bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of delay in early gross motor and expressive language milestone attainment in probands with genetic conditions versus idiopathic ASD from SFARI registries
Authors: Wickstrom Jordan , Farmer Cristan , Green Snyder LeeAnne , Mitz Andrew R. , Sanders Stephan J. , Bishop Somer , Thurm Audrey
Published: August 2021

Background

Recent large‐scale initiatives have led to systematically collected phenotypic data for several rare genetic conditions implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The onset of developmentally expected skills (e.g. walking, talking) serve as readily quantifiable aspects of the behavioral phenotype. This study's aims were: (a) describe the distribution of ages of attainment of gross motor and expressive language milestones in several rare genetic conditions, and (b) characterize the likelihood of delays in these conditions compared with idiopathic ASD.

Methods

Participants aged 3 years and older were drawn from two Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative registries that employed consistent phenotyping protocols. Inclusion criteria were a confirmed genetic diagnosis of one of 16 genetic conditions (Simons Searchlight) or absence of known pathogenic genetic findings in individuals with ASD (SPARK). Parent‐reported age of acquisition of three gross motor and two expressive language milestones was described and categorized as on‐time or delayed, relative to normative expectations.

Results

Developmental milestone profiles of probands with genetic conditions were marked by extensive delays (including nonattainment), with highest severity in single gene conditions and more delays than idiopathic ASD in motor skills. Compared with idiopathic ASD, the median odds of delay among the genetic groups were higher by 8.3 times (IQR 5.8–16.3) for sitting, 12.4 times (IQR 5.3–19.5) for crawling, 26.8 times (IQR 7.7–41.1) for walking, 2.7 times (IQR 1.7–5.5) for single words, and 5.7 times (IQR 2.7–18.3) for combined words.

Conclusions

Delays in developmental milestones, particularly in gross motor skills, are frequent and may be among the earliest indicators of differentially affected developmental processes in specific genetically defined conditions associated with ASD, as compared with those with clinical diagnoses of idiopathic ASD. The possibility of different developmental pathways leading to ASD‐associated phenotypes should be considered when deciding how to employ specific genetic conditions as models for ASD.
A Japanese patient with a 2p25.3 terminal deletion presented with early‐onset obesity, intellectual disability and diabetes mellitus: A case report
Authors: Sakaue Taka‐aki , Obata Yoshinari , Fujishima Yuya , Kozawa Junji , Otsuki Michio , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Maeda Norikazu , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: August 2021

2p25.3 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that accompanies various phenotypic features, including early‐onset obesity and intellectual disability. Here, we report the first Japanese case of this deletion associated with severe obesity and diabetes mellitus. Microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis identified a 3.1‐Mb deletion of distal chromosome band 2p25.3, which was suspected as de novo. The patient also presented bilateral cataracts and adolescent‐onset muscular weakness of the upper limbs, both of which were uncommon in previously reported cases. It is possible that these symptoms are also important clinical features suggestive of this syndrome.
Using recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange to engineer MIN6 insulin‐secreting cells based on a newly identified safe harbor locus
Authors: Furukawa Asami , Tanaka Aya , Yamaguchi Suguru , Kosuda Minami , Yamana Midori , Nagasawa Akiko , Kohno Genta , Ishihara Hisamitsu
Published: August 2021

Aims/Introduction

Recent studies have identified genomic and transcript level changes along with alterations in insulin secretion in patients with diabetes and in rodent models of diabetes. It is important to establish an efficient system for testing functional consequences of these changes. We aimed to generate such a system using insulin‐secreting MIN6 cells.

Materials and Methods

MIN6 cells were first engineered to have a tetracycline‐regulated expression system. Then, we used the recombination‐mediated cassette exchange strategy to explore the silencing‐resistant site in the genome and generated a master cell line based on this site.

Results

We identified a site 10.5 kbps upstream from the Zxdb gene as a locus that allows homogenous transgene expression from a tetracycline responsible promoter. Placing the Flip/Frt‐based platform on this locus using CRISPR/Cas9 technology generated modified MIN6 cells applicable to achieving cassette exchange on the genome. Using this cell line, we generated MIN6 subclones with over‐ or underexpression of glucokinase. By analyzing a mixed population of these cells, we obtained an initial estimate of effects on insulin secretion within 6 weeks. Furthermore, we generated six MIN6 cell sublines simultaneously harboring genes of inducible overexpression with unknown functions in insulin secretion, and found that Cited4 and Arhgef3 overexpressions increased and decreased insulin secretion, respectively.

Conclusions

We engineered MIN6 cells, which can serve as a powerful tool for testing genetic alterations associated with diabetes, and studied the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion.
Photovoice as a tool to improve patient—Provider communication in inflammatory bowel disease clinic: A feasibility study
Authors: Gorbenko Ksenia O , Riggs Alexa Rae , Koeppel Brooke , Phlegar Sydney , Dubinsky Marla C , Ungaro Ryan , Keefer Laurie
Published: August 2021

Background

The emotional health of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is critical to self‐management, but has been difficult to elucidate in routine care. Patients are often unsure how to communicate their preferences and concerns to their providers in ways that could directly inform shared decision making. Photovoice is an established research methodology used to give vulnerable patients a voice through photographic expression, but has not been previously used in gastroenterology or in IBD.

Objective

To determine the acceptability and feasibility of using Photovoice in an IBD clinic.

Patient involvement

Patients with IBD took photos in response to open‐ended prompts, participated in a focus group, and brainstormed ways to share their experience with clinicians.

Methods

Enrolled IBD patients received a digital camera, training on basic usage and 10 open‐ended prompts related to management of their IBD. Participants completed one‐hour in‐depth interviews about their photos, which were audio‐recorded and professionally transcribed. Three analysts coded transcripts for themes using qualitative analysis software QSR NVivo 11. A subset of patients participated in a focus group about their Photovoice experience. Gastroenterologists were interviewed, using patient photos as prompts, to evaluate feasibility of using Photovoice in the clinic.

Results

Eleven patients completed the interviews, with five participating in the focus group. Patients shared and discussed a total of 118 photographs. We identified two major themes: disease burden and patient ‐ provider communication. Five IBD physicians reviewed select patient photos and suggested ways to incorporate Photovoice into clinical practice.

Discussion

Photovoice may be a feasible methodology for patients with IBD and acceptable for providers to use in a clinical setting.

Practical value

Photovoice may help providers identify patient concerns and make their communication more patient‐centred.
Method for acquiring accurate coordinates of the source point in electron backscatter diffraction
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Shen Yitian , Peng Fan , Jiang Caifen , Li Wei , Miao Hong , Huang Fuqiang , Zeng Yi
Published: August 2021

An electron backscatter diffraction device is an important accessory for a scanning electron microscope and can provide crystal structure orientation and phase content data through analysis of electron backscatter diffraction patterns. The acquisition of these data depends on pattern indexing, including interplanar angle calculation and crystal plane indexation. The coordinates of the source point are key points for interplanar angle calculation, and they vary with the movement of the incident beam. In this study, we first combined the grey gradient calculation with screen moving method to achieve accurate positioning of source point and obtained coordinates of source point with sub‐pixel precision. The errors of three coordinates were 0.07%, 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively. By using this coordinate of source point to conduct interplanar angle calculation the maximum error was 0.53°, which was a good proof of the accuracy of source point positioning. Then we established the relationship between source point coordinates variation and incident beam movement. Coordinates can be given out based on the displacement of beam directly. And to illustrate the accuracy, interplanar angle calculation was performed and the maximum error was 0.81°. This means that the relationship between variation of source point coordinates and beam movement is highly accurate.
Self‐cosmetic care during the COVID‐19 pandemic and its psychological impacts: Facts behind the closed doors
Authors: Marahatta Suchana , Singh Aditi , Pyakurel Prajjwal
Published: August 2021

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic has resulted in significant negative psychological impacts in our life. Not doing adequate cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nails might be one of the underexplored but preventable reasons for the same.

Aims

To identify the change in cosmetic care habits of female undergraduate medical students during the coronavirus disease pandemic and to identify its psychological impacts on them.

Methods

A total of 218 individuals participated in this online study. Data were collected using a preset pro forma as a Google questionnaire to fulfill the objectives. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 11.5 and presented as percentage, mean, SD, median, IQR in tables and graphs.

Results

Mean age of the participants was 21.56 ± 1.95 years. Maximum respondents (66.0%) are not taking cosmetic care of skin, hair, and nail during the pandemic as before. More than two‐thirds (68.8%) are feeling bad, 31.2% are neutral, whereas none are feeling good because of this change. Second‐year students and the participants from rural locations are taking least cosmetic care (p < 0.05). However, coronavirus disease infection and major life events in the family did not affect it. Nail care was prioritized by the maximum (64.2%). Of all participants who are not doing cosmetic care as before, a maximum (50.0%) had lost self‐satisfaction followed by increased irritability (43.8%).

Conclusions

A huge number of female medical students are not doing cosmetic care of their skin, hair, and nail during the coronavirus disease lockdown; they also perceive significant negative psychological impact because of this change.
Dividend decisions in family businesses: A systematic review and research agenda
Authors: Molly Vincent , Michiels Anneleen
Published: August 2021

Dividend policy in family businesses has been studied in multiple disciplines within the past two decades. Despite strong growth in this research, both contradictory findings and research gaps were found. This study systematically reviews 47 articles on dividend decisions in family businesses, published between 2001 and 2020 in a wide variety of finance, economics, and management journals. Based on a comprehensive analysis, we provide an overview of the current state in family business literature structuring theoretical thinking on dividend decisions. In addition, we offer a research agenda for the future, containing specific suggestions on research questions, theoretical integration, sampling, and study design. This way, we articulate and spotlight areas where family business and finance scholars may most fruitfully direct their attention, which will in turn advance our knowledge of dividend decisions in family businesses.
Fracture Resistance of Single‐Unit Implant‐Supported Crowns: Effects of Prosthetic Design and Restorative Material
Authors: Donmez Mustafa Borga , Diken Turksayar Almira Ada , Olcay Emin Orkun , Sahmali Sevil Meral
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the fracture resistance and fracture patterns of single implant‐supported crowns with different prosthetic designs and materials.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and forty‐four identical crowns were fabricated from zirconia‐reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS), leucite‐based (LGC), and lithium disilicate (LDS) glass‐ceramics, reinforced composite (RC), translucent zirconia (ZR), and ceramic‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (P). These crowns were divided into 3 subgroups according to restoration design: cementable crowns on a prefabricated titanium abutment, cement‐retained crown on a zirconia‐titanium base abutment, and screw‐cement crown (n = 8). After adhesive cementation, restorations were subjected to thermal‐cycling and loaded until fracture. The fracture patterns were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed by using 2‐way ANOVA/Bonferroni multiple comparison post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results

For each prosthetic design, ZR presented the highest fracture resistance (p ≤ 0.005). Other than the differences with ZLS and RC for screw‐cement crowns (p > 0.05) and RC for crowns on zirconia‐titanium base abutments (p > 0.05), LGC showed the lowest fracture resistance. P endured higher loads than LDS (p < 0.001), except for the crowns on zirconia‐titanium base abutments (p > 0.05). Cementable crowns presented the highest fracture resistance (p < 0.001), other than LGC and LDS. The differences between LGC crowns (p > 0.05) or LDS crowns on prefabricated titanium and zirconia‐titanium abutments were nonsignificant (p = 0.133). Fragmented crown fracture was predominant in most of the restorations. Screw and abutment fractures were observed in ZR screw‐cement crowns, and all P crowns were separated from the abutments.

Conclusions

Restorative material and restoration design affect the fracture resistance and fracture pattern of implant‐supported single‐unit restorations. Clinicians may restore single‐unit implants in premolar sites with the materials and prosthetic designs tested in the present study.
Work and School Pathways Into the Transition to Adulthood: Adolescent Family, Individual, and Industry Precursors
Authors: Cho‐Baker Sugene , Purtell Kelly M.
Published: August 2021

Many young adults in countries with advanced economies make linear career transitions from school to work. However, there is a great variability in youth’s postsecondary education and early work experiences and more work is needed to identify the career trajectories of modern youth. Using longitudinal data on 1747 young adults from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth–1997, the current study identifies work and school pathways commonly seen in the transition to adulthood and investigates multiple levels of adolescent precursors. Using latent class analysis, we identified four work and school pathways centered on educational attainment. Whereas parental education and future educational expectations in adolescence significantly shaped the career pathways, local labor market conditions played a limited role in predicting these pathways.
Local job multipliers revisited
Authors: Osman Taner , Kemeny Tom
Published: August 2021

There has been a recent surge in papers estimating local multiplier effects. However, existing studies rely on arbitrary periods of observation, limit samples to more populous regions, and commonly use relatively aggregated industrial categories. When we address these and other methodological issues, we find that, in the United States, each new traded sector job adds half a nontraded job to a local economy, and that the addition of each high‐tech job adds less than one job to the local nontraded sector. Furthermore, we find that the multiplier effect of the manufacturing sector is no higher than the multiplier effect of the average traded sector. We provide robust evidence that higher‐paying traded sectors yield more nontraded jobs than lower paying sectors, and that multiplier effects are higher in larger cities. Furthermore, we generate IV estimates that remedy weak instrument problems in the existing multipliers literature. These findings offer needed clarity on the likely employment impacts of incentive policies aimed at attracting industries in the traded sector of the economy.
Action Research on Meaning‐Making at Residents' Meetings for Local Disability Policy1
Authors: Tagaki Masakuni
Published: August 2021

This is the third in a series on residents' meetings (RMs) for municipal disability policymaking in Japan; members included people with disabilities (PWDs). I focused on members' meaning‐making process for three community organizational goals: task, process, and relationship. Action research was employed in all three studies during my participation in RMs, which began in 2002. The present study is a follow‐up on the meetings' development and covers 2013 to 2019. Meetings were divided into three phases: (a) use of the annual symposium to inform a broader audience about disability policies; (b) appreciation that PWDs can play active roles as supporters of others, especially other PWDs; and (c) recognition that contradiction and dilemma are present in attempts to provide “universal” social equipment for social minorities. The three goals were interrelated through uncertainty and vagueness of RMs; however, it enabled the members to interpret their multifaceted disability‐related experiences. PWDs realized their power to help others and developed disability identities through intensive discussions, while they realized the difficulty of social acceptance of their power and the limited solidarity among PWDs.
Test of the Serotonin Transporter Gene × Early Life Stress Interaction Effect on Subjective Well‐Being and Loneliness Among Japanese Young Adults
Authors: Ohtsubo Yohsuke , Matsunaga Masahiro , Masuda Takahiko , Noguchi Yasuki , Yamasue Hidenori , Ishii Keiko
Published: August 2021

This study investigated whether aspects of early life environment (quality of parental relationship, frequency of parental violence including disciplinary violence, amount of parental attention, and family income during childhood) would affect one's subjective well‐being and loneliness later in life (i.e., during young adulthood). This study also investigated whether the negative influence of early life stress is greater among individuals with the SS genotype of the serotonin transporter‐linked polymorphic region (5‐HTTLPR) in the serotonin transporter gene. Participants were 568 university students whose genotypes were identified using nail samples. They reported their current levels of subjective well‐being and loneliness as well as their recollections of their early family environments. The results showed that less stressful early life environments, such as high levels of parents' relationship quality and parental attention, were positively (negatively) associated with subjective well‐being (loneliness), while frequent parental violence was negatively (positively) associated with subjective well‐being (loneliness). Nevertheless, the gene × environment interaction effects were consistently non‐significant—the SS genotype did not accentuate the effects of early life stress.
Sartre’s phenomenology and drama: The case of Dirty Hands
Authors: Duran Jane
Published: August 2021

In this paper, a number of lines of argument buttress and support the contention that Dirty Hands is a comparatively undervalued part of the Sartrean oeuvre. Using commentary from Bell and Pellauer, and employing categories relevant also to the work of Beauvoir and Camus, the paper comes to the conclusion that Hugo, as the central character of the play, is an exemplary Sartrean protagonist, and that the play is worthy of more attention than it has received. An important part of the central assertion is that the play is as critical a part of the Sartrean dramatic canon as The Flies and No Exit.
A conceptual framework for understanding financial burden during serious illness
Authors: Lee Joonyup , Cagle John G.
Published: August 2021

Life‐threatening illness is associated with financial burden among families. During this time, care‐related expenses often increase. The concept of financial burden has not fully been explored nor conceptually described in the literature. Our study coalesces the empirical literature on financial burden into a more comprehensive multidimensional theoretical framework to understand financial burden among patients and families dealing with serious illness. Using Jabareen's phased approach for building conceptual frameworks, we synthesized the existing scientific literature (including existing measures of financial burden) to construct an empirically derived model. Definitions of financial burden are overlapping with similarities, but also inconsistencies. Many studies have focused more on objective and operational definitions, than subjective and conceptual aspects. Regarding measures for financial burden, many studies have only used a few items. The financial burden is dependent on the illness trajectories and duration. By considering multidimensionality, we illustrate potential financial burden factors (objective, coping, and subjective). Although anticipation and expectations about future financial issues are important, patients and caregivers generally experience objective aspects of burden, followed by subjective impressions of burden. Coping skills likely reduce subjective burden. Based on the results, we redefine the financial burden among patients with life‐threatening illness and caregivers.
Dynamics of the accommodative response after smoking cannabis
Authors: Ortiz‐Peregrina Sonia , Ortiz Carolina , Martino Franceso , Castro‐Torres José J , Anera Rosario G
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug worldwide. It has been suggested that cannabis could generate blurred vision during reading tasks. The goal of this study was to objectively assess the acute effects of smoking cannabis on the dynamics of ocular accommodation. The influence of other factors, including target distance and the direction of accommodation, as well as personal characteristics, were also analysed.

Methods

Nineteen young people who were occasional cannabis users participated in the study (mean age 22.53 [3.12] years). Their usage profiles were evaluated by means of the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test‐revised (CUDIT‐r). The dynamics of the accommodative response were evaluated using an open‐field auto refractor (Grand Seiko WAM‐5500). The participants completed two different experimental sessions, one week apart, and in random order (baseline session and after smoking cannabis). During these sessions, the amplitude of the response (D), mean velocity (D/s), peak velocity (D/s), response time (s), accommodative lag (D) and accommodation variability (D) were measured.

Results

The results indicated that cannabis use had a significant main effect on the mean accommodation/disaccommodation velocity (F1,13 = 7.21; p = 0.02;  = 0.396). Cannabis consumption also interacted significantly with other factors. Response time showed a significant two‐way interaction between condition × target distance (F1,13 = 11.71; p = 0.005;  = 0.474) and condition × accommodation direction (F1,13 = 8.71; p = 0.01;  = 0.401). For mean velocity, two‐way interactions were found between condition × age (F1,13 = 6.03; p = 0.03;  = 0.354), condition × CUDIT‐r score (F1,13 = 6.03; p = 0.03;  = 0.356) and condition × target distance (F1,13 = 7.20; p = 0.02;  = 0.396).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that cannabis use can alter the accommodation process, although further studies should be carried out to explore the role of attention deficits. According to these results, certain daily activities that depend on an accurate accommodative function may be affected by cannabis use.
Clinical outcomes of herpes simplex keratitis: Two‐year experience from a quaternary eye care centre in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Cabrera‐Aguas Maria , Kerdraon Yves , Watson Stephanie L
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To report anti‐viral therapy and outcomes for patients with herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) in a quaternary centre in Sydney, Australia.

Methods

A retrospective case review of patients who received anti‐viral medications for any form of HSK was conducted. Cases were identified from pathology results, pharmacy records and hospital coding data from 2012 to 2013. Clinical details including initial anti‐viral treatment and outcome were collated from the medical records. Outcome was determined from when initial anti‐viral treatment was stopped or changed, and classified as either clinically resolved, partially resolved or worsened for therapeutic indication; or as either success or failure for prophylaxis.

Results

Anti‐viral therapy was given for therapeutic and prophylactic indications at presentation in 252 (85%) and 44 patients (15%), respectively. Topical aciclovir five times daily and valaciclovir in doses ranging from 500 mg to 1 g, one to three times daily were the preferred anti‐viral therapies. One hundred and fourteen patients (n = 114/296, 38.5%) also received topical corticosteroids. An outcome was determined for 210/296 (71%) patients. For therapeutic indication, half of the patients (90/174) partially resolved within 8 days, with best outcomes achieved for endothelial HSK (8/11, 73%) and keratouveitis (21/36, 58%). Adverse events, observed in 20% (35/174) of patients, included corneal perforation (n = 8) and secondary bacterial keratitis (n = 6). Prophylaxis with antiviral therapy was successful in two‐thirds of patients after 6 months.

Conclusions

Clinical and visual outcomes varied with the type of HSK and prescribed therapies. Diverse initial anti‐viral therapies were identified; standardising them may improve outcomes.
The U‐box E3 ubiquitin ligase PalPUB79 positively regulates ABA‐dependent drought tolerance via ubiquitination of PalWRKY77 in Populus
Authors: Tong Shaofei , Chen Ningning , Wang Deyan , Ai Fandi , Liu Bao , Ren Liwen , Chen Yang , Zhang Junlin , Lou Shangling , Liu Huanhuan , Liu Jianquan , Ma Tao , Jiang Yuanzhong
Published: August 2021

The abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathway is involved in the plant response to osmotic stress caused by drought and/or salinity. Although the ABA signalling pathway has been elucidated in Arabidopsis, it remains elusive in woody poplars. In this study, genome‐wide analyses of U‐box genes in poplars revealed that a U‐box E3 ubiquitin ligase gene, PalPUB79, is significantly induced following drought, salinity and ABA signalling. PalPUB79 overexpression enhanced drought tolerance in transgenic poplars, while PalPUB79 RNAi lines were more sensitive to drought. PalPUB79 positively regulated ABA signalling pathway. Furthermore, PalPUB79 interacted with PalWRKY77, a negative transcriptional regulator of ABA signalling, and mediated its ubiquitination for degradation, therefore counteracting its inhibitory effect on PalRD26 transcription. However, the finding that PalWRKY77 negatively regulates PalPUB79 expression was indicative of a negative feedback loop between PalWRKY77 and PalPUB79 during ABA signalling in poplar. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism through which PalPUB79 enhances the ABA‐mediated stress response in woody poplars.
Prescribed by law and therefore realized? Analyzing rules and their implied actor interactions as networks
Authors: Herzog Laura , Ingold Karin , Schlager Edella
Published: August 2021

Managing environmental problems requires cross‐sectoral and cross‐level collaboration among actors. Scholars of institutional arrangements investigate how rules shape such collaboration. Scholars of the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) look for explanations for collaboration in actors' values and beliefs. Rarely have these two factors been considered together when studying collaborative behavior. This paper considers institutional arrangements and actor values to examine the structure and potential drivers of actor collaboration. The study combines the Institutional Analysis and Development framework and the ACF, applying social network analysis to explore an interaction network prescribed by rules and a surveyed collaboration network. It tests the influence of actor beliefs, reputation, and institutional arrangements on collaboration investigating water management in the German Ruhr catchment. The study finds that perceived power and actor beliefs explain actor collaboration better than institutional arrangements and that perceived interactions are more diverse and denser than hierarchically structured networks of prescribed interactions.
The upside‐down self: One's own face recognition is affected by inversion
Authors: Alzueta Elisabet , Kessel Dominique , Capilla Almudena
Published: August 2021

One's own face is recognized more efficiently than any other face, although the neural mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Considering the extensive visual experience that we have with our own face, some authors have proposed that self‐face recognition involves a more analytical perceptual strategy (i.e., based on face features) than other familiar faces, which are commonly processed holistically (i.e., as a whole). However, this hypothesis has not yet been tested with brain activity data. In the present study, we employed an inversion paradigm combined with event‐related potential (ERP) recordings to investigate whether the self‐face is processed more analytically. Sixteen healthy participants were asked to identify their own face and a familiar face regardless of its orientation, which could either be upright or inverted. ERP analysis revealed an enhanced amplitude and a delayed latency for the N170 component when faces were presented in an inverted orientation. Critically, both the self and a familiar face were equally vulnerable to the inversion effect, suggesting that the self‐face is not processed more analytically than a familiar face. In addition, we replicated the recent finding that the attention‐related P200 component is a specific neural index of self‐face recognition. Overall, our results suggest that the advantage for self‐face processing might be better explained by the engagement of self‐related attentional mechanisms than by the use of a more analytical visuoperceptual strategy.
Repeatability of the searching process in reviews of restoration outcomes
Authors: Romanelli João Paulo , Silva Luiz G. M. , Gonçalves Maria Carolina P. , Naves Rafaela P. , de Almeida Danilo Roberti Alves , de Resende Angélica Faria , Rodrigues Ricardo Ribeiro
Published: August 2021

In the recently declared United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), evidence‐based research has an essential role in summarizing restoration outcomes toward broad generalizations to advance restoration practice and science globally. However, to present trustworthy, high‐quality recommendations, evidence reviews should be based on rigorous methods that minimize bias and enhance systematicity, transparency, objectivity, comprehensiveness, and repeatability. To assess the current value of restoration reviews in terms of methodological repeatability at the searching stage, a fundamental review stage, we evaluated a sample of meta‐analyses and narrative syntheses (n = 79) and critically appraised how searches were conducted based on the information reported within each study. By assessing whether review methods were reported in sufficient detail to be repeated by an independent party, we found that repeatability varied substantially by the standard we used. Overall, reviews performed relatively poorly, with a median score of 3 out of 9 points available, and a mean score of 3.6. Most reviews (n = 76/79) failed in effectively reporting all necessary information to allow repeatability at this stage. We found no statistically significant differences considering review types, suggesting that the type of synthesis alone does not solely reflect the repeatability of a review. Toward increasingly repeatable, reliable reviews in restoration ecology, we recommend that authors incorporate and apply principles of systematic reviews and maps in their review process, and suggest that environmental journals should broadly emphasize ways of performing rigorous reviews, as well as increase efforts for the publication of open access review protocols.
Family caregivers’ experiences of end‐of‐life care in the acute hospital setting. A qualitative study
Authors: Robertson Svala Berglind , Hjörleifsdóttir Elísabet , Sigurðardóttir Þórhalla
Published: August 2021

Background

Acute hospital settings are generally not considered adequate places for end‐of‐life care, but terminally ill patients will continue to die in acute medical wards in the unforeseeable future.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate family caregivers’ experiences of end‐of‐life care in an acute community hospital in Iceland.

Methods

Fifteen in‐depth qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted with participants who had been primary caregivers. The transcribed interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Findings

Findings indicated that the acute hospital setting is not a suitable environment for end‐of‐life care. Effective communication and management of symptoms characterised by warmth and security give a sense of resilience. Three main themes emerged: (1) Environmental influences on quality of care; (2) Communication in end‐of‐life care; (3) The dying process. Each of the themes encompassed a variety of subthemes.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that effective communication is the cornerstone of quality of care in the acute hospital environment and essential for establishing a sense of security. The severity of symptoms can deeply affect family caregivers’ well‐being. Acknowledging and appreciating the meaning of respect and dignity at the end‐of‐life from family caregivers’ perspective is vital.
Beyond Disenchantment: Toward a Sociology of Wonder
Authors: Derné Steve , Safford Nicole , Odette Meagan , Mercado Ruben , Wright Sarah , Garmendiz Nicholas , Ureña Reyes Lesly Ann , Price Christine , Kinel Julia , Vick Amanda , Basile Dana , Dorn Samantha , Wnuk Chloe , McFarlane Robert , Reich Brooke , Sanford Maelee
Published: August 2021

Focusing on disenchantment, sociology undertheorizes wonder. Our analysis of 30 interviews is the first sociological study of Americans’ wonder experiences. Contrary to Weber’s theorization of disenchantment, this study shows people experience wonder that is transformative and try to cultivate states of mind open to wonder experiences. Our study shows wonder follows from particularity, difference, and encounters with the mysterious; wonder connects people to expansive concerns; people experience acute self‐awareness during wonder encounters; and people seek wonder experiences. Wonder communities influence wonder experiences, but stages of wonder experiences are similar outside communities.
Politically connected companies are less likely to shutdown due to COVID‐19 restrictions
Authors: Kubinec Robert , Lee Haillie Na‐Kyung , Tomashevskiy Andrey
Published: August 2021

Objective

While the aim of COVID‐19 policies is to suppress the pandemic, many fear that the burden of the restrictions will fall more heavily on less privileged groups. We show one potential mechanism for COVID‐19 responses to increase inequality by examining the intersection of business restrictions and business political connections.

Methods

We fielded an online survey of 2735 business employees and managers in Ukraine, Egypt, and Venezuela over the summer of 2020 to collect data on companies' closures due to COVID‐19 and nuanced information about their political connections.

Findings

We show that businesses with political connections to government officials were significantly less likely to shut down as a result of COVID‐19 policies. This finding suggests that measures designed to mitigate COVID‐19 are ineffective in countries with a weak rule of law if politically connected firms are able to circumvent restrictions by leveraging political connections to receive preferential treatment. In addition, politically connected firms are no more likely—and sometimes even less likely—to engage in social‐distancing policies to mitigate the pandemic despite the fact that they are more likely to remain open.
Detection of the novel HLA allele, HLA‐B*46:64, in a Chinese platelet donor by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Li Xiao‐Feng , Jiang Li‐Zhu , Zhang Xu , Lin Feng‐Qiu , Li Jian‐Ping
Published: August 2021

HLA‐B*46:64 has one nucleotide change from HLA‐B*46:01:01:01 where Histidine (113) is changed to Arginine.
LiDAR point cloud and ICESat‐2 evaluation of 1 second global digital elevation models: Copernicus wins
Authors: Guth Peter L. , Geoffroy Tera M.
Published: August 2021

Widely available LiDAR point clouds show that the Copernicus digital elevation model (DEM) consistently outperforms four other 1ʺ (arc second) global DEMs (ALOS, ASTER, NASA, and SRTM). Typical airborne LiDARs have 2–20 returns per square meter, or 1,500–10,000 points corresponding to each elevation posting in a 1″ DEM. The LiDAR point cloud approximates the 3D earth surface observed by visible, near‐infrared, and radar sensors used to create freely available global DEMs, and allows estimation of the canopy penetration by the sensor. Canopy is broadly defined as the range of elevations within the 1″ cell including effects from vegetation, slope, and human‐made features. In open terrain, all five DEMs approximate the ground surface. With significant canopy, the Copernicus DEM elevations cluster tightly near the center of the canopy, while the other DEMs are spread throughout and even outside the canopy defined by LiDAR. The superiority of the Copernicus DEM is evident in tests against both LiDAR and ICESat‐2 data, in all eight (high‐relief) test areas, in different vegetation types, and on both gentle and steep slopes.
HvLEAFY controls the early stages of floral organ specification and inhibits the formation of multiple ovaries in barley
Authors: Selva Caterina , Shirley Neil J. , Houston Kelly , Whitford Ryan , Baumann Ute , Li Gang , Tucker Matthew R.
Published: August 2021

Transition to the reproductive phase, inflorescence formation and flower development are crucial elements that ensure maximum reproductive success in a plant’s life cycle. To understand the regulatory mechanisms underlying correct flower development in barley (Hordeum vulgare), we characterized the multiovary 5 (mov5.o) mutant. This mutant develops abnormal flowers that exhibit mosaic floral organs typified by multiple carpels at the total or partial expense of stamens. Genetic mapping positioned mov5 on the long arm of chromosome 2H, incorporating a region that encodes HvLFY, the barley orthologue of LEAFY from Arabidopsis. Sequencing revealed that, in mov5.o plants, HvLFY contains a single amino acid substitution in a highly conserved proline residue. CRISPR‐mediated knockout of HvLFY replicated the mov5.o phenotype, suggesting that HvLFYmov5 represents a loss of function allele. In heterologous assays, the HvLFYmov5 polymorphism influenced protein–protein interactions and affinity for a putative binding site in the promoter of HvMADS58, a C‐class MADS‐box gene. Moreover, molecular analysis indicated that HvLFY interacts with HvUFO and regulates the expression of floral homeotic genes including HvMADS2, HvMADS4 and HvMADS16. Other distinct changes in expression differ from those reported in the rice LFY mutants apo2/rfl, suggesting that LFY function in the grasses is modulated in a species‐specific manner. This pathway provides a key entry point for the study of LFY function and multiple ovary formation in barley, as well as cereal species in general.
Biomechanical comparison of humeral condyles with experimental intracondylar fissures immobilized with a transcondylar positional or a lag screw: An ex‐vivo study in dogs
Authors: Serrano Crehuet Tomas , de Linares Tuduri Pablo , Biskup Jeffery
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the axial biomechanical properties of intracondylar humeral osteotomies fixed with 4.5 mm transcondylar positional or cortical lag screws.

Study design

Ex vivo study.

Sample population

Paired humeri from 21 canine cadavers.

Materials and methods

An intracondylar osteotomy was created on each humerus to mimic an intracondylar fissure. Paired humeri were randomly assigned to fixation with a positional or a lag screw. All specimens were radiographed postinstrumentation to document proper screw placement. Axial load was applied to the distal articular surface of the trochlea at a rate of 1 mm/s until a 40% decrease in load was measured. Specimens were assessed for mode of failure with visual inspection and radiographs.

Results

Stiffness (1236.7 ± 181 N/mm vs. 1050.8 ± 265 N/mm), yield load (3284.3 ± 1703 N vs. 2071.1 ± 740 N), and maximum load (7378.0 ± 1288 vs. 5793.7 ± 2373 N) were greater in constructs fixed with a positional rather than a lag screw (p = .0008, .044, and .040, respectively).

Conclusion

In our model, mechanical properties were improved when the transcondylar osteotomy was stabilized with a 4.5 mm positional screw rather than a lag screw.

Clinical significance

This ex vivo study suggests that a transcondylar lag screw and positional screw are not biomechanically equal. Additional in vivo studies are need to help with clinical decision making when prophylactically treating HIF.
Analysis of Foot-Ankle-Leg Injuries in Various Under-Foot Impact Loading Environments With a Human Active Lower Limb Model
Authors: Huang Jing , Huang Can , Mo Fuhao
Published: August 2021

Lower limb injuries caused by under-foot impacts often appear in sport landing, automobile collision, and antivehicular landmine blasts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a foot-ankle-leg model of the human active lower limb (HALL) model, and used it to investigate lower leg injury responses in different under-foot loading environments to provide a theoretical basis for the design of physical dummies adapted to multiple loading conditions. The model was first validated in allowable rotation loading conditions, like dorsiflexion, inversion/eversion, and external rotation. Then, its sensitivity to loading rates and initial postures was further verified through experimental data concerning both biomechanical stiffness and injury locations. Finally, the model was used to investigate the biomechanical responses of the foot-ankle-leg region in different under-foot loading conditions covering the loading rate from sport landing to blast impact. The results showed that from −15 deg plantarflexion to 30 deg dorsiflexion, the neutral posture always showed the largest tolerance, and more than 1.5 times tolerance gap was achieved between neutral posture and dorsiflexion 30 deg. Under-foot impacts from 2 m/s to 14 m/s, the peak tibia force increased at least 1.9 times in all postures. Thus, we consider that it is necessary to include initial posture and loading rate factors in the definition of the foot-ankle-leg injury tolerance for under-foot impact loading.
An Energetic Approach to Modeling Cytoskeletal Architecture in Maturing Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sherman William F. , Asad Mira , Grosberg Anna
Published: August 2021

Through a variety of mechanisms, a healthy heart is able to regulate its structure and dynamics across multiple length scales. Disruption of these mechanisms can have a cascading effect, resulting in severe structural and/or functional changes that permeate across different length scales. Due to this hierarchical structure, there is interest in understanding how the components at the various scales coordinate and influence each other. However, much is unknown regarding how myofibril bundles are organized within a densely packed cell and the influence of the subcellular components on the architecture that is formed. To elucidate potential factors influencing cytoskeletal development, we proposed a computational model that integrated interactions at both the cellular and subcellular scale to predict the location of individual myofibril bundles that contributed to the formation of an energetically favorable cytoskeletal network. Our model was tested and validated using experimental metrics derived from analyzing single-cell cardiomyocytes. We demonstrated that our model-generated networks were capable of reproducing the variation observed in experimental cells at different length scales as a result of the stochasticity inherent in the different interactions between the various cellular components. Additionally, we showed that incorporating length-scale parameters resulted in physical constraints that directed cytoskeletal architecture toward a structurally consistent motif. Understanding the mechanisms guiding the formation and organization of the cytoskeleton in individual cardiomyocytes can aid tissue engineers toward developing functional cardiac tissue.
Heat Transfer Characteristics of Mixed Convective Magnetohydrodynamic Counter-current Two-Phase Flow in Rotating Inclined Microporous Channel With Slip Velocity and Asymmetric Thermal Boundary Conditions Using LTNE Model
Authors: Rani Hari Ponnamma , Leela V. , Nagabhushana Pulla , Reddy R. Gangadhara
Published: August 2021

The heat transfer characteristics of a mixed convective two-phase flow in an inclined rotating microporous channel kept in a transverse magnetic field are investigated numerically. The counterflow arrangement is assumed within the channel. Slip velocity and asymmetric thermal boundary conditions are assumed. The governing energy equation involves the local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) between the two phases. The LTNE implications of the control parameters on the flow field variables and the average Nusselt number, Nu, are highlighted, and pertinent observations are documented. When confined to a few specific cases, the current results are consistent with previous research work. The effect of inclination angle on fluid velocity is determined by the wall temperature difference ratio. According to the findings, for certain values of the wall temperature differential ratio, the velocity increases with the angle; however, it takes on a dual character for other values. The Nusselt number (Nu) is expected to increase with the Biot number, Hartmann number, and rotation parameter, while Nu decreases as the Knudsen number increases. The results also show that as the wall temperature ratio increases, the Nu converges to a common minimum value. This research combines computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis. The database was generated from the validated CFD model covering a range of control parameters arising in the system. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) networks were trained using this CFD data set to predict Nu. It is observed that the predicted data given by the ANN model is in good accordance with the estimated values of Nu. The average relative error in Nu's prediction is found to be ±2%.