bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian mixing model framework for quantifying temporal variation in source of sediment to lakes across broad hydrological gradients of floodplains
Authors: Kay Mitchell L. , Swanson Heidi K. , Burbank Jacob , Owca Tanner J. , MacDonald Lauren A. , Savage Cory A. M. , Remmer Casey R. , Neary Laura K. , Wiklund Johan A. , Wolfe Brent B. , Hall Roland I.
Published: July 2021

Paleolimnological reconstructions provide insights into hydrological variability of dynamic floodplain lakes. However, spatial and temporal integration of multiple reconstructions often remains underdeveloped because the efficacy of different paleolimnological measurements varies among lakes due to gradients in energy of floodwaters and sediment composition. Here, we use linear discriminant analysis to identify 10 significant elemental concentrations in sediment obtained from multiple sampling campaigns that distinguish among three end‐member allochthonous sources for lakes in the Peace‐Athabasca Delta (PAD; Canada): Athabasca River, Peace River, and local catchment runoff. Over 90% of sediment samples were correctly classified into original groups after cross‐validation due to the distinctiveness of the three end‐members, which permitted development of a robust Bayesian mixing model to discern the relative contributions of sediment from the three sources. We evaluate performance of the mixing model via application to sediment cores from two adjacent lakes in the Athabasca sector of the PAD and demonstrate its effectiveness to discriminate three known hydrological phases during the past 300 years. Notably, model results indicated that ~ 60% of the sediment originated from the Peace River during the largest ice‐jam flood event on record (1974), which was unrecognized by other methods. The approach provides a new, universal method that can be applied across the full range of sediment composition to quantify changes in source, frequency, and magnitude of sediment delivery by river floodwaters to lakes and is transferable to other dynamic floodplain landscapes where broad range of sediment composition challenges application of other approaches.
FORMED IN THE CRUCIBLE OF CRISIS: MY APPROACH AND INSIGHTS ON LEADING PFIZER’S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Authors: Read Ian C.
Published: July 2021

The author details his experience as chief executive officer (CEO) of Pfizer, a top five global pharmaceutical company, and in particular his working with the company’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT). He details the company’s turnaround from a period of crisis during the previous leadership regime and outlines four principles that led to its success. The author contends that these principles can work for other executives, either in corporations, or elsewhere. In his words, they are #1: Build trust on the ELT. #2: Align on a fully shared view of the strategic business challenge and needed actions, uniting the ELT. #3: Link the business challenge to needed culture change. #4: Keep the ELT focused on enterprise‐level decisions and true cross‐divisional collaboration opportunities. Each principle is described in detail, revolving around the author’s experience with his Pfizer ELT. For instance, within principle #1, he writes, “How the CEO responds to mistakes can build or diminish trust, especially but not limited to the big mistakes.” Within #2: “My goal was to build a common understanding of our key challenges and from there, set strategy and a game plan for creating a company we could once again be proud of.”
Structurally Functionalized Cupric Oxide Encapsulated Chitosan Grafted Polyaniline Composite for Potentiometric Sensing of Methyl Parathion
Authors: Kushwaha Chandra Shekhar , Singh Pratibha , Abbas N. S. , Shukla S. K.
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical detection of residual methyl parathion (MPT) has been demonstrated over chemically functionalized and surface interactive CuO encapsulated chitosan grafted polyaniline (CuO‐en‐CHIT‐g‐PANI) composite under optimized conditions. The analytical results confirm the formation of CuO‐en‐CHIT‐g‐PANI with porous, interactive, and plane aligned crystalline to use as a sensing electrode with electrical conductivity, i.e., 3.75 × 10−4 S cm−1, reversible interactivity after making a thin film of composite over glass coated with ITO by spin‐coated technique. Further, the developed electrode is explored for potentiometric sensing of MPT in natural and artificial samples after monitoring of surface‐induced potential under optimum conditions, i.e., pH = 7.0 and 25 °C. The observed parameters are linear ultrasensitive concentration range 2.0–100 × 10−6 m, sensitivity 3.0408 mV µm−1 cm−2, detection limit 0.1 × 10−6 m, time of response 180 s, time of recovery 20 s, and stability for 70 d. Further, the mechanism for sensing MPT has explicated through observed potential and associative oxidative interactions between MPT and sensing electrode.
A novel TLE6 mutation, c.541+1G>A, identified using whole‐exome sequencing in a Chinese family with female infertility
Authors: Mao Bin , Jia Xueling , Liu Hongfang , Xu Xiaojuan , Zhao Xiaodong , Yuan Yue , Li Hongxing , Ma Xiaoling , Zhang Lili
Published: July 2021

Background

Oocytes have a lot of maternal RNAs and proteins, which are used by the early embryo before zygotic genome activation. Transducin‐like enhancer of split 6 (TLE6) is a component of a subcortical maternal complex which plays a critical role in early embryonic development.

Methods

The patient had been diagnosed with primary infertility for 6 years and had undergone multiple failed in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles. Genomic DNA samples were extracted from her parents’ peripheral blood as well as hers. Whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger validation were performed to identify candidate variants.

Results

We identified a novel transducin‐like enhancer of split 6 (TLE6) gene mutations in the female patient with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure. The patient carried a homozygous mutation (NM_001143986.1(TLE6): c.541+1G>A) and had viable but low‐quality embryos. Her parents both had heterozygous mutations at this locus.

Conclusion

Our study expands the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of TLE6 and suggests the important role of TLE6 during embryonic development. Our findings have implications for the genetic diagnosis of female infertility with recurrent IVF/ICSI failure.
A T1‐based correction method for proton resonance frequency shift thermometry in breast tissue
Authors: McLean McKenzie , Parker Dennis L. , Odéen Henrik , Payne Allison
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a T1‐based correction method for errors in proton resonant frequency shift thermometry due to non‐local field effects caused by heating in fatty breast tissues.

Methods

Computational models of human breast tissue were created by segmenting MRI data from a healthy human volunteer. MR‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) heating and MR thermometry measurements were simulated in several locations in the heterogeneous segmented breast models. A T1‐based correction method for PRF thermometry errors was applied and the maximum positive and negative errors and the root mean squared error (RMSE) in a region around each heating location was evaluated with and without correction. The method uses T1 measurements to estimate the temperature change in fatty tissues and correct for their influence. Experimental data from a heating study in cadaver breast tissue were analyzed, and the expected PRFS error computed.

Results

The simulated MR thermometry had maximum single voxel errors ranging between 10% and 18% when no correction was applied. Applying the correction led to a considerable improvement, lowering the maximum error range to 2%–5%. The 5th to 95th percentile interval of the temperature error distribution was also lowered with correction, from approximately 3.5 to 1°C. This correction worked even when T1 times were uniformly raised or lowered by 5%–10%. The experimental data showed predicted errors of 15%.

Conclusions

This simulation study demonstrates that the T1‐based correction method reduces MR thermometry errors due to non‐local effects from heating in fatty tissues, potentially improving the accuracy of thermometry measurements during MRgFUS treatments. The presented correction method is reliant on having a patient‐specific 3D model of the breast, and may be limited by the accuracy of the fat temperatures which in turn may be limited by noise or bias present in the T1 measurements.
Evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Ileo‐colonoscopy versus sigmoidoscopy. A single‐center experience and review of literature
Authors: Slae Mordechai , Pinhasov Diana , Averbuch Diana , Davidovics Zev , Or Ehud Even , Reif Shimon , Stepensky Polina , Zaidman Irina
Published: July 2021

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy used to treat high‐risk hematological malignant disorders and other life‐threatening nonmalignant diseases. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms post‐HSCT might be due to GI graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) or GI infections or both. GI endoscopy with biopsies is safe and beneficial in guiding the management of GI symptoms in children after HSCT, justifying the therapeutic management and contributing to improved outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study including 16 children with malignant and nonmalignant diseases that underwent allogeneic HSCT who had 24 ileo‐colonoscopies performed for GI symptoms. To facilitate an evidence‐based approach to the endoscopic evaluation of GI symptoms in pediatric patients post HSCT, we examined whether a full ileo‐colonoscopy, which includes right colon and terminal ileum (TI), as opposed to a limited sigmoidoscopy, was more accurate in the evaluation of GI symptoms in pediatric patients post HSCT.

Results

Specific findings on the right colon/TI were found in nine out of 24 ileo‐colonoscopies (38%, CI = 19%–59%). The macroscopic findings on ileo‐colonoscopy were compared with the histopathologic findings. When macroscopic findings were present, there were matching histopathologic findings in 100% of cases. However, even in the absence of any macroscopic findings on ileo‐colonoscopy, there were histopathological findings in 29% of the cases (p‐value = .016).

Conclusions

This cohort favors ileo‐colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy, with systematic biopsy sampling, in evaluating GI symptoms in pediatric patients post HSCT.
Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis in children and adolescents: Follow‐up over a decade
Authors: Ullmann Nicola , Porcaro Federica , Petreschi Francesca , Cammerata Michela , Allegorico Annalisa , Negro Valentina , Cutrera Renato
Published: July 2021

Background:

Noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB) is still considered an “orphan disease” in pediatric age.

Objective:

The study describes the clinical and functional features, the instrumental, and microbial findings of a large cohort of patients with NCFB, followed in a single tertiary level hospital.

Methods:

Children and adolescents diagnosed with NCFB from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019 were included. Data from the diagnosis and during the years of follow‐up were recorded retrospectively.

Results:

One hundred and thirty‐eight patients were enrolled. The most common cause of NCFB was postinfectious (33%), followed by primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) (30%), esophageal atresia (EA) (9.5%), and secondary immunodeficiency (9.5%). Chronic cough was the most frequent symptom. The median age of symptoms presentation was 3 years (interquartile age [IQR]: 12–84), with a precocious onset in PCD and EA groups. The median age of CT diagnosis was 9 years for all groups but PCD patients who were diagnosed at older age. Lingula, medium, upper, and lower lobes were more involved in PCD group, while diffuse distribution was observed in the postinfectious one. Microbial exams showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization higher in PCD patients (22%). Despite microbial differences in airways colonization, no difference in respiratory exacerbation rate was recorded among groups. Lung function tests demonstrated the stability of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) over time, except for the secondary immunodeficiency group.

Conclusions:

The role of infections in developed countries should not be underestimated and a major effort to obtain an earlier identification of bronchiectasis should be taken. A prompt diagnosis of NFCB could help to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and improve the stability of lung function over time.
Impact of COVID‐19 on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice
Authors: Nayir Buyuksahin Halime , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Ademhan Tural Dilber , Ozsezen Beste , Sunman Birce , Guzelkas Ismail , Yalcin Ebru , Dogru Deniz , Ozcelik Ugur , Kiper Nural
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) is typically spread by droplets and has had a remarkable effect on pediatric pulmonology healthcare practice. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the clinical follow‐up and hospital visits of patients followed up at a pediatric pulmonology unit at a tertiary care center.

Methods

This study was an observational descriptive study performed at a tertiary care center pediatric pulmonology unit between January 2019 and December 2020. We analyzed the outpatient visits, laboratory procedures which including pulmonary function tests (PFTs), diffusion capacity assessment, plethysmography, and lung clearance index (LCI), high‐speed video microscopy, gastric aspirate sampling, and Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) during clinical follow‐up, and hospitalization numbers of patients with chronic lung diseases during the COVID‐19 pandemic and compared them with the previous year before the pandemic started.

Results

In 2020, compared with 2019, outpatient visits decreased by 42.2%; from 8324 patients to 4804 patients and other laboratory procedures decreased after the pandemic started; PFTs including spirometry by 87.2%; from 2990 to 380 tests, diffusion capacity assessment from 172 to 55 tests, plethysmography from 172 to 53 and LCI from 70 to 9 tests, also high‐speed video microscopy analyses by 64.3% from 300 to 107 patients, and gastric aspirate sampling by 75.5% from 42 to 9 patients. FFB procedures also decreased by 59.1%, from 142 to 58 patients, and only 15 were after the first reported case of COVID‐19 in our country, and they were all for urgent indications. None of these patients was positive pretesting for COVID‐19 who underwent the FFB. There was no significant decrease in patients' hospitalization due to pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
Change in CF care during COVID‐19 pandemic: Single‐center experience in a middle‐income setting
Authors: Hatziagorou Elpis , Toulia Ilektra , Avramidou Vasiliki , Kampouras Asterios , Tsara Venetia , Tsanakas John
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has demanded care changes for patients with chronic disease. Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are considered at higher risk of developing severe manifestations in the case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and a need for new ways of safer care delivery has been required to avoid transmission.

Objectives

To assess the impact of the lockdown during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic and remote monitoring on patient's health status and daily maintenance therapy in a middle‐income resource setting.

Methods

During the first wave of the pandemic period, we changed from regular clinic visits to telephone visit calls to monitor our patients' health condition and adherence to physiotherapy and physical exercise.

Results

A total of 120 patients or their caregivers have been contacted by telephone call visits over 10 weeks. During this period, 38 patients (28.33%) were identified to have pulmonary exacerbation; 89.5% were prescribed oral antibiotics, 3% were hospitalized to get iv antibiotics, and 8% of the patients presented other CF complications. Most of the patients did not change the frequency of the daily physiotherapy. Moreover, 71% of the patients who performed regular physical exercise changed the frequency and the type of exercise during the quarantine period. Interestingly, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s and body weight increased significantly and after the lockdown period.

Conclusions

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the implementation of telephone contact processes aiming for CF patients' appropriate care is of great importance. Further studies are needed to evaluate patient outcomes when transitioning from face‐to‐face clinics to telemedicine clinics.
A robust meta‐method for interpreting the out‐of‐control signal of multivariate control charts using artificial neural networks
Authors: Bersimis Sotiris , Sgora Aggeliki , Psarakis Stelios
Published: July 2021

Multivariate control charts are an effective mean to identify an out‐of‐control process in several (industrial or non‐industrial) fields, where the quality depends on many related variables. However, the main shortcoming of these charts is that they fail to indicate which measured variable or variables has or have shifted. In order to address this issue, several alternative analytical approaches that aim to diagnose the responsible variable or variables for the out‐of‐control signal and help identify aberrant variables have been proposed. However, there is no particular method that can be considered as panacea, since its performance depends on several parameters, such as the correlation among the variables, and so forth. In this paper, a meta‐method is proposed that combines the results of several well‐known analytical methods in order to identify robustly the out‐of‐control variables. The obtained results show that the proposed meta‐method achieves high performance and it is extremely robust under different scenarios of out‐of‐control processes.
X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization of band offsets of MgO/Mg2Si and SiO2/Mg2Si heterojunctions
Authors: Liao Yangfang , Xie Jing , Lv Bing , Xiao Qingquan , Xie Quan
Published: July 2021

MgO and SiO2 are the natural oxide layer on the surface of Mg2Si and the excellent gate dielectric layer materials. MgO/Mg2Si and SiO2/Mg2Si heterojunctions were successfully prepared by magnetron sputtering. The valence band offset (VBO) and conduction band offset (CBO) of the two heterojunctions were measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) method, and the values were 2.64 and 3.90 eV for MgO/Mg2Si and 3.24 and 4.43 eV for SiO2/Mg2Si, respectively. Different degree of band bending occurs on the two interfaces. As a result, the band diagrams of the both interfaces are all Type‐I (Straddled) band alignment. Such high VBO and CBO can provide suitable barrier heights for both electrons and holes (>1 eV); therefore, both MgO and SiO2 can be suitable candidates for the preparation of Mg2Si‐based thin film transistors.
A Plasmon‐Enhanced SnSe2 Photodetector by Non‐Contact Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Sun Jiamin , Xu Jinlong , Li Ziqi , Li Rang , Yang Zaixing , Ren Feng , Jia Yuechen , Chen Feng
Published: July 2021

The 2D layered materials are promising candidates for broadband, low‐cost photodetectors. One deficiency of 2D materials is the relatively low absorbance of light, limiting the applications of the 2D photodetectors. Doping of plasmonic nanoparticles into 2D materials may enhance the optical absorbance owing to the localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) effect; however, considerable defects may be introduced into the 2D materials at the same time, resulting in certain degradation of device performance. Here, a novel design of 2D photodetectors with enhanced photoresponsivity by non‐contact plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) is proposed, consisting of a hybrid structure of few‐layer SnSe2 transferred a fused silica (SiO2) plate with embedded Ag NPs. The system of Ag NPs‐in‐SiO2 shows strong LSPR effect with significantly enhanced optical absorption, acting on SnSe2 in a non‐contact configuration. Benefiting from well‐preserved intrinsic features of SnSe2 and LSPR effect, the responsivity of the photodetector is enhanced by 881 times with the bias voltage of 0.1 V, which is superior to previously reported results of plasmon‐enhanced 2D photodetectors. Moreover, the SiO2 with embedded Ag NPs is recyclable and can be easy to be recombined with different 2D materials. This work offers additional strategy for development of efficient, low‐cost 2D photodetectors by using plasmonic NPs.
Silica‐Enveloped 2D‐Sheet‐to‐Nanocrystals Conversion for Resilient Catalytic Dry Reforming of Methane
Authors: Jang Sun Woo , Dutta Soumen , Kumar Amit , Kim Soo Min , You Young‐Woo , Lee In Su
Published: July 2021

Here, lamellar confinement strategy is introduced for “sheet‐to‐nanocrystals (NCs)” conversion within a 2D‐SiO2 envelope, which constructs a catalytic nanocartridge holding a platoon of isolated and in‐plane‐aligned ultrasmall Ni‐NCs, performing as a robust and coking‐resistant catalytic system for dry reforming of methane. Overcoming the problem of unavoidable bulk crystal growth from multiple sheets‐stack or sheet‐on‐open‐support, silica bilayer‐encasing tightly clamps the atomic‐thin Ni(OH)2‐nanosheet during thermal conversion and further hinders the migratory fusion of the resultant Ni‐NCs. Upon heating‐cooling cycle, the flapping silica envelope clutches the Ni‐NCs like “eggs in a carton,” subsequently, ensuring their thermal stability. Owing to the unique 2D‐enveloped rigid architecture, Ni‐NCs can circumvent sintering and coke deposition while tolerating the high temperatures (>700 °C) for long operation (>100 h), affording high conversions to syngas.
An unpredicted ancient colonization of the West Indies by North American rodents: dental evidence of a geomorph from the early Oligocene of Puerto Rico
Authors: Marivaux Laurent , Vélez‐Juarbe Jorge , Viñola López Lázaro W. , Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Pujos François , Santos‐Mercado Hernán , Cruz Eduardo J. , Grajales Pérez Alexandra M. , Padilla James , Vélez‐Rosado Kevin I. , Cornée Jean‐Jacques , Philippon Mélody , Münch Philippe , Antoine Pierre‐Olivier
Published: July 2021

The West Indies are a natural laboratory for the study of biogeography and evolution, especially for mammals. The modality of their arrival in the Caribbean islands is a highly controversial issue, and palaeontological evidence remains particularly elusive. Lower Oligocene deposits of Puerto Rico (c. 29.5 Ma) have recently yielded the oldest archipelago rodents, with teeth of two chinchilloid caviomorphs of South American origin. Here we report the discovery of additional dental remains from the same level, testifying to the occurrence of another rodent group. Their morphology is singular but otherwise characteristic of North/Central American geomyin geomorphs (including extant kangaroo rats, pocket mice, and pocket gophers), and leads us to propose here a new taxon: Caribeomys merzeraudi gen. et sp. nov. The evidence of geomorphs in the West Indies challenges the view that all extinct and extant Antillean rodents derived from South American sources. The morphological singularity of this Puerto Rican geomorph also suggests an early split of this insular lineage from coeval mainland counterparts, and its dispersal towards the West Indies sometime around the Eocene–Oligocene transition. This unexpected rodent adds to the few cases of Antillean terrestrial vertebrates of North American origins, such as solenodonotan eulipotyphlans. In the absence of subaerial land connections between both landmasses, an overwater dispersal may explain mid‐Palaeogene colonization of the West Indies by geomorph rodents.
Texts, Texts, Texts: A Guide to Analyze Texts for Elementary Students
Authors: Reutzel D. Ray , Fawson Parker C.
Published: July 2021

This manuscript describes the need elementary teachers have to analyze beginning and complex texts for teaching affordances and obstacles when teaching reading foundational skills and core ELA standards. A Guide to Analyze Texts for Elementary Students (GATES) is provided and described. Two teacher cases discuss how real teachers have used the GATES to analyze texts for instructional purposes.
Rethinking “Equity Sticks”: Engaging Emergent Bilinguals in Discussing Texts
Authors: Warren Amber N. , Ward Natalia A.
Published: July 2021

Text‐related oral participation is ubiquitous in literacy and language instruction. As such, considering how invitations to these interactions are framed is critical, as this framing is directly implicated in the design of equitable classrooms. In this Teaching Tip, one common technique teachers have been encouraged to use—a class set of “equity sticks”—is reconsidered through the lens of asset‐based instruction for all learners including emergent bilinguals (EBs). Reframing how EBs are invited to respond to texts requires that teachers get to know their students, privilege multilingualism, provide scaffolding for oral discussion, and encourage responses that transcend linguistic modalities.
Microbial abundance and diversity investigations along rivers: Current knowledge and future directions
Authors: Li Kexin , Hu Jinming , Li Ting , Liu Feng , Tao Juan , Liu Jiang , Zhang Zejin , Luo Xia , Li Linfeng , Deng Yongcui , Che Rongxiao
Published: July 2021

Microbial abundance and diversity in river ecosystems are being increasingly investigated, yet a synthesized understanding is still lacking. Here, studies of microbial abundance and diversity along global rivers are systematically reviewed based on 814 investigations performed across 8376 sites. We found that riverine microbial investigations are extremely heterogeneous regarding the spatiotemporal distribution of the sampling sites, the environmental media concerned, the microbial groups and indices targeted, the methods used, and the physicochemical properties examined. More than 72.23% of the studies were performed in the last 8 years, with most studies conducted in Europe, China, and the United States, while other regions were poorly investigated. Most studies have examined microbes in water, but very few studies have systematically investigated microbes in water, sediments, and riparian soils. Bacteria are the most studied microbial taxonomic groups; microbes with resistance genes and nitrogen cycling genes are the most studied microbial functional groups. High‐throughput sequencing has greatly expanded our understanding of microbial diversity along rivers. Nevertheless, the ecological implications of microbial diversity are still poorly understood. Regarding physicochemical properties, researchers tend to examine environmental parameters that are critical for shaping microbial communities, such as pH, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Future research should pay more attention to rivers that have not been well studied, especially large rivers. Additionally, microbial studies along rivers should be conducted in a more systematic way, taking the underinvestigated environmental media, microbial groups, microbial indices, and physicochemical properties into consideration. Advanced microbiology techniques, such as multiple omics technologies, should be increasingly applied.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Leading-color two-loop QCD corrections for three-jet production at hadron colliders
Authors: Abreu S. , Cordero F. Febres , Ita H. , Page B. , Sotnikov V.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We present the complete set of leading-color two-loop contributions required to obtain next-to-next-to-leading-order (NNLO) QCD corrections to three-jet production at hadron colliders. We obtain analytic expressions for a generating set of finite remainders, valid in the physical region for three-jet production. The analytic continuation of the known Euclidean-region results is determined from a small set of numerical evaluations of the amplitudes. We obtain analytic expressions that are suitable for phenomenological applications and we present a C++ library for their efficient and stable numerical evaluation.
Dissipative Solutions to the Stochastic Euler Equations
Authors: Breit D. , Moyo T. C.
Published: July 2021

We study the three-dimensional incompressible Euler equations subject to stochastic forcing. We develop a concept of dissipative martingale solutions, where the nonlinear terms are described by generalised Young measures. We construct these solutions as the vanishing viscosity limit of solutions to the corresponding stochastic Navier–Stokes equations. This requires a refined stochastic compactness method incorporating the generalised Young measures. As a main novelty, our solutions satisfy a form of the energy inequality which gives rise to a weak–strong uniqueness result (pathwise and in law). A dissipative martingale solution coincides (pathwise or in law) with the strong solution as soon as the latter exists.
C-ALB (Collaborative Assembly Line Balancing): a new approach in cobot solutions
Authors: Boschetti Giovanni , Faccio Maurizio , Milanese Mattia , Minto Riccardo
Published: July 2021

Collaborative robots can be a proper solution to improve the throughput of manual systems without reducing their flexibility. To effectively use cobots in productive systems, it is fundamental to develop a suitable task allocation model that considers collaboration. Hence, we present a model for collaborative assembly line balancing (C-ALB) which considers paralleling tasks and collaboration in the balancing resolution. Indexes that take into account both the product and process characteristics are defined to evaluate the quality of the proposed task allocation model and comparing it to others. The results confirm the influence of the product characteristics on the system performance, leading to the definition of a new paradigm for product design.
AI MSK clinical applications: spine imaging
Authors: Huber Florian A. , Guggenberger Roman
Published: July 2021

Recent investigations have focused on the clinical application of artificial intelligence (AI) for tasks specifically addressing the musculoskeletal imaging routine. Several AI applications have been dedicated to optimizing the radiology value chain in spine imaging, independent from modality or specific application. This review aims to summarize the status quo and future perspective regarding utilization of AI for spine imaging. First, the basics of AI concepts are clarified. Second, the different tasks and use cases for AI applications in spine imaging are discussed and illustrated by examples. Finally, the authors of this review present their personal perception of AI in daily imaging and discuss future chances and challenges that come along with AI-based solutions.
A secondary role for hypoxia and HIF1 in the regulation of (IFNγ-induced) PD-L1 expression in melanoma
Authors: van Duijn Anneloes , Willemsen Karin J. , van Uden Nathalie O. P. , Hoyng Lieke , Erades Sterre , Koster Jan , Luiten Rosalie M. , Bakker Walbert J.
Published: July 2021

Cancer cells are able to escape immune surveillance by upregulating programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). A key regulator of PD-L1 expression is transcriptional stimulation by the IFNγ/JAK/STAT pathway. Recent studies suggest that hypoxia can induce PD-L1 expression. As hypoxia presents a hallmark of solid tumor development, hypoxic control of PD-L1 expression may affect the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. This study aims to explore the hypoxic regulation of PD-L1 expression in human melanoma, and its interaction with IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression. Analysis of the cutaneous melanoma dataset from the cancer genome atlas revealed a significant correlation of the HIF1-signaling geneset signature with PD-L1 mRNA expression. However, this correlation is less pronounced than other key pathways known to control PD-L1 expression, including the IFNγ/JAK/STAT pathway. This secondary role of HIF1 in PD-L1 regulation was confirmed by analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data of 33 human melanoma tissues. Interestingly, PD-L1 expression in these melanoma tissues was primarily found in macrophages. However, also in these cells STAT1, and not HIF1, displayed the most pronounced correlation with PD-L1 expression. Moreover, we observed that hypoxia differentially affects PD-L1 expression in human melanoma cell lines. Knockdown of HIF1 expression indicated a minor role for HIF1 in regulating PD-L1 expression. A more pronounced influence of hypoxia was found on IFNγ-induced PD-L1 mRNA expression, which is controlled at a 952 bp PD-L1 promoter fragment. These findings, showing the influence of hypoxia on IFNγ-induced PD-L1 expression, are relevant for immunotherapy, as both IFNγ and hypoxia are frequently present in the tumor microenvironment.
Technical Note: Left Subclavian Artery Scallop Endografts to Facilitate a Proximal Landing Zone and Upper Extremity Access for Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair of Type II Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Hanna Lydia , Abdullah Ammar , Gibbs Richard , Jenkins Michael , Hamady Mohammad
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To describe the dual purpose of left subclavian artery (LSA) scallop endografts to create the proximal landing zone (PLZ) and facilitate antegrade left-sided upper extremity access for branched endovascular aortic repair (BEVAR) of Type II thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAAA) with a short PLZ.

Technique

Three patients with an inadequate (< 20 mm) PLZ underwent a 2-stage repair of Type II TAAA. Following femoral cut-down, a custom-made LSA scallop endograft was deployed into zone 2 to create the PLZ and maintain perfusion to the LSA. In a second procedure 36–96 days after insertion of the scalloped thoracic stent-graft, a branched abdominal stent-graft was subsequently deployed to dock into the proximal scallop endograft as the second stage. Via a left axillary conduit, a 12Fr sheath was used to cannulate the LSA scallop to facilitate selective catheterisation of antegrade branch cuffs and renovisceral target vessels, and insertion and deployment of bridging stents. The LSA scallop was also used to selectively catheterise and stent the perfusion branches via left-sided brachial puncture that were left open in each of the three cases 8–14 days after the second procedure to minimise the risk of spinal cord ischaemia. There were no neurological or endoleak complications.

Conclusion

LSA scallop endografts are a feasible and useful adjunct to create the PLZ and to provide antegrade access for visceral stenting of branches and target vessels through the LSA scallop in branched endovascular repair of Type II TAAA with short PLZ.
Foliar Spraying of 6-Benzylaminopurine Promotes Growth and Flavonoid Accumulation in Mulberry (Morus alba L.)
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Yu , Zhang Shanying , Wang Lifeng , Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Xinquan , Wu Huiyi , Zou Haotian , Zhang Chenghui , Wang Meng
Published: July 2021

Mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf, a “source of both medicine and food”, contains antioxidant ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids and polyphenols. The effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) treatment on plant growth and flavonoid contents in mulberry leaves were investigated in this study. The expression of rutin (Rut), chlorogenic acid (ChA), isoquercitrin (IQ) and astragaloside IV (Ast) related genes in the flavonoid synthesis pathways was investigated in mulberry leaves. The results showed that 6-BA treatment significantly promoted mulberry differentiation and growth as well as, increased the numbers of new shoots and buds compared to the control. In addition, 30 mg/L 6-BA significantly increased the contents of Rut, IQ and Ast, and it strongly induced the expression of flavonoid biosynthesis-related genes, including flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (F3GT), 4-xoumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), phenylalanine (PAL) and chalcone synthase (CHS). The dietary risk assessment of mulberry leaves was based on hormone residues 5 days after treatment with 30 mg /L 6-BA, and the results showed that the dietary exposure risk of 6-BA was extremely low without causing any health concern. Thus, treatment with 30 mg/L 6-BA is a new method to improve the medicinal quality and development of high-value mulberry leaf foods without any potential risk.
Global oscillatory modes in high-end climate modeling and reanalyses
Authors: Feliks Yizhak , Small Justin , Ghil Michael
Published: July 2021

Interannual oscillatory modes, atmospheric and oceanic, are present in several large regions of the globe. We examine here low-frequency variability (LFV) over the entire globe in the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and in the NCEP-NCAR and ECMWF ERA5 reanalyses. Multichannel singular spectrum analysis (MSSA) is applied to these three datasets. In the fully coupled CESM1.1 model, with its resolution of $$0.1 \times 0.1$$

0.1
×
0.1

degrees in the ocean and $$0.25 \times 0.25$$

0.25
×
0.25

degrees in the atmosphere, the fields analyzed are surface temperatures, sea level pressures and the 200-hPa geopotential. The simulation is 100-year long and the last 66 yr are used in the analysis. The two statistically significant periodicities in this IPCC-class model are 11 and 3.4 year. In the NCEP-NCAR reanalysis, the fields of sea level pressure and of 200-hPa geopotential are analyzed at the available resolution of $$2.5 \times 2.5$$

2.5
×
2.5

degrees over the 68-years interval 1949–2016. Oscillations with periods of 12 and 3.6 years are found to be statistically significant in this dataset. In the ECMWF ERA5 reanalysis, the 200-hPa geopotential field was analyzed at its resolution of $$0.25 \times 0.25$$

0.25
×
0.25

degrees over the 71-years interval 1950–2020. Oscillations with periods of 10 and 3.6 years are found to be statistically significant in this third dataset. The spatio-temporal patterns of the oscillations in the three datasets are quite similar. The spatial pattern of these global oscillations over the North Pacific and North Atlantic resemble the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the LFV found in the Gulf Stream region and Labrador Sea, respectively. We speculate that such regional oscillations are synchronized over the globe, thus yielding the global oscillatory modes found herein, and discuss the potential role of the 11-year solar-irradiance cycle in this synchronization. The robustness of the two global modes, with their 10–12 and 3.4–3.6 years periodicities, also suggests potential contributions to predictability at 1–3 years horizons.
An insert with less than spherical medial conformity causes a loss of passive internal rotation after calipered kinematically aligned TKA
Authors: Nedopil Alexander J. , Shekhar Adithya , Howell Stephen M. , Hull Maury L.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), the level of conformity, a medial stabilized (MS) implant, needs to restore native (i.e., healthy) knee kinematics without over-tensioning the flexion space when the surgeon chooses to retain the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is unknown. Whether an insert with a medial ball-in-socket conformity and lateral flat surface like the native knee or a less than spherical medial conformity restores higher and closer to native internal tibial rotation without anterior lift-off, an over-tension indicator, when implanted with calipered kinematic alignment (KA), is unknown.

Methods and materials

Two surgeons treated 21 patients with calipered KA and a PCL retaining MS implant. Validated verification checks that restore native tibial compartment forces in passive flexion without release of healthy ligaments were used to select the optimal insert thickness. A goniometer etched onto trial inserts with the ball-in-socket and the less than spherical medial conformity measured the tibial rotation relative to the femoral component at extension and 90° and 120° flexion. The surgeon recorded the incidence of anterior lift-off of the insert.

Results

The insert with the medial ball-in-socket and lateral flat surface restored more internal tibial rotation than the one with less than spherical medial conformity, with mean values of 19° vs. 17° from extension to 90° flexion (p < 0.01), and 23° vs. 20°–120° flexion (p < 0.002), respectively. There was no anterior lift-off of the insert at 90° and 120° flexion.

Conclusion

An MS insert with a medial ball-in-socket and lateral flat surface that matches the native knee’s spherical conformity restores native tibial internal rotation when implanted with calipered KA and PCL retention without over-tensioning the flexion space.
Differential psychological response to the COVID-19 pandemic in psychiatric inpatients compared to a non-clinical population from Germany
Authors: Rek Stephanie V. , Freeman Daniel , Reinhard Matthias A. , Bühner Markus , Grosen Sofie , Falkai Peter , Adorjan Kristina , Padberg Frank
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is an inherently stressful situation, which may lead to adverse psychosocial outcomes in various populations. Yet, individuals may not be affected equally by stressors posed by the pandemic and those with pre-existing mental disorders could be particularly vulnerable. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the psychological response to the pandemic in a case–control design. We used an age-, sex- and employment status-matched case–control sample (n = 216) of psychiatric inpatients, recruited from the LMU Psychiatry Biobank Munich study and non-clinical individuals from the general population. Participants completed validated self-report measures on stress, anxiety, depression, paranoia, rumination, loneliness, well-being, resilience, and a newly developed index of stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the effects of group, COVID-19-specific stressors, and their interaction on the different psychosocial outcomes. While psychiatric inpatients reported larger mental health difficulties overall, the impact of COVID-19-specific stressors was lower in patients and not associated with worse psychological functioning compared to non-clinical individuals. In contrast, depressive symptoms, rumination, loneliness, and well-being were more strongly associated with COVID-19-specific stressors in non-clinical individuals and similar to the severity of inpatients for those who experienced the greatest COVID-19-specific stressor impact Contrary to expectations, the psychological response to the pandemic may not be worse in psychiatric inpatients compared to non-clinical individuals. Yet, individuals from the general population, who were hit hardest by the pandemic, should be monitored and may be in need of mental health prevention and treatment efforts.
Structural and functional findings in patients with moderate diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Boned-Murillo A. , Diaz-Barreda M. D. , Ferreras A. , Bartolomé-Sesé I. , Orduna-Hospital E. , Montes-Rodríguez P. , Ascaso J. , Pinilla Isabel
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To evaluate structural and functional ocular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and moderate diabetic retinopathy (DR) without apparent diabetic macular edema (DME) assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and microperimetry.

Methods

This was a single-center cross-sectional descriptive study for which 75 healthy controls and 48 DM2 patients with moderate DR were included after applying exclusion criteria (one eye per patient was included). All eyes underwent a complete ophthalmic examination (axial length, macular imaging with swept-source OCT, and MAIA microperimetry). Macular thicknesses, ganglion cell complex (GCC) thicknesses, and central retinal sensitivity were compared between groups, and the relationships between the OCT and microperimetry parameters were evaluated.

Results

Macular thickness was similar in both groups (242.17 ± 35.0 in the DM2 group vs 260.64 ± 73.9 in the control group). There was a diminution in the parafoveal area thickness in the DM2 group in the GCC complex. Retinal sensitivity was reduced in all sectors in the DM2 group. The central global value was 24.01 ± 5.7 in the DM2 group and 27.31 ± 2.7 in the control group (p < 0.001). Macular integrity was 80.89 ± 26.4 vs 64.70 ± 28.3 (p < 0.001) and total mean threshold was 23.90 ± 4.9 vs 26.48 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001) in the DM2 and control group, respectively. Moderate correlations were detected between the central sector of MAIA microperimetry and retina total central thickness (− 0.347; p = 0.0035). Age, visual acuity, and hemoglobin A1c levels also correlated with retinal sensitivity.

Conclusion

Macular GCC thickness and central retinal sensitivity were reduced in patients with moderate DR without DME, suggesting the presence of macular neurodegeneration.
From DYMUS to DYPARK: Validation of a Screening Questionnaire for Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Dagna Carlotta , Avenali Micol , De Icco Roberto , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Solaro Claudio , Restivo Domenico , Bartolo Michelangelo , Meneghello Francesca , Sandrini Giorgio , Tassorelli Cristina ,   DYPARK SIRN Group, Berlangieri M. , Cristina S. , Alfonsi E. , Monti E. ,   IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Bertino G. ,   IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Tinazzi M. , Busselli G. , De Paoli C. , Smania N. , Inglese K. , De Santi S. , Taiocchi N. , Zucchelli B. , Ronzoni G. , Nordio S. , Tonin P.
Published: July 2021

Dysphagia is a common debilitating symptom in people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), adequate screening of swallowing disorders is fundamental. The DYMUS questionnaire has shown very good characteristics for the screening of dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis, and it might also prove useful for screening dysphagia in PD. The primary aim was to test and validate the DYMUS questionnaire in PD patients. This is an observational multicentric study involving 103 patients affected by PD. All subjects filled in the DYMUS and the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) questionnaires. A subgroup of patients (n = 53) underwent a fiber-optic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and their dysphagia was scored by means of the Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale (DOSS). DYMUS showed a relatively high level of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.79). A significant positive correlation was found between the DYMUS and the EAT-10 scores (p < 0.001), while a negative correlation was found between the DYMUS and the DOSS scores (p < 0.001). DYMUS showed a good sensitivity and specificity compared to FEES for detecting dysphagia (area under the curve: 0.82, p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed that a DYMUS score ≥ 6 represents a reliable cut-off for the risk of dysphagia. The DYMUS questionnaire proved to be a reliable screening tool to detect dysphagia in patients suffering from PD. It is easy to understand, it can be self-administered and therefore adequate for adoption in the clinical practice with the more convenient name of DYPARK.