bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pricing arithmetic Asian and Amerasian options: A diffusion operator integral expansion approach
Authors: Ding Kailin , Cui Zhenyu , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we propose a new explicit series expansion formula for the price of an arithmetic Asian option under the Black–Scholes model and Merton's jump‐diffusion model. The method is based on an equivalence in law relation together with the diffusion operator integral method proposed by Heath and Platen. The method yields explicit series expansion formula for the Asian options' prices. The theoretical convergence of the expansion to the true value is established. We also consider the American Asian option (i.e., Amerasian option) and derive the corresponding expansion formula through the early exercise premium representation. Numerical results illustrate the accuracy and efficiency of the method as compared with benchmarks in the literature.
Late Permian radiolarians from the ‘Middle‐UpperDevonian’ in the Paqiu area of theChangning‐MenglianBelt, western Yunnan, China and their bearings on analysing the remains of thePalaeo‐Tethys
Authors: Zheng Jianbin , Jin Xiaochi , Huang Hao , Yan Zhen
Published: November 2022

The Changning‐Menglian Belt in western Yunnan, China, is one of the key regions to decode the evolution of Palaeo‐Tethys. However, the work has been hampered considerably by the loose definition and composite nature of some stratigraphic units in the belt. These units normally have varied lithological components (slices of sequences), most of which yield scarce fossils. An example is the ‘Middle‐Upper Devonian (D2‐3)’ unit, which was established to accommodate a series of cherts, shales, siltstones and sandstones, occurring rather frequently in the central zone of the Belt. Its age assignment was mainly based on the Late Devonian conodonts from some siliceous shale intervals. However, the ‘D2‐3’ unit contains strata of ages other than Middle‐Late Devonian, as has been indicated by a few studies in the Chahe‐Manxin area. The Late Permian radiolarians have been obtained from bedded cherts of the ‘D2‐3’ in Paqiu area which provided the first solid evidence for the presence of Late Permian beds in the ‘D2‐3’ in this area. Radiolarians from two chert outcrops about 3 km apart can be assigned to two Wuchiapingian‐Changhsingian assemblages, namely, theAlbaillella levisandAlbaillella protolevisassemblages, respectively, with the former being slightly younger than the latter. Statistical analysis of Permian radiolarians from different localities in the Belt shows that Late Permian radiolarians are much commoner than Middle Permian radiolarians and Early Permian radiolarians. A review of the taxonomical composition of Late Permian radiolarians of the Belt shows that faunas from different localities can be classed into three groups, according to their contents of albaillellaians, latentifistularians, entactinarians and spumellarians, whose depositional environments correspond respectively to deep water (>500 m), intermediate water (200–500 m), and shallow water depths (<200 m). Such a composition indicates that the Late Permian radiolarian‐bearing siliceous rocks in the Changning‐Menglian Belt are slices from various palaeogeographic settings.
Detailed anatomic segmentations of a fetal brain diffusion tensor imaging atlas between 23 and 30 weeks of gestation
Authors: Calixto Camilo , Machado‐Rivas Fedel , Karimi Davood , Cortes‐Albornoz Maria C. , Acosta‐Buitrago Lina M. , Gallo‐Bernal Sebastian , Afacan Onur , Warfield Simon K. , Gholipour Ali , Jaimes Camilo
Published: November 2022

This work presents detailed anatomic labels for a spatiotemporal atlas of fetal brain Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) between 23 and 30 weeks of post‐conceptional age. Additionally, we examined developmental trajectories in fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) across gestational ages (GA). We performed manual segmentations on a fetal brain DTI atlas. We labeled 14 regions of interest (ROIs): cortical plate (CP), subplate (SP), Intermediate zone‐subventricular zone‐ventricular zone (IZ/SVZ/VZ), Ganglionic Eminence (GE), anterior and posterior limbs of the internal capsule (ALIC, PLIC), genu (GCC), body (BCC), and splenium (SCC) of the corpus callosum (CC), hippocampus, lentiform Nucleus, thalamus, brainstem, and cerebellum. A series of linear regressions were used to assess GA as a predictor of FA and MD for each ROI. The combination of MD and FA allowed the identification of all ROIs. Increasing GA was significantly associated with decreasing FA in the CP, SP, IZ/SVZ/IZ, GE, ALIC, hippocampus, and BCC (p < .03, for all), and with increasing FA in the PLIC and SCC (p < .002, for both). Increasing GA was significantly associated with increasing MD in the CP, SP, IZ/SVZ/IZ, GE, ALIC, and CC (p < .03, for all). We developed a set of expert‐annotated labels for a DTI spatiotemporal atlas of the fetal brain and presented a pilot analysis of developmental changes in cerebral microstructure between 23 and 30 weeks of GA.
Iron stores in steady‐state sickle cell disease children accessing care at a sickle cell disease clinic in Kumasi, Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amanor Ernest , Kwarteng Alexander , Larbi Amma , Fordjour Fatima Amponsah , Koranteng Kelvin Kwaku , Sackey David Sebbie , Bannor Emmanuel , Osei Francis Adjei , Mohammed Aliyu , Ackah Ezekiel Bonwin , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Nguah Samuel Blay , Paintsil Vivian , Osei‐Akoto Alex
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) have an increased risk of multiple hemotransfusions and this can predispose them to elevated iron stores. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent of elevated iron stores and the associated risk factors in a population of steady‐state SCD children in Ghana.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted at the pediatric sickle cell clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Complete blood count and serum ferritin assay were performed for (n = 178) steady‐state SCD children. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Elevated iron stores were defined as serum ferritin levels >300 ng/ml. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 9.61 (±4.34) years, and 51% of them were males. About 17% of SCD children had elevated iron stores and receiving at least three hemotransfusions during the last 12 months was strongly associated with elevated iron stores (p < 0.001). History of chronic hemotransfusion increased the odds of having elevated iron store (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 11.41; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.11–30.85; p < 0.001) but SCD patients on hydroxyurea treatment had reduced‐odds of having elevated iron stores (aOR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.06–0.602; p = 0.006). Moreover, red blood cell (Coef. = −0.84; 95% CI = −0.37, −1.32; p = 0.001), hemoglobin (Coef. = −0.83; 95% CI = −0.05, −1.61; p = 0.04), hematocrit (Coef. = −0.85; 95% CI = −0.08, −1.63; p = 0.03), mean cell volume (Coef. = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.03; p = 0.001) and mean cell hemoglobin (Coef. = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.01, 0.07; p = 0.002) could significantly predict serum ferritin levels.

Conclusion

The magnitude of elevated iron stores was high among children with SCD in steady‐state. Red cell indices could provide invaluable information regarding the risk of elevated iron stores. SCD children who have a history of chronic hemotransfusion or had received at least three hemotransfusions in a year should be monitored for elevated iron stores.
Explaining the factors affecting women's life during COVID‐19 lockdown: A qualitative study among women in Southern Iran
Authors: Shahabi Nahid , Hosseini Zahra , Homayuni Atefeh , Ezati Rad Roghayeh , Gharibzadeh Abdollah
Published: November 2022

Background

The long‐term impact of COVID‐19 on women's health can cause serious damage to the family and society.

Aim

To explain the factors affecting women's life during COVID‐19 lockdown in Southern Iran.

Methods

In this qualitative study, 20 women who referred to Bandar Abbas health care centers were interviewed and semi‐structured interviews continued until data saturation.

Results

Data were extracted into seven categories as follows: socio‐family influence, occupational challenges, financial concern, leisure time, access to services, psychological reactions, and physical problems.

Conclusion

We conclude that, lockdown had effects on women's life in terms of psychological, social, economic, and family relationships. Learning risk management skills can help manage these effects.
Ranking of countries based on multi‐dimensional financial inclusion index: A global perspective
Authors: Ghosh Chandralekha , Chaudhury Rimita Hom
Published: November 2022

This article has proposed a new five‐dimensional financial inclusion index (FII) incorporating important indicators of digital financial services and insurance services to evaluate the scenario of financial inclusion across 136 countries for the year 2017. Here, dimensions have been created depending upon the characteristics of variables. To carry out the analysis, we have used the two‐stage principal component method. First, all five dimension indices (geographic outreach, demographic outreach, access, usage population, and usage volume) have been constructed, and then finally, the composite FII has been computed. One important addition in building this index is the inclusion of insurance‐related and digital finance‐related variables, which have not been included in previous cross‐country studies. Another contribution of this study is the identification of the dimension(s) that ultimately have the greatest influence on the financial inclusion score. We discovered that dimensions (access and usage population) constructed based on demand‐side factors dominate the level of financial inclusion. Therefore, top‐ranking countries in the access and usage population index are more likely to score higher than others in the FII. This underlines the relevance of demand‐side factors as indicators of financial inclusion over supply‐side factors.
Human hair proteins as natural reactive oxygen species scavengers for in vitro applications
Authors: Lai Hui Ying , Setyawati Magdiel Inggrid , Duarte Catarina Vizetto , Chua Huei Min , Low Choon Teck , Ng Kee Woei
Published: November 2022

Human hair proteins are recognized for their intrinsically high cysteine content. They can be solubilized while preserving their highly reductive thiol groups for free radical scavenging applications. The presence of aromatic and nucleophilic amino acids such as methionine, serine, phenylalanine, and threonine further contribute to the antioxidative potential of this material. Herein, utilizing the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and acellular 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) assays, keratins are demonstrated to possess the highest radical scavenging activity among the studied hair proteins. Consequently, protection against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) cultured in human hair keratin supplemented media is demonstrated. Quenching of reactive oxygen species in the HDF is observed using the CellROX Green dye and the expression levels of antioxidant (HMOX1, SOD2, GPX1) and tumor suppressor (TP53) genes is analyzed using qPCR. Collectively, this study presents further evidence and demonstrates the in vitro application potential of hair proteins, especially keratins, as an antioxidizing supplement.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor B Is a Key Element in the Pathological Bone Formation of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Jo Sungsin , Lee Seung Hoon , Park Jinsung , Nam Bora , Kim Hyunsung , Youn Jeehee , Lee Seunghun , Kim Tae-Jong , Sung Il-Hoon , Choi Sung Hoon , Park Ye-Soo , Inman Robert D , Kim Tae-Hwan
Published: November 2022

Enthesophyte formation plays a crucial role in the development of spinal ankylosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We aimed to investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) in enthesophyte formation of AS using in vitro and in vivo models and to determine the association between PDGFB and spinal progression in AS. Serum PDGFB levels were measured in AS patients and healthy controls (HC). Human entheseal tissues attached to facet joints or spinous processes were harvested at the time of surgery and investigated for bone-forming activity. The impact of a pharmacological agonist and antagonist of platelet-derived growth factor B receptor (PDGFRB) were investigated respectively in curdlan-treated SKG mice. PDGFB levels were elevated in AS sera and correlated with radiographic progression of AS in the spine. Mature osteoclasts secreting PDGFB proteins were increased in the AS group compared with HC and were observed in bony ankylosis tissues of AS. Expression of PDGFRB was significantly elevated in the spinous enthesis and facet joints of AS compared with controls. Moreover, recombinant PDGFB treatment accelerated bone mineralization of enthesis cells, which was pronounced in AS, whereas PDGFRB inhibition efficiently reduced the PDGFB-induced bone mineralization. Also, PDGFRB inhibition attenuated the severity of arthritis and enthesophyte formation at the joints of curdlan-treated SKG mice. This study suggests that regulating PDGFB/PDGFRB signaling could be a novel therapeutic strategy to block key pathophysiological processes of AS. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Exploring the possible mitoprotective and neuroprotective potency of thymoquinone, betanin, and vitamin D against cytarabine‐induced mitochondrial impairment and neurotoxicity in rats' brain
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Shabani Mohammad , Nikjou Amirreza , Choupani Mahshid , Biniyaz Mohana
Published: November 2022

It has been suggested that cytarabine (Ara‐C) induces toxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Therefore, we hypothesized that mitochondrial protective agents and antioxidants can reduce cytarabine‐induced neurotoxicity. For this purpose, 48 male Wistar rats were assigned into eight equal groups include control group, Ara‐C (70 mg/kg, i.p.) group, Ara‐C plus betanin (25 mg/kg, i.p.) group, Ara‐C plus vitamin D (500 U/kg, i.p.) group, Ara‐C plus thymoquinone (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) group, betanin group, vitamin group, and thymoquinone group. The activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), the concentrations of antioxidants (reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) biomarkers, mitochondrial toxicity parameters as well as histopathological alteration in brain tissues were measured. Our results demonstrated that Ara‐C exposure significantly declines the brain enzymes activity (AChE and BChE), levels of antioxidant biomarkers (GSH), and mitochondrial functions, but markedly elevate the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA) and mitochondrial toxicity. Almost all of the previously mentioned parameters (especially mitochondrial toxicity) were retrieved by betanin, vitamin D, and thymoquinone compared to Ara‐C group. These findings conclusively indicate that betanin, vitamin D, and thymoquinone administration provide adequate protection against Ara‐C‐induced neurotoxicity through modulations of oxidative, antioxidant activities, and mitochondrial protective (mitoprotective) effects.
HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men, transgender women and cisgender male sex workers in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kloek Mariëlle , Bulstra Caroline A. , van Noord Laura , Al‐Hassany Lina , Cowan Frances M. , Hontelez Jan A. C.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Developing effective targets, policies and services for key populations requires estimations of population sizes and HIV prevalence across countries and regions. We estimated the relative and absolute HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women and men, and male and transgender sex workers (MSW and TGSW) in sub‐Saharan African countries using peer‐reviewed literature.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of peer‐reviewed studies assessing HIV prevalence in MSM, transgender women and men, MSW and TGSW in sub‐Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2021, following PRISMA guidelines. We searched Embase, Medline Epub, Africa Index Medicus, Africa Journal Online, Web of Science and Google Scholar. We calculated HIV prevalence ratios (PRs) between the study prevalence, and the geospatial‐, sex, time and age‐matched general population prevalence. We extrapolated results for MSM and transgender women to estimate HIV prevalence and the number living with HIV for each country in sub‐Saharan Africa using pooled review results, and regression approximations for countries with no peer‐reviewed data.

Results and discussion

We found 44 articles assessing HIV prevalence in MSM, 10 in transgender women, five in MSW and zero in transgender men and TGSW. Prevalence among MSM and transgender women was significantly higher compared to the general population: PRs of 11.3 [CI: 9.9–12.9] for MSM and 8.1 [CI: 6.9–9.6] for transgender women in Western and Central Africa, and, respectively, 1.9 [CI: 1.7–2.0] and 2.1 [CI: 1.9–2.4] in Eastern and Southern Africa. Prevalence among MSW was significantly higher in both Nigeria (PR: 12.4 [CI: 7.3–21.0]) and Kenya (PR: 8.6 [CI: 4.6–15.6]). Extrapolating our findings for MSM and transgender women resulted in an estimated HIV prevalence of 15% or higher for about 60% of all sub‐Saharan African countries for MSM, and for all but two countries for transgender women.

Conclusions

HIV prevalence among MSM and transgender women throughout sub‐Saharan Africa is alarmingly high. This high prevalence, coupled with the specific risks and vulnerabilities faced by these populations, highlights the urgent need for risk‐group‐tailored prevention and treatment interventions across the sub‐continent. There is a clear gap in knowledge on HIV prevalence among transgender men, MSW and TGSW in sub‐Saharan Africa.
The angle of the tines before the pull and hold test predicts engagement of the tines in Micra leadless pacemaker implantation
Authors: Mizukami Akira , Miyakuni Shota , Nakada Ryo , Kobayashi Tetsuya , Kawakami Takuya , Takegawa Koki , Arai Hirofumi , Hiroki Jiro , Yoshioka Kenji , Otani Hirofumi , Ono Maki , Yamashita Shu , Ueshima Daisuke , Suzuki Makoto , Matsumura Akihiko , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: November 2022

Background

Micra leadless pacemaker is secured to the myocardium by engagement of at least 2/4 tines confirmed with pull and hold test. However, the pull and hold test is sometimes difficult to assess. This study was performed to evaluate whether the angle of the tines before the pull and hold test predicts engagement of the tines in Micra leadless pacemaker implantation.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 93 consecutive patients (52.7% male, age 82.4 ± 9.4 years), who received Micra implantation from September 2017 to June 2020 at our institution. After deployment and before the pull and hold test, the angle of the visible tines to the body of the pacemaker was measured using the RAO view of the fluoroscopy image. The engagement of the tines was then confirmed with the pull and hold test.

Results

A total of 326 tines were analyzed. The angle of the engaged tines was significantly lower than the non‐engaged tines (9.2 degrees [4.0–14.0] vs. 16.6 degrees [14.2–18.8], p < .0001). All tines with angles <10 degrees were engaged. In higher angles, engagement could not be predicted.

Conclusion

A low angle of the tines before the pull and hold test can predict engagement of the tines in Micra leadless pacemaker implantation. The tines which are already open after deployment may be presumed that they are engaged.
Evaluation of reanalysis air temperature and precipitation in high‐latitude Asia using ground‐based observations
Authors: Lan Huiting , Guo Donglin , Hua Wei , Pepin Nick , Sun Jianqi
Published: November 2022

High‐latitude Asia (above 60°N) is highly sensitive to global climate change. Warming has led to frequent extreme climate events and has produced important impacts on both the ecological environment and social economy. However, station observations are scarce and there is limited climate change research in the region. Reanalysis data is a potential alternative to scarce observations, but its suitability in high‐latitude Asia has not been well evaluated. In this study, we systematically evaluate the abilities of five reanalysis datasets (MERRA‐2, CFSR, ERA‐Interim, JRA‐55, and ERA5) and one gridded observation dataset (CPC) to characterize mean/extreme temperature and precipitation in high‐latitude Asia through comparison with GHCN‐D station observations. All six datasets reasonably reproduce spatial and temporal variations in mean/extreme temperature and precipitation over the region and match well with the observed climatology. Of these datasets, CPC shows the best performance for mean/extreme temperature and precipitation in high‐latitude Asia, because it is produced through interpolation of station observations. Among the five reanalysis datasets, ERA5 overall shows the best agreement with observed spatiotemporal changes in mean/extreme temperature and precipitation, although it is not superior for all variables. Temperature is generally characterized better than precipitation in these datasets. These results will be helpful for the selection and improvement of reanalyses and thus further climate research in high‐latitude Asia.
Homogenization of daily temperature and humidity series in the UK
Authors: Brugnara Yuri , McCarthy Mark P. , Willett Kate M. , Rayner Nick A.
Published: November 2022

Building on previous experience with continental and global data sets, we use a quantile‐matching approach to homogenize temperature and humidity series measured by a network of 220 stations in the United Kingdom (UK). The data set spans 160 years at daily resolution, although data coverage varies greatly in time, space, and across variables. We use the homogenized data to analyse trends of the mean values as well as the lowest and highest quantiles of the distribution over the last 100 and 50 years. For the latter period, we find large regional differences, particularly between the southeastern and the northern part of the UK. The southeast has seen a faster warming, particularly for maximum temperatures in spring and summer, and a reduction of relative humidity; the northern mainland has become more humid and only slightly warmer. These differences become more evident for the highest quantiles and reflect a well‐known pattern of climate change affecting the extra‐tropics. Among the studied variables, the increases of wet bulb temperature and specific humidity are the most spatially homogeneous and are statistically significant for most stations in all seasons except winter.
A probabilistic view on modelling weather regimes
Authors: Baldo Alessandro , Locatelli Robin
Published: November 2022

The statistical modelling of weather regimes encompasses the definition of a framework involving a dimensionality reduction step to reduce the highly sparse feature space of weather anomaly maps, and unsupervised learning techniques to correctly categorize regimes. Across the literature's methodology, the two stages stick to a recurrent scheme: Empirical Orthogonal Functions or Principal Component Analysis are used to assess the former; a standard K‐Means clustering algorithm maps each datapoint to the closest‐matching regime. However, such a combination has to cope with an overall reduction in the modelling accuracy. In our study, we re‐think both the two steps in favour of a more dynamic methodology which we apply to the last 42‐years winters' geopotential anomaly maps in the North Atlantic‐European zone. The dimensionality reduction is tackled by means of Variational Autoencoders, leading to better compressed feature spaces, enhancing the datapoints separability. Finally, we employ two probabilistic clustering methods based on Gaussian and Dirichlet Process mixture models, enabling a more faithful recognition of weather regimes, and allowing to reproduce their dynamics and transitions.
Soil water status shapes nutrient cycling in agroecosystems from micrometer to landscape scales
Authors: Bauke Sara L. , Amelung Wulf , Bol Roland , Brandt Luise , Brüggemann Nicolas , Kandeler Ellen , Meyer Nele , Or Dani , Schnepf Andrea , Schloter Michael , Schulz Stefanie , Siebers Nina , von Sperber Christian , Vereecken Harry
Published: November 2022

Soil water status, which refers to the wetness or dryness of soils, is crucial for the productivity of agroecosystems, as it determines nutrient cycling and uptake physically via transport, biologically via the moisture‐dependent activity of soil flora, fauna, and plants, and chemically via specific hydrolyses and redox reactions. Here, we focus on the dynamics of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) and review how soil water is coupled to the cycling of these elements and related stoichiometric controls across different scales within agroecosystems. These scales span processes at the molecular level, where nutrients and water are consumed, to processes in the soil pore system, within a soil profile and across the landscape. We highlight that with increasing mobility of the nutrients in water, water‐based nutrient flux may alleviate or even exacerbate imbalances in nutrient supply within soils, for example, by transport of mobile nutrients towards previously depleted microsites (alleviating imbalances), or by selective loss of mobile nutrients from microsites (increasing imbalances). These imbalances can be modulated by biological activity, especially by fungal hyphae and roots, which contribute to nutrient redistribution within soils, and which are themselves dependent on specific, optimal water availability. At larger scales, such small‐scale effects converge with nutrient inputs from atmospheric (wet deposition) or nonlocal sources and with nutrient losses from the soil system towards aquifers. Hence, water acts as a major control in nutrient cycling across scales in agroecosystems and may either exacerbate or remove spatial disparities in the availability of the individual nutrients (N, P, S) required for biological activity.
Detritus‐hosted methanogenesis sustains the methane paradox in an alpine lake
Authors: Bartosiewicz Maciej , Venetz Jessica , Läubli Saskia , Sepúlveda Steiner Oscar , Bouffard Damien , Zopfi Jakob , Lehmann Moritz F.
Published: November 2022

Accumulation of methane in oxic waters of lakes and the ocean has been widely reported. Despite the importance for the greenhouse gas budget, mechanistic controls of such “methane paradox” remain elusive. Here, we use a combination of CH4 concentration and isotopic (δ13CCH4, δDH2O and δ18OH2O) measurements, plankton incubations and microbial community assessments to demonstrate the existence of the methane paradox in oxygenated waters of a meromictic lake (Lake Cadagno, Switzerland). Following mass dynamics using water isotopes, we exclude the possibility that the accumulation of CH4 at the thermocline results solely from lateral transport. Interannual variability in the magnitude of the methane paradox (between 0.5 and 5 μmol L−1) is associated to stratification patterns, changes in zooplankton biomass and planktonic detritus accumulation along density gradients, as well as fluctuating microbial cell numbers. The links between hydrodynamic conditions, aggregation of planktonic detritus and its microbiome, as well as the accumulation of CH4 in the water column are further supported by high‐resolution echo‐sounder measurements revealing backscatter maxima at the top of the thermocline, where detritus is effectively trapped, and by oxic incubations showing that CH4 is produced in zooplankton detritus (0.046 nmol L−1 to 0.095 CH4 mg dry mass L−1 d−1). Our results also show that detritus‐hosted methanogenesis is stimulated through the addition of methylphosphonate, suggesting that zooplankton‐associated microbiomes exploit organic phosphorus compounds to release CH4. Understanding the variability of the methane paradox in relation to changing hydrodynamics and plankton communities will be crucial to predict the future role of lakes in the global methane budget.
An active‐passive cascaded bandpass filter with an 88 kHz–1.1 GHz bandwidth on substrate‐integrated suspended line platform
Authors: Yang Zhuojun , Ma Kaixue , Wang Yongqiang , Yan Ningning
Published: November 2022

This letter proposes an active‐passive cascaded bandpass filter based on the substrate‐integrated suspended line platform for the first time. By cascading an active‐RC highpass circuit with a passive‐LC lowpass filter circuit, the proposed filter achieves a GHz bandwidth, an extremely low cut‐off frequency, and a controllable in‐band gain. It has the advantages of compact size, DC‐offset cancellation, and self‐packaging. As proof of concept, a sixth‐order bandpass filter was designed and fabricated. The measured 3‐dB bandwidth is from 88 kHz to 1.1 GHz with a 5.8 dB in‐band gain, and the circuit area is only 0.021 × 0.022 λg, where λg is the guided wavelength at 0.55 GHz.
Optimized flip angle schemes for the split acquisition of fast spin‐echo signals (SPLICE) sequence and application to diffusion‐weighted imaging
Authors: Rahbek Sofie , Schakel Tim , Mahmood Faisal , Madsen Kristoffer H. , Philippens Marielle E.P. , Hanson Lars G.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The diffusion‐weighted SPLICE (split acquisition of fast spin‐echo signals) sequence employs split‐echo rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) readout to provide images almost free of geometric distortions. However, due to the varying T‐weighting during k‐space traversal, SPLICE suffers from blurring. This work extends a method for controlling the spatial point spread function (PSF) while optimizing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) achieved by adjusting the flip angles in the refocusing pulse train of SPLICE.

Methods

An algorithm based on extended phase graph (EPG) simulations optimizes the flip angles by maximizing SNR for a flexibly chosen predefined target PSF that describes the desired k‐space density weighting and spatial resolution. An optimized flip angle scheme and a corresponding post‐processing correction filter which together achieve the target PSF was tested by healthy subject brain imaging using a clinical 1.5 T scanner.

Results

Brain images showed a clear and consistent improvement over those obtained with a standard constant flip angle scheme. SNR was increased and apparent diffusion coefficient estimates were more accurate. For a modified Hann k‐space weighting example, considerable benefits resulted from acquisition weighting by flip angle control.

Conclusion

The presented flexible method for optimizing SPLICE flip angle schemes offers improved MR image quality of geometrically accurate diffusion‐weighted images that makes the sequence a strong candidate for radiotherapy planning or stereotactic surgery.
Retrograde labeling correlates with motor unit number estimation in rapid‐stretch nerve injury
Authors: Yeoh Stewart , Warner Wesley S. , Bromberg Mark , Mahan Mark A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction/Aims

Rapid‐stretch nerve injuries represent a substantial treatment challenge. No study has examined motor neuron connection after rapid‐stretch injury. Our objective in this study was to characterize the electrophysiological properties of graded rapid‐stretch nerve injury and assess motor neuron health using retrograde labeling and muscle adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) histology.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 6 per group) were rapid‐stretch injured at four levels of severity: sham injury, stretch within elastic modulus, inelastic deformation, and stretch rupture. Serial compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and motor unit number estimation (MUNE) measurements were made for 48 days, followed by retrograde labeling and muscle ATPase histology.

Results

Elastic injuries showed no durable abnormalities. Inelastic injury demonstrated profound initial reduction in CMAP and MUNE (P < .036) on day 2, with partial recovery by day 14 after injury (CMAP: 40% baseline, P = .003; MUNE: 55% baseline, P = .033). However, at the experimental endpoint, CMAP had recovered to baseline with only limited improvement in MUNE. Inelastic injury led to reduced retrograde‐labeled neurons and grouped fiber type histology. Rupture injury had severe and nonrecovering electrophysiological impairment, dramatically reducing labeled neurons (P = .005), and atrophic or type 1 muscle fibers. There was an excellent correlation between MUNE and retrograde‐labeled tibial motor neurons across injury severities (R2 = 0.96).

Discussion

There was no significant electrophysiological derangement in low‐severity injuries but there was recoverable conduction block in inelastic injury with slow recovery, potentially due to collateral sprouting. Rupture injuries yielded permanent failure of injured axons to reinnervate. These results provide insight into the pathophysiology of clinical injuries and recovery.
A community‐engaged approach to the design of a population‐based prospective cohort study to promote bladder health
Authors: Klusaritz Heather , Maki Julia , Levin Elise , Ayala Amy , Nodora Jesse , Coyne‐Beasley Tamera , Hebert‐Beirne Jeni , Lipman Terri H. , James Aimee , Gus Emily , Cunningham Shayna D. ,   Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS) Research Consortium.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Community engagement is increasingly recognized as a critical component of research, but few studies provide details on how to successfully incorporate community perspectives in urological research. This manuscript describes the community engagement strategy used by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium (PLUS) to design RISE FOR HEALTH (RISE), a multicenter, population‐based, prospective cohort study to promote bladder health.

Methods and Results

The PLUS Community Engagement Subcommittee, guided by a set of antiracist community engagement principles and practices, organized, implemented, and communicated findings for all RISE community engagement activities. Community engagement was conducted through a diverse network of community partners at PLUS clinical research centers called Rapid Assessment Partners (RAPs). Via online surveys (4), virtual discussion groups (14), and one‐on‐one interviews (12), RAPs provided input on RISE processes and materials, including in‐person visit procedures, specimen collection instructions, survey data collection instruments, recruitment materials, the study website, and the study name. This process resulted in significant changes to these aspects of the study design with reciprocal benefits for the community partners.

Discussion

Meaningful community engagement improved the design and implementation of RISE. PLUS will continue to engage community partners to interpret the RISE study results, disseminate RISE findings, and inform other PLUS studies toward the development of interventions to promote bladder health. Future urological studies would also benefit from community participation in determining priority research questions to address.
Evaluation and management of urologic complications following transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery
Authors: Elyaguov Jason , Isakov Roman , Nikolavsky Dmitriy
Published: November 2022

Aims

Transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery involves the creation of a neourethra by way of metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. We aim to describe approaches in identifying complications associated with these procedures as well as the various reparative techniques that can be utilized to reestablish the neourethral tract.

Methods

We prepared a guide to diagnostic and procedural interventions for urologic complications following transmasculine genital reconstructive surgery based on our clinical experience as well as those of our colleagues. We reviewed all current peer‐reviewed publications based on this topic.

Results

These procedures have a considerable revision rate for urologic complications, which include urethrocutaneous fistulae, persistent vaginal remnant, and urethral strictures. These complications often present simultaneously and require appropriate workup and treatment.

Conclusions

Several reconstructive techniques can be employed to restore the neourethral tract, as we describe in detail.
The accuracy of cystography under general anesthesia in children with vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Frumer Michael , Sivan Bezalel , May Tal , Morag Roy , Khunovich Dmitry , Ben‐Meir David
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To examine the accuracy of cystography under general anesthesia in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Materials and Methods

A prospective study of children who had VUR on cystography without general anesthesia (i.e., the gold‐standard), and who are candidates for endoscopic VUR repair surgery. All children subsequently underwent a cystography under general anesthesia before injection using standardized method, which was compared to the gold‐standard cystography. χ2 and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare proportions and medians between groups.

Results

Between 2017 and 2021, 126 renal units in 13 boys and 50 girls were included. Median age was 3.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.5−6.5). Median time from cystography without to cystography with general anesthesia was 3.8 months (IQR 2.7−6). Of the 126 renal units, 96 had VUR on cystography without general anesthesia. On dichotomous analysis (no VUR vs. any VUR) sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of cystography under general anesthesia were 47% (45/96), 87% (26/30), 34% (26/77) and 92% (45/49), respectively. Accuracy was 56.3%; Cohen's Kappa coefficient was 0.22, indicating poor agreement. In subgroup analysis, the sensitivity of cystography under general anesthesia was significantly lower in primary VUR (20% vs. 55% in secondary VUR, p = 0.01) and active VUR (14% vs. 52% in passive VUR, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Cystography under general anesthesia was poorly correlated to cystography performed while the child was awake or lightly sedated. Clinical decision relying on this cystography is questionable.
I see, I learn, I do: Development and evaluation of a video‐enhanced nasogastric tube feeding training programme for caregivers
Authors: Kwok Megan Wai Sze , Glass George Frederick , Loke Samantha , Loi Jia Ning , Chan Ee‐Yuee
Published: November 2022

Aim

We examined the effectiveness of a video‐enhanced education package in improving caregiver outcomes (number of steps at first feeding attempt, time to achieve competency and knowledge) compared to the current institutional training approach.

Design

Quasi‐experiment.

Methods

From August 2016–June 2017, we recruited 112 caregivers in a Singaporean tertiary hospital. We allocated 72 and 40 caregivers to video‐enhanced and standard education, respectively. Median values are reported with interquartile ranges (IQR), and analysed using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Caregivers taught with our video‐enhanced package performed a median of 7.0 (IQR = 3.5–7.5) out of eight steps correctly at their first attempt, a 40% increase. There was no change in the median number of training sessions but the 75th percentile dropped to 9.3 from 6.0, a 35% reduction. Post‐training knowledge improved from a median of 0.5 (IQR = 0–2.0) to 1.0 (IQR = 0–3.0). The video‐enhanced package can improve caregivers' knowledge and accelerate their skill competency.
Health Insurance and Young Adult Financial Distress
Authors: Blascak Nathan , Mikhed Vyacheslav
Published: November 2022

We study how health insurance eligibility affects financial distress for young adults using the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) dependent coverage mandate─the part of the ACA that requires private health insurance plans to cover individuals up to their 26th birthday. We examine the effects of both gaining and losing eligibility by exploiting the mandate's implementation in 2010 and its automatic disenrollment mechanism at age 26. Our estimates show that increasing access to health insurance lowers young adults’ out‐of‐pocket medical expenditures and debt in third‐party collections. However, reductions in financial distress are transitory, as they diminish after an individual loses access to parental insurance when they age out of the mandate at age 26.
Kinetics models for polyacrylamide‐graphene oxide composites as antifoulant
Authors: Osma Büşra , Pekcan Önder , Akın Evingür Gülşen
Published: November 2022

Antifouling paints are used to protect the surface against these organisms such as algae, sea squirts, and barnacles. According to previous research, fish and seaweeds do not adhere to submerged surfaces using wet and soft hydrogels. The aim of this study is to investigate the temperature effect on the performance of antifouling composites to develop new useful antifouling composites for shipping sector. In this swelling experiment, the behavior of hydrogels produced from polyacrylamide (PAAm) and graphene oxide (GO) was investigated at different temperatures. Free‐radical cross‐linking copolymerization formed composite, using acrylamide, ammonium persulfate, N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (BIS, Merck), and graphene oxide with various contents. The steady‐state fluorescence technique was used for studying the swelling of PAAm‐GO composites at various temperatures in pure water. When pyranine fluorescence intensity, I was measured, it decreased until swelling equilibrium was achieved. After the swelling experiment was started, the fluorescence emission (Iem) and scattering light intensities, Isc from different GO content hydrogels were observed by real‐time monitoring at various temperatures. Li‐Tanaka and Fickian models were used to determine the diffusion coefficients for the swelling experiments in distilled and Marmara Sea Water for 8 and 50 μl of GO content hydrogels, respectively. According to literature, PAAm is utilized as a surface coating material to reduce biofouling, for this reason, this research will show a way to be able to use PAAm inside antifouling paints material for the marine industry.
Place attachment and mobility in the context of job‐induced multilocal dwelling—The case of China
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Honggang
Published: November 2022

This study aims to understand the relationship between place attachment and mobility in a job‐induced multilocal dwelling context. Multilocal dwelling entails a long‐distance commute and having another residence in addition to the primary domestic one for job‐related purposes. From the mobility perspective, this study posits that a place should be understood as dynamic and relational, and place attachment as networked and flexible. Relying on interview data, this study identifies three distinct modes of relationship between place attachment and mobility—namely, disruption, compensation, and expansion. The findings reveal that under diverse modes, the characteristics of place attachment to different places of residence are distinct and determined by the interaction of mobility with materiality, social relations, and meaning construction in places. It sheds light on people‐place relationships in the context of job‐induced multilocal dwellings in China. Furthermore, it contributes to the understanding of the highly‐debated relationships between place attachment and mobility.
Correlation between Acoustic Emission and Stress Evolution during Single Twin Boundary Motion in Ni–Mn–Ga Magnetic Shape Memory Single Crystal
Authors: Perevertov Alexej , Ševčík Martin , Heczko Oleg
Published: November 2022

Stress evolution and related acoustic emission (AE) in modulated 10Mmartensite are simultaneously studied during compression forced motion of Type I and Type II single twin boundary (TB) resulting in microstructure reorientation and large deformation. The single TB of both types is formed in the same sample and traveled the same volume. The single boundary exhibits random jerky movement and for Type I the stress fluctuation can be directly correlated to AE signal. The AE during the single TB motion is an avalanche‐like process surmounting the obstacles – crystal defects. The amplitudes of AE are approximately five times higher for Type I compared to Type II. The energy amplitudes of AE events follow the universal power law with different coefficients for Type I and Type II TB. The peak rate well correlates with stress fluctuation during TB motion. Large differences observed for the same sample indicate a different mechanism of pinning and ultimately a different mechanism of Type I and Type II TB motion.
Should responder analyses be conducted on continuous outcomes?
Authors: Abugov Robert , Clark Jennifer , Higginbotham Laura , Li Feng , Nie Lei , Reasner David , Rothmann Mark , Yuan Xin , Sharretts John
Published: November 2022

Continuous outcomes are often dichotomized to classify trial subjects as responders or nonresponders, with the difference in rates of response between treatment and control defined as the “responder effect.” In this article, we caution that dichotomization of continuous interval outcomes may not be best practice. Defining clinical benefit or harm for continuous interval outcomes as the difference between the means of treatment and control, that is, the “continuous treatment effect,” we examine the case where treatment and control outcomes are normally distributed and differ only in location. For this case, continuous treatment effects may be considered clinically relevant if they exceed a prespecified minimum clinically important difference. In contrast, using minimum clinically important differences as dichotomization thresholds will not ensure clinically relevant responder effects. For example, in some situations, increasing the threshold may actually relax the criterion for effectiveness by increasing the calculated responder effect. Using responder effects to quantitatively assess benefit or risk of investigational drugs for continuous interval outcomes presents interpretational challenges. In particular, when the dichotomization threshold is halfway between the treatment and control outcome means, the responder effect is at a maximum with a magnitude monotonically related to the number of standard deviations between the mean outcomes of treatment and control. Large responder effect benefits may therefore reflect clinically unimportant continuous treatment effects amplified by small standard deviations, and small responder effect risks may reflect either clinically important continuous treatment effects minimized by large standard deviations, or selection of a dichotomization threshold not providing maximum responder effect.
Methodology selecting packaging materials combined multi‐sensory experience and fuzzy three‐stage network DEA model
Authors: Xie Yong , Chen Nanning , Hua Guangjun , Xiao Yingzhe
Published: November 2022

Materials selection involves thousands of material types and evaluation parameters. Considering multisensory experience for packaging materials selection is an important trend but a difficult duty that involves uncertainty due to the subjectivity of humans. The main aim of this study is to establish a model to determine the consumer sensory experience of packaging materials as a function supporting packaging material selection development. When the consumer interacts before and after opening the packaging, vision and tactility are the foremost sensory feedback types, which are difficult to measure for fuzziness and uncertainty. Thus, given the consumer senses of vision and tactility, this paper addresses the relationship between sensory experience and packaging material properties. This is creatively formulated in three stages from the physical properties and the psycho‐physical to the affective levels. The proposed approach that combines fuzzy theory and three‐stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to rank 12 toning lotion bottle packaging materials. It is validated that this model allows a clear decision‐making basis for material selection in packaging design, and physiological signal tests provided key data to support material selection. Moreover, it realized the function of predicting physiological signal according to material properties by backpropagation neural network (BPNN).