bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal obesity and its associated factors among older adults in Malaysia
Authors: Baharudin@Shaharuddin Azli , Abdul Aziz Nur Shahida , Ahmad Mohamad Hasnan , Manjit Singh Jayvikramjit Singh , Chan Ying Ying , Palaniveloo Lalitha , Kee Chee Cheong , Zulkafly Norlida , Ibrahim Wong Norazizah , Salleh Ruhaya , Selamat Rusidah
Published: December 2020

Aim

The rise in the prevalence of abdominal obesity (AO), in particular, has become a major concern as it contributes to diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and certain types of cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of AO among older adults aged ≥60 years in Malaysia.

Methods

This was a nationwide cross‐sectional study using two‐stage stratified random sampling. In total, 3977 older adults aged ≥60 years were involved in this study. Socio‐demography characteristics were obtained using self‐administered questionnaire. AO was measured using waist circumference and classified according to the cut‐off values of ≥90 cm for men and ≥80 cm for women based on the WHO recommendation. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis using a complex sample design were performed for data analysis.

Results

Our findings showed that 2371 (67.3%) older adults had AO. Older adults who were from urban areas (69.7%), of women (78.4%), married (66.7%), with tertiary education (73.6%) and unemployed (70.9%) had the highest prevalence of AO. Those from urban areas (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29), women (aOR = 3.12), unemployed (aOR = 1.14), diagnosed with hypertension (aOR = 1.56) and diabetes mellitus (aOR = 2.08) were also significantly associated with a higher risk of AO.

Conclusions

This study identified several risk factors that are associated with AO among older adults in Malaysia. Such information is important and needed to improve the healthcare system systematically, enable nutrition screening and appropriate intervention to combat the growing AO in Malaysia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 68–72.
Relationship between urinary incontinence and quality of life of older persons in Malaysia
Authors: Taufik Ramli Muhd H , Lodz Noor Aliza , Abdul Aziz Fazly Azry , Maw Pin Tan , Alias Nazirah , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Sahril Norhafizah , Kassim Mohd Shaiful Azlan , Mat Rifin Halizah , Muhammad Eida Nurhadzira
Published: December 2020

Aims

As the Malaysian population is aging rapidly, there is an urgent need for an effective management plan for healthy aging, to extend life expectancy and to improve quality of life (QoL). Urinary incontinence (UI), which is common in older persons, is often linked to reduced QoL. This study aimed to determine the effects of UI on QoL among older persons in Malaysia.

Methods

This study was based on data obtained from 3716 Malaysians aged ≥60 years as part of the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018. QoL was measured using the Control, Autonomy, Self‐realization and Pleasure 19‐item (CASP‐19) questionnaire. UI was measured using the Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID) score. Association between UI and QoL were examined using linear regression analysis, after controlling socio‐demographic variables and comorbidities.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of UI was 5.2%. By subtypes, the prevalence of stress UI and urge UI were both 2.0%, while that of mixed UI was 1.3%. The UI group rated their lives more negatively in all four domains of QoL compared with non‐UI group. Those who were incontinent had lower standardized scores on control and autonomy domains of CASP‐19 as well as total score. Results from linear regression analysis indicated that UI had a significantly negative impact on control and autonomy domains of QoL after controlling for socio‐demographic factors and comorbidities.

Conclusion

UI contributes to a significant reduction on QoL of older persons. Healthcare providers need to be sensitive in evaluating and discussing UI, particularly with their older patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 38–42.
A possible conceptualization of the information systems (IS) artifact: A general systems theory perspective1
Authors: Chatterjee Sutirtha , Sarker Suprateek , Lee Michael J. , Xiao Xiao , Elbanna Amany
Published: December 2020

This opinion paper addresses and contributes to the discourse on whether there is a central artifact that captures the essence of the information systems (IS) discipline. It argues that the IS discipline can, and should be, faithfully captured by an IS artifact. We offer a theoretical conception of the IS artifact by drawing upon General Systems Theory (GST). Key concepts of GST are distilled as meta‐principles which inform our formulation of the IS artifact. We use the meta‐principles of the IS artifact to develop salient assertions that theorize what an ‘IS’ is. To demonstrate the appropriateness of our conception, we illustrate how the assertions we developed are consistent with patterns related to emerging topics in IS research, notably, healthcare and IT, and Fintech. We formulate a research agenda on these emerging topics—based upon the conceptions developed in the paper—to guide future research. We conclude with the contributions and implications of our study, including the relevance for IT‐enabled work in the era of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Nonlinear electrical behaviors and conductivity mechanisms in Ca1‐xYbxCeNbWO8 ceramics
Authors: Lin Yuanwei , Zhang Bo , Chang Aimin
Published: December 2020

In this study, we investigated the nonlinear electrical behaviors and conductivity mechanisms of Ca1‐xYbxCeNbWO8 ceramics, which are prepared by the solid‐state sintering method. CeO2 and CeNbO4 phases occur when the Yb3+ doping amount is greater than 0.1 in the CaCeNbWO8‐based ceramics. With the continuous incorporation of Yb3+, the grain size of the ceramics first decreases and then increases. The Ce3+ concentration in the ceramics decreases with increasing Yb3+ content. In the temperature range of 298.15 to 1073.15K, the relationship between ln ρ and 1000/T shows nonlinear electrical behaviors, which is attributed to the different conductivity mechanisms at high and low temperatures (ρ and T are resistivity and temperature, respectively). In the temperature range of 298.15 to 773.15K, the electrical conduction in Ca1‐xYbxCeNbWO8 ceramics follows the Efros‐Shklovskii variable‐range hopping (ES‐VRH) conduction mechanism, thermal activation conduction (x < 0.2), and two‐dimensional Mott VRH conduction mechanism (x = 0.2). Furthermore, the electrical conduction obeys the thermal activation conduction mechanism in the temperature range of 773.15 to 1073.15K. The activation energy for the electrical conduction is calculated based on the different hopping conduction mechanisms.
Electromechanical properties of ultra‐low porous auxetic piezocomposite: from the perspective of Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Tang Haishan , Jiang Xinli , Li Li , Ling Ling , Hu Yujin
Published: December 2020

In this study, the ultra‐low porous auxetic piezoelectric composite made of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and hollow polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF) is first proposed by combining “additive” and “subtractive” approaches. The electromechanical properties of the auxetic piezoelectric composite are investigated by finite element analysis. It is found that the ultra‐low porosity in the composite may lead to great extensibility along with the excellent figures of merit obtained in conventional highly porous piezoelectric ceramics. The small amount of additional PVDF can greatly tune the electromechanical properties of composite and effectively reduce the maximum stress of PZT. To elucidate the role of Poisson’s ratio on the electromechanical properties of piezoelectric materials, the relationship expressions among some electromechanical coefficients are derived. Moreover, the semi‐empirical expression of “longitudinal” compliance coefficients and a simple strategy for predicting some electromechanical coefficients are presented to instruct design and application of the ultra‐low porous auxetic piezoelectric materials.
High‐voltage surge protection by a varistor‐filled air gap
Authors: Yang Pin , Gomez Carolina A. , Andrews Samantha , Sorenson Josef D. , Chen Ken S.
Published: December 2020

The electric discharge across a varistor granule filled air gap under a fast‐rising voltage pulse was investigated for surge protection applications. The effects of temperature and pressure on the arc and the electrical conduction were analyzed by the characteristic changes in voltage waveforms triggered by a fast‐rising high voltage pulse. In addition to the gap size, experimental results show that competing mechanisms among arc conduction, conduction through the varistor granule network, thermionic emission from Joule heating at granule‐to‐granule contact points, and the magnitude of the switching voltage dictate the maximum surge protection voltage for the filled air gap. Experimental evidence indicated that accumulated degradation was created at small contact points between varistor granules by repetitive assaults from longer duration, high voltage pulses. The uniqueness of using varistor over other dielectric granules in an air gap for surge protection is identified and discussed.
Reducing the gap between pro‐environmental disposition and behavior: The role of feeling power
Authors: Dong Mengchen , Palomo‐Vélez Gonzalo , Wu Song
Published: December 2020

Environmental issues are some of the most pressing threats the world is facing nowadays. In this context, motivating individual pro‐environmental behavior becomes highly relevant. One strategy is to harness people's pro‐environmental dispositions (e.g., biospheric values, pro‐environmental attitudes). Although acknowledging the need to behave pro‐environmentally lies at the core of these dispositions, the extent to which they are reflected in day‐to‐day pro‐environmental practices fluctuates to a great extent. How to bridge this gap between dispositions and behaviors in pro‐environmentalism? This research tests a novel psychological solution, that is, to heighten subjective feelings of power. Power depicts people's control over their own and others’ outcomes. Two studies (total N = 338, with n = 200 in Study 1 and n = 138 in Study 2) manipulated people's situational sense of high versus low power (by recalling and writing about relevant incidents), measured pro‐environmental dispositions (biospheric values in Studies 1 and 2; attitude toward a specific environmental cause in Study 2), and examined their effects on pro‐environmental behaviors (spending time on environmental persuasion in Study 1 and spending money on environmental donation in Study 2). Overall, both studies revealed that pro‐environmental dispositions predicted pro‐environmental behaviors, but only when the actors were prompted to experience a high instead of a low sense of power. The findings illuminate power as an important and viable communication tactic—to orient people toward their dispositions and practice what they preach in pro‐environmentalism.
CircASPH promotes KGN cells proliferation through miR‐375/MAP2K6 axis in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Wu Gengxiang , Xia Jing , Yang Zhe , Chen Yajie , Jiang Wei , Yin Tailang , Yang Jing
Published: December 2020

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a kind of endocrine disorder which is prevalent in adult women, so exploring more biomarkers for PCOS is imperative. Recently, circular RNA and microRNA are confirmed to be related with PCOS development. Whether circular RNA ASPH (circASPH) is involved in PCOS need to be studied further. We utilized RT‐qPCR to measure the expression levels of circASPH, miR‐375 and MAP2K6 in PCOS patients and normal group. The effects of circASPH and miR‐375 on KGN cells proliferation and apoptosis were observed by CCK‐8 assay, EdU incorporation assay and apoptosis assay, separately. Then Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was carried out to verify the circASPH/miR375 axis and miR375/MAP2K6 axis. The interaction between circASPH and MAP2K6 were detected with the support of RT‐qPCR and Western blot. We found circASPH and MAP2K6 were both over‐expressed in PCOS patients, while miR‐375 was in the opposite direction. Moreover, miR‐375 was negatively regulated by circASPH, while MAP2K6 was positively regulated by circASPH. In addition, circASPH directly targeted miR‐375, which targeted MAP2K6. More than that, the knockdown of circASPH repressed KGN cells proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, while the silence of miR‐375 reversed the above effects. In conclusion, circASPH promotes KGN cells proliferation through miR‐375/MAP2K6 axis in PCOS, and they are thought‐provoking biomarkers for PCOS diagnosis and therapy.
The Power of Cohesiveness: Internal Factors that Influence the External Performance of Regions
Authors: Mas Jordi
Published: December 2020

Although regions are becoming increasingly important in the liberalization of international trade, the academic literature has only explored the issue extensively in the case of the European Union (EU). With respect to other regions, little is known of the internal factors that enhance their external performance. This paper uses EU interregional trade negotiations to examine the factors within the EU's counterpart region that contribute to regional cohesiveness and facilitate the conclusion of an agreement. By applying the crisp‐set qualitative comparative analysis method to the 13 available cases, this paper finds that the external performance of other regions is not achieved through a combination of homogeneity of state preferences and strong institutions, as the EU literature suggests. While one or other of these factors may be necessary, they only work in conjunction with a favourable power distribution, that is, regional systems formed by a large hegemon and/or small open economies.
Haematological and serum biochemical reference values of snow trout, Schizothorax labiatus habiting in river Sindh of Indian Himalayan region
Authors: Jan Kousar , Ahmed Imtiaz , Dar Nazir A.
Published: December 2020

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters are a valuable tool in determining the wellbeing status of different fish species and response in close association to various biological and environmental factors, therefore the aim of the present study was to establish sex‐wise reference values of haemato‐biochemical parameters of S. labiatus. The haematological parameters such as haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, total erythrocyte count (RBC), total leucocyte count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum biochemical parameters such as glucose, cholesterol, urea, total protein, albumin and globulin were analysed. The results revealed that the haematological parameters, i.e., Hb, RBC, WBC and PCV showed significant (P < 0.05) differences with respect to sex. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher values of Hb content (11.18 g dl−1), RBC count (1.88 × 106 mm−3) and PCV (36.15%) were noted in male fish than females throughout the study period, while significantly (P < 0.05) higher WBC count was noted in females (20.38 × 103 mm−3) compared to males. However, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was observed in erythrocyte indices like MCH, MCHC and MCV between sexes. The serum biochemical parameters, i.e., glucose, cholesterol and urea, also showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between the sexes, but no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed in total protein, albumin and globulin. Significantly (P < 0.05) highest values of glucose (116.76 mg dl−1) and urea (9.01 mg dl−1) were recorded in male S. labiatus, while highest value of cholesterol (223.53 mg dl−1) was noted in females. The information generated in the present study gives the basic reference values of haematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. labiatus which will be useful in monitoring the wellbeing status of fish populations. Moreover, the data will also be helpful to ascertain the occurrence of different clinical and subclinical diseases, which may in turn help to boost the overall production of this species.
Acoustic homogeneity in the piranha Serrasalmus maculatus
Authors: Raick Xavier , Rountree Rodney , Kurchevski Gregório , Juanes Francis , Huby Alessia , Godinho Alexandre L. , Parmentier Éric
Published: December 2020

Different studies suggest some social calls could be used in fish identification if their specificity is unambiguously assessed. Sounds of different populations of piranhas Serrasalmus maculatus Kner, 1858 were recorded to determine their homogeneity between rivers inside a single basin (Araguari and Grande River, upper Paraná River basin) and between separated basins (Amazon and Paraná basins). All fish from the different populations produced sounds with similar acoustic features. Consequently, the populations were not discernible based on individual sound characteristics. This high homogeneity between sounds from different populations indicates their usefulness for conservation projects using passive acoustic monitoring in piranhas. Moreover, it supports the use of acoustic features as complementary key characteristics in taxonomic studies.
The axonal endolysosomal and autophagic systems
Authors: Kuijpers Marijn , Azarnia Tehran Domenico , Haucke Volker , Soykan Tolga
Published: December 2020

Neurons, because of their elaborate morphology and the long distances between distal axons and the soma as well as their longevity, pose special challenges to autophagy and to the endolysosomal system, two of the main degradative routes for turnover of defective proteins and organelles. Autophagosomes sequester cytoplasmic or organellar cargos by engulfing them into their lumen before fusion with degradative lysosomes enriched in neuronal somata and participate in retrograde signaling to the soma. Endosomes are mainly involved in the sorting, recycling, or lysosomal turnover of internalized or membrane‐bound macromolecules to maintain axonal membrane homeostasis. Lysosomes and the multiple shades of lysosome‐related organelles also serve non‐degradative roles, for example, in nutrient signaling and in synapse formation. Recent years have begun to shed light on the distinctive organization of the autophagy and endolysosomal systems in neurons, in particular their roles in axons. We review here our current understanding of the localization, distribution, and growing list of functions of these organelles in the axon in health and disease and outline perspectives for future research.

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Tooth attachment and pleurodont implantation in lizards: Histology, development, and evolution
Authors: LeBlanc Aaron R. H. , Paparella Ilaria , Lamoureux Denis O. , Doschak Michael R. , Caldwell Michael W.
Published: December 2020

Squamates present a unique challenge to the homology and evolution of tooth attachment tissues. Their stereotypically pleurodont teeth are fused in place by a single “bone of attachment”, with seemingly dubious homology to the three‐part tooth attachment system of mammals and crocodilians. Despite extensive debate over the interpretations of squamate pleurodonty, its phylogenetic significance, and the growing evidence from fossil amniotes for the homology of tooth attachment tissues, few studies have defined pleurodonty on histological grounds. Using a sample of extant squamate teeth that we organize into three broad categories of implantation, we investigate the histological and developmental properties of their dental tissues in multiple planes of section. We use these data to demonstrate the specific soft‐ and hard‐tissue features of squamate teeth that produce their disparate tooth implantation modes. In addition, we describe cementum, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone in pleurodont squamates, dental tissues that were historically thought to be restricted to extant mammals and crocodilians. Moreover, we show how the differences between pleurodonty and thecodonty do not relate to the identity of the tooth attachment tissues, but rather the arrangements of homologous tissues around the teeth.
Chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA shedding in upper respiratory tract samples: A case‐control study
Authors: Recalde‐Zamacona B. , Tomás‐Velázquez A. , Campo A. , Satrústegui‐Alzugaray B. , Fernández‐Alonso M. , Iñigo M. , Rodríguez‐Mateos M. , Di Frisco M. , Felgueroso C. , Bertó J. , Marín‐Oto M. , Alcaide A. B. , Zulueta J. J. , Seijo L. , Landecho M. F.
Published: December 2020

Background

SARS‐CoV‐2, the COVID‐19 causative agent, has infected millions of people and killed over 1.6 million worldwide. A small percentage of cases persist with prolonged positive RT‐PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for prolonged viral shedding amongst patient’s basal clinical conditions.

Methods

We have evaluated all 513 patients attended in our hospital between 1 March and 1 July. We have selected all 18 patients with prolonged viral shedding and compared them with 36 sex‐matched randomly selected controls. Demographic, treatment and clinical data were systematically collected.

Results

Global median duration of viral clearance was 25.5 days (n = 54; IQR, 22–39.3 days), 48.5 days in cases (IQR 38.7–54.9 days) and 23 days in controls (IQR 20.2–25.7), respectively. There were not observed differences in demographic, symptoms or treatment data between groups.

Chronic rhinosinusitis and atopy were more common in patients with prolonged viral shedding (67%) compared with controls (11% and 25% respectively) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003). The use of inhaled corticosteroids was also more frequent in case group (P = 0.007). Multivariate analysis indicated that CRS (odds ratio [OR], 18.78; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3.89–90.59; P < 0.001) was independently associated with prolonged SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA shedding in URT samples, after adjusting for initial PCR Ct values.

Conclusion

We found that chronic rhinosinusitis and atopy might be associated with increased risk of prolonged viral shedding. If confirmed in prospective trials, this finding might have clinical implications for quarantine duration due to increased risk of pandemic spread.
Premarital Cohabitation and Marital Dissolution: A Reply to Manning, Smock, and Kuperberg
Authors: Rosenfeld Michael J. , Roesler Katharina
Published: December 2020

Objective

Our goal is to show how premarital cohabitation's association with marital dissolution can be measured consistently over time.

Background

Rosenfeld and Roesler (2019) showed that premarital cohabitation led to lower rates of marital dissolution early in marital duration, but higher rates of marital dissolution after a few years of marital duration. Analysis based on marriage cohorts can erroneously appear to show that the association between premarital cohabitation and marital dissolution has disappeared in the most recent cohort.

Method

We use discrete time event history models to study the association between premarital cohabitation and marital dissolution across calendar time and across marriage cohorts, with data from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG). We examine a variety of modeling strategies and data filters including those in Manning, Smock, and Kuperberg's (MSK) comment to show how different data and modeling choices can bias the results.

Results

MSK's analysis rests on simple misunderstandings of our models. MSK discarded more than 70% of the valid couple years available in the NSFG data, and then used the resulting lower statistical power to declare a key interaction insignificant. MSK treat children as a time‐invariant variable despite the fact that the presence of children changes over the course of relationships. MSK discard one wave of the data without explanation. All of these choices affect the outcome.

Conclusion

Our prior result stands: premarital cohabitation consistently predicts higher rates of marital dissolution in the U.S. Research into marital dissolution should be made more robust, transparent, and replicable.
A single nucleotide polymorphism variant located in the cis‐regulatory region of the ABCG2 gene is associated with mallard egg colour
Authors: Liu Hehe , Hu Jian , Guo Zhanbao , Fan Wenlei , Xu Yaxi , Liang Suyun , Liu Dapeng , Zhang Yunsheng , Xie Ming , Tang Jing , Huang Wei , Zhang Qi , Xi Yang , Li Yanying , Wang Lei , Ma Shengchao , Jiang Yong , Feng Yulong , Wu Yongbao , Cao Junting , Zhou Zhengkui , Hou Shuisheng
Published: December 2020

Avian egg coloration is shaped by natural selection, but its genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we used genome‐wide association analysis and identity by descent to finely map green egg colour to a 179‐kb region of Chr4 based on the resequencing of 352 ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) from a segregating population resulting from the mating of Pekin ducks (white‐shelled eggs) and mallards (green‐shelled eggs). We further narrowed the candidate region to a 30‐kb interval by comparing genome divergence in seven indigenous duck populations. Among the genes located in the finely mapped region, only one transcript of the ABCG2 gene (XM_013093252.2) exhibited higher uterine expression in green‐shelled individuals than in white‐shelled individuals, as supported by transcriptome data from four populations. ABCG2 has been reported to encode a protein that functions as a membrane transporter for biliverdin. Sanger sequencing of the whole 30‐kb candidate region (Chr4: 47.41–47.44 Mb) and a plasmid reporter assay helped to identify a single nucleotide polymorphism (Chr4: 47,418,074 G>A) located in a conserved predicted promoter region whose variation may alter ABCG2 transcription activity. We provide a useful molecular marker for duck breeding and contribute data to the research on ecological evolution based on egg colour patterns among birds.
Extended mind and artifactual autobiographical memory
Authors: Heersmink Richard
Published: December 2020

In this paper, I describe how artifacts and autobiographical memory are integrated into new systemic wholes, allowing us to remember our personal past in a more reliable and detailed manner. After discussing some empirical work on lifelogging technology, I elaborate on the dimension of autobiographical dependency, which is the degree to which we depend on an object to be able to remember a personal experience. When this dependency is strong, we integrate information in the embodied brain and in an object to reconstruct an autobiographical memory. In such cases, autobiographical memory is extended or distributed.
Spatial experience and olfaction: A role for naïve topology
Authors: Chomanski Bartek
Published: December 2020

In this paper, I provide an account of the spatiality of olfactory experiences in terms of topological properties. I argue that thinking of olfactory experiences as making the subject aware of topological properties enables us to address popular objections against the spatiality of smells, and it makes sense of everyday spatial olfactory phenomenology better than its competitors. I argue for this latter claim on the basis of reflection on thought experiments familiar from the philosophical literature on olfaction, as well as on the basis of some empirical data about the localization of smells. I conclude by suggesting how the naïve‐topology framework could be applied in debates about the spatiality of other types of experiences.
The theory theory of metalinguistic disputes
Authors: Rast Erich
Published: December 2020

According to the theory theory of metalinguistic disputes, disagreements in metalinguistic disputes are based on diverging underlying theories, opinions, or world views. An adequate description of metalinguistic disagreement needs to consider the compatibility and topics of such theories. Although topic continuity can be spelled out in terms of measurement operations, it is argued that even metalinguistic disputes about a term used in different, mutually compatible theories can be substantive because the dispute is indirectly about the virtues of the underlying theories. The account is defended against externalist and holist objections.
The pathway of recombining short homologous ends in Escherichia coli revealed by the genetic study
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Wang Tianqi , Yu Qiaoli , Liu Huaiwei , Xun Luying , Xia Yongzhen
Published: December 2020

The recombination of short homologous ends in Escherichia coli has been known for 30 years, and it is often used for both site‐directed mutagenesis and in vivo cloning. For cloning, a plasmid and target DNA fragments were converted into linear DNA fragments with short homologous ends, which are joined via recombination inside E. coli after transformation. Here this mechanism of joining homologous ends in E. coli was determined by a linearized plasmid with short homologous ends. Two 3ʹ‐5ʹ exonucleases ExoIII and ExoX with nonprocessive activity digested linear dsDNA to generate 5ʹ single‐strand overhangs, which annealed with each other. The polymerase activity of DNA polymerase I (Pol I) was exclusively employed to fill in the gaps. The strand displacement activity and the 5ʹ‐3ʹ exonuclease activity of Pol I were also required, likely to generate 5ʹ phosphate termini for subsequent ligation. Ligase A (LigA) joined the nicks to finish the process. The model involving 5ʹ single‐stranded overhangs is different from established recombination pathways that all generate 3ʹ single‐stranded overhangs. This recombination is likely common in bacteria since the involved enzymes are ubiquitous.
Esophageal motility disorders on high‐resolution manometry: Chicago classification version 4.0©
Authors: Yadlapati Rena , Kahrilas Peter J. , Fox Mark R. , Bredenoord Albert J. , Prakash Gyawali C. , Roman Sabine , Babaei Arash , Mittal Ravinder K. , Rommel Nathalie , Savarino Edoardo , Sifrim Daniel , Smout André , Vaezi Michael F. , Zerbib Frank , Akiyama Junichi , Bhatia Shobna , Bor Serhat , Carlson Dustin A. , Chen Joan W. , Cisternas Daniel , Cock Charles , Coss‐Adame Enrique , de Bortoli Nicola , Defilippi Claudia , Fass Ronnie , Ghoshal Uday C. , Gonlachanvit Sutep , Hani Albis , Hebbard Geoffrey S. , Wook Jung Kee , Katz Philip , Katzka David A. , Khan Abraham , Kohn Geoffrey Paul , Lazarescu Adriana , Lengliner Johannes , Mittal Sumeet K. , Omari Taher , Park Moo In , Penagini Roberto , Pohl Daniel , Richter Joel E. , Serra Jordi , Sweis Rami , Tack Jan , Tatum Roger P. , Tutuian Radu , Vela Marcelo F. , Wong Reuben K. , Wu Justin C. , Xiao Yinglian , Pandolfino John E.
Published: December 2020

Chicago Classification v4.0 (CCv4.0) is the updated classification scheme for esophageal motility disorders using metrics from high‐resolution manometry (HRM). Fifty‐two diverse international experts separated into seven working subgroups utilized formal validated methodologies over two‐years to develop CCv4.0. Key updates in CCv.4.0 consist of a more rigorous and expansive HRM protocol that incorporates supine and upright test positions as well as provocative testing, a refined definition of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow obstruction (EGJOO), more stringent diagnostic criteria for ineffective esophageal motility and description of baseline EGJ metrics. Further, the CCv4.0 sought to define motility disorder diagnoses as conclusive and inconclusive based on associated symptoms, and findings on provocative testing as well as supportive testing with barium esophagram with tablet and/or functional lumen imaging probe. These changes attempt to minimize ambiguity in prior iterations of Chicago Classification and provide more standardized and rigorous criteria for patterns of disorders of peristalsis and obstruction at the EGJ.
Nutritional status in patients of mandibular osteoradionecrosis: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Huang Qiuyu , He Xingfang , Yang Wei‐fa , Ye Jingjing , Lin Zhumei , Xiong Caibing , Liang Yu‐jie
Published: December 2020

Background

Mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a devastating complication secondary to the radiotherapy of head and neck cancer. The nutritional status of ORN patients is compromised, but remains rarely studied. We aimed to evaluate the overall nutritional status of patients with ORN and explore the risk factors behind poor nutrition.

Methods

This is a single‐institution cross‐sectional study. Patients diagnosed with ORN were consecutively recruited in a tertiary teaching hospital from July 2017 to August 2019. Multiple laboratory markers and physical indicators were examined to profile their nutritional status. The potential risk factors of poor nutrition were explored by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 107 patients with ORN were recruited. Among them, almost all patients (95.3%) had at least one laboratory marker lower than the normal physiological range. A total of 40 (37.5%) patients were categorized as undernutrition, who had lower serum albumin (mean difference: 1.8 ± 0.8 g/L; p = .02), prealbumin (mean difference: 26.8 ± 10.8 mg/L; p = .02), and BMI (3.8 ± 0.4 kg/m2; p < .0001) compared to patients of normal nutrition. Notably, the multivariate logistic regression indicated that patients with semi‐liquid diet had 14.41 (95% CI: 3.03–68.54, p = .001) times; patients with liquid diet had 5.70 (95% CI: 1.55–20.98, p = .009) times more likely to be in undernutrition, as compared to patients with regular diets.

Conclusions

This is the first study characterizing the poor nutritional status in ORN patients. Patients having semi‐liquid or liquid diets tended to have poorer nutritional status. The nutritional status of ORN patients should be underlined for professional nutritional supports so as to enhance their quality of life. More studies are warranted.
Efficacy of upgrading to left bundle branch pacing in patients with heart failure after right ventricular pacing
Authors: Qian Zhiyong , Wang Yao , Hou Xiaofeng , Qiu Yuanhao , Wu Hongping , Zhou Weihua , Zou Jiangang
Published: December 2020

Background

Chronic right ventricular (RV) pacing is associated with an increased incidence of heart failure and mortality. Left bundle branch (LBB) pacing could produce near‐physiological electrical activation and mechanical synchrony. We aimed to report the effects of upgrading to LBB pacing in heart failure patients after chronic RV pacing.

Methods

The indications included pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) in Group 1 and heart failure after RV pacing with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 50% in Group 2. LBB pacing was achieved by penetrating the pacing lead to the subendocardium of left‐sided interventricular septum through the venous access. Left ventricular activation time (LVAT) was measured from the pacing stimulus to the ascending peak of lead V5 or V6. All patients underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluations before and after upgrading.

Results

Totally 27 patients (13 in Group 1 and 14 in Group 2) were consecutively enrolled. The mean follow‐up time after upgrade was 10.4 ± 6.1 months. Paced QRS duration was significantly shortened from 174.1 ± 15.8 milliseconds to 116.6 ± 11.7 milliseconds (p < .0001). The mean LVAT was 83.2 ± 11.7 milliseconds. LVEF increased from 40.3 ± 5.2% before upgrading to 48.1 ± 9.5% at follow‐up in patients with PICM. Serum N‐terminal probrain natriuretic peptide levels decreased and New York Heart Association classification improved in both groups. No upgrade‐related complications were observed.

Conclusions

Upgrading to LBB pacing was feasible and effective with improved cardiac function in heart failure patients with both reduced and preserved LVEF after RV pacing.
Wheat heat tolerance is impaired by heightened deletions in the distal end of 4AL chromosomal arm
Authors: Zhai Huijie , Jiang Congcong , Zhao Yue , Yang Shuling , Li Yiwen , Yan Kunfang , Wu Shuyu , Luo Bingke , Du Yi , Jin Huaibing , Liu Xin , Zhang Yanbin , Lu Fei , Reynolds Matthew , Ou Xingqi , Qiao Wenchen , Jiang Zhikai , Peng Tao , Gao Derong , Hu Wenjing , Wang Jiangchun , Gao Haitao , Yin Guihong , Zhang Kunpu , Li Guangwei , Wang Daowen
Published: December 2020

Heat stress (HS) causes substantial damages to worldwide crop production. As a cool season crop, wheat (Triticum aestivum) is sensitive to HS‐induced damages. To support the genetic improvement of wheat HS tolerance (HST), we conducted fine mapping of TaHST1, a locus required for maintaining wheat vegetative and reproductive growth under elevated temperatures. TaHST1 was mapped to the distal terminus of 4AL chromosome arm using genetic populations derived from two BC6F6 breeding lines showing tolerance (E6015‐4T) or sensitivity (E6015‐3S) to HS. The 4AL region carrying TaHST1 locus was approximately 0.949 Mbp and contained the last 19 high confidence genes of 4AL according to wheat reference genome sequence. Resequencing of E6015‐3S and E6015‐4T and haplotype analysis of 3087 worldwide wheat accessions revealed heightened deletion polymorphisms in the distal 0.949 Mbp region of 4AL, which was confirmed by the finding of frequent gene losses in this region in eight genome‐sequenced hexaploid wheat cultivars. The great majority (86.36%) of the 3087 lines displayed different degrees of nucleotide sequence deletions, with only 13.64% of them resembling E6015‐4T in this region. These deletions can impair the presence and/or function of TaHST1 and surrounding genes, thus rendering global wheat germplasm vulnerable to HS or other environmental adversities. Therefore, conscientious and urgent efforts are needed in global wheat breeding programmes to optimize the structure and function of 4AL distal terminus by ensuring the presence of TaHST1 and surrounding genes. The new information reported here will help to accelerate the ongoing global efforts in improving wheat HST.
Part of the Narrative: Generic News Frames in the U.S. Recreational Marijuana Policy Subsystem
Authors: Brekken Katheryn C. , Fenley Vanessa M.
Published: December 2020

In the growing body of research on policy change and in the relatively new frontier of the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), the components comprising narratives' structure are still under construction. One opportunity for additional research relates to examining the role of frames. This article examines generic news frames used to report on ballot initiatives legalizing recreational marijuana in three states and conceptually orients these frames within NPF. Using a mixed methods analysis, the findings suggest that in the emerging U.S. recreational marijuana legalization policy subsystem, setting helped explain reporters' use of certain generic frames. The findings provide support for the inclusion of generic frames as part of NPF's narrative theory, open up potential for new research designs, and further clarify media's role in the development of policy narratives. From a practical perspective, the analysis contributes insight into how media inform constituents about new marijuana laws.

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Does Program Evaluation Affect Program Termination? Insights from the Repeal of Corporate Tax Incentives for the Motion Picture Industry
Authors: Thom Michael
Published: December 2020

Policy termination is an understudied phenomenon. The literature identifies some factors that affect its likelihood, but others’ importance, especially program evaluation, remain ambiguous. For insight, this study examines the impact of independent program evaluation on the termination of tax incentives for film and television production adopted and then terminated by multiple state governments. Empirical results indicate that termination was significantly more likely after an evaluation showed the incentive’s costs exceeded its benefits. Results also indicate a contagion effect. Other factors, including the incentive’s age and employment in the entertainment industry, reduced termination likelihood. These findings persisted through several robustness and sensitivity checks. Although critical program evaluation does not guarantee termination, it appears to make it a more likely outcome.
LEADER and Spatial Justice
Authors: Shucksmith Mark , Brooks Elizabeth , Madanipour Ali
Published: December 2020

Recent papers have argued that spatial justice should be pursued through a place‐based approach, which enables local people to assert their own capacity to act and to pursue their own positive visions: an approach fundamental to LEADER. This paper considers the extent to which LEADER constitutes local action addressing spatial justice through a case study in England. Analysis of this case leads to questions about the extent to which apparent localism is constrained by ‘government at a distance’ and how this can affect the ability of LAGs to pursue spatial justice. It is suggested that LEADER displays a tension between network and hierarchy modes of governance, increasingly under control of hierarchy in this instance despite its origins as networked CLLD. The paper concludes that LEADER has potential to contribute to spatial justice – both distributive and procedural – but that this may be frustrated by the imposition of different priorities and controls at local or from higher levels. Further case studies will be required to investigate how widely this potential is realised or frustrated across Europe's varying national and local political contexts.
Experimental Two-Phase Flow Analysis Inside a Laboratory Scale Jet-Engine Combustion Chamber Using Particle Image Velocimetry
Authors: von Langenthal Thomas , Zarzalis Nikolaos , Loukou Alexandra
Published: December 2020

The characterization of the two-phase kerosene/air flow near the nozzle of an aero-engine combustor is important in order to understand the combustion characteristics of the burner. Typically, particle image velocimetry (PIV) or laser Doppler velocimetry is used to measure velocities inside aero-engine combustors. However, these measurement techniques rely on tracer particles to visualize the flow field and are usually only able to measure the velocity field of one phase at a time. In the case of PIV measurements, both the flow tracers and the kerosene droplets scatter the laser light, and thus appear on the PIV recordings. Depending on droplet size and flow velocity, these kerosene droplets do not necessarily follow the airflow leading to errors in the derived velocity field. This work presents a method on how to separate kerosene droplets from flow tracers depending on their optical characteristics in the PIV recording. This phase separation enables the independent measurement of the flow fields of both the gaseous and liquid phase at the same time as well as the instantaneous slip velocity between droplets and gaseous flow using a standard PIV setup. The method is demonstrated on a laboratory scale aero-engine combustor operated at atmospheric conditions. The obtained results show that in the setup under investigation, gaseous and liquid phase can have significantly different flow fields with kerosene droplets moving in the opposite direction of the recirculating airflow.
Experimental and Computational Investigation of Flow Structure in Buoyancy-Dominated Rotating Cavities
Authors: Fazeli Seyed Mostafa , Kanjirakkad Vasudevan , Long Christopher
Published: December 2020

The flow and heat transfers inside high-pressure (HP) compressor rotating cavities are buoyancy driven and are known to be extremely difficult to predict. The experimental data of laser-Doppler anemometry (LDA) measurements inside an engine representative cavity rig are presented in this paper. Traverses using a two component LDA system have been carried out in the shaft bore and the cavity regions in order to map the axial and tangential velocity components. The velocity data are collected for a range of Rossby, Rotational, and Axial Reynolds numbers, Ro, Reθ, and Rez, 0.08<Ro<0.64, 7×105< Reθ<2.83×106, and 1.2×104< Rez<4.8×104, respectively, and for values of the buoyancy parameter βΔT, 0.284<βΔT<0.55. Numerical study using unsteady Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations has been carried out to elucidate flow details for a few selected cases. The experimental results revealed that the Swirl number (Xk) varies from a value < 1 near the bore to near solid body rotation at increased radii within the cavity. The analysis of frequency spectrum of the tangential velocity inside the cavities has also shown the existence of pairs of rotating and contra-rotating vortices. There is generally satisfactory agreement between measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. There is also convincing evidence of two or more separate regions in the flow dominated by the bore flow and rotation.
Evaluation of bowel preparation before colonoscopy by ultrasonographic monitoring of colonic fecal retention: a case series
Authors: Matsumoto Masaru , Fujioka Masayuki , Okada Toshihiko , Naka Yutaka , Amemiya Ayumi , Matsushima Erina , Tamai Nao , Miura Yuka , Nakagami Gojiro , Sanada Hiromi
Published: December 2020

Aims: While bowel preparation for colonoscopy is the key to successful examination, taking laxatives and showing stools to others causes both physical and mental distress to the patient. Thus, an alternative method to evaluation bowel preparation is necessary. In the current study, we studied the colonic fecal retention by ultrasonography (US) and examined the US finding which reflected completion of BP. Material and methods: The subjects were outpatients who underwent colonoscopy. This report summarizes the ultrasonographic images of patients who underwent multiple US examinations for all five sites of the colon just before, during, and immediately after bowel preparation. According to the standard protocol, the patients took 2 L of polyethylene glycol-ascorbic acid as a laxative, which was discontinued when the nurse visually judged the stool to be clear. Results: Seven patients in their 50s–80s, none of whom were unable to complete a colonoscopy due to residual feces were included in study. Following bowel preparation, the US images showed anechoic areas with haustration in four or all five areas of the colon. Three of the seven patients received low-dose laxatives (1.1–1.2 L); all three had watery stools in three or more colon areas and none of them were constipated at the time of taking 1 L of laxatives. Conclusions: Completion of bowel preparation can be assessed by the observation of anechoic areas with haustration in multiple colonic sites by ultrasonography.
Noninvasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis in the complex cardiac malformation survivors – a review of the literature
Authors: Mares Roxana-Cristina , Marginean Cristina Oana
Published: December 2020

The aim of this review is to summarize the information on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of congestive liver disease sec-ondary to the Fontan and Glenn surgery for complex cardiac malformations, focusing on non-invasive diagnostic modalities. We performed an electronic database search (Pubmed, Web of Science) with the data range from 2001 to 2020. We selected the studies that addressed the pathogenesis of congestive liver disease secondary to cardiac malformations and articles regarding noninvasive methods of determining liver fibrosis in this group. We found that conventional imaging methods do not allow the detection of the initial stages of liver fibrosis. Elastography results are altered by congestion and cut-off values are not yet validated. More studies are required in order to provide evidence-based guidelines regarding the non-invasive diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis secondary to congenital heart disease. Patients with congenital cardiac malformations require close monitoring and early diagnosis of liver complications to allow prompt therapeutic intervention.