bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OMIP‐105: A 30‐color full‐spectrum flow cytometry panel to characterize the immune cell landscape in spleen and tumor within a syngeneic MC‐38 murine colon carcinoma model
Authors: DeNiro Gabriel , Que Kathryn , Fujimoto Trevor , Koo Soo Min , Schneider Bridget , Mukhopadhyay Anandaroop , Kim Jeong , Sawant Anandi , Nguyen Tuan Andrew
Published: August 2024

This panel was designed to characterize the immune cell landscape in the mouse tumor microenvironment as well as mouse lymphoid tissues (e.g., spleen). As an example, using the MC‐38 mouse syngeneic tumor model, we demonstrated that we could measure the frequency and characterize the functional status of CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, regulatory T cells, NK cells, B cells, macrophages, granulocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cells. This panel is especially useful for understanding the immune landscape in “cold” preclinical tumor models with very low immune cell infiltration and for investigating how therapeutic treatments may modulate the immune landscape.
Multi‐cohort survival of northern red oak seedlings at a northern hardwood forest transition
Authors: Cleavitt Natalie L. , Battles John J. , Matthes Jaclyn Hatala , Wentzell‐Brehme Sage
Published: August 2024

Global change has created less stable forest systems and given urgency to understanding limitations to the establishment of tree seedlings beyond current range boundaries. We quantified trends in 13 years of annual northern red oak (QURU) seedling survival data for 1733 marked individuals at a local species distribution boundary within the northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, USA. Over the study period, the median distance of seedlings into the valley did not change, although there was a net gain of 89 plots (5 m2) occupied. For a subset of seedlings that were marked in their year of birth (N = 937), we examined relationships among terrain, vegetation community, and initial individual seedling traits, and evaluated their effects on time to seedling mortality using a parametric accelerated failure time model. The year of seedling germination had the largest effect on survival with increasing mortality rates for seedlings from more recent cohorts. Seedlings had longer survival times where oak seedling densities were lower, shrub cover was higher, and when the acorn remained attached. Additionally, survival time was increased in higher elevation plots, which were also located further into the valley. Interannual seedling survival (N = 1580) was strongly impacted by seedling condition in the previous year, particularly leaf number and amount of leaf damage. Most seedling deaths occurred over winter, and seedlings failed to break bud the following spring. Interannual variation in seasonal climate, particularly deep, heavy snowpack in 2019 followed by drought conditions in 2020, coincided with recent elevated mortality. Overall, the median survival time of 3–4 years and the rapid turnover of the oak seedling population currently limit ability for expansion, although the net gain of occupied plots and increase in survival at higher elevation plots with lower QURU densities present some mechanisms that could promote expansion if the current suboptimal understory conditions shift to favor QURU.
A High‐Performance Stretchable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Particles
Authors: Liu Jiawei , Wang Jinhui , Wang Yawen , Wu Zhilin , Sun Hongbiao , Yang Yan , Zhang Lisheng , Kou Xu , Li Pengyuan , Kang Wenbin , Wang Jiangxin
Published: August 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are emerging as new technologies to harvest electrical power from mechanical energy. With the distinctive working mechanism of triboelectric nanogenerators, they attract particular interest in healthcare monitoring, wearable electronics, and deformable energy harvesting, which raises the requirement for highly conformable devices with substantial energy outputs. Here, a simple, low‐cost strategy for fabricating stretchable triboelectric nanogenerators with ultra‐high electrical output is developed. The TENG is prepared using PTFE micron particles (PP‐TENG), contributing a different electrostatic induction process compared to TENG based on dielectric films, which was associated with the dynamics of particle motions in PP‐TENG. The generator achieved an impressive voltage output of 1000 V with a current of 25 μA over a contact area of 40 × 20 mm2. Additionally, the TENG exhibits excellent durability with a stretching strain of 500%, and the electrical output performance does not show any significant degradation even after 3000 cycles at a strain of 400%. The unique design of the device provides high conformability and can be used as a self‐powered sensor for human motion detection.
Influence of nano graphene filler on hardness, impact strength and density of glass epoxy composites
Authors: Mangisetty Srinivasaiah Aswathanarayan , Nagaraja Santhosh , Munipapanna Aswatha , Bellary Gopalakrishna Sumana , Krishnappa Manjunath , Hassan Venkataramaiah Harish
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the effects of graphene reinforcement on the hardness and impact strength of glass epoxy composites. Four different materials were examined: pure epoxy (EP), glass epoxy (GE), glass epoxy with 1 wt.% graphene (GE1), and glass epoxy with 2 wt.% graphene (GE2). The results show that the incorporation of graphene significantly enhances the hardness of the composites. Pure epoxy (EP) exhibited a Shore D hardness of 60 and an impact strength of 0.09 J/m2. The glass epoxy (GE) showed a reduction in hardness to 56 but an increased impact strength of 0.15 J/m2 due to the inclusion of 33 wt.% glass fiber. Further addition of graphene in GE1 and GE2 led to notable improvements in hardness, reaching 68 and 74 Shore D, respectively. However, the impact strength displayed a decrease with the inclusion of graphene, with GE1 and GE2 showing values of 0.13 and 0.11 J/m2, respectively. When transitioning from pure epoxy (EP) to glass epoxy (GE), there is a 6.67% decrease in hardness, while the impact strength increases by 66.67%. Introducing 1 wt.% of graphene to the glass epoxy (GE1) results in a 21.43% increase in hardness but a 13.33% decrease in impact strength. Further adding 2 wt.% of graphene (GE2) leads to an additional 8.82% increase in hardness, though the impact strength decreases by 15.38%. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis has revealed nano graphene presence and distribution, while fractography has revealed its effectiveness in enhancing interfacial adhesion and toughening mechanisms. Furthermore, XRD identifies potential changes in crystallinity or phase composition induced by nano graphene incorporation, further elucidating the composite's structure and properties. The study highlights the novel and significant trade‐offs encountered in optimizing the mechanical properties of epoxy‐based composites by incorporating graphene and glass fiber.
Anthropogenic and meteorological effects on the counts and sizes of moderate and extreme wildfires
Authors: Lawler Elizabeth S. , Shaby Benjamin A.
Published: August 2024

The growing frequency and size of wildfires across the US necessitates accurate quantitative assessment of evolving wildfire behavior to predict risk from future extreme wildfires. We build a joint model of wildfire counts and burned areas, regressing key model parameters on climate and demographic covariates. We use extended generalized Pareto distributions to model the full distribution of burned areas, capturing both moderate and extreme sizes, while leveraging extreme value theory to focus particularly on the right tail. We model wildfire counts with a zero‐inflated negative binomial model, and join the wildfire counts and burned areas sub‐models using a temporally‐varying shared random effect. Our model successfully captures the trends of wildfire counts and burned areas. By investigating the predictive power of different sets of covariates, we find that fire indices are better predictors of wildfire burned area behavior than individual climate covariates, whereas climate covariates are influential drivers of wildfire occurrence behavior.
Unlocking Biological Activity and Metabolomics Insights: Primary Screening of Cyanobacterial Biomass from a Tropical Reservoir
Authors: Médice Rhuana Valdetário , Arruda Renan Silva , Yoon Jaewon , Borges Ricardo Moreira , Noyma Natália Pessoa , Lürling Miquel , Crnkovic Camila Manoel , Marinho Marcelo Manzi , Pinto Ernani
Published: August 2024

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms can pose risks to ecosystems and human health worldwide due to their capacity to produce natural toxins. The potential dangers associated with numerous metabolites produced by cyanobacteria remain unknown. Only select classes of cyanopeptides have been extensively studied with the aim of yielding substantial evidence regarding their toxicity, resulting in their inclusion in risk management and water quality regulations. Information about exposure concentrations, co-occurrence, and toxic impacts of several cyanopeptides remains largely unexplored. We used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)-based metabolomic methods associated with chemometric tools (NP Analyst and Data Fusion-based Discovery), as well as an acute toxicity essay, in an innovative approach to evaluate the association of spectral signatures and biological activity from natural cyanobacterial biomass collected in a eutrophic reservoir in southeastern Brazil. Four classes of cyanopeptides were revealed through metabolomics: microcystins, microginins, aeruginosins, and cyanopeptolins. The bioinformatics tools showed high bioactivity correlation scores for compounds of the cyanopeptolin class (0.54), in addition to microcystins (0.54–0.58). These results emphasize the pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of the (eco)toxicological risks associated with different cyanopeptides, considering their potential for exposure. Our study also demonstrated that the combined use of LC–MS/MS-based metabolomics and chemometric techniques for ecotoxicological research can offer a time-efficient strategy for mapping compounds with potential toxicological risk. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2222–2231. © 2024 SETAC
Supplementary bird feeding as an overlooked contribution to local phosphorus cycles
Authors: Abraham Andrew J , Doughty Christopher E , Plummer Kate E , Duvall Ethan S
Published: August 2024

Supplementary feeding of garden birds and gamebirds is a common practice worldwide. Bird feed is rich in phosphorus (P), which plays a key role in animal health and ecosystem function. However, much of the P in bird feed originates from mined rock deposits, which is then transported thousands of kilometers to feeder stations, where it represents an external source of nutrients for recipient ecosystems. Here, we demonstrate that diffusion of P by birds and other animals from feeder stations to ecosystems can represent a nontrivial contribution to local biogeochemical cycles. Using the UK as a case study, we show that supplementary bird feeding supplies 2.4 (range: 1.9–3.0) gigagrams of P per year across the UK, a flux similar in magnitude to atmospheric deposition. Phosphorus provided to garden birds alone is equal to that supplied through the application of garden fertilizers. In natural and semi‐natural ecosystems, additional feeder‐derived P inputs may exacerbate eutrophication at the local scale and adversely impact biodiversity.
New forecasting methods for an old problem: Predicting 147 years of systemic financial crises
Authors: du Plessis Emile , Fritsche Ulrich
Published: August 2024

This paper develops new forecasting methods for an old and ongoing problem by employing 13 machine learning algorithms to study 147 years of systemic financial crises across 17 countries. Findings suggest that fixed capital formation is the most important variable. GDP per capita and consumer inflation have increased in prominence whereas debt‐to‐GDP, stock market, and consumption were dominant at the turn of the 20th century. A lag structure and rolling window both improve on optimized contemporaneous and individual country formats. Through a lag structure, banking sector predictors on average describe 28% of the variation in crisis prevalence, the real sector 64%, and the external sector 8%. Nearly half of all algorithms reach peak performance through a lag structure. As measured through AUC,
and Brier scores, top‐performing machine learning methods consistently produce high accuracy rates, with both random forests and gradient boosting in front with 77% correct forecasts, and consistently outperform traditional regression algorithms. Learning from other countries improves predictive strength, and non‐linear models generally deliver higher accuracy rates than linear models. Algorithms retaining all variables perform better than those minimizing the influence of variables.
Front Cover
Authors: Shigeyama Mayu , Nishio Naoki , Wada Akihisa , Mitani Sohei , Morimoto Gaku , Yokoi Sayaka , Mukoyama Nobuaki , Yokoi Mai , van Keulen Stan , Rosenthal Eben , Sone Michihiko
Published: August 2024

The cover image is based on the article Development of a plant‐based surgical training model for fluorescence‐guided cancer surgery by Mayu Shigeyama MD et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.27835.

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PD‐L1+ macrophage and tumor cell abundance and proximity to T cells in the pretreatment large B‐cell lymphoma microenvironment impact CD19 CAR‐T cell immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Hirayama Alexandre V. , Wright Jocelyn H. , Smythe Kimberly S. , Fiorenza Salvatore , Shaw Akira N. , Gauthier Jordan , Maloney David G. , Naresh Kikkeri N. , Yeung Cecilia C. S. , Turtle Cameron J.
Published: August 2024

CD19‐targeted chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) immunotherapy has transformed the management of relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma (LBCL), yet durable remissions are observed in less than half of treated patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key and understudied factor impacting CD19 CAR‐T therapy outcomes. Using NanoString nCounter transcriptome profiling (n = 24) and multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC, n = 15), we studied the TME in pretreatment biopsies from patients with LBCL undergoing CD19 CAR‐T therapy. Patients who achieved complete response (CR) after CAR‐T therapy demonstrated higher expression of genes associated with T‐cell trafficking and function, whereas those who did not achieve CR had higher expression of genes associated with macrophages and T‐cell dysfunction. Distinct patterns of immune infiltration and fibrosis in the TME were associated with CAR‐T therapy outcomes, and these findings were corroborated using artificial intelligence‐assisted image analyses. Patients who achieved CR had a lower proportion of the biopsy occupied by an interspersed immune infiltrate and a higher proportion of hypocellular/fibrotic regions. Furthermore, mIHC revealed lower density of CD4+ T cells and higher densities of both macrophages and tumor cells expressing PD‐L1 in non‐CR patients. Spatial analysis revealed that PD‐1+ T cells were in close proximity to PD‐L1+ macrophages or PD‐L1+ tumor cells in patients who did not compared to those who did achieve CR after CAR‐T therapy. These findings suggest that morphologic patterns in the TME and engagement of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis in pretreatment biopsies may impact CD19 CAR‐T immunotherapy response in patients with LBCL.
Impact of stretching and shrinking on the thermal profile and efficiency of a wet and porous longitudinal fin in motion subject to convection and radiation
Authors: Lalith Kumar S. , Nagaraja H. G. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: August 2024

We consider heat transfer with convection and radiation effect on a longitudinal wet and porous fin. The trapezoidal fin moving at a constant speed is subject to stretching and shrinking, and their influence on the fin's heat transfer rate and thermal distribution is investigated. The governing equation of the model mentioned above is nondimensionalized, and the resultant second‐order nonlinear boundary value problem is solved numerically using the Chebyshev collocation method and validated using the shooting technique. All the simulations are carried out using MATLAB software. The impact of the critical dimensionless parameters on the fin tip temperature, the thermal profile, and the base heat transfer rate are analyzed graphically. Fin efficiency is also computed, and the influence of the pertinent parameters on it is inferred. For a moving fin, the shrinking mechanism favors a faster base heat transfer, an uptick of about 9%, and the stretching fin enhances thermal distribution and efficiency by around 3% and 14%, respectively. The rise is further accelerated with the enhancement of the Peclet number. The fin tapering from that of a rectangular profile () helps achieve a faster heat transfer rate along the fin length, a gain of nearly 22%, when the fin taper ratio varies from 0 to 0.8.
Optimizing task‐analysis instruction: Effects of descriptions and pictures of antecedent stimuli and outcomes
Authors: Tyner Bryan C. , Floumanhaft Steven D. , Marin Ramon , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: August 2024

Little research has examined specific instructional variables that influence the development and effectiveness of task‐analysis instruction. We conducted two experiments using text‐based task analyses to teach college students to create single‐subject reversal design graphs. In Experiment 1, we tested the effects of presenting antecedent and outcome stimuli on graphing performance (accuracy, yield, time to completion). Different groups of participants experienced graphing tutorials with descriptions and pictures of (a) responses; (b) antecedent stimuli and responses; (c) responses and outcomes of correct responses; and (d) antecedent stimuli, responses, and outcomes. In Experiment 2, we compared tutorials with and without pictures. Collectively, the results suggest that graphing accuracy was positively affected by task analyses that included pictures and descriptions of antecedent stimuli and that adding outcome stimuli further benefited graphing accuracy. These results suggest critical instructional elements that should be included in future task analyses of graphing or other complex behavior chains.
Fast and order‐invariant inference in Bayesian VARs with nonparametric shocks
Authors: Huber Florian , Koop Gary
Published: August 2024

The shocks that hit macroeconomic models such as Vector Autoregressions (VARs) have the potential to be non‐Gaussian, exhibiting asymmetries and fat tails. This consideration motivates the VAR developed in this paper that uses a Dirichlet process mixture (DPM) to model the reduced‐form shocks. However, we do not follow the obvious strategy of simply modeling the VAR errors with a DPM as this would lead to computationally infeasible Bayesian inference in larger VARs and potentially a sensitivity to the way the variables are ordered in the VAR. Instead, we develop a particular additive error structure inspired by Bayesian nonparametric treatments of random effects in panel data models. We show that this leads to a model that allows for computationally fast and order‐invariant inference in large VARs with nonparametric shocks. Our empirical results with nonparametric VARs of various dimensions show that nonparametric treatment of the VAR errors often improves forecast accuracy and can be used to analyze the changing transmission of US monetary policy.
Investigating the anticancer properties of six benzothiazolopyrimidine derivatives on colon carcinoma cells, in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bakharzi Melika , Attar Elham , Garmabi Hossein , Esmaeili Abbas Ali , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Danehchin Maryam , Matin Maryam M.
Published: August 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Despite considerable improvements in the treatment of this cancer, further research to discover novel and more effective agents is ongoing. In this study, possible cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of six benzothiazolopyrimidine derivatives were studied. To assess the IC50 values of these agents, MTT assay was performed on HCT 116, CT26, and NIH/3T3 cells. Moreover, cell death mechanism induced by studied compounds was evaluated by PI/annexin V staining. Then, based on molecular docking results and in vitro experiments, the compounds with the highest anticancer properties were further analyzed in vivo in a mouse model of CRC. MTT results indicated that BTP(1) and BTP(4) had the highest selective cytotoxicity on colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry results demonstrated a considerable increase in the percentage of the early apoptotic cells in BTP(1)‐ and BTP(4)‐treated groups. In vivo studies confirmed the antitumor properties of the two compounds by a significant regression in tumor size of BTP(1)‐ and BTP(4)‐treated mice compared to control groups. Histopathological examination of tumor tissues showed an increased number of apoptotic cells in these two groups compared to the control animals. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin staining of the spleen and liver of treated mice did not exhibit considerable tissue damage. Thus, BTP(1) and BTP(4) can be considered promising agents in the treatment of colorectal cancer, although further experiments are required to assess their mechanism of action before their application in clinical studies.
Design and development of an azo dye‐based ultra‐sensitive chemosensor for the ubiquitous organic anion in aqueous solutions
Authors: Tavallali Hossein , Ostovar Mastaneh , Parhami Abolfath , Karimi Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2024

Oxalate plays a crucial role in various biological and industrial applications. Its involvement in diseases, drug‐ and toxin‐induced disorders, and disruption of industrial processes makes it a high‐priority chemical for the development of more precise, selective, and straightforward analytical methods. Herein, an innovative and efficient strategy for sequentially measuring Cu2+ and oxalate ions is reported. During an indicator displacement process, where Cu2+ and azo dye, ArsenazoIII (AAIII), are used as receiver and indicator, respectively, oxalate (C2O42−) is measured by a colorimetric method. Proof of concept results from UV–visible spectroscopy, naked eye, and signal reset of the indicator revealed a more robust interaction of the Cu2+ receptor with C2O42− than the AAIII indicator with high selectivity, good sensitivity, and lower detection limit(4.01 × 10−8 and 3.04 × 10−9mol L−1, for Cu2+ and C2O42−, respectively). The results of measuring C2O42− in actual samples (urine, mushrooms, and spinach) showed the applicability of the existing method. Most importantly, the colorimetric system based on molecular exchange in the indicator dislocation proceeding can serve as a colorimetric INHIBIT logic‐gate. It works like a molecular keypad lock system that can be controlled by two users with two different sets of chemical passwords (inputs) that can be identified through optical paths.
Liver dysfunction in adults with COVID‐19 infection: A longitudinal study with transient elastography evaluation
Authors: Rajaram Ruveena Bhavani , Jayaraman Thevaraajan , Khoo Xin‐Hui , Saravanaa Nalliah , Kukreja Anjanna , Johari Bushra Megat , Fareeda Muhammad Gowdh Nadia , Lee Wai‐Kin , Sooi Choong‐Yeong , Basri Sazali , Ng Rong‐Xiang , Ong Hang‐Cheng , Wong Pui‐Li , Syed Omar Sharifah Faridah , Mahadeva Sanjiv
Published: August 2024

Background and Aim

Abnormal liver biochemistry (ALB) is common among patients with COVID‐19 infection due to various factors. It is uncertain if it persists after the acute infection. We aimed to investigate this.

Methods

A multicenter study of adult patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 infection, with at least a single abnormal liver function test, was conducted. Detailed laboratory and imaging tests, including transabdominal ultrasound and FibroScan, were performed at assessment and at 6‐month follow‐up after hospital discharge.

Results

From an initial cohort of 1246 patients who were hospitalized, 731 (58.7%) had ALB. A total of 174/731 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria with the following characteristics: 48.9% patients had severe COVID‐19; 62.1% had chronic liver disease (CLD); and 56.9% had metabolic‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). ALB was predominantly of a mixed pattern (67.8%). Among those (55.2%) who had liver injury (aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase >3 times the upper limit of normal, or alkaline phosphatase/γ‐glutamyl transferase/bilirubin >2 times the upper limit of normal), a mixed pattern was similarly predominant. Approximately 52.3% had normalization of the liver lunction test in the 6‐month period post discharge. Patients with persistent ALB had significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI) and serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), higher rates of MAFLD and CLD, higher mean liver stiffness measurement and continuous attenuated parameter score on FibroScan, and higher rates of liver injury on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Approximately 47.7% of COVID‐19 patients were found to have persistent ALB up to 6 months following the acute infection, and it was associated with raised BMI, elevated serum LDL, increased rates of MAFLD and CLD, and higher rates of liver injury on univariate analysis, but not on multivariate analysis.
Selinexor in combination with dexamethasone with or without bortezomib in heavily pretreated multiple myeloma: A case series
Authors: Aung Nini , Bowers Margaret , Brearton Gillian , Charlton Andrew , Craig Joanne , Cullis Jonathan , Dang Ray , Donaldson David , Drake Mary , Hall Rachel , Parkins Elizabeth , Tighe Jane , Bygrave Ceri , Sheehy Oonagh
Published: August 2024

This report describes the characteristics and outcomes of 18 heavily pretreated patients with multiple myeloma (MM) who were subsequently treated with selinexor. This is a case series of 18 patients with MM who were treated with selinexor and dexamethasone (Sd) or selinexor, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (SVd) in 12 hospitals in the UK between 2019 and 2021. Eight patients received Sd and 10 patients received SVd. Patients received a median of five prior treatment lines, including immunomodulatory agents in 94% and proteasome inhibitors in 94%. Ten patients (55%) had triple‐class refractory disease. Six of the 12 evaluable patients achieved ≥partial response. The median progression‐free survival was 5.6 months, which was higher with SVd (5.7 months) than with Sd (2.1 months). The results support a treatment benefit of selinexor in heavily pretreated patients and support the notion that selinexor may overcome resistance to prior therapies, with no new safety concerns arising.
Real‐world outcomes of patients with relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma receiving second‐line therapy in England
Authors: Fox Christopher P. , Townsend William , Gribben John G. , Menne Tobias , Kalakonda Nagesh , Williams Paula , Toron Farah , Tyas Emma , Cooper Miranda , Rickards Joshua , Radford John
Published: August 2024

Autologous stem‐cell transplantation (ASCT) is standard therapy for relapsed/refractory large B‐cell lymphoma (R/R LBCL), but many patients are either ineligible or unable to receive it. This retrospective study characterized outcomes in R/R LBCL, delineated by eligibility for, and receipt of, ASCT. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and event‐free survival (EFS) for patients undergoing ASCT were 35.2 and 31.6 months (overall survival [OS] not reached). Median PFS, EFS, and OS were 4.3, 4.3, and 6.9 months for ineligible patients, and 2.7, 2.6, and 9.4 months for those eligible for but unable to receive ASCT. This highlights an unmet need for alternative therapies in patients unable to receive ASCT.
Acute myeloid leukemia presenting with hepatic dysfunction: Should induction be dose reduced?
Authors: Maharaj Satish , Chang Simone
Published: August 2024

The combination of de novo hepatic dysfunction and AML in a medically fit patient presents an unusual predicament. Cases present with obstructive jaundice and imaging typically shows diffuse hepatosplenomegaly, with some cases visualizing myeloid sarcomas causing biliary ductal dilatation. Guidelines for use of anthracyclines in hepatic dysfunction recommend dose reduction based on bilirubin blood levels, either to 50% or even omitting anthracycline. Randomized data however has shown that reduction of anthracycline in AML induction decreases overall survival and lowers remission rate. This case suggests, along withthe literature reviewed, that some medically fit patients with hepatic dysfunction benefit from and tolerate intensive induction therapy well without toxicity.
Peak vertical ground reaction force used to identify sub‐groups of individuals with differing biomechanical gait profiles post‐anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Collins Katherine , Lisee Caroline , Bjornsen Elizabeth , Armitano‐Lago Cortney , Buck Ashley , Büttner Christin , Blackburn Troy , Schwartz Todd A. , Favoreto Natália , Spang Jeffrey T. , Franz Jason R. , Pietrosimone Brian
Published: August 2024

Lesser peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) has been widely reported among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Peak vGRF remains less than uninjured controls and relatively stable during the first year following ACLR. However, it is unknown whether there are subgroups of individuals exhibiting consistently greater peak vGRF in the first 6‐months following ACLR and if individuals with consistently greater peak vGRF exhibit kinematic and kinetic gait differences compared to individuals with low vGRF. The purpose of this study was to determine if distinct clusters exist based upon magnitude of peak vGRF 2‐ and 6‐months post‐ACLR. Subsequently, we explored between cluster differences in vGRF, knee flexion angle, and sagittal and frontal plane knee kinetics throughout stance between clusters. Forty‐three individuals (58.1%female, 21.4 ± 4.4 years‐old, 95.3% patellar‐tendon autograft) completed five gait trials at their habitual walking speed 2‐ and 6‐months post‐ACLR. A single K‐means cluster analysis was used to identify clusters of individuals based on peak vGRF at 2‐ and 6‐months post‐ACLR. Functional waveform analyses were used to compare gait outcomes between clusters with and without controlling for gait speed and age. We identified two clusters that included a subgroup with high vGRF (n = 16) and low vGRF (n = 27). The cluster with high vGRF demonstrated greater vGRFs, knee flexion angles, and knee extension moments during early stance as compared to the low vGRF cluster 2‐ and 6‐months post‐ACLR. Individuals with peak vGRF ≥1.02 times body‐weight 2‐months post‐ACLR had 35.4 times greater odds of being assigned to the high vGRF cluster.
Current status and obstacles of narrowing yield gaps of four major crops
Authors: Zhang Wenmeng , Zou Yangfeng , Zhou Wulue , Li Cheng , Zuo Lijun , Miao Lijuan , Cui Xuefeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Maize, wheat, rice and soybean production are intimately linked to food security. Identifying the key factors affecting crop yields and determining the countries where increased irrigation and nitrogen application most effectively enhance yields are essential steps towards achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring food security. Identifying these areas is crucially dependent on yield gaps. However, the lack of comparability between different regions in current regional‐scale yield gap studies stems from varied methodologies. Moreover, global yield gap research, relying on statistical models and regression methods, tends to neglect the crop growth process. In this study, we used a random forest model, based on statistical and meteorological data, to pinpoint the key factors influencing crop yields. Subsequently, using unified yield data from the Inter‐Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP), derived from crop models simulations, we applied the yield gap method to calculate the potential yield increase for four crops across countries, under conditions of full irrigation and nitrogen application.

Results

Our research finds that nitrogen application is the main factor affecting yields globally, while irrigation plays a crucial role in the major producing countries. The countries with high potential for yield increases are located at the border between Africa and Eurasia. The global average yield of the four major crops increased 13.7–29.8% under full irrigation, 2.9–39.1% under full nitrogen application and 29.4–97.8% under both conditions.

Conclusion

This study provides crucial insights into global crop yield changes and their determinants, which are highly important for global sustainable agriculture and food security efforts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Pilot Study of Ultrasound Assessment of Umbilical Cord and Placental Vascular Flow for Cord Accident Stillbirth Prevention
Authors: Blue Nathan R. , Allshouse Amanda A. , Moyle Kimberly A. , Dimick Keisha , Silver Robert M.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Our objective was to determine the feasibility and interobserver reliability of umbilical cord and placental arteriolar flow assessment in low‐risk pregnancies near term.

Methods

This was a prospective pilot study in low‐risk pregnancies at 36 weeks with anterior placentas. We excluded any with an indication for antenatal testing or delivery before 39 weeks. Each participant underwent two ultrasounds by different examiners, which included arterial and venous velocimetry at three cord sites (fetal, free loop, and placental) in addition to maternal and fetal placental arterioles. The interobserver reliability was quantified using the Pearson correlation coefficient with that of standard clinical parameters serving as a benchmark for interpretation.

Results

Among 53 participants scanned at 356/7–371/7 weeks, the mean examination duration was 20.5 ± 4.2 minutes. Ascertainment success was high for measures at the free loop, placental cord insertion, and fetal placental arterioles (range 90.6%–99.1%) and was lower at the fetal cord insertion and maternal spiral arterioles (range 47.2%–87.7%). Interobserver reliability estimates for free‐loop systolic/diastolic and pulsatility index ranged from 0.38 to 0.44. Interobserver reliability for experimental parameters varied by measurement site, and all were poor at the fetal insertion and in placental arterioles. Parameters had significant variation across cord sites (range 4.3%–21.7%).

Conclusion

In our cohort, flow assessments of the free loop, placental insertion, and placental arterioles are feasible, but interrater reliability varies by measurement type and cord site. Future studies are needed to establish feasibility and reliability in nonanterior placentation and to assess clinical relevance.
Warming stimulates mangrove carbon sequestration in rising sea level at their northern limit: An in situ simulation
Authors: Qiao Peiyang , Dong Ying , Gu Xiaoxuan , Xu Lian , Li Mei , Chen Wandong , Lin Li , Ni Xiaopin , Chen Luzhen
Published: August 2024

Global warming and sea‐level rise are directly influencing the growth, distribution, and greenhouse gas emissions of mangrove forests. However, mangrove forests growing at their latitudinal limits are relatively susceptible to warming; nevertheless, few studies have focused on GHG emissions of latitudinal limits mangrove forests as related to global climate change. To address this knowledge gap, a multiyear in situ control experiment was established in a restored plantation at the northern distribution limit of Kandelia obovata, the most cold‐tolerant mangrove species in China, to simulate both warming and sea‐level rise. We investigated the growth patterns and sediment greenhouse gas emissions of a K. obovata population and identified the primary factors contributing to these changes. The results showed that warming and moderate sea‐level rise enhanced biomass by more than 18%, indicating that warming stimulated plant growth while excessive sea‐level rise inhibited it. The sediment greenhouse gas emissions ranged from 45.5 to 484.6 mgCO2 m−2 h−1, 5.6 to 590.3 μgCH4 m−2 h−1, and 11.4 to 385 μgN2O m−2 h−1, which increased with warming while decreased with sea‐level rise, acting as the net source of greenhouse gas emission. Our study predicted that sea‐level rise, while directly changing sediment properties, had combined effects with warming on these studied mangrove forests that were predicted to emit more greenhouse gases from sediments in the future. These findings indicated that K. obovata plantations within their latitudinal limits tend to accumulate more CO2 for biomass carbon storage under warming conditions, while stimulating sediment greenhouse gas emissions, which will offset their climate mitigating effect in future climatic scenarios.
Orthostatic Hypotension and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hiorth Ylva Hivand , Schulz Jörn , Pedersen Kenn Freddy , Tysnes Ole‐Bjørn , Alves Guido
Published: August 2024

Background

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common condition in Parkinson's disease (PD) with a possible link to cognitive decline.

Objective

The aim was to explore the association between OH and PD‐associated mild cognitive impairment (PD‐MCI) and dementia (PDD) over 9 years in a population‐based incident PD cohort.

Methods

We prospectively followed up patients from PD diagnosis with serial blood pressure measurements, clinical examinations, and neuropsychological assessments. We defined OH using (1) consensus‐based criteria and (2) clinically significant OH by mean arterial pressure (MAP) in standing position ≤75 mmHg. PD‐MCI and PDD were diagnosed according to acknowledged criteria. We applied generalized estimating equations models to investigate associations between OH measurements and cognitive impairment over time. Weibull accelerated failure time regression models were used to study if early OH (≤3 years of PD diagnosis) accelerates the time to incident PD‐MCI and PDD.

Results

Of 186 enrolled patients, consensus‐based OH affected 68.8%, clinically significant OH 33.9%, PD‐MCI 60.8%, and PDD 31.2%. Consensus‐based OH was associated with PD‐MCI (odds ratio [OR]: 2.04, 95% confidence interval: 1.44–2.90, P < 0.001), whereas clinically significant OH was associated with both PD‐MCI (OR: 1.95, 1.11–3.43, P = 0.020) and PDD (OR: 3.66, 1.95–6.86, P < 0.001). Early clinically significant OH, but not early consensus–based OH, reduced time to incident PD‐MCI by 54% (P = 0.021) and time to PDD by 44% (P = 0.003) independently of potential confounders, including supine hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions

MAP in standing position emerged as a stronger predictor of cognitive decline than OH determined using consensus‐based criteria. These findings have implications for both research and clinical practice.
Saugeye diets in southern reservoirs and insight for predatory control of stunted crappie
Authors: Carl Dray D. , Shoup Daniel E. , Ryswyk Ryan , Sager Cliff , Snow Richard
Published: August 2024

Objective

Saugeye (Sauger Sander canadensis × Walleye S. vitreus) have been introduced in reservoirs for several purposes, including as a top-down control to combat stunting in crappie Pomoxis spp. populations. However, no comprehensive diet evaluation has been completed in southern reservoirs. Our objectives were to assess variability in saugeye diet compositions, explore factors influencing crappie presence in saugeye diets, and investigate trends in prey size to inform management strategies regarding predatory control of crappie populations.

Methods

We collected 2638 saugeye diets from six Oklahoma reservoirs. We used permutational multivariate analysis of variance to test differences in diet compositions among saugeye lengths, study reservoirs, and seasons, and we used logistic regression models to correlate the presence of crappie in diets with saugeye size, season, crappie abundance, productivity, and turbidity. Finally, we used bivariate plots of diet indices and quantile regression to explore trends in prey importance and prey size relative to saugeye size.

Result

Saugeye diet compositions were best explained by saugeye size, followed by study reservoir and season. Saugeye exhibited an ontogenetic shift from Inland Silverside Menidia beryllina to shad Dorosoma spp., and crappie were eaten infrequently in comparison. The presence of crappie prey in diets was most correlated with saugeye size (primarily large saugeye), followed by higher crappie abundance, lower reservoir productivity, and season (highest in fall). Saugeye consumed larger prey than most piscivores relative to predator size.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that dominant prey of saugeye transitioned from smaller-bodied fishes to larger shad as they grew when both prey types were available, which may have implications for growth and recruitment. Ultimately, the low and variable use of crappie prey may lead to inconsistent predatory effects on crappie populations, and large saugeye may exert greater top-down pressure on crappie in lakes with lower productivity or higher crappie abundance.
Analytical solutions of combined vertical and torsional shear loading of a cylindrical cavity in undrained modified Cam‐Clay
Authors: Jiang Chong , Ma Yaolong , Pang Li , Chen Zhao
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an analytical solution for combined vertical and torsional shear loading of a cylindrical cavity in undrained modified Cam‐Clay. The governing partial differential equations for the cylindrical cavity are established in the polar coordinate. The problem is formulated as a set of first‐order differential equations by using the axisymmetric condition, equilibrium equations, and elastic‐plastic constitutive relationship. The influence of the second shear loading on the initial shear strain is considered in the plastic state. Then the stress‐strain distributions can be calculated by integrating within the elastic and plastic zones around the cavity. A finite element method simulation of the cavity under combined shear loading is established to verify the proposed approach, and the results are in good agreement with the proposed analytical solution. Parametric analyses are carried out on the effects of clay overconsolidation ratios and in situ stress coefficients under different loading paths and loading ratios. The results show that the combined shear loading on the cavity wall has a significant effect on the stress distribution of the surrounding soil, and the influence of the loading path cannot be neglected.
‘Never a Colony’?: Rethinking the Colonisation of Enga Province, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Golub Alex
Published: August 2024

This article examines the history of Enga Province, Papua New Guinea, from 1952 to 1975 in order to understand how pre‐colonial governance of the province laid the groundwork for the problems of weak governance that plagued Enga in the independence era. The most appropriate models to understand this issue, the article claims, come not from the comparative study of decolonised states such as those in Africa, but from the European experience of state formation. Drawing on these models, the article makes two arguments. First, that Enga was governed lightly and ineffectively in the colonial period because there was little Australia wanted to extract from Enga. Second, the structural situation remains largely the same today: governance in Enga is weak because there is little incentive for the national government to rule. Using Enga as a synecdoche for Papua New Guinea as a whole, this paper argues that we may best understand governance issues in Papua New Guinea using models and theories that emphasise the historical continuity between the pre‐ and post‐independence governments of the country.
Model‐based analysis of the influence of surface roughness on fatigue processes
Authors: Yan Sikang , Jawaid Arsalan , Kerscher Eberhard , Seewig Jörg , Müller Ralf
Published: August 2024

In the last decade, the phase field method was developed to simulate fatigue fracture processes. The biggest advantage of phase field modeling is its unified framework, in which the entire fracture evolution from nucleation to propagation is covered. Even though it is known that surface roughness has an essential impact on fatigue life, it has rarely been considered directly in phase field models for fatigue processes due to the required computational effort. In this work, we provide a simulation setup to incorporate roughness profiles into a phase field model for fatigue cracks. We have used a roughness model for our studies and also present initial results that show agreement between simulation and experiments.
Surface texture image classification of carbon/phenolic composites in extreme environments using deep learning
Authors: Shang Tong , Yang Jing , Ge Jingran , Ji Sudong , Li Maoyuan , Liang Jun
Published: August 2024

The classification of ablation images holds significant practical value in thermal protection structures, as it enables the assessment of heat and corrosion resistance of composites. This paper proposes an image‐based deep learning framework to identify the surface texture of carbon/phenolic composites ablative images. First, ablation experiments and collection of surface texture images of carbon/phenolic composites under different thermal environments were conducted in an electric arc wind tunnel. Then, a deep learning model based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) is developed for ablative image classification. The pre‐trained network is ultimately employed as the input for transfer learning. The network's feature extraction layer is trained using the ImageNet dataset, while the global average pooling addresses specific classification tasks. The test results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively classifies the relatively small surface texture dataset, enhances the classification performance of ablative surface texture with an accuracy of up to 97.6%, and exhibits robustness and generalization capabilities.

Highlights

The paper proposes a new deep learning classification method for ablative images.

A model highly sensitive to small and weak features is built.

Transfer learning and data enhancement techniques are introduced into classification.
UAV survey mapping of illegal deforestation in Madagascar
Authors: Williams Jenny
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery highlights the extent of illegal deforestation in protected areas for the biodiverse humid forest of central Madagascar. The ultra‐high‐resolution (<10‐cm pixel) images enable the creation of detailed forest 3D base maps and provide the means to quantify forest stand losses. To help communities safeguard their forests, local non‐governmental organisations can use UAV maps in combination with weekly deforestation alerts to facilitate an immediate on‐ground response that significantly restricts illegal activity. Integrating ultra‐high‐resolution UAV mapping and coarse‐resolution freely available satellite imagery should have much wider applications in Madagascar and the humid tropics for community‐based conservation.

This study of the Ambohimahamasina humid forest shows that small UAVs offer a detailed (<10‐cm pixel), rapid and cost‐effective solution to provide maps of detailed deforestation patterns not visible in satellite imagery.

Calculating forest extent and volume are valuable ways to rapidly assess forest losses and prioritise areas for ground patrols. The use of 3‐dimensional measurements for above ground carbon estimates indicate how, in the future, these metrics could be used to calculate carbon payments for conservation programs.

By combining UAV and free satellite imagery, an effective alert system has been developed that supports community initiatives in the protection of their natural forest resources.

The wealth of ultra‐high‐resolution UAV data collected in this study provides insights into forest dynamics, supports local community forest management, and has the potential to measure the value of the forest.