bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intramolecular Dehydrogenative Coupling Approach to 2‐Oxindoles Using Fe(OAc)2/NaI/Na2S2O8
Authors: Zhao Junyan , Song Xun , Li Dong , Zhao Jinfeng , Qu Jingping , Zhou Yuhan
Published: January 2021

Oxindole units are common structures that are featuring in natural products and drugs. A novel method for synthesizing 2‐oxindoles from 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds based on ferrous salt and iodide catalyst was described. Using Fe(OAc)2/NaI/Na2S2O8, various 2‐alkyl‐3‐phenylamino‐3‐oxopropanoates, bearing fluoro, chloro, bromo, alkyl, alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano etc. on the benzene ring were converted smoothly into 2‐oxindoles.
Selective Debromination of α,α,α‐Tribromomethylketones with HBr–H2O Reductive Catalytic System
Authors: Wang Hui , Zheng Meng‐Xia , Guo Hongmei , Huang Guozheng , Cheng Zhao , Rexit Abulikemu Abudu
Published: January 2021

A debromination of α,α,α‐tribromomethylketones is developed for chemoselective synthesis of α‐mono‐ and α,α‐dibromomethylketones with high selectivity under H2O–HBr reductive conditions. This method offers an efficient and direct way to synthesize α‐mono or α,α‐dibromomethylketone compounds in high to excellent yields through the process of HBr self‐circulation in water.
Electrochemical Oxidative Cyclization: Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrrole from Enamines
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Shi Guang , Tang Wei , Sun Jie , Wang Wenxing
Published: January 2021

A conceptually novel method for the preparation of pyrrole is described by electrochemical‐oxidation‐induced intermolecular annulation via enamines. In a simple undivided cell, based on a sodium acetate‐facilitated, polysubstituted pyrrole derivations has been facilely synthesized under external oxidant‐free condition. This electrosynthetic approach providing an environmentally benign protocol for C−C bond cross‐coupling and oxidative annulation, which features unparalleled broad scope of substrates and practicality.
Signal crayfish burrowing, bank retreat and sediment supply to rivers: A biophysical sediment budget
Authors: Sanders H. , Rice S.P. , Wood P.J.
Published: January 2021

Burrowing into riverbanks by animals transfers sediment directly into river channels and has been hypothesised to accelerate bank erosion and promote mass failure. A field monitoring study on two UK rivers invaded by signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) assessed the impact of burrowing on bank erosion processes. Erosion pins were installed in 17 riverbanks across a gradient of crayfish burrow densities and monitored for 22 months. Bank retreat increased significantly with crayfish burrow density. At the bank scale (<6 m river length), high crayfish burrow densities were associated with accelerated bank retreat of up to 253% and more than a doubling of the area of bank collapse compared with banks without burrows. Direct sediment supply by burrowing activity contributed 0.2% and 0.6% of total sediment at the reach (1.1 km) and local bank (<6 m) scales. However, accelerated bank retreat caused by burrows contributed 12.2% and 29.8% of the total sediment supply at the reach and bank scales. Together, burrowing and the associated acceleration of retreat and collapse supplied an additional 25.4 t km−1 a−1 of floodplain sediments at one site, demonstrating the substantial impact that signal crayfish can have on fine sediment supply. For the first time, an empirical relation linking animal burrow characteristics to riverbank retreat is presented. The study adds to a small number of sediment budget studies that compare sediment fluxes driven by biotic and abiotic energy but is unique in isolating and measuring the substantial interactive effect of the acceleration of abiotic bank erosion facilitated by biotic activity. Biotic energy expended through burrowing represents an energy surcharge to the river system that can augment sediment erosion by geophysical mechanisms.
Establishment of a standardized dietary model for nanoparticles oral exposure studies
Authors: Li Yan , Jiang Kun , Cao Hui , Yuan Min , Ye Tai , Xu Fei
Published: January 2021

Food matrices could affect the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and define the biological effects of NPs via oral exposure compared with the pristine NPs. We established a standardized dietary model based on Chinese dietary reference intakes and Chinese dietary guidelines to mimic the exposure of NPs in real life and to evaluate further the biological effect and toxicity of NPs via oral exposure compared with current models. The standardized dietary model prepared from the primary emulsion was dried into powder using spray drying compared with commercial food powder and then was reconstituted compared with the fresh sample. The average particle size (295.59 nm), potential (−23.78 mV), viscosity (0.04 pa s), and colors (L*, a*, b* = 84.13, −0.116, 8.908) were measured and characterized of the fresh sample. The flowability (repose angle = 37.28° and slide angle = 36.75°), moisture (2.68%), colors (L*, a*, b* = 94.16, −0.27, 3.01), and bulk density (0.45 g/ml) were compared with commercial food powder. The size (310.75 nm), potential (−23.98 mV), and viscosity (0.04 pa s) of reconstituted model were similar to the fresh sample. Results demonstrated that the model was satisfy the characterizations of easy to fabrication, good stability, small particle size, narrow particle size distribution, strong practicability, and good reproducibility similar to most physiological food state and will be used to evaluate NPs’ safety.
Soils in ancient irrigated agricultural terraces in the Atacama Desert, Chile
Authors: Sandor Jonathan A. , Huckleberry Gary , Hayashida Frances M. , Parcero‐Oubiña César , Salazar Diego , Troncoso Andrés , Ferro‐Vázquez Cruz
Published: January 2021

The Atacama Desert is among the driest places on Earth, yet ancient agricultural systems are present in the region. Here, we present a study of terraced agricultural soils in the high‐altitude eastern margin of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, mainly dating to the Late Intermediate Period (ca. 950–1400 AD) and Inka period (ca. 1400–1536 AD). Terraced fields were compartmentalized to distribute limited irrigation water originating mainly from springs. Natural soils used for agriculture are mostly Aridisols developed on Pleistocene alluvial fan terraces and hillslopes underlain by volcanic bedrock. One research objective is to evaluate long‐term soil change from agriculture. In this hyperarid climate, agriculture is only possible with irrigation, so natural soils on the same geomorphic surface adjacent to irrigated soils provide baseline data for assessing anthropogenic soil change. Data from soil profiles and surface transects indicate intentional soil change through terracing, removal of soil rock fragments, and probable fertilization. Agricultural soils have anthropogenic horizons ranging from 16 to 54 cm thick. Most agricultural soils have higher phosphorus levels, suggesting enrichment from fertilization. Changes in soil organic carbon and nitrogen are also evident. Unintentional anthropogenic soil change resulted from CaCO3input through irrigation with calcareous spring water. Initial studies suggest that agriculture here was sustainable in the sense of conserving soils, and maintaining and possibly improving soil productivity over centuries.
Evaluation of actual evapotranspiration measured by large‐scale weighing lysimeters in a humid alpine meadow, northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dai Licong , Fu Ruiyu , Guo Xiaowei , Ke Xun , Du Yangong , Zhang Fawei , Li Yikang , Qian Dawen , Zhou Huakun , Cao Guangmin
Published: January 2021

The accurate estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for assessing water availability and requirements of regional‐scale terrestrial ecosystems, and for understanding the hydrological cycle in alpine ecosystems. In this study, two large‐scale weighing lysimeters were employed to estimate the magnitude and dynamics of actual evapotranspiration in a humid alpine Kobresia meadow from January 2018 to December 2019 on the northeastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The results showed that daily ETa averaged 2.24 ± 0.10 mm day −1 throughout the study period, with values of 3.89 ± 0.14 and 0.81 ± 0.06 mm day−1 during the growing season and non‐growing season, respectively. The cumulative ETa during the study period was 937.39 mm, exceeding precipitation (684.20 mm) received at the site during the same period by 37%, suggesting that almost all precipitation in the lysimeters was returned to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration. Furthermore, the cumulative ETa (805.04 mm) was almost equal to the maximum potential evapotranspiration estimated by the FAO‐56 reference evapotranspiration (ET0) (801.94 mm) during the growing season, but the cumulative ETa (132.25 mm) was 113.72% less than the minimum equilibrium ETeq) (282.86 mm) during the non‐growing season due to the limited surface moisture in frozen soil. The crop coefficient (Kc) also showed a distinct seasonal pattern, with a monthly average of 1.01 during the growing season. Structural equation model (SEM) and boosted regression tree (BRT) show that net radiation and air temperature were the most important factors affecting daily ETa during the whole study period and growing season, but that non‐growing season ETa was dominated by soil water content and net radiation. The daily Kc was dominated by net radiation. Furthermore, both ETa and Kc were also affected by aboveground biomass.
Octreotide for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding in women with bleeding and clotting disorders
Authors: Greenmyer Jacob R. , Burd Larry , Kobrinsky Nathan L.
Published: January 2021

The present study provides observational evidence that octreotide may be efficacious for the management of refractory abnormal uterine bleeding in women with bleeding diatheses.
The effectiveness of using a molded sorbent: Modified polyvinylpyrrolidone for the combined treatment of chronic endometritis
Authors: Barinov Sergey V. , Tirskaya Yuliya I. , Borisova Anna V. , Pyanova Lidiya G. , Di Renzo Gian Carlo
Published: January 2021

Objective

To improve the management of patients with chronic endometritis (CE) by using a molded sorbent—modified by polyvinylpyrrolidone (FSMP).

Methods

This prospective study included 70 patients with CE divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 23) received traditional antibiotic therapy (from days 3 to 10 of the menstrual cycle); group 2 (n = 47), received antibiotics and FSMP was inserted from days 5 to 10.

Results

At the end of therapy, group 1 had massive growth of pathogenic microflora in 21.7%, moderate growth in 69.6%, and no growth in 8.7% of cases. In group 2, after combined therapy, massive growth was observed in 4.3%, moderate growth in 44.7%, and no growth in 51.0%. In group 2 after 5 days, serum levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were 1.9 times, of IL‐6 were 7.0 times, and of IL‐8 and IL‐1 receptor antagonist were 1.3 times lower than in group 1. In uterine cavity aspirates, IL‐1β decreased around 4.8 times, IL‐6 by 11.8 times, IL‐8 by 3.2 times, tumor necrosis factor‐α by 3.9 times, and IL‐1 receptor antagonist by 2.1 times in comparison to group 1.

Conclusion

Combined therapy of FSMP with antibiotics is more effective in treating CE, because it contributes to the almost complete elimination of pathogens and toxins from the uterine cavity, blocking the local pro‐inflammatory cascade.
A caching‐enabled light control scheme for aerobics video
Authors: Qi Ting
Published: January 2021

The video transmission traffic has account for 60% Internet traffic, and how to optimize the video transmission efficiency has become a major challenge. Especially, the aerobics video is strongly subjected to both temporal locality and spatial locality, and the related contents are also dynamically changeable with the precise and complex movements. Thus, in the age of multimedia, the transmission optimization of aerobics video has the considerable research value. In this paper, a transmission control scheme for aerobics video is proposed. This scheme has the light feature, which is embodied by one heuristic video compression method. Then, this paper realizes the effective congestion control based on the adaptive rate design. Meanwhile, video compression and congestion control are performed in the simultaneous way, and they are completed by using the explored in‐network cache. Given this, the simple cache allocation method is presented at last. Two baselines are compared by evaluating packet loss rate, transmission time and delay jitter, and the experiment results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed transmission scheme.
Use of therapeutic plasma exchange in heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: A population‐based study
Authors: Soares Ferreira Júnior Alexandre , Boyle Stephen H. , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Akinyemiju Tomi , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is characterized by anti‐heparin/platelet factor 4 immune complexes, which are removed by therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Our main objective was to study TPE outcomes in HIT using a large administrative claims database.

Study design and methods

We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify hospital discharges of adult patients (≥18) with a primary or secondary diagnosis of HIT. Cases were classified into two groups based on TPE use. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were thrombotic events, major bleeding, hospital length of stay (LOS), and charges. Multivariable regression analysis, controlling for age and medical comorbidities, was used to examine the association of TPE with study outcomes.

Results

A HIT diagnosis was made in 22 165 discharges, of which 90 (0.4%) received TPE. Corresponding national estimates are 106 435 and 439, respectively. TPE was not associated with decreased in‐hospital mortality (OR = 1.72; 95%CI: 0.93‐3.17, P = .085). However, TPE was associated with a higher likelihood of major bleeding (OR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.40‐3.68, P = .0009), primarily driven by gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 2.21; 95%CI: 1.17‐4.17, P = .015). TPE was also associated with higher hospital LOS (20.5 vs 10 day, P < .0001) and charges (USD 211181 vs USD 81654, P < .0001).

Conclusion

TPE's association with increased bleeding and a prolonged hospital course indicates that it is being used in HIT cases with a severe clinical phenotype. Future studies are needed to better characterize the HIT phenotype that will most benefit from TPE.
Political, economic, financial uncertainty, and real earnings management
Authors: Jain Ajeet , Jackson Dave , Sakaki Hamid
Published: January 2021

We examine the relationship between uncertainty (political, economic, and financial) on real earnings management (REM). Covering nine presidential elections in the U.S. from 1980 to 2012, we find that firms limit overproduction in pre‐election years followed by reductions in REM activities in election years. We also show that economic and financial uncertainty (FU) stimulate firms’ use of REM through cutting back discretionary expenses such as advertising, research and development, and selling, general, and administrative expenses. We also find that firms with higher agency costs reduce REM during election years whereas larger firms accelerate REM during political, economic policy, and FU.
Forensic analytics using cluster analysis: Detecting anomalies in data
Authors: Goh Clarence , Lee Benjamin , Pan Gary , Seow Poh Sun
Published: January 2021

Cluster analysis is a data analytics technique that can help forensic accountants effectively detect anomalies in complex financial datasets. This article provides a description of clustering analysis, discusses how it can be implemented to detect anomalies in data, and illustrates its use through a worked example using the Tableau software.
Synthesis of mesoporous carbon platelets of high surface area and large porosity from polymer blends‐calcium phosphate nanocomposites for high‐power supercapacitor
Authors: Chen Shi‐Kung , Chang Kuo‐Hsin , Hsu Chun‐Han , Lim Zheng‐Yi , Du Fang‐Yi , Chang Kai‐Wen , Chang Mong‐Chen , Lin Hong‐Ping , Hu Chi‐Chang , Tang Chih‐Yuan , Lin Ching‐Yen
Published: January 2021

In this manuscript, we provided a new synthetic method to conveniently synthesize the mesoporous carbon platelets of high surface area (>1,000 m2/g), large pore size (≈8.0 nm), and short channel length (<100 nm) for the application in high‐power supercapacitor. A co‐assembly approach to prepare the phenol formaldehyde‐Pluronic F127‐calcium phosphate composite was proposed. In such composites, the PF‐F127 organic parts occluded within the Ca3(PO4)2 crystals can be converted to mesoporous carbon platelets and the calcium phosphate is easily removed in an acidic aqueous solution rather than using a highly corrosive HF solution for silica removal. In practice, the platelets of relatively large mesopores, short pore channels, high specific surface area, and good electronic conductivity to meet the high power demands. It shows that the mesoporous carbon can have a rectangle‐like shape i‐E curve measured at a very high scan rate of 4,000 mV/s in 4.0 M H2SO4. The novel mesoporous carbon platelets electrode exhibits only 29% loss when the scan rate is varied from 100 to 4,000 mV/s. The above perfect capacitive performances confirm the promising applicability of this novel mesoporous carbon for supercapacitors of ultrahigh power.
Secret powers: Acts of Googling in the therapeutic relationship
Authors: Trub Leora , Magaldi Danielle
Published: January 2021

Objective

The ease of online searching has diminished people's expectations of privacy and the ability to control access to information about oneself, which can alter basic assumptions about the therapy relationship.

Method

This grounded theory study explored psychotherapists’ experiences of searching online for patients and being searched for by patients, among 28 clinicians of primarily psychodynamic orientation.

Results

Many therapists search online for information about patients, but often minimize or rationalize this action and do not share it with their patients. Meanwhile, while they believe their patients search for them, they find it difficult to raise the topic directly in therapy. Thus, when it comes to online searching and discovery of information, an air of secrecy pervades the therapeutic relationship.

Conclusions

Despite the serious implications that the pervasiveness of online searching has for the treatment relationship, therapists lack sufficient support for exploring their motivations, curiosities, and urges surrounding this action.
Intraoperative bile culture helps choosing antibiotics in pancreaticoduodenectomy: Mechanistic profiling study of complex rink between bacterobilia and postoperative complications
Authors: Itoyama Rumi , Okabe Hirohisa , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Kitamura Fumimasa , Uemura Norio , Nakao Yosuke , Yusa Toshihiko , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Baba Hideo
Published: January 2021

Background

Postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is still a major concern. The aim of this study was to propose how to choose antibiotics, based on bacterial sensitivity profiling involved in postoperative complications after PD.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty patients underwent PD between 2008 and 2018 at Kumamoto University Hospital. We enrolled 121 patients who had both intraoperative bile culture and drain culture on postoperative day (POD) 3. The clinical impact of the bacterial profile on postoperative outcome was retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis revealed that intraperitoneal contamination on POD3 was independently associated with postoperative complications (odds ratio 2.62, P = .02). The bacteria in intraperitoneal drain on POD3 showed 94.9% similarity with those in bile collected during surgery. The major species were Enterococcus (44.6%) and Enterobacter (38.5%). Enterobacter species caused a higher rate of postoperative complications than others (83% vs 54%, P = .04). Three out of five Enterococcus faecium were resistant to carbapenems that were active against all Gram‐negative rods.

Conclusions

Intraperitoneal contamination on POD3, which had similar bacterial species as bile collected during surgery, was correlated with postoperative complications. The bacterial antibiotic sensitivity profile may help selecting optimal antibiotics against infectious postoperative complications in PD.
Assets, cash transfers and urban livelihoods in South Africa
Authors: Nnaeme Chibuikem , Patel Leila , Plagerson Sophie
Published: January 2021

How access to cash transfers (CTs) contributes to assets and livelihoods is not well understood in development contexts. This qualitative study draws on the sustainable livelihoods approach and describes how beneficiaries acquire, mobilise and convert a diversity of assets into livelihood strategies amidst high levels of unemployment and poverty. We find that receipt of CTs had a catalytic effect enabling the pursuit of livelihoods, facilitating capital accrual and asset conversion. Among the study implications is the need to complement CTs with policies that encourage social and productive goals and recognise the informal economy in employment growth.
Impact of gender on left ventricular deformation in patients with essential hypertension assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking
Authors: Li Xue‐Ming , Peng Li‐Qing , Shi Rui , Han Pei‐Lun , Yan Wei‐Feng , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: January 2021

Left ventricular (LV) myocardial strain impairment has been demonstrated in hypertension despite normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF); however, limited data exist on any difference in results between genders. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender on LV deformation in patients with essential hypertension. This was a cross‐sectional study, in which 94 patients (47 men and 47 women) with essential hypertension and 62 age‐ and gender‐matched controls (31 men and 31 women) were enrolled. A 3.0 T/two‐dimensional balanced steady‐state free precession cine, late gadolinium enhancement was used. The LV endocardial and epicardial contours were drawn by radiologists, then LV volumes, mass, function, and myocardial strain, including peak global radial (GRS), circumferential (GCS), and longitudinal strain (GLS) were automatically calculated. Chi‐square test, Student's t‐test, general linear model analysis, univariate linear regression analysis, stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficient analysis were performed. Women had significantly higher magnitudes of LV GRS, GCS, and GLS than men in both patients and controls (all p < 0.05). In the overall patients, LV GLS was significantly reduced compared with controls (p < 0.05), while GRS and GCS were preserved (p = 0.092 and 0.27, respectively). Compared with their counterpart controls, LV GRS, GCS, and GLS (all p < 0.05) were significantly reduced in hypertensive men, while only GLS (p < 0.05) was reduced in hypertensive women. Male gender and its interaction with hypertension were associated with higher LV mass and volume, decreased LV GRS, GCS, and GLS compared with hypertensive women. Multivariate analyses revealed that gender and LVEF were independently associated with GRS, GCS, and GLS (all p < 0.001) in hypertension. LV deformation is significantly reduced in hypertension, and gender may influence the response of LV deformation to hypertension, with men suffering more pronounced subclinical myocardial dysfunction.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Select neurotrophins promote oligodendrocyte progenitor cell process outgrowth in the presence of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Siebert Justin R. , Osterhout Donna J.
Published: January 2021

Axonal damage and the subsequent interruption of intact neuronal pathways in the spinal cord are largely responsible for the loss of motor function after injury. Further exacerbating this loss is the demyelination of neighboring uninjured axons. The post‐injury environment is hostile to repair, with inflammation, a high expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) around the glial scar, and myelin breakdown. Numerous studies have demonstrated that treatment with the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (cABC) creates a permissive environment around a spinal lesion that permits axonal regeneration. Neurotrophic factors like brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophic factor‐3 (NT‐3), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) have been used to promote neuronal survival and stimulate axonal growth. CSPGs expressed near a lesion also inhibit migration and differentiation of endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the spinal cord, and cABC treatment can neutralize this inhibition. This study examined the neurotrophins commonly used to stimulate axonal regeneration after injury and their potential effects on OPCs cultured in the presence of CSPGs. The results reveal differential effects on OPCs, with BDNF and GDNF promoting process outgrowth and NT‐3 stimulating differentiation of OPCs, while CNTF appears to have no observable effect. This finding suggests that certain neurotrophic agents commonly utilized to stimulate axonal regeneration after a spinal injury may also have a beneficial effect on the endogenous oligodendroglial cells as well.
Physiological traits, yield, and yield components relationship in winter and spring canola
Authors: Biabani Abbas , Foroughi Abbas , Karizaki Alli Rahemi , Rassam Ghorban Ali , Hashemi Masoud , Afshar Reza Keshavarz
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Understanding the relationship between physiological traits with yield and yield components is an essential step towards developing high‐yielding and high‐quality canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars. This study aimed to explore further the relationship between some physiological features, including radiation use efficiency (RUE), and seed yield in canola.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found among cultivars regarding maximum leaf area index (LAImax) and required days to achieve maximum LAI (DLAImax). All cultivars obtained the minimum LAI required to intercept 90% of the incident radiation, but at different times. Some cultivars like SW102 and Shirali had the same fraction of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) when LAI was maximal, but SW102 had higher IPAR. This indicated that SW102 was more efficient in irradiation capacity and may have a higher photosynthesis rate when exposed to the high irradiation conditions. The average canola RUE in the current study was 3.80 and 3.63 g MJ−1 m−2 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In general, the crop growth rate was higher in the first year than in the second year due to the fewer cloudy days and more incident radiation.

CONCLUSION

Results indicated that duration of growth, crop growth rate, and harvest index were crucial for enhancing biomass and seed yield. Also, a relatively high correlation was found between the RUE and DLAImax. The cultivars that reached their maximum LAI later demonstrated higher RUE, and consequently had higher biological and seed yield. The results obtained could be used to develop an improved canola crop growth model and breeding programs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Combination of solvent extraction with deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for the analysis of aflatoxin M1 in cheese samples using response surface methodology optimization
Authors: Masrouri Mobin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Nemati Mahboob , Lotfipour Farzaneh
Published: January 2021

A new extraction procedure based on combination of a solvent extraction and deep eutectic solvent based dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been introduced for the extraction of aflatoxin M1 from cheese samples. In this method, acetonitrile, deionized water, and n‐hexane are added onto the sample and vortexed. Owning to different affinities of the substances in cheese toward the mentioned solvents, an efficient and selective extraction of the analyte is done in the acetonitrile phase. After centrifugation, the acetonitrile phase is removed and mixed with a new hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent prepared from N,N‐diethanol ammonium chloride and carvacrol as an extraction solvent. The mixture is injected into deionized water, and a cloudy solution is obtained. Eventually, an aliquot of the organic phase is injected into high‐performance liquid chromatography‐fluorescence detection. After optimizing the effective parameters with the response surface methodology and a quadratic model, limits of detection and quantification were 0.74 and 2.56 ng/kg, respectively. The obtained extraction recovery and enrichment factor were 94% and 94, respectively. Also, intra‐ (n = 6) and interday (n = 4) precisions were less than or equal to 8.6% at a concentration of 5 ng/kg. The suggested method was applied to determine aflatoxin M1 in different cheese samples.
When the Label Does Not Match the Content of a Trial: “Well‐Being Therapy” in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Commentary on Radstaak et al. (2020)
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Guidi Jenny
Published: January 2021

Radstaak, Hüning, and Bohlmeijer (2020) reported on a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of well‐being therapy (WBT) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) in the treatment of residual posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. No significant differences emerged between treatment conditions. However, our view is that what the authors labeled as WBT did not match the manualized psychotherapeutic strategy, and what was defined as TAU was actually an active control group. Further methodological limitations hinder the interpretation of results and make it difficult to draw conclusions from the study. Radstaak et al. (2020) deserve credit for addressing the vexing and neglected problem of residual symptoms in PTSD. However, the role of WBT in PTSD treatment still needs to be explored via an effectively designed RCT. Given that WBT does not require exposure to a patient's index traumatic event as a means of alleviating PTSD symptoms, WBT may represent a promising alternative to current treatments of PTSD.
Using Grazing to Manage Herbaceous Structure for a Heterogeneity‐Dependent Bird
Authors: Kraft John D. , Haukos David A. , Bain Matthew R. , Rice Mindy B. , Robinson Samantha , Sullins Dan S. , Hagen Christian A. , Pitman James , Lautenbach Joseph , Plumb Reid , Lautenbach Jonathan
Published: January 2021

Grazing management recommendations often sacrifice the intrinsic heterogeneity of grasslands by prescribing uniform grazing distributions through smaller pastures, increased stocking densities, and reduced grazing periods. The lack of patch‐burn grazing in semi‐arid landscapes of the western Great Plains in North America requires alternative grazing management strategies to create and maintain heterogeneity of habitat structure (e.g., animal unit distribution, pasture configuration), but knowledge of their effects on grassland fauna is limited. The lesser prairie‐chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus), an imperiled, grassland‐obligate, native to the southern Great Plains, is an excellent candidate for investigating effects of heterogeneity‐based grazing management strategies because it requires diverse microhabitats among life‐history stages in a semi‐arid landscape. We evaluated influences of heterogeneity‐based grazing management strategies on vegetation structure, habitat selection, and nest and adult survival of lesser prairie‐chickens in western Kansas, USA. We captured and monitored 116 female lesser prairie‐chickens marked with very high frequency (VHF) or global positioning system (GPS) transmitters and collected landscape‐scale vegetation and grazing data during 2013–2015. Vegetation structure heterogeneity increased at stocking densities ≤0.26 animal units/ha, where use by nonbreeding female lesser prairie‐chickens also increased. Probability of use for nonbreeding lesser prairie‐chickens peaked at values of cattle forage use values near 37% and steadily decreased with use ≥40%. Probability of use was positively affected by increasing pasture area. A quadratic relationship existed between growing season deferment and probability of use. We found that 70% of nests were located in grazing units in which grazing pressure was <0.8 animal unit months/ha. Daily nest survival was negatively correlated with grazing pressure. We found no relationship between adult survival and grazing management strategies. Conservation in grasslands expressing flora community composition appropriate for lesser prairie‐chickens can maintain appropriate habitat structure heterogeneity through the use of low to moderate stocking densities (<0.26 animal units/ha), greater pasture areas, and site‐appropriate deferment periods. Alternative grazing management strategies (e.g., rest‐rotation, season‐long rest) may be appropriate in grasslands requiring greater heterogeneity or during intensive drought. Grazing management favoring habitat heterogeneity instead of uniform grazing distributions will likely be more conducive for preserving lesser prairie‐chicken populations and grassland biodiversity. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Habitat Features Predict Carrying Capacity of a Recovering Marine Carnivore
Authors: Tinker M. Tim , Yee Julie L. , Laidre Kristin L. , Hatfield Brian B. , Harris Michael D. , Tomoleoni Joseph A. , Bell Tom W. , Saarman Emily , Carswell Lilian P. , Miles A. Keith
Published: January 2021

The recovery of large carnivore species from over‐exploitation can have socioecological effects; thus, reliable estimates of potential abundance and distribution represent a valuable tool for developing management objectives and recovery criteria. For sea otters (Enhydra lutris), as with many apex predators, equilibrium abundance is not constant across space but rather varies as a function of local habitat quality and resource dynamics, thereby complicating the extrapolation of carrying capacity (K) from one location to another. To overcome this challenge, we developed a state‐space model of density‐dependent population dynamics in southern sea otters (E. l. nereis), in which K is estimated as a continuously varying function of a suite of physical, biotic, and oceanographic variables, all described at fine spatial scales. We used a theta‐logistic process model that included environmental stochasticity and allowed for density‐independent mortality associated with shark bites. We used Bayesian methods to fit the model to time series of survey data, augmented by auxiliary data on cause of death in stranded otters. Our model results showed that the expected density at K for a given area can be predicted based on local bathymetry (depth and distance from shore), benthic substrate composition (rocky vs. soft sediments), presence of kelp canopy, net primary productivity, and whether or not the area is inside an estuary. In addition to density‐dependent reductions in growth, increased levels of shark‐bite mortality over the last decade have also acted to limit population expansion. We used the functional relationships between habitat variables and equilibrium density to project estimated values of K for the entire historical range of southern sea otters in California, USA, accounting for spatial variation in habitat quality. Our results suggest that California could eventually support 17,226 otters (95% CrI = 9,739–30,087). We also used the fitted model to compute candidate values of optimal sustainable population abundance (OSP) for all of California and for regions within California. We employed a simulation‐based approach to determine the abundance associated with the maximum net productivity level (MNPL) and propose that the upper quartile of the distribution of MNPL estimates (accounting for parameter uncertainty) represents an appropriate threshold value for OSP. Based on this analysis, we suggest a candidate value for OSP (for all of California) of 10,236, which represents 59.4% of projected K. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
A note on chain‐based semi‐Heyting algebras
Authors: Cornejo Juan Manuel , Monteiro Luiz F. , Sankappanavar Hanamantagouda P. , Viglizzo Ignacio D.
Published: January 2021

We determine the number of non‐isomorphic semi‐Heyting algebras on an n‐element chain, where n is a positive integer, using a recursive method. We then prove that the numbers obtained agree with those determined in [1]. We apply the formula to calculate the number of non‐isomorphic semi‐Heyting chains of a given size in some important subvarieties of the variety of semi‐Heyting algebras that were introduced in [5]. We further exploit this recursive method to calculate the numbers of non‐isomorphic semi‐Heyting chains with n elements such that removing the mth element () we are left with a subalgebra. We also solve a related problem posed in [1] of determining the number of ways a semi‐Heyting chain with elements can be extended to a n element semi‐Heyting chain by adding a new element in the mth place. Finally we combine these results by finding a second way to calculate the numbers that provides some extra information.
Decidable variables for constructive logics
Authors: Niki Satoru
Published: January 2021

Ishihara's problem of decidable variables asks which class of decidable propositional variables is sufficient to warrant classical theorems in intuitionistic logic. We present several refinements to the class proposed by Ishii for this problem, which also allows the class to cover Glivenko's logic. We also treat the extension of the problem to minimal logic, suggesting a couple of new classes.
Building better employer brands through employee social media competence and online social capital
Authors: Yoganathan Vignesh , Osburg Victoria‐Sophie , Bartikowski Boris
Published: January 2021

Despite the significant and increasing influence of social media on employees' work lives, there is limited focus on employees' social media competencies from an employer branding or internal marketing perspective. Building on social identity and social exchange theories, this paper links employees' social media competence to an increase in online brand citizenship behaviour and reduction in feelings of psychological contract violation towards their employer's brand. We also examine the distinct mediatory effects of two forms of online social capital—bonding mediates the influence of employee social media competence on online brand citizenship and feelings of psychological contract violation, whilst Bridging only mediates the effect of social media competence on feelings of psychological contract violation. In doing so, we contribute to extant literature in two ways: (1) Address the need for research on social media in relation to employer branding; and (2) highlight the importance of building employee‐to‐employee and employee‐to‐employer relationships by virtual means in the context of employer branding. Therefore, this paper responds to calls for research that advances more responsible approaches to employer branding and internal marketing; that is, approaches that take into account employee competencies (emphasise need for skill development) as well as wellbeing (emphasise need for support).
Impulsivity Markers in Parkinsonian Subthalamic Single‐Unit Activity
Authors: Micheli Federico , Vissani Matteo , Pecchioli Guido , Terenzi Federica , Ramat Silvia , Mazzoni Alberto
Published: January 2021

Background

Impulsive‐compulsive behaviors are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, the basal ganglia dysfunctions associated with high impulsivity have not been fully characterized. The objective of this study was to identify the features associated with impulsive‐compulsive behaviors in single neurons of the subthalamic nucleus (STN).

Methods

We compared temporal and spectral features of 412 subthalamic neurons from 12 PD patients with impulsive‐compulsive behaviors and 330 neurons from 12 PD patients without. Single‐unit activities were extracted from exploratory microrecordings performed during deep brain stimulation (DBS) implant surgery in an OFF medication state.

Results

Patients with impulsive‐compulsive behaviors displayed decreased firing frequency during bursts and a larger fraction of tonic neurons combined with weaker beta coherence. Information carried by these features led to the identification of patients with impulsive‐compulsive behaviors with an accuracy greater than 80%.

Conclusions

Impulsive‐compulsive behaviors in PD patients are associated with decreased bursts in STN neurons in the OFF medication state. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Two novel BTD mutations causing profound biotinidase deficiency in a Chinese patient
Authors: Geng Jia , Sun Yi , Zhao Yi , Xiong Wenyu , Zhong Mingjun , Zhang Yajuan , Zhao Qiuling , Bao Zhongwei , Cheng Jing , Lu Yu , Yuan Huijun
Published: January 2021

Background

Biotinidase deficiency (OMIM 253260) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder affecting about 1/60,000 people worldwide. The absence or deficiency of biotinidase impairs free biotin recycling and affects biotin‐dependent carboxylase functions.

Methods

A Chinese patient with spontaneous recurrent epilepsy, an eczema‐like rash, hair loss, hypotonia, and hearing loss began at three months of age. Her biotinidase activity was 1.0 nmol/ml/min, 9.5% of the mean control activity, which confirmed profound biotinidase deficiency.

Results

Compound heterozygous for c.250‐1G > C and c.878dupT variants in the BTD gene were identified in this patient. These two variants were novel and absent in the population matched controls and any databases.

Conclusions

This study expanded the mutation spectrum of alterations of the BTD gene. Our patient also emphasized the critical role of biotinidase activity measurement combined with mutation analysis in early diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency.
Pedicled ipsilateral anterolateral thigh (ALT) with flow‐through to a secondary contralateral‐free ALT flap for coverage of large thigh, trochanteric, and gluteal area defects: A case report
Authors: Haque Shameem A. , Georgiou Andreas , Woollard Alexander
Published: January 2021

Reconstruction of the trochanteric area can be difficult in extensive defects postsarcoma resection. It requires a robust flap. In reconstructing the upper thigh, trochanteric, and gluteal area, a pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is a good option. If the defect extends further than the pivot point of a single pedicled ALT, this can be used a flow‐through for a secondary free flap. Here we describe a case of a 66‐year‐old gentleman with a 25 cm × 15 cm defect in the trochanteric and gluteal area where a single pedicled ALT was insufficient for coverage and hence a second ALT from the contralateral leg is anastomosed to the distal runoff of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessel of the pedicled ALT, using it as the flow‐through donor vessel. This method requires less time if a second free flap is required and a smaller range of dissection, and it also facilitates anastomosis, as the vessel can be brought to the surface for anastomosis while supine before inset. The patient healed with no complications and received radiotherapy to the area. On 1‐year follow‐up, the area has healed well despite some contraction secondary to the radiotherapy. Using the pedicled ALT as a flow‐through for a second free flap is a useful adjunct to large defects in the gluteal and trochanteric area, which is a difficult area to reconstruct with limited donor vessels.
A 25 Gbps single‐end input limiting amplifier with loss of signal for low power integrated optical receivers
Authors: Hui Wang , Chen Yingmei , JinLong Zhan
Published: January 2021

A 25 Gbps limiting amplifier (LA) with loss of signal (LOS) detection is presented in this paper. The proposed LA is composed of an input buffer, three‐stage cascaded amplifier, an output buffer, a DC offset cancellation (DCOC) and a LOS circuit. The LA adopts single‐end input and differential output structure to reduce the complexity of optical receiver front‐end and therefore decrease power consumption drastically. DCOC circuit consists of a low‐pass filter and an operation amplifier to extract the DC point of transimpedance amplifier output signal. Replica peak detector is employed in LOS to overcome the fluctuations of process, voltage, temperature (PVT). Fabricated in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology, the LA acquires gain of 43.5, –3 dB bandwidth of 20.6 GHz and differential output voltage swing of 350 mV. With the 20 mV PRBS31 input data, the peak‐to‐peak jitter of output signal is 13.9 ps. When the input swing is larger than 40 mV, the peak‐to‐peak jitter is decreased to 7.5 ps. The whole LA with LOS chip only consumes 25.2 mW with a 1.8 V supply voltage.
Study on the reconfiguration and switching of subcarriers in all‐optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system
Authors: Chao Yu , Chen Genxiang , Tian Qinghua , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: January 2021

We propose a subcarrier‐switching method for all‐optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (AO‐OFDM) system. In addition, analysis of the affected neighboring subcarriers, along with the subcarriers being added or dropped, is carried out in a comprehensive manner. After switching operation four times, target subcarrier can still have a Q value larger than 27, while Q value of neighboring orthogonal subcarriers exceeds 31 in AO‐OFDM system with 16 orthogonal subcarriers.
Factors determining acceptance of disease and its impact on satisfaction with life of patients with peripheral artery disease
Authors: Piotrkowska Renata , Terech‐Skóra Sylwia , Mędrzycka‐Dąbrowska Wioletta , Jarzynkowski Piotr , Król Magdalena
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives

Analysis of factors determining acceptance of disease and satisfaction with life in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Background

Peripheral artery disease is more common in older patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and the risk of amputation. The acceptance of disease is one of the most important factors for adjusting to life with a chronic disease.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey study. Patients’ questionnaires.

Method

The participants were patients with peripheral artery disease (N = 72). The study included the use the standardized research tools the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).

Results

The highest acceptance of disease was observed for patients with higher education, while the lowest was found for patients with the greatest limitation of physical mobility.

Conclusions

The education level and physical fitness of patients had significant impact on disease acceptance.
Effectiveness of nurses and midwives‐led psychological interventions on reducing depression symptoms in the perinatal period: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tsuei‐Hung , Pai Lee‐Wen , Tzeng Ya‐Ling , Yeh Tzu‐Pei , Teng Yu‐Kuei
Published: January 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of nurses and midwives‐led psychological interventions on the perinatal depressive symptoms.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis based on the PRISMA guidelines.

Methods

Six databases were searched, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science and CINAHL. The search date range was before 30 September 2019. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool to evaluate the quality of the included studies and Review Manager software 5.3 to conduct a meta‐analysis. The data were pooled using a random‐effect model.

Results

Studies (N = 827) were retrieved with 12 studies included. Psychological interventions provided by nurses and midwives have a significant effect on reducing perinatal depressive symptoms (RR: 0.72, 95% CI [0.64–0.82]). Among the approaches of psychological intervention, supportive counselling was the most effective (RR: 0.58, 95% CI [0.42–0.80]). The best intensity of intervention was six to eight sessions (RR: 0.66, 95% CI [0.55–0.79]).