bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shrub encroachment creates a dynamic landscape of fear for desert lagomorphs via multiple pathways
Authors: Wagnon Casey J. , Schooley Robert L. , Cosentino Bradley J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractShrub encroachment is transforming arid and semiarid grasslands worldwide. Such transitions should influence predator–prey interactions because vegetation cover often affects risk perception by prey and contributes to their landscape of fear. We examined how the landscape of fear of two desert lagomorphs (black‐tailed jackrabbit,Lepus californicus; desert cottontail,Sylvilagus audubonii) changes across grassland‐to‐shrubland gradients at Jornada Basin Long Term Ecological Research site in the Chihuahuan Desert of southern New Mexico. We test whether shrub encroachment shapes risk differently for these two lagomorphs because of differences in body size and predator escape tactics. We also examine whether an ecosystem engineer of grasslands (banner‐tailed kangaroo rat,Dipodomys spectabilis) mediates risk perception through the creation of escape refuge and whether trade‐offs exist between shrub encroachment and the local reduction of banner‐tailed kangaroo rats caused by shrub expansion. We measured perceived predation risk with flight initiation distances (FIDs) and then used structural equation modeling to tease apart the hypothesized direct and indirect pathways for how shrub encroachment could affect perceived risk. A total negative effect of shrub cover on FID was supported for jackrabbits and cottontails, suggesting both species perceive shrubbier habitat as safer. Increases in fine‐scale concealment also reduced risk for cottontails, but not jackrabbits, likely because cottontails rely on crypsis to avoid predator detection whereas jackrabbits rely on speed and agility to outrun predators. Perceived risk was reduced when individuals were near kangaroo rat mounds only for cottontails because the smaller species can use banner‐tailed kangaroo rat mounds as refuge. Shrub encroachment greatly reduced the availability of mounds. Thus, a trade‐off exists for cottontails in which shrub encroachment directly reduced perceived risk, but indirectly increased perceived risk through the local extirpation of an ecosystem engineer. Our work illustrates how the expansion of shrub encroachment can create a dynamic landscape of fear for populations of prey species involving direct and indirect pathways contingent on prey body size, escape tactics, and activities of an ecosystem engineer.
Nationwide trends in incidence, healthcare utilization, and mortality in hospitalized heart failure patients in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Tzung‐Dau , Huang Shih‐Tsung , Wang Chen‐Yu , Lin Fang‐Ju , Chen Ho‐Min , Hsiao Fei‐Yuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsThe objective of this study was to estimate the nationwide annual incidence, healthcare utilization, and mortality among hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients in Taiwan.Methods and resultsPeople aged 20 years or older and having been newly admitted for HF between 2010 and 2015 were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. For 124 816 patients with incident HF hospitalizations between 2010 and 2012, we further analysed their treatment patterns, healthcare utilizations, and mortality during index hospitalization and within 3 years following discharge from the index hospitalization. The age‐stratified incidences were declined by 10–20% in people aged 55 years or older, but increased by ~4% among people younger than 44 years old between 2010 and 2015. For all incident hospitalized HF patients, the percentages of patients visiting the emergency room, were rehospitalized, and treated with guideline‐directed medical therapy were highest in the first year. Approximately two‐thirds of subsequent hospitalizations were due to non‐HF and non‐cardiovascular causes. The all‐cause mortality rate during index hospitalization was 8.5%, whereas the mortality rates at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years following discharge were 3.5%, 8.9%, 14.4%, 22.5%, 33.9%, and 42.8%, respectively, for those surviving index HF hospitalization. Non‐cardiovascular disease‐related deaths accounted for nearly 60% of all deaths.ConclusionsOur study reveals that, in contemporary Taiwan, the >10% annual mortality following the first year of hospitalization, 30% deaths occurring outside the hospital, and 60% non‐cardiovascular‐related deaths, along with the decreasing use of guideline‐directed medical therapy, highlight sectors requiring more attention.
Graphene Oxide Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Handy and Ultra‐sensitive Determination of Epinephrine in the Presence of Uric and Ascorbic Acids
Authors: Joseph Teena , Thomas Tony , Thomas Nygil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA precise and sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a simple graphene oxide modified carbon paste electrode (GO/CPE) was successfully fabricated for simultaneous detection of epinephrine (EPN), uric acid (UA), and ascorbic acid (AA). The GO/CPE displays better electrochemical activity towards EPN by largely improving the current sensitivity and selectivity. Large peak separation allowed this sensor to analyze EPN individually and simultaneously in the mixture of AA and UA. The developed sensor showed good reproducibility, and stability. The sensor exhibited acceptable performance in wide concentration range (0.1–2000 μM) with a limit of detection down to 50 nM.
Molecular Imprinted Polymer Modified Electrochemical Sensors for Small Drug Analysis: Progress to Practical Application
Authors: Feroz Momina , Vadgama Pankaj 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMolecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor made from synthetic polymers and designed to mimic the recognition properties of natural biological affinity molecules. MIPs incorporate binding motifs complementary to target organic molecule shape and functional groups in order to mimic the complex binding surfaces of natural macromolecules. This confers selectivity and specificity, with the added advantage of artificial MIP polymer stability and ready adaptability to the fabrication and creation of miniaturised affinity interfaces for electrochemical sensing and extra‐laboratory testing. Their generic capability as robust sorbent phases for drug extraction and concentration allows for targeted, interfacial interrogation by the active electrochemical surface. A wide range of electrochemical sensing strategies has also been advanced in recent years, which is covered by this review. The review covers MIP functional principles, examples of MIP preparative routes and final assay outcomes for the measurement of small molecule drugs of biomedical, and also of potential environmental relevance. Some small molecules as examples of toxin and contaminant measurement are also given. A historic background to MIP development is provided, but the review mainly focuses on electrochemical sensor advances in the last five years.
Electrode Selection for Electrostimulation and TEER Using ECSARA
Authors: Abasi Sara , Bhat Ankita , Guiseppi‐Elie Anthony 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe TransEpithelial/Endothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) of cells grown in the 24‐well electroculture ware of an Electrical Cell Stimulation and Recoding Apparatus (ECSARA) shows well‐to‐well variation as potentially a function of the electrode material employed in stimulation‐interrogation. Six electrode materials were studied; glassy carbon (GCE), graphitic carbon (GrC), titanium (Ti), platinized Type 304 stainless steel (PtSS), platinum (Pt100) and gold (Au). Each unmodified electrode was studied by multiple scan rate cyclic voltammetry (MSRCV) and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with equivalent circuit analysis (EQCRTA) in PBS and in Fe(II)/Fe(III). MSRCV and Randles‐Sevcik analysis of the bare electrodes produced an effective area correction factor γ* that rank‐ordered the electrodes GrC=1.58>Pt=1.40>GCE=0.94>Au=0.66>PtSS=0.11>Ti=0.01. Tandem EIS‐EQCRTA produced RCT (Ω)/γ* of 1.20×102 and 5.60×108 for GrC and Ti, respectively and established these two electrode materials as the performance extremes. GrC and Ti were used as electrode materials in the 24‐well electroculture ware of ECSARA. The coefficient of variation of the charging capacity extracted from CVs of GrC (22 wells, 10.05 mC) and Ti (22 wells, 1.75 mC) was 51.4 % and 54.6 % respectively, reflective of the difference in surface area. EIS‐EQCRTA of GrC and Ti (21 wells) showed both electrodes to faithfully measure the solution resistance, RS, with CV of 54 % and 28 %, respectively, despite the lower charge transfer resistance, RCT, of GrC (RCT=1.08×103 Ω, CV=125 %) compared to Ti (RCT=1.20×105 Ω, CV=30 %). Overall, Ti electrodes were shown to be more appropriate for application in cell stimulation and TEER recording.
COVID‐19 policies in Germany and their social, political, and psychological consequences
Authors: Naumann Elias , Möhring Katja , Reifenscheid Maximiliane , Wenz Alexander , Rettig Tobias , Lehrer Roni , Krieger Ulrich , Juhl Sebastian , Friedel Sabine , Fikel Marina , Cornesse Carina , Blom Annelies G. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMany policy analyses on COVID‐19 have been focusing on what kind of policies are implemented to contain the spread of COVID‐19. What seems equally important to explore are the social and political consequences of the confinement policies. Does the public support strict confinement policies? What are the social, political, and psychological consequences of the confinement policies? The question of how legitimate a policy is among the public is at the core of democratic theory. Its relevance also stems from the expected consequences of public support on behavior: The more someone supports a policy, the more someone is likely to follow the policy even if the policy is not strictly enforced. In this paper, we will focus on Germany, briefly summarize the main policies during the first 6 weeks of confinement and then explore political attitudes, risk perceptions, and the social consequences of the lockdown.
Evaluation of the Inherent Toxicity Concept in Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment
Authors: McCarty L.S. , Borgert C.J. , Burgoon L.D. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Intrinsic/inherent chemical properties are characteristic, irrespective of the number of molecules present. However, toxicity is an extensive/extrinsic biochemical property that depends on the number of molecules. Paracelsus, often considered the father of toxicology, noted that all things are poisonous. Because dose magnitude (i.e., number of molecules) determines the occurrence of poisonous effects, toxicity cannot be an intrinsic/inherent biochemical property. Thus, toxicology's task is to determine case-specific risks resulting in adverse effects produced by the interaction of toxic doses/exposures, toxic mechanisms, and case-specific influencing factors. Experimental testing results are known to vary within and between chemicals, test organisms, and experimental conditions and repetitions; however, hazard-based approaches treat toxicity as a fixed and constant property. A logical alternative is the standard-risk, case-specific risk model. In this approach, testing data are defined as standard risks where the nature, magnitude, and toxicity effect is standardized to the organism, chemical, and test conditions. Interpolation/extrapolation of standard risks to site-specific conditions (i.e., case-specific risks) is challenging, requiring understanding of the influences of the complex interactions within and between differing species, conditions, and toxicity-modifying factors. Therefore, Paracelsus's paradigm is perhaps better abbreviated as “dose–causality–response”, because a key interpretive requirement is establishing toxicity causality by separating mode/mechanism of toxic action from modifying factor influences in overall toxicity responses. Unfortunately, the current knowledge base is inadequate. Moving to a standard-risk–specific-risk paradigm would highlight the importance of improving the toxicity causality knowledge base. Thereby, a rationale would be provided for enhancing the design and interpretation of toxicity testing that is necessary for achieving advances in routine translation of standard-risk to specific-risk estimates—the raison d'être of regulatory risk decision making. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2351–2360. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Key Odorants from Daldinia childiae
Authors: Moore Andrew J. , Wickramasinghe Purni C. K. , Munafo John P. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAn investigation to identify odorants responsible for a pleasant woody perfume‐like aroma produced in the fermentation broth of the fungus Daldinia childiae (JD Rogers & YM Ju) was conducted. Thirty odorants were identified from 30‐day‐old fermentations employing solvent‐assisted flavour evaporation (SAFE) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Eleven odorants with flavour dilution (FD) factors ≥16 were quantitated using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDA), and odour activity values (OAV) determined. Odorants with the highest OAVs included guai‐11‐en‐10‐ol (woody, OAV 102689), 1‐octen‐3‐one (mushroom, OAV 9025), sotolon (maple, OAV 458), and (2E)‐non‐2‐enal (fatty, OAV 70). An odour simulation model formulated using odorants with OAV ≥ 1 closely matched the sensory attributes of natural D childiae fermentations. Guai‐11‐en‐10‐ol, a component of patchouli essential oil used widely in perfumery and cosmetics, was identified as the key impact odorant driving the pleasant woody perfume‐like aroma in D childiae fermentations. The findings from this investigation lay the groundwork for future studies on D childiae as a source for the sustainable biotechnological production of guai‐11‐en‐10‐ol with potential applications in the flavour and fragrance industry.
How do essential oil composition and phenolic acid profile of Heracleum persicum fluctuate at different phenological stages?
Authors: Hazrati Saeid , Mollaei Saeed , Rabbi Angourani Hossein , Hosseini Seyyed Jaber , Sedaghat Mojde , Nicola Silvana 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHeracleum persicum, commonly named Persian hogweed, is a principal native medicinal plant in Iran. Collecting H. persicum at the most appropriate growing stage is the key factor to achieve the high phytochemical quality to meet consumer's needs. In the present experiment, the aerial parts of this plant were harvested at up to six different developmental stages during the growing season to determine the phytochemical profiles. Our results indicated that the highest essential oil content was obtained in the mid‐mature seed stage (3.5%). The most elevated extract content was recorded in the floral budding stage (10.4%). In the vegetative stage, limonene (18.1%), in floral budding stage, caryophyllene (14.1%), anethole (14.6%), and β‐bisabolene (12.7%), in the full flowering stage, myristicin (15.0%), and hexyl butyrate (9.1%), in the early development of seeds stage, hexyl butyrate (32.1%), and octyl acetate (11.7%), in the mid‐mature seeds stage hexyl butyrate (38.8%), octyl acetate (14.5%), in the late‐mature/ripe seeds stage, hexyl butyrate (23.6%), and octyl acetate (10.5%) are recorded as the main components. The highest phenolic acids content was obtained in the floral budding stage (287.40 mg/g dried extract). The analysis of phenolic acids demonstrated cinnamic acid (8.0–225.3 mg/g extract), p‐coumaric acid (1.7–39.2 mg/g extract), p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (0.8–16.8 mg/g extract), and ferulic acid (2.4–15.8 mg/g extract) as the main phenolic acids. Cinnamic acid was found as the major phenolic compound in the vegetative stage following by floral budding, the full flowering stage, the early development of seeds, and late‐mature/ripe seeds stages. P‐coumaric acid was the most abundant phenolic compounds in the mid‐mature seeds stage. In this regard, the harvest time of H. persicum aerial parts can be selected to achieve the highest secondary metabolites of interest. The results of this study can be used as a guideline for grower to obtain the highest possible amount of desirable metabolites, beneficial in both food and pharmaceutical industries as well as their undeniable economical benefits.
Transcervical endoscopic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma with RPLN recurrence
Authors: Liu You‐Ping , Wang Shun‐Lan , Zou Xiong , You Rui , Yang Qi , Zhang Meng‐Xia , Wang Zhi‐Qiang , Lin Mei , Xie Yu‐Long , Chen Si‐Yuan , Ouyang Yan‐Feng , Yu Zi‐Kun , Liu Xue‐Kui , Sun Rui , Hua Yi‐Jun , Huang Pei‐Yu , Li Hao , Chen Ming‐Yuan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundSurgical access for retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) dissection is difficult. We aimed to examine the efficacy of transcervical endoscopic RPLN dissection (TSE‐RPLND) for recurrent RPLN in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsFrom April 2013 to February 2019, a total of 31 patients with NPC diagnosed with RPLN recurrence underwent TSE‐RPLND. The clinical characteristics, complications, and survival outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsThe mean duration of surgery, quantity of bleeding and postoperative hospitalization stay were 347.9 minutes, 107.7 mL, and 8.7 days, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 31.0 months, the 2‐year locoregional relapse‐free survival, distant metastasis‐free survival, progression‐free survival, and overall survival rates were 63.9%, 95.2%, 59.9%, and 83.3%, respectively. The long‐term incidences of swallowing problems, permanent nutrient tube, tongue atrophy, and shoulder problems were 6 (19.4%), 3 (9.7%), 3 (9.7%), and 3 (9.7%), respectively.ConclusionsTSE‐RPLND is an effective method to treat RPLN recurrence in NPC, but nerve injury‐related complications should not be ignored.
Gallstones, Body Mass Index, C‐Reactive Protein, and Gallbladder Cancer: Mendelian Randomization Analysis of Chilean and European Genotype Data
Authors: Barahona Ponce Carol , Scherer Dominique , Brinster Regina , Boekstegers Felix , Marcelain Katherine , Gárate‐Calderón Valentina , Müller Bettina , de Toro Gonzalo , Retamales Javier , Barajas Olga , Ahumada Monica , Morales Erik , Rojas Armando , Sanhueza Verónica , Loader Denisse , Rivera María Teresa , Gutiérrez Lorena , Bernal Giuliano , Ortega Alejandro , Montalvo Domingo , Portiño Sergio , Bertrán Maria Enriqueta , Gabler Fernando , Spencer Loreto , Olloquequi Jordi , Fischer Christine , Jenab Mazda , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Katzke Verena , Weiderpass Elisabete , Bonet Catalina , Moradi Tahereh , Fischer Krista , Bossers Willem , Brenner Hermann , Hveem Kristian , Eklund Niina , Völker Uwe , Waldenberger Melanie , Fuentes Guajardo Macarena , Gonzalez‐Jose Rolando , Bedoya Gabriel , Bortolini Maria C. , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel , Gallo Carla , Ruiz‐Linares Andres , Rothhammer Francisco , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo 
Published: September 2020

Background and Aims
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a neglected disease with substantial geographical variability: Chile shows the highest incidence worldwide, while GBC is relatively rare in Europe. Here, we investigate the causal effects of risk factors considered in current GBC prevention programs as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP) level as a marker of chronic inflammation.

Approach and Results
We applied two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) using publicly available data and our own data from a retrospective Chilean and a prospective European study. Causality was assessed by inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger regression, and weighted median estimates complemented with sensitivity analyses on potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy, two‐step MR, and mediation analysis. We found evidence for a causal effect of gallstone disease on GBC risk in Chileans (P = 9 × 10−5) and Europeans (P = 9 × 10−5). A genetically elevated body mass index (BMI) increased GBC risk in Chileans (P = 0.03), while higher CRP concentrations increased GBC risk in Europeans (P = 4.1 × 10−6). European results suggest causal effects of BMI on gallstone disease (P = 0.008); public Chilean data were not, however, available to enable assessment of the mediation effects among causal GBC risk factors.

Conclusions
Two risk factors considered in the current Chilean program for GBC prevention are causally linked to GBC risk: gallstones and BMI. For Europeans, BMI showed a causal effect on gallstone risk, which was itself causally linked to GBC risk.
Survey of ear anthropometry for young college students in China and its implications for ear‐related product design
Authors: Lu Peixian , Tsao Liuxing , Yu Chen , Ma Liang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEar anthropometry plays an important role in ear‐related product design. However, current Chinese ear anthropometry data do not provide sufficient guidance for product designers targeting young Chinese consumers. In this study, an ear anthropometry survey of 1338 young Chinese college students was conducted using photogrammetry. Eight key dimensions were determined, measured, and statistically analyzed: ear height, ear width, ear length, cavum conchae height, cavum conchae width, ear connection height, ear lobe height, and ear lobe width. Interethnic, intergender, subject‐specific, and intrasubject differences were explored and discussed, based on the collected data. In addition, ear shape classification was conducted using principal component analysis to recommend an ear‐related product sizing system. The data obtained in this survey can be used as a reference for ear‐related product design targeting young Chinese consumers.
Are family medicine centres achieving their target in Turkey: Impact on health care utilization of mothers and infants
Authors: Aygün Aysun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe family medicine (FM) system was introduced as the main source of primary care in Turkey as a component of the Health Transformation Program reforms. During a gradual implementation process, provinces switched to the FM system at different points in time between 2005 and 2010. In this paper, we use a micro‐level data set to test whether the health care utilization of mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is affected by the program. Using a difference‐in‐differences method for estimation, we find that the program is only effective for pregnant women who lived in provinces with a limited availability of specialist doctors. As a result of the FM program, women are likely to have their first prenatal consultancy earlier and their probability of seeing a doctor during their prenatal visit and receiving an ultrasound and blood and urine sample checks increases if they live in a province with a low number of specialists per 10,000 people. We find that the impact of the FM program decreases as the rate of specialists in a province increases, which negates any positive effect of the program on health care use.
Enhancement of the yield of solar still with the use of solar pond: A review
Authors: Panchal Hitesh , Sadasivuni Kishor K. , Essa Fadl A. , Shanmugan Sengottain , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA solar pond (SP) is a remarkable growth of renewable energy technology that has stored solar energy for storage purposes and is used in many solar thermal applications. It is also utilized for many purposes, such as heating, cooling, space heating, air conditioning, and many more. The present paper shows the use of an SP to improve the yield of solar still (SS) by providing hot water through the heat energy stored in it. It also reveals the use of shallow and mini SPs with SS to improve yield. Various future research works on SS using SPs have also been included in this paper. From the current review paper, it was concluded that the SP increases the yield of the SS.