bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of dual‐band filtering phase shifter based on E‐network
Authors: Wu Yuezhi , Liu Guohua , Wang Mingyang , Zhou Jianwei , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: March 2024

This letter presents a design method for dual‐band filtering phase shifters, which is based on E‐type networks. The dual‐band filtering function and different predetermined phase shift values are realized by E‐type networks and two delay lines. The dual‐band bandwidth and frequency ratio can be adjusted. Moreover, the dual‐band phase‐shift bandwidth has been extended. Finally, a dual‐band filtering phase shifter with simple structure and good filtering characteristics is fabricated and measured, which can provide 90 ± 5° and 225 ± 5° phase shifts at 1.75–2.58 GHz and 4.38–5.78 GHz, respectively. All results exhibit a good agreement between the electromagnetic (EM) simulation and measurement results.
Self‐consistent transport simulation of boron dust particle injection in the peripheral plasma in Large Helical Device
Authors: Shoji M. , Kawamura G. , Smirnov R. , Tanaka Y. , Masuzaki S. , Nespoli F. , Gilson E. , Lunsford R.
Published: March 2024

The trajectories and the ablation positions of boron dust particles dropped from an impurity powder dropper in the peripheral plasma in the Large Helical Device (LHD) were calculated using a three‐dimensional edge plasma simulation code (EMC3‐EIRENE) and a dust transport simulation code (DUSTT). The simulation shows that the trajectory of the boron dust particles is deflected at the upper divertor leg due to the effect of the hydrogen plasma flow, and the ablation positions of the dust particles in an ergodic layer change toward the outboard side of the torus for higher plasma densities. The effect of the boron ion flow in the divertor leg on the deflection is investigated by coupling the two codes self‐consistently. The simulation predicts that the boron ions in the divertor leg, which are produced by sputtering on the divertor plates, which do not affect the change in the ablation positions. It also shows that the ablation positions move toward the inboard side and approach the Last Closed Flux Surface (LCFS) in case of increased boron dust drop rates, which is caused by the lowered plasma flow in the upper divertor leg due to the lowered electron temperature by radiation cooling by the dropped dust particles.
Unveiling lipid‐rich (“clear cell”) pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor: A small series of two cases with literature review
Authors: Xia Rong , Tang Laura H. , Shafizadeh Negin , Xue Yue , Liu Xiaoying
Published: March 2024

This study presents two cases of lipid‐rich pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), a rare variant posing significant diagnostic challenges in fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and small biopsies. The first case involves an elderly male with a pancreatic tumor, displaying distinct cytoplasmic vacuoles, while the second case is a middle‐aged male present with a pancreatic tail mass exhibiting foamy cytoplasm and eccentric nuclei, infiltrating in the stroma. Both cases did not exhibit typical morphologic features of PanNET but demonstrated cytomorphologic features and infiltrative growth patterns that mimicked adenocarcinoma. Further work‐up demonstrated that both tumors were immunoreactive for synaptophysin and chromogranin, and were interpreted as well‐differentiated, PanNET, lipid‐rich variant. The study highlights the overlapping morphological features between lipid‐rich PanNETs and other pancreatic neoplasms and underscores the importance of comprehensive cytological and immunohistochemical analysis for accurately diagnosing this variant, particularly due to the risk of misinterpreting it as pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Recognizing lipid‐rich PanNETs is crucial for appropriate clinical management, as their identification can significantly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes.
Biotic interactions in soil and dung shape parasite transmission in temperate ruminant systems: An integrative framework
Authors: Boughton Christopher J. , Lancaster Lesley T. , Morgan Eric R.
Published: March 2024

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites undergo part of their life cycle outside their host, such that developmental stages interact with the soil and dung fauna. These interactions are capable of affecting parasite transmission on pastures yet are generally ignored in current models, empirical studies and practical management. Dominant methods of parasite control, which rely on anthelmintic medications for livestock, are becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of drug‐resistant parasite populations. Furthermore, consumer and regulatory pressure on decreased chemical use in agriculture and the consequential disruption of biological processes in the dung through nontarget effects exacerbates issues with anthelmintic reliance. This presents a need for the application and enhancement of nature‐based solutions and biocontrol methods. However, successfully harnessing these options relies on advanced understanding of the ecological system and interacting effects among biotic factors and with immature parasite stages. Here, we develop a framework linking three key groups of dung and soil fauna—fungi, earthworms, and dung beetles—with each other and developmental stages of helminths parasitic in farmed cattle, sheep, and goats in temperate grazing systems. We populate this framework from existing published studies and highlight the interplay between faunal groups and documented ecological outcomes. Of 1756 papers addressing abiotic drivers of populations of these organisms and helminth parasites, only 112 considered interactions between taxa and 36 presented data on interactions between more than two taxonomic groups. Results suggest that fungi reduce parasite abundance and earthworms may enhance fungal communities, while competition between dung taxa may reduce their individual effect on parasite transmission. Dung beetles were found to impact fungal populations and parasite transmission variably, possibly tied to the prevailing climate within a specific ecological context. By exploring combinations of biotic factors, we consider how interactions between species may be fundamental to the ecological consequences of biocontrol strategies and nontarget impacts of anthelmintics on dung and soil fauna and how pasture management alterations to promote invertebrates might help limit parasite transmission. With further development and parameterization the framework could be applied quantitatively to guide, prioritize, and interpret hypothesis‐driven experiments and integrate biotic factors into established models of parasite transmission dynamics.
Common genetic factors for uncontrolled eating mechanisms
Authors: Mahlberg Justin , Giddens Emily , Tiego Jeggan , Bellgrove Mark , Fornito Alex , Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio
Published: March 2024

Objective

Reward‐based eating drives are putative mechanisms of uncontrolled eating implicated in obesity and disordered eating (e.g., binge eating). Uncovering the genetic and environmental contributions to reward‐related eating, and their genetic correlation with BMI, could shed light on key mechanisms underlying eating and weight‐related disorders.

Method

We conducted a classical twin study to examine how much variance in uncontrolled eating phenotypes and body mass index (BMI) was explained by genetic factors, and the extent that these phenotypes shared common genetic factors. 353 monozygotic twins and 128 dizygotic twins completed the Reward‐based Eating Drive 13 scale, which measures three distinct uncontrolled eating phenotypes (loss of control over eating, preoccupation with thoughts about food, and lack of satiety), and a demographic questionnaire which included height and weight for BMI calculation. We estimated additive genetic (A), common environmental (C), and unique environmental (E) factors for each phenotype, as well as their genetic correlations, with a multivariate ACE model. A common pathway model also estimated whether genetic variance in the uncontrolled eating phenotypes was better explained by a common latent uncontrolled eating factor.

Results

There were moderate genetic correlations between uncontrolled eating phenotypes and BMI (.26–.41). Variance from the uncontrolled eating phenotypes was also best explained by a common latent uncontrolled eating factor that was explained by additive genetic factors (52%).

Discussion

These results suggest that uncontrolled eating phenotypes are heritable traits that also share genetic variance with BMI. This has implications for understanding the cognitive mechanisms that underpin obesity and disordered eating.

Public Significance

Our study clarifies the degree to which uncontrolled eating phenotypes and BMI are influenced by shared genetics and shows that vulnerability to uncontrolled eating traits is impacted by common genetic factors.
DNA‐metabarcoding supports trophic flexibility and reveals new prey species for the Galapagos sea lion
Authors: Urquía Diego O. , Anslan Sten , Asadobay Pacarina , Moreira‐Mendieta Andrés , Vences Miguel , Chaves Jaime A. , Páez‐Rosas Diego
Published: March 2024

Tropical ecosystems are challenging for pinnipeds due to fluctuating food availability. According to previous research, the Galapagos sea lion (GSL, Zalophus wollebaeki) adopts trophic flexibility to face such conditions. However, this hypothesis comes from studies using traditional methods (hard‐parts analysis of scat and isotopic analysis from tissue). We studied the diet of five rookeries in the southeastern Galapagos bioregion (which harbors the highest GSL density), via DNA‐metabarcoding of scat samples. The DNA‐metabarcoding approach may identify consumed prey with a higher taxonomic resolution than isotopic analysis, while not depending on hard‐parts remaining through digestion. Our study included five different rookeries to look for evidence of trophic flexibility at the bioregional level. We detected 98 prey OTUs (124 scats), mostly assigned to bony‐fish taxa; we identified novel prey items, including a shark, rays, and several deep‐sea fish. Our data supported the trophic flexibility of GSL throughout the studied bioregion since different individuals from the same rookery consumed prey coming from different habitats and trophic levels. Significant diet differentiations were found among rookeries, particularly between Punta Pitt and Santa Fe. Punta Pitt rookery, with a more pronounced bathymetry and lower productivity, was distinguished by a high trophic level and consumption of a high proportion of deep‐sea prey; meanwhile, Santa Fe, located in more productive, shallow waters over the shelf, consumed a high proportion of epipelagic planktivorous fish. Geographic location and heterogeneous bathymetry of El Malecon, Española, and Floreana rookeries would allow the animals therein to access both, epipelagic prey over the shelf, and deep‐sea prey out of the shelf; this would lead to a higher prey richness and diet variability there. These findings provide evidence of GSL adopting a trophic flexibility to tune their diets to different ecological contexts. This strategy would be crucial for this endangered species to overcome the challenges faced in a habitat with fluctuating foraging conditions.
How much multiple paternity should we expect? A study of birds and contrast with mammals
Authors: Dobson F. Stephen , Correia Hannah E. , Abebe Ash
Published: March 2024

Parentage analyses via molecular markers have revealed multiple paternity within the broods of polytocous species, reshaping our understanding of animal behavior, ecology, and evolution. In a meta‐analysis of multiple paternity in bird and mammal species, we conducted a literature search and found 138 bird and 64 mammal populations with microsatellite DNA paternity results. Bird populations averaged 19.5% multiple paternity and mammals more than twice that level (46.1%). We used a Bayesian approach to construct a null model for how multiple paternity should behave at random among species, under the assumption that all mated males have equal likelihood of siring success, given mean brood size and mean number of sires. We compared the differences between the null model and the actual probabilities of multiple paternity. While a few bird populations fell close to the null model, most did not, averaging 34.0‐percentage points below null model predictions; mammals had an average probability of multiple paternity 13.6‐percentage points below the null model. Differences between bird and mammal species were also subjected to comparative phylogenetic analyses that generally confirmed our analyses that did not adjust for estimated historical relationships. Birds exhibited extremely low probabilities of multiple paternity, not only compared to mammals but also relative to other major animal taxa. The generally low probability of multiple paternity in birds might be produced by a variety of factors, including behaviors that reflect sexual selection (extreme mate guarding or unifocal female choice) and sperm competition (e.g., precedence effects favoring fertilization by early or late matings).
No effect of testosterone or sexual ornamentation on telomere dynamics: A case study and meta‐analyses
Authors: Taylor Gregory T. , McQueen Alexandra , Eastwood Justin R. , Dupoué Andréaz , Wong Bob B. M. , Verhulst Simon , Peters Anne
Published: March 2024

Life‐history theory predicts that reproductive investments are traded‐off against self‐maintenance. Telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, offer a promising avenue for assessing life‐history trade‐offs, as they shorten in response to stressors and are predictive of the remaining lifespan. In males, testosterone frequently mediates life‐history trade‐offs, in part, through its effects on sexual ornamentation, which is an important aspect of reproductive investment. However, studies of within‐individual associations between telomere dynamics and sexual ornamentation are limited in number and have produced mixed results. Furthermore, most such studies have been observational, making it difficult to discern the nature of any causal relationship. To address this, we used short‐acting testosterone implants in free‐living male superb fairy‐wrens (Malurus cyaneus) to stimulate the production of a sexual ornament: early moult into a costly blue breeding plumage. We found no evidence that elevated testosterone, and the consequent earlier moult into breeding plumage, accelerated telomere shortening. We therefore followed up with a systematic review and two meta‐analyses (28 studies, 54 effect sizes) exploring the associations between telomeres and (1) testosterone and (2) sexual ornamentation. In line with our experimental findings, neither meta‐analysis showed an overall correlation of testosterone or sexual ornamentation with telomere length or telomere dynamics. However, meta‐regression showed that experimental, compared to observational, studies reported greater evidence of trade‐offs. Our meta‐analyses highlight the need for further experimental studies to better understand potential responses of telomere length or telomere dynamics to testosterone or sexual ornamentation.
Hissing as part of threat display in the Australian Owlet‐nightjar Aegotheles cristatus
Authors: Fitzsimons James A.
Published: March 2024

Vocalisations of owlet‐nightjars Aegotheles sp. are poorly known, with the exception of the Australian Owlet‐nightjar A. cristatus. Among the vocalisations for the Australian Owlet‐nightjar, hissing has been described as part of threat display in three first‐hand early published reports (between 1848 and 1934). However, no reports of this behaviour have been published since 1934, despite a number of field studies on the breeding biology of the species, potentially casting doubt on the veracity of earlier reports. Here I describe an instance of hissing as part of a threat display (which also included flattening its body, with head up, swaying side to side and gape wide open) of an Australian Owlet‐nightjar cornered in a nest box. I compare my observations to the few published occurrences, pose questions as to the circumstances and conditions for this behaviour, review vocalisations of other owlet‐nightjar species and instances of hissing in Caprimulgiformes.
Collaboration as a policy instrument in public administration: Evidence from forest policy and governance
Authors: Bjärstig Therese , Johansson Johanna , Mancheva Irina , Sandström Camilla
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, collaboration has become a common policy instrument in public administration, both internationally and in Sweden. Inspired by scholarly literature on collaborative governance, the aim of this study is to analyze the crucial role of public administration in the design and implementation of collaborative governance. Drawing on several years of research on Swedish forest policy and governance, our work is based on extensive empirical material, including 88 semi‐structured interviews, observations, written comments from open public consultations and actors, enacted policy documents, open public hearings and a survey. Our results confirm that factors related to process design strongly affect the outputs and outcomes of collaboration in public administration. We assert that public officials should meticulously design and adapt the collaborative process during its initiation and progress, according to the policy problem and actors' incentives and motivations to participate. However, despite good intentions by public officials, the overarching priorities and contextual factors governing the policy area must be set by elected decision makers at an early stage to establish democratic accountability and high levels of policy legitimacy and acceptance. A major implication for public administration is that the increasing use of collaborative governance may be highly inefficient if it is difficult for participants to draft shared objectives and provide intended outputs because of low levels of trust, and different interpretations of knowledge and norms. Finally, in contentious policy areas, such as forest policy, political priorities must sometimes be set by elected decision makers rather than through collaborative processes.
Enhanced Red Emission of Na5Lu9F32: Eu3+ Single Crystal by Introducing of GdF3
Authors: Zou Zhengjuan , Fang Lizhi , Zhou Xiong , Xia Haiping , Song Hongwei , Chen Baojiu
Published: March 2024

The bulk Na5Lu9F32 single crystals with high quality serial Eu3+/Gd3+ co‐doped were grown by an ameliorative Bridgman technique. The measurement of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and analysis of Rietveld refinement were implemented to validate the crystal phase. The Eu3+ doped Na5Lu9F32 single crystal emits intense red emission at 611 nm excited by 394 nm light. The intensity of 1.8 mol % Gd3+ doped sample is boosted by 3.56 times compared with the un‐doped one. The doping of Gd3+ ions replace competitively Lu3+ lattice sites with Eu3+ ions. Thus, they cause the lattice distortion and reduction of symmetry, enabling Eu3+ ions to overcome their 4f forbidden transitions. The change of Eu3+ ion local environment induced by Gd3+ ion doping was explored by the Eu3+ emission spectra and the variations of ratios between red and orange emission intensities (R/O). The fluorescence lifetime indicates that the introduction of GdF3 decreases the probability of non‐radiative transitions and increases the fluorescence lifetime. These results demonstrated that the Na5Lu9F32: Eu3+ single crystal doped with an appropriate concentration of GdF3 is a type of promising red emission single crystal for related optical devices of detector and laser due to its strong red emission, high transparency and high physico‐chemical stability.
TBAI‐Catalyzed, TBHP‐Mediated Modular Three‐Component Cascade Towards Highly Functionalized Pyrrole via [3+2] Annulation
Authors: Gnanaoli Karthiyayini , Rajkumar Deepan Babu , Gopal Keerthana , Saritha B. , Maheswari C. Uma
Published: March 2024

A facile, one‐pot sequential synthesis of highly substituted pyrrole employing TBAI/TBHP has been developed from readily available precursors. β‐Enaminones generated in situ from β‐ketoesters and primary amines react sequentially with electron‐deficient alkynes via a radical pathway to form the penta‐substituted pyrroles in moderate to good yields. This strategy for the synthesis of highly functionalized pyrroles can be scaled up and shows tolerance to a variety of amines.
Comparative efficacy and safety of stiripentol, cannabidiol and fenfluramine as first‐line add‐on therapies for seizures in Dravet syndrome: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Chiron Catherine , Vandame Delphine , Linley Warren , Toward Toby
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Stiripentol, fenfluramine, and cannabidiol are licensed add‐on therapies to treat seizures in Dravet Syndrome (DS). There are no direct or indirect comparisons assessing their full licensed dose regimens, across different jurisdictions, as first‐line add‐on therapies in DS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and frequentist network meta‐analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trial (RCT) data for licensed add‐on DS therapies. We compared the proportions of patients experiencing: reductions from baseline in monthly convulsive seizure frequency (MCSF) of ≥50% (clinically meaningful), ≥75% (profound), and 100% (seizure‐free); serious adverse events (SAEs); discontinuations due to AEs.

Results

We identified relevant data from two placebo‐controlled RCTs for each drug. Stiripentol 50 mg/kg/day and fenfluramine 0.7 mg/kg/day had similar efficacy in achieving ≥50% (clinically meaningful) and ≥75% (profound) reductions from baseline in MCSF (absolute risk difference [RD] for stiripentol versus fenfluramine 1% [95% confidence interval: −20% to 22%; p = 0.93] and 6% [−15% to 27%; p = 0.59], respectively), and both were statistically superior (p < 0.05) to licensed dose regimens of cannabidiol (10 or 20 mg/kg/day, with/irrespective of clobazam) for these outcomes. Stiripentol was statistically superior in achieving seizure‐free intervals compared to fenfluramine (RD = 26% [CI: 8% to 44%; p < 0.01]) and licensed dose regimens of cannabidiol. There were no significant differences in the proportions of patients experiencing SAEs. The risk of discontinuations due to AEs was lower for stiripentol, although the stiripentol trials were shorter.

Significance

This NMA of RCT data indicates stiripentol, as a first‐line add‐on therapy in DS, is at least as effective as fenfluramine and both are more effective than cannabidiol in reducing convulsive seizures. No significant difference in the incidence of SAEs between the three add‐on agents was observed, but stiripentol may have a lower risk of discontinuations due to AEs. These results may inform clinical decision‐making and the continued development of guidelines for the treatment of people with DS.

Plain Language Summary

This study compared three drugs (stiripentol, fenfluramine, and cannabidiol) used alongside other medications for managing seizures in a severe type of epilepsy called DS. The study found that stiripentol and fenfluramine were similarly effective in reducing seizures and both were more effective than cannabidiol. Stiripentol was the best drug for stopping seizures completely based on the available clinical trial data. All three drugs had similar rates of serious side effects, but stiripentol had a lower chance of being stopped due to side effects. This information can help guide treatment choices for people with DS.
Islamophobia in higher education environments
Authors: Shaheen Musbah
Published: March 2024

Islamophobia is a reality facing Muslim college students daily on and off campus. In this chapter, I highlight Islamophobia in higher education environments and explore its structural and interactional manifestations. I provide practical recommendations to address institutional and interpersonal Islamophobia and specify how campus educators can work to respond to and prevent Islamophobic incidents. I also make policy recommendations to respond to the hostility toward Muslims in the national discourse. Finally, I outline future frontiers for higher education research, such as the need to account for the complexity of the Muslim identity and its intersections and the need to distinguish Islamophobia from Muslim appreciation through empirical measurement. Future directions in higher education should take on the responsibility of responding to Islamophobia and eradicating its hold on Muslim lives.

Practical Takeaways

Colleges and universities should critically examine their infrastructures and policies concerning accommodating the religious needs of Muslim students. Each campus should have an academic accommodations policy that specifies how students may go about requesting an accommodation for religious reasons. This policy should be explicitly stated in syllabi, websites, and orientation materials.

Institutional leadership should explicitly commit to countering religious‐based hate, including Islamophobia, through policies that condemn such forms of hate and outline specific means of responding to incidents when they occur. A proactive effort to counter hate on campus requires knowledge of the structures in place to utilize these resources when needed and to identify areas for improvement.

Educators should create programs and opportunities that promote interactions across religious, spiritual, and secular (RSS) identities and must offer the time, resources, and effort to support formalized campus activities that foreground interfaith engagement. Educators should proactively create spaces for these encounters and incorporate these opportunities into campus architecture and the required programming (e.g., orientation).

In the face of a national movement to eliminate, ban, or otherwise weaken diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) resources on college campuses, religious accommodations must be codified in both state and federal laws and guidelines to create consistency across states and a standard of how universities could actively work to create a welcoming environment for all.
Christian privilege and American higher education: A historical framing
Authors: Broadhurst Christopher
Published: March 2024

This introductory chapter provides a framing of non‐Christian students in higher education. It begins by providing data on the current contexts on the religious identities of college students. Additionally, the chapter examines the concept of Christian privilege and how religious discrimination is institutionalized in the organizational structures of higher education. Primarily, this chapter is a historical overview of the marginalization of non‐Christian students on colleges and universities. From the time the colleges and universities were founded, Christianity has been embedded in the function and mission of higher education. This has led to the continual marginalization of non‐Christian students throughout history. The chapter concludes with an overview of the volume.

Practical Takeaways

Non‐Christian students are increasing in numbers on campuses. Because of this, campus leaders must understand their unique needs and religious identities to create positive campus climates.

Christianity is embedded in the organizational structures of higher education. The academic calendar, curriculum, and dining options are tangible manifestations of Christian privilege.

This system of Chistian privilege can force non‐Christian students to experience feelings of powerlessness, exploitation, and marginalization that are similar to what other marginalized groups endure.

The current system that favors Christianity in higher education has a long history in American higher education and non‐Christian students have encountered outright discrimination and oppression since the beginning of the first colleges and universities.
Influence of Soret–Dufour on a magneto‐micropolar fluid over a porous stretching surface with a nonuniform heat source/sink
Authors: Suhasini R. , Srinivasa Raju R. , Anil Kumar M. , Dharmendar Reddy Y.
Published: March 2024

The goal of the current investigation is to ascertain the influence of Soret and Dufour on a magneto‐micropolar fluid past a permeable stretching surface with a nonuniform heat source/sink. Moreover, the investigation considers the influence of melting heat transfer, as well as the implications of velocity, thermal, and solutal slips. Numerical solutions to the basic governing equations are achieved using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg technique. The analysis of our results reveals several important findings. Enhancing the material parameter leads to an upsurge in the velocity profile, whereas the opposite trend exists for the boosting estimations of the magnetic parameter. Enhancing the Soret parameter leads to an improvement in the concentration profile while improving the Dufour factor results in an enhancement in the temperature distribution. These findings are critical for understanding the heat transfer over a stretching sheet, subject to different models and they encompass aspects such as temperature distribution, heat transfer rates, boundary layer characteristics, velocity profiles, and the potential for implementing heat transfer enhancement techniques. The findings of this current investigation are consistent with those that have been previously reported. Fluid dynamics, materials processing, cooling systems, and thermal systems are just a few of the real‐life domains that can benefit from understanding magneto‐micropolar fluid flow over a porous stretching surface with a nonuniform heat source–sink and incorporating Soret and Dufour effects.
Fusing remote sensing data with spatiotemporal in situ samples for red tide (Karenia brevis) detection
Authors: Fick Ronald , Medina Miles , Angelini Christine , Kaplan David , Gader Paul , He Wenchong , Jiang Zhe , Zheng Guangming
Published: March 2024

We present a novel method for detecting red tide (Karenia brevis) blooms off the west coast of Florida, driven by a neural network classifier that combines remote sensing data with spatiotemporally distributed in situ sample data. The network detects blooms over a 1-km grid, using seven ocean color features from the MODIS-Aqua satellite platform (2002–2021) and in situ sample data collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and its partners. Model performance was demonstrably enhanced by two key innovations: depth normalization of satellite features and encoding of an in situ feature. The satellite features were normalized to adjust for depth-dependent bottom reflection effects in shallow coastal waters. The in situ data were used to engineer a feature that contextualizes recent nearby ground truth of K. brevis concentrations through a K-nearest neighbor spatiotemporal proximity weighting scheme. A rigorous experimental comparison revealed that our model outperforms existing remote detection methods presented in the literature and applied in practice. This classifier has strong potential to be operationalized to support more efficient monitoring and mitigation of future blooms, more accurate communication about their spatial extent and distribution, and a deeper scientific understanding of bloom dynamics, transport, drivers, and impacts in the region. This approach also has the potential to be adapted for the detection of other algal blooms in coastal waters. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1432–1446. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

We developed a novel machine learning-based method for detecting red tide (Karenia brevis) blooms off the Florida Gulf Coast at a 1-km spatial resolution. We present a quantitative comparison of state-of-the-art satellite methods for detecting K. brevis. The use of both satellite data as well as recent in situ samples produces better model prediction than either individually.
Comparison of two 3D reconstruction models for understanding of complicated female pelvic tumors
Authors: Wei Miao , Meng Shenglan , Dai Fengqin , Xiao Lin , Mu Xiaoling , Tang Junying , Liu Yingwei
Published: March 2024

Objective

Three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructed models have been shown to improve visualization in complex female pelvic tumors. Cinematic rendering (CR) is a 3D imaging technique for computed tomography (CT) images, which creates more realistic images with the ability to enhance imaging of anatomical features for diagnosis.

This study was set up to compare two types of 3D models and to validate the use of 3D anatomical techniques for the diagnosis of complex female pelvic tumors.

Methods

The preclinical, randomized, two‐sequence crossover investigation was performed from December 2022 to January 2023 at First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Sixteen residents and 10 attending surgeons assessed the cases of 23 patients with two types of 3D model images. The surgeons were randomly assigned to two assessment sequences (CR‐3D model group and CT‐3D model group). For each case, participants selected one question that probed fundamental questions about the tumor's genesis throughout each assessment period. Following a 4‐week washout period, case assessments were transferred to the other image modality.

Results

The main result assessment was the accuracy of the answers. The time to answer the questions and the case assessment questionnaire was added as a secondary outcome.

The mean scores in the CR‐3D models (19.35 ± 1.87) varied significantly from those in the CT‐CR group (16.77 ± 1.8) (P < 0.001), and solving the questions in the CT‐3D model sequence (41.96 ± 6.31 s) varied significantly from that in the CR‐3D model sequence (52.88 ± 5.95 s) (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that there were statistically significant variations in the scores of female reproductive tumors, pelvic tumors other than the reproductive system, and retroperitoneal tumors (P = 0.005). Analysis of the assessment questionnaire showed that more surgeons choose CR 3D reconstruction (8.31 ± 0.76 vs 7.15 ± 1.19, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results suggest that each 3D reconstruction method has its own advantages. Surgeons feel that CR reconstruction models are a useful technique that can improve their comprehension of complex pelvic tumors, while traditional 3D models have an advantage in terms of speed to diagnosis.
Can System Inflammation Response Index or Systemic Immune Inflammation Index predict gestational diabetes mellitus in the first trimester? A prospective observational study
Authors: Yildiz Esra Gulen , Tanacan Atakan , Okutucu Gulcan , Bastemur Ayse Gulcin , Ipek Goksun , Sahin Dilek
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate System Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII), which are the inflammatory indices, for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the first trimester.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary center from April 2023 to September 2023. Ninety‐four pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 107 healthy pregnant women were included. The two groups were compared according to first‐trimester SIRI and SII values. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut‐off levels of SII and SIRI in predicting GDM.

Results

Significantly higher first‐trimester SII and SIRI values were present in the gestational diabetes group (P < 0.001). Optimal cut‐off values in the prediction of gestational diabetes were found to be 1.58 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71, 67% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64–0.78, P < 0.001) and 875 (AUC 0.70, 66% sensitivity, 65% specificity, 95% CI 0.63–0.77, P < 0.001) for SIRI and SII, respectively. Neutrophil counts, mean platelet volume (MPW), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and red cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly higher in the GDM group (P < 0.001, P = 0.02, P = 0.01, P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Novel inflammatory indices SII and SIRI may be useful in the prediction of GDM in the first trimester, but their utility in the prediction of insulin requirement is questionable. They may be used as additional tools in routine clinical practice.
Breast Milk Excretion of Dinalbuphine Sebacate Injection Administered After Cesarean Section
Authors: Tang Sung‐Ling , Wang Kai‐Yi , Hsiao Wen‐Kai , Lin Chi‐Kang
Published: March 2024

Ensuring the safety of analgesics during lactation is crucial for women of childbearing potential. Available data regarding the transfer of nalbuphine for postoperative acute pain via breast milk are limited to the postmarketing experience. This lactation study aimed to assess nalbuphine and dinalbuphine sebacate concentrations in breast milk from lactating women with postoperative pain treated with dinalbuphine sebacate extended‐release injection (150 mg dinalbuphine sebacate/2 mL Naldebain). Breast milk was collected throughout the 5‐day posthospitalization interval from 20 mothers injected with one dose of extended‐release dinalbuphine sebacate intramuscularly. Maternal safety was assessed during the study period. Nalbuphine was detectable in 71% of milk samples collected from all mothers, whereas dinalbuphine sebacate was undetectable or below the quantitation limit (0.1 ng/mL). The mean nalbuphine concentration in milk was approximately 10.55 ng/mL, with the peak concentration reaching up to 12.7 ng/mL. The mean relative infant dose was 0.39% (coefficient of variation, 65%). The mean pain intensity at rest was reduced to mild pain from Day 2 morning to discharge. Overall, the maternal safety profile was tolerable. The breast milk of women who receive one dose of dinalbuphine sebacate injection postpartum contains low nalbuphine concentration. In addition, dinalbuphine sebacate injection potentially reduces maternal pain intensity during the first postpartum week and offers low toxicity risk among breastfed infants.
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on pain crisis and acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell anemia: A retrospective multi‐cohort study based on US national data from 2020 to 2022
Authors: Alvarado Juan , Yerigeri Keval , Boakye Anita , Randolph Christina , Roy Aparna , Onimoe Grace
Published: March 2024

COVID‐19 infection has been a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, especially among those patients with chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified sickle cell disease (SCD) as a condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID‐19 infection.

A retrospective study was conducted using the TRiNetX health research network database to identify SCA patients ( HbSS, Sbeta‐thalassemia zero) who had SARS‐CoV‐2 infection over 2 years; these were compared with similar patients who did not have the infection in terms of demographics, pain control, and laboratory parameters

COVID‐19 illness impacts [ain crises and ACS, and prior vaccination against influenza and COVID‐19 may represent a protective factor for developing pain crises.
Prevalence and risk factors analysis of early postoperative arrhythmia after congenital heart surgery in pediatric patients
Authors: Yasa Ketut Putu , Katritama Arinda Agung , Harta I. Komang Adhi Parama , Sudarma I. Wayan
Published: March 2024

Background

Arrhythmia is one of the most common complications after cardiac surgery. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and analyze the risk factors of postoperative arrhythmia in pediatric patients after cardiac surgery for congenital heart defects (CHD) at a single center in Bali, Indonesia over 2 years period.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study, among 120 pediatric patients with CHD who underwent cardiac surgery, 92 patients met inclusion criteria in this study. The data were taken from medical records included demographic data, anthropometry, electrocardiography, surgical procedures, perioperative parameters, electrolyte levels, and management of postoperative arrhythmias.

Results

Among 92 patients, 14 (15.2%) developed postoperative arrhythmias. Complete heart block (CHB) the most common arrhythmia, observed in five patients (35.7%), followed by supraventricular tachycardia three patients (21.4%). There were statistically significant differences between arrhythmia and nonarrhythmia groups for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration (171.23 vs. 108.01 min), aortic cross‐clamp duration (115.58 vs. 73.59 min), ischemia duration (106.33 vs. 65.43 min), and potassium level (3.33 vs. 3.88 mmol/L) with p < .05. Based on multivariate linear regression analysis, CPB time and potassium level were found to be independent risk factor.

Conclusions

Early postoperative arrhythmia observed 15.2% in this study, dominated by CHB. CPB duration, aortic cross‐clamping, ischemia time, and potassium level were statistically significantly different between arrhythmia and nonarrhythmia groups.
Johanson–Blizzard syndrome caused by novel UBR1 mutation in four Saudi patients
Authors: Noli Khalid , Aleysae Nabil , Alzahrani Ismail , Al‐Ghamdi Ahmed , Alkazmi Mohammed , Almasoudi Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Johanson–Blizzard syndrome (JBS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by Ubiquitin Protein Ligase E3 Component N‐Recognin1 (UBR1) gene mutations. It is characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, craniofacial deformities, sensorineural hearing loss, and a broad variety of intellectual disabilities. The aim of our study is to report four pediatric cases (three of which are siblings, and the fourth patient is unrelated) that presented some features of JBS. The cases have been confirmed by genetic testing to have mutations in the UBR1 gene. This case series study was conducted retrospectively, giving a detailed description of the demographic and clinical information of these four cases, and reflecting our experience with this subset of patients. All these cases have been treated at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and were identified by their clinical and laboratory markers that favor JBS. A novel homozygous missense mutation c.2075 T > C (p. lle692Thr) in exon 18 (UBR1: NM_174916.3) was identified and confirmed by Sanger sequencing in all our cases outlined in this paper. These presented cases illustrate the phenotypic variability and complexity of JBS and the importance of physical examination to reach a diagnosis. The identified novel mutation in this study broadens the spectrum of UBR1 mutations that contribute to JBS.
Land use data can improve the accuracy of carbon emission spatial inversion model
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Yanjing , Bai Yuping , Teng Yanmin , Zhan Jinyan
Published: March 2024

Investigating the spatial distribution and correlation characteristics of carbon emissions would be conducive to the policy formulation for precise carbon emission spatial reduction. Firstly, a new carbon emission spatial inversion model was developed, incorporating nighttime light data and land use data. After verifying the validity and accuracy of the inversion results, the continuous carbon emission spatial data in the Beijing‐Tianjin‐Hebei Urban Agglomeration (BTHUA) were acquired from 2000 to 2019. Then, the spatial distribution and correlation characteristics were further analyzed in the BTHUA. Finally, policy recommendations were proposed for carbon emission reduction and urban sustainable development. The results showed that the built model can improve the accuracy of the carbon emission spatial inversion data. The carbon emissions were low in the northwest and high in the southeast of the BTHUA, with a noticeable expansion of the high carbon emission contiguous areas around Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and other prefecture‐level cities, which was consistent with the socioeconomic development pattern. The center of gravity of carbon emissions moved to the southeast, showing a relatively stable distribution. The spatial correlation degree of carbon emissions among cities gradually increased, with Beijing and Tianjin playing a prominent role. As a scientific tool, the spatial inversion model helps to produce more accurate spatial data. The results and conclusions can provide useful and scientific references for spatial analysis and regulation strategies of regional carbon emission reduction.
A new framework for estimating abundance of animals using a network of cameras
Authors: Magneville Camille , Brissaud Capucine , Fleuré Valentine , Loiseau Nicolas , Claverie Thomas , Villéger Sébastien
Published: March 2024

While many ecology studies require estimations of species abundance, doing so for mobile animals in an accurate, non‐invasive manner remains a challenge. One popular stopgap method involves the use of remote video‐based surveys using several cameras, but abundance estimates derived from this method are computed with conservative metrics (e.g., maxN computed as the maximum number of individuals seen simultaneously on a single video). We propose a novel methodological framework based on a remote‐camera network characterized by known positions and non‐overlapping field‐of‐views. This approach involves a temporal synchronization of videos and a maximal speed estimate for studied species. Such a design allows computing a new abundance metric called Synchronized maxN (SmaxN). We provide a proof‐of‐concept of this approach with a network of nine remote underwater cameras that recorded fish for three periods of 1 h on a fringing reef in Mayotte (Western Indian Ocean). We found that abundance estimation with SmaxN yielded up to four times higher values than maxN among the six fish species studied. SmaxN performed better with an increasing number of cameras or longer recordings. We also found that using a network of synchronized cameras for a short time period performed better than using a few cameras for a long duration. The SmaxN algorithm can be applied to many video‐based approaches. We built an open‐sourced R package to encourage its use by ecologists and managers using video‐based censuses, as well as to allow for replicability with SmaxN metric.
Photonic Synaptic Transistor with Memory Mode Switching for Neuromorphic Visual System
Authors: Han Chao , Han Jiayue , He Meiyu , Han Xingwei , Wu Zhiming , Yu He , Gou Jun , Wang Jun
Published: March 2024

The human retina is able to extract key feature information from a large amount of redundant visual information, which is the basis for efficient information processing in the human visual system. However, current retina‐inspired photonic synaptic devices lack fast noise filtering capabilities, limiting the speed of image preprocessing in neuromorphic visual systems. Here, a photonic synaptic transistor (PST) based on graphene/organic heterojunction that exhibits high photosensitivity and optically tunable synaptic characteristics from visible to near‐infrared (488–1310 nm) is demonstrated. The PST enables light‐intensity‐controlled memory‐free and long‐memory mode switching, allowing to achieve fast image noise filtering in a PST‐based vision sensor (processing times as low as 30 ms). In addition, image recognition in an artificial neural network connected by the PST, and the efficiency and accuracy of image recognition can be significantly improved by performing image noise filtering at the front‐end is demonstrated. This work provides the potential to improve the information processing speed of bio‐inspired neuromorphic visual systems and contribute to the development of machine vision applications.