bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coevolution of machine learning and process‐based modelling to revolutionize Earth and environmental sciences: A perspective
Authors: Razavi Saman , Hannah David M. , Elshorbagy Amin , Kumar Sujay , Marshall Lucy , Solomatine Dimitri P. , Dezfuli Amin , Sadegh Mojtaba , Famiglietti James
Published: May 2022

Machine learning (ML) applications in Earth and environmental sciences (EES) have gained incredible momentum in recent years. However, these ML applications have largely evolved in ‘isolation’ from the mechanistic, process‐based modelling (PBM) paradigms, which have historically been the cornerstone of scientific discovery and policy support. In this perspective, we assert that the cultural barriers between the ML and PBM communities limit the potential of ML, and even its ‘hybridization’ with PBM, for EES applications. Fundamental, but often ignored, differences between ML and PBM are discussed as well as their strengths and weaknesses in light of three overarching modelling objectives in EES, (1) nowcasting and prediction, (2) scenario analysis, and (3) diagnostic learning. The paper ponders over a ‘coevolutionary’ approach to model building, shifting away from a borrowing to a co‐creation culture, to develop a generation of models that leverage the unique strengths of ML such as scalability to big data and high‐dimensional mapping, while remaining faithful to process‐based knowledge base and principles of model explainability and interpretability, and therefore, falsifiability.
The Real‐World Effect of 12 Months of Romosozumab Treatment on Patients With Osteoporosis With a High Risk of Fracture and Factors Predicting the Rate of Bone Mass Increase: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Inose Hiroyuki , Ariga Akane , Motoyoshi Takayuki , Fukushima Kazuyuki , Tomizawa Shoji , Kato Tsuyoshi , Takahashi Kunihiko , Yoshii Toshitaka , Okawa Atsushi
Published: May 2022

Excluding clinical trials, there is limited evidence on the effect of 12 months of romosozumab treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) increase in real‐world clinical practice because its use has only been approved recently. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the real‐world effect of 12 months of romosozumab treatment on BMD increase and identify factors that predict the rate of BMD increase after 12 months of romosozumab treatment. We retrospectively investigated 106 patients who completed a 12‐month romosozumab treatment for osteoporosis with a high risk of fractures at four hospitals from March 2020 to March 2022. The univariate and multiple regression analyses were performed to analyze the concurrent effects of various factors on the BMD increase after the 12‐month romosozumab treatment. After 1 year of treatment, the lumbar spine BMD increased by 14.6%, and femoral neck BMD increased by 5.1%. Univariate regression analysis found that male sex, high tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP‐5b) value before romosozumab administration, absence of osteoporosis medications before romosozumab administration, and low baseline lumbar spine BMD were associated with the extent of lumbar spine BMD increase. Moreover, stepwise multiple regression analysis found that the TRACP‐5b value before romosozumab administration was a significant predictor of the rate of lumbar spine BMD increase after 1 year of romosozumab administration. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the effectiveness of the 12‐month romosozumab treatment for osteoporosis with a high risk of fractures and the TRACP‐5b value before romosozumab administration was a significant predictor of the rate of lumbar spine BMD increase after 1 year of romosozumab administration. Our findings could help establish more efficient treatment strategies for patients with osteoporosis at a high risk of fracture. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Novel Schiff base scaffolds derived from 4‐aminoantipyrine and 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde: Synthesis, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory
Authors: Kasare Mangesh S. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Shaikh Aksh Hina I. , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Pawar Suresh D.
Published: May 2022

The synthesis of four new azo‐Schiff base ligands from 2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(phenyldiazenyl)benzaldehyde and 4‐aminoantipyrine is described in this study. The molecular structures of all the scaffolds were confirmed using NMR spectroscopies such as 1H and 13C, as well as FT‐IR and Mass spectroscopy. After successful synthesis and characterization of all the ligands, their in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities were carried out by using standard protocols. Results revealed that all the four ligands (L1‐L4) possessed excellent biological potency.
Multi‐residue analysis of 206 pesticides in grass forage by the one‐step quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method combined with ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Wu Xingqiang , Li Tiemei , Feng Hailing , Xie Yujie , Liu Fangyu , Tong Kaixuan , Fan Chunlin , Liu Yingtao , Chen Hui
Published: May 2022

A novel method for detecting pesticide multi‐residue in grass forage (alfalfa and oat) was established based on the one‐step automatic extraction and purification technology of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe combined with ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The crushed sample was extracted with acetonitrile with 1% acetate, followed by a cleanup step with a primary‐secondary amine, octadecylsilane, and graphitized carbon black. The extraction and purification were carried out using the one‐step automatic pretreatment equipment. The target pesticides were acquired in positive ion electrospray ionization mode and full scan/data dependent secondary scan mode. The calibration curve shows good linearity over the corresponding concentration range, with the coefficient of determination greater than 0.99. The screening detection limits were 0.5–50 μg/kg, and the limit of quantification for the 206 pesticides was set at 1–50 μg/kg. At the spiking levels of one, two, and 10 times of limit of quantification, more than 95% of pesticides had recovery between 70–120%, with a relative standard deviation ≤20%. The method was proved to be simple, rapid, high‐sensitivity, and could be routinely used for the high throughput screening and quantitative analysis of pesticide residues in alfalfa and oat.
Identification and quantification of anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids in flowers ofRhododendron arboreumand evaluation of their antioxidant potential
Authors: Bhatt Vinod , Sendri Nitisha , Swati Km , Devidas Shinde Bhagatsing , Bhandari Pamita
Published: May 2022

The current study aimed to investigate the anthocyanins, non‐anthocyanins (flavonoids and phenolic acids), and free radicals scavenging potential in the flowers ofRhododendron arboreumusing ultra high performance liquid chromatography with ion mobility quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 25 constituents including nine anthocyanins, six phenolic acids, and ten flavonoids were identified in the flower extract. The major anthocyanins identified were cyanidin‐3‐O‐β‐galactoside (1), cyanidin‐3‐O‐α‐arabinoside (4), and cyanidin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside (8), while quercetin glycosides were the main identified flavonoids inR. arboreumflowers. Additionally, ultra high performance liquid chromatography methods were developed and validated for the quantification of nine compounds (anthocyanins, flavonoid glycosides, and phenolic acids); five of them were quantified using internal standards. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolics (123.6 mg GAE/g), anthocyanin content (1.76% w/w), and evaluated for antioxidant properties against 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (IC50: 102.06 and 96.92 μg/mL) and 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation (112.25 and 45.59 μM TE/g) assays. The profiling ofR. arboreumfor anthocyanins is reported for the first time. The findings suggest that the flowers are a promising source of bioactive constituents and could be used as functional food, antioxidants, and nutraceuticals.
Effects of Nabilone on Sleep Outcomes in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Post‐hoc Analysis of NMS‐Nab Study
Authors: Peball Marina , Seppi Klaus , Krismer Florian , Knaus Hans‐Günther , Spielberger Sabine , Heim Beatrice , Ellmerer Philipp , Werkmann Mario , Poewe Werner , Djamshidian Atbin
Published: May 2022

Background

The synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol analogue nabilone improved overall non‐motor symptom (NMS) burden in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients in comparison to placebo.

Objectives

To characterize the effects of nabilone on different sleep outcomes in PD patients.

Methods

We performed a post‐hoc analysis of the controlled, double‐blind, enriched enrollment randomized withdrawal NMS‐Nab study to assess the effects of nabilone on sleep outcomes in study participants who reported clinically‐relevant sleep problems (MDS‐UPDRS‐1.7 ≥ 2 points).

Results

After open‐label nabilone administration, 77.4% reported no relevant sleep problem. In the withdrawal phase of the trial, the MDS‐UPDRS‐1.7. and the NMS‐Scale Domain 2 (i.e., Sleep/Fatigue) significantly worsened only in PD patients in the placebo group, which was mostly driven by a significant worsening of insomnia (question 5 of the NMS‐Scale Domain 2).

Conclusions

This post‐hoc analysis of the NMS‐Nab trial suggests that nabilone has beneficial effects on sleep outcomes in PD patients experiencing sleep problems at baseline.

The original trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03769896, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03769896) and EudraCT (2017–000192‐86).
Meta‐Golden Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Şahin Fulya , Şahin Bayram
Published: May 2022

The logarithmic spiral in nature has been given as an example of the golden ratio until now. But recently, it has been shown that this is not true, and the logarithmic spiral has actually been shown to provide the so‐called Meta‐Golden‐Chi ratio. Inspiring from Meta‐Golden‐Chi ratio, we introduce almost Meta‐Golden manifolds, give a characterization, provide examples, and investigate certain properties of Meta‐Golden structure. The integrability of almost Meta‐Golden structure is checked, and the relation of Meta‐Golden structure with curvature tensor field is examined. In addition, if the Meta‐Golden manifold has constant curvature, it is shown that such manifold is a flat space under certain conditions. This implies that there is a need for a new concept of sectional curvature in Meta‐Golden Riemannian manifolds.
A single‐layered wideband circularly polarized reflectarray using a linearly polarized feed
Authors: Zhou Qiqi , Guo Lu , Feng Wenjie
Published: May 2022

A single‐layered wideband circularly polarized (CP) reflectarray adopting a linearly polarized (LP) feed is designed, fabricated, and tested. The unit‐cell is composed of a pair of orthogonally placed slotted patches and it can offer a linear phase by varying the embedded slot length. The orthogonal patches' exterior dimensions are all identical thus rapid structural changes observed in traditional reflectarrays are circumvented. By manipulating the dimensions of slot length in orthogonal directions, and illuminated by a linearly polarized feed orientated diagonally to the aperture, a circularly polarized radiating wave can be generated. The array is designed at 10 GHz, comprising 529 unit‐cells with 0.3λ spacing. Measured results indicate a circularly polarized wave with a peak aperture efficiency of 46.4% is achieved while the 1‐dB gain bandwidth and 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth are 28.8% and 35%, respectively, demonstrating a good overall performance of the design.
A hardening/softening viscoplastic model for large deformation of soil
Authors: Parvaneh Seyed Milad , Foster Craig D. , Chi Sheng‐Wei
Published: May 2022

A three‐invariant continuum cap plasticity model with viscoplastic features is developed for modeling the large deformation of soil. Multiple failure mechanisms including combined shear and compaction yielding and loss of strength under tension can be captured by this model. The shear yield surface of the model is formulated to be nonlinear and pressure‐dependent. The model also features a cap surface that governs inelastic compaction hardening. This cap is formulated as an explicit expression of porosity. The differences in triaxial compression and extension strength are also considered. A set of numerical examples are carried out, including triaxial compression and compression‐shear tests, in order to examine the model under confined loading conditions, and observe the formation of shear bands.
Use of prescription medications with cardiovascular adverse effects among older adults in the United States
Authors: Ozenberger Katharine , Alexander G. Caleb , Shin Jung‐Im , Whitsel Eric A. , Qato Dima M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Many commonly used prescription medications have cardiovascular adverse effects, yet the cumulative risk of cardiovascular events associated with the concurrent use of these medications is unknown. We examined the association between the concurrent use of prescription medications with known risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (“MACE medications”) and the risk of such events among older adults.

Methods

A multi‐center, population‐based study from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study of a cohort of 3669 community‐dwelling adults aged 61–86 years with no history of cardiovascular disease who reported the use of at least one medication between September 2006 and August 2013 were followed up until August 2015. Exposure defined as time‐varying and time‐fixed use of 1, 2 or ≥3 MACE medications with non‐MACE medications serving as negative control. Primary outcome was incident MACE defined as coronary artery revascularization, myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiac arrest, or death.

Results

In fully adjusted models, there was an increased risk of MACE associated with use of 1, 2, or ≥3 MACE medications (1 MACE: hazards ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–1.57); 2 MACE: HR 1.89, CI 1.42–2.53; ≥3 MACE: HR 2.22, CI 1.61–3.07) compared to use of non‐MACE medications. These associations persisted in propensity score‐matched analyses and among new users of MACE medications, never users of cardiovascular medications and subgroups of participants with increased risk of MACE. There was no association between the number of non‐MACE medications used and MACE.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this community‐based cohort of older adults with no prior cardiovascular disease, the use of MACE medications was independently and consistently associated with an increased risk of such events in a dose–response fashion.
Evaluation of pH change effects on the HSA folding and its drug binding characteristics, a computational biology investigation
Authors: Gomari Mohammad Mahmoudi , Rostami Neda , Faradonbeh Davood Rabiei , Asemaneh Hamid Reza , Esmailnia Giti , Arab Shahriar , Farsimadan Marziye , Hosseini Arshad , Dokholyan Nikolay V.
Published: May 2022

The binding of therapeutics to human serum albumin (HSA), which is an abundant protein in plasma poses a major challenge in drug discovery. Although HSA has several binding pockets, the binding site I on D2 and binding site II on D3 are the main binding pockets of HSA. To date, a few experiments have been conducted to examine the effects of the potential of hydrogen (pH) changes on HSA attributes. In the present investigation, the effect of acidic (pH 7.1) and basic states (pH 7.7) on HSA structure and its drug binding potency were examined in comparison with the physiological state (pH 7.4). For this purpose, molecular dynamics (MD), free energy landscape (FEL), principal component analysis (PCA), probability distribution function (PDF), tunnel‐cavity investigation, secondary structure analysis, docking study, and free energy investigation were employed to investigate the effect of pH changes on the structural characteristics of HSA at the atomic level. The results obtained from this study revealed the significant effect of pH alterations on the secondary and tertiary structure of HSA. In addition, HSA stability and its drug binding ability can be severely affected following pH changes. Given that pH change frequently occurs in various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure, therefore, pharmaceutical companies should allocate specific consideration to this subject throughout their drug design experiments.
Atezolizumab plus carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel versus carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel as treatments for Chinese, treatment‐naïve, stage IV, non‐squamous, non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Chen Yingkai , Kang Shizhou , Yan Ming
Published: May 2022

The IMpower trials reported significant effects of atezolizumab‐containing chemotherapies on Caucasian patients. Chinese patients differ from their Western counterparts in terms of driver mutations, etiologies, and regimen tolerance. In China, atezolizumab‐containing chemotherapies are not cost‐effective. Atezolizumab addition triggers grade >3 adverse events. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness and the safety profile of atezolizumab plus carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel compared to carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel in treatment‐naïve Chinese patients with confirmed stage IV, non‐squamous, non‐small‐cell lung cancer. All patients completed six cycles of 1200 mg of atezolizumab/3 weeks plus 6 mg/ml/min area‐under‐the‐curve carboplatin/3 weeks plus 100 mg/m2 nab‐paclitaxel/week (n = 115; ACN cohort) or 6 mg/ml/min area‐under‐the‐curve carboplatin/3 weeks plus 100 mg/m2 nab‐paclitaxel/week (n = 130; CNP cohort). The progression‐free survival (12.98 ± 2.57 months vs. 10.89 ± 2.18 months, p < .0001) and overall survival (38.04 ± 19.8 months vs. 33.59 ± 87 months, p = .012) of patients in the ACN cohort were higher than those of patients in the CNP cohort after 48 weeks of follow‐up. A total of 97 (84%) patients in the ACN cohort and 94 (72%) in the CNP cohort developed grade ≥3 adverse events (p = .030). A total of 84 (73%) patients from the ACN cohort and 107 (82%) from the CNP cohort died during 48 weeks of follow‐up (p = .091). The addition of atezolizumab to carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel enhanced progression‐free and overall survival but increased the risk of grade ≥3 adverse events in Chinese, treatment‐naïve, stage IV, non‐squamous, non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients who completed treatment (Level of Evidence: III; Technical Efficacy Stage: 4).
A refinement approach to the multivariable tracking error problem
Authors: Pretorius Arnold , Boje Edward
Published: May 2022

This article presents a new refinement design routine aimed at solving the robust multivariable tracking error problem with reduced conservatism. The prevailing multivariable quantitative feedback theory (QFT) approach is to implicitly overbound the model‐error tracking set frequency response in magnitude using the triangle inequality, with the intention of arriving at a set of univariate design constraints that independently describe the feedback controller solution space. While this method is effective in the low‐frequency range (where the loop gain tends to be large), the mid‐ to high‐frequency design regions (where diagonal dominance is not possible in general) suffers from arbitrarily large design conservatism. This inhibits minimum gain‐phase solutions and necessitates undesirable over‐design in the frequency band that can contribute to large, expensive control action. The proposed method follows a refinement approach that makes use of information from an a priori feedback control design. In this way, the tracking error problem is reposed as a differential design, and gain‐phase information from the previous iteration can be captured to reduce the conservatism imposed when applying the triangle inequality. Additionally, a constrained optimization routine is used to select a prototype feedforward filter that can relax the constraint set, thereby increasing the accessible solution space of the diagonal feedback controller. Finally, a nondiagonal, multivariable feedforward filter bound generation routine is defined that relies on existence conditions and is free of induced design conservatism. The viability of this design methodology is demonstrated on two benchmark problems of varying complexity, in order to demonstrate the widespread efficacy.
Reaffirmation: The critical partner to a resolution
Authors: Skipworth Stan
Published: May 2022

While 2020 and 2021 were incredibly difficult in many ways, I look back at 2021 with a particular amount of pride for a rather important personal achievement.
Embedding counselors within departments across campus can meet increased demand
Authors: Ehrnstrom Colleen , Blankenheim Audrey , Bottiglio Melissa , Tomatz Matthew , West Alison , Bryant Trinity , LaHoda Rachel , Gerberich Stacy
Published: May 2022

The average number of college students that used counseling center resources jumped from 8.5% in 2007 to 11.8% in 2019. The usage numbers continue to increase each year, creating a tremendous burden on the existing counseling center model. Along the way, concerns about the management of student mental health have become a national discussion as students struggle not only with psychological distress but with frustrations about inadequate resources. National headlines have fueled the discontentment as reports of long wait times, session limits, and infrequent sessions impacted the welfare of students. These concerns led to a recognition that the mental health concerns of students had reached the level of a global health crisis.
Did court dismiss student's Title IX claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: May 2022

A University of Wisconsin student, “Jane Doe,” was allegedly raped by a UW football player.
Focus on affordability, student support leads to enrollment growth
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2022

A few years ago, members of the board asked Ryan Smith, President of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College in Ohio, what his biggest worry was. He told them he was concerned the institution would run out of space in the residence halls. At the time, Rio Grande had about 180 residents and capacity for 500 to live on campus.
Enhancing effect of Sn doping for the optical absorption of BaO/BaTiO3 interphase by first principles calculations
Authors: Wei Lijing , Li Feng , Pang Shaoyuan , Chu Lizhi , Guan Li , Guo Jianxin
Published: May 2022

A narrow bandgap and high optical absorption are significantly important for the development of ferroelectric photovoltaic (FE‐PV). Nine lateral interface structures, which consist of Sn‐doped BaO (BSO) and BaTiO3 (BTO), are constructed in this work. The bandgap of BSO/BTO decreases to 1.20 eV from 2.46 eV of BTO based on first principles calculations. The electronic structures show that the Sn doping plays a very important role for the bandgap decrease of BaO/BTO. The optical adsorption coefficient of BSO/BTO remarkably increases compared with that of BTO.
Attraction, Entrance, and Passage Efficiency of Arctic Grayling, Trout, and Suckers at Denil Fishways in the Big Hole River Basin, Montana
Authors: Triano Ben , Kappenman Kevin M. , McMahon Thomas E. , Blank Matt , Heim Kurt C. , Parker Albert E. , Zale Alexander V. , Platt Nolan , Plymesser Katey
Published: May 2022

The Big Hole River basin in southwestern Montana supports the only indigenous, self‐sustaining fluvial population of Arctic Grayling Thymallus arcticus in the conterminous United States, but the basin is fragmented by numerous low‐head irrigation diversion dams. Denil fishways at 63 diversion dams provide Arctic Grayling and other fishes opportunities for year‐round access to critical habitats; however, their efficiency has not been evaluated. We quantified attraction, entrance, and passage for hatchery‐reared Arctic Grayling, wild trout (Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis and Brown Trout Salmo trutta), and wild suckers (White Sucker Catostomus commersonii and Longnose Sucker C. catostomus) during 14 field trials conducted at six Denil fishways over a representative range of fishway slopes and hydraulic conditions using passive integrated transponder telemetry. Attraction (60.4–84.3%) and entrance (44.3–78.6%) efficiencies were variable across test conditions and reduced overall fishway efficiencies (19.1–55.8%). In contrast, upon entry, passage efficiencies were high (96.2–97.0%) for all taxa across all test conditions. Attraction of hatchery‐reared Arctic Grayling increased with upstream depth (a surrogate for fishway discharge) and attraction flow, but attraction of wild fish was less affected by these conditions. Entrance of Arctic Grayling, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout decreased with upstream depth and fishway slope, especially when plunging entrance conditions associated with shallow downstream depths were present. However, entrance of Arctic Grayling and both trout species increased with downstream depth, and submerged fishway entrances demonstrated promise for increasing entrance efficiency at fishways with high discharges and steep slopes. We demonstrate that comprehensive evaluations of fishway efficiency components can identify specific solutions that improve fishway efficiency; application of these engineering solutions at individual fishways (as needed) could improve their efficiency and further enhance aquatic connectivity for fishes in the Big Hole River basin and elsewhere.
The use of haemodialysis for the treatment of phenobarbitone intoxication 30 hours after ingestion
Authors: Trinder Richard , Greensmith Thomas , Cole Laura , Cortellini Stefano
Published: May 2022

An 18‐month‐old male neutered Cocker Spaniel presented with a comatose mentation to its primary care veterinarian following the presumed ingestion of 216 mg/kg of phenobarbitone 2 hours prior. Following a failure to improve with intravenous fluids, lipid emulsion therapy, and supportive care, the patient was then referred to a tertiary referral centre for further treatment 30 hours following ingestion. Mechanical ventilation was initiated due to severe hypoventilation (PvCO2: 69.9 mmHg) before the patient underwent a 300‐minute prolonged veno‐venous haemodiafiltration cycle performed using a continuous haemodialysis‐based platform and a high‐flux dialyser. The patient demonstrated rapid neurological improvement being extubated after 4 hours, and becoming responsive and ambulatory 5 hours from the initiation of the treatment. The patient was discharged 60 hours following the completion of haemodialysis.

This is the first report in the veterinary literature of the effective use of veno‐venous haemodiafiltration to treat phenobarbitone intoxication 30 hours after ingestion using a high‐flux dialyser.
Characterization and Monitoring of an Unstable Rock Face by Microseismic Methods
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong
Published: May 2022

Unstable rock slopes are likely to cause rockfalls, threatening human lives and properties, industrial activities, and transportation infrastructures in mountain areas. There is an increasing demand to forecast and mitigate the potential damage of rockfalls by developing a reliable early warning system. In this thesis, an unstable mountain slope in northern Italy was selected as the research target. A microseismic monitoring network has been operating since 2013 as a field research laboratory to study the microseismic monitoring technique in the perspective of developing rockfall early warning systems. Locating microseismic events is a basic step of this technique to obtain the location of developing cracks as possible precursors of rockfalls. However, it is still a challenging task due to the heterogeneity of fractured rock slopes. The main purpose of this thesis is to address the issues related to event localization for microseismic monitoring strategy applied to the unstable rock face.

Graphical Abstract
Inwardly rectifying potassium channels mediate polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity
Authors: Lu Jing , Azad Mohammad A. K. , Moreau Julie L. M. , Zhu Yan , Jiang Xukai , Tonta Mary , Lam Rachel , Wickremasinghe Hasini , Zhao Jinxin , Wang Jiping , Coleman Harold A. , Formosa Luke E. , Velkov Tony , Parkington Helena C. , Combes Alexander N. , Rosenbluh Joseph , Li Jian
Published: May 2022

Polymyxin antibiotics are often used as a last-line defense to treat life-threatening Gram-negative pathogens. However, polymyxin-induced kidney toxicity is a dose-limiting factor of paramount importance and can lead to suboptimal treatment. To elucidate the mechanism and develop effective strategies to overcome polymyxin toxicity, we employed a whole-genome CRISPR screen in human kidney tubular HK-2 cells and identified 86 significant genes that upon knock-out rescued polymyxin-induced toxicity. Specifically, we discovered that knockout of the inwardly rectifying potassium channels Kir4.2 and Kir5.1 (encoded byKCNJ15andKCNJ16, respectively) rescued polymyxin-induced toxicity in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, we found that polymyxins induced cell depolarization via Kir4.2 and Kir5.1 and a significant cellular uptake of polymyxins was evident. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations revealed that polymyxin B1spontaneously bound to Kir4.2, thereby increasing opening of the channel, resulting in a potassium influx, and changes of the membrane potential. Consistent with these findings, small molecule inhibitors (BaCl2and VU0134992) of Kir potassium channels reduced polymyxin-induced toxicity in cell culture and mouse explant kidney tissue. Our findings provide critical mechanistic information that will help attenuate polymyxin-induced nephrotoxicity in patients and facilitate the design of novel, safer polymyxins.
The Helmholtz decomposition of a space of vector fields with bounded mean oscillation in a bounded domain
Authors: Giga Yoshikazu , Gu Zhongyang
Published: May 2022

We introduce a space of vector fields with bounded mean oscillation whose “tangential” and “normal” components to the boundary behave differently. We establish its Helmholtz decomposition when the domain is bounded. This substantially extends the authors’ earlier result for a half space.
Inter‐hospital Transfer Delays to a Tertiary Referral Center and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Abdominal Surgical Emergencies in Malawi
Authors: Yohann Avital , Kajombo Chifundo , Mulima Gift , Gallaher Jared , Charles Anthony
Published: May 2022

Background

In low‐income countries (LICs), patients with abdominal surgical emergencies often initially present to primary or district hospitals and are transferred to referral hospitals for surgical management. The transfer process introduces a delay to care, but the relationship between transfer time and outcomes has not been studied in LICs. We sought to evaluate the effect of transfer delays on postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery in Malawi.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the acute care surgery database at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), a referral hospital in Malawi. Patients were eligible for inclusion if transferred from another facility to KCH for emergency abdominal surgery. We used logistic regression modeling to evaluate the relationship between transfer time and postoperative complications and mortality.

Results

The study included 2037 patients. Female patients, patients transferred from district hospitals, and patients with bowel obstructions were most likely to spend over three days at a referring facility before transfer. On regression modeling, each additional day until transfer was associated with an 18% increase in odds of developing a postoperative complication (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.31, p = 0.005) and a 19% increase in odds of postoperative mortality (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.08–1.31, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Among patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery in Malawi, transfer delays are associated with higher postoperative complications and mortality rates. Further research should focus on identifying the factors causing delays so that interventions aimed at improving the transfer process can be developed.
Significance of systolic-phase imaging on full-phase ECG-gated CT angiography to detect intimal tears in aortic dissection
Authors: Yanagaki Satoru , Masuda Atsuro , Ota Hideki , Kojima Masatoshi , Hattori Takashi , Mihara Wahei , Takase Kei , Ueda Takuya
Published: May 2022

Purpose

For patients with aortic dissection (AD) and intramural hematoma (IMH), the optimal cardiac phase to detect intimal tears (IT) and ulcer-like projections (ULP) on retrospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography angiography (CTA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of retrospective ECG-gated CTA for detecting IT in AD and ULP in IMH between each cardiac phase.

Materials and methods

A total of 75 consecutive patients with AD and IMH of the thoracic aorta were enrolled in this single-center retrospective study. The diagnostic performance to detect IT and ULP in the thoracic aortic regions (including the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and proximal and distal descending aorta) was compared in each cardiac phase on retrospective ECG-gated CTA.

Results

In the systolic phase (20%), the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to detect IT in AD was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 56–72%), 69% (95%CI 60–78%), and 25% (95%CI 3.3–45%), respectively. In the diastolic phase (70%), the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to detect IT in AD was 52% (95%CI 43–60%), 52% (95%CI 42–61%), and 50% (95%CI 25–75%), respectively. The accuracy to detect IT in AD on ECG-gated CTA was significantly higher in the systolic phase than that in the diastolic phase (P = 0.025). However, there were no differences in the accuracy (83%; 95%CI 78–89%), sensitivity (71%; 95%CI 62–80%), or specificity (100%; 95%CI 100%) to detect ULP in IMH between the cardiac cycle phases.

Conclusion

Although it is currently recommended for routine diagnosis of AD and IMH, single-diastolic-phase ECG-gated CTA has risk to miss some IT in AD that are detectable in the systolic phase on full-phase ECG-gated CTA. This information is critical for determining the optimal treatment strategy for AD.
Mental health literacy in children and adolescents in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed studies systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Renwick Laoise , Pedley Rebecca , Johnson Isobel , Bell Vicky , Lovell Karina , Bee Penny , Brooks Helen
Published: May 2022

Mental illnesses are the leading cause of disease burden among children and young people (CYP) globally. Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disproportionately affected. Enhancing mental health literacy (MHL) is one way to combat low levels of help-seeking and effective treatment receipt. We aimed to synthesis evidence about knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of CYP in LMICs about mental illnesses, their treatments and outcomes, evaluating factors that can enhance or impede help-seeking to inform context-specific and developmentally appropriate understandings of MHL. Eight bibliographic databases were searched from inception to July 2020: PsycInfo, EMBASE, Medline (OVID), Scopus, ASSIA (ProQuest), SSCI, SCI (Web of Science) CINAHL PLUS, Social Sciences full text (EBSCO). 58 papers (41 quantitative, 13 qualitative, 4 mixed methods) representing 52 separate studies comprising 36,429 participants with a mean age of 15.3 [10.4–17.4], were appraised and synthesized using narrative synthesis methods. Low levels of recognition and knowledge about mental health problems and illnesses, pervasive levels of stigma and low confidence in professional healthcare services, even when considered a valid treatment option were dominant themes. CYP cited the value of traditional healers and social networks for seeking help. Several important areas were under-researched including the link between specific stigma types and active help-seeking and research is needed to understand more fully the interplay between knowledge, beliefs and attitudes across varied cultural settings. Greater exploration of social networks and the value of collaboration with traditional healers is consistent with promising, yet understudied, areas of community-based MHL interventions combining education and social contact.
The value of intraoperative MRI for resection of functional pituitary adenomas—a critical assessment of a consecutive single-center series of 114 cases
Authors: Scherer Moritz , Zerweck Paul , Becker Daniela , Kihm Lars , Jesser Jessica , Beynon Christopher , Unterberg Andreas
Published: May 2022

This series sought to evaluate the role of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) for resection of functional pituitary adenomas (FPAs). We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 114 consecutive FPAs with excessive hormone secretion treated with transsphenoidal surgery and iMRI during 01/2010–12/2017. We focused on iMRI findings, extend of resection and postoperative hormonal remission. Variables of incomplete resections and persistent hormone excess were evaluated by binary regression. Patients with FPAs presented with hypercortisolism (n = 23, 20%), acromegaly (n = 56, 49%), and as prolactinomas (n = 35, 31%) resistant to medical treatment. Preoperative MRI showed 81 macroadenomas (71%) and optic system involvement in 41 cases (36%). IMRI was suggestive for residual tumor in 51 cases (45%). Re-inspection of the cavity cleared equivocal findings in 16 cases (14%). Additional tumor was removed in 22 cases (19%). Complete resection was achieved in 95 cases (83%). Postoperative morbidity was low (1.7% revision surgeries, 0.8% permanent diabetes insipidus). Overall hormonal remission-rate was 59% (hypercortisolism 78%, acromegaly 52%, prolactinoma 57%). Supra- and parasellar invasion and preoperative visual impairment were significant predictors for incomplete resections despite use of iMRI. Risk for persistent hormone excess was increased sevenfold after incomplete resections. IMRI enabled reliable identification of tumor remnants during surgery and triggered further resection in a considerable proportion of cases. Nevertheless, tumor size and invasiveness set persistent boundaries to the completeness of resections. The low rate of surgical complications could point at a less invasive iMRI-guided surgical approach while achieving a complete tumor resection was a crucial determinant for hormonal outcome.
Impact of biogas digestates on soil microbiota in agriculture: a review
Authors: Karimi Battle , Sadet-Bourgeteau Sophie , Cannavacciuolo Mario , Chauvin Camille , Flamin Cyril , Haumont Adeline , Jean-Baptiste Vincent , Reibel Aurélie , Vrignaud Grégory , Ranjard Lionel
Published: May 2022

The global production of biogas has increased threefold during the last decade to partly replace fossil fuels, yet biogas production by anaerobic digestion generates substantial amounts of by-products named digestates. These biogas digestates can be recycled in soils to fertilize crops and to sequester carbon. Nonetheless, the impact of digestates on the soil biological is actually poorly known. Here, we reviewed the impact of digestates published in 56 articles reporting 23 microbial parameters. Half of the articles show neutral effects of biogas digestates and 7% showed negative effects. 25% of the articles show more stimulation of the soil microbial quality by biogas digestates, whereas 17% of the articles show less stimulation, compared to other organic fertilizers.
QTL mapping under salt stress in rice using a Kalarata–Azucena population
Authors: de Ocampo Marjorie P. , Ho Viet The , Thomson Michael J. , Mitsuya Shiro , Yamauchi Akira , Ismail Abdelbagi M.
Published: May 2022

Salt stress is a major constraint across large rice production areas in Asia, because of the high sensitivity of modern rice varieties. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with salt tolerance in rice, we developed an F2 population from a cross between the salt-tolerant landrace, Kalarata, and the salt-sensitive parent, Azucena. F3 families from this population were screened and scored for salt tolerance using IRRI’s Standard evaluation system (SES). Growth, biomass, Na+ and K+ concentrations in leaf tissues, and chlorophyll concentration were determined. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 151 SSRs and InDel markers, which cover 1463 cM with an average distance of 9.69 cM between loci. A total of 13 QTL were identified using Composite Interval Mapping for 16 traits. Several novel QTL were identified in this study, the largest is for root sodium concentration (LOD = 11.0, R2 = 25.0) on chromosome 3, which also co-localize with a QTL for SES. Several QTL on the short arm of chromosome 1 coincide with the Saltol locus identified before. The novel QTL identified in this study constitute future targets for molecular breeding, to combine them with other QTL identified before, for higher tolerance and stable performance of rice varieties in salt affected soils.
Dwarfing gene Rht24 does not affect Fusarium head blight resistance in a large European winter wheat diversity panel
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Lenhardt Melissa , Grehl Janosch , Gruner Paul , Koch Silvia
Published: May 2022

Reduced height (Rht) genes are widely used in modern wheat breeding although some confer higher susceptibility to Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by F. graminearum and other species. Our objective was to test whether the recently identified Rht24b dwarfing allele has a neutral effect on FHB response as reported previously from a single mapping population when unrelated winter wheat cultivars were analyzed. We artificially infected a panel of 420 cultivars divided into four genotypic groups (Rht24a + Rht-D1a, Rht24b + Rht-D1a, Rht24a + Rht-D1b, Rht24b + Rht-D1b) with Fusarium culmorum in five location-year combinations. High and significant (P ≤ 0.001) genetic variance for FHB severity and plant height (PH) was found in the entire panel as well as within the four Rht groups and both traits showed high entry-mean heritabilities of 0.92 and 0.98, respectively. Rht24b had no significant effect on FHB severity whereas Rht-D1b increased FHB susceptibility by 37%. The 29 most resistant cultivars either had the tallness alleles of the above mentioned Rht-D1 gene or Rht24b alone. The Rht24b + Rht-D1b combination had no significantly higher FHB severity than Rht-D1b alone. However, Rht24b reduced average PH only by 6.8 cm, whereas Rht-D1b conferred a reduction of 13.6 cm. For breeding short, FHB-resistant germplasm the neutral Rht24 gene must be complemented by further QTL or other FHB-neutral Rht genes.
Female preference for super-sized male ornaments and its implications for the evolution of ornament allometry
Authors: Summers Thomas C. , Ord Terry J.
Published: May 2022

It has been argued that disproportionately larger ornaments in bigger males—positive allometry—is the outcome of sexual selection operating on the size of condition dependent traits. We reviewed the literature and found a general lack of empirical testing of the assumed link between female preferences for large ornaments and a pattern of positive allometry in male ornamentation. We subsequently conducted a manipulative experiment by leveraging the unusual terrestrial fish, Alticus sp. cf. simplicirrus, on the island of Rarotonga. Males in this species present a prominent head crest to females during courtship, and the size of this head crest in the genus more broadly exhibits the classic pattern of positive allometry. We created realistic male models standardized in body size but differing in head crest size based on the most extreme allometric scaling recorded for the genus. This included a crest size well outside the observed range for the study population (super-sized). The stimuli were presented to free-living females in a manner that mimicked the spatial distribution of courting males. Females directed greater attention to the male stimulus that exhibited the super-sized crest, with little difference in attention direct to other size treatments. These data appear to be the only experimental evidence from the wild of a female preference function that has been implicitly assumed to drive selection that results in the evolution of positive allometry in male ornamentation.
Projected future changes in the contribution of Indo-Pacific sea surface height variability to the Indonesian throughflow
Authors: Shilimkar Vivek , Abe Hiroto , Roxy Mathew Koll , Tanimoto Youichi
Published: May 2022

The Indonesian throughflow (ITF) transports a significant amount of warm freshwater from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, making it critical to the global climate system. This study examines decadal ITF variations using ocean reanalysis data as well as climate model simulations from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). While the observed annual cycle of ITF transport is known to be correlated with the annual cycle of sea surface height (SSH) difference between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, ocean reanalysis data (1959–2015) show that the Pacific Ocean SSH variability controls more than 85% of ITF variation on decadal timescales. In contrast, the Indian Ocean SSH variability contributes less than 15%. While those observed contributions are mostly reproduced in the CMIP5 historical simulations, an analysis of future climate projections shows a 25–30% increase in the Indian Ocean SSH variability to decadal ITF variations and a corresponding decrease in the Pacific contribution. These projected changes in the Indian Ocean SSH variability are associated with a 23% increase in the amplitudes of negative zonal wind stress anomalies over the equatorial Indian Ocean, along with a 12º eastward shift in the center of action in these anomalies. This combined effect of the increased amplitude and eastward shift in the zonal wind stress increases the SSHA variance over the Indian Ocean, increasing its contribution to the ITF variation. The decadal ITF changes discussed in this study will be crucial in understanding the future global climate variability, strongly coupled to Indo-Pacific interactions.
Modularity of Bershadsky–Polyakov minimal models
Authors: Fehily Zachary , Ridout David
Published: May 2022

The Bershadsky–Polyakov algebras are the original examples of nonregular W-algebras, obtained from the affine vertex operator algebras associated with $$\mathfrak {sl}_3$$

sl
3

by quantum Hamiltonian reduction. In Fehily et al. (Comm Math Phys 385:859–904, 2021), we explored the representation theories of the simple quotients of these algebras when the level $$\mathsf {k}$$
k
is nondegenerate-admissible. Here, we combine these explorations with Adamović’s inverse quantum Hamiltonian reduction functors to study the modular properties of Bershadsky–Polyakov characters and deduce the associated Grothendieck fusion rules. The results are not dissimilar to those already known for the affine vertex operator algebras associated with $$\mathfrak {sl}_2$$

sl
2

, except that the role of the Virasoro minimal models in the latter is here played by the minimal models of Zamolodchikov’s $$\mathsf {W}_3$$

W
3

algebras.