bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian areal disaggregation regression to predict wildlife distribution and relative density with low‐resolution data
Authors: Murphy Kilian J. , Ciuti Simone , Burkitt Tim , Morera‐Pujol Virginia
Published: October 2023

For species of conservation concern and human–wildlife conflict, it is imperative that spatial population data be available to design adaptive‐management strategies and be prepared to meet challenges such as land use and climate change, disease outbreaks, and invasive species spread. This can be difficult, perhaps impossible, if spatially explicit wildlife data are not available. Low‐resolution areal counts, however, are common in wildlife monitoring, that is, the number of animals reported for a region, usually corresponding to administrative subdivisions, for example, region, province, county, departments, or cantons. Bayesian areal disaggregation regression is a solution to exploit areal counts and provide conservation biologists with high‐resolution species distribution predictive models. This method originated in epidemiology but lacks experimentation in ecology. It provides a plethora of applications to change the way we collect and analyze data for wildlife populations. Based on high‐resolution environmental rasters, the disaggregation method disaggregates the number of individuals observed in a region and distributes them at the pixel level (e.g., 5 × 5 km or finer resolution), thereby converting low‐resolution data into a high‐resolution distribution and indices of relative density. In our demonstrative study, we disaggregated areal count data from hunting bag returns to disentangle the changing distribution and population dynamics of three deer species (red, sika, and fallow) in Ireland from 2000 to 2018. We show an application of the Bayesian areal disaggregation regression method and document marked increases in relative population density and extensive range expansion for each of the three deer species across Ireland. We challenged our disaggregated model predictions by correlating them with independent deer surveys carried out in field sites and alternative deer distribution models built using presence‐only and presence–absence data. Finding a high correlation with both independent data sets, we highlighted the ability of Bayesian areal disaggregation regression to accurately capture fine‐scale spatial patterns of animal distribution. This study uncovers new scenarios for wildlife managers and conservation biologists to reliably use regional count data disregarded so far in species distribution modeling. Thus, it represents a step forward in our ability to monitor wildlife population and meet challenges in our changing world.
Coastal archaeological site visibility problems and underwater prospects in the Northern Lake Superior Basin
Authors: Boyd Matthew
Published: October 2023

The early to middle Holocene was marked by considerable variability in lake levels in the Lake Superior Basin due to a combination of meltwater runoff, isostatic adjustment, shifting glacial margins, and climate change. These processes likely had a large impact on the preservation and visibility of coastal archaeological sites dating from the Early Period (Paleoindian) to the Middle Period (Shield Archaic). Of particular interest is the brief interval after 9300 cal. B.P. when ancestral Lake Superior dropped to its lowest level (Houghton) and human populations may have made incursions deeper into the basin. Elsewhere in the Upper Great Lakes, this period is associated with offshore archaeological sites submerged by rising water levels later in the Holocene. New geological data from the Thunder Bay, ON, region yield exceptional insight into the paleohydrology of the Houghton phase and, hence, the underwater archaeological prospects of this low water phase in the northern Lake Superior Basin. These data indicate that the lake reached its lowest level by at least ~9100 cal. B.P. but was highly unstable, at least initially, due to a combination of climate and meltwater runoff. Early underwater sites may be confined to two short, hydrologically closed, lowstands between ~9100 and 8700 cal. B.P. and would have been impacted by at least one lake transgression. Such sites, however, may still hold better potential for organic preservation and the visibility of large cultural features compared to their terrestrial counterparts. Coastal sites occupied when the lake was hydrologically closed may be especially well‐preserved due to rapid inundation before the gradual, and generally erosional, Nipissing transgression occurred.
Legalization and retail availability of recreational marijuana and adolescent use in schools
Authors: Cil Gulcan , Winters Ken C. , Austin Sean C. , Kittelman Angus , Smolkowski Keith , Westling Erika , Seeley John R.
Published: October 2023

Legalization of use and retail sales of recreational marijuana in U.S. states and the associated potential increase in access to marijuana and normalization of its use by adults could lead to increased use by adolescents. Studies have found that states with legal recreational marijuana have higher rates of adolescent use and frequency of use compared to states without legal use. We examined changes in student office discipline referrals (ODRs) for substance use offenses in Oregon middle and high schools before and after the legalization of recreational marijuana relative to comparison schools in other states. We found that rates of substance use related ODRs in middle schools increased by 0.14 per 100 students (30% of the mean) with legalization relative to comparison schools. This increase was moderated by the presence of a marijuana outlet within one mile of the school. We found no statistically discernible changes in high school ODRs. Marijuana use in adolescence has been linked to negative health and social consequences, including academic problems, mental health issues, and impaired driving. Potential adverse impact on adolescents and investments in school‐based prevention programs could be important considerations for policymakers and public health officials when evaluating marijuana legalization.
Binding of Protein D/E to the Surface of Rat Epididymal Sperm Before Ejaculation and After Deposition in the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: TUBBS CHRISTOPHER E. , HALL JOSEPH C. , SCOTT ROBERT O. , CLARK VICTOR P. , HERMON TONIA L. , BAZEMORE‐WALKER CARTHENE
Published: October 2023

The objectives of the present investigation were to study the interaction of protein D/E with the surface of rat epididymal spermatozoa and to assess its topology on the spermatozoa surface before and after deposition in the female reproductive tract. Protein D/E, a member of the cysteine‐rich secretory protein (CRISP‐1) family, has been proposed to be involved in sperm‐egg membrane fusion. In vitro competitive photoactivated cross‐linking experiments followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis revealed that protein D/E molecules specifically interact with two surface proteins exhibiting an Mr ∼120.0 kd and ∼130.0 kd, respectively, on the sperm surface. In vitro treatment of epididymal spermatozoa with phosphatidylinositol specific‐phospholipase C revealed the release of protein D/E molecules over the head region but not the tail region of spermatozoa. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments using polyclonal antibodies generated against a highly purified protein D/E preparation demonstrated that protein D/E molecules were bound to the surface of spermatozoa recovered from the epididymal and female reproductive tracts, even after 7 hours. These results indicate that protein D/E molecules interact with specific membrane proteins, and is subsequently covalently bound to the surface of spermatozoa via a glycosyl‐phosphatidyl inositol linkage. In addition, protein D/E molecules remain covalently bound to spermatozoa after deposition in the female reproductive tract, an observation that is consistent with the proposed physiological function of the protein in the fertilization process.
Partial Characterization of Antigenic Sperm Proteins in Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: VERDIER YANN , ROUET NELLY , ARTOIS MARC , BOUÉ FRANCK
Published: October 2023

The aim of this work was to identify antigenic proteins on fox spermatozoa. Fox spermatozoa proteins were injected into 3 female rabbits and into 3 male and 3 female foxes. In rabbits, a rapid humoral response was observed. Using rabbit sera for Western blotting, 23 fox sperm protein bands were recognized between 10 and 110 kd. In foxes, the time course of antibody response was studied in the same manner. The number of recognized bands was maximal on day 75 for 2 foxes, on day 90 for 3 foxes, and on day 120 for 1 fox. Western blot patterns varied from one fox to another. On the whole, 25 protein bands between 10 and 110 kd were recognized. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling on fox spermatozoa with rabbit and fox sera, we showed that several antigens recognized by the antisera were located at or near the surface of the spermatozoa. By two‐dimensional electrophoresis and gel‐purification, we have selected 6 highly antigenic proteins with molecular weights of 11.4, 14.7, 16.4, 16.4, 16.8, and 16.9 kd, and isoelectric points of 6.0, 6.0, 6.2, 5.5, 5.3, and 5.8, respectively, and one antigenic protein at 97 kd with an isoelectric point of 4.3 to 4.6. The results of this study can be used to characterize these 7 antigens selected more precisely by microsequencing or mass spectrometry.
Associations between childhood adversity, psychiatric symptoms, and self‐esteem outcomes in adolescents and young adults: An experience sampling study
Authors: Mazereel Victor , Vansteelandt Kristof , Menne‐Lothmann Claudia , Decoster Jeroen , Derom Catherine , Thiery Evert , Rutten Bart P. F. , Jacobs Nele , van Os Jim , Wichers Marieke , De Hert Marc , Vancampfort Davy , van Winkel Ruud
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Self‐esteem and self‐esteem stability are important factors during adolescence and young adulthood that can be negatively impacted by childhood adversity and psychiatric symptoms. We examined whether childhood adversity and psychiatric symptoms are associated with decreased global self‐esteem as well as increased self‐esteem instability as measured with experience sampling method. In addition, we examined if childhood adversity moderates the association between psychiatric symptoms and self‐esteem outcomes.

Methods

Our study consisted of 788 adolescents and young adults who were part of a twin pair. The twin structure was not of interest to the current study. Mean age was 16.8 (SD = 2.38, range: 14−25), 42% was male. We used a multilevel modeling approach to examine our hypotheses to account for the presence of twins in the data set.

Results

Childhood adversity and psychiatric symptoms were negatively associated with global self‐esteem (respectively standardized β = −.18, SE = 0.04, p < .0001 and standardized β = −.45, SE = 0.04, p < .0001), with a larger effect for psychiatric symptoms. Similarly, both were associated with increased self‐esteem instability (respectively standardized β = .076, SE = 0.025, p = .002 and standardized β = .11, SE = 0.021, p < .0001). In addition, interactions between childhood adversity and psychiatric symptoms on both global self‐esteem (standardized β = .06, SE = 0.01, p < .0001) and self‐esteem instability (standardized β = −.002, SE = 0.0006, p = .001) were found, showing that the negative association of psychiatric symptoms with self‐esteem outcomes is less pronounced in young people with higher levels of childhood adversity, or formulated differently, is more pronounced in young people with little or no exposure to childhood adversity.

Conclusion

Global self‐esteem and self‐esteem instability in young people are influenced by both current psychiatric symptomatology and exposure to childhood adversity. Those with more psychiatric symptoms show worse self‐esteem and higher self‐esteem instability, which is moderated by childhood adversity. For young people with high childhood adversity levels lower self‐esteem and higher self‐esteem instability are less influenced by reductions in psychiatric symptoms.
Microtubule acetylation induced by oxidative stress regulates subcellular distribution of lysosomal vesicles for amyloid‐beta secretion
Authors: Jeong Jangho , Kim Ok‐Hyeon , Shim Jaeyeoung , Keum Seula , Hwang Ye Eun , Song Seongeun , Kim Jung‐Woong , Choi Jee‐Hye , Lee Hyun Jung , Rhee Sangmyung
Published: October 2023

Excessive production and accumulation of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) in the brain are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although oxidative stress is known to trigger and promote the progression of AD, the molecular relationship between oxidative stress and Aβ production is not yet fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that microtubule acetylation induced by oxidative stress plays a critical role in Aβ production and secretion by altering the subcellular distribution of Aβ precursor protein (APP)‐containing lysosomal vesicles. Under oxidative stress, both H4‐APPSwe/Ind and HEK293T‐APPSwe/Ind cell lines showed increased microtubule acetylation and Aβ secretion. Knockdown (KD) of alpha‐tubulin N‐acetyltransferase 1 (ATAT1) by using a lentiviral shRNA not only inhibited the generation of intermediate APP fragments, such as β‐CTF and AICD, but also suppressed Aβ secretion. Oxidative stress promoted the dispersion of LAMP1‐positive vesicles to the periphery of the cell through microtubule acetylation, leading to the formation of neutralized lysosomal vesicles (NLVs), which was inhibited by ATAT1 KD. Treatment of the cells with the dynein ATPase inhibitor EHNA or downregulation of LIS1, a regulator of dynein‐mediated intracellular transport, increased the peripheral localization of NLVs and promoted Aβ secretion, whereas KD of ADP ribosylation factor like GTPase 8B showed the opposite result. ATAT1 KD in the hippocampal region of the 5×FAD AD mouse model also showed significant reductions in Aβ plaque accumulation and memory loss. Taken together, these findings suggest that oxidative stress–induced microtubule acetylation promotes the peripheral localization of lysosomal vesicles to form NLVs, thereby enhancing Aβ secretion.
Convenient and facile theoretical design strategy to amplify NLO response of N‐doped‐indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole push–pullA‐π‐D‐π‐A switches
Authors: Hassan Abrar U , Li Yuchuan
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials play a crucial role in various technological fields, making it important to develop strategies that enhance their properties. This research paper focuses on the design strategy to enhance the NLO response of indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole‐based N‐doped fused‐ring electron acceptors as its five new A‐π‐D‐π‐A switches.

RESULTS

The chromophores IC1–IC5 were studied for their electronic, NLO, charge transfer, UV–visible and natural bond orbital‐related features. Their energy levels were determined, with IC1 having the highest energy (3.12 eV) and IC5 the lowest energy (1.916 eV). Their corresponding maximum absorption wavelengths (λmax) were determined to range from 398 to 647 nm. Their electronegativity (x), chemical potential (μ), hardness (η), softness (σ) and electrophilicity of the chromophores were also analyzed, having values ranging from 3.00 to 3.47 eV, 47 to −3.0 eV, 0.25 to 1.39 eV, 0.36 to 2.04 eV and 3.23 to 23.81 eV, respectively. The η and σ values indicated the stability and reactivity of the chromophores, with IC1 having the lowest η and highest σ values. IC2 had the highest dipole moment (μtot) (9.23D) and hyperpolarizability (β0) of 10.323 × 10−11 esu, indicating its strong NLO response. Among all, chromophore IC1 demonstrated a robust stabilization energy by its (N1) → (C15–C17)π* transition.

CONCLUSION

The proposed theoretical design strategy successfully amplifies the NLO response of N‐doped‐indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole switches to open up possibilities for the development of advanced NLO materials, paving the way for future applications in photonics, optoelectronics and other emerging technologies. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Large monochromatic components in hypergraphs with large minimum codegree
Authors: Bal Deepak , DeBiasio Louis
Published: October 2023

A result of Gyárfás says that for every 3‐coloring of the edges of the complete graph , there is a monochromatic component of order at least , and this is best possible when 4 divides . Furthermore, for all and every ‐coloring of the edges of the complete ‐uniform hypergraph , there is a monochromatic component of order at least and this is best possible for all . Recently, Guggiari and Scott and independently Rahimi proved a strengthening of the graph case in the result above which says that the same conclusion holds if is replaced by any graph on vertices with minimum degree at least ; furthermore, this bound on the minimum degree is best possible. We prove a strengthening of the case in the result above which says that the same conclusion holds if is replaced by any ‐uniform hypergraph on vertices with minimum ‐degree at least ; furthermore, this bound on the ‐degree is best possible.
Altered Brain Function in Pediatric Patients With Complete Spinal Cord Injury: A Resting‐State Functional MRI Study
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Shengqiang , Zheng Weimin , Yang Beining , Yang Yanhui , Chen Xin , Chen Qian , Li Xuejing , Hu Yongsheng , Du Jubao , Qin Wen , Lu Jie , Chen Nan
Published: October 2023

Background

Injury to the spinal cord of children may cause potential brain reorganizations, affecting their rehabilitation. However, the specific functional alterations of children after complete spinal cord injury (CSCI) remain unclear.

Purpose

To explore the specific functional changes in local brain and the relationship with clinical characteristics in pediatric CSCI patients, clarifying the impact of CSCI on brain function in developing children.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty pediatric CSCI patients (7.83 ± 1.206 years) and 30 age‐, gender‐matched healthy children as controls (HCs) (8.77 ± 2.079 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T/Resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) using echo‐planar‐imaging (EPI) sequence.

Assessment

Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were used to characterize regional neural function.

Statistical Tests

Two‐sample t‐tests were used to compare the ALFF, fALFF, ReHo values of the brain between pediatric CSCI and HCs (voxel‐level FWE correction, P < 0.05). Spearman correlation analyses were performed to analyze the associations between the ALFF, fALFF, ReHo values in altered regions and the injury duration, sensory motor scores of pediatric CSCI patients (P < 0.05). Then receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to identify possible sensitive imaging indicators for clinical therapy.

Results

Compared with HCs, pediatric CSCI showed significantly decreased ALFF in the right postcentral gyrus (S1), orbitofrontal cortex, and left superior temporal gyrus (STG), increased ALFF in bilateral caudate nucleus, thalamus, middle cingulate gyrus, and cerebellar lobules IV‐VI, and increased ReHo in left cerebellum Crus II and Brodmann area 21. The ALFF value in the right S1 negatively correlated with the pinprick and light touch sensory scores of pediatric CSCI. When the left STG was used as an imaging biomarker for pediatric CSCI, it achieved the highest area under the curve of 0.989.

Conclusions

These findings may provide potential neural mechanisms for sensory motor and cognitive‐emotional deficits in children after CSCI.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Rhizosphere: Role of bacteria to manage plant diseases and sustainable agriculture—A review
Authors: Benaissa Asmaa
Published: October 2023

General plant diseases as well as soil‐borne pathogens severely reduce agricultural yield. The rhizosphere (the region of the soil that includes and surrounds the roots) is an important niche for microbial diversity in particular phytobeneficial bacteria including plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which have been used for a very long time to combat plant diseases. Pathogen control and crop productivity can both be improved through the use of PGPR several mechanisms, including iron‐based nutrition, antibiotics, volatile substances, enzymes, biofilm, allelochemicals, and so on. Their modes of action and molecular mechanisms have improved our comprehension of how they are used to control crop disease. Therefore, there is a lot of literal information available regarding PGPR, but this review stands out since it starts with the fundamentals: the concept of the rhizosphere and the colonization process of the latter, particularly because it covers the most mechanisms. A broad figure is used to present the study's findings. The advantages of using PGPR as bioinoculants in sustainable agriculture are also mentioned.
Mean S1 inlet and outlet view angles are not safe for all individuals according to three‐dimensional tomographic measurements
Authors: Tanoğlu Oğuzhan , Gökgöz Mehmet Burak , Subaşı İzzet Özay , Arıcan Gökhun , Koçkara Nizamettin
Published: October 2023

Although there are many studies evaluating optimal inlet and outlet angles required for the correct placement of S1 iliosacral screws, there is no study evaluating reliability and feasibility of these angles for all individuals on three‐dimensional (3D) anatomical models. A total of 100 women and 100 men were selected randomly. A vertical line was created according to long axis of the tomography device on which patient was lying in supine position. The automatized best‐fit planes were created on superior and inferior endplates, anterior cortex including notch region and posterior cortex of first sacral vertebrae using 3D imaging software to measure mean inlet and outlet angles. We observed no statistically significant difference between gender groups in terms of inlet and outlet angles. Mean inlet view is obtained for anterior cortex of S1 in 22.5 ± 9.5° and for posterior cortex in 46.5 ± 9.3°. Mean fluoroscopic view angle of S1 for superior outlet is 40.3 ± 7.6 and for inferior outlet is 46.9 ± 8.8. Mean anterior and posterior S1 inlet view angles do not accurately visualize anterior cortex of 74 (37%) and posterior cortex of 66 (33%) individuals. Mean superior and inferior S1 outlet view angles do not accurately visualize superior endplate of 74 (37%) and inferior endplate of 56 (28%) individuals. Due to individual alterations of spatial position of sacrum, mean inlet and outlet view angles of S1 are not sufficient to visualize the iliosacral screws under fluoroscopy in many individuals.
Multi‐investigator collaboration in orthopedic surgery research compared to other medical fields: Update comparing 2021−2009
Authors: Kuhn Andrew W. , Rund Joseph M. , Wolf Brian R. , Brophy Robert H.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of multicenter studies in the orthopedic literature compared to general medicine and other surgical subspecialty studies as an update to a previous study. The number of multicenter research studies across three orthopedic surgery journals was higher in 2021 compared to 2009 (7.2% [95% CI: 5.1%−9.4%, χ2 [df = 1 = 43.8]], p < 0.0001), as was the number of authors and institutions listed on clinical research studies. While these trends in multicenter research publishing are encouraging, orthopedic surgery still lags behind the general medicine and other surgical subspecialty literature bases. Of the 934 orthopedic surgery studies published, 92 (9.9%) were multicenter studies compared to 64.4% of the general medicine and 26.9% of the other surgical subspecialty studies (χ2 [df = 2] = 472.6, p < 0.001). Multicenter trials conducted in orthopedics have fundamentally changed musculoskeletal care, affecting the lives of millions of patients. Participation in multicenter research should be encouraged and prioritized through continued advocacy, funding, support, and direction from orthopedic governing bodies, journals, and subspecialty groups.
Shelf acetabuloplasty may inhibit range of motion: A computer simulation analysis
Authors: Miyajima Shunsuke , Kobayashi Naomi , Yukizawa Yohei , Kamono Emi , Choe Hyonmin , Ike Hiroyuki , Kumagai Ken , Inaba Yutaka
Published: October 2023

Shelf acetabuloplasty has been performed in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, the appropriate position of the shelf has not been determined, particularly with respect to avoiding range of motion (ROM) loss. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ROM inhibition and the influence of 3D position of the shelf following actual shelf acetabuloplasty and virtual surgery using computer simulation analysis. Computed tomography data from 15 patients with DDH who underwent shelf acetabuloplasty were collected between August 2019 and February 2022. The three‐dimensional models of a hip joint were constructed using Zed Hip®. Maximal internal rotation (MIR) at 45° and 90° flexion was measured in each patient. The frequency and position of ROM inhibition was determined in a real postoperative model virtually. In addition, a second analysis using virtual acetabuloplasty was performed. Upon placing the shelf, three patterns were provided for the following four parameters: height, coronal inclination, center‐edge angle (CEA), and anteroposterior position. The predictors for ROM inhibition were analyzed using a logistic regression model. In the actual postoperative model, a limitation of MIR at 90° and 45° of flexion occurred in 60% and 66.7% of patients, respectively. A higher CEA and anterior position are major factors limiting MIR. The analysis of the virtual shelf acetabuloplasty model revealed that anterior position and CEA were significant factors causing ROM inhibition. As for clinical significance, the results of the current study indicated the optimal location of the shelf to avoid iatrogenic impingement after shelf acetabuloplasty.
How much of the superolateral femoral neck should be removed in intramedullary nail fixation for intertrochanteric fracture?
Authors: Li Zong‐Long , Li Yi‐Wei , Qi Yi‐Ming , Zhang Ying‐Qi
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to measure how much of the superolateral femoral neck should be removed to reduce the incidence of wedge effect. Simulating surgery: Computed Tomography images of 131 intertrochanteric fracture patients were included, three‐dimensionally reconstructed, virtually reduced and implanted with Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation blade‐Ⅱ(PFNA‐Ⅱ) nail. The antero‐posterior length and media‐lateral width of the intersection between superolateral femoral neck and PFNA‐Ⅱ nail were measured. Retrospective study: The pre‐ and postoperative CT of 30 patients were collected. The average varus angle of the neck‐shaft angle and the correlation between the angles and the difference in the actual and estimated width of the fragments removed were measured. Models of 108 patient were selected for analysis. The average antero‐posterior length and media‐lateral width were 14.46 mm (14.00–14.93 mm) and 9.33 mm (8.79–9.87 mm), respectively. The AO/OTA classification was not significantly associated with the outcome, but the gender was. In the retrospective study, the mean value of the varus angles was −4.58° (SE = 6.85°), and the difference of width was strongly positively correlated with the varus angle with a correlation coefficient of 0.698. Results obtained in this study can improve the understanding of this region and help surgeons to make appropriate preoperative planning to reduce the incidence of wedge effect. Retrospective study provided effective proof of the reliability of this study.
The rate of disuse osteopenia in admitted, non‐weight‐bearing patients
Authors: Walley Kempland C. , Farrar Nicholas R. , Muralidharan Aditya , Monovoukas Demetri A. , Eichman Jack , Klueh Michael P. , Baumann Anthony N. , Perdue Aaron M. , Hake Mark E. , Ahn Jaimo
Published: October 2023

Disuse osteopenia is a well‐recognized consequence of prolonged physical inactivity, but its rate after orthopaedic injuries necessitating non‐weight‐bearing is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of disuse osteopenia at the lumbar spine and proximal femur in patients with lower extremity trauma admitted to the hospital. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with lower extremity trauma with a period of strict non‐weight‐bearing between completion of two computed tomography (CT) scans. The radiodensity of the proximal femur or lumbar vertebrae was measured from the earliest and latest available CT scans within the non‐weight‐bearing timeframe. The change in estimated bone mineral density (eBMD) was calculated as a proxy for disuse osteopenia. A total of 189,111 patients were screened, with 17 patients in the proximal femur group and 15 patients in the lumbar spine group meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The average rate of change in eBMD of the proximal femur was a decrease of 7.54 HU/day, 95% confidence interval (CI) [3.65, 11.43]. The average rate of change in eBMD of the lumbar spine was an increase of 1.45 HU/day, 95% CI [−3.15, 6.06]. In admitted, non‐weight‐bearing orthopaedic trauma patients, our novel study suggests that the proximal femur experiences disuse osteopenia during periods of non‐weight‐bearing, although this finding was not observed at the lumbar spine. The clinical significance of this data underscores the important consideration of disuse osteopenia by all physicians when caring for patients that may require non‐weight‐bearing restrictions.
Clinical characteristics of monkeypox vaccine injection site reactions: A cohort of seven patients
Authors: Gaspari Anthony A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Monkeypox (Mpox) infections are considered a public health emergency, prompting the need for the administration of a preventative vaccine to high‐risk individuals.

Objectives

To describe the clinical course of dermatologic reactions to Mpox vaccine over time.

Methods

Seven recipients of the Mpox vaccine, administered via intradermal injection, were observed over time, and the dermatologic reactions to this vaccine were recorded.

Results

All seven recipients experienced mild to moderate localized reactions to Mpox vaccine to either the primary or booster injections. These reactions were characterized by erythema, induration and pruritus. These reactions eventually healed without any sustained reactions, eschar or scarring. None of the recipients experienced systemic reactions or widespread cutaneous eruptions.

Conclusions

Intradermal injections of Mpox vaccine result in mild to moderate injection site reactions, most likely representing a vigorous cell‐mediated immune response. In all cases, the injection sites healed without complications.
Non‐Volatile Hybrid Optical Phase Shifter Driven by a Ferroelectric Transistor
Authors: Tang Rui , Watanabe Kouhei , Fujita Masahiro , Tang Hanzhi , Akazawa Tomohiro , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: October 2023

Optical phase shifters are essential elements in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and function as a direct interface to program the PICs. Non‐volatile phase shifters, which can retain information without a power supply, are highly desirable for low‐power static operations. Here a non‐volatile optical phase shifter is demonstrated by driving a III‐V/Si hybrid metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) phase shifter with a ferroelectric field‐effect transistor (FeFET) operating in the source follower mode. Owing to the various polarization states in the FeFET, multistate non‐volatile phase shifts up to 1.25π are obtained with CMOS‐compatible operation voltages and low switching energy up to 3.3 nJ. Furthermore, a crossbar array architecture is proposed to simplify the control of non‐volatile phase shifters in large‐scale PICs and verify its feasibility by confirming the selective write‐in operation of a targeted FeFET with a negligible disturbance to the others. This work paves the way for realizing large‐scale non‐volatile programmable PICs for emerging computing applications such as deep learning and quantum computing.
Transition to telehealth during COVID had minimal impact on payment rates
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2023

The availability of telehealth indisputably preserved access to mental health care for many individuals during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but the impact that telehealth has had on cost has remained less clear. A new analysis released by KFF (formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation) suggests that private insurance payment rates for telehealth services in mental health continue to be similar to rates for in‐person treatment.
Comparison and evaluation of different deep learning models of synthetic CT generation from CBCT for nasopharynx cancer adaptive proton therapy
Authors: Pang Bo , Si Hang , Liu Muyu , Fu Wensheng , Zeng Yiling , Liu Hongyuan , Cao Ting , Chang Yu , Quan Hong , Yang Zhiyong
Published: October 2023

Background

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning is used for patient setup in image‐guided radiotherapy. However, its inaccurate CT numbers limit its applicability in dose calculation and treatment planning.

Purpose

This study compares four deep learning methods for generating synthetic CT (sCT) to determine which method is more appropriate and offers potential for further clinical exploration in adaptive proton therapy for nasopharynx cancer.

Methods

CBCTs and deformed planning CT (dCT) from 75 patients (60/5/10 for training, validation and testing) were used to compare cycle‐consistent Generative Adversarial Network (cycleGAN), Unet, Unet+cycleGAN and conditionalGenerative Adversarial Network (cGAN) for sCT generation. The sCT images generated by each method were evaluated against dCT images using mean absolute error (MAE), structural similarity (SSIM), peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR), spatial non‐uniformity (SNU) and radial averaging in the frequency domain. In addition, dosimetric accuracy was assessed through gamma analysis, differences in water equivalent thickness (WET), and dose‐volume histogram metrics.

Results

The cGAN model has demonstrated optimal performance in the four models across various indicators. In terms of image quality under global condition, the average MAE has been reduced to 16.39HU, SSIM has increased to 95.24%, and PSNR has increased to 28.98. Regarding dosimetric accuracy, the gamma passing rate (2%/2 mm) has reached 99.02%, and the WET difference is only 1.28 mm. The D95 value of CTVs coverage and Dmax value of spinal cord, brainstem show no significant differences between dCT and sCT generated by cGAN model.

Conclusions

The cGAN model has been shown to be a more suitable approach for generating sCT using CBCT, considering its characteristics and concepts. The resulting sCT has the potential for application in adaptive proton therapy.
Short-term fishery gains mask long-term resource pains: Spatial fisheries management changes promote hyperstable CPUE in Labrador snow crab Chionoecetes opilio during a period of heavy exploitation
Authors: Griffeth Steven P. , Baker Krista D. , Mullowney Darrell R. J.
Published: October 2023

Objective

The snow crab Chionoecetes opilio resource in Assessment Division 2HJ has experienced prolonged high exploitation rates and reduced exploitable biomass over the past two decades. We aimed to explore whether this poor state of the resource is associated with spatial management changes made in 2003 and 2013.

Methods

We tested for differences in fishery performance trends before and after the implementation of spatial management which include standardized CPUE, spatial extent of fishing effort, and size at maturity of male snow crabs.

Result

The results show that spatial regulatory changes were successful in increasing fishery catch rates in the short term but that chronic high exploitation eventually overrode these gains, with contracted fishing patterns leading to increased localized depletion rates on dominant stock components. This ultimately culminated in a downward shift in size at maturity and other concerning biological outcomes.

Conclusion

The analysis demonstrates spatial management measures contributed to the present poor state of Assessment Division 2HJ snow crab and that such measures should serve as complements to—not replacements for—stringent quota control.
Validating morphometrics as a nonlethal tool to determine Arctic Grayling sex
Authors: Samuel William T. , Yancy Lauren E. , Hinkle Elizabeth G. , Falke Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Some graylings Thymallus spp. possess an elongated dorsal fin and other morphological traits that can be sexually dimorphic, as demonstrated in the European Grayling T. thymallus. North American Arctic Grayling T. arcticus are assumed to follow these trends, but decisive evidence is lacking. This study aimed to determine whether sexually dimorphic characteristics, including posterior dorsal height, can be used to accurately predict the sex of Arctic Grayling in Interior Alaska.

Methods

We used computer imaging software to measure 22 morphometrics on 97 Arctic Grayling of known sex from streams in Interior Alaska, and we developed a set of binomial models to evaluate the validity of morphometrics as predictors of Arctic Grayling sex.

Result

Posterior dorsal height was a reasonably accurate predictor of sex (~90% accurate at fork lengths ≥300 mm), although models containing additional morphometrics were more accurate (100% accuracy at fork lengths ≥250 mm).

Conclusion

This study presents an affordable, noninvasive, and replicable method for nonlethal determination of Arctic Grayling sex by using digital images from the field, with potential application to other salmonids.
Framework for a chemo‐mechanical model of the breathing effect in lithium–silicon batteries
Authors: Dittmann Jan , Stern Jan‐Ole , Beiranvand Hamzeh , Wulfinghoff Stephan
Published: October 2023

We present a chemo‐mechanical finite element method model for the breathing effect of the silicon anode during lithiation and delithiation. The model is based on the framework for gradient extended standard dissipative solids. It couples diffusion of lithium ions, phase transformation with a moving phase boundary, and the related volume changes, which lead to mechanical stresses in the material. The driving force for diffusion is given by the gradient of the electrochemical potential. Phase transformation and phase boundary movement are described by the Allen–Cahn equation in combination with a constrained double obstacle potential. To shift the constraint from the nodes to the Gauss points, the model makes use of the micromorphic approach.
It from bit: AI and the laws of nature
Authors: Brändas Erkki J.
Published: October 2023

The present rate of growth of powerful AI systems motivates an accurate comparison between the notion of computers and the workings of natural sciences. Statements such as “intelligence doesn't require flesh, blood or carbon atoms” or “it's computation all the way down” incite a substrate‐independent view, providing shortcuts for Darwinian evolution and the possible appearance of sentient machines. This view is discussed and contrasted from a quantum chemical perspective. The qualitative difference between the developed AI and the evolved HI is recognized and the importance of a material constituent, formulated in terms of energy‐temperature, conjugate to an immaterial ingredient, in the context of time‐entropy, is pointed out as a necessary feature. The popular dictum “it from bit” does not appear valid unless amended with its obverse “bit from it.”
Oncological and functional outcome of robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy with total intracorporeal stentless J‐pouch neobladder reconstruction
Authors: Chen Hao Xiang , Huang Chi‐Ping
Published: October 2023

Background

Robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with neobladder reconstruction has gained popularity in recent years.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 17 consecutive patients who underwent RARC with totally intracorporeal J‐pouch neobladder reconstruction without ureteral stent by a single experienced surgeon to evaluate perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes.

Results

The median follow‐up duration was 32.8 months (range: 17.4–59.0 months), and the 2‐year disease‐free survival rate was 88.2%. Five out of 12 patients were totally continent, and none required more than one pad per day. The overall complication rate was 41.2%, and hydronephrosis was the most common adverse event. The renal function remained stable, and no long‐term renal function impairment was detected.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that RARC with totally intracorporeal J‐pouch neobladder reconstruction without ureteral stent is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, with good oncological and functional outcomes.
Clinicopathologic Evaluation of Granuloma Annulare: Study of 136 Iranian Cases, South of Iran
Authors: Sari Aslani Fatemeh , Pouraminaee Fatemeh , Sepaskhah Mozhdeh , Khosravani Ardakani Sheida
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a benign skin disorder with various histopathologic features that are rarely investigated in Iranian population. We performed this study to find out the clinical and histopathologic features of GA in our referral centre.

Methods

One hundred-thirty-six patients with biopsy-proven GA were reviewed. Clinical data and pathological features were recorded.

Results

One hundred-eight female patients and 28 male patients (Female/male ratio: 3.85) with mean age of 42.54 ± 21.2 years (range: 2–83 years) were recruited. Eighty-eight (64.7%) patients had interstitial infiltrative pattern and 48 (35.3%) patients had complete palisading granulomas. The infiltrate occupied both upper and lower dermis in most of the cases (67.7%). Significant mucin was detected more commonly in complete GA compared to interstitial GA (p = 0.019), but inflammation degree, eosinophils, plasma cells, and giant cells were not different between two subtypes of GA (p > 0.05). The significant inflammation contained more significant plasma cells (p = 0.006). The significantly more giant cells were detected in patients between 20 and 60 years of age (p = 0.015); but other factors were not different between age groups.

Conclusions

In our study, the prevalence of GA in women was significantly higher than in men. Interstitial GA was the more common histological subtype and the inflammation was less severe and the infiltrate was mostly pandermal in our cases. More severe inflammation contained more plasma cells, and more dense giant cells were seen in middle aged patients.
Synthesis of Galactoacrylamide and Study of Stimuli‐Responsive Fluorescent Hierarchical Self‐Assembly‐Promoted Specific Interactions with Proteins
Authors: Ajish Juby K. , Ajish Kumar K. S.
Published: October 2023

A new sugar based acrylamide, 6‐N‐acrylamido‐D‐galactopyranose (Gal‐acryl) was synthesized from D‐galactose in 6 steps. A solution of Gal‐acryl at basic pH exhibited concentration dependent fractal type assembly formation upon solvent evaporation as revealed by the microscopic images. The fractal dimensions calculated point towards Diffusion Limited Aggregation mode of aggregate formation. The critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of Gal‐acryl in water was found to be 49.3 μM. The increase in fluorescence intensity accompanied by blue shift in emission maxima of coumarin 153 suggests increase in non‐polar environment with Gal‐acryl concentration. The I1/I3ratio of pyrene emission confirmed more non‐polar microenvironment at acidic pH and vice versa at basic pH. Self‐assembly allows Gal‐acryl to exhibit specificity to lectin RCA120 as is demonstrated by fluorescence study further supported by turbidimetric assay. The fluorescence quenching studies with FITC‐RCA120 afforded the Ka value as 6.34×105 M−1, which is much higher than Ka values observed for small galactose derivatives. The present study may help in designing different fractal like glycomaterials with potential applications in drug delivery, bio‐sensing, tissue engineering, and as ligands to asialoglycoprotein receptors that are exclusively expressed by liver cells.
K3v2(Po4)3/C as a New High‐Voltage Cathode Material for Calcium‐Ion Batteries with a Water‐In‐Salt Electrolyte
Authors: Qiao Fan , Wang Junjun , Yu Ruohan , Pi Yuqiang , Huang Meng , Cui Lianmeng , Liu Ziang , An Qinyou
Published: October 2023

Aqueous Ca‐ion batteries (ACIBs) attract immense attention due to its high safety and the high abundance of calcium. However, the development of ACIBs is hindered by the lack of high voltage cathode materials to host the large radius and divalent Ca2+. Herein, polyanionic phosphate K3V2(PO4)3/C (KVP/C) is provided as a new cathode material for ACIBs. Due to the robust structure of polyanion material and the wide electrochemical window of water‐in‐salt electrolyte, KVP/C delivers a high working voltage of 3.74 V versus Ca2+/Ca with a specific capacity of 102.4 mAh g−1 and a long‐life of 6000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Furthermore, the calcium storage mechanism of KVP/C is shown to be the coexistence of solid solution and two‐phase reaction by in situ X‐ray diffraction, ex situ transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Finally, an aqueous calcium‐ion full cell, based on an organic compound as anode and KVP/C as cathode, is constructed and it shows good stability for 200 cycles and a specific capacity of 80.2 mAh g−1. This work demonstrates that vanadium‐based phosphate materials are promising high‐voltage cathode materials for ACIBs and renew the prospects for ACIBs.
Large‐Area Metal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics Based on Solvent Bathing and Solution Bathing
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Ye Fengjun , Tu Yongguang
Published: October 2023

Perovskite solar cells as one of the most promising photovoltaic technologies for commercialization have attracted tremendous attention in recent years. It is of great significance to develop and obtain a new controllable technology for preparing large‐area high‐quality perovskite thin films for promoting industrialization. The key to realizing high‐performance large‐area perovskite photovoltaic devices lies in the controllable preparation of large‐area perovskite active layers. Solvent bathing and solution bathing methods are new technologies suitable for large‐scale production, which can realize the controllability of large‐area and high‐quality perovskite layers and have the scalability, simplicity, and applicability required by industrialization. Herein, the research progress of large‐area metal halide perovskite films prepared by solvent bathing and solution bathing is emphasized. The crystallization kinetics of perovskite films prepared by solvent bathing is first introduced, including the types of antisolvents and the basis for screening. The next section illustrates the crystallization kinetics of solution bathing. Third, large‐area perovskite devices based on solvent bathing and solution bathing are present. Finally, the advantages and problems of this technology are summarized and future application scenarios are studied.