bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme seasonal water-level changes and hydraulic modeling of deep, high-altitude, glacial-carved, Himalayan lakes
Authors: Camassa R. , Eidam E. F. , Leve L. G. , McLaughlin R. M. , Seim H. E. , Sharma S.
Published: July 2023

Himalayan lakes represent critical water resources, culturally important waterbodies, and potential hazards. Some of these lakes experience dramatic water-level changes, responding to seasonal monsoon rains and post-monsoonal draining. To address the paucity of direct observations of hydrology in retreating mountain glacial systems, we describe a field program in a series of high altitude lakes in Sagarmatha National Park, adjacent to Ngozumba, the largest glacier in Nepal. In situ observations find extreme (>12 m) seasonal water-level changes in a 60-m deep lateral-moraine-dammed lake (lacking surface outflow), during a 16-month period, equivalent to a 5 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

m$$^3$$

3

volume change annually. The water column thermal structure was also monitored over the same period. A hydraulic model is constructed, validated against observed water levels, and used to estimate hydraulic conductivities of the moraine soils damming the lake and improves our understanding of this complex hydrological system. Our findings indicate that lake level compared to the damming glacier surface height is the key criterion for large lake fluctuations, while lakes lying below the glacier surface, regulated by surface outflow, possess only minor seasonal water-level fluctuations. Thus, lakes adjacent to glaciers may exhibit very different filling/draining dynamics based on presence/absence of surface outflows and elevation relative to retreating glaciers, and consequently may have very different fates in the next few decades as the climate warms.
A promising predictive biomarker combined EBV NDA with PNI for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in nonendemic area of China
Authors: He Qiao , Huang Yecai , Yuan Linjia , Wang Zuo , Wang Qiuju , Liu Daduan , Li Luona , Li Xianbing , Cao Zhi , Wang Dongsheng , Yang Mu
Published: July 2023

In endemic areas, EBV DNA is used to guide diagnosis, detect recurrence and distant metastasis of NPC. Until now, the importance of EBV DNA in the prediction of NPC has received little attention in non-endemic regions. To explore the prognostic value of EBV DNA alone or in combination with PNI in NPC patients from a non-endemic area of China. In this retrospective study, 493 NPC patients were enrolled. Clinical pathologic data, pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA, and laboratory tests were all performed. A standard anticancer treatment was prescribed, and follow up data were collected. EBV DNA was found to be positively related to clinical stage (r = 0.357, P < 0.001), T stage (r = 0.193, P < 0.001), N stage (r = 0.281, P < 0.001), and M stage (r = 0.215, P < 0.001). The difference in EBV DNA loads between clinical stage, T, N and M stage was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In this study, the best cutoff value for EBV-DNA to distinguish the prognosis of NPC was 262.7 copies/ml. The 5-year OS of patients in the EBV-DNA ≤ 262.7 copies/ml group and EBV-DNA > 262.7 copies/ml group was 88% and 65.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). EBV-DNA and PNI were found to be independent prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). EBV-DNA was independent prognostic factors for PFS. In predicting NPC patients OS, the novel combination marker of EBV DNA and PNI outperformed TNM staging (AUC: 0.709 vs. 0.675). In addition, the difference between EBV + PNI and EBV + TNM was not statistically significant for OS or PFS (P > 0.05). This novel combination biomarker was a promising biomarker for predicting NPC survival and may one day guide treatment option.
The effect of load on spatial statistical learning
Authors: Amsalem Nadav , Sahar Tomer , Makovski Tal
Published: July 2023

Statistical learning (SL), the extraction of regularities embedded in the environment, is often viewed as a fundamental and effortless process. However, whether spatial SL requires resources, or it can operate in parallel to other demands, is still not clear. To examine this issue, we tested spatial SL using the standard lab experiment under concurrent demands: high- and low-cognitive load (Experiment 1) and, spatial memory load (Experiment 2) during the familiarization phase. We found that any type of high-load demands during the familiarization abolished learning. Experiment 3 compared SL under spatial low-load and no-load. We found robust learning in the no-load condition that was dramatically reduced in the low-load condition. Finally, we compared a no-load condition with a very low-load, infrequent dot-probe condition that posed minimal demands while still requiring attention to the display (Experiment 4). The results showed, once again, that any concurrent task during the familiarization phase largely impaired spatial SL. Taken together, we conclude that spatial SL requires resources, a finding that challenges the view that the extraction of spatial regularities is automatic and implicit and suggests that this fundamental learning process is not as effortless as was typically assumed. We further discuss the practical and methodological implications of these findings.
Enhanced performance of gene expression predictive models with protein-mediated spatial chromatin interactions
Authors: Chiliński Mateusz , Lipiński Jakub , Agarwal Abhishek , Ruan Yijun , Plewczynski Dariusz
Published: July 2023

There have been multiple attempts to predict the expression of the genes based on the sequence, epigenetics, and various other factors. To improve those predictions, we have decided to investigate adding protein-specific 3D interactions that play a significant role in the condensation of the chromatin structure in the cell nucleus. To achieve this, we have used the architecture of one of the state-of-the-art algorithms, ExPecto, and investigated the changes in the model metrics upon adding the spatially relevant data. We have used ChIA-PET interactions that are mediated by cohesin (24 cell lines), CTCF (4 cell lines), and RNAPOL2 (4 cell lines). As the output of the study, we have developed the Spatial Gene Expression (SpEx) algorithm that shows statistically significant improvements in most cell lines. We have compared ourselves to the baseline ExPecto model, which obtained a 0.82 Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SCC) score, and 0.85, which is reported by newer Enformer were able to obtain the average correlation score of 0.83. However, in some cases (e.g. RNAPOL2 on GM12878), our improvement reached 0.04, and in some cases (e.g. RNAPOL2 on H1), we reached an SCC of 0.86.
A quantitative method for the determination of rock fragmentation based on crack density and crack saturation
Authors: Xiao Yao , Deng Huafeng , Li Jianlin , Zhou Meiling , Assefa Eleyas , Chen Xingzhou
Published: July 2023

Rock mechanics tests are essential for advancing theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. The rock failure mechanism can be studied by analyzing the failure characteristics of rock samples through mechanical tests. However, despite their usefulness, quantitative rock classification systems still possess certain limitations that need to be addressed. The main objective of this paper was to develop a comprehensive quantitative rock classification system based on rock failure characteristics. The rock classification indices, including crack density and crack saturation, were systematically introduced based on rigorous statistical analyses conducted on a diverse set of 200 rock samples. In particular, the crack saturation index serves as a crucial metric that primarily captures and quantifies the extent of actual crack propagation within the rock samples. Moreover, it is important to note that the two evaluation indices, crack density and crack saturation, work in harmony and complement each other, enhancing the overall understanding of rock fragmentation and failure characteristics. By taking into account both crack density and crack saturation, the proposed method effectively categorizes rock fragmentation into five distinct classes, namely “relatively intact”, “slightly fragmented”, “fragmented”, “very fragmented” and “extremely fragmented.” The validation process confirmed the efficacy of the proposed classification method in accurately capturing the crack-propagation characteristics of rocks. This outcome is highly significant as it significantly advances ones understanding of rock failure mechanisms and provides valuable insights into the overall characteristics of rocks.
Exploring the benefits of inoculated cowpeas under different climatic conditions in Namibia
Authors: Rasche Livia , Becker Joscha N. , Chimwamurombe Percy , Eschenbach Annette , Gröngröft Alexander , Jeong Jihye , Luther-Mosebach Jona , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara , Sarkar Abhijit , Schneider Uwe A.
Published: July 2023

Cowpeas (Vigna uniculataL. Walp) are grown by many smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa for food and their ability to fix nitrogen even under stress. Their performance depends on the indigenous rhizobial strains that live in symbiotic association with the roots; it can be enhanced if the seeds are inoculated with more effective ones. Data of the effectiveness of the technique under a variety of climatic conditions is rare. Here, we thus use a model to upscale two field experiments conducted in Namibia to include different climate change scenarios. The simulations show that non-inoculated cowpeas have mean yields of 0.5 t/ha and inoculated cowpeas 1 t/ha. If climatic conditions are favorable (cool and wet), estimated yield differences increase to over 1 t/ha. In dry years (< 200 mm), the average yield difference is only 0.1 t/ha. In the far future (2080–2100), instances of dry and hot years will increase. Using inoculated cowpea seeds instead of non-inoculated ones thus does not benefit farmers as much then as in the near future (2030–2050). In conclusion, using cowpea seeds inoculated with an efficient rhizobial strain can significantly increase yields under varying climatic conditions, but yield advantages decrease markedly in very dry and hot years.
Predictors of treatment outcomes following treat-and-extend regimen with aflibercept for branch retinal vein occlusion: post-hoc analysis of the PLATON trial
Authors: Son Wonyung , Jeong Woo Jin , Park Jung Min , Kim Jung-Yeul , Ji Yong-Sok , Sagong Min
Published: July 2023

We investigated predictors of visual outcomes and injection interval in macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) treated with a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen. All 48 patients in a multicenter study were followed for 52 weeks and received three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections before the TAE regimen, with treatment intervals adjusted by 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Various laboratory biomarkers and optical coherence tomography parameters were evaluated. Patients were classified into the extension failure group if they had ≥ 1 treatment interval decreased due to an increase in the central macular thickness compared to the previous visit and 18 patients were assigned to this group. In multivariate logistic analyses, presence of microaneurysms and prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM) sign, increased initial external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption, and higher total cholesterol were correlated with inhibiting a sustained extension in the injection interval (P = 0.015, P = 0.032, P = 0.037, P = 0.009, respectively). Therefore, in the patients with ME secondary to BRVO with these risk factors, early consideration of frequent injection may improve treatment outcome.
Modification of the antigenicity of cancer cells by conjugates consisting of hyaluronic acid and foreign antigens
Authors: Ogata Soichi , Tsuji Reika , Moritaka Atsushi , Ito Shoya , Mochizuki Shinichi
Published: July 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) delivers conjugated foreign antigens to cancer cells, resulting in changing the presenting antigens on MHC class I molecules from self-antigens to foreign antigens.
Boosting the therapy of glutamine-addiction glioblastoma by combining glutamine metabolism therapy with photo-enhanced chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Wang Ling , Han Yaobao , Gu Zhengpeng , Han Mengxiao , Hu Chunhong , Li Zhen
Published: July 2023

The complete treatment of high grade invasive glioblastoma (GBM) remains to be a great challenge. Innovatively joint use of glutamine-starvation therapy and photo-enhanced chemodynamic therapy can significantly boost its therapeutic efficacy.
Memristors based on NdNiO3 nanocrystals film as sensory neurons for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Ran Yunfeng , Pei Yifei , Wei Yiheng , Sun Jiameng , Zhang Zixuan , Wang Jiacheng , Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Zhongrong , Sun Yong , Yan Xiaobing
Published: July 2023

The memristor based NbNiO3 nanocrystals can not only improve stability of device, but also be modulated by light and electrical signals. By constructing sensory neurons, they can be used to assist autonomous driving.
Thermal and bisphenol-A adsorption properties of a zinc ferrite/β-cyclodextrin polymer nanocomposite
Authors: Sirach Ruksana , Dave Pragnesh N.
Published: July 2023

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD) based polymer nanocomposite containing zinc ferrite nano-filling was used to adsorb bisphenol A from the synthetic wastewater. The nanocomposite possesses high adsorption capacity for bisphenol A.
V3S4/PPy nanocomposites with superior high-rate capability as sodium-ion battery anodes
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Li Yue , Zhao Guangzhen , Han Lu , Lu Ting , Li Jinliang , Zhu Guang , Pan Likun
Published: July 2023

V3S4/PPy nanocomposites were synthesized and used as sodium-ion battery anodes, displaying high reversible capacity and superior high-rate capability.
A polymer genome approach for rational design of poly(aryl ether)s with high glass transition temperature
Authors: Song Ce , Gu Hongjian , Zhu Linyan , Jiang Wanyuan , Weng Zhihuan , Zong Lishuai , Liu Cheng , Hu Fangyuan , Pan Yuxi , Jian Xigao
Published: July 2023

A data-driven polymer genome approach reveals efficacy in unearthing favourable and unfavourable genes of high-Tgpoly(aryl ether)s and offering practical design strategies validated by experimental synthesis efforts.
InCl3-modified SnO2 as an electron transporting layer for Cd-free antimony selenide solar cells
Authors: Huang Lei , Yang Junjie , Xia Yujian , Xiao Peng , Cai Huiling , Liu Aoxing , Wang Yan , Liu Xiaosong , Tang Rongfeng , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: July 2023

We demonstrated InCl3 modified SnO2 as ETL in Sb2Se3 solar cells. InCl3 post-treatment blocked the downward diffusion of Se and improved the quality of the SnO2/Sb2Se3 heterojunction. Thus, a Cd-free Sb2Se3 solar cell achieved a PCE of 5.52%.
Hämodialyse bei Patient*innen im höheren Lebensalter – eine qualitative Interviewstudie mit einem Dialyseteam
Authors: Koisser Karin
Published: July 2023

Hintergrund Dialyseteams betreuen immer häufiger betagte Patient*innen mit Hämodialyse. Diese verursacht im Laufe der Behandlung vielfältige Symptome, die die Lebensqualität beträchtlich einschränken. Die Lebenszeit der betreuten Patient*innen ist durch Alter, Polymorbidität und nicht zuletzt durch die Therapie selbst begrenzt.

Forschungsziel Ziel der Untersuchung war es, herauszufinden, wie ein Team aus Nephrolog*innen und Pflegepersonen die Hämodialyse betagter Patient*innen erlebt und welchen Herausforderungen es sich bei der Betreuung und Begleitung stellen muss.

Studiendesign und Methodik Im Rahmen eines qualitativen Forschungsansatzes wurden mit 9 Mitgliedern eines Dialyseteams, das > 120 Patient*innen in der Dialyseambulanz eines Krankenhauses betreut, leitfadengestützte Interviews geführt. Die Auswertung der Transkripte erfolgte anhand einer inhaltlich-strukturierenden qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz.

Ergebnisse In jeder der 4 definierten Hauptkategorien (Prädialyse und Indikationsstellung, Beginn und Stabilisierung, Destabilisierung und Therapiezieländerung, Abschied) wurde deutlich, dass die Betreuung betagter Patient*innen ein Dialyseteam vor besondere Herausforderungen stellt. Die Mitglieder des Teams beschrieben diese in ähnlicher Weise und zeigten auf, welche Bedingungen für eine als gut erlebte Betreuung erfüllt sein sollten.

Schlussfolgerung Die Betreuung betagter Patient*innen wird von der Indikationsstellung zur Hämodialyse bis zur Beendigung der Nierenersatztherapie vom Dialyseteam als ein sensibler Prozess betrachtet, der nicht nur die individuellen Bedürfnisse und Ressourcen der Patient*innen, sondern auch die der An- und Zugehörigen einbezieht. Diesen kommt vor allem bei Therapiezieländerungen eine Schlüsselrolle zu.
Malposition of a Femoral Tunneled Dialysis Catheter through a Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Blackburn Anthony Finnay , Landinez Gina P. , Kerlan Robert K. , Lokken R. Peter
Published: July 2023

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital abnormality of high prevalence in adults. Its clinical significance is magnified in a right-to-left shunt, where paradoxical embolism can have catastrophic outcomes involving the brain, heart, mesenteric circulation, or extremities. Right-to-left shunting through a PFO is caused by increased right atrial pressure, as seen in the setting of pulmonary artery hypertension or pulmonary embolism. This case highlights the relevance of central venous catheter placement in the setting of a PFO. While the patient did not experience clinical sequelae from line placement, she was at high risk for paradoxical embolus. Recognizing the possibility of a PFO during central venous catheter placement, especially in the setting of increased right pressures, should be a consideration of all interventional radiologists.
Dealing with Complications: First Address the Emotional Response
Authors: Patel Mikin V.
Published: July 2023

Medical complications often leave the responsible physicians with strong negative emotional responses. Through self-compassion, physicians can overcome these negative emotions and continue to improve.
Massive Hemoperitoneum after Paracentesis in a Patient with Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Treated with a TIPS after Negative Arteriogram
Authors: Assael Dylan J. , Sauk Steven C.
Published: July 2023

Paracenteses are considered safe procedures; however, in patients with portal hypertension, the rapid shifts in intraabdominal pressure can prompt hemorrhage from an ectopic varix. Little literature exists on the appropriate management in this clinical setting. Here, we describe a patient with portal hypertension secondary to Budd-Chiari syndrome, presenting with massive hemoperitoneum following paracentesis. Angiography was performed, without revealing an arterial source of bleeding. Subsequently, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement was performed via a recanalized middle hepatic vein, reducing the patient's portosystemic gradient from 15 to 6 mm Hg. This patient developed no further signs or symptoms of bleeding and remained hemodynamically stable until discharge. Follow-up imaging confirmed patency of her shunt and resolution of her ascites, without the need for future paracentesis. This case highlights that in the absence of arterial extravasation, the possibility of ectopic variceal hemorrhage should be considered, which can be successfully treated with portosystemic shunt creation.
Measuring success: program fidelity of Queensland’s child health home visiting services. A document analysis
Authors: Latham Nicole , Young Jeanine , Wilson Josephine , Gray Michelle
Published: July 2023

Background The Family CA.R.E. (Community-based Assistance Resourcing and Education) program was introduced in Queensland two decades ago. It aimed to redress health inequalities for infants from families experiencing specific social stressors. The program has been locally adapted over time and has not been evaluated against the original program. This study assessed the extent to which selected hospital and health services in Queensland, Australia have modified the original Family C.A.R.E. program. Methods Altheide’s model was used to facilitate a critical document analysis of policies and guidelines for adapted Family C.A.R.E. home visiting programs in use by hospital and health services (target n = 7). Results Five of seven eligible services provided service model documentation. There was low alignment with the original Family C.A.R.E. program across four of the five participating services. While the program delivered within Service 4 was highly aligned to the structure and intent of the original model, variation to the program was still evident. Importantly, four of the five participating programs were not collecting evaluation measures. Conclusions Health services have adapted the original Family C.A.R.E program format to ‘fit’ the local service environment but have largely failed to collect data to facilitate evaluation. Inability to evaluate the program leads to uncertainty about program success and benefits as well as any unintended consequences for families engaging in unevaluated home visiting programs. This study highlights the importance of monitoring program fidelity and evaluating success given the potential ramifications for this vulnerable cohort and for health service delivery.
Diastolic function in chronic kidney disease
Authors: de Simone Giovanni , Mancusi Costantino
Published: July 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by clustered age-independent concentric left ventricular (LV) geometry, geometry-independent systolic dysfunction and age and heart rate–independent diastolic dysfunction. Concentric LV geometry is always associated with echocardiographic markers of abnormal LV relaxation and increased myocardial stiffness, two hallmarks of diastolic dysfunction. Non-haemodynamic mechanisms such as metabolic and electrolyte abnormalities, activation of biological pathways and chronic exposure to cytokine cascade and the myocardial macrophage system also impact myocardial structure and impair the architecture of the myocardial scaffold, producing and increasing reactive fibrosis and altering myocardial distensibility. This review addresses the pathophysiology of diastole in CKD and its relations with cardiac mechanics, haemodynamic loading, structural conditions, non-haemodynamic factors and metabolic characteristics. The three mechanisms of diastole will be examined: elastic recoil, active relaxation and passive distensibility and filling. Based on current evidence, we briefly provide methods for quantification of diastolic function and discuss whether diastolic dysfunction represents a distinct characteristic in CKD or a proxy of the severity of the cardiovascular condition, with the potential to be predicted by the general cardiovascular phenotype. Finally, the review discusses assessment of diastolic function in the context of CKD, with special emphasis on end-stage kidney disease, to indicate whether and when in-depth measurements might be helpful for clinical decision making in this context.
Tales from the future—nuclear cardio-oncology, from prediction to diagnosis and monitoring
Authors: Mikail Nidaa , Chequer Renata , Imperiale Alessio , Meisel Alexander , Bengs Susan , Portmann Angela , Gimelli Alessia , Buechel Ronny R , Gebhard Cathérine , Rossi Alexia
Published: July 2023

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) often share common risk factors, and patients with CVD who develop cancer are at high risk of experiencing major adverse cardiovascular events. Additionally, cancer treatment can induce short- and long-term adverse cardiovascular events. Given the improvement in oncological patients’ prognosis, the burden in this vulnerable population is slowly shifting towards increased cardiovascular mortality. Consequently, the field of cardio-oncology is steadily expanding, prompting the need for new markers to stratify and monitor the cardiovascular risk in oncological patients before, during, and after the completion of treatment. Advanced non-invasive cardiac imaging has raised great interest in the early detection of CVD and cardiotoxicity in oncological patients. Nuclear medicine has long been a pivotal exam to robustly assess and monitor the cardiac function of patients undergoing potentially cardiotoxic chemotherapies. In addition, recent radiotracers have shown great interest in the early detection of cancer-treatment-related cardiotoxicity. In this review, we summarize the current and emerging nuclear cardiology tools that can help identify cardiotoxicity and assess the cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing cancer treatments and discuss the specific role of nuclear cardiology alongside other non-invasive imaging techniques.
Association of healthy sleep pattern with risk of recurrent cardiovascular events among patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Liu Sen , Wang Yuexuan , Lu Qi , Chen Xue , Geng Tingting , Li Rui , Deng Yulei , Li Lin , Lin Xiaoyu , Ou Yunjing , Tian Qingying , Cui Guanglin , Yang Kun , Pan An , Liu Gang
Published: July 2023

Aims

To examine the association of a healthy sleep pattern with the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events among patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods and results

This prospective cohort study included 21 193 individuals with CHD from the UK Biobank. A healthy sleep score was generated based on a combination of chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate the associations between healthy sleep score and recurrent cardiovascular events. During a median of 11.1 years of follow up, we documented 3771 recurrent cardiovascular events, including 1634 heart failure cases and 704 stroke cases. After multivariable adjustment, including lifestyle factors, medical history, and CHD duration, sleep 7–8 h/day, never/rarely insomnia, and no frequent daytime sleepiness were each significantly associated with a 12–22% lower risk of heart failure. In addition, compared with participants who had a healthy sleep score of 0–1, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for participants with a healthy sleep score of 4 was 0.86 (0.75, 0.99) for recurrent cardiovascular events, 0.71 (0.57, 0.89) for heart failure, and 0.72 (0.51, 1.03) for stroke.

Conclusions

Adherence to a healthy sleep pattern was significantly associated with a lower risk of recurrent cardiovascular events among patients with CHD, especially for heart failure. These findings indicate that healthy sleep behaviours could be beneficial in the prevention of cardiovascular event recurrence.
Comprehensive regulatory networks for tomato organ development based on the genome and RNAome of MicroTom tomato
Authors: Xue Jia-Yu , Fan Hai-Yun , Zeng Zhen , Zhou Yu-Han , Hu Shuai-Ya , Li Sai-Xi , Cheng Ying-Juan , Meng Xiang-Ru , Chen Fei , Shao Zhu-Qing , Van de Peer Yves
Published: July 2023

MicroTom has a short growth cycle and high transformation efficiency, and is a prospective model plant for studying organ development, metabolism, and plant–microbe interactions. Here, with a newly assembled reference genome for this tomato cultivar and abundant RNA-seq data derived from tissues of different organs/developmental stages/treatments, we constructed multiple gene co-expression networks, which will provide valuable clues for the identification of important genes involved in diverse regulatory pathways during plant growth, e.g. arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis and fruit development. Additionally, non-coding RNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were also identified, together with their potential targets. Interacting networks between different types of non-coding RNAs (miRNA-lncRNA), and non-coding RNAs and genes (miRNA-mRNA and lncRNA-mRNA) were constructed as well. Our results and data will provide valuable information for the study of organ differentiation and development of this important fruit. Lastly, we established a database (http://eplant.njau.edu.cn/microTomBase/) with genomic and transcriptomic data, as well as details of gene co-expression and interacting networks on MicroTom, and this database should be of great value to those who want to adopt MicroTom as a model plant for research.
Open science in play and in tension with patent protections
Authors: Nuechterlein Anna , Rotenberg Ari , LeDue Jeff , Pavlidis Paul , Illes Judy
Published: July 2023

The open science (OS) movement has garnered increasing support in academia alongside continued financial and reputational incentives to obtain intellectual property (IP) protections over research outputs. Here, we explore stakeholder perspectives about intersections between OS and IP to inform the development of institutional OS guidelines for the neurosciences in Canada. We held six focus groups and three interviews with 29 faculty members from a major research and clinical center in Canada. The semi-structured interview guide probed perspectives on the respective roles of patents and OS in neuroscience-related research. We applied thematic content analysis to the transcript data, and extracted 12 major themes and 30 subthemes. Participants perceived a conflict between OS ideologies and the inherently restrictive nature of patents, and highlighted the importance of autonomy, justice, and respectful, culturally safe research practices in any future adoption of OS. Overall, the data suggest that a hybrid OS-IP policy model supported by local expertise may be best suited to meet the priorities and values of the community while mitigating perceived threats. This model includes expanded education about patenting, incentivized data sharing and collaboration, and tangible resources to support implementation of OS that includes skilled support in digital research infrastructures.
Ultra-low volume (ULV) adulticide treatment impacts age structure of Culex species (Diptera: Culicidae) in a West Nile virus hotspot
Authors: Lopez Kristina , Irwin Patrick , Bron Gebienna M , Paskewitz Susan , Bartholomay Lyric
Published: July 2023

West Nile virus (WNV) invaded the continental United States over 20 years ago and continues to cause yearly seasonal outbreaks of human and veterinary disease. In the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, ultra-low volume (ULV) truck-mounted adulticide spraying frequently is performed to reduce populations of Culex restuans Theobald and Cx. pipiens L. mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in an effort to lower the risk of WNV transmission. The effectiveness of this control method has not been rigorously evaluated, and evidence for Culex population reduction after ULV adulticide spraying has been inconclusive. Therefore, we evaluated the results of 5 sequential weekly truck-mounted adulticide applications of Zenivex® E20 (etofenprox) in 2 paired sites located in Cook County, IL, during the summer of 2018. Mosquito population abundance, age structure, and WNV infection prevalence were monitored and compared between paired treatment and nearby control sites. Adulticide treatment did not result in consistent short-term or long-term reductions in target WNV vector Culex abundance. However, there was a significant increase in the proportion of nulliparous females in the treated sites compared to control sites and a decrease in Cx. pipiens WNV infection rates at one of the treated sites. This evidence that ULV adulticide spraying altered the age structure and WNV infection prevalence in a vector population has important implications for WNV transmission risk management. Our findings also underscore the importance of measuring these important indicators in addition to abundance metrics when evaluating the efficacy of control methods.
Wafer-level packaging solder joint reliability lifecycle prediction using SVR-based machine learning algorithm
Authors: Kuo Hsuan-Chen , Chang Chih-Yi , Yuan Cadmus , Chiang Kuo-Ning
Published: July 2023

The development of new electronic packaging structures often involves a design-on-simulation approach. However, simulation results can be subjective, and there can be variances in outcomes depending on who is conducting the simulation. To address this issue, packaging designers are now turning to machine learning to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the design process. This research study focuses on using support vector regression (SVR) techniques, such as single kernel, multiple kernels and a new SVR technique, to predict the reliability of the wafer-level packaging (WLP). By doing so, the study aims to provide designers with a reliable way to assess the reliability life cycle of their packaging designs. This research includes three steps: validating the WLP's reliability using finite element analysis (FEA) and experiment results, using the validated FEA result as input to obtain a predictive model through the SVR technique and the evaluating predictive model's performance. The results show that the predictive models developed using the SVR technique have stable performance on different testing data, which is consistent with the FEA results.
Handheld Magnetometer-Assisted Localization and Removal of a Foreign Body From the Chest Wall
Authors: Kaplan Adam J , Sheldon Rowan R
Published: July 2023

Foreign bodies fully embedded in soft tissues present a unique challenge to surgeons attempting excision. Small fragments can be nonpalpable, and many prove difficult to visualize intra-operatively by means of classic radiologic techniques. A 35-year-old active duty soldier presented requesting excision of ballistic fragment embedded in his chest wall that had previously failed a previous attempt at removal. The metallic foreign body was successfully localized intra-operatively using a handheld magnetometer probe and removed without complication. This case demonstrates the utility and cost-effectiveness of the handheld magnetometry for intra-operative localization of metallic foreign bodies. Metallic foreign bodies may be localized intra-operatively using inexpensive and reusable equipment that does not require radiation or bulky radiographic imaging equipment.
The Effect of Age on Dengue Presentation and the Diagnostic Accuracy of the 2015 Pan American Health Organization Case Criteria in a Puerto Rican Cohort
Authors: Odio Camila D , Sánchez-González Liliana , Delorey Mark , Adams Laura E , Jones Emma S , Lorenzi Olga , Munoz-Jordan Jorge , Rivera-Amill Vanessa , Paz–Bailey Gabriela
Published: July 2023

Background

We evaluated dengue presentation by age, the performance of the 2015 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) case criteria in identifying dengue cases, and variables to improve specificity.

Methods

Patients with fever ≤7 days (N = 10 408) were recruited from 2 emergency departments from May 2012 through December 2015. Serum samples were tested for dengue, chikungunya, and nasopharyngeal swabs for respiratory viruses. Smoothing splines assessed differences in the frequencies of signs/symptoms by age. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regressions identified the variables that best predicted dengue.

Results

Among 985 dengue cases, children aged <5 years were least likely to have leukopenia, but most likely to have rash and petechiae. Adults had the highest odds of aches/pains and headaches/retro-orbital pain. The 2015 PAHO criteria had sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 25%. Specificity could be improved by requiring at least 2 of the following criteria: vomiting/nausea, petechiae, rash, or leukopenia (specificity 68%, sensitivity 71%) or by using 2015 PAHO criteria plus either (1) aspartate aminotransferase >50 IU/L or platelet count <100 000 platelets/μL (specificity 81%, sensitivity 56%) or (2) itchy skin or absence of rhinorrhea or cough (specificity 51%, sensitivity 82%).

Conclusions

The 2015 PAHO dengue case criteria had excellent sensitivity but poor specificity. This can be improved by adding signs/symptoms associated with dengue diagnosis.
Doravirine/Lamivudine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate for Nonoccupational HIV-1 Postexposure Prophylaxis: A Prospective Open-Label Trial (DORAVIPEP)
Authors: Inciarte Alexy , Ugarte Ainoa , Martínez-Rebollar María , Torres Berta , Fernández Emma , Berrocal Leire , Laguno Montserrat , De la Mora Lorena , De Lazzari Elisa , Callau Pilar , Chivite Iván , González-Cordón Ana , Solbes Estela , Rico Verónica , Barrero Laura , Blanco José Luis , Martínez Esteban , Ambrosioni Juan , Mallolas Josep ,   for the DORAVIPEP Study Group, Inciarte Alexy , Ugarte Ainoa , Torres Berta , Martínez-Rebollar María , Laguno Montserrat , Ambrosioni Juan , Agüero Daiana , Chivite Iván , Rico Verónica , Berrocal Leire , González-Cordón Ana , Puerta Pedro , de la Mora Lorena , De Lazzari Elisa , Herrera Sabina , García-Pouton Nicol , Hernández-Meneses Marta , Monzó Patricia , Rodrigo Alonso , Callau Pilar , Aguiló Raquel , Fernández Emma , Barrero Laura , Solbes Estela , Martínez Esteban , Blanco José Luis , Miró José M , Soriano Alex , Mallolas Josep
Published: July 2023

Background

New regimens may provide better tolerability, convenience, and safety for nonoccupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). For this reason, we evaluated the single-tablet regimen of doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DOR/3TC/TDF) for 28 days.

Methods

This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial including individuals with potential HIV-1 exposure within 72 hours. The primary endpoint was noncompletion of PEP at day 28. Secondary endpoints were adverse effects, adherence, and rate of seroconversion. We performed follow-up at day 7, week 4, and week 12.

Results

Between September 2019 and March 2022, the study enrolled 399 individuals. Median age was 30 (interquartile range [IQR], 27–36) years, and 91% (n = 364) were male. The mode of exposure was sex between men in 84% (n = 331) of cases; risk assessment for HIV-1 transmission was considered as “high” in 97% (n = 385) of the participants. Median time from exposure to consultation was 24 (IQR, 13–40) hours. Noncompletion of PEP was 29% (n = 114) (95% confidence interval [CI], 24%–33%) and 20% (n = 72) (95% CI, 16%–25%) per modified intention-to-treat. Main reasons for noncompletion were loss to follow-up (n = 104 [91%]) and intolerance (n = 8 [7%]). Older age was associated with a lower risk of premature discontinuation (OR, 0.94; P < .001). One hundred twenty-three (31%) participants reported adverse events, mostly mild and self-limited (82%); discontinuation occurred in 8 cases (2%). Adherence to PEP in the assessed users was 96%. There were no HIV seroconversions.

Conclusions

DOR/3TC/TDF is a well-tolerated option for nonoccupational PEP.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04233372.
Kwashiorkor skin lesions: case study on clinical presentation, management and patient caretaker perspectives in Maiduguri, north-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Bublitz Alexandre , Manirakiza Christian , Whitehouse Katherine , Chara Abdullahi , Musa Tumba , de Polnay Kirrily , Ali Engy
Published: July 2023

The management of kwashiorkor disease (KD) in children is challenging in resource-limited settings, especially for those cases with severe skin lesions and its complications. There are no evidenced-based management protocols specific to KD. This article describes the clinical presentation and case management of two children with different presentations of complicated kwashiorkor skin lesions and explores kwashiorkor from the perspective of the children’s caretakers in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Our experience shows that a well-structured approach and careful skin care are crucial. This includes simplified wound care guidance, training of medical staff, strict hygiene measures and the correct choice of antibiotics and antifungals, taking into the account low immunity and vulnerability to opportunistic infections amongst malnourished children. Limited knowledge of kwashiorkor amongst caretakers negatively impacts health-seeking behaviour, resulting in late presentation. Engaging caretakers in the process of care is essential to successful treatment.
A rare case of hemichorea in the setting of non-ketotic hyperglycaemia with subtle radiological changes: a case report
Authors: Clifford Liam Mahoney , Wakil Ammar
Published: July 2023

Movement disorders have been associated with hyperglycaemia including chorea, hemiballismus and choreoathetosis. In almost all documented cases, there is an association between clinical and radiological findings. We report a case of an 82-year-old man with hemichorea in the setting of hyperglycaemia and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. He had subtle striatal changes on his radiology, and with intravenous fluids and insulin, his involuntary movements resolved on day 4, which correlated with improvement in glycaemic control. He was followed up through our local insulin stabilization programme after discharge.
Retrospective analysis of fungemia among children in Anka General Hospital, Nigeria, from October 2018 to November 2021: a case series
Authors: Olubiyo Ruth , Chukwumeze Frederick , Lawal Abdulhakeem Mohammed , Oloruntuyi Gbemisola , Musoka Honore , Augustine Nwogu Ahamba , Abdullahi Ibrahim , Shehu Ismail , Egwuenu Abiodun , Clezy Kate , Oluyide Bukola , Gomez Diana , Sherlock Mark , Lenglet Annick , Repetto Ernestina
Published: July 2023

Yeast-related bloodstream infections (BSIs) in pediatric patients are associated with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), hematological/oncological malignancies and admission to an intensive care unit. These infections are rarely described from low- and middle-income countries. We describe a case series of pediatric patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and yeast isolated from their blood culture in a conflict-affected area of Nigeria from October 2018 to November 2021. We identified 20 patients with yeast BSIs, among whom 17 were also diagnosed with SAM. We recommend the inclusion of antifungal treatment for empiric treatment guidelines for children with SAM and severe sepsis in similar settings.
History and International Relations
Authors: Wight Martin
Published: July 2023

This book collects works by the late Professor Martin Wight (1913–1972), a historian and scholar of international relations. Wight conducted research on many topics, including British colonial history, European studies, international institutions, and the history of states-systems. He is nonetheless best known for his lectures about the political philosophy of international relations at the London School of Economics (1949–1961) and the University of Sussex (1961–1972). He is widely regarded as an intellectual ancestor and pathbreaker of the “English School” of international relations, although this term only gained currency nine years after his death. The “English School” is usually construed as signifying an approach to the study of international relations more rooted in historical and humanistic learning than in the social sciences. This volume encompasses works in four categories: (a) standards of excellence in scholarship about history and international relations; (b) European integration efforts since 1945; (c) British policy in the Middle East, notably in relation to the 1956 Suez crisis; and (d) European politics in the interwar period leading up to 1939. This last category features four chapters by Wight from the noteworthy Chatham House collection sponsored by the Royal Institute of International Affairs, The World in March 1939. The chapters on Germany and Eastern Europe stand out as exceptionally thorough and discerning, owing in part to their reliance on a wealth of primary and secondary sources. This collection includes reviews of works by specific historians and throws light on the value of historical studies for analyses of international relations.
Fictions of Finance at the End of an American Century
Authors: Godden Richard
Published: July 2023

Fictions of Finance at the End of an American Century explores how an economy determines the language of those who live among its imperatives—how it makes available to them the stories that they can and cannot tell, and the manner of their telling. Read closely, fictional narrative may expose the historical structures that determine literary language use, and that of language more generally. The study, the fourth in a quartet of studies addressing the emergence and decline of a Fordist regime of capitalist accumulation, offers an account of the “subsemantic whispering” that haunts the literature of the financial turn—which is to say, an account of how the complexities of words and their histories register an expanding industrial economy’s organizing contradictions and failures. Reading in the light of deindustrialization and the rise of U.S. finance capital after 1973, it deploys and elaborates on a materialist theory of language that explains how syntactic as well as semantic structures register a financializing economy’s core contradictions, those associated particularly with debt, risk, and volatility. To do as much, Fictions of Finance at the End of an American Century listens for the underheard syntactical breaks that punctuate language under the global hegemony of finance, breaks that express the unuttered in all utterance, taking as its exemplary texts primarily works by Bret Easton Ellis, Jayne Anne Phillips, and David Foster Wallace.
Cross-country Patterns in Structural Transformation and Inequality in Developing Countries
Authors: Gradín Carlos , Lewandowski Piotr , Schotte Simone , Sen Kunal
Published: July 2023

In this chapter, we discuss the main patterns that can be identified in the trends in earnings inequality and its drivers in the country studies included in this book. We highlight that the large changes in the composition of workers by education and job routine-task intensity that developing countries exhibited in the 2000s and 2010s have, ceteris paribus, contributed to increasing inequality. Still, they do not seem to be the main driving force. These are related, to a large extent, to traditional factors explaining trends in earnings inequality, especially changes in the education premium. In some countries, we found evidence of job polarization or widening of earnings inequality driven by the evolution of the routine intensity of jobs. However, their role was smaller than that of the education premium. Also, we have highlighted the potential influence of other local factors such as labour institutions, for example the minimum wage.
South Africa
Authors: Bhorat Haroon , Lilenstein Kezia , Oosthuizen Morné , Thornton Amy
Published: July 2023

Whilst there is consensus that routine-biased technical change has contributed to patterns of job and wage polarization in industrialized economies, there is less evidence about whether the same conclusions can be drawn for developing labour markets. We employ two measures of routine cognitive work to investigate the association between occupational routine-task intensity and wage and employment changes in South Africa between 2000 and 2015. Although wage change is polarized between 2000 and 2015, it is unlikely that routine-biased technical change is a key factor here. Instead, growth at the bottom is likely related to minimum wage growth whilst growth at the top end is likely linked to increasing returns to skills and higher education. Results also differ by gender: with women clustered in care, cleaning, and clerk-based occupations, the routine-biased technical change hypothesis is more relevant for men who are more evenly distributed across occupations in the economy.
Tunisia
Authors: Marouani Mohamed Ali , Minh Phuong Le , Marshalian Michelle
Published: July 2023

In this chapter, we investigate the earnings inequality trends and their determinants in the decades before and after the Tunisian Revolution. A recentred influence function (RIF) decomposition is performed to decompose the change in earnings into wage structure and composition effects and to assess the contribution of various determinants of inequality change. We find that earnings inequality decreased significantly during the period of investigation in Tunisia. The occupational earnings followed an L-shaped evolution. The main contributors to the declining inequality are the decrease in the public–private wage gap and in sector wage gaps on the demand side, and the decreasing education premia on the supply side. There is little evidence of the impact of computerization on wage inequality in Tunisia’s labour market.