bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Deboronation/Regioselective B−P Coupling of closo‐Carboranes
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Sun Chaofan , Wei Xing , Lu Jian , Lu Ju‐You
Published: February 2022

A cascade deboronation/regioselective B−P coupling of closo‐carboranes is disclosed using a combination of palladium catalysts and nitrogen or phosphine‐containing directing groups. Unsymmetric C‐substituted closo‐carboranes, including C‐monosubstituted and unsymmetric 1,2‐disubstituted closo‐carboranes, are tolerated. Select closo‐carboranes bearing other directing groups, such as benzoxazole, and diphenylphosphine, are compatible substrates for this reaction. Phosphine and arsenic can be utilized as effective coupling partners. Furthermore, a catalytic amount of palladium salt mediates the regioselective B−H activation process. Readily available closo‐carboranes as the starting materials for direct one‐pot synthesis of functionalized nido‐carboranes and the in‐situ formation of nido‐carborane intermediates without purification are important features in terms of practical applications.
Model‐Based Analysis to Increase the Substrate Efficiency of a Biogas Plant
Authors: Seick Ingolf , Vergara-Araya Mónica , Wiese Jürgen
Published: February 2022

A biogas plant is fed with agricultural substrates at an average organic loading rate of 6 kgVS per m3 fermenter volume per day and substrates with relatively high nitrogen content. This situation results in a below‐average methane yield, so the aim is to increase the substrate efficiency. An analysis of the actual condition of the plant was performed and compared with reference values. A dynamic simulation model of the biogas plant was created and adjusted with data over an operating year. The model adjustment provided a good approximation of the simulation results to the key operating variables and thus allows the evaluation of different operating variations. The effect of various measures was analyzed by simulation and it showed a potential increase in substrate efficiency of up to 15 %.
Associations among clinical variables and anger differ by early life adversity among post‐9/11 veterans
Authors: Etchin Anna G. , Corbo Vincent , Brown Emma , Fortier Catherine B. , Fonda Jennifer R. , Milberg William P. , Currao Alyssa , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: February 2022

Maladaptive anger and aggression are common in US military veterans and increase risk for impaired social relationships and functioning, justice‐involvement and violence. Early life (before age 18) adversity predisposes veterans to later life psychopathology, though the link to increased later life anger is unclear. We analysed cross‐sectional data of 158 post‐9/11 veterans from the Translational Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders study with and without a history of early life adversity (ns = 109 and 49, respectively). We explored the relationship among major clinical variables and current veteran anger (Dimensions of Anger Reactions) and whether the associations with these variables differed among participants with and without a history of retrospective self‐reported early life adversity (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire). In the overall sample, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression severities had the strongest associations with current veteran anger (βs = 0.261 and 0.263; p‐values = 0.0022 and 0.0103, respectively). In the subsample without early life adversity, only PTSD severity was significantly associated with anger (β = 0.577, p = 0.0004). In the early life adversity subsample, this strong association weakened and was no longer significant (β = 0.168, p = 0.1007); instead, anxiety and depression severities showed moderate associations with anger (βs = 0.243 and 0.287, p‐values = 0.0274 and 0.0130, respectively). Findings suggest that clinicians should screen veterans with history of early life adversity for depression and anxiety when anger is present.
Insights into the Electrochemical Reduction of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural at High Current Densities
Authors: de Luna Giancosimo Sanghez , Sacco Adriano , Hernandez Simelys , Ospitali Francesca , Albonetti Stefania , Fornasari Giuseppe , Benito Patricia
Published: February 2022

The electrocatalytic reduction of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is highly selective to 2,5‐bishydroxymethylfuran (BHMF) at pH=9.2, diluted HMF solutions, and low current densities. In this work, the electrochemical reduction of 0.05 m HMF solutions was investigated in the 5–50 mA cm−2 current density range over an AgCu foam electrocatalyst. The selectivity towards the formation of BHMF or the dimerization depended on the current density, likely due to differences in the electrode potential, and on the reaction time. Operating at current densities of 40–50 mA cm−2 allowed to find a trade‐off between HMF and H2O activation, achieving 85 % BHMF selectivity and fostering the productivity (0.567 mmol cm−2 h−1), though co‐producing H2. The electrochemical characterization by Tafel slopes and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that the HMF reduction was kinetically favored in comparison to the hydrogen evolution reaction and that the process was limited by charge transfer.
Blind interference alignment: A comprehensive survey
Authors: U Vivek Menon , Selvaprabhu Poongundran
Published: February 2022

Interference is a crucial impairment for trustworthy wireless communication. To overcome this interference problem, many interference management strategies have been established. Interference alignment (IA) is one such significant interference management approach that handles the positioning of signals so that they form an overlapping shadow at the unintended receivers; the desired interference‐free signals remain separable at the intended receivers. However, the need for global channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) acts as a practical limitation for IA in the real‐world wireless communication system. IA can mitigate this limitation associated with channel state information with no CSIT, also termed as blind IA (BIA). Therefore, BIA is an interference management strategy that utilizes the concept of IA with no knowledge of CSIT. Therefore, based on the plethora of prevailing significant works, the objective of our paper is to provide a comprehensive survey to draw a picture of BIA in terms of network topologies, applications in different networks, trending research areas, degrees of freedom (DoF), open‐research problems, and future research directions.
Advocate for remote attendance for students, staff
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has “brought to the fore how ableism is in all aspects of what we do,” said Teri Adams, J.D., Executive Director of the Office of Accessible Education at Stanford University. While it has made clear how easily remote teaching can be implemented, many traditional institutions are having a hard time accepting and adjusting to the realities of the pandemic, she added.
Community homeostasis of coastal microbial mats from the Camargue during winter (cold) and summer (hot) seasons
Authors: Berlanga Mercedes , Palau Montserrat , Guerrero Ricardo
Published: February 2022

Microbial mats are complex layered biofilms under the effect of continuous daily and seasonal fluctuations in abiotic factors such as nutrients, pH, light, temperature, and salinity. In this study, community variability of microbial mats from the Camargue wetlands (Rhone Delta, southern France) was determined in winter and summer over 2 years, analyzing thin vertical layers at three different depths (0–2, 2–4, and 4–6 mm). Amplicons of the V1–V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced to assess changes in the bacterial diversity of the mats. Functionality was inferred according to PICRUSt bioinformatics analysis. The microbial composition of the three layers included more than 30 phyla of bacteria, the major phyla being Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, and Spirochaetes. The microbial composition of the layers differed significantly, especially between layer 1 (0–2 mm) and the other two, regardless of the season. Cyanobacteria and Rhodobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria) were more abundant in layer 1. Chromatiaceae (Gammaproteobacteria) and Deltaproteobacteria were detected in layers 2 (2–4 mm) and 3 (4–6 mm). Flavobacteriaceae was the predominant family of the phylum Bacteroidetes, being especially abundant in layer 3. Spirochaetes were distributed in all three layers, but above all in layer 2. Pathways related to energy and carbohydrate metabolism indicated that the community was more active in summer than in winter. Carbon fixation in the mats was predominantly through the Wood–Ljungdahl pathway. Heterotrophic diazotrophs appeared to be responsible for a substantial part of nitrogen input, even more than phototrophic microorganisms. Layers 1 and 2 represented a stressed environment, measured by relative abundances of KEGG Orthologs associated with oxidation, starvation, and osmotic and xenobiotic stress, and suffered unbalanced growth in which there is no increase in cell numbers, but it allows the accumulation of polymers, such as polyhydroxybutyrate. The Camargue mats showed a community homeostasis, its populations adapting to fluctuating conditions while maintaining the characteristic structure of vertically stratified functional groups of microorganisms.
Plant functional traits as measures of ecosystem service provision
Authors: Miedema Brown Liane , Anand Madhur
Published: February 2022

Despite the relevance of ecosystem services (ES) to society and modern ecological research, current methods of measurement and mapping remain inconsistent and often lack primary data in estimating and modeling ES. A key player in our understanding of ES and their measurements are plant functional traits—chemical and physical aspects of plants—which are often cited as one of the drivers of ecosystem processes and functions. In order to better quantify the ES–plant functional trait indicators, we outline existing evidence of this relationship and identify gaps between the best predicted ES and the most valued ES. This study offers an up‐to‐date review of plant functional traits' direct or indirect relationships with ecosystem service provision and discusses the quantitative evidence these traits might hold as indicators. With this review, we seek to (1) offer a current summary of the quantitative evidence on ecosystem service–plant functional trait relationships, (2) identify which traits have been used to successfully indicate ecosystem services, and (3) identify research gaps, and ecosystem services or traits that receive little attention or have weak criteria as indicators. In a comprehensive literature review of the 19 services that were searched for, genetic materials, medicine, and cultural services had no relevant plant functional trait indicators, while the remaining 16 services had a range of traits associated with them. We found that functional traits showed varying relationships to ES, with some depending on the ecosystem type they were found in, while others appeared to remain consistent across ecosystems and conditions. This indicates that there could exist a subset of traits that are “universal” indicators across all ecosystem types, while others are ecosystem dependent. Our review suggests the need for more research on less clearly defined ES (such as cultural, educational, and refugium services) both by more careful definitions to make quantitative measures more applicable, and through increased quantitative and qualitative studies to better understand the nature of ES indicators for these services. This summary shows how plant functional traits can quantitatively and reliably predict and provide details on a subset of ES.
Responses of tree growth and biomass production to nutrient addition in a semi‐deciduous tropical forest in Africa
Authors: Manu Raphael , Corre Marife D. , Aleeje Alfred , Mwanjalolo Majaliwa J. G. , Babweteera Fred , Veldkamp Edzo , van Straaten Oliver
Published: February 2022

Experimental evidence of nutrient limitations on primary productivity in Afrotropical forests is rare and globally underrepresented yet are crucial for understanding constraints to terrestrial carbon uptake. In an ecosystem‐scale nutrient manipulation experiment, we assessed the early responses of tree growth rates among different tree sizes, taxonomic species, and at a community level in a humid tropical forest in Uganda. Following a full factorial design, we established 32 (eight treatments × four replicates) experimental plots of 40 × 40 m each. We added nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), their combinations (NP, NK, PK, and NPK), and control at the rates of 125 kg N ha−1 year−1, 50 kg P ha−1 year−1 and 50 kg K ha−1 year−1, split into four equal applications, and measured stem growth of more than 15,000 trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) ≥1 cm. After 2 years, the response of tree stem growth to nutrient additions was dependent on tree sizes, species and leaf habit but not community wide. First, tree stem growth increased under N additions, primarily among medium‐sized trees (10–30 cm dbh), and in trees of Lasiodiscus mildbraedii in the second year of the experiment. Second, K limitation was evident in semi‐deciduous trees, which increased stem growth by 46% in +K than –K treatments, following a strong, prolonged dry season during the first year of the experiment. This highlights the key role of K in stomatal regulation and maintenance of water balance in trees, particularly under water‐stressed conditions. Third, the role of P in promoting tree growth and carbon accumulation rates in this forest on highly weathered soils was rather not pronounced; nonetheless, mortality among saplings (1–5 cm dbh) was reduced by 30% in +P than in –P treatments. Although stem growth responses to nutrient interaction effects were positive or negative (likely depending on nutrient combinations and climate variability), our results underscore the fact that, in a highly diverse forest ecosystem, multiple nutrients and not one single nutrient regulate tree growth and aboveground carbon uptake due to varying nutrient requirements and acquisition strategies of different tree sizes, species, and leaf habits.
Attenuation of widespread hypersensitivity to noxious mechanical stimuli by inhibition of GABAergic neurons of the right amygdala in a rat model of chronic back pain
Authors: Tokunaga Ryota , Takahashi Yukari , Touj Sara , Hotta Harumi , Leblond Hugues , Kato Fusao , Piché Mathieu
Published: February 2022

Background

Chronic primary low back pain may be associated with hyperalgesia in uninjured tissues and with decreased pain inhibition. Previous studies have shown that the amygdala is involved in pain regulation and chronic pain, that neuronal activity in the amygdala is altered in models of persistent pain, and that the central nucleus of the right amygdala plays an active role in widespread hypersensitivity to noxious stimuli.

Methods

Behavioral, electrophysiological, biochemical, and chemogenetic methods were used to examine the role of the central nucleus of the right amygdala in hypersensitivity to noxious stimuli in a rat model of chronic back pain induced by a local injection of Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) in paraspinal muscles.

Results

CFA produced chronic inflammation limited to the injected area. CFA‐treated rats showed increased pain‐like (liking) behaviors during the formalin test compared with controls. They also showed widespread mechanical hypersensitivity compared with controls, which persisted for 2 months. This widespread hypersensitivity was accompanied by altered activity of different types of right amygdala neurons, as shown by extracellular recordings. Plasmatic levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were not elevated after 1 or 2 months, indicating that persistent widespread hypersensitivity is not caused by persistent systemic inflammation. However, chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the right amygdala attenuated widespread mechanical hypersensitivity.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that chronic widespread mechanical hypersensitivity in a model of chronic back pain can be attenuated by inhibiting GABAergic neurons of the right amygdala, and that widespread hypersensitivity is not maintained by chronic systemic inflammation.

Significance

The amygdala is a key structure involved in pain perception and modulation. The present results indicate that the GABAergic neurons of its central nucleus are involved in widespread hypersensitivity to noxious stimuli in a rat model of chronic back pain. The inhibition of amygdala GABAergic neurons may be a potential target for future interventions in patients with chronic back pain.
International student mobility tends in Asian countries: Are students moving from the west to the east?
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: February 2022

In the PricewaterhouseCoopers report The World in 2050: Will the shift in global power continue?, the authors estimate that in just a few decades, the world will be very different from what it is today in terms of global ranking of national economies and the major drivers of economic growth. The old certainties of western countries dominating the world are being challenged by emerging countries in Asia and Southeast Asia, what the political commentator Fareed Zakaria calls “the rise of the rest.”
Deciding upon the Banking Union: How a joint belief shift instigated deep institutional change in Eurozone governance
Authors: Swinkels Marij , van Esch Femke
Published: February 2022

This paper explores how a joint belief shift among policy actors in the Eurozone crisis led to a deep institutional change in Eurozone governance: the banking union. Based on Rinscheid's framework of institutional change, we apply discourse network analysis (DNA) of actor statements in European newsmedia to show how banking union ideas emerged and gained ground between 2000 and 2012. We complement the DNA with analysis of secondary sources to provide explanations of how the rise and dissemination of banking union ideas came about. Our findings show that potential junctures in a crisis provide opportunities for policy actors to exploit and instigate a joint belief shift, but only if certain critical antecedents allow for this. Our study complements EU policy analysis studies by offering a fine‐grained theory and methodology to assess and understand the role of (coalitions of) key policy actors and their ideas in processes of EU institutional change.
Informal Europeanization processes and domestic governance networks
Authors: Rèfle Jan‐Erik , Fischer Manuel , Maggetti Martino
Published: February 2022

The influence of the European Union on national power structures, actors' institutional opportunities, and governance networks is well established in cases of Europeanization processes unfolding in member states or associated countries for which a formal agreement is in place. This article focuses instead on Europeanization processes that are more informal and do not include formal agreements but bottom‐up dynamics. Empirically, we analyze the collaboration network in Swiss energy policy with Exponential Random Graph Models and find that actors with EU contacts and those that consider the international process as important are particularly active in the domestic governance network, whereas actors considering the domestic process as strongly Europeanized and those with pro‐EU beliefs are particularly inactive. This points towards a complex influence of informal Europeanization on domestic governance networks.
Multimodal data integration via mediation analysis with high‐dimensional exposures and mediators
Authors: Zhao Yi , Li Lexin ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2022

Motivated by an imaging proteomics study for Alzheimer's disease (AD), in this article, we propose a mediation analysis approach with high‐dimensional exposures and high‐dimensional mediators to integrate data collected from multiple platforms. The proposed method combines principal component analysis with penalized least squares estimation for a set of linear structural equation models. The former reduces the dimensionality and produces uncorrelated linear combinations of the exposure variables, whereas the latter achieves simultaneous path selection and effect estimation while allowing the mediators to be correlated. Applying the method to the AD data identifies numerous interesting protein peptides, brain regions, and protein–structure–memory paths, which are in accordance with and also supplement existing findings of AD research. Additional simulations further demonstrate the effective empirical performance of the method.
Impacts of parameter uncertainty on baseflow separation by a two‐parameter recursive digital filter
Authors: He Shengjia , Yu Ke , Tang Zhangxuan , Yan Yan , Zhang Fangfang
Published: February 2022

Accurate baseflow quantification is an important step in the survey and evaluation of water resources, non‐point source pollution quantification, and optimization of water resource allocation. We selected a typical agricultural watershed with high precipitation rates in eastern China as the study area and investigated the impact of the combination of a recession constant (on an annual, monthly, or daily scale) and the maximum baseflow index (BFImax; empirical value vs. optimal value) on the accuracy and reliability of baseflow separated using a two‐parameter recursive digital filter (TPRDF). It was observed that the accuracy and reliability of the TPRDF‐separated baseflow varied with the time scale of the recession constant. Specifically, they decreased in the following order: baseflow estimated using daily recession constants (EBSD) (NSE = 0.797, R2 = 0.819) > baseflow estimated using monthly recession constants (EBSM; NSE = 0.779, R2 = 0.801) > baseflow estimated using annual recession constants (EBSY; NSE = 0.666, R2 = 0.675), where ‘NSE’ is the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient. The empirical value setting of BFImax was another important reason for the uncertainties in the TPRDF‐separated baseflow. The NSE values of EBSY, EBSM, and EBSD increased from 0.666, 0.779, and 0.797–0.785, 0.859, and 0.876, respectively, after replacing the empirical values with numerically optimized values. The combination of BFImax with recession constants on various time scales significantly affected the annual total TPRDF‐separated baseflow. It also affected the overall variation characteristics of the baseflow time series, composition of different magnitude (frequency) components, and sensitivity of baseflow time series to rainfall events.
Correlation between cumulative mammographic density and age‐specific incidence of breast cancer: A biethnic study in Israel
Authors: Flugelman Anath A. , Burton Anya , Keinan‐Boker Lital , Stein Nili , Kutner Dafna , Shemesh Lior , Boyd Norman
Published: February 2022

Women with the most extensive breast density, have a 4‐ to 6‐fold higher cancer risk than women with the lowest density. This cross‐sectional study evaluated associations of cumulative mammographic density in two distinct ethnic groups with the respective age‐specific breast cancer incidences in the population. The study compared four cohorts of 200 women each aged 35 to 49 and 50 to 74, representing Jewish and Arab ethnicity. Breast density measures were calculated from screening mammograms, using a thresholding software (Cumulus). Breast cancer specific incidence values were obtained from the National Cancer Registry. The percent mammographic density was lower for women aged 50 to 74 than 35 to 49 years, both for Jews: 11.7 vs 23.1 and for Arabs: 11.6 vs 18.3. In contrast, the cumulative density increased with age, from 37.30 to 181.24 in Jews, compared to 21.26 to 108.03 in Arabs. Similar trends in breast cancer incidence rates per 100 000 in the Israeli population were apparent, with an increase from 92.95 to 381.91 in Jews, compared to 48.6 to 244.44 in Arabs. Comparing cumulative density of the cohort with respective age‐specific breast cancer incidence in the population yielded a highly significant correlation: Jews; r = .97, P < .0001 and Arabs: r = .86, P = .007. A strong association was found between the log of cumulative density and the log of cancer incidence, as well. Our study identified correlations between cumulative mammographic density and breast cancer incidence in two distinct populations. The findings should prompt research to enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer, and lead to novel insights into measures of prevention.
The impact of COVID‐19 vaccine on sperm quality
Authors: Barda Shimi , Laskov Ido , Grisaru Dan , Lehavi Ofer , Kleiman Sandra , Wenkert Atalia , Azem Foad , Hauser Ron , Michaan Nadav
Published: February 2022

Objective

To examine the effect of the BNT162b, mRNA, SARS‐CoV‐2 virus vaccine on sperm quality.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted on sperm donors at the sperm bank of a tertiary, university affiliated medical center. All sperm donors donated sperm repeatedly and the average sperm parameters of all available samples were compared before and after receiving the SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine. Each donor served as his own control. For all participants, at‐least one sperm sample was received 72 days after completing the second vaccine. Main outcome measures included total sperm count, total motile count and percent of motile sperm.

Results

A total of 898 sperm samples from 33 sperm donors that were vaccinated with the Pfizer BNT162b, mRNA, SARS‐CoV‐2 virus vaccine were analyzed, 425 samples were received before the vaccine, while 473 samples were received after vaccination. Total sperm count and total motile count increased after the second vaccine compared to samples before vaccination. Percent of motile sperm did not change after vaccine.

Conclusion

The Pfizer BNT162b, SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine has no deleterious effect on sperm quality. Patients and physicians should be counseled accordingly.
Formation and infrared spectroscopic characterization of carbon suboxide complexes TM‐η1‐C3O2 and the inserted ketenylidene complexes OCTMCCO (TM=Cu, Ag, Au) in solid neon
Authors: Li Hongmin , Zhou Yangyu , Wang Guanjun , Zeng Xiaoqing , Zhou Mingfei
Published: February 2022

The reactions of coinage metal atoms Cu, Ag and Au with carbon suboxide (C3O2) are studied by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy. The weakly bound complexes TM‐η1‐C3O2 (TM=Cu, Ag, Au), in which the carbon suboxide ligand binds to the metal center in the monohapto fashion are formed as initial reaction products. The complexes subsequently isomerize to the inserted products OCTMCCO upon visible light (λ = 400–500 nm) excitation. The analysis of the electronic structure using modern quantum chemistry methods suggests that the linear OCTMCCO complexes are best described by the bonding interactions between the TM+ cation in the electronic singlet ground state and the [OC…CCO]− ligands in the doublet state forming two TM+ ← ligands σ donation and two TM+ → ligands π backdonation bonding components. In addition, the CuCCO, AgCCO and AuCCO complexes are also formed, which are predicted to be bent.
Simultaneous Assessment of Left Atrial Fibrosis and Epicardial Adipose Tissue Using 3D Late Gadolinium Enhanced Dixon MRI
Authors: Skoda Iulia , Henningsson Markus , Stenberg Sofia , Sundin Jonathan , Carlhäll Carl‐Johan
Published: February 2022

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may induce left atrium (LA) wall inflammation and promote LA fibrosis. Therefore, simultaneous assessment of these two important atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors would be desirable.

Purpose

To perform a comprehensive evaluation of 3D Dixon water–fat separated late gadolinium enhancement (LGE‐Dixon) MRI by analysis of repeatability and systematic comparison with reference methods for assessment of fibrosis and fat.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Twenty‐eight, 10, and 7 patients, respectively, with clinical indications for cardiac MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5‐T scanner, inversion recovery multiecho spoiled gradient echo.

Assessment

Twenty‐eight patients (age 58 ± 19 years, 15 males) were scanned using LGE‐Dixon. A 5‐point Likert‐type scale was used to grade the image quality. Another 10 patients (age 46 ± 19 years, 9 males) were scanned using LGE‐Dixon and 3D proton density Dixon (PD‐Dixon). Finally, seven patients (age 62 ± 14 years, 4 males) were scanned using LGE‐Dixon and conventional LGE. The scan time, intraobserver and interobserver variability, and levels of agreement were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, one‐way ANOVA, and Mann–Whitney U‐test were used; P < 0.05 was considered significant, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The scan time (minutes:seconds) for LGE‐Dixon (n = 28) was 5:01 ± 1:40. ICC values for intraobserver and interobserver measurements of LA wall fibrosis percentage were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.97–0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94–0.99) while of EAT were 0.92 (95% CI, 0.82–0.97) and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.80–0.95). The agreement for LA fibrosis percentage between the LGE‐Dixon and the conventional LGE was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.66–0.99) and for EAT volume between the LGE‐Dixon and the PD‐Dixon was 0.93 (95% CI, 0.72–0.98).

Conclusion

LA fibrosis and EAT can be assessed simultaneously using LGE‐Dixon. This method allows a high level of intraobserver and interobserver repeatability as well as agreement with reference methods and can be performed in a clinically feasible scan time.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
How COVID‐19 can promote workplace cheating behavior via employee anxiety and self‐interest – And how prosocial messages may overcome this effect
Authors: Hillebrandt Annika , Barclay Laurie J.
Published: February 2022

While scholars have debated whether environmental factors (e.g., air pollution) can prompt unethical behavior (e.g., crime), we argue that the COVID‐19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to inform this theoretical debate by elaborating onwhythese effects may occur, identifyinghowthey can be overcome, and addressing methodological issues. Drawing on appraisal theories of emotion, we argue that appraising COVID‐19 (i.e., an environmental factor) as a threat can elicit anxiety. This can focus employees on their own self‐interest and prompt cheating behavior (i.e., unethical workplace behavior). However, we propose that these detrimental effects can be attenuated by prosocial messages (i.e., highlighting the meaningful and positive impact that employees' work can have on others). Our predictions were supported using a two‐wave survey (N = 396) and an experiment (N = 163) with samples of full‐time employees during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Theoretically, our studies inform this ongoing debate by highlighting the importance of state anxiety and self‐interest as key mechanisms and that drawing peoples' attention towards others can serve as a boundary condition. Practically, we provide insight into the ethical costs of COVID‐19 in the workplace and identify a simple yet effective strategy that organizations can use to curtail workplace cheating behavior.
Pharmacokinetics and local tissue response to local instillation of vocacapsaicin, a novel capsaicin prodrug, in rat and rabbit osteotomy models
Authors: Knotts Tarra , Mease Kirsten , Sangameswaran Lakshmi , Felx Melanie , Kramer Susan , Donovan John
Published: February 2022

Vocacapsaicin is a novel prodrug of trans‐capsaicin (trans‐8‐methyl‐N‐vanillyl‐6‐nonenamide) being developed as a nonopioid, long‐lasting, site‐specific treatment for postsurgical pain management. The objective of these studies was to examine the safety and tolerability of vocacapsaicin in an osteotomy model in two animal species and to evaluate bone healing parameters. Rats undergoing unilateral femoral osteotomy received a single perioperative administration (by instillation) of vocacapsaicin (vehicle, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg). Rabbits undergoing unilateral ulnar osteotomy received a single perioperative administration (by infiltration and instillation) of vocacapsaicin (vehicle, 0.256 and 0.52 mg) alone or in combination with 0.5% ropivacaine. Clinical signs, body weights, food consumption, radiography, histopathologic examinations, ex vivo bone mineral density measurements (rats only), and biomechanical testing were evaluated at 4 and 8 weeks in rats and at 2 and 10 weeks in rabbits. Plasma samples were also collected in rabbits. There were no vocacapsaicin‐related effects on mortality, clinical observations, body weight, or food consumption in either species. Systemic exposure to vocacapsaicin and its metabolites, including capsaicin, was transient. In rats, vocacapsaicin was devoid of deleterious effects on bone healing parameters, and there was a trend for enhanced bone healing in rats treated with the mid‐dose. In rabbits, vocacapsaicin administered alone or in combination with ropivacaine did not adversely affect bone healing parameters. In conclusion, a single perioperative administration of vocacapsaicin in unilateral osteotomy models was well tolerated, locally and systemically, supporting its continued development as a novel, nonopioid treatment for postsurgical pain management.
Study on Sentinel Lymph Node and Its Lymphatic Drainage Pattern of Breast Cancer by Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Luo Yunhao , Chen Jie , Feng Liting , Cao Wenbin , Wu Hao , Ma Miao , He Fangting , Luo Jing , Wu Chihua , Liu Jinping , Chen Qin , Luo Jun
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) and its lymphatic drainage pattern (LDP) of breast cancer were studied by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS).

Methods

From July 2017 to December 2019, patients with SLN localization of breast cancer in Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences·Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital were selected. The sentinel lymph system of breast cancer was observed by CEUS before both operation and blue staining in the surgery. The location, number, and route of sentinel lymphatic channel (SLC) were recorded, along with the number, size, and the depth from skin of SLN. LDPs were summarized according to these basic characteristics of SLC and SLN.

Results

A total of 368 cases were included; 465 SLCs and 423 SLNs were detected. Most of the SLCs were originated from the outer upper quadrant of areola. Eleven LDPs were found, including 31 subtypes of LDPs. There were 6 cases of type A (1.63%), 15 cases of type B (4.08%), 223 cases of type C (57.88%), 38 cases of type D (10.33%), 2 cases of type E (0.54%), 3 cases of type F (0.82%), 50 cases of type G (13.59%), 30 cases of type H (8.15%), 2 cases of type I (0.54%), 6 cases of type J (1.63%), and 3 cases of type K (0.82%).

Conclusions

The most common LDP of breast cancer was one SLC originated from the upper quadrant of areola with one SLN. CEUS can identify the LDP before surgery to reduce the false negative rate of SLN biopsy.
Highly Birefringent Anti‐Resonant Hollow‐Core Fiber with a Bi‐Thickness Fourfold Semi‐Tube Structure
Authors: Hong Yi‐feng , Gao Shou‐fei , Ding Wei , Zhang Xin , Jia An‐qing , Sheng Yu‐lin , Wang Pu , Wang Ying‐ying
Published: February 2022

The optical performance characteristics of anti‐resonant hollow‐core fibers (known as AR‐HCFs or ARFs) are improving rapidly, but the polarization maintaining issue with these fibers remains unresolved. Although a regular nonbirefringent ARF can maintain high polarization purity under static conditions, it cannot resist mechanical disturbances. In this work, by designing a bi‐thickness semi‐tube ARF structure with fourfold rotational symmetry, the first ARF with a level of birefringence close to 10−4is fabricated. The proposed ARF features a combination of phase birefringence of 9.1 × 10−5, a minimum loss of 185 dB km−1, a bandwidth of 133 nm, and single‐mode operation. Furthermore, the ARF shows high resistance to fiber bending and wide‐range temperature variations, thus confirming that this carefully designed ARF can serve as a practical workhorse in polarization‐related optical fiber applications.
Light‐Induced In‐Plane Rotation of Microobjects on Microfibers
Authors: Lyu Wei , Tang Weiwei , Yan Wei , Qiu Min
Published: February 2022

The transfer of momentum carried by photons into a microobject has been widely used to actuate the microobject. However, this scheme is defective in nonliquid environments due to the scale gap between friction force (N) and optical force (pN). To overcome this problem, the researchers have recently proposed to take advantage of elastic waves induced by optical absorption. Grounded on this insight, here, the in‐plane rotation of a gold microplate in its surface contacting with a microfiber is demonstrated and characterized. The in‐plane rotation is actuated by laser pulses guided into the microfiber, and its speed increases with laser power. Furthermore, the underlying physical mechanisms supported with numerical simulations are examined, highlighting the joint role of the spatial gradient of optical absorption and the asymmetry in two wings of the plate. The combined experimental and theoretical results offer new insights into the study of the light‐induced actuation of the microobjects in nonliquid environments, an emerging field far from being mature in both comprehensive understanding and practical applications.
On the algebraization of Henkin‐type second‐order logic
Authors: Ferenczi Miklós
Published: February 2022

There is an extensive literature related to the algebraization of first‐order logic. But the algebraization of full second‐order logic, or Henkin‐type second‐order logic, has hardly been researched. The question arises: what kind of set algebra is the algebraic version of a Henkin‐type model of second‐order logic? The question is investigated within the framework of the theory of cylindric algebras. The answer is: a kind of cylindric‐relativized diagonal restricted set algebra. And the class of the subdirect products of these set algebras is the algebraization of Henkin‐type second‐order logic. It is proved that the algebraization of a complete calculus of the Henkin‐type second‐order logic is a class of a kind of diagonal restricted cylindric algebras. Furthermore, the connection with the non‐standard enlargements of standard complete second‐order structures is investigated.
Combining Microwave‐Assisted Foaming and Post Curing Process to Prepare Lightweight Flexible Polyimide Foams for Thermal Insulation Applications
Authors: Ni Long , Luo Yinfu , Qiu Baowei , Yan Liwei , Zou Huawei , Zhou Shengtai , Liang Mei , Liu Pengbo
Published: February 2022

Lightweight flexible polyimide foams (PIFs) with different rigid‐flexible molecular structure networks are prepared by microwave‐assisted foaming of polyester ammonium salt (PEAS) precursor powders, followed by post curing process to complete final imidization. The optimum foaming temperatures of PEAS precursors range from 85 to 135 °C, and the melting rate of PEAS is adjusted to meet the volatile releasing rate to fabricate PIFs. Results show that PIFs with nearly fully open cell rate (99.99%), micron pore sizes (400–500 µm), and micro/nano multiscale structures exhibit excellent mechanical flexibility and elasticity. The prepared PIFs demonstrate exceptional thermal stability and heat resistance in both dynamic and static environments. The PIFs possess low thermal conductivity and superior thermal insulation properties that demonstrate potential applications in high‐tech fields such as aerospace, marine use, and microelectronics among others.
Investigating the role of zooplankton in sustaining frog population
Authors: Jain Sanjoli , Roy Parimita
Published: February 2022

Chytridiomycosis is the most significant reason for amphibian decline and extinction. It is caused by a fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and affects many species of amphibians. This paper is mainly concerned with designing conservation policies for the frog population (corroboree, an endangered species), diminishing due to this disease. Our research aims at demonstrating mathematically and supporting the role of zooplankton as a potential biological control for Bd. For this purpose, we designed a stochastic as well as diffusive ecoepidemic model consisting of B. dendrobatidis, frog, and zooplanktons. We have shown the global existence, nonnegativity, and long‐term behavior for the designed stochastic model. Existence and stability analysis of the equilibrium points for the corresponding ODE and diffusive model is also done. We have also done bifurcation plotting for the ODE model and found the existence of Hopf bifurcation. We adopted the partial rank correlation coefficient (PRCC) to conduct global sensitivity analysis to estimate the most sensitive parameters responsible for disease prevalence and frog mortality. We provided a complete numerical analysis of our deterministic, stochastic, and diffusive models and compared the result. We found that the persistence and extinction of the frog population depend on the environmental stochasticity of zooplanktons. Numerical simulation of corresponding spatially explicit systems brings out complicated spatiotemporal dynamics, typically resulting in the formation of a patchy pattern. It also reveals that Bd tends to decline in the places resided by zooplankton.
Three‐dimensional high‐resolution T1 and T2 mapping of whole macaque brain at 9.4 T using magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Gu Yuning , Wang Lulu , Yang Hongyi , Wu Yun , Kim Kihwan , Zhu Yuran , Androjna Charlie , Zhu Xiaofeng , Chen Yong , Zhong Kai , Yu Xin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Quantitative T1 and T2 mapping in non‐human primates with whole‐brain coverage is challenged by the requirement of sub‐millimeter resolution and the inhomogeneity of the transmit magnetic field (B1+) covering a large field of view. The goal of the current study is to develop a magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) method for simultaneous T1 and T2 mapping of the entire macaque brain within feasible scan time.

Methods

A three‐dimensional (3D) MRF sequence with both inversion‐ and T2‐preparation modules was developed and evaluated on a 9.4 T preclinical scanner. Data acquisition used a 3D stack‐of‐spirals trajectory, with undersampling along both the in‐plane and the through‐plane directions. The effect of B1+ inhomogeneity was accounted for by matching the acquired fingerprint to a dictionary simulated with the B1+ factors measured from a separate scan. In vitro and ex vivo studies were performed to evaluate the accuracy and the undersampling capacity of the MRF method. The application of the MRF method for in vivo, brain‐wide T1 and T2 mapping was demonstrated on macaques at 4, 6, and 12 years of age.

Results

The MRF method enabled highly repeatable T1 and T2 mapping at high spatial resolution (0.35 × 0.35 × 1 mm3) with an acceleration factor of 24. In vivo studies showed significant age‐related T2 reduction in deep gray nuclei including the globus pallidus, the putamen, and the caudate nucleus.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the first MRF study for brain‐wide, multi‐parametric quantification in non‐human primates with sub‐millimeter resolution.
Evaluation of a natural S‐equol supplement in treating premenstrual symptoms and the effect of the gut microbiota: An open‐label pilot study
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Chiba Yasutaka
Published: February 2022

Aim

Premenstrual syndrome causes disturbances in many women's daily activities. Isoflavones might cause changes in the estrogen cycle by their selective estrogen receptor modulator‐like activities. Equol, which is a metabolite of a soy isoflavone, has greater biological activity than other soy isoflavones. In this preliminary study, we aimed to examine the effect of a natural S‐equol supplement (SE5‐OH) on premenstrual symptoms. The gut microbiota has recently been suggested to play an important role in brain function in psychiatric disease, such as depression. Therefore, we further aimed to evaluate the relationship of the effect of SE5‐OH and the gut microbiota at preintervention.

Methods

Twenty women who showed premenstrual symptoms and were nonequol producers were enrolled in an open‐label, single‐arm, clinical study in which they received oral SE5‐OH for two period cycles. The Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) total score was evaluated during the intervention cycles. Before taking SE5‐OH, fecal samples were obtained and subjected to terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

The response rate to treatment (≥50% reduction from baseline in the DRSP total score) was 10.5%. Post hoc analysis showed a significant improvement in the change in the DRSP total score (P = .008) and DRSP scores for four core premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms. Multiple regression analysis showed that the percentage improvement of the DRSP total score was positively related to Bifidobacterium and negatively related to Clostridium cluster IV.

Conclusion

SE5‐OH supplementation may be an acceptable treatment for premenstrual symptoms. The intestinal microbiota may have an effect on SE5‐OH.
Obesity burden by socioeconomic measures between 2000 and 2018 among women in sub‐Saharan Africa: A cross‐sectional analysis of demographic and health surveys
Authors: Yaya Sanni , Anjorin Seun , Okolie Elvis Anyaehiechukwu
Published: February 2022

Background

The increasing global burden of obesity especially in low‐and‐middle‐income countries (LMICs) accentuates the need for critical action. In the absence of evidence‐based approaches to mitigate recent obesity trends, the likelihood of reaching global obesity targets will be almost zero.

Objective

This study examined the obesity prevalence in Sub‐Sahara Africa and observed transitions on the burden of obesity prevalence over time.

Methods

Data from the Demographic and Health Survey which is based on cross sessional design was used. Most recent surveys carried out in 16 sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) between 2000 and 2018 were included in the analysis. Equiplot by the International Centre for Equity was used to display the inequities by the following socioeconomic measures: wealth index, education, and place of residence. Age‐standardized prevalence was measured across these socioeconomic measures using the WHO standard population age distribution, examined changing trends and finally assessed transition in obesity prevalence by percentage point difference of highest and lowest prevalence within each of the three socioeconomic measures.

Results

A total of 496,482 women were included in the analysis. Obesity prevalence among women varied substantially, from 2% in Chad to 27% in Lesotho. Variation in obesity prevalence was observed across countries and by socioeconomic status measures. Among women in all the countries except Comoros, the burden was concentrated among the wealthiest. Out of the 16 countries included, the prevalence of obesity was concentrated among women with no education in eight countries (Benin, Burundi, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Comoros) while it was concentrated in those with primary education in Congo and Lesotho and among those with secondary school education in DR Congo, Gabon, Namibia, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. The burden of obesity was more concentrated in the urban across the 16 countries except in Comoros and Lesotho where they were higher in the rural (8.9 [7.2, 11.1] and 15.1 [13.0, 17.5] respectively) than in urban (6.6 [5.0, 8.8] and 6.8 [5.2, 8.8] respectively). Finally, the trend analysis with five countries indicated that the prevalence and gap in obesity among women increased between previous and most recent surveys except in Zimbabwe where it reduces across the three socioeconomic measures between 2011 and 2018.

Conclusions

This study examined transition in obesity prevalence among women across three socioeconomic measures in selected sub‐Saharan African countries. Increasing prevalence of obesity was found in SSA but transition to women in lower socioeconomic status is already taking place in some countries.