bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) nitrogen nutrition diagnosis based on hyperspectral data
Authors: Tang Zijun , Xiang Youzhen , Zhang Wei , Wang Xin , Zhang Fucang , Chen Junying
Published: December 2023

Reducing the overapplication of nitrogen fertilizers to potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) can reduce production costs and their impact on the environment. One approach to produce these impacts is to reduce overapplications of fertilizers by using the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI = plant nitrogen concentration/critical nitrogen concentration) as a basis for in‐season nitrogen recommendations. The objective of this study was to create a remote sensing–based algorithm to estimate NNI. This study collected hyperspectral data (350–1830 nm) during the potato tuber formation period in 2022 and 2023. The climate regime for the study area was a mid‐temperate semiarid continental monsoon; in our study, three different spectral parameter calculation methods were employed. First, the empirical vegetation index, determined through a fixed two‐band calculation. Second, the optimal vegetation index, computed on a band‐by‐band basis. Lastly, the trilateral spectral approach, wherein the indicators are typically associated with the red edge, blue edge, and green edge. The optimum vegetation index had the highest correlation with NNI. The support vector machine, random forest (RF), and back propagation neural network models were used to create NNI prediction models. All machine learning models effectively estimated NNI, and during validation, the R2 (coefficient of determination) was >0.700. In general, the RF model outperformed the other models and during validation had an R2 of 0.869, a root mean square error of 0.052, and a relative error of 5.504%. This study demonstrates the scalability, simplicity, and cost‐effectiveness of combining hyperspectral technology and machine learning for rapid potato NNI estimation.
Limitations and Future Directions in Sex, Sexuality, and Gender Diverse Research in Neurology
Authors: Byer Lennox , Orozco‐Poore Casey , Rosendale Nicole
Published: December 2023

Sex, sexuality, and gender diversity is understudied and underserved in neurology. Neurology research inclusive of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) people is limited. Existing research struggles with a paucity of neurology studies collecting sex, sexuality, and gender diverse (SSGD) data, conflation of sex and gender, lack of precision in measures, neglect of younger and older populations, nebulous benefit to community, and absent intersectionality. Future directions in SSGD neurology research include precise and community‐based measurements, respect for LGBTQIA+ colleagues, and the application of minority stress models. All patients stand to benefit from research that elucidates how SSGD variables influence neurological health. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:421–431
Testing the reliability of the rearticulation of osteological primate pelves in comparative morphological studies
Authors: Torres‐Tamayo Nicole , Rae Todd C. , Hirasaki Eishi , Betti Lia
Published: December 2023

The evolution of human pelvic form is primarily studied using disarticulated osteological material of living and fossil primates that need rearticulation to approximate anatomical position. To test whether this technique introduces errors that impact biological signals, virtual rearticulations of the pelvis in anatomical position from computed tomography scans were compared with rearticulated models from the same individuals for one female and one male of Homo sapiens, Pan troglodytes, Macaca mulatta, Lepilemur mustelinus, Galago senegalensis, and Nycticebus pygmaeus. “Cadaveric” pelvic bones were first analyzed in anatomical position, then the three bones were segmented individually, intentionally scattered, and “rearticulated” to test for rearticulation error. Three‐dimensional landmarks and linear measurements were used to characterize the overall pelvis shape. Cadaveric and rearticulated pelves were not identical, but inter‐specific and intra‐specific shape differences were higher than the landmarking error in the cadaveric individuals and the landmarking/rearticulation error in the rearticulated pelves, demonstrating that the biological signal is stronger than the noise introduced by landmarking and rearticulation. The rearticulation process, however, underestimates the medio‐lateral pelvic measurements in species with a substantial pubic gap (e.g., G. senegalensis, N. pygmaeus) possibly because the greater contribution of soft tissue to the pelvic girdle introduces higher uncertainty during rearticulation. Nevertheless, this discrepancy affects only the caudal‐most part of the pelvis. This study demonstrates that the rearticulation of pelvic bones does not substantially affect the biological signal in comparative 3D morphological studies but suggests that anatomically connected pelves of species with wide pubic gaps should be preferentially included in these studies.
BIRC5 facilitates cisplatin‐chemoresistance in a m6A‐dependent manner in ovarian cancer
Authors: Fan Yadan , Pan Yinglian , Jia Liping , Gu Shuzhen , Liu Binxin , Mei Ziman , Lv Chunyan , Huang Haohao , Zhu Genhai , Deng Qingchun
Published: December 2023

Cisplatin‐based chemotherapy is the standard treatment for metastatic ovarian cancer (OC). However, chemoresistance continues to pose significant clinical challenges. Recent research has highlighted the baculoviral inhibitor of the apoptosis protein repeat‐containing 5 (BIRC5) as a member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein (IAP) family. Notably, BIRC5, which has robust anti‐apoptotic capabilities, is overexpressed in numerous cancers. Its dysfunction has been linked to challenges in cancer treatment. Yet, the role of BIRC5 in the chemoresistance of OC remains elusive. In our present study, we observed an upregulation of BIRC5 in cisplatin‐resistant cell lines. This upregulation was associated with enhanced chemoresistance, which was diminished when the expression of BIRC5 was silenced. Intriguingly, BIRC5 exhibited a high number of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) binding sites. The modification of m6A was found to enhance the expression of BIRC5 by recognizing and binding to the 3′‐UTR of mRNA. Additionally, the insulin‐like growth factor 2 mRNA‐binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was shown to stabilize BIRC5 mRNA, synergizing with METTL3 and intensifying chemoresistance. Supporting these in vitro findings, our in vivo experiments revealed that tumors were significantly smaller in size and volume when BIRC5 was silenced. This reduction was notably counteracted by co‐silencing BIRC5 and overexpressing IGF2BP1. Our results underscored the pivotal role of BIRC5 in chemoresistance. The regulation of its expression and the stability of its mRNA were influenced by m6A modifications involving both METTL3 and IGF2BP1. These insights presented BIRC5 as a promising potential therapeutic target for addressing cisplatin resistance in OC.
Take steps to reduce liabilities related to vehicle use by coaches, staff
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: December 2023

Tragic accidents all too often provide instructive guidance on future liability prevention efforts. A recent car accident case that resulted in two deaths and a serious injury provides the unfortunate context for a reassessment of an institution's vehicle‐usage policies.
Know when a school official's personal observations are considered education records
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: December 2023

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act generally prohibits a college or university from disclosing personally identifiable information in a student's education record to a third party without consent. However, in an April 2023 guidance document, the Student Privacy Policy Office explained that “information that a school official obtains through personal knowledge or observation … is generally not protected by FERPA's limitations on the disclosure of education records, even if that information is also contained in an education record” (Student Privacy Policy Office, Guidance for School Officials on Student Health Records, April 12, 2023, bit.ly/3Nu74UK).
Liquefied Natural Gas Value Chain: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis
Authors: Shingan Bhalchandra , Banerjee Nilanjana , Kumawat Monika , Mitra Purnayan , Parthasarthy Vijay , Singh Varunpratap
Published: December 2023

Over the past few decades, the liquefied natural gas (LNG) business has experienced astounding expansion and gained global relevance. LNG has emerged as a key element in meeting the world's rising energy demand while working to cut carbon emissions, since it is a cleaner and more adaptable energy source. The entire process from natural gas extraction to consumption is covered in the presented analysis of the LNG value chain, starting out by looking at the discovery and production of natural gas reserves, highlighting important innovations and methods used during the extraction stage. The procedures used to treat and purify natural gas in order to meet the strict standards for liquefaction are detailed. Analysis of the liquefaction process reveals numerous liquefaction technologies, e.g. the well‐known conventional liquefaction and the cutting‐edge floating LNG and small‐scale LNG facilities. LNG storage and transportation, as critical components in the value chain, are examined in great detail. When the LNG reaches its destination, regasification plays a crucial role in repurposing it as a gas for distribution and consumption. Regasification technologies, such as conventional onshore terminals, floating storage and regasification units, and land‐based regasification facilities, are covered. Concerns regarding methane emissions and the carbon footprint, the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through new technology, the environmental impact of LNG, and the economics of LNG are also considered across its value chain.
Enhancing trust and security in IoT computing offloading through game theory and blockchain‐based control strategy
Authors: Cao Dongzhi , Liang Peng , Wu Tongjuan , Zhang Shiqiang , Zhou Li
Published: December 2023

Collaboration between IoT end‐devices and edge servers or idle devices enables offloading of computational tasks, providing an effective solution to address inherent limitations in computational resources, storage capacity, and energy efficiency. However, IoT network openness introduces security challenges, such as privacy breaches, data security, and “free‐riding” attack. Securing computational offloading is crucial for service quality and reliability. In this article, we introduce a comprehensive approach to address these challenges. First, trust metrics are performed at the level of resource requester and resource provider respectively, and the trust level of both parties is matched to reduce the adverse effects of malicious devices or servers on computing offloading. Then, a distributed decision‐making method based on game theory is designed to improve the performance of the algorithm and avoid the single‐point‐of‐failure problem through the joint participation of multiple edge servers in decision‐making. Finally, a blockchain‐based task offloading process control strategy is used to deal with the “free‐riding” attack. The results of simulation experiments show the effectiveness of our proposed offloading decision‐making method.
Cleaner production practices, implementation concerns and measurement: A systematic literature review
Authors: de Melo Duarte Borges Thyago , Ganga Gilberto Miller Devós , Godinho Filho Moacir , Delai Ivete , Santa‐Eulalia Luis Antonio
Published: December 2023

This study conducts a systematic literature review to investigate the state of the art of Cleaner Production (CP) across various dimensions. First, we categorize and discuss CP practices within distinct domains, including Product Change, Change Input Materials, Technology Change, Reuse Material On‐site, and Improved Housekeeping. Subsequentially, we map and analyze the phases of CP implementation – including the planning, pre‐assessment, assessment, and implementation options – underscoring the pivotal role of senior management commitment, multidisciplinary teams, and employee training. Lastly, we delve into multiple facets of CP evaluation, covering corporate governance, measurement of CP practices, benefits of CP implementation, evaluation of CP projects, and the instruments employed. We also pinpoint contradictions and research gaps in the field and propose diverse avenues for future research. This research makes significant contributions by synthesizing, integrating and discussing existing CP categories, highlighting trends and gaps in the literature, and offering practical insights to industry practitioners, policymakers, and organizations.
Identification of distinct vascular mural cell populations during zebrafish embryonic development
Authors: Colijn Sarah , Nambara Miku , Malin Gracie , Sacchetti Elena A. , Stratman Amber N.
Published: December 2023

Background

Mural cells are an essential perivascular cell population that associate with blood vessels and contribute to vascular stabilization and tone. In the embryonic zebrafish vasculature, pdgfrb and tagln are commonly used as markers for identifying pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the overlapping and distinct expression patterns of these markers in tandem have not been fully described.

Results

Here, we used the Tg(pdgfrb:Gal4FF; UAS:RFP) and Tg(tagln:NLS‐EGFP) transgenic lines to identify single‐ and double‐positive perivascular cell populations on the cranial, axial, and intersegmental vessels between 1 and 5 days postfertilization. From this comparative analysis, we discovered two novel regions of tagln‐positive cell populations that have the potential to function as mural cell precursors. Specifically, we found that the hypochord—a reportedly transient structure—contributes to tagln‐positive cells along the dorsal aorta. We also identified a unique mural cell progenitor population that resides along the midline between the neural tube and notochord and contributes to intersegmental vessel mural cell coverage.

Conclusion

Together, our findings highlight the variability and versatility of tracking both pdgfrb and tagln expression in mural cells of the developing zebrafish embryo and reveal unexpected embryonic cell populations that express pdgfrb and tagln.
Potential hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic bioactive constituents in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves explored by affinity ultrafiltration with α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase
Authors: Xu Mengjia , Feng Huixia , Guo Mingquan
Published: December 2023

Cyclocarya paliurus has been widely applied for therapeutic feeding as a traditional Chinese medicine homologous food with high nutritional and medical value. Nevertheless, the specific bioactive compounds liable for hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties and underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. In the present study, the in vitro hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of C. paliurus were assessed by α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibition assays, and the results indicated that 70% ethanol extract exhibited remarkable α‐glucosidase and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 3.14 μg/mL and 0.98 μg/mL, respectively. A total of 18 and 15 potential ligand candidates were screened, and the chemical structures were characterized. Furthermore, the docking result showed that chlorogenic acid, quercetin, kaempferol 3‐O‐rhamnoside, and pterocaryoside A contributed to the underlying hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of C. paliurus, further strengthened the bindings of the enzyme‐ligand complex and suppressed the enzyme's activity with the binding energies ranged from −4.00 to −6.31 kcal/mol. The interrelations between the specific bioactive constituents, α‐glucosidase or lipase, and hypoglycemic or hypolipidemic activities were also carified. The present study reveals substantial prospects of C. paliurus to be developed as a natural dietotherapy, disease‐prevention, and healthcare for diabetes and obesity in the near future.
Physical damage‐hysteretic response correlation for steel sheet sheathed cold‐formed steel‐framed wall‐lines
Authors: Singh Amanpreet , Wang Xiang , Zhang Zhidong , Peterman Kara D. , Schafer Benjamin W. , Hutchinson Tara C.
Published: December 2023

Use of cold‐formed steel (CFS) framing as load‐bearing system for gravity and lateral loads in buildings is becoming increasingly common in the North American construction industry, notably in high seismic regions where light‐weight construction is an attractive option. Buildings framed with closely spaced and repetitively placed CFS members can be detailed to develop lateral resistance using a variety of sheathing options. A relatively new option involves the use of steel sheet as sheathing. Steel sheet sheathed CFS shear walls offer high lateral strength and stiffness, and provide ductility courtesy of tension field action within the steel sheet. Despite their acceptance, gaps in the understanding of their behavior do exist, notably, behavior under dynamic loading, the contribution of nonstructural architectural finishes, and the behavior of wall‐lines: shear walls placed inline with gravity walls. To this end, a two‐phased experimental effort was undertaken to advance understanding of the lateral response of CFS‐framed wall‐line systems. Specifically, a suite of wall‐lines, detailed for mid‐rise buildings, were evaluated through simulated seismic loading imposed via shake table and quasi‐static cyclic tests. Damage to the wall‐lines was largely manifested in the form of damage to fastener connections used for attaching the sheathing and gypsum panels, and separation of exterior finish layer. This paper documents and quantifies the progressively incurred physical damage observed in the tested wall‐line assemblies, and correlates it with the evolution of dynamic characteristics and hysteretic energy dissipated across a spectrum of performance levels.
Crowd‐sourced and incentive driven UAV system to assist with network slices
Authors: Bouzid Tarek , Chaib Noureddine , Bensaad Mohamed Lahcen
Published: December 2023

Owing to their flexibility, fast deployment, increasing affordability, and numerous application opportunities, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) became an undisputed target of studies and research to discover and exploit the immense opportunities they provide. Moreover, network slicing is a critical enabler for 5G and beyond. Network slices guarantee certain network user expectations such as data rate and latency thresh‐holds. There is no doubt that crowd‐sourced and incentive driven solutions are on the rise. Crowd‐sourcing allowed companies and organizations both small and large to gather data and perform other large‐scale tasks with minimum expenses and maintenance. Indeed, the major concerns for 5G and network slicing are guaranteeing high throughput, reliability, and latency. With data rates being the most important attribute for common regular users, that is, mobile devices, video streaming, navigation, and content consumption. As a result, the focus of this work is to utilize crowd‐sourced UAVs in an incentive driven network slice assistance system to extend coverage and provide mobile users with the high throughput they require. This work presents some basic 5G cellular radio access technologies and network slicing background and proposes a novel system, namely UAV slice assistance (UAVSA), and its hybrid alternative version: UAV hybrid slice assistance (UAVHSA). The hybrid mode combines benefits from the proposed UAVSA system and the traditional base station (BS) system. The proposed algorithms address the issue of coverage and guaranteeing high data rate slices for users. The proposed systems maximize satisfaction rate of network slice users. Moreover, all systems are extensively tested and compared in various scenarios to determine their performance and provide a coherent study. Finally, future works and opportunities are highlighted in conclusion.
Catalytic and biocatalytic degradation of microplastics
Authors: Zandieh Mohamad , Griffiths Erin , Waldie Alexander , Li Shuhuan , Honek John , Rezanezhad Fereidoun , Van Cappellen Philippe , Liu Juewen
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been a surge in annual plastic production, which has contributed to growing environmental challenges, particularly in the form of microplastics. Effective management of plastic and microplastic waste has become a critical concern, necessitating innovative strategies to address its impact on ecosystems and human health. In this context, catalytic degradation of microplastics emerges as a pivotal approach that holds significant promise for mitigating the persistent effects of plastic pollution. In this article, we critically explored the current state of catalytic degradation of microplastics and discussed the definition of degradation, characterization methods for degradation products, and the criteria for standard sample preparation. Moreover, the significance and effectiveness of various catalytic entities, including enzymes, transition metal ions (for the Fenton reaction), nanozymes, and microorganisms are summarized. Finally, a few key issues and future perspectives regarding the catalytic degradation of microplastics are proposed.
All politics starts local: Liability of stateness and subnational labor markets
Authors: Li Cheng , Meyer Klaus
Published: December 2023

Research Summary

State‐controlled acquirers face a liability of stateness (LoS) because host country stakeholders consider them less legitimate and as representatives of foreign political power. We argue that due to LoS, state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) face more regulatory scrutiny in cross‐border acquisitions than comparable private‐owned enterprises (POEs). Applying a voting behavior perspective, we further posit this increased regulatory scrutiny is reduced when acquisitions occur via intermediaries, and in host communities less averse to state ownership due to local labor conditions. Using a sample of cross‐border acquisitions with acquirers from 44 economies and targets in 50 US states, we find that SOEs are 9% more likely to attract additional regulatory scrutiny than POEs. However, this likelihood decreases with indirect acquisitions and in host regions with high unemployment.

Managerial Summary

State‐owned enterprises experience challenges in their cross‐border acquisitions because people in host societies do not trust them. As a result, regulatory authorities, such as CFIUS in the United States, subject foreign SOE acquirers to greater scrutiny. However, by acquiring foreign firms through subsidiaries rather than through parent organizations, the state influence becomes less visible, resulting in less regulatory scrutiny. Moreover, local stakeholders are concerned with economic opportunities in their local area, which they prioritize over ideological concerns at time of economic crisis. Consequently, SOE acquirers face less additional scrutiny in local communities with high unemployment. Thus, SOE acquirers can work with local communities to overcome the negative perception they encounter when entering foreign markets.
Hysterectomy, oophorectomy and risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Luo Juhua , Hendryx Michael , Rohan Thomas E. , Saquib Nazmus , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Su Le , Hosgood Dean , Schnatz Peter F. , Qi Lihong , Anderson Garnet L.
Published: December 2023

Hysterectomy is associated with an increased risk for adverse health outcomes. However, its connection to the risk of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) remains unclear. The aims of our study were to investigate the associations between hysterectomy, oophorectomy and risk of NHL and its major subtypes (eg, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma [DLBCL]), and whether these associations were modified by exogenous hormone use. Postmenopausal women (n = 141,621) aged 50–79 years at enrollment (1993–1998) from the Women's Health Initiative were followed for an average of 17.2 years. Hysterectomy and oophorectomy were self‐reported at baseline. Incident NHL cases were confirmed by central review of medical records and pathology reports. During the follow‐up period, a total of 1719 women were diagnosed with NHL. Hysterectomy, regardless of oophorectomy status, was associated with an increased risk of NHL (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.44). Oophorectomy was not independently associated with NHL risk after adjusting for hysterectomy. When stratified by hormone use, the association between hysterectomy and NHL risk was confined to women who had never used hormone therapy (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06–1.71), especially for DLBCL subtype (P for interaction = .01), and to those who had undergone hysterectomy before the age of 55. Our large prospective study showed that hysterectomy was a risk factor of NHL. Findings varied by hormone use. Future studies incorporating detailed information on the types and indications of hysterectomy may deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying DLBCL development and its potential interactions with hormone use.
Preoperative Subtyping of WHO Grade 1 Meningiomas Using a Single‐Shot Ultrafast MR T2 Mapping
Authors: Li Zongye , Zhang Hongyan , Wang Xiao , Yang Yijie , Zhang Yue , Zhuang Yuchuan , Wei Zhiliang , Yang Qinqin , Gao Eryuan , Zhang Yong , Cai Shuhui , Chen Zhong , Cai Congbo , Bao Jianfeng , Cheng Jingliang
Published: December 2023

Background

Meningioma subtype is crucial in treatment planning and prognosis delineation, for grade 1 meningiomas. T2 relaxometry could provide detailed microscopic information but is often limited by long scanning times.

Purpose

To investigate the potential of T2 maps derived from multiple overlapping‐echo detachment imaging (MOLED) for predicting meningioma subtypes and Ki‐67 index, and to compare the diagnostic efficiency of two different region‐of‐interest (ROI) placements (whole‐tumor and contrast‐enhanced, respectively).

Study Type

Prospective.

Phantom/Subjects

A phantom containing 11 tubes of MnCl2 at different concentrations, eight healthy volunteers, and 75 patients with grade 1 meningioma.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T scanner. MOLED, T2‐weighted spin‐echo sequence, T2‐dark‐fluid sequence, and postcontrast T1‐weighted gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

Two ROIs were delineated: the whole‐tumor area (ROI1) and contrast‐enhanced area (ROI2). Histogram parameters were extracted from T2 maps. Meningioma subtypes and Ki‐67 index were reviewed by a neuropathologist according to the 2021 classification criteria.

Statistical Tests

Linear regression, Bland–Altman analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis, independent t test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction, and multivariate logistic regression analysis with the P‐value significance level of 0.05.

Results

The MOLED T2 sequence demonstrated excellent accuracy for phantoms and volunteers (Meandiff = −1.29%, SDdiff = 1.25% and Meandiff = 0.36%, SDdiff = 2.70%, respectively), and good repeatability for volunteers (average coefficient of variance = 1.13%; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.877). For both ROI1 and ROI2, T2 variance had the highest area under the curves (area under the ROC curve = 0.768 and 0.761, respectively) for meningioma subtyping. There was no significant difference between the two ROIs (P = 0.875). Significant correlations were observed between T2 parameters and Ki‐67 index (r = 0.237–0.374).

Data Conclusion

MOLED T2 maps can effectively differentiate between meningothelial, fibrous, and transitional meningiomas. Moreover, T2 histogram parameters were significantly correlated with the Ki‐67 index.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Robustness of Quantitative Diffusion Metrics from Four Models: A Prospective Study on the Influence of Scan‐Rescans, Voxel Size, Coils, and Observers
Authors: Zhong Jingyu , Liu Xianwei , Hu Yangfan , Xing Yue , Ding Defang , Ge Xiang , Song Yang , Wang Silian , Chen Liwei , Zhu Ying , Lu Wenjie , Zhang Huan , Yao Weiwu
Published: December 2023

Background

Quantitative diffusion metrics provide additional microstructural information of diseases. The robustness of quantitative diffusion metrics should be established before clinical application.

Purpose

To evaluate the variability and reproducibility of quantitative diffusion MRI metrics.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

14 volunteers (7 men; median age, range, 28, 26–59 years).

Field strength/Sequence

3.0‐T/Diffusion spectrum imaging.

Assessment

Brain MRI studies were performed four times per subject: involving different combinations of coil types and voxel sizes. Regions of interest of 13 brain anatomical sites were drawn by one observer twice and another observer once to allow interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility assessment. Twenty‐five quantitative metrics were calculated using four diffusion models.

Statistical Tests

The variability was evaluated with coefficients of variation (CV), and quartile coefficient of dispersion (QCD). The reproducibility was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the influence of factors on robustness of quantitative diffusion metrics. A two‐tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The variability of quantitative diffusion metrics showed CV of 2.4%–68.2%, and QCD of 0.6%–48.2%, respectively. The reproducibility of scans using 20‐channel coils with voxels of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 and 3 × 3 × 3 mm3, respectively (ICC 0.03–0.84, CCC 0.03–0.84) was significantly worse than that of repeated scans using a 20‐channel coil with a voxel size of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 (ICC of 0.74–0.97, CCC 0.74–0.97) and that of scans using 20‐ and 64‐channel coils, respectively, with a voxel size of 2 × 2 × 2 mm3 (ICC 0.59–0.95, CCC 0.59–0.95). The intraobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.49–0.94, CCC 0.49–0.94) was significantly better than the interobserver reproducibility (ICC 0.28–0.91, CCC 0.28–0.91).

Data Conclusion

Our study indicated that the voxel size has a greater influence on the reproducibility of quantitative diffusion metrics than scan‐rescans and coils. The reproducibility within one observer was higher than that between two observers.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Temperature Raman study of Li4Ti5O12 and ambiguity in the number of its bands
Authors: Nikiforov Aleksey A. , Krylov Alexander S. , Krylova Svetlana N. , Gorshkov Vadim S. , Pelegov Dmitry V.
Published: December 2023

The two primary physical methods for identifying lithium titanate, a negative electrode material used commercially, are X‐Ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Although there are many publications on this topic, they are focused mainly on chemistry, so there are still some points that require clarification from a physical and methodological point of view. Difference of experimentally observed and theoretically predicted Raman spectra was explained through a combination of experiments and computations. The work comprises experiments and computations to explain why there are different numbers of predicted and observed Raman‐active bands. Our low‐temperature study and the analysis of thermal shifts during heating led us to conclude that the approach with surplus bands is advantageous and we recommend using major F2g band shifts to estimate the sample heating.
Raman fingerprint of the graphene buffer layer grown on the Si‐terminated face of 4H‐SiC(0001): Experiment and theory
Authors: Milenov Teodor , Rafailov Peter , Yakimova Rositsa , Shtepliuk Ivan , Popov Valentin
Published: December 2023

In this work, we present the results of measurements of the Raman spectrum of the √3x√3R30° reconstruction of graphene grown on 4H‐SiC(0001), the so‐called buffer layer. The extracted Raman spectrum of the buffer layer shows bands, different from those of graphene, which can be attributed to the interaction of the buffer layer with the SiC substrate. In particular, in the high‐wavenumber region, at least three bands are observed in the wavenumber regions 1,350–1,420, 1,470–1,490 and 1,520–1,570 cm−1. The assignment of the buffer layer bands is supported here by tight‐binding simulations of the one‐phonon density of states for structures with a sufficiently large number of Si‐C bilayers for reaching convergence. The converged phonon density of states is found to be in semi‐quantitative agreement with the latter two bands, and therefore, the tight‐binding predictions of the lattice dynamics of the structure can be used for their assignment to buffer layer vibrations. Namely, the Raman band at about 1,550 cm−1 can be assigned to modified in‐plane optical phonon branches of graphene, while the Raman band at about 1,490 cm−1 can be assigned to modified folded parts of these branches inside the Brillouin zone of the buffer layer and can be considered as a Raman fingerprint of the buffer layer.
Cutaneous eruption after commencing baricitinib for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Akinbisehin Rosemary , Francis Nicholas , Manson Jessica , Bunker Christopher B.
Published: December 2023

This case report describes a 64‐year‐old physician with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who was treated with baricitinib after failing multiple other therapies. Within 3 weeks, he developed a nonpruritic cutaneous reaction, including a symmetric acneiform folliculitis and a papulosquamous dermatosis. Biopsy results indicated a perivascular and interface drug eruption associated. Although Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as baricitinib, have a good safety profile, skin reactions have been reported in a small number of cases. The mechanism underlying these reactions is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an imbalance between anti‐inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines. This case emphasises the importance of careful monitoring of patients for skin reactions when initiating treatment with JAK inhibitors and the need for further research in this area.
Should landscape variation in population status be assessed with individual‐ or population‐level indicators?
Authors: Gould Philip R. , Cecala Kristen K. , Drukker Saunders S. , McKenzie Benjamin A. , Van de Ven Chris H.
Published: December 2023

Monitoring trends in wildlife populations is essential to effective management. Evaluating only a single metric can be cost‐effective; however, how a given metric responds to environmental variation may differ from other population‐ or individual‐level metrics. Consequently, conclusions about the effect of environmental variation on a species should consider the relationship between different metrics. We investigated how population‐level metrics (occupancy and relative abundance) and an individual‐level metric (body condition) responded to landscape variation in 3 semi‐aquatic salamander species. In the summer of 2015 and 2016, we conducted repeated count surveys at 71 streams on the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee, USA, actively counting and measuring salamanders. We estimated occupancy and abundance of larval and post‐metamorphic animals using community‐occupancy and community‐N mixture models, respectively. We estimated body condition of the most observed life stage for each species using a standardized mass index. All models included the same set of covariates for comparison. Occupancy and abundance responses for each life stage‐by‐species combination were positively correlated for 4 of 6 combinations, with salamander abundance responding to a larger suite of covariates. Body condition was not linked to covariates in the same fashion as population‐level metrics, although consistency across species was detected for 1 covariate, watershed size. Our results indicate that inter‐specific and inter‐life stage variation in evaluated metrics is present within salamanders of this study system. Management for populations of salamanders in the region should consider monitoring multiple response metrics, to capture both population‐ and individual‐level responses, as these may not always be correlated.
Rurality Effect on Michigan Newborn Hearing Screening
Authors: Conway Robert M. , Perreault Kylie , Schomer Jason , Fan Caleb J. , Lucas Jacob C. , Babu Seilesh C.
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Evaluate the effect of rurality on newborn hearing screen outcomes in Michigan.

Methods

Patients in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Newborn Hearing Screening database that failed or did not receive their initial screen from 2015 to 2020 were evaluated. Using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural–Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC), patients were assigned a 1–9 code based on the population of their zip code, with 1 being the most urban and 9 being the most rural and outcomes between these patients were compared.

Results

There were 34,928 patients initially identified. Patients that had follow‐up testing after a failed NBHS had a slightly higher RUCC than those that did not follow‐up, 2.3 versus 2.2, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between those that refused screening, with a mean RUCC of 4.2, and those that had a failed initial screen having a mean RUCC of 2.1 (p < 0.001). Similarly, those with equipment failure had a higher mean RUCC, 2.8, compared to those that had screening completed (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

More rural areas are more likely to refuse a newborn hearing screen as well as have equipment failure options. There was no difference in rurality scores of those that had a follow‐up screen after a failure and those that did not.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 134:2937–2940, 2024
New Year, New Perspective
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: December 2023

It is that time of year again: Out with the old, in with the new. Resolutions about how the future will be better, in one way or another. A renewed sense of optimism and shrugging off the challenges of the prior year. A new year is rarely different for businesses. It is a time to review, regroup, and refocus. Union prevention efforts are no exception.
Left Vagus Stimulation Modulates Contralateral Subthalamic β Power Improving the Gait in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Marano Massimo , Anzini Gaia , Saltarocchi Luca , Ricciuti Riccardo , Capone Fioravante , Tan Huiling , Torrecillos Flavie , Lanzone Jacopo , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo
Published: December 2023

Background

Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) showed early evidence of efficacy for the gait treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD).

Objectives

Providing data on neurophysiological and clinical effects of transauricular VNS (taVNS).

Methods

Ten patients with recording deep brain stimulation (DBS) have been enrolled in a within participant design pilot study, double‐blind crossover sham‐controlled trial of taVNS. Subthalamic local field potentials (β band power), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scales (UPDRS), and a digital timed‐up‐and‐go test (TUG) were measured and compared with real versus sham taVNS during medication‐off/DBS‐OFF condition.

Results

The left taVNS induced a reduction of the total β power in the contralateral (ie, right) subthalamic nucleus and an improvement of TUG time, speed, and variability. The taVNS‐induced β reduction correlated with the improvement of gait speed. No major clinical changes were observed at UPDRS.

Conclusions

taVNS is a promising strategy for the management of PD gait, deserving prospective trials of chronic neuromodulation. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Mutation spectrum of thalassemia among pre‐pregnant adults in the Jiangsu Province by capillary electrophoresis‐based multiplex PCR assay
Authors: Shao Binbin , Wang Yuguo , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Yan , Tan Juan , Wang Lulu , Hu Ping , Tan Jianxin , Xu Zhengfeng
Published: December 2023

Background

Thalassemia is a common genetic disorder in southwestern China, and an increasing number of cases from eastern China have been recently reported. Here, we developed a rapid, convenient, and accurate assay to evaluate the mutation spectrum of thalassemia in eastern China.

Methods

A carrier screening assay for 61 hotspot variants among HBA1/HBA2 and HBB (OMIM: 141800, 141850, and 141900) genes was developed by SNaPshot/high‐throughput ligation‐dependent probe amplification (HLPA) technology. We used this assay to detect the mutation spectrum of thalassemia in individuals from eastern China and compared with the data collected from literatures focused on southern and northern China for variant distribution.

Results

Among 4276 tested individuals, 2.62% (112/4276) were α‐thalassemia carriers, with 90 carrying one deletion or mutation and 22 carrying two deletions. 0.40% (17/4276) were β‐thalassemia carriers, and the most common variant of β‐thalassemia was c.126_129delCTTT (29.41%) followed by c.316‐197C>T (23.53%). The genotype distribution in our study was similar to those from southern China populations.

Conclusion

The Chinese population from different regions presented comparable mutation spectrum of thalassemia, and the SNaPshot/HLPA technique may serve as a capable assay for a routine genetic test in clinical practice with its accurate, rapid, and inexpensive advantage.
A Keller–Segel system involving mixed local and nonlocal operators with logistic term on ℝN
Authors: Zhou Ling , Tao Yiting , Liu Zuhan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we investigate a parabolic–elliptic Keller–Segel system with a logistic term on
, involving mixed local and nonlocal operators
with
. At first, we prove that the semigroup
generated by
is an analytical semigroup and uses blow‐up arguments in combination with the classical Liouville‐type theorem to demonstrate the regularity of weak solutions of the parabolic equation with the mixed operators. Next, the local existence and uniqueness of classical solutions are established by applying the semigroup theory and regularity results in case of
. Moreover, we obtain the global existence and boundedness of classical solutions under some conditions on given initial values and the asymptotic behavior of the global solutions with strictly positive initial conditions.
Childhood overweight and obesity: age stratification contributes to the differences in metabolic characteristics
Authors: Wu Jinxia , Li Zhenchang , Zhu Hongwei , Chang Yajie , Li Quanquan , Chen Jing , Shen Guiping , Feng Jianghua
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the differential metabolic characteristics of children with overweight and obesity and understand their potential mechanism in different age stratifications.

Methods

Four hundred seventy‐three children were recruited and divided into two age stratifications: >4 years (older children) and ≤4 years (younger children), and overweight and obesity were defined according to their BMI percentile. A one dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR)–based metabolomics strategy combined with pattern recognition methods was used to identify the metabolic characteristics of childhood overweight and obesity.

Results

Four and sixteen potential biomarkers related to overweight and two and twenty potential biomarkers related to obesity were identified from younger and older children, respectively. Fluctuations in phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamine, leucine, histidine, and ascorbate co‐occurred in children with obesity at two age stratifications. The disturbances in biosynthesis and metabolism of amino acids, lipid metabolism, and galactose metabolism disturbance were mainly involved in children with overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

The metabolic disturbances show a significant progression from overweight to obesity in children, and different metabolic characteristics were demonstrated in age stratifications. The changes in the levels of phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamine, leucine, histidine, and ascorbate were tracked with the persistence of childhood obesity. These findings will promote the mechanistic understanding of childhood overweight and obesity.
Poly(vinylidene fluoride) ultrafiltration membranes tailored with zirconium‐based MOF‐801 for water treatment applications
Authors: Rameesha Laila , Rana Dipak , Nagendran Alagumalai
Published: December 2023

Highly hydrophilic and antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membranes are developed with excellent permeation using a zirconium‐based metal–organic framework (MOF‐801). MOF‐801 is synthesized by a solvothermal method using zirconium(IV) oxychloride octahydrate (ZrOCl2⋅8H2O) and fumaric acid. The chemical functionality of MOF‐801 is studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) whereas surface morphology and elemental composition are probed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). The PVDF/MOF‐801 membranes are characterized in terms of FTIR, XRD, FESEM/EDX and atomic force microscopy. The performance of the hybrid PVDF/MOF‐801 membranes in terms of pure water flux and antifouling ability is found to be improved compared with bare PVDF membranes. The wettability of the membranes is measured by water contact angle and found to be 76.7° for bare PVDF membrane, which decreases upon the addition of MOF‐801 to 55.1° due to the increase in surface hydrophilicity. A notable increase in roughness of 226.29 nm and a porosity of 67.91% is observed for the addition of 2 wt% MOF‐801 in PVDF membrane matrix. The flux recovery ratio of the hybrid membrane is increased from 66.4% to 89.6% and from 68.3% to 85.2% for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA) separation, respectively. In addition, the reversible and irreversible fouling performance during the rejection of BSA (93%) and HA (88%) indicates the enhanced antifouling property of the PVDF/MOF‐801 membranes. A zone of inhibition test evidences the outstanding antibiofouling activity of the PVDF/MOF‐801 membranes against E. coli and S. aureus. Overall results demonstrated the suitability of hybrid PVDF/MOF‐801 membranes for water and wastewater treatment. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Analysis of temperature effects on the protein accumulation of the FT–FD module using newly generated Arabidopsis transgenic plants
Authors: Park Kyung‐Ho , Kim Sol‐Bi , Jung Jae‐Hoon
Published: December 2023

Arabidopsis flowering is dependent on interactions between a component of the florigens FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor FD. These proteins form a complex that activates the genes required for flowering competence and integrates environmental cues, such as photoperiod and temperature. However, it remains largely unknown how FT and FD are regulated at the protein level. To address this, we created FT transgenic plants that express the N‐terminal FLAG‐tagged FT fusion protein under the control of its own promoter in ft mutant backgrounds. FT transgenic plants complemented the delayed flowering of the ft mutant and exhibited similar FT expression patterns to wild‐type Col‐0 plants in response to changes in photoperiod and temperature. Similarly, we generated FD transgenic plants in fd mutant backgrounds that express the N‐terminal MYC‐tagged FD fusion protein under the FD promoter, rescuing the late flowering phenotypes in the fd mutant. Using these transgenic plants, we investigated how temperature regulates the expression of FT and FD proteins. Temperature‐dependent changes in FT and FD protein levels are primarily regulated at the transcript level, but protein‐level temperature effects have also been observed to some extent. In addition, our examination of the expression patterns of FT and FD in different tissues revealed that similar to the spatial expression pattern of FT, FD mRNA was expressed in both the leaf and shoot apex, but FD protein was only detected in the apex, suggesting a regulatory mechanism that restricts FD protein expression in the leaf during the vegetative growth phase. These transgenic plants provided a valuable platform for investigating the role of the FT–FD module in flowering time regulation.