bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Southern Ocean sea ice concentration budgets of five ocean-sea ice reanalyses
Authors: Nie Yafei , Uotila Petteri , Cheng Bin , Massonnet François , Kimura Noriaki , Cipollone Andrea , Lv Xianqing
Published: April 2022

In this study, sea ice concentration (SIC) budgets were calculated for five ocean-sea ice reanalyses (CFSR, C-GLORSv7, GLORYS12v1, NEMO-EnKF and ORAS5), in the Southern Ocean and compared with observations. Benefiting from the assimilation of SIC, the reanalysis products display a realistic representation of sea ice extent as well as sea ice area. However, when applying the SIC budget diagnostics to decompose the changes in SIC into contributions from advection, divergence, thermodynamics, deformation and data assimilation, we find that both atmospheric and oceanic forcings and model configurations are significant contributors on the budget differences. For the CFSR, the primary source of deviation compared to other reanalyses is the stronger northward component of ice velocity, which results in stronger sea ice advection and divergence. Anomalous surface currents in the CFSR are proposed to be the main cause of the ice velocity anomaly. Furthermore, twice the mean ice thickness in the CFSR compared to other reanalyses makes it more susceptible to wind and oceanic stresses under Coriolis forces, exacerbating the northward drift of sea ice. The C-GLORSv7, GLORYS12v1 and NEMO-EnKF have some underestimation of the contribution of advection and divergence to changes in SIC in autumn, winter and spring compared to observations, but are more reasonable in summer. ORAS5, although using the same coupled model and atmospheric forcing as C-GLORSv7 and GLORYS12v1, has a more significant underestimation of advection and divergence to changes in SIC compared to these two reanalyses. The results of the SIC budgets of five ocean-sea ice reanalyses in the Southern Ocean suggest that future reanalyses should focus on improving the modelling of sea ice velocities, for example through assimilation of sea ice drift observations.
CT-guided vs. fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injections for lumbar radiculopathy: a comparison of efficacy, safety and cost
Authors: Kamp Jozef P. M. , Bartlett Jonathan , Fahmy Amr , To Kendrick , Hossain Rumana , Akula Maheswara
Published: April 2022

Introduction

There are no formal guidelines for whether CT-guided or fluoroscopy-guided TFESI should be undertaken for patients with symptoms of lumbar nerve root irritation and corresponding nerve impingement. Here, we sought to compare the efficacy, safety and cost of computer tomography (CT)-guided and fluoroscopically guided transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI).

Materials and methods

All patients who underwent lumbar TFESI at our institution between June 2016 and June 2018 were identified. Six-week follow-up outcomes were categorised. The radiation doses and associated cost was retrieved from our institution’s costing system.

Results

One hundred and sixteen patients were included (CT—50; fluoroscopy—56). There were no complications. More patients were discharged 6 weeks after CT-guided lumbar TFESI when compared with fluoroscopically guided TFESI (CT—23, fluoroscopy—14 (P = 0.027)). There was no difference in the number of patients who were referred to surgery (P = 0.18), for further pain management (P = 0.45), or for further TFESI (P = 0.43). The effective radiation dose was significantly higher for CT-guided TFESI (CT—5.73 mSv (3.87 to 7.76); fluoroscopy—0.55 mSv (0.11 to 1.4) (P < 0.01)). The total cost for CT-guided lumbar TFESI was £237.50 (£235 to £337), over £800 less than under fluoroscopic guidance (£1052 (£892.80 to £1298.00), P < 0.01)). Removing cost associated with staff and theatre use (staffing, theatre, medical indemnity and overheads) revealed CT-guided lumbar TFESI to be less expensive than if the procedure was fluoroscopy-guided—CT-guided: £132.6 (130.8 to 197.5); fluoroscopy: £237.4 (£209.2 to £271.9) (P = 0.019).

Conclusions

CT-guided TFESI was associated with a higher discharge rate, a lower cost, but a ten times higher radiation dose when compared with fluoroscopically guided TFESI. Prospective studies are required to compare the efficacy of these procedures and to investigate how the radiation dose of CT-guided TFESI can be reduced without jeopardising efficacy or safety.
Awareness of non-communicable diseases in women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Irani Fiona , Coquoz Eloïse , von Wolff Michael , Bitterlich Norman , Stute Petra
Published: April 2022

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major reason for death, morbidity, loss of independency and public health cost. NCD prevalence could be significantly reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This cross-sectional cohort study (online survey) in 221 women aimed to assess NCD awareness, knowledge about NCD prevention and willingness to adopt a healthier lifestyle in women. Overall, NCD awareness level was quite high with, however, information mainly originating from lay media, probably being one reason for false estimations of age groups mainly affected by NCD, impact of NCD on quality of life, NCD mortalities, and the extent of NCD prevention by lifestyle interventions, respectively. Furthermore, also due to mainly lay media, half of women knew online NCD risk calculators, most of them would like to know their NCD risk, but only few had been offered NCD risk calculation by their physician. The mean threshold for willing to adopt a healthier lifestyle was a roughly calculated 37% 5–10 years risk to develop a certain NCD. Acceptance of non-pharmacological interventions for NCD prevention was high, however, major barriers for not implementing a healthier lifestyle were lack of expert information and lack of time. In conclusion, future public health strategies should focus on distributing better understandable and correct information about NCD as well as meeting the individuals’ request for personalized NCD risk calculation. Furthermore, physicians should be better trained for personalized NCD prevention counseling.
Automated porosity estimation using CT-scans of extracted core data
Authors: Chawshin Kurdistan , Berg Carl Fredrik , Varagnolo Damiano , Lopez Olivier
Published: April 2022

Estimation of porosity at a millimeter scale would be an order of magnitude finer resolution than traditional logging techniques. This enables proper description of reservoirs with thin layers and fine scale heterogeneities. To achieve this, we propose an end-to-end convolutional neural network (CNN) regression model that automatically predicts continuous porosity at a millimeter scale resolution using two-dimensional whole core CT scan images. More specifically, a CNN regression model is trained to learn from routine core analysis (RCA) porosity measurements. To characterize the performance of such approach, we compare the performance of this model with two linear regression models trained to learn the relationship between the average attenuation and standard deviation of the same two-dimensional images and RCA porosity. Our investigations reveal that the linear models are outperformed by the CNN, indicating the capability of the CNN model in extracting textures that are important for porosity estimations. We compare the predicted porosity results against the total porosity logs calculated from the density log. The obtained results show that the predicted porosity values using the proposed CNN method are well correlated with the core plug measurements and the porosity log. More importantly, the proposed approach can provide accurate millimeter scale porosity estimations, while the total porosity log is averaged over an interval and thus do not show such fine scale variations. Thus, the proposed method can be employed to calibrate the porosity logs, thereby reducing the uncertainties associated with indirect calculations of the porosity from such logs.
A generalized framework for lung Cancer classification based on deep generative models
Authors: Salama Wessam M. , Shokry Ahmed , Aly Moustafa H.
Published: April 2022

A new generalized framework for lung cancer detection and classification are introduced in this paper. Specifically, two types of deep models are presented. The first model is a generative model to capture the distribution of the important features in a set of small class-unbalanced collected CXR images. This generative model can be utilized to synthesize any number of CXR images for each class. For example, our generative model can generate images with tumors with different sizes and positions in the lung. Hence, the system can automatically convert the small unbalanced collected dataset to a larger balanced one. The second model is the ResNet50 that is trained using the large balanced dataset for cancer classification into benign and malignant. The proposed framework acquires 98.91% overall detection accuracy, 98.85% area under curve (AUC), 98.46% sensitivity, 97.72% precision, 97.89% F1 score. The classifier takes 1.2334 s on average to classify a single image using a machine with 13GB RAM.
Virtual reality in training artificial intelligence-based systems: a case study of fall detection
Authors: Bui Vinh , Alaei Alireza
Published: April 2022

Artificial Intelligent (AI) systems generally require training data of sufficient quantity and appropriate quality to perform efficiently. However, in many areas, such training data is simply not available or incredibly difficult to acquire. The recent developments in Virtual Reality (VR) have opened a new door for addressing this issue. This paper demonstrates the use of VR for generating training data for AI systems through a case study of human fall detection. Fall detection is a challenging problem in the public healthcare domain. Despite significant efforts devoted to introducing reliable and effective fall detection algorithms and enormous devices developed in the literature, minimal success has been achieved. The lack of recorded fall data and the data quality have been identified as major obstacles. To address this issue, this paper proposes an innovative approach to remove the afformentioned obstacle using VR technology. In this approach, a framework is, first, proposed to generate human fall data in virtual environments. The generated fall data is then tested with state-of-the-art visual-based fall detection algorithms to gauge its effectiveness. The results have indicated that the virtual human fall data generated using the proposed framework have sufficient quality to improve fall detection algorithms. Although the approach is proposed and verified in the context of human fall detection, it is applicable to other computer vision problems in different contexts, including human motion detection/recognition and self-driving vehicles.
Precision land leveling for sustainable rice production: case studies in Cambodia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, and India
Authors: Nguyen-Van-Hung  , Balingbing Carlito , Sandro Joseph , Khandai Suryakanta , Chea Hong , Songmethakrit Thanach , Meas Pyseth , Hitzler Gerald , Zwick Walter , Viriyangkura Ladda , Bautista Elmer , Gummert Martin
Published: April 2022

Laser-controlled land leveling (LLL) can help improve rice production's spatial and temporal management, leading to optimized water and crop management. This research resulted in sustainable performance indicators to illustrate that LLL is a sustainable technology for rice production. The assessment was conducted in Cambodia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and India. Benefits of LLL include saving land use, water, and agronomic inputs, increasing yield, and decreasing postharvest losses resulting in saving energy of 3.0–6.9 GJ ha−1and decreasing emissions by 1151–1486 kg CO2-eq ha−1. Additionally, LLL application can obtain a net profit of USD 52–84 ha−1per rice production season in the countries studied. The result demonstrated that LLL is a sustainable technology as well as strongly supports sustainable rice production. The study would lead to better adoption of this technology through its evidence-based promotion.
Kutane Sarkoidose – eine granulomatöse Modellerkrankung
Authors: Redl A. , Stary G.
Published: April 2022

Sarkoidose ist eine entzündliche Erkrankung unklarer Genese, welche zur Gruppe der granulomatösen Erkrankungen gehört. Sie ist durch die Bildung von typischen nichtverkäsenden Granulomen in betroffenen Organen charakterisiert, die als persistierende Entzündungsreaktion schlussendlich zu organschädigender Fibrose führen können. Die Lunge stellt das am häufigsten betroffene Organ dar, gefolgt von Lymphknoten und Haut. Die kutane Sarkoidose kann sich in vielen Formen und Krankheitsverläufen präsentieren. Sie kann den Beginn der Erkrankung ankündigen oder später im Verlauf zusätzlich zu einer bestehenden Organmanifestation auftreten. Die Therapie der kutanen Sarkoidose kann den behandelnden Arzt vor eine Herausforderung stellen. Neueste Ergebnisse aus der Forschung im Bereich der Sarkoidose eröffnen neue Therapiemöglichkeiten zur Behandlung der kutanen Sarkoidose. Dabei gilt zu beachten, dass es keine universelle Therapie gibt, sondern das Ansprechen in Abhängigkeit des Patienten und der Morphologie der Erkrankung stark schwanken kann.
Pietra Alberese: from Traditional Building Material of the Tuscan Countryside to the Present Use (Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Fratini Fabio , Rescic Silvia , Arrighetti Andrea , Cantisani Emma , Pecchioni Elena
Published: April 2022

In Tuscany, the vernacular architecture of the countryside between Siena and Florence (Chianti territory), and the monumental architecture of towns such as Prato and Pistoia together with the surrounding villages, extensively used a local limestone, the Pietra Alberese. It is a grey marly limestone, very resistant to decay, which takes on a whitish colour upon exposure to atmospheric agents. In addition, the Pietra Alberese was used to produce lime, being the only limestone cropping out in this territory. In this work, the Pietra Alberese is characterized, from a geological, mineralogical and petrographic point of view, highlighting its problems of conservation. Furthermore, the use in the historical architecture (both vernacular and monumental) and in the twentieth century architecture is illustrated.
Fine-scale habitat selection of a small mammalian urban adapter: the West European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)
Authors: Gazzard Abigail , Yarnell Richard W. , Baker Philip J.
Published: April 2022

Understanding patterns of habitat selection and factors affecting space use is fundamental in animal conservation. In urban landscapes, such knowledge can be used to advise householders on how best to manage their gardens for wildlife. In this study, we tracked 28 West European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a species of conservation concern in the UK, in an area of high-density housing using radio and GPS tags to quantify patterns of habitat use and identify factors associated with the proportion of time spent in individual gardens. Both males and females exhibited a preference for residential gardens, but there were subtle differences between the sexes in relation to house type and front versus back gardens. Hedgehogs spent significantly more time in gardens where artificial food was provided, where a compost heap was present, if foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were infrequent visitors, if it rained overnight and as daylength increased (i.e., shorter nights); garden use was not significantly associated with variables potentially likely to reflect invertebrate prey abundance. These data suggest that the primary positive action that householders can undertake for urban hedgehogs is providing supplementary food. However, householders often feed hedgehogs after they know they are already visiting their garden. Consequently, the presence of artificial food may make it difficult to identify other important influences affecting garden use. Finally, we report that a GPS fix acquisition rate < 60% likely had no major effect on the results of our analyses, but should be a consideration in future studies using this technique on this species and in this habitat.
Guide to the Psychiatry of Old Age
Authors: Ames David , Gallagher Damien , Loi Samantha , Russ Tom
Published: April 2022

With an increasing global ageing population, the psychiatry of old age has become increasingly important. This revised second edition remains a succinct manual on the practice of psychiatry of old age, providing an up-to-date summary of existing knowledge, best practice and future challenges for the specialty, from a global perspective. Written by four leading clinicians, teachers and researchers, the book offers a much-needed international focus and is designed for use in a wide variety of countries and settings. Chapters are presented in a clear and practical way, enhanced by current and comprehensive further reading sections as well as tables and diagrams for quick assimilation and reference. The new edition is updated to incorporate new developments in assessment, investigation, classification, treatment and care since the publication of the first edition, including the ICD-11 and DSM-5. Essential reading for practising psychiatrists and geriatricians, as well as trainees, nurses and medical students.
Clinical Psychology for Trainees
Authors: Page Andrew C. , Stritzke Werner G. K. , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: April 2022

This third edition provides a thorough real-world exploration of the scientist-practitioner model, enabling clinical psychology trainees to develop the core competencies required in an increasingly interdisciplinary healthcare environment. The book has been comprehensively revised to reflect shifts towards transdiagnostic practice, co-design principles, and personalized medicine, and features new chapters on low intensity psychological interventions and private practice. Fully updated for the DSM-5 and ICD-11, provides readers with a contemporary account of diagnoses. It covers practical skills such as interviewing, diagnosis, assessment, case formulation, treatment, case management, and process issues with emphasis on the question 'how would a scientist-practitioner think and act?' The book equips trainees to deliver the accountable, efficient, and effective client-centred service demanded of professionals in the modern integrated care setting by demonstrating how an evidence-base can influence every decision of a clinical psychologist. Essential reading for all those enrolled in, or contemplating, postgraduate studies in clinical psychology.
Management of chronic peripheral artery disease patients with	indication for endovascular revascularization
Authors: Heiss Christian , Olinic Dan-Mircea , Belch Jill J. F. , Brodmann Marianne , Mazzolai Lucia , Stanek Agata , Madaric Juraj , Krentz Andrew , Schlager Oliver , Lichtenberg Michael , Frank Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Summary: With an increasing global burden of patients with chronic peripheral artery disease (PAD) the safe and effective provision of lower limb revascularisation is a growing medical need. Endovascular procedures for the treatment of PAD have become a crucial cornerstone of modern vascular medicine, and the first line revascularisation approach if technically feasible and taking patient choice into consideration. With the increasing age of patients with PAD and the increasing number of comorbidities open vascular surgery is also often not feasible. We outline a framework of key messages, endorsed by the board of the European Society of Vascular Medicine for pre-, peri- and post procedural management of patients requiring endovascular arterial procedures of the lower limbs. These key messages emphasize the important and increasing role of interventional vascular physicians.
A Qualitative Exploration of Choking Under Pressure in Commercial	Airline Pilots
Authors: Tomaszewska-Collins Weronika , Clarke Philip
Published: April 2022

Abstract. This study uses a phenomenological approach to explore the experience of choking (underperformance) among commercial pilots. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight pilots, including three examiners (as observers of choking). Findings revealed three superordinate themes: choking under pressure, short-term consequences of choking, and long-term consequences of choking. Collectively, choking was found to be a traumatic event with negative short-term consequences and a potential to lead to constructive long-term outcomes. Practical implications of the findings are discussed, suggesting ways to optimize pilots’ performance through focusing more on psychoeducation and emotional support of employees after choking.
A 20‐Year Study of Melt Processes Over Larsen C Ice Shelf Using a High‐Resolution Regional Atmospheric Model: 2. Drivers of Surface Melting
Authors: Gilbert E. , Orr A. , Renfrew I. A. , King J. C. , Lachlan‐Cope T.
Published: April 2022

Quantifying the relative importance of the atmospheric drivers of surface melting on the Larsen C ice shelf is critical in the context of recent and future climate change. Here, we present analysis of a new multidecadal, high‐resolution model hindcast using the Met Office Unified Model, described in Part 1 of this study. We evaluate the contribution of various atmospheric conditions in order to identify and rank, for the first time, the most significant causes of melting over the recent past. We find the primary driver of surface melting on Larsen C is solar radiation. Foehn events are the second most important contributor to surface melting, especially in nonsummer seasons when less solar radiation is received at the surface of the ice shelf. Third, cloud influences surface melting via its impact on the surface energy balance (SEB); when the surface temperature is warm enough, cloud can initiate or prolong periods of melting. Lastly, large‐scale circulation patterns such as the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), El Niño Southern Oscillation, and Amundsen Sea Low control surface melting on Larsen C by influencing the local meteorological conditions and SEB. These drivers of melting interact and overlap, e.g., the SAM influences the frequency of foehn, commonly associated with leeside cloud clearances and sunnier conditions. Ultimately, these drivers matter because sustained surface melting on Larsen C could destabilize the ice shelf via hydrofracturing, which would have consequences for the fate of the ice shelf and sea levels worldwide.
Interacting plexcitons for designed ultrafast optical nonlinearity in a monolayer semiconductor
Authors: Tang Yuxiang , Zhang Yanbin , Liu Qirui , Wei Ke , Cheng Xiang’ai , Shi Lei , Jiang Tian
Published: April 2022

Searching for ideal materials with strong effective optical nonlinear responses is a long-term task enabling remarkable breakthroughs in contemporary quantum and nonlinear optics. Polaritons, hybridized light-matter quasiparticles, are an appealing candidate to realize such nonlinearities. Here, we explore a class of peculiar polaritons, named plasmon–exciton polaritons (plexcitons), in a hybrid system composed of silver nanodisk arrays and monolayer tungsten-disulfide (WS2), which shows giant room-temperature nonlinearity due to their deep-subwavelength localized nature. Specifically, comprehensive ultrafast pump–probe measurements reveal that plexciton nonlinearity is dominated by the saturation and higher-order excitation-induced dephasing interactions, rather than the well-known exchange interaction in traditional microcavity polaritons. Furthermore, we demonstrate this giant nonlinearity can be exploited to manipulate the ultrafast nonlinear absorption properties of the solid-state system. Our findings suggest that plexcitons are intrinsically strongly interacting, thereby pioneering new horizons for practical implementations such as energy-efficient ultrafast all-optical switching and information processing.
Nanoscale plasma-activated aerosol generation for in situ surface pathogen disinfection
Authors: Chew Nicholas S. L. , Wong Kiing S. , Chang Wei S. , Ooi Chien W. , Yeo Leslie Y. , Tan Ming K.
Published: April 2022

Plasma treatment constitutes an efficient method for chemical-free disinfection. A spray-based system for dispensing plasma-activated aerosols onto surfaces would facilitate disinfection of complex and/or hidden surfaces inaccessible to direct line-of-sight (for example, UV) methods. The complexity and size of current plasma generators (for example, plasma jet and cometary plasma systems)—which prohibit portable operation, together with the short plasma lifetimes, necessitate a miniaturized in situ technique in which a source can be simultaneously activated and administered on-demand onto surfaces. Here, we demonstrate this possibility by combining two nanoscale technologies for plasma and aerosol generation into an integrated device that is sufficiently small and lightweight. Plasma is generated on a carpet of zinc oxide nanorods comprising a nanoneedle ensemble, which when raised to a high electric potential, constitutes a massive point charge array with near-singular electric fields to effect atmospheric breakdown. The plasma is then used to activate water transported through an underlying capillary wick, that is subsequently aerosolized under MHz-order surface acoustic waves. We show that the system, besides being amenable to miniaturization and hence integration into a chipscale device, leads to a considerable improvement in plasma-activation over its macroscale cometary discharge predecessor, with up to 20% and 127% higher hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ion concentrations that are respectively generated in the plasma-activated aerosols. This, in turn, leads to a 67% reduction in the disinfection time to achieve 95% bacterial load reduction, therefore demonstrating the potential of the technology as an efficient portable platform for on-demand field-use surface disinfection.
Micromechanical mode-localized electric current sensor
Authors: Li Han , Zhang Zhao , Zu Luhan , Hao Yongcun , Chang Honglong
Published: April 2022

This paper outlines the design of a novel mode-localized electric current sensor based on a mechanically sensitive element of weakly coupled resonator systems. With the advantage of a high voltage sensitivity of weakly coupled resonator systems, the current under test is converted to voltage via a silicon shunt resistor, which causes stiffness perturbation to one resonator. The mode-localization phenomenon alters the energy distribution in the weakly coupled resonator system. A theoretical model of current sensing is established, and the performance of the current sensor is determined: the sensitivity of the electric current sensor is 567/A, the noise floor is 69.3 nA/√Hz, the resolution is 183.6 nA, and the bias instability is 81.6 nA. The mode-localized electric current sensor provides a new approach for measuring sub-microampere currents for applications in nuclear physics, including for photocurrent signals and transistor leakage currents. It could also become a key component of a portable mode-localized multimeter when combined with a mode-localized voltmeter. In addition, it has the potential for use in studying sensor arrays to achieve higher resolution.
Validation of ketamine as a pharmacological model of thalamic dysconnectivity across the illness course of schizophrenia
Authors: Abram Samantha V. , Roach Brian J. , Fryer Susanna L. , Calhoun Vince D. , Preda Adrian , van Erp Theo G. M. , Bustillo Juan R. , Lim Kelvin O. , Loewy Rachel L. , Stuart Barbara K. , Krystal John H. , Ford Judith M. , Mathalon Daniel H.
Published: April 2022

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction is a leading pathophysiological model of schizophrenia. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) studies demonstrate a thalamic dysconnectivity pattern in schizophrenia involving excessive connectivity with sensory regions and deficient connectivity with frontal, cerebellar, and thalamic regions. The NMDAR antagonist ketamine, when administered at sub-anesthetic doses to healthy volunteers, induces transient schizophrenia-like symptoms and alters rsfMRI thalamic connectivity. However, the extent to which ketamine-induced thalamic dysconnectivity resembles schizophrenia thalamic dysconnectivity has not been directly tested. The current double-blind, placebo-controlled study derived an NMDAR hypofunction model of thalamic dysconnectivity from healthy volunteers undergoing ketamine infusions during rsfMRI. To assess whether ketamine-induced thalamic dysconnectivity was mediated by excess glutamate release, we tested whether pre-treatment with lamotrigine, a glutamate release inhibitor, attenuated ketamine’s effects. Ketamine produced robust thalamo-cortical hyper-connectivity with sensory and motor regions that was not reduced by lamotrigine pre-treatment. To test whether the ketamine thalamic dysconnectivity pattern resembled the schizophrenia pattern, a whole-brain template representing ketamine’s thalamic dysconnectivity effect was correlated with individual participant rsfMRI thalamic dysconnectivity maps, generating “ketamine similarity coefficients” for people with chronic (SZ) and early illness (ESZ) schizophrenia, individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P), and healthy controls (HC). Similarity coefficients were higher in SZ and ESZ than in HC, with CHR-P showing an intermediate trend. Higher ketamine similarity coefficients correlated with greater hallucination severity in SZ. Thus, NMDAR hypofunction, modeled with ketamine, reproduces the thalamic hyper-connectivity observed in schizophrenia across its illness course, including the CHR-P period preceding psychosis onset, and may contribute to hallucination severity.
Mouse models of immune dysfunction: their neuroanatomical differences reflect their anxiety-behavioural phenotype
Authors: Fernandes Darren J. , Spring Shoshana , Corre Christina , Tu Andrew , Qiu Lily R. , Hammill Christopher , Vousden Dulcie A. , Spencer Noakes T. Leigh , Nieman Brian J. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. , Foster Jane A. , Palmert Mark R. , Lerch Jason P.
Published: April 2022

Extensive evidence supports the role of the immune system in modulating brain function and behaviour. However, past studies have revealed striking heterogeneity in behavioural phenotypes produced from immune system dysfunction. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we studied the neuroanatomical differences among 11 distinct genetically modified mouse lines (n = 371), each deficient in a different element of the immune system. We found a significant and heterogeneous effect of immune dysfunction on the brains of both male and female mice. However, by imaging the whole brain and using Bayesian hierarchical modelling, we were able to identify patterns within the heterogeneous phenotype. Certain structures—such as the corpus callosum, midbrain, and thalamus—were more likely to be affected by immune dysfunction. A notable brain–behaviour relationship was identified with neuroanatomy endophenotypes across mouse models clustering according to anxiety-like behaviour phenotypes reported in literature, such as altered volume in brains regions associated with promoting fear response (e.g., the lateral septum and cerebellum). Interestingly, genes with preferential spatial expression in the most commonly affected regions are also associated with multiple sclerosis and other immune-mediated diseases. In total, our data suggest that the immune system modulates anxiety behaviour through well-established brain networks.
The differential diagnostic value of dual-phase 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT in prostate carcinoma
Authors: Tian Aijuan , Lin Runlong , Yu Jing , Zhang Fan , Zheng Qiang , Yuan Xin , Sun Zhanhua , Zhong Zhaoyan
Published: April 2022

Objective

Binding of 18F-DCFPyL at prostate cancer (PC) cells increases over time. The dual-phase protocol may be helpful in separating benign lesions from malignant ones associated with prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze the incremental diagnostic value of 18F-DCFPyL dual-time imaging in patients with prostate cancer.

Method

114 prostate-related malignant lesions and 43 benign lesions in 38 patients with prostate cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) for benign and prostate-related malignant lesions were calculated at min 60 and min 120 of PET/CT imaging. In order to calculate SUV ratio, the SUVmax of left gluteus maximus was measured at the same time. The difference of SUVmax metrics and SUV ratio between malignant and benign lesions was statistically analyzed, the cut-off value of ROC curve was calculated, and the diagnostic efficacy of SUVmax index and SUV ratio at two time points was compared.

Results

SUVmax metrics and SUV ratio of early and delayed imaging of PC-related malignant lesions were significantly higher than those of benign lesions (p < 0.05). In terms of individual indicators, the highest accuracy and sensitivity was in the delayed SUV ratio (89.2% and 94.7%), the best specificity was in the early SUVmax (93.0%). When the individual and combined indicators were compared together, the SUV ratio in the delay period still showed the best diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, and the best specificity were SUVmax early and ▵SUVmax, SUVmax early and RI.

Conclusions

Uptake of 18F-DCFPyL increased over time in prostate-associated malignant lesions compared with benign tissue. For single-phase imaging, 2-hour (delayed) imaging has better diagnostic performance. However, the dual-phase imaging (1 and 2 h) are helpful in the differential diagnosis of prostate-associated malignant lesions and benign lesions.
Microvascular stabilization via blood-brain barrier regulation prevents seizure activity
Authors: Greene Chris , Hanley Nicole , Reschke Cristina R. , Reddy Avril , Mäe Maarja A. , Connolly Ruairi , Behan Claire , O’Keeffe Eoin , Bolger Isobel , Hudson Natalie , Delaney Conor , Farrell Michael A. , O’Brien Donncha F. , Cryan Jane , Brett Francesca M. , Beausang Alan , Betsholtz Christer , Henshall David C. , Doherty Colin P. , Campbell Matthew
Published: April 2022

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is associated with worse epilepsy outcomes however the underlying molecular mechanisms of BBB dysfunction remain to be elucidated. Tight junction proteins are important regulators of BBB integrity and in particular, the tight junction protein claudin-5 is the most enriched in brain endothelial cells and regulates size-selectivity at the BBB. Additionally, disruption of claudin-5 expression has been implicated in numerous disorders including schizophrenia, depression and traumatic brain injury, yet its role in epilepsy has not been fully deciphered. Here we report that claudin-5 protein levels are significantly diminished in surgically resected brain tissue from patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Concomitantly, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI in these patients showed widespread BBB disruption. We show that targeted disruption of claudin-5 in the hippocampus or genetic heterozygosity of claudin-5 in mice exacerbates kainic acid-induced seizures and BBB disruption. Additionally, inducible knockdown of claudin-5 in mice leads to spontaneous recurrent seizures, severe neuroinflammation, and mortality. Finally, we identify that RepSox, a regulator of claudin-5 expression, can prevent seizure activity in experimental epilepsy. Altogether, we propose that BBB stabilizing drugs could represent a new generation of agents to prevent seizure activity in epilepsy patients.
Dissecting extracellular and intracellular distribution of nanoparticles and their contribution to therapeutic response by monochromatic ratiometric imaging
Authors: Yan Yue , Chen Binlong , Yin Qingqing , Wang Zenghui , Yang Ye , Wan Fangjie , Wang Yaoqi , Tang Mingmei , Xia Heming , Chen Meifang , Liu Jianxiong , Wang Siling , Zhang Qiang , Wang Yiguang
Published: April 2022

Efficient delivery of payload to intracellular targets has been identified as the central principle for nanomedicine development, while the extracellular targets are equally important for cancer treatment. Notably, the contribution of extracellularly distributed nanoparticles to therapeutic outcome is far from being understood. Herein, we develop a pH/light dual-responsive monochromatic ratiometric imaging nanoparticle (MRIN), which functions through sequentially lighting up the intracellular and extracellular fluorescence signals by acidic endocytic pH and near-infrared light. Enabled by MRIN nanotechnology, we accurately quantify the extracellular and intracellular distribution of nanoparticles in several tumor models, which account for 65–80% and 20–35% of total tumor exposure, respectively. Given that the majority of nanoparticles are trapped in extracellular regions, we successfully dissect the contribution of extracellularly distributed nanophotosensitizer to therapeutic efficacy, thereby maximize the treatment outcome. Our study provides key strategies to precisely quantify nanocarrier microdistribtion and engineer multifunctional nanomedicines for efficient theranostics.
A pair of non-Mendelian genes at the Ga2 locus confer unilateral cross-incompatibility in maize
Authors: Chen Zhibin , Zhang Zhaogui , Zhang Huairen , Li Kai , Cai Darun , Zhao Li , Liu Juan , Chen Huabang
Published: April 2022

Maize unilateral cross-incompatibility (UCI) that causes non-Mendelian segregation ratios has been documented for more than a century.Ga1,Ga2, andTcb1are three major UCI systems, described but not fully understood. Here, we report comprehensive genetic studies on theGa2locus and map-based cloning of the tightly linked male determinantZmGa2Pand female determinantZmGa2Fthat govern pollen-silk compatibility among different maize genotypes. Both determinants encode putative pectin methylesterases (PME). A significantly higher degree of methyl esterification is detected in the apical region of pollen tubes growing in incompatible silks. No direct interaction between ZmGa2P and ZmGa2F is detected in the yeast two-hybrid system implying a distinct mechanism from that of self-incompatibility (SI). We also demonstrate the feasibility ofGa2as a reproductive barrier in commercial breeding programs and stackingGa2withGa1could strengthen the UCI market potentials.
Blood-based tumor mutational burden as a biomarker for atezolizumab in non-small cell lung cancer: the phase 2 B-F1RST trial
Authors: Kim Edward S. , Velcheti Vamsidhar , Mekhail Tarek , Yun Cindy , Shagan Sarah M. , Hu Sylvia , Chae Young Kwang , Leal Ticiana A. , Dowell Jonathan E. , Tsai Michaela L. , Dakhil Christopher S. R. , Stella Philip , Jin Yanling , Shames David S. , Schleifman Erica , Fabrizio David A. , Phan See , Socinski Mark A.
Published: April 2022

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has shown promise in predicting benefit from PD-L1/PD-1 inhibitors in retrospective studies. Aiming to assess blood TMB (bTMB) prospectively, we conducted B-F1RST (NCT02848651), an open-label, phase 2 trial that evaluated bTMB as a predictive biomarker for first-line atezolizumab monotherapy in locally advanced or metastatic stage IIIB–IVB non-small cell lung cancer (n = 152). The co-primary endpoints were investigator-assessed objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST version 1.1 and investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS) between high and low bTMB subgroups at the pre-defined bTMB ≥ 16 (14.5 mutations per megabase) cutoff. Secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed PFS, overall survival (OS) and duration of response at various bTMB cutoffs, as well as safety. Investigator-assessed PFS in the bTMB ≥ 16 versus bTMB < 16 groups was not statistically significant. However, bTMB ≥ 16 was associated with higher ORR, and ORR improved as bTMB cutoffs increased. No new safety signals were seen. In exploratory analyses, patients with maximum somatic allele frequency (MSAF) < 1% had higher ORR than patients with MSAF ≥ 1%. However, further analysis showed that this effect was driven by better baseline prognostics rather than by MSAF itself. At 36.5-month follow-up, an exploratory analysis of OS found that bTMB ≥ 16 was associated with longer OS than bTMB < 16. Further study and assay optimization will be required to develop bTMB as a predictive, standalone biomarker of immunotherapy or for use in conjunction with other biomarkers.
Divalent magnesium restores cytoskeletal storage lesions in cold-stored platelet concentrates
Authors: Aurich Konstanze , Wesche Jan , Ulbricht Martin , Otto Oliver , Greinacher Andreas , Palankar Raghavendra
Published: April 2022

Cold storage of platelet concentrates (PC) has become attractive due to the reduced risk of bacterial proliferation, but in vivo circulation time of cold-stored platelets is reduced. Ca2+release from storage organelles and higher activity of Ca2+pumps at temperatures < 15 °C triggers cytoskeleton changes. This is suppressed by Mg2+addition, avoiding a shift in Ca2+hemostasis and cytoskeletal alterations. We report on the impact of 2–10 mM Mg2+on cytoskeleton alterations of platelets from PC stored at room temperature (RT) or 4 °C in additive solution (PAS), 30% plasma. Deformation of platelets was assessed by real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC), a method for biomechanical cell characterization. Deformation was strongly affected by storage at 4 °C and preserved by Mg2+addition ≥ 4 mM Mg2+(mean ± SD of median deformation 4 °C vs. 4 °C + 10 mM Mg2+0.073 ± 0.021 vs. 0.118 ± 0.023,p < 0.01; n = 6, day 7). These results were confirmed by immunofluorescence microscopy, showing that Mg2+ ≥ 4 mM prevents 4 °C storage induced cytoskeletal structure lesion. Standard in vitro platelet function tests showed minor differences between RT and cold-stored platelets. Hypotonic shock response was not significantly different between RT stored (56.38 ± 29.36%) and cold-stored platelets with (55.22 ± 11.16%) or without magnesium (45.65 ± 11.59%; p = 0.042, all n = 6, day 1). CD62P expression and platelet aggregation response were similar between RT and 4 °C stored platelets, with minor changes in the presence of higher Mg2+concentrations. In conclusion, increasing Mg2+up to 10 mM in PAS counteracts 4 °C storage lesions in platelets, maintains platelet cytoskeletal integrity and biomechanical properties comparable to RT stored platelets.
Predictors of impaired SARS-CoV-2 immunity in healthcare workers after vaccination with BNT162b2
Authors: Bertram Sebastian , Blazquez-Navarro Arturo , Seidel Maximilian , Hölzer Bodo , Seibert Felix S. , Doevelaar Adrian , Rohn Benjamin , Zgoura Panagiota , Witte-Lack Alexandra , Skrzypczyk Sarah , Scholten David , Kisters Klaus , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: April 2022

Healthcare workers are at substantially increased risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2. Successful vaccination constitutes a crucial prerequisite to protect this group during the pandemic. Since post vaccination antibody monitoring is not standard of care in all healthcare institutions, data on risk factors of impaired vaccine induced immune response are urgently required. Moreover, there are no data on cellular immune responses in humoral low responders so far. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG was assessed after vaccination with BNT162b2 in 1386 employees of three hospitals of a German healthcare provider. Concentrations were compared to those of 45 convalescent employees. Vaccine-induced cellular immunity was measured in employees with reduced humoral response by assessment of frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cell. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike IgG were detected in 99.9% of 1386 healthcare workers after completed vaccination. The median antibody concentration was significantly higher after vaccination than after infection with SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.0001). 10 subjects (0.7%) generated an IgG concentration < 100 IU/ml, and only two persons (0.1%, solid organ recipients) did not produce detectable antibodies at all. T cell responses of those subjects with submaximal or lacking humoral response were comparable to employees with maximal antibody titers. 50% of those individuals with impaired or lacking humoral immune response were on immunosuppression. Vaccination to SARS-CoV-2 with BNT162b2 is very effective in healthcare workers yielding a seroconversion rate of 99.9%. Immunosuppression is the most important risk factor of an impaired immune response. There was no case of vaccination failure without immunosuppression. Thus, post vaccination antibody monitoring is highly recommendable in those employees with immunosuppression.
Seasonal-to-decadal prediction of El Niño–Southern Oscillation and Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Choi Jung , Son Seok-Woo
Published: April 2022

The growing demand for skillful near-term climate prediction encourages an improved prediction of low-frequency sea surface temperature (SST) variabilities such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). This study assesses their seasonal-to-decadal prediction skills using large ensembles of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phases 5 and 6 retrospective decadal predictions. A multi-model ensemble reforecast successfully predicts ENSO over a year in advance. While its seasonal prediction skill in the following spring and summer is achieved by multi-model ensemble averaging of relatively smaller ensemble members, the multi-year prediction of winter ENSO needs a larger ensemble size. The PDO is significantly predicted at a lead time of five-to-nine years but such a long-lead prediction is sourced from external radiative forcing instead of initialization, as evidenced from uninitialized historical simulations. The effect of model initialization lasts only two years. These results confirm that both the model initialization and the proper estimate of near-term radiative forcing are required to improve the seasonal-to-decadal prediction in the Pacific Basin.
Proton–electron-coupled functionalities of conductivity, magnetism, and optical properties in molecular crystals
Authors: Mori Hatsumi , Yokomori So , Dekura Shun , Ueda Akira
Published: April 2022

This article highlights the recent progress of proton–electron-coupled functionalities based on π- and d/π-electron molecular materials, which will stimulate inspiration for pioneering novel phenomena/functionalities.
Thermo-photo catalysis: a whole greater than the sum of its parts
Authors: Fang Siyuan , Hu Yun Hang
Published: April 2022

This review provides an up-to-date understanding on emerging thermo-photo catalytic processes with an emphasis on the synergetic effects of thermal and photo energies.
Ammonia-oxidizing microbes and biological ammonia removal in drinking water treatment
Authors: Luo Xiaonan , Shen Tong , Guan Chaoting , Li Ning , Jiang Jin
Published: April 2022

Ammonia in drinking water can lead to formation of disinfection byproducts in disinfection and bacteria regrowth in water distribution systems. Biological ammonia removal is an economical and environment-friendly way in controlling ammonia.
Determination of ultra-trace level241Am in soil by triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with mass-shift mode combined with chemical separation
Authors: Zhang Weichao , Lin Jianfeng , Zhang Haitao , Fang Sui , Li Chen , Yi Xiaowei , Dang Haijun , Xu Yihong , Wang Wei , Xu Jiang
Published: April 2022

ICP-MS/MS measurement with mass-shift mode using O2/He–He collision gas can effectively suppress the interference of polyatomic ions from interfering elements (Pb, Hg, Tl,etc.) in analysis of ultra-trace level241Am in environmental samples.
Facile and wide-range size tuning of conjugated polymer nanoparticles for biomedical applications as a fluorescent probe
Authors: Nakamura Noriko , Tanaka Nobuaki , Ohta Seiichi
Published: April 2022

Herein, a facile and size-tunable synthesis of conjugated polymer nanoparticles was established and their cellular imaging properties were evaluated.
Near-infrared emissive cyanine probes for selective visualization of the physiological and pathophysiological modulation of albumin levels
Authors: Biswas Bidisha , Dogra Surbhi , Dey Gourab , Murugan N. Arul , Mondal Prosenjit , Ghosh Subrata
Published: April 2022

With the promising advantages of the near-infrared region (NIR) emissive markers for serum albumin becoming very prominent recently, we devised CyG-NHS as the cyanine derived longest NIR-I emissive optical marker possessing albumin selective recognition ability in diverse biological milieu.