bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of SBA 15 graphene oxide composite membrane using phenol–formaldehyde resin pore modifier for CO2 separation
Authors: Bera Biswajit , Das Nandini
Published: October 2021

Present study highlights the development of carbon‐loaded SBA 15 membrane on clay‐alumina tubular support and its performance on the CO2 separation efficiencies from different mixture gases. To modify the large pores of SBA 15 by graphitic carbon, low molecular weight phenol–formaldehyde (PF) resin was incorporated into the mesoporous channel followed by calcination under inert atmosphere. The modified ordered pore structure of the membrane has been characterized by low‐angle XRD, TEM, and pore size distribution analysis. The chemical state of the deposited carbon phase into the SBA 15 pores was analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. Carbon having graphitic nature mainly in graphene oxide has been deposited into the mesopore of SBA 15 resulting decrease in pore size from 8.9 to 1.0 nm. Finally, the developed SBA 15 carbon membranes were characterized by CO2 permeation and separation selectivity of CO2/CH4, CO2/CO. Highest CO2/CH4 separation factor was achieved as 16.9 with CO2 permeance 13.6 × 10–8 mol/m2/s/Pa at 200 kPa feed pressure by the 20% resin with 2 times coated membrane. In flue gas analysis, highest CO2/CO separation factor of 32.8 was achieved. This study offers an observation on CO2 separation from simulated BF gas for the first time and the results show the potential of the developed SBA 15/C composite membranes in commercial application.
Nucleation and growth of graphene/Mo2C heterostructures on Cu through CVD
Authors: Turker Furkan , Caylan Omer R. , Buke Goknur
Published: October 2021

We investigated the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of Mo2C/graphene heterostructures on a partially wetted liquid copper surface, studied the morphology of resulting phases using electron and optical microscopy, and determined the rate‐limiting step for the growth of Mo2C on graphene. The morphology of the Mo2C crystals varied from the center to the edge of the copper substrate because of the change in the Mo diffusion pathways owing to the variation in the thickness of the Cu substrate. Thin, hexagonal‐shaped crystals of Mo2C were found in the central region, where Cu is the thickest. In addition, the growth pressure substantially affects the nucleation and growth kinetics of both Mo2C and graphene. At high pressures (750 Torr), the graphene layer fully covered the Cu surface and Mo2C crystals formed with a regular shape, while at low pressures (5 Torr), the nucleation of both domains was suppressed, leading to the evolution of Mo2C crystals with irregular shapes. The activation energy for the growth of Mo2C on graphene was calculated to be 3.76 ± 0.3 eV, and the diffusion of Mo to the Cu surface through uncovered Cu or graphene vacancies/defects was determined to be the rate‐limiting step.
Association between perceived health and adherence to treatment after percutaneous coronary intervention: A long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Kähkönen Outi , Oikarinen Anne , Vähänikkilä Hannu , Kyngäs Helvi
Published: October 2021

Aims

To identify associations between perceived health and treatment adherence six years after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Design

A non‐experimental descriptive long‐term follow‐up study.

Methods

Baseline data (n = 416) were collected in 2013, with follow‐up data collected in 2019 (n = 154), using the EuroQoL scale, EuroQoL visual analogue scale, and Adherence of Patients with Chronic Disease Instrument. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate methods.

Results

The average age of the 154 respondents was 68.5 years (SD 7.01), with a majority males (n = 118, 86.6%). Adherence to a healthy lifestyle, good perceived results of care, support from nurses, high sense of normality, low fear of complications, motivation, older age, and duration of coronary artery disease were associated with better general perceived health as well as its dimensions (mobility, self‐care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression).

Conclusion

Support from nurses is a key factor to ensuring high perceived health among post‐percutaneous coronary intervention patients. This support must be continuous and motivate the patient to adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Patients should feel comfortable sharing their problems and fears. This type of relationship will allow health care professionals to assess the patient's current situation and address potential problems about mobility, pain and discomfort, as well as anxiety and depression to strengthen the patient's sense of normality and enable them to confidently lead a normal life.

Impact

The research aimed to gain knowledge about how perceived health is associated with treatment adherence six years after percutaneous coronary intervention. The results emphasise that a nurse's support of patients is crucial to the care process, as adherence to treatment showed a clear positive association with perceived health in the analysed sample of post‐PCI patients.
MicroRNA‐146b‐5p promotes atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation by repressing TIMP4
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Quan , Ma Xiaolong , Bai Shuyun , Chen Pengfei , Zhao Yichen , Bai Chen , Liu Yang , Liu Kemin , Xin Meng , Zeng Caiwu , Zhao Cheng , Yao Yan , Ma Yue , Wang Jiangang
Published: October 2021

Alteration of tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)/matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) associated with collagen upregulation has an important role in sustained atrial fibrillation (AF). The expression of miR‐146b‐5p, whose the targeted gene is TIMPs, is upregulated in atrial cardiomyocytes during AF. This study was to determine whether miR‐146b‐5p could regulate the gene expression of TIMP4 and the contribution of miRNA to atrial fibrosis in AF. Collagen synthesis was observed after miR‐146b‐5p transfection in human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC‐aCMs)‐fibroblast co‐culture cellular model in vitro. Furthermore, a myocardial infarction (MI) mouse model was used to confirm the protective effect of miR‐146b‐5p downregulation on atrial fibrosis. The expression level of miR‐146b‐5p was upregulated, while the expression level of TIMP4 was downregulated in the fibrotic atrium of canine with AF. miR‐146b‐5p transfection in hiPSC‐aCMs‐fibroblast co‐culture cellular model increased collagen synthesis by regulating TIMP4/MMP9 mediated extracellular matrix proteins synthesis. The inhibition of miR‐146b‐5p expression reduced the phenotypes of cardiac fibrosis in the MI mouse model. Fibrotic marker MMP9, TGFB1 and COL1A1 were significantly downregulated, while TIMP4 was significantly upregulated (at both mRNA and protein levels) by miR‐146b‐5p inhibition in cardiomyocytes of MI heart. We concluded that collagen fibres were accumulated in extracellular space on miR‐146b‐5p overexpressed co‐culture cellular model. Moreover, the cardiac fibrosis induced by MI was attenuated in antagomiR‐146 treated mice by increasing the expression of TIMP4, which indicated that the inhibition of miR‐146b‐5p might become an effective therapeutic approach for preventing atrial fibrosis.
Universal health care and political economy, neoliberalism and effects of COVID‐19: A view of systems and complexity
Authors: Peterson Chris L. , Walker Christine
Published: October 2021

Sturmberg and Martin's application of systems and complexity theory to understanding Universal Health Care (UHC) and Primary Health Care (PHC) is evaluated in the light of the influence of political economy on health systems. Furthermore, the role that neoliberal approaches to governance have had in creating increased inequities is seen as a key challenge for UHC. COVID‐19 has emphasized long standing discrepancies in health and these disadvantages require government will and cooperation together with adequate social services to redress these discrepancies in UHC.
Nursery habitat use patterns of the scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini, in coastal areas of the central Mexican Pacific
Authors: Corgos Antonio , Rosende‐Pereiro Alejandro
Published: October 2021

This work aimed to characterize the nursery habitat use patterns of the scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini (SPL), in coastal areas of Jalisco and Colima, through the birth pattern, space–time distribution and relationship with environmental conditions. Information was combined from three sources: monitoring bycatch from the artisanal fishery, fishery‐independent samplings, and acoustic tracking and monitoring. From September 2013 to May 2017, 408 juvenile SPL (41.6–100.1 cm total length) were recorded. Births occurred between May and December (rainy‐warmer season), within a radius of 2 km from river mouths in Marabasco, Navidad Bay, Rebalsito‐Tecuan and Cuitzmala mainly in shallow (<20 m), turbid and soft‐bottom areas. Some tagged SPL moved from Marabasco and Rebalsito to Navidad Bay. The peak of catch and births occurred in June–August. Tagged SPL remained near the river mouth in Rebalsito for up to 27 days, showing a mean residency index of 0.29, a home range of 5.55 km2 with a core area of 1.23 km2 located within a 1.5 km radius from the river mouth. In December–January SPL left the river mouth areas and the catch was scarce until the following May–June, except in January 2016, when the catch was high due to El Niño 2015. SPL bycatch was significantly associated with temperature, precipitation and the Oceanic Niño Index.
Sustainable juice evaporation unit selection for noncentrifugal sugar production by multicriteria evaluation methods
Authors: Beeram Sravya , Morapakala Srinivas
Published: October 2021

In the conventional practice of producing noncentrifugal sugar (NCS), many technologies are available for juice evaporation, all of which may not be sustainable. The sustainability of these units is dependent on multiple criteria belonging to resources, technical, economic, process‐output, and environmental parameters. This paper presents the work undertaken to identify the most sustainable juice evaporation unit (to produce NCS) among 10 alternatives using three multicriteria evaluation (MCE) techniques, namely TOPSIS, PROMETHEE II, and VIKOR. The analyses were based on 11 evaluation criteria covering four sustainability elements. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight approaches were used to assess the importance of each criterion for the ranking of evaporation units. The necessary data were obtained from three different decision‐maker groups, namely academics and sustainability promoters, NCS manufacturers, and NCS plant suppliers. The resulting criteria weights indicate that capital cost (with AHP analysis based weights as 16.81, 12.51, 15.30% for decision‐makers groups I, II, III, and a weight of 23.28% from entropy method) is found to be the most crucial criterion. With assessment values of 0.741, 0.186, and 0.048 in TOPSIS, PROMETHEE II, and VIKOR, respectively, “single pan with the improved furnace” emerged to be the most sustainable option. This result is also substantiated by a group priority index of 1.08 obtained through the geometric mean method of analysis. This suggests that “single pan with the improved furnace” is the most sustainable one for NCS production. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses undertaken indicate that “single pan with the improved furnace” is most and least sensitive to “greenhouse emissions” and “process time,” respectively. With these outcomes, this paper demonstrates that the methodology adopted herein could be considered for assessing the sustainability of other process units involved in NCS production.

Practical Applications

In the conventional practice of producing NCS, there are various technologies available for the evaporation of juice. This paper narrates the MCE‐based work to identify a sustainable juice evaporation unit. It can be suggested that the most sustainable unit is “single pan with improved furnace” and the least sustainable is “multi‐effect evaporator.” The results of the present analysis suggested that the use of the other nine units for the production of NCS is to be subjected to thorough scrutiny, specifically regarding their sustainability. The methodology taken up for this analysis could be extended for other subprocesses in the NCS production process line to get the most sustainable process line.
Eosinophilic esophagitis: A review of the pediatric population and consideration of upcoming therapies
Authors: Bhesania Natalie , Selvakumar Praveen Kumar Conjeevaram , Patel Sophia
Published: October 2021

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a disease entity that has become increasingly recognized in the pediatric population over the last decade and was first recognized as early as 1990. EoE is a clinicopathologic diagnosis with signs and symptoms varying between age groups. The clinical presentation of EoE is variable ranging from milder nonspecific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and dyspepsia, to more severe presentations such as failure to thrive, dysphagia and even food impaction and is dependent on age of diagnosis 2. There is growing body of evidence with regards to the pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment options for EoE in the past decade. In this review article, we aim to discuss the disease burden, pathophysiology, diagnostic strategies, and currently available treatment options for EoE based on existing literature.
Altered bile acid glycine : taurine ratio in the progression of chronic liver disease
Authors: Chen Tianlu , Zhou Kejun , Sun Tao , Sang Chao , Jia Wei , Xie Guoxiang
Published: October 2021

Background and Aim

The onset and progression of chronic liver disease (CLD) is a multistage process spanning years or several decades. Some bile acid (BA) features are identified as indicators for CLD progression. However, BAs are highly influenced by various factors and are stage and/or population specific. Emerging evidences demonstrated the association of structure of conjugated BAs and CLD progression. Here, we aimed to investigate the alteration of conjugated BAs and identify new features for CLD progression.

Methods

Based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry platform, 15 BAs were quantified in 1883 participants including healthy controls and CLD patients (non‐alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL], non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH], fibrosis, cirrhosis, and three types of liver cancer). Logistic regression was used to construct diagnostic models. Model performances were evaluated in discovery and test sets by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and kappa index.

Results

Five BA glycine : taurine ratios were calculated, and glycocholic acid/taurocholic acid, glycodeoxycholic acid/taurodeoxycholic acid, and glycochenodeoxycholic acid/taurochenocholic acid were identified as candidates. Three diagnostic models were constructed for the differentiation of healthy control and early CLD (NAFL + NASH), early and advanced CLD (fibrosis + cirrhosis + liver cancer), and NAFL and NASH, respectively. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the models ranged from 0.91 to 0.97. The addition of age and gender improved model performances further. The alterations of the candidates and the performances of the diagnostic models were successfully validated by independent test sets (n = 291).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed stage‐specific BA perturbation patterns and provided new biomarkers and tools for the monitoring of liver disease progression.
Homebound status among older adult home care recipients in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Jones Aaron , Ivers Noah M. , Rahim Ahmad , Babe Glenda , Stall Nathan M. , Sinha Samir K. , Costa Andrew P.
Published: October 2021

Background

Homebound status is associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in older adults, yet little is known about homebound older adults in Canada. Our objectives were to describe time trends in the prevalence of homebound status among community‐dwelling long‐term home care recipients and the characteristics associated with homebound status.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional and cohort study using linked health administrative data in Canada's most populous province, Ontario. We included adults aged 65 years and older who received at least one long‐term home care assessment from 2006 to 2017 (N = 666,514). Homebound individuals were those who exited the home an average of 0–1 days/week over the previous 30 days; not homebound comparators exited the home 2–7 days per week. We compared baseline characteristics between groups and estimated the association between these characteristics and homebound status at baseline and over time.

Results

From 2006 to 2017, the annual proportion of long‐term home care recipients who were homebound increased from 48% to 65%. At first assessment, 50% of the cohort (331,836 of 666,514) were homebound. Among those with a 4–12 month repeat assessment, homebound status persisted over time for 80%, and developed anew in 24%. Dependency on others for locomotion, use of an assistive device, poor access to dwelling, older age, and female sex were most strongly associated with homebound status at baseline, as well as its development and persistence over time.

Conclusions

We found that half of Ontario older adult long‐stay home care clients were homebound at the time of their first assessment, and that the prevalence of homebound status among home care recipients rose steadily from 2006 to 2017. This informs further research and policy development to ensure the adequacy of supports for older homebound persons.
A case study of distress mechanism(s) in a concrete structure foundation in the saturated zone and above the saturated zone
Authors: Beyene Mengesha , Meininger Richard
Published: October 2021

In this case study, distress mechanism(s) of a concrete structure in the saturated and unsaturated zones of the foundation were investigated. This research was performed using a stereomicroscope, polarised light microscopy (PLM), and a limited study using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with backscattered electron (BSE). Results of this study showed that concrete cores extracted from both the saturated and unsaturated zones of the foundation exhibited severe to moderate concrete distress, but the cause of the distress/cracking in the concrete was not related to Alkali‐Carbonate Reaction (ACR) as was initially suspected. While the damage to the concrete extracted from the structure above the saturated zone of the foundation was caused by a combination of Alkali‐Silica Reaction (ASR) and freeze‐thaw deterioration, concrete distress in the saturated zone of the foundation was caused primarily by ASR of shale particles in the natural sand fine aggregate. The sand also contained traces of chert particles with ASR. Limited ASR was seen in the crushed gravel coarse aggregate siliceous limestone, dolomitic limestone, and chert particles. Results of this case study showed that siliceous shale particles in the fine aggregate caused detrimental ASR damage to the concrete, and thus caution needs to be exercised when aggregate containing shale is used in concrete.
Safety and efficacy of the transoral approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid: A pilot study
Authors: Oliva Hernández Jesús Luis , García Monforte Fernando , Tejero García Paloma , Hernández Ponce Juan Antonio , Naranjo García Pablo
Published: October 2021

Background

With aging, there is a decrease in the volume of facial fat compartments, which can be restored using injectable biodegradable fillers.

Aims

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of an ultrasound‐guided transoral injection versus the traditional percutaneous approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid.

Patients/Methods

This is a pilot, single‐center, comparative, prospective study conducted in Spain in which the hemifaces were randomized to receive an injection with each technique, and the duration of follow‐up was 1 year. Results were assessed using the GAIS and the procedure satisfaction survey. The degree of pain experienced was evaluated using a VAS for pain.

Results

This study included 20 women with a mean age of 45.3 years (SD 5.1, range of 38–53). No significant differences were observed in esthetic improvement scores or in the satisfaction surveys. There were significant differences in the transoral approach assessment at V3 (p = 0.0362) and in both procedures at V6 (p = 0.0026) between patients and evaluators. Of all patients, 55% (n = 11/20) reported less pain with the transoral approach, and 15% (n = 3/20) did not perceive pain with any techniques. No side effects different than those expected were observed, and they all resolved without the need for treatment.

Conclusion

The transoral approach for cheek volumization with hyaluronic acid was shown as a safe, effective technique that provides more comfort and minor sensation of pain than the traditional percutaneous approach but with equivalent esthetic outcomes.
Why do followers feel inauthentic and withdraw? The joint effect of leader Machiavellianism and perceived collectivistic work climate
Authors: Li Andrew , Kong Dejun Tony , Lin Quan , Fan Yifeng “Felix”
Published: October 2021

Objective

Although past research has shown the negative consequences of state inauthenticity (i.e., the experience of inauthenticity), what triggers state inauthenticity remains to be better understood. We focus on leader Machiavellianism (Mach), defined as the extent to which leaders engage in unethical and manipulative behaviors to attain their goals, as a predictor of follower state inauthenticity. Drawing on the social misfit argument, we examined a model in which leader Mach, jointly with a perceived collectivistic work climate, determines follower state inauthenticity and subsequent work withdrawal.

Method

We used a vignette‐based lab study (303 participants from the United States) and a daily diary field study (476 daily responses from 69 participants recruited from China).

Results

Across two studies, we found that follower state inauthenticity mediated the relationship between leader Mach and follower work withdrawal. The positive relationship between leader Mach and follower state inauthenticity was strengthened by a perceived collectivistic work climate.

Conclusions

The present research underlines the importance of the social environment in influencing follower state inauthenticity at work and shifts research attention from the consequences of state inauthenticity to its predictors.
The clashing nature of rebelliousness: Nontraditional attitudes and counter‐normative behaviors show divergent associations with intelligence
Authors: Isen Joshua D. , Ludeke Steven G. , Foster Joshua D. , McGue Matt K. , Iacono William G.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Prior literature indicates that nontraditional attitudes are linked to higher intelligence. However, such attitudes in adolescence often accompany counter‐normative, delinquent‐type behaviors, which are themselves negatively linked with intelligence. This points to the possibility of suppression in the relationship between intelligence and nontraditional attitudes.

Method

We analyzed a large community sample of 17 year olds (N = 3330) with data on intelligence, nontraditional attitudes, and a diverse collection of self‐ and teacher‐reported counter‐normative behaviors. Developmental questions for these relationships were examined through cross‐sectional comparisons between the adolescents and their parents as well as longitudinal analysis of the adolescent sample across emerging adulthood.

Results

Youth who endorsed nontraditional attitudes had lower school grades, earlier age at first sex, heavier substance use, and were perceived as more oppositional by their teachers. Each of these problem behaviors was inversely related to intelligence. Accordingly, the positive correlation between nontraditional attitudes and intelligence was much weaker in adolescents as compared to their middle‐aged parents. Longitudinal analyses revealed that the association between nontraditional attitudes and intelligence strengthens in early adulthood.

Conclusions

Associations between intelligence and sociopolitical attitudes can be obscured even by seemingly distal psychological characteristics.
The impact of olfactory training using a nasal clip and extended periods of odor exposure
Authors: Mahmut Mehmet K. , Oelschlägel Annegret , Haehner Antje , Hummel Thomas
Published: October 2021

The standard olfactory training (OT) protocol involves briefly sniffing four different odors, twice per day, for 12 weeks and significantly increases olfactory function. The current study's aim was to explore the effectiveness of enhancing olfactory function using a new OT methodology, specifically, presenting odors over a longer exposure period. Participants were 50 patients with smell loss (25 idiopathic and 25 sinonasal) who wore an odorized nasal clip for 3 hr per day, for 4 weeks. The results showed that only idiopathic patients experienced a significant increase in odor discrimination after OT. Acoustic rhinometric measurements of nasal cavity surface area and volume, CO2 threshold scores, and self‐reported olfactory function did not significantly change. While the results provide limited support for the effectiveness of using a nasal clip for OT, research that more fully explores the factors that are associated with enhancing olfactory function (e.g., number of odors and exposure duration) is required to determine its effectiveness more conclusively.

Practical Application

Although the current findings provide limited support, it remains possible that varying the hours of daily exposure, the duration of treatment and number of odors may make using an odorized nasal clip an effective, novel, and convenient olfactory training method to improving olfactory function.
Community water fluoridation and the integrity of equitable public health infrastructure
Authors: Zokaie Tooka , Pollick Howard
Published: October 2021

Community water fluoridation is a population health program that is in a unique position to equitably prevent dental caries across all socioeconomic groups. A review of the 76‐year long history of community water fluoridation shows that the challenges to expanding this program persist despite continued evidence of its efficacy. We offer dental health practitioners an opportunity to share the evidence of this oral disease prevention program with the communities they serve. While dental caries is still the most prevalent chronic disease that disproportionately effects lower socioeconomic status communities, community water fluoridation continues to decrease cavities by 25% at the population level. COVID‐19 has reaffirmed the importance of disease prevention and valuing public health infrastructure. There is a continued need for community water fluoridation to offer equitable access to oral disease prevention interventions.
Biogeography, timing, and life‐history traits in the PPAM clade: Coleanthinae (syn. Puccinelliinae), Poinae, Alopecurinae superclade, Miliinae, and Avenulinae and Phleinae (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae)
Authors: Soreng Robert J. , Gillespie Lynn J. , Boudko Ekaterina A. , Cabi Evren
Published: October 2021

We conducted a biogeographic analysis of the PPAM clade of Poeae Plastid DNA Group 2, which includes 12 subtribes of C3 grasses. One hundred and eighty‐four species sampled represent 42 of 43 accepted genera and taxonomic diversity in large genera. We analyzed plastid sequences of matK, trnC‐rpoB, and trnT‐trnL‐trnF using BEAST to produce a dated tree and MrBayes to produce a Bayesian tree, on which we ran Bayesian‐Binary‐Markov‐Chain analyses on a worldwide biogeographic data set of 12 areas. PPAM split in southwestern Asia into subtribe Coleanthinae and PAM clades in the Early Miocene. PAM diversified rapidly in the Middle Miocene in southwestern Asia into four monogeneric lineages, Avenulinae, Phleinae, Miliinae, Poinae, and the Alopecurinae superclade (seven subtribes with 27 genera). In the Late Miocene, Pliocene, and mostly Pleistocene, the latter four lineages diversified and dispersed across Eurasia and established in North America. Dispersals to the southern hemisphere occurred in the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Annuals occur in 15 Mediterranean and southwestern Asia genera, but in few genera in other regions. Beyond phylogenetically isolated annual species dating to the Miocene, all other annuals evolved in the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Cold tolerance is high among perennial species, many occurring in the alpine, nine genera ranging into the Arctic. We suggest that alpine and subalpine habitats were ancestral. High tolerance of saline and alkaline conditions arose between the Pliocene and Pleistocene in Coleanthinae, Alopecurinae, Poinae, Hookerochloinae, Beckmanniinae, and Arctopoa. Combinations are proposed for Cornucopiae alopecuroides in Alopecurus and for Paracolpodium colchicum in Hyalopodium. A nothogenus × Catanellia is proposed for Catabrosa × Puccinellia.
Extreme drought has limited effects on soil seed bank composition in desert grasslands
Authors: Loydi Alejandro , Collins Scott L.
Published: October 2021

Question

Does climate change affect vegetation and seed bank composition in desert grasslands?

Location

Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA.

Methods

Vegetation and seed bank species composition were recorded in black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) grasslands. At each site, two rainfall manipulations and ambient controls were established in 2013 (n = 10). Treatments included extreme drought (−66% rainfall reduction during the growing season) and delayed monsoon (precipitation captured during July–August and reapplied in September–October). Above‐ground species composition was assessed, and composite soil samples were collected in 2017, five years after the experiment started. Seed bank was evaluated using the seedling emergence method.

Results

Rainfall treatments increased the above‐ground vegetation and seed bank richness in the blue grama community, but not in the black grama community. Vegetation cover was reduced by both rainfall manipulations, but seed bank density increased or remained the same compared with controls. In above‐ground vegetation, cover of annual and perennial forbs increased, and dominant perennial grasses decreased under drought. In the soil seed bank, species composition was similar among all treatments and was dominated by annual and perennial forbs.

Conclusions

The seed bank was more resistant to drought than above‐ground vegetation. Because seed banks can enhance long‐term community stability, their drought resistance plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem processes during and following drought in these grassland communities.
Evaluation of bacterial strains to improve the productivity of microalgae used in bivalve hatcheries in Peru
Authors: Ríos Castro Natalí , Zavala Jóselyn , Gil‐Kodaka Patricia , Diringer Benoit
Published: October 2021

The microalgae Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros gracilis are part of the basic diet of most bivalve cultures. This study evaluated the supplementation of bacterial strains naturally associated with these microalgae to improve their productivity. Ten bacterial strains collected from I. galbana and C. gracilis commercial cultures used in the larviculture of the Peruvian scallop Argopecten purpuratus were isolated and purified. These strains were individually coinoculated to each microalgal culture to confirm their promoter effect on growth. First, inoculation was carried out in a volume of 500 mL with constant aeration, which allowed the selection of the best bacterial strains. Then, the culture growth performance after transfer from 500 mL to 2 L tanks, with and without bacterial reinoculation during transfer, was monitored. Two bacterial strains, Lysinibacillus fusiformis and Bacillus cereus, significantly improved (α = .05) I. galbana production, whereas three other strains, Lysinibacillus sp., Psychrobacter celer, and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, significantly increased (α = .05) the growth of the C. gracilis culture. The use of microalgae supplemented with bacteria did not significantly affect A. purpuratus larval rearing. Altogether, these results showed the potential of native probiotic bacteria to improve microalgal production within bivalve hatcheries.
Morphometric traits as drivers for module structures and species specialization: a study about the hermit crab–gastropod networks from three different regions on the Brazilian coast
Authors: da Silva A. R. , Rodrigues G. F. B. , Borthagaray A. I. , Costa R. C. , Castilho A. L.
Published: October 2021

The relationship between hermit crabs (Paguroidea) and gastropod shells has attracted the attention of researchers toward a network approach. These networks seem to present recurrent patterns that are often modular, i.e., a pattern in which the network can be divided into compartments that represent species interacting more with species belonging to its own compartment than with species composing another compartment. A modular interaction network occurs when species tend to interact more intensively within subsets of species (modules) than with species outside of it. Since modularity is a characteristic in which different hermit crabs interact with different sub‐sets of shells, we proposed that these patterns should be a reflection of different morphometric traits, as well as that species specialization (measure which indicates if a given species is specialist or generalist in resource use) could be related to such traits. Three different hermit crab–shell networks in which the modularity and species specialization have already been determined were chosen. The animals were sampled in three different regions with the same sampling effort in the same type of substrate. After sampling, the animals were taken to the laboratory where they were identified and measured. A PERMANOVA was used for the hermit crab morphometric traits from each region using each compartment as grouping variable. In order to test if morphometric traits influence species specialization (d′), linear mixed models were created and selected through Akaike's Information Criterion. Our data show that hermit crabs presented different morphometric traits in each module they occupied. Also, d′ was influenced by morphometric traits; thus, hermit crabs with different sizes need different types of shells, which reflect in different specialization levels.
Neuromyths About Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Misconceptions by Educators and the General Public
Authors: Gini Silvia , Knowland Victoria , Thomas Michael S.C. , Van Herwegen Jo
Published: October 2021

Neuromyths are commonly held misconceptions about the brain believed by both the general public and educators. While much research has investigated the prevalence of myths about the typically developing brain, less attention has been devoted to the pervasiveness of neuromyths about neurodevelopmental disorders, which have the potential to exacerbate stigma. This preregistered study investigated to what extent neuromyths about neurodevelopmental disorders (namely dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and syndrome) are endorsed by two groups: the general public and those working in education. In an online survey, 366 members of the general public and 203 individuals working in education rated similar numbers of myths to be true, but more about neurodevelopmental disorders than general neuromyths. As the frequency of access to brain information emerged as a protective factor against endorsing myths in both populations, we argue that this problem may be addressed via provision of neuroeducational resources.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens fitness genes involved in the colonization of plant tumors and roots
Authors: Torres Marta , Jiquel Audren , Jeanne Etienne , Naquin Delphine , Dessaux Yves , Faure Denis
Published: October 2021

Agrobacterium tumefaciens colonizes the galls (plant tumors) it causes, and the roots of host and nonhost plants.

Transposon‐sequencing (Tn‐Seq) was used to discover A.tumefaciens genes involved in reproductive success (fitness genes) on Solanum lycopersicum and Populus trichocarpa tumors and S.lycopersicum and Zea mays roots.

The identified fitness genes represent 3–8% of A. tumefaciens genes and contribute to carbon and nitrogen metabolism, synthesis and repair of DNA, RNA and proteins and envelope‐associated functions. Competition assays between 12 knockout mutants and wild‐type confirmed the involvement of 10 genes (trpB, hisH, metH, cobN, ntrB, trxA, nrdJ, kamA, exoQ, wbbL) in A.tumefaciens fitness under both tumor and root conditions. The remaining two genes (fecA, noxA) were important in tumors only. None of these mutants was nonpathogenic, but four (hisH, trpB, exoQ, ntrB) exhibited impaired virulence. Finally, we used this knowledge to search for chemical and biocontrol treatments that target some of the identified fitness pathways and report reduced tumorigenesis and impaired establishment of A.tumefaciens on tomato roots using tannic acid or Pseudomonas protegens, which affect iron assimilation.

This work revealed A.tumefaciens pathways that contribute to its competitive survival in plants and highlights a strategy to identify plant protection approaches against this pathogen.
Developing consensus‐based referral criteria for low vision services in Australia
Authors: Alam Khyber , Connor Heather , Gentle Alex , Bentley Sharon A
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To develop expert consensus on referral criteria for low vision services in Australia.

Methods

In a modified online Delphi process, a panel of 38 Australian experts in low vision (including ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, occupational therapists, orientation and mobility professionals, researchers and managers) participated in three rounds of consensus building over a period of 5 months commencing in 2019. Initially, 90 statements were developed, addressing what should be included in best‐practice low vision referral criteria, currently used criteria, timing of referral and responsibility for referral. By the third round, these had been reduced and refined to a total of four statements.

Results

In three Delphi rounds, the expert panel produced three key recommendations for low vision referral: (1) that low vision referral should be based mainly on the impact of uncorrectable vision impairment on function and well‐being; (2) clinical measures of visual acuity and visual field might be a secondary consideration and (3) it is important to fully inform a person about low vision services at an early stage of vision loss and to involve them in decision making about referral. There was consensus on the need for clear referral pathways and that both ophthalmologists and optometrists have primary responsibility to refer for low vision services.

Conclusions

Although recommendations and guidelines should not replace sound individual clinical judgement, promotion and adoption of these consensus recommendations could assist health care professionals in providing appropriate and timely referral for low vision services to the benefit of people with vision impairment.
Low‐dose oral isotretinoin in a young female with dissecting cellulitis
Authors: Melo Daniel Fernandes , Lemes Luciana Rodino , Alves Ana Luisa , Frattini Simone Carolina , Obadia Daniel Lago , Tortelly Violeta Duarte
Published: October 2021

Dissecting cellulitis (DC) is a chronic inflammatory primary neutrophilic scarring alopecia. It predominantly affects the vertex and occipital regions of Afro‐descendent men. Female DC is uncommon, and little is known about this condition in childhood. This paper reports a pediatric female case of DC with an excellent therapeutic response to low‐dose oral isotretinoin.
Predictive factors for fundoplication following esophageal atresia repair
Authors: Kambe Kosuke , Fumino Shigehisa , Sakai Kohei , Higashi Mayumi , Aoi Shigeyoshi , Furukawa Taizo , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: October 2021

Background

One of the most frequent complications after repair of esophageal atresia (EA) is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although GERD‐associated EA is known to often require anti‐reflux surgery, the predicting factors remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed EA in our institution.

Methods

Of 65 children with EA treated in our hospital from 1995 to 2018, 45 with Gross C type EA, followed for over 1 year, were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into fundoplication and non‐fundoplication groups and compared in terms of their clinical features.

Results

The fundoplication and non‐fundoplication groups included 13 and 32 cases, respectively. On univariate analysis, gestational age, body weight, prenatal diagnosis, polyhydramnios, re‐do surgery, and gap length of the esophagus differed significantly between the groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Early delivery, low body weight, and a long gap length are, are considered to be risk factors for fundoplication. However, the present study further showed that prenatal diagnosis and polyhydramnios were also significant contributing factors. The presence of a prenatal diagnosis and polyhydramnios may induce preterm delivery, therefore, cases of polyhydramnios due to suspected EA should be managed to prevent early delivery. Better understanding of the postnatal course after surgery is required, especially for prenatal diagnosis cases.
Prognostic impact of HNF4α expression in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Sawazumi Tomoe , Baba Tomohisa , Iwasawa Tae , Arai Hiromasa , Matsumura Mai , Takemura Tamiko , Sugiyama Misaki , Sekiya Motoki , Saigusa Yusuke , Ogura Takashi , Inayama Yoshiaki , Ohashi Kenichi , Okudela Koji
Published: October 2021

Pneumocyte injury is a crucial factor influencing the severity of interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this study, we investigated the potential of hepatocyte nuclear factor α (HNF4α) as an immunohistochemical marker to detect pneumocyte injury and as a prognostic marker. Surgical lung biopsy specimens were collected from 309 patients with different types of ILDs (61 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 173 non‐IPF, and 75 unclassifiable ILD). HNF4α expression were examined and the frequency of positive cells (per mm2) was calculated. HNF4α was strongly expressed in regenerating pneumocytes present on fibroblastic foci, Masson bodies/organizing alveoli. In the non‐IPF and unclassifiable ILD groups, cases with high frequency expression showed significantly poorer outcome. Particularly, in the unclassifiable ILD group, the prognostic impact was more significant (death due to ILD, log‐rank test, p < 0.0001), with a 10‐year survival rate (hazard ratio 11.1, Wald test, p = 0.0003), as compared to the non‐IPF group (log‐rank test, p = 0.0269; hazard ratio 2.7, Wald test, p = 0.0334). Multivariable analysis focusing on the unclassifiable ILD group confirmed that the frequent HNF4α expression was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 28.6; Wald test, p = 0.0033). Thus, HNF4α can be utilized as an immunohistochemical marker for pneumocyte injury and have prognostic impact particularly in unclassifiable ILD.
Whole‐genome copy number and immunohistochemical analyses on surgically resected intracholecystic papillary neoplasms
Authors: Fujisawa Mia , Matsushima Masashi , Carreras Joaquim , Hirabayashi Kenichi , Y. Kikuti Yara , Ueda Takashi , Kaneko Motoki , Fujimoto Ryutaro , Sano Masaya , Teramura Erika , Monma Makiko , Nakae Hirohiko , Suzuki Takayoshi , Suzuki Hidekazu , Nakamura Naoya
Published: October 2021

Intracholecystic papillary neoplasms are newly defined precancerous lesions. According to Classification of the World Health Organization, they have four histological morphologies, which are biliary, gastric, intestinal, and oncocytic. This study evaluated 17 patients with resected intracholecystic papillary neoplasms in terms of histological, immunohistochemical, and copy number variation (CNV). The histological subtypes included 5 cases of low‐grade (5 gastric) and 12 cases of high‐grade (6 gastric and 6 biliary) neoplasms. Most cases showed high expression of MUC1, MUC5AC, and CK7, moderate expression of MUC6 and Ki‐67, and low expression of CK20, MUC2, and CDX2. The CNV profile identified gain of 7q in 12%, and loss of 1p (18%), 5q (29%), 9p (35%), 12p (17%), 17p (24%), and 19p (18%). No CNVs were observed in low‐grade neoplasms, whereas high‐grade ones had increasing abnormalities. β‐catenin was often expressed in the nucleus of neoplasms with gastric morphology, suggesting the involvement of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. However, it was not expressed among those with biliary morphology, which instead exhibited high p53 expression. Neoplasms with biliary morphology showed more CNV changes (9p, 17p, 19p losses). Distinct immunological and CNV patterns were seen in both morphologies, suggesting differences in their pathogenesis. More CNVs accumulated with tumor progression.
Optimal restoration of wildlife habitat in landscapes fragmented by resource extraction: a network flow modeling approach
Authors: Yemshanov Denys , Simpson Mackenzie , Koch Frank H. , Parisien Marc‐André , Barber Quinn E. , Campioni Fabio , Macdermid Fin , Choudhury Salimur
Published: October 2021

Non‐renewable resource extraction contributes greatly to degradation of wildlife habitats in boreal landscapes. In western Canada, oil and gas exploration and extraction have left a dense network of linear disturbances (seismic lines) and abandoned well pads that have fragmented boreal forest. Among multiple ecological effects, these disturbances have increased predator access to the preferred habitat of some wildlife taxa, most notably boreal woodland caribou, resulting in population declines. Restoration of seismic lines and abandoned well pads is a critical activity to improve the recovery of woodland caribou populations. We present a linear programming model that optimally allocates restoration efforts to maximize the access of caribou to nearby undisturbed habitat in a fragmented landscape. We applied the model to examine restoration scenarios in the Cold Lake First Nations area in northeastern Alberta, Canada, which includes caribou habitat but also areas of active oil and gas extraction. The model depicts the landscape as a network of interconnected habitat patches and combines three network flow sub‐problems. The first sub‐problem enforces the spatial connectivity of the remaining network of unrestored sites. The second sub‐problem maximizes access to suitable habitat from the restored locations and the third sub‐problem ensures the allocation of restoration activities in as few spatially contiguous restoration projects as possible. The approach is generalizable and applicable to assist restoration planning in other resource extraction regions and for other taxa.
Estimating Stochastic Survey Response Errors using the Multitrait-Multierror Model
Authors: Cernat Alexandru , Oberski Daniel L.
Published: October 2021

Surveys are well known to contain response errors of different types, including acquiescence, social desirability, common method variance and random error simultaneously. Nevertheless, a single error source at a time is all that most methods developed to estimate and correct for such errors consider in practice. Consequently, estimation of response errors is inefficient, their relative importance is unknown and the optimal question format may not be discoverable. To remedy this situation, we demonstrate how multiple types of errors can be estimated concurrently with the recently introduced ‘multitrait-multierror’ (MTME) approach. MTME combines the theory of design of experiments with latent variable modelling to estimate response error variances of different error types simultaneously. This allows researchers to evaluate which errors are most impactful, and aids in the discovery of optimal question formats. We apply this approach using representative data from the United Kingdom to six survey items measuring attitudes towards immigrants that are commonly used across public opinion studies.