bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characteristics of aluminate spinel ceramic pigments based on spent aluminium-cobalt-molybdenum catalyst
Authors: Zaichuk Aleksandr Viktorovich , Amelina Aleksandra Andreevna , Hordieiev Yurii Sergeevich , Frolova Liliya , Ivchenko Viktoriia Dmitrievna
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct the directed synthesis of blue-colour aluminate spinel pigments based on spent aluminium–cobalt–molybdenum (ACM) catalyst and to study peculiar features of mineral formation processes and changes in their colour indices depending on composition and firing temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

Aluminate spinel ceramic pigments with specified colour indices were synthesised by directed formation of their mineral composition and identification of the most rational technological parameters of production. Mineral composition of synthesised pigments was evaluated by X-ray phase analysis. The colour indices of pigments and pigment-containing glaze coatings were studied on the comparator colour. The chemical resistance of pigments was determined by loss of their weight loss after boiling in 1 N hydrochloric acid solution and 1 N sodium hydroxide solution.

Findings

Peculiar features of formation of the mineral composition of aluminate spinel pigments based on the ACM catalyst were studied. The expediency of using magnesium and zinc oxides in their composition has been proved. It is found that for the formation of stable pigments of intense blue colour, a concentration of cobalt (II) oxide in the amount of 0.5 mol is sufficient, which is 23.1 Wt.%. The colour of such pigments is determined by the ratios of cobalt, magnesium and zinc aluminates, which form a spinel solid solution.

Practical implications

The use of developed aluminate spinel pigments provides obtaining of high-quality glass coatings of blue colour, in particular, for ceramics.

Originality/value

Aluminium oxide in the spent ACM catalyst is predominantly in the active form (of amorphous aluminium hydroxide and y-Al2O3). This is a prerequisite for the use of this waste material as a complete substitute for chemically pure Al2O3 in the technology of aluminate spinel pigments and reduction of their firing temperature. Besides, spent ACM catalyst already contains 5 Wt.% of expensive cobalt (II) oxide in the form of stable colour-bearing phase CoAl2O4.
Online shopping in a restrictive society: lessons from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Roper Stuart , S. Alkhalifah Eman
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Western consumers are able to take shopping for granted, their major restriction being financial. This study aims to understand motivations to buy fashion items online in the culturally restrictive environment of Saudi Arabia, which imposes considerable fashion and behavioural restrictions, particularly on women.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research was conducted with a sample of 34 Saudi women in their home country providing a deep insight into the restrictions that women face when shopping and how they react to these restrictions. Two theoretical lenses, psychological reactance and system justification theories are invoked to understand and explain consumer behaviour.

Findings

Motives for online shopping are quite different in a restrictive society. The definition of utilitarian motivations in online shopping is developed to reflect the drivers to overcome cultural restrictions or to align one’s shopping behaviour with them. Similarly, hedonic reasons for online purchases are expanded to incorporate nuances found only in such societies, where hedonic motivations include enjoying the breaking of societal restrictions.

Originality/value

This study is conducted is focussed on a country in which little academic marketing research has taken place due to considerable restrictions on movement and access. Western texts on consumer behaviour are not fully appropriate for understanding such a society.
Cellulose nanocrystals reinforced shape memory polymer cardiovascular stent
Authors: Chen Yu , Garces Irina Tatiana , Tang Tian , Ayranci Cagri
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate an innovative, fast and low-cost method to fabricate customized stents using polyurethane-based shape memory polymers composite reinforced by cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), achieved by a commercial desktop extrusion-based additive manufacturing (EBAM) device.

Design/methodology/approach

The composite filament for printing the stents was prepared by a two-step melt-compounding extrusion process. Afterward, the stents were produced by a desktop EBAM printer. Thermal characterizations, including thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (modulated DSC), were conducted on stent samples and filament samples, respectively. Then the stents were programmed under 45°C. Recovery characterizations, including recovery force and recovery ratio measurement, were conducted under 40°C.

Findings

TGA results showed that the materials were stable under the printing temperature. Modulated DSC results indicated that, with the addition of CNCs, the glass transition temperature of the material dropped slightly from 39.7°C at 0 Wt.% CNC to 34.2°C at 7 Wt.% CNC. The recovery characterization showed that the stents can exert a maximum recovery force of 0.4 N/mm when 7 Wt.% of CNCs were added and the maximum recovery ratio of 35.8% ± 5.1% was found when 4 Wt.% of CNCs were added. The addition of CNC improved both the recovery ratio and the recovery force of the as-prepared stents.

Originality/value

In terms of recovery force, the as-prepared stents out-performed commercially available stents by 30 times. In addition, additive manufacturing offers more flexibility in the design and fabrication of customized cardiovascular stents.
Mechanical meta-material-based polymer skin graft production by rapid prototyping and replica method
Authors: Attar Mohamad , Aydin Seher Selen , Arabaci Aliye , Mutlu Ilven
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the production of mechanical meta-material samples by rapid prototyping (RP) and replica technique for patient-specific skin graft or cranial implant applications in tissue engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Positive moulds (patterns) were produced by stereolithography-based RP. Impression moulding method was used for the production of silicone products (skin grafts). Alginate was used as a moulding material (negative mould). Room temperature vulcanising silicone was poured into the cavity of alginate mould and then products were produced. TiO2 powder and carbon fibres were used as reinforcement. Meta-material structured polyurethane reinforced silicone composites were also produced. Liquid components (diisocyanate and polyol) were poured into the mould and then polyurethane was produced. Then, polyurethane was immersed in the liquid silicone.

Findings

It is found that non-destructive ultrasonic test is a fast and reliable method. Meta-material-based composites show dome-shaped tensile/synclastic surface properties which are important for the skin graft and cranial implants. Increasing the amounts of cross-linking agent and TiO2 particles increased the hardness and elastic modulus. Carbon fibre addition enhanced the elastic modulus.

Originality/value

Although there are studies on the meta-materials, there is limited study on the RP of the meta-materials for patient-specific implants (skin grafts). Auxetic surface shows perfect fit to curved surface of the skull. Although there are studies on the silicone and polyurethane composites, there is limited study on the characterisation of mechanical properties by ultrasonic tests and strain gauge analysis.
Volunteer street patrols: responsibilised and motivated volunteering in community safety
Authors: Westall Adam
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute towards our knowledge and understanding of volunteer street patrols working within community safety and pluralised policing. Through the increased responsibilisation of communities and individuals, volunteers are taking to the streets to help others in need and support the community safety infrastructure. The example of volunteer street patrols is used to explore the motivations of individuals participating in the local delivery of community safety and policing.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is drawn from ethnographic research consisting of 170 hours of participant observation on the streets of a northern UK city, Manchester, supported by 24 semi-structured interviews with volunteers and stakeholders who participate in a street patrol and those working alongside them.

Findings

Using a three-paradigm perspective for volunteer motivations, the themes altruism, civil connection and volunteering for leisure are applied to explore volunteer motivations. Through their actions, volunteers in the street patrol are motivated volunteers who can offer an additional and important resource within the local community safety and pluralised policing infrastructure.

Originality/value

This paper highlights volunteer street patrols offer a caring and supportive function to people in need on the street, one in support of the police and other agencies. It contributes to the growing understanding of those who volunteer in policing and community safety landscapes. As responsibilised citizens, they have an increased awareness of social problems. They are motivated individuals who wish to create and maintain safety and play an important role in policing the night-time economy.
The Guinea pig cytomegalovirus GP119.1 gene encodes an IgG‐binding glycoprotein that is incorporated into the virion
Authors: Majima Ryuichi , Koshizuka Tetsuo , Inoue Naoki
Published: December 2020

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) encode various immunoevasins, including viral receptors for the Fc domain of host IgG (vFcγR), to evade host immune responses. Although guinea pig CMV (GPCMV) provides a useful animal model for congenital CMV infection, the GPCMV genes encoding such receptors have not yet been characterized. In this study, we analyzed a locus that may encode gene products for the GPCMV immune evasion mechanisms and identified the following. (a) RACE analyses identified four transcripts in the GP117 to GP122 locus. One of the transcripts contained the GP119.1 ORF, which has weak homologies with human CMV UL119/UL118 encoding a viral FcγR and with guinea pig FcγR. (b) A transient transfection assay with plasmids expressing EGFP‐tagged GP119.1 or its mutated forms identified its true translational initiation site, localization mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum, and N‐glycosylation. (c) Importantly, GP119.1 bound to guinea pig IgG or the IgG‐Fc fragment. (d) GP119.1 is present in the virion with a molecular mass of 15 and 23~30 kDa, and a portion of the GP119.1 products are N‐glycosylated. (e) GP119.1 was dispensable for viral growth on guinea pig fibroblasts and epithelial cells in vitro. Taken together, our findings indicate that GP119.1 is an IgG‐Fc binding glycoprotein incorporated into the virion, and this finding warrants further studies on the functions of GP119.1 in animal models.
Knowing your neighbours: How memory‐mediated conspecific avoidance influences home ranges
Authors: Ranc Nathan , Cagnacci Francesca , Moorcroft Paul R.
Published: December 2020

In Focus: Ellison, N., Hatchwell, B. J., Biddiscombe, S. J., Napper, C. J., & Potts, J. R. (2020). Mechanistic home range analysis reveals drivers of space use patterns for a non‐territorial passerine. Journal of Animal Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.13292. Most animals for which space use has been studied restrict their movements into a constrained spatial area: their home range. The ubiquity of this space‐use pattern suggests that home ranges are adaptive in a wide range of ecological contexts, and that they likely arise from general biological mechanisms. In this issue, Ellison et al. use a mechanistic home range analysis (MHRA) to uncover the drivers underlying home range patterns in a passerine that is non‐territorial. They show that a model integrating both resource preferences (specifically, an attraction to woodland centre), and memory‐mediated conspecific avoidance can capture the space‐use patterns observed in a wild population of long‐tailed tits Aegithalos caudatus. In doing so, their analysis extends the applicability of MHRA to capturing and predicting home range patterns beyond the previously studied cases where spatially exclusive home ranges emerge from scent mark‐mediated avoidance responses to neighbouring groups.
Signaling standout graduate employability: The employer perspective
Authors: Anderson Valerie , Tomlinson Michael
Published: December 2020

This study examines employers' graduate employability expectations. In an overcrowded graduate labour market, employers must distinguish between equally qualified graduates to determine ‘standout employability’. Grounded in a dramaturgical perspective, we integrate concepts of skilful social action with signaling theory to extend the processual conceptualization of graduate employability. We report a qualitative abductive analysis of employers' expectations of graduates' employability performances. We theorise that employers frame and decode signals of standout employability from graduates' narrations of experientially referenced skilful social action. These form the dramaturgical backdrop from which employers infer unique personal brand assets and qualities they associate with standout employability. Our analysis has important implications for higher education (HE), human resource management and career counselling practitioners. It indicates that the employability value of non‐HE experience is as a backdrop for the dramaturgical performance of graduate employability rather than for the acquisition of work‐related skills or the enablement of work ready behaviours.
EAACI Biologicals Guidelines—dupilumab for children and adults with moderate‐to‐severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mubeccel , Brockow Knut , Chivato Tomas , del Giacco Stefano , Eiwegger Thomas , Eyerich Kilian , Giménez‐Arnau Ana , Gutermuth Jan , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Maurer Marcus , Ogg Graham , Ong Peck Y. , O’Mahony Liam , Schwarze Jürgen , Warner Amena , Werfel Thomas , Palomares Oscar , Jutel Marek
Published: December 2020

Atopic dermatitis imposes a significant burden on patients, families and healthcare systems. Management is difficult, due to disease heterogeneity, co‐morbidities, complexity in care pathways and differences between national or regional healthcare systems. Better understanding of the mechanisms has enabled a stratified approach to the management of atopic dermatitis, supporting the use of targeted treatments with biologicals. However, there are still many issues that require further clarification. These include the definition of response, strategies to enhance the responder rate, the duration of treatment and its regimen (in the clinic or home‐based), its cost‐effectiveness and long‐term safety. The EAACI Guidelines on the use of dupilumab in atopic dermatitis follow the GRADE approach in formulating recommendations for each outcome and age group. In addition, future approaches and research priorities are discussed.
The effect of different endometrial preparations on women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing initial frozen embryo transfer: A historical cohort analysis
Authors: Man Yuanyuan , Bian Yuehong , Zhao Shigang , Zhao Rusong , Xu Xin , Wei Daimin , Li Lei , Chen Zi‐Jiang , Zhao Han
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Frozen embryo transfer is associated with a higher rate of live birth and a lower risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with fresh embryo transfer. The aim of this study is to assess the optimal endometrial preparation protocol for women with PCOS undergoing frozen embryo transfer.

Material and methods

We conducted a historical cohort analysis of 1720 women with PCOS who underwent the “freeze‐all” strategy between August 2014 and August 2017 because of their high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Three endometrial preparation protocols were used: natural cycle (NC; n = 191), which relies on the dominant follicle to secrete estrogen that then promotes endometrial growth; ovarian stimulation (OS; n = 96), which induces follicle growth using low doses of human menopausal gonadotropin; and hormone replacement (HRT; n = 1433), which uses exogenous estradiol to promote endometrial growth. The primary outcome was live birth.

Results

For women who received a single embryo transfer, the live birth rates for the NC, OS, and HRT groups were 62.4%, 65.0%, and 52.2%, respectively. The live birth rate in the HRT group was significantly lower than that seen in the OS and NC groups (P = .009). The clinical pregnancy rates of the three groups were 72.3%, 73.8%, and 64.9%, respectively; this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .071).

Conclusions

The rate of live birth with the NC and OS regimens was higher than with the HRT protocol in women with PCOS who undergo single‐blastocyst frozen embryo transfer.
Declining Gaze to Faces in Infants Developing Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence From Two Independent Cohorts
Authors: Gangi Devon N. , Boterberg Sofie , Schwichtenberg Amy J. , Solis Erika , Young Gregory S. , Iosif Ana‐Maria , Ozonoff Sally
Published: December 2020

Two independent cohorts (N = 155, N = 126) of infants at high and low risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) were followed prospectively between 6 and 36 months of age, when n = 46 were diagnosed with ASD. Gaze to adult faces was coded—during a developmental assessment (Cohort 1) or a play interaction (Cohort 2). Across both cohorts, most children developing ASD showed sharp declines in gaze to faces over time, relative to children without ASD. These findings suggest that declining developmental trajectories may be more common than previously recognized by retrospective methods. Trajectory‐based screening methods could potentially identify children in the early stages of symptom onset and allow for early intervention before the full disorder has developed.
Indo‐Pacific origins of silky shark fins in major shark fin markets highlights supply chains and management bodies key for conservation
Authors: Cardeñosa Diego , Fields Andrew T. , Babcock Elizabeth , Shea Stanley K. H. , Feldheim Kevin A. , Kraft Derek W. , Hutchinson Melanie , Herrera Maria A. , Caballero Susana , Chapman Demian D.
Published: December 2020

The silky shark is the second most common shark in Southeast Asia's dried fin markets and is managed in the Atlantic Ocean by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and by three Indo‐Pacific regional fisheries management organizations (RMFOs). The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna reports ∼ 7% of global silky landings but there is a moratorium on the export of their fins. During a 4‐year period (2014–2017) we used genetic differentiation observed between Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific silky sharks to assess the contribution of Atlantic individuals to fins randomly obtained in the two largest shark fin markets in the world, Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China (N = 604). We did not detect any Atlantic fins in either market despite robust sampling effort with an estimated Indo‐Pacific contribution of 99.8% to these markets. These findings indicate that supply chains for silky shark fins in Hong Kong and Guangzhou primarily originate in the Indo‐Pacific and are mainly under the purview of three Regional Fisheries Management Organizations. Our results are consistent with the possibility that ICCAT parties have achieved high compliance with the ban on silky sharks. We suggest research and monitoring improvements that could enhance our understanding of the global trade of silky sharks and enable better fisheries management.
Harnessing visitors' enthusiasm for national parks to fund cooperative large‐landscape conservation
Authors: Middleton Arthur D. , Stoellinger Temple , Karandikar Harshad , Leonard Bryan , Doremus Holly , Kremen Claire
Published: December 2020

Spillover impacts pose challenges for the management of protected areas (PAs). The issue of external threats encroaching on PAs has long been recognized, but a corollary—that PA conservation can increase costs borne by neighboring governments or landowners—is less well appreciated. In some contexts, basic principles of fairness and cooperation suggest that PA users should help pay these costs. Several countries have developed mechanisms for distributing the costs of spillover impacts to PA users, but not the United States. Here, we investigate whether and how US park visitors could help address one type of spillover, the need for wildlife conservation efforts beyond park boundaries, using a case study of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE). We examine a “conservation fee” recently proposed in the Wyoming legislature, along with tax‐based alternatives. After exploring some costs of wildlife conservation in GYE, we estimate that a fee of up to $10 per vehicle could generate up to $13 million annually, and tax‐based approaches considerably more. We consider legal, political, and governance challenges, and ways to mitigate them. The GYE could serve as a demonstration site for visitor funding of cooperative, large‐landscape conservation, for potential future expansion in the US and beyond.
Eosinophilic folliculitis, eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy and acneiform follicular mucinosis: Two case reports and a review of the literature highlighting the spectrum of histopathology
Authors: Bailey Cedric A. R. , Laurain Douglas A. , Sheinbein David M. , Jones Heather A. , Compton Leigh A. , Rosman Ilana S.
Published: December 2020

Within the literature, there is overlap in the histopathological features described in eosinophilic folliculitis associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy, and acneiform follicular mucinosis. These disorders are described with varying degrees of superficial and deep lymphocytic and eosinophilic inflammation demonstrating perivascular, perifollicular, and folliculocentric involvement with or without follicular mucin deposition. Given significant histopathological overlap, these diagnoses may represent a continuum on a spectrum of dermatoses. Here, we present two cases with histopathological elements that reflect components of this clinicopathological spectrum and compare our findings with previously reported cases to compare and contrast reported features. Our first case is a 71‐year‐old African American man with long‐standing CLL who developed a pruritic erythematous papular eruption on the face and chest with biopsy revealing a dense folliculotropic lymphocytic infiltrate with conspicuous eosinophils and follicular mucinosis. Our second case is a 70‐year‐old Caucasian man recently diagnosed with CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma who developed an erythematous papular rash on the neck and face with biopsy revealing superficial and deep perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic inflammation with scattered eosinophils. Characterization of our two cases and comparison with available literature suggest that these disorders may represent a continuum of dermatoses.
Adversity in childhood/adolescence and premorbid tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use among first‐episode psychosis patients
Authors: Langlois Stephanie , Zern Adria , Kelley Mary E. , Compton Michael T.
Published: December 2020

Aim

Premorbid substance use is widely recognized as a crucial factor in early psychosis. We explored the effects of childhood/adolescent adversity on premorbid tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use. We hypothesized that adversity in childhood would be associated with an increased likelihood of use, and amount of intake, of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. We analysed which domains of adversity have the greatest impact.

Methods

First‐episode psychosis patients were enrolled from six inpatient psychiatric units in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. Premorbid substance use was thoroughly measured, and childhood/adolescent adversity was rated using 14 scales/subscales. Factor analysis was used to reduce these scales/subscales to the three domains of adversity (termed Violence and Environmental Adversity, Interpersonal Abuse, and Neglect and Lack of Connectedness). Regression analyses determined associations between adversity domains and premorbid substance use.

Results

Our sample (n = 247) primarily consisted of African Americans (86.2%) and males (74.5%). Violence and Environmental Adversity was significantly associated with five of six substance use variables and marginally associated with the sixth. Interpersonal Abuse was unassociated with substance use, and Neglect and Lack of Connectedness was associated only with a lower likelihood cannabis use. When Violence and Environmental Adversity results were stratified by gender, effects on tobacco use and amount of tobacco use were stronger among females.

Conclusions

Childhood/adolescent trauma and adversity have meaningful associations with premorbid substance use in first‐episode psychosis patients. First‐episode psychosis and clinical high‐risk treatment settings may benefit from expanding the assessment of childhood/adolescent adversity to include factors pertaining to violence exposure and adversities beyond abuse and neglect.
Measuring moral disengagement with a situational judgment test: Advancing the assessment of an important workplace construct
Authors: Fisher David M. , Good Stephen , Toich Margaret J. , Schutt Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

Moral disengagement (MD) has been characterized as a uniquely important predictor of counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs). This study describes the development and validation of a situational judgment test (SJT) for measuring MD in the workplace, which offers potential advantages over existing Likert‐type scales. The development/validation efforts involved two independent rounds of subject‐matter expert (SME) review and data collected from three independent samples. The resulting test, labeled the MD‐SJT, displayed high reliability, was related to an established measure of MD as well as hypothesized personality variables, and was incrementally predictive of CWBs above the established measure of MD. This study advances knowledge pertaining to the assessment of MD, which is a critically important construct in the workplace.
Clinical treatment outcomes of hypertensive emergency patients: Results from the hypertension registry program in Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Kotruchin Praew , Pratoomrat Wachira , Mitsungnern Thapanawong , Khamsai Sittichai , Imoun Supap
Published: December 2020

Hypertensive emergency care is a challenge in clinical practices due to vital organ complications that may lead to unfavorable outcomes if left untreated. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence, clinical characters, treatment, and outcomes of hypertensive emergency patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital in Northeast Thailand from January 2016 to December 2019. Hypertensive crises patients were consecutively registered to the Hypertension Registry Program. There were 263 674 patients who were admitted to the ER, 60,755 of whom had BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 1,342 of whom were diagnosed with a hypertensive emergency (127 per 100 000 patient‐year). The mean age was 66 years old, and 52.1% of the registered patients were men. The most common target organ damage was caused by stroke (49.8%), followed by acute heart failure (19.3%), and then by acute coronary syndrome (6.5%). Intravenous antihypertensive medication was given in 42.1% of the patients, and 80% were admitted to the hospital. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 1.6%. In conclusion, hypertensive emergencies were not uncommon among the emergency patients. Strokes caused the most common target organ damage. Although there was a high hospital admission rate, the mortality rate was low.
Circular RNA circEIF4G2 aggravates renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by sponging miR‐218
Authors: Xu Bojin , Wang Qianqian , Li Wenyi , Xia Lili , Ge Xiaoxu , Shen Lisha , Cang Zhen , Peng Wenfang , Shao Kan , Huang Shan
Published: December 2020

Circular RNAs play essential roles in the development of various human diseases. However, how circRNAs are involved in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are not fully understood. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of circRNA circEIF4G2 on DN. Experiments were performed in the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetes and NRK‐52E cells. We found that circEIF4G2 was significantly up‐regulated in the kidneys of db/db mice and NRK‐52E cells stimulated by high glucose. circEIF4G2 knockdown inhibited the expressions of TGF‐β1, Collagen I and Fibronectin in high glucose‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells, which could be rescued by miR‐218 inhibitor. Knockdown of SERBP1 reduced the expression of TGF‐β1, Collagen I and Fibronectin in HG‐stimulated NRK‐52E cells. In summary, our findings suggested that circEIF4G2 promotes renal tubular epithelial cell fibrosis via the miR‐218/SERBP1 pathway, presenting a novel insight for DN treatment.
Data‐driven flood emulation: Speeding up urban flood predictions by deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Guo Zifeng , Leitão João P. , Simões Nuno E. , Moosavi Vahid
Published: December 2020

Computational complexity has been the bottleneck for applying physically based simulations in large urban areas with high spatial resolution for efficient and systematic flooding analyses and risk assessment. To overcome the issue of long computational time and accelerate the prediction process, this paper proposes that the prediction of maximum water depth can be considered an image‐to‐image translation problem in which water depth rasters are generated using the information learned from data instead of by conducting simulations. The proposed data‐driven urban pluvial flood approach is based on a deep convolutional neural network trained using flood simulation data obtained from three catchments and 18 hyetographs. Multiple tests to assess the accuracy and validity of the proposed approach were conducted with both design and real hyetographs. The results show that flood prediction based on neural networks use only 0.5% of the time compared with that of physically based models, with promising accuracy and generalizability. The proposed neural network can also potentially be applied to different but relevant problems, including flood analysis for flood‐safe urban layout planning.
Social inclusivity – Medical education’s next hurdle
Authors: Jackson Lauren
Published: December 2020

Diversity and inclusivity, intrinsically linked but not synonymous. Here Jackson reflects on medical education becoming a diverse community, but one that still places many barriers before non‐traditional students.
Discrete bHLH transcription factors play functionally overlapping roles in pigmentation patterning in flowers of Antirrhinum majus
Authors: Albert Nick W. , Butelli Eugenio , Moss Sarah M.A. , Piazza Paolo , Waite Chethi N. , Schwinn Kathy E. , Davies Kevin M. , Martin Cathie
Published: December 2020

Floral pigmentation patterning is important for pollinator attraction as well as aesthetic appeal. Patterning of anthocyanin accumulation is frequently associated with variation in activity of the Myb, bHLH and WDR transcription factor complex (MBW) that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Investigation of two classic mutants in Antirrhinum majus, mutabilis and incolorata I, showed they affect a gene encoding a bHLH protein belonging to subclade bHLH‐2. The previously characterised gene, Delila, which encodes a bHLH‐1 protein, has a bicoloured mutant phenotype, with residual lobe‐specific pigmentation conferred by Incolorata I.

Both Incolorata I and Delila induce expression of the anthocyanin biosynthetic gene DFR. Rosea 1 (Myb) and WDR1 proteins compete for interaction with Delila, but interact positively to promote Incolorata I activity. Delila positively regulates Incolorata I and WDR1 expression. Hierarchical regulation can explain the bicoloured patterning of delila mutants, through effects on both regulatory gene expression and the activity of promoters of biosynthetic genes like DFR that mediate MBW regulation.

bHLH‐1 and bHLH‐2 proteins contribute to establishing patterns of pigment distribution in A. majus flowers in two ways: through functional redundancy in regulating anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression, and through differences between the proteins in their ability to regulate genes encoding transcription factors.
Modulation of Arabidopsis root growth by specialized triterpenes
Authors: Bai Yuechen , Fernández‐Calvo Patricia , Ritter Andrés , Huang Ancheng C. , Morales‐Herrera Stefania , Bicalho Keylla U. , Karady Michal , Pauwels Laurens , Buyst Dieter , Njo Maria , Ljung Karen , Martins José C. , Vanneste Steffen , Beeckman Tom , Osbourn Anne , Goossens Alain , Pollier Jacob
Published: December 2020

Plant roots are specialized belowground organs that spatiotemporally shape their development in function of varying soil conditions. This root plasticity relies on intricate molecular networks driven by phytohormones, such as auxin and jasmonate (JA). Loss‐of‐function of the NOVEL INTERACTOR OF JAZ (NINJA), a core component of the JA signaling pathway, leads to enhanced triterpene biosynthesis, in particular of the thalianol gene cluster, in Arabidopsis thaliana roots.

We have investigated the biological role of thalianol and its derivatives by focusing on Thalianol Synthase (THAS) and Thalianol Acyltransferase 2 (THAA2), two thalianol cluster genes that are upregulated in the roots of ninja mutant plants. THAS and THAA2 activity was investigated in yeast, and metabolite and phenotype profiling of thas and thaa2 loss‐of‐function plants was carried out.

THAA2 was shown to be responsible for the acetylation of thalianol and its derivatives, both in yeast and in planta. In addition, THAS and THAA2 activity was shown to modulate root development.

Our results indicate that the thalianol pathway is not only controlled by phytohormonal cues, but also may modulate phytohormonal action itself, thereby affecting root development and interaction with the environment.
Machine coding of policy texts with the Institutional Grammar
Authors: Rice Douglas , Siddiki Saba , Frey Seth , Kwon Jay H. , Sawyer Adam
Published: December 2020

The Institutional Grammar (IG) is used to analyse the syntactic structure of statements constituting institutions (e.g., policies, regulations, and norms) that indicate behavioural constraints and parameterize features of institutionally governed domains. Policy and administration scholars have made considerable progress in methodologically developing the IG, offering increasingly clear guidelines for IG‐based coding, identifying unique considerations for applying the IG to different types of institutions, and expanding its syntactic scope. However, while validated as a robust institutional analysis approach, the resource and time commitment associated with its application has precipitated concerns over whether the IG might ever enjoy widespread use. Needed now in the methodological development of the IG are reliable and accessible (i.e., open source) approaches that reduce the costs associated with its application. We propose an automated approach leveraging computational text analysis and natural language processing. We then present results from an evaluation in the context of food system regulations.
Multiple levels of crosstalk in hormone networks regulating plant defense
Authors: Aerts Niels , Pereira Mendes Marciel , Van Wees Saskia C. M.
Published: December 2020

Plant hormones are essential for regulating the interactions between plants and their complex biotic and abiotic environments. Each hormone initiates a specific molecular pathway and these different hormone pathways are integrated in a complex network of synergistic, antagonistic and additive interactions. This inter‐pathway communication is called hormone crosstalk. By influencing the immune network topology, hormone crosstalk is essential for tailoring plant responses to diverse microbes and insects in diverse environmental and internal contexts. Crosstalk provides robustness to the immune system but also drives specificity of induced defense responses against the plethora of biotic interactors. Recent advances in dry‐lab and wet‐lab techniques have greatly enhanced our understanding of the broad‐scale effects of hormone crosstalk on immune network functioning and have revealed underlying principles of crosstalk mechanisms. Molecular studies have demonstrated that hormone crosstalk is modulated at multiple levels of regulation, such as by affecting protein stability, gene transcription and hormone homeostasis. These new insights into hormone crosstalk regulation of plant defense are reviewed here, with a focus on crosstalk acting on the jasmonic acid pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana, highlighting the transcription factors MYC2 and ORA59 as major targets for modulation by other hormones.
Educating donors about deferrals through the provision of tailored materials: Findings from a survey of deferred donors
Authors: Gemelli Carley N. , Kruse Sarah P. , Thijsen Amanda , Van Dyke Nina , Davison Tanya E.
Published: December 2020

Background

Receiving a temporary deferral has been shown to negatively affect donor retention. One contributing factor for low donor return may be poor understanding of why the deferral has occurred. The aim of this study was to determine whether new educational materials‐a brochure, guided conversation, and follow‐up email‐increased deferred donors' knowledge about their donation eligibility, satisfaction with the deferral process, intention to return, and odds of rebooking another appointment.

Study Design and Methods

A three‐arm cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the impact of the educational materials compared to business as usual deferral procedures: (a) In‐center brochure and follow‐up email; (b) Email only; (c) Control. A survey was administered to a random sample of trial participants (n = 847).

Results

Compared with the control condition, donors in the in‐center brochure and email condition were more knowledgeable about the end date of their deferral, and reported higher satisfaction with the deferral information provided, and had fewer questions and/or concerns about the deferral. Similar findings were observed when comparing the email only condition to the in‐center brochure and email condition. No differences were found in intention to return. Donors in the in‐center brochure plus email condition had increased odds (OR:1.385) of rebooking their next appointment compared to the combined email only and control conditions.

Conclusions

The application of a deferral is often misunderstood by donors. Providing educational materials to donors can increase their understanding and may lead to increased retention of donors through rebooking of subsequent donations.
Retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients with acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis treated without therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Hutchison Bailey , Collins Julia , Makar Robert S. , Dzik Walter
Published: December 2020

Background

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often used to decrease serum triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP), although there is a lack of high‐quality data directly attributing improved clinical outcomes to TPE. There are currently no large studies evaluating the treatment of HTGP without TPE.

Study Design and Methods

This study retrospectively analyzes clinical and laboratory outcomes of 115 encounters at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) wherein a HTGP patient was treated without TPE and compares these outcomes to those of HTGP patients in the literature treated with TPE.

Results

After management without TPE, the median reduction in serum triglycerides was 48% (IQR 29%‐63%) on day one and 74% (IQR 60%‐84%) on day two in 115 episodes of acute HTGP. The reductions were comparable to those reported in several large published case series after a course of TPE (65.8% to 81% reduction). In 25 episodes among 24 patients, treatment included admission to an intensive care unit. There was no significant difference in mortality or rates of local complication, mechanical ventilation, or use of vasoactive medication or renal replacement therapy between this ICU subset and published cohorts (all P > .05).

Conclusions

HTGP patients who do not receive TPE do not experience inferior outcomes compared to patients in the literature treated with TPE. The added value of TPE in HTGP, if any exists, needs to be demonstrated in controlled trials.
Evaluation of the Romanian Defense Industry
Authors: Ivan Lucian
Published: December 2020

The main aim of this article is to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the Romanian Defense Industry and to identify the main solutions for the development of this strategic sector, as well as to identify the most attractive markets in terms of economic viability and investments made in defense sector. To give scientific consistency to the article, the analysis will focus on Romania's situation, to identify the main markets that are attractive to the domestic industry, as well as setting up recommendations for Romanian companies and responsible authorities to develop this strategic domain.The data used in the article is retrieved from the Stockholm International for Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) – www.sipri.org, an independent organization that collects data and information on the defense industry from various states and provides relevant analyses on international arms market developments. Data on exports of military products made by Romania are collected from the website of the ANCEX Control Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.ancex.ro). Also, all data used in this material are reported in 2019, the last year available with relevant data regarding defense industry from open sources.
Noise annoyance during COVID-19 lockdown: A research of public opinion before and during the pandemic
Authors: Şentop Dümen Ayça , Şaher Konca
Published: December 2020

Strict lockdown strategies to stop the spread of COVID-19 have caused a decrease in environmental noise levels and introduced new noise conditions in dwellings. The present study has investigated the impact of the forced lockdown in Turkey on noise annoyances due to traffic, neighbors, and personal dwellings, as well as the concern of being heard by neighbors, and overall dwelling satisfaction in an online questionnaire. The stress and anxiety levels of respondents were also investigated. The survey obtained 1053 respondents. Additionally, environmental noise levels were measured over 24-h at two locations and compared with results before the pandemic. The results clearly exhibit that environmental noise levels and annoyance due to the noise levels dropped significantly. The annoyance drop was larger in previously noisier environments than previously tranquil locations. Noise annoyance due to neighbor noise did not change significantly; however, noise annoyance due to one's own dwelling increased. The results also confirmed an overall increase in dwelling satisfactions indicating a correlation between dwelling satisfaction and lower environmental noise levels. Although the results confirmed that noise annoyance was positively correlated with stress and anxiety levels, the change of annoyance between before and during lockdown was shown to be independent from the stress and anxiety level.
Aging and Recovery After Resistance-Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: Current Evidence and Implications for Future Research
Authors: Fernandes John F.T. , Lamb Kevin L. , Norris Jonathan P. , Moran Jason , Drury Benjamin , Borges Nattai R. , Twist Craig
Published: December 2020

Aging is anecdotally associated with a prolonged recovery from resistance training, though current literature remains equivocal. This brief review considers the effects of resistance training on indirect markers of muscle damage and recovery (i.e., muscle soreness, blood markers, and muscle strength) in older males. With no date restrictions, four databases were searched for articles relating to aging, muscle damage, and recovery. Data from 11 studies were extracted for review. Of these, four reported worse symptoms in older compared with younger populations, while two have observed the opposite, and the remaining studies (n = 6) proposed no differences between age groups. It appears that resistance training can be practiced in older populations without concern for impaired recovery. To improve current knowledge, researchers are urged to utilize more ecologically valid muscle-damaging bouts and investigate the mechanisms which underpin the recovery of muscle soreness and strength after exercise in older populations.
Tibial Accelerations During the Single-Leg Hop Test: Influence of Fixation
Authors: Tucker Hannah W. , Tobin Emily R. , Moran Matthew F.
Published: December 2020

Context: Performance on single-leg hopping (SLH) assessments is commonly included within return-to-sport criteria for rehabilitating athletes. Triaxial accelerometers have been used to quantify impact loading in a variety of movements, including hopping; however, they have never been attached to the tibia during SLH, and their method of fixation has not been investigated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to quantify triaxial accelerations and evaluate the influence of the fixation method of a lightweight inertial measurement unit (Blue Trident) mounted to the tibia during SLH performance. Design: Single cohort, repeated-measures experimental design. Participants: Sixteen healthy participants (10 females and 6 males; 20 [0.9] y; 1.67 [0.08] m; 66.0 [8.5] kg) met the inclusion criteria, volunteered, and completed this study. Interventions: Participants performed 2 sets of 3 SLH trials with an inertial measurement unit (1500 Hz) fixated to the tibia, each set with 1 of 2 attachment methods (double-sided tape [DST] with athletic tape and silicon strap [SS] with Velcro adhesion). Main Outcome Measures: Hop distance, peak tibial acceleration (PTA), time to PTA, and the acceleration slope were assessed during each hop landing. Results: Repeated-measures analysis of variance determined no significant effect of the attachment method on hop metrics (P = .252). Across 3 trials, both fixation methods (DST and SS) had excellent reliability values (intraclass correlation coefficient: .868–.941) for PTA and acceleration slope but not for time to PTA (intraclass correlation coefficient: .397–.768). The PTA for DST (27.22 [7.94] g) and SS (26.21 [10.48] g) was comparable and had a moderate, positive relationship (DST: r = .72, P < .01; SS: r = .77, P < .01) to SLH distance. Conclusions: Tibial inertial measurement units with triaxial accelerometers can reliably assess PTA during performance of the SLH, and SS is a viable alternative tibial attachment to DST.
A small sustained increase in NOD1 abundance promotes ligand-independent inflammatory and oncogene transcriptional responses
Authors: Rommereim Leah M. , Akhade Ajay Suresh , Dutta Bhaskar , Hutcheon Carolyn , Lounsbury Nicolas W. , Rostomily Clifford C. , Savan Ram , Fraser Iain D. C. , Germain Ronald N. , Subramanian Naeha
Published: December 2020

A disproportionately large response is induced by small increases in the abundance of a pathogen sensor.
A novel TNFR2 agonist antibody expands highly potent regulatory T cells
Authors: Torrey Heather , Kühtreiber Willem M. , Okubo Yoshiaki , Tran Lisa , Case Katherine , Zheng Hui , Vanamee Eva , Faustman Denise L.
Published: December 2020

An antibody that stimulates the cytokine receptor TNFR2 activates immunosuppressive regulatory T cells.
New connections: Restoring immune balance
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2020

New targets to expand regulatory T cell populations may be therapeutic for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.