bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Multiscale TROPIcal CatchmentS critical zone observatory M‐TROPICS dataset I: The Nyong River Basin, Cameroon
Authors: Audry Stéphane , Ateba Bessa Henriette , Bedimo Bedimo Jean‐Pierre , Boeglin Jean‐Loup , Boithias Laurie , Braun Jean‐Jacques , Dupré Bernard , Faucheux Mikael , Lagane Christelle , Maréchal Jean‐Christophe , Ndam‐Ngoupayou Jules Remy , Nka Nnomo Bernadette , Nlozoa Justin , Ntonga Jean‐Claude , Ribolzi Olivier , Riotte Jean , Rochelle‐Newall Emma , Ruiz Laurent
Published: March 2021

Simultaneously acquiring time series of climate, hydrology and hydrochemical data over decades on river systems is pivotal to understand the complex interactions involving rock, soil water, air and biota in the Critical Zone, to build integrated modelling and to propose predictive scenarios. Among the Critical Zone Observatories (CZOs) implemented in the past 25 years, only a few are located in the humid Tropics despite the importance of these regions in terms of population density, fast‐changing land use, biodiversity hotspots, biomass stock on continents, size of river systems, etc. Since 1994, weathering and erosion processes and fluxes have been investigated at both local (experimental watershed) and regional scales in the Nyong River Basin (Cameroon) which belongs to the Critical Zone Observatories network named Multiscale TROPIcal CatchmentS (M‐TROPICS). The data shared by M‐TROPICS in Cameroon are: (1) rainfall; (2) air temperature, air relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and global radiation; (3) stream and river water level; (4) pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration; (5) major ion, alkalinity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations. The dataset already contributed to describe the water partitioning in these tropical humid watersheds, to better understand the factors controlling chemical weathering and physical erosion in tropical ecosystems, particularly the role of organic matter. The dataset also contributed to calculate elemental weathering fluxes and saprolite production rate and to propose denudation rates on tropical cratonic landscapes. Hydrological modelling allowed quantification of the geographical water sources contributing to streamflow. DOC data were used to determine greenhouse‐gas emissions and carbon budgets from African inland waters. However, long‐term solute concentrations at the outlet of a small tributary of the Nyong River exhibit non‐stationary behaviour over the last 26 years. The processes governing those fluctuations are not yet fully understood and might be related to changes in the hydrological regime, land‐cover and land‐use. The latter highlights the need for longer time‐series and continued support for CZOs particularly in the humid tropics.
The role of Escherichia coli FhlA transcriptional activator in generation of proton motive force and FOF1‐ATPase activity at pH 7.5
Authors: Gevorgyan Heghine , Khalatyan Satenik , Vassilian Anait , Trchounian Karen
Published: March 2021

Escherichia coli is able to utilize the mixture of carbon sources and produce molecular hydrogen (H2) via formate hydrogen lyase (FHL) complexes. In current work role of transcriptional activator of formate regulon FhlA in generation of fermentation end products and proton motive force, N′N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD)‐sensitive ATPase activity at 20 and 72 hr growth during utilization of mixture of glucose, glycerol, and formate were investigated. It was shown that in fhlA mutant specific growth rate was ~1.5 fold lower compared to wt, while addition of DCCD abolished the growth in fhlA but not in wt. Formate was not utilized in fhlA mutant but wt cells simultaneously utilized formate with glucose. Glycerol utilization started earlier (from 2 hr) in fhlA than in wt. The DCCD‐sensitive ATPase activity in wt cells membrane vesicles increased ~2 fold at 72 hr and was decreased 70% in fhlA. Addition of formate in the assays increased proton ATPase activity in wt and mutant strain. FhlA absence mainly affected the ΔpH but not ΔΨ component of Δp in the cells grown at 72 hr but not in 24 hr. The Δp in wt cells decreased from 24 to 72 hr of growth ~40 mV while in fhlA mutant it was stable. Taken together, it is suggested that FhlA regulates the concentration of fermentation end products and via influencing FOF1‐ATPase activity contributes to the proton motive force generation.
Raman 18O‐labeling of bacteria in visible and deep UV‐ranges
Authors: Azemtsop Matanfack Georgette , Pistiki Aikaterini , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Raman stable isotope labeling with 2H, 13C or 15N has been reported as an elegant approach to investigate cellular metabolic activity, which is of great importance to reveal the functions of microorganisms in native environments. A new strategy termed Raman 18O‐labeling was developed to probe the metabolic activity of bacteria. Raman 18O‐labeling refers to the combination of Raman microspectroscopy with 18O‐labeling using H218O. At an excitation wavelength of 532 nm, the incorporation of 18O into the amide I group of proteins and DNA/RNA bases was observed in Escherichia coli cells, while for an excitation wavelength electronically resonant with DNA or aromatic amino acid absorption at 244 nm 18O assimilation was detected using chemometric tools rather than visual inspection. Raman 18O‐labeling at 532 nm combined with 2D correlation analysis confirmed the assimilation of 18O in proteins and nucleic acids and revealed the growth strategy of E. coli cells; they underwent protein synthesis followed by nucleic acid synthesis. Independent cultural replicates at different incubation times corroborated the reproducibility of these results. The variations in spectral features of 18O‐labeled cells revealed changes in physiological information of cells. Hence, Raman 18O‐labeling could provide a powerful tool to identify metabolically active bacterial cells.
Enhancing the soft‐tissue integration of dental implant abutments—in vitro study to reveal an optimized microgroove surface design to maximize spreading and alignment of human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Doll Patrick W. , Husari Ayman , Ahrens Ralf , Spindler Bruno , Guber Andreas E. , Steinberg Thorsten
Published: March 2021

Within this work, we demonstrate the influences of different microgrooved surface topographies on the alignment and spreading of human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells and present the optimal parameters for an improved soft‐tissue integration design for dental implant abutments for the first time. Microgrooves with lateral widths from 2.5 to 75 μm were fabricated by UV‐lithography and wet etching on bulk Ti6Al4V ELI material. The microstructured surfaces were compared to polished and ground surfaces as current state of the art. The resulting microtopographies were analyzed using vertical scanning interferometry and scanning electron microscopy. Samples loaded with HGF cells were incubated for 8 and 72 hr and cell orientation, spreading, resulting area, and relative gene expression were analyzed. The effect of contact guidance occurred on all microstructured surfaces yet there is a clear preferable range for the lateral widths of the microgrooves between approx. 11.5 and 13.9 μm and depths between 1.6 and 2.4 μm for an abutment surface design, where cell orientation and spreading maximizes. For structures larger than 30 μm, cell orientation, spreading and even gene expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and yes‐associated protein decrease.
Relational Spending in Funerals: Caring for Others Loved and Lost
Authors: Whitley Sarah C. , Garcia‐Rada Ximena , Bardhi Fleura , Ariely Dan , Morewedge Carey K.
Published: March 2021

Funeral rituals perform important social functions for families and communities, but little is known about the motives of people planning funerals. Using mixed methods, we examine funeral planning as end‐of‐life relational spending. We identify how relational motives drive and manifest in funeral planning, even when the primary recipient of goods and services is dead. Qualitative interviews with consumers who had planned pre‐COVID funerals (N = 15) reveal a caring orientation drives funeral decision‐making for loved ones and for self‐planned funerals. Caring practices manifest in three forms: (a) balancing preferences between the planner, deceased, and surviving family; (b) making personal sacrifices; and (c) spending amount (Study 1). Archival funeral contract data (N = 385) reveal supporting quantitative evidence of caring‐driven funeral spending. Planners spend more on funerals for others and underspend on their own funerals (Study 2). Preregistered experiments (N = 1,906) addressing selection bias replicate these results and find generalization across different funding sources (planner‐funded, other‐funded, and insurance; Studies 3A–3C). The findings elucidate a ubiquitous, emotional, and financially consequential decision process at the end of life.
COVID‐19 pandemic and its impact on dental students: A multi‐institutional survey
Authors: Klaassen Hannah , Ashida Sato , Comnick Carissa L. , Xie Xian Jin , Smith Becky M. , Tabrizi Maryam , Arsenault Karin , Capin Oriana R. , Scully Allison C. , da Mata Cristiane , Soto Annetty P. , Dias Ribeiro Ana Paula , Prince David , Christensen Angela , Giner‐Tarrida Lluís , Satorres Nieto Marta , León Soraya , Gambetta‐Tessini Karla , Santos Mateus B. F. , Dias da Silva Marco Antonio , Pereira Andresa C. , Dias do Carmo Elaine , Aurora Stabile Gonnelli Fernanda , Carvalho Fabíola G. , Collares Kaue , Bervian Juliane , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael , Jerfeson dos Santos Gonçalves Francisco , Bueno‐Silva Bruno , Estela Haddad Ana , Gurgel Bruno César de Vasconcelos , Alves Polliana M. , Shigli Kamal , Nayak Sushma S. , Nayak Prajna P. , Murugaboopathy Vikneshan , Savitha PN , Murthy Varsha , Deshpande Saee , Marchini Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Purpose/objectives

To investigate dental students’ perceptions and concerns regarding the COVID‐19 pandemic, their coping strategies and support resources, and their perceived stress levels.

Methods

A customized 19‐item survey and the perceived stress scale (PSS) were applied to undergraduate dental students from the US, Spain, Ireland, Chile, India, and Brazil between April 10 and July 5, 2020. Linear modeling and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationships among demographics, stressors, coping mechanisms, social support, and stress

Results

A total of 4475 students responded to the survey. The majority (72.4%) were women, and 52.3% had no COVID‐19 training at the time of the survey. The students reported that they had to accommodate to changes in patient care (96.6%) and didactic learning (95.2%) activities, while 88.5% of the respondents indicated at least one of their courses moved online. Transition to online courses went “smoothly with some troubles” for 51.8% of the respondents, and 48.3% perceived the faculty as prepared for the online transition; however, 45.9% reported feeling extremely concerned about the impact of COVID‐19 on their education. The average PSS score was 21.9 of 40 (moderate stress). Multivariate models were built for participants with full data (n = 3899). Being male, having completed more dental coursework, and perceiving a smoother transition were associated with lower PSS scores; more concern about academic progress was associated with higher PSS. Faculty support mediated the relationship between a smoothness of transition and concern about academic progress and PSS scores

Conclusion

Stress caused by the pandemic may be alleviated by smoother transition and good faculty support.
Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) use air‐breathing and aquatic surface respiration when exposed to severe aquatic hypercarbia
Authors: Morgan Rachael , Tunnah Louise , Tuong Dang D. , Hjelmstedt Per , Nhu Pham N. , Stiller Kevin T. , Phuong Nguyen Thanh , Huong Do Thi Thanh , Bayley Mark , Wang Tobias , Milsom William K.
Published: March 2021

We investigated the extent to which the facultative air‐breathing fish, the striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), uses air‐breathing to cope with aquatic hypercarbia, and how air‐breathing is influenced by the experimental exposure protocol and level of hypercarbia. We exposed individuals to severe aquatic hypercarbia (up to PwCO2 = 81 mmHg) using step‐wise and progressive exposure protocols while measuring gill ventilation rate, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and air‐breathing frequency, as well as arterial blood pH and PCO2. We confirm that P. hypophthalmus is tolerant of hypercarbia. Under both protocols gill ventilation rate, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were maintained near control levels even at very high CO2 levels. We observed a marked amount of individual variation in the PwCO2 at which air‐breathing was elicited, with some individuals not responding at all. The experimental protocol also influenced the onset of air‐breathing. Air‐breathing began at lower PwCO2 in the step‐wise protocol (23 ± 4.1 mmHg) compared with the progressive protocol (46 ± 7.8 mmHg). Air‐breathing was often followed by aquatic surface respiration, at higher PCO2 (71 ± 5.2 mmHg) levels. On average, the blood PCO2 was approximately 43% lower (46 ± 2.5 mmHg) than water PwCO2 (~81 mmHg) at our highest tested CO2 level. While this suggests that aerial CO2 elimination is an effective, and perhaps critical, respiratory strategy used by P. hypophthalmus to cope with severe hypercarbia, this observation may also be explained by a long lag time required for equilibration.
Effects of change in temperature on the cardiac contractility of broad‐snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) during digestion
Authors: Lopes André G. , Monteiro Diana A. , Kalinin Ana L.
Published: March 2021

In many reptiles, digestion has been associated with the selection of higher body temperatures, the so‐called post‐prandial thermophilic response. This study aimed to investigate the excitation–contraction (E–C) coupling in postprandial broad‐snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris) in response to acute warming within a preferred body temperature range of crocodiles. Isometric preparations subjected to a temperature transition from 25°C to 30°C were used to investigate myocardial contractility of postprandial caimans, that is, 48 h after the animals ingested a rodent meal corresponding to 15% of body mass. The caiman heart exhibits a negative force–frequency relationship that is independent of the temperature. At 25°C, cardiac muscle was able to maintain a constant force up to 36 bpm, above which it decreased significantly, reaching minimum values at the highest frequency of 84 bpm. Moreover, E–C coupling is predominantly dependent on transsarcolemmal Ca2+ transport denoted by the lack of significant ryanodine effects on force generation. On the contrary, ventricular strips at 30°C were able to sustain the cardiac contractility at higher pacing frequencies (from 12 to 144 bpm) due to an important role of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in Ca2+ cycling, as indicated by the decay of the post‐rest contraction, and a significant contribution of the sarcoplasmic reticulum above 72 bpm. Our results demonstrated that the myocardium of postprandial caimans exhibits a significant degree of thermal plasticity of E–C coupling during acute warming. Therefore, myocardial contractility can be maximized when postprandial broad‐snouted caimans select higher body temperatures (preferred temperature zone) following feeding.
Nrf2 activates antioxidant enzymes in the anoxia‐tolerant red‐eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans
Authors: Breedon Sarah A. , Hadj‐Moussa Hanane , Storey Kenneth B.
Published: March 2021

The freshwater red‐eared slider turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, experiences weeks to months of anoxia at the bottom of ice‐locked bodies of water in the winter. While this introduces anoxia‐reoxygenation cycles similar to the ischemia‐reperfusion events that mammals experience, T. s. elegans does not suffer any apparent tissue damage. To survive prolonged anoxia and prevent cellular damage associated with reactive oxygen species, these turtles have developed numerous adaptions, including highly effective antioxidant defenses. Herein, we examined the subcellular localization and protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a central transcription factor responsible for modulating cellular antioxidant responses, that was found to be upregulated and localized to the nucleus in anoxic turtles. Additionally, we examined protein levels of glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) antioxidant enzymes in anoxic liver, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle tissues. MnSOD levels were significantly higher in heart and muscle during anoxia, and the four GST isozymes (GSTK1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and GSTM3) were elevated in a tissue‐specific manner during anoxia and/or aerobic recovery. Together, these results indicate that Nrf2 is likely involved in activating downstream antioxidant genes in response to anoxic stress. These results provide a possible Nrf2‐mediated transcriptional mechanism that supports existing findings of enhanced antioxidant defenses that allow T. s. elegans to cope with anoxia‐reoxygenation cycles, and subsequent oxidative stress.
On the sequence heterochrony of cranial ossification of bats in light of Haeckel's recapitulation theory
Authors: Nojiri Taro , Tu Vuong Tan , Sohn Joon Hyuk , Koyabu Daisuke
Published: March 2021

Haeckel's recapitulation theory has been a controversial topic in evolutionary biology. However, we have seen some recent cases applying Haeckel's view to interpret the interspecific variation of prenatal ontogeny. To revisit the validity of Haeckel's recapitulation theory, we take bats that have undergone drastic morphological changes and possess a characteristic ecology as a case study. All members of Rhinolophoidea and Yangochiroptera can generate an ultrasonic pulse from the larynx to interpret surrounding objects (laryngeal echolocation) whereas Pteropodidae lacks such ability. It is known that the petrosal bone is particularly derived in shape and expanded in laryngeal echolocators. If Haeckel's recapitulation theory holds, the formation of this derived trait should occur later than those of other bones. Therefore, we compared the prenatal ossification timing of the petrosal in 15 bat species and five outgroup species. We found that the ossification of the petrosal is accelerated in laryngeal echolocators while it is the last bone to ossify in non‐laryngeal echolocating bats and non‐volant mammals, which runs counter to the prediction generated by Haeckel's recapitulation theory. We point out the evolutionarily labile nature of trait developmental timing and emphasize that Haeckel's recapitulation theory does not hold in many cases. We caution that generating predictions on ancestral conditions and evolutionary history leading from Haeckel's recapitulation theory is not well supported.
Validation of the liver traffic light test as a predictive model for survival and development of liver‐related events
Authors: Sylvester Rochelle , Hydes Theresa J , Hales Alan , Williams Roger , Sheron Nick
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim

Liver disease mortality rates continue to rise due to late diagnosis. We need noninvasive tests to be made available in the community that can identify patients at risk from a serious liver‐related event (SLE). We examine the performance of a blood test, the liver traffic light test (LTLT), with regard to its ability to predict survival and SLEs.

Methods

Using routinely gathered clinical data, sequential LTLT test results from 4854 individuals with suspected liver disease were prospectively analyzed (median follow‐up 41 months). An SLE was defined as the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, ascites, or varices. Patients were graded as follows: red (high risk), amber (intermediate risk), and green (low risk).

Results

Overall, 565 individuals experienced an SLE (11.6%). The area under the curve (AUC) for the continuous LTLT variable was 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.85–0.89) for prediction of an SLE and 0.81 (0.78–0.84) for mortality. When categorized into red/amber/green grades, a red LTLT result predicted an SLE with negative and positive predictive values of 0.97 and 0.29, respectively. A red LTLT score predicted mortality with negative and positive predictive values of 0.98 and 0.18, respectively. Kaplan–Meier plots demonstrated increased mortality and SLEs in the red group versus the green and amber groups (P < 0.001) and an increase in SLEs in the amber versus green group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Here, the LTLT is further validated for the prediction of survival and SLE development. The LTLT could aid primary care risk management and referral pathways with the aim of detecting and treating liver disease earlier in the general population.
High prevalence of anal high‐risk HPV infection among transwomen: estimates from a Brazilian RDS study
Authors: Jalil Emilia M , Wilson Erin C , Monteiro Laylla , de Velasque Luciane S , Ferreira Ana Cristina G , Nazer Sandro C , Friedman Ruth K , Veloso Valdilea G , Levi José Eduardo , Grinsztejn Beatriz
Published: March 2021

Introduction

As the leading sexually transmitted infection worldwide, human papillomavirus (HPV) may disproportionately affect transwomen. We aimed to estimate anal HPV prevalence, especially focusing on high‐risk (hr)‐HPV types and evaluate their associated factors among transwomen living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods

Transwomen enrolled in a respondent‐driven sampling (RDS)‐based survey conducted between August 2015 and January 2016 self‐collected anal samples, which were promptly stored at minus 80°C. After DNA extraction, HPV detection and genotyping were performed using the PapilloCheck test. We estimated HPV prevalences and evaluated the correlates of anal hr‐HPV infection using a regression logistic model.

Results

Out of 345 transwomen, 272 (78.8%) were included in this analysis (122 [44.9%] HIV‐positive). No participant had ever received HPV vaccination. Among participants enrolled, 212 (77.9%) were positive for any anal HPV type and 165 (60.7%) for hr‐HPV. Most common hr‐HPV were as follows: HPV16 (17.6%), HPV68 (14.7%), HPV39 (14.3%), HPV56 (12.5%), HPV51 (11.4%) and HPV52 (11.0%). HIV‐positive transwomen had three times the odds of having an hr‐HPV compared to HIV‐negative transwomen. Participants who had a current rectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection had 3.7 times the odds of being coinfected with hr‐HPV. Among HIV‐positive transwomen, neither antiretroviral therapy use, undetectable viral load, current and nadir CD4 counts were associated with anal hr‐HPV infection.

Conclusions

Brazilian transwomen in our study exhibit some of the highest population‐specific rates of HPV and hr‐HPV. There is an urgent need to elucidate the burden of HPV infection, prevalence of HPV‐related diseases and access to and uptake of HPV vaccination among transwomen, especially from low‐ and middle‐income settings.
Do demographics influence workforce agility score of tax professionals in Bangalore, India?
Authors: Thayyib P. V. , Khan Mohd Asif
Published: March 2021

Handling an unpredictable and ever‐changing environment has become a pressing issue for the tax consulting industry, which has experienced unprecedented changes in technology and working practices in recent years. To respond, tax consulting firms need to become more agile. Prior research has focused on workforce agility at the organizational level, paying little attention to agility at the individual level; here we set out to examine the influence of demographic factors on workforce agility. The study is based on data from 220 full‐time tax professionals in Bangalore, India, and validates a workforce agility score developed by combining seven attributes of workforce agility. It looks at the influence of age, professional qualifications, employer type, service type, and job level on agility level. The results show that workforce agility varies significantly across four out of these five dimensions (except service type) and both confirms and challenges previous work. This research also offers managers insights into the key demographics, skills, and attributes required to achieve workforce agility in technology‐driven environments such as tax consulting.
Aspects of Talc Grinding in the Presence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfonate
Authors: Farag Reham M. , El‐Midany Ayman A.
Published: March 2021

In this study, the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS), as a well‐known flotation collector, on talc grinding was investigated using a statistical design in terms of solids%, pH, grinding time, and SDS dosage taking the d80 of the ground product as a response. The results indicated that the factors under study significance order were grinding time > solids% > SDS dosage > pH. In addition, the interactions between solids % and the grinding time and between the solids% and SDS dosage significantly affected the product d80. More interestingly, the presence of SDS not only improves the grinding process at short grinding times but also it enhances the grinding at higher pH values. The optimum conditions for talc grinding are similar in the absence or presence of SDS in terms of factors under study, except for solids%. The vital role of SDS, as a grinding aid, is the production of particles with the same fineness or even finer at higher solids % which leads to an increase in the mill throughput. The smallest d80 was obtained at 60% solids, 60 min, pH 4, and 2 kg t−1 of SDS.
Surface and Biocidal Properties of Gemini Cationic Surfactants Based on Propoxylated 1,6‐Diaminohexane and Alkyl Bromides
Authors: Rahimov Ravan A. , Ahmadova Gulnara A. , Hashimzade Seyid‐Zeynab F. , Imanov Elmar , Khasiyev Hajibala G. , Karimova Nazani K. , Zubkov Fedor I.
Published: March 2021

Two new classes of gemini cationic surfactants—hexanediyl‐1,6‐bis[(isopropylol) alkylammonium] dibromide {in the abbreviation form: CnC6Cn[iPr‐OH] and CnC6Cn[iPr‐OH]2; alkyl: CnH2n + 1 with n = 9, 10, 12 and 14}—have been synthesized by interaction of alkyl bromides with N,N′‐di‐(isopropylol)‐1,6‐diaminohexane and N,N,N′,N′‐tetra‐(isopropylol)‐1,6‐diaminohexane. The surface tension, electrical conductivity, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques were used to investigate the aggregation properties of the gemini cationic surfactants in aqueous solution. The formation of critical aggregates at two concentrations in an aqueous solution from obtained gemini cationic surfactants were determined via the tensiometric method. Thus, these gemini cationic surfactants start to form aggregates at concentrations well below their critical micelle concentrations (CMC). The surface properties and the binding degree (β) of the opposite ion were tested against the length of the surfactant hydrocarbon chain and the number of the isopropylol groups in the head group. By applying the DLS technique, it was explored that how the number of isopropylol groups in gemini cationic surfactants with C12H25 chain affects the sizes of micelles at concentrations greater than CMC. It was discovered that the obtained gemini cationic surfactants have a biocidal character.
Interactions between Anionic Polyacrylamide and Cationic Gemini/Conventional Surfactants
Authors: Nishat Afreen , Azum Naved , Asiri Abdullah M. , Sardar Najam
Published: March 2021

The interaction of anionic polymer polyacrylamide and cationic Gemini surfactants, namely: α,ω‐bis(hexadecyldimethylammonium)alkane dibromides, (16‐s‐16), s = 5, 6 and their conventional counterpart cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) has been investigated by electrical conductivity, rheology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Stronger interaction of Gemini surfactants in comparison to their conventional counterpart CTAB was observed from conductivity studies, while viscosity studies show that the interaction is quite significant with Gemini surfactants. The thermodynamic parameters for interactions show feasibility of interaction between the polymer and surfactant. SEM results support the viscosity data.
Aberration‐free pupil steering Maxwellian display with wide‐view broadband polarization converters
Authors: Xiong Jianghao , Li Yannanqi , Li Kun , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: March 2021

A see‐through Maxwellian display with aberration‐free pupil steering is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The system uses a polarization‐dependent off‐axis lens coupler set fabricated with cholesteric liquid crystal. Electrically addressable polarization converters are used to switch among pupils. A wide‐view broadband polarization converter is designed accordingly.
A novel quality by design approach for development and validation of a green reversed‐phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection for the simultaneous determination of lesinurad, febuxostat, and diflunisal: Application to human plasma
Authors: Magdy Galal , Abdel Hakiem Ahmed F. , Belal Fathalla , Abdel‐Megied Ahmed M.
Published: March 2021

A novel and eco‐friendly reversed‐phase HPLC method with fluorescence detection was developed for simultaneous estimation of two co‐administered antigout drugs (lesinurad and febuxostat) with diflunisal as a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug. Unlike routine methodology, the developed method was optimized using analytical quality by design approach. A full factorial design was applied to optimize the effect of variable factors on chromatographic responses. The chromatographic separation was performed using isocratic elution on the Hypersil BDS C18 column at 40°C. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:potassium phosphate buffer (30.0 mM; pH 5.5, 32.2:67.8% v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and injection volume of 20.0 μL was employed. The proposed method was able to separate the ternary mixture in <10 min. The calibration curves of diflunisal, lesinurad, and febuxostat were linear over concentration ranges of 50.0–500.0, 50.0–700.0, and 20.0–700.0 ng/mL, respectively. Recovery percentages ranging from 98.1 to 101.3% with % relative standard deviation of <2% were obtained upon spiking to human plasma samples, indicating high bioanalytical applicability. Furthermore, the method was found to be excellent green when it was assessed according to Green Analytical Procedure Index and analytical Eco‐Scale guidelines.
Driving frontline employees performance through mentorship, training, and interpersonal helping: The case of upscale hotels in China
Authors: Luo Zhenpeng , Ma Emily , Li Aijun
Published: March 2021

Building on signaling theory and the job demands‐resources model, this paper assessed mentorship, training and interpersonal helping's role on employee attitude and performance. Using a sample of 424 millennial young frontline employees from upscale hotels in China, results of this study suggested that training and mentorship positively influence employees' task performance both directly and indirectly (via job satisfaction), and their direct and indirect influences were similar in effect sizes; job satisfaction has a positive effect on task performance, while the moderating effect of interpersonal helping was not confirmed. This study contributes to signaling theory and job‐demands‐resources model, as well as providing important practical implications to hotel operators.
The Prevalence of Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress in Professionals and Volunteers Working With Forcibly Displaced People: A Systematic Review and Two Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Roberts Fritha , Teague Bonnie , Lee Jennifer , Rushworth Imogen
Published: March 2021

Research suggests that professionals and volunteers who work with forcibly displaced people (FDP) experience burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) as a result of working with such a highly traumatized population. In the present systematic review and meta‐analyses, we report the pooled prevalence rates of burnout and STS in individuals working both professionally and voluntarily with FDP. The CINAHL Complete, E‐Journals, ERIC, MEDLINE Complete, OpenDissertations, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published historically to September 2019. Studies (N = 15) were included and assessed for quality if (a) their sample comprised individuals working in a professional or voluntary capacity with refugees, asylum seekers, forced migrants, or displaced persons and (b) reported on an outcome of STS or burnout. Two meta‐analyses were conducted using random‐effects models to assess the prevalence of (a) burnout and (b) STS. The pooled prevalence of high‐level burnout was 29.7%, 95% CI [13.8%, 45.6%], with considerable heterogeneity between studies, Q(5) = 112.42, p < .001, I2 = 95.6%. The pooled prevalence of moderate, high, and severe STS was 45.7%, 95% CI [26.1%, 65.2%] with considerable heterogeneity between studies, Q(12) = 1,079.37, p < .001, I2 = 98.9%. Significant differences were observed in reported prevalence depending on the measure administered. This review highlights the high prevalence of high‐level burnout and moderate‐to‐severe STS reported by individuals working with FDP. The results have implications for future research, employment support for individuals working with FDP, and measure selection for assessing STS.
Vascular Imaging in the Asymptomatic High‐risk Cancer Population
Authors: Loftus James Ryan , Hu Zhongxia , Morin Burke R. , Hobbs Susan K. , Francis Charles W. , Khorana Alok A. , Rubens Deborah J. , Kaproth‐Joslin Katherine A.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

We retrospectively examined the venous thromboembolism (VTE) events diagnosed in the Prophylaxis of High‐Risk Ambulatory Cancer Patients Study (PHACS), a multi‐center randomized trial, to assess the value of screening vascular imaging for the diagnosis of incidental VTE in high‐risk cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 117 asymptomatic cancer patients with a Khorana score ≥3 starting a new systemic chemotherapy regimen were enrolled in a prospective randomized control trial. Patients underwent baseline venous ultrasound (US) of the lower extremities (LEs) and screening contrast‐enhanced chest computed tomography (CT). Those without preexisting VTE were then randomized into observation or dalteparin prophylaxis groups and were screened with serial US every 4 weeks for up to 12 weeks and imaged with contrast‐enhanced chest CT at 12 weeks. Any additional imaging performed during the study period was also evaluated for VTE.

Results

Baseline prevalence of incidental VTE was 9% (n = 10) with 58% percent of VTEs diagnosed by screening US. Incidence of VTE in the randomized phase of the trial was 16% (n = 16) with 21% (n = 10) of patients in the control arm and 12% (n = 6) of patients in the dalteparin arm developing VTE, a non‐significant 9% absolute risk reduction (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.23–1.89). Sixty‐nine percent of these patients were asymptomatic with 31% of patients diagnosed by screening US.

Conclusions

Adding screening US to routine oncologic surveillance CT in high‐risk ambulatory cancer patients with a Khorana score ≥3 can lead to increased VTE detection, with potential for decreased morbidity, mortality, and health care spending.
Diaphragm and Phrenic Nerve Ultrasound in COVID‐19 Patients and Beyond
Authors: Patel Zaid , Franz Colin K. , Bharat Ankit , Walter James M. , Wolfe Lisa F , Koralnik Igor J. , Deshmukh Swati
Published: March 2021

The diaphragm, the principle muscle of inspiration, is an under‐recognized contributor to respiratory disease. Dysfunction of the diaphragm can occur secondary to lung disease, prolonged ventilation, phrenic nerve injury, neuromuscular disease, and central nervous system pathology. In light of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), there has been growing interest in the utility of ultrasound for evaluation of respiratory symptoms including lung and diaphragm sonography. Diaphragm ultrasound can be utilized to diagnose diaphragm dysfunction, assess severity of dysfunction, and monitor disease progression. This article reviews diaphragm and phrenic nerve ultrasound and describes clinical applications in the context of COVID‐19.
Trans‐Spinal Direct Current Stimulation for Managing Primary Orthostatic Tremor
Authors: Lamy Jean‐Charles , Varriale Pasquale , Apartis Emmanuelle , Mehdi Sophien , Blancher‐Meinadier Anne , Kosutzka Zuzana , Degos Bertrand , Frismand Solène , Simonetta‐Moreau Marion , Meunier Sabine , Roze Emmanuel , Vidailhet Marie
Published: March 2021

Background

Primary orthostatic tremor (POT) is a rare disorder, characterized by 13 to 18 Hz tremor in the legs when standing and is often refractory to medical treatment. Epidural spinal cord stimulation has been proposed as an alternative treatment. However, this approach is invasive, which limits its application.

Objective

Trans‐spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is a non‐invasive method to modulate spinal cord circuits. The aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to investigate the potential beneficial effect of tsDCS in POT.

Methods

We conducted a double‐blind, sham‐controlled study in 16 patients with POT. In two separate visits, patients received sham tsDCS first followed by active (either cathodal or anodal) tsDCS. The primary outcome was the change in time in standing position. Secondary outcomes comprised quantitative assessment of tremor, measurement of corticospinal excitability including short‐latency afferent inhibition, and clinical global impression‐improvement (CGI‐I). Measurements were made at baseline, after sham tsDCS, 0–30 min, and 30–60 min after active conditions.

Results

Cathodal‐tsDCS reduced tremor amplitude and frequency and lowered corticospinal excitability whereas anodal‐tsDCS reduced tremor frequency only. CGI‐I scores positively correlated with the time in standing position after both active tsDCS conditions.

Conclusion

A single session of tsDCS can improve instability in POT. This opens a new vista for experimental treatment options using multiple sessions of spinal DC stimulation. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Allogeneic Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Safety in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Schiess Mya , Suescun Jessika , Doursout Marie‐Francoise , Adams Christopher , Green Charles , Saltarrelli Jerome G. , Savitz Sean , Ellmore Timothy M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in PD pathogenesis, and allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells can be used as an immunomodulatory therapy.

Objective

The objective of this study was to prove the safety and tolerability of intravenous allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in PD patients.

Methods

This was a 12‐month single‐center open‐label dose‐escalation phase 1 study of 20 subjects with mild/moderate PD assigned to a single intravenous infusion of 1 of 4 doses: 1, 3, 6, or 10 × 106 allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells/kg, evaluated 3, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postinfusion. Primary outcome safety measures included transfusion reaction, study‐related adverse events, and immunogenic responses. Secondary outcomes included impact on peripheral markers, PD progression, and changes in brain perfusion.

Results

There were no serious adverse reactions related to the infusion and no responses to donor‐specific human leukocyte antigens. Most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were dyskinesias (20%, n = 4) with 1 emergent and 3 exacerbations; and hypertension (20%, n = 4) with 3 transient episodes and 1 requiring medical intervention. One possibly related serious adverse event occurred in a patient with a 4‐year history of lymphocytosis who developed asymptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Peripheral inflammation markers appear to be reduced at 52 weeks in the highest dose including, tumor necrosis factor‐α (P < 0.05), chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 22 (P < 0.05), whereas brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (P < 0.05) increased. The highest dose seems to have demonstrated the most significant effect at 52 weeks, reducing the OFF state UPDRS motor, −14.4 (P < 0.01), and total, −20.8 (P < 0.05), scores.

Conclusion

A single intravenous infusion of allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells at doses of 1, 3, 6, or 10 × 106 allogeneic bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells/kg is safe, well tolerated, and not immunogenic in mild/moderate PD patients. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Field condemns hate‐fueled attacks of Asian Americans, offers MH supports
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2021

Earlier this month, a senseless tragedy related to racial bias against the Asian community rocked the nation, and the mental health community is weighing in with calls for available culturally competent mental health services to address training gaps and cope with discrimination issues.
Study finds most children with ACEs not receiving MH services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2021

The majority of young children with high‐risk conditions have not received mental health services, according to University of New Hampshire researchers, who say the research is considered one of the most comprehensive to examine children and teens with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and clinical behavioral health contact.
A perfusion phantom for ASL MRI based on impinging jets
Authors: Gabrielyan Marianna , Tisdall M. Dylan , Kammer Christoph , Higgins Christopher , Arratia Paulo E. , Detre John A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

We present a novel perfusion phantom for validation of arterial spin labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI methods and protocols.

Methods

Impinging jets, driven by a peristaltic pump, were used to achieve perfusion‐like mixing of magnetically labeled inflowing fluid within a perfusion compartment. The phantom was validated by varying pump rates and obtaining ASL‐MRI data at multiple postlabeling delays using a pseudo‐continuous ASL sequence with a 3D stack‐of‐spirals readout. An additional data set was acquired using a pseudo‐continuous ASL sequence with a 2D EPI readout. Phantom sensitivity to pseudo‐continuous ASL labeling efficiency was also tested.

Results

Fluid dynamics simulations predicted that maximum mixing would occur near the central axis of the perfusion compartment. Experimentally observed signal changes within this region were reproducible and well fit by the standard Buxton general kinetic model. Simulations and experimental data showed no label outflow from the perfusion chamber and calculated perfusion rates, averaged over the entire phantom volume, agreed with the expected volumetric flow rates provided by the flow pump. Phantom sensitivity to pseudo‐continuous ASL labeling parameters was also demonstrated.

Conclusion

Perfusion‐like signal can be simulated using impinging jets to create a well‐mixed compartment. Observed perfusion and transit time values were reproducible and within the physiological range for brain perfusion. This phantom design has a broad range of potential applications in both basic and clinical research involving ASL MRI.
Development Status and Trends in the Eel Farming Industry in Asia
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yuan Yongming , Dai Yunyun , Gong Yunchong , Yuan Yiqun
Published: March 2021

Global eel production has dramatically increased over the last 30 years because of the expansion of eel farming. In 2018, 47 countries were engaged in eel production, with a total output of 277,103 metric tons and a total value of US$2.67 × 109 for eel imports and exports. To better understand the development status of the eel industry, especially in China, and to protect glass eel resources and promote the healthy development of the industry, we summarize the current development status of eel culture in terms of eel production, natural recruitment, imports, and exports. Japanese and Chinese production, imports, and exports are the main focus of this study. The eel production industry is characterized by high investment, high risk, and high returns. Since the mid-1990s, China has been the world’s leading country for eel culture in terms of yield, accounting for over 80% of global yield. The profit margin is over 60% for eel farming in China. Japan has a long history of eel culture, and it is the dominant consumer market for eels, with 50% of the world’s consumption. Countermeasures and suggestions are proposed to promote the development of the eel industry due to severe problems, such as declines in wild glass eel recruitment since 2018, an increasing demand for eels, the excessive dependence on exports to the Japanese market, and the effects of environmental protection policies on the eel industry in China. These measures include protecting eel germplasm resources and developing other cultured varieties as well as developing international emerging markets and cultivating domestic markets to strengthen the eel brand. Furthermore, trade associations should be developed in order to provide information for farmers and strengthen interactions with the government.
The family traveling salesman problem with incompatibility constraints
Authors: Bernardino Raquel , Paias Ana
Published: March 2021

In this article, we propose a new variant of the family traveling salesman problem (FTSP). The FTSP is an NP‐hard problem that generalizes the traveling salesman problem. In the FTSP, the set of cities is partitioned into several families and one wants to find the minimum cost route that visits a given number of cities in each family. A new variant arises by introducing incompatibilities between families, that is, cities from incompatible families cannot be visited in the same route, and it is called the FTSP with incompatibility constraints (FTSP‐IC). We propose compact and non‐compact mixed integer linear programming models for the FTSP‐IC where the incompatibility constraints are modeled by defining paths in a compatibility graph for each family. Additionally, we present a set of valid inequalities motivated by the incompatible families. The non‐compact models and the valid inequalities were tested using a branch‐and‐cut framework. To evaluate the models we generated incompatibility matrices for benchmark instances of the FTSP, which are available in the website
http://familytsp.rd.ciencias.ulisboa.pt/. With the branch‐and‐cut algorithm, we were able to obtain the optimal value of instances with up to 127 nodes. We also developed an ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm and an iterated local search algorithm (ILS) to address the largest sized instances. Both metaheuristics are able to provide solutions for instances that the branch‐and‐cut algorithm cannot address and to improve the majority of the upper bounds obtained by the branch‐and‐cut algorithm in less computational time.
On the block Lanczos and block Golub–Kahan reduction methods applied to discrete ill‐posed problems
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulaziz , Gazzola Silvia , Reichel Lothar , Rodriguez Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

The reduction of a large‐scale symmetric linear discrete ill‐posed problem with multiple right‐hand sides to a smaller problem with a symmetric block tridiagonal matrix can easily be carried out by the application of a small number of steps of the symmetric block Lanczos method. We show that the subdiagonal blocks of the reduced problem converge to zero fairly rapidly with increasing block number. This quick convergence indicates that there is little advantage in expressing the solutions of discrete ill‐posed problems in terms of eigenvectors of the coefficient matrix when compared with using a basis of block Lanczos vectors, which are simpler and cheaper to compute. Similarly, for nonsymmetric linear discrete ill‐posed problems with multiple right‐hand sides, we show that the solution subspace defined by a few steps of the block Golub–Kahan bidiagonalization method usually can be applied instead of the solution subspace determined by the singular value decomposition of the coefficient matrix without significant, if any, reduction of the quality of the computed solution.