bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MiOXSYS® and OxiSperm® II assays appear to provide no clinical utility for determining oxidative stress in human sperm—results from repeated semen collections
Authors: Castleton Patience , Gyawali Prabin , Mathews Nicola , Mutuku Shadrack Mulinge , Sharkey David James , McPherson Nicole Olivia
Published: December 2022

Background

Oxidative stress in semen contributes up to 80% of all infertility diagnosis. Diagnostics to measure oxidative stress in semen was recently added to the 6th edition WHO methods manual, although diagnostic predictive values need to be interpreted with caution as there are still several research questions yet to be answered.

Objectives

To determine the natural fluctuations in semen redox indicators (MiOXSYS® and OxiSperm® II) within and between men and their association with markers of sperm oxidative stress.

Materials and methods

Total, 118 repeat semen samples from 31 generally healthy men aged 18–45 years, over 6 months. Standard semen analysis as per 5th WHO manual. Semen redox levels measured via MiOXSYS® and OxiSperm® II. Additional attributes of sperm quality; HBA® binding assay and sperm hyperactivation and oxidative stress; DNA fragmentation (Halo® Sperm) and lipid peroxidation (BODIPY™ 581/591 C11) were assessed.

Results

Samples with high redox‐potential (MiOXSYS® ≥1.47 sORP/106 sperm/ml) had lower sperm, motility, morphology and higher DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Upon further analysis, these associations were driven solely by the adjustment of sperm concentration (106/ml) in normalised redox‐potential. No significant associations between NBT‐reactivity (OxiSperm® II) and measures of the sperm function or oxidative stress were observed (P > 0.05). Fluctuations in semen redox levels varied greater between men than within men over the study period.

Discussion

Neither MiOXSYS® nor OxiSperm® II assays were predictive of sperm function or sperm oxidative stress. This was likely due at least in part to limited understanding of their biochemistry and clinical application. As a result, these assays seem to provide no additional clinical utility beyond that of a standard semen analysis, highlighting the imperative for the development of new robust point‐of‐care devices for accurately determining sperm oxidative stress.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that MiOXSYS® and OxiSperm® II systems for the measurement of sperm oxidative stress may have limited diagnostic potential.
Sex determination in domestic rock pigeons (Columba livia) using radiographic morphometry
Authors: Szara Tomasz , Gündemir Ozan , Günay Ebuderda , Gün Gökhan , Avanus Kozet , Pazvant Gülsün
Published: December 2022

Determination of sex on the base of external morphological features is very difficult in most birds. However, molecular sex identification methods can be used for sexing of these so‐called monomorphic bird species. This study analysed the sexual dimorphism of radiographic morphometric features in rock pigeons whose sexes were determined by the molecular sex identification method. Body weights and 21 radiographic measurements of 43 rock pigeons (18 males and 25 females) were taken. Among cranium measurements, the skull width value was statistically significant in terms of gender (p < .01). Length of carpometacarpus (p < .001) was the most statistically significant measurement of the thoracic limb skeleton, and length of tarsometatarsus (p < .01) was the most statistically significant measurement in the pelvic limb. The body weight showed a positive correlation with all measurements. It was observed that 81.4% of the samples were classified correctly with the measurements used in the discriminant analysis. With this study's results, it can be concluded that sex determination in rock pigeons can also be made by radiographic morphometric methods. In addition, more measurements can be obtained with radiographic images compared to external morphometry.
Hyperbaric oxygen should be used for carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Sethuraman Kinjal , Thom Stephen R.
Published: December 2022

This short review addresses the mechanisms of injury mediated by carbon monoxide (CO) and current information on efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Recent clinical series involving large, country‐wide databases and prospective randomized trials are summarized. We conclude that there is an abundance of basic science and preclinical and clinical research supporting the use of HBOT for acute CO poisoning. With appropriate consideration for pathology and therapeutic mechanisms, HBOT at a dose of 2.5–3.0 atm absolute is a necessary treatment for this toxidrome.
The kin selection theory of genomic imprinting and modes of reproduction in the eusocial Hymenoptera
Authors: da Silva Jack
Published: December 2022

Genomic imprinting is known from flowering plants and mammals but has not been confirmed for the Hymenoptera even though the eusocial Hymenoptera are prime candidates for this peculiar form of gene expression. Here, the kin selection theory of genomic imprinting is reviewed and applied to the eusocial Hymenoptera. The evidence for imprinting in eusocial Hymenoptera with the typical mode of reproduction, involving the sexual production of diploid female offspring, which develop into workers or gynes, and the arrhenotokous parthenogenesis of haploid males, is also reviewed briefly. However, the focus of this review is how atypical modes of reproduction, involving thelytokous parthenogenesis, hybridisation and androgenesis, may also select for imprinting. In particular, naturally occurring hybridisation in several genera of ants may provide useful tests of the role of kin selection in the evolution of imprinting. Hybridisation is expected to disrupt the coadaptation of antagonistically imprinted loci, and thus affect the phenotypes of hybrids. Some of the limited data available on hybrid worker reproduction and on colony sex ratios support predictions about patterns of imprinting derived from kin selection theory.
Prioritizing nationally endemic species for conservation
Authors: Kraus Daniel , Enns Amie , Hebb Andrea , Murphy Stephen , Drake D. Andrew R. , Bennett Bruce
Published: December 2022

Over 90% of recent human‐caused extinctions are wild species known from only one nation. These nationally endemic species represent one of the greatest global conservation responsibilities for any country. To meet this responsibility, we must first identify nationally endemic species. We developed the first comprehensive inventory of the 308 plant, animal, and fungi species and infraspecies only found in Canada, of which approximately 90% are of global conservation concern. Our analysis also identified 27 spatial concentrations of endemic species, many of which are associated with glacial refugia, islands, coasts, and unique habitats. Nationally endemic species have not been the primary focus of endangered species conservation in Canada and other countries. Our analysis provides a case study on how national inventories of endemic species can be developed and applied to support species assessments and place‐based conservation. Prioritizing endemic species for conservation can build on sentiments of sense of place and national responsibility to foster public interest. We propose a species conservation framework that highlights the critical role of national endemism in preventing global extinctions. Greater conservation focus on endemic species will support national and international biodiversity conservation targets, including the post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
A comprehensive approach to identify challenges for clinical reasoning development in undergraduate dental students and their potential solutions
Authors: Isbej Lorena , Fuentes‐Cimma Javiera , Véliz Paiva Claudia , Valladares‐Pérez Salvador , Riquelme Arnoldo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Clinical reasoning is a core competence in health professions that impacts the ability to solve patients' health problems. Due to its relevance, it is necessary to identify difficulties arising from different sources that affect clinical reasoning development in students. The aim of this study was to explore a comprehensive approach to identify challenges for clinical reasoning development in undergraduate dental students and their potential solutions.

Methods

Mixed methods were used in four stages: (1) students and clinical teachers focus groups to identify challenges to clinical reasoning development; (2) literature review to explore potential solutions for these challenges; (3) Delphi technique for teacher consensus on pertinence and feasibility of solutions (1–5 scale); and (4) teachers' self‐perception of their ability to implement the solutions.

Results

Three categories and seven subcategories of challenges were identified: (I) educational context factors influencing the clinical reasoning process; (II) teacher's role in clinical reasoning development; and (III) student factors influencing the clinical reasoning process. From 134 publications identified, 53 were selected for review, resulting in 10 potential solutions. Through two Delphi rounds, teachers rated the potential solutions very highly in terms of relevance (4.50–4.85) and feasibility (3.50–4.29). Finally, a prioritisation ranking of these solutions was generated using their scores for relevance, feasibility, and teachers' self‐perception of their ability to implement them.

Conclusions

The present comprehensive approach identified challenges for clinical reasoning development in dental students and their potential solutions, perceived as relevant and feasible by teachers, requiring further research and follow‐up actions to address them.
Significance of regulatory T cells in cancer immunology and immunotherapy
Authors: Sugiyama Daisuke , Hinohara Kunihiko , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: December 2022

Immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME) attenuates antitumor immunity, consequently hindering protective immunosurveillance and preventing effective antitumor immunity induced by cancer immunotherapy. Multiple mechanisms including immune checkpoint molecules, such as CTLA‐4, PD‐1, and LAG‐3, and immunosuppressive cells are involved in the immunosuppression in the TME. Regulatory T (Treg) cells, a population of immunosuppressive cells, play an important role in inhibiting antitumor immunity. Therefore, Treg cells in the TME correlate with an unfavourable prognosis in various cancer types. Thus, Treg cell is considered to become a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. Elucidating Treg cell functions in cancer patients is therefore crucial for developing optimal Treg cell‐targeted immunotherapy. Here, we describe Treg cell functions and phenotypes in the TME from the perspective of Treg cell‐targeted immunotherapy.
Global warming is increasing the discrepancy between green (actual) and thermal (potential) seasons of temperate trees
Authors: Fu Yongshuo H. , Geng Xiaojun , Chen Shouzhi , Wu Hao , Hao Fanghua , Zhang Xuan , Wu Zhaofei , Zhang Jing , Tang Jing , Vitasse Yann , Zohner Constantin M. , Janssens Ivan , Stenseth Nils Chr. , Peñuelas Josep
Published: December 2022

Over the past decades, global warming has led to a lengthening of the time window during which temperatures remain favorable for carbon assimilation and tree growth, resulting in a lengthening of the green season. The extent to which forest green seasons have tracked the lengthening of this favorable period under climate warming, however, has not been quantified to date. Here, we used remote sensing data and long‐term ground observations of leaf‐out and coloration for six dominant species of European trees at 1773 sites, for a total of 6060 species–site combinations, during 1980–2016 and found that actual green season extensions (GS: 3.1 ± 0.1 day decade−1) lag four times behind extensions of the potential thermal season (TS: 12.6 ± 0.1 day decade−1). Similar but less pronounced differences were obtained using satellite‐derived vegetation phenology observations, that is, a lengthening of 4.4 ± 0.13 and 7.5 ± 0.13 day decade−1 for GS and TS, respectively. This difference was mainly driven by the larger advance in the onset of the thermal season compared to the actual advance of leaf‐out dates (spring mismatch: 7.2 ± 0.1 day decade−1), but to a less extent caused by a phenological mismatch between GS and TS in autumn (2.4 ± 0.1 day decade−1). Our results showed that forest trees do not linearly track the new thermal window extension, indicating more complex interactions between winter and spring temperatures and photoperiod and a justification of demonstrating that using more sophisticated models that include the influence of chilling and photoperiod is needed to accurately predict spring phenological changes under warmer climate. They urge caution if such mechanisms are omitted to predict, for example, how vegetative health and growth, species distribution and crop yields will change in the future.
In‐depth polarisation resolved SHG microscopy in biological tissues using iterative wavefront optimisation
Authors: Nuzhdin Dmitry , Pendleton Emily G. , Munger Eleanor B. , Mortensen Luke J. , Brasselet Sophie
Published: December 2022

Polarised nonlinear microscopy has been extensively developed to study molecular organisation in biological tissues, quantifying the response of nonlinear signals to a varying incident linear polarisation. Polarisation Second harmonic Generation (PSHG) in particular is a powerful tool to decipher sub‐microscopic modifications of fibrillar collagen organisation in type I and III collagen‐rich tissues. The quality of SHG imaging is however limited to about one scattering mean free path in depth (typically 100 micrometres in biological tissues), due to the loss of focus quality, induced by wavefront aberrations and scattering at even larger depths. In this work, we study how optical depth penetration in biological tissues affects the quality of polarisation control, a crucial parameter for quantitative assessment of PSHG measurements. We apply wavefront shaping to correct for SHG signal quality in two regimes, adaptive optics for smooth aberration modes corrections at shallow depth, and wavefront shaping of higher spatial frequencies for optical focus correction at larger depths. Using nonlinear SHG active nanocrystals as guide stars, we quantify the capabilities of such optimisation methods to recover a high‐quality linear polarisation and investigate how this approach can be applied to in‐depth PSHG imaging in tissues, namely tendon and mouse cranial bone.
Comparison of NB‐UVB combination therapy regimens for vitiligo: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Baohua , Liu Chengjiang , Zhang Lan , Wang Jun , Chen Mingling , Wei Yuegang
Published: December 2022

Background

Vitiligo was an autoimmune disease and some guidelines for the management of vitiligo encouraged the use of NB‐UVB combination therapies to enhance repigmentation.

Objectives

To compare the effectiveness of current NB‐UVB combination regimen at the improvement in repigmentation through a systematic review and network meta‐analysis.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials related to NB‐UVB combination therapy for vitiligo till October 2022. STATA15.0 software was applied to carrying out data analysis.

Results

A total of 28 eligible studies involving 1194 participants were enrolled in the analysis. The NMA results revealed that compared with NB‐UVB, carboxytherapy [OR = 32.35, 95% CI (1.79, 586.05)], Er: YAG laser+ topical 5% 5‐FU [OR = 10.74, 95% CI (4.05, 28.49)], needling/micro‐needling [OR = 3.42, 95% CI (1.18, 9.88)], betamethasone intramuscular injection [OR = 3.08, 95% CI (1.17, 8.13)], topical tacrolimus [OR = 2.54, 95% CI (1.30, 4.94)], and oral Chinese herbal medicine compound [OR = 2.51, 95% CI (1.40, 4.50)] integrated with NB‐UVB were more efficacious in excellent to complete repigmentation response rate (≥75%). Besides, NB‐UVB+ Er: YAG laser+ topical 5% 5‐FU [OR = 0.17, 95% CI (0.04, 0.67)] and NB‐UVB+ needling/micro‐needling [OR = 0.24, 95% CI (0.06, 0.88)] were less likely evaluated as ineffective repigmentation response (≤25%).

Conclusions

All combination therapies ranked higher than NB‐UVB monotherapy in inducing successful repigmentation and avoiding failed treatment in patients with vitiligo. Comprehensive consideration, NB‐UVB+ Er: YAG laser+ topical 5% 5‐FU and NB‐UVB+ needling/microneedling would be the preferred therapeutic approaches.
The Early Medieval State: A Strategic‐Relational Approach
Authors: Carvajal Castro Álvaro , Tejerizo‐García Carlos
Published: December 2022

The state is a contested concept in the historiography on early medieval societies. Debates have frequently revolved around its heuristic validity, but few scholars have addressed its broader theoretical implications. Those who have tend to reduce the state to its institutional features and privilege the role of the dominant groups in the analysis of state‐building processes and the workings of the state. This paper contends that a richer conceptualisation of the state can overcome the limits of the debate as it has been framed so far and provide a deeper insight into how social relations shaped and were shaped by the development of early medieval polities. After reviewing the most significant historiographical contributions to the debate, the paper introduces the Strategic‐Relational Approach to the state, as formulated by B. Jessop, as one that can provide a more nuanced understanding of early medieval polities. Particular emphasis is made on the analysis of class relationships and the articulation of hegemonic projects as two particularly fruitful lines of inquiry. Finally, the paper focuses on one particular instance of early medieval political practice, the politics of the land, as a means to illustrate the potential of the approach.
Hepatitis delta virus: Disease assessment and stratification
Authors: Koffas Apostolos , Mak Lung‐Yi , Kennedy Patrick T. F.
Published: December 2022

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes one of the most severe forms of hepatitis in people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Timely and accurate assessment of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and disease stratification is mandatory for thorough pre‐therapeutic evaluation for prioritizing treatment and outcome prediction. Viral biomarkers associated with HDV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are crucial to aid in diagnosis, and monitoring of serum viral nucleic acids for both viruses is recommended. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging of liver fibrosis and grading of histological activity and should remain central for diagnostic purposes, but is also of importance for research to enhance our understanding of HDV. The emergence of novel non‐invasive tests for the assessment of liver fibrosis in HDV patients coupled with the well‐recognized potential complications of liver biopsy has resulted in reduced utility of liver biopsy in clinical practice. Preliminary data suggest that these emerging non‐invasive modalities appear to be reliable, and their use is supported, similar to other viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, further validation is required before their widespread adoption into clinical practice.
Electroencephalography of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder in a dog with generalized tetanus
Authors: Knipe Marguerite , Embersics Colleen , Dickinson Peter
Published: December 2022

Case Summary

A 3‐month‐old Airedale dog with clinically diagnosed generalized tetanus was investigated for the occurrence of excessive paddling and chewing movements when sleeping. Electroencephalogram (EEG) with time‐locked video over 31 hours determined occurrence of the abnormal movements to be within 20 to 180 seconds of the onset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but not at any other stage of wakefulness or sleep. No epileptiform activity was noted. Clinical signs of generalized tetanus resolved over 8 weeks with antimicrobial and symptomatic treatment, and sleep‐associated movements resolved 6 weeks after presentation.

Clinical Relevance

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) has been suspected in dogs with generalized tetanus but not confirmed by correlation of repeated episodes of vocalization or motor behaviors or both with REM sleep defined by an EEG. The case further defines RBD in dogs with tetanus, and highlights the value of EEG to differentiate among different parasomnias and epileptiform activity.
Interspecific introgression of MHC genes in Triturus newts: Evidence from multiple contact zones
Authors: Gaczorek Tomasz S. , Marszałek Marzena , Dudek Katarzyna , Arntzen Jan W. , Wielstra Ben , Babik Wiesław
Published: December 2022

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are central to the adaptive immune response in vertebrates. Selection generally maintains high MHC variation because the spectrum of recognized pathogens depends on MHC polymorphism. Novel alleles favoured by selection originate by interallelic recombination or de novo mutations but may also be acquired by introgression from related species. However, the extent and prevalence of MHC introgression remain an open question. In this study, we tested for MHC introgression in six hybrid zones formed by six Triturus newt species. We sequenced and genotyped the polymorphic second exons of the MHC class I and II genes and compared their interspecific similarity at various distances from the centre of the hybrid zone. We found evidence for introgression of both MHC classes in the majority of examined hybrid zones, with support for a more substantial class I introgression. Furthermore, the overall MHC allele sharing outside of hybrid zones was elevated between pairs of Triturus species with abutting ranges, regardless of the phylogenetic distance between them. No effect of past hybrid zone movement on MHC allele sharing was found. Finally, using previously published genome‐wide data, we demonstrated that MHC introgression was more extensive than genome‐wide introgression, supporting its adaptive potential. Our study thus provides evidence for the prevalence of MHC introgression across multiple Triturus hybrid zones, indicating that MHC introgression between divergent hybridizing species may be widespread and adaptive.
FtsH degrades kinetically stable dimers of cyclopropane fatty acid synthase via an internal degron
Authors: Hari Sanjay B. , Morehouse Juhee P. , Baker Tania A. , Sauer Robert T.
Published: December 2022

Targeted protein degradation plays important roles in stress responses in all cells. In E. coli, the membrane‐bound AAA+ FtsH protease degrades cytoplasmic and membrane proteins. Here, we demonstrate that FtsH degrades cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA) synthase, whose synthesis is induced upon nutrient deprivation and entry into stationary phase. We find that neither the disordered N‐terminal residues nor the structured C‐terminal residues of the kinetically stable CFA‐synthase dimer are required for FtsH recognition and degradation. Experiments with fusion proteins support a model in which an internal degron mediates FtsH recognition as a prelude to unfolding and proteolysis. These findings elucidate the terminal step in the life cycle of CFA synthase and provide new insight into FtsH function.
Response to thermal and infection stresses in an American vector of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Martins Kelsilandia Aguiar , Morais Caroline S. , Broughton Susan J. , Lazzari Claudio R. , Bates Paul A. , Pereira Marcos H. , Dillon Rod J.
Published: December 2022

Lutzomyia longipalpisis known as one of the primary insect vectors of visceral leishmaniasis.For such ectothermic organisms, the ambient temperature is a critical life factor. However, the impact of temperature has been ignored in many induced‐stress situations of the vector life. Therefore, this study explored the interaction ofLu. longipalpiswith temperature by evaluating its behaviour across a thermal gradient, thermographic recordings during blood‐feeding on mice, and the gene expression of heat shock proteins (HSP) when insects were exposed to extreme temperature or infected. The results showed that 72 h after blood ingestion,Lu. longipalpisbecame less active and preferred relatively low temperatures. However, at later stages of blood digestion, females increased their activity and remained at higher temperatures. Real‐time imaging showed that the body temperature of females can adjust rapidly to the host and remain constant until the end of blood‐feeding. Insects also increased the expression of HSP90(83) during blood‐feeding. Our findings suggest thatLu. longipalpisinteracts with temperature by using its behaviour to avoid temperature‐induced physiological damage during the gonotrophic cycle. However, the expression of certain HSP might be triggered to mitigate thermal stress in situations where a behavioural response is not the best option.
Is the Sars‐CoV‐2 virus a possible trigger agent for the development of achalasia?
Authors: Furuzawa‐Carballeda Janette , Icaza‐Chávez María E. , Aguilar‐León Diana , Uribe‐Uribe Norma , Nuñez‐Pompa María C. , Trigos‐Díaz Alonso , Areán‐Sanz Rodrigo , Fernández‐Camargo Dheni A. , Coss‐Adame Enrique , Valdovinos Miguel A. , Briceño‐Souza Eduardo , Chi‐Cervera Luis A. , Olivares‐Flores Miriam , Torres‐Villalobos Gonzalo
Published: December 2022

Background

Achalasia is an autoimmune disease whose probable causal agent is a neurotropic virus that chronically infects the myenteric plexus of the esophagus and induces the disease in a genetically susceptible host. The association between achalasia and coronaviruses has not been reported.

Aims

To evaluate the presence of the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus, the ACE2 expression, the tissue architecture, and immune response in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LESm) of achalasia patients who posteriorly had SARS‐CoV‐2 (achalasia‐COVID‐19) infection before laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and compare the findings with type II achalasia patients and transplant donors (controls) without COVID‐19.

Methods

The LESm of 7 achalasia‐COVID‐19 patients (diagnosed by PCR), ten achalasia patients, and ten controls without COVID‐19 were included. The presence of the virus was evaluated by in situ PCR and immunohistochemistry. ACE2 receptor expression and effector CD4 T cell and regulatory subsets were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

Coronavirus was detected in 6/7 patients‐COVID‐19. The SARS‐CoV‐2 was undetectable in the LESm of the achalasia patients and controls. ACE2 receptor was expressed in all the patients and controls. One patient developed achalasia type II post‐COVID‐19. The percentage of Th22/Th17/Th1/pDCreg was higher in achalasia and achalasia‐COVID‐19 pre‐HLM vs. controls. The Th2/Treg/Breg cell percentages were higher only in achalasia vs. controls.

Conclusion & Inferences

SARS‐CoV2 and its receptor expression in the LESm of achalasia patients who posteriorly had COVID‐19 but not in the controls suggests that it could affect the myenteric plexus. Unlike achalasia, patients‐COVID‐19 have an imbalance between effector CD4 T cells and the regulatory mechanisms.
From share of choice to buyers' welfare maximization: Bridging the gap through distributionally robust optimization
Authors: Liu Maoqi , Zheng Li , Liu Changchun , Zhang Zhi‐Hai
Published: December 2022

We study the product design problem where a decision maker selects the features of a product from a set of feasible options. We focus on two widely studied objectives in this field, that is, the share of choice (SOC) and buyers' welfare (BW). The two objectives are vulnerable to different types of customer preference misspecification, that is, deviation from the nominal utility distribution and effects of outliers, respectively. We formulate a distributionally robust optimization (DRO) SOC maximization model and a winsorized BW maximization model to obtain robust solutions to the two problems. Interestingly, we show that the two robust models are equivalent in a certain sense—for appropriate choices of robustness parameters, both models return the same solution. This observation has important ramifications. For instance, it indicates that a product designed to yield higher BW is more robust to the deviation from the nominal utility distribution for the SOC problem, while that with higher SOC is less sensitive to the effect of outliers for the BW problem. Last but not least, we use the equivalence to develop a new approach to solve the DRO model for the SOC problem, using a version of the winsorized BW model. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed approach.
Predicting transaction outcomes under customized pricing with discretion: A structural estimation approach
Authors: Kadiyala Bharadwaj , Phillips Robert , Şimşek A. Serdar , van Ryzin Garrett
Published: December 2022

We consider a firm selling heterogeneous products with prices customized for each customer and the final price is set by negotiations between the seller and the customer. This type of pricing modality is referred to as customized pricing with discretion and is commonly used in insurance, consumer loans, mortgages, and many business‐to‐business markets. We assume that each sales agent has a reserve price and each customer has a willingness‐to‐pay, which are jointly drawn from a distribution and, if the transaction is successful, they agree on a price between these two values based on their relative bargaining power. Given the outcomes of a series of negotiations, our goal is to estimate the underlying joint distribution of reserve price and willingness‐to‐pay, and predict the outcomes of future transactions. We assume that the price that prevails as the outcome of the negotiation can be represented as a generalized Nash bargaining equilibrium. We develop a structural estimation method based on the expectation‐maximization algorithm to estimate the parameters of reserve price and willingness‐to‐pay distribution. Using a real‐world data set from indirect auto‐lending industry, we show that our proposed method, which accounts for heterogeneity in sales agent's reserve price and customer's willingness‐to‐pay, improves the predictive accuracy of final price (APR) and take‐up probability (i.e., probability of a customer accepting the loan) on real‐world test data by about 8.70% and 3.68%, respectively, compared to a (Tobit‐based) model, which accommodates unobserved heterogeneity in customer's willingness‐to‐pay only. Using the structural EM estimates, we conduct counterfactual analyses to understand the impact of different pricing policies, which vary in the amount of discretion provided to the sales agent during the negotiation process. For example, we find that the lender may increase profits by 13.63% compared to the status quo by optimally imposing a customized minimum price (annual percentage rate) below which a loan should not be offered to the customer.
Comparison of biopolymer scaffolds for the fabrication of skin substitutes in a porcine wound model
Authors: Dearman Bronwyn L. , Boyce Steven T. , Greenwood John E.
Published: December 2022

This study compared three acellular scaffolds as templates for the fabrication of skin substitutes. A collagen‐glycosaminoglycan (C‐GAG), a biodegradable polyurethane foam (PUR) and a hybrid combination (PUR/C‐GAG) were investigated. Scaffolds were prepared for cell inoculation. Fibroblasts and keratinocytes were serially inoculated onto the scaffolds and co‐cultured for 14 days before transplantation. Three pigs each received four full‐thickness 8 cm × 8 cm surgical wounds, into which a biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) was implanted. Surface seals were removed after integration (28 days), and three laboratory‐generated skin analogues and a control split‐thickness skin graft (STSG) were applied for 16 weeks. Punch biopsies confirmed engraftment and re‐epithelialisation. Biophysical wound parameters were also measured and analysed. All wounds showed greater than 80% epithelialisation by day 14 post‐transplantation. The control STSG displayed 44% contraction over the 16 weeks, and the test scaffolds, C‐GAG 64%, Hybrid 66.7% and PUR 67.8%. Immunohistochemistry confirmed positive epidermal keratins and basement membrane components (Integrin alpha‐6, collagens IV and VII). Collagen deposition and fibre organisation indicated the degree of fibrosis and scar produced for each graft. All scaffold substitutes re‐epithelialised by 4 weeks. The percentage of original wound area for the Hybrid and PUR was significantly different than the STSG and C‐GAG, indicating the importance of scaffold retainment within the first 3 months post‐transplant. The PUR/C‐GAG scaffolds reduced the polymer pore size, assisting cell retention and reducing the contraction of in vitro collagen. Further investigation is required to ensure reproducibility and scale‐up feasibility.
Isometric rigidity of Wasserstein tori and spheres
Authors: Gehér György Pál , Titkos Tamás , Virosztek Dániel
Published: December 2022

We prove isometric rigidity for p‐Wasserstein spaces over finite‐dimensional tori and spheres for all p. We present a unified approach to proving rigidity that relies on the robust method of recovering measures from their Wasserstein potentials.
Improved efficiency of vibration-based sound power computation through multi-layered radiation resistance matrix symmetry
Authors: Ebeling John C. , Bacon Ian C. , Bates Trent P. , Sommerfeldt Scott D. , Blotter Jonathan D.
Published: December 2022

Computing sound power using complex-valued surface velocities involves using a geometry-dependent acoustic radiation resistance matrix multiplied by a velocity vector to compute sound power for a given frequency range. Using a laser scan grid with constant spacing and a scalar radiator area approximation, a multi-layered Toeplitz symmetry exists in the radiation resistance matrix. An innovative approach was developed to exploit this Toeplitz symmetry. This approach preserved accuracy and resulted in a maximum of ∼1300% computation time reduction for curved plate calculations and a ∼9600% computation time reduction for cylindrical shell sound power calculations.
Comparison of the marine soundscape before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in dolphin habitat in Sarasota Bay, FL
Authors: Longden E. G. , Gillespie D. , Mann D. A. , McHugh K. A. , Rycyk A. M. , Wells R. S. , Tyack P. L.
Published: December 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in vessel activity and associated noise have been reported globally. Sarasota Bay is home to a large and increasing number of recreational vessels as well as a long-term resident community of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Data were analyzed from two hydrophones to compare the soundscape during the COVID-19 pandemic to previous years (March–May 2020 and 2018/2019). Hourly metrics were calculated: vessel passes, 95th percentile sound levels [125 Hz and 16 kHz third octave bands (TOBs), and two broader bands: 88–1122 Hz and 1781–17 959 Hz], and dolphin whistle detection to understand changes in vessel activity and the effect on wildlife. Vessel activity increased during COVID-19 restrictions by almost 80% at one site and remained the same at the other site. Of the four sound level measures, only the 125 Hz TOB and 88–1122 Hz band increased with vessel activity at both sites, suggesting that these may be appropriate measures of noise from rapid pass-bys of small vessels in very shallow (<10 m) habitats. Dolphin whistle detection decreased during COVID-19 restrictions at one site but remained the same at the site that experienced increased vessel activity. The results suggest that pandemic effects on wildlife should not be viewed as homogeneous globally.
Resolution of matched field processing for a single hydrophone in a rigid waveguide
Authors: Cheney Margaret , Kirsteins Ivars
Published: December 2022

This paper studies resolution of matched field processing for locating, in range and depth, a broadband underwater acoustic source from data measured at a single hydrophone receiver. For the case of an ideal rigid shallow-water waveguide with a pressure-release top boundary and a rigid bottom boundary, the paper derives approximations for the main-lobe widths of the ambiguity surface. The two cases studied in this paper are (1) when coherent measurements of the pressure are available, with the transmitted source waveform precisely known, and (2) when only measurements of the received-signal pressure magnitude-squared are available, such as might occur when the transmitted signal is random and unknown. The analysis uses the normal-mode expansion for the pressure field to derive approximate expressions for the ambiguity-surface main-lobe widths, as a function of the number of modes and frequency band, for both range and depth. Numerical results are presented corroborating the analytical analysis. Finally, the paper argues that this ambiguity analysis can also give insights into Pekeris waveguides under appropriate conditions and shows numerical simulations of matched-field localization ambiguity surfaces for some realistic shallow-water Pekeris environments.
Decomposing stress wave interference in a cylindrical wooden medium using an inverse deconvolution filter
Authors: Lee Yishi , Nistal-Franca Frederico
Published: December 2022

Excitation of an embedded waveguide in the cross section plane of a cylindrical structure produces Rayleigh modes propagating primarily in circumferential regions of the propagating medium. In many applications, this region is critical to the overall strength of the structure. Using the through-transmission technique, the Rayleigh mode in cylindrical symmetry produces clockwise and counterclockwise trajectories that interfere with each other at the receiver, producing a composite energy response in the temporal domain that hinders the accurate mode characterization. This work presents a decomposition algorithm consisting of three processing steps: (1) analytical continuous wavelet transforms of the raw waveform; (2) frequency polynomial approximation of the inverse point spread function using L2 norm optimization; and (3) derivation of the inverse deconvolution filter via the dual derivative operator. This work demonstrates the mathematical formulation and algorithm implementation with numerical and empirical validations. The proposed decomposition filter can achieve the overall time and energy estimation accuracy with a relative root mean square error of 0.07. Its broader impact will enhance the parametric estimation of the diagnostic stress wave for material characterization.
Super-resolution image display using diffractive decoders
Authors: Işıl Çağatay , Mengu Deniz , Zhao Yifan , Tabassum Anika , Li Jingxi , Luo Yi , Jarrahi Mona , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: December 2022

High-resolution image projection over a large field of view (FOV) is hindered by the restricted space-bandwidth product (SBP) of wavefront modulators. We report a deep learning–enabled diffractive display based on a jointly trained pair of an electronic encoder and a diffractive decoder to synthesize/project super-resolved images using low-resolution wavefront modulators. The digital encoder rapidly preprocesses the high-resolution images so that their spatial information is encoded into low-resolution patterns, projected via a low SBP wavefront modulator. The diffractive decoder processes these low-resolution patterns using transmissive layers structured using deep learning to all-optically synthesize/project super-resolved images at its output FOV. This diffractive image display can achieve a super-resolution factor of ~4, increasing the SBP by ~16-fold. We experimentally validate its success using 3D-printed diffractive decoders that operate at the terahertz spectrum. This diffractive image decoder can be scaled to operate at visible wavelengths and used to design large SBP displays that are compact, low power, and computationally efficient.
Silicification of trilobites and biofilm from the Cambrian Weeks Formation, Utah: Evidence for microbial mediation of silicification
Authors: Melim Leslie A. , Mure-Ravaud Sebastien R. , Hegna Thomas A. , Bellott Brian J. , Lerosey-Aubril Rudy
Published: December 2022

We report on silicified trilobite sclerites with associated silicified biofilm from the Cambrian Weeks Formation, Utah (USA), that support a role for microbial biofilms in silicification. Silicified sclerites are typically small (<3 mm) and incompletely preserved. All studied specimens are partly coated in 5–20 µm (rarely >500 µm) of silica-cemented matrix. High-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) study reveals the presence of two different forms of carbon-rich threads, ribbons and mats, coating both sclerites and silica-cemented matrix. Crystalline-looking biofilm threads and ribbons composed of Si, O, and C are interpreted as silicified biofilm associated with the trilobite silicification. Rippled to smooth biofilm mats composed of more C, less Si and O, and a trace of N are post-silicification. Embedded in the silica of the sclerites and matrix are molds of framboids that we interpret as originally framboidal pyrite that was engulfed by silica. These data indicate that silica precipitation continued into the surrounding matrix following the propagation of sulfate-reducing bacteria feeding on the organic matter present in the sclerite and the neighboring sediment. This strongly supports the model that bacterially mediated decay is key to the silicification of carbonate bioclasts and provides the first direct evidence of a microbial community (biofilm). A literature review reveals that silica extends past the fossil more frequently than is recognized, suggesting that silicified biofilm might be common but overlooked.
Pre-agricultural soil erosion rates in the midwestern United States
Authors: Quarrier Caroline L. , Kwang Jeffrey S. , Quirk Brendon J. , Thaler Evan A. , Larsen Isaac J.
Published: December 2022

Erosion degrades soils and undermines agricultural productivity. For agriculture to be sustainable, soil erosion rates must be low enough to maintain fertile soil. Hence, quantifying both pre-agricultural and agricultural erosion rates is vital for determining whether farming practices are sustainable. However, there have been few measurements of pre-agricultural erosion rates in major farming areas where soils form from Pleistocene deposits. We quantified pre-agricultural erosion rates in the midwestern United States, one of the world's most productive agricultural regions. We sampled soil profiles from 14 native prairies and used in situ–produced 10Be and geochemical mass balance to calculate physical erosion rates. The median pre-agricultural erosion rate of 0.04 mm yr–1 is orders of magnitude lower than agricultural values previously measured in adjacent fields, as is a site-averaged diffusion coefficient (0.005 m2 yr–1) calculated from erosion rate and topographic curvature data. The long-term erosion rates are also one to four orders of magnitude lower than the assumed 1 mm yr–1 soil loss tolerance value assigned to these locations by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hence, quantifying long-term erosion rates using cosmogenic nuclides provides a means for more robustly defining rates of tolerable erosion and for developing management guidelines that promote soil sustainability.
Linitis plastica of the rectum secondary to prostate carcinoma
Authors: Mommersteeg Michiel C , Kies Dennis A , van der Laan Jaap , Wonders Janneke
Published: December 2022

Linitis plastica is an intramural carcinoma that may occur in any hollow organ. Rectal linitis plastica (RLP) is a morphological variant cancer that may occur as a primary form of cancer or secondary as a metastasis of a primary malignancy. We report the case of a man in his 70s with RLP secondary to prostate carcinoma who was initially suspected to have an obstructing rectal adenocarcinoma. During colonoscopy a segment of cobblestone mucosa was seen in the distal rectum. Subsequent imaging showed enhancement of all wall-layers of the rectum and diffuse retroperitoneal fat infiltration with traction on both ureters. A prostate-specific membrane antigen scan confirmed RLP secondary to a prostate carcinoma mimicking the clinical and radiological signs of an obstructing rectal carcinoma with retroperitoneal fibrosis.

This case emphasises the possible pitfalls in the diagnosis of RLP and the importance of advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI, as well as appropriate histological samples. The patient underwent androgen deprivation therapy to which RLP responded well and neither systemic chemotherapy or surgery was necessary.
Health literacy development is central to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
Authors: Osborne Richard H , Elmer Shandell , Hawkins Melanie , Cheng Christina C , Batterham Roy W , Dias Sónia , Good Suvajee , Monteiro Maristela G , Mikkelsen Bente , Nadarajah Ranjit Gajendra , Fones Guy
Published: December 2022

The WHO’s report Health literacy development for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) delivers practical what-to-do how-to-do guidance for health literacy development to build, at scale, contextually-relevant public health actions to reduce inequity and the burden of NCDs on individuals, health systems and economies. The key premise for health literacy development is that people’s health awareness and behaviours are linked to lifelong experiences and social practices, which may be multilayered, hidden and beyond their control. Meaningful community engagement, local ownership and locally driven actions are needed to identify health literacy strengths, challenges and preferences to build locally fit-for-purpose and implementable actions. Health literacy development needs to underpin local and national policy, laws and regulations to create enabling environments that reduce community exposures to NCD risk factors. Deficit approaches and siloed health system and policy responses need to be avoided, focusing instead on integrating community-based solutions through co-design, cognisant of people’s daily experiences and social practices.