bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of cognitive control and emotion regulation in predicting mental health problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Tajik‐Parvinchi Diana , Farmus Linda , Tablon Modica Paula , Cribbie Robert A. , Weiss Jonathan A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Many youth with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) experience mental health problems such as anxiety, depression or anger, and these are often associated with impairments of cognition and emotion regulation. The mechanisms that may be linking cognitive difficulties, emotion regulation and mental health are not known.

Aims

The current study examined whether adaptive and maladaptive (dysregulated) emotion regulation mediated the link between different cognitive control processes (working memory, inhibition and shifting) and internalizing/externalizing symptoms in children with NDDs.

Methods

Participants included 48 children (8–13 years of age) with one or more diagnoses of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebral palsy and learning disability, who were enrolled in a larger study of cognitive behaviour therapy targeting emotion regulation. Multiple mediation analyses were implemented using the PROCESS macro. The mediation effects of adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation were examined on the relationships between (1) working memory and internalizing/externalizing symptoms, (2) inhibition and internalizing/externalizing symptoms and (3) shifting and internalizing/externalizing symptoms. All data were collected prior to intervention, at baseline.

Results

Shifting, inhibitory control and working memory predicted increased emotion dysregulation, which functioned as a full mediator to both internalizing and externalizing problems in children with NDDs.

Conclusions

In the presence of emotionally triggering situations, children with greater cognitive challenges experience greater maladaptive emotion regulation, which results in both internalizing and externalizing problems. For youth with NDDs, therapeutic plans that include strengthening of working memory, inhibition and shifting abilities in addition to emotion regulation skills training may be helpful in alleviating externalizing and internalizing behaviour.
Mothers’ Goals Influence Their Responses to Children’s Performance: An Experimental Study in the United States and Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Janice , Ng Florrie F. , Pomerantz Eva M.
Published: March 2021

This research examined the role of mothers’ self‐worth and self‐improvement goals in their responses to children’s performance in the United States (80% European American) and Hong Kong (100% Chinese). Mothers (N = 330) were induced to prioritize self‐worth or self‐improvement among children (Mage = 10.24 years; 48% girls) . Mothers induced to prioritize self‐worth (vs. self‐improvement) used more success‐oriented responses in both regions (ds = 0.53 and 0.35). Mothers induced to prioritize self‐improvement (vs. self‐worth) used more failure‐oriented responses only in the United States (d = 0.29). Mothers’ success‐oriented responses predicted more positive beliefs and affect in a cognitive task among children (βs = .10–.18). Taken together, the findings support the importance of parents’ goals in the socialization process.
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Di Benedetto P , Ruscitti P , Berardicurti O , Vomero M , Navarini L , Dolo V , Cipriani P , Giacomelli R
Published: March 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by significant vascular alterations and multi-organ fibrosis. Microvascular alterations are the first event of SSc and injured endothelial cells (ECs) may transdifferentiate towards myofibroblasts, the cells responsible for fibrosis and collagen deposition. This process is identified as endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and understanding of its development is pivotal to identify early pathogenetic events and new therapeutic targets for SSc. In this review, we have highlighted the molecular mechanisms of EndMT and summarize the evidence of the role played by EndMT during the development of progressive fibrosis in SSc, also exploring the possible therapeutic role of its inhibition.
Accelerating clinical research in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: Oertel Frederike C. , Paul Friedemann
Published: March 2021

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are rare relapsing inflammatory central nervous system diseases with a heterogenous immunological and clinical spectrum. International collaborations are required to: (i) reach a better understanding of the disease and its subtypes; (ii) develop laboratory and imaging biomarkers; and (iii) ultimately improve treatments.
Intensive intervention with families experiencing multiple and complex challenges: An alternative to child removal in a bi‐ and multi‐cultural context?
Authors: Atwool Nicola
Published: March 2021

When concerns about child safety and wellbeing are substantiated, decisions are made in the context of the options available—child(ren) remaining supported within family, short‐term removal with a plan for return home when parental issues are addressed, or permanent care placement. In New Zealand, families facing possible removal experience multiple challenges including poverty, family violence, parental mental health and substance abuse issues and historical and inter‐generational trauma. Lack of resources to facilitate the intensive intervention needed to address such complexity increases the risk that removal is seen as the only way to ensure safety. Criticism of increasing removal rates for young children with significant over‐representation of indigenous children has led to allocation of funding to establish Intensive Intervention services. New Zealand has a history of importing ‘evidence‐based’ models from other countries. A review of what is currently known about intensive intervention with families where there is risk of a child removal was undertaken to explore the challenges that might arise in our bi‐ and multi‐cultural environment. Critical factors for effective intervention are discussed before concluding with consideration of implications for other countries with histories of colonization and culturally diverse populations.
Fiscal decentralization and the default risk of Chinese local government debts
Authors: Ouyang Alice Y. , Li Rui
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the effects of fiscal decentralization on the default risk of Chinese local government debts based on data from both urban construction investment bonds and local government bonds. The empirical evidence indicates that while fiscal revenue decentralization tends to mitigate the default risk of local government debts, fiscal expenditure decentralization increases it. Four policy measures, namely, fiscal transparency, hard budget constraints, debt quotas, and local officials' ability to manage debt are also introduced to investigate how they affect the influence of fiscal decentralization on Chinese local government debt risk.
Conservation reliance and its influence on support for carnivore recovery
Authors: Serenari Christopher
Published: March 2021

The number of species reliant on consistent human intervention is rising. These species are labeled conservation‐reliant, which affords them unique resources to propagate them. A conservation reliance designation has important implications for recovery of large carnivores, particularly where private lands encompass historical ranges. As a policy tool, a conservation reliance designation may be used in conjunction with other popular instruments such as financial incentives or co‐governance to promote coexistence between carnivores and key cohorts such as landowners and hunters, who are often vocal dissidents of carnivore recovery, especially wolf recovery projects. Yet, the nascent literature on conservation reliance has yet to address the influence of conservation reliance on landowner or hunter support for carnivore conservation. This paper fills this gap with an analysis of responses from 639 landowners to explore the influence of a conservation reliance designation on intention to coexist with wild red wolves (Canis rufus) in northeast North Carolina. Findings suggest that respondents living in the red wolf recovery zone generally oppose a conservation reliance designation, a critical means to red wolf recovery. Hence, a conservation reliance designation may actually erode the value of some species they intend to preserve. Disapproval of conservation reliance poses new confronts to restoration politics and its diversity of strands, which must be woven into new ways of thinking about the ethical and political aspects of carnivore policy and management.
Repeated onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections for drooling in children with neurodisability
Authors: Bekkers Stijn , Leow Theresa YS , Van Hulst Karen , Orriëns Lynn B , Scheffer Arthur RT , Van Den Hoogen Frank JA
Published: March 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effect of repeated onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections for the treatment of drooling in children with neurodisabilities.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study, in which the first, second, and third onabotulinum neurotoxin A injection were compared within children treated between 2000 and 2020. Primary outcomes included drooling quotient, visual analogue scale (VAS), and treatment success defined as ≥50% reduction in drooling quotient and/or VAS 8 weeks after treatment. Each outcome was obtained at baseline and 8 weeks posttreatment.

Results

Seventy‐seven children were included (mean age at first injection: 8y 3mo, SD 3y 7mo, range 3–17y; 44 males, 33 females; 51.9% with cerebral palsy, 45.5% wheelchair‐bound). The objective (drooling quotient) and subjective (VAS) effect after the second injection was lower compared to the first injection. The third injection showed less objective and significantly less subjective effect compared to the first injection. An overall success rate of 74.0%, 41.6%, and 45.8% were found for the first, second, and third injection respectively.

Interpretation

Although onabotulinum neurotoxin A remained effective throughout the entire treatment course, there is less effect of subsequent onabotulinum neurotoxin A injections compared to the first. Although there might be a loss of effect after repeated injections, there is continued improvement for most children.

What this paper adds

Repeated injections show a diminished treatment effect after the second injection.

A continued improvement is seen in most patients.
Frailty is associated with a higher risk of developing delirium and cognitive impairment among patients with diabetic kidney disease: A longitudinal population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lee Szu‐Ying , Wang Jui , Chao Chia‐Ter , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Huang Jenq‐Wen
Published: March 2021

Aims

Delirium, a form of acute brain failure, exhibits a high incidence among older adults. Recent studies have implicated frailty as an under‐recognized complication of diabetes mellitus. Whether the presence of frailty increases the risk of delirium/cognitive impairment among patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains unclear.

Methods

From the longitudinal cohort of diabetes patients (LCDP) (n = 840,000) in Taiwan, we identified adults with DKD, dividing them into those without and with different severities of frailty based on a modified FRAIL scale. Cox proportional hazard regression was utilized to examine the frailty‐associated risk of delirium/cognitive impairment, identified using approaches validated by others.

Results

Totally 149,145 patients with DKD (mean 61.0 years, 44.2% female) were identified, among whom 31.0%, 51.7%, 16.0% and 1.3% did not have or had 1, 2 and >2 FRAIL items at baseline. After 3.68 years, 6613 (4.4%) developed episodes of delirium/cognitive impairment. After accounting for demographic/lifestyle factors, co‐morbidities, medications and interventions, patients with DKD and 1, 2 and >2 FRAIL items had a progressively higher risk of developing delirium/cognitive impairment than those without (for those with 1, 2 and >2 items, hazard ratio 1.18, 1.26 and 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.28, 1.14–1.39 and 1.10–1.55, respectively). For every FRAIL item increase, the associated risk rose by 9%.

Conclusions

Frailty significantly increased the risk of delirium/cognitive impairment among patients with DKD. Frailty screening in these patients may assist in delirium risk stratification.
Employer learning, job changes, and wage dynamics
Authors: Kim Seik , Usui Emiko
Published: March 2021

This paper takes a new approach to testing whether employer learning is public or private. We show that public and private learning schemes make two distinct predictions about the curvature of the wage growth path when a worker changes jobs, because less information about the worker's productivity is transferred to a new employer in the private learning case than in the public learning case. This prediction enables us to account for individual and job‐match heterogeneity, which was not possible in previous tests. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979, we find that employer learning is public for high‐school graduates and private for college graduates.
No behavioural evidence for rhythmic facilitation of perceptual discrimination
Authors: Lin Wy Ming , Oetringer Djamari A. , Bakker‐Marshall Iske , Emmerzaal Jill , Wilsch Anna , ElShafei Hesham A. , Rassi Elie , Haegens Saskia
Published: March 2021

It has been hypothesized that internal oscillations can synchronize (i.e., entrain) to external environmental rhythms, thereby facilitating perception and behaviour. To date, evidence for the link between the phase of neural oscillations and behaviour has been scarce and contradictory; moreover, it remains an open question whether the brain can use this tentative mechanism for active temporal prediction. In our present study, we conducted a series of auditory pitch discrimination tasks with 181 healthy participants in an effort to shed light on the proposed behavioural benefits of rhythmic cueing and entrainment. In the three versions of our task, we observed no perceptual benefit of purported entrainment: targets occurring in‐phase with a rhythmic cue provided no perceptual benefits in terms of discrimination accuracy or reaction time when compared with targets occurring out‐of‐phase or targets occurring randomly, nor did we find performance differences for targets preceded by rhythmic versus random cues. However, we found a surprising effect of cueing frequency on reaction time, in which participants showed faster responses to cue rhythms presented at higher frequencies. We therefore provide no evidence of entrainment, but instead a tentative effect of covert active sensing in which a faster external rhythm leads to a faster communication rate between motor and sensory cortices, allowing for sensory inputs to be sampled earlier in time.
Activity‐induced secretion of semaphorin 3A mediates learning
Authors: Jitsuki‐Takahashi Aoi , Jitsuki Susumu , Yamashita Naoya , Kawamura Meiko , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Sano Akane , Nakamura Fumio , Goshima Yoshio , Takahashi Takuya
Published: March 2021

The semaphorin family is a well‐characterized family of secreted or membrane‐bound proteins that are involved in activity‐independent neurodevelopmental processes, such as axon guidance, cell migration, and immune functions. Although semaphorins have recently been demonstrated to regulate activity‐dependent synaptic scaling, their roles in Hebbian synaptic plasticity as well as learning and memory remain poorly understood. Here, using a rodent model, we found that an inhibitory avoidance task, a hippocampus‐dependent contextual learning paradigm, increased secretion of semaphorin 3A in the hippocampus. Furthermore, the secreted semaphorin 3A in the hippocampus mediated contextual memory formation likely by driving AMPA receptors into hippocampal synapses via the neuropilin1–plexin A4–semaphorin receptor complex. This signaling process involves alteration of the phosphorylation status of collapsin response mediator protein 2, which has been characterized as a downstream molecule in semaphorin signaling. These findings implicate semaphorin family as a regulator of Hebbian synaptic plasticity and learning.
Long‐term inorganic nitrogen application changes the ammonia‐oxidizing archaeal community composition in paddy soils
Authors: Samaddar Sandipan , Truu Jaak , Chatterjee Poulami , Oopkaup Kristjan , Truu Marika , Kim Kiyoon , Kim Sookjin , Schmidt Radomir , Roy Choudhury Aritra , Choi Jeongyun , Sa Tongmin
Published: March 2021

The abundance and taxonomic composition of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) were assessed in paddy soils that had received more than 50 years of fertilization with and without inorganic N. The inorganic N fertilized treatments were: NPK and NPK + CO (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and compost (CO)). The treatments without inorganic N were: CO, PK and control (unfertilized soils). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of the archaeal amoA gene showed no significant changes in AOA abundance following the long‐term application of inorganic N fertilizers. However, subsequent analysis of amoA gene sequencing data showed that inorganic N application significantly changed the AOA community composition and alpha diversity indices. Edge principal components analysis (PCA) showed varying contributions of distinct AOA lineages in separating samples according to the fertilization treatment. Addition of inorganic N favoured an increase in the abundance of AOA lineages belonging to Nitrososphaera, and the treatments without inorganic N additions formed a separate cluster dominated by Nitrosotalea lineage. The distinct response of the two AOA lineages points towards different community organization of soil AOA and strongly supports the concept of habitat partitioning in paddy soil ecosystems.

Highlights

Lineages of AOA responded differently to different N management practices.

Long‐term N fertilization selectively enriched AOA lineages, with C:N ratio a factor associated with such changes

Inorganic N favoured Nitrososphaera lineage abundance

Regardless of fertilizer status, Nitrosotalea lineage was dominant in the absence of inorganic N fertilization.
Tractable models of ecological assembly
Authors: Serván Carlos A. , Allesina Stefano
Published: March 2021

Ecological assembly is a fundamental and yet poorly understood process. Three main obstacles hinder the development of a theory of assembly, and when these issues are sidestepped by making strong assumptions, one can build an assembly graph in which nodes are ecological communities and edges are invasions shifting their composition. The graph can then be analysed directly, without the need to consider dynamics. To showcase this framework, we build and analyse assembly graphs for the competitive Lotka–Volterra model, showing that in these cases sequential assembly (in which species invade a community one at a time) can reach the same configurations found when starting the system with all species present at different initial conditions. We discuss how our results can advance our understanding of assembly both from an empirical and a theoretical point of view, informing the study of ecological restoration and the design of ecological communities.
Association between restless legs syndrome and peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiménez‐Jiménez Félix Javier , Alonso‐Navarro Hortensia , García‐Martín Elena , Agúndez José A.G.
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

The coexistence of peripheral neuropathy (PN) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Willis–Ekbom disease is relatively frequent, but its prevalence has shown a high variability across studies. In addition, several reports have shown data suggesting the presence of PN in patients with idiopathic RLS.

Methods

A search was undertaken using the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science Databases, from 1966 to 6 December 2020, crossing the search term ‘restless legs syndrome’ with ‘neuropathy’, ‘polyneuropathy’ (PNP) and ‘peripheral neuropathy’, and the references of interest for this topic were identified; a meta‐analysis was performed, according to PRISMA guidelines, and a calculation of pooled prevalences, where appropriate, was made using standard methods.

Results

Restless legs syndrome has been reported in 5.2%–53.7% of patients with PN (average 21.5%; 95% confidence interval 18.6%–24.5%), and PN has been reported in 0%–87.5% of patients with RLS (average 41.8%; 95% confidence interval 39.9%–43.6%), both being significantly more frequent than in controls. The heterogeneity across studies could be due to differences in the diagnostic criteria used for both RLS and PN. RLS is a frequent clinical complaint in patients with PN of different aetiologies, mainly diabetic PN, uraemic PNP, familial amyloid PNP, Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease and chronic dysimmune inflammatory PNP. Recent neurophysiological findings suggest the presence of small sensory fibre loss in patients diagnosed with idiopathic RLS, but it remains to be determined whether RLS associated with small sensory fibre loss and idiopathic RLS are different clinical entities.

Conclusions

Future studies including clinical and neurophysiological assessment and skin biopsy involving a large series of patients with PN and RLS are needed for a better understanding of the association between these two entities.
A comprehensive framework for operating science‐based fisheries management: A checklist for using the best available science
Authors: Su Shu , Tang Yi , Chen Jessica , Chang Bowen , Chen Yong
Published: March 2021

Developing fisheries policies based on the best available science (BAS) has been generally required in international agreements and national legal documents in many countries. However, it is difficult to comply with BAS when lacking a uniformly agreed‐upon operational framework. In this study, we conducted an exhaustive literature review and developed a framework that includes a comprehensive set of criteria and a basic operational structure for science‐based fisheries management (SBFM) to better integrate BAS in fisheries policies. We proposed that SBFM consists of four components: objective‐setting, data input (implementation and enforcement process), data production (scientific research process), and data use (management strategy development). The capacity of a fisheries system to produce and use BAS is mainly reflected in the following areas: (a) efficient informational feedback among these components; (b) collecting a good range of quality‐assured data that meet the needs of scientific research and fishery policy formulation; (c) analyzing the collected data; and (d) selecting and using the best data from different sources. The framework developed provides a set of new patterns for the use of fisheries science, which is applied for management purposes. It can inform the creation, evaluation, and improvement of management systems rooted in SBFM and strengthen SBFM‐related research, communication, and cooperation.
Understanding the role of cysteine in ferroptosis: progress & paradoxes
Authors: Poltorack Carson D. , Dixon Scott J.
Published: March 2021

Cysteine is a conditionally essential amino acid required for the synthesis of proteins and many important intracellular metabolites. Cysteine depletion can trigger iron‐dependent nonapoptotic cell death–ferroptosis. Despite this, cysteine itself is normally maintained at relatively low levels within the cell, and many mechanisms that could act to buffer cysteine depletion do not appear to be especially effective or active, at least in cancer cells. How do we reconcile these seemingly paradoxical features? Here, we describe the regulation of cysteine and its contribution to ferroptosis and speculate about how the levels of this amino acid are controlled to govern nonapoptotic cell death.
Taxonomic turnover and northward phylogenetic clustering reveal evidence for environmental filtering in structuring Trichoptera communities across Europe
Authors: Garcia‐Raventós Aina , Viza Aida , Múrria Cesc
Published: March 2021

A fundamental question in macroecology is how contemporary and historical environments, species interactions and evolutionary processes contribute to determining community structure and shape current large‐scale taxa distributions.

We used a novel perspective simultaneously considering taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity to elucidate how these factors have shaped regional diversity patterns in composition of Trichoptera (Insecta) at the genus level among 62 mountain stream reaches located across six regions from Morocco to Sweden.

The biogeographical range paradigm postulates declining diversity with latitude, but our results showed that taxonomic diversity was unrelated to latitude and local richness was similar in both previously glaciated and unglaciated southern regions. Also, taxonomic β‐diversity across regions was mostly driven by turnover rather than the expected nestedness component. High taxonomic diversity and several indicator genera (i.e. genera characteristic of any specific region) were found in Mediterranean regions, but also in the Carpathians and across central‐eastern Europe.

Functional traits revealed phylogenetic trait conservatism. Phylogenetic diversity and functional richness did not decrease with latitude. Phylogenetic structure of central and eastern communities was clustered (i.e. communities composed by closely related genera), whereas south‐western communities were phylogenetically overdispersed (i.e. less closely related than expected by chance).

Overall, latitudinal patterns of taxonomic turnover and variable phylogenetic community structure indicate an important role of contemporary ecological conditions in structuring community composition, probably by environmental filtering. However, the signature of biogeographical history is also relevant to understanding the large‐scale distribution of taxa. The permanence of caddisfly communities in temperate regions during Pleistocene glaciations demonstrates the presence of refugia there and, therefore, broadens the spatial extent of refugia beyond Mediterranean areas. This contrasts with theories which placed refugia exclusively in Mediterranean areas.
Variation of stomach content and isotopic niche of puye Galaxias maculatus (Jenyns, 1842) in large river systems of southern Chile
Authors: Manosalva Aliro J. , Pérez Stefanía , Toledo Bárbara , Colin Nicole , Habit Evelyn M. , Górski Konrad
Published: March 2021

Understanding of trophic structure and flow of energy within river systems is essential for informed management of these ecosystems and conservation of native fish fauna and fisheries resources. Food resources used by riverine fish depend on productivity within the main stem and adjacent floodplains, terrestrial inputs, and longitudinal and lateral hydrologic connectivity.

Trophic ecology of puye (Galaxias maculatus Jenyns, 1842) in Chilean river systems remains poorly understood and studies that combine short‐term (stomach content) and long‐term (stable isotope analyses) analyses have not been performed to date. In this study, we assessed spatial variability in diet of puye based on both stomach content and analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in 10 river systems of southern Chile (including main stem, headwater lakes, and estuaries). Fish in the main stems of more northern rivers, with predictable flow regimes, were characterised by the most diverse diets, broad niche space, and high proportion of terrestrial prey items and zooplankton in diet. Fish collected in lakes were characterised by narrow isotopic niche space and diet dominated by zooplankton.

Diet of G. maculatus in Chilean river systems is associated with characteristics of riverine habitats within each river system (lentic, lotic, and estuarine) and hydrologic connectivity among them. Indeed, connectivity with floodplain habitats and direct supply from headwater lakes appeared to be primary drivers of fish diet in systems where these are present. These supplies maintain fish populations of good condition and allow freshwater recruitment. Therefore, maintaining seasonal flow dynamics and connectivity is essential to preserve the natural function of these river systems and conserve native fish populations.
The role of internal feedbacks in shifting deep lake mixing regimes under a warming climate
Authors: Mesman Jorrit P. , Stelzer Julio A. A. , Dakos Vasilis , Goyette Stéphane , Jones Ian D. , Kasparian Jérôme , McGinnis Daniel F. , Ibelings Bas W.
Published: March 2021

Climate warming is causing changes in the physics of deep lakes, such as longer summer stratification, increased water column stability, reduced ice cover, and a shallower depth of winter overturns. An ultimate consequence of warming would be a transition to a different mixing regime. Here we investigate the role of physical, chemical, and biological feedback mechanisms that unfold during a shift in mixing regime, and whether these feedbacks could prompt and stabilise the new regime. Although climate, interannual temperature variation, and lake morphometry are the main determinants of a mixing regime, when climate change causes shifts in mixing regime, internal feedback mechanisms may gain in importance and modify lake ecosystem functioning.

We review the role of these feedbacks in three mixing regime shifts: from polymictic to seasonally stratified, from dimictic to monomictic, and from holomictic to oligomictic or meromictic.

Polymictic lakes of intermediate depth (c. 3–10 m mean depth) could experience seasonal stratification if a stratification event triggers phytoplankton blooms or dissolved organic matter release, reducing transparency and therefore further heating the surface layer. However, this feedback is only likely to have influence in small and clear lakes, it would be easily disturbed by weather conditions, and the resulting stratified state does not remain stable in the long term, as stratification is lost in winter.

The ice‐albedo feedback might cause an accelerated shift from ice‐covered (dimictic) to ice‐free (monomictic) winters in sufficiently deep (mean depth 50 m or more) lakes, where temperature memory is carried over from one winter to the next. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing debate into whether this process can persist during natural weather variations and overcome self‐stabilising mechanisms such as thermal insulation by snow. The majority of studies suggest that a gradual transition from dimictic to monomictic is more likely than an abrupt transition.

A shift from a holomictic to a meromictic regime can occur if anoxia is triggered by incomplete mixing and an increase in deep‐water density—through the accumulation of solutes—exceeds a density decrease by hypolimnetic warming. A shift to meromixis would strongly alter the biology of a lake and might be difficult to reverse. If solutes accumulate only minimally in the hypolimnion, an oligomictic regime is formed, in which years with complete and incomplete mixing alternate.

Understanding the importance of feedback mechanisms and the role of biogeochemistry when lakes shift in mixing regime could lead to a better understanding of how climate change affects lake ecosystems.
Nucleoside/nucleotide analog consolidation therapy in hepatitis B e‐antigen positive chronic hepatitis B patients: Three years should be preferred
Authors: Li Tao , Liang Yan , Zhang Meng , Liu Feng , Zhang Lixin , Yang Baohua , Wang Lei
Published: March 2021

Aim

To assess the role of consolidation therapy after cessation of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NAs) for off‐treatment outcome and to explore the optimal consolidation period in hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

Methods

We undertook a prospective, observational cohort study including HBeAg positive CHB patients discontinuing NAs. Virological relapse was the primary endpoint of the current study and was defined as a serum hepatitis B virus DNA more than 104 copies/ml (another assay was carried out for confirmation at least 2 weeks later). Propensity score matching analysis was used to balance the baseline characteristics between HBeAg positive CHB patients with different consolidation periods.

Results

A total of 190 HBeAg positive CHB patients were included. Fifty‐four patients relapsed during follow‐up and the cumulative relapse rates at years 1, 3, 5, and 10 were 19.5%, 24.1%, 27.2%, and 32.1%, respectively. Most patients (61.1%) relapsed in the first 6 months. After propensity score matching, significantly lower cumulative relapse rates were observed in patients with consolidation period ≥36 months compared with patients with consolidation period more than 36 months (29.3% vs. 52.8% at year 10; p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Cessation of NAs after HBeAg seroconversion and long‐term consolidation is generally safe and feasible in HBeAg positive CHB patients. Three years of consolidation should be preferred in clinical practice.
False‐negative programmed death‐ligand 1 immunostaining in ethanol‐fixed endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration specimens of non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Koomen Bregje M , Vreuls Willem , de Boer Mirthe , de Ruiter Emma J , Hoelters Juergen , Vink Aryan , Willems Stefan M
Published: March 2021

Aims

Programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) immunostaining is used to predict which non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients will respond best to treatment with programmed cell death protein 1/PD‐L1 inhibitors. PD‐L1 immunostaining is sometimes performed on alcohol‐fixed cytological specimens instead of on formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) biopsies or resections. We studied whether ethanol prefixation of clots from endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) results in diminished PD‐L1 immunostaining as compared with formalin fixation.

Methods and results

FFPE cell blocks from EBUS‐TBNA specimens of 54 NSCLC patients were identified. For each case, paired samples were available, consisting of clots directly immersed in formalin and clots prefixed in Fixcyt (50% ethanol). Serial sections were immunostained for PD‐L1 by use of the standardised SP263 assay and the 22C3 antibody as a laboratory‐developed test (LDT). PD‐L1 positivity was determined with two cut‐offs (1% and 50%). Concordance of PD‐L1 positivity between the formalin‐fixed (gold standard) and ethanol‐prefixed material was assessed. When the 22C3 LDT was used, 30% and 36% of the ethanol‐prefixed specimens showed false‐negative results at the 1% and 50% cut‐offs, respectively (kappa 0.64 and 0.68). When SP263 was used, 22% of the ethanol‐prefixed specimens showed false‐negative results at the 1% cut‐off (kappa 0.67). At the 50% cut‐off, concordance was higher (kappa 0.91), with 12% of the ethanol‐prefixed specimens showing false‐negative results.

Conclusion

Ethanol fixation of EBUS‐TBNA specimens prior to formalin fixation can result in a considerable number of false‐negative PD‐L1 immunostaining results when a 1% cut‐off is used and immunostaining is performed with SP263 or the 22C3 LDT. The same applies to use of the 50% cut‐off when immunostaining is performed with the 22C3 LDT.
Preparation and mechanical characteristics of fine‐woven cloth and punctured felt preform Cf/C‐SiC‐ZrC composite
Authors: Zhu Yang , Meng Xiangli , Zhang Qiang , Yan Liansheng , Cui Hong
Published: March 2021

A 3D architecture carbon fiber preform, specifically fine‐woven cloth and punctured felt preform, is used to manufacture a novel advanced Cf/C‐SiC‐ZrC composite. The composite matrix is produced by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) plus precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process and finalized by using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of SiC coating to make the final density of the material reach 1.95 g/cm3. The organic precursors of SiC and ZrC have a weight ratio of 4:1 in a xylene solute. The composite mechanical properties, such as tensile, compression, bending, shear, and Z‐direction load bearing, are introduced under analysis to find possible applications for the composite. What is more, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images are employed to illustrate the failure behavior of the ceramic composite. The results showed that the punctured filament tows will be beneficial, not only for the composite to withstand compression force up to 308.6 MPa and shear strength to 18.14 MPa but also for the alternatively stacked weave piles and short fiber layers to support the punctured bundles, as well as to hold the composite structure under mechanical forces from different orientations, which is believed to reinforce the ceramic matrix for some high pressure and severe ablation applications.
In situ observation of environmental barrier coating against calcium–magnesium–alumina–silicate attack at elevated temperature
Authors: Yang Haitang , Zhang Yanwei , Li Yang , Huang Xiaozhong , Liu Yu
Published: March 2021

Environmental barrier coating (EBC) plays a crucial role in improving the property of ceramic matrix composites at harsh environment. In this work, an in situ observation method was employed to systematically study the resistance of EBC to calcium–magnesium–alumina–silicate (CMAS) phase at elevated temperatures, which were 1200℃, 1300℃, and 1500℃, respectively. The melting and spreading process of the CMAS phase on the surface of the EBC was obtained via this method. In addition, the erosion effect of CMAS phase on EBC at different temperatures was analyzed by combining the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), which provided a guidance for the modification of EBC.
Electronic polarizability in silicate glasses by comparison of experimental and theoretical optical basicities
Authors: Komatsu Takayuki , Dimitrov Vesselin , Tasheva Tina , Honma Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2021

The concept of optical basicity proposed by Duffy has been recognized as an extremely important issue in science and technology of glasses. In this article, the refractive index (no)‐based optical basicity Λ(no) of some binary and ternary silicate glasses was evaluated using the Lorentz–Lorenz formula, and the discrepancy between the values of Λ(no) and the theoretically calculated optical basicity Λth was analyzed to understand more deeply the electronic polarizability in binary and ternary silicate glasses. A suitable value of the optical basicity for each oxide predicting a good quantitative composition dependence of optical basicity in a given glass system was proposed. The suitable value of SiO2 for the prediction of the optical basicity of silicate glasses is Λ(SiO2 glass) = 0.53, which is larger than the value of Λ(SiO2 oxide) = 0.48 being used in the calculation of Λth so far. Other suitable values such as Λ(Al2O3 glass) = 0.62 and Λ(TiO2 glass) = 1.04 were proposed. The relationship between the optical basicity and coordination structure in some oxides in silicate glasses was discussed.
Service user experiences of a novel in‐reach rehabilitation and recovery service for people with profound and enduring mental health needs
Authors: Smith Penn , Simpson Lisa , Madill Anna
Published: March 2021

This article provides an organizational case study using exploratory qualitative and visual research methods. We address the research question: What are the experiences of service users who use a novel in‐reach rehabilitation and recovery service for people with severe and enduring mental health needs? Fifteen purposefully sampled service users were recruited from across a Service that is novel in embedding community sectors within inpatient provision. The sample reflects approximately the demographic of the Service and comprises: 10 men, 5 women; 12 white British, 3 ethnic minority; aged 18–60 years; and across inpatient care and supported community living. Photo‐elicitation was used to enrich data collection through lightly structured interviews focused on the images brought by participants. Interview transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Analysis indicates that participants oriented towards four ‘meta‐questions’: What does mental well‐being mean to you? What difficulties have you encountered? What do you appreciate about the Service? What do you need for change to occur? We also identified six themes which told the story of a journey. The journey begins with challenge and moves towards making connections with others. Here, power dynamics are often experienced and addressed in the development of a greater sense of independence. This then provides opportunities for raised awareness around possibilities of recovery and a new‐found hope. Our three main conclusions are all relevant to clinical practice: service users (a) place great importance on building relationships; (b) aspire to make informed choices throughout their recovery journey; and (c) desire greater transparency regarding treatment options.
Zirconia crowns for children: A systematic review
Authors: Alrashdi Murad , Ardoin Jordan , Liu Jungyi Alexis
Published: March 2021

Background

Preformed metal crowns (PMCs) have been the restoration of choice for paediatric dentistry; however, PMCs have a non‐aesthetic appearance, which has become a point of concern. Recently, prefabricated zirconia crowns (PZCs) have been increasingly used as an aesthetic restorative material for primary teeth, as they have pleasing properties.

Aim

This systematic review summarises the clinical results for PZCs in the primary dentition, including wear on the opposing dentition, retention, fracture resistance, parental satisfaction, gingival health, and cementation materials.

Materials and Methods

Electronic database searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Clinical trials, observational studies, and case reports/series were included. The quality of the studies was analysed using the Cochrane tool and the domain‐based evaluation for non‐randomised studies of interventions.

Results

The search retrieved 166 references, of which 14 studies were included for qualitative analyses. The risk of bias varied from low to unclear. The included studies indicated that prefabricated zirconia crowns are retentive and are not associated with accelerated wear on the opposing dentition. They also exhibit a high fracture resistance, satisfy the parents and are compatible with gingival health. There is, however, inconclusive evidence with regard to cementation materials.

Conclusion

Prefabricated Zirconia Crowns appear to be a good alternative to preformed metal crowns in term of esthetics, retention, resistance to fracture, parent satisfaction, and gingival health.
Low thermal conductivity of SrTiO3−LaTiO3 and SrTiO3−SrNbO3 thermoelectric oxide solid solutions
Authors: Zhang Yuqiao , Cho Hai Jun , Sugo Kenyu , Mikami Masashi , Woo Sungmin , Jung Myung‐Chul , Zhuang Yao‐Hua , Feng Bin , Sheu Yu‐Miin , Shin Woosuck , Choi Woo Seok , Han Myung Joon , Ikuhara Yuichi , Ohta Hiromichi
Published: March 2021

Electron‐doped SrTiO3 has been attracting attention as oxide thermoelectric materials, which can convert wasted heat into electricity. The power factor of the electron‐doped SrTiO3, including SrTiO3‐LaTiO3 and SrTiO3‐SrNbO3 solid solutions, has been clarified. However, their thermal conductivity (κ) has not been clearly identified thus far. Only a high κ (>12 W m−1 K−1) has been assumed from the electron contribution based on Wiedemann–Franz law. Here, we show that the κ of the electron‐doped SrTiO3 is lower than the assumed κ, and its highest ZT exceeded 0.1 at room temperature. The κ slightly decreased with the carrier concentration (n) when n is below 4 × 1021 cm−3. In the case of SrTiO3‐SrNbO3 solid solutions, an upturn in κ was observed when n exceeds 4 × 1021 cm−3 due to the contribution of conduction electron to the κ. On the other hand, κ decreased in the case of SrTiO3‐LaTiO3 solid solutions probably due to the lattice distortion, which scatters both electrons and phonons. The highest ZT was 0.11 around n = 1 × 1021 cm−3. These findings would be useful for the future design of electron‐doped SrTiO3‐based thermoelectric materials.
Phase evolution and <110>‐orientation mechanism in RTGG‐processed BaTiO3 ceramics with electrical properties
Authors: Khanal Gopal P. , Fujii Ichiro , Ueno Shintaro , Wada Satoshi
Published: March 2021

The <110>‐oriented BaTiO3 ceramics were fabricated using BaCO3 matrix and H1.08Ti1.73O4.nH2O (HTO) template particles, and the mechanism of BaTiO3 phase formation was investigated. The dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties were also investigated. The transformation of the HTO phase into the TiO2 bronze or TiO2 (B) phase was observed at 600°C, where the BaTiO3 nucleation was accompanied by the formation of a Ba2TiO4 phase. The TiO2 phase reacted with the Ba2TiO4 phase at 800°C to give a BaTiO3 phase, whereas its reaction with the BaTiO3 resulted in the formation of BaTi2O5 phase that got decomposed into BaTiO3 and Ba6Ti17O40 phase at sintering temperature ≥1300°C. Sintering with samples’ embedding in BaTiO3 powders prevented the formation of the Ba6Ti17O40 secondary phase. The crystallographic orientation along the <110> direction (F110) was developed by the epitaxial grain growth mechanism. In addition to the contribution of the grain‐size increment for enhancing the F110, the preservation of the platelike structure was also found to have a significant impact. The ceramics prepared by the embedded sintering (grain size ≈12.4 µm and F110 = 83%) exhibited the room‐temperature dielectric constant of 1708 and piezoelectric strain constant of 445 pm/V, which are higher than those of the BaTiO3 ceramics with randomly oriented grains.
Easily available ECG and echocardiographic parameters for prediction of left atrial remodeling and atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation: A multicenter study
Authors: Moreno‐Weidmann Zoraida , Müller‐Edenborn Björn , Jadidi Amir S. , Bazan‐Gelizo Victor , Chen Juan , Park Chan‐il , Vivekanantham Hari , Rodriguez‐Font Enrique , Alonso‐Martín Concepción , Guerra José M. , Campos‐García Bieito , Espinosa‐Viamonte Hildemari , Combes Stéphane , Albenque Jean‐Paul , Eichenlaub Martin , Guy‐Moyat Benoit , de Roy Luc , Defaye Pascal , Boveda Serge , Arentz Thomas , Viñolas Xavier
Published: March 2021

Background

The assessment of noninvasive markers of left atrial (LA) low‐voltage substrate (LVS) enables the identification of atrial fibrillation (AF) patients at risk for arrhythmia recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

In this prospective multicenter study, 292 consecutive AF patients (72% male, 62 ± 11 years, 65% persistent AF) underwent high‐density LA voltage mapping in sinus rhythm. LA‐LVS (<0.5 mV) was considered as significant at 2 cm2 or above. Preprocedural clinical electrocardiogram and echocardiographic data were assessed to identify predictors of LA‐LVS. The role of the identified LA‐LVS markers in predicting 1‐year arrhythmia freedom after PVI was assessed in 245 patients.

Results

Significant LA‐LVS was identified in 123 (42%) patients. The amplified sinus P‐wave duration (APWD) best predicted LA‐LVS, with a 148‐ms value providing the best‐balanced sensitivity (0.81) and specificity (0.88). An APWD over 160 ms was associated with LA‐LVS in 96% of patients, whereas an APWD under 145 ms in 15%. Remaining gray zones improved their accuracy by introduction of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) of 35 mmHg or above, age, and sex. According to COX regression, the risk of arrhythmia recurrence 12 months following PVI was twofold and threefold higher in patients with APWD 145–160 and over 160 ms, compared to APWD under 145 ms. Integration of pulmonary hypertension further improved the outcome prediction in the intermediate APWD group: Patients with APWD 145–160 ms and normal sPAP had similar outcome than patients with APWD under 145 ms (hazard ratio [HR] 1.62, p = .14), whereas high sPAP implied worse outcome (HR 2.56, p < .001).

Conclusions

The APWD identifies LA‐LVS and risk for arrhythmia recurrence after PVI. Our prediction model becomes optimized by means of integration of the pulmonary artery pressure.