bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contextual effects on loudness judgments for sounds with continuous changes of intensity are reflected in nonauditory areas
Authors: Behler Oliver , Uppenkamp Stefan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPsychoacoustic research suggests that judgments of perceived loudness change differ significantly between sounds with continuous increases and decreases of acoustic intensity, often referred to as “up‐ramps” and “down‐ramps.” The magnitude and direction of this difference, in turn, appears to depend on focused attention and the specific task performed by the listeners. This has led to the suspicion that cognitive processes play an important role in the development of the observed context effects. The present study addressed this issue by exploring neural correlates of context‐dependent loudness judgments. Normal hearing listeners continuously judged the loudness of complex‐tone sequences which slowly changed in level over time while auditory fMRI was performed. Regression models that included information either about presented sound levels or about individual loudness judgments were used to predict activation throughout the brain. Our psychoacoustical data confirmed robust effects of the direction of intensity change on loudness judgments. Specifically, stimuli were judged softer when following a down‐ramp, and louder in the context of an up‐ramp. Levels and loudness estimates significantly predicted activation in several brain areas, including auditory cortex. However, only activation in nonauditory regions was more accurately predicted by context‐dependent loudness estimates as compared with sound levels, particularly in the orbitofrontal cortex and medial temporal areas. These findings support the idea that cognitive aspects contribute to the generation of context effects with respect to continuous loudness judgments.
Divided by choice? For‐profit providers, patient choice and mechanisms of patient sorting in the English National Health Service
Authors: Beckert Walter , Kelly Elaine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper studies patient choice of provider following government reforms in the 2000s, which allowed for‐profit surgical centers to compete with existing public National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England. For‐profit providers offer significant benefits, notably shorter waiting times. We estimate the extent to which different types of patients benefit from the reforms, and we investigate mechanisms that cause differential benefits. Our counterfactual simulations show that, in terms of the value of access, entry of for‐profit providers benefitted the richest patients twice as much as the poorest, and white patients six times as much as ethnic minority patients. Half of these differences is explained by healthcare geography and patient health, while primary care referral practice plays a lesser, though non‐negligible role. We also show that, with capitated reimbursement, different compositions of patient risks between for‐profit surgical centers and existing public hospitals put public hospitals at a competitive disadvantage.
Phase II study of nimotuzumab (TheraCim‐hR3) concurrent with cisplatin/radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ang Mei‐Kim , Montoya Jose Enrique , Tharavichitkul Ekkasit , Lim Cindy , Tan Terence , Wang Lan Ying , Wee Joseph , Soong Yoke‐Lim , Fong Kam‐Weng , Ng Quan Sing , Tan Daniel Shao‐Weng , Toh Chee‐Keong , Tan Eng‐Huat , Lim Wan‐Teck 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe efficacy of a combination of nimotuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody to the epidermal growth factor receptor, with chemoradiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was evaluated in a phase II study.MethodsPatients with stage III/IV HNSCC received 3‐weekly cisplatin 100 mg/m2 for three cycles and weekly nimotuzumab 200 mg for 8 weeks concurrently with radiotherapy. Primary endpoint was best overall response (BOR) and secondary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsThirty‐seven patients were included; the majority were Chinese (76%), male (89%), and had stage IVA/IVB HNSCC (92%). BOR of complete and partial response was seen in 22/37 (59%) and 10/37 (27%) patients, respectively. Median PFS was 17.5 months (95% CI: 11.1–54.5) and 3‐year PFS was 40.4% (95% CI: 24.3–55.9). The frequency and type of adverse events observed were similar to standard chemoradiation.ConclusionThe combination of nimotuzumab with cisplatin and radiotherapy was safe and achieved high response rates in HNSCC.
Cross‐regional phase amplitude coupling supports the encoding of episodic memories
Authors: Wang David X. , Schmitt Kelsey , Seger Sarah , Davila Carlos E. , Lega Bradley C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPhase amplitude coupling (PAC) between theta and gamma oscillations represents a key neurophysiological mechanism that promotes the temporal organization of oscillatory activity. For this reason, PAC has been implicated in item/context integration for episodic processes, including coordinating activity across multiple cortical regions. While data in humans has focused principally on PAC within a single brain region, data in rodents has revealed evidence that the phase of the hippocampal theta oscillation modulates gamma oscillations in the cortex (and vice versa). This pattern, termed cross‐regional PAC (xPAC), has not previously been observed in human subjects engaged in mnemonic processing. We use a unique dataset with intracranial electrodes inserted simultaneously into the hippocampus and seven cortical regions across 40 human subjects to (1) test for the presence of significant cross‐regional PAC (xPAC), (2) to establish that the magnitude of xPAC predicts memory encoding success, (3) to describe specific frequencies within the broad 2–9 Hz theta range that govern hippocampal‐cortical interactions in xPAC, and (4) compare anterior versus posterior hippocampal xPAC patterns. We find that strong functional xPAC occurs principally between the hippocampus and other mesial temporal structures, namely entorhinal and parahippocampal cortices, and that xPAC is overall stronger for posterior hippocampal connections. We also show that our results are not confounded by alternative factors such as inter‐regional phase synchrony, local PAC occurring within cortical regions, or artifactual theta oscillatory waveforms.
Strategic assessment of mental health and suicide amid COVID‐19 pandemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Faria , Sifat Ridwan Islam 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore how the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has affected the mental health of our society in Bangladesh as a thorough assessment of mental health is salient during this pandemic crisis. The study seeks to ensure that their unheard voices are reached to both national and international academic discourse, which has so far been uninhabited. It adopted qualitative interpretative methods of social research through content analysis. The study found that the pandemic did not affect all groups of society uniformly, rather the intensity of its impact varied depending on factors such as economic status and family institutions. The lower socioeconomic class is the worst affected as the pandemic made them unemployed, leading them to an uncertain future. Despite such variations, the general population has experienced a subsequent increase in workload, and challenges in using routine health facilities that increased behavioural changes, higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and suicides.
Association between hepatitis B and E virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma risk
Authors: Xue Meng , Lin Xiaona , Lin Qiu‐Xiong , Pu Xiaoyong , Liu Jiumin , Li Xing‐Fang , Hou Jun , Liu Xudong , Chen Ren 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe role of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of HE infection in HCC development and the effect of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HEV coinfection on HCC risk. A hospital‐based case‐control study was conducted. A total of 474 eligible HCC cases and 586 control patients were successfully recruited. The fasting venous blood was collected from the patients at the first visited to hospital and HBV infection and HEV infection were examined within 5 days. Crude and adjusted odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated by using logistic regression model. HBV infection (OR: 63.10, 95% CI: 42.02‐97.26) rather than HEV infection (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.721‐1.65) was associated with an increased risk of HCC after adjustment for confounders. The association between HBV infection and HCC risk was more remarkable in male (OR: 72.61, 95% CI: 45.10‐121.38) than in female (OR: 61.89, 95% CI: 25.74‐169.26). In comparison with patients who infected with neither HEV nor HBV, those who infected with only HBV (OR: 69.62, 95% CI: 40.90‐123.52) and who coinfected with HEV and HBV (OR: 67.48, 95% CI:37.23‐128.19) were significantly associated with an increased risk after adjustment for potential confounders. The results showed that HBV infection rather than HEV infection was associated with an increased risk of HCC, and the HEV infection may alleviate the promoting impact of HBV on HCC development.
Stock co‐movement and governance bundles: Does the quality of national governance moderate this relationship?
Authors: Egwuonwu Ambrose , Lodh Suman , Nandy Monomita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, we examine if corporate governance, as a bundle, can better explain stock co‐movement. To test the implication of governance bundles on stock co‐movement, we consider a monitoring and incentive alignment bundle. Using 2,659 firm‐year observations from 321 firms listed on the S&P 500 from 2009 to 2017, we find that the governance mechanism bundle can enhance the ability of stock prices to integrate better firm‐specific information, which reflects on stock co‐movement. In addition, we find the existence of a complementary relationship between National Governance Quality and a firm's board monitoring. This also helps in explaining the puzzle of stock co‐movement. The findings will extend the understanding about the co‐movement‐related literature mentioned in the corporate governance and corporate finance research. The findings are also helpful for decision makers and policy makers involved in the efficient controlling of stock co‐movement.
Global connectivity between commodity prices and national stock markets: A time‐varying MIDAS analysis
Authors: Enilov Martin , Fazio Giorgio , Ghoshray Atanu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we provide a comprehensive study of the linkages between global commodity price shocks and national financial markets. We consider an overall price index, three proxies of global oil shocks (overall, supply and demand) and non‐oil (metal) price shocks and assess their causal relationships with the stock prices of a large set of heterogeneous countries in terms of development. Using a mixed‐frequency VAR approach in a time‐varying setting, we construct a Global Commodity Connectivity Index and a Global Stock Connectivity Index to monitor the prevalence, over time, of Granger‐Causality from commodities to stock markets and vice versa. Our results show the existence of time‐varying causality during the observed period depending on the level of country development and the position on the global commodity shocks super‐cycles: the commodities depression of the 1980s and 1990s, the commodity boom of the 2000s and the post‐Global Financial Crisis.
Negative interest rates: How do they work? Case studies in Japan, Europe, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark
Authors: Gilman Jacquelyne 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper will focus on the impacts of negative interest rate implementations in five areas. To this day, there have only been a handful of areas that have had their central banks lower the interbank interest rate to below zero, thus breaking through the zero‐lower bound theory in economics. The areas studied here are Japan, Switzerland, Europe, Denmark, and Sweden. All but Japan lowered the interest rates below zero on reserve funds in their respective central banks while Japan lowered the rate only for the amounts excess of reserves. The goal of this survey article is to explain why these areas decided to implement such an unorthodox policy and determine what implications these policies have on the general economy of the area and the banks within.
Theoretical study on the interaction of phenylalaninal with groupIA(Li+, Na+, K+) andIIA(Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+) metal cations
Authors: Alirezapour Fahimeh , Khanmohammadi Azadeh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, the structural and electronic effects of the interaction of the metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+) with the π‐system of phenylalaninal (PhA) are investigated using the M06‐2X method and the 6–311++G(d,p) basis set in the gas phase and the solution. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) is applied to elucidate the interaction characteristics of these complexes. Properties of the electron density (ρ) and the Laplacian (∇2ρ), estimated by AIM calculations, indicate that the bond between the cations and the PhA possesses low ρ and positive ∇2ρ values. Moreover, the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is performed to understand the orbital interactions and the charge delocalization during complexation. To achieve better insight on the mentioned interactions, physical properties such as the energy gap, electronic chemical potential, chemical hardness, softness, and global electrophilicity power are investigated. Several correlations based on the topological, geometrical, and energetic parameters are suggested for investigating the cation–π interactions in the studied complexes.
Fever Associated With Dexmedetomidine in Adult Acute Care Patients: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Schurr James W. , Ambrosi Lara , Lastra Jordan L. , McLaughlin Kevin C. , Hacobian Gaspar , Szumita Paul M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDexmedetomidine‐associated fever has been reported in the literature and can lead to lengthy workups and unnecessary antibiotic exposure. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate and describe the evidence of fever or hyperthermia caused by dexmedetomidine in adult patients. Data sources included PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Sciences. English‐language studies of any design published from inception through April 2020 including conference abstracts were included. The target population was hospitalized adult patients. Quality of evidence was determined based on GRADE recommendations and risk of bias assessed using the Evidence Project Risk of Bias tool. Naranjo scores were assessed to determine the likeliness of adverse event being caused by dexmedetomidine. All data were extracted independently and with the guidance of a medical librarian. Four hundred and eighty‐eight total citations were found on formal search, with 329 left after removal of duplicates. Independent record screening was performed, leaving 17 citations including 4 retrospective cohort studies, 1 case series, and 12 case reports. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to low for identified analyses. Evidence with patient‐level data (case reports and series) were combined to establish a cohort for descriptive results. The median Naranjo score was 4 (range, 3 to 8), and dexmedetomidine doses ranged from 0.1 to 2 μg·h/kg. Obesity and cardiac surgery appear to be significant risk factors. Dexmedetomidine‐associated fever appears uncommon, but the true incidence is unknown. Clinicians should keep dexmedetomidine‐associated fever in their differential, and stewardship programs should consider assessing for this adverse effect in their patient monitoring.
Introduction to the special issue–Beyond CTMAXand CTMIN: Advances in studying the thermal limits of reptiles and amphibians
Authors: Telemeco Rory S. , Gangloff Eric J. 
Published: February 2021

Research HighlightsWe contextualize contributions to the special issue emerging from a symposium at the 9th World Congress of Herpetology.This collection includes recent advances in thermal biology, reviews of major concepts, and guideposts for future work.
A star is born again: Methods for larval rearing of an emerging model organism, the False clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Roux Natacha , Logeux Valentin , Trouillard Nancy , Pillot Rémi , Magré Kévin , Salis Pauline , Lecchini David , Besseau Laurence , Laudet Vincent , Romans Pascal 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs interest increases in ecological, evolutionary, and developmental biology (Eco‐Evo‐Devo), wild species are increasingly used as experimental models. However, we are still lacking a suitable model for marine fish species, as well as coral reef fishes that can be reared at laboratory scales. Extensive knowledge of the life cycle of anemonefishes, and the peculiarities of their biology, make them relevant marine fish models for developmental biology, ecology, and evolutionary sciences. Here, we present standard methods to maintain breeding pairs of the anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris in captivity, obtain regular good quality spawning, and protocols to ensure larval survival throughout rearing. We provide a detailed description of the anemonefish husbandry system and life prey culturing protocols. Finally, a “low‐volume” rearing protocol useful for the pharmacological treatment of larvae is presented. Such methods are important as strict requirements for large volumes in rearing tanks often inhibit continuous treatments with expensive or rare compounds.
Supporting a sense of inclusion and belonging for genetic counseling students who identify as racial or ethnic minorities
Authors: Carmichael Nikkola , Redlinger‐Grosse Krista , Birnbaum Shira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRacial and ethnic minority graduate students in a variety of academic and professional disciplines have been reported to experience microaggressions and feelings of isolation during the course of their training. The purpose of this constructivist grounded theory study was to characterize the training experiences of genetic counseling students who identify as racial or ethnic minorities. The goal of enhancing racial and ethnic diversity has been discussed for decades within the genetic counseling profession, but the actual training experience of underrepresented minorities has yet to be fully explored. We conducted 13 videoconference focus groups with 32 recent graduates of genetic counseling training programs who identify as racial or ethnic minorities. This paper presents results from three of the thematic categories identified in that larger study: Participants’ interactions with classmates, Sense of belonging in the GC profession, and Available or desired supports. Participants reported experiencing negative interactions within their training program, during supervised clinical rotations, and at professional events; negative interactions included comments suggesting they did not belong in the United States, being confused with another non‐white classmate, and intrusive questions or assumptions about their family, culture, or religion that were not similarly directed at white classmates. Trainees who were Muslim or Black/African American reported feeling particularly isolated by these incidents. Participants reported that they sought support from a variety of sources following negative experiences. Non‐minority program faculty were perceived as able to offer listening or action but not understanding or guidance, which were perceived as more likely to be available from individuals who identify as racial or ethnic minorities. Results of this exploratory study suggest the need for training programs to ensure that appropriate supports are available to minority students, including diverse faculty and staff and non‐program resources.
Neural correlates of visuoperceptive changes in severe alcohol use disorder: A critical review of neuroimaging and electrophysiological findings
Authors: Creupelandt Coralie , D'Hondt Fabien , Maurage Pierre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVisuoperceptive deficits are frequently reported in severe alcohol use disorder (SAUD) and are considered as pervasive and persistent in time. While this topic of investigation has previously driven researchers' interest, far fewer studies have focused on visuoperception in SAUD since the ‘90s, leaving open central questions regarding the origin and implications of these deficits. To renew research in the field and provide a solid background to work upon, this paper reviews the neural correlates of visuoperception in SAUD, based on data from neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies. Results reveal structural and functional changes within the visual system but also in the connections between occipital and frontal areas. We highlight the lack of integration of these findings in the dominant models of vision which stress the dynamic nature of the visual system and consider the presence of both bottom‐up and top‐down cerebral mechanisms. Visuoperceptive changes are also discussed in the framework of long‐lasting debates regarding the influence of demographic and alcohol‐related factors, together stressing the presence of inter‐individual differences. Capitalizing on this review, we provide guidelines to inform future research, and ultimately improve clinical care.
Effect of the heme oxygenase gene on mycelial growth and polysaccharide synthesis in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Yihong , Chen Chen , Ren Ang , Yu Hanshou , Zhao Mingwen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe heme oxygenase gene has antioxidant and cytoprotective effects in organisms, but no related research has been conducted in Ganoderma lucidum. For the first time, we cloned the HMX1 gene in G. lucidum. The CDS is 1092 bp in length and encodes 363 amino acids. The HMX1 protein was prokaryotically expressed and purified, and the enzyme activity of the purified protein was measured. The value of Km was 0.699 μM, and Vm was 81.9 nmol BV h−1 nmol−1 protein. By constructing the silencing vector pAN7‐dual‐HMX1i, the transformants HMX1i1 and HMX1i2 were obtained. Compared with the wild‐type (WT), the average growth rate of HMX1i1 and HMX1i2 decreased by 31% and 23%, respectively, and the mycelium biomass decreased by 53% and 48%, respectively. Compared with the WT, the extracellular polysaccharide content of HMX1i1 and HMX1i2 increased by 59% and 51%, and the intracellular polysaccharide content increased by 24% and 22%, respectively. These results indicate that the HMX1 gene affects mycelial growth and polysaccharide synthesis in G. lucidum.