bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrupted incubation: How dabbling ducks respond when flushed from the nest
Authors: Croston Rebecca , Hartman C. Alex , Herzog Mark P. , Peterson Sarah H. , Kohl Jeffrey D. , Overton Cory T. , Feldheim Cliff L. , Casazza Michael L. , Ackerman Joshua T.
Published: February 2021

Nesting birds must provide a thermal environment sufficient for egg development while also meeting self‐maintenance needs. Many birds, particularly those with uniparental incubation, achieve this balance through periodic incubation recesses, during which foraging and other self‐maintenance activities can occur. However, incubating birds may experience disturbances such as predator or human activity which interrupt natural incubation patterns by compelling them to leave the nest. We characterized incubating mallard Anas platyrhynchos and gadwall Mareca strepera hens’ responses when flushed by predators and investigators in Suisun Marsh, California, USA. Diurnal incubation recesses initiated by investigators approaching nests were 63% longer than natural diurnal incubation recesses initiated by the hen (geometric mean: 226.77 min versus 142.04 min). Nocturnal incubation recesses, many of which were likely the result of predators flushing hens, were of similar duration regardless of whether the nest was partially depredated during the event (115.33 [101.01;131.68] minutes) or not (119.62 [111.96;127.82] minutes), yet were 16% shorter than natural diurnal incubation recesses. Hens moved further from the nest during natural diurnal recesses or investigator‐initiated recesses than during nocturnal recesses, and the proportion of hen locations recorded in wetland versus upland habitat during recesses varied with recess type (model‐predicted means: natural diurnal recess 0.77; investigator‐initiated recess 0.82; nocturnal recess 0.31). Hens were more likely to take a natural recess following an investigator‐initiated recess earlier that same day than following a natural recess earlier that same day, and natural recesses that followed an investigator‐initiated recess were longer than natural recesses that followed an earlier natural recess, suggesting that hens may not fulfill all of their physiological needs during investigator‐initiated recesses. We found no evidence that the duration of investigator‐initiated recesses was influenced by repeated visits to the nest, whether by predators or by investigators, and trapping and handling the hen did not affect investigator‐initiated recess duration unless the hen was also fitted with a backpack‐harness style GPS–GSM transmitter at the time of capture. Hens that were captured and fitted with GPS–GSM transmitters took recesses that were 26% longer than recesses during which a hen was captured but a GPS–GSM transmitter was not attached. Incubation interruptions had measurable but limited and specific effects on hen behavior.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Azoxybenzenes by Reductive Dimerization of Nitrosobenzenes with Gel‐Bound Catalysts
Authors: Schmiegel Carsten J. , Berg Patrik , Obst Franziska , Schoch Roland , Appelhans Dietmar , Kuckling Dirk
Published: February 2021

In the search for a new synthetic pathway for azoxybenzenes with different substitution patterns, an approach using a microfluidic reactor with gel‐bound proline organocatalysts under continuous flow is presented. Herein the formation of differently substituted azoxybezenes by reductive dimerization of nitrosobenzenes within minutes at mild conditions in good to almost quantitative yields is described. The conversion within the microfluidic reactor is analyzed and used for optimizing and validating different parameters. The effects of the different functionalities on conversion, yield, and reaction times are analyzed in detail by NMR. The applicability of this reductive dimerization is demonstrated for a wide range of differently substituted nitrosobenzenes. The effects of these different functionalities on the structure of the obtained azoxyarenes are analyzed in detail by NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Based on these results, the turnover number and the turnover frequency were determined.
Magnesium Monoperphthalate (MMPP): a Convenient Oxidant for the Direct Rubottom Oxidation of Malonates, β‐Keto Esters, and Amides
Authors: Meninno Sara , Villano Rosaria , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: February 2021

A mild and convenient protocol for the α‐hydroxylation of α‐substituted malonates, β‐ketoesters, and β‐ketoamides is disclosed. Cheap and stable magnesium monoperphthalate (MMPP) was effective for a first direct α‐hydroxylation protocol of the Rubottom oxidation, providing tartronic esters, cyclic α‐hydroxy β‐ketoesters and amides in good to high yields, when working at room temperature and in ethanol as the solvent. The protocol has been successfully scaled up to gram quantity.
Challenges and opportunities in translational pain research – An opinion paper of the working group on translational pain research of the European pain federation (EFIC)
Authors: Mouraux André , Bannister Kirsty , Becker Susanne , Finn David P. , Pickering Gisèle , Pogatzki‐Zahn Esther , Graven‐Nielsen Thomas
Published: February 2021

For decades, basic research on the underlying mechanisms of nociception has held promise to translate into efficacious treatments for patients with pain. Despite great improvement in the understanding of pain physiology and pathophysiology, translation to novel, effective treatments for acute and chronic pain has however been limited, and they remain an unmet medical need. In this opinion paper bringing together pain researchers from very different disciplines, the opportunities and challenges of translational pain research are discussed. The many factors that may prevent the successful translation of bench observations into useful and effective clinical applications are reviewed, including interspecies differences, limited validity of currently available preclinical disease models of pain, and limitations of currently used methods to assess nociception and pain in non‐human and human models of pain. Many paths are explored to address these issues, including the backward translation of observations made in patients and human volunteers into new disease models that are more clinically relevant, improved generalization by taking into account age and sex differences, and the integration of psychobiology into translational pain research. Finally, it is argued that preclinical and clinical stages of developing new treatments for pain can be improved by better preclinical models of pathological pain conditions alongside revised methods to assess treatment‐induced effects on nociception in human and non‐human animals.

Significance:

For decades, basic research of the underlying mechanisms of nociception has held promise to translate into efficacious treatments for patients with pain. Despite great improvement in the understanding of pain physiology and pathophysiology, translation to novel, effective treatments for acute and chronic pain has however been limited, and they remain an unmet medical need.
The thermal environment at fertilization mediates adaptive potential in the sea
Authors: Chirgwin Evatt , Connallon Tim , Monro Keyne
Published: February 2021

Additive genetic variation for fitness at vulnerable life stages governs the adaptive potential of populations facing stressful conditions under climate change, and can depend on current conditions as well as those experienced by past stages or generations. For sexual populations, fertilization is the key stage that links one generation to the next, yet the effects of fertilization environment on the adaptive potential at the vulnerable stages that then unfold during development are rarely considered, despite climatic stress posing risks for gamete function and fertility in many taxa and external fertilizers especially. Here, we develop a simple fitness landscape model exploring the effects of environmental stress at fertilization and development on the adaptive potential in early life. We then test our model with a quantitative genetic breeding design exposing family groups of a marine external fertilizer, the tubeworm Galeolaria caespitosa, to a factorial manipulation of current and projected temperatures at fertilization and development. We find that adaptive potential in early life is substantially reduced, to the point of being no longer detectable, by genotype-specific carryover effects of fertilization under projected warming. We interpret these results in light of our fitness landscape model, and argue that the thermal environment at fertilization deserves more attention than it currently receives when forecasting the adaptive potential of populations confronting climate change.
Rhizosphere bacteria containing ACC deaminase decrease root ethylene emission and improve maize root growth with localized nutrient supply
Authors: Jin Kemo , Li Hongbo , Li Xiaoqing , Li Haigang , Dodd Ian C. , Belimov Andrey A. , Davies William J. , Shen Jianbo
Published: February 2021

Localized nutrient supply can enhance maize root proliferation, but also increase root ethylene production. Whether engineering ethylene signalling in the rhizosphere can further enhance root growth and nutrient uptake remains unknown. Here, field and column experiments for maize (Zea mays. L) were designed as different nutrient treatments (broadcast or localized nutrient supply containing ammonium and phosphorus) with or without inoculation with rhizobacterium Variovorax paradoxus 5C‐2 containing the 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. Rhizobacterial inoculation increased shoot biomass by 12% and root length density by 50% with localized nutrient supply. Meanwhile, localized nutrient supply increased root ethylene production by 54% compared with broadcast, and rhizobacterial inoculation prevented the increase in root ethylene. Reduced root ethylene production following V. paradoxus 5C‐2 inoculation was highly associated with a greater proportion of fine root proliferation under localized nutrient supply, which may account for the increased nitrogen and phosphorus uptake. Our work sheds light on the understanding of the interactions between root and microbe through taking hormone into consideration to dissect the relationship between below ground and above ground. It is useful to explore the strategy of soil–crop management by introducing rhizosphere microorganisms to regulate plant ethylene signal and then benefit sustainable agriculture.
On the formulations of interfacial force in the phase‐field‐based lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Zhang Chunhua , Guo Zhaoli , Liang Hong
Published: February 2021

Different formulations of interfacial force have been adopted in the existing phase‐field‐based lattice Boltzmann method for two‐phase flows. Although they are identical mathematically, their numerical performances may be different due to truncation errors at discrete level. In this article, four‐type formulations of interfacial force available in the literature, namely, stress tensor form (STF), chemical potential form (CPF), pressure form, and continuum surface force (CSF) form, are summarized and theoretical analyzed. A systematic study of the performances of all formulations is made by a series of benchmark problems, including stationary droplet, two merging droplets, Capillary wave, rising bubble and drop deformation in shear flow. Numerical results show that CPF is a good choice for small surface deformation problems while STF is preferred for dynamical problems, both STF and CSF presents better numerical stability in terms of Peclet number.
Incidence of cultural, economic, and environmental factors in the emergence of born‐global companies in Latin America
Authors: Prieto‐Sánchez Carlos‐Javier , Merino Fernando
Published: February 2021

Research Summary

This paper examines the effect of key cultural and economic factors on the emergence of born‐global (BG) companies. Such factors include the intentions and the growth aspirations of the entrepreneur, as well as the country's characteristics in terms of its income per capita and the complexity of its economic system. The analysis also highlights how the environment affects the importance of the aspirations to be BG. Our work expands the literature on BGs in Latin America by analyzing macroeconomic aspects and specific features of the entrepreneur and the environment as possible determinants of BG character. The results reveal that the entrepreneur's intentions and aspirations, along with environmental factors and the economic growth in Latin America, contribute to a firm's probability of becoming a BG company.

Managerial Summary

Firms that internationalize at an early stage of their life are known as born‐global (BG) companies. We analyze the influence that the key cultural factors of a company have on the creation of BG companies. Such factors include the entrepreneur's intentions and growth aspirations, in addition to various economic and environmental factors. The findings show that individual factors, in combination with economic growth, play a more important role than those factors related to the entrepreneur's innovativeness and the level of knowledge intensity associated with a country's export basket.
Stability test of canonical correlation analysis for studying brain‐behavior relationships: The effects of subject‐to‐variable ratios and correlation strengths
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Zhang Xinxin , Song Yingchao , Liu Feng , Qin Wen , Yu Chunshui , Liang Meng
Published: February 2021

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA), a multivariate approach to identifying correlations between two sets of variables, is becoming increasingly popular in neuroimaging studies on brain‐behavior relationships. However, the CCA stability in neuroimaging applications has not been systematically investigated. Although it is known that the number of subjects should be greater than the number of variables due to the curse of dimensionality, it is unclear at what subject‐to‐variable ratios (SVR) and at what correlation strengths the CCA stability can be maintained. Here, we systematically assessed the CCA stability, in the context of investigating the relationship between the brain structural/functional imaging measures and the behavioral measures, by measuring the similarity of the first‐mode canonical variables across randomly sampled subgroups of subjects from a large set of 936 healthy subjects. Specifically, we tested how the CCA stability changes with SVR under two different brain‐behavior correlation strengths. The same tests were repeated using an independent data set (n = 700) for validation. The results confirmed that both SVR and correlation strength affect greatly the CCA stability—the CCA stability cannot be guaranteed if the SVR is not sufficiently high or the brain‐behavior relationship is not sufficiently strong. Based on our quantitative characterization of CCA stability, we provided a practical guideline to help correct interpretation of CCA results and proper applications of CCA in neuroimaging studies on brain‐behavior relationships.
The impact of medical and recreational marijuana laws on opioid prescribing in employer‐sponsored health insurance
Authors: Wen Jiebing , Wen Hefei , Butler J. S. , Talbert Jeffery C.
Published: February 2021

Using data from Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Database between 2009 and 2015, we studied the effects of medical and recreational marijuana laws on opioid prescribing in employer‐sponsored health insurance. We used a differences‐in‐differences (DD) approach and found that the implementation of medical marijuana laws (MMLs) and recreational marijuana laws (RMLs) reduced morphine milligram equivalents per enrollee by 7% and 13%, respectively. The reduction associated with MMLs was predominately in people aged 55–64, whereas the reduction associated with RMLs was largely in people aged 35–44 and aged 45–54. Our findings suggest that both MMLs and RMLs have the potential to reduce opioid prescribing in the privately insured population, especially for the middle‐aged population.
Labour market competition for public health graduates in the United States: A comparison of workforce taxonomies with job postings before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Krasna Heather , Czabanowska Katarzyna , Beck Angela , Cushman Linda F. , Leider Jonathon P.
Published: February 2021

A strong public health workforce (PHW) is needed to respond to COVID‐19 and public health (PH) issues worldwide. However, classifying, enumerating, and planning the PHW is challenging. Existing PHW taxonomies and enumerations focus on the existing workforce, and largely ignore workforce competition for public health graduates (PHGs). Such efforts also do not utilize real time data to assess rapid changes to the employment landscape, like those caused by COVID‐19. A job postings analysis can inform workforce planning and educational program design alike. To identify occupations and industries currently seeking PHGs and contrast them with existing taxonomies, authors matched existing PHW taxonomies to standardized occupational classification codes, then compared this with 38,533 coded, US job postings from employers seeking Master's level PHGs from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020. Authors also analysed 24,516 postings from March 2019 to October 2019 and compared them with 24,845 postings from March 2020 to October 2020 to assess changing employer demands associated with COVID‐19. We also performed schema matching to align various occupational classification systems. Job postings pre‐COVID and during COVID show considerable but changing demand for PHGs in the US, with 16%–28% of postings outside existing PHW taxonomies, suggesting labour market competition which may compound PHW recruitment and retention challenges.
Holistic indigenous and atomistic modernity: Analyzing performance management in two Indian emerging market multinational corporations
Authors: Malik Ashish , Budhwar Pawan , Patel Charmi , Laker Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Analyzing qualitative case‐study data from two emerging market multinational corporations (MNCs) from the Indian pharmaceutical industry, we develop two theoretical frameworks based on goal‐setting and cognitive evaluation theories along with indigenous Indian management theories, including the principles of Ayurveda for analyzing performance management systems in an indigenous and modern pharmaceutical MNC. Data were analyzed from multiple data sources, such as interviews, non‐participant observation, multiple site visits, organizational documents, policies, client testimonials, and publically available information through the website and annual reports. The indigenous firm offered a holistic approach to managing multiple stakeholders. Its overarching performance goal focused on all stakeholders collectively contributing to the patient' and others' holistic well‐being. All employees' and stakeholders' unified and singular efforts dovetailed to achieve physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well‐being as a proxy for performance. Organizational values, culture, and contextual influences of informal learning, empowerment, and task variability helped achieve its overarching goals. The Western pharmaceutical firm focused on atomistic, granulated, and an objective way of assessing and evaluating performance, wherein cost‐effectiveness, innovation, and high‐performance were vital performance outcomes. Performance coaching and task invariability adversely affected individual outcomes. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Rainfall intensity affects runoff responses in a semi‐arid catchment
Authors: Tao Ze , Li Min , Si Bingcheng , Pratt Dyan
Published: February 2021

The source and hydrochemical makeup of a stream reflects the connectivity between rainfall, groundwater, the stream, and is reflected to water quantity and quality of the catchment. However, in a semi‐arid, thick, loess covered catchment, temporal variation of stream source and event associated behaviours are lesser known. Thus, the isotopic and chemical hydrographs in a widely distributed, deep loess, semi‐arid catchment of the northern Chinese Loess Plateau were characterized to determine the source and hydrochemical behaviours of the stream during intra‐rainfall events. Rainfall and streamflow were sampled during six hydrologic events coupled with measurements of stream baseflow and groundwater. The deuterium isotope (2H), major ions (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, and Na+) were evaluated in water samples obtained during rainfall events. Temporal variation of 2H and Cl− measured in the groundwater and stream baseflow prior to rainfall was similar; however, the isotope compositions of the streamflow fluctuated significantly and responded quickly to rainfall events, likely due to an infiltration excess, overland dominated surface runoff during torrential rainfall events. Time source separation using 2H demonstrated greater than 72% on average, the stream composition was event water during torrential rainfall events, with the proportion increasing with rainfall intensity. Solutes concentrations in the stream had loglinear relationships with stream discharge, with an outling anomaly with an example of an intra‐rainfall event on Oct. 24, 2015. Stream Cl− behaved nonconservative during rainfall events, temporal variation of Cl− indicated a flush and washout at the onset of small rainfall events, a dilution but still high concentration pattern in high discharge and old water dominated in regression flow period. This study indicates rainfall intensity affects runoff responses in a semi‐arid catchment, and the stored water in the thick, loess covered areas was less connected with stream runoff. Solute transport may threaten water quality in the area, requiring further analysis of the performance of the eco‐restoration project.
Incidence of postpartum urinary retention in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Lawal Olatunji Okikiola , Morhason‐Bello Imran Oludare , Atalabi Omolola Mojisola , Ojengbede Oladosu Akanbi
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence of postpartum urinary retention (PUR) after vaginal delivery and associated risk factors.

Methods

A total of 250 women were recruited following vaginal delivery at the UCH, Ibadan. Sociodemographic and obstetrical data were collected using a pro forma. Transabdominal ultrasound scan of the urinary bladder was performed 6 hours after delivery to estimate the post‐void residual bladder volume (PVRBV) of participants. PVRBV was compared with obstetrical characteristics and labor events. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS 17.0. The level of statistical significance was set at P value less than 0.05.

Results

The incidence of PUR was 17.6%. Women with PUR, had longer duration of first stage (591 versus 501 minutes; P = 0.001), and second stage (50 versus 32 minute; P < 0.001) of labor compared with those without PUR. There was evidence that augmentation of labor (P < 0.01), catheterization during labor (P < 0.01), perineal injury (P < 0.01), and episiotomy (P < 0.01) were associated with developing PUR. Also, women with PUR were more likely to experience storage and obstructive urinary symptoms than those without PUR. Resolution of PUR occurred within 24 hours.

Conclusion

This study showed that postpartum urinary retention is relatively common following vaginal delivery. Awareness of risk factors will increase index of suspicion especially in women with storage and obstructive symptoms.
Targeting amino acid metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis for developing inhibitors to curtail its survival
Authors: Yelamanchi Soujanya D. , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: February 2021

Tuberculosis caused by the bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), continues to remain one of the most devastating infectious diseases afflicting humans. Although there are several drugs for treating tuberculosis available currently, the emergence of the drug resistant forms of this pathogen has made its treatment and eradication a challenging task. While the replication machinery, protein synthesis and cell wall biogenesis of Mtb have been targeted often for anti‐tubercular drug development a number of essential metabolic pathways crucial to its survival have received relatively less attention. In this context a number of amino acid biosynthesis pathways have recently been shown to be essential for the survival and pathogenesis of Mtb. Many of these pathways and or their key enzymes homologs are absent in humans hence they could be harnessed for anti‐tubercular drug development. In this review, we describe comprehensively the amino acid metabolic pathways essential in Mtb and the key enzymes involved therein that are being investigated for developing inhibitors that compromise the survival and pathogenesis caused by this pathogen.
Production and toxicological evaluation of poly(butylene succinate)–urea microspheres targeting bioremediation
Authors: Bedor Priscilla BA , Rondelli Pedro , Sergio Thode Filho  , Fernando G de Souza Jr  , Leite Selma GF
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

As population and fuel demand increase, many events of oil spills in the environment have been recorded. In order to restore these environments, several techniques have been proposed in the literature, especially in the field of bioremediation, with their main advantage being a low impact on the environment. In this work, poly(butylene succinate) microspheres containing urea were produced, representing a source of controlled release of nitrogen to the environment, promoting the biostimulation of the native microbiota of contaminated sites. Experiments were conducted based on the biostimulation ofPseudomonas aeruginosaand assessed the growth of the culture, the controlled release of urea, the substrate consumption and the toxicity of the microspheres usingArtemia salina.

RESULTS

The results showed that the double‐emulsion methodology for urea encapsulation was efficient, with controlled release occurring up to 72 h. The urea‐containing microspheres promoted microbial growth with higher protein synthesis (198.66 μg mL−1) in 72 h, from the consumption of glucose and urea, within the release limitations. The ecotoxicity of the urea‐containing microspheres was tested withA. salinaand the results showed a CL50 of 0.027 mg (10 mL)−1, not recommending its use in the aquatic environment for this organism.

CONCLUSIONS

The assays revealed that poly(butylene succinate) microspheres, both with urea and without this active ingredient, may not present toxicity to microorganisms such asP. aeruginosaand be toxic to more complex organisms such asA. salina. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Prilezhaev epoxidation of oleic acid in the presence and absence of ultrasound irradiation
Authors: Freites Aguilera Adriana , Hämäläinen Roosa , Eränen Kari , Tolvanen Pasi , Salmi Tapio
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Epoxidation of double bonds in vegetable oils provide valuable green intermediates for the chemical industry. The epoxidation of oleic acid with hydrogen peroxide according to the Prilezhaev principle was studied experimentally in a multiphase laboratory‐scale batch reactor operated isothermally at 50 °C and atmospheric pressure. A solid cation exchanger (Amberlite IR‐120) was used as the solid catalyst to enhance the slow step in the Prilezhaev process: the in situ formation of the epoxidation agent, peracetic acid, from hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. A rotating basket stirrer was used to suppress the external mass transfer limitations and to guarantee a turbulent random flow in the vicinity of the catalyst particles. Kinetic experiments demonstrated the catalytic effect of the cation exchanger. Several experiments were performed in the presence and absence of ultrasound irradiation at different amplitudes.

RESULTS

The exposure of ultrasound irradiation on the multiphase reaction mixture impaired the conversion of the double bonds and the yield of the epoxide, compared to a reference experiment conducted under silent conditions. Catalyst characterization by scanning electron microscopy and the determination of the acid sites in recycled catalyst samples confirmed that the main reason for deactivation was leaching and/or neutralization of the sulfonic acid groups from the solid catalyst matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of ultrasound at different input powers resulted in lower reaction yields compared to the silent reference experiment. This observation was attributed to deactivation of the catalyst caused by leaching and/or neutralization of the sulfonic groups promoted by ultrasound exposure. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
FO‐SPR biosensor calibrated with recombinant extracellular vesicles enables specific and sensitive detection directly in complex matrices
Authors: Yildizhan Yagmur , Vajrala Venkata Suresh , Geeurickx Edward , Declerck Charles , Duskunovic Nevena , De Sutter Delphine , Noppen Sam , Delport Filip , Schols Dominique , Swinnen Johannes V. , Eyckerman Sven , Hendrix An , Lammertyn Jeroen , Spasic Dragana
Published: February 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have drawn huge attention for diagnosing myriad of diseases, including cancer. However, the EV detection and analyses procedures often lack much desired sample standardization. To address this, we used well‐characterized recombinant EVs (rEVs) for the first time as a biological reference material in developing a fiber optic surface plasmon resonance (FO‐SPR) bioassay. In this context, EV binding on the FO‐SPR probes was achieved only with EV‐specific antibodies (e.g. anti‐CD9 and anti‐CD63) but not with non‐specific anti‐IgG. To increase detection sensitivity, we tested six different combinations of EV‐specific antibodies in a sandwich bioassay. Calibration curves were generated with two most effective combinations (anti‐CD9/Banti‐CD81 and anti‐CD63/Banti‐CD9), resulting in 103 and 104 times higher sensitivity than the EV concentration in human blood plasma from healthy or cancer patients, respectively. Additionally, by using anti‐CD63/Banti‐CD9, we detected rEVs spiked in cell culture medium and HEK293 endogenous EVs in the same matrix without any prior EV purification or enrichment. Lastly, we selectively captured breast cancer cell EVs spiked in blood plasma using anti‐EpCAM antibody on the FO‐SPR surface. The obtained results combined with FO‐SPR real‐time monitoring, fast response time and ease of operation, demonstrate its outstanding potential for EV quantification and analysis.
Investigating the brain structural connectome following working memory training in children born extremely preterm or extremely low birth weight
Authors: Kelly Claire E. , Harding Rebecca , Lee Katherine J. , Pascoe Leona , Josev Elisha K. , Spencer‐Smith Megan M. , Adamson Chris , Beare Richard , Nosarti Chiara , Roberts Gehan , Doyle Lex W. , Seal Marc L. , Thompson Deanne K. , Anderson Peter J.
Published: February 2021

Children born extremely preterm (EP, <28 weeks’ gestation) or extremely low birth weight (ELBW, <1,000 g) are a vulnerable population at high risk of working memory impairments. We aimed to examine changes in the brain structural connectivity networks thought to underlie working memory performance, after completion of a working memory training program (Cogmed) compared with a placebo program in EP/ELBW children. This was a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial (the Improving Memory in a Preterm Randomised Intervention Trial). Children born EP/ELBW received either the Cogmed or placebo program at 7 years of age (n = 91). A subset of children had magnetic resonance imaging of the brain immediately pre‐ and 2 weeks post‐training (Cogmed n = 28; placebo n = 27). T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted images were used to perform graph theoretical analysis of structural connectivity networks. Changes from pre‐training to post‐training in structural connectivity metrics were generally similar between randomized groups. There was little evidence that changes in structural connectivity metrics were related to changes in working memory performance from pre‐ to post‐training. Overall, our results provide little evidence that the Cogmed working memory training program has training‐specific effects on structural connectivity networks in EP/ELBW children.
Role of cognitive absorption in building user trust and experience
Authors: Balakrishnan Janarthanan , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: February 2021

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in business has proliferated in recent years. Businesses have started adopting various technology practices relevant to automation and AI, and research investigating this phenomenon is becoming increasingly important. Taking this as a cue, the present research investigates the effect of human‐to‐machine interaction and human‐to‐human interaction towards cognitive absorption and its subsequent effect on trust, experience, and continuation intention in the context of services. The study built a 3 × 3 factorial design with automated chatbots (machine interaction) and service executives (human interaction) used as a stimulus in the experiment. Data collected from 410 respondents were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings indicated that human‐to‐machine interaction influences cognitive absorption more positively compared to human‐to‐human interactions. The study results also provide evidence for the role of the trust, experience, and technology continuation intention in a technology background rooted in human‐machine interactions. The present study adds a valuable contribution to the existing literature relevant to human‐to‐machine interaction, cognitive absorption, trust, experience, and continuation intention. The study also provides valuable inputs to technology and marketing managers.
Quantification of the geometric uncertainty when using implanted markers as a surrogate for lung tumor motion
Authors: Hardcastle Nicholas , Briggs Adam , Caillet Vincent , Angelis Giorgios , Chrystall Danielle , Jayamanne Dasantha , Shepherd Meegan , Harris Ben , Haddad Carol , Eade Thomas , Keall Paul , Booth Jeremy
Published: February 2021

Background

Fiducial markers are used as surrogates for tumor location during radiation therapy treatment. Developments in lung fiducial marker and implantation technology have provided a means to insert markers endobronchially for tracking of lung tumors. This study quantifies the surrogacy uncertainty (SU) when using endobronchially implanted markers as a surrogate for lung tumor position.

Methods

We evaluated SU for 17 patients treated in a prospective electromagnetic‐guided MLC tracking trial. Tumor and markers were segmented on all phases of treatment planning 4DCTs and all frames of pretreatment kilovoltage fluoroscopy acquired from lateral and frontal views. The difference in tumor and marker position relative to end‐exhale position was calculated as the SU for both imaging methods and the distributions of uncertainties analyzed.

Results

The mean (range) tumor motion amplitude in the 4DCT scan was 5.9 mm (1.7–11.7 mm) in the superior–inferior (SI) direction, 2.2 mm (0.9–5.5 mm) in the left–right (LR) direction, and 3.9 mm (1.2–12.9 mm) in the anterior–posterior (AP) direction. Population‐based analysis indicated symmetric SU centered close to 0 mm, with maximum 5th/95th percentile values over all axes of −2.0 mm/2.1 mm with 4DCT, and −2.3/1.3 mm for fluoroscopy. There was poor correlation between the SU measured with 4DCT and that measured with fluoroscopy on a per‐patient basis. We observed increasing SU with increasing surrogate motion. Based on fluoroscopy analysis, the mean (95% CI) SU was 5% (2%–8%) of the motion magnitude in the SI direction, 16% (6%–26%) of the motion magnitude in the LR direction, and 33% (23%–42%) of the motion magnitude in the AP direction. There was no dependence of SU on marker distance from the tumor.

Conclusion

We have quantified SU due to use of implanted markers as surrogates for lung tumor motion. Population 95th percentile range are up to 2.3 mm, indicating the approximate contribution of SU to total geometric uncertainty. SU was relatively small compared with the SI motion, but substantial compared with LR and AP motion. Due to uncertainty in estimations of patient‐specific SU, it is recommended that population‐based margins are used to account for this component of the total geometric uncertainty.
Improving the sensitivity of spin‐echo fMRI at 3T by highly accelerated acquisitions
Authors: Barghoorn Antonia , Riemenschneider Bruno , Hennig Jürgen , LeVan Pierre
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Spin‐echo (SE) functional MRI (fMRI) can be highly advantageous compared to gradient‐echo (GE) fMRI with respect to magnetic field‐inhomogeneity artifacts. However, at 3T, the majority of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) fMRI experiments are performed using ‐weighted GE sequences because of their superior sensitivity compared to SE‐fMRI. The presented SE implementation of a highly accelerated GE pulse sequence therefore aims to improve the sensitivity of SE‐fMRI while profiting from a reduction of susceptibility‐induced signal dropout.

Methods

Spin‐echo MR encephalography (SE‐MREG) is compared with the more conventionally used spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging (SE‐EPI) and spin‐echo simultaneous multislice (SE‐SMS) at 3T in terms of capability to detect neuronal activations and resting‐state functional connectivity. For activation analysis, healthy subjects underwent consecutive SE‐MREG (pulse repetition time [TR] = 0.25 seconds), SE‐SMS (TR = 1.3 seconds), and SE‐EPI (TR = 4.4 seconds) scans in pseudorandomized order applied to a visual block design paradigm for generation of t‐statistics maps. For the investigation of functional connectivity, additional resting‐state data were acquired for 5 minutes and a seed‐based correlation analysis using Stanford’s FIND (Functional Imaging in Neuropsychiatric Disorders) atlas was performed.

Results

The increased sampling rate of SE‐MREG relative to SE‐SMS and SE‐EPI improves the sensitivity to detect BOLD activation by 33% and 54%, respectively, and increases the capability to extract resting‐state networks. Compared with a brain region that is not affected by magnetic field inhomogeneities, SE‐MREG shows 2.5 times higher relative signal strength than GE‐MREG in mesial temporal structures.

Conclusion

SE‐MREG offers a viable possibility for whole‐brain fMRI with consideration of brain regions that are affected by strong susceptibility‐induced magnetic field gradients.
Zoonotic diseases: New directions in human–animal pathology
Authors: Bendrey Robin , Martin Debra
Published: February 2021

Zoonotic diseases—human diseases of animal origin—represent one of the world's greatest health challenges, both today and in the past. Since the Neolithic, zoonotic diseases have been one of the major factors shaping and influencing human adaptation. Archaeology is ideally situated to provide the long view on human–animal–pathogen relationships through combining cultural, environmental and biological datasets, yet long‐term studies of linked human and animal records have often been overlooked and undertheorized. The seven papers in this special issue “Zoonotic diseases: New directions in human–animal pathology” cover a range of diseases caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic pathogens, from case studies drawn from across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. They speak to the diversity of human–animal–environment interactions that shaped disease emergence and transmission. They also review methodological advancements relating to disease identification and interpretation and discuss interdisciplinary approaches to effectively investigate these complex processes in the past. This introduction highlights their key themes and outcomes and identifies research priorities moving forward.
The Pediatric Obesity Microbiome and Metabolism Study (POMMS): Methods, Baseline Data, and Early Insights
Authors: McCann Jessica R. , Bihlmeyer Nathan A. , Roche Kimberly , Catherine Cameron , Jawahar Jayanth , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Younge Noelle E. , Silverman Justin , Ilkayeva Olga , Sarria Charles , Zizzi Alexandra , Wootton Janet , Poppe Lisa , Anderson Paul , Arlotto Michelle , Wei Zhengzheng , Granek Joshua A. , Valdivia Raphael H. , David Lawrence A. , Dressman Holly K. , Newgard Christopher B. , Shah Svati H. , Seed Patrick C. , Rawls John F. , Armstrong Sarah C.
Published: February 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to establish a biorepository of clinical, metabolomic, and microbiome samples from adolescents with obesity as they undergo lifestyle modification.

Methods

A total of 223 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with BMI ≥95th percentile were enrolled, along with 71 healthy weight participants. Clinical data, fasting serum, and fecal samples were collected at repeated intervals over 6 months. Herein, the study design, data collection methods, and interim analysis—including targeted serum metabolite measurements and fecal 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing among adolescents with obesity (n = 27) and healthy weight controls (n = 27)—are presented.

Results

Adolescents with obesity have higher serum alanine aminotransferase, C‐reactive protein, and glycated hemoglobin, and they have lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with healthy weight controls. Metabolomics revealed differences in branched‐chain amino acid–related metabolites. Also observed was a differential abundance of specific microbial taxa and lower species diversity among adolescents with obesity when compared with the healthy weight group.

Conclusions

The Pediatric Metabolism and Microbiome Study (POMMS) biorepository is available as a shared resource. Early findings suggest evidence of a metabolic signature of obesity unique to adolescents, along with confirmation of previously reported findings that describe metabolic and microbiome markers of obesity.
Diagnostics of a large volume pin‐to‐plate atmospheric plasma source for the study of plasma species interactions with cancer cell cultures
Authors: Scally Laurence , Behan Sean , Aguiar de Carvalho Andressa M. , Sarangapani Chaitanya , Tiwari Brijesh , Malone Renee , Byrne Hugh J. , Curtin James , Cullen Patrick J.
Published: February 2021

A large gap pin‐to‐plate, atmospheric‐pressure plasma reactor is demonstrated as means of in vitro study of plasma species interactions with cell cultures. By employing optical emission and optical absorption spectroscopy, we report that the pin‐to‐pate plasma array had an optimal discharge frequency for cell death of 1000 Hz in ambient air for the target cancer cell line, human glioblastoma multiform (U‐251MG). The detected plasma chemistry contained reactive oxygen and nitrogen species including OH, N2, N2+ and O3. We show that by varying the plasma discharge frequency, the plasma chemistry can be tailored to contain up to 8.85 times higher levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as a factor increase of up to 2.86 for levels of reactive nitrogen species (RNS). At higher frequencies, ROS are more dominant than RNS, which allows for a more dynamic and controlled environment for sample study without modifying the inducer gas conditions. When used for treatment of culture media and cell cultures, variation of the plasma discharge frequency over the range 1000–2500 Hz demonstrated a clear dependence of the responses, with the highest cytotoxic responses observed for 1000 Hz. We propose that the reactor offers a means of studying plasma–cell interactions and possible cofactors such as pro‐drugs and nanoparticles for a large volume of samples and conditions due to the use of well plates.
Quantitative Photoresponse of the First Photosynthetic Biomaterials: Physical Measurements and Analysis of Microalgae Systems
Authors: Drabold Edward T. , Bayless David J.
Published: February 2021

Herein, results of photoinduced pH oscillatory phenomena of microalgae in laboratory systems are presented. Microalgae are an extremely complex biomaterial in which light‐induced quantum mechanical processes induce changes in the surrounding aqueous environment (medium). A phenomenological understanding of the photoresponse by a quantitative study of pH oscillations of the medium is provided. The biochemical processes of algal metabolism and photosynthesis and the impact of light on a nitrate‐enriched medium are examined. pH variations in the external medium and the impact on future applications of microalgae are presented. External pH dominantly impacts conductivity in the solution of algal biophotovoltaic devices. This is the first dynamic study of the light‐induced pH behavior of microalgae with direct relevance to carbon capture, biophotovoltaic electricity generation, and quantum photosynthesis.
Combined treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and renal calculi with robot‐assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty and laser lithotripsy in children: Case report and non‐systematic review of the literature
Authors: Scarcella Simone , Tiroli Marco , Torino Giovanni , Mariscoli Francesca , Cobellis Giovanni , Galosi Andrea Benedetto
Published: February 2021

Objective(s)

The incidence of urinary tract stone disease is steadily increasing in both adult and paediatric populations. This condition develops due to different factors: dietary or metabolic alterations, infection, and congenital anatomic malformations. Standard indications and treatments for children are analogous to the ones indicated for adults. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureterorenoscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) should be preferred to more invasive techniques. Moreover, the introduction of laparoscopic and robot‐assisted laparoscopic approaches have improved surgical outcomes, lowering the bleeding risk with higher stone‐free rates, even in complicated cases. Despite these well‐known improvements, there are few reports regarding laparoscopic robot‐assisted management for urinary tract stone disease in paediatric patients under the age of 10, especially with concomitant treatment of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and multiple calyceal stones.

Patient and Method(s)

A 4‐year‐old child was referred for recurrent right abdominal flank pain, macroscopic haematuria and a previous history of urinary tract infections. A computed tomography of the abdomen showed right ureteropelvic junction obstruction associated with multiple unilateral stones located in the renal pelvis and in the interpolar renal calyces. Due to its complexity, we held a multidisciplinary meeting with paediatric surgeons and nephrologists to determine optimal treatment. As a result, a combined robot‐assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) and renal calculi holmium laser lithotripsy using a digital flexible ureteroscope through an abdominal robotic trocar was performed. No post‐surgical complications were recorded, and the patient was discharged within 48 h following surgery. At subsequent regular follow‐up examinations over a period of 24 months, no signs of recurrence were detected for both ureteropelvic junction obstruction and stone disease.

Result(s)

Robot‐assisted LP with concomitant laser lithotripsy is a reasonable treatment option for designated young paediatric patients with challenging ureteropelvic junction obstruction complicated by urolithiasis, especially in cases where stones are not amenable with standard procedures.