bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Years of TRMM Precipitation Features. Part I: Radar, Radiometric, and Lightning Characteristics
Authors: Cecil Daniel J. , Goodman Steven J. , Boccippio Dennis J. , Zipser Edward J. , Nesbitt Stephen W.
Published: March 2005

During its first three years, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite observed nearly six million precipitation features. The population of precipitation features is sorted by lightning flash rate, minimum brightness temperature, maximum radar reflectivity, areal extent, and volumetric rainfall. For each of these characteristics, essentially describing the convective intensity or the size of the features, the population is broken into categories consisting of the top 0.001%, top 0.01%, top 0.1%, top 1%, top 2.4%, and remaining 97.6%. The set of “weakest/smallest” features composes 97.6% of the population because that fraction does not have detected lightning, with a minimum detectable flash rate of 0.7 flashes (fl) min−1. The greatest observed flash rate is 1351 fl min−1; the lowest brightness temperatures are 42 K (85 GHz) and 69 K (37 GHz). The largest precipitation feature covers 335 000 km2, and the greatest rainfall from an individual precipitation feature exceeds 2 × 1012 kg h−1 of water. There is considerable overlap between the greatest storms according to different measures of convective intensity. The largest storms are mostly independent of the most intense storms. The set of storms producing the most rainfall is a convolution of the largest and the most intense storms.

This analysis is a composite of the global Tropics and subtropics. Significant variability is known to exist between locations, seasons, and meteorological regimes. Such variability will be examined in Part II. In Part I, only a crude land–ocean separation is made. The known differences in bulk lightning flash rates over land and ocean result from at least two differences in the precipitation feature population: the frequency of occurrence of intense storms and the magnitude of those intense storms that do occur. Even when restricted to storms with the same brightness temperature, same size, or same radar reflectivity aloft, the storms over water are considerably less likely to produce lightning than are comparable storms over land.
Preliminary Tests of Multiscale Modeling with a Two-Dimensional Framework: Sensitivity to Coupling Methods
Authors: Jung Joon-Hee , Arakawa Akio
Published: March 2005

Preliminary tests of the multiscale modeling approach, also known as the cloud-resolving convective parameterization, or superparameterization, are performed using an idealized framework. In this approach, a two-dimensional cloud-system resolving model (CSRM) is embedded within each vertical column of a general circulation model (GCM) replacing conventional cloud parameterization. The purpose of this study is to investigate the coupling between the GCM and CSRMs and suggest a revised method of coupling that abandons the cyclic lateral boundary condition for each CSRM used in the original cloud-resolving convective parameterization. In this way, the CSRM extends into neighboring GCM grid boxes while sharing approximately the same mass fluxes with the GCM at the borders of the grid boxes.

With the original and revised methods of coupling, numerical simulations of the evolution of cloud systems are conducted using a two-dimensional model that couples CSRMs with a lower-resolution version of the CSRM with no physics [large-scale dynamics model (LSDM)]. The results with the revised method show that cloud systems can propagate from one LSDM grid column to the next as expected. Comparisons with a straightforward application of a single CSRM to the entire domain (CONTROL) show that the biases of the large-scale thermodynamic fields simulated by the coupled model are significantly smaller with the revised method. The results also show that the biases are near the smallest when the velocity fields of the LSDM and CSRM are nudged to each other with the time scale of a few hours and the thermodynamic field of the LSDM is instantaneously updated at each time step with the domain-averaged CSRM field.
Vertical Structure of Midlatitude Analysis and Forecast Errors
Authors: Hakim Gregory J.
Published: March 2005

The dominant vertical structures for analysis and forecast errors are estimated in midlatitudes using a small ensemble of operational analyses. Errors for fixed locations in the central North Pacific and eastern North America are selected for comparing errors in regions with relatively low and high observation density, respectively. Results for these fixed locations are compared with results for zonal wavenumber 9, which provides a representative sample of baroclinic waves. This study focuses on deviations from the ensemble mean for meridional wind and temperature at 40°N; these quantities are chosen for simplicity and because they capture dynamical and thermodynamical aspects of midlatitude baroclinic waves.

Results for the meridional wind show that analysis and forecast errors share the same dominant vertical structure as the analyses. This structure peaks near the tropopause and decays smoothly toward small values in the middle and lower troposphere. The dominant vertical structure for analysis errors exhibits upshear tilt and peaks just below the tropopause, suggesting an asymmetry in errors of the tropopause location, with a bias toward greater errors for downward tropopause displacements. The dominant vertical structure for temperature analysis errors is distinctly different from temperature analyses. Analysis errors have a sharp peak in the lower troposphere, with a secondary structure near the tropopause, whereas forecast errors and analyses show a dipole straddling the tropopause and smooth vertical structure, consistent with potential vorticity anomalies due to variance in tropopause position.

Linear regression of forecast errors onto analysis errors for the western North Pacific is used to assess the nonseparable zonal-height structure of errors and their propagation. Analysis errors near the tropopause rapidly develop into a spreading wave packet, with a group speed that matches the mean zonal wind speed of 31 m s−1. A complementary calculation for the regression of 24-h forecast errors onto analysis errors shows that forecast errors originate from analysis errors in the middle and upper troposphere. These errors rapidly expand in the vertical to span the troposphere, with a peak at the tropopause.
Gratitude in University Students in Japan and Thailand
Authors: Naito Takashi , Wangwan Janjira , Tani Motoko
Published: March 2005

The authors surveyed 212 university students in Japan and 284 university students in Thailand, using a multiaspect questionnaire that was designed to investigate cultural similarities and differences in gratitude. The questionnaire included the items involved in hypothetical helping situations: (a) perceived gains of recipients, cost to benefactors, and obligation to help as antecedent variables of gratitude; (b) both positive feelings of gratitude and feelings of indebtedness; and (c) requital to benefactors and increased prosocial motivation of recipients as an outcome of gratitude. In both Japanese and Thai students, positive feelings cor-related with facial and verbal expressions of gratitude and increased prosocial motivation. However, the variable of feelings of indebtedness was positively related to increased prosocial motivation only in Japanese male students.
Institutional Dualism and International Development
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W. , Goldsmith Arthur A.
Published: March 2005

This article examines the tensions, trade-offs, and complementarities between so-called good governance and bad governance in international development and draws on U.S. history to comment on current change efforts. Aid donors have ambitious plans to encourage countries to replace corrupt or closed public institutions with more accountable systems. Yet democratic or rational-legal governance does not necessarily represent an improvement over ostensibly improper governance. It is important to bear in mind that certain clientelistic practices have hidden positive functions, such as giving poor people access to resources. Governance institutions are neither bad nor good in themselves; outcomes are what matter.
Changing Objectives and Formulas in Privatization Policies
Authors: Ubillos Javier Bilbao
Published: March 2005

This article looks at the specific processes by which policies are formulated, implemented, and changed. The case study considered posits that privatization may mean different things depending on the formula used, the assets transferred, and the resulting potential for change in the regulatory framework where the privatized firm is to operate. Any interpretation of economic policy concerning privatization should, therefore, examine the details of each operation to identify the ultimate goals, priorities, and economic transmission mechanisms involved. Here, the case of Spain is used to illustrate the various economic policy objectives (consolidating the production system, reducing public sector funding requirements, rebalancing the private and public sectors, etc.) that guide decisions on privatization.
Cultural Values Among African-Descended Persons in the United Kingdom: Comparisons With European-Descended and Asian-Descended Persons
Authors: Gaines Stanley O. , Larbie Judy , Patel Sheena , Pereira Larissa , Sereke-Melake Zayed
Published: March 2005

In this study, conducted within the United Kingdom, the authors compared scores on five cultural values—namely, individualism, collectivism, familism, romanticism, and spiritualism—(a) between African-descended persons and European-descended persons and (b) between African-descended persons and Asian-descended persons. We predicted that African-descended persons would score higher than European-descended and Asian-descended persons on collectivism, lower than European-descended persons on individualism, and lower than Asian-descended persons on spiritualism. A total of 227 individuals (92 men, 132 women, and 3 individuals who did not indicate their gender) participated in the present study. Results of a multivariate analysis of variance followed by a series of one way analyses of variance and planned comparisons indicated that African-descended persons scored significantly higher than European-descended persons on collectivism, familism, and romanticism; African-descended persons did not differ from European-descended persons on individualism or spiritualism; and African-descended persons did not differ from Asian-descended persons on any of the cultural values. Implications for the study of ethnicity and cultural values across nations are discussed.
Paternal Relationship Quality as a Protective Factor: Preventing Alcohol Use Among African American Adolescents
Authors: Jordan Lisa C. , Lewis Melissa L.
Published: March 2005

This study examines the effects of father involvement on alcohol consumption in African American adolescents. A representative sample of 1,027 students was selected from a national longitudinal study of adolescents in grades 7 through 12. Family structure and relationship quality were examined for three groups of fathers: nonresidential fathers, residential fathers, and father figures. The study explores the extent to which a father’s presence and relationship quality serves as protective factors for adolescent alcohol use. The data supports the hypothesis that having a positive father-child relationship decreases the likelihood that an adolescent uses alcohol, and it is a greater deterrent to adolescent alcohol use than family structure. Through this study’s findings, it was determined that a positive child relationship is not dependent on whether or not the father resides in the home.
A History of Vocation: Tracing a Keyword of Work, Meaning, and Moral Purpose
Authors: Dawson Jane
Published: March 2005

This article traces the historical shifts in usage of the term vocation as a significant keyword wherein a range of different connotations and assumptions about the nature of work and the relationship between the domain of work and the practice of adult education are negotiated and contested. The aim of this article is to establish a wider backdrop against which contemporary understandings of vocation and work as they related to the field of adult education can be considered. By charting the major historical shifts in the usage of this term, this article explores some of the contrasting narratives of work as a source of meaning still carried by the term in contemporary usage.
Process, Promise, and Pitfalls of Collaborative Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Lyon Maureen E. , Silber Tomas Jose , Atkins Darlene
Published: March 2005

This case study illustrates the process and challenges of multidisciplinary treatment of an adolescent with anorexia nervosa. A biopsychosocial model of anorexia nervosa is presented. This case study demonstrates the need for a multidisciplinary approach in which a physician, psychotherapist, and dietician with training in the treatment of eating disorders collaborated in an outpatient setting. This case was complicated by comorbid obsessive-compulsive personality features and limited adherence with treatment recommendations. A 1-month hospitalization on an inpatient unit is described to illustrate the importance of maintaining communication among all health care providers during the transition into and out of the hospital. This case demonstrates the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of splitting or scapegoating among the treatment team.
Azidothymidine inhibits NF-κB and induces Epstein-Barr virus gene expression in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Kurokawa Motoki , Ghosh Subrata K. , Ramos Juan Carlos , Mian Abdul M. , Toomey Ngoc L. , Cabral Lisa , Whitby Denise , Barber Glen N. , Dittmer Dirk P. , Harrington William J.
Published: March 2005

The antiviral compound azidothymidine (AZT), alone or in combination with other agents, induces apoptosis in early-passage, Epstein-Barr virus–positive Burkitt lymphoma (EBV+ BL) lines and has clinical activity in EBV+ BL. We report here a mechanism of AZT's antitumor activity. The nuclei of these cells contain activated nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits p50, c-Rel, RelB, and p52, but not p65. Treatment of primary EBV+ BL lines with AZT inhibited NF-κB within 1 to 2 hours. This was followed by up-regulation of EBV gene expression including viral thymidine kinase (vTK) and apoptosis. Subclones of EBV+ BL cells that demonstrated activated p65 were resistant to AZT. In EBV+ BLs, AZT but not ganciclovir (GCV) was highly phosphorylated to its monophosphate form (AZT-MP). Phosphorylation, as well as apoptosis, was markedly enhanced in the presence of hydroxyurea. AZT inhibits NF-κB and up-regulates EBV gene expression in primary EBV+ BLs. AZT with hydroxyurea may represent an inexpensive, targeted regimen for endemic BL.
The "Statinth" wonder of the world: a panacea for all illnesses or a bubble about to burst
Authors: Shafiq Nusrat , Malhotra Samir , Pandhi Promila , Grover Anil
Published: March 2005

After the introduction of statins in the market as effective lipid lowering agents, they were shown to have effects other than lipid lowering. These actions were collectively referred to as 'pleiotropic actions of statins.' Pleiotropism of statins formed the basis for evaluating statins for several indications other than lipid lowering. Evidence both in favour and against is available for several of these indications. The current review attempts to critically summarise the available data for each of these indications.
New regulatory interactions and cellular responses in the isthmic organizer region revealed by alteringGbx2expression
Authors: Li James Y. H. , Lao Zhimin , Joyner Alexandra L.
Published: March 2005

The mouse homeobox gene Gbx2 is first expressed throughout the posterior region of the embryo during gastrulation, and becomes restricted to rhombomeres 1-3 (r1-3) by embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5). Previous studies have shown that r1-3 do not develop in Gbx2 mutants and that there is an early caudal expansion of the midbrain gene Otx2 to the anterior border of r4. Furthermore, expression of Wnt1 and Fgf8, two crucial components of the isthmic organizer, is no longer segregated to adjacent domains in Gbx2 mutants. In this study, we extend the phenotypic analysis of Gbx2 mutants by showing that Gbx2 is not only required for development of r1-3, but also for normal gene expression in r4-6. To determine whether Gbx2 can alter hindbrain development, we generated Hoxb1-Gbx2 (HG) transgenic mice in which Gbx2 is ectopically expressed in r4. We show that Gbx2 is not sufficient to induce r1-3 development in r4. To test whether an Otx2/Gbx2 interface can induce r1-3 development, we introduced the HG transgene onto a Gbx2-null mutant background and recreated a new Otx2/Gbx2 border in the anterior hindbrain. Development of r3, but not r1 and r2, is rescued in Gbx2–/–; HG embryos. In addition, the normal spatial relationship of Wnt1 and Fgf8 is established at the new Otx2/Gbx2 border, demonstrating that an interaction between Otx2 and Gbx2 is sufficient to produce the normal pattern of Wnt1 and Fgf8 expression. However, the expression domains of Fgf8 and Spry1, a downstream target of Fgf8, are greatly reduced in mid/hindbrain junction area of Gbx2–/–; HG embryos and the posterior midbrain is truncated because of abnormal cell death. Interestingly, we show that increased cell death and a partial loss of the midbrain are associated with increased expression of Fgf8 and Spry1 in Gbx2conditional mutants that lack Gbx2 in r1 after E9.0. These results together suggest that cell survival in the posterior midbrain is positively or negatively regulated by Fgf8, depending on Fgf8 expression level. Our studies provide new insights into the regulatory interactions that maintain isthmic organizer gene expression and the consequences of altered levels of organizer gene expression on cell survival.
Commissural neuron identity is specified by a homeodomain protein, Mbh1,that is directly downstream of Math1
Authors: Saba Rie , Johnson Jane E. , Saito Tetsuichiro
Published: March 2005

Proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins are key regulators of neurogenesis. However, downstream target genes of the bHLH proteins remain poorly defined. Mbh1 confers commissural neuron identity in the spinal cord. Enhancer analysis using transgenic mice revealed that Mbh1 expression required an E-box 3′ of the Mbh1 gene. Mbh1 expression was lost in Math1 knockout mice, whereas misexpression of Math1 induced ectopic expression of Mbh1. Moreover, Math1 bound the Mbh1 enhancer containing the E-box in vivo and activated gene expression. Generation of commissural neurons by Math1 was inhibited by a dominant negative form of Mbh1. These findings indicate that Mbh1 is necessary and sufficient for the specification of commissural neurons,as a direct downstream target of Math1.
Tbx3can alter limb position along the rostrocaudal axis of the developing embryo
Authors: Rallis Charalampos , Del Buono Jo , Logan Malcolm P. O.
Published: March 2005

The limbs of the vertebrate embryo form at precise locations along the body and these positions are fixed across different species. The mechanisms that control this process are not understood. Ectopic expression of Tbx3,a transcriptional repressor that belongs to the Tbx2/3/4/5 subfamily of T-box transcriptional regulators, in the forelimb results in a rostral shift in the position of the limb along the main body axis. By contrast, a transcriptional activator form of Tbx3 shifts the limb to more caudal locations. We also show that dHand and Gli3, genes previously implicated in anteroposterior pre-patterning of the limb-forming region, are also involved in refining the position of the limbs. Our data suggest a new role for Tbx3 in positioning the limb along the main body axis through a genetic interplay between dHand and Gli3.
Applications of mRNA injections for analyzing cell lineage and asymmetric cell divisions during segmentation in the leechHelobdella robusta
Authors: Zhang Shaobing O. , Weisblat David A.
Published: March 2005

Synthetic mRNAs can be injected to achieve transient gene expression even for `non-model' organisms in which genetic approaches are not feasible. Here,we have used this technique to express proteins that can serve as lineage tracers or reporters of cellular events in embryos of the glossiphoniid leech Helobdella robusta (phylum Annelida). As representatives of the proposed super-phylum Lophotrochozoa, glossiphoniid leeches are of interest for developmental and evolutionary comparisons. Their embryos are suitable for microinjection, but no genetic approaches are currently available. We have injected segmentation stem cells (teloblasts) with mRNAs encoding nuclear localized green fluorescent protein (nGFP) and its spectral variants, and have used tandem injections of nGFP mRNA followed by antisense morpholino oligomer (AS MO), to label single blast cell clones. These techniques permit high resolution cell lineage tracing in living embryos. We have applied them to the primary neurogenic (N) lineage, in which alternate segmental founder cells (nf and ns blast cells) contribute distinct sets of progeny to the segmental ganglia. The nf and ns blast cell clones exhibit strikingly different cell division patterns: the increase in cell number within the nf clone is roughly linear, while that in the ns clone is almost exponential. To analyze spindle dynamics in the asymmetric divisions of individual blast cells, we have injected teloblasts with mRNA encoding a tau::GFP fusion protein. Our results show that the asymmetric divisions of n blast cells result from a posterior shift of both the spindle within the cell and the midbody within the mitotic spindle, with differential regulation of these processes between nf and ns.
An improved theory for regenerative pump performance
Authors: Meakhail T , Park S O
Published: March 2005

Owing to their low specific speed, regenerative pumps allow high heads with small flow rates and have performance curves with very stable features. This kind of pump is also smaller and simpler to construct than the other equivalent volumetric pumps, although it has fairly low efficiency. Over the past few years, regenerative pumps have been subject to more interest in various industrial applications. Previous mathematical models do not describe the flow characteristics very well as they are based on simplified assumptions. An improved model is proposed in this paper for the pump performance. The model can handle one inlet angle and two exit angles for the impeller blades and it can be used for the design of twisted blades that would increase the pump head and efficiency. A new feature of the pump characteristics based on the proposed model is discussed. It is shown that the proposed model yield results that are in good agreements with the experimental results. The new model also shows that the side-blade exit angle has a major effect on the performance of regenerative pump, which has not been accounted for in the previous theory.
Democracy and Ethnography: Constructing Identities in Multicultural Liberal States
Authors: Coombe Rosemary J.
Published: March 2005

Democracy and Ethnography: Constructing Identities in Multicultural Liberal States. Carol Greenhouse. ed., with Roshanak Kheshti. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1998. + 205 pp.
Area-Level Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Health Care Spending
Authors: Morenz Anna M. , Liao Joshua M. , Au David H. , Hayes Sophia A.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Publicly available, US Census–based composite measures of socioeconomic disadvantage are increasingly being used in a wide range of clinical outcomes and health services research. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) are 2 of the most commonly used measures. There is also early interest in incorporating area-level measures to create more equitable alternative payment models.

Objective

To review the evidence on the association of ADI and SVI with health care spending, including claims-based spending and patient-reported barriers to care due to cost.

Evidence Review

A systematic search for English-language articles and abstracts was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases (from inception to March 1, 2023). Peer-reviewed articles and abstracts using a cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort study design and based in the US were identified. Data analysis was performed in March 2023.

Findings

This review included 24 articles and abstracts that used a cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort study design. In 20 of 24 studies (83%), ADI and SVI were associated with increased health care spending. No association was observed in the 4 remaining studies, mostly with smaller sample sizes from single centers. In adjusted models, the increase in spending associated with higher ADI or SVI residence was $574 to $1811 for index surgical hospitalizations, $3003 to $24 075 for 30- and 90-day episodes of care, and $3519 for total annual spending for Medicare beneficiaries. In the studies that explored mechanisms, postoperative complications, readmission risk, and poor primary care access emerged as health care system–related drivers of increased spending.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this systematic review suggest that both ADI and SVI can play important roles in efforts to understand drivers of health care spending and in the design of payment and care delivery programs that capture aspects of social risk. At the health care system level, higher health care spending and poor care access associated with ADI or SVI may represent opportunities to codesign interventions with patients from high ADI or SVI areas to improve access to high-value health care and health promotion more broadly.
Weight Loss Treatment and Longitudinal Weight Change Among Primary Care Patients With Obesity
Authors: Henderson James , Ehlers Anne P. , Lee Joyce M. , Kraftson Andrew T. , Piehl Kenneth , Richardson Caroline R. , Griauzde Dina H.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Among individuals with obesity, 5% or greater weight loss can improve health. Weight management treatments (WMT) include nutrition counseling, very low-calorie meal replacement (MR), antiobesity medications (AOM), and bariatric surgery; however, little is known about how these WMT are associated with weight change among individual patients and populations.

Objective

To characterize weight status and WMT use among primary care patients and assess associations between WMT and weight trajectories.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Retrospective, population-based cohort study of primary care patients from 1 academic health system in Michigan between October 2015 and March 2020 using cross-sectional analysis to compare obesity prevalence and WMT utilization. For patients with obesity and WMT exposure or matched controls, a multistate Markov model assessing associations between WMT and longitudinal weight status trajectories was used. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to October 2023.

Exposures

Cross-sectional exposure was year: 2017 or 2019. Trajectory analysis exposures were WMT: nutrition counseling, MR, AOM, and bariatric surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cross-sectional analysis compared mean body mass index (BMI), obesity prevalence, and, among patients with obesity, prospective WMT use. The trajectory analysis examined longitudinal weight status using thresholds of ±5% and 10% of baseline weight with primary outcomes being the 1-year probabilities of 5% or greater weight loss for each WMT.

Results

Adult patients (146 959 participants) consisted of 83 636 female participants (56.9%); 8940 (6.1%) were Asian, 14 560 (9.9%) were Black, and 116 664 (79.4%) were White. Patients had a mean (SD) age of 49.6 (17.7) years and mean (SD) BMI of 29.2 (7.2). Among 138 682 patients, prevalence of obesity increased from 39.2% in 2017 to 40.7% in 2019; WMT use among patients with obesity increased from 5.3% to 7.1% (difference: 1.7%; 95% CI, 1.3%-2.2%). In a multistate model (10 180 patients; 33 549 patient-years), the 1-year probability of 5% or greater weight loss without WMT exposure was 15.6% (95% CI, 14.3%-16.5%) at reference covariates. In contrast, the probability of 5% or greater weight loss was more likely with year-long exposures to any WMT (nutrition counseling: 23.1%; 95% CI, 21.3%-25.1%; MR: 54.6%; 95% CI, 46.5%-61.2%; AOM: 27.8%; 95% CI, 25.0%-30.5%; bariatric surgery: 93.0%; 95% CI, 89.7%-95.0%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of primary-care patients with obesity, all WMT increased the patient-level probability of achieving 5% or greater weight loss, but current rates of utilization are low and insufficient to reduce weight at the population level.
Decentralized Clinical Trials as a New Paradigm of Trial Delivery to Improve Equity of Access
Authors: Underhill Craig , Freeman Jessica , Dixon Jacqueline , Buzza Mark , Long Donna , Burbury Kate , Sabesan Sabe , McBurnie Jacqueline , Woollett Anne
Published: February 2024

Importance

The need to maintain clinical trial recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic has precipitated the rapid uptake of digital health for the conduct of clinical trials. Different terms are used in different jurisdictions and clinical contexts, including digital trials, networked trials, teletrials (TT), and decentralized clinical trials (DCT) with a need to agree to terms.

Observations

This clinical care review summarized publications and gray literature, including government policies for the safe conduct of clinical trials using digital health. It compares 2 frequently used methodologies, DCT and TT, first developed before the COVID-19 pandemic by trialists and stakeholders in Australia to improve access to cancer clinical trials for geographically dispersed populations. TT uses a networked approach to implement clinical trials to share care between facilities and uses an agreement between sites or a supervision plan to improve governance and safety. Government regulators have adapted existing regulations and invested in the rollout of the TT model. The term DCT emerged in the northern hemisphere and has been the subject of guidance from regulatory agencies. DCT uses digital health to deliver care in nontraditional sites, such as participants’ homes, but does not mandate a networked approach between health facilities or require a supervision plan to be in place.

Conclusions and Relevance

TT can be considered as a specific type of DCT with several potential advantages, including upskilling across a network. DCT is a new paradigm for the use of digital health in the safe conduct of clinical trials and is a transformative issue in cancer care, addressing disparities in access to clinical trials and improving clinical outcomes.
Follow-Up of Bilateral Iridoschisis in a Patient With Alport Syndrome
Authors: Matagrin Benjamin , Agard Emilie , Dot Corinne
Published: February 2024

This case report discusses the long-term follow-up of a patient with bilateral iridoschisis and Alport syndrome.
Prevalence and Features of Fungal Keratitis Among US Patients With Commercial Health Insurance
Authors: Benedict Kaitlin , Gold Jeremy A. W. , Smith Dallas J.
Published: February 2024

This case series estimates fungal keratitis prevalence among US patients with commercial insurance.
Salvage Microsurgery Following Failed Primary Radiosurgery in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Marinelli John P. , Herberg Hans A. , Moore Lindsay S. , Yancey Kristen L. , Kay-Rivest Emily , Casale Garrett G. , Durham Allison , Khandalavala Karl R. , Lund-Johansen Morten , Kosaraju Nikitha , Lohse Christine M. , Patel Neil S. , Gurgel Richard K. , Babu Seilesh C. , Golfinos John G. , Roland J. Thomas , Hunter Jacob B. , Kutz J. Walter , Santa Maria Peter L. , Link Michael J. , Tveiten Øystein V. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: February 2024

Importance

Management of sporadic vestibular schwannoma with radiosurgery is becoming increasingly common globally; however, limited data currently characterize patient outcomes in the setting of microsurgical salvage for radiosurgical failure.

Objective

To describe the clinical outcomes of salvage microsurgery following failed primary stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) among patients with sporadic vestibular schwannoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cohort study of adults (≥18 years old) with sporadic vestibular schwannoma who underwent salvage microsurgery following failed primary SRS/FSRT in 7 vestibular schwannoma treatment centers across the US and Norway. Data collection was performed between July 2022 and January 2023, with data analysis performed between January and July 2023.

Exposure

Salvage microsurgical tumor resection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Composite outcome of undergoing less than gross total resection (GTR) or experiencing long-term facial paresis.

Results

Among 126 patients, the median (IQR) age at time of salvage microsurgery was 62 (53-70) years, 69 (55%) were female, and 113 of 117 (97%) had tumors that extended into the cerebellopontine angle at time of salvage. Of 125 patients, 96 (76%) underwent primary gamma knife SRS, while 24 (19%) underwent linear accelerator-based SRS; the remaining patients underwent FSRT using other modalities. Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak was seen in 15 of 126 patients (12%), hydrocephalus in 8 (6%), symptomatic stroke in 7 (6%), and meningitis in 2 (2%). Each 1-mm increase in cerebellopontine angle tumor size was associated with a 13% increased likelihood of foregoing GTR (64 of 102 patients [63%]) or long-term postoperative House-Brackmann grade higher than I (48 of 102 patients [47%]) (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.04-1.23). Following salvage microsurgery, tumor growth–free survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 97% (95% CI, 94%-100%), 93% (95% CI, 87%-99%), and 91% (95% CI, 84%-98%), respectively.

Conclusions

In this cohort study, more than half of patients who received salvage microsurgery following primary SRS/FSRT underwent less than GTR or experienced some degree of facial paresis long term. These data suggest that the cumulative risk of developing facial paresis following primary SRS/FSRT by the end of the patient’s journey with treatment approximates 2.5% to 7.5% when using published primary SRS/FSRT long-term tumor control rates.
Metrology of Platinum Nanozymes: Mechanistic Insights and Analytical Issues
Authors: Cursi Lorenzo , Mirra Giulia , Boselli Luca , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: February 2024

Thanks to their properties, stability, and multifunctionality, nanozymes are increasingly impacting several fields, including medicine, diagnostics, and environmental science. However, clear information about their catalytic properties and mechanisms is still lacking. Several critical issues are currently under discussions, such as the absence of univocally accepted catalytic mechanisms, standardized protocols for directly comparing nanozymes versus enzymes, and a comprehensive characterization of their performance in different chemical/biological environments. All these issues strongly limit the advancement of the field. Herein, nanozymes metrology and analysis of both catalytic mechanisms and methodological procedures are attempted, taking platinum nanozymes as a case study thanks to their multifunctional catalytic features. The oxidoreductase activities of Pt‐nanozymes (i.e., peroxidase‐, oxidase‐, and catalase‐like reactions) are critically investigated in different physical/chemical environments, clarifying fundamental aspects and providing general methodological guidelines for nanozyme properties characterization. Furthermore, PtNP activities are compared with natural enzymes in different conditions, and their performance and catalytic behavior are evaluated by calculating the turnover frequency (TOF) with different normalization strategies. The results highlight that Pt‐nanozymes are efficient catalysts, exhibiting outstanding catalase‐like activity. This work clarifies several key points concerning Pt‐nanozyme properties and general metrological issues, providing a workflow that can become a reference for several nanozymes characterizations.
Engineered Tumor–Immune Microenvironment On A Chip to Study T Cell–Macrophage Interaction in Breast Cancer Progression
Authors: Manoharan Twinkle Jina Minette , Ravi Kalpana , Suresh Abhirami P. , Acharya Abhinav P. , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: February 2024

Evolving knowledge about the tumor–immune microenvironment (TIME) is driving innovation in designing novel therapies against hard‐to‐treat breast cancer. Targeting the immune components of TIME has emerged as a promising approach for cancer therapy. While recent immunotherapies aim at restoring antitumor immunity, counteracting tumor escape remains challenging. Hence there is a pressing need to better understand the complex tumor–immune crosstalk within TIME. Considering this imperative, this study aims at investigating the crosstalk between the two abundant immune cell populations within the breast TIME—macrophages and T cells, in driving tumor progression using an organotypic 3D in vitro tumor‐on‐a‐chip (TOC) model. The TOC features distinct yet interconnected organotypic tumor and stromal entities. This triculture platform mimics the complex TIME, embedding the two immune populations in a suitable 3D matrix. Analysis of invasion, morphometric measurements, and flow cytometry results underscores the substantial contribution of macrophages to tumor progression, while the presence of T cells is associated with a deceleration in the migratory behavior of both cancer cells and macrophages. Furthermore, cytokine analyses reveal significant upregulation of leptin and RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T Cell expressed and secreted) in triculture. Overall, this study highlights the complexity of TIME and the critical role of immune cells in cancer progression.
In Vivo Stimulation of Therapeutic Antigen‐Specific T Cells in an Artificial Lymph Node Matrix
Authors: Livingston Natalie K. , Hickey John W. , Sim Hajin , Salathe Sebastian F. , Choy Joseph , Kong Jiayuan , Silver Aliyah B. , Stelzel Jessica L. , Omotoso Mary O. , Li Shuyi , Chaisawangwong Worarat , Roy Sayantika , Ariail Emily C. , Lanis Mara R. , Pradeep Pratibha , Bieler Joan Glick , Witte Savannah Est , Leonard Elissa , Doloff Joshua C. , Spangler Jamie B. , Mao Hai‐Quan , Schneck Jonathan P.
Published: February 2024

T cells are critical mediators of antigen‐specific immune responses and are common targets for immunotherapy. Biomaterial scaffolds have previously been used to stimulate antigen‐presenting cells to elicit antigen‐specific immune responses; however, structural and molecular features that directly stimulate and expand naïve, endogenous, tumor‐specific T cells in vivo have not been defined. Here, an artificial lymph node (aLN) matrix is created, which consists of an extracellular matrix hydrogel conjugated with peptide‐loaded‐MHC complex (Signal 1), the co‐stimulatory signal anti‐CD28 (Signal 2), and a tethered IL‐2 (Signal 3), that can bypass challenges faced by other approaches to activate T cells in situ such as vaccines. This dynamic immune‐stimulating platform enables direct, in vivo antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell stimulation, as well as recruitment and coordination of host immune cells, providing an immuno‐stimulatory microenvironment for antigen‐specific T cell activation and expansion. Co‐injecting the aLN with naïve, wild‐type CD8+ T cells results in robust activation and expansion of tumor‐targeted T cells that kill target cells and slow tumor growth in several distal tumor models. The aLN platform induces potent in vivo antigen‐specific CD8+ T cell stimulation without the need for ex vivo priming or expansion and enables in situ manipulation of antigen‐specific responses for immunotherapies.
Planar Cation Passivation on Colloidal Quantum Dots Enables High‐Performance 0.35–1.8 µm Broadband TFT Imager
Authors: Liu Yuxuan , Liu Jing , Deng Chengjie , Wang Bo , Xia Bing , Liang Xinyi , Yang Yang , Li Shengman , Wang Xihua , Li Luying , Lan Xinzheng , Fei Peng , Zhang Jianbing , Gao Liang , Tang Jiang
Published: February 2024

Solution‐processed colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising candidates for broadband photodetectors from visible light to shortwave infrared (SWIR). However, large‐size PbS CQDs sensitive to longer SWIR are mainly exposed with nonpolar (100) facets on the surface, which lack robust passivation strategies. Herein, an innovative passivation strategy that employs planar cation, is introduced to enable face‐to‐face coupling on (100) facets and strengthen halide passivation on (111) facets. The defect density of CQDs film (Eg≈ 0.74 eV) is reduced from 2.74 × 1015to 1.04  × 1015cm−3, coupled with 0.1 eV reduction in the activation energy of defects. The resultant CQDs photodiodes exhibit a low dark current density of 14 nA cm−2with a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 62%, achieving a linear dynamic range of 98 dB, a −3dB bandwidth of 103 kHz and a detectivity of 4.7 × 1011Jones. The comprehensive performance of the CQDs photodiodes outperforms previously reported CQDs photodiodes operating at >1.6 µm. By monolithically integrated with thin‐film transistor (TFT) readout circuit, the broadband CQDs imager covering 0.35‐1.8 µm realizes the functions including silicon wafer perspectivity and material discrimination, showing its potential for wide range of applications.
Kinetics of N‐ to M‐Polar Switching in Ferroelectric Al1−xScxN Capacitors
Authors: Guido Roberto , Lu Haidong , Lomenzo Patrick D. , Mikolajick Thomas , Gruverman Alexei , Schroeder Uwe
Published: February 2024

Ferroelectric wurtzite‐type aluminum scandium nitride (Al1−xScxN) presents unique properties that can enhance the performance of non‐volatile memory technologies. The realization of the full potential of Al1−xScxN requires a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of polarization reversal and domain structure dynamics involved in the ferroelectric switching process. In this work, transient current integration measurements performed by a pulse switching method are combined with domain imaging by piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) to investigate the kinetics of domain nucleation and wall motion during polarization reversal in Al0.85Sc0.15N capacitors. In the studied electric field range (from 4.4 to 5.6 MV cm−1), ferroelectric switching proceeds via domain nucleation and wall movement. The currently available phenomenological models are shown to not fully capture all the details of the complex dynamics of polarization reversal in Al0.85Sc0.15N. PFM reveals a non‐linear increase of both domain nucleation rate and lateral wall velocity during the switching process, as well as the dependency of the domain pattern on the polarization reversal direction. A continuously faster N‐ to M‐polar switching upon cycling is reported and ascribed to an increasing number of M‐polar nucleation sites and density of domain walls.
Identifying genetic susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus infection using collaborative cross mice and RNA‐Seq approach
Authors: Yosief Roa'a H. S. , Lone Iqbal M. , Nachshon Aharon , Himmelbauer Heinz , Gat‐Viks Irit , Iraqi Fuad A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) is one of the most ubiquitous fungi and its infection potency is suggested to be strongly controlled by the host genetic background. The aim of this study was to search for candidate genes associated with host susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) using an RNAseq approach in CC lines and hepatic gene expression.

Methods

We studied 31 male mice from 25 CC lines at 8 weeks old; the mice were infected with Af. Liver tissues were extracted from these mice 5 days post‐infection, and next‐generation RNA‐sequencing (RNAseq) was performed. The GENE‐E analysis platform was used to generate a clustered heat map matrix.

Results

Significant variation in body weight changes between CC lines was observed. Hepatic gene expression revealed 12 top prioritized candidate genes differentially expressed in resistant versus susceptible mice based on body weight changes. Interestingly, three candidate genes are located within genomic intervals of the previously mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL), including Gm16270 and Stox1 on chromosome 10 and Gm11033 on chromosome 8.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the CC mouse model's power in fine mapping the genetic components underlying susceptibility towards Af. As a next step, eQTL analysis will be performed for our RNA‐Seq data. Suggested candidate genes from our study will be further assessed with a human cohort with aspergillosis.
Deoxygenative Transformation of Alcohols via Phosphoranyl Radical from Exogenous Radical Addition
Authors: Xu Wenhao , Fan Chao , Hu Xile , XU Tao
Published: February 2024

A general approach to the direct deoxygenative transformation of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols has been developed. It undergoes through phosphoranyl radical intermediates generated by the addition of exogenous iodine radical to trivalent alkoxylphosphanes. Since these alkoxylphosphanes are readily in situ obtained from alcohols and commercially available, inexpensive chlorodiphenylphosphine, a diverse range of alcohols with various functional groups can be utilized to proceed deoxygenative cross‐couplings with alkenes or aryl iodides. The selective transformation of polyhydroxy substrates and the rapid synthesis of complex organic molecules are also demonstrated with this method.
Effect of microwave and oven roasting on chemical composition, bioactive properties, phenolic compounds and fatty acid compositions of sunflower seed and oils
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Isam A. , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Yılmaz Havvanur , Mohammed Belal M. , Albakry Zainab
Published: February 2024

In this study, the effects of microwave (540, 720 and 900 W) and oven (120, 150 and 230°C) roasting techniques on the total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, polyphenolic and fatty acid results of sunflower seed and oils were investigated. Total phenol (except oven 150°C), flavonoid (except oven 120°C) contents and antioxidant activity values of sunflower seeds and oils subjected to oven and microwave heat treatment decreased compared to the control. Total phenolic, total flavonoids and antioxidant activities were higher in MRS oil than ORS oil. Individual phenolic constituent in both seed and oil samples from ORS and MRS showed significant (p < 0.05) changes to the control (non‐roasted seed and its oil). A general increase in the phenolic components of seeds and oils was observed with oven and microwave roasting compared to the control. Oleic acid values (%) of the oil extracted from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems were recorded to be between 23.76 (120°C) and 29.41% (150°C) to 24.32 (540 W) and 26.10% (720 W), respectively. Linoleic acid values of the oils obtained from seeds roasted in oven and microwave systems varied to be between 57.01 (150°C) and 65.89% (120°C) to 60.70 (720 W) and 65.26% (540 W), respectively. As a result of the applied heat treatment, while the linoleic acid values of the oil samples decreased, an increase was observed in the palmitic, stearic and oleic acid values of the oil.