bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexistence within an endangered predator–prey community in California vernal pools
Authors: Messerman Arianne F. , Clause Adam G. , Catania Shantel V. L. , Shaffer H. Bradley , Searcy Christopher A.
Published: April 2021

Globally endangered ecosystems, such as ephemeral wetlands, are often critical habitat for multiple interacting imperilled species. To conserve this biodiversity, managers must consider both species‐specific resource requirements and mechanisms for endangered species coexistence under variable habitat conditions.

We examined communities native to California playa pools, ephemeral wetlands that have declined by >90% from their historic extent. Specifically, we describe the diet of a federally Threatened amphibian (Ambystoma californiense), and characterise interactions between this amphibian and two federally Endangered macrocrustaceans (Branchinecta conservatio and Lepidurus packardi) across three rain years to understand how these imperilled species coexist. We examined the dietary preferences of A. californiense larvae, metamorphs, juveniles, and breeding adults, and determined how prey electivity by larval A. californiense differs between natural playa pools and human‐modified stock ponds.

Within playa pools, both breeding adult and larval A. californiense preyed extensively on L. packardi, whereas fully terrestrial juveniles had relatively empty stomachs. We provide evidence for size‐moderated optimal foraging by larval A. californiense, and show that larval prey differed dramatically between playa pools and stock ponds. Additionally, an ontogenetic progression from smaller to larger prey gave the relatively large, endangered macrocrustaceans an early‐season temporal refuge, during which they reached maturity in all three rain years.

Consistent with complex life cycle theory, our results suggest that ephemeral wetland habitat offers abundant food resources for A. californiense relative to terrestrial habitat. Our findings also suggest that diet flexibility facilitates the persistence of this imperilled amphibian in human‐modified stock ponds. Temporal offsets in prey maturation rates and ontogenetic shifts in predator diets are likely to facilitate coexistence among the focal endangered species.

We highlight the importance of accounting for spatial and temporal variation in interspecific interactions when predicting the effects of environmental change on biodiversity, particularly in highly threatened ecosystems.
Remodeling of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) lipidome under a stimulated scenario of Arctic warming
Authors: Wang Chao , Gong Yufeng , Deng Fuchang , Ding Enmin , Tang Jie , Codling Garry , Challis Jonathan K. , Green Derek , Wang Jing , Chen Qiliang , Xie Yuwei , Su Shu , Yang Zilin , Raine Jason , Jones Paul D. , Tang Song , Giesy John P.
Published: April 2021

Arctic warming associated with global climate change poses a significant threat to populations of wildlife in the Arctic. Since lipids play a vital role in adaptation of organisms to variations in temperature, high‐resolution mass‐spectrometry‐based lipidomics can provide insights into adaptive responses of organisms to a warmer environment in the Arctic and help to illustrate potential novel roles of lipids in the process of thermal adaption. In this study, we studied an ecologically and economically important species—Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)—with a detailed multi‐tissue analysis of the lipidome in response to chronic shifts in temperature using a validated lipidomics workflow. In addition, dynamic alterations in the hepatic lipidome during the time course of shifts in temperature were also characterized. Our results showed that early life stages of Arctic char were more susceptible to variations in temperature. One‐year‐old Arctic char responded to chronic increases in temperature with coordinated regulation of lipids, including headgroup‐specific remodeling of acyl chains in glycerophospholipids (GP) and extensive alterations in composition of lipids in membranes, such as less lyso‐GPs, and more ether‐GPs and sphingomyelin. Glycerolipids (e.g., triacylglycerol, TG) also participated in adaptive responses of the lipidome of Arctic char. Eight‐week‐old Arctic char exhibited rapid adaptive alterations of the hepatic lipidome to stepwise decreases in temperature while showing blunted responses to gradual increases in temperature, implying an inability to adapt rapidly to warmer environments. Three common phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) (PE 36:6|PE 16:1_20:5, PE 38:7|PE 16:1_22:6, and PE 40:7|PE 18:1_22:6) were finally identified as candidate lipid biomarkers for temperature shifts via machine learning approach. Overall, this work provides additional information to a better understanding of underlying regulatory mechanisms of the lipidome of Arctic organisms in the face of near‐future warming.
Evolutionary and environmental drivers of species richness in poeciliid fishes across the Americas
Authors: García‐Andrade Ana Berenice , Carvajal‐Quintero Juan David , Tedesco Pablo A. , Villalobos Fabricio
Published: April 2021

Aim

Geographical gradients of vertebrate species richness are determined jointly by evolutionary and environmental factors. Support for these factors comes mostly from tetrapods and, recently, marine fishes, but their validity and relative importance in freshwater fishes is not well understood. Here, we describe the species richness gradient for the major component of the viviparous freshwater fishes of the Americas, the poeciliids, and test the effects of evolutionary and environmental factors on this pattern.

Location

The Americas.

Time period

Approximatley 56–0 Ma.

Major taxa studied

Poeciliidae (Teleostei: Cyprinodontiformes).

Methods

We constructed geographical ranges for 93% (256) of poeciliids to describe and evaluate their species richness gradient. Evolutionary factors (evolutionary time and speciation rate) were derived from a recent phylogeny. Environmental factors were represented as basin area, topographical heterogeneity, energy, climate seasonality and past climatic stability. We tested the influence of these factors with a piecewise structural equation model (pSEM).

Results

The distribution of Poeciliidae is biased to the Atlantic coast, with species richness showing a bimodal latitudinal gradient, peaking in middle latitudes near the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and exhibiting the highest richness in Middle America. The pSEM showed that this species richness pattern was influenced positively by evolutionary time and past climatic stability and negatively by climate seasonality.

Main conclusion

The species richness gradient of Poeciliidae has been shaped by the interplay of evolutionary time in addition to current and historical climate. Indeed, regions with high poeciliid richness were those containing by ancient lineages, supporting the time‐for‐speciation effect, and that have experienced low historical stability in temperature and currently show low temperature seasonality. Conversely, species‐poor regions contained younger lineages and experienced greater temperature seasonality. Our study highlights the need to assess jointly the evolutionary, historical and climatic drivers of species richness in order to unravel the causes of diversity gradients.
Biological and Physical Clogging in Infiltration Wells: Effects of Well Diameter and Gravel Pack
Authors: Kalwa Fritz , Binder Martin , Händel Falk , Grüneberg Luzie , Liedl Rudolf
Published: April 2021

Gravity‐driven infiltration into the shallow subsurface via small‐diameter wells (SDWs), i.e., wells with an inner diameter smaller than 7.5 cm (3 inches) and no gravel pack) has proven to be a cost‐efficient and flexible tool for managed aquifer recharge (MAR), as it provides relatively high recharge rates with minimal construction effort. SDWs have a significantly smaller open filter area than larger diameter wells with gravel pack, making the infiltration of low‐quality waters through these wells more at risk clogging. To investigate their susceptibility for biological and physical clogging, 24 physical models with different well setups were evaluated by infiltrating either nutrient‐poor but turbid water or nutrient‐rich but clear water. The experiments showed that smaller diameters and the lack of a gravel pack increase the well's susceptibility to both kinds of clogging. However, this effect was observed to be much more pronounced for physical than for biological clogging. Our conclusion is that SDWs show severe disadvantages with respect to the infiltration of highly turbid waters in comparison to large diameter wells with a gravel pack. Nevertheless, this disadvantage is much less severe when it comes to the infiltration of clear but nutrient‐rich waters (e.g., treated wastewater). Depending on the economic and geological circumstances of a MAR‐project, this disadvantage could be outweighed by the significantly lower construction costs of SDWs.
Newly graduated nurses' perceptions of work environment: A cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Ma Weiguang , Jiang Yishan , Liang Tao , Zhang Huan , Ma Fang
Published: April 2021

Aim

To assess the attitudes of newly graduated nurses in China toward their work environment and identify the factors affecting their perception.

Background

Newly graduated nurses are the primary supply to cover the nursing shortage, but their stressful transition into clinical work has contributed to high turnover for decades. Although serving as a source of stress, the work environment can also be a source of support for new nurses.

Methods

A total of 2361 new nurses at 31 tertiary hospitals in 20 provinces were surveyed from June to November 2018, using the Chinese version of the Practice Environment Scale‐Nursing Work Index. Basic information and their perception about work environment were collected.

Results

New nurses rated their work environment with an overall score of 84.67 (12.85). Multiple linear regression identified that education level, monthly income, hospital type and location, participation (or not) in standardized training programmes and having (or not) a mentor/preceptor were factors significantly associated with their perception of the work environment.

Conclusion

The perception of newly graduated nurses in China was mainly positive overall. Nursing managers may take full advantage of factors affecting the perception of work environment to support newly graduated nurses better, to help their retention and transition.
Effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of patients with chronic stroke: A pilot single‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Jun , Wang Yuan‐Jiao , Ding Xiao‐Di , Shi Tian‐Ming
Published: April 2021

Aims

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the effects of motor imagery training on lower limb motor function of stroke patients.

Background

Motor imagery training has played an important role in rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients.

Methods

In this pilot randomized controlled trial 32 stroke patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups from January to June 2017. Patients in both groups received conventional neuro‐rehabilitation five times a week in 3‐h segments for 6 weeks. Patients in the experimental group underwent an additional 20 min of motor imagery training. Measures were evaluated by motor function of the lower extremity, activities of daily living and balance ability.

Results

The outcomes significantly improved by motor imagery training were the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment of the lower extremity, the Functional Independence Measure dealing with transfers and locomotion, and the Berg Balance Scale.

Conclusion

Motor imagery training could be used as a complement to physical rehabilitation of stroke patients. Our findings may be helpful to develop nursing strategies aimed at improving functional ability of stroke patients and thus enhancing their quality of life.
Corydoras fulleri (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a new catfish species from the rio Madeira basin, Peru
Authors: Tencatt Luiz Fernando Caserta , dos Santos Sérgio Alexandre , Evers Hans‐Georg , Britto Marcelo R.
Published: April 2021

A new long‐snouted Corydoras species is described from two tributaries of the río Manuripe and a tributary of the río Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin, Peru. Corydoras fulleri can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (a) branch of the temporal sensory canal at sphenotic, which gives rise to the supraorbital canal, with two pores; (b) upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three series of teeth; (c) area at the corner of the mouth, ventral to the maxillary barbel, with a small fleshy flap; (d) two moderate‐sized dark‐brown or black blotches on caudal‐fin base, one on its lateral portion and another one on its dorsal portion, blotches variably diffuse and/or fused with each other; (e) absence of a dark‐brown or black stripe transversally crossing the orbit; (f) a longitudinal dark‐brown or black stripe on the postdorsal region of flank midline, variably fused with the lateral peduncular blotch, some specimens with slender, longitudinally elongated, dark‐brown or black blotch on flank midline, forming a dash‐like marking, stripe or dash‐like blotch diffuse in some specimens; and (g) region around dorsal‐fin origin generally lacking dark brown or black blotch, or displaying diffuse blotch.
Biology and ecology of sea catfish (Ariidae) of estuarine, lagoon and coastal ecosystems in West Africa
Authors: Simier Monique , Osse Olaloudé Judicaël Franck , Sadio Oumar , Ecoutin Jean‐Marc
Published: April 2021

The family Ariidae, sea catfish of the order Siluriformes, is widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. The three species of Ariidae found on the coasts and estuaries of West Africa are the smoothmouth catfish Carlarius heudelotii (Valenciennes 1840), the rough‐head catfish Carlarius latiscutatus (Günther 1864) and the Guinean sea catfish Carlarius parkii (Günther 1864). They have been increasingly exploited by artisanal and industrial coastal fisheries in recent decades, but there is still little information available on their ecology and biology. The aim of this study was to deepen our knowledge of these three West African Ariidae species based on a dataset collected between 1980 and 2013 during experimental fishing programmes. They were carried out in Mauritania in the Banc d'Arguin National Park, in Senegal in the Sine Saloum estuary including the Bamboung Marine Protected Area (MPA), in The Gambia in the Gambia estuary, in Guinea‐Bissau in the Urok Islands MPA in the Bijagos archipelago, in Guinea in the Fatala estuary and Dangara inlet, and in Côte d'Ivoire in the Ebrié Lagoon. C. latiscutatus accounted for 65%, C. parkii for 29% and C. heudelotii for 6% of total number of Ariidae sampled. C. latiscutatus was abundant in the Sine Saloum and Gambia estuaries as well as in Guinea and Guinea‐Bissau and was the only species present in the Ebrié Lagoon. C. parkii was in the majority in Mauritania. The three species were recorded in a salinity range of 0 to 50, a temperature range of 19 to 34°C, in areas 1.7 to 15 m depth, and transparency ranging from 0.1 to 4 m (Secchi disk depth). C. heudelotii was present in less saline (25 vs. 32–34), less warm (27 vs. 29°C) and less transparent (0.8 m vs. 1.6 m) waters than the two other species. The maximum sizes (453 mm, 614 mm and 525 mm for, respectively, C. heudelotii, C. latiscutatus and C. parkii) were comparable to those recorded at sea. Length–weight relationships calculated for each species showed b coefficients greater than 3. Sex ratios were always in favour of females. The number of mature individuals and their smallest size at maturity were calculated per species, sex and study area. A size of 27–28 cm at first maturity was estimated for females of C. latiscutatus. A few dozen records made it possible to describe fecundity and cases of oral incubation by females. The diet of the three species was composed of crustaceans, fish and molluscs, confirming their classification as generalist predators. Thanks to their high environmental tolerance, these sea catfish populations are able to occupy both the continental shelf and adjacent estuaries throughout their life cycle, with the exception of spawning, which generally takes place at sea.
Comparison of diagnostic methods for Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae detection in salmonid fish
Authors: Seidlova Veronika , Syrova Eva , Minarova Hana , Zukal Jan , Balaz Vojtech , Nemcova Monika , Papezikova Ivana , Pikula Jiri , Schmidt‐Posthaus Heike , Mares Jan , Palikova Miroslava
Published: April 2021

Diagnostic accuracy of pathogen detection depends upon the selection of suitable tests. Problems can arise when the selected diagnostic test gives false‐positive or false‐negative results, which can affect control measures, with consequences for the population health. The aim of this study was to compare sensitivity of different diagnostic methods IHC, PCR and qPCR detecting Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae, the causative agent of proliferative kidney disease in salmonid fish and as a consequence differences in disease prevalence. We analysed tissue from 388 salmonid specimens sampled from a recirculating system and rivers in the Czech Republic. Overall prevalence of T. bryosalmonae was extremely high at 92.0%, based on positive results of at least one of the above‐mentioned screening methods. IHC resulted in a much lower detection rate (30.2%) than both PCR methods (qPCR32: 65.4%, PCR: 81.9%). While qPCR32 produced a good match with IHC (60.8%), all other methods differed significantly (p < .001) in the proportion of samples determined positive. Both PCR methods showed similar sensitivity, though specificity (i.e., the proportion of non‐diseased fish classified correctly) differed significantly (p < .05). Sample preservation method significantly (p < .05) influenced the results of PCR, with a much lower DNA yield extracted from paraffin‐embedded samples. Use of different methods that differ in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity resulted in random and systematic diagnosis errors, illustrating the importance of interpreting the results of each method carefully.
Relationship of physical function with quality of life in older patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Aladin Amer I. , Whellan David , Mentz Robert J. , Pastva Amy M. , Nelson M. Benjamin , Brubaker Peter , Duncan Pamela , Reeves Gordon , Rosenberg Paul , Kitzman Dalane W.
Published: April 2021

Background

Older patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) have severely impaired physical function (PF) and quality of life (QOL). However, relationships between impairments in PF and QOL are unknown but are relevant to clinical practice and trial design.

Methods

We assessed 202 consecutive patients hospitalized with ADHF in the multicenter Rehabilitation Therapy in Older Acute HF Patients (REHAB‐HF) Trial. PF measures included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD). Disease‐specific QOL was assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). General QOL was assessed by the Short Form‐12 (SF‐12) and EuroQol‐5D‐5L. PF was evaluated as a predictor of QOL using stepwise regression adjusted for age, sex, race, and New York Heart Association class.

Results

Participants were 72 ± 8 years, 54% women, 55% minority race, 52% with reduced ejection fraction, and body mass index 33 ± 9 kg/m2. Participants had severe impairments in PF (6MWD 185 ± 99 m, SPPB 6.0 ± 2.5 units) and disease‐specific QOL (KCCQ Overall Score 41 ± 21 and Physical Score 47 ± 24) and general QOL (SF‐12 Physical Score 28 ± 9 and EuroQol Visual Analog Scale 57 ± 23). There were modest, statistically significant correlations between 6MWD and KCCQ Overall, KCCQ Physical Limitation, and SF‐12 Physical Scores (r = 0.23, p < 0.001; r = 0.30, p < 0.001; and r = 0.24, p = 0.001, respectively); and between SPPB and KCCQ Physical and SF‐12 Physical Scores (r = 0.20, p = 0.004, and r = 0.19, p = 0.007, respectively). Both 6MWD and SPPB were correlated with multiple components of the EuroQol‐5D‐5L. 6MWD was a significant, weak predictor of KCCQ Overall Score and SF‐12 Physical Score (estimate = 0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.001 and estimate = 0.05 ± 0.02, p = 0.012, respectively). SPPB was a significant, weak predictor of KCCQ Physical Score and SF‐12 Physical Score (estimate = 1.37 ± 0.66, p = 0.040 and estimate = 0.54 ± 0.25, p = 0.030, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In older, hospitalized ADHF patients, PF and QOL are both severely impaired but are only modestly related, suggesting that PF and QOL provide complementary information and assessment of both should be considered to fully assess clinically meaningful patient‐oriented outcomes.
Political Attitudes and Inflation Expectations: Evidence and Implications
Authors: GILLITZER CHRISTIAN , PRASAD NALINI , ROBINSON TIM
Published: April 2021

We show that for the United States and Australia consumers expect significantly lower inflation when the political party they support holds executive office. This finding cannot be explained by previously documented sources of heterogeneity in consumer inflation expectations. It is consistent with stereotypical thinking (Bordalo et al. 2016), pointing to the use of heuristics in the formation of macro‐economic beliefs. Our findings have implications for consumers' understanding of central bank independence and its connection with inflation stabilization.
Videoconferencing psychotherapy for couples and families: A systematic review
Authors: de Boer Kathleen , Muir Samuel D. , Silva S. Sandun M. , Nedeljkovic Maja , Seabrook Elizabeth , Thomas Neil , Meyer Denny
Published: April 2021

The delivery of videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) has been found to be an efficacious, acceptable and feasible treatment modality for individual therapy. However, less is known about the use of VCP for couple and family therapy (CFT). The focus of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy, feasibility and acceptability of using VCP as a treatment delivery modality for CFT. A systematic search was conducted, data relating to efficacy, feasibility and acceptability were extracted from included studies. The search returned 7,112 abstracts, with 37 papers (0.005%) included. The methods of the review were pre‐registered (PROSPERO; CRD42018106137). VCP for CFT was demonstrated to be feasible and acceptable. A meta‐analysis was not conducted; however, results from the included studies indicate that VCP is an efficacious delivery method for CFT. Recommendations for future research and implications regarding clinical practice are made, which may be of interest to practitioners given the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Aspects of non‐causal and non‐invertible CARMA processes
Authors: Brockwell Peter J. , Lindner Alexander
Published: April 2021

A CARMA(p, q) process Y is a strictly stationary solution Y of the pth‐order formal stochastic differential equation a(D)Yt = b(D)DLt, where L is a two‐sided Lévy process, a(z) and b(z) are polynomials of degrees p and q respectively, with p > q, and D denotes differentiation with respect to t. Using a state‐space formulation of the defining equation, Brockwell and Lindner (2009, Stochastic Processes and their Applications 119, 2660–2681) gave necessary and sufficient conditions on L, a(z) and b(z) for the existence and uniqueness of such a stationary solution and specified the kernel g in the representation of the solution as . If the zeros of a(z) all have strictly negative real parts, Y is said to be a causal function of L (or simply causal) since then Yt can be expressed in terms of the increments of Ls, s ≤ t, and if the zeros of b(z) all have strictly negative real parts the process is said to be invertible since then the increments of Ls, s ≤ t, can be expressed in terms of Ys, s ≤ t. In this article we are concerned with properties of CARMA processes for which these conditions on a and b do not necessarily hold.
William James and the Metaphilosophy of Individualism
Authors: Rondel David
Published: April 2021

This paper argues that an individualist perspective is a crucial element of William James’s metaphilosophical outlook. In broad outline, the individualist argument the paper attributes to James can be characterized like this. Disputes among philosophers about the optimal point of view from which to consider this or that philosophical problem are themselves only adequately adjudicated from an individualist perspective. That is, when it comes to an assortment of important philosophical questions (not all of them perhaps, but a significant number), an individualist perspective should replace a more objective one, and whether it should or not is itself a question that should be decided from an individualist perspective.
Rousseau, Dewey, and Freire
Authors: Wilcock Neil
Published: April 2021

This paper suggests that Jean‐Jacques Rousseau, John Dewey, and Paulo Freire each engage in philosophical projects that seek to employ the practice of philosophy as a means to the development of the person and as a political and educational method of philosophy that aims to discover and answer the problems of cooperative associations. The paper argues that the philosophical projects of Rousseau, Dewey, and Freire are intimately related in approach, scope, and intent. Furthermore, it argues that by reading Rousseau, Dewey, and Freire in conversation with one another, their philosophical projects can be effectively employed in an inquiry into citizenship and citizenship education and accordingly as the foundation for a fruitful philosophical methodology that is both political and educational.
Upregulation of mmu_circ_0001066 attenuates the inhibitory effect of bisphosphonates on osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Zhang Weidong , Guo Jie , Gao Ling , Ren Wenhao , Li Shao‐Ming , Zheng Jingjing , Xin Shanshan , Kong Xinjuan , Zhi Keqian
Published: April 2021

Objective

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is the main adverse side effect of bisphosphonates (BPs), mainly owing to the inhibitory effect of BPs on osteoclastogenesis. CircRNAs were identified to be an important factor in regulating cellular processes. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of mmu_circ_0001066 on BP‐inhibited osteoclastogenesis.

Materials and methods

The expression of MRONJ‐related miRNA in RANKL‐induced RAW264.7 cells treated with BP was analyzed using qRT‐PCR analysis. Bioinformatics techniques were applied to screen potential circRNAs. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and bone resorption assays were used to examine the effect of mmu_circ_0001066 on osteoclastogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase reporter assays, and Western blotting assays were performed to investigate the underlying mechanism.

Results

Four MRONJ‐related miRNAs were upregulated in BP‐treated RAW264.7 cells, and the expression of mmu_circ_0001066 was negatively correlated with those of MRONJ‐related miRNAs. Furthermore, the upregulation of mmu_circ_0001066 partially attenuated the inhibitory effect of BP on osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistically, upregulated miR‐16 suppressed osteoclastogenesis and miR‐16 inhibitor increased osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, we have identified that miR‐16 is a downstream effector of mmu_circ_0001066.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that mmu_circ_0001066 played an important role in the BP‐mediated suppression of osteoclastogenesis, which lays a foundation for identifying mmu_circ_0001066 as a potential biomarker for MRONJ.
Multisystem Spinal Cord Stimulation Trialing: A Single Center, Retrospective, Observational Study
Authors: Buchanan Patrick , Kiker Dale , Katouzian Alireza , Kia Farid , Pope Jason E.
Published: April 2021

Background

Spinal cord stimulation is a well‐established modality for the treatment of chronic intractable pain. The safety and efficacy of various stimulation therapy designs have been demonstrated in multiple randomized controlled studies, oftentimes comparing an investigational device to an existing commercial therapy. In the real‐world setting, data are lacking regarding selection of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy, as waveform, pulse trains, and programming are not interchangeable among the devices. The purpose of this study is to help dissect a methodology for a patient centric multisystem trialing.

Methods

We conducted a single center, retrospective, open label observational chart review. Between June 2017 and June 2019, 83 patients underwent SCS trials. Devices from four commercially available systems were trialed. Patients were given the opportunity to trial up to three systems. If the patient reported 50% or more pain relief/functional improvement with the trial, they were able to choose which system they liked best and proceed with implantation.

Results

There were 82% (68/83) of patients who proceeded to permanent implant, with 72 patients electing to trial more than one stimulation paradigm. Of those, 62 trialed 2 SCS systems, whereas 11 trialed 3. During the SCS trials, loss of efficacy due to lead migration was 1.2% (1/83) and no infections occurred. The average pain score measured on the numeric pain rating scale (NRS), improved from 6.8 at baseline to 2.9 after implantation.

Conclusions

Multisystem trialing is safe and effective in providing patients increased exposure to multiple commercially available SCS systems.
Influence of Arctic light conditions on crop production and quality
Authors: Mølmann Jørgen A. B. , Dalmannsdottir Sigridur , Hykkerud Anne Linn , Hytönen Timo , Samkumar Amos , Jaakola Laura
Published: April 2021

The natural light conditions above the Arctic Circle are unique in terms of annual variation creating special growth conditions for crop production. These include low solar elevations, very long daily photosynthetic light periods, midnight sun/absence of dark nights, and altered spectral distribution depending on solar elevation. All these factors are known to affect the growth and the metabolism of plants, although their influence on northern crop plants has not yet been reviewed. The ongoing global warming is especially affecting the temperature × light interactions in the Arctic, and understanding the impact on crop production and plant metabolism will be important for an Arctic contribution to global food production. Arctic light conditions have a strong influence on the timing of plant development, which together with temperature limits the number of cultivars suitable for Arctic agriculture. This review compiles information from the reports about the effects of light conditions at high latitudes on growth, biomass production, flowering and quality of the crop plants and discusses the gained knowledge and the key gaps to be addressed.
Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America
Authors: de Morais Fernandes Fábia Cheyenne Gomes , de Souza Dyego Leandro Bezerra , Curado Maria Paula , de Souza Talita Araujo , de Almeida Medeiros Arthur , Barbosa Isabelle Ribeiro
Published: April 2021

Objective

To describe trends in thyroid cancer incidence and mortality in Latin America.

Methods

Ecological study of time series, with incidence data from the International Agency for Research on Cancer for the 1990–2012 period and mortality data of 16 countries obtained from WHO for the 1995–2013 period. The trends of incidence rates were analysed by the Joinpoint regression. Average annual percentage change and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for incidence and mortality.

Results

Incidence and mortality from thyroid cancer in Latin America were higher in women, with the highest incidence rate in women in Quito (Ecuador) aged 40–59 years: 42.2 new cases per 100 000 inhabitants, and mortality of 4.8/100 000 in women over 60. Thyroid cancer incidence increased in women of all age groups in Cali (Colombia), Costa Rica and Quito (Ecuador); and in men in Costa Rica. Incidence rates were stable above the age of 60 years in Cali, in Goiania (Brazil), Quito (Ecuador) and Valdivia (Chile) in men, and in women in Goiania (Brazil) and Valdivia (Chile). Mortality among women increased in Ecuador (AAPC = 3.28 CI 95% 1.36; 5.24), Guatemala (AAPC = 6.14 CI 95% 2.81; 9.58) and Mexico (AAPC = 0.67 CI 95% 0.16; 1.18).

Conclusions

Thyroid cancer incidence in Latin America is high and rising in women. Mortality remains stable in most countries of Latin America.
Preparation, characterisation and comparative toxicity of nanopermethrin against Anophelesstephensi and Culexpipiens
Authors: Ebrahimnejad Pedram , Nikookar Seyed Hassan , Fazeli‐Dinan Mahmoud , Payman Ziapour Seyed , Farmoudeh Ali , Babaei Amirhossein , Enayati Ahmadali
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of nanopermethrin as a potential new formulation for pest and vector control.

Methods

Permethrin nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method and its structure and the formulations were designed using Box–Behnken statistical technique. The effect of independent variables (Chitosan/Permethrin ratio, tripolyphosphate quantity, sonication time) on the properties of nanoparticles was investigated to determine the optimal formulation.

Results

The size of the nanoparticles ranged from 135.27 ± 5.88 to 539.5 ± 24.01 nm and the insecticide entrapment efficiency per cent (EE%) ranged from 7.72 ± 1.36 to 63.59 ± 3.17%. Anopheles stephensi larvae were then bioassayed with the nanopermethrin and compared with the results of the bioassay with the mother molecule of permethrin using a standard WHO‐recommended mosquito larval bioassay kit. LC50 with permethrin and nanopermethrin on larvae of An. stephensi were 0.125 and 0.026 ppm showing a 4.8 times difference. The LC50 for permethrin and nanopermethrin on Culex pipiens were 0.003 and 0.00032 ppm, respectively, showing a 9.4‐fold difference.

Conclusion

Nanopermethrin is much more potent than its mother molecule against larvae of An. stephensi and Cx. pipiens.
Prediction of soil-water characteristic curves using two artificial intelligence (AI) models and AI aid design method for sands
Authors: Li Yao , Vanapalli Sai K.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, two artificial intelligence (AI) models (i.e., artificial neural networks (ANN) and multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS)) were developed using cumulative percentiles from the grain-size distribution (GSD) curve as input information to predict the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC). The importance of each input variable was testified using two different sensitivity analyses. The results show a strong correlation between the SWCC and GSD curves based on large volume of datasets. The ANN provides higher accuracy due to its unique structure; however, the MARS model facilitates in developing a regression equation that contributes to stable performance. The SWCC can be reliably predicted with the MARS regression equation using one data point from the GSD curve and bulk density information. Sensitivity analysis suggests that the prediction of the SWCC is also possible with a reasonable degree of accuracy by using single data point information from the GSD curve as an input variable. Finally, a novel AI aid design method is proposed by combining the MARS regression equation along with physico-empirical model and fitting equation that provides a rapid and reliable technique for predicting the SWCC of sands.
Not only big bulls — Correlation between morphometry, reproductive success, and testosterone level in a flooded savannah population of the Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
Authors: Barragán-Contreras L.A. , Antelo R. , Amézquita A.
Published: April 2021

Testosterone is a steroid hormone involved in the expression of many morphological, physiological, and behavioral traits that arguably affect reproductive success. The evidence for that link is, however, incomplete or absent in the research on crocodilian species. Testosterone levels are also known to change throughout the breeding season, often on an hourly basis, which may further complicate studying their relationship with breeding success. We tested here whether baseline testosterone levels, measured out of the breeding season, are correlated with morphometry and reproductive success in Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus (Linnaeus, 1758)). Paternity tests, based on the amplification and genotyping of eight fluorochrome labeled microsatellites, failed to support a continuous relationship between these variables. Although adult males of all sizes contribute to reproduction, paternity was overrepresented in a few males with high values of maleness index (bigger males), supporting a despotic or pyramidal hierarchy among males. Maternity assignments supported the existence of multiple paternity, a phenomenon previously attributed in this species to the lack of large males caused by human hunting. The idea of larger males having more offspring is widespread in crocodilians, but to our knowledge, this is the first investigation that prove this dogma.
A computational modeling on transient heat and fluid flow through a curved duct of large aspect ratio with centrifugal instability
Authors: Dolon Shamsun Naher , Hasan Mohammad Sanjeed , Lorenzini Giulio , Mondal Rabindra Nath
Published: April 2021

Due to remarkable applications of the curved ducts in engineering fields, scientists have paid much attention to invent new characteristics of curved-duct flow in mechanical systems. In the ongoing study, a computational modeling of fluid flow and energy distribution through a curved rectangular duct of large aspect ratio is presented. Governing equations are enumerated by using a spectral-based numerical technique together with the function expansion and collocation method. The main purpose of the paper is to analyze the effect of centrifugal force in the flow transition as well as heat transfer in the fluid. The investigations are performed for the aspect ratio, Ar = 4; the curvature ratio, $$\delta = 0.5$$

δ
=
0.5

; the Grashof number, $${\text{Gr}} = 1000$$

Gr
=
1000

; and varying the Dean number, $$0 < {\text{Dn}} \le 1000.$$

0
<
Dn
≤
1000
.

It is found that various types of flow regimes including steady-state and irregular oscillations occur as Dn is increased. To well understand the characteristics of the flow phase spaces and power spectrum of the solutions are performed. Next, pattern variations of axial and secondary flow velocity with isotherms are illustrated for different Dn’s. It is revealed that the flow velocity and the isotherms are significantly influenced by the duct curvature and the aspect ratio. Convective heat transfer and temperature gradients are calculated which explores that the fluids are diversified due to centrifugal instability, and as a consequence the overall heat transfer is enhanced significantly in the curved duct.
Neuroevolution in deep neural networks
Authors: Galván Edgar
Published: April 2021

A variety of methods have been applied to the architectural configuration and learning or training of artificial deep neural networks (DNNs). These methods play a crucial role in the success or failure of the DNNs for most problems. Evolutionary Algorithms are gaining momentum as a computationally feasible method for the automated optimisation of DNNs. Neuroevolution is a term that describes these processes. This newsletter article summarises the full version available at https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.05415.
Nevergrad
Authors: Bennet Pauline , Doerr Carola , Moreau Antoine , Rapin Jeremy , Teytaud Fabien , Teytaud Olivier
Published: April 2021

Nevergrad is an open source platform for black-box optimization.

Join the user group!

And if you like Nevergrad, please support us by adding a star on GitHub (https://github.com/facebookresearch/nevergrad).
Stroke Lesion Detection and Analysis in MRI Images Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Zhang Shujun , Xu Shuhao , Tan Liwei , Wang Hongyan , Meng Jianli
Published: April 2021

Stroke is a kind of cerebrovascular disease that heavily damages people’s life and health. The quantitative analysis of brain MRI images plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. Deep neural networks with massive data learning ability supply a powerful tool for lesion detection. In order to study the property of the stroke lesions and complete intelligent automatic detection, we collaborated with two authoritative hospitals and collected 5,668 brain MRI images of 300 ischemic stroke patients. All the lesion regions in the images were accurately labeled by professional doctors to ensure the authority and effectiveness of the data. Three categories of deep learning object detection networks including Faster R-CNN, YOLOV3, and SSD are applied to implement automatic lesion detection with the best precision of 89.77%. Meanwhile, statistical analysis of the locations, shapes of the lesions, and possible related diseases is conducted with valid conclusions. The research contributes to the intelligent assisted diagnosis and prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.
Microwave-Assisted Regioselective Synthesis and 2D-NMR Studies of New 1,2,3-Triazole Compounds Derived from Acridone
Authors: Aarjane Mohammed , Slassi Siham , Tazi Bouchra , Amine Amina
Published: April 2021

A simple and mild protocol towards the synthesis of new 1,2,3-triazole compounds derived from acridone has been developed via regiospecific 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction between 10-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)acridone derivatives and aromatic azides using CuI as a catalyst. The cycloaddition reaction has been performed using conventional as well as microwave-assisted methods. Microwave-assisted synthesis caused a significant reduction in the reaction times and improvement in the yields of all the synthesized compounds compared with the conventional method. The structure of the 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles has been elucidated by IR, HRMS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 2D NMR (1H-13C HMBC, 1H-1H COSY, and 1H-1H NOESY) spectroscopies.
Characteristics of the Soliton Molecule and Lump Solution in the

2
+
1

-Dimensional Higher-Order Boussinesq Equation
Authors: Ren Bo
Published: April 2021

The soliton molecules, as bound states of solitons, have attracted considerable attention in several areas. In this paper, the

2
+
1

-dimensional higher-order Boussinesq equation is constructed by introducing two high-order Hirota operators in the usual

2
+
1

-dimensional Boussinesq equation. By the velocity resonance mechanism, the soliton molecule and the asymmetric soliton of the higher-order Boussinesq equation are constructed. The soliton molecule does not exist for the usual

2
+
1

-dimensional Boussinesq equation. As a special kind of rational solution, the lump wave is localized in all directions and decays algebraically. The lump solution of the higher-order Boussinesq equation is obtained by using a quadratic function. This lump wave is just the bright form by some detail analysis. The graphics in this study are carried out by selecting appropriate parameters. The results in this work may enrich the variety of the dynamics of the high-dimensional nonlinear wave field.
Research on Reasoning concerning Emergency Measures for Industrial Project Scheduling Control
Authors: Han Xiaokang , Yan Wenzhou , Lu Mei
Published: April 2021

Industry is an important pillar of the national economy, and industrial projects are the most complex and difficult to manage and control in the construction industry; thus, the resource scheduling control of industrial projects is one of the core issues for industrial construction projects. The performance rate of the contract time periods of previous industrial construction projects has been very low. In scheduling control based on case‐based reasoning (CBR), the goal is to implement preventive measures by referring to existing scheduling control cases and control the scheduling of resources through reasoning on emergency measures to prevent scheduling control deviations. In this paper, the rough set approach is used to represent the case feature information in a case reasoning model for industrial project scheduling control, attribute reduction is used to determine the weights of the feature attributes in the rough set representation, and the similarity between cases is calculated for case retrieval. The accuracy of the rough‐set‐based similarity calculation is verified through matrix similarity calculations and a visual analysis of the all closeness centrality and weighted all degree centrality of the corresponding complex network; thus, similar cases of industrial project scheduling control are identified. To verify the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology, a typical coal chemical general contract project case is carried out. The rough set comprehensive similarity results were 0.733, 0.621, 0.536, 0.614, 0.559, 0.950, 0.708, 0.546, 0.733, 0.664, 0.526, and 0.743, and the matrix similarity results were 0.417, 0.583, 0.417, 0.417, 0.417, 0.833, 0.417, 0.500, 0.417, 0.500, 0.333, and 0.500. The results showed that the case retrieval accuracy of traditional matrix similarity is not as high as the rough set comprehensive similarity, so X6 is the most similar case to the target case Y. Case retrieval results indicate that the proposed methodology can provide a good similar case selection strategy with project managers, and the final required preventive measures for the target case can be found. Based on the identified similar cases, preventive measures for scheduling control are formulated to effectively prevent scheduling deviations of industrial projects.
Numerical Analysis of the Mud Inflow Model of Fractured Rock Mass Based on Particle Flow
Authors: Pan Yongjian , Wang Huajun , Zhao Yanlin , Liu Qiang , Luo Shilin
Published: April 2021

Water inrush and mud outburst are one of the crucial engineering disasters commonly encountered during the construction of many railways and tunnels in karst areas. In this paper, based on fluid dynamics theory and discrete element method, we established a fractured rock mass mud inflow model using particle flow PFC3D numerical software, simulated the whole process of fractured rock mass mud inflow, and discussed the effect of particle size and flow velocity on the change of pressure gradient. The numerical simulation results show that the movement of particles at the corner of the wall when the water pressure is first applied occurs similar to the vortex phenomenon, with the running time increases, the flow direction of particles changes, the vortex phenomenon disappears, and the flow direction of particles at the corner points to the fracture; in the initial stage, the slope of the particle flows rate curves increases in time, and the quadratic function is used for fitting. After the percolation velocity of particles reaches stability, the slope of the curve remains constant, and the primary function is used for fitting; the particle flow rate and pressure gradient are influenced by a variety of factors, and they approximately satisfy the exponential function of an “S” curve.