bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A flexible extended generalized Pareto distribution for tail estimation
Authors: Gamet Philémon , Jalbert Jonathan
Published: June 2022

For both financial and environmental applications, tail distributions often correspond to extreme risks and an accurate modeling is mandatory. The peaks‐over‐threshold model is a classic way to model the exceedances over a high threshold with the generalized Pareto distribution. However, for some applications, the choice of a high threshold is challenging and the asymptotic conditions for using this model are not always satisfied. The class of extended generalized Pareto models can be used in this case. However, the existing extended model have either infinite or null density at the threshold, which is not consistent with tail modeling. In the present article, we propose new extensions of the generalized Pareto distribution for which the density at the threshold is positive and finite. The proposed extensions provide better estimate of the upper tail index for low thresholds than existing models. They are also appropriate for high thresholds because in that case, the extended models simplify to the generalize Pareto model. The performance and flexibility of the models are illustrated with the modeling of temperature exceeding a low threshold and non‐zero precipitations recorded in Montreal. For non‐zero precipitation, the very low threshold of 0 is used.
Analysis of PDC cutter cutting‐broken conglomerate based on the discrete element method
Authors: Liu Xiaoao , Zou Deyong , Chen Yahui , Huang Yong , Wang Qing
Published: June 2022

It is well known that the magnitude of impact load is one main reason for polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter failure rapidly when drilling conglomerate formation. However, there are many factors affecting the magnitude of impact load. To assess and mitigate these impacts, the discrete element model of PDC cutting‐broken conglomerate has been established, and the influence law of cementation strength difference (CSD), gravel diameter, and cutting velocity on impact load and gravel fragmentation in the process of cutting broken conglomerate is performed. What is more, the laboratory experiment of rock cutting by different shaped PDC cutters under different CSD and gravel diameters has also been conducted, and the correctness of numerical simulation results is verified by laboratory experiment. Meanwhile, the cutting depth and impact load of different shape PDC cutters under different CSD and gravel diameters have been analyzed. First, the simulation results show that the stripping mode of gravel mainly occurs when the CSD is large, and the corresponding axial and tangential impact load (mean axial peak cutting force [MAPCF]/mean tangential peak cutting force [MTPCF]) is relatively small. As the decrease of CSD, the gravel will be directly broken and the magnitude of the MAPCF/MTPCF will gradually increase, and the probability of impact damage to the cutting cutter will incrementally increase. In addition, larger gravel diameter and cutting velocity will lead to larger MAPCF/MTPCF, and the mode of gravel fragmentation changes gradually from being stripped to being directly broken with the increase of gravel diameter. Second, the laboratory experiment results not only verify the correctness of the simulation results but also find that ridged diamond element cutter has the smallest impact load and the largest cutting depth under different CSD and gravel diameters. This paper can provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization of drilling parameters and PDC bit design in drilling conglomerate formation.
Chronic and Acute Effects of Imidacloprid on a Simulated BEEHAVE Honeybee Colony
Authors: Reiner Dominik , Spangenberg Matthias C. , Grimm Volker , Groeneveld Jürgen , Wiegand Kerstin
Published: June 2022

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are important pollinators for wild plants as well as for crops, but honeybee performance is threatened by several stressors including varroa mites, gaps in foraging supply, and pesticides. The consequences of bee colony longtime exposure to multiple stressors are not well understood. The vast number of possible stressor combinations and necessary study duration require research comprising field, laboratory, and simulation experiments. We simulated long-term exposure of a honeybee colony to the insecticide imidacloprid and to varroa mites carrying the deformed wing virus in landscapes with different temporal gaps in resource availability as single stressors and in combinations. Furthermore, we put a strong emphasis on chronic lethal, acute sublethal, and acute lethal effects of imidacloprid on honeybees. We have chosen conservative published values to parameterize our model (e.g., highest reported imidacloprid contamination). As expected, combinations of stressors had a stronger negative effect on bee performance than each single stressor alone, and effect sizes were larger after 3 years of exposure than after the first year. Imidacloprid-caused reduction in bee performance was almost exclusively due to chronic lethal effects because the thresholds for acute effects were rarely met in simulations. In addition, honeybee colony extinctions were observed by the last day of the first year but more pronounced on the last days of the second and third simulation year. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for more long-term studies on chronic lethal effects of pesticides on honeybees. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2318–2327. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The focus on foods for special medical purposes and food supplements in age‐related disorders
Authors: Ullah Hammad , Khan Ayesha , Daglia Maria
Published: June 2022

The number of people over 60 years of age is increasing worldwide, representing a population of one billion in 2019, which is predicted to nearly double by 2050. In old age, people are more prone to the development of chronic disorders, mainly due to altered body responses to intracellular and extracellular stresses, where overactive oxidative stress and inflammatory processes initiate and stimulate degenerative processes in the body, resulting in metabolic diseases, loss of muscle strength, bone and joint disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular pathologies, and carcinogenesis. Moreover, treatment of patients of advanced age is more complex, due to the simultaneous involvement of multiple disease mechanisms, and the nonlinear association between disease risk factors and their disease endpoints. Most people in their old age are receiving treatment with two or more pharmacological drugs for the management of old age ailments, but on other hand, this increases the occurrence of adverse events in this population, attributed to their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations. One of the better approaches is primary prevention that may postpone the onset of morbidity with an improvement in general quality of life. The use of food supplements by old aged subjects is proportionally increasing for this purpose. This short commentary is focused on the basis of the use of foods for special medical purposes, and food supplements in the prevention of age‐related disorders.
The importance of scientific data and historical heritage of the geophysical and astronomical observatory of coimbra university for the study of geophysical sciences
Authors: Gomes Ana , Ramos Anabela , Figueiredo Fernando , Ribeiro Paulo
Published: June 2022

The Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra (OGAUC) was officially created in 2013 after merging of two historical institutions: the Astronomical Observatory and the Geophysical Institute. As a result of almost 200 years of observations and research in astronomy and geophysical sciences, the OGAUC possesses a unique and valuable collection of long‐term observational and instrumental records. These data have an indispensable value in current geophysical and climatic studies, being among the most complete and significant in Portugal and the world. The OGAUC's data collections are complemented by a vast technical‐scientific production such as reports, research memoranda, articles, books, and instruments. This archive is largely not inventoried and poorly studied (particularly concerning meteorological, geomagnetic, and seismological data). This paper highlights the importance of the OGAUC's extensive data collection and discusses the difficulties and barriers related to its inventorying, preservation, and dissemination to the scientific community, policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public.
Abnormal functional connectivities patterns of multidomain cognitive impairments in pontine stroke patients
Authors: Wang Yingying , Wang Caihong , Wei Ying , Miao Peifang , Liu Jingchun , Wu Luobing , Li Zhen , Li Xin , Wang Kaiyu , Cheng Jingliang
Published: June 2022

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with infratentorial stroke has been paid little attention. Brainstem stroke may disrupt network connectivity across the whole brain and affect multidomain cognition, but the details of this process remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate the effects of stroke‐induced pontine injury on whole‐brain network connectivity and cognitive function. We included 47 patients with pontine stroke and 56 healthy comparisons (HC), who underwent cognitive tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Seven meaningful brain networks were identified using independent component analysis (ICA). Patients with pontine stroke had decreased intra‐network functional connectivities (FCs) in the primary perceptual and higher cognitive control networks, including sensorimotor network (SMN), visual network (VIS), default mode network (DMN), and salience network (SAN), as well as decreased inter‐network FCs in the primary perceptual (VIS‐SMN) and higher cognitive control networks (bilateral frontoparietal networks, rFPN‐lFPN). While the FCs between the primary perceptual and higher cognitive control networks (VIS‐DMN, VIS‐rFPN, VIS‐lFPN) were increased. Furthermore, the alterations in these FCs correlated with patients' cognitive measurements. These findings suggested that the infratentorial stroke can induce dysfunctional connectivity in both primary perceptual and higher cognitive control networks at the whole‐brain level, which may be attributable to the neural substrates of multidomain cognitive deficits in these patients.
Experimental suppression of transcranial magnetic stimulation‐electroencephalography sensory potentials
Authors: Ross Jessica M. , Sarkar Manjima , Keller Corey J.
Published: June 2022

The sensory experience of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) evokes cortical responses measured in electroencephalography (EEG) that confound interpretation of TMS‐evoked potentials (TEPs). Methods for sensory masking have been proposed to minimize sensory contributions to the TEP, but the most effective combination for suprathreshold TMS to dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is unknown. We applied sensory suppression techniques and quantified electrophysiology and perception from suprathreshold dlPFC TMS to identify the best combination to minimize the sensory TEP. In 21 healthy adults, we applied single pulse TMS at 120% resting motor threshold (rMT) to the left dlPFC and compared EEG vertex N100‐P200 and perception. Conditions included three protocols: No masking (no auditory masking, no foam, and jittered interstimulus interval [ISI]), Standard masking (auditory noise, foam, and jittered ISI), and our ATTENUATE protocol (auditory noise, foam, over‐the‐ear protection, and unjittered ISI). ATTENUATE reduced vertex N100‐P200 by 56%, “click” loudness perception by 50%, and scalp sensation by 36%. We show that sensory prediction, induced with predictable ISI, has a suppressive effect on vertex N100‐P200, and that combining standard suppression protocols with sensory prediction provides the best N100‐P200 suppression. ATTENUATE was more effective than Standard masking, which only reduced vertex N100‐P200 by 22%, loudness by 27%, and scalp sensation by 24%. We introduce a sensory suppression protocol superior to Standard masking and demonstrate that using an unjittered ISI can contribute to minimizing sensory confounds. ATTENUATE provides superior sensory suppression to increase TEP signal‐to‐noise and contributes to a growing understanding of TMS‐EEG sensory neuroscience.
Applying AcciMap and STAMP to the analysis of human error in complex manual assembly
Authors: Torres Yaniel , Nadeau Sylvie , Landau Kurt
Published: June 2022

In sectors such as aerospace manufacturing, human errors in the assembly of complex products can negatively impact quality, productivity, and safety. Until now, the analysis of assembly errors has focused more on the immediate human‐system interface and less on broader organizational factors. This article presents a case study‐based analysis of assembly errors in the aeronautical industry using the systemic methods AcciMap and Systems‐Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). We seek to provide the company with elements to build a quality improvement strategy that considers human factors and ergonomics from a systemic perspective. The data and information necessary to conduct the analysis came from a project carried out at an aerospace manufacturing facility over a period of 12 months. The team had direct and recurrent access to primary data sources and communication with various stakeholders. A total of 31 influencing factors were identified with AcciMap at different levels within the manufacturing system. STAMP made it possible to model the sociotechnical control structure of the assembly process and identify several control flaws leading to hazards. The analysis shows that systemic methods require a high level of understanding of the manufacturing system and access to relatively high amounts of data and information. Therefore, direct contact with the field and stakeholders is crucial. Training quality specialists on systemic methods could support its use and help to close the gap between theory and practice. Globally, the field of quality in manufacturing could benefit from using systemic methods when deemed necessary.
Effectiveness of a digital telemonitoring platform for cancer care of older patients: The ConnectElderlyPatientToDoctor study
Authors: Rivière Clémentine , Brureau Laurent , Parnot Charles , Becherirat Selma , Duverger Claire , Picchi Hugo , Le Roy Audrey , Vuagnat Perrine , Schernberg Antoine , Vanquaethem Hélène , Helissey Carole
Published: June 2022

While telemedicine has been shown to improve the quality of care for cancer patients, it remains underused for older patients (OP), partly due to the assumption that OPs are unabled or unwilling to use digital tools. However, more than 50% of new cancers are diagnosed in people over 70. The ConnectElderlyPatientToDoctor study aimed to evaluate the OP compliance with the use of the digital telemonitoring platform Cureety in oncology. All cancer patients followed at the Military Hospital Bégin were eligible for the study. Patients were invited to respond to a symptomatology questionnaire personalized to their pathology and treatment. An algorithm evaluated the health status of the patient based on the reported adverse events. The population was divided into two groups, OP and younger patients (YP), based on a cut‐off at 70 years. The primary endpoint was to assess the compliance of OPs with the use of the digital oncology platform Cureety, compared to YP. From July 2020 to September 2021, a total of 117 patients were included in our study. We found that 66% of the patients were compliant, with no difference between the two groups (71.2% of YP, 61.7% of OP, P = .29). In OPs, progression free survival (PFS) ratio at 6‐months was 64.6% in the tolerant patients vs 23.4% in the nontolerant patients (HR = 0.1980, 95% CI = 0.04431‐0.8845, P = .0339). The median PFS was 23.3 months in the tolerant group vs 3.3 months in the nontolerant group (P = .0339). The data of overall survival are immature. OPs had a clear benefit from using this platform, similar to what was observed for YP. Patients felt less isolated and felt that they benefited from personalized care with early ambulatory medical care of adverse events. We also found that the health indicators collected with the platform in the first month of treatment are predictive of the progression of the disease. This solution makes it possible to streamline and improve the care pathway of OP.
Evaluation of histopathological response to neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer using slide‐free, stain‐free multimodal multiphoton microscopy
Authors: Cui Yancheng , Zhong Qinghua , Sun Dawei , Chen Yan , Jiang Zhe , Yang Xiaodong , Shen Zhanlong , Sun Yunhua , Yin Mujun , Liang Bin , Zhu Xin , Guo Xuefeng , Ye Yingjiang
Published: June 2022

Neoadjuvant therapy has become a standard treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer to achieve better prognostic outcomes. The response to treatment has been shown to correlate closely with the prognosis. However, current evaluation systems only provide coarse assessment on limited information, due to the lack of accurate and reproducible approach for quantitation of different types of responses. In this study, a novel stain‐free, slide‐free multimodal multiphoton microscopy imaging technique was applied to image rectal cancer tissues after neoadjuvant therapies with high resolution and contrast. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of tumor, stromal, and inflammatory responses were demonstrated which are consistent with current tumor regression grading system using American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria, showing the great potential of such approach to build a more informative grading system for accurate and standardizable assessment of neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer.
Adventitia‐derived extracellular matrix hydrogel enhances contractility of human vasa vasorum‐derived pericytes via α2β1 integrin and TGFβ receptor
Authors: Wintruba Kaitlyn L. , Hill Jennifer C. , Richards Tara D. , Lee Yoojin C. , Kaczorowski David J. , Sultan Ibrahim , Badylak Stephen F. , Billaud Marie , Gleason Thomas G. , Phillippi Julie A.
Published: June 2022

Pericytes are essential components of small blood vessels and are found in human aortic vasa vasorum. Prior work uncovered lower vasa vasorum density and decreased levels of pro‐angiogenic growth factors in adventitial specimens of human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. We hypothesized that adventitial extracellular matrix (ECM) from normal aorta promotes pericyte function by increasing pericyte contractile function through mechanisms deficient in ECM derived from aneurysmal aortic adventitia. ECM biomaterials were prepared as lyophilized particulates from decellularized adventitial specimens of human and porcine aorta. Immortalized human aortic adventitia‐derived pericytes were cultured within Type I collagen gels in the presence or absence of human or porcine adventitial ECMs. Cell contractility index was quantified by measuring the gel area immediately following gelation and after 48 h of culture. Normal human and porcine adventitial ECM increased contractility of pericytes when compared with pericytes cultured in absence of adventitial ECM. In contrast, aneurysm‐derived human adventitial ECM failed to promote pericyte contractility. Pharmacological inhibition of TGFβR1 and antibody blockade of α2β1 integrin independently decreased porcine adventitial ECM‐induced pericyte contractility. By increasing pericyte contractility, adventitial ECM may improve microvascular function and thus represents a candidate biomaterial for less invasive and preventative treatment of human ascending aortic disease.
Biodegradable polyaspartamide‐g‐C18/DOPA/GLY‐NEO nano‐adhesives for wound closure/healing with antimicrobial activity
Authors: Lim Cheolwon , Kim Dukjoon
Published: June 2022

This study was focused on the development of biodegradable nano‐adhesives with efficient sealing and antibiotic effects for wound healing. Biodegradable polyaspartamide (PASPAM) was grafted with several functional groups to implement diverse roles—octadecylamine (C18) for nano‐aggregate formation, dopamine (DOPA) for adhesive function, neomycin (NEO) for inhibition of bacterial infection. Specifically, NEO was conjugated to PASPAM with a pH‐sensitive glycine (GLY) linker for targeted delivery on the acidic wound site. About 60% of the drug was ramteleased at pH 6.0, while about 22% was released at pH 7.4, showing the faster drug release pattern of nano‐adhesives in the acidic environment. The C18/DOPA/GLY‐NEO‐g‐PASPAM nano‐adhesives showed the bacterial viability higher than 70% at pH 7.4, but about 40% at pH 6.0. The wound breaking strength of the polymer‐treated skin was much higher than that of the bare skin. According to the in vivo wound healing test using a mouse model, C18/DOPA/GLY‐NEO‐g‐PASPAM nano‐adhesives showed much faster healing performance than sutures. From those results, C18/DOPA/GLY‐NEO‐g‐PASPAM nano‐adhesives are expected to be utilized as effective adhesives that promote the wound healing with inhibition of bacterial infection.
Effect of leukocyte‐platelet‐rich fibrin in bone healing around dental implants placed in conventional and wide osteotomy sites: A pre‐clinical study
Authors: Benalcázar Jalkh Ernesto B. , Tovar Nick , Arbex Leticia , Kurgansky Gregory , Torroni Andrea , Gil Luiz F. , Wall Brittany , Kohanbash Kimia , Bonfante Estevam A. , Coelho Paulo G. , Witek Lukasz
Published: June 2022

Leukocyte‐platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) has been suggested for gap management for immediate implant placement when the distance is greater than 2 mm. However, there remains a paucity in hierarchically designed research to support this application. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of L‐PRF on the osseointegration parameters of dental implants placed after conventional osteotomy of surgically created bone defects that simulate post extraction sockets in a canine model after 3, 6, and 12 weeks in vivo. Eighty dental implants (Intra‐Lock, Boca Raton, FL) were placed in the radius of 13 beagle dogs. The experiment consisted of 4 groups (n = 20 implants/group): 1) Regular osteotomy (Reg n/L‐PRF); 2) Regular osteotomy and implant placement with L‐PRF membrane (Reg L‐PRF); 3) Wide osteotomy with no gap management performed, where an osteotomy/bony defect (6 mm of diameter and ~5 mm deep) was created to simulate immediate implant placement in post‐extraction sockets, and the gap was left for spontaneous healing (Wide nL‐PRF); and 4) Wide osteotomy with L‐PRF gap management (Wide L‐PRF). L‐PRF membranes were obtained by blood drawn from each subject and centrifuged at 2700 rpm (408 RCF‐clot) for 12 min. In the experimental groups where L‐PRF was utilized, the membrane was inserted into the osteotomy site prior to implant placement. Six dogs had implants placed in the radius for 3 weeks; and 7 dogs had implants placed in the left radius for 6 weeks and in the right radius for 12 weeks. At the corresponding experimental time points, samples were harvested, and subjected to histological processing for qualitative and quantitative analyses, via bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone‐area‐fraction occupancy (BAFO). Qualitative analysis demonstrated increased amounts of bone formation around the implant and within the healing chambers over time for all groups. While comparable histological features were observed for both Reg groups (L‐PRF and nL‐PRF), the gap management performed in Wide L‐PRF group resulted in effective gap filling with improved bone growth in close proximity to the implant surface. Quantitative analyses of BIC and BAFO yielded higher values for both variables at 3 weeks for Wide L‐PRF (~38% and ~56% respectively) compared to Wide nL‐PRF (~20% for BIC and BAFO) (p < .03). No statistical differences were detected between Wide groups at 6 and 12 weeks, neither between Reg groups, independent of the association with or without the L‐PRF membrane at all healing times. L‐PRF placed within wide osteotomies, prior to implant placement, resulted in increased early bone formation compared to unfilled wide osteotomies at the early healing time (3 weeks in vivo).
Long‐term outcomes of living‐donor liver transplantation, hepatic resection, and local therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with three <3‐cm nodules in a single institute
Authors: Hidaka Masaaki , Hara Takanobu , Soyama Akihiko , Adachi Tomohiko , Matsushima Hajime , Tanaka Takayuki , Ishimaru Hideki , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Nakao Kazuhiko , Eguchi Susumu
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim

Treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is determined based on the results of a liver function test and the tumor location and spread. The present study compared the outcomes among local therapy, hepatic resection (HR), and living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for small HCC in a single institute.

Methods

We compared the overall survival, recurrence‐free survival, and cancer‐specific survival rates in patients with three HCC nodules <3 cm in size among local therapy, which included radiofrequency ablation (RFA), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), and surgical treatment (HR and LDLT).

Results

One hundred and ninety‐seven patients with local therapy (109 RFA, 26 PEI, and 78 TACE), 107 with HR, and 66 with LDLT were enrolled in this study. There was no significant difference in OS among these groups. The recurrence‐free, cancer‐specific survival (CSS) of LDLT was superior to local therapy and HR. The prognostic factors for the survival were Child–Pugh (CP) Grade B and tumor marker for local therapy and multiple tumors and elevated ALT levels for HR.

Conclusions

For CP grade B patients with HCC of three <3‐cm nodule, LDLT could be considered because it resulted in better survival and CSS rates than local therapy.
Determining a risk management staffing model
Authors: Moritz Diane L. , Nichols Joyce K. , Stein Karen M. , Glusko Lydia A. , Tan Michele M. , Hileman Melissa M.
Published: June 2022

Health care organizations have struggled to establish par levels of risk management personnel needed to effectively accomplish risk management functions. This study set out to determine whether a par level staffing model could be established utilizing a nonclinical role to enable the clinical risk manager to focus on key risk management core functions, therefore enhancing risk management department efficacy. Utilizing a model published by Howard and Felton, Trinity Health Insurance and Risk Management Services (IRMS) evaluated risk management staffing according to our core functions and workload and determined recommended risk management staffing levels for our organization. Eighteen Risk Managers from 13 acute care hospitals participated in a 2‐week time study documenting time spent and estimated time needed to complete core risk management functions. By quantifying the time needed to complete risk management core functions and evaluating which activity could best be completed by specific roles, we have established both a recommended baseline staffing level of one risk manager FTE per 6650 monthly average adjusted patient days (APD), as well as a work distribution model of 70% clinical and 30% nonclinical split of risk management FTEs for our hospitals. Organizations can similarly evaluate their staffing according to their core functions and workload.
Monkeypox virus: A zoonosis of concern
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf , Nchasi Goodluck
Published: June 2022

An outbreak of Monkeypox detected in nonendemic regions outside Africa has received much attention around the globe. In this letter, we highlight epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and recommendations to mitigate the spread of monkeypox.
A model framework to investigate the role of anomalous land surface processes in the amplification of summer drought across Ireland during 2018
Authors: Ishola Kazeem A. , Mills Gerald , Fealy Reamonn M. , Fealy Rowan
Published: June 2022

Due to its latitude and ample year‐round rainfall, Ireland is typically an energy‐limited regime in the context of soil moisture availability and evapotranspiration. However, during the summer of 2018, regions within the country displayed significant soil moisture deficits, associated with anomalous atmospheric forcing conditions, with consequent impacts on the surface energy balance. Here, we explore the utility of a physically based land surface scheme coupled with observational, global gridded reanalysis and satellite‐derived data products to analyse the spatial and temporal evolution of the 2018 summer drought event in Ireland over grassland, which represents the dominant agricultural land‐cover. While the surface–air energy exchanges were initially dominated by atmospheric anomalies, soil moisture constraints became increasingly important in regulating these exchanges, as the accumulated rainfall deficit increased throughout the summer months. This was particularly evident over the freer draining soils in the east and southeast of the country. From late June 2018, we identify a strong linear coupling between soil moisture and both evapotranspiration and vegetation response, suggesting a shift from an energy‐limited evapotranspiration regime into a dry or soil water‐limited regime. Applying segmented regression models, the study quantifies a critical soil moisture threshold as a key determinant of the transition from wet to dry evaporative regimes. These findings are important to understand the soil moisture context under which land–atmosphere couplings are strongest in water‐limited regimes across the country and should help improve the treatment of soil parameters in weather prediction models, required for subseasonal and seasonal forecasts, consequently enhancing early warning systems of summer climate extremes in the future.
Outcomes of a postoperative day one call to families after adenotonsillectomy in children
Authors: Billings Kathleen R. , Bhushan Bharat , Berkowitz Rachel J. , Stake Christine , Lavin Jennifer
Published: June 2022

Objective

To examine the outcomes of a postoperative day one (POD 1) phone call to families of ambulatory surgical patients, as a means of guiding clinical interventions and quality initiatives, with a focus on children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of outcomes of a POD 1 questionnaire completed in children <18 years of age undergoing T&A at a tertiary care children's hospital over a 3‐year period (August 14, 2018–August 31, 2021).

Results

Responses to the questionnaire were obtained for a total of 1428/3464 (41.2%) children undergoing T&A during the study period. There was no difference in gender, age at surgery, race, ethnicity, insurance product, or preoperative diagnosis for those whose caregiver responded to the questionnaire versus those who did not. Parent responses included 84 (5.9%) who reported problems or concerns postdischarge. These included 18 (1.3%) patients unable to take their pain medication, 9 (0.6%) refusing oral intake, 28 (2.0%) with postoperative emesis, 27 (1.9%) with fevers, and 6 (0.4%) with a change in breathing. A total of 75/122 (61.5%) who reported pain were taking their pain medication as directed. Nineteen (1.3%) patients were noted to have bleeding after surgery, including 4 (21.5%) with nosebleeds, and 12 (63.2%) with oral cavity bleeding requiring no interventions.

Conclusions

The POD 1 questionnaire identified patients with common concerns and complications after T&A. Although most of these concerns were infrequent, it afforded the clinical team the opportunity to provide additional education and instructions on care and management to caregivers after their child's surgical procedure.
Long‐term outcomes and trends in liver transplantation for hereditary hemochromatosis in the United States
Authors: Lymberopoulos Peter , Prakash Sameer , Shaikh Anjiya , Bhatnagar Anshul , Allam Anthony K. , Goli Karthik , Goss John A. , Kanwal Fasiha , Rana Abbas , Kowdley Kris V. , Jalal Prasun , George Cholankeril
Published: June 2022

There have been conflicting data regarding liver transplantation (LT) outcomes for hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), with no recent data on LT outcomes in patients with HH in the past decade. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, we evaluated waitlist and post‐LT survival in all adult patients listed for HH without concomitant liver disease from 2003 to 2019. Post‐LT survival for HH was compared with a propensity‐matched (recipient and donor factors) cohort of recipients with chronic liver disease (CLD). From 2003 to 2019, 862 patients with HH were listed for LT, of which 55.6% (n = 479) patients underwent LT. The 1‐ and 5‐year post‐LT survival rates in patients with HH were 88.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.4%–91.4%) and 77.5% (95% CI, 72.8%–81.4%), respectively, and were comparable with those in the propensity‐matched CLD cohort (p value = 0.96). Post‐LT survival for HH was lower than for Wilson's disease, another hereditary metabolic liver disease with similar LT volume (n = 365). Predictors for long‐term (5‐year) post‐LT mortality included presence of portal vein thrombosis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.96; 95% CI, 1.07–3.58), obesity measurements greater than Class II (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.16–3.39), and Karnofsky performance status (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97–0.99) at the time of LT. The leading cause of post‐LT death (n = 145) was malignancy (25.5%), whereas cardiac disease was the cause in less than 10% of recipients. In conclusion, short‐ and long‐term survival rates for HH are excellent and comparable with those of other LT recipients. Improving extrahepatic metabolic factors and functional status in patients with HH prior to LT may improve outcomes.
Cancer‐specific survival after diagnosis in men versus women: A pan‐cancer analysis
Authors: He Yan , Su Yonglin , Zeng Junsong , Chong Weelic , Hu Xiaolin , Zhang Yu , Peng Xingchen
Published: June 2022

Comprehensive understanding of cancer‐specific survival differences in gender is critical for cancer prevention and treatment. Based on the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database, we included data from the most prevalent cancers (lung, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, stomach, colorectal, kidney, and bladder cancer). Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed to estimate hazard ratios, simultaneously adjusting for demographic, clinical, and treatment factors. Overall, male patients had a worse cancer‐specific survival than female patients. After adjustment for cancer prevalence with 1:1 matching, gender remained a significant factor in cancer‐specific survival. Among the included cancer types, female patients showed survival benefit in lung, liver, colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer, and male patients showed better survival in bladder cancer. Except for kidney cancer, the gender disparity was consistent between cancer patients with nonmetastatic and metastatic disease. Overall, gender appears to be a significant factor influencing cancer‐specific survival, and the prognosis of female patients is better than male patients in most cancers. This work might inspire the development of strategies for gender‐specific precision cancer prevention and treatment.
Confidence intervals and ellipsoids for estimable functions and estimable vectors in models with orthogonal block structure
Authors: Ferreira Sandra S. , Ferreira Dário , Nunes Célia , Mexia João T.
Published: June 2022

Sub‐models of mixed linear models are considered. The independence of these sub‐models leads to sufficient statistics for the parameters relevant for their densities. Using pivot variables, confidence regions are obtained as well hypothesis testing for variance components, estimable functions, and estimable vectors. In addition, to compare the estimators and the models, we present the histograms with the empirical joint densities for positive and negative parts of the estimators. The figures, for the two‐dimensional charts, contain the corresponding UMVUE and are all unimodal with the UMVUE near the mode. The nearness of the estimators and the modes validates the presented methodology and allows the safe use of induced densities. A numerical example applied to real data is presented.
Comparison theorems on the oscillation of even order nonlinear mixed neutral differential equations
Authors: Tunç Ercan , Özdemir Orhan
Published: June 2022

This study purposes to present some new comparison theorems that guarantee the oscillation of all solutions of even order functional differential equations with a neutral term including both advanced and delayed arguments. The obtained results are based on comparisons with associated first‐order delay differential inequalities and first‐order delay differential equations, and they are applicable to the both cases where the neutral coefficients are unbounded and/or bounded. In the last section, several examples showing the applicability of the results are provided.
Mathematical modeling of the stress–strain state of T‐shaped connection of cylindrical pipes
Authors: Rukavishnikov Viktor A. , Ryabokon Anna S. , Tkachenko Oleg P.
Published: June 2022

Equations of elastic cylindrical shells in term displacements for the T‐shaped connection of pipes are derived. Three‐dimensional mathematical model is constructed within the framework of the membrane shells theory. Geometric and force conjugation conditions are set on the pipe intersection line, and boundary conditions are imposed on the ends of the pipes. Complete three‐dimensional mathematical model is presented in a Cartesian coordinate system, to achieve a unified approach to solving the problem. Dimension of the original problem is reduced by one. This result is obtained from the symmetry conditions of the mechanical system with respect to the plane of the T‐shaped connection. The resulting two‐dimensional boundary value problem is divided into two sub‐problems, each of which is posed in a rectangular domain. Conjugation conditions are eliminated from the final formulation of the boundary value problem. A numerical experiment is carried out, which proved the permissibility of replacing the conjugation conditions with sleeve contact. Numerical examples showed a weak dependence of the approximation of the conjugation conditions by the sleeve contact on the choice of the dimension of the finite elements: three‐dimensional or two‐dimensional. The existence of a stress field singularity in the vicinity of the shell joining line is established.
Genetics and Epigenetics in Personalized Nutrition: Evidence, Expectations, and Experiences
Authors: Holzapfel Christina , Waldenberger Melanie , Lorkowski Stefan , Daniel Hannelore ,   the Working Group “Personalized Nutrition” of the German Nutrition Society
Published: June 2022

With the presentation of the blueprint of the first human genome in 2001 and the advent of technologies for high‐throughput genetic analysis, personalized nutrition (PN) becomes a new scientific field and the first commercial offerings of genotype‐based nutrition advice emerge at the same time. Here, the state of evidence for the effect of genetic and epigenetic factors in the development of obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and resulting illnesses such as non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases is summarized. This study also critically value the concepts of PN that are built around the new genetic avenue from both the academic and a commercial perspective and their effectiveness in causing sustained changes in diet, lifestyle, and for improving health. Despite almost 20 years of research and commercial direct‐to‐consumer offerings, evidence for the success of gene‐based dietary recommendations is still generally lacking. This calls for new concepts of future PN solutions that incorporate more phenotypic measures and provide a panel of instruments (e.g., self‐ and bio‐monitoring tools, feedback systems, algorithms based on artificial intelligence) that increases compliance based on the individual´s physical and social environment and value system.
Design of compact dual‐core terahertz polarization beam splitter with broad bandwidth
Authors: Zheng Yunqiang , Liu Jinqiu , Wang Yufei , Liu Huan , Wang Wei , Xie Xiaoping
Published: June 2022

A novel dual‐core structure based on cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is proposed for realizing Terahertz (THz) polarization beam splitting. The dependence of coupling length and structural parameters of the THz polarization beam splitter (TPBS) is analyzed. The confinement loss, effective material loss, and extinction ratio (ER) are examined. The numerical simulation results show, two orthogonal polarization modes are separated completely within a device length of only 45.16 mm owing to the different coupling length in x‐ and y‐polarization directions. The maximum polarization ER of 107.7 dB is obtained at 0.54 THz. The bandwidth with ER greater than 20 dB reaches 0.02 THz. The proposed compact dual‐core TPBS will find extensive applications in THz photonic systems.
A 6–12 GHz wideband low‐noise amplifier GaAs FET design with 0.8‐dB average NF and 25‐dB gain
Authors: Rezaee Sina
Published: June 2022

Low‐noise amplifiers (LNAs) with low‐noise performance are critical components in communication systems. However, reaching a high level of performance is difficult. This study introduces a LNA for radio frequency front‐end receivers with a frequency range of 6–12 GHz. The planned LNA contains a two‐stage high‐electron‐mobility transistor cascade amplifier with a minimum measured noise figure of 0.8 dB and a peak gain of 25 dB at room temperature. The proposed LNA is based on a gallium arsenide field‐effect transistor transistor (CE3512K2) because of its good low‐noise performance at microwave frequency bands. The measured results demonstrate that the proposed LNA is perfectly matched over the whole operational frequency spectrum of the input/output ports (|S11|<−10 dB, |S22|<−10 dB). Also, output P1dB and input P1dB are, respectively, +4 and −19 dBm for this design. The suggested LNA is suitable for C and X frequency band applications.
Bauchemie: Beton und Additive fürs Klima
Authors: Ehrensberger Christian
Published: June 2022

Bauwerke und Bauchemikalien helfen auf ihre Art, Kohlendioxidemissionen zu verringern. So geht es etwa bei Brücken um das CO2, das während des Baus frei wird, oder um die Energie, die der Bau erfordert. Und aus der Geschichte lässt sich lernen, langlebig zu bauen.
Hochschule: Besser vorbereitet ins Labor
Authors: Burdinski Dirk
Published: June 2022

Oft stecken Studierende im Praktikum viel Arbeit in die Protokolle und haben dann kaum noch Zeit, sich auf die nächsten Experimente vorzubereiten. Dabei ist gerade das wichtig für den Lernerfolg. Hochschulen können mit einem Flipped‐Lab‐Modell die Aktivität der Studierenden auf die Vorbereitungsphase lenken, sodass diese im Labor mehr Handlungskompetenzen aufbauen.
3‐D‐Druck: Nanodruck mit Elektronenstrahlen
Authors: Barth Sven , Jungwirth Felix
Published: June 2022

Nanomaterialien lassen sich direkt auf eine Oberfläche schreiben, indem Elektronen die Zersetzung von Vorstufen induzieren. Damit ist die Morphologie der Nanostrukturen kontrollierbar, und der Untergrund bleibt unbeschädigt. So entstehen etwa Spitzen für die Rasterkraftmikroskopie.
Trendbericht Biochemie 2022: Enzyme in neuem Licht
Authors: Zeymer Cathleen
Published: June 2022

Über spezialisierte Enzyme, Affinitätsselektionsmethoden, um bioaktive Substanzen zu entdecken, hochauflösende Strukturanalyse von Proteinkomplexen und die Kombination von Bio‐ und Photokatalyse.
Chemiedidaktik: Strom aus Bäckerhefe
Authors: Grandrath Rebecca , Bohrmann‐Linde Claudia
Published: June 2022

Mikrobielle Brennstoffzellen funktionieren auch mit Hefe als Biokatalysator. Für Versuche im Unterricht lassen sie sich einfach und aus preisgünstigen Materialien aufbauen und sind ungefährlich. Die Schüler:innen können so deren Funktionsweise selbst erschließen.
The decade under review: Recent trends and challenges in the use of macroscopic age‐at‐death estimation methods in bioarchaeology
Authors: Clark Melissa A. , Cheverko Colleen M. , Simon Allyson , Lagan Emma M. , Hubbe Mark
Published: June 2022

Accurate and precise age‐at‐death estimation methods are critical when studying past lifeways. However, adult age‐at‐death estimation is often difficult because of diverse physiologies, preservation, and timing of biological processes in target and reference populations. These challenges can complicate the comparison of results between studies, which can also be impacted by the training and method preference of each bioarchaeologist. In this paper, we first compare the use of two types of age‐at‐death estimation methods, namely, traditional methods (e.g., pubic symphyseal aging) and Transition Analysis. Second, we build upon the work of Falys and Lewis (2011), who reported frequencies of adult age‐at‐death method use between 2000 and 2010, by reporting the frequency of use for traditional methods over the past 40 years with special attention on the last decade. We build further on their work by identifying trends in the minimum age at adulthood, adult age categories, geographic region of institutional affiliation of the first author, and the geographic region of sample origin and interpreting their possible implications on comparability of bioarchaeological literature. Our results show that Transition Analysis, institutional affiliation, and sample origin do not represent major sources of variation in bioarchaeological literature so far. In the case of Transition Analysis, this could result from its limited use thus far, while institutional affiliation and sample origin do not represent major sources of variation because of the relative lack of diversity in both variables. There was, however, substantial variation in the type of traditional method used, the minimum age at adulthood, and adult age categories, which could affect comparability between studies. Our study highlights the need for continued discussion about standardizing bioarchaeological age‐at‐death estimation while respecting the unique needs of diverse target samples.
Evaluation of transport mechanism and nanostructure of nonperfluorinated PVA/sPTA proton exchange membrane for fuel cell application
Authors: Awad Somia , Abdel‐Hady Esam E. , Mohamed Hamdy F. M. , Elsharkawy Yehya S. , Gomaa Mahmoud M.
Published: June 2022

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with sulfophthalic acid (sPTA) as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) for fuel cell applications was prepared by the solvent casting method. The fabricated membranes were obtained by varying the concentration of sPTA from 5 to 30 wt.% of PVA and thermally crosslinked at a temperature of 100°C for 1 h. Crosslinked PVA/sPTA membranes were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The transport properties were investigated by determining ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, methanol permeability, and proton conductivity. Free volume hole size and its distribution of crosslinked PVA membrane were measured by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). With an increase in sPTA concentration in the PVA membrane, both IEC and proton conductivity increased, but water uptake and methanol permeability decreased. At room temperature, IEC values were increased from 0.3 to 1.6 meq/g, and proton conductivity varied from 0.2 to 3.5 S/cm. According to PALS data, increasing the sPTA content causes the free volume content of crosslinked PVA membranes to decrease. The results were analyzed and presented in the context of free volume theory, in which the concentrations of nanostructure free volume defects are related to the membrane's transport capabilities.