bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the macular interface in the diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity on the «Key to Diagnosis I » platform
Authors: Pererva Oxana , Kovalevskaya Maria
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To minimize the risk of medical error in the diagnosis and choice of treatment of ROP by improving the quality and analysis of modeled wide‐field images on the Key to Diagnosis I platform.

Methods

1278 RetCam images of ROP 272(544 eyes) were divided into 5 groups 1‐I stage 152(304 eyes), 2‐II stage 45(90 eyes), 3‐III stage 8(12 eyes), 4‐posterior aggressive ROP 7(14 eyes), 5‐retinal immaturity 60(120 eyes); A standard clinical examination, analysis of wide‐field retinal images, macula localization and traction index of the macular region (Tm) calculation were performed. Tm is a leght‐to‐width attitude of ellipse goes through the center of optic nerve head and arcades.

Results

Platform modules have been developed for automatic modeling of wide‐field retinal images and localization of the macula, which is a reference point for centering wide‐field images and assessing the extent of pathological changes. In the ROP group, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the values of Tm, 1A‐0.8 ± 0.03, 1B‐0.75 ± 0.04, 1B‐0.74 ± 0.13, 1D‐0.99 ± 0.01, 1D‐0.91 ± 0.09.

Discussion

The macular area can be described by ellipse, which form correlate with refraction [1]. The influence of the traction component on the macular zone connected with decrease in refractive pathology in the treatment Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor [2].

Conclusions

At ROP Tm reflects the severity of traction processes at the retina periphery and marks the severity of pathology in case of diagnostic defects. The macula localization determines the stable points: the optic nerve disc physiological excavation center, temporal arcades and the macula circumference for photogrammetry of 3D eye model.

Hill D. Retinal characteristics of myopic eyes in a semi‐rural UK population. Diss. Aston University, 2019.

Sankar M. J., Sankar J., Chandra P. Anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2018; 1.
Support vector machine assisted morphological characterisation of retinal microglia in mice modelled with multiple sclerosis and age‐matched controls
Authors: Choi Soyoung , Hill Daniel , Luong Vy , Guo Li , Francesca Cordeiro Maria
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Retinal thinning is a pathological feature of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The retina is an optically visible part of the central nervous system which, like the brain, contain microglia. Microglia are the resident immune cells which may dynamically move between the ramified, hyper‐ramified, activated, rod and amoeboid morphotypes, in response to normal aging or disease. This study sought to establish the differences in total and individual microglia morphotype densities between MS mice, induced by cuprizone (CPZ) treatment, and age‐matched controls (Ctrl).

Methods

C57 mice were fed either standard chow for the Ctrl or chow mixed with 0.2%w/w CPZ for the MS‐model, for 4 months (4 m) until their sacrifice at 6 m or 28 m. All animals were enucleated, retinas were dissected which were then immunostained for microglia using iba‐1, flat mounted and imaged. Image processing, cell counting and morphotyping algorithms, consisting of support vector machines (SVM), were developed. The data were analysed non‐parametrically (n: 6mCPZ = 7; 6mCtrl = 15; 28mCPZ = 10; 28mCtrl = 7).

Results

The SVM‐C had performance accuracies of 87.9–100% with AUC 0.99–1.00 for each morphotype. Although no significant difference of total retinal microglia density between each experimental group, old MS mice (28mCPZ) had more ramified (p < 0.05) and amoeboid (ns) cells in comparison to young MS mice (6mCPZ) and old Ctrl mice (28mCtrl). Young mice (6mCPZ and 6mCtrl) had significantly more rod microglia (p < 0.01) in comparison to old mice (28mCPZ and 28mCtrl). 28mCPZ had significantly fewer activated, hyper‐ramified and rod cells (p < 0.05) compared to 28mCtrl whilst the 6mCPZ and 6mCtrl had no significant differences.

Conclusions

A lack of total retinal microglia density differences and distinctive morphotype density differences suggest that cells may shift between morphotypes rather than by cell proliferation. The trends of ramified and amoeboid microglia may suggest increased surveillance and phagocytosis of cell debris with aging and CPZ treatment. However, these functional characteristics were not investigated in this study.
Cardiovascular risk assessment tools in Asia
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Miao Huanhuan , Chia Yook‐Chin , Buranakitjaroen Peera , Siddique Saulat , Shin Jinho , Turana Yuda , Park Sungha , Tsoi Kelvin , Chen Chen‐Huan , Cheng Hao‐Min , Li Yan , Minh Huynh Van , Nagai Michiaki , Nailes Jennifer , Sison Jorge , Soenarta Arieska Ann , Sogunuru Guru Prasad , Sukonthasarn Apichard , Tay Jam Chin , Teo Boon Wee , Verma Narsingh , Wang Tzung‐Dau , Hoshide Satoshi , Kario Kazuomi , Wang Jiguang
Published: January 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming the most important burden to health care systems in most part of the world, especially in Asia. Aiming at identifying high risk individuals and tailoring preventive treatment, many cardiovascular risk assessment tools have been established and most of them were developed in Western countries. However, these cardiovascular risk assessment tools cannot be used interchangeably without recalibration because of the different risk factor profiles (ie, greater absolute burden of hypertension and lower level of total‐cholesterol in Asians and higher prevalence of metabolic disorders in South Asians) and different CVD profiles (higher ratio of stroke/coronary heart disease in Asians) between Western and Asian populations. Original risk models such as Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China‐PAR) and Japan Arteriosclerosis Longitudinal Study (JALS) score have been developed and well validated for specific countries, while most of countries/regions in Asia are using established models. Due to higher incidence of stroke in Asians, risk factors like hypertension should weigh more in cardiovascular risk assessment comparing with Western populations, but their actual proportions should be based on CVD profiles in specific countries/regions. The authors encourage the development of new cardiovascular risk assessment tools for Asians, if possible. Still, modifying established models with native epidemiological data of risk factor as well as CVD is acceptable in regions where health care resources are insufficient.
First detection of biofluorescence in a deep‐sea anglerfish
Authors: Ludt William B. , Clardy Todd R.
Published: January 2022

Biofluorescence has been observed in a variety of fishes, but is rare in deep‐sea environments where light from the surface cannot reach. Here, we document biofluorescence in an oceanic anglerfish, the Pacific footballfish. Green biofluorescence was observed in small spots on the distal surface of the esca. While the wavelength of bioluminescent light is unknown for this species, it is possible that light produced by this species also results in biofluorescent emission that may create a more complex lure for attracting prey or mates.
The therapeutic effects in patients with rosacea: how do we evaluate them?
Authors: Zhao Shasha , Wang Meng , Zhou Yuan , Yan Yan
Published: January 2022

Background

Rosacea is a common, chronic skin disorder with negative impacts on physical health and social function. The response to therapy plays a critical factor in determining the duration of treatment and developing new medicines. However, it is challenging to assess the efficacy due to its complicated clinical characteristics and nonspecific histopathological findings.

Aims

This study aims to review the efficacy evaluation tools for rosacea.

Methods

An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for articles on efficacy evaluation methods for rosacea from 1995 to 2021.

Results

In clinical practice and scientific research, various methods are available for assessing the curative effect. Evaluation tools based on phenotypes are the most commonly used because they are cheap and straightforward. Various questionnaires also exist to evaluate health‐related quality of life. However, the inevitable subjectivity makes it challenging to compare the curative effect among different studies. By contrast, objective assessment tools are more precise and repeatable, such as consecutive standardized skin surface biopsies, computer‐aided image analysis, and biophysical parameter assessments.

Conclusion

No single assessment method could balance convenience and accuracy. For improving outcomes and facilitating academic exchanges, a well‐validated gold standard evaluation tool is still needed. This review provides an overview of the existing efficacy evaluation methods for rosacea and discusses the relevant details.
Comparison of 10 versus 20 sessions tap water iontophoresis efficacy in the treatment of palmoplantar hyperhidrosis
Authors: Vural Ayşe Tunçer , Özcan Deren , Güleç A. Tülin
Published: January 2022

Background

Tap water iontophoresis (TWI) is an effective treatment option for palmoplantar hyperhidrosis (HH). However, the optimal number and frequency of TWI sessions to control profuse sweating are unclear.

Objective

To compare the efficacy of 10 and 20 sessions of TWI in patients with palmoplantar HH and determine the adequate number of sessions to achieve a favorable clinical response.

Methods

Eighty patients treated with TWI for palmoplantar HH were included. The alteration in sweating intensity considering the mean value of gravimetric measurement and mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores after the 10th and 20th session of TWI were calculated. The difference between performing 10 and 20 sessions of TWI in providing improvement of HH was analyzed. We also conducted a telephone‐based inquiry to determine the patients’ outcome.

Results

The reduction in sweating intensity was significant both after the 10th (p < 0.001) and 20th (p < 0.001) sessions when compared with the basal level considering gravimetry and VAS. When the mean sweating intensity after the 10th and 20th sessions were compared, no difference was observed gravimetrically (p = 0.03); the difference between the mean score of VAS after the 10th and 20th sessions (p < 0.001) was significant. Eleven and nine patients not considering a maintenance or an alternative treatment had lower and same sweating intensity as compared with the baseline, respectively.

Conclusion

Ten TWI sessions within two weeks for managing palmoplantar HH are adequate to achieve a clinical response. However, the patients are more satisfied when they receive 20 sessions instead of 10 sessions of TWI.
Association between self‐efficacy and self‐management behaviours among individuals at high risk for stroke: Social support acting as a mediator
Authors: Liu Qinqin , Jin Yaru , Wang Ying , Feng Jingjun , Qiao Xiaoxia , Ji Lili , Si Huaxin , Bian Yanhui , Wang Wenyu , Yu Jiaqi , Wang Cuili
Published: January 2022

Aims and objectives

To explore the association between self‐efficacy and self‐management by modelling three types of social support as mediators among stroke high‐risk populations.

Background

Self‐efficacy and social support (i.e. objective support, subjective support and support utilisation) are important for self‐management among stroke high‐risk populations. Self‐efficacy activates three types of social support, and the effect of social support on self‐management varies by types among chronic patients. Therefore, social support may act as a mediator between self‐efficacy and self‐management, and the mediating role may vary by types of social support. Disentangling the role of these different types of social support can guide tailored interventions.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted among 448 Chinese adults at high risk for stroke. Self‐efficacy, self‐management and social support were assessed using the Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Stroke Self‐management Scale and the Social Support Rating Scale respectively. The PROCESS SPSS Macro version 3.3, model 4 was used to explore the mediating role of different types of social support in the relationship between self‐efficacy and self‐management. This study followed STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies (Appendix S1).

Results

Self‐efficacy improved three types of social support, and subjective support and support utilisation promoted self‐management, but objective support hindered self‐management. The specific indirect effect of objective support and subjective support was significant but not that of support utilisation. Objective support, subjective support and support utilisation attenuated the total effect of self‐efficacy on self‐management by −23.8%, 23.8% and 7.7% respectively.

Conclusions

Mediating effect of social support in the relationship between self‐efficacy and self‐management varies by type, and the positive effect of subjective support is offset by the detrimental effect of objective support.

Relevance to clinical practice

Among stroke high‐risk populations, interventions should target objective support and subjective support as well as self‐efficacy to efficiently improve their self‐management.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1: Are its roles as endogenous hormone and therapeutic wizard congruent?
Authors: Holst Jens J.
Published: January 2022

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) is a peptide derived from differential processing of the precursor for the hormone glucagon. It is secreted predominantly by endocrine cells in the gut epithelium in response to nutrient stimulation. Studies from the last 35 years have given us an idea about its physiological functions. On the basis of some of its many actions, it has also been developed into a pharmaceutical agent for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is currently positioned as the most effective anti‐obesity agent available and is recommended in both national and international guidelines as an effective second‐in line treatment for T2DM, in particular in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. In this review, I first discuss whether the processing of proglucagon may also result in GLP‐1 formation in the pancreas and in glucagon in the gut. Next, I discuss the relationship between the physiological actions of GLP‐1 and the therapeutic effects of the GLP‐1 receptor agonists, which are far from being congruent and generally poorly understood. These relationships illustrate both the difficulties and the benefits of bridging results obtained in the laboratory with those emerging from the clinic.
Soat2 ties cholesterol metabolism to β‐oxidation and glucose tolerance in male mice
Authors: Pramfalk Camilla , Ahmed Osman , Pedrelli Matteo , Minniti Mirko E. , Luquet Serge , Denis Raphaël GP , Olin Maria , Härdfeldt Jennifer , Vedin Lise‐Lotte , Steffensen Knut R , Rydén Mikael , Hodson Leanne , Eriksson Mats , Parini Paolo
Published: January 2022

Background

Sterol O‐acyltransferase 2 (Soat2) encodes acyl‐coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 2 (ACAT2), which synthesizes cholesteryl esters in hepatocytes and enterocytes fated either to storage or to secretion into nascent triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins.

Objectives

We aimed to unravel the molecular mechanisms leading to reduced hepatic steatosis when Soat2 is depleted in mice.

Methods

Soat2−/− and wild‐type mice were fed a high‐fat, a high‐carbohydrate, or a chow diet, and parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism were assessed.

Results

Glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), oral glucose tolerance (OGTT), and insulin tolerance tests significantly improved in Soat2−/− mice, irrespective of the dietary regimes (2‐way ANOVA). The significant positive correlations between area under the curve (AUC) OGTT (r = 0.66, p < 0.05), serum fasting insulin (r = 0.86, p < 0.05), HOMA‐IR (r = 0.86, p < 0.05), Adipo‐IR (0.87, p < 0.05), hepatic triglycerides (TGs) (r = 0.89, p < 0.05), very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL)‐TG (r = 0.87, p < 0.05) and the hepatic cholesteryl esters in wild‐type mice disappeared in Soat2−/− mice. Genetic depletion of Soat2 also increased whole‐body oxidation by 30% (p < 0.05) compared to wild‐type mice.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that ACAT2‐generated cholesteryl esters negatively affect the metabolic control by retaining TG in the liver and that genetic inhibition of Soat2 improves liver steatosis via partitioning of lipids into secretory (VLDL‐TG) and oxidative (fatty acids) pathways.
The anti‐tax‐avoidance directive: An initiative to successfully curb profit shifting?
Authors: Paulus Nora Alice
Published: January 2022

On July 2016 the Economic and Financial Council of the European Union adopted the Anti‐Tax‐Avoidance Directive (ATAD). The proposed controlled‐foreign‐company (CFC) rule in the ATAD requires a minimum tax rate in the host country of a multinational's controlled‐foreign subsidiary to avoid the reattribution of the subsidiary's income to the country of its parent company. The Directive allows member states to remain free to set the CFC threshold autonomously by laying down a minimum standard. Member states can thus either opt for a loose CFC rule by setting the minimum required control threshold (i.e., 50% of the country's own corporate income tax rate) or impose a tight CFC rule by applying a higher threshold. Against this background, the present paper analyses the effect of CFC rules on tax competition for foreign direct investments. It appears that, although CFC rules are effective in curbing offshore profit shifting, they can induce nonhavens to compete aggressively for mobile capital. In this context, CFC rules can exacerbate capital outflows from the large to the small country to a larger extent than in standard models of tax competition. Moreover, the paper highlights that governments choose between two extreme options when deciding on their CFC rule. Either they opt for the lowest or the highest possible control threshold.
Bioactive compound isolated from Conyza canadensis combined with physical treatments for the control of green mould in Orange
Authors: Terao Daniel , Queiroz Sonia Claudia Nascimento , Maia Aline de Holanda Nunes
Published: January 2022

Green mould, caused by Penicillium digitatum, is the major postharvest disease of citrus in all producing countries. The control of this disease is carried out by fungicides in postharvest treatments, which can leave toxic residues in fruits. Therefore, the interest in cleaner technologies and alternatives to the use of fungicides, such as biopesticides, has grown in recent years. Conyza canadensis, an herbaceous weed spread all over the world, contains compounds which have significant activity against P. digitatum. Thus, the present research aimed to evaluate (4Z)‐lachnophyllum lactone (LACH), isolated from C. canadensis, in combination with hot water brushing (HWB) and UV‐C treatments, to control green mould and to preserve the quality of the fruit. LACH efficiently controlled green mould in orange cv. Valencia. The level of control improved from 24% to 42% according to the dose of LACH adopted, ranging from 10 to 100 µg ml−1 respectively. When in combination with HWB or UV‐C, the efficiency of the control was enhanced from 50% to 78% with the lowest dose of LACH (10 µg ml−1) and UV‐C at 1.5 kJ m−2, which showed no significant difference when the highest dose of LACH (100 µg ml−1) was applied alone. This treatment delayed the onset of the disease symptoms. A biofungicide based on C. canadensis combined with UV‐C and HWB is a potential natural control of green mould.
Rights and obligations in Cambridge social ontology
Authors: Slade‐Caffarel Yannick
Published: January 2022

Rights and obligations—sometimes referred to as deontology or deontic powers—are key to most contemporary conceptions of social ontology. Both Cambridge Social Ontology and the dominant analytic conception associated, most prominently, with John Searle, place rights and obligations at the centre of their accounts. Such a common emphasis has led some to consider deontology to be a point of similarity between these different theories. This is a mistake. In this paper, I show that a distinctive conception of rights and obligations underpins Cambridge Social Ontology and its social positioning theory. Moreover, I argue that a fuller understanding of the account of rights and obligations defended in Cambridge in fact reveals that it can be differentiated from other conceptions and, most importantly, Searle's, by its recognition that a practical dimension is always involved in social constitution.
Match Theory: An overview
Authors: Ishihara Shinichiro , Kalivoda Nick
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces Match Theory, an Optimality‐Theoretic approach to the syntax–phonology interface proposed by Selkirk (2011). The theory states that a family of Matchconstraints favor syntax–prosody isomorphism, but that these can be outranked by constraints on prosodic wellformedness and/or information structure, resulting in certain principled mismatches. We compare Match Theory to previous OT approaches involving edge‐alignment, and discuss several outstanding issues for Match Theory such as the proper treatment of asymmetries in syntax–prosody matching.
Astragalus oksutdagensis(Fabaceae), a new species from Turkey
Authors: Karaman Erkul Seher , Duman Hayri , Ateş Mevlüde Alev
Published: January 2022

This study describes the new speciesAstragalus oksutdagensis(A.sect.Eustales) from Kayseri, Turkey. The species is compared morphologically to the two similar speciesA. flavescensandA. vestitus, considering also pollen micromorphology. The geographical distribution ofA. oksutdagensis,A. vestitusandA. flavescensis mapped. The phylogenetic relationships between the new species and other closely related species in the genus are inferred based on DNA data from the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS) and it is shown thatA.sect.Eustalesis monophyletic but closely related toA.sect.Tragacantha. The new species is assessed as critically endangered (CR) following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
A permineralized Early Cretaceous lycopsid from China and the evolution of crown clubmosses
Authors: Herrera Fabiany , Testo Weston L. , Field Ashley R. , Clark Elizabeth G. , Herendeen Patrick S. , Crane Peter R. , Shi Gongle
Published: January 2022

Lycopodiaceae are one of three surviving families of lycopsids, a lineage of vascular plants with a fossil history dating to at least the Early Devonian or perhaps the Late Silurian (c. 415 Ma). Many fossils have been linked to crown Lycopodiaceae, but the lack of well‐preserved material has hindered definitive recognition of this group in the paleobotanical record.

New, exceptionally well‐preserved permineralized lycopsid fossils from the Early Cretaceous (125.6 ± 1.0 Ma) of Inner Mongolia, China, were examined in detail using acetate peel and micro‐computed tomography techniques. The anatomy of extant Lycopodiaceae was analyzed for comparison using fluorescence microscopy. Phylogenetic relationships of the new fossil to extant Lycopodiaceae were evaluated using parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses.

Lycopodicaulis oellgaardii gen. et sp. nov. provides the earliest unequivocal and best‐documented evidence of crown Lycopodiaceae and Lycopodioideae, based on anatomically‐preserved fossil material.

Recognition of Lycopodicaulis in Asia during the Early Cretaceous indicates the presence of crown Lycopodiaceae at this time, and striking similarities of stem anatomy with extant species provide a framework for the understanding of the interaction of branching and vascular anatomy in crown‐group lycopsids.
Divergence of active site motifs among different classes of Populus glutaredoxins results in substrate switches
Authors: Xu Hui , Li Zhen , Jiang Peng‐Fei , Zhao Li , Qu Chang , Van de Peer Yves , Liu Yan‐Jing , Zeng Qing‐Yin
Published: January 2022

Enzymes are essential components of all biological systems. The key characteristics of proteins functioning as enzymes are their substrate specificities and catalytic efficiencies. In plants, most genes encoding enzymes are members of large gene families. Within such families, the contributions of active site motifs to the functional divergence of duplicate genes have not been well elucidated. In this study, we identified 41 glutaredoxin (GRX) genes in the Populus trichocarpa genome. GRXs are ubiquitous enzymes in plants that play important roles in developmental and stress tolerance processes. In poplar, GRX genes were divided into four classes based on clear differences in gene structure and expression pattern, subcellular localization, enzymatic activity, and substrate specificity of the encoded proteins. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, this study revealed that the divergence of the active site motif among different classes of GRX proteins resulted in substrate switches and thus provided new insights into the molecular evolution of these important plant enzymes.
Quantitative thermodynamic investigation of thermal stability and diffusion barrier property of an amorphous cobalt alloy interlayer
Authors: Yamada Yuki , Yahagi Masataka , Koike Junichi
Published: January 2022

We explored suitable amorphous alloys for a diffusion barrier interlayer between conductor and insulator materials for advanced semiconductor devices. A thermodynamic simulation method was employed, for the first time in the field of large-scale integrated circuit interconnections, to enable quantitative evaluation of the thermal stability and diffusion barrier property of the interlayer, which led us to narrow down a vast number of binary alloy candidates to a few cobalt-based alloys. The selected alloys were experimentally examined for adhesion strength with an oxide insulator, resistivity variation with composition, annealing temperature and film thickness, thermal stability of composition distribution and structure, and diffusion barrier property under high electric field at elevated temperature. Combining the simulation and experimental results, we proposed an amorphous Co-15 at. %Zr alloy as the most suitable choice and discussed its possibility and challenges.
A Comparison of Physiological Response to Incremental Testing on Stationary and Dynamic Rowing Ergometers
Authors: Boland Marie , Crotty Nora May , Mahony Nick , Donne Bernard , Fleming Neil
Published: January 2022

Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to compare responses to graded exercise testing (GXT) on 2 popular commercial rowing ergometers. Methods: A cohort of 23 subelite male rowers (age 20 [2] y, height 1.88 [0.06] m, body mass 82.0 [8.8] kg) performed a GXT on both stationary (Concept2 [C2]) and dynamic (RowPerfect3 [RP3]) rowing ergometers. Physiological responses including oxygen consumption (VO2), heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLa), stroke rate (SR), and minute ventilation (VE) were recorded. BLa data were plotted graphically and anaerobic threshold was identified using the Dmax method. Workload, HR, and VO2 at Dmax were interpolated. Physiological responses at maximal exercise and at Dmax were compared, along with response across a discrete range of submaximal workloads. Results: At maximal exercise, no significant differences in HR, VO2, or BLa were observed (P > .05); however, VEpeak was significantly higher during RP3 tests (T = 2.943, P < .05). No significant differences in HR, VO2, or BLa at Dmax were observed (P > .05). When comparing across submaximal workloads, HR was significantly higher with the RP3 at 2 distinct workloads (210 and 240 W; P < .05), while SR was higher during RP3 testing at all workloads (F = 56.7, P < .05). When SR was fixed as a covariate, the effect of ergometer on HR response was not significant. A significant workload by ergometer interaction effect was observed for SR with higher data recorded on the RP3 (F = 3.48, P < .01). Levels of agreement for GXT-derived measures of anaerobic threshold (Dmax) were deemed unacceptable. Conclusions: These results indicate that while some differences in HR and VE response were observed between ergometers, these differences were a result of SR alterations between ergometer type. While no differences in response at Dmax were observed, the poor levels of agreement between ergometers suggests that prescription of GXT-derived threshold for training should ideally be specific to the rowing ergometer upon which the test was performed.
Differential Expression of CREM/ICER Isoforms Is Associated with the Spontaneous Control of HIV Infection
Authors: Luo Zhenwu , Li Min , Li Tai-Wei , Lv Zongyang , Ye Zhiwei , Cisneros William J. , Zhang Jie , Yuan Lingmin , Hultquist Judd F. , Migueles Stephen A. , Huang Lei , Zhu Jian , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2022

A small group of HIV-infected individuals, termed elite controllers (ECs), display control of HIV replication in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the mechanism of ECs’ resistance to HIV replication is not clear.
Twenty Important Research Questions in Microbial Exposure and Social Equity
Authors: Robinson Jake M. , Redvers Nicole , Camargo Araceli , Bosch Christina A. , Breed Martin F. , Brenner Lisa A. , Carney Megan A. , Chauhan Ashvini , Dasari Mauna , Dietz Leslie G. , Friedman Michael , Grieneisen Laura , Hoisington Andrew J. , Horve Patrick F. , Hunter Ally , Jech Sierra , Jorgensen Anna , Lowry Christopher A. , Man Ioana , Mhuireach Gwynne , Navarro-Pérez Edauri , Ritchie Euan G. , Stewart Justin D. , Watkins Harry , Weinstein Philip , Ishaq Suzanne L.
Published: January 2022

Social and political policy, human activities, and environmental change affect the ways in which microbial communities assemble and interact with people. These factors determine how different social groups are exposed to beneficial and/or harmful microorganisms, meaning microbial exposure has an important socioecological justice context.
Unusual presentation of a periurethral abscess following infection withNeisseria gonorrhoea
Authors: Shepherd Robin , Crossland Alexandra , Turo Rafal , Christodoulidou Michelle
Published: January 2022

We describe an unusual case of a male patient presenting with penile and testicular swelling following an unprotected and traumatic sexual encounter. It was suspected that an isolated penile injury occurred during intercourse; however, ultrasound imaging identified an intact tunical layer and right-sided epididymo-orchitis. Following screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), he was discharged with antibiotics and advice to attend the Sexual Health Centre for contact tracing. He represented with a periurethral abscess and an antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) strain ofNeisseria gonorrhoeawas identified. Appropriate antibiotic treatment was initiated. Examination-under-anaesthesia, following abscess drainage, revealed a contained collection with no urethral fistula; however, a flat urethral lesion was seen during urethroscopy. Repeat urethroscopy and biopsy of the lesion indicated polypoid urethritis. Periurethral abscess secondary to gonococcal urethritis is a rare complication, but one that we should be suspicious of, especially with the growing incidence of AMR-STIs.
A growing disadvantage of being born in an urban area? Analysing urban–rural disparities in neonatal mortality in 21 African countries with a focus on Tanzania
Authors: Norris Megan , Klabbers Gonnie , Pembe Andrea B , Hanson Claudia , Baker Ulrika , Aung Kyaw , Mmweteni Mary , Mfaume Rashid S , Beňová Lenka
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Neonatal mortality rate (NMR) has been declining in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, where historically rural areas had higher NMR compared with urban. The 2015–2016 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in Tanzania showed an exacerbation of an existing pattern with significantly higher NMR in urban areas. The objective of this study is to understand this disparity in SSA countries and examine the specific factors potentially underlying this association in Tanzania.

Methods

We assessed urban–rural NMR disparities among 21 SSA countries with four or more DHS, at least one of which was before 2000, using the DHS StatCompiler. For Tanzania DHS 2015–2016, descriptive statistics were carried out disaggregated by urban and rural areas, followed by bivariate and multivariable logistic regression modelling the association between urban/rural residence and neonatal mortality, adjusting for other risk factors.

Results

Among 21 countries analysed, Tanzania was the only SSA country where urban NMR (38 per 1000 live births) was significantly higher than rural (20 per 1,000), with largest difference during first week of life. We analysed NMR on the 2015–2016 Tanzania DHS, including live births to 9736 women aged between 15 and 49 years. Several factors were significantly associated with higher NMR, including multiplicity of pregnancy, being the first child, higher maternal education, and male child sex. However, their inclusion did not attenuate the effect of urban–rural differences in NMR. In multivariable models, urban residence remained associated with double the odds of neonatal mortality compared with rural.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to understand the role of quality of facility-based care, including role of infections, and health-seeking behaviour in case of neonatal illness at home. However, additional factors might also be implicated and higher NMR within urban areas of Tanzania may signal a shift in the pattern of neonatal mortality across several other SSA countries.
Codeveloping an effective EMPA to maturity in an acute NHS Trust: an implementer report
Authors: Silva Geeth , Bourne Tim , Hall Graeme , Patel Shriyam , Rauf Mohammed Qasim , Vogel Aaron , Carruthers Andrew , Xu Gang
Published: January 2022

Introduction

University Hospitals Leicester has codeveloped, with Nervecentre, an Electronic Prescribing and Medicines Administration System that meets specific clinical and interoperability demands of the National Health Service (NHS).

Methods

The system was developed through a frontline-led and agile approach with a project team consisting of clinicians, Information Technology (IT) specialists and the vendor’s representatives over an 18-month period.

Results

The system was deployed successfully with more than a thousand transcriptions during roll-out. Despite the high caseload and novelty of the system, there was no increase in error rates within the first 3 months of roll-out. Healthcare professionals perceived the new system as efficient with improved clinical workflow, and safe through an integrated medication alert system.

Discussion

This case study demonstrates how NHS trusts can successfully co-develop, with vendors, new IT systems which meet interoperability standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources, while improving front line clinical experience.

Conclusion

Alternative methods to the ‘big bang’ deployment of IT projects, such as ‘gradual implementation’, must be demonstrated and evaluated for their ability to deliver digital transformation projects in the NHS successfully.
Ethical analysis examining the prioritisation of living donor transplantation in times of healthcare rationing
Authors: Kulkarni Sanjay , Flescher Andrew , Ahmad Mahwish , Bayliss George , Bearl David , Biondi Lynsey , Davis Earnest , George Roshan , Gordon Elisa , Lyons Tania , Wightman Aaron , Ladin Keren
Published: January 2022

The transplant community has faced unprecedented challenges balancing risks of performing living donor transplants during the COVID-19 pandemic with harms of temporarily suspending these procedures. Decisions regarding postponement of living donation stem from its designation as an elective procedure, this despite that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services categorise transplant procedures as tier 3b (high medical urgency—do not postpone). In times of severe resource constraints, health systems may be operating under crisis or contingency standards of care. In this manuscript, the United Network for Organ Sharing Ethics Workgroup explores prioritisation of living donation where health systems operate under contingency standards of care and provide a framework with recommendations to the transplant community on how to approach living donation in these circumstances.

To guide the transplant community in future decisions, this analysis suggests that: (1) living donor transplants represent an important option for individuals with end-stage liver and kidney disease and should not be suspended uniformly under contingency standards, (2) exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2 should be balanced with other risks, such as exposure risks at dialysis centres. Because many of these risks are not quantifiable, donors and recipients should be included in discussions on what constitutes acceptable risk, (3) transplant hospitals should strive to maintain a critical transplant workforce and avoid diverting expertise, which could negatively impact patient preparedness for transplant, (4) transplant hospitals should consider implementing protocols to ensure early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections and discuss these measures with donors and recipients in a process of shared decision-making.
Estimating target strength of young chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Authors: Minami Kenji , Shirakawa Hokuto , Kawauchi Yohei , Shao Huamei , Tomiyasu Makoto , Iwahara Yuka , Tsuda Yuichi , Takahara Hideo , Zhu Yanhui , Miyashita Kazushi
Published: January 2022

Although chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) is an important fishery resource in Japan, acoustic methods cannot be applied to biomass estimation because the target strength (TS) is unknown. This study clarified the TS for each fork length (FL: 5.5–33.5 cm) of young chum salmon inhabiting the Japanese coastal area to the Bering Sea by measuring free-swimming fish. The size dependences of the TS values were TSmean = 20 log10 FL – 68.0, for both 38 and 120 kHz. This facilitated the estimation of biomass of young salmon using acoustic methods.
Pilots’ willingness to operate in urban air mobility integrated airspace: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Vempati Lakshmi , Woods Sabrina , Winter Scott R.
Published: January 2022

Interest in advanced air mobility (AAM) and urban air mobility (UAM) operations for on-demand passenger and cargo transport continues to grow. There is ongoing research on market demand and forecast, community acceptance, privacy, and security. There is also ongoing research by National Aeronautics and Space Administration , Federal Aviation Administration, academia, and industry on airspace integration, regulatory, process, and procedural challenges. Safe integration of UAM and AAM will also require different stakeholder perspectives such as air traffic controllers, manned aircraft pilots, remote pilots, UAM operators, and the community. This research aimed to assess the willingness of manned aircraft pilots to operate in UAM integrated airspace based on airspace complexity and UAM automation level. In addition, a moderated mediation analysis was conducted using trust and perceived risk as mediators and operator type as a moderating variable. The results indicated that automation level influenced pilots’ willingness to operate an aircraft in integrated airspace. A moderating effect of operation type on automation level and willingness to pilot an aircraft was also observed: professional pilots were more amenable to UAM operations with a pilot on board compared with remotely piloted operations. Results from the study are expected to inform airspace integration challenges, processes, and procedures for UAM integrated operations.
Potential cyber threats, vulnerabilities, and protections of unmanned vehicles
Authors: Oruc Aybars
Published: January 2022

This study seeks to contribute to the literature by presenting a discussion of potential cyber risks and precautionary measures concerning unmanned vehicles as a whole. In this study, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) spoofing, jamming, password cracking, denial-of-service (DoS), injecting malware, and modification of firmware are identified as potential cyberattack methods against unmanned vehicles. Potential deterrents against the aforementioned cyberattack methods are suggested as well. Illustrations of such safeguards include creating an architecture of the multi-agent system, using solid-state storage components, applying distributed programming tools and techniques, implementing sophisticated encryption techniques for data storage and transmission, deploying additional sensors and systems, and comparing the data received from different sensors.
Detection and tracking of belugas, kayaks and motorized boats in drone video using deep learning
Authors: Harasyn Madison L. , Chan Wayne S. , Ausen Emma L. , Barber David G.
Published: January 2022

Aerial imagery surveys are commonly used in marine mammal research to determine population size, distribution and habitat use. Analysis of aerial photos involves hours of manually identifying individuals present in each image and converting raw counts into useable biological statistics. Our research proposes the use of deep learning algorithms to increase the efficiency of the marine mammal research workflow. To test the feasibility of this proposal, the existing YOLOv4 convolutional neural network model was trained to detect belugas, kayaks and motorized boats in oblique drone imagery, collected from a stationary tethered system. Automated computer-based object detection achieved the following precision and recall, respectively, for each class: beluga = 74%/72%; boat = 97%/99%; and kayak = 96%/96%. We then tested the performance of computer vision tracking of belugas and occupied watercraft in drone videos using the DeepSORT tracking algorithm, which achieved a multiple-object tracking accuracy (MOTA) ranging from 37% to 88% and multiple object tracking precision (MOTP) between 63% and 86%. Results from this research indicate that deep learning technology can detect and track features more consistently than human annotators, allowing for larger datasets to be processed within a fraction of the time while avoiding discrepancies introduced by labeling fatigue or multiple human annotators.
STUDY OF THE INTERACTION BETWEEN MICROSTRUCTURE AND MACROSCOPIC BEHAVIOR FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING AREAS DURING SHALE GAS EXTRACTION
Authors: LUO NING , SUO YUNCHEN , YE DAYU , LIU GUANNAN , WANG JING , ZHU JINGYUN , ZHAI CHENG
Published: January 2022

Horizontal drilling is the major method of shale gas extraction, and hydraulic fracturing improves the gas production effectively. However, as the main gas migration channel, shale microstructures, such as the natural fractures and pores, are extremely complicated, and it is difficult to characterize them quantitatively by conventional approaches. Besides, the microstructural evolution of the hydraulic fracture (HF) area is more intricate. In order to quantitatively characterize the evolution of shale microstructure after hydraulic fracturing, and to investigate the contribution to the gas extraction process, a fully coupled fractal thermal–hydrological–mechanical permeability model is proposed. And the interaction of shale microstructure, thermal–hydrological–mechanical effects, and gas permeability in the HF area is also quantitatively investigated. Shale thermal conduction, gas pressure, and adsorption–desorption effect are defined as functions of the effective stress responsible for shale matrix deformation, and operate directly on shale porosity, which induces changes in shale microstructure, including the shale fractal dimension (for characterizing the density of natural fractures in shale) and the maximum fracture length. Multiphysical effects have a major impact on gas seepage, and directly affecting the permeability. Furthermore, compared to the widely used cubic permeability model, this model is significantly superior in analyzing the permeability evolution in the hydraulically fractured area, and the reliability is verified by the production data from the Marcellus Shale.
A MODIFIED FREQUENCY–AMPLITUDE FORMULATION FOR FRACTAL VIBRATION SYSTEMS
Authors: HE CHUN-HUI , LIU CHAO
Published: January 2022

The simplest frequency formulation for nonlinear oscillators is introduced and proved, and a modification is suggested. A fractal vibration in a porous medium is introduced, and its low-frequency property is elucidated by the frequency formulation. It reveals that the inertia force in a fractal space is equivalent to a couple of the inertia force and the damping force for the traditional differential model.
CONSENSUS ANALYSIS IN HIERARCHICAL NETWORKED SYSTEMS
Authors: WANG XIAOQIAN , WANG LU
Published: January 2022

This paper introduces evolving hierarchical networks based on hierarchical product. We discuss two important consensus behavior indexes in both un-weighted and weighted cases in those networked systems: (1) convergence speed in system without delay and noise; (2) delay robustness in system with communication time-delay. We analyze the approximative behaviors of these two consensus indexes by determining the second smallest and largest eigenvalue of Laplacian matrix, respectively, as well as how the scale of the weight factor affects the consensus performance. Moreover, the method applied in this paper is also applicable to many classic networks. Finally, two numerical simulations are given to verify the advantages of communication topology like hierarchical networks and the validity of the theoretical results.
Plant-Based Proteins: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Authors: Aimutis William R.
Published: January 2022

Our global population is growing at a pace to exceed 10 billion people by the year 2050. This growth will place pressure on the agricultural production of food to feed the hungry masses. One category that will be strained is protein. Per capita protein consumption is rising in virtually every country for both nutritional reasons and consumption enjoyment. The United Nations estimates protein demand will double by 2050, and this will result in a critical overall protein shortage if drastic changes are not made in the years preceding these changes. Therefore, the world is in the midst of identifying technological breakthroughs to make protein more readily available and sustainable for future generations. One protein sourcing category that has grown in the past decade is plant-based proteins, which seem to fit criteria established by discerning consumers, including healthy, sustainable, ethical, and relatively inexpensive. Although demand for plant-based protein continues to increase, these proteins are challenging to utilize in novel food formulations.
Neural Network Potentials: A Concise Overview of Methods
Authors: Kocer Emir , Ko Tsz Wai , Behler Jörg
Published: January 2022

In the past two decades, machine learning potentials (MLPs) have reached a level of maturity that now enables applications to large-scale atomistic simulations of a wide range of systems in chemistry, physics, and materials science. Different machine learning algorithms have been used with great success in the construction of these MLPs. In this review, we discuss an important group of MLPs relying on artificial neural networks to establish a mapping from the atomic structure to the potential energy. In spite of this common feature, there are important conceptual differences among MLPs, which concern the dimensionality of the systems, the inclusion of long-range electrostatic interactions, global phenomena like nonlocal charge transfer, and the type of descriptor used to represent the atomic structure, which can be either predefined or learnable. A concise overview is given along with a discussion of the open challenges in the field.