bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Study: The Analgesic Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block versus Serratus Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Modified Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Mekhaeil Martina Farag Wahba , Yousef Ayman Abd Elmaksod , Marof Hesham Mohammed , Abdelkader Shaimaa Farouk
Published: December 2021

Background: Breast Cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer affecting ‎women undergoing modified radical mastectomy, causing acute pain, and in ‎high percentage of patients it progresses to chronic pain syndromes. The Erector Spinae Plane Block (ESPB) ‎and Serratus Anterior Plane Block (SAPB) are options of regional anesthesia that can produce reliable ‎analgesia. In this study we aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of ‎ultrasound guided ESPB and SAPB in patients underwent modified radical ‎mastectomy operation.

Patients and Methods: Patients were randomly classified using computer generated numbers ‎concealed in ‎ sealed opaque envelopes into three equal groups; 30 patients ‎were enrolled in each group. ‎Group I: Control Group (C): Patients received intravenous (IV) systemic analgesia only, Group II: ESPB group: Patients received ‎ipsilateral ultrasound guided ESPB using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% at the ‎level of the 4th thoracic segment (T4). and Group III: SPB group: Patients received ipsilateral ‎serratus plane block using 30 ml bupivacaine 0.25% at the level of the 5th rib.‎

Results: In this study, 113 patients were assessed for eligibility, 16 patients ‎did not meet the criteria and 7 patients refused to participate in the study. ‎The remaining 90 patients were randomly allocated into three groups (30 ‎patients in each). All patients (90) were followed-up and analyzed ‎statistically‎.

Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided SAPB and ESPB provided effective post-‎operative analgesia in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy with ‎lower pain scores, less peri operative analgesic consumption and longer ‎duration of analgesia in SAPB.
Assessing the Molecular Interaction between Poly Lactic-co-glycolic Acid (PLGA) 50:50 and Poly Ethylene Glycol in Presence of Diethyl Phthalate Using in silico Study - A Novel Approach of Pre-Formulation Study
Authors: Kumar V. Senthil , Irfan Navabshan , Kumar T. V. Ajay , Parthasarathy V.
Published: December 2021

The efficacy of a drug relies on drug formulation and targeting. Imatinib is an anti-cancer drug identified to be effective in the treatment of cancers like myeloid leukemia and lymphoblastic leukemia, and gastrointestinal tumors. The prediction of mixing energy and identification of docking interactions and scores can help identify the most efficient drug carrier/plasticizer molecule that could exert maximum pharmaceutical efficiency. The results of a preliminary study explicitly showed the potent carrier molecule before conducting formulation studies. Hence, the present study was designed to screen the interaction energies between different combinations of Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PGLA) or Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG) or diethyl phthalate with Imatinib using in silico computational methods. The study results suggested that the binding energy and the score obtained for docking interactions for Imatinib versus diethyl phthalate was better when compared to the other combinations. Therefore, Diethyl phthalate might be a signature candidate to act as Imatinib-carrier/plasticizer. More formulation studies are warranted further to demonstrate the desired continuous drug release and maximum efficacy with Imatinib chemotherapy.
Capital Flight and Unemployment Rate in Nigeria
Authors: Makwe Emmanuel Uzoma , N. Gbosi Augustus , A. Gbanador Clever
Published: December 2021

This study examined Capital Flight and unemployment rate in Nigeria. Capital flight was proxied by foreign direct investment abroad, external debt servicing, external reserves and capital and financial account deficits. Based on study objectives, relevant literatures were reviewed and evaluated. Relevant data were extracted from the annual Statistical Bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Bureau of Statistics. Unit root test was conducted using Augmented Dickey Fuller method which revealed that the variables were integrated at level and first difference necessitating the use of autoregressive distributive lag/bond test to explore the long run relationship existing among the variables in the model and the result showed that the variables in the model were co-integrated thus we proceeded in evaluating the long run as well as the co-integrating form in the model. From the result of the various tests, it was revealed capital flight did not actually increase unemployment rate in Nigeria within the periods studied by the researchers. Based on the findings from the analysis, the study recommended amongst others, that external debt acquired should be judiciously used for infrastructural development that would encourage investments which would ultimately bring about economic growth as well as enhance human development in Nigeria.
Analytical and Experimental Comparison of the Velocity of a Supersonic Projectile in the Soft Recovery System
Authors: Song Minsup , Kim Jaehoon
Published: December 2021

In order to compare numerical analyses made by Song and Kim needed for predicting gas and water filling with experimental results we conducted an experiment to recover a test projectile (43.7 kg with a 155 mm diameter) at a velocity of 775 m/s in a soft recovery system with a length of 179 m using pressurized gas and filled water. The soft recovery system consisting of a series of pressure tubes had a diaphragm, piston, and water plug for filling the pressurized gas and water. We installed a continuous wave Doppler radar system for velocity measurements of the test projectile travelling in the pressure tubes and pressure transducers for measuring the pressure in the soft recovery system. Continuous wave Doppler radar has the advantage of achieving real-time measurements of the velocity of a test projectile. The velocity-time curve of the test projectile, measured using the continuous wave Doppler radar, and the pressure profile were compared with the numerical analysis results. The experiment results show good agreement with the numerical analysis results based on the one-dimensional Euler equation with an HLL Riemann solver.
Inorganic‐Cation Pseudohalide 2D Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2 Perovskite Single Crystal
Authors: Liao Chwen‐Haw , Chen Chiung‐Han , Bing Jueming , Bailey Christopher , Lin Yi‐Ting , Pandit Twishi Mukul , Granados Laura , Zheng Jianghui , Tang Shi , Lin Bi‐Hsuan , Yen Hung‐Wei , McCamey Dane R. , Kennedy Brendan J. , Chueh Chu‐Chen , Ho‐Baillie Anita W. Y.
Published: December 2021

Most of the reported 2D Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) lead halide perovskites with the general formula of An+1BnX3n+1 (n = 1, 2, …) comprise layered perovskites separated by A‐site‐substituted organic spacers. To date, only a small number of X‐site‐substituted RP perovskites have been reported. Herein, the first inorganic‐cation pseudohalide 2D phase perovskite single crystal, Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2, is reported. It is synthesized by the antisolvent vapor‐assisted crystallization (AVC) method at room temperature. It exhibits a standard single‐layer (n = 1) Ruddlesden–Popper structure described in space group of Pmmn (#59) and has a small separation (d = 1.69 Å) between the perovskite layers. The SCN− anions are found to bend the 2D Pb(SCN)2Br2 framework slightly into a kite‐shaped octahedron, limiting the formation of a quasi‐2D perovskite structure (n > 1). This 2D single crystal exhibits a reversible first‐order phase transformation to 3D CsPbBr3 (Pm3m #221) at 450 K. It has a low exciton binding energy of 160 meV—one of the lowest for 2D perovskites (n = 1). A Cs2Pb(SCN)2Br2‐single‐crystal photodetector is demonstrated with respectable responsivity of 8.46 mA W−1 and detectivity of ≈1.2 × 1010 Jones at a low bias voltage of 0.5 V.
Self‐Assembly of Oriented Antibody‐Decorated Metal–Organic Framework Nanocrystals for Active‐Targeting Applications
Authors: Alt Karen , Carraro Francesco , Jap Edwina , Linares‐Moreau Mercedes , Riccò Raffaele , Righetto Marcello , Bogar Marco , Amenitsch Heinz , Hashad Rania A. , Doonan Christian , Hagemeyer Christoph E. , Falcaro Paolo
Published: December 2021

Antibody (Ab)‐targeted nanoparticles are becoming increasingly important for precision medicine. By controlling the Ab orientation, targeting properties can be enhanced; however, to afford such an ordered configuration, cumbersome chemical functionalization protocols are usually required. This aspect limits the progress of Abs‐nanoparticles toward nanomedicine translation. Herein, a novel one‐step synthesis of oriented monoclonal Ab‐decorated metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals is presented. The crystallization of a zinc‐based MOF, Zn2(mIM)2(CO3), from a solution of Zn2+ and 2‐methylimidazole (mIM), is triggered by the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of the Ab. This selective growth yields biocomposites with oriented Abs on the MOF nanocrystals (MOF*Ab): the Fc regions are partially inserted within the MOF surface and the antibody‐binding regions protrude from the MOF surface toward the target. This ordered configuration imparts antibody–antigen recognition properties to the biocomposite and shows preserved target binding when compared to the parental antibodies. Next, the biosensing performance of the system is tested by loading MOF*Ab with luminescent quantum dots (QD). The targeting efficiency of the QD‐containing MOF*Ab is again, fully preserved. The present work represents a simple self‐assembly approach for the fabrication of antibody‐decorated MOF nanocrystals with broad potential for sensing, diagnostic imaging, and targeted drug delivery.
A Catalytic and Interfacing PEDOT:PSS/CuPc Polymerized on Cloth Fiber to Electro‐Metalize Stretchable Copper Conductive Pattern
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Guoyun , Hong Yan , Chen Chia‐Yun , He Wei , Wang Shouxu , Chen Yuanming , Wang Chong , Sun Yukai , Wong Chingping
Published: December 2021

Copper conductive pattern should provide dependent flexibility on coated cloth‐fiber to support the signal transmission or current carrier for stretchable and reliable electronics. The design of copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) introduced in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) and polystyrene sulfonate acid (PEDOT:PSS) polymer network promotes the realization of copper electro‐metallization from its inner active dots, leading to a structure of PEDOT:PSS/CuPc‐rooted copper coating. The bridge‐layer of elastic PEDOT:PSS/CuPc interfacing and catalyzing the copper layer with excellent ductility and antioxidation, is developed to sustain the required stretchability for electronics on regular cloth polyurethane fiber. Experimental results demonstrate that this design achieves a perfect 80% conductivity of bulk copper, an ignored resistance changes after bending test, tensile test, 10 days’ natural oxidation, and 10 times’ machine‐washing, respectively. Accordingly, a breakthrough is made to supply the compatible integrity of copper line on cloth fiber for wearable electronics.
Interfaces and Interphases in Ca and Mg Batteries
Authors: Forero‐Saboya Juan D. , Tchitchekova Deyana S. , Johansson Patrik , Palacín M. Rosa , Ponrouch Alexandre
Published: December 2021

The development of high energy density battery technologies based on divalent metals as the negative electrode is very appealing. Ca and Mg are especially interesting choices due to their combination of low standard reduction potential and natural abundance. One particular problem stalling the technological development of these batteries is the low efficiency of plating/stripping at the negative electrode, which relates to several factors that have not yet been looked at systematically; the nature/concentration of the electrolyte, which determines the mass transport of electro‐active species (cation complexes) toward the electrode; the possible presence of passivation layers, which may hinder ionic transport and hence limit electrodeposition; and the mechanisms behind the charge transfer leading to nucleation/growth of the metal. Different electrolytes are investigated for Mg and Ca, with the presence/absence of chlorides in the formulation playing a crucial role in the cation desolvation. From a R&D point‐of‐view, proper characterization alongside modeling is crucial to understand the phenomena determining the mechanisms of the plating/stripping processes. The state‐of‐the‐art is here presented together with a short perspective on the influence of the cation solvation also on the positive electrode and finally an attempt to define guidelines for future research in the field.
Effects of Sterilization Methods on the Integrity and Functionality of Covalent Mucin Coatings on Medical Devices
Authors: Rickert Carolin A. , Bauer Maria G. , Hoffmeister Julia C. , Lieleg Oliver
Published: December 2021

Recent advances in the field of biomedical materials have demonstrated that covalent mucin coatings generated on polymeric materials have the potential to greatly improve the surface properties of medical devices such as their wettability, lubricity, and resistance toward biofouling. For such biopolymer‐based coatings to be used in a medical application, sterilization of the coated devices is mandatory. However, common sterilization methods such as autoclavation, ethylene oxide fumigation, as well as γ‐ or ultraviolet‐irradiation, create harsh conditions during the device treatment, and this might compromise the structural integrity and thus functionality of macromolecular coatings. Here, it is demonstrated that covalent mucin coatings generated on medical devices made from polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, or polydimethylsiloxane are able to withstand such treatments—albeit to different extents. Among all treatments tested, ethylene oxide fumigation is identified as the most promising method as it maintains the coatings the best. The findings imply that the beneficial properties demonstrated for mucin coatings in vitro should indeed be transferable to applications in vivo.
Effects of Temperature on the Tribovoltaic Effect at Liquid‐Solid Interfaces
Authors: Zheng Mingli , Lin Shiquan , Zhu Laipan , Tang Zhen , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2021

Energy harvesters based on tribovoltaic effect are interesting due to their direct current output characteristic that matches most commercial electronic devices. However, their mechanism remains to be further investigated, especially for liquid‐solid cases. Here, the effect of temperature on the tribovoltaic effect at liquid‐solid interfaces is studied. The results show that the increasing of temperature will lead to the increase of the tribo‐voltage and tribo‐current at the water/Si and water/metal interfaces during sliding. Moreover, the coupling effect of the pH value of the liquid and the temperature on the tribovoltaic effect is demonstrated, and an energy band model is proposed for understanding the received data, in which the energy released (“bindington”) by contacting the liquid and the solid with the formation of chemical bonds is considered to be responsible for the generation of tribovoltaic effect.
Direct Microextrusion Printing of a Low Viscosity Hydrogel on a Supportive Microstructured Bioprinting Substrate for the Vasculogenesis of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kim Soo Jee , Lee Gihyun , Park Je‐Kyun
Published: December 2021

Natural hydrogels with low viscosity and high cytocompatibility are limited in their application as bioinks because their poor mechanical properties lead to constructs of low resolution that fail to reflect the high spatial control of the bioprinter. Existing attempts to integrate natural hydrogels with low viscosity into bioprinting compromise bioink cytocompatibility for printability and complicate the printing and crosslinking process. Consequently, biological phenomena such as vasculogenesis, which require high levels of cellular bioactivities including cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, are difficult to observe in high‐resolution bioprinted constructs. This study proposes a novel technique of bioprinting on a supportive microstructured bioprinting substrate (SuBstrate) to enhance the structural fidelity of low‐viscosity hydrogel constructs via capillary pinning and to maintain their integrity during the crosslinking procedures. This bioprinting approach enables the direct and reproducible microextrusion printing of fibrinogen, a hydrogel previously considered “unprintable” using such a method, into volumetric constructs that are vascularized by the self‐assembly of endothelial cells, replicating the biological vasculogenesis process. The SuBstrate‐based bioprinting technology can be applied to bioprinting cytocompatible natural hydrogels to develop complex constructs and is expected to be used as a new method of recreating physiological tissues for pathological studies and drug screening.
Prevalence of clinical and radiologic features in methanol‐poisoned patients with and without COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Zamani Nasim , Gheshlaghi Farzad , Haghighi‐Morad Maryam , Bahrami‐Motlagh Hooman , Alavi Darazam Ilad , Hadeiy Seyed Kaveh , McDonald Rebecca , Hassanian‐Moghaddam Hossein
Published: December 2021

Aim

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in methanol‐poisoned patients admitted to two toxicology academic centers during the COVID‐19 outbreak and determine their clinical features and chest/brain computed tomography (CT) findings.

Methods

Methanol‐poisoned patients who had been referred during the COVID‐19 pandemic were evaluated for signs and symptoms of COVID‐19 by chest CT scans and/or polymerase chain reaction test.

Results

A total of 62 patients with confirmed methanol poisoning were enrolled in the study, with a median (interquartile range) age of 35 (28–44) years. Thirty‐nine (62.9%) survived. Nine (14.5%) were diagnosed to have COVID‐19, of whom four survived. There was a significant correlation between COVID‐19 disease and a history of alcohol consumption (p = 0.036; odds ratio 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–2.2). Univariate analysis showed significant differences between infected and noninfected patients regarding their urea and time for first and second hemodialysis sessions, as well as the duration of ethanol administration.

Conclusions

In conclusion, during the pandemic, specific attention should be paid to patients with a history of alcohol ingestion and elevated creatinine, loss of consciousness, and severe acidosis as these signs/symptoms could be present in both COVID‐19 and methanol poisoning, making differentiation between the two challenging.
Analytical considerations for accurately capturing the relevant species contributing to vitamin D status in liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry assays
Authors: Volmer Dietrich A. , Stokes Caroline S.
Published: December 2021

This tutorial review focuses on analytical challenges encountered with the liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry determination of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, which is currently still considered the metabolite that is most representative of vitamin D status. It describes how multiple binding states of circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (phase II metabolites, epimers, free/bioavailable/protein‐bound species) can influence the accuracy of the analytical determination. It also summarizes important chemical species that can inadvertently contribute to vitamin D status and thus cause systematic errors. These interfering endogenous and exogenous compounds might be isomers of vitamin D, constitutional isomers or isobars and the article outlines techniques to eliminate or minimize these interferences, including chromatographic separations, ion mobility spectrometry, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry.
The two faces of platinum hydrospirophosphorane complexes—Not only relevant catalysts but cytotoxic compounds as well
Authors: Skarżyńska Anna , Kowalczyk Marta , Majchrzak Mariusz , Piętka Marta , Augustyniak Adam W. , Siczek Miłosz , Włodarczyk Kinga , Simiczyjew Aleksandra , Nowak Dorota
Published: December 2021

Platinum complexes [PtCl2(L)] L = L1, L2 with symmetrical HP (OCH2CMe2NH)2 (L1) and unsymmetrical HP(OCMe2CMe2O)(OCH2CMe2NH) (L2) hydrospirophosphorane (HSP) ligands were demonstrated to play a dual role of catalysts and cytotoxic compounds as well. The structure of new complex [PtCl2(L2)] was confirmed by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods, as well as single X‐ray diffraction studies for [PtCl2{P (OCMe2CMe2O)(OCH2CMe2NH2)}]. HSP ligand coordinated to the platinum center in bidentate κ2‐P,NH2 chelating mode of fashion. Both complexes were found to exhibit catalytic activity for Heck cross‐coupling reactions of iodobenzene with substituted styrenes, with good conversion and yield of stilbenes. Moreover, complexes have been applied as excellent catalysts for highly regioselective hydrosilylation of aromatic and aliphatic terminal olefins, and acetylenes terminal and internal as well. On the other hand, the preliminary biological studies revealed that in the presence of foretinib, drug candidate in clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, platinum complexes revealed increased synergistic effect and efficiently decreased the number of viable cells of triple negative breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cell line.
Understanding the slag transformation behaviors during entrained‐flow gasification based on comparative analysis of slag properties
Authors: Lv Junxin , Wang Yonggang , Bao Yahan , Yang Yuanping , Kawa Omarjiang , Lin Xiongchao , Xu Deping
Published: December 2021

In this work, four slag samples were collected from the OMB CWS gasification, and the mineral behavior and morphology were studied to explore the formation mechanism of blockage slag. Results showed that amorphous phase is dominant in all slag samples, which was mainly glassy substances rich in low‐temperature eutectic of iron. The precipitation of metallic iron and the crystals of SiC, calcite, and quartz were found in slags which were taken from the bottom of the combustion chamber (S‐b). The quench slag collected from stable operation conditions (S‐s) had a low content of quartz crystalline. While slag from the down pipe of the quench chamber (S‐b) and bulk slag from the water‐cooled pool (S‐p) had observed the precipitation of crystals. Comparing to S‐s, carbon matters in S‐b had a higher order degree of carbon structure. By comparing the slag sample obtained during stable operation (S‐s) with slag blocking occurs (S‐b, S‐d, S‐p), it is found that the blockage of the OMB CWS gasifier was strongly related to unreacted residual carbon and the high content of sodium and iron in coal. They will interact with each other and form small number of crystals and most of the amorphous material.
Communicating Water's Value: Looking Upstream and Staying On Task
Authors: Goetz Melanie K.
Published: December 2021

Key Takeaways

Communicate upstream to prevent downstream disasters; that is, have a communication plan that keeps your water utility in regular contact with your customers.

Not all situations can be planned for. Ensure better control by shoring up reactive communication with proactive communication.

A task schedule helps put a communication plan into action.
How do incumbent firms innovate their business models for the circular economy? Identifying micro‐foundations of dynamic capabilities
Authors: Santa‐Maria Tomas , Vermeulen Walter J. V. , Baumgartner Rupert J.
Published: December 2021

The circular economy is promoted as a contributor to sustainable development; however, the process of circular business model innovation remains under‐explored to date, hindering its implementation. Dynamic capabilities research provides a theoretical perspective to explore how incumbent firms can innovate in rapidly changing environments. An abductive qualitative research is done through an exploratory multiple case study on 10 incumbents that implemented a circular business model innovation. We identify 26 practices, aggregated in 12 micro‐foundations of the dynamic capabilities of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring. By integrating the few empirical studies characterizing dynamic capabilities for sustainability‐oriented business model innovation, we offer a comprehensive framework of 33 practices. This study proposes that the most relevant practices for circular business model innovation processes are adopting a lifecycle perspective, employing sustainability‐oriented instruments, ideating sustainable value propositions, developing a sustainability strategy and culture, and engaging and coordinating stakeholders in the business ecosystem. We also suggest seven particularly relevant practices for long‐term business model transformations (e.g., top management commitment), four for innovations focused on short and medium loops of the circular economy (e.g., early customer engagement), and four for long loops (e.g., business ecosystem coordination). This study corroborates and expands recent research on dynamic capabilities for sustainability‐oriented innovation and provides practitioners with a set of 33 skills, processes, procedures, and activities to be prioritized to successfully innovate their business models for the circular economy.
Elucidating Instabilities Contributing to Capacity Fade in Bipyridine‐Based Materials for Non‐aqueous Flow Batteries
Authors: Kolesnichenko Claudina X. , Pratt Harry D. , Small Leo J. , Anderson Travis M.
Published: December 2021

Metal‐based non‐aqueous redox flow batteries have the potential for long‐term energy storage if stability requirements can be achieved. One such stability issue in metal coordination complexes arises from ligand shedding in the anolyte upon reduction. Recognizing that the free ligands are relatively more stable than the metal coordination complex under highly reducing conditions, we evaluated a family of metal‐free bipyridinium materials as flow battery anolytes with the corresponding iron coordination complex as the catholyte. Bipyridinium compounds were functionalized for increased electrochemical stability, cycled in flow cells to understand efficiencies, and analyzed for degradation products. Methylation of the bipyridine nitrogens increased electrochemical stability yet left the reduced molecule susceptible to radical‐induced bond cleavage. Subsequent functionalization of bipyridine with carbomethoxy groups resulted in good battery performance with 96 % Coulombic and 90 % voltage efficiency, and improved cycling stability over a methoxy‐substituted anolyte with 14 % vs 36 % capacity fade in the first charge‐discharge cycle.
Classification of EMG signals taken from arm with hybrid CNN‐SVM architecture
Authors: Tuncer Seda Arslan , Alkan Ahmet
Published: December 2021

Analysis based on the classification of electromyography (EMG) signals, the bioelectrical signs that appear during the contraction of the muscles, can be used in many prosthetic control applications. For this purpose, the classification of the EMG signal is considered a pattern‐recognition problem that can be used to improve the functionality and ease of control of reinforced upper‐limb prostheses. Four different EMG‐signal patterns taken from the biceps and triceps muscles were analyzed via hybrid deep‐learning methods after spectrogram‐based preprocessing. Four hundred EMG spectrograms obtained by preprocessing were classified with hybrid deep‐learning techniques based on AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet18. The classification was conducted using a support vector machine instead of the classification layers after the pooling layer of deep‐learning architectures used in the hybrid system. In general, acceptable classification results were achieved with all techniques used, and the highest performance was obtained with the hybrid system created with AlexNet architecture. The hybrid‐classification achievements with AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and Resnet18 were 99.17%, 95.83%, and 93.33%, respectively. These results show that the proposed architectures can be used in prosthetic controls created using EMG signals.
Accounting for geographic variation in species‐habitat associations during habitat suitability modeling
Authors: Chandler Houston C. , Jenkins Christopher L. , Bauder Javan M.
Published: December 2021

Range‐wide species conservation efforts are facilitated by spatially explicit estimates of habitat suitability. However, species‐environment relationships often vary geographically and models assuming geographically constant relationships may result in misleading inferences. We present the first range‐wide habitat suitability model (HSM) for the federally threatened eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) as a case study illustrating an approach to account for known latitudinal variation in habitat associations. Specifically, we modeled habitat suitability using interactive relationships between minimum winter temperature and several a priori environmental covariates and compared our results to those from models assuming geographically constant relationships. We found that multi‐scale models including interactive effects with winter temperature outperformed single‐scale models and models not including interactive effects with winter temperature. Our top‐ranked model had suitable range‐wide predictive performance and identified numerous large (i.e., ≥1000 ha) potential habitat patches throughout the indigo snake range. Predictive performance was greatest in southern Georgia and northern Florida likely reflecting more restrictive indigo snake habitat associations in these regions. This study illustrates how modeling interactive effects between temperature and environmental covariates can improve the performance of HSMs across geographically varying environmental gradients.
Reef design and site hydrodynamics mediate oyster restoration and marsh stabilization outcomes
Authors: Wellman Emory H. , Baillie Christopher J. , Puckett Brandon J. , Donaher Sarah E. , Trackenberg Stacy N. , Gittman Rachel K.
Published: December 2021

The detrimental ecological impacts of engineered shoreline protection methods (e.g., seawalls) and the need to protect the coastal zone have prompted calls for greater use of natural and nature‐based infrastructure (NNBI). To balance competing needs of structural stability and ecological functioning, managers require assessments of NNBI designs and materials for differing environmental settings (e.g., among wave‐energy regimes). To examine the effects of setting and oyster‐based NNBI design on the provision of shoreline protection, we constructed reefs from two substrates: a novel, biodegradable material (Oyster Catcher, OC) and traditional oyster shell bags (SB) on low‐ and high‐energy eroding salt marsh shorelines, designated based on fetch and boat wake exposure. Both reef types buffered marsh elevation change on the high‐energy shoreline relative to unaltered controls, but only SB reefs were able to do so on the low‐energy shoreline. Additionally, both shorelines experienced high ambient rates of retreat and declines in marsh vegetation shoot density. Although constructed reefs did not mitigate marsh retreat on the low‐energy shoreline, novel OC reefs significantly reduced retreat relative to SB reefs and control sites (no reefs) on the high‐energy shoreline. Those SB reefs were severely damaged by storm events, increasing their areal footprints at the expense of vertical relief. Conversely, OC reefs on both shorelines exhibited steady oyster recruitment and growth and hosted higher densities of larger oysters. To successfully provide shoreline stabilization benefits, oyster‐based NNBI must be structurally stable and able to promote sustained oyster recruitment and growth. Our results indicate that deliberate decisions regarding NNBI substrate, siting, and configuration can produce resilient reefs, which reduce rates of erosion and, in some cases, enhance vertical accretion along salt marsh edges. The growth trajectory, structural stability, and co‐benefit provisioning of OC reefs demonstrate the potential of alternative restoration substrates to provide valuable oyster habitat along threatened marsh shorelines.
Both real‐time and long‐term environmental data perform well in predicting shorebird distributions in managed habitat
Authors: Conlisk Erin E. , Golet Gregory H. , Reynolds Mark D. , Barbaree Blake A. , Sesser Kristin A. , Byrd Kristin B. , Veloz Sam , Reiter Matthew E.
Published: December 2021

Highly mobile species, such as migratory birds, respond to seasonal and interannual variability in resource availability by moving to better habitats. Despite the recognized importance of resource thresholds, species‐distribution models typically rely on long‐term average habitat conditions, mostly because large‐extent, temporally resolved, environmental data are difficult to obtain. Recent advances in remote sensing make it possible to incorporate more frequent measurements of changing landscapes; however, there is often a cost in terms of model building and processing and the added value of such efforts is unknown. Our study tests whether incorporating real‐time environmental data increases the predictive ability of distribution models, relative to using long‐term average data. We developed and compared distribution models for shorebirds in California's Central Valley based on high temporal resolution (every 16 days), and 17‐year long‐term average surface water data. Using abundance‐weighted boosted regression trees, we modeled monthly shorebird occurrence as a function of surface water availability, crop type, wetland type, road density, temperature, and bird data source. Although modeling with both real‐time and long‐term average data provided good fit to withheld validation data (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, or AUC, averaged between 0.79 and 0.89 for all taxa), there were small differences in model performance. The best models incorporated long‐term average conditions and spatial pattern information for real‐time flooding (e.g., perimeter‐area ratio of real‐time water bodies). There was not a substantial difference in the performance of real‐time and long‐term average data models within time periods when real‐time surface water differed substantially from the long‐term average (specifically during drought years 2013–2016) and in intermittently flooded months or locations. Spatial predictions resulting from the models differed most in the southern region of the study area where there is lower water availability, fewer birds, and lower sampling density. Prediction uncertainty in the southern region of the study area highlights the need for increased sampling in this area. Because both sets of data performed similarly, the choice of which data to use may depend on the management context. Real‐time data may ultimately be best for guiding dynamic, adaptive conservation actions, whereas models based on long‐term averages may be more helpful for guiding permanent wetland protection and restoration.
Effects of climate change on different geographical populations of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae)
Authors: Huang Jian
Published: December 2021

The effects of climate change on pest phenology and population size are highly variable. Understanding the impacts of localized climate change on pest distribution and phenology is helpful for improving integrated pest management strategies. Here, the population dynamics of cotton bollworms (Helicoverpa armigera) from Maigaiti County, south Xinjiang, and Shawan County, north Xinjiang, China, were analyzed using a 29‐year dataset at lower latitudes and a 23‐year dataset at higher latitudes to determine the effects of climate change on the population dynamics of H. armigera. The results showed that all generations of H. armigera at both sites showed increasing trends in population size with climate warming. Abrupt changes in phenology and population number occurred after abrupt temperature changes. Climate change had a greater effect on the phenology of H. armigera at higher latitudes than at lower latitudes and led to a greater increase in population size at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes; the temperature increase at higher latitudes will cause a greater increase in the adult moth population size in the future compared to that at lower latitudes; and abrupt changes in the phenology, temperature increase, and population size at lower latitudes occurred earlier than those at higher latitudes. Thus, it is necessary to develop sustainable management strategies for Helicoverpa armigera at an early stage.
Test–retest reliability of dynamic functional connectivity in naturalistic paradigm functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Jiayue , Yang Yang , Zhao Shijie , Guo Lei , Han Junwei , Hu Xintao
Published: December 2021

Dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) has been increasingly used to characterize the brain transient temporal functional patterns and their alterations in diseased brains. Meanwhile, naturalistic neuroimaging paradigms have been an emerging approach for cognitive neuroscience with high ecological validity. However, the test–retest reliability of dFC in naturalistic paradigm neuroimaging is largely unknown. To address this issue, we examined the test–retest reliability of dFC in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) under natural viewing condition. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of four dFC statistics including standard deviation (Std), coefficient of variation (COV), amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and excursion (Excursion) were used to measure the test–retest reliability. The test–retest reliability of dFC in naturalistic viewing condition was then compared with that under resting state. Our experimental results showed that: (a) Global test–retest reliability of dFC was much lower than that of static functional connectivity (sFC) in both resting‐state and naturalistic viewing conditions; (b) Both global and local (including visual, limbic and default mode networks) test–retest reliability of dFC could be significantly improved in naturalistic viewing condition compared to that in resting state; (c) There existed strong negative correlation between sFC and dFC, weak negative correlation between dFC and dFC‐ICC (i.e., ICC of dFC), as well as weak positive correlation between dFC‐ICC and sFC‐ICC (i.e., ICC of sFC). The present study provides novel evidence for the promotion of naturalistic paradigm fMRI in functional brain network studies.
The key role of the NAD biosynthetic enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase in regulating cell functions
Authors: Fortunato Carlo , Mazzola Francesca , Raffaelli Nadia
Published: December 2021

The enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase (NMNAT) catalyzes a reaction central to all known NAD biosynthetic routes. In mammals, three isoforms with distinct molecular and catalytic properties, different subcellular and tissue distribution have been characterized. Each isoform is essential for cell survival, with a critical role in modulating NAD levels in a compartment‐specific manner. Each isoform supplies NAD to specific NAD‐dependent enzymes, thus regulating their activity with impact on several biological processes, including DNA repair, proteostasis, cell differentiation, and neuronal maintenance. The nuclear NMNAT1 and the cytoplasmic NMNAT2 are also emerging as relevant targets in specific types of cancers and NMNAT2 has a key role in the activation of antineoplastic compounds. This review recapitulates the biochemical properties of the three isoforms and focuses on recent advances on their protective function, involvement in human diseases and role as druggable targets.
The Tokyo 2020 terminology of liver anatomy and resections: Updates of the Brisbane 2000 system
Authors: Wakabayashi Go , Cherqui Daniel , Geller David A. , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Berardi Giammauro , Ciria Ruben , Abe Yuta , Aoki Takeshi , Asbun Horacio J. , Chan Albert C. Y. , Chanwat Rawisak , Chen Kuo‐Hsin , Chen Yajin , Cheung Tan To , Fuks David , Gotohda Naoto , Han Ho‐Seong , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Hatano Etsuro , Honda Goro , Itano Osamu , Iwashita Yukio , Kaneko Hironori , Kato Yutaro , Kim Ji Hoon , Liu Rong , López‐Ben Santiago , Morimoto Mamoru , Monden Kazuteru , Rotellar Fernando , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Sugioka Atsushi , Yoshiizumi Tomoharu , Akahoshi Keiichi , Alconchel Felipe , Ariizumi Shunichi , Benedetti Cacciaguerra Andrea , Durán Manuel , Garcia Vazquez Alain , Golse Nicolas , Miyasaka Yoshihiro , Mori Yasuhisa , Ogiso Satoshi , Shirata Chikara , Tomassini Federico , Urade Takeshi , Wakabayashi Taiga , Nishino Hitoe , Hibi Taizo , Kokudo Norihiro , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Ban Daisuke , Nagakawa Yuichi , Ohtsuka Takao , Tanabe Minoru , Nakamura Masafumi , Tsuchida Akihiko , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: December 2021

Background

The Brisbane 2000 Terminology for Liver Anatomy and Resections, based on Couinaud’s segments, did not address how to identify segmental borders and anatomic territories of less than one segment. Smaller anatomic resections including segmentectomies and subsegmentectomies, have not been well defined. The advent of minimally invasive liver resection has enhanced the possibilities of more precise resection due to a magnified view and reduced bleeding, and minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR) is becoming popular gradually. Therefore, there is a need for updating the Brisbane 2000 system, including anatomic segmentectomy or less. An online "Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (PAM‐HBP Surgery Consensus)" was hosted on February 23, 2021.

Methods

The Steering Committee invited 34 international experts from around the world. The Expert Committee (EC) selected 12 questions and two future research topics in the terminology session. The EC created seven tentative definitions and five recommendations based on the experts’ opinions and the literature review performed by the Research Committee. Two Delphi Rounds finalized those definitions and recommendations.

Results

This paper presents seven definitions and five recommendations regarding anatomic segmentectomy or less. In addition, two future research topics are discussed.

Conclusions

The PAM‐HBP Surgery Consensus has presented the Tokyo 2020 Terminology for Liver Anatomy and Resections. The terminology has added definitions of liver anatomy and resections that were not defined in the Brisbane 2000 system.
The role of local topography and sea surface temperature on summer monsoon precipitation over Bangladesh and northeast India
Authors: Fahad Abdullah A. , Singh Bohar , Kamal Mostofa , Ahmed Tanvir , Kibria Minhazul , Chowdhury Nazimur Rashid
Published: December 2021

Bangladesh receives most of its precipitation from June to September in the form of rainfall as a part of the Asian summer monsoon system. Bangladesh is a relatively flat region, surrounded by the southern Himalayas and Meghalaya Plateau in the north, Arakan Mountains in the east, and the Bay of Bengal (BOB) in the south. Although several studies have investigated the mechanisms that drive the Asian monsoon precipitation, very few studies have focused on the monsoon precipitation in Bangladesh. This study investigated the influence of the topography of the surrounding regions and sea surface temperature on the summer monsoon precipitation of Bangladesh and the surrounding regions. Using observed data, we showed that moisture convergence near the mountains contributes to the precipitation of Bangladesh, whereas the BOB acts as a source of moisture. A strong low‐level jet carries the moisture inland as the land–sea thermal contrast intensifies the wind circulation during the summer. Three differently forced simulations of the Euro‐Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change coupled climate model (CMCC CM2) were analysed to investigate the influence of the surrounding region's topography and sea surface temperature on the summer monsoon precipitation. The low‐resolution simulation showed no spatial variability of precipitation and dry bias due to the overly smooth topographical representation of mountains. The high‐resolution coupled simulation, with a better representation of topography, improved the moisture convergence at the foothills and precipitation bias. The high‐resolution prescribed sea surface temperature further improved the precipitation bias by intensifying the low‐level jet that transports moisture over Bangladesh.
The right time and place: the need for seven‐day pharmacist service models
Authors: Falconer Nazanin , Snoswell Centaine , Morris Christopher , Barras Michael
Published: December 2021

Background

Medication safety is a World Health Organization health priority, with recognition that greater focus is needed to address this long‐standing healthcare challenge. As medication management experts, hospital pharmacists support the safe and quality use of medications and are ideally positioned to optimise medication safety throughout a patient’s hospital journey. However, hospital pharmacist services are commonly limited to business hours.

Aim

To synthesise evidence for best practice hospital pharmacist services, with a focus on transitions of care, in support of an extended hours seven‐day service model.

Method

A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar to identify studies that evaluated the provision of a seven‐day hospital pharmacist service. Primary studies containing keywords ‘7‐day service’ OR ‘after hours service’ OR ’24‐h service’ AND ‘hospital pharmacist’ OR ‘clinical pharmacist’ AND ‘inpatient’ OR ‘hospital’, and related synonyms in the title and/or abstract, published to December 2019, were identified. Additionally, highly cited studies related to hospital pharmacist services were also reviewed to evaluate benefits during hospitalisation. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Only two studies have evaluated the benefits of seven‐day services. A large number of studies, reporting hospital pharmacist services during inpatient admission support the need for pharmacist services beyond the 8–5 model. These studies demonstrate the vital role of pharmacists in medication management across the continuum of care.

Conclusion

Hospital pharmacists are essential in ensuring optimal patient outcomes; however, few studies have appraised extended pharmacy services. To deliver equitable patient‐centred care, a robust evaluation of seven‐day services is needed.
High‐finesse nanoscale displacement sensor based on fiber optic polymer probe
Authors: Zhang Fuzheng , Lin Qijing , Zhao Na
Published: December 2021

As an important branch in the field of precision measurement, optical fiber micro‐displacement measurement plays an increasingly important role in the fields of precision machining, bioengineering, and so forth. In this paper, an optical fiber probe with high coupling efficiency is prepared based on photopolymerization, and on the basis of this structure, a new type of nanoscale displacement sensor is designed and implemented. The sensitivity and linear fitting coefficient of the designed sensor are 0.00289 dBm/nm and 98.8% in the range of 0–1000 nm, respectively. The proposed sensor is highly stable and persistent, has the advantages of high sensitivity, simple structure, low cost of production, and easy operation, which has major advantages in the application of precision displacement sensing field.