bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Determination of the Chemical (kr) and the Physical (kq) Quenching Rate Constants of Singlet Oxygen in Aqueous Solution by the Chemiluminescence‐quenching Method†
Authors: Pierlot Christel , Nardello‐Rataj Véronique , Aubry Jean‐Marie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work reports a novel and visual method for the simultaneous determination of the chemical (kr) and the physical (kq) quenching rate constants of singlet oxygen (1O2,1∆g) in aqueous media. It is based on the disruption, by a water‐soluble substrate S, of the 1O2 chemiluminescence (CL) generated by the H2O2/Na2MoO4 catalytic system. A mathematical analysis of the CL signal at 1270 nm vs time provides separately the overall (kr + kq) and the chemical (kr) quenching rate constants. In ordinary water (H2O), 1O2 lifetime is short and the CL intensity is weak allowing solely the investigation of very reactive substrates for which (kr + kq) > 3 × 106 m−1 s−1 while, in D2O, 1O2 lifetime is significantly longer lifetime and the CL signal is much stronger allowing the study of poorly reactive substrates for which (kr + kq) > 4 × 105 m−1 s−1. The method has been successfully tested on a series of anionic and nonionic water‐soluble naphthalene derivatives commonly used as bio‐compatible 1O2 carriers. The obtained kr and kq values are in good agreement with the values determined by conventional techniques, namely, flash photolysis and competitive kinetics with a reference quencher.
Secondary metabolites and related genes in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo grapes as influenced by ultraviolet radiation and berry development
Authors: Del‐Castillo‐Alonso María‐Ángeles , Monforte Laura , Tomás‐Las‐Heras Rafael , Ranieri Annamaria , Castagna Antonella , Martínez‐Abaigar Javier , Núñez‐Olivera Encarnación 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe effects of UV radiation on Vitis vinifera cv Tempranillo grapes were studied under field conditions as influenced by ultraviolet (UV) band (UV‐A and UV‐B), UV‐B level (ambient vs enhanced), grape phenological stage (pea‐size, veraison, and harvest), grape component (skin, flesh, and seeds), and fraction from which phenolic UV‐absorbing compounds (UVACs) were extracted (soluble vs insoluble). Ambient UV‐B levels caused stronger effects than ambient UV‐A. These effects included increases in flavonol contents (particularly quercetins and kaempferols), the expression of flavonol synthase and chalcone synthase genes (VvFLS4 and VvCHS1), and grape weight and size. In addition, the contents of flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids increased under UV‐B radiation at pea‐size stage. All these compounds play physiological roles as antioxidants and UV screens. Synergic effects between UV‐B and UV‐A were observed. The responses of anthocyanins, stilbenes, and volatile compounds to UV were diffuse or nonexistent. Enhanced UV‐B led to rather subtle changes in comparison with ambient UV‐B, but differences between both treatments could be demonstrated by multivariate analysis. Pea‐size and harvest were the phenological stages where the most significant responses to UV were found, while the skin was the most UV‐responsive grape component. Soluble phenolic compounds were much more UV‐responsive than insoluble compounds. In conclusion, UV radiation was essential for the induction of specific grape phenolic and volatile compounds. Given the physiological roles of these compounds, as well as their contribution to grape and wine quality, and their potential use as nutraceuticals, our results may have implications on the artificial manipulation of UV radiation.
Chemical diversity and cellular effects of antifungal cyclic lipopeptides from cyanobacteria
Authors: Fewer David P. , Jokela Jouni , Heinilä Lassi , Aesoy Reidun , Sivonen Kaarina , Galica Tomáš , Hrouzek Pavel , Herfindal Lars 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCyanobacteria produce a variety of chemically diverse cyclic lipopeptides with potent antifungal activities. These cyclic lipopeptides have an amphipathic structure comprised of a polar peptide cycle and hydrophobic fatty acid side chain. Many have antibiotic activity against a range of human and plant fungal pathogens. This review article aims to summarize the present knowledge on the chemical diversity and cellular effects of cyanobacterial cyclic lipopeptides that display antifungal activity. Cyclic antifungal lipopeptides from cyanobacteria commonly fall into four structural classes; hassallidins, puwainaphycins, laxaphycins, and anabaenolysins. Many of these antifungal cyclic lipopeptides act through cholesterol and ergosterol‐dependent disruption of membranes. In many cases, the cyclic lipopeptides also exert cytotoxicity in human cells, and a more extensive examination of their biological activity and structure–activity relationship is warranted. The hassallidin, puwainaphycin, laxaphycin, and anabaenolysin structural classes are unified through shared complex biosynthetic pathways that encode a variety of unusual lipoinitiation mechanisms and branched biosynthesis that promote their chemical diversity. However, the biosynthetic origins of some cyanobacterial cyclic lipopeptides and the mechanisms, which drive their structural diversification in general, remain poorly understood. The strong functional convergence of differently organized chemical structures suggests that the production of lipopeptide confers benefits for their producer. Whether these benefits originate from their antifungal activity or some other physiological function remains to be answered in the future. However, it is clear that cyanobacteria encode a wealth of new cyclic lipopeptides with novel biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
Associations between autonomic nervous system activity and risk‐taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents
Authors: Loheide‐Niesmann Lisa , Vrijkotte Tanja G. M. , De Rooij Susanne R. , Wiers Reinout W. , Huizink Anja 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity has been associated with adolescent risk‐taking and internalizing behavior, but previous results in community samples have been mixed. We investigated whether ANS activity was associated with higher risk‐taking and internalizing behavior in young adolescents (age 11/12; n = 875), and whether adolescents' gender, parents' parenting style or a combination of both moderated these associations. Adolescents and their parents were recruited as part of the population‐based, longitudinal Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study. Risk‐taking behavior was assessed with the Balloon Analogue Risk Task and the personality characteristics sensation seeking and impulsivity, measured with the Substance Use Risk Profile Scale (SURPS). Internalizing behavior was assessed via the SURPS subscales anxiety sensitivity and hopelessness. Authoritative (AUTH‐SW) and authoritarian (AUTH‐S) parenting styles were measured with the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire. Resting ANS activity was assessed via heart rate and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Hierarchical, multivariable regression analyses showed higher RSA, but not heart rate, being associated with higher risk‐taking behavior and sensation seeking. The associations between ANS activity and risk‐taking variables were not significantly moderated by gender, parenting, or interactions between gender and parenting. Our findings suggest that RSA activity may be a relevant factor in mild to moderate risk‐taking behavior in adolescents from the general population, regardless of their gender or the type of parenting they experience.
Removal or utilization? Testing alternative approaches to the management of an invasive woody legume in an arid Indian grassland
Authors: Nerlekar Ashish N. , Mehta Nirav , Pokar Ritesh , Bhagwat Mayur , Misher Chetan , Joshi Pankaj , Hiremath Ankila J. 
Published: June 2021

Woody plant encroachment is a pervasive global driver impacting grassland structure and functioning, and we know very little about efficacies of management techniques for restoring woody plant‐encroached tropical grasslands. In the Banni grasslands of India, which are extensively encroached by an invasive woody legume,Prosopis juliflora, we test the efficacies of twoProsopismanagement methods—mechanical removal and lopping—to restore native grasslands. Across eight sites in the Banni, using a randomized block design, we monitored herbaceous plant recovery in the twoProsopismanagement treatments, and an unmanipulated control for 4 years. We also sampled four reference grasslands. We found native herbaceous plant richness and cover to be threefold (mean = 6 species) and sixfold (mean = 18% cover) higher, respectively, in the mechanical‐removal treatment compared to the control (mean richness = 2 species, cover = 3%), but found no significant differences between the lopping treatment (mean richness = 5 species, cover = 11%) and the control. While mechanical‐removal increased plant diversity, neither management treatment changed the species composition, and both of these treatments were still missing perennial grasses that dominate the reference grasslands. Our data highlight the efficacy of mechanical removal over lopping in restoring native grasslands. However, mechanically removingProsopisis costly, especially at larger scales. Apart from its detrimental impact on grasslands,Prosopisalso has benefits varying with stakeholder groups, and its removal involves complex trade‐offs. Until we fully understand the trade‐offs involved, it may therefore be better to manage this social‐ecological landscape as a mosaic of restored grassland andProsopis‐invaded patches.
Does active plant restoration passively restore native fauna community structure and function?
Authors: Pearson Dean E. , Ortega Yvette K. , Cimino Hillary E. , Mummy Daniel L. , Ramsey Philip W. 
Published: June 2021

Ecological restoration commonly emphasizes reestablishing native plant communities. Implicit in this approach is the assumption that actively restoring plant communities can passively restore structure and function of other community components like wildlife. However, this assumption is rarely tested. We evaluated how plant restoration in grasslands of the northwestern United States affected the structure (composition and relative abundance) of native small mammal communities and the important functional role they play as seed predators. We quantified vegetation, small mammal community structure, small mammal seed predation, and effects of seed predation on native plant recruitment in comparable grasslands that were either native‐dominated, planted with introduced forage grasses, or had undergone restoration treatments to suppress introduced grasses and increase native plants with and without supplemental watering. Native plant cover averaged ≥5 times higher at restoration sites relative to introduced grass sites. Small mammals, primarily deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), were least abundant in introduced grass sites and most abundant in water‐supplemented restoration treatments, with intermediate levels in native and unwatered restoration sites. Seed offerings and seed sowing experiments indicated that seed predation and its effects on plant recruitment correlated with small mammal abundance, with effects generally weakest in introduced grass and strongest in restoration sites. Our results suggest that active plant restoration can passively restore the structure and function of native small mammal communities. While small mammal seed predation is a desired long‐term function, it can also inhibit restoration efforts. We discuss emerging strategies for mitigating seed predation during restoration seeding.
BARD: A Structured Technique for Group Elicitation of Bayesian Networks to Support Analytic Reasoning
Authors: Nyberg Erik P. , Nicholson Ann E. , Korb Kevin B. , Wybrow Michael , Zukerman Ingrid , Mascaro Steven , Thakur Shreshth , Oshni Alvandi Abraham , Riley Jeff , Pearson Ross , Morris Shane , Herrmann Matthieu , Azad A.K.M. , Bolger Fergus , Hahn Ulrike , Lagnado David 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn many complex, real‐world situations, problem solving and decision making require effective reasoning about causation and uncertainty. However, human reasoning in these cases is prone to confusion and error. Bayesian networks (BNs) are an artificial intelligence technology that models uncertain situations, supporting better probabilistic and causal reasoning and decision making. However, to date, BN methodologies and software require (but do not include) substantial upfront training, do not provide much guidance on either the model building process or on using the model for reasoning and reporting, and provide no support for building BNs collaboratively. Here, we contribute a detailed description and motivation for our new methodology and application, Bayesian ARgumentation via Delphi (BARD). BARD utilizes BNs and addresses these shortcomings by integrating (1) short, high‐quality e‐courses, tips, and help on demand; (2) a stepwise, iterative, and incremental BN construction process; (3) report templates and an automated explanation tool; and (4) a multiuser web‐based software platform and Delphi‐style social processes. The result is an end‐to‐end online platform, with associated online training, for groups without prior BN expertise to understand and analyze a problem, build a model of its underlying probabilistic causal structure, validate and reason with the causal model, and (optionally) use it to produce a written analytic report. Initial experiments demonstrate that, for suitable problems, BARD aids in reasoning and reporting. Comparing their effect sizes also suggests BARD's BN‐building and collaboration combine beneficially and cumulatively.
Global Sensitivity Analysis with Mixtures: A Generalized Functional ANOVA Approach
Authors: Borgonovo Emanuele , Li Genyuan , Barr John , Plischke Elmar , Rabitz Herschel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis work investigates aspects of the global sensitivity analysis of computer codes when alternative plausible distributions for the model inputs are available to the analyst. Analysts may decide to explore results under each distribution or to aggregate the distributions, assigning, for instance, a mixture. In the first case, we lose uniqueness of the sensitivity measures, and in the second case, we lose independence even if the model inputs are independent under each of the assigned distributions. Removing the unique distribution assumption impacts the mathematical properties at the basis of variance‐based sensitivity analysis and has consequences on result interpretation as well. We analyze in detail the technical aspects. From this investigation, we derive corresponding recommendations for the risk analyst. We show that an approach based on the generalized functional ANOVA expansion remains theoretically grounded in the presence of a mixture distribution. Numerically, we base the construction of the generalized function ANOVA effects on the diffeomorphic modulation under observable response preserving homotopy regression. Our application addresses the calculation of variance‐based sensitivity measures for the well‐known Nordhaus' DICE model, when its inputs are assigned a mixture distribution. A discussion of implications for the risk analyst and future research perspectives closes the work.
Estimation of Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for Immunological Effects of Aflatoxin
Authors: Saha Turna Nikita , Wu Felicia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAflatoxins are toxic chemicals produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. In warm climates, these fungi frequently contaminate crops such as maize, peanuts, tree nuts, and sunflower seeds. In many tropical and subtropical regions of the world, populations are coexposed to dietary aflatoxin and multiple infectious pathogens in food, water, and the environment. There is increasing evidence that aflatoxin compromises the immune system, which could increase infectious disease risk in vulnerable populations. Our aim was to conduct a dose–response assessment on a noncarcinogenic endpoint of aflatoxin: immunotoxicological effects. We sought to determine a noncarcinogenic tolerable daily intake (TDI) of aflatoxin, based on the existing data surrounding aflatoxin and biomarkers of immune suppression. To conduct the dose response assessment, mammalian studies were assessed for appropriateness of doses (relevant to potential human exposures) as well as goodness of data, and two appropriate mouse studies that examined decreases in leukocyte counts were selected to generate dose response curves. From these, we determined benchmark dose lower confidence limits (BMDL) as points of departure to estimate a range of TDIs for aflatoxin‐related immune impairment: 0.017–0.082 μg/kg bw/day. As aflatoxin is a genotoxic carcinogen, and regulations concerning its presence in food have largely focused on its carcinogenic effects, international risk assessment bodies such as the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) have never established a TDI for aflatoxin. Our work highlights the importance of the noncarcinogenic effects of aflatoxin that may have broader public health impacts, to inform regulatory standard‐setting.
Balancing the Elicitation Burden and the Richness of Expert Input When Quantifying Discrete Bayesian Networks
Authors: Barons Martine J. , Mascaro Steven , Hanea Anca M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractStructured expert judgment (SEJ) is a method for obtaining estimates of uncertain quantities from groups of experts in a structured way designed to minimize the pervasive cognitive frailties of unstructured approaches. When the number of quantities required is large, the burden on the groups of experts is heavy, and resource constraints may mean that eliciting all the quantities of interest is impossible. Partial elicitations can be complemented with imputation methods for the remaining, unelicited quantities. In the case where the quantities of interest are conditional probability distributions, the natural relationship between the quantities can be exploited to impute missing probabilities. Here we test the Bayesian intelligence interpolation method and its variations for Bayesian network conditional probability tables, called “InterBeta.” We compare the various outputs of InterBeta on two cases where conditional probability tables were elicited from groups of experts. We show that interpolated values are in good agreement with experts' values and give guidance on how InterBeta could be used to good effect to reduce expert burden in SEJ exercises.
Nocebo effects on motor performance: A systematic literature review
Authors: Horváth Áron , Köteles Ferenc , Szabo Attila 
Published: June 2021

Directionally opposite to placebo effects are the nocebo effects that negatively impact people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. An important but scarcely studied aspect of everyday functioning is motor performance, in which nocebo effects might impair athletic skills and the much‐needed purposeful daily movements and motor actions. The aim of this literature review is to unveil the nocebo effects on motor performance.Searched databases were PubMed, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus. Twenty‐one articles, reporting 23 studies, met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the current review. All reports exhibited “some” risk of bias. Of the 23 studies, 14 found a nocebo effect on motor performance, equivocal results emerged from two studies, and negative findings were reported in seven studies. Most (10/12) studies using a between‐subjects design have reported a nocebo effect. The mean effect size was 0.60, suggesting a medium‐to‐large effect of nocebo intervention on motor performance. Based on this review, we conclude that nocebo effects do influence motor performance and can be evoked with negative verbal information. This effect may be more robust than the placebo effect but also depends on the type of motor performance, on the examined sample, and on the nocebo agent. Hence, nocebo effects should be recognized and controlled in empirical research on motor performance, and they should be prevented or extinguished in practical and therapeutic settings. More extensive examination of the nocebo effect on motor performance is warranted, especially using between‐subjects research design and a “no agent” control condition.
Early post‐transplant cutaneous bacillary angiomatosis in a kidney recipient: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Morillas Jose A. , Hassanein Mohamed , Syed Bushra , Liaqat Aimen , Bergfeld Wilma , Sardiña Luis A. , Fatica Richard , Lum Jessica 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBacillary angiomatosis (BA) is an uncommon systemic disease caused by Bartonella henselae (BH) or Bartonella quintana (BQ) that occurs primarily in immunocompromised hosts. Few cases of BA recipients have been reported in adult solid transplant recipients over the years, with most cases presenting years after transplant. We describe a case of a kidney transplant recipient who developed cutaneous BA very early in the post‐transplant period despite not having any exposures. Retrospective testing of donor and recipient's serum was performed and raised the concern for possible donor‐derived infection. A literature review encompassing 1990 to present was also performed in order to better understand the clinical presentation, diagnostics and therapeutic approach of this unusual disease. Combined serology, histopathology and molecular testing (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were useful in diagnosing BA in our patient as serology alone might be unreliable. Macrolides or doxycycline for at least 3 months is the recommended therapeutic strategy; however, the optimal duration of treatment is not well established in transplant recipients. In our patient, we decided to use doxycycline for 1 year due to gradual resolution of lesions and ongoing immunosuppression. Patient responded successfully without any documented relapse.
Blastomycosis in solid organ transplant recipients—A retrospective series from southeastern Wisconsin
Authors: Mehta Tej I. , Kurman Jonathan , Dolan Stephen , Gill Harpreet , Thapa Bipin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBlastomycosis is a fungal infection caused primarily by Blastomyces dermatitis. The fungus is endemic to the Ohio, Mississippi, and St. Lawrence River areas of the United States. Organ transplant recipients are at risk of blastomycosis due to pharmacologic immunosuppression. Over a 20‐year period, 30 cases of blastomycosis post‐solid organ transplantation were identified at our center. The cumulative incidence of blastomycosis among SOT recipients was 0.99%. There was a male predominance (70% male) and a median age of 59 at the time of diagnosis. Regarding transplant type, 23 patients received kidney transplants, 4 received liver transplants, 2 received pancreas transplants and 1 received a heart transplant. Median time to blastomycosis identification post‐transplant was 67.8 months (range: 1‐188 months). Amphotericin B was used as initiation therapy in most cases, followed by itraconazole, voriconazole, or in select cases fluconazole or posaconazole maintenance therapy. Regarding comorbid conditions, 87% of patients had diabetes, 50% had congestive heart failure, and 20% had chronic pulmonary disease. Nine patients (30%) developed blastomycosis‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome, 33% of these died with a median time to death of 22 days (range 20 days to 2 months); these were the only deaths attributable to blastomycosis.