bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged median distal sensory nerve action potential duration in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Yang Jie , Chen Ke , Liu Ying , Yang Yin
Published: February 2021

Objective

Routine nerve conduction study (NCS) parameters are less sensitive in the early stage of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Recently, some studies have shown that prolonged distal sensory nerve action potential (DSNAP) duration may be a more sensitive technique for the diagnosis of demyelinating peripheral neuropathies. We aimed to evaluate the sensitivity of median DSNAP duration in patients with CTS.

Methods

DSNAP duration and routine NCS data of the median nerve were retrospectively collected in 173 CTS patients, 73 controls, and 78 cervical radiculopathy patients.

Results

Prolonged median DSNAP durations were found in 22 patients (22/35, 63%) and 36 patients (36/54, 67%) in the minimal and mild CTS groups respectively, which was more sensitive than routine NCS parameters. The percentage of patients demonstrating abnormalities in median NCS was significantly increased from 80% to 92% with the addition of DSNAP duration.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate the electrodiagnostic value of median DSNAP duration for the diagnosis of CTS, especially in early cases.
Effects of high‐intensity interval training in patients with coronary artery disease after percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Xu Dongmei , Sun Guozhen , Jiang Zhixin , Tian Jinping , Shan Qijun
Published: February 2021

Aim

To evaluate whether high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) was superior to low‐intensity training or usual care among patients after percutaneous coronary intervention. The hypothesis was that HIIT would help patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) improve cardiopulmonary function, lipid profiles and in‐stent restenosis.

Design

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis (PRISMA)2009 Checklist.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on HIIT programme in patients after PCI were searched in Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, EMbase, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and SinoMed from the inception to 24 March 2020. Standard Mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed to summarize the effect sizes.

Results

Six RCTs (247 patients) met the criteria. HIIT programme had a statistically significant effect on raising left ventricular ejection function (LVEF) (SMD = 0.38, 95%CI [0.03, 0.73], I2 = 3%), VO2peak (SMD = 0.94, 95%CI [0.61, 1.28], I2 = 0%), as well as improving the serum level of high‐density lipoprotein (SMD = 0.55, 95%CI [0.06, 1.03], I2 = 0%) and late luminal loss (SMD = −0.65, 95%CI [−1.07, −0.23], I2 = 0%). But HIIT had no prominent effect on improving heart rate (SMD = −0.04, 95%CI [−0.29, 0.21], I2 = 0%). Summarily, HIIT programme appears to be favourable for CAD patients after PCI by improving cardiopulmonary function, such as LVEF and VO2peak, as well as reducing late luminal loss in per stented arteries. Nevertheless, HIIT has no advantage for adjusting heart rate. More researches with rigorous methods are warranted to explore the controversy about lipid profiles.
In Regard to “A Phase Ib Study of NUC-1031 in Combination with Cisplatin for the First-Line Treatment of Patients with Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer (ABC-08)”
Authors: Ricci Angela Dalia , Rizzo Alessandro , Brandi Giovanni
Published: February 2021

This letter to the editor remarks on a recently published article on the use of NUC-1031 and cisplatin for patients with biliary tract cancer and compares results of the landmark ABC-02 trial.
FOLFOXIRI plus Bevacizumab Versus FOLFOX plus Panitumumab for Metastatic Left-Sided RAS/BRAF Wild-Type Colorectal Cancer: Which “Side” Are You On?
Authors: Yu Irene S. , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: February 2021

This commentary focuses on the results of the study by Pietrantonio et al., which evaluated the clinical conundrum of triplet versus doublet chemotherapy in combination with targeted therapy for metastatic left-sided RAS/BRAF wild-type colorectal cancer and appears in this issue. Both FOLFOXIRI [fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan] plus bevacizumab and FOLFOX [fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin] plus panitumumab have shown impressive activity in this population; however, the two have not been directly compared. The article by Pietrantonio et al. presents a propensity score-adjusted analysis using information from five previous randomized trials and provides best available evidence comparing these regimens. This commentary will discuss their results and how their findings fit in current treatment paradigms.
Can common mycorrhizal fungal networks be managed to enhance ecosystem functionality?
Authors: Alaux Pierre‐Louis , Zhang Yaqian , Gilbert Lucy , Johnson David
Published: February 2021

Societal Impact Statement

Mycorrhizal fungi are key components of soil biodiversity that offer potential to provide sustainable solutions for land management, notably in agriculture and forestry. Several studies conducted in controlled environments show that key functional attributes of common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs), which inter‐link different plants, are influenced by management practices. Here, we highlight the need to consider how land management affects the ubiquity and function of CMNs in nature to maximize the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing ecosystem services. We emphasize that CMNs can sometimes negatively affect aspects of plant performance, but there remain major gaps in understanding before explicit consideration of CMN management can be delivered.

Most mycorrhizal fungi have the capacity to develop extensive extraradical mycelium, and thus have the potential to connect multiple plants and form a ‘common mycorrhizal network’. Several studies have shown that these networks can influence plant establishment, nutrition, productivity and defense, nutrient distribution and storage, and multitrophic interactions. However, many of these studies have focused on the importance of common mycorrhizal networks in ecological contexts and there has been less emphasis in managed systems, including croplands, grassland, agroforestry and forestry, on which humankind relies. Here we review the evidence of the potential importance of common mycorrhizal networks in managed systems, and provide insight into how these networks could be managed effectively to maximize the functions and outputs from managed systems. We also emphasize possible negative effects of common mycorrhizal networks on plant performance and question popular views that mycorrhizal networks may offer a panacea for enhancing ecosystem services. We highlight the need to gain greater insight into the ubiquity, functioning, and response to management interventions of common mycorrhizal networks and, critically, the need to determine the extent to which these networks can add value to the promotion of mycorrhizal colonization.
Does pain neuroscience education improve pain knowledge, beliefs and attitudes in undergraduate physiotherapy students?
Authors: Saracoglu Ismail , Aksoy Cihan Caner , Afsar Emrah , Arik Meltem Isintas
Published: February 2021

Background

To evaluate the effect of a brief pain neuroscience education (PNE) session on physiotherapy students’ knowledge of pain and their beliefs and attitudes about the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain.

Methods

This study was a single‐center, cross‐sectional study including 205 physiotherapy undergraduate students. The participants completed the Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS‐PT). They then received a 70‐min neuroscience education session covering the mechanisms and biopsychosocial aspects of chronic low back pain. The questionnaires were readministered immediately after the educational session and at 6 months posteducation.

Results

Our analysis included data from 156 participants (mean age: 20.9 ± 2.51, 69.8% women) who completed the questionnaires pre‐, post‐, and 6 months after the educational session. To assess the effect of the education on the scores of the questionnaires, a repeated‐measures ANOVA was conducted. There was a significant interaction observed for NPQ over time (p = 0.00; η
2 = 0.654), for PABS‐PT factor 1(p < 0.001; η2 = 0.50) and for PABS‐PT factor 2 over time (p = 0.02; η
2 = 0.04)

Conclusion

This study showed that a 70‐min session of PNE improves the level of pain knowledge in undergraduate physiotherapy students and influences their beliefs and attitudes concerning chronic low back pain. These findings suggest that adding PNE to the curricula of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs may be beneficial.
Lift in the vertical shear of a southerly jet embedded in a uniform westerly flow
Authors: Hu Qi , Limpert George
Published: February 2021

A new mechanism is proposed as a potential cause for the one‐third of warm season severe nocturnal convection in the US Great Plains that develops in environments without the presence of air‐mass boundaries of fronts or mesoscale systems. This mechanism is tested in two‐ and three‐dimensional models. Results show strong ascent (∼1.0 m·s−1), sufficient for nocturnal convection initiation, arising from interactions of mean westerly zonal wind with the vertical shear of a northern vortex and also perturbation westerly winds that are created by the Coriolis torque on the Great Plains southerly low‐level jet. The interaction involving the northern vortex results in organized strong ascent on the east side of the vortex from the near‐surface level to the top of the model atmosphere, and also a weak upward acceleration near the centre of the vortex. In simulations with westerly wind perturbations, strong and organized ascent occurs above and on the east side of the westerly perturbation winds. The upward motion in these simulations relies on both mechanical forcing from non‐hydrostatic pressure perturbations and buoyant acceleration caused by interactions of the westerly zonal wind and the vertical shear in the vortex or the perturbation westerly wind. Statistical tests confirm that these interactions, not the northern vortex or westerly perturbation itself and related shear, are essential for the simulated vertical motion. Additional sensitivity analysis indicates robust ascent across a wide range of westerly perturbation or northern vortex strengths. The vertical motion profile is not sensitive to the horizontal grid spacing of the model, at least at or below 4 km, but to the morphology of westerly wind perturbations. The latter suggests where improvement could be made to increase the accuracy of model prediction of nocturnal convective storms in the US Great Plains.
Magnetic resonance image–guided focused ultrasound robotic system for transrectal prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Giannakou Marinos , Drakos Theocharis , Menikou Georgios , Evripidou Nikolas , Filippou Antria , Spanoudes Kyriakos , Ioannou Leonidas , Damianou Christakis
Published: February 2021

Background

A magnetic resonance image (MRI) guided robotic device for focussed ultrasound therapy of prostate cancer (PC) was developed. The device offers movement in 5 degrees of freedom (DOF) and uses a single‐element transducer that operates at 3.2 MHz, has a diameter of 25 mm and focuses at 45 mm.

Methods

The MRI compatibility of the system was evaluated in a 1.5 T scanner. The ability of the transducer to create lesions was evaluated in laboratory and MRI settings, on ex vivo pork tissue and in vivo rabbit thigh tissue.

Results

Cavitational and thermal lesions were created on the excised pork tissue. In vivo experiments proved the efficacy of the system in ablating muscle tissue without damaging intervening areas.

Conclusions

The MRI compatible robotic system can be placed on the table of any commercial MRI scanner up to 7 T. The device has the ability of future use for transrectal focal therapy of PC with the patient in supine position.
Recovery of uranium from ferruginous Shale mineralization from Um Bogma formation, Egypt, via Duolite ES‐467 chelating resin
Authors: Radwan Hend A. , Gado Mohamed A. , El‐Wahab Zeinab H. Abd , El‐Sheikh Enass M. , Faheim Abeer A. , Taha Rania H.
Published: February 2021

The ferruginous shale iron content (27.5 %) is a serious problem that prevents the separation of uranium. Chemical dissolution of the ferruginous shale from Um Bogma Formation, Egypt, has been studied for the recovery of uranium using the acidic leaching method. Um Bogma representative sample assays 700 ppm of uranium as the element of interest. The effective dissolution parameters such as acid concentrations, solid/liquid addition ratio, leaching time, and leaching temperature were planned to investigate. It was found that The dissolution rate was greatly influenced by the studied dissolution factors. Analysis of the kinetic data showed that the dissolution mechanism is fitted well to shrinking core model within chemical reaction as a rate determining step. It was found that the recorded activation energy (Ea) of uranium dissolution is 205 kJ/mol. The uranium dissolution efficiency of 95.2 % has been achieved with optimized conditions of 250 g/L H2SO4; 1 : 7 (S/L) phase ratio; 250 °C for 7 hours. Finally, the best‐controlling factors were applied for uranium separation from Um Bogma leach liquor to produce a uranium concentrate with 69.985 % uranium purity.
Plastic Pollution and Climate Change: Role of Bioremediation as a Tool to Achieving Sustainability
Authors: Idowu S. A. , Arotupin D. J. , Oladejo S. O.
Published: February 2021

Pollution from post-consumer plastics is a growing global environmental challenge whose negative impacts are exacerbating climate change. Plastics are stable, durable, and hydrophobic. They possess high molecular weight, complex three-dimensional structure, and are not readily available to be used as substrate by biological agents such as microorganisms and enzymes. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the examples of petrochemical-based plastics. PET is a strong, clear, and light-weight plastic with global usage in the production of bottles. Technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, change in consumption pattern, and bioremediation are some of the approaches that are currently being used to mitigate environmental pollution from post-consumer PET bottles. The ubiquitous property of microorganisms and their ability to survive in almost every environment, including very extreme ones, make them good candidate for biodegradation. Bioremediation is simply defined as engineered or enhanced biodegradation. This review discusses the potential of bioremediation as sustainable and environment-friendly tool to clean up post-consumer PET bottles that already accumulate on land, in soil, and in water bodies.
Water Resource Management Frameworks in Water-Related Adaptation to Climate Change
Authors: Odongtoo Godfrey , Ssebuggwawo Denis , Lating Peter Okidi
Published: February 2021

This chapter addresses the use of partial least squares–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to determine the requirements for an effective development of water resource management frameworks. The authors developed a quantitative approach using Smart-PLS version 3 to reveal the views of different experts based on their experiences in water-related adaptation to climate change in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) in Uganda. A sample size of 152 was computed from a population size of 245 across the districts of Buikwe, Jinja, Mukono, Kampala, and Wakiso. The chapter aimed to determine the relationship among the availability of legal, regulatory, and administrative frameworks, public water investment, price and demand management, information requirements, coordination structures, and analytical frameworks and how they influence the development of water resource management frameworks. The findings revealed that the availability of legal, regulatory, and administrative frameworks, public water investment, price and demand management, information requirements, and coordination structures had significant and positive effects on the development of water resource management frameworks. Public water investment had the highest path coefficient (β = 0.387 and p = 0.000), thus indicating that it has the greatest influence on the development of water resource management frameworks. The R2 value of the model was 0.714, which means that the five exogenous latent constructs collectively explained 71.4% of the variance in the development. The chapter suggests putting special emphasis on public water investment to achieve an effective development of water resource management frameworks. These findings can support the practitioners and decision makers engaged in water-related adaptation to climate change within the LVB and beyond.
Supratentorial vs infratentorial posterior calvarial distraction osteogenesis for the increase of ICV in children with syndromic or multi-suture craniosynostosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sharman Jack , Rodrigues Desiderio , McGuirk Simon , Panikkar Mohini , Nishikawa Hiroshi , Dover Steve , Evans Martin , White Nicholas
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Craniosynostosis is the premature and pathological fusion of calvarial sutures. One modality of surgical treatment of syndromic craniosynostosis is posterior calvarial distraction (PCD). This can be either supratentorial or infratentorial. Currently, supratentorial PCD may be regarded as safer but produces a smaller increase in calvarial volume compared to infratentorial PCD. This study quantifies and compares the effectiveness of supratentorial and infratentorial PCD to help guide surgical decision-making.

Methods

The CT and/or MRI scans of 47 cases of craniosynostosis who underwent PCD from the Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH) were converted to sagittal series multi-planar reformatted (MPR) scans for the manual calculation of ICV. The 47 cases were classified as having undergone either supratentorial or infratentorial PCD using lateral plain film radiographs, with 28 and 32 pairs of pre- and post-operative CT/MRI scans reviewed respectively.

Results

A statistically significant difference between supratentorial and infratentorial PCD was observed for the increase in supratentorial volume (STV) (P = 0.0458) and total intracranial volume (TICV) (P = 0.0437), but not for the increase in infratentorial volume (ITV) (P = 0.0697). The relationship for each volume trended towards convergence but was not achieved before the physical limit of 30 mm distraction had been reached. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for agreement of MRI and CT scans for STV, ITV and total ICV were 0.852, 0.864 and 0.854 respectively.

Conclusion

Our evidence suggests that supratentorial PCD is more effective for increasing ICV in a clinical setting. CT and MRI imaging modalities are acceptably clinically interchangeable for calculating ICV in craniosynostosis.
Prebiotic dietary fibre intervention improves fecal markers related to inflammation in obese patients: results from the Food4Gut randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Neyrinck Audrey M. , Rodriguez Julie , Zhang Zhengxiao , Seethaler Benjamin , Sánchez Cándido Robles , Roumain Martin , Hiel Sophie , Bindels Laure B. , Cani Patrice D. , Paquot Nicolas , Cnop Miriam , Nazare Julie-Anne , Laville Martine , Muccioli Giulio G. , Bischoff Stephan C. , Walter Jens , Thissen Jean-Paul , Delzenne Nathalie M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Inulin-type fructans (ITF) are prebiotic dietary fibre (DF) that may confer beneficial health effects, by interacting with the gut microbiota. We have tested the hypothesis that a dietary intervention promoting inulin intakeversusplacebo influences fecal microbial-derived metabolites and markers related to gut integrity and inflammation in obese patients.

Methods

Microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing), long- and short-chain fatty acids (LCFA, SCFA), bile acids, zonulin, and calprotectin were analyzed in fecal samples obtained from obese patients included in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Participants received either 16 g/d native inulin (prebioticn = 12)versusmaltodextrin (placebon = 12), coupled to dietary advice to consume inulin-richversusinulin-poor vegetables for 3 months, in addition to dietary caloric restriction.

Results

Both placebo and prebiotic interventions lowered energy and protein intake. A substantial increase inBifidobacteriumwas detected after ITF treatment (q = 0.049) supporting our recent data obtained in a larger cohort. Interestingly, fecal calprotectin, a marker of gut inflammation, was reduced upon ITF treatment. Both prebiotic and placebo interventions increased the ratio of tauro-conjugated/free bile acids in feces. Prebiotic treatment did not significantly modify fecal SCFA content but it increased fecal rumenic acid, a conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9,trans-11 CLA) with immunomodulatory properties, that correlated notably to the expansion ofBifidobacterium(p = 0.031;r = 0.052).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that ITF-prebiotic intake during 3 months decreases a fecal marker of intestinal inflammation in obese patients. Our data point to a potential contribution of microbial lipid-derived metabolites in gastro-intestinal dysfunction related to obesity.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT03852069 (February 22, 2019 retrospectively, registered).
Diet quality indices and dietary patterns are associated with plasma metabolites in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Geijsen Anne J. M. R. , Kok Dieuwertje E. , van Zutphen Moniek , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , Achaintre David , Gicquiau Audrey , Gsur Andrea , Kruyt Flip M. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Weijenberg Matty P. , de Wilt Johannes H. W . , Wesselink Evertine , Scalbert Augustin , Kampman Ellen , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Emerging evidence suggests that diet is linked to survival in colorectal cancer patients, although underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether dietary exposures are associated with metabolite concentrations in colorectal cancer patients.

Methods

Concentrations of 134 metabolites of the Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 kit were quantified in plasma samples collected at diagnosis from 195 stage I-IV colorectal cancer patients. Food frequency questionnaires were used to calculate adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) dietary recommendations and the Dutch Healthy Diet (DHD15) index as well as to construct dietary patterns using Principal Component Analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were used to determine associations between dietary exposures and metabolite concentrations. All models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, analytical batch, cancer stage, and multiple testing using false discovery rate.

Results

Participants had a mean (SD) age of 66 (9) years, were mostly men (60%), and mostly diagnosed with stage II and III cancer. For the dietary pattern analyses, Western, Carnivore, and Prudent patterns were identified. Better adherence to the WCRF dietary recommendations was associated with lower concentrations of ten phosphatidylcholines. Higher intake of the Carnivore pattern was associated with higher concentrations of two phosphatidylcholines. The DHD15-index, Western pattern, or Prudent pattern were not associated with metabolite concentrations.

Conclusion

In the current study, the WCRF dietary score and the Carnivore pattern are associated with phosphatidylcholines. Future research should elucidate the potential relevance of phosphatidylcholine metabolism in the colorectal cancer continuum.

Clinical trial registry

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03191110.
Peripandemic psychiatric emergencies: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients according to diagnostic subgroup
Authors: Seifert Johanna , Meissner Catharina , Birkenstock Anna , Bleich Stefan , Toto Sermin , Ihlefeld Christian , Zindler Tristan
Published: February 2021

On March 11th, 2020, the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic. Governments took drastic measures in an effort to reduce transmission rates and virus-associated morbidity. This study aims to present the immediate effects of the pandemic on patients presenting in the psychiatric emergency department (PED) of Hannover Medical School. Patients presenting during the same timeframe in 2019 served as a control group. A decrease in PED visits was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic with an increase in repeat visits within 1 month (30.2 vs. 20.4%, pBA = 0.001). Fewer patients with affective disorders utilized the PED (15.2 vs. 22.2%, pBA = 0.010). Suicidal ideation was stated more frequently among patients suffering from substance use disorders (47.4 vs. 26.8%, pBA = 0.004), while patients with schizophrenia more commonly had persecutory delusions (68.7 vs. 43.5%, pBA = 0.023) and visual hallucinations (18.6 vs. 3.3%, pBA = 0.011). Presentation rate of patients with neurotic, stress-related, and somatoform disorders increased. These patients were more likely to be male (48.6 vs. 28.9%, pBA = 0.060) and without previous psychiatric treatment (55.7 vs. 36.8%, pBA = 0.089). Patients with personality/behavioral disorders were more often inhabitants of psychiatric residencies (43.5 vs. 10.8%, pBA = 0.008). 20.1% of patients stated an association between psychological well-being and COVID-19. Most often patients suffered from the consequences pertaining to social measures or changes within the medical care system. By understanding how patients react to such a crisis situation, we can consider how to improve care for patients in the future and which measures need to be taken to protect these particularly vulnerable patients.
Exogenous carbohydrate and regulation of muscle carbohydrate utilisation during exercise
Authors: Malone James J. , Hulton Andrew T. , MacLaren Don P. M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Carbohydrates (CHO) are one of the fundamental energy sources during prolonged steady state and intermittent exercise. The consumption of exogenous CHO during exercise is common place, with the aim to enhance sporting performance. Despite the popularity around exogenous CHO use, the process by which CHO is regulated from intake to its use in the working muscle is still not fully appreciated. Recent studies utilizing the hyperglycaemic glucose clamp technique have shed light on some of the potential barriers to CHO utilisation during exercise. The present review addresses the role of exogenous CHO utilisation during exercise, with a focus on potential mechanisms involved, from glucose uptake to glucose delivery and oxidation at the different stages of regulation.

Methods

Narrative review.

Results

A number of potential barriers were identified, including gastric emptying, intestinal absorption, blood flow (splanchnic and muscle), muscle uptake and oxidation. The relocation of glucose transporters plays a key role in the regulation of CHO, particularly in epithelial cells and subsequent transport into the blood. Limitations are also apparent when CHO is infused, particularly with regards to blood flow and uptake within the muscle.

Conclusion

We highlight a number of potential barriers involved with the regulation of both ingested and infused CHO during exercise. Future work on the influence of longitudinal training within the regulation processes (such as the gut) is warranted to further understand the optimal type, dose and method of CHO delivery to enhance sporting performance.
Semantic embedding for regions of interest
Authors: Paul Debjyoti , Li Feifei , Phillips Jeff M.
Published: February 2021

The available spatial data are rapidly growing and also diversifying. One may obtain in large quantities information such as annotated point/place of interest (POIs), check-in comments on those POIs, geo-tagged microblog comments, and demarked regions of interest (ROI). All sources interplay with each other, and together build a more complete picture of the spatial and social dynamics at play in a region. However, building a single fused representation of these data entries has been mainly rudimentary, such as allowing spatial joins. In this paper, we extend the concept of semantic embedding for POIs (points of interests) and devise the first semantic embedding of ROIs, and in particular ones that captures both its spatial and its semantic components. To accomplish this, we develop a multipart network model capturing the relationships between the diverse components, and through random-walk-based approaches, use this to embed the ROIs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this embedding at simultaneously capturing both the spatial and semantic relationships between ROIs through extensive experiments. Applications like popularity region prediction demonstrate the benefit of using ROI embedding as features in comparison with baselines.
Analysis and mapping quantitative trait loci for histidine content in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using microsatellite markers
Authors: Yan Lingfang , Yang Xiaomeng , Sun Zhenghai , Du Juan , Pu Xiaoying , Yang Jiazhen , Zeng Yawen
Published: February 2021

Mining the gene of histidine content in barley grain helps with the breeding of functional barley varieties. The study constructed a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) containing 193 families derived from the cross between Ziguangmangluoerling (ZGMLEL) (♀) and Schooner No.3 (♂). The histidine (HIS) content in the grain of the mapping population and its parents were determined by an automatic amino acid analyzer. The HIS content of ZGMLEL was 0.53 mg/g. The grain HIS content of Schooner No. 3 was 0.21 mg/g, and the grain HIS content of population ranged from 0.23 to 0.54. Genetic linkage maps, including those of seven chromosomes of barley, were constructed by using 180 pairs of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, with a total genetic distance of 2671.03 cM and average marker spacing of 14.84 cM. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) IciMappingV3.3 was used to analyze QTL of HIS content in barley grains, and three QTLs were detected. Mapping results showed that the three loci were located on chromosomes 2H, 4H, and 7H, respectively. The major QTL with a contribution rate of 10.11% was located on barley chromosome 4H (HVBAMMGB84-BMAG0808). The additive effect is positive (0.025). Thus, it comes from the high-value parent ZGMLEL. Another major QTL with a contribution rate of 13.75% was located on barley chromosome 7H (GBM1303-GMS056). The minor QTL with a contribution rate of 6.01% was located on chromosome 2H (Scssr03381-Scssr07759). The additive effects of 4H and 7H QTLs were negative (− 0.02 and − 0.033). So, they came from the male parent Schooner. The results provided a reference for further fine mapping, cloning, and transformation of HIS genes in barley grains.
Comparing low-temperature thermal and plasma sintering processes of a tailored silver particle-free ink
Authors: Yang Wendong , Hermerschmidt Felix , Mathies Florian , List-Kratochvil Emil J. W.
Published: February 2021

Silver particle-free inks are under rapid development due to their unique properties. Currently, most of the developed silver particle-free inks contain multiple components. In addition to the necessary solvents and silver precursors, these inks also contain complexing agents, reducing agents, and various additives. While such complex compositions assure good stability and printability of the inks, they hamper the sintering process as excess time and energy are often required to remove residues from various compositions to ensure high conductivities of the printed structures. Thus, a simple ink system is expected. On the other hand, plasma sintering shows its sintering potential in treating silver particle-free inks, but is only employed for the sintering of silver nitrate or silver acetate-based inks. Consequently, developing new particle-free ink systems with simple compositions and exploring the potential of plasma sintering is very meaningful. In this work, a clear and transparent silver particle-free ink was formulated, which can be treated both by low-pressure argon plasma sintering and low-temperature thermal sintering (120–160 °C). The roles of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) in the ink formulation were investigated in detail, which not only acts as the solvent but also as the complexing agent for silver oxalate to lower the sintering temperature of the ink. The electrical performance of the formulated ink was examined for both sintering processes for different conditions. The thermal sintering resulted in a resistivity value of 24.3 μΩ·cm on glass substrates after treatment at 160 °C for 60 min, while the plasma sintering yielded a resistivity value of 29 μΩ·cm at 500 W for 30 min. Compared to thermal sintering, plasma sintering achieved a similar electrical performance, but with a more nonuniform film structure. The power, sintering time, and the pressure of argon are key factors responsible for the conductivity of the produced films. Nevertheless, both resistivity values do meet the minimal electrical requirements of most electronic applications.
Fruitful decade of fungal metabolites as anti-diabetic agents from 2010 to 2019: emphasis on α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Hussain Hidayat , Nazir Mamona , Saleem Muhammad , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Elizbit  , Green Ivan R.
Published: February 2021

In recent years the prevalence of diabetes has increased globally and by 2040 the number of diabetic people has been estimated to increase to 642 million. Various classes of drugs are available to treat Type ll diabetes. However, these drugs are associated with certain side effects. α-Glucosidase is an intriquing target enzyme to treat Type II diabetes, and α-glucosidase inhibitors are considered as first-line drugs for Type ll patients. Fungi, in general, produce natural products with some amazing chemical diversity and many fungal metabolites have illustrated a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. In this review the focus is on describing the α-glucosidase effects and their potential as anti-diabetic agents of various metabolites isolated from fungi.
Management forecasts of volatility
Authors: Ellahie Atif , Peng Xiaoxia
Published: February 2021

We examine the predictive information content of the management forecasts of stock return volatility (i.e., expected volatility) that are disclosed in annual reports. We find that expected volatility predicts near-term and longer-term stock return volatility and earnings volatility incremental to implied volatility, historical volatility, firm characteristics, and alternative measures of uncertainty. We also find that expected volatility reflects managers’ private information about their firms’ future investment activities, such as mergers and acquisitions and R&D intensity. Finally, we find that the predictive power of expected volatility shrinks when managers have stronger incentives to manage earnings. Overall, we provide novel evidence that management forecasts of volatility contain private information about future uncertainty that can help forecast volatility.
Knowledge, behaviour, and policy: questioning the epistemic presuppositions of applying behavioural science in public policymaking
Authors: Małecka Magdalena
Published: February 2021

The aim of this article is to question the epistemic presuppositions of applying behavioural science in public policymaking. Philosophers of science who have examined the recent applications of the behavioural sciences to policy have contributed to discussions on causation, evidence, and randomised controlled trials. These have focused on epistemological and methodological questions about the reliability of scientific evidence and the conditions under which we can predict that a policy informed by behavioural research will achieve the policymakers’ goals. This paper argues that the philosophical work of Helen Longino can also help us to have a better and fuller understanding of the knowledge which the behavioural sciences provide. The paper advances an analysis of the knowledge claims that are made in the context of policy applications of behavioural science and compares them with the behavioural research on which they are based. This allows us to show that behavioural policy and the debates accompanying it are based on an oversimplified understanding of what knowledge behavioural science actually provides. Recognising this problem is important as arguments that justify reliance on the behavioural sciences in policy typically presume this simplification.
Knowledge is closed under analytic content
Authors: Elgin Samuel Z.
Published: February 2021

I am concerned with epistemic closure—the phenomenon in which some knowledge requires other knowledge. In particular, I defend a version of the closure principle in terms of analyticity; if an agent S knows that p is true and that q is an analytic part of p, then S knows that q. After targeting the relevant notion of analyticity, I argue that this principle accommodates intuitive cases and possesses the theoretical resources to avoid the preface paradox.
Application of Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in Electrocatalysis and Electrochemistry
Authors: Feng Haifeng , Xu Xun , Du Yi , Dou Shi Xue
Published: February 2021

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has gained increasing attention in the field of electrocatalysis due to its ability to reveal electrocatalyst surface structures down to the atomic level in either ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) or harsh electrochemical conditions. The detailed knowledge of surface structures, surface electronic structures, surface active sites as well as the interaction between surface adsorbates and electrocatalysts is highly beneficial in the study of electrocatalytic mechanisms and for the rational design of electrocatalysts. Based on this, this review will discuss the application of STM in the characterization of electrocatalyst surfaces and the investigation of electrochemical interfaces between electrocatalyst surfaces and reactants. Based on different operating conditions, UHV-STM and STM in electrochemical environments (EC-STM) are discussed separately. This review will also present emerging techniques including high-speed EC-STM, scanning noise microscopy and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Graphic Abstract
15-Year Experience with Multimodality Therapy Including Esophagectomy for Elderly Patients with Locoregional Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Sawyer Peter W , Luo Xinyi , Welch Andrew M. , Bolton Nathan M. , Brown Russell , Bolton John S.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Optimal curative therapy for locally advanced esophageal and esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer might not be offered to elderly patients due to patient and treating physician perception of the high risk of therapy. To understand the risk of multimodality curative therapy, including surgical resection in the elderly population, we studied our experience with curative therapy in this patient population and compared the risks and outcomes with those in a younger population.

STUDY DESIGN:

Between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2019, four hundred and five consecutive patients with esophageal or EGJ cancer underwent primary treatment at our institution, including esophagectomy. Data collected included demographic information, tumor stage, preoperative Charlson Comorbidity Index scores, treatment variables, and short- and long-term outcomes. Patients who were 70 years or older were classified as the “older” group and patients younger than 70 years were “younger.”

RESULTS:

One hundred and eighty-eight younger (mean age 59 years) and 94 older (mean age 74 years) patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgical resection for stage II and higher cancer. Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologist and Charlson Comorbidity Index scores were significantly worse in the older group. Postoperative atrial fibrillation and urinary retention developed more often in the older group. Despite this, the rate of postoperative Clavien-Dindo complication severity scores of 3 or higher, perioperative mortality rates, and lengths of stay were similar. Long-term age-adjusted survival rate was 44.8% at 5 years for the group 70 years or older and 39% for the group younger than 70 years (NS).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients 70 years and older with locally advanced esophageal or EGJ cancer should be evaluated for optimal curative therapy including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgical resection. Although preoperative risk scoring and postoperative atrial arrythmias are higher in the older group, short- and long-term outcomes are not inferior in these patients.
Whole Blood Thrombin Generation in Severely Injured Patients Requiring Massive Transfusion
Authors: Coleman Julia R. , Moore Ernest E. , Samuels Jason M. , Cohen Mitchell J. , Silliman Christopher C. , Ghasabyan Arsen , Chandler James , Butenas Saulius
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:

Despite the prevalence of hypocoagulability after injury, the majority of trauma patients paradoxically present with elevated thrombin generation (TG). Although several studies have examined plasma TG post injury, this has not been assessed in whole blood. We hypothesize that whole blood TG is lower in hypocoagulopathy, and TG effectively predicts massive transfusion (MT).

STUDY DESIGN:

Blood was collected from trauma activation patients at an urban Level I trauma center. Whole blood TG was performed with a prototype point-of-care device. Whole blood TG values in healthy volunteers were compared with trauma patients, and TG values were examined in trauma patients with shock and MT requirement.

RESULTS:

Overall, 118 patients were included. Compared with healthy volunteers, trauma patients overall presented with more robust TG; however, those arriving in shock (n = 23) had a depressed TG, with significantly lower peak thrombin (88.3 vs 133.0 nM; p = 0.01) and slower maximum rate of TG (27.4 vs 48.3 nM/min; p = 0.04). Patients who required MT (n = 26) had significantly decreased TG, with a longer lag time (median 4.8 vs 3.9 minutes, p = 0.04), decreased peak thrombin (median 71.4 vs 124.2 nM; p = 0.0003), and lower maximum rate of TG (median 15.8 vs 39.4 nM/min; p = 0.01). Area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) analysis revealed lag time (AUROC 0.6), peak thrombin (AUROC 0.7), and maximum rate of TG (AUROC 0.7) predict early MT.

CONCLUSIONS:

These data challenge the prevailing bias that all trauma patients present with elevated TG and highlight that deficient thrombin contributes to the hypocoagulopathic phenotype of trauma-induced coagulopathy. In addition, whole blood TG predicts MT, suggesting point-of-care whole blood TG can be a useful tool for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in trauma.
Biological and Computer Vision
Authors: Kreiman Gabriel
Published: February 2021

Imagine a world where machines can see and understand the world the way humans do. Rapid progress in artificial intelligence has led to smartphones that recognize faces, cars that detect pedestrians, and algorithms that suggest diagnoses from clinical images, among many other applications. The success of computer vision is founded on a deep understanding of the neural circuits in the brain responsible for visual processing. This book introduces the neuroscientific study of neuronal computations in visual cortex alongside of the psychological understanding of visual cognition and the burgeoning field of biologically-inspired artificial intelligence. Topics include the neurophysiological investigation of visual cortex, visual illusions, visual disorders, deep convolutional neural networks, machine learning, and generative adversarial networks among others. It is an ideal resource for students and researchers looking to build bridges across different approaches to studying and developing visual systems.
Building biorepositories in the midst of a pandemic
Authors: Croker Jennifer A. , Patel Robin , Campbell Kenneth S. , Barton-Baxter Marietta , Wallet Shannon , Firestein Gary S. , Kimberly Robert P. , Elemento Olivier
Published: February 2021

Biospecimen repositories play a vital role in enabling investigation of biologic mechanisms, identification of disease-related biomarkers, advances in diagnostic assays, recognition of microbial evolution, and characterization of new therapeutic targets for intervention. They rely on the complex integration of scientific need, regulatory oversight, quality control in collection, processing and tracking, and linkage to robust phenotype information. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified many of these considerations and illuminated new challenges, all while academic health centers were trying to adapt to unprecedented clinical demands and heightened research constraints not witnessed in over 100 years. The outbreak demanded rapid understanding of SARS-CoV-2 to develop diagnostics and therapeutics, prompting the immediate need for access to high quality, well-characterized COVID-19-associated biospecimens. We surveyed 60 Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hubs to better understand the strategies and barriers encountered in biobanking before and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Feedback revealed a major shift in biorepository model, specimen-acquisition and consent process from a combination of investigator-initiated and institutional protocols to an enterprise-serving strategy. CTSA hubs were well equipped to leverage established capacities and expertise to quickly respond to the scientific needs of this crisis through support of institutional approaches in biorepository management.
On the stratification and induced flow in an emptying–filling box driven by a plane vertically distributed source of buoyancy
Authors: Yu Ziheng , Hunt Gary R.
Published: February 2021

A theoretical model is presented for the steady multi-layered flow induced by a plane vertically distributed buoyancy source producing a turbulent wall plume in a ventilated box. While aspects of the stratification and rate of fluid exchange between box and exterior have been studied previously, the streamline pattern and velocity field have not been considered until now, despite having potentially important practical implications for achieving comfort in naturally ventilated buildings and for the indoor spread of airborne contagions. The boundary condition at the wall for each layer is established by deducing the turbulent entrainment rate. Using conformal mapping techniques and Poisson's integral theorem, closed-form solutions for the streamfunction of the induced flow in each layer are established. While the flow near the ceiling was overlooked in the classic model for the multi-layered stratification, after considering the possible flow scenarios, the stratification is re-evaluated herein by incorporating an entraining ceiling current. With a markedly thinner top layer, the refined stratification matches well with the available experimental observations, the restrictions we place on the applicability of the model overcoming the previous over-prediction in the number of interfaces. The magnitude of the dimensionless flow velocity, independent of the wall buoyancy flux and physical scale of the box, decreases significantly with the number of layers. Three types of layer, each with a distinct induced flow pattern, are distinguished and their implications for room airflow considered. Notably, the flow in the base layer represents a continual and smooth flushing of air between the inlet opening and the wall plume, whereas an intermediate layer is almost entirely comprised of near-stagnant air.