bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity of Iron Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Dried Ginger
Authors: Begum Akifa , Jeevitha M. , Preetha S. , Rajeshkumar S.
Published: November 2020

Zingiber officinale (also called ginger) is commonly used for traditional treatment of various diseases and for culinary purposes. This plant species is a herbaceous and develops yearly pseudostems around one meter tall bearing limited leaf cutting edges. The synthesis of metal nanoparticles and nanocomposites is an emerging area of research and exploration in the field of material science for their unique size and shape and have reliant features that are different from the regular bulk structure. The aim of the present study was to synthesize iron nanoparticles using dried ginger and evaluate their cytotoxic effects against brine shrimp. The nanoparticles were synthesized using dried ginger and characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity assessment was carried out using brine shrimp lethality assay. The iron nanoparticles did not show any cytotoxicity to the brine shrimp. This eco-friendly synthesis of iron nanoparticles from dried ginger has proved to be convenient, inexpensive and can be safely used in wide range of medicine and dental fields.
Facilitators and Barriers to Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Brohi Asif Hakim , Hakim Arsalan , Wassan Shafi Muhammad , Soomro Abdul Majeed , Bhatti Wasim Sarwar , Tunio Abdul Hameed , Kumar Andeep , Baloch Nadeem , Malhani Waseem Abbas , Mangi Altaf Ali , Alahmadi Yaser M. , Baloch Kanwal , Khan Muhammad , Arain Shumaila Parveen
Published: November 2020

Objective: To determine factors that facilitate and are barriers to self-monitoring of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients visiting family medicine clinics at a tertiary care teaching hospital Karachi Pakistan.

Methods: Approximately 255 patients were consecutively recruited from the clinics during April 2018 to May 2019 at Family Medicine outpatient clinics at the Aga Khan University Hospital. Data on socio-demographic status, facilitators and barriers to SMBG were extracted through a questionnaire, after obtaining an informed written consent. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS version 19.

Results: Among study participants 47.5% were above 50 years and 51.4% were males. About 30.2% of the participants were practicing SMBG at least once a month and 26% were practicing it daily. Fear of complications was the biggest facilitator (80.1%) and being expensive (51.4%) was barrier for SMBG. Over half of the SMBG practicing participants (59.7%) were diagnosed with diabetes for more than 05 years (p: 0.63).

Conclusion: Assessment of blood glucose is a critical component of diabetes treatment and management. It can motivate patients to become active participants in their own care. Health care providers should communicate and educate the patients about the advantages of SMBG.
Cryo‐EM of ABC transporters: an ice‐cold solution to everything?
Authors: Januliene Dovile , Moeller Arne
Published: November 2020

High‐resolution cryo‐EM has revolutionized how we look at ABC transporters and membrane proteins in general. An ever‐increasing number of software tools and faster processing now allow dissecting the molecular details of nanomachines at atomic precision. Considering the further benefits of significantly reduced sample demands and increased speed, cryo‐EM will dominate the structure determination of membrane proteins in the near future without compromising on data quality or detail. Moreover, improved and new algorithms make it now possible to resolve the conformational spectrum of macromolecular machines under turnover conditions and to analyze heterogeneous samples at high resolution. The future of cryo‐EM is, therefore, bright, and the growing number of imaging facilities and groups active in this field will amplify this trend even further. Nevertheless, expectations have to be managed, as cryo‐EM alone cannot provide an ultimate answer to all scientific questions. In this review, we discuss the capabilities and limitations of cryo‐EM together with possible solutions for studies of ABC transporters.
Experimentally based structural model of Yih1 provides insight into its function in controlling the key translational regulator Gcn2
Authors: Harjes Elena , Jameson Geoffrey B. , Tu Yi‐Hsuan , Burr Natalie , Loo Trevor S. , Goroncy Alexander K. , Edwards Patrick J.B. , Harjes Stefan , Munro Ben , Göbl Christoph , Sattlegger Evelyn , Norris Gillian E.
Published: November 2020

Yeast impact homolog 1 (Yih1), or IMPACT in mammals, is part of a conserved regulatory module controlling the activity of General Control Nonderepressible 2 (Gcn2), a protein kinase that regulates protein synthesis. Yih1/IMPACT is implicated not only in many essential cellular processes, such as neuronal development, immune system regulation and the cell cycle, but also in cancer. Gcn2 must bind to Gcn1 in order to impair the initiation of protein translation. Yih1 hinders this key Gcn1‐Gcn2 interaction by binding to Gcn1, thus preventing Gcn2‐mediated inhibition of protein synthesis. Here, we solved the structures of the two domains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yih1 separately using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and determined the relative positions of the two domains using a range of biophysical methods. Our findings support a compact structural model of Yih1 in which the residues required for Gcn1 binding are buried in the interface. This model strongly implies that Yih1 undergoes a large conformational rearrangement from a latent closed state to a primed open state to bind Gcn1. Our study provides structural insight into the interactions of Yih1 with partner molecules.
Exploring the use of rapport in professional information‐gathering contexts by systematically mapping the evidence base
Authors: Gabbert Fiona , Hope Lorraine , Luther Kirk , Wright Gordon , Ng Magdalene , Oxburgh Gavin
Published: November 2020

A growing body of research illustrates consensus between researchers and practitioners that developing rapport facilitates cooperation and disclosure in a range of professional information gathering contexts. In such contexts, rapport behaviors are often intentionally used in an attempt to facilitate a positive interaction with another adult, which may or may not result in genuine mutual rapport. To examine how rapport has been manipulated and measured in professional contexts we systematically mapped the relevant evidence‐base in this field. For each of the 35 studies that met our inclusion criteria, behaviors associated with building rapport were coded in relation to whether they were verbal, non‐verbal, or para‐verbal. Methods to measure rapport were also coded and recorded, as were different types of disclosure. A Searchable Systematic Map was produced to catalogue key study characteristics. Discussion focuses on the underlying intention of the rapport behaviors that featured most frequently across studies.
Mission independent fault‐tolerant control of heterogeneous linear multiagent systems based on adaptive virtual actuator
Authors: Yadegar Meysam , Meskin Nader
Published: November 2020

In this article, a fault‐tolerant control (FTC) scheme for linear multiagent systems (MASs) subject to time‐varying loss of effectiveness and time‐varying additive actuator faults as well as external disturbance is investigated. The main objective of the proposed FTC approach is to keep the performance of an MAS after the occurrence of actuator faults similar to the healthy one. The envisaged adaptive virtual actuator for each agent does not require a separate fault detection, isolation, and identification unit nor does it require any information regarding the mission of the MAS. It is shown that the difference between the states of each agent before and after the occurrence of actuator faults can be made arbitrary small and the ultimate bounds of the state error are also obtained. Furthermore, it is shown that for constant actuator faults the state error of each agent converges to zero. Simulation results corresponding to a team of F‐8 aircraft and a heterogeneous MAS with the different order demonstrate and illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed FTC scheme.
Switched sampled output adaptive observer design for a class of switched nonlinearly parameterized systems under asynchronous switching
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2020

In this article, a switched sampled output adaptive observer for a class of switched nonlinearly parameterized systems is designed. Since the switching may occur during the sampling intervals while the sampled output only updates at sampling instants, the asynchronous switching phenomenon arises. Then, a collection of matched and mismatched corrective terms are introduced to deal with the asynchronous switching phenomenon based on sampled outputs and the designed observer. Moreover, some sufficient conditions are derived to achieve the boundedness of observation and parameter estimation errors based on an improved average dwell time method. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical result in this article is demonstrated through a simulation example.
Multifunctional Enhancement for Highly Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Yuan , Cui Jian , Chen Ming , Zhang Miaomiao , Han Yu , Qian Fang , Zhao Huan , Yang Shaomin , Yang Zhou , Bian Hongtao , Wang Tao , Guo Kunpeng , Cai Molang , Dai Songyuan , Liu Zhike , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: November 2020

With a certified efficiency as high as 25.2%, perovskite has taken the crown as the highest efficiency thin film solar cell material. Unfortunately, serious instability issues must be resolved before perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are commercialized. Aided by theoretical calculation, an appropriate multifunctional molecule, 2,2‐difluoropropanediamide (DFPDA), is selected to ameliorate all the instability issues. Specifically, the carbonyl groups in DFPDA form chemical bonds with Pb2+ and passivate under‐coordinated Pb2+ defects. Consequently, the perovskite crystallization rate is reduced and high‐quality films are produced with fewer defects. The amino groups not only bind with iodide to suppress ion migration but also increase the electron density on the carbonyl groups to further enhance their passivation effect. Furthermore, the fluorine groups in DFPDA form both an effective barrier on the perovskite to improve its moisture stability and a bridge between the perovskite and HTL for effective charge transport. In addition, they show an effective doping effect in the HTL to improve its carrier mobility. With the help of the combined effects of these groups in DFPDA, the PSCs with DFPDA additive achieve a champion efficiency of 22.21% and a substantially improved stability against moisture, heat, and light.
Lithium Induced Nano‐Sized Copper with Exposed Lithiophilic Surfaces to Achieve Dense Lithium Deposition for Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Qian Ji , Wang Shuo , Li Yu , Zhang Menglu , Wang Fujie , Zhao Yuanyuan , Sun Qiang , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: November 2020

Li metal batteries have attracted extensive research attention because of their extremely high theoretical capacity. However, the commercialization of the Li metal batteries is hindered, as uncontrolled Li dendrites growth leads to safety concerns and a low coulombic efficiency. To suppress Li dendrites growth and achieve dense Li deposition, a lithiophilic 3D Cu host is designed for Li metal anode, in which the nano‐sized Cu is in situ formed with the aid of infused Li metal. The fabricated Li metal anode exhibit a superior electrochemical stability than raw Li metal anode, and compact Li is maintained during cycling. The experimental results and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the nano‐sized Cu formed on the surface of the skeleton host shows highly exposed Cu (100) and Cu (110) surfaces, which exhibits a strong affinity toward Li, and effectively eliminates the formation of Li dendrites, leading to a dense Li deposition. With the strategy of adjusting exposed surfaces of Cu host, the optimized Li metal anode enhances the electrochemical performance of full cells, and concomitantly demonstrates their potential for future designs of next‐generation Li metal anodes or Li‐free anodes for Li metal batteries.
Misfit Layer Compounds: A Platform for Heavily Doped 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Leriche Raphaël T. , Palacio‐Morales Alexandra , Campetella Marco , Tresca Cesare , Sasaki Shunsuke , Brun Christophe , Debontridder François , David Pascal , Arfaoui Imad , Šofranko Ondrej , Samuely Tomas , Kremer Geoffroy , Monney Claude , Jaouen Thomas , Cario Laurent , Calandra Matteo , Cren Tristan
Published: November 2020

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) display a rich variety of instabilities such as spin and charge orders, Ising superconductivity, and topological properties. Their physical properties can be controlled by doping in electric double‐layer field‐effect transistors (FET). However, for the case of single layer NbSe2, FET doping is limited to ≈1 × 1014 cm−2, while a somewhat larger charge injection can be obtained via deposition of K atoms. Here, by performing angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, quasiparticle interference measurements, and first‐principles calculations it is shown that a misfit compound formed by sandwiching NbSe2 and LaSe layers behaves as a NbSe2 single layer with a rigid doping of 0.55–0.6 electrons per Nb atom or ≈6 × 1014 cm−2. Due to this huge doping, the 3 × 3 charge density wave is replaced by a 2 × 2 order with very short coherence length. As a tremendous number of different misfit compounds can be obtained by sandwiching TMDs layers with rock salt or other layers, this work paves the way to the exploration of heavily doped 2D TMDs over an unprecedented wide range of doping.
A High‐Performance, Tailorable, Wearable, and Foldable Solid‐State Supercapacitor Enabled by Arranging Pseudocapacitive Groups and MXene Flakes on Textile Electrode Surface
Authors: Wang Yuanming , Wang Xue , Li Xifei , Li Xiaolong , Liu Yang , Bai Yang , Xiao Huanhao , Yuan Guohui
Published: November 2020

The challenges of solid‐state supercapacitors (SCs) for flexible and wearable electronics still remain in well balancing the electrochemical performance, mechanical stability, and processing technologies. Herein, a high‐performance, tailorable and foldable solid‐state asymmetric supercapacitor is developed via one‐step scalable chemical oxidization and MXene ink painting of N‐doped carbon fiber textile (NCFT) substrate. The employed O/N‐functionalized NCFT (ONCFT) and MXene materials under opposite potentials both incorporate excellent electrochemical behaviors of carbon‐like materials and pseudocapacitive materials, namely high rate capability and pseudocapacitance. By regulating oxidization time and MXene loading, the active layer of MXene decorated NCFT (MNCFT) and ONCFT electrodes analogously present tight skin structure, fundamentally avoiding the risk of active materials detaching from the support during mechanical deformation. As a result, the assembled MNCFT//ONCFT device not only achieves an extended voltage window of 1.6 V, high areal energy density of 277.3 μWh cm−2 and 90% capacitance retention after 30 000 cycles, but also experiences repeated folding tests. Additionally, the design makes it possible to tailor the textile‐based energy storage device (TEESD) into a designed size or shape without impairing its performance for device integration or shape conformable integration. Owing to the whole component fabrication being simple and scalable, the TEESD shows potential practical application.
Adapting digital technology to the gastroenterology and endoscopy practice in the pandemic era
Authors: Aguila Enrik John T. , Cua Ian Homer Y.
Published: November 2020

There has been a shift toward the use of digital technology worldwide due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. People are advised to stay at home to maintain physical distancing and reduce risks of infection. Clinical services are put to minimum operations and routine endoscopic services have been inadvertently halted. With no definitive treatment of the viral disease up to now, lockdowns and mitigation efforts have been extended. In effect, clinicians resort to other feasible and creative means to continue their practice in the attempt to move forward and achieve normalcy. As gastroenterologists, we adapt and respond using different technological opportunities to be able to resume our clinical practice with utmost priority on safety. Fellows continue their training with the blended method of limited patient encounters and maximized digital learning. Digital tools that can be used include telemedicine, eHealth, internet, social media, and video conference platforms. Newer innovations such as wearable technologies, virtual realities, and artificial intelligence endoscopy could also be tapped. Nevertheless, there are perceived barriers in the practice of technology and these should be adequately addressed.
Synthetic Approaches to the Anticancer Agent Fredericamycin A
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Fatma Ambareen
Published: November 2020

In this minireview, we have highlighted various developments related to the total synthesis of an anticancer agent, fredericamycin A (NSC‐305263). The presence of a unique molecular architecture and significant biological properties associated with fredericamycin A have greatly enhanced the research activity, and we cover the total synthesis of this molecule since its isolation. Different methodologies adopted for the construction of the stereogenic spiro centre are radical spirocyclization, Diels−Alder (DA) reaction, [3+2] annulation, photochemical approach, ring‐closing metathesis (RCM), palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction, rearrangement approach, benzannulation etc. This minireview provides an overview of the contribution of different research groups in the total synthesis of fredericamycin A. We also cover various model studies related to the synthesis of this molecule.
Timeline of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder in Overt Alpha‐Synucleinopathies
Authors: Stang Cole D. , Mullan Aidan F. , Hajeb Mania , Camerucci Emanuele , Turcano Pierpaolo , Martin Peter , Mielke Michelle M. , Josephs Keith A. , Bower James H. , St Louis Erik K. , Boeve Bradley F. , Savica Rodolfo
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim was to analyze the timeline, prevalence, and survival of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in patients who developed alpha‐synucleinopathies (Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and Parkinson disease dementia) compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls in a population‐based incident‐cohort study.

Methods

We used a population‐based, 1991 to 2010 incident‐cohort study of alpha‐synucleinopathies. A movement‐disorder specialist reviewed medical records to confirm diagnoses. RBD was diagnosed by reported dream‐enactment symptoms or polysomnography. Probable RBD and polysomnographically confirmed RBD were analyzed separately and combined.

Results

Among the 444 incident cases of alpha‐synucleinopathy, 86 were clinically diagnosed with RBD (19.8%), including 30 (35%) by polysomnography and 56 (65%) as probable. The prevalence of idiopathic RBD at alpha‐synucleinopathy diagnosis was 3.4%, increasing to 23.8% after 15 years. Cumulative lifetime incidence was 53 times greater in alpha‐synucleinopathy patients than in controls (odds ratio [OR] = 53.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.0–217.2, p < 0.0001), higher in dementia with Lewy bodies than in Parkinson disease (OR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.50–4.40, p = 0.0004), and higher in men than in women with Parkinson disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or Parkinson disease dementia (OR = 3.70, 95% CI: 2.07–6.62, p < 0.0001), but did not increase mortality risk.

Interpretation

Our cohort had RBD incidence of 3.4%. Overall RBD increased to 23.8% after 15 years, with an overall incidence of 2.5 cases per 100 person‐years. With 53 times greater lifetime incidence in alpha‐synucleinopathy patients than in controls, RBD was more likely to develop in dementia with Lewy bodies than in Parkinson disease or Parkinson disease dementia, and in men than in women, but did not increase mortality risk within our cohort. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:293–303
Assessment and treatment of escape from attention in the form of conversation
Authors: Cengher Mirela , Clayborne Joy C. , O'Connor Julia T.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment procedures for problem behavior maintained by escape from attention in the form of conversation for a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. After conducting a functional analysis that confirmed this function, we implemented a preference assessment to identify some forms of attention that were not aversive. Treatment consisted of four conditions, implemented in a series of reversals. During each condition, the participant chose from some of the following concurrently available options: three forms of attention, escape from conversation, and escape from conversation with a 2‐min delay. We implemented the delay to reduce (devalue) the reinforcing value of escape from conversation. The participant preferred escape from conversation to social interaction when all four consequences were available immediately. When escape from conversation was possible with a delay, the participant's preference changed to social interaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
The effects of individualized teaching of school readiness skills to children in preschool with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms
Authors: Ísfeld Víðisdóttir Sonja Lind , Sveinbjörnsdóttir Berglind
Published: November 2020

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed among children and adolescents. ADHD is associated with a wide range of health and developmental risks, emotional and behavioral disorders, lack of social skills, and academic underachievement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the preschool life skills (PLS) program in teaching important life skills to a 5‐year old girl being assessed for ADHD. The participant was taught eight PLS, divided into three units that focused on instruction following, functional communication, and tolerance skills. Teaching included instructions, modeling, role‐play, and feedback/descriptive praise. The PLS program effectively increased PLS, and skill achievement was only evident when teaching targeted each unit of skills.
Synthesis of Melamine‐Formaldehyde Microcapsules Containing Polyfluorene for Fluorescent Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Medium
Authors: Pak Geun Tae , Kim Hyunchul , Lee Taek Seung
Published: November 2020

To detect nitroaromatic picric acid (PA) in water, polyfluorene (PF) encapsulated melamine‐formaldehyde microcapsules (PF@MFMs) were fabricated via in situ polymerizations. Because of the microcapsule structure, PF@MFMs were uniformly dispersed in water maintaining the blue fluorescence of PF in the capsules. The fluorescence intensity of PF@MFMs linearly decreased with increase in the PA concentrations with high limit of detection of 3.0 × 10−6 M. The addition of other nitroaromatic derivatives, which had structure similar to PA, or various ions did not affect the fluorescence of PF@MFMs, showing high specificity of the microcapsules toward PA.
Retrograde approach for chronic total occlusion angioplasty: At your own risk
Authors: Belardi Jorge A. , Lamelas Pablo M.
Published: November 2020

Key Points

The retrograde approach is needed to increase procedural success in chronic total occlusion angioplasty.

This systematic review of the literature demonstrated that retrograde approach is associated with more complex anatomy, worse in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes.

Retrograde approach needs expertise, used judiciously, and major focus in patient safety when performed.
Penile calciphylaxis
Authors: Bath Kulwant , Al Jaber Emad
Published: November 2020

For small lesions, conservative management including local wound care, debridement, and adjustment of renal replacement therapy may suffice. Consulting palliative care is encouraged to help establish goals of care among patient, family, and medical team.
Hatzfeld syndrome: Narcissistic postpurchase state of mind
Authors: Aytaç Muhammed Bilgehan , Akın Eyup
Published: November 2020

Although consumer behavior literature has analyzed narcissistic consumers in detail, little is known about their post‐purchase attitudes and behaviors. With the help of the grounded theory approach, this study investigates the post‐purchase attitudes and behaviors of consumers higher in narcissism. Findings suggest that narcissistic consumers do not ruminate and thus do not feel regret about their consumption preferences. They strive to stay distinct in their product and brand preferences and hence readily engage in brand‐switching behavior. Also, they are not eager to talk about product and brand preferences and react adversely to criticism of their choices. Overall the study finds that narcissistic attitudes negatively affect brand loyalty and word‐of‐mouth intentions. Findings are discussed alongside other theoretical explanations and empirical findings.
Synthesis of 3‐Methylthio‐benzo[b]furans/Thiophenes via Intramolecular Cyclization of 2‐Alkynylanisoles/Sulfides Mediated by DMSO/DMSO‐d6 and SOCl2
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Li Xiaoxian , Li Xuemin , Sun Fengxia , Du Yunfei
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

The reaction of 2‐alkynylanisoles/sulfides with SOCl2 and DMSO was conducted to conveniently furnish the biologically interesting 3‐(methylthio)‐benzo[b]furans/thiophenes via intramolecular cyclization. DMSO acts as a solvent as well as a sulfur source and can also be replaced with DMSO‐d6, enabling the incorporation of the SCD3 moiety of DMSO‐d6 to the 3‐position of the heterocyclic frameworks.
Oral infectious bacteria in dental plaque and saliva as risk factors in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Kawasaki Machiko , Ikeda Yuichi , Ikeda Eri , Takahashi Momoko , Tanaka Daiki , Nakajima Yasuaki , Arakawa Shinichi , Izumi Yuichi , Miyake Satoshi
Published: November 2020

Background

High levels of periodontopathic bacteria as well as Streptococcus anginosus were detected in cancer tissue from patients with esophageal cancer. An association between oral infectious bacteria and esophageal cancer has been reported.

Methods

Characteristics of the oral microbiota and periodontal conditions were studied as clinicopathologic factors in patients with esophageal cancer. The study included 61 patients with esophageal cancer and 62 matched individuals without any cancers. Samples of subgingival dental plaque and unstimulated saliva were collected to evaluate the prevalence and abundance of the following oral bacteria using a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and S. anginosus.

Results

In the cancer group, the prevalence of all bacteria, with the exception of F. nucleatum, in dental plaque; the prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in saliva; the abundance of all bacteria, with the exception of F. nucleatum and P. intermedia, in dental plaque; and the abundance of A. actinomycetemcomitans and S. anginosus in saliva were significantly higher. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis suggested that the prevalence of T. forsythia and S. anginosus in dental plaque and of A. actinomycetemcomitans in saliva, as well as a drinking habit, were associated with a high risk of esophageal cancer, with a high odds ratio.

Conclusions

The current findings have potential implications for the early diagnosis of esophageal cancer.
Pathogen exposure reduces sexual dimorphism in a host’s upper thermal limits
Authors: Laidlaw Tess , Hector Tobias E. , Sgrò Carla M. , Hall Matthew D.
Published: November 2020

The climate is warming at an unprecedented rate, pushing many species toward and beyond the upper temperatures at which they can survive. Global change is also leading to dramatic shifts in the distribution of pathogens. As a result, upper thermal limits and susceptibility to infection should be key determinants of whether populations continue to persist, or instead go extinct. Within a population, however, individuals vary in both their resistance to both heat stress and infection, and their contributions to vital growth rates. No more so is this true than for males and females. Each sex often varies in their response to pathogen exposure, thermal tolerances, and particularly their influence on population growth, owing to the higher parental investment that females typically make in their offspring. To date, the interplay between host sex, infection, and upper thermal limits has been neglected. Here, we explore the response of male and female Daphnia to bacterial infection and static heat stress. We find that female Daphnia, when uninfected, are much more resistant to static heat stress than males, but that infection negates any advantage that females are afforded. We discuss how the capacity of a population to cope with multiple stressors may be underestimated unless both sexes are considered simultaneously.
Automated facial recognition for wildlife that lack unique markings: A deep learning approach for brown bears
Authors: Clapham Melanie , Miller Ed , Nguyen Mary , Darimont Chris T.
Published: November 2020

Emerging technologies support a new era of applied wildlife research, generating data on scales from individuals to populations. Computer vision methods can process large datasets generated through image‐based techniques by automating the detection and identification of species and individuals. With the exception of primates, however, there are no objective visual methods of individual identification for species that lack unique and consistent body markings. We apply deep learning approaches of facial recognition using object detection, landmark detection, a similarity comparison network, and an support vector machine‐based classifier to identify individuals in a representative species, the brown bear Ursus arctos. Our open‐source application, BearID, detects a bear’s face in an image, rotates and extracts the face, creates an “embedding” for the face, and uses the embedding to classify the individual. We trained and tested the application using labeled images of 132 known individuals collected from British Columbia, Canada, and Alaska, USA. Based on 4,674 images, with an 80/20% split for training and testing, respectively, we achieved a facial detection (ability to find a face) average precision of 0.98 and an individual classification (ability to identify the individual) accuracy of 83.9%. BearID and its annotated source code provide a replicable methodology for applying deep learning methods of facial recognition applicable to many other species that lack distinguishing markings. Further analyses of performance should focus on the influence of certain parameters on recognition accuracy, such as age and body size. Combining BearID with camera trapping could facilitate fine‐scale behavioral research such as individual spatiotemporal activity patterns, and a cost‐effective method of population monitoring through mark–recapture studies, with implications for species and landscape conservation and management. Applications to practical conservation include identifying problem individuals in human–wildlife conflicts, and evaluating the intrapopulation variation in efficacy of conservation strategies, such as wildlife crossings.
Ultraviolet components offer minimal contrast enhancement to an aposematic signal
Authors: Yeager Justin , Barnett James B.
Published: November 2020

Aposematic and sexual signals are often characterized by bright, highly contrasting colors. Many species can see colors beyond the human visible spectrum, and ultraviolet (UV) reflection has been found to play an important role in communication and sexual selection. However, the role of UV in aposematic signals is poorly explored. Poison frogs frequently produce high‐contrast signals that have been linked to both aposematism and intraspecific communication. Yet despite considerable efforts studying interspecific and intraspecific diversity in color, poison frogs are not known to perceive UV, and UV reflection of the integument has not been described. We report UV‐reflective spots in a population of Oophaga sylvatica and quantify the effect of UV on visual contrast with models of avian vision. We found that the frogs are highly contrasting, but UV had a minimal effect on signal saliency. These data highlight the importance of considering UV reflectance within aposematic signals, but that UV should not necessarily be regarded as an independent signal.
Controls of forage selective defoliation by sheep in arid rangelands
Authors: Oñatibia Gastón R. , Golluscio Rodolfo A. , Texeira Marcos , Paruelo José M.
Published: November 2020

Selective grazing by domestic livestock is a major control of plant community structure and dynamics in drylands. However, grazing impact predictions supporting management decisions are frequently based on average biomass consumption, neglecting selectivity. We evaluated the relative importance of grazing pressure, total and each species density, and plant dead biomass proportion as drivers of selective defoliation by sheep in three dominant native grass species in Patagonian steppes. Species were Poa ligularis, Festuca pallescens, and Pappostipa speciosa, which a priori present different preference degree by sheep. The relevance of these drivers for differently preferred species has not been simultaneously studied. We recorded the defoliation frequency and degree of the three species (dependent variables) throughout 112 field surveys. Besides, we recorded grazing management and vegetation structure descriptors (independent variables). Poa ligularis was highly defoliated (90% of plants), and grazing pressure was the leading driver (asymptotic exponential relationship). For F. pallescens, almost 70% of plants were defoliated, and defoliation non‐linearly increased as grazing pressure rose and linearly decreased as both its dead biomass proportion and P. ligularis density increased. For P. speciosa, defoliation was low (20% of plants) and linearly decreased as both its dead biomass proportion and the density of the other two species increased. Grazing pressure played a negligible role in this species. These patterns confirmed that P. ligularis, F. pallescens, and P. speciosa, respectively, present high, intermediate, and low preference degree by sheep. In conclusion, our findings suggest that (1) selective defoliation can be satisfactorily predicted as function of grazing pressure, species densities, and plant dead biomass proportion; (2) grazing pressure becomes a more relevant driver as species preference rises and its effect on defoliation is markedly non‐linear; (3) the dead biomass proportion and the abundance of highly preferred species are the leading factors determining less preferred species defoliation; and (4) grazing pressure management by itself is not enough to reduce the high defoliation of preferred species and increase the defoliation of non‐preferred species. This knowledge is critical for developing effective management practices to control forage species defoliation in rangelands worldwide where species with different preference by herbivores coexist.
Transient daily heat stress during the early reproductive phase disrupts pod and seed development in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Chen Sheng , Stefanova Katia , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Cowling Wallace A.
Published: November 2020

Transient daily heat stress during flowering of canola (Brassica napus L.) as a result of global warming is an increasing threat to grain production in this important oilseed crop. We investigated the intensity and duration of transient daily heat stress treatment at different stages of reproductive development in three B. napus genotypes under controlled environment conditions. Heat stress treatments during the week before first open flower on the main stem (S0) or during the first week (S1) or second week (S2) following first open flower greatly reduced pod number and seed yield on the main stem. Heat stress treatment during the third week (S3), fourth week (S4), or fifth week (S5) reduced seed yield more on the branches and less on the main stem as time progressed. Pod number and seed yield were reduced by moderate heat stress (TC2; 32°C/22°C) and high heat stress (TC3; 35°C/25°C), compared with the control (TC1, 25°C/15°C). Each duration of heat stress treatment (3, 5 or 7 days) caused the same reduction in pod number and seed per pod on the main stem. Leaf stomatal conductance, leaf chlorophyll index, plant height, and dry weight of above‐ground biomass increased from TC1 to TC3, which indicates that heat stress in the absence of drought stress does not inhibit vegetative growth. Cool night temperatures (15°C) resulted in recovery of pod number and seed yield after moderate (32°C) but not high (35°C) daily transient heat stress. The range of genotype responses to heat stress was greater under TC2 than under TC3. This research brings forward the critical period for heat stress sensitivity in B. napus to one week before first open flower and defines the conditions for controlled environment screening for heat tolerance in B. napus.
Determining factors associated with breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in rural Southern Benin
Authors: Bodjrènou Fifali Sam Ulrich , Amoussa Hounkpatin Waliou , Termote Céline , Dato Geoffroy , Savy Mathilde
Published: November 2020

This study aimed at characterizing breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices in a food‐insecure area of Benin and identifying factors associated with these practices. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in the districts of Bopa and Houéyogbé among n = 360 mother–child pairs. Children aged 0–17 months were considered. Socioeconomic characteristics among children and mothers, Breastfeeding on demand, Breastfeeding frequency during children illness, and Positioning and Attachment of children while breastfeeding were assessed using semi‐structured interviews and observations. Qualitative 24‐hr recalls were administered to mothers to compute WHO recommended complementary feeding practices indicators namely minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) among 6–17 months old children (n = 232). Associations between each feeding practice and mothers' socioeconomic characteristics were tested using multivariate generalized linear models. Breastfeeding on demand and good positioning and attachment for breastfeeding rates were 59% and 66%, respectively. Only 26% of mothers used to increase breastfeeding frequency when their children were ill. The proportions of children who met MDD, MMF, and MAD were 51%, 75%, and 44%, respectively. Children living in Houéyogbé were less likely to be breastfed on demand compared with those living in Bopa; however, they had better breastfeeding frequency during illness and meal frequency. Socioeconomic factors with significant association with breastfeeding practices were children age and sex and mothers’ education, ethnicity, and employment status. Complementary feeding practices were positively associated with children's age but not with other socioeconomic characteristics. Breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices were almost suboptimal or medium and still need to be improved through well designed nutrition intervention program including nutrition education.
Pregnancy persistently reduces alcohol purchases: Causal evidence from scanner data
Authors: Janssen Aljoscha , Parslow Elle
Published: November 2020

We analyze household‐level changes in alcohol consumption in response to pregnancy. Using scanner data, we identify households with a pregnant household member. Within an event study and a dynamic difference‐in‐differences estimation, we find that during a first pregnancy, households reduce their alcohol purchases by 36%. After pregnancy, purchases of alcohol are 34% lower than before pregnancy. We do not find any effect during the second pregnancy. One possible explanation for our result is that lower consumption during pregnancy changes habits and reduces consumption in the long term. We discuss other explanations and comment on policy implications.
Degree of Portal and Systemic Hemodynamic Alterations Predict Recurrent AKI and Chronic Kidney Disease in Patients With Cirrhosis
Authors: Maiwall Rakhi , Rao Pasupuleti Samba Siva , Jain Priyanka , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: November 2020

The relevance of hemodynamic derangements on the incidence of recurrent acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with cirrhosis is largely unknown. Consecutive patients with cirrhosis with a complete record of baseline hemodynamics were followed for identifying risk factors for the development of recurrent AKI and CKD by using negative binomial regression and competing risk analysis, respectively. Consecutive patients with cirrhosis (n = 2013, age 50.1 ± 11.8 years, 80% male, Child A:B:C percentage 13.7:52.9:33.4, and mean Child-Turcotte-Pugh score 8.6 ± 1.8) were enrolled, 893 (44.3%) of whom received beta-blockers, with 44.2% responders. Prior AKI was noted in 12.4% at enrollment. At a median follow-up of 379 (interquartile range: 68-869) days, AKI developed at a rate of 0.37 episodes per person-year, and 26% patients developed CKD. A lower mean number of AKI episodes (0.05 ± 0.25 vs. 0.42 ± 0.868; P < 0.001), CKD (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.74 [0.54-1.02]), and mortality (hazard ratio 0.21 [0.06-0.73]) were observed in beta-blocker responders. Albuminuria was an independent risk factor for recurrent AKI, CKD, and mortality (P < 0.05). Lower systemic vascular resistance index predicted hemodynamic response (odds ratio 2.04 [1.29-3.22]), cumulative AKI episodes (ratio of means 0.10 [0.08-0.14]), and development of CKD (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.70 [0.58-0.83]). Higher hepatic venous pressure gradient (≥17 mm Hg) predicted AKI episodes (ratio of means 1.76 [1.32-2.35]) but not CKD. Conclusion: High portal pressure and severe vasodilatation predispose patients with cirrhosis to repeated AKI episodes and development of CKD. Response to beta-blockers and therapies targeting the vasodilatory state could prevent frequent AKI and the risk of CKD development. Albuminuria could serve as an early marker of renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis.
A component analysis of awareness training for reducing speech disfluencies
Authors: Montes Christina C. , Heinicke Megan R. , Guendulain M. Alexander , Morales Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Recent literature supports using an awareness training treatment package to decrease speech disfluencies for college students delivering short speeches. This package includes identifying speech disfluencies first via a video recording (video training), then during in vivo speech practice (in vivo training). However, the literature lacks an evaluation of these subcomponents, which poses a barrier to better understanding the efficiency, social validity, and potential underlying behavioral principles of awareness training. We conducted an add‐in component analysis with 8 college students by implementing either video or in vivo training first, evaluating treatment effects via a posttest, then implementing the remaining subcomponent, if warranted. We found that in vivo speech practice may be sufficient for reducing disfluencies for some participants, but a treatment package including the sequential application of both video and in vivo training is more likely to result in marked behavior change.
Revision of structures of acridone alkaloids from natural sources
Authors: Chen Hung‐Yi , Lam Sio‐Hong , Yang Mei‐Lin , Hung Hsin‐Yi , Shieh Po‐Chuen , Chen Fu‐An , Kuo Ping‐Chung , Wu Tian‐Shung
Published: November 2020

The reported chemical structures of tricyclic acridone alkaloids (1–6) from Severinia buxifolia and Pleiospermium alatum were reinvestigated through a comparison of the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral data of similar compounds and a comprehensive study of their two‐dimensional (2D) NMR spectra. The structures of 1–5 were further confirmed by a comparison of their spectral data with those of the authentic samples and standards. The different chemical shifts caused by substituted functional groups in the tricyclic acridones were summarized according to the results in the present study. Furthermore, the synthetic compound 10 (N‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydroxy‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyacridine‐9‐one) has not been reported from any natural sources in the previous literature. In addition, the chemical structures of macranthanine (21) and 7‐hydroxy‐noracronycine (22) from Glycosmis macrantha were also revised.
Moving legs: A workflow on how to generate a flexible endopod of the 518 million‐year‐old Chengjiang arthropodErcaicunia multinodosausing3D‐kinematics (Cambrian, China)
Authors: Schmidt Michel , Liu Yu , Zhai Dayou , Hou Xianguang , Melzer Roland R.
Published: November 2020

Understanding the functional morphology and mobility of appendages of fossil animals is important for exploring ecological traits such as feeding and locomotion. Previous work on fossils from the 518 million‐year‐old Chengjiang biota of China was based mainly on two‐dimensional information captured from the surface of the specimens. Only recently, μCT techniques started to reveal almost the entire, though flattened and compressed, three‐dimensionally preserved morphologies of the arthropods from Chengjiang. This allows more accurate work on reconstructing the possible movement of certain structures such as the appendages. Here, we present a workflow on how to reconstruct the mobility of a limb of the early Chengjiang arthropodErcaicunia multinodosafrom the famous Chinese fossil site. Based on μCT scans of the fossil, we rendered surface models of the 13th–15th right endopods using the 3D visualization and 3D‐rendering software Amira. The 3D objects then were postprocessed (Collapse Hierarchy, Unify Normals) in SAP 3D Visual Enterprise Author before being imported into the 3D animation program Autodesk Maya 2020. Using the add‐on tool X_ROMM in Maya, we illustrate step‐by‐step on how to make the articles of the limbs swing‐in toward each other. Eventually, we propose several possible limb movements ofE. multinodosa, which helps to understand how this early arthropod could have moved its endopods.
Dynamic analysis of flexural vibration mode of an atomic force microscope cantilever with a sidewall probe in liquid
Authors: Payam Amir F. , Duy Vy Nguyen
Published: November 2020

In this paper, dynamic behavior and the resonance frequencies of flexural vibration modes of an atomic force microscope cantilever with sidewall probe immersed in liquid to surface stiffness variations have been investigated and a closed‐form expression is derived. Using numerical analysis, the flexural resonance frequencies of microcantilever immersed in liquid are calculated and the results are compared with the air environment. Then, the effect of sidewall length and normal stiffness on the frequency is investigated. Moreover, the surface‐coupled effect between the cantilever and simple surface when the cantilever is close to the surface is considered and its effect on the quality factors of the first to fourth modes is studied.
Alveolar and lung interstitial macrophages: Definitions, functions, and roles in lung fibrosis
Authors: Shi Ting , Denney Laura , An Huazhang , Ho Ling-Pei , Zheng Yuejuan
Published: November 2020

Mϕs are the main innate immune cells in the lung at homeostasis, with important roles in host defence and immune modulation. Alveolar Mϕs (AMs) and interstitial Mϕs (IMs) are the two lung Mϕ subsets, so called according to the sites they reside in. These subsets are also defined by their origins and immunological microenvironment, which endow these cells with distinct features and plasticity. This review summarizes the latest definitions and functions of lung Mϕs during homeostasis and provides exemplar of their divergent roles in lung fibrosis.