bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barbier Polymerization‐Induced Emission towards Fully Substituted Polyethylene Analogues with Non‐Traditional Intrinsic Luminescence
Authors: Xiao Hang , Shi Quan‐Xi , Li Qian , Cai Hua‐Wen , Sun Xiao‐Li , Wan Wen‐Ming , Qian Qing‐Rong
Published: November 2023

The properties of polyethylene are highly dependent on the variety and quantity of substitutions. Generally, polyethylene can only be fully substituted with fluorine atoms, mainly e. g., polytetrafluoroethylene and nafion, because atomic radius of fluorine atom is small enough. The preparation of fully substituted polyethylene analogues (FSPEA) and their non‐traditional intrinsic luminescence (NTIL) are attractive, especially for substitutions with relatively larger atomic radii than a fluorine atom. Here, Barbier polymerization‐induced emission (PIE) is demonstrated as a universal method for the molecular design of NTIL type FSPEAs with intriguing aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) behaviors. Through Barbier polymerization of diphenyldichloromethane and different peroxyesters in the presence of Mg in one pot, a series of FSPEAs, including polytriphenylethanol (PTPE), polydiphenylfurylethanol (PDPFE), polydiphenylthiophenylethanol (PDPTE) and polydiphenylnaphthylethanol (PDPNE) have been successfully prepared. Further potential applications for explosive detection, artificial light‐harvesting system and white phosphor‐converted light‐emitting diode are investigated. Therefore, this work opens up a new approach for the molecular design of FSPEA with non‐conjugated luminescence, which may cause inspirations to different research fields like polyolefin and luminescent materials.
Evaluation of sulfate metabolites as markers of topical testosterone administration in Caucasian and Asian populations
Authors: Bressan Claudia , Alechaga Élida , Monfort Nuria , Ventura Rosa
Published: November 2023

Sulfate metabolites of endogenous anabolic androgenic steroids (EAAS) have been shown to prolong the detection times compared with the conventional urinary markers of the steroid profile for oral and intramuscular administrations of testosterone (T). In this work, the sensitivity of sulfate EAAS markers for the detection of T gel administration has been evaluated in six Caucasian and six Asian male volunteers. Fourteen sulfate metabolites were measured in basal and post‐administration samples after multiple doses of T gel (100 mg/day, three consecutive days), and the detection times based on individual thresholds for each volunteer were evaluated. Sulfate concentrations did not show adequate sensitivity, but the results of sulfate ratios were much more promising. Androsterone sulfate/testosterone sulfate (A‐S/T‐S), epiandrosterone sulfate/epitestosterone sulfate (epiA‐S/E‐S), epiA‐S/T‐S, and etiocholanolone sulfate/epitestosterone sulfate (Etio‐S/E‐S) provided the most consistent detectability for all volunteers and populations, with detection times ranging from 60 to 96 h since the first dose. Additional ratios improved detectability to up to 7 days, but only in particular volunteers. In general, sensitivity was similar to or better than the conventional testosterone/epitestosterone ratio (T/E) of the steroid profile, which further reinforces the conclusion that sulfate EAAS metabolites can be a good complement for the current steroid profile.
Eat or be eaten: Implications of potential exploitative competition between wolves and humans across predator‐savvy and predator‐naive deer populations
Authors: Candler Ellen M. , Chakrabarti Stotra , Severud William J. , Bump Joseph K.
Published: November 2023

Recolonization of predators to their former ranges is becoming increasingly prevalent. Such recolonization places predators among their prey once again; the latter having lived without predation (from such predators) for a considerable time. This renewed coexistence creates opportunities to explore predation ecology at both fundamental and applied levels. We used a paired experimental design to investigate white‐tailed deer risk allocation in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas (UP and LP) in Michigan, USA. Wolves are functionally absent in the LP, while deer in the UP coexist with a re‐established wolf population. We treated 15 sites each in UP and LP with wolf olfactory cues and observed deer vigilance, activity, and visitation rates at the interface of habitat covariates using remote cameras. Such a paired design across wolf versus no‐wolf areas allowed us to examine indirect predation effects while accounting for confounding parameters such as the presence of other predators and human activity. While wolf urine had no effect across most metrics in both UP and LP, we observed differences in deer activity in areas with versus without wolves. Sites treated with wolf urine in the UP showed a reduction in crepuscular deer activity, compared to control/novel‐scent treated sites. Furthermore, we observed a strong positive effect of vegetation cover on deer vigilance in these sites. This indicates that simulated predator cues likely affect deer vigilance more acutely in denser habitats, which presumably facilitates predation success. Such responses were however absent among deer in the LP that are presumably naïve toward wolf predation. Where human and non‐human predators hunt shared prey, such as in Michigan, predators may constrain human hunting success by increasing deer vigilance. Hunters may avoid such exploitative competition by choosing hunting/bait sites located in open areas. Our results pertaining to fundamental predation ecology have strong applied implications that can promote human–predator coexistence.
Assessing the diet and seed dispersal ability of non‐native sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in native ecosystems of south‐eastern Australia
Authors: Quin Matthew J. , Morgan John W. , Murphy Nicholas P.
Published: November 2023

Understanding the influence of non‐native herbivores on ecosystems by means of dietary foraging and seed dispersal is important for understanding how non‐native species can alter an invaded landscape, yet requires multiple methodologies. In south‐eastern Australia, introduced sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are rapidly expanding in range and placing native ecosystems at risk through browsing and as vectors for seed dispersal. We simultaneously investigated sambar deer dietary composition and seed dispersal using DNA sequencing and germination trials, from faecal pellets collected in alpine and wet forest ecosystems. This allowed us to contrast the dietary impacts of introduced sambar deer in different environments, and to explore the potential for habitat‐specific variation in diet. DNA sequencing of the trnL, ITS2 and rbcL gene regions revealed a diverse plant species dietary composition comprising 1003 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Sambar deer exhibited intermediate feeder behaviours dominated by forbs in alpine and shrubs in wet forest ecosystems. A large proportion of plant OTUs were considered likely to be native, however, the proportion of exotic species in the diet in both ecosystems was greater than would be expected based on the proportion of exotic species in each of the two landscapes. Seed germination trials indicated that sambar deer can disperse a substantial number of native and exotic species in both alpine and wet forest ecosystems. In alpine ecosystems, an individual sambar deer was estimated to disperse on average 816 (±193) seeds per day during the study period, of which 652 (±176) were exotic. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that native plant species comprise the majority of sambar deer diets in Australian ecosystems and that the introduced species is dispersing both native and exotic plant species via endozoochory. However, exotic species seedling germination numbers were significantly higher in alpine ecosystems, and given the large daily movements of sambar deer, represents a significant vector for the spread of exotic plant species. Management of native plant species and vegetation communities of conservation significance, or at risk to sambar deer browsing is of high priority, through either the removal of sambar deer or implementation of exclusion‐based methods.
Spatial scaling in bed‐site selection by roe deer fawns: Implications for mitigating neonatal mortality during mowing
Authors: Baur Sophie , Kauffert Johanna , Hewison A. J. Mark , Reinermann Sophie , König Andreas , Menzel Annette , Peters Wibke
Published: November 2023

When habitat use by field‐dwelling animals coincides in space and time with agricultural practices such as spring mowing of meadows, human‐wildlife conflicts can have deadly consequences for wildlife. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) fawns are particularly vulnerable because they hide in meadows during the rearing phase. Thus, a better understanding of the habitat drivers of bed‐site selection is critical to mitigating fawn mortality during mowing. Here, we tease apart the among‐field (presumably driven by maternal behaviour) and within‐field (driven by fawn behaviour) components of bed‐site selection of roe deer during the spring mowing season. We collected over 600 fawn bed sites across an environmentally diverse study region. At the among‐field scale, we implemented a used versus available design and employed a two‐part statistical model (GAMLSS) to identify habitat characteristics that were linked to either fawn presence (vs. absence) or abundance on a given field. At the within‐field scale, we compared habitat characteristics at fawn bed‐sites with paired random sites using a conditional logistic regression model. At the among‐field scale, fawns were more likely to be present, and were more abundant, in fields within more diverse, rural landscapes, with nearby woodland. Surprisingly, fawns were more often present in fields that were near roads and had lower vegetation productivity. At the within‐field scale, however, fawns preferred bed‐sites which were further from both roads and woodland, but that provided the best visual cover to minimise predation risk. Our findings revealed substantial and novel scale‐dependent differences in the drivers of habitat selection of mothers and fawns, which, together, determine the precise locations of bed‐sites between and within meadows. These results may aid wildlife managers in identifying areas where there is a high probability of encountering a roe deer fawn so as to initiate targeted searches prior to mowing and, ultimately, mitigate fawn mowing mortality.
Fertilization can accelerate the pace of soil microbial community response to rest‐grazing duration in the three‐river source region of China
Authors: Zhou Xuanbo , Wang Xiaoli , Ma Yushou , Wang Yanlong , Ma Yuan , Xie Lele
Published: November 2023

Overgrazing leads to grassland degradation and productivity decline. Rest‐grazing during the regreen‐up period can quickly restore grassland and fertilization is a common restoration strategy. However, the effects of rest‐grazing time and fertilization on soil microorganisms are unclear in the alpine grasslands. Therefore, the experiment of rest‐grazing time and fertilization was carried out to explore the response of soil microorganisms to rest‐grazing time and fertilization measures. A field control experiment with rest‐grazing time and fertilization as factors have been conducted from the time when grass returned to green till the livestock moved to the summer pasture in Dawu Town of Maqin County of China. The primary treatment we established was the five rest‐grazing time, including rest‐grazing time of 20 days, 30 days, 40 days, 50 days, and traditional grazing was used as a check group. At the same time, the secondary treatment was nitrogen addition of 300 kg·hm−2 in each primary treatment. The results showed that the total phospholipid fatty acid (total PLFA), actinomyces (Act), and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) showed an ever‐increasing biomass with the increase of rest‐grazing time and the highest was at 50 days of rest‐grazing, and they were all significantly higher than CK. In addition, soil microbial biomass carbon‐nitrogen ratio (MBC/MBN) had great influence on the change of microbial community. Applying nitrogen fertilizer can increase the maximum value of biomass of all PLFA groups and the biomass of all PLFA groups changed in an “inverted V” shape with the increase of rest‐grazing time. Besides, instead of MBC/MBN, NO3−‐N was positively correlated with the biomass of all PLFA groups, which actively regulated the trend of microbial functions. The longer rest‐grazing time is more conducive to the biomass of all PLFA groups. However, applying nitrogen fertilizer could break this pattern, namely, the 30 days rest‐grazing would be beneficial to the biomass of all PLFA groups. These findings provide key information that rest‐grazing during the regreen‐up period is benefiscial to the all PLFA groups and fertilization could change the response of microorganisms to rest‐grazing, which provide reference measures for the restoration of degraded alpine meadows.
Parental exposure to heat waves improves offspring reproductive investment in Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae), but not in its predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Tscholl Thomas , Nachman Gösta , Spangl Bernhard , Scalmani Ida , Walzer Andreas
Published: November 2023

The more frequent and intense occurrence of heat waves is a challenge for arthropods because their unpredictable incidence requires fast adaptations by the exposed individuals. Phenotypic plasticity within and across generations might be a solution to cope with the detrimental effects of heat waves, especially for fast‐developing, small arthropods with limited dispersal abilities. Therefore, we studied whether severe heat may affect the reproduction of a pest species, the spider mite Tetranychus urticae, and its counterpart, the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Single offspring females with different parental thermal origins (reared under mild or extreme heat waves) of both species were exposed to mild or extreme heat waves on bean leaves over 10 days, and the oviposition, egg sizes, survival, and escape behavior of the females were evaluated daily. The total losses of predators mainly via escapers were very high compared to prey, which makes a separation between selective and plastic effects on shifted reproductive traits impossible. Predator females laid smaller eggs, while their consumption and oviposition rates were unaffected during extreme heat waves. In comparison, larger prey females fed more and produced more, but smaller, eggs due to within‐ and trans‐generational effects. These advantages for the prey in comparison to its predator when exposed to extreme heat waves during the reproductive phase support the trophic sensitivity hypothesis: higher trophic levels (i.e., the predator) are more sensitive to thermal stress than lower trophic levels (i.e., the prey). Furthermore, the species‐specific responses may reflect their lifestyles. The proactive and mobile predator should be selected for behavioral thermoregulation under heat waves via spatiotemporal avoidance of heat‐exposed locations rather than relying on physiological adaptations in contrast to the more sessile prey. Whether these findings also influence predator–prey interactions and their population dynamics under heat waves remains an open question.
Hillslope to channel hydrologic connectivity in a dryland ecosystem
Authors: Keller Zachary T. , Vivoni Enrique R. , Kimsal Charles R. , Robles‐Morua Agustín , Pérez‐Ruiz Eli R.
Published: November 2023

Hydrologic connectivity refers to the processes and thresholds leading to water transport across a landscape. In dryland ecosystems, runoff production is mediated by the arrangement of vegetation and bare soil patches on hillslopes and the properties of ephemeral channels. In this study, we used runoff measurements at multiple scales in a small (4.67 ha) mixed shrubland catchment of the Chihuahuan Desert to identify controls on and thresholds of hillslope‐channel connectivity. By relating short‐ and long‐term hydrologic records, we also addressed whether observed changes in outlet discharge since 1977 were linked to modifications in hydrologic connectivity. Hillslope runoff production was controlled by the maximum rainfall intensity occurring in a 30‐min interval (I30), with small‐to‐negligible effects of antecedent surface soil moisture, vegetation cover, or slope aspect. An I30 threshold of nearly 10 mm/h activated runoff propagation from the shrubland hillslopes and through the main ephemeral channel, whereas an I30 threshold of about 16 mm/h was required for discharge from the catchment outlet. Since storms rarely exceed I30, full hillslope‐channel connectivity occurs infrequently in the mixed shrubland, leading to <2% of the annual precipitation being converted into outlet discharge. Progressive decreases in outlet discharge since 1977 could not be explained by variations in precipitation metrics, including I30, or the process of woody plant encroachment. Instead, channel modifications from the buildup of sediment behind measurement flumes may have increased transmission losses and reduced outlet discharge. Thus, alterations in channel properties can play an important role in the long‐term (45‐year) variations of rainfall–runoff dynamics of small desert catchments.
Proportion of charcoal carbon in the forest floor carbon pool in relation to fire history in a boreal forest landscape
Authors: Haukenes Vilde L. , Asplund Johan , Åsgård Lisa , Rolstad Jørund , Storaunet Ken Olaf , Ohlson Mikael
Published: November 2023

Fire in the boreal forests emits substantial amounts of organically bound carbon (C) to the atmosphere and converts a fraction of the burnt organic matter into charcoal, which in turn is highly refractory and functions as a long‐term stable C pool. It is well established that the boreal forest charcoal pool is sufficiently large to play a significant role in the global C cycle. However, there is a need for spatially representative estimates of how large proportions of the forest floor C pool are made up of charcoal across different plant communities in the boreal forest ecosystem. Thus, we have quantified the amounts of C separately in charcoal and the organic layers of the forest floor across fine spatial scales in a boreal forest landscape with a well‐documented fire history. We found that the proportion of charcoal C made up an average of 1.2% of the total forest floor C, and the charcoal proportions showed a high small‐scale spatial variability and were concentrated in the organic–mineral soil interface. Proportions of charcoal C decreased with increasing time since last fire. Deeper soils, denser soils, and local concave areas had the highest proportions of charcoal C, whereas historical fire frequencies and current differences in vegetation did not relate to the proportions of charcoal C.
MFishBT: A global database of biogeochemical tags in migratory fish
Authors: Ding Liuyong , Ding Chengzhi , Tao Juan , Avigliano Esteban , Shipley Oliver N. , Tang Bangli , Chen Jinnan , Liu Xingchen , Sun Jingrui , He Daming
Published: November 2023

Humans have long been fascinated by the mysteries surrounding fish migrations and addressing these complex behaviors often requires large data sets. Biogeochemical tags, including trace elements and stable isotopes, are the most accessible biomarkers for tracking fish migrations. However, access to standardized biogeochemical tag data is rarely available for migratory fish, which limits our understanding of the evolutionary origins, drivers, timing, and corridors of migration. This precludes the development of conservation strategies and the implementation of management actions. Here, we present MFishBT, a global, open‐access database of Migratory Fish's Biogeochemical Tags. As of April 2023, the MFishBT contains biogeochemical records from 1,305 studies, of which 53% used element‐to‐calcium (E/Ca) ratios, 34% used isotopic ratios, and 13% used both. The database covers 17,413 field sampling locations (inland 47% vs. marine 53%) around the globe, comprising 490 migratory fish species of four classes, 44 orders/suborders, and 137 families. In total, 77 trace elements and 11 isotope systems were measured across various fish biological archives, including otoliths, scales, eye lenses, and vertebrae. E/Ca ratios were examined more frequently than isotopic ratios, led by Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, Ba/Ca, and 87Sr/86Sr, δ13C, and δ18O. The MFishBT compiles 27,030, 16,222, and 2,481,714 records with biogeochemical data detected in the core, edge, and core‐to‐edge transects for biological archives of migratory fish. This is the most globally comprehensive open‐access database on biogeochemical tags in migratory fish to date, and can serve a variety of needs in scientific research, conservation, and management. We encourage researchers to add more data sets to this database in the future. This database is released for noncommercial use only. There are no copyright restrictions, and please cite this paper when using these data, or a subset of these data, for publication.
Environmental DNA biomonitoring in biodiversity hotspots: A case study of fishes of the Okavango Delta
Authors: von der Heyden Sophie , Neef Götz , Grevesse Thomas , Cwecwe Yandisa , Sado Tetsuya , Miya Masaki , Mosie Ineelo , Creer Simon , Skelton Paul , von Brandis Rainer
Published: November 2023

The Okavango Delta is the largest freshwater wetland in southern Africa and a recognized biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is extremely rich in floral and faunal diversity, including a fish fauna of ~90 species in 15 families, that also support recreational and subsistence fishing. Anthropogenic pressures and invasive species threaten the unique biodiversity and ecosystem services that the Delta provides, necessitating biomonitoring tools that can provide broad community‐level diversity insights. Here, we utilize environmental DNA metabarcoding of aquatic eDNA using the MiFish 12S rRNA primers, to investigate fish communities and also sequenced 211 mtDNA 12S barcodes for 74 species across 36 genera of fishes from the region. Metabarcoding recovered 11 of 15 families, with 40 species detected across 23 genera, representing ~50% of known diversity, with the mtDNA 12S fragment able to delineate all genera (except for the cichlid genera Serranochromis and Pharyngochromis that comprised a single clade) and most species, except for some in the Clarias, Enteromius, Labeo, Lacustricola, and Petrocephalus genera. Generally, abundant and wide‐spread taxa such as Clarias spp. and Marcusenius altisambesi, amongst others, were often detected in the surveys, with other species, including Zaireichthys kavangoensis, Schilbe intermedius, and Labeo sp. detected less frequently. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, and dissolved organic solids were positively correlated with community diversity, highlighting the influence of environmental factors in shaping fish communities in the region. Further, there was strong variability in the eDNA signal across only 1000 m, suggesting that future surveys need to consider spatio‐temporal aspects of sample collection. Our study highlights the potential of eDNA metabarcoding for surveying aquatic biodiversity in the Okavango Delta, particularly within the context of baseline biodiversity inventories, that underpin conservation and management initiatives. As such, we provide a number of recommendations that can help structure future sampling efforts in the region.
The efficacy and safety of new potassium binders on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor optimization in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abuelazm Mohamed , Badr Amr , Turkmani Mustafa , Amin Mostafa Atef , Amin Ahmed Mazen , Aboutaleb Aya , Gowaily Ibrahim , Soliman Youssef , Abdelazeem Basel
Published: November 2023

Guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) has improved outcomes in patients with heart failure, including the use of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, which can hinder the excretion of potassium, resulting in hyperkalaemia. New potassium binders (NPBs) can prevent this adverse effect; however, the efficacy and safety of NPB for this indication have not been fully established. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which were retrieved by systematically searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane through 26 April 2023. The risk of bias assessment was conducted, following Cochrane's updated Risk of Bias 2 assessment tool. We used the fixed‐effects model to pool dichotomous data using risk ratio (RR) and continuous data using mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023426113). We included six RCTs with a total of 1432 patients. NPB was significantly associated with successful mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) optimization [RR: 1.13 with 95% CI (1.02–1.25), P = 0.02], decreased patients with MRA at less than the target dose [RR: 0.72 with 95% CI (0.57–0.90), P = 0.004], and decreased hyperkalaemic episodes [RR: 0.42 with 95% CI (0.24–0.72), P = 0.002]. However, there was no difference between NPB and placebo regarding angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (ANRi) optimization [RR: 1.02 with 95% CI (0.89–1.17), P = 0.76] and serum potassium change [MD: −0.31 with 95% CI (−0.61 to 0.00), P = 0.05], with an acceptable safety profile except for the increased incidence of hypokalaemia with NPB [RR: 1.57 with 95% CI (1.12–2.21), P = 0.009]. NPB has been shown to improve GDMT outcomes by enhancing MRA optimization and reducing hyperkalaemic episodes. However, there are limited data on the effects of NPB on ACEi/ARB/ANRi optimization. Future RCTs should investigate ACEi/ARB/ANRi optimization and conduct head‐to‐head comparisons of NPB (patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate).
Heart failure ‘the cancer of the heart’: the prognostic role of the HLM score
Authors: Severino Paolo , Mancone Massimo , D'Amato Andrea , Mariani Marco Valerio , Prosperi Silvia , Alunni Fegatelli Danilo , Birtolo Lucia Ilaria , Angotti Danilo , Milanese Alberto , Cerrato Enrico , Maestrini Viviana , Pizzi Carmine , Foà Alberto , Vestri Annarita , Palazzuoli Alberto , Vizza Carmine Dario , Casale Paul N. , Mather Paul J. , Fedele Francesco
Published: November 2023

Aims

The multi‐systemic effects of heart failure (HF) resemble the spread observed during cancer. We propose a new score, named HLM, analogous to the TNM classification used in oncology, to assess the prognosis of HF. HLM refers to H: heart damage, L: lung involvement, and M: systemic multiorgan involvement. The aim was to compare the HLM score to the conventional New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) stages, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), to assess the most accurate prognostic tool for HF patients.

Methods and results

We performed a multicentre, observational, prospective study of consecutive patients admitted for HF. Heart, lung, and other organ function parameters were collected. Each patient was classified according to the HLM score, NYHA classification, ACC/AHA stages, and LVEF assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. The follow‐up period was 12 months. The primary endpoint was a composite of all‐cause death and rehospitalization due to HF. A total of 1720 patients who completed the 12 month follow‐up period have been enrolled in the study. 520 (30.2%) patients experienced the composite endpoint of all‐cause death and rehospitalization due to HF. 540 (31.4%) patients were female. The mean age of the study population was 70.5 ± 12.9. The mean LVEF at admission was 42.5 ± 13%. Regarding the population distribution across the spectrum of HLM score stages, 373 (21.7%) patients were included in the HLM‐1, 507 (29.5%) in the HLM‐2, 587 (34.1%) in the HLM‐3, and 253 (14.7%) in the HLM‐4. HLM was the most accurate score to predict the primary endpoint at 12 months. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was greater for the HLM score compared with the NYHA classification, ACC/AHA stages, or LVEF, regarding the composite endpoint (HLM = 0.645; NYHA = 0.580; ACC/AHA = 0.589; LVEF = 0.572). The AUC of the HLM score was significantly better compared with the LVEF (P = 0.002), ACC/AHA (P = 0.029), and NYHA (P = 0.009) AUC.

Conclusions

The HLM score has a greater prognostic power compared with the NYHA classification, ACC/AHA stages, and LVEF assessed by transthoracic echocardiography in terms of the composite endpoint of all‐cause death and rehospitalization due to HF at 12 months of follow‐up.
Cerebellar somatotopy of the trigemino‐cervical complex during nociception
Authors: Basedau Hauke , May Arne , Mehnert Jan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The somatotopic organization of the human cerebellum processes somato‐motoric input. Its role during pain perception for nociceptive input remains ambiguous. A standardized experimental trigeminal nociceptive input in functional imaging might clarify the role of the cerebellum in trigeminal nociception. Also of interest is the greater occipital nerve, which innervates the back of the head, and can influence the trigeminal perception due to functional coupling within the brainstem, forming the so‐called trigemino‐cervical complex.

Methods

In our preregistered study (clinicaltrials.gov: NTC03999060), we stimulated the greater occipital as well as the three main branches of the trigeminal nerve during functional magnetic resonance imaging in two independent cohorts of young healthy volunteers without psychiatric, neurological or pain‐related disorders to disentangle overlapping somatotopic cerebellar organization of the nerves innervating the human head.

Results

We found a dominant effect of the first trigeminal branch in the cerebellum, underpinning its particular role for headache diseases, and somatotopic representations in bilateral cerebellar lobules I–IV, V, VIIb, VIIIa and Crus I as well as in the brainstem.

Significance

The study expands the current knowledge on facial and head pain processing by the cerebellum and provides an initial somatotopic map of the trigemino‐cervical complex in the human cerebellum with a predominant representation of the first trigeminal branch.
Dual‐Objective Optimization for Maximizing Photovoltaic Output Power in a Two‐Stage Single‐Phase Grid‐Tied System
Authors: K.T. Swetha , Reddy Barry Venugopal , Jain Rohit Kumar
Published: November 2023

The effective utilization of photovoltaic systems (PVS) is significantly affected by partial shading (PS). Although total cross‐tied topology minimizes the power loss, the partial shading condition (PSC) decreases the output power generation and exhibits multiple power peaks in the Power Voltage characteristics. To address this issue, a dual‐objective optimization technique based on reduced search space equilibrium optimization (RSS‐EO) for a single‐phase, two‐stage grid‐connected PVS, is presented. The proposed technique accomplishes two objectives 1) maximizing power generation by reconfiguring the PV modules using a switching matrix based on irradiance equalization and 2) extracting the global maximum power (GMP) with faster convergence, negligible steady‐state oscillations, and reduced steady‐state error. The simulation and experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed RSS‐EO technique in efficiently distributing shade over the entire PV array and tracking GMP. The power enhancements achieved by RSS‐EO, particle swarm optimization, and Munkres are 23.03%, 20.02%, and 19.01%, respectively. Additionally, the proposed method exhibits an average mismatch power loss of 738 W, a fill factor of 58.1%, and a percentage power loss of 26.83%. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is evaluated based on energy calculations and shows better performance by achieving the shortest payback period of 1.6 years.
DYNATE: Localizing rare‐variant association regions via multiple testing embedded in an aggregation tree
Authors: Li Xuechan , Pura John , Allen Andrew , Owzar Kouros , Lu Jianfeng , Harms Matthew , Xie Jichun
Published: November 2023

Rare‐variants (RVs) genetic association studies enable researchers to uncover the variation in phenotypic traits left unexplained by common variation. Traditional single‐variant analysis lacks power; thus, researchers have developed various methods to aggregate the effects of RVs across genomic regions to study their collective impact. Some existing methods utilize a static delineation of genomic regions, often resulting in suboptimal effect aggregation, as neutral subregions within the test region will result in an attenuation of signal. Other methods use varying windows to search for signals but often result in long regions containing many neutral RVs. To pinpoint short genomic regions enriched for disease‐associated RVs, we developed a novel method, DYNamic Aggregation TEsting (DYNATE). DYNATE dynamically and hierarchically aggregates smaller genomic regions into larger ones and performs multiple testing for disease associations with a controlled weighted false discovery rate. DYNATE's main advantage lies in its strong ability to identify short genomic regions highly enriched for disease‐associated RVs. Extensive numerical simulations demonstrate the superior performance of DYNATE under various scenarios compared with existing methods. We applied DYNATE to an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis study and identified a new gene, EPG5, harboring possibly pathogenic mutations.
Continental‐scale shearing triggered by Oligocene subduction in Myanmar‐Indochina, SE Asia
Authors: Zhang Ji'en , Xiao Wenjiao , Zhang Bo , Wakabayashi John , Cai Fulong , Sein Kyaing
Published: November 2023

Continental‐scale shear zones in Indochina record Cenozoic tectonic processes in SE Asia. Previous extrusion models link these shear zones to northward indentation of the Indian continent and conflict with distributed Oligocene conjugate strike‐slip pairs, formed by E‐W‐directed compression (present coordinates). This paper presents evidence of Oligocene shearing along the Mogok Metamorphic Belt in Myanmar, the western boundary of the Indochina block. The Kyanigan quarry at northern Mogok Metamorphic Belt exposes paragneiss, marble and quartzite schist with E‐W striking, which would be dragged from N‐S striking foliations of the main Mogok Metamorphic Belt by right‐lateral shearing of the brittle Sagaing Fault. After restoration, right‐lateral shearing ‘σ’ structures, cored with garnet, in paragneiss in the Kyanigan quarry are consistent with ‘σ’ and ‘δ’ structures in the Moulmein granitic mylonite to the south. U–Pb ages of metamorphic zircon of a sheared paragneiss and a leucogranite, cross‐cutting shear foliation in the Kyanigan quarry, and a biotite 39Ar‐40Ar age of mylonite at Moulmein constrain dextral shearing to 33–25.4 Ma, coeval with other 31–24.5 Ma shear zones in Indochina. The eleven NW‐striking left‐lateral shear zones and N‐S to NE‐striking right‐lateral shear zones define Oligocene conjugate fault patterns in Indochina. After restoration of ~80–45° clockwise rotation, these Oligocene conjugate shear zones, coupled with the anticlinal configuration of the Xuelongshan and Doi Inthanon‐Doi Suthep domes, reflect approximate N–S‐directed shortening. These structures to the north with coeval Myanmar‐Sumatra magmatic arc to the south demonstrate that they correspond to back‐arc contraction during northward subduction of the Indian Ocean. Oligocene continental‐scale intra‐continental shearing may be triggered by syn‐subduction compression in SE Asia.
Unraveling lexical semantics in the brain: Comparing internal, external, and hybrid language models
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Luan , de Deyne Simon , Li Bing , Wang Jing , Cai Qing
Published: November 2023

To explain how the human brain represents and organizes meaning, many theoretical and computational language models have been proposed over the years, varying in their underlying computational principles and in the language samples based on which they are built. However, how well they capture the neural encoding of lexical semantics remains elusive. We used representational similarity analysis (RSA) to evaluate to what extent three models of different types explained neural responses elicited by word stimuli: an External corpus‐based word2vec model, an Internal free word association model, and a Hybrid ConceptNet model. Semantic networks were constructed using word relations computed in the three models and experimental stimuli were selected through a community detection procedure. The similarity patterns between language models and neural responses were compared at the community, exemplar, and word node levels to probe the potential hierarchical semantic structure. We found that semantic relations computed with the Internal model provided the closest approximation to the patterns of neural activation, whereas the External model did not capture neural responses as well. Compared with the exemplar and the node levels, community‐level RSA demonstrated the broadest involvement of brain regions, engaging areas critical for semantic processing, including the angular gyrus, superior frontal gyrus and a large portion of the anterior temporal lobe. The findings highlight the multidimensional semantic organization in the brain which is better captured by Internal models sensitive to multiple modalities such as word association compared with External models trained on text corpora.
The impact of conventional and unconventional monetary policies on loan default risk—Evidence from UK peer‐to‐peer lending platforms
Authors: Vu Anh Nguyet
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the effect of both conventional and unconventional monetary policies on loan default of UK personal and business peer‐to‐peer (P2P) loans. I employ loan book data of Zopa, Lending Works, and MarketFinance, which are three of the most popular UK P2P lending platforms. Survival analysis reveals consistent evidence for the existence of the risk‐taking channel of monetary policy. Monetary easing, be it conventional or unconventional, reduces loan survival in the P2P lending market. This finding delivers useful information for policymakers to rebalance the countervailing effects of expansionary monetary policies on financial stability during the era of alternative financing.
Prognostic factors and novel nomograms for overall survival and cancer specific survival of malignant ovarian cancer patients with bone metastasis: A SEER‐based study
Authors: Luo Ling , Xu Ningze , Liu Yuyang , Zhong Sen , Yang Sheng , Chen Xi
Published: November 2023

Objective

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a frequent and fatal disease in women, and bone metastasis of ovarian cancer (OCBM) leads to a poor survival trend. This study aimed to determine the factors which influence overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of OCBM patients and to develop prognostic predictive models.

Methods

Data of OCBM patients were stratified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 2010 to 2017 and were randomly divided into training and testing datasets (7:3). Prognostic factors were identified by Cox regression analyses and nomograms were then developed. Nomogram models were examined on the discriminative ability and accuracy by calibration plots, Brier score (BS), and time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Decision curve analyses (DCA) was used for estimation of the clinical benefit of nomogram models.

Results

Grade, tumor size, tumor metastasis (liver, lung), primary site surgery, chemotherapy, and systemic therapy were realized as independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS, respectively. Agreement between the actual and predicted outcomes was proved by calibration plots. Nomograms performed well in OS and CSS predictions, as shown by area under the ROC curves (AUCs) and BSs for testing dataset as follows: for OS, 3‐/6‐/12‐month AUCs and BSs were 0.778/0.788/0.822 and 19.0/18.5/15.4, respectively; for CSS, 3‐/6‐/12‐month AUCs and BSs were 0.799/0.806/0.832 and 18.1/18.0/15.4, respectively. DCA suggested an agreeable clinical benefit of both nomograms.

Conclusion

The nomograms developed for OCBM patients' survival prediction were proved to be accurate, efficient, and clinically beneficial, which were further deployed as web‐based calculators to help in clinical decision making and future studies.
Fertility and anatomical outcomes following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: An 11‐year retrospective cohort study to validate a new classification system for intrauterine adhesions (Urman‐Vitale Classification System)
Authors: Urman Bulent , Yakin Kayhan , Ertas Sinem , Alper Ebru , Aksakal Ece , Riemma Gaetano , Angioni Stefano , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Objective

To propose a new classification system (Urman‐Vitale Classification System) for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and to evaluate anatomical and fertility outcomes after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis accordingly.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated over 11 years by a single operator in a tertiary care hospital. Women with sonographic suspicion of IUAs were scheduled for hysterosalpingography (HSG) and hysteroscopy for confirmation and treatment. IUAs were divided into five classes according to symptoms, ultrasound, HSG findings, and postsurgical hysteroscopic appearance. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was performed using a bipolar cutting electrode in an office setting. Evaluated outcomes were restoration of the uterine cavity, clinical pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and live birth rates.

Results

A total of 227 patients (479 procedures) were included. Mean number of hysteroscopies increased in frequency with class of adhesions from Class 1 to Class 5 (1.0 ± 0.2 vs 2.3 ± 0.5; P = 0.001). Full restoration of the cavity was achieved in 100% of patients with Class 1 compared with 18.5% for Class 5 (43/43 vs 5/27; P = 0.001). Clinical pregnancy (Class 1 vs Class 4: P = 0.034; 1 vs 5: P = 0.006; 2 vs 5: P = 0.024) and live birth (Class 1 vs Class 4: P = 0.001; 1 vs 5: P = 0.006; 2 vs 4: P = 0.007; 2 vs 5: P = 0.0208) rates decreased with increasing severity of IUAs. Pregnancy loss rate was related to IUA severity (Class 1 vs Class 4: P = 0.012; 1 vs 5: P = 0.003: 2 vs 4: P = 0.014; 2 vs 5: P = 0.021).

Conclusion

A classification based on symptoms, imaging findings, and postsurgical macroscopic appearance of the uterine cavity could be useful in predicting prognosis and fertility in women with IUAs.
Application program interface for automatic segmentation of retinal layers and fluids in Optical Coherence Tomography ‐ Neovascular Age related Macular degeneration retinal images using deep learning models
Authors: Jeya Prabha A. , Sameera Fathimal M. , Meghana G. R. , Angeline Kirubha S. P.
Published: November 2023

Optical coherence tomography is a non‐invasive imaging technique that provides micrometer‐resolution images of retinal structures. These images can assist in identifying changes under the retina's surface, such as edema. This study proposes a novel deep learning model AR U‐Net++ for segmenting retinal layers and fluids. The four retinal layers ILM (Internal Limiting Membrane), IPL (Inner Plexiform Layer), RPE (Retinal Pigment Epithelium), BM (Bruch Membrane), and IRF (Intra Retinal Fluid), SRF (Sub Retinal Fluid), and PED (Pigment Epithelial Detachment) are segmented using AR U‐Net++. The proposed architecture AR U‐Net++ achieves better accuracy (99.67%), mean IoU (0.84), and dice coefficient (0.94) than the existing models of U‐Net, AR U‐Net, and AR W‐Net. The novelty of the suggested model AR U‐Net++ is to identify the exact location and depth of the retinal fluid in between the retinal layers and generating reports that aids the clinicians in the diagnosis of Age related Macular Degeneration.
Feasibility, acceptability, and depression outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of Mindful Self‐Compassion for Teens (MSC‐T) for adolescents with subsyndromal depression
Authors: Bluth Karen , Lathren Christine , Park Jinyoung , Lynch Chanee , Curry John , Harris‐Britt April , Gaylord Susan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Adolescents are experiencing high rates of depressive symptoms, with negative consequences to their long‐term health. Group‐based, mindful self‐compassion programs show promise in mitigating the development of more significant depression in at‐risk adolescents. However, the lack of well‐designed, active control conditions has limited the ability to examine the efficacy of such interventions.

Methods

Fifty‐nine adolescents (Mage = 15.81, 70% female) with subsyndromal depressive symptoms from the Southeastern US were randomized to group‐based Mindful Self‐Compassion for Teens (N = 30) or a newly developed active control Healthy Lifestyles group (N = 29) during 2018 and 2019. Participants attended 8 weekly “main” sessions followed by 6 monthly continuation sessions. The feasibility and acceptability of participation in both groups were measured using attrition, attendance, credibility, and satisfaction data. Depression scores were collected weekly, and self‐compassion scores were collected five times across 36 weeks.

Results

Both groups were equally feasible and acceptable during the 8‐week program period; however, monthly continuation sessions were poorly attended in both groups. The risk of developing clinically significant depression was 2.6 times higher in the control group compared with the self‐compassion group (p = .037) across 36 weeks. Depression significantly decreased in the self‐compassion group, while it significantly increased in the control group. Both groups increased significantly in reports of self‐compassion. These findings are on par with results noting the efficacy of cognitive‐based interventions for high‐risk adolescents; follow‐up studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm these findings.

Conclusions

Initial examination suggests Mindful Self‐Compassion for Teens programming is feasible, acceptable, and efficacious in preventing the development of clinically significant depression in adolescents with subsyndromal depression. Future studies may benefit from refinements to the self‐compassion measurement and/or the attention control condition; moreover, larger sample sizes are needed to confirm results.
Lysine demethylase 5B (KDM5B): A key regulator of cancer drug resistance
Authors: Cao Yaquan , Wu Chunli , Ma Liying
Published: November 2023

Chemoresistance, a roadblock in the chemotherapy process, has been impeding its effective treatment. KDM5B, a member of the histone demethylase family, has been crucial in the emergence and growth of malignancies. More significantly, KDM5B has recently been linked closely to cancer's resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we explain the biological properties of KDM5B, its function in the emergence and evolution of cancer treatment resistance, and our hopes for future drug resistance‐busting combinations involving KDM5B and related targets or medications.