bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting the population consequences of acoustic disturbance, with application to an endangered gray whale population
Authors: McHuron Elizabeth A. , Aerts Lisanne , Gailey Glenn , Sychenko Olga , Costa Daniel P. , Mangel Marc , Schwarz Lisa K.
Published: August 2021

Acoustic disturbance is a growing conservation concern for wildlife populations because it can elicit physiological and behavioral responses that can have cascading impacts on population dynamics. State‐dependent behavioral and life history models implemented via Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) provide a natural framework for quantifying biologically meaningful population changes resulting from disturbance by linking environment, physiology, and metrics of fitness. We developed an SDP model using the endangered western gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) as a case study because they experience acoustic disturbance on their summer foraging grounds. We modeled the behavior and physiological dynamics of pregnant females as they arrived on the feeding grounds and predicted the probability of female and offspring survival, with and without acoustic disturbance and in the presence/absence of high prey availability. Upon arrival in mid‐May, pregnant females initially exhibited relatively random behavior before they transitioned to intensive feeding that resulted in continual fat mass gain until departure. This shift in behavior co‐occurred with a change in spatial distribution; early in the season, whales were more equally distributed among foraging areas with moderate to high energy availability, whereas by mid‐July whales transitioned to predominate use of the location that had the highest energy availability. Exclusion from energy‐rich offshore areas led to reproductive failure and in extreme cases, mortality of adult females that had lasting impacts on population dynamics. Simulated disturbances in nearshore foraging areas had little to no impact on female survival or reproductive success at the population level. At the individual level, the impact of disturbance was unequally distributed across females of different lengths, both with respect to the number of times an individual was disturbed and the impact of disturbance on vital rates. Our results highlight the susceptibility of large capital breeders to reductions in prey availability, and indicate that who, where, and when individuals are disturbed are likely to be important considerations when assessing the impacts of acoustic activities. This model provides a framework to inform planned acoustic disturbances and assess the effectiveness of mitigation strategies for large capital breeders.
Moderate plant–soil feedbacks have small effects on the biodiversity–productivity relationship: A field experiment
Authors: Grenzer Josephine , Kulmatiski Andrew , Forero Leslie , Ebeling Anne , Eisenhauer Nico , Norton Jeanette
Published: August 2021

Plant–soil feedback (PSF) has gained attention as a mechanism promoting plant growth and coexistence. However, most PSF research has measured monoculture growth in greenhouse conditions. Translating PSFs into effects on plant growth in field communities remains an important frontier for PSF research. Using a 4‐year, factorial field experiment in Jena, Germany, we measured the growth of nine grassland species on soils conditioned by each of the target species (i.e., 72 PSFs). Plant community models were parameterized with or without these PSF effects, and model predictions were compared to plant biomass production in diversity–productivity experiments. Plants created soils that changed subsequent plant biomass by 40%. However, because they were both positive and negative, the average PSF effect was 14% less growth on “home” than on “away” soils. Nine‐species plant communities produced 29 to 37% more biomass for polycultures than for monocultures due primarily to selection effects. With or without PSF, plant community models predicted 28%–29% more biomass for polycultures than for monocultures, again due primarily to selection effects. Synthesis: Despite causing 40% changes in plant biomass, PSFs had little effect on model predictions of plant community biomass across a range of species richness. While somewhat surprising, a lack of a PSF effect was appropriate in this site because species richness effects in this study were caused by selection effects and not complementarity effects (PSFs are a complementarity mechanism). Our plant community models helped us describe several reasons that even large PSF may not affect plant productivity. Notably, we found that dominant species demonstrated small PSF, suggesting there may be selective pressure for plants to create neutral PSF. Broadly, testing PSFs in plant communities in field conditions provided a more realistic understanding of how PSFs affect plant growth in communities in the context of other species traits.
Integrating telemetry data at several scales with spatial capture–recapture to improve density estimates
Authors: Mitchell Corey I. , Shoemaker Kevin T. , Esque Todd C. , Vandergast Amy G. , Hromada Steven J. , Dutcher Kirsten E. , Heaton Jill S. , Nussear Kenneth E.
Published: August 2021

Accurate population estimates are essential for monitoring and managing wildlife populations. Mark–recapture sampling methods have regularly been used to estimate population parameters for rare and cryptic species, including the federally listed Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii); however, the methods employed are often plagued by violations of statistical assumptions, which have the potential to bias density estimates. By incorporating spatial information into conventional density estimation models, spatial capture–recapture (SCR) models can account for common assumption violations such as spatially heterogeneous detection probabilities and temporary emigration when animals leave plots during a survey. We conducted mark–recapture surveys at 10 1‐km2 plots in and adjacent to the Ivanpah Valley of California and Nevada from 2015 to 2019. Locality data were collected concurrently using radio‐telemetry and GPS data loggers. GPS data demonstrated that desert tortoises frequently exhibited temporary emigration outside a plot during the survey periods, thereby complicating standard approaches for closed‐model density estimation. We integrated mark–recapture survey data for subadults and adults at each plot with corresponding spatial capture locations and supplementary spatial data using a modified SCR model fitted in a Bayesian framework. We compared density estimates modeled with conventional non‐spatial methods, as well as three SCR models based on symmetrical usage areas described by various levels and types of supplementary spatial data. The conventional model consistently resulted in inflated estimates of density while the SCR models allowed us to generate spatially corrected estimates for a species where detectability and densities are low. However, we found that if not properly specified, the temporal scale of supplementary data may result in an unintended source of bias in parameter estimates. Integrating spatial data over a larger temporal scale than mark–recapture surveys were conducted resulted in higher detection probabilities and lower density estimates, due to an overestimation of space use. Our results not only demonstrate the importance of accounting for spatial information but also the value of understanding the potential for bias when integrating multiple data sets at different temporal resolutions. The methods presented can be used to enhance monitoring efforts for the Mojave desert tortoise and other species where mark–recapture methods are used.
Assessment and novel application ofN‐mixture models for aerial surveys of wildlife
Authors: Christensen Sonja A. , Farr Matthew T. , Williams David M.
Published: August 2021

Aerial surveys are a critical tool for inference of wildlife populations, yet are limited by current available methods to account for imperfect detection without marking animals.N‐mixture models use count data from replicate surveys for estimation of wildlife abundance while accounting for imperfect detection. This statistical framework was recently developed but is rarely applied to aerial surveys of terrestrial wildlife. We applied anN‐mixture model incorporating temporary emigration to a novel aerial survey design to estimate the availability, detection probability, and abundance of an unmarked population of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Michigan, USA, using surveys in 2014 and 2016. We assessed the selection of the sample unit size for theN‐mixture model in a post hoc sensitivity analysis and compared all estimates to a hierarchical distance sampling (HDS) approach. Hierarchical distance sampling is an expansion of conventional distance sampling (CDS), a standard method applied to aerial survey designs for wildlife, where HDS allows for modeling spatial variation in abundance and detection probability using environmental covariates and can account for changing population demographics. We foundN‐mixture models produced similar parameter estimates to HDS with both models inferring a population increase between years, which was consistent with independently available estimates for this population (2014N‐mixture = 402 [CI: 303.8–515.27], and HDS = 391 [CI: 297.67–504.63]; 2016N‐mixture = 732 [CI: 572.89–924.22], and HDS = 708 [CI: 552.45–893.89]). Estimates from both models were sensitive to the sample unit size selected in an open population framework. We recommend using ecological (e.g., home range size) and statistical (e.g., sample size) considerations when selecting a sample unit size that reflects the movement ecology of a species and evaluating the sensitivity of parameters to sample unit size. In our study,N‐mixture models and HDS models afforded a practical field approach and analytical methodology that resulted in precise estimation in a population of unmarked deer over time. When used with aerial surveys in terrestrial systems where distance sampling methods may be difficult to implement,N‐mixture models can address observer error and estimate populations for conservation and management goals without marking individual animals.
DNA metabarcoding marker choice skews perception of marine eukaryotic biodiversity
Authors: Casey Jordan M. , Ransome Emma , Collins Allen G. , Mahardini Angka , Kurniasih Eka M. , Sembiring Andrianus , Schiettekatte Nina M. D. , Cahyani Ni Kadek Dita , Wahyu Anggoro Aji , Moore Mikaela , Uehling Abby , Belcaid Mahdi , Barber Paul H. , Geller Jonathan B. , Meyer Christopher P.
Published: August 2021

DNA metabarcoding is an increasingly popular technique to investigate biodiversity; however, many methodological unknowns remain, especially concerning the biases resulting from marker choice. Regions of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S rDNA (18S) genes are commonly employed “universal” markers for eukaryotes, but the extent of taxonomic biases introduced by these markers and how such biases may impact metabarcoding performance is not well quantified. Here, focusing on macroeukaryotes, we use standardized sampling from autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) deployed in the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystem, the Coral Triangle, to compare the performance of COI and 18S markers. We then compared metabarcoding data to image‐based annotations of ARMS plates. Although both markers provided similar estimates of taxonomic richness and total sequence reads, marker choice skewed estimates of eukaryotic diversity. The COI marker recovered relative abundances of the dominant sessile phyla consistent with image annotations. Both COI and the image annotations provided higher relative abundance estimates of Bryozoa and Porifera and lower estimates of Chordata as compared to 18S, but 18S recovered 25% more phyla than COI. Thus, while COI more reliably reflects the occurrence of dominant sessile phyla, 18S provides a more holistic representation of overall taxonomic diversity. Ideal marker choice is, therefore, contingent on study system and research question, especially in relation to desired taxonomic resolution, and a multimarker approach provides the greatest application across a broad range of research objectives. As metabarcoding becomes an essential tool to monitor biodiversity in our changing world, it is critical to evaluate biases associated with marker choice.
A Metal‐Organic Framework with Allyloxy Functionalization for Aqueous‐Phase Fluorescence Recognition of Pd(II) Ion
Authors: Ghosh Subhrajyoti , Steinke Felix , Rana Abhijeet , Alam Masud , Biswas Shyam
Published: August 2021

A new MOF named Al‐CAU‐10‐OC3H5 is presented (MOF=metal‐organic framework, CAU=Christian‐Albrechts‐University). The material (1) was prepared by incorporating an allyloxy functionalized 5‐(allyloxy)isophthalic acid (H2AIA) as a linker via a traditional solvothermal procedure. Various analytical tools such as FT‐IR, PXRD, thermogravimetric and N2 physisorption analyses were utilized to characterize the material. Material 1 is stable up to 350 °C in argon environment. It also showed good stability of its framework in acetic acid, 1 (M) HCl, water, methanol, ethanol and acetone. The activated form of material 1 (named 1′) displayed sensitive recognition of Pd(II) ion having great specificity in water through “turn‐off” fluorescence signal. When the potentially competitive analytes were present, the probe can also recognize Pd2+ ion selectively. The values of Stern‐Volmer constant (1.05×105 M−1) and detection limit (26.24 ppb) prove the remarkable sensing ability of this probe. Furthermore, from the PXRD study after Pd2+ sensing, it was observed that the peak position and crystallinity of the MOF were very similar with the activated MOF which suggest the maintenance of structural integrity during the sensing experiment. Hence, the probe is highly effective for the sensing of Pd2+. In addition, the sensing mechanism has been investigated comprehensively.
Synthesis of 2,2’‐Bipyridines through Catalytic C−C Bond Formations from C−H Bonds
Authors: Hagui Wided , Periasamy Kiruthika , Soulé Jean‐François
Published: August 2021

The present review describes the homogenous catalytic methodologies for the synthesis of 2,2’‐bipyridines involving C−C bond formation from C−H bond. There are three main approaches to build well‐decorated 2,2’‐bipyridines from C−H bond cleavage: i) the formation of C2−C2′ bond by the dimerization of (activated) pyridines, ii) the C−H bond heteroarylation of activated pyridine, or iii) the late‐stage functionalization of (activated) 2,2’‐bipyridines including photoredox processes. Besides the scope and limitation of each methodologies, the relevant mechanisms of reaction are also discussed.
Hybrid Nanocomposite Based Graphene Sensor for Ultrasensitive Clomipramine HCl Detection
Authors: Elashery Sally E. A. , Attia Nour F. , Mohamed Gehad G. , Omar M. M. , Tayea Hager M. I.
Published: August 2021

A potentiometric sensor modified with a nanocomposite of montmorillonite sheets decorated with polyaniline nanofibers (MT‐PANI‐NFs) as an efficient electroactive material and tricresyl phosphate (TCP) as a solvent mediator has been developed for the estimation of clomipramine HCl (CLP.HCl). The optimum potentiometric performance of the sensor was achieved by mixing of MT‐PANI‐NFs : TCP : graphene with a ratio of 2.69 :  30.11 : 67.20 (% wt/wt). The sensor exhibited a Nernstian slope of 59.0±0.1 mV decade−1 over the concentration range of 1.0×10−5−1.0×10−2 mol L−1 with a theoretically calculated detection limit of 5.0×10−6 mol L−1. The sensor performance was scrutinized in terms of several factors including thermal stability, pH effect, response time and selectivity. As, it displayed a high thermal stability at various temperature degrees (10–60 °C) with pH independency in the range of 3.5–8.5. Additionally, the developed sensor exhibited a very rapid performance for CLP.HCl detection with a fast response time of 4 s and reflecting a superior selectivity towards CLP.HCl over the other interfering species. SEM (scanning electron microscope) was used as a characteristic tool for the investigation of the proposed graphene sensor surface. Furthermore, the graphene sensor has been efficiently used for CLP.HCl estimation in its pharmaceutical formulations.
Expanded Climate Risk Disclosure Requirements by the Security and Exchange Commission
Authors: South David , Zolton Kaitlyn , Trump Andy
Published: August 2021

Due principally to the growing awareness of the impacts of climate change and related investor diligence regarding potential financial risks, the regulatory compliance and reporting framework surrounding climate change risk disclosure is expanding.
Viral proteins recognized by different TLRs
Authors: Zhou Rui , Liu Li , Wang Yu
Published: August 2021

Virus invasion activates the host's innate immune response, inducing the production of numerous cytokines and interferons to eliminate pathogens. Except for viral DNA/RNA, viral proteins are also targets of pattern recognition receptors. Membrane‐bound receptors such as Toll‐like receptor (TLR)1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and TLR10 relate to the recognition of viral proteins. Distinct TLRs perform both protective and detrimental roles for a specific virus. Here, we review viral proteins serving as pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and their corresponding TLRs. These viruses are all enveloped, including respiratory syncytial virus, hepatitis C virus, measles virus, herpesvirus human immunodeficiency virus, and coronavirus, and can encode proteins to activate innate immunity in a TLR‐dependent way. The TLR‐viral protein relationship plays an important role in innate immunity activation. A detailed understanding of their pathways contributes to a novel direction for vaccine development.
Daily deep acting toward coworkers: An examination of day‐specific antecedents and consequences
Authors: Nesher Shoshan Hadar , Venz Laura
Published: August 2021

Emotional labor in coworker interactions is a prevalent phenomenon in everyday work. Yet, it is largely unknown whether it is also a relevant phenomenon, that is, whether emotional labor toward coworkers matters for employee daily work life. Addressing this question, we investigate day‐specific antecedents and consequences of coworker‐directed emotional labor, especially deep acting. We hypothesized that deep acting toward coworkers will be rewarded by coworkers providing emotional and task support and that this coworker support, in turn, will predict enhanced positive affect at the end of work. Further, we suggest that high morning positive affect enables employees to deep act toward their coworkers in the first place. During a 10‐workday diary study, 102 employees answered surveys on 618 days. Multilevel path analysis showed that morning positive affect predicted daily deep acting toward coworkers, which was positively related to emotional (but not task) support from coworkers. Emotional (but not task) support predicted higher end‐of‐work positive affect and mediated the relationship between deep acting and end‐of‐work positive affect. Findings highlight the importance of studying deep acting toward coworkers as part of a positive dynamic process that employees can experience at work. Our results bring along vital theoretical and practical implications.
Dissipation and dietary risk assessment of carbendazim and epoxiconazole in citrus fruits in China
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhou Yong , Duan Tingting , Kaium Abdul , Li Xiaogang
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Carbendazim and epoxiconazole are widely applied to control anthracnose and sand bark fungal diseases in citrus. The residues of these two fungicides in citrus and their potential risk to consumers have generated much public concern. We therefore sought to investigate the dissipation, residue, and dietary risk assessment of carbendazim and epoxiconazole in citrus.

RESULTS

The dissipation kinetics and residue levels of carbendazim and epoxiconazole in citrus under field conditions were measured using dispersive solid‐phase extraction and ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The citrus samples were extracted with acetonitrile and purified by primary secondary amine sorbent. The mean recoveries of carbendazim and epoxiconazole ranged from 86.2 to 105.6% and relative standard deviations were ≤9.8%. The half‐lives of carbendazim and epoxiconazole in whole citrus ranged from 2.0 to 18.0 days. Hazard quotient (HQ) and risk quotient (RQ) models were applied to whole citrus for dietary exposure risk assessment based on the terminal residue test. Hazard quotients ranged from 0.066 to 0.134% and RQs from 18.48 to 82.12%.

CONCLUSION

Carbendazim and epoxiconazole in citrus degraded rapidly following first‐order kinetics models. The dietary risk of exposure to both carbendazim and epoxiconazole through citrus, based on HQ and RQ, was acceptable for human consumption. This study indicates scientifically validated maximum residue limits in citrus, which are currently lacking for epoxiconazole in China. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A Multi‐Step Model of Parkinson's Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Le Heron Campbell , MacAskill Michael , Mason Deborah , Dalrymple‐Alford John , Anderson Tim , Pitcher Toni , Myall Daniel
Published: August 2021

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) may result from the combined effect of multiple etiological factors. The relationship between disease incidence and age, as demonstrated in the cancer literature, can be used to model a multistep pathogenic process, potentially affording unique insights into disease development.

Objectives

We tested whether the observed incidence of PD is consistent with a multistep process, estimated the number of steps required and whether this varies with age, and examined drivers of sex differences in PD incidence.

Methods

Our validated probabilistic modeling process, based on medication prescribing, generated nationwide age‐ and sex‐adjusted PD incidence data spanning 2006–2017. Models of log(incidence) versus log(age) were compared using Bayes factors, to estimate (1) if a linear relationship was present (indicative of a multistep process); (2) the relationship's slope (one less than number of steps); (3) whether slope was lower at younger ages; and (4) whether slope or y‐intercept varied with sex.

Results

Across >15,000 incident cases of PD, there was a clear linear relationship between log(age) and log(incidence). Evidence was strongest for a model with an initial slope of 5.2 [3.8, 6.4], an inflexion point at age 45, and beyond this a slope of 6.8 [6.4, 7.2]. There was evidence for the intercept varying by sex, but no evidence for slope being sex‐dependent.

Conclusions

The age‐specific incidence of PD is consistent with a process that develops in multiple, discrete steps – on average six before age 45 and eight after. The model supports theories emphasizing the primacy of environmental factors in driving sex differences in PD incidence. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A scheme for verifying the spatial structure of extremes in numerical weather prediction: Exemplified for precipitation
Authors: Sass Bent H.
Published: August 2021

This paper describes a novel scheme for assessing the ability of a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model to forecast the horizontal spatial structure of local extremes, for example, when comparing accumulated precipitation to a corresponding observed field. Both local maxima and minima are considered. The quality is measured by a score function between 0 and 1, which could potentially be adjusted for specific applications of NWP. The effect of neighbourhood size is included in order to consider the impact of resolvable scales. The scheme complements existing spatial verification schemes with added value and has a potential to be used both in operational verification and as a tool for revealing model deficiencies linked to individual forecast cases. The properties of the scheme are illustrated from various idealized cases. Verification results are presented for a real convective precipitation case and for a frontal precipitation case over several days. The scheme is discussed in the context of operational conditions, using synthetic fields of forecasts and analyses based on statistics of an operational NWP model at the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) and related observed data from a 5‐year period. Different future options are outlined, including the potential application of the scheme for ensemble prediction systems.
A pattern reconfigurable design based on a slotted patch antenna with two feed ports
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Yuan , Row Jeen‐Sheen
Published: August 2021

A design of pattern reconfigurable antennas is presented. The antenna has a single radiating patch, and it is excited with two feeds. When the two input ports are respectively excited, the antenna can generate broadside and dipole‐like radiation patterns. Moreover, the antenna can also offer a pair of tilted beams as the two input ports are simultaneously excited with the same amplitude and difference phases. The tilted beams are pointed to θ = ±60°, and both of them have a side lobe level of around 20 dB. An antenna prototype operating at 2.4 GHz is constructed, and its experimental results have good agreements with simulated data. Details of the antenna designs are shown.
A technique for the reduction of RF‐induced heating of active implantable medical devices during MRI
Authors: Wang Yu , Zheng Jianfeng , Guo Ran , Wang Qingyan , Kainz Wolfgang , Long Stuart , Chen Ji
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The paper presents a novel method to reduce the RF‐induced heating of active implantable medical devices during MRI.

Methods

With the addition of an energy decoying and dissipating structure, RF energy can be redirected toward the dissipating rings through the decoying conductor. Three lead groups (45 cm‐50 cm) and 4 (50 cm‐100 cm) were studied in 1.5 Tesla MR systems by simulation and measurement, respectively. In vivo modeling was performed using human models to estimate the RF‐induced heating of an active implantable medical device for spinal cord treatment.

Result

In the simulation study, it was shown that the peak 1g‐averaged specific absorption rate near the lead‐tips can be reduced by 70% to 80% compared to those from the control leads. In the experimental measurements during a 2‐min exposure test in a 1.5 Telsa MR system, the temperature rises dropped from the original 18.3℃, 25.8℃, 8.1℃, and 16.1℃ (control leads 1‐4) to 5.4℃, 6.9℃, 1.6℃, and 3.3℃ (leads 1‐4 with the energy decoying and dissipation structure). The in vivo calculation results show that the maximum induced temperature rise among all cases can be substantially reduced (up to 80%) when the energy decoying and dissipating structures were used.

Conclusion

Our studies confirm the effectiveness of the novel technique for a variety of scanning scenarios. The results also indicate that the decoying conductor length, number of rings, and ring area must be carefully chosen and validated.
Relaxation‐corrected macromolecular model enables determination of 1H longitudinal T1‐relaxation times and concentrations of human brain metabolites at 9.4T
Authors: Wright Andrew Martin , Murali‐Manohar Saipavitra , Borbath Tamas , Avdievich Nikolai I. , Henning Anke
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Ultrahigh field MRS has improved characterization of the neurochemical profile. To compare results obtained at 9.4T to those from lower field strengths, it is of interest to quantify the concentrations of metabolites measured. Thus, measuring T1‐relaxation times is necessary to correct for T1‐weighting that occurs in acquisitions for single‐voxel spectroscopy and spectroscopic imaging. A macromolecule (MM) simulation model was developed to fit MM contributions to the short TE inversion series used to measure T1‐relaxation times.

Methods

An inversion series with seven time points was acquired with metabolite‐cycled STEAM to estimate T1‐relaxation times of metabolites. A short TE was employed in this study to retain signals from metabolites with short T2‐relaxation times and J‐couplings. The underlying macromolecule spectrum was corrected by developing a sequence‐specific, relaxation‐corrected simulated MM model. Quantification of metabolite peaks was performed using internal water referencing and relaxation corrections.

Results

T1‐relaxation times for metabolites range from approximately 750 to approximately 2000 ms and approximately 1000 to approximately 2400 ms in gray matter (GM)‐ and white matter (WM)‐ rich voxels, respectively. Quantification of metabolites was compared between GM and WM voxels, as well as between results that used a simulated MM spectrum against those that used an experimentally acquired MM spectrum. Metabolite concentrations are reported in mmol/kg quantities.

Conclusion

T1‐relaxation times are reported for nonsinglet resonances for the first time at 9.4T by use of a MM simulation model to account for contributions from the MM spectrum. In addition to T1‐relaxation times, quantification results of metabolites from GM‐ and WM‐rich voxels are reported.
Effects of different rehabilitation provision systems on functional recovery in patients with subacute stroke
Authors: Kimura Yosuke , Suzuki Mizue , Ichikawa Takeo , Otobe Yuhei , Koyama Shingo , Tanaka Shu , Hamanaka Koji , Tanaka Naoki , Yamada Minoru
Published: August 2021

Background

The extent of rehabilitation is a key element in promoting functional recovery in patients with stroke. However, the type of rehabilitation therapy that should be provided to improve functional outcomes remains unclear.

Objective

To compare the effects of three different rehabilitation provision systems, namely conventional rehabilitation therapy, conventional rehabilitation therapy plus physical therapy (PT) on weekends, and conventional rehabilitation therapy plus PT and occupational therapy (OT) on weekends, on functional recovery in patients with subacute stroke.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting

Convalescence rehabilitation hospital.

Patients

Three hundred one patients with subacute stroke (mean age, 69.7 ± 12.8 years).

Interventions

Patients were classified into three groups according to rehabilitation therapy they received: a conventional group (only weekdays PT and OT; n = 70), an additional PT group (additional PT on weekends; n = 119), and an additional PT + OT group (additional PT and OT on weekends; n = 112).

Main Outcome Measure

Functional Independence Measure (FIM) effectiveness was calculated as (discharge FIM ‐ admission FIM/maximum FIM − admission FIM) × 100. A multivariate general linear model was used to assess the difference in FIM effectiveness among the groups.

Results

The mean FIM effectiveness in the conventional, additional PT, and additional PT + OT groups were 39.3 ± 30.1, 43.4 ± 33.2, and 54.3 ± 29.1, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed a significant difference in FIM effectiveness among the three groups (p = .036), and the ηp2 was 0.02, indicating a small effect. The additional PT + OT group showed significantly greater improvements in FIM effectiveness than the conventional group (mean difference = 8.78, SE = 3.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–17.39).

Conclusions

This study showed that the additional PT + OT group had better functional recovery than did the conventional group. This indicates that increasing the amount of both PT and OT can promote poststroke functional recovery.
COVID‐19, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and psychosis
Authors: Grant Calum , Keay Jonathan A , Shah Bardhan Jung , Adeeko Babatunde
Published: August 2021

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) can be a severe condition requiring emergency treatment. Misdiagnosis or delay in treatment can prove fatal. An unusual presentation of NMS is outlined in a patient being restarted on clozapine following a mild COVID‐19 infection. A discussion on NMS explores its pathogenicity and the various ways it can present clinically, which further illustrates the atypical features of this case.
Loperamide and P‐glycoprotein modulator in opioid detoxification
Authors: Al Garhy Mohamed , Mohan Sona , Al Dhufairi Aisha
Published: August 2021

Opioids contribute to 70% of the negative health impact associated with drug use disorders. A new opioid withdrawal protocol using over‐the‐counter medications loperamide and P‐glycoprotein inhibitor (omeprazole) was described by Dr Al Garhy previously. In this article the successful use of this protocol, evidenced by the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale, is discussed in a case series.
Gut microbiota enhances the chemosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma to 5‐fluorouracil in vivo by increasing curcumin bioavailability
Authors: Jin Meng , Kong Li , Han Ying , Zhang Sen
Published: August 2021

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐Fu) is efficient for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but fast‐emerging resistance limits its usage. Curcumin is being investigated for its potential chemosensitivity, but its low oral bioavailability hinders its chemosensitivity effect in vivo. Gut microbiota modulation is considered to contribute to its bioactivities in vivo. In the current study, we demonstrate that curcumin can enhance 5‐Fu chemosensitivity in HCC cells in vitro, increase the apoptosis rate, arrest the cell cycle at G2/M phase, and block the PI3k/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K and its downstream protein kinases. Curcumin also remarkably sensitized H22 cells to 5‐Fu, allowing it to inhibit tumour growth in vivo. 16S rDNA sequencing suggests that curcumin in combination with 5‐Fu significantly alters the gut microbiota composition based on alpha and beta diversity analysis compared to drug treatment alone. Gut microbiota depletion abolished curcumin's chemosensitivity effect in vivo. A pharmacodynamics study suggested that the gut microbiota increased the oral bioavailability of curcumin (AUC(0‐t) 15.24 ± 0.77 μM/h [wt] vs. 3.04 ± 0.18 μM/h [gut microbiota depleted]). In conclusion, curcumin can increase the chemosensitivity of HCC to 5‐Fu in vitro and in vivo, and gut microbiota plays a key role in its effect in vivo.
Multispecies detection and identification of African mammals in aerial imagery using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Delplanque Alexandre , Foucher Samuel , Lejeune Philippe , Linchant Julie , Théau Jérôme
Published: August 2021

Survey and monitoring of wildlife populations are among the key elements in nature conservation. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles and light aircrafts as aerial image acquisition systems is growing, as they are cheaper alternatives to traditional census methods. However, the manual localization and identification of species within imagery can be time‐consuming and complex. Object detection algorithms, based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), have shown a good capacity for animal detection. Nevertheless, most of the work has focused on binary detection cases (animal vs. background). The main objective of this study is to compare three recent detection algorithms to detect and identify African mammal species based on high‐resolution aerial images. We evaluated the performance of three multi‐class CNN algorithms: Faster‐RCNN, Libra‐RCNN and RetinaNet. Six species were targeted: topis (Damaliscus lunatus jimela), buffalos (Syncerus caffer), elephants (Loxodonta africana), kobs (Kobus kob), warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) and waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymnus). The best model was then applied to a case study using an independent dataset. The best model was the Libra‐RCNN, with the best mean average precision (0.80 ± 0.02), the lowest degree of interspecies confusion (3.5 ± 1.4%) and the lowest false positive per true positive ratio (1.7 ± 0.2) on the test set. This model was able to detect and correctly identify 73% of all individuals (1115), find 43 individuals of species other than those targeted and detect 84 missed individuals on our independent UAV dataset, with an average processing speed of 12 s/image. This model showed better detection performance than previous studies dealing with similar habitats. It was able to differentiate six animal species in nadir aerial images. Although limitations were observed with warthog identification and individual detection in herds, this model can save time and can perform precise surveys in open savanna.
Position artifacts in 3D reconstruction of plate‐shaped precipitates in steels depending on the analysis direction of atom probe tomography
Authors: Takahashi Jun , Kawakami Kazuto
Published: August 2021

Atom probe tomography (APT) analysis often produces artifacts in atomic position owing to the difference in evaporation fields in materials. The atomic density profiles of grain boundaries, plate‐shaped low‐field precipitates (cementite), and high‐field precipitates (vanadium carbide) in steels were investigated via two analyses in directions perpendicular and parallel to the boundaries and platelets. Although the perpendicular analysis indicated better quantitative performances in the composition analyses of segregating atoms at the grain boundary and the constituent atoms of the precipitates, an abnormal atomic density was observed around the interfaces of the precipitates. Geometric calculation using a two‐radius model based on the local magnification effect suggested that a spike structure at the front interface and a dip structure at the rear interface for lamellar cementite correspond to an overlap and a gap in the evaporated atoms from the cementite and matrix, respectively. This indicates that even in the perpendicular analysis, the precipitate constituent atoms and matrix atoms mixed in the depth direction. We discuss the origin and impact of the position artifacts in the perpendicular analyses of low‐ and high‐field plate‐shaped precipitates and also discussed the application limits of the model.
The Non‐Innocent Role of Hole‐Transporting Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lamberti Francesco , Schmitz Fabian , Chen Wei , He Zhubing , Gatti Teresa
Published: August 2021

The race to the future generation of low‐cost photovoltaic devices continuously takes on added momentum with the appearance of novel practical solutions for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a paradigm technology for ultracheap light‐to‐electricity conversion. Much has been done in the past few years toward defining standard protocols for the assessment of their efficiency and stability, aiming at achieving a worldwide consensus on the issue, that will allow reliable reporting of new data. While this is undoubtedly a step ahead toward commercialization of these devices, it also often triggers researchers to test record architectures using benchmark configurations, mainly for what regards the ancillary layers that extract electrical charges from the photoexcited perovskite. In particular, the mostly used hole‐transporting material (HTM) is the small‐molecule spiro‐OMeTAD, which is also well known to be the origin of PSC degradation after prolonged operation. Herein, it is aimed to remark the huge impact of the HTM on PSC performance, recalling major issues associated with the conventional spiro‐based one and providing an overview of state‐of‐the‐art alternatives. Finally, possible scenarios for the future development of smart HTMs are also envisioned, as charge‐extracting layers, with a real active role in ensuring PSC operational stability.
2D Boron Nitride Heterostructures: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Ren Junkai , Innocenzi Plinio
Published: August 2021

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is one of the most attractive 2D materials because of its remarkable properties. Combining h‐BN with other components (e.g., graphene, carbonitride, semiconductors) to form heterostructures opens new perspectives to developing advanced functional devices. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art in h‐BN heterojunctions is highlighted. The preparation of high‐quality 2D h‐BN structures with fewer defects can maximize its intrinsic properties, such as thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, which are particularly important in 2D van der Waals electronics. On the other hand, the controlled introduction in 2D h‐BN of multiple defects creates new properties and advanced functions. In this last case, only through a better understanding of the nature and function of defects, it is possible to develop advanced applications based on h‐BN heterostructures. Engineering of the heterojunctions, such as the design of bonding at the interfaces, also plays a primary role. Several applications are proposed for h‐BN heterostructures, mostly in sensing and photocatalysis, and some new perspectives worth further studies are opened. Finally, the current challenges and the rising opportunities for the future developments of next‐generation h‐BN heterostructures are discussed.
Research provides insight for evaluating student data requests
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: August 2021

“It depends.” This is a thought that has probably gone through your mind when asked whether to grant certain requests for student data. And it is the statement that is at the heart of Heather Abbott's dissertation research.
Reimagine your onboarding experience to better serve incoming students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: August 2021

A disconnect. That's what was occurring for adult and transfer students from the time they were admitted to Carlow University until classes started.
A mindset favoring decentralization encourages individualized service
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: August 2021

Frank Blalark, Ph.D., encountered a much more decentralized operation when he made the transition to Registrar at Duke University from holding the same post at Purdue University. While variations among the colleges at Duke can present challenges in scheduling and other operational areas, Blalark sees the structure as ideal for tailoring the student experience to individual circumstances.
Nonlinear small-gain theorems for input-to-state stability of infinite interconnections
Authors: Mironchenko Andrii , Kawan Christoph , Glück Jochen
Published: August 2021

We consider infinite heterogeneous networks, consisting of input-to-state stable subsystems of possibly infinite dimension. We show that the network is input-to-state stable, provided that the gain operator satisfies a certain small-gain condition. We show that for finite networks of nonlinear systems this condition is equivalent to the so-called strong small-gain condition of the gain operator (and thus our results extend available results for finite networks), and for infinite networks with a linear gain operator they correspond to the condition that the spectral radius of the gain operator is less than one. We provide efficient criteria for input-to-state stability of infinite networks with linear gains, governed by linear and homogeneous gain operators, respectively.
The contribution of the Italian residents in neurology to the COVID-19 crisis: admirable generosity but neurological training remains their priority
Authors: Tassorelli Cristina , Silani Vincenzo , Padovani Alessandro , Barone Paolo , Calabresi Paolo , Girlanda Paolo , Lopiano Leopnardo , Massacesi Luca , Monaco Salvatore , Onofrj Marco , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Berardelli Alfredo
Published: August 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the Italian healthcare system, underscoring a dramatic shortage of specialized doctors in many disciplines. The situation affected the activity of the residents in neurology, who were also offered the possibility of being formally hired before their training completion.

Aims

(1) To showcase examples of clinical and research activity of residents in neurology during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy and (2) to illustrate the point of view of Italian residents in neurology about the possibility of being hired before the completion of their residency program.

Results

Real-life reports from several areas in Lombardia—one of the Italian regions more affected by COVID-19—show that residents in neurology gave an outstanding demonstration of generosity, collaboration, reliability, and adaptation to the changing environment, while continuing their clinical training and research activities. A very small minority of the residents participated in the dedicated selections for being hired before completion of their training program. The large majority of them prioritized their training over the option of earlier employment.

Conclusions

Italian residents in neurology generously contributed to the healthcare management of the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, while remaining determined to pursue their training. Neurology is a rapidly evolving clinical field due to continuous diagnostic and therapeutic progress. Stakeholders need to listen to the strong message conveyed by our residents in neurology and endeavor to provide them with the most adequate training, to ensure high quality of care and excellence in research in the future.
CD19 + CD21lo/neg cells are increased in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Wilfong Erin M. , Vowell Katherine N. , Bunn Kaitlyn E. , Rizzi Elise , Annapureddy Narender , Dudenhofer Rosemarie B. , Barnado April , Bonami Rachel H. , Johnson Joyce E. , Crofford Leslie J. , Kendall Peggy L.
Published: August 2021

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The purpose of this study was to examine recirculating lymphocytes from SSc patients for potential biomarkers of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from patients with SSc and healthy controls enrolled in the Vanderbilt University Myositis and Scleroderma Treatment Initiative Center cohort between 9/2017–6/2019. Clinical phenotyping was performed by chart abstraction. Immunophenotyping was performed using both mass cytometry and fluorescence cytometry combined with t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis and traditional biaxial gating. This study included 34 patients with SSc-ILD, 14 patients without SSc-ILD, and 25 healthy controls. CD21lo/neg cells are significantly increased in SSc-ILD but not in SSc without ILD (15.4 ± 13.3% vs. 5.8 ± 0.9%, p = 0.002) or healthy controls (5.0 ± 0.5%, p < 0.0001). While CD21lo/neg B cells can be identified from a single biaxial gate, tSNE analysis reveals that the biaxial gate is comprised of multiple distinct subsets, all of which are increased in SSc-ILD. CD21lo/neg cells in both healthy controls and SSc-ILD are predominantly tBET positive and do not have intracellular CD21. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that CD21lo/neg B cells diffusely infiltrate the lung parenchyma of an SSc-ILD patient. Additional work is needed to validate this biomarker in larger cohorts and longitudinal studies and to understand the role of these cells in SSc-ILD.