bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-Reported Drug Use and Hearing Measures in Young Adults
Authors: Torre Peter , Reed Mark B. 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to examine marijuana or other substance use on pure-tone thresholds and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in young adults.

Method

Young adults (
n
= 243; 182 women, 61 men;
M
age
= 20.9 years,
SD
= 2.7 years) participated in this study. Survey data included personal music system use, marijuana use, and misuse of prescription medications. Otoscopy, tympanometry, pure-tone audiometry, and DPOAEs were obtained. Pure tones from octave frequencies of 0.25 through 8 kHz were obtained, and DPOAEs were recorded between f
2
frequencies of 1 and 6 kHz using two continuously presented stimulus tones swept in frequency.

Results
Those who reported marijuana or stimulant use had similar pure-tone averages (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) compared to those who reported never using marijuana or stimulants. Women who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days > two times had statistically significant higher mean DPOAEs compared to women who reported ≤ two times or no marijuana use in the past 30 days. Men, however, who reported marijuana use in the past 30 days > two times had lower, but not statistically significant, mean DPOAEs compared to men who reported ≤ two times or no marijuana use in the past 30 days. Women who reported ever using stimulants had statistically significant higher mean DPOAEs compared to women who reported never using stimulants; for men, mean DPOAEs were similar between those who reported ever using stimulants and those who never used stimulants.

Conclusions
The results of this study demonstrate different and contradictory associations between marijuana use, stimulant use, and hearing outcomes as a function of sex. Future research is needed to explore these associations utilizing larger sample sizes while accounting for additional harmful exposures to other noise exposures.
Auditory Training to Improve Speech Perception and Self-Efficacy in Aging Adults
Authors: Fostick Leah , Taitelbaum-Swead Riki , Kreitler Shulamith , Zokraut Shelly , Billig Miriam 
Published: March 2020

PurposeDifficulty in understanding spoken speech is a common complaint among aging adults, even when hearing impairment is absent. Correlational studies point to a relationship between age, auditory temporal processing (ATP), and speech perception but cannot demonstrate causality unlike training studies. In the current study, we test (a) the causal relationship between a spatial–temporal ATP task (temporal order judgment [TOJ]) and speech perception among aging adults using a training design and (b) whether improvement in aging adult speech perception is accompanied by improved self-efficacy.MethodEighty-two participants aged 60–83 years were randomly assigned to a group receiving (a) ATP training (TOJ) over 14 days, (b) non-ATP training (intensity discrimination) over 14 days, or (c) no training.ResultsThe data showed that TOJ training elicited improvement in all speech perception tests, which was accompanied by increased self-efficacy. Neither improvement in speech perception nor self-efficacy was evident following non-ATP training or no training.ConclusionsThere was no generalization of the improvement resulting from TOJ training to intensity discrimination or generalization of improvement resulting from intensity discrimination training to speech perception. These findings imply that the effect of TOJ training on speech perception is specific and such improvement is not simply the product of generally improved auditory perception. It provides support for the idea that temporal properties of speech are indeed crucial for speech perception. Clinically, the findings suggest that aging adults can be trained to improve their speech perception, specifically through computer-based auditory training, and this may improve perceived self-efficacy.
Properties of Spoken Persuasive Language Samples From Typically Developing Adolescents
Authors: Heilmann John , Malone Thomas O. , F. Westerveld Marleen 
Published: March 2020

Purpose
Persuasive communication skills are vital for achieving success in school, at work, and in social relationships. To facilitate assessment of persuasive discourse, we developed a clinically feasible persuasive speaking protocol and used it to compile a database of language samples. This database allowed us to describe the properties of adolescents' persuasive speaking skills.

Method
We collected spoken language samples from 179 typically developing students in Grades 8–12, recruited from the United States and Australia. Participants were asked to persuade an authority figure to make a change in a rule or policy.

Results
Language performance data reflecting both microstructural and macrostructural properties of spoken language were summarized and broken down by grade. We completed a factor analysis that documented three latent variables (syntax, discourse difficulties, and content). To test the validity of the persuasive measures, a subset of the participants completed an additional battery of assessments, which revealed weak to moderate relationships between the persuasive measures, general language ability, and working memory. There was no significant relationship between the persuasive language measures and an assessment of personality.

Conclusion
Our persuasive language sampling protocol facilitated the collection of valid language performance data. The summary data can be used as benchmarks for clinical evaluations of adolescents suspected of having language difficulties.
Looks can be deceiving
Authors: Temmink K. D. , Toonen S. , Zapartas E. , Justham S. , Gänsicke B. T. 
Published: March 2020

Context. White dwarfs (WDs) are important and abundant tools to study the structure and evolution of the Galactic environment. However, the multiplicity of WD progenitors is generally neglected. Specifically, a merger in a binary system can lead to a single WD, which could result in wrongly inferred quantities if only single stellar evolution (SSE) is considered. These mergers are linked to transients such as luminous red novae and Type Ia supernovae.
Aims. We investigate the impact of binary evolution (BE) upon observable single WDs, and compare their properties to WDs formed through SSE. We assess the evolutionary channels and the age and mass distributions of the resulting single WDs.
Methods. We employed SeBa to model the evolution of single star and binary populations. We synthesised the observable single WD population within 100 pc, including cooling and observational selection effects. Additionally, we constructed models with different evolution and primordial population properties to study the effects on the properties of the resulting single WDs.
Results. White dwarfs from binary mergers make up about 10−30% of all observable single WDs and 30−50% of massive WDs. On average, individual WDs take 3.1−5 times longer to form through BE than SE, and so appear ∼1 Gyr younger than they are if BE is ignored. In all models, the effect of mergers on the age distribution is clearly noticeable. The median age typically increases by 85−430 Myr and 200−390 Myr for massive WDs. Although abundant, we do not find evidence that WDs from mergers significantly alter the shape of the WD mass distribution.
Conclusions. Assuming SSE for inferring properties of single WDs gives rise to intrinsic errors as single WDs can also be formed following a binary merger. Strategies for mitigating the effect of mergers on the WD age distributions are discussed.
Power spectra of solar brightness variations at various inclinations
Authors: Nèmec N.-E. , Shapiro A. I. , Krivova N. A. , Solanki S. K. , Tagirov R. V. , Cameron R. H. , Dreizler S. 
Published: March 2020

Context. Magnetic features on the surfaces of cool stars lead to variations in their brightness. Such variations on the surface of the Sun have been studied extensively. Recent planet-hunting space telescopes have made it possible to measure brightness variations in hundred thousands of other stars. The new data may undermine the validity of setting the sun as a typical example of a variable star. Putting solar variability into the stellar context suffers, however, from a bias resulting from solar observations being carried out from its near-equatorial plane, whereas stars are generally observed at all possible inclinations.
Aims. We model solar brightness variations at timescales from days to years as they would be observed at different inclinations. In particular, we consider the effect of the inclination on the power spectrum of solar brightness variations. The variations are calculated in several passbands that are routinely used for stellar measurements.
Methods. We employ the surface flux transport model to simulate the time-dependent spatial distribution of magnetic features on both the near and far sides of the Sun. This distribution is then used to calculate solar brightness variations following the Spectral And Total Irradiance REconstruction approach.
Results. We have quantified the effect of the inclination on solar brightness variability at timescales down to a single day. Thus, our results allow for solar brightness records to be made directly comparable to those obtained by planet-hunting space telescopes. Furthermore, we decompose solar brightness variations into components originating from the solar rotation and from the evolution of magnetic features.
Synthesis of Aromatic and Aliphatic Di-, Tri-, and Tetrasulfonic Acids
Authors: Christoffers Jens , Wickleder Mathias S. 
Published: March 2020

Oligosulfonic acids are promising linker compounds for coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks, however, compared to their carboxylic acid congeners, often not readily accessible by established synthetic routes. This Account highlights the synthesis of recently developed aromatic and aliphatic di-, tri- and tetrasulfonic acids. While multiple electrophilic sulfonations of aromatic substrates are rather limited, the nucleophilic aromatic substitution including an intramolecular variant, the Newman–Kwart rearrangement, allows the flexible introduction of up to four sulfur-containing moieties at an aromatic ring. Sulfonic acids are then accessed by oxidation of thiols, thioethers, or thioesters either directly with hydrogen peroxide or in two steps with chlorine (generated in situ from N-chlorosuccinimide/hydrochloric acid) to furnish sulfochlorides which are subsequently hydrolyzed. In the aliphatic series, secondary alcohols as starting materials are converted into thioethers, thioesters, or thiocarbonates by nucleophilic substitutions, which are also subsequently oxidized to furnish sulfonic acids.1 Introduction2 Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution3 Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution3.1 Intermolecular SNAr3.2 Intermolecular with Subsequent Oxidation3.3 Intramolecular with Subsequent Oxidation4 Nucleophilic Aliphatic Substitution with Subsequent Oxidation5 Oxidation5.1 Oxidation of Thiocarbonates5.2 Oxidation of Thioethers5.3 Oxidation of Thioesters6 Thermolysis of Neopentylsulfonates7 Functionalization via Diazonium Ions8 Conclusion
Methotrexate-Related Pancytopenia: A Case Report
Authors: Mehta Yatin , Nanda Chinmaya 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used drug in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. Although a very safe drug, it can rarely have serious side effects like pancytopenia and hepatotoxicity. We present here a case of methotrexate-induced pancytopenia leading to sepsis and multiorgan failure.
Objective Evaluation of Psychosocial Stress and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk in Women
Authors: Preetham B. Shashi , Upadhyayula Aditya , Taranikanti Madhuri , Kumar M. Aswin , Fatima Farheen , D. Swapna , M. Srinivas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background Psychosocial stress in women is an emerging problem that is by and large unnoticed. Workplaces are being stressful places for women, but the degree of the stress as perceived by them is highly subjective.

Aim To evaluate the stress using the 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS-10) and dividing the participants into low, moderate, and severe stress groups based on the scores. To objectively assess the cardiovascular risk using heart rate variability (HRV) as an index.

Methods After obtaining informed and written consent, a mixed population of 50 women working at various levels in the hospital, and home-makers were included in the study. PSS-10 questionnaires were administered and scores were obtained. Electrocardiogram was obtained from lead II at rest for 10 minutes, and HRV was estimated using the LabChart Pro software (ADInstruments).

Results Of the participants, 72% were in the moderate perceived stress group. Mean PSS scores were 10.33 ± 0.82, 19.72 ± 3.4, and 29.3 ± 2.3 in low, moderate, and high stress groups, respectively. Frequency-domain measures showed very significant difference across the groups. Very low frequency (VLF) was reduced (p = 0.04) and low frequency (LF) was higher (p = 0.01) in the high stress group.

Conclusions Reduced VLF in the high perceived stress group is an indicator of higher cardiovascular mortality risk, which also signifies posttraumatic stress disorder. High LF and reduced high-low frequency powers signify autonomic imbalance in these women. Their perceptions of the stress were also more toward the inability to contain positive emotions when compared with having negative emotions related to stress.
Electronic Fetal Monitoring Credentialing Examination: The First 4000
Authors: Tomlinson Mark W. , Brumbaugh Sara A. , O'Keeffe Marin , Berkowitz Richard L. , D'Alton Mary , Nageotte Michael ,   on behalf of the Perinatal Quality Foundation
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objective Recognized variability in fetal heart rate interpretation led the Perinatal Quality Foundation (PQF) to develop a credentialing exam. We report an evaluation of the 1st 4000 plus PQF Fetal Monitoring Credentialing (FMC) exams.
Study Design The PQF FMC exam is an online assessment for obstetric providers and nurses. The exam contains two question types: traditional multiple-choice evaluating knowledge and Script Concordance Theory (SCT) evaluating judgment. Reliability was measured through McDonald's Total Omega and Cronbach's Alpha. Pearson's correlations between knowledge and judgment were measured.
Results From February 2014 through September 2018, 4,330 different individuals took the exam. A total of 4,057 records were suitable for reliability analysis: 2,105 (52%) physicians, 1,756 (43%) nurses, and 196 (5%) certified nurse midwives (CNMs). As a measure of test reliability, total Omega was 0.80 for obstetric providers and 0.77 for nurses. There was only moderate correlation between the knowledge scores and judgment scores for obstetric providers (0.38) and for nurses (0.43).
Conclusion The PQF FMC exam is a reliable, valid assessment of both Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) knowledge and judgment. It evaluates essential EFM skills for the establishment of practical credentialing. It also reports modest correlation between knowledge and judgment scores, suggesting that knowledge alone does not assure clinical competency.
Abortion for Fetal Genetic Abnormalities: Type of Abnormality and Gestational Age at Diagnosis
Authors: Grossman Tracy B. , Chasen Stephen T. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Advances in genetic screening can identify patients at high risk for common genetic conditions early in pregnancy and can facilitate early diagnosis and early abortion. Less common abnormalities might only be diagnosed with invasive testing is performed after structural abnormalities are identified.
Objective Our objective was to compare gestational age (GA) at diagnosis and abortion for genetic abnormalities identified based on screening with abnormalities that were not discovered after screening.
Study Design All prenatal diagnostic procedures from 2012 to 2017 were reviewed, and singleton pregnancies terminated following diagnosis of genetic abnormalities were identified. Cases diagnosed as the result of screening tests were compared with remaining cases. Conditions were considered “screened for” if they can be suspected by cell-free DNA testing, biochemistry, carrier screening, or if the patient was a known carrier of a single-gene disorder. When abnormal karyotype, microarray, or Noonan's syndrome was associated with abnormal NT, these cases were considered “screened for.” GA at abortion was the primary outcome. Fisher's exact test and Mann–Whitney's U test were used for statistical comparison.
Results In this study, 268 cases were included. A total of 227 (85%) of abortions were performed for “screened for” disorders, with 210 (93%) of these for karyotype abnormalities, 5 (2%) for microarray abnormalities, and 12 (5%) for single-gene disorders. Forty-one (15%) of abortions were performed for conditions not included in screening, with 8 (19%) of those for karyotype abnormalities, 25 (61%) for microarray abnormalities, and 8 (19%) for single-gene disorders. Invasive testing and abortion occurred at earlier median GA for those with conditions that were screened for: 122/7 versus 155/7 weeks, p ≤0.001 and 135/7 versus 200/7 weeks; p ≤0.001.
Conclusion Most abortions were for abnormalities that can be suspected early in pregnancy. As many structural abnormalities associated with rare conditions are not identifiable until the mid-trimester, prenatal diagnosis and abortion occurred significantly later. Physicians and patients should be aware of the limitations of genetic screening.
A better Amazon road network for people and the environment
Authors: Vilela Thais , Malky Harb Alfonso , Bruner Aaron , Laísa da Silva Arruda Vera , Ribeiro Vivian , Auxiliadora Costa Alencar Ane , Julissa Escobedo Grandez Annie , Rojas Adriana , Laina Alejandra , Botero Rodrigo 
Published: March 2020

SignificanceIn the next 5 y, more than 10 thousand kilometers of roads will be built or improved in the Amazon. Well-designed projects can increase employment opportunities, reduce transport costs, and support regional development. However, roads will also drive deforestation, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem services, jeopardizing the welfare of indigenous people, and moving the biome toward irreversible shifts in vegetation. Data to support good decisions are remarkably scarce. Typical feasibility studies, where they exist, inadequately address environmental and social impacts and do not facilitate comparison across projects. This study contributes to informed decision-making by quantifying the environmental, social and economic effects of 75 planned projects. It demonstrates that fewer projects in carefully chosen locations would dramatically improve outcomes of all types.
Half-precessional cycle of thermocline temperature in the western equatorial Pacific and its bihemispheric dynamics
Authors: Jian Zhimin , Wang Yue , Dang Haowen , Lea David W. , Liu Zhengyu , Jin Haiyan , Yin Yaqian 
Published: March 2020

Significance
The precessional insolation plays a critical role in modulating the low-latitude oceanographic changes through ENSO-like dynamics. While previous studies focused on the precessional insolation-induced low-latitude surface water changes, our well-dated, centennial-resolution proxy data and numerical simulation reveal the half-precession cycle of thermocline water temperature (TWT) in the western equatorial Pacific that directly linked to ENSO-like zonal temperature seesaw over the equatorial Pacific. These half-precessional TWT changes are proposed to originate from the interplay of subtropical-to-tropical thermocline anomalies forced by the antiphased meridional insolation gradients in the two hemispheres at the precessional band. This work illustrates that the tropical thermocline water could bridge the meridional climatic processes and the east−west ENSO-like dynamics at orbital timescales.
A regional nuclear conflict would compromise global food security
Authors: Jägermeyr Jonas , Robock Alan , Elliott Joshua , Müller Christoph , Xia Lili , Khabarov Nikolay , Folberth Christian , Schmid Erwin , Liu Wenfeng , Zabel Florian , Rabin Sam S. , Puma Michael J. , Heslin Alison , Franke James , Foster Ian , Asseng Senthold , Bardeen Charles G. , Toon Owen B. , Rosenzweig Cynthia 
Published: March 2020

Significance
Impacts of global warming on agricultural productivity have been evaluated extensively. The implications of sudden cooling for global crop growth, however, are as yet little understood. While crop failures after historic volcanic eruptions are documented, a nuclear conflict can cause even more severe and longer-lasting climate anomalies. India and Pakistan are contributing to a de facto Asian arms race and the political instability in South Asia increasingly imposes a global threat. Based on comprehensive climate and crop model ensemble simulations, we provide critical quantitative information on how sudden cooling and perturbations of precipitation and solar radiation could disrupt food production and trade worldwide for about a decade—more than the impact from anthropogenic climate change by late century.
Specialized cytonemes induce self-organization of stem cells
Authors: Junyent Sergi , Garcin Clare L. , Szczerkowski James L. A. , Trieu Tung-Jui , Reeves Joshua , Habib Shukry J. 
Published: March 2020

SignificanceMany questions about how stem cells communicate with neighboring cells and self-organize to initiate tissue formation remain unanswered. We uncovered mechanisms employed by embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) to coform embryo-like structures. We describe ESC-generated cytonemes that react to self-renewal–promoting Wnt ligands secreted by TSCs. We identified glutamatergic activity upon formation of ESC–TSC interaction. This cellular connection is required for the transmission of Wnt signals to ESCs for Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, a process that regulates morphogenesis. Given that many stem cell types express glutamate receptors and rely on niche-secreted Wnt ligands for self-renewal, we propose that Wnt and glutamatergic signaling crosstalk may prove prevalent in various mammalian tissues to regulate stem cell–niche interactions.
Estimating and leveraging protein diffusion on ion-exchange resin surfaces
Authors: Khanal Ohnmar , Kumar Vijesh , Schlegel Fabrice , Lenhoff Abraham M. 
Published: March 2020

Significance
Direct measurement of protein diffusion at a solid–liquid interface, unlike that in a bulk liquid phase, is challenging, particularly in complex adsorbent geometries. As a result there is disagreement as to whether surface diffusion contributes significantly to protein transport into porous ion-exchange chromatography (IEX) beads. We provide complementary evidence supporting the role of surface diffusion in protein transport into IEX media and show that the diffusivity depends explicitly on adsorption affinity. Exploiting this relationship, we further present an innovative procedure for loading protein onto a column that increases the column productivity by 43% for purification of a monoclonal antibody. We therefore provide a multipronged approach for investigating protein surface diffusion and validate its significance in protein transport.