bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone‐secreting carcinoid with solitary cryptococcosis in the lungs
Authors: Takagi Hironori , Matsumura Yuki , Fukuhara Mitsuro , Inomata Sho , Yamaguchi Hikaru , Watanabe Masayuki , Ozaki Yuki , Muto Satoshi , Okabe Naoyuki , Shio Yutaka , Saito Haruka , Tanabe Hayato , Shimabukuro Michio , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Carcinoid tumors can on rare occasions ectopically produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), causing Cushing's syndrome, and patients could become immunocompromised. Care must therefore be taken regarding infectious complications. In particular, ACTH‐producing pulmonary carcinoid is not easy to diagnose by itself, and when combined with pulmonary nodules as infectious foci, each is very difficult to diagnose.

Case

The patient was a 71‐year‐old woman with refractory diabetes. She showed clinical symptoms of Cushing's syndrome during treatment for diabetes and ectopic ACTH production was suspected based on biochemical and imaging tests. Nodules were identified in the left lung apex and lingual segment. Examination of resected nodules revealed that the nodule in the apex was pulmonary cryptococcosis, while the nodule in the lingual segment represented typical carcinoid. After surgery, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and diabetes all improved.

Conclusion

We present this very instructive case in terms of the difficulty of diagnosing ACTH‐producing tumors, the possibility of infection complicating the immunodeficiency caused by ACTH‐producing tumors, and the surgical strategy.
How do female CEOs affect corporate environmental policies?
Authors: Zhang Ying , Guo Yuting , Nurdazym Aiman
Published: October 2022

How do female Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) affect corporate environmental policies? This study develops a theoretical argument by incorporating the role of gender into the context of corporate environmental policies. Specifically, we differentiate corporate environmental policies into sustainable and unsustainable environmental policies. We also hypothesize a positive relationship between female CEOs and corporate sustainable environmental policies because women possess communal qualities and tend to be more stakeholder‐oriented compared with men. Moreover, we also propose a negative relationship between female CEOs and corporate unsustainable environmental policies because of women's risk aversion. We further predict that female CEOs with in‐group members will enhance the behavioral preferences of female leaders. Thus, we propose that the presence of in‐group members strengthens the relationship between female CEOs and corporate environmental policies. Using a longitudinal data set of Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2018, we found strong empirical support for our predictions. Implications for the literature on gender and corporate environmental policies are also discussed.
Conserving diversity in Irish plant–pollinator networks
Authors: Russo Laura , Fitzpatrick Úna , Larkin Michelle , Mullen Sarah , Power Eileen , Stanley Dara , White Cian , O'Rourke Aoife , Stout Jane C.
Published: October 2022

Beneficial insects provide valuable services upon which we rely, including pollination. Pollinator conservation is a global priority, and a significant concern in Ireland, where over half of extant bee species have declined significantly in recent decades. As flower‐visiting insects rely on flowering plants, one way to conserve and promote pollinator populations is to protect high‐quality habitat. We analyzed the structure of insect–flower interactions from multiple habitat categories in a large database of interactions from Ireland. Our primary goals were to compare spatial and temporal variation in Irish network structures, compare Irish networks to published networks from other countries, and provide evidence‐based recommendations for pollinator conservation in Ireland by identifying well‐visited plant species that may promote high pollinator diversity, abundance, and functional complementarity. Habitat types within Ireland differed substantially: seminatural grasslands had the highest pollinator species richness and largest number of unique pollinator species, while intensively managed habitats exhibited negative asymmetry (more plant than pollinator species). This negative asymmetry is notable because most plant–pollinator networks exhibit a positive asymmetry. Within intensively managed habitats, agricultural and urban habitats differed. Urban habitats had the highest number of non‐native plant species while agricultural habitats had the lowest pollinator species richness. We also found Irish networks varied across the growing season, where July had the highest plant and insect species richness. When comparing Irish networks to published networks from other countries, we found Irish networks had a higher ratio of plant species to pollinator species, and that this difference was most evident in agricultural habitats. This ratio means the typical network asymmetry (more pollinator than plant species) was flipped (more plant than pollinator species) in the Irish network. We conclude that conserving seminatural grasslands in Ireland will be an essential component of pollinator conservation and identify thirty‐five plant species important for restoring seminatural habitats.
Intra‐annual growing season climate variability drives the community intra‐annual stability of a temperate grassland by altering intra‐annual species asynchrony and richness in Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Zhang Ze , Bao Tiejun , Hautier Yann , Yang Jie , Liu Zhongling , Qing Hua
Published: October 2022

Understanding the factors that regulate the functioning of our ecosystems in response to environmental changes can help to maintain the stable provisioning of ecosystem services to mankind. This is especially relevant given the increased variability of environmental conditions due to human activities. In particular, maintaining a stable production and plant biomass during the growing season (intra‐annual stability) despite pervasive and directional changes in temperature and precipitation through time can help to secure food supply to wild animals, livestock, and humans. Here, we conducted a 29‐year field observational study in a temperate grassland to explore how the intra‐annual stability of primary productivity is influenced by biotic and abiotic variables through time. We found that intra‐annual precipitation variability in the growing season indirectly influenced the community intra‐annual biomass stability by its negative effect on intra‐annual species asynchrony. While the intra‐annual temperature variability in the growing season indirectly altered community intra‐annual biomass stability through affecting the intra‐annual species richness. At the same time, although the intra‐annual biomass stability of the dominant species and the dominant functional group were insensitive to climate variability, they also promoted the stable community biomass to a certain extent. Our results indicate that ongoing intra‐annual climate variability affects community intra‐annual biomass stability in the temperate grassland, which has important theoretical significance for us to take active measures to deal with climate change.
Current street tree communities reflect race‐based housing policy and modern attempts to remedy environmental injustice
Authors: Burghardt Karin T. , Avolio Meghan L. , Locke Dexter H. , Grove J. Morgan , Sonti Nancy F. , Swan Christopher M.
Published: October 2022

Humans promote and inhibit other species on the urban landscape, shaping biodiversity patterns. Institutional racism may underlie the distribution of urban species by creating disproportionate resources in space and time. Here, we examine whether present‐day street tree occupancy, diversity, and composition in Baltimore, MD, USA, neighborhoods reflect their 1937 classification into grades of loan risk—from most desirable (A = green) to least desirable (D = “redlined”)—using racially discriminatory criteria. We find that neighborhoods that were redlined have consistently lower street tree α‐diversity and are nine times less likely to have large (old) trees occupying a viable planting site. Simultaneously, redlined neighborhoods were locations of recent tree planting activities, with a high occupancy rate of small (young) trees. However, the community composition of these young trees exhibited lower species turnover and reordering across neighborhoods compared to those in higher grades, due to heavy reliance on a single tree species. Overall, while the negative effects of redlining remain detectable in present‐day street tree communities, there are clear signs of recent investment. A strategy of planting diverse tree cohorts paired with investments in site rehabilitation and maintenance may be necessary if cities wish to overcome ecological feedbacks associated with legacies of environmental injustice.
Copenhagen CO2 neutrality in 2025? A polycentric analysis of urban climate governance in Copenhagen 2006–2020
Authors: Hansen Karsten Bruun , Agger Annika
Published: October 2022

In 2009, the City of Copenhagen declared its objective to become the first CO2‐neutral city in the world by 2025 by practicing a collaborative climate governance approach. However, a 2020 status reported a further need for decarbonisation of at least 33% to reach this target. By applying a synthesised polycentric concept—supplemented by participatory climate governance studies—we analyse the deficient results of collaborative climate governance in Copenhagen 2006–2020. The empirical analysis reveals an altered political prioritisation of climate issues in 2010 and, as a crucial aspect of that, an inadequate mobilisation of civic society actors and waning departmental collaboration. We conclude that, since 2010, Copenhagen has mainly applied a rather monocentric governance approach and relied on technological innovation instead of behavioural change via civic society mobilisation, which does not promote sufficient carbon mitigation processes to reach carbon neutrality in 2025. Finally, we discuss what the synthesised polycentric concept adds to the debate about bold urban climate governance and how it could be further developed. Empirically, we draw on document analysis and interviews with 32 key actors in Copenhagen.
Two years of COVID‐19 pandemic: The Italian experience of Statgroup‐19
Authors: Jona Lasinio Giovanna , Divino Fabio , Lovison Gianfranco , Mingione Marco , Alaimo Di Loro Pierfrancesco , Farcomeni Alessio , Maruotti Antonello
Published: October 2022

The amount and poor quality of available data and the need of appropriate modeling of the main epidemic indicators require specific skills. In this context, the statistician plays a key role in the process that leads to policy decisions, starting with monitoring changes and evaluating risks. The “what” and the “why” of these changes represent fundamental research questions to provide timely and effective tools to manage the evolution of the epidemic. Answers to such questions need appropriate statistical models and visualization tools. Here, we give an overview of the role played by Statgroup‐19, an independent Italian research group born in March 2020. The group includes seven statisticians from different Italian universities, each with different backgrounds but with a shared interest in data analysis, statistical modeling, and biostatistics. Since the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic the group has interacted with authorities and journalists to support policy decisions and inform the general public about the evolution of the epidemic. This collaboration led to several scientific papers and an accrued visibility across various media, all made possible by the continuous interaction across the group members that shared their unique expertise.
Cognitive impairment in people with physical frailty using the phenotype model: A systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Vahedi Ali , Eriksdotter Maria , Ihle‐Hansen Hege , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Øksengård Anne Rita , Fure Brynjar
Published: October 2022

Objective

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to study the relationship between cognitive functioning and phenotypic frailty status.

Methods

We searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Epistemonikos from 2000 until March 2022, and used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. Samples included both sexes, age ≥55 years, assessed with standardized measures of the different cognitive domains and the frailty phenotype model and analyzing the relationship between the frailty subtypes pre‐frail, frail and robust and specific cognitive function.

Results

Eleven studies published from 2008 until March 2022 fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 10 were included in our meta‐analyses. Sample sizes varied from 104 to 4649 individuals. Mean Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores ranged from 17.0 to 27.6, with mean difference (MD) of −2.55 (95% confidence interval [CI] −3.32, −1.78) in frail compared to robust, MD −1.64 (95% CI −2.21, −1.06) in frail compared to prefrail and MD −0.68 (95% CI −0.94, −0.43) in prefrail compared to robust. In subgroup analyses, frail persons had lower scores in the memory domain with standardized mean difference (SMD) −1.01 (95% CI −1.42, −0.59).

Conclusion

MMSE scores were significantly lower in frail compared to robust and prefrail persons and in prefrail compared to robust persons. Subgroup analysis of memory revealed significantly poorer scores in frail compared to robust. The results indicate a strong relationship between physical frailty and cognitive impairment suggesting incorporation of cognitive function in frailty assessments.
The impact of operability status on outcomes in patients with T4 larynx cancer undergoing larynx preservation
Authors: Schlafstein Ashley J. , Goyal Subir , Amini Arya , Karam Sana D. , Saba Nabil F. , Kaka Azeem S. , Aiken Ashley H. , Beitler Jonathan J. , Stokes William A.
Published: October 2022

Background

Large analyses of T4 larynx cancer (LC) have raised concerns that larynx preservation (LP) contributes to reduced survival compared with laryngectomy (LGX). The role of operability has not been previously considered as a confounder.

Methods

We queried the National Cancer Database for T4M0 LC diagnosed 2004–2015. Patients were categorized as undergoing LGX, chemoradiotherapy but operable (LP‐operable), and chemoradiotherapy inoperable (LP‐inoperable). Overall survival (OS) was estimated by Kaplan–Meier. Cox multivariate analysis (MVA) identified variables associated with OS.

Results

We identified 1405 LGX, 164 LP‐operable and 1969 LP‐inoperable patients. Compared with LGX, MVA demonstrated worse OS among LP‐inoperable (HR 1.28 95%CI 1.17–1.40, p < 0.01) but not LP‐operable patients (HR 1.12 95%CI 0.91–1.39, p = 0.28).

Conclusions

LP‐operable patients did not have significantly worse OS than those undergoing LGX.
Identification of hyporheic extent and functional zonation during seasonal streamflow recession by unsupervised clustering of time‐lapse electrical resistivity models
Authors: Singley Joel G. , Singha Kamini , Gooseff Michael N. , González‐Pinzón Ricardo , Covino Timothy P. , Ward Adam S. , Dorley Jancoba , Hinckley Eve‐Lyn S.
Published: October 2022

Hyporheic exchange influences hydrologic transport and water quality through transient storage, which extends solute transit time, and leads to mixing of surface water and groundwater. Despite its importance, estimating the extent and spatiotemporal variability of the hyporheic zone remains challenging due to limitations in assessing the subsurface with discrete point‐scale sampling. Analysis of time‐lapse electrical resistivity (ER) data from tracer studies has shown potential to ameliorate such limitations. However, its utility in objectively delimiting hyporheic extent and quantifying changes in surface‐groundwater exchange has been impeded by reliance on qualitative analysis of hyporheic extent or the use of a priori assumptions about data quality and signal strength. This study applies a novel unsupervised clustering method to time‐lapse ER models derived from a benchmark dataset collected throughout baseflow recession in a mountain stream. We demonstrate that unsupervised clustering of inverted ER model time series can delimit hyporheic extent by distinguishing solute transport signals from noisy background inversions and identify functional zones defined by unique transport characteristics. We found that the structure of these zones was stable even as discharge changed by an order of magnitude, likely due to morphological constraints in this steep, narrow valley. Compared to traditional methods utilizing a priori thresholds to delimit hyporheic extent, clustering is robust to unintentional variations in tracer breakthrough curves that are typical of field‐based studies. Therefore, clustering of inverted ER models represents a more robust and data‐driven functional zonation representation of hyporheic exchange than has been possible with point‐scale sampling or transport modelling, which usually assumes a single well‐mixed hyporheic zone.
Efficient preparation of (S)‐2‐(3,5‐dimethylphenyl)pyrrolidine via a recycle process of resolution
Authors: Duan Chuanqi , Bi Siju , Tian Ting , Zhou Ting , Lin Kuaile , Zhou Weicheng
Published: October 2022

(S)‐2‐(3,5‐dimethylphenyl)pyrrolidine((S)‐1), a key intermediate in the synthesis of aticaprant, was effectively prepared via a recycle process of resolution/racemization. The desired (S)‐1 was obtained by resolution of its racemate with D‐tartaric acid and some alkaline conditions were screened to racemize the undesired (R)‐1 in the resolution mother liquor, and the best (in DMSO with KOH) was identified. Finally, the desired freebase (S)‐1 was obtained in a yield of 63.6% with excellent enantioselectivity (98.7% ee) after three times of recycle process.
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Left Ventricular Deformation and Myocardial Energetic Efficiency Compared Between Women and Men: An MRI Study
Authors: Huang Shan , Li Yuan , Shi Ke , Wang Jin , Jiang Li , Gao Yue , Yan Wei‐Feng , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: October 2022

Background

Metabolic and hemodynamic alterations in metabolic syndrome (MetS) can cause a reduced myocardial energetic efficiency (MEE). Indexed MEE (MEEi), as a simple estimate of MEE, is emerging as a novel and useful imaging parameter.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of MetS on MEE and systolic myocardial strain and to assess any sex difference.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 161 patients with MetS (female: n = 82, 52.2 ± 11.7 years; male: n = 79, 51.8 ± 10.6 years) and 77 healthy subjects (female: n = 46, 52.7 ± 8.2 years; male: n = 31, 54.1 ± 11.2 years). Patients with left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <50% were excluded.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T; balanced steady‐state free precession sequence.

Assessment

LV volumes and mass (LVM) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were obtained by MRI. Stroke volume (SV) divided by HR was used as a surrogate measure of MEE and normalized to LVM (MEEi).

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney U‐test; Multivariable linear regression (coefficient of determination, R2). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

For both males and females, MEEi and GLS were lower in MetS patients than in the normal controls. Among MetS patients, men had significantly higher LVM (59.7 ± 13.4 g/m2 vs. 48.8 ± 11.3 g/m2) and significantly lower MEEi (0.68 ± 0.23 mL/g/s vs. 0.84 ± 0.23 mL/g/s) and GLS (−11.7% ± 2.8% vs. −13.9% ± 2.7%) than women. After adjustment for clinical variables, male gender (β = −0.291) was found to be inversely correlated with MEEi. Multivariable analysis showed that MEEi (β = 0.454) were independently associated with GLS (adjusted R2 = 0.454) after adjustment for clinical and other MRI parameters.

Data Conclusion

MEEi was significantly impaired in MetS without overt systolic dysfunction. There was a sex difference regarding the cardiac alterations in MetS, with men having significantly lower MEEi and GLS and significantly higher LVM than women. Further, MEEi was independently associated with GLS.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Broken windows in tourism: The effect of occupational stigma perception of tour guides on interpersonal deviance toward tourists
Authors: Xu Shaogui , Zuo Yifan , Chen Sirong , Law Rob , Zhang Mu
Published: October 2022

This study explores the mechanisms underlying the occupational stigma perception (OSP) of tour guides and the role of interpersonal deviance (ID) toward tourists based on affective event theory. It collects questionnaire data from 348 Chinese frontline tour guides and uses PROCESS Macro in SPSS to test the moderated mediation model. Results show that OSP had a significantly positive effect on ID. Job embeddedness (JE) partially mediated the relationship between OSP and ID. Job tenure (JT) played a negative moderating role between OSP and JE. Furthermore, the mediating role of JE between OSP and ID diminished as the guides' JT increased.
Tympanostomy tube placement for pressure‐sensitive vertigo
Authors: Abouzari Mehdi , Tawk Karen , Nguyen Cecilia H. H. , Risbud Adwight , Djalilian Hamid R.
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate tympanostomy tube placement in patients with pressure‐sensitive vertigo.

Methods

Retrospective case series.

Results

Six patients with pressure‐sensitive vertigo reported resolution of their vertigo and other vestibular symptoms after placement of the tympanostomy tubes. All recurrences of symptoms were due to either extrusion or plugging of the tubes. All patients fulfilled the criteria for vestibular migraine. None of the patients had superior canal dehiscence on imaging or precedent event that triggered the problem, and all had a negative fistula test.

Conclusion

Tympanostomy tube placement should be considered in selected patients with vertigo exacerbated by seemingly small changes in atmospheric pressure (e.g., just prior to thunderstorms, air travel, or travel to the mountains). By eliminating the capability of the tympanic membrane to sense changes in pressure with a tube, patients with pressure‐induced vertigo (in the absence of perilymph fistula or superior canal dehiscence) may have relief of their symptoms.

Level of Evidence: IV.
Signaling pathways in the regulation of cancer stem cells and associated targeted therapy
Authors: Manni Wang , Min Wu
Published: October 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are defined as a subpopulation of malignant tumor cells with selective capacities for tumor initiation, self‐renewal, metastasis, and unlimited growth into bulks, which are believed as a major cause of progressive tumor phenotypes, including recurrence, metastasis, and treatment failure. A number of signaling pathways are involved in the maintenance of stem cell properties and survival of CSCs, including well‐established intrinsic pathways, such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog signaling, and extrinsic pathways, such as the vascular microenvironment and tumor‐associated immune cells. There is also intricate crosstalk between these signal cascades and other oncogenic pathways. Thus, targeting pathway molecules that regulate CSCs provides a new option for the treatment of therapy‐resistant or ‐refractory tumors. These treatments include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies that target key signaling in CSCs, as well as CSC‐directed immunotherapies that harness the immune systems to target CSCs. This review aims to provide an overview of the regulating networks and their immune interactions involved in CSC development. We also address the update on the development of CSC‐directed therapeutics, with a special focus on those with application approval or under clinical evaluation.
Synchronization of Markovian jump neural networks for sampled data control systems with additive delay components: Analysis of image encryption technique
Authors: Tamil Thendral Marimuthu , Ganesh Babu Thiruvannamalai Radhakrishnan , Chandrasekar Arunachalam , Cao Yang
Published: October 2022

In an modern world, image encryption played an vital role to prevent our data from illegal abuser entrée. Based on this, in this paper, the Markovian jump neural networks for synchronization of sampled‐data control systems with two additive delay components are used on the looped functional method, and its direct application is applied in image encryption. Meanwhile,
and
denotes the information states with tuning parameter and a few slack variable which is introduced in the derived result. Furthermore, the sampled‐data controller is intended both the present and delayed state information, to enroll the control performance and flexibility. Finally by using the new technique, the several examples are highlighted in the numerical section, and also, the effectiveness of an image encryption is studied.
Dosimetric validation of a GPU‐based dose engine for a fast in silico patient‐specific quality assurance program in light ion beam therapy
Authors: Magro Giuseppe , Fassi Martina , Mirandola Alfredo , Rossi Eleonora , Molinelli Silvia , Russo Stefania , Bazani Alessia , Vai Alessandro , Ciocca Mario , Donetti Marco , Mairani Andrea
Published: October 2022

Background

With rapid evolutions of fast and sophisticated calculation techniques and delivery technologies, clinics are almost facing a daily patient‐specific (PS) plan adaptation, which would make a conventional experimental quality assurance (QA) workflow unlikely to be routinely feasible. Therefore, in silico approaches are foreseen by means of second‐check independent dose calculation systems possibly handling machine log‐files.

Purpose

To validate the in‐house developed GPU‐dose engine, FRoG, for light ion beam therapy (protons and carbon ions) as a second‐check independent calculation system and to integrate machine log‐file analysis into the patient‐specific quality assurance (PSQA) program.

Methods

Spot sizes, depth‐dose distributions, and absolute dose calibrations were configured into FRoG and a set of nine regular‐shaped targets in combination with more than 170 clinical treatment fields were tested against pinpoint ionization chamber measurements. Both the treatment planning system DICOM RTplans and machine treatment log‐files were used as input for the dose kernel in water, and a 3D local γ (1 mm/2%) index was used as the main evaluation metric.

Results

Calculated configuration data matched experimental measurements with submillimetric agreement. For regular‐shaped targets, the unsigned average relative difference between calculated and measured dose values was less than 2% for both protons and carbon ions. The mean γ passing rate (PR) was around 98% for both particle species. For clinical treatment beams, DICOM‐based recalculations showed a γ‐PR more than 99% for both particle species. The same level of agreement was preserved for protons when moving to log‐file‐based recalculations. A score of around 95% was registered for carbon ion beams, once excluding low‐quality machine log‐files. Unsigned average relative difference against acquired data was less than 2% also for real clinical beams.

Conclusions

FRoG was proven as an accurate and reliable tool for PSQA in scanning light ion beam therapy. The proposed method allows for an extremely efficient workflow, without compromising the quality of the plan verification procedure.
Free‐running 3D whole‐heart T1 and T2 mapping and cine MRI using low‐rank reconstruction with non‐rigid cardiac motion correction
Authors: Phair Andrew , Cruz Gastão , Qi Haikun , Botnar René M. , Prieto Claudia
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To introduce non‐rigid cardiac motion correction into a novel free‐running framework for the simultaneous acquisition of 3D whole‐heart myocardial and maps and cine images, enabling a 3‐min scan.

Methods

Data were acquired using a free‐running 3D golden‐angle radial readout interleaved with inversion recovery and ‐preparation pulses. After correction for translational respiratory motion, non‐rigid cardiac‐motion‐corrected reconstruction with dictionary‐based low‐rank compression and patch‐based regularization enabled 3D whole‐heart and mapping at any given cardiac phase as well as whole‐heart cardiac cine imaging. The framework was validated and compared with established methods in 11 healthy subjects.

Results

Good quality 3D and maps and cine images were reconstructed for all subjects. Septal values using the proposed approach ( ms) were higher than those from a 2D MOLLI sequence ( ms), which is known to underestimate , while values from the proposed approach ( ms) were in good agreement with those from a 2D GraSE sequence ( ms).

Conclusion

The proposed technique provides 3D and maps and cine images with isotropic spatial resolution in a single 3.3‐min scan.
Self‐calibrated through‐time spiral GRAPPA for real‐time, free‐breathing evaluation of left ventricular function
Authors: Franson Dominique , Ahad James , Liu Yuchi , Fyrdahl Alexander , Truesdell William , Hamilton Jesse , Seiberlich Nicole
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Through‐time spiral GRAPPA is a real‐time imaging technique that enables ungated, free‐breathing evaluation of the left ventricle. However, it requires a separate fully‐sampled calibration scan to calculate GRAPPA weights. A self‐calibrated through‐time spiral GRAPPA method is proposed that uses a specially designed spiral trajectory with interleaved arm ordering such that consecutive undersampled frames can be merged to form calibration data, eliminating the separate fully‐sampled acquisition.

Theory and Methods

The proposed method considers the time needed to acquire data at all points in a GRAPPA calibration kernel when using interleaved arm ordering. Using this metric, simulations were performed to design a spiral trajectory for self‐calibrated GRAPPA. Data were acquired in healthy volunteers using the proposed method and a comparison electrocardiogram‐gated and breath‐held cine scan. Left ventricular functional values and image quality are compared.

Results

A 12‐arm spiral trajectory was designed with a temporal resolution of 32.72 ms/cardiac phase with an acceleration factor of 3. Functional values calculated using the proposed method and the gold‐standard method were not statistically significantly different (paired t‐test, p < 0.05). Image quality ratings were lower for the proposed method, with statistically significantly different ratings (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.05) for two of five image quality aspects rated (level of artifact, blood‐myocardium contrast).

Conclusions

A self‐calibrated through‐time spiral GRAPPA reconstruction can enable ungated, free‐breathing evaluation of the left ventricle in 71 s. Functional values are equivalent to a gold‐standard cine technique, although some aspects of image quality may be inferior due to the real‐time nature of the data collection.
Axisymmetric diffusion kurtosis imaging with Rician bias correction: A simulation study
Authors: Oeschger Jan Malte , Tabelow Karsten , Mohammadi Siawoosh
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To compare the estimation accuracy of axisymmetric diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and standard DKI in combination with Rician bias correction (RBC).

Methods

Axisymmetric DKI is more robust against noise‐induced variation in the measured signal than standard DKI because of its reduced parameter space. However, its susceptibility to Rician noise bias at low signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) is unknown. Here, we investigate two main questions: first, does RBC improve estimation accuracy of axisymmetric DKI?; second, is estimation accuracy of axisymmetric DKI increased compared to standard DKI? Estimation accuracy was investigated on the five axisymmetric DKI tensor metrics (AxTM): the parallel and perpendicular diffusivity and kurtosis and mean of the kurtosis tensor, using a noise simulation study based on synthetic data of tissues with varying fiber alignment and in‐vivo data focusing on white matter.

Results

RBC mainly increased accuracy for the parallel AxTM in tissues with highly to moderately aligned fibers. For the perpendicular AxTM, axisymmetric DKI without RBC performed slightly better than with RBC. However, the combination of axisymmetric DKI with RBC was the overall best performing algorithm across all five AxTM in white matter and axisymmetric DKI itself substantially improved accuracy in axisymmetric tissues with low fiber alignment.

Conclusion

Combining axisymmetric DKI with RBC facilitates accurate DKI parameter estimation at unprecedented low SNRs () in white matter, possibly making it a valuable tool for neuroscience and clinical research studies where scan time is a limited resource. The tools used here are available in the open‐source ACID toolbox for SPM.
Association between functional recovery and medication adherence in schizophrenia
Authors: Ishii Junpei , Kodaka Fumitoshi , Miyata Hisatsugu , Yamadera Wataru , Seto Hikaru , Higuchi Hidejiro , Tsuruoka Yoshiaki , Shigeta Masahiro
Published: October 2022

Aim

Medication adherence is important for achieving functional recovery from schizophrenia and is commonly assessed using the Drug Attitude Inventory‐30 (DAI‐30). Subscales of the DAI‐30, including “awareness of the need for medication,” “awareness of the effects of psychiatric drugs,” and “impression of medication,” have been used to assess medication adherence. To determine which of these subscales are associated with the prognosis of schizophrenia, this study followed patients with schizophrenia to identify the prognosis and examine the subscales related to “recovery.”

Methods

In total, 89 patients were recruited, 78 of whom were registered in the study. After assessing adherence using the DAI‐30, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Global Assessment of Functioning scores were assessed at 0 and 24 week to define the functional prognosis.

Results

At the end of the 24‐week follow‐up period, 36% of patients showed recovery from schizophrenia. A comparison of subscales revealed that the score for “impression of medication” was significantly higher in the recovery than in the non‐recovery group. Logistic regression analysis identified only the “impression of medication” score as being predictive of recovery.

Conclusion

The results indicated that among the three DAI‐30 subscales, “impression of medication” was the most closely associated with recovery in patients with schizophrenia.
Prolonged phloem feeding by the spotted lanternfly, an invasive planthopper, alters resource allocation and inhibits gas exchange in grapevines
Authors: Harner Andrew D. , Leach Heather L. , Briggs Lauren , Centinari Michela
Published: October 2022

Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula White; SLF) is a phloem‐feeding planthopper invasive to the Eastern United States that can feed on a range of wild and cultivated plant species. Since its 2014 introduction in the United States, large infestations and subsequent economic damage have been reported in cultivated grapevines, but no studies have detailed grapevine physiological responses to SLF phloem feeding. This study investigated grapevine‐SLF interactions, detailing how different infestation densities affect leaf gas exchange and end‐season concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates and nitrogen in vegetative and perennial tissues of two Vitis species. Effects on fruit ripeness parameters and dormant bud freeze tolerance were examined, in addition to other year‐after effects. Phloem feeding by low densities (≤4 SLF shoot−1) had minimal effects, whereas greater densities (5–15 SLF shoot−1) increasingly affected carbohydrate and nitrogen dynamics in both Vitis species. Phloem feeding substantially affected starch and, to a lesser extent, total nitrogen concentrations of woody roots. Prolonged exposure strongly reduced leaf gas exchange. We conclude that intensive late‐season phloem feeding by large adult SLF population densities (≥8 SLF shoot−1) can induce carbon limitation, with the potential for negative year‐after effects in cases of severe belowground carbon depletion. This work presents novel insights into SLF‐grapevine interactions, identifies avenues of future SLF‐plant research, and assists the development of action thresholds for SLF management in vineyards.
Effect of curcumin on regulatory B cells in chronic colitis mice involving TLR/MyD88 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Jie , Wu Tiantian , Zhong Youbao , Huang Jiaqi , Kang Zengping , Zhou Bugao , Zhao Haimei , Liu Duanyong
Published: October 2022

Curcumin (Cur) is a natural active phenolic compound extracted from the root of Curcuma Longa L. It has anti‐inflammatory, anti‐tumor and other pharmacological activities, and is commonly used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is not clear whether curcumin regulates the function and differentiation of Breg cells to treat UC. In this study, mice with chronic colitis were induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), and treated with curcumin for 12 days. Curcumin effectively improved the body weight, colonic weight, colonic length, decreased colonic weight index and pathological injury score under colonoscopy in mice with chronic colitis, and significantly inhibited the production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐33, CCL‐2, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and promoted the secretion of IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13 and IgA. Importantly, curcumin markedly upregulated CD3−CD19+CD1d+, CD3−CD19+CD25+, CD3−CD19+Foxp3+Breg cells level and significantly down‐regulated CD3−CD19+PD‐L1+, CD3−CD19+tim‐1+, CD3−CD19+ CD27+ Breg cells level. In addition, our results also showed that curcumin observably inhibited TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, MyD88, IRAK4, p‐IRAK4, NF‐κB P65, IRAK1, TRAF6, TAB1, TAB2, TAK1, MKK3, MKK6, p38MAPK, p‐p38MAPK and CREB expression in TLR/MyD88 signaling pathway. These results suggest that curcumin can regulate the differentiation and function of Breg cell to alleviate DSS‐induced colitis, which may be realized by inhibiting TLR/MyD88 pathway.
Frequentist model averaging for zero‐inflated Poisson regression models
Authors: Zhou Jianhong , Wan Alan T. K. , Yu Dalei
Published: October 2022

This paper considers frequentist model averaging for estimating the unknown parameters of the zero‐inflated Poisson regression model. Our proposed weight choice procedure is based on the minimization of an unbiased estimator of a conditional quadratic loss function. We prove that the resulting model average estimator enjoys optimal asymptotic property and improves finite sample properties over the two commonly used information‐based model selection estimators and their model average estimators via simulation studies. The proposed method is illustrated by a real data example.
Modified silica to strengthening and toughening soft polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Han Kehui , Shi Xinyan , Su Yupeng , Chen Yanlu
Published: October 2022

Modifying nanoparticles for polymer nanocomposites is important for multifunctional and low‐cost developmental direction. However, nanoparticles have several deficiencies, such as dispersion, agglomeration, and poor binding ability with most polymers. This work used soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC with 33.1% plasticizer volume) as the matrix. Polycaprolactone (PCL) was synthesized on the surface of SiO2 by the bridging effect of silane coupling agent (SiO2‐PCL), which was expected to improve the bond strength between SiO2 and soft PVC matrix. Moreover, it enhanced the dispersion of SiO2 in the PVC matrix. The results revealed that SiO2‐PCL was nanodispersed in a soft PVC matrix and played a plasticizer role in the composite, which enhanced the tensile strength and elongation at break of PVC composites. The thermal stability and solvent extraction stability of PVC composites elevated with the increase of SiO2‐PCL content. When the content of SiO2‐PCL was 8 wt%, the tensile strength (14.54 MPa) and elongation at break (149.47%) of PVC composites were the highest, 64.36% and 60.48% higher than those of unfilled PVC, respectively. It was indicated that PVC composites were dramatically toughened and strengthened by modified SiO2, improving their overall performance.
The Stacking Faulted Nature of the Narrow Gap Semiconductor Sc2Si2Te6
Authors: Pielnhofer Florian , Bette Sebastian , Eger Roland , Duppel Viola , Nuss Jürgen , Dolle Christian , Dinnebier Robert E. , Lotsch Bettina V.
Published: October 2022

Crystals of Sc2Si2Te6 have been grown and its crystal, micro‐ and electronic structures were investigated. The layered character of the title compound exhibits stacking faults that impede a full structural characterization by single crystal X‐ray diffraction due to diffuse scattering. Based on high resolution transmission electron micrographs and diffraction patterns, the stacking faulted nature of the real structure of Sc2Si2Te6 has been revealed. Different stacking models were derived from the idealized, faultless structure and the stacking disorder was quantitatively analyzed by Rietveld refinement of powder X‐ray diffraction patterns. An energetic comparison of the stacking models by density functional theory is in line with the experimental observations. Further, the bonding situation was investigated by electronic structure calculations. Sc2Si2Te6 is a narrow gap semiconductor with an indirect band gap of 0.65 eV.
Elmer the Elephant in the Zoom Room? Reflections on Parenting, Book Accessibility, and Screen Time in a Pandemic
Authors: Norrick-Rühl Corinna
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected children and their families. One of the many challenges families faced was limited or no access to age-appropriate reading material. On the one hand, sales data show that sales of children’s books, in particular activity books, increased markedly during lockdowns. On the other hand, spaces which grant children and families free access to books, such as daycare centers, schools, and public libraries, were closed for weeks at a time. This chapter sketches out the central role of books and reading in families as a pathway to literacy, education, and general well-being and draws on concepts such as book deserts and “book hunger” (Shaver 2020), before discussing the repercussions of limited book accessibility for families during the pandemic. Educational experts have hypothesized that children will experience a “COVID slide” in reading and that existing inequalities in reading progress will be exacerbated by prolonged shutdowns. The contribution also shows, however, how institutions and foundations, as well as individuals, have made books available to children and families in creative and pragmatic ways despite COVID-induced restrictions.
Accelerated In Vitro Propagation of Sweetpotato Clones (Ipomoea batatas L.)
Authors: Vollmer R. , Espirilla J. , Sánchez J. C. , Arroyo L. , Flores G. , Rojas A. , Anglin N. L. , Kreuze J. , Ellis D.
Published: October 2022

Fast and reliable propagation of plant material is an important need in different stages of breeding programs and production systems. In vitro propagation ensures that pathogen- and virus-free plants stay phytosanitary clean over time while providing high multiplication rates. Using liquid instead of solid culture medium can reduce the interval of individual propagation cycles and contributes to speeding up of the process (1.5–2.5 times), especially during the initial growth phase of the plants. Sophisticated immersion systems have been developed for many plant species, but they are difficult to apply when hundreds or thousands of different genotypes are propagated simultaneously. Additionally, these systems require a high input of technical equipment, know-how and experience to avoid bacterial or fungal contamination during the propagation process. The following protocol describes a low-input suspension technique that combines the use of liquid and solid medium, and permits the successful propagation of genetically diverse sweetpotato genotypes [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] with a high multiplication rate. As sweetpotato is an important staple crop in low-income/technology countries of Africa, Asia, and South America, the described method may find valuable application for the breeding programs in these regions.
Preface
Authors: Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: October 2022

What you do not know always determines what you know. Unfortunately, what you know often hinders you from knowing what you do not know yet. In this sense, it is valuable for inheritance and innovation to systematize the existing scattered knowledge.
Theory for Invisible Thermal Sensors: Optimization Scheme
Authors: Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: October 2022

Metamaterial-based devices have been extensively explored for their intriguing functions, such as cloaking, concentrating, rotating, and sensing. However, they are usually achieved by employing metamaterials with extreme parameters, critically restricting engineering preparation. In this chapter, we propose an optimization model with particle swarm algorithms to simplify parametric designs to realize bilayer thermal sensors composed of bulk isotropic materials (circular structure). For this purpose, the fitness function is defined to evaluate the difference between the actual and expected temperatures. By choosing suitable materials for different regions and treating the sensor, inner shell, and outer shell radii as design variables, we finally minimize the fitness function via particle swarm optimization. The designed scheme is easy to implement in applications and shows excellent performances in detective accuracy and thermal invisibility, which are confirmed by finite-element simulations and laboratory experiments. The optimization model can also be flexibly extended to a square case. This method can calculate numerical solutions for difficult analytical theories (circular structure) and optimal solutions for problems without analytical theories (such as square structure), providing new inspiration for simplifying the design of metamaterials in various communities.
Theory for Thermal Wave Refraction: Advection Regulation
Authors: Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, we study thermal waves of conduction and advection and further design advection-assisted metamaterials to realize the positive, vertical, and negative refraction of thermal waves. These results have a phenomenological analog of electromagnetic wave refraction despite different mechanisms. The negative refraction of thermal waves means that the incident and refractive thermal waves are on the same side of the normal, but the wave vector and energy flow are still in the same direction. As a model application, we apply the refractive behavior to design a thermal wave concentrator that can increase wave numbers and energy flows. This work provides insights into thermal wave manipulation, which may have potential thermal imaging applications.
Theory for Thermal Edge States: Graphene-Like Convective Lattice
Authors: Xu Liu-Jun , Huang Ji-Ping
Published: October 2022

In this chapter, we reveal that edge states are not necessarily limited to wave systems but can also exist in convection-diffusion systems that are essentially different from wave systems. For this purpose, we study heat transfer in a graphene-like (or honeycomb) lattice to demonstrate thermal edge states with robustness against defects and disorders. Convection is compared to electron cyclotron, which breaks space-reversal symmetry and determines the direction of thermal edge propagation. Diffusion leads to interference-like behavior between opposite convections, preventing bulk temperature propagation. We also display thermal unidirectional interface states between two lattices with opposite convection. These results extend the physics of edge states beyond wave systems.