bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does it pay to be environmentally responsible? Investigating the effect on the weighted average cost of capital
Authors: Mariani Massimo , Pizzutilo Fabio , Caragnano Alessandra , Zito Marianna
Published: June 2021

This research aims at investigating the effect of firms' environmental policies on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) in order to catch capital markets' reaction towards corporate environmental commitment and effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions. We refer to the European market and analysed a sample of companies listed on the Stoxx Europe 600 Index during the timeframe 2014–2018. Our results show that capital markets have become particularly sensitive to environmental issues and therefore reward environmentally virtuous firms with a lower after tax WACC. We also argue that this effect is prominent for both high emitting and low emitting industries.
Retracted: Peak to average power ratio reduction of ZT DFT‐S‐OFDM signals using hybrid improved monarch butterfly optimization‐PTS scheme with TR‐clipping scheme
Authors: Lavanya Pathuri , Satyanarayana Penke , Mohatram Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Current research on zero‐tail discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM, an add on to conventional discrete Fourier transform DFT‐OFDM modulation without cyclic prefix (CP). Its low power tail is configured for coping up with channel's delay spread. Advantageous feature of ZT DFT‐S‐OFDM has drawn researchers for deploying it as a potential waveform candidate to fifth generation (5G). However, the intrinsic shortcoming of high peak to average power ratio (PAPR) should be alleviated. In order to improve that work, we propose a hybrid PAPR scheme that implements optimized partial transmit sequence (PTS) with tone reservation (TR) with clipping technique. Its earlier work stresses for reducing PTS scheme's computational complexity with enhanced version of monarch butterfly optimization (MBO) for PAPR reduction in ZT DFT‐S‐OFDM system. The proposed model reduced the correlation among the candidate signals. In this paper, we further reduce PAPR by deploying TR clipping pair, which reduces the influence of clipping noise and decreases ZT DFT‐S‐OFDM signal's PAPR at same time. The proposed hybrid technique produces excellent PAPR reduction while improving receiver sensitivity and effective throughout. The performance comparison is done using the parameters like PAPR and BER to confirm that this introduced design exceeds current waveforms designs with more economical design structure.
Joint energy‐efficient user scheduling and power allocation scheme for a millimeter‐wave‐NOMA system
Authors: Ganesan Indumathi , Jayakumar Roscia Jeya Shiney , Murugan Sneha priya , Muneeswaran Divya Bharathi
Published: June 2021

The combination of non‐orthogonal multiple access in millimeter‐wave communication called as mmWave‐NOMA is capable of supporting more data streams with a larger number of users to cope up with the increasing traffic demand. In this paper, an energy‐efficient scheme for downlink mmWave‐NOMA systems with joint user grouping, scheduling, and optimal power allocation with the objective of energy efficiency maximization is proposed. Enhanced k‐means clustering for user grouping which can handle the possible simultaneous access of network to enhance the sum throughput is proposed. Weighted sum algorithm‐based scheduling where weights are calculated based on the service requirement of the users to maximize the sum rate and a proportional‐based scheme of power allocation modeled as a resource allocation problem considering the beam gain and discrimination weight of each user for energy‐efficient power allocation is discussed. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is energy efficient than the conventional mmWave orthogonal multiple access systems.
Grazing regime alters plant community structure via patch‐scale diversity in semiarid grasslands
Authors: Li Wenhuai , Hooper David U. , Wu Liji , Bakker Jonathan D. , Gianuca Andros T. , Wu X. Ben , Taube Friedhelm , Wang Chaonan , Bai Yongfei
Published: June 2021

Selective grazing of livestock creates lightly and heavily grazed vegetation patches, which together contribute to the whole community in grazed grasslands. The intermediate disturbance hypothesis (IDH) predicts moderate grazing intensity can increase species diversity. However, grazing patchiness complicates predicted responses to grazing intensity from ecological theory and may influence how various management regimes affect biodiversity at the whole community scale. We examined effects of management regime and grazing intensity on plant species diversity, community composition, aboveground net primary production (ANPP), and soil compaction. Two management regimes (season‐long continuous grazing and grazing and mowing alternated annually) and seven levels of grazing intensity were applied over the past 10 yr. We assessed how α diversity within patches and β diversity across patches contributed to the diversity of the whole plot and how these relationships responded to both grazing intensity and management regime. We further divided β diversity into nestedness and replacement components across lightly and heavily grazed patches within plots. The mixed grazing–mowing regime differed from the continuous grazing regime in that the former had a higher number of palatable species, higher species evenness, and higher Shannon‐Wiener diversity, in both lightly and heavily grazed patches and the whole plots, and especially at moderate and high grazing intensities. The continuous grazing regime and the mixed grazing–mowing regime did not differ in total β diversity. However, the nestedness component of total β diversity was dominant in the continuous grazing regime. In contrast, species richness and ANPP did not differ significantly between the two management regimes, though soil hardness in heavily grazed patches was significantly higher under the continuous grazing regime than the mixed grazing–mowing regime. Loss of rare species under both management regimes, even at low to moderate grazing intensities, suggests that selective grazing and patch formation may not conform with the IDH. Our study indicates that the mixed grazing–mowing regime is more sustainable for long‐term grassland management than the continuous grazing regime by controlling the creation of heavily grazed patches. These findings, integrating α‐β‐γ diversity and patch‐scale approaches, provide a more thorough evaluation than the intermediate disturbance hypothesis of grazing management in terms of sustainability and biodiversity conservation in semiarid regions.
Historic declines in growth portend trembling aspen death during a contemporary leaf miner outbreak in Alaska
Authors: Boyd Melissa A. , Berner Logan T. , Foster Adrianna C. , Goetz Scott J. , Rogers Brendan M. , Walker Xanthe J. , Mack Michelle C.
Published: June 2021

Climate change‐driven droughts and insect outbreaks are becoming more frequent and widespread, increasing forest vulnerability to mortality. By addressing the impacts of climate and insects on tree growth preceding death, we can better understand tree mortality risk under a changing climate. Here, we used tree stature and interannual growth (basal area increment; BAI) to assess processes leading to trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) survival or mortality during an unprecedented leaf miner (Phyllocnistis populiella) outbreak in boreal North America. We identified eight sites (22 plots) in the longest running forest monitoring network in Alaska, spanning ~350 km of latitude, that experienced ≥0.25 Mg·ha−1·yr−1aspen mortality during the outbreak. We compared the size and canopy position, growth patterns, and sensitivity to climate and leaf mining of aspen that survived (living;n = 84) vs. died (dying;n = 76) and linked the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to plot‐level aspen growth and stand biomass recruitment, growth, and mortality. Dying aspen were in the subcanopy, smaller in diameter, and after a drought in 1957 had lower growth than living aspen until death. Before the outbreak, growth of all trees was positively influenced by moisture and negatively by temperature, but only living trees maintained this climate response during the outbreak. Leaf mining reduced growth of both groups, exerting at least a twofold greater impact than climate. The NDVI captured plot‐level tree growth and stand biomass growth and mortality, yet it was nearly two times more strongly associated with living than dying tree growth and 12 times more strongly associated with biomass growth than mortality. These differences suggest that NDVI may inadequately detect insect‐driven dieback and dispersed mortality of aspen across the boreal biome. Our findings reveal that a historic drought triggered a multi‐decadal growth decline that predisposed aspen to mortality during the leaf miner outbreak and that while aspen growth is influenced by moisture and temperature, it is more strongly affected byP. populiella. We conclude that as the climate warms and insect outbreaks increase in frequency and magnitude at high latitudes, we should expect to see persistent and greater declines in aspen growth and increases in mortality.
Coordination from Heteroscorpionate Ligand Towards Pd(II) via Pd⋅⋅⋅Hδ−C(sp3) Interaction: Structural and Catalytic Studies
Authors: González‐Montiel Simplicio , Ignacio Sandoval‐Chávez César , Castillo‐Moreno Miguel Ángel , Mendoza‐Espinosa Daniel , Manuel Vásquez‐Pérez José , Cruz‐Borbolla Julián , Salazar‐Pereda Verónica
Published: June 2021

The coordination ability of the heteroscorpionate ligand 2,2‐bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1‐p‐tolylethanol (1) towards palladium (II) dihalides was evaluated. The structures of the respective palladium complexes (2 and 3) were elucidated in solution by NMR spectroscopy, and their molecular structures were established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Both studies revealed the existence of Pd⋅⋅⋅Hδ−C(sp3) anagostic interactions. The molecular structure of complexes 2 and 3 displays coordination of ligand 1 to palladium in a κ3‐NNH tridentate fashion via two nitrogen atoms and one δ‐anagostic H⋅⋅⋅Pd interaction. The metal center exhibits a square pyramidal geometry. The distances of anagostic Hδ⋅⋅⋅Pd interactions ranged from 2.566 to 2.576 Å. The δ‐anagostic H⋅⋅⋅Pd interactions in complexes 2 and 3 were also identified by Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and non‐covalent interaction (NCI) analysis. The catalytic efficiencies of complexes 2 and 3 in the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions were evaluated and the results showed that palladium (II) dibromide complex is the most efficient of the series. Complex 3 was also evaluated in Mizoroki‐Heck cross‐coupling reactions.
Hormonal pleiotropy structures genetic covariance
Authors: Wittman Tyler N. , Robinson Christopher D. , McGlothlin Joel W. , Cox Robert M.
Published: June 2021

Quantitative genetic theory proposes that phenotypic evolution is shaped by G, the matrix of genetic variances and covariances among traits. In species with separate sexes, the evolution of sexual dimorphism is also shaped by B, the matrix of between-sex genetic variances and covariances. Despite considerable focus on estimating these matrices, their underlying biological mechanisms are largely speculative. We experimentally tested the hypothesis that G and B are structured by hormonal pleiotropy, which occurs when one hormone influences multiple phenotypes. Using juvenile brown anole lizards (Anolis sagrei) bred in a paternal half-sibling design, we elevated the steroid hormone testosterone with slow-release implants while administering empty implants to siblings as a control. We quantified the effects of this manipulation on the genetic architecture of a suite of sexually dimorphic traits, including body size (males are larger than females) and the area, hue, saturation, and brightness of the dewlap (a colorful ornament that is larger in males than in females). Testosterone masculinized females by increasing body size and dewlap area, hue, and saturation, while reducing dewlap brightness. Control females and males differed significantly in G, but treatment of females with testosterone rendered G statistically indistinguishable from males. Whereas B was characterized by low between-sex genetic correlations when estimated between control females and males, these same correlations increased significantly when estimated between testosterone females and either control or testosterone males. The full G matrix (including B) for testosterone females and either control or testosterone males was significantly less permissive of sexually dimorphic evolution than was G estimated between control females and males, suggesting that natural sex differences in testosterone help decouple genetic variance between the sexes. Our results confirm that hormonal pleiotropy structures genetic covariance, implying that hormones play an important yet overlooked role in mediating evolutionary responses to selection.
Assessing population diversity in phase III trials of cancer drugs supporting Food and Drug Administration approval in solid tumors
Authors: Yekedüz Emre , Trapani Dario , Xu Wenxin , de Vries Elisabeth G. E. , Labaki Chris , Gyawali Bishal , Gulati Shuchi , Nabhan Chadi , Utkan Güngör , Curigliano Giuseppe , Choueiri Toni K. , Ürün Yüksel
Published: June 2021

Our study aimed to assess inequities in the clinical trial participation for the selected patient groups. We searched the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database and extracted phase‐III clinical trial data from MEDLINE for each approved drug by the FDA between January 1, 2006, and June 30, 2020. We analyzed the inclusion/exclusion criteria, participation according to gender, ethnic group, performance score, the positivity of HBV and HCV, and HIV, having comorbidities and brain metastasis. We compared the findings with that of the general population by retrieving data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We identified 142 phase III pivotal oncology trials that enrolled 105 397 patients. The proportion of female patients in trials was lower than their relative prevalence in the general population from SEER region (36% vs 49.6%, P < .001). The rates of black patients included were lower than their relative prevalence from SEER region (2.1% vs 9.8%, P < .001). 1.3% and 0.8% of patients had HBV and HCV infections, respectively. The patients' numbers with organ dysfunction were not established due to insufficient data from clinical trials. 1.6% of all patients had controlled brain metastasis. Black patients, women and patients with brain metastasis or with HBV and HCV were underrepresented. Our study underscores the importance of expanding the inclusion/exclusion criteria of pivotal oncology trials to be more representative of patients seen in clinical practice.
In this together: Psychological wellbeing of foreign workers in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Barbato Mariapaola , Thomas Justin
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and the associated infection prevention and control measures (e.g. quarantine, lockdown and isolation), have had an adverse impact on mental health. To date, the mental health status and challenges of foreign workers during the pandemic have been neglected in the literature. This cross‐sectional web‐based survey assessed levels of post‐traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and insomnia among an international sample of foreign workers (n = 319) resident in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of participants were female (76%), European (69%) and highly educated (83% had a bachelor's or higher degree). Results indicate high rates of post‐traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia, especially among women, younger individuals, and those with a previous diagnosis of a psychological disorder. Additionally, foreign workers' perceptions of pandemic severity in their home nations (mild, moderate, severe) were positively correlated with their symptom levels of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Overall, these findings may help inform future public mental health strategy and pandemic preparedness plans with reference to safeguarding the psychological wellbeing of foreign workers.
Evaluation of density functional theory for a large and diverse set of organic and inorganic equilibrium structures
Authors: Karton Amir , Spackman Peter R.
Published: June 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) has been extensively benchmarked for energetic properties; however, less attention has been given to equilibrium structures and the effect of using a certain DFT geometry on subsequent energetic properties. We evaluate the performance of 52 contemporary DFT methods for obtaining the structures of 122 species in the W4‐11‐GEOM database. This dataset includes a total of 246 unique bonds: 117 H─X, 65 X─Y, 49 X═Y, and 15 XY bonds (where X and Y are first‐ and second‐row atoms) and 133 key bond angles: 96 X‐Y‐H, 22 X‐Y‐Z, and 15 H‐X‐H angles. The reference geometries are optimized at the CCSD(T)/jul‐cc‐pV(n+d)Z level of theory (n = 5, 6). The performance of DFT is evaluated in conjunction with the Def2‐nZVPP (n = T, Q), cc‐pV(T+d)Z, and jul‐cc‐pV(T+d)Z basis sets. The root‐mean‐square deviations (RMSDs) over the bond distances of the best performing functionals from each rung of Jacob's Ladder are 0.0086 (SOGGA11), 0.0088 (τ‐HCTH), 0.0059 (B3LYP), 0.0054 (TPSSh), and 0.0032 (DSD‐PBEP86) Å. We evaluate the effect of the choice of the DFT geometry on subsequent molecular energies calculated with W1‐F12 theory. Geometries obtained with GGA and MGGA methods result in large RMSDs in the subsequent W1‐F12 energies; however, six hybrid GGA functionals (B3LYP, B3P86, mPW3PBE, B3PW91, mPW1LYP, and X3LYP) result in an excellent performance with RMSDs between 0.25 and 0.30 kJ mol−1relative to the CCSD(T)/CBS reference geometries. The B2GP‐PLYP and mPW2‐PLYP DHDFT methods result in near‐CCSD(T) accuracy with RMSDs of 0.11 and 0.10 kJ mol−1, respectively.
Expression of long non‐coding RNA LUCAT1 in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its potential functions in regulating cigarette smoke extract‐induced 16HBE cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Zhao Shan , Lin Chunyan , Yang Tao , Qian Xiaoyu , Lu Junjie , Cheng Jing
Published: June 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by persistent airflow limitation, was a disease mediated by a combination of inflammatory factors, immune cells, and immune mediators. COPD was an inflammatory and autoimmune disease involving T‐lymphocytes triggered by cigarette smoke and other factors that progressively affected the bronchi, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary blood vessels. LncRNAs were reported to be implicated in COPD pathogenesis and development.

Methods

Non‐smokers, smokers (non‐COPD), and COPD patients were randomly selected in an established COPD surveillance cohort. Demographic and clinical information of all subjects were collected. Pulmonary function was measured by post‐bronchodilator testing. qRT‐PCR and ELISA assays were performed to detect the expression levels of lncRNA LUCAT1, miR‐181a‐5p, and inflammatory cytokines. An in vitro exposure model was constructed using cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐induced human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. The dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA pull‐down assays were used to detect the binding relationship between lncRNA LUCAT1 and miR‐181a‐5p; meanwhile, Spearman's correlation assay was used to verify the correlation between lncRNA LUCAT1 and miR‐181a‐5p. Afterward, the lncRNA LUCAT1 silencing plasmid was constructed and co‐transfected with a miR‐181a‐5p inhibitor to evaluate the effects on CSE‐induced 16HBE cell proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, a Western blot assay was utilized to determine the mechanism of lncRNA LUCAT1/miR‐181a‐5p/Wnt/β‐catenin axis in COPD.

Results

LncRNA LUCAT1 was upregulated in the serums of COPD patients. Correlation analysis further confirmed the strong correlation between LUCAT1 expression and inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis verified the potential of LUCAT1 in COPD diagnosis. After treatment with CSE, LUCAT1 was significantly increased while its target miR‐181a‐5p was decreased in 16HBE cells. Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays showed that LUCAT1 silencing alleviated CSE’s effects on 16HBE cell proliferation and apoptosis. Mechanically, rescue assays demonstrated that miR‐181a‐5p inhibition could partially counteract the impact of LUCAT1 on COPD progression through the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.

Conclusions

LncRNA LUCAT1 may be a valuable indicator for differentiating COPD. Moreover, LncRNA LUCAT1/miR‐181‐5p/Wnt/β‐catenin axis behaved as a critical role in COPD development, shedding new sights for clinical treatment.
Transfusion‐induced platelet antibodies and regulatory T cells in multiply transfused patients
Authors: Song Tiejun , Zhang Ying , Huang Jun , Liu Zhiwei
Published: June 2021

Background

Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) remains a difficult problem in patients requiring long‐term platelet supportive care. However, there are little data on the frequency of platelet antibodies in multiply transfused Chinese patients. Moreover, the relationship between peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs) and PTR remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively studied the frequency of alloimmunization against platelet antigens in patients receiving multiple transfusions between 2013 and 2017. Monoclonal antibody solid‐phase platelet antibody test (MASPAT) kits were used to screen for platelet antibodies before each platelet transfusion. Peripheral Tregs and CD4+CD25+CD127− T cells were detected by flow cytometry, while transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and interleukin (IL)‐17 cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 399 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled for the analysis of platelet antibodies and refractoriness. Among these patients, 10 (2.5%) were positive for platelet antibodies before transfusion and 47 (11.8%) became antibody‐positive during the study period. The number of alloimmunized patients was significantly higher in patients with hematological disease as compared with other disease groups (p < 0.05). Refractoriness and alloimmunization occurred in 77 (19.3%) and 22 (28.6%) patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD25+CD127− T cell numbers and plasma levels of TGF‐β1 and IL‐17 between patients with PTR and the control group.

Conclusions

Refractoriness was common in patients undergoing multiple platelet transfusions (19.3%), with alloimmunization observed in 28.6% of patients. However, Tregs in peripheral blood may not play a key role in PTR.
Predicting suicidal ideation in a longitudinal high‐risk sample: Multilevel analyses and 12‐month trajectories
Authors: Rath Dajana , Teismann Tobias , Hoeller Inken , Glaesmer Heide , Paashaus Laura , Schönfelder Antje , Juckel Georg , Forkmann Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background: The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide states that suicidal ideation (SI) results from perceived burdensomeness (PB) and thwarted belongingness (TB). Cross‐sectional studies found associations with SI. This study examined the prospective prediction of SI.

Methods: Three hundred and eight inpatients reporting severe SI or a recent suicide attempt were assessed four times within 12 months. The prediction of SI was examined using multilevel analyses, group comparisons, and logistic regression analyses.

Results: Cross‐sectionally, PB and TB were associated with SI. Prospectively, neither PB nor TB predicted SI. We found no autocorrelation of SI over time. Patients with persistent and fluctuating SI reported higher PB at T0. PB predicted the persistence of SI over 12 months.

Conclusion: Results emphasize cross‐sectional associations between PB, TB, and SI. PB and TB could not predict the intensity of SI over time. SI did not predict itself over time. PB was associated with a persistent trajectory of SI over 12 months.
Comparing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction among individuals presenting to psychiatric care with and without recent suicidal ideation
Authors: Hom Melanie A. , Bowers Emily M. , Björgvinsson Thröstur , Beard Courtney
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare pre‐ and posttreatment psychological functioning and patient satisfaction among patients with and without recent suicidal ideation receiving care at a partial hospital program.

Methods

Patients (N = 1295) completed (1) self‐report measures of clinical severity, treatment beliefs, and patient satisfaction and (2) a clinician‐administered suicidal ideation measure.

Results

At admission, patients with past‐month ideation reported more severe psychopathology and functional impairment than those without past‐month ideation; however, at discharge, both groups reported comparable psychological functioning. Additionally, although patients with past‐month ideation reported lower expectations that treatment would be helpful, both groups ultimately reported comparable satisfaction with services.

Conclusion

Individuals with recent suicidal ideation may present to care with more severe psychopathology and lower treatment expectations yet may experience comparable treatment benefits and report similar satisfaction with services as patients without recent ideation. Research is needed to identify treatment components that drive perceived benefits and symptom reduction among at‐risk individuals.
Mental health concerns and barriers to care among future clinical psychologists
Authors: Hobaica Steven , Szkody Erica , Owens Sarah A. , Boland Jennifer K. , Washburn Jason J. , Bell Debora J.
Published: June 2021

Few studies have examined the mental health of clinical psychology doctoral students, a unique group given their education and training in psychopathology, assessment, and intervention. Students (N = 912) completed an online survey assessing demographics, mental health, mental healthcare utilization, and barriers to care during graduate school. Nearly 25% of participants reported moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety, 20% reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression or suicidal intent (SI), and more than 10% reported a high risk of alcohol abuse or moderate to severe drug use during graduate school. In comparison to peers, ethnic minority and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) participants reported more symptoms of depression and SI. LGBTQ+ participants reported more nonsuicidal self‐injury and drug use. Participants also experienced significant barriers to receiving mental healthcare (e.g., financial difficulties, limited availability, insufficient time). Leadership is encouraged to prioritize the mental health of clinical psychology doctoral students, which may have implications on their service provision.
Novel insights for the role of nitric oxide in placental vascular function during and beyond pregnancy
Authors: Krause Bernardo J.
Published: June 2021

More than 30 years have passed since endothelial nitric oxide synthesis was described using the umbilical artery and vein endothelium. That seminal report set the cornerstone for unveiling the molecular aspects of endothelial function. In parallel, the understanding of placental physiology has gained growing interest, due to its crucial role in intrauterine development, with considerable long‐term health consequences. This review discusses the evidence for nitric oxide (NO) as a critical player of placental development and function, with a special focus on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) vascular effects. Also, the regulation of eNOS‐dependent vascular responses in normal pregnancy and pregnancy‐related diseases and their impact on prenatal and postnatal vascular health are discussed. Recent and compelling evidence has reinforced that eNOS regulation results from a complex network of processes, with novel data concerning mechanisms such as mechano‐sensing, epigenetic, posttranslational modifications, and the expression of NO‐ and l‐arginine‐related pathways. In this regard, most of these mechanisms are expressed in an arterial‐venous‐specific manner and reflect traits of the fetal systemic circulation. Several studies using umbilical endothelial cells are not aimed to understand placental function but general endothelial function, reinforcing the influence of the placenta on general knowledge in physiology.
U.S. Genetic counselors’ perceptions of inpatient genetic counseling: A valuable model for medically complex patients
Authors: Clark Cheyla R. , Reyes Kathryn , Ormond Kelly E. , Caleshu Colleen , Moscarello Tia
Published: June 2021

Some genetic counselors (GCs) provide care in the inpatient setting. However, there is little literature on inpatient genetic counseling. The purpose of our study was to describe GC’s experiences with the provision of genetic counseling services within inpatient care settings. Participants were recruited from respondents to a quantitative survey study on inpatient genetic counseling, which recruited GCs via the National Society of Genetic Counselors forum. GCs seeing at least five inpatients per year were invited to participate in semi‐structured interviews. The interview guide explored how and why their inpatient genetic counseling service started, workflow, and the perceived impact of the service. Interviews were transcribed, inductive analysis was used to develop a codebook, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Twenty‐one inpatient genetic counselors participated in the study. Many participants worked primarily in outpatient roles with some inpatient duties (61.9%), while the rest worked primarily in inpatient roles (38.1%). Most participants have provided inpatient care for <2 years (66.7%). Many participants were involved in inpatient care across multiple specialties (66.7%), most frequently, pediatrics, neonatology, and neurology. Three themes were identified: (a) The convenience of inpatient genetic counseling leads to increased access to appropriate genetics care for medically complex patients and their inpatient healthcare providers, (b) the inpatient genetic counseling process and workflow is not standard and has multiple moving parts, and (c) genetic counselors are fulfilled by the diverse and unique opportunities of the inpatient care setting despite the emotional intensity of this environment. Participants described their inpatient care as valuable because it increases access to genetics services and adds genetics expertise to multidisciplinary inpatient teams. Overall, participants perceive inpatient genetic counseling as a way to bring genetics care directly to patients at a critical time point in their care, which benefits medically complex patients and their multidisciplinary inpatient team.
Molecular biology of the SARs‐CoV‐2 spike protein: A review of current knowledge
Authors: Zhu Chaogeng , He Guiyun , Yin Qinqin , Zeng Lin , Ye Xiangli , Shi Yongzhong , Xu Wei
Published: June 2021

The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has led to an unprecedented worldwide public health emergency. Despite the concerted efforts of the scientific field, by April 25, 2021, SARS‐CoV‐2 had spread to over 192 countries/regions, causing more than 146 million confirmed cases including 31 million deaths. For now, an established treatment for patients with COVID‐19 remains unavailable. The key to tackling this pandemic is to understand the mechanisms underlying its infectivity and pathogenicity. As a predominant focus, the coronavirus spike (S) protein is the key determinant of host range, infectivity, and pathogenesis. Thereby comprehensive understanding of the sophisticated structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein may provide insights into possible intervention strategies to fight this ongoing global pandemic. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of the molecular structural and functional features of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein as well as recent updates on the cell entry mechanism of the SARS‐CoV‐2, paving the way for exploring more structure‐guided strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2.
Evaluation of vitamin D protocol in the neonatal intensive care unit at Rush University Medical Center
Authors: Artman Alexis , Huang Annie , Bowker Rakhee , Cerwinske Leah , Cooper Shaun , Johnson Tricia , Patel Aloka L.
Published: June 2021

Background

In 2017, the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rush University Medical Center (RUMC) implemented a protocol to provide individualized vitamin D supplementation dosing for very low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) and very preterm infants. This study evaluated the association of demographic and socioeconomic factors, vitamin D dose, and health indicators, including bone mineral status, measured by alkaline phosphatase and phosphorus levels; linear growth velocity; and occurrence of fractures.

Method

This retrospective cross‐sectional study included 227 VLBW or very preterm infants (34 VLBW, 12 very preterm, and 181 VLBW and very preterm) born in and discharged from the RUMC NICU between February 1, 2017, and October 31, 2019. Vitamin D dose was classified as adjusted (supplemental dose of 800 IU/day, n = 169) or standard (recommended dose of 400 IU/day, n = 58), per the protocol. Binary logistic and linear regression models were constructed to test the associations between infant and maternal characteristics and vitamin D dose group and between vitamin D dose group and health indicators.

Results

The analysis found a statistically significant association between maternal age, gestational age, infant birth weight, and race/ethnicity and receipt of an adjusted vitamin D dose. No significant associations were found between health indicators and vitamin D dose.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic factors may influence vitamin D deficiency in VLBW and very preterm infants in the NICU. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to support a tailored approach, but further research in this area is warranted.
A comprehensive tool box for large animal studies of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lee Naomi N. , Salzer Elias , Bach Frances C. , Bonilla Andres F. , Cook James L. , Gazit Zulma , Grad Sibylle , Ito Keita , Smith Lachlan J. , Vernengo Andrea , Wilke Hans‐Joachim , Engiles Julie B. , Tryfonidou Marianna A.
Published: June 2021

Preclinical studies involving large animal models aim to recapitulate the clinical situation as much as possible and bridge the gap from benchtop to bedside. To date, studies investigating intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and regeneration in large animal models have utilized a wide spectrum of methodologies for outcome evaluation. This paper aims to consolidate available knowledge, expertise, and experience in large animal preclinical models of IVD degeneration to create a comprehensive tool box of anatomical and functional outcomes. Herein, we present a Large Animal IVD Scoring Algorithm based on three scales: macroscopic (gross morphology, imaging, and biomechanics), microscopic (histological, biochemical, and biomolecular analyses), and clinical (neurologic state, mobility, and pain). The proposed algorithm encompasses a stepwise evaluation on all three scales, including spinal pain assessment, and relevant structural and functional components of IVD health and disease. This comprehensive tool box was designed for four commonly used preclinical large animal models (dog, pig, goat, and sheep) in order to facilitate standardization and applicability. Furthermore, it is intended to facilitate comparison across studies while discerning relevant differences between species within the context of outcomes with the goal to enhance veterinary clinical relevance as well. Current major challenges in pre‐clinical large animal models for IVD regeneration are highlighted and insights into future directions that may improve the understanding of the underlying pathologies are discussed. As such, the IVD research community can deepen its exploration of the molecular, cellular, structural, and biomechanical changes that occur with IVD degeneration and regeneration, paving the path for clinically relevant therapeutic strategies.
Immediate Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Patients With New Onset Acute Dacryocystitis
Authors: Yu Bo , Tu Yunhai , Zhou Guangming , Hong Huifeng , Wu Wencan
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To compare the results of immediate endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (En‐DCR) and delayed En‐DCR in the treatment of new‐onset acute dacryocystitis (AD).

Study Design

This report describes a prospective randomized controlled interventional case series.

Methods

Between April 2009 and May 2019, 176 adults presenting at a tertiary eye care center with new‐onset AD manifesting within the last 48 hours were randomized into two groups. Altogether, 160 patients (48 male, 112 female) were included in this study, with a median age of 52.8 years (range: 18–82). Patients in group A underwent urgent En‐DCR, although those in group B underwent a delayed En‐DCR after 2 to 5 days of systematic antibiotic treatment. Variables compared between these two groups included the time for resolution of acute external inflammation, free lacrimal passage reconstruction (LPR) success rates, and complication rates.

Results

Postoperative data were collected from 86 patients in group A and 74 patients in group B. Patients that underwent immediate En‐DCR exhibited a quicker resolution of acute inflammation (P < .05). Patients that underwent delayed surgery experienced compilations of acute inflammation, with 10 ultimately developing skin fistulization and 4 exhibiting orbital cellulitis before surgery. The success rate of LPR at 12 months after surgery was higher in group A (81/86 94.2%) relative to group B (62/74 83.8%; P < .05).

Conclusions

Immediate En‐DCR is associated with quicker disease resolution and a higher long‐term success rate, although reducing the incidence of complications including skin fistulization and the spread of infection.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:278–283, 2022
Microstructural Periodic Arrays in Poly(Butylene Adipate) Featured with Photonic Crystal Aggregates
Authors: Nagarajan Selvaraj , Woo Eamor M. , Su Chi‐Hsuan , Yang Cheng‐En
Published: June 2021

Poly(butylene adipate) (PBA) self‐aggregation into unique periodicity correlating to its interfacial photonic properties is probed in detail. Investigations on the unique periodic morphology and top‐surface and interior architectures in specifically crystallized PBA are focused on its novel photonic patterns with periodic gratings. Detailed analysis of the interior lamellae from ringless to periodically ordered aggregates (crystallized at 33–35 °C vs. Tc = 30 °C) serves as ideal comparisons. Each interior arc‐shape shell is composed of tangential and radial lamellae mutually intersecting at 90o angle. The interior layer thickness in SEM‐revealed arc‐shape shish‐kebab shell is exactly equal to the optical inter‐band spacing (≈6 µm). A 3D assembly mechanism of periodically banded PBA crystals is proposed, where the orderly arrays on top surfaces as well as the interior microstructures of strut‐rib alternate‐layered assembly resemble nature's photonic crystals and collectively account for the interfacial photonic properties in the ring‐banded PBA crystal that is novel and has potential applications in future.
Specific Ion Effects of Azobenzene Salts on Photoresponse of PNIPAm in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Wei Shuang , Zhang Zechuan , Dong Weibin , Liang Ting , Ji Junyi , Tian Wen , Tan Shuai , Zhao Qiang , Wang Caihong , Wu Yong
Published: June 2021

Ionic species are important to dominate phase separation behaviors of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) in aqueous solutions. Herein, photoresponsive azobenzene‐based salts with various ions are prepared and their photoresponsive ion effects on clouding temperatures (TcpS) of PNIPAm in aqueous solutions are explored. It is found that, despite of various structures of anions and cations, trans‐TcpS under vis light irradiation are always higher than cis‐TcpS under UV irradiation. Particularly, Hofmeister effect of anions on TcpS is roughly observed. For example, azobenzene with kosmotropic CO32− gives the lowest cis‐Tcp while in use of typical chaotropic anions, such as ClO4−, azobenzene isomerization less affects values of Tcps. In another hand, azobenzene‐based metallic salts containing lithium, sodium, and potassium cations also demonstrate photoresponsive Hofmeister effect. Trans‐metallic azobenzene demonstrates a chaotropic effect on Tcps while UV induces kosmotropic behaviors on TcpS. Additionally, ionic conduction of the solution along with photoresponsive phase separations is also investigated and PNIPAm aggregations induce a sharp reduction of ion conduction during UV light illumination.
Deterministic and Stochastic Parameter Estimation for Polymer Reaction Kinetics I: Theory and Simple Examples
Authors: Wulkow Niklas , Telgmann Regina , Hungenberg Klaus‐Dieter , Schütte Christof , Wulkow Michael
Published: June 2021

Two different approaches to parameter estimation (PE) in the context of polymerization are introduced, refined, combined, and applied. The first is classical PE where one is interested in finding parameters which minimize the distance between the output of a chemical model and experimental data. The second is Bayesian PE allowing for quantifying parameter uncertainty caused by experimental measurement error and model imperfection. Based on detailed descriptions of motivation, theoretical background, and methodological aspects for both approaches, their relation are outlined. The main aim of this article is to show how the two approaches complement each other and can be used together to generate strong information gain regarding the model and its parameters. Both approaches and their interplay in application to polymerization reaction systems are illustrated. This is the first part in a two‐article series on parameter estimation for polymer reaction kinetics with a focus on theory and methodology while in the second part a more complex example will be considered.
Asymmetric Dopamine Transporter Loss Affects Cognitive and Motor Progression in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fiorenzato Eleonora , Antonini Angelo , Bisiacchi Patrizia , Weis Luca , Biundo Roberta
Published: June 2021

Background

Asymmetric hemispheric loss of dopaminergic neurons is one of the characteristic features of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, it is still debated if right or left asymmetry differently affects cognitive and motor progression.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the relevance of dopamine transporter (DAT) asymmetry on cognitive and motor manifestations at onset and at 4‐year progression in drug‐naïve PD.

Methods

From the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative multicenter cohort, we identified 249 right‐handed patients with PD with baseline asymmetry greater than 20% in putamen DAT binding at single‐photon emission computed tomography. A predominant putamen asymmetry was found on the left in 143 patients (PD‐left), and on the right side in 106 patients (PD‐right); we compared them with 196 healthy controls. Patients were followed longitudinally (2‐year and 4‐year visits), examining their clinical, cognitive, and imaging data.

Results

At baseline, the PD‐left group showed worse performance on the Symbol Digit Modality Test, an attention and processing‐speed test, and lower cerebrospinal fluid β‐amyloid levels than the PD‐right group. These differences were maintained at follow‐up, declining over time in both groups. By contrast, the PD‐right group showed greater motor impairment at baseline, which increased over 4 years. Striatal DAT binding decreased over time in both groups, but the PD‐right group showed a steeper decline, particularly during the first 2‐year follow‐up. Putaminal asymmetry assessed at baseline was maintained over time.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that hemispheric asymmetric dopaminergic denervation influences PD cognitive and motor performance as well as progression. Predominant right hemisphere nigrostriatal dopaminergic loss is associated with greater motor severity, whereas more pronounced left hemisphere denervation affects cognitive manifestations at onset and their progression. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Design of a compact UWB MIMO‐diversity antenna incorporating fractal inspired isolation structure with band notch characteristics
Authors: Bhattacharjee Anindita , Karmakar Anirban , Saha Anuradha , Bhattacharya Diptendu
Published: June 2021

In this communication, a new compact ultra‐wideband (UWB) multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna with band notch characteristics is presented for wireless application. It comprises of two unique monopole antenna elements sharing a similar ground plane. To reduce the coupling between antenna elements, a modified T‐shaped stub equipped with Minkowski fractal shape elements are introduced on the ground plane which in turn establish a good isolation between radiating elements. A band notch is achieved at 5.45 GHz by adding two additional rectangular stubs at 45° where symmetric slots have been etched. The efficiency and gain of the antenna drops significantly at the centre of the notch band which indicates good interference suppression. Results show that the designed antenna delivers widest impedance bandwidth (−10 dB) throughout the operating band of 3.1–20 GHz (of 146% impedance bandwidth) which covers UWB as well as Ku‐band. The antenna also produces ‐18 dB isolation for most of the operating band and ‐16 dB up to 6 GHz. The optimized antenna is fabricated and tested showing |S11| characteristics below −10 dB from 3.1 to 20 GHz band. The dimension of the proposed antenna is 18 × 26 × 1.6 mm3. Results show that the simulated characteristics are in good agreement with the measured counterpart. The designed MIMO antenna is an appropriate candidate for UWB and other wireless applications.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of yoga on pain, physical function, and quality of life in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal conditions
Authors: Denham‐Jones Laura , Gaskell Lynne , Spence Nicola , Tim Pigott
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Exercise interventions suitable for older adults can help to slow and manage age‐related conditions. This systematic review looks at age‐related musculoskeletal conditions in a population with a mean age over 50 years, evaluating the effectiveness of yoga for pain, physical function, and quality of life.

Methods

CENTRAL,CINAHL, Pubmed, PsycInfo, SCOPUS, Sports Discus, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar were searched. Study selection and quality screening using the Cochrane risk of bias tool were conducted by two reviewers to mitigate bias. PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting and reporting the review.

Results

11 studies met inclusion criteria with a total sample of 2221 (≥70% female). Eight studies measured pain, six showing significant effectiveness (p=≤0.05), for lower limb osteoarthritis (OA), hand OA, and neck pain. Nine studies measured physical function, four showing significant effects, for lower limb OA and sarcopenia. Significant quality of life effects were found for restless leg syndrome compared to baseline.

Conclusion

Moderate evidence was found for pain effects, generalisable for OA based on sub‐group analysis. Effective trials were mostly short‐term using at minimum one 60‐min group class, and an average of four 30‐min home practice sessions weekly. Findings support the use of props and modifications to address age‐related physical limitations. Yoga was well‐received with good adherence, but effects on a par with other exercise. There was an absence of quality of life effects in short term. Mixed methods studies could lead to further insight into the qualitative aspects of yoga practice for older adults.