bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource selection of apex raptors: implications for siting energy development in sagebrush and prairie ecosystems
Authors: Squires John R. , Olson Lucretia E. , Wallace Zachary P. , Oakleaf Robert J. , Kennedy Patricia L.
Published: August 2020

There is an urgent need to understand ecological responses of avian species to the rapidly expanding human footprint of conventional and renewable energy development in sagebrush and prairie ecosystems. The ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) and golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) are two sympatric raptors of conservation concern that occupy and flourish in the most intact sagebrush steppe region remaining in North America. To understand these species’ use of habitat relative to energy development, we built resource selection functions using a spatially representative sample of occupied nesting territories collected in 2010–2011 and remotely sensed environmental variables across an extensive study area (186,693 km2). We used the resulting predicted resource selection maps to evaluate spatial overlap between the nesting habitats of these sympatric raptor species, as well as overlap of predicted habitat with potential development of oil/gas and wind energy resources. Remotely sensed variables were very effective in modeling patterns of nest‐site selection based on fivefold cross‐validation (>0.93 Spearman‐rank correlation) and validation with an independent dataset of historical nests collected from 2000 to 2009. Topographic roughness and intermediate levels of spring precipitation were the strongest drivers of differences in habitat use between ferruginous hawks and golden eagles. We did not detect a strong signal of avoidance of energy infrastructure by either species at current levels of development and both nested closer than expected to gravel/dirt roads associated with oil and gas infrastructure. However, extensive overlap of nesting habitat more selected by ferruginous hawks and golden eagles with areas of actual and potential energy development suggests both species are at risk from future habitat fragmentation. Given that 80% of nests are> 1 km from oil/gas wells, we believe the density of energy‐related disturbance present during our study was insufficient to drive patterns of resource selection for ferruginous hawks when considered at broad spatial scales. However, it was beyond the scope of our study to predict long‐term, population‐level responses. We suggest rigorous monitoring of long‐term trends in occupancy, productivity, and distribution is warranted for populations of ferruginous hawk and golden eagle in sagebrush and prairie ecosystems exposed to increased energy development.
Generalized mycorrhizal interactions and fungal enemy release drive range expansion of orchids in southern Florida
Authors: Downing Jason L. , Liu Hong , McCormick Melissa K. , Arce Jay , Alonso Dailen , Lopez‐Perez Jorge
Published: August 2020

A species’ ability to establish and spread is influenced by different types of biotic interactions encountered in a new range. Species with high dependency on biotic interactions, such as orchids, are believed to have low ability to expand ranges. Using a comparative approach, we addressed the role of below‐ground biotic interactions in the naturalization and spread of two introduced orchids. Using fungus‐specific DNA primers and symbiotic germination trials, we identified the types of fungal taxa associated with Cyrtopodium flavum and Eulophia graminea, two invasive orchids in southern Florida, with that of two native congeners, C. punctatum and E. alta. We quantified the degrees of mycorrhizal specificity as well as associations with pathogenic fungi. We identified a total of 57 distinct fungal taxa, collected from a total of 104 root samples (67 adults and 37 seedlings), and 111 protocorms derived from fungal baits in southern Florida and southwest China. We found that invasive orchids were capable of associating with a broader range of mycorrhizal fungi than co‐occurring native congeners (i.e., generalist strategy). Concurrently, invasive orchid species were less likely to harbor pathogenic fungal groups (Ascomycete) than native congeners, suggesting enemy release played a role as well in these orchids’ naturalization and spread. These findings provided insights into the complex roles of mycorrhizal symbioses in range expansions.
Feeding specialists on fatty acid‐rich prey have higher gonad weights: Pay‐off in Baltic perch?
Authors: Scharnweber Kristin , Gårdmark Anna
Published: August 2020

Individual specialization is a common phenomenon throughout the animal kingdom. Many studies have identified intraspecific competition as one of the main drivers for individual feeding specialization. These studies have mainly considered the quantity of resources, commonly overlooking qualitative aspects of the diet. For example, highly unsaturated fatty acids of the ω‐3 class (ω‐3 HUFAs) are related to optimal health and growth in consumers. However, little is known on direct fitness consequences for consumers of natural populations that specialize on high‐quality resources, such as those rich in ω‐3 HUFAs. Despite being such an important qualitative aspect of the diet, it is still unknown whether natural populations show among‐individual variation in their choice on prey items that are either rich or poor in HUFAs, and how it affects individual performances. In this study, we investigated whether there is individual feeding specialization and whether it is related to fitness benefits, in a population of perch (Perca fluviatilis) in the Baltic Sea. The contribution of pelagic planktivorous fish to the diet varied from 17% to 61% among perch individuals, as depicted by stable isotope mixing models. This variation in diet was also qualitative, as the ω‐3 HUFA content differed among prey types. Specialization on the high‐quality resource pelagic planktivorous fish was associated with the proportions of ω‐3 HUFA in the individuals’ muscles and individuals among those with the highest proportions of ω‐3 HUFAs had the greatest relative gonad weight (gonadosomatic index, GSI), a proxy for reproductive investment. Thus, our results highlight the function of food quality for individual specialization and its potential to have direct fitness benefits, playing a major role in shaping ecological interactions.
Soil precipitation legacies influence intraspecific plant–soil feedback
Authors: Crawford Kerri M. , Hawkes Christine V.
Published: August 2020

Feedbacks between plants and soil microbial communities can play an important role in structuring plant communities. However, little is known about how soil legacies caused by environmental disturbances such as drought and extreme precipitation events may affect plant–soil feedback or whether plant–soil feedback operates within species as it does between species. If soil legacies alter plant–soil feedback among genotypes within a plant species, then soil legacies may alter the diversity within plant populations. We conducted a fully factorial pairwise plant–soil feedback experiment to test how precipitation legacies influenced intraspecific plant–soil feedbacks among three genotypes of a dominant grass species, Panicum virgatum. Panicum virgatum experienced negative intraspecific plant–soil feedback, i.e., genotypes generally performed worse on soil from the same genotype than different genotypes. Soil precipitation legacies reversed the rank order of the strength of negative feedback among the genotypes. Feedback is often positively correlated with plant relative abundance. Therefore, our results suggest that soil precipitation legacies may alter the genotypic composition of P. virgatum populations, favoring genotypes that develop less negative feedback. Changes in intraspecific diversity will likely further affect community structure and ecosystem functioning, and may constrain the ability of populations to respond to future changes in climate.
Serum potassium in the PARADIGM‐HF trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Mogensen Ulrik M. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Desai Akshay S. , Rouleau Jean‐Lucien , Zile Michael R. , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Packer Milton , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: August 2020

Aims

The associations between potassium level and outcomes, the effect of sacubitril–valsartan on potassium level, and whether potassium level modified the effect of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction were studied in PARADIGM‐HF. Several outcomes, including cardiovascular death, sudden death, pump failure death, non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization, were examined.

Methods and results

A total of 8399 patients were randomized to either enalapril or sacubitril–valsartan. Potassium level at randomization and follow‐up was examined as a continuous and categorical variable (≤3.5, 3.6–4.0, 4.1–4.9, 5.0–5.4 and ≥5.5 mmol/L) in various statistical models. Hyperkalaemia was defined as K+ ≥5.5 mmol/L and hypokalaemia as K+ ≤3.5 mmol/L. Compared with potassium 4.1–4.9 mmol/L, both hypokalaemia [hazard ratio (HR) 2.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84–3.14] and hyperkalaemia (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.10–1.83) were associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular death. However, potassium abnormalities were similarly associated with sudden death and pump failure death, as well as non‐cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization. Sacubitril–valsartan had no effect on potassium overall. The benefit of sacubitril–valsartan over enalapril was consistent across the range of baseline potassium levels.

Conclusions

Although both higher and lower potassium levels were independent predictors of cardiovascular death, potassium abnormalities may mainly be markers rather than mediators of risk for death.
The effectiveness of parental distraction during children’s acute pain: The moderating effect of socioeconomic status
Authors: Moore Shannon V. , Lecarie Emma K. , Davis Mary C. , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn
Published: August 2020

Background

Parental responses to children's pain shape how children interpret and cope with pain symptoms through parental modelling and operant conditioning. Evidence suggests that parental distraction is effective in reducing children's acute pain responses, but findings are inconsistent across pain tolerance, intensity and unpleasantness, and are limited to samples of primarily middle and upper‐middle class families. Although socioeconomically disadvantaged families may have fewer psychological resources to cope with pain, no studies have examined whether the utility of parent distraction varies by family socioeconomic status (SES). The current study tested the hypothesis that relations between parental distraction and acute pain responses in children vary by family SES, with children from higher versus lower SES families experiencing more substantial benefits.

Methods

Children's pain symptoms and parents’ use of verbal distraction during a cold pressor task were examined in a community sample of 530 twin children aged 7–12 years old and their primary caregivers.

Results

Parental distraction was positively associated with children‘s pain tolerance and unrelated to intensity and unpleasantness, but these associations are qualified by significant moderation. In families with higher SES, parental distraction was an effective technique in children's pain management, associated with more pain tolerance and less pain intensity and unpleasantness. However, for families with lower SES, these same benefits were not present.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the effectiveness of parental distraction for children's acute pain may depend on family SES.

Significance

Study findings suggest that the effects of parental distraction on children's responses to an acute pain task vary by family SES. Although parental distraction may be effective for higher SES children, further research is needed to identify whether and why distraction may not be beneficial for lower SES families.
Process optimization of high entropy alloys by laser additive manufacturing
Authors: Dada Modupeola , Popoola Patricia , Mathe Ntombi , Pityana Sisa , Adeosun Samson , Aramide Olufemi , Lengopeng Thabo
Published: August 2020

Aerospace components and their coatings are required to possess excellent surface properties over a wide temperature range. Stainless steels, titanium, nickel superalloy, and more recently high entropy alloys (HEAs) have been used to improve the exterior properties of these components. In this study, AlTiCrFeCoNi and AlCoCrFeNiCu HEAs were successfully fabricated using laser additive manufacturing to produce coatings on an A301 steel base plate. The influence of the laser parameters (laser power and scan speed) on the microstructure and hardness properties were also investigated. The results revealed that coatings homogeneously adhered to the baseplate. The optimum processing parameters for both alloys with defect‐free structures at a preheat temperature of 400°C, were at 1200‐1600 W at 8‐12 mm/s with the layers composed of both face centred‐cubic (FCC) and body centred‐cubic (BCC) phases. The laser parameters affected the quality and hardness properties of the alloys. The results showed that optimizing the laser parameters achieved by preheating temperature invariably improved the performance of the alloys with potential coatings and structural applications.
Effectiveness of exercise‐based interventions in patients with anorexia nervosa: A systematic review
Authors: Quiles Marcos Yolanda , León Zarceño Eva , López López José Antonio
Published: August 2020

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of research that has evaluated the outcomes of exercise‐based interventions in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients.

Method

We searched for studies in the MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases. We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines throughout the selection process, and used Cochrane tools to assess the risk of bias in the primary studies. In cases where sufficient information was available, outcomes were pooled using meta‐analytic techniques.

Results

Ten studies were included in the review. Results showed similar changes in body mass index in both experimental and control conditions (difference in mean changes of −0.53, 95% CI −1.52 to 0.46). We found no differences in depression or anxiety as a result of implementing exercise programmes. Studies using resistance or strength exercise programmes reported an increase in lower and upper body strength and in skeletal muscle mass in the intervention groups.

Conclusion

The incorporation of a supervised physical exercise programme to the usual treatment may be appropriate for AN patients. Exercise interventions should only be performed when they are safe for AN patients and should be focused on resistance/strength or flexibility exercises. The results from this systematic review should be interpreted with caution because the studies reviewed showed serious methodological problems.
The effect of long‐term aerial exposure on intertidal mudflat erodibility
Authors: Nguyen Hieu M. , Bryan Karin R. , Pilditch Conrad A.
Published: August 2020

Intertidal zones by definition are exposed to air at low tide, and the exposure duration can be weeks (e.g. during neap tides) depending on water level and bed elevation. Here we investigated the effect of varying exposure duration (6 h to 10 days) on intertidal mudflat erosion (measured using the EROMES device), where the effects of water content and biofilm biomass (using chlorophyll‐a content as a proxy, Chl‐a μg g−1) were taken into account. Sediments were collected between spring and summer (in October 2018, January 2019 and February 2019) from an intertidal site in the Firth of Thames, New Zealand. Longer exposure duration resulted in more stable sediments [higher erosion threshold (Ƭcr, N m−2) and lower erosion rate (ER, g m−2 s−1)]. After 10 days, exposure increased Ƭcr by 1.7 to 4.4 times and decreased ER by 11.6 to 21.5 times compared with 6 h of exposure. Chl‐a and water content changed with exposure duration and were significantly correlated with changes in Ƭcr and ER. The stability of sediments after two re‐submersion periods following exposure was also examined and showed that the stabilizing effect of exposure persisted even though water content had increased to non‐exposure levels. Re‐submersion was associated with an increase in Chl‐a content, which likely counteracted the destabilizing influence of increased water content. A site‐specific model, which included the interplay between evaporation and biofilm biomass, was developed to predict water content as a function of exposure duration. The modelled water content (WMod.) explained 98% of the observed variation in water content (WObs.). These results highlight how the exposure period can cause subtle changes to erosion regimes of sediments. An understanding of these effects (e.g. in sediment transport modelling) is critical to predicting the resilience of intertidal zones into the future, when sea‐level rise is believed to exacerbate erosion in low‐lying areas. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate finance policies, subsidies and R&D: Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Wei , Sattar Mahnoor
Published: August 2020

This paper develops an agency theory based conceptual framework to investigate the interconnections among corporate finance policies, subsidies and R&D investment. We empirically test our predictions using a sample of listed high‐tech firms from China during 2007–2015. Our baseline results support a positive subsidies‐R&D relationship. Subsequent tests using non‐linear models further point out that this relationship is inverted U‐shaped. In line with our conceptual framework, we show that the marginal effect of subsidies is diminishing and turns negative particularly among firms with higher dividend payout, lower investment efficiency, and lesser cashflow constraints. These findings ascertain the importance of internal corporate governance structure in facilitating regulatory policy implementation and effectiveness.
Terrorism and global business performance
Authors: Tauringana Venancio , Tingbani Ishmael , Okafor Godwin , Sha'ven Widin B.
Published: August 2020

This paper contributes to the literature on business performance by investigating the relationship between terrorism and global business performance at country level. A measure of a country's distance from the frontier score of the World Bank's Doing Business index is used to proxy for business performance. The results of the fixed‐effects estimations based on 173 countries over 7 years (2009–2017) show that terrorism has no significant relationship with global business performance. We then partition our sample into developed, developing and fragile countries. The results still show that there is no robust significant relationship between terrorism and business performance for the sub‐samples of developed and developing countries. However, the results based on the fragile countries' sub‐sample suggest a significant negative relationship between terrorism and business performance. The results are consistent with an alternative measure of business performance and estimation technique that controls for endogeneity.
The effects of psychological capital and empowerment on entrepreneurial spirit: The case of Naghadeh County, Iran
Authors: Haji Latif , Valizadeh Naser , Karimi Hamid
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of psychological capital on villagers' entrepreneurial spirit through the mediating role of psychological empowerment. Present study is an applied research, which was based on structural equation modelling in terms of the method of analysis. Statistical population was villagers of Nahgadeh County (N = 12,155) that was estimated using Krejcie and Morgan sampling table (n = 375). The samples were selected using stratified random sampling method. Research tool was a structured questionnaire which its validity confirmed by a panel of experts. Furthermore, the reliability of the research instrument was accomplished through Cronbach's alpha coefficients (0.86 ≤ α ≤ 0.92). Structural equation modelling was employed in order to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that direct effect of psychological capital on psychological empowerment (t = 3.61, γ = 0.24) was positive and significant. Besides, psychological capital (t = 4.28, γ = 0.28) and psychological empowerment (t = 8.67, γ = 0.59) positively and significantly affected entrepreneurial spirit. The analysis of indirect effects demonstrated that the indirect effect of psychological capital on entrepreneurial spirit was significant (γ = 0.42). Finally, it should be mentioned that independent variables could account for 57% variance of entrepreneurial spirit and fitness indices of the model were at an acceptable level.
Financial contagion in real economy: The key role of policy uncertainty
Authors: Samitas Aristeidis , Kampouris Elias , Umar Zaghum
Published: August 2020

This paper studies the spread of the Subprime Crisis and the European Sovereign Debt Crisis from Eurozone countries to the real economy by examining 10 sectors in major developed and emerging stock markets. First, we employ Cappiello et al., Journal of Financial Economics, 2006, 4, 537–572 model and copula functions to detect and cross‐check the correlations and the contagion thereafter. Second, we uncover evidence of correlation behaviour between policy uncertainty indexes and stock market returns. The results demonstrate that no country and sector was immune to spillover effects, highlighting the limited effectiveness of policy makers for both the Subprime Crisis and the European Sovereign Debt Crisis. The empirical application provides evidence of significant volatility and tail dependence from the financial sector to many real sectors in the U.S. economy. Additionally, there is clear evidence that certain sectors, particularly Healthcare, Telecommunications, Utilities and Technology, were less severely affected by the crisis, as observed by Baur, Journal of Banking & Finance, 2011, 36, 2680–2692.
Advanced adrenocortical carcinoma successfully treated with gemcitabine plus capecitabine as second‐line chemotherapy
Authors: Yamamoto Akinaru , Nakai Yasutomo , Oka Toshiki , Kanaki Tomohiro , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Nagahara Akira , Nakayama Masashi , Kakimoto Ken‐ichi , Nishimura Kazuo
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor with an unfavorable prognosis in the advanced stage for which second‐/third‐line chemotherapy is not well established.

Case presentation

A 34‐year‐old woman was referred to our institution for left adrenal tumor with multiple liver metastases and tumor thrombus extending to the inferior vena cava. According to her clinical diagnosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (T4N0M1, European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumors stage IV), we resected the left adrenal tumor and tumor thrombus. Pathological examination confirmed the adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosis. After four courses of etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, and mitotane therapy, the liver metastases progressed, and we started gemcitabine, capecitabine, and mitotane therapy as second‐line chemotherapy. After 7 months, significant shrinkage of the liver metastases was observed, and they remained stable over 16 months.

Conclusion

We reported a case of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma with significant shrinkage of liver metastases following gemcitabine, capecitabine, and mitotane therapy, with the effect maintained over 16 months.
Investment profitability and economic efficiency of the drip irrigation system: Evidence from Egypt*
Authors: Ali Abdelrahman , Xia Chunping , Jia Cheng , Faisal Muhammad
Published: August 2020

Modern irrigation systems are key to improving the productivity of water and land units. This study assesses the economic aspects of the drip irrigation system (DIS) by calculating the investment profitability and economic efficiency of the DIS for growing tomatoes in Egypt. One hundred tomato farmers were surveyed. Financial discounted criteria were used in addition to data envelopment analysis to estimate the economic efficiency of growing tomatoes using the DIS. The results showed that investment in the DIS is lucrative, with an increase of 67% in the net return per hectare, compared with results using non‐drip irrigation. The benefit–cost ratio amounted to 1.35, the net present value was US$1720, and the internal rate of return was 44%. The data envelopment analysis results revealed that most farms achieved technical and allocative efficiencies; however, cost and scale efficiencies still need improvement. These results could guide policymakers when designing irrigation transformation strategies that involve the use of micro‐credit to encourage small farmers to change from conventional irrigation systems to DISs. Agricultural extension agencies should organize intensive training programmes for small farmers on how to operate and maintain the DIS. These policies will accelerate the adoption of irrigation modernization and help vulnerable farmers maximize productivity and achieve sustainability in the use of limited resources.
Probabilistic time‐driven activity‐based costing
Authors: Sánchez Marisa A. , Batista Marianela De
Published: August 2020

This article proposes a Probabilistic Time‐driven Activity‐based costing model. Time consumption is represented using probabilistic variables and Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to forecast total cost. The simulation experiments provide data to estimate a confidence interval for the total cost of a cost object. Hence, simulation can easily address variations in time forecasts and provide a more realistic characterization of total cost. The definition of the number of resources (e.g., employees) as decision variables allows analyzing alternatives and answer “what‐if questions”. The proposal would be very useful for an operation manager in analyzing uncertain scenarios and providing information indicating under what conditions different cost estimates are feasible.
Cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes containing 2‐phenyl‐2H‐indazole ligand: Synthesis, photophysical studies, and DFT calculations
Authors: Dou Shao‐Bin , Jia Xing‐Liang , Liu Zhi‐Jun , Meng Ya‐Qi , Mo Zheng‐Rong , Li Gao‐Nan , Niu Zhi‐Gang
Published: August 2020

Heteroleptic cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes (Ir1–Ir5) featuring piz‐based ligands and acetylacetone ancillary ligand are synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were studied, and DFT calculations were used to further support the experiment results. All the complexes emit yellow color with quantum yields of 12.2–56.5% in dichloromethane solution at room temperature, and the emission originates from a hybrid 3MLCT/3ILCT/3LLCT excited state.
Performance evaluation of an amplicon‐based next‐generation sequencing panel for BRCA1 and BRCA2 variant detection
Authors: Park Kuenyoul , Kim Min Kyu , Lee Taegeun , Hong Jinyoung , Kim Hyun‐Ki , Ahn Sunyoung , Lee Young‐Jae , Kim Jisun , Lee Shin‐Wha , Lee Jong Won , Lee Woochang , Chun Sail , Son Byung Ho , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Yong‐Man , Min Won‐Ki , Ahn Sei‐Hyun
Published: August 2020

Background

As next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology matures, various amplicon‐based NGS tests for BRCA1/2 genotyping have been introduced. This study was designed to evaluate an NGS test using a newly released amplicon‐based panel, AmpliSeq for Illumina BRCA Panel (AmpliSeq panel), for detection of clinically significant BRCA variants, and to compare it to another amplicon‐based NGS test confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Methods

We reviewed BRCA test results done by NGS using the TruSeq Custom Amplicon kit from patients suspected of hereditary breast/ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) in 2018. Of those, 96 residual samples with 100 clinically significant variants were included in this study using predefined criteria: 100 variants were distributed throughout the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. All target variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Duplicate NGS testing of these samples was performed using the AmpliSeq panel, and the concordance of results from the two amplicon‐based NGS tests was assessed.

Results

Ninety‐nine of 100 variants were detected in duplicate BRCA1/2 genotyping using the AmpliSeq panel (sensitivity, 99%; specificity, 100%). In the discordant case, one variant (BRCA1 c.3627dupA) was found only in repeat 1, but not in repeat 2. Automated nomenclature of all variants, except for two indel variants, was in consensus with Human Genome Variation Society nomenclature.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that the analytic performance of the AmpliSeq panel is satisfactory, with high sensitivity and specificity.
Boron removal with modified polyamide RO modules by cross‐linked glutaric dialdehyde grafting
Authors: Chen Boxian , Li Fuzhi , Zhao Xuan
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Reverse osmosis (RO) plays an increasingly important role in boron removal. In this study, novel polyamide RO membranes and modules with high boron rejection were fabricated by cross‐linked glutaric dialdehyde (GA) grafting. To evaluate the influence of GA grafting on membrane materials, the surface properties before and after modification were analyzed.

RESULTS

The results showed that the membrane morphology changed distinctly after GA modification. All modified membranes became more hydrophilic as the water contact angle decreased from 60° to 35°. The zeta potential of RO membrane surface increased from −6.23 mV to 17.27 mV, which indicated that the surface charge altered from negative to positive. The rejection of boron increased from 76.65% to 90.14% and the boron permeability coefficient decreased from 3.71 to 0.79. Furthermore, the rejection of boron for modified module was >90% over a 5–22 ppm range of boron concentration. The rejection of boron also stabilized at ≈90% beyond 3000 min.

CONCLUSION

The modified RO membrane modules with high boron rejection and acceptable flux could be used in boron removal. The approach in this study can improve the separation properties of boron for commercially available modules without disassembling. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
The first report of two homozygous sequence variants in FKRP and SELENON genes associated with syndromic congenital muscular dystrophy in Iran: Further expansion of the clinical phenotypes
Authors: Mohamadian Malihe , Naseri Mohsen , Ghandil Pegah , Bahrami Afsane , Momen Ali Akbar
Published: August 2020

Background

Congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) refers to hypotonia and delayed motor development that is manifested at or near the birth. Additional presentations have been observed in CMD syndromes.

Methods

Thorough clinical examinations were performed on two unrelated Iranian families with typical symptoms of CMD and uncommon features such as intellectual disability and nephrolithiasis. The genomic DNA of probands were subjected to whole exome sequencing. Following the detection of candidate variants with a bioinformatic pipeline, the familial co‐segregation analysis was carried out using polymerase chain reaction‐based Sanger sequencing.

Results

We identified a missense homozygous variant in the fukutin‐related protein (FKRP) gene (c.968G>A, p.Arg323His) related to CMD‐dystroglycanopathy type B5 (MDDGB5) and a frameshift homozygous variant in the selenoprotein N (SELENON) gene (c.1446delC, p.Asn483Thrfs*11) associated with congenital rigid‐spine muscular dystrophy 1 (RSMD1), which were completely segregated with the phenotypes in the families. These variants were not found in either the 1000 Genomes Project or the Exome Aggregation Consortium. The present study provides the first report of these homozygous sequence variants in Iran. Moreover, our study was the first observation of nephrolithiasis in FKRP‐related dystroglycanopathy and intellectual disability in SELENON‐related myopathies. Based on in silico studies and molecular docking, these variations induced pathogenic effects on the proteins.

Conclusions

Our findings extend the genetic database of Iranian patients with CMD and, in general, the phenotypical spectrum of syndromic CMD. It is recommended to consider these variants for a more accurate clinical interpretation, prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling in families with a history of CMD, especially in those combined with cognitive impairments or renal dysfunctions.
Fetal Flow Quantification in Great Vessels Using Motion‐Corrected Radial Phase Contrast MRI: Comparison With Cartesian
Authors: Goolaub Datta Singh , Xu Jiawei , Schrauben Eric , Sun Liqun , Roy Christopher W. , Marini Davide , Seed Mike , Macgowan Christopher K.
Published: August 2020

Background

Phase contrast MRI in the great vessels is a potential clinical tool for managing fetal pathologies. One challenge is the uncontrollable fetal motion, potentially corrupting flow quantifications.

Purpose

To demonstrate improvements in fetal blood flow quantification in great vessels using retrospectively motion‐corrected golden‐angle radial phase contrast MRI relative to Cartesian phase contrast MRI.

Study Type

Method comparison.

Phantom/Subjects

Computer simulation. Seventeen pregnant volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5T and 3T. Cartesian and golden‐angle radial phase contrast MRI.

Assessment

Through computer simulations, radial (with and without retrospective motion correction) and Cartesian phase contrast MRI were compared using flow deviations. in vivo Cartesian and radial phase contrast MRI measurements and reconstruction qualities were compared in pregnancies. Cartesian data were reconstructed into gated reconstructions (CINEs) after cardiac gating with metric optimized gating (MOG). For radial data, real‐time reconstructions were performed for motion correction and MOG followed by CINE reconstructions.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Linear regression. Bland–Altman plots. Student's t‐test.

Results

Simulations showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in flow accuracy and reconstruction quality with motion correction ([mean/peak] flow errors with ±5 mm motion corruption: Cartesian [35 ± 1/115 ± 7] mL/s, motion uncorrected radial [25 ± 1/75 ± 2] mL/s and motion‐corrected radial [1.0 ± 0.5/−5 ± 1] mL/s). in vivo Cartesian reconstructions without motion correction had lower quality than the motion‐corrected radial reconstructions (P < 0.05). Across all fetal mean flow measurements, the bias [limits of agreement] between the two measurements were −0.2 [−76, 75] mL/min/kg, while the linear regression coefficients were (Mradial = 0.81 × MCartesian + 29.8 [mL/min/kg], r2 = 0.67). The corresponding measures for the peak fetal flows were −23 [−214, 167] mL/min/kg and (Pradial = 0.95 × PCartesian–1.2 [mL/min/kg], r2 = 0.80). Cartesian reconstructions of low quality showed significantly higher estimated mean and peak (P < 0.05) flows than the corresponding radial reconstructions.

Data Conclusion

Simulations showed that radial phase contrast MRI with motion compensation improved flow accuracy. For fetal measurements, motion‐corrected radial reconstructions showed better image quality than, and different flow values from, Cartesian reconstructions.

Level of Evidence 1.

Technical Efficacy Stage 1.

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:540–551.
Assessment of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques Using 3D Black‐Blood MRI: Comparison With 3D Time‐of‐Flight MRA and DSA
Authors: Tian Xia , Tian Bing , Shi Zhang , Wu Xiao , Peng Wenjia , Zhang Xuefeng , Malhotra Ajay , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Sekhar Laligam , Liu Qi , Lu Jianping , Hu Chunhong , Zhu Chengcheng
Published: August 2020

Background

Noninvasive assessment of intracranial stenosis is important to manage ischemic stroke patients. However, few previous studies have compared 3D black‐blood MRI with 3D time‐of‐flight (TOF), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for intracranial artery plaque assessment.

Purpose

To compare 3D black‐blood MRI and 3D TOF‐MRA, using DSA as the reference standard for intracranial stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque assessment in patients with posterior circulation stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).

Study Type

Prospective, cohort study.

Population

One hundred and one patients with posterior circulation stroke and/or TIA (age 63 ± 10 years, 84 male) who underwent DSA and MRI within 4 weeks of each other.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D fast‐spin‐echo MRI for intracranial vessel wall imaging (IVWI) and 3D TOF at 3T.

Assessment

Two radiologists independently measured the degree of stenosis on 3D IVWI and TOF, using DSA as a reference. Plaque enhancement was recorded when the plaque was stenosis‐free on DSA.

Statistical Tests

Shapiro–Wilk's test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Spearman correlation, Bland–Altman analysis, and interclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

A total of 238 intracranial plaques (203 posterior, 35 anterior) were included. 3D IVWI showed better agreement with DSA in measuring stenosis than TOF (ICC = 0.89 vs. 0.64). 3D IVWI had higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting stenosis >50% and stenosis >75% than TOF, using DSA as the standard. TOF significantly overestimated the degree of stenosis compared to DSA (65 ± 19% vs. 51 ± 15%, P < 0.001). DSA did not observe 62 nonstenotic plaques (26.1%) that were shown only on 3D IVWI, in which 36 plaques (58.1%) showed contrast enhancement. The interreader agreement for measuring stenosis were excellent, with ICCs >0.90 for all three modalities.

Data Conclusion

3D black‐blood MRI is accurate and reproducible for quantifying intracranial artery stenosis compared with DSA, and performs better than 3D TOF. As compared to DSA, it detects more nonstenotic plaques.

Level of Evidence 1

Technical Efficacy Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:469–478.
Normative Baseline for Radiomics in Brain MRI: Evaluating the Robustness, Regional Variations, and Reproducibility on FLAIR Images
Authors: Pandey Umang , Saini Jitender , Kumar Manoj , Gupta Rakesh , Ingalhalikar Madhura
Published: August 2020

Background

Radiomics in neuroimaging has gained momentum as a noninvasive prediction tool not only to differentiate between types of brain tumors, but also to create phenotypic signatures in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, there is currently little understating about the robustness and reproducibility of radiomic features in a baseline normative population.

Purpose

To investigate the intra‐ and interscanner reproducibility, spatial robustness, and sensitivity of radiomics on fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) images, which are widely used in neuro‐oncology investigations.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Three separate datasets of healthy controls: 1) 87 subjects (age range 12–64 years), 2) intrascanner three timepoints, four subjects, and 3) interscanner, eight subjects at three different sites.

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted FLAIR at 1.5T and 3.0T.

Assessment

Spatial variance across lobes, and their relation with age/gender, intra‐ and inter‐scanner reproducibility (with and without site harmonization) of radiomics.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance (ANOVA), interclass correlation (ICC), coefficient of variation (CoV), Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

Analysis of data revealed no differences between genders; however, multiple radiomic features were highly associated with age (P < 0.05). Spatial variability was also evaluated where only 29.04% gray matter and 38.7% white matter features demonstrated an ICC >0.5. Furthermore, the results demonstrated intra‐scanner reliability (ICC >0.5); however, inter‐scanner reproducibility was poor, with ICC < 0.5 for 82% gray matter and 78.5% white matter features. The inter‐scanner reliability improved (ICC < 0.5 for 39.67% gray matter and 38% white matter features) using site‐harmonization techniques.

Data Conclusion

These findings suggest that, accounting for age, spatial locations in radiomics‐based analysis and use of intersite radiomics harmonization is crucial before interpreting these features for pathological inference.

Level of Evidence 3.

Technical Efficacy Stage 1.

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2021;53:394–407.
The Impact of a Nurse‐Led Syncope Clinic: Experience from a single UK tertiary center
Authors: Adlan Ahmed M. , Eftekhari Helen , Paul Geeta , Hayat Sajad , Osman Faizel
Published: August 2020

Background

Syncope is a leading cause of hospital admission and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our Syncope Clinic commenced in 2014 and we sought to evaluate its impact on outcomes (1‐yr mortality and syncope re‐hospitalization) in patients discharged following syncope admission.

Methods

A single‐center study of all consecutive patients discharged with syncope (ICD‐10 R55) between April 2012 and 2017. Patient demographics, comorbidities, hospital stay, syncope re‐hospitalization, and mortality at one‐year were collected. Those subsequently referred and seen in Syncope Clinic were compared with those who were not and predictors of poor outcome were evaluated.

Results

In total 2950 patients were discharged from hospital with syncope (median age: 73years, 51% male) with 1220 (41%) discharged same‐day; after commencement of Syncope Clinic 231were subsequently reviewed here. Overall mortality was 11%, which was lower in the Syncope Clinic group (3% vs 12%, P < .001). Temporal analysis revealed reduced re‐hospitalization following commencement of Syncope Clinic (2% vs 6%, P = .027). Independent predictors of mortality were increasing age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.03‐1.04), AF (HR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2‐2.1), HF (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.6‐3.0), COPD (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4‐2.7), and CHADS2 score ≥ 1 (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1,12‐1.87). Syncope Clinic attendance was associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1‐0.6).

Conclusions

Syncope patients discharged from hospital had reduced 1yr mortality if seen in subsequent Syncope Clinic. Independent predictors of mortality were COPD, HF, AF, and CHADS2 ≥1. Prospective randomized trials of Syncope Clinics are warranted.
Beyond adherence to justice rules: How and when manager gender contributes to diminished legitimacy in the aftermath of unfair situations
Authors: Varty Christianne T. , Barclay Laurie J. , Brady Daniel L.
Published: August 2020

Unfair situations are a reality of organizational life. Although managers are typically advised to enact justice (i.e., adhere to justice rules) to mitigate negative employee reactions to unfair situations, the subjective nature of fairness suggests that employees may still react negatively to managers, regardless of managers' adherence to justice rules. Integrating fairness theory with social role theory, we propose that prescriptive gender stereotypes can differentially influence employees' reactions toward female (versus male) managers in the aftermath of unfair situations. Across two studies, female (versus male) managers were especially likely to experience diminished legitimacy in the aftermath of unfair situations, regardless of their adherence to justice rules. Moreover, these effects were especially likely to emerge for situations that reflected isolated versus ongoing issues. In turn, diminished legitimacy prompted negative employee behaviors that can detract from managerial effectiveness (e.g., withdrawal of manager‐directed citizenship behaviors, enhanced negative gossip about the manager, and increased resistance behaviors). Theoretical and practical contributions include recognizing the importance of broadening focus beyond adherence to justice rules to understand employees' reactions and managers' experiences, acknowledging the impact of gender in the context of fairness, and highlighting that upward‐directed gender bias may contribute to the (un)intentional undermining of female managers.
Removal of bias introduced by considering calendar or rainfall day as 24‐hr period in daily minimum temperature series: Results from ACMANT approach
Authors: Domonkos Peter , Prohom Marc , Llabrés‐Brustenga Alba
Published: August 2020

The automation of weather stations influences the climate observations in various ways, among them the hour of reading and reporting daily temperature extremes is usually altered. This alteration causes a systematic change, referred to as terminus change signal (TCS), in the recorded daily minimum temperatures (Tmin), in comparison with the earlier records. The TCS present in the Tmin data of the Meteorological Service of Catalonia is quantified accurately from the dates of the automation and hourly temperature observations. The TCS is very small for the annual means, but it has a characteristic, irregular‐shaped annual cycle with up to 0.3°C decrease of mean monthly Tmin from spring to autumn, and a change of the opposite sign in the winter months. The study explores how biases of the same seasonal behaviour as the TCS in Catalonia can be removed with statistical homogenization when the archived data and metadata are insufficient for the exact calculation of the bias properties. ACMANT, one of the most modern and most accurate homogenization methods is used on various test datasets with the TCS embedded. The test datasets are developed from two source datasets, one is a selected network of the observed Catalan Tmin series, while the other is a simulated Swedish Tmin dataset from the European project INDECIS. The test datasets include the TCS with varied parameterizations in order to obtain a more general picture about the skill of the statistical homogenization. While the signal‐to‐noise ratio and mean annual bias are varied by parameterization, the shape of the annual cycle of the TCS is fixed. The results show that ACMANT is notably more accurate in removing mean annual biases than mean monthly biases. The skill of removing a mean monthly bias widely varies and is influenced by several factors identified by the performed tests.
Wet spells over the core monsoon domain of northern Pakistan during the summer season
Authors: Sadaf Nabeela , Lin Yanluan , Dong Wenhao
Published: August 2020

Flooding events or wet spells have increased over Pakistan in recent years. However, a long‐term classification of large‐scale and synoptic‐scale configuration for these events has been lacking. In this study, a total of 53 wet spells during the period of 1951–2015 over the core monsoon domain of northern Pakistan are identified using rainfall data. Based on daily geopotential height fields from NCEP/NCAR re‐analysis, the dominant synoptic‐scale systems, displaying distinct low‐level circulation and moisture transport, are found during these wet spells over Pakistan. They are categorized as trough with low pressure system (LPS, 30 cases), trough without LPS (19 cases) and LPS only (4 cases) wet spells. Without the accompanying LPS over India, the trough tends to be deep and intrudes to southern Pakistan with moisture transport mainly from the Arabian Sea. In contrast, the trough is relatively shallow and interacts with presence of the LPS to steer moisture from the Bay of Bengal towards Pakistan. We found that subtropical trough is an essential ingredient of wet spells over Pakistan. This is different from wet spells over the core monsoon domain of India, which is mainly dominated by LPS. The ridge development over Siberia is a precursor to wet spells over Pakistan and provides guidance for prediction.