bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen cycling and urban afforestation success inNew York City
Authors: Mejía Gisselle A. , Groffman Peter M. , Downey Alisen E. , Cook Elizabeth M. , Sritrairat Sanpisa , Karty Richard , Palmer Matthew I. , McPhearson Timon
Published: January 2022

Afforestation projects are a growing focus of urban restoration efforts to rehabilitate degraded landscapes and develop new forests. Urban forests provide myriad valuable ecosystem services essential for urban sustainability and resilience. These essential services are supported by natural soil microbial processes that transform organic matter to critical nutrients for plant community establishment and development. Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient in forest ecosystems, yet little information is known about N cycling in urban afforestation efforts. This study examined microbially mediated processes of carbon (C) and N cycling in 10 experimental afforested sites established across New York City parklands under the MillionTreesNYC initiative. Long‐term research plots were established between 2009 and 2011 at each site with low and high diversity (two vs. six tree species) treatments. In 2018, 1‐m soil cores were collected from plots at each site and analyzed for microbial biomass and respiration, potential net N mineralization, and nitrification, denitrification potential, soil inorganic N, and total soil N. Field observations revealed markedly different trajectories between sites that exhibited a closed canopy and leaf litter layer derived from trees that were planted and those that did not fit this description. These two metrics served to group sites into two categories (high vs. low) of afforestation success. We hypothesized that: (1) afforestation success would be correlated with rates of C and N cycling, (2) high diversity restoration techniques would affect these processes, and (3) inherent soil properties interact with plants and environmental conditions to affect the development of these processes over time. We found that high success sites had significantly higher rates of C and N cycling processes, but low and high diversity treatments showed no differences. Low success sites were more likely to have disturbed soil profiles with human‐derived debris. Afforestation success appears to be driven by interactions between initial site conditions that facilitate plant community establishment and development that in turn enable N accumulation and cycling, creating positive feedbacks for success.
Supramolecular Enhancement of Antenna‐sensitized Europium(III) Luminescence by Cucurbit[7]uril Complexation
Authors: Matsumoto Masaomi , Reid Jon , Byeman Connor , Evbuomwan Osasere
Published: January 2022

In this work we report the supramolecular complexation of an antenna‐sensitized DOTAM‐Eu complex with Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), via the inclusion of the antenna moiety in the CB[7] cavity, observed through UV‐Vis and NMR spectroscopy. Europium luminescence quantum yield is enhanced by CB[7] complexation of the antenna. The photophysics of the analogous DOTAM‐Gd complex was studied in order to elucidate the mechanism by which antenna‐inclusion leads to supramolecular luminescence enhancement. In addition, we report supramolecular enhancement of Eu‐ligand complex stability.
Flexible Bielectrode‐Based Highly Sensitive Triboelectric Motion Sensor: A Sustainable and Smart Electronic Material
Authors: Zamora Damian , Abdullah Abu Musa , Flores Alejandro , Majumder Haimanti , Sadaf Muhtasim Ul Karim , Azimi Bahareh , Danti Serena , Uddin M. Jasim
Published: January 2022

The self‐powered and autonomous sensors are incredibly important in advanced engineering, especially defence science. The increasing necessity of simple and smart electronics requires to be sustainably flexible, wearable, and waterproof. Triboelectricity has been a widely used mechanism for motion sensing nowadays. Almost all devices based on triboelectricity require contact between two surfaces. Herein, a touchless triboelectric motion sensor for human motion sensing and movement monitoring is developed. The device was primarily fabricated using simple latex (cis‐1,4‐polyisoprene) structures and copper (electrode materials), which make it a very cost‐effective device for sensory applications. The device is tested with specimens of different areas and heights in motion. The maximum output of the device is noted as 12 V at a specimen height of 5 cm. Further different types of human motions are applied in front of the device to ensure low energy sensitivity using triboelectric phenomena. The lightweight smart device precisely provides significant output signals for each movement of the human body which makes the device a prospective medium for motion sensing and movement monitoring which can be applied in the fields of security, energy, and medicine.
Damping considerations for rocking block dynamics using the discrete element method
Authors: Galvez Francisco , Sorrentino Luigi , Dizhur Dmytro , Ingham Jason M.
Published: January 2022

It is well established that unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings develop damage‐forming collapse mechanisms during high‐intensity earthquakes, with these mechanisms exhibiting large rocking displacements before collapsing. The Discrete Element Method (DEM) of analysis can realistically capture phenomena that involve large movements of elements, resulting in the technique being ideal for simulating the collapse of URM building elements. Consequently, extensive research using DEM to analyse the seismic response of URM buildings and building components has recently been published. However, the variety of reported damping approaches that have apparently led to DEM results that successfully replicate physical observations underscores the need for consistent guidance related to the assignment of damping factors. The Rayleigh damping distribution model implemented in the DEM software 3DEC was used to study the differences between mass proportional (MP) and stiffness proportional (SP) damping configurations. After reviewing phenomena that need to be damped and previous works where damping was implemented, the capabilities and drawbacks of the time‐efficient MP damping configuration were studied and the results compared to simulations with SP damping. When considering numerical simulations that incorporated MP damping and led to results that were seemingly well‐matched to experimental tests, it was found that the apparent robustness of decisions pertaining to the adopted input parameters was deceptive in most cases. Consequently, SP damping was recommended for all DEM rocking simulations, even though MP damping could be used with satisfactory accuracy in certain situations discussed herein. A pragmatic relationship between both damping strategies was proposed.
Tectonothermal evolution of the Lohit Valley, Eastern Himalaya: New low‐temperature thermochronological constraints
Authors: Mukherjee Kunal , Adlakha Vikas , Banerjee Sayandeep , Sen Koushik
Published: January 2022

The present contribution provides the first low‐temperature thermochronological record from the Lohit Valley, Eastern Himalaya, presenting eight ZHe and two AHe cooling ages across the major tectonic boundaries. The ZHe cooling ages range from 6.94 ± 1.17 Ma to 12.51 ± 2.84 Ma, whereas AHe ages vary between 1.73 ± 0.15 Ma and 3.56 ± 0.42 Ma. The ZHe cooling ages suggest that the Mishmi Crystallines exposed at the southwestern mountain front are the slowest exhuming domain since ~12 Ma. The ZHe ages are youngest in the Demwe Thrust (DT) zone, and the contact between the frontal low‐grade metamorphic rocks of Mishmi Crystalline and high‐grade gneissic rocks of the Mayodia Group. The rapid exhumation in the DT zone as obtained from the ZHe cooling ages suggests an out‐of‐sequence thrusting at ~7 Ma. The QTQt thermal history modelling of the co‐genetic pairs of ZHe and AHe cooling ages of the northeasternmost Lohit Plutonic Complex suggests that the exhumation rates in this region were as high as ~3.7 mm/year during the Pliocene‐Quaternary. These high exhumation rates are in good correlation with the local topographic relief, hill slopes, and channel steepness, which suggests the establishment of the present‐day topography of the Lohit valley region at the latest by Pliocene‐Quaternary. Variation in exhumation rates does not correlate with the present‐day precipitation pattern. Tectonics appears to be the prime driver for exhumation rates of the Lohit valley region of the easternmost Himalaya.
Test–retest stability of spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity in the core resting‐state networks assessed with ultrahigh field 7‐Tesla resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sbaihat Hasan , Rajkumar Ravichandran , Ramkiran Shukti , Assi Abed Al‐Nasser , Felder Jörg , Shah Nadim Jon , Veselinović Tanja , Neuner Irene
Published: January 2022

The growing demand for precise and reliable biomarkers in psychiatry is fueling research interest in the hope that identifying quantifiable indicators will improve diagnoses and treatment planning across a range of mental health conditions. The individual properties of brain networks at rest have been highlighted as a possible source for such biomarkers, with the added advantage that they are relatively straightforward to obtain. However, an important prerequisite for their consideration is their reproducibility. While the reliability of resting‐state (RS) measurements has often been studied at standard field strengths, they have rarely been investigated using ultrahigh‐field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. We investigated the intersession stability of four functional MRI RS parameters—amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF (fALFF; representing the spontaneous brain activity), regional homogeneity (ReHo; measure of local connectivity), and degree centrality (DC; measure of long‐range connectivity)—in three RS networks, previously shown to play an important role in several psychiatric diseases—the default mode network (DMN), the central executive network (CEN), and the salience network (SN). Our investigation at individual subject space revealed a strong stability for ALFF, ReHo, and DC in all three networks, and a moderate level of stability in fALFF. Furthermore, the internetwork connectivity between each network pair was strongly stable between CEN/SN and moderately stable between DMN/SN and DMN/SN. The high degree of reliability and reproducibility in capturing the properties of the three major RS networks by means of UHF‐MRI points to its applicability as a potentially useful tool in the search for disease‐relevant biomarkers.
Single‐cell biology uncovers apoptotic cell death and its spatial organization as a potential modifier of tumor diversity in HCC
Authors: Khatib Subreen A. , Ma Lichun , Dang Hien , Forgues Marshonna , Chung Joon‐Yong , Ylaya Kris , Hewitt Stephen M. , Chaisaingmongkol Jittporn , Rucchirawat Mathuros , Wang Xin Wei
Published: January 2022

Background and Aims

HCC is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous cancer type with limited treatment options. Identifying drivers of tumor heterogeneity may lead to better therapeutic options and favorable patient outcomes. We investigated whether apoptotic cell death and its spatial architecture is linked to tumor molecular heterogeneity using single‐cell in situ hybridization analysis.

Approach and Results

We analyzed 254 tumor samples from two HCC cohorts using tissue microarrays. We developed a mathematical model to quantify cellular diversity among HCC samples using two tumor markers, cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 3 and protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 as surrogates for heterogeneity and caspase 3 (CASP3) as an apoptotic cell death marker. We further explored the impact of potential dying‐cell hubs on tumor cell diversity and patient outcome by density contour mapping and spatial proximity analysis. We also developed a selectively controlled in vitro model of cell death using CRISPR/CRISPR‐associated 9 to determine therapy response and growth under hypoxic conditions. We found that increasing levels of CASP3
+ tumor cells are associated with higher tumor diversity. Interestingly, we discovered regions of densely populated CASP3
+, which we refer to as CASP3
+ cell islands, in which the nearby cellular heterogeneity was found to be the greatest compared to cells farther away from these islands and that this phenomenon was associated with survival. Additionally, cell culture experiments revealed that higher levels of cell death, accompanied by increased CASP3 expression, led to greater therapy resistance and growth under hypoxia.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased apoptotic cell death may lead to greater tumor heterogeneity and thus worse patient outcomes.
Low‐strain TiP2O7 with three‐dimensional ion channels as long‐life and high‐rate anode material for Mg‐ion batteries
Authors: Xiong Fangyu , Jiang Yalong , Cheng Li , Yu Ruohan , Tan Shuangshuang , Tang Chen , Zuo Chunli , An Qinyou , Zhao Yunlong , Gaumet Jean‐Jacques , Mai Liqiang
Published: January 2022

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are identified as a promising next‐generation energy storage system, but their development is hindered by the anode−electrolyte−cathode incompatibilities and passivation of magnesium metal anode. To avoid or alleviate these problems, the exploitation of alternative anode materials is a promising choice. Herein, we present titanium pyrophosphate (TiP2O7) as anode materials for magnesium‐ion batteries (MIBs) and investigate the effect of the crystal phase on its magnesium storage performance. Compared with the metastable layered TiP2O7, the thermodynamically stable cubic TiP2O7 displays a better rate capability of 72 mAh g−1 at 5000 mA g−1. Moreover, cubic TiP2O7 exhibits excellent cycling stability with the capacity of 60 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, which are better than previously reported Ti‐based anode materials for MIBs. In situ X‐ray diffraction technology confirms the single‐phase magnesium‐ion intercalation/deintercalation reaction mechanism of cubic TiP2O7 with a low volume change of 3.2%. In addition, the density functional theory calculation results demonstrate that three‐dimensional magnesium‐ion diffusion can be allowed in cubic TiP2O7 with a low migration energy barrier of 0.62 eV. Our work demonstrates the promise of TiP2O7 as high‐rate and long‐life anode materials for MIBs and may pave the way for further development of MIBs.
Cashless society, e‐wallets and continuous adoption
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Subramaniam Niviethan Rao , Qoyum Abdul , Iqbal Hussain Hafezali
Published: January 2022

This study attempts to investigate the factors affecting e‐wallet adoption intention in Malaysia, which considered a central pushforward in imagining a cashless society. A theoretical framework adapting an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) with two additional constructs, trust and perceived security was applied to investigate the effects on behavioural intention to adopt e‐wallet electronic payment system, and the data was collected using questionnaires which correlates to 171 respondents. Partial lest squares equation structural modelling (PLS‐SEM) was employed for data analysis. The result revealed that performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, trust, facilitating condition and habit constructs influence the behavioural intention to continuously adopt ‘e‐wallet’ electronic payment system. On other hand, remarkably the perceived security construct portrays to have no significant influence which suggested that users are seemingly well inclined in policies that were executed by financial institutions which govern information's security. The finding should lead some practically and theoretically implications, chiefly elucidating some sustenance in achieving the cashless society imaginary.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation for preservation of fertility in post‐pubertal oncological women submitted to high‐risk gonadotoxic chemotherapy
Authors: Raimondo Diego , Giaquinto Ilaria , Maletta Manuela , Vicenti Rossella , Iodice Raffaella , Arena Alessandro , Del Forno Simona , Raffone Antonio , Lenzi Jacopo , Casadio Paolo , Seracchioli Renato
Published: January 2022

Objective

To study the economic impact of ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation (OTC) in post‐pubertal patients who underwent high‐risk gonadotoxic chemotherapy.

Methods

A decision tree model was used to determine the live birth rate and cost‐effectiveness of OTC versus non‐OTC. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. A sensitivity analysis was performed under the assumption that the costs of ovarian cortex retrieval, cryopreservation, and storage for patients with cancer might be covered by the national health system or health insurance.

Results

Patients had the greatest probability of achieving live birth after high‐risk chemotherapy when they underwent OTC versus non‐OTC. Although cryopreservation of ovarian tissue results in higher live birth rates, it is always more expensive. Cost‐effectiveness increases when the majority of patients completes the path of tissue cryopreservation plus transplantation after 5 years.

Conclusion

Although OCT has been demonstrated as a procedure for effective fertility preservation in fertility‐age women with cancer, no cost‐effectiveness analysis has been performed until now. This model could help healthcare systems to allocate coverage for OCT.
Comparative analysis of anthropometric indices with serum uric acid in Iranian healthy population
Authors: Soori Hamid , Rezapoor Parinaz , Najafimehr Hadis , Alirezaei Toktam , Irilouzadian Rana
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels and hypertension, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease has been established. In this study, the relation of SUA levels to anthropometric indices, blood cell count and lipid profile was examined.

Methods

Anthropometric parameters including body‐mass index, waist circumference, waist to height ratio, waist to hip ratio, waist to pelvic ratio, neck circumference (NC), body fat mass (BFM), basal metabolic rate (BMR), visceral fat level (VFL) and percent body fat (PBF), along with complete blood cell count, lipid profile and SUA were obtained from 2921 young and middle‐aged Iranian healthy subjects. To assess the normality of data, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used. Mann‐Whitney, Kruskal‐Wallis, Chi‐square and Spearman correlation tests were used for evaluating the association between variables. Simple and multiple regression analyses were also performed.

Results

The results of data analysis showed all studied factors were correlated with SUA level except VFL, BFM, and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. The highest correlation was with NC, BMR, hematocrits (HCT) and triglycerides (TG). The backward method revealed that TG, LDL, HDL, neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, HCT, BMR and skinfold fat thickness were factors related to SUA.

Conclusions

According to the finding of this study, SUA level is related to anthropometric indices, lipid profile and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in healthy population. SUA measurement might be advisable to identify those at increased risk of health problems whom might benefit from further evaluation.
Clickable report tags for identification of modified peptides by mass spectrometry
Authors: Makarov Dmytro , Telek András , Becker Tobias , von Wrisberg Marie‐Kristin , Schneider Sabine , Kielkowski Pavel
Published: January 2022

The identification and quantification of modified peptides are critical for the functional characterization of post‐translational protein modifications (PTMs) to elucidate their biological function. Nowadays, quantitative mass spectrometry coupled with various bioinformatic pipelines has been successfully used for the determination of a wide range of PTMs. However, direct characterization of low abundant protein PTMs in bottom‐up proteomic workflow remains challenging. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of tandem mass spectrometry tags (TMT) which are introduced via click‐chemistry into peptides bearing alkyne handles. The fragmentation properties of the two mass tags were validated and used for screening in a model system and analysis of AMPylated proteins. The presented tags provide a valuable tool for diagnostic peak generation to increase confidence in the identification of modified peptides and potentially for direct peptide‐PTM quantification from various experimental conditions.
Indian spices: past, present and future challenges as the engine for bio‐enhancement of drugs: impact of COVID‐19
Authors: Gidwani Bina , Bhattacharya Ruchi , Shukla Shiv Shankar , Pandey Ravindra Kumar
Published: January 2022

Spices are natural plant products enriched with the history of being used as herbal medicine for prevention of diseases. India is also known as the ‘Land of Spices’. Out of 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) more than 52–60 spice crops are grown in India. The major spices exported by India are turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, peppers, etc. The Indian spices are divided into three era viz. early period, middle age and early modern period. Spices are used in beverages, liquors, and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery products. The major issue with spices is their handling and storage. This review article mainly focuses on two aspects: at the outset the handling and storage of the spices is an essential factor as spices are available in different forms like raw, processed, fresh, whole dried, or pre‐ground dried. Therefore, the need of processing, packaging, storage and handling of the spices is important as the deterioration of spices can lead to the loss of therapeutic activity. Furthermore, many herbal constituents have the capability to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to throw a light on the bioenhancer activity and therapeutic activity along with their mechanism of action of some Indian spices which are regularly used for cooking purpose on a daily basis to enhance the taste of food. The spices suggested by ministry of AYUSH which is relevant to its medicinal and biological property in treatment and prevention from COVID‐19 are discussed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Preparation and characterization of konjac glucomannan (KGM) and deacetylated KGM (Da‐KGM) obtained by sonication
Authors: Ye Shuxin , Zhu Jingsong , Shah Bakht Ramin , Abel Wend‐Soo Zongo , Li Jing , Zhan Fuchao , Li Bin
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) has been widely applied in the food industry as a thickening and gelation agent because of its unique colloidal properties of viscosity enhancement and gelling ability. The current study aimed to prepare and characterize KGM and deacetylated KGM (Da‐KGM) samples obtained by sonication in neutral and alkali ethanol–water solutions.

RESULTS

The results showed that the deacetylation degree (DD) of Da‐KGM increased exponentially with alkali concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry further confirmed the deacetylation reaction through the dramatic decrease in the acetyl group band at 1740 cm−1. Besides, the high similarity among the tested groups in terms of X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra implied a similar crystalline structure, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves revealed that the water binding capacity and decomposition temperature of KGM changed slightly with alkali and sonication treatment. The rheological profiles indicated that apparent viscosity (η0) of sonicated KGM samples was unchanged except for the T60 group (60 min sonication treatment). Particularly, ultrasonic treatment under high alkaline conditions (0.10 mol L−1 NaOH) was noted to promote the deacetylation reaction, and the obtained samples showed decreased apparent viscosity and weakened the gelation process in aqueous solution. Partial correction analysis indicated that alkali rather than ultrasonic treatment resulted in the change of DD and η0 in Da‐KGM. Moreover, sonication contributed to off‐white color by reducing the browning caused by alkali in Da‐KGM products.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound‐mediated heterogeneous deacetylation reaction is a feasible way to prepare Da‐KGM samples with lightened browning and controllable DD. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Black bear spatial responses to the Wallow Wildfire in Arizona
Authors: Crabb Michelle L. , Clement Matthew J. , Jones Andrew S. , Bristow Kirby D. , Harding Larisa E.
Published: January 2022

The Wallow Fire, the largest wildfire in Arizona history, encompassed 2,170 km2and provided a rare opportunity to examine habitat selection and home ranges of American black bears (Ursus americanus) before and after a wildfire. We had fitted global positioning system (GPS) collars on 47 bears from 2005 to April 2011, and 10 of these were still collared when the fire started in May 2011. We captured and collared an additional 7 black bears within the fire perimeter post‐fire (Jul–Sep 2011 and Jun 2012). To evaluate how black bears were affected by the fire, we fit a step selection function using a conditional mixed effects Poisson regression model to estimate the relative strength of black bear habitat selection in response to burn severity. Additionally, we estimated home range sizes using an autocorrelated kernel density estimator by means of a continuous‐time movement model. We then used a generalized linear model with a negative binomial error distribution and mixed effects to estimate the effect of the burn severity on black bear home range size, while controlling for sex and drought. In spring and summer in years prior to the fire, bears selected areas that later burned in the fire. After the fire, bears used all burn severities, but their selection for high‐severity burns decreased significantly in summer 2011 and fall 2012. Home range sizes were 3.06 times larger pre‐fire than post‐fire. Our study demonstrates that black bears continued to use all burn severities after a major wildfire, and that post‐fire conditions did not result in expanded black bear home ranges.
Integrating distance sampling survey data with population indices to separate trends in abundance and temporary immigration
Authors: Schmidt Joshua H. , Wilson Tammy L. , Thompson William L. , Mangipane Buck A.
Published: January 2022

Managers rely on accurate estimators of wildlife abundance and trends for management decisions. Despite the focus of contemporary wildlife science on developing methods to improve inference from wildlife surveys, legacy datasets often rely on index counts that lack information about the detection process. Data integration can be a useful tool for combining index counts with data collected under more rigorous designs (i.e., designs that account for the detection process), but care is required when datasets represent different population processes or are mismatched in space and time. This can be particularly problematic in cases where animals aggregate in response to a spatially or temporally limited resource because individuals may temporarily immigrate from outside the study area and be included in the abundance index. Abundance indices based on brown bear (Ursus arctos) feeding aggregations within coastal meadows in early summer in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA, are one such example. These indices reflect the target population (brown bears residing within the park) and temporary immigrants (i.e., bears drawn from outside the park boundary). To properly account for the effects of temporary immigration, we integrated the index data with abundance data collected via park‐wide distance sampling surveys, the latter of which properly addressed the detection process. By assuming that the distance data provide inference on abundance and the index counts represent some combination of abundance and temporary immigration processes, we were able to decompose the relative contribution of each to overall trend. We estimated that the density of brown bears within our study area was 38–54 adults/1,000 km2 during 2003–2019 and that abundance increased at a rate of approximately 1.4%/year. The contribution of temporary immigrants to overall trend in the index was low, so we created 3 hypothetical scenarios to more fully demonstrate how the integrated approach could be useful in situations where the composite trend in meadow counts may obscure trends in abundance (e.g., opposing trends in abundance and temporary immigration). Our work represents a conceptual advance supporting the integration of legacy index data with more rigorous data streams and is broadly applicable in cases where trends in index values may represent a mixture of population processes.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paralysis Following Thyroidectomy: Analysis of Factors Affecting Nerve Recovery
Authors: Mohammad Ramla , Huh Gene , Cha Wonjae , Jeong Woo‐Jin
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Paralysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLNs), albeit decreased over the years, leaves the surgeon helpless as there is not much that can be done once it occurs. Nimodipine has been suggested as a remedy that could accelerate the recovery of the nerve. Our study aimed to examine the factors that affect the recovery rate (RR) and time to recovery (TTR) of post‐thyroidectomy RLN paralysis, with an emphasis on the use of nimodipine.

Methods

A total of 197 patients who had undergone thyroid and parathyroid surgeries were retrospectively reviewed from October 2016 to August 2019. Patients who had RLN paralysis following surgery were assessed. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed to look for possible factors that may influence RLN recovery.

Results

A total of 289 nerves were at risk. Temporary RLN paralysis rate was 7.9% while 1.7% was permanent. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 4.8) and intra‐operative extra‐thyroid extension (OR = 9.0) were independent risk factors for RLN paralysis. The rate of recovery was 82.1%. Loss of signal (LOS; P = .066) was a factor trending for an impact on RR but not nimodipine (P > .05). The mean TTR was 32 days. LOS, nimodipine, and steroid use, among others, were factors trending for an impact on the TTR.

Conclusion

Although not reaching statistical significance, nimodipine and steroids might influence TTR but not the RR. Larger studies are warranted to address the effect of nimodipine on the outcome of RLN paralysis.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 132:1692–1696, 2022
Detection of soil pipe network by geophysical approach: Electromagnetic induction (EMI) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)
Authors: Bernatek‐Jakiel Anita , Kondracka Marta
Published: January 2022

Studying soil pipes is a methodological challenge that needs improvement in detection methods in order to better recognize the role of piping erosion in land degradation and hillslope hydrology. This study explores electromagnetic induction (EMI) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in order to identify soil pipes. The study was conducted in a mountainous area (the Bieszczady Mountains, SE Poland) under a temperate climate, where pipes develop in silty‐clayey soils. In the plot area, eight profiles were measured by the conductivity meter at different depths and then interpolated to present apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). Also, six ERT profiles were carried out using the Wenner‐Schlumberger electrode configuration. The ECa values measured by EMI are not very diversified, suggesting its lower sensitivity to changes in the ECa, whereas the ECa values measured by ERT are characterized by greater fluctuation, that is, better detection possibilities. ERT has revealed soil pipes as zones of higher electrical resistivity (ER >268 Ωm) than their surroundings (characterized below pipes by ER <105 Ωm) underlying the air filling of pipes (ER >427 Ωm), whereas EMI has revealed its higher sensitivity to water content. The EMI results have shown the lowering of the water table in the lower part of the slope, perhaps because of the drainage by a complex pipe network. EMI allows quick measurements of ECa providing information on water content, and thus indirectly soil pipes, but, it cannot delineate individual pipes. Only the integration of geophysical methods supported by field recognition provides an effective method to detect soil pipes.
Case series of photic maculopathy associated with exposure to a plasma flash induced by a femtosecond laser
Authors: Jiang Fagang , Shi Yao , Wang Zhi , Yang Xiaobo
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives

Photic maculopathy resulting from laser‐induced plasma flash has been rarely reported, and the corresponding mechanism of the injury is still unclear. We present a case series of three patients with bilateral macular injuries produced by exposure to the plasma radiation from femtosecond laser tightly focusing.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Funduscopic findings were accompanied mainly by optical coherence tomography (OCT) investigation of the macula during the follow‐up period.

Results

All patients shared similar clinical symptoms soon after the initial injury, including reduced visual acuity and central scotomas. It was acutely characterized by foveolar yellowish faceted lesions upon fundus examination. The main OCT finding in the acute stage was a hyper‐reflective area involving all foveolar retinal layers without retinal edema. Repeat OCT evaluation during the latter stages revealed that the retinal changes were reversible, but delineated mild pathology at the outer foveal retina. This retinal structural recovery was accompanied by improvements in visual acuity and central scotomas as well.

Conclusions

Prolonged viewing of a plasma flash induced by a focused femtosecond laser without eye protection may produce persistent damage to the retina. We believe that a photochemical process similar to the mechanism of a solar burn or welder's maculopathy may cause retinal damage in this case series.
Colloid Syringeless Electrospinning toward Nonwoven Nanofiber Web Containing a Massive Amount of Inorganic Fillers
Authors: Lee Jaeyu , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: January 2022

Colloidal electrospinning is identified as a powerful tool for the fabrication of nonwoven nanofiber webs with increased functionality by the introduction of functional fillers into the webs. However, the use of this method is still limited due to minimal material diversity, low concentration of fillers, difficulty in mass production, and process difficulties. In this paper, syringeless electrospinning is suggested as an excellent method for colloidal electrospinning. Since the polymeric solution is supplied from the container through rotating drums, this method is relatively free from the precipitation of fillers present in the polymeric solution. Syringeless electrospinning provides a higher production rate than needle‐based electrospinning with simple process control. The syringeless technique makes it possible to expand the scope of the method to various polymers and inorganic fillers with sufficiently high filler concentrations. Herein, nonwoven nanofiber webs with a diverse combination of polymers (polyacrylonitrile (PAN), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) and fillers (silica, titania, zirconia, activated carbons, and metal‐organic framework (MOF) crystals) are presented. Nonwoven nanofiber webs comprising PAN and UiO‐66‐NH2 MOF crystal are prepared for detoxification of a nerve agent simulant, diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP), as a representative example of applications.
Periodicity on isolated time scales
Authors: Bohner Martin , Mesquita Jaqueline , Streipert Sabrina
Published: January 2022

In this work, we formulate the definition of periodicity for functions defined on isolated time scales. The introduced definition is consistent with the known formulations in the discrete and quantum calculus settings. Using the definition of periodicity, we discuss the existence and uniqueness of periodic solutions to a family of linear dynamic equations on isolated time scales. Examples in quantum calculus and for mixed isolated time scales are presented.
Air Pollution and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Review
Authors: Murata Hiromi , Barnhill Lisa M. , Bronstein Jeff M.
Published: January 2022

Parkinson's disease, as well as other neurodegenerative disorders, are primarily characterized by pathological accumulation of proteins, inflammation, and neuron loss. Although there are some known genetic risk factors, most cases cannot be explained by genetics alone. Therefore, it is important to determine the environmental factors that confer risk and the mechanisms by which they act. Recent epidemiological studies have found that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk for development of Parkinson's disease, although not all results are uniform. The variability between these studies is likely due to differences in what components of air pollution are measured, timing and methods used to determine exposures, and correction for other variables. There are several potential mechanisms by which air pollution could act to increase the risk for development of Parkinson's disease, including direct neuronal toxicity, induction of systemic inflammation leading to central nervous system inflammation, and alterations in gut physiology and the microbiome. Taken together, air pollution is an emerging risk factor in the development of Parkinson's disease. A number of potential mechanisms have been implicated by which it promotes neuropathology providing biological plausibility, and these mechanisms are likely relevant to the development of other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. This field is in its early stages, but a better understanding of how environmental exposures influence the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration is essential for reducing the incidence of disease and finding disease‐modifying therapies. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Genetic of preimplantation diagnosis of dysmorphic facial features and intellectual developmental disorder (CHDFIDD) without congenital heart defects
Authors: Cui Xiangrong , Wu Xueqing , Wang Hongwei , Zhang Sanyuan , Wang Wei , Jing Xuan
Published: January 2022

Background

Cyclin‐dependent kinase 13 plays a critical role in the regulation of gene transcription. Recent evidence suggests that heterozygous variants in CDK13 are associated with a syndromic form of mental deficiency and developmental delay, which is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Methods

A mentally retarded mother (33‐year‐old) and son (10‐year‐old boy) in our hospital with CDK13 variant (c.2149 (exon 4) G>A. p.Gly717Arg) were detected by whole‐exome sequencing (WES). All published CDK13 variant syndrome cases as of November 11, 2021, were searched, and their clinical information was recorded and summarized.

Results

We studied two patients in a Chinese family with a heterozygous constitutional CDK13 variant (c.2149 (exon 4) G>A. p.Gly717Arg), exhibiting the classical characteristics of dysmorphic facial features and intellectual developmental disorder (CHDFIDD, OMIM # 617360), without congenital heart defects. This is the first reported case of an adult patient with a CDK13 variant that gave birth to the next generation with the same variant. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease (PGT‐M) was performed for the proband and her husband with full informed consent and successfully blocked the inheritance of the disease.

Conclusion

Our study is of great significance for molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with CDHFIDD and extends the variant spectrum of CDK13.
Phenotypic heterogeneity in patients with NEFL‐related Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kim Sang Beom , Kim Hyun Su , Kwon Hye Mi , Park Jae Hong , Lee Ah Jin , Lim Si On , Nam Soo Hyun , Hong Young Bin , Chung Ki Wha , Choi Byung‐Ok
Published: January 2022

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common hereditary peripheral neuropathy. Mutations in the neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL) gene produce diverse clinical phenotypes, including demyelinating (CMT1F), axonal (CMT2E), and intermediate (CMTDIG) neuropathies. From 2005 to 2020, 1,143 Korean CMT families underwent gene sequencing, and we investigated the clinical, genetic, and neuroimaging spectra of NEFL‐related CMT patients. Ten NEFL mutations in 17 families (1.49%) were identified, of which three (p.L312P, p.Y443N, and p.K467N) were novel. Eight de novo cases were identified at a rate of 0.47 based on a cosegregation analysis. The age of onset was ≤3 years in five cases (13.5%). The patients revealed additional features including delayed walking, ataxia, dysphagia, dysarthria, dementia, ptosis, waddling gait, tremor, hearing loss, and abnormal visual evoked potential. Signs of ataxia were found in 26 patients (70.3%). In leg MRI analyses, various degrees of intramuscular fat infiltration were found. All compartments were evenly affected in CMT1F patients. The anterior and anterolateral compartments were affected in CMT2E, and the posterior compartment was affected in CMTDIG. Thus, NEFL‐related CMT patients showed phenotypic heterogeneities. This study's clinical, genetic, and neuroimaging results could be helpful in the evaluation of novel NEFL variants and differential diagnosis against other CMT subtypes.
Analysis of risk factors for complications of perforator propeller flaps used for soft tissue reconstruction after malignant tumor resection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yue Shuai , Ju Mengran , Su Zhe
Published: January 2022

Background

Perforator propeller flaps (PPFs) have been widely used due to their numerous advantages; however, they were also associated with various complications. Herein, we analyzed the risk factors for complications of PPFs used for soft tissue reconstruction after malignant tumor resection.

Methods

We searched databases for articles on soft tissue reconstruction using PPFs after malignant tumor resection published between January 1991 and April 2021. Studies were selected according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) statement. Fixed effects models and relative risks were used for data analysis. Funnel plots and Begg's test were used to evaluate publication bias.

Results

Twenty‐six articles met the inclusion criteria. Complications were found in 24.7% of all patients. The four significant risk factors were age equal or older than 60 years (pooled relative risk, 1.83; p = .04), smoking (pooled relative risk, 2.32; p = .03), diabetes (pooled relative risk, 2.59; p = .01) and radiotherapy (pooled relative risk, 2.09; p = .01). Hypertension, defects located in the extremities, flap size equal or greater than 100 cm2, and pedicle rotation equal or greater than 120 degrees were not significant risk factors for complications. No publication bias was found in the included articles.

Conclusion

Age equal or older than 60 years, smoking, diabetes and radiotherapy are four risk factors for complications when PPFs are used to reconstruct soft tissue defects resulting from malignant tumor resection.
A nonhomogeneous boundary‐valued problem for the coupled Korteweg–de Vries system
Authors: Pei Yitong , Guo Boling , Liu Wuming
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study the initial‐boundary‐value problem (IBVP) for coupled Korteweg–de Vries equations posed on a finite interval with nonhomogeneous boundary conditions. We overcome the requirement for stronger smooth boundary conditions in the traditional method via the Laplace transform. Our approach uses the strong Kato smoothing property and the contraction mapping principle.
Design and simulation of reference voltage sources circuit in lasers
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Xie Yonghao , Huang Jianping , Mo Chong , Mu Dawei , Li Mingbao
Published: January 2022

For the design of reference voltage source circuits in lasers, there is a problem of low accuracy using general design approach, this paper proposes an improved high‐precision voltage source circuit design. Firstly, a suitable reference voltage source chip is selected, then the excitation source circuit with better stability is designed, a high‐order filter is designed for filtering, and finally a compensation circuit is designed to improve the accuracy of the lasers voltage source. The effect of the designed voltage source circuit was verified, and the simulation results showed that the designed voltage source circuit was improved in output voltage accuracy, stability, and noise level, achieving a voltage noise level of 0.978 μV/Hz1/2 at 0.1 mHz at an input voltage of 2V. The validity of the voltage source circuit used for the lasers is verified, providing a high reference value for improving the lasers accuracy in laser spectroscopy.
Deformability of ascending thoracic aorta aneurysms assessed using ultrafast ultrasound and a principal strain estimator: In vitro evaluation and in vivo feasibility
Authors: Wang Diya , Chayer Boris , Destrempes François , Gesnik Marc , Tournoux François , Cloutier Guy
Published: January 2022

Background

Noninvasive vascular strain imaging under conventional line‐by‐line scanning has a low frame rate and lateral resolution and depends on the coordinate system. It is thus affected by high deformations due to image decorrelation between frames.

Purpose

To develop an ultrafast time‐ensemble regularized tissue‐Doppler optical‐flow principal strain estimator for aorta deformability assessment in a long‐axis view.

Methods

This approach alleviated the impact of lateral resolution using image compounding and that of the coordinate system dependency using principal strain. Accuracy and feasibility were evaluated in two aorta‐mimicking phantoms first, and then in four age‐matched individuals with either a normal aorta or a pathological ascending thoracic aorta aneurysm (TAA).

Results

Instantaneous aortic maximum and minimum principal strain maps and regional accumulated strains during each cardiac cycle were estimated at systolic and diastolic phases to characterize the normal aorta and TAA. In vitro, principal strain results matched sonomicrometry measurements. In vivo, a significant decrease in maximum and minimum principal strains was observed in TAA cases, whose range was respectively 7.9 ± 6.4% and 8.2 ± 2.6% smaller than in normal aortas.

Conclusions

The proposed principal strain estimator showed an ability to potentially assess TAA deformability, which may provide an individualized and reliable evaluation method for TAA rupture risk assessment.