Ultrasound Education
Authors: Sohaey Roya , Di Salvo Donald N. , Bluth Edward I. , Lockhart Mark E. , Cohen Harris L. , Pellerito John S. , Baltarowich Oksana H. , Nisenbaum Harvey L. , Coleman Beverly G.
Published: March 2021

To assess the radiology department chairs’ opinions concerning current status and plans for teaching ultrasound to medical students, the American College Taskforce on Radiology Ultrasound Education, commissioned by the American College of Radiology, distributed a survey to 142 radiology chairs and a medical school dean subgroup.

The response rate was 30% (42/142), and 76% indicated ultrasound was currently part of the medical student curriculum. In preclinical years, radiology involvement was only 6.4%. During clinical years, radiology led ultrasound education with 51.7% in general and 82.9% in elective rotations. Regarding actual content, top 4 results were evenly distributed between learning hands-on scanning (81.1%), diagnostic use of ultrasound (75.7%), anatomy/pathology (75.7%), and ultrasound guidance for procedures (54.0%). Educational leaders in preclinical courses were emergency medicine (72.7%) followed by radiology (45.4%) physicians. During clinical years, leaders were radiology (52.6%) and emergency medicine (47.4%) physicians. Most chairs stated that knowledge of diagnostic ultrasound should be mandatory (76.2%), stressing the importance of teaching the diagnostic capabilities and uses of ultrasound as the primary goal (78.8%). Perceived barriers to implementation were evenly distributed between lack of space in the curriculum (55.6%), lack of faculty (48.2%), lack of resources (44.4%), and lack of institutional support (40.7%). The American College Taskforce on Radiology Ultrasound Education survey shows that radiology's role in ultrasound undergraduate education occurs almost exclusively during clinical years, and the chairs voice a desire to improve upon this role. Barriers include both intradepartmental (faculty and resources) and institutional (curricular) factors.
Random Controlled Trial of Sham Electroconvulsive Therapy and Other Novel Therapies
Authors: Fink Max
Published: March 2021

Critics of electroconvulsive therapy argue that the treatment's efficacy is unproven by random controlled trial comparisons with sham treatments. Their reviews fail to consider sham and random controlled trial studies completed in 1950s, the data republished here.
Comparative analysis of codon usage patterns in SARS-CoV-2, its mutants and other respiratory viruses
Authors: Tyagi Neetu , Sardar Rahila , Gupta Dinesh
Published: March 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) poses a worldwide human health crisis, causing respiratory illness with a high mortality rate. To investigate the factors governing codon usage bias in all the respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 isolates from different geographical locations (~62K), including two recently emerging strains from the United Kingdom (UK), i.e., VUI202012/01 and South Africa (SA), i.e., 501.Y.V2 codon usage bias (CUBs) analysis was performed. The analysis includes RSCU analysis, GC content calculation, ENC analysis, dinucleotide frequency and neutrality plot analysis. We were motivated to conduct the study to fulfil two primary aims: first, to identify the difference in codon usage bias amongst all SARS-CoV-2 genomes and, secondly, to compare their CUBs properties with other respiratory viruses. A biased nucleotide composition was found as most of the highly preferred codons were A/U-ending in all the respiratory viruses studied here. Compared with the human host, the RSCU analysis led to the identification of 11 over-represented codons and 9 under-represented codons in SARS-CoV-2 genomes. Correlation analysis of ENC and GC3s revealed that mutational pressure is the leading force determining the CUBs. The present study results yield a better understanding of codon usage preferences for SARS-CoV-2 genomes and discover the possible evolutionary determinants responsible for the biases found among the respiratory viruses, thus unveils a unique feature of the SARS-CoV-2 evolution and adaptation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt at comparative CUBs analysis on the worldwide genomes of SARS-CoV-2, including novel emerged strains and other respiratory viruses.
What actually do Syrian migrant women’s health practices tell us? A qualitative interpretive synthesis from Turkey
Authors: Aslan Funda
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The present qualitative interpretive synthesis (QIS) aimed to re-interpret and understand in detail the findings of the studies related to the health practices of Syrian migrant women living in Turkey.

Design/methodology/approach

İn this study, the QIS method was used. Three articles were included in the present QIS study from the five electronic databases.

Findings

Present QIS has once and again emphasized that Syrian immigrant women have health problems, yet face problems accessing health-care services. While the women suffer from various health problems and have health care needs such as pregnancy or maternity, they give priority to the needs of their children and other family members and often postpone taking care of themselves. The most important finding was that migrant women do not want to give up on their cultural teachings.

Research limitations/implications

There were only a limited number of studies available for review that fit into the inclusion criteria; the low sample sizes across the included studies posed additional limitations. Despite these limitations, these findings suggest important implications, indicating the migrant women’s health practices from a systemic perspective.

Social implications

All these issues and concerns should be addressed with empathy for developing sustainable health policies and nurturing healthy future generations in Turkey.

Originality/value

This study is the first study that used the QIS approach to understand and re-interpret qualitative studies findings. Then, this study also emphasized the necessity of looking at the health of migrant women’s health from different perspectives.
Students’ perceptions of service quality in Saudi universities: the SERVPERF model
Authors: Sohail M. Sadiq , Hasan Mehedi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of service quality on student’s satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical research, the study identified previously validated scales of service quality and student satisfaction. Using the SERVPERF scale, data were collected from 279 students studying in public and private universities across Saudi Arabia. The model fit of the scale was assessed to ensure that the data produced accurate outcomes. Structural equation modelling was used to test the effects of independent variables on dependent variables.

Findings

The results suggest that four of the five dimensions of service quality, namely, tangibility, reliability, responsiveness and assurance had a significant effect on students’ satisfaction. Empathy was not found to contribute to student satisfaction. The findings broaden and deepen our understanding of how the dimensions of service quality reinforce students’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Future research can also incorporate in the model other variables, academic and non-academic, related to student satisfaction.

Practical implications

The results have useful implications for decision-makers in higher education institutions who strive to enhance students’ satisfaction and increase the quality of higher education programmes, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in general.

Originality/value

This study uses the SERVPERF scale, which is empirically superior to the SERVQUAL scale for measuring student satisfaction.
Mosaic metabolic ageing: Basal and standard metabolic rates age in opposite directions and independent of environmental quality, sex and life span in a passerine
Authors: Briga Michael , Verhulst Simon
Published: March 2021

Crucial to our understanding of the ageing process is identifying how traits change with age, which variables alter their ageing process and how these traits associate with fitness.

Here we investigated metabolic ageing in outdoor‐living captive zebra finches experiencing foraging costs. We longitudinally monitored 407 individuals over 6 years and collected 3,213 measurements of two independent mass‐adjusted metabolic traits: basal metabolic rate (BMRm) at thermoneutral temperatures and standard metabolic rate (SMRm), measured as BMRmbut at ambient temperatures below thermoneutrality.

We define mosaic or asynchronous ageing as the difference in standardized absolute ageing rates between traits, and we estimate the degree of asynchrony using the within‐individual correlation of change in trait values with age.

BMRmdecreasedlinearly with age, consistent with earlier reports. In contrast, SMRmincreasedlinearly with age. The absolute standardized change with age was significantly faster for BMRmcompared to SMRm,and the within‐individual correlation of age related change was negligible. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantification of SMRmageing, and the finding that SMRmand BMRmage in opposite directions.

Neither metabolic rate nor metabolic ageing rate were associated with variation in life span between individuals. Moreover, experimental manipulations of environmental quality that decreased BMRmand SMRmand shortened life span by 6 months (12%) did not affect the ageing of either metabolic trait. Females lived 2 months (4%) shorter than males, but none of the metabolic traits showed sex‐specific differences at any age.

Our findings indicate, in contrast to the current view, that baseline energy requirements increase with age, because animals do not generally live in thermoneutral conditions, and illustrate the importance of studying the ageing phenotype in an ecologically realistic setting.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Observation and theoretical calibration of the fluid flow mechanism of artificial porous rocks with various size fractures
Authors: Ding Pinbo , Wei Jianxin , Di Bangrang , Li Xiang‐Yang , Zeng Lianbo
Published: March 2021

Fractures usually spread over various scales and strongly influence velocity and anisotropy. We investigate elastic velocity and anisotropy in rocks with fractures of different sizes. Based on synthetic rocks with controlled fracture geometries, we create a set of rocks with fracture diameter of 2, 3 and 4 mm and the fracture thickness is 0.06 mm. P‐ and S‐wave velocities are measured at 0.1 MHz, while the rocks are saturated with water and air. For a fixed measurement frequency (0.1 MHz), velocities are higher in rocks with larger fractures, while anisotropy is higher in rocks with smaller fractures, even for the same fracture density. These phenomena are associated with the wave‐induced fluid flow process. Some novel effective medium theories are adopted to calibrate with the laboratory data and analyse the anisotropy affected by the fluid flow mechanism and fracture size. The results of our study demonstrate the significant effects of fracture scale on wave responses by effective medium theories in different ways. We suggest that these scale effects should be of considerable concern in some disciplines (e.g. shear wave splitting in earth's crust and hydraulic fracture monitoring with microseismic data). Considering the scale effects of fractures, the accuracy during these investigations would be improved.
Curse or blessing: how does natural resource dependence affect city‐level economic development in China?
Authors: Xie Xuan , Li Ke , Liu Zhiqiang , Ai Hongshan
Published: March 2021

Based on the ‘resource curse’ theory, this study uses panel data for 256 prefecture‐level cities in China from 2003 to 2016 to test the relationship and mechanism between natural resource dependence and economic development. The panel model and instrumental variable regression results show that natural resources generally promote economic development, but for 109 resource‐based cities, the influence of natural resources on economic development seems quite different. The panel threshold model shows that in the resource‐based cities, (i) resources have a ‘blessing effect’ on economic development during economic prosperity (GDP growth rate is greater than 12.1 per cent); (ii) the relationship is not statistically significant when the GDP growth rate is between 5 per cent and 12.1 per cent; and (iii) when the GDP growth rate is lower than 5 per cent, natural resources have a ‘curse effect’ on economic development. Furthermore, the results of the mediation effect model show that the mediation effect of industrial diversification on the relationship between resource dependence and economic development suppresses the promotion of natural resource on economy. An excessive concentration of resource industries has a crowding‐out effect on non‐resource industries in resource‐based cities, which reduces the level of industrial diversification and is not conducive to economic development.
Effect of sonication conditions: Time, temperature and amplitude on physicochemical, textural and sensory properties of yoghurt
Authors: Kenari Reza Esmaeilzadeh , Razavi Razie
Published: March 2021

The influence of sonication conditions (amplitude of ultrasound probe = 50, and 75%, time = 5, 10 and 15 min and temperature = 45, 55 and 65 ºC) on the properties of yoghurt was investigated. The apparent viscosity, hardness and lightness increased when sonication time, temperature and amplitude increased. At 75% of amplitude, the pH, syneresis and flavour decreased but acidity, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, redness, yellowness and overall acceptance increased. As the sonication temperature increased, acidity, syneresis, adhesiveness and yellowness decreased. Based on the physicochemical and sensorial results, sonication at 55 °C, 10 min and 75% of amplitude, effectively improved the properties of yoghurt.
Bilateral multifocality, a marker for aggressive disease, is not an independent prognostic factor for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yan Ting , Qiu Wangwang , Song Jianlu , Ying Tao , Fan Youben , Yang Zhili
Published: March 2021

Context

Multifocality and bilaterality are common in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). However, their clinical behaviours and prognostic implications remain controversial.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between multifocality and classically aggressive characteristics and outcomes in patients with PTMC.

Methods

Clinical data of 3005 patients with PTMC were retrospectively reviewed at a tertiary medical centre. The role of unilateral and bilateral multifocality in aggressive characteristics and clinical outcomes of PTMC was evaluated using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

A total of 573 patients had bilateral multifocal disease (B‐MFD), 272 had unilateral multifocal disease (U‐MFD), and 2160 had unifocal disease (UFD). Univariate analysis showed that patients in the multifocal disease (MFD) groups showed significantly different characteristics compared to patients in the UFD group in terms of age, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT), follicular variant PTMC, tumour diameter, aggressive growth, including extrathyroidal extension (ETE), central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM), and TNM stage, and underwent radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Further stratified analysis revealed that patients in the B‐MFD group reflected the differences between the MFD and UFD groups. However, those in the U‐MFD group showed slight differences only in sex, CLT and cell subtypes, compared to the UFD group. In addition, PSM indicated differences in ETE, CLNM and LLNM between the B‐MFD and UFD groups (p < .001), while only ETE differed between the U‐MFD and UFD groups (p < .001). After a median follow‐up period of 60 months, no difference was observed in recurrence‐free survival between the UFD and B‐MFD (p = .294) or U‐MFD (p = .603) groups using PSM.

Conclusion

This propensity score matching analysis provides strong evidence that bilateral multifocality, rather than unilateral multifocality, should be considered as an aggressive marker at presentation, and neither is an independent prognostic factor for clinical outcome in PTMC.
Experimental evolution on heat tolerance and thermal performance curves under contrasting thermal selection in Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Mesas Andrés , Jaramillo Angélica , Castañeda Luis E.
Published: March 2021

Ectotherms can respond to global warming via evolutionary change of their upper thermal limits (CTmax). Thus, the estimation of CTmax and its evolutionary potential is crucial to determine their vulnerability to global warming. However, CTmax estimations depend on the thermal stress intensity, and it is not completely clear whether its evolutionary capacity can be affected. Here, we performed an artificial selection experiment to increase heat tolerance using fast‐ and slow‐ramping selection protocols in Drosophila subobscura. We found that heat tolerance evolved in both selection protocols, exhibiting similar evolutionary change rates and realized heritabilities. Additionally, we estimated the thermal performance curves (TPC) to evaluate correlated responses to selection on heat tolerance. We detected that thermal optimum increased in fast‐ramping selection lines, but with a cost at the thermal performance breadth. Conversely, we did not detect changes in the TPC for the slow‐ramping selection lines, indicating that thermal stress intensity has important effects on the evolution of thermal physiology of ectotherms. These findings, together with previous studies in D. subobscura reporting interpopulation variability and significant heritabilities for heat tolerance, suggest that evolutionary change can contribute to insect persistence in thermally changing environments and adaptation to global warming conditions.
Lu–Hf garnet dating and the timing of collisions: Palaeoproterozoic accretionary tectonics revealed in the Southeastern Churchill Province, Trans‐Hudson Orogen, Canada
Authors: Godet Antoine , Guilmette Carl , Labrousse Loic , Smit Matthijs A. , Cutts Jamie A. , Davis Donald W. , Vanier Marc‐Antoine
Published: March 2021

Dating the onset of continental collision is fundamental in defining orogenic cycles and their effects on regional tectonics and geodynamic processes through time. Part of the Palaeoproterozoic Trans‐Hudson Orogen, the Southeastern Churchill Province (SECP) is interpreted to result from the amalgamation of Archean to Palaeoproterozoic crustal blocks (amalgamated as the central Core Zone) that diachronically collided with the margins of the North Atlantic and Superior cratons, resulting in two bounding transpressive orogens: the Torngat and New Quebec Orogens. The SECP exposes mainly gneissic middle to lower orogenic crust in which deformation and amphibolite to granulite facies metamorphism and anatexis overprinted the early geological features classically used to constrain the timing of collisional events. To enable improved tectonic models for the development of the SECP, and the Trans‐Hudson as a whole, we investigated granulite facies supracrustal sequences from the Tasiuyak Complex (TC) accretionary prism and the western margin of the North Atlantic Craton—that is, Saglek Block (upper plate)—using a multi‐chronometer approach coupled with trace element geochemistry. In particular, the use of garnet Lu–Hf geochronology provides an important minimal time constraint for crustal thickening and collision. Garnet growth in the TC is constrained at 1885 ± 12 Ma (Lu–Hf), indistinguishable from U–Pb age of prograde monazite at 1873 ± 5 Ma. Zircon growth during melt crystallization occurred at 1848 ± 12 Ma. Garnet from the overriding Saglek Block is dated at 2567 ± 4.4 Ma (Lu–Hf) and indicates that gneissic rocks from the upper plate did not record the metamorphic imprint of the Torngat Orogeny. The diachronicity of the integrated metamorphic record across the strike of the SECP is explained by the location of terrane boundaries, consistent with the westward growth of the Churchill plate margin through sequential amalgamation of narrow crustal blocks during accretionary tectonics from c. 1.9 to 1.8 Ga.
A remarkable group of thick‐headed Triassic Period archosauromorphs with a wide, possibly Pangean distribution
Authors: Nesbitt Sterling J. , Stocker Michelle R. , Chatterjee Sankar , Horner John R. , Goodwin Mark B.
Published: March 2021

The radiation of archosauromorph reptiles in the Triassic Period produced an unprecedented collection of diverse and disparate forms with a mix of varied ecologies and body sizes. Some of these forms were completely unique to the Triassic, whereas others were converged on by later members of Archosauromorpha. One of the most striking examples of this is with Triopticus primus, the early dome‐headed form later mimicked by pachycephalosaurid dinosaurs. Here we fully describe the cranial anatomy of Triopticus primus, but also recognize a second dome‐headed form from a Upper Triassic deposit in present‐day India. The new taxon, Kranosaura kuttyi gen. et sp. nov., is likely the sister taxon of Triopticus primus based on the presence of a greatly expanded skull roof with a deep dorsal opening (possibly the pineal opening) through the dome, similar cranial sculpturing, and a skull table that is expanded more posterior than the posterior extent of the basioccipital. However, the dome of Kranosaura kuttyi gen. et sp. nov. extends anterodorsally, unlike that of any other archosauromorph. Histological sections and computed tomographic reconstructions through the skull of Kranosaura kuttyi gen. et sp. nov. further reveal the uniqueness of the dome of these early archosauromorphs. Moreover, our integrated analysis further demonstrates that there are many ways to create a dome in Amniota. The presence of ‘dome‐headed’ archosauromorphs at two localities on the western and eastern portions of Pangea suggests that these archosauromorphs were widespread and are likely part of more assemblages than currently recognized.
Division of Baby Care in Heterosexual and Lesbian Parents: Expectations Versus Reality
Authors: Ascigil Esra , Wardecker Britney M. , Chopik William J. , Edelstein Robin S.
Published: March 2021

Objective

We examined the extent to which prenatal expectations matched postpartum reality, and the implications of expectancy violation for relationship quality at postpartum, among heterosexual and lesbian couples transitioning to parenthood.

Background

During the transition to parenthood, soon‐to‐be parents form expectations about how their lives will change after their baby is born; however, these expectations may not match reality.

Method

We longitudinally examined (a) expectancy violation in division of baby care among 47 heterosexual and lesbian couples transitioning to first‐time parenthood (total N = 94 participants) and (b) the associations between expectancy violation and relationship quality at 3 and 10‐months postpartum.

Results

We found that expectations matched reality for lesbian couples, but not for heterosexual couples: Heterosexual mothers did more baby care than they expected, and fathers did less. Heterosexual birth mothers were less satisfied when they did more baby care than they expected, whereas fathers were both less satisfied and less invested in their relationship when they did more baby care than they expected. In contrast, for lesbian birth mothers and nonbirth mothers, doing more baby care than anticipated was not associated with postpartum relationship quality. These results remained even after controlling for prenatal relationship quality and timing of postpartum assessments.

Conclusion

The extent to which prenatal expectations match postpartum reality, and the outcomes of expectancy violation, may be different for heterosexual and lesbian couples.
Current knowledge and future perspectives of the use of seaweeds for livestock production and meat quality: a systematic review
Authors: Costa Mónica , Cardoso Carlos , Afonso Cláudia , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Prates José A. M.
Published: March 2021

The effects of dietary macroalgae, or seaweeds, on growth performance and meat quality of livestock animal species are here reviewed. Macroalgae are classified into Phaeophyceae (brown algae), Rhodophyceae (red algae) and Chlorophyceae (green algae). The most common macroalga genera used as livestock feedstuffs are: Ascophyllum, Laminaria and Undaria for brown algae; Ulva, Codium and Cladophora for green algae; and Pyropia, Chondrus and Palmaria for red algae. Macroalgae are rich in many nutrients, including bioactive compounds, such as soluble polysaccharides, with some species being good sources of n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. To date, the incorporation of macroalgae in livestock animal diets was shown to improve growth and meat quality, depending on the alga species, dietary level and animal growth stage. Generally, Ascophyllum nodosum can increase average daily gain (ADG) in ruminant and pig mostly due to its prebiotic activity in animal's gut. A. nodosum also enhances marbling score, colour uniformity and redness, and can decrease saturated fatty acids in ruminant meats. Laminaria sp., mainly Laminaria digitata, increases ADG and feed efficiency, and improves the antioxidant potential of pork. Ulva sp., and its mixture with Codium sp., was shown to improve poultry growth at up to 10% feed. Therefore, seaweeds are promising sustainable alternatives to corn and soybean as feed ingredients, thus attenuating the current competition among food‐feed‐biofuel industries. In addition, macroalgae can hinder eutrophication and participate in bioremediation. However, some challenges need to be overcome, such as the development of large‐scale and cost‐effective algae production methods and the improvement of algae digestibility by monogastric animals. The dietary inclusion of Carbohydrate‐Active enZymes (CAZymes) could allow for the degradation of recalcitrant macroalga cell walls, with an increase of nutrients bioavailability. Overall, the use of macroalgae as feedstuffs is a promising strategy for the development of a more sustainable livestock production.
ZNF718, HOXA4, and ZFP57 are differentially methylated in periodontitis in comparison with periodontal health: Epigenome‐wide DNA methylation pilot study
Authors: Hernández Hernán G. , Hernández‐Castañeda Anne A. , Pieschacón Maria P. , Arboleda Humberto
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the differences in the epigenomic patterns of DNA methylation in peripheral leukocytes between patients with periodontitis and gingivally healthy controls evaluating its functional meaning by functional enrichment analysis.

Background

The DNA methylation profiling of peripheral leukocytes as immune‐related tissue potentially relevant as a source of biomarkers between periodontitis patients and gingivally healthy subjects has not been investigated.

Methods

A DNA methylation epigenome‐wide study of peripheral leukocytes was conducted using the Illumina MethylationEPIC platform in sixteen subjects, eight diagnosed with periodontitis patients and eight age‐matched and sex‐matched periodontally healthy controls. A trained periodontist performed the clinical evaluation. Global DNA methylation was estimated using methylation‐sensitive high‐resolution melting in LINE1. Routine cell count cytometry and metabolic laboratory tests were also performed. The analysis of differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was made using R/Bioconductor environment considering leukocyte populations assessed in both routine cell counts and using the FlowSorted.Blood.EPIC package. Finally, a DMP and DMR intersection analysis was performed. Functional enrichment analysis was carried out with the differentially methylated genes found in DMP.

Results

DMP analysis identified 81 differentially hypermethylated genes and 21 differentially hypomethylated genes. Importantly, the intersection analysis showed that zinc finger protein 718 (ZNF718) and homeobox A4 (HOXA4) were differentially hypermethylated and zinc finger protein 57 (ZFP57) was differentially hypomethylated in periodontitis. The functional enrichment analysis found clearly immune‐related ontologies such as “detection of bacterium” and “antigen processing and presentation.”

Conclusion

The results of this study propose three new periodontitis‐related genes: ZNF718, HOXA4, and ZFP57 but also evidence the suitability and relevance of studying leukocytes’ DNA methylome for biological interpretation of systemic immune‐related epigenetic patterns in periodontitis.
Chinese herbal medicine versus antispasmodics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Min , Qin Di , Huang Shi‐Le , Tang Tai‐Chun , Zheng Hui
Published: March 2021

Background

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is gaining popularity in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Although its efficacy was shown in recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), it is rarely compared with antispasmodics to confirm its effectiveness. We aimed to resolve this uncertainty through a network meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched for RCTs that compared CHM or antispasmodics with placebo or one of them in the treatment of IBS. The primary outcomes were adequate relief of global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain. The data were pooled using a random‐effects model. The effect size measure was pooled relative risk (RR), and treatments were ranked according to their P‐scores.

Key Results

We included 57 RCTs (n = 8869). After completion of treatment, drotaverine, individual CHM, otilonium, cimetropium, standard CHM, and pinaverium were efficacious in adequate relief of global IBS symptoms, and drotaverine ranked the first (RR, 2.33 [95% CI, 1.31–4.14], P‐score =0.91); no difference was found between these treatments. After completion of treatment, drotaverine, standard CHM, pinaverium, and individual CHM were efficacious in abdominal pain, and drotaverine ranked the first (RR, 2.71 [95% CI, 1.69–4.36], P‐score =0.91); no difference was found between these treatments. Standard CHM had significantly more adverse events than placebo (RR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.12–2.94]) and other treatments.

Conclusions

CHM and antispasmodics were efficacious for improvement of global IBS symptoms and abdominal pain. The adverse events of CHM were higher than antispasmodics; however, the heterogeneity of CHM formulas and the very low quality of the evidence warrants further investigation.
A novel Arabidopsis gene RGAT1 is required for GA‐mediated tapetum and pollen development
Authors: Qian Qian , Yang Yuhua , Zhang Wenbin , Hu Yilong , Li Yuge , Yu Hao , Hou Xingliang
Published: March 2021

The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) is critical for anther development. RGA, a member of the DELLA family of proteins that are central GA signalling repressors, is a key regulator of male fertility in plants. However, the downstream genes in GA–RGA‐mediated anther development remain to be characterised.

We identified RGA Target 1 (RGAT1), a novel Arabidopsis gene, that functions as an important RGA‐regulated target in pollen development. RGAT1 is predominantly expressed in the tapetum and microspores during anther stages 8–11, and can be directly activated by RGA and suppressed by GA in inflorescence apices.

Both loss of function and gain of function of RGAT1 led to abnormal tapetum development, resulting in abortive pollen and short siliques. In RGAT1‐knockdown and overexpression lines, pollen abortion occurred at stage 10. Loss of RGAT1 function induced the premature degeneration of tapetal cells with defective ER‐derived tapetosomes, while RGAT1 overexpression delayed tapetum degeneration. TUNEL assay confirmed that RGAT1 participates in timely tapetal programmed cell death. Moreover, reducing RGAT1 expression partially rescued the tapetal developmental defects in GA‐deficient ga1‐3 mutant.

Our findings revealed that RGAT1 is a direct target of RGA and plays an essential role in GA‐mediated tapetum and pollen development.
The politics of FinTech: Technology, regulation, and disruption in UK and German retail banking
Authors: Hodson Dermot
Published: March 2021

Recent studies suggest that Uber and other tech start‐ups disrupt markets through regulatory entrepreneurship. This practice describes how such companies operate outside of regulation or in legal gray areas before mobilizing their customers in support of regulatory change. Financial technology (FinTech) is sometimes called the “Uber of banking,” but banking reveals different political dynamics than the car‐for‐hire sector. Exploring the rise of online‐only banks in the UK and Germany, this article finds that start‐ups such as Starling, Monzo, and N26 challenged incumbents without breaking or remaking regulation. The regulatory entrepreneurship approach, which sees FinTech as a difficult case, and the state world of regulatory innovation, which views policy‐makers as seizing the opportunity created by new technology to reassess their relationship with incumbents, help to explain these findings. Its conclusions have relevance for wider debates about the governance of health care and legal services and the politics of disruption more generally.
Clues on an intraspecific communication system in seed‐seedling transition
Authors: Ribeiro‐Oliveira João Paulo , Silveira Lilian E. D. , Pinto Lilian V. A. , Silva Edvaldo A. A. , Hilhorst Henk W. M.
Published: March 2021

How much interactivity is in a seed‐seedling transition system? We hypothesize that seed‐seed, seed‐seedling, and seedling‐seedling interactions can drive the early plant development in artificial growth systems directly due to mutual stimulation phenomena. To test the hypothesis, we performed seed germination measurements, gene expression in germination sensu stricto, water dynamics in germinating seeds, and information theory. For a biological model, we used Solanum lycocarpum A. St.‐Hil. seeds. This is a neotropical species with high intraspecific variability in the seed sample. Our findings demonstrate that the dynamic and transient seed‐seedling transition system is influenced by the number of individuals (seed or seedling) in the artificial system. In addition, we also discuss that: (1) the information entropy enables the quantification of system disturbance relative to individuals at the same physiological stage (seed‐seed or seedling‐seedling), which may be determinant for embryo growth during germination and (2) the intraspecific communication in seed‐seedling transition systems formed by germinating seeds has the potential to alter the expression pattern of key genes for embryo development. Therefore, the phenomenon of mutual stimulation during the germination process can be an important aspect of seed‐seedling transition, especially in laboratory conditions.
Assessing the regulatory challenges of emerging disruptive technologies
Authors: Taeihagh Araz , Ramesh M , Howlett Michael
Published: March 2021

The past decade has witnessed the emergence of many technologies that have the potential to fundamentally alter our economic, social, and indeed personal lives. The problems they pose are in many ways unprecedented, posing serious challenges for policymakers. How should governments respond to the challenges given that the technologies are still evolving with unclear trajectories? Are there general principles that can be developed to design governance arrangements for these technologies? These are questions confronting policymakers around the world and it is the objective of this special issue to offer insights into answering them both in general and with respect to specific emerging disruptive technologies. Our objectives are to help better understand the regulatory challenges posed by disruptive technologies and to develop generalizable propositions for governments' responses to them.
Detecting and Determining the Characteristic Points on the Parametric Surface/Surface Intersection
Authors: Zeng Xianglin , Wang Qifu , Zhou Ji , Yu Jun
Published: March 2021

In this paper we present a new method for detecting and determining characteristic points on the surface/surface intersection while marching along the intersections. The initial interval which contains a potential characteristic point is first determined by certain criteria, then a numeric solution of the significant point is obtained by the binary subdivision method. Based on these ideas, a new marching algorithm is constructed, and it has been implemented in a surface modelling system (SurfCADM V1.0). Examples are also presented for illustrating the capability of our algorithm.
2-D Finite Element Analysis of Engineering Components
Authors: Garg Ajay
Published: March 2021

Design and analysis of engineering components can be categorized under the theory of continuum mechanics, plates/shells or beams. Closed form solutions for determining deformations and stresses are available for simple structures with simple boundary conditions. In the cases of complex structures, boundary conditions and loads, analytical solutions are not readily available. Finite element analysis (FEA) can be performed to resolve the simulation barrier of these analytically indeterminate structures. Similar to analytical approach, FEA can simulate the components through solid, plate/shell or beam elements. Finite element analysis through 3-D solid elements is costly and may require time in weeks, which may not be at the disposal of an analyst. Axi-symmetric components and components with an infinite radius of curvature (flat surfaces), but with complex cross sections can be modeled by 2-D axi-symmetric and plate elements, respectively. Two dimensional finite elements require less time and hardware support than three-dimensional elements. Two development cases of successful application of 2-D finite elements instead of 3-D finite elements are discussed. Experimental and analytical verification of FEA results, and guidelines for checking finite element mesh discretization error are presented.
Nonstationary Random Response of Laminated Composite Structures by a Hybrid Strain-Based Laminated Flat Triangular Shell Finite Element
Authors: To C. W. S. , Wang B.
Published: March 2021

The prediction and analysis of response of laminated composite shell structures under nonstationary random excitation is of considerable interest to design engineers in aerospace and automobile engineering fields. However, it seems that there is no known comprehensive published work on such an analysis that employs the versatile finite element method. Thus, the main focus of the investigation reported in this paper is the application of the hybrid strain-based laminated composite flat triangular shell finite element, that has been developed by the authors, for the analysis of laminated composite shell structures under a relatively wide class of nonstationary random excitations. Representative results of a simply-supported laminated composite cylindrical panel subjected to a point nonstationary random excitation are included.
FEMLIB: An Object-Oriented Framework for Optimization and Simulation
Authors: Tiller Michael M. , Dantzig Jonathan A.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we discuss the design of an object-oriented framework for simulation and optimization. Although oriented around high-level problem solving, the framework defines several classes of problems and includes concrete implementations of common algorithms for solving these problems. Simulations are run by combining these algorithms, as needed, for a particular problem. Included in this framework is the capability to compute the sensitivity of simulation results to the different simulation parameters (e.g. material properties, boundary conditions, etc). This sensitivity information is valuable in performing optimization because it allows the use of gradient-based optimization algorithms. Also included in the system are many useful abstractions and implementations related to the finite element method.
A Composite Overlapping Grid Method in Solid Mechanics
Authors: Cardew George E.
Published: March 2021

A preliminary study of the effectiveness of composite overlapping, patched grid methods has been carried out using the finite element research code ‘TOMECH’ [1]. These methods could be of particular value in situations where a fully connected mesh model is difficult to achieve or where enhanced accuracy is needed in a small sub-region of a model. The methodology required to achieve the data communication between the sub-grids and the base grid is adapted from multi-grid methods. This is a ‘Global-Local’ style approach in which a multi-grid style iterative correction is applied following the updating of the displacements on the sub-grid boundaries. The approach provides a feedback mechanism within the global-local cycle, updating the base grid solution and enabling a subsequent improved estimate to the sub-grid boundaries.

It is hoped that this study will ultimately facilitate very fine resolution, fully non-linear, damage predictions on adaptively created patched grids.
Development of a Computer-Aided Rapid Design Prototyping Facility for Engineering Education
Authors: Biswas Arunava , Kinzel Gary L.
Published: March 2021

A rapid design prototyping laboratory has been established at the Ohio State University. The purpose of the laboratory was to effectively bridge the gap between industry expectations and the students’ hands-on experience with the CAD/CAM process and develop and teach integrated CAD/CAM courses utilizing the facilities. The laboratory contains CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, an injection molding machine, and workstations running CAD/CAM software. The facility has been well integrated into the teaching program. This paper discusses the background and establishment, operation and utilization of this laboratory.
Feature-Based 3-D Sketching for Early Stage Design
Authors: Sturgill Malgorzata M. , Cohen Elaine , Riesenfeld Richard F.
Published: March 2021

During early stages of design, the mere presence of items, their relative positioning, and their interrelationships can be more significant than fine details, like exact dimensions, whether a hole is counterbored, or the exact cross-sectional shape of a groove. Most CAD systems have little, if any, support for this critical, incipient design stage, In addressing this economically compelling and highly leveraged area, we present an intuitive, feature-based approach to 3-D design which permits a complete first pass through the design-manufacturing cycle even before a detailed specification is complete. We report a functioning 3-D design front-end for a solid modeling system that has been used for fast intra-part and inter-part, visual, generalized feature specification, a frontend that is intimately connected to the system so that both visual and detailed design can be carried out concurrently on the same model to meet designer needs.

Hence, the design that is “captured” during the sketch and modify phase using this approach is fully usable for activities that traditionally require a fully detailed solid model, such as rendering, finite element and other analysis, assembly analysis, process planning, and manufacturing at this initial stage instead of the traditionally late stages.
Virtual Assembly Design Environment
Authors: Connacher Hugh I. , Jayaram Sankar , Lyons Kevin
Published: March 2021

Virtual reality is a technology which is often regarded as a natural extension to 3D computer graphics with advanced input and output devices. This technology has only recently matured enough to warrant serious engineering applications. The integration of this new technology with software systems for engineering, design and manufacturing will provide a new boost to the field of computer-aided engineering. One aspect of design and manufacturing which may be significantly affected by virtual reality is design for assembly. This paper presents the ideas behind a current research effort aimed at creating a virtual assembly design environment and integrating that environment with a commercial, parametric CAD system.