bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment strategies and outcomes in a long‐term registry study of patients with high‐risk metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer in Japan: An interim analysis of the J‐ROCK study
Authors: Uemura Hirotsugu , Matsumoto Rikiya , Mizokami Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki , Uemura Hiroji , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Saito Kazutaka , Kawakita Mutsushi , Takeshita Hideki , Koroki Yosuke , Ono Shintaro , Murota Maiko , Ito Miku , Kamoto Toshiyuki , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: August 2022

Objective

The prognosis of high‐risk metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer is poor, and real‐world evidence of therapeutic options and sequences is lacking. The J‐ROCK study aimed to evaluate the outcomes in a real‐world setting in Japan.

Methods

Patients with high‐risk metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer diagnosed after May 2019 were eligible. Based on their treatment within 3 months after diagnosis, patients were allocated to either cohort 1 (androgen deprivation therapy alone or combined androgen blockade with bicalutamide) or cohort 2 (androgen deprivation therapy with abiraterone acetate+prednisolone, docetaxel, enzalutamide, or apalutamide).

Results

In this first interim analysis (cut‐off January 2021), 410 patients were enrolled, including 163 patients in cohort 1 and 247 in cohort 2. The median follow‐up period was 7.6 (range 0.1–20.5) months. A higher proportion of patients in cohort 2 (42.5%) achieved nadir prostate‐specific antigen levels ≤0.2 ng/ml within a year, compared with cohort 1 (22.1%). Prostate‐specific antigen‐progression‐free survival was also more favorable in cohort 2 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.629 [95% confidence interval 0.345–1.147]).

Conclusions

The higher proportion of cohort 2 suggest a paradigm shift has occurred in the real‐world treatment of high‐risk metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer in Japan. Some factors including prostate‐specific antigen may affect treatment selection but need further observation. Most patients in cohort 2 received abiraterone acetate+prednisolone. The proportion of patients in cohort 1 receiving combined androgen blockade was lower than previously reported in Japan. This analysis suggest that more intensive therapy tends to prolong prostate‐specific antigen‐progression‐free survival in patients with high‐risk metastatic hormone‐naïve prostate cancer.
Site of care and factors associated with mortality in unvaccinated Australian aged care residents during COVID‐19 outbreaks
Authors: Radcliffe Nicholas J. , Lau Liza , Hack Emma , Huynh Andrew , Puri Arvind , Yao Henry , Wong Aaron , Kohler Sabrina , Chua Maggie , Amadoru Sanka , Haywood Cilla , Yates Paul
Published: August 2022

Background

Residential InReach presents an alternative to hospital admission for aged care residents swabbed for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), although relative outcomes remain unknown.

Aims

To compare rates and predictors of 28‐day mortality for aged care residents seen by InReach with COVID‐19, or ‘suspected COVID‐19’ (sCOVID), including hospital versus InReach‐based care.

Methods

Prospective observational study of consecutive patients referred to a Victorian InReach service meeting COVID‐19 testing criteria between April and October 2020 (prevaccine availability). COVID‐19 was determined by positive polymerase chain reaction testing on nasopharyngeal swab. sCOVID‐19 was defined as meeting symptomatic Victorian Government testing criteria but persistently swab negative.

Results

There were no significant differences in age, sex, Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) or Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) between 152 patients with COVID‐19 and 118 patients with sCOVID. Similar results were found for 28‐day mortality between patients with COVID‐19 (35/152, 23%) and sCOVID (32/118, 27%) (P = 0.4). For the combined cohort, 28‐day mortality was associated with initial oxygen saturation (P < 0.001), delirium (P < 0.001), hospital transfer for acuity (P = 0.02; but not public health/facility reasons), CFS (P = 0.04), prior ischaemic heart disease (P = 0.01) and dementia (P = 0.02). For patients with COVID‐19, 28‐day mortality was associated with initial oxygen saturation (P = 0.02), delirium (P < 0.001) and hospital transfer for acuity (P = 0.01), but not public health/facility reasons.

Conclusion

Unvaccinated aged care residents meeting COVID‐19 testing criteria seen by InReach during a pandemic experience high mortality rates, including with negative swab result. Residents remaining within‐facility (with InReach) experienced similar adjusted mortality odds to residents transferred to hospital for public health/facility‐based reasons, and lower than those transferred for clinical acuity.
Agenda‐setting by young adults with type 1 diabetes and associations with emotional well‐being/social support: results from an observational study
Authors: Wyld Katherine , Hendrieckx Christel , Griffin Alison , Barrett Helen , D'Silva Neisha
Published: August 2022

Background

The Diabetes Psychosocial Assessment Tool (DPAT) was developed to assess the psychosocial well‐being of young adults with type 1 diabetes in clinical practice. The DPAT includes three validated questionnaires (assessing diabetes distress, anxiety/depressive symptoms and emotional well‐being) and an agenda‐setting tool. It is currently used by the Queensland Statewide Diabetes Clinical Network (available at Clinical Excellence Queensland).

Aims

To describe agenda items set by young adults with type 1 diabetes and investigate their association with emotional well‐being/social support.

Methods

The DPAT was completed by young adults attending routine diabetes outpatient appointments at the Mater Hospital (Brisbane) between November 2016 and January 2020. For the current analysis, data included responses on agenda‐setting and outcomes from three validated questionnaires.

Results

Responses of 277 young adults (15–26 years) were analysed. Ninety‐four (34%) reported one to three agenda item(s). Common agenda items were diabetes technology and medications, but other topics raised included pregnancy, body image and eating concerns. Participants with moderate diabetes distress or anxiety symptoms were more likely to list at least one agenda item (P = 0.006; P = 0.002), as were females and older participants.

Conclusion

Several agenda items for young adults with type 1 diabetes were identified and were more likely to be raised by those with elevated diabetes distress and anxiety symptoms. The DPAT is a valuable and convenient tool that can be easily applied in routine clinical practice to enable clinicians to understand the concerns of the young adult population and deliver personalised medicine to optimise long‐term outcomes.
The role of plant-associated rhizobacteria in plant growth, biocontrol and abiotic stress management
Authors: Bhat Basharat Ahmad , Tariq Lubna , Nissar Showkat , Islam Sheikh Tajamul , Islam Shahid Ul , Mangral Zahid , Ilyas Noshin , Sayyed Riyaz Z. , Muthusamy Govarthanan , Kim Woong , Dar Tanvir Ul Hasan
Published: August 2022

The rhizosphere is the region around the plant roots where maximum microbial activities occur. In the rhizosphere, microorganisms' beneficial and harmful activities affect plant growth and development. The mutualistic rhizospheric bacteria which improve plant growth and health are known as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). They are very important due to their ability to help the plant in diverse ways. PGPR such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Arthrobacter, Achromobacter, Micrococcus, Enterobacter, Rhizobium, Agrobacterium, Pantoea and Serratia are now very well known. Rhizomicrobiome plays critical roles in nutrient acquisition and assimilation, improved soil texture, secreting and modulating extracellular molecules such as hormones, secondary metabolites, antibiotics and various signal compounds, all leading to the enhancement of plant growth and development. The microbes and compounds they secrete constitute valuable biostimulants and play pivotal roles in modulating plant stress responses. In this review, we highlight the rhizobacteria diversity and cutting-edge findings focusing on the role of a PGPR in plant growth and development. We also discussed the role of PGPR in resisting the adverse effects arising from various abiotic (drought, salinity, heat, heavy metals) stresses.
‘Democracy without Politics’ in the European Commission's Response to Democratic Backsliding: From Technocratic Legalism to Democratic Pluralism
Authors: Oleart Alvaro , Theuns Tom
Published: August 2022

The debate on EU responses to democratic backsliding in EU member states has mostly been anchored on technocratic appeals to the rule of law and judicial independence, and on Poland and Hungary. In this article, we ask: What understandings of democracy have shaped the European Commission's response to democratic backsliding in recent years? After developing an understanding of pluralist democracy, we uncover the way in which the European Commission conceives of democracy through a discourse analysis of European Commissioners' speeches (2018–21) and a normative‐theoretical analysis. We identify the Commission's conception as a form of ‘democracy without politics’, and argue that it matches the EU's policy choices in regard to democratic backsliding. We argue that a fuller, healthier and normatively more attractive conception of democracy encompasses more attention to political pluralism, agonistic contestation and the vibrancy of civil society.
Increased rates of fragrance allergy in fibromyalgia individuals tested with the Swedish baseline patch test series
Authors: Bruze Magnus , Hopkins Katharine , Dahlin Jakob , Olsson Karin , Åstrand Jacqueline , Svedman Cecilia , Ofenloch Robert , Antelmi Annarita
Published: August 2022

Background

Contact allergy can manifest in a variety of ways clinically. Systemic contact allergy may occasionally present with pain in muscles and joints. Fibromyalgia is a chronic rheumatic disease characterized by pain and with virtually unknown aetiology.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the contact allergy rates to the sensitizers in a baseline series and compare with corresponding rates in dermatitis patients and the general population.

Methods

Patch testing with the Swedish baseline series was performed in 120 individuals with fibromyalgia. Fisher's exact test was used for pair‐wise comparisons of contact allergy rates between the fibromyalgia group and two control groups, dermatitis patients and individuals in the general population.

Results

Contact allergy was significantly more common in the fibromyalgia group compared to the general population concerning nickel and the fragrance markers Myroxolon pereirae and fragrance mix I. There were fewer allergic reactions to preservatives in the fibromyalgia group compared with the dermatitis group.

Conclusions

Myroxolon pereirae and fragrance mix I represent besides fragrance allergy also allergy to flavouring substances which indicate that oral exposure to flavouring substances and hygiene products might be important for sensitization and possibly elicitation of systemic contact allergy symptoms in fibromyalgia individuals.
Atopic dermatitis and risk of major neuropsychiatric disorders in children: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wan Joy , Shin Daniel B. , Syed Maha N. , Abuabara Katrina , Lemeshow Adina R. , Gelfand Joel M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Paediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) has been linked to neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as depression, anxiety and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, longitudinal data are limited, and the effect of AD severity on neuropsychiatric outcomes requires further characterization.

Objectives

To determine the risk of several major neuropsychiatric conditions in children with AD.

Methods

We analysed UK health records data in a population‐based cohort study. Each patient <18 years old with AD was matched to up to five unaffected patients on age, practice and index date. Treatments served as proxies for AD severity, which was analysed in a time‐updated manner. Outcomes were incident anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, autism, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), suicidal ideation or attempt, and completed suicide.

Results

A total of 409,431 children with AD (93.2% mild, 5.5% moderate, 1.3% severe) were compared to 1,809,029 children without AD. In Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status and other atopic comorbidities, no statistically significant relationships were observed between AD and incident anxiety (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03), ADHD (1.02, 0.97–1.06), autism (1.02, 0.98–1.06), bipolar disorder (1.08, 0.85–1.36), suicidal ideation/attempt (0.98, 0.95–1.01) or completed suicide (0.85, 0.64–1.14). Children with AD were less likely to develop depression (0.93, 0.91–0.95) or schizophrenia (0.72, 0.54–0.95) but more likely to develop OCD (1.26, 1.16–1.37). However, there was substantial variation by AD severity and age in both the direction and magnitude of effect for many of the neuropsychiatric conditions examined.

Conclusions

The was no substantial impact of AD on the overall risk of many neuropsychiatric conditions in children, but disease severity and age may be important modifying factors. Additional research is needed to further dissect the complex relationship between paediatric AD and neuropsychiatric comorbidities.
Optimization of the performance of an automated/continuous pilot scale soymilk plant for medium and small‐scale entrepreneurs
Authors: Mangaraj Shukadev , Sharma Veer Mohan , Nishad Praween , Thakur Rajeev R.
Published: August 2022

The manual operations involved in the existing batch type soymilk plant reduces the overall capacity and quality of soymilk of the plant and due to which, its commercial application is limited. Therefore, the objective of this research work was to optimize the performance of a continuous soymilk extraction plant by maximizing the capacity and protein content while minimizing the hydroperoxide content through the manipulation of feed rate (kg/h), cooker temperature, cooker pressure, and holding time. Four independent variables namely; feed rate (10–20 kg/h), cooker temperature (100–120°C), cooker pressure (1.5–2.5 kg/m3), and holding time (3–7 min) were selected for testing the developed plant. The selected parameters were optimized and, the optimum value of feed rate, cooker temperature, cooker pressure, and holding time was obtained as 19.83 kg/h, 110°C, 2.44 kg/cm2 and 3 min, respectively. The corresponding values of responses, that is, the capacity, protein content and hydroperoxide level, were 98.58 L/h, 3.15%, and 5.36 mol/g, respectively.

Novelty impact statement

The developed pilot scale continuous type soymilk plant has successfully adopted and run by a number of self‐help group at medium and small scale enterprises. The output capacity and quality of soymilk produced by the plant were highly appreciated by the consumers. This development has the potential to create a golden opportunity of employment and income generation for the rural youth to initiate a new start up for running their own business and to support the vocal for local as well as self‐reliance India initiative of the Govt. of India.
Effects of wheat gliadin and glutenin fractions on dough properties, oil uptake, and microstructure of instant noodles
Authors: Dewan Aastha , Chaudhary Nisha , Khatkar Bhupendar Singh
Published: August 2022

In lieu to understand the functionality of individual gluten fractions along with varietal variation in dough and instant noodles quality characteristics, this project was designed. Glutenins addition enhanced rheological properties such as dough development time (DDT), dough stability (DS), and energy at peak (EP) more significantly in DBW88 as compared to HI1500. Gliadins addition amplified dough softening (DSO) more prominently in HI1500 than DBW88. Instant noodles cooking and textural quality improved with glutenins addition and deteriorated with gliadins incorporation. Dough microstructure revealed denser and compact network with extended strands on glutenins addition, whereas gliadins supplementation produced shorter sheeted network. Surface microstructure of developed instant noodles displayed smooth continuous sheet on glutenins incorporation which served as barrier for oil absorption; on the contrary, gliadins addition created porous and rough surface that ensued higher oil intake. Thus, strengthening and weakening effect of gluten fractions was elucidated in generating better quality instant noodles.

Practical applications

Selection of wheat variety with appropriate protein content or incorporation of strength providing gluten fraction in weak variety for improving instant noodles cooking and textural quality with reduced oil uptake.
The emotional management of motherhood: Foodwork, maternal guilt, and emotion work
Authors: Fielding‐Singh Priya , Cooper Marianne
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study examined how college‐educated mothers emotionally manage the guilt they experience as they perform maternal foodwork.

Background

Maternal guilt is prevalent in the United States, as most mothers report feeling guilty about their inability to live up to the high standards set by intensive mothering. While research has shown that guilt pervades mothers' experiences, less focus has been paid to what mothersdoabout the guilt they feel. With a focus on maternal foodwork, this study investigated how college‐educated mothers emotionally manage the recurring feelings of guilt that arise due the pressures and expectations around feeding children.

Method

Using in‐depth interviews with 35 college‐educated mothers in the San Francisco Bay Area, this article examined mothers' emotional management of guilt. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Mothers experienced guilt as they perceived themselves to be falling short of intensive mothering's ideals around maternal foodwork. In an effort to manage this guilt, mothers employed the gendered and classed emotional management strategy ofupscaling, whereby they actively worked on their emotions in ways that paradoxically served to amplify their feelings of guilt and fuel additional physical and cognitive labor. Three approaches were central to upscaling: raising the bar, seeking control, and leveraging social comparison. All of these approaches relied on mothers' ongoing surveillance of themselves and others.

Conclusion

The findings show how mothers' emotional management strategies are key to the maintenance of intensive mothering ideals over time, with consequences for the reproduction of gender inequality.
Examining intra‐ and inter‐personal health effects of optimism and pessimism: The role of subjective well‐being in romantic couples
Authors: Borenstein‐Laurie James , Barlow Meaghan A. , Scheier Michael F. , Wrosch Carsten
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Recent meta‐analytic research suggests that the absence of pessimism could be a stronger predictor of physical health than the presence of optimism. The present study examined the role of subjective well‐being in the effects of optimism and pessimism on physical health in romantic couples. It was hypothesized that pessimism would be more strongly associated with both well‐being and health than optimism, intra‐ and interpersonally. Subjective well‐being was also expected to explain variance in the associations between optimism, pessimism, and health.

Methods

A baseline sample of 153 opposite‐sex couples completed various measures of subjective well‐being (e.g., life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and depressive symptoms) and physical health (e.g., subjective health, sleep efficiency, physical symptoms, cold symptoms, and chronic illness).

Results

Results of actor‐partner interdependence models showed that the absence of pessimism, but not the presence of optimism, was associated with better physical health at baseline and over time. Pessimism was also a stronger predictor than optimism of baseline levels in some indicators of subjective well‐being. These effects were obtained intra‐ and interpersonally. Finally, subjective well‐being explained variance in some of the effects of pessimism on levels of physical health. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.
Association of recessive c.430G>A (p.(Gly144Arg)) thyroid peroxidase variant with primary congenital hypothyroidism in cats
Authors: Van Poucke Mario , Van Renterghem Emilie , Peterson Mark E. , van den Berg Marit F. , Stock Emmelie , Peelman Luc J. , Daminet Sylvie
Published: August 2022

Background

Primary congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a rare endocrine disorder in cats with a largely unknown genetic cause.

Objectives

Describe the clinical presentation of CH in 11 affected cats and identify the causal genetic variant.

Animals

Eleven CH‐cats from 10 unrelated families, 11 CH‐free family members, 21 unrelated CH‐free cats, and 155 unrelated nondiagnosed cats from different breeds.

Methods

Case control study of CH‐cats and their siblings (2019‐2021). Diagnosis was based on low to low‐normal serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations, high thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations and clinical signs compatible with CH. We identified the causal variant using Sanger sequencing, genotyping via PCR‐RFLP and variant interpretation using ACMG/AMP guidelines.

Results

All CH‐cats (5 weeks‐8 years) had disproportionate dwarfism. A goiter was not palpable in all. Thyroid scintigraphy with radiopertechnetate showed abnormally high uptake by thyroid glands, whereas scintigraphy with radioiodine showed abnormally low uptake, compatible with a defect in iodine organification by thyroid peroxidase (TPO). All cases were homozygous for TPO variant XM_006930524.4:c.430G>A(p.(Gly144Arg)), while none of the CH‐free cats were. All sampled parents were heterozygous for this recessive variant. This variant was found in 15 cat breeds with an estimated allele frequency of 9%.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Disproportionate dwarfism, abnormally high TSH and abnormally low to low‐normal T4 concentrations are diagnostic for CH in cats. All cases had dyshormonogenesis demonstrated by thyroid scintigraphy. This novel TPO missense variant (not described in humans) causes CH in cats and awareness of it can assist in diagnosis and breeding.
Compassion or Corruption? Temporalities of Care and Nationhood in Papua New Guinean Nursing Education
Authors: Andersen Barbara A
Published: August 2022

Nurse educators in Papua New Guinea (PNG) must prepare students for often demoralizing working conditions. This article analyzes classroom and practical lessons in a PNG Highlands nursing college. A variety of pedagogical practices, including role plays and other simulation technologies, were used to socialize students to imagine patients’ relatives while making clinical decisions, and to contemplate their own relatives and ancestors in reflecting on their moral commitments to health care. Such practices generate a mode of medical citizenship shaped by a regime of biocommunicability in which Christianity and education are thought to transform one's capacity to detach from the emotional appeals of kin. These pedagogies link the individual subjectivities of health workers to a persistent, though fragile, vision of the nation in which transgenerational, urban–rural kinship is a synecdoche for nationhood (and its deferral), despite professional counternarratives that cast these kinship ties as a slippery slope toward “corruption.” [medical citizenship, temporalities of care, nursing simulation, nationhood, Papua New Guinea]
Primulina fangdingii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China
Authors: Pan Bo , Wang Bing‐Mou , Yang Li‐Hua , Lai Bi‐Dan , Li Peng‐Wei
Published: August 2022

Primulina fangdingii, a species of Gesneriaceae new to science from Guangxi, China, is corroborated by both morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is similar to P. longzhouensis in leaf shape and size, but is easily distinguished from the latter by its adaxially glabrous leaf blades, yellow corolla with reddish inner surface and yellow filaments. It is also similar to P. repanda in corolla color and corolla shape, but can be diagnosed by its fleshy small leaves with glabrous adaxial surface, glandular and eglandular pubescent pedicels, yellow filaments and annular disc. In addition, Primulina fangdingii is somewhat similar to nine other species of Primulina, including P. cordifolia, P. danxiaensis, P. xiuningensis, P. chingipengii, P. cordistigma, P. diffusa, P. jingxiensis, P. petrocosmeoides and P. sinovietnamica, in either floral or vegetative morphology. However, all these species differ from P. fangdingii by a series of morphological characters. Phylogenetic analyses with ITS and two chloroplast DNA regions (rpL32‐trnL, trnL‐F) revealed that P. fangdingii is sister to P. luochengensis and isolated from its morphological relatives. Primulina fangdingii is described and illustrated here, and a key to the new species and its morphological allies is provided.
Care experiences of older people with mental health needs and their families in emergency medical services settings
Authors: Goode Deborah , Ryan Assumpta , Melby Vidar , Slater Paul
Published: August 2022

Background

There are challenges to person‐centred care provision in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) settings. The environment is often busy and noisy which can influence the experience of older people and their carer/partners when they attend emergency departments. Older people with mental health needs are a vulnerable group of people who are at risk of not having their needs met in acute care settings. This is due to complex presentations and increased pressures on the EMS system.

Aim

The aim of the paper was to explore the care experience of older people with mental health needs and their carer/partners in pre‐hospital and in‐hospital Emergency Medical Services settings.

Method

This study used an interpretive qualitative approach incorporating in‐depth, individual interviews to gather information on the experience of the older person with mental health needs and carers/partners. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen individual interviews were carried out with older people with mental health needs (n = 10) and with carers/partners (n = 5). Six themes on ‘Getting there, getting in and getting out’, ‘Seeing the person’, ‘Perceptions and experiences of the pre‐hospital and Emergency Department (ED)’, ‘The effects of the experience on personal well‐being’, ‘Older person/carer/partner perceptions and experiences of the EMS staff’ and ‘Making it better’ emerged from the data.

Conclusions

The results suggest that previous experiences with the emergency care system influence the way older people with mental health needs and their carers make decisions on current and future care needs. Negative experiences can be influenced by the layout and organisation of the ED. Participants remain reluctant to discuss or disclose their diagnosis in the Emergency Medical Services setting due to a perceived stigma. Health and social care systems and services need to undergo transformations to ensure that all people who access services are treated fairly and effectively.
Deep origin of the crossed‐lamellar microstructure in early Cambrian molluscs
Authors: Li Luoyang , Skovsted Christian B. , Topper Timothy P.
Published: August 2022

Aragonitic crossed‐lamellar (CL) is one of the most commonly formed and extensively studied molluscan shell microstructures, yet its origin and early evolution within the Mollusca remains poorly understood. Here, a primitive CL microstructure from one of the oldest gastropods, Pelagiella madianensis, and the problematic hyolith Cupitheca sp. of the Cambrian Series 2 Xinji Formation on the North China Platform, was investigated. In P. madianensis, detailed characterization has revealed a typical four‐ordered hierarchical organization of aragonitic crystallites, and a thick layer of organic membranes surrounding its first‐order lamellae. A transitional fibrous microstructure was observed between the outer CL and inner foliated aragonite structural layers. In Cupitheca sp., only the first and second‐order lamellae were visible due to preservation limitations, and the first‐order lamellae were extremely irregular in shape and size, which is consistent with modern representatives. This study demonstrates that the capability to construct highly‐mineralized intricate shells was acquired in early Cambrian stem‐group gastropods. The CL microstructure first emerged in the early Cambrian and as a basal synapomorphic trait in total‐group molluscs. Moreover, presence of the CL microstructure in problematic lophotrochozoans (i.e. hyoliths) is confirmed. This study contributes to a more complete picture of the evolutionary origin and architectural diversity of biomineralized mollusc shells during the Cambrian explosion, and strengthens the phylogenetic links between hyoliths and molluscs.
Comparative transcriptome analysis during tuberous stem formation in Kohlrabi (B. oleracea var. gongylodes) at early growth periods (seedling stages)
Authors: Nuruzzaman Md , Sato Masato , Okamoto Satoru , Hoque Mozammel , Shea Daniel J. , Fujimoto Ryo , Shimizu Motoki , Fukai Eigo , Okazaki Keiichi
Published: August 2022

Tuberous stem of kohlrabi is an important agronomic trait, however, the molecular basis of tuberization is poorly understood. To elucidate the tuberization mechanism, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis between kohlrabi and broccoli at 10 and 20 days after germination (DAG) as tuberous stem initiated between these time points. A total of 5580 and 2866 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) were identified between genotypes (kohlrabi vs. broccoli) and growth stages (10 DAG vs. 20 DAG), respectively, and most of the DETs were down‐regulated in kohlrabi. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that the DETs between genotypes are involved in cell wall loosening and expansion, cell cycle and division, carbohydrate metabolism, hormone transport, hormone signal transduction and in several transcription factors. The DETs identified in those categories may directly/indirectly relate to the initiation and development of tuberous stem in kohlrabi. In addition, the expression pattern of the hormone synthesis related DETs coincided with the endogenous IAA, IAAsp, GA, ABA, and tZ profiles in kohlrabi and broccoli seedlings, that were revealed in our phytohormone analysis. This is the first report on comparative transcriptome analysis for tuberous stem formation in kohlrabi at early growth periods. The resulting data could provide significant insights into the molecular mechanism underlying tuberous stem development in kohlrabi as well as in other tuberous organ forming crops.
A Model-Based Approach to Predict Employee Compensation Components
Authors: Erciulescu Andreea L. , Opsomer Jean D.
Published: August 2022

The demand for official statistics at fine levels is motivating researchers to explore estimation methods that extend beyond the traditional survey-based estimation. For this work, the challenge originated with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, who conducts the National Compensation Survey to collect compensation data from a nationwide sample of establishments. The objective is to obtain predictions of the wage and non-wage components of compensation for a large number of employment domains defined by detailed job characteristics. Survey estimates are only available for a small subset of these domains. To address the objective, we developed a bivariate hierarchical Bayes model that jointly predicts the wage and non-wage compensation components for a large number of employment domains defined by detailed job characteristics. We also discuss solutions to some practical challenges encountered in implementing small area estimation methods in large-scale settings, including methods for defining the prediction space, for constructing and selecting the information that serves as model input, and for obtaining stable survey variance and covariance estimates.
Phylogeography of mangrove pit vipers (Viperidae, Trimeresurus erythrurus‐purpureomaculatus complex)
Authors: Chan Kin Onn , Sind Law Ing , Thong Law Ingg , Ananthanarayanan Sankar , Rasu Shivaram , Aowphol Anchalee , Rujirawan Attapol , Anuar Shahrul , Mulcahy Daniel , Grismer Jesse L. , Grismer L. Lee
Published: August 2022

We present the first multilocus molecular phylogeny focused on mangrove pit vipers of the Trimeresurus erythrurus‐purpureomaculatus complex based on novel topotypic material and expanded geographic sampling. Previously inferred paraphyly of T. purpureomaculatus was resolved and our results demonstrate distinct phylogeographic patterns that are latitudinally stratified and consistent with isolation‐by‐distance and isolation‐by‐environment. A clear genetic break is detected at the Isthmus of Kra biogeographic divide and niche overlap among major genetic clades is limited. The association between colour polymorphisms and phylogeographic structure suggests that contemporary or historical introgression between T. erythrurus and T. purpureomaculatus could have occurred. This study provides a clear roadmap to guide future genomic research to improve our understanding of this charismatic, yet poorly studied group of snakes.
Development of an Open-Source Autonomous Computational Fluid Dynamics Meta-Modeling Environment for Small-Scale Combustor Optimization
Authors: Briones Alejandro M. , Rankin Brent A.
Published: August 2022

This work presents an open-source autonomous computational fluid dynamics (CFD) metamodeling environment (OpenACME) for small-scale combustor design optimization in a deterministic and continuous design space. OpenACME couples several object-oriented programing open-source codes for conjugate-heat transfer, steady-state, multiphase incompressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes CFD-assisted engineering design metamodeling. There are fifteen design variables. Nonparametric rank regression (NPRR), global sensitivity analyses (GSA), and single-objective (SOO) optimization strategies are evaluated. The Euclidean distance (single-objective criterion) between a design point and the utopic point is based on the multi-objective criteria: combustion efficiency (η) maximization and pattern factor (PF), critical liner area factor (Acritical ), and total pressure loss (TPL) minimization. The SOO approach conducts Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) for reacting flow CFD for subsequent local constraint optimization by linear interpolation. The local optimization successfully improves the initial design condition. The SOO approach is useful for guiding the design and development of future gas turbine combustors. NPRR and GSA indicate that there are no leading-order design variables controlling η, pattern factor (PF), Acritical , and TPL. Therefore, interactions between design variables control these output metrics because the output design space is inherently nonsmooth and nonlinear. In summary, OpenACME is developed and demonstrated to be a viable tool for combustor design metamodeling and optimization studies.
Assessment of Student Learning Through Reflection on Doing Using the Latent Dirichlet Algorithm
Authors: Sun Yanwei , Ming Zhenjun , Ball Zachary , Peng Shan , Allen Janet K. , Mistree Farrokh
Published: August 2022

Can we provide evidence-based guidance to instructors to improve the delivery of the course based on students’ reflection on doing? Over three years at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA, we have collected about 18,000 Take-aways from almost 400 students who participated in an undergraduate design, build, and test course. In this paper, we illustrate the efficacy of using the Latent Dirichlet Algorithm to respond to the question posed above. We describe a method to analyze the Take-aways using a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm to extract topics from the Take-away data and then relate the extracted topics to instructors’ expectations using text similarity. The advantage of the LDA algorithm is anchored in that it provides a means for summarizing large amount of take-away data into several key topics so that instructors can eliminate the labor-intensive evaluation of it. By connecting and comparing what students learned (embodied in Take-aways) and what instructors expected the students to learn (embodied in stated Principles of Engineering Design), we provide evidence-based guidance to instructors on how to improve the delivery of AME4163: Principles of Engineering Design. Our objective in this paper is to introduce a method for quantifying text data to facilitate an instructor to modify the content and delivery of the next version of the course. The proposed method can be extended to other courses patterned after AME4163 to generate similar data sets covering student learning and instructor expectations, and the LDA algorithm can be used for dealing with the large amount of textual data embodied in students’ Take-aways.
Multiphysics Design Optimization via Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Kazemi Hesaneh , Seepersad Carolyn C. , Alicia Kim H.
Published: August 2022

This work presents a method for generating concept designs for coupled multiphysics problems by employing generative adversarial networks (GANs). Since the optimal designs of multiphysics problems often contain a combination of features that can be found in the single-physics solutions, we investigate the feasibility of learning the optimal design from the single-physics solutions, to produce concept designs for problems that are governed by a combination of these single physics. We employ GANs to produce optimal topologies similar to the results of level set topology optimization (LSTO) by finding a mapping between the sensitivity fields of specific boundary conditions, and the optimal topologies. To find this mapping, we perform image-to-image translation GAN training with a combination of structural, heat conduction, and a relatively smaller number of coupled structural and heat conduction data. We observe that the predicted topologies using GAN for coupled multiphysics problems are very similar to those generated by level set topology optimization, which can then be used as the concept designs for further detailed design. We show that using a combination of multiple single-physics data in the training improves the prediction of GAN for multiphysics problems. We provide several examples to demonstrate this.
Solution of Neutron Diffusion Problems by Discontinuous Galerkin Finite Element Method With Consideration of Discontinuity Factors
Authors: Wanai Li , Helin Gong , Chunyu Zhang
Published: August 2022

Neutronics calculations are the basis of reactor analysis and design. Finite element methods (FEM) have gained increasing attention in solving neutron transport problems for the rigorous mathematical formulation and the flexibility of handling complex geometric domains and boundary conditions. In order to reduce the computational errors caused by the homogenization of cross sections, this paper adopts the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DG-FEM) to solve the generalized eigenvalue problem formulated by the neutron diffusion theory and compensates the homogenization error by incorporating discontinuity factors. The results show that the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method can introduce the discontinuity factors with clear mathematical and physical meanings. The computational results of the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method are slightly better than those of the continuous Galerkin finite element method. However, the computation cost of the former is higher than that of the latter. Although good parallel efficiency can be achieved, the discontinuous Galerkin finite element method is not preferable for large-scale problems unless the effect of the discontinuity factors is significant.
Effects of Sideslip Direction on a Rear Fuselage Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan
Authors: Castillo Pardo Alejandro , Hall Cesare A.
Published: August 2022

Boundary layer ingestion (BLI) offers potential reductions in fuel burn and emissions. The propulsive fuselage concept features an aft fan that ingests the 360 deg fuselage boundary layer. A critical condition for this configuration occurs when a sideslip angle arises between the aircraft longitudinal axis and the freestream velocity. The sideslip flow in combination with the airframe generates inlet distortion that depends on the sideslip direction. In particular, the sideslip increases flow into the windward side of the intake and reduces the flow on the opposite side, leading to either co-swirl or counter-swirl at the fan face. This article investigates the effect of sideslip direction on the aerodynamics of an aft BLI fan. Experimental measurements have been taken in a low-speed fan rig with representative total pressure and swirl distortion. These tests have been complemented by full-annulus unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations to understand the impact of sideslip on the rotor and outlet guide vane flow fields. The results show that positive sideslip (sideslip that produces counter-swirl) increases the fan work and incidence, but the additional losses are relatively small. However, negative sideslip results in lower loading, negative incidence, and greater losses. The stage loading was 28% higher and the stage efficiency was 1.65% higher for positive versus negative sideslip. The positive sideslip case was also found to lose some operating range, equivalent to 2% of nozzle area. Overall, the fan design tolerates the sideslip distortion well and demonstrates the importance of the coupling of both swirl and total pressure distortion with the fan aerodynamics.
Analyzing a Free-Falling Magnet to Measure Gravitational Acceleration Using a Smartphone’s Magnetometer
Authors: Pathak Praveen , Patel Yogita
Published: August 2022

A smartphone magnetometer is used to record the magnetic field of a freely falling point dipole magnet. The recorded magnetic field vs. time data are analyzed in accordance with the spatial dependence of the magnetic field to calculate the acceleration due to gravity g. The experiment gives local g to be 9.79 ± 1.9% m/s2.
Measuring the speed of light in liquids with a smartphone
Authors: Bewersdorff Arne , Weiler David
Published: August 2022

The LIDAR sensor built into many smartphones and tablets (mainly iOS devices) can be used to measure the speed of light in water and other transparent media to demonstrate that speed of light depends on the substance it travels through. This adds another feature to the vast opportunities using smartphones in physics education.
Reimagining physics/education
Authors: Iyer Deepak
Published: August 2022

In our May 2021 opening article for the column Just Physics?, we posed two questions: What does it mean to think beyond just physics, specifically, to think about physics and physics education in the context of the social and political realities of the world?What constitutes just physics, i.e., what does physics for justice look like?
Student-Created Video Content for Assessment and Experiential Learning
Authors: Graul Ben , Rollins Matthew L. , Powers Nathan , Corte Dennis Della
Published: August 2022

This paper outlines the feasibility of replacing a midterm assessment with a student-created digital media project. We examine the benefits of a peer review process for student-created pedagogy, the effectiveness of the student-generated digital media, and self-evaluations as a replacement for traditional forms of assessment. We conclude that this innovative teaching and assessment model is both effective and timely as more college courses are being taught digitally and/or asynchronously.
Application of Optical Path Drawing Technology: The Light Intensity Problem of Double-Slit Interference
Authors: Chiang Chun-Ming , Ma Shih-Hsin , Lin Shou-Tai , Hsu Wel-Hung , Huang Pin-Jui
Published: August 2022

The wave nature of light has been widely demonstrated in a double-slit experiment, which has played a special role in physics teaching. When monochromatic light passes through the double-slit sheet, the diffraction and interference fringes can be observed in the far-field regime. The interference of light causes the beams passing through the two slits to interact with each other, but each slit still retains the diffraction characteristics of a single slit, so the result is a combination of diffraction and interference patterns.
Podcasts in Science Classrooms: Storytelling for All Ears!
Authors: Kulkarni Sumeet , Whitworth Brooke A.
Published: August 2022

Podcasts offer a unique tool in making science learning informative, engaging, and entertaining. They provide an excellent way to incorporate storytelling in science instruction. Podcasts can be accessed easily and free of cost on any internet-enabled device. Recording podcasts is also easy and inexpensive, making them useful to record lesson summaries and other content for revision. This article outlines different ways of using podcasts in the teaching and learning process. To support informal learning, podcasts typically cover cross-disciplinary issues that are relevant to present times as well as those important to local communities. They also feature interviews with researchers who walk through the scientific process of their discoveries. All of these things add value to a physics unit beyond textbook content. In a subject where assessments are dominated by mathematical equations, student-recorded podcasts offer an opportunity for students to string together spoken-word narratives of physics phenomena. In this article, we outline an example lesson centered around the NPR Short Wave podcast.
Electrifying the Circuits Unit: The Construction of Electric Board Games in Introductory Physics
Authors: Sperling Alissa , Kruger Ellen , Martin James
Published: August 2022

Students experience current electricity every day in our wired world, yet the circuit problems that students work through in physics class can seem far removed from the common experience of switching on a light bulb. However, current electricity provides many opportunities to engage students in hands-on learning. Through circuit construction, students can begin to visualize what can’t be seen—the flow of electrons through a wire.
Maximum Momentum and Kinetic Energy of a Relativistic Rocket
Authors: Frodyma Marc
Published: August 2022

Teaching special relativity to lower-division students is challenging because results such as time dilation, length contraction, and frame dependence of simultaneity are counterintuitive. The literature is extensive, so only a brief list is given here, with articles divided roughly between discussions of general principles and calculations applied to selected physical systems.
A Modified Recipe for Interactive Classroom Demonstrations
Authors: Nazarian Robert H.
Published: August 2022

Interactive classroom demonstrations (ICDs) are used extensively in physics, and prior studies indicate that, when conducted under certain conditions, they lead to appreciable increases in student gains and retention. The literature suggests that the ICD recipe for maximizing student gain is to i) introduce the physical theory that will be demonstrated, ii) describe the demonstration and prompt students to record a prediction for what will happen, iii) conduct the demonstration, and iv) return to the prediction for students to reconcile their hypotheses. Here, I propose two interrelated updates to leverage the particular strengths of Generation Z students currently enrolled in introductory physics courses as well as to address potential pitfalls in the canonical ICD recipe: the inclusion of simple, yet flashy demonstrations, and the integration of social media to disseminate and further engage with the results.