bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction undergoing induction of labor with dinoprostone compared with cervical balloon: A retrospective, international study
Authors: Di Mascio Daniele , Villalain Cecilia , Rizzo Giuseppe , Morales‐Rosello Jose , Sileo Filomena G. , Maruotti Giuseppe M. , Prefumo Federico , Galindo Alberto , D'Antonio Francesco ,   induCtion of labOr in Late fetaL Growth rEstriction (COLLEGE) Study Group
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare vaginal dinoprostone and mechanical methods for induction of labor (IOL) in pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction.

Material and methods

Multicenter, retrospective, cohort study involving six referral centers in Italy and Spain. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction as defined by Delphi consensus criteria. The primary outcome was the occurrence of uterine tachysystole; secondary outcomes were either cesarean delivery or operative vaginal delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status, a composite score of adverse neonatal outcome and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 571 pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction undergoing IOL (391 with dinoprostone and 180 with mechanical methods) were included in the analysis. The incidence of uterine tachysystole (19.2% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.001) was higher in women undergoing IOL with dinoprostone than in those undergoing IOL with mechanical methods. Similarly, the incidence of cesarean delivery or operative delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status (25.6% vs. 17.2%; p = 0.027), composite adverse neonatal outcome (26.1% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.013) and NICU admission (16.9% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.001) was higher in women undergoing IOL with dinoprostone than in those undergoing IOL with mechanical methods. At logistic regression analysis, IOL with mechanical methods was associated with a significantly lower risk of uterine tachysystole (odds ratio 0.26, 95% confidence interval 0.13‐0.54; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In pregnancies complicated by late fetal growth restriction, IOL with mechanical methods is associated with a lower risk of uterine tachysystole, cesarean delivery or operative delivery for non‐reassuring fetal status, and adverse neonatal outcome compared with pharmacological methods.
Sedentary activity bout length was associated with BMI and waist circumference in Swedish children aged 5–7 years
Authors: Norman Åsa , Nyberg Gisela
Published: April 2021

Aim

This study examined the pattern of sedentary behaviour during the week and on weekends and associations with health outcomes among children aged 5–7 years in Sweden.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study used data from 342 children, many of whom had at least one parent born outside the Nordic region. Physical activity and sedentary time were measured by accelerometry. A sedentary bout was defined as 1–4 and 5–9 min. Diet, time in front of television or computer screen, sleep and physical activity behaviour were measured via parental reports, and anthropometric data by research staff.

Results

The number of sedentary bouts was higher on weekends than on weekdays. Compared to girls, boys had more 1–4 min bouts on both weekdays and weekend days, and more 5–9 min bouts on weekends. A higher number of 5–9 min bouts was associated with a higher body mass index and waist circumference.

Conclusion

This study showed an association between sedentary activity and weight status in children as young as 5–7 years. Reducing time, especially longer bouts, spent in sedentary activities may encourage healthy weight development in children.
Combined effects of xylo‐oligosaccharides and coated sodium butyrate on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal physical barrier function of broilers
Authors: Luo Dan , Li Jiaolong , Xing Tong , Zhang Lin , Gao Feng
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOS), coated sodium butyrate (CSB), and their combination on growth performance, immune parameters, and intestinal barrier of broilers. A total of 192 1‐day‐old chicks were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design including two dietary additives (0 and 150 mg/kg XOS and 0 and 400 mg/kg CSB). This trial lasted for 42 days. CSB supplementation increased the thymus and bursa index, blood myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and IgG and IgM concentrations, whereas adding XOS only improved IgM concentration (p < .05). A significant interaction was observed for MPO activity. Furthermore, broilers fed CSB and their interaction exhibited increased ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) and goblet cells numbers in the ileum, as well as decreased ileal CD (p < .05). Broilers fed XOS and CSB individually showed higher ileal VH, the number of goblet cells in the duodenum and jejunum (p < .05). Moreover, XOS and CSB individual supplementation upregulated the expression of claudin3 in the ileum (p < .05). Simultaneously, a significant interaction was found for the ileal expression of claudin3. Overall, XOS and CSB supplementation could improve the development of immune organs, the small intestine morphology, and the intestinal physical barrier of broilers. Although no clear synergy of XOS and CSB was detected, the combination had positively affect broilers intestinal barrier and immune parameters.
Non‐invasive in vivo human model of post‐ischaemic skin preconditioning by measurement of flow‐mediated 460‐nm autofluorescence
Authors: Nizinski Jan , Filberek Piotr , Sibrecht Greta , Krauze Tomasz , Zielinski Jacek , Piskorski Jaroslaw , Wykretowicz Andrzej , Guzik Przemyslaw
Published: April 2021

Aims

Transient ischaemia and reperfusion (TIAR) induce early ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) in different tissues and organs, including the skin. IPC protects tissues by modifying the mitochondrial function and decreasing the amount of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). Skin 460‐nm autofluorescence is proportional to the NADH content and can be non‐invasively measured during TIAR. We propose a non‐invasive in vivo human model of skin IPC for studying the effects of repeated TIARs on the NADH content.

Methods

Fifty‐one apparently healthy volunteers (36 women) underwent three 100‐second forearm ischaemia episodes induced by inflation of brachial pressure cuff to the pressure of 60 mmHg above systolic blood pressure, followed by 500‐second long reperfusion episodes. Changes in skin NADH content were measured using 460‐nm fluorescence before and during each of the three TIARs.

Results

The first two TIARs caused a significant reduction in the skin NADH content before (P = .0065) and during the third ischaemia (P = .0011) and reperfusion (P = .0003) up to 3.0%. During the third TIAR, the increase in skin NADH was 20% lower than during the first ischaemia (P = .0474).

Conclusions

The measurement of the 460‐nm fluorescence during repeated TIARs allows for a non‐invasive in vivo investigation of human skin IPC. Although IPC reduces the overall NADH skin content, the most noticeable NADH reduction appears during ischaemia after earlier TIARs. Studying the skin model of IPC may provide new avenues for in vivo physiological, clinical and pharmacological research on mitochondrial metabolism.
Geography of roadkills within the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot: Poorly known vertebrates are part of the toll
Authors: Medrano‐Vizcaíno Pablo , Espinosa Santiago
Published: April 2021

We explore the effect of roads in animal mortality within the Biodiversity Hotspot with the highest number of endemic species of vertebrates on Earth, the Tropical Andes. Our objectives were to know which species are killed on roads in this particularly biodiversity‐rich area and how landscape composition and configuration influences roadkills. We systematically looked for roadkills along roads that border three protected areas in the Ecuadorian Andes. To evaluate our hypotheses, we used correlation, logistic regression, and GIS analyses. We surveyed a total of 7128 km and observed a roadkill rate of 6.24 (95% CI = 5.35–7.14) individuals per 100 km/day. Roadkills included poorly known endemic and endangered vertebrates; among them, one undescribed snake species of the genus Atractus. Most roadkills were by pastures, the dominant vegetation by roads in our study area. Roadkills were more likely to occur near bridges and were more frequent at greater distances from natural vegetation, towns, and rivers. We conclude that pastures and bridges may be functioning as ecological traps for small and poorly known vertebrates. Mitigation measures could include increasing road permeability to wildlife by constructing culverts in critical points where mortality is high, and the adaptation of areas beneath bridges for them to function effectively as wildlife underpasses. These measures should be complemented with fences to exclude vertebrates from roads in areas near wildlife passages and along pastures. We encourage the development of similar studies in biodiversity‐rich areas to inform mitigation measures that can be adapted to local conditions.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Agriculture after a year with COVID‐19: Any long‐term implications for international trade policy?
Authors: Kerr William A.
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) initiated shocks to the Canadian agri‐food industry moving the sector away from its prepandemic equilibrium. Disequilibrium can mean, postshock, that sectors follow different paths of adjustment. The public and politicians appear to desire that economic activity returns to prepandemic norms—but this is far from assured. In the case of the Canadian agri‐food industry, the postshock path of adjustment appears to be returning to the preshock equilibrium, or near to it. This provides a familiar and stable anchor for those whose lives are otherwise considerably disrupted by the pandemic. The multilateral international trade system has long been in need of reform—reforms that would benefit Canada's agri‐food exporting sector. The pandemic has raised trade issues that require urgent action and some countries see this as an opportunity for reform. Canada has been at the forefront of this activity through the fostering, hosting, and chairing of the Ottawa Group of 13 World Trade Organization members that have been charged with bringing forward proposals for reform that will break the log jam in multilateral negotiations. The work of the Ottawa Group is examined and the likelihood of the initiative succeeding assessed.
COVID‐19 and the emergency presentation of colorectal cancer
Authors: Shinkwin Michael , Silva Louise , Vogel Irene , Reeves Nicola , Cornish Julie , Horwood James , Davies Michael M , Torkington Jared , Ansell James
Published: April 2021

Aim

The COVID‐19 pandemic led to widespread disruption of colorectal cancer services during 2020. Established cancer referral pathways were modified in response to reduced diagnostic availability. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of COVID‐19 on colorectal cancer referral, presentation and stage.

Methods

This was a single centre, retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary referral centre. Patients diagnosed and managed with colorectal adenocarcinoma between January and December 2020 were compared with patients from 2018 and 2019 in terms of demographics, mode of presentation and pathological cancer staging.

Results

In all, 272 patients were diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma during 2020 compared with 282 in 2019 and 257 in 2018. Patients in all years were comparable for age, gender and tumour location (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease in urgent suspected cancer referrals, diagnostic colonoscopy and radiological imaging performed between March and June 2020 compared with previous years. More patients presented as emergencies (P = 0.03) with increased rates of large bowel obstruction in 2020 compared with 2018–2019 (P = 0.01). The distribution of TNM grade was similar across the 3 years but more T4 cancers were diagnosed in 2020 versus 2018–2019 (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that a relatively short‐term impact on the colorectal cancer referral pathway can have significant consequences on patient presentation leading to higher risk emergency presentation and surgery at a more advanced stage. It is therefore critical that efforts are made to make this pathway more robust to minimize the impact of other future adverse events and to consolidate the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Experimentally guided development of a food bait for European fire ants
Authors: Hoefele Danielle , Chalissery Jaime M. , Renyard Asim , Gries Gerhard
Published: April 2021

Deployment of lethal food baits could become a control tactic for the invasive European fire ant (EFA), Myrmica rubra L. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), because foraging ants carry the lethal food to their nest and share it with their nest mates, ultimately causing the demise of nests. Our objective was to develop a food bait that elicits a strong foraging response from EFAs, has extended shelf life, and is cost‐effective to produce. To develop a bait composition with ‘ant appeal’, we ran two separate field experiments testing pre‐selected carbohydrate sources (oranges, apples, bananas) and protein/lipid sources [tuna, pollen, sunflower seeds, mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L., Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)]. Whereas foraging EFAs responded equally well to the three types of carbohydrates, they preferred mealworms to all other protein/lipid sources. In a follow‐up laboratory experiment, the combination of apples and mealworms elicited a stronger foraging response from EFAs than either apples or mealworms alone. To help reduce bait ingredient costs, we tested house crickets, Acheta domesticus (L.) (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), as a less expensive mealworm alternative and found crickets and mealworms comparably appealing. Addressing the shelf life of baits, we tested freeze‐dried and heat‐dried apple/cricket combinations. Rehydrated freeze‐dried baits proved as appealing as fresh baits and superior to rehydrated heat‐dried baits, suggesting that freeze‐drying may retain essential nutrients and/or aroma constituents. Insecticide‐laced baits had no off‐putting effect on foraging responses of worker ants and caused significant mortality. As freeze‐drying is expensive, further research should investigate the preservation of moist food baits or the development of dry baits that are hydrated prior to deployment.
Population genomics and phylogeography of the boll weevil,Anthonomus grandisBoheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in the United States, northern Mexico, and Argentina
Authors: Raszick Tyler J. , Dickens C. Michael , Perkin Lindsey C. , Tessnow Ashley E. , Suh Charles P.‐C. , Ruiz‐Arce Raul , Boratynski Theodore N. , Falco Marcelo R. , Johnston J. Spencer , Sword Gregory A.
Published: April 2021

The boll weevil,Anthonomus grandisBoheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an important pest of commercial cotton across the Americas. In the United States, eradication of this species is complicated by re‐infestations of areas where eradication has been previously successful and by the existence of morphologically similar variants that can confound identification efforts. To date, no study has applied a high‐throughput sequencing approach to better understand the population genetic structure of the boll weevil. Furthermore, only a single study has investigated genetic relationships between populations in North and South America. We used double digest restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) to resolve the population genomic structure of the boll weevil in the southern United States, northern Mexico, and Argentina. Additionally, we assembled the first complete mitochondrial genome for this species and generated a preliminary whole genome assembly, both of which were used to improve the identification of informative loci. Downstream analyses revealed two main lineages—one consisting of populations found geographically west of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range and the second consisting of populations found to the east—were revealed, and both were sub‐structured. Population geographic structure was consistent with the isolation by distance model, indicating that geogrpahic distance is likely a primary mechanism driving divergence in this species. Boll weevil populations from Argentina were found to be more closely related to the eastern lineage, suggesting a recent colonization of South America by the eastern lineage, but additional sampling across Mexico, Central America and South America is needed to further clarify their origin. Finally, we uncovered an instance of population turnover or replacement, highlighting the temporal instability of population structure.
Breaking the paradigm: early insights from mammalian DNA breakomes
Authors: Saayman Xanita , Esashi Fumiko
Published: April 2021

DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) can result from both exogenous and endogenous sources and are potentially toxic lesions to the human genome. If improperly repaired, DSBs can threaten genome integrity and contribute to premature ageing, neurodegenerative disorders and carcinogenesis. Through decades of work on genome stability, it has become evident that certain regions of the genome are inherently more prone to breakage than others, known as genome instability hotspots. Recent advancements in sequencing‐based technologies now enable the profiling of genome‐wide distributions of DSBs, also known as breakomes, to systematically map these instability hotspots. Here, we review the application of these technologies and their implications for our current understanding of the genomic regions most likely to drive genome instability. These breakomes ultimately highlight both new and established breakage hotspots including actively transcribed regions, loop boundaries and early‐replicating regions of the genome. Further, these breakomes challenge the paradigm that DNA breakage primarily occurs in hard‐to‐replicate regions. With these advancements, we begin to gain insights into the biological mechanisms both invoking and protecting against genome instability.
Xylem transport of root‐derived CO2 caused a substantial underestimation of belowground respiration during a growing season
Authors: Aubrey Doug P. , Teskey Robert O.
Published: April 2021

Previous research has indicated that a potentially large portion of root‐respired CO2 can move internally through tree xylem, but these reports are relatively scarce and have generally been limited to short observations. Our main objective was to provide a continuous estimate of the quantity and variability of root‐respired CO2 that moves either internally through the xylem (FT) or externally through the soil to the atmosphere (FS) over most of a growing season. Nine trees were measured in a Populus deltoides stand for 129 days from early June to mid‐October. We calculated FT as the product of sap flow and dissolved [CO2] in the xylem (i.e., [CO2*]) and calculated FS using the [CO2] gradient method. During the study, stem and soil CO2 concentrations, temperature, and sap flow were measured continuously. We determined that FT accounted for 33% of daily total belowground CO2 flux (i.e., FS + FT; FB) during our observation period that spanned most of a growing season. Cumulative daily FT was lower than FS 74% of the time, equivalent to FS 26% of the time, and never exceeded FS. One‐third of the total CO2 released by belowground respiration over most of the growing season in this forest stand followed the FT pathway rather than diffusing into the soil. The magnitude of FT indicates that measurements of FS alone substantially underestimate total belowground respiration in some forest ecosystems by systematically underestimating belowground autotrophic respiration. The variability in FT observed during the growing season demonstrated the importance of making long‐term, high‐frequency measurements of different flux pathways to better understand physiological and ecological processes and their implications to global change.
Global patterns and drivers of alpine plant species richness
Authors: Testolin Riccardo , Attorre Fabio , Borchardt Peter , Brand Robert F. , Bruelheide Helge , Chytrý Milan , De Sanctis Michele , Dolezal Jiri , Finckh Manfred , Haider Sylvia , Hemp Andreas , Jandt Ute , Kessler Michael , Korolyuk Andrey Yu , Lenoir Jonathan , Makunina Natalia , Malanson George P. , Montesinos‐Tubée Daniel B. , Noroozi Jalil , Nowak Arkadiusz , Peet Robert K. , Peyre Gwendolyn , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Šibík Jozef , Sklenář Petr , Sylvester Steven P. , Vassilev Kiril , Virtanen Risto , Willner Wolfgang , Wiser Susan K. , Zibzeev Evgeny G. , Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja
Published: April 2021

Aim

Alpine ecosystems differ in area, macroenvironment and biogeographical history across the Earth, but the relationship between these factors and plant species richness is still unexplored. Here, we assess the global patterns of plant species richness in alpine ecosystems and their association with environmental, geographical and historical factors at regional and community scales.

Location

Global.

Time period

Data collected between 1923 and 2019.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants.

Methods

We used a dataset representative of global alpine vegetation, consisting of 8,928 plots sampled within 26 ecoregions and six biogeographical realms, to estimate regional richness using sample‐based rarefaction and extrapolation. Then, we evaluated latitudinal patterns of regional and community richness with generalized additive models. Using environmental, geographical and historical predictors from global raster layers, we modelled regional and community richness in a mixed‐effect modelling framework.

Results

The latitudinal pattern of regional richness peaked around the equator and at mid‐latitudes, in response to current and past alpine area, isolation and the variation in soil pH among regions. At the community level, species richness peaked at mid‐latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, despite a considerable within‐region variation. Community richness was related to macroclimate and historical predictors, with strong effects of other spatially structured factors.

Main conclusions

In contrast to the well‐known latitudinal diversity gradient, the alpine plant species richness of some temperate regions in Eurasia was comparable to that of hyperdiverse tropical ecosystems, such as the páramo. The species richness of these putative hotspot regions is explained mainly by the extent of alpine area and their glacial history, whereas community richness depends on local environmental factors. Our results highlight hotspots of species richness at mid‐latitudes, indicating that the diversity of alpine plants is linked to regional idiosyncrasies and to the historical prevalence of alpine ecosystems, rather than current macroclimatic gradients.
Emplacement processes of proto‐arc basalt in the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc system
Authors: Kusano Yuki , Ishizuka Osamu , Hickey‐Vargas Rosemary , Arculus Richard J.
Published: April 2021

Ascertaining the emplacement mechanism of oceanic basaltic lavas is important in understanding how ocean floor topography is produced and oceanic plates evolve, particularly during the early stages of crustal development of a supra‐subduction zone. A detailed study of the volcanic stratigraphy at International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1438 in the Amami Sankaku Basin, west of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge, has revealed the development of lava accretion and ridge topography on the Philippine Sea plate at about 49 Ma. Igneous basement rocks penetrated at Site U1438 are the uppermost 150 m of ~6 km‐thick oceanic crust, and comprise, in a downhole direction, sheet flows (12.6 m), lobate sheet flows (61.3 m), pillow lavas (50.7 m), and thin sheet flows (25.3 m). The lowermost sheet flows are intercalated with layers of limestone and epiclastic tuff. Lithofacies analysis reveals that the lowermost sheet flows, limestone, and tuff formed on an axial rise, the pillow lavas were emplaced on a ridge slope, and the lobate sheet flows formed off ridge on an abyssal plain. The lithofacies of the basement basalt corresponds to the upper portions of fast‐spreading oceanic crust, suggesting that subduction initiation was associated with intermediate to fast rates of seafloor spreading. The surface sheet flows are olivine–clinopyroxene‐phyric basalt and differ from the lower basalt flows that contain phenocrysts of olivine and plagioclase, with or without clinopyroxene. The depleted chrome‐spinel composition and olivine–clinopyroxene phenocryst assemblage in the surface sheet flows suggests a slight contribution of water for magma generation not present for the lower basalt flows. Considering the lithological difference between the backarc and forearc oceanic crust in the Izu–Bonin–Mariana arc, with sheet flow dominant in the former, seafloor spreading occurred faster in the later stage of subduction initiation.
Psychometric properties of the Illness Attitude Toward COVID‐19 Scale (IATCS)
Authors: Al‐Ma'seb Hend Batel , Al‐Sejari Maha Meshari
Published: April 2021

This study examines the psychometric properties of the Illness Attitude Toward COVID‐19 Scale (IATCS). The IATCS was tested on a sample of individuals who were living in Kuwait during the COVID‐19 pandemic (n = 1413). The reliability and validity of the scale were examined to assess the scale's internal consistency reliability, criterion validity, and factorial validity. The results of the study showed alpha values that were satisfactory for the overall scale and for five subscales. The findings support the criterion and factorial validity of the scale. The findings also support the use of the scale in surveys and for educational and trainings purposes.
Constrained sintering and cracking of air plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings: Experimental observation and modeling
Authors: Zhang Xun , Cocks Alan C.F. , Okajima Yoshifumi , Takeno Kazuma , Torigoe Taiji
Published: April 2021

The development of vertical cracks in air plasma sprayed (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) during thermal cycling and constrained sintering under a temperature gradient is investigated. Microstructural analysis shows that the development of the vertical cracks is associated with multiple processes, including sintering during the hold period and cleavage during cooldown. Inspired by the experimental observations, an image‐based sintering model is used to simulate the development of vertical cracks as the coating sinters while constrained by a substrate. The computational results show that microstructural imperfections can develop into vertical cracks, which then propagate toward the interface. A simple analytical model is presented for the threshold level of in‐plane stress for the onset of propagation of a vertical crack during constrained sintering. By combining the results of these different modeling approaches, the cross‐coupling of the material and geometric parameters, and how this determines the sintering response (microstructure evolution) and vertical crack formation is evaluated. In addition, the growth of vertical cracks by a cleavage mechanism during cooldown is examined and the coupling between sintering, cleavage crack growth, and TBC lifetime is explored.
Deconstructing water sorption isotherms in cement pastes by lattice density functional theory simulations
Authors: Zhang Yao , Liu Han , Zhao Cheng , Ju J. Woody , Bauchy Mathieu
Published: April 2021

The moisture content in cement pastes influences their mechanical properties and durability. However, the complex, multiscale nature of cement pastes makes it challenging to isolate the contributions of each scale to their macroscopic water sorption isotherms. In particular, the contribution of the calcium–silicate–hydrate gel (the binding phase of cement pastes) remains only partially understood. Here, we introduce a density functional theory lattice model describing water sorption in calcium–silicate–hydrate, which properly reproduces experimental water sorption isotherms in cement pastes. Based on this model, we deconstruct the contribution of each pore scale (interlayer spacing, gel pores, and capillary pores) to the total sorption isotherm. We show that, when the relative humidity is below 80%, the calcium–silicate–hydrate gel accounts for more than 90% of the moisture content adsorbed in cement pastes. In turn, we find that the contribution of the interlayer space within the calcium–silicate–hydrate grains is governed by the competition between the rate of interlayer space opening and the increasing propensity for water to fill larger pores upon increasing relative humidity. Overall, our results highlight the key role played by the calcium–silicate–hydrate in governing the sorption isotherms of cement pastes.
Flash sintering feasibility study and localized densification in boron carbide
Authors: Rosenberger Andrew , Brennan Raymond E. , Fry Aubrey L.
Published: April 2021

The feasibility of flash sintering boron carbide (B4C) was investigated using a direct current (DC) electric field across different electrodes, field strengths, and thermal profiles. Flash behavior was observed at furnace temperatures as low as 386°C with field strengths of 68‐278 V/cm, but only a small channel of the specimen was densified due to hot spot effects. Application of a 2.2 V/cm·s voltage ramp at a constant temperature of 550°C caused uniform heating, but at temperatures too low for sintering. Scalable densification of B4C at low furnace temperatures with flash sintering is theorized to be possible by applying a higher current density through power supply or specimen modifications.
Reducing turnover intention to improve care outcome: A two‐wave study
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Ling , Wong May‐Kuen , Shyu Yea‐Ing Lotus , Ho Lun‐Hui , Yeh Jin‐Rong , Teng Ching‐I
Published: April 2021

Aims

To ascertain how professional turnover intention impacts nurse‐assessed care outcomes, including patient‐centered care and care quality.

Background

Patient‐centered care and care quality are critical to care outcomes. However, we do not know whether care outcomes would be improved by reducing nurses’ professional turnover intention.

Design

We implemented a two‐wave correlational follow‐up design.

Methods

This study was conducted in a large‐scale general in Taiwan during January and February 2018, and January and February 2019. We successfully obtained responses from 448 nurses in 2018 and subsequently followed up (in 2019). Most were women (97.5%), reflecting the profile of the local nurse population. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses.

Results

Our findings indicate that nurses’ professional turnover intention is negatively related to nurse‐assessed, patient‐centered care. Nurses’ professional turnover intention is also negatively related to all the five perceptions of nurse‐assessed care quality: that is, assurance, reliability, responsiveness, empathy, and tangibles. Moreover, years of working as a nurse is also positively related to nurse‐assessed, patient‐centered care and all the five perceptions of nurse‐assessed care quality.

Conclusion

This study examined nurses’ professional turnover intention as an antecedent of nurse‐assessed, patient‐centered care and care quality. Our study shows that professional turnover intention may predict care outcomes. Overall, our study suggests that professional turnover intention not only impacts workforce stability but also impacts health‐care outcomes.

Impact

Our findings suggest that reduction of nurses’ turnover intentions could benefit care outcomes. Hospital managers should know that nurses’ turnover negatively impacts care outcomes.
Scale dependency of joint species distribution models challenges interpretation of biotic interactions
Authors: König Christian , Wüest Rafael O. , Graham Catherine H. , Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Sattler Thomas , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Zurell Damaris
Published: April 2021

Aim

Separating the biotic and abiotic factors controlling species distributions has been a long‐standing challenge in ecology and biogeography. Joint species distribution models (JSDMs) have emerged as a promising statistical framework towards this objective by simultaneously modelling the environmental responses of multiple species and approximating species associations based on patterns in their (co‐)occurrences. However, the signature of biotic interactions should be most evident at fine spatial resolutions. Here, we test how the resolution of input data affects the inferences from JSDMs.

Location

Switzerland.

Taxon

Birds.

Methods

Using standardized survey data of 43 woodland bird species and 8 climatic, topographic and vegetation structural predictors, we fit JSDMs at different spatial resolutions (125–1000 m) and sampling periods (1 and 5 years). In addition, we calculate functional similarity among all species as an independent proxy of biotic interactions, specifically competition. We then assess how JSDM performance and estimates vary with the spatial resolution of the input data and test whether species associations are consistent across grain sizes and with the alternative approach based on functional similarity.

Results

Our results show better model performance at coarser spatial resolutions and for longer sampling periods. Although pairwise species associations estimated in JSDMs were generally shifted towards positive values, we found a higher proportion of negative associations at fine spatial resolutions. Strikingly, estimates were not consistent across spatial scales and frequently switched between positive and negative values. Moreover, estimated species associations tended to be more positive for functionally similar species.

Main conclusions

Our results show that species associations are more differentiated, that is, cover a broader range of values, at finer spatial resolutions. Yet, their positive correlation with functional similarity and the general over‐representation of positive associations suggest that shared responses to unobserved environmental predictors rather than biotic interactions underlie these scaling effects, cautioning against a naive interpretation of species associations estimated by JSDMs at any spatial scale.
The effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children's lifestyles and anxiety levels
Authors: Zengin Mürşide , Yayan Emriye Hilal , Vicnelioğlu Elanur
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on children's lifestyles and anxiety levels.

Methods

This study was designed as a descriptive, cross‐sectional online questionnaire survey.

Results

Of the children, 91.9% reported that the pandemic had an important effect on their lifestyle. Children stated that they experienced changes in terms of nutrition, sleep, television‐internet use, social activity, coursework time, and school success due to the pandemic.

Implication for Practice

It was determined that the COVID‐19 pandemic caused changes in children's routines, and the children experienced moderate or high levels of anxiety. Primary healthcare providers should increase their attention to these issues to protect and improve children's mental health during the pandemic period.
Association between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents with short stature
Authors: Zhao Qianqian , Zhang Mei , Chu Yuntian , Sun Hailing , Ban Bo
Published: April 2021

The relationship between insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) is controversial in adults and children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the IGF‐1 standard deviation score (IGF‐1 SDS) and SBP in children with short stature. A cross‐sectional analysis including 1315 children with short stature was conducted from March 2013 to October 2020. We estimated IGF‐1, blood pressure and other laboratory tests, and anthropometric indicators were also evaluated. Subgroup analyses of the pubertal stage, sex, growth hormone levels, thyroid hormone levels, fasting blood glucose levels, and triglyceride levels were performed. A positive association between the IGF‐1 SDS and SBP was observed by univariate analysis (p < .001). We further found a nonlinear association between the IGF‐1 SDS and SBP. The inflection point for the curve was found at an IGF‐1 SDS level of −2.91. In multivariate piecewise linear regression, there was a positive association between the IGF‐1 SDS and SBP when the IGF‐1 SDS was greater than −2.91 (β 1.56, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.22; p < .001). However, we did not observe a significant relationship between the IGF‐1 SDS and SBP when the IGF‐1 SDS level was less than −2.91 (β −0.95, 95% CI −3.17, 1.28; p = .379). This association was consistent across subgroup analyses. The present study demonstrated that there is a nonlinear relationship between the IGF‐1 SDS and SBP in children with short stature. Increased serum IGF‐1 levels were associated with elevated SBP when the IGF‐1 levels reached the inflection point.
Round‐number biases on trading time: Evidence from international markets
Authors: Chen Tao
Published: April 2021

In this article I investigate whether the round‐number heuristic affects investors' selection of trading time in the international market. I document the existence of round‐time biases, as evidenced by trading activities intensifying at second 0 of 1 min. Further examination suggests that the round‐time anomaly is likely driven by algorithmic trading from institutional investors. Consistent with this inference, I demonstrate that round‐time transactions carry value‐relevant information, have the predictive power for intraday‐level returns, and yield the positive daily trading revenue.
CO2 emissions of the construction sector in Spain during the real estate boom: Input–output subsystem analysis and decomposition
Authors: Alcántara Vicent , Padilla Emilio
Published: April 2021

The construction sector is of special interest within the Spanish economy, given its large economic dimension and environmental impact, particularly during the real estate boom prior to the last economic crisis that started in 2008. We study the CO2 emissions of construction activities in 2007, at the height of the construction boom, in the context of the productive structure of Spain. For this, we use an input–output subsystem method, which allows us to study the productive structure of the subsystem's activities, taking into account its links with the rest of the sectors. The decomposition of total emissions in four explanatory components allows us to make a classification of the different sectors according to the type of relationships that are established between the subsystem and the rest of the economy. Besides providing a better understanding of the environmental consequences of real state booms, we derive some implications for environmental policy from the analysis of these interrelations.
Depth estimation method of surface of micropart in microassembly space based on microscopic vision tomographic scanning images
Authors: Wang Dai‐Hua , Wang Kan , Qiang Lin‐Sen
Published: April 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) morphology of microparts has an important influence on performance of microassembly system that mainly assembles microparts in millimetre and micron scale. Because 3D morphology of microparts cannot be accurately obtained by conventional microscopic vision system, a depth estimation method of surface of micropart in microassembly space based on microscopic vision tomographic scanning (MVTS) images is proposed in this paper. The proposed method uses the positions of pixels with the largest focus values in MVTS image to construct the isodepth contours of surface of micropart and obtains the depth values of micropart's surface at the positions of MVTS by assigning depth values to corresponding isodepth contours. The MVTS images are obtained by MVTS and pixels with the largest focus values in MVTS image are obtained by focus measurement of MVTS images of micropart in microassembly space. On these bases, 3D spatial interpolation method is applied to map depth value of space between adjacent isodepth contours and to obtain depth values of all surface of micropart. Simulation experiments are carried out to verify the proposed method by generating simulated MVTS image array from two simulation objects, and the influence parameters of the proposed method are analysed. In established experimental setup of microassembly that can realise MVTS, experimental verification for the proposed depth estimation method are carried out by using cone cavity and end jaws of microgripper. 3D morphologies of depth maps of cone cavity and end jaws of microgripper are registered with their respective CAD models using iterative nearest point registration algorithm to quantify accuracy of depth estimation. The research results show that 3D morphology of micropart can be obtained by the proposed method and has better accuracy than those by conventional shape from focus method. This method provides a new way to obtain the morphology of microparts and lays a foundation for improving the accuracy and efficiency of gripping, alignment and approaching microparts in microassembly systems.
Adverse Events in Emergency Department Boarding: A Systematic Review
Authors: do Nascimento Rocha Hertaline Menezes , da Costa Farre Anny Giselly Milhome , de Santana Filho Valter Joviniano
Published: April 2021

Background

Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) is a worldwide challenge. As a result of the increased demand for EDs, slow internal patient flow, and unavailability of hospital beds, patients are kept in the corridors, causing a boarding effect. Studies have associated boarding in EDs with unfavorable clinical outcomes and adverse events. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review was to describe the effects of ED boarding on the occurrence of adverse events.

Design

We followed the Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist and registered this systematic review with PROSPERO (CRD42020117915).

Methods

Literature searches were performed using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Latin American and Caribbean Center on Health Sciences Information (LILACS), Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane, as well as Google Scholar, OpenThesis, and the Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations from September to November 2019. Cohort or case control studies that evaluated the occurrence of adverse events in patients who remained in an ED, waiting for a hospital bed, were included in the review.

Results

Seven studies met our eligibility criteria. Boarding in EDs may be related to a reduction in the quality of care, resulting in unfavorable clinical outcomes and adverse events.

Conclusions

Boarding in EDs may be related to increases in adverse incidents and events.

Clinical Relevance

The evidence in this review suggests that ED boarding increases the occurrence of unfavorable outcomes and identifies important considerations for future research.
Modulations in irradiance directed at melanopsin, but not cone photoreceptors, reliably alter electrophysiological activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and circadian behaviour in mice
Authors: Mouland Josh W. , Martial Franck P. , Lucas Robert J. , Brown Timothy M.
Published: April 2021

Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells convey intrinsic, melanopsin‐based, photoreceptive signals alongside those produced by rods and cones to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian clock. To date, experimental data suggest that melanopsin plays a more significant role in measuring ambient light intensity than cone photoreception. Such studies have overwhelmingly used diffuse light stimuli, whereas light intensity in the world around us varies across space and time. Here, we investigated the extent to which melanopsin or cone signals support circadian irradiance measurements in the presence of naturalistic spatiotemporal variations in light intensity. To address this, we first presented high‐ and low‐contrast movies to anaesthetised mice whilst recording extracellular electrophysiological activity from the SCN. Using a mouse line with altered cone sensitivity (Opn1mwR mice) and multispectral light sources we then selectively varied irradiance of the movies for specific photoreceptor classes. We found that steps in melanopic irradiance largely account for the light induced‐changes in SCN activity over a range of starting light intensities and in the presence of spatiotemporal modulation. By contrast, cone‐directed changes in irradiance only influenced SCN activity when spatiotemporal contrast was low. Consistent with these findings, under housing conditions where we could independently adjust irradiance for melanopsin versus cones, the period lengthening effects of constant light on circadian rhythms in behaviour were reliably determined by melanopic irradiance, regardless of irradiance for cones. These data add to the growing evidence that modulating effective irradiance for melanopsin is an effective strategy for controlling the circadian impact of light.
Dietary copper/zinc‐loaded montmorillonite improved growth performance and intestinal barrier and changed gut microbiota in weaned piglets
Authors: Li Xin , Wen Jiashu , Jiao Lefei , Wang Chunchun , Hong Qihua , Feng Jie , Hu Caihong
Published: April 2021

The effects of copper/zinc‐loaded montmorillonite (Cu/Zn‐Mt) on growth performance, intestinal barrier and gut microbiota of weaned pigs were investigated in the present study. A total of 108 piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 6.36 kg; weaned at 21 ± 1 d age) were used in this experiment. The pigs were randomly assigned to three treatments with six replicates, six pigs in each replicate. The three treatments were as follows: (1) control group: basal diet; (2) Cu/Zn‐Mt group: basal diet supplemented with 39 mg/kg Cu and 75 mg/kg Zn as Cu/Zn‐Mt; and (3) Cu +Zn +Mt group: basal diet supplemented with the mixture of copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and montmorillonite (equivalent to the copper and zinc in the Cu/Zn‐Mt treatment). The results indicated that, compared with the pigs from control group, average daily gain and gain: feed ratio were increased and the faecal score on days 7 and 14 after weaning was decreased by supplementation of Cu/Zn‐Mt; intestinal transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and expressions of tight junction protein claudin‐1 and zonula occludens‐1 were increased, and intestinal permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran 4 kDa was decreased by supplementation with Cu/Zn‐Mt. According to the Illumina‐based sequencing results, Cu/Zn‐Mt supplementation increased the relative abundance of core bacteria (Lactococcus, Bacillus) at genus level and decreased the potentially pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus and Pseudomonas) in colon of weaned piglets. However, the piglets fed with the mixture of copper sulphate, zinc sulphate and montmorillonite showed no effects in above parameters in comparison with the pigs from control group. In conclusion, dietary Cu/Zn‐Mt could improve growth performance, decrease the diarrhoea and improve intestinal barrier and bacterial communities of weaned pigs. The results indicated that ‘loading’ of montmorillonite with Zn and Cu changed not only its chemical but also its nutritional properties.