bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global dataset on subgrid land surface climate (2015–2100) from the Community Earth System Model
Authors: Zhang Keer , Lee Xuhui , Schultz Natalie M. , Zhao Lei , He Chunyang , Huang Qingxu , Liu Zhifeng , Chu Haoran , Zhao Jiayu
Published: April 2022

Subgrid data from earth system models are a powerful, yet underutilized, data resource for investigating the climatic impacts of land use and land cover change (LULCC). In this paper, we describe a global dataset on subgrid land surface climate variables produced by the Community Earth System Model in a fully coupled mode. The simulation was conducted at a 0.9° × 1.25° resolution under the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario from 2015 to 2100. Data are archived for eight subgrid tiles (urban, rural, tree, grass, shrub, bare soil, crop and lake) and include variables on the physical state, surface energy fluxes, runoff and atmospheric forcing conditions. Archival intervals are monthly, daily and hourly. Meta data on land surface parameters are also available. The data files are stored in NetCDF‐4 (Network Common Data Form, version 4) format and the meta data follow the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 standards. We anticipate that this dataset will become a useful resource for characterizing local climate changes due to LULCC. This dataset can be downloaded from the Harvard Dataverse (https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/HUXAH6).
Genotype Value Decomposition: Simple Methods for the Computation of Kernel Statistics
Authors: Misawa Kazuharu
Published: April 2022

Recent advances in sequencing technologies enable genome‐wide analyses for thousands of individuals. The sequential kernel association test (SKAT) is a widely used method to test for associations between a phenotype and a set of rare variants. As the sample size of human genetics studies increases, the computational time required to calculate a kernel is becoming more and more problematic. In this study, a new method to obtain kernel statistics without calculating a kernel matrix is proposed. A simple method for the computation of two kernel statistics, namely, a kernel statistic based on a genetic relationship matrix (GRM) and one based on an identity by state (IBS) matrix, are proposed. By using this method, calculation of the kernel statistics can be conducted using vector calculation without matrix calculation. The proposed method enables one to conduct SKAT for large samples of human genetics.
Two distinct subtypes of obsessive compulsive disorder revealed by heterogeneity through discriminative analysis
Authors: Han Shaoqiang , Xu Yinhuan , Guo Hui‐Rong , Fang Keke , Wei Yarui , Liu Liang , Cheng Junying , Zhang Yong , Cheng Jingliang
Published: April 2022

Neurobiological heterogeneity in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is understudied leading to conflicting neuroimaging findings. Therefore, we investigated objective neuroanatomical subtypes of OCD by adopting a newly proposed method based on gray matter volumes (GMVs). GMVs were derived from T1‐weighted anatomical images of patients with OCD (n = 100) and matched healthy controls (HCs; n = 106). We first inquired whether patients with OCD presented higher interindividual variability HCs in terms of GMVs. Then, we identified distinct subtypes of OCD by adopting heterogeneity through discriminative analysis (HYDRA), where regional GMVs were treated as features. Patients with OCD presented higher interindividual variability than HCs, suggesting a high structural heterogeneity of OCD. HYDRA identified two distinct robust subtypes of OCD presenting opposite neuroanatomical aberrances compared with HCs, while sharing indistinguishable clinical and demographic features. Specifically, Subtype 1 exhibited widespread increased GMVs in cortical and subcortical regions, including the orbitofrontal gyrus, right anterior insula, bilateral hippocampus, and bilateral parahippocampus and cerebellum. Subtype 2 demonstrated overall decreased GMVs in regions such as the orbitofrontal gyrus, right anterior insula, and precuneus. When mixed together, none of patients presented significant differences compared with HCs. In addition, the total intracranial volume of Subtype 2 was significantly correlated with the total score of the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale while that of Subtype 1 was not. These results identified two distinct neuroanatomical subtypes, providing a possible explanation for conflicting neuroimaging findings, and proposed a potential objective taxonomy contributing to precise clinical diagnosis and treatment in OCD.
Consecutive chorioangiomas in the same pregnancy: A clinical case and review of literature
Authors: Germano Chiara , Pilloni Eleonora , Rolfo Alessandro , Botta Giovanni , Parpinel Giulia , Cortese Paolo , Cotrino Ilenia , Attini Rossella , Revelli Alberto , Masturzo Bianca
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Aetiopathogenesis of chorioangioma is already unknown. Among the risk factors, hypoxia, environmental and genetic factors are believed to induce the overexpression of angiogenic cytokines promoting vascular proliferation. We reported a case of prenatally diagnosed 67 mm‐wide placental chorioangioma, which occurred at 32 weeks of gestational age, infarcted, and followed by the onset of a second infarcted chorioangioma at 35 weeks of gestational age. Besides, we discussed the hypothesis of chorioangioma aetiopathogenesis and behavior through a literature summary.

Methods

We carried out a literature search of chorioangioma cases without a time interval. Therefore, we carried out a literature summary on chorioangioma risk factors and etiology, by selecting articles within a time interval from 1995 to 2021.

Results

This is the first case of two consecutive chorioangiomas in the same pregnancy published in the literature. We found a possible genetic predisposition in women developing chorioangioma while infarction may be related to the abnormal structure of tumor vessels. The onset of a second lesion could reflect hypoxic stimuli following infarction and involves hypoxia‐induced factor‐1alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor‐beta, and soluble Fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 pathways. Chorangiosis can be coexistent and may reflect a mutual etiology in susceptible individuals.

Conclusion

In a predisposed placenta, that previously generated a chorioangioma, infarction of the chorioangioma should not represent a sign for pregnancy termination, but a marker for closer monitoring to early detect the possible onset of a second chorioangioma and a higher risk of umbilical cord thrombosis.
Pharmacokinetics of Oral Decongestants
Authors: Kanfer Isadore , Dowse Roslind , Vuma Vusumuzi
Published: April 2022

Only three drugs are commonly used as oral decongestants—phenylpropanolamine (PPA), pseudoephedrine (PDE), and phenylephrine (PE). They are all chiral drugs that exist as stereoisomers. It is possible that each enantiomer can reflect significant enantioselective differences with regard to both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects. Both PPA and PDE are readily and completely absorbed, whereas PE, with a bioavailability of only approximately 38%, is subject to gut wall metabolism and is thought to be absorbed erratically. Peak concentrations are reached between 0.5 and 2 hours after administration. All three drugs are extensively distributed into extravascular sites (apparent volume of distribution between 2.6 and 5.0 L/kg). No protein‐binding data in humans are available. Whereas PPA and PDE are not substantially metabolized, PE undergoes extensive biotransformation in the gut wall and the liver. Elimination of PPA and PDE is predominately renal, with urinary excretion being pH dependent. Half‐lives are relatively short, approximately 2.5 hours for PE, 4 hours for PPA, and 6 hours for PDE. Elimination of PPA and PDE may be rapid in children, and the agents should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment. In addition, PPA increases caffeine plasma levels and decreases theophylline clearance. Reduced metabolism of PE occurs with concurrent administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. No direct relationship between nasal decongestant effect and plasma concentration has been established.
Cancer cell membrane‐derived nanoparticles block the expression of immune checkpoint proteins on cancer cells and coordinate modulatory activity on immunosuppressive macrophages
Authors: Comparetti Edson J. , Lins Paula M. P. , Quitiba João , Zucolotto Valtencir
Published: April 2022

Cancer is the most recurrent chronic disease in the world, with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the second leading cause of death among neoplasias. The high frequency of HCC relapse and metastasis warrants the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In advanced stages, neoplastic cells can evade immune surveillance and express immunosuppressive proteins and cytokines at tumor sites. Nanocomposites conjugated with immunomodulatory agents can increase the main mechanisms of cellular immunity. In this study, we used nanocarriers to transport oligonucleotide sequences (siRNAs) into cancer cells and leukocytes to modulate the activity of tumor microenvironment cells in vitro. Cell membrane‐derived nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized with lipids and proteins from the plasma membrane of hepatic tumor cells to deliver a large amount of antigenic material to professional antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), following their exposure to HCC and immunosuppressive macrophages. To establish a pro‐inflammatory response, pure lipid MNPs were incorporated with monophosphoryl lipid A and siRNA to silence the c‐MYC (myelocytomatosis) oncogene. Nanocarriers were tested for the following: (a) NP internalization into cancer and immunocompetent cells; (b) immunomodulatory activity by observing the expression of cell surface markers; and (c) in vitro cytotoxicity. The adsorption of plasma proteins on the MNPs surface and their effects on cellular uptake were also investigated. Our results indicate that the nanostructures are stable in biological suspensions, and can reduce CD47 and PD‐L1 expression on cancer cells and simultaneously switch APC activity for an anti‐tumor response.
Development and early diagnosis of critical illness myopathy in COVID‐19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Rodriguez Belén , Branca Mattia , Gutt‐Will Marielena , Roth Marianne , Söll Nicole , Nansoz Sandra , Cameron David R. , Tankisi Hatice , Tan S. Veronica , Bostock Hugh , Raabe Andreas , Schefold Joerg C. , Jakob Stephan M. , Z'Graggen Werner J.
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has greatly increased the incidence and clinical importance of critical illness myopathy (CIM), because it is one of the most common complications of modern intensive care medicine. Current diagnostic criteria only allow diagnosis of CIM at an advanced stage, so that patients are at risk of being overlooked, especially in early stages. To determine the frequency of CIM and to assess a recently proposed tool for early diagnosis, we have followed a cohort of COVID‐19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and compared the time course of muscle excitability measurements with the definite diagnosis of CIM.

Methods

Adult COVID‐19 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital Bern, Switzerland requiring mechanical ventilation were recruited and examined on Days 1, 2, 5, and 10 post‐intubation. Clinical examination, muscle excitability measurements, medication record, and laboratory analyses were performed on all study visits, and additionally nerve conduction studies, electromyography and muscle biopsy on Day 10. Muscle excitability data were compared with a cohort of 31 age‐matched healthy subjects. Diagnosis of definite CIM was made according to the current guidelines and was based on patient history, results of clinical and electrophysiological examinations as well as muscle biopsy.

Results

Complete data were available in 31 out of 44 recruited patients (mean [SD] age, 62.4 [9.8] years). Of these, 17 (55%) developed CIM. Muscle excitability measurements on Day 10 discriminated between patients who developed CIM and those who did not, with a diagnostic precision of 90% (AUC 0.908; 95% CI 0.799–1.000; sensitivity 1.000; specificity 0.714). On Days 1 and 2, muscle excitability parameters also discriminated between the two groups with 73% (AUC 0.734; 95% CI 0.550–0.919; sensitivity 0.562; specificity 0.857) and 82% (AUC 0.820; CI 0.652–0.903; sensitivity 0.750; specificity 0.923) diagnostic precision, respectively. All critically ill COVID‐19 patients showed signs of muscle membrane depolarization compared with healthy subjects, but in patients who developed CIM muscle membrane depolarization on Days 1, 2 and 10 was more pronounced than in patients who did not develop CIM.

Conclusions

This study reports a 55% prevalence of definite CIM in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. Furthermore, the results confirm that muscle excitability measurements may serve as an alternative method for CIM diagnosis and support its use as a tool for early diagnosis and monitoring the development of CIM.
Atmospheric simulation‐based precipitation datasets outperform satellite‐based products in closing basin‐wide water budget in the eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Jiang Yaozhi , Yang Kun , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Wenjiang , Shen Yan , Chen Yingying , Li Xin
Published: April 2022

Satellite‐based precipitation products (SBPs) have been widely used in hydrological applications in recent decades but may contain large uncertainties in mountainous regions. Atmospheric simulation‐based datasets (ABDs) have been greatly improved in recent years, but their applications in mountainous hydrology are rare and need further validation. This study compares the performance of three SBPs and two ABDs in the mountainous Minjiang River basin, focusing on their potential for closing the basin‐wide water budget. The three SBPs include the China Merged Precipitation Analysis (CMPA), the Integrated Multi‐satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) and the Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP); the two ABDs are the fifth generation Reanalysis product of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5) and the High Asia Refined Analysis Version 2 (HAR V2). The five products are validated with rain gauge data and results show that all the five products except IMERG can generally reproduce the spatial pattern and elevation dependence of observed precipitation. Particularly, precipitation amount in the two ABDs is close to gauge observations in the low elevations, but much more than the gauge observations in areas with a sharp rise in elevations. Assessment of water budget shows that all SBPs yield severe negative water imbalance (greater than 50.0% of corresponding runoff) at most sub‐basins, while the ABDs can better close the water budget with water imbalance values between ±30.0% in most sub‐basins, respectively. Further analyses show that large relative differences between SBPs and ABDs mainly occur in areas with large topographical relief and in winter, which is likely because the ABDs outperform the SBPs in capturing orographic precipitation in complex terrain and solid precipitation in winter.
Polyacrylamide hydrogel lubricates cartilage after biochemical degradation and mechanical injury
Authors: Vishwanath Karan , McClure Scott R. , Bonassar Lawrence J.
Published: April 2022

Intra‐articular injections of hyaluronic acid have been a mainstay of osteoarthritis treatment for decades. However, controversy surrounds the mechanism of action and efficacy of this therapy. As such, there has been recent interest in developing synthetic lubricants that lubricate cartilage. Recently, a synthetic 4 wt% polyacrylamide (pAAm) hydrogel was shown to effectively decrease lameness in horses. However, its mechanism of action and ability to lubricate cartilage is unknown. The goal of this study was to characterize the lubricating ability of this hydrogel and determine its efficacy for healthy and degraded cartilage. The study utilized previously established IL‐1β‐induced biochemical degradation and mechanical impact injury models to degrade cartilage. The lubricating ability of the hydrogel was then characterized using a custom‐built tribometer using a glass counterface and friction was evaluated using the Stribeck framework for articular cartilage. pAAm hydrogel was shown to significantly lower the friction coefficient of cartilage explants from both degradation models (30%–40% reduction in friction relative to controls). A striking finding from this study was the aggregation of the pAAm hydrogel at the articulating surface. The surface aggregation was observed in the histological sections of explants from all treatment groups after tribological evaluation. Using the Stribeck framework, the hydrogel was mapped to higher Sommerfeld numbers and was characterized as a viscous lubricant predominantly in the minimum friction mode. In summary, this study revealed that pAAm hydrogel lubricates native and degraded cartilage explants effectively and may have an affinity for the articulating surface of the cartilage.
Probiotic treatment vs empiric oral antibiotics for managing dysbiosis in short bowel syndrome: Impact on the mucosal and stool microbiota, short‐chain fatty acids, and adaptation
Authors: Pauline Mirielle , Fouhse Janelle , Hinchliffe Tierah , Wizzard Pamela , Nation Patrick , Huynh Hien , Wales Paul , Willing Benjamin , Turner Justine
Published: April 2022

Background

Infants and children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are presumed to be at risk of gut microbial dysbiosis with potential sequelae of bacterial overgrowth that include sepsis, d‐lactic acidosis, mucosal inflammation, and malabsorption. In neonatal piglets with SBS, we compared intestinal microbial composition, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and adaptation given probiotic (PRO) treatment (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp) vs oral metronidazole (MET).

Methods

Following 75% distal small intestinal resection, piglets were allocated to PRO (500 mg twice a day, n = 7), MET (15 mg/kg twice a day, n = 8), and placebo (PLA) (500 mg twice a day, n = 8). After 10 days of parenteral and enteral nutrition, 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing (colon tissue and stool) was undertaken and SCFA analysis (stool and colon effluent) was performed using gas chromatography.

Results

In colon, Shannon diversity was higher for PRO compared with MET and PLA (P = 0.002). PRO and PLA increased abundance of Bacteroidetes species (eg, Bacteroides fragilis) compared with MET (P < 0.001). PRO, compared with PLA, increased abundance of Firmicutes species (eg, Lactobacillus fermentum) (P < 0.001). MET increased abundance of Proteobacteria members, predominately Enterobacteriaceae, compared with PRO (P = 0.004). In stool, microbial findings were similar and SCFA (butyrate) concentrations were highest for PRO (P = 0.003) compared with MET.

Conclusion

In pediatric SBS, the empiric use of oral antibiotics, such as MET, is common for presumed clinical consequences of microbial dysbiosis. In this study of SBS piglets, that approach was associated with decreased microbial diversity and increased abundance of potentially inflammatory Proteobacteria. In contrast, a PRO treatment using Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp increased both diversity and SCFAs.
Serum micronutrient levels in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy: A prospective, observational study
Authors: Gundogan Kursat , Yucesoy Faruk S. , Ozer Nurhayat T. , Temel Sahin , Sahin Serap , Sahin Gulsah G. , Sungur Murat , Esmaoglu Aliye , Talih Tutkun , Yazici Cevat , Griffith Daniel P. , Ziegler Thomas R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may deplete micronutrient levels. Patients are also at risk for micronutrient depletion due to underlying illness(s), poor nutrient intake prior to intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or increased requirements. We determined vitamin and trace element status before, during and after CRRT in critically ill patients.

Methods

This prospective observational study performed in mixed medical and surgical ICU patients. Serial serum vitamin B6 and vitamin C concentrations were measured by HPLC and folic acid by ECLIA. Serum chromium, copper, selenium, and zinc were measured using ICP‐MS. Serum ceruloplasmin was measured by the Erel method.

Results

Fifty adult ICU patients with AKI were recruited. The median APACHE II score on ICU admission was high at 24.0 (6.0‐33.0). The median days on CRRT was 2.0 (2.0‐4.0) days. At baseline (within 10‐15 minutes of CRRT initiation), serum vitamin C, selenium and zinc were below normal. Serum vitamin B6 levels at 72 hours on CRRT were significantly lower than at 24 hours (p = 0.011). Serum vitamin C values fell significantly at 24 and 72 hours during CRRT (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001), respectively, and remained low 24 and 48 hours after CRRT was stopped (p = 0.021). At baseline and during CRRT, 96% of participants had at least two or more micronutrient levels below the normal range.

Conclusion

Serum vitamin C, selenium and zinc concentrations were below the normal range at baseline. CRRT was associated with a significant further decrease in levels of vitamin C, selenium and zinc.
Flexible microsphere‐coupled surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (McSERS) by dielectric microsphere cavity array with random plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Mengyuan , Yan Yinzhou , Mi Yanlin , Jiang Yijian
Published: April 2022

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a powerful tool for nondestructive and ultrasensitive optical trace‐detection. However, the sophisticated fabrication processes and performance degradation on flexible substrates block SERS for practical uses. Here, we report a facile flexible microsphere‐coupled SERS (McSERS) substrate composed of a dielectric microsphere cavity array (MCA) and random gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capping on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film (MCA/AuNPs/PDMS) for giant Raman enhancement. The random distribution of AuNPs provides a hydrophilic surface against to the coffee‐ring effect for uniform localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response. The MCA capped on the AuNPs boosts the Raman intensity via the multiple optical manipulation processes, in which the photonic nanojet (PNJ) confines the excitation intensity near the AuNPs, whispering‐gallery mode (WGM) facilitates the energy transfer from microsphere cavities to AuNP gaps for LSPR boosting, and directional antenna effect converts near‐field Raman signals into far‐field with a small divergence. Therefore, the Raman scattering is dramatically improved with the enhancement factor (EF) to 107 for the limit of detection (LoD) of 4‐nitrobenzenethiol (4‐NBT) molecules down to 0.1 nM, two orders of magnitude higher via MCA coupling. Moreover, the flexible McSERS substrate exhibits outstanding durability and compatibility as an ultrasensitive Raman test strip, by which the thiram concentration is detectable down to 2.42 ng/cm2 on apple peels. The present work provides a facile strategy to fabricate SERS substrates with high flexibility for optical trace‐detection in real‐world applications.
Sinonasal inverted papilloma – malignant transformation and non‐sinonasal malignancies
Authors: Viitasalo Sanna , Ilmarinen Taru , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Hagström Jaana , Hytönen Maija , Hammarén‐Malmi Sari , Pietarinen Petra , Järvenpää Pia , Kinnari Teemu , Geneid Ahmed , Lilja Markus
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess malignant transformation rate, non‐sinonasal malignancies, and factors contributing to recurrence in patients treated for sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients treated for SNIP (n = 296) between the years 1984–2014 at Helsinki University Hospital. Data from the Finnish Cancer Registry confirmed the number of those patients with sinonasal and non‐sinonasal malignancies.

Results

Only 2 of 296 (0.7%) patients primarily diagnosed with benign SNIP developed sinonasal cancer in a mean follow‐up of 5.8 years. The most common non‐sinonasal cancer sites were similar to those reported for the whole Finnish population. None of the patients presented with an HPV‐associated non‐sinonasal malignancy. The recurrence rate among patients who underwent attachment‐oriented surgery was significantly lower compared to those operated on with other approaches (40.2% vs. 56.6%, p = 0.006). Dysplasia in SNIP was associated with a higher recurrence rate (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Malignant transformation of SNIP was rare. Patients with SNIP were not prone to HPV‐associated non‐sinonasal malignancies. Endoscopic resection and attachment‐oriented surgery have become predominant approaches in the treatment of SNIP; meanwhile, the total number of SNIP recurrences has decreased.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:506–511, 2023
4D Printing: Technological and Manufacturing Renaissance
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Yasir , Arif Zia Ullah , Ahmed Waqas
Published: April 2022

Shape‐memory materials (SMMs) combined with 3D printing to develop dynamic and adaptive products which are responsive to physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These structures are categorized into 4D‐printed (4DPed) products which change their shape and properties over time dimension. 4D printing, a novel, multidisciplinary, and futuristic technology is expanding its utilization in different applications including healthcare, space, textile, soft robotics, defence, sports, aerospace, and automotive sectors. This review article focuses on the recent and insightful developments in the 4DP technology of SMMs especially shape‐memory polymers. This review also integrates printing technologies, the programming of materials for specific actuating mechanisms, and the most recent applications of 4DPed structures/products. Future perspectives and countless opportunities of this 4DP technology are outlined to address the current challenges which will help evolve and promote this novel technology as the mainstream manufacturing approach for developing real‐world products in a myriad of engineering sectors. 4DP technology progresses beyond imagination, since its inception and will promote technological and manufacturing renaissance in the material science field. This technology will profoundly impact manufacturing and daily human life in the future.
The Contribution of Noradrenergic Activity to Anxiety‐Induced Freezing of Gait
Authors: Taylor Natasha L. , Wainstein Gabriel , Quek Dione , Lewis Simon J.G. , Shine James M. , Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Freezing of gait is a complex paroxysmal phenomenon that is associated with a variety of sensorimotor, cognitive and affective deficits, and significantly impacts quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite a growing body of evidence that suggests anxiety may be a crucial contributor to freezing of gait, no research study to date has investigated neural underpinnings of anxiety‐induced freezing of gait.

Objective

Here, we aimed to investigate how anxiety‐inducing contexts might “set the stage for freezing,” through the ascending arousal system, by examining an anxiety‐inducing virtual reality gait paradigm inside functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

We used a virtual reality gait paradigm that has been validated to elicit anxiety by having participants navigate a virtual plank, while simultaneously collecting task‐based fMRI from individuals with idiopathic PD with confirmed freezing of gait.

Results

First, we established that the threatening condition provoked more freezing when compared to the non‐threatening condition. By using a dynamic connectivity analysis, we identified patterns of increased “cross‐talk” within and between motor, limbic, and cognitive networks in the threatening conditions. We established that the threatening condition was associated with heightened network integration. We confirmed the sympathetic nature of this phenomenon by demonstrating an increase in pupil dilation during the anxiety‐inducing condition of the virtual reality gait paradigm in a secondary experiment.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our findings represent a neurobiological mechanistic pathway through which heightened sympathetic arousal related to anxiety could foster increased “cross‐talk” between distributed cortical networks that ultimately manifest as paroxysmal episodes of freezing of gait. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Augmented reality surgical navigation system based on the spatial drift compensation method for glioma resection surgery
Authors: Zhou Zeyang , Yang Zhiyong , Jiang Shan , Zhuo Jie , Zhu Tao , Ma Shixing
Published: April 2022

Background

The number of patients who suffer from glioma has been increasing, and this malignancy is a serious threat to human health. The mainstream treatment for glioma is surgical resection; therefore, accurate resection can improve postoperative patient recovery.

Purpose

Many studies have investigated surgical navigation guided by mixed reality, with good outcomes. However, the limitations of mixed reality, such as spatial drift caused by environmental changes, limit its clinical application. Therefore, we present a mixed reality surgical navigation system for glioma resection. Preoperative information can be fused precisely with the real patient with the spatial compensation method to achieve clinically suitable accuracy.

Methods

A head‐mounted device was used to display virtual information, and a markerless spatial registration method was applied to precisely align the virtual anatomy with the real patient preoperatively. High‐accuracy preoperative and intraoperative movement and spatial drift compensation methods were used to increase the positional accuracy of the mixed reality‐guided glioma resection system when the patient's head is fixed to the bed frame. Several experiments were designed to validate the accuracy and efficacy of this system.

Results

Phantom experiments were performed to test the efficacy and accuracy of this system under ideal conditions, and clinical tests were conducted to assess the performance of this system in clinical application. The accuracy of spatial registration was 1.18 mm in the phantom experiments and 1.86 mm in the clinical application.

Conclusions

Herein, we present a mixed reality‐based multimodality‐fused surgical navigation system for assisting surgeons in intuitively identifying the glioma boundary intraoperatively. The experimental results indicate that this system has suitable accuracy and efficacy for clinical usage.
General orientation transform for the estimation of fiber orientations in white matter tissues
Authors: Shi Diwei , Li Sisi , Chen Li , Li Xuesong , Guo Hua , Zheng Quanshui
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The orientation distribution function (ODF), which is obtained from the radial integral of the probability density function weighted by ( is the radial length), has been used to estimate fiber orientations of white matter tissues. Currently, there is no general expression of the ODF that is suitable for any n value in the HARDI methods.

Theory and methods

A novel methodology is proposed to calculate the ODF for any through the Taylor series expansion and a generalized expression for is provided. Then a series of single‐shell HARDI methods, termed the general orientation transform (GOT), is developed based on the obtained expression. By combining complementary GOTs, a composite estimator is obtained and further optimized via constrained optimization to take full advantage of individual merits. The final optimized HARDI method is termed the combined GOT with constrained optimization (coGOT). The proposed method is compared with other commonly used HARDI methods on the simulated data, the physical phantom data, the ISMRM 2015 Tractography challenge data, and in vivo HCP datasets.

Results

coGOT can resolve crossing fibers with higher resolution, performs better robustness, generates fewer spurious lobes in glyphs, and thus provides distinct improvement in the tractography. The evaluations show coGOT's superior capability in reconstructing the fiber orientations from dMRI signals.

Conclusions

Generalization of the ODF allows us to obtain a wide range of HARDI estimators to select suitable candidates for composite formulation. The optimized estimator coGOT has great potential for studying neural architecture and serving as fiber tracking tools.
Direct functionalization of cell‐adhesion promoters to hydrogel microparticles synthesized by stop‐flow lithography
Authors: Jang Wookyoung , Kim Do Yeon , Mun Seok Joon , Choi Jun Hee , Roh Yoon Ho , Bong Ki Wan
Published: April 2022

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel microparticles generated via stop‐flow lithography can be utilized for efficient microparticle‐based cell culture processes because of their high biocompatibility, the molecular diffusion capability in the gel structure, and the tunability of their shape and size. However, the typical functionalization process of PEG microparticles with cell‐adhesion promoters has inevitable limitations, requiring additional linker molecules and the preconjugation of linkers to cell‐adhesion promoters and microparticles. In this study, a simple and direct cell‐adhesion promoter functionalization process of the PEG microparticles is presented by use of aza‐Michael reaction between remnant unreacted acrylate groups in particles and amine groups in cell‐adhesion promoters. On the basis of proposed process, particles are directly conjugated with poly‐l‐lysine (PLL), a typical cell‐adhesion promoter that can electrostatically interact with cellular membranes, in a controllable manner. We demonstrate enhanced cell‐adhesion capabilities of the particles along with the increased amount of conjugated PLL in the particles. Furthermore, to validate extended applicability, the particles are directly conjugated with Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser (GRGDS) peptides, in which RGD sequence is involved in the cell‐adhesion behavior of extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. The introduced GRGDS peptides increase the cell‐adhesion capacity of the microparticles binding to integrin proteins in cellular membranes.
Effects of thermosyphons on the thermal regime and stability of cast‐in‐place piles in permafrost regions on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: You Yanhui , Yu Qihao , Wang Xinbin , Guo Lei , Chen Kun , Wu Qingbai
Published: April 2022

The thermal effects of cast‐in‐place piles on the surrounding permafrost frequently induce deformation or failure of piles in permafrost regions. Because piles are directly inserted into the permafrost layer, the thermal disturbance of the piles is more straightforward than that of road embankments to the permafrost. Thermosyphons have proven to be effective in stabilizing the embankments of highways and railways in permafrost regions. However, the effects of thermosyphons on the thermal regime and stability of the cast‐in‐place piles remain unclear. The foundation soils of most piles in permafrost regions along the Qinghai‐Tibet Power Transmission Line were cooled by thermosyphons, and the results of a 7‐year‐period monitoring of ground temperature and deformation of a pile are presented in this paper. The results showed that the extent of thawed permafrost during the installation of the pile extended more than 5 m away from the pile. Thermosyphons shortened the refreezing time by more than 2 months. Thermosyphons cooled the surrounding permafrost to temperatures below the ambient ground temperature at the end of the cold seasons, and the temperature difference lasted until the end of the warm seasons owing to cold reserves formed in the cold season. The thermosyphons mitigated the thermal effects of the concrete pile owing to their higher thermal conductivity. Thermosyphons also significantly decreased the rate of active layer thickening around the pile compared to that observed in a natural field under a warming climate. Generally, thermosyphons stabilized the piles during the observation period by cooling the permafrost around the pile and producing a greater adfreeze force to counteract the frost heave force and subsequently support the tower. Additional thermosyphons or insulation measures may be necessary to ensure the long‐term stability of piles, considering a faster degradation of the ambient permafrost than expected. The results may provide insights into the design and maintenance of cast‐in‐place piles in warm permafrost regions.
Identification of a unique three‐component sex pheromone produced by the tea black tussock moth, Dasychira baibarana (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lymantriinae)
Authors: Magsi Fida Hussain , Li Zhaoqun , Cai Xiaoming , Yamamoto Masanobu , Bian Lei , Zhao Yingjie , Zhou Li , Xiu Chunli , Fu Nanxia , Ando Tetsu , Luo Zongxiu , Chen Zongmao
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

The tea black tussock moth Dasychira baibarana Matsumura is a devastating pest in tea plantations that causes substantial economic losses. Presently, there is no effective method to control this pest other than pesticide application. The identified sex pheromone of D. baibarana could be used for detecting and monitoring this pest.

RESULTS

Gas chromatography–electroantennogram detection showed that D. baibarana male moth antennae responded strongly to three components in the female sex pheromone gland, which were identified as: (3Z,6Z)‐cis‐9,10‐epoxyhenicosa‐3,6‐diene (Z3,Z6,epo9‐21:H) (I), (3Z,6Z,11E)‐cis‐9,10‐epoxyhenicosa‐3,6,11‐triene (Z3,Z6,epo9,E11‐21:H) (II) and (3Z,6Z)‐henicosa‐3,6‐dien‐11‐one (Z3,Z6‐21:11‐one) (III). Dasychira baibarana uses a unique composition of an epoxydiene, epoxytriene, and dienone with the same 3,6‐dienyl motif as its sex pheromone. The epoxytriene and dienone were not previously characterized as insect pheromone components. Electroantennogram analysis showed that each synthetic compound strongly stimulated male antennae, and compounds II and III elicited stronger responses than compound I. A wind tunnel bioassay and field trapping experiments proved that, ternary blends of compounds I–III attracted D. baibarana. Efficient attraction was achieved with a rubber septum baited with 500 μg of a mixture of compounds I–III at the ratio 25:20:55.

CONCLUSION

The three identified compounds elicited an electroantennogram response in D. baibarana male moth antennae, and a mixture of the three components at the ratio 25:20:55 attracted D. baibarana male moths in a wind tunnel assay and field trapping experiments. This blend could be used for integrated management of D. baibarana in tea plantations. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The importance of reclassification to understanding urban growth: A demographic decomposition of the United States, 1990–2010
Authors: Jiang Leiwen , Jones Bryan , Balk Deborah , O'Neill Brian C.
Published: April 2022

An improved understanding of reclassification as a sociodemographic component of urban growth is important for urban planning and sustainable development. However, empirical assessments of the effect of reclassification on urban population dynamics are lacking, especially in countries in the later stage of the urban transition. Using recently available data on spatial reclassification of rural and urban land areas and population, and adopting multiregional demographic methods, we explicitly examine the effects of reclassification, natural growth and rural–urban migration on urban growth in the United States for the intercensal periods of 1990–2000 and 2000–2010. Results suggest that reclassification played a significant role in U.S. urban population change but its magnitude depends on assumptions about the timing of reclassification. The net effect of reclassification on urban change is the largest when reclassification is assumed to occur at the end, and the smallest when assumed to occur at the beginning, of the decennial census periods. While the impact of natural growth on U.S. urban population change is relatively stable, there is significant uncertainty in the effects of reclassification and rural–urban migration. Additionally, international migration is a key source of urban growth in the United States. We find that the places reclassified from rural to urban or from urban to rural experienced the largest changes in population sizes and age composition.
Influences of origin and destination on migrant fertility in Europe
Authors: Mussino Eleonora , Cantalini Stefano
Published: April 2022

The current study examines the quantum of childbearing of migrants from low‐fertility contexts (Poland and Romania) at multiple destinations (Italy and the United Kingdom), and compares them to stayers at origin and to nonmigrants at destination, combining the multiorigin/multidestination approach with the ‘context‐of‐origin’ perspective. Using data from the Labour Force Surveys (2009–2015) and adopting a gender and a couple perspective, we show that Polish and Romanian women have fewer children than nonmigrants at destinations. Romanian migrant women and men have a fertility similar to that of stayers at the origin, especially in United Kingdom, suggesting a socialization pattern for this group. Our findings also suggest the presence of the disruption mechanism for migrants, mainly in the short term, combined with a ‘catch‐up’ in the long run explained by family reunification, primarily in Italy. However, the ‘catch‐up’ over time of residence is found to be slower compared to previous studies. Finally, we find selection into migration and into different destination play an important role.
Formation control for discrete‐time heterogeneous multi‐agent systems
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Fuyong , Chen Zengqiang , Liu Zhongxin
Published: April 2022

In this article, the formation control problem is investigated for a class of general first/second‐order discrete‐time heterogeneous multi‐agent systems. Under directed connected topology, a novel formation control protocol is designed by using the relative local information among heterogeneous agents and the formation information in the desired formation. For the discrete‐time heterogeneous multi‐agent systems, some sufficient conditions are derived for reaching the desired formation. If the considered system has the same number of first‐order and second‐order agents, some necessary and sufficient conditions are also obtained by utilizing the bilinear transformation method. Finally, two numerical examples are proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of the obtained results.
Exploring racial equity in the science education journal review process
Authors: Nkrumah Tara , Mutegi Jomo W.
Published: April 2022

Across a broad range of disciplines, research has found that inequity is systemic in the journal review process. Collectively, however, this study does not specifically examine racial inequity. Moreover, literature on the peer review process in science education, in particular, does not foreground equity as a subject of study. The present study aims to address this void by examining racial equity in the peer review process with a specific focus on journals in science education. Data are collected from lead editors of major science education journals through the form of interviews, focus groups, and critical arts‐based methods. The two research questions driving data collection are (a) In what ways does the science education journal peer review process promote racial equity? and (b) How are science education journal editors’ perceptions of racial inequity reflected in the peer review process? McNair and colleagues’ racial equity framework informs the explorations of journal review in science education from the lead editors’ perspectives. From our findings, we offer four suggestions for moving toward greater racial equity in the science education peer review process.
Slow Hole Transfer Kinetics Lead to High Blend Photoluminescence of Unfused A–D–A′–D–A‐Type Acceptors with Unfavorable Highest Occupied Molecular Orbitals Offset
Authors: Zou Xinhui , Yu Han , Qi Zhenyu , Liu Bin , Xing Zengshan , Chan Christopher C. S. , Chow Philip C. Y. , Pan Ding , Yan He , Wong Kam Sing
Published: April 2022

Nonfullerene organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with small energetic offset between donor and acceptor can provide a much‐reduced voltage loss and power conversion efficiencies over 18%, challenging the previous understanding of the charge generation mechanisms. Herein, a study is presented on nonfullerene OPVs with negative energetic offsets, by investigating a model system which exhibits poor photoluminescence quenching (PLQ, ≈17%) yet reasonably high external quantum efficiency (EQE, ≈50%). It is found that the discrepancy between the poor PLQ and relatively high EQE is dependent on the measurement conditions, namely, short or open circuit, under which the devices exhibit differences in charge generation. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows surprisingly slow hole transfer on nanosecond timescale. It is revealed that the poor PLQ/high radiative recombination originates from an increased back transfer from free carriers to the singlet excitons under open circuit. It is made possible by the slow charge‐transfer (CT) kinetics, long‐lived CT states, and emissive excitons. Despite the negative offset, the charge generation can be relatively efficient under short circuit. The results suggest that the PLQ under open circuit is not necessarily a good indicator of charge separation efficiency and provide new insight to efficient charge generation of OPVs with unfavorable energy offsets.
Isolated cutaneous transmissible venereal tumour in dogs
Authors: da Silva Fernanda Moreira , Degani Viviane Alexandre Nunes , de Alencar Nayro Xavier , Maués Tábata , Silveira João Marcelo Silva
Published: April 2022

Two mixed breed dogs of 4 and 8 years old presented one cutaneous tumour each in the forelimb and lateral of the thorax. A cytopathological examination was performed and a transmissible venereal tumour was diagnosed. Six cycles of chemotherapy with vincristine sulphate at a dose of 0.75 mg/m2 were given, resulting in a complete remission. The most common clinical presentation of transmissible venereal tumour in dogs is in vulva/vagina and penis/prepuce. Therefore, this case report draws attention for an extragenital presentation of this neoplasm, highlighting the importance of cytopathological examination for diagnosis, as well as in the definition of therapeutic approach and prognosis.
Seizures and prolonged recovery from general anaesthesia in a horse with guttural pouch mycosis undergoing bilateral arterial coil embolisation
Authors: Henze Inken Sabine , Wiederkehr Alexandra , Schwarz Andrea , Ranninger Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

An 11‐year‐old Holstein mare was referred after profuse bilateral epistaxis due to fungal plaques. Clinical evaluation was unremarkable except for mild tachycardia. General anaesthesia was induced for coil embolisation of the left internal carotid artery, right external carotid and maxillary arteries. Under anaesthesia, cardiorespiratory stability was ensured, and six coils were deployed under fluoroscopy, whereas three previously deployed coils were found. During recovery from anaesthesia, generalised seizures, fast horizontal nystagmus and a breath‐holding breathing pattern were evident. Diazepam and medetomidine were administered, but the seizures resumed shortly after. After the administration of hypertonic saline solution and hydrocortisone, the seizures ceased. However, the horse remained unresponsive for 3 hours despite supportive care consisting of oxygen, glucose, fluid therapy and warming. Although a poor prognosis was presumed, the horse recovered after one attempt, 180 minutes after isoflurane cessation. The present case report highlights the importance of adequate support during recovery from anaesthesia.