bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive impact of postfire environment on bumble bees not explained by habitat variables in a remote forested ecosystem
Authors: Johnson Sarah A. , Jackson Hanna M. , Noth Hutton , M'Gonigle Leithen K.
Published: January 2023

Bumble bees are important pollinators in temperate forested regions where fire is a driving force for habitat change, and thus understanding how these insects respond to fire is critical. Previous work has shown bees are often positively affected by the postfire environment, with burned sites supporting greater bee abundance and diversity, and increased floral resources. The extent to which fire impacts variation in bumblebee site occupancy is not well‐understood, especially in higher latitude regions with dense, primarily coniferous forests. Occupancy models are powerful tools for biodiversity analyses, as they separately estimate occupancy probability (likelihood that a species is present at a particular location) and detection probability (likelihood of observing a species when it is present). Using these models, we tested whether bumblebee site occupancy is higher in burned locations as a result of the increase in canopy openness, floral species richness, and floral abundance. We quantified the impact of fire, and associated habitat changes, on bumblebee species' occupancy in an area with high wildfire frequency in British Columbia, Canada. The burn status of a site was the only significant predictor for determining bumblebee occurrence (with burned sites having higher occupancy); floral resource availability and canopy openness only impacted detection probability (roughly, sample bias). These findings highlight the importance of controlling for the influence of habitat on species detection in pollinator studies and suggest that fire in this system changes the habitat for bumble bees in positive ways that extend beyond our measurements of differences in floral resources and canopy cover.
Non‐native hosts of an invasive seaweed holobiont have more stable microbial communities compared to native hosts in response to thermal stress
Authors: Bonthond Guido , Neu Anna‐Katrin , Bayer Till , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A. , Künzel Sven , Weinberger Florian
Published: January 2023

Seaweeds are colonized by a microbial community, which can be directly linked to their performance. This community is shaped by an interplay of stochastic and deterministic processes, including mechanisms which the holobiont host deploys to manipulate its associated microbiota. The Anna Karenina principle predicts that when a holobiont is exposed to suboptimal or stressful conditions, these host mechanisms may be compromised. This leads to a relative increase of stochastic processes that may potentially result in the succession of a microbial community harmful to the host. Based on this principle, we used the variability in microbial communities (i.e., beta diversity) as a proxy for stability within the invasive holobiont Gracilaria vermiculophylla during a simulated invasion in a common garden experiment. Independent of host range, host performance declined at elevated temperature (22°C) and disease incidence and beta diversity increased. Under thermally stressful conditions, beta diversity increased more in epibiota from native populations, suggesting that epibiota from non‐native holobionts are thermally more stable. This pattern reflects an increase in deterministic processes acting on epibiota associated with non‐native hosts, which in the setting of a common garden can be assumed to originate from the host itself. Therefore, these experimental data suggest that the invasion process may have selected for hosts better able to maintain stable microbiota during stress. Future studies are needed to identify the underlying host mechanisms.
Whole‐genome resequencing reveals recent divergence of geographic populations of the dung beetle Phelotrupes auratus with color variation
Authors: Araki Yoshifumi , Sota Teiji
Published: January 2023

Knowledge of population divergence history is key to understanding organism diversification mechanisms. The geotrupid dung beetle Phelotrupes auratus, which inhabits montane forests and exhibits three color forms (red, green, and indigo), diverged into five local populations (west/red, south/green, south/indigo, south/red, and east/red) in the Kinki District of Honshu, Japan, based on the combined interpretation of genetic cluster and color‐form data. Here, we estimated the demographic histories of these local populations using the newly assembled draft genome sequence of P. auratus and whole‐genome resequencing data obtained from each local population. Using coalescent simulation analysis, we estimated P. auratus population divergences at ca. 3800, 2100, 600, and 200 years ago, with no substantial gene flow between diverged populations, implying the existence of persistent barriers to gene flow. Notably, the last two divergence events led to three local populations with different color forms. The initial divergence may have been affected by climatic cooling around that time, and the last three divergence events may have been associated with the increasing impact of human activities. Both climatic cooling and increasing human activity may have caused habitat fragmentation and a reduction in the numbers of large mammals supplying food (dung) for P. auratus, thereby promoting the decline, segregation, and divergence of local populations. Our research demonstrates that geographic population divergence in an insect with conspicuous differences in traits such as body color may have occurred rapidly under the influence of human activity.
Implications for conservation assessment from flux in the botanical record over 20 years in southwest Ghana
Authors: Marshall Cicely A. M. , Dabo Jonathan , Mensah Markfred , Ekpe Patrick , Hawthorne William D.
Published: January 2023

At best, conservation decisions can only be made using the data available at the time. For plants and especially in the tropics, natural history collections remain the best available baseline information upon which to base conservation assessments, in spite of well‐documented limitations in their taxonomic, geographic, and temporal coverage. We explore the extent to which changes to the plant biological record over 20 years have changed our conception of the conservation importance of 931 plant taxa, and 114 vegetation samples, recorded in forest reserves of the southwest Ghana biodiversity hotspot. 36% of species‐level assessments changed as a result of new distribution data. 12% of species accepted in 2016 had no assessment in 1996: of those, 20% are new species publications, 60% are new records for SW Ghana, and 20% are taxonomic resolutions. Apparent species ranges have increased over time as new records are made, but new species publications are overwhelmingly of globally rare species, keeping the balance of perceived rarity in the flora constant over 20 years. Thus, in spite of considerable flux at the species record level, range size rarity scores calculated for 114 vegetation samples of the reserves in 1996 and 2016 are highly correlated with each other: r(112) = 0.84, p < .0005, and showed no difference in mean score over 20 years: paired t(113) = −0.482, p = .631. This consistency in results at the area level allows for worthwhile conservation priority setting over time, and we argue is the better course of action than taking no action at all.
Cardiovascular health metrics and risk of heart failure in a Finnish population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Isiozor Nzechukwu M. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Voutilainen Ari , Isiozor Ifeanyichukwu , Gaye Bamba , Kauhanen Jussi , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: January 2023

Aims

This study aimed to examine the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and the risk of heart failure (HF) in a Finnish population.

Methods and results

We used the prospective population‐based Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease cohort study comprising men aged 42–60 years at baseline (1984–89) and women aged 53–73 years at baseline (1998–2001). The CVH scores were computed from American Heart Association's CVH metrics for 2385 men and 825 women without a history of HF at baseline. The CVH scores, ranging from 0 to 14, were categorized into three: inadequate, average, and optimal groups. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HF. During a median follow‐up period of 27 years for men, and 18 years for women, 465 and 124 HF events were recorded, respectively. The mean ages for men and women were 53 and 63 years, respectively. One hundred and thirty‐three men (5.6%) and 73 women (8.8%) had five or more ideal CVH metrics. Participants with optimal CVH scores had a 64% and 48% lower risk of HF when compared with those with inadequate CVH scores among men and women, respectively (HR, 95% CI: men = 0.36, 0.26–0.49, P < 0.01; women = 0.52, 0.31–0.89, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Optimal CVH metrics is associated with a lower risk of HF among an ageing Finnish population. Optimal CVH score should be targeted among the general population to reduce the risk of HF.
Does pain medication influence outcomes in elderly people seeking care for back pain? BACE cohort study
Authors: Zhu Z. , Chiarotto A. , Enthoven W. T. M. , Bierma‐Zeinstra S. M. A. , Koes B. W.
Published: January 2023

Background

Back pain is common among older adults resulting in the high societal and economic burden of persistent pain and disability. Pain medications are frequently prescribed for back pain, especially among older patients, but the efficacy of analgesics on back pain in this patient population remains under debate. In the present study, we investigated the outcomes (i.e. pain intensity and disability) of pain medication use in older people with back pain participating in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 669 patients aged >55 years consulting a general practitioner for a new episode of back complaints were included in this study. The association between pain medication use and outcomes (pain intensity and disability) was assessed at 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Pain medication users were observed to experience more pain and disability at baseline compared with non‐users. At 3‐month follow‐up, patients from all subgroups (e.g. pain medication users versus non‐users) improved over time. Yet medication users had higher pain intensity and poorer disability scores compared with non‐users. Patients who de‐escalated or stopped pain medication had lower pain and disability than non‐users. When comparing different types of medications (i.e. paracetamol, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, opioids), none of the groups showed better scores regarding pain and disability in users compared with non‐users. Opioid users displayed the highest levels of pain and disability.

Conclusions

In the present study, although patients who de‐escalated or stopped analgesics had less pain and disability, pain medication overall does not result in better outcomes in older people with back pain.

Significance

Older patients taking pain medication did not report better outcomes than the ones who did not, except for those who de‐escalated or stopped pain medication. Caution should be taken in prescribing pain medication for older patients with back pain in primary care.
Real‐world data on cannabidiol treatment of various epilepsy subtypes: A retrospective, multicenter study
Authors: Kühne Fabienne , Becker Lena‐Luise , Bast Thomas , Bertsche Astrid , Borggraefe Ingo , Boßelmann Christian Malte , Fahrbach Jörg , Hertzberg Christoph , Herz Nina A. , Hirsch Martin , Holtkamp Martin , Janello Christine , Kluger Gerhard Josef , Kurlemann Gerhard , Lerche Holger , Makridis Konstantin L. , von Podewils Felix , Pringsheim Milka , Schubert‐Bast Susanne , Schulz Juliane , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Steinbart David , Steinhoff Bernhard J. , Strzelczyk Adam , Syrbe Steffen , De Vries Heike , Wagner Christiane , Wagner Johanna , Wilken Bernd , Prager Christine , Klotz Kerstin A. , Kaindl Angela M.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Cannabidiol (CBD) is approved for treatment of Dravet syndrome (DS), Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS), and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Several studies suggest antiseizure effects also beyond these three epilepsy syndromes.

Methods

In a retrospective multicenter study, we analyzed the efficacy and tolerability of CBD in patients with epilepsy at 16 epilepsy centers.

Results

The study cohort comprised 311 patients with epilepsy with a median age of 11.3 (0‐72) years (235 children and adolescents, 76 adults). Therapy with CBD was off‐label in 91.3% of cases due to age, epilepsy subtype, lack of adjunct therapy with clobazam, and/or higher dose applied. CBD titration regimens were slower than recommended, with good tolerability of higher doses particularly in children. Of all patients, 36.9% experienced a reduction in seizure frequency of >50%, independent of their epilepsy subtype or clobazam co‐medication. The median observation period was 15.8 months. About one third of all patients discontinued therapy within the observation period due to adverse effects or lack of efficacy. Adverse effects were reported frequently (46.9%).

Significance

Our study highlights that CBD has an antiseizure effect comparable to other antiseizure medications with a positive safety profile independent of the epilepsy subtype. Comedication with clobazam was not associated with a better outcome. Higher doses to achieve seizure frequency reduction were safe, particularly in children. These findings call for further trials for an extended approval of CBD for other epilepsy subtypes and for children <2 years of age.
Near‐continuous monitoring of a coastal salt marsh margin: Implications for predicting marsh edge erosion
Authors: Cadigan Jack A. , Jafari Navid H. , Wang Nan , Chen Qin , Zhu Ling , Harris Brian D. , Ding Yan
Published: January 2023

Mechanisms that control marsh edge erosion include wind‐generated waves, vegetation productivity, land use and land change, and geotechnical properties of sediments. However, existing models for predicting marsh edge evolution focus primarily on edge retreat rates as a function of wave energy while accounting for other controlling factors as empirical constants. This simplification arises from a lack of high‐frequency monitoring of marsh evolutions. In particular, marsh erosion is timescale dependent, and conducting field observations on short temporal and spatial scales could elucidate the progression of erosion, which may improve marsh erosion predictive models. This study developed and validated a near‐continuous camera and erosion pin monitoring system to document marsh edge erosion at a high frequency (i.e., daily) in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana. This was supplemented with daily wave power to explore the relationships between daily erosion and wave power. Long‐term average erosion rates derived from satellite and aerial imagery from 1989 through 2019 compare similarly to rates derived from longer‐term site visits (i.e., monthly) at approximately 2.2 m/yr. High‐magnitude erosion events (>20 cm/day) are driven by a buildup in wave energy over a 7‐day time period coupled with a strong 1‐day wave event, indicating a gradual reduction in marsh edge resistance with continued wave attack. Long‐term erosion monitoring methods, including monthly field visits, provide results that align well with previously reported relationships between wave power and erosion. High‐frequency measurements, however, illustrate that the previously published trends smooth over the large‐magnitude short‐term erosion events, potentially obscuring the physical processes of marsh edge erosion. For example, satellite and aerial imagery provide a long period of record, but they may underestimate the average annual erosion rate in the region, the effect of which may become exasperated over the varying temporal scales considered in coastal planning efforts across the USA and worldwide.
Worse than you think: Public debt forecast errors in advanced and developing economies
Authors: Estefania‐Flores Julia , Furceri Davide , Kothari Siddharth , Ostry Jonathan D.
Published: January 2023

We compile a unique dataset of medium‐term public debt forecasts for an unbalanced panel of 174 countries, based on International Monetary Fund (IMF) (for the period 1995–2020) and Economist Intelligence Unit (2007–2020) projections. We find that, on average, (i) there is a positive forecast error (FE) in the debt‐to‐gross domestic product (GDP) projections—that is, realized debt ratios are larger than forecasts; (ii) the FE increases with the projection horizon and is statistically significant and large—about 10% of GDP at the 5‐year horizon; (iii) the magnitude is similar between advanced economies (AEs) and emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) and in EMDEs is present irrespective of recessions while for AEs is associated with surprise recessions in the forecast horizon; (iv) FEs are not statistically different between IMF program and non‐program cases; and (v) positive FEs are only partly attributable to optimism about growth or the fiscal balance. Looking at the correlates of FEs, we find that FEs are larger during periods of recession, elections, fiscal stress, and high uncertainty and in countries with more economic volatility and public debt.
Correcting for productivity growth misspecification: A local likelihood estimation in global banking
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel , Tsionas Mike
Published: January 2023

Decomposing firm productivity has been challenging for some time. We propose a flexible functional form for total factor productivity that treats misspecification and endogeneity. The model also treats heteroscedasticity. Our productivity measure nests both the input distance function and output distance function. We provide details of a novel Local Likelihood estimation, a non‐parametric technique, to estimate productivity which also has excellent finite‐sample properties. In an empirical application, we measure bank productivity at the global level. Results show that productivity is correctly identified, and the flexibility of our methodology allows to estimate the impact of equity and nonperforming loans on bank productivity. Technology has positively contributed to productivity. However, nonperforming loans, bank risk‐taking and raising capital have had the opposite effect.
Gene Therapy to Treat Osteopenia Associated With Chronic Ethanol Consumption and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2 Deficiency
Authors: Camilleri Anna E , Cung Michelle , Hart Fiona M , Pagovich Odelya E , Crystal Ronald G , Greenblatt Matthew B , Stiles Katie M
Published: January 2023

Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) deficiency affects 35% to 45% of East Asians and 8% of the world population. ALDH2 is the second enzyme in the ethanol metabolism pathway. The common genetic variant ALDH2*2 allele has a glutamic acid‐to‐lysine substitution at position 487 (E487K) that reduces the enzyme activity, resulting in an accumulation of acetaldehyde after ethanol consumption. The ALDH2*2 allele is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and hip fracture. Our prior study showed that administration of an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotype rh.10 gene transfer vector expressing the human ALDH2 cDNA (AAVrh.10hALDH2) before initiation of ethanol consumption prevented bone loss in ALDH2‐deficient homozygous knockin mice carrying the E487K mutation (Aldh2E487K+/+). We hypothesized that AAVrh.10hALDH2 administration after establishment of osteopenia would be able to reverse bone loss due to ALDH2 deficiency and chronic ethanol consumption. To test this hypothesis, male and female Aldh2E487K+/+ mice (n = 6) were given ethanol in the drinking water for 6 weeks to establish osteopenia and then administered AAVrh.10hALDH2 (1011 genome copies). Mice were evaluated for an additional 12 weeks. AAVrh.10hALDH2 administration after osteopenia was established corrected weight loss and locomotion phenotypes and, importantly, increased midshaft femur cortical bone thickness, the most important component of bone in the resistance to fractures, and showed a trend toward increased trabecular bone volume. AAVrh.10hALDH2 is a promising therapeutic for osteoporosis in ALDH2‐deficient individuals. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Extreme precipitation records in Antarctica
Authors: González‐Herrero Sergi , Vasallo Francisco , Bech Joan , Gorodetskaya Irina , Elvira Benito , Justel Ana
Published: January 2023

Monitoring extreme precipitation records (EPRs), that is, the most extreme precipitation events, is a challenge in Antarctica due to the reduced number of stations available in the continent and the limitations of the instrumentation for measuring solid precipitation. Still, extreme precipitation events may contribute substantially to the variability of ice sheet snow accumulation and even may cause important ecological impacts. This article presents the Antarctic EPRs at different temporal scales, studying the relationship between precipitation amount and temporal duration through a power scaling law, ranging from 1 day to 2 years. This is achieved using precipitation datasets from the ERA5 reanalysis and the RACMO2 regional climate model. Moreover, we present a selection of EPRs case studies examining the synoptic mechanisms that produce such events in Antarctica. Despite ERA5 EPRs are usually lower than those found in RACMO2, they present similar scaling exponents. EPRs are found in Loubet and south Graham Coasts, in the central section of the Antarctic Peninsula, and in the north of Alexander Island, where orographic enhancement increases precipitation amounts. As expected, Antarctic EPRs are much lower than world‐wide EPRs, ranging from 6 to 10% at short temporal scales (from 1 to 10 days) and from 10 to 20% at long temporal scales (from 90 days to 2 years) in ERA5. Regional variability of extreme precipitation scaling exponents show similar spatial patterns than previously calculated precipitation concentration. On the other hand, the lack of summer events in Antarctic EPRs evidences that stronger fluxes in winter play a key role on extreme precipitation during EPR events, which are mainly produced by long‐range transport of moisture by atmospheric rivers impinging on Antarctic mountains.
Feasibility of aluminum phantom radiography for osteoporosis detection in postmenopausal women with a fragility fracture of the distal radius compared to DXA and HR‐pQCT
Authors: Nia Arastoo , Jeremic Natasa , Popp Domenik , Schmoelz Lukas , Patsch Janina , Döring Kevin , Weber Michael , Synek Alexander , Pahr Dieter H. , Aldrian Silke
Published: January 2023

Recently, promising results have been reported for detection of osteoporosis with use of an aluminum phantom. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of radiography‐based bone mineral density (BMD) measurement using a graded aluminum phantom. This study included 27 postmenopausal women with a distal radius fracture. Aluminum phantom radiography of the healthy radius was conducted as well as high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐pQCT) measurement of the ultradistal radius and dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the radius, spine, and hip. A strong correlation was observed between aluminum phantom radiography‐based mean gray value (mGV) and DXA‐derived BMD, especially for the ultradistal radius (ρ = 0.75; p < 0.001). A moderate correlation for the femoral neck (ρ = 0.61 and p < 0.001) between modalities was found. Radius mGV and HR‐pQCT‐derived BMD only showed a moderate correlation (ρ = 0.48; p < 0.09). Aluminum phantom radiography might serve as a cost efficient, highly available, low‐radiation dose screening, and diagnostic method for osteoporosis additively to DXA measurements. Especially, an application in areas with constrained DXA availability and such as preoperative trauma settings would be beneficial. However, further investigation and assessment of specificity and sensitivity is needed.
Effects of particle size on quality characteristics of stone‐milled whole wheat flour
Authors: Cai Mengdi , Shen Chunxia , Li Yuhui , Xiong Shuangli , Li Feng
Published: January 2023

Background

Whole wheat flour (WWF) prepared by the direct crushing method preserves all the components of the whole wheat grain. WWF with different particle sizes (180, 150, 125, 106, and 96 μm) was obtained by combining stone milling and particle size sieving technology. The effects of particle size on the proximate composition, farinograph, pasting, thermal, and functional properties, starch microstructure, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of stone‐milled WWF were investigated.

Results

The smaller the particle size of WWF, the higher the damaged starch content. The water absorption, degree of softening, pasting temperature, solubility, and syneresis of WWF increased steadily as the particle size decreased, whereas the peak viscosity, final viscosity, swelling power, water holding capacity, and enthalpy of gelatinization decreased. The scanning electron microscope micrographs revealed that the larger the particle size of WWF, the denser the distribution of starch granules. The β‐sheet and β‐turn contents of WWF with particle size 180 μm were the highest, reaching up to 33.85% and 39.79%, respectively.

Conclusion

The particle size exerted influence on the quality characteristics of stone‐milled WWF, and the overall properties of WWF were better at medium particle size. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sphincter Pharyngoplasty for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: Impact of 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Pattisapu Prasanth , Kinter Sara , Bly Randall A. , Dahl John P. , Perkins Jonathan A. , Wang Xing , Sie Kathleen C. Y.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DelS) often present with velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD). VPD in patients with 22q11DelS is multifactorial beyond velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) alone, and differences in surgical outcomes are poorly understood. Our objective was to determine whether patients with 22q11DelS have an increased risk for persistent VPI after sphincter pharyngoplasty compared to patients without 22q11DelS.

Methods

We completed a retrospective cohort study of patients with 22q11DelS undergoing sphincter pharyngoplasty between 1995 and 2019 using a VPD clinic database. Patients with 22q11DelS were compared to a cohort of 2:1 frequency‐matched (age, degree of velopharyngeal closure) patients without 22q11DelS. Variables included patient characteristics, surgical history, perceptual speech evaluation, and degree of closure on nasopharyngoscopic evaluations. Primary outcomes included postoperative VPI severity and hypernasality. Speech and nasopharyngoscopic characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact test. Postoperative VPI severity and hypernasality were compared between groups via relative risks (RR) from mixed effects Poisson regression models, with random effects of age and velopharyngeal closure.

Results

134 patients (51 22q11DelS, 83 matched) were included, with mean age of 7.3 years (standard deviation 3.0) and 50% male. Cohorts had similar preoperative speech characteristics and nasopharyngoscopic findings. Patients with 22q11DelS had similar postoperative VP function as patients without 22q11DelS (RR 0.85, CI 0.46–1.57 for VPI severity, RR 0.83, CI 0.45–1.53 for hypernasality). Even after adjusting by preoperative variables, no differences were seen between both groups.

Conclusion

Matched for age and pre‐operative velopharyngeal closure, patients with and without 22q11DelS and VPI had similar benefits after sphincter pharyngoplasty.

Level of Evidence

Non‐randomized controlled cohort study, 3 Laryngoscope, 133:2813–2820, 2023
Self‐Referencing 3D Characterization of Ultrafast Optical‐Vortex Beams Using Tilted Interference TERMITES Technique
Authors: Pan Jinyu , Chen Yifei , Huang Zhiyuan , Zhang Cheng , Chen Tiandao , Liu Donghan , Wang Ding , Pang Meng , Leng Yuxin
Published: January 2023

Femtosecond light pulses carrying optical angular momentums (OAMs), possessing intriguing properties of helical phase fronts and ultrafast temporal profiles, enable many applications in nonlinear optics, strong‐field physics, and laser micromachining. While generation of OAM‐carrying ultrafast pulses and their interactions with matters are intensively studied in experiments, 3D characterization of ultrafast OAM‐carrying light beams in spatiotemporal domain has, however, proved difficult to achieve. Conventional measurement schemes rely on the use of a reference pulsed light beam, which needs to be well characterized in its phase front and to have sufficient overlap and coherence with the beam under test, largely limiting practical applications of these schemes. Here a self‐referencing set‐up is demonstrated based on a tilted interferometer that can be used to measure complete spatiotemporal information of OAM‐carrying femtosecond pulses with different topological charges. Through scanning one interferometer arm, the spectral phase over the pulse spatial profile can be obtained using the tilted interference signal, and the temporal envelope of the light field at one particular position around its phase singularity can be retrieved simultaneously, enabling 3D beam reconstruction. This self‐referencing technique, capable of measuring spatiotemporal ultrafast optical‐vortex beams, may find many applications in fields of nonlinear optics and light–matter interactions.
Caterpillar traps: A highly flexible, distributed system of toroidal cable traps
Authors: Karasan Ekin , Hammerschmidt Alison , Arias Ana C. , Taracila Victor , Robb Fraser , Lustig Michael
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Coil arrays are connected to the main MRI system with long, shielded coaxial cables. RF coupling of these cables to the main transmit coil can cause high shield currents, which pose risks of heating and RF burns. High‐blocking resonant RF traps are placed at distinct positions along cables to mitigate these currents. Traditional traps are designed to be stiff to avoid changes in their resonant frequency, hindering the overall system flexibility. Instead of using a few high‐blocking traps, we propose the use of caterpillar traps—a distributed system of small, elastic traps that cover the full length of cables.

Methods

We leverage an array of resonant toroids as traps, forming a caterpillar‐like structure whereby bending only impacts individual traps minimally. Benchtop measurements are used to determine the blocking of caterpillar traps and show their robustness to bending. We also compare an anterior array system cable covered with caterpillar traps to a commercial cable with B1+ and heating measurements.

Results

Benchtop experiments with caterpillar traps demonstrate high robustness to bending. B1+ mapping experiments of an anterior array cable show improved blocking and flexibility compared to a commercial cable.

Conclusion

Caterpillar traps provide sufficient attenuation to shield currents while allowing cable flexibility. Our distributed design can provide high blocking efficiency at different positions and orientations, even in cases where commercial cable traps cannot.
The effects of mindfulness‐based interventions on nurses' anxiety and depression: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Hui , Kong Luya , Sun Qian , Ma Xiaofeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

This meta‐analysis aimed to determine the effect of mindfulness interventions on nurses' levels of depression and anxiety.

Design

Meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Methods

The following Chinese and English databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI). The retrieval period was from database construction to 30 March 2022. Two researchers screened the relevant literature and extracted the data. After a cross‐check, data were input into Stata version 16.0 for meta‐analysis.

Results

Twelve randomised controlled trials from 2017 to 2021 were included, which involved 807 subjects (405 and 402 in the intervention and control groups, respectively). Meta‐analysis results showed that nurses' anxiety reduced by mindfulness‐based interventions was significantly higher compared to that of the control group (SMD = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.27–1.55, p < 0.05). Furthermore, an 8‐week mindfulness‐based intervention (SMD = 1.43, 95% CI: 0.61–2.24) reduced the level of anxiety significantly more compared to a 4‐week intervention (SMD = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.36–1.71). Mindfulness‐based interventions were better compared to conventional intervention to reduce the level of depression (SMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.42–1.61, p < 0.05), and an 8‐week mindfulness intervention (SMD = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.78–2.84) reduced the level of depression significantly more compared to a 4‐week intervention (SMD = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.29–1.35). Since limited studies had interventions longer than 8 weeks, results on longer mindfulness interventions in reducing nurses' anxiety and depression are inconclusive. In conclusion, mindfulness intervention for 8 weeks or less can significantly reduce nurses' anxiety and depression levels.

Patient or Public Contribution

None.
Ultrasound‐Guided Ethanol Ablation as a Primary Treatment for Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: Feasibility, Characteristics, and Outcomes
Authors: Ahn Dongbin , Kwak Ji Hye , Lee Gil Joon , Sohn Jin Ho
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the feasibility, characteristics, and outcomes of ultrasound‐guided ethanol ablation (US‐EA) as a primary treatment for thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs).

Study Design

Prospective case series.

Setting

Single center study.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) patients with TGDC aged ≥18 years, (ii) benign TGDC in imaging and cytological examinations, and (iii) patients' need for nonsurgical scarless treatment. US‐EA was used as the primary treatment strategy. The primary outcome variables were the volume reduction rate (VRR) and cosmetic score at the last follow‐up.

Results

We enrolled 28 patients with TGDC. The median TGDC volume at baseline was 6.7 mL. The median procedure time of the US‐EA was 6.5 minutes. The median volumes of the cyst aspirate and injected ethanol were 4.0 and 2.0 mL, respectively. Overall, 18, 8, and 2 patients underwent 1, 2, and 3 treatment sessions, respectively. There were no complications. The median VRR was 96.2%, and the treatment success rate was 96.4%. The World Health Organization cosmetic score decreased from 4 (baseline) to 1 (after treatment) in all patients. The subjective grade for cosmetic satisfaction was satisfactory or highly satisfactory in all patients. The VRR, treatment success rate, and the number of treatment sessions did not differ as functions of the characteristics of the TGDC, including the initial volume, septation, debris, or viscosity of the cyst fluid.

Conclusion

US‐EA was feasible, safe, and effective in patients with TGDC. Therefore, US‐EA can be used as a primary treatment for TGDC, evading general anesthesia and surgical scar.
Forgotten whales, fading codfish: Perceptions of ‘natural’ ecosystems inform visions of future recovery
Authors: McClenachan Loren , Neal Benjamin
Published: January 2023

Perceptions of past ecological change affect views of current ecosystem state, but how do baselines help to shape stakeholders' visions of an idealized future?

Here, we investigate links between perceptions of natural baselines and visions for the nearshore Gulf of Maine among a key stakeholder group, active lobster fishers. We ask three related questions: (1) What do fishers perceive as a ‘natural’ Gulf of Maine? (2) How do perceptions of the past predict individual and collective visions of an ideal future? and (3) How is existing management perceived as supporting these visions?

We found that fishers perceived the ecosystem to be ‘natural’ an average of one decade before they started fishing. Three species dominated views of natural systems: cod Gadus morhua, lobster Homarus americanus, and herring Clupea harengus, but while long‐time fishers associated abundant cod with a natural nearshore Gulf of Maine, memories of a historically cod‐rich Gulf of Maine were fading among some younger fishers who began their careers after the cod crash in the 1990s. Perceptions of ‘natural’ ecosystems dictated future visions for the majority of taxa; on average, fishers remembered and desired abundant cod and herring, but perceived halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus and endangered right whales Eubalaena glacialis to have always been rare.

Fishers described a vision for the future based on views of past ecological and social baselines, including fisheries deconsolidation and diversification, but expressed a lack of shared vision with and trust in federal management institutions to achieve these goals. In particular, memories of cod abundance in the 1970s and 1980s were coupled with memories of a diversified and accessible fishery, but fishers doubted that the recovery of cod would result in their restored access to cod fisheries.

Together our results demonstrate that past personal experiences limit perceptions of what is possible, highlighting both the value and limitations of local ecological knowledge in places that have experienced ecological change over centuries. They also demonstrate how stakeholder perceptions of both social and ecological baselines shape visions for future ecosystems but are mediated by contemporary issues like trust in institutions and fisheries access.

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Progression‐associated molecular changes in basal/squamous and sarcomatoid bladder carcinogenesis
Authors: Fontugne Jacqueline , Wong Jennifer , Cabel Luc , Neyret‐Kahn Hélène , Karboul Narjesse , Maillé Pascale , Rapinat Audrey , Gentien David , Nicolas André , Baulande Sylvain , Sibony Mathilde , Bernard‐Pierrot Isabelle , Radvanyi François , Allory Yves
Published: January 2023

The aggressive basal/squamous (Ba/Sq) bladder cancer (BLCA) subtype is often diagnosed at the muscle‐invasive stage and can progress to the sarcomatoid variant. Identification of molecular changes occurring during progression from non‐muscle‐invasive BLCA (NMIBC) to Ba/Sq muscle‐invasive BLCA (MIBC) is thus challenging in human disease. We used the N‐butyl‐N‐(4‐hydroxybutyl)‐nitrosamine (BBN) mouse model of Ba/Sq MIBC to study longitudinally the molecular changes leading to the Ba/Sq phenotype and to the sarcomatoid variant using IHC and microdissection followed by RNA‐seq at all stages of progression. A shift to the Ba/Sq phenotype started in early progression stages. Pathway analysis of gene clusters with coordinated expression changes revealed Shh signaling loss and a shift from fatty acid metabolism to glycolysis. An upregulated cluster, appearing early in carcinogenesis, showed relevance to human disease, identifying NMIBC patients at risk of progression. Similar to the human counterpart, sarcomatoid BBN tumors displayed a Ba/Sq phenotype and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) features. An EGFR/FGFR1 signaling switch occurred with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation and correlated with EMT. BLCA cell lines with high EMT were the most sensitive to FGFR1 knockout and resistant to EGFR knockout. Taken together, these findings provide insights into the underlying biology of Ba/Sq BLCA progression and sarcomatoid dedifferentiation with potential clinical implications. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Use of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and anti‐CD20 therapy in children and adolescents with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma unfit for intensive therapy
Authors: Bender Jonathan D. , Rubinstein Jeremy D. , Mizukawa Benjamin , Perentesis John P. , Pommert Lauren
Published: January 2023

Multiagent immunochemotherapy affords excellent outcomes in pediatric non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL); however, scarce data exist for patients unfit for intensive treatment. Rituximab, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin (R‐GemOx) is well tolerated and efficacious in elderly adults with NHL; however, its use has not been described in pediatrics. In this retrospective, single‐center study, six children with mature B‐cell NHL and significant comorbidities received anti‐CD20 therapy with GemOx (rituximab or obinutuzumab or ofatumumab with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin [R/O‐GemOx]). R/O‐GemOx was well tolerated and resulted in complete response in two of three patients with newly diagnosed NHL and one of three patients with primary refractory NHL. R/O‐GemOx is a viable treatment option for children with NHL who cannot tolerate intensive therapy.
The effect of teacher, parental, and peer support on later grade point average: The mediating roles of self‐beliefs
Authors: Kristensen Sara M. , Jørgensen Magnus , Meland Eivind , Urke Helga B.
Published: January 2023

The present study investigates how perceived support from peers, parents, and teachers influences later academic performance and if academic self‐efficacy and entity intelligence beliefs mediate this association in a sample of early secondary school students. Data were collected from 750 Norwegian students in lower secondary school at two‐time points (8th and 10th grade). All support variables were positively associated with academic self‐efficacy but not entity intelligence beliefs. Academic self‐efficacy was positively associated with GPA in 10th grade, while entity intelligence beliefs were negatively associated. The only mediation effect observed was between teacher support and GPA through academic self‐efficacy. The study offers knowledge about mechanisms of support and later GPA, emphasizing the vital role of teachers in promoting academic self‐efficacy and, in turn, improving academic performance for young adolescents. Entity intelligence beliefs hamper GPA, but more research is needed to ascertain its effect on academic performance.
Dual Drug Loaded Nanotheranostic Platforms as a Novel Synergistic Approach to Improve Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Barui Sugata , Conte Marzia , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Montero Rocío María García , Racca Luisa , Allione Marco , Cauda Valentina
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the development of theranostic, dual drug‐loaded nanocarriers to propose a proof‐of‐principle therapeutic approach in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The nanoconstructs consist of a core of zinc oxide nanocrystals doped with gadolinium, useful as a potential contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging applications. After functionalizing their surface with amino‐propyl groups, the physical adsorption of two hydrophobic drugs is performed: Vismodegib and Sorafenib. Their synergistic use might improve PDAC treatment and stroma depletion when co‐delivered in the tumor microenvironment for future in vivo applications. To enhance the nanoconstructs’ biostability, the ensemble is coated by a lipid bilayer and a tumor targeting peptide is incorporated on the outer shell surface. As a first proof of concept, the resulting nanoconstructs are tested against two pancreatic cancer cell lines, showing a modest increase in treatment efficacy compared to the free drug counterparts and proving to spare healthy pancreatic cells. In a second testing set, the dual‐drug loaded nanoconstructs are tested on both cell lines previously sensitized to a first‐line chemotherapeutic drug, Gemcitabine, showing an improved treatment response. From these preliminary results, the nanotheranostic platforms might constitute a good starting point for future PDAC therapy and diagnosis studies.
The Mechanisms of Oxygen Accelerated Low‐Temperature Bonding by Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Wengan , Zou Guisheng , Chen Na , Jia Qiang , Feng Bin , Zhang Hongqiang , Deng Zhongyang , Liu Lei
Published: January 2023

Low‐temperature bonding (≤300 o C) using Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is considered to be the new generation of bonding technology in power electronics. The oxygen‐accelerated sintering has been observed by many researchers which is attributed to the decomposition of organics covered on Ag NPs. In this work, organic‐free Ag NPs are fabricated to eliminate the influence of organics, and it is found that the accelerated bonding process by oxygen is strongly correlated to the self‐confined amorphous Ag‐O compound shell on the surface of Ag NPs. In experiments, the sintering process is apparently accelerated by the elevating oxygen content, and the amorphous shell is observed after sintering, which do not grow thicker even in pure oxygen ambient for a long time while performing active chemical evolutions. In simulations, the results match well with the experiments and indicate that the amorphous shell performed the dynamic oxidation and decomposition process. This dynamic equilibrium is caused by the instability of silver oxides, which would enable the amorphous shell to activate the mobility of the surface mass flow and promote the surface diffusion. The shear strength of SiC chip increased by 354% when bonding in pure oxygen, targeting a broad variety of applications in electronic packaging.
High‐Electron‐Mobility Transistor‐Inspired Freestanding AlGaN/GaN/AlN Optical Waveguide for High‐Pressure Sensing Applications
Authors: Nallusamy Nagarajan , Singhal Rahul , Sharma Sunil Kumar , Rawal Dipendra Singh
Published: January 2023

Herein, a high‐pressure sensor based on freestanding high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT)‐inspired optical waveguide comprising AlGaN/GaN/AlN layers on silicon carbide (SiC) substrate is proposed and studied for harsh environment applications using finite element method (FEM). The working principle of the sensor is based on the change in birefringence due to applied pressure. Further, the transmission spectra for different wavelengths are evaluated. For the best possible outcomes, the dip wavelengths under different values of pressure are tracked and studied for different gallium nitride (GaN) core thicknesses. After optimizing GaN core thickness and AlGaN ratio, the sensor displays a good linear response within the pressure range of 90–150 MPa. The two dip wavelength shifts demonstrate maximum spectral sensitivities of −209.6 and 180 pm MPa−1, respectively, for the pressure range of 90–150 MPa within the communication wavelength regime of 1500–1600 nm. By considering the features such as cost‐effectiveness, portability, simple design, and easy detection process, the proposed pressure sensor is optimum for harsh environment measurements and studies.
MnCO3 Cuboids from Spent LIBs: A New Age Displacement Anode to Build High‐Performance Li‐Ion Capacitors
Authors: Natarajan Subramanian , Akshay Manohar , Aravindan Vanchiappan
Published: January 2023

The advantage of hybridizing battery and supercapacitor electrodes has succeeded recently in designing hybrid charge storage systems such as lithium‐ion capacitors (LICs) with the benefits of higher energy than supercapacitors and more power density than batteries. However, sluggish Li‐ion diffusion of battery anode is one of the main barriers and hampers the development of high‐performance LICs. Herein, is introduced a new conversion/displacement type anode, MnCO3, via effectively recycling spent Li‐ion batteries cathodes for LICs applications. The MnCO3 cuboids are regenerated from the spent LiMn2O4 cathodes by organic acid lixiviation process, and hydrothermal treatment displays excellent reversibility of 535  mAh g−1 after 50  cycles with a Coulombic efficiency of >99%. Later, LIC is assembled with the regenerated MnCO3 cubes in pre‐lithiated form (Mn0 + Li2CO3) as anode and commercial activated carbon (AC) as the cathode, delivering a maximum energy density of 169.4 Wh kg−1 at 25 °C with ultra‐long durability of 15,000 cycles. Even at various atmospheres like −5 and 50 °C, this LIC can offer a energy densities of 53.8 and 119.5 Wh kg−1, respectively. Remarkably, the constructed AC/Mn0 + Li2CO3‐based LIC exhibits a good cycling performance for a continuous 1000 cycles with >91% retention invariably for all temperature conditions.