bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sorting droplets into many outlets
Authors: Vyawahare Saurabh , Brundage Michael , Kijac Aleksandra , Gutierrez Michael , de Geus Martina , Sinha Supriyo , Homyk Andrew
Published: June 2021

Droplet microfluidics is a commercially successful technology, widely used in single cell sequencing and droplet PCR. Combining droplet making with droplet sorting has also been demonstrated, but so far found limited use, partly due to difficulties in scaling manufacture with injection molded plastics. We introduce a droplet sorting system with several new elements, including: 1) an electrode design combining metallic and ionic liquid parts, 2) a modular, multi-sorting fluidic design with features for keeping inter-droplet distances constant, 3) using timing parameters calculated from fluorescence or scatter signal triggers to precisely actuate dozens of sorting electrodes, 4) droplet collection techniques, including ability to collect a single droplet, and 5) a new emulsion breaking method to collect aqueous samples for downstream analysis. We use these technologies to build a fluorescence based cell sorter that sorts with high purity. We also show that these microfluidic designs can be translated into injection molded thermoplastic, suitable for industrial production. Finally, we tally the advantages and limitations of these devices.
KIF18B is a cell-type specific regulator of spindle orientation in the epidermis
Authors: Moreci Rebecca S. , Lechler Terry
Published: June 2021

Proper spindle orientation is required for asymmetric cell division and the establishment of complex tissue architecture. In the developing epidermis, spindle orientation requires a conserved cortical protein complex of LGN/NuMA/dynein-dynactin. However, how microtubule dynamics are regulated to interact with this machinery and properly position the mitotic spindle is not fully understood. Furthermore, our understanding of the processes that link spindle orientation during asymmetric cell division to cell fate specification in distinct tissue contexts remains incomplete. We report a role for the microtubule catastrophe factor KIF18B in regulating microtubule dynamics to promote spindle orientation in keratinocytes. During mitosis, KIF18B accumulates at the cell cortex, colocalizing with the conserved spindle orientation machinery. In vivo we find that KIF18B is required for oriented cell divisions within the hair placode, the first stage of hair follicle morphogenesis, but is not essential in the interfollicular epidermis. Disrupting spindle orientation in the placode, using mutations in either KIF18B or NuMA, results in aberrant cell fate marker expression of hair follicle progenitor cells. These data functionally link spindle orientation to cell fate decisions during hair follicle morphogenesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate a role for regulated microtubule dynamics in spindle orientation in epidermal cells. This work also highlights the importance of spindle orientation during asymmetric cell division to dictate cell fate specification.
Accelerating RepeatClassifier Based on Spark and Greedy Algorithm with Dynamic Upper Boundary
Authors: Hu Kang , Liao Xingyu , Zou You , Wang Jianxin
Published: June 2021

1

Transposable elements (TEs) represent quantitatively important components of genome sequences (e.g. 90% of the wheat genome), and play important roles in genome organization and evolution. The promotion of unsupervised annotation of transposable elements is of great significance. Classification is an important step in TE annotation, which summarize the information about the type or mechanism for the raw repetitive sequences. RepeatClassifier is a basic homology-based classification tool which compares the TE families to both the Repeat Protein Database (DB) and libraries of RepeatMasker. Unfortunately, RepeatClassifier is inefficient and takes a few days to classify the repetitive sequences of large genomes. Hence, we proposed Spark-based RepeatClassifier (SRC) which uses Greedy Algorithm with Dynamic Upper Boundary (GDUB) for data division and load balancing, and Spark to improve the parallelism of RepeatClassifier. Experimental results show that SRC can not only ensure the same level of accuracy as that of RepeatClassifier, but also achieve 42-88 times of acceleration compared to RepeatClassifier. At the same time, SRC shows excellent parallel performance when dealing with input datasets with unbalanced length distribution. SRC is publicly available at https://github.com/BioinformaticsCSU/SRC.
(S)-Alanine ethyl ester tetracyanidoborate, (C5H12NO)[B(CN)4]
Authors: Peppel Tim , Köckerling Martin
Published: June 2021

The title molecular salt, C5H12NO+·C4BN4
− or (C5H12NO)[B(CN)4], was obtained as single crystals by slow evaporation of a solution of the compound in acetonitrile over several weeks. The asymmetric unit contains two (S)-alanine ethyl ester cations and two tetracyanidoborate anions, which are linked by N—H...N hydrogen bonds. The compound exhibits a relatively low melting point of 110°C and shows a solid–solid phase transition near room temperature (T
s–s = 29°C) on the basis of DSC measurements.
What do participants value in a diversity mentorship program? Perspectives from a Canadian medical school
Authors: Zhou Stephanie Yifan , Balakrishna Anita , Nyhof-Young Joyce , Javeed Imaan , Robinson Lisa Annette
Published: May 2021

Purpose

As medical schools become increasingly diverse, there is a growing demand for schools to support their equity-seeking students. At the University of Toronto, the diversity mentorship program (DMP) is a new program created to support equity-seeking and diverse medical students in first- and second-year through didactic lectures, networking opportunities and mentorship from senior clinicians. This article aims to share participant perspectives on how diversity-focused mentorship benefits them, perceived barriers and insights for other institutions developing a similar program.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a mixed methods design, students and mentors completed semi-structured surveys to assess broad perceptions of their mentorship experiences. Focus groups were conducted with both groups to gain deeper understandings of participants' experiences. The authors performed thematic analysis to identify qualities of successful experiences and barriers to participation.

Findings

Most mentors and mentees found the DMP helpful and identified five themes contributing to a positive mentorship experience: (1) accessibility, (2) program diversity focus with clear expectations, (3) career guidance, (4) exposure to different perspectives and (5) community and shared identity. Uncertainty on how to help less assertive mentees, mentorship pair discordance where mentees paired by race did not share racial identities and logistical challenges was identified as barriers to maintaining mentoring relationships.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first qualitative study exploring the feelings and impressions of participants in a mentorship program at a medical school addressing the needs of equity-seeking groups. By understanding the characteristics and value of diversity-focused mentorship, this will inform the creation of similar supportive programs across various professional fields at other schools.
Co-creating dementia care: manoeuvring fractured reflexivity in service design
Authors: Bast Ane , Røhnebæk Maria Taivalsaari , Engen Marit
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to theorise and empirically investigate how vulnerable users suffering from cognitive impairments can be involved in service design.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected through an ongoing field study following the processes of designing new forms of dementia care. The data consist of document studies, observations and interviews with actors involved in the service design process.

Findings

The findings demonstrate how the involvement of vulnerable users with cognitive impairment in service design requires the ability to manoeuvre users' “fractured reflexivity”. The design process was found to be constrained and enabled by three interrelated features: cognitive aspects, social aspects and representativeness.

Practical implications

This paper provides insight into concrete ways of involving vulnerable user groups in service design. The introduced concept – fractured reflexivity – may create awareness of how the involvement of users with cognitive impairment can be difficult but is also valuable, providing a means to rethink what may enable involvement and how to manage the constraints.

Originality/value

Although design processes rely on reflexivity, there is limited research addressing how reflexivity capacity differs among actors. The authors contribute by exploring how fractured reflexivity may aid the analysis and understandings of intertwined issues related to the involvement of users with cognitive impairment. Therefore, this study initiates research on how service design entails enactments of different modes of reflexivity. The paper concludes with directions for future research avenues on service design and reflexivity modes.
Organizational resilience process: integrated model of safety culture
Authors: Hafeez Hira , Abdullah Muhammad Ibrahim , Zaheer Muhammad Asif , Ahsan Qurratulain
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to create substantial awareness for safety precautions and safety parameters to lessen occupational injuries and accidents. Utilization of safety culture phenomenon with its fundamental understanding has imperative consideration for safety compliance and participation behaviors. Thoughtful aim of this study is the extension of knowledge related to safety orientation particularly in primary health-care workforce.

Design/methodology/approach

Only slips and trips accounted for 40% of workplace injuries in nursing professionals. To identity, the data were collected through structured surveys from nursing professionals of public and private hospitals in Pakistan. To evaluate that data for current study, standardized regression coefficients (parameter estimation) with 95% confidence interval and 5,000 bootstrap samples were subjected. Confirmatory factor analysis was also used to measure the validity of study constructs.

Findings

The potential findings of present study have assured the presence of safety culture at workplace has potential to influences negative safety outcomes. In addition, safety compliance and safety participation as mediation paths would be the strengthening addition to safety model. These findings have extended the existing understanding of compliance and participation behaviors from single factor to two different constructs of safety orientation. This safety culture model offers an evidence-based approach to nursing practitioners and nursing managers with implications for nurse’s safety, education and training.

Originality/value

Occupational injuries and accidental happenings have adversely affecting the quality of care, patient’s recovery spam, satisfaction level and psychological health in care agents. This study has proposed a comprehensive model for understanding the mechanism of possible and reliable safety implications at health-care units. Prior knowledge has limitation to the inevitable effects of occupational injuries only rather than focusing on corrective actions against this phenomenon.
Thermal tolerance of early development predicts the realized thermal niche in marine ectotherms
Authors: Collin Rachel , Rebolledo Adriana P. , Smith Emily , Chan Kit Yu Karen
Published: June 2021

Predictions of ectotherms' responses to global warming depend on the relationship between environmental temperature and organismal performance. To date, most predictions of thermal responses are generated from experimentally derived measures of thermal tolerances of adults or estimates of thermal niches derived from geographic distributions of adults. It is unknown how measures derived from these different approaches compare, or, as thermal performance of ectotherms varies through ontogeny, how they compare across life stages.

To understand the efficacy of the temperature–performance relationship of early developmental stages as predictors of geographic range, we empirically documented the upper and lower thermal tolerance limits of embryos of eight species of ectotherms with complex life cycles.

We compared the embryonic thermal tolerances of each species to that of the adults (documented in a previous study), as well as to an estimate of the thermal niche derived from adult distributions.

Our results show that in all eight species the upper thermal limit estimated from embryos is significantly lower than the upper thermal limit estimated from adults. The lower thermal limit for embryos and for adult performance are similar, but the lower thermal limit for adult survival is significantly lower.

Warming tolerances, calculated as the difference between upper tolerance limit and the average ambient temperature during the warmest month, for each species are also smaller for embryos (~1°C) than for adults (~5°C).

These results show that thermal tolerances of early developmental stages, which are often easier to obtain for large sample sizes over an array of temperatures than are tolerances of adults, are a powerful, and potentially more accurate tool for predicting future responses to climate change.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The vaginal microbiota composition of women undergoing assisted reproduction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Karaer A , Doğan B , Günal S , Tuncay G , Arda Düz S , Ünver T , Tecellioğlu N
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the impact of vaginal microbiota on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproduction.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

A university‐based assisted reproductive technology (ART) centre.

Population

223 women undergoing ART treatment.

Methods

Prior to embryo transfer, vaginal samples were collected from the posterior fornix. Vaginal microbiota identification was carried out using next‐generation sequencing and categorised according to the V3–V4 hypervariable region in the 16S rRNA gene region.

Main outcome measures

ART clinical outcomes (implantation, clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates).

Results

The live birth rate in women with community state type (CST)‐I (39%) was higher than that in women with CST‐III (21.5%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.052). The relative abundance of Lactobacillus was lower in women who failed to become pregnant (NP group) (67.71%) than in women who became pregnant (PR group) (79.72%). However, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). In the NP group, the relative abundance of Streptococcus (7.81%) and Gardnerella (9.40%) was higher than that in the PR group (relative abundance of Streptococcus and Gardnerella was 2.28% and 5.56%, respectively). The abundance of Streptococcus was found to be statistically significantly different between the two study groups (P = 0.014). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) further validated that Streptococcus had the highest contribution (LDA score >4.0) to the difference between these two groups.

Conclusions

Streptococcus has the highest contribution to the distinction between the PR and NP groups.

Tweetable abstract

A relatively high abundance of Streptococcus in the vaginal microbiota may be associated with a lower ART success rate.
Immunotherapy in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma: Sydney west cancer network experience
Authors: Hasmat Shaheen , Howle Julie R , Karikios Deme J , Carlino Matteo S , Veness Michael J
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer with no survival benefit demonstrated using palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy in the setting of metastatic MCC. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti‐PD‐L1/PD1) have been approved in this setting after durable clinical response was demonstrated in several clinical trials. In this series, we present a multicentre real‐world experience in using anti‐PD‐L1/PD1 in advanced MCC.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients with metastatic MCC who were treated with at least one dose of anti‐PD‐L1/PD1 presenting to Sydney West Cancer Network (Westmead, Nepean and Blacktown hospitals) was performed between 2016 and 2020. Treatment response was assessed based on morphologic and/or metabolic changes of the disease on FDG‐PET/CT scans. Primary end point investigated was objective response rate. Secondary outcomes included therapy toxicity, disease control and overall survival.

Results

Thirteen patients received anti‐PD‐L1/PD1 with a median age of 82 (range 62–89). Two patients had undergone prior palliative chemotherapy. The median follow‐up time was 17 months (range 2–34). The overall, complete and partial response rates were 77% (10), 54% (7) and 23% (3), respectively. Treatment‐related grade 1 or 2 toxicity was experienced by 69% with only 2 cases of greater severity. The median progression‐free survival and overall survival were 18 months (95% CI 10–26 months) and 33 months (95% CI range 7.6–58.4 months), respectively.

Conclusions

Consistent with clinical trial results, anti‐PD‐L1/PD1 therapy in this small series demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with metastatic MCC.
Role of Adiponectin‐Notch pathway in cognitive dysfunction associated with depression and in the therapeutic effect of physical exercise
Authors: You Jingjing , Sun Linshan , Wang Jiangong , Sun Fengjiao , Wang Wentao , Wang Dan , Fan Xueli , Liu Dunjiang , Xu Zhicheng , Qiu Changyun , Chen Jinbo , Yan Haijing , Liu Bin
Published: May 2021

A substantial percentage of late‐life depression patients also have an cognitive impairment, which severely affects the life quality, while the co‐occurring mechanisms are still unclear. Physical exercise can ameliorate both depressive behaviors and cognitive dysfunction, but the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects remain elusive. In this study, we uncover a novel adipose tissue to hippocampus crosstalk mediated by Adiponectin‐Notch pathway, with an impact on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Adiponectin, an adipocyte‐derived hormone, could activate Notch signaling in the hippocampus through upregulating ADAM10 and Notch1, two key molecules in the Notch signaling. Chronic stress inhibits the Adiponectin‐Notch pathway and induces impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive dysfunction, which can be rescued by AdipoRon and running. Inhibition Notch signaling by DAPT mimics the adverse effects of chronic stress on hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function. Adiponectin knockout mice display depressive‐like behaviors, associated with inhibited Notch signaling, impaired hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise could activate Adiponectin‐Notch pathway, and improve hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function, while deleting adiponectin gene or inhibiting Notch signaling blocks its beneficial effects. Together, our data not only suggest that Adiponectin‐Notch pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction associated with depression, but also contributes to the therapeutic effect of physical exercise. This work helps to decipher the etiology of cognitive impairment associated with depression and hence will provide a potential innovative therapeutic target for these patients.
SIRT2‐knockdown rescues GARS‐induced Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy
Authors: Zhao Yingying , Xie Liangguo , Shen Chao , Qi Qian , Qin Yicai , Xing Juan , Zhou Dejian , Qi Yun , Yan Zhiqiang , Lin Xinhua , Dai Rongyang , Lin Jinzhong , Yu Wei
Published: May 2021

Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease is the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy. Dominant mutations in the glycyl‐tRNA synthetase (GARS) gene cause peripheral nerve degeneration and lead to CMT disease type 2D. The underlying mechanisms of mutations in GARS (GARSCMT2D) in disease pathogenesis are not fully understood. In this study, we report that wild‐type GARS binds the NAD+‐dependent deacetylase SIRT2 and inhibits its deacetylation activity, resulting in the acetylated α‐tubulin, the major substrate of SIRT2. The catalytic domain of GARS tightly interacts with SIRT2, which is the most CMT2D mutation localization. However, CMT2D mutations in GARS cannot inhibit SIRT2 deacetylation, which leads to a decrease of acetylated α‐tubulin. Genetic reduction of SIRT2 in the Drosophila model rescues the GARS‐induced axonal CMT neuropathy and extends the life span. Our findings demonstrate the pathogenic role of SIRT2‐dependent α‐tubulin deacetylation in mutant GARS‐induced neuropathies and provide new perspectives for targeting SIRT2 as a potential therapy against hereditary axonopathies.
Effect of high population density of eastern black rhinoceros, a mega‐browser, on the quality of its diet
Authors: Okita‐Ouma Benson , Pettifor Richard , Clauss Marcus , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: May 2021

High density of herbivore populations can lead to intense foraging competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and population performance. We tested for the effects of the density of eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) in ninein situpopulations of 0.01–0.7 individuals per km2density range on the quality of their diet while controlling for plant available moisture and plant available nutrients. We used faecal calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc concentrations as proxy indices for dietary quality from 473 fresh faecal samples obtained from 77 adult animalsin situ, after determining a positive faeces‐diet mineral correlation in feeding trials with black rhinoceros in zoos. Some populations surpassed 70%–80% of their estimated maximum stocking densities expected to cause impact on forage. However, we did not find significant correlation between rhino population density and dietary quality, as measured via faecal mineral nutrient content. This suggests that black rhinoceros may have sufficient behavioural plasticity to adjust their diet to cover their nutritional requirements when density increases. Instead, 1‐month lagged plant available moisture, reflecting precipitation over the 4 weeks preceding each sampling effort, significantly explained the mineral concentrations in the faeces. By contrast, plant available nutrients had no effect.
Are Australian rural clinical school students' career choices influenced by perceived opinions of primary care? Evidence from the national Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators survey
Authors: La Forgia Adina , Williams Millie , Williams Susan , Walters Lucie , McArthur Lawrie , Gonzalez‐Chica David
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate whether perceived opinions of primary care are associated with student career preferences after graduation among a rural clinical school cohort and whether the preferred location of practice moderates these relationships.

Design

Cross‐sectional study using data from the national Federation of Rural Australian Medical Educators survey.

Participants/Setting

Medical students across 18 Australian universities who completed a clinical year in a rural setting in 2019.

Main outcome measure(s)

Career preference in primary care after graduation.

Results

The survey was completed by 624 students (response rate = 69.9%). A preference for primary care was reported by 35.5% (95% CI: 29.4‐42.0) of students and was more likely among those age 30+ years, with a rural background, or preferring to practise rurally after graduation. Students reported that primary care was more commonly respected by medical academics (66.8%) than peers (24.0%) or junior/hospital doctors (24.0%). In adjusted analysis, none of the perceived opinions were associated with student career preferences. However, among students aiming to work in small rural locations, a career in primary care was associated with more frequent reports that peers had poor opinions of primary care (P = .004).

Conclusion

Rural clinical school students perceive negative opinions of primary care, particularly among peers and junior/hospital doctors. Students aiming to work in small towns after graduation are more likely to report negative opinions among their peers, suggesting they may be more attuned to negative attitudes. This points to the need for a community of practice of like‐minded peers and clinicians to preserve the career interest of these students.
Reliability of Ki67 visual scoring app compared to eyeball estimate and digital image analysis and its prognostic significance in hormone receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Arun Indu , Venkatesh Saranya , Ahmed Rosina , Agrawal Sanjit Kumar , Leung Samuel C. Y.
Published: May 2021

We analysed the reproducibility of Ki67 labelling index (LI) between two scorers using the International Ki67 Working Group (IKWG) global methods on an Android application (APP), correlated the APP and eyeball estimate (EBE) with digital image analysis (DIA) scores and determined the prognostic significance of Ki67LI. Global weighted (GW) and global unweighted (GUW) Ki67 app scores of hormone receptor‐positive and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2)‐negative breast cancer patients were obtained. Reproducibility of Ki67LI between 2 scorers and correlation of APP and EBE scores with DIA scores were performed. The prognostic significance of APP scores and its correlation with other clinico‐pathologic variables were evaluated. The intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) between 2 scorers showed excellent reliability with both GW and GUW methods. ICC between DIA and APP scores was significantly greater than DIA versus EBE. The three categories of APP scores based on median value and cut points of 10%, 18% and 38% were significantly associated with poor DFS. On multivariate analysis, significant association between Ki67LI, tumour size, nodal involvement and DFS was noted. Our study shows that the visual Ki67 scoring app is effective in bringing consistency to KI67LI and APP scores showed significant correlation with DFS.
Alpha‐defensins: risk factor for thrombosis in COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Abdeen Suhair , Bdeir Khalil , Abu‐Fanne Rami , Maraga Emad , Higazi Mohamed , Khurram Nigar , Feldman Michael , Deshpande Charuhas , Litzky Leslie A. , Heyman Samuel N. , Montone Kathleen T. , Cines Douglas B. , Higazi Abd Al‐Roof
Published: May 2021

The inflammatory response to SARS/CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) infection may contribute to the risk of thromboembolic complications. α‐Defensins, antimicrobial peptides released from activated neutrophils, are anti‐fibrinolytic and prothrombotic in vitro and in mouse models. In this prospective study of 176 patients with COVID‐19 infection, we found that plasma levels of α‐defensins were elevated, tracked with disease progression/mortality or resolution and with plasma levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and D‐dimers. Immunohistochemistry revealed intense deposition of α‐defensins in lung vasculature and thrombi. IL‐6 stimulated the release of α‐defensins from neutrophils, thereby accelerating coagulation and inhibiting fibrinolysis in human blood, imitating the coagulation pattern in COVID‐19 patients. The procoagulant effect of IL‐6 was inhibited by colchicine, which blocks neutrophil degranulation. These studies describe a link between inflammation and the risk of thromboembolism, and they identify a potential new approach to mitigate this risk in patients with COVID‐19 and potentially in other inflammatory prothrombotic conditions.
Correlation‐Aware Multiple Importance Sampling for Bidirectional Rendering Algorithms
Authors: Grittmann Pascal , Georgiev Iliyan , Slusallek Philipp
Published: June 2021

Combining diverse sampling techniques via multiple importance sampling (MIS) is key to achieving robustness in modern Monte Carlo light transport simulation. Many such methods additionally employ correlated path sampling to boost efficiency. Photon mapping, bidirectional path tracing, and path‐reuse algorithms construct sets of paths that share a common prefix. This correlation is ignored by classical MIS heuristics, which can result in poor technique combination and noisy images. We propose a practical and robust solution to that problem. Our idea is to incorporate correlation knowledge into the balance heuristic, based on known path densities that are already required for MIS. This correlation‐aware heuristic can achieve considerably lower error than the balance heuristic, while avoiding computational and memory overhead.
Learning Human Search Behavior from Egocentric Visual Inputs
Authors: Sorokin Maks , Yu Wenhao , Ha Sehoon , Liu C. Karen
Published: June 2021

“Looking for things” is a mundane but critical task we repeatedly carry on in our daily life. We introduce a method to develop a human character capable of searching for a randomly located target object in a detailed 3D scene using its locomotion capability and egocentric vision perception represented as RGBD images. By depriving the privileged 3D information from the human character, it is forced to move and look around simultaneously to account for the restricted sensing capability, resulting in natural navigation and search behaviors. Our method consists of two components: 1) a search control policy based on an abstract character model, and 2) an online replanning control module for synthesizing detailed kinematic motion based on the trajectories planned by the search policy. We demonstrate that the combined techniques enable the character to effectively find often occluded household items in indoor environments. The same search policy can be applied to different full body characters without the need of retraining. We evaluate our method quantitatively by testing it on randomly generated scenarios. Our work is a first step toward creating intelligent virtual agents with human‐like behaviors driven by onboard sensors, paving the road toward future robotic applications.
School bullying and health‐related quality of life in Chinese school‐aged children and adolescents
Authors: Xiao Hui , Gong Zepeng , Ba Zhanlong , Doolan‐Noble Fiona , Han Ziqiang
Published: May 2021

To explore the association between bullying and HRQoL among Chinese school‐aged children and adolescents utilizing a cross‐sectional survey design. Bivariate associations were used to determine the correlation between the experience of bullying and lower HRQoL, and multivariate logistic regressions were evaluated. A total of 2,155 participants, 32.57%, reported experiencing bullying: traditional bullying, 27.80% (n = 599) (β = −3.55, p < .001, SE = 0.41), and cyberbullying, 7.47% (n = 161) (β = −2.50, p < .001, SE = 0.71). The degree of traditional bullying (β = −10.28, p < .001, SE = 1.19) was negatively significantly associated with HRQoL. Other determinants of the impact of the bullying in this cohort were the children's school performance and their relationship with parents, teachers and classmates.
Emotional eating as predictor of weight loss 2 years after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass
Authors: Romeijn Marleen M. , Schellekens Jessica , Bonouvrie Daniëlle S. , Janssen Loes , van Dielen François M. H. , Leclercq Wouter K. G. , van de Wal Marieke
Published: May 2021

There has been little agreement on the predictive value of emotional eating on weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to examine the predictive value of preoperative emotional eating, in response to clearly labelled emotions and diffuse emotions, on excess weight loss (EWL) and total weight loss (TWL) 2 years after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All participants included in this retrospective cohort study were screened for RYGB surgery by a multidisciplinary team. The level of emotional eating was derived from the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ); the level of psychological variables from the Symptom Checklist‐90. Participants were clustered, based on their DEBQ score, in high and low emotional eaters. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the association between preoperative emotional eating and EWL, and TWL. There were no significant differences in EWL of the 172 included participants, defined as either high or low emotional eaters (EWL 82.7% ±18.2 versus 82.4% ±21.3, respectively). Based on the regression analysis, emotional eating was not significantly associated with EWL, nor with TWL. When corrected for psychological, demographic and biological variables, preoperative emotional eating in response to diffuse emotions negatively affected EWL (β = −0.16, P = 0.048), although this was not applicable for TWL. Preoperative emotional eating does not seem to influence EWL, nor TWL 2 years after RYGB. Since this study faced multiple limitations, further investigation is required regarding the predictive value of emotional eating.
Cathepsin K deficiency promotes alveolar bone regeneration by promoting jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells proliferation and differentiation via glycolysis pathway
Authors: Zhang Wuyang , Dong Zhiwei , Li Dengke , Li Bei , Liu Yuan , Zheng Xueni , Liu Hui , Zhou Hongzhi , Hu Kaijin , Xue Yang
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To clarify the possible role and mechanism of Cathepsin K (CTSK) in alveolar bone regeneration mediated by jaw bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (JBMMSC).

Materials and Methods

Tooth extraction models of Ctsk knockout mice (Ctsk‐/‐) and their wildtype (WT) littermates were used to investigate the effect of CTSK on alveolar bone regeneration. The influences of deletion or inhibition of CTSK by odanacatib (ODN) on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of JBMMSC were assessed by CCK‐8, Western blot and alizarin red staining. To explore the differently expressed genes, RNA from WT and Ctsk‐/‐ JBMMSC was sent to RNA‐seq. ECAR, glucose consumption and lactate production were measured to identify the effect of Ctsk deficiency or inhibition on glycolysis. At last, we explored whether Ctsk deficiency or inhibition promoted JBMMSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation through glycolysis.

Results

We found out that Ctsk knockout could promote alveolar bone regeneration in vivo. In vitro, we confirmed that both Ctsk knockout and inhibition by ODN could promote proliferation of JBMMSC, up‐regulate expression of Runx2 and ALP, and enhance matrix mineralization. RNA‐seq results showed that coding genes of key enzymes in glycolysis were significantly up‐regulated in Ctsk‐/‐ JBMMSC, and Ctsk deficiency or inhibition could promote glycolysis in JBMMSC. After blocking glycolysis by 3PO, the effect of Ctsk deficiency or inhibition on JBMMSC’s regeneration was blocked subsequently.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that Ctsk knockout or inhibition could promote alveolar bone regeneration by enhancing JBMMSC regeneration via glycolysis. These results shed new lights on the regulatory mechanism of CTSK on bone regeneration.
Can creating sustainable livelihoods with communities impact cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) conservation in Colombia?
Authors: Maynard Lily , Savage Anne , Vega Johanna , DeWan Amielle , Díaz Leysthen , Gezon Zak , Guillen Rosamira
Published: June 2021

Conservation and development organizations around the world are increasingly promoting livelihood programs for rural communities as a means of creating sustainable alternatives to activities destructive to remaining wildlife and habitats. In impoverished communities in Colombia adjacent forest patches with critically endangered cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), this study evaluates alternative livelihood programs' impact on participating community members' income, wellbeing, sustainable resource use, and attitudes about cotton‐top tamarin conservation. We surveyed program participants, their neighbors, and members of reference communities nearby for comparison (n = 253). Participants in the alternative livelihood programs had significantly more access to resources and benefits compared to both the non‐participating neighbors and people from the reference communities. However, results revealed challenges of scaling up the programs to include more community members. Participants' attitudes toward sustainable resource use and cotton‐top tamarin conservation were not stronger than others who do not receive benefits from the alternative livelihoods programs, and at times were contrary to the conservation goals, revealing a gap in program training for newer participants. Conservation programs using alternative livelihood strategies can apply the lessons learned in our 16 years of implementation and this post hoc evaluation to strengthen the connection between alternative livelihoods and conservation goals.
978. CORYLUS CHINENSIS
Authors: Moore Richard
Published: May 2021

Corylus chinensisFranch., a rare Chinese tree‐forming hazel from south central China is illustrated; its introduction, horticultural merits and cultivation are discussed. It is closely allied withC. colurnawith which it shares ornamental flaking bark.
979. ACER STACHYOPHYLLUM
Authors: Crowley Dan , Rix Martyn
Published: May 2021

Acer stachyophyllum Hiern. is illustrated. Recent collections are described, and its value as a garden tree is assessed.
980. EUONYMUS CORNUTUS
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: May 2021

Euonymus cornutus is illustrated: its ecology and cultivation are discussed and illustrated. Recent collections are described, and its value as a garden tree is assessed.
981. ROSA GIGANTEA
Authors: Rix Martyn
Published: May 2021

Rosa gigantea Collett ex Crépin, is illustrated. Its history in cultivation and distribution in China and the Himalaya are discussed. It is one of the most heat‐tolerant of roses, and already the parent of hybrids suitable for warm climates; if global temperatures rise, its progeny will become even more valuable.
TWO ENDEMIC AND CRITICALLY ENDANGERED RYUKYU ISLAND LILIES LILIUM NOBILISSIMUM AND LILIUM UKEYURI (LILIACEAE)
Authors: Compton James
Published: May 2021

Three white trumpet‐flowered species of Lilium native to the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, L. longiflorum and the critically endangered endemics L. nobilissimum and L. ukeyuri have been extensively confused in the literature. These are fully described, their history and nomenclature are discussed and a key and full descriptions are provided for identification. Lectotypes are designated for the names Lilium harrissii Carrière, L. japonicum f. nobilissimum Makino, L. longiflorum var. suaveolens Edwards, L. longiflorum var. wilsonii T. Moore and L. ukeyuri R. Hogg. A neotype is designated for the name L. eximium Siebold ex Courtois.
982. FAGUS HAYATAE
Authors: Rushforth Keith
Published: May 2021

Fagus hayatae Palibin ex Hayata is illustrated. Its history and distribution in Taiwan and mainland China are discussed.
984. RHODODENDRON MAGNIFICUM
Authors: O'Brien Seamus
Published: May 2021

Rhododendron magnificum Kingdon Ward is a Myanmar member of the Subsection Grandia Sleumer. Its history of discovery, introduction, habitat, ecology and cultivation in British and Irish gardens and further afield are discussed.
Cytology of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of thyroid
Authors: Purkait Suvendu , Sethy Madhusmita , Parida Pradipta Kumar , Mitra Suvradeep
Published: June 2021

This is a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of thyroid (MECT), an uncommon thyroid neoplasm. It was diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma in cytology, the putative precursor of MECT. We discuss the cytological and the histological features, the reasons for the discrepancy, and the differential diagnoses.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on psychosocial and behavioural outcomes among Australian adults with type 2 diabetes: Findings from the PREDICT cohort study
Authors: Sacre Julian W. , Holmes‐Truscott Elizabeth , Salim Agus , Anstey Kaarin J. , Drummond Grant R. , Huxley Rachel R. , Magliano Dianna J. , van Wijngaarden Peter , Zimmet Paul Z. , Speight Jane , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: May 2021

Aim

To examine psychosocial and behavioural impacts of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic and lockdown restrictions among adults with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Participants enrolled in the PRogrEssion of DIabetic ComplicaTions (PREDICT) cohort study in Melbourne, Australia (n = 489 with a baseline assessment pre‐2020) were invited to complete a phone/online follow‐up assessment in mid‐2020 (i.e., amidst COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions). Repeated assessments that were compared with pre‐COVID‐19 baseline levels included anxiety symptoms (7‐item Generalised Anxiety Disorder scale [GAD‐7]), depressive symptoms (8‐item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ‐8]), diabetes distress (Problem Areas in Diabetes scale [PAID]), physical activity/sedentary behaviour, alcohol consumption and diabetes self‐management behaviours. Additional once‐off measures at follow‐up included COVID‐19‐specific worry, quality of life (QoL), and healthcare appointment changes (telehealth engagement and appointment cancellations/avoidance).

Results

Among 470 respondents (96%; aged 66 ± 9 years, 69% men), at least ‘moderate’ worry about COVID‐19 infection was reported by 31%, and 29%–73% reported negative impacts on QoL dimensions (greatest for: leisure activities, feelings about the future, emotional well‐being). Younger participants reported more negative impacts (p < 0.05). Overall, anxiety/depressive symptoms were similar at follow‐up compared with pre‐COVID‐19, but diabetes distress reduced (p < 0.001). Worse trajectories of anxiety/depressive symptoms were observed among those who reported COVID‐19‐specific worry or negative QoL impacts (p < 0.05). Physical activity trended lower (~10%), but sitting time, alcohol consumption and glucose‐monitoring frequency remained unchanged. 73% of participants used telehealth, but 43% cancelled a healthcare appointment and 39% avoided new appointments despite perceived need.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 lockdown restrictions negatively impacted QoL, some behavioural risk factors and healthcare utilisation in adults with type 2 diabetes. However, generalised anxiety and depressive symptoms remained relatively stable.
Association between AMPKα1 gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes in the Chinese population: A case‐control study
Authors: Guo Mengzhu , Ren Qingwen , Yang Feifei , Han Tianbi , Du Wenqiong , Zhao Feng , Li Wangjun , Li Jinbo , Feng YongLiang , Zhang Yawei , Wang Suping , Wu Weiwei
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim is to examine the association between seven candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms in AMPKα1 and gestational diabetes in Chinese people.

Method

We used a matched nested case‐control study design, individuals including 334 participants with gestational diabetes and 334 healthy pregnant women. Confirmed 334 gestational diabetes cases and maternal age and district of residence matched controls (1:1) were enrolled. We examined seven candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms in AMPKα1 gene and the risk of gestational diabetes. The associations were estimated in Co‐dominant, Dominant, Recessive, and Alleles models. The odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by unconditional logistical regression as a measure of the associations between genotypes and gestational diabetes adjusting for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), fetal sex and parity.

Result

At the gene level, we found that AMPKα1 was associated with gestational diabetes (p = 0.008). After adjusting the covariates and multiple comparison correction, AMPKα1 (rsc1002424, rs10053664, rs13361707) polymorphisms were associated with the risk of gestational diabetes. In addition, gestational diabetes was related to the AAGGA haplotype comprising rs1002424, rs2570091, rs10053664, rs13361707 and rs3805486 in the haplotype models (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the AMPKα1 genotypes (rs1002424 G/A, rs10053664 A/G, rs13361707 A/G) and the haplotype (AAGGA) are relevant genetic factors in a Chinese population with gestational diabetes.
Development of application to automatically calculate mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring data
Authors: Kitae Aya , Kimura Tetsuya , Munekawa Chihiro , Hosomi Yukako , Osaka Takafumi , Kitagawa Noriyuki , Ushigome Emi , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: June 2021

Aim

We aimed to develop an application to calculate mean amplitude of glycaemic excursions (MAGE) automatically and to evaluate its accuracy.

Materials and Methods

We named the application intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) calculator KAMOGAWA (Kyoto Auto MAGE Of Glucose cAlcutator With isCGM Application).

The isCGM data from 20 patients, 10 with and 10 without diabetes, were used to compare manually calculated MAGE values with those calculated using KAMOGAWA. The rate of agreement for the MAGE values was calculated.

Results

Comparing the MAGE values calculated manually with those calculated using KAMOGAWA, the total mean rate of agreement was 81.6%. Nonmatching values were checked and it was found that the inconsistencies were all attributable to errors in manual calculations. After correcting errors in the manual calculation, the MAGE values matched to one decimal place for all data in the manual and KAMOGAWA calculations.

Conclusions

KAMOGAWA can help diabetologists use MAGE in clinical practice, which could contribute to improving glycaemic control in patients who use isCGM.
Use of cone‐beam computed tomography for advanced imaging of the equine patient
Authors: Stewart Holly L. , Siewerdsen Jeffery H. , Nelson Brad B. , Kawcak Christopher E.
Published: May 2021

Access to volumetric imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), has increased over the past decade and has revolutionised the way clinicians evaluate equine anatomy. More recent advancements have resulted in the development of multiple commercially available cone‐beam CT (CBCT) scanners for equine use. CBCT scanners modify the traditional fan‐shaped beam of ionising radiation into a three‐dimensional pyramidal‐ or cone‐shaped beam of radiation. This modification enables the scanner to acquire sufficient data to create diagnostic images of a region of interest after a single rotation of the gantry. The rapid acquisition of data and divergent X‐ray beam causes some artifacts to be more prominent on CBCT images—as well as the unique cone‐beam artifact—resulting in decreased contrast resolution. While the use of CT for evaluation of the equine musculoskeletal anatomy is not new, there is a paucity of literature and scientific studies on the capabilities of CBCT for equine imaging. CBCT units do not require a specialised table for imaging and in some cases are portable for imaging in the standing or anaesthetised patient. This review article summarises the basic physics of CT technology, including how CBCT imaging differs, and provides objective information about the strengths and limitations of this modality. Finally, potential future applications and techniques for imaging with CT which will need to be explored in order to fully consider the capabilities of CT imaging in the horse are discussed.