bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental habitat fragmentation disrupts host–parasite interaction over decades via life‐cycle bottlenecks
Authors: Bitters Matthew E. , Meyers Jacqui , Resasco Julian , Sarre Stephen D. , Tuff Kika T. , Davies Kendi F.
Published: May 2022

Habitat loss and fragmentation are likely to seriously impact parasites, a less studied but critical component of ecosystems, yet we lack long‐term experimental evidence. Parasites structure communities, increase connectivity in food webs, and account for a large proportion of an ecosystem's total biomass. Food web models predict that parasites with multiple obligate hosts are at greater risk of extinction because the local extinction, or reduction in abundance, of any host will result in a life‐cycle bottleneck for the parasite. We examine the response of a parasite and its multiple hosts to forest fragmentation over 26 years in the Wog Wog Habitat Fragmentation Experiment in southeastern Australia. The parasite is the nematodeHedruris wogwogensis, its intermediate host is the amphipod,Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, and its definitive host is the skink,Lampropholis guichenoti. In the first decade after fragmentation, nematodes completely disappeared from the matrix (plantation forestry) and all but disappeared from their definitive host (skinks) in fragments, and by the third decade after fragmentation had not appreciably recovered anywhere in the fragmented landscape compared to continuous forest. The low prevalence of the nematode in the fragmented landscape was associated with the low abundance of one or the other host in different decades: low abundance of the intermediate host (amphipod) in the first decade and low abundance of the definitive host (skink) in the third decade. In turn, the low abundance of each host was associated with changes to the abiotic environment over time due largely to the dynamically changing matrix as the plantation trees grew. Our study provides rare long‐term experimental evidence of how disturbance can cause local extinction in parasites with life cycles dependent on more than one host species through population bottlenecks at any life stage. Mismatches in the abundance of multiple hosts over time are likely to be common following disturbance, thus causing parasites with complex life cycles to be particularly susceptible to habitat fragmentation and other disturbances. The integrity of food webs, communities, and ecosystems in fragmented landscapes may be more compromised than presently appreciated due to the sensitivity of parasites to habitat fragmentation.
Soft coral reproductive phenology along a depth gradient: Can “going deeper” provide a viable refuge?
Authors: Liberman Ronen , Shlesinger Tom , Loya Yossi , Benayahu Yehuda
Published: May 2022

Many species across a wide range of taxa and habitats display phenological shifts and differences in response to both environmental gradients and climate change. Moreover, the wide‐scale decline of numerous ecosystems is leading to increasing efforts to identify zones that might serve as natural refuges from various disturbances, including ocean warming. One such refuge was suggested to be that of the deep coral reefs, but whether depth can provide coral populations with a viable and reproductive refuge remains unclear. Given the global coral‐reef degradation and the key role that corals play as ecosystem engineers, their reproductive ecology has been widely studied. A particular knowledge gap nonetheless exists regarding coral reproductive phenology along a depth gradient. Filling in this gap may uncover the environmental cues that regulate coral reproduction, leading to better predictions of population connectivity, and their possible responses to climate change and other environmental changes. Here, using long‐term in situ observations of the soft coral Rhytisma fulvum's reproductive activity along its entire depth range (0–45 m), we examined the relationship among several environmental factors and the coral's reproductive phenology and activity over five successive annual breeding seasons. Compared with the shallow depths, a lower number of reproducing colonies was found in habitats deeper than 30 m, highlighting possible constraints on coral reproduction at the deeper end of their range. Our results further revealed that an increase in seawater temperature over 1–2‐day intervals during the breeding season correlated with the onset of reproductive activity along the depth gradient, leading to different reproductive periodicities in different depths. These differences suggest that differential temperature regimes and reproductive timing across depth may create intraspecific temporal reproductive segregation, possibly reducing connectivity among populations along a depth gradient. Moreover, we found high variability among years in both the timing of breeding activities and in the level of reproductive synchrony among corals from different depths. Overall, our study questions whether depth can provide a long‐term and viable refuge for corals in the face of global environmental changes.
Dominance, diversity, and niche breadth in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Davison John , Vasar Martti , Sepp Siim‐Kaarel , Oja Jane , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Bueno C. Guillermo , Cantero Juan José , Chimbioputo Fabiano Ezequiel , Decocq Guillaume , Fraser Lauchlan , Hiiesalu Inga , Hozzein Wael N. , Koorem Kadri , Moora Mari , Mucina Ladislav , Onipchenko Vladimir , Öpik Maarja , Pärtel Meelis , Phosri Cherdchai , Semchenko Marina , Vahter Tanel , Tedersoo Leho , Zobel Martin
Published: May 2022

Classical theory identifies resource competition as the major structuring force of biotic communities and predicts that (i) levels of dominance and richness in communities are inversely related, (ii) narrow niches allow dense “packing” in niche space and thus promote diversity, and (iii) dominants are generalists with wide niches, such that locally abundant taxa also exhibit wide distributions. Current empirical support, however, is mixed. We tested these expectations using published data on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal community composition worldwide. We recorded the expected negative relationship between dominance and richness and, to a degree, the positive association between local and global dominance. However, contrary to expectations, dominance was pronounced in communities where more specialists were present and, conversely, richness was higher in communities with more generalists. Thus, resource competition and niche packing appear to be of limited importance in AM fungal community assembly; rather, patterns of dominance and diversity seem more consistent with habitat filtering and stochastic processes.
Differential regulation of CD8+CD86+ Vγ1.1+ γδT cell responses in skin barrier tissue protection and homeostatic maintenance
Authors: Li Chao , Lin Yang‐Ding , Wang Wei‐Bei , Xu Ming , Zhang Nu , Xiong Na
Published: May 2022

Compared to αβT cells, γδT cells are more innate‐like and preferentially function as the first line of defense in barrier tissues. Certain populations of γδT cells possess adaptive immune cell properties but their regulation is not well understood. We herein report that while innate‐like γδT17 cells dominated in the skin of WT mice, Vγ1.1+ γδT cells with adaptive T cell‐like properties predominantly expanded in the skin of TCRβ–/– and B2m–/– mice. Commensal bacteria drove expansion of Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells, functional properties of which correlated with local immune requirements. That is, Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells in TCRβ–/– mice were a heterogeneous population; while Vγ1.1+ skin γδT cells in B2m–/– mice were mostly CD8+CD86+ cells that had a similar function of CD8+CD86+ skin αβT cells in supporting local Treg cells. We also found that intrinsic TGF‐β receptor 2‐derived signals in skin CD8+ αβT and γδT cells are required for their expression of CD86, a molecule important in supporting skin Treg cells. Our findings reveal broad functional potentials of γδT cells that are coordinately regulated with αβT cells to help maintain local tissue homeostasis.
Glycosyl Dioxalenium Ions as Reactive Intermediates of Automated Electrochemical Assembly
Authors: Shibuya Akito , Kato Moeko , Saito Asuka , Manmode Sujit , Nishikori Naoto , Itoh Toshiyuki , Nagaki Aiichiro , Nokami Toshiki
Published: May 2022

Stability of electrochemically generated glycosyl dioxalenium ions, which are reactive intermediates of electrochemical glycosylation, is influenced by protecting groups of hydroxyl groups. tert‐Butyldiphenylsilyl group at 6‐OH stabilized the intermediate and the reaction can be performed at elevated temperature. NMR measurement at low temperature confirmed accumulation of glycosyl dioxalenium ions as glycosylation intermediates and VT‐NMR measurement revealed effect of protecting groups on stability of the intermediates. Under optimized reaction conditions determined by the VT‐NMR measurement, trisaccharide with β‐1,6‐linkage of glucoside was synthesized in 46 % yield by automated electrochemical assembly.
Dearomative Cycloaddition of an Isolable Dialkylsilylene with Diaryl Ketones
Authors: Uchida Kenya , Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki
Published: May 2022

Dearomative cycloaddition of silylenes with diaryl ketones is an attractive chemical transformation to 5‐methylene‐1,3‐cyclohexadiene (o‐isotoluene) derivatives. We found that the dearomative (1+4) cycloadditions of an isolable dialkylsilylene (1) proceed faster with electron‐rich diaryl ketones and preferentially occur at an electron‐rich aromatic ring of unsymmetrically‐substituted diaryl ketones. Theoretical calculations indicated a carbonyl silaylide (a silylene‐ketone complex) is a key intermediate which is mainly stabilized by donor‐acceptor interactions of a lone pair orbital on oxygen atom of the diaryl ketones and a vacant 3p orbital of 1. The carbonyl silaylide undergoes the Si−C bond formation at the ortho‐position of one aryl ring to form a formal (1+4) cycloadduct with a very small activation barrier. Single crystal X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the (1+4) cycloadducts reveals their o‐isotoluene structures. UV‐vis absorption spectra of the (1+4) cycloadducts in hexane exhibit a π‐π* (HOMO‐LUMO) transition around 370 nm.
Diffuse Solar Micro‐Concentrators Using Dielectric Total Internal Reflection with Tunable Side and Top Profiles
Authors: Lin Yida , Li Lulin , Ung Garrett , Lu Chengchangfeng , Yao Keyi Kang , Ozbolt Alex , Guo Eric , Thon Susanna M.
Published: May 2022

Solar technology candidates for building‐integrated photovoltaics and mobile power applications suffer from difficulty in fabricating large‐area, defect‐free solar cells, high materials costs, and small angular acceptance for incoming radiation. Solar concentrators collecting non‐normal‐incidence radiation and diffuse light while retaining high concentration ratios are therefore an enticing technology for high‐efficiency‐low‐cost photovoltaic systems. Here, a novel implementation of dielectric total internal reflection concentrators (DTIRCs) utilizing a piecewise smooth sidewall profile with an intermediate segment is developed. Coupled with a turning point in the entrance surface, this design allows for a tunable phase shift between the two sidewall segments, thereby allowing both the concentration ratio at normal incidence and the maximum acceptance angle to be increased, and the limit imposed by etendue conservation to be potentially exceeded under specific conditions. Scalable fabrication techniques are used to produce flexible DTIRCs, and their performance is verified with high‐efficiency commercial solar cells. Moreover, the collectible sun power over the course of a year is calculated, demonstrating that the new design receives more total power compared to traditional direct solar concentrators and standard DTIRC designs in realistic conditions, making it a good candidate for scalable micro‐concentrator systems that can be integrated directly into a solar cell package.
Potent odorants and sensory characteristics of the soft white cheese “Jben”: Effect of salt content
Authors: Tsouli Sarhir Salwa , Amanpour Armin , Bouseta Amina , Selli Serkan
Published: May 2022

Jben is a highly popular soft white cheese consumed in Morocco for its nutritional and health benefits. The aroma and aroma‐active compounds of salted and unsalted Jben were investigated in this study. Aroma compounds were isolated by the purge and trap extraction (PTE) method and analysed by aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC–MS‐O). A total of 36 aroma compounds were characterized Jben samples, among them 30 and 32 compounds were detected in the salted Jben (260.88 mg/kg) and unsalted Jben (230.04 mg/kg) samples respectively. The alcohols, followed by acids and esters, were the most dominant aroma compounds in both samples. A total of 22 (salted Jben) and 25 (unsalted Jben) aroma‐active compounds were detected in the samples using GC–MS‐O. Based on the flavour dilution (FD) factor, the most potent aroma‐active compounds were ethyl caproate (FD = 2048, OAV = 2306, overripe fruit and pineapple odours), isoamyl acetate (FD = 2048, OAV = 2491, apple odour), hexyl acetate (FD = 1024, OAV = 1355, green odour), and isoamyl butyrate (FD = 1024, OAV = 932, green‐fruity odour) for the salted Jben sample and ethyl caproate (FD = 2048, OAV = 2388) and isoamyl acetate (FD = 1024, OAV = 880) for the unsalted Jben sample. The odour activity values (OAVs) ranged from 1 to 2491. The lowest OAVs represent the low aromatic active compounds (FD ≤ 32). The GC–MS‐O results were also consistent with the results of sensory analysis of the Jben samples.
Characteristic of aroma components and antioxidant activity of essential oil from Ocimum tenuiflorum leaves
Authors: Kunihiro Kento , Kikuchi Yuta , Nojima Satoshi , Myoda Takao
Published: May 2022

Ocimum tenuiflorum has a characteristic spicy, sweet and green aroma and has been used as a medicinal herb for various diseases in Ayurveda systems. This study aimed to investigate the aroma‐impact components and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from O. tenuiflorum leaves, grown in Sri Lanka, which was obtained by hydrodistillation. The volatile compounds in the essential oil were measured by gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry. The major components were caryophyllene oxide (23.8%), β‐caryophyllene (18.2%), germacrene D (14.6%), α‐copaene (14.4%) and eugenol (10.0%). The characteristics of aroma components of the essential oil were determined by gas chromatography–olfactometry and aroma extract dilution analysis. Eleven compounds, including eugenol, rotundone, β‐damascenone, linalool and geraniol, were identified as aroma‐impact components of the essential oil. Among them, the dominant components were identified as eugenol, rotundone, 3‐hydroxy‐4,5‐dimethyl‐2(5H)‐furanone, coumarin and vanillin, which were quite different from the results of chemical analysis. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation scavenging activity and β‐carotene bleaching assays. All results showed that the essential oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, and antioxidant‐active components were proved to be eugenol by column chromatography. Furthermore, the presence of new antioxidant compounds other than eugenol, which had previously been reported, was also revealed. Therefore, the essential oil from O. tenuiflorum leaves has great potential as a resource in the cosmetics and food industries.
Transparent, Flexible, and Low‐Operating‐Voltage Resistive Switching Memory Based on Al2O3/IZO Multilayer
Authors: Park Jaemin , Huh Daihong , Son Soomin , Kim Wonjoong , Ju Sucheol , Lee Heon
Published: May 2022

In this study, a different number of indium zinc oxide (IZO) interlayers are fabricated into Al2O3‐based transparent resistive switching memory on a transparent indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrate at room temperature. Al2O3/IZO multilayer transparent memory has a transmittance of at least 65% in the wavelength range of 400–900 nm. In addition, the Al2O3/IZO multilayer transparent memory can achieve an electroforming voltage that is 35.7% lower than that of ITO/pure‐Al2O3/IZO transparent memory. The fabricated Al2O3/IZO multilayer transparent memory exhibits typical bipolar resistive switching behavior, regardless of the number of IZO interlayers. Also, the fabricated Al2O3/IZO multilayer transparent memory has a low operating voltage within ±1.5 V. In addition, a flexible Al2O3/IZO multilayer transparent memory is fabricated using the same process on ITO‐coated polyethylene terephthalate. The fabricated flexible transparent memory also maintains the resistive switching characteristics during the bending state.
Paying for the view? How nursing home prices affect certified staffing ratios
Authors: Heger Dörte , Herr Annika , Mensen Anne
Published: May 2022

Many countries limit public and private reimbursement for nursing care costs for social or financial reasons. Still, quality varies across nursing homes. We explore the causal link between case‐mix adjusted nurse staffing ratios as an indicator of care quality and different price components in Swiss nursing homes. The Swiss reimbursement system limits and subsidizes the care price at the cantonal level, which implicitly limits staffing ratios, while the residents cover the nursing home‐specific lodging price privately. To estimate causal effects, we exploit (i) the exogeneity of the Swiss care price regulation, (ii) nursing‐home fixed effects estimations and (iii) instrumental variables for the lodging price. Our estimates show a positive impact of prices on certified staffing ratios. We find that a 10% increase in care prices increases certified staffing ratios by 3–4%. A comparable 10% increase in lodging prices raises certified staffing ratios by 1.5–10% (depending on the model). Our findings highlight that price limits for nursing care impose a limit on staffing ratios. Furthermore, our results indicate that providers circumvent price limits by increasing lodging prices that are privately covered. Thus, this cost shifting implicitly shifts the financial burden to the residents.
Experimental investigation of the thermal management system of a battery pack using a thermoelectric air‐cooling module
Authors: Sirikasemsuk Sarawut , Wiriyasart Songkran , Naphon Paisarn
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the temperature response of a lithium‐ion type 18650 battery pack cooled by a thermoelectric air‐cooling module is presented. The effects of the airflow rate, on‐off cooling fan position, charging and discharging rate and cooling by the thermoelectric air‐cooling module are investigated. The charging and discharging procedures with different current rates of 2 A (0.06 C), 3 A (0.09 C), and 4 A (0.12 C) are investigated. The results showed that different test conditions of the thermoelectric air‐cooling module have a substantial effect on the temperature of the battery pack. It was demonstrated that a thermoelectric air‐cooling module has a decreased battery temperature of lower than 40°C. The operating conditions of the cooling fans have a substantial effect on battery temperature. The experiment in which all the cooling fans are turned on shows a higher cooling capacity than natural air cooling by approximately 16%–57%. However, when setting the on‐off position of the fans that are installed in different positions, the cooling capacity when the fans at the inlet and thermoelectric cooling heat sink are turned on and the fan at the outlet battery pack is turned off is slightly less than that when all the cooling fans are turned on by approximately 25%–57%. Therefore, it can be selected as an optimum for cooling the battery pack due to less power consumption and noise issues. The proposed research can be implemented as a guideline for the cooling system of energy storage, such as small electric vehicle platforms, ground batteries, and solar energy storage.
Thyroid-like hormone signaling in invertebrates and its potential role in initial screening of thyroid hormone system disrupting chemicals
Authors: Morthorst Jane E. , Holbech Henrik , De Crozé Noémie , Matthiessen Peter , LeBlanc Gerald A.
Published: May 2022

This review examines the presence and evolution of thyroid-like systems in selected aquatic invertebrates to determine the potential use of these organisms in screens for vertebrate thyroid hormone axis disrupting chemicals (THADCs). Such a screen might support the phasing out of some vertebrate testing. Although arthropods including crustaceans do not contain a functional thyroid signaling system, elements of such a system exist in the aquatic phyla mollusks, echinoderms, tunicates, and cephalochordates. These phyla can synthesize thyroid hormone, which has been demonstrated in some groups to induce the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (THR). Thyroid hormone may act in these phyla through interaction with a membrane integrin receptor. Thyroid hormone regulates inter alia metamorphosis but, unlike in vertebrates, this does not occur via receptor activation by the ligands triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Instead, the unliganded nuclear receptor itself controls metamorphosis in mollusks, echinoderms, and tunicates, whereas the T3 derivative tri-iodothyroacetic acid (TRIAC) acts as a THR ligand in cephalochordates. In view of this, it may be possible to develop an invertebrate-based screen that is sensitive to vertebrate THADCs that interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis or metabolism along with interaction with membrane receptors. The review makes some recommendations for the need to develop an appropriate test method. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:63–82. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Effect of HIPEC according to HRD/BRCAwt genomic profile in stage III ovarian cancer: Results from the phase III OVHIPEC trial
Authors: Koole Simone N. , Schouten Philip C. , Hauke Jan , Kluin Roel J. C. , Nederlof Petra , Richters Lisa K. , Krebsbach Gabriele , Sikorska Karolina , Alkemade Maartje , Opdam Mark , Schagen van Leeuwen Jules H. , Schreuder Henk W. R. , Hermans Ralph H. M. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T. , Mom Constantijne H. , Arts Henriette J. G. , van Ham Maaike , van Dam Peter , Vuylsteke Peter , Sanders Joyce , Horlings Hugo M. , van de Vijver Koen K. , Hahnen Eric , van Driel Willemien J. , Schmutzler Rita , Sonke Gabe S. , Linn Sabine C.
Published: May 2022

The addition of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin to interval cytoreductive surgery improves recurrence‐free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with stage III ovarian cancer. Homologous recombination deficient (HRD) ovarian tumors are usually more platinum sensitive. Since hyperthermia impairs BRCA1/2 protein function, we hypothesized that HRD tumors respond best to treatment with HIPEC. We analyzed the effect of HIPEC in patients in the OVHIPEC trial, stratified by HRD status and BRCAm status. Clinical data and tissue samples were collected from patients included in the randomized, phase III OVHIPEC‐1 trial. DNA copy number variation (CNV) profiles, HRD‐related pathogenic mutations and BRCA1 promotor hypermethylation were determined. CNV‐profiles were categorized as HRD or non‐HRD, based on a previously validated algorithm‐based BRCA1‐like classifier. Hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 99% confidence intervals (CI) for the effect of RFS and OS of HIPEC in the BRCAm, the HRD/BRCAwt and the non‐HRD group were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. Tumor DNA was available from 200/245 (82%) patients. Seventeen (9%) tumors carried a pathogenic mutation in BRCA1 and 14 (7%) in BRCA2. Ninety‐one (46%) tumors classified as BRCA1‐like. The effect of HIPEC on RFS and OS was absent in BRCAm tumors (HR 1.25; 99%CI 0.48‐3.29), and most present in HRD/BRCAwt (HR 0.44; 99%CI 0.21‐0.91), and non‐HRD/BRCAwt tumors (HR 0.82; 99%CI 0.48‐1.42), interaction P value: 0.024. Patients with HRD tumors without pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation appear to benefit most from treatment with HIPEC, while benefit in patients with BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations and patients without HRD seems less evident.
News sentiment and international equity markets during BREXIT period: A textual and connectedness analysis
Authors: Koch Alexander , Huynh Toan Luu Duc , Wang Mei
Published: May 2022

This study used textual analysis of 34,209 news articles to quantify news sentiment into three main clusters—positive, negative and neutral—before analysing how they co‐move with international equity indices, using the time‐varying connectedness of Diebold and Yilmaz (2009, 2012). Better understanding of the spillover of news sentiment to stock markets could aid the decision‐making of institutional investors when strong uncertainty is present across major economies. We found that limited spillover from news sentiment to equity markets existed for both the European and international indices examined in the analysis, with spillover being stronger among smaller subsets of news articles more relevant for financial market participants. Additionally, the results indicated that, in the full sample, directional spillover was especially strong in times of larger uncertainty concerning BREXIT developments, whereas the smaller subsets, although also displaying stronger spillover during BREXIT uncertainty, revealed additional spillover peaks at times less related to major BREXIT developments. Differentiation between news about UK‐based and EU‐based companies also showed less spillover from news sentiment regarding EU‐based companies, possibly implying that investors saw BREXIT developments as less relevant for the latter.
Quality of life in Thai women with various types of abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Wongwananuruk Thanyarat , Rattanachaiyanont Manee , Dangrat Chongdee , Techatraisak Kitirat , Indhavivadhana Suchada , Tanmahasamut Prasong
Published: May 2022

Objective

To determine the quality of life (QoL) in Thai women with various types of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 353 AUB patients between November 2010 and January 2012. They were grouped according to the duration of symptom: <6 months (acute AUB,n = 122), ≥6 months (chronic AUB,n = 138), and postmenopausal bleeding (PMB,n = 93); and the bleeding pattern: hypermenorrhea (n = 24) and irregular bleeding (n = 236). QoL was determined using the 36‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐36) Thai version.

Results

The acute AUB and chronic AUB groups had a mean age of 43.84 ± 4.87 and 43.81 ± 6.55 years; they were younger than the PMB group (55.62 ± 7.55 years) (P < 0.001). Medical diseases were more prevalent in the PMB than in the acute and chronic groups (66.7% vs. 27.9% and 35.5%, respectively,P < 0.001). Some subscales of the SF‐36 were significantly lower in the women with AUB than in those with normative values, in those with chronic AUB or PMB than in those with acute AUB, and in those with hypermenorrhea rather than in those with irregular bleeding.

Conclusion

Thai women with any AUB types have a poorer QoL than general Thai women. QoL tends to be poorer in women with symptoms longer than 6 months or with hypermenorrhea.
Transverse and axial resolution of femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Wang Yao L. , Grooms Noa W. F. , Chung Samuel H.
Published: May 2022

Femtosecond lasers are capable of precise ablation that produces surgical dissections in vivo. The transverse and axial resolutions of the laser damage inside the bulk are important parameters of ablation. The transverse resolution is routinely quantified; but the axial resolution is more difficult to measure and is less commonly performed. Using a 1040‐nm, 400‐fs pulsed laser, and a 1.4‐NA objective, we performed ablation inside agarose and glass, producing clear, and persistent damage spots. Near the ablation threshold of both media, we found that the axial resolution is similar to the transverse resolution. We also ablated neuron cell bodies and fibers in Caenorhabditis elegans and demonstrate submicrometer resolution in both the transverse and axial directions, consistent with our results in agarose and glass. Using simple yet rigorous methods, we define the resolution of laser ablation in transparent media along all directions.
Single‐shot Mueller‐matrix imaging of zebrafish tissues: In vivo analysis of developmental and pathological features
Authors: Machikhin Alexander , Huang Chih‐Chung , Khokhlov Demid , Galanova Victoria , Burlakov Alexander
Published: May 2022

Zebrafish is a well‐established animal model for developmental and disease studies. Its optical transparency at early developmental stages allows in vivo tissues visualization. Interaction of polarized light with these tissues provides information on their structure and properties. This approach is effective for muscle tissue analysis due to its birefringence. To enable real‐time Mueller‐matrix characterization of unanesthetized fish, we assembled a microscope for single‐shot Mueller‐matrix imaging. First, we performed a continuous observation of 48 species within the period of 2 to 96 hpf and measured temporal dependencies of the polarization features in different tissues. These measurements show that hatching was accompanied by a sharp change in the angle and degree of linearly polarized light after interaction with muscles. Second, we analyzed nine species with skeletal disorders and demonstrated that the spatial distribution of light depolarization features clearly indicated them. Obtained results demonstrated that real‐time Mueller‐matrix imaging is a powerful tool for label‐free monitoring zebrafish embryos.
Incidence and risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C who achieved a sustained virological response through direct‐acting antiviral agents among the working population in Japan
Authors: Hagiwara Hideki , Ito Yoshiki , Ohta Takashi , Nozaki Yasutoshi , Iwamoto Takayuki , Hosui Atsushi , Hiramatsu Naoki , Tahata Yuki , Sakamori Ryotaro , Hikita Hayato , Hayashi Norio
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

The development of hepatocarcinogenesis after a sustained virological response (SVR) remains an important issue affecting the balance between treatment and occupational life of workers with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Japan. Here, we aimed to evaluate the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) reducing effect and risk factors for developing HCC after SVR in patients treated with direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) among the working population.

Methods

We studied 2579 working patients with chronic HCV infection who achieved SVR after antiviral treatment. We compared the difference in the cumulative incidence of post‐SVR HCC between the interferon (IFN)‐based n = 1615 and DAA (n = 964) groups. The risk factors for post‐SVR HCC development were determined in the DAA group.

Results

After propensity score matching (n = 644 in each group), the HCC development rates were not significantly different between the groups (P = 0.186). Multivariate Cox regression and the cutoff values determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that age ≥61 years, diabetes, lower serum albumin levels <4.0 g/dL at 24 weeks after the end of treatment (EOT), and higher serum α‐fetoprotein levels ≥4.1 ng/mL at 24 weeks after the EOT were associated with the development of HCC.

Conclusion

The HCC suppressing effect after SVR through DAA treatment is equivalent to that of IFN treatment in patients in the working population. Intensive follow‐up is required after SVR with DAA treatment in Japanese workers with these risk factors to ensure the promotion of health and employment support.
Impact of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced and Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging on Detection of Early Local Recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Erber Bernd M. , Reidler Paul , Goller Sophia S. , Ricke Jens , Dürr Hans R. , Klein Alexander , Lindner Lars , Di Gioia Dorit , Geith Tobias , Baur‐Melnyk Andrea , Armbruster Marco
Published: May 2022

Background

Diagnosis of residual or recurrent tumor in soft‐tissue sarcomas (STS) is a differential diagnostic challenge since post‐therapeutic changes impede diagnosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)‐MRI and diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to detect local recurrence of STS of the limb.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

A totalof 64 consecutive patients with primary STS of the limbs were prospectively included 3–6 months after surgery between January 2016 and July 2021.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T; axial DWI echo‐planar imaging sequences and DCE‐MRI using a 3D T1‐weighted spoiled gradient‐echo sequence.

Assessment

The quantitative DCE‐MRI parameters relative plasma flow (rPF) and relative mean transit time (rMTT) were calculated and ADC mapping was used to quantify diffusion restriction. Regions of interest of tumor growth and postoperative changes were drawn in consensus by two experts for diffusion and perfusion analysis. An additional morphological assessment was done by three independent and blinded radiologists.

Statistical Test

Unpaired t‐test, ROC‐analysis, and a logistic regression model were applied. Interobserver reliability was calculated using Fleiss kappa statistics. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 11 patients turned out to have local recurrence. rPF was significantly higher in cases of local recurrence when compared to cases without local recurrence (61.1–4.5) while rMTT was slightly and significantly lower in local recurrence. ROC‐analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.95 (SEM ± 0.05) for rPF while a three‐factor multivariate logistic regression model showed a high diagnostic accuracy of rPF (R2 = 0.71). Compared with morphological assessment, rPF had a distinct higher specificity and true positive value in detection of LR.

Data Conclusion

DCE‐MRI is a promising additional method to differentiate local recurrence from benign postoperative changes in STS of the limb. Especially specificity in detection of LR is increased compared to morphological assessment.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Tenofovir alafenamide is associated with improved alanine aminotransferase and renal safety compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Liang Lilian Yan , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Lai Jimmy Che‐To , Lam Amy Shuk‐Man , Tse Yee‐Kit , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung
Published: May 2022

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a novel prodrug of tenofovir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. We aimed to evaluate the impact of switching to TAF on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization and renal safety. We also described the indications of switching to TAF. Consecutive adult CHB patients switched from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) dominant therapy to TAF for more than 12 months were identified retrospectively. A subgroup of patients newly switched to TAF was prospectively invited to perform transient elastography examination and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The time of switching to TAF was defined as baseline. Among 393 patients in the retrospective cohort, the median ALT at month 12 was significantly lower (21.0 [16.0–29.9] U/L vs. 25.0 [19.0–34.0] U/L; p < 0.001) and ALT normalization rate was higher (89.9% vs. 83.7%; p = 0.037) than those at baseline. Estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased from 12 months before baseline and then increased from baseline to month 12 significantly (69.7 ± 22.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 68.5 ± 21.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 69.2 ± 21.5 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.002 (−12 m vs. baseline), p = 0.004 (baseline vs. 12 m)). In the prospective cohort, 103 patients switched to TAF because of age > 60 years (63.1%), bone diseases (54.4%), and renal alteration (42.7%). TAF is associated with ALT improvement and better renal safety than TDF dominant therapy in CHB patients. Most CHB patients switched to TAF because of advanced age, followed by bone disease and renal alteration.
The effects of noninvasive brain stimulation on heart rate and heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Schmaußer Maximilian , Hoffmann Sven , Raab Markus , Laborde Sylvain
Published: May 2022

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation are widely used to test the involvement of specific cortical regions in various domains such as cognition and emotion. Despite the capability of stimulation techniques to test causal directions, this approach has been only sparsely used to examine the cortical regulation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions such as heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) and to test current models in this regard. In this preregistered (PROSPERO) systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to investigate, based on meta‐regression, whether NIBS represents an effective method for modulating HR and HRV measures, and to evaluate whether the ANS is modulated by cortical mechanisms affected by NIBS. Here we have adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. In a series of four meta‐analyses, a total of 131 effect sizes from 35 sham‐controlled trials were analyzed using robust variance estimation random‐effects meta‐regression technique. NIBS was found to effectively modulate HR and HRV with small to medium effect sizes. Moderator analyses yielded significant differences in effects between stimulation of distinct cortical areas. Our results show that NIBS is a promising tool to investigate the cortical regulation of ANS, which may add to the existing brain imaging and animal study literature. Future research is needed to identify further factors modulating the size of effects. As many of the studies reviewed were found to be at high risk of bias, we recommend that methods to reduce potential risk of bias be used in the design and conduct of future studies.
Understanding summer wind systems over the eastern Mediterranean in a high‐resolution climate simulation
Authors: Latt Melissa R. , Hochman Assaf , Caldas‐Alvarez Alberto , Helgert Sebastian , Pinto Joaquim G. , Corsmeier Ulrich
Published: May 2022

Regional and local wind systems are often complex, particularly near coastal areas with a highly variable orography. Thus, the realistic representation of regional wind systems in weather and climate models is of strong relevance. Here, we evaluate the ability of a 13‐year convection‐permitting climate simulation in reproducing the interaction of several regional summer wind systems over the complex orography in the eastern Mediterranean region. The COSMO‐CLM simulations are driven by hourly ERA‐5 reanalysis and have a spatial resolution of 2.8 and 7.0 km. The simulated near‐surface wind fields are compared with unique very high‐resolution wind observations collected within the “Dead Sea Research Venue” project (DESERVE) and data from the Israel Meteorological Service synop network. The high‐resolution COSMO‐CLM simulations largely reproduce the main characteristics of the regional wind systems (Mediterranean and Dead Sea breeze, slope winds in the Judean Mountains and winds along the Jordan Rift valley), whereas ERA‐5 is only able to represent the Mediterranean Sea breeze. The high‐resolution simulations substantially improve the representation of regional winds, particularly over complex orography. Indeed, the 2.8 km simulation outperforms the 7.0 km run, on of the days. Two mid‐July 2015 case studies show that only the simulation can realistically simulate the penetration of the Mediterranean Sea Breeze into the Jordan Rift valley and complex interactions with other wind systems like the Dead Sea breeze. Our results may have profound implications for regional weather and climate prediction since very high‐resolution information seems to be necessary to reproduce the main summertime climatic features in this region. We envisage that such simulations may also be required at other regions with complex orography.
The bi‐directional relationship between place attachment and emotional solidarity in a rural destination: A two‐way approach
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Joo Dongoh , Woosnam Kyle Maurice
Published: May 2022

Despite the evidence suggesting emotional solidarity as an antecedent of placement attachment, tourism research has maintained the monolithic view where place attachment antecedes emotional solidarity. To challenge the conventional view, survey data from rural tourists in South Korea were collected and analyzed. Stepwise regression analysis results confirmed that the two constructs were bi‐directionally related and the model assuming emotional solidarity as a predictor of place attachment had better explanatory power.Place identityandemotional closenesswere the most salient predictors. This suggests an alternative understanding of the relationship between place attachment and emotional solidarity and provides managerial implications for rural destinations.
RAFT Polymerization of a Biorenewable/Sustainable Monomer via a Green Process
Authors: Versteeg Friso G. , Hegeman Niels C. , Sebakhy Khaled O. , Picchioni Francesco
Published: May 2022

A biorenewable polymer is synthesized via a green process using the RAFT principle for the first time in supercritical CO2 at 300 bar and 80 °C. α‐Methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone polymers of various chain lengths and molecular weights are obtained. The molecular weights vary from 10 000 up to 20 000 with low polydispersity indexes (PDI <1.5). Furthermore, the monomer conversion in supercritical CO2 is substantially higher, respectively 85% for ScCO2 compared to ≈65% for polymerizations conducted in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solvent. Chain extensions are carried out to confirm the livingness of the formed polymers in ScCO2. This opens up future possibilities of the formation of different polymer architectures in ScCO2. The polymers synthesized in ScCO2 have glass transition temperature (Tg) values ranging from 155 up to 190 °C. However, the presence of residual monomer encapsulated inside the formed polymer matrix affects the glass transition of the polymer that is lowered by increasing monomer concentrations. Hence, additional research is required to eliminate the remaining monomer concentration in the polymer matrix in order to arrive at the optimal Tg.
Group analysis of the two‐dimensional two‐temperature gas dynamics equations
Authors: Siriwat Piyanuch , Grigoriev Yurii N. , Meleshko Sergey V.
Published: May 2022

The two‐dimensional two‐temperature nonstationary gas dynamics equations with the relaxation Landau–Teller equation are considered in the paper. The group analysis method is applied to the study these equations. The admitted Lie groups are found for two modifications of relaxation time. Optimal systems of one‐ and two‐dimensional subalgebras are constructed for the group corresponding to the case of varying relaxation time which is closer to the case of ideal gas dynamics. Solutions with two and one independent invariant variables are derived using the optimal systems of admitted Lie algebras. The corresponding reduced systems were numerically calculated and compared with numerical solutions of analogous problems for classical gas dynamics equations. The differential conservation laws which present the fundamental properties of two‐temperature gas dynamics equations are also obtained.
AlPO4 film with rose surface structure: One‐step coating process, superhydrophilic and rapid super‐spreading
Authors: Wang Jinlei , Xu Jiaxin , Wang Wei , Wang Qiuqin , Yao Tingting , Jin Kewu , Li Gang , Wang Dong , Gan Zhiping
Published: May 2022

The construction of superhydrophilic surface structure usually requires auxiliary means with the aid of equipment or templates, and so on, which leads to the disadvantages of complicated production processes and high production costs. Here, we report a simple and rapid sol‐gel process to prepare large‐area, rose‐like AlPO4 arrays through precise control of the low‐temperature self‐assembly process. The innovative application of AlPO4 array membrane to the superhydrophilic field, achieves a contact angle of less than 5° with 4 μL of water in 10 ms. The prepared AlPO4 superhydrophilic coated glass has good visible light transmittance, good wear resistance and durability. In addition, the morphology and size of AlPO4 array depend on the low temperature process and the composition of the sol, which can be adjusted by controlling the process. The study of this wet chemical route will provide useful information for the design and preparation of biomimetic micro‐nano structures.
Estimating the carbon footprint of citizen science biodiversity monitoring
Authors: Gillings Simon , Harris Sarah J.
Published: May 2022

Across society there is pressure to assess and reduce carbon emissions to meet the obligations of the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact. Within the science community, there is increasing awareness of the carbon footprint of research activities, but to date there is no consideration of emissions associated with biodiversity monitoring.

Biodiversity monitoring, often delivered through citizen science schemes, is key to assessing environmental change impacts and mitigation. However, attributes of rigorously designed schemes such as randomisation and high recording effort can require volunteers to undertake regular travel, raising two important questions: (a) is biodiversity monitoring reliant on volunteers with private vehicles?; and (b) what is the carbon footprint of a typical monitoring scheme?

This study focussed on travel associated with participation in the UK Breeding Bird Survey. The BBS involves twice‐annual surveys of a stratified random sample of 1‐km squares across the United Kingdom, providing population trends for c. 120 terrestrial bird species with data used widely in policy and research. Using coverage information from 2019, we calculated road distances from volunteers' home addresses to their squares and sought information on travel methods using an online questionnaire (54% response rate).

In 2019, 2765 volunteers made 7520 visits to 3914 1‐km squares, travelling over 286,000 km in the process. Travel required to visit individual squares was highly skewed and differed geographically and according to mode of travel. Eighty‐eight per cent of squares were accessed by private car, with conventionally fuelled vehicles accounting for 95% of these. Active travel accounted for 10% of visits and public transport only 1.4%. We estimate the total emissions produced to achieve BBS coverage in 2019 to be at least 46.8 tonnes CO2e.

These results indicate a heavy reliance on access to private vehicles, creating a barrier to future participation, especially if pathways to decarbonisation involve reduced car ownership. Furthermore, they indicate the scale of carbon emissions likely to be produced by the monitoring sector. We discuss possible pathways to decarbonise monitoring schemes but stress that we do not wish to criticise the travel decisions of individual volunteers: the onus on decarbonisation lies firmly with the organisers of monitoring schemes.

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