bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedimentary characteristics and depositional model of hyperpycnites in the gentle slope of a lacustrine rift basin: A case study from the third member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation, Bonan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China
Authors: Yang Tian , Cao Yingchang , Wang Yanzhong , Cai Laixing , Liu Haining , Jin Jiehua
Published: April 2023

Hyperpycnal flow deposits, one of the most important deep‐water gravity‐flow deposits in lacustrine basins, have become the research focus in recent years. However, the sedimentary characteristics and depositional model of hyperpycnal flow deposits in lacustrine basins remain unclear due to the differences of depositional settings between lacustrine and marine environments. Hyperpycnal flow deposits observed in the middle of the third member of the Shahejie Formation (Es3z) in the Bonan Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China, provide a rare case study to reveal the characteristics and depositional model in lacustrine basins. For the first time, detailed core analysis, high‐resolution 3D seismic data, petrology and grain size analysis were used to unravel the characteristics and depositional model of hyperpycnal flow deposits in this study. Twelve lithofacies, six bed types and four bedsets (corresponding to feeder channel, distributary channel, levee and lobe) were recognized from detailed facies analysis. Plant fragment, an important identification mark for hyperpycnal flow deposits, can be classified into three types: completely broken plant fragments, partially broken plant fragments and complete leaves. The proximal part of the deposit develops a small amount of scattered and completely broken plant fragments in massive or spaced stratified pebbly sandstone and massive sandstone due to strong erosion of sustained high‐density turbidity current. The medial part of the deposit is dominated by laminated partially broken plant fragments in planar laminated or rippled sandstone due to suspended settling of sustained high‐density turbidity current and quasi‐steady low‐density turbidity current. Layered partially broken plant fragments with some complete leaves are common in the upper part mud rich division of hybrid event bed and laminated siltstone in the distal part of the deposit. The distribution pattern of hyperpycnites is controlled comprehensively by palaeogeomorphy and sediment supply. Palaeogullies determine the provenance direction of hyperpycnal flow. The formation of synsedimentary faults and troughs control the transport routing patterns. Local micro‐palaeogeomorphy and depression areas further restrict the distribution of sand bodies. During the early stage of deposition with insufficient sediment supply, sediments are transported to the deep basin along confined faulted troughs forming elongated sandy bodies. During the late stage of deposition with sufficient sediment supply, sediments are transported to the deep basin without confinement accumulating fan‐shaped sandy bodies. This study offers insight for enhancing the recognition criteria of hyperpycnites, as well as their depositional model in lacustrine basins.
Across‐the‐Curve Credit Spread Indices
Authors: Berndt Antje , Duffie Darrell , Zhu Yichao
Published: April 2023

We design a novel across‐the‐curve credit spread index, AXI, a measure of the recent cost of wholesale unsecured debt funding for publicly listed US bank holding companies and commercial banks. AXI, a benchmark for bank lending and risk management, is the weighted average of credit spreads for unsecured debt instruments with maturities ranging from overnight to five years, with weights that reflect both transaction and issuance volumes. We provide illustrative output of the bond‐based component of AXI. By widening coverage to include all corporate debt issuers, we also build a financial conditions index (FXI).
Using review articles to address societal grand challenges
Authors: Kunisch Sven , zu Knyphausen‐Aufsess Dodo , Bapuji Hari , Aguinis Herman , Bansal Tima , Tsui Anne S. , Pinto Jonathan
Published: April 2023

We introduce a special issue of International Journal of Management Reviews that demonstrates how to use review articles to address societal grand challenges—complex, large‐scale issues facing humankind, such as climate change, inequality and poverty. First, we argue that review articles possess unique features that make them particularly useful for addressing societal grand challenges. Second, we discuss three distinct but related roles of review articles in addressing societal grand challenges: (1) advancing theoretical knowledge; (2) advancing methodological knowledge; and (3) advancing practical knowledge. We conclude by providing future directions to enhance contributions of review articles for addressing societal grand challenges further by: (a) spanning disciplinary boundaries; (b) engaging practitioners; and (c) using alternative review approaches.
Association between maternal and infant screen time with child growth and development: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kracht Chelsea L. , Redman Leanne M. , Bellando Jayne , Krukowski Rebecca A. , Andres Aline
Published: April 2023

Background

Sedentary screen time is an early, modifiable risk factor for obesity and poor child development.

Objectives

To examine the relationship between maternal and infant screen time with child growth and development.

Methods

Pregnant women were recruited for a cohort study related to maternal and infant development. Screen time was assessed in mothers during pregnancy, and subsequently in children at 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months of age. Child anthropometry was measured, and nuclear magnetic resonance quantified child fat mass. Fat mass index (FMI) was calculated. The Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐III were used to assess child development. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between screen time and child growth and development, adjusted for covariates and stratified by sex.

Results

Mother/child dyads (n = 89) were mainly white (92.1%), and half were boys (52%). Both sexes increased screen time between 12 months and 24 months (ps <0.05). Child screen time was positively associated with FMI and negatively associated with development scores. In adjusted models, screen time was positively associated with FMI in boys, and meeting the screen time guideline was associated with lower FMI in girls.

Conclusion

Greater infant screen time was related to higher adiposity. Though few relationships emerged, a cautionary approach to screen time early in life may benefit child health.
Poor labour market prospects due to intensive caregiving? Childcare and eldercare among welfare recipients in Germany
Authors: Hamann Silke , Wydra‐Somaggio Gabriele
Published: April 2023

Despite the favourable economic situation in Germany over the last decade, the number of welfare recipients (~5 million) remained at a persistently high level. One factor limiting individuals' abilities to exit welfare dependency into employment is informal care. This article analyses two aspects of informal care: childcare, considering the number of caregivers in a given family constellation, and the amount of time spent on eldercare. A panel of survey data with comprehensive information on welfare recipients is used. The waves from 2006 to 2017 are included. The results suggest that the chances of exiting welfare dependency for those in jobs covering needs are strongly impacted by the intensity of caregiving. Single parents, as well as welfare recipients who spend >10 h/wk on eldercare, especially persons providing both of these types of caregiving, have the lowest probabilities of leaving welfare dependency among all recipient groups.
Anxiety symptom trajectories from treatment to 5‐ to 12‐year follow‐up across childhood and adolescence
Authors: Bai Sunhye , Rolon‐Arroyo Benjamin , Walkup John T. , Kendall Philip C. , Ginsburg Golda S. , Keeton Courtney P. , Albano Anne Marie , Compton Scott N. , Sakolsky Dara , Piacentini John , Peris Tara S.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The current study examined trajectories of anxiety during (a) acute treatment and (b) extended follow‐up to better characterize the long‐term symptom trajectories of youth who received evidence‐based intervention for anxiety disorders using a person‐centered approach.

Method

Participants were 319 youth (age 7–17 years at enrollment), who participated in a multicenter randomized controlled trial for the treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders, Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study, and a 4‐year naturalistic follow‐up, Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Extended Long‐term Study, an average of 6.5 years later. Using growth mixture modeling, the study identified distinct trajectories of anxiety across acute treatment (Weeks 0–12), posttreatment (Weeks 12–36), and the 4‐year‐long follow‐up, and identified baseline predictors of these trajectories.

Results

Three nonlinear anxiety trajectories emerged: “short‐term responders” who showed rapid treatment response but had higher levels of anxiety during the extended follow‐up; “durable responders” who sustained treatment gains; and “delayed remitters” who did not show an initial response to treatment, but showed low levels of anxiety during the maintenance and extended follow‐up periods. Worse anxiety severity and better family functioning at baseline predicted membership in the delayed remitters group. Caregiver strain differentiated short‐term responders from durable responders.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that initial response to treatment does not guarantee sustained treatment gains over time for some youth. Future follow‐up studies that track treated youth across key developmental transitions and in the context of changing social environments are needed to inform best practices for the long‐term management of anxiety.
The brassinosteroid signaling component SlBZR1 promotes tomato fruit ripening and carotenoid accumulation
Authors: Meng Fanliang , Liu Haoran , Hu Songshen , Jia Chengguo , Zhang Min , Li Songwen , Li Yuanyuan , Lin Jiayao , Jian Yue , Wang Mengyu , Shao Zhiyong , Mao Yuanyu , Liu Lihong , Wang Qiaomei
Published: April 2023

The plant hormone ethylene is essential for climacteric fruit ripening, although it is unclear how other phytohormones and their interactions with ethylene might affect fruit ripening. Here, we explored how brassinosteroids (BRs) regulate fruit ripening in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and how they interact with ethylene. Exogenous BR treatment and increased endogenous BR contents in tomato plants overexpressing the BR biosynthetic geneSlCYP90B3promoted ethylene production and fruit ripening. Genetic analysis indicated that the BR signaling regulators Brassinazole‐resistant1 (SlBZR1) and BRI1‐EMS‐suppressor1 (SlBES1) act redundantly in fruit softening. Knocking outSlBZR1inhibited ripening through transcriptome reprogramming at the onset of ripening. Combined transcriptome deep sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing identified 73 SlBZR1‐repressed targets and 203 SlBZR1‐induced targets involving major ripening‐related genes, suggesting that SlBZR1 positively regulates tomato fruit ripening. SlBZR1 directly targeted several ethylene and carotenoid biosynthetic genes to contribute to the ethylene burst and carotenoid accumulation to ensure normal ripening and quality formation. Furthermore, knock‐out ofBrassinosteroid‐insensitive2(SlBIN2), a negative regulator of BR signaling upstream of SlBZR1, promoted fruit ripening and carotenoid accumulation. Taken together, our results highlight the role of SlBZR1 as a master regulator of tomato fruit ripening with potential for tomato quality improvement and carotenoid biofortification.
Floodlight or Spotlight? Public Attention and the Selective Disclosure of Environmental Information
Authors: Pope Shawn , Peillex Jonathan , El Ouadghiri Imane , Gomes Mathieu
Published: April 2023

To meet growing demands for information on their environmental impacts, firms may engage in selective disclosure by strategically reporting only a subset of relevant data. In this article, we draw out and problematize an antecedent to selective disclosure, public attention. Prior studies suggest that public attention brings scrutiny that reduces selective disclosure by increasing the risk of getting caught (the floodlight thesis). The impression management literature, however, suggests that public attention offers the possibility of broad‐based image benefits from the disclosure of strategically filtered data (the spotlight thesis). Panel regressions with Trucost data from 2008–19 provide overall support for the spotlight thesis as well as a negative moderator, environmental damage. Results also point to an underlying mechanism: Companies receiving public attention disclose a larger number of environmental metrics, but not ones that, altogether, represent more environmental damage, a tactic that we call strategic fluffing.
A certain protective effect of vitamin D against dental caries in US children and youth: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pu Rui , Fu Mengdie , Li Na , Jiang Zhiwei
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Recent studies reported that evidence of the association between caries and vitamin D was inconclusive. We investigated the relationship between dental caries and serum vitamin D levels in US children and youth aged 5–19 years through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The purpose of this study was to analyze the relations between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin‐D [25(OH)D] level and dental caries in children and youth.

Methods

Data were collected from the NHANES dataset performed in 2011–2018. A total of 8896 subjects completed the examination was enrolled. Serum 25(OH)D was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS). All teeth examined and caries assessment was conducted by licensed dentists. Statistical analyses included complex samples Chi‐square tests, analysis of variance, logistic regression analyses, and restricted cubic splines conducted by R software.

Results

There was a nonlinear relation between dental caries and age in youth. Vitamin D showed a relatively stable protective effect when the concentration exceeded 60 nmol/L. There was a dose–effect relation that a 10 nmol/L increase in serum 25(OH)D concentrations was associated with a decreased caries odd by 10%.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that vitamin D sufficiency may be a protective factor for dental caries.
Credit risk pricing in a consumption‐based equilibrium framework with incomplete accounting information
Authors: Ma Junchi , Ogunsolu Mobolaji , Qiu Jinniao , Sezer Ayşe Deniz
Published: April 2023

We present a consumption‐based equilibrium framework for credit risk pricing based on the Epstein–Zin (EZ) preferences where the default time is modeled as the first hitting time of a default boundary and bond investors have imperfect/partial information about the firm value. The imperfect information is generated by the underlying observed state variables and a noisy observation process of the firm value. In addition, the consumption, the volatility, and the firm value process are modeled to follow affine diffusion processes. Using the EZ equilibrium solution as the pricing kernel, we provide an equivalent pricing measure to compute the prices of financial derivatives as discounted values of the future payoffs given the incomplete information. The price of a zero‐coupon bond is represented in terms of the solutions of a stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE) and a deterministic PDE; the self‐contained proofs are provided for both this representation and the well‐posedness of the involved SPDE. Furthermore, this SPDE is numerically solved, which yields some insights into the relationship between the structure of the yield spreads and the model parameters.
Dietary patterns and child, parental, and societal factors associated with being overweight and obesity in Vietnamese children living in Ho Chi Minh city
Authors: Mai Thi My Thien , Tran Quoc Cuong , Nambiar Smita , Gallegos Danielle , Van der Pols Jolieke C.
Published: April 2023

Childhood overweight and obesity are rapidly increasing in urban Vietnam. Dietary patterns are understudied for their association with obesity risk in these children, and it is unclear which parental and societal factors should be targeted in prevention efforts. The study assessed child characteristics, dietary patterns, parental and societal factors for associations with childhood overweight and obesity status in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. A sample of 221 children aged 9–11 years was randomly selected from four Ho Chi Minh City primary schools. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured using standardized methods. Three 24‐h dietary recalls were collected from 124 children, which were used to assess dietary patterns using principal component analysis (PCA). Parents completed a questionnaire about child, parental and societal factors. The overall prevalence of obesity was 31.7% and of combined overweight and obesity 59.3%. Three main dietary patterns from 10 food groups were identified by PCA: traditional (grains, vegetables, meat and meat alternatives), discretionary (snacks and sweetened beverages), and industrialized (fast food and processed meat). Children with higher discretionary diet scores had higher odds of being overweight. Being a boy, screen time over 2 h/day, parental underestimation of child weight status, father's obesity, and household income in the lowest quintile were positively associated with childhood obesity. Future intervention programmes in Vietnam need to consider targeting children's unhealthy diets and parental perceptions of child weight status, as well as focusing on upstream approaches that reduce inequities contributing to childhood obesity and concomitant dietary patterns.
Fungal infections in Algeria
Authors: Aissat Fatma Zohra , Denning David W.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Invasive and superficial fungal infections are increasingly reported in Algeria, testifying to the increase in their frequency in parallel with the increase in risk factors and the availability of diagnostic means, at least in university hospitals (CHU). The latter, located in the major northern cities, are equipped with high‐performance diagnostic tools compared to hospitals in the interior of the country.

Methods

A comprehensive search of published and grey literature was undertaken. Prevalence and incidence of discrete fungal diseases were estimated using a deterministic modelling approach based on populations at risk. Population (2021) and major underlying disease risk groups were obtained from UNAIDS, WHO Tuberculosis and the international transplant registries as well as published data for asthma and COPD. The health service profile was summarised from national documentation.

Results

Among the 43.6 million, including 12.9 million children, living in Algeria, the most prevalent fungal diseases are tinea capitis (>1.5 million), recurrent vaginal candidiasis (>500,000) and allergic fungal lung and sinus disorders (>110,000) and chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (>10,000). Life‐threatening invasive fungal infection incidence includes 774 Pneumocystis pneumonia in AIDS, 361 cryptococcal meningitis, 2272 candidaemia and 2639 invasive aspergillosis cases. Fungal keratitis probably affects >6000 eyes each year.

Conclusions

Fungal infections are underestimated in Algeria because they are sought in patients with risk factors only after bacterial infections when they should be sought in parallel. The diagnosis is only accessible in hospitals in large cities and the work carried out in mycology is rarely published, making the estimation of the burden of these conditions difficult.
Exchange rate misalignment: A systematic literature review based on citation and content analysis
Authors: Fiaz Asma , Ahmad Nisar , Al‐Abri Almukhtar , Khurshid Nabila , Menegaki Angeliki
Published: April 2023

Exchange rate policy is regarded as a critical macroeconomic policy. Especially the misalignment of exchange rates is significantly impact on imported goods, particularly oil imports, which ultimately effect external and internal imbalances. This study conducts a systematic literature review on exchange rate misalignment, as well as an intriguing content analysis of the top 100 most cited articles. Further it identifies the most influential authors, papers and the journals in the field using citation analysis. The relevant articles are identified using the Scopus database. Three hundred and seventy‐two scholarly papers have been found relevant. The results of the content analysis show that the purchasing power parity is the most frequently used theoretical foundation, followed by the Behavioural Equilibrium Exchange Rate. Additionally, the analysis reveals that the authors primarily utilised time series data. The identification of essential and core journals is made through Bradford's Law. Schuh (American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 56, 1974, 1) is a pioneering study that discussed the misalignment of exchange rates in the US agriculture sector. Valérie Mignon is the most prolific author in terms of both productivity and impact. The paper authored by O'Connell (Journal of International Economics, 44, 1998, 1) titled ‘overvaluation of purchasing power parity’, is recognised as the most influential paper in terms of average citations per year.
Traditional Chinese medicine Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang improves behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and favourable positive emotions in patients
Authors: Nogami Tatsuya , Iwasaki Koh , Kimura Hideo , Higashi Toru , Arai Makoto , Butler James P. , Fujii Masahiko , Sasaki Hidetada
Published: April 2023

Background

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are challenging to manage, leading to caregiver burden and often to subsequent transfer of patients to a nursing home or psychiatric hospital for treatment. Eliciting favourable positive emotions should be an important goal in the treatment of negative emotions associated with BPSD. To date, no data have indicated that antipsychotic medications can improve positive emotions. BPSD are known to be associated with anxiety in patients with dementia. The traditional Chinese medicine Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang is officially indicated and approved for anxiety treatment in Japan.

Methods

Here, we performed a multicentre, randomised, observer‐blind control study of the effect of Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang on BPSD in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Patients with AD or AD with cerebral vascular disease were randomly divided into the Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang treatment group and the control group that received no traditional Chinese medicine. BPSD were scored using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Nursing Home Version (NPI‐NH) and by favourable positive emotions using the Delightful Emotional Index (DEI).

Results

A total of 63 participants (18 male and 45 female; mean age: 83.3 ± 6.0 years) were included in the study. Changes in NPI‐NH scores differed significantly between the two groups (one‐way analysis of variance, P < 0.001). Within the treatment group, there was a significant improvement in the NPI‐NH score from 29.8 ± 17.3 at baseline to 13.2 ± 9.4 at the endpoint (paired t‐test, P < 0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant change in the control group. Changes in DEI scores differed significantly between the two groups. Within the treatment group, there was a significant improvement in the DEI score from 24.3 ± 23.0 at baseline to 32.5 ± 21.2 at the endpoint (paired t‐test, P = 0.001), whereas there was no statistically significant change in the control group.

Conclusion

The traditional Chinese medicine Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang significantly improved both BPSD and positive emotions.
Connecting the composition of collaborative governance structure to community‐level performance in homeless services
Authors: Kim Saerim , Sullivan Andrew
Published: April 2023

Collaborative governance has become prevalent in public service provision as both government and nonprofit sectors face pressure to solve multidimensional social problems in communities while improving performance. Drawing on collaborative governance and homeless services literature, this article explores how providing services in a collaborative governance network through government and nonprofit service providers differentially relates to multiple dimensions of performance—effectiveness, internal efficiency, social efficiency, and service heterogeneity—at the community level. By using a two‐way fixed effects estimator and a unique nonprofit and homeless services dataset, the findings indicate that collaborative governance between government and nonprofit service providers relates to increased effectiveness (e.g., less homelessness), and mixed results for service heterogeneity relative to using one sector. The composition of collaborative governance networks matters for performance, but its precise relationship with community‐level performance depends on the specific aspect of performance.
Similar performance after intake of carbohydrate plus whey protein and carbohydrate only in the early phase after non‐exhaustive cycling
Authors: Sollie Ove , Clauss Matthieu , Jeppesen Per B. , Tangen Daniel S. , Johansen Egil I. , Skålhegg Bjørn S. , Ivy John L. , Jensen Jørgen
Published: April 2023

Aim

The aim of the present study was to compare performance 5 h after a 90‐min endurance training session when either carbohydrate only or carbohydrate with added whey hydrolysate or whey isolate was ingested during the first 2 h of the recovery period.

Methods

Thirteen highly trained competitive male cyclists completed three exercise and diet interventions (double‐blinded, randomized, crossover design) separated by 1 week. The 90‐min morning session (EX1) included a 60 min time‐trial (TT60). Immediately and 1 h after exercise, participants ingested either (1) 1.2 g carbohydrate∙kg−1∙h−1 (CHO), (2) 0.8 g carbohydrate∙kg−1∙h−1 + 0.4 g isolate whey protein∙kg−1∙h−1 (ISO) or (3) 0.8 g carbohydrate∙kg−1∙h−1 + 0.4 g hydrolysate whey protein∙kg−1∙h−1 (HYD). Additional intakes were identical between interventions. After 5 h of recovery, participants completed a time‐trial performance (TTP) during which a specific amount of work was performed. Blood and urine were collected throughout the day.

Results

TTP did not differ significantly between dietary interventions (CHO: 43:54 ± 1:36, ISO: 46:55 ± 2:32, HYD: 44:31 ± 2:01 min). Nitrogen balance during CHO was lower than ISO (p < 0.0001) and HYD (p < 0.0001), with no difference between ISO and HYD (p = 0.317). In recovery, the area under the curve for blood glucose was higher in CHO compared to ISO and HYD. HR, VO2, RER, glucose, and lactate during EX2 were similar between interventions.

Conclusion

Performance did not differ after 5 h of recovery whether carbohydrate only or isocaloric carbohydrate plus protein was ingested during the first 2 h. Correspondingly, participants were not in negative nitrogen balance in any dietary intervention.
Modeling hemoglobin levels of patients chronically transfused with red blood cells
Authors: Carter Phillip W. , Dunham Andrew J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Good models of chronic red blood cell (RBC) transfusion can improve care by accurately estimating time‐dependent hemoglobin (Hb) levels and clinically relevant transfusion parameters.

Study Design and Methods

A previously derived mathematical model based on overall Hb mass balance (HMB model) with input parameters of transfused units, transfusion efficiency, RBC lifespan, endogenous Hb, and transfusion interval was applied to three separate clinical studies spanning six transfusion conditions across patient populations with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or thalassemia.

Results

The HMB model accurately predicted mean pretransfusion Hb levels for each ensemble cohort of patients with thalassemia or MDS. Dynamic changes in Hb levels were modeled as a function of changes in key input parameters. Improving the 24‐h post‐transfusion RBC survival from 72% to 86% can be used to either (1) reduce RBC usage by 15%–20% through longer transfusion intervals or (2) increase pretransfusion [Hb] by 8%–11% while maintaining a constant transfusion interval.

Discussion

The endogenous Hb level is introduced in the HMB model which represents the patient's self‐contribution to overall Hb levels via the autologous RBC lifecycle and was estimated to be 5.0 g/dL for patients with MDS or thalassemia. Transfusion therapy approaches and complementary therapeutics can target multiple, unique model inputs while monitoring net, overall impact on transfusion efficacy. Applying the HMB model to fit individual patient Hb fluctuations will be explored in the future.
Unravelling Chinese industrial structure optimization paths within Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership considering the virtual trade of water and water pollutants
Authors: Shu Chang , Shao Jing , Xiang Nan , Xu Feng
Published: April 2023

Massive commodity transactions lead to enormous virtual water and water pollution transfer; this phenomenon will be intensified within the process of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) enforcement. This study applied multi‐regional input–output and scenario simulation approach to reveal the virtual water elements flow, while exploring the trade structure optimisation roadmap for China. Results unveiled that China was a virtual water net exporter (9.17 billion tons), also the largest importer of water pollutants (N 622456 tons and P 136110 tons) among RCEP countries in 2015. In order to alleviate the water pressure in China, the textiles and other manufacturing industries should be limited, while the service industry is encouraged. Optimal scenario can realize 29.8% water conservation and 8% water pollutants reduction and also achieve a 36.5 million dollars trade volume increase. This research improves trade‐off balance between water environment and economy at multi‐regional level and accelerates green trade in economic partnerships globally.
Plasma induced damage on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure during gate opening for power devices
Authors: Fesiienko O. , Petit-Etienne C. , Darnon M. , Soltani A. , Maher H. , Pargon E.
Published: April 2023

During the fabrication of metal oxide semiconductor high electron mobility transistor based on AlGaN/GaN heterostructure, gate patterning is recognized as the most critical step that can lead to electrical degradation of the transistor. In this work, we performed the SiN cap layer plasma etching processes by two fluorine-based plasma processes (SF6/Ar and CHF3/CF4/Ar) with low (≈15 eV) and high (≈260 eV) ion energies. Moreover, we investigate the postetching treatment using a KOH solution in order to restore the quality of the AlGaN barrier surface after etching. The objective of this article is to evaluate the AlGaN barrier surface damage after the listed plasma etching processes and postetching strategies by using quasi-in situ angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscope. Accordingly, it is found that both high ion energy plasma processes lead to a significant stoichiometric change and modification of the AlGaN barrier layer into a 1.5 nm F-rich AlGaNFx subsurface reactive layer. The decrease in ionic energy leads to a decrease in the SiN etch rate and a significant improvement in the SiN/AlGaN etch selectivity (which becomes infinite) for both plasma chemistries. Moreover, the decrease in ion energy decreases the depth of the modification (about 0.5 nm) and reduces the stochiometric change of the AlGaN barrier layer. However, both low and high ion energy SF6/Ar plasma lead to 0.8 eV Fermi level shift toward the valence band. Furthermore, the KOH postetching treatment demonstrates complete and effective removal of the AlGaNFx subsurface reactive layer and restoration of the surface properties of the AlGaN layer. However, this removal leads to AlGaN recesses that are correlated to the thickness of the reactive layer formed during the etching.
Acoustic recording of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) from Mexico (L)
Authors: Rio Raul
Published: April 2023

This study collected acoustic information on false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in Mexican waters, close to Roca Partida Island, Revillagigedo Archipelago. In total, 321 whistles were collected after we found a group with at least ten individuals. The high prevalence of ascending contour types [upsweep (type I): 42.99%] contradicted the idea that false killer whales mostly produce constant whistles. Lack of well-established reproducibility criteria for whistle type categorization among studies may have generated results different from those expected for signal modulation. Future acoustic and ecological studies should be conducted to help clarify these findings and expand the limited knowledge about this species.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Optimization of Ceftazidime in Term Asphyxiated Neonates during Controlled Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: van der Veer Marlotte A. A. , de Haan Timo R. , Franken Linda G. W. , Hodiamont Caspar J. , Groenendaal Floris , Dijk Peter H. , de Boode Willem P. , Simons Sinno , Dijkman Koen P. , van Straaten Henrica L. M. , Rijken Monique , Cools Filip , Nuytemans Debbie H. G. M. , van Kaam Anton H. , Bijleveld Yuma A. , Mathôt Ron A. A. , Brouwer Mieke J. , van den Broek Marcel P. , Rademaker Carin M. A. , Liem Djien , Steiner Katerina , Simons Sinno H. P. , Bos Annelies A. , Mulder-de Tollenaer S. M. , Jebbink-Akkerman L. J. M. Groot , Sonnaert Michel , Camfferman Fleur Anne
Published: April 2023

Ceftazidime is an antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections in term neonates undergoing controlled therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after perinatal asphyxia. We aimed to describe the population pharmacokinetics (PK) of ceftazidime in asphyxiated neonates during hypothermia, rewarming, and normothermia and propose a population-based rational dosing regimen with optimal PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) target attainment.
Visualization of Wall Teichoic Acid Decoration in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Koyano Yutaka , Okajima Kiyoshirou , Mihara Mako , Yamamoto Hiroki
Published: April 2023

In Gram-positive bacteria, the cell wall is composed of mesh-like peptidoglycan and covalently linked wall teichoic acid (WTA). It is unclear where WTA decorates peptidoglycan to create a cell wall architecture.
FLASH-TB: an Application of Next-Generation CRISPR to Detect Drug Resistant Tuberculosis from Direct Sputum
Authors: Tram Trinh Thi Bich , Ha Vu Thi Ngoc , Trieu Le Pham Tien , Ashton Philip M. , Crawford Emily D. , Thu Do Dang Anh , Quang Nguyen Le , Thwaites Guy E. , Walker Timothy M. , Anscombe Catherine , Thuong Nguyen Thuy Thuong
Published: April 2023

Offering patients with tuberculosis (TB) an optimal and timely treatment regimen depends on the rapid detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)
drug resistance from clinical samples. Finding Low Abundance Sequences by Hybridization (FLASH) is a technique that harnesses the efficiency, specificity, and flexibility of the Cas9 enzyme to enrich targeted sequences.
Adduction induces large optic nerve head deformations in subjects with normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Chuangsuwanich Thanadet , Tun Tin A , Braeu Fabian A , Wang Xiaofei , Chin Zhi Yun , Panda Satish K , Buist Martin , Milea Dan , Strouthidis Nicholas , Perera Shamira , Nongpiur Monisha Esther , Aung Tin , Girard Michael J A
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced and gaze-induced optic nerve head (ONH) strains in subjects with high-tension glaucoma (HTG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG).

Design

Clinic-based cross-sectional study.

Methods

The ONH from one eye of 228 subjects (114 subjects with HTG (pre-treatment IOP≥21 mm Hg) and 114 with NTG (pre-treatment IOP<21 mm Hg)) was imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) under the following conditions: (1) OCT primary gaze, (2) 20° adduction from OCT primary gaze, (3) 20° abduction from OCT primary gaze and (4) OCT primary gaze with acute IOP elevation (to approximately 33 mm Hg). We then performed digital volume correlation analysis to quantify IOP-induced and gaze-induced ONH tissue deformations and strains.

Results

Across all subjects, adduction generated high effective strain (4.4%±2.3%) in the LC tissue with no significant difference (p>0.05) with those induced by IOP elevation (4.5%±2.4%); while abduction generated significantly lower (p=0.01) effective strain (3.1%±1.9%). The lamina cribrosa (LC) of HTG subjects exhibited significantly higher effective strain than those of NTG subjects under IOP elevation (HTG: 4.6%±1.7% vs NTG: 4.1%±1.5%, p<0.05). Conversely, the LC of NTG subjects exhibited significantly higher effective strain than those of HTG subjects under adduction (NTG: 4.9%±1.9% vs HTG: 4.0%±1.4%, p<0.05).

Conclusion

We found that NTG subjects experienced higher strains due to adduction than HTG subjects, while HTG subjects experienced higher strain due to IOP elevation than NTG subjects—and that these differences were most pronounced in the LC tissue.
Validation and depth evaluation of low-pass genome sequencing in prenatal diagnosis using 387 amniotic fluid samples
Authors: Qian Yeqing , Sun Yan , Guo Xueqin , Song Lijie , Sun Yixi , Gao Xiaoyang , Liu Bei , Xu Yuqing , Chen Na , Chen Min , Luo Yuqin , Qiao Zhihong , Fan Linlin , Man Jianfen , Zhang Kang , Wang Xiaoli , Rong Tingting , Wang Zhonghua , Liu Fengxia , Zhao Jing , Wei Xiaoming , Chen Minfeng , Peng Zhiyu , Peng Huanhuan , Sun Jun , Dong Minyue
Published: April 2023

Background

Low-pass genome sequencing (LP GS) is an alternative to chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). However, validations of LP GS as a prenatal diagnostic test for amniotic fluid are rare. Moreover, sequencing depth of LP GS in prenatal diagnosis has not been evaluated.

Objective

The diagnostic performance of LP GS was compared with CMA using 375 amniotic fluid samples. Then, sequencing depth was evaluated by downsampling.

Results

CMA and LP GS had the same diagnostic yield (8.3%, 31/375). LP GS showed all copy number variations (CNVs) detected by CMA and six additional variant of uncertain significance CNVs (>100 kb) in samples with negative CMA results; CNV size influenced LP GS detection sensitivity. CNV detection was greatly influenced by sequencing depth when the CNV size was small or the CNV was located in the azoospermia factorc(AZFc) region of the Y chromosome. Large CNVs were less affected by sequencing depth and more stably detected. There were 155 CNVs detected by LP GS with at least a 50% reciprocal overlap with CNVs detected by CMA. With 25 M uniquely aligned high-quality reads (UAHRs), the detection sensitivity for the 155 CNVs was 99.14%. LP GS using samples with 25 M UAHRs showed the same performance as LP GS using total UAHRs. Considering the detection sensitivity, cost and interpretation workload, 25 M UAHRs are optimal for detecting most aneuploidies and microdeletions/microduplications.

Conclusion

LP GS is a promising, robust alternative to CMA in clinical settings. A total of 25 M UAHRs are sufficient for detecting aneuploidies and most microdeletions/microduplications.
Improving trends estimates for specific work-related ill-health conditions when excess zeros are present in a voluntary health reporting scheme
Authors: Gittins Matthew , Carder Melanie , Seed Martin J , Iskandar Ireny , Daniels Sarah Ann Michelle , van Tongeren Martie
Published: April 2023

Background

Trends in occupational disease incidence are estimated in voluntary reporting schemes such as The Health and Occupational Reporting (THOR) Network in the UK. Voluntary reporting schemes request responses even if no cases are observed to reduce uncertainty in non-response. This may result in false zeros that bias trends estimates. Analysis using zero-inflated models is unsuitable for specific health outcomes due to overestimates of the excess zeros. Here, we attempt to account for excess zeros while investigating condition-specific trends.

Methods

Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models were fitted to three THOR work-related ill health surveillance schemes Occupational Skin Disease Surveillance (437 reporters between 1996 and 2019), Occupational Physicians Reporting Activity (1094 between 1996 and 2019) and Surveillance of Work-Related and Occupational Respiratory Disease (878 between 1999 and 2019). The probability associated with a response being a false zero was estimated and applied in weighted negative binomial (wgt-NB) models fitted to specific ill-heath conditions. Three ill-health conditions from the three THOR schemes were considered; contact dermatitis, musculoskeletal and asthma, respectively.

Results

Wgt-NB models approximately estimated the incidence rate ratios reported by the ZINB models (eg, EPIDERM; ZINB=0.969, NB=0.963, wgt-NB=0.968) for all health outcome annual trends. This was consistent for specific health outcomes which also tended towards the null (eg, contact dermatitis; NB=0.964, wgt-NB=0.969), indicating potentially overestimated downward trends. Though as the ratio of excess zeros to true zeros decreased in rarer health outcomes, the influence on trends also decreased.

Conclusions

Through weighting, we were able to adjust for excess zeros in health outcome-specific trends estimates. Though uncertainty is still present in underlying reporter behaviour meaning caution should be applied with interpretation of any results.
Estimating individual treatment effects on COPD exacerbations by causal machine learning on randomised controlled trials
Authors: Verstraete Kenneth , Gyselinck Iwein , Huts Helene , Das Nilakash , Topalovic Marko , De Vos Maarten , Janssens Wim
Published: April 2023

Rationale

Estimating the causal effect of an intervention at individual level, also called individual treatment effect (ITE), may help in identifying response prior to the intervention.

Objectives

We aimed to develop machine learning (ML) models which estimate ITE of an intervention using data from randomised controlled trials and illustrate this approach with prediction of ITE on annual chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation rates.

Methods

We used data from 8151 patients with COPD of the Study to Understand Mortality and MorbidITy in COPD (SUMMIT) trial (NCT01313676) to address the ITE of fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI) versus control (placebo) on exacerbation rate and developed a novel metric, Q-score, for assessing the power of causal inference models. We then validated the methodology on 5990 subjects from the InforMing the PAthway of COPD Treatment (IMPACT) trial (NCT02164513) to estimate the ITE of FF/umeclidinium/VI (FF/UMEC/VI) versus UMEC/VI on exacerbation rate. We used Causal Forest as causal inference model.

Results

In SUMMIT, Causal Forest was optimised on the training set (n=5705) and tested on 2446 subjects (Q-score 0.61). In IMPACT, Causal Forest was optimised on 4193 subjects in the training set and tested on 1797 individuals (Q-score 0.21). In both trials, the quantiles of patients with the strongest ITE consistently demonstrated the largest reductions in observed exacerbations rates (0.54 and 0.53, p<0.001). Poor lung function and blood eosinophils, respectively, were the strongest predictors of ITE.

Conclusions

This study shows that ML models for causal inference can be used to identify individual response to different COPD treatments and highlight treatment traits. Such models could become clinically useful tools for individual treatment decisions in COPD.
Long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kataoka Kensuke , Nishiyama Osamu , Ogura Takashi , Mori Yoshihiro , Kozu Ryo , Arizono Shinichi , Tsuda Tohru , Tomioka Hiromi , Tomii Keisuke , Sakamoto Koji , Ishimoto Hiroshi , Kagajo Michiko , Ito Hiroyuki , Ichikado Kazuya , Sasano Hajime , Eda Seiichirou , Arita Machiko , Goto Yasuhiro , Hataji Osamu , Fuke Satoshi , Shintani Ryota , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Ando Masahiko , Ogawa Tomoya , Shiraishi Masashi , Watanabe Fumiko , Nishimura Koichi , Sasaki Takuma , Miyazaki Shinjiro , Saka Hideo , Kondoh Yasuhiro
Published: April 2023

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterised by worsening dyspnoea and exercise intolerance.

Research question

Does a long-term pulmonary rehabilitation improve exercise tolerance in patients with IPF treated with standard antifibrotic drugs, which are expected to reduce disease progression?

Methods

This open-label randomised controlled trial was performed at 19 institutions. Stable patients receiving nintedanib were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups (1:1). The pulmonary rehabilitation group underwent initial rehabilitation which included twice-weekly sessions of monitored exercise training for 12 weeks, followed by an at-home rehabilitation programme for 40 weeks. The control group received usual care only, without pulmonary rehabilitation. Both groups continued to receive nintedanib. The primary and main secondary outcomes were change in 6 min walking distance (6MWD) and change in endurance time (using cycle ergometry) at week 52.

Results

Eighty-eight patients were randomised into pulmonary rehabilitation (n=45) and control (n=43) groups. Changes in 6MWD were −33 m (95% CI −65 to −1) and −53 m (95% CI −86 to −21) in the pulmonary rehabilitation and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (mean difference, 21 m (95% CI −25 to 66), p=0.38). Changes in endurance time were significantly better in the pulmonary rehabilitation (64 s, 95% CI −42.3 to 171)) than in the control (−123 s (95% CI −232 to −13)) group (mean difference, 187 s (95% CI 34 to 153), p=0.019).

Interpretation

Although pulmonary rehabilitation in patients taking nintedanib did not improve 6MWD in the long term, it led to prolonged improvement in endurance time.

Trial registration number

UMIN000026376.
Nuclear quests for the r-process
Authors: Martínez-Pinedo Gabriel , Langanke Karlheinz
Published: April 2023

The astrophysical r-process produces about half of the elements heavier than iron in the Universe and all of the transactinides. Recently neutron star mergers have been identified as one site of r-process nucleosynthesis. Simulations of this site and the associated nucleosynthesis requires essential nuclear input, ranging from the Equation of State (EoS) of nuclear matter at extreme densities and temperatures to the properties of very neutron-rich nuclei. Many of these quantities have to be modeled, however, constrained by a steadily increasing amount of experimental data. This manuscript summarizes the knowledge of nuclear input required for r-process studies in neutron star mergers.
Differential heavy quark pair production at small x
Authors: Silvetti Federico , Bonvini Marco
Published: April 2023

We consider the production of a heavy quark pair in proton–proton collisions. For bottom and charm quarks, the final state invariant mass is typically much smaller than the collider energy (e.g. at the LHC), so that high-energy logarithms may spoil the perturbativity of the theoretical prediction at fixed order. The resummation of these logarithms to all orders is thus needed to obtain reliable predictions. In this work, we extend previous results on high-energy (or small-x) resummation to differential distributions in rapidity, transverse momentum and invariant mass, and implement them in the public code .