bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of psychological models for predicting health conditions in retirement age
Authors: Berezina Tatiana Nikolaevna , Chumakova Elizaveta Anatol'evna
Published: April 2021

The goal of this research lies in the assessment of predictive validity of psychological markers of health and work capacity of the persons of retirement age, and its comparison with predictive value of medical markers. The survey involved 496 retirees (386 women, 110 men) assigned to the Moscow medical center for cardiology. The research is based on longitudinal case study with two cross-sections. The section included the assessment of personality and life path indicators, medical examinations, psychological and medical predictions of health conditions. The second section included medical examination, assessment of changes in health conditions and preservation of life. The conclusion is made that psychological prognosis is more accurate in predicting preservation of life, while medical – in preservation of health. Psychological markers correlating with health conditions of younger and older retirees (family status, parental status, object of care, absence of bad habits, high level of activity and goal commitment, sociability) were determined retrospectively. Based on that, the author develops the strategies for organization of life path, which makes preservation of life and health more feasible. For young retirees, this is the strategy for combining the care for loved ones with high level of activity and quitting alcohol consumption. For older retirees, this is the strategy for combining care for loved ones with having a family and high level of activity. It is established that psychological markers of health have predictive value and can be recommended for experimental validation of their efficiency as an independent variable.
Immersive educational environments: psychophysiological aspect
Authors: Khoroshikh Pavel Pavlovich , Sergievich Aleksandr Aleksandrovich , Batalova Tat'yana Anatol'evna
Published: April 2021

This article is dedicated the discussion of possible psychophysiological and physiological responses of the child's body being in the immersive environment. The authors substantiate the feasibility of incorporating the technologies of virtual and augmented reality into a single immersive approach, which allows viewing these technologies from the perspective their potential impact upon sensory systems of the body (modalities) and the resulting physiological response. The environment itself should be interpreted as immersive, i.e. multimodal. Attention is given to the psychophysiological substantiation of the presence effect created by the immersive environment, as a mechanism for integration of sensory systems. The article analyzes the negative psychophysiological responses of the body as a possible manifestation of the symptoms of cybersickness. The article introduces the two main theories of this phenomenon and their potential contribution to the discussion of cybersickness, including its manifestation in in the educational process, and restrictions. The author describes a number of factors, which may be the cause for cybersickness among children. Particular attention is paid to the role of technical equipment (first and foremost, the image output devices) and software characteristics, which can affect the possible psychophysiological responses of the body.
The peculiarities of professional identity of creativity among the junior students majoring in psychology
Authors: Matyushina Marina Aleksandrovna , Tarakanov Anton Veniaminovich
Published: April 2021

This article examines the problem of the formation of professional identity of the first and second year students majoring in psychology in relation to creativity. The authors cover the problem of professional identity of the students and its correlation with various parameters of creativity. The subject of this research is the peculiarities of interconnection between the professional identity and the parameters of creativity in psychology students of the first and second year students majoring in psychology. The article presents the results of preparatory stage of research of the role of creativity in the formation of professional identity. The sampling involved 100 junior students of the psychological faculty of Novosibirsk State Technical University. At this stage of empirical research, the author determined the peculiarities of the statuses pf professional identity and the parameters of creativity among junior students majoring in psychology, as well as interdependence of these psychological phenomena. The obtained results indicate positive correlations between the indefinite status of professional identity and the parameters of verbal creativity; as well as negative correlations between the moratorium of professional identity and the parameters of imagery creativity.
FoU i lektorkvalificering og dets betydning for undervisning
Authors: Duch Henriette , Larsen Verner , Lund Birthe
Published: April 2021

Adjunkter på professionshøjskoler i Danmark, herunder også adjunkter, der underviser på erhvervsskolelæreres pædagogiske uddannelse, skal gennemføre et fireårigt lektorkvalificerings-forløb, hvori indgår både undervisning og deltagelse i forskning og udvikling, FoU. I forhold til tidligere, hvor uddannelse af erhvervsskolelærere lå på det nu nedlagte Danmarks Erhvervs-pædagogiske Læreruddannelse, DEL, er FOU et nyt krav.
Dette ændrede lektorkvalificeringsforløb hænger også sammen med et nyt politisk fastlagt krav om forskning på professionshøjskoler. Som konsekvens heraf ændres også forståelsen af forholdet mellem FoU og undervisning. Før talte man om nedsivning fra universiteter til professions-uddannelser og professioner, men nu taler man om et videnskredsløb mellem FoU og undervisning. Med professionshøjskolernes forskningsret opstår således nye muligheder for udvikling af samspillet mellem FoU og undervisning, hvilket artiklen undersøger med empiri fra lektorkvalifi-ceringsforløb.
Da professionsuddannelser er vidensbaserede og skal bygge på FoU undersøges i et kvalitativt studie forholdet mellem FoU og undervisning ved interviews og observationer. Analysen foretages ud fra Bernsteins sociologiske teori og hans begreb rekontekstualisering. På baggrund af denne teoretiske synsvinkel konstrueres ud fra empirien tre idealtyper, som kaldes den professions-orienterede underviser, den didaktisk orienterede underviser og den forskningsorienterede underviser. Disse idealtyper konkretiseres ud fra udsagn i interviews, således at der præsenteres et eksempel på hver af idealtyperne. Ud over forholdet mellem FoU og undervisning viser eksemplerne undervisernes forskellige selvforståelser, samt hvorledes de forholder sig forskelligt til professioner og erhverv. På baggrund af analysen diskuteres, hvilken betydning lektor-kvalificering og dermed uddannelse af forskellige typer af undervisere kan få fx inden for uddan-nelse af erhvervsskolelærere afhængig af, hvorledes undervisere ser på uddannelse til en profession.
Bosminopsis deitersi(Crustacea: Cladocera) as an ancient species group: a revision
Authors: Garibian Petr G. , Karabanov Dmitry P. , Neretina Anna N. , Taylor Derek J. , Kotov Alexey A.
Published: April 2021

Water fleas (Crustacea: Cladocera) of the Family Bosminidae have been studied since the founding of paleolimnology and freshwater ecology. However, one species,Bosminopsis deitersi, stands out for its exceptional multicontinental range and broad ecological requirements. Here we use an integrated morphological and multilocus genetic approach to address the species problem inB. deitersi. We analyzed 32 populations ofB. deitersis. lat. Two nuclear and two mitochondrial loci were used to carry out the bGMYC, mPTP and STACEY algorithms for species delimitation. Detailed morphological study was also carried out across continents. The evidence indicated a widely distributed cryptic species in the Old World (Bosminopsis zernowi) that is genetically divergent fromB. deitersis.str. We revised the taxonomy and redescribed the species in this complex. Our sampling indicated thatB. zernowihad weak genetic differentiation across its range. A molecular clock and biogeographic analysis with fossil calibrations suggested a Mesozoic origin for theBosminopsis deitersigroup. Our evidence rejects the single species hypothesis forB. deitersiand is consistent with an ancient species group (potentially Mesozoic) that shows marked morphological conservation. The family Bosminidae, then, has examples of both rapid morphological evolution (HoloceneBosmina), and morphological stasis (Bosminopsis).
Diferencias de sexo entre deportistas de ultramaratón preesfuerzo y posesfuerzo
Authors: Picco José
Published: April 2021

Introducción: La presencia de mujeres en las competencias de ultramaratón se observa cada vez con más frecuencia. Las adaptaciones fisiológicas y la respuesta al máximo esfuerzo se diferencian influenciados por el sexo. Objetivos: Evaluar las diferencias observadas en los deportistas de ultramaratón o ultratrail (carreras de montaña de más de 42 km) en reposo (adaptaciones fisiológicas) y en el posesfuerzo (fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio [FCIE]), estratificado por parámetros de entrenamiento. Material y métodos: Se reclutaron veinticinco deportistas (mujeres n 6) que participaron de la carrera cruce Mendoza (55 km en montaña); fueron evaluados antes y después de la finalización de la carrera mediante ecocardiografía Doppler y técnicas de deformación miocárdica (posprocesamiento). Mediante relojes deportivos se documentaron parámetros durante el entrenamiento y la carrera. Se realizó extracción de sangre posesfuerzo inmediato para documentar variables asociadas con fatiga cardíaca. Resultados: Completaron la carrera 24 deportistas, 19 hombres (42 ± 12 años) y 5 mujeres (38 ± 4 años). Las mujeres presentaban parámetros similares de entrenamiento y completaron la prueba sin diferencia en tiempos respecto a los hombres. Se observó disminución de los parámetros de función miocárdica izquierda (fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio) en el 50% de los hombres y el 5% de las mujeres. Conclusiones: A pesar de no encontrar diferencias en las características del entrenamiento, se observó en las mujeres menos adaptación fisiológica basal y menor incidencia de fatiga cardíaca inducida por el ejercicio
A New Calibration Estimator of Population Mean for Small Area with Nonresponse
Authors: Matthew J. Iseh , Kufre J. Bassey
Published: April 2021

This paper considered the challenges of population mean estimation in small area that is characterized by small or no sample size in the presence of unit nonresponse and presents a calibration estimator that produces reliable estimates under stratified random sampling from a class of synthetic estimators using calibration approach with alternative distance measure. Examining the proposed estimator relatively with existing ones under three distributional assumptions: normal, gamma, and exponential distributions with percent average absolute relative bias, percent average coefficient of variation, and average mean squared error as evaluation criteria using simulation analysis technique, the new estimator exhibited a more reliable estimate of the mean with less bias and greater gain in efficiency. Further evaluation using coefficient of variation under varying nonresponse rates to validate the results of variations suggests that the estimator is a suitable alternative for small area estimation. This finding has therefore contributed to the development of an ultimate estimator for small area estimation in the presence of unit nonresponse.
Replicability of the Questionnaire Assessing the Addition of IN NATURA Vegetable Oil to the Child’s Diet
Authors: Martins Beatriz Araújo Cassane , Lanzillotti Haydée Serrão , Barros Maria Elisa
Published: April 2021

Objective: To verify the replicability of the questionnaire Assessing the Addition of IN NATURA Vegetable Oil to the Child’s Diet”. Study design: observational cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in two pediatric outpatient clinics, one of which refers to a health plan operator (SJM), municipality of São João de Meriti (RJ) and the other, at the Polyclinic Piquet Carneiro of the University from the State of Rio de Janeiro (PPC/UERJ), municipality of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), from March 2017 to January 2019.

Sample: Responsible for children feeding, that is, those who buy the food prepare it or serve meals. SJM, n=150 and PPC/UERJ; n=150.

Methodology: Doornik-Hansen test verified the Multivariate normality of the scores distribution of the items according to Likert scale. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin was used as a criterion for identify the adequately of sample for the data adjustment. Conbrach's alpha indicated the internal consistency (coherence) between items on each dimension. The reproducibility by reliability was tested by test-retest by using the weighted Kappa coefficient.

Results: Multivariate normality of the SJM scores: (chi2 (22)=602.969 Prob chi2=.0000) and PPC/UERJ: (chi2(22)=411.666 Prob chi2=.0000), adequacy of the samples, KMO: SJM=0.78 to 0.92 and PPC/UERJ=0.76 to 0.92, internal consistency of dimensions (Dimension 1 and 2) by Cronbach's alpha greater than 0.75 for SJM and PPC/UERJ, reproducibility of the questionnaire by weighted Kappa: 0.90 (p value.008), t test for two independent samples, SJM and PPC/UERJ: significant difference for Dimension 1, but not for Dimension 2.
Effect of Different Organic Sources on Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil in Inceptisols of Varanasi
Authors: Bahuguna Ayush , Sharma Sachin , Yadav Janardan
Published: April 2021

After the green revolution excessive use of inorganic fertilizers increased, which resulted in affecting the activities of soil microflora and macrofauna, thus posing an environmental risk and decreasing crop production. The use of organic sources which include biochar, carpet waste, FYM (Farmyard manure) and PGPR (Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) may act as an important tool to sustainably increase soil organic matter, crop yield and improve soil health on a long-term basis. The results of application of biochar, carpet waste, farm yard manure (FYM) and PGPR showed that the combined application of biochar, carpet waste and PGPR significantly improved soil properties such as organic carbon, nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), potassium(K), dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase activity and microbial population. The enzymatic activity of soil was highly positively correlated with the physicochemical properties of soil. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of biochar, carpet waste, FYM and PGPR may increase and sustain the soil properties and crop productivity over time.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection as a Risk Factor of Infertility in Women
Authors: Sharaf Mohamed A. , El-Bohoty Shereen B. , Hodeib Hossam A. , El-Kholi Dina G.
Published: April 2021

Background: C. trachomatis is known to cause damage to the female reproductive tract, primarily due to adhesions or obstructions of the fallopian tubes secondary to the inflammatory response. Tubal Factor of Infertility (TFI) is the main cause of infertility in 10-30% of cases in developed countries and C. trachomatis is the most common causative agent to TFI in the developed world. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of the chlamydial serology as a screening test for tubal infertility, by the detection of the anti-chlamydial IgG antibodies by using E.L.I.S.A. and study the benefit of using non-invasive methods to diagnose chlamydial infection.

Materials and Methods: This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted on a (50) women complaining of Infertility due to Tubal Factor. The patient was randomly classified into two groups: (50)Group I: complaining primary or secondary infertility. Group II: including (25) patients pregnant and came for Antenatal care

Results: Prevalence of different types of tubal factor in the study population was 12% in Distal block (DB), 10% Distal block plus peritubal adhesions (DB + PTA), 40% Hydrosalpinx (HS), 8% Hydrosalpinx plus peritubal adhesions (HS + PTA), 26% Proximal block (PB), 4% Peritubal adhesions (PTA). serum antichlamydial IgG level was significantly higher among group I (8.62 ±1.4) than group II (2.11±0.82). Also, 46% of group I had serum antichlamydial IgG positive vs. (12%) in group II with significant difference. Comparing positive C. trachomatis IgG with type of infertility, a total of 13 (57.7%) of those with primary infertility and 10 (42.3%) of those with secondary infertility tested positive. The difference was of no statistical significance (P=0.725). Conclusion: We can conclude that, Chlamydia trachomatis is a major factor in female infertility especially for tubal factor of infertility, serum Chlamydia trachomatis IgG assay could be used a predictive factor for tubal factor infertility.
Energy, Exergy and Environmental Compatibility Analyses of LPG and Household Kerosene Utilisations as Domestic Fuels in Nigeria: 1980 – 2019
Authors: Badmus I. , Bakri A. J.
Published: April 2021

Household kerosene and Liquefied Petroleum Gas form the bulk of domestic fuels, especially in Nigerian urban areas. Data on both fuels, from 1980 to 2019, were collected, mainly from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation sources. Energy, exergy and environmental compatibility analyses were carried out on the utilisation of LPG for cooking, and household kerosene for both cooking and lighting. Kerosene lighting, with 0.05% energy efficiency and 0.045% exergy efficiency, was extremely poor. Cooking, with different mixes of both fuels, yielded energy efficiencies ranging from 35.04% to 44.54%. Corresponding exergy efficiencies were from 7.75% to 9.98%. Associated environmental compatibility factors were from 0.71749 to 0.73945. Overall process energy efficiencies, involving both cooking and lighting, were from 4.05% to 34.19%. Corresponding exergy efficiencies were from 0.93% to 7.61%. Overall environmental compatibility factors ranged from 0.71746 to 0.73259. Energy and exergy efficiencies, as well as environmental compatibility factors, increased directly with increase in LPG utilisation in the fuel-mix.
Preparative Chromatography for Production
Authors: Dapremont Olivier
Published: April 2021

The article introduces the reader to preparative chromatography as a purification tool for the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). In a first part, the history of the development of chromatography as a separation technique is reviewed and concepts associated with the process development and its modeling are introduced. In a second section, the various techniques used to optimize a preparative separation for production are reviewed. Aspects of the various phases of the process development from early clinical phase up to commercial manufacturing are discussed with emphasis on intellectual property, solvent considerations, and separation robustness. Scale‐up rules are also introduced at the end of the section. Finally, the author discusses the implementation of a chromatographic step at commercial scale; handling of the chromatographic packing material and plant operations are more specifically highlighted.
Enter the ‘dabblers’: Buprenorphine prescribing if x‐waiver is eliminated
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2021

The elimination of the x‐waiver for buprenorphine prescribing, which may take place based on stakeholder (insurance, treatment, Congress) forces, will likely result in a spectrum of prescribers, from “dabblers” to full‐time addiction treatment providers, according to a recent commentary by top researchers. And in fact, that is how the x‐waiver has been operating, with many certified prescribers choosing to prescribe for way under their “cap” of 30, 100 or 250; ostensibly because they are choosing to treat only their own patients.
White House releases proposed summary budget for FY 2022
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2021

The $133.7 billion in funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the White House's proposed budget for FY 2022, released this month, is a $25 billion increase over FY 2021. There are no details about the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or any other HHS subagency. The summary does include the following language, however.
Intracellular Bottom‐up Synthesis of Ultrasmall CuS Nanodots in Cancer Cells for Simultaneous Photothermal Therapy and COX‐2 Inactivation
Authors: Feng Liandong , Wu Shanshan , Wu Yuzhou
Published: April 2021

The clinical application of photothermal therapy (PTT) is limited by the accuracy of thermal damage and the risk of tumor metastasis and relapse induced by hyperthermia‐related inflammation. Intracellular bottom‐up synthesis (iBuS) of CuS nanoparticles from small‐molecule precursors inside tumor cells triggered by tumor specific stimuli is a promising strategy to enhance the precision of PTT treatment and reduce the risk of nondegradable metal nanoparticles. Herein, monolocking nanoparticles (MLNPs) with Cu‐meloxicam complexes encapsulated by human serum albumin (HSA) are reported, which efficiently form CuS nanodots via the elevated concentration of endogenous H2S inside tumor cells and meanwhile release meloxicam for anti‐inflammatory effects. The intracellular bottom‐up fabrication of CuS nanodots is directly visualized by TEM. An enhanced PTT effect is observed with 4T1 cells caused by additional meloxicam‐induced inactivation of the COX‐2 enzyme. After systemic administration, MLNPs completely ablate tumors under laser exposure, simultaneously inhibiting the inflammation induced by photothermal damage, and can be cleared via the kidney into urine. This strategy provides a new route for activated multimodal therapy, which could be applicable to precisely combat cancer.
Tailoring the Interface in FAPbI3 Planar Perovskite Solar Cells by Imidazole‐Graphene‐Quantum‐Dots
Authors: Gao Zhi‐Wen , Wang Yong , Liu Hui , Sun Jiayun , Kim Jinwook , Li Yan , Xu Baomin , Choy Wallace C. H.
Published: April 2021

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites have reached an unprecedented high efficiency in photovoltaic applications, which makes the commercialization of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) possible. In the past several years, particular attention has been paid to the stability of PSC devices, which is a critical issue for becoming a practical photovoltaic technology. In particular, the interface‐induced degradation of perovskites should be the dominant factor causing poor stability. Here, imidazole bromide functionalized graphene quantum dots (I‐GQDs) are demonstrated to regulate the interface between the electron transport layer (ETL) and formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) perovskite layer. The incorporation of I‐GQDs not only reduces the interface defects for achieving a better energy level alignment between ETL and perovskite, but also improves the film quality of FAPbI3 perovskite including enlarged grain size, lower trap density, and a longer carrier lifetime. Consequently, the planar FAPbI3 PSCs with I‐GQDs regulation achieve a high efficiency of 22.37% with enhanced long‐term stability.
High power density and flexible self‐powered piezoelectric nanogenerator based on solution crystallization
Authors: Lan Jiongfang , Zheng Lin , An Zhiqiang , Hou Deshan , Sun Dongpeng , Zhu Jiliang
Published: April 2021

A flexible self‐powered piezoelectric nanogenerator (FSPN) of high power density was constructed using a poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer matrix based on solution crystallization. Since the solubility parameter of the N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) was closed to that of the PVDF, the FSPNs fabricated by PVDF and NMP showed a high concentrations of β‐phase and a high power density of 6.6 W/m3 together with excellent mechanical properties and transparent. In addition, the FSPN retained its excellent performance even after 2000 cycles of cantilever vibration, which hold a great potential for harvesting mechanical energy for self‐powered systems and provide a simpler solution for energy collection and utilization in our actual lives.
Experimental design to evaluate properties of electrospun fibers of zein/poly (ethylene oxide) for biomaterial applications
Authors: Medeiros Gabriela Brunosi , de Souza Paulo Ricardo , Retamiro Karina Miyuki , Nakamura Celso Vataru , Muniz Edvani Curti , Corradini Elisângela
Published: April 2021

The production of polymer fibers from the combination of zein and PEO might have great potential in the field of biomaterial. Zein/PEO fibers were obtained in this work through solution electrospinning. An experimental design, 24‐1, was used for evaluating the influences of PEO content in the blend, distance from the needle tip to the collector, applied electric voltage and solution flow for average fiber diameter and relative‐yield process. Beyond this, the relationship between PEO content in the blend and the fiber properties were evaluated through FTIR, DSC, TG, tensile tests, and cytotoxic tests. The factor that exerts the greatest effect on the average fiber diameter response was the electrical voltage. The increase in PEO content in the blend decreased the thermal stability and increased the degree of the fibers' crystallinity. The mechanical tests showed that fibers with higher elongation were obtained at richer PEO blends. The fibers presented cytocompatible characteristics.
Copper: An Intracellular Achilles’ Heel Allowing the Targeting of Epigenetics, Kinase Pathways, and Cell Metabolism in Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Michniewicz Filip , Saletta Federica , Rouaen Jourdin R. C. , Hewavisenti Rehana V. , Mercatelli Daniele , Cirillo Giuseppe , Giorgi Federico M. , Trahair Toby , Ziegler David , Vittorio Orazio
Published: April 2021

Copper is an essential transition metal frequently increased in cancer known to strongly influence essential cellular processes. Targeted therapy protocols utilizing both novel and repurposed drug agents initially demonstrate strong efficacy, before failing in advanced cancers as drug resistance develops and relapse occurs. Overcoming this limitation involves the development of strategies and protocols aimed at a wider targeting of the underlying molecular changes. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase signaling pathways, epigenetic mechanisms and cell metabolism are among the most common therapeutic targets, with molecular investigations increasingly demonstrating the strong influence each mechanism exerts on the others. Interestingly, all these mechanisms can be influenced by intracellular copper. We propose that copper chelating agents, already in clinical trial for multiple cancers, may simultaneously target these mechanisms across a wide variety of cancers, serving as an excellent candidate for targeted combination therapy. This review summarizes the known links between these mechanisms, copper, and copper chelation therapy.
Multispecies integrated population model reveals bottom‐up dynamics in a seabird predator–prey system
Authors: Quéroué Maud , Barbraud Christophe , Barraquand Frédéric , Turek Daniel , Delord Karine , Pacoureau Nathan , Gimenez Olivier
Published: April 2021

Assessing the effects of climate and interspecific relationships on communities is challenging because of the complex interplay between species population dynamics, their interactions, and the need to integrate information across several biological levels (individuals, populations, communities). Usually used to quantify single‐species demography, integrated population models (IPMs) have recently been extended to communities. These models allow fitting multispecies matrix models to data from multiple sources while simultaneously accounting for uncertainty in each data source. We used multispecies IPMs accommodating climatic variables to quantify the relative contribution of climate vs. interspecific interactions on demographic parameters, such as survival and breeding success, in the dynamics of a predator–prey system. We considered a stage‐structured predator–prey system combining 22 yr of capture–recapture data and population counts of two seabirds, the Brown Skua (Catharacta lönnbergi) and its main prey the Blue Petrel (Halobaena caerulea), both breeding on the Kerguelen Islands in the Southern Ocean. Our results showed that climate and predator–prey interactions drive the demography of skuas and petrels in different ways. The breeding success of skuas appeared to be largely driven by the number of petrels and to a lesser extent by intraspecific density dependence. In contrast, there was no evidence of predation effects on the demographic parameters of petrels, which were affected by oceanographic factors. We conclude that bottom‐up mechanisms are the main drivers of this skua–petrel system.
Competition for food reduces disease susceptibility in a marine invertebrate
Authors: Pernet Fabrice , Lugué Klervi , Petton Bruno
Published: April 2021

Competition between organisms interfere in host and pathogen dynamics in ways that are difficult to predict. By one side, competitors can reduce the food supply and cause nutritional stress. Such stress could further modulate the susceptibility to infection by altering immune response or metabolic rate of the host. Alternatively, competitors may trap pathogens before they reach the focal host, and therefore reduce, enhance, or have no effect on infection according to the competitor's susceptibility to the infection. To better understand how competition influences host and pathogen interactions, we experimentally assessed the relative importance of competition for pathogens and resources on the severity of a viral disease infecting the Pacific oysterCrassostrea gigas. We designed an open‐flow system where food enriched seawater flowed to filter‐feeding competitors (or empty controls) before being delivered to recipient oysters. We tested a range of competing species that exhibit both low (ascidians, European oysters, mussels) and high (Pacific oysters) susceptibility to the virus. We assessed the physiological condition of the recipient oysters during acclimation, we added virus‐contaminated seawater upstream of the distribution system, and we monitored host and pathogen dynamics. We found that the presence of competitors, regardless of susceptibility to the virus, indirectly reduced the infection rate of hosts by decreasing their food ingestion and growth rates. Although competitors can reduce viral particles from the seawater, this had no effect on the host population. Our data suggest that the effect of competition for food overwhelmed that of competition for pathogens, thus emphasizing the importance of considering resource availability in host and pathogen dynamics. More particularly, resource availability can have positive effects at the individual level, fostering physiological condition and growth, but negative effects at the population level, increasing magnitude of epidemics.
Effects of timber harvest on survival and movement of stream salamanders in a managed forest landscape
Authors: Halloran Kelly M. , Guzy Jacquelyn C. , Homyack Jessica A. , Willson John D.
Published: April 2021

With escalating anthropogenic alteration of landscapes worldwide, managed forests are increasingly important as providers of ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a balance between producing forest products and biodiversity conservation. Several studies have reported negative effects of forest management on terrestrial plethodontid salamanders, but fewer have focused on stream‐dwelling species or evaluated mechanisms for shifts in their abundance (e.g., mortality vs. movement). We used a before–after–control–impact design to examine the effects of clear‐cut harvesting on a semi‐aquatic stream‐breeding salamander endemic to the Ouachita Mountains,Desmognathus brimleyorum. We conducted a three‐year capture–mark–recapture (CMR) study at three streams within a managed pine (Pinusspp.) landscape in west‐central Arkansas, USA. Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands surrounding two of the streams were clear‐cut (leaving a 14–21 m wide forested buffer on each side of the stream) midway through the study; the third stream served as a control site and remained unharvested. We estimated apparent survival using open CMR models and compared salamander movement over time and between harvested and control streams. Overall, our models revealed seasonal and temporal variation in salamander survival and abundance, but little evidence for strong immediate effects of timber harvesting on post‐metamorphic salamanders within two years postharvest. However, there was increased salamander movement at sites where forest harvest occurred. Our results suggest that streamside buffers of at least 14–28 m on either side of a stream are effective for minimizing immediate effects of forestry activities on juvenile and adult stream‐dwelling salamanders, when timber harvest occurs in the winter months. These results will inform management decisions aimed at conserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity in managed forest landscapes while also filling a critical gap in the knowledge of stream salamander demographic parameters.
Evaluation of nitrogen fertility and plant growth regulator impacts on annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis) oviposition and larval survivorship
Authors: Simard Audrey , Czyzewski Benjamin D. , Price Garrett Y. , McGraw Benjamin A.
Published: April 2021

The annual bluegrass weevil (Listronotus maculicollis), is the most destructive insect pest of fine turf found on golf courses in eastern North America. Although considerable densities of adults may be found on putting greens in spring following emergence from overwintering, larval damage in these areas is rare. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) putting surfaces are frequently treated with nitrogen and plant growth regulators during this time. We assessed whether these inputs alone and in combination influenced L. maculicollis oviposition site selection, larval fitness, or survival. Significantly more females were found in high‐nitrogen (39 kg N ha–1 mo–1) treatments in laboratory preference assays, though significantly more eggs were found in the moderate concentration treatments (19.5 kg N ha–1 mo–1). Choice and no‐choice assays demonstrated an ovipositional preference for the moderate nitrogen rate as well, though no fitness advantage was observed. Given that most P. annua greens management programs include plant growth regulation, field experiments were conducted to assess ovipositional preference in P annua treated with various nitrogen concentrations (4.88, 19.5 and 39 kg N ha–1 mo–1) in combination with a gibberellic acid inhibitor (trinexapac‐ethyl) and/or a seedhead suppressor (ethephon). Significantly fewer larvae were found in trinexapac‐ethyl treatments in two of the three years of study, with significantly higher counts in the other year. No differences were detected in larval survival or fitness related to nitrogen in any year. Taken together, these findings suggest that fertility regimes are not likely to influence L. maculicollis development, though further studies are needed to assess the effects of trinexapac‐ethyl.
The AC conductivity of human sweat ducts as the dominant factor in the sub‐THz reflection coefficient of skin
Authors: Betzalel Noa , Ben Ishai Paul , Einav Sharon , Feldman Yuri
Published: April 2021

The helical nature of human sweat ducts, combined with the morphological and dielectric properties of skin, suggests electromagnetic activity in the sub‐THz frequency band. A detailed electromagnetic simulation model of the skin, with embedded sweat ducts, was created. The model includes realistic dielectric properties based on the measured water content of each layer of skin, derived from Raman Spectroscopy. The model was verified by comparing it to measurements of the reflection coefficient of the palms of 13 volunteers in the frequency band 350–410 GHz. They were subjected to a measurement protocol intended to induce mental stress, thereby also activating the sweat glands. The Galvanic Skin Response was concurrently measured. Using the simulation model the optimal ac‐conductivity for each measurement was found. The range of variation for all subjects was found to be from 100 S/m to a maximum value of 6000 S/m with averages of 1000 S/m. These are one order of magnitude increase from the accepted values for water at these frequencies (~100 s/m at 100 GHz). Considering the known biochemical mechanism for inducing perspiration, we conclude that these ac‐conductivity levels are probably valid, even though the real time measurements of sweat ac‐conductivity levels inside the duct are inaccessible.
Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Radiomics and Multilayer Perceptron Network Classifier: An approach for Predicting Fibroblast Activation Protein Expression in Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Meng Yinghao , Zhang Hao , Li Qi , Xing Pengyi , Liu Fang , Cao Kai , Fang Xu , Li Jing , Yu Jieyu , Feng Xiaochen , Ma Chao , Wang Li , Jiang Hui , Lu Jianping , Bian Yun , Shao Chengwei
Published: April 2021

Background

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is closely related to the prognosis and treatment of patients. Accurate preoperative FAP expression can better identify the population benefitting from FAP‐targeting drugs.

Purpose

To develop and validate a machine learning classifier based on noncontrast MRI for the preoperative prediction of FAP expression in patients with PDAC.

Study Type

Retrospective cohort study.

Population

Altogether, 129 patients with pathology‐confirmed PDAC undergoing MR scan and surgical resection; 90 patients in a training cohort, and 39 patients in a validation cohort.

Field Strength/Sequence/3T

Breath‐hold single‐shot fast‐spin echo T2‐weighted sequence and unenhanced and noncontrast T1‐weighted fat‐suppressed sequences.

Assessment

FAP expression was quantified using immunohistochemistry. For each patient, 1409 radiomics features were extracted from T1‐ and T2‐weighted images and reduced using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression algorithm. A multilayer perceptron (MLP) network classifier was developed using the training and validation set. The MLP network classifier performance was determined by its discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility.

Statistical Tests

Kaplan–Meier estimates, student's t‐test, the Kruskal–Wallis H test, and the chi‐square test, univariable regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curve analysis were used.

Results

A log‐rank test showed that the survival of patients with low FAP expression (24.43 months) was significantly longer (P < 0.05) than that in the FAP‐high group (13.50 months). The prediction model showed good discrimination in the training set (area under the curve [AUC], 0.84) and the validation set (AUC, 0.77). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the training set were 75.00%, 79.41%, 0.77, 0.86, and 0.66, respectively, whereas those for the validation set were 85.00%, 63.16%, 0.74, 0.71, and 0.80, respectively.

Data Conclusions

The MLP network classifier based on noncontrast MRI can accurately predict FAP expression in patients with PDAC.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Two‐Step Strategy for Optimizing the Preoperative Classification of Adnexal Masses in a University Hospital, Using International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Models
Authors: Esquivel Villabona Alba Liliana , Rodríguez Juan Nicolás , Ayala Nathalia , Buriticá Catalina , Gómez Alejandra Catalina , Velandia Aura Milena , Rodríguez Nadiezhda , Alcázar Juan Luis
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the performance of a two‐step strategy compared with the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) ‐ Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model for preoperative classification of adnexal masses.

Methods

An ambispective diagnostic accuracy study based on ultrasound data collected at one university hospital between 2012 and 2018. Two ultrasonographers classified the adnexal masses using IOTA Simple Rules (first step). Not classifiable masses were evaluated using the IOTA ADNEX model (second step). Also, all masses were classified using the IOTA ADNEX model. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR−), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were estimated. A P value of <.05 was used to determine statistical significance.

Results

The study included 548 patients and 606 masses. Patients' median age was 41 years with an interquartile range between 32 and 51 years. In the first step, 89 (14%) masses were not classifiable. In the second step, 55 (61.8%) masses were classified as malignant. Furthermore, for the totality of 606 masses, the IOTA ADNEX model estimated the probability that 126 (20.8%) masses were malignant. The two‐step strategy had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, LR−, and ROC curve of 86.8%, 91.01%, 51.9%, 98.4%, 9.7, 0.1, and 0.889, respectively; compared to IOTA ADNEX model that had values of 91.8%, 87.16%, 44.4%, 99%, 7.1, 0.09, and 0.895, respectively.

Conclusion

The two‐step strategy shows a similar diagnostic performance when compared to the IOTA ADNEX model. The IOTA ADNEX model involves only one step and can be more practical, and thus would be recommended to use.
Coordination Polymers Based on Amphiphilic Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes and Transition Metal Ions (Co2 +, Ni2+): Structure and Stimuli‐Responsive Properties
Authors: Shevchenko Valery , Bliznyuk Valery , Gumenna Mariana , Klimenko Nina , Stryutsky Alexandr , Wang Junlei , Binek Christian , Chernyakova Margarita , Belikov Konstantin
Published: April 2021

Synthesis, structural organization, thermal, and magnetic properties of coordination polymers (OSS‐polymer‐Me) based on amphiphilic oligomeric silsesquioxanes (OSS) and transition metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+) are reported. The initial amphiphilic OSS containing various ratios of n‐octadecylurethane and carboxyl groups (OSS‐C18H37‐x‐COOH‐y) are characterized with two types of ordered phases. The first one is a supramolecular structure stabilized by hydrogen bonds and characterized with a specific endothermic transition on differential scanning calorimetry thermograms (Tm1). The second one is presented by crystalline domains of aliphatic chains with a melting transition peak (Tm2). Inclusion of metals has no effect on the magnitude ofTm2while leading to a decrease in the value of theTm1in comparison to the same compounds without metal. Being located in the nodes of the irregular network structure of OSS‐polymer‐Me, metal ions form ≈2 nm clusters, which connect multifunctional molecules of OSS‐C18H37‐x‐COOH‐y in a supramolecular system similar to disordered metal‐organic framework. The OSS‐polymer‐Me nanocomposites display superparamagnetic properties determined by an adaptive behavior of the intermolecular network. The latter can be modified by the application of an external magnetic field and/or moderate heat.
Methylglyoxal‐Lysine Dimer, an Advanced Glycation End Product, Induces Inflammation via Interaction with RAGE in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Lee Hee‐Weon , Gu Min Ji , Lee Jee‐Young , Lee Seungju , Kim Yoonsook , Ha Sang Keun
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and receptor of advanced glycation end products (RAGE) mediate renal function during diabetic and non‐diabetic nephropathy development. Methylglyoxal‐lysine dimer (MOLD), a typical toxic advanced glycation end product (TAGE), contributes to inflammatory responses during renal diseases. This study determines the effect of MOLD on inflammatory responses in mouse mesangial cells.

Methods and Results

The murine mesangial cell line SV40 MES 13 is used to assess nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondria labeling. The interaction model between RAGE and MOLD is also determined. MOLD treatment of mesangial cells markedly increases RAGE expression and the linkage with V‐type Ig domain of RAGE. MOLD induces ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction. MOLD activates phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐protein kinase B (PI3KB) and NF‐κB signaling pathways. It is confirmed that these changes are reversed when ROS is suppressed. These effects may be regulated through mitogen‐activated protein kinases and pro‐inflammatory cytokines in circulatory inflammation responses.

Conclusion

MOLD plays a major role in nephropathy via ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction through direct association with RAGE. Further, the NF‐kB and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways triggered by ROS mediate the inflammatory response to exacerbate MOLD‐induced damages in inflammation‐related diabetic and non‐diabetic renal diseases.
Incorporation of residual attention modules into two neural networks for low‐dose CT denoising
Authors: Li Mei , Du Qiang , Duan Luwen , Yang Xiaodong , Zheng Jian , Jiang Haochuan , Li Ming
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The low‐dose computed tomography (CT) imaging can reduce the damage caused by x‐ray radiation to the human body. However, low‐dose CT images have a different degree of artifacts than conventional CT images, and their resolution is lower than that of conventional CT images, which can affect disease diagnosis by clinicians. Therefore, methods for noise‐level reduction and resolution improvement in low‐dose CT images have inevitably become a research hotspot in the field of low‐dose CT imaging.

Methods

In this paper, residual attention modules (RAMs) are incorporated into the residual encoder–decoder convolutional neural network (RED‐CNN) and generative adversarial network with Wasserstein distance (WGAN) to learn features that are beneficial to improving the performances of denoising networks, and developed models are denoted as RED‐CNN‐RAM and WGAN‐RAM, respectively. In detail, RAM is composed of a multi‐scale convolution module and an attention module built on the residual network architecture, where the attention module consists of a channel attention module and a spatial attention module. The residual network architecture solves the problem of network degradation with increased network depth. The function of the attention module is to learn which features are beneficial to reduce the noise level of low‐dose CT images to reduce the loss of detail in the final denoising images, which is also the key point of the proposed algorithms.

Results

To develop a robust network for low‐dose CT image denoising, multidose‐level torso phantom images provided by a cooperating equipment vendor are used to train the network, which can improve the network’s adaptability to clinical application. In addition, a clinical dataset is used to test the network’s migration capabilities and clinical applicability. The experimental results demonstrate that these proposed networks can effectively remove noise and artifacts from multidose CT scans. Subjective and objective analyses of multiple groups of comparison experiments show that the proposed networks achieve good noise suppression performance while preserving the image texture details.

Conclusion

In this study, two deep learning network models are developed using multidose‐level CT images acquired from a commercial spiral CT scanner. The two network models can reduce and even remove streaking artifacts, and noise from low‐dose CT images confirms the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.