bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chronic Commercial Sweeteners Consumption in Lymphocytes of Peyer’s Patches
Authors: Guzmán-Cruz Julio Andrés , Martínez-Carrillo Beatríz Elina , Rillo Arturo G. , Castillo-Cardiel José Arturo , Cruz-Estrada Flor de María
Published: July 2019

Aims: To know the effect of chronic commercial sweeteners consumption in lymphocytes of Peyer’s patches.

Study Design: A prospective, longitudinal, comparative and experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Nutrition Research Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx) between August 2018 and May 2019 and was approved by the Bioethics Committee.

Materials and Methods: Two groups of male mice of different strains were used: 1) Balb/c and 2) CD1, both at 8 weeks-old age. The groups were divided into 4 subgroups: 1) Control (without sweetener), 2) Sucrose (table sugar, 41.66 mg/mL), and two groups of commercial sweeteners 3) Splenda® (sucralose 1.2%, with a concentration of 4.16 mg/mL), and 4) Svetia® (Steviol glycoside 0.025 g with a concentration of 4.16 mg/mL). The mice consumed the supplementation for 6 weeks. Also, were quantified plasma glucose, percentage of lymphocytes from Peyer’s patches, water and food consumption weekly.

Results: Mice increased their body weight after 6 weeks of treatment. The animals of Control and Sucrose subgroups showed a significant body weight gain of 5 g compared with the Splenda® and Svetia® subgroups, which increased only 4 g. In the subgroup treated with Splenda®, the blood glucose was reduced significantly. Svetia® and Control groups consumed more water without sweetener. The differences in food consumption were between the subgroups, not between the strains. By the end, the percentage of lymphocytes from Peyer´s patches increased in the Sucrose subgroup but decreased significantly in other subgroups.

Conclusion: The consumption of sweeteners may modify the lymphocyte population of Peyer's patches in the small intestine and this variation depends on the frequency of consumption the strain of the rodents and the type of sweetener.
Prevalence of Tick Borne Haemoparasites in Some Breeds of Cattle and Goats Slaughtered in Some Abattoirs within Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Atsuwe T. S. , Obisike V. U. , Azua E. T. , Imandeh G. N.
Published: July 2019

This study was carried out to compare the prevalence of tick-borne hemiparasite in some variety of cattle and goat in Makurdi. The thin blood film technique was used in the study. Chi-square (X2) test was used to compare the prevalence rates. Breed of cattle examined was: White Fulani (45.2%), N'dama (35.5%) and Muturu (19.3%); While those of goats were: West African Dwarf (16.7%), Adamawa Red (37.3%) and Red Sokoto (46.1%). Haemoparasites of cattle and goats and their prevalence were: Anaplasma centrale (22.4%), A. marginale (21.1%), Bebesia bovis (11.4%); A. centrale (16.7%), A. marginale (12.3%), B. ovis (11.4%) and Theileria ovis (7.8%) respectively. The prevailing tick-borne hemiparasites detected were A. central, A. marginale and B. bovis, in cattle and A. central, A. marginale, B. ovis and T. ovis in goats.
Fungi Associated with Major Agricultural and Forage Crops in Integrated Systems of Brazilian Tropical Regions
Authors: Avelino Anne Caroline Dallabrida , Faria Dayana Aparecida de , Oliveira Lucas Dias de , Cervo Yuri Nunes , Filho Alexandre Secco Contreras , Farinha Matheus Afonso , Rondon Onassis Henrique Simon , Abreu Joadil Gonçalves de , Peixoto Wender Mateus , Rossi Mariana , Rodrigues Jéssica
Published: July 2019

Integrated production systems were developed to preserve productive resources and maintain the profitability of agribusiness. However, the use of seeds of low physiological and sanitary quality and the implantation of agricultural and forage crops in production fields of low sanitary quality may favor the dissemination and proliferation of phytopathogens such as fungi. Therefore, using the scientific literature, this work aimed to identify the fungi associated with the main agricultural and forage crops that cause damage to the integrated production systems of Brazilian tropical regions and their control measures. This work was based on a literature review in the Scielo, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, with data obtained between 1999 and 2019. The keywords employed were “fungus”, “tropical grass”; “agricultural crops”; “ICLS” (Integrated Crop-Livestock); and “ICLF” (Crop-Livestock-Forest) and their respective terms in Portuguese, under different combinations. For the inclusion criteria, publications (papers, books, theses, dissertations, and scientific communiqués) from 1999 to 2019 which fit the study aim were selected, both in the Portuguese and English languages. The publications that did not meet the criteria of this study and were repeated in databases were considered as exclusion criteria. The main fungi associated with forage and agricultural crops and soils of integrated systems of Brazilian tropical regions are Bipolaris sp., Curvularia sp., Exserohilum syn. Helminthosporium sp., Phoma sp., Fusarium sp., Macrophomina sp., Pythium sp., Rhizoctonia sp. and Sclerotium sp. The main methods of fungal control are the use of quality seeds, crop rotation, resistant cultivars, and chemical seed treatment.
Toxicity of Insecticides in Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a New Strawberry Pest in Brazil under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Santos Francieli Marcelino dos , Carvalho José Romário de , Pratissoli Dirceu , Bueno Regiane Cristina Oliveira de Freitas , Pirovani Victor Dias , Rodrigues Hígor de Souza
Published: July 2019

The strawberry caterpillar, Duponchelia fovealis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) was recently found in Brazil causing significant losses for this crop. Because it is a recent pest in the country, still, there is no record of insecticides for its control. Thus, this work evaluated the toxicity of different commercial insecticides on D. fovealis second instar caterpillars. The insecticides tested were: acetamiprid, cyromazine, thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin, milbemectin, chlorantraniliprole, lambda-cyhalothrin, thiamethoxam, fenpropathrin, alpha-cypermethrin, chlorfenapyr, indoxacarb, and lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole. The application was carried out by spraying the caterpillars in a Potter tower. Insecticides indoxacarb, lambda-cyhalothrin + chlorantraniliprole and chlorfenapyr provided mortality data of D. fovealis caterpillars from 70.9 to 100%, and could be considered as promising for the management of this pest, once duly registered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA).
In vitro Antibacterial and Antitubercular Activities of Leaf Extracts of Senna occidentalis
Authors: Olatunji K. T. , Ya’aba Y. , Mohammed S. B. , Akah I. J. , Daniel O. C. , Oladosu P. O.
Published: July 2019

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antitubercular activities of ethylacetate and ethanol leaf extracts of Senna occidentalis.

Study Design: Fresh leaves of Senna occidentalis collected from Suleja, Niger state were used for this study against some medically important micro-organisms viz; Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella paratyphi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Abuja, Nigeria at the Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development [NIPRD], from February 2019 to April 2019.

Methodology: Senna occidentalis leaves were extracted successively with ethyl-acetate and ethanol. The obtained extracts were tested in vitro for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method, while anti-tubercular screening was carried out by broth micro-dilution method. A fixed-dose concentration of chloramphenicol was used as a control drug against the bacterial isolates while isoniazid was used as control drug against the mycobacterium isolates.

Results: The in vitro antibacterial screening showed that the crude extracts exhibited varying activity against the different microbes with highest zone of inhibition at 12 mm, and anti-tubercular activity with MICs ranging from 97.6-390.6 μg/mL.  Among these extracts, ethyl-acetate extract showed significant antibacterial activity against most of the test micro-organisms. The most susceptible micro-organism was P. aeruginosa (12mm zone in ethyl-acetate at 80 mg/mL) followed by B. subtilis (10 mm zone in ethyl-acetate extract at 80 mg/mL) and E. coli (9 mm zone in ethyl-acetate extract at 80 mg/mL). The ethanol extract was the most effective in inhibiting the growth of M. smegmatis and M. bovis with MICs of 97.6 μg/mL and 195.3 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The activities observed could be attributed to the presence of some active metabolites contained in the extracts which could be useful in drug development for therapeutic purposes.
Progranulin sustains STAT3 hyper‐activation and oncogenic function in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Laudisi Federica , Cherubini Fabio , Di Grazia Antonio , Dinallo Vincenzo , Di Fusco Davide , Franzè Eleonora , Ortenzi Angela , Salvatori Illari , Scaricamazza Silvia , Monteleone Ivan , Sakamoto Naoya , Monteleone Giovanni , Stolfi Carmine
Published: July 2019

Persistent activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)3 occurs in a high percentage of tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC), thereby contributing to malignant cell proliferation and survival. Although STAT3 is recognized as an attractive therapeutic target in CRC, conventional approaches aimed at inhibiting its functions have met with several limitations. Moreover, the factors that sustain hyper‐activation of STAT3 in CRC are not yet fully understood. The identification of tumor‐specific STAT3 cofactors may facilitate the development of compounds that interfere exclusively with STAT3 activity in cancer cells. Here, we show that progranulin, a STAT3 cofactor, is upregulated in human CRC as compared to nontumor tissue/cells and its expression correlates with STAT3 activation. Progranulin physically interacts with STAT3 in CRC cells, and its knockdown with a specific antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) inhibits STAT3 activation and restrains the expression of STAT3‐related oncogenic proteins, thus causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, progranulin knockdown reduces STAT3 phosphorylation and cell proliferation induced by tumor‐infiltrating leukocyte (TIL)‐derived supernatants in CRC cell lines and human CRC explants. These findings indicate that CRC exhibits overexpression of progranulin, and suggest a role for this protein in amplifying the STAT3 pathway in CRC.
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting of temporal lobe white matter in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wang Kang , Cao Xiaozhi , Wu Dengchang , Liao Congyu , Zhang Jianfang , Ji Caihong , Zhong Jianhui , He Hongjian , Chen Yanxing
Published: July 2019

Objective

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a network disorder. We aimed to quantify the white matter alterations in the temporal lobe of MTLE patients with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE‐HS) by using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), a novel imaging technique, which allows simultaneous measurements of multiple parameters with a single acquisition.

Methods

We consecutively recruited 27 unilateral MTLE‐HS patients and 22 healthy controls. Measurements including T1, T2, and PD values in the temporopolar white matter and temporal stem were recorded and analyzed.

Results

We found increased T2 value in both sides, and increased T1 value in the ipsilateral temporopolar white matter of MTLE‐HS patients, as compared with healthy controls. The T1 and T2 values were higher in the ipsilateral than the contralateral side. In the temporal stem, increased T1 and T2 values in the ipsilateral side of the MTLE‐HS patients were also observed. Only increased T2 values were observed in the contralateral temporal stem. No significant differences in PD values were observed in either the temporopolar white matter or temporal stem of the MTLE‐HS patients. Correlation analysis revealed that T1 and T2 values in the ipsilateral temporopolar white matter were negatively correlated with the age at epilepsy onset.

Interpretation

By using MRF, we were able to assess the alterations of T1 and T2 in the temporal lobe white matter of MTLE‐HS patients. MRF could be a promising imaging technique in identifying mild changes in MTLE patients, which might optimize the pre‐surgical evaluation and therapeutic interventions in these patients.
Deformation‐Resilient Embroidered Near Field Communication Antenna and Energy Harvesters for Wearable Applications
Authors: Xu Lulu , Liu Zekun , Chen Xiao , Sun Rujie , Hu Zhirun , Zheng Zijian , Ye Terry Tao , Li Yi
Published: July 2019

E‐Textiles have gained increasing momentum in wearable electronics recently. Conductive‐yarn‐based embroidered devices, with the advantages of being soft, deformable, breathable, and protective for the skin, play an important role in replacing many metallic counterparts. However, embroidered devices face many new challenges in their design methodology and fabrication processes, such as high resistivity and low Q value of the conductive yarns, as well as deformation of device geometries during wearing. Herein, a strain‐free, deformation‐resilient embroidery process for near field communication (NFC) coil antennas is introduced. Coil geometry can endure extreme deformation by stretching with up to 50% elongation, bending with curvature as small as 16 mm in radius, and can still maintain a relatively small variation in its inductance, resonant frequency, Q value, as well as its energy‐harvesting capabilities. The embroidered coil antenna is used in an NFC‐based battery‐free body sensor system. Experiments demonstrate that the system can maintain a stable performance (voltage supply, temperature sensing, and reading range) under various deformation conditions.
Early Aβ reduction prevents progression of cerebral amyloid angiopathy
Authors: Schelle Juliane , Wegenast‐Braun Bettina M. , Fritschi Sarah K. , Kaeser Stephan A. , Jährling Nina , Eicke Daniel , Skodras Angelos , Beschorner Natalie , Obermueller Ulrike , Häsler Lisa M. , Wolfer David P. , Mueggler Thomas , Shimshek Derya R. , Neumann Ulf , Dodt Hans‐Ulrich , Staufenbiel Matthias , Jucker Mathias
Published: July 2019

Objective

Clinical trials targeting β‐amyloid peptides (Aβ) for Alzheimer disease (AD) failed for arguable reasons that include selecting the wrong stages of AD pathophysiology or Aβ being the wrong target. Targeting Aβ to prevent cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has not been rigorously followed, although the causal role of Aβ for CAA and related hemorrhages is undisputed. CAA occurs with normal aging and to various degrees in AD, where its impact and treatment is confounded by the presence of parenchymal Aβ deposition.

Methods

APPDutch mice develop CAA in the absence of parenchymal amyloid, mimicking hereditary cerebral hemorrhage with amyloidosis Dutch type (HCHWA‐D). Mice were treated with a β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitor. We used 3‐dimensional ultramicroscopy and immunoassays for visualizing CAA and assessing Aβ in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain.

Results

CAA onset in mice was at 22 to 24 months, first in frontal leptomeningeal and superficial cortical vessels followed by vessels penetrating the cortical layers. CSF Aβ increased with aging followed by a decrease of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 upon CAA onset, supporting the idea that combined reduction of CSF Aβ40 and Aβ42 is a specific biomarker for vascular amyloid. BACE1 inhibitor treatment starting at CAA onset and continuing for 4 months revealed a 90% Aβ reduction in CSF and largely prevented CAA progression and associated pathologies.

Interpretation

This is the first study showing that Aβ reduction at early disease time points largely prevents CAA in the absence of parenchymal amyloid. Our observation provides a preclinical basis for Aβ‐reducing treatments in patients at risk of CAA and in presymptomatic HCHWA‐D. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:561–571
A novel technique for solid mass loading measurement in dilute gas–solid two‐phase flow by vortex flow meter based on vortex shedding principles
Authors: Farahzadi Hamzeh , Shirvani Mansour , Hashemabadi Seyed Hassan
Published: July 2019

Vortex flowmeter has broad applications in industrial single‐phase flow problems. There is experimental evidence suggesting that the presence of particles in gas–solid flows may cause a modulation in the turbulence intensity of the carrier phase. Using vortex flowmeter, one may manipulate vortex shedding generated by a bluff body and, therefore, change pressure fluctuation after bluff body and pressure drop between two sides of the vortex shedder. In this research, a vortex flowmeter with a differential pressure sensor was used to experimentally measure solid mass loading in a dilute gas–solid two‐phase flow. The results indicated that the average bluff body pressure drop in gas–solid flows is always more than that occurring in gas flows, and the presence of particles can both attenuate and augment vortex shedding frequency. The results also showed that one can obtain the solid mass loading by means of pressure drop signals with a maximum relative error of 5%, which may be advantageous for industrial process measurement.
In silico DNA methylation analysis identifies potential prognostic biomarkers in type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Man , Hlady Ryan A. , Zhou Dan , Ho Thai H. , Robertson Keith D.
Published: July 2019

There are currently no effective treatments for advanced‐stage papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC). The goal of this study is to define potential DNA methylation‐based markers and treatment targets for advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC. Progressive DNA methylation changes and copy number variation (CNV) from localized to advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC are analyzed by using methylation data generated by TCGA's kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (TCGA‐KIRP, 450k array) project. Survival analyses are performed for the identified biomarkers and genes with CNV. In addition, expression of the corresponding genes is investigated by RNA‐seq analysis. Progressive methylation changes in several CpGs from localized to advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC are observed. Four CpGs (cg00489401, cg27649239, cg20555674, and cg07196505) in particular are identified as markers for differentiating between localized and advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC. Copy number analysis reveals that copy gain of PTK7 mostly occurs in advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC. Both the four CpG methylation changes and PTK7 copy number gain are associated with patient survival. RNA‐seq analysis demonstrates that PTK7 copy gain leads to higher PTK7 expression relative to tumors without copy number gain. Moreover, PTK7 is significantly upregulated from localized to advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC and is linked to cancer cell invasion. In conclusion, DNA methylation markers that differentiate between localized and advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC may serve as useful markers for disease staging or outcome, while PTK7 copy gain represents a potential treatment target for advanced‐stage type 2 PRCC. Stepwise methylation changes and copy number gain also associate with disease stage in PRCC patients.
Neoadjuvant exemestane or exemestane plus docetaxel and cyclophosphamide tailored by clinicopathological response to 12 weeks' exemestane exposure in patients with estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer: A multicenter, open‐label, phase II study
Authors: Sato Nobuaki , Masuda Norikazu , Morimoto Takashi , Ueno Takayuki , Kanbayashi Chizuko , Kaneko Koji , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Saji Shigehira , Sasano Hironobu , Morita Satoshi , Ohno Shinji , Toi Masakazu
Published: July 2019

Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of initial neoadjuvant endocrine therapy with exemestane alone followed by tailored treatment, either continued exemestane monotherapy or exemestane plus docetaxel–cyclophosphamide (TC) combination therapy, in postmenopausal patients with primary invasive estrogen receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative, stage I‐IIIA breast cancer and Ki67 labeling index ≤30%. In this open‐label phase II study, patients initially received exemestane 25 mg/d for 12 weeks. Responders were defined as patients who achieved complete response (CR), partial response (PR) with Ki67 labeling index ≤5% after treatment, or stable disease with Ki67 labeling index ≤5% both before and after treatment. For the subsequent 12 weeks, exemestane monotherapy was continued for responders (group A), whereas nonresponders received exemestane plus four cycles of TC (docetaxel 75 mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) (group B). Clinical response rate (ie the proportion of patients with CR or PR) at 24 weeks was the primary endpoint. Of 64 patients provisionally enrolled between December 2010 and May 2016, 58 (median age 60 years) started the study treatment. Five patients discontinued treatment in the initial exemestane monotherapy period, and 39 completed the study treatment. Clinical response rates at 8‐12 and 24 weeks were 71% (10/14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 41.9%‐91.6%) and 57% (8/14, 95% CI 28.9%‐82.3%), respectively, in group A, and 16% (4/25, 95% CI 4.5%‐36.1%) and 56% (14/25, 95% CI 34.9%‐75.6%), respectively, in group B. Grade ≥3 adverse events were reported in 8% (1/15) and 53% (20/38) in group A and group B, respectively. The tailored treatment maintained the favorable clinical response to exemestane alone in responders and improved clinical response in nonresponders.

Trial number

UMIN000004752 (UMIN Clinical Trials Registry).
Chemical Composition, Antibacterial, Antioxidant and in Vitro Antidiabetic Activities of Essential Oils from Eruca vesicaria
Authors: Hichri Faycel , Omri Hichri Amel , Maha Mastouri , Saad Mana Hossan Aisha , Flamini Guido , Ben Jannet Hichem
Published: July 2019

This work describes the study of the chemical composition and bioactivity of the essential oils (EOs) of the different organs (leaves, flowers, stems and roots) from Eruca vesicaria. According to the GC and GC/MS analysis, all the EOs were dominated by erucin (4‐methylthiobutyl isothiocyanate) with a percentage ranging from 17.9 % (leaves) to 98.5 % (roots). The isolated EOs were evaluated for their antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS and β‐carotene/linoleic acid), antibacterial and inhibitory property against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase. Most EOs exhibited an interesting α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase inhibitory potential. The roots essential oil was found to be the most active with IC50 values of 0.80±0.06 and 0.11±0.01 μg mL−1, respectively. The essential oil of roots exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH, PI=92.76±0.01 %; ABTS, PI=78.87±0.19; and β‐carotene, PI=56.1±0.01 %). The isolated oils were also tested for their antibacterial activity against two Gram‐positive and three Gram‐negative bacteria. Moderate results have been noted by comparison with Gentamicin used as positive control.
The unusual abundance of a rare finding!
Authors: Altahan Rahaf , Al Mugairi Areej
Published: July 2019

We present images (Figure 1A‐D) of a preterm girl who had severe anemia due to HDFN caused by maternal anti‐C and anti‐D alloantibodies. These images show erythrophagocytosis, which is a very interesting and rarely encountered feature. We believe that physicians taking care of such patients should be more aware of this characteristic yet under‐detected finding.
Cobalt@Silica Core‐Shell Catalysts for Hydrogenation of CO/CO2 Mixtures to Methane
Authors: Ilsemann Jan , Straß‐Eifert Angela , Friedland Jens , Kiewidt Lars , Thöming Jorg , Bäumer Marcus , Güttel Robert
Published: July 2019

COx hydrogenation reactions for hydrocarbon synthesis, such as methane, are becoming more and more important in terms of the energy transition. The formation of the byproduct water leads to a hydrothermal environment, which necessitates stable catalyst materials under harsh reaction conditions. Therefore, novel nanostructured core‐shell catalysts are part of scientific discussion, since these materials offer an exceptional resistance against thermal sintering. Here we report on a core‐shell catalyst ‐ Co@mSiO2 ‐ for the hydrogenation of CO/CO2 mixtures towards methane. CO methanation experiments reveal a rapid temperature‐depended deactivation for temperatures above 350 °C caused by coking and possible blocking of the pores. In comparison to a Co/mSiO2 reference catalyst with the same Co particle size a significantly higher methane selectivity was found for CO2 hydrogenation, which we attribute to the confinement effect of the core‐shell structure and therefore a higher probability of CO readsorption. Finally, the simultaneous CO/CO2 co‐methanation experiments show a high flexibility of the catalyst materials on different gas feed compositions.
Design Impact on Airflow Patterns in Fluidization Units
Authors: Renaudo Carlos Alberto , Bertin Diego Esteban , Bucalá Verónica
Published: July 2019

The airflow behavior in a fluidization unit was integrally studied by means of experimental work and computational fluid dynamics simulation. The computational domain included the gas inlet pipe, plenum, perforated plate, fluidization chamber, and air outlet pipe. Different scenarios were simulated to allow distinguishing the best way to represent perforated‐plate distributors and elucidate the impact of the grid design on the fluidization performance. The simulated pressure drop across the distributor and the plenum flow pattern were in concordance with the experimental data. It was found that the distance between the peripheral holes and walls has a great impact on the airflow downstream the distributor.
Success and satisfaction of women in financial planning
Authors: Pasztor Jim , Sunder Aman , Henderson Rebecca
Published: July 2019

There has been much discussion, research, and initiatives related to building the financial planning profession by attracting and retaining talented financial planners. Surveys have shown that many view financial planning as primarily a profession of white males. There is no evidence that women lack the skills or traits necessary to be successful financial planners, yet for more than a decade, gender diversity has been a challenge. Previous research has found evidence of sexism in financial planning, which includes significantly lower compensation for women and different treatment of women by their fellow planners and employers. We surveyed 224 experienced professional financial planners to analyze their feelings of satisfaction and success and how these feelings related to their gender, size of practice, education, personality traits, age, and years of experience. The women in our sample were equivalent or better than men with regard to education, experience, personality (the Big Five personality traits), and certified financial planner (CFP®) certification. However, we found that professional career satisfaction was surprisingly higher for women if they worked for a solo practice rather than for a large firm where they felt significantly more successful.
Molecular Electron Density Distribution and X‐Ray Diffraction Patterns of Smectic A Liquid Crystals – A Simulation Study
Authors: Haege Christian , Jagiella Stefan , Giesselmann Frank
Published: July 2019

X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is one of the most important methods to assess the long‐range translational order in smectic A (SmA) liquid crystals. Nevertheless, the knowledge about the influence of the molecular electron density distribution (MEDD) on the XRD pattern is rather limited because it is not possible to vary the orientational order, the translational order and the MEDD independently in an experiment. We here present a systematic simulation study in which we examine this effect and show that the MEDD indeed has a major impact on the general appearance of the XRD pattern. More specifically, we find that the smectic layer peaks and the intensity ratios thereof strongly depend on the width of the MEDD. The classic approach by Leadbetter et al. to determine the smectic translational order parameter
from XRD intensities works if the MEDD is quite narrow. In all other cases the influence of the MEDD has to be taken into account.
Dual Roles of tert‐Butyl Nitrite in the Transition Metal‐ and External Oxidant‐Free Trifluoromethyloximation of Alkenes
Authors: Wu Ya , Zhang Yanli , Yang Zhen , Jiao Jingchao , Zheng Xiaoke , Feng Weisheng , Zhang Mengsha , Cheng Hao , Tang Lin
Published: July 2019

By employing tert‐butyl nitrite as both nitrogen source and oxidant, the trifluoromethyloximation of alkenes proceeds smoothly in a free‐radical process. The developed difunctionalization reaction enables practical and efficient synthesis of a wide range of α‐CF3 ketoximes in moderate yields with excellent regioselectivity. This method features the use of readily available and stable alkenes as substrates and inexpensive CF3SO2Na as a CF3 reagent, no involvement of transition metals or external oxidant, and room‐temperature conditions. Moreover, a scale‐up of the reaction, further transformation of the products into various valuable CF3‐containing compounds, and removal of the trifluoromethyl group are readily achieved.
A secure multifactor remote user authentication scheme for Internet of Multimedia Things environment
Authors: Dhillon Parwinder Kaur , Kalra Sheetal
Published: July 2019

To attain ubiquitous connectivity of everything, Internet of Things (IoT) systems must include “multimedia things.” Internet of Multimedia Things (IoMT) is a heterogeneous network of smart multimedia things connected together and with other physical devices to the Internet so as to achieve globally available multimedia services and applications. Due to the ever increasing amount of multimedia data in IoT environments, securing these systems becomes crucial. This is because these systems are easily susceptible to attacks when information or any service is accessed by the users. In this paper, we propose a secure three‐factor remote user authentication scheme for IoMT systems using ECC. The formal security proof performed using ROR model and BAN logic confirms that an attacker will not be able to extract sensitive user information. Through informal security analysis, we justify the resistance of the scheme against several security attacks. The performance comparison shows that the scheme is efficient in terms of computational cost, security features, and attack resistance. Furthermore, simulation of the scheme using AVISPA and Proverif proves that the scheme is secure against all active and passive attacks.
Landscape‐level validation of allometric relationships for carbon stock estimation reveals bias driven by soil type
Authors: Beirne C. , Miao Z. , Nuñez C. L. , Medjibe V. P. , Saatchi S. , White L. J. T. , Poulsen J. R.
Published: July 2019

Mitigation of climate change depends on accurate estimation and mapping of terrestrial carbon stocks, particularly in carbon dense tropical forests. Allometric equations can be used to robustly estimate biomass of tropical trees, but often require tree height, which is frequently unknown. Researchers and practitioners must, therefore, decide whether to directly measure a subset of tree heights to develop diameter : height (D:H) equations or rely on previously published generic equations. To date, studies comparing the two approaches have been spatially restricted and/or not randomly allocated across the landscape of interest, making the implications of deciding whether or not to measure tree heights difficult to determine. To address this issue, we use inventory data from a systematic‐random forest inventory across Gabon (102 forest sites; 42,627 trees, including 7,036 height‐measured trees). Using plot‐specific models ofD:Has a benchmark, we compare the performance of a suite of locally fitted and commonly used generic models (parameterized national, georegional, and pantropical equations) across a variety of scales, and assess which abiotic, anthropogenic, and topographical covariates contribute the most to bias in height estimation. We reveal marked spatial structure in the magnitude and direction of bias in tree height estimation using all generic models, due at least in part to soil type, which compounded to substantial error in site‐levelAGBestimates (of up to 38% or 150 Mg/ha). However, two generic pantropical models (Chave 2014; Feldpausch 2012) converged to within 2.5% of meanAGBat the landscape scale. Our results suggest that some (not all) pantropical equations can extrapolateAGBacross large spatial scales with minimal bias in estimated meanAGB. However, extreme caution must be taken when interpreting theAGBestimates from generic models at the site‐level as they fail to capture substantial spatial variation inD:Hrelationships, which could lead to dramatic under‐ or over‐estimation of site‐level carbon stocks. Validated allometric models derived at site‐ or soil‐type‐levels may be the best way to reduce such biases arising from landscape‐level heterogeneity inD:Hmodel fit in the Afrotropics.
The posited effect of positive affect in anorexia nervosa: Advocating for a forgotten piece of a puzzling disease
Authors: Coniglio Kathryn A. , Christensen Kara A. , Haynos Ann F. , Rienecke Renee D. , Selby Edward A.
Published: July 2019

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex and life‐threatening eating disorder. Current models of AN onset and maintenance have largely focused on the role of negative affect, while fewer models have described the role of positive affect (PA). Given that these theoretical models have informed current treatment approaches, and that treatment remains minimally effective for adults with AN, we advocate that targeting PA is one avenue for advancing maintenance models and by extension, treatment. We specifically propose that AN may arise and be chronically and pervasively maintained as a function of dysregulated PA in response to weight loss and weight loss behaviors (e.g., restriction, excessive exercise), to a degree that is not accounted for in existing models of AN. We present evidence from multiple domains, including biological, behavioral, and self‐report, supporting the hypothesis that PA dysregulation in AN contributes to the maintenance of the disorder. We conclude with several specific avenues for treatment development research as well as a call for future work elucidating the biological correlates of PA.
Moderate grazing promotes the root biomass in Kobresia meadow on the northern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Dai Licong , Guo Xiaowei , Ke Xun , Zhang Fawei , Li Yikang , Peng Cuoji , Shu Kai , Li Qian , Lin Li , Cao Guangmin , Du Yangong
Published: July 2019

Grazing is an important modulator of both plant productivity and biodiversity in grassland community, yet how to determine a suitable grazing intensity in alpine grassland is still controversy. Here, we explore the effects of different grazing intensities on plant biomass and species composition, both at community level and functional group level, and examines the productivity–species richness relationship under four grazing patterns: no grazing (CK), light grazing (LG), moderate grazing, (MG) and heavy grazing (HG), attempt to determine a suitable grazing intensity in alpine grassland. The results were as follows. The total aboveground biomass (AGB) reduced with increasing grazing intensity, and the response of plant functional groups was different. AGB of both sedges and legumes increased from MG to HG, while the AGB of forbs reduced sharply and the grass AGB remained steady. There was a significant positive relationship between productivity and species richness both at community level and functional group level. In contrast, the belowground biomass (BGB) showed a unimodal relationship from CK to HG, peaking in MG (8,297.72 ± 621.29 g/m2). Interestingly, the grassland community tends to allocate more root biomass to the upper soil layer under increasing grazing intensities. Our results suggesting that moderate levels of disturbance may be the optimal grassland management strategy for alpine meadow in terms of root production.
Calculation of narrower confidence intervals for tree mortality rates when we know nothing but the location of the death/survival events
Authors: Arellano Gabriel
Published: July 2019

Many ecological applications, like the study of mortality rates, require the estimation of proportions and confidence intervals for them. The traditional way of doing this applies the binomial distribution, which describes the outcome of a series of Bernoulli trials. This distribution assumes that observations are independent and the probability of success is the same for all the individual observations. Both assumptions are obviously false in many cases.

I show how to apply bootstrap and the Poisson binomial distribution (a generalization of the binomial distribution) to the estimation of proportions. Any information at the individual level would result in better (narrower) confidence intervals around the estimation of proportions. As a case study, I applied this method to the calculation of mortality rates in a forest plot of tropical trees in Lambir Hills National Park, Malaysia.

I calculated central estimates and 95% confidence intervals for species‐level mortality rates for 1,007 tree species. I used a very simple model of spatial dependence in survival to estimate individual‐level risk of mortality. The results obtained by accounting for heterogeneity in individual‐level risk of mortality were comparable to those obtained with the binomial distribution in terms of central estimates, but the precision increased in virtually all cases, with an average reduction in the width of the confidence interval of ~20%.

Spatial information allows the estimation of individual‐level probabilities of survival, and this increases the precision in the estimates of mortality rates. The general method described here, with modifications, could be applied to reduce uncertainty in the estimation of proportions related to any spatially structured phenomenon with two possible outcomes. More sophisticated approaches can yield better estimates of individual‐level mortality and thus narrower confidence intervals.
Body mass index and outcomes of cardiac resynchronization with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy in older patients with heart failure
Authors: Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Bao Haikun , Curtis Jeptha P. , Heidenreich Paul A. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: July 2019

Aims

To assess the association of body mass index (BMI) with heart failure (HF) outcomes after cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT‐D) implantation.

Methods and results

Medicare beneficiaries with HF aged ≥ 65 years (n = 18 922) undergoing first‐time CRT‐D from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Registry between 2010 and 2013, were followed for 3 years post‐implantation. Survival curves and covariate adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) or odds ratio were used to assess the risks for death, readmission, and device‐related complications by BMI status. Of 18 922 HF patients receiving CRT‐D, 5265 (27.8%) were normal weight, 6896 (37%) were overweight, 6318 (33.4%) were obese, and 353 (1.8%) were underweight. Compared to those of normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), underweight patients had a higher 3‐year post‐device implantation risk of death [aHR: 1.34 (95% confidence interval 1.09–1.65); P < 0.001] and of readmission [sub‐aHR: 1.25 (1.09–1.42); P < 0.001]. The corresponding 3‐year aHRs for death were 0.83 (0.77–0.89) for overweight, 0.74 (0.67–0.82) for obesity class I (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2), 0.78 (0.68–0.90) for obesity class II (BMI 35–39.9 kg/m2), and 0.75 (0.60–0.93) for obesity class III (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, P for all categories < 0.001). Individuals with class III obesity had a higher risk of readmission [sub‐aHR: 1.17 (1.06–1.30)]. There were no differences in rates of device‐related complications within 90 days across BMI categories.

Conclusion

Most elderly patients with HF receiving CRT‐D were overweight or obese. While being underweight was associated with greater risks of death and hospitalization, overweight and obese patients were at lower risk of death after CRT‐D.
Technical and clinical performance of the thermo‐test device “Q‐Sense” to assess small fibre function: A head‐to‐head comparison with the “Thermal Sensory Analyzer” TSA in diabetic patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Pfau Doreen B. , Greffrath Wolfgang , Schilder Andreas , Magerl Walter , Ohler Carolin , Westermann Andrea , Maier Christoph , Doppler Kathrin , Sommer Claudia , Orth Michael , Hammes Hans‐Peter , Kurz Jochen , Götz Marcus , Treede Rolf‐Detlef , Schuh‐Hofer Sigrid
Published: July 2019

Background

Thermo‐test devices are rarely used outside specialized pain centres because of high acquisition costs. Recently, a new, portable device (“Q‐Sense”) was introduced, which is less expensive but has reduced cooling capacity (20°C). We assessed the reliability/validity of the “Q‐Sense” by comparing it with the Thermal Sensory Analyzer (TSA).

Methods

Using a phantom‐skin model, the physical characteristics of both devices were compared. The clinical performance was assessed in a multicentre study by performing Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) in 121 healthy volunteers and 83 diabetic patients (Eudra‐Med‐No. CIV‐12‐05‐006501).

Results

Both device types showed ~40% slower temperature ramps for heating/cooling than nominal data. Cold/warm detection thresholds (CDT, WDT) and heat pain thresholds (HPT) of healthy subjects did not differ between device types. Cold pain thresholds (CPT) were biased for Q‐Sense by a floor effect (p < .001). According to intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), agreement between TSA and Q‐Sense was good/excellent for CDT (ICC = 0.894) and WDT (ICC = 0.898), moderate for HPT (ICC = 0.525) and poor for CPT (ICC = 0.305). In diabetic patients, the sensitivity of Q‐Sense to detect cold hypoesthesia was reduced in males >60 years. Moderate correlations between thermal detection thresholds and morphological data from skin biopsies (n = 51) were similar for both devices.

Conclusions

Physical characteristics of both thermo‐test devices are similarly limited by the poor temperature conduction of the skin. The Q‐Sense is useful for thermal detection thresholds but of limited use for pain thresholds. For full clinical use, the lower cut‐off temperature should be set to ≤18°C.

Significance

High purchase costs prevent a widespread use of thermo‐test devices for diagnosing small fibre neuropathy. The air‐cooled “Q‐Sense” could be a lower cost alternative, but its technical/clinical performance needs to be assessed because of its restricted cut‐off for cooling (20°C). This study provides critical information on the physical characteristics and the clinical validity/reliability of the Q‐Sense compared to the “Thermal Sensory Analyzer” (TSA). We recommend lowering the cut‐off value of the Q‐Sense to ≤18°C for its full clinical use.
Post‐fire soil erosion mitigation at the scale of swales using forest logging residues at a reduced application rate
Authors: Prats Sergio A. , González‐Pelayo Óscar , Silva Flavio C. , Bokhorst Koen J. , Baartman Jantiene E.M. , Keizer Jan J.
Published: July 2019

Mulching with forest residues has proved to be highly effective in reducing post‐fire soil losses at the plot scale. However, its effectiveness has not been quantified at the application rates that are typically used in operational post‐fire land management (2–3 Mg ha‐1 using straw), as well as at scales larger than 100 m2. The present study compared post‐fire erosion rates for six convergent hillslopes or swales of 500 to 800 m2, three of which were left untreated while the other three were mulched immediately after the fire with shredded eucalypt bark at a rate of 2.4 Mg ha‐1. Erosion rates were monitored at irregular intervals during the first three post‐fire years, whilst ground cover was assessed yearly. Selected topsoil properties (0–2 cm) such as organic matter content and aggregate stability were determined at a single occasion – two years after the wildfire, for three micro‐environments separately: bare soil, and under mulch/litter and vegetation. Soil losses on the untreated swales decreased with post‐fire year from 2.2 to 0.4 and 0.11 Mg ha‐1 yr‐1 (respectively for the first, second and third post‐fire years), while the mulched swales produced 84%, 77% and 38% less soil losses than the untreated swales.

Soil losses also depended on slope aspect, with the north‐facing swales producing less erosion than the west‐facing ones. This could be linked to their significant differences in bare soil, vegetation and stone cover, or a combination thereof. The type of micro‐environment also played a significant role in topsoil properties (stone content, bulk density, resistance to penetration/shear stress, porosity and organic matter content). The present results add to the increasing evidence that forest residues should be duly considered for operational post‐fire land management. Forest residues were highly effective in reducing erosion from swales at application rates as low as the typical 2 Mg ha‐1 of post‐fire straw mulch. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An intelligent SDN‐enabled CCN routing mechanism with community division
Authors: Zhang Songzhu , Wang Xingwei , Qian Xiaohu , Huang Min
Published: July 2019

In recent years, Content‐Centric Networking (CCN) has been considered as a novel promising paradigm for the future Internet, shifting from provider‐driven end‐to‐end communication mode to interest‐driven content retrieval communication one, which greatly depends on routing technology. In spite of this, CCN routing always faces two significant issues, ie, scalability and large‐scale deployment, which restrict the increasing development of CCN but can be addressed by introducing the ideas of Software‐Defined Networking (SDN) and community (domain) division. However, the current routing proposals on the integrating with SDN, community division or their combination, still have some limitations to be improved. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel and intelligent CCN Routing mechanism based on SDN and Community Division (CRSCD). At first, a community division scheme based on eigenvetor centrality and label propagation is proposed to help content retrieval. Then, for each divided community, we deploy an SDN controller which consists of two tables, ie, content index and community topology to help manage the global network view. Finally, a comprehensive routing mechanism including intracommunity routing based on Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and intercommunity routing based on interaction frequency is devised. The proposed CRSCD is implemented over Cogent topology, and the experimental results demonstrate that the introduction of SDN and community division can accelerate content retrieval greatly and has better performance than the previous work.