bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mirabegron for treatment of erectile dysfunction concomitant with lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic obstruction: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elbaz Ramy , El‐Assmy Ahmed , Zahran Mohamed H , Hashem Abdelwahab , Shokeir Ahmed A
Published: January 2022

Objective

To assess the efficacy of mirabegron in the treatment of erectile dysfunction concomitant with lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic obstruction patients.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, 55 sexually active lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic obstruction patients with concomitant erectile dysfunction were randomly allocated in two groups: the first received mirabegron 50 mg plus doxazosin 2 mg once daily (mirabegron group) and the second received tolterodine 4 mg plus doxazosin 2 mg (tolterodine group) for 12 weeks. The evaluation was based on the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, Erection Hardness Score questionnaire, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, uroflowmetry and post‐voiding residual. The therapeutic outcomes were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks compared with the baseline.

Results

Only the mirabegron group achieved significant improvement in sexual functions after 4 and 12 weeks. By using ≥5 points difference from the baseline as a cut‐off point of change, there was a significant difference in change of direction of the International Index of Erectile Function‐15 total score in favor of the mirabegron group; after 12 weeks, the International Index of Erectile Function‐15 total score decreased in 0%, was unchanged in 8.3% and improved in 91.7% in the mirabegron group compared with 8.7%, 65.2% and 26.1%, respectively, in the tolterodine group (P < 0.001). Regarding the urinary characteristics, both groups showed significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, and post‐voiding residual after 4 and 12 weeks, with no significant difference among them.

Conclusion

Mirabegron improves urinary characteristics and the associated sexual dysfunction in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic obstruction.
Impact of the acanthocephalan parasite Profilicollis altmani on the fecundity of its crustacean intermediate host, the Pacific mole crab, Emerita analoga
Authors: Bhaduri Ritindra N. , Yamaguchi Taiga J. , Munguia Kimberly , Sandhu Royal K. , Coffey Victoria R.
Published: January 2022

Parasites may influence their hosts in multiple ways, ranging from physiological changes and behavioral modifications, to altering life history traits. One fitness component that is often considered in relation to parasitism is host fecundity. The larval acanthocephalan parasite, Profilicollis altmani, commonly infects the Pacific mole crab, Emerita analoga; yet this parasite's effect on the crab's fecundity is unknown. Consequently, we examined the effects of acanthocephalan parasitism on the fecundity of this mole crab species. Crabs were collected from the swash intertidal zone in Monterey Bay, CA, and the following parameters were quantified: crab body size (carapace length) and weight, egg‐bearing status (nongravid and gravid), egg number and diameter, total volume and weight of egg mass, and their developmental stages (from newly laid eggs to recognizable zoea larval stage). Parasite prevalence, intensity of infection, and body size of larval cystacanths (measured as volume) were assessed. Host fecundity was positively correlated with both body size and body weight. No differences in egg weight were found between uninfected and infected crabs. Similarly, no difference in crab body weight at various embryonic developmental phases was documented between uninfected and infected crabs. Cystacanth volumes in infected nongravid and infected gravid crabs were not significantly different. Our study suggests that the parasite P. altmani does not have any appreciable effect on the fecundity of E. analoga and that female mole crabs undergo normal reproduction and maintain robust population sizes in their natural environments. Our findings thus appear to moderate the pervasive notion of a major impact of parasitism on host reproduction.
The role of alginate dressings in wound healing and quality of life after pilonidal sinus resection: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mamaloudis Ioannis , Perivoliotis Konstantinos , Zlatanos Christos , Baloyiannis Ioannis , Spyridakis Michael , Kouvata Evangelia , Samara Athina A. , Christodoulidis Gregory , Tepetes Konstantinos
Published: January 2022

In this trial, we evaluated the role of alginate dressings in the secondary intention wound healing and quality of life (QoL) after pilonidal sinus resection. The study was designed as a prospective randomised controlled trial (RCT). In the experimental group, alginate dressings with silver and high‐G cellulose were introduced after elective pilonidal cyst excision, whereas in the control group, simple gauges were used. The primary end point was the difference in terms of the wound healing period. Blinding existed at the level of the investigator. Overall, 65 patients were included during the study period. Wound healing duration was comparable between the two groups (P = .381). No difference in postoperative pain scores or recovery outcomes was found. The experimental group was associated with reduced wound secretions at specific time end points. Similarly, no effect was identified, on overall Wound‐QoL or SF‐36 scores. Alginate dressings do not accelerate wound healing or improve QoL. Due to suboptimal sample size and several study limitations, further RCTs are required to confirm our findings.
Kinetics and persistence of cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine in healthcare workers with or without prior COVID‐19
Authors: Chivu‐Economescu Mihaela , Bleotu Coralia , Grancea Camelia , Chiriac Daniela , Botezatu Anca , Iancu Iulia V. , Pitica Ioana , Necula Laura G. , Neagu Ana , Matei Lilia , Dragu Denisa , Sultana Camelia , Radu Elena L. , Nastasie Alina , Voicu Oana , Ataman Marius , Nedeianu Saviana , Mambet Cristina , Diaconu Carmen C. , Ruta Simona Maria
Published: January 2022

SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines are highly efficient against severe forms of the disease, hospitalization and death. Nevertheless, insufficient protection against several circulating viral variants might suggest waning immunity and the need for an additional vaccine dose. We conducted a longitudinal study on the kinetics and persistence of immune responses in healthcare workers vaccinated with two doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine with or without prior SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. No new infections were diagnosed during follow‐up. At 6 months, post‐vaccination or post‐infection, despite a downward trend in the level of anti‐S IgG antibodies, the neutralizing activity does not decrease significantly, remaining higher than 75% (85.14% for subjects with natural infection, 88.82% for vaccinated after prior infection and 78.37% for vaccinated only). In a live‐virus neutralization assay, the highest neutralization titres were present at baseline and at 6 months follow‐up in persons vaccinated after prior infection. Anti‐S IgA levels showed a significant descending trend in vaccinated subjects (p < 0.05) after 14 weeks. Cellular immune responses are present even in vaccinated participants with declining antibody levels (index ratio 1.1–3) or low neutralizing activity (30%–40%) at 6 months, although with lower T‐cell stimulation index (p = 0.046) and IFN‐γ secretion (p = 0.0007) compared to those with preserved humoral responses.
Genetic traces of hybrid zone movement across a fragmented habitat
Authors: Sequeira Fernando , Arntzen Jan W. , van Gulik Davy , Hajema Steven , Diaz Ruben Lopez , Wagt Mattijn , van Riemsdijk Isolde
Published: January 2022

Theoretical and empirical studies suggest that the structure and position of hybrid zones can change over time. Evidence for moving hybrid zones has been directly inferred by repeated sampling over time, or indirectly through the detection of genetic footprints left by the receding species and the resulting asymmetric patterns of introgression across markers. We here investigate a hybrid zone formed by two subspecies of the Iberian golden‐striped salamander,Chioglossa lusitanica, using a panel of 35 nuclear loci (31 SNPs and 4 allozymes) and one mitochondrial locus in a transect in central Portugal. We found concordant and coincident clines for most of the nuclear loci (n = 22, 63%), defining a narrow hybrid zone of ca. 6 km wide, with the centre positioned ca. 15 km south of the Mondego River. Asymmetric introgression was observed at another 14 loci. Their clines are displaced towards the north, with positions located either close to the Mondego River (n = 6) or further northwards (n = 8). We interpret these profiles as genetic traces of the southward displacement ofC.lusitanica lusitanicabyC.l.longipesover the wider Mondego River valley. We noted the absence of significant linkage disequilibrium, and we inferred low levels of effective selection per locus against hybrids, suggesting that introgression in the area of species replacement occurred under a neutral diffusion process. A species distribution model suggests that theC.lusitanicahybrid zone coincides with a narrow corridor of fragmented habitat. From the position of the displaced clines, we infer that patches of locally suitable habitat trapped some genetic variants that became disassociated from the southward moving hybrid zone. This study highlights the influence of habitat availability on hybrid zone movement.
Victory Day in Moscow
Authors: Levine Jeffrey M.
Published: January 2022

See related article by Morey, et al.
Neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone: Pulsatile and surge modes of secretion
Authors: Goodman Robert L. , Herbison Allan E. , Lehman Michael N. , Navarro Victor M.
Published: January 2022

The concept that different systems control episodic and surge secretion of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) was well established by the time that GnRH was identified and formed the framework for studies of the physiological roles of GnRH, and later kisspeptin. Here, we focus on recent studies identifying the neural mechanisms underlying these two modes of secretion, with an emphasis on their core components. There is now compelling data that kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus that also contain neurokinin B (NKB) and dynorphin (i.e., KNDy cells) and their projections to GnRH dendrons constitute the GnRH pulse generator in mice and rats. There is also strong evidence for a similar role for KNDy neurons in sheep and goats, and weaker data in monkeys and humans. However, whether KNDy neurons act on GnRH dendrons and/or GnRH soma and dendrites that are found in the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) of these species remains unclear. The core components of the GnRH/luteinising hormone surge consist of an endocrine signal that initiates the process and a neural trigger that drives GnRH secretion during the surge. In all spontaneous ovulators, the core endocrine signal is a rise in estradiol secretion from the maturing follicle(s), with the site of estrogen positive feedback being the rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons in rodents and neurons in the MBH of sheep and primates. There is considerable species variations in the neural trigger, with three major classes. First, in reflex ovulators, this trigger is initiated by coitus and carried to the hypothalamus by neural or vascular pathways. Second, in rodents, there is a time of day signal that originates in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and activates rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons and GnRH soma and dendrites. Finally, in sheep nitric oxide‐producing neurons in the ventromedial nucleus, KNDy neurons and rostral kisspeptin neurons all appear to participate in driving GnRH release during the surge.
Is socialism back? A review of contemporary economic literature
Authors: Carnevali Emilio , Pedersen Ystehede André
Published: January 2022

The paper deals with the recent resurgence of interest in the concept of “socialism” from an economic perspective. The most significant contemporary proposals for a new model of socialism are surveyed across five major thematic areas: socialism as a voluntary endeavor and socialist ethics; socialism as a process of democratization; socialism, efficiency and profit maximization; the problem of planning and the new calculation debate; and, socialism as a means versus socialism as an end. A common framework to assess the new blueprints is constructed to identify the likely directions of the research on these themes in the near future.
Monetary Policy and Asset Valuation
Authors: BIANCHI FRANCESCO , LETTAU MARTIN , LUDVIGSON SYDNEY C.
Published: January 2022

We document large, longer term, joint regime shifts in asset valuations and the real federal funds rate‐ spread. To interpret these findings, we estimate a novel macrofinance model of monetary transmission and find that the documented regimes coincide with shifts in the parameters of a policy rule, with long‐term consequences for the real interest rate. Estimates imply that two‐thirds of the decline in the real interest rate since the early 1980s is attributable to regime changes in monetary policy. The model explains how infrequent changes in the stance of monetary policy can generate persistent changes in asset valuations and the equity premium.
What is the nocebo effect and does it apply to dentistry?—A narrative review
Authors: Watanabe Takeshi , Sieg Mette , Lunde Sigrid Juhl , Taneja Pankaj , Baad‐Hansen Lene , Pigg Maria , Vase Lene
Published: January 2022

Background

Evidence for the nocebo effect, a phenomenon characterised by suboptimal treatment efficacy, worsening of symptoms, or the occurrence of adverse events caused by an individual’s negative treatment expectations, is growing across a multitude of medical fields. However, little attention has been paid to patients’ negative expectations and the nocebo effect within dentistry.

Aim

This review summarises essential evidence of the nocebo phenomenon especially in relation to pain and drug administration. Subsequently, an overview of the current evidence of the nocebo phenomenon in the dental field is presented.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed using keywords related to “nocebo,” “placebo,” “expectations,” and “dentistry.” In addition to the articles selected from the search, placebo/nocebo researchers and dental researchers added important references from their respective fields.

Results

Although research on the nocebo effect in dentistry is limited, available current evidence suggests that the factors, which is related to the nocebo effect are likely to play a role in dental practice.

Conclusion

Preliminary evidence from the review warrants further investigation into the nocebo effect in dentistry. Finally, based on the general knowledge of the nocebo effect, the review indicates fruitful arrays of research into the nocebo effect in dentistry.
Next generation models for portfolio risk management: An approach using financial big data
Authors: Jung Kwangmin , Kim Donggyu , Yu Seunghyeon
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a dynamic process of portfolio risk measurement to address potential information loss. The proposed model takes advantage of financial big data to incorporate out‐of‐target‐portfolio information that may be missed when one considers the value at risk (VaR) measures only from certain assets of the portfolio. We investigate how the curse of dimensionality can be overcome in the use of financial big data and discuss where and when benefits occur from a large number of assets. In this regard, the proposed approach is the first to suggest the use of financial big data to improve the accuracy of risk analysis. We compare the proposed model with benchmark approaches and empirically show that the use of financial big data improves small portfolio risk analysis. Our findings are useful for portfolio managers and financial regulators, who may seek for an innovation to improve the accuracy of portfolio risk estimation.
Seeking Harmony Rather Than Efficiency: The Effect of Self‐Construal on Social Compensation1
Authors: Agata Ako , Ando Kaori , Kasagi Yu , Kugihara Naoki
Published: January 2022

Many studies have discussed how motivation in task‐related groups is affected by culture. Despite this, the psychological processes underlying these cultural differences have not yet been fully investigated. This study examined the effects of self‐construal on social compensation, that is, motivation gain caused by the expectation of coworkers' poor performance. Participants were 111 Japanese undergraduate students. They were asked to engage in nine tasks as a team with a coworker whose intelligence was inferior or superior and allocate tasks between themselves and their coworkers. We measured the number of tasks that participants selected as their own work as a dependent measure. The results showed that those with interdependent selves were less likely to engage in social compensation even when their coworkers' capability was low.
Spontaneous Interpersonal Coordination in Stepping and Autistic‐Like Traits1
Authors: Nagai Masayoshi , Honma Motoyasu , Kumada Takatsune , Osada Yoshihisa
Published: January 2022

Spontaneous behavior, matching that of others, is influenced by various social factors. Mimicking and synchronizing with others' behaviors can facilitate the development of harmonious relationships. This study examined whether the level of autistic‐like traits in a non‐clinical population influences the spontaneous‐behavioral coordination of a dyad's stepping‐on‐the‐spot movements. The strength of spontaneous stepping synchronization was negatively correlated with levels of autistic‐like traits when participants faced one another, and no synchronization was observed for individuals with high levels of autistic‐like traits. The deficit in spontaneous interpersonal behaviour‐matching among individuals with high levels of autistic‐like traits is discussed as a potential source of their poor social‐communication abilities.
Creating Equality Through Dialogue in a Narrative‐Based Helping Relationship1
Authors: Motoyama Tomonori
Published: January 2022

This study aims to examine dialogical techniques used to establish a relationship of equality between therapist and client in narrative‐based therapy. This paper first introduces a “mutual first‐personalization process” found in dialogue established through the Person‐Centered Approach and “early dialogues,” which is a framework that forms the foundation of Open Dialogue, to illuminate the relationship of equality created in these exchanges. The concept of the “middle voice” is then introduced to show that dialogical therapy generates a relationship that does not clearly distinguish between therapist and client, or “to help” and “to be helped,” and that equality is a key aspect of narrative‐based therapy.
Association between menstrual pain and functional dyspepsia in a Japanese young population
Authors: Yamamoto Yasunori , Furukawa Shinya , Watanabe Junichi , Miyake Teruki , Kato Aki , Kusumoto Katsunori , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshio , Yamamoto Naofumi , Kohara Katsuhiko , Saheki Syuichi , Saeki Yuka , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: January 2022

Background

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a very common disease worldwide. Dysmenorrhea impairs quality of life among females of reproductive age. Although dysmenorrhea is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), no study has yet evaluated the association between dysmenorrhea and FD.

Methods

This study's subjects consisted of 4693 female Japanese university students. We defined FD according to the Rome III criteria. Subjects completed a self‐reported questionnaire regarding menstrual irregularity, menstrual pain, and medication for menstrual pain. Age, body mass index, drinking, smoking, exercise habit, anemia, and first‐year student status were selected as potential confounding factors.

Results

The prevalence of FD, epigastric pain syndrome (EPS), and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) was 2.5%, 0.6%, and 2.1%, respectively. Heavy menstrual pain was independently positively associated with FD and PDS but not EPS (adjusted ORs: FD, 3.18 [95% CI: 1.60–6.89] and PDS, 2.93 [95% CI: 1.56–7.93] for heavy menstrual pain, p for trend = 0.001 and 0.004, respectively). Using medication for menstrual pain often was independently positively associated with FD, EPS, and PDS, respectively, (adjusted ORs: FD, 2.41 [95% CI: 1.50–3.83], EPS, 2.93 [95% CI: 1.04–7.93], PDS, 2.44 [95% CI: 1.46–4.01]). Irregular menstrual cycle was not associated with FD or with subtype of FD.

Conclusion

Among the young female Japanese population, menstrual pain might be independently positively associated with FD and PDS but not EPS. The use of medication for menstrual pain might be independently positively associated with FD including subtype of FD.
Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying root architecture and function under heat stress—A hidden story
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Kumar Ritesh , Min Doohong , Jagadish S. V. Krishna
Published: January 2022

Heat stress events are resulting in a significant negative impact on global food production. The dynamics of cellular, molecular and physiological homoeostasis in aboveground parts under heat stress are extensively deciphered. However, root responses to higher soil/air temperature or stress signalling from shoot to root are limited. Therefore, this review presents a holistic view of root physio‐morphological and molecular responses to adapt under hotter environments. Heat stress reprogrammes root cellular machinery, including crosstalk between genes, phytohormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. Spatio‐temporal regulation and long‐distance transport of phytohormones, such as auxin, cytokinin and abscisic acid (ABA) determine the root growth and development under heat stress. ABA cardinally integrates a signalling pathway involving heat shock factors, heat shock proteins and ROS to govern heat stress responses. Additionally, epigenetic modifications by transposable elements, DNA methylation and acetylation also regulate root growth under heat stress. Exogenous application of chemical compounds or biological agents such as ascorbic acid, metal ion chelators, fungi and bacteria can alleviate heat stress‐induced reduction in root biomass. Future research should focus on the systemic effect of heat stress from shoot to root with more detailed investigations to decipher the molecular cues underlying the roots architecture and function.
R&D subsidies, novelty of firm innovation and industrial technological complexity: the knowledge recombinant view
Authors: Ning Lutao , Guo Rui , Chen Kaihua
Published: January 2022

Firms receiving R&D subsidies are often assumed to be able to overcome market failure and have a socially desired level of R&D investment for technological innovation. However, we know relatively little about the impact of R&D subsidies on the way firms achieve innovation novelty. Drawing upon the knowledge recombinant view, this paper investigates how subsidized firms innovate with different dimensions of novelty by exploring their underlying knowledge recombination mechanisms. Using a unique dataset of 21,084 Chinese firms with 433,321 patents located in China’s equivalent of Silicon Valley, Zhongguancun, for the period 2009–2015, our empirical findings reveal that R&D subsidies foster firms to reuse existing combinations to innovate while discouraging the creation of new combinations beyond firms’ existing knowledge repertoires. These effects are further subject to industrial technological complexity in firms’ innovation environment which heightens subsidized firms’ innovation novelty based on recombinant reuse while damping recombinant creation. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Asymptotic Theory of Principal Component Analysis for Time Series Data with Cautionary Comments
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Tong Howell
Published: January 2022

Principal component analysis (PCA) is a most frequently used statistical tool in almost all branches of data science. However, like many other statistical tools, there is sometimes the risk of misuse or even abuse. In this paper, we highlight possible pitfalls in using the theoretical results of PCA based on the assumption of independent data when the data are time series. For the latter, we state with proof a central limit theorem of the eigenvalues and eigenvectors (loadings), give direct and bootstrap estimation of their asymptotic covariances, and assess their efficacy via simulation. Specifically, we pay attention to the proportion of variation, which decides the number of principal components (PCs), and the loadings, which help interpret the meaning of PCs. Our findings are that while the proportion of variation is quite robust to different dependence assumptions, the inference of PC loadings requires careful attention. We initiate and conclude our investigation with an empirical example on portfolio management, in which the PC loadings play a prominent role. It is given as a paradigm of correct usage of PCA for time series data.
Association between self‐reported oral disease/conditions and symptoms of depression among Iraqi individuals
Authors: Ahmed Alaa F , Naser Reyam J , Gul Sarhang S. , Abdulkareem Ali A.
Published: January 2022

Aims

The negative impact of oral diseases on the function, economy, and general health of the population is well‐documented. In the last decades, evidence linking increased expression of depression and oral diseases/conditions has significantly increased. The aim of this study is to assess the association between oral disease/conditions and self‐reported symptoms of depression individuals.

Methods

A specially designed questionnaire was distributed via social media for 1 week. It consisted of two main sections; the first section was dedicated to collect demographic variables and self‐reported symptoms of oral diseases. The second section, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), was used to assess the severity of depression via nine questions using a 4‐point Likert scale. Association between depression and oral disease was determined by linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 1975 participants responded fully to the questionnaire and were included in the final analysis. The majority of participants, about 60%, showed mild to moderate symptoms of depression, while 8.9% expressed severe symptoms. Oral diseases positively associated with depression were caries, missing teeth, gingival bleeding, gingival recession, teeth mobility, and dry mouth (R2 = .155). In contrast, increased esthetic level of teeth/gingiva significantly decreased the feeling of depression.

Conclusions

Results indicated that oral diseases, particularly those adversely affecting function and esthetics, were associated with symptoms of depression in Iraqi individuals. These findings highlighted the importance of maintaining oral health as part of the general psychological wellbeing of the population.
On the Relevance of the Polish and East European Experiences in the Study of Global “Race” Regimes
Authors: Zarycki Tomasz
Published: January 2022

This essay responds to József Böröcz's “‘Eurowhite’ Conceit, ‘Dirty White’ Ressentment: ‘Race’ in Europe” published in “Forum.” I use Böröcz's framework to point to the potential wider relevance of studies on race‐related hierarchies from Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe. They also include works on Poles migrating to Western Europe and America, which, as I am arguing, may give unique insights into the workings of the global system of race regimes. I also argue about the broader relevance of new works on 19th‐century German approaches to Poland and Poles as colonial subjects, as well as of the recent studies on modes of Orientalization. Both those used in Poland by Poles and those used in the countries of the Western core toward Poles and other East Europeans on both working‐class and elite levels.
A Theory of Racialized Cultural Capital
Authors: Cartwright Ashleigh
Published: January 2022

Bourdieu developed cultural capital theory to explain the upper class’ exclusive cultivation of skills, knowledge, and dispositions (i.e., cultural capital) that yield institutional advantages. Fundamental to this conceptualization is the idea that cultural capital itself is classed—not racialized—and that what constitutes cultural capital is broadly the same for every individual irrespective of one’s racial position. I draw from the sociology of race to develop a reconceptualization of cultural capital as fundamentally racialized. Using the illustrative case of “Pursuit”—a white‐led organization created in the 1960s to select nonwhite children for integrating white schools—I then theorize about the racial dimensions of cultural capital. I find evidence that Pursuit selected for nonwhite students deemed nonthreatening to the dominant racial group. Thus, I maintain that qualities associated with appearing nonthreatening function as cultural capital for nonwhite students in this field. Accordingly, I theorize that (1) what constitutes cultural capital may vary by the racial position of the holder of cultural capital and (2) those who are dominant in the racial hierarchy contribute to determining what constitutes cultural capital for those they dominate according to their own interests. As it is taken for granted that cultural capital is fundamentally classed, it should be equally understood and applied that cultural capital is fundamentally racialized.
A new localized inverse identification method for high temperature testing under resistive heating: Application to the elastic‐viscoplastic behaviour of L‐PBF processed In718
Authors: Gao Feng , Macquaire Bruno , Zhang Yancheng , Bellet Michel
Published: January 2022

The mechanical behaviour of the nickel‐based superalloy In718, as processed from laser powder bed fusion (L‐PBF) additive manufacturing, is characterized at high temperature, from 800 to 1100°C. Samples built by L‐PBF are submitted to sequences combining uniaxial tensile load at different prescribed velocities, and relaxation steps of different durations, operated under resistive heating under vacuum, with a home‐developed testing machine. Tests are equipped with force evolution measurement, with infra‐red field imaging and thermocouples to capture the non‐uniform temperature distributions induced by resistive heating, and with digital image correlation to capture the non‐linear displacement fields. An inverse finite element strategy is developed to identify the parameters of a temperature‐dependent elastic‐viscoplastic behaviour model. The strategy is based on (i) direct finite element simulations of tests, (ii) a cost function expressing the distance between calculated and measured quantities, and (iii) a minimization algorithm. Direct numerical simulations are performed on a limited part of the working zone of samples, the zone of interest, with applied boundary conditions provided by DIC records and with an imposed temperature distribution provided by infra‐red imaging. The cost function is based on the force evolution only, for a series of different tests operated at different nominal temperatures. Optimum values of constitutive parameters are obtained by minimizing the cost function value, which is achieved with the home‐developed optimization platform MOOPI. Finally, the identified parameters are discussed with respect to the literature.
Alternative splicing of CsJAZ1 negatively regulates flavan‐3‐ol biosynthesis in tea plants
Authors: Zhu Junyan , Yan Xiaomei , Liu Shengrui , Xia Xiaobo , An Yanlin , Xu Qingshan , Zhao Shiqi , Liu Lu , Guo Rui , Zhang Zhaoliang , Xie De‐Yu , Wei Chaoling
Published: January 2022

Flavan‐3‐ols are abundant in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and confer tea with flavor and health benefits. We recently found that alternative splicing of genes is likely involved in the regulation of flavan‐3‐ol biosynthesis; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics to construct metabolite–gene networks in tea leaves, collected over five different months and from five spatial positions, and found positive correlations between endogenous jasmonic acid (JA), flavan‐3‐ols, and numerous transcripts. Transcriptome mining further identified CsJAZ1, which is negatively associated with flavan‐3‐ols formation and has three CsJAZ1 transcripts, one full‐length (CsJAZ1‐1), and two splice variants (CsJAZ1‐2 and ‐3) that lacked 3′ coding sequences, with CsJAZ1‐3 also lacking the coding region for the Jas domain. Confocal microscopy showed that CsJAZ1‐1 was localized to the nucleus, while CsJAZ1‐2 and CsJAZ1‐3 were present in both the nucleus and the cytosol. In the absence of JA, CsJAZ1‐1 was bound to CsMYC2, a positive regulator of flavan‐3‐ol biosynthesis; CsJAZ1‐2 functioned as an alternative enhancer of CsJAZ1‐1 and an antagonist of CsJAZ1‐1 in binding to CsMYC2; and CsJAZ1‐3 did not interact with CsMYC2. In the presence of JA, CsJAZ1‐3 interacted with CsJAZ1‐1 and CsJAZ1‐2 to form heterodimers that stabilized the CsJAZ1‐1–CsMYC2 and CsJAZ1‐2–CsMYC2 complexes, thereby repressing the transcription of four genes that act late in the flavan‐3‐ol biosynthetic pathway. These data indicate that the alternative splicing variants of CsJAZ1 coordinately regulate flavan‐3‐ol biosynthesis in the tea plant and improve our understanding of JA‐mediated flavan‐3‐ol biosynthesis.
The bHLH family NITROGEN‐REPLETION INSENSITIVE1 represses nitrogen starvation‐induced responses in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Jia Moyan , Munz Jacob , Lee Jenny , Shelley Nolan , Xiong Yuan , Joo Sunjoo , Jin EonSeon , Lee Jae‐Hyeok
Published: January 2022

The use of nitrogen (N) fertilizers has contributed to a quadrupling of agricultural production. However, >50% of N fertilizers remain unabsorbed by crops and leak into the environment, demanding strategies to improve N use efficiency. To identify the regulatory mechanisms of N assimilation, we performed a genetic screen using a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strain whose motility depends upon the transcription of nitrate reductase‐encoding NIT1, which is upregulated in response to N starvation. A constantly swimming mutant, nitrogen repletion insensitive 1 (nri1), was isolated and found to express N starvation‐induced genes in N‐replete culture. NRI1, previously reported as NSG17 (nitrogen starvation‐induced gene 17), encodes a basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) family transcription factor homologous to BES‐interacting myc‐like (BIM) in plants. Transcriptome analysis of N‐replete nri1 culture revealed a concerted upregulation of the genes involved in the uptake and assimilation of external N sources. Many transcription factor‐encoding genes in the bHLH and SBP families were also upregulated in nri1 culture. The DNA‐binding sites of bHLH and SBP proteins were enriched in the promoters of the upregulated genes in nri1, suggesting that NRI1 suppresses transcriptional activators to regulate N starvation‐induced genes. Consistent with the ammonium‐insensitive gene expression pattern, N‐starved nri1 gametes could not dedifferentiate back to vegetative cells when incubated in ammonium‐containing media. Taken together, we conclude that NRI1 represses N starvation‐specific responses when sufficient N is supplied in C. reinhardtii. Further investigation of how cellular N conditions regulate NRI1 activity will unravel the elusive mechanisms by which plant cells sense and respond to N starvation.
Rerouting of the lignin biosynthetic pathway by inhibition of cytosolic shikimate recycling in transgenic hybrid aspen
Authors: Hu Shi , Kamimura Naofumi , Sakamoto Shingo , Nagano Soichiro , Takata Naoki , Liu Sarah , Goeminne Geert , Vanholme Ruben , Uesugi Mikiko , Yamamoto Masanobu , Hishiyama Shojiro , Kim Hoon , Boerjan Wout , Ralph John , Masai Eiji , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Kajita Shinya
Published: January 2022

Lignin is a phenolic polymer deposited in the plant cell wall, and is mainly polymerized from three canonical monomers (monolignols), i.e. p‐coumaryl, coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols. After polymerization, these alcohols form different lignin substructures. In dicotyledons, monolignols are biosynthesized from phenylalanine, an aromatic amino acid. Shikimate acts at two positions in the route to the lignin building blocks. It is part of the shikimate pathway that provides the precursor for the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, and is involved in the transesterification of p‐coumaroyl‐CoA to p‐coumaroyl shikimate, one of the key steps in the biosynthesis of coniferyl and sinapyl alcohols. The shikimate residue in p‐coumaroyl shikimate is released in later steps, and the resulting shikimate becomes available again for the biosynthesis of new p‐coumaroyl shikimate molecules. In this study, we inhibited cytosolic shikimate recycling in transgenic hybrid aspen by accelerated phosphorylation of shikimate in the cytosol through expression of a bacterial shikimate kinase (SK). This expression elicited an increase in p‐hydroxyphenyl units of lignin and, by contrast, a decrease in guaiacyl and syringyl units. Transgenic plants with high SK activity produced a lignin content comparable to that in wild‐type plants, and had an increased processability via enzymatic saccharification. Although expression of many genes was altered in the transgenic plants, elevated SK activity did not exert a significant effect on the expression of the majority of genes responsible for lignin biosynthesis. The present results indicate that cytosolic shikimate recycling is crucial to the monomeric composition of lignin rather than for lignin content.
Incorporating the entity of under‐transfusion into hemovigilance monitoring: Documenting cases due to lack of inventory
Authors: Rajbhandary Srijana , Andrzejewski Chester , Fridey Joy , Stotler Brie , Tsang Hamilton C. , Hindawi Salwa , Reddy Opal , Medina Mayrin Correa , Razatos Anna , Narayan Shruthi , Fung Mark
Published: January 2022

Background

Under‐transfusion is an underreported entity within most hospitals and hemovigilance systems. While critical blood shortages are being reported more frequently, without incident codes to document instances of under‐transfusion due to lack of inventory, estimating its impact on patient care as it relates to hemotherapy (HT) has hampered our ability to assess and inform strategic initiatives to combat inventory issues as well as prepare for future blood supply threats.

Study Design and Method

An 11‐member working group of the AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies) Hemovigilance Committee was formed in October 2020 to study the topic of under‐transfusion including its potential causes and clinical expressions. The group was also charged with proposing simple definition/incident codes to be used by hemovigilance systems to document such instances.

Results

The working group proposed four simple incident codes under the new process code—No Blood (NB)—that can be used by hemovigilance systems to appropriately document instances of under‐transfusion due to lack of inventory. The codes were described as: (1) NB 01—Inventory less than usual level due to supplier shortage; (2) NB 02—Demand for blood product exceeding usual inventory levels; (3) NB 03—Substitution with incompatible/inappropriate units; and (4) NB 04—Suboptimal dose/no transfusion given.

Conclusion

The adoption of these codes within hemovigilance systems globally would assist in recognition and reporting instances of under‐transfusion due to inventory, thus supporting development of better collection strategies, inventory management techniques as well as effective policies to improve blood safety and availability.
The role of cross‐sectional geometry of high‐head gated conduit in oxygen transfer efficiency
Authors: Baylar Ahmet , Ozkan Fahri , Yildirim Ceren Beyza , Aydin Alp Bugra , Tuna Muhammed Cihat , Ozturk Mualla
Published: January 2022

The concentration of dissolved oxygen is an important indicator of water quality because aquatic life lives on the dissolved oxygen in the water. This can be achieved by using hydraulic structures because of substantial air bubble entrainment at these structures. Closed conduit aeration is a particular instance of this. In the present study, experiments were carried out to investigate the role of cross‐sectional geometry of high‐head gated conduit in oxygen transfer efficiency. In the first part of this study, the role of cross‐sectional geometry of high‐head gated conduit in air‐demand ratio was investigated. In the second part, the role of cross‐sectional geometry of high‐head gated conduit in oxygen transfer efficiency was investigated. Results pointed that the cross‐sectional geometry of the high‐head gated conduit had an important effect on the air‐demand ratio and the oxygen transfer efficiency. Moreover, a design formula was obtained for the conduit having the highest oxygen transfer efficiency relating the oxygen transfer efficiency to air‐demand ratio, Froude number, gate opening, conduit length and gate opening ratio. There was good agreement between the measured and the predicted values. The obtained results will be useful in future modelling processes and aid the practicing engineer in predicting oxygen transfer efficiency of high‐head gated conduits.
Water consumption optimization in cardboard industry by experimental design
Authors: Harif Soukaina , Aboulhassan Moulay Abdelazize , Bammou Lahcen
Published: January 2022

This work was performed into a cardboard plant in order to reduce the freshwater consumption. Statistical experimental design was applied to investigate the effect of cleaning program, ink colour class and detergent concentration on ink circuit cleaning operation of flexographic printing machines. The results indicated that the proposed models fitted well with residual ink removal and cleaning water consumption (R2 > 0.99). For a better residual ink removal of the first colour class, it is suitable to employ cleaning program number 1 with 2% of detergent. However, if a residual ink of second colour class has to be removed, cleaning program number 2 and 2% of detergent are appropriate. At the optimum conditions, the volume of water required for residual ink removal from flexographic machines can be reduced by up to 26%. These results can contribute to the development of water consumption reduction models in cardboard plants and clean production implementation.
Implications of a patent foramen ovale for environmental physiology and pathophysiology: do we know the ‘hole’ story?
Authors: Lovering Andrew T. , Kelly Tyler S. , DiMarco Kaitlyn G. , Bradbury Karleigh E. , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: January 2022

The foramen ovale is an essential component of the fetal circulation contributing to oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination that remains patent under certain circumstances in ∼30% of the healthy adult population, without major negative sequelae in most. Adults with a patent foramen ovale (PFO) have a greater tendency to develop symptoms of acute mountain sickness and high‐altitude pulmonary oedema upon ascent to high altitude, and PFO presence is associated with worse cardiopulmonary function in chronic mountain sickness. This increase in altitude illness prevalence may be related to dysregulated cerebral blood flow associated with altered respiratory chemoreflex sensitivity; however, the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Interestingly, men with a PFO appear to have a shift in thermoregulatory control to higher internal temperatures, both at rest and during exercise, and they have blunted thermal hyperpnoea. The teleological ‘reason’ for this thermoregulatory shift is unclear, but the shift of ∼0.5°C in core body temperature does not appear to be sufficient to have any significant negative consequences in terms of risk of heat illness. Further work in this area is needed, particularly in women, to evaluate mechanisms of heat storage and dissipation in these individuals compared to people without a PFO. Consequences of a PFO in SCUBA divers include a greater incidence of unprovoked decompression sickness, but whether PFO is beneficial or detrimental to breath hold diving remains unexplored. Whether PFO presence will explain interindividual variability in responses to, and consequences from, other environmental stressors such as spaceflight remain entirely unknown.

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Potential Application of CO2-Based Mixtures in the Combined Power and Cooling System for the Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Yu Aofang , Lin Xinxing , Su Wen , Zhou Naijun
Published: January 2022

To reduce the operating pressure and broaden the range of condensation temperature, it is proposed to mix CO2 with organic fluid to form a zeotropic mixture. However, how CO2-based mixtures perform in the combined power and cooling system is still an open question. Therefore, in this study, aiming at the newly proposed system for waste heat recovery, CO2/R600a and CO2/R601a mixtures are first employed to produce power and cooling. Based on the established models, the energy and exergy performances of combined system with CO2-based mixtures are analyzed. The effects of key parameters on system performances are investigated. On this basis, the performance optimization is conducted to maximize net work by using a genetic algorithm (GA), and the optimal system performance of mixtures and pure CO2 are compared. The results indicate that under the basic operating conditions, the net works of CO2/R600a (0.5/0.5) and CO2/R601a (0.5/0.5) are 2717.93 kW and 1145.98 kW, respectively. The optimal results indicate that among the considered working fluids, the highest specific net work is always obtained by CO2/R600a system. This study will be helpful to the development of combined power and cooling systems with CO2-based mixtures.
Clinical utilization of point-of-care ultrasound by junior emergency medicine residents
Authors: Lien Wan-Ching , Chang Chih-Heng , Chong Kah-Meng , Wu Meng-Che , Wu Cheng-Yi , Wang Hsiu-Po
Published: January 2022

Aim: Little is known regarding the actual utilization of point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) after training. This study aims to investigate the clinical utilization of PoCUS by first post-graduate year (PGY-1) residents after training.Material and methods: This prospective study was conducted at the emergency department (ED). A PoCUS curriculum was implemented and the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores were obtained after training. The sonographic examinations performed by the residents were collected. The primary outcomes were the numbers, imaging quality, and accuracy of the sonographic examinations after the curriculum, compared with those before the curriculum.Results: Two hundred and thirtynine residents participated with the median OSCE score of 4 (IQRs, 4-5) and 170 (71%) used PoCUS during clinical practice. The number that each resident performed increased [before vs. after, 0 (0-1) vs. 3 (0-5), p<0.0001], the image quality was better [before vs. after, 3 (2-3) vs. 3 (3), p<0.0001] and the accuracy improved (before vs. after, 117/129 vs. 730/772, p<0.0001) after the curriculum. The residents were categorized into 4 groups based on the utilization: group 1 performed PoCUS before and after the curriculum; group 2 performed only after the curriculum; group 3 performed only before the curriculum; the last did not use. No significant differences existed in the OSCE score between the 4 groups. Group 1 performed more examinationswith better image quality and groups 1 and 2 used ≥2 applications after the curriculum. However, nearly 30% of residents did not use PoCUS, and “chose other imaging priorities” (40/69, 58%) was the main feedback.Conclusions: A PoCUS training had a positive impact on the clinical utilization by the novice residents. More than 70% of residents integrated PoCUS into clinical practice and used self-formatted US techniques. The OSCE scores could not predict further utilization.