bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in spatial frequency, temporal frequency, and speed tuning across mouse visual cortical areas and layers
Authors: Wang Helen , Dey Oyshi , Lagos Willian N. , Callaway Edward M.
Published: September 2022

The mouse visual system consists of several visual cortical areas thought to be specialized for different visual features and/or tasks. Previous studies have revealed differences between primary visual cortex (V1) and other higher visual areas, namely, anterolateral (AL) and posteromedial (PM), and their tuning preferences for spatial and temporal frequency. However, these differences have primarily been characterized using methods that are biased toward superficial layers of cortex, such as two‐photon calcium imaging. Fewer studies have investigated cell types in deeper layers of these areas and their tuning preferences. Because superficial versus deep‐layer neurons and different types of deep‐layer neurons are known to have different feedforward and feedback inputs and outputs, comparing the tuning preferences of these groups is important for understanding cortical visual information processing. In this study, we used extracellular electrophysiology and two‐photon calcium imaging targeted toward two different layer 5 cell classes to characterize their tuning properties in V1, AL, and PM. We find that deep‐layer neurons, similar to superficial layer neurons, are also specialized for different spatial and temporal frequencies, with the strongest differences between AL and V1, and AL and PM, but not V1 and PM. However, we note that the deep‐layer neuron populations preferred a larger range of SFs and TFs compared to previous studies. We also find that extratelencephalically projecting layer 5 neurons are more direction selective than intratelencephalically projecting layer 5 neurons.
Are superstar directors effective in corporate social responsibility performance? An empirical analysis of sustainable development goals
Authors: Cheng Silu
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I adopt a hand‐collected sample of prestigious business award‐winner directors based on four types of awards and use it to represent reputable directors. I examine how awardee directors influence corporate social responsibility performance (CSR) using multiple samples. The results show that with award‐winner directors sitting on their boards, firms tend to have higher CSR scores. The findings are consistent in the propensity score matched sample and additional robustness tests. The findings suggest that reputable directors are effective in performing monitoring and advising duties, which in turn leads to better CSR performance.
CSR and organizational performance: The role of pro‐environmental behavior and personal values
Authors: Guan Xin , Ahmad Naveed , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Cherian Jacob , Han Heesup
Published: September 2022

Globally, the hospitality sector is known for an out‐sized carbon footprint. At the same time, the stiff competitive environment in this sector demands every hotel for an enhanced economic performance (ECP). Previously, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was mainly related to an enterprise's environmental performance (ENP) and ECP. However, the role of personal values like altruistic values (AV) and employees' pro‐environmental behavior (PEB) remained under‐studied in the past literature. This study examines the impact of CSR in spurring ENP and the ECP of hotel enterprises through AV and PEB. In this vein, 410 surveys were collected from hotel employees, and the hypotheses were tested through structural equation modeling. Among different implications, the most important was to realize the greater potential of CSR, which improves ENP and ECP by promoting the PEB and AV of the employees.
Impact of red blood cell lysing on rare event analysis
Authors: Rico Laura G. , de la Calle Fernando Raimúndez , Salvia Roser , Ward Mike D. , Bradford Jolene A. , Juncà Jordi , Sorigue Marc , Petriz Jordi
Published: September 2022

The challenges associated with analyzing rare cells are dependent on a series of factors, which usually require large numbers of cells per sample for successful resolution. Among these is determining the minimum number of total events needed to be acquired as defined by the expected frequency of the target cell population. The choice of markers that identify the target population, as well as the event rate and the number of aborted events/second, will also determine the statistically significant detection of rare cell events. Sample preparation is another important but often overlooked factor in rare cell analysis, and in this study we examine Poisson theory and methods to determine the effect of sample manipulation on rare cell detection. After verifying the applicability of this theory, we have evaluated the potential impact of red cell lysis on rare cell analysis, and how cell rarity can be underestimated or overestimated based on erythrolytic sensitivity or resistance of healthy leukocytes and pathological rare cells.
External quality assessment of flow cytometric bronchoalveolar lavage cellular analysis: 20 years' experience in The Netherlands
Authors: Mulder A. H. Leontine , Eidhof Harrie H. M. , Gratama Jan W.
Published: September 2022

Background

Bronchoalveolar (BAL) cellular analysis can be supportive in the diagnosis of interstitial lung disease. The flow cytometric analysis of BAL fluid cells is complicated by cell fragility and adherence and autofluorescence of macrophages, making conventional analysis of BAL fluid cells as done in external quality schemes (EQA) for blood lymphocyte subsets, not representative. Following a procedure for stabilized BAL cells, a separate EQA was set up. The results of 20 years' experience are presented.

Methods

From each round between 2000 and 2020 the following flow cytometric parameters were recorded from each participant: total lymphocyte population (TLY), CD3+ lymphocytes, CD3+ CD4+ lymphocytes, CD3+ CD8+ lymphocytes, CD3− CD16+/56+ lymphocytes, CD19+ lymphocytes and CD103 + CD3+ lymphocytes. In addition, the eosinophils and neutrophils were recorded. The mean and standard deviation of each parameter per round were calculated. The 40 rounds were divided in four respective groups of 10 in order to compare the results as function of time. In addition the interpretation of the results of participants was scored.

Results

The median SD in the four groups was below 10% for all parameters except for TLY and the CD103+ CD3+ lymphocytes. No improvement in time was observed for any (sub)population except for the CD3+ CD4+ subset. Interpretation of the results varied based on disease, with greatest consensus for sarcoidosis cases and lowest for nonspecific interstitial lung disease cases.

Conclusions

A dedicated EQA for BAL fluid cellular analysis appears to be justified as the test material is substantially different from that of peripheral blood. We show that adequate analytical and post‐analytical quality control can be achieved.
Role of weather and other factors in the dynamics of a low‐density insect population
Authors: Solbreck Christer , Knape Jonas , Förare Jonas
Published: September 2022

Insect population dynamics are the result of an interplay between intrinsic factors such as density dependence, trophic web interactions, and external forces such as weather conditions. We investigate potential mechanisms of population dynamics in a natural, low‐density insect population. Eggs and larvae of the noctuid moth, Abrostola asclepiadis, develop on its host plant during summer. The population density, and mortality, was closely monitored throughout this period during 15 years. Densities fluctuated between one and two orders of magnitude. Egg–larval developmental time varied substantially among years, with lower survival in cool summers with slower development. This was presumably due to the prolonged exposure to a large guild of polyphagous arthropod enemies. We also found a density‐dependent component during this period that could be a result of intraspecific competition for food among the last larval instars. Dynamics during the long period from pupation in late summer through winter survival in the ground to adult emergence and oviposition the next year displayed few clear patterns and more unexplained variability, thus giving a more random appearance. The population hence shows more unexplained or unpredictable variation during the long wintering period, but seems more predictable over the summer egg–larval period. Our study illustrates how weather—via a window of exposure to enemies and in combination with density‐dependent processes—can determine the course of population change through the insect life cycle.
Temporal mismatch in space use by a sagebrush obligate species after large‐scale wildfire
Authors: Schuyler Elizabeth M. , Hagen Christian A. , Anthony Christopher R. , Foster Lee J. , Dugger Katie M.
Published: September 2022

The increase in size and frequency of wildfires in sagebrush steppe ecosystems has significant impacts on sagebrush obligate species. We modeled seasonal habitat use by female greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) in the Trout Creek Mountains of Oregon and Nevada, USA, to identify landscape characteristics that influenced sage‐grouse habitat selection and to create predictive surfaces of seasonal use 1 and 7 years postfire. We developed three resource selection function models using GPS location data from 2013 to 2019 for three biologically distinct seasons (breeding, n = 149 individuals: 8 March–12 June; summer, n = 140 individuals: 13 June–20 October; and winter, n = 94 individuals: 21 October–7 March). For all seasons, by the fourth or fifth year postfire, sage‐grouse selected for unburned patches more than all other burn severity patches and the use of unburned areas in comparison with burned areas increased through time. During the breeding season, sage‐grouse selected for low‐sagebrush (Artemisia arbuscula)‐dominated ecosystems and areas with low biomass (normalized difference vegetation index). During summer, sage‐grouse selected for areas with higher annual and perennial grasses and forb cover, and areas that had higher biomass. During winter, sage‐grouse selected for areas of intact sagebrush on less rugged terrain. For the winter and breeding season, there was a positive linear relationship between annual grasses and forb cover through time. Seven years postfire (2019), the area predicted to have a high probability of use in each seasonal range decreased (breeding: 16.4%; summer: 12.2%; and winter: 4.2%), while the area predicted to have low or low‐medium probability of use increased (breeding: 14.5%; summer: 22.5%; and winter: 22.8%) when compared to the first year following the wildfire (2013). Our results demonstrated a 4‐ to 5‐year time lag before female sage‐grouse adapted to a disturbed landscape began avoiding burned areas more than intact, unburned habitats. This mismatch in ecological response may imply declines in habitat availability for sage‐grouse and may destabilize population vital rates. Spatially explicit models can aid in identifying priority areas for restoration efforts and conservation actions to mitigate the impacts of future disturbances.
Evaluating the sensitivity of forest structural diversity characterization to LiDAR point density
Authors: LaRue Elizabeth A. , Fahey Robert , Fuson Tabatha L. , Foster Jane R. , Matthes Jaclyn Hatala , Krause Keith , Hardiman Brady S.
Published: September 2022

Recent expansion in data sharing has created unprecedented opportunities to explore structure–function linkages in ecosystems across spatial and temporal scales. However, characteristics of the same data product, such as resolution, can change over time or spatial locations, as protocols are adapted to new technology or conditions, which may impact the data's potential utility and accuracy for addressing end user scientific questions. The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) provides data products for users from 81 sites and over a planned 30‐year time frame, including discrete‐return light detection and ranging (LiDAR) from an airborne observation platform. LiDAR is a well‐established and increasingly available remote sensing technology for measuring three‐dimensional characteristics of ecosystem and landscape structure, including forest structural diversity. The LiDAR product that NEON provides can vary in point density from 2 to 25+ pt/m2 depending on the instrument and acquisition date. We used NEON LiDAR from five forested sites to (1) identify the minimum point density at which structural diversity metrics can be robustly estimated across forested sites from different ecoclimatic zones in the United States and (2) to test the effects of variable point density on the estimation of a suite of structural diversity metrics and multivariate structural complexity types within and across forested sites. Twelve of 16 structural diversity metrics were sensitive to LiDAR point density in at least one of the five NEON forested sites. The minimum point density to reliably estimate the metrics ranged from 2.0 to 7.5 pt/m2, but our results indicate that point densities above 7–8 pt/m2 should provide robust measurements of structural diversity in forests for temporal or spatial comparisons. The delineation of multivariate structural complexity types from a suite of 16 structural diversity metrics was robust within sites and across forest types for a LiDAR point density of 4 pt/m2 and above. This study shows that different metrics of structural diversity can vary in their sensitivity to the resolution of LiDAR data and that users of these open‐source data products should consider the point density of their data and use caution in metric selection when making spatial or temporal comparisons from these datasets.
Long‐term apparent survival of a cold‐stunned subpopulation of juvenile green turtles
Authors: Mollenhauer Robert , Lamont Margaret M. , Foley Allen
Published: September 2022

Understanding the effects of extreme weather on animal populations is fundamental to ecological and conservation sciences and species management. Climate change has resulted in both warm and cold temperature extremes, including an increased frequency of severe cold snaps at middle latitudes in North America. These unusually cold air masses cause rapid declines in nearshore ocean temperatures in coastal areas, with detrimental effects on marine organisms. Acute cold‐stun events (hereafter cold stuns) occur when hundreds to thousands of resident juvenile sea turtles fail to escape shallow water during cold snaps. Human intervention through rescue and recovery largely mitigates direct juvenile sea turtle mortality, but delayed effects of cold stuns on rescued individuals are not well understood. Our objective was to examine long‐term juvenile green turtle (Chelonia mydas) survival across four cold stuns of varying severity in St. Joseph Bay, Florida, between 2010 and 2018. We used the classic Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in a hierarchical Bayesian framework to estimate apparent survival (i.e., emigration and mortality) of rescued turtles at different time intervals. Our results indicated about half of a cohort rescued during a severe cold stun in January 2010 likely remained in the population 1 year later, with 10%–20% remaining 4 years later, and as few as 5% by 2018. The results also suggested higher apparent survival for cohorts rescued during two subsequent milder cold stuns. Emigration was a more plausible ecological explanation for low apparent survival than delayed mortality. Potential ecological mechanisms underlying emigration include a reduction in food availability and a behavioral response to either the severe weather event or handling during rescue (or both). However, the typical annual turnover of juvenile green turtles, though assumed low, is not well known in St. Joseph Bay. Thus, our apparent survival estimates may be reflective of higher‐than‐expected emigration in the broader population. Our study provides important baseline information about long‐term juvenile sea turtle survival after cold stuns in temperate regions. We also highlight the importance of strategic monitoring between cold stuns to examine additional ecological questions.
Environmental DNA reflects common haplotypic variation
Authors: Adams Clare I. M. , Hepburn Christopher , Jeunen Gert‐Jan , Cross Hugh , Taylor Helen R. , Gemmell Neil J. , Bunce Michael , Knapp Michael
Published: September 2022

Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) has gained widespread usage for taxonomically based biodiversity assessment. While interest in applying noninvasive eDNA monitoring for population genetic assessments has grown, its usage in this sphere remains limited. One barrier to uptake is that the effectiveness of eDNA detection below the species level remains to be determined for multiple species and environments. Here, we test the utility of this emergent technology to obtain within‐species haplotypic variation of New Zealand (NZ) blackfoot pāua (Haliotis iris). We compare mitochondrial haplotype diversity recovered from marine eDNA samples against traditional tissue samples of blackfoot pāua collected at the same NZ coastal site. Targeting the ATP8‐ATP6 region, we recovered four mitochondrial haplotypes from eDNA versus six haplotypes from tissue samples. Three common haplotypes were recovered with both eDNA and tissue samples, while only one out of three rare haplotypes – represented in tissue samples by one individual each – was recovered with our eDNA methods. We demonstrate that eDNA monitoring is an effective tool for recovering common genetic diversity from pāua, although rare (<5%) haplotypes are seldom recovered. Our results show the potential of eDNA to identify population‐level haplotypic diversity for gastropods in the marine environment below the species level. This work demonstrates that eDNA methods can be an effective, noninvasive tool for genetic monitoring. Noninvasive eDNA sampling could minimize target organism stress and human interaction enabling population genetic research for hard‐to‐sample, delicate, or sensitive species.
A Reagentless Electrochemical DNA Sensor Based on a Self‐powered DNA Machine
Authors: Huang Ting , Zhang Wenxing , Wie Guobing , Hong Nian , Wang Mei , Fan Qiqi , Yu Qiangqiang , Liao Fusheng , Fan Hao
Published: September 2022

Herein, a reagentless electrochemical DNA sensor based on a self‐powered DNA machine for detecting survivin mRNA in cells is developed. The metal‐organic framework (MOFs) loaded with DNAzyme cofactors (Mn2+) is coated on PTFE rods on the Au surface and assembled with the DNA walker, overcoming the complexity of adding metal ions from the external environment. In addition, the orbital chain is modified by a synthetic bisferrocene signal marker, which further enables signal amplification. Under optimal conditions, the sensor exhibits a range from 1×10−14 mol/L to 1×10−8 mol/L with a detection limit (S/N=3) of 1.28 fM.
Mechanistic spatial models for heavy metal pollution
Authors: Wright Wilson J. , Neitlich Peter N. , Shiel Alyssa E. , Hooten Mevin B.
Published: September 2022

Mining operations can contribute substantial amounts of pollution in the form of atmospheric dust. Statistical models predicting the spread of pollutants from these sources are useful for evaluating the environmental impacts of mines. Our study develops a mechanistic spatial model for heavy metal concentrations in Cape Krusenstern National Monument (CAKR), Alaska, USA. We characterize the spatial structure in our statistical model using a spatio‐temporal process for atmospheric dispersion. Mathematically, this is modeled using an advection‐diffusion partial differential equation that incorporates information about pollutant sources, diffusion, duration of spread, and advection (i.e., prevailing winds). Our approach improves upon previous statistical methods by including a temporally varying advection component and linking indirect concentration measurements to the spatio‐temporal dynamics in the model. We estimated concentrations of three heavy metals jointly using a Bayesian hierarchical model to account for the similarity in processes across chemicals. Our mechanistic statistical model is beneficial because it can predict chemical concentrations for scenarios where mining activities change. Additionally, our analysis provides an example of how using spatio‐temporal processes in statistical models for spatial data can incorporate understanding of mechanisms governing the spread of pollution and provide inferences for parameters associated with these processes.
Zircon U–Pb and titanite U–Th–Pb ages of the Ghorveh mixed granitoid pluton: Implications for the Late Jurassic supra‐subduction extension of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran
Authors: Wang Zhong‐Mei , Han Chun‐Ming , Xiao Wen‐Jiao , Zhang Zhi‐Yong
Published: September 2022

The Ghorveh batholith, located in the central part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (SSZ), Iran, preserves several sequences of Mesozoic plutonic and volcanic rocks. This study presents systematic analyses of the calc‐alkaline granites and monzodiorites from the southern part of the Ghorveh pluton. The granites are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous with A/CNK ratios of 0.97–1.02, indicating an A‐type granitic affinity. High Rb, Th, and K and low Sr, P, and Ti concentrations indicate an involvement of crustal materials. Whole‐rock negative εNd(t) values and relatively high TDM1 model ages support a continental crustal source. Thus, the granites are of fractionated A‐type in composition produced by partial melting of crustal materials. The monzodiorites have incompatible trace element patterns with enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) relative to heavy rare earth elements and high‐field strength elements. This combined with the high Mg# values and the positive εNd and εHf(t) values, indicate a mantle‐derived origin. Dating results show that the granites and monzodiorites have uniform crystallization ages of ~150 Ma. Previous results and our new data suggest that the Jurassic subduction of Neo‐Tethyan Oceanic crust under the Eurasian continent was followed by slab rollback that induced back‐arc extension. Heat transfer from arc magmas increased the degree of decompressional melting in the thinned lithosphere. Melting of the presumably homogeneous crust was concurrent with emplacement of the intermediate composition magmas. Consequently, we propose that the Ghorveh area of the central SSZ developed in a supra‐subduction extensional phase during the Late Jurassic.
Delayed tracheal rupture following transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Weng Yu‐jing , Hu Ben‐ling , Jiang Jiang , Min Lei , Ai Qing , Chen De‐biao , Chen Wei‐chun , Huang Zhi‐heng
Published: September 2022

Background

Although the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has been proven to be a safe procedure for select patients, as it is a novel approach, all associated complications require adequate attention.

Methods

We presented a 49‐year old woman who underwent TOETVA developed delayed tracheal rupture 1 week after surgery. An extensive search of literature was carried out using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting tracheal injury following endoscopic thyroidectomy.

Results

Thirteen cases of endoscopic thyroidectomy were analyzed, including eight cases of TOETVA. Tracheal injury occurred during various procedures, including accidental dissection, surgical needle puncture, Hegar dilation and trocar placement, and thermal injury by the energy device.

Conclusions

Tracheal injury following TOETVA is an underreported complication that can be induced by various factors. Thermal injury to the trachea is more likely to cause a delayed rupture. Careful blunt dissection and standardized use of energy devices are suggested.
Three‐dimensional exoscope‐assisted single‐stage tracheal resection
Authors: Pirola Francesca , Mercante Giuseppe , Russo Elena , Giannitto Caterina , Malvezzi Luca , Ferreli Fabio , Spriano Giuseppe , Cariboni Umberto , De Virgilio Armando
Published: September 2022

The three‐dimensional (3D) 4K exoscope is a surgical tool recently introduced in numerous fields of otolaryngology, such as microvascular surgery, otology, and laryngology. However, other surgical fields may also benefit from this technology. In this case, a single‐stage tracheal resection was planned with the aid of the 3D 4K exoscope, in a 75‐year‐old female with post‐tracheostomy tracheal stenosis. High‐quality magnification of the surgical field was obtained, with facilitated skeletonization of the laryngotracheal axis. The exoscope provided greater involvement in surgery and allowed more interactions among all operating room personnel and learners, as they could access the same field of view of the first surgeon, as well as perceiving depth of the surgical field with 3D technology. The exoscope represents a valid application in open surgery performed for laryngotracheal stenosis, with advantages of enhancing training and education, allowing precise surgical dissection, and reducing risks of iatrogenic damage to surrounding structures.
Oral cancer prediction by noninvasive genetic screening
Authors: Poell Jos B. , Wils Leon J. , Brink Arjen , Dietrich Ralf , Krieg Christine , Velleuer Eunike , Evren Ilkay , Brouns Elisabeth R. , de Visscher Jan G. , Bloemena Elisabeth , Ylstra Bauke , Brakenhoff Ruud H.
Published: September 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) develop in genetically altered epithelium in the mucosal lining, also coined as fields, which are mostly not visible but occasionally present as white oral leukoplakia (OL) lesions. We developed a noninvasive genetic assay using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) on brushed cells to detect the presence of genetically altered fields, including those that are not macroscopically visible. The assay demonstrated high accuracy in OL patients when brush samples were compared with biopsies as gold standard. In a cohort of Fanconi anemia patients, detection of mutations in prospectively collected oral brushes predicted oral cancer also when visible abnormalities were absent. We further provide insight in the molecular landscape of OL with frequent changes of TP53, FAT1 and NOTCH1. NGS analysis of noninvasively collected samples offers a highly accurate method to detect genetically altered fields in the oral cavity, and predicts development of OSCC in high‐risk individuals. Noninvasive genetic screening can be employed to screen high‐risk populations for cancer and precancer, map the extension of OL lesions beyond what is visible, map the oral cavity for precancerous changes even when visible abnormalities are absent, test accuracy of promising imaging modalities, monitor interventions and determine genetic progression as well as the natural history of the disease in the human patient.
Preparation of mineralized pericardium by alternative soaking for soft–hard interregional tissue application
Authors: Suzuki Mika , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Nakano Yuta , Kobayashi Mako , Okada Masahiro , Matsumoto Takuya , Nakamura Naoko , Hashimoto Yoshihide , Kishida Akio
Published: September 2022

Recent applications of decellularized tissues include the ectopic use of sheets and powders for three‐dimensional (3D) tissue reconstruction. Decellularized tissues are modified (or fabricated) with the desired functions for application to the target (transplanted or used) tissue, including soft–hard interregional tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and periodontal ligaments. This study aimed to prepare a mineralized decellularized pericardium to construct a soft‐hard interregional tissue by 3D fabrication of decellularized pericardium, for example, rolling up to a cylindrical form. The decellularized pericardial tissue was prepared using the high hydrostatic pressurization (HHP) and surfactants method. The pericardium consisted of bundles of aligned fibers, and the bundles were slightly disordered when prepared with the surfactant decellularization method compared with that prepared using the HHP decellularization method. Mineralization of the decellularized pericardium was performed using an alternate soaking process with various cycles. The surface of the decellularized pericardium was covered with calcium phosphate precipitates, which accumulated on the surface with an increasing number of soaking cycles. The inside of the HHP decellularized pericardium was mineralized uniformly, whereas the mineralization of the decellularized pericardium decreased toward the interior. These findings suggest that the decellularization method strongly affects the structure and mineralized parts of the decellularized pericardium. The mineralized decellularized pericardium could be a candidate material for reconstructing alternative interregional tissues, such as ligaments and tendons.
Estimation of the segmental left ventricular physical and mechanical parameters using echocardiographic imaging for stent candidate patients
Authors: Ahmadi Zeinab Alsadat , Mokhtari Dizaji Manijhe , Sadeghpour Anita , Khesali Hamideh , Firouzi Ata
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction can be assessed by quantifying LV structure. In this study, physical parameters were extracted, including the systolic strain, wall stress, and elastic modulus of LV to diagnose stent candidate patients from the control group.

Methods

Based on angiography results, 88 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) were divided into 64 patients candidates for PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) and 24 patients in the control group. With the thick‐walled ellipsoidal model, the passive wall stresses at end‐systole and end‐diastole were estimated. Regional circumferential strain and regional longitudinal strain were obtained by speckle tracking technique.

Results

The inferoseptal circumferential wall stress in end‐systole was statistically significant for the PCI group compared to the control group (p = .026). Anterior and inferoseptal circumferential strain for the PCI group (−17.25 ± 4.22 and −18.21 ± 4.04%) compared to the control group (−21.71 ± 4.74 and 20.58 ± 3.04%) were statistically significant, respectively (p = .000 and p = .011). Anterior and inferoseptal circumferential elastic modulus were statistically significant (p = .000 and p = .005). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that anterior and inferoseptal circumferential elastic modulus had the highest area under the curve with 76.6% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity for anterior circumferential, 68.8% sensitivity, and 70.8% specificity for inferoseptal circumferential, for the diagnosis of stent candidate patients.

Conclusions

Regional elastic modulus parameter is suggested as a noninvasive and quantitative method for measuring LV function. Strain and stress parameters using the STE method and geometrical model can be helpful for diagnostic stent candidate patients.
Spatiotemporal patterns of PFAS in water and crop tissue at a beneficial wastewater reuse site in central Pennsylvania
Authors: Mroczko Olivia , Preisendanz Heather E. , Wilson Christopher , Mashtare Michael L. , Elliott Herschel A. , Veith Tamie L. , Soder Kathy J. , Watson John E.
Published: September 2022

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a collective name for thousands of synthetic compounds produced to enhance consumer and industrial products since the 1940s. They do not easily degrade, and some are known to pose serious ecological and human health concerns at trace concentrations (ng L−1 levels). Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in treated wastewater and are inadvertently introduced into the environment when treated wastewater is reused as an irrigation source. The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has been spray‐irrigating its wastewater at a 2.45 km2 mixed‐use agricultural and forested site known as the “Living Filter” since the 1960s. To understand the spatiotemporal patterns of 20 PFAS at the Living Filter, water samples were collected bimonthly from fall 2019 through winter 2021 from the PSU's wastewater effluent and from each of the site's 13 monitoring wells. Crop tissue was collected at the time of harvest to assess PFAS presence in corn silage and tall fescue grown at the study site. Total measured PFAS concentrations in the monitoring wells ranged from nondectable to 155 ng L−1, with concentrations increasing with the direction of groundwater flow. Concentrations within each well exhibited little temporal variability across sampling events, with mixed relationships between PFAS and groundwater elevation observed between wells. Further, >84% of the PFAS present in livestock feed crops were short‐chain compounds, with PFAS consumed annually by livestock fed crops harvested from the site estimated to be 2.46–7.67 mg animal−1 yr−1. This research provides insight into the potential impacts of long‐term beneficial reuse of treated wastewater on groundwater and crop tissue quality.
Polynomial bounds for chromatic number. I. Excluding a biclique and an induced tree
Authors: Scott Alex , Seymour Paul , Spirkl Sophie
Published: September 2022

Let be a tree. It was proved by Rödl that graphs that do not contain as an induced subgraph, and do not contain the complete bipartite graph as a subgraph, have bounded chromatic number. Kierstead and Penrice strengthened this, showing that such graphs have bounded degeneracy. Here we give a further strengthening, proving that for every tree , the degeneracy is at most polynomial in . This answers a question of Bonamy, Bousquet, Pilipczuk, Rzążewski, Thomassé, and Walczak.
Alterations in vaginal microbiota among pregnant women with COVID‐19
Authors: Celik Ebru , Ozcan Gulin , Vatansever Cansel , Paerhati Erxiati , Kuşkucu Mert A. , Dogan Ozlem , Cekic Sebile Guler , Ergonul Onder , Gürsoy Attila , Keskin Özlem , Can Fusun
Published: September 2022

The maintenance of vaginal microbiota is an important factor to achieve optimum pregnancy outcomes. The study aims to describe the alterations in the composition of vaginal microbiota in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This was a prospective case‐control study. Vaginal swabs were collected from uninfected pregnant women (n = 28) and pregnant women with COVID‐19 (n = 19) during the active phase of infection and within a month after recovering from infection. The vaginal microbiota on the swabs was examined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Shannon index indicates that alpha diversity is significantly higher in women with COVID‐19 (p = 0.012). There was a significant decrease in Firmicutes (p = 0.014) with an increase in Bacteroidota (p = 0.018) phyla and a decrease in Lactobacillus (p = 0.007) genus in women with COVID‐19 than those of uninfected pregnant women. The relative abundance of L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii were lower in the COVID‐19 group than in uninfected pregnant women. In subgroup analysis, the amount of Ureaplasma spp. was higher in women with moderate/severe than those of asymptomatic/mild disease (p = 0.036). The study revealed that vaginal dysbiosis with low abundance of Lactobacillus species occurred in pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2. These findings may lead to new studies to elucidate the risk of pregnancy adverse outcomes related to COVID‐19.
A review of smart agriculture and production practices in Japanese large‐scale rice farming
Authors: Li Dongpo , Nanseki Teruaki , Chomei Yosuke , Kuang Jinsong
Published: September 2022

Japanese farms currently occur on a small but expanding average physical scale and annual sales, in a decreasing and aging labor force, increasingly abandoned farmland and massive access of corporations powerful in capital and management. The government has proposed to accelerate agricultural growth through adopting high‐level smart technologies in large‐scale farms, with a series of favorite policies and measures. This paper reviews the connotations, characteristics and technologies of smart agriculture in the views of Japanese scholars, the practice of smart agriculture in Japan, followed by a case study on the smart rice production model ‘NoshoNavi1000’. The results show that Japanese scholars have conducted in‐depth and massive studies in smart agriculture, with regional characteristics in the orientations on labor‐saving, precise management, disaster reduction and inheriting traditional farming skills. The government's ambitious objective is supported by its all‐round policy package, including project demonstration, supporting services, environmental improvement, education and training, and overseas outreaching. Closely combined with the planting structure of Japanese agriculture, rice production is an important sector for the R&D and application of smart farming in the form of either individual technologies or models. The policies and technologies have achieved benefits in saving labor and production costs, and improving the profit margin. Through years of on‐farm application, ‘NoshoNavi1000’ has been developed to involve the major technological components of smart agriculture. It has contributed to improving rice yield, production efficiency and profitability of large‐scale farms, through real‐time data collection, comprehensive and professional data mining, and specific and practical feedbacks. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prophylactic mastectomy and occult malignancy: Surgical and imaging considerations
Authors: Thompson Jessica L. , Sinco Brandy R. , McCaffrey Rachel L. , Chang Alfred E. , Sabel Michael S. , Dossett Lesly A. , Hughes Tasha M. , Jeruss Jacqueline S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) is not routinely recommended for patients undergoing prophylactic mastectomy (PM), yet omission remains a subject of debate among surgeons. A modern patient cohort was examined to determine occult malignancy (OM) incidence within PM specimens to reinforce current recommendations.

Methods

All PM performed over a 5‐year period were retrospectively identified, including women with unilateral breast cancer who underwent synchronous or delayed contralateral PM or women with elevated cancer risk who underwent bilateral PM.

Results

The study population included 772 patients (598 CPM, 174 BPM) with a total of 39 OM identified: 17 invasive cancers (14 CPM, 3 BPM) and 22 DCIS (19 CPM, 3 BPM). Of the 86 patients for whom SLNB was selectively performed, 1 micrometastasis was identified. In the CPM cohort, risk of OM increased with age, presence of LCIS of either breast, or presence of a non‐BRCA high‐penetrance gene mutation, while preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was associated with lower likelihood of OM.

Conclusions

Given the low incidence of invasive OM in this updated series, routine SLNB is of low value for patients undergoing PM. For patients with indeterminate radiographic findings, discordant preoperative biopsies, LCIS, or non‐BRCA high‐penetrance gene mutations, selective SLNB implementation could be considered.
Survival of Columbian sharp‐tailed grouse chicks and juveniles in northwestern Colorado
Authors: Barker Rachel E. , Apa Anthony D. , Lutz R. Scott
Published: September 2022

Chick and juvenile survival are important vital rates for population monitoring and making sound management decisions. These demographics are poorly understood in Columbian sharp‐tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) and survival estimation in the first 2 weeks is particularly challenging to assess. In 2015–2017, we captured 1,219 chicks (1–7 days old) from 156 broods. We marked 625 chicks with radio‐transmitters to monitor their survival and recaptured them to replace the radio‐transmitter from 18–30 days old. Overall survival of chicks and juveniles for the brood‐rearing season (initial capture–31 Aug) was 0.30 ± 0.02 (SE; 95% CI = 0.26, 0.35, n = 746) using the Kaplan‐Meier product‐limit estimator. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to model survival and for chicks entering the study at 2–4 days old, survival to 21 days old was 0.59 ± 0.03 (95% CI = 0.53, 0.65, n = 529) and increasing chick mass had a positive effect on chick survival probability, with a 6.0% decrease in mortality risk for each additional gram of mass at initial capture. Juvenile survival was 0.51 ± 0.04 (95% CI = 0.43, 0.60, n = 294) and differed by study site. Of our 4 study sites, the 2 western sites (West Axial, Iles Dome) had 65–80% greater hazard compared to the 2 more eastern sites (Routt, Trapper). Juvenile survival was also influenced by hatch date, with a 3.0% greater hazard for each day later in the nesting season that a nest hatched. Because chick survival is positively influenced by greater mass at capture and juvenile survival was positively affected by earlier hatching dates of broods, management actions should focus on improving the habitat surrounding lek sites to increase the success of initial nests and to provide high quality (increased levels of calcium, phosphorus, and protein) and quantity forage to nesting females and chicks to increase survival and population stability. Additionally, given that lower mass increases the hazard for chick survival, researchers planning to mark chicks should not mark individuals <11 g when using a 0.55‐g radio‐transmitter. Radio‐transmitters for chicks should not exceed 5.0% of the chicks' body mass at the time of marking.
Knockdown of Cadherin 26 Prevents the Inflammatory Responses of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Liu Tiancong , Sun Yang , Guo Zhaohui , Bai Weiliang
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with disorder of the nasal mucosa. Cadherin 26 (CDH26), an alpha integrin‐binding epithelial receptor, is regulated during allergic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate whether CDH26 contributes to the severity of AR.

Study design

In vivo and in vitro.

Methods

We investigated the effects of CDH26 knockdown by lentivirus (LV)‐mediated shRNA on ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced AR mice and IL‐13‐stimulated human nasal epithelial cells (NECs).

Results

CDH26 mRNA and protein expression was significantly increased in the nasal mucosa of AR patients and mice. Intranasal instillation of LV‐shCDH26 alleviated allergic symptoms and decreased the histological changes of nasal mucosa in AR mice. Furthermore, the serum levels of OVA‐specific IgE, IgG, pro‐inflammatory factors IL‐25, IL‐33, and TSLP were decreased in AR mice with CDH26 knockdown. With regard to AR‐induced Th2 inflammation, LV‐shCDH26 intervention effectively decreased the distribution of CD4+/GATA3+ Th2 cells, and the mRNA expression of IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in the nasal mucosa. CDH26 knockdown down‐regulated the expression of β‐catenin but not for E‐cadherin and ZO‐1 in nasal mucosa induced by AR. In vitro, CDH26 knockdown inhibited the protein expression of TSLP, GM‐CSF and eotaxin in NECs, and CDH26 overexpression remarkably promoted the production of these inflammatory factors in IL‐13‐induced NECs.

Conclusions

CDH26 knockdown attenuates the AR‐induced inflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 133:1558–1567, 2023
Performance of automatic exposure control on dose and image quality: comparison between slot‐scanning and flat‐panel digital radiography systems
Authors: Boissonnat Guillaume , Morichau‐Beauchant Pierre , Reshef Aymeric , Villa Coralie , Désauté Pascal , Simon Anne‐Catherine
Published: September 2022

Background

EOSedge™* (EOS Imaging, Paris, France) is an X‐ray imaging system using automatic exposure control (AEC) with tube current modulation, in order to optimize dose deposition in patients.

Purpose

This study aims at characterizing EOSedge organ dose deposition in comparison to a digital radiography (DR) system and the previous EOS system (EOS‐1st generation), in relation to their respective image quality levels.

Method

Organ doses were measured in an anthropomorphic female adult phantom and a 5‐year‐old pediatric phantom using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dosimeters, which were carefully calibrated within the studied energy range. Organ doses were recorded on the EOSedge and the Fuji Visionary DRF (Fujifilm Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc, Lexington, MA). The resulting effective doses were compared to the EOS‐1st‐generation values present in the literature. Image quality assessment was carried out on end‐user images. Quantitative image quality metrics were computed for all tested modalities on a quality assurance phantom. Qualitative assessment of EOSedge image quality was based on anthropomorphic phantom acquisitions against the EOS‐1st‐generation system, and on clinical images against the tested DR system.

Results

For a full‐spine exam, and on the female adult phantom (respectively, the pediatric phantom), an effective dose of 92 μSv (respectively, 32 μSv) was obtained on EOSedge, and 572 μSv (respectively, 179 μSv) on the DR system; these values were compared to effective dose values of 290 μSv (respectively, 200 μSv) from the literature on EOS‐1st generation, leading to an effective dose reduction factor of 6 with respect to the DR system, and of 3–6 with respect to EOS‐1st generation. EOSedge provides the best compromise between contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and dose, with more consistent CNR values than the other tested modalities, in a range of attenuation from 10 to 40 cm of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Within this range, EOSedge is also comparable to DR for 10 and 20 cm of PMMA, and better than DR for 30 and 40 cm of PMMA, both in terms of spatial resolution and low‐contrast detection. The anatomical landmarks of interest in the follow‐up of spinal deformities can be detected in all tested modalities.

Conclusion

Results showed that EOSedge provides significant dose reduction factors for full spine imaging in both adults and children compared to the other tested modalities, without compromising image quality. We believe that this work could help raise awareness on the capabilities of modern X‐ray systems, when equipped with appropriate AEC strategies, to perform ultra‐low‐dose, long‐axis images.