bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choosing an arbitrary calibration period for hydrologic models: How much does it influence water balance simulations?
Authors: Myers Daniel T. , Ficklin Darren L. , Robeson Scott M. , Neupane Ram P. , Botero‐Acosta Alejandra , Avellaneda Pedro M.
Published: January 2021

The selection of calibration and validation time periods in hydrologic modelling is often done arbitrarily. Nonstationarity can lead to an optimal parameter set for one period which may not accurately simulate another. However, there is still much to be learned about the responses of hydrologic models to nonstationary conditions. We investigated how the selection of calibration and validation periods can influence water balance simulations. We calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool hydrologic models with observed streamflow for three United States watersheds (St. Joseph River of Indiana/Michigan, Escambia River of Florida/Alabama, and Cottonwood Creek of California), using time period splits for calibration/validation. We found that the choice of calibration period (with different patterns of observed streamflow, precipitation, and air temperature) influenced the parameter sets, leading to dissimilar simulations of water balance components. In the Cottonwood Creek watershed, simulations of 50‐year mean January streamflow varied by 32%, because of lower winter precipitation and air temperature in earlier calibration periods on calibrated parameters, which impaired the ability for models calibrated to earlier periods to simulate later periods. Peaks of actual evapotranspiration for this watershed also shifted from April to May due to different parameter values depending on the calibration period's winter air temperatures. In the St. Joseph and Escambia River watersheds, adjustments of the runoff curve number parameter could vary by 10.7% and 20.8%, respectively, while 50‐year mean monthly surface runoff simulations could vary by 23%–37% and 169%–209%, depending on the observed streamflow and precipitation of the chosen calibration period. It is imperative that calibration and validation time periods are chosen selectively instead of arbitrarily, for instance using change point detection methods, and that the calibration periods are appropriate for the goals of the study, considering possible broad effects of nonstationary time series on water balance simulations. It is also crucial that the hydrologic modelling community improves existing calibration and validation practices to better include nonstationary processes.
Effectiveness and safety of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma: A multicenter, observational study
Authors: Monestier Sandrine , Dalle Stéphane , Mortier Laurent , Dutriaux Caroline , Dalac‐Rat Sophie , Meyer Nicolas , Leccia Marie Thérèse , Mansard Sandrine , Montaudié Henri , Saiag Philippe , Combemale Patrick , Guillot Bernard , Skowron François , Duval Modeste Anne‐Bénédicte , Bénéton Nathalie , Hainaut Ewa , Robert Caroline , Arnault Jean Philippe , Le Corre Yannick , Jouary Thomas , Ameur Nabahet , Varey Emilie , Khammari Amir , Dréno Brigitte ,   the RIC‐Mel network
Published: January 2021

This retrospective observational study aimed to determine the effectiveness, safety and patterns of the use of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma in real‐world clinical practice in France using data from a Temporary Authorization for Use Program (ATU). Data were collected from patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma enrolled in a French national database (Réseau pour la Recherche et l'Investigation Clinique sur le Mélanome: Ric‐Mel) and treated with nivolumab during the ATU program (12 September 2014 to 31 August 2015). The primary objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of patient characteristics on clinical response and overall survival (OS). Among 400 included patients (median age 66 years), the majority (83%) received nivolumab as second‐ or subsequent‐line therapy. The median durations of progression‐free survival and OS were 3.3 and 14.1 months, respectively, and 31.6% of patients achieved an objective response with a median duration of 20.1 months (range: 0‐34.7). The safety profile of nivolumab was manageable and consistent with those of previous clinical trials, with an incidence of grade 3‐5 adverse events of 13.8%. The safety and effectiveness of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma in real‐world clinical practice in France were in line with the data reported in the Phase 3 trials CheckMate 066 and 037 of nivolumab in this patient population.
Simulation of interactive contagion between depositors' panic and banking risk
Authors: Gong Shuwen , Zou Huiwen
Published: January 2021

Contagion (spread of harmful idea) and control of bank risk have been an eternal topic in the field of financial research. In this paper, we firstly use the savings mechanism to combine the social network of depositors with the network of balance sheets in the banking system to build multiple networks for the banking industry. Secondly, aiming at the heterogeneity of depositors, construct an improved SIS model based on node attitudes to represent the decision‐making process of a bank run during the spread of panic emotions in social networks. Finally, three sets of simulation experiments were designed using a multi‐agent model to analyse the interaction between bank risk contagion and depositor panic contagion under initial asset shocks, the sensitivity of two types of risk contagion, and bank risk contagion under initial rumour shocks. Results show that: (i) The contagion of bank risks and the spread of panic emotions of depositors will affect each other, which will further expand the scope of the spread of bank risk and panic emotions; (ii) depositors in social networks are more likely to be affected by the negative emotions around them; (iii) The key to stabilizing the banking system, while sufficient liquidity can effectively help the banking system resist rumour attacks.
The stability and downside risk to contrarian profits: Evidence from the S&P 500
Authors: Forbes William , Kiselev Egor , Skerratt Len
Published: January 2021

A large literature now reports the evidence for the profitability of contrarian trading strategies. We investigate the stability of such contrarian trading strategies and their ability to generate large, potentially ruinous, losses for their users. Specifically, we ask, are the annual profits earned by contrarian strategies sufficiently stable and loss‐free to keep their adherents in the game and capable of reaping returns to such long‐run trading strategies? We present tests with more statistical power than hitherto, reflecting practical aspects of the operation of contrarian strategies. Specifically, the strategies are implemented only for years in which the mean return of stocks in the buy portfolio exceeds that of the sell portfolio; in addition, for each strategy, we calculate the Calmar ratio as a measure of downside risk. Using the constituents of the S&P 500 index for the years 1990–2017 inclusive, we examine a variety of simple, ratio‐based strategies and more complicated strategies based on formal valuation models. Overall, our evaluation makes us sceptical about the reliability of contrarian strategies as currently formulated. But of those strategies available, those based on discounted cash flow seem most likely to be profitable.
The role of sarcopenic obesity in high‐grade endometrial cancer
Authors: Donkers Hannah , Fasmer Kristine E. , Mcgrane John , Pijnenborg Johanna M. A. , Bekkers Ruud , Haldorsen Ingfrid S. , Galaal Khadra
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between obesity and sarcopenia in relation to overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) in high‐grade endometrial cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in women diagnosed with high‐grade endometrial cancer (EC) between February 2006 and August 2017 in the Royal Cornwall Hospital who had abdominal computerized tomography (CT)‐scan as part of routine staging work‐up. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring psoas‐, paraspinal‐ and abdominal wall muscles on CT and defined by skeletal muscle index ≤41 cm2/m2. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as sarcopenia combined with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2.

Results

A total of 176 patients with median age of 70 years and median BMI of 29.4 kg/m2were included in the study. The majority of patients (38%) had endometrioid type histology. Sarcopenia was not associated with OS (P = 0.951) or DSS (P = 0.545) However, in multivariate analysis, sarcopenic obesity was associated with reduced OS in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) patients (P = 0.048).

Conclusion

Sarcopenic obesity is associated with OS in high‐grade EEC patients, while sarcopenia without obesity is not related to OS or DSS in high‐grade EC. In non‐endometrioid endometrial cancer, there is no association between sarcopenic obesity and survival.
Prevalence and associated risk factors of prenatal depression underdiagnosis: A population‐based study
Authors: Faisal‐Cury Alexandre , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Azeredo Catarina Machado , Matijasevich Alicia
Published: January 2021

Objective

To estimate prenatal depression underdiagnosis prevalence and its associated sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors among a population‐based sample of Brazilian pregnant women with depression.

Methods

We used data from the Brazilian National Survey (PNS 2013). Of the 22 445 women of reproductive age, 800 reported being pregnant. Participants answered the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and a questionnaire with sociodemographic, obstetric, and clinical data. Classification of prenatal depression underdiagnosis was made using the comparison between results obtained from the self‐referred question evaluating clinical diagnosis of depression and the results of the PHQ‐9. Pregnant women with a PHQ‐9 score greater than 8 and with a “No” answer in the clinical question were classified as prenatal depression underdiagnosis. Logistic regression models were performed to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) between variables and prenatal depression underdiagnosis.

Results

Prevalence of prenatal depression underdiagnosis was 82.3% (74.8%–87.8%). Pregnant women with non‐white skin color and pregnant women with an elementary school degree were more likely to be underdiagnosed with prenatal depression in comparison with women with white skin color (adjusted OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.99–5.91) and with women with higher education (adjusted OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.05–8.09).

Conclusion

Equitable mental health assistance for pregnant women should considered prenatal depression social risk factors.
Seven‐year survival analysis in women with unsuspected uterine malignancy after laparotomic versus laparoscopic hysterectomy: A national claim data retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung , Lee Jung H.
Published: January 2021

Objective

The primary aim was to compare the overall survival of women with unsuspected uterine malignancy (UUM) diagnosed after laparotomic versus laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases. The secondary aim was to evaluate the incidence of UUM.

Methods

A national health insurance database was analyzed from 2006 to 2010.

Results

From the database (24 million women annually), 157 232 women who received hysterectomy for benign diseases were extracted. These women were divided into a laparotomic group (n = 103 631) and a laparoscopic group (n = 53 601). The overall incidences of UUM, unsuspected endometrial cancer, and unsuspected uterine malignancy other than endometrial cancer (UUMOEC) were 0.66%, 0.46%, and 0.19%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that the laparoscopic group was associated with more favorable overall survival than the laparotomic group, especially in UUMOEC (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In women with UUM diagnosed after hysterectomy for benign diseases, overall survival up to 7 years favors laparoscopy over laparotomy, especially in UUMOEC and the incidence of UUM is relatively low. However, considering the devastating effect of intraperitoneal dissemination of UUM, surgeons should fully explain this issue to patients preoperatively and try to avoid intraperitoneal spread of tumor cells intraoperatively.
DRAINMOD simulation of paddy field drainage strategies and adaptation to future climate change in lower reaches of the Yangtze river basin*
Authors: Awad Ahmed , Luo Wan , Zou Jiarong
Published: January 2021

The DRAINMOD model was used to simulate the current and future water balance in the Yanyun Irrigation District, China. Projections of future climate in the district (2021:2050) show that annual maximum and minimum temperatures will increase by [1.09 and 1.15 °C] under the representative concentration pathway RCP4.5 and [1.34 and 1.39 °C] under RCP8.5, besides more frequency of one‐day peak precipitation events. DRAINMOD simulations revealed that future annual runoff will increase by 33.3% (RCP4.5) and 36.9% (RCP8.5), while groundwater tables will drop by 6% (RCP4.5) and 14.5% (RCP8.5). Future hydrology has been resimulated, but with increasing the capacity of surface depressions in an attempt to minimize adverse impacts of climate change, and results have been checked twice: under proper and improper subsurface drainage practices. Under proper subsurface drainage practices, it was revealed that future runoff will decrease by 25.3% (RCP4.5) and 23.6% (RCP8.5), which will cause a rise in groundwater tables to desired levels, while in contrast, improper subsurface drainage practices will increase future runoff by 13.7% (RCP4.5) and 2.8% (RCP8.5), all compared to future values before adaptation. Therefore, proper drainage strategies are a vital tool that helps to cope with climate change in agricultural lands and mitigate future runoff rates.
Early Effects of Abaloparatide on Bone Formation and Resorption Indices in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis
Authors: Dempster David W , Zhou Hua , Rao Sudhaker D , Recknor Chris , Miller Paul D , Leder Benjamin Z , Annett Miriam , Ominsky Michael S , Mitlak Bruce H
Published: January 2021

Anabolic osteoporosis drugs improve bone mineral density by increasing bone formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early effects of abaloparatide on indices of bone formation and to assess the effect of abaloparatide on modeling-based formation (MBF), remodeling-based formation (RBF), and overflow MBF (oMBF) in transiliac bone biopsies. In this open-label, single-arm study, 23 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were treated with 80 μg abaloparatide daily. Subjects received double fluorochrome labels before treatment and before biopsy collection at 3 months. Change in dynamic histomorphometry indices in four bone envelopes were assessed. Median mineralizing surface per unit of bone surface (MS/BS) increased to 24.7%, 48.7%, 21.4%, and 16.3% of total surface after 3 months of abaloparatide treatment, representing 5.5-, 5.2-, 2.8-, and 12.9-fold changes, on cancellous, endocortical, intracortical, and periosteal surfaces (p < .001 versus baseline for all). Mineral apposition rate (MAR) was significantly increased only on intracortical surfaces. Bone formation rate (BFR/BS) was significantly increased on all four bone envelopes. Significant increases versus baseline were observed in MBF on cancellous, endocortical, and periosteal surfaces, for oMBF on cancellous and endocortical surfaces, and for RBF on cancellous, endocortical, and intracortical surfaces. Overall, modeling-based formation (MBF + oMBF) accounted for 37% and 23% of the increase in bone-forming surface on the endocortical and cancellous surfaces, respectively. Changes from baseline in serum biomarkers of bone turnover at either month 1 or month 3 were generally good surrogates for changes in histomorphometric endpoints. In conclusion, treatment with abaloparatide for 3 months stimulated bone formation on cancellous, endocortical, intracortical, and periosteal envelopes in transiliac bone biopsies obtained from postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. These increases reflected stimulation of both remodeling- and modeling-based bone formation, further elucidating the mechanisms by which abaloparatide improves bone mass and lowers fracture risk. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Real earnings management in bankrupt firms
Authors: Xu Chunhao , Zhang Hongxian , Hao Jun , Guo Liang
Published: January 2021

We investigate: (1) whether managers in bankrupt firms manipulate earnings through real earnings management (REM); (2) the incentives and tradeoff strategies to engage in REM; (3) how REM influences the subsequent firm performance and bankruptcy probability. We find that bankrupt firms are more likely to manipulate earnings via REM than continuous firms. There is an increasing trend of REM activities in the 5‐year window before bankruptcy. The major incentive for bankrupt firms to engage in REM is the issuance of new debt. Bankrupt firms treat REM and accrual‐based earnings management (AEM) as complementary tools for earnings management. We further find that REM is associated with low future firm performance. The REM score defined in this study can more accurately predict bankruptcy than the Altman Z score by 15%. Overall, the findings in this paper will help investors, regulators, and academics identify REM activities and understand the incentives and consequences of REM.
Fibronectin assembly regulates lumen formation in breast acini
Authors: Magdaleno Carina , House Trenton , Pawar Jogendra S. , Carvalho Sophia , Rajasekaran Narendiran , Varadaraj Archana
Published: January 2021

Fibronectin (FN) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein that self‐assembles into FN fibrils, forming a FN matrix contributing to the stiffness of the ECM. Stromal FN stiffness in cancer has been shown to impact epithelial functions such as migration, cancer metastasis, and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. The role of the FN matrix of epithelial cells in driving such processes remains less well understood and is the focus of this study. Hypoxia, defined by low oxygen tension (<5%) is one of the hallmarks of tumor microenvironments impacting fibril reorganization in stromal and epithelial cells. Here, using the MCF10 breast epithelial progression series of cell lines encompassing normal, preinvasive, and invasive states, we show that FN fibril formation decreases during hypoxia, coinciding with a decrease in migratory potential of these cells. Conversely, we find that FN fibril disruption during three‐dimensional acinar growth of normal breast cells resulted in acinar luminal filling. Our data also demonstrates that the luminal filling upon fibril disruption in untransformed MCF10A cells results in a loss of apicobasal polarity, characteristic of pre‐invasive and invasive breast cell lines MCF10AT and MCF10 DCIS.com. Overall this is the first study that relates fibril‐mediated changes in epithelial cells as critical players in lumen clearing of breast acini and maintenance of the untransformed growth characteristic.
Clinically detectable structural abnormalities in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis: A large‐scale magnetic resonance imaging analysis
Authors: Levman Jacob , Das Avilash , MacDonald Allissa , MacDonald Patrick , Berrigan Lindsay , Takahashi Emi
Published: January 2021

Background

Multiple Sclerosis is characterized by neural demyelination. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides soft tissue contrast, which forms the basis of techniques for extracting regional biomarkers across a participant's brain.

Objectives

To investigate the clinical presentation of multiple sclerosis in a large‐scale MRI analysis that includes thorough consideration of extractable structural measurements (average and variability of regional cortical thicknesses, cortical surface measurements, and volumes).

Methods

We performed a large‐scale retrospective analysis of 370 T1 structural volumetric MRIs from 64 participants with multiple sclerosis and compared them with a large cohort of neurotypical participants, consisting of 993 MRIs from 988 participants. Regionally distributed measurements of cortical thickness (average and standard deviation) were extracted along with surface area, surface curvature, and volumetric measurements.

Results

The largest observed finding involved regionally distributed reductions in average cortical thickness, with the parahippocampal region exhibiting the largest effect size, a finding that may be linked with known hippocampal atrophy in multiple sclerosis. Group‐wise differences were also observed in terms of distributed volume, surface area, and surface curvature measurements.

Conclusions

Participants with pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis present clinically with a variety of structural abnormalities, including perirhinal cortex thickness abnormalities not previously reported in the literature.
Association between the level of attention and dual‐task costs on postural sway and cognitive yield in children, adolescents, and young adults
Authors: Pavão Sílvia Leticia , Lima Camila R. G. , Sato Tatiana O. , Rocha Nelci Adriana Cicuto Ferreira
Published: January 2021

Background

Postural stability requires attentional resources. Dual‐task paradigms are used to investigate the attentional demand of the studied tasks. However, no studies have been conducted on the subjects' level of attention, analyzing its association with dual‐task costs (DTC).

Research question

To evaluate the attentional level and DTC on postural sway and cognitive yield in children, adolescents, and young adults, investigating age‐related differences, and to analyze if the participants' attention level is associated with DTC.

Methods

Postural sway and cognitive‐yield of 30 children, 24 adolescents, and 32 young adults were assessed in a dual‐task paradigm. We calculated DTC on postural sway and cognitive yield. Attention level was tested using Psychological Battery for Attention Assessment. We tested the association between DTC and attention level.

Results

Young adults showed higher DTC on area and velocity of postural sway than children and adolescents. No differences in DTC on cognitive yield were found between the groups. Children showed lower attention levels than adolescents and young adults. Attention level was negatively associated with DTC on cognitive yield in young adults. Focused Attention is responsible for 24.4% of the variance in DTC on cognitive yield.

Conclusion

Age impacts DTC on postural stability, but not on cognitive performance. The smaller changes in sway found in children/adolescents when dual‐tasking, potentially reflect less developed attentional levels and postural control, which make them performing postural tasks closed to their stability boundaries, and, therefore, make them prioritize stability protection more than adults. Similar DTC on cognition between groups may reflect an equalization of the chosen cognitive task at everyone's difficulty level. The lower attention levels of children may reflect an attentional system in development, with prioritization o postural tasks when dual‐tasking to maintain stability. Although attention level increases throughout age, attention only predicted DTC on cognition. Better Focused Attention's levels predicted lower DTC on cognitive yield for young adults.
Dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is associated to a SIGLEC1 null variant that limits antigen exchange via trafficking extracellular vesicles
Authors: Benet Susana , Gálvez Cristina , Drobniewski Francis , Kontsevaya Irina , Arias Lilibeth , Monguió‐Tortajada Marta , Erkizia Itziar , Urrea Victor , Ong Ruo‐Yan , Luquin Marina , Dupont Maeva , Chojnacki Jakub , Dalmau Judith , Cardona Paula , Neyrolles Olivier , Lugo‐Villarino Geanncarlo , Vérollet Christel , Julián Esther , Furrer Hansjakob , Günthard Huldrych F. , Crocker Paul R. , Tapia Gustavo , Borràs Francesc E. , Fellay Jacques , McLaren Paul J. , Telenti Amalio , Cardona Pere‐Joan , Clotet Bonaventura , Vilaplana Cristina , Martinez‐Picado Javier , Izquierdo‐Useros Nuria
Published: January 2021

The identification of individuals with null alleles enables studying how the loss of gene function affects infection. We previously described a non‐functional variant in SIGLEC1, which encodes the myeloid‐cell receptor Siglec‐1/CD169 implicated in HIV‐1 cell‐to‐cell transmission. Here we report a significant association between the SIGLEC1 null variant and extrapulmonary dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in two clinical cohorts comprising 6,256 individuals. Local spread of bacteria within the lung is apparent in Mtb‐infected Siglec‐1 knockout mice which, despite having similar bacterial load, developed more extensive lesions compared to wild type mice. We find that Siglec‐1 is necessary to induce antigen presentation through extracellular vesicle uptake. We postulate that lack of Siglec‐1 delays the onset of protective immunity against Mtb by limiting antigen exchange via extracellular vesicles, allowing for an early local spread of mycobacteria that increases the risk for extrapulmonary dissemination.
Ontogeny of the brain ofMicroglanis garavelloiShibatta and Benine 2005 (Teleostei: Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)
Authors: Abrahão Vitor P. , Ballen Gustavo A. , Pastana Murilo N. L. , Shibatta Oscar A.
Published: January 2021

The gross brain morphology and the peripheral olfactory organ ofMicroglanis garavelloiare described throughout development, and the relationship of these organs to the general behaviour of the species is discussed. During the development, the main brain subdivisions undergo a series of morphological changes keeping a relatively constant volume increase. However, we observed different growth rates in the brains of males and females when these were compared. During the maturation process, a series of hormonal events result in the development of some secondary sexual traits in the brain of male specimens, like faster growth rate of brain areas linked to motor control, olfactory and visual responses. The number of olfactory‐organ lamellae increases continuously in both males and females, during their maturation period. These results suggest that changes may be caused by cognitive demands that this species is exposed to throughout its lifespan. The gross morphological arrangement of the central nervous system indicates shared patterns with other members of the family Pseudopimelodidae.
Novel tissue interactions support the evolution of placentation
Authors: Griffith Oliver W.
Published: January 2021

Organ development occurs through the coordinated interaction of distinct tissue types. So, a question at the core of understanding the evolution of new organs is, how do new tissue‐tissue signalling networks arise? The placenta is a great model for understanding the evolution of new organs, because placentas have evolved repeatedly, evolved relatively recently in some lineages, and exhibit intermediate forms in extant clades. Placentas, like other organs, form from the interaction of two distinct tissues, one maternal and one fetal. If each of these tissues produces signals that can be received by the other, then the apposition of these tissues is likely to result in new signalling dynamics that can be used as a scaffold to support placenta development. Using published data and examples, in this review I demonstrate that placentas are derived from hormonally active organs, that considerable signalling potential exists between maternal and fetal tissues in egg‐laying vertebrates, that this signalling potential is conserved through the oviparity‐viviparity transition, and that consequences of these interactions form the basis of derived aspects of placentation including embryo implantation. I argue that the interaction of placental tissues, is not merely a consequence of placenta formation, but that novel interactions form the basis of new placental regulatory networks, functions, and patterning mechanisms.
Relative humidity variation derived from tree‐ring δ18O and possible large‐scale atmospheric circulations linkage over the Guanzhong Plain, central northern China, since 1760 CE
Authors: Liu Ruoshi , Li Qiang , Liu Yu , Li Xuxiang , Ren Meng , Ma Yongyong , Sun Changfeng , Song Huiming , Cai Qiufang
Published: January 2021

China is drastically influenced by the Asian monsoon. Based on the relationship (r = −.636, N = 62, p < .001) between tree‐ring δ18O values from nine cores of Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. from Nanwutai and the Asia monsoon‐related June–August relative humidity (RHJJA), we designed a transfer function reconstructing the RHJJA variation from 1760 to 2018 CE. Our RHJJA reconstruction captured some extreme climatic events that occurred in the past, such as the Ding‐Wu disaster (1876–1878 CE), which was the most serious drought event of northern China in the 19th century, and the severe drought event of 1925–1930 CE. The spatial correlation analysis shows that our RHJJA reconstruction has not only local but also large‐scale hydroclimate circulations. Our reconstruction compared well with other hydroclimate series from northern China, indicating the large‐scale representativeness of our reconstruction. Both the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) and the periodicity analyses revealed that the El Niño–South Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and the solar activity strongly affected Asian monsoon‐related RHJJA changes over Guanzhong Plain in the past. We believe this study is of great significance and provides an in‐depth understanding of climate change in the Guanzhong Plain and in northern China.
Spatial correlation length of summer extreme heat stress over eastern China
Authors: Zhou Han , Huang Xiaochi , Zhou Wen , Zhang Yue , Liu Yong
Published: January 2021

This study attempts to measure the spatial correlation length (SCL) of summer extreme heat stress in any location by using a characterized scale identification method. Daily datasets of multiple meteorological variables from 2,134 observation stations over eastern China during 1961–2010 were used. Three types of heat indexes (a total of seven indexes) were applied to characterize the heat stress. The first type used a single variable, that is, daily maximum temperature (Tmax) or daily minimum temperature (Tmin), while the second used mean temperature (T) and relative humidity, and the third used T, vapour pressure, and 10‐m wind speed. A 90th percentile of the climatology of local heat stress was applied to identify hot days. The SCLs of heat stress were analysed in three regions: North China (NC), the Yangtze River Valley (YRV), and South China (SC). Results showed that the trend changes in heat stress had obvious temporal and geographical characteristics, especially in NC and YRV. Generally, the SCLs of heat stress in NC were the largest, reaching more than 440 km for Tmax, with YRV second, about 350 km, and SC the smallest, only about 185 km. This phenomenon could be found for almost all indexes. Moreover, the SCLs of the first two types of heat indexes (except Tmin) for the three regions were greater than that of the third one, particularly in NC and YRV, which was related to inconsistent changes in the variables used and the primary role of which one characterized the heat stress. The spatial distributions of high SCLs for all indexes were in line with that of the major urban agglomeration in eastern China. The SCL of heat stress for a location was related not only to the changes themselves, but also to the surroundings, involving the number and spatial distribution of hot days.
Control of postharvest diseases caused by Penicillium spp. with myrtle leaf phenolic extracts: in vitro and in vivo study on mandarin fruit during storage
Authors: Fadda Angela , Sarais Giorgia , Lai Carla , Sale Luana , Mulas Maurizio
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

In the postharvest handling of horticultural commodities, plant extracts with fungicidal activity are a valid alternative to synthetic fungicides. The fungicidal activity of myrtle leaf extracts from eight cultivars was studied in vitro against Penicillium digitatum, Penicillium italicum, and Penicillium expansum and on artificially inoculated mandarins with green and blue molds during storage for 12 days at 20 °C and 90% RH.

RESULTS

Hydroxybenzoic acids, hydrolysable tannins, and flavonols were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Despite sharing the same phenolic profile, extracts of eight myrtle cultivars significantly differed in the concentration of phenolics. Hydrolysable tannins are the principal subclass representing nearly 44.9% of the total polyphenols, whereas myricitrin was the most abundant flavonol in all cultivars. Myrtle extracts strongly inhibited conidial germination of the pathogens tested, although the greatest efficacy was observed against P. digitatum. At a concentration of 20 g L−1, all the extracts completely inhibited fungi growth; only ‘Angela’, ‘Tonina’ and ‘Grazia’ extracts were effective at lower concentrations (15 g L−1). On inoculated fruit, myrtle extracts significantly controlled rot development. As a preventive treatment, ‘Ilaria’ and ‘Maria Rita’ extracts significantly reduced the rate of fruit with green mold decay lesions. When applied as a curative treatment, all the exacts decreased the incidence of decay. Against P. italicum, all the extracts applied as preventive treatments controlled decay effectively, while as curative treatment some of the extracts were not effective. All the extracts reduced the size of the infected areas.

CONCLUSION

The results propose myrtle extracts as a possible natural alternative to synthetic fungicides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The Emerging Literature on Exposure‐Based Writing Therapies for Subthreshold and Clinical Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Response to Thompson‐Hollands et al.’s (2020) Commentary on Dawson et al. (2020)
Authors: Dawson Rachelle L. , Calear Alison L. , McCallum Sonia M. , McKenna Sarah , Nixon Reginald D. V. , O'Kearney Richard
Published: January 2021

Thompson‐Hollands et al.’s (2020) commentary on our systematic review of exposure‐based writing therapies for subthreshold and clinical posttraumatic stress symptoms (Dawson et al., 2020) emphasizes important questions about the impact of heterogeneity in drawing inferences from evidence reviews. In this reply, we discuss (a) our rationale for undertaking a systematic review that was broad rather than narrow in scope and (b) provide clarifications on how heterogeneity was considered in the meta‐analyses that were conducted. We also strongly agree with Thompson‐Hollands et al.’s recommendation that future research should focus on better understanding the mechanisms by which exposure‐based writing therapies help reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms.
Validation and Construct Validity of the Posttraumatic Avoidance Behaviour Questionnaire in a Sample of Trauma‐Exposed Black Women
Authors: Mekawi Yara , Guelfo Alfonsina , Karimzadeh Leyla , Powers Abigail , Fani Negar
Published: January 2021

Engaging in posttraumatic avoidance behaviors after a traumatic incident is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) outcomes. Given the inherent limitations in the scope of the two‐item assessment of posttraumatic avoidance used in commonly administered measures of PTSD symptoms, the 25‐item Posttraumatic Avoidance Behaviour Questionnaire (PABQ) was developed to assess a range of avoidance behaviors, including avoidance of visual and sensory reminders, trauma‐related thoughts, and agoraphobia, as well as avoidance related to the home, sleep, and social interaction. However, the PABQ's utility is limited by its lack of (a) construct validity and (b) validation in diverse samples. To address these limitations, we examined the psychometric properties of PABQ scores in a sample of trauma‐exposed Black women (N = 601, M age = 41 years). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the original seven‐factor model fit the data well when Item 8 was excluded, χ2(231, N = 602) = 497.86, RMSEA = .04, 90% CI [.04, .05], CFI = .99, TLI = .989, WRMR = .939, but reliability estimates were variable (i.e., Cronbach's αs = .70–.91). In addition, we found support for convergent validity, clinical validity, and incremental validity. These results provide evidence for the psychometric strengths of the PABQ in minority samples and suggest that it is a valid assessment of posttraumatic avoidance in Black women.
Lung Ultrasound Integration in Assessment of Patients with Noncritical COVID‐19
Authors: Gil‐Rodrigo Adriana , Llorens Pere , Luque‐Hernández María‐José , Martínez‐Buendía Carmen , Ramos‐Rincón José‐Manuel
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Performing lung ultrasound during the clinical assessment of patients with suspicion of noncritical COVID‐19 may increase the diagnostic rate of pulmonary involvement over other diagnostic techniques used in routine clinical practice. This study aims to compare complications (readmissions, emergency department [ED] visits, and length of outpatient follow‐up) in the first 30 days after ED discharge in patients with confirmed COVID‐19 who were managed with versus without lung ultrasound.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, observational, analytical study in noncritical patients with confirmed respiratory disease due to SARS‐CoV‐2, assessed in the ED of a tertiary Spanish hospital in March and April 2020. We compared 2 cohorts, differentiated by the use of lung ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. Complications were assessed (hospital admissions, ED revisits and days of outpatient follow‐up) at 30 days postdischarge.

Results

Of the 88 included patients, 31% (n = 27) underwent an initial lung ultrasound, while 61 (68%) did not. In 82.5% of the patients evaluated with ultrasound, the most predominant areas affected were the posterobasal regions, in the form of focalized and confluent B‐lines; 70.4% showed pleural irregularity in these same areas. Use of the lung ultrasound was associated with a greater probability of hospital admission (odds ratio 5.63, 95% confidence interval 3.31 to 9.57; p < 0.001). However, it was not significantly associated with mortality or short‐term complications.

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound could identify noncritical patients with lung impairment due to SARS‐CoV‐2, in whom other tests used routinely show no abnormalities. However, it has not shown a prognostic value in these patients and could generate a higher percentage of hospital admissions. More studies are still needed to demonstrate the clear benefit of this use.
Mid‐Trimester Cervical Length Screening
Authors: Becker David A. , Dunn Timothy N. , Szychowski Jeff M. , Owen John
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To identify whether a poorly developed lower uterine segment (PDLUS) observed during cervical length (CL) screening affects the duration of gestation in women with no prior spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women with a singleton gestation and no prior sPTB, who underwent transvaginal CL screening at our institution. We excluded women with progesterone exposure, major anomalies, and women delivering elsewhere. Women with PDLUS were compared to those with a measured (normal) CL ≥25 mm. Primary outcome: birth gestational age (GA). Secondary outcomes: sPTB <35 and 37 weeks, hospital evaluation for preterm labor without delivery, delivery indication, and mode. A Cox proportional‐hazards survival model considered time from CL scan to delivery. We powered the study to detect a one‐half week difference in birth GA.

Results

We included 270 women with PDLUS and 985 women with normal CL. Mean birth GA was 38.9 ± 2.0 weeks with PDLUS versus 38.7 ± 2.4 weeks with normal CL (p = .10). Women with PDLUS were less likely to experience sPTB <37 weeks (1.1% vs 3.6%; p = 0.04). There was no difference in sPTB <35 weeks (0.8% vs 1.7%; p = .25). Hospital evaluation for preterm labor (17% vs 19%; p = .54), delivery indication, and mode were not different. The hazard ratio for earlier birth in women with PDLUS was 0.67 (95% CI 0.46, 0.98; p = .04).

Conclusions

We observed no difference in mean GA at birth; however, PDLUS was protective against sPTB <37 weeks and was associated with a lower hazard ratio for earlier birth.
Postoperative Disposition Following Pediatric Sistrunk Procedures: A National Database Query
Authors: Brooks Jennifer A. , Cunningham Michael J. , Hughes Amy L. , Kawai Kosuke , Dombrowski Natasha D. , Adil Eelam
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Variability exists in the postoperative disposition of children following Sistrunk procedures. Management options include discharge home versus overnight observation, with the latter allowing monitoring for immediate postoperative complications, presumably reducing the need for subsequent readmission. This study investigates the association between overnight observation and ambulatory management of children undergoing Sistrunk procedures and relevant postoperative complication and revisit rates to clarify best practice for these patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective database review using the Pediatric Health Information System database from 2007 to 2016.

Results

The cited dataset identified 6,434 qualifying patients, categorized into ambulatory versus overnight observation cohorts. The overall 30‐day revisit rate was 4.9%; the revisit rate with overnight observation (6.1%) was higher than for ambulatory patients (3.8%, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21, 2.12). Revisit rates were significantly higher in patients 2 years of age or younger compared to older patients (6.7% vs. 4.3%). The rates of return to the operating room for the observation versus ambulatory groups were 1.8% and 0.5%, respectively. Cervical fluid collection and neck swelling were among the most common revisit indications in both groups, with a mean time to presentation of 9 days.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ambulatory management following a Sistrunk procedure is not associated with increased rates of common postoperative complications, readmission, or need for secondary surgical intervention. A Sistrunk procedure may be safely performed on an ambulatory basis in select cases.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E2352–E2355, 2021
Smell Status in Children Infected with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Rusetsky Yury , Meytel Irina , Mokoyan Zhanna , Fisenko Andrey , Babayan Anna , Malyavina Ulyana
Published: January 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study aimed to evaluate the olfactory status in children with laboratory confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 using subjective and psychophysical methods.

Study Design

Prospective clinical cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This is a prospective clinical cross‐sectional study of 79 children with COVID‐19. The 21st item of SNOT‐22 questionnaire and odor identification test were used for smell assessment. Children were examined twice during the hospitalization, and a telephone survey was conducted 60 days after hospital discharge.

Results

Immediately after confirmation of COVID‐19, smell impairment was detected in 86.1% of children by means of the Identification test and in 68.4% of children by means of the survey (P = .010). After 5 days survey revealed a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients with hyposmia (41 out of 79, 51.9%). On the first visit, the mean Identification test score corresponded to “hyposmia” (9.5 ± 2.7), while on the second visit, the average value was 13.1 ± 1.9, which corresponded to “normosmia.” According to the telephone survey, recovery of the olfactory function occurred within 10 days in 37 of 52 patients (71.2%), 11 to 29 days ‐ in 12 children (23.1%), and later than 30 days ‐ in three cases (5.7%).

Conclusions

In the pediatric population, olfactory dysfunction is an early and common symptom of COVID‐19. There is a trend to quick recovery of olfactory function in children with COVID‐19. The overwhelming majority of patients (94.3%) had no subjective olfactory complaints by the end of the first month.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2475–E2480, 2021
Ethical review and informed consent guidelines of high impact anthropology, business, and education research journals
Authors: Rousi Antti Mikael
Published: January 2021

Whereas participant protection protocols are norms in medical research, they are only recently being adopted in social and behavioural sciences. This study examined human subject guidelines in the top 40 high‐impact anthropology, business, and education research journals according to their impact factor as released in 2019. For these 120 journals, a unified classification framework was developed to capture the central elements of their ethical review and informed consent requirements. The findings suggest that the investigated journals do not view ethical review as an established norm for interview and survey studies. Only 10 (8%) journals required ethical review from all studies involving human participants. Informed consent was more frequently addressed, but none of the fields exhibited widely established guidelines similar to medical research journals. A total of 31 (26%) journals required informed consent from all studies involving human participants. There was little difference between the three disciplines investigated. Although the investigated journals represented social and behavioural sciences, their guidelines often concerned medical or intervention research with few requirements for interaction (e.g. survey) research. There is an opportunity for high‐impact journals to establish norms for adoption by researchers and other journals.
Epoxy Doped, Nano‐scale Phase‐separated Poly‐Acrylates with Potential in 3D Printing
Authors: Konuray Osman , Altet Arnau , Bonada Jordi , Tercjak Agnieszka , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Ramis Xavier
Published: January 2021

An efficient method to improve the mechanical performance of a commercially available photocure resin is described wherein the resin is modified with a mixture of a cycloaliphatic epoxy and an anhydride curing agent. Photocured samples are thermally treated in a subsequent step to cure the epoxy to obtain an interpenetrated polymer network (IPN) and also complete reaction of the acrylate monomers remaining from the photocure. The latter is accomplished by a thermal radical initiator added earlier into the formulation together with the epoxy‐anhydride. The thermal properties and microstructure of the resulting IPN are analyzed. Uniform and quantitative conversions are obtained, with glass transition temperatures comparable to conventional epoxies. The liquid, uncured samples containing different amounts of epoxy are stable at 30 °C for several weeks. In the fully cured epoxy‐rich materials, nano‐scale phase separation is observed by atomic force microscopy. This is corroborated by the existence of multiple relaxations determined by dynamic mechanical analysis analysis. Specimens from a formulation containing 50% by weight of epoxy‐anhydride are 3D printed in a customized masked image processing stereolithography, thermally treated, and are subjected to compression tests. Results show that Young's modulus increases by 900% over the neat resin.
Recent Progress in Polymorphs of Carbon Nitride: Synthesis, Properties, and Their Applications
Authors: Vidyasagar Devthade , Bhoyar Toshali , Singh Gurwinder , Vinu Ajayan
Published: January 2021

Carbon nitride (CN) materials are at the forefront of contemporary solar energy conversion applications, owing to their extraordinary physicochemical properties. Having such multifunctional properties, CN photocatalytic materials are practically significant; however, due to the indistinguishable physical properties, all solid CN materials in most literature reports are referred to as graphitic C3N4 phase, which is incorrect. This perspective discourses the various identified polymeric forms of CN, their molecular structure, synthesis, photophysical properties, and their applications. The article attempts to simplify the conjectures in CN terminology and discuss future perspectives, challenges, and opportunities in the developing field of CN chemistry.