bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alone in the disaster? The independent nature of behavioural instructions for evacuation
Authors: Bartolucci Andrea , Lüders Adrian
Published: November 2021

In disaster evacuation, the most reasonable reaction is seen as to evacuate through independence. On the contrary, people often stay and behave socially interdependent, hence stressing the gap between evacuation instructions and actual people's behaviour. The present research analyses the content of a set of behavioural instructions and provides an overview of common framing of evacuation communication. That is informed by psychological models that explain behaviour based distinguish between the independent self (i.e., everyone for themselves) and interdependent self (i.e., all together). Results of this article highlight that, despite the prevalence of interdependent behaviour, most of the instructions focuses on the independent behaviours rather than on interdependent instructions that do not reflect actual people's behaviour in case of evacuation. The objective of this article is to increase authorities' awareness on the relation between existing instructions (independent) and actual behaviour (interdependent); the final aim is to help authorities to design and create better instructional communication campaign for disaster evacuation.
Comparative morphological study of skeletal muscle weight among the red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus) and various fowl breeds (Gallus domesticus)
Authors: Endo Hideki , Tsunekawa Naoki , Kudo Kohei , Oshida Tatsuo , Motokawa Masaharu , Sonoe Mitsuru , Wanghongsa Sawai , Tirawattanawanich Chanin , Phimphachanhvongsod Viengsavanh , Sasaki Takeshi , Yonezawa Takahiro , Akishinonomiya Fumihito
Published: November 2021

We examined the weight distribution of skeletal muscles of the red jungle fowl, then compared these values with those of domesticated populations to determine how muscle distribution has changed by selecting breeding. Sonia, Fayoumi, and Rhode Island Red were selected for comparison from livestock breeds, while Japanese Shamo and Thai fighting cocks were selected from cockfighting groups. Principal component analysis was applied using body size‐free data. The mass distribution of muscles clearly differed between the wild, livestock, and cockfighting groups, demonstrating that muscle distribution has changed after selecting breeding, coupled with functional demands of each group. The red jungle fowl, which has the ability to fly, could be clearly distinguished from the flightless domesticated populations due to differences in flight pectoral muscle size. The cervical muscles in the wild population were smaller than in the domesticated groups; these do not contribute to flight. The gluteal muscles were larger in the fighting cock group, functionally coupled to their traditionally preferred upright posture. Wild bird populations typically exhibit reduced weight of their hind limbs, associated with flight, but as the red jungle fowl displays largely terrestrial behavior, these muscles are similar in arrangement and relative size to those of the livestock groups. We showed that the mass distribution pattern of skeletal muscles expresses selecting breeding strategy and clearly reflects the specific traits for each group.
Overview of approved CAR‐T therapies, ongoing clinical trials, and its impact on clinical practice
Authors: Sengsayadeth Salyka , Savani Bipin N. , Oluwole Olalekan , Dholaria Bhagirathbhai
Published: November 2021

In recent years, we have seen rapid expansion of chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) therapies in multiple malignancies. CAR‐T therapy has profoundly altered the treatment landscape of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma, B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. Currently available CD19 and B‐cell maturation antigen‐directed CAR‐T therapies have shown high overall response rate and durable remissions in patients who have failed standard therapies. Multiple studies are underway exploring the role of CAR‐T‐cell therapy as earlier line of treatment. In high‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, CD19 CAR‐T therapy may replace autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation as second line therapy in near future. CAR‐T‐cell therapy targeting novel tumor‐associated antigens will help expand utility of this treatment modality in other hematological malignancies. It may also help overcome limitations of currently approved CAR‐T‐cell therapies. In this review, we have provided an overview of currently approved CAR‐T therapies and upcoming clinical trials which may potentially impact the clinical practice.
Synthesis of arylidene‐based benzoxazine derivatives as promising antimicrobial materials
Authors: Musa Abdulrahman , Alamry Khalid A. , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Elfaky Mahmoud A. , Alzahrani Abdullah Y. , Al‐Ghamdi Youssef O. , Hussien Mostafa A.
Published: November 2021

The current study is focused on the synthesis of two novel arylidene‐based benzoxazines namely: 3‐(3‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐6‐yl)‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2‐propenone (PTP), and 3‐(3‐phenyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[e][1,3]‐oxazin‐6‐yl)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐2‐propenone (PPP). The benzoxazines were obtained as condensation products of the reaction of each of the phenol analogs: [3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐thiophenyl)‐2‐propenone] (HTP), and [3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐(2‐pyridinyl)‐2‐propenone] (HPP), with aniline, and paraformaldehyde, respectively. PTP and PPP were structurally confirmed using analysis such as ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, together with FTIR, and 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR spectral analyses, respectively. The benzoxazine derivatives revealed an excellent antimicrobial activity against the selected bacterial (including Gram‐positive & Gram‐negative) and fungi. The antimicrobial activity was also investigated using the agar diffusion approach. The qualitative assay of the biological study from the inhibition zones for the PTP, PPP, and PBO revealed interesting results. The examinations revealed some levels of antimicrobial efficacy against the selected bacterial strains used. However, the biological efficacy of PTP appeared to be better with larger zones of inhibition against the growth of the micro‐organisms. Moreover, the molecular docking studies of PTP, PPP, and PBO derivatives were screened against the “5FSA” protein. PPP derivative displayed a good activity than the other derivatives PTP and PBO in docking with 5FSA protein. The obtained values were −7.34, −7.70, and −5.70 Kcal/Mol for PPP, PTP, and PBO respectively compared to Fluconazole reference value −7.86 Kcal/Mol.
Sex differences in early language delay and in developmental language disorder
Authors: Chilosi Anna Maria , Brovedani Paola , Cipriani Paola , Casalini Claudia
Published: November 2021

Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, occurring in about 3% to 7% of preschoolers, that can impair communication and negatively impact educational and social attainments, in spite of adequate neurological, cognitive, emotional, social development, and educational opportunities for language learning. Significant risk factors for DLD are male sex, familial history of early language delay, low parental education, and various perinatal factors. A strong sex effect with a higher prevalence of language delay and DLD in males than in females has been consistently reported. Neurobiological and environmental risk factors, interacting with each other, are probably responsible for the phenotypic expression of DLD. The aim of this brief review is to further the knowledge of the role of sex in early language delay and DLD by analyzing the evidence from four significant sources: epidemiological studies, studies on twins, family aggregation studies, and studies on sex chromosome trisomies. Data pertaining only to sex differences (biological and physiological characteristics of females and males) will be analyzed. Studies on family aggregations and twins confirm the role of genetic factors and of sex in determining language abilities and disabilities, but genes alone do not determine outcomes. Sex chromosome trisomies represent a unique example of the relationship between a genetic alteration and a language disorder. Clarification of how sex acts in determining DLD could provide new information on early risk factors and, thus, contribute to improve diagnosis and clinical management.
Deletion of transcription factor AP‐2β from the developing murine trabecular meshwork region leads to progressive glaucomatous changes
Authors: Taiyab Aftab , Akula Monica , Dham Japnit , Deschamps Paula , Sheardown Heather , Williams Trevor , Borrás Teresa , West‐Mays Judith A.
Published: November 2021

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness and can result from abnormalities in anterior segment structures required for aqueous humor outflow, including the trabecular meshwork (TM) and Schlemm's canal (SC). Transcription factors such as AP‐2β play critical roles in anterior segment development. Here, we show that the Mgp‐Cre knock‐in (Mgp‐Cre.KI) mouse can be used to target the embryonic periocular mesenchyme giving rise to the TM and SC. Fate mapping of male and female mice indicates that AP‐2β loss causes a decrease in iridocorneal angle cells derived from Mgp‐Cre.KI‐expressing populations compared to controls. Moreover, histological analyses revealed peripheral iridocorneal adhesions in AP‐2β mutants that were accompanied by a decrease in expression of TM and SC markers, as observed using immunohistochemistry. In addition, rebound tonometry showed significantly higher intraocular pressure (IOP) that was correlated with a progressive significant loss of retinal ganglion cells, reduced retinal thickness, and reduced retinal function, as measured using an electroretinogram, in AP‐2β mutants compared with controls, reflecting pathology described in late‐stage glaucoma patients. Importantly, elevated IOP in AP‐2β mutants was significantly reduced by treatment with latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog that increases unconventional outflow. These findings demonstrate that AP‐2β is critical for TM and SC development, and that these mutant mice can serve as a model for understanding and treating progressive human primary angle‐closure glaucoma.
Timing of treatment with an endogenous opioid alters immune response and spinal cord pathology in female mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Patel Chirag , Zagon Ian S. , Pearce‐Clawson Mason , McLaughlin Patricia J.
Published: November 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that primarily affects women during the second or third decade of life. The mechanism is hypothesized to involve unregulated peripheral inflammation resulting in blood–brain barrier damage, and eventual axonal damage and demyelination. Based on this understanding, the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), often is utilized to study lymphocyte activation. Therapeutic paradigms of exogenous opioid growth factor (OGF) or low‐dose naltrexone (LDN) treatment can modulate EAE, but little is reported regarding OGF or LDN effects on peripheral inflammation, microglia activation, and/or macrophage proliferation. Moreover, little is known about differential responses to LDN or OGF relative to the duration and timing of treatment. Utilizing a female mouse model of EAE, two treatment regimens were established to investigate differences between prophylactic treatment and traditional therapy initiated at the time of disease presentation. Prophylactic OGF or LDN treatment delayed the onset of behavior, suppressed neutrophil replication, and curtailed lymphocyte proliferation which ultimately improved behavioral outcome. Traditional therapy with OGF or LDN reversed behavioral deficits, restored OGF and IL‐17 serum levels, and inhibited microglial activation within 8 days. Reduced serum OGF levels in untreated EAE mice correlated with increased microglia activation within lumbar spinal cords. Both treatment regimens of OGF or LDN reduced activated microglia, whereas only prophylactic treatment prevented CNS macrophage aggregation. These data demonstrate that the timing of LDN or OGF treatment initiation alters outcomes and can prevent or reverse behavioral deficits, cytokine activation, and spinal cord pathology.
Phosphorus availability of sewage sludges and ashes in soils of contrasting pH
Authors: Lemming Camilla , Simmelsgaard Nielsen Martin Toft , Jensen Lars Stoumann , Scheutz Charlotte , Magid Jakob
Published: November 2021

Background: Little is known about the relationship between plant availability of P in different sludges and their derived ashes, its development over time and its interaction with soil pH.

Aim: This study addresses this knowledge gap, by investigating the P availability and fractions of six sludges produced under different conditions and the incineration ashes derived from five of these, plus the effect of time (84 days) and soil pH on P availability.

Methods: These materials were applied to two similar soils with contrasting pH (5.8 and 7.8), based on the assumption that lower pH would favor plant availability of P from these sources. Triple super phosphate and a control (no P addition) were included as references.

Results: The relative P fertilizer availability (RFA) in soil of both sludges (18–77%) and ashes (0.1–25%), measured as water extractable P, was found to be highly dependent on their origin. While the P availability of sludges was strongly affected by soil pH, ash P availability showed either no or little soil pH effect, in contrast to our expectations. For the sludges, RFA was negatively correlated to the ratio (Fe+Al)/P in both pH soils and positively correlated to sludge water extractable P in the higher pH soil. For the ashes, the ratio Fe+Al to P and the pH reaction of ashes in water were strongly negatively correlated with RFA in the lower pH soil. Ca/P ratios did not predict RFA in either sludges or ashes. Nevertheless, we ascribe the comparably higher average RFA in sludges of 58% found in the low pH soil compared to 25% in the alkaline soil to the greater solubility of Ca‐P species under lower pH. For ashes, the availability increased over time, while rather stable for sludges.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the P availability of both sludges and ashes was highly dependent on their origin, and for sludges highly dependent on soil pH
Nutrient uptake and assimilation under varying day and night root zone temperatures in lowland rice
Authors: Vu Duy Hoang , Stuerz Sabine , Asch Folkard
Published: November 2021

Background: In flooded rice fields, root zone temperatures (RZT) are buffered by the ponded water layer. With global warming, a higher frequency of hot days and hot nights, and the introduction of water‐saving irrigation technologies, RZT are likely to vary more widely, particularly between night and day.

Aim: It is not known how this will affect nutrient uptake of rice, particularly if the climate‐driven transpirational demand increases simultaneously, since nutrient uptake at least partly depends on water uptake.

Methods: We investigated the effects of day and night RZT on water and nutrient uptake and nitrogen (N) metabolism under low and high vapor pressure deficit (VPD). Plants of two rice varieties (IR64 and NU838) were grown hydroponically at three root temperature levels (19, 24, and 29°C). For a period of seven days, fresh weight of the plants, nutrient contents of the nutrient solution (, , , K+), and water uptake were measured both at the end of the light period and at the end of the dark period. Nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), and amino acid (AA) concentrations in the youngest fully developed leaves were examined on the last day and night of the experiment.

Results: The share of day and night uptake of and depended on RZT, whereas K+ uptake was higher during the day independent of RZT. Under low VPD, uptake rate did not differ between day and night, however, under high VPD, the uptake of varied between varieties and RZTs. Water uptake of the plants was strongly influenced by VPD, but not by RZT. In contrast, nutrient uptake was hardly influenced by VPD and did not correlate with water uptake, but linearly increased with RZT with an optimum temperature for nutrient uptake above 29°C. This increase was larger for and than for and K+ shifting the nutrient requirements of rice. While the increase of nutrient uptake per °C did not differ between varieties under low VPD, IR64 showed a greater increase in nutrient uptake to RZT at day‐time, whereas NU838 showed a greater increase at night‐time under high VPD. The activities of NR and GS seemed to respond to the total daily N uptake rather than to different uptake rates during day or night, while AA concentration was strongly correlated to N uptake during the day.

Conclusions: With an optimum RZT for nutrient uptake above 29°C, rice plants could benefit from temperature increase caused by either different water management strategies or climate change if fertilizer management was adapted to the new, shifted requirements.
Soil N2O emissions following termination of grass pea and oat cover crop residues with different maturity levels
Authors: Singh Hardeep , Kandel Tanka P. , Gowda Prasanna H. , Northup Brian K. , Kakani Vijaya G. , Baath Gurjinder S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Although cover crops provide many agronomic and environmental benefits, they may also increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions after termination. The N2O emissions from decomposing biomass of cover crops largely depends on the type of cover and maturity level at termination.

Aim: The objective of this study was to quantify N2O emissions following soil incorporation of a non‐legume (oat; Avena sativa L.) and a legume (grass pea; Lathyrus sphaericus Retz.) cover crop residues at two different maturity levels.

Methods: Oat and grass pea were terminated at vegetative (early‐termination) and reproductive (late‐termination) stages, and stored fresh before soil incorporation (2.5 Mg dry matter ha−1) together in late‐May. A treatment with no cover crop was included as the control. The experiment was laid out as completely randomized block design with three replicated plots (2 m × 2 m) in each treatment combination. Finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn] seedlings were transplanted as a summer crop. The N2O fluxes were measured with a closed chamber with a portable gas analyzer on 25 dates over an experimental period of 98 days.

Results: In general, fluxes of N2O increased after rainfall or irrigation events and approximated zero during dry periods. Cumulative N2O emissions during the 98 days study period were higher (p < 0.01) from all cover crops treatments than the control. Effects of maturity level at termination on cumulative N2O emissions were significant (p < 0.05) as 30–35% higher emissions were recorded from both cover crops terminated at the reproductive stage than the vegetative stage. Yields of finger millet biomass from oat incorporated plots were 15–19% greater (p < 0.05) than grass pea incorporated plots, while the yields from control plots were not significantly different from plots receiving cover crop residues.

Conclusions: Stage of maturity at termination alone was not a strong predictor of total cumulative N2O emissions from decomposing cover crop residues, as maturity level interacted with environment variables (e.g., timing of rainfall events).
Viewpoint. Charcoal hearth soils should be better accounted for by the WRB and the Soil Taxonomy
Authors: Mastrolonardo Giovanni , Certini Giacomo
Published: November 2021

The legacy of charcoal making, an old and widespread forest exploitation activity, is a plethora of charcoal hearth (CH) soils that occur all around the world with peculiar features, the main of which is a top, thick, black, charcoal‐rich horizon. Being substantially due to human activity, these soils are anthropogenic or “human‐altered and human‐transported” soils. However, the two most widely used classification systems—the World Reference Base for Soil Resources and the U.S. Soil Taxonomy—which in their last versions give credit to major human‐induced soil features, fail to satisfactorily account for their origin and most significant features. In this paper we discuss the classification of CH soils to underline what we perceive as gaps preventing proper reporting of these particular soils. This is in the hope that it will support the working groups responsible for updating the aforementioned classification systems.

The WRB's Reference Soil Group of Technosols is a convincing framework for CH soils in consideration of their history and the occurrence of artefacts (charcoal). However, the very high required amount of artefacts prevents such an attribution, making the use of the supplementary qualifier Carbonic under other Reference Soil Groups the most plausible reference to the crucial role of humans on CH soils' genesis and shaping.

The U.S. Soil Taxonomy in its latest version includes the Human‐Altered and Human‐Transported Soils (HAHTs), which are considered extragrades, since they do not represent an intergrade to any other taxon. HAHTs suit the CH soils as well, although only at the level of Subgroups (as Anthropic and Anthroportic intergrades) or, perhaps more comfortably, at the lower categorical detail, i.e., as Families (Pyrocarbonic).

In our belief it is desirable that the future versions of the two aforementioned classification systems will adequately frame the CH soils, in consideration of both their widespread occurrence and distinctive features: the WRB allocating them irrefutably among the Technosols and the ST finally including them in a new Order of anthropogenic soils.
Color approach to the analysis of white crystal cane sugar for the detection of solid impurities
Authors: Barros Nathalia Zanetti , Sperança Marco Aurelio , Pereira Fabíola Manhas Verbi
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Sugar is consumed worldwide and so the quality control of sugar cane is necessary. Solid impurities are an inherent part of industrial sugar processing. Dark particles and adulteration with sand must be controlled. Sixty‐four samples of white crystal cane sugar analysis in the presence of both kinds of impurities (dark particles and sand) were assessed using an affordable digital image system and a multivariate calibration strategy.

RESULTS

The quality parameters for the multivariate calibration models obtained to estimate sugar content were remarkable. Color descriptors from digital images allowed identification of different levels of sugar content for the following three ranges: 0–49.99 wt%, 50.03–78.99 wt%, and 82.99–100 wt%. The multivariate model using red (R), green (G), Blue (B), and luminosity (L) color descriptors showed low standard errors of cross‐validation (SECV) and validation (SEV) of 7.63 and 6.01 wt%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The method is affordable and reliable, and might aid quick screening in situations where access to a laboratory or instrumentation is restricted. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Committed to conservation: Tourism in developed and developing contexts
Authors: Cordina Renzo , Gannon Martin , Taheri Babak , Okumus Fevzi , Lochrie Sean
Published: November 2021

This study investigates differences in tourists' conservation commitment at developed and developing heritage sites. It examines relationships between conservation commitment and related concepts: cultural motivation, place attachment, and participation. Data was collected from two troglodyte heritage sites: Kandovan, Iran (developing) and Cappadocia, Turkey (developed). Five hundred eighteen survey responses were collected at Kandovan and 627 at Cappadocia. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed to perform analysis. Multigroup analysis findings indicate that direct relationships among conservation commitment, cultural motivation, place attachment, and participation were significantly higher in the developing context; encouraging industry managers to use participative feedback to stimulate conservation commitment.
Outcomes in Sonographically Categorized Complex Cystic Breast Lesions
Authors: Kulali Fatma , Guner Gulbanu
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To investigate outcomes of patients with complex cystic breast lesions and to determine malignancy rates for each sonographic category.

Material and Methods

A total of 124 women with a mean age of 45 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Complex cysts were classified into four categories according to sonographic findings (thick septa/wall, intramural nodule, solid/cystic ratio) by two radiologists. Size, margin, short‐to‐long axis ratio, and vascularity were also noted. The relationship between sonographic features and histopathological/follow‐up results was evaluated.

Results

Of 124 complex cysts, 11 were malignant and 113 were benign. There were 31 with thick septa/wall (category 1), 14 with intramural nodule (category 2), 60 with solid/cystic ratio < 1 (category 3), and 19 with solid/cystic ratio > 1 (category 4). Among 11 malignant tumors, six intraductal papillary carcinomas and three invasive ductal carcinomas were in category 3, whereas one invasive ductal carcinoma was in category 1 and one was in category 4. Most of malignant lesions (9/11, 82%) were in category 3. Most of benign lesions (96/113, 85%) were fibroadenomatoid/fibrocystic changes. The presence of vascularity (96%), irregular margin (94%), and short‐to‐long axis ratio ≥ 1 (94%) had higher accuracy rates for diagnosis of malignancy.

Conclusion

The malignancy rate was 8.8% in our study. Besides internal morphological features, other sonographic features should be considered in the evaluation of complex cystic breast lesions. Due to substantial risk of malignancy and the overlapping sonographic features of benign and malignant lesions, tissue sampling of all complex cysts should be performed.
Adsorption of hazardous gases on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): Density functional theory study
Authors: Hossain Md. Sanwar , Saha Joyanta K.
Published: November 2021

We have studied the adsorption of different hazardous gases (such as SO3, NH3, NO2, and H2S) on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) to manifest it as a gas sensor using density functional theory (DFT). Both chemisorption and physisorption channels have been investigated to reveal the interaction pathway between PEDOT and hazardous gases. PEDOT can interact with SO3, NH3, NO2, and H2S via a physisorption channel with corresponding adsorption energies −13.32, −6.88, −6.02, and −7.47 kcal/mol, respectively. The chemisorptive nature has been observed only for SO3. But this pathway is kinetically and thermodynamically less accessible compared to the physisorption channel. The large adsorption energy value for SO3 (−13.32 kcal/mol) shows the better sensitivity of PEDOT towards SO3 compared to the rest three gases. The electronic properties of PEDOT vary based on its interaction with different gases. The frontier molecular orbitals, band gap, natural bond orbital charge, UV–vis spectra, and conductivity studies support the fact. The external electric field has been applied as a technique to tune the recovery time for SO3.
Pathogens and Prognosis of Deep Neck Infection in End‐Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Shao , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Huang Tsung‐Yu , Tsai Yao‐Te , Lu Ang , Wu Ching‐Yuan , Hsu Cheng‐Ming , Liu Chia‐Yen , Lee Chuan‐Pin , Lin Meng‐Hung , Chang Pey‐Jium , Chang Geng‐He
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To examine the pathogenic bacterial spectra and prognosis of deep neck infection (DNI) in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with DNI between 2004 and 2015 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were enrolled and divided into three groups, namely ESRD‐DNI, chronic kidney disease (CKD)‐DNI, and non‐CKD‐DNI. Differences in pathogenic bacteria, treatment, and prognosis were compared across the three groups.

Results

The bacterial spectra differed among the three groups. The main three facultative anaerobic or aerobic bacteria causing ESRD‐DNIs were methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; 25.4%), methicillin‐susceptible S. aureus (MSSA; 14.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP; 12.7%). For CKD‐DNIs, they were KP (23.5%), Viridans streptococci (VS; 23.5%), and MSSA (14.7%). For non‐CKD‐DNIs, they were VS (31.7%), KP (17.2%), and coagulase‐negative staphylococci (8.0%). Compared with the other groups, the ESRD‐DNI group had higher white blood cell and C‐reactive protein levels, longer hospital stays, more frequent admissions to the intensive care unit, more mediastinal complications, and a significantly higher mortality rate.

Conclusions

The ESRD‐DNI group exhibited more severe disease activity and higher mortality compared with those of the CKD‐DNI and non‐CKD‐DNI groups. MRSA was the leading pathogen for patients with ESRD‐DNI. Physicians must implement strategies for the early detection of MRSA to accurately prescribe antibiotics and prevent nosocomial transmission.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1403–1409, 2022
Contemporary management of paragangliomas of the head and neck
Authors: Cleere Eoin F. , Martin‐Grace Julie , Gendre Adrien , Sherlock Mark , O'Neill James P.
Published: November 2021

Head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors typically arising from nonsecretory head and neck parasympathetic ganglia. Historically thought of as aggressive tumors that warranted equally aggressive surgical intervention, evidence has emerged demonstrating that the vast majority of HNPGLs are slow growing and indolent. It is also now recognized that a large proportion of HNPGLs are hereditary with succinate dehydrogenase gene mutations typically implicated. These recent advances have led to significant changes in the way in which clinicians investigate and treat HNPGLs with most now opting for more conservative treatment strategies. However, a proportion of patients present with more aggressive disease and still require nonconservative treatment strategies. Recent studies have sought to determine in which groups of patients the morbidity associated with treatment is justified. We summarize the recent advances in the understanding and management of these tumors and we provide our recommendations regarding the management of HNPGLs.
A learning approach to community response during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Applying the Cynefin framework to guide decision‐making
Authors: Holly Margaret , Bartels Sophia , Lewis Ninon , Howard Paul , Ramaswamy Rohit
Published: November 2021

Introduction

The United States has been unsuccessful in containing the rapid spread of COVID‐19. The complex epidemiology of the disease and the fragmented response to it has resulted in thousands of ways in which spread has occurred, creating a situation where each community needs to create its own local, context‐specific learning model while remaining compliant to county or state mandates.

Methods

In this paper, we demonstrate how cross sector collaborations can use the Cynefin Framework, a tool for decision‐making in complex systems, to guide community response to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

We explore circumstances under which communities can inhabit each of the four domains of systems complexity represented in the Cynefin framework: simple, complicated, chaotic, and complex, and describe the decision‐making process in each domain that balances health, economic, and social well‐being.

Conclusion

This paper serves as a call to action for the creation of community learning systems to improve community resilience and capacity to make better‐informed decisions to address complex public health problems during the pandemic and beyond.
Multistep Growth “Polymerizations”
Authors: Nerantzaki Maria , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: November 2021

Chain‐growth and step‐growth polymerizations are the two main mechanisms that are classically used to synthesize polymers. In this article, a third approach that is usually not listed in polymer textbooks is described, namely multistep growth “polymerization.” This synthetic strategy does not proceed in one pot as the aforementioned ones but relies on a series of distinct chemical reactions. It includes different types of stepwise syntheses such as solid‐phase iterative chemistry, exponential iterative growth, and dendrimer synthesis. Although these methods are more time‐consuming and experimentally demanding than chain‐growth and step‐growth polymerizations, they allow a very high level of control over macromolecular structure. In particular, they enable a perfect control over molecular parameters such as chain‐length, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, tacticity, and comonomer sequence. Here, the common “multistep growth” mechanism shared by all these approaches is described and critically analyzed. Furthermore, the structure, properties, and applications of the formed polymers are discussed. This manuscript can serve as a reference guide to understand and rationalize the emerging domain of precision polymer synthesis.
Super‐Hydrophilic Zwitterionic Polymer Surface Modification Facilitates Liquid Transportation of Microfluidic Sweat Sensors
Authors: Fu Fanfan , Wang Jilei , Tan Yurong , Yu Jing
Published: November 2021

The transportation of sweat in an epidermal sweat sensor is critical for the monitoring of biochemical compositions of human sweat. However, it is still a challenge to engineer microfluidic devices with super‐wetting channels for such epidermal sweat sensors. Herein, a zwitterionic poly (2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) modified microfluidic device with super‐wetting and good liquid transport ability via an azo coupling reaction of PMPC onto the surface of polydimethylsiloxane microfluidic devices is reported. The obtained PMPC‐modified microfluidic device can be integrated with flexible electrochemical sensor to measure the ion compositions of human sweat in real‐time. The super‐hydrophilic zwitterionic polymer surface modification can greatly facilitate the transportation of body fluids in microfluidic sensors for the detection of various biomarkers. Such microfluidic sensors have great potential for next‐generation personalized healthcare.
Do firms with foreign residency rights controlling shareholders reduce R&D investment?
Authors: Qiu Baoyin , Cheng Bo , Qiu Hangeng , Chan Kam C.
Published: November 2021

We investigate the impact of the foreign residency rights of controlling shareholders (foreign residency rights, or FRRs) on their firms' research and development (R&D) investment. The results are robust using a propensity score matching model and alternative metrics of FRRs and R&D investment. The findings suggest that firms with FRR controlling shareholders engage in less R&D investment than those without FRR controlling shareholders. Additional analysis indicates that high institutional investor ownership and a high‐quality internal control can restrain the adverse impact of FRRs on a firm's R&D investment.
Strategic delegation in an international mixed oligopoly
Authors: Heywood John S. , Wang Zerong , Ye Guangliang
Published: November 2021

We derive equilibrium delegation contracts in an international mixed duopoly with a private firm in one country and a public firm in another. We compare contracts weighting sales to those weighting relative sales. The endogenous equilibrium emerges with relative contracts chosen for both firms when the public firm's country market share is small. We compare this model to an otherwise similar domestic market with a foreign firm and to a single market without international borders. We confirm the use of delegation in all models but only the international market has both firms adopting relative sales contracts.
Effects of retailers' free shipping promotions on manufacturers' product sales and product review ratings in multichannel retailing
Authors: Li Di , Wang Hu
Published: November 2021

It is substantial for manufacturers to know the optimal market structure in terms of retailers using free shipping promotions that help them decide whether and how to subsidize retailers. Our research uses fixed‐effect models to empirically examine the impact of the proportion of free shipping retailers on consumer purchase decision and perceived product quality with secondary data from Amazon.com. We find that more retailers using free shipping decrease a manufacturer's product sales while increasing product review ratings. However, the negative impact of the market structure on the manufacturer's product sales is weakened as product substitutes and product review volume increase.
TMEM151A Variants Cause Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Dyskinesia: A Large‐Sample Study
Authors: Tian Wo‐Tu , Zhan Fei‐Xia , Liu Zhen‐Hua , Liu Zhe , Liu Qing , Guo Xia‐Nan , Zhou Zai‐Wei , Wang Shi‐Ge , Liu Xiao‐Rong , Jiang Hong , Li Xun‐Hua , Zhao Guo‐Hua , Li Hai‐Yan , Tang Jian‐Guang , Bi Guang‐Hui , Zhong Ping , Yin Xiao‐Meng , Liu Tao‐Tao , Ni Rui‐Long , Zheng Hao‐Ran , Liu Xiao‐Li , Qian Xiao‐Hang , Wu Jing‐Ying , Cao Yu‐Wen , Zhang Chao , Liu Shi‐Hua , Wu Ying‐Ying , Wang Qun‐Feng , Xu Ting , Hou Wen‐Zhe , Li Zi‐Yi , Ke Hui‐Yi , Zhu Ze‐Yu , Zheng Lan , Wang Tian , Rong Tian‐Yi , Wu Li , Zhang Yu , Fang Kan , Wang Zhan‐Hang , Zhang Ya‐Kun , Zhang Mei , Zhao Yu‐Wu , Tang Bei‐Sha , Luan Xing‐Hua , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Cao Li
Published: November 2021

Background

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is the most common type of paroxysmal dyskinesias. Only one‐third of PKD patients are attributed to proline‐rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) mutations.

Objective

We aimed to explore the potential causative gene for PKD.

Methods

A cohort of 196 PRRT2‐negative PKD probands were enrolled for whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Gene Ranking, Identification and Prediction Tool, a method of case–control analysis, was applied to identify the candidate genes. Another 325 PRRT2‐negative PKD probands were subsequently screened with Sanger sequencing.

Results

Transmembrane Protein 151 (TMEM151A) variants were mainly clustered in PKD patients compared with the control groups. 24 heterozygous variants were detected in 25 of 521 probands (frequency = 4.80%), including 18 missense and 6 nonsense mutations. In 29 patients with TMEM151A variants, the ratio of male to female was 2.63:1 and the mean age of onset was 12.93 ± 3.15 years. Compared with PRRT2 mutation carriers, TMEM151A‐related PKD were more common in sporadic PKD patients with pure phenotype. There was no significant difference in types of attack and treatment outcome between TMEM151A‐positive and PRRT2‐positive groups.

Conclusions

We consolidated mutations in TMEM151A causing PKD with the aid of case–control analysis of a large‐scale WES data, which broadens the genotypic spectrum of PKD. TMEM151A‐related PKD were more common in sporadic cases and tended to present as pure phenotype with a late onset. Extensive functional studies are needed to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of TMEM151A‐related PKD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
New and more dual‐mode solitary wave solutions for the Kraenkel–Manna–Merle system incorporating fractal effects
Authors: Raza Nauman , Hassan Zara , Butt Asma Rashid , Rahman Riaz Ur , Abdel‐Aty Abdel‐Haleem , Mahmoud Mona
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces the fractal Kraenkel–Manna–Merle (KMM) system, which explains nonlinear short wave propagation with zero conductivity for saturated ferromagnetic materials in an external field. Fractal models deal with the discontinuous geometry of physical problems. The semi‐inverse technique and the new auxiliary equation method (NAEM) are used to generate a variety of solutions. A collection of exact soliton solutions specifically bright, dark, singular‐shaped, and singular‐periodic are generated using constraint conditions. The fractal parameter impact on these solutions displayed through 2D, 3D, and contour plots taking appropriate parametric values. The arbitrary functions in the solutions are chosen as such unique functions to generate some novel soliton structures. The proposed methods are more straightforward, succinct, and accurate to extract solitons of numerous evolution equations in mathematical physics.
Prevention of Atopic Dermatitis in Mice by Lactobacillus Reuteri Fn041 Through Induction of Regulatory T Cells and Modulation of the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhao Yuning , Qi Ce , Li Xinyue , Lu Mengyao , Zhang Haowen , Zhou Jingbo , Dang Hongyang , Chen Jie , Li Shuangqi , Sun Jin , Yu Renqiang , Li Duo
Published: November 2021

Scope

The development of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants is closely related to the lagging development of intestinal microbiota, including that inoculated by breast milk bacteria, and immune development. Lactobacillus reuteri Fn041 is a secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) ‐coated bacterium derived from human milk.

Methods and Results

We intervene with L. reuteri Fn041 in maternal and offspring BALB/C mice during late gestation and lactation and after weaning of the pups, respectively. AD is then induced with MC903. L. reuteri Fn041 significantly suppresses AD symptoms such as skin swelling, mast cell, and eosinophil infiltration. This effect is attributed to the regulation of the systemic Th1 and Th2 cytokine ratios and the promotion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cell proliferation in mesenteric lymph nodes. It is also associated with the regulation of intestinal microbiota, particularly promoting Lactobacillus and Akkermansia.

Conclusion

Our study strengthens the understanding that breast milk‐derived sIgA coated potential probiotics are involved in the development of infant intestinal microbiota, thus promoting immune development and preventing allergic diseases, and expanding the knowledge of breast milk sIgA and bacterial interactions on infant immune development.
Use of a DVH overlay technique for quality assurance of deformable image registration‐based dose accumulation
Authors: Kainz Kristofer , Garcia Alvarez Juan , Zhong Hualiang , Lim Sara , Ahunbay Ergun , Tai An , Erickson Beth , Lawton Colleen , Li X. Allen
Published: November 2021

Purpose

We present a DVH overlay technique as a quality assurance (QA) metric for deformable image registration‐based dose accumulation (DIR‐DA). We use the technique to estimate the uncertainty in a DIR‐DA for a revised treatment plan, and to compare two different DIR algorithms.

Materials and methods

The required inputs to the DVH overlay workflow are deformably registered primary and secondary images, primary regions‐of‐interest (ROIs), and secondary dose distribution. The primary ROIs were forward warped to the secondary image, the secondary dose was inversely warped to the primary image, and the DVHs for each image were compiled. Congruent DVHs imply minimal inverse consistency error (ICE) within an ROI. For a pancreas case re‐planned after 21 fractions of a 29‐fraction course, the workflow was used to quantify dose accumulation error attributable to ICE, based on a hybrid contour‐and‐intensity‐based DIR. The usefulness of the workflow was further demonstrated by assessing the performance of two DIR algorithms (one free‐form intensity‐based, FFIB, the other using normalized correlation coefficients, NCC, over small neighborhood patches) as applied toward kilovoltage computed tomography (kVCT)‐to‐megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) registration and five‐fraction dose accumulation of ten male pelvis cases.

Results

For the re‐planned pancreas case, when applying the DVH‐overlay‐based uncertainties the resulting accumulated dose remained compliant with all but two of the original plan objectives. Among the male pelvis cases, FFIB and NCC DIR showed good invertibility within the planning target volume (PTV), according to the DVH overlay QA results. NCC DIR exhibited better invertibility for the bladder and rectum compared with FFIB. However, compared with FFIB, NCC DIR exhibited less regional deformation for the bladder and a tendency for increased local contraction of the rectum ROI. For the five‐fraction summations, ICE for the PTV V100%Rx is comparable for both algorithms (FFIB 0.8 ± 0.7%, NCC 0.7 ± 0.3%). For the bladder and rectum V70%Rx, ICE is greater for FFIB (1.8 ± 0.7% for bladder, 1.7 ± 0.6% for rectum) than for NCC (1.0 ± 0.3% for bladder, 1.0 ± 0.4% for rectum).

Conclusions

The DVH overlay technique identified instances in which a DIR exhibits favorable invertibility, implying low ICE in a DIR‐based dose accumulation. Differences in the overlaid DVHs can also estimate dose accumulation errors attributable to ICE for given ROIs.
A nine‐channel transmit/receive array for spine imaging at 10.5 T: Introduction to a nonuniform dielectric substrate antenna
Authors: Sadeghi‐Tarakameh Alireza , Jungst Steve , Lanagan Mike , DelaBarre Lance , Wu Xiaoping , Adriany Gregor , Metzger Gregory J. , Van de Moortele Pierre‐Francois , Ugurbil Kamil , Atalar Ergin , Eryaman Yigitcan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce a new antenna element with improved transmit performance, named the nonuniform dielectric substrate (NODES) antenna, for building transmit arrays at ultrahigh‐field.

Methods

We optimized a dipole antenna at 10.5 Tesla by maximizing the ‐SAR efficiency in a phantom for a human spine target. The optimization parameters included permittivity variation in the substrate, substrate thickness, antenna length, and conductor geometry. We conducted electromagnetic simulations as well as phantom experiments to compare the transmit/receive performance of the proposed NODES antenna design with existing coil elements from the literature.

Results

Single NODES element showed up to 18% and 30% higher ‐SAR efficiency than the fractionated dipole and loop elements, respectively. The new element is substantially shorter than a commonly used dipole, which enables z‐stacked array formation; it is additionally capable of providing a relatively uniform current distribution along its conductors. The nine‐channel transmit/receive NODES array achieved 7.5% higher homogeneity than a loop array with the same number of elements. Excitation with the NODES array resulted in 33% lower peak 10g‐averaged SAR and required 34% lower input power than the loop array for the target anatomy of the spine.

Conclusion

In this study, we introduced a new RF coil element: the NODES antenna. NODES antenna outperformed the widely used loop and dipole elements and may provide improved transmit/receive performance for future ultrahigh field MRI applications.
Configuration space representation of MRI sequences
Authors: Ganter Carl
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Local solutions provide little intuition about the contrast, generated by MRI sequences with unbalanced gradients. A configuration space representation of the spin density allows to formalize signal localization and thereby overcome these limitations.

Theory and Methods

The continuous configuration model (CCM) constitutes a Fourier integral decomposition of the spin density, such that intrinsic tissue properties are separated from accumulated effects due to gradients and/or bulk off‐resonance. Thereby, any set of local dynamic equations is automatically transformed into a corresponding set of differential equations between configurations.

Results

The CCM generalizes the Fourier‐based EPG formalism such that it becomes applicable to arbitrary MRI sequences. It enables a rigorous and concise treatment of signal localization (selective excitation, spatial encoding), inhomogeneous broadening and motion. Applied to frequency swept NMR, a close connection between SWIFT and SSFP sequences can be found.

Conclusion

The CCM allows to view arbitrary MRI sequences from a signal processing perspective, which might simplify the development and optimization of novel imaging strategies.