bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical Research Needs for Forage Fish within Inner Shelf Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Rivers James W , Bailey Guerrero Jennifer , Brodeur Richard D , Krutzikowsky Gregory K , Adrean Lindsay J , Heppell Scott A , Jacobson Kym C , Milligan Kristen , Nelson S Kim , Roby Daniel D , Sydeman William J , Torres Leigh G , Barth John A
Published: February 2022

Forage fish are a critical component of marine ecosystems because they integrate energy across trophic levels within marine food webs. Many studies have highlighted the importance of this group, and past research efforts have focused largely on studying forage fish within offshore and estuarine areas. In contrast, limited information is available for forage fish on the inner continental shelf (<50 m water depth), where they encounter a range of anthropogenic stressors and support critical apex predator populations, including species of conservation concern. We highlight the importance of forage fish within inner shelf marine ecosystems using examples from the Northern California Current and describe outstanding research needs for forage fish within this topical area. Addressing these research needs is a critical step for maintaining productive forage fish populations within inner shelf ecosystems considering the social-, management-, and climate-driven changes that are expected to impact coastal regions in the coming decades.
Deep crustal resistivity structure of the Lohit Valley in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxial region
Authors: Rawat Gautam , Luirei Khayingshing
Published: February 2022

The paper discusses the magnetotelluric derived electrical resistivity cross‐section of deep crust along the Lohit Valley in the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxial bend region. A low‐angle, north‐east dipping, intra‐crustal low resistive layer (IC‐LRL) is a dominant feature in the resistivity cross‐section. We interpret IC‐LRL as a signature of Main Himalayan Thrust. In the geoelectrical model, all the major thrusts separating different tectonic zones across the profile coincide with the dipping conducting features and these thrusts merged to IC‐LRL. The Lesser Himalaya and the Lohit Plutonic Complex are imaged as resistive features. Conductive zone between the Lesser Himalaya and Lohit Plutonic Complex reflect the Tidding Suture Zone. Conductivity of the IC‐LRL is lower in comparison with IC‐LRL imaged in another sector of the Himalaya. We suggest this difference is due to the significant difference in the intensity of the tectonic processes in this part of the Himalaya as compared to elsewhere.
From mechanisms to functions: The role of theta and gamma coherence in the intrahippocampal circuits
Authors: Mysin Ivan , Shubina Liubov
Published: February 2022

Brain rhythms are essential for information processing in neuronal networks. Oscillations recorded in different brain regions can be synchronized and have a constant phase difference, that is, they can be coherent. Coherence between local field potential (LFP) signals from different brain regions may be correlated with the performance of cognitive tasks, indicating that these regions of the brain are jointly involved in the information processing. Why does coherence occur and how is it related to the information transfer between different regions of the hippocampal formation? In this article, we discuss possible mechanisms of theta and gamma coherence and its role in the hippocampus‐dependent attention and memory processes, since theta and gamma rhythms are most pronounced in these processes. We review in vivo studies of interactions between different regions of the hippocampal formation in theta and gamma frequency bands. The key propositions of the review are as follows: (1) coherence emerges from synchronous postsynaptic currents in principal neurons as a result of synchronization of neuronal spike activity; (2) the synchronization of neuronal spike patterns in two regions of the hippocampal formation can be realized through induction or resonance; (3) coherence at a specific time point reflects the transfer of information between the regions of the hippocampal formation; (4) the physiological roles of theta and gamma coherence are different due to their different functions and mechanisms of generation. All hippocampal neurons are involved in theta activity, and theta coherence arranges the firing order of principal neurons throughout the hippocampal formation. In contrast, gamma coherence reflects the coupling of active neuronal ensembles. Overall, the coherence of LFPs between different areas of the brain is an important physiological process based on the synchronized neuronal firing, and it is essential for cooperative information processing.
The process of estimating the cost of surgery: Providing a practical framework for surgeons
Authors: Christou Chrysanthos D. , Athanasiadou Eleni C. , Tooulias Andreas I. , Tzamalis Argyrios , Tsoulfas Georgios
Published: February 2022

Over the last decades, health care costs have been increasing at an alarming, exponential rate which is considered unsustainable. Surgical care utilizes one‐third of health care costs. Estimating, evaluating, and understanding the cost of surgery is a vital step towards cost management and reduction. Current cost estimation studies and cost‐effectiveness studies have vast disparities in their methodology, with published costs of Operating Room varying from as low as $7 and as high as $113 per minute. Costs in surgery are distinguished as direct and indirect. Allocation of direct costs involves identification, measurement, and valuation processes. Allocation of indirect costs involves the allocation of capital and overhead costs and of indirect department costs. Annualised capital costs and overhead hospital costs are then allocated to surgery by either the cost‐centre allocation or the activity‐based allocation frameworks. Indirect department costs are allocated to a specific surgery by weighted service allocation or hourly rate allocation or inpatient day allocation, or marginal markup allocation. The growing societal, financial and political pressure for cost reduction has brought cost analysis to the forefront of healthcare discussions. Thus, we believe that almost every single surgeon will eventually enter the field of healthcare economics by necessity. This review aims to provide surgeons with a practical framework for engaging in cost estimation studies.
Trend prediction of irrigation area using improved random forest regression
Authors: Wang Maofa , Huang Hongliang , Gao Guangda , Tang Weiyu
Published: February 2022

The food problem is a major common concern in the world, and predicting the irrigation area can promote a solution to this problem. In this paper, the relationship between grain yield and the world’s irrigated area is analysed, and a machine model based on an improved random forest regression and limit tree regression algorithm is proposed and applied to the prediction of the irrigation area in China. Specifically, first the arithmetic mean value of the mean square error and mean absolute error are used as the evaluation metric of the improved impure function and irrigation area prediction effect. Second, the grid search method is used to determine the optimal number of decision trees in random forest and limit tree regression so that a new improved random forest model is established to predict the annual irrigation area in China. Finally, the proposed model is compared with other prediction models, and the 10‐fold cross‐validation experiment results show the effectiveness of the proposed model. It is expected to be applied to the prediction and factor analysis of the annual irrigation area in China.
Beneficial effect of trimetazidine on folic acid‐induced acute kidney injury in mice: Role of HIF‐1α/HO‐1
Authors: Abdelrahman Rehab S. , Abdelsalam Ramy A. , Zaghloul Marwa S.
Published: February 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complex syndrome associated with a decrease in renal function and a significant impact on patient outcomes. Injection of folic acid (FA) in mice is used for studying the pathogenesis of AKI. This study investigated the impact of trimetazidine (a metabolic modulator‐antianginal drug; TMZ), against FA‐induced AKI. AKI was induced by FA (250 mg/kg, ip) in mice. Two doses of TMZ were administered orally for 10 days. Administration of TMZ at a high dose (20 mg/kg) exhibited significant decreases in the renal somatic index (RSI), serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (1), and proteins level in urine. Moreover, TMZ significantly increased creatinine clearance (CCr), serum albumin, urine creatinine, and urine urea levels. This improvement in markers of kidney damage was associated with marked renal antioxidant effects (↓NO and ↓lipid peroxidation, normalized reduced glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased HIF‐1α/HO‐1 level). Furthermore, TMZ significantly decreased FA‐induced expression of MPO and inflammatory cytokine IL‐18, TNF‐α, and NF‐κB p65 subunit. Renal apoptosis, along with apoptotic markers, were enhanced by FA injection and suppressed by TMZ administration (↓Caspase‐3, ↓Bax, and ↑Bcl2 expression). Finally, TMZ amended FA‐induced histopathological changes in kidneys. By mitigating functional alteration, oxidative stress, and preventing the development of inflammatory and apoptosis signals, TMZ provides dose‐dependent defense against FA‐induced AKI mainly via stimulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α)/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) pathway.
“We could see our real selves:” The COVID‐19 syndemic and the transition to telehealth for a school‐based prevention program for newcomer Latinx immigrant youth
Authors: Martinez William , Patel Sita G. , Contreras Stephanie , Baquero‐Devis Tatiana , Bouche Vicky , Birman Dina
Published: February 2022

Newcomer Latinx immigrant youths in the United States are currently in a syndemic of increased risk of behavioral health concerns, disparities in access to related services, and are disproportionately impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study used qualitative inquiry to examine the impact that the transition to telehealth had on a school‐based group prevention program for immigrant youth, Fuerte, within the context of this syndemic. Data included semi‐structured interviews with group leaders, and focus groups with youth program participants. Themes indicated both positive and negative impacts of the transition to telehealth on program component implementation, youth participant engagement, and youth participant social connectedness. Despite the telehealth model, youth participants reported that they felt socially connected to each other through the program. This study's results provide implications for the potential value and drawbacks of a telehealth prevention model for newcomer immigrant youth, as well as deepening understanding of how virtual behavioral health programs may operate in socially isolating contexts around the world.
Local brokerage and international leverage: NGOs and land conflicts in Indonesia
Authors: Berenschot Ward , Dhiaulhaq Ahmad , Deviane Aurelia
Published: February 2022

The rapid expansion of oil palm plantations in Indonesia has generated a large and growing number of conflicts between rural communities and palm oil companies over, mainly, access to land. Employing a detailed documentation of 150 such conflicts in four Indonesian provinces, this paper assesses and evaluates how local, national and international NGOs help communities address their grievances. We find that rights‐based activism characterises only a small portion of NGOs working on land conflicts, as a more common strategy revolves around political brokerage. NGOs generally fail to achieve significant impact, with the partial exception of (those connected with) international NGOs.
Outcomes After Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Salvage Surgery
Authors: Sharma Bhavya K. , Contrera Kevin J. , Jia Xuefei , Fleming Christopher , Lorenz Robert R. , Koyfman Shlomo A. , Mahomva Chengetai , Arianpour Khashayar , Burkey Brian B. , Fritz Michael , Ku Jamie A. , Lamarre Eric D. , Scharpf Joseph , Prendes Brandon L.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Investigate outcomes following oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery.

Methods

Adult patients who underwent salvage surgery for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx from 1996 to 2018 were analyzed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. Disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), associated factors, and basic quality measures were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and eight patients (72% oral cavity, 28% oropharynx) were followed for a median of 17.9 months. Median DFS and OS were 9.9 and 21 months, respectively. Surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.78) and negative margins (HR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14–0.90) were associated with better DFS, while lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (HR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.14–6.19) and higher stage (III vs. I–II, HR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.22–12.71) were associated with worse DFS. Higher stage was associated with worse OS (HR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.09–13.19). Patients were hospitalized for a median of 8 days with 24% readmitted within 30 days. A total of 72% and 38% of patients, respectively, underwent placement of a feeding tube or tracheostomy.

Conclusions

After oral cavity and oropharyngeal salvage surgery, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, negative margins, negative LVSI, and lower stage were associated with a lower risk of recurrence. Only lower‐stage disease was associated with improved survival. The majority of patients had feeding tubes, half underwent free tissue transfer, a third required tracheostomy, and a quarter was readmitted.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1984–1992, 2022
Changes in rhizosphere soil nitrogen fractions associated with enzyme activities are linked to the microbial community following intercropping combined with nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Liu Chunjuan , Gong Xiangwei
Published: February 2022

Cereal/legume intercropping is effective for reducing chemical fertilizer inputs and achieving sustainable development. However, the effects of intercropping combined with nitrogen (N) fertilization on rhizosphere soil microbial characteristics and N dynamics–enzyme activity relationships remain unclear. A field experiment was performed to analyze rhizosphere soil N fractions, related enzyme activities, and microbial communities on the Chinese Loess Plateau. The results showed that proso millet/mung bean intercropping (PM) combined with suitable N fertilization increased the total nitrogen (TN), ammonium (NH4+), nitrate (NO3−), and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) contents and enzyme activities, whereas the high N input (especially for N3) showed a decreasing trend. MBN was more closely associated with enzyme activities than were other N fractions. Intercropping and N fertilization strongly affected the bacterial and fungal diversity and community composition, as shown by a shift from K– to r–strategist dominance. Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum and was more abundant under intercropping than under sole cropping (SP), whereas Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi abundances were lower under PM than under SP. Ascomycota and Mortierellomycota were dominant fungal phyla whose abundances were significantly associated with rhizosphere soil N fractions and enzyme activities, although a high N input may inhibit microbial growth under intercropping systems. Overall, the observed changes in rhizosphere soil enzyme activities were most strongly affected by MBN driven by soil bacteria and fungi. These results provide scientific guidance for using rational fertilizer and further studying the mechanisms allowing reduced fertilizer use and increased efficiency under intercropping combined with N management.
ACCELERATING THE PATH TO CORPORATE LEADERSHIP FOR ALL WOMEN
Authors: Smith Ella L.J. Bell , Nkomo Stella M.
Published: February 2022

The authors detail new research related to the 20th anniversary edition of their landmark book Our Separate Ways: Black and White Women and the Struggle for Professional Identity. It is described as “the first book to provide an in‐depth look at how race and gender affect the advancement of women into senior leadership positions in corporate America. The book was based on life history interviews conducted with 120 Black and White women executives who had risen to senior leadership positions in their companies.” Although there have been some positive changes since then, “the barriers we identified more than two decades ago persist, and the advice we provided then remains relevant.” They also note some crucial challenges that affect both African American women and men: “Achieving real, organizational change to eradicate systemic racism in the workplace requires some heavy lifting by leaders.” The authors believe that “ending systemic racism requires a deeper understanding of its meaning and the actions to address it. As we explain in Our Separate Ways, racism refers to the existence of a dominant racial hierarchy that places White people at the top and other racial groups below them in respect to advantage and disadvantage. It is systemic because it exists in all spheres of society.”
Multiple solutions for p(x)${p(x)}$‐curl systems with nonlinear boundary condition
Authors: Ge Bin , Lu Jian‐Fang
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the ‐curl problem of the type:
where is a bounded simply connected domain with a C1, 1 boundary denoted by , , is a continuous function, , and is a Carathéodory function. We obtain the existence and multiplicity of solutions for a class of ‐curl systems in the absence of Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz condition under superlinear case. Besides, we also obtain infinitely many solutions under sublinear case.
Excess executive compensation and corporate governance in the United Kingdom and Spain: A comparative analysis
Authors: Sánchez‐Marín Gregorio , Lucas‐Pérez María Encarnación , Baixauli‐Soler Samuel , Main Brian G.M. , Mínguez‐Vera Antonio
Published: February 2022

Literature on executive compensation has relatively neglected the impact of institutional governance contexts. Regarding filling this gap, this study examines the influence of governance mechanisms on excess executive compensation comparing a set of listed UK and Spanish firms on an 8‐year panel data. Findings indicate that Spanish firms are characterized by higher excess executive compensation than UK firms because of the less effectiveness of ownership structure and board of directors. Differences in concentration and structure of ownership as well as in composition and size of boards result in more aligned executive compensation design in the UK firms.
Meta‐Analysis: Efficacy and Tolerability of Vesicular Monoamine Transporter Type 2 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Tic Disorders
Authors: Behling Emily , Farhat Luis C. , Landeros‐Weisenberger Angeli , Bloch Michael H.
Published: February 2022

Vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) inhibitors may be an effective therapy for chronic tic disorders (CTD), including Tourette syndrome (TS), but there has not been a meta‐analysis compiling available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of VMAT2 inhibitors for CTD/TS. PubMed, CENTRAL, and Embase were searched for double‐blinded RCTs of VMAT2 inhibitors versus placebo for the treatment of CTD/TS. Change in tic severity measured by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (efficacy) and rates of discontinuation attributed to adverse effects (tolerability) or all causes (acceptability) were extracted closest to 12 weeks. Mean difference (MD) and odds ratio (OR) were the effect size indexes for efficacy and acceptability/tolerability, respectively. Data were pooled through random‐effects meta‐analysis weighted by inverse variance. Five RCTs involving eight comparisons were included. Meta‐analysis found a nonsignificant effect on efficacy (k = 8; N = 583; MD = −0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.93 to 0.50; P = 0.24), and there was certainty that the true effect is nonclinically meaningful (high quality of evidence). Meta‐analysis found decreased tolerability (k = 7; N = 626; OR = 2.67; 95% CI, 1.21–5.92; P = 0.01) and decreased acceptability (k = 8; N = 626; OR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.14–3.18; P = 0.01), although those comparisons were limited because of the relatively small number of events across trials. Meta‐analyses did not support the efficacy of VMAT2 inhibitors in the short‐term treatment of tic disorders and suggested no clinically meaningful effect of these agents on tic symptoms. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
A bottom‐up optimization method for inverse design of two‐dimensional clamped‐free elastic rods
Authors: Qin Longhui , Zhu Jianxiong , Huang Weicheng
Published: February 2022

Rod‐like structures, such as DNA, climbing plants, and cables, pervade the nature and our daily life and also belong to a frequently encountered engineering problem, which usually assume a deformed shape based on the competition between elasticity (stretching, bending, twisting) and external forces (e.g., gravity). These structures often undergo geometrically nonlinear deformation under its own weight. Computing the natural (undeformed) shape of a rod from the observed deformed configuration is a nonlinear inverse problem. Here we introduce a numerical method to solve this problem in case planar (2D) rods, that is, beams, under a clamped‐free boundary condition. A simulation model is developed based on the discrete elastic rods (DER) algorithm to address the forward deformation process from natural to deformed shapes under gravity. Based on the internal mechanical link among the nodes on the discretized elastic rod, a bottom‐up optimization method is proposed in this article for an efficient inverse solution. Associated with it, a global searching algorithm is developed to search for the optimal bending curvature along the arc length of the rod. The method is numerically validated for accuracy and sheds light on the inverse design of rod‐like structures for various applications, for example, soft robots and tails of animated characters.
Artificial intelligence trained with integration of multiparametric MR‐US imaging data and fusion biopsy trajectory‐proven pathology data for 3D prediction of prostate cancer: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Kaneko Masatomo , Fukuda Norio , Nagano Hitomi , Yamada Kaori , Yamada Kei , Konishi Eiichi , Sato Yoshinobu , Ukimura Osamu
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that predicts the volume and location of clinically significant cancer (CSCa) using convolutional neural network (CNN) trained with integration of multiparametric MR‐US image data and MRI‐US fusion prostate biopsy (MRI‐US PBx) trajectory‐proven pathology data.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients prospectively underwent MRI‐US PBx, followed by robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). The AI algorithm was trained with the integration of MR‐US image data with a MRI‐US PBx trajectory‐proven pathology. The relationship with the 3D‐cancer‐mapping of RARP specimens was compared between AI system‐suggested 3D‐CSCa mapping and an experienced radiologist's suggested 3D‐CSCa mapping on MRI alone according to the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) version 2. The characteristics of detected and undetected tumors at AI were compared in 22,968 image data. The relationships between CSCa volumes and volumes predicted by AI as well as the radiologist's reading based on PI‐RADS were analyzed.

Results

The concordance of the CSCa center with that in RARP specimens was significantly higher in the AI prediction than the radiologist' reading (83% vs. 54%, p = 0.036). CSCa volumes predicted with AI were more accurate (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) than the radiologist's reading. The limitations include that the elastic fusion technology has its own registration error.

Conclusions

We presented a novel pilot AI algorithm for 3D prediction of PCa. AI was trained by integration of multiparametric MR‐US image data and fusion biopsy trajectory‐proven pathology data. This deep learning AI model may more precisely predict the 3D mapping of CSCa in its volume and center location than a radiologist's reading based on PI‐RADS version 2, and has potential in the planning of focal therapy.
Effects of cycling and rowing on serum concentrations of prostate‐specific antigen: A randomized study of 101 male subjects
Authors: Lunacek Andreas , Tischler Mathias , Mrstik Christof , Hebenstreit Doris , Oeser Reinhard , Bektic Jasmin , Klocker Helmut , Horninger Wolfgang , Plas Eugen
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the effects if cycling and rowing on serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Methods

Male volunteers (n = 101), aged 20–80 (mean, 49.9) years were randomized to exercise at the first or second study visit. They performed 1 h of either cycling or rowing on a stationary machine. To determine exercise‐induced effects on the PSA level, serum total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) concentrations were evaluated before and after exercise and another sampling was performed at the second study visit. Pre‐exercise and postexercise tPSA and fPSA concentrations were compared using the Wilcoxon matched‐pairs test. The results were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

A significant (p < 0.001) average increase in tPSA after exercise (1.14 ± 1.11 ng/ml to 1.24 ± 1.26 ng/ml [mean, +8.8%]) was observed after both cycling and rowing, without significant differences between the sports (p = 0.54). The exercise‐induced increase in PSA concentration affected participants aged ≥50 years (difference, 0.16 ± 0.37; p < 0.001), but not those aged <50 years (difference, 0.01 ± 0.06; p = 0.23). The effect size was clinically irrelevant in all except two outliers, in whom a distinct increase of PSA level by averages of 1.80 ng/ml (+55%) for tPSA and 1.25 ng/ml (+227%) for fPSA following cycling was observed.

Conclusion

Rowing and cycling generally do not have a clinically relevant effect on PSA levels. However, outliers exist. Our findings do not support abstaining from exercise during the days approaching PSA sampling.
Knockdown of ecdysteroid synthesis genes results in impaired molting and high mortality in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae)
Authors: Paredes‐Montero Jorge R , Arif Usman , Brown Judith K
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND

RNA‐mediated interference (RNAi) has become a promising biopesticide technology with which to direct sequence‐specific gene knockdown of key targets in the potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli, resulting in significant mortality. In this study, three strategically selected target genes, ATF4, C7 and D24, essential for the biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroids, were evaluated for knockdown and mortality using oral delivery of individual, paired and all three double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), in five replicated experiments. Knockdown was determined as the fold‐change in gene expression using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Knockdown of the D24 target, at 39%–45%, resulted in 51% PoP mortality by 10 days post‐ingestion (dpi) of dsRNA. Knockdown of C7, at 38%–61%, resulted in 53% mortality by 10 dpi, whereas dsD24 ingestion resulted in 65% mortality by 10 dpi when dsD24 and dsC7 were co‐delivered. Three phenotypes, INCOMEC, PREMEC and SWOLLEN, were observed at a frequency of 4%–12%, and are consistent with incomplete ecdysis in immature and/or adult PoP. Adult PoP exhibiting INCOMEC survived for several days but were unable to mate or fly, whereas SWOLLEN and PREMEC were lethal to the immature instars. Knockdown of ATF4 did not result in the mortality or malformations in immature and adult PoP.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with knockdown of individual D24 and C7 targets, significantly greater RNAi penetrance was achieved following delivery of combined dsRNAs. The highest knockdown that resulted in incomplete ecdysis and/or mortality was obtained for targets with predicted involvement in the same or interacting pathway(s). Knockdown of ATF4 was apparently “rescued” by uncharacterized compensatory gene(s) or effects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Simple Method to Estimate Fractional Numbers of Eu3+ Ions in Different Phases in Highly Luminescent ZrO2–SiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Hayakawa Tomokatsu , Ikeshita Ryo , Duclère Jean René , Lecomte André
Published: February 2022

Luminescent, transparent nanocomposites incorporating very tiny crystals in glassy host matrix are a strategy to control a local structure with low phonon energy and/or adjustable band structure, and the charge‐transfer state of luminescent centers such as rare‐earth ions, resulting in their high photoluminescence (PL) efficiency and controllable absorption–emission route mechanism. For this purpose, it is important to know how many luminescent dopants can be incorporated into the nanocrystal domains. Herein, Eu3+‐doped ZrO2–SiO2 nanocomposites are considered as a test case, together with the starting gel thermal evolution. The progressive sol–gel chemistry enables the preferential introduction of Eu3+ ions into the ZrO2 nanocrystals. An analytical method using the Eu3+ PL decay curves quantitatively reveals for the first time that the number of Eu3+ ions doped in the ZrO2 crystalline nanodomains, which is obtained above 900 °C, exceeds 60%, and increases to 76% when the thermal treatment temperature is 1100 °C. The fractional number of Eu3+ ions and the local asymmetry ratio of Λ = I(5D0 − 7F2)/I(5D0 − 7F1) for each region are estimated as Λ = 2.1–2.9, Λ ≈ 15, and Λ = 4.6–7.4 for the ZrO2, boundary, and SiO2‐rich glass phases, depending on the heat‐treatment temperature.
High‐Temperature, High‐Pressure Reactions of H2 with CaCO3 Melts
Authors: Kuang Huiyao , Tse John S.
Published: February 2022

First‐principles molecular dynamics calculations are performed to investigate the reactions of hydrogen and calcium carbonate melts at pressure–temperature conditions appropriate to the Earth's lower mantle and core–mantle boundary. Two models with different hydrogen‐to‐carbonate ratios are studied. A variety of chemical reactions are observed. It is found that hydrogen dissociates readily and reacts with free carbonate anions forming various transient chemical species and water molecules. Further reactions of these reactive species serve as intermediates to form C–C and C–O connections. The unreacted bulk carbonates are linked via polymeric‐cornered shared CO4 tetrahedra. At 110 GPa and 4087 K, “diamondoids” with tetrahedral C4 moieties are found. The theoretical results support recent reports on the observation of tetrahedra CO4 in high‐pressure carbonate glasses and suggest a plausible explanation of ice VII inclusion in deep‐Earth diamonds.
Estimation and expected sample size in Simon's two‐stage designs that stop as early as possible
Authors: Daletzakis Antonios , van den Bor Rutger , Jonker Marianne A. , Roes Kit C. B. , van Tinteren Harm
Published: February 2022

In early phase clinical studies in oncology, Simon's two‐stage designs are widely used. The trial design could be made more efficient by stopping early in the second stage when the required number of responses is reached, or when it has become clear that this target can no longer be met (a form of non‐stochastic curtailment). Early stopping, however, will affect proper estimation of the response rate. We propose a uniformly minimum‐variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) for the response rate in this setting. The estimator is proven to be UMVUE using the Rao‐Blackwell theorem. We evaluate the estimator's properties in terms of bias and mean squared error, both analytically and via simulations. We derive confidence intervals based on sample space orderings, and assess the coverage. For various design options, we evaluate the reduction in expected sample size as a function of the true response rate. Our method provides a solution for estimating response rates in case of a non‐stochastic curtailment Simon's two‐stage design.
The impact of seasonal and event‐based infiltration on transition metals (Cu, Ni, Co) in tropical cave drip water
Authors: Warken Sophie F. , Kuchalski Lea , Schröder‐Ritzrau Andrea , Vieten Rolf , Schmidt Martina , Höpker Sebastian N. , Hartland Adam , Spötl Christoph , Scholz Denis , Frank Norbert
Published: February 2022

Rationale

The first‐row transition metals Cu, Ni, and Co show a strong binding affinity to natural organic matter. Compared to dissolved elements and stable water isotopes, they may be transported rapidly through the soil and host rock into caves in response to infiltration events. This study aims to assess the potential of transition metal ratios as indicators for infiltration changes in response to the seasonal and/or event‐based rainfall variation.

Methods

We developed a protocol to analyze Cu, Ni, and Co in the cave drip water using collision cell ICP‐QMS without extensive sample pretreatment. The high Ca matrix leads to significant isobaric interferences on all isotope masses. Our method includes a correction of these matrix effects and yields results with comparable accuracy and reproducibility to other published methods. We applied this protocol to drip water samples from Larga Cave (Puerto Rico) covering at least two full annual cycles between 2014 and 2019 on a bimonthly scale.

Results

The analysis of external reference materials yielded a reproducibility between 4.7% and 9.2% (relative standard deviation), validating the accuracy of the matrix correction method. The limit of detection is <0.04 ppb for Cu, <0.02 ppb for Ni, and <0.008 ppb for Co. The analysis of drip water samples from Larga Cave reveals pronounced changes of several orders of magnitude in all Element (El) to Ca, Cu/Ni, and Cu/Co ratios in response to seasonal infiltration changes. In addition, we observe a partly even stronger response after major tropical storms and heavy precipitation events of the period of record, for example, tropical storm “Bertha” (2014) and the category 5 hurricanes “Irma” and “Maria” (both 2017).

Conclusions

Transition metal ratios can be accurately measured in cave drip waters with high Ca matrix. At our tropical site, these are promising tracers of infiltration changes in response to changes in the amount of rainfall, providing the first step toward tropical cyclone reconstruction using trace elements in speleothems.
Understanding the Energetic Components Influencing the Thermodynamic Quantities of Carbonic Anhydrase Protein upon Ligand Binding
Authors: Gnanasekaran Ramachandran , Xu Yao
Published: February 2022

We perform structural analysis and calculate the vibrational energy diffusivities, represented as heat‐communication map, between a carbonic anhydrase II and its binding inhibitor benzosulfonamide, to identify critical residues involved in the secondary and tertiary adaptations surrounding the active site, such as HID95, HIE118, HID93, THR197, and HIE198. Notably, the water molecules surrounding the active sites play an essential part in the energy flow. The stability of the docked ligand is assessed using its structural deviation and free energy calculation. Additionally, density functional theory calculations are used to evaluate specific binding energies, resulting in prominent residues such as THR197, THR198, and HIE118 with high binding potential to the benzosulfonamide ligand.
Unemployment insurance programs and the choice to leave the labor force
Authors: Conway Patrick J.
Published: February 2022

I extend a labor‐market search and matching model of equilibrium with unemployment insurance (UI) program to incorporate the choice to participate in the labor market. UI reform that lowers the UI payment increases search intensity but discourages labor‐market participation. Reducing UI payments has the moral‐hazard effects derived in the literature but also a non‐participation effect. UI reform in North Carolina in mid‐2013 provides an empirical test of the model using data from the Current Population Survey. The reduction in size and duration of UI payments led to no significant increase in employment but a significant increase in those exiting the labor force.
Electronic Engineering of ABO3 Perovskite Metal Oxides Based on d0 Electronic‐Configuration Metallic Ions toward Photocatalytic Water Splitting under Visible Light
Authors: Bao Yunfeng , Zhang Fuxiang
Published: February 2022

Particulate photocatalytic water splitting is considered as one of the most promising and low‐cost routes toward green hydrogen production, toward which developing a semiconductor photocatalyst with a wide visible light response and high charge transfer velocity is the key issue. Metal oxides based on d
0‐configuration metal ions, especially those with the perovskite structure, are a group of ideal candidates toward photocatalytic water splitting, benefitting from their high structural stability, suitable conduction band minimum (CBM), and high carrier mobility. However, the main problems staggering the development of highly efficient photocatalysts are from the rather big bandgap of these d
0‐configuration metal oxides to cause limited UV light response and from the flexibly changed valence state of the d
0‐configuration metal cations in the B site of the perovskite structure. Various strategies are developed to address these problems, and the summary on electronic engineering strategies of the d
0‐metal‐based perovskite metal oxides toward visible light response and stable photocatalytic performance in this review is focused on. Finally, the construction of the photocatalytic overall water splitting (OWS) system based on these perovskite semiconductors is discussed and outlooked.
Neue klinische Anwendungsbereiche der Niederfeld-Magnetresonanztomographie
Authors: Breit Hanns-Christian , Vosshenrich Jan , Bach Michael , Merkle Elmar M.
Published: February 2022

Hintergrund

Die Niederfeld-Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) erlebt aufgrund technischer Neuerungen eine Renaissance. Die Geräte der neuen Generation bieten neue Anwendungsspektren in der Bildgebung und eine mögliche Antwort auf den steigenden Kostendruck im Gesundheitssystem.

Fragestellung

Einfluss der Feldstärke auf die Technik, Physik, Bildakquisition und die diagnostische Qualität der Untersuchungen.

Material und Methode

Rekapitulation der wichtigen grundlegenden physikalischen Parameter für Bildgewinnung und Qualität. Erste klinische Erfahrungen mit einem neuen 0,55-T-Niederfeldscanner.

Ergebnisse

Niedrigere Feldstärken als die klinisch aktuell verbreiteten 1,5 T und 3 T sind in der Bildgewinnung durch ein zu erwartendes geringeres Signal-zu-Rausch Verhältnis gekennzeichnet. Ob dies eine diagnostische Limitation ist, muss in Studien evaluiert werden, da es verschiedene Optionen gibt, dieses vermeintliche Defizit zu kompensieren. Dies kann durch eine Verlängerung der Akquisitionszeit oder durch Einsatz von Nachverarbeitungsverfahren mit Hilfe der künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) geschehen. Zudem ist zu validieren, in welchen Körperregionen und bei welchen Krankheitsbildern die Bildqualität diagnostisch ausreichend ist. Erste Untersuchungen in unserer Klinik sind vielversprechend und zeigen beispielsweise diagnostische Qualität ohne relevanten Zeitverlust für Untersuchungen der Lendenwirbelsäule. Potenzielle Stärken aufgrund geringerer Suszeptibilitätsartefakte ergeben sich in der Lungenbildgebung oder bei Implantaten.

Schlussfolgerung

Niederfeldscanner bieten eine Vielzahl von neuen Anwendungsfeldern mit feldstärkebedingten Vorteilen. Bei den meisten anderen klinischen Untersuchungsfeldern kann mindestens eine diagnostische Qualität erwartet werden.
Rhenium-osmium geochronology of gersdorffite and skutterudite-pararammelsbergite links nickel–cobalt mineralization to the opening of the incipient Meliata Ocean (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
Authors: Majzlan Juraj , Mikuš Tomáš , Kiefer Stefan , Creaser Robert A.
Published: February 2022

The multi-orogenic crustal segment of the Central Western Carpathians comprises a Variscan basement that is host to small nickel–cobalt (Ni–Co) arsenide and sulfarsenide mineralizations at Ľubietová-Kolba and Čierna Lehota (Slovakia). Here, we constrain the timing of Ni–Co mineralization by using rhenium-osmium (Re–Os) isotope geochemistry of (1) gersdorffite (NiAsS) after krutovite (NiAs2) at Ľubietová-Kolba, and (2) a mixture of skutterudite-pararammelsbergite (CoAs3–NiAs2) from the Čierna Lehota deposit, hosted by metamorphosed carbonaceous rocks. Gersdorffite, which is bereft of common Os, returns a Re–Os model age of 238.2 ± 1.0 (2σ) million years (Ma). Four aliquots of the skutterudite-pararammelsbergite mixture define a robust model 1 isochron at 238.2 ± 12.7 (2σ) Ma (mean square weighted deviates – MSDW = 0.95). A crustal source of Os, and by inference other metals, is inferred from the initial 187Os/188Os ratio of 0.90 ± 0.01 of this isochron. We conclude that studied Ni–Co mineralizations are related to an extensional tectonic regime and hydrothermal fluid flow in connection with the opening of the Meliata ocean in the Middle Triassic (Ladinian).
Evaluation of the post-processing algorithms SimGrid and S-Enhance for paediatric intensive care patients and neonates
Authors: Krueger Paul-Christian , Ebeling Katharina , Waginger Matthias , Glutig Katja , Scheithauer Marcel , Schlattmann Peter , Proquitté Hans , Mentzel Hans-Joachim
Published: February 2022

Background

Post-processing software can be used in digital radiography to achieve higher image quality, especially in cases of scattered radiation. SimGrid is a grid-like software based on a Convolutional Neuronal Network that estimates the distribution and degree of scattered radiation in radiographs and thus improves image quality by simulating an anti-scatter grid. S-Enhance is an algorithm programmed to improve contrast visibility of foreign material.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the SimGrid and S-Enhance digital radiography post-processing methods for neonatology and paediatric intensive care.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and ten radiographs from the neonatal (n = 101, 0 to 6 months of age) and paediatric (n = 109, 6 months to 18 years of age) intensive care units performed in daily clinical routine using a mobile digital radiography system were post-processed with one of the algorithms, anonymized and then evaluated comparatively by two experienced paediatric radiologists. For every radiograph, patient data and exposure data were collected and analysed.

Results

Analysis of different radiographs showed that SimGrid significantly improves image quality for patients with a weight above 10 kg (range: 10–30 kg: odds ratio [OR] = 6.683, P < 0.0001), especially regarding the tracheobronchial system, intestinal gas, and bones. Utilizing S-Enhance significantly advances the assessment of foreign material (OR = 136.111, P < 0.0001) and bones (OR = 34.917, P < 0.0001) for children of all ages and weight, whereas overall image quality decreases.

Conclusion

SimGrid offers a differentiated spectrum in image improvement for children beyond the neonatal period whereas S-Enhance especially improves visibility of foreign material and bones for all patients.
Influence of 3% Hypertonic Saline Versus 0.9% Saline on Intraoperative Maintenance Fluid Requirements in Adult Patients Undergoing Major Open Abdominal Surgeries: Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Behera Shri Hari Priya , Misra Satyajeet , Behera Bikram Kishore
Published: February 2022

Background

Three percent hypertonic saline (3% HTS) acts like an osmotic buffer and draws fluid from the extracellular space into the intravascular compartment. Primary objective was to evaluate whether use of 3% HTS resulted in a difference in intraoperative maintenance fluid requirement versus 0.9% saline (NS). Secondary objectives were to evaluate differences in 24 h fluid requirements and safety of 3% HTS.

Methods

Adult patients of either sex, 18–65 years, undergoing elective major open abdominal surgeries were randomized to receive infusions of 3% HTS or NS at 1 ml/kg/hr through large bore peripheral i.v cannulas, or central venous catheters after anesthesia induction. Intraoperative maintenance fluids were administered to maintain mean arterial pressure (≥70 mmHg), urine output (≥0.5 ml/kg/hr) and central venous pressure of 8–10 cm H2O.

Results

Ninety‐three patients completed the study (46 in 3% HTS and 47 in NS group). No difference was seen in the volume of intraoperative maintenance fluids (3% HTS vs NS; 2243.9 ± 896.7 ml vs 2093.6 ± 868.7 ml; P = 0.34). Similarly, the 24 h postoperative fluid requirement was not different (3% HTS vs NS; 2006.6 ± 398.6 ml vs 2018.3 ± 389.3 ml; P = 0.94). Patients in 3% HTS group had statistically but not clinically significant higher serum sodium values at postoperative 12th and 24 h. No complication like thrombophlebitis or tissue ischemia was reported due to administration of 3% HTS through peripheral lines.

Conclusion

Administration of 3% HTS did not reduce intraoperative maintenance fluid requirements in patients undergoing major open abdominal surgeries.

Trial registration

CTRI/2019/09/021032.
Bronchial wall parameters on CT in healthy never-smoking, smoking, COPD, and asthma populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dudurych Ivan , Muiser Susan , McVeigh Niall , Kerstjens Huib A.M. , van den Berge Maarten , de Bruijne Marleen , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn
Published: February 2022

Objective

Research on computed tomography (CT) bronchial parameter measurements shows that there are conflicting results on the values for bronchial parameters in the never-smoking, smoking, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) populations. This review assesses the current CT methods for obtaining bronchial wall parameters and their comparison between populations.

Methods

A systematic review of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted following PRISMA guidelines (last search date 25th October 2021). Methodology data was collected and summarised. Values of percentage wall area (WA%), wall thickness (WT), summary airway measure (Pi10), and luminal area (Ai) were pooled and compared between populations.

Results

A total of 169 articles were included for methodologic review; 66 of these were included for meta-analysis. Most measurements were obtained from multiplanar reconstructions of segmented airways (93 of 169 articles), using various tools and algorithms; third generation airways in the upper and lower lobes were most frequently studied. COPD (12,746) and smoking (15,092) populations were largest across studies and mostly consisted of men (median 64.4%, IQR 61.5 – 66.1%). There were significant differences between populations; the largest WA% was found in COPD (mean SD 62.93 ± 7.41%, n = 6,045), and the asthma population had the largest Pi10 (4.03 ± 0.27 mm, n = 442). Ai normalised to body surface area (Ai/BSA) (12.46 ± 4 mm2, n = 134) was largest in the never-smoking population.

Conclusions

Studies on CT-derived bronchial parameter measurements are heterogenous in methodology and population, resulting in challenges to compare outcomes between studies. Significant differences between populations exist for several parameters, most notably in the wall area percentage; however, there is a large overlap in their ranges.

Key Points

• Diverse methodology in measuring airways contributes to overlap in ranges of bronchial parameters among the never-smoking, smoking, COPD, and asthma populations.

• The combined number of never-smoking participants in studies is low, limiting insight into this population and the impact of participant characteristics on bronchial parameters.

• Wall area percent of the right upper lobe apical segment is the most studied (87 articles) and differentiates all except smoking vs asthma populations.