bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trophic resource partitioning drives fine‐scale coexistence in cryptic bat species
Authors: Novella‐Fernandez Roberto , Ibañez Carlos , Juste Javier , Clare Elizabeth L. , Doncaster C. Patrick , Razgour Orly 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the processes that enable species coexistence has important implications for assessing how ecological systems will respond to global change. Morphology and functional similarity increase the potential for competition, and therefore, co‐occurring morphologically similar but genetically unique species are a good model system for testing coexistence mechanisms. We used DNA metabarcoding and high‐throughput sequencing to characterize for the first time the trophic ecology of two recently described cryptic bat species with parapatric ranges, Myotis escalerai and Myotis crypticus. We collected fecal samples from allopatric and sympatric regions and from syntopic and allotopic locations within the sympatric region to describe the diets both taxonomically and functionally and compare prey consumption with prey availability. The two bat species had highly similar diets characterized by high arthropod diversity, particularly Lepidoptera, Diptera and Araneae, and a high proportion of prey that is not volant at night, which points to extensive use of gleaning. Diet overlap at the prey item level was lower in syntopic populations, supporting trophic shift under fine‐scale co‐occurrence. Furthermore, the diet of M. escalerai had a marginally lower proportion of not nocturnally volant prey in syntopic populations, suggesting that the shift in diet may be driven by a change in foraging mode. Our findings suggest that fine‐scale coexistence mechanisms can have implications for maintaining broad‐scale diversity patterns. This study highlights the importance of including both allopatric and sympatric populations and choosing meaningful spatial scales for detecting ecological patterns. We conclude that a combination of high taxonomic resolution with a functional approach helps identify patterns of niche shift.
Splenic erythroid progenitors decrease TNF‐α production by macrophages and reduce systemic inflammation in a mouse model of T cell‐induced colitis
Authors: Shim Yaein Amy , Weliwitigoda Asanga , Campbell Teresa , Dosanjh Manisha , Johnson Pauline 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), inflammation can occur beyond the intestine and spread systemically causing complications such as arthritis, cachexia, and anemia. Here, we determine the impact of CD45, a pan‐leukocyte marker and tyrosine phosphatase, on IBD. Using a mouse model of T cell transfer colitis, CD25−CD45RBhighCD4+ T cells were transferred into Rag1‐deficient mice (RAGKO) and CD45‐deficient RAGKO mice (CD45RAGKO). Weight loss and systemic wasting syndrome were delayed in CD45RAGKO mice compared to RAGKO mice, despite equivalent inflammation in the colon. CD45RAGKO mice had reduced serum levels of TNF‐α, and reduced TNF‐α production by splenic myeloid cells. CD45RAGKO mice also had increased numbers of erythroid progenitors in the spleen, which had previously been shown to be immunosuppressive. Adoptive transfer of these erythroid progenitors into RAGKO mice reduced their weight loss and TNF‐α expression by splenic red pulp macrophages. In vitro, erythroid cells suppressed TNF‐α expression in red pulp macrophages in a phagocytosis‐dependent manner. These findings show a novel role for erythroid progenitors in suppressing the pro‐inflammatory function of splenic macrophages and cachexia associated with IBD.
Characterisation of La0.9Ce0.1Ni5 alloy for the development of single‐stage thermally driven sorption hydrogen compressor
Authors: Gupta Sanjay , Sharma Vinod Kumar 
Published: November 2020

SummaryIn this study, La0.9Ce0.1Ni5 alloy is characterised to investigate the performance of a single‐stage thermally driven sorption hydrogen compressor (TDSHC). The pressure‐concentration isotherm (PCI) properties of La0.9Ce0.1Ni5 alloy are measured through Sievert's Apparatus, and the thermodynamic properties are estimated by constructing van't Hoff plots at different temperature ranges between 20°C and 140°C. The effects of an increase in operating temperature on hydrogen storage capacity as well as on thermodynamic properties and the corresponding effects on TDSHC performance are studied. It is observed that the hydrogen storage capacity decreased, whereas reaction enthalpy increased, with an increase in operating temperature. It is also observed that the equilibrium pressure increased dramatically with an operating temperature; therefore, this alloy is employed, in this study, for the development of TDSHC. The proposed TDSHC operates at the supply temperature and pressure of 20°C and 15 bar, respectively, in which the compressed hydrogen is delivered at 40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C, 120°C and 140°C with a maximum pressure output of 270 bar. The measured PCI and thermodynamic data are employed to investigate the thermodynamic performance of TDSHC which results in the maximum compressor work of 10.13 W and the maximum cycle efficiency of 27.57% with an average heat input of 35 ± 3 W. The increase in discharge temperature on system performance are observed to increase in compressor work and efficiency due to the increase in discharge pressure, whereas the effect on heat input is not significant due to the reduction in hydrogen discharge amount. Also, the behaviour of metal hydride (MH) bed is predicted through the finite volume method in terms of variations in MH bed temperature and hydrogen transmission. The numerical investigation is carried out by solving the required energy equations and are validated with experimental data. The numerical investigation results into minimum cycle time of 2700 seconds for the operation of TDSHC. It is also observed that the increase in discharge temperature increases the reaction kinetics and hydrogen mass fraction.
Mathematical and intelligent modeling of stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana) leaves drying in an infrared‐assisted continuous hybrid solar dryer
Authors: Bakhshipour Adel , Zareiforoush Hemad , Bagheri Iraj 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDrying characteristics of stevia leaves were investigated in an infrared (IR)‐assisted continuous‐flow hybrid solar dryer. Drying experiments were conducted at the inlet air temperatures of 30, 40, and 50°C, air inlet velocities of 7, 8, and 9 m/s, and IR lamp input powers of 0, 150, and 300 W. The results indicated that inlet air temperature and IR lamp input power had significant effect on drying time (p < .05). A comparative study was performed among mathematical, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), and Adaptive Neuro‐Fuzzy System (ANFIS) models for predicting the experimental moisture ratio (MR) of stevia leaves during the drying process. The ANN model was the most accurate MR predictor with coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), and chi‐squared error (χ2) values of 0.9995, 0.0005, and 0.0056, respectively, on test dataset. These values of the ANFIS model on test dataset were 0.9936, 0.0243, and 0.0202, respectively. Among the mathematical models, the Midilli model was the best‐fitted model to experimental MR values in most of the drying conditions. It was concluded that artificial intelligence modeling is an effective approach for accurate prediction of the drying kinetics of stevia leaves in the continuous‐flow IR‐assisted hybrid solar dryer.
Dementia and the risk of death in elderly patients with COVID‐19 infection: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zuin Marco , Guasti Patrizia , Roncon Loris , Cervellati Carlo , Zuliani Giovanni 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe COVID‐19 infection represents a global public health emergency worldwide. Several risk factors have been associated with a poor prognosis among COVID‐19 patients. We aimed to perform a systemic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia and COVID‐19 infection.MethodsLiterature search was based on Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Google Scholar to locate articles published between December 2019 and July 2020, presenting the number of survived versus deceased patients with dementia and COVID‐19 infection.ResultsA total of 233 articles were retrieved: 158 were excluded for not meeting the inclusion criteria, leaving 75 articles to assess for eligibility. After evaluation of the full‐text articles, eight met the inclusion criteria and were thus included into the final analysis (6493 patients – mean age: 69.6 years). Among COVID‐19 patients, the prevalence of dementia was higher in non‐survivors compared with survivors (17.5% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001). The pooled analysis performed using a random‐effect model showed an increase in the risk of death in COVID‐19 patients with dementia (odds ratio: 3.75; 95% confidence interval: 2.54–5.54, p < 0.0001, I
2 = 49.5%). The Egger's regression test confirmed that there were not statistically evidences of publication bias (t = 0.059; p = 0.954).ConclusionsOur preliminary results suggest that patients with COVID‐19 infection and dementia have a higher mortality risk in the short‐term period compared with infected non‐demented individuals. Due to their intrinsic frailty, dementia patients may require a more aggressive treatment and prompt isolation to improve their short‐term outcome.
On the subprime crisis and the Latin American financial markets: A regime switching skew‐normal approach
Authors: Ferreira Diego , Palma Andreza A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article analyses the potential occurrence of financial contagion in Latin American markets from the recent U.S. subprime crisis. Distinctively from the usual empirical approaches for contagion analyses, a regime‐switching skew‐normal model is implemented in order to assess both correlation and coskewness contagion as well as investigate the occurrence of structural breaks in the moments of the mean, variance and skewness. Even though correlation contagion was observed in all selected Latin American markets, coskewness contagion was only detected in Brazil. Variance structural breaks were found in all financial markets while structural breaks in the mean were only detected in Argentinian, Mexican and the U.S. markets. Yet, joint contagion and structural break tests suggested the occurrence of these phenomena in all considered markets.
Self‐phase‐modulated femtosecond laser source at 1603 nm and its application to deep‐brain 3‐photon microscopy in vivo
Authors: Chen Xinlin , Cheng Hui , Deng Xiangquan , Tong Shen , Li Jia , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke 
Published: November 2020

Abstract3‐photon microscopy (3PM) excited at the 1700 nm window enables deep‐tissue imaging in vivo, especially in brain. PC rod soliton source has previously been exclusively used as the excitation source, which is rather costly and difficult to align. Here we demonstrate a novel nonlinear optical technique to build femtosecond laser source at the 1700 nm window, based on self‐phase modulation (SPM) in a short span of large‐mode‐area fiber. The spectral broadening experienced by the pump pulse leads to the generation of a red‐shifted sidelobe at 1603 nm. After spectral filtering, this sidelobe corresponds to 170‐fs, 167‐nJ pulses at 1603 nm. Using this SPM source, we further demonstrate deep‐brain 3 PM to a depth of 1500 μm below the mouse brain surface in vivo. Our SPM femtosecond laser source thus provides a cost effective and easy‐to‐align alternative excitation source to the PC rod soliton source.
Parasite burden and red blood cell exchange transfusion for babesiosis
Authors: O'Bryan Jane , Gokhale Amit , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Krause Peter J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe association between parasite burden and end‐organ dysfunction in subjects with Babesia microti infection has not been extensively studied, nor has the optimal role of red blood cell exchange (RCE) transfusion in babesiosis treatment. This retrospective chart review evaluates the associations between parasitemia, end‐organ dysfunction, and outcomes in babesiosis patients treated with antimicrobial agents and RCE compared to those treated with antimicrobial agents alone.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated adults (≥18 years of age) with laboratory‐confirmed babesiosis who were admitted between 2011 and 2017 to Yale New Haven Hospital, located in a Babesia‐endemic region of the Northeastern United States. Patient demographics, parasitemia levels, clinical and laboratory indicators of end‐organ dysfunction, and outcomes were examined.ResultsNinety‐one subjects (mean age 65.1 years, 69.2% male) were studied. Subjects were stratified according to peak parasitemia: <1% (n = 34), 1‐5% (n = 24), 5‐10% (n = 15), and >10% (n = 18). Laboratory measures indicating degrees of hemolysis, coagulopathy, and pulmonary, renal and hepatic dysfunction differed significantly across peak parasitemia levels. Median length of hospital stay increased with each successive peak parasitemia level (P < .001). These results indicate a strong association between peak parasitemia level and disease severity. Nineteen subjects underwent RCE, all with peak parasitemia ≥9% and some degree of end‐organ dysfunction.ConclusionsBabesia microti parasitemia is closely associated with disease severity, though not all subjects with end‐organ dysfunction had high‐grade parasitemia. Our data suggest that the use of parasitemia >10%, coupled with clinical status, is a reasonable indicator for RCE in babesiosis patients.
Tail regeneration in a cephalochordate, the Bahamas lancelet,Asymmetron lucayanum
Authors: Holland Nicholas D. , Somorjai Ildiko M. L. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLancelets (Phylum Chordata, subphylum Cephalochordata) readily regenerate a lost tail. Here, we use light microscopy and serial blockface scanning electron microscopy (SBSEM) to describe tail replacement in the Bahamas lancelet,Asymmetron lucayanum. One day after amputation, the monolayered epidermis has migrated over the wound surface. At 4 days, the regenerate is about 3% as long as the tail length removed. The re‐growing nerve cord is a tubular outgrowth of ependymal cells, and the new part of the notochord consists of several degenerating lamellar cells anterior to numerous small vacuolated cells. The cut edges of the mesothelium project into the regenerate as tubular extensions. These tubes anastomose with each other and with midline mesodermal canals beneath the regenerating edges of the dorsal and ventral fins. SBSEM did not reveal a blastema‐like aggregation of undifferentiated cells anywhere in the regenerate. At 6 days, the regenerate (10% of the amputated tail length) includes a notochord in which the small vacuolated cells mentioned above are differentiating into lamellar cells. At 10 days, the regenerate is 22% of the amputated tail length: myocytes have appeared in the walls of the myomeres, and sclerocoels have formed. By 14 days, the regenerate is 35% the length of the amputated tail, and the new tissues resemble smaller versions of those originally lost. The present results forA. lucayanum, a species regenerating quickly and with little inter‐specimen variability, provide the morphological background for future cell‐tracer, molecular genetic, and genomic studies of cephalochordate regeneration.
Malnutrition as a Risk Factor in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery
Authors: Escher Paul J. , Zavala Hanan , Lee Daniel , Roby Brianne Barnett , Chinnadurai Sivakumar 
Published: November 2020

Objectives/HypothesisTo assess the prevalence of acute and chronic malnutrition at the time of surgery in patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) at our institution, and to quantify nutrition as a risk factor for postsurgical complications following CLP surgery.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsRetrospective review of 855 children undergoing initial cleft lip or palate surgery, or revision surgery after fistula/dehiscence of initial cleft repair. We measured acute and chronic malnutrition using World Health Organization Z‐scores of weight‐for‐age and height‐for‐age, respectively, and noted any postsurgical fistula or dehiscence.ResultsAmong patients with cleft lip, 22.3% were at least moderately chronically malnourished at the time of initial repair, and 17.5% were at least moderately acutely malnourished. Among patients undergoing initial repair of cleft palate, 20.9% were at least moderately chronically malnourished, and 8.1% were at least moderately acutely malnourished. Increasing nutritional status, as measured by height‐for‐age, predicts decreased odds of fistula (OR 0.78,P= .01) after cleft palate surgery.ConclusionsChronic malnutrition significantly increases the risk of fistula formation in patient with cleft palate. Preoperative strategies to manage this risk and influence surgical timing can avoid morbid and costly postoperative complications.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 131:E2060–E2065, 2021
Prevalence of Multidrug‐Resistant Organisms in Patients Undergoing Free Flap Reconstruction
Authors: Hamill Chelsea S. , Snyder Vusala , Sykes Kevin J. , O'Toole Thomas 
Published: November 2020

Objectives/HypothesisThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between antibiotic prophylaxis and prevalence of multidrug‐resistant organisms (MDRO) in patients undergoing head and neck cancer reconstruction.Study DesignRetrospective Chart Review.MethodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent head and neck free flap reconstruction at our institution between 2009 to 2016.ResultsOf the 145 patients that underwent head and neck tumor removal surgery using free tissue flaps to cover the defect and therafter received antibiotic prophylaxis, 30 (20.7%) developed postoperative surgical site (n = 17, 55.7%) or distant (n = 13, 43.4%) infections. Seven had a multidrug‐resistant infection, the most common with Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). There was no significant relationship between antibiotic spectrum or duration to the development of postoperative infections or MDRO. Pseudomonas and MRSA infections were low overall with only one multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas infection.ConclusionsThe choice of antibiotic prophylaxis should cover organisms these patients are at highest risk for including anaerobes and Gram‐negative organisms. A shorter duration of antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered given no increased risk of postoperative infection nor MDRO. Finally, one must be aware of the potential threat of multidrug‐resistant Pseudomonas and MRSA amongst this vulnerable population and identity these with culture driven treatment.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1881–E1887, 2021
Direct Preparation of High Thermal Stable PLA‐Based Nanocomposite via Extra‐Low Loading of In Situ Exfoliated Ultrathin MWW Zeolite Nanosheets
Authors: Zhang Chunna , Wang Sinong , Zhang Hongbin , Liu Peng , Yu Minmin , Zhong Guoxiang , Zhang Huihui , Lu Haiyang , Xu Shuyu , Dong Shuo , Guan Xinyu , Tang Yi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based nanocomposite incorporated with zeolite MCM‐22 precursor at extra‐low loading of 0.2–0.8 wt% is directly prepared by melt compounding and injection moulding method. The Vicat softening temperature raises up to >155 °C, much higher than that of pure PLA (63 °C), which is very beneficial for its application in many fields such as a container for hot food due to its environmentally friendly property. The high heat resistance property is believed to not be caused by the improvement of crystallinity and glass transition temperature but resulting from the obstruction of PLA polymer chain movement originating from >CO···HOSi hydrogen bonding between PLA molecules and the in situ exfoliated MWW zeolite nanosheets with abundant exposed surface silanol groups. Such a method would pave a new way not only for designing more types of thermal stable polymer composites but also for delaminating multi‐layered zeolite precursors.
Confined interface vibration for femtoliter droplets generation and manipulation
Authors: Li Dege , Huang Bingfang , Cao Yi , Han Molong , Wu Xinlei , Sun Qiang , Ma Chi , Zhao Lilong , Liu Peng , Zheng Chao , Dong Hang , Wang Xiaolong , Liu Yonghong , Zhang Yanzhen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe precise and effective generation and manipulation of micron‐sized droplets is crucial for chemical and biological research and applications. Normally, droplets generation and manipulation are achieved by two separate devices/systems with their respective operation strategies. Pipette, inkjet nozzle, and microfluidic channels equipped with programed syringes are commonly used for droplets generation whereas the subsequent manipulation is normally achieved by leveraging of forces originating either from optical, electric, magnetic or acoustic field and the corresponding complicated devices. Here we report a new paradigm that can realize simultaneous droplets generation and manipulation in an immiscible liquid environment using only the confined interface vibration generated by the ordinary inkjet nozzle. Droplets, ranging from femtoliter to picoliter, can be generated and manipulated without interruption since they are actuated by the same nozzle. Our strategy provides a platform for precise generation and manipulating the micro‐sized droplets that may be valuable for applications requiring simple setups and seamless connection between droplets generation and droplets manipulation.
Pain in survivors of Ewing sarcoma: Prevalence, associated factors and prediction of recurrence
Authors: Heinemann Melina , Hoffmann Christiane , Hardes Jendrik , Guder Wiebke , Streitbürger Arne , Götte Miriam , Welz Theresa Luisa , Jürgens Heribert , Ranft Andreas , Vieth Volker , Weckesser Matthias , Schäfers Michael , Stegger Lars , Dirksen Uta 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile the prognosis of patients with Ewing sarcoma (EwS) is improving, little is known about the frequency of pain and its risk factors in survivors of EwS. This study aims to analyse the prevalence and risk factors of pain and its predictive value for recurrence.Patients and MethodsIn patients with remission after treatment of EwS, frequency and characteristics of pain within the first 5 years of follow up were assessed retrospectively.ResultsOf 80 patients, 37 (46%) presented with at least one episode of pain. Chronic pain (>3 months) was observed in 10 patients (13%). Experience of at least one episode of pain was associated with prior combined local treatment (surgery and radiation compared to surgery alone; odds ratio [OR] 5.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43‐34.9, P = .007). A total of 59 episodes of pain were observed, including 47 acute and 12 chronic episodes. Lower limb pain accounted for 46% (27/59) of all episodes of pain, and was associated with primary tumour of the pelvis or lower extremity (OR 4.29, 95% CI 1.18‐18.21, P = .025), which represented 64% (51/80) of all EwS. The positive predictive value of pain for recurrence was only 12%.ConclusionPain is a common problem in survivors of EwS, which mostly affects the lower extremity, and should be regularly assessed. Interventions to reduce pain may be particularly important in patients with combined local treatment with surgery and radiation, who seem to be at considerably increased risk for pain. Patients presenting with pain should be examined for recurrence.