bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic performance of a large herbivore: effects of winter nutrition and weather
Authors: Jackson Nathan J. , Stewart Kelley M. , Wisdom Michael J. , Clark Darren A. , Rowland Mary M.
Published: January 2021

Variation among demographic rates for a population reflects the allocation of available energy by individuals to competing life‐history strategies. Species exhibiting slow‐paced life histories often prioritize energy allocation to adult survival over any single reproductive event, therefore maximizing future reproductive potential. Survival of adult female ungulates is generally high with little variability, whereas survival of young is lower and often highly variable. When adult survival is high with low variability, juvenile survival may have a proportionally greater effect on population growth or decline. Weather also may affect population dynamics directly by influencing survival of young or adults, or indirectly through changes in nutritional condition of adult females that influence population growth rates. We experimentally manipulated forage availability during winter, by supplementing native forage with high‐energy pelleted feed ad libitum, to a subset of a population of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) to understand the effects of winter nutrition on survival of adult females and their young born the subsequent summer. We evaluated the effects of winter nutrition, individual‐based parameters, and environmental covariates on survival of adult female mule deer from 2013 to 2018, and neonatal mule deer from 2014 to 2016. We documented a 26% decrease in annual survival of adult female mule deer in 2017 in response to increased snowpack during the preceding winter. Neonates born to females that receive enhanced nutrition during winter preceding parturition had higher survival to weaning (0.49, SE = 0.12), compared to neonates born to females that did not receive enhanced nutrition (0.29, SE = 0.07). We observed no effect of enhanced winter nutrition on survival of adult females. Our results suggested winter nutrition of maternal females may influence juvenile survival and demonstrates the importance of forage quality available to adult females during mid‐pregnancy. Although we were unable to detect an effect of winter forage on survival of adults, direct effects of deep winter snow resulted in lower survival of adult females. Low survival of adult females in our study population is indicative of a declining population.
A clinical score for predicting left ventricular reverse remodelling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Okumura Takahiro , Morimoto Ryota , Kazama Shingo , Shibata Naoki , Oishi Hideo , Araki Takashi , Mizutani Takashi , Kuwayama Tasuku , Hiraiwa Hiroaki , Kondo Toru , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: January 2021

Aims

Left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is a well‐established predictor of a good prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The prediction of LVRR is important when developing a long‐term treatment strategy. This study aimed to assess the clinical predictors of LVRR and establish a scoring system for predicting LVRR in patients with DCM that can be used at any institution.

Methods and results

We consecutively enrolled 131 patients with DCM and assessed the clinical predictors of LVRR. LVRR was defined as an absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from ≥10% to a final value of >35%, accompanied by a decrease in left ventricular end‐diastolic dimension (LVEDD) ≥ 10% on echocardiography at 1 ± 0.5 years after a diagnosis of DCM. The mean patient age was 50.1 ± 11.9 years. The mean LVEF was 32.2 ± 9.5%, and the mean LVEDD was 64.1 ± 12.5 mm at diagnosis. LVRR was observed in 45 patients (34%) at 1 ± 0.5 years. In a multivariate analysis, hypertension [odds ratio (OR): 6.86; P = 0.002], no family history of DCM (OR: 10.45; P = 0.037), symptom duration <90 days (OR: 6.72; P < 0.001), LVEF <35% (OR: 13.66; P < 0.0001), and QRS duration <116 ms (OR: 5.94; P = 0.005) were found to be independent predictors of LVRR. We scored the five independent predictors according to the ORs (1 point, 2 points, 1 point, 2 points, and 1 point, respectively), and the total LVRR predicting score was calculated by adding these scores. The LVRR rate was stratified by the LVRR predicting score (0–2 points: 0%; 3 points: 6.7%; 4 points: 17.4%; 5 points: 48.2%; 6 points: 79.2%; and 7 points: 100%). The cut‐off value of the LVRR predicting score was >5 in receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve: 0.89; P < 0.0001; sensitivity: 87%; specificity: 78%). An LVRR predicting score of >5 was an independent predictor compared with the presence of late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance or the severity of fibrosis on endomyocardial biopsy (OR: 11.79; 95% confidence interval: 2.40–58.00; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

The LVRR predicting score using five predictors including hypertension, no family history of DCM, symptom duration <90 days, LVEF <35%, and QRS duration <116 ms can stratify the LVRR rate in patients with DCM. The LVRR predicting score may be a useful clinical tool that can be used easily at any institution.
Tunable Potassium Ion Conductivity and Magnetism in Substituted Layered Ferrates
Authors: Albrecht Ralf , Hunger Jens , Hoelzel Markus , Suard Emmanuelle , Schnelle Walter , Doert Thomas , Ruck Michael
Published: January 2021

Five substituted oxohydroxoferrates K2–x(Fe,M)4O7–y(OH)y (M=Si, Ge, Ti, Mn, Ir) were synthesized in a potassium hydroxide hydroflux with a molar base‐water ratio q(K) of about 0.9. While the hexagonal prisms of K2–x(Fe,Ti)4O7–y(OH)y crystallize in P63/mcm, all other compounds form hexagonal plates with the trigonal space group P
1 m. The crystal structure of the oxohydroxoferrates resembles ß‐alumina. It consists of honeycomb layers
Fe2O6] of edge‐sharing [FeO6] octahedra, where the hexagonal voids are capped by vertex‐sharing [FeO4] tetrahedra pairs. The cavities between the oxoferrate layers host the potassium ions. Depending on M, the substitution affects different iron positions and varies between 5 and 20 %. The magnetic structures of the antiferromagnetic compounds were determined by neutron powder diffraction. The potassium ion conductivity was characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at room temperature. By storing the oxohydroxoferrates in air or annealing them at 700 °C the ion conductivity was significantly increased, e. g. to 5.0 ⋅ 10−3 S cm−1 for a pressed pellet of the iridium substituted compound.
Iron‐Iron Bond Lengths and Bond Orders in Diiron Lantern‐Type Complexes with High Spin Ground States
Authors: Hujon Fitzerald , Lyngdoh Richard H. Duncan , King R. Bruce
Published: January 2021

Diiron paddlewheel‐ or lantern‐type complexes comprise an interesting subclass of binuclear iron complexes, existing with digonal, trigonal, and tetragonal ligand arrays. Experimentally known members show Fe−Fe bonds of lengths ranging from 2.13 to 2.73 Å, with Fe−Fe bond orders ranging from 0.5 to 2. Truncated models for 30 experimentally characterized diiron paddlewheel‐type complexes have been studied by DFT using the M06‐L functional, reproducing the Fe−Fe bond lengths quite well. In addition, we use DFT to treat three series of model diiron complexes Fe2Lx (x=2, 3, 4) in various low‐lying spin states, L being the unsubstituted formamidinate, guanidinate, and formate ligands (along with a series of axially ligated formate complexes) in order to predict ground state spin multiplicities, Fe−Fe bond lengths, and features of the ligand arrays. The ground states all have high spin multiplicities (septets, octets, and nonets). Formal bond order (fBO) values are suggested for the Fe−Fe bonds in these 61 complexes using an electron bookkeeping procedure, in addition to the Fe−Fe bond orders obtained by metal‐metal MO analysis for ground state species. Fe−Fe bond orders up to 3 are noted in some excited states. Deviations from D3h and D4h symmetry are noted for many trigonal and tetragonal complexes, being attributed to inherent Jahn‐Teller distortions. The formamidinate and guanidinate series show many similarities, while the formate series differs from these two in several aspects. From these results, ranges are derived for Fe−Fe bond lengths of orders 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0. The Fe−Fe bond length ranges for these non‐carbonyl lantern complexes are found to be appreciably lower than the corresponding ranges for diiron complexes with carbonyl ligands as compiled earlier from computational and experimental results.
Ferrocene‐Fused Acenequinones: Synthesis, Structure and Reaction Chemistry
Authors: Mahrholdt Julia , Kovalski Eduard , Korb Marcus , Hildebrandt Alexander , Vrček Valerije , Lang Heinrich
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of anti‐[1.1](2,17)(6,13)ferrocenophane‐1,12‐dione (2) is discussed. By addition of LiAlH4, NaBH4 or Wittig's reagent only one keto group reacted to give HO‐ or cC3H4‐functionalized [1.1](2,17)(6,13)ferrocenophan‐12‐hydroxy‐1‐one (3) and [1.1](2,17)(6,13)ferrocenophan‐12‐cyclopropane‐1‐one (4). Exchange of CO by CS groups is possible upon addition of Lawesson's reagent to 2 forming [1.1](2,17)(6,13)ferrocenophan‐1,12‐dithioketone (5). Theoretical studies confirm the different reactivities of the CO groups. Electrochemical studies on 2–5 showed separated reversible one‐electron events for 2–4 (125–925 mV) and an irreversible one for 5. The ferrocenyls in 4 are easier to oxidize, due to their higher electron‐richness. In 2 a larger redox separation comes about suggesting a stronger intermetallic interaction between FeII/FeIII in the mixed‐valent species. In situ UV‐vis/NIR studies confirm that 2 is a weak coupled class II system according to the classification of Robin and Day. Compounds 3 and 4 display electrostatic interactions among the ferrocenyls as oxidation progresses.
Green‐Blue Phosphorescent Iridium(III) Complexes with Near Unitary Quantum Yield
Authors: Soellner Johannes , Strassner Thomas
Published: January 2021

Iridium(III) complexes with cyclometalating ligands can achieve excellent properties for use as phosphorescent emitters in organic light emitting diodes. A series of complexes with 2‐phenyl‐pyridine and bis(pyrazolyl)borate ligands was investigated with regard to this application. The sky‐blue to green emitters showed nearly unitary quantum yields and short excited state lifetimes.
Development of Pd Supported Catalysts Using Thiol‐Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Frameworks: Application to the Chemo‐ and Regioselective C‐3 Arylation of Free‐Indole
Authors: Renom Carrasco Marc , Khodja Walid , Demarcy Clément , Veyre Laurent , Camp Clément , Thieuleux Chloé
Published: January 2021

We report here the development of Pd‐supported catalysts for the selective C‐3 arylation of free‐indole using thiol‐functionalized silica supports to anchor the palladium centers. The palladium (II) complex, Pd(OAc)2, was efficiently loaded into various thiol‐functionalized mesostructured silicas at room temperature. These materials exhibit different contents of surface SH groups (0.3 to 1.8 SH/nm2) and various SH/Pd molar ratios from 6 to 65. It was found that the catalysts containing the most isolated surface SH groups (0.3 SH/nm2) and the highest loading of Pd were the most active, reaching 70 % of conversion, 1400 as turnover numbers and 100 % selectivity in the C‐3 arylated product using only 0.05 mol % of Pd. However, a leaching of active Pd species (1.7 ppm) was detected. The best compromise was found for a specific solid containing isolated surface thiol groups (0.3 SH/nm2) and a very low loading of Pd (SH/Pd=65). It exhibited a high TON (608) with a very low Pd leaching of 0.5 ppm in the course of the catalytic reaction. These results thus illustrate that both surface SH sites isolation and concentration, as well as the SH/Pd molar ratio are key parameters to access high catalytic performances and very low leaching of metal during catalysis.
The Impact of PbI2:KI Alloys on the Performance of Sequentially Deposited Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Zhou Qin , Xu Jianbin , Liang Lusheng , Wang Xiaobing , Wu Jihuai , Gao Peng
Published: January 2021

As univalent cation to the ammonium ions, alkali metal ions become vital alternatives or additives for the A‐site ions of lead halide perovskites. They were reported to construct new perovskite structures or bring new features like reduced defect density, suppressed hysteresis, improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), stability, etc. In this work, by making an alloyed film of PbI2:KI in the first step of the sequential deposition, we find that a low concentration of KI can improve the roughness and microstructure of the PbI2 film, facilitating the intercalation of ammonium salt into PbI2. In comparison, a higher concentration of KI will lead to the formation of K2PbI4 clusters, resulting in perovskite films with decreased quality and high VOC loss in devices. The best‐performing device based on one PbI2:KI alloy shows an enhanced PCE from 19.60 % to 21.18 %. The study can provide a referential insight into the influence of K+ on the formation of perovskite films and the performance of corresponding devices.
Fabrication and Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanowire Based Two‐electrode Capacitive Biosensors on Flexible Substrates for Estimating Glucose Content in a Sample
Authors: Chakraborty Subhadip , Saha Rajib , Karmakar Anupam , Chattopadhyay Sanatan
Published: January 2021

The present work deals with fabrication and characterization of the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire based novel two‐electrode capacitive biosensors on flexible Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates for accurate estimation of glucose by analyzing the fundamental dielectric nature of the relevant sample. The morphology and crystalline quality of grown nanowires are analyzed by using field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. Current and capacitance values of the device have been studied for ten different glucose concentrations relevant to the physiological standards. The analytical performance of the devices in terms of enzyme activity, reliability and flexibility has also been evaluated.
Helpers compensate for age-related declines in parental care and offspring survival in a cooperatively breeding bird
Authors: Hammers Martijn , Kingma Sjouke A. , van Boheemen Lotte A. , Sparks Alexandra M. , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S. , Komdeur Jan
Published: January 2021

Offspring from elderly parents often have lower survival due to parental senescence. In cooperatively breeding species, where offspring care is shared between breeders and helpers, the alloparental care provided by helpers is predicted to mitigate the impact of parental senescence on offspring provisioning and, subsequently, offspring survival. We test this prediction using data from a long-term study on cooperatively breeding Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis). We find that the nestling provisioning rate of female breeders declines with their age. Further, the total brood provisioning rate and the first-year survival probability of offspring decline progressively with age of the female breeder, but these declines are mitigated when helpers are present. This effect does not arise because individual helpers provide more care in response to the lower provisioning of older dominant females, but because older female breeders have recruited more helpers, thereby receiving more overall care for their brood. We do not find such effects for male breeders. These results indicate that alloparental care can alleviate the fitness costs of senescence for breeders, which suggests an interplay between age and cooperative breeding.
A 100‐Million‐Year Gap in the Knowledge of the Evolutionary History of Bromeliaceae: A Brief Review of Fossil Records
Authors: Kessous Igor Musauer , Neves Beatriz , Salgueiro Fabiano , da Costa Andrea Ferreira
Published: January 2021

Bromeliaceae arose in the Early Cretaceous, diverging from Typhaceae at ca. 125 Ma. After an apparent evolutionary stasis of 100 million years, they have undergone a high diversification starting in the Miocene. By adding fossils to the phylogenies, one can infer dates of arising and the divergence of lineages and link them to geological and climatic events. The use of reliable fossils, therefore, can greatly impact the results and interpretation of bromeliads evolution. Here, we present a literature review of the fossils assigned to Bromeliaceae and discuss the gap in the knowledge of these plants’ evolutionary history in the light of the poor fossil record. Our survey shows that Karatophyllum bromelioides, from the Pleistocene, is the only reliable fossil among the few fossils assigned to the group. Protananaceae has been proposed since 2005 as a sister group of Bromeliaceae; however, no work has corroborated this placement so far. The lack of information in fossil records contributes to the unsolved evolutionary questions between the rise and diversification of the bromeliads. These aspects influence molecular clock calibration and consequently phylogenetic and biogeographical inferences, requiring an alternative calibration. Additional findings may improve our knowledge by revealing new macro/microfossils for Bromeliaceae.
The effect of yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. probiotic in patients with lactose intolerance
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Mehrabani Davood , Saberifiroozi Mehdi , Fattahi Mohammad Reza , Moradi Fariba , Najafi Masoud
Published: January 2021

This study assessed the effect of probiotic yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. in patients with lactose intolerance. Fifty‐five patients suffering from lactose intolerance were randomly divided into control group of 28 lactose intolerance patients who received nonprobiotic yogurt (100 ml) and experimental group consisted of 27 lactose intolerance patients who received probiotic yogurt fortified (100 ml) with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. Each individual received yogurt for one week. Lactose intolerance was confirmed when the patients received 75 g lactose and were positive after 30 min until 3 hr for lactose intolerance symptoms and by hydrogen breath test (HBT). After intervention, the hydrogen level was lower in experimental group in comparison with the control group. Lactose intolerance symptoms in experimental group were much less than the control group. Our findings revealed that probiotic yogurt fortified with L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium sp. could safely and effectively decrease lactose intolerance symptoms and HBT, so our probiotic can be recommended as a treatment of choice in lactose intolerance patients.
Enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness in asthmatic children and mice with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection
Authors: Ariyoshi Taira , Tezuka Junichiro , Yasudo Hiroki , Sakata Yasufumi , Nakamura Tamaki , Matsushige Takeshi , Hasegawa Hideki , Nakajima Noriko , Ainai Akira , Oga Atsunori , Itoh Hiroshi , Shirabe Komei , Toda Shoichi , Atsuta Ryo , Ohga Shouichi , Hasegawa Shunji
Published: January 2021

Background

Severe asthma exacerbation is an important comorbidity of the 2009 HIN1 pandemic (A(H1N1)pdm09) in asthmatic patients. However, the mechanisms underlying severe asthma exacerbation remain unknown. In this study, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was measured in pediatric asthma patients infected with A(H1N1)pdm09. We also evaluated AHR in asthmatic mice with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection and those with seasonal influenza for comparison.

Methods

AHRs in asthmatic children were defined as the provocative acetylcholine concentration causing a 20% reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (PC20). To investigate the pathophysiology using animal models, BALB/c mice aged 6‐8 weeks were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin. Either mouse‐adapted A(H1N1)pdm09, seasonal H1N1 virus (1 × 105 pfu/20 μl), or mock treatment as a control was administered intranasally. At 3, 7, and 10 days after infection, each group of mice was evaluated for AHR by methacholine challenge using an animal ventilator, flexiVent. Lung samples were resected and observed using light microscopy to assess the degree of airway inflammation.

Results

AHRs in the children with bronchial asthma were temporarily increased, and alleviated by 3 months after discharge. AHR was significantly enhanced in A(H1N1)pdm09‐infected asthmatic mice compared to that in seasonal H1N1‐infected mice (p < .001), peaking at 7 days postinfection and then becoming similar to control levels by 10 days postinfection. Histopathological examination of lung tissues showed more intense infiltration of inflammatory cells and severe tissue destruction in A(H1N1)pdm09‐infected mice at 7 days postinfection than at 10 days postinfection.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that enhanced AHR could contribute to severe exacerbation in human asthmatic patients with A(H1N1)pdm09 infection.
Financial innovation characteristics and banking performance: The mediating effect of risk management
Authors: Zouari‐Hadiji Rim
Published: January 2021

Several studies dealing with the direct relationship between financial innovation and bank performance have reported mixed results. The risk management incurred by the bank, as a mediating variable in this relationship, has not been investigated by researchers. In this context, the present work contribution consists in highlighting the important role of risk management to explain the interaction between financial innovation characteristics and bank performance. The present work is conducted concerning a sample involving seven privately owned Tunisian banks, relevant to the period ranging from 2009 to 2018. The hierarchical multiple regressions analysis turns out to indicate the noticeable effect of risk management on the relationships binding financial innovation characteristics (the risk level, innovations' horizon and specificity) and banking performance. In fact, private Tunisian banks appear to respond positively to the banking products and service‐associated technological developments, in a bid to effectively manage bank risks and promote banking performance.
Automatic machinery fault detection via using distributed sensor information
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Huo Ying , Xu Yudong
Published: January 2021

It is critical in intelligent manufacturing that monitors devices to sustain normal status. Recently, the artificial intelligence‐powered diagnosis is the key in smart monitoring process and has become a hot topic in the engineering field. In previous diagnostic methods, complete failure samples are the premise to activate the intelligent diagnostic model. However, the actual failures of the mechanical diagnostic are far more than that we can obtain under running state in advance. In order solve this issue, this paper adopts Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) by using simulated data to obtain complete failure samples, which builds a bridge between artificial intelligent model and mechanical fault diagnostic system. In mechanical diagnostic system, we first use finite element simulation to generate the missing fault samples. The generated and existing fault samples are supplemented each other to construct complete failure samples. The complete failure samples are used as training set to train an intelligent model which is used to predict the status for future status of mechanical system. The status of mechanical system is represented as the signal from distributed sensors. The fault diagnostic system is verified on a public mechanical system dataset and the results demonstrate it is superior to previous ones.
Finasteride: The First 5α‐Reductase Inhibitor
Authors: Sudduth S. Lynn , Koronkowski Michael J.
Published: January 2021

Finasteride is a synthetic 4‐azasteroid that is a specific competitive inhibitor of 5α‐reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It has no binding affinity for androgen receptor sites and itself possesses no androgenic, antiandrogenic, or other steroid hormone‐related properties. It is well absorbed after oral administration, with absolute bioavailability in humans of 63% (range 34–108%). The mean time to maximum concentration is 1–2 hours, and it is approximately 90% plasma protein bound. The elimination half‐life averages 6–8 hours. The agent is metabolized to a series of five metabolites, of which two are active and possess less than 20% of the 5α‐reductase activity of finasteride. Little is known about potential drug interactions, although they appear to be minimal and not clinically relevant. The drug is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Its efficacy in regression of prostate gland enlargement is rapid and predictable, although correlation with subsequent improvement in urinary flow and symptoms is highly variable. Dosages of 0.5–100 mg/day regress prostate enlargement; the recommended dosage is 5 mg once/day. Finasteride may hold promise for other DHT‐mediated disorders such as acne, facial hirsutism, frontal lobe alopecia, and prostate cancer, but its use in these conditions remains investigational. The frequency of adverse drug events is low, with the most common side effects being impotence, decreased libido, and decreased volume of ejaculate. No reports of intentional overdose have been reported, and dosages of up to 80 mg/day for 3 months have been taken without adverse effect.
Economic Considerations in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Meek Patrick D. , McKeithan E. Kristin , Schumock Glen T.
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the third most expensive disease in the United States, costing society approximately $100 billion each year. It is one of the most prevalent illnesses in the elderly population, and with the aging of society, will become even more significant. Costs associated with AD include direct medical costs such as nursing home care, direct nonmedical costs such as in‐home day care, and indirect costs such as lost patient and caregiver productivity. Medical treatment may have economic benefits by slowing the rate of cognitive decline, delaying institutionalization, reducing caregiver hours, and improving quality of life. Pharmacoeconomic evaluations have shown positive results regarding the effect of drug therapy on nursing home placement, cognition, and caregiver time.
Longitudinal associations between internalizing symptoms and driving avoidance in newly licensed adolescents
Authors: Beck Haley B. , McManus Benjamin , Underhill Andrea , Stavrinos Despina
Published: January 2021

Background

Extensive literature assesses risky adolescent driving, but nothing examines what makes teens avoid driving. Many assume teenagers are eager to drive, but evidence suggests internalizing symptoms lead some to avoid driving.

Aims

This study tested whether depressive and anxious symptomology predicted longitudinal driving avoidance in novice teen drivers.

Materials and Methods

N = 56 16‐year‐olds (52% female; 48% Black/African American) completed three observations over 6 months. At Time 1, participants reported depressive (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression 10‐item Scale) and anxious (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item Scale) symptomologies, and driving avoidance (Driving Habits Questionnaire [DHQ]), repeating DHQ at Times 2 and 3. Multiple linear regression tested whether symptomologies predicted avoidance at licensure. Linear mixed models tested associations between symptomologies and avoidance over time.

Results

High anxiety predicted greater avoidance at baseline and over 6 months. Depressive symptoms did not predict avoidance.

Discussion

Findings warrant an assessment of anxious adolescents' barriers to driving and avoidance impacts on crash risk.
Exploring a Training IRAP as a single participant context for analyzing reversed derived relations and persistent rule‐following
Authors: Harte Colin , Barnes‐Holmes Dermot , Moreira Murilo , de Almeida Joao H. , Passarelli Denise , de Rose Julio C.
Published: January 2021

Rule‐governed behavior and derived stimulus relations have always shared strong conceptual links within behavior analysis. However, experimental analysis linking the two domains remains limited. The current study consisted of three experiments that aimed to continue to bridge this experimental gap. The first experiment sought to establish the extent to which a training version of the implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP) could be used to establish and successfully reverse experimentally established derived relations. The results suggested that the Training IRAP could successfully produce derived reversals. Experiments 2 and 3 explored the extent to which reversed derived relations would control rule‐governed behavior when the contingencies for rule‐following competed with the rule. In Experiment 2, the task contingencies were immediately in opposition to the (reversed) derived rule, and participants generally responded in accordance with the task contingencies, rather than the rule. In Experiment 3, the task contingencies were initially rule‐consistent before a contingency reversal that later made them rule‐inconsistent. Here evidence of rule‐persistence emerged. The results of the research are considered within the context of a recent framework that has emerged out of RFT for analyzing the dynamics involved in derived relational responding.
Microscopic analysis of the inhibition of staphylococcal biofilm formation by Escherichia coli and the disruption of preformed staphylococcal biofilm by bacteriophage
Authors: Manoharadas Salim , Altaf Mohammad , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Hussain Shaik Althaf , Devasia Rajesh Mamkulathil , Badjah Hadj Ahmed Yacine M , Abuhasil Mohammed Saeed Ali
Published: January 2021

The formation of bacterial biofilms is a severely encountered problem in clinical and industrial settings. Most of the naturally occurring bacterial strains are capable of forming mono or mixed biofilms. In this study, we evaluated the potentiality of three clinically relevant species in forming mono and mixed biofilms over glass surface. In addition, we also appraised the efficiency of bacteriophages in alleviating preformed mono and mixed biofilm. Our initial study focused on the ability of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in forming biofilm on glass cover slip. All the three strains were able to form mono biofilm, although at varying intensities. Interestingly, E. coli inhibited the formation of S. aureus biofilm in a mixed culture. Specific bacteriophages ɸ44AHJD and ɸX174 completely disrupted S. aureus and E. coli preformed biofilm structure after 72 hr of incubation. However, addition of either of the bacteriophage to the mixed E. coli–S. aureus promoted the formation of biofilm by the alternate strain that was not affected by the phage. Our findings elicit the potentiality of common bacterial strains in forming biofilms on smooth glass surface. In addition, these results are very promising for the development of effective drugs using intact bacteriophages for the removal of complicated bacterial biofilms formed in clinically relevant glass surfaces. The observations further complemented the earlier finding of competitive inhibition of S. aureus biofilm development by E. coli.
Mitochondrial replacement therapy: Genetic counselors' experiences, knowledge, and opinions
Authors: Aryamvally Anjali , Myers Melanie F. , Huang Taosheng , Slone Jesse , Pilipenko Valentina , Hartmann Julianne E.
Published: January 2021

Mitochondrial disorders affect at least 1 in 5,000 individuals worldwide and are often incurable and fatal. Mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT) is an in vitro fertilization technique used to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial disorders. Currently, MRT is the only approach that provides mothers who carry a pathogenic variant in their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), the opportunity to have a biological child without a mitochondrial disease. MRT involves the combination of nuclear DNA from the egg of the carrier mother and the cytoplasm from an oocyte donor, which contains healthy mitochondria. While MRT was approved for use in the UK in 2015, the ban on congressional funding for research on ‘heritable genetic modification’ has made MRT unavailable within the US borders. This survey‐based study aimed to describe genetic counselors' experience, knowledge, and opinions about MRT. Additionally, we also assessed whether genetic counselors' comfort discussing MRT with patients, and feelings about clinical use of MRT in the United States changed after providing information about MRT compared with baseline. Responses were received from 139 genetic counselors in North America. Findings indicate low awareness and knowledge about MRT among participants. However, more participants expressed comfort with discussing MRT with patients and more participants were able to form opinions about statements about MRT after they were provided with information about MRT. This study is the first to assess genetic counselors' opinions toward MRT and suggests the need for more education about novel technologies such as MRT among genetic counselors.
From model to low noise amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit: 0.03–2.6 GHz plastic quad‐flat no‐leads packaged Gallium‐Nitride low noise amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit
Authors: Osmanoglu Sinan , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: January 2021

This paper describes an air cavity quad‐flat no‐leads (QFN) over‐molded plastic packaged cascode broadband GaN LNA Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) with resistive feedback fabricated with 0.25 μm GaN HEMT technology. The single stage QFN packaged GaN LNA MMIC achieves a bandwidth of 0.03–2.6 GHz with a typical gain of 11.5 dB and less than 1.5 dB noise figure. The low noise amplifier (LNA) design is based on a model of a concept transistor, the cascode transistor used in the design, that has not been fabricated previously. The concept transistor is fabricated for the first time along with the GaN LNA MMIC. The fabricated GaN LNA MMIC is housed in a 12‐lead 3 × 3 mm2 air cavity QFN over‐molded plastic package and mounted on an application board. The measurements taken with the application board represent a good convergence with the design that is based on a concept transistor model. The measurement results and 50 Ω internal matching on both ports without the need for additional matching components make this LNA attractive for many applications.
Staphylococcal infection prevention using antibiotic‐loaded mannitol–chitosan paste in a rabbit model of implant‐associated osteomyelitis
Authors: Harrison Zoe L. , Pace Leslie R. , Brown Madison N. , Beenken Karen E. , Smeltzer Mark S. , Bumgardner Joel D. , Haggard Warren O. , Amber Jennings J.
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic‐loaded chitosan pastes have shown advantages in the treatment and coverage of complex musculoskeletal defects. We added mannitol, previously shown to increase antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm, to an injectable chitosan/polyethylene glycol paste for delivery of antibiotics. Ground sponges (0.85% acetic acid solution, 1% chitosan, 0% or 2% mannitol, 1% polyethylene glycol) were hydrated using phosphate‐buffered saline with 10 mg/ml amikacin and 10 mg/ml vancomycin added to form pastes. We inoculated rabbit radial defects with 105 colony‐forming units of Staphylococcus aureus (UAMS‐1) and inserted titanium pins into the cortical bone. Groups compared included mannitol blend pastes, non‐mannitol blends, antibiotic‐loaded bone cement, vancomycin powder, and no treatment controls. We harvested tissue samples and retrieved the pins retrieved at 3 weeks. All antibiotic‐loaded groups lowered bacterial growth and colony‐forming unit counts in soft and bone tissue and on titanium pins in in vivo studies. The results indicate this biomaterial is capable of eluting active antibiotics at concentrations that reduce bacterial growth on biomaterials and tissue, which, in turn, may prevent biofilm formation. Blends of chitosan and mannitol may be useful in prevention and treatment of osteomyelitis and implant‐associated infections.
Salinity resistance as a function of NH4+:NO3- ratio and its impact on yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad , Naz Urooj , Abid Muhammad , Shahzad Sher Muhammad , Aziz Ahsan , Akhtar Naeem , Naeem Asif , Mühling Karl Hermann
Published: January 2021

Background: Adequate regulation of plant nutrients may constitute a promising approach to overcome the deleterious effects of salinity on plant growth and development. Among these nutrients, nitrogen (N) can be a stand out option to improve plant adaptation to saline environment. However, plant response to N under salinity stress may vary depending upon ratio in the growth medium.

Aims: The present study aimed to determine the efficiency of different ratios for improving salt resistance of tomato under alkaline conditions.

Methods: Experimental plan comprised of five ratios 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100, and three salinity levels (no salinity, moderate salinity of 7 dS m−1, and high salinity of 10 dS m−1), with five replications. Plants were grown up to maturity and fruits were harvested for quality analysis.

Results: ratios produced a differential response in ameliorating salinity toxicity. Plant growth and fruit yield characteristics reduced with salinity but the extent of reduction varied significantly with ratio under both salinity levels compared to respective ratio without salinity. Physiological characteristics viz. chlorophyll, photosynthesis, malondialdehyde, glutathione, electrolyte leakage and relative water content were also got optimized in favor of the high plant growth and yield by ratio of 50:50 under salinity stress. Among different ratios, 50:50 had greater potential not only to reduce Na+ and Cl− but also to promote N, K+, and Ca2+ accumulation in roots, shoots, and fruits, and thus gave more protection against the deleterious effects of salinity. Fruit quality characteristics improved with salinity, except for vitamin C. Shoot N correlated positively with photosynthesis (R2 = 0.94) and fruit yield (R2 = 0.98).

Conclusions: Overall, ratios ranked in order of 50:50 > 0:100 > 25:75 > 75:25 > 100:0 to regulate the growth, yield and physiological characteristics of tomato under salinity stress, however best fruit quality characteristics were recorded in 100:0 ratio.
Mixed Surfactant‐Based Reverse Micellar Extraction Studies of Bovine Lactoperoxidase
Authors: Karanth Shwetha , Iyyaswami Regupathi
Published: January 2021

The suitability of reverse micellar extraction for recovery of bovine lactoperoxidase (LP) from aqueous solution was evaluated using systems formed by ionic and nonionic surfactant mixtures. The influence of ionic surfactant concentration, organic solvent, and pH on the extraction of LP into the reverse micellar phase was studied. The Tween® series surfactants with Aerosol‐OT (bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate) showed better extraction of LP in the reverse micelles (RM) compared to the Triton® and Span® series of surfactants. Complete extraction of LP from an aqueous phase of initial concentration 25 mg L−1 occurred with the RM formed by 90 mM Aerosol‐OT/8 mM Tween® 80 in isooctane. The optimal pH, ionic strength, and positively charged ionic surfactant concentration for back extraction were also studied and a maximum of 95.5% back extraction efficiency and 66% LP activity recovery was obtained for a pH of 10.5,1 M KCl and 60 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide system.
Estimating the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect in natural images considering the decreasing brightness‐to‐luminance ratio with increasing lightness
Authors: Nakagawa Kota , Hayami Yuki , Aoyanagi Hisakazu , Takamatsu Hiroaki , Shimodaira Yoshifumi , Ohashi Gosuke
Published: January 2021

For colors with the same luminance, increasing the saturation increases the color brightness. This phenomenon, known as the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch (H–K) effect, is a characteristic of human vision. In our estimations of the H–K effect in natural images, we found that the brightness‐to‐luminance (B/L) ratio decreases with increasing the lightness. However, the estimation was not enough for high lightness images containing a large amount of cyan. We, therefore, propose an estimation equation considering the decreasing B/L ratio with increasing the lightness. This estimation method takes into account the characteristic that the B/L ratio is 1.0 or higher. First, we create a function that reflects the decrease of the magnitude of the H–K effect with respect to the increase of the lightness at each hue. Then, the difference between the lightness and the standard lightness (the lightness used in Nayatani's estimation equation) is multiplied. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified in a subjective‐evaluation experiment of high‐lightness images containing a large amount of cyan. Moreover, the method improved the accuracy of the estimation, and we confirmed the decrease in B/L ratio with increasing the lightness by excluding B/L values below 1.0.
Heterotopic Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Ouyang Yan , Chen Hui , Lin Ge , Xiang Shuanglin , Qin Jiabi , Gong Fei , Li Xihong
Published: January 2021

We report a series of 20 cases of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy in this study. The results show that transvaginal sonography offers highly accurate diagnoses of heterotopic cesarean scar pregnancy during the first trimester. Careful exclusion of cesarean scar pregnancy is of great clinical importance for patients with a history of cesarean section after in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer, even when an intrauterine pregnancy has been detected. We recommend single embryo transfer for patients with a history of cesarean section. Expectant management may provide the opportunity for a live cesarean scar pregnancy to develop, albeit at high risks of placenta accreta and hemorrhage, and this needs further verification in the future.
Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Orbital Space‐Occupying Lesions Using Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Zhang Yao , Deng Qing , Sun Bin , Chen Liao , Huang Xin , Pan Juhong , Huang Xingyue , Zhang Jun , Chen Wenwei
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the value of time‐intensity curve (TIC) analysis of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) signal to differentiate malignant from benign orbital space‐occupying lesions.

Methods

The CEUS signal of 111 patients with orbital space‐occupying lesions was retrospectively analyzed using SonoLiver software. TIC‐related parameters such as the arrival time (AT), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP), maximum intensity (IMAX), mean transit time (mTT), slope of the increase (RS), and slope of the decrease (DS) were compared between the malignant and benign groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to acquire the cutoff values of these parameters for differential diagnosis.

Results

TIC patterns were characterized by fast increase and fast decrease in signal intensity in the malignant group, fast increase and a slow decrease in signal intensity in the benign group. The differences in the IMAX, RS, DS, mTT, TTP, and RT between the 2 groups were statistically significant (p <.01), while the difference in the AT were not (p = .672). ROC curve analysis showed that IMAX = 427.20, DS = 34.72, and mTT = 33.55 were the best cutoff values for differential diagnosis of malignant and benign space‐occupying lesions. The accuracy rate of CEUS visual evaluation for differential diagnosis was 66.67% (74/111), while TIC quantitative analysis could effectively improve the accuracy to 89.19% (99/111).

Conclusions

TIC analysis can improve CEUS efficiency to differentiate malignant from benign orbital space‐occupying lesions.
Sea‐ice microbial communities in the Central Arctic Ocean: Limited responses to short‐term pCO2 perturbations
Authors: Torstensson Anders , Margolin Andrew R. , Showalter Gordon M. , Smith Walker O. , Shadwick Elizabeth H. , Carpenter Shelly D. , Bolinesi Francesco , Deming Jody W.
Published: January 2021

The Arctic Ocean is more susceptible to ocean acidification than other marine environments due to its weaker buffering capacity, while its cold surface water with relatively low salinity promotes atmospheric CO2 uptake. We studied how sea‐ice microbial communities in the central Arctic Ocean may be affected by changes in the carbonate system expected as a consequence of ocean acidification. In a series of four experiments during late summer 2018 aboard the icebreaker Oden, we addressed microbial growth, production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), photosynthetic activity, and bacterial assemblage structure as sea‐ice microbial communities were exposed to elevated partial pressures of CO2 (pCO2). We incubated intact, bottom ice‐core sections and dislodged, under‐ice algal aggregates (dominated by Melosira arctica) in separate experiments under approximately 400, 650, 1000, and 2000 μatm pCO2 for 10 d under different nutrient regimes. The results indicate that the growth of sea‐ice algae and bacteria was unaffected by these higher pCO2 levels, and concentrations of DOC and EPS were unaffected by a shifted inorganic C/N balance, resulting from the CO2 enrichment. These central Arctic sea‐ice microbial communities thus appear to be largely insensitive to short‐term pCO2 perturbations. Given the natural, seasonally driven fluctuations in the carbonate system of sea ice, its resident microorganisms may be sufficiently tolerant of large variations in pCO2 and thus less vulnerable than pelagic communities to the impacts of ocean acidification, increasing the ecological importance of sea‐ice microorganisms even as the loss of Arctic sea ice continues.
Seasonality and biological forcing modify the diel frequency of nearshore pH extremes in a subarctic Alaskan estuary
Authors: Miller Cale A. , Kelley Amanda L.
Published: January 2021

Acidification in nearshore waters is influenced by a multitude of drivers that shape the dynamics of pH and carbonate chemistry variability on diurnal, seasonal, and yearly time scales. Monitoring efforts aimed at characterizing high temporal variability are lacking in many nearshore systems, particularly in high‐latitude regions such as Alaska. To rectify this, a nearshore acidification sensor array was established in the Fall of 2017 within Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Presented here are the results from the first year of these deployments, and the first record of a year‐long high‐frequency pH time series for nearshore Alaska. SeaFET™ pH and O2 sensors deployed in Jakolof Bay and Bear Cove reveal a seasonally dynamic system in which nearshore waters in these two enclosed bays transition to being predominantly net autotrophic systems for a period of 60‐plus days. High rates and durations of primary production in late spring and early summer create high pH conditions and extreme variability. Observed pH values in Jakolof Bay and Bear Cove tracked hourly rates of change on the order of 0.18 and 0.10 units, respectively. In Jakolof Bay nondirectional variability within a 12‐h period was > 1 pH unit, exposing organisms to unstable, nonstatic pH conditions on tidal and diurnal cycles. Consistent frequency patterns detailing the magnitude of pH variability was correlated to tidal and O2 signatures, elucidating the dynamics and drivers of pH variability. This first year of observations is the first step in quantifying the anthropogenic contribution to acidification for Kachemak Bay in the forthcoming years.
Financialization of manufacturing companies and corporate innovation: Lessons from an emerging economy
Authors: Su Kun , Liu Heng
Published: January 2021

Despite the increased attention for the financialization issue in the academic field, the extent literature offers limited knowledge about its potential consequence on the innovation outcomes of manufacturing firms in emerging markets. We endeavor to investigate the effect of manufacturing firms' financialization behaviors on corporate innovation and its boundary conditions. Hypotheses of both direct and moderating effects are thus developed, and we test these hypotheses using 3373 observations of the public listed firms in China. By doing so, we thus shed light on an underappreciated antecedent (i.e., financialization) in an under‐theorized setting (emerging markets) over the topic of corporate innovation.