bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where to overwinter: burrows of medium‐sized carnivores as winter places for invertebrates in temperate environment
Authors: Myczko Łukasz , Kurek Przemysław , Tryjanowski Piotr , Wiatrowska Blanka , Jankowiak Łukasz , Mielczarek Łukasz , Sienkiewicz Paweł , Rutkowski Tomasz , Ondrejková Anna
Published: June 2021

1. Burrows are specific structures created by animals, characterised by specific conditions different from those in the surrounding environment. Therefore, burrows may play a role for many other animals than their owners. To test this view, we have chosen the burrows of red foxes Vulpes vulpes and badgers Meles meles, two main burrow dwellers from among medium‐sized carnivores in Europe.

2. The main aim of the study was to show the importance of carnivore mammals' burrows for invertebrates. However, in contrast to previously published results concerning invertebrate burrow fauna, which were based mainly on analysis of nesting material, we used a new method based on pipe traps with optimised sampling time.

3. The investigated burrows were either visited only occasionally or abandoned. We chose typical, commonly accessible burrows from the environment, located in forest patches around the city of Poznań in western Poland.

4. During the research, we sampled 4440 invertebrate individuals. In total, we identified at least 91 species. The most numerous were mosquitoes, which, however, were represented only by one species, Culex pipiens. Among other groups, we recorded Coleoptera, Diptera, Arachnida, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. In total it confirms that burrows are important wintering place for many invertebrates.

5. The novelty of the study is underlining the fact that burrows created by medium‐sized carnivores are commonly used as invertebrate overwintering shelters especially by mosquitoes. Number of mosquitoes varied between burrows in high range and is a significant predictor of the other species abundance.
Plants and pollinators: Will natural selection cause an imbalance between nectar supply and demand?
Authors: Ratnieks Francis L. W. , Balfour Nicholas J.
Published: June 2021

Pollination is an important ecological process. However, plant and pollinator needs are not always met. Commonly, pollen limitation reduces seed set or bees experience nectar dearth. Using a cost‐benefit approach, we show that natural selection will lead to lower nectar production when pollinators are abundant, and vice‐versa. At the community level, competition among plants for pollinators causes positive feedback that exacerbates pre‐existing seasonal imbalances between nectar supply and demand. When pollinators are scarce, plants will be selected to produce more nectar to outcompete other plants in attracting pollinators, and when pollinators are abundant, plants will be selected to produce less nectar. We suggest ways to test this positive feedback hypothesis and note that evidence for seasonal variation in nectar availability provides preliminary empirical support. If correct, our hypothesis indicates that pollination faces a particular challenge in balancing nectar supply with pollinator demand and is a further example of the underappreciated role of positive feedback in ecology and evolution.
Dietary medium chain triglycerides for management of epilepsy: New data from human, dog, and rodent studies
Authors: Han Felicity Y. , Conboy‐Schmidt Lisa , Rybachuk Galena , Volk Holger A. , Zanghi Brian , Pan Yuanlong , Borges Karin
Published: June 2021

Many studies show that glucose metabolism in epileptic brain areas can be impaired. Energy is crucial to maintain normal brain function, including ion and neurotransmitter balances. Energy deficits can lead to disruption of ion gradients, which can trigger neuronal depolarization and generation of seizures. Thus, perturbed metabolic processing of glucose in epileptogenic brain areas indicates a specific nutritional need for people and animals with epilepsy, as they are likely to benefit from auxiliary brain fuels other than glucose. Ketogenic diets provide the ketone bodies acetoacetate and β‐hydroxybutyrate, which can be used as auxiliary fuel by the brain. In approximately 50% children and adults with certain types of epilepsy, who can tolerate and maintain these dietary regimens, seizure frequency can be effectively reduced. More recent data demonstrate that addition of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which provide the medium chain fatty acids octanoic and decanoic acid, as well as ketone bodies as auxiliary brain energy, can be beneficial in rodent seizure models, and dogs and humans with epilepsy. Here, this evidence is reviewed, including tolerance in 65% of humans, efficacy studies in dogs, possible anticonvulsant mechanisms of actions of MCTs, and specifically decanoic acid as well as metabolic and antioxidant mechanisms. In conclusion, MCTs are a promising adjunct to standard pharmacological treatment for both humans and dogs with epilepsy, as they lack central nervous system side effects found with current antiepileptic drugs. There is now a need for larger clinical trials in children, adults, and dogs to find the ideal composition and doses of MCTs and the types of epilepsy that respond best.
Me, myself and I: CEO narcissism and selective hedging
Authors: Bajo Emanuele , Jankensgård Håkan , Marinelli Nicoletta
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we test the hypothesis that CEO narcissism influences firms’ hedging behaviour. Our empirical evidence, based on hand‐collected data on derivative positions in the U.S. oil and gas industry, suggests that firms with a narcissistic CEO hedge more selectively. Furthermore, we find that these firms reduce selective hedging comparatively more following a sharp price collapse that sent the industry into a state of distress. This result is in line with the ‘narcissistic paradox’: While scoring high on self‐esteem and grandiosity in the normal case, such individuals are also inherently fragile and liable to crumble when faced with adversity.
The influence of learning and bargaining on CEO–chair duality: Evidence from firms that pass the baton
Authors: Jayaraman Narayanan , Nanda Vikram , Ryan Harley E.
Published: June 2021

Some firms combine CEO and board chair positions after observing CEO performance. We propose that this approach, known as “passing the baton” (PTB), enables the board to learn about the ability and suitability of the CEO before awarding additional title of board chair. Consistent with learning, idiosyncratic stock‐return volatility declines following the CEO–chair combination. The market responds positively (Cumulative Abnormal Return (CAR) = 1.31%) to early promotions, suggesting that early promotions reveal directors’ private information about CEO quality. Compared to a matched benchmark, we observe no decline in firm's accounting performance in subsequent years. Although match‐adjusted stock returns begin to decline 2 years after combination in homogeneous industries, there is no stock‐return decline in heterogeneous industries where learning is more important. The evidence reveals the potential for entrenchment over time, but we find no evidence to suggest that CEO–chair combinations in PTB firms result from agency problems. Our results underscore the importance of balancing both learning and agency problems in corporate governance.
Risk of hospitalization, technique failure, and death with increased training duration in 3‐days‐a‐week home hemodialysis
Authors: Morin Catherine , Gionest Isabelle , Laurin Louis‐Philippe , Goupil Rémi , Nadeau‐Fredette Annie‐Claire
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Quality training is a core component of successful home hemodialysis (HHD) and training duration varies significantly between dialysis centers as well as at the patient level. This study aimed to assess the adverse outcomes associated with HHD training duration.

Methods

All HHD patients successfully trained in a single dialysis center between January 2005 and July 2017 were included. A multivariable multiple‐events (Andersen‐Gill) survival model was built to evaluate the association between training time and main adverse events, including hospitalizations, technique failure, and death on HHD. Potential confounding factors were defined a priori (age, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and year of training start). Adjusted risk of vascular interventions (arteriovenous fistula angioplasties and central venous catheter replacements) was assessed as the secondary outcome in a negative binomial regression.

Findings

Forty‐eight patients were included in the study. Median HHD training duration was 86 (67–108) days, using a thrice weekly training schedule. Over a follow‐up median time of 2.0 (0.7–3.3) years, three patients died while on HHD, 10 had a definitive transfer to HD, and 18 experienced a least 1 hospitalization (38 hospitalizations in total). Training duration was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, technique failure, and death in unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16 per month, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08–1.24) and adjusted multiple events model (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.04–1.43). Risk of vascular access intervention was also significantly higher with increased training time (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.64, per training month).

Discussion

In this single‐center observational study, HHD training duration was associated with a higher risk of adverse events including, death, technique failure, hospitalizations, and vascular access intervention. Enhanced clinical follow‐up and home support should be offered to these more vulnerable patients to mitigate this heightened risk.
Improvement of high‐temperature stability of PIP SiCf/SiC material through in situ grown BNNTs
Authors: Xu Shenwei , Pi Huiling , Wu Pengfei , Huang Xiaozhong , Shi Yuan , Li Longbiao , Yang Haitang
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the effect of in situ grown boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and preparation temperature on mechanical behavior of PIP (Precursor Infiltration and Pyrolysis) SiCf/SiC minicomposites under monotonic and compliance tensile is investigated. In situ BNNTs are grown on the surface of SiC fibers using ball milling–annealing process. Composite elastic modulus, tensile strength, fracture strain, tangent modulus, and loading/unloading inverse tangent modulus (ITM) are obtained and adopted to characterize the mechanical properties of the composites. Microstructures of in situ grown BNNTs and tensile fracture surfaces are observed under scanning electronic microscopic (SEM). For SiCf/SiC minicomposites with BNNTs, the elastic modulus, tensile strength, and fracture strain are all lower than those of SiCf/SiC minicomposites without BNNTs, mainly due to high preparation temperature and the oxidation of the PyC interphase during the annealing process. Tensile stress–strain curves of SiCf/SiC minicomposites with and without BNNTs are predicted using the developed micromechanical constitutive model. The predicted results agreed with experimental data. This work will provide guidance for predicting the service life of SiCf/SiC composite materials and may enable these materials to become a backbone for thermal structure systems in aerospace applications.
CXCL12/CXCR4 facilitates perineural invasion via induction of the Twist/S100A4 axis in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zheng Min , Dai Li , Zhang Wei‐long , Fan Hua‐yang , Yu Xiang‐hua , Pang Xin , Liao Peng , Chen Bing‐jun , Wang Sha‐sha , Cao Ming‐xin , Ma Xiang‐rui , Liang Xin‐hua , Tang Ya‐ling
Published: June 2021

The activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis participated in the progression of multiple cancers, but potential effect in terms of perineural invasion (PNI) in SACC remained ambiguous. In this study, we identified that CXCL12 substantially expressed in nerve cells. CXCR4 strikingly expressed in tumour cells, and CXCR4 expression was closely associated with the level of EMT‐associated proteins and Schwann cell hallmarks at nerve invasion frontier in SACC. Activation of CXCL12/CXCR4 axis could promote PNI and up‐regulate relative genes of EMT and Schwann cell hallmarks both in vitro and in vivo, which could be inhibited by Twist silence. After overexpressing S100A4, the impaired PNI ability of SACC cells induced by Twist knockdown was significantly reversed, and pseudo foot was visualized frequently. Collectively, the results indicated that CXCL12/CXCR4 might promote PNI by provoking the tumour cell to differentiate towards Schwann‐like cell through Twist/S100A4 axis in SACC.
Nondestructive detection of lead content in oilseed rape leaves based on MRF‐HHO‐SVR and hyperspectral technology
Authors: Cao Yan , Sun Jun , Yao Kunshan , Xu Min , Tang Ningqiu , Zhou Xin
Published: June 2021

Lead (Pb) pollution poses a huge threat to environmental quality and food safety. Eating products made by excessive Pb contaminated oilseed rape can seriously harm human health. To detect Pb content in rape leaves more accurately, a method based on visible‐near infrared (400.68–1000.61 nm) hyperspectral technology was studied. First, the first derivative was used to pretreat the original spectral data. To reduce the number of iterations and the randomness of variable selection, the random frog (RF) algorithm was improved and named modified random frog (MRF). Then, the characteristic wavelengths were selected by MRF and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), respectively, and support vector regression (SVR) model was established to predict the Pb content in rape. MRF was determined as the best feature selection algorithm. Finally, Harris Hawks Optimizer (HHO) was used to optimize SVR and the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the prediction set were 0.9431 and 0.1645 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, the combination of hyperspectral technology and the optimal model (MRF‐HHO‐SVR) is feasible for nondestructive detection of Pb content in rape leaves.

Practical applications

In recent years, the development of mineral resources has caused more and more serious pollution of heavy metals in the soil. The problem of lead pollution is particularly prominent, and various crops have been polluted to varying degrees. The physiological indicators and nutrient content of Pb contaminated oilseed rape have obvious changes. Excessive consumption of lead contaminated rape products can be hazardous to human health. A method for detecting lead content in rape leaves based on hyperspectral technology was studied in this article. The results show that the hyperspectral technology could be used for the accurate and nondestructive determination of lead content in rape leaves, which provides a new method and idea for the detection of lead content in crops.
Money and Costly Credit
Authors: DONG MEI , HUANGFU STELLA
Published: June 2021

We study an economy in which money and credit serve as a means of payment and the settlement of credit requires money. The model extends recent developments in microfounded monetary theory to address the choice of payment methods and the effects of inflation. Whether a buyer uses money or credit depends on the fixed cost of credit and the inflation rate. In particular, inflation not only makes money less valuable, but also makes credit more expensive because of the delayed settlement. The model predicts that either very low inflation or very high inflation hampers the use of credit.
Determination of Health Literacy in Different Generations
Authors: Muslu Leyla , Sarvan Sureyya , Oncel Selma , Ugur Emine
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

The development of health literacy (HL) is critical in reducing lifestyle‐related diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of HL and related variables among members of Generations X and Z.

METHODS

This study was a descriptive survey conducted in the city of Antalya, Turkey. Participants were 350 Generation Z students and 150 Generation X parents. We created a personal data form for both students and parents, and used the Secondary Education HL Scale and Adult HL Scale for data collection.

RESULTS

The average HL score of Generation Z was 20.98 ± 6.19 and that of Generation X 17.38 ± 3.54. The HL levels of 75% of the Generation Z were low to marginal and those of 33.1% of the Generation X were below average.

CONCLUSIONS

More than half of the Generation Z students and about one‐third of Generation X parents were found to have low HL. Health professionals and nurses can give direction to the different generations to improve overall HL.
Variability of sleep stage scoring in late midlife and early old age
Authors: Chylinski Daphne , Berthomier Christian , Lambot Eric , Frenette Sonia , Brandewinder Marie , Carrier Julie , Vandewalle Gilles , Muto Vincenzo
Published: June 2021

Sleep stage scoring can lead to important inter‐expert variability. Although likely, whether this issue is amplified in older populations, which show alterations of sleep electrophysiology, has not been thoroughly assessed. Algorithms for automatic sleep stage scoring may appear ideal to eliminate inter‐expert variability. Yet, variability between human experts and algorithm sleep stage scoring in healthy older individuals has not been investigated. Here, we aimed to compare stage scoring of older individuals and hypothesized that variability, whether between experts or considering the algorithm, would be higher than usually reported in the literature. Twenty cognitively normal and healthy late midlife individuals’ (61 ± 5 years; 10 women) night‐time sleep recordings were scored by two experts from different research centres and one algorithm. We computed agreements for the entire night (percentage and Cohen's κ) and each sleep stage. Whole‐night pairwise agreements were relatively low and ranged from 67% to 78% (κ, 0.54–0.67). Sensitivity across pairs of scorers proved lowest for stages N1 (8.2%–63.4%) and N3 (44.8%–99.3%). Significant differences between experts and/or algorithm were found for total sleep time, sleep efficiency, time spent in N1/N2/N3 and wake after sleep onset (p ≤ 0.005), but not for sleep onset latency, rapid eye movement (REM) and slow‐wave sleep (SWS) duration (N2 + N3). Our results confirm high inter‐expert variability in healthy aging. Consensus appears good for REM and SWS, considered as a whole. It seems more difficult for N3, potentially because human raters adapt their interpretation according to overall changes in sleep characteristics. Although the algorithm does not substantially reduce variability, it would favour time‐efficient standardization.
Cotton GhSSI2 isoforms from the stearoyl acyl carrier protein fatty acid desaturase family regulate Verticillium wilt resistance
Authors: Mo Shaojing , Zhang Yan , Wang Xingfen , Yang Jun , Sun Zhengwen , Zhang Dongmei , Chen Bin , Wang Guoning , Ke Huifeng , Liu Zhengwen , Meng Chengsheng , Li Zhikun , Wu Liqiang , Zhang Guiyin , Duan Huijun , Ma Zhiying
Published: June 2021

Lipids are major and essential constituents of plant cells and provide energy for various metabolic processes. However, the function of the lipid signal in defence against Verticillium dahliae, a hemibiotrophic pathogen, remains unknown. Here, we characterized 19 conserved stearoyl‐ACP desaturase family proteins from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). We further confirmed that GhSSI2 isoforms, including GhSSI2‐A, GhSSI2‐B, and GhSSI2‐C located on chromosomes A10, D10, and A12, respectively, played a dominant role to the cotton 18:1 (oleic acid) pool. Suppressing the expression of GhSSI2s reduced the 18:1 level, which autoactivated the hypersensitive response (HR) and enhanced cotton Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt resistance. We found that low 18:1 levels induced phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase‐mediated salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and activated a SA‐independent defence response in GhSSI2s‐silenced cotton, whereas suppressing expression of GhSSI2s affected PDF1.2‐dependent jasmonic acid (JA) perception but not the biosynthesis and signalling cascade of JA. Further investigation showed that structurally divergent resistance‐related genes and nitric oxide (NO) signal were activated in GhSSI2s‐silenced cotton. Taken together, these results indicate that SA‐independent defence response, multiple resistance‐related proteins, and elevated NO level play an important role in GhSSI2s‐regulated Verticillium wilt resistance. These findings broaden our knowledge regarding the lipid signal in disease resistance and provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of cotton fungal disease resistance.
Health science knowledge translation: Critical appraisal of online physical activity promotion material
Authors: Thomas Jafrā D. , Cardinal Bradley J.
Published: June 2021

Limited research exists on how often health behavior theory concepts, principles, and techniques are embedded in the design of material to promote physical activity and exercise, such as persuasive communications disseminated via the Internet. This cross‐sectional study examined 139 web articles on physical activity and exercise. We assessed how often article messages targeted recommended motivational determinants of health behavior: that is, outcome expectancy, self‐efficacy, and self‐regulation. Moreover, exploratory analyses were performed, which compared patterns in article messages by organization type. Results showed the largest categories were other messages and self‐efficacy, each representing nearly one‐third of article messages. The frequency that article messages targeted motivational determinants of physical activity and exercise differed by organization type. Our results suggest web articles that could promote physical activity and exercise motivation exist; however, they can be better constructed to meet the needs of people. For example, over half of article messages targeted a recommended motivational determinant, but the least targeted determinant was self‐regulation. We present steps nurse educators and clinicians may take to improve the design or selection of physical activity and exercise promotion material.
Pith‐specific lignification in Nicotiana attenuata as a defense against a stem‐boring herbivore
Authors: Joo Youngsung , Kim Hoon , Kang Moonyoung , Lee Gisuk , Choung Sungjun , Kaur Harleen , Oh Shinyoung , Choi Jun Weon , Ralph John , Baldwin Ian T. , Kim Sang‐Gyu
Published: June 2021

Plants have developed tissue‐specific defense strategies in response to various herbivores with different feeding habits. Although defense responses to leaf‐chewing insects have been well studied, little is known about stem‐specific responses, particularly in the pith, to stem‐boring herbivores.

To understand the stem‐specific defense, we first conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis of the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata before and after attack by the leaf‐chewing herbivore Manduca sexta and the stem borer Trichobaris mucorea. When the stem‐boring herbivore attacked, lignin‐associated genes were upregulated specifically in the inner parenchymal cells of the stem, the pith; lignin also accumulated highly in the attacked pith. Silencing the lignin biosynthetic gene cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase enhanced the performance of the stem‐boring herbivore but had no effect on the growth of the leaf‐chewing herbivore.

Two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance results revealed that lignified pith contains feruloyltyramine as an unusual lignin component in the cell wall, as a response against stem‐boring herbivore attack. Pith‐specific lignification induced by the stem‐boring herbivore was modulated by both jasmonate and ethylene signaling.

These results suggest that lignin provides a stem‐specific inducible barrier, protecting plants against stem‐boring insects.
Comparing costs and cost‐efficiency of platforms for micronutrient powder (MNP) delivery to children in rural Uganda
Authors: Schott Whitney , Richardson Belinda , Baker Emily , D'Agostino Alexis , Namaste Sorrel , Vosti Stephen A.
Published: June 2021

Micronutrient powder (MNP) can reduce iron deficiency in young children, which has been well established in efficacy trials. However, the cost of different delivery platforms has not been determined. We calculated the cost and cost‐efficiency of distributed MNP through community‐based mechanisms and in health facilities in a primarily rural district in Uganda. An endline survey (n = 1072) identified reach and adherence. During the 9‐month pilot, 37,458 (community platform) and 12,390 (facility platform) packets of MNP were distributed. Each packet consisted of 30 MNP sachets. In 2016, total costs were $277,082 (community platform, $0.24/sachet) and $221,568 (facility platform, $0.59/sachet). The cost per child reached was lower in the community platform ($53.24) than the facility platform ($65.97). The cost per child adhering to a protocol was $58.08 (community platform) and $72.69 (facility platform). The estimated cost of scaling up the community platform pilot to the district level over 3 years to cover approximately 17,890 children was $1.23 million (scale‐up integrated into a partner agency program) to $1.62 million (government scale‐up scenario). Unlike previous estimates, these included opportunity costs. Community‐based MNP delivery costs were greater, yet more cost‐efficient per child reached and adhering to protocol than facility‐based delivery. However, total costs for untargeted MNP delivery under program settings are potentially prohibitive.
Speckle‐tracking echocardiography can predict atrial fibrillation in patients with supraventricular tachycardia
Authors: Eren Hayati , Acar Rezzan Deniz , Demir Serdar , Omar Muhammed Bahadır , Öcal Lütfi , kalkan Mehmet Emin , Cerşit Sinan , Akçakoyun Mustafa
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventriculer arrhythmia in daily clinical practice. Comorbidity of AVNRT and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been well documented in some patients and AF development has been observed more frequently in AVNRT patients during their long‐term follow‐up. This study was conducted in order to investigate the left atrial two‐dimensional‐speckle‐tracking echocardiographic (STE) parametres as the predictors of the occurence of AF in long‐term follow‐up in patients with spontaneously developed AF during AVNRT ablation.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty two consecutive AVNRT patients who developed spontaneous AF during ablation procedure were included in the study. The patients were followed up for a mean follow‐up period of 6.2 ± 2.1 years. All patients were evaluated using the 2D‐STE method. AF was developed in 34 patients during the follow‐up period. Cox regression analysis was performed in order to identify the independent predictors of AF occurence.

Results

Left atrial LA‐res, LA‐pump, LA‐SRs, LA‐SRe, and LA‐SRa values were found to be significantly decreased in the group of patients that developed AF during the follow‐up period (p < .001 for all aforementioned values). Multivariate cox regression analysis revealed that LA‐res (hazard ratio [HR], 0.367; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.161–0.0.683, p < .001) and SRe (HR, 0.472; 95% CI, 0.346–0.825, p = .006) were independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of AF.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it was demonstrated for the first time with this study that 2D‐STE can effectively predict the development of AF in long‐term follow‐up in patients with spontaneously developed AF during AVNRT ablation.
Computational fluid dynamics confirms drag reduction associated with trilobite queuing behaviour
Authors: Song Hanchen , Song Haijun , Rahman Imran A. , Chu Daoliang
Published: June 2021

Queuing behaviour has been documented in marine arthropods from Cambrian to modern oceans. It was previously hypothesized that this behaviour provided energy savings through hydrodynamic drafting, with trilobites in following positions hypothesized to produce less drag than those leading. In this study, we evaluate the hydrodynamics of queuing behaviour in the Devonian trilobite Trimerocephalus chopini using computational fluid dynamics. The results show that the drag forces of the trilobites following in the queue were substantially lower than those produced by the leader (˜65–79% lower at velocities of 0.5–2 cm s−1). Drag reduction was positively correlated with the movement speed of the trilobites, but decreased with increasing distance from the leader, and there was essentially no drag reduction at all for the first following trilobite when the following distance was greater than about six times its body length. This agrees with fossil evidence preserving trilobites in queues in close proximity to each other. The results also show that drag reduction was still significant (˜86.8% at 2 cm s−1) even for the longest queues preserved in the fossil record. Our findings support the hypothesis that the queuing behaviour of trilobites was an adaptation for reducing hydrodynamic drag. This drag reduction effect compensated for the energy cost of movement, which would have been particularly advantageous during migration.
Retracted: Experience of cases with inhaled nitric oxide and therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Fukuda Sayaka , Nabetani Makoto , Goldman Ran D. , Shinomoto Tadashi , Kobata Keisuke , Yutaka Nanae , Sano Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Background

Neonates with hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) on therapeutic hypothermia (TH) therapy may show persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In Japan, the reported mortality rate is lower than in the US, possibly due to treatment differences of newborns with moderate to severe HIE and PPHN. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and long‐term outcomes of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and TH therapy in newborns with moderate to severe HIE and PPHN.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of neonates with moderate to severe HIE that were treated with TH from 2008 to 2017 at a large medical center in Japan. We documented their long‐term neurological prognosis, measuring their developmental and Gross Motor Function Classification System level at 18 months old.

Results

A total of 37 neonates with moderate to severe HIE underwent TH therapy and six of them were started with iNO therapy for PPHN. iNO with TH was safely administered to all six newborns with moderate to severe HIE with PPHN. In two neonates TH was discontinued because of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and severe hypotension. Neurological outcomes were similar in newborns who were treated with iNO and TH and those who were treated with TH alone.

Conclusion

These initial findings suggest that monitoring hematological and cardiovascular status is important with iNO for severe asphyxia in infants with PPHN. Safer and more feasible protocols are needed for when iNO and TH therapy are administered together.
On Decision‐Analytical Support for Wicked Policy Issues
Authors: Linnerooth‐Bayer JoAnne
Published: June 2021

Lempert and Turner contribute importantly to the design of decision‐analytical tools for wicked policy issues by acknowledging the centrality of socially determined and often irreconcilable worldviews. Their point of departure is application of the DMDU approach (decision making under deep uncertainty) separately for each contending worldview as postulated by cultural theory. This allows stakeholders to maintain solidarity with their social or organizational value communities, an important consideration or even prerequisite for robust policy compromises. Drawing from a codesign process in Italy, this commentary suggests that the Lempert and Turner multiworldview approach can be useful for aiding stakeholder deliberation by representing alternative problem framings or worldviews, displaying the implications of acting on one framing when viewed from the others, and identifying compromise solutions robust across the framings. The challenge is to operationalize the Lempert and Turner approach, a challenge well worth pursuing given the increasingly intractable and “wicked” nature of today's policy issues.
Muscle metabolism and impaired sprint performance in an elite women’s football game
Authors: Krustrup Peter , Mohr Magni , Nybo Lars , Draganidis Dimitrios , Randers Morten B. , Ermidis Georgios , Ørntoft Christina , Røddik Line , Batsilas Dimitrios , Poulios Athanasios , Ørtenblad Niels , Loules Georgios , Deli Charikleia K. , Batrakoulis Alexios , Nielsen Jakob L. , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Fatouros Ioannis G.
Published: June 2021

The present study examined skeletal muscle metabolism and changes in repeated sprint performance during match play for n = 20 competitive elite women outfield players. We obtained musculus vastus lateralis biopsies and blood samples before, after, and following intense periods in each half of a friendly match, along with 5 × 30‐meter sprint tests and movement pattern analyses (10‐Hz S5 Global Positioning System [GPS]). Muscle glycogen decreased by 39% and 42% after an intense period of the second half and after the match, respectively, compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Post‐match, 80% type I fibers and 69% type II fibers were almost empty or completely empty of glycogen. Muscle lactate was higher (p < 0.05) after the intense period of the first half and post‐match compared to baseline (14.3 ± 4.6 (±SEM) and 12.9 ± 5.7 vs. 6.4 ± 3.7 mmol/kg d.w.). Muscle phosphocreatine was reduced (p < 0.05) by 16% and 12%, respectively, after an intense period in the first and second half compared to baseline. Blood lactate and glucose increased during the match and peaked at 8.4 ± 2.0 and 7.9 ± 1.2 mmol/L, respectively. Mean 5 × 30 m sprint time declined by 3.2 ± 1.7 and 7.0 ± 2.1% after the first and second half, respectively, and 4.7 ± 1.6% (p < 0.05) after an intense period in the first half compared to baseline. In conclusion, match play in elite female football players resulted in marked glycogen depletion in both fiber types, which may explain fatigue at the end of a match. Repeated sprint ability was impaired after intense periods in the first half and after both halves, which may be associated with the observed muscle metabolite perturbations.
Reported Lead Levels in Different Environmental Matrices in Colombia
Authors: Hernández Rodríguez Carol Brigitte , Gutierrez-Malaxechebarria Alvaro Martin , Zafra Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: June 2021

Objective: The aim of this paper is to present a review of specific cases that reported lead concentrations in blood, objects, food, soil, bioindicators, air, and water in specific places in Colombia and evaluate the reported concentrations against target values. Materials and Methods: A systematic qualitative literature review of publications between 1995 and 2019 was done; using Boolean operators 1571 papers were identified, to which 3 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria were applied. A total of 57 studies met the defined criteria. The reports in these studies were geo-localized and compared with acceptable values. Results and Discussion: Results suggest that lead is present in all environmental matrices, widely distributed in the Colombian territory, and that 72 % of the cases exceeded regulation limits. The percentage of noncompliance per environmental matrix was 89 % for blood samples, 71 % in food, 63 %, in soil, 89 % for bioindicators, 60 % for air, and 55 % for water. Conclusion: These results show that lead pollution is a large-scale problem in the country, more systematic studies are needed, and control measures, policy-making and regulatory updating should be pursued.
Metals at High Temperature—Test Procedure and Analysis of Test Data
Authors: Robinson Ernest L.
Published: June 2021

Tests on the flow of metals at high temperatures under stresses so small that the resulting distortions are less than one-tenth of 1 per cent show, throughout the duration of tests extending into the second year, continued reductions in rates of flow so that, for such small distortions, it is impossible to associate any particular rate of flow with a corresponding allowable stress. A statement of test results, to be of use, requires in addition to rate of flow and applied stress, certainly a record of total extension and possibly also a record of time elapsed. Furthermore, tests should be made under conditions of stress approximating the conditions of application in actual service.
Working Stresses for Columns and Thin-Walled Structures
Authors: Timoshenko S.
Published: June 2021

In metallic structures such as airplanes, airships, ships, bridges, etc. slender bars, thin webs, and thin-walled tubular members are very often used. In choosing working stresses for such structural elements, not only the mechanical properties of the material but also the elastic stability of these elements should be considered. The method of choosing working stresses for such structures is illustrated in this paper by several examples.
Error Quantification of Nusselt Number Analysis in Miniature Heat Sinks: Verification and Validation Assessment
Authors: Pourghasemi Mahyar , Fathi Nima
Published: June 2021

Solution verification is performed to quantify the numerical uncertainty of Nusselt numbers in micro-scale heat sinks obtained from 3-D numerical simulations. A numerical procedure is first developed to calculate local and average Nusselt numbers along 4 different miniature heat sinks. Validation process is performed by comparing the obtained numerical results experimental data. Fairly good agreement between numerical results and experimental data confirms the reliability and accuracy of the proposed numerical procedure. The observed order of accuracy for water flow in a micro-tube with constant uniform heat flux is 1.81 while the observed order of accuracy for conjugate heat transfer of water flow within a microchannel heat sink is estimated as 1.2. The numerical uncertainty for local Nusselt numbers within the investigated microchannel heat sink is estimated to be 0.13.
The History of Physical Activity in the Past, Present, and Future of Kinesiology’s Big Questions, Hot Topics, and Prospects for Integration
Authors: Dyreson Mark , Schultz Jaime
Published: June 2021

Since the 1981 publication ofPerspectives on the Academic Discipline of Physical Education,the history of physical activity has secured a prominent place in the field of kinesiology. Yet, despite encouraging signs of growth, the subdiscipline still remains an undervalued player in the “team scholarship” approach. Without the integration of historical sensibilities in kinesiology’s biggest questions, our understanding of human movement remains incomplete. Historians of physical activity share many “big questions” and “hot topics” with researchers in other domains of kinesiology. Intriguing possibilities for integrating research endeavors between historians and scholars from other domains beckon, particularly as scientists share the historical fascination with exploring the processes of change over time.
A tautomeric ligand enables directed C‒H hydroxylation with molecular oxygen
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Zhen , Chekshin Nikita , Qian Shaoqun , Qiao Jennifer X. , Cheng Peter T. , Yeung Kap-Sun , Ewing William R. , Yu Jin-Quan
Published: June 2021

Easing oxygen into arenes

Although oxygen is all around us, it is often surprisingly difficult to use it for selective chemical oxidations, necessitating more expensive, wasteful alternatives. Li
et al.
report that careful ligand optimization produces palladium catalysts that can efficiently activate oxygen to hydroxylate a variety of aryl and heteroaromatic rings adjacent to a carboxylic acid substituent. The ligand binds to palladium through pyridine and pyridone components, and the authors posit that tautomerization between dative and anionic coordination modes plays a role in its effectiveness.

Science
, abg2362, this issue p.
1452
The chains of stress recovery
Authors: Dormann Dorothee
Published: June 2021

Ubiquitination primes the cell for recovery from heat stress
Repeat after Me(CP2)!
Authors: Zhou Jian , Zoghbi Huda
Published: June 2021

A motif of dinucleotide repeats in the genome may be associated with Rett syndrome
David B. Wake (1936–2021)
Authors: Zamudio Kelly R.
Published: June 2021

Pioneering evolutionary biologist and amphibian advocate
Risk factors for previously undiagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma: the EPIC-Norfolk Eye Study
Authors: Chan Michelle P Y , Khawaja Anthony P , Broadway David C , Yip Jennifer , Luben Robert , Hayat Shabina , Peto Tunde , Khaw Kay-Tee , Foster Paul J
Published: June 2021

Background and aim

Undiagnosed glaucoma is an invisible but important public health issue. At least half of glaucoma cases are estimated to be undiagnosed in western populations. The aim of this study is to examine risk factors for previously undiagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Design

Cross-sectional study within the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer-Norfolk Eye Study, a large-scale cohort study in the UK.

Participants

314 study participants with POAG in either eye.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to examine associations with previously undiagnosed POAG compared with previously diagnosed POAG. The factors examined included sociodemographic, ocular, physical and economic factors that could be barriers to eye care access.

Results

217 participants had previously diagnosed POAG and 107 participants were newly diagnosed with POAG during the study. After adjusting for covariables, the factors significantly associated with previously undiagnosed POAG were: a lower pretreatment intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR 0.71/mm Hg, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.80, p<0.0001), and to have reported no problems with their eyesight (OR 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.10, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

The risk factors for previously undiagnosed POAG identified in this study highlight the over-reliance on IOP level in glaucoma screening and the risk of missing glaucoma among lower IOP cases. It also suggests a role in improving glaucoma awareness in the community.
Effects of efpeglenatide versus liraglutide on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism and beta-cell function in people with type 2 diabetes: an exploratory, randomized phase Ib study
Authors: Hompesch Marcus , Kang Jahoon , Han OakPil , Trautmann Michael E , Sorli Christopher H , Ogbaa Ike , Stewart John , Morrow Linda
Published: June 2021

Introduction

To evaluate the effects of efpeglenatide, a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), on gastric emptying, glucose metabolism, and islet beta-cell function versus liraglutide and placebo in people with type 2 diabetes.

Research design and methods

This phase Ib study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT02059564) randomized participants (n=47) to three cohorts. Within the first two cohorts, participants were randomized to placebo, efpeglenatide 6 mg weekly (QW; first cohort), or efpeglenatide 16 mg monthly (QM; second cohort). The third cohort received liraglutide 1.8 mg daily (QD). Gastric emptying was assessed through the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of acetaminophen at baseline and steady state. Glucose metabolism and beta-cell function were assessed based on mixed-meal tolerance testing and a graded glucose infusion procedure.

Results

Treatment duration was approximately 3 months for efpeglenatide 16 mg QM and 1 month for efpeglenatide 6 mg QW and liraglutide. At peak drug concentrations, efpeglenatide 6 mg QW was non-inferior to liraglutide 1.8 mg QD in delaying gastric emptying, as assessed by acetaminophen PK (lower bound of 90% CI for the efpeglenatide:liraglutide ratio >0.8 for area under the curve (AUC)0–120, AUC0–180, AUC0–360and maximum concentration (Cmax)). Efpeglenatide 16 mg QM did not decrease the rate of gastric emptying to as great an extent as liraglutide (ie, non-inferiority was not shown). Compared with liraglutide, both efpeglenatide dosing regimens demonstrated comparable or more favorable glucometabolic effects and improved beta-cell function. All gastrointestinal adverse events reported with efpeglenatide were mild or moderate in severity and transient over treatment and follow-up.

Conclusions

The glucometabolic effects of efpeglenatide 6 mg QW and 16 mg QM were comparable to liraglutide. Additional studies are necessary to further examine these benefits of efpeglenatide.

Trial registration number

NCT02059564.
Effect of a phone reminder system on patient-centered tuberculosis treatment adherence among adults in Northwest Ethiopia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gashu Kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Lester Richard , Tilahun Binyam
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the phone reminder system on patient-centred TB treatment adherence during continuation phase, where patients are responsible for taking medication at home.

Methods

We conducted a two-arm randomised controlled trial on adult patients with TB during the continuation phase. In the intervention arm, patients received routine care plus phone-based weekly pill refilling and daily medication reminders. In the control arm, participants received only routine care. A covariate adaptive randomisation technique was used to balance covariates during allocation. The primary outcome was adherence to patient-centred TB treatment, and secondary outcomes included provider–patient relationship and treatment outcomes. We applied per-protocol and intention-to-treat analysis techniques.

Results

We randomised 306 patients to intervention (n=152) and control (n=154) groups. Adherence to patient-centred TB treatment was 79% (110/139) in intervention and 66.4% (95/143) in control groups, with relative risk (RR) (95% lower CI) (RR=1.632 (1.162 to ∞); p=0.018, one tailed). Good provider–patient relationship was 73.3% (102/139) in intervention group and 52.4% (75/143) in control group, p=0.0001. TB treatment success was 89.5% (136/152) in intervention group and 85.1% (131/154) in control group, p=0.1238.

Conclusions

Mobile phone-based weekly refilling with daily medication reminder system improved adherence to patient-centred TB treatment and provider–patient relationship; however, there was no significant effect on treatment success.

Trial registration number

Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR201901552202539).