bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparable human spatial memory distortions in physical, desktop virtual and immersive virtual environments
Authors: Zisch Fiona E. , Newton Coco , Coutrot Antoine , Murcia Maria , Motala Anisa , Greaves Jacob , Cothi William de , Steed Anthony , Tyler Nick , Gage Stephen A. , Spiers Hugo J.
Published: January 2022

Boundaries define regions of space and are integral to episodic memories. The impact of boundaries on spatial memory and neural representations of space has been extensively studied in freely-moving rodents. But less is known in humans and many prior studies have employed desktop virtual reality (VR) which lacks the body-based self-motion cues of the physical world, diminishing the potentially strong input from path integration to spatial memory. We replicated a desktop-VR study testing the impact of boundaries on spatial memory (Hartley et al., 2004) in a physical room (2.4m x 2.4m, 2m tall) by having participants (N = 27) learn the location of a circular stool and then after a short delay replace it where they thought they had found it. During the delay, the wall boundaries were either expanded or contracted. We compared performance to groups of participants undergoing the same procedure in a laser-scanned replica in both desktop VR (N = 44) and freely-walking head mounted display (HMD) VR (N = 39) environments. Performance was measured as goodness of fit between the spatial distributions of group responses and seven modelled distributions that prioritised different metrics based on boundary geometry or walking paths to estimate the stool location. The best fitting model was a weighted linear combination of all the geometric spatial models, but an individual model derived from place cell firing in Hartley et al. 2004 also fit well. High levels of disorientation in all three environments prevented detailed analysis on the contribution of path integration. We found identical model fits across the three environments, though desktop VR and HMD-VR appeared more consistent in spatial distributions of group responses than the physical environment and displayed known variations in virtual depth perception. Thus, while human spatial representation appears differentially influenced by environmental boundaries, the influence is similar across virtual and physical environments. Despite differences in body-based cue availability, desktop and HMD-VR allow a good and interchangeable approximation for examining human spatial memory in small-scale physical environments.
Cue-induced cocaine craving enhances psychosocial stress and vice versa in chronic cocaine users
Authors: Kexel Ann-Kathrin , Kluwe-Schiavon Bruno , Baumgartner Markus R. , Engeli Etna J. E. , Visentini Monika , Kirschbaum Clemens , Seifritz Erich , Ditzen Beate , Soravia Leila M. , Quednow Boris B.
Published: January 2022

There is evidence that stress and craving contribute to the development, maintenance, and relapse in cocaine use disorder. Previous research has shown altered physiological responses to psychosocial stress as well as increased vegetative responding to substance-related cues in chronic cocaine users (CU). However, how psychosocial stress and cue-induced craving interact in relation to the physiological response of CU is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated the interaction between acute psychosocial stress and cocaine-cue-related reactivity in 47 CU and 38 controls. Participants were randomly exposed first to a video-based cocaine-cue paradigm and second to the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) or vice versa in a crossed and balanced design to investigate possible mutually augmenting effects of both stressors on the physiological stress response. Plasma cortisol, ACTH, and noradrenaline as well as subjective stress and craving were assessed repeatedly over the course of the experimental procedure. Growth models and discontinuous growth models were used to estimate the responses during the cocaine-cue paradigm and TSST. Overall, both groups did not differ in their endocrinological responses to the TSST but CU displayed lower ACTH levels at baseline. The TSST did not elevate craving in CU. However, if the cocaine-cue video was shown first, CU displayed an enhanced cortisol response to the subsequent TSST. Cocaine-cues robustly evoked craving in CU but no stress response, while cue-induced craving was intensified after the TSST. Taken together, CU did not show an altered acute stress response during the TSST but stress and craving together seem to have mutually augmenting effects on their stress response.
Utility of estimated pulse wave velocity for assessing vascular stiffness: comparison of methods
Authors: Möstl Stefan , Hoffmann Fabian , Hönemann Jan-Niklas , Alvero-Cruz Jose Ramon , Rittweger Jörn , Tank Jens , Jordan Jens
Published: January 2022

Aim

Pulse wave velocity independently predicts cardiovascular risk. Easy to use single cuff oscillometric methods are utilized in clinical practice to estimate pulse wave velocity. We applied the approach in master athletes to assess possible beneficial effects of lifelong exercise on vascular health. Furthermore, we compared single cuff measurements with a two-cuff method in another cohort.

Methods

We obtained single cuff upper arm oscillometric measurements thrice in 129 master athletes aged 35 to 86 years and estimated pulse wave velocity using the ArcSolver algorithm. We applied the same method in 24 healthy persons aged 24 to 55 years participating in a head down tilt bedrest study. In the latter group, we also obtained direct pulse wave velocity measurements using a thigh cuff.

Results

Estimated pulse velocity very highly correlated with age (R²= 0.90) in master athletes. Estimated pulse wave velocity values were located on the same regression line like values obtained in participants of the head down tilt bed rest study. The modest correlation between estimated and measured PWV (r2 0.40; p<0.05) was attenuated after adjusting for age; the mean difference between pulse wave velocity measurements was 1 m/s.

Conclusion

Estimated pulse wave velocity mainly reflects the entered age rather than true vascular properties and, therefore, failed detecting beneficial effects of life long exercise.

Funding

The AGBRESA-Study was funded by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the European Space Agency (ESA, contract number 4000113871/15/NL/PG) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, contract number 80JSC018P0078). FH received funding by the DLR and the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Technology, BMWi (50WB1816). SM, JT and JJ were supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, BMK (SPACE4ALL Project, FFG No. 866761).
SLDP and LIPA mediate lipid droplet-plasma membrane tethering in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Krawczyk Hannah Elisa , Sun Siqi , Doner Nathan M. , Yan Qiqi , Lim Magdiel , Scholz Patricia , Niemeyer Philipp , Schmitt Kerstin , Valerius Oliver , Pleskot Roman , Hillmer Stefan , Braus Gerhard H. , Wiermer Marcel , Mullen Robert T. , Ischebeck Till
Published: January 2022

Membrane contact sites (MCS) are inter-organellar connections that allow for the direct exchange of molecules, such as lipids or Ca2+ between organelles, but can also serve to tether organelles at specific locations within cells. Here we identified and characterised three proteins that form a lipid droplet (LD)-plasma membrane (PM) tethering complex in plant cells, namely LD-localised SEED LD PROTEIN (SLDP) 1 and 2 and PM-localised LD-PLASMA MEMBRANE ADAPTOR (LIPA). Using proteomics and different protein-protein interaction assays, we show that both SLDPs associate with LIPA. Disruption of either SLDP1 and 2 expression, or that of LIPA, leads to an aberrant clustering of LDs in Arabidopsis seedlings. Ectopic co-expression of one of the SLDPs with LIPA on the other hand is sufficient to reconstitute LD-PM tethering in Nicotiana tabacum pollen tubes, a cell type characterised by dynamically moving LDs in the cytosolic streaming. Further, confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed both SLDP2.1 and LIPA to be enriched at LD-PM contact sites in seedlings. These and other results suggest that SLDP and LIPA interact to form a tethering complex that anchors a subset of LDs to the PM during post-germinative seedling growth in Arabidopsis thaliana.

One-sentence summary

SEED LIPID DROPLET PROTEIN1 and 2 and LIPID DROPLET PLASMA MEMBRANE ADAPTOR tether lipid droplets to the plasma membrane in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana.
Bis(dimethylamine-κN)bis[4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoato-κO]copper(II)
Authors: Liu Lin , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: January 2022

In the title compound, [Cu(C9H6N3O2)2(C2H7N)2], the Cu2+ cation is situated on an inversion center and is coordinated by the N atoms of two dimethylamine ligands and the carboxylate O atoms of two 4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoate anions, leading to a slightly distorted square-planar N2O2 coordination environment. In the crystal, intermolecular N—H...N hydrogen bonds between the amine function and the central N atom of the triazole ring lead to the formation of ribbons parallel to [1\overline{1}1]. Weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions are also observed that consolidate the crystal packing.
The link between HRD professionals’ social capital and career adaptability: a moderated mediation analysis of social network
Authors: Oh Jihye , Jeong Shinhee , Yoon Seung Won , Cho Daeyeon
Published: January 2022

Purpose

From a social capital perspective, this study aims to shed light on the link between social capital and career adaptability by focusing on how social connections and interactions shape and nurture career adaptability. Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, the authors further examined the critical moderating role of age on the above relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses from 208 HRD professionals were analyzed via a moderated mediation analysis.

Findings

The results showed that there is a positive relationship between social capital (network size and intimate network) and career adaptability; frequent interaction increases intimacy, in turn enhancing career adaptability; and the indirect effect of social capital on career adaptability (via intimate network) is stronger when the employee is younger.

Originality/value

The most novel theoretical contribution of this study is that the authors lend empirical support to the connection between social capital and career adaptability moderated by age. The study also contributes to understanding how core aspects of social capital are inter-related each other and have directional relationships.
Empirical investigation regarding ethical decision making: a stakeholder cross-impact analysis (SCIA)
Authors: Mehta Nikhil Kewalkrishna , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Pandey Nilay
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to study senior and middle-level executive perspectives on ethical decision-making exploring stakeholder cross-impact analysis (SCIA). Given the complexities of business today, stakeholder identification, prioritisation and complexities of reciprocal stakeholder influences have become very important. Various philosophical approaches raised questions than responses to these problems. There was a clear need to find ways through which the worldview of agents could be assimilated and understood.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the original hypothetical short case and brought in middle and senior executive reflections of Indian fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) managers. Reflections of ten senior and 178 middle-level Indian FMCG managers were presented, exploring ethical dilemmas using short hypothetical case. These reflections have been analysed using the SCIA framework. The pairedt-test was performed to compare the reflections of senior and middle-level executives.

Findings

The study results indicated that differences emerged regarding stakeholder identification, prioritisation and reciprocal stakeholder influences between Indian middle and senior FMCG executives. Hence, this study paved a reflective space for SCIA. The findings were in line with the tenets of agents’ dilemmas depicted in agency theory.

Research limitations/implications

This study made contribution to theory by integrating the perspective of ethical dilemma confronted by organisational decision-making units (DMUs) with respect to stakeholder influence and prioritisation. Specifically, theoretical contribution was made towards SCIA.

Practical implications

This study would help middle and senior executives to better understand the needs and complexities of stakeholder identification, prioritisation and complexities of reciprocal stakeholder influences.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this was one of the first studies from an emerging market context country like India that applied SCIA in the FMCG sector. Organisational DMUs while facing ethical dilemma undertook stakeholder influencevis-a-visstakeholder prioritisation.
3D printing towards implementing Industry 4.0: sustainability aspects, barriers and challenges
Authors: Malik Abrar , Ul Haq Mir Irfan , Raina Ankush , Gupta Kapil
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Environmental degradation has emerged as one of the major limitations of industrial revolution and has led to an increased focus towards developing sustainable strategies and techniques. This paper aims to highlight the sustainability aspects of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology that helps towards a better implementation of Industry 4.0. It also aims to provide a brief picture of relationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability. The major goal is to facilitate the researchers, scholars, engineers and recommend further research, development and innovations in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The various enabling factors for implementation of Industry 4.0 are discussed in detail. Some barriers to incorporation of 3D Printing, its applications areas and global market scenario are also discussed. A through literature review has been done to study the detailed relationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability.

Findings

The technological benefits of 3D printing are many such as weight savings, waste minimization and energy savings. Further, the production of new 3D printable materials with improved features helps in reducing the wastage of material during the process. 3D printing if used at a large scale would help industries to implement the concept of Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on discussing technological revolution under Industry 4.0 and incorporates 3D printing-type technologies that largely change the product manufacturing scenario. The interrelationships between 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and sustainability have been discussed.
Student entrepreneurship and perceptions on social norms and university environment: evidence from a developing country
Authors: Pinheiro Gabriela Trindade , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de , Fischer Bruno Brandão
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Social contexts and academic environments are key elements in the debate about drivers of entrepreneurial intention and behavior in tertiary students. Nonetheless, the underlying dynamics of student entrepreneurship remain elusive. This study aims to contribute to this discussion by creating an original model that addresses the perception of entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs regarding the relationship between social norms, the university environment of support to entrepreneurship and the perceived satisfaction about universities’ conditions to nurture entrepreneurial orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the hypotheses, a quantitative approach has been chosen through multivariate data analysis using partial least squares structural equation modeling applied to a sample of 595 students from 66 Brazilian universities.

Findings

The results indicate that social norms affect how students perceive their university environment in terms of entrepreneurial support. In turn, students’ impressions about such environment shape their levels of satisfaction. However, in contrast with the theory of intention–action gap, differences between actual and potential entrepreneurs could not be identified.

Originality/value

The originality of the research lies in filling an entrepreneurial intention–action gap among undergraduate students, with consistent results in a developing country. Additionally, the research presents new insights for researchers, policymakers and practitioners, exploring the students’ perceived satisfaction in relation to the university environment to support entrepreneurship.
Science, Sexual Difference and the Making of Modern Marriage in American Sex Advice, 1920–40
Authors: Jones Sarah L.
Published: January 2022

This article considers discussions of sexual difference in a range of popular prescriptive texts published between 1920 and 1940 in order to explore the relationship between science and American marital advice literature. It demonstrates the particular role science played in shaping, legitimising and enforcing changing discussions about what ‘good sex’ should look like in contemporary advice – supporting a hierarchy of sexual activities and desires that privileged a particular version of marital heterosexual expression. Through this, it also interrogates the ‘popular’ version of sexual science being consumed by the American public at this time. In addition to adding new perspectives to our understanding of contemporary advice and its relationship with science and medicine, it will also act as a provocation for further research into the ways the public engaged with sexual science in early twentieth‐century America.
Winners’ Consent? Citizen Commitment to Democracy When Illiberal Candidates Win Elections
Authors: Cohen Mollie J. , Smith Amy Erica , Moseley Mason W. , Layton Matthew L.
Published: January 2022

Democracy is in decline worldwide, primarily because voters elect candidates harboring antidemocratic aspirations. Scholars argue that elections animate the democratic spirits of winners and deflate those of losers, but what about contests ending in the victory of authoritarian candidates? To answer this question, we consider the dynamics of commitment to democracy in Brazil's 2018 presidential campaign. Drawing on AmericasBarometer data and an original five‐wave panel survey, we confirm that Jair Bolsonaro's campaign attracted skeptics of democracy. Although his election and inauguration boosted his supporters’ allegiance to the political system, it also exacerbated their tolerance for institutional ruptures such as executive‐led coups. Meanwhile, election losers retained their democratic commitments. As a result, the authoritarian victory narrowed preexisting winner–loser gaps in support for the political system, but widened gaps in tolerance for certain antidemocratic maneuvers. Thus, authoritarian electoral victories can foster short‐term satisfaction among democracy's critics while abetting future instability.
Risk perception, illusory superiority and personal responsibility during COVID‐19: An experimental study of attitudes to staying home
Authors: van Baal Simon T. , Walasek Lukasz , Karanfilovska Daniela , Cheng Allen C. , Hohwy Jakob
Published: January 2022

Little is known about how different government communication strategies may systematically affect people’s attitudes to staying home or going out during the COVID‐19 pandemic, nor how people perceive and process the risk of viral transmission in different scenarios. In this study, we report results from two experiments that examine the degree to which people’s attitudes regarding the permissibility of leaving one’s home are (1) sensitive to different levels of risk of viral transmission in specific scenarios, (2) sensitive to communication framings that are either imperative or that emphasize personal responsibility, or (3) creating ‘loopholes’ for themselves, enabling a more permissive approach to their own compliance. We find that the level of risk influences attitudes to going out, and that participants report less permissive attitudes to going out when prompted with messages framed in imperative terms, rather than messages emphasizing personal responsibility; for self‐loopholes, we find no evidence that participants’ attitudes towards going out in specific scenarios are more permissive for themselves than for others. However, participants report they are more rigorous in staying home than others, which may cause moral licensing. Additionally, we find that age is negatively associated with permissive attitudes, and that male participants are more permissive to going out. Thus, during phases where it is important to promote staying home for all scenarios, including those perceived to be low‐risk, imperative communication may be best suited to increase compliance.
Galectin‐3 as an independent prognostic factor after heart transplantation
Authors: Franeková Janka , Hošková Lenka , Jabor Antonín
Published: January 2022

Background

Galectin‐3 (GAL3) is linked to the prognosis of patients with heart failure and after heart transplantation (HTx). We assessed the prognostic role of GAL3 in a long‐term follow‐up after HTx.

Methods

HTx patients (N = 121) were evaluated in a single‐center, noninterventional, prospective, observational study. The median follow‐up was 96 months (2942 days, interquartile range (IQR) 2408–3264 days), and 40 patients died. GAL3 was measured before HTx, +10 days after HTx, and during the first posttransplant year. Survival analysis (all‐cause mortality) was performed with adjustments for clinical and laboratory variables.

Results

The median pretransplant GAL3 level was 18.0 μg/L (IQR 14.0–25.9), and higher values were associated with older age, worse kidney function, left ventricular assist device use before HTx, a higher IMPACT score, and mortality. Increased pretransplant GAL3 predicted shorter survival time (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.09–3.85, p < .05). Similar prognostic power had GAL3 on the 10th posttransplant day (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08–3.82, p < .05). GAL3 was an independent predictor of death after adjustment for clinical variables (age, infection, diabetes, smoking, IMPACT score, and troponin).

Conclusions

GAL3 was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality after adjusting for clinical and laboratory variables and may serve as an additional prognostic biomarker.
First evidence of insecticidal potential of molecules produced during the parasitic phase of the endoparasitoid Cotesia flavipes
Authors: Pinto Ciro Pedro Guidotti , dos Santos Josy Aparecida , Silva Felipe Alexsander Rodrigues , Balbuena Tiago Santana , Rossi Guilherme Duarte
Published: January 2022

Immature endoparasitoids develop inside their hosts. Consequently, endoparasitoids need to circumvent the action of the immune system and reprogram the physiology of their hosts to develop successfully. For this, parasitoids release host regulation‐related molecules into their host’s hemolymph produced by the parasitoid itself or expressed in specific host cells infected by parasitoid symbiotic viruses. In addition to their roles in host regulation, these molecules may also present biotechnological potentials, such as for insecticidal purposes in crop protection. We performed a survey for the biotechnological potential of compounds present in the hemolymph serum with and without circulating cell contents of Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) parasitized by Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as insecticides in feeding assays. Hemolymph serum from D. saccharalis larvae at 6 days after the start of the parasitism with and without circulating cell contents were collected and spread over artificial diet or over sugarcane leaves for feeding assays with D. saccharalis neonates. Hemolymph serum with or without circulating cell contents from non‐parasitized D. saccharalis larvae at the same age were used as controls. Subsequently, hemolymph serum plus circulating cell contents was fractioned using molecular filters and fractions with different molecular weight range were used for feeding assays with D. saccharalis neonates. Feeding larvae with leaf disks amended with hemolymph serum plus circulating cell contents from parasitized hosts resulted in an increase of ca. 30% in the mortality of D. saccharalis neonates. After fractioning hemolymph serum plus circulating cell contents, feeding assays with the >100 or 3–10 kDa fractions did not result in the previously observed increase in larval mortality, but resulted in a reduction of leaf consumption by neonates. Finally, we selected a parasitism‐specific protein band observed in the hemolymph >100 kDa fraction for mass spectrometry identification. This parasitism‐specific protein was similar to hymenopteran apolipophorins‐I. We conclude that there is an insecticidal potential in the hemolymph serum plus circulating cell contents of D. saccharalis larvae parasitized by C. flavipes and further investigations will be performed to identify, characterize, and uncover the biotechnological application of these molecules.
Identifying and testing marker–trait associations for growth and phenology in three pine species: Implications for genomic prediction
Authors: Perry Annika , Wachowiak Witold , Beaton Joan , Iason Glenn , Cottrell Joan , Cavers Stephen
Published: January 2022

In tree species, genomic prediction offers the potential to forecast mature trait values in early growth stages, if robust marker–trait associations can be identified. Here we apply a novel multispecies approach using genotypes from a new genotyping array, based on 20,795 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from three closely related pine species (Pinus sylvestris,Pinus uncinataandPinus mugo), to test for associations with growth and phenology data from a common garden study. Predictive models constructed using significantly associated SNPs were then tested and applied to an independent multisite field trial ofP. sylvestrisand the capability to predict trait values was evaluated. One hundred and eighteen SNPs showed significant associations with the traits in the pine species. Common SNPs (MAF > 0.05) associated with bud set were only found in genes putatively involved in growth and development, whereas those associated with growth and budburst were also located in genes putatively involved in response to environment and, to a lesser extent, reproduction. At one of the two independent sites, the model we developed produced highly significant correlations between predicted values and observed height data (YA, height 2020:r = 0.376,p < 0.001). Predicted values estimated with our budburst model were weakly but positively correlated with duration of budburst at one of the sites (GS, 2015:r = 0.204,p = 0.034; 2018:r = 0.205,p = 0.034–0.037) and negatively associated with budburst timing at the other (YA:r = −0.202,p = 0.046). Genomic prediction resulted in the selection of sets of trees whose mean height was taller than the average for each site. Our results provide tentative support for the capability of prediction models to forecast trait values in trees, while highlighting the need for caution in applying them to trees grown in different environments.
Dysbiosis of nail microbiome in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Wang Ruojun , Song Yinggai , Wan Zhe , Chen Wei , Li Hang , Li Ruoyu
Published: January 2022

Shifts in skin microbiome are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, data on the microbial dysbiosis of nail psoriasis are scarce. In this study, we aim to investigate and characterize the nail bacterial and fungal microbiome in patients with psoriasis. Nail samples were collected prospectively from 36 subjects with nail psoriasis, 24 psoriatic subjects without nail involvement and 32 healthy controls. Amplicon sequencing was performed to evaluate the bacterial and fungal community compositions. Significant alterations in the bacterial microbiome were found in the nail samples of psoriatic patients. The unaffected nails in psoriatic patients were associated with higher bacterial diversity, and a higher relative abundance of Enhydrobacter, whereas nail psoriasis was correlated with a decreased relative abundance of Anaerococcus. Shifts in fungal community composition were reflected by a higher proportion of Malassezia in the unaffected nails of psoriatic patients and an increased proportion of Candida in psoriatic nails. Shifts in the nail microbiome in psoriasis suggest a potential role of microbes in the development of nail psoriasis. Future researches focusing on these microorganisms may help to explain the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Chimeric mutants of staphylococcal hemolysin, which act as both one‐component and two‐component hemolysin, created by grafting the stem domain
Authors: Ghanem Nouran , Kanagami Natsuki , Matsui Takashi , Takeda Kein , Kaneko Jun , Shiraishi Yasuyuki , Choe Christian A. , Uchikubo‐Kamo Tomomi , Shirouzu Mikako , Hashimoto Tsubasa , Ogawa Tomohisa , Matsuura Tomoaki , Huang Po‐Ssu , Yokoyama Takeshi , Tanaka Yoshikazu
Published: January 2022

Staphylococcus aureus expresses several hemolytic pore‐forming toxins (PFTs), which are all commonly composed of three domains: cap, rim and stem. PFTs are expressed as soluble monomers and assemble to form a transmembrane β‐barrel pore in the erythrocyte cell membrane. The stem domain undergoes dramatic conformational changes to form a pore. Staphylococcal PFTs are classified into two groups: one‐component α‐hemolysin (α‐HL) and two‐component γ‐hemolysin (γ‐HL). The α‐HL forms a homo‐heptamer, whereas γ‐HL is an octamer composed of F‐component (LukF) and S‐component (Hlg2). Because PFTs are used as materials for nanopore‐based sensors, knowledge of the functional properties of PFTs is used to develop new, engineered PFTs. However, it remains challenging to design PFTs with a β‐barrel pore because their formation as transmembrane protein assemblies requires large conformational changes. In the present study, aiming to investigate the design principles of the β‐barrel formed as a consequence of the conformational change, chimeric mutants composed of the cap/rim domains of α‐HL and the stem of LukF or Hlg2 were prepared. Biochemical characterization and electron microscopy showed that one of them assembles as a heptameric one‐component PFT, whereas another participates as both a heptameric one‐ and heptameric/octameric two‐component PFT. All chimeric mutants intrinsically assemble into SDS‐resistant oligomers. Based on these observations, the role of the stem domain of these PFTs is discussed. These findings provide clues for the engineering of staphylococcal PFT β‐barrels for use in further promising applications.
YouTube™ for information on paediatric oral health instructions
Authors: Aksoy Merve , Topsakal Kübra Gülnur
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Parents and caregivers of paediatric patients usually tend to search for health information on social networks and other online platforms. At this point, the quality and reliability of these sources play an essential part in maintaining the oral health of paediatric patients.

Aim

The recent study aimed to analyse the reliability, quality and content of YouTube™ videos on paediatric oral health instructions; assess the efficacy of these videos; and help health providers lead the parents accessing accurate information on the subject mentioned.

Design

The searching term was detected as ‘children oral health’ (Google Trends Application). The first 150 videos were taken into the study. Six excluding criteria were used, and 40 videos have lasted for the further examinations. Content headings were determined according to the AAPD guidelines on paediatric oral health. The content analysis scores, reliability scores and Global Quality Score were calculated for each of these 40 videos. SPSS 26 statistical software was used in the statistical analysis process of the data; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The recent study results showed that according to content analyses, the videos were classified as ‘poor’ content with the mean values 4.07 (±1.32). The mean reliability score 2.96 (±0.69) has shown that the reliability of the videos was moderate. Mean Global Quality Score values were 2.95 (±0.73), which means the subjects were moderate quality. The mean reliability of the rich content videos (3.39 ± 0.59) and the Global Quality Score of them (3.43 ± 0.62) were statistically higher compared to the average values of the poor content videos (respectively; 2.73 ± 0.64; 2.69 ± 0.66) (p < 0.05) The average number of likes, dislikes, length, interaction index and viewing rate of rich content videos were higher than the same features of poor content videos (p < 0.05). The videos with rich content were determined in the first 50 videos listed for analyses, and the distribution of the included videos on the list was equally.

Conclusion

The present study concluded that the YouTube™ videos providing oral health instructions for paediatric patients and their parents had poor content, medium quality and reliability. Although all the listed content headings were not mentioned in the videos, the content of them still may be useful and educational for individuals. However, dental hygiene practitioners and dentists should be aware of the need in this area and put more effort into improving the YouTube™ videos on children's oral health in a more detailed way regarding content headings, quality and reliability.
Anisotropic growth kinetics and electric properties of PZT‐5H single crystal by solid‐state crystal growth method
Authors: Wang Honghui , Xia Song , Ma Ming , Li Zhenrong
Published: January 2022

The PZT‐5H single crystal growth on [111]c‐, [110]c‐, and [001]c‐oriented seed crystal by solid‐state crystal growth (SSCG) method was investigated. The growth rate of PZT‐5H single crystal strongly depends on seed crystal orientation and annealing time. The mean growth distance is 682, 620, and 93 μm for [111]c‐, [110]c‐, and [001]c‐oriented PZT‐5H single crystal grown at 1150°C for 8 h, respectively. The growth kinetics of SSCG‐grown PZT‐5H single crystal was discussed. It is found that the growth of single crystal is driven by the solubility difference between the matrix grains and single crystal growth front interface, arising from the local curvature and the crystallographic directions dependent solubility. The growth of [001]c‐oriented PZT‐5H single crystal was mainly contributed from the difference solubility arising from the local curvature of growth front interface, while the growth of [111]c‐ and [110]c‐oriented PZT‐5H single crystal was mainly contributed from the difference solubility between {111} and {110} plane of single crystal and matrix grains. The piezoelectric coefficient d33 of up to 1028pC/N (about 50% larger than that of the same component ceramic) was obtained in a [110]c‐oriented PZT‐5H single crystal with a Curie temperature of about 230°C. The large field piezoelectric constants d33* of up to 1160 pm/V (about 50% larger than that of the same component ceramic) at 15 kV/cm was also obtained in [110]c‐oriented PZT‐5H single crystal with a large strain of 0.18%. This work deepens our understanding on the growth kinetics of SSCG and pushes the way of growth of soft PZT single crystal by SSCG.
Hydrothermal synthesis of potassium–sodium niobate powders
Authors: Piskin Cerem , Karacasulu Levent , Ischia Gloria , Bortolotti Mauro , Vakifahmetoglu Cekdar
Published: January 2022

Potassium–sodium niobates (KxNa1−xNbO3, 0 < x < 1, KNN) were hydrothermally synthesized under varying alkaline ratios (K+/Na+), total hydroxide concentration, reaction temperature, and time. Compositional surveys were developed by using Rietveld analyses derived quantitative volume fractions. The data demonstrated that phase pure KNN synthesis can be achieved by reacting the niobium source with the hydroxide solution having 6 M total hydroxide concentration, cation ratio (K+/Na+) of above 6 at temperatures ≥200°C for 24 h. Dissolution–precipitation events through intermediate products including hexaniobates were postulated as a plausible formation mechanism. It was shown also that the single‐phase KNN approaching the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) could be obtained by further incorporation of sodium ions into the crystal via post‐annealing at 800°C/2 h, following the hydrothermal synthesis.
Conduction system pacing following septal myectomy: Insights into site of conduction block
Authors: Zheng Rujie , Dong Yingxue , Wu Shengjie , Su Lan , Zhao Dongdong , Chen Xueying , Cai Binni , Fang Xianhong , Vijayaraman Pugazhendhi , Huang Weijian
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Septal myectomy for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is associated with conduction block; however, the electrophysiological characteristics of conduction block have not been well characterized. The aim of study was to assess the feasibility and safety of His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) in patients with septal myectomy‐associated conduction block.

Methods and Results

Patients with HCM and indications for pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy after septal myectomy were included. Electrophysiological mapping was performed to identify the site of block. The success rates and pacing characteristics of HBP and LBBAP were also recorded. The echocardiographic data and complications were documented and tracked during follow‐up. Ten patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) or left bundle branch block (LBBB) post‐myectomy were included in the study. The site of block was infranodal in the nine patients with AVB. HBP failed due to the lack of distal His bundle capture (N = 7) or LBBB correction (N = 3). LBBAP was successful in nine patients and failed in one. QRS duration narrowed from 163.3 ± 16.6 ms after surgery to 123.6 ± 15.8 ms during LBBAP (p < .001). The mean depth of the leads was 13.3 ± 4.0 mm (range from 10 to 20 mm). At a mean follow‐up of 5.3 ± 3.9 months, pacing parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction remained stable.

Conclusions

Electrophysiological mapping revealed that the site of block was infra‐Hisian and not correctable with HBP in patients with HCM post‐myectomy. LBBAP appears to be a more feasible physiological strategy for these patients.
Machine learning‐based stocks and flows modeling of road infrastructure
Authors: Ebrahimi Babak , Rosado Leonardo , Wallbaum Holger
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces a new method to account for the stocks and flows of road infrastructure at the national level based on material flow accounting (MFA). The proposed method closes some of the current shortcomings in road infrastructures that were identified through MFA: (1) the insufficient implementation of prospective analysis, (2) heavy use of archetypes as a way to represent road infrastructure, (3) inadequate attention to the inclusion of dissipative flows, and (4) limited coverage of the uncertainties. The proposed dynamic bottom‐up MFA method was tested on the Norwegian road network to estimate and predict the material stocks and flows between 1980 and 2050. Here, a supervised machine learning model was introduced to estimate the road infrastructure instead of archetypical mapping of different roads. The dissipation of materials from the road infrastructure based on tire–pavement interaction was incorporated. Moreover, this study utilizes iterative classified and regression trees, lifetime distributions, randomized material intensities, and sensitivity analyses to quantify the uncertainties.
Optimal dividend payout under stochastic discounting
Authors: Bandini Elena , De Angelis Tiziano , Ferrari Giorgio , Gozzi Fausto
Published: January 2022

Adopting a probabilistic approach we determine the optimal dividend payout policy of a firm whose surplus process follows a controlled arithmetic Brownian motion and whose cash‐flows are discounted at a stochastic dynamic rate. Dividends can be paid to shareholders at unrestricted rates so that the problem is cast as one of singular stochastic control. The stochastic interest rate is modeled by a Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process and the firm's objective is to maximize the total expected flow of discounted dividends until a possible insolvency time. We find an optimal dividend payout policy which is such that the surplus process is kept below an endogenously determined stochastic threshold expressed as a decreasing continuous function of the current interest rate value. We also prove that the value function of the singular control problem solves a variational inequality associated to a second‐order, non‐degenerate elliptic operator, with a gradient constraint.
Synchytrium endobioticum, the potato wart disease pathogen
Authors: van de Vossenberg Bart. T. L. H. , Prodhomme Charlotte , Vossen Jack H. , van der Lee Theo A. J.
Published: January 2022

Potato wart disease is considered one of the most important quarantine pests for cultivated potato and is caused by the obligate biotrophic chytrid fungus Synchytrium endobioticum. This review integrates observations from early potato wart research and recent molecular, genetic, and genomic studies of the pathogen and its host potato. Taxonomy, epidemiology, pathology, and formation of new pathotypes are discussed, and a model for molecular S. endobioticum–potato interaction is proposed.

Taxonomy

Currently classified as kingdom: Fungi, phylum: Chytridiomycota, class: Chytridiomycetes, order: Chytridiales, family: Synchytriaceae, genus: Synchytrium, species: Synchytrium endobioticum, there is strong molecular support for Synchytriaceae to be transferred to the order Synchytriales.

Hosts and disease symptoms

Solanum tuberosum is the main host for S. endobioticum but other solanaceous species have been reported as alternative hosts. It is not known if these alternative hosts play a role in the survival of the pathogen in (borders of) infested fields. Disease symptoms on potato tubers are characterized by the warty cauliflower‐like malformations that are the result of cell enlargement and cell multiplication induced by the pathogen. Meristematic tissue on tubers, stolons, eyes, sprouts, and inflorescences can be infected while the potato root system seems to be immune.

Pathotypes

For S. endobioticum over 40 pathotypes, which are defined as groups of isolates with a similar response to a set of differential potato varieties, are described. Pathotypes 1(D1), 2(G1), 6(O1), and 18(T1) are currently regarded to be most widespread. However, with the current differential set other pathogen diversity largely remains undetected.

Pathogen–host interaction

A single effector has been described for S. endobioticum (AvrSen1), which is recognized by the potato Sen1 resistance gene product. This is also the first effector that has been described in Chytridiomycota, showing that in this fungal division resistance also fits the gene‐for‐gene concept. Although significant progress was made in the last decade in mapping wart disease resistance loci, not all resistances present in potato breeding germplasm could be identified. The use of resistant varieties plays an essential role in disease management.
Epidemiologic features and risk of scarring in pediatric patients with kerion celsi
Authors: Friedland Rivka , Sabbah Fareed , Reiss‐Huss Shiran , Ben Amitai Dan
Published: January 2022

Background

Kerion celsi represents the inflammatory extreme of tinea capitis, as a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the causative dermatophyte. Data regarding prevalence, trends in pathogens, and risk factors for scarring are limited.

Objective

The main objective of the study is to assess clinical and epidemiologic features of children with kerion celsi and risk factors for scarring.

Methods

We reviewed medical records of pediatric patients with kerion celsi treated between January 2006 and July 2020.

Results

Among 80 patients, the prevalence of permanent alopecia was 27.5%. Patients with remaining alopecia presented to our clinic at a mean 1.3 months earlier than those with complete response to treatment (2.2 ± 2.1 and 3.4 ± 4.8, respectively; p < .05). Patients of Ethiopian ethnicity were more represented than in the general population; however, scarring was observed in only 11% (p = 0.08). Outcomes did not differ by pathogen, antifungal treatment prescribed, duration of treatment, or the use of prednisone or antibiotics.

Conclusions

Scarring alopecia is a common complication of kerion celsi. Host innate immune response, pathogen virulence, and treatment timeline should be considered as possible variables affecting risk of scarring in the future studies.
A Novel Probability of Detection Assessment Considering Model Uncertainty for Lamb Wave Detection
Authors: Gao Chenjun , He Jingjing , Guan Xuefei
Published: January 2022

Uncertainty in Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) arises from many sources, e.g., manufacturing variability, environmental noise, and inadequate measurement devices. The reliability of the NDE measurements is typically quantified by the probability of detection (POD). With the advent and technical developments of the simulation method and computer science, efforts have been devoted to generating and estimating the POD curve for Lamb wave damage detection. However, few studies have been reported on the POD evaluation considering model selection uncertainty. This paper presents a novel POD assessment method incorporating model selection uncertainty for Lamb wave damage detection. By treating the flaw quantification model as a discrete uncertain variable, a hierarchical probabilistic model for Lamb wave POD is formulated in the Bayesian framework. Uncertainties from the model choice, model parameters, and other variables can be explicitly incorporated using the proposed method. The Bayes factor is used to evaluate the performance of models. The posterior distributions of model parameters and the model fusion results are calculated through the Bayesian update using the reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo method. A fatigue problem with naturally developed cracks is used to demonstrate the proposed method.
Characterization of Roll-Cladded Aluminum Plates With Laser-Based Surface-Acoustic-Wave Measurements
Authors: Grünsteidl Clemens , Watzl Georg , Kerschbaummayr Christian , Scherleitner Edgar , Mayr Günther , Petre Marin
Published: January 2022

We investigated roll-cladded aluminum structures consisting of a layer of Al4045 on Al3003 with a non-destructive laser-ultrasound technique. We determined the thickness of the cladding layer based on the dispersion of the fundamental guided wave propagating along the surface. We analyzed eight surfaces, with cladding thicknesses ranging from 0 to approximately 400μm The inversion of the dispersion data to obtain the thickness yielded in consistent results, which we compare to reference values obtained from micrographs. For the optimization procedure we allowed the material properties to be free parameters, but constrained them to be equal for all samples.