bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investing green for sustainable development without ditching economic growth
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Usman Ojonugwa , Ike George N.
Published: September 2022

Global warming and other significant climatic changes arising from the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have placed great policy puzzles on whether to slow or not to slow gross domestic product (GDP) growth. This paper presents and estimates empirical models of growth using standard tools of growth empirics for 23 OECD countries over the period 1990–2017. The main objective is to examine the role of green energy consumption and investment on economic growth. Using the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) with fixed effects, empirical results suggest that green energy consumption and investment—in the sense of renewable energy consumption and expenditure in renewable energy research and development (R&D)—have small, although positive effects on economic growth. These effects are heterogeneous, leading to asymmetric patterns over the conditional quantile distribution of per‐capita GDP with stronger effects found in the lower quantiles. The implication of our findings is that capacity utilization in green energy consumption and investment has not been developed to a viable level that will mitigate greenhouse effects and spur sustainable development in the long run.
Electrochemical Generation of Catalytically Active Edge Sites in C2N‐Type Carbon Materials for Artificial Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Zhang Wuyong , Zhan Shaoqi , Qin Qing , Heil Tobias , Liu Xiyu , Hwang Jinyeon , Ferber Thimo H. , Hofmann Jan P. , Oschatz Martin
Published: September 2022

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to ammonia (NH3) is a potentially carbon‐neutral and decentralized supplement to the established Haber–Bosch process. Catalytic activation of the highly stable dinitrogen molecules remains a great challenge. Especially metal‐free nitrogen‐doped carbon catalysts do not often reach the desired selectivity and ammonia production rates due to their low concentration of NRR active sites and possible instability of heteroatoms under electrochemical potential, which can even contribute to false positive results. In this context, the electrochemical activation of nitrogen‐doped carbon electrocatalysts is an attractive, but not yet established method to create NRR catalytic sites. Herein, a metal‐free C2N material (HAT‐700) is electrochemically etched prior to application in NRR to form active edge‐sites originating from the removal of terminal nitrile groups. Resulting activated metal‐free HAT‐700‐A shows remarkable catalytic activity in electrochemical nitrogen fixation with a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 11.4% and NH3 yield of 5.86 µg mg−1cat h−1. Experimental results and theoretical calculations are combined, and it is proposed that carbon radicals formed during activation together with adjacent pyridinic nitrogen atoms play a crucial role in nitrogen adsorption and activation. The results demonstrate the possibility to create catalytically active sites on purpose by etching labile functional groups prior to NRR.
CRISPR/Cas Systems‐Inspired Nano/Biosensors for Detecting Infectious Viruses and Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Shi Yiheng , Chen Guang , Wu Di , Wu Yongning , Li Guoliang
Published: September 2022

Infectious pathogens cause severe human illnesses and great deaths per year worldwide. Rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection of pathogens is of great importance for preventing infectious diseases caused by pathogens and optimizing medical healthcare systems. Inspired by a microbial defense system (i.e., CRISPR/ CRISPR‐associated proteins (Cas) system, an adaptive immune system for protecting microorganisms from being attacked by invading species), a great many new biosensors have been successfully developed and widely applied in the detection of infectious viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, advanced nanotechnologies have also been integrated into these biosensors to improve their detection stability, sensitivity, and accuracy. In this review, the recent advance in CRISPR/Cas systems‐based nano/biosensors and their applications in the detection of infectious viruses and pathogenic bacteria are comprehensively reviewed. First of all, the categories and working principles of CRISPR/Cas systems for establishing the nano/biosensors are simply introduced. Then, the design and construction of CRISPR/Cas systems‐based nano/biosensors are comprehensively discussed. In the end, attentions are focused on the applications of CRISPR/Cas systems‐based nano/biosensors in the detection of infectious viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Impressively, the remaining opportunities and challenges for the further design and development of CRISPR/Cas system‐based nano/biosensors and their promising applications are proposed.
Current Progress in 2D Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Khan Usman , Nairan Adeela , Gao Junkuo , Zhang Qichun
Published: September 2022

The 2D nanosheets of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have recently emerged as a promising material that makes them valuable in widespread electrocatalytic fields due to their atomic‐level thickness, abundant active sites, and large surface area. Efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and overall water splitting are highly desired with low overpotentials to promote the industrial applications of energy conversion and devices. 2D MOF nanostructures provide long‐term stability and high electrical conductivity to enhance catalyst activity and durability. This review briefly summarizes the synthesis and electrocatalytic applications of 2D MOF for HER/OER/water splitting. More attention is focused on the synthetic strategies of 2D MOF and their derivatives. The catalytic performance and superior properties of these materials are highlighted. The outperformance of these materials originates from the rational design, myriad of abundant active sites, and atomic‐level thickness. The current and future challenges in this field and the scientific perspectives to overcome these challenges are highlighted. It is suggested that the construction of 2D MOF nanostructures can develop a state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalyst in energy and environmental division.
State Estimation of Medium Voltage Distribution Line with Distributed Generations: Selected Utilization of Smart Meter Measurements
Authors: Hikoyama Kazuhisa , Yokomizu Yasunobu , Nonoyama Tomoaki , Matsuda Keishi , Kawano Shunsuke
Published: September 2022

With regard to a medium‐voltage distribution system with low voltage electrical loads (hereafter written as ELs) and distributed generations (hereafter written as DGs), this study proposes a new calculation method for estimating electrical states such as line‐to‐line voltage vectors and line current vectors at connection points. The proposed method uses the following selected electrical data as input data: (i) active powers and reactive powers measured with the smart meters (hereafter written as SMs) on low voltage ELs and DGs and (ii) a line‐to‐line voltage and a current measured with a load break switch on the medium voltage distribution line, but does not use voltages and currents measured with the SMs on low voltage ELs and DGs. The selection of the used data attains reduction in the enormous number of data collected from SMs and also contributes to needless information on vast number of low voltage distribution lines such as their line impedances. Simulation results obtained, using the proposed method, show that the accurate electrical state of a medium voltage distribution line is derived through a small correction number for various generation powers of a DG. The knowledge acquired through this study is actually applied to the centralized voltage control system installed in an electric power company. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Multi‐Objective Topology Optimization of Synchronous Reluctance Motor Using Response Surface Approximation Derived by Deep Learning
Authors: Shigematsu Hiroki , Wakao Shinji , Murata Noboru , Makino Hiroaki , Takeuchi Katsutoku , Matsushita Makoto
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel multi‐objective topology optimization with response surface approximation interpolating various topologies, which is derived by deep learning with training data in the actual design space. The response surface is constructed by means of autoencoder with the training data of geometrically diverse shapes of targeted devices, which can express the interpolations that combine the multiple characteristic structures. The global topology search is performed based on the gradient information of the response surface, by which we can obtain the initial shapes for level set optimization to efficiently obtain easily manufactured and excellent Pareto optimal solutions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by optimizing multi‐flux barriers in a synchronous reluctance motor for the objective functions of average torque and torque ripple. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Development ofMEMSFlow and Pressure Sensor Device for Detection of Extravasation at an Early Stage
Authors: Hasegawa Yoshihiro , Shimohira Chihiro , Matsushima Miyoko , Sugiyama Tomoshi , Kawabe Tsutomu , Shikida Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2022

We developed a flow and pressure measurement device for detection of extravasation by intravenous injection of anticancer drugs at an early stage. Intravenous injection of a drug solution using a syringe pump enables a low‐speed and highly accurate drug‐administration rate. However, because the syringe pump forcibly delivers the drug solution, the drug solution is administrated at a constant administration rate regardless of the leakage of the drug solution to the outside of the blood vessel (extravasation) due to the indwelling needle coming out of the blood vessel. The proposed device is integrated into a flow‐channel structure consisting of a PDMS layer in which a MEMS thermal‐flow sensor formed on thin polyimide film and a pressure sensor are stacked on a plastic plate as a substrate. Therefore, it is possible to measure both the drug‐administration rate and injection pressure. Early detection of extravasation can be achieved by identifying the state of needle‐puncture based on changes in injection pressure. Then, the amount of leaked drug after leak occurs can be accurately measured with a flow sensor. We evaluated the flow and pressure detection function of the proposed device and confirmed that it is possible to detect extravasation early through an experiment involving a piece of raw chicken simulating human skin and flesh. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Estimating species richness with camera traps: modeling the effects of delay period, deployment length, number of sites, and interference imagery
Authors: Mashintonio Andrew F. , Harris Grant M. , Stewart David R. , Butler Matthew J. , Sanderson Jim , Russell Gareth
Published: September 2022

Biologists commonly use camera traps for estimating species richness to inform conservation actions, steer land protection, and reveal effects of climate change. Long‐term studies using short delay periods (≤1 min) and numerous cameras produce voluminous amounts of redundant imagery. Thus, camera‐trapping procedures maximizing richness estimates while minimizing data collection need development. We used imagery of mammals spanning 4 deserts in the United States to model the effects of delay, deployment length (i.e., study duration), number of sampling sites, and interference events on the proportion of known species richness detected (Rp). We also determined the proportion of subsamples containing each species (SR) under different sampling conditions to inform subsequent occupancy estimation. We generated contour plots describing the optimal configuration of sites and deployment length that minimized the image acquisition required to estimate Rp = 0.9. The optimal configuration was independent of delay (requiring ~50 sites and 13 months). The shortest delay (10 sec) generated ~8 times more images than the longest (3600 sec) without substantially improving Rp and rare species detection. The shortest duration to acquire Rp = 0.9 was 10 months but required ~70 sites. The fewest sites needed were 22 and 29, depending on camera placement, requiring approximately 50 months of deployment. Simulated short, one‐month studies were only able to obtain Rp ~0.6 with 40–70 sites. Obtaining SR = 0.8 with a 3600 sec delay required between 1–12 months and 10 sites or 1–17 sites and 6 months for uncommon species. Adding interference imagery, even with long delays, produced SR ≥ 0.5 for rare species, generating data suitable for occupancy estimation. Overall, interference imagery had minimal effects on reducing SR estimates, unless the interference occurred continuously. Our guidance optimizes the number of sites, deployment length, and delay period while minimizing imagery acquisition to meet Rp and occupancy objectives with confidence.
Time‐based thin film flow for maxwell nanofluid on an inclined stretching sheet with double diffusion
Authors: Saeed Anwar , Gul Taza , Ahammad N. Ameer , Yassen Mansour F. , Kumam Poom
Published: September 2022

In this investigation, the thin‐film flow of Maxwell nanofluid has been considered on an inclined stretched sheet by using the idea of double diffusion. Non‐Newtonian fluids are mostly used in biological processing, chemical reactions, and industrial applications. Magnetic effects have been applied to the flow system in the normal direction. The variable thickness of the liquid film varied during the double diffusion under the influence of the embedded parameters. Equations that handled the flow phenomenon have been changed to dimension‐free format and then have been solved by employing the homotopy analysis method (HAM). The substantial parameters were traced out during the conversion of flow equations and discussed theoretically using a graphical view. Higher values of the double diffusion parameters decay the thermal and concentration profiles. It has been revealed in this study that fluid motion has retarded with augmenting values of magnetic field effects, unsteadiness parameter, and thin‐film thickness. Temperature distribution upsurges with higher values of Brownian motion, and thermophoresis parameters while decreasing with growth in film thickness factor and thermal Maxwell parameter. Concentration profiles upsurge with augmenting values of thermophoresis parameter and retard with growth in Brownian motion.
Pure quark and gluon observables in collinear drop
Authors: Stewart Iain W. , Yao Xiaojun
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We construct a class of pure quark and gluon observables by using the collinear drop grooming technique. The construction is based on linear combinations of multiple cumulative distributions of the jet mass in collinear drop, whose specific weights are fully predicted perturbatively. This yields observables which obtain their values purely from quarks (or purely from gluons) in a wide region of phase space. We demonstrate this by showing that these observables are effective in two phase space regions, one dominated by perturbative resummation and one dominated by nonperturbative effects. The nonperturbative effects are included using shape functions which only appear as a common factor in the linear combinations constructed. We test this construction using a numerical analysis with next-to-leading logarithmic resummation and various shape function models, as well as analyzing these observables with Pythia and Vincia. Choices for the collinear drop parameters are optimized for experimental use.
Monolepton production in SMEFT to $$ \mathcal{O} $$(1/Λ4) and beyond
Authors: Kim Taegyun , Martin Adam
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We calculate pp → ℓ+ν, ℓ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1/Λ4) within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) framework. In particular, we calculate the four-fermion contribution from dimension six and eight operators, which dominates at large center of mass energy. We explore the relative size of the $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1/Λ4) and $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1/Λ2) results for various kinematic regimes and assumptions about the Wilson coefficients. Results for Drell-Yan production pp → ℓ+ℓ− at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1/Λ4) are also provided. Additionally, we develop the form for four fermion contact term contributions to pp → ℓ+ν, ℓ−$$ \overline{\nu} $$

ν
¯

, pp → ℓ+ℓ− of arbitrary mass dimension. This allows us to estimate the effects from even higher dimensional (dimension > 8) terms in the SMEFT framework.
2D quantum gravity partition function on the fluctuating sphere
Authors: Giribet Gaston , Leoni Matías
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Motivated by recent works on the connection between 2D quantum gravity and timelike Liouville theory, we revisit the latter and clarify some aspects of the computation of its partition function: we present a detailed computation of the Liouville partition function on the fluctuating sphere at finite values of the central charge. The results for both the spacelike theory and the timelike theory are given, and their properties analyzed. We discuss the derivation of the partition function from the DOZZ formula, its derivation using the Coulomb gas approach, a semiclassical computation of it using the fixed area saddle point, and, finally, we arrive to an exact expression for the timelike partition function whose expansion can be compared with the 3-loop perturbative calculations reported in the literature. We also discuss the connection to the 2D black hole and other related topics.
Thick brane in Rastall gravity
Authors: Zhong Yi , Yang Ke , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this work, thick branes in Rastall gravity are investigated. Three types of maximally symmetric thick brane models are constructed and the linear tensor perturbation is analyzed. In the flat brane model, the tensor modes of the perturbation are either unstable or nonlocalizable for a nonvanishing Rastall parameter. In the de Sitter brane model, only the ground state of the tensor mode is localized. In the anti-de Sitter brane model, the number of the bound tensor states is infinity. For both the de Sitter and anti-de Sitter brane models, the condition of stability for the Rastall parameter is obtained. The linear scalar perturbations are also considered for the three brane models.
Vilenkin–Lebesgue Points and Almost Everywhere Convergence for Some Classical Summability Methods
Authors: Nadirashvili Nato , Persson Lars-Erik , Tephnadze George , Weisz Ferenc
Published: September 2022

The concept of Vilenkin–Lebesgue points was introduced in [12], where the almost everywhere convergence of Fejer means of Vilenkin–Fourier series was proved. In this paper, we present a different (and simpler) approach to prove a similar result, which can be used to prove that the corresponding result holds also in a more general context, namely for regular Norlund and T-means.
Finsler metrics and semi-symmetric compatible linear connections
Authors: Vincze Csaba , Oláh Márk
Published: September 2022

Finsler metrics are direct generalizations of Riemannian metrics such that the quadratic Riemannian indicatrices in the tangent spaces of a manifold are replaced by more general convex bodies as unit spheres. A linear connection on the base manifold is called compatible with the Finsler metric if the induced parallel transports preserve the Finslerian length of tangent vectors. Finsler manifolds admitting compatible linear connections are called generalized Berwald manifolds Wagner (Dokl Acad Sci USSR (N.S.) 39:3–5, 1943). Compatible linear connections are the solutions of the so-called compatibility equations containing the components of the torsion tensor as unknown quantities. Although there are some theoretical results for the solvability of the compatibility equations (monochromatic Finsler metrics Bartelmeß and Matveev (J Diff Geom Appl 58:264–271, 2018), extremal compatible linear connections and algorithmic solutions Vincze (Aequat Math 96:53–70, 2022)), it is very hard to solve them in general because compatible linear connections may or may not exist on a Finsler manifold and may or may not be unique. Therefore special cases are of special interest. One of them is the case of the so-called semi-symmetric compatible linear connection with decomposable torsion tensor. It is proved Vincze (Publ Math Debrecen 83(4):741–755, 2013 (see also Vincze (Euro J Math 3:1098–1171, 2017))) that such a compatible linear connection must be uniquely determined. The original proof is based on averaging in the sense that the 1-form in the decomposition of the torsion tensor can be expressed by integrating differential forms on the tangent manifold over the Finslerian indicatrices. The integral formulas are very difficult to compute in practice. In what follows we present a new proof for the uniqueness by using linear algebra and some basic facts about convex bodies. We present an explicit formula for the solution without integration. The method has a new contribution to the problem as well: necessary conditions of the solvability are formulated in terms of intrinsic equations without unknown quantities.
Long-term outcomes of lower limb post-traumatic osteomyelitis
Authors: Rodham Paul , Panteli Michalis , Qin Catherine , Harwood Paul , Giannoudis Peter V.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Whilst recurrence and amputation rates in post-traumatic osteomyelitis (PTOM) are described, limb specific functional outcomes are not, leading to a knowledge gap when counselling patients prior to management. We aim to investigate the patient reported outcomes (PROMS) of this patient group to provide reference for discussions with patients prior to embarking on treatment.

Methods

Single institution cross-sectional retrospective study of all patients presenting with PTOM of the tibia/femur over a 7-year period. Alongside recurrence and amputation rates, patient reported outcomes were recorded including the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS.

Results

Seventy-two patients (59 male; median age 46 years) were identified. Treatment was principle-based and included debridement (with Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator (RIA) in 31/72), local antibiotics (52/72), soft tissue reconstruction (21/72) and systemic antibiotic therapy in all cases. PROMS were collected in 84% of all eligible patients at a median of 112-month post-treatment. Twelve patients experienced recurrence, whilst nine underwent amputation. The median LEFS was 60, the EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.760, and the EQ-VAS was 80. These scores are substantially lower than those seen in the general population (77, 0.856 and 82.2, respectively). LEFS was significantly higher, where RIA was utilised (69.6 vs 52.8;p = 0.02), and in those classified as BACH uncomplicated (74.4 vs 58.4;p = 0.02). EQ-5D-3L was also higher when RIA was utilised (0.883 vs 0.604;p = 0.04), with no difference in EQ-VAS scores.

Conclusions

Patients with PTOM report functional outcomes below that of the general population, even when in remission. Improved outcomes were associated with uncomplicated disease and the use of RIA.
Use of a long-acting substitute in detoxification from benzodiazepines: safety (accumulation) problems and proposed mitigation procedure
Authors: Basińska-Szafrańska Anna
Published: September 2022

Objective

In the majority of approaches, detoxification of patients with benzodiazepine (BZD) addiction is preceded by conversion to long-acting BZDs. Resulting BZD accumulation, however, is neither monitored nor prevented. An unrecognized shift of the key low-concentration phase beyond the nominal treatment period may underlie delayed unassisted crises and treatment failures. This open, single-arm, semi-naturalistic study examines the anti-accumulation paradigm to minimize the high-concentration treatment phase and to regain time for medical assistance during the low-concentration phase.

Methods

In 133 of 165 patients with BZD dependency, after conversion to diazepam by titration up to the satiation state, the loading dose and satiating concentration were recorded. The subsequent anti-accumulation procedure consisted of aggressive daily dose reductions under laboratory feedback (serum BZD concentration, radioimmunoassay) until accumulation stopped. The final overaccumulation ratio (OA) and maintenance-dose/loading-dose ratio (MTN) were estimated. The post-conversion peak-concentration/loading-dose ratio was illustratively compared with the concentration/dose ratio in 32 long-term diazepam users demonstrating the natural plateau.

Results

Despite gender- and age-related differences in loading and maintenance doses and in satiating and peak concentrations (higher in younger and male patients), their quotients remained similar. The MTN ratio had an average value of 0.29 and a median value of 0.25, with OA ratios of 1.54 and 1.39, respectively. The concentration/dose ratio was approximately 3 times lower than that in regular diazepam users. With effective elimination starting (on average) from the 6th day, the treatment, including post-elimination recovery, lasted on average 52 days.

Conclusions

The MTN values show how harmfully popular tapering schedules intensify and extend the high-concentration stage during alleged detoxification, leading to unrecognized delays in elimination, and delayed withdrawal crises. The common errors are discussed. An individual MTN, estimated from laboratory feedback (the anti-accumulation paradigm), expeditiously moves patients to the onset of actual detoxification. This action regains time to maintain medical assistance until treatment is properly completed.
Clinical, dosimetric, and reporting considerations for Y-90 glass microspheres in hepatocellular carcinoma: updated 2022 recommendations from an international multidisciplinary working group
Authors: Salem Riad , Padia Siddharth A. , Lam Marnix , Chiesa Carlo , Haste Paul , Sangro Bruno , Toskich Beau , Fowers Kirk , Herman Joseph M. , Kappadath S. Cheenu , Leung Thomas , Sze Daniel Y. , Kim Edward , Garin Etienne
Published: September 2022

Purpose

In light of recently published clinical reports and trials, the TheraSphere Global Dosimetry Steering Committee (DSC) reconvened to review new data and to update previously published clinical and dosimetric recommendations for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The TheraSphere Global DSC is comprised of health care providers across multiple disciplines involved in the treatment of HCC with yttrium-90 (Y-90) glass microsphere–based transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Literature published between January 2019 and September 2021 was reviewed, discussed, and adjudicated by the Delphi method. Recommendations included in this updated document incorporate both the results of the literature review and the expert opinion and experience of members of the committee.

Results

Committee discussion and consensus led to the expansion of recommendations to apply to five common clinical scenarios in patients with HCC to support more individualized efficacious treatment with Y-90 glass microspheres. Existing clinical scenarios were updated to reflect recent developments in dosimetry approaches and broader treatment paradigms evolving for patients presenting with HCC.

Conclusion

Updated consensus recommendations are provided to guide clinical and dosimetric approaches for the use of Y-90 glass microsphere TARE in HCC, accounting for disease presentation, tumor biology, and treatment intent.
Anaerobic work capacity in cycling: the effect of computational method
Authors: Andersson Erik P. , Bachl Philipp , Schmuttermair Anna , Staunton Craig A. , Stöggl Thomas L.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To compare the anaerobic work capacity (AnWC, i.e., attributable anaerobic mechanical work) assessed using four different approaches/models applied to time-trial (TT) cycle-ergometry exercise.

Methods

Fifteen male cyclists completed a 7 × 4-min submaximal protocol and a 3-min all-out TT (TTAO). Linear relationships between power output (PO) and submaximal metabolic rate were constructed to estimate TT-specific gross efficiency (GE) and AnWC, using either a measured resting metabolic rate as a Y-intercept (7 + YLIN) or no measured Y-intercept (7-YLIN). In addition, GE of the last submaximal bout (GELAST) was used to estimate AnWC, and critical power (CP) from TTAO (CP3´AO) was used to estimate mechanical work above CP (W’, i.e., “AnWC”).

Results

Average PO during TTAO was 5.43 ± 0.30 and CP was 4.48 ± 0.23 W∙kg−1. The TT-associated GE values were ~ 22.0% for both 7 + YLIN and 7-YLIN and ~ 21.1% for GELAST (both P < 0.001). The AnWC were 269 ± 60, 272 ± 55, 299 ± 61, and 196 ± 52 J∙kg−1 for the 7 + YLIN, 7-YLIN, GELAST, and CP3´AO models, respectively (7 + YLIN and 7-YLIN versus GELAST, both P < 0.001; 7 + YLIN, 7-YLIN, and GELAST versus CP3´AO, all P < 0.01). For the three pair-wise comparisons between 7 + YLIN, 7-YLIN, and GELAST, typical errors in AnWC values ranged from 7 to 11 J∙kg−1, whereas 7 + YLIN, 7-YLIN, and GELAST versus CP3´AO revealed typical errors of 55–59 J∙kg−1.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate a substantial disagreement in AnWC between CP3´AO and the other models. The 7 + YLIN and 7-YLIN generated 10% lower AnWC values than the GELAST model, whereas 7 + YLIN and 7-YLIN generated similar values of AnWC.
A comparative study of the superior longitudinal fasciculus subdivisions between neonates and young adults
Authors: Liang Wenjia , Yu Qiaowen , Wang Wenjun , Dhollander Thijs , Suluba Emmanuel , Li Zhuoran , Xu Feifei , Hu Yang , Tang Yuchun , Liu Shuwei
Published: September 2022

The superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) is a complex associative tract comprising three distinct subdivisions in the frontoparietal cortex, each of which has its own anatomical connectivity and functional roles. However, many studies on white matter development, hampered by limitations of data quality and tractography methods, treated the SLF as a single entity. The exact anatomical trajectory and developmental status of each sub-bundle of the human SLF in neonates remain poorly understood. Here, we compared the morphological and microstructural characteristics of each branch of the SLF at two ages using diffusion MRI data from 40 healthy neonates and 40 adults. A multi-shell multi-tissue constrained spherical deconvolution (MSMT-CSD) algorithm was used to ensure the successful separation of the three SLF branches (SLF I, SLF II and SLF III). Then, between-group differences in the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics were investigated in all the SLF branches. Meanwhile, Mahalanobis distances based on all the diffusion metrics were computed to quantify the maturation of neonatal SLF branches, considering the adult brain as the reference. The SLF branches, excluding SLF II, had similar fibre morphology and connectivity between the neonatal and adult groups. The Mahalanobis distance values further supported the notion of heterogeneous maturation among SLF branches. The greatest Mahalanobis distance was observed in SLF II, possibly indicating that it was the least mature. Our findings provide a new anatomical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases caused by abnormal neonatal SLF development.
Morphology, biochemistry and connectivity of Cluster N and the hippocampal formation in a migratory bird
Authors: Heyers Dominik , Musielak Isabelle , Haase Katrin , Herold Christina , Bolte Petra , Güntürkün Onur , Mouritsen Henrik
Published: September 2022

The exceptional navigational capabilities of migrating birds are based on the perception and integration of a variety of natural orientation cues. The “Wulst” in the forebrain of night-migratory songbirds contains a brain area named “Cluster N”, which is involved in processing directional navigational information derived from the Earth´s magnetic field. Cluster N is medially joined by the hippocampal formation, known to retrieve and utilise navigational information. To investigate the connectivity and neurochemical characteristics of Cluster N and the hippocampal formation of migratory birds, we performed morphological and histochemical analyses based on the expression of calbindin, calretinin, parvalbumin, glutamate receptor type 1 and early growth response protein-1 in the night-migratory Garden warbler (Sylvia borin) and mapped their mutual connections using neuronal tract tracing. The resulting expression patterns revealed regionally restricted neurochemical features, which mapped well onto the hippocampal and hyperpallial substructures known from other avian species. Magnetic field-induced neuronal activation covered caudal parts of the hyperpallium and the medially adjacent hippocampal dorsomedial/dorsolateral subdivisions. Neuronal tract tracings revealed connections between Cluster N and the hippocampal formation with the vast majority originating from the densocellular hyperpallium, either directly or indirectly via the area corticoidea dorsolateralis. Our data indicate that the densocellular hyperpallium could represent a central relay for the transmission of magnetic compass information to the hippocampal formation where it might be integrated with other navigational cues in night-migratory songbirds.
A novel retraining strategy of chest compression skills for infant CPR results in high skill retention for longer
Authors: Gugelmin-Almeida Debora , Jones Michael , Clark Carol , Rolfe Ursula , Williams Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (iCPR) is often poorly performed, predominantly because of ineffective learning, poor retention and decay of skills over time. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an individualized, competence-based approach to simulated iCPR retraining could result in high skill retention of infant chest compressions (iCC) at follow-up. An observational study with 118 healthcare students was conducted over 12 months from November 2019. Participants completed pediatric resuscitation training and a 2-min assessment on an infant mannequin. Participants returned for monthly assessment until iCC competence was achieved. Competence was determined by passing assessments in two consecutive months. After achieving competence, participants returned just at follow-up. For each ‘FAIL’ during assessment, up to six minutes of practice using real-time feedback was completed and the participant returned the following month. This continued until two consecutive monthly ‘PASSES’ were achieved, following which, the participant was deemed competent and returned just at follow-up. Primary outcome was retention of competence at follow-up. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data. Independent t-test or Mann–Whitney U test were used to analyze the baseline characteristics of those who dropped out compared to those remaining in the study. Differences between groups retaining competence at follow-up were determined using the Fisher exact test. On completion of training, 32 of 118 participants passed the assessment. Of those achieving iCC competence at month 1, 96% retained competence at 9–10 months; of those achieving competence at month 2, 86% demonstrated competence at 8–9 months; of those participants achieving competence at month 3, 67% retained competence at 7–8 months; for those achieving competence at month 4, 80% demonstrated retention at 6–7 months.

   Conclusion: Becoming iCC competent after initial training results in high levels of skill retention at follow-up, regardless of how long it takes to achieve competence.

What is Known:• Infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (iCPR) is often poorly performed and skills decay within months after training.• Regular iCPR skills updates are important, but the optimal retraining interval considering individual training needs has yet to be established.

What is New:• Infant chest compression (iCC) competence can be achieved within one to four months after training and once achieved, it can be retained for many months.• With skill reinforcement of up to 28 minutes after initial training, 90% of individuals were able to achieve competence in iCC and 86% retained this competence at follow-up.
A novel decellularized nerve graft for repairing peripheral nerve long gap injury in the rat
Authors: Contreras Estefanía , Bolívar Sara , Nieto-Nicolau Núria , Fariñas Oscar , López-Chicón Patrícia , Navarro Xavier , Udina Esther
Published: September 2022

Decellularized nerve allografts are an alternative to autograft for repairing severe nerve injuries, since they have higher availability and do not induce rejection. In this study, we have assessed the regenerative potential of a novel decellularization protocol for human and rat nerves for repairing nerve resections, compared to the gold standard autograft. A 15-mm gap in the sciatic nerve was repaired with decellularized rat allograft (DC-RA), decellularized human xenograft (DC-HX), or fresh autograft (AG). Electrophysiology tests were performed monthly to evaluate muscle reinnervation, whereas histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the grafts were evaluated at 4 months. A short-term study was also performed to compare the differences between the two decellularized grafts (DC-RA and DC-HX) in early phases of regeneration. The decellularization process eliminated cellularity while preserving the ECM and endoneurial tubules of both rat and human nerves. Higher amount of reinnervation was observed in the AG group compared to the DC-RA group, while only half of the animals of the DC-HX showed distal muscle reinnervation. The density of myelinated axons was significantly higher in AG compared to both DC grafts, being this density significantly higher in DC-RA than in DC-HX. At short term, fibroblasts repopulated the DC-RA graft, supporting regenerated axons, whereas an important fibrotic reaction was observed around DC-HX grafts. In conclusion, the decellularized allograft sustained regeneration through a long gap in the rat although at a slower rate compared to the ideal autograft, whereas regeneration was limited or even failed when using a decellularized xenograft.
Species accumulation in small–large vs large–small order: more species but not all species?
Authors: Deane David C.
Published: September 2022

Although groups of small habitat patches often support more species than large patches of equal total area, their biodiversity value remains controversial. An important line of evidence in this debate compares species accumulation curves, where patches are ordered from small–large and large–small (aka ‘SLOSS analysis’). However, this method counts species equally and is unable to distinguish patch size dependence in species’ occupancies. Moreover, because of the species–area relationship, richness differences typically only contribute to accumulation in small–large order, maximizing the probability of adding species in this direction. Using a null model to control for this, I tested 202 published datasets from archipelagos, habitat islands and fragments for patch size dependence in species accumulation and compared conclusions regarding relative species accumulation with SLOSS analysis. Relative to null model expectations, species accumulation was on average 2.7% higher in large–small than small–large order. The effect was strongest in archipelagos (5%), intermediate for fragments (1.5%) and smallest for habitat islands (1.1%). There was no difference in effect size among taxonomic groups, but each shared this same trend. Results suggest most meta-communities include species that either prefer, or depend upon, larger habitat patches. Relative to SLOSS analysis, null models found lower frequency of greater small-patch importance for species representation (e.g., for fragments: 69 vs 16% respectively) and increased frequency for large patches (fragments: 3 vs 25%). I suggest SLOSS analysis provides unreliable inference on species accumulation and the outcome largely depends on island species–area relationships, not the relative diversity value of small vs large patches.
Three-dimensional maxillary virtual patient creation by convolutional neural network-based segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography images
Authors: Nogueira-Reis Fernanda , Morgan Nermin , Nomidis Stefanos , Van Gerven Adriaan , Oliveira-Santos Nicolly , Jacobs Reinhilde , Tabchoury Cinthia Pereira Machado
Published: September 2022

Objective

To qualitatively and quantitatively assess integrated segmentation of three convolutional neural network (CNN) models for the creation of a maxillary virtual patient (MVP) from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and methods

A dataset of 40 CBCT scans acquired with different scanning parameters was selected. Three previously validated individual CNN models were integrated to achieve a combined segmentation of maxillary complex, maxillary sinuses, and upper dentition. Two experts performed a qualitative assessment, scoring-integrated segmentations from 0 to 10 based on the number of required refinements. Furthermore, experts executed refinements, allowing performance comparison between integrated automated segmentation (AS) and refined segmentation (RS) models. Inter-observer consistency of the refinements and the time needed to create a full-resolution automatic segmentation were calculated.

Results

From the dataset, 85% scored 7–10, and 15% were within 3–6. The average time required for automated segmentation was 1.7 min. Performance metrics indicated an excellent overlap between automatic and refined segmentation with a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 99.3%. High inter-observer consistency of refinements was observed, with a 95% Hausdorff distance (HD) of 0.045 mm.

Conclusion

The integrated CNN models proved to be fast, accurate, and consistent along with a strong interobserver consistency in creating the MVP.

Clinical relevance

The automated segmentation of these structures simultaneously could act as a valuable tool in clinical orthodontics, implant rehabilitation, and any oral or maxillofacial surgical procedures, where visualization of MVP and its relationship with surrounding structures is a necessity for reaching an accurate diagnosis and patient-specific treatment planning.
The use of dual antiplatelet therapy for ischemic cerebrovascular events
Authors: Mele Francesco , Gendarini Claudia , Pantoni Leonardo
Published: September 2022

In the last 10 years, the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in the neurological ambit has been explored in patients with non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Two clinical trials (CHANCE and POINT) showed that in patients with minor non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA, the addition of clopidogrel to aspirin reduces the risk of stroke recurrence. Another trial (THALES) evaluated the association of ticagrelor and aspirin in mild-to-moderate non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA, showing a reduced risk of subsequent stroke compared to aspirin alone. Finally, the use of DAPT has been assessed in the treatment of stroke associated with atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis in the SAMMPRIS trial, showing a favorable profile compared to percutaneous angioplasty and stenting. The aim of this article is, after a review the major trials evaluating DAPT in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular events and the ways they have been implemented in Italian, European, and USA guidelines, to provide a practical algorithm to help clinicians in their everyday clinical practice and to outline possible caveats in the practical implementation of guidelines. Possible limitations and gaps in knowledge regarding specific conditions (e.g., the use of DAPT after acute phase therapies) are also underlined.
Effects of bolus injection duration on perfusion estimates in dynamic CT and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI
Authors: Arvidsson Jonathan , Starck Göran , Lagerstrand Kerstin , Ziegelitz Doerthe , Jalnefjord Oscar
Published: September 2022

Estimates of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and tissue mean transit time (MTT) have been shown to differ between dynamic CT perfusion (CTP) and dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI (DSC-MRI). This study investigates whether these discrepancies regarding CBF and MTT between CTP and DSC-MRI can be attributed to the different injection durations of these techniques. Five subjects were scanned using CTP and DSC-MRI. Region-wise estimates of CBF, MTT, and cerebral blood volume (CBV) were derived based on oscillatory index regularized singular value decomposition. A parametric model that reproduced the shape of measured time curves and characteristics of resulting perfusion parameter estimates was developed and used to simulate data with injection durations typical for CTP and DSC-MRI for a clinically relevant set of perfusion scenarios and noise levels. In simulations, estimates of CBF/MTT showed larger negative/positive bias and increasing variability for CTP when compared to DSC-MRI, especially for high CBF levels. While noise also affected estimates, at clinically relevant levels, the injection duration effect was larger. There are several methodological differences between CTP and DSC-MRI. The results of this study suggest that the injection duration is among those that can explain differences in estimates of CBF and MTT between these bolus tracking techniques.
The gay gene(s)? Rethinking the concept of sexual orientation in the context of science
Authors: Vázquez Iz González
Published: September 2022

I argue that scientists should adopt a sexual orientation view that includes ‘internal’ sexual orientation markers such as desire, fantasies, and attraction, plus self-identification, and that these two markers should line up. By ‘internal’ markers, I mean inner states or processes of the agent. This can be contrasted with ‘external markers’, by which I mean, behaviours of the agent. I begin by critically reviewing four genetic studies of sexual orientation that are representative of the literature. I look at how each of these studies deploy the concept of ‘sexual orientation’, and show a) that they are each using different notions, and b) that none of the notions are satisfactory. I argue that these accounts have a very limited amount of predictive and explanatory power. Following this, I outline what an account of sexual orientation that has more predictive and explanatory power might look like. I argue that this account will be one that includes internal markers and self-identification.