bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing Students’ Attitudes Toward Older Adults After Their First Intentional Encounter: A Cross-Sectional, Correlational Study
Authors: Hovey Susan , Shropshire Michele
Published: March 2021

AIM

This study examined how intentional first encounters as a nursing student, as well as prior relationships with older adults, influenced baccalaureate prelicensure nursing students’ attitudes toward this population.

BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand for knowledgeable and skilled nurses to provide person-centered care to an aging population. An ongoing challenge is lack of interest in practicing within gerontological settings following graduation.

METHOD

A cross-sectional, correlational, comparison research design was used. Ninety-nine nursing students in five groups were recruited from six baccalaureate prelicensure nursing schools.

RESULTS

A one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference among groups, F(4, 94) = 4.873, p = .001. Students completing clinical in half-semester acute care and long-term care (M = 64.03, SD = 16.9) had better attitudes than students in other clinical experiences.

CONCLUSION

Addressing the development of positive attitudes in nursing students remains imperative to promote person-centered care to the aging population.
Significant association of nicotine reinforcement and cue reactivity: a translational study in humans and rats
Authors: Butler Kevin , Forget Benoît , Heishman Stephen J. , Le Foll Bernard
Published: March 2021

Relapse is common amongst smokers attempting to quit and tobacco cue-induced craving is an important relapse mechanism. Preclinical studies commonly use cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking to investigate relapse neurobiology. Previous research suggests dependence severity and nicotine intake history affect smoking resumption and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking. However, behavioural data may be interpreted in terms of nicotine reinforcement. This translational study investigated if individual differences in objectively assessed nicotine reinforcement strength were associated with cue-reactivity in both rats and human smokers, which to our knowledge has not been investigated before. Rats (n = 16) were trained to self-administer nicotine and were tested on a progressive ratio schedule of nicotine reinforcement, to assess reinforcer strength, and on a test of cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking. Nicotine reinforcement strength was assessed in human smokers (n = 104) using a forced choice task (nicotine containing vs. denicotinised cigarettes) and self-reported cue-induced craving was assessed following exposure to smoking and neutral cues. Responding for nicotine under progressive ratio was strongly positively correlated with cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats. Nicotine choices in human smokers were significantly associated with cue-induced craving controlling for dependence severity, years of smoking, and urge to smoke following neutral cues. Findings suggest nicotine reinforcement strength is associated with both types of cue-induced behaviour, implying some translational commonality between cue-induced craving in human smokers and cue-induced reinstatement of nicotine seeking in rats. Findings are discussed in relation to clinical implications and whether these laboratory tasks assess drug ‘wanting’.
Nutrition-Associated Processes Govern Fungal Pathogenicity
Authors: Gao Xindi , Fu Yi , Ding Chen
Published: March 2021

Fungal pathogens present a major common threat across human communities: they cause disease and death in humans, animals, and global food crops. The development of anti-fungal therapies is hampered primarily by the lack of knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of fungal pathogenicity at the host-pathogen axis. Many studies have shown that nutrition-associated processes such as autophagy and metal homeostasis play essential roles in fungal virulence during systemic infection. During infection, the host immune system often employs nutrition restriction mechanisms to limit microbial proliferation and facilitate the killing and elimination of invading pathogens. Therefore, fast sensing and adaptation to the levels of environmental nutrients are critical if the fungal pathogen is to survive, replicate, and colonize in the host. Fungal cells have evolved numerous precise mechanisms to respond to various levels of nutrient availability. Studies show that fungal cells manipulate the expression of genes involved in nutrient acquisition, autophagosome formation, toxic nutrient detoxification, or cell morphological transition to counter the anti-fungal strategies of the host. This review of the most recent studies of nutrition-related pathways focuses primarily on autophagy, metal homeostasis, and the nutrition-driven morphological switches found in two major human fungal pathogens, Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. It is a systematic comparison of the functional divergence of nutrition-related genes in the fungal pathogenicity of these evolutionarily distinct but related fungal species.
How common is primary aldosteronism?
Authors: Hundemer Gregory L. , Kline Gregory A. , Leung Alexander A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose of review

Primary aldosteronism, characterized by renin-independent aldosterone secretion from one or both adrenal glands, is the most common and modifiable form of secondary hypertension. The prevalence of primary aldosteronism is increasingly recognized to be much higher than previously thought with many cases still undetected.

Recent findings

Prior prevalence studies on primary aldosteronism have reported a wide range of estimates due to heterogeneity of both disease definitions and study populations such that it is difficult to claim a single point estimate. More recent evidence demonstrates that primary aldosteronism, as defined by conventional biochemical diagnostic criteria, is highly prevalent within populations where it is not typically considered such as mild-to-moderate hypertension, prehypertension, and even normotension. Yet, our current screening approach fails to capture many cases. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that renin-independent aldosteronism exists as a continuum of disease that extends below the current biochemical diagnostic thresholds used to define primary aldosteronsim and has clinically relevant treatment and outcome implications for a much broader patient population. Indeed, much of what we current label as ‘essential hypertension’ is, in fact, renin-independent aldosterone-mediated hypertension.

Primary aldosteronism and milder forms of renin-independent aldosteronism are highly prevalent, yet vastly under-recognized, in the general population.
Emerging role of artificial intelligence in nuclear medicine
Authors: Jha Ashish Kumar , Mithun Sneha , Rangarajan Venkatesh , Wee Leonard , Dekker Andre
Published: March 2021

The role of artificial intelligence is increasing in all branches of medicine. The emerging role of artificial intelligence applications in nuclear medicine is going to improve the nuclear medicine clinical workflow in the coming years. Initial research outcomes are suggestive of increasing role of artificial intelligence in nuclear medicine workflow, particularly where selective automation tasks are of concern. Artificial intelligence-assisted planning, dosimetry and procedure execution appear to be areas for rapid and significant development. The role of artificial intelligence in more directly imaging-related tasks, such as dose optimization, image corrections and image reconstruction, have been particularly strong points of artificial intelligence research in nuclear medicine. Natural Language Processing (NLP)-based text processing task is another area of interest of artificial intelligence implementation in nuclear medicine.
IKZF1 Rs4132601 Polymorphism and Susceptibility to Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xue , Liu Mengyi , Wang Qin
Published: March 2021

Background:

Many studies have shown that IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1) rs4132601 polymorphism is strongly linked to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children, but their conclusions have been inconsistent.

Objective:

This meta-analysis is set out to investigate the association between IKZF1 rs4132601 polymorphism and its susceptibility to childhood ALL.

Data and Methods:

On the basis of inclusion criteria, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, China Wanfang, VIP, and other databases were searched from the time of the establishment of the library database to December 2019 for all case-control studies. Stata 15.0 was applied for meta-analysis to calculate the combined odds ratio (OR) value and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each genotype at IKZF1 rs4132601. Subgroup analysis done by ethnicity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment was further performed.

Results:

Nine pieces of literature was included in this meta-analysis, including 2281 children with ALL and 2923 controls. There were significant differences in the allelic model (T vs. G: combined OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.68-0.82, P<0.05) in both Asian and Caucasian children. In addition to this, there were statistically significant differences in the dominant, homozygous and heterozygous genetic model in both Asian and Caucasian children. The difference was significant in the recessive genetic model (TT vs. TG+GG: combined OR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.67-0.84) in Caucasian children, but not in Asian children (combined OR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.70-1.04, P>0.05).

Conclusion:

There is a strong correlation between IKZF1 rs4132601 polymorphism and ALL in children. Compared with the G allele, T alleles can lower the risk of childhood ALL, and TT, TT+TG and TG genotypes can also reduce the risk of ALL in children.
Unexpected Cause of Persistent Microcytosis and Neurological Symptoms in a Child: Niemann-Pick Disease Type C
Authors: Cervera Bravo Aurea , Osuna Marco Marta P. , Morán-Jiménez María-José , Martín-Hernández Elena
Published: March 2021

Atypical microcytic anemias are rare diseases of iron/heme metabolism that can be diagnostically challenging. We report the case of a 2-year-old twin boy with neurodevelopmental delay and persistent microcytosis in whom atypical microcytic anemias was initially suspected. He had low blood iron and transferrin saturation with normal/high ferritin despite iron therapy. Hemoglobinopathies were excluded by conventional/DNA studies. Hepcidin was high but iron-refractory-iron-deficiency anemia was ruled out by a genetic panel. Bone marrow aspiration revealed foamy cells and iron depletion. A genetic study confirmed the diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type C which was finally considered the origin of microcytosis through anemia of chronic disease.
Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma With ALK-Specific Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Children: A Case Series
Authors: Shen Diying , Song Hua , Zhang Jingying , Liao Chan , Wang Yan , Fang Meixin , Tang Yongmin
Published: March 2021

Relapsed and refractory ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) has a poor prognosis. In this report, we present 3 relapsed/refractory pediatric ALCL patients, 1 of these with central nervous system involvement. All 3 patients were treated with ALK inhibitor and achieved complete response. Both crizotinib and alectinib have shown significant activity in pediatric patients with refractory ALK-positive ALCL.
Comparing Results of Syndactyly Operated Children Younger and Older Than 1 Year
Authors: Kurebayashi Leonardo , Nakamoto Hugo Alberto , Nogueira Lucas Franco , Faccioni Ana Lúcia Campos , Goldenberg Dov Charles , Gemperli Rolf
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Syndactyly has a cosmetic, functional, and psychosocial impact, and surgical treatment is indicated in most cases. This study aimed to retrospectively identify whether patients undergoing surgical release of syndactyly younger than 1 year presented different results compared with those operated older than 1 year.

Methods

Patients were assessed through photographic records by 3 independent specialist surgeons for the quality of scar, presence of web creep, rotational, flexion-extension, and lateral flexion deformities using the Withey score.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included in the study, totaling 51 commissures operated. The score was higher in the group operated younger than 1 year (5.83 ± 2.39) compared with the group older than 1 year (3.94 ± 1.93), being statistically significant, with a P value of 0.011.

Conclusions

Children with syndactyly operated younger than 1 year have worse postoperative outcomes measured by the Withey score than those operated older than 1 year.
Comparison of Different Techniques in Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Palve Johanna , Luukkaala Tiina , Kääriäinen Minna
Published: March 2021

Background

The latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is still a popular choice for breast reconstruction. Plain LD provides a good option for women with small breasts, but with bigger breasts, the problem is insufficient volume. Traditionally, implants have been inserted to improve the volume, but because of problems associated with them, the use of fat grafting has gained popularity. Increased numbers of reports considering also immediate lipofilling have been published. This study aimed to evaluate and compare different techniques in LD reconstruction in association with complications, number of further operations, and duration of reconstructive process.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients who had undergone LD reconstruction between 2008 and 2019 was performed. Demographic and operative features, complications, and the duration of reconstruction process were analyzed.

Results

A total of 291 LD flaps were performed in 283 women, including 161 (55%) implant enhanced, 73 (25%) immediate lipofilled, and 57 (20%) plain flaps. Of these, 84% were delayed reconstructions. The median volume of immediately injected fat was 155 mL (range, 50–296 mL) and inserted implant 185 mL (range, 80–420 mL). Of plain LDs, 75% did not need further operations compared with 63% of implant and 49% of lipofilling groups (P < 0.001). The median duration of reconstructive process was 10 months (range, 4–86 months) in plain, 13 months (range, 5–58 months) in implant, and 18 months (range, 5–80 months) in lipofilling group (P < 0.002). No significant differences were observed in overall complication rates between groups (P = 0.228). Most of the complications were minor, seroma being the most common. Of major complications, plain flaps were most commonly associated with donor site problems, lipofilling group with partial flap necrosis, and implant enhanced with deep infections in the breast. Shoulder problem was observed in 21 patients (7%) with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.395).

Conclusions

Latissimus dorsi flap is a versatile and safe breast reconstruction method, because it is associated most commonly only with minor complications. Careful patient selection is important when choosing between different techniques. This can have an impact on the number of further operations needed and the duration of reconstruction process. Immediate lipofilling is a safe technique to avoid the use of implant and allow fully autologous reconstruction.
Boycotting and buycotting food: new forms of political activism in Spain
Authors: Novo Vázquez Amparo , García-Espejo Isabel
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The actions of the political consumer of food may be manifested either through boycotting or through deliberate purchase of certain products based on ethical, environmental or political values (buycotting). This article has several objectives: to analyse which factors predict the behaviour of political consumers of food; to examine how they perceive that their actions can contribute to social or political change and that the political system will respond to their interests and to people's needs and to discover whether, for the political consumer of food, good citizen behaviour comes closer to the norms of the socially “engaged” or “dutiful”.

Design/methodology/approach

A national survey of 1,000 people was conducted in Spain. For the analysis of the data, logistic regression models were developed to determine the factors that most influenced the boycott or deliberate purchase. To address the relationship between food consumption in the political arena and political effectiveness and citizenship standards, the authors have conducted factor analyses of the main components.

Findings

The main results show political food consumers to be people who are interested in politics, distrust government and big business, are confident in their ability to influence these groups to change practices that are not in line with their values and have a high degree of social engagement.

Social implications

Consumers are demanding a fairer and more supportive agri-food production system, a healthier and more environmentally friendly diet and accountability from both the private sector and policymakers.

Originality/value

These data represent progress in the study of this form of political action in Spain as there are no precedents.
A stock price prediction method based on deep learning technology
Authors: Ji Xuan , Wang Jiachen , Yan Zhijun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Stock price prediction is a hot topic and traditional prediction methods are usually based on statistical and econometric models. However, these models are difficult to deal with nonstationary time series data. With the rapid development of the internet and the increasing popularity of social media, online news and comments often reflect investors’ emotions and attitudes toward stocks, which contains a lot of important information for predicting stock price. This paper aims to develop a stock price prediction method by taking full advantage of social media data.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a new prediction method based on deep learning technology, which integrates traditional stock financial index variables and social media text features as inputs of the prediction model. This study uses Doc2Vec to build long text feature vectors from social media and then reduce the dimensions of the text feature vectors by stacked auto-encoder to balance the dimensions between text feature variables and stock financial index variables. Meanwhile, based on wavelet transform, the time series data of stock price is decomposed to eliminate the random noise caused by stock market fluctuation. Finally, this study uses long short-term memory model to predict the stock price.

Findings

The experiment results show that the method performs better than all three benchmark models in all kinds of evaluation indicators and can effectively predict stock price.

Originality/value

In this paper, this study proposes a new stock price prediction model that incorporates traditional financial features and social media text features which are derived from social media based on deep learning technology.
Cultural determinants affecting pedagogical decisions in content design: a case study
Authors: Pazinas Michael
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Commercially produced educational materials often reflect the pedagogical beliefs and culture(s) of the content developers. While many teachers involved in teaching English as a foreign language have relied on commercially published content in the past, the advent of ubiquitous technology has afforded them the ability to create content that is contextualised and to share it with other educators across the globe. The purpose of this study is to investigate cultural determinants which affect the pedagogical decisions of teachers when designing content.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study, conducted at a higher educational institution in the Gulf, addresses the issues that arise when cultures or ideologies of educators as material developers are different to that of the target audience. Three semi-structured interviews with teachers were conducted in an effort to understand cultural determinants that influence decision-making about pedagogy when creating in-house content to motivate undergraduate students on an English language program in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that the participants maintained mainly essentialist perspectives of local cultures and sub-cultures and their thinking in content creation was not all that different to that of commercial publishers.

Practical implications

This study holds implications for awareness-raising and pedagogical training for educators involved in in-house content development.

Originality/value

This case study addresses an area that has been under-researched in the Gulf region.
Accounting for sources of uncertainty when forecasting population responses to climate change
Authors: Zylstra Erin R. , Zipkin Elise F.
Published: March 2021

In Focus: Jaatinen, K., Westerbom, M., Norkko, A., Mustonen, O., & Koons, D. N. (2021). Detrimental impacts of climate change may be exacerbated by density‐dependent population regulation in blue mussels. Journal of Animal Ecology, 90, 562–573, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13377. Conservation strategies for threatened species are increasingly dependent on forecasts of population responses to climate change. For such forecasts to be accurate, they must account for multiple sources of uncertainty, including those associated with projections of future climate scenarios and those associated with the models used to describe population dynamics. While many population forecasts incorporate parameter uncertainty in abiotic effects and process variance related to unexplained temporal variation, most forecasts overlook the importance of evaluating uncertainty in the structure of the population model itself. By accounting for structural uncertainties in a model of population growth for blue mussels, Jaatinen et al. (2021) demonstrated that density‐dependent processes are likely to exacerbate adverse effects of climate change and reduce population viability of this keystone species. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating structural unknowns in population forecasts and the value of approaches that account for multiple sources of climate and model uncertainties. Forecasts that capture a range of possible population trajectories under climate change will help ensure efficient allocation of limited conservation resources.
Low‐dose colchicine in type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Wang Yue , Peng Xiaoqiong , Hu Jinbo , Luo Ting , Wang Zhihong , Cheng Qingfeng , Mei Mei , He Wenwen , Peng Chuan , Ma Linqiang , Gong Lilin , Yang Shumin , Li Qifu
Published: March 2021

Background

Neutrophil‐related chronic inflammation (NRCI) may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We evaluated whether blocking NRCI with low‐dose colchicine prevents DKD.

Methods

A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study was conducted. A total of 160 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and microalbuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio [UACR] 30 to 300 mg/g Cr) who received angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for at least 3 months were included. Subjects were 1:1 randomized to a placebo or colchicine group (0.5 mg/day).

Results

The primary end point was the incidence of overt nephropathy (UACR > 300 mg/g Cr). During the 36 months, 38 patients (51.4%) in colchicine group and 39 (54.1%) in the control group developed overt nephropathy (hazard ratio, 1.066; 95% confidence interval, 0.679‐1.673; P = .78). Compared with placebo, colchicine modestly lowered levels of NRCI parameters (P values <.05 for high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio), whereas the changes of UACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in drug‐related adverse events, including infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and limb numbness.

Conclusions

In patients with T2D with microalbuminuria, low‐dose colchicine effectively and safely lowered NRCI but did not prevent the incidence of overt nephropathy.
Radiographic anatomy of the heart of fruit bats
Authors: Rahma Anisa , Hanadhita Desrayni , Prawira Andhika Yudha , Rahmiati Dwi Utari , Gunanti Gunanti , Maheshwari Hera , Satyaningtijas Aryani Sismin , Agungpriyono Srihadi
Published: March 2021

As the only mammal that can fly, bats have organ systems with a unique morphophysiology. One of the highlights is the heart and blood circulation system, which must be able to meet the needs of blood and oxygen supply when flying. This study examined the radiography of the normal condition of the heart organ in 3 species of fruit bats, namely Cynopterus titthaecheilus, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rousettus leschenaultii using radiological silhouette analysis and clock analogy. The results showed that the heart positions of the three bat species tend to be tilted to the left with the apex moving away from the midsagittal plane. Analysis of intercostal space (ICS) value and vertebral heart score (VHS), and evaluation of radiographic features showed R. leschenaultii has a relatively larger heart size than the other two species. All three bat species have a higher VHS than mammals in general. Radiographic images obtained, and interpretation results show the position, size and normal heart parts of the three bat species. They will be useful in diagnostic efforts related to heart problems in these three species.
Trends and cycles in macro series: The case of US real GDP
Authors: Caporale Guglielmo Maria , Gil‐Alana Luis Alberiko
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a new modeling framework capturing both the long‐run and the cyclical components of a time series. As an illustration, we apply it to four US macro series, namely, annual and quarterly real gross domestic product (GDP) and GDP per capita. The results indicate that the behavior of US GDP can be captured accurately by a model incorporating both stochastic trends and stochastic cycles that allows for some degree of persistence in the data. Both appear to be mean reverting, although the stochastic trend is nonstationary, while the cyclical component is stationary, with cycles repeating themselves every 6–10 years.
The utility of PRAME immunohistochemistry in the evaluation of challenging melanocytic tumors
Authors: Alomari Ahmed K. , Tharp Andrew W. , Umphress Brandon , Kowal Rachel P.
Published: March 2021

Background

PRAME (PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma) immunohistochemistry has demonstrated high specificity for unequivocal melanomas; however, its utility in ambiguous melanocytic neoplasms has yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

Cases of challenging melanocytic neoplasms were subclassified into one of three categories: challenging, favor benign (FB), challenging, cannot be subclassified (CCS), or challenging, favor malignant (FM). Using a previously published system, whereby cases with diffuse staining (>75%) were considered positive, scoring of PRAME was performed. Additionally, tumors with hotspot staining were also considered positive.

Results

Sixteen out of 85 tumors showed positive staining representing 5% of FB tumors, 24% of CCS tumors, and 47% of FM. In FB and CCS tumors, positive staining was mainly encountered in atypical intraepidermal melanocytic proliferations and spitzoid neoplasms. The specificity of positive PRAME staining was 95% and its concordance with the final diagnostic interpretation was 75%.

Conclusions

PRAME positivity is more common in neoplasms favored to be malignant by histopathologic evaluation. Its clinical utility may include early diagnosis of incipient melanoma in situ. Rarely, benign melanocytic neoplasms could show diffuse expression of PRAME, and additional studies are needed to determine optimal utilization. Lastly, hotspot staining may increase its sensitivity without much compromise in specificity.
High complexity of Glutamine synthetase regulation in Methanosarcina mazei: Small protein 26 interacts and enhances glutamine synthetase activity
Authors: Gutt Miriam , Jordan Britta , Weidenbach Katrin , Gudzuhn Mirja , Kiessling Claudia , Cassidy Liam , Helbig Andreas , Tholey Andreas , Pyper Dennis Joshua , Kubatova Nina , Schwalbe Harald , Schmitz Ruth Anne
Published: March 2021

Small ORF (sORF)‐encoded small proteins have been overlooked for a long time due to challenges in prediction and distinguishing between coding‐ and noncoding‐predicted sORFs and in their biochemical detection and characterization. We report on the first biochemical and functional characterization of a small protein (sP26) in the archaeal model organism Methanosarcina mazei, comprising 23 amino acids. The corresponding encoding leaderless mRNA (spRNA26) is highly conserved on nucleotide level as well as on the coded amino acids within numerous Methanosarcina strains strongly arguing for a cellular function of the small protein. spRNA26 level is significantly enhanced under nitrogen limitation, but also under oxygen and salt stress conditions. Using heterologously expressed and purified sP26 in independent biochemical approaches [pull‐down by affinity chromatography followed by MS analysis, reverse pull‐down, microscale thermophoresis, size‐exclusion chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis], we observed that sP26 interacts and forms complexes with M. mazei glutamine synthetase (GlnA1) with high affinity (app. KD = 0.76 µm± 0.29 µm). Moreover, seven amino acids were identified by NMR analysis to directly interact with GlnA1. Upon interaction with sP26, GlnA1 activity is significantly stimulated, independently and in addition to the known activation by the metabolite 2‐oxoglutarate (2‐OG). Besides, strong interaction of sP26 with the PII‐like protein GlnK1 was demonstrated (app. KD = 2.9 µm ± 0.9 µm). On the basis of these findings, we propose that in addition to 2‐OG, sP26 enhances GlnA1 activity under nitrogen limitation most likely by stabilizing the dodecameric structure of GlnA1.
Classifying human influences on terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. , Ryo Masahiro , Lehmann Anika
Published: March 2021

Human activity is affecting every ecosystem on Earth, with terrestrial biodiversity decreasing rapidly. Human influences materialize in the form of numerous, jointly acting factors, yet the experimental study of such joint impacts is not well developed. We identify the absence of a systematic ordering system of factors according to their properties (traits) as an impediment to progress and offer an a priori trait‐based factor classification to illustrate this point, starting at the coarsest level with the physical, biological or chemical nature of factors. Such factor classifications can serve in communication of science, but also can be used as heuristic tools to develop questions and formulate new hypotheses, or as predictors of effects, which we explore here. We hope that classifications such as the one proposed here can help shift the spotlight on the multitude of anthropogenic changes affecting ecosystems, and that such classifications can be used to help unravel joint impacts of a great number of factors.
Are Malaysian TVET graduates ready for the future?
Authors: Kenayathulla Husaina Banu
Published: March 2021

Currently, we are at the beginning of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where the rapid developments in genetics, artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology, 3D printing and biotechnology are growing rapidly. It is expected that the majority of the children entering primary school today might end up working in jobs that do not yet exist. In such a fast‐changing employment landscape, the ability to prepare for future skills will be required to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these trends. National Dual Training System has been implemented by the Ministry of Human Resource to ensure TVET graduates are equipped with the employability skills needed in the job market. Questionnaires were distributed to employers from different training institutions, industries and agencies. The employers were to evaluate the level of employability skills obtained by the graduates that had gone through the National Dual Training System and then, the employers were asked to identify employability skills needed to meet employment demands in the Fourth Industry Revolution. The findings provide insights to the policymakers and curriculum developers on the appropriate interventions that need to be taken to ensure our graduates are well equipped with the employability skills needed for the future.
Urban nestlings have reduced number of feathers in Great Tits (Parus major)
Authors: Sándor Krisztina , Liker András , Sinkovics Csenge , Péter Áron , Seress Gábor
Published: March 2021

The plumage of birds plays an essential role in thermal insulation and influences the heat tolerance of birds. These plumage functions are mainly determined by the number and the density of feathers, but it is unclear how feather density responds to environmental changes in wild populations. In urban birds, both high temperature and limited food could generate changes in plumage traits. To investigate the effect of urbanization, we compared the number of feathers in nestlings between urban and forest Great Tits Parus major using a novel non‐invasive method. We showed that urban nestlings have fewer feathers than forest nestlings at 6–9 days old. Although the density of feathers was slightly higher in urban nestlings, this was the result of the smaller size of their feather tracts. We suggest that the reduced feather number may be the result of adaptation to higher urban temperatures, constrained feather development due to limited optimal nestling‐food sources in urban environments, or both. Concentrating body feathers in a reduced tract area may also help birds to adapt to higher urban temperatures because this can increase the relative size of bare body surfaces, which may facilitate heat dissipation. We suggest several possibilities for future studies that would help to disentangle the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed patterns.
Individualized education focusing on self‐management improved the knowledge and self‐management behaviour of elderly people with atrial fibrillation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oh Yun Hee , Hwang Seon Young
Published: March 2021

Aim

This study examined the effect of an individualized educational intervention on the knowledge, attitudes and self‐management ability after 12 weeks for outpatients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods

A randomized control‐group pretest‐post‐test experimental design was used. Elderly outpatients with atrial fibrillation aged over 65 years were recruited from a university hospital in Korea. The experimental group received a 50‐min individualized education on self‐management, one telephone counselling after 8 weeks and maintenance of a self‐management diary for 12 weeks. Data were collected from November 2017 to April 2018 and analysed using SPSS 22.0 for descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing.

Results

The participants' mean age was 71.9 (4.6) years. Compared to the control group (n = 29), the experimental group (n = 31) showed a significantly greater improvement in knowledge regarding atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention (t = −2.27, p = .027) and self‐management behaviours (t = −8.02, p < .001). There were no significant group differences in attitudes towards atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that education for elderly people with atrial fibrillation should be individualized, focusing on self‐management in daily life to prevent cardiovascular complications. Future research is needed to confirm the long‐term effects of such education programmes.
How can an elimination tournament favor a weaker player?
Authors: Arlegi Ritxar
Published: March 2021

This work shows that balanced elimination tournaments with eight or more players cannot guarantee that weaker players are not favored. We present a procedure that obtains a matrix of pairwise winning probabilities for each possible seeding of the players, which favors a weaker player over a stronger player and identifies those players.
Acetate and auto‐inducing peptide are independent triggers of quorum sensing in Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Meng Fanqiang , Lu Fengxia , Du Hechao , Nie Ting , Zhu Xiaoyu , Connerton Ian F. , Zhao Haizhen , Bie Xiaomei , Zhang Chong , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Yingjian
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of plantaricin in Lactobacillus plantarum is regulated by quorum sensing. However, the nature of the extra‐cytoplasmic (EC) sensing domain of the histidine kinase (PlnB1) and the ability to recognize the auto‐inducing peptide PlnA1 is not known. We demonstrate the key motif Ile‐Ser‐Met‐Leu of auto‐inducing peptide PlnA1 binds to the hydrophobic region Phe‐Ala‐Ser‐Gln‐Phe of EC loop 2 of PlnB1 via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, we identify a new inducer, acetate, that regulates the synthesis of plantaricin by binding to a positively charged region (Arg‐Arg‐Tyr‐Ser‐His‐Lys) in loop 4 of PlnB1 via electrostatic interaction. The side chain of Phe143 on loop 4 determined the specificity and affinity of PlnB1 to recognize acetate. PlnA1 activates quorum sensing in log phase growth and acetate in stationary phase to maintain the synthesis of plantaricin under conditions of reduced growth. Acetate activation of PlnB was also evident in four types of PlnB present in different Lb. plantarum strains. Finally, we proposed a model to explain the developmental regulation of plantaricin synthesis by PlnA and acetate. These results have potential applications in improving food fermentation and bacteriocin production.
Awe, wonder, and the human mind
Authors: Shiota Michelle N.
Published: March 2021

The human mind is unique in its ability to form, store, and manipulate elaborate conceptual models of the world; yet these models have vast, inevitable gaps. Where the models end, the potential for wonder and awe begins. Psychology research has begun to uncover distinctive implications of awe for how we perceive our environment and ourselves. More science investigating basic features of awe is needed to fulfill its promise for improving the human experience. Awe, accessible in everyday life, can be a valuable tool for enhancing well‐being.
Effectiveness of a 30‐year periodontist’s primary care for 1946 patients during five‐year follow‐up
Authors: Lai Hongmin , Yen Amy Ming‐Fang , Chen Sam Li‐Sheng , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi
Published: March 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the periodontal primary care (PPC) on the improvement of periodontal probing depth based on a periodontist's 30‐year practice.

Materials and Methods

We enrolled a total of 2,894 patients who underwent periodontal basic treatment between 1987 and 2017 with 84.5% retention rate. The study population was composed of 80% (n = 1,946) of retained patients with complete re‐evaluation up to five‐year follow‐up. The outcome was measured by the improvement of probing depths (graded as 1:1–3 mm; 2:4–6 mm; 3: ≥7 mm) before and after PPC on both sextant and patient levels. Whether a better improvement was seen in the surgical group and the non‐smoker group opposed to their comparators was assessed with various multi‐variable regression models.

Results

On patient (sextant) level, 82% (38%) improved, 13% (59%) unchanged, and 5% (3%) deteriorated. Adjusted better improvement of probing depth was noted for the surgical group by 63% and non‐smoker by 31% compared with their counterparts. The similar findings were found for the outcomes based on continuous probing depth scores.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the improvement of probing depth scores with a periodontal primary care offered for the retained patients and larger effect for the surgical group and non‐smoker patients.
The Failure of Foreign Policy Entrepreneurs in the Trump Administration
Authors: Haar Roberta N. , Krebs Lutz F.
Published: March 2021

One of the most important decisions a president will make after an election is what kind of relationship he/she will have with cabinet secretaries and agency heads. Will the president be controlling or autonomy giving? George H. W. Bush created a contractor presidency, one that subcontracted management to important officials, giving them considerable freedom, making them policy entrepreneurs. Yet, when it came time to support initiatives, Bush did not back his policy entrepreneurs, which ultimately led to policy failure. Bush's approach to government is informative because of its similarities with Donald J. Trump's strategy, who also created a contractor presidency. But Trump prevented those same executives from building their own teams and gave equivocal, or even contradictory, responses to their policy initiatives. Just as Bush's unsupportive relationship with his policy entrepreneurs led to policy defeat, Trump's contradicting connection with his policy entrepreneurs also resulted in policy failure.

Related Articles

Dolan, Chris J. 2008. “The Shape of Elite Opinion on U.S. Foreign Policy, 1992 to 2004.” Politics & Policy 36 (4): 542‐585. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00121.x/abstract

Haar, Roberta. 2010. “Explaining George W. Bush's Adoption of the Neoconservative Agenda after 9/11.” Politics & Policy 38 (5): 965‐990. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2010.00265.x/abstract
Pyrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Bisphenol-A-Polycarbonate in a Laboratory Scale Thermal Destruction Facility
Authors: Missoum A. , Gupta A. K. , Keating E. L.
Published: March 2021

Results of pyrolysis tests are presented from a laboratory scale thermal destruction facility on samples containing varying composition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (PC) mixed with non-plastic material (cellulose). Equilibrium thermochemical calculations were performed under conditions of pyrolysis. Temperature was varied from 600 to 1400K. Data provided the effect of temperature and the chemical composition of the surrogate solid waste on the emissions of NOx, CO, CO2, HC and O2. Increase in temperature enhances thermal destruction behavior of the surrogate waste which results in maximum volume reduction of the waste and an increase in the volume and heating value of the product gases. The numerical calculations using equilibrium conditions show similar trends to those obtained experimentally. Under pyrolysis conditions, the measured levels of CO, CO2 and HC were lower than the calculated ones in the temperature range of 700–1000K and higher in the 1100–1400K range. In all tests the measured O2 concentrations were higher than the calculated results. In general the level of CO was found to be very high while CO2 decreased with an increase in temperature. These results suggest that the composition of the waste as well as the conditions under which the thermal destruction process takes place, (i.e., temperature and rate of heating) affects thermal destruction. These results reveal significant effect of controlled pyrolysis on the amount and nature of species formed. This information can assist in developing strategies for the design and operation of thermal destruction facilities.
Design and Manufacturing of Sheet Metal Parts: Using Features to Resolve Manufacturability Problems
Authors: Bourne David A. , Wang Cheng-Hua
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a system for the design and production of sheet metal parts. We have designed over sixty test parts with our “Parallel Design” system, and the features are automatically generated as the design progresses. After the design is complete, our automatic process planning system uses the features and generates new ones to aid the production of a near-minimum manufacturing cost plan. Finally, these plans are used to produce parts on an automatic bending system.

The results of our Intelligent Bending Workstation outperform human experts in many cases, while achieving a key goal; to complete planning and production in less than 30 minutes. In industry, this process can take substantially longer (in some cases, weeks).

Once a plan is produced it can be used to produce the part, and to provide feedback to design and other factory systems. Several key manufacturing problems are considered and the result of planning is used to resolve these problems.
The Visualization of Automized Manufacturing Processes in a Virtual Enterprise
Authors: Gausemeier Jürgen , von Bohuszewicz Oskar , Ebbesmeyer Peter , Grafe Michael
Published: March 2021

The realistic modeling of automatized manufacturing processes is part of the project Virtual Enterprise. Central issue of the project is the functional and shape oriented representation of a typical industrial enterprise. Based on the main business processes, the Virtual Enterprise displays the internal relations and information flows between the different departments of an enterprise (e.g. business planning, research & development, operations scheduling, manufacturing, sales etc.). The visualization of the Virtual Enterprise is realized by a virtual environment (VE) allowing the user to explore interactively the complex world of an industrial enterprise.

The paper outlines the key concepts as well as the basic architecture and the object oriented data model of the Virtual Enterprise. It describes the graphical submodels for the generation of the scene and the technical submodels for the realistic presentation of the behavior of the technical objects. The paper presents the implementation of the prototype of the Virtual Enterprise including a survey over the hard- and software configuration of the system. Goal of the prototype is the realistic representation of the manufacturing area with its machine tools, robots and transport systems. Finally the current state of work is given.
Collision Control by Graphic Simulation
Authors: Bao Zhuojun
Published: March 2021

In this paper the development of a function for the universally applicable collision control of kinematical mechanisms is presented for an integrated CAD/CAM system. A new method for the computer aided collision control between moving bodies starts from the computer representation model as a source of information. In solid modeling the boundary or CSG representations of components are converted into extended octrees (EO). With the extended octrees the collision control is possible on the basis of analytic 3d-geometric models. A discrete collision control is based on static min-max-tests between cubes or cuboids of EO by subdividing a given time interval into sufficiently small pieces. A dynamic and continuous collision control is realized by introduction of an effective space of a moving component for each time interval however. The effective space is determined by a novel method for modeling swept volume. Using the recursive hierarchical EO the intersection of a body with the effective space of another moving body is reduced to the intersection determination between nodes (cubes) of EO. In case of a possible collision the collision zone can be recognised and presented exactly by the intersection between relevant nodes using analytic tests. The collision recognition can be used to take measures for collision avoidance. The proposed method for computer aided collision control can be applied to the collision control in engineering design and planning of robotics, mechanics, manufacturing, assembling and disassembling processes.