bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Site‐specific impacts of a major hurricane on alpha and beta diversity in tropical forest seedling communities
Authors: Worthy Samantha J. , Rubio Vanessa E. , Staiger Kirstin , Ngouajio Boris , Yang Jie , Swenson Nathan G.
Published: July 2021

Large scale disturbances are known to impact the alpha and beta diversity of communities. However, whether these disturbances increase or decrease diversity is often debated. The goal of this study was to quantify how the diversity of the seedling community was impacted within and across elevation in the El Yunque forest of Puerto Rico following a major hurricane. We tested two alternative hypotheses, that hurricanes are relatively more homogenizing or non‐homogenizing forces, by quantifying changes in alpha and beta diversity of the seedling community post‐hurricane. This approach highlights whether ecological mechanisms associated with community homogenization (species‐specific survival, successional processes, and reduced environmental heterogeneity) or non‐homogenization (resource release, increased environmental heterogeneity, and stochastic processes) structure the seedling community post‐hurricane. We compared species richness, Fisher’s α, Simpson’s evenness, and multiple aspects of beta diversity within and among 25 seedling plots at 300, 400, and 500 m in elevation pre‐ and post‐hurricane. We found that species richness, diversity, and evenness were higher post‐hurricane, but abundance decreased 19%. Increases in alpha diversity suggest that hurricanes are non‐homogenizing forces potentially linked with increases in light levels promoting colonization of early‐successional species and resource release for other light‐demanding species. The beta diversity results varied in their support for hurricanes as homogenizing depending upon the spatial scale of the analysis, potentially due to a combination of mechanisms including species‐specific survival and site‐specific differences. To fully grasp how the seedling community responds and recovers from disturbance, additional long‐term monitoring will be needed to allow insight into the future of species richness, abundance, and spatial and temporal changes in community composition.
Ecological and environmental context shape the differential effects of a facilitator in its native and invaded ranges
Authors: Hesketh Amelia V. , Schwindt Evangelina , Harley Christopher D. G.
Published: July 2021

Invasive species often exhibit disproportionately strong negative effects in their introduced range compared to their native range, and much research has been devoted to understanding the role of shared evolutionary history, or lack thereof, in driving these differences. Less studied is whether introduced species, particularly those that are important as facilitators in their native range, have persistent positive effects in their invaded range despite a lack of a shared evolutionary history with the invaded community. Here, we manipulated the density of a habitat‐forming facilitator, the high intertidal acorn barnacle Balanus glandula, factorially with herbivore density in its native range (Bluestone Point, British Columbia, Canada) and invaded range (Punta Ameghino, Chubut Province, Argentina) to determine how this facilitator differentially affects associated species at these two locations. Given that high intertidal species at Punta Ameghino (PA) are evolutionarily naïve to barnacles, we predicted that the positive effects of B. glandula at PA would be absent or weak compared to those at Bluestone Point (BP). However, we found that B. glandula had an equally positive effect on herbivore biomass at PA compared to BP, possibly because the moisture‐retaining properties of barnacle bed habitats are particularly important in seasonally dry Patagonia. Barnacle presence indirectly decreased ephemeral algal cover at BP by increasing grazer pressure, but barnacles instead facilitated ephemeral algae at PA. In contrast, B. glandula increased perennial algal cover at BP, but generally decreased perennial algal cover at PA, likely due to differences in dominant algal morphology. Though our experiment was limited to one location on each continent, our results suggest that shared evolutionary history may not be a prerequisite for strong facilitation to occur, but rather that the nature and strength of novel species interactions are determined by the traits of associated species and the environment in which they occur.
Parental investment in the Columbian ground squirrel: empirical tests of sex allocation models
Authors: Barra Thibaut , Viblanc Vincent A. , Saraux Claire , Murie Jan O. , Dobson F. Stephen
Published: July 2021

Parental allocation of resources into male or female offspring and differences in the balance of offspring sexes in natural populations are central research topics in evolutionary ecology. Fisher (Fisher, R. A. 1930. The genetical theory of natural selection, Clarendon Press, Oxford, UK) identified frequency‐dependent selection as the mechanism responsible for an equal investment in the sexes of offspring at the end of parental care. Three main theories have been proposed for explaining departures from Fisherian sex ratios in light of variation in environmental (social) and individual (maternal condition) characteristics. The Trivers–Willard model (Trivers, R., and D. Willard. 1973. Natural selection of parental ability to vary the sex ratio of offspring. Science 179:90–92) of male‐biased sex allocation by mothers in the best body condition is based on the competitive ability of male offspring for future access to mates and thus superior reproduction. The local resource competition model is based on competitive interactions in matrilines, as occur in many mammal species, where producing sons reduces future intrasexual competition with daughters. A final model invokes advantages of maintaining matrilines for philopatric females, despite any increased competition among females. We used 29 yr of pedigree and demographic data to evaluate these hypotheses in the Colombian ground squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus), a semisocial species characterized by strong female philopatry. Overall, male offspring were heavier than female offspring at birth and at weaning, suggesting a higher production cost. With more local kin present, mothers in the best condition biased their offspring sex ratio in favor of males, and mothers in poor condition biased offspring sex ratio in favor of females. Without co‐breeding close kin, the pattern was reversed, with mothers in the best condition producing more daughters, and mothers in poor condition producing more sons. Our results do not provide strong support for any of the single‐factor models of allocation to the sexes of offspring, but rather suggest combined influences of relative maternal condition and matriline dominance on offspring sex ratio.
Association of estimated glucose disposal rate and chronic diabetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Lam‐Chung César Ernesto , Martínez Zavala Néstor , Ibarra‐Salce Raúl , Pozos Varela Francisco Javier , Mena Ureta Tania S. , Berumen Hermosillo Francisco , Campos Muñoz Alejandro , Janka Zires Marcela , Almeda‐Valdes Paloma
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The role of insulin resistance in diabetic chronic complications among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) has not been clearly defined. The aim of this study was to examine the performance of insulin resistance, evaluated using the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) for the identification of metabolic syndrome (MS) and diabetic chronic complications.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study in a tertiary care centre. We included patients of 18 years and older, with at least 6 months of T1D duration. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were collected.

Results

Seventy patients, 41 (58.6%) women, with a median age of 36.6 years (range 18–65). Mean age of onset and duration of diabetes was 13.5 ± 6.5 and 23.6 ± 12.2 years, respectively. Twenty‐one (30%) patients met the metabolic syndrome (MS) criteria. Patients with MS had lower eGDR compared to patients without (5.17 [3.10–8.65] vs. 8.86 [6.82–9.85] mg/kg/min, respectively, p = .003). Median eGDR in patients with nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy compared with those without was 6.75 (4.60–8.20) versus 9.53 (8.57–10.3); p < .001, 6.45 (4.60–7.09) versus 9.50 (8.60–10.14); p < .001, 5.56 (4.51–6.81) versus 9.49 [8.19–10.26] mg/kg/min; p < .001, respectively. The eGDR showed an area under the curve of 0.909, 0.879, 0.897 and 0.836 for the discrimination of MS, retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with T1D diabetic complications have higher insulin resistance. The eGDR discriminates patients with chronic diabetic complications and MS. While more ethnic‐specific studies are required, this study suggests the possibility to incorporate eGDR into routine diabetes care.
Boron Nitride Quantum Dots/Ti3C2Tx‐MXene Heterostructure For Efficient Electrocatalytic Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Chu Ke , Li Xingchuan , Tian Ye , Li Qingqing , Guo Yali
Published: July 2021

Electrocatalytic N2 fixation through N2 reduction reaction (NRR) has been regarded as a promising route for sustainable NH3 synthesis, while exploring high‐performing NRR catalysts is pivotal yet challenging. Herein, BN quantum dots/Ti3C2Tx‐MXene (BNQDs/Ti3C2Tx) heterostructure is demonstrated as an efficient and durable NRR catalyst, exhibiting a high NH3 yield of 52.8 ± 3.3 μg h−1 mg−1 with an FE of 19.1 ± 1.6% at −0.4 V (vs. RHE), which stand at the high level among all reported BN‐ and MXene‐based NRR catalysts. Theoretical computations reveal that the electronic interactions between BNQDs and Ti3C2Tx enrich the electron density of B atoms at the heterointerface and endow them with enhanced electron‐donating capability for N2 activation and protonation. Meanwhile, the decorated BNQDs can block the active sites of Ti3C2Tx for hydrogen evolution, rendering a high N2‐to‐NH3 selectivity.
The inhibitory receptor CD300a is essential for neutrophil‐mediated clearance of urinary tract infection in mice
Authors: Isaacson Batya , Baron Maya , Yamin Rachel , Bachrach Gilad , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Granot Zvi , Mandelboim Ofer
Published: July 2021

Neutrophils play a crucial role in immune defense against and clearance of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)‐mediated urinary tract infection, the most common bacterial infection in healthy humans. CD300a is an inhibitory receptor that binds phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, presented on the membranes of apoptotic cells. CD300a binding to phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, also known as the “eat me” signal, mediates immune tolerance to dying cells. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that CD300a plays an important role in the neutrophil‐mediated immune response to UPEC‐induced urinary tract infection. We show that CD300a‐deficient neutrophils have impaired phagocytic abilities and despite their increased accumulation at the site of infection, they are unable to reduce bacterial burden in the bladder, which results in significant exacerbation of infection and worse host outcome. Finally, we demonstrate that UPEC's pore forming toxin α‐hemolysin induces upregulation of the CD300a ligand on infected bladder epithelial cells, signaling to neutrophils to be cleared.
Switching between laser‐induced thermophoresis and thermal convection of liquid suspension in a microgap with variable dimension
Authors: Tsuji Tetsuro , Taguchi Satoshi , Takamatsu Hiroki
Published: July 2021

Phoretic motion of particles along a temperature gradient formed in a fluid, known as thermophoresis, often takes place under the influence of bulk motion caused by thermal convection. In this paper, using a laser heating method, the significance of two competing effects, that is, thermophoresis and thermal convection, for the particle transport in a liquid phase confined in a microgap is investigated experimentally by changing the gap size as a control parameter. It is found that there is a threshold of the gap size, above which the particles tend to accumulate around the heated spot, forming a ring‐like particle distribution. On the contrary, if the gap size is below the threshold, the particles are depleted from the heated spot. Switching between these accumulation and depletion modes is expected to develop novel manipulation techniques.
Antiepileptogenesis and disease modification: Clinical and regulatory issues
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , Bebin Martina , Dichter Marc A. , Engel Jerome , Hartman Adam L. , Jóźwiak Sergiusz , Klein Pavel , McNamara James , Twyman Roy , Vespa Paul
Published: July 2021

This is a summary report of clinical and regulatory issues discussed at the 2018 NINDS workshop, entitled “Accelerating Therapies for Antiepileptogenesis and Disease Modification.” The intent of the workshop was to optimize and accelerate development of therapies for antiepileptogenesis (AEG) and disease modification in the epilepsies. The working group discussed nomenclature for antiepileptogenic therapies, subdividing them into “antiepileptogenic therapies” and “disease modifying therapies,” both of which are urgently needed. We use the example of traumatic brain injury to explain issues and complexities in designing a trial for disease‐preventing antiepileptogenic therapies, including identifying timing of intervention, selecting the appropriate dose, and the need for biomarkers. We discuss the recent trials of vigabatrin to prevent onset and modify epilepsy outcome in children with tuberous sclerosis (Epistop and PreVeNT). We describe a potential approach to a disease modification trial in adults, using patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Finally, we discuss regulatory hurdles for antiepileptogenesis and disease‐modifying trials.
Zu den geomechanischen Parametern von Nürnberger Keupersandstein für den kreuzungsfreien Ausbau des Frankenschnellwegs Nürnberg (Abschnitt Mitte)
Authors: Hu Yifeng , Bayer Manfred , Sieler Ulrich
Published: July 2021

Im Zuge des kreuzungsfreien Ausbaus des Frankenschnellwegs in Nürnberg ist im Abschnitt Mitte ein Tunnel mit tiefer Gradiente in Spritzbetonbauweise geplant. Der Tunnel wird überwiegend im Nürnberger Keupersandstein (Blasensandstein der Kategorie mürb bis mittelhart) aufgefahren. Hierbei werden mehrere kreuzende Bahnlinien mit dem geplanten Tunnel unterfahren. Zur Gewährleistung der Betriebssicherheit stellt die Deutsche Bahn hohe Anforderungen an die Begrenzung der Verformungen bzw. Setzungen der Eisenbahndämme durch den Tunnelvortrieb bei einer Überdeckungshöhe bis ca. 18 m. Zur realitätsnahen Prognose des Verformungs‐ bzw. Setzungsverhaltens durch Tunnelvortrieb wurden zahlreiche Triaxialversuche an Prüfproben der mürben, mittelharten und harten Sandsteine durchgeführt. Dabei wurden insbesondere die Einflüsse des Seitendrucks und der Ent‐ bzw. Wiederbelastungsschleifen auf Steifigkeiten untersucht. Der Auswertung der Versuchsergebnisse wurde das Stoffmodell Hardening Soil Model (HSM) zugrunde gelegt. Davon ausgehend wurde die Anwendbarkeit des Stoffmodells HSM für die Nürnberger Keupersandsteine je nach der Kategorie bzw. Druckfestigkeit überprüft, die entsprechenden geomechanischen Parameter ermittelt und zur Bemessung empfohlen. In diesem Aufsatz werden die wesentlichen Ergebnisse dargestellt.
Zircon trace element geochemistry and Ti‐in‐zircon thermometry of the Linté Pan‐African granitoids, Central Cameroon: Constraints on the genesis of host magma and tectonic implications
Authors: Ayonta Kenne Patrick , Tanko Njiosseu Evine Laure , Ganno Sylvestre , Ngnotue Timoleon , Fossi Donald Hermann , Hamdja Ngoniri Alexis , Nga Essomba Philomene , Nzenti Jean Paul
Published: July 2021

The Linté area belongs to the central part of the Adamawa‐Yadé Domain (AYD) within the Pan‐African Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in Cameroon. This area is dominated by Neoproterozoic high‐K calc‐alkaline syenite and monzonite intruding Archean to Palaeoproterozoic gneisses. In this contribution, trace element compositions of zircon obtained using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry are used to constrain the petrogenesis and tectonic setting of Linté area. The analysed zircon grains display restricted ranges of Hf contents with an average of 8,197 ppm in syenite, 8,220 ppm in alkali‐feldspar syenite, and 9,026 ppm in monzonite. They display high Th/U ratios (>0.5) typical of magmatic zircons. The monzonite zircons have a higher ∑REE content (483.42 ppm) than the syenite zircons (237.70 ppm). The chondrite‐normalized rare‐earth element (REE) diagram of Linté samples shows very similar patterns, characterized by a steeply rising slope due to important heavy rare‐earth element enrichment relative to light rare‐earth element, with distinctive positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies. The application of the Ti‐in‐zircon thermometer reveals a wide range of crystallization temperatures (574–1,137°C for syenites and 713–1,008°C for monzonite), implying a deep level of melting, likely within the lower continental crust of the CAFB. The integration of geochemical behaviours of some trace elements (U, Hf, Zr, Ce, Th, and Nb), together with discrimination diagrams, suggests the crystallization of a continental crust‐derived magma under variable oxidation states and emplacement in a magmatic‐arc setting. This finding represents and adds on to the N‐S geodynamic convergence model between the AYD and the northern border of the Congo Craton.
Longitudinal white matter changes associated with cognitive training
Authors: Nichols Emily Sophia , Erez Jonathan , Stojanoski Bobby , Lyons Kathleen Michelle , Witt Suzanne Theisen , Mace Charlotte Anna , Khalid Sameera , Owen Adrian Mark
Published: July 2021

Improvements in behavior are known to be accompanied by both structural and functional changes in the brain. However, whether those changes lead to more general improvements, beyond the behavior being trained, remains a contentious issue. We investigated whether training on one of two cognitive tasks would lead to either near transfer (that is, improvements on a quantifiably similar task) or far transfer (that is, improvements on a quantifiably different task), and furthermore, if such changes did occur, what the underlying neural mechanisms might be. Healthy adults (n = 16, 15 females) trained on either a verbal inhibitory control task or a visuospatial working memory task for 4 weeks, over the course of which they received five diffusion tensor imaging scans. Two additional tasks served as measures of near and far transfer. Behaviorally, participants improved on the task that they trained on, but did not improve on cognitively similar tests (near transfer), nor cognitively dissimilar tests (far transfer). Extensive changes to white matter microstructure were observed, with verbal inhibitory control training leading to changes in a left‐lateralized network of frontotemporal and occipitofrontal tracts, and visuospatial working memory training leading to changes in right‐lateralized frontoparietal tracts. Very little overlap was observed in changes between the two training groups. On the basis of these results, we suggest that near and far transfer were not observed because the changes in white matter tracts associated with training on each task are almost entirely nonoverlapping with, and therefore afford no advantages for, the untrained tasks.
Retracted: Increased resting‐state activity in the cerebellum with mothers having less adaptive sensory processing and trait anxiety
Authors: Sakakibara Nobuko , Makita Kai , Hiraoka Daiki , Kasaba Ryoko , Kuboshita Ryo , Shimada Koji , Fujisawa Takashi X. , Tomoda Akemi
Published: July 2021

Child‐rearing mothers with high levels of trait anxiety have a tendency for less adaptive sensory processing, which causes parenting stress. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this sensory processing and trait anxiety remain unclear. We aimed to determine the whole‐brain spontaneous neural activity and sensory processing characteristics in mothers with varying parenting stress levels. Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we assessed mothers caring for more than one preschool aged (2–5 years) child and presenting with varying levels of sensory processing, trait anxiety, and parenting stress. Spontaneous neural activities in select brain regions were evaluated by whole‐brain correlation analyses based on the fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFF). We found significant positive correlations between levels of sensory processing with trait anxiety and parenting stress. Mothers having less adaptive sensory processing had significantly increased resting‐state network activities in the left lobule VI of the cerebellum. Increased fALFF values in the left lobule VI confirmed the mediation effect on the relationship between trait anxiety and sensory processing. A tendency for less adaptive sensory processing involving increased brain activity in lobule VI could be an indicator of maternal trait anxiety and the risk of parenting stress.
Stereotactic body ablative radiotherapy for reirradiation of small volume head and neck cancers is associated with prolonged survival: Large, single‐institution, modern cohort study
Authors: Diao Kevin , Nguyen Theresa P. , Moreno Amy C. , Reddy Jay P. , Garden Adam S. , Wang Catherine H. , Tung Samuel , Wang Congjun , Wang Xin A. , Rosenthal David I. , Fuller Clifton D. , Gunn Gary B. , Frank Steven J. , Morrison William H. , Shah Shalin J. , Lee Anna , Spiotto Michael T. , Su Shirley Y. , Ferrarotto Renata , Phan Jack
Published: July 2021

Background

Recurrent head and neck cancer has poor prognosis. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may improve outcomes by delivering ablative radiation doses.

Methods

We reviewed patients who received definitive‐intent SBRT reirradiation at our institution from 2013 to 2020. Patterns of failure, overall survival (OS), and toxicities were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐seven patients were evaluated. The median OS was 44.3 months. The median SBRT dose was 45 Gy and median target volume 16.9 cc. The 1‐year local, regional, and distant control was 78%, 66%, and 83%, respectively. Systemic therapy improved regional (p = 0.004) and distant control (p = 0.04) in nonmetastatic patients. Grade 3+ toxicities were more common at mucosal sites (p = 0.001) and with concurrent systemic therapy (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of SBRT reirradiation for recurrent, small volume head and neck cancers, a median OS of 44.3 months was observed. Systemic therapy improved regional and distant control. Toxicities were modulated by anatomic site and systemic therapy.
Temporal sampling and role of flux measurements for subsurface heterogeneous characterization in groundwater basins using hydraulic tomography
Authors: Liu Fei , Yeh Tian‐Chyi Jim , Song Xianfang , Wang Yu‐Li , Wen Jet‐Chau , Hao Yonghong , Wang Wenke
Published: July 2021

Accurate characterization of heterogeneity in groundwater basins is crucial to the sustainable management of groundwater resources. This study explores the temporal sampling issues and the role of flux measurements in the characterization of heterogeneity in groundwater basins using numerical experiments. The experiments involve a digital basin imitating the groundwater basin of the North China Plain (NCP), where the groundwater exploitation reduction program is ongoing. Using the experiments, we champion that the reduction program could collect groundwater level information induced by operational variations of existing pumping wells at different locations in the basin. Such a dataset could serve as a basin‐scale hydraulic tomography (HT) to characterize the basin‐scale heterogeneity cost‐effectively. Both steady‐state and transient‐state inversion experiments demonstrate the advantage of HT surveys in characterizing basin‐scale heterogeneity over conventional pumping tests at fixed well locations. Additionally, head data at the early, intermediate, and late time from well hydrographs should be selected for the HT analysis to maximize HT's power and save computational costs. When accurate geological zones are incorporated in prior information, flux measurements significantly improve parameter estimates based on conventional pumping tests. However, their effects are less noticeable for long‐term HT surveys in such basin‐scale aquifers without fissures or fractures. This basin‐scale tomographic survey example serves a guide for field data collection and optimization of the analysis of future basin‐scale HT.
Collective Variables for the Simulation of Crystallization of Organic Compounds: Some Case Studies
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: July 2021

This contribution describes some collective variables that could be used to model the transition from disperse molecular systems to organized crystalline states. These variables are tentatively used in a biased‐Monte Carlo simulation of the transition from a liquid state to partially ordered systems for mono‐chlorobenzene and for a complex organic molecule. Other computational collective variables are used for the transition from a disperse solution to micelles that could be crystal precursors. All computations are carried out in the framework of the Milano Chemistry Molecular Simulation (MiCMoS) package.
Breast cancer histopathological image classification using attention high‐order deep network
Authors: Zou Ying , Zhang Jianxin , Huang Shan , Liu Bin
Published: July 2021

Computer‐aided classification of pathological images is of the great significance for breast cancer diagnosis. In recent years, deep learning methods for breast cancer pathological image classification have made breakthrough progress, becoming the mainstream in this field. To capture more discriminant deep features for breast cancer pathological images, this work introduces a novel attention high‐order deep network (AHoNet) by simultaneously embedding attention mechanism and high‐order statistical representation into a residual convolutional network. AHoNet firstly employs an efficient channel attention module with non‐dimensionality reduction and local cross‐channel interaction to achieve local salient deep features of breast cancer pathological images. Then, their second‐order covariance statistics are further estimated through matrix power normalization, which provides a more robust global feature presentation of breast cancer pathological images. We extensively evaluate AHoNet on the public BreakHis and BACH breast cancer pathology datasets. Experimental results illustrate that AHoNet gains the optimal patient‐level classification accuracies of 99.29% and 85% on the BreakHis and BACH database, respectively, demonstrating the competitive performance with state‐of‐the‐art single models on this medical image application.
Digital microwork as a livelihood strategy in a Namibian informal settlement
Authors: Keskinen Pietari , Winschiers‐Theophilus Heike , Chivuno‐Kuria Shilumbe , Müller Anna , Nieminen Marko
Published: July 2021

Unemployment is a serious issue in many areas of Global South. Over the last years, microwork platforms have started to emerge offering opportunities for earnings and promising improved livelihoods. Although the gig economy facilitated by these platforms has been criticized in the literature, we argue that in the context of informal economy, participation on these platforms does not always worsen the livelihood and thus should be examined. This paper investigates the requirements for using such platforms and assesses their applicability in an informal settlement in Namibia. The Sustainable Livelihoods Approach provides the conceptual framework for the research. We devised a simulation by using design science research methods, where the community members were able to complete digital micro‐tasks for monetary compensation. The experiment evoked excitement among participants. This paper argues that the digital micro‐tasks have promise for the individuals, and elaborates on human, financial, physical, and social capitals required to use these platforms. Finally, we propose a new way, trained peers called “tech mediators,” that can act as facilitators to make these platforms more available for the communities in Global South in the future.
The interactive effect of mental contamination and cognitive fusion on anxiety
Authors: Clauss Kate , Bardeen Joseph R.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Mental contamination and cognitive fusion have been identified as risk factors for anxiety. The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effect of cognitive fusion on the relationship between mental contamination and anxiety.

Method

Participants (N = 504 community adults), recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk), completed measures of mental contamination, cognitive fusion, and anxiety.

Results

Results from a regression analysis showed that the interaction between mental contamination and cognitive fusion predicted anxiety (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). Simple slopes analysis revealed a positive association between mental contamination and anxiety that was significant at higher (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), but not lower (β = 0.01, p = 0.88), levels of cognitive fusion.

Conclusion

The development of risk profiles that incorporate mental contamination and cognitive fusion may be beneficial for early identification of individuals at high risk for anxiety.
The link between attitudes toward probationers and job burnout in Turkish probation officers
Authors: Ersayan Ayşe E. , Çankaya Banu , Erdem Gizem , Broers Nick J. , de Ruiter Corine
Published: July 2021

The goal of the current study was to investigate individual‐level factors associated with job burnout among probation officers (POs) and, specifically, to examine if attitudes toward probationers were linked with job burnout in the context of the recently established probation system in Turkey. Participants (N = 115) were recruited from a probation office in Istanbul. Job burnout was assessed via three components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and professional accomplishment. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that more favorable attitudes toward probationers were related to a lower sense of depersonalization and higher experience of professional accomplishment. However, POs’ attitudes toward probationers were not associated with emotional exhaustion. Our findings are discussed in light of the present empirical literature on the contextual factors influential in job burnout. Practical implications for burnout prevention point to the potential effectiveness of working on attitudes among POs toward the people they supervise.
Articaine improves anesthetic achievement for exodontia performed by undergraduate dental students: A clinical comparative study
Authors: Muhammad Zaid Abdulazeez , Abdullah Rayyan Mohammed , Majid Omer Waleed
Published: July 2021

Purpose/objectives

To assess the clinical performance of undergraduate dental students in delivering inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with either articaine or lidocaine, and to compare the success rate of their IANBs between articaine and lidocaine for the extraction of mandibular molar teeth.

Methods

In this clinical trial, patients were randomly distributed into 2 study groups: articaine and lidocaine groups. In each group, dental students performed IANB followed by forceps extraction of 1 mandibular molar under close supervision. The operative parameters measured included: assessment of anesthetic technique (on 10 points visual analogue scale ‘VAS‐10′), onset and depth of anesthesia, intra‐operative pain perceived by patients and their satisfaction level (on VAS‐10), and the success rate of IANB (in terms of need to additional anesthesia). Data analyses used were descriptive statistics, t‐test, χ2 test, and Pearson's correlation.

Results

One‐hundred sixty patients were included in the final analysis, 80 in each group. The overall students' IANB technique was assessed as good (mean score 7.3). Articaine group showed significantly higher success rate of IANB (71%) compared to (55%) in lidocaine group, (P = 0.03). Patients also reported significantly higher satisfaction scores in the articaine group (P = 0.04). There were no significant difference in the onset of action and intra‐operative pain level between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

Students' IANBs were generally assessed as “good.” Articaine IANBs performed by undergraduate students showed significantly higher success rate than lidocaine IANBs. By using articaine, the anesthetic achievement was greater for mandibular molar extraction performed by undergraduate students.
Extracellular vesicle miRNA predict FDG‐PET status in patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Drees Esther E. E. , Roemer Margaretha G. M. , Groenewegen Nils J. , Perez‐Boza Jennifer , van Eijndhoven Monique A. J. , Prins Leah I. , Verkuijlen Sandra A. W. M. , Tran Xuan‐Mai , Driessen Julia , Zwezerijnen G. J. C. , Stathi Phylicia , Mol Kevin , Karregat Joey J. J. P. , Kalantidou Aikaterini , Vallés‐Martí Andrea , Molenaar T. J. , Aparicio‐Puerta Ernesto , van Dijk Erik , Ylstra Bauke , Groothuis‐Oudshoorn Catharina G. M. , Hackenberg Michael , de Jong Daphne , Zijlstra Josée M. , Pegtel D. Michiel
Published: July 2021

Minimally‐invasive tools to assess tumour presence and burden may improve clinical management. FDG‐PET (metabolic) imaging is the current gold standard for interim response assessment in patients with classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL), but this technique cannot be repeated frequently. Here we show that microRNAs (miRNA) associated with tumour‐secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the circulation of cHL patients may improve response assessment. Small RNA sequencing and qRT‐PCR reveal that the relative abundance of cHL‐expressed miRNAs, miR‐127‐3p, miR‐155‐5p, miR‐21‐5p, miR‐24‐3p and let‐7a‐5p is up to hundred‐fold increased in plasma EVs of cHL patients pre‐treatment when compared to complete metabolic responders (CMR). Notably, in partial responders (PR) or treatment‐refractory cases (n = 10) the EV‐miRNA levels remain elevated. In comparison, tumour specific copy number variations (CNV) were detected in cell‐free DNA of 8 out of 10 newly diagnosed cHL patients but not in patients with PR. Combining EV‐miR‐127‐3p and/or EV‐let‐7a‐5p levels, with serum TARC (a validated protein cHL biomarker), increases the accuracy for predicting PET‐status (n = 129) to an area under the curve of 0.93 (CI: 0.87‐0.99), 93.5% sensitivity, 83.8/85.0% specificity and a negative predictive value of 96%. Thus the level of tumour‐associated miRNAs in plasma EVs is predictive of metabolic tumour activity in cHL patients. Our findings suggest that plasma EV‐miRNA are useful for detection of small residual lesions and may be applied as serial response prediction tool.
Thromboembolic complications after surgical fixation of bone metastases: A systematic review
Authors: You Daniel Z. , Krzyzaniak Halli , Viner Benny , Yamaura Lisa , Kendal Joseph K. , Monument Michael J. , Schneider Prism S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Patients undergoing a major orthopedic surgery for metastatic bone disease (MBD) are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Despite concerns, there is no consensus on the most effective strategy to prevent VTE in these patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the VTE rate following the surgical management of MBD.

Methods

The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched using keywords related to VTE and MBD requiring surgical management. Included studies reported VTE rates in patients with surgically managed MBD. Descriptive statistics and weighted mean totals were calculated.

Results

In total, 2082 abstracts were screened, and 29 studies were included. The overall VTE rate was 4.7%. Patients receiving surgery for impending pathologic fracture had a higher rate of VTE (5.6%) compared to patients with acute pathologic fractures (4.2%). Low‐molecular‐weight heparin was the most used chemoprophylaxis.

Conclusions

Relative to other cancer and orthopedic patients, the VTE rate is extremely high in patients with MBD. The discordant recommendations of thromboprophylaxis, and absence of research in this distinct and more granular surgical oncology subgroup, underpins the challenges associated with developing guidelines to lessen the VTE risks in the MBD patient population.
Non‐targeted metabonomics to investigate the differences in the properties of ginseng and American ginseng based on rapid resolution liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Hua Shengyan , Huang Xin , Yue Hao , Chen Changbao , Liu Shuying
Published: July 2021

The basic properties of herbal medicines are cold, hot, warm, and cool. The differentiation of these properties is important for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Ginseng and American ginseng possess opposite properties of warm and cool, respectively. At present, the mechanisms and the influence of steaming leading to the differences in their properties are not clear and require further investigation. Therefore, nontargeted metabonomics based on liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was applied to investigate the effects of ginseng, American ginseng, and their variants on the changes in endogenous metabolites in rat urine. A total of 19 potential biomarkers were screened out and identified, of which 17, 7, and 5, were respectively related to warm, cool, and both warm and cool properties with opposite effects. The metabolic pathways corresponded to fatty acids, lipids, glycolysis, and energy metabolisms. The warm and tonic effects of red ginseng are stronger than those of ginseng and consistent with the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. The red American ginseng has cool property; however, the degree of coolness is less than that of American ginseng. This study provides a reference methodology to understand the effects of processing and mechanisms associated with the differences in the properties of herbal medicines.
Dynamic changes of land use/cover and landscape pattern in a typical alpine river basin of theQinghai‐TibetPlateau, China
Authors: Li Peijun , Zuo Depeng , Xu Zongxue , Zhang Rui , Han Yuna , Sun Wenchao , Pang Bo , Ban Chunguang , Kan Guangyuan , Yang Hong
Published: July 2021

Landscape heterogeneity is a comprehensive reflection of spatial patch and gradient, which is an important feature of landscape pattern. The China land use/cover dataset (CLUD) with 1 km spatial resolution was used in this study to investigate the dynamic changes of land use/cover in the Yarlung Tsangpo River basin (YTRB) of China from 1980 to 2015 through the land use transition matrix and dynamic degrees. The semi‐variogram model of the study area was constructed at different scales to determine the landscape characteristic scale of the YTRB. The traditional landscape index method and moving window method were used to investigate the watershed landscape pattern at the class and landscape levels, respectively. The results showed that the overall change in land use over the YTRB was not significant during the period 1980–2015, whereas the relative change in each type of land use was significant. Permanent glacier‐snow significantly degraded by 22.72%, while built‐up areas increased by 106.38%. The degree of the landscape fragmentation and diversity gradually increased from upstream to downstream. The unused land has the highest degree of fragmentation, and the agglomeration degree of urban land patches increased. The result of land use dynamic degree indicated that natural factors were the main causes of changes in land use during the first sub‐period 1980–2000, while human activities were the major drivers of changes in land use during the second sub‐period 2000–2015. The results can provide important information on the impact of regional development and environmental governance policies on the changes in land use/cover and landscape in Tibet.
Changes in soil chemical composition caused by self‐heating of a coal‐waste dump
Authors: Abramowicz Anna K. , Rahmonov Oimahmad , Fabiańska Monika J. , Nádudvari Ádám , Chybiorz Ryszard , Michalak Michał
Published: July 2021

The paper presents soil features and chemical composition in a self‐heating coal‐waste dump. The investigations were carried out in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. A fire zone in which the soil temperature exceeded 50°C was selected for our study. Soil analyses were carried out for three grain sizes – d > 1 mm, 0.063 mm < d ≤ 1 mm, and d ≤ 0.063 mm – enabling identification of the diversity of the chemical composition in soil fractions. The highest concentration of heavy metals is represented by Mn (212–6972 mg kg‐1), Zn (127–3283 mg kg‐1), Pb (33.6–1344.7 mg kg‐1), Cu (38.9–101.4 mg kg‐1), and major elements by Fe (14,300–117,400 mg kg‐1) and Ca (900–63,600 mg kg‐1). Soil chemistry showed variations within individual studied sites. The soil reaction ranges from acidic (4.3 in KCl and 5.26 in H2O) to moderate alkaline (7.96 in H2O and 7.31 in KCl), whereas TOC ranges from 1.21% to 14.60% and TN from 0.023% to 0.291%. The distribution of n‐alkanes clearly showed a low degree of transformation of organic matter and characteristic high values of Pr/Ph ratio for humic coals and coal waste in the region. Grains with diameters greater than 1 mm exhibited completely different features than those of fractions smaller than or equal to 1 mm. High organic carbon content (14.60) was detected in the samples along with PAHs. The influence of fire on the chemical composition of all samples was identified using geochemical indicators. PCA analysis showed that the values of the variables were more closely correlated in finer grains than in the coarsest fraction.
High‐Performance and Biobased Polyamide/Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites through In Situ Polymerization for Engineering Applications
Authors: Baniasadi Hossein , Borandeh Sedigheh , Seppälä Jukka
Published: July 2021

In this study, biobased polyamide/functionalized graphene oxide (PA‐FGO) nanocomposite is developed using sustainable resources. Renewable PA is synthesized via polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) and biobased tetradecanedioic acid. Furthermore, GO is functionalized with HMDA to improve its compatibility with biobased PA and in situ polymerization is employed to obtain homogeneous PA‐FGO nanocomposites. Compatibility improvement provides simultaneous increases in the tensile strength, storage modulus, and conductivity of PA by adding only 2 wt% FGO (PA‐FGO2). The tensile strength and storage modulus of PA‐FGO2 nanocomposite are enhanced dramatically by ≈50% and 30%, respectively, and the electrical conductivity reached 3.80 × 10–3 S m−1. In addition, rheology testing confirms a shear‐thinning trend for all samples as well as a significant enhancement in the storage modulus upon increasing the FGO content due to a rigid network formation and strong polymer‐filler interactions. All these improvements strongly support the excellent compatibility and enhanced interfacial interactions between organic–inorganic phases resulting from GO surface functionalization. It is expected that the biobased PA‐FGO nanocomposites with remarkable thermomechanical properties developed here can be used to design high‐performance structures for demanded engineering applications.
Quantitative analysis of total magnetic anomaly maps on archaeological sites—Part 2
Authors: Deniz Toktay Hazel , Aydoğan Davut , Yüksel Fethi˙ Ahmet
Published: July 2021

In this study, which is the second part of quantitative analysis of total magnetic anomaly maps on archaeological sites, it is aimed to analyze the depth values of potential buried structures that cause anomalies from the total magnetic anomaly maps of an archaeological excavation area. In the first step, depth values of the structures whose boundaries were determined on the improved total magnetic anomaly map of the model were analyzed. Depth values of blocks were calculated by using of tilt angle depth (TAD), source parameter imaging (SPI), and improved source parameter imaging (iSPI) methods. In the second step, the depth values at these boundaries were calculated. The total magnetic anomaly map of the mound area, for which the structure boundary analysis was made was calculated, and the depth values at the potential structure boundaries were calculated. Finally, the depth values are visualized on the simplified structure map of the region by combining and simplifying the potential structure boundary locations.
Pectic Oligogalacturonide Facilitates the Synthesis and Activation of Adiponectin to Improve Hepatic Lipid Oxidation
Authors: Yu Qianhui , Chen Xuejiao , Sun Xiao , Li Wenjie , Liu Tianzhi , Zhang Xiushan , Li Yuqing , Li Tuoping , Li Suhong
Published: July 2021

Scope

Adiponectin (ADPN), a kind of adipokines, plays an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. The objective of this study is focused on the ADPN to investigate the functional mechanisms of pectin oligosaccharide (POS) from hawthorn fruit in the improvement of hepatic fatty acid oxidation.

Method and Results

High‐fat fed mice are used in this experiment. POS is administrated with the doses of 0.25, 0.75, and 1.5 g kg−1 diet, respectively. The results demonstrate that gene and protein expressions of ADPN synthesis regulators involved in PKA/ERK/CREB and C/EBPα/PPARγ pathways are upregulated by POS administration. POS also activates the AdiopR1/AMPKα/PGC1 and AdipoR2/PPARα signaling pathways to improve the fatty acid oxidation in the liver, which is further accelerated by the enhancement of mitochondrial functions.

Conclusion

POS can act as an ADPN activator to improve lipid metabolism, leading it to the applications of biomedical and functional foods for ameliorating chronic liver diseases resulted from a high‐energy diet.
Attenuation of Doxorubicin‐Induced Small Intestinal Mucositis by Pectins is Dependent on Pectin's Methyl‐Ester Number and Distribution
Authors: Beukema Martin , Jermendi Éva , Koster Taco , Kitaguchi Kohji , de Haan Bart J. , van den Berg Marco Alexander , Faas Marijke M. , Schols Henk A. , de Vos Paul
Published: July 2021

Scope

Intestinal mucositis is a common side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, which is characterized by severe Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2‐mediated inflammation. The dietary fiber pectin is shown to prevent this intestinal inflammation through direct inhibition of TLR2 in a microbiota‐independent manner. Recent in vitro studies show that inhibition of TLR2 is determined by the number and distribution of methyl‐esters of pectins. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the degree of methyl‐esterification (DM) and the degree of blockiness (DB) of pectins determine attenuating efficacy on doxorubicin‐induced intestinal mucositis.

Methods and Results

Four structurally different pectins that differed in DM and DB are tested on inhibitory effects on murine TLR2 in vitro, and on doxorubicin‐induced intestinal mucositis in mice. These data demonstrate that low DM pectins or intermediate DM pectins with high DB have the strongest inhibitory impact on murine TLR2‐1 and the strongest attenuating effect on TLR2‐induced apoptosis and peritonitis. Intermediate DM pectin with a low DB is, however, also effective in preventing the induction of doxorubicin‐induced intestinal damage.

Conclusion

These pectin structures with stronger TLR2‐inhibiting properties may prevent the development of doxorubicin‐induced intestinal damage in patients undergoing chemotherapeutic treatment with doxorubicin.