bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do health services engage culturally and linguistically diverse consumers? An analysis of consumer engagement frameworks in Australia
Authors: Chauhan Ashfaq , Walpola Ramesh L. , Manias Elizabeth , Seale Holly , Walton Merrilyn , Wilson Carlene , Smith Allan B. , Li Jiadai , Harrison Reema
Published: July 2021

Background

Engagement frameworks provide the conceptual structure for consumer engagement in healthcare decision making, but the level to which these frameworks support culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) consumer engagement is not known.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate how consumer engagement is conceptualised and operationalized and to determine the implications of current consumer engagement frameworks for engagement with CALD consumers.

Method

Altheide's document analysis approach was used to guide a systematic search, selection and analytic process. Australian Government health department websites were searched for eligible publicly available engagement frameworks. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Eleven engagement frameworks published between 2007 and 2019 were identified and analysed. Only four frameworks discussed engagement with CALD consumers distinctly. Organisational prerequisites to enhance engagement opportunities and approaches to enable activities of engagement were highlighted to improve CALD consumers' active participation in decision making; however, these largely focused on language, with limited exploration of culturally sensitive services.

Conclusion

There is limited discussion of what culturally sensitive services look like and what resources are needed to enhance CALD consumer engagement in high‐level decision making. Health services and policy makers can enhance opportunities for engagement with CALD consumers by being flexible in their approach, implementing policies for reimbursement for participation and evaluating and adapting the activities of engagement in collaboration with CALD consumers.

Patient/Public Contribution

This study is part of a wider ‘CanEngage’ project, which includes a consumer investigator, and is supported by a consumer advisory group. The study was conceived with inputs from the consumer advisory group, which continued to meet regularly with the project team to discuss the methodology and emerging findings.
When the green in green packaging backfires: Gender effects and perceived masculinity of environmentally friendly products
Authors: Felix Reto , González Eva M. , Castaño Raquel , Carrete Lorena , Gretz Richard T.
Published: July 2021

Previous research has emphasized the importance of product packaging to consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions, but empirical studies that explore the specific mechanisms by which packaging color influences marketing‐relevant downstream variables in relation to environmentally friendly products is scarce. The current research addresses this gap by building on insights from theories on consumption values, gender roles, and gendered products. In two studies, the current research shows (1) how color‐induced perceptions of masculinity can trigger perceived product effectiveness and purchase intentions, (2) how competing mediation through masculinity and perceived fit with the product category influences perceived product effectiveness and purchase intentions for green products, and (3) that the positive influence of masculinity on perceived product effectiveness holds for male but not female consumers. These effects occur independently of color saturation and product positioning for two different product categories where strength and durability are relevant: washing detergents (Study 1) and motor oil (Study 2). The results of this research add a novel and differentiated perspective on the effects of color and gender roles in the context of environmentally friendly consumption and provide marketing managers with suggestions on how to increase perceived product effectiveness and purchase intentions related to green products.
The inhibition mechanism of carp (Cyprinus carpio) stefin to cathepsin B and their tertiary structures
Authors: Zhong Haixia , Chen Zhiguang , Lin Jianhe , Xu Yi , Liu Dan , Yin Xianfeng
Published: July 2021

Carp is a major economic species. However, fish or surimi gel will easily soften during processing or storage due to its abundant endogenous protease, which will seriously affect the product quality. Because of the high inhibitory activity to cysteine protease, stefin has great potential as an additive for the improvement of fish softening. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation was used to explore the inhibition mechanism of carp stefin to cathepsin B (CTS B) and their tertiary structures. The results showed that carp stefin is a single domain protein with four stranded β‐sheets and a α‐helix. CTS B is a typical papain‐like fold containing two domains. During the inhibition process, the wedge‐shaped structure created by N‐terminal trunk and the two hairpin loops of stefin would insert into the groove between two domains of CTS B. Besides, the inhibition can be spontaneous in pure water through hydrogen bonding, VDW and electrostatic interactions. And the Cys3, His83 and Val49 of carp stefin were the critical residues for the inhibition to CTS B. The results may provide a theoretical reference for the application of stefin in the processing and storage of fish products.
Valorisation of food wastes to produce natural pigments using non‐thermal novel extraction methods: a review
Authors: Wani Faiqa A. , Rashid Rukhsana , Jabeen Abida , Brochier Bethania , Yadav Shashikant , Aijaz Thameed , Makroo H. A. , Dar B. N.
Published: July 2021

Waste or by‐products produced during food processing can be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds including natural pigments. Natural pigments/colourants have numerous health benefits whereas the synthetic colourants have many negative effects on human health. Thus, there is a considerable interest worldwide in pigments extraction from natural sources. Conventional extractions such as soxhlet extraction, water distillation, and solvent extraction have many limitations such as large solvent consumption, long extraction time, and low extraction yields. Therefore, novel techniques such as high pressure, ultrasound, negative pressure and electric field have been employed to assist the pigment extraction process. The novel extraction methods are being developed with the primary aim of higher pigment yield, lower solvent consumption, minimised environmental effects and the convenience of extraction. With this perspective, the present review provides recent insights into the recovery of natural pigments from food wastes/by‐products and the application of novel non‐thermal technologies for their recovery.
Retrogradation of sweet potato amylose and amylopectin with narrow molecular weight distribution
Authors: Wang Danli , He Zhixiang , Yang Lu , Wang Huaiwen , Lian Xijun , Zhu Wei
Published: July 2021

Retrogradation of sweet potato amylose and amylopectin with narrow molecular weight distribution at different temperatures was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and light microscopy were combined to study the morphology of the molecular assemblies during retrogradation. Avrami equation was used to the retrogradation kinetics the of above starches by determining the crystallinity and the ratio of peak area of two distinctive peaks. It was found that only the ratio of peak area/total area at 2θ = ~16.3° could represent the crystallinity of retrograded starch‐containing amorphous regions. Considering the crystallinity as retrogradation rate, only the retrogradation kinetics of sweet potato amylose could be analysed by Avrami equation, but not the amylopectin’s. All Avrami exponents n of amyloses at any temperatures were less than 1.0, indicating instantaneous nucleation and rod‐like growth. AFM results showed that the maximum heights of layered structure for sweet potato amylose, amylopectin and blending of both were approximately 4800, 180 and 200 nm, respectively. The height of the former two decreased during storage, but the height of blending remained unchanged. Amylose served as nuclei of amylopectin during starch retrogradation.
“Modifying” or “Retreating”‐ Self‐management of physical health among a group of people with schizophrenia. An ethnographic study from Denmark
Authors: Lerbæk Birgitte , Jørgensen Rikke , Buus Niels , Lauritsen Marlene Briciet , Aagaard Jørgen , Nordgaard Julie , McCloughen Andrea
Published: July 2021

The aim of this ethnographic study was to explore how a group of nine Danish people with schizophrenia managed physical health issues as they naturally occurred in everyday life. Qualitative methods were used to generate of data. Thematic analysis led to the description of two typical strategies used by participants to manage debilitating physical health issues in everyday life. Modifying everyday life to manage discomfort was a strategy employed to manage potential or actual discomfort associated with ongoing poor physical health, while retreating from everyday life to recover was a strategy used by participants who experienced recurring discrete episodes of poor physical health characterized by fast deterioration. Both management strategies were inexpedient as they failed to produce any positive progress in terms of the participants regaining health. The social context of participants’ everyday life was characterized by a lack of interactions with others about their prevailing and ongoing physical health issues. Repeated use of these inexpedient strategies to manage physical health caused potential worsening rather than improvements to physical health. There is a need for future research that explores aspects of beneficial management of physical health issues among people with severe mental illness. Relevant foci of such research include enhancing self‐management of physical health, active help‐seeking behaviours, and opportunities to engage in interactions with others about physical health issues.
Quality changes kinetic of tomato during transportation and storage
Authors: Al‐Dairi Mai , Pathare Pankaj B. , Al‐Yahyai Rashid
Published: July 2021

Kinetic models were performed to investigate the quality changes of tomatoes. The samples were transported from three different distances (100, 154, and 205 km), and then stored at a temperature of 10 and 22°C. Physical (weight loss, color, and firmness), chemical (titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSSs), sugar/acid ratio, and pH), and nutritional (total lycopene and carotenoids) quality parameters of tomato were measured for 12 days of storage. Transportation of tomatoes from the long‐distance transportation and storage at 22°C resulted in a higher increase in weight loss, redness, color index, total lycopene, and carotenoids, and a higher decrease in firmness, color lightness, TA, and so forth. The results showed that the quality changes were well described by the zero‐order kinetic model (with a coefficient of determination R2 = values of .9993–.8400). Weight loss, total lycopene, and carotenoids were adequately fitted with the zero‐order kinetic model, where TSSs and most firmness experimental values were successfully fitted with the first‐order kinetic model. In all cases, the reaction rate constant (k) was higher at 22°C storage temperature compared to storage at 10°C. To validate the appropriateness of the selected models, weight loss, firmness, some color parameters, TA, and total lycopene were taken as examples. All the experimental and predicted data showed a strong agreement. Overall, the results of this study could help the distributors, processors, and consumers to identify the storage time and the ideal edible time.

Practical applications

The practical application obtainable from our research is the classification of fresh produce based on their maturity stage is required to select the suitable packaging with high strength material during long‐distance transportation. Also, the practical objective of the study is to improve refrigeration storage condition of tomato or many other fresh produce after transportation in the industrial field to maintain its quality attributes for long time. In particular, the proposed study establishes the correlation between transport distance, storage temperature, and duration and the quality attributes of tomato to obtain a mathematical model to predict the quality changes during storage and to assess the effect of transport distance on tomato. The knowledge of such type of data can help to develop an advanced supply chain strategies like transporting, storage, and routing policies.
The connection of alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein inflammatory marker with anthropometric, hormonal, and metabolic characteristic of women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: de Medeiros Sebastião Freitas , de Medeiros Matheus Antônio Souto , Barbosa Bruna Barcelo , Yamamoto Ana Karine Lin Winck , Yamamoto Márcia Marly Winck
Published: July 2021

Aim

To investigate the connection of alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein inflammatory biomarker with clinical, hormonal, and metabolic characteristics in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and normal cycling controls.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 235 women with PCOS and 92 normal cycling controls attended between 2008 and 2018. Alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein levels were correlated with clinical, anthropometric, anthropometric‐metabolic indexes, and hormones of women with PCOS and controls. Simple and multivariate stepwise linear regression, matched for age and body mass index confounding variables, was performed.

Results

Alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein levels were higher in women with PCOS (p = 0.0016). In controls, it was positively correlated with waist circumference, fat mass, body adiposity index, and lipid accumulation product, and negatively correlated with sex hormone‐binding globulin (p < 0.005 for all comparisons). In PCOS, it was positively correlated with testosterone, most biomarkers of central adiposity, homeostatic model assessment of insulin‐resistant, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and negatively correlated with sex hormone‐binding globulin, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose/insulin ratio, and lymphocytes (p < 0.055 for all comparisons). After multivariate regression in women with PCOS, alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein retained a significant positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein.

Conclusions

In PCOS, alpha‐1 acid glycoprotein is correlated with biomarkers of adiposity, carbohydrate metabolism, and total testosterone. This inflammatory marker is also correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, frequent markers of an inflammation state.
Proximal Contact Loss in Implant‐Supported Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Prevalence
Authors: Manicone Paolo Francesco , De Angelis Paolo , Rella Edoardo , Papetti Laura , D'Addona Antonio
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This is a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the overall prevalence of proximal contact loss (PCL) and determine the distribution and clinical features of PCL.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. As this was a systematic review of prevalence, the condition, context, and population framework was followed. The focus question was: What is the prevalence and distribution of PCL in implant‐supported restorations? Two investigators independently examined the literature in four databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) for suitable articles published before November 11, 2020, with no start‐date restriction; an additional search was conducted by hand. A standardized data extraction chart was utilized to extract the relevant information from the selected studies.

Results

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 11,699 restorations were evaluated in the final sample. The overall prevalence was 20% at the implant restoration level (among 4984 implants) and 26.6% at the contact point level (among 2603 contact points). The frequency of PCL was higher on the mesial side, both at the implant restoration level (13.8%) and at the contact point level (21.9%), than on the distal side, where the prevalence was 3.3% and 11.0%, respectively. The event rate in the maxilla and in the mandible at the contact level was 21.4% and 21.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

PCL is a frequent complication. Approximately 29% of contact points develop this condition, which may cause food impaction and damage to the interproximal tissues.
Urinary incontinence in a dog with a duplex renal system and extramural ectopic ureter
Authors: Greenfield Z. P. , Berent A. C. , Weisse C. W.
Published: July 2021

A 1‐year‐old female spayed French Bulldog was referred to the Interventional Radiology and Endoscopy Service for evaluation of urinary incontinence with partial response to medical management (phenylpropanolamine). Cystourethroscopy and retrograde ureteropyelogram were performed and revealed multiple congenital abnormalities including; a duplex renal system of the left kidney with one normal ureter with an intravesicular ureteral orifice and one extramural ectopic ureter with an associated branching and ureteral diverticulum. A dual vagina was also noted. Left neoureterocystostomy of the extramural ectopic ureter was performed and a temporary ureteral stent was concurrently placed and removed cystoscopically one month later, leaving the patient with two patent left ureters. Thirty‐four months later the patient is mildly incontinent with no other comorbidities.
Cognitive Predictors of Child Second Language Comprehension and Syntactic Learning
Authors: Pili‐Moss Diana
Published: July 2021

This study examined the role of child cognitive abilities for procedural and declarative learning in the earliest stages of second language (L2) exposure. In the context of a computer game, 53 first language Italian monolingual children were aurally trained in a novel miniature language over 3 consecutive days. A mixed effects model analysis of the relationship between cognitive predictors and outcomes in morphosyntax measured via a grammaticality judgment test (GJT) was performed. Relative to adults trained in the same paradigm, children with higher procedural learning ability (measured via an alternate serial reaction time task) showed significantly better learning of word order, although the effect size was small. Modeling accuracy in online sentence comprehension during the game also evidenced that higher procedural learning ability was positively associated with significantly better outcomes as practice progressed. By contrast, a composite measure of verbal and visual declarative learning ability did not predict L2 outcomes in either the GJT or the online measure.
Oral manifestations of immune‐related adverse events in cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Klein Brittany A. , Alves Fábio Abreu , de Santana Rodrigues Velho Julia , Vacharotayangul Piamkamon , Hanna Glenn J. , LeBoeuf Nicole R. , Shazib Muhammad Ali , Villa Alessandro , Woo Sook‐Bin , Sroussi Hervé , Sonis Stephen , Treister Nathaniel S.
Published: July 2021

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has transformed cancer treatment over the past decade, improving survival rates in numerous advanced cancers. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are common and can affect any organ system, with many of these toxicities being well‐characterized with clear grading criteria and management approaches. There has been less emphasis on oral manifestations of irAEs. This review provides an overview of oral manifestations of irAEs, including mucosal and salivary gland toxicities, and proposes a grading system and management guidelines. irAEs are common treatment‐related toxicities in patients treated with ICIs. Oral irAEs can range from asymptomatic white reticulations to life‐threatening mucocutaneous reactions requiring aggressive management with corticosteroids and/or permanent discontinuation of ICIs. Oral healthcare providers should be prepared to identify and manage oral irAEs in collaboration with oncologists and other specialists.
Blue light induces DNA damage in normal human skin keratinocytes
Authors: Chamayou‐Robert Cécile , DiGiorgio Carole , Brack Olivier , Doucet Olivier
Published: July 2021

Background

The generation of DNA damage by ultra‐violet radiations (UV) is well established, and both the nature of the DNA lesions and their respective DNA repair pathways have largely been described. Besides UV rays, visible light constitutes a very important part of the sun spectrum where blue light is considered a significant contributor to premature aging. However, blue light‐induced DNA damage has not been deeply explored yet.

Methods

In the present study, we assessed in human skin keratinocytes the DNA and chromosome damaging activities of blue light rays (415 nm) as well as their associated DNA repair mechanisms.

Results

Our results demonstrated that blue light induced dose‐dependent DNA damage in human keratinocytes. Both oxidative and cyclobutane‐pyrimidine‐dimer (CPD) DNA lesions were generated. They were repaired through base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways, respectively. Moreover, by using the micronucleus assay we demonstrated, for the first time, that a blue wavelength exerted a clastogenic/aneugenic effect in human keratinocytes, leading to chromosome aberration.

Conclusion

We concluded that, in normal human keratinocytes, blue light creates genotoxic lesions which might accelerate or at least contribute to premature skin aging.
Altered circulating memory T cells in vitiligo cases followed NB‐UVB therapy
Authors: Lin Fuquan , Sun Xiukun , Lei Jiehao , Xu Ai‑e
Published: July 2021

Background

Vitiligo represents a commonly diagnosed autoimmune disease caused by the depletion of epidermal melanocytes. Many subsets of T cells contribute to vitiligo pathogenesis, including resident and circulating memory T cells.

Objectives

To analyze the amounts of CD4+ and CD8+memory T‐cell subsets in peripheral blood specimens from vitiligo patients and alterations caused by narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy.

Methods

Circulating CD4+ and CD8+ central memory T (TCM) and effector memory T (TEM) cell frequencies in 33 patients with non‐segmental vitiligo and 16 healthy donors were evaluated by flow cytometry. Related chemokine levels were also detected.

Results

Peripheral blood CD4+ TCM and CD8+ TCM counts were markedly reduced in vitiligo cases while they were higher in active vitiligo compared with stable vitiligo cases. Circulating CD8+ TCM frequency in vitiligo was closely related to disease duration. Interestingly, CD4+ TCM and CD8+ TCM frequencies, alongside CXCL9 and CXCL10 amounts in peripheral blood of patients with vitiligo, were significantly decreased after NB‐UVB phototherapy.

Conclusions

Decreased frequencies of circulating CD4+ TCM and CD8+ TCM by NB‐UVB suggest a possible immunosuppressive effect of phototherapy. The chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 are the bridge between circulating and skin resident memory T cells. NB‐UVB blocks the homing of circulating memory T cells into vitiligo lesions by down‐regulating CXCL9 and CXCL10. Targeting the above proteins could provide novel, durable treatment options to cure and prevent flares of this disease.
Modeling fusion gene‐associated sarcoma: Advantages for understanding sarcoma biology and pathology
Authors: Tanaka Miwa , Nakamura Takuro
Published: July 2021

Disease‐specific gene fusions are reportedly major driver mutations in approximately 30% of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Most fusion genes encode transcription factors or co‐factors that regulate downstream target genes, altering cell growth, lineage commitment, and differentiation. Given the limitations of investigating their functions in vitro, the generation of mouse models expressing fusion genes in the appropriate cellular lineages is pivotal. Therefore, we generated a series of mouse models by introducing fusion genes into embryonic mesenchymal progenitors. This review describes mouse models of Ewing, synovial, alveolar soft part, and CIC‐rearranged sarcomas. Furthermore, we describe the similarities between these models and their human counterparts. These models provide remarkable advantages to identify cells‐of‐origin, specific collaborators of fusion genes, angiogenesis key factors, or diagnostic biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the relationship between fusion proteins and the epigenetic background as well as the possible role of the super‐enhancers.
Variation in pollen sterility and gender specialization: an investigation with distylous species of Erythroxylum (Erythroxylaceae)
Authors: Matias R. , Furtado M. T. , Consolaro H. , Pérez‐Barrales R.
Published: July 2021

Differences in pollen sterility between morphs in distylous populations may represent the first step in the evolution of gender specialization. Theoretically, for partially or completely male sterile individuals to persist they must have some fitness advantage that compensates for the loss of male function. Gender specialization is considered a widespread process in Erythroxylum, but male sterility and the resource reallocation to female function have been investigated in few species and populations.

In 18 populations of four distylous species of Erythroxylum, we quantified the levels of male sterility, estimated through pollen sterility, in short‐ and long‐styled flowers to test if sterility is morph‐biased. In one population per species, we also described the frequency of floral visitors, the production of flowers and fruits, and the quality of fruits and seeds of short‐ and long‐styled plants to evaluate the expression of trade‐offs in allocation to male and female function.

In some populations of E. campestre and E. deciduum, short‐styled flowers possessed higher levels of pollen sterility than long‐styled flowers. Although most flowers of E. suberosum and E. tortuosum also expressed pollen sterility, the frequency of sterility was similar between morphs in all populations. Differences in reproductive output between morphs occurred only in populations of species with morph‐biased sterility, but none of the variations reflect resource allocation to female fitness of short‐styled plants.

Differences in the level of sterility between morphs indicates the potential for gender specialization in populations of E. campestre and E. deciduum, despite the apparent lack of a trade‐off in allocation.
SlPHL1, a MYB‐CC transcription factor identified from tomato, positively regulates the phosphate starvation response
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Wang Yi , Wang Enhui , Wu Xueqian , Zheng Qinghua , Han Yizhen , Lin Weiwei , Liu Zhongjuan , Lin Wenxiong
Published: July 2021

Inorganic phosphate (Pi) deficiency is a major limiting factor for plant growth and development. Previous reports have demonstrated that PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1 (PHR1) and OsPHR2 play central roles in Pi‐starvation signaling in Arabidopsis and rice, respectively. However, the Pi‐starvation signaling network in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is still not fully understood. In this work, SlPHL1, a homolog of AtPHR1 and OsPHR2, was identified from tomato. It was found that SlPHL1 contains the MYB and coiled‐coil (CC) domains, localizes in the nucleus, and has transcriptional activity, indicating that it is a typical MYB‐CC transcription factor (TF). Overexpression of SlPHL1 enhanced Pi‐starvation responses both in Arabidopsis Col‐0 and in tomato Micro‐Tom, including elevated root hair growth, promoted APase activity, favored Pi uptake, and increased transcription of Pi starvation‐inducing (PSI) genes. Besides, overexpressing SlPHL1 was able to compensate for the Pi‐starvation response weakened by the AtPHR1 mutation. Notably, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) showed that SlPHL1 could bind to the PHR1‐binding sequence (P1BS, GNATATNC)‐containing DNA fragments. Furthermore, SlPHL1 specifically interacted with the promoters of the tomato PSI genes SlPht1;2 and SlPht1;8 through the P1BS cis‐elements. Taken these results together, SlPHL1 is a newly identified MYB‐CC TF from tomato, which participates in Pi‐starvation signaling by directly upregulating the PSI genes. These findings might contribute to the understanding of the Pi‐starvation signaling in tomato.
Neoporphyra kitoi sp. nov. (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Japan, with new blades arising from rhizoidal cells
Authors: Abe Mahiko , Kikuchi Norio , Tamaki Motoya , Sato Tomoko , Murase Noboru , Fujiyoshi Eiji , Kobayashi Masahiro
Published: July 2021

A new species of Neoporphyra, Neoporphyra kitoi sp. nov., collected in Honshu, Japan, is described based on morphology and molecular analysis. The new species can be distinguished from other foliose Bangiales species by both molecular analysis and developmentally with the production of new blades arising from rhizoidal cells and giving rise to multiple blades. Thalli of N. kitoi were observed to produce single and multiple blades in both fields collected and cultured thalli. Neoporphyra kitoi was morphologically similar to Pyropia pseudolinearis apart from this developmental feature. Molecular phylogenies based on both the nrSSU and rbcL genes of this species resolved it in a clade containing sequences assigned to the genus Neoporphyra.
Linking policy design, change, and outputs: Policy responsiveness in American state electricity policy
Authors: Koski Chris , Siddiki Saba
Published: July 2021

This article examines whether changes in policy design lead to incremental or punctuated changes in policy outputs. Leveraging a synthesis of policy design and punctuated equilibrium literatures, we analyze whether changes in policy targets, policy instruments, and policy incentives have differing effects on the distributions of changes in policy outputs. Our empirical examination is a study of net metering policy in the United States over the years 2007–2016. A key finding is that there is a relationship between policy designs that change more frequently and less punctuated distributions of outputs; namely, that changes to certain elements of policies are related to a greater frequency of gradual changes in policy outputs than changes to others.
Improper priors and improper posteriors
Authors: Taraldsen Gunnar , Tufto Jarle , Lindqvist Bo H.
Published: July 2021

What is a good prior? Actual prior knowledge should be used, but for complex models this is often not easily available. The knowledge can be in the form of symmetry assumptions, and then the choice will typically be an improper prior. Also more generally, it is quite common to choose improper priors. Motivated by this we consider a theoretical framework for statistics that includes both improper priors and improper posteriors. Knowledge is then represented by a possibly unbounded measure with interpretation as explained by Rényi in 1955. The main mathematical result here is a constructive proof of existence of a transformation from prior to posterior knowledge. The posterior always exists and is uniquely defined by the prior, the observed data, and the statistical model. The transformation is, as it should be, an extension of conventional Bayesian inference as defined by the axioms of Kolmogorov. It is an extension since the novel construction is valid also when replacing the axioms of Kolmogorov by the axioms of Rényi for a conditional probability space. A concrete case based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations and data for different species of tropical butterflies illustrate that an improper posterior may appear naturally and is useful. The theory is also exemplified by more elementary examples.
How do early family systems predict emotion recognition in middle childhood?
Authors: Laamanen Petra , Kiuru Noona , Flykt Marjo , Vänskä Mervi , Hietanen Jari K. , Peltola Mikko J. , Kurkela Enni , Poikkeus Piia , Tiitinen Aila , Lindblom Jallu
Published: July 2021

Facial emotion recognition (FER) is a fundamental element in human interaction. It begins to develop soon after birth and is important in achieving developmental tasks of middle childhood, such as developing mutual friendships and acquiring social rules of peer groups. Despite its importance, FER research during middle childhood continues to be rather limited. Moreover, research is ambiguous on how the quality of one's early social‐emotional environment shapes FER development, and longitudinal studies spanning from infancy to later development are scarce. In this study, we examine how the cohesive, authoritarian, disengaged and enmeshed family system types, assessed during pregnancy and infancy, predict children's FER accuracy and interpretative biases towards happiness, fear, anger and sadness at the age of 10 years (N = 79). The results demonstrated that children from disengaged families (i.e., highly distressed relationships) show superior FER accuracy to those from cohesive families (i.e., harmonious and stable relationships). Regarding interpretative biases, children from cohesive families showed a greater fear bias compared to children from disengaged families. Our findings suggest that even in a relatively low‐risk population, variation in the quality of children's early family relationships may shape children's subsequent FER development, perhaps as an evolution‐based adaptation to their social‐emotional environment.
Examining launch and snare effects in the longitudinal associations between shyness and socio‐emotional difficulties in childhood
Authors: Bekkhus Mona , Baldwin Danielle , Coplan Robert J. , von Soest Tilmann , Skaret Synne , Ulset Vidar , Borge Anne I.H.
Published: July 2021

In the present study, we examine short‐ and long‐term associations between shyness and socio‐emotional difficulties from early to middle childhood. Participants in this study were part of the Matter of the First Friendship Study (MOFF), a large‐scale multi‐wave longitudinal study. At Time 1, N = 555 4‐year‐old children were recruited from childcare centers and followed across four data collections. At four timepoints of data collection, teachers rated children's shyness and indices of socio‐emotional difficulties (i.e., internalizing difficulties, peer problems) from age 4 to 7 years. Parents provided background and demographic information. Results from growth curve analyses showed that shyness was concurrently associated with emotional difficulties and problems with peers at each time point. However, shyness at age 4 years did not significantly predict the longitudinal trajectory of socio‐emotional difficulties across childhood. Overall, these results indicated that concurrent levels of shyness are associated with socio‐emotional difficulties, however, whether shyness serves as a distal predictor of socio‐emotional difficulties from early to middle childhood remains less clear.
Toddler exuberance as an influence on positive social behavior in a high‐intensity context in middle childhood
Authors: Kravitz Sarah B. R. , Walker Olga L. , Degnan Kathryn A.
Published: July 2021

Exuberance, a profile of temperament characterized in toddlerhood by high approach motivation, positive affect, and sociability, is associated with both adaptive and maladaptive socioemotional outcomes. The aims of the current study were to introduce a novel approach/avoidance‐eliciting social task, as well as longitudinally extend our understanding of toddlerhood exuberance to outcomes in middle childhood. Specifically, affect and social behavior at age seven during a high‐intensity game were compared to that observed during a low‐intensity freeplay task. As part of a longitudinal study, 291 infants were selected at 4 months for a wide range of reactivity to novelty. The sample was assessed repeatedly across early childhood (9, 24, and 36 months of age) and at 7 years of age. A high exuberance profile was formed with approach, positive, and sociable behaviors observed in the laboratory from 4 to 36 months. At 7 years of age, affect and social behavior were assessed during high‐ and low‐intensity interactions with an unfamiliar peer in the laboratory. Path Analyses using structural equation models demonstrated that a high exuberance profile was associated with greater positive social behavior at age 7 during a high‐intensity game, but not negative social behavior or behavior during a low‐intensity freeplay task. These results illuminate the need for targeted methodology, such as high‐intensity approach/avoidance‐eliciting social tasks, in order to clarify the links between early temperament and adaptive or maladaptive socioemotional outcomes across development.
Systematic Review: Re‐emergence of human leishmaniasis in the Balkans
Authors: Vaselek Slavica
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVE

To provide an updated overview of the leishmaniasis epidemiology in the Balkans, as this region presents “blank space” on the map of leishmaniasis knowledge in Europe.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guideline, literature on the presence and circulation of human leishmaniasis in Balkan countries was screened in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Matica Srpska Library and the National Library of Serbia.

RESULTS

Sixty nine publications from 1919 until September 2020 were reviewed. Historical records indicate that leishmaniasis was previously present mainly in the southern parts of the Balkans, while newer data demonstrate its northward spread.

CONCLUSIONS

Human leishmaniasis is re‐emerging in the Balkans and in some areas is already widespread.
HIV care and treatment models and their association with medication possession ratio among treatment‐experienced adults in three African countries
Authors: Tsui Sharon , Kennedy Caitlin E. , Moulton Lawrence H. , Chang Larry W. , Farley Jason E. , Torpey Kwasi , van Praag Eric , Koole Olivier , Ford Nathan , Wabwire‐Mangen Fred , Denison Julie A.
Published: July 2021

Objective

How clinics structure the delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) services may influence patient adherence. We assessed the relationship between models of HIV care delivery and adherence as measured by medication possession ratio (MPR) among treatment‐experienced adults in Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Methods

Eighteen clinics were grouped into three models of HIV care. Model 1‐Traditional and Model 2‐Mixed represented task‐sharing of clinical services between physicians and clinical officers, distinguished by whether nurses played a role in clinical care; in Model 3‐Task‐Shifted, clinical officers and nurses shared clinical responsibilities without physicians. We assessed MPR among 3,419 patients and calculated clinic‐level MPR summaries. We then calculated the mean differences of percentages and adjusted residual ratio (aRR) of the association between models of care and incomplete adherence, defined as a MPR <90%, adjusting for individual‐level characteristics.

Results

In the adjusted analysis, patients in Model 1‐Traditional were more likely than patients in Model 2‐Mixed to have MPR <90% (aRR = 1.60, 95% CI 1–2.48). Patients in Model 1‐Traditional were no more likely than patients in Model 3‐Task‐Shifted to have a MPR <90% (aRR = 1.58, 95% 0.88–2.85). There was no evidence of differences in MPR <90% between Model 2‐Mixed and Model 3‐Task‐Shifted (aRR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.59–1.66).

Conclusion

Non‐physician‐led ART programmes were associated with adherence levels as good as or better than physician‐led ART programmes. Additional research is needed to optimise models of care to support patients on lifelong treatment.
Elastostatic Modeling of Multi-Link Flexible Manipulator Based on Two-Dimensional Dual-Triangle Tensegrity Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Wanda , Pashkevich Anatol , Klimchik Alexandr , Chablat Damien
Published: July 2021

The paper deals with the elastostatic modeling of a multi-link flexible manipulator based on the two-dimensional (2D) dual-triangle tensegrity mechanism and its nonlinear behavior under external loading. The main attention is paid to the static equilibriums and the manipulator stiffness behavior under the loading for the arbitrary initial configuration. It was proved that there is a quasi-buckling phenomenon for this manipulator while the external loading is increasing. In the neighborhood of these configurations, the manipulator behavior was analyzed using the enhanced virtual joint method (VJM). A relevant simulation study confirmed the obtained theoretical results.
Interaction of lignin dimers with model cell membranes: A quartz crystal microbalance and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Moradipour Mahsa , Tong Xinjie , Novak Brian , Kamali Poorya , Asare Shardrack O. , Lynn Bert C. , Moldovan Dorel , Rankin Stephen E. , Knutson Barbara L.
Published: July 2021

A study of the interaction between cell membranes and small molecules derived from lignin, a protective phenolic biopolymer found in vascular plants, is crucial for identifying their potential as pharmacological and toxicological agents. In this work, the interactions of model cell membranes [supported 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers] are compared for three βO4 dimers of coniferyl alcohol (G lignin monomer): guaiacylglycerol guaiacol ester with a hydroxypropenyl (HOC3H4-) tail (G-βO4′-G), a truncated GG dimer without HOC3H4- (G-βO4′-truncG), and a benzylated GG dimer (benzG-βO4′-G). The uptake of the lignin dimers (per mass of lipid) and the energy dissipation (a measure of bilayer disorder) are higher for benzG-βO4′-G and G-βO4′-truncG than those for G-βO4′-G in the gel-phase DPPC bilayer, as measured using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). A similar uptake of G-βO4′-truncG is observed for a fluid-phase bilayer of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, suggesting that the effect of the bilayer phase on dimer uptake is minimal. The effects of increasing lignin dimer concentration are examined through an analysis of density profiles, potential of mean force curves, lipid order parameters, and bilayer area compressibilities (disorder) in the lipid bilayers obtained from molecular dynamics simulations. Dimer distributions and potentials of mean force indicate that the penetration into bilayers is higher for benzG-βO4′-G and G-βO4′-truncG than that for G-βO4′-G, consistent with the QCM-D results. Increased lipid tail disorder due to dimer penetration leads to a thinning and softening of the bilayers. Minor differences in the structure of lignin derivatives (such as truncating the hydroxypropenyl tail) have significant impacts on their ability to penetrate lipid bilayers.
Localized phase transition of TiO2 thin films induced by sub-bandgap laser irradiation
Authors: Ahmed Syeed E. , Poole Violet M. , Igo John , Gu Yi , McCluskey Matthew D.
Published: July 2021

The ability to define the crystal phase of oxide semiconductors could benefit transparent electronics and catalysis. In this paper, laser-induced localized phase transitions of titanium dioxide (TiO2) thin films are reported. Irradiation was performed with a 532 nm continuous wave laser. Raman spectroscopy and micro-Raman mapping were used to identify the phase transformations. A Raman map of the anatase Eg mode (144 cm−1) and rutile Ag mode (608 cm−1) revealed the formation of crystalline microstructures due to the laser treatment. Laser irradiation under vacuum results in an anatase-to-rutile phase transition. Irradiating the rutile region in air changes the crystal structure back to anatase, despite the thermodynamic stability of rutile. The results suggest that irradiated photons are absorbed by defects, resulting in localized electronic excitation that leads to a mixture of amorphous and crystalline regions. The phase of the crystalline regions depends strongly on the ambient conditions (vacuum versus air).
Will COVID-19 change science? Past pandemics offer clues
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: July 2021

From the Black Death to AIDS, outbreaks can spur scientists to rethink how they study disease and protect public health.
Starstruck
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: July 2021

Atomic traces left by nearby supernovae point to ancient assaults on Earth.
Rank-dependent social inheritance determines social network structure in spotted hyenas
Authors: Ilany Amiyaal , Holekamp Kay E. , Akçay Erol
Published: July 2021

Mother knows best

Inheritance of social status, and its associated costs and benefits, is well demonstrated in humans. Whether such an intergenerational system occurs in other species is harder to demonstrate. Ilany
et al.
looked at nearly 30 years of social interaction data in spotted hyenas, a female-dominated system with a highly structured society, and found that status inheritance is just as prominent (see the Perspective by Firth and Sheldon). Juvenile hyenas had social associations that were similar to their mothers, and the strength of the association was higher for higher-status mothers. Importantly, survival was associated with social inheritance, suggesting that these social roles are essential to hyena life.

Science
, abc1966, this issue p.
348
; see also abj5234, p.
274
Qubit spin ice
Authors: King Andrew D. , Nisoli Cristiano , Dahl Edward D. , Poulin-Lamarre Gabriel , Lopez-Bezanilla Alejandro
Published: July 2021

A reconfigurable spin ice

Spin ices, magnetic systems in which local spins respect the so-called ice rules, can occur in natural materials or be engineered in patterned arrays. King
et al
. used superconducting qubits to implement a two-dimensional artificial spin ice. By changing the strength and ratio of spin couplings, the researchers were able to access a variety of ground states. Arranging the boundary spins in an antiferromagnetic configuration and then flipping one of those spins generated a magnetic monopole in the system’s interior. —JS
Wafer-scale heterostructured piezoelectric bio-organic thin films
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Jun , Long Yin , Zhang Ziyi , Wang Linfeng , Sui Jiajie , Dong Yutao , Wang Yizhan , Taylor Rachel , Ni Dalong , Cai Weibo , Wang Ping , Hacker Timothy , Wang Xudong
Published: July 2021

Piezoelectric bioorganic thin films

Piezoelectric materials enable a reversible conversion between mechanical pressure and electric charge and are useful for sensors, actuators, and high-precision motors. Yang
et al.
developed a method for making high-quality crystalline thin films of piezoelectric γ-glycine crystals that are grown and refined between layers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (see the Perspective by Berger). The PVA layers are essential to promoting the crystallization of the preferred crystal phase with the polar axis oriented perpendicular to the film plan because of hydrogen bonding at the PVA-glycine interface. The thin films show a macroscopic piezoelectric response and high stability in aqueous environments. The films are water soluble and, when suitably packaged, could be implanted into a biodegradable energy-harvesting device.

Science
, abf2155, this issue p.
337
; see also abj0424, p.
278
Low thermal conductivity in a modular inorganic material with bonding anisotropy and mismatch
Authors: Gibson Quinn D. , Zhao Tianqi , Daniels Luke M. , Walker Helen C. , Daou Ramzy , Hébert Sylvie , Zanella Marco , Dyer Matthew S. , Claridge John B. , Slater Ben , Gaultois Michael W. , Corà Furio , Alaria Jonathan , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: July 2021

Blocking heat in two ways

Low thermal conductivity is important for barrier coatings, thermoelectrics, and other applications. Gibson
et al
. combined two complementary methods that manipulate internal interface properties to dramatically decrease the thermal conductivity of the inorganic material BiO
2
Cl
2
Se (see the Perspective by Kim and Cahill). The authors took advantage of both in-plane structural distortions and weak bonding layers to push the conductivity down to 0.1 watts per kelvin per meter: only four times that of air. The principles should be applicable to other systems and provide a method for developing crystals with extremely low thermal conductivity. —BG