bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two‐hundred million years of anuran body‐size evolution in relation to geography, ecology and life history
Authors: Womack Molly C. , Bell Rayna C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSurprisingly, little is known about body‐size evolution within the most diverse amphibian order, anurans (frogs and toads), despite known effects of body size on the physiological, ecological and life‐history traits of animals more generally. Here, we examined anuran body‐size evolution among 2,434 species with over 200 million years of shared evolutionary history. We found clade‐specific evolutionary shifts to new body‐size optima along with numerous independent transitions to gigantic and miniature body sizes, despite the upper limits of anuran body size remaining quite consistent throughout the fossil record. We found a weak, positive correlation between a species’ body size and maximum latitude and elevation, including a dearth of small species at higher elevations and broader latitudinal and elevational ranges in larger anurans. Although we found modest differences in mean anuran body size among microhabitats, there was extensive overlap in the range of body sizes across microhabitats. Finally, we found that larger anurans are more likely to consume vertebrate prey than smaller anurans are and that species with a free‐swimming larval phase during development are larger on average than those in which development into a froglet occurs within the egg. Overall, anuran body size does not conform to geographic and ecological patterns observed in other tetrapods but is perhaps more notable for variation in body size within geographic regions, ecologies and life histories. Here, we document this variation and propose target clades for detailed studies aimed at disentangling how and why variation in body size was generated and is maintained in anurans.
A journey through the Amazon Middle Earth reveals Aspidoras azaghal (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a new species of armoured catfish from the rio Xingu basin, Brazil
Authors: Tencatt Luiz F. C. , Muriel‐Cunha Janice , Zuanon Jansen , Ferreira Marlon F. C. , Britto Marcelo R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAspidoras azaghal n. sp. was discovered during a multitaxonomic scientific expedition to the remote Amazon Terra do Meio region in tributaries to the rio Xingu basin, Pará, Brazil. The new species can be promptly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of features: (a) absence of the first dorsal‐fin element; (b) parieto‐supraoccipital fontanel located medially on bone; (c) absence of a longitudinal dark‐brown or black stripe along flank midline; (d) ventral surface of trunk covered by clearly smaller, irregular and/or roundish platelets; (e) inner laminar expansion of infraorbital 1 well developed; (f) relatively wide frontal bone, with width equal to half of entire length; (g) absence of a thick, longitudinal conspicuous dark‐brown stripe along dorsal portion of flank; and (h) poorly developed serrations on posterior margin of the pectoral‐fin spine. Besides morphological evidence, the molecular analyses indicated significant differences between the new species and its congeners, with A. albater and A. raimundi as its closest species, showing 6.53% of genetic differentiation in both cases. The intraspecific molecular data revealed gene flow (peer fixation index, FST = 0.05249, P > 0.05, for the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) marker and FST = ‐0.01466, P > 0.05, for the control region) between specimens upstream and downstream from a 30‐m height waterfall at the type‐locality, which therefore represent a single population. Furthermore, it was possible to observe a unidirectional gene flow pattern, with genetic diversity increasing in the downstream direction.
A serious gaming approach to understanding household flood risk mitigation decisions
Authors: Gordon Julien N. , Yiannakoulias Niko 
Published: July 2020

AbstractVoluntary household decisions about whether or not to structurally mitigate or insure can directly and indirectly influence the flood vulnerability of a community. We look to understand the factors that influence flood risk mitigation decisions using a serious game experiment. Serious games can augment existing data collection methods used to understand flood risk mitigation by tracking decisions over multiple turns within an experimental research framework. In this game, participants choose where to live and how to distribute income given information about flood risks. We analysed data using a generalised linear mixed model that accounted for repeated‐measures effects. Experiencing an in‐game flood had a strong positive association with mitigation decisions, compared to a much weaker effect of a participant having experienced a flood in real‐life. We find that real‐life low‐income individuals were no less likely to implement in‐game mitigation measures than their higher‐income counterparts, suggesting that low income and/or cost is a practical barrier to risk mitigation. Our findings also suggest that incentivising flood risk mitigation should be done quickly following a flood.
Patient Factors Linked with Return Acute Healthcare Use in Older Adults by Discharge Disposition
Authors: Keim Susan K. , Ratcliffe Sarah J. , Naylor Mary D. , Bowles Kathryn H. 
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVESCompare patient characteristics by hospital discharge disposition (home without services, home with home healthcare (HHC) services, or post‐acute care (PAC) facilities). Examine timing and rates of 30‐day healthcare utilization (rehospitalization, emergency department (ED) visit, or observation (OBS) visit) and patient characteristics associated with rehospitalization by discharge location.DESIGNRetrospective analysis of hospital administrative and clinical data.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTSA total of 3,294 older adult inpatients discharged home with or without HHC services or to a PAC facility.MEASUREMENTSPatient‐level sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Number of and time to occurrences of rehospitalization or ED/OBS visit within 30 days of hospital discharge.RESULTSMost rehospitalizations and ED/OBS visits occurred within 14 days from hospital discharge. Patients who returned within 24 hours came mostly from inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs). More intense levels of PAC services were linked with higher rehospitalization risk. However, specific predictors differed by discharge location. Being unemployed, being single, and having more comorbidities were most associated with rehospitalization in those who went home with or without services, whereas patients rehospitalized from IRFs were younger, with less chronic illness burden, but greater and recent functional decline. Those discharged with HHC services had more return ED/OBS visits.CONCLUSIONSAlthough sicker patients were referred for more intense levels of PAC services, patients with greater chronic illness burden were still most often rehospitalized. In addition to unique patient differences, rehospitalizations from IRF within 24 hours suggest systems factors are contributory. Most return acute healthcare utilization occurred within 14 days; therefore, interventions should focus on smoothing transitions to all discharge locations. Because predictors of rehospitalization risk differed by discharge disposition, future research is necessary to study approaches aimed at matching patients' care needs with the most suitable PAC services at the right time. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2279–2287, 2020.
Neonatal Candida auris infection: Management and prevention strategies – A single centre experience
Authors: Chandramati Jayasree , Sadanandan Laleet , Kumar Anil , Ponthenkandath Sasidharan 
Published: July 2020

AimOur aim was to identify the clinical features and outcome of multidrug resistant Candida auris (CA) infection in neonates.MethodsThis is a retrospective case cohort study of 17 neonates who developed sepsis caused by CA infection in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit over 3 years. The risk factors, clinical features, treatment and outcome were studied.ResultsThe mean gestation was 32.4 ± 4.9 weeks with overall mortality of 41%. Clinical features were indistinguishable from other causes of sepsis. CA was sensitive to micafungin but resistant to fluconazole and had variable sensitivity to voriconazole and amphotericin. Survival improved to 83% when infants were treated with a combination of micafungin and amphotericin. Non‐survivors were of lower birthweights and had other risk factors.ConclusionsThe management guidelines and infection control measures are described in this largest series of neonatal CA infection. Treatment with a combination of amphotericin and micafungin improved the outcome.
Scalable solvent-free production of liposomes
Authors: Khadke Swapnil , Roces Carla B , Donaghey Rachel , Giacobbo Valeria , Su Yang , Perrie Yvonne 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Objectives
A major challenge faced with the manufacture of liposomes is the high volumes of organic solvents used during manufacturing. Therefore, we have implemented an organic solvent-free production method for drug-loaded liposomes and demonstrated its applicability with both aqueous core-loaded and bilayer-loaded drugs.

Methods
Liposomes were produced by high shear mixing dry powder lipids with an aqueous buffer, followed by down-sizing using a Microfluidizer processor. Liposomes were purified via tangential flow filtration and characterised in terms of size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and drug loading.

Key findings
Doxorubicin-loaded PEGylated liposomes can be manufactured using this solvent-free method with particle sizes of 100–110 nm, low polydispersity index (PDI) (&lt;0.2) and high drug loading (97–98%). If required, liposomes can be further down-sized via microfluidic processing without impacting drug loading. Similar results were achieved with non-PEGylated liposomes. With bilayer-loaded amphotericin B liposomes, again liposomes can be prepared within a clinically appropriate size range (100–110 nm in size, low PDI) with high drug loading (98–100%).

Conclusions
We apply a simple and scalable solvent-free method for the production of both aqueous core or bilayer drug-loaded liposomes.
Lymph node dissection and recurrent laryngeal nerve protection in minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Wang Zhen , Mao Yousheng , Gao Shugeng , Li Yin , Tan Lijie , Daiko Hiroyuki , Liu Shuoyan , Chen Chun , Koyanagi Kazuo , He Jie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUntil now, neoadjuvant therapy plus surgical resection of the primary tumor and potential metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) has been the current optimal treatment for locally advanced thoracic esophageal cancer (EC). LN metastasis is one of the most negative prognostic factors for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the extent of LN dissection for thoracic ESCC has long been controversial worldwide. LNs along the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were reported to have the highest frequency of metastases in thoracic ESCC, so lymphadenectomy along the bilateral RLN is necessary but quite challenging because of a high frequency of recurrent nerve palsy and related postoperative complications. With the development of minimally invasive devices and techniques in recent years, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been widely applied in EC surgery. The topics of what the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy is and how the recurrent nerve should be well protected during MIE have been debated in recent years. The purpose of our review is specifically to address the patterns of LN metastasis, the extent of LN dissection, and the protection of the RLN in MIE for thoracic ESCC.
Knowledge Spillovers, Competition and Innovation Success
Authors: Arvanitis Spyros , Seliger Florian , Woerter Martin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe study the relationship between a patent‐based measure of knowledge spillovers that calculates technological proximity based on technologically relevant firms and innovation success. We find – for a representative sample of Swiss firms – that knowledge spillovers have a positive and significant association with the commercial success of innovative products. The paper shows the importance of market conditions for the relationship of spillovers with innovation performance: It is only positive and significant in markets with a medium number of competitors in the main product market, but not in monopolistic or polypolistic market structures.
Herbal derivatives in the management of mouth opening in oral submucous fibrosis—A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Rajesh Kashyap Roopashri , Shanker Kashyap Rajesh 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesOral submucous fibrosis is a potentially malignant disorder commonly seen in Asian countries. In this disease, the mucosa becomes stiff and patients have difficulty in mouth opening, thus affecting their quality of life. Recently, practitioners are focusing on herbal derivatives instead of commonly practiced intralesional steroids for the management of this disorder. Hence, we conducted a network meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials on herbal derivatives to identify the most effective treatment for oral submucous fibrosis.Materials and methodsElectronic search for articles published in various journals was undertaken through various search engines till January 2020. 14 articles were selected which had performed randomized control trials of herbal derivatives against control/placebo. Frequentist network meta‐analysis was performed using R studio software, and effective treatment ranking was derived.ResultsThe treatment ranking was generated, and relative to mouth opening, the most effective treatment was lycopene administered along with vitamin E and the second effective drug was aloe vera gel.ConclusionThis network meta‐analysis highlights the efficacy of some of the drugs of herbal origin which can be implemented by the practitioners in the management of initial stages of oral submucous fibrosis.
Disrupted neural signals in patients with concomitant exotropia
Authors: Xi Sida , Yao Jing , Zhang Shujie , Liu Rui , Wu Lianqun , Ye Xinpei , Zhang Peng , Wen Wen , Zhao Chen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeDecreased binocular and oculomotor function in strabismics has recently been considered as cortical in origin. This study aimed to investigate functional abnormalities using a frequency‐specific neuroimaging method in patients with concomitant exotropia (XT), and to demonstrate the clinical implications.MethodsResting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected in 26 XT patients and 26 matched controls. To evaluate the local spontaneous neural activity, the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) was calculated in the typical frequency band (0.01–0.08 Hz) as well as five narrowly‐defined frequency bands (slow‐6: 0–0.01 Hz, slow‐5: 0.01–0.027 Hz, slow‐4: 0.027–0.073 Hz, slow‐3: 0.073–0.167 Hz, and slow‐2: 0.167–0.25 Hz), respectively.ResultsPatients with XT showed decreased ALFF in the bilateral parieto‐occipital sulcus (POS), and increased ALFF in the bilateral thalamus within the typical frequency band. Frequency‐dependent ALFF alterations were found in the higher visual areas such as the right lateral occipital complex (LOC). Furthermore, ALFF in the right LOC in the slow‐5 band was positively correlated with fusion control score (r = 0.70, p < 0.0001) and binocular function score (r = 0.67, p = 0.0002). Regression analyses showed that early age of onset remained the only significant explanatory factor for ALFF reduction in the right POS in the typically‐measured frequency band (also referred to as the typical frequency band) (Odds ratio, 0.038; 95% confidence interval, 0.001 to 0.075).ConclusionsOur findings provide spatial information regarding the functionally disrupted regions in XT. Moreover, the frequency‐dependent ALLF alteration in the right LOC might reflect a potential plastic capacity in binocular function, which could be a potential objective index for evaluating disease severity.
Factors contributing to the distress, concerns, and needs of UK Neuroscience health care workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Cipolotti Lisa , Chan Edgar , Murphy Patrick , van Harskamp Natasja , Foley Jennifer A. 
Published: July 2020

COVID‐19 research from China suggests health care workers are at risk of distress, have specific concerns, and need support. It remains unknown whether findings are applicable to UK health care staff and whether psychological support based on generic approaches is effective. We administered an online survey at a leading neuroscience hospital in the UK to examine how individual staff characteristics contribute to distress, concerns, and interventions most valued during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We found a high incidence of distress, particularly in females and staff with previous mental health history. Concerns fell into three factors: ‘risk of infection’, ‘work challenges’, and ‘social change’, and were affected by professional role and contact with COVID‐19 patients. These three factors predicted distress. Psychological support and clear updates were deemed most useful, with specific needs affected by age, professional role, and contact with COVID‐19 patients. This is the first documentation of a high incidence of psychological distress predicted by three types of concerns in health care workers of a neuroscience hospital. Distress, concerns, and interventions most valued were all affected by individual staff characteristics. These findings highlight the importance of providing stratified, one to one support interventions, tailored to professional group, and background, rather than more generic approaches.Practitioner points

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in a high incidence of psychological distress in UK health care staff.

Distress, concerns, and interventions most valued are influenced by individual staff characteristics.

Stratified, one‐to‐one support interventions, tailored to professional group, and background, rather than more generic approaches for stress reduction and resilience, are crucial.
Regulating havens: The role of hard and soft governance of tax experts in conditions of secrecy and low regulation
Authors: Killian Sheila , O'Regan Philip , Lynch Ruth , Laheen Martin , Karavidas Dionysios 
Published: July 2020

AbstractInternational tax governance is significant societally as it impacts both inequality and the capacity of governments to deliver on their social contracts. Tax experts forma key, under‐researched, heterogeneous element of the tax ecosystem, subject to a range of hard and soft governance influences. While problematic tax regimes are appropriately identified by reference to lax regulation or financial opacity, few empirical studies explore how operating in these jurisdictions affects the governance of tax experts individually. Using international survey data, we find that the influence of soft governance on tax experts varies across conditions of secrecy or lax regulation. Soft governance, including that of the workplace and the profession, is most influential in challenging regimes. Beyond a tipping point of economic freedom, regulatory knowledge and the threat of sanction become less influential. Elements along the continuum between hard and soft governance interact in a non‐homogenous way that indicates a role for professional bodies and firms in tax governance.
Calculation of jet characteristics from hydrocode analysis
Authors: Sweitzer Justin C. , Peterson Nicholas , Hill Scott 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The penetration performance of a shaped charge jet is affected strongly by factors such as straightness, stretch rate, and breakup time. Straightness is related to manufacturing tolerances, assembly techniques, and system integration features. Stretch rate and breakup time are controllable features of charge design. A higher stretch rate is desirable for short standoff performance. The stretch rate is easily altered by a change of explosive or modification of the angle with which the detonation wave sweeps the liner surface, however, an increased stretch rate generally results in a decreased breakup time. Many of the recent gains in shaped charge performance have been made possible by increasing the effective breakup time of the jet.
Several models exist for calculating breakup time. They include analytic models, such as Chou & Carleone’s dimensionless strain rate model, and empirical or semi-empirical models such as Walsh’s theory and those proposed by Pearson, et al. These models can be applied to raw hydrocode calculation data and used to determine a Jet Characterization (JC) file. The JC file can then be used to perform further calculations, such as Penetration Versus Stand Off (PVSO) curves.
This paper details adaptation of the Chou & Carleone model for predicting breakup time using hydrocode data. The hydrocode is used to determine the physical parameters of the jet which are then extrapolated back to a virtual origin for breakup time calculation. This results in a model that is design independent, relying on hydrocode determination of jet variables. The model implementation will be discussed, and comparisons of predicted jet characteristics will be made to test data for several charge geometries.
Effects of EOS and constitutive models on simulating copper shaped charge jets in ALEGRA
Authors: Doney Robert L. , Niederhaus John H. J. , Fuller Timothy J. , Coppinger Matthew J. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Metallic shaped charge jets (SCJ) have been studied for many decades across multiple communities for applications ranging from military warheads to earth penetrators for accessing oil-rich areas [1]. Researchers have had varied success in modeling these jets using simulation codes such as CTH, ALEGRA, and ALE3D. Recently, a large amount of work has been performed at the US Army Research Lab investigating the behavior of jets with increasingly sophisticated experimental diagnostics. Advances in computational resources, code enhancements, and material models have allowed us to model jets and probe uncertainties caused by algorithms, equations of state (EOS), constitutive models, and any of the available parameters each one provides. In this work we explore the effects that various EOS and constitutive models have on the development and characteristics of a 65-mm diameter, 2D copper SCJ using the Sandia National Laboratories’ multiphysics hydrocode, ALEGRA [2]. Specifically, we evaluate the tabular SESAME 3320 [3], 3325 [4-5], and 3337 [6] EOS models, analytic EOS (ANEOS) 3331 [7], as well as the Johnson-Cook (JC) [8], Zerilli-Armstrong (ZA) [9], Preston-Tonks-Wallace (PTW) [10], Steinberg-Guinan-Lund (SGL) [11-12], and Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) [13] constitutive models. Note that while the SGL model supports rate-dependence, there is no current characterization for copper, thus we are using rate-independent version. We do not consider the MieGrüneisen equation of state here as we expect parts of the jet to be near or cross into melt.