bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why the long beak? Phylogeny, convergence, feeding ecology, and evolutionary allometry shaped the skull of theGiant CowbirdMolothrus oryzivorus(Icteridae)
Authors: Gómez Raúl O. , Lois‐Milevicich Jimena
Published: August 2021

Cowbirds are a successful group of obligate brood parasites in the Neotropical passerine family Icteridae that offer an interesting model to explore the factors behind the evolution of the bird craniomandibular complex. The Giant Cowbird,Molothrus oryzivorus,stands out from its congeners, among other features, in diet (feeds mostly on fruit, nectar, and arthropods, instead on seeds), its larger body size, and longer, more robust beak with a much broader bony casque than in other cowbirds. In turn, Giant Cowbirds show a remarkable resemblance in these features to the distantly related caciques and oropendolas (some are its breeding hosts). However, the causes behind the latter resemblance and the distinctiveness among cowbirds have not yet been elucidated. We aim to explore the factors involved in the diverging morphology of the Giant Cowbird from its congeners and the convergence with caciques and oropendolas, surveying their skull and lower jaw under an explicit evolutionary framework. Using geometric morphometrics and comparative methods, we assessed the signal of phylogeny, convergence, feeding ecology, and size in skull shape. Our results indicated that evolution of the craniomandibular complex of icterids in general, and of the beak morphology in the Giant Cowbird in particular, are shaped by multiple factors, with phylogeny being largely overridden by changes in size (evolutionary allometry), primarily, and feeding ecology, secondarily. However, the evolution of a broad bony casque in the Giant Cowbird, otherwise a hallmark of caciques and oropendolas, does not appear to have primarily been ruled by evolutionary allometry. Instead, taking into account the unique extreme convergence between Giant Cowbirds and some of its caciques hosts, it might be consequence of selective regimes associated with parasite–host interactions acting on top of other evolutionary processes. This suggests chick mimicry as a reasonable explanation for this peculiar morphology that would require further investigation.
Effect of azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19: Network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chi Gerald , Memar Montazerin Sahar , Lee Jane J. , Kazmi Syed Hassan A. , Shojaei Fahimehalsadat , Fitzgerald Clara , Gibson C. Michael
Published: August 2021

Chloroquine or its derivative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) combined with or without azithromycin (AZ) have been widely investigated in observational studies as a treatment option for coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) infection. The network meta‐analysis aims to summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine if AZ or HCQ is associated with improved clinical outcomes. PubMed and Embase were searched from inception to March 7, 2021. We included published RCTs that investigated the efficacy of AZ, HCQ, or its combination among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 infection. The outcomes of interest were all‐cause mortality and the use of mechanical ventilation. The pooled odds ratio was calculated using a random‐effect model. A total of 10 RCTs were analyzed. Participant's mean age ranged from 40.4 to 66.5 years. There was no significant effect on mortality associated with AZ plus HCQ (odds ratio [OR] = 0.562 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.168–1.887]), AZ alone (OR = 0.965 [95% CI: 0.865–1.077]), or HCQ alone (OR = 1.122 [95% CI: 0.995–1.266]; p = 0.06). Similarly, based on pooled effect sizes derived from direct and indirect evidence, none of the treatments had a significant benefit in decreasing the use of mechanical ventilation. No heterogeneity was identified (Cochran's Q = 1.68; p = 0.95; τ2 = 0; I2 = 0% [95% CI: 0%–0%]). Evidence from RCTs suggests that AZ with or without HCQ was not associated with a significant effect on the mortality or mechanical ventilation rates in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19. More research is needed to explore therapeutics agents that can effectively reduce the mortality or severity of COVID‐19.
A behavioral perspective on service center routing: The role of inertia
Authors: Schecter Aaron , Wowak Kaitlin D. , Berente Nicholas , Ye Han , Mukherjee Ujjal
Published: August 2021

Research on service center routing has largely assumed either fully codified automated routing, rational routing agents who can optimally route calls, or both. In practice, however, many routing scenarios are not fully codifiable, and human routing agents will likely exhibit biases in their routing decisions. In this paper, we explore the presence of behavioral inertia in service center routing. Inertia in this context is the propensity for routing agents to route issues more frequently to other agents with whom they have experience, rather than optimally routing those issues. We leveraged a unique dataset of more than 70,000 routing decisions in a complex service operations context to examine the presence of inertia and associated performance implications. We find that, overall, inertia hurts performance, but in certain situations can be beneficial. Inertia increases the probability of issue resolution when agents exhibit inertial behavior in routing to other agents with high expertise, and inertia positively impacts (decreases) service time for particularly difficult, complex customer issues. This study contributes to research in service center operations by studying a previously unexplored phenomenon of inertia in routing by human agents and provides valuable insights to practitioners who manage service centers.
Comparative analysis of Achilles tendon healing outcomes after open tenotomy versus percutaneous tenotomy: An experimental study in rats
Authors: Song Jae H. , Kang Chan , Han Seung Y. , Park Won H. , Kim Min H. , Moon Ji H. , Tae Jung Y. , Park Hyeon Y. , Yoo In H. , Park Jong H. , Yeo Yong H. , Kim Dae Y.
Published: August 2021

There is growing interest in conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture. However, the majority of experimental studies of Achilles tendon have been performed by open tenotomy. More appropriate model of conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture is required. We performed an experimental study to evaluate whether outcomes differ between open tenotomy and percutaneous tenotomy of the Achilles tendon in rats. The Achilles tendons of 48 rats were transected. The animals were divided into two groups according to surgical technique: open tenotomy or microscopy‐assisted percutaneous tenotomy. After 1, 2, and 4 weeks, functional, biomechanical, and histological analyses were performed. Western blot was performed for quantitative molecular analysis at 1 week. The Achilles functional index was superior in the percutaneous tenotomy group, compared with the open tenotomy group, at 1 week. The cross‐sectional area was significantly larger in the percutaneous tenotomy group than in the open tenotomy group at 4 weeks. Relative to the native tendons, load to failure and stiffness yielded comparable results at 2 weeks in the percutaneous tenotomy group and at 4 weeks in the open tenotomy group. The histological score was significantly better in the percutaneous tenotomy group than in the open tenotomy group at 1 week. At 1 week, interleukin‐1β expression in the open tenotomy group was higher than in the percutaneous tenotomy group. In summary, Achilles tendon healing was substantially affected by the tenotomy method. We presume that our percutaneous tenotomy method might constitute a useful experimental animal model for conservative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.
Impact on caregivers of adult patients receiving parenteral support for short‐bowel syndrome with intestinal failure: A multinational, cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Jeppesen Palle B. , Chen Kristina , Murphy Ryan , Shahraz Saeid , Goodwin Bridgett
Published: August 2021

Background

Patients with short‐bowel syndrome and intestinal failure (SBS‐IF) require parenteral support (PS) and may need long‐term home‐care support. This survey assessed the impact of care provision on adult caregivers of adult patients receiving PS for SBS‐IF.

Methods

An online, cross‐sectional survey of caregivers of adults with a self‐reported physician diagnosis of SBS‐IF was conducted in France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and USA. Impact on caregivers was evaluated using the 18‐item Caregiver Strain Index (CSI), the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem (WPAI:SHP), and self‐reporting impact questionnaires.

Results

Caregivers (N = 121; aged 51 ± 13.7 years; 59% women) provided assistance for a mean of 9.9 ± 12.53 years; 77% were providing care 7 days per week. Patients (51 ± 16.4 years; 56% women) of caregivers were typically family members: spouse/partner (61%), adult son/daughter (19%), or parent (10%). Caregivers reported experiencing some strain (CSI score 4 ± 3.4). Among 71 of 73 employed caregivers, the WPAI:SHP assessment showed that caregivers missed 7% ± 12.7% of work hours in the preceding week and were present but not productive at work 37% ± 23.1% of the time; 28% of caregivers reported a reduced number of working hours because of caregiving. Many caregivers reported limitations in recreational activities (53%), and ≥30% had difficulty spending time with family and friends. Caregivers (87%) also reported worrying about the patient's health.

Conclusions

Caregivers of adult patients with SBS‐IF experience negative daily personal impacts and loss of productivity arising from their caregiving responsibilities.
Back to Uluzzo – archaeological, palaeoenvironmental and chronological context of the Mid–Upper Palaeolithic sequence at Uluzzo C Rock Shelter (Apulia, southern Italy)
Authors: Spinapolice E. E. , Zerboni A. , Meyer M. C. , Talamo S. , Mariani G. S. , Gliganic L. A. , Buti L. , Fusco M. , Maiorano M. P. , Silvestrini S. , Sorrentino R. , Vazzana A. , Romandini M. , Fiorini A. , Curci A. , Benazzi S.
Published: August 2021

The tempo and mode of Homo sapiens dispersal in Eurasia and the demise of Neanderthals has sparked debate about the dynamics of Neanderthal extinction and its relationship to the arrival of H. sapiens. In Italy, the so‐called ‘Transition’ from Neanderthals to H. sapiens is related to the Uluzzian technocomplex, i.e. the first archaeological evidence for modern human dispersal on the European continent. This paper illustrates the new chronology and stratigraphy of Uluzzo C, a rock shelter and Uluzzian key site located in the Uluzzo Bay in southern Italy, where excavations are ongoing, refining the cultural sequence known from previous excavations. Microstratigraphic investigation suggests that most of the deposit formed after dismantling of the vault of the rock shelter and due to wind input of loess deflated by the continental shelf. The occasional reactivation of the hydrology of the local karst system under more humid conditions further contributed to the formation of specific layers accumulating former Terra Rossa‐type soil fragments. Superposed on sedimentary processes, strong bioturbation and the mobilization and recrystallization of calcite have been detected. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages from Uluzzo C Rock Shelter are congruent with previously published radiocarbon ages obtained on shell beads and tephrachronology from adjacent sites preserving the Uluzzian technocomplex such as Grotta del Cavallo, confirming the onset for the Uluzzian in the area to ca. 39.2–42.0 ka. The OSL chronology from Uluzzo C also provides a terminus post quem for the end of the Mousterian in the region, constraining the disappearance of the Neanderthals in that part of Italy to ≥46 ± 4 ka.
Variation of summer precipitation δ18O on the Chinese Loess Plateau since the last interglacial
Authors: Zhang Zeke , Li Gaojun , Cai Yanjun , Liu Zhengyu , An Zhisheng
Published: August 2021

Orbital‐scale East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) variations inferred from loess deposits in northern China and speleothems from southern China display different dominant periods, complicating our understanding of monsoon response to insolation and ice‐volume forcings. Here we integrate a new microcodium δ18O record from a high‐resolution last interglacial loess profile with previously published data and provide a composite microcodium δ18O record on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) since the last interglacial. The composite microcodium δ18O record displays distinct precessional cycles, consistent with speleothem δ18O records, but with different amplitude contrast (particularly during the peak interglacials). We propose that both loess and speleothem δ18O records exhibit covariations at precessional timescale oscillations. The discrepancy between loess and speleothem from southern China can be attributed to the influences of other processes besides summer precipitation on the proxies. A slight difference in amplitude between microcodium and speleothem δ18O records implies that the EASM is also influenced by inland surface boundary conditions, which has important impacts on the occurrence of EASM precipitation. Therefore, microcodium δ18O from the Chinese loess–paleosol sequences can be regarded as a representative proxy of EASM precipitation in northern China and then a reliable proxy reflecting the variation of EASM intensity.
Raman study of rusty oil spotted glaze produced in Linfen kilns (Shanxi province, AD 1115–1368)
Authors: Wang Minli , Wang Tian , Wang Fen , Hole Clement , Cao Jun , Zhu Jianfeng , Zhang Pei , Shi Pei , Sciau Philippe
Published: August 2021

The Linfen kiln complex, one of the most representative of Shanxi kilns, is famous for its oil spotted glazed ware production. In this work, micro‐Raman spectroscopy was applied to analyze the nature of the rusty oil spot pattern of a bowl fragment from Linfen kilns. Crystals of polygonal shape found in the spots at the glaze surface and around bubbles in the cross‐section of the glaze were identified as hematite. Their distribution in the glaze suggests that nucleation seeds and small crystals are carried toward the surface by the rise of bubbles during the heating step of the firing. Raman spectra combined with energy‐dispersive spectrometry (EDS) measurements also suggest that Fe ions in hematite crystals are partially substituted, causing the variation of band position and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the spectra. Dendritic ε‐Fe2O3 was identified in brown areas of the black glaze, as well as pseudobrookite crystals of tens of microns in the cross‐section of the glaze. The degree of the glaze polymerization (A500/A1000) was calculated at 1.85, indicating a firing temperature lower than 1300°C, consistent with the archaeological data.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Five Different Classification Systems for Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective, Comparative Study
Authors: Orhan Soylemez Umut Percem , Gunduz Nesrin
Published: August 2021

Objective

To compare the diagnostic performance of five different thyroid ultrasound classification systems, and determine which system is optimal for evaluating thyroid nodules and reducing the unnecessary biopsy rate.

Methods

In this prospective study, 1,010 nodules referred for biopsy during a 2‐year period were classified using five classification systems: the Kwak Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (Kwak TI‐RADS), the European TI‐RADS (EU TI‐RADS, the Korean TI‐RADS (K TI‐RADS), the American College of Radiology TI‐RADS (ACR TI‐RADS), and the American Thyroid Association (ATA) classification. After fine needle aspiration biopsy, all classifications were compared for all nodules and also particularly for nodules sized 1–3 cm. Sensitivity, specificity, and interobserver agreement were evaluated for each classification system.

Results

Of the 939 nodules (after exclusion of Bethesda 3 nodules) finally classified according to the surgical histopathology and cytology results, 73 (7.8%) were malignant and 866 nodules were benign (92.2%). The sensitivity was highest (94.5%) for the ACR TI‐RADS and lowest for the Kwak TI‐RADS (69%). After exclusion of small (<1 cm) and large nodules (>3 cm); while sensitivity was highest for ATA (97.8%), ACR TI‐RADS was the second best classification (91.3%). There was substantial agreement among all classification systems except the Kwak TI‐RADS (fair agreement).

Conclusions

The ACR TI‐RADS was the most sensitive ultrasound risk stratification system for all nodules, while the Kwak TI‐RADS was the most specific, ie, the most capable of excluding benign nodules based on the combined cytological and histopathological results. ATA and ACR‐TIRADS were the most sensitive classification systems for nodules 1 to 3 cm in size. The ACR TI‐RADS had higher sensitivity than the Bethesda classification system when compared according to the histopathological results.
Downregulation of miR‐29b‐3p aggravates podocyte injury by targeting HDAC4 in LPS‐induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Ha Zong‐Lan , Yu Zi‐Ying
Published: August 2021

Sepsis is a severe organ dysfunction disease, usually accompanied by acute kidney injury (AKI). miR‐29b‐3p was inhibited in sepsis‐induced AKI, while its role in AKI was unclear. Therefore, this study determined the role of miR‐29b‐3p in sepsis‐induced AKI, and investigated its underlying mechanism. In this study, the AKI model was established through injecting with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) intraperitoneally. In LPS challenged mice, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were increased, and renal tissues pathological damage was induced. Besides, miR‐29b‐3p was declined in LPS‐induced AKI mice and podocytes. In addition, HDAC4 was elevated in LPS‐treated podocytes. Furthermore, upregulated miR‐29b‐3p attenuated LPS‐induced mice podocyte injury, and HDAC4 was identified as a direct target of miR‐29b‐3p. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐29b‐3p attenuated LPS‐induced AKI in mice. In conclusion, miR‐29b‐3p was inhibited in LPS‐induced AKI. Downregulation of miR‐29b‐3p aggravated podocyte injury through targeting HDAC4 in LPS‐induced AKI. miR‐29b‐3p may act as a valuable target for AKI therapy.
Enumeration of marine microbial organisms by flow cytometry using near‐UV excitation of Hoechst 34580‐stained DNA
Authors: Selph Karen E.
Published: August 2021

A flow cytometry method for enumerating marine heterotrophic bacteria and phytoplankton in a living or preserved sample using a low power solid state near‐ultraviolet laser is described. The method uses Hoechst 34580 to stain DNA in microbial cells in seawater samples. This stain is optimally excited at 375 nm unlike the similar Hoechst 33342, which requires ~ 350 nm excitation only available on more expensive lasers. Phytoplankton abundances from the Hoechst 34580 method are comparable to those of unstained samples and when analyzed by the Hoechst 33342 staining method. With this new method, nonpigmented marine bacteria and phytoplankton abundances are obtained simultaneously in a single sample as the Hoechst emission wavelength (~ 450 nm) is well separated from the emission wavelengths of chlorophyll and phycoerythrin fluorescence. Bacteria abundances are similar between this new method and those obtained with established Hoechst 33342 and SybrGreen I methods. Precision estimates (coefficient of variation) on populations with abundances near ~ 105 cells mL−1 are 1–3%, increasing to 3–9% at lower cell concentrations of 103 cells mL−1. The Hoechst 34580 method is simple, requiring no heating or pretreatment with RNAse, can be used on unpreserved and formaldehyde‐preserved cells, and is amenable to at‐sea use with portable, compact, low power‐requiring flow cytometers.
LOOKING FOR LEADERS IN THE PRESENT CRISIS AND BEYOND
Authors: Lazarow Alex
Published: August 2021

The author details his research based on his book Out‐Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs—from Delhi to Detroit—Are Rewriting the Rules of Silicon Valley. In it, he explores the “unique strategies these rising companies are using to scale and succeed in some of the most challenging and unforgiving ecosystems.” He discusses the need for leaders to keep the long‐term mission in mind, and that the “best leaders know that they need diversity of thought and opinion in order to navigate the difficulties that arise.” He believes that the lessons derived have applicability for leaders in all sectors of society, especially in difficult times; those we face now and are likely to face in the future. He draws on examples from such executives as David Rosenberg, the CEO of AeroFarms, a leading vertical farming startup; Mike Evans, co‐founder of Grubhub, a food delivery business based in Chicago; Adolfo Babatz, CEO and co‐founder of Clip, which offers small businesses in Mexico digital payment options; and Lyndsay Handler, CEO of Fenix International, an energy startup based in Uganda. The author advises that “leaders should not take lessons as set in stone. The playbook must be evolved to changing conditions.”
Adaptive Morphology of Surface‐Segregated Micelles Synthesized from Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly Co‐Mediated by a Binary Mixture of Macro‐RAFT Agents
Authors: Zhang Tongtong , Zhan Chengdong , Huang Xiangyue , Huang Yinghui , Zong Lina , Hong Liangzhi , Ngai To
Published: August 2021

Surface‐segregated micelles (SSMs) have shown potential applications in drug delivery, bioimaging, and Pickering emulsions due to their adaptive characteristics. A diverse set of SSMs are prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT)‐mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA). However, the obtained self‐assembled structures are mostly limited to spherical forms, and SSMs with a hierarchical structure are not yet prepared. In this study, SSMs with various hierarchical structures are generated by the dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) co‐mediated by a binary mixture of poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) and polydimethylsiloxane as macromolecular chain‐transfer agents (macro‐CTAs). The obtained structures include cylinders, vesicles, large compound micelles, and bundles of hoops. The morphological evolution of these structures and vesicle size can be readily tuned by varying the composition of the binary mixture of macro‐CTAs. This study expands the scope of RAFT‐mediated PISA for synthesizing well‐defined polymer nano‐objects with higher‐order morphologies for various applications.
The shape effect: Round shapes increase consumers' preference for hedonic foods
Authors: Zhou Shoujiang , Chen Siwen , Li Shan
Published: August 2021

Despite being a fundamental food feature, the effect of food shapes has been underexplored. This study demonstrates that giving hedonic foods a round shape increases their desirability, choice probability, and consumption. However, this effect does not apply to utilitarian foods. Such asymmetric effects are attributed to the positive affect elicited by a round shape and not to the food's shape typicality, food knowledge, vividness, or fragility. The positive affect provides affective information and influences consumers' judgments and decisions. Moreover, the effectiveness of giving hedonic foods a round shape is attenuated by consumers' health motivations; that is, the effect holds only for those with low health motivation. Applying statistical methods to data from seven independent studies provided consistent evidence that supports our hypotheses, thereby advancing knowledge of the shape effect, susceptibility of hedonic products, and the affect‐as‐information framework, while also revealing how food shapes affect food consumption.
Functional characterization of CDK10 and cyclin M truncated variants causing severe developmental disorders
Authors: Robert Thomas , Dock‐Bregeon Anne‐Catherine , Colas Pierre
Published: August 2021

Background

CDK10 is a poorly known cyclin M (CycM)‐dependent kinase. Loss‐of‐function mutations in the genes encoding CycM or CDK10 cause, respectively, STAR or Al Kaissi syndromes, which present a constellation of malformations and dysfunctions. Most reported mutations abolish gene expression, but two mutations found in 3’ exons could allow the expression of CDK10 and CycM truncated variants.

Methods

We built a structural model that predicted a preserved ability of both variants to form a CDK10/CycM heterodimer. Hence, we functionally characterized these two truncated variants by determining their capacity to heterodimerize and form an active protein kinase when expressed in insect cells, by examining their two‐hybrid interaction profiles when expressed in yeast, and by observing their expression level and stability when expressed in human cells.

Results

Both truncated variants retain their ability to form a CDK10/CycM heterodimer. While the CycM variant partially activates CDK10 activity in vitro, the CDK10 variant remains surprisingly inactive. Expression in human cells revealed that the CDK10 and CycM variants are strongly and partially degraded by the proteasome, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results point to a total loss of CDK10/CycM activity in the Al Kaissi patient and a partial loss in the STAR patients.
Technical Note: A simple and fast daily quality assurance solution for modulated scanning proton and carbon ion beams
Authors: Chen Jing‐Ni , Moyers Michael F. , Lin Lien‐Chun
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A typical ion beam treatment facility has multiple treatment rooms and may treat with more than one ion species, thus requiring a significant quality assurance (QA) effort. The goal of this work was to perform daily QA using a single irradiation per ion species to obtain the beam dosimetry parameters of dose per monitor unit (D/MU), range, and spot position. The X‐ray alignment system should also be checked and the entire procedure performed by therapists.

Methods

This goal was achieved by designing a jig for the Sun Nuclear Daily QA™ 3 device and combining it with specific brass boluses, a standard QA plan, and a cuboid polyethylene phantom for positioning/repositioning tests. The design of the plan used for each ion species delivery ensured that there was no interference between the tests of the various characteristics.

Results

The 1‐year monitoring results showed the proposed daily QA procedure was reliable and able to reflect each of the specified QA items of the proton and carbon ion beams. To simplify the daily analysis, the tolerances for the D/MU, beam range, and spot position (±1.5%, ±0.3 mm, ±1.5 mm, respectively) are checked using only the detector readings without the need for additional data processing.

Conclusions

The proposed daily QA procedure was clinically implemented in our facility in April 2019 and has run smoothly for the first 2 years of operation. The total daily QA time for the four‐room facility decreased from 1 to 1.5 h to 30 to 40 min and was achieved not by reducing QA tests but rather by implementing new technology and procedures permitting acquisition of multiple beam information.
Age‐related sensory neuropathy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 1
Authors: Pro Stefano , Tozzi Alberto Eugenio , D'Amico Adele , Catteruccia Michela , Cherchi Claudio , De Luca Massimiliano , Nicita Francesco , Diodato Daria , Cutrera Renato , Bertini Enrico , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: August 2021

Introduction/Aims

Spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA 1) is a devastating motor neuron disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness, respiratory failure and premature death. Although sensory electrophysiological changes have been anecdotally found in pediatric SMA 1 patients, the age of onset of sensory neuropathy remains unknown.

Methods

Sensory nerve conduction studies of the median and sural nerves were performed in 28 consecutive SMA 1 patients of different ages. Sensory nerve conduction velocities and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitudes recorded in these patients were compared with those obtained from 93 healthy subjects stratified by age.

Results

SNAP amplitudes decreased with increasing age in the sural and median nerves, without any significant difference between upper and lower limbs.

Discussion

Our data suggest that sural and median nerve SNAP amplitudes are normal in younger patients, while an axonal neuropathy appears in older ones.
Assessing Potential Stock Structure of Adult Coho Salmon in a Small Alaska Watershed: Quantifying Run Timing, Spawning Locations, and Holding Areas with Radiotelemetry
Authors: Stratton M. E. , Finkle H. , Falke J. A. , Westley P. A. H.
Published: August 2021

Run timing and spatial locations of spawning habitats are often used to identify stocks for conservation planning or management of salmonid fishes. Although complex stock structure is most common within large watersheds with diverse habitats, even small drainages can produce multiple co-occurring spatially or temporally isolated populations or “stocks.” This project sought to address the potential existence of stock structure of Coho Salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch in a small coastal watershed on Kodiak, Alaska that supports vital subsistence and recreational fisheries and is currently managed as a single stock. We radio-tagged a total of 348 adult Coho Salmon upon freshwater entry into the Buskin River across three spawning seasons (2015–2017) and tracked in-river movements to the final locations where mortality signals were recorded. We identified two primary spawning habitats within the system: main-stem and lake tributaries, with 54% (range of 47% to 61%) of tagged fish with determined fates tracked to main-stem river spawning areas and 46% (range 39% to 53%) presumably spawning in small tributaries of the 1-km2 Buskin Lake at the headwater of the watershed. Despite distinct spatial differences in spawning locations, main-stem and tributary spawners did not differ in migration timing into freshwater (difference in run timing of main-stem versus tributary spawners = 1 d) nor body size (main-stem mean body length, mideye to tail fork = 625 mm, tributary mean = 613 mm). Unexpectedly, we determined nearly 70% of all Coho Salmon spent at least some time in Buskin Lake, including 54% of main-stem spawners, suggesting a potential role of Buskin Lake as an important staging habitat for premature migrating adult Coho Salmon who enter freshwater in advance of final maturation. We also identified areas consistently used for holding prior to spawning that could be used in spatial management planning and during times of necessary conservation to ensure integrity of the stock for the future.
The outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty techniques in women with urethral stricture disease
Authors: Gülpınar Ömer , Zumrutbas Ali Ersin , Sancı Adem , Bütün Salih , Gokce Mehmet İlker , Aybek Zafer
Published: August 2021

Aim

The purpose of this paper is to present the outcomes of three buccal mucosal graft (BMG) urethroplasty techniques in female patients with urethral strictures.

Methods

We included all patients who had BMG urethroplasty for female urethral strictures (FUS) disease between January 2015 and June 2020. Patient age, comorbidities, stricture etiology, stricture length, the number of previous treatments, preoperative and postoperative uroflowmetry data, postvoid residual volumes, and the operation and postoperative course details were documented.

Results

A total of 34 patients were included in this study. There were 8 patients in vaginal‐sparing inlay BMG, 12 for ventral onlay BMG, and 14 for Aybek‐Zumrutbas (AZ) technique groups. The mean age of the study population was 56.1 years. The length of urethral strictures varied between one and 4.5 cm. All patients had a previous history of endoscopic treatment or dilatations. The preoperative mean maximal flow rate (Qmax) was 6.9 ml/s. The median postoperative follow‐up time was 24.6 months. Twelve months after surgery, the mean Qmax was 25 (range: 14–32) ml/s. There were no significant complications in any patients. The success rates were 83.3% for ventral onlay BMG, 87.5% for vaginal‐sparing, and 100% for AZ technique.

Conclusions

All three BMG urethroplasty techniques applied in this study had a success rate of over 80% in a median follow‐up of approximately 2 years. In females, urethroplasty with BMG provided high rates of cure, and the recently described two techniques (vaginal‐sparing inlay BMG, and AZ technique) showed promise in FUS treatment.
Closing the gap between in vivo and in vitro omics: using QA/QC to strengthen ex vivo NMR metabolomics
Authors: Maroli Amith Sadananda , Powers Robert
Published: August 2021

Metabolomics aims to achieve a global quantitation of the pool of metabolites within a biological system. Importantly, metabolite concentrations serve as a sensitive marker of both genomic and phenotypic changes in response to both internal and external stimuli. NMR spectroscopy greatly aids in the understanding of both in vitro and in vivo physiological systems and in the identification of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Accordingly, NMR is widely utilized in metabolomics and fluxomics studies due to its limited requirements for sample preparation and chromatography, its non‐destructive and quantitative nature, its utility in the structural elucidation of unknown compounds, and, importantly, its versatility in the analysis of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo samples. This review provides an overview of the strengths and limitations of in vitro and in vivo experiments for translational research and discusses how ex vivo studies may overcome these weaknesses to facilitate the extrapolation of in vitro insights to an in vivo system. The application of NMR‐based metabolomics to ex vivo samples, tissues, and biofluids can provide essential information that is close to a living system (in vivo) with sensitivity and resolution comparable to those of in vitro studies. The success of this extrapolation process is critically dependent on high‐quality and reproducible data. Thus, the incorporation of robust quality assurance and quality control checks into the experimental design and execution of NMR‐based metabolomics experiments will ensure the successful extrapolation of ex vivo studies to benefit translational medicine.
Experimental and numerical study on the ballistic performance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene laminate
Authors: Zhu Yihui , Liu Kang , Wen Yaoke , Cui Guangyu , Niu Weilong , Wang Yongjuan , Cao Yanfeng , Xu Cheng
Published: August 2021

Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber orthogonally laid laminate is widely used in ballistic protection due to its excellent properties. Research on its response under bullet impact is meaningful for understanding the antiballistic mechanism and designing personal protection. In this article, three‐dimensional digital image correlation measurement and analysis method is applied to study the response of UHMWPE orthogonally laid laminates under the impact of pistol bullets. A corresponding smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)–finite element method coupled numerical model is established to study the impact phenomenon. The bullet model is developed using the SPH method. The laminate is developed with multiple equivalent sublaminate finite element models. The experimental results show the damage mode and back‐face features of the laminate. First, the damage mode has two stages: the first stage includes a small number of layers that are penetrated on the impact surface and the second stage includes the expansion of the back‐face deformation. Second, the average maximum bulge height in three repeated experiments is 14.59 mm. Third, the average maximum velocity of the bulge apex position in experiments on the z‐axis is 92.32 m/s. Fourth, the maximum and minimum back‐face in‐plane shear values are 0.0893 and −0.0928, respectively. Finally, the numerical results have good agreement with the experimental results and show that the compression waves mainly propagate along the x and y directions. The experimental results can provide quantifiable features for studying the impact responses of UHMWPE laminates. The numerical model could be applied to study features that cannot be measured by experiments.
“Pain talk”: A triadic collaboration in which nurses promote opportunities for engaging children and their parents about managing children’s pain
Authors: Jordan Abbie , Carter Bernie , Vasileiou Konstantina
Published: August 2021

Effective communication with children about pain is important and has the potential to mediate the short‐ and longer‐term effects of pain on children. Most communication studies relating to children's pain have focused on language children use to describe everyday pain experiences. However, little is known regarding how health professionals, particularly nurses, communicate with children in healthcare settings about pain. This study aimed to explore how nurses talk to children and their parents about pain and what factors influence nurses’ use of language and non‐verbal communication. A cross‐sectional mixed‐methods (predominantly qualitative) survey (“pain talk”) was conducted, comprising qualitative items about pain communication and four vignettes portraying hypothetical cases of children representing typical child pain scenarios. Participants were recruited via email, social media, newsletters, established networks, and personal contacts. A total of 141 registered (68.1%) or in‐training nurses across 11 countries with experience of managing children's pain completed the survey. Textual survey responses were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Qualitative content analysis generated a meta‐theme “Being confident and knowing how to do ‘pain talk’” and four main themes that described the functions, purpose, and delivery of “pain talk”: (a) “contextualizing and assessing,” (b) “empowering, explaining, and educating,” (c) “supporting, affirming, and confirming,” and (d) “protecting, distracting, and restoring.” “Pain talk” was a triadic collaborative communication process that required nurses to feel confident about their role and skills. This process involved nurses talking to children and parents about pain and creating engagement opportunities for children and parents. “Pain talk” aimed to promote the agency of the child and parent and their engagement in discussions and decision‐making, using information, support, and comfort. Nurses shaped their “pain talk” to the specific context of the child's pain, previous experiences, and current concerns to minimize potential distress and adverse effects and to promote optimal pain management.
Polarization of ionic liquid and polymer and its implications for polymerized ionic liquids: An overview towards a new theory and simulation
Authors: Gao Tong , Itliong Jester , Kumar Sai Prashanth , Hjorth Zackerie , Nakamura Issei
Published: August 2021

Ionic liquid (IL)‐containing polymers garner attention for electrochemical applications. This article overviews recent experimental and theoretical studies of polymer electrolytes that would be likely to cultivate new theoretical and computational frameworks for IL‐containing polymers. The first two sections outline the uniqueness of ILs that differentiates them from inorganic salts in polymers and explore deviation from the concept of the metaphor “room‐temperature molten salt.” Such distinct properties include (1) large intrinsic dipole moment and electronic polarizability, (2) hydrogen bonding, (3) π‐interactions, (4) a broad distribution of charges over the entire ion, and (5) the anisotropy of the ions. Moreover, the complexity of these properties substantially increases when the ions are polymerized. Indeed, their exceptional features would overcome the hurdle due to a trade‐off between ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness in inorganic salt‐doped polymers. Given these facts, the rest of the article focuses on emerging trends in the study of the dielectric response, phase separation, ion conductivity, and mechanical robustness of the polymer electrolytes, highlighting outstanding observations in experiments that may inspire existing theory and simulation. Our discussion also includes improving computational complexity for IL‐containing polymers. To this end, recent machine learning studies that consider ILs and polymer liquids are presented.
New biochemical insights into the dynamics of water molecules at the GMP or IMP binding site of human GMPR enzyme: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Bairagya Hridoy R. , Tasneem Alvea , Rai Gyan Prakash , Reyaz Saima
Published: August 2021

Human GMP reductase (hGMPR) enzyme is involved in a cellular metabolic pathway, converting GMP into IMP, and also it is an important target for anti‐leukemic agents. Present computational investigations explain dynamical behavior of water molecules during the conformational transition process from GMP to IMP using molecular dynamics simulations. Residues at substrate‐binding site of cancerous protein (PDB Id. 2C6Q) are mostly more dynamic in nature than the normal protein (PDB Id. 2BLE). Nineteen conserved water molecules are identified at the GMP/IMP binding site and are classified as (i) conserved stable dynamic and (ii) infrequent dynamic. Water molecules W11, W14, and W16 are classified as conserved stable dynamic due to their immobile character, whereas remaining water molecules (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W7, W8, W9, W10, W12, W13, W15, W17, W18, and W19) are infrequent with dynamic nature. Entrance or displacement of these infrequent water molecules at GMP/IMP sites may occur due to forward and backward movement of reference residues involving ligands. Four water molecules of hGMPR‐I and nine water molecules of hGMPR‐II are observed in repetitive transitions from GMP to IMP pathway, which indicates discrimination between two isoforms of hGMPRs. Water molecules in cancerous protein are more dynamic and unstable compared to normal protein. These water molecules execute rare dynamical events at GMP binding site and could assist in detailed understanding of conformational transitions that influence the hGMPR's biological functionality. The present study should be of interest to the experimental community engaged in leukemia research and drug discovery for CML cancer.
Cover Image, Volume 77, Issue 9
Authors: Punja Zamir K
Published: August 2021

The cover image is based on the Review Emerging diseases of Cannabis sativa and sustainable management by Zamir K. Punja https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6307

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FKT is Not Universal — A Planar Holant Dichotomy
for Symmetric Constraints
Authors: Cai Jin-Yi , Fu Zhiguo , Guo Heng , Williams Tyson
Published: August 2021

We prove a complexity classification for Holant problems defined by an arbitrary set of complex-valued symmetric constraint functions on Boolean variables. This is to specifically answer the question: Is the Fisher-Kasteleyn-Temperley (FKT) algorithm under a holographic transformation (Valiant, SIAM J. Comput. 37(5), 1565–1594 2008) a universal strategy to obtain polynomial-time algorithms for problems over planar graphs that are intractable on general graphs? There are problems that are #P-hard on general graphs but polynomial-time solvable on planar graphs. For spin systems (Kowalczyk 2010) and counting constraint satisfaction problems (#CSP) (Guo and Williams, J. Comput. Syst. Sci. 107, 1–27 2020), a recurring theme has emerged that a holographic reduction to FKT precisely captures these problems. Surprisingly, for Holant, we discover new planar tractable problems that are not expressible by a holographic reduction to FKT. In particular, a straightforward formulation of a dichotomy for planar Holant problems along the above recurring theme is false. A dichotomy theorem for #CSPd, which denotes #CSP where every variable appears a multiple of d times, has been an important tool in previous work. However the proof for the #CSPd dichotomy violates planarity, and it does not generalize to the planar case easily. In fact, due to our newly discovered tractable problems, the putative form of a planar #CSPd dichotomy is false when d ≥ 5. Nevertheless, we prove a dichotomy for planar #CSP2. In this case, the putative form of the dichotomy is true. (This is presented in Part II of the paper.) We manage to prove the planar Holant dichotomy relying only on this planar #CSP2 dichotomy, without resorting to a more general planar #CSPd dichotomy for d ≥ 3. A special case of the new polynomial-time computable problems is counting perfect matchings (#PM) over k-uniform hypergraphs when the incidence graph is planar and k ≥ 5. The same problem is #P-hard when k = 3 or k = 4, which is also a consequence of our dichotomy. When k = 2, it becomes #PM over planar graphs and is tractable again. More generally, over hypergraphs with specified hyperedge sizes and the same planarity assumption, #PM is polynomial-time computable if the greatest common divisor (gcd) of all hyperedge sizes is at least 5. It is worth noting that it is the gcd, and not a bound on hyperedge sizes, that is the criterion for tractability.
To Scan or Not to Scan: Development of a Clinical Decision Support Tool to Determine if Imaging Would Aid in the Diagnosis of Appendicitis
Authors: Gunasingha Rathnayaka M. K. D. , Grey Scott F. , Munoz Beau , Schobel Seth , Lee Joseph , Erwin Casey , Irons Thomas , McMillan Elizabeth , Unselt Desiree , Elster Eric , Bradley Matthew
Published: August 2021

Background

Appendicitis is one of the most common surgically treated diseases in the world. CT scans are often over‐utilized and ordered before a surgeon has evaluated the patient. Our aim was to develop a tool using machine learning (ML) algorithms that would help determine if there would be benefit in obtaining a CT scan prior to surgeon consultation.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of 100 randomly selected cases who underwent appendectomy and 100 randomly selected controls was completed. Variables included components of the patient's history, laboratory values, CT readings, and pathology. Pathology was used as the gold standard for appendicitis diagnosis. All variables were then used to build the ML algorithms. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Bayesian Network Classifiers (BNC) models with and without CT scan results were trained and compared to CT scan results alone and the Alvarado score using area under the Receiver Operator Curve (ROC), sensitivity, and specificity measures as well as calibration indices from 500 bootstrapped samples.

Results

Among the cases that underwent appendectomy, 88% had pathology‐confirmed appendicitis. All the ML algorithms had better sensitivity, specificity, and ROC than the Alvarado score. SVM with and without CT had the best indices and could predict if imaging would aid in appendicitis diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that SVM with and without CT results can be used for selective imaging in the diagnosis of appendicitis. This study serves as the initial step and proof‐of‐concept to externally validate these results with larger and more diverse patient population.