bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels in primary infertile men
Authors: Corsini Christian , Fallara Giuseppe , Candela Luigi , Raffo Massimiliano , Pozzi Edoardo , Belladelli Federico , Capogrosso Paolo , Boeri Luca , Costa Antonio , Schifano Nicolò , Cignoli Daniele , Ventimiglia Eugenio , D'Arma Alessia , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: September 2022

Background

Alfa‐fetoprotein (AFP) is a serum glycoprotein highly produced during fetal development. While AFP synthesis drops dramatically after birth, AFP production only persists or returns under specific pathological condition.

Objective

We sought to investigate the rate of and the potential meaning of high AFP serum levels in men seeking first medical attention for couple's primary infertility.

Materials and methods

Socio‐demographic and clinical data from 1803 non‐Finnish, White‐European primary infertile men were retrospectively analysed. AFP was routinely measured in each patient (high AFP was defined as >7 ng/ml). Men with history of liver diseases, testicular cancer, or other known causes of increased AFP levels were excluded from the final analysis. Semen analyses were based on the 2010 World Health Organization reference criteria. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between serum AFP and clinical variables. Possible nonlinear relationships were graphically explored with locally estimated scatterplot smoothing method.

Results

Overall, high serum AFP level was found in 29 (1.7%) patients. Normal versus high AFP levels patients were comparable in terms of body mass index (BMI), Charlson Comorbidity Index, waist circumference, smoking habits, history of cryptorchidism, testicular volume, and serum hormones (i.e., follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and total testosterone). Conversely, men with higher AFP levels were older (p = 0.02), had lower sperm concentration (p = 0.003), and were more frequently oligozoospermic and azoospermic (all p ≤ 0.03). At multivariate analysis, high AFP levels were independently associated with oligozoospermia (OR 3.79; p = 0.033) and azoospermia (OR 3.29; p = 0.006). Likewise, if AFP levels increase, patients were found to be older, with higher BMI and to have more comorbidities (all p < 0.05).

Discussion

Unexplained high AFP levels account for almost 2% of cases in primary infertile patients without a previous history of associated disorders. Higher serum AFP levels are linked with aberrant sperm counts, older age, obesity, and a greater amount of comorbid conditions.

Conclusion

Despite the need for additional validation, these data suggest that serum AFP measurement might have a multifaceted role over the diagnostic work‐up of males presenting for couple's infertility.
Current progress on the curative effects of vasoepididymostomy for patients with obstructive azoospermia: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis of human studies
Authors: Wan Bangbei , Wu Yamei , Wu Zhong , Zhou Zhi , Lu Weiying
Published: September 2022

Background

Obstructive azoospermia (OA) is an important cause of male infertility, and epididymal OA (EOA) is a common disease. Microsurgical reconstruction is a common technique used in the treatment of EOA. In the present study, we analyzed the effectiveness of microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (MVE) at different levels and compared the differences among several MVE techniques.

Materials and methods

A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines. The included studies were published in English until May 14, 2021. The R 4.1.2 software was utilized to evaluate the event rate, risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 51 studies involving 2853 patients with OA were included in our meta‐analysis. The overall mean patency rate of patients who underwent MVE was 67.20% (95% [CI]:63.30%–71.10%), and the overall mean natural pregnancy rate of their partners was 40.05% (95% [CI]: 35.30%–45.60%). The pooled results showed that the patency rate of bilateral MVE was higher than that of unilateral MVE (RR = 1.42; 95% [CI]:1.25–1.61;p < 0.00). A comparison of the anastomotic site of MVE showed that the caudal/corpus area was favorable for the patency rate (RR = 1.17; 95% [CI]:1.04 ‐ 1.32;p < 0.00). The caudal area was also advantageous for the patency rate (RR = 1.20; 95% CI:1.03 – 1.41;p < 0.04). Compared with typical MVE (65.20%, 95% [CI]:61.40%–69.10%), deferential vessel‐sparing MVE with a higher overall mean patency rate (83.60%, 95% [CI]:75.40%–91.70%).

Conclusions

The meta‐analyses indicated that MVE is a high‐ and cost‐effective therapeutic method for patients with EOA, and deferential vessel‐sparing MVE could be mainstream in the near future.
Sacred groves of Central India: Diversity status, carbon storage, and conservation strategies
Authors: Dar Javid Ahmad , Kothandaraman Subashree , Khare Pramod Kumar , Khan Mohammed Latif
Published: September 2022

Sacred groves (SGs) play an important role in the conservation of local biodiversity and provide numerous ecosystem services worldwide. We studied how the ecological status of Central Indian SGs contributes to regional tree diversity and carbon (C) storage. We inventoried the trees in fifty‐nine SGs of Madhya Pradesh and recorded a total of 109 tree species (90 genera, 40 families). The most species‐rich families were Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Malvaceae, and Moraceae. The tree density ranged from 75 to 925 individuals ha−1 (mean: 398 ± 32 individuals ha−1), while basal area varied from 2.5 to 69.2 m2 ha−1 (mean: 24.2 ± 1.9 m2 ha−1). The total C stock {tree C + soil organic C (SOC; 0–30 cm)} ranged from 44.7 to 455.4 Mg C ha−1 (mean: 153.8 ± 9.6 Mg C ha−1) across the SGs. The studied SGs represented 74.7% of the total tree diversity and contained 33.1% higher total C stock than the forests of the state. Tree C stock was significantly positively correlated with tree basal area, distance from the nearest village, and number of years of existence. The present study highlights the crucial role of SGs in sustaining regional biodiversity and storing C in biomass and soil. Continued conservation efforts and contained interventions by people are necessary in order to maintain the current role of these SGs as biodiversity and carbon reservoirs of Central India.
Gankyrin and TIGAR cooperatively accelerate glucose metabolism toward the PPP and TCA cycle in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chun , Cui Xiao‐wen , Ding Zhi‐wen , Jiang Tian‐yi , Feng Xiao‐fan , Pan Yu‐fei , Lin Yun‐kai , Shang Tai‐yu , Wang Qing , Pan Jian , Wang Jian , Wang Hong‐yang , Dong Li‐wei
Published: September 2022

Oncogene‐derived metabolic reprogramming is important for anabolic growth of cancer cells, which is now considered to be not simply rely on glycolysis. Pentose phosphate pathway and tricarboxylic acid cycle also play pivotal roles in helping cancer cells to meet their anabolic and energy demands. The present work focused on gankyrin, a relatively specific oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its impact on glycolysis and mitochondrial homeostasis. Metabolomics, RNA‐seq analysis, and subsequent conjoint analysis illustrated that gankyrin regulated the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and mitochondrial function and homeostasis, which play pivotal roles in tumor development. Mechanistically, gankyrin was found to modulate HCC metabolic reprogramming via TIGAR. Gankyrin positively regulated the transcription of TIGAR through Nrf2, which bound to the antioxidant response elements (AREs) in the promoter of TIGAR. Interestingly, TIGAR feedback regulated the transcription of Nrf2 and subsequently gankyrin by promoting nuclear importation of PGC1α. The loop between gankyrin, Nrf2, and TIGAR accelerated glucose metabolism toward the PPP and TCA cycle, which provided vital building blocks, such as NADPH, ATP, and ribose of tumor and further facilitated the progression of HCC.
Imaging characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to deciduous fused teeth on computed tomography
Authors: Oda Masafumi , Nishida Ikuko , Saeki Katsura , Tanaka Tatsurou , Matsumoto‐Takeda Shinobu , Wakasugi‐Sato Nao , Habu Manabu , Nagasaki Yutaro , Yoshiga Daigo , Sasaguri Masaaki , Morimoto Yasuhiro
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the imaging characteristics of the gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth on computed tomography. The imaging findings of 15 gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were retrospectively analyzed using cone‐beam computed tomography or multidetector computed tomography. In cases without a congenitally defected successor, the two gubernaculum tracts of two successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were fused into one. Gubernaculum tracts (GTs) in mesial successors were vertical, but in distal successors they were inclined to mesial. The major abnormalities of the successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth were delayed eruption and delayed formation. No inclined mesial successors were found, whereas most of the distal successors were inclined to mesial along with the inclined GT. The gubernaculum tracts of successors with a congenital defect of the other successors were vertical, and such successors had no abnormalities. The present study showed the imaging characteristics of gubernaculum tracts in successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth. The abnormal eruption of successional teeth related to fused deciduous teeth may be associated with the characteristics of their gubernaculum tracts.
Fetoscopic surgery for amniotic band syndrome: Case series
Authors: Doğru Şükran , Acar Ali
Published: September 2022

We aimed to evaluate the fetoscopic procedure indications, procedure‐related complications, and neonatal outcomes in cases diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome (ABS). Stage II and III cases according to Hüsler classification were included for fetoscopic surgery. Scissors were used to release the amniotic band in six cases, and a diode laser was used in one case. A single entry was made in all cases. The majority of the children acquired a functional limb (71.4%). Fetal morbidity was mainly linked to the consequences of preterm premature rupture of the membranes (57.1%) and preterm birth (28.5%). Excluding complicated cases, fetoscopic band release is encouraging in cases of ABS in the limbs.
Firms Quasi‐dynamics in Chinese Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Li Lixing , Liu Qihong , Ren Changyu
Published: September 2022

We explore firm quasi‐dynamics (entry, exit, and growth) in Chinese manufacturing industry and investigate how these dynamics vary across regions. Our results show that relative to provinces with less developed economies, in provinces with more developed economies (i) there is a higher proportion of new firms; (ii) new firms are smaller and more labor‐intensive; (iii) firms exit at a quicker rate, and surviving firms grow faster. These results point toward cross‐region differences in market efficiency in terms of how much it costs a firm to enter or exit the market. Our findings shed light on how firms should adapt their strategies across regions and how the government should create sound policies on industrial upgrading and relocation.
Navigating the Methodological Landscape in Spatial Analysis: A Comment on “A Route Map for Successful Applications of Geographically‐Weighted Regression”
Authors: Oshan Taylor M.
Published: September 2022

The development of “route maps” for spatial analytical methods is a pursuit with important ramifications. Comber et al. propose a route map to guide applications of geographically weighted regression consisting of a three‐step primary pathway and a series of secondary arterials. This comment first highlights some concerns about the underlying “map” (i.e., experimental setup and assumptions) and then with the proposed “route” (i.e., core decisions and evaluation criteria). It closes by suggesting a more general focus on identifying modeling issues with the highest impact and facilitating consensus‐building, which could improve the future production of route maps for navigating the methodological landscape in spatial analysis.
Invasive woody legumes: Climatic range shifts and their relationships to functional traits
Authors: Vásquez‐Valderrama Maribel , Carmona Carlos P. , Pauchard Aníbal
Published: September 2022

Aim

Analysis of the shifts in the climatic space for invasive species between native and introduced areas is a powerful tool for understanding their distribution patterns and the factors influencing their spread into new areas. In this study, we explored the shift in climatic distribution between ranges for invasive woody legumes and how the functional traits of these species are associated with their climatic distribution.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Invasive woody legumes.

Methods

We evaluated the global patterns of occupation of the climatic space for 107 invasive woody legumes in their native and introduced distribution ranges, in addition to the differences in six key functional traits. We used the trait probability density (TPD) function to estimate species probabilistic niches. We then classified species into four groups according to the climatic differences between the distribution ranges. The comparisons between the climate shift groups and the distribution ranges were evaluated with mixed linear models. Additionally, we compared the functional traits between species groups using ANOVA.

Results

Overall, we found that invasive species exhibited low to moderate climatic overlap between their native and introduced distribution ranges. However, climatic conditions in the introduced range were different from those in the native range. Invasive legumes were clustered in four groups (conserved, expansion, dissociation and unfilling), with dissociation between climate niches being the most common one. In terms of functional traits, the most relevant finding was that the species in the expansion group had larger leaves than species in the dissociation group.

Main conclusions

Our results showed no consistent climatic range shift across all invasive woody legume species from their native to their introduced distribution. However, some species tended to invade climatic conditions that were different from those in their native range, supporting the hypothesis that some invasive species are able to adapt to novel environmental conditions. Finally, functional traits might be a good predictor of how these species modify their climatic spaces.
Silver dissolution and precipitation in an Na2O–ZnO–B2O3 metallization paste glass
Authors: Heuser Lina , Nofz Marianne , Müller Ralf , Deubener Joachim
Published: September 2022

Thermally stimulated interactions between silver and glass, that is, silver dissolution as Ag+ and precipitation as Ag0 were studied in two glass series of molar target composition xAg2O–(19 − x)Na2O–28ZnO–53B2O3 with x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 5 and (19Na2O–28ZnO–53B2O3)+yAg2O with y = 0.01, 0.05. These act as model for low‐melting borate glasses being part of metallization pastes. The occurrence of metallic silver precipitates in melt‐quenched glass ingots demonstrated that silver dissolved only in traces (< 0.01 mol%) in the glasses. The dissolved silver was detected by means of Raman spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Increasing x in the batch could not lead to a significant increase of the silver ion fraction in the glass as possible in binary silver borate glasses. In situ observation of heated AgNO3 mixed with the base glass frit in a hot stage microscope showed that Ag0 precipitation occurs already at the solid state. At higher temperatures, small droplets of liquid silver were found to move freely within the melt, whereas coalescence caused a stepwise increase of their size. These results contribute to the understanding of formation of silver precipitates in metallization pastes described in the literature.
Online shopping cart abandonment: A review and research agenda
Authors: Wang Siqi , Cheah Jun‐Hwa , Lim Xin‐Jean
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put online shopping at the forefront of retailing; however, the issue related to shopping cart abandonment remains an eternal nemesis of e‐retailers. To understand extant research on online shopping cart abandonment (OSCA), a framework‐based systematic literature review was conducted with the purpose of gaining more insights into existing studies in this context. Specifically, this review examined the literature related to OSCA in terms of theory, context, characteristics, and methods to provide (i) a comprehensive review of the current state of research and (ii) constructive future research agenda in the area. Using scientific procedures, a total of 52 research articles were retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases published during the period 2003–2022. The results revealed that most research was founded by the stimulus‐organism‐response (S‐O‐R) model and the buyer behavior theory, focused in the context of the United States and China, and appeared to use quantitative methods. As a result, this review is expected to assist researchers in better understanding the OSCA context, thus paving the way for further research and development in the area. In addition, providing practitioners with a better panorama to address the issue by expanding the literature review and highlighting the inhibiting factors of OSCA.
Performance comparison of Westergren modified SRS 100/II and alternate iSED® method for erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Authors: Brenčić Tina , Juričić Gordana , Honović Lorena
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) includes three phases, each prone to different interferences. Due to many disadvantages of the reference Westergren method, modified and alternate methods have been introduced. The aim of this study was to compare the modified Westergren method on SRS 100/II analyzer in citrate blood with the alternate method on iSED® analyzer in EDTA sample. Additionally, possible interfering factors and ESR stability during 6 h at room temperature were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 188 samples were included in the method comparison. Additionally, the effects of inflammation, haematocrit and MCV values on ESR were evaluated. To determine ESR stability in different samples, ESR was evaluated at three time points; within 15 min of blood sampling and after 3 and 6 h in different sample types and analyzers (N = 65).

Results

Results indicated the constant difference between tested methods with obtained mean bias of 5 mm (95% CI: 3–7). There was higher absolute mean bias in groups with ESR > 40 mm and elevated inflammation markers (p < 0.001). Regarding different MCV and haematocrit groups there was no statistically significant difference in obtained absolute mean biases for MCV (p = 0.087) while there was higher bias in low haematocrit group compared to normal haematocrit (p = 0.004). In addition, there was a significant difference between ESR values at different time points for iSED® (p < 0.001) and no difference for SRS 100/II analyzer (p = 0.406).

Conclusion

There are differences in ESR values between tested methods. EDTA sample on iSED® should be analysed as soon as possible to avoid falsely increased ESR.
Faire face à la précarité au temps du COVID‐19: étude sur le travail via des plateformes en Pologne
Authors: MUSZYŃSKI Karol , PULIGNANO Valeria , DOMECKA Markieta , MROZOWICKI Adam
Published: September 2022

Les auteurs analysent les répercussions de la pandémie de COVID‐19 sur l'activité et le vécu des travailleurs de plateforme en Pologne et la réaction de cette main‐d'œuvre dans ces circonstances particulières. Ils observent que les fortes fluctuations de la demande ont exacerbé les distorsions propres à une relation de travail asymétrique, non régulée et atypique et repèrent plusieurs stratégies mobilisées par les travailleurs pour y remédier, en s'appuyant sur la typologie de Hirschman (défection, prise de parole et loyauté). Le choix entre ces stratégies dépend des ressources personnelles de l'individu, des moyens institutionnels auxquels il a accès et de son système de valeurs.
Réseaux de confiance: les outils en ligne, une voie vers l'emploi informel en Indonésie pendant la pandémie
Authors: OCTAVIA Joanna
Published: September 2022

Des études ont montré que les plateformes de travail numériques avaient créé des possibilités de revenu dans les pays en développement. L'apport d'autres outils en ligne permettant aux travailleurs informels d'accéder à l'emploi sans in‐termédiaire est moins documenté. Sur la base d'observations ethnographiques en ligne et d'entretiens avec deux groupes de travailleurs informels indonésiens (des chauffeurs de motos‐taxis et des travailleurs domestiques), l'autrice montre que les médias sociaux ont facilité la recherche d'emploi pendant la pandémie, quand les plateformes ont fermé, mais uniquement pour ceux qui pouvaient s'appuyer sur un réseau. En outre, les algorithmes continuent de dicter leur loi.
Hacer y deshacer el género en el trabajo: trayectorias profesionales de las personas trans en Suiza
Authors: PARINI Lorena
Published: September 2022

La autora examina los efectos de la transidentidad en las trayectorias profesionales. A partir de entrevistas individuales exhaustivas con doce personas trans en Suiza (2014–2015), destaca las dificultades y los resultados satisfactorios observados tras analizar tres dimensiones: la diferencia según el tipo de transición (hacia el género femenino o masculino), la conciliación a veces difícil entre las temporalidades de la transición y de la organización, y la gestión de la salida del armario. En una reflexión final sobre el acceso de las personas trans a la ciudadanía económica, la autora recomienda revisar la legislación laboral y sensibilizar al personal directivo sobre las cuestiones de identidad trans.
Bounded Exit and Voice in North Korea
Authors: Yi Joseph , Bahk Junbeom
Published: September 2022

The Hirschman‐inspired literature on exit and voice often assume that citizens of a highly restrictive, autocratic regime exercise few options to exit the country (‘border crossing’) or to voice their discontent. This assumption neglects a sustained economic crisis, which exposes the limitations of traditional, state‐run organizations and increases public demand for border crossings. To survive such a crisis, we theorize that more‐authoritarian (autocratic) regimes encourage bounded exit (crossing) options that tie citizens legally and financially to the incumbent country; and that bounded exit options enhance citizen voices in the autocratic regime and help alter incumbent rules. We formulate our theory both deductively and inductively: deductively from the literatures on exit and voice, crises (critical junctures), historical institutionalism, and communist autocracies; and inductively from published data related to North Korea. We develop and assess propositions with secondary analysis of governmental statistics and the literature on North Korea's famine (1994–98), border crossings and marketization. Data limitations notwithstanding, this paper outlines a theoretically novel pathway linking crisis, exit, voice, rules changes and autocratic regimes.
The influence of the COVID‐19 lockdown on infants' physiological regulation during mother‐father‐infant interactions in Switzerland
Authors: Rattaz Valentine , Tissot Hervé , Puglisi Nilo , Epiney Manuella , Razurel Chantal , Favez Nicolas
Published: September 2022

In this study, we investigated the physiological regulation of vagal tone during dyadic and triadic parent‐infant interactions in infants born before or around the COVID‐19 lockdown in Switzerland. We hypothesized that there would be a decrease in vagal tone in triadic interactions compared with dyadic interactions, as triadic interactions are more complex and therefore more resource demanding. However, we expected this difference to be smaller for infants who experienced the period of confinement, as the lockdown led parents to spend more time at home. We also hypothesized that parents would have less stressful interactional events in the triadic interaction because they would be used to interacting with the child together. This study included 36 parents with their 3 month‐old infants. Eighteen families met the study authors before the onset of the pandemic (pre‐COVID) and 18 met them after its onset, having experienced a period of confinement during the infants' first 3 months of life (COVID). Results showed that the COVID group had no decrease in vagal tone during triadic interactions, whereas the pre‐COVID group did. This difference could not, however, be explained by less stressful interactional events in triadic interactions, as the COVID group showed more stressful interactional events in mother‐father‐infant interactions.
Risk and return in the foreign exchange market: Measurement without VARs
Authors: Luo Shaowen
Published: September 2022

This paper offers a detailed investigation of the foreign‐exchange risk premium using a structural relationship in the inflation‐index bond market, first introduced by Clarida. Unlike the conventional vector autoregressive (VAR) approach, this approach estimates risk premium through the non‐arbitrage relationship between investing in inflation‐indexed bonds from two countries and works in the market information set. A rise in the estimated foreign‐currency risk premium helps to forecast dollar depreciation in subsequent periods. And the forecasting power is stronger than that of the other existing VAR approaches.
Effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Mao Leiming , Zhou Sufang , Liao Jiajia , Zhou Xiangyu , Wang Jincheng
Published: September 2022

We performed a meta‐analysis to evaluate the effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery. A systematic literature search up to June 2022 was performed and 6026 subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery at the baseline of the studies; 3090 of them were using the wound protector, and 2936 were using no wound protector. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect of wound protectors in reducing the incidence of surgical site wound infection in lower gastrointestinal surgery using the dichotomous methods with a random or fixed‐effect model. The surgical site wound infection was significantly lower with single‐ring wound protectors (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.83, P = .004), and dual‐ring wound protectors (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.35‐0.56, P < .001) in subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery compared with no wound protector. The surgical site wound infection was significantly lower with single‐ring wound protectors, and dual‐ring wound protectors in subjects with lower gastrointestinal surgery compared with no wound protector. The analysis of outcomes should be with caution because of the low sample size of 5 out of 28 studies in the meta‐analysis and a low number of studies in certain comparisons.
Grain yield, harvest index, water‐use efficiency and nitrogen partitioning to grain can be improved by application of the plant growth regulator paclobutrazol to maize plants with reduced N supply
Authors: Hütsch Birgit W. , Schubert Sven
Published: September 2022

Applications of plant growth regulators such as paclobutrazol (PAC) to grain maize frequently caused depressions in grain yield. This negative impact probably originated from treatments at an early growth stage during plant ontogenesis when the determination of potential kernel number coincided with time of regulator application. However, stability of grain yield itself is of high relevance, and it is also the key determinant for harvest index (HI) and the use efficiencies of water (WUE) and nutrients (NUE). Therefore, in a container experiment, the effect of delayed PAC application at growth stage V8 was tested with the maize ( Zea mays L.) cultivars Galactus and Fabregas. Immediately after PAC treatment, differential N fertilization was introduced in order to meet the demand of the control plants (100% N), and with a supply of 75% N. With late PAC application (V8), grain yield depressions could not only successfully be avoided; moreover, in Galactus‐75%N, a significant increase in grain yield was achieved combined with an extended duration of pollen shed by 28%. Straw yield decreased less strongly after late compared with early PAC application, leading to small, but significant increases in HI for the maize plants with 75% N supply. An increase in PAC dosage combined with later application will certainly lead to stronger decreases in straw yield, but it will also enhance the risk for grain yield depressions, and thus, an overall stronger improvement of HI is uncertain. For the time around silking, remarkable improvements of WUEgrain by 18% were achieved after delayed PAC application to Galactus‐75%N. After PAC treatment, significant increases in nitrogen‐harvest index (NHI) and thus N partitioning to grain were achieved for Fabregas and for Galactus‐75%N. Although luxurious N consumption did not occur, late PAC application showed neither an effect on N‐utilization efficiency (NUtEgrain) nor on N‐uptake efficiency (NUpE). It can be concluded that it is a very complex task to achieve the right balance between PAC dosage, stability of grain yield and optimal N supply in order to avoid both, luxurious N consumption and N deficiency, and to achieve an improvement of NUtEgrain of maize plants.
Synthesis and characterization of ytterbium oxide: A novel CMAS‐resistant environmental barrier coating material
Authors: Zhang Guangheng , Zhang Jie , Wang Jingyang
Published: September 2022

Demand for more powerful aircraft promotes development of ceramic matrix composites and environmental barrier coating (EBC). A promising EBC material, ytterbium oxide (Yb2O3), was fabricated by hot pressing, and its properties were systemically investigated. The evaluation of thermal properties provides a baseline for the application of Yb2O3 on SiCf/SiC or Al2O3f/Al2O3 composites. The performance in water vapor and molten calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) environments indicates its excellent durability in harsh environment. Compared with rare‐earth silicates, the thermochemical interactions between ytterbium oxide and CMAS changed greatly with the absence of silicon oxide. Reactions of ytterbium oxide with CMAS form several reaction products, including apatite, garnet, and silicocarnotite. The crystallization of garnet and silicocarnotite could effectively consume and solidify the CMAS melt, which prevents the melt infiltration and mitigates the further corrosion.
Application of machine learning to sporadic experimental data for understanding epitaxial strain relaxation
Authors: Oh Jin Young , Shin Dongwon , Choi Woo Seok
Published: September 2022

Understanding epitaxial strain relaxation is one of the key challenges in functional thin films with strong structure–property relations. Herein, we employ an emerging data analytics approach to quantitatively evaluate the underlying relationships between critical thickness (hc) of strain relaxation and various physical and chemical features, despite the sporadic experimental data points available. First, we have collected and refined the reportedhcof the perovskite oxide thin film/substrate system to construct a consistent sub‐dataset which captures a common trend among the varying experimental details. Then, we employ correlation analyses and feature engineering to find the most relevant feature set which includes Poisson's ratio and lattice mismatch. With the insight offered by correlation analyses and feature engineering, machine learning (ML) models have been trained to deduce a decent accuracy, which has been further validated experimentally. The demonstrated framework is expected to be efficiently extended to the other classes of thin films in understandinghc.
Finite element analysis of TGO thickness on stress distribution and evolution of 8YSZ thermal barrier coatings
Authors: Li Zhuoda , Zheng Runguo , Lin Xiaoping , Lian Yongqiang , Jin Kangshuai
Published: September 2022

According to the experimental research results of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) layered growth during the pre‐oxidation process of 8 wt.% yttria‐stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coating (TBC), a two‐dimensional sinusoidal TC/bonding coat (BC) curve interface model of the longitudinal section of TBCs based on finite element simulation was constructed; the thickness and composition of the TGO layer relative to the TC/BC curve interfacial stress distribution and its evolution during the thermal cycling process were studied. The results show that when the TGO layer uses α‐Al2O3 as the main oxide (black TGO), the thicker the black TGO layer, the more uniform the stress distribution of the TC/BC interface. When the TGO layer is dominated by spinel‐structured Co and Cr oxides (gray TGO), the stress “band” of the TC/BC interface is destroyed; it shows the alternating phenomenon of tensile stress zone and compressive stress zone, and after the rapid random growth of TGO, the concentrated tensile stress increased by a large jump. Affected by the thickness of the prefabricated black TGO layer, there is a limit peak in the thickness of the black TGO layer, the normal stress at the TC/BC boundary is minimized, and the magnitude of the stress change is also minimized.
Thermal and electrical properties of spark plasma sintered (Ti,Cr)B2 ceramics
Authors: Smith Steven M. , Feng Lun , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Gregory E. , Silvestroni Laura
Published: September 2022

Thermal and electrical properties were measured for TiB2 ceramics containing varying CrB2 contents up to 33 mol%. The room‐temperature thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing Cr content from 0.330 ± 0.003 cm2/s for pure TiB2 to 0.060 ± 0.003 cm2/s for (Ti0.66Cr0.33)B2. The amount of anisotropy in the coefficients of thermal expansion increased with increasing Cr content and the c‐axis had the greatest dependence on Cr addition, with an increase of more than 25% in the thermal expansion for 33 mol% CrB2 compared to TiB2, whereas the a‐axis only increased by about 8%. The electrical conductivity was the lowest for (Ti0.66Cr0.33)B2 at ∼8.5 × 103 S/cm compared to ∼106.1 × 103 S/cm for nominally pure TiB2. Overall, the addition of CrB2 as a sintering aid for TiB2 was shown to have a significant effect on the thermal and electrical properties of TiB2 for additions as small as 5 mol% CrB2.
Characterization of high‐power and very‐high‐power short‐duration radiofrequency lesions performed with a new‐generation catheter and a temperature‐control ablation mode
Authors: Lozano‐Granero Cristina , Franco Eduardo , Matía‐Francés Roberto , Hernández‐Madrid Antonio , Sánchez‐Pérez Inmaculada , Zamorano José Luis , Moreno Javier
Published: September 2022

Introduction

High‐power short‐duration (HPSD) has been proposed to shorten procedure times while maintaining efficacy and safety. We evaluated the differences in size and geometry between radiofrequency lesions obtained with this method and conventional ones.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐eight sets of 10 perpendicular radiofrequency applications were performed with two commercially available catheters: a temperature‐controlled HPSD catheter (QDot‐Micro) and a conventional power‐controlled catheter (Thermocool SmartTouch) on porcine left ventricle. Different power settings (35, 40, 50, and 90 W), contact force (CF; 10 and 20 g), ablation index (AI; 400 and 550), and application times were combined to create conventional (35–40 W), HPSD (50 W) and very‐high‐power short‐duration (VHPSD; 90 W) lesions, that were cross‐sectioned and measured. About 4‐s VHPSD lesions were smaller, shallower, and thinner than HPSD performed with the QDot‐Micro catheter in any scenario of CF or AI (61 ± 7.8 mm3, 6.1 ± 0.3 mm wide, and 2.9 ± 0.1 mm deep with 10 g; 72.2 ± 0.5 mm3, 6.8 ± 0.3 mm wide, and 2.9 ± 0.2 mm deep with 20 g). Conventional and HPSD lesions performed with the temperature‐controlled catheter were generally bigger, deeper, and wider than the ones obtained with the power‐controlled catheter, as well as more consistent in size. This was especially true with the lower CF and AI scenario, while differences were less notable with other setting combinations.

Conclusion

VHPSD lesions performed with QDot‐Micro catheter were smaller than any other lesions, which is especially attractive for posterior left atrial wall ablation. On the contrary, conventional‐powered and HPSD lesions performed with this catheter were equally sized (or even bigger with lower CF and AI objectives), as well as more consistent in size, which would guarantee transmurality in other locations.
A method for rearing and assessing the health of the sugarcane pestDermolepida albohirtum(Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Lenancker Pauline , Powell Kevin S.
Published: September 2022

Rearing insects in controlled conditions is a prerequisite to supply high‐quality specimens for bioassays. However, while artificial diets and standardized rearing methods have been developed for many phytophagous insects, especially Lepidoptera, there are limited published diets for root‐feeding Coleoptera which are commonly fed either grass roots or pieces of vegetables as a simple alternative to artificial diets during bioassays. These feeding options, while convenient, can be considered suboptimal as they do not maximise the insects' development and health. Additionally, it is also important to develop standardised screening methods designed to test sublethal effects of control agents which may have repellent, antifeedant, antimetabolic and/or delayed mortality effects. The greyback canegrub (Dermolepida albohirtum, Waterhouse) is the most damaging native pest of Australian sugarcane, but no rearing method or artificial diet has ever been developed for this species. Our objectives were to improve bioassay methodology forD. albohirtumby describing and developing standard rearing and health assessment protocols. We describe a successful rearing method to raise healthyD. albohirtumlarvae with a total of 48.8% of first instars successfully moulting to the second instar. We also tested a modified artificial diet which increased the weight, size and food uptake of larvae compared to traditional methods (i.e., pieces of carrots). For example, the average weight increase of larvae fed with the modified diet was 3.4 times higher than for carrot‐fed larvae while modified diet‐fed larvae were 2.1 times wider than if they were fed with carrots. Finally, we developed a method to measure larval activity which can be used to identify sublethal effects of control agents such as effects on activity level. Our methods may also be applied to improve bioassay methodology for other root‐feeding Coleoptera.
A fish kill at the Aposelemis dam (Crete, Greece) caused by heavy parasitism by Ichthyobodo sp.
Authors: Katharios Pantelis , Kokkari Constantina , Cascarano Maria Chiara , Gyparakis Stylianos , Aggelidaki Chrissi , Antonakaki Ioanna , Vargiakaki Efthimia
Published: September 2022

A fish kill was recorded at the Aposelemis Dam, which is the main reservoir of drinking water for the island of Crete in Greece. Hundreds of goldfish were found dead at a side stream which provides water to the reservoir. The affected fish had been entrapped in a small pond at the side of the stream with practically zero water renewal as the event occurred in August which is a dry season for the island of Crete. The event was alarming for the local community since anthropogenic pollution was initially suspected which could pose a significant human health threat. Following examination of the fish, the mortality was attributed to heavy infection by the parasitic flagellate, Ichthyobodo sp., whilst no pollutants were detected. The parasite was studied through light and scanning electron microscopy and was identified molecularly.
Women's experiences with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from a national referral hospital in Tanzania: A qualitative study
Authors: Sakurai Sachiko , Mwilike Beatrice , Horiuchi Shigeko
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore the experiences among postpartum women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, from pregnancy to admission at a referral hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross‐sectional design with purposive sampling. Data were collected from semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with postpartum women diagnosed with hypertensive disorders and who were admitted to the maternity ward of Muhimbili National Hospital. Data were analyzed using NVivo software for qualitative content analysis.

Results

Fourteen women participated in interviews. Half were primipara and two‐thirds had over four antenatal visits. Data analysis yielded four categories and 27 sub‐categories. The four categories were: “I'm shocked; I thought I was normal,” “The treatment journey,” “What health care providers did and did not teach me,” “I have a risky future; I hope health care providers can help me.”

Conclusion

Women regarded themselves going from being normal to having a risk through the process of experiencing their treatments. They did not expect to be admitted or referred to a major hospital and while they demanded more information and education, they also expressed appreciation for their health care providers. Education during pregnancy addressing their needs and level of understanding is recommended for improvement of early detection and access to the health service.
The Two‐Pillar Policy for the RMB
Authors: JERMANN URBAN J. , WEI BIN , YUE VIVIAN Z.
Published: September 2022

This paper studies China's recent exchange rate policy for the renminbi (RMB). We demonstrate empirically that a two‐pillar policy is in place, aiming to balance exchange rate flexibility and RMB index stability via market and basket pillars. We further extend and validate the formulation that incorporates the so‐called countercyclical factor. Theoretically, we develop a flexible‐price monetary model for the RMB in which the two‐pillar policy arises endogenously as an optimal response of the government. We estimate the model by generalized method of moments and quantitatively assess various policy trade‐offs.
Belief Disagreement and Portfolio Choice
Authors: MEEUWIS MAARTEN , PARKER JONATHAN A. , SCHOAR ANTOINETTE , SIMESTER DUNCAN
Published: September 2022

Using proprietary financial data on millions of households, we show that likely‐Republicans increased the equity share and market beta of their portfolios following the 2016 presidential election, while likely‐Democrats rebalanced into safe assets. We provide evidence that this behavior was driven by investors interpreting public information based on different models of the world. We use detailed controls to rule out the main nonbelief‐based channels such as income hedging needs, preferences, and local economic exposures. These findings are driven by a small share of investors making big changes, and are stronger among investors who trade more ex ante.
Effects of long‐term antenatal magnesium sulfate administration on the bone mineralization of preterm infants
Authors: Inomata Satomi , Yoshida Taketoshi , Nagaoka Mitsuhide , Yasuda Ippei , Aoki Aiko , Tamura Kentaro , Kawasaki Yukako , Makimoto Masami , Matsumura Kenta , Adachi Yuichi
Published: September 2022

Aim

To evaluate the relationship between long‐term antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration and neonatal bone mineralization.

Methods

Infants born at 28–33 weeks of gestation (n = 163) were divided into three groups: long‐term Mg administration group (infants received antenatal MgSO4 for ≥40 days), short‐term Mg administration group (infants received antenatal MgSO4 for <40 days), and non‐Mg group. Serum calcium, phosphorus, Mg, and alkaline phosphatase were measured weekly up to 1 month of age, and the bone speed of sound (SOS) values were measured using quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at 1 week and 1 month after birth.

Results

In the long‐term Mg administration group, the serum calcium values were significantly lower, and the serum phosphorus, Mg, and alkaline phosphatase values were significantly higher than those in the non‐Mg group at birth. Although these biochemical differences disappeared around the age of 2 weeks, the SOS values of the long‐term Mg administration group were significantly lower than those of the non‐Mg group both at 1 week and 1 month after birth (p = 0.02 and <0.001, respectively). When less than 10th percentile of SOS values at 1 month after birth in the non‐Mg group was defined as poor bone mineralization, the cut‐off value for the duration of antenatal MgSO4 administration was 67 days.

Conclusions

Long‐term antenatal MgSO4 administration affects bone mineralization during the early neonatal period, but the clinically acceptable duration of the administration based on its effects of bone mineralization assessed with QUS might be longer than a few weeks.
Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps does not harbor KRAS, BRAF, and EGFR mutations
Authors: da Silva Vieira Tamara , Guimarães Letícia Martins , Diniz Marina Gonçalves , Gomes‐Fernandes Bianca , Anselmo‐Lima Wilma Terezinha , Tamashiro Edwin , Bastos‐Rodrigues Luciana , De Marco Luiz , Gomez Ricardo Santiago , Valera Fabiana Cardoso Pereira , Gomes Carolina Cavalieri
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa and nasal polyps are present in ~25%–30% of cases (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps [CRSwNP]). CRSwNP is associated with significant morbidity and decreased quality of life, making it clinically important. Inflammation leads to DNA damage and DNA mutations occur in some inflammatory diseases. Notably, mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and EGFR have been reported in different human benign and malignant neoplastic lesions. In addition, KRAS mutations have also been reported in non‐neoplastic tissues under chronic inflammatory conditions. Importantly, KRAS mutations have been reported in oncocytic sinonasal papillomas and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma associated with oncocytic sinonasal papilloma and EGFR mutations have been reported in sinonasal adenocarcinoma, inverted sinonasal papilloma, and sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma associated with inverted sinonasal papilloma. The molecular pathogenesis of nasal polyps remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of KRAS, BRAF, and EGFR pathogenic mutations in CRSwNP.

Methods

Fourteen chronic rhinosinusitis‐associated nasal polyp samples were direct sequenced, targeting KRAS exons 2, 3, and 4 (encompassing important hotspot mutations, including codons 12, 13, 61 and 146), BRAF exons 11 and 15, and EGFR exons 19 and 20.

Results

No pathogenic mutations were detected in the sequenced regions of KRAS, BRAF, and EGFR genes.

Conclusion

This finding suggests that mutations in these genes are not a frequent event in CRSwNP, and, if they occur, they might represent marginal events at best.