bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term effects of father involvement in childhood on their son's physiological stress regulation system in adulthood
Authors: Choi Jieun , Kim Hyoun K. , Capaldi Deborah M. , Snodgrass James Josh
Published: June 2021

Using a long‐term prospective longitudinal study of U.S. men and their fathers, the present study examined the extent to which the quantity (i.e., shared activities between fathers and sons) and the quality (i.e., assessors’ ratings of fathers’ positive behaviors toward sons and the relationship quality between fathers and sons) of father involvement during childhood influenced sons’ diurnal patterns of salivary cortisol in adulthood (late 30s) directly and indirectly through substance use across the 20s. Findings indicated that the quantity of father involvement during childhood was directly associated with sons’ diurnal cortisol patterns assessed almost 30 years later. Specifically, the quantity of father involvement in childhood significantly increased the intercept (i.e., upon awakening) and also led to a greater reduction in cortisol across the day, suggesting a well‐regulated diurnal cortisol pattern. The quantity of father involvement significantly reduced the amount of sons’ illicit drug and tobacco use across the 20s. Tobacco use across the 20s was associated with a lower cortisol intercept level (upon awakening), although the mediating path was not significant. The present study provided empirical evidence demonstrating long‐term physiological and behavioral consequences of father involvement in childhood and its potency as a crucial early caregiving environment for sons.
An N‐terminal fusion allele to study melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1
Authors: Jasso Kalene R. , Kamba Tisianna K. , Zimmerman Arthur D. , Bansal Ruchi , Engle Staci E. , Everett Thomas , Wu Chang‐Hung , Kulaga Heather , Reed Randal R. , Berbari Nicolas F. , McIntyre Jeremy C.
Published: June 2021

Cilia on neurons play critical roles in both the development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). While it remains challenging to elucidate the precise roles for neuronal cilia, it is clear that a subset of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) preferentially localize to the cilia membrane. Further, ciliary GPCR signaling has been implicated in regulating a variety of behaviors. Melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1), is a GPCR expressed centrally in rodents known to be enriched in cilia. Here we have used MCHR1 as a model ciliary GPCR to develop a strategy to fluorescently tag receptors expressed from the endogenous locus in vivo. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we inserted the coding sequence of the fluorescent protein mCherry into the N‐terminus of Mchr1. Analysis of the fusion protein (mCherryMCHR1) revealed its localization to neuronal cilia in the CNS, across multiple developmental time points and in various regions of the adult brain. Our approach simultaneously produced fortuitous in/dels altering the Mchr1 start codon resulting in a new MCHR1 knockout line. Functional studies using electrophysiology show a significant alteration of synaptic strength in MCHR1 knockout mice. A reduction in strength is also detected in mice homozygous for the mCherry insertion, suggesting that while the strategy is useful for monitoring the receptor, activity could be altered. However, both lines should aid in studies of MCHR1 function and contribute to our understanding of MCHR1 signaling in the brain. Additionally, this approach could be expanded to aid in the study of other ciliary GPCRs.
Antipredator phenotype in crucian carp altered by a psychoactive drug
Authors: Vinterstare Jerker , Brönmark Christer , Nilsson P. Anders , Langerhans R. Brian , Berglund Olof , Örjes Jennie , Brodin Tomas , Fick Jerker , Hulthén Kaj
Published: June 2021

Predator‐inducible defenses constitute a widespread form of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and such defenses have recently been suggested linked with the neuroendocrine system. The neuroendocrine system is a target of endocrine disruptors, such as psychoactive pharmaceuticals, which are common aquatic contaminants. We hypothesized that exposure to an antidepressant pollutant, fluoxetine, influences the physiological stress response in our model species, crucian carp, affecting its behavioral and morphological responses to predation threat. We examined short‐ and long‐term effects of fluoxetine and predator exposure on behavior and morphology in crucian carp. Seventeen days of exposure to a high dose of fluoxetine (100 µg/L) resulted in a shyer phenotype, regardless of the presence/absence of a pike predator, but this effect disappeared after long‐term exposure. Fluoxetine effects on morphological plasticity were context‐dependent as a low dose (1 µg/L) only influenced crucian carp body shape in pike presence. A high dose of fluoxetine strongly influenced body shape regardless of predator treatment. Our results highlight that environmental pollution by pharmaceuticals could disrupt physiological regulation of ecologically important inducible defenses.
A guide to state–space modeling of ecological time series
Authors: Auger‐Méthé Marie , Newman Ken , Cole Diana , Empacher Fanny , Gryba Rowenna , King Aaron A. , Leos‐Barajas Vianey , Mills Flemming Joanna , Nielsen Anders , Petris Giovanni , Thomas Len
Published: June 2021

State–space models (SSMs) are an important modeling framework for analyzing ecological time series. These hierarchical models are commonly used to model population dynamics, animal movement, and capture–recapture data, and are now increasingly being used to model other ecological processes. SSMs are popular because they are flexible and they model the natural variation in ecological processes separately from observation error. Their flexibility allows ecologists to model continuous, count, binary, and categorical data with linear or nonlinear processes that evolve in discrete or continuous time. Modeling the two sources of stochasticity separately allows researchers to differentiate between biological variation and imprecision in the sampling methodology, and generally provides better estimates of the ecological quantities of interest than if only one source of stochasticity is directly modeled. Since the introduction of SSMs, a broad range of fitting procedures have been proposed. However, the variety and complexity of these procedures can limit the ability of ecologists to formulate and fit their own SSMs. We provide the knowledge for ecologists to create SSMs that are robust to common, and often hidden, estimation problems, and the model selection and validation tools that can help them assess how well their models fit their data. We present a review of SSMs that will provide a strong foundation to ecologists interested in learning about SSMs, introduce new tools to veteran SSM users, and highlight promising research directions for statisticians interested in ecological applications. The review is accompanied by an in‐depth tutorial that demonstrates how SSMs can be fitted and validated in R. Together, the review and tutorial present an introduction to SSMs that will help ecologists to formulate, fit, and validate their models.
Large‐scale patterns of green turtle trophic ecology in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Seminoff Jeffrey A. , Komoroske Lisa M. , Amorocho Diego , Arauz Randall , Chacón‐Chaverrí Didiher , de Paz Nelly , Dutton Peter H. , Donoso Miguel , Heidemeyer Maike , Hoeffer Gabriel , Todd Jones T. , Kelez Shaleyla , Lemons Garrett E. , Rguez‐Baron Juan M. , Sampson Laura , Santos Baca Lucía , Steiner Todd , Vejar Rubio Maria , Zárate Patricia , Zavala‐Norzagaray Alan , Popp Brian N.
Published: June 2021

Trophic position and niche width are fundamental components of a species’ ecology, reflecting resource use, and influencing key demographic parameters such as somatic growth, maturation, and survival. Concepts about a species’ trophic niche space have important implications for local management and habitat protection, and can shed light about resilience to changing climate for species occurring over broad spatial scales. For elusive marine animals such as sea turtles, trophic niche is challenging to study, and researchers often rely on other metrics, such as isotopic niche, as a proxy. Here, stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N values) was conducted on bulk skin tissue of 718 green turtles (Chelonia mydas) distributed among 16 foraging areas in the eastern Pacific from the USA to Chile, a range spanning ~10,000 km. Compound‐specific nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA) was applied to 21 turtles among seven sites. Isotopic niche space was determined via Bayesian ellipse area (BEA) and convex hull area (CHA) analyses of bulk isotope values, which were also used along with amino acid δ15N values to determine trophic position (TP). Substantial variability in bulk tissue δ13C and δ15N values was found within and among sites, and amino acid δ15N values confirmed this was largely due to spatial differences in baseline nitrogen isotopic compositions, but also to a lesser extent from TP differences among the green turtle foraging populations. Isotope niche space varied among sites, influenced by the diversity of prey types and relative input of terrestrial‐ vs. marine‐derived nutrients; BEAs were the most suitable measurement of isotopic niche space due to the larger influence of outlying values with the CHA approach. Amino acid isotope‐derived TP estimates that accounted for local habitat conditions (e.g., mixed seagrass/macroalgae diet) performed the best among several approaches; TP ranged from 2.3 to 3.6, which indicates an omnivorous diet for most populations. In addition to providing additional spatial resolution for δ13C and δ15N isoscapes in the eastern Pacific, especially in coastal habitats, this study further establishes CSIA‐AA as an effective tool to study the trophic ecology of sea turtles across a variety of food webs and habitats.
Estimating survival of unmarked neonates with camera traps
Authors: Horne Jon S. , Thompson Sarah J.
Published: June 2021

Survival and recruitment of offspring are important drivers of population dynamics. Yet, studying wildlife shortly after parturition is logistically challenging and oftentimes cost‐prohibitive. As a result, our ecological understanding of neonate survival is limited for many species and management decisions are often made without an adequate understanding of their implications. We developed a model to estimate the overall survival rate of neonates and the timing of mortality (i.e., shape of the survival curve) based on changes in the ratio of neonates to adult females observed in camera trap photographs. We evaluated the model with simulations and provided an example application using North American elk (Cervus canadensis) in Idaho. Our simulations suggested that estimates of the overall neonate survival rate and the shape of the survival curve are accurate when researchers provide unbiased estimates of adult female survival, birth rate (offspring per adult female), and the distribution of birth dates. When researchers can provide a priori values for just adult female survival and birth rate, estimates of the overall survival rate were accurate, but early neonate mortality was underestimated. Our estimate of neonate elk survival in Idaho was consistent with values generated by capture‐based studies. Our ratio‐based model provides an alternative to traditional methods for estimating neonate survival and does not rely on invasive or expensive capture and monitoring techniques. We believe this method could apply to a wide variety of species due to the ease of data collection and the relatively small number of critical model assumptions. A major benefit of our model is the ability to simultaneously monitor other species in the community, which will facilitate a better understanding of drivers of variation in neonate survival.
Hippopotamus movements structure the spatiotemporal dynamics of an active anthrax outbreak
Authors: Stears Keenan , Schmitt Melissa H. , Turner Wendy C. , McCauley Douglas J. , Muse Epaphras A. , Kiwango Halima , Mathayo Daniel , Mutayoba Benezeth M.
Published: June 2021

Globally, anthrax outbreaks pose a serious threat to people, livestock, and wildlife. Furthermore, environmental change can exacerbate these outbreak dynamics by altering the host–pathogen relationship. However, little is known about how the quantitative spatial dynamics of host movement and environmental change may affect the spread of Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax. Here, we use real‐time observations and high‐resolution tracking data from a population of common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) in Tanzania to explore the relationship between river hydrology, H. amphibius movement, and the spatiotemporal dynamics of an active anthrax outbreak. We found that extreme river drying, a consequence of anthropogenic disturbances to our study river, indirectly facilitated the spread of B. anthracis by modulating H. amphibius movements. Our findings reveal that anthrax spread upstream in the Great Ruaha River (~3.5 km over a 9‐day period), which followed the movement patterns of infected H. amphibius, who moved upstream as the river dried in search of remaining aquatic refugia. These upstream movements can result in large aggregations of H. amphibius. However, despite these aggregations, the density of H. amphibius in river pools did not influence the number of B. anthracis‐induced mortalities. Moreover, infection by B. anthracis did not appear to influence H. amphibius movement behaviors, which suggests that infected individuals can vector B. anthracis over large distances right up until their death. Finally, we show that contact rates between H. amphibius‐ and B. anthracis‐infected river pools are highly variable and the frequency and duration of contacts could potentially increase the probability of mortality. While difficult to obtain, the quantitative insights that we gathered during a real‐time anthrax outbreak are critical to better understand, predict, and manage future outbreaks.
Efficient Homogeneous Hydridoirida‐β‐Diketone‐Catalyzed Methanolysis of Ammonia‐Borane for Hydrogen Release in Air. Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Bustos Itxaso , Freixa Zoraida , Pazos Ariadna , Mendicute‐Fierro Claudio , Garralda María A.
Published: June 2021

The hydridoirida‐β‐diketone [(IrH{(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2H})2(μ‐Cl)][BF4] (2) has been used as a homogeneous catalyst for the methanolysis of ammonia‐borane to release up to 3 equivalents of hydrogen in the presence of air. With catalyst loadings as low as 0.2 mol%, ammonia‐borane undergoes methanolysis within 6 min at 30 °C, with TOF50% of 320 molH2 ⋅ molIr−1 ⋅ min−1, or within 80 s at 60 °C, with an excellent TOF50% of 1991 molH2 ⋅ molIr−1 ⋅ min−1, and maintains its catalytic activity in consecutive runs. Triethylamine‐borane fails to undergo methanolysis. Kinetic studies indicate first‐order dependence on substrate and on catalyst concentration and suggest cleavage of the solvent O−H bond being involved in the rate determining step of the reaction. In methanol solution 2 forms cationic [IrH(MeOH){(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2H}]+ (3) and reacts with Me3N−BH3 to afford a hydridoirida‐β‐diketone [IrH(Me3NBH3){(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2H}]+ (4), with the borane adduct η1‐coordinated to iridium. Compound [4][BArF4] shows dynamic behaviour in solution due to exchange of bridging and terminal B−H bonds. A multinuclear NMR study of the catalyzed reaction shows the formation of two ammonia‐methoxyborane adduct intermediates, H3N−BH2(OCH3) and H3N−BH(OCH3)2, and an iridium species proposed of the hydridodiacyl type [IrH(H3NBH3−x(OCH3)x)(PPh2(o‐C6H4CO))2] with a coordinated borane adduct. On account of experimental evidence, a simplified catalytic cycle is suggested for the methanolysis of AB to release hydrogen.
Diaminoterephthalate‐EDTA and ‐EGTA Conjugates – “Turn on” Fluorescence Sensors for Zinc Ions
Authors: Schröder Nils , Schmidtmann Marc , Christoffers Jens
Published: June 2021

A highly effective “turn‐on” fluorescence sensor with high selectivity for Zn2+ ions is reported. Its constitution simply consists of two units of the fluorescence dye diaminoterephthalate (DAT) and the chelate ligand EDTA. In total, four products (DAT)2EDTA and (DAT)2EGTA were prepared by conjugation of DATs with chelate ligands EDTA and EGTA as sensors for metal ions in solution. The fluorescence of all four compounds is strongly quenched by coordination of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions. For one EDTA‐derivative, the fluorescence quantum yield is increased by the factor of five with ten equivalents of ScCl3. For both EDTA derivatives, the fluorescence quantum yield increased by the factor of five with one equivalent Zn(OAc)2. Therefore, the (DAT)2EDTA structures constitute fluorescence sensors with a high selectivity for Zn2+ accompanied by a strong “turn‐on” effect with Zn2+ ions. Furthermore, the coordination geometry of (DAT)2EDTA with Zn2+ was elucidated by X‐ray single crystal structure analysis of the trinuclear complex [ZnCl2]{Zn(OH2)[(DAT)2EDTA – 2 H]}2 ⋅ 6.5 H2O.
Modeling the duration and size of wildfires using joint mixture models
Authors: Xi Dexen D. Z. , Dean Charmaine B. , Taylor Stephen W.
Published: June 2021

Fire duration and fire size are key outcomes for quantifying the survivorship of extended attack fires, here considered to be fires with duration greater than 2 days and size greater than 4 ha. Past studies suggest that these key outcomes are correlated. As well, fire behavior, linked to hidden effects, tends to yield that fires arise from different subpopulations. Indeed, it is not unusual for fire behavior to be identified as arising from normal or extreme subpopulations, for example. Here, we embed these two concepts into a new framework for jointly modeling fire duration and fire size. We develop a bivariate finite mixture framework that can be used to model duration and size with four subpopulations of the outcomes whereby duration and size are either normal or extreme. We utilize a shared random effect model as well as a bivariate Gaussian mixture model for such mixture modeling. We also incorporate the effect of explanatory variables associated with each fire event, on the posterior probability of the component that the fire belongs to, through a Dirichlet model. In an analysis of fire outcomes from British Columbia, Canada, we find that the majority of the fires are of normal or extreme magnitude in both outcomes, with strong evidence indicating correlation between duration and size. The effect of fire center, month, and several environmental covariates are identified as key predictors and we are able to determine through these approaches how these covariates differentially affect the four subpopulations.
A discontinuous Nitsche‐based finite element formulation for the imposition of the Navier‐slip condition over embedded volumeless geometries
Authors: Zorrilla Rubén , Larese de Tetto Antonia , Rossi Riccardo
Published: June 2021

This work describes a novel formulation for the simulation of incompressible Navier–Stokes problems involving nonconforming discretizations of membrane‐like bodies. The new proposal relies on the use of a modified finite element space within the elements intersected by the embedded geometry, which is represented by a discontinuous (or element‐by‐element) level set function. This is combined with a Nitsche‐based imposition of the general Navier‐slip boundary condition, to be intended as a wall law model. Thanks to the use of an alternative finite element space, the formulation is capable of reproducing exactly discontinuities across the embedded interface, while preserving the structure of the graph of the discrete matrix. The performance, accuracy and convergence of the new proposal is compared with analytical solutions as well as with a body fitted reference technique. Moreover, the proposal is tested against another similar embedded approach. Finally, a realistic application showcasing the possibilities of the method is also presented.
Effect of oven and sun drying on the chemical properties, lipid profile of soursop (Annona muricata) seed oil, and the functional properties of the defatted flour
Authors: Tiencheu Bernard , Claudia Egbe Agbor , Achidi Aduni Ufuan , Ngongang Eurydice Flore Tiepma , Tenyang Noel , Tonfack Djikeng Fabrice , Tatsinkou Fossi Bertrand
Published: June 2021

Soursop seeds present a potential source of edible oil production. This work was aimed at determining the effect of oven and sun drying on the chemical properties and lipid profile of soursop seed oil as well as the functional properties of the defatted seed flour. The chemical properties, lipid profiles, and functional properties of soursop seeds dried for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 hr, and 0, 1, 3, and 5 days, respectively, in the oven and on the sun using time T0 as the control sample were determined using oil quality indices, gas phase chromatography, and functionality tests for flours, respectively, with a view of highlighting the potentials of the defatted seed. The result of the study revealed that the chemical properties of oils for oven‐dried and sun‐dried seeds changed with drying technique and time, with iodine value being the more affected parameter, and peroxide value (PV) being the least. The control exhibited the highest free fatty acids (FFAs), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, and saponification value compared with dried samples. The fatty acid profiling showed that the predominant fatty acids were C18:1n‐9, C18:2n‐6, and C16:0 and that unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and omega‐fats were not significantly affected by the oven drying time. The mean PUFA content ranged from 31.72% with sundried seeds to 30.92% after 30 hr of oven‐drying and was not significantly affected by the drying technique. The oils contained more n‐6 (30.60%) fatty acids than n‐3 (1.12%). The PUFA/SFA ratios [1.14–1.37] as well as the Atherogenic index (AI) [0.25–0.27] were acceptable because of the recommended range of FAO/WHO. PUFA/SFA, n‐6/n‐3, and Atherogenic index (AI) did not change much with the sun‐drying technique compared with oven‐drying. Flours from sun‐dried seeds had better functional properties than oven‐dried and more than 3 different types of proteins (based on isoelectric points of proteins). It can be concluded that soursop seed contains good quality oil, which can be exploited to improve nutrition. Manufacturers of animal feeds should explore the agro‐industrial use of its oil and defatted seed flour.
Mesozoic multiple magmatic events in Bangor area: Constraints on the tectonic evolution of Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean
Authors: Xie Weiming , Peng Yinbiao , Lv Pei , Gao Xiangyu , Yu Shengyao
Published: June 2021

The Bangor area is located in the middle part of the Bangong–Nujiang Suture Zone (BNSZ), where a large number of Middle Jurassic‐Early Cretaceous magmatic rocks are exposed, and is a key area for studying the tectonic evolution of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean (BNO). However, the arc magmatic system triggered by the southward subduction of the BNO has not been systematically identified in the northern margin of the Lhasa Terrane, and the timing of initial subduction and closure is still controversial. In this study, four granite, two amphibolite, and one gabbro samples from the Bangor area yield two clusters intrusive ages of 162–168 Ma and 121–133 Ma. The Stages I and II granites show whole‐rock geochemistry similar to those of continent arc magmatism, characterized by enrichment in large ionic lithophile elements (LILEs; e.g., Th, Rb, K) and depletion in high field strength elements (HFSEs; e.g., Nb, Ta, P, Ti). The Stage I magmatic rocks consist of granodiorite, amphibolite, and gabbro and have similar zircon εHf(t) values of −10.1 to −3.5, which may be formed by partial melting of enriched mantle wedge related to the southward subduction of the BNO. The Stage II highly differentiated I‐type granites show positive zircon εHf(t) values of +1.5 to +9.9, which are considered the product of highly differentiated processes via the mixed magma derived from depleted mantle and lower crustal rocks. The Stage II I‐type granites show negative zircon εHf(t) values of −9.2 to −0.7, which are derived from a mixed magma source generated by partial melting of lower crust and enriched lithospheric mantle. On the basis of data from this study and previous research studies, a four‐stage tectonic evolutionary model of the Bangong–Nujiang Tethys Ocean is constructed: Stage 1 (190–145 Ma), the northward and southward subduction of BNO formed a series of arc magmatism; Stage 2 (145–135 Ma), a magmatism lull occurred on the north side due to the subduction effect of the ocean plateau, while the southward subduction still continued; Stage 3 (135–116 Ma), the roll‐back of subducted slab enhanced the magmatism in this stage; and Stage 4 (<116 Ma), the closure of BNO lead to the formation of syn‐collisional magmatism.
EEG and fMRI evidence for autobiographical memory reactivation in empathy
Authors: Meconi Federica , Linde‐Domingo Juan , S. Ferreira Catarina , Michelmann Sebastian , Staresina Bernhard , Apperly Ian A. , Hanslmayr Simon
Published: June 2021

Empathy relies on the ability to mirror and to explicitly infer others' inner states. Theoretical accounts suggest that memories play a role in empathy, but direct evidence of reactivation of autobiographical memories (AM) in empathy is yet to be shown. We addressed this question in two experiments. In Experiment 1, electrophysiological activity (EEG) was recorded from 28 participants. Participants performed an empathy task in which targets for empathy were depicted in contexts for which participants either did or did not have an AM, followed by a task that explicitly required memory retrieval of the AM and non‐AM contexts. The retrieval task was implemented to extract the neural fingerprints of AM and non‐AM contexts, which were then used to probe data from the empathy task. An EEG pattern classifier was trained and tested across tasks and showed evidence for AM reactivation when participants were preparing their judgement in the empathy task. Participants self‐reported higher empathy for people depicted in situations they had experienced themselves as compared to situations they had not experienced. A second independent fMRI experiment replicated this behavioural finding and showed increased activation for AM compared to non‐AM in the brain networks underlying empathy: precuneus, posterior parietal cortex, superior and inferior parietal lobule, and superior frontal gyrus. Together, our study reports behavioural, electrophysiological, and fMRI evidence that robustly supports AM reactivation in empathy.
Ketamine for Refractory Chronic Migraine: An Observational Pilot Study and Metabolite Analysis
Authors: Schwenk Eric S. , Torjman Marc C. , Moaddel Ruin , Lovett Jacqueline , Katz Daniel , Denk William , Lauritsen Clinton , Silberstein Stephen D. , Wainer Irving W.
Published: June 2021

Patients with refractory chronic migraine have substantial disability and have failed many acute and preventive medications. When aggressive intravenous therapy is indicated, both lidocaine and (R,S)‐ketamine infusions have been used successfully to provide relief. Retrospective studies have shown that both agents may be associated with short‐term analgesia. In this prospective, observational pilot study of 6 patients, we compared the effects of lidocaine and (R,S)‐ketamine infusions and performed metabolite analyses of (R,S)‐ketamine to determine its metabolic profile in this population. One of (R,S)‐ketamine's metabolites, (2R,6R)‐hydroxynorketamine, has been shown in animal studies to reduce pain, but human studies in patients undergoing continuous (R,S)‐ketamine infusions for migraine are lacking. All 6 patients tolerated both infusions well with mild adverse effects. The baseline mean pain rating (0‐10 numeric rating scale) decreased from 7.5 ± 2.2 to 4.7 ± 2.8 by end of lidocaine treatment () but increased to 7.0 ± 1.4 by the postdischarge visit at 4 weeks (P > .05 vs baseline). The baseline mean pain rating prior to ketamine treatment was 7.4 ± 1.4, which decreased to 3.7 ± 2.3 by the end of the hospitalization () but increased to 7.2 ± 1.7 by the postdischarge visit at 6 weeks (P > .05 vs baseline). For the primary outcome the change in pain from baseline to end of treatment was greater for ketamine than lidocaine (–3.7 vs –2.8; ), but this has minimal clinical significance. Ketamine metabolite analysis revealed that (2R,6R)‐hydroxynorketamine was the predominant metabolite during most of the infusion, consistent with previous studies.
Hepatic Steatosis Has No Effect in Diagnosis Accuracy of LI‐RADS v2018 Categorization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in MR Imaging
Authors: Yao Shan , Wei Yi , Ye Zheng , Chen Jie , Duan Ting , Zhang Zhen , Song Bin
Published: June 2021

Background

In clinical practice, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is widely diagnosed by using MRI, however, whether the imaging features are affected by hepatic steatosis (HS) is still unknown.

Purpose

To investigate and compare the differences in HCC related imaging features between with‐ and without‐HS groups, and to further determine whether HS affects the diagnosis accuracy of Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) v2018 of HCC in MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

One hundred and seventy‐one patients (mean age, 52 ± 11 years; range, 26–83 years) including 137 men and 34 women.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, gradient echo (GRE).

Assessment

Subjects were classified as HS and non‐HS groups according to MRI‐proton density fat‐fraction (PDFF). HS was defined as MRI‐PDFF >5.6%. Three radiologists accessed HCC features and assigned LI‐RADS categories in MRI independently based on LI‐RADS v2018. Frequencies of HCC major features and LR categorization assignment between the two groups as well as interobserver agreement between the two radiologists were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Unpaired t‐test, Chi‐square test, Fisher's exact test, kappa statistic, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A two‐sided P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Major features including arterial hyperenhancement (APHE), enhancing “capsule” and nonperipheral “washout” observed between HS and non‐HS groups were not significantly different (78.95% vs.78.62%, P = 0.866; 57.89% vs.52.98%, P = 0.483; and 75% vs.81.46%, P = 0.257, respectively), and the assessment of observation size showed a borderline difference (P = 0.059). No significant difference in LR‐5 assignment between the two groups (69.74% vs. 72.85% for reader 1, P = 0.641; 71.05% vs. 72.19% for reader 2, P = 0.877). Interobserver agreement between the two radiologists showed almost perfect in LR‐5 assignment (κ = 0.869) and size observation (ICC = 0.997).

Data Conclusion

The diagnosis of HCC based on LI‐RADS v2018 in MRI is of comparable performance regardless of HS, in which there is no significant difference in either the major imaging features or LR categorization.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2
COVID‐19 induced bradyarrhythmia and relative bradycardia: An overview
Authors: Douedi Steven , Mararenko Anton , Alshami Abbas , Al‐Azzawi Mohammed , Ajam Firas , Patel Swapnil , Douedi Hani , Calderon Dawn
Published: June 2021

Novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) has been the focus of the medical community since its emergence in December 2019 and has already infected more than 100 million patients globally. Primarily described to cause a respiratory illness, COVID‐19 has been found to affect almost every organ system. Bradycardia is a newly recognized ramification of COVID‐19 that still has unknown prognostic value. Studies have shown an increase in the incidence of arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, myocarditis, acute coronary syndromes, and coagulopathies in infected patients as well as an increased risk of mortality in patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease. While the pathogenesis of bradycardia in COVID‐19 may be multifactorial, clinicians should be aware of the mechanism by which COVID‐19 affects the cardiovascular system and the medication side effects which are used in the treatment algorithm of this deadly virus. There has yet to be a comprehensive review analyzing bradyarrhythmia and relative bradycardia in COVID‐19 infected patients. We aim to provide a literature review including the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of COVID‐19 induced bradyarrhythmia.
Peritraumatic Distress and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: The Contributions of Psychosocial Factors and Pandemic‐Related Stressors
Authors: Antičević Vesna , Bubić Andreja , Britvić Dolores
Published: June 2021

The present study aimed to identify the contributions of sociodemographic factors, psychological hardiness, and pandemic‐related stressors to the development of peritraumatic distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) during the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also examined the mediating contribution of peritraumatic distress with respect to the associations between PTSS and (a) individual characteristics and (b) pandemic‐related stressors. A total of 1,238 participants (82.1% women, 17.9% men) aged 18–75 years were included in the study. Participants completed the Dispositional Resilience Scale, Peritraumatic Distress Inventory, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist. The results showed that 11.5% of participants scored above the clinical cutoff for peritraumatic distress, and 12.8% of participants scored above the clinical cutoff for PTSS. Regression models showed that higher levels of peritraumatic distress were statistically predicted by female gender, β = ‐.12, p < .001; exposure to more than one stressor, β = .21, p < .001; lower levels of commitment to people and activities, β = –.12, p = .002; and resistance to challenges, β = –.17, p < .001. Additionally, male gender, β = .05, p = .007; younger age, β = –.05, p = .005; lower levels of commitment to people and activities, β = –.11, p < .001; lower ratings of hardiness with regard to challenge, β = –.04, p = .043; and more severe peritraumatic distress, β = .75, p < .001, predicted more severe PTSS during the pandemic. Peritraumatic distress mediated the associations between PTSS and both the number of experienced stressors and psychological hardiness.
Evidence of Nasal Cooling and Sensory Impairments Driving Patient Symptoms With Septal Deviation
Authors: Malik Jennifer , Spector Barak M. , Wu Zhenxing , Markley Jennifer , Zhao Songzhu , Otto Bradley A. , Farag Alexander A. , Zhao Kai
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

About 260,000 septoplasties are performed annually in the US to address nasal septal deviation (NSD). Yet, we do not consistently understand what aspects of NSD result in symptoms.

Study Design: Blinded cohort study.

Methods

Two fellowship‐trained surgeons blindly reviewed computerized tomography (CTs) of 10 confirmed NSD patients mixed with 36 healthy controls. All patients were correctly identified, however, 24/36 controls were falsely identified by both surgeons as patients (33.3% specificity), which were grouped as asymptomatic NSD (aNSD), while the remaining controls as non‐NSD (healthy). Acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, individual CT‐based computational fluid dynamics and nasal sensory testing were applied to address the puzzling questions of why these aNSD had no symptoms and, more fundamentally, what caused symptoms in sNSD patients.

Results

aNSD reported no nasal symptoms – Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation score (sNSD: 60.50 ± 13.00; aNSD: 5.20 ± 5.41; non‐NSD: 6.66 ± 7.17, P < .05); 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test score (sNSD: 32.60 ± 14.13; aNSD: 10.04 ± 10.10; non‐NSD: 9.08 ± 12.42, P < .001). No significant differences in measured nasal resistance, minimum cross‐sectional area (MCA), degree of septal deviation, and nasal airflow distributions were found between sNSD and aNSD groups. Only three variables differentiate sNSD versus aNSD: anterior averaged heat flux on deviated side, inferior turbinate peak heat flux on non‐deviated side, and nasal cool sensitivity measured by menthol lateralization threshold, with no significant differences among these variables found between the two healthy groups (aNSD vs. non‐NSD). These variables by themselves or combined can differentiate sNSD from controls with higher specificity than the physicians (ROC area under the curve = 0.84 with 70% sensitivity and 91.6% specificity).

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms of NSD symptomatology: distorted nasal cooling due to NSD exacerbated by poorer nasal mucosal sensitivity. It further supports our previous hypothesis that nasal obstruction complaints do not result directly from obstruction, rather from the capacity of our nose to subjectively sense airflow cooling.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:509–517, 2022
Perfect Absorption of a Focused Light Beam by a Single Nanoparticle
Authors: Proskurin Alexey , Bogdanov Andrey , Baranov Denis G.
Published: June 2021

Absorption of electromagnetic energy by a dissipative material is one of the most fundamental electromagnetic processes that underlies a plethora of applied problems, including sensing, radar detection, wireless power transfer, and photovoltaics. Common wisdom is that a finite dissipative object illuminated by a plane wave removes only a finite amount of the wave's energy flux, which is determined by the object's absorption cross‐section. Thus, it is of fundamental interest to see if any far‐field waveform can be perfectly absorbed by a finite object. Here, it is theoretically demonstrated that a precisely tailored light beam containing only far‐field components can be perfectly absorbed by a finite scatterer on a substrate. The self‐consistent scattering problem in the dipole approximation is analytically solved and finds a closed‐form expression for the spatial spectrum of the incident field and the required complex polarizability of the particle. All analytical predictions are confirmed with full‐wave simulations. The results introduce a qualitatively novel class of perfect absorption phenomena in electromagnetics and other wave processes.
Motivating recycling behavior—Which incentives work, and why?
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Dandan , Sun Yan , Wang Yong
Published: June 2021

Building on previous literature in incentives of recycling behaviors, our research aims to compare the effect of financial and nonfinancial incentives among different consumer groups and for different recycling programs, and to explore the underlying mechanism that driving the effect. Across one field study and three lab studies, the current research show that financial incentives are more effective for less emotionally involved products and among consumers with lower levels of environmental knowledge, while nonfinancial incentives are more effective for more emotionally involved products and among consumers with higher levels of environmental knowledge. We explained the effects from the focus‐processing theory. This research contributes to existing literature by investigating different influence of financial incentives and nonfinancial incentives on recycling behavior. Another novel move is to use the concept of “emotional involvement” to define recyclable items. Moreover, this study establishes the influence path from incentives to behavior focus and recycling behavior to explain the reasons for different effects of rewards under different conditions. Marketers, policy makers and NGO could benefit from the findings by implementing tailor‐made rewards strategies for various targets and recycling programs.
4D Printing of Shape Memory Vascular Stent Based on βCD‐g‐Polycaprolactone
Authors: Zhou Yanyi , Zhou, Dong , Cao Pengrui , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Qihua , Wang Tingmei , Li Zhaolong , He Wenyang , Ju Junping , Zhang Yaoming
Published: June 2021

The 4D‐printing technology is applied to fabricate a shape memory peripheral stent with good biocompatibility, which sustains long‐term drug release. The star polymer s‐PCL is prepared by ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone with the ‐OH of β‐cyclodextrin (βCD) as initiator, and then the s‐PCL is modified with acrylate endgroup which allows the polymerization under UV light to form the crosslinking network c‐PCL. Attributed to the feature of the high crosslinked structure and chemical nature of polycaprolactone (PCL) and βCD, the composite exhibits appropriate tensile strength and sufficient elasticity and bursting pressure, and it is comparable with great saphenous vein in human body. The radial support of the 4D‐printed stent is 0.56 ± 0.11 N and is equivalent to that of commercial stent. The cell adhesion and proliferation results show a good biocompatibility of the stent with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Due to the presence of βCD, the wettability and biocompatibility of the materials are improved, and the sustained paclitaxel release based on the host–guest complexion shows the potential of the drug‐loaded stent for long‐term release. This study provides a new strategy to solve the urgent need of small‐diameter scaffolds to treat critical limb ischemia.
Influence of Molecular Weight Distribution on the Thermoresponsive Transition of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Xu Sihao , Trujillo Francisco J. , Xu Jiangtao , Boyer Cyrille , Corrigan Nathaniel
Published: June 2021

A series of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) homopolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWDs) is prepared via photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (PET–RAFT) polymerization. The thermal transition temperature of these polymer samples is analyzed via turbidity measurements in water/N,N'‐dimethylformamide mixtures, which show that the cloud point temperatures are inversely proportional to the weight average molecular weight (Mw). Binary mixtures of the narrowly distributed PNIPAm samples are also prepared and the statistical parameters for the MWDs of these blends are determined. Very interestingly, for binary blends of the PNIPAm samples, the thermoresponsive transition is not only dependent on the Mw, which has been shown previously, but also on higher order statistical parameters of the MWDs. Specifically, at very high values of skewness and kurtosis, the polymer blends deviate from a single sharp thermoresponsive transition toward a broader thermal response, and eventually to a regime of two more distinct transitions. This work highlights the importance of in‐depth characterization of polymer MWDs for thermoresponsive polymers.
Conformational Switch of Arylopeptide: Helix–Helix Transition Based on Side Chain Solvation
Authors: Ishido Yuki , Kanbayashi Naoya , Okamura Taka‐aki , Onitsuka Kiyotaka
Published: June 2021

Controlling the structural transition between well‐defined architectures found in living system is essential in polymer chemistry as well as material science. Herein, the reversible conformational switch of a non‐natural polypeptide with an aromatic ring (2,6‐naphthalene spacer) on its peptide backbone, referred to as an arylopeptide, between two distinct well‐defined helical structures (extended 31‐helix and contracted 41‐helix) using side chain solvation is demonstrated. The folding selectivity of the arylopeptide and found that the affinity between the solvent and side chains is an essential factor for determining the global structure is investigated. A thermoresponsive arylopeptide bearing oligoether groups (─(CH2CH2O)9CH3)) on the side chain is designed, which exhibited unique lower critical solution temperature behavior and converted from the 31 to the 41‐helix depending on the temperature. Furthermore, the solvent affinity of the entire polymer by combining substituents (─(CH2CH2O)3CH3 and ─C12H25) with different properties on the side chains to achieve a spring‐like expansion–contraction system that allows interconversion between 31‐ and 41‐helices is adjusted.
Partially Hydrolyzed Guar Gum Modulates Gut Microbiota, Regulates the Levels of Neurotransmitters, and Prevents CUMS‐Induced Depressive‐Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Chen Yanqiu , Wan Mei , Zhong Yi , Gao Tingfang , Zhang Yuehan , Yan Fen , Huang Da , Wu Yuanzi , Weng Zuquan
Published: June 2021

Scope

Depression is the leading cause of disability around the world; however, most antidepressants have drug tolerance and serious side effects. In this study, it is explored whether partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a safe food that exhibits protection in a mouse model of depression.

Methods and Results

PHGG is orally administered to mice with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in two animal experiments (prevention trial and intervention trial) to characterize the potentially protective effect of PHGG. The results in the prevention trial show that PHGG significantly inhibits the loss of body weight, and prevents CUMS‐induced depressive‐like behavior in mice. The beneficial effects may be associated with PHGG modulating the gut microbiota structure and then increasing the levels of short‐chain fatty acids in mice feces and the levels of 5‐hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in serum, striatum, and hippocampus. Besides, PHGG in the intervention trial is less effective than that in the prevention trial, but it may have a synergistic effect on improving depression with fluoxetine.

Conclusions

This study suggests that moderate daily intake of PHGG can contribute to relieving depressive‐like behavior.
Catastrophizing, negative affectivity, and borderline personality disorder
Authors: Mason Courtney K. , Mullins‐Sweatt Stephanie N.
Published: June 2021

The core features of borderline personality disorder (BPD) include problematic interpersonal relationships, behavioral and affective dysregulation, identity problems, and cognitive dysregulation. Cognitive dysregulation, such as catastrophizing, rumination, and thought suppression, contributes to emotion dysregulation in BPD. Previous research suggested that thought suppression fully mediated the relationship between negative affect intensity/reactivity and BPD symptoms. We predicted that catastrophizing similarly will serve as a mediator between negative affect intensity/reactivity and BPD symptoms. Two samples completed the study. First, students (N = 191) self‐selected to participate in an online study through the university psychology research recruitment system. Additionally, a second sample using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk; N = 172) was utilized. Catastrophizing partially mediated the relationship between negative affect intensity/reactivity and BPD symptoms. Across these samples, results suggest that catastrophizing may have a significant role in understanding BPD symptoms, which is similar with rumination. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.