bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating spin-dependent emission and dielectric switching in FeII catenated metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Wu Xue-Ru , Wu Shu-Qi , Liu Zhi-Kun , Chen Ming-Xing , Tao Jun , Sato Osamu , Kou Hui-Zhong
Published: May 2024

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) including famous catenanes show switchable physical properties and attract continuous research interest due to their potential application in molecular devices. The advantages of using spin crossover (SCO) materials here are enormous, allowing for control through diverse stimuli and highly specific functions, and enabling the transfer of the internal dynamics of MIMs from solution to solid state, leading to macroscopic applications. Herein, we report the efficient self-assembly of catenated metal-organic frameworks (termed catena-MOFs) induced by stacking interactions, through the combination of rationally selected flexible and conjugated naphthalene diimide-based bis-pyridyl ligand (BPND), [MI(CN)2]− (M = Ag or Au) and Fe2+ in a one-step strategy. The obtained bimetallic Hofmann-type SCO-MOFs [FeII(BPND){Ag(CN)2}2]·3CHCl3 (1Ag) and [FeII(BPND{Au(CN)2}2]·2CHCl3·2H2O (1Au) possess a unique three-dimensional (3D) catena-MOF constructed from the polycatenation of two-dimensional (2D) layers with hxl topology. Both complexes undergo thermal- and light-induced SCO. Significantly, abnormal increases in the maximum emission intensity and dielectric constant can be detected simultaneously with the switching of spin states. This research opens up SCO-actuated bistable MIMs that afford dual functionality of coupled fluorescence emission and dielectricity.
Role of umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells in skin rejuvenation
Authors: Chang Le , Fan Wei-Wen , Yuan He-Ling , Liu Xin , Wang Qiang , Ruan Guang-Ping , Pan Xing-Hua , Zhu Xiang-Qing
Published: May 2024

Aging is the main cause of many degenerative diseases. The skin is the largest and the most intuitive organ that reflects the aging of the body. Under the interaction of endogenous and exogenous factors, there are cumulative changes in the structure, function, and appearance of the skin, which are characterized by decreased synthesis of collagen and elastin, increased wrinkles, relaxation, pigmentation, and other aging characteristics. skin aging is inevitable, but it can be delayed. The successful isolation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in 1991 has greatly promoted the progress of cell therapy in human diseases. The International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) points out that the MSC is a kind of pluripotent progenitor cells that have self-renewal ability (limited) in vitro and the potential for mesenchymal cell differentiation. This review mainly introduces the role of perinatal umbilical cord-derived MSC(UC-MSC) in the field of skin rejuvenation. An in-depth and systematic understanding of the mechanism of UC-MSCs against skin aging is of great significance for the early realization of the clinical transformation of UC-MSCs. This paper summarized the characteristics of skin aging and summarized the mechanism of UC-MSCs in skin rejuvenation reported in recent years. In order to provide a reference for further research of UC-MSCs to delay skin aging.
The risk of open angle glaucoma in young adults with allergic diseases: a Nationwide cohort study
Authors: Han Kyungdo , Jung Jin-Hyung , Jung Younhea , Ohn Kyoung , Moon Jung Il
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the potential associations between allergic diseases (asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis) and the development of primary open-angle glaucoma. We utilized authorized data from the Korean National Health Information Database (KNHID), which provides comprehensive medical claims data and information from the National Health Screening Program. We compared the baseline characteristics of subjects with and without allergic diseases and calculated the incidence and risk of glaucoma development. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to determine the risk of glaucoma development in subjects with allergic diseases. A total of 171,129 subjects aged 20–39 with or without allergic diseases who underwent a general health examination between 2009 and 2015 were included. Subjects with allergic diseases exhibited a higher incidence of glaucoma compared to the control group. The hazard ratio (HR) of glaucoma onset was 1.49 and 1.39 in subjects with at least one allergic disease before and after adjusting for potential confounding factors, respectively. Among allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis showed the highest risk for glaucoma development (aHR 1.73) after adjusting for confounders. Allergic rhinitis showed an increased risk for incident glaucoma after adjustment (aHR 1.38). Asthma showed the lowest but still increased risk for glaucoma (aHR 1.22). The associations were consistent in all subgroup analyses stratified by sex, smoking, drinking, exercise, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or history of steroid. In conclusion, allergic diseases are associated with increased risk of glaucoma development. Among allergic diseases, atopic dermatitis showed the highest risk for glaucoma development followed by allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Fine tuning deep learning models for breast tumor classification
Authors: Heikal Abeer , El-Ghamry Amir , Elmougy Samir , Rashad M. Z.
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes an approach to enhance the differentiation task between benign and malignant Breast Tumors (BT) using histopathology images from the BreakHis dataset. The main stages involve preprocessing, which encompasses image resizing, data partitioning (training and testing sets), followed by data augmentation techniques. Both feature extraction and classification tasks are employed by a Custom CNN. The experimental results show that the proposed approach using the Custom CNN model exhibits better performance with an accuracy of 84% than applying the same approach using other pretrained models, including MobileNetV3, EfficientNetB0, Vgg16, and ResNet50V2, that present relatively lower accuracies, ranging from 74 to 82%; these four models are used as both feature extractors and classifiers. To increase the accuracy and other performance metrics, Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO), and Modified Gorilla Troops Optimization (MGTO) metaheuristic optimizers are applied to each model separately for hyperparameter tuning. In this case, the experimental results show that the Custom CNN model, refined with MGTO optimization, reaches an exceptional accuracy of 93.13% in just 10 iterations, outperforming the other state-of-the-art methods, and the other four used pretrained models based on the BreakHis dataset.
Parents' knowledge and attitudes towards extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and their post-traumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Sun Yuyan , Wang Huanhuan , Wu Yingying , Luo Leng , Shi Caixiao
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study, conducted between January 2020 and July 2023, aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among parents with children undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment. Out of 201 valid questionnaires collected, the median knowledge score was 3.00, the mean attitude score was 27.00 ± 3.20, and the mean PTSS score was 3.50 ± 1.54. Logistic regression identified associations between PTSS and parents with lower education levels, particularly junior high school and high school/technical secondary school education, as well as those occupied as housewives. Structural equation modeling highlighted direct effects, such as the impact of residence on education, education on employment status, and associations between knowledge, attitude, PTSS, employment status, monthly income, and parental demographics. The findings indicated inadequate knowledge and suboptimal attitudes among parents, especially those with lower education levels, emphasizing the need for educational resources. Furthermore, addressing parental PTSS through psychosocial support and screening was deemed essential, providing valuable insights for tailored interventions in this context.
Spatial differentiation and influencing factors of red tourism resources transformation efficiency in China based on RMP-IO analysis
Authors: Liao Zhenjie , Wang Lang
Published: May 2024

This study employs modified data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and spatial autocorrelation methods to analyze the characteristics of red tourism transformation efficiency and categorize them into efficiency zones. By utilizing geographic detector models, the interactive driving mechanisms behind spatial differentiation are revealed, providing valuable insights for the high-quality transformation and development of China's red tourism economy. The application of modified DEA models facilitates the evaluation of red tourism resource transformation efficiency by decomposing comprehensive efficiency into single-factor efficiency for individual input and output variables. The results indicate that: (1) Expansion of tourism factors is crucial for achieving red tourism resource transformation in China, with low efficiency in resource endowment investment acting as the primary constraint. (2) Local spatial correlation between production efficiency and resource transformation efficiency demonstrates a decreasing trend from east to west, leading to the classification of China’s red tourism resources into five types of efficiency zones. (3) Endogenous ability factors predominantly affect red tourism resource transformation efficiency, with interaction between internal and external factors driving spatial differentiation.
A chain mediation model reveals the association between family sense of coherence and quality of life in caregivers of advanced cancer patients
Authors: Cui Panpan , Cheng Chunyan , An Huiying , Chen Xinyi , Chen Changying , Hu Hengyu
Published: May 2024

Caregivers of advanced cancer patients face challenges impacting their quality of life (QoL). While evidence suggests that family sense of coherence (FSOC) can enhance individual psychological well-being and reduce distress symptoms, the precise mechanism through which FSOC improves caregivers' QoL remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationships among FSOC, psychological resilience, psychological distress, and QoL in primary caregivers of advanced cancer patients. A cross-sectional observational study was undertaken from June 2020 to March 2021 across five tertiary hospitals in China. Instruments included a general characteristic questionnaire, the Family Sense of Coherence Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, the 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and the 8-item SF-8 health survey. Pearson’s correlation and chain mediation analyses were performed using IBM SPSS (version 21) and PROCESS macro (version 3.4). Out of 290 valid questionnaires, results demonstrated that FSOC directly and positively influences caregivers' QoL. Psychological distress partially mediated the FSOC-QoL association, with paths "FSOC-psychological distress-QoL" and "FSOC-psychological resilience-psychological distress-QoL" contributing 43.08% and 6.72% of the total effect, respectively. Furthermore, this study distinguished physical and mental aspects of QoL, confirming both conform to the chain mediation model. FSOC impacts caregivers' QoL directly and indirectly through the mediation of psychological distress and the chain mediation effect of "psychological resilience-psychological distress". These insights enhance our understanding of the complex interplay between FSOC and QoL, underscoring the potential benefits of bolstering FSOC to strengthen caregiver resilience, alleviate distress, and ultimately elevate their QoL.
Spatiotemporal trends and covariates of Lyme borreliosis incidence in Poland, 2010–2019
Authors: Kulisz Joanna , Hoeks Selwyn , Kunc-Kozioł Renata , Woźniak Aneta , Zając Zbigniew , Schipper Aafke M. , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Huijbregts Mark A. J.
Published: May 2024

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most commonly diagnosed tick-borne disease in the northern hemisphere. Since an efficient vaccine is not yet available, prevention of transmission is essential. This, in turn, requires a thorough comprehension of the spatiotemporal dynamics of LB transmission as well as underlying drivers. This study aims to identify spatiotemporal trends and unravel environmental and socio-economic covariates of LB incidence in Poland, using consistent monitoring data from 2010 through 2019 obtained for 320 (aggregated) districts. Using yearly LB incidence values, we identified an overall increase in LB incidence from 2010 to 2019. Additionally, we observed a large variation of LB incidences between the Polish districts, with the highest risks of LB in the eastern districts. We applied spatiotemporal Bayesian models in an all-subsets modeling framework to evaluate potential associations between LB incidence and various potentially relevant environmental and socio-economic variables, including climatic conditions as well as characteristics of the vegetation and the density of tick host species. The best-supported spatiotemporal model identified positive relationships between LB incidence and forest cover, the share of parks and green areas, minimum monthly temperature, mean monthly precipitation, and gross primary productivity. A negative relationship was found with human population density. The findings of our study indicate that LB incidence in Poland might increase as a result of ongoing climate change, notably increases in minimum monthly temperature. Our results may aid in the development of targeted prevention strategies.
A three-dimensional algorithm for precise measurement of human auricle parameters
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Dobbe Johannes G. G. , Lachkar Nadia , Ronde Elsa M. , Smit Theo H. , Breugem Corstiaan C. , Streekstra Geert J.
Published: May 2024

Measurement of auricle parameters for planning and post-operative evaluation presents substantial challenges due to the complex 3D structure of the human auricle. Traditional measurement methods rely on manual techniques, resulting in limited precision. This study introduces a novel automated surface-based three-dimensional measurement method for quantifying human auricle parameters. The method was applied to virtual auricles reconstructed from Computed Tomography (CT) scans of a cadaver head and subsequent measurement of important clinically relevant aesthetical auricular parameters (length, width, protrusion, position, auriculocephalic angle, and inclination angle). Reference measurements were done manually (using a caliper and using a 3D landmarking method) and measurement precision was compared to the automated method. The CT scans were performed using both a contemporary high-end and a low-end CT scanner. Scans were conducted at a standard scanning dose, and at half the dose. The automatic method demonstrated significantly higher precision in measuring auricle parameters compared to manual methods. Compared to traditional manual measurements, precision improved for auricle length (9×), width (5×), protrusion (5×), Auriculocephalic Angle (5–54×) and posteroanterior position (23×). Concerning parameters without comparison with a manual method, the precision level of supero-inferior position was 0.489 mm; and the precisions of the inclination angle measurements were 1.365 mm and 0.237 mm for the two automated methods investigated. Improved precision of measuring auricle parameters was associated with using the high-end scanner. A higher dose was only associated with a higher precision for the left auricle length. The findings of this study emphasize the advantage of automated surface-based auricle measurements, showcasing improved precision compared to traditional methods. This novel algorithm has the potential to enhance auricle reconstruction and other applications in plastic surgery, offering a promising avenue for future research and clinical application.
Analysis of healthcare data security with DWT-HD-SVD based-algorithm invisible watermarking against multi-size watermarks
Authors: Chaudhary Himanshi , Vishwakarma Virendra P.
Published: May 2024

In the modern day, multimedia and digital resources play a crucial role in demystifying complex topics and improving communication. Additionally, images, videos, and documents speed data administration, fostering both individual and organizational efficiency. Healthcare providers use tools like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to improve diagnostic and therapeutic capacities, highlighting the importance of these tools in contemporary communication, data processing, and healthcare. Protecting medical data becomes essential for maintaining patient confidentiality and service dependability in a time when digital assets are crucial to the healthcare industry. In order to overcome this issue, this study analyses the DWT-HD-SVD algorithm-based invisible watermarking in medical data. The main goal is to verify medical data by looking at a DWT-based hybrid technique used on X-ray images with various watermark sizes (256*256, 128*128, 64*64). The algorithm’s imperceptibility and robustness are examined using metrics like Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) and are analyzed using Normalized Connection (NC), Bit Error Rate (BER), and Bit Error Rate (BCR) in order to evaluate its resistance to various attacks. The results show that the method works better with smaller watermark sizes than it does with larger ones.
Effects of cooking with solid fuel on hearing loss in Chinese adults—Based on two cohort studies
Authors: Mao Xue-yun , Zheng Miao , Wang Jun-ping , Kou Shou , Wang Wei-hao , Lin Jun-jie , Chen Ru-cheng , Sun Qing-hua , Zheng Wei-jun
Published: May 2024

The association between cooking fuel and hearing loss still needs more research to clarify, and two longitudinal cohort studies were explored to find if solid fuel use for cooking affected hearing in Chinese adults. The data from Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) and Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed. Participants (older than 18) without hearing loss at baseline and follow-up visits were included, which were divided into clean fuel and solid fuel groups. Hearing loss rate was from follow-up visits (both in year 2011) until the recent one (year 2018 in CHARLS and 2019 in CLHLS). Cox regressions were applied to examine the associations with adjustment for potential confounders. Fixed-effect meta-analysis was used to pool the results. A total of 9049 participants (average age 8.34 ± 9.12 [mean ± SD] years; 4247 [46.93%] males) were included in CHARLS cohort study and 2265 participants (average age, 78.75 ± 9.23 [mean ± SD] years; 1148 [49.32%] males) in CLHLS cohort study. There were 1518 (16.78%) participants in CHARLS cohort and 451 (19.91%) participants in CLHLS cohort who developed hearing loss. The group of using solid fuel for cooking had a higher risk of hearing loss (CHARLS: HR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.03–1.30; CLHLS: HR, 1.43; 95% CI 1.11–1.84) compared with the one of using clean fuel. Pooled hazard ratio showed the incidence of hearing loss in the solid fuel users was 1.17 (1.03, 1.29) times higher than that of clean fuel users. Hearing loss was associated with solid fuel use and older people were at higher risk. It is advised to replace solid fuel by clean fuel that may promote health equity.
Effect of plant-soil system on the restoration of community stability after wildfire in the northeast margin of Qinghai-Tibet plateau
Authors: Li Zizhen , Wei Jia , He Wanpeng , Cao Xueping , Zhou Xiaolei , Tian Qing
Published: May 2024

Wildfires, as an environmental filter, are pivotal ecological disturbances that reshape plant communities and soil dynamics, playing a crucial role in regulating biogeographic patterns and ecosystem services. In this study, we aim to explore the effects of wildfires on forest ecosystems, specifically focusing on the plant-soil feedback mechanisms within the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Utilizing Partial Least Squares Path Modeling (PLS-PM), we investigated the interrelationships among soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, species diversity, and community stability at varying post-fire recovery stages (5, 15, and 23 years). Results indicated that in the early recovery stages, rapid changes in soil properties such as decreased pH (p < 0.001) and increased nutrient availability facilitate the emergence of early successional species with high resource utilization traits. As the ecosystem evolved toward a climax community, the soil and vegetation exhibit increased stability. Furthermore, soil enzyme activities displayed dynamic patterns that corresponded with changes in soil nutrient content, directly influencing the regeneration and diversity of plant communities. Importantly, our study documented a transition in the influence of soil properties on community stability from direct positive effects in initial recovery phases to negative impacts in later stages, while indirect benefits accrue through increased species diversity and enzyme activity. Vegetation composition and structure changed dynamically with recovery time during community succession. Plant nutrient absorption and accumulation affected nutrient dynamics in the soil, influencing plant regeneration, distribution, and diversity. Our results underscore the complex interactions between soil and vegetation that drive the recovery dynamics post-wildfire, highlighting the resilience of forest ecosystems to fire disturbances. This study contributes to the understanding of post-fire recovery processes and offers valuable insights for the management and restoration of fire-affected forest ecosystems.
Analysis of landscape pattern vulnerability in Dasi river basin at the optimal scale
Authors: Wang Haocheng , Wang Lin , Liu Xia , Wei Baoli
Published: May 2024

Since the reform and opening up in 1978, the Dasi River Basin within Jinan’s startup area from replacing old growth drivers with new ones (startup area) has experienced rapid urbanization and industrialization, and the landscape pattern has changed significantly, resulting in a series of eco-environmental problems. In order to more accurately identify the vulnerable areas of landscape pattern, understand their cause mechanism and changing laws, and provide a theoretical basis for the implementation of sustainable landscape pattern planning and management in the region. Four Landsat images of 2002, 2009, 2015 and 2020 were taken as data sources, and the optimal granularity of landscape pattern analysis was determined from the perspective of landscape level and class level by using the coefficient of variation method, granularity effect curve and information loss model, and the optimal amplitude was determined by using the grid method and semi-variance function. Then, the landscape vulnerability assessment model was constructed based on the optimal scale, and its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and spatial autocorrelation were analyzed. The result showed that: (1) The optimal granularity of landscape pattern analysis in this study area was 80 m, and the optimal amplitude was 350 × 350 m. (2) During 2002–2020, the overall vulnerability of landscape pattern in the southern part of the study area showed an increasing trend, while that in the middle and northern parts showed a decreasing trend. (3) The mean values of the vulnerability index of the overall landscape pattern in 2002, 2009, 2015 and 2020 were 0.1479, 0.1483, 0.1562 and 0.1625, respectively, showing an increasing trend year by year. In terms of land use, during 2002–2020, the average vulnerability indices of forestland and built up land increased by 23.18% and 21.43%, respectively, followed by water body and bare land, increased by 12.18% and 9.52%, respectively, while the changes of cropland and grassland were relatively small, increasing by 5.36% and 5.65%, respectively. (4) During 2002–2020, the landscape pattern vulnerability showed a significant spatial positive correlation in terms of spatial distribution. The Low-Low areas were generally transferred from the southeastern and midwestern to the middle and northern, and the High–High areas were mainly transferred from the middle to the southern. Overall, the degree of the spatial agglomeration of the landscape pattern vulnerability showed an increasing trend.
Radical ligand transfer: mechanism and reactivity governed by three-component thermodynamics
Authors: Wojdyla Zuzanna , Srnec Martin
Published: May 2024

Energy of off-diagonal states, associated with the thermodynamic cycle characterizing the mechanism, affects the barrier for radical ligand transfer and determines, which scenario, R−/electron transfer or R+/electron transfer, is the operative one.
Robust optimal tracking control of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles subject to uncertain disturbances
Authors: Huang Guan , Zhang Zhuo , Yan Weisheng , Cui Rongxin , Zhang Shouxu , Guo Xinxin
Published: May 2024

This paper considers the problem of robust optimal tracking control of multiple autonomous underwater Vehicles (AUVs) subject to uncertain external disturbances. First, the Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy based technique is utilized to convert the high‐order nonlinear multi‐AUV system into a series of linearized subsystems. Second, a novel fully distributed sliding mode control (FDSMC) strategy is proposed to attenuate the disturbances. Meanwhile, the leader‐following consensus and the nearly optimization of the energy‐cost function for the multi‐AUV system can be achieved simultaneously through the designed optimal nominal control protocol. Moreover, the proposed control strategy has more mild constraints on the communication topologies. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed FDSMC strategy is verified by numerical simulation studies.
Fabrication and excellent properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/graphene composite films as thermal interface materials
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zuo Li , Rahman Azizur , Hong Bo , Chen Hongwei , Zhang Linchao , Ju Hongbo , Yang Junfeng
Published: May 2024

The growing concern about thermal conductivity and electromagnetic shielding m electronic equipment has promoted the development of interfacial film materials. In this work, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/graphene composite films with different graphene contents were fabricated by high-energy ball milling, cold isostatic pressing, scraping and coating, successively. High-energy ball milling is beneficial to the dispersion of graphene powder, while cold isostatic pressing can greatly enhance thermal conductivity and mechanical strength by reducing the voids in the film and increasing the contact area of graphene sheets. The thermal conductivity, tensile strength and electromagnetic shielding properties of the films were carefully investigated and compared. It was demonstrated that the thermal conductivity increased from 0.19 W·m-1·K-1 for pure PVDF to 103.9 W·m-1·K-1 for the composite film with PVDF:graphene=l:3. Meanwhile the electromagnetic shielding efficiency can reach 36.55 dB. The prepared PVDF/ graphene composite films exhibit outstanding overall performance and have the potential for practical applications.
Mid-infrared optical frequency comb-based Fourier transform spectrometer for broadband molecular spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng Feihu , Zhao Weixiong , Fang Bo , Yang Nana , Li Shuangshuang , Zhang Weijun , Deng Lunhua , Chen Weidong
Published: May 2024

Optical freciuency comb-based Fourier transform spectroscopy has the features of broad spectral bandwidth, high sensitivity, and multiplexed trace gas detection, which has valuable application potential in the fields of precision spectroscopy and trace gas detection. Here, we report the development of a mid-infrared Fourier transform spectrometer based on an optical frequency comb combined with a Herriott-type multipass cell. Using this instrument, the broadband absorption spectra of several important molecules, including methane, acetylene, water molecules and nitrous oxide, are measured by near real-time data acquisition in the 2800–3500 cm−1 spectral region. The achieved minimum detectable absorption of the instrument is 4.4xl0−8 cm−1·Hz−1//2 per spectral element. Broadband spectra of H2O are fitted using the Voigt profile multispectral fitting technique and the consistency of the concentration inversion is 1%. Our system also enables precise spectroscopic measurements, and it allows the determination of the spectral line positions and upper state constants of N2O in the (0002)–(1000) band, with results in good agreement with those reported by Toth [Appl. Opt. 30, 5289 (1991)].
General reversal of N-decomposition relationship during long-term decomposition in boreal and temperate forests
Authors: Sun Tao , Dong Lili , Zhang Yunyu , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Schlesinger William H. , Zhu Jiaojun , Berg Björn , Adair E. Carol , Fang Yunting , Hobbie Sarah E.
Published: May 2024

Decomposition of dead organic matter is fundamental to carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, influencing C fluxes from the biosphere to the atmosphere. Theory predicts and evidence strongly supports that the availability of nitrogen (N) limits litter decomposition. Positive relationships between substrate N concentrations and decomposition have been embedded into ecosystem models. This decomposition paradigm, however, relies on data mostly from short-term studies analyzing controls on early-stage decomposition. We present evidence from three independent long-term decomposition investigations demonstrating that the positive N-decomposition relationship is reversed and becomes negative during later stages of decomposition. First, in a 10-y decomposition experiment across 62 woody species in a temperate forest, leaf litter with higher N concentrations exhibited faster initial decomposition rates but ended up a larger recalcitrant fraction decomposing at a near-zero rate. Second, in a 5-y N-enrichment experiment of two tree species, leaves with experimentally enriched N concentrations had faster decomposition initial rates but ultimately accumulated large slowly decomposing fractions. Measures of amino sugars on harvested litter in two experiments indicated that greater accumulation of microbial residues in N-rich substrates likely contributed to larger slowly decomposing fractions. Finally, a database of 437 measurements from 120 species in 45 boreal and temperate forest sites confirmed that higher N concentrations were associated with a larger slowly decomposing fraction. These results challenge the current treatment of interactions between N and decomposition in many ecosystems and Earth system models and suggest that even the best-supported short-term controls of biogeochemical processes might not predict long-term controls.
Meromorphic functions with a polar asymptotic value
Authors: Chen Tao , Keen Linda
Published: May 2024

This paper is part of a general program in complex dynamics to understand parameter spaces of transcendental maps with finitely many singular values.

The simplest families of such functions have two asymptotic values and no critical values. These families, up to affine conjugation, depend on two complex parameters. Understanding their parameter spaces is key to understanding families with more asymptotic values, just as understanding quadratic polynomials was for rational maps more generally.

The first such families studied were the one-dimensional slices of the exponential family,

exp
⁡
(
z
)
+
a

\exp (z) + a

, and the tangent family

λ
tan
⁡
z

\lambda \tan z

. The exponential case exhibited phenomena not seen for rational maps: Cantor bouquets in both the dynamic and parameter spaces, and no bounded hyperbolic components. The tangent case, with its two finite asymptotic values

±
λ
i

\pm \lambda i

, is closer to the rational case, a kind of infinite degree version of the latter.

In this paper, we consider a general family that interpolates between

exp
⁡
(
z
)
+
a

\exp (z) + a

and

λ
tan
⁡
z

\lambda \tan z

. Our new family has two asymptotic values and a one-dimensional slice for which one of the asymptotic values is constrained to be a pole, the “polar asymptotic value” of the title. We show how the dynamic and parameter planes for this slice exhibit behavior that is a surprisingly delicate interplay between that of the

exp
⁡
(
z
)
+
a

\exp (z) + a

and

λ
tan
⁡
z

\lambda \tan z

families.
Weyl symmetry for curve counting invariants via spherical twists
Authors: Buelles Tim-Henrik , Moreira Miguel
Published: May 2024

We study the curve counting invariants of Calabi–Yau 3-folds via the Weyl reflection along a ruled divisor. We obtain a new rationality result and functional equation for the generating functions of Pandharipande–Thomas invariants. When the divisor arises as resolution of a curve of

A
1

A_1

-singularities, our results match the rationality of the associated Calabi–Yau orbifold.

The symmetry on generating functions descends from the action of an infinite dihedral group of derived auto-equivalences, which is generated by the derived dual and a spherical twist. Our techniques involve wall-crossing formulas and generalized Donaldson–Thomas invariants for surface-like objects.
Full inference for the anisotropic fractional Brownian field
Authors: Escande Paul , Richard Frédéric
Published: May 2024

The anisotropic fractional Brownian field (AFBF) is a non-stationary Gaussian random field which has been used for the modeling of textured images. In this paper, we address the open issue of estimating the functional parameters of this field, namely the topothesy and Hurst functions. We propose an original method which fits the empirical semi-variogram of an image to the semi-variogram of a turning-band field that approximates the AFBF. Expressing the fitting criterion in terms of a separable non-linear least square criterion, we design a minimization algorithm inspired by the variable projection approach. This algorithm also includes a coarse-to-fine multigrid strategy based on approximations of functional parameters. Compared to existing methods, the new method enables to estimate both functional parameters on their whole definition domain. On simulated textures, we show that it has a low estimation error, even when the parameters are approximated with a high precision. We also apply the method to characterize mammograms and sample images with synthetic parenchymal patterns.
Parisian times for linear diffusions
Authors: Profeta Christophe
Published: May 2024

We compute the joint distribution of the first times a linear diffusion makes an excursion longer than some given duration above (resp. below) some fixed level. In the literature, such stopping times have been introduced and studied in the framework of Parisian barrier options, mainly in the case of Brownian motion with drift. We also exhibit several independence properties, and provide some formulae for the associated ruin probabilities.
Initial-boundary value problem for transport equations driven by rough paths
Authors: Noboriguchi Dai
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we are interested in the initial Dirichlet boundary value problem for a transport equation driven by weak geometric Hölder

p
p

-rough paths. We introduce a notion of solutions to rough partial differential equations with boundary conditions. Consequently, we will establish a well-posedness for such a solution under some assumptions stated below. Moreover, the solution is given explicitly.
Imaging of Central Nervous System Infections in the Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Holmes Andrew , Blue Mason , Diaz Mark , Kuner Anthony , Albertson Megan
Published: May 2024

Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to the same infections as immunocompetent individuals and have an additional unique risk for atypical infections in the central nervous system (CNS). Many CNS infections carry a poor prognosis if not treated promptly, so it is prudent for radiologists to recognize key findings and have a high level of suspicion in immunocompromised patients. Moreover, a patient may have no known deficiency but can present with an atypical CNS infection as their first sign of an immunocompromised state, thus allowing the radiologist to be the first to suggest specific workup such as HIV testing. Because different infection sources (bacterial, fungal, and parasitic) have separate treatments, it is highly valuable to guide management in the right direction early in the diagnostic workup. This article discusses common opportunistic infections observed in the immunocompromised patient, primarily focusing on neuroimaging findings and pertinent clinical background and treatment for each disease entity. This article also emphasizes the importance of familiarity with the differential diagnosis for ring-enhancing lesions within the CNS.
Original Research: Addressing Nurse Burnout: The Relationship Between Burnout and Physical Activity
Authors: Guerrero Kerrie , Fleming Sarah , Calderon Alexa , Fontenot Nicole
Published: May 2024

Background:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses have faced innumerable challenges, which have contributed to staggering increases in burnout rates. In the health care arena, burnout has been associated with the onset or exacerbation of physical illness, neglect of self-care, fatigue, decreased patient satisfaction, higher medication error rates, lack of nurse engagement, and increased nurse turnover.

Purpose:

This cross-sectional study sought to determine whether a correlation exists between self-reported physical activity and nurses' perception of burnout in a sample of hospital RNs. The secondary aim was to determine whether a correlation exists between the level of perceived burnout and the number of medication errors or near misses.

Methods:

Participants were asked to provide demographic information, complete the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ), and self-report the number of medication errors or near misses they were involved in during the previous 12 months. Data were analyzed using Stata version 17 software.

Results:

A total of 216 participants returned usable surveys. Regarding the relationship between burnout and physical activity levels, data analysis was performed for the 210 participants who completed both the CBI and the GLTEQ. Compared with the least physically active nurses, the most active nurses had significantly lower CBI scores, with 68.5% of those reporting low or no burnout also scoring 24 or more on the GLTEQ. The least physically active nurses had significantly higher CBI scores, with 47.6% of those reporting high burnout also scoring 13 or less on the GLTEQ. Moreover, 90% of the nurses with high burnout levels had directly cared for COVID-19 patients at some point between 2020 and 2022. Medical–surgical nurses experienced significantly higher levels of burnout compared with nurses working in other service areas. No significant relationship was found between the number of medication errors or near misses and burnout levels.

Conclusions:

This study found that the most physically active nurses reported lower levels of burnout, while the highest levels of burnout were found in the least active nurses. Although COVID-19 infection rates have eased, many nurses, particularly those who have cared for COVID-19 patients and those who work in medical–surgical environments, continue to experience burnout. Targeted programs to reduce work-related burnout, as well as organizational sponsorship of and unit-level support for such programs, are urgently needed. This study's findings suggest that promotion of physical activity may be an essential component to alleviating burnout.
Accuracy and Precision of Three Acceleromyographs, Three Electromyographs, and a Mechanomyograph Measuring the Train-of-four Ratio in the Absence of Neuromuscular Blocking Drugs
Authors: Wedemeyer Zain , Michaelsen Kelly E. , Jelacic Srdjan , Silliman Willis , Lopez Aidan , Togashi Kei , Bowdle Andrew
Published: May 2024

Background

The accuracy and precision of currently available, widely used acceleromyograph and electromyograph neuromuscular blockade monitors have not been well studied. In addition, the normalization of the train-of-four ratio from acceleromyography (train-of-four ratio [T4/T1] divided by the baseline train-of-four ratio) has not been validated in comparison to mechanomyography.

Methods

Enrolled patients had surgery under general anesthesia with a supraglottic airway and without any neuromuscular blocking drugs. Three acceleromyograph monitors, three electromyograph monitors, and a mechanomyograph built in the authors’ laboratory were tested. Most patients had an electromyograph and the mechanomyograph on one arm and a third monitor on the contralateral arm. Train-of-four ratios were collected every 12 to 20 s for the duration of the anesthetic. At least 1,000 train-of-four ratios were recorded for each device. Gauge repeatability and reproducibility analysis was performed.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. In total, 9,498 train-of-four ratio measurements were collected. Since no neuromuscular blocking drugs were used, the expected train-of-four ratio was 1.0. All of the acceleromyograph monitors produced overshoot in the train-of-four ratio (estimated means, 1.10 to 1.13) and substantial variability (gauge SDs, 0.07 to 0.18). Normalization of the train-of-four ratio measured by acceleromyography improved the estimated mean for each device (0.97 to 1.0), but the variability was not improved (gauge SDs, 0.06 to 0.17). The electromyograph and the mechanomyograph monitors produced minimal overshoot (estimated means, 0.99 to 1.01) and substantially less variation (gauge SDs, 0.01 to 0.02). For electromyography and mechanomyography, 0.3% of all train-of-four ratios were outside of the range 0.9 to 1.1. For acceleromyography, 27 to 51% of normalized train-of-four ratios were outside the range of 0.9 to 1.1.

Conclusions

Three currently available acceleromyograph monitors produced overshoot and substantial variability that could be clinically significant. Normalization corrected the overshoot in the average results but did not reduce the wide variability. Three electromyograph monitors measured the train-of-four ratio with minimal overshoot and variability, similar to a mechanomyograph.

Editor’s Perspective

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New
A Predefined Rule-Based Multi-Factor Risk Stratification Is Associated With Improved Outcomes at a Rural Primary Care Practice
Authors: Abu Lekham Laith , Hey Ellen , Canario Jose , Rivas Yissette , Felice Amanda , Mantegna Tiffani , Wang Yong , Khasawneh Mohammad T.
Published: May 2024

This study built a predefined rule-based risk stratification paradigm using 19 factors in a primary care setting that works with rural communities. The factors include medical and nonmedical variables. The nonmedical variables represent 3 demographic attributes and one other factor represents transportation availability. Medical variables represent major clinical variables such as blood pressure and BMI. Many risk stratification models are found in the literature but few integrate medical and nonmedical variables, and to our knowledge, no such model is designed specifically for rural communities. The data used in this study contain the associated variables of all medical visits in 2021. Data from 2022 were used to evaluate the model. After our risk stratification model and several interventions were adopted in 2022, the percentage of patients with high or medium risk of deteriorating health outcomes dropped from 34.9% to 24.4%, which is a reduction of 30%. The medium-complex patient population size, which had been 29% of all patients, decreased by about 4% to 5.7%. According to the analysis, the total risk score showed a strong correlation with 3 risk factors: dual diagnoses, the number of seen providers, and PHQ9 (0.63, 0.54, and 0.45 correlation coefficients, respectively).
Effects of CYP3A5*3 genetic polymorphisms on the pharmacokinetics of perampanel in Chinese pediatric patients with epilepsy
Authors: Zhao Ting , Feng Ji-Rong , Zhang Hui-Lan , Yu Jing , Feng Jie , Sun Ke-Fang , Yu Lu-Hai , Sun Yan , Li Hong-Jian
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study was the first to evaluate the effect of CYP3A5*3 gene polymorphisms on plasma concentration of perampanel (PER) in Chinese pediatric patients with epilepsy.

Methods

We enrolled 98 patients for this investigation. Plasma PER concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Leftover samples from standard therapeutic drug monitoring were allocated for genotyping analysis. The primary measure of efficacy was the rate of seizure reduction with PER treatment at the final checkup.

Results

The plasma concentration showed a linear correlation with the daily dose taken (r = 0.17; P < 0.05). The ineffective group showed a significantly lower plasma concentration of PER (490.5 ± 297.1 vs. 633.8 ± 305.5 μg/ml; P = 0.019). For the mean concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio, the ineffective group showed a significantly lower C/D ratio of PER (3.2 ± 1.7 vs. 3.8 ± 2.0; P = 0.040). The CYP3A5*3 CC genotype exhibited the highest average plasma concentration of PER at 562.8 ± 293.9 ng/ml, in contrast to the CT and TT genotypes at 421.1 ± 165.6 ng/ml and 260.0 ± 36.1 ng/ml. The mean plasma PER concentration was significantly higher in the adverse events group (540.8 ± 285.6 vs. 433.0 ± 227.2 ng/ml; P = 0.042).

Conclusion

The CYP3A5*3 gene’s genetic polymorphisms influence plasma concentrations of PER in Chinese pediatric patients with epilepsy. Given that both efficacy and potential toxicity are closely tied to plasma PER levels, the CYP3A5*3 genetic genotype should be factored in when prescribing PER to patients with epilepsy.
Liver histology is associated with long-term clinical outcomes in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Mangla Kamal Kant , Berentzen Tina Landsvig , Grau Katrine , Kjær Mette Skalshøi , Ladelund Steen , Nitze Louise Maymann , Coolbaugh Crystal , Hsu Chih-Yuan , Hagström Hannes
Published: May 2024

Background:

Few studies have examined the risk of long-term clinical outcomes in patients with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis in relation to liver histology. We aimed to study this using a real-world cohort.

Methods:

Adults (N = 702) recorded on Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Synthetic Derivative database (1984–2021) with evidence of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis on liver biopsy were followed from the first biopsy until the first clinical event or last database entry (median: 4.7 y). Risks of cirrhosis (N = 650), other noncirrhotic liver-related (N = 702) and cardiovascular-related outcomes (N = 660), and mortality due to liver, cardiovascular, or cancer events (N = 660) were determined as a function of baseline histology (fibrosis stage [F], lobular inflammation grade [LI], hepatocyte ballooning grade [HB], and steatosis score) adjusting for sex, age, diabetes, and weight-loss surgery.

Results:

Cirrhosis risk was reduced for lower versus higher fibrosis stage (HR: F0–1 vs. F3: 0.22 [95% CI: 0.12–0.42]), LI1 versus LI2–3 (0.42 [0.19–0.97]), and HB1 versus HB2 (0.20 [0.08–0.50]). Lower fibrosis stage was associated with significantly lower risks of liver-related outcomes versus F4 cirrhosis (eg, F0–1: 0.12 [0.05–0.25]), whereas no differences were seen across baseline lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and steatosis grades/scores. Lower versus higher lobular inflammation grade was associated with lower risks for liver-related outcomes in patients with weight-loss surgery. There was a trend for lower risks for cardiovascular-related and any long-term outcomes with lower versus higher fibrosis stage.

Conclusions:

Fibrosis stage and lobular inflammation and hepatocyte ballooning grades predict the risk of long-term outcomes, supporting the use of these histological features as potential surrogate markers of disease progression or clinical outcomes.