bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Love Your Neighbour as Yourself
Authors: Hadsell Heidi
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the many ways interreligious dialogue and interreligious relationship‐building interact with and serve how we live out – with others – the moral core of the Christian faith, which is the love of God and neighbour. I take as an example the contemporary Poor People’s Campaign in the United States. The campaign originated with the Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr, the Rev. Ralph Abernathy, and others involved in the civil rights movements of the early 1960s. While the Poor People’s Campaign was initiated by and is led by Christians, it is intentionally inclusive of people of many different faiths and those with no particular faith, all of whom share the commitment to love and to serve the poor.
Contributions of Religious Actors to Peace and Security
Authors: Petersen Henrik Sonne , Wandera Joseph
Published: February 2021

The past decade has seen a shift of rhetoric, where religious actors are presented not just as aberrations in the secular and democratic order, but also as significant players in the development of peaceful and diversified societies. However, experiences of extremist religious groups raise questions about the legitimacy of involving religious actors in these kinds of processes, in particular in relation to security, which according to a classical perspective is a matter of national and international security agencies. This paper analyzes the challenges relating to the inclusion of religious actors in security situations in East Africa, particularly those involving confrontations between religious actors, in which the concept of the “religious other” has a specific reference. The main finding is that religious actors have a contribution to make in relation to security and conflict involving religion and faith, given that security is understood in a broader sense than the classical.
Climate warming extends growing season but not reproductive phase of terrestrial plants
Authors: Liu Huiying , Lu Chunyan , Wang Songdan , Ren Fei , Wang Hao
Published: February 2021

Aim

Understanding how plant phenophases respond to climate warming is key to prediction of future ecosystem dynamics. Although warming has lengthened the growing season of plants in most terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about the contribution of different phenophases to this extension.

Location

Global terrestrial ecosystems.

Time period

Data collected from 1979 to 2020.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial plants.

Methods

Here, we conducted a global meta‐analysis, compiling 772 pairs of observational data from 42 warming manipulative experiments to investigate the temperature sensitivity (expressed as days per degree Celsius) of the durations of different phenophases across major natural terrestrial ecosystems.

Results

We found that the durations of flower bud, flowering and fruiting and the total reproductive phase did not exhibit any significant change in response to experimental warming across all terrestrial plants, although large variations in temperature sensitivity of the reproductive phenology existed. The temperature sensitivity of reproductive phases was influenced by the taxa of plants. Specifically, the flower bud duration of C4 plants had a higher temperature sensitivity than that of C3 plants, and the flowering duration in woody plants exhibited a marginally higher temperature sensitivity than in herbaceous plants. In contrast to the small responses of the reproductive phases, the growing season lengthened under experimental warming. The temperature sensitivity of the growing season length was strongly affected by the magnitude of warming, showing a slower lengthening of the growing season with larger increases in temperatures.

Main conclusions

These results suggest that, under future warmer climates, terrestrial plants will allocate more time to growth than to reproduction; however, the warming‐induced extension of the vegetative phase might slow down over time.
Evaluating the effectiveness of let’s talk period’s high school educational outreach program: A pilot study
Authors: Hossenbaccus Lubnaa , Thibeault Lisa , Grabell Julie , Braund Heather , Hopman Wilma , James Paula
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Menorrhagia impacts ~40% of adolescent females, with about half having an underlying bleeding disorder, most commonly von Willebrand Disease (VWD). VWD affects ~1 in 1000 individuals, though many are unaware of their condition. Let's Talk Period (LTP) is an online knowledge translation platform aimed at increasing awareness of bleeding disorders symptoms, with a validated self‐administered bleeding assessment tool (Self‐BAT).

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of the LTP high school outreach program in Grade 9 girls’ health classes quantitatively, using baseline, post‐presentation, and follow‐up quiz scores, and qualitatively, with student and teacher feedback forms.

Methods

The 75‐minute in‐class presentations, developed in alignment with the 2015 Ontario Curriculum for Grade 9 Health and Physical Activity, were led by a haemophilia nurse, clinical research assistant, and undergraduate student from the LTP team. Students completed baseline, post‐presentation, and 4–6‐week follow‐up Kahoot quizzes featuring the same nine questions to evaluate change in knowledge levels and retention. Both student and teacher feedback were collected.

Results

There was a significant increase (p < 0.001) from baseline to post‐presentation scores, with a significant gain in knowledge, for all questions (p < 0.01). Students found content related to the basics and management of menstruation to be most interesting. Many had constructive feedback on how the presentation method could be improved. On average, the presentations were rated an 8.6 of 10 by students and 8.75 of 10 by teachers.

Conclusion

The LTP high school outreach program effectively increases student knowledge of menorrhagia and bleeding disorders. It was well‐received by students and staff alike.
Not as simple as it seems: The ILO and the personal scope of international labour standards
Authors: DE STEFANO Valerio
Published: February 2021

This article examines the personal scope of the international labour standards of the ILO. It argues that they do not set out a universal definition of the terms “employee” or “employment relationship”. Instead, when the standards use such terms, their scope should be determined on a case‐by‐case basis and by referring to the travaux préparatoires and the opinions of the ILO supervisory bodies. This article closely analyses both the application of ILO fundamental Conventions by the supervisory bodies and the most recent ILO debates concerning the personal scope of international labour standards.
Current issues in the prevalence, diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma in Australia
Authors: Lubel John S. , Roberts Stuart K. , Howell Jessica , Ward James , Shackel Nichols A.
Published: February 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary liver cancer encountered in the community and a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. In Australia, there are several current important issues that need to be addressed in HCC management. There is a dramatically rising incidence of HCC in Australia with comparatively poorer outcomes in remote regions and in socioeconomic disadvantaged groups. Aboriginal people have a greater incidence of HCC on a background of increased liver disease prevalence and face several barriers to delivery of better healthcare outcomes compared to other Australians. The previously adopted use of imaging alone to diagnose HCC is now being challenged with biopsy likely to become increasingly necessary with the increased uptake of personalised medicine management. Managing HCC is complex involving many disciplines with the multidisciplinary team approach being the current accepted standard of care for patients. New immunotherapy combinations promise to offer patients with advanced HCC promising novel management options. However, the Australian inequities in prevalence, diagnosis and service provision, especially in Aboriginal people, need to be redressed concurrently with the adoption of new HCC management options.
Incidence and predictors of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis complicating Type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I
Authors: Navaratnam Vidya , Davis Timothy M. E. , Hubbard Richard , Davis Wendy A.
Published: February 2021

During 106 865 person‐years of follow up, 17 (1.3%) Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase I participants with Type 2 diabetes and 57 (1.1%) matched individuals without diabetes developed idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.40 (0.76–2.44) (P = 0.22). In the diabetes cohort, age at diabetes diagnosis and total serum cholesterol (inversely) predicted incident IPF in competing risk multivariable models. The incidence of IPF was low in community‐based cohorts, regardless of Type 2 diabetes status.
Effect of the COVID‐19 induced phase of massive telehealth uptake on end‐user satisfaction
Authors: Bate Nicole J. , Xu Simon C. , Pacilli Maurizio , Roberts Lynden J. , Kimber Chris , Nataraja Ramesh M.
Published: February 2021

Background

COVID‐19 has resulted in a massive increase in telehealth utilisation.

Aims

To determine the user and clinician satisfaction during this period and compare to a pre‐COVID‐19 cohort.

Methods

A prospectively collected voluntary questionnaire following the telehealth appointment at a tertiary‐level hospital with all adult and paediatric‐based specialities was conducted over two time periods: COVID‐19 (16 March 2020 to 15 April 2020) and pre‐COVID‐19 (1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019). There were four groups of participants: patients; parents; adult‐based clinicians; and paediatric‐based clinicians. The outcomes assessed included perceived standard of care, willingness for repeat telehealth consultations, and patient and parental perceptions of safety.

Results

Five thousand and thirty‐three telehealth consultations occurred in the COVID‐19 period with 1757 questionnaires completed, compared to 1917 consultations with 271 questionnaires completed in the pre‐COVID‐19 period. Clinicians were more likely to have previously used telehealth in both time periods than end‐users. In COVID‐19, 1240 actual onsite hospital outpatients' visits were prevented. All groups reported a good overall impression of the telehealth quality; patients/parents scored higher compared to clinicians: 3.6/4 versus 3.3/4, P = 0.02 (pre‐COVID‐19) and 3.3/4 versus 2.8/4, P = 0.001 (COVID‐19). The majority of patients and parents (90%, 1379/1528) felt safer by having a telehealth appointment compared to a face‐to‐face appointment in the COVID‐19 pandemic. All participant groups reported an overall good standard of care, good levels of engagement and were strongly willing to use telehealth again in both of the study time periods. Patients and parents consistently rated higher than clinicians.

Conclusions

During a rapid increase in its utilisation and scope due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, telehealth was generally well accepted by patients, parents and clinicians, which was consistent with pre‐COVID‐19 experiences.
Si fertigation attenuates water stress in forages by modifying carbon stoichiometry, favouring physiological aspects
Authors: Rocha Juan Ricardo , de Mello Prado Renato , Teixeira Gelza Carliane Marques , de Oliveira Filho Antonio Santana Batista
Published: February 2021

Climate change has aggravated the occurrence of drought periods, affecting pasturelands in different regions of the world. Silicon attenuates water deficiency in several species, but there is a lack of research to verify whether Si can modify C stoichiometry and its effects in mitigating water deficit in forage plants. To this end, this research was carried out with the aim of evaluating whether Si supply via fertigation causes an increase in its absorption, stoichiometric modification of C and improvement in physiological variables and in the growth of Brachiaria cultivated under two soil water regimes (70% and 40% of water holding capacity in the soil). Two experiments were carried out with the cultivars BRS RB331 Ipyporã and Mavuno grown in pots filled with Quartzipsamments. In the experiments, the same treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme were applied, with Si application via fertigation applied to the soil and control (Si omission) combined with two soil water regimes (70% and 40% of the water retention capacity in the soil, adequate and deficient water contents, respectively). The two forages that received silicon via fertigation specially cultivated under water deficit had a greater accumulation of Si in the shoot, decreased C content and C:Si ratio and increased C use efficiency, and decreased rate of electrolyte leakage with increased relative water content, leaf water potential, chlorophyll b content, quantum efficiency of photosystem II and, consequently, increased growth and dry matter production. The present research shows that the use of Si via fertigation promotes a new strategy to mitigate water deficit in forages, based on the improvement of the physiological aspects of the plant resulting from the modification of carbon stoichiometry, thereby increasing C use efficiency.
Life in the “dead heart” of Australia: The geohistory of the Australian deserts and its impact on genetic diversity of arid zone lizards
Authors: Pepper Mitzy , Keogh J Scott
Published: February 2021

Aim

The Australian deserts are home to a remarkable diversity of taxa that might appear to have evolved in the absence of topographic and physical barriers to dispersal. In fact this is a biogeographical illusion, as the dunefields of the modern arid zone obscure the fossil landscapes of the wet desert that existed for much of the Cenozoic. As the geohistory of Australia's arid zone is not widely understood by biologists, we review its geological development and contemporary landscapes in an accessible way, and describe eight biogeographical hypotheses centred on how geomorphology, evolutionary history and contemporary ecological factors interact to shape diversification patterns in the desert lowlands.

Location

Australia.

Taxon

Lizards.

Methods

We review the arid zone landscapes before and after the development of the vast dunefields. As lizards represent a significant component of genetic studies that sample widely across the arid biome, we focus on this taxonomic group to establish emerging patterns.

Results

Recent geological work suggests that the dunefields never formed extensive mobile landscapes such as in the Sahara, but rather were a mosaic of vegetated and stable dune surfaces with scattered bare, mobile patches. Large fluvial systems in the eastern arid zone during the Pleistocene also are at odds with the general perception of an arid landscape during this time. Incorporating this geohistorical insight, understanding where landscape heterogeneity is greatest within the arid zone, and where relative homogeneity might facilitate connectivity and gene flow, are at the heart of our biogeographic hypotheses.

Main conclusions

Patterns are emerging that reflect the underlying influence of geomorphological processes on the genetic structure of Australian desert taxa. Quantifying finer‐scale edaphic complexity across the arid zone, widespread genetic sampling from disparate taxonomic groups, and a more detailed understanding of species ecology and life history will greatly improve our understanding of the ecological and historical drivers of diversity gradients in the Australian deserts.
Construction of a robust prognostic model for adult adrenocortical carcinoma: Results from bioinformatics and real‐world data
Authors: Tian Xi , Xu Wen‐Hao , Anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Wang Hong‐Kai , Wan Fang‐Ning , Cao Da‐Long , Luo Wen‐Jie , Shi Guo‐Hai , Qu Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Ye Ding‐Wei
Published: February 2021

This study aims to construct a robust prognostic model for adult adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) by large‐scale multiomics analysis and real‐world data. The RPPA data, gene expression profiles and clinical information of adult ACC patients were obtained from The Cancer Proteome Atlas (TCPA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Integrated prognosis‐related proteins (IPRPs) model was constructed. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate the prognostic value of the IPRPs model in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) cohort. 76 ACC cases from TCGA and 22 ACC cases from GSE10927 in NCBI’s GEO database with full data for clinical information and gene expression were utilized to validate the effectiveness of the IPRPs model. Higher FASN (P = .039), FIBRONECTIN (P < .001), TFRC (P < .001), TSC1 (P < .001) expression indicated significantly worse overall survival for adult ACC patients. Risk assessment suggested significantly a strong predictive capacity of IPRPs model for poor overall survival (P < .05). IPRPs model showed a little stronger ability for predicting prognosis than Ki‐67 protein in FUSCC cohort (P = .003, HR = 3.947; P = .005, HR = 3.787). In external validation of IPRPs model using gene expression data, IPRPs model showed strong ability for predicting prognosis in TCGA cohort (P = .005, HR = 3.061) and it exhibited best ability for predicting prognosis in GSE10927 cohort (P = .0898, HR = 2.318). This research constructed IPRPs model for predicting adult ACC patients’ prognosis using proteomic data, gene expression data and real‐world data and this prognostic model showed stronger predictive value than other biomarkers (Ki‐67, Beta‐catenin, etc) in multi‐cohorts.
Elevated angiotensin II induces platelet apoptosis through promoting oxidative stress in an AT1R‐dependent manner during sepsis
Authors: Xu Dun‐Feng , Liu Yu‐Jian , Mao Yan‐Fei , Wang Yan , Xu Chu‐Fan , Zhu Xiao‐Yan , Jiang Lai
Published: February 2021

Thrombocytopenia is independently related with increased mortality in severe septic patients. Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is elevated in septic subjects; accumulating studies show that angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship of platelet apoptosis and RAS system in sepsis have not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to elucidate whether the RAS was involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis‐associated thrombocytopenia and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that elevated plasma Ang II was associated with decreased platelet count in both patients with sepsis and experimental animals exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Besides, Ang II treatment induced platelet apoptosis in a concentration‐dependent manner in primary isolated platelets, which was blocked by angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist losartan, but not by angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist PD123319. Moreover, inhibiting AT1R by losartan attenuated LPS‐induced platelet apoptosis and alleviated sepsis‐associated thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, Ang II treatment induced oxidative stress level in a concentration‐dependent manner in primary isolated platelets, which was partially reversed by the AT1R antagonist losartan. The present study demonstrated that elevated Ang II directly stimulated platelet apoptosis through promoting oxidative stress in an AT1R‐dependent manner in sepsis‐associated thrombocytopenia. The results would helpful for understanding the role of RAS system in sepsis‐associated thrombocytopenia.
Tumour angiogenesis normalized by myo‐inositol trispyrophosphate alleviates hypoxia in the microenvironment and promotes antitumor immune response
Authors: El Hafny‐Rahbi Bouchra , Brodaczewska Klaudia , Collet Guillaume , Majewska Aleksandra , Klimkiewicz Krzysztof , Delalande Anthony , Grillon Catherine , Kieda Claudine
Published: February 2021

Pathologic angiogenesis directly responds to tumour hypoxia and controls the molecular/cellular composition of the tumour microenvironment, increasing both immune tolerance and stromal cooperation with tumour growth. Myo‐inositol‐trispyrophosphate (ITPP) provides a means to achieve stable normalization of angiogenesis. ITPP increases intratumour oxygen tension (pO2) and stabilizes vessel normalization through activation of endothelial Phosphatase‐and‐Tensin‐homologue (PTEN). Here, we show that the tumour reduction due to the ITPP‐induced modification of the tumour microenvironment by elevating pO2 affects the phenotype and properties of the immune infiltrate. Our main observations are as follows: a relative change in the M1 and M2 macrophage‐type proportions, increased proportions of NK and CD8+T cells, and a reduction in Tregs and Th2 cells. We also found, in vivo and in vitro, that the impaired access of PD1+NK cells to tumour cells is due to their adhesion to PD‐L1+/PD‐L2+ endothelial cells in hypoxia. ITPP treatment strongly reduced PD‐L1/PD‐L2 expression on CD45+/CD31+ cells, and PD1+ cells were more numerous in the tumour mass. CTLA‐4+ cell numbers were stable, but level of expression decreased. Similarly, CD47+ cells and expression were reduced. Consequently, angiogenesis normalization induced by ITPP is the mean to revert immunosuppression into an antitumor immune response. This brings a key adjuvant effect to improve the efficacy of chemo/radio/immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Sexual dimorphism in the otolith shape of shi drum, Umbrina cirrosa (L.), in the eastern Mediterranean Sea: Fish size–otolith size relationships
Authors: Başusta Nuri , Dürrani Ömerhan
Published: February 2021

Little is known about possible differences in sagitta otolith size and shape between sexes of the shi drum, Umbrina cirrosa, and relationships between their body and otolith size. Thus, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap via examination of 414 sagittal otoliths from 108 male (total length 13.8–26.8 cm) and 99 female (13.5–26.7 cm) U. cirrosa caught between May 2017 and April 2018 in gillnets set at a depth of ~15 m in Mersin Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. No statistical differences were observed between the shape indices of the left‐sided and right‐sided sagitta. However, there were significant differences in the size and shape of otoliths between males and females. The slopes of allometric power functions from otolith width × fish sizes gave significant differences between males and females (ANCOVA, P < 0.05). The relationship for length × weight of otoliths from both males and females showed isometric growth, whereas the relationship of otolith width × otolith weight showed positive allometry. Negative allometric growth was observed for the relationship otolith length × otolith width. In summary, this study revealed the presence of sexual dimorphism in the otolith shape of U. cirrosa, and the data on regression relationships of fish‐otolith sizes can be used to estimate fish size from U. cirrosa otolith sizes.
Pattern of genetic structure of the common stream fish, Neolissochilus soroides (Pisces: Cyprinidae), addresses the importance of protected areas in eastern Thailand
Authors: Khudamrongsawat Jenjit , Kettratad Jes , Intasorn Pituk , Pinyo Nipon , Tapcheewin Sornpasok , Wanusrut Ponchai
Published: February 2021

The well‐known presence of mahseers, Neolissochilus soroides (Cyprinidae), in forested streams in eastern Thailand has attracted many visitors to protected areas for several decades. Because of its historical high abundance, this species was never considered of conservation concern. In this study, the authors revealed that mahseers are very limited to upstream areas in mountains facing the Gulf of Thailand and are now solely confined to habitats within protected areas. The fish were sampled below seven waterfalls in four national parks. All individuals were analysed using a fragment of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b gene and eight nuclear microsatellite DNA loci to uncover spatial genetic patterns. Cytochrome b data showed very low genetic diversity but indicated strong genetic differentiation between the most distant Klong Kaeo (KK) population and the other populations. The more variable microsatellite DNA markers showed moderate level of genetic diversity compared to other mahseers but revealed limited gene flow among all locations (overall FST = 0.25, P < 0.05). In addition, significant correlation was found between genetic and geographic distances (P < 0.05). Genetic bottleneck analyses provided an insight into evolutionary history in N. soroides that may have experienced past reduction in population size. As eastern Thailand is a relatively heavily populated region, habitat modification in lowland areas is inevitable, and it will have consequences for species that prefer fast‐flowing and clear water. Protected areas therefore provide valuable sanctuaries for N. soroides in headwater streams.
Advancing care for acute gastrointestinal bleeding using artificial intelligence
Authors: Shung Dennis L
Published: February 2021

The future of gastrointestinal bleeding will include the integration of machine learning algorithms to enhance clinician risk assessment and decision making. Machine learning algorithms have shown promise in outperforming existing clinical risk scores for both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding but have not been validated in any prospective clinical trials. The adoption of electronic health records provides an exciting opportunity to deploy risk prediction tools in real time and also to expand the data available to train predictive models. Machine learning algorithms can be used to identify patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding using data extracted from the electronic health record. This can lead to an automated process to find patients with symptoms of acute gastrointestinal bleeding so that risk prediction tools can be then triggered to consistently provide decision support to the physician. Neural network models can be used to provide continuous risk predictions for patients who are at higher risk, which can be used to guide triage of patients to appropriate levels of care. Finally, the future will likely include neural network‐based analysis of endoscopic stigmata of bleeding to help guide best practices for hemostasis during the endoscopic procedure. Machine learning will enhance the delivery of care at every level for patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding through identifying very low risk patients for outpatient management, triaging high risk patients for higher levels of care, and guiding optimal intervention during endoscopy.
LncRNA MIR22HG is downregulated in adenomyosis and upregulates miR‐2861 through demethylation to inhibit endometrial cell proliferation
Authors: Yu Ke , Cui Shuna , Xue Tongmin
Published: February 2021

Aim

Endometrial cell proliferation plays a critical role in adenomyosis. It has been reported that MIR22HG and miR‐2861 play similar roles in regulating endometrial cell proliferation, indicating their involvement in adenomyosis. This study aimed to investigate the potential involvement of MIR22HG and miR‐2861 in adenomyosis.

Methods

Endometrial biopsy was collected from both adenomyosis (n = 45) and the healthy controls (n = 45). The expression of MIR22HG and miR‐2861 in biopsies were determined by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). The relationship between MIR22HG and miR‐2861 in endometrial cells was analyzed by RT‐qPCR. Methylation‐specific PCR (MSP) was performed to analyze the effects of overexpression of MIR22HG on the expression of miR‐2861. Western‐blot assays were performed to illustrate the effect of MIR22HG, miR‐2861, STAT3, and MMP2 on adenomyosis. Luciferase report assay was performed to analyze the interactions among miR‐2861, STAT3, and MMP2. The role of MIR22HG and miR‐2861 in regulating the proliferation of endometrial cells was analyzed by cell proliferation assay.

Results

The expression of MIR22HG and miR‐2861 in adenomyosis did not change with menstrual cycle. MIR22HG and miR‐2861 were significantly downregulated in adenomyosis and they were significantly and positively correlated with each other. In endometrial cells, overexpression of MIR22HG upregulated the expression of miR‐2861 and decreased methylation of miR‐2861 gene. MIR22HG and miR‐2861 downregulated STAT3 and MMP2 to inhibit the proliferation of endometrial cells. In addition, overexpression of both MIR22HG and miR‐2861 showed stronger effects.

Conclusion

MIR22HG is downregulated in adenomyosis and upregulates miR‐2861 through demethylation to inhibit endometrial cell proliferation.
Effects of coated hatching eggs obtained from old broiler breeders with chitosan on embryonic growth, hatching results and chick quality
Authors: Varol Avcılar Özlem , Onbaşılar Esin Ebru , Kocakaya Afşin
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of coating broiler hatching eggs with chitosan on egg quality, embryonic growth, hatching results and chick quality. Eggs obtained from old broiler breeder, aged 59 weeks, were used. Eggs were divided into two groups (coated with chitosan and uncoated) groups. Each group was divided into three groups according to the storage period. Eggs were stored for periods of 1, 4 and 7 days at 15°C and 80% humidity. Then, they were incubated. Storage period of eggs up to 7 days did not affect the egg quality, egg weight loss, embryo growth, chick properties and hatchability of fertile eggs. However, embryo development, relative residual yolk sac weight and relative chick weight were affected by coating eggs with chitosan. Interaction was not found between storage lengths and coating of eggs with chitosan for all examined parameters. The results of the present study suggested that hatching eggs obtained from old broiler breeder flocks were immersed into chitosan solution once and quickly have negative effect on the embryo weight, yolk sac absorption and relative chick weight. It has been observed that covering the hatching eggs with chitosan is not suitable in this respect even if immersion takes place once and in a short time.
Cardiac extracellular volume fraction in cats with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Fries Ryan C. , Kadotani Saki , Keating Stephanie C. J. , Stack Jonathan P.
Published: February 2021

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) allows for detection of fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) by quantification of the extracellular volume fraction (ECV).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To quantify native T1 mapping and ECV in cats. We hypothesize that native T1 mapping and ECV will be significantly increased in HCM cats compared with healthy cats.

Animals

Seventeen healthy and 12 preclinical HCM, age‐matched, client‐owned cats.

Methods

Prospective observational study. Tests performed included indirect blood pressure, CBC, biochemical analysis including total thyroid, urinalysis, transthoracic echocardiogram, and CMR. Cats were considered healthy if all tests were within normal limits and a diagnosis of HCM was determined by the presence of left ventricular concentric hypertrophy ≥6 mm on echocardiography.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in LV mass (healthy = 5.87 g, HCM = 10.3 g, P < .0001), native T1 mapping (healthy = 1122 ms, HCM = 1209 ms, P = .004), and ECV (healthy = 26.0%, HCM = 32.6%, P < .0001). Variables of diastolic function including deceleration time of early diastolic transmitral flow (DTE), ratio between peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow and peak velocity of late diastolic transmitral flow (E : A), and peak velocity of late diastolic transmitral flow (A wave) were significantly correlated with ECV (DTE; r = 0.73 P = .007, E : A; r = −0.75 P = .004, A wave; r = 0.76 P = .004).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Quantitative assessment of cardiac ECV is feasible and can provide additional information not available using echocardiography.
Genomic population structure of sympatric sexual and asexual populations in a parasitic wasp, Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), inferred from six hundred single‐nucleotide polymorphism loci
Authors: Wachi Nakatada , Gau Jin‐Je , Fujie Shunpei , Fukano Kenya , Maeto Kaoru
Published: February 2021

In spite of the two‐fold reproductive advantage, asexual reproduction is not common in nature, probably due to the associated genetic deterioration or reduced genetic variation. To understand how genetic diversity is maintained in existing asexual populations, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of sympatric sexual and asexual populations of a parasitic wasp, Meteorus pulchricornis, using 614 genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. The genetic structures of the apomictic asexual populations were distinct, showing considerable genetic differentiation among them. Most of the asexual populations were highly differentiated from the sympatric sexual population; some asexual individuals could not be distinguished from members of the sexual population. Furthermore, significantly fewer multilocus genotypes were identified in the asexual populations (1–7) compared to the sexual population (42), which is consistent with their apomictic nature. The observed patterns of fixed heterozygous sites suggest that most asexual populations had the same evolutionary origin and have long since evolved individually; the detected gene flow between the sexual population and a few asexual population may indicate independent origins of asexuality. The potential role of occasional males in apomictic wasps is also discussed.
Exploring Evolving Motivation to Learn Two Languages Simultaneously in a Study‐Abroad Context
Authors: FUKUI HARUNA , YASHIMA TOMOKO
Published: February 2021

Studies focused on motivation to learn languages other than English or more than 1 language simultaneously have been gaining attention in recent years. However, there are far fewer than those related to second language (L2) English learning. To fill this gap, this article explores the evolving motivation of 2 Japanese students who spent 1 academic year learning both English and Chinese on a study‐abroad program in Taiwan. The data consist of semistructured interviews conducted before and during the program along with motivation graphs drawn by the students. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized. The L2 motivational self system and the concept of the ideal multilingual self are used as frameworks to capture the complex experience of learning multiple languages simultaneously. To capture the dynamic and complex nature of motivation, this article also applies three different timescales (microgenetic, mesogenetic, and ontogenetic) to analyze learners’ experiences. The results show how ideal and ought‐to second‐ and third‐language selves emerged along with an ideal multilingual self in 1 of the students while abroad. The interviews also revealed multiple learning experiences and struggles in maintaining balance, with both languages competing for limited cognitive resources and study time.
Writing activities and the hidden curriculum in nursing education
Authors: Mitchell Kim M. , McMillan Diana E. , Lobchuk Michelle M. , Nickel Nathan C.
Published: February 2021

Nursing programs are complex systems that articulate values of relationality and holism, while developing curriculums that privilege metric‐driven competency‐based pedagogies. This study used an interpretive approach to analyze interviews from 20 nursing students at two Canadian Baccalaureate programs to understand how nursing's educational context, including its hidden curriculums, impacted student writing activities. We viewed this qualitative data through the lens of activity theory. Students spoke about navigating a rigid writing context. This resulted in a hyper‐focus on “figuring out” the teacher with minimal focus on the act of writing. Students used a form of behavioral “code‐switching” to maximize their grade while considering how their “valuing” of the assignment fit within their writing motives. Hidden curriculum messages taught students that academic success was assured whether their writing mirrored instructor preferences. Instructional practices of rigidity reinforced unequal social conditions for some minority students. Faculty can counteract the impact of the hidden curriculum through encouragement of choice and independent thinking about writing activities. Acknowledging power relationships and their influence on how students navigate writing assignments and nursing discourse may relieve pressures on students who fear penalties for countering norms and result in a more flexible learning environment.
Some Unpleasant Consequences of Testing at Length*
Authors: Brunello Giorgio , Crema Angela , Rocco Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

We show that, when performance on a math test depends on students’ endurance, longer tests do not necessarily provide a more accurate measure of students’ competencies or a higher correlation between the ranking of classes (or schools) based on test performance and the ranking based on the underlying competencies. We revisit the finding that female teenagers are better able to sustain performance during a math test by considering younger pupils, who were tested in Italian primary schools during their second and fifth grade. We find evidence of a gender gap in the ability to sustain performance only in the higher grade, suggesting that this gap develops during primary school.
Editorial overview: Analytic and methodological innovations for suicide‐focused research
Authors: Bauer Brian W. , Law Keyne C. , Rogers Megan L. , Capron Daniel W. , Bryan Craig J.
Published: February 2021

This editorial overview provides an introduction to the Suicide and Life‐Threatening Behaviors Special Issue: “Analytic and Methodological Innovations for Suicide‐Focused Research.” We outline several challenges faced by modern suicidologists, such as the need to integrate different analytical and methodological techniques from other fields with the unique data problems in suicide research. Therefore, the overall aim of this issue was to provide up‐to‐date methodological and analytical guidelines, recommendations, and considerations when conducting suicide‐focused research. The articles herein present this information in an accessible way for researchers/clinicians and do not require a comprehensive background in quantitative methods. We introduce the topics covered in this special issue, which include how to conduct power analyses using simulations, work with large data sets, use experimental therapeutics, and choose covariates, as well as open science considerations, decision‐making models, ordinal regression, machine learning, network analysis, and measurement considerations. Many of the topics covered in this issue provide step‐by‐step walkthroughs using worked examples with the accompanied code in free statistical programs (i.e., R). It is our hope that these articles provide suicidologists with valuable information and strategies that can help overcome some of the past limitations of suicide research, and improve the methodological rigor of our field.
Using categorical data analyses in suicide research: Considering clinical utility and practicality
Authors: Mitchell Sean M. , Cero Ian , Littlefield Andrew K. , Brown Sarah L.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Categorical data analysis is relevant to suicide risk and prevention research that focuses on discrete outcomes (e.g., suicide attempt status). Unfortunately, results from these analyses are often misinterpreted and not presented in a clinically tangible manner. We aimed to address these issues and highlight the relevance and utility of categorical methods in suicide research and clinical assessment. Additionally, we introduce relevant basic machine learning methods concepts and address the distinct utility of the current methods.

Method

We review relevant background concepts and pertinent issues with references to helpful resources. We also provide non‐technical descriptions and tutorials of how to convey categorical statistical results (logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curves, area under the curve [AUC] statistics, clinical cutoff scores) for clinical context and more intuitive use.

Results

We provide comprehensive examples, using simulated data, and interpret results. We also note important considerations for conducting and interpreting these analyses. We provide a walk‐through demonstrating how to convert logistic regression estimates into predicted probability values, which is accompanied by Appendices demonstrating how to produce publication‐ready figures in R and Microsoft Excel.

Conclusion

Improving the translation of statistical estimates to practical, clinically tangible information may narrow the divide between research and clinical practice.
Nasal angiofibroma treatment outcome using intensity‐modulated radiation therapy in a dog
Authors: L. Ashworth Hayley , K. Flesner Brian , J. Norquest Carissa , A. Maitz Charles
Published: February 2021

A 6‐year‐old dog presented with a modified Adams stage 3 angiofibroma of the right nasal cavity, causing fluid accumulation along the right frontal sinus. Treatment consisted of step‐and‐shoot intensity‐modulated radiation therapy in 12 daily treatments of 3.5 Gy, for a total dose of 42 Gy to 95% of the planning target volume. The dog developed self‐limiting grade 2 oral mucositis which resolved within 2 weeks of course completion. A recheck exam 668 days after treatment confirmed a stable disease response by RECIST and a tumor volume decrease of 55.4%.
Fake News, (Mis) Information and Civil and Political Fundamental Rights
Authors: Santin Janaina Rigo , Pra Marlon Dai
Published: February 2021

This paper, built from a bibliographic review, using the hypothetical deductive method, deals with the growing problem related to the dissemination of false information, which in its turn interferes directly in the formation of public opinion and, consequently, in democracy and the fundamental civic rights exercise. Throughout the text, it is observed how this phenomenon is present and takes power in different media, particularly in electronic media, reaching many people and blurring the right to information. In this way the Brazilian political scenario was observed, especially in the 2018 electoral process, in which fake news marked the campaigns, bringing to the public a series of distorted values rather than cohesive proposals and well-defined strategies. From this analysis we understand the need for an education on the subject, so that the practices of disinformation can be gradually combated preserving and praising reliable information committed to the citizen's rights and democracy.
Numerical Characterization of an High Pressure Compressor Stage Equipped With a Closed Shrouded Stator Cavity
Authors: Babin Cedric , Dumas Michel , Ottavy Xavier , Fontaneto Fabrizio
Published: February 2021

In axial compressors, shrouded stator cavity flows are responsible for performance degradation due to their interaction with the power stream. The present paper aims at exploring the possibility of employing a single-stage high-pressure axial compressor as a test vehicle for cavity flows investigations. In a first step, the robustness of the adopted RANS approach is tested against experimental data on the closed-cavity baseline configuration (i.e., no downstream-to-upstream recirculation). In a second phase, the effect of different hub cavities layouts of different levels of realism is numerically investigated. The focus is set on the representativeness of a closed cavity configuration with injection. The cavity flow topology and impact on the overall performance are considered in the analysis. At its final extent, this paper provides numerical and experimental guidelines for the robust assessment of cavity flows topology and performance effects.
Higher Order Conceptual Model for Labyrinth Seal Flutter
Authors: Corral Roque , Greco Michele , Vega Almudena
Published: February 2021

A simple nondimensional model to describe the flutter onset of two-fin straight labyrinth seals (Corral, R., and Vega, A., 2018, “Conceptual Flutter Analysis of Labyrinth Seals Using Analytical Models. Part I: Theoretical Background,” ASME J. Turbomach., 140(10), p. 121006) is extended to account for nonisentropic flow perturbations. The isentropic relationship is replaced by the more general integral energy equation of the inter-fin cavity. A new expression for the Corral and Vega stability criterion is derived, which is very consistent with the previous model in the whole design space of the seal but for torsion centers located in the high-pressure side close to the seal. The new model formally depends on more dimensionless parameters since the existing parameter grouping of the previous model does not hold anymore, but this dependency is weak in relative terms. The model blends the limit where the discharge time of the inter-fin cavity is much longer than the vibration period, and the flow is nearly isentropic, and the opposite limit, where the perturbations are isothermic, gracefully. A few numerical examples obtained using a three-dimensional linearized frequency domain solver are included to support the model and show that the trends are correct, but the body of the numerical work will be presented in a separated article. The matching between the work-per-cycle obtained with the model and frequency domain solver is good. It is shown that some weird trends obtained using linearized unsteady simulations are qualitatively consistent with the current model but not with the previous one (Corral, R., and Vega, A., 2018, “Conceptual Flutter Analysis of Labyrinth Seals Using Analytical Models. Part I: Theoretical Background,” ASME J. Turbomach., 140(10), p. 121006). The largest differences between the new and the previous model are seen when the seal is supported at the high-pressure side.
Effects of Jet Impingement on Convective Heat Transfer in Effusion Holes
Authors: Huelsmann Nathan C. , Thole Karen A.
Published: February 2021

A common design for cooling the combustor liner of gas turbines is a double wall composed of impingement jets that feed effusion cooling holes. An important cooling mechanism associated with the effusion hole is the convective cooling provided to the liner wall, which is in contact with the hot main gas flowing through the combustor. While the combination of impingement jets and effusion holes has been studied earlier, mostly in terms of cooling effectiveness, investigators have not fully evaluated the effect the impingement jet has on the local internal convection within the effusion hole. This study evaluates the detailed effects of the impingement geometry on the local convective heat transfer coefficients within the effusion hole, which provides insights as to the design decisions for cooling combustor liners. Using a scaled-up, 3D-printed effusion hole with a constant heat flux boundary condition, local convective heat transfer coefficients were measured for a range of impingement geometries and positions relative to the effusion holes. Results showed a strong influence on the convective heat transfer resulting from the placement of the impingement hole relative to the effusion hole. In particular, the results showed a strong sensitivity to the circumferential and radial placement of the impingement jet with little sensitivity to the jet-to-effusion distance.