bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of several nutritional sources on the virulence ofBeauveria bassianas.l. CEP147 against the planthopperDelphacodes kuscheli
Authors: Toledo Andrea V. , Brentassi María E.
Published: December 2021

Delphacodes kuscheliFennah (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is the main planthopper vector ofMal de Río Cuarto virus(MRCV), aFijivirusthat severely affects maize production in Argentina. The effect of several nutritional sources on the virulence ofBeauveria bassianas.l. CEP147 (Balsamo‐Crivelli) Vuillemin (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) against this planthopper was evaluated with the aim to select some of them to be incorporated in future mass production studies. Ten agar‐agar 2% media were used. Media were supplemented with 10 g of sucrose and 4% flour of either amaranth, chia, flax, oat bran, parboiled rice, poppy, quinoa, or wheat germ. Sabouraud dextrose agar with 1% yeast extract (SDAY) was used as control, and sucrose agar medium supplemented with 2% chitin was used as a possible inductor of enzymatic activity. We evaluated the effect of each medium on colony growth, conidial yield, viability, size, adherence, hydrophobicity, protease activity, cumulative mortality, and median survival time (MST). Principal component analysis indicated that conidial viability and adherence explained the most of the total variance, indicating that these variables can be used as indicators of fungal virulence. Medium supplemented with chia flour not only increased conidial viability (100%) and adherence (0.09 A550) with respect to the control medium, but also produced highD. kuschelimortality (91.7%), with the lowest MST (5.2 days). We suggest that chia flour, which is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, might be incorporated as a nutritional supplement to solid substrates in order to increase the virulence ofB. bassianas.l. CEP147 against this and other pests. However, future studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of this nutritional source on solid‐state fermentation.
The economic globalization for sustainable management of overseas trade enterprise logistics
Authors: Zuo Wurong , Zhang Xing , Ge Yuemeng
Published: December 2021

The study expects to explore the sustainable logistics management of foreign trade enterprises, help to further adapt to the development mode of economic globalization at this stage, reduce the international trade cost of enterprises and promote the overall trade development of enterprises. Logistics service providers of foreign trade enterprises are set as the research object to analyzes the problems existing in internal logistics management from the perspective of enterprise logistics. According to the relevant principles of analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the corresponding solutions are proposed. Through the actual investigation and analysis, first, the main problems of modern logistics enterprises are underdeveloped logistics management technology, low degree of information, low work efficiency and high logistics risk. Second, the enterprise logistics management index is divided into five indicators, namely, enterprise service level, enterprise operation qualification, logistics management ability, risk control ability and transportation location advantage. Among the five indicators, service level accounts for the largest proportion, for 30.23%. Four different service providers are scored, and the highest score is 7.5717, which proves the practicability of AHP. Finally, the optimization management strategy is proposed for similar logistics enterprises. The accomplishment of the study can help enterprises reduce costs, continuously improve the level of logistics management, and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of enterprises, which has certain practical significance and can provide scientific and effective reference for subsequent research.
Treatment efficacy of multiple family therapy in helping Chinese children of depressed parents in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Ma Joyce L. C. , Xia Lily L. L. , Yau‐Ng Monica , Yiu Yan‐Yee Cindy
Published: December 2021

This article reports results of a study that assessed the efficacy of multiple family therapy (MFT) for helping children of depressed parent(s), using a quasi‐randomized controlled trial design. In total, 76 children participated in the study, with 51 children were assigned to the experimental group (EG) and 25 to the comparison group (CG). The EG children and their parents completed the three‐month MFT program, while the CG children and their parents attended two psychoeducational talks scheduled at the same time as the MFT. A group × Time repeated measure ANCOVA did not discern the intervention types having any effect on children's lives in the post‐treatment phase or at the three‐month follow‐up. However, the MFT brought some promising positive changes in the EG children's perceived social support, both overall and that from the father and other family members at three‐month follow‐up; compared to the CG children, the EG children also attached more importance to the support from their mothers in the post‐treatment phase and that from other family members at the three‐month follow‐up. The results implied the potential efficacy of the MFT in facilitating an increase in the overall social support of children of depressed parents and their positive interactions with both the healthy and the depressed parent and other family members. Owing to multiple statistical limitations, caution is required while interpreting the results. A larger sample and a more sophisticated research design were suggested for future studies examining the efficacy and therapeutic mechanism of the MFT.
Double stranded DNA breaks and genome editing trigger loss of ribosomal protein RPS27A
Authors: Riepe Celeste , Zelin Elena , Frankino Phillip A. , Meacham Zuriah A. , Fernandez Samantha G. , Ingolia Nicholas T. , Corn Jacob E.
Published: December 2021

DNA damage activates a robust transcriptional stress response, but much less is known about how DNA damage impacts translation. The advent of genome editing with Cas9 has intensified interest in understanding cellular responses to DNA damage. Here, we find that DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs), including those induced by Cas9, trigger the loss of ribosomal protein RPS27A from ribosomes via p53‐independent proteasomal degradation. Comparisons of Cas9 and dCas9 ribosome profiling and mRNA‐seq experiments reveal a global translational response to DSBs that precedes changes in transcript abundance. Our results demonstrate that even a single DSB can lead to altered translational output and ribosome remodeling, suggesting caution in interpreting cellular phenotypes measured immediately after genome editing.
Theory of mind tested by implicit false belief: a simple and full‐fledged mental state attribution
Authors: Egawa Jun , Kawasaki Keisuke , Hayashi Taketsugu , Akikawa Ryota , Someya Toshiyuki , Hasegawa Isao
Published: December 2021

About 40 years have passed since ‘theory of mind (ToM)’ research started. The false‐belief test is used as a litmus test for ToM ability. The implicit false‐belief test has renewed views of ToM in several disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience. Many important questions have been considered via the paradigm of implicit false belief. We recently addressed the phylogenetic and physiological aspects of ToM using a version of this paradigm combined with the chemogenetic technique on Old World monkeys. We sought to create animal models for autism that exhibit behavioral phenotypes similar to human symptoms. The simultaneous manipulation of neural circuits and assessments of changes in phenotypes can help identify the causal neural substrate of ToM.
Decadal trend of plankton community change and habitat shoaling in the Arctic gateway recorded by planktonic foraminifera
Authors: Greco Mattia , Werner Kirstin , Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Rasmussen Tine L. , Kucera Michal
Published: December 2021

The Fram Strait plays a crucial role in regulating the heat and sea‐ice dynamics in the Arctic. In response to the ongoing global warming, the marine biota of this Arctic gateway is experiencing significant changes with increasing advection of Atlantic species. The footprint of this ‘Atlantification’ has been identified in isolated observations across the plankton community, but a systematic, multi‐decadal perspective on how regional climate change facilitates the invasion of Atlantic species and affects the ecology of the resident species is lacking. Here we evaluate a series of 51 depth‐resolved plankton profiles collected in the Fram Strait during seven surveys between 1985 and 2015, using planktonic foraminifera as a proxy for changes in both the pelagic community composition and species vertical habitat depth. The time series reveals a progressive shift towards more Atlantic species, occurring independently of changes in local environmental conditions. We conclude that this trend is reflecting higher production of the Atlantic species in the Nordic Seas, from where they are advected into the Fram Strait. At the same time, we observe the ongoing extensive sea‐ice export from the Arctic and associated cooling‐induced decline in density and habitat shoaling of the subpolar Turborotalita quinqueloba, whereas the resident Neogloboquadrina pachyderma persists. As a result, the planktonic foraminiferal community and vertical structure in the Fram Strait shift to a new state, driven by both remote forcing of the Atlantic invaders and local climatic changes acting on the resident species. The strong summer export of Arctic sea ice has so far buffered larger plankton transformation. We predict that if the sea‐ice export will decrease, the Arctic gateway will experience rapid restructuring of the pelagic community, even in the absence of further warming. Such a large change in the gateway region will likely propagate into the Arctic proper.
Coupling a Borehole Thermal Model andMT3DMSto Simulate Dynamic Ground Source Heat Pump Efficiency
Authors: Zong Yifei , Valocchi Albert J. , Lin Yu‐Feng F.
Published: December 2021

We present a novel integrated two‐region model that couples simulation of local heat transfer processes in borehole heat exchangers (BHEs) with field‐scale heat transport simulation using MT3DMS to fulfill the dynamic simulation of the borehole geothermal systems. This includes the prediction of subsurface thermal perturbation induced by BHEs, derivation of the U‐pipe circulating fluid temperature profile within boreholes, and the evaluation of the ground source heat pump efficiency based on available time series of building heat load. In our approach, MT3DMS is the simulator for the two‐dimensional field‐scale heat transport, while new Python modules are developed to analytically solve the thermal transfer process within boreholes and interface iteratively with MT3DMS. A Python package for scripting MODFLOW‐based code named Flopy is used to establish the MT3DMS numerical model. The proposed model is validated against analytical solutions and we demonstrate the application to more complex test problems with field‐scale heterogeneity and pumping. Instructions are provided to access the source code and example problems which are available online.
The role of fear of negative evaluation in interview anxiety and social‐evaluative workplace anxiety
Authors: Zhang Irene Y. , Powell Deborah M. , Bonaccio Silvia
Published: December 2021

We investigated the consequences of interview and social‐evaluative workplace anxiety on job performance, and whether these two anxieties share a common antecedent–fear of negative evaluation. Job applicants (n = 128) completed a survey following their interview and halfway through their work term; supervisory performance ratings were collected at the end of the work term. Fear of negative evaluation was positively correlated with both interview anxiety and social‐evaluative workplace anxiety. The correlation between interview anxiety and job performance was near zero, as was the correlation between social‐evaluative workplace anxiety and job performance; these relations were not moderated by the social‐evaluative nature of the job. This study suggests that anxious interviewees and employees perform as well as their less anxious counterparts, even in social‐evaluative jobs.
The effect of an artificial agent's vocal expressiveness on immediacy and learning
Authors: Fountoukidou Sofia , Matzat Uwe , Ham Jaap , Midden Cees
Published: December 2021

Background

Though pedagogical artificial agents are expected to play a crucial role in the years to come, earlier studies provide inconsistent results regarding their effect on learning. This might be because their potential for exhibiting subtle nonverbal behaviours we know from human teachers has been untapped. What is more, there is little evidence of the processes underlying the effect of nonverbal behaviours of teachers (either human or artificial) on learning, so as to better guide their practical application.

Objectives

The aims of the current research were threefold: firstly, to examine the effect of an artificial agent's vocal expressiveness on non‐verbal immediacy (teachers' ability to increase psychological closeness through nonverbal communication). Secondly, to test whether an artificial agent showing strong vocal expressiveness will enhance affective and cognitive learning (perceived and actual), as compared to an artificial agent that shows weak vocal expressiveness. Thirdly, to examine whether the underlying mechanisms of motivation and attention explain the effect of immediacy (and thereby also of vocal expressiveness) on the two learning outcomes.

Methods

The study used a between‐participants design, with the participants being randomly assigned to one of the two experimental conditions: artificial modelling with strong expressiveness and artificial modelling with weak vocal expressiveness.

Results and conclusions

Results showed that an artificial agent with strong vocal expressiveness increased affective and perceived cognitive learning. Partial support was found for actual cognitive learning. What is more, our findings revealed that vocal expressiveness is related to affective and perceived cognitive learning because it promotes nonverbal immediacy. Finally, results provided evidence of motivation as a mediator of the path from immediacy to affective learning.

Major takeaways

The current findings verify the important role of nonverbal immediacy found in traditional educational settings. However, showing that these results also apply to artificial teachers is essential, given that the educational landscape is changing and reshaping by artificial intelligence. Thus, taking into consideration the role of vocal expressiveness in the development of artificial teachers or voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google assistant, as a way to enhance immediacy and affective experience of learners is of imperative value, since they will be found more and more in our societies.
Association of isolated diastolic hypertension based on different guideline definitions with incident cardiovascular risk in a Chinese rural cohort
Authors: Zhang Shiru , Liu Sitong , Jiao Yundi , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian , Sun Zhaoqing
Published: December 2021

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline lowered the threshold (systolic blood pressure [SBP] <130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] ≥80 mm Hg) for isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), whereas the 2018 Chinese guideline still recommends the old threshold (SBP <140 mm Hg and DBP ≥90 mm Hg). This study aimed to investigate the association between IDH, as defined by both guidelines, and the risk of incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in rural areas of northeast China. This prospective study included participants whose baseline data were collected between 2004 and 2006. The exclusion criteria were baseline CVD, incomplete data, and systolic hypertension. The primary end point was incident CVD, a composite end point including nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, and CVD death. Multivariate Cox models were used to evaluate the association of IDH with CVD risk. The authors analyzed 19 688 participants (7140 participants with IDH) according to the ACC/AHA guideline. Compared with normotensive participants, individuals with ACC/AHA‐defined IDH were at a high risk of CVD (HR = 1.177, 95% CI: 1.035–1.339). A similar difference in CVD risk was noted when normotensive participants were compared with those with IDH, determined based on the 2018 Chinese guideline (HR = 1.218, 95% CI: 1.050–1.413). Similar results were found in participants who did not take antihypertensives at baseline. Moreover, IDH defined by either guideline was significantly associated with nonfatal MI. ACC/AHA‐defined IDH was associated with a risk of CVD, implying that blood pressure management should be improved in rural areas of China.
Efficacy and safety of phenol‐based partial matricectomy in treatment of onychocryptosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Vinay K. , Narayan Ravivarma V. , Thakur V. , Choudhary R. , Narang T. , Dogra S. , Varthya S.B.
Published: December 2021

Chemical matricectomy is an established treatment modality of onychocryptosis. In this meta‐analysis, we studied the efficacy and safety profile of phenol‐based matricectomy. We performed an electronic database search of PubMed, EMBASE and grey literature using the search terms ‘(onychocryptosis OR ingrown toe nail) AND (phenol OR chemical matricectomy)’ from inception till 31‐12‐2020, for controlled clinical trials with phenol in one of the treatment arms and at least 10 participants in each arm. From the initial search of 335, eighteen articles were included in the final analysis. There were a total of 1655 patients, of which 856 received phenol as an intervention modality. We found that nail matrix phenolisation was associated with a 49 fewer number of recurrences per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.28–0.57, CI 95%). It also had a reduction in 175 cases of discharge or haemorrhage per thousand patients compared with other modalities (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14–0.45). However, we found that TCA‐ and NaOH‐based matricectomies fared better compared with phenol in incidence of postoperative discharge and haemorrhage. Patients also experienced less pain (257 fewer number per 1000, OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43–0.63). Nearly, half of the included studies had some concerns about the risk of bias. As of now, phenol matricectomy combines a low recurrence rate with favourable adverse effect profile and is the preferred modality for matricectomy in grade II and III onychocryptosis.
Integrated view of plant metabolic defense with particular focus on chewing herbivores
Authors: Wari David , Aboshi Takako , Shinya Tomonori , Galis Ivan
Published: December 2021

Success of plants largely depends on their ability to defend against herbivores. Since emergence of the first voracious consumers, plants maintained adapting their structures and chemistry to escape from extinction. The constant pressure was further accelerated by adaptation of herbivores to plant defenses, which all together sparked the rise of a chemical empire comprised of thousands of specialized metabolites currently found in plants. Metabolic diversity in the plant kingdom is truly amazing, and although many plant metabolites have already been identified, a large number of potentially useful chemicals remain unexplored in plant bio‐resources. Similarly, biosynthetic routes for plant metabolites involve many enzymes, some of which still wait for identification and biochemical characterization. Moreover, regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression and enzyme activities in specialized metabolism of plants are scarcely known. Finally, understanding of how plant defense chemicals exert their toxicity and/or repellency against herbivores remains limited to typical examples, such as proteinase inhibitors, cyanogenic compounds and nicotine. In this review, we attempt summarizing the current status quo in metabolic defense of plants that is predominantly based on the survey of ubiquitous examples of plant interactions with chewing herbivores.
Symptoms and management of long COVID: A scoping review
Authors: Cha Chiyoung , Baek Gumhee
Published: December 2021

Aim

This scoping review aims to describe published work on the symptoms and management of long COVID conditions.

Background

Symptoms and management of COVID‐19 have focused on the acute stage. However, long‐term consequences have also been observed.

Methods

A scoping review was performed based on the framework suggested by Arksey and O’Malley. We conducted a literature search to retrieve articles published from May 2020 to March 2021 in CINHAL, Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed and Web of science, including backward and forward citation tracking from the included articles. Among the 1880 articles retrieved, 34 articles met our criteria for review: 21 were related to symptom presentation and 13 to the management of long COVID.

Results

Long COVID symptoms were described in 21 articles. Following COVID‐19 treatment, hospitalised patients most frequently reported dyspnoea, followed by anosmia/ageusia, fatigue and cough, while non‐hospitalised patients commonly reported cough, followed by fever and myalgia/arthralgia. Thirteen studies described management for long COVID: Focused on a multidisciplinary approach in seven articles, pulmonary rehabilitation in three articles, fatigue management in two articles and psychological therapy in one study.

Conclusion

People experience varied COVID‐19 symptoms after treatment. However, guidelines on evidence‐based, multidisciplinary management for long COVID conditions are limited in the literature. The COVID‐19 pandemic may extend due to virus mutations; therefore, it is crucial to develop and disseminate evidence‐based, multidisciplinary management guidelines.

Relevance to clinical practice

A rehabilitation care plan and community healthcare plans are necessary for COVID‐19 patients before discharge. Remote programmes could facilitate the monitoring and screening of people with long COVID.
Apolipoprotein A‐IV concentrations and clinical outcomes in a large chronic kidney disease cohort: Results from the GCKD study
Authors: Schwaiger Johannes P. , Kollerits Barbara , Steinbrenner Inga , Weissensteiner Hansi , Schönherr Sebastian , Forer Lukas , Kotsis Fruzsina , Lamina Claudia , Schneider Markus P. , Schultheiss Ulla T. , Wanner Christoph , Köttgen Anna , Eckardt Kai‐Uwe , Kronenberg Florian ,   for the GCKD Investigators
Published: December 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a chronic proinflammatory state and is associated with very high cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein A‐IV (apoA‐IV) has antiatherogenic, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory and antithrombotic properties and levels increase significantly during the course of CKD.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the association between apoA‐IV and all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in the German Chronic Kidney Disease study.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study including 5141 Caucasian patients with available apoA‐IV measurements and CKD. The majority of the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30–60 ml/min/1.73m2 or an eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73m2 in the presence of overt proteinuria. Median follow‐up was 6.5 years. The association of apoA‐IV with comorbidities at baseline and endpoints during follow‐up was modelled adjusting for major confounders.

Results

Mean apoA‐IV concentrations of the entire cohort were 28.9 ± 9.8 mg/dl. Patients in the highest apoA‐IV quartile had the lowest high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein values despite the highest prevalence of diabetes, albuminuria and the lowest eGFR. Each 10 mg/dl higher apoA‐IV translated into lower odds of prevalent cardiovascular disease (1289 cases, odds ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.86, p = 0.0000003). During follow‐up, each 10 mg/dl higher apoA‐IV was significantly associated with a lower risk for all‐cause mortality (600 cases, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.81, 95% CI 0.73–0.89, p = 0.00004), incident major adverse cardiovascular events (506 cases, HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.79–0.99, p = 0.03) and death or hospitalizations due to heart failure (346 cases, HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.96, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

These data support a link between elevated apoA‐IV concentrations and reduced inflammation in moderate CKD. ApoA‐IV appears to be an independent risk marker for reduced all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular events and heart failure in a large cohort of patients with CKD.
Evaluation of natural head position over five minutes: A comparison between an instantaneous and a five‐minute analysis with an inertial measurement unit
Authors: Al‐Yassary Mustafa , Billiaert Kelly , Antonarakis Gregory S. , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: December 2021

Background

Head posture is a balance of several positions and therefore shows inherent variation. Most methods available to quantify this are however instantaneous, not providing information about its variation over time. A dynamic recording of head posture would thus be beneficial.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the variation in natural head position (NHP) over 5 min using an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

Methods

Fifteen healthy young volunteers were asked to sit on a chair and keep their head in the self‐balanced position for 5 min. A mirror was then revealed in front of them, and they were asked to look at their eyes for 20 s. This procedure was undertaken on two separate occasions with a one‐week interval. This was compared to an instantaneous measurement of head position at a specific time point corresponding to the 15th second of the recording.

Results

During the 5 min of recording, the participants tended to elevate their head progressively by a mean of 1.5°, which is then corrected by looking at oneself in the mirror. Most participants tended to rotate their head to the left and continued that progressive rotation despite looking in the mirror. The roll axis had no systematic changes observed between the self‐balanced position and the mirror‐guided position and was the most reproducible axis. Moderate to good correlations were found comparing both sessions for each axis.

Conclusion

The comparison between the five‐minute analysis and the instantaneous measurement showed a systematic difference on the pitch axis but no differences for the yaw and roll. These results suggest that the variation in the NHP during a period of 5 min is generally specific to each participant with a head elevation and rotation to the left in most cases.
Black Adolescent Boys’ Perceived School Mattering: From Marginalization and Selective Love to Radically Affirming Relationships
Authors: Carey Roderick L. , Polanco Camila , Blackman Horatio
Published: December 2021

Inspired by Black Lives Matter activism, we used racialized lenses on social‐psychological “mattering” to investigate how Black high school boys’ interactions shaped their perceived mattering. Researchers conducted interviews with 17 self‐identified Black boys who were part of a larger school‐based partnership called The Black Boy Mattering Project. Participants reportedexperiencing and resisting interpersonal marginal mattering(e.g., evidenced in negative interactions with educators and peers and fueled by racist stereotypes) and describedmattering partially through selective love(e.g., inferring significance through athletics, yet deemed anti‐intellectual). Our study exhibits how schools uphold systemic anti‐Black racist notions that shape relationships between Black boys and their peers and educators and diminish adolescents’ self‐concepts. Implications aim to support educators and researchers in radically affirming Black boys in school contexts.
Transvenous embolization of moderate to large patent ductus arteriosus in dogs using the Amplatzer vascular plug II
Authors: Hildebrandt Nicolai , Stosic Andreas , Henrich Estelle , Wiedemann Nicola , Wurtinger Gabriel , Schneider Matthias
Published: December 2021

Background

Catheter‐based occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can be performed using different devices. Transvenous embolization using the Amplatzer vascular plug II (AVP‐II) has been studied in humans, but it has not been described in dogs.

Objective

Evaluate the feasibility and success of transvenous embolization of PDA using the AVP‐II in dogs.

Animals

Nineteen client‐owned dogs with left‐to‐right shunting PDA, with minimal ductal diameter >2.5 mm.

Methods

Prospective observational study using AVP‐II with transvenous access for PDA closure in dogs.

Results

Angiography showed a conical ductus with a long (n = 17) or short (n = 2) ampulla. The minimal diameter of the duct was 4.34 ± 1.11 mm, and the maximal diameter of the ampulla was 13.18 ± 3.47 mm. Technical success was achieved in 18 of the 19 (94.7%) patients after the first intervention and in all 19 (100%) patients after the second intervention. Postrelease angiography documented complete occlusion of the PDA in 10 of 19 (52.6%) dogs. Mild flow acceleration or stenosis of the left pulmonary artery was found in 6 and 1 of the 17 analyzed cases, respectively, by Doppler examination. The closure rate 24 hours after intervention was 94.7% (18/19). The remaining dog had a moderate residual shunt, and delayed complete closure after 3 months led to a 100% closure rate.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The AVP‐II is a safe and effective device for transvenous embolization in dogs with moderate to large PDA.
Comprehensiveness of infant formula and bottle feeding resources: A review of information from Australian healthcare organisations
Authors: Cheng Heilok , Rossiter Chris , Size Donna , Denney‐Wilson Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

The use of infant formula is widespread internationally. In Australia, 55% of infants receive formula before 6 months of age, with higher rates among disadvantaged communities. Infant formula use can contribute to childhood overweight and obesity, through formula composition and feeding behaviours, such as adding cereal to bottles and parental feeding style. While information abounds to promote and support breastfeeding, formula‐feeding parents report a paucity of advice and support; many rely on formula packaging for information. This study systematically searched and reviewed online resources for infant formula and bottle feeding from Australian governments, health services, hospitals, and not‐for‐profit parenting organisations. A comprehensive search strategy located 74 current resources, mostly for parents. Researchers evaluated the resources against best practice criteria derived from Australian government and UNICEF guidelines on six topics. They assessed how comprehensively the resources addressed each topic and whether the resources provided all the information necessary for parents to understand each topic. The mean ‘comprehensiveness’ rating for topics across all resources was 54.36%. However, some topics were addressed more fully than others. Information on ‘discussing infant formula with health workers’ and on ‘preparing infant formula’ was more frequently accurate and comprehensive. However, there was much less comprehensive information on ‘using infant formula’, including amounts of formula to feed, use of bottle teats, appropriate bottle‐feeding practice and responsiveness to infant satiety cues. Over half the resources were written at an acceptable reading level.
Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Full‐Endoscopic Visualized Foraminoplasty and Discectomy Versus Microdiscectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Hua Wenbin , Ke Wencan , Wang Bingjin , Xiang Qian , Zhang Yukun , Wu Xinghuo , Li Shuai , Wang Kun , Zeng Xianlin , Gao Yong , Yang Shuhua , Xiao Baojun , Yang Cao
Published: December 2021

Objective

This retrospective case‐control study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of full‐endoscopic visualized foraminoplasty and discectomy (FEVFD) with microdiscectomy (MD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods

Data from 198 patients who presented with LDH between January 2016 and December 2017 treated by either FEVFD or MD were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria were single‐level LDH, unilateral radiating leg pain with or without positive Lasegue's sign, and failure of standard conservative treatment for at least 12 weeks. The patients were categorized into an FEVFD group (n = 102) or an MD group (n = 96), according to the surgical procedure performed. Operative time, time in bed after surgery, postoperative hospitalization time, complications, and reoperations were recorded. Visual analog scales (VAS) for leg and back pain, Oswestry Disability index (ODI), 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey physical function (SF36‐PF), and bodily pain (SF36‐BP) scores were assessed and compared between the two groups.

Results

The demographic data and baseline characteristics of the two groups were not significantly different. Operative time for the FEVFD group (73.82 ± 20.73 min) was longer than that for the MD group (64.74 ± 17.37 min) (P = 0.003), and fluoroscopy time for the FEVFD group (1.71 ± 0.58s) was longer than that for the MD group (1.30 ± 0.33s) (P < 0.001). However, time in bed experienced in the FEVFD group (8.51 ± 2.10 h) was less than that in the MD group (9.24 ± 2.01 h) (P = 0.014), and postoperative hospitalization time experienced in the FEVFD group (2.89 ± 0.83d) was also shorter than that in the MD group (4.94 ± 1.35d) (P < 0.001). All patients completed 24 months of follow‐up. Postoperative scores at each follow‐up for the VAS for leg and back pain, ODI, SF36‐PF, and SF36‐BP all improved significantly for both groups, as compared to the preoperative data (P < 0.05). The mean preoperative and postoperative scores for the VAS for leg and back pain, ODI, SF36‐PF, and SF36‐BP were not significantly different between the two groups. According to the modified MacNab criteria, the outcomes of the procedures were rated as excellent or good by 92.16% and 93.75% of the patients in the FEVFD and MD groups, respectively. One patient suffered a nerve root injury during the discectomy, one patient suffered from a dural tear, and two patients suffered from a residual herniation in the FEVFD group. One patient in the MD group suffered from poor wound healing. Moreover, recurrence happened in two cases in the FEVFD group, and in one case in the MD group.

Conclusion

FEVFD and MD are both reliable techniques for the treatment of symptomatic LDH. FEVFD resulted in a more rapid recovery and equivalent clinical outcomes after 24 months of follow‐up.
The impact of pork‐barrel capital funding in schools: Evidence from participatory budgeting in NYC
Authors: Rothbart Michah W. , Schwegman David J. , Shybalkina Iuliia
Published: December 2021

Pork‐barrel spending is a form of public spending controlled by individual legislators and primarily serving a local interest. In this paper, we investigate the impact of a type of pork, council member capital discretionary education spending voted upon in a participatory budgeting (PB) process, on school budgets and performance in New York City. Exploiting plausibly exogenous variation in discretionary spending induced by the PB elections, we find winning a PB election increases school pork appropriations. However, we find no evidence these transfers from council members improve fiscal and performance outcomes. Further, pork may interfere with school budgeting.
Subharmonic dynamics of wave trains in the Korteweg‐de Vries/Kuramoto‐Sivashinsky equation
Authors: Johnson Mathew A. , Perkins Wesley R.
Published: December 2021

We study the stability and nonlinear local dynamics of spectrally stable periodic wave trains of the Korteweg‐de Vries/Kuramoto‐Sivashinsky equation when subjected to classes of periodic perturbations. It is known that for each , such a ‐periodic wave train is asymptotically stable to ‐periodic, i.e., subharmonic, perturbations, in the sense that initially nearby data will converge asymptotically to a small Galilean boost of the underlying wave, with exponential rates of decay. However, both the allowable size of initial perturbations and the exponential rates of decay depend on and, in fact, tend to zero as , leading to a lack of uniformity in such subharmonic stability results. Our goal here is to build upon a recent methodology introduced by the authors in the reaction–diffusion setting and achieve a subharmonic stability result, which is uniform in . This work is motivated by the dynamics of such wave trains when subjected to perturbations that are localized (i.e., integrable on the line).
Integrating drones, participatory mapping and GIS to enhance resiliency for remote villages
Authors: Li Qiuxi , Deliberty Tracy
Published: December 2021

Indigenous communities in developing regions are impacted by frequent disasters and the erosion of their culture with the trend of modernization. Additionally, their efforts to reduce risk have been hampered by the fact that these communities lack a sufficiently detailed map of their territories. In the absence of professional surveying instruments and costly high‐resolution satellite imagery, this study uses drone‐captured imagery, participatory methods, and GIS to produce the first publicly accessible infrastructure and resource data set for indigenous communities in southwest China. The resulting maps enable the data‐poor indigenous communities to be aware of their housing fire risk, historical building preservation status, and potential economic resources such as tourist attractions. The maps created are expected to build resiliency in these communities which is of significance to many hard‐to‐reach communities around the world for disaster prevention, economic planning, and cultural preservation.
Cyclic nucleotide‐gated ion channel 6 is involved in extracellular ATP signaling and plant immunity
Authors: Duong Ha N. , Cho Sung‐Hwan , Wang Limin , Pham An Q. , Davies Julia M. , Stacey Gary
Published: December 2021

Extracellular ATP (eATP) is known to act as a danger signal in both plants and animals. In plants, eATP is recognized by the plasma membrane (PM)‐localized receptor P2K1 (LecRK‐I.9). Among the first measurable responses to eATP addition is a rapid rise in cytoplasmic free calcium levels ([Ca2+]cyt), which requires P2K1. However, the specific transporter/channel proteins that mediate this rise in [Ca2+]cyt are unknown. Through a forward genetic screen, we identified an Arabidopsis ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) mutant impaired in the [Ca2+]cyt response to eATP. Positional cloning revealed that the mutation resided in the cngc6 gene, which encodes cyclic nucleotide‐gated ion channel 6 (CNGC6). Mutation of the CNGC6 gene led to a notable decrease in the PM inward Ca2+ current in response to eATP. eATP‐induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation and gene expression were also significantly lower in cngc6 mutant plants. In addition, cngc6 mutant plants were also more susceptible to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Taken together, our results indicate that CNGC6 plays a crucial role in mediating eATP‐induced [Ca2+]cyt signaling, as well as plant immunity.
Ceramides regulate defense response by binding to RbohD in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Jian , Yin Jian , Wu Jian‐Xin , Wang Ling‐Yan , Liu Yu , Huang Li‐Qun , Wang Rui‐Hua , Yao Nan
Published: December 2021

Sphingolipids, a class of bioactive lipids, play a critical role in signal transduction. Ceramides, which are central components of sphingolipid metabolism, are involved in plant development and defense. However, the mechanistic link between ceramides and downstream signaling remains unclear. Here, the mutation of alkaline ceramidase in a ceramide kinase mutant acd5 resulted in spontaneous programmed cell death early in development and was accompanied by ceramide accumulation, while other types of sphingolipids, such as long chain base, glucosylceramide, and glycosyl inositol phosphorylceramide, remained at the same level as the wild‐type plants. Analysis of the transcriptome indicated that genes related to the salicylic acid (SA) pathway and oxidative stress pathway were induced dramatically in acer acd5 plants. Comparison of the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), SA, and ceramides in the wild‐type and acer acd5 plants at different developmental stages indicated that the acer acd5 mutant exhibited constitutive activation of SA and ROS signaling, which occurred simultaneously with the alteration of ceramides. Overexpressing NahG in the acer acd5 mutant could completely suppress its cell death and ceramide accumulation, while benzo‐(1,2,3)‐thiadiazole‐7‐carbothioc acid S‐methyl ester treatment restored its phenotype again. Moreover, we found that the plasma membrane of acer acd5 mutant was the main site of ROS production. Ceramides accumulated in the plasma membrane of acer acd5, directly binding and activating the NADPH oxidase RbohD and promoting hydrogen peroxide generation and SA‐ or defense‐related gene activation. Our data illustrated that ceramides play an essential role in plant defense.
Current State of Archiving Archaeological Reports in Bulgaria: still more physical than digital
Authors: Kecheva Nadezhda
Published: December 2021

This article provides an overview of the current state of archaeological archiving in Bulgaria. It briefly outlines the legislation that regulates archaeological fieldwork activities. Although the national legislation regulates the non-destructive and destructive activities equally, differences occur owing to the existence of the 'Archaeological Map of Bulgaria', a national 'sites and monuments' type of archaeological information system. Currently, online storage of brief data and information is possible for different archaeological sites. Its next version will be based on GIS and geographic features that allow storage of raw field survey data. According to the regulations, paper/digital reports of all fieldwork activities are collected yearly and copies of all of them are stored at the 'Scientific Archive' section at the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Although their digitisation is still in the early stages, the good news is that the centralised archaeological workflow regulates their storage in one place, which makes them more easily accessible. The annual publication of the 'Archaeological Discoveries and Excavations' series, with summaries for all fieldwork activities in the year, is also very useful for keeping track of the archaeological work and results.
Digital Dutch Archaeology: Future perspectives
Authors:   DANS, Hollander Hella
Published: December 2021

Digital archaeology in the Netherlands is connected with investments in a new large-scale and innovative Dutch research infrastructure for the next 10 years. Priorities are set to combine forces at a national level in order to contribute to the international position of the Netherlands as a 'knowledge country'. Researchers need to coordinate and collaborate even more to set up a FAIR enabling data infrastructure with limited resources. Regarding the archaeological discipline, the use of formal quality standards and legislation that certifies archaeological organisations to carry out archaeological work improves national collaboration and stimulates the digital workflow. DANS is the dedicated national repository for archaeology in the Netherlands and is launching the Data Station Archaeology, a repository meeting the latest technological standards. Finding and sharing data of high quality facilitates knowledge of archaeological discoveries; a flourishing open access trend in Dutch archaeology stimulates a strong growth in the use of data. To keep up with innovative developments, a growing community of archaeologists and other specialists are working together in international projects to secure the future of European Archaeology.
The Effects of Gloves on the Performance of a Tactile Perception Task and Precision Grasping
Authors: Shibata Mei , Howe Robert D.
Published: December 2021

The effect that gloving has on the performance of perceptual and manipulation tasks was studied in this paper. To test perceptual ability, subjects were timed as they detected hard lumps in soft rubber models. Palpation of four different lumps, diameters 3.2 mm, 4.8 mm, 6.4 mm and 7.9 mm, was performed while barehanded and while wearing gloves of thickness 0.32 mm, 0.64 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.27 mm, 1.59 mm and 1.91 mm. Analysis of the data yielded significant differences in lump detection time with glove thickness. Mean times were always best with bare hands and poorest with 1.91 mm glove thickness. Detection time variation was greatest for the 3.2 mm lump. The maximum force applied during palpation increased linearly with glove thickness. To test manipulation ability, seven subjects lifted a 460g object using the thumb and index finger while barehanded and wearing gloves of thickness 0.16 mm, 0.32 mm, 0.95 mm and 1.91 mm. Three different surfaces with varying frictional conditions were used on the object: sandpaper, suede and rayon. Results indicated that the subjects’ ability to adapt to new surfaces decreased with increasing glove thickness, and greater levels of excess grip force were applied. Visual feedback did not play an important role in assisting lift for any glove thickness. The results of the perceptual and manipulation tasks suggest that the effects of gloving are both thickness dependent and highly task sensitive.
Visual, Haptic, and Bimodal Perception of Size and Stiffness in Virtual Environments
Authors: Wu Wan-Chen , Basdogan Cagatay , Srinivasan Mandayam A.
Published: December 2021

Human psychophysical experiments were designed and conducted to investigate the effect of 3D perspective visual images on the visual and haptic perception of size and stiffness in multimodal virtual environments (VEs). Virtual slots of varying length and buttons of varying stiffness were displayed to the subjects, who then were asked to discriminate their size and stiffness respectively using visual and/or haptic cues. The results of the size experiments show that under vision alone, farther objects are perceived to be smaller due to perspective cues and the addition of haptic feedback reduces this visual bias. Similarly, the results of the stiffness experiments show that compliant objects that are farther are perceived to be softer when there is only haptic feedback and the addition of visual feedback reduces this haptic bias. Hence, we conclude that our visual and haptic systems compensate for each other such that the sensory information that comes from visual and haptic channels is fused in an optimal manner.
The Role of the End-Effector in the Perception of Virtual Surfaces Presented via Force-Feedback Haptic Interfaces
Authors: Weisenberger Janet M. , Krier Michael J. , Rinker Martha A. , Kreidler Sandra M.
Published: December 2021

Differences in the force profile delivered by different types of end-effectors suggest that the choice of end-effector for a haptic interface can have a considerable effect on the perception of the human user. In the present study two different end-effector types were evaluated for two different haptic interfaces. Conventional probe-stylus end-effectors were tested on the PHANToM 3-degree-of-freedom (DOF) force feedback haptic interface and for the Immersion IE2000 2-DOF force feedback joystick. These were compared to thimble-gimbal end-effectors into which the index fingertip is inserted (standard for the PHANToM and specially constructed for the IE2000). In a task in which subjects were asked to judge the orientation of virtual sinusoidal gratings, no significant differences in performance were observed. Results are discussed in terms of tasks in which the differential cues delivered by different end-effectors might influence performance.