bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐ and postzygotic mechanisms preventing hybridization in co‐occurring species of theImpatiens purpureoviolaceacomplex
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Jandová Michaela , Líblová Zuzana , Janssens Steven B. , Dostálek Tomáš , Holstein Norbert , Fischer Eberhard
Published: November 2021

In the species‐rich genusImpatiens, few natural hybrids are known, even though closely related species often occur sympatrically. In this study, we aim to bridge the gap between micro‐ and macro‐evolution to disentangle pre‐ and postzygotic mechanisms that may prevent hybridization in theImpatiens purpureoviolaceacomplex from Central Africa. We analyzed habitat types, species distribution, pollination syndromes, pollinator dependency, genome sizes, and chromosome numbers of seven out of the ten species of the complex as well as of one natural hybrid and reconstructed the ancestral chromosome numbers of the complex. Several species of the complex occur in sympatry or geographically very close to each other. All of them are characterized by pre‐ and/or postzygotic mechanisms potentially preventing hybridization. We found four independent polyploidization events within the complex. The only known natural hybrid always appears as single individual and is self‐fertile. But the plants resulting from self‐pollinated seeds often die shortly after first flowering. These results indicate that the investigated mechanisms in combination may effectively but not absolutely prevent hybridization inImpatiensand probably occur in other genera with sympatric species as well.
Assessing the hydroregime of an archetypal riverine wet meadow in the central Great Plains using time‐lapse imagery
Authors: Brinley Buckley Emma M. , Caven Andrew J. , Wiese Joshua D. , Harner Mary J.
Published: November 2021

Wet meadows are a declining and increasingly degraded ecosystem type. They contribute numerous ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, water storage, and filtration, and provision of wildlife habitat, particularly for wetland‐dependent species such as the Whooping Crane (Grus americana). Conservation and restoration of wet meadows rely on understanding their hydrology but characterization of wet meadow hydroregimes is difficult given their hydrologic complexity, high variability, and distinct regional differences. To address this challenge, we used ground‐based time‐lapse imagery to assess inundation dynamics of an archetypal wet meadow over a six‐year period in the Central Platte River Valley, Nebraska, USA. We analyzed over 6500 images from March 2011 to May 2017 in the open‐source java‐based image processing software ImageJ. We also obtained data on groundwater, streamflow, precipitation, and evapotranspiration. We assessed the relationship between wet meadow inundation and hydrologic variables using wavelet coherence to look at fluctuations across a time–frequency spectrum and used random forest to identify seasonally specific variables of importance. We found hydroperiod, the duration surface water ponded within the wet meadow, had a mean of 141 d, on average lasting from 10 December to 1 May, but varied annually. Inundation generally peaked in the early spring, on average 10 March, but demonstrated a bimodal distribution, peaking again in late spring during wetter years. While inundation responded rapidly to precipitation events, it was highly related to streamflow, while an elevated groundwater table was necessary for sustained inundation. Overall, our study provided a comprehensive hydrological characterization of a reference wet meadow and demonstrated the utility of time‐lapse cameras for high‐resolution monitoring and assessment of highly variable wetland systems. Considering the uncertainties surrounding land‐ and water‐use changes, climate change, and the increasing demand for freshwater resources by growing human communities, understanding functional wet meadow hydroregimes and interrelated drivers is essential to inform wet meadow restoration, conservation, and management efforts.
Enhanced plant leaf P and unchanged soil P stocks after a quarter century of warming in the arctic tundra
Authors: McLaren Jennie R. , Buckeridge Kate M.
Published: November 2021

Phosphorus (P) limits or co‐limits plant and microbial life in multiple ecosystems, including the arctic tundra. Although current global carbon (C) models focus on the coupling between soil nitrogen (N) and C, ecosystem P response to climate warming may also influence the global C cycle. Permafrost soils may see enhanced or reduced P availability under climate warming through multiple mechanisms including changing litter inputs through plant community change, changing plant–microbial dynamics, altered rates of mineralization of soil organic P through increased microbial activity, and newly exposed mineral‐bound P via deeper thaw. We investigated the effect of long‐term warming on plant leaf, multiple soil and microbial C, N, and P pools, and microbial extracellular enzyme activities, in Alaskan tundra plots underlain by permafrost. Here, we show that 25 yr of experimental summer warming increases community‐level plant leaf P through changing community composition to favour relatively P‐rich plant species. However, despite associated increases in P‐rich litter inputs, we found only a few responses in the belowground pools of P available for plant and microbial uptake, including a weak positive response for citric acid–extractable PO4 in the surface soil, a decrease in microbial biomass P, and no change in soil P (or C or N) stocks. This weak, neutral, or negative belowground P response to warming despite enhanced litter P inputs is consistent with a growing number of studies in the arctic tundra that find no long‐term response of soil C and N stocks to warming.
Facilitation alters climate change risk on rocky shores
Authors: Jurgens Laura J. , Ashlock Lauren W. , Gaylord Brian
Published: November 2021

A huge fraction of global biodiversity resides within biogenic habitats that ameliorate physical stresses. In most cases, details of how physical conditions within facilitative habitats respond to external climate forcing remain unknown, hampering climate change predictions for many of the world’s species. Using intertidal mussel beds as a model system, we characterize relationships among external climate conditions and within‐microhabitat heat and desiccation conditions. We use these data, along with physiological tolerances of two common inhabitant taxa (the isopod Cirolana harfordi and the porcelain crab Petrolisthes cinctipes), to examine the magnitude of climate risk inside and outside biogenic habitat, applying an empirically derived model of evaporation to simulate mortality risk under a high‐emissions climate‐warming scenario. We found that biogenic microhabitat conditions responded so weakly to external climate parameters that mortality risk was largely unaffected by climate warming. In contrast, outside the biogenic habitat, desiccation drove substantial mortality in both species, even at temperatures 4.4–8.6°C below their hydrated thermal tolerances. These findings emphasize the importance of warming‐exacerbated desiccation to climate‐change risk and the role of biogenic habitats in buffering this less‐appreciated stressor. Our results suggest that, when biogenic habitats remain intact, climate warming may have weak direct effects on organisms within them. Instead, risk to such taxa is likely to be indirect and tightly coupled with the fate of habitat‐forming populations. Conserving and restoring biogenic habitats that offer climate refugia could therefore be crucial to supporting biodiversity in the face of climate warming.
Spatial pattern analysis of line‐segment data in ecology
Authors: Yates Luke A. , Brook Barry W. , Buettel Jessie C.
Published: November 2021

The spatial analysis of linear features (lines and curves) is a challenging and rarely attempted problem in ecology. Existing methods are typically expressed in abstract mathematical formalism, making it difficult to assess their relevance and transferability into an ecological setting. We introduce a set of concrete and accessible methods to analyze the spatial patterning of line‐segment data. The methods include Monte Carlo techniques based on a new generalization of Ripley's ‐function and a class of line‐segment processes that can be used to specify parametric models: parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood and models compared using information‐theoretic principles. We apply the new methods to fallen tree (dead log) data collected from two 1‐ha Australian tall eucalypt forest plots. Our results show that the spatial pattern of the fallen logs is best explained by plot‐level spatial heterogeneity in combination with a slope‐dependent nonuniform distribution of fallen‐log orientations. These methods are of a general nature and are applicable to any line‐segment data. In the context of forest ecology, the integration of fallen logs as linear structural features in a landscape with the point locations of living trees, and a quantification of their interactions, can yield new insights into the functional and structural role of tree fall in forest communities and their enduring post‐mortem ecological legacy as spatially distributed decomposing logs.
Dynamics in the VIX complex
Authors: Posselt Anders Merrild
Published: November 2021

This paper provides a characterization of the dynamic interactions in the Volatility Index (VIX) complex, composed of the VIX itself, the term structure of VIX futures, and VIX exchange‐traded products (ETPs). I investigate a model that summarizes the VIX futures term structure using latent factors (level, slope, and curvature) and expand it with the VIX and VIX futures demand stemming from VIX ETPs. I find evidence of VIX ETPs impacting the VIX futures term structure, but no evidence of any impacts on the VIX.
Evaluation of SEPT2 and SEPT4 transcript contents in spermatozoa from men with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia
Authors: Mazaheri Moghaddam Madiheh , Mazaheri Moghaddam Marziyeh , Amini Mohammad , Bahramzadeh Behzad , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Biglari Alireza , Sakhinia Ebrahim
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

Motility and morphological defects of spermatozoa can cause male infertility. Sperm RNAs are related to sperm quality. They are considered to have clinical values as a biomarker for assessing sperm quality and fertility potential. The annulus, located in the mammalian sperm tail, is required for motility and terminal differentiation of the spermatozoa. SEPT2, 4, 6, 7, and 12 proteins are the main components of the annulus in the sperm tail. The study aimed to evaluate SEPT2 and SEPT4 mRNA contents in the spermatozoa of patients with asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia.

Methods

We evaluated transcript levels of SEPT2 and SEPT4 in the sperm samples of 20 asthenozoospermic, 20 teratozoospermic, and 20 normozoospermic samples using quantitative PCR.

Results

The SEPT2 transcript level was significantly decreased in the asthenozoospermia samples compared with the normal group (P = .013). However, SEPT4 was not significantly different between these two groups. The transcript levels of SEPT2 and SEPT4 were not statistically different between teratozoospermic and normozoospermic groups.

Conclusion

In conclusion, downregulation of SEPT2 in patients with asthenozoospermia appears to be associated with poor sperm motility.
Predictive molecular markers for the treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors in colorectal cancer
Authors: Du Fenqi , Liu Yanlong
Published: November 2021

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors and, hence, has become one of the most important public health issues in the world. Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) successfully improves the survival rate of patients with melanoma, non‐small‐cell lung cancer, and other malignancies, and its application in metastatic colorectal cancer is being actively explored. However, a few patients develop drug resistance. Predictive molecular markers are important tools to precisely screen patient groups that can benefit from treatment with ICIs. The current article focused on certain important predictive molecular markers for ICI treatment in colorectal cancer, including not only some of the mature molecular markers, such as deficient mismatch repair (d‐MMR), microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H), tumor mutational burden (TMB), programmed death‐ligand‐1 (PD‐L1), tumor immune microenvironment (TiME), and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), but also some of the novel molecular markers, such as DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE), polymerase delta 1 (POLD1), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). We have reviewed these markers in‐depth and presented the results from certain important studies, which suggest their applicability in CRC and indicate their advantages and disadvantages. We hope this article is helpful for clinicians and researchers to systematically understand these markers and can guide the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Rumination as a widespread emotion‐based cognitive vulnerability in borderline personality disorder: A meta‐analytic review
Authors: Cavicchioli Marco , Maffei Cesare
Published: November 2021

Objective

The current quantitative review aims at comprehensively clarifying the role of rumination in borderline personality disorder (BPD) considering its relevance for several clinical models of the disorder.

Method

This meta‐analysis included 29 independent studies assessing different forms of rumination—general tendency to engage in ruminative thinking patterns and four types of emotion‐based rumination among both nonclinical subjects reporting BPD features and patients with BPD. Furthermore, the study tested whether rumination could be considered a widespread emotion‐based cognitive vulnerability in BPD.

Results

Meta‐analytic procedures were based on 46 r coefficients that showed large pooled effect sizes for all forms of rumination. With the exception of interpersonal rumination, the remaining forms of rumination were equally involved in BPD features.

Conclusions

Rumination should be considered a widespread emotion‐based cognitive vulnerability in BPD. Future studies should provide longitudinal and contextual‐based evaluations of rumination among treatment‐seeking individuals with BPD.
Psychometric testing of the Brief Sense of Community Scale with older adults in Puerto Rico
Authors: Buckley Thomas D. , Kim Kyeongmo , Burnette Denise
Published: November 2021

The Brief Sense of Community Scale (BSCS) is a well‐validated measure of psychological sense of community (PSOC), but it has yet to be tested with Spanish‐speaking older adults. The current study uses data from face‐to‐face interviews with a non‐probability sample of 154 community‐dwelling older adults in Puerto Rico. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to test three competing factor structures. We also tested internal consistency reliability and convergent validity. CFA results show the second‐order four‐factor model was the best fit (χ2(16) = 20.78, p = 0.187; CFI = 0.997, TLI = 0.995, SRMR = 0.026, RMSEA = 0.044, 90% CI [<0.001, 0.092]). The BSCS showed good reliability (α = 0.85) and was correlated in the expected direction with social network size (r = 0.34, p < 0.001) and loneliness (r = −0.27, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that the BSCS comprises the four domains (membership, needs fulfillment, emotional connection, and influence) from the original PSOC theory. These results inform theory development and can aid program planning, policy, and practice with older adults in Puerto Rico.
The honeycomb of engineering framework: Philosophy of engineering guiding precollege engineering education
Authors: Purzer Şenay , Quintana‐Cifuentes Jenny , Menekse Muhsin
Published: November 2021

Background

Understanding the nature of engineering is important for shaping engineering education, especially precollege education. While much research has established the pedagogical benefits of teaching engineering in kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12), the philosophical foundations of engineering remain under‐examined.

Purpose

This conceptual paper introduces the honeycomb of engineering framework, which offers an epistemologically justified theoretical position and a pedagogical lens that can be used to examine ways engineering concepts and practices are taught in precollege education.

Scope/Method

The honeycomb of engineering was developed as a descriptive framework by examining existing literature over a wide range of related disciplines such as the philosophy of engineering and technology, as well as design thinking and practice. The pedagogical translation of the framework was then developed to examine published precollege engineering curricula.

Results

The framework categorizes the multiple goals of engineering using an ontological classification of engineering inquiries anchored in the central practice of negotiating risks and benefits (i.e., trade‐offs). This framework also illustrates the adaptability of design methodology in guiding six inquiries: (1) user‐centered design, (2) design‐build‐test, (3) engineering science, (4) optimization, (5) engineering analysis, and (6) reverse engineering. The published curricula represented these inquiries with varying degrees, with design‐build‐test lessons seeing the most representation followed by user‐centered design.

Conclusions

The honeycomb of engineering framework delineates variations in engineering education based on an epistemological explanation. The pedagogical translations offer guidance to educators, researchers, and curriculum designers for differentiating curricular aims and learning outcomes resulting from participation in different engineering inquiries.
Physiological and biochemical responses of Brassica napus L. to drought‐induced stress by the application of biochar and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
Authors: Lalay Gul , Ullah Sami , Ahmed Iftikhar
Published: November 2021

Climate change induces biotic and abiotic stress conditions, which badly affect the yield of crops with leading to the biochemical and physiological damages to plants. Biochar and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) alleviate the effect of drought condition therefore a field study was conducted to examine the single and combine application of drought tolerant Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. with biochar of Morus alba L. wood to mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress in two genotypes of Brassica napus L. including Punjab sarson and westar. Physioco‐chemical analysis of biochar showed 5.4 cmol/kg cation exchange capacity, 6.9 ds/m electrical conductivity, pH of 9.6, 0.50 g/cm3 bulk density, and organic carbon 3.64%. Synergistic application of PGPR and biochar developed the plant antioxidant enzyme including catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and also enhanced the content of photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll pigments, carotenoids content, and anthocyanin content. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) study revealed that biochar and PGPR improved epidermal vigor and stomatal physiology. Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), APX, and osmolyte content including proline increased in drought stress, which were then decreased by these growth promoters. These results are very important as they illustrate the potential of PGPR and biochar to alleviate the adverse consequences of drought stress and offer a way of increasing the tolerance of B. napus L. plant grown under induced drought stress.
Post‐autotomy regeneration of respiratory tree in sea cucumber Holothuria parva
Authors: Eisapour Mina , Salamat Negin , Salari Mohammad Ali , Bahabadi Mahmoud Nafisi , Salati Amir Parviz
Published: November 2021

The respiratory trees present only in the class Holothuroidea and the rest of the echinoderms lack it. Only some holothurian species have the ability to regenerate their respiratory trees after autotomy. Therefore, respiratory trees could be considered as a suitable model to assess the regeneration mechanisms in animals. In the present study, the respiratory tree regeneration after posterior evisceration were examined in Holothuria parva during 75 days. Since autotomy reduces antioxidant defense in the organisms, in the present study alterations of antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated during the experiment. H. parva is the dominant intertidal species distributed in the north of the Persian Gulf. In the present study, H. parva ejected the left respiratory tree, the digestive tract and supportive mesenteries from the anus, about 1–2 min after potassium chloride injection. The closure of the opening at the posterior ends of the body was the first reaction to the injury. Seven days after evisceration, the small bud formed on the dorsal side of the cloaca which was covered with the coelomic epithelium of cloaca. The coelomic epithelium started to proliferate to undifferentiated cells on the apex of the buds. The primary respiratory tree consisted of the luminal cuboidal epithelium and thin connective tissue surrounded by the slender coelomic epithelium. This preliminary organ was observed at the apex of the buds, 13 days after evisceration. Gradually, myoepithelial cells arranged around a longitudinal axis and formed a circular muscle. The primitive branches of primary respiratory tree started to form 18 days after evisceration. Forty days after evisceration, the luminal epithelium of the respiratory tree had the same appearance as the intact luminal epithelium. The regenerated respiratory tree was histomorphologically very similar to an intact respiratory tree 56 days postevisceration, but unlike that, it was not yet wrapped around the intestine and was completely separate from it. Despite the development of the regenerating respiratory tree, no wrapping around the intestine was observed until the end of the experiment. According to the results, the activity of the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the muscle homogenate was significantly higher than the control 5 days after evisceration. The CAT and SOD levels gradually decreased in eviscerated animals. The lipid peroxidation level followed a decreasing trend in the eviscerated animals during the experiment. However, its value reduced to the control level at the end of the experiment.
Decadal shift of the interannual relationship between western North Pacific tropical cyclone genesis frequency and South China Sea monsoon trough around 1980s
Authors: Qi Li
Published: November 2021

The present study investigates the decadal shift of the interannual relationship between the South China Sea (SCS) monsoon trough (MT) and the genesis frequency of tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific during June–October 1949–2015. Significant change was found around the 1980s. The weak TC (categories 1–3) number has a decreasing relationship with the SCS MT. Their correlation coefficients are statistically remarkable during 1949–1978 but reduce to around 0.1. In contrast, the connection between strong TC (categories 4–5) number and SCS MT is strengthened after 1980s with correlation reaching up to 0.7. Such a shift can be explained by the changes in large‐scale environmental factors associated with MT movement. After 1980s, when the SCS MT extends southeastward, there exits enhanced cyclonic relative vorticity in lower level, increased moisture in middle level, reduced vertical wind shear and intensified divergence in upper level. These conditions are favourable for weak TC intensifying and developing into strong TC. In addition, more strong TC occurred in the southwest quadrant of WNP after 1980s; thus, the SCS MT would affect the TC for a longer time. Therefore, the genesis frequency of weak TCs has diminished, while more strong TCs are formed along with the SCS MT extending southeastward, leading to their strengthened interannual relationship.
Physical mechanisms associated with the intense lightning over Indian region
Authors: Murugavel Palani , Prabha Thara V. , Pandithurai Govindan , Gopalakrishnan Venkatachalam , D. Pawar Sunil
Published: November 2021

Indian subcontinent receives ~80% of its annual total rainfall during Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and since last 100 years the prediction of interannual variability of ISM is limited due to incomplete understanding of various processes and their localized influence on the development of varying scales of convective systems. The present study reports that the intense lightning contributed from the deepest convections occurring over Indian subcontinent are concentrated in four specific regions: (a) southwest coast, (b) Gangetic‐Brahmaputra plain, (c) Himalayan foothills and (d) southeast coast. The spatial and temporal variations of deep convections, size of “convection fractions” and associated physical mechanisms are described. It shows an annual cycle of systematic onset and withdrawal of deep convections and associated lightning depending on region and season. The southwest coast region is developing very deep convections during premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons but less lightning during monsoon. While Arabian Sea sources high moisture to this region in monsoon season, the orographic lift of low‐level westerlies by Western Ghats may effectively assist the warm rain processes and produce highest rainfall, low lightning and low area of deep convections. Highest flash rates, high number of days with lightning and higher area of convection are observed in Gangetic‐Brahmaputra plain but relatively lower rainfall compared to southwest coast region during monsoon. The sustained strong updrafts over the Gangetic‐Brahmaputra plain region are supported by the moisture source from warmer Bay of Bengal, incidence of monsoon trough and the continental heating. Significant lightning activity observed in northwest part of Himalayan foothills during winter is associated with Western Disturbances (WD) phenomena. The diurnal variation of lightning flash rate and size of “convective fraction” in these regions show two modes at 1200 and 1800 UTC and it indicates active day time surface heating and nocturnal cooling processes together contribute to total rainfall.
Comparative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites, and pharmacokinetic studies of Zhimu–Huangbai herb pair in the plasma of normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats by UHPLC‐linear trap quadrupole‐orbitrap MS and LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Cao Yingying , Sun Zhengang , Huang Hailan , Lin Aihua , Liu Yiming
Published: November 2021

A new rapid ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry method was established for the qualitative analysis of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu–Huangbai herb pair, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 16 absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were identified in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats, respectively. Such findings indicated that the diabetic model had no effect on the type of components in plasma. Seven absorbed ingredients and 11 metabolites were first identified after the oral administration of Zhimu–Huangbai herb pair. Thereafter, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear trap quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography‐API4000+ triple quadrupole mass spectrometer methods were established and validated for pharmacokinetic comparative studies of seven major bioactive components in normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Partial pharmacokinetic parameters in the plasma of type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were significantly different from those in normal rats. To our knowledge, this is the first comparison of absorbed ingredients and metabolites of Zhimu–Huangbai herb pair, and its use in pharmacokinetic studies between normal and type 2 diabetes mellitus rats. Ultimately, our findings provide insights into the clinical usage of Zhimu–Huangbai herb pair.
Surgical treatments of superior semicircular canal dehiscence: A single‐centre experience in 63 cases
Authors: Nieto Pauline , Gallois Yohan , Molinier Charles‐Edouard , Deguine Olivier , Marx Mathieu
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Objective

Different procedures have been described to treat superior canal dehiscence. The present study aims to describe the results obtained with middle fossa approach, transmastoid approach, and round window reinforcement in a large series of patients.

Methods and Design

In this single‐center retrospective study, we report the results of the procedures performed between 2006 and 2019 using the three main surgical approaches, middle fossa approach (MFA), transmastoid approach (TMA), and round window reinforcement (RWR). The outcome on cardinal cochlear and vestibular symptoms, audiometric results, and changes in cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs) were analyzed. The patients were also interviewed 12 months to 13 years post‐treatment to establish their overall satisfaction following surgery.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were divided into three groups: 42 MFA; 12 RWR; 9 TMA. Postsurgical control rates exceeded 80% for the majority of symptoms in the MFA and TMA groups, and ranged from 11.1% to 83.3% for the RWR group. Over 90% of MFA or TMA patients and 60% of the RWR cohort were satisfied overall with their treatment. Hearing thresholds were intact following surgery in the MFA and TMA groups. There was one case of profound postoperative deafness in the RWR group.

Conclusion

MFA and TMA are both safe and effective techniques in the treatment of disabling SSCD. Since MFA is the more invasive technique, we suggest that TMA should be proposed as first‐line treatment, temporal bone anatomy permitting. RWR outcomes are more variable in term of symptomatic control, and this option could be offered to patients at risk under general anesthesia.

Level of evidence

Level 4 evidence.
Ion Conductive Behavior of Oligoether/Zwitterion Diblock Copolymers Containing Magnesium Salt
Authors: Yoshizawa‐Fujita Masahiro , Ota Ryoma , Ishii Jun , Takeoka Yuko , Rikukawa Masahiro
Published: November 2021

Rechargeable magnesium (Mg) batteries are envisioned as next generation batteries. The development of solid polymer electrolytes with high ionic conductivity will contribute to realize not only high performance Mg batteries but also reliable and safe devices. In this study, diblock copolymers (PPEGMAm‐b‐SPBn) with oligoether (PEGMA) and zwitterionic (SPB) side‐chains are synthesized in order to develop novel Mg‐ion electrolytes. PPEGMAm‐b‐SPBn copolymers with various unit ratios are synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. PPEGMAm‐b‐SPBn exhibited two distinct glass transition temperatures. Phase‐separated structures are observed by atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements. PPEGMAm‐b‐SPBn/Mg‐salt composites exhibited a glass transition temperature due to the mixture formation of PEGMA and SPB blocks. When the unit numbers of m and n are 44 and 75, respectively, PPEGMAm‐b‐SPBn/Mg‐salt ([EO]: [Mg] = 6: 1) exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of over 10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C among 11 composites prepared in this study.
A BDF2 energy‐stable scheme for the binary fluid‐surfactant hydrodynamic model
Authors: Qin Yuzhe , Chen Rui , Zhang Zhengru
Published: November 2021

A second‐order time stepping scheme is developed for the binary fluid‐surfactant phase‐field model coupled with hydrodynamics by using the scalar auxiliary variable approach and pressure correction method. The free energy contains a double‐well potential, a nonlinear coupling entropy, and a Flory–Huggins potential. By introducing one scalar auxiliary variable, the system is transformed into an equivalent form so that the nonlinear terms can be treated semi‐explicitly. The scheme is linear and decoupled, and thus, they can be solved efficiently. We further prove that the semidiscretized scheme in time is unconditionally energy stable. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the accuracy and energy stability of the proposed scheme.
The temperature state of a plane dielectric layer at constant voltage and fixed temperature of one of the surfaces of this layer
Authors: Zarubin Vladimir Stepanovich , Kuvyrkin Georgy Nikolaevich , Savelyeva Inga Yurievna
Published: November 2021

The paper formulates the nonlinear problem of steady‐state heat conduction at the constant electric potential difference on the surfaces of a plane dielectric layer with the temperature‐dependent heat conduction coefficient and electrical resistivity. A fixed temperature value is set on one of the layer surfaces, and the convective heat exchange with the ambient medium occurs on the opposite surface. The formulation of the problem is transformed to integral ratios, which allows the calculation of the temperature distribution over the layer thickness, governed by the monotonic and nonmonotonic functions. The quantitative assay of the temperature state of a layer of a polymer dielectric made of amorphous polycarbonate is given as an example and the analysis of nonuniformity of the absolute value of electric field intensity over the thickness of this layer.
Laryngospasm in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gotesman Ryan D. , Lalonde Emilie , McKim Douglas A. , Bourque Pierre R. , Warman‐Chardon Jodi , Zwicker Jocelyn , Breiner Ari
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Laryngospasm is an involuntary, sustained closure of sphincter musculature that leads to an unpleasant subjective experience of dyspnea and choking. It is an underreported symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we aimed to better characterize the prevalence and clinical characteristics of laryngospasm in ALS patients.

Methods

The medical records of 571 patients with ALS followed between 2008 and 2018 were searched for evidence of laryngospasm. A total of 23 patients with laryngospasm were identified and the data related to patient and laryngospasm characteristics were extracted.

Results

Laryngospasm was reported in 4% of ALS patients. Females comprised 57% of patients and their mean age was 63.4 years. Laryngospasm frequently manifested in patients with moderate bulbar dysfunction and seemed independent of respiratory function. Among laryngospasm patients, 26% were cigarette smokers and 13% had a history of gastroesophageal reflux. The most common reported trigger was excessive saliva irritating the vocal cords (35%) followed by eating a meal (17%). There was significant variation in laryngospasm frequency (up to 5 per hour) and duration (seconds to minutes). Most patients could not identify an effective coping mechanism, although 13% reported that drinking water was effective.

Discussion

Despite its low prevalence in ALS, laryngospasm should be included in the symptom inquiry. The present findings may improve patient care through increased recognition of the clinical features of laryngospasm in ALS patients, identifying a link between laryngospasm and moderate bulbar dysfunction, and highlighting trigger avoidance as a management strategy. Additional research is required to understand the pathophysiology and optimal treatment.
Impact of radiation therapy on artificial urinary sphincter implantation in male patients: A multicenter study
Authors: Mamane Jordan , Sanchez Stéphane , Lellouch Alexandre G. , Gaillard Victor , Poussot Baptiste , Tricard Thibault , Saussine Christian , Brierre Thibaut , Game Xavier , Beraud Florian , Biardeau Xavier , Bruyere Franck , Robin Damien , El‐Akri Mehdi , Chevallier Daniel , Durand Mathieu , Bentellis Imad , Cousin Tiffany , Capon Grégoire , Cornu Jean‐Nicolas , Dupuis Hugo , Monsaint Hervé , Corbel Luc , Hermieu Nicolas , Hermieu Jean‐Francois , Pitout Alice , Lecoanet Pierre , Peyronnet Benoit , Leon Priscilla
Published: November 2021

Aims

To evaluate the impact of an history of radiation therapy on the outcomes of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation in male patients.

Methods

The charts of all patients who underwent AUS implantation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery in thirteen centers between 2004 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We excluded patients with neurogenic SUI. Continence rates and incidence of complications, revision and cuff erosion were evaluated. The outcomes in irradiated men were compared to those of non irradiated men.

Results

A total of 1277 patients who had an AUS met the inclusion criteria with a median age of 70 years, of which 437 had an history of prior radiotherapy. There was no difference in comorbidities. In irradiated patients, postoperative social continence, urethral atrophy and infection rates were respectively 75.6%, 2.4% and 9.5% and 76.8%, 5.4%, and 5.8% in nonirradiated men (respectively, p = 0.799, p = 0.128, p = 0.148). There were more urethral erosion in irradiated male patients. After a mean follow up of 36.8 months, the explantation free survival was poorer in irradiated patients (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

These data suggest that pelvic radiotherapy before AUS adversely affect device survival with and increased greater occurrence of infection‐erosion and therefore of explantation.
The effectiveness of parasympathomimetics for treating underactive bladder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moro Christian , Phelps Charlotte , Veer Vineesha , Clark Justin , Glasziou Paul , Tikkinen Kari A. O. , Scott Anna M.
Published: November 2021

Aims

Biological rationale suggests that parasympathomimetics (cholinergic receptor stimulating agents) could be beneficial for patients with underactive bladder. However, no systematic review with meta‐analysis addressing potential benefits or adverse effects exists. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness, both benefits and harms, of using parasympathomimetics for the treatment of underactive bladder.

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, and searches undertaken in PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL, including randomized and non‐randomized controlled trials of patients with underactive bladder, comparing parasympathomimetic to placebo, no treatment, or other pharmaceuticals. Risk ratios, odds ratios, and mean differences were calculated.

Results

Twelve trials with 3024 participants were included. There was a significant difference between parasympathomimetics and comparators (favoring parasympathomimetics) in the number of patients with urinary retention (risk ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3–0.98,p = 0.04, low quality of evidence). There was no difference in mean postvoid volume overall (MD −41.4 ml, 95% CI −92.0 to 9.1,p = 0.11, low quality of evidence). There was a significant difference at up to 1 week post‐intervention, favoring parasympathomimetics (MD −77.5 ml, 95% CI −90.9 to −64.1,p < 0.001, low quality of evidence), but no difference at 1 month post‐intervention. There was no difference in adverse events (odds ratio 1.19, 95% CI 0.62–2.28,p = 0.6, moderate quality of evidence).

Conclusions

The evidence supporting the use of parasympathomimetics is of low quality, with relatively short follow‐up durations. Overall, it is not possible to draw clear evidence‐based conclusions from the current literature, presenting the use of parasympathomimetics for treating underactive bladder as a key area that requires future well‐controlled clinical trials.
Insulin resistance persists despite a metabolically healthy obesity phenotype
Authors: Hoddy Kristin K. , Axelrod Christopher L. , Mey Jacob T. , Hari Adithya , Beyl Robbie A. , Blair Jourdan B. , Dantas Wagner S. , Kirwan John P.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is often defined as the absence of metabolic syndrome in the presence of obesity. However, phenotypic features of MHO are unclear. Insulin sensitivity in MHO was cross‐sectionally compared with metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) and a reference group of young healthy participants without obesity.

Methods

Sedentary adults (n = 96) undergoing anthropometric, blood chemistries, maximal aerobic capacity, and euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp measurements were classified by BMI (<25 and ≥30 kg/m2). MUO was defined as having obesity with metabolic syndrome (≥2 additional risk factors). Data were analyzed using a linear mixed models approach.

Results

Body weight was similar between MHO and MUO. Body fat (percentage) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were higher (p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin were lower in MHO versus MUO (p < 0.03, all). The MHO group also had lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure, and insulin compared with the reference. Both the MHO and MUO groups displayed impaired insulin sensitivity compared with the reference control (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Participants with MHO had distinct clinical measures related to hypertension, lipid metabolism, and glycemic control compared with a healthy reference group. Peripheral insulin resistance in obesity independent of metabolic status portends increased risk for type 2 diabetes in the MHO patient population.
An insight of novel eutectic mixture between thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione and zinc chloride: Temperature‐dependent density functional theory approach
Authors: Singh Madhur Babu , Kumar Ajay , Jain Pallavi , Singh Prashant , Kumari Kamlesh
Published: November 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are the mixture of a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) in a particular equivalent ratio. They gained popularity because of low melting point and green (non‐toxic) in nature. DESs showed promising ability as solvents and found to be better than traditional organic solvents and ionic liquids. They are being explored solvents in organic synthesis, substance dissolution, corrosion inhibition, biofuel generation, SO2/CO2 absorption, and extraction. In the present work, thioazolidine‐2,4‐dione (T) is taken as hydrogen bond donor, and zinc chloride (Z) is taken as hydrogen bond acceptor. Nine DESs are created using T and Z having different equivalent ratio. Further, they were studied using density functional theory (DFT) approach in gaseous state at different temperatures. T4Z1 found to most soluble in water as the dipole moment is maximum. Free energy of T1Z4 found to be least so may be most stable among all. Further, on changing the temperature from 298 to 323 K and then to 348 K, thermodynamic parameters are determined. Further, the change in free energy for the formation of the DESs are calculated in Hartree per particle as well in kcal/mol. At 298 K, the change in free energy for the formation of T2Z3 is minimum and indicates it feasibility or spontaneity at this temperature. But at temperature of 323 K, T1Z4 and T2Z3 are found to be same. Further, on increasing temperature to 348 K, the change in free energy for T1Z4 and T2Z3 is same and minimum. It means on changing the temperature, the spontaneity for the formation of DES changes. Based on the method of Jakob et al., it can be seen that the temperature changes with the change in composition, that is, the ratio of HBD and HBA. The composition of HBD and HBA is 1:2 and is called deep eutectic mixture as the melting temperature observed is least. There is not a complete agreement between the results obtained by DFT calculations and Jakob et al method.
Bivariate Bayesian hypothesis testing with missing data in components
Authors: Xu Zhixing , Quan Hui
Published: November 2021

Multiple endpoints and historical data borrowing may be simultaneously incorporated for enhancing efficiency and speeding up the new drug development process in the pharmaceutical industry. O'Brien's test is a widely used weighted combination test for multiplicity adjustment on multiple endpoints to control the overall type error rate in a weak sense. In this research, a modification on the O'Brien's test more specifically on the weights is considered for a trial with two primary endpoints to potentially increase power. The method can handle missing data in the current study and in the prior derivation for dynamic historical data borrowing. Simulations are conducted to compare the performances of different methods. A data example is used to illustrate the applications of the methods.
Design of Experiments and machine learning for product innovation: A systematic literature review
Authors: Arboretti Rosa , Ceccato Riccardo , Pegoraro Luca , Salmaso Luigi
Published: November 2021

The recent increase in digitalization of industrial systems has resulted in a boost in data availability in the industrial environment. This has favored the adoption of machine learning (ML) methodologies for the analysis of data, but not all contexts boast data abundance. When data are scarce or costly to collect, Design of Experiments (DOE) can be used to provide an informative dataset for analysis using ML techniques. This article aims to provide a systematic overview of the literature on the joint application of DOE and ML in product innovation (PI) settings. To this end, a systematic literature review (SLR) of two major scientific databases is conducted, retrieving 388 papers, of which 86 are selected for careful analysis. The results of this review delineate the state of the art and identify the main trends in terms of experimental designs and ML algorithms selected for joint application on PI. The gaps, open problems, and research opportunities are identified, and directions for future research are provided.
Unexpected haemorrhage from lateral thoracic artery following the removal of a pleural drainage tube
Authors: Matsuura Keigo , Tada Makoto , Sumi Toshiyuki , Osuda Koichi , Nakata Hisashi , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: November 2021

Pulmonologists must be aware of the possible arterial bleeding even during the removal of a safely inserted drain.
A systematic review of 20 years of crisis and disaster research: Trends and progress
Authors: Wolbers Jeroen , Kuipers Sanneke , Boin Arjen
Published: November 2021

The field of crisis and disaster studies has proliferated over the past two decades. Attention is bound to grow further as the world negotiates the prolonged challenges of the Covid‐19 pandemic. In this review, we provide an overview of the main foci, methods, and research designs employed in the crisis and disaster research fields in the period of 2001–2020. The review documents that the focus and methods used have not changed much over time. Single case studies and exploratory research prevail, the focus has shifted from preparedness to response, and methodological diversity is limited, but gradually increasing. Future challenges are to understand transboundary crisis management and creeping crises. Advancing the field calls for our community to put more effort in drawing lessons beyond the single case to uncover comparable and universal patterns that connect between events or phases, which help to theorize the multifaceted nature of crisis and disaster management.
Robust noncooperative attitude tracking control for rigid bodies on rotation matrices subject to input saturation constraint
Authors: Peng Xiuhui , Sun Zhiyong , Chen Mou , Geng Zhiyong
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses the noncooperative attitude tracking control problem for rigid bodies whose dynamics evolves on the rotation matrix . First, based on the relative attitude measurement, a saturated angular velocity input is designed by a proposed saturated nonlinear function. Thereafter, the attitude tracking control torque for rigid body's dynamics with input saturation constraint and active disturbance rejection is developed by a modified dynamic surface control approach which can avoid large torque in practice. Furthermore, by using only relative attitude measurements, two types of velocity‐free attitude control laws are considered, respectively. In contrast to those control schemes that require that the desired angular velocity is available to the rigid body, the proposed scheme is able to solve the attitude control in noncooperative scenarios, where the desired angular velocity and acceleration are not accessible. Since the attitude described by rotation matrix enables the controller to use local measurements in the body‐fixed frame rather than global measurements in an inertial frame, the proposed robust noncooperative control schemes with input saturation constraint are easier to implement in practice. Finally, numerical simulations and SimMechanics experiments are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed theoretical results.