bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slope and equilibrium: A parsimonious and flexible approach to model microclimate
Authors: Gril Eva , Spicher Fabien , Greiser Caroline , Ashcroft Michael B. , Pincebourde Sylvain , Durrieu Sylvie , Nicolas Manuel , Richard Benoit , Decocq Guillaume , Marrec Ronan , Lenoir Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Most statistical models of microclimate focus on the difference or ‘offset’ between standardized air temperatures (macroclimate) and those of a specific habitat such as forest understorey, grassland or under a log. However, these offsets can fluctuate from positive to negative over a single day such that common practice consists in aggregating data into daily mean, minimum and maximum before modelling monthly offsets for each summary statistic. Here, we propose a more parsimonious and flexible approach relying on just two parameters: the slope and equilibrium. The slope captures the linear relationship between microclimate and macroclimate, while the equilibrium is the point at which microclimate equals macroclimate. Although applicable to other habitats, we demonstrate the relevance of our method by focusing on forest understoreys.

We installed temperature sensors at 1‐m height inside forest stands and in nearby open grasslands equipped with standardized weather stations, across 13 sites in France spanning a wide climatic gradient. From a year of hourly temperatures and for each sensor, we established relationships between microclimate and macroclimate temperatures using two linear mixed‐effects models, during the leaf‐on (May–November) and leaf‐off period (December–April). We extracted the monthly equilibrium and slope for each sensor, and used another set of linear mixed‐effects models to investigate their main determinants.

The slope was chiefly determined by stand structure variables interacting with the leaf‐on/leaf‐off period: stand type (conifer vs broadleaf); shade‐casting ability; stand age; dominant height; stem density; and cover of the upper and lower shrub layer. In contrast, forest structure had no explanatory power on the equilibrium. We found the equilibrium to be positively related to mean macroclimate temperature, interacting with the open/forest habitat.

The method introduced here overcomes several shortcomings of modelling microclimate offsets. By demonstrating that the slope and equilibrium vary in predictable ways, we have established a general linkage between microclimate and macroclimate temperatures that can be applied to any location or time if we know the mean macroclimate temperature (equilibrium) and buffering or amplifying capacity of the habitat (slope). We also warn about methodological biases due to the reference used for macroclimate.
Development of complex executive function over childhood: Longitudinal growth curve modeling of performance on the Groton Maze Learning Task
Authors: McGuckian Thomas B. , Wilson Peter H. , Johnston Rich D. , Rahimi‐Golkhandan Shahin , Piek Jan , Green Dido , Rogers Jeffrey M. , Maruff Paul , Steenbergen Bert , Ruddock Scott
Published: January 2023

This longitudinal study modeled children's complex executive function (EF) development using the Groton Maze Learning Task (GMLT). Using a cohort‐sequential design, 147 children (61 males, 5.5–11 years) were recruited from six multicultural primary schools in Melbourne and Perth, Australia. Race/ethnicity data were not available. Children were assessed on the GMLT at 6‐month intervals over 2‐years between 2010 and 2012. Growth curve models describe age‐related change from 5.5 to 12.5 years old. Results showed a quadratic growth trajectory on each measure of error—that is, those that reflect visuospatial memory, executive control (or the ability to apply rules for action), and complex EF. The ability to apply rules for action, while a rate‐limiting factor in complex EF, develops rapidly over early‐to‐mid childhood.
Is there any role for medical thoracoscopy in the treatment of empyema in children?
Authors: Zuccatosta Lina , Piciucchi Sara , Martinello Sabrina , Sultani Fabio , Oldani Stefano , de Grauw Arianna Johanna , Maitan Stefano , Corso Massimo Ruggero , Poletti Venerino , Ravaglia Claudia
Published: January 2023

It is still controversial whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment approaches are most appropriate for empyema in children, and there are no data regarding the role of medical thoracoscopy in this population. The aim of this study was to describe our experience with medical thoracosocpy in children with multiloculated and organizing pneumonia. We retrospectively reviewed children admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of empyema from 2011 to 2021 and treated with medical thoracoscopy. A total of six patients with empyema were treated by medical thoracoscopy; empyema was multiloculated in five cases and organized in one case; all children in the study recovered completely with full lung expansion after chest X‐rays, and no disease sequelae were reported after clinical follow‐up. Our small case series suggests that in selected cases, medical thoracoscopy could safely and effectively treat pleural empyema in children, with less invasiveness and reduced psychological consequences.
Exercise‐related hypoglycaemia induces QTc‐interval prolongation in individuals with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hagelqvist Per G. , Andersen Andreas , Maytham Kaisar B. , Andreasen Christine R. , Engberg Susanne , Lindhardt Tommi B. , Faber Jens , Holst Jens J. , Forman Julie L. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard Ulrik , Knop Filip K. , Vilsbøll Tina
Published: January 2023

Aims

To investigate changes in cardiac repolarisation during exercise‐related hypoglycaemia compared to hypoglycaemia induced at rest in people with type 1 diabetes.

Material and methods

In a randomised crossover study, 15 men with type 1 diabetes underwent two separate hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic‐hypoglycaemic clamp experiments during Holter‐ECG monitoring. One experiment included a bout of moderate‐intensity cycling exercise (60 min) along with declining plasma glucose (PG; Clamp‐exercise). In the other experiment, hypoglycaemia was induced with the participants at rest (Clamp‐rest). We studied QTc interval, T‐peak to T‐end (Tpe) interval and hormonal responses during three steady‐state phases: (i) baseline (PG 4.0–8.0 mmol/L); (ii) hypoglycaemic phase (PG <3.0 mmol/L); and (iii) recovery phase (PG 4.0–8.0 mmol/L).

Results

Both QTc interval and Tpe interval increased significantly from baseline during the hypoglycaemic phase but with no significant difference between test days. These changes were accompanied by an increase in plasma adrenaline and a decrease in plasma potassium on both days. During the recovery phase, ΔQTc interval was longer during Clamp‐rest compared to Clamp‐exercise, whereas ΔTpe interval remained similar on the two test days.

Conclusions

We found that both exercise‐related hypoglycaemia and hypoglycaemia induced at rest can cause QTc‐interval prolongation and Tpe‐interval prolongation in people with type 1 diabetes. Thus, both scenarios may increase susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias.
Teeth outside the mouth: The evolution and development of shark denticles
Authors: Cooper Rory L. , Nicklin Ella F. , Rasch Liam J. , Fraser Gareth J.
Published: January 2023

Vertebrate skin appendages are incredibly diverse. This diversity, which includes structures such as scales, feathers, and hair, likely evolved from a shared anatomical placode, suggesting broad conservation of the early development of these organs. Some of the earliest known skin appendages are dentine and enamel‐rich tooth‐like structures, collectively known as odontodes. These appendages evolved over 450 million years ago. Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and rays) have retained these ancient skin appendages in the form of both dermal denticles (scales) and oral teeth. Despite our knowledge of denticle function in adult sharks, our understanding of their development and morphogenesis is less advanced. Even though denticles in sharks appear structurally similar to oral teeth, there has been limited data directly comparing the molecular development of these distinct elements. Here, we chart the development of denticles in the embryonic small‐spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and characterize the expression of conserved genes known to mediate dental development. We find that shark denticle development shares a vast gene expression signature with developing teeth. However, denticles have restricted regenerative potential, as they lack asox2+ stem cell niche associated with the maintenance of a dental lamina, an essential requirement for continuous tooth replacement. We compare developing denticles to other skin appendages, including both sensory skin appendages and avian feathers. This reveals that denticles are not only tooth‐like in structure, but that they also share an ancient developmental gene set that is likely common to all epidermal appendages.
Sexual conflict and the evolution of monandry: The case of the damselfly Ischnura hastata (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) in the Galápagos Islands
Authors: Cordero‐Rivera Adolfo , Rivas‐Torres Anais , Encalada Andrea C. , Lorenzo‐Carballa María Olalla
Published: January 2023

Sexual selection favours the evolution and maintenance of polygamy, which is the dominant reproductive strategy in insects. Monogamy can evolve in very short‐lived species due to time constraints. Here we study adult activity and mating behaviour of a population of the damselfly Ischnura hastata, a species rarely seen mating, and which has been suggested to be monandric, in wetlands of Isabela Island, Galápagos.

By means of mark‐recapture methods, we estimated that the daily survival rate was low, ranging from 0.385 to 0.876, yielding average life expectancies of mature individuals of only 1.2–3.2 days. Adults showed very low activity before 7:00, indicating that mating does not occur early. The number of male–female interactions and mating attempts was extremely low, with only 44 copulations recorded on over 230 h of observations.

Copulations were brief, with a mean duration of 11 min (but only two were observed from the start). Males showed clear preference to attempt to grasp in tandem females of intermediate age (in 94.3% of cases), rather than young (31.3%) or mature females (24.0%). Males were very persistent once a tandem was achieved, retaining females for up to 139 min, but most females resisted and did not copulate.

We conclude that females of I. hastata show a very short time window to mate, exactly when they change colour from juvenile to mature, and live only enough to mate once. Short lifespan has selected for female monandry in I. hastata, creating an intense sexual conflict over mating rates.
The process of organizational identification in social enterprises: The role of coalitions
Authors: Godfroid Cécile , Labie Marc
Published: January 2023

This paper offers a detailed and systemic representation of the process of organizational identification in social enterprises, and a better understanding of how individuals position themselves in these organizations. We highlight that identification in social enterprises is the result of the interplay between the multiple identities of the individuals who take part in coalitions defending different institutional logics. Identification will depend on whether or not it is easy for the individual to find a coalition that corresponds to him or her, and on whether or not the ideas of this coalition are dominant. The relative size of the various coalitions among the staff and the way they evolve will have a clear impact on what the dominant logic of the social enterprise will be.
Sitagliptin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by upregulating renal nephrin and podocin expression through modulation of adipokines levels
Authors: Ashraf Anum , Akhtar Tasleem , Shabbir Arham , Aftab Usman , Shahzad Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end‐stage renal failure, but the effectiveness of currently available strategies for preventing diabetic nephropathy remains unsatisfactory. This study was designed to evaluate the changes in adipokines levels caused by dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor sitagliptin therapy as one of the possible mechanisms of sitagliptin's amelioration of diabetic nephropathy. Twenty‐four male Wistar rats weighing 180–200 g were taken and divided into three groups, that is, control, diseased, and treatment group. High‐fat diet and streptozotocin‐induced Type 2 diabetic rats were divided into diseased and treatment groups. The treatment group was given sitagliptin orally, 10 mg/kg per day for 6 weeks. Serum glucose, serum insulin, serum blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and 24‐h urinary protein levels were measured in serum and urine samples. mRNA expression levels of podocin, nephrin, and adipokines in renal tissues were determined. Results showed that sitagliptin treatment effectively reduced serum glucose, serum creatinine, serum blood urea nitrogen, and 24‐h proteinuria, along with partial prevention of insulinopenia, in the treatment group as compared to the diseased group. The renal mRNA expression levels of podocin, nephrin, and adiponectin were significantly upregulated, while those of leptin and resistin were significantly downregulated in the diabetic rats receiving sitagliptin therapy compared to the non‐treated diabetic rats. Based on these findings, it is suggested that sitagliptin, via mediating the modulation of adipokines levels, upregulates renal nephrin and podocin expression, which leads to the amelioration of diabetic nephropathy.
Full activation of thermogenesis in brown adipocytes requires Basigin action
Authors: Rupar Kaja , Isidor Marie S. , Argemi‐Muntadas Lidia , Agueda‐Oyarzabal Marina , Plucińska Kaja , Brown Erin L. , Mattanovich Matthias , Bossi Simone , Tozzi Marco , Tandio David , Petersen Patricia S. S. , Henriksen Tora I. , Trošt Kajetan , Hansen Jacob B. , Gerhart‐Hines Zachary , Nielsen Søren , Moritz Thomas , Emanuelli Brice
Published: January 2023

Exploring mechanisms responsible for brown adipose tissue's (BAT) high metabolic activity is crucial to exploit its energy‐dissipating ability for therapeutic purposes. Basigin (Bsg), a multifunctional highly glycosylated transmembrane protein, was recently proposed as one of the 98 critical markers allowing to distinguish ‘white’ and ‘brown’ adipocytes, yet its function in thermogenic brown adipocytes is unknown. Here, we report that Bsg is negatively associated with obesity in mice. By contrast, Bsg expression increased in the mature adipocyte fraction of BAT upon cold acclimation. Additionally, Bsg levels were highly induced during brown adipocyte maturation in vitro and were further increased upon β‐adrenergic stimulation in a HIF‐1α‐dependent manner. siRNA‐mediated Bsg gene silencing in cultured brown adipocytes did not impact adipogenesis nor mitochondrial function. However, a significant decrease in mitochondrial respiration, lipolysis and Ucp1 transcription was observed in adipocytes lacking Bsg, when activated by norepinephrine. Furthermore, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry–time‐of‐flight analysis to assess the composition of cellular metabolites, we demonstrate that brown adipocytes lacking Bsg have lower levels of intracellular lactate and acetoacetate. Bsg was additionally required to regulate intracellular AcAc and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate levels in NE‐stimulated adipocytes. Our study highlights the critical role of Bsg in active brown adipocytes, possibly by controlling cellular metabolism.
The stabilisation of low‐fat mayonnaise by whey protein isolate‐microbial exopolysaccharides (Weissella confusa W‐16 strain) complex
Authors: Yalmanci Dilara , Dertli Enes , Tekin‐Cakmak Zeynep Hazal , Karasu Salih
Published: January 2023

This study aims to evaluate the fat‐substituting feature of the complex of whey protein isolate (WPI) and dextran structure exopolysaccharide (EPS) synthesised by Weissella confusa JCM 1093 strains in mayonnaise samples. The flow behaviour, frequency sweep and three interval thixotropy test properties of the samples were compared with the control groups. Thermal loop test was applied to determine the emulsion stability of the samples. Oxidative stability was tested with OXITEST, and induction period values were compared. K values of the samples varied between 20.05 and 169.13 Pa.sn and the n values vary between 0.133 and 0.383. Samples showed pseudoplastic behaviour (n < 1). G' of all samples is greater than G", meaning that all samples showed a solid‐like behaviour like conventional mayonnaise. The complex of 2% EPS and 5% WPI provided a solid structure and improved the physical stability of low‐fat mayonnaise. The results showed that the samples had high physical stability when they experienced thermal stress at low and high temperatures. As a result, the WPI and EPS complex can be used as a fat replacer for improving the rheological properties, emulsion and oxidative stability in low‐fat mayonnaise samples.
New insight into SiOC atomic structure evolution during early stage of pyrolysis
Authors: Lu Kathy , Chaney Harrison
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the early stage of polymer‐derived SiOC ceramic conversion. We demonstrate that the perceived SiOC phase separation is nonexistent. Instead, SiO2 and free carbon clusters form first and then carbothermal reduction sets in to induce SiOC formation. Such fundamental understanding is supported by both synchrotron X‐ray diffraction study and reactive force field simulation. This work for the first time unifies the understanding of atomic evolution process of polysiloxane‐based polymer to ceramic conversion.
Leisure‐time and occupational physical activity demonstrate divergent associations with periodontitis: A population‐based study
Authors: Marruganti Crystal , Baima Giacomo , Grandini Simone , Graziani Filippo , Aimetti Mario , Sanz Mariano , Romandini Mario
Published: January 2023

Aim

To evaluate the association between leisure‐time/occupational physical activity (LTPA/OPA) and periodontitis in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population.

Materials and Methods

Data from 10,679 adults were retrieved from NHANES 2009–2014 database. Physical activity was assessed through the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accordingly, subjects were classified as performing either high or low LTPA/OPA. Periodontal status was assessed through a full‐mouth periodontal examination, and subjects were classified according to the AAP/CDC criteria (no, mild, moderate, or severe periodontitis). Simple and multiple regression analyses were applied to study the association between LTPA/OPA and periodontitis/severe periodontitis.

Results

Multiple regression analyses identified high LTPA as a protective indicator for periodontitis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.72–0.92), while high OPA was found to be a significant risk indicator (OR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04–1.30). The combination low LTPA/high OPA showed a cumulative independent association with periodontitis (OR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.26–1.72). Moreover, both high LTPA (OR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58–0.90) and high OPA (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.09–1.53) were significantly associated with stronger estimates of severe periodontitis; the same was observed for the combination of low LTPA/high OPA (OR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.29–2.15).

Conclusions

LTPA and OPA showed divergent associations with periodontitis.
Understanding the relationship between perceived discrimination, allostatic load, and all‐cause mortality in US older adults: A mediation analysis
Authors: Obaoye Joanna O. , Dawson Aprill Z. , Thorgerson Abigail , Ikonte Chijioke O. , Williams Joni S. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To understand the relationship between perceived discrimination, allostatic load, and all‐cause mortality; and to determine whether allostatic load is a mediator in the relationship between perceived discrimination and all‐cause mortality among an older adult US population.

Methods

Data from the Health and Retirement Study (2006–2012) was analyzed. Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the relationship between all‐cause mortality and perceived discrimination, and all‐cause mortality and allostatic load. Linear regression models were used to investigate the relationship between perceived discrimination and allostatic load. A mediation model with perceived discrimination and allostatic loads as independent variables was used to determine the association with all‐cause mortality.

Results

There were 5062 adults over the age of 50 included in the analysis. The relationship between perceived discrimination and allostatic load was statistically significant (b:0.14, [95%CI 0.10,0.19]; p < 0.001). The relationship between perceived discrimination and all‐cause mortality was statistically significant (HR: 1.12, [95%CI 1.03,1.22]; p = 0.01). The relationship between allostatic load and all‐cause mortality was statistically significant (HR: 1.11, [95%CI 1.08,1.13]; p < 0.001). The mediation model resulted in a decrease in hazard ratio and loss of statistical significance for perceived discrimination (HR: 1.09, [95%CI 0.98,1.21]; p = 0.13) when allostatic load (HR: 1.17, [95%CI 1.10,1.24]; p < 0.001) was added to the Cox regression model, indicating full mediation.

Conclusions

Allostatic load fully mediates the relationship between perceived discrimination and all‐cause mortality. Understanding the role of allostatic load in this relationship provides an additional implication for screening and indications for tighter control of the modifiable components of allostatic load by healthcare providers, especially among individuals who experience discrimination.
High‐resolution quantification of building stock using multi‐source remote sensing imagery and deep learning
Authors: Bao Yi , Huang Zhou , Wang Han , Yin Ganmin , Zhou Xiao , Gao Yong
Published: January 2023

In recent decades, urbanization has led to an increase in building material stock. The high‐resolution quantification of building stock is essential to understand the spatial concentration of materials, urban mining potential, and sustainable urban development. Current approaches rely excessively on statistics or survey data, both of which are unavailable for most cities, particularly in underdeveloped areas. This study proposes an end‐to‐end deep‐learning model based on multi‐source remote sensing data, enabling the reliable estimation of building stock. Ground‐detail features extracted from optical remote sensing (ORS) and spatiotemporal features extracted from nighttime light (NTL) data are fused and incorporated into the model to improve accuracy. We also compare the performance of our feature‐fusion model with that of an ORS‐only regression model and traditional NTL regression for Beijing. The proposed model yields the best building‐stock estimation, with a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.69, weighted root mean square error of 0.58, and total error in the test set below 14%. Using gradient‐weighted class activation mapping, we further investigate the relationship between ORS features and building‐stock estimation. Our model exhibits reliable predictive capability and illustrates the tremendous value of the physical environment for estimating building stock. This research illustrates the significant potential of ORS and deep learning for stock estimation. Large‐scale, long‐term building‐stock investigations could also benefit from the end‐to‐end predictability and the data availability of the model.
Translation and validation of the Hindi‐Indian version of the Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised
Authors: Tiwari Surya Kant , Murry Levis , Joshi Poonam , Tallanao Thuileiphy , Zined Rubi , Hollins Martin Caroline J. , Martin Colin R.
Published: January 2023

Aim

Critical to maternal outcome and development of a healthy and relationship between mother and baby, is the woman's perception of her birth experience. The Birth Satisfaction Scale‐Revised (BSS‐R) has been demonstrated to be psychometrically robust, easily administered, and scored self‐report measure of birth experience. Aim of the study was to translate the UK‐BSS‐R into Hindi, collect data, and psychometrically validate an Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R.

Methods

Psychometric assessment of the Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R was undertaken following translation using a cross‐sectional design. Evaluation of known‐groups validity was undertaken using an embedded between‐subjects component. Data were collected from (n = 312) postnatal Hindi speaking women in India. Measurement characteristics were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, divergent validity and internal consistency analysis.

Results

The measurement properties of the Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R were observed to be equivocal, with the established tri‐dimensional measurement model not achieving best fit to data. Instead, an alternative two‐factor model offered an excellent fit to data. Significant differences were observed between Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R scores and family type and gestation term status, which highlights the relevance of these contextual aspects to the Indian birth experience. Internal consistency was observed to be low on some sub‐scales, indicating the potential need for future revision.

Conclusions

The Indian (Hindi)‐BSS‐R is a measure of birth experience, which accepting some measurement caveats, is acceptable for use with Hindi speaking women in India. Further research is required to determine if modification of some of the items is required to improve internal consistency.
Predictive factors for vaginal delivery by induction of labor in uncomplicated pregnancies at 40–41 gestational weeks: A Japanese prospective single‐center cohort study
Authors: Hosoya Satoshi , Maeda Yuto , Ogawa Kohei , Umehara Nagayoshi , Ozawa Nobuaki , Sago Haruhiko
Published: January 2023

Aim

We investigated cervical parameters predictive of vaginal delivery in elective labor induction among women at 40–41 gestational weeks.

Methods

This Japanese prospective single‐center cohort study was conducted between July 2019 and June 2020. We enrolled women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy who underwent labor induction at 40–41 gestational weeks. We analyzed background characteristics and cervical parameters, including Bishop score, cervical length, posterior cervical angle, and changes in cervical parameters before and after cervical dilatation. The endpoint was the rate of vaginal delivery.

Results

Of 142 eligible participants, all 24 multiparous women underwent vaginal delivery. Among the nulliparous women (n = 118), the following categories showed significantly higher rates of vaginal delivery: Bishop scores of ≥6 before and after dilatation, compared with Bishop score <6 (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]; 1.58 [1.17–2.13] and 1.56 [1.13–2.14], respectively) and cervical length of <10 and 10–20 mm before dilation, compared with cervical length of >30 mm (aPR [95% CI]; 1.47 [1.00–2.15] and 2.13 [1.42–3.18], respectively). The posterior cervical angle and other background characteristics showed no significant associations. Furthermore, women with cervical lengths of ≥20 mm before and <20 mm after dilatation showed a higher rate of vaginal delivery, compared to cervical length of ≥20 mm even after dilatation (aPR [95% CI]; 1.95 [1.19–3.20]).

Conclusions

High Bishop score, short cervical length, and changes in cervical length with dilatation are potential independent predictors of vaginal delivery following elective labor induction in nulliparous women at 40–41 gestational weeks.
Optimal flow volume measurements in forearm versus arm arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Yii Erwin , Lee Limi , Polkinghorne Kevan , Thwaites Stephen , Saunder Alan , Yii Ming Kon
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Successful haemodialysis is dependent on optimal arteriovenous (AV) access flow. Although 600 ml/min is frequently quoted as the critical level for functional flow volume (Qa) according to the National Kidney Foundation guideline, this may not be applicable for the different configurations of AV fistulas (AVF) or AV grafts (AVG). This study evaluates ultrasound derived Qa measurement in the inflow brachial artery to autologous AVF in the forearm radiocephalic and arm brachiocephalic/basilic configurations in relation to significant flow related AV dysfunction.

Methods

Five hundred and eleven duplex ultrasound (DUS) scans were analysed in 193 patients. The end points were therapeutic intervention and/or thrombosis of AVF versus no complication within 3 months of the scan. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal threshold Qa of the brachial artery supplying the AVF.

Results

Of the 511 scans, 155 scans were assigned to the intervention group, that is, AVF requiring intervention or thrombosing within 3 months of the DUS. Using ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for all AVF is 0.90 (CI: 0.88–0.93) with an optimal threshold Qa of 686 ml/min. In forearm AVF, the threshold Qa is 589 ml/min while in arm AVF the threshold Qa is 877 ml/min. Forearm Qa is statistically different from arm Qa.

Conclusion

Forearm AVF Qa threshold at 589 ml/min is distinct from arm AVF Qa at 877 ml/min and these are predictive of the need for impending intervention or thrombosis due to flow‐limiting stenosis.
“Naughty,” “Nice,” or “Homo Sapiens:” Gendered Political Toolkits in a Housing Mobilization1
Authors: Zhelnina Anna
Published: January 2023

This article advances our understanding of how gender structures political interaction by examining the constraints and opportunities associated with gender in a housing mobilization. These constraints and opportunities are rooted in social and political hierarchies and shaped by the gendered political toolkits: the demarcation of social issues as male or female, gendered political language and gender‐appropriate emotions, and the division of activist labor along the lines of gender. Gendered political toolkits cue people when and how it is appropriate to mobilize, which tasks and roles to take on in small, even all‐female groups, how to perform and which emotions to express when interacting with outsiders. Activists can experience their gender as a limitation, especially when navigating a political field organized around traditionalist gender norms and expectations. Still, they can also strategically employ the traditionalist perceptions and behaviors. Focusing on the basic level of collective action, activist small groups and their strategies, the article shows how activists navigate the constraints and opportunities of their gender as they mobilize in response to a controversial urban renewal proposal in Moscow, the Renovation program.
Hábitat palafítico: vida acuática en el Pacífico colombiano
Authors: López Pérez Cecilia , Arteaga Botero Gustavo , Medina Garzón Harold , Anzellini Martín
Published: January 2023

El presente libro analiza las condiciones de habitabilidad, espacialidad, construcción y materialidad de tres pueblos palafíticos de la Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta en el Caribe colombiano. En Hábitat palafítico, se pone en evidencia cómo estas viviendas han sido diseñadas teniendo el agua como principio fundamental de su propio origen y su relación con ella.
Machine Learning Non-Reciprocity of a Linear Waveguide With a Local Nonlinear, Asymmetric Gate: Case of Strong Coupling
Authors: Wang C. , Mojahed A. , Tawfick S. , Vakakis A.
Published: January 2023

We study nonreciprocity in a passive linear waveguide augmented with a local asymmetric, dissipative, and strongly nonlinear gate. Strong coupling between the constituent oscillators of the waveguide is assumed, resulting in broadband capacity for wave transmission. The local nonlinearity and asymmetry at the gate can yield strong global nonreciprocal acoustics, in the sense of drastically different acoustical responses depending on which side of the waveguide a harmonic excitation is applied. Two types of highly nonreciprocal responses are observed: (i) Monochromatic responses without frequency distortion compared to the applied harmonic excitation, and (ii) strongly modulated responses (SMRs) with strong frequency distortion. The complexification averaging (CX-A) method is applied to analytically predict the monochromatic solutions of this strongly nonlinear problem, and a stability analysis is performed to study the governing bifurcations. In addition, we build a machine learning framework where neural net (NN) simulators are trained to predict the performance measures of the gated waveguide in terms of certain transmissibility and nonreciprocity measures. The NN drastically reduces the required simulation time, enabling the determination of parameter ranges for desired performance in a high-dimensional parameter space. In the predicted desirable parameter space for nonreciprocity, the maximum transmissibility reaches 40%, and the transmitted energy varies by up to three orders of magnitude depending on the direction of wave transmission. The machine learning tools along with the analytical methods of this work can inform predictive designs of practical nonreciprocal waveguides and acoustic metamaterials that incorporate local nonlinear gates.
Delay Effects in the Dynamics of Human Controlled Towing of Vehicles
Authors: Szaksz Bence , Stepan Gabor
Published: January 2023

A simplified mechanical model of vehicle towing is constructed. The towing procedure is modeled by means of two blocks connected with a linear spring that represents the elastic drawbar. The driver in the towing car controls the velocity of towing, while the driver of the towed vehicle tries to maintain a constant tension in the drawbar. Both control forces are subjected to a constant time delay that represents the reaction time of the operators. Utilizing the translational symmetry of the system, Routh reduction is carried out to make the governing equations as compact as possible. Stability charts are constructed in the space of the control parameters and the fastest decay of signals is identified. As time delay increases, the stable domain disappears and reappears periodically. Guidelines are provided for the design of the elasticity of the drawbar, which takes into account the masses of the vehicles and the average reaction time of the drivers.
Variational Principles for the Trajectory Tracking Control of Underactuated Mechanical Systems
Authors: Bodor Bálint , Bencsik László
Published: January 2023

Robotics is undergoing dynamic progression with the spread of soft robots and compliant mechanisms. The mechanical models describing these systems are underactuated, having more degrees-of-freedom than inputs. The trajectory tracking control of underactuated systems is not straightforward. The solution of the inverse dynamics is not stable in all cases, as it only considers the actual state of the system. Therefore employing the advances of optimal control theory is a reasonable choice. However, the real-time application of these is challenging as the solution to the discretized optimization problems is numerically expensive. This paper presents a novel iterative approach to solving nonlinear optimal control problems. The authors first define the iteration formula after which the obtained equations are discretized to prepare the numerical solution, contrarily to the accessible works in the literature having reverse order. The main idea is to approximate the cost functional with a second-order expansion in each iteration step, which is then extremized to get the subsequent approximation of the optimum. In the case of nonlinear optimal control problems, the process leads to a sequence of time-variant linear–quadratic regulator (LQR) problems. The proposed technique was effectively applied to the trajectory tracking control of a flexible rotational-rotational joint (RR) manipulator. The case study showed that the initialization of the iteration is simple, and the convergence is rapid.
Boothless audiometry: Ambient noise considerations
Authors: Meinke Deanna K. , Martin William Hal
Published: January 2023

Ambient noise in the test environment will impact signal detection during hearing threshold measurements due to psychoacoustic masking effects. Technical standards specify the maximum permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) for use during audiometric testing. MPANLs are dependent on several factors, including transducer characteristics (supra-aural, circumaural, type of ear cushions or earphone enclosures, and insert earphones), the nature of the hearing test being performed (air conduction vs bone conduction and threshold test vs screen at a suprathreshold level), and measurement instrumentation. The nature of the ambient noise (spectrum and constant vs variable) at the test site must be determined and continually accounted for during the boothless hearing test procedure. Ambient noise monitoring procedures are reviewed and examples of ambient noise characteristics in real-world settings, where hearing testing might be performed outside of a sound-treated environment, are provided. Practical considerations are presented, including examples of available tools for ambient noise monitoring, selection of test locations, and transducer attenuation. These are discussed in the context of calculating MPANLs and how best to ensure that ambient noise levels are not negatively impacting the validity of hearing thresholds.
Time machine in ocean acoustics
Authors: Song Hee-Chun , Kuperman W. A.
Published: January 2023

The Reflections series takes a look back on historical articles from The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America that have had a significant impact on the science and practice of acoustics.
Magnetic prestressing for a d32-mode single crystal ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Moss Scott D. , Flicker Jess D. , Munk David J. , Schipper Matthew J. , Smithard Joel , Jung George , Hills Zane , Hou Jianfu , Daniels John E. , Finkel Peter
Published: January 2023

This work describes a 35.9 kHz ultrasonic transducer that incorporates a magnetic arrangement to apply a static-compressive prestress to a d32-mode relaxor ferroelectric single crystal drive-element. The magnetic arrangement produces a 22.5 N static-compressive force, inducing a static compression of ∼630 nm on the drive-element. Operating in air with a continuous-wave 10 V peak drive at ∼35.9 kHz, the measured resonant peak displacement of the transducers head-mass was 127 nm. This is well within the predicted static compression, thus, the drive-element is protected from damaging tensile stress. Under the same drive conditions and at an axial distance of 10 mm from the face of the head-mass, the measured acoustic pressure was ∼12 Pa. Analytical and finite element model predictions and the measured behaviour of a prototype device are presented and show good correlation, demonstrating that magnetic prestressing of the drive-element can be a viable alternative to the traditional bolt-clamp.
Reliability of Fitness Assessments in Children With Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Almarjawi Ashley C. , Wright Kemi E. , Buist Brett D. , Cairney John , Ton Tony T. , Furzer Bonnie J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Examine the reliability of field-based fitness assessments in school-aged children with emotional or behavioral difficulties (EBD). Understanding the impact of fitness on physical activity participation for children with EBD is limited by our ability to reliably measure it. Methods: Fifteen children aged 7–12 years with EBD completed 7 assessments—standing broad jump, overhead throw, grip strength, isometric plank hold, isometric wall squat, unilateral heel raise, and modified 6-minute walk test—in a random order on 2 separate occasions. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed to evaluate reliability. Results: ICCs ranged from .65 to .99 representing moderate to excellent reliability for all assessments. Shorter assessments requiring less attention and behavior regulation tended to demonstrate higher ICC values while assessments with greater attention or behavioral regulation demands tended to have lower ICC values. Conclusion: Results demonstrate varied reliability for fitness tests in children with EBD. Practitioners can use grip strength and standing broad jump assessments with confidence. Other assessments have good reliability but greater variability indicating they may be a challenge for some children with EBD.
Ancient deep ocean as a harbor of biotic innovation revealed by Carboniferous ophiuroid microfossils
Authors: Thuy Ben , Knox Larry , Numberger-Thuy Lea D. , Smith Nicholas S. , Sumrall Colin D.
Published: January 2023

Fossil-informed molecular phylogenies have emerged as the most powerful tool for correlating biotic evolution and Earth history. The accuracy of these trees, however, depends on the completeness of fossil sampling. For most organismal clades, the available fossil record is insufficiently sampled. This is especially true for groups with a multi-element skeleton, such as echinoderms and vertebrates, where sampling efforts focus largely on rare finds of intact skeletons. For these groups, inconspicuous but informative skeletal fragments are commonly neglected. This sampling bias excludes the numerous paleoenvironments in which preservation of intact skeletons is extremely unlikely, in particular deep-water settings. We describe new finds of brittle-star, or ophiuroid, fossils retrieved from sieving residues of sediments deposited during the Atokan (Upper Carboniferous) on the deep shelf to upper slope of the Ardmore Basin in present-day southern Oklahoma, USA. Although preserved as disarticulated, microscopic ossicles, the pristine preservation of the skeletal microstructure allows for precise identification of the remains. Comparative anatomical and phylogenetic analyses confirm the presence of basal representatives of the extant ophiuroid orders Ophioscolecida and Amphilepidida. Our finds provide the first unambiguous fossil evidence that the early crown-group diversification of the Ophiuroidea was well under way long before the end-Permian mass extinction, and that a significant part of this diversification took place in deep-water settings, as previously predicted by molecular evidence.
Quantitative record of the Neoarchean water cycle from a 2.67 Ga magmatic-hydrothermal system, Fennoscandian Shield
Authors: Zakharov D.O. , Zozulya D.R. , Colòn D.P.
Published: January 2023

Given the scarcity of reliable paleoclimate record, the surface temperatures of the first half of Earth’s history remain poorly constrained. Here we show how the climate-sensitive δ18O value of surface precipitation recorded in Archean igneous and hydrothermal formations can help to resolve the state of early Earth climate. The Keivy complex, Kola craton (Fennoscandian Shield), formed via the intrusion of granitic and mafic magmas in the shallow crust at 2.67 Ga, where circulation of meteoric water created a distinct archive of the contemporaneous water cycle. Using whole rock data, mineral separates, and in situ zircon δ18O measurements, we disentangle the reaction mechanisms between the shallow magma and local precipitation. Syn-emplacement hydrothermal alteration produced near-contact lithologies with δ18O values as low as –8‰ recorded in amphiboles, while igneous zircons from granites crystallized from melts with δ18O from +1‰ to +4.5‰. High-precision U-Pb geochronology constrains the granite intrusion at 2673.5 ± 0.3 Ma. Using the Δ17O approach, these rocks reveal that the precipitation had a δ18O value 18‰ lower than the hydrosphere, providing one of the earliest quantitative records of continental precipitation generally compatible with a cold climate at high latitudes.
Fibrous calcite veins record stepwise, asymmetric opening and episodic hydrocarbon expulsion from organic-rich shales
Authors: Wang Miao , Chen Yong , Stern Richard A. , Went Ashley , Zhou Yaoqi , Song Guoqi , Zhou Tengfei , Steele-MacInnis Matthew
Published: January 2023

Episodic fluid expulsion through fractures is widely expected during hydrocarbon generation, yet direct evidence for this process is lacking in the case of organic-rich shales. We investigated the formation of antitaxial, bed-parallel fibrous calcite veins hosted in organic-rich shales of the Eocene Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin, China. Our results from detailed, in situ geochemical traverses show that while some symmetric veins exhibit broadly synchronous and steady-state opening, other asymmetric veins consist of two geochemically distinct generations of calcite to either side of the median zone, suggesting asymmetric and asynchronous growth in two discrete episodes during hydrocarbon expulsion. Thus, we argue that each asymmetric vein recording two stages of opening implies that hydrocarbons were expelled from shales episodically.
Supplemental Material: Magmatic record of changing Cordilleran plate-boundary conditions—Insights from Lu-Hf isotopes in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Howard K.A. , al. et
Published: January 2023

Item 1: Sample descriptions and U-Pb age. Item 2: Zircon analytical procedures. Item 3: Lu-Hf isotope calculations. Item 4: U-Pb age plots. Item 5: Whole-rock chemistry of samples. Item 6: U-Th-Pb isotopic analyses. Item 7: Lu-Hf isotopic analyses.
Perstraction of Heat-Stable Salts from Aqueous Alkanolamine Solutions
Authors: Kostyanaya M. I. , Yushkin A. A. , Bakhtin D. S. , Legkov S. A. , Bazhenov S. D.
Published: January 2023

Amine absorption processes designed to remove acid gases from gas streams generally face a major challenge of solvent degradation. This degradation leads to the formation of heat-stable salts (HSS), corrosive agents that irreversibly bind free alkanolamine. The present study proposes, for the first time, a method for HSS perstraction using a liquid–liquid membrane contactor that allows HSS to transfer through porous membranes from the solvent into a hydrophobic extractant represented by a methyltrioctylammonium solution in 1-octanol. The perstraction provides selective extraction of HSS anions without direct mixing of liquid phases or the formation of stable emulsions of the solvent and the extractant. For this purpose, a number of industrial and laboratory porous membrane samples fabricated from polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, and polysulfone were investigated. Their chemical and morphological stability, surface properties, and transport properties were tested under prolonged (>600 h) contact with a model solvent (an aqueous monoethanolamine solution) and with the components of the selective extractant. The feasibility of HSS perstraction was demonstrated using the formic acid (as an HSS model) extraction from the model solvent. The most promising results were obtained for a system with a polyvinylidene fluoride membrane: up to 50% of formic acid was extracted over 18 h.
Drug-induced haemolysis: another reason to be cautious with nitrofurantoin
Authors: Bhatt Chaitanya , Doleeb Zainab , Bapat Priya , Pagnoux Christian
Published: January 2023

We report the case of a previously healthy woman in her 60s who presented to the emergency department with acute confusion, vomiting and fever. She was recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection as an outpatient and had completed the fifth day of a 7-day course of treatment with nitrofurantoin. We maintained a wide differential diagnosis including infectious, metabolic, autoimmune and medication-related causes. She developed an acute normocytic anaemia in hospital with a haemoglobin drop from 121 g/L to 89 g/L. Further investigation revealed evidence of haemolysis with an elevated bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, reticulocyte count and decreased haptoglobin. She was worked up for both inherited and acquired causes of haemolysis and found to have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Her presentation was thought to be secondary to nitrofurantoin-induced haemolysis and she recovered completely with conservative management through intravenous fluids and discontinuation of nitrofurantoin.