bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does the lower urinary tract contribute to bladder sensation? ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Grundy Luke , Wyndaele Jean J. , Hashitani Hikaru , Vahabi Bahareh , Wein Alan , Abrams Paul , Chakrabarty Basu , Fry Christopher H.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Bladder sensation is critical for coordinating voluntary micturition to maintain healthy bladder function. Sensations are initiated by the activation of sensory afferents that innervate throughout the bladder wall. However, the physiological complexity that underlies the initiation of bladder sensory signaling in health and disease remains poorly understood. This review summarises the latest knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the generation of bladder sensation and identifies key areas for future research.

Methods

Experts in bladder sensory signaling reviewed the literature on how the lower urinary tract contributes to bladder sensation and identified key research areas for discussion at the 10th International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Society.

Results

The importance of bladder sensory signals in maintaining healthy bladder function is well established. However, better therapeutic management of bladder disorders with exaggerated bladder sensation, including overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is limited by a lack of knowledge in a number of key research areas including; the contribution of different nerves (pudendal, pelvic, hypogastric) to filling sensations in health and disease; the relative contribution of stretch sensitive (muscular) and stretch‐insensitive (mucosal) afferents to bladder sensation in health and disease; the direct and indirect contributions of the muscularis mucosae to bladder contraction and sensation; and the impact of manipulating urothelial release factors on bladder sensation.

Conclusion

Disturbances in bladder sensory signaling can have severe consequences for bladder sensation and function including the development of OAB and IC/BPS. Advancing therapeutic treatments for OAB and IC/BPS requires a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the generation of bladder sensation, and key areas for future research have been identified.
The impact of external evaluation on donations to nonprofit organizations: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Lee Ye Ji , Choi Kiho , Yoo Ji Seon
Published: October 2023

This study examines whether and to what extent each stage of evaluation by a nonprofit agency impacts donation revenue. We test the effects of the Korean evaluation agency's scoring, selection, and ratings disclosure stages on nonprofit organizations' future donations. Using a sample of Korean nonprofit organizations for 2017–2018, we find that the governance and financial performance scores constructed by the agency in the scoring stage are positively correlated with nonprofit organizations' future donations. We also find a positive correlation between selection by the agency during the selection stage and future donations to the selected organizations. Finally, we show that the star ratings disclosed by the agency in the ratings disclosure stage do not impact future donations because ratings are predicted by the governance and financial performance scores. Our results imply that the scoring and selection stages have strong positive signal effects on donors, whereas the ratings disclosure stage does not. These findings suggest that to help donors make decisions about resource contributions, external nonprofit agencies must primarily focus on improving the scoring methodology and selection criteria.
Transplacental non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs versus expectant management in fetal Ebstein anomaly with circular shunt: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mustafa Hiba J. , Aghajani Faezeh , Bairmani Zinah A. , Khalil Asma
Published: October 2023

Ebstein anomaly (EA) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation associated with high perinatal mortality. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to investigate the outcomes of pregnancies affected by EA or tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) with circular shunt, focusing on two prenatal management approaches: (1) expectant management (EM) and (2) transplacental non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) therapy. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science systematically from its inception until June 2023. The random‐effect model was used to pool the data. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 value. Twenty‐one studies with a total of 610 fetuses with EA/TVD with circular shunt were included in the synthesis, of which 17 studies (583 fetuses) were on EM and 4 studies (27 fetuses) used transplacental NSAID therapy. The NSAID group had higher rates of moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation, hydrops, and pericardial effusion on prenatal ultrasound compared with the EM group. However, ductal constriction was achieved in 81% of NSAID cases, mitigating the disease pathophysiology, although 65% of them experienced oligohydramnios. Notably, the NSAID group showed significantly higher rates of live birth (86%) and survival to hospital discharge (89%) compared with the EM group (67% and 43%, respectively). Despite these promising results, it's important to acknowledge that the number of cases treated with NSAIDs was small, with limited safety data. Therefore, caution is advised in interpreting these findings, and patients considering NSAID therapy should be informed about these limitations. Future multicenter studies are necessary to further explore the safety and effectiveness of NSAID therapy in this particular population.
PIEZO1 is the most common monogenic etiology of non‐immune hydrops fetalis detected by prenatal exome sequencing
Authors: Brewer Casey J. , Makhamreh Mona M. , Shivashankar Kavya , McLaren Rodney , Toro Mariella , Berger Seth I. , Al‐Kouatly Huda B.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To clarify the relevance of PIEZO1 variants detected by prenatal exome in the context of non‐immune hydrops fetalis (NIHF).

Methods

A systematic review of prenatal exome studies from 1/1/2000‐8/1/2022 was performed. Thirty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria. PIEZO1 variants were categorized by disease mode (dominant (AD) versus recessive (AR)) and classified by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines.

Results

Twenty‐two pregnancies with 35 distinct PIEZO1 variants were included. We deemed PIEZO1 variants to be “likely diagnostic” in 12/22 pregnancies, “possibly diagnostic” in 7/22, and “unlikely diagnostic” in 3/22. In total, 19 of 191 NIHF cases diagnosed by prenatal exome were attributed to PIEZO1. Among likely diagnosed cases, the disease mode was AR in eight and AD in four. PIEZO1 variants causing AR NIHF were characterized by loss of function and isolated NIHF phenotype. PIEZO1 variants causing AD NIHF were characterized by gain of function in red blood cells, scarcity in databases, and sporadic inheritance. Missense variants associated with NIHF were clustered in three domains: transmembrane helical unit 4 (THU4), THU5, and the Cap.

Conclusion

PIEZO1 variants were reported in 10% of NIHF cases diagnosed by prenatal exome, making PIEZO1 the most common single gene reported in NIHF.
Exploring the dynamic interconnectedness of protective and perpetuating factors of cancer‐related fatigue
Authors: van Roozendaal Anne S. , Schellekens Melanie P. J. , van Woezik Rosalie A. M. , van der Lee Marije L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Approximately 25% of cancer patients suffer from cancer‐related fatigue (CRF) after cancer treatment. CRF is a multi‐factorial condition affected by several interrelated protective and perpetuating factors. As most studies merely assessed bivariate associations, more insight into the complex relationships among these constructs is needed. We applied the multivariate network approach to gain a better understanding of how patients' fatigue, perpetuating and protective factors are dynamically interconnected.

Method

Between February and August 2022, 30 cancer patients filled out a carefully developed ecological momentary assessment questionnaire (EnergyInSight) five times a day for at least 21 days while being on the waitlist for psychological care for CRF. We performed a multi‐level vector autoregression analysis to examine the interconnectedness among fatigue, protective factors (allowing rest, acceptance, and self‐efficacy) and perpetuating factors (worrying, catastrophizing, and feeling guilty).

Results

In the contemporaneous network (concurrent associations), higher acceptance and self‐efficacy were associated with lower fatigue, whereas all other factors were associated with higher fatigue. The strongest relationships were between worrying and feeling guilty and between acceptance and allowing rest. In the temporal network (lagged associations), fatigue was related to two factors: higher self‐efficacy preceded lower fatigue, and higher fatigue preceded increased allowing rest.

Conclusions

Taking all included factors into account, the networks identified self‐efficacy and allowing rest as key protective factors of CRF. Patients may benefit from psychological interventions that cultivate self‐efficacy, as it seems to pave the way to reduced fatigue.
The alteration of structural network upon transient association between proteins studied using graph theory
Authors: Prabantu Vasam Manjveekar , Tandon Himani , Sandhya Sankaran , Sowdhamini Ramanathan , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy
Published: October 2023

Proteins such as enzymes perform their function by predominant non‐covalent bond interactions between transiently interacting units. There is an impact on the overall structural topology of the protein, albeit transient nature of such interactions, that enable proteins to deactivate or activate. This aspect of the alteration of the structural topology is studied by employing protein structural networks, which are node‐edge representative models of protein structure, reported as a robust tool for capturing interactions between residues. Several methods have been optimized to collect meaningful, functionally relevant information by studying alteration of structural networks. In this article, different methods of comparing protein structural networks are employed, along with spectral decomposition of graphs to study the subtle impact of protein–protein interactions. A detailed analysis of the structural network of interacting partners is performed across a dataset of around 900 pairs of bound complexes and corresponding unbound protein structures. The variation in network parameters at, around, and far away from the interface are analyzed. Finally, we present interesting case studies, where an allosteric mechanism of structural impact is understood from communication‐path detection methods. The results of this analysis are beneficial in understanding protein stability, for future engineering, and docking studies.
Inorganic‐Organic Nanoarchitectonics: MXene/Covalent Organic Framework Heterostructure for Superior Microextraction
Authors: Wu Jingyu , Wang Zhuo , Zhang Shuaihua , Yang Qian , Li Zhi , Zang Xiaohuan , Zhao Xiaoxian , Shang Ningzhao , Khaorapapong Nithima , Xu Xingtao , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: October 2023

One of the difficulties limiting covalent organic frameworks (COFs) from becoming excellent adsorbents is their stacking/aggregation architectures owing to poor morphology/structure control during the synthesis process. Herein, an inorganic‐organic nanoarchitectonics strategy to synthesize the MXene/COF heterostructure (Ti3C2Tx/TAPT‐TFP) is developed by the assembly of β‐ketoenamine‐linked COF on the Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets. The as‐prepared Ti3C2Tx/TAPT‐TFP retains the 2D architecture and high adsorption capacity of MXenes as well as large specific surface area and hierarchical porous structure of COFs. As a proof of concept, the potential of Ti3C2Tx/TAPT‐TFP for solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) of trace organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) is investigated. The Ti3C2Tx/TAPT‐TFP based SPME method achieves low limits of detection (0.036–0.126 ng g−1), wide linearity ranges (0.12–20.0 ng g−1), and acceptable repeatabilities for preconcentrating trace OCPs from fruit and vegetable samples. This study offers insights into the potential of constructing COF or MXene‐based heterostructures for the microextraction of environmental pollutants.
Improving the Oxygen Evolution Reaction: Exsolved Cobalt Nanoparticles on Titanate Perovskite Catalyst
Authors: Zuo Shangshang , Liao Yuan , Wang Chenchen , Naden Aaron B. , Irvine John T. S.
Published: October 2023

Perovskites are an important class of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts due to highly tunable compositions and adaptable characteristics. However, perovskite‐based catalysts can have limited atom utilization efficiency due to large particle size, resulting in low mass activity. Herein, Cobalt nanoparticles are exsolved from La0.2+2xCa0.7‐2xTi1‐xCoxO3 perovskite and applied in OER. Upon reduction in the 5% H2/N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 2 h, the Co exsolved perovskite catalyst (R‐LCTCo0.11) exhibits optimal OER performance. The mass activity of R‐LCTCo0.11 reaches ≈1700 mA mg−1 at an overpotential of 450 mV, which is 17 times and 3 times higher than that of LCTCo0.11 (97 mA mg−1) and R‐Mix (560 mA mg−1) catalysts respectively, surpassing the benchmark catalyst RuO2 (42.7 mA mg−1 of oxide at η = 470 mV). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data reveals that R‐LCTCo0.11 has the lowest charge transfer resistance (Rct = 58 Ω), demonstrating the highest catalytic and kinetic activity for OER. Furthermore, this catalyst shows high stability during an accelerated durability test of 10 h electrolysis and 1000 cycles cyclic voltammetry (CV). This work demonstrates that nanoparticle exsolution from a doped perovskite is an effective strategy for improving the atom utilization efficiency in OER.
Exosomes: Toward a potential application in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Wei Xiaowei , Zhang Dagan , Zhu Yefei
Published: October 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the urinary system, known for its rapid progression and high likelihood of recurrence. Despite ongoing efforts, clinical diagnosis and treatment of BC remain limited. As such, there is an urgent need to investigate potential mechanisms underlying this disease. Exosomes, which contain a variety of bioactive molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, are regarded as extracellular messengers because they are implicated in facilitating intercellular communication in various diseases and are pivotal in tumor advancement, serving as a promising avenue for such researches. Nevertheless, the heterogeneous nature of BC necessitates further exploration of the potential involvement of exosomes in disease progression. This review comprehensively outlines the biological attributes of exosomes and their critical roles in tumorigenesis, while also discussing their potential applications in regulating the progression of BC involving clinical diagnosis, prognostication and treatment.
Dual Starch Modifications to Expand Its End‐Uses: A Review
Authors: Lagunes‐Delgado Carolina , Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: October 2023

Starch is a polysaccharide with diverse functionalities as a thickener and a gelling and water retention agent. These activities impact in the sensory, functional, and digestibility characteristics of the products where it is used as an ingredient. Native starch has diverse drawbacks, such as low resistance to acid conditions, syneresis, and sensitivity to high shear rates, among others. Those disadvantages are overcome by chemical, physical, and enzymatic modifications. In the last decade, the use of dual‐modified starch has been suggested to expand its applications, and eco‐friendly modifications are recommended. This review is designed to identify the effect of double modifications on starch structure, functionality, and digestibility characteristics considered by food manufacturers to develop new or improved products. The increase in the starch degree of substitution by dual modification is key to incipient applications, such as 3D printing, biodegradable packing materials with high mechanical resistance, and foods with slow resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis.
Assessing the relationship between somatic cell count and the milk mid‐infrared spectrum in Chinese Holstein cows
Authors: Du Chao , Ren Xiaoli , Chu Chu , Ding Lei , Nan Liangkang , Sabek Ahmed , Hua Guohua , Yan Lei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Shujun
Published: October 2023

Background

Milk produced by dairy cows is a complex combination of many components, but the effect of mastitis has only been investigated for a few of these components. Milk mid‐infrared (MIR) spectra can reflect the global composition of milk, and this study aimed to detect the relationships between milk MIR spectral wavenumbers and milk somatic cell count (SCC)—a sensitive biomarker for mastitis.

Methods

Pearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between somatic count score (SCS) and spectral wavenumbers. A general linear mixed model was applied to investigate the effect of three different classes of SCC (low, middle and high) on spectral wavenumbers.

Results

The mean correlation coefficient between the ‘fingerprint region’ (wavenumbers 925–1582 cm–1) and the SCS was higher than that for other regions of the MIR spectrum, and the specific wavenumber with the strongest correlation with the SCS was within the ‘fingerprint region’. SCC class had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on 639 spectral wavenumbers. In particular, some spectral wavenumbers within the ‘fingerprint region’ were highly affected by the SCC class.

Limitation

The data were collected from only one province in China, so the generalisability of the findings may be limited.

Conclusion

SCC had close relationships with milk spectral wavenumbers related to important milk components or chemical bonds.
Management of neuroanaesthesia in a ewe undergoing craniotomy for coenurosis cyst removal
Authors: Gavet Morgane , Frikha Ridha , Junot Stéphane
Published: October 2023

Coenurosis is a parasitic disease affecting the central nervous system of small ruminants. This case describes the anaesthetic management of a ewe undergoing craniotomy for associated‐brain cyst removal. As small ruminants are food‐producing animals, there is limited access to veterinary medicinal products, and choosing an appropriate anaesthetic protocol is challenging. After premedication with detomidine (0.03 mg/kg intramuscularly) and butorphanol (0.1 mg/kg intravenously), anaesthesia was induced with lidocaine (1 mg/kg) and ketamine (2 mg/kg intravenously), and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen, using controlled mechanical ventilation. The animal was placed in sternal recumbency, with the head slightly elevated. A lidocaine incisional infiltration was performed, and dexamethasone (0.06 mg/kg intravenously) was administered. Vital parameters remained stable throughout anaesthesia, but moderate agitation was noticed at recovery, treated with butorphanol (0.05 mg/kg intravenously). While the ewe showed clinical improvement initially, its neurological status deteriorated in the following days, leading to euthanasia. Postmortem examination revealed intracranial haematoma.
Bilateral intracochlear schwannomas: histopathological confirmation and outcomes following tumour removal and cochlear implantation with lateral wall electrodes
Authors: Quick Mark E. , Withers Shannon , Plontke Stefan K. , Chester-Browne Ronel , Kuthubutheen Jafri
Published: October 2023

Intracochlear schwannomas (ICS) are very rare benign tumours of the inner ear. We present histopathological proof of the extremely rare bilateral occurrence of intracochlear schwannomas with negative blood genetic testing for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Bilateral schwannomas are typically associated with the condition NF2 and this case is presumed to have either mosaicism for NF2 or sporadic development of bilateral tumours. For progressive bilateral tumour growth and associated profound hearing loss, surgical intervention via partial cochleoectomy, tumour removal, preservation of the modiolus, and simultaneous cochlear implantation with lateral wall electrode carrier with basal double electrode contacts was performed. The right side was operated on first with a 14-month gap between each side. The hearing in aided speech recognition for consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) phonemes in quiet improved from 57% to 83% 12 months after bilateral cochlear implantation (CI). Bilateral intracochlear schwannomas in non-NF2 patients are extremely rare but should be considered in cases of progressive bilateral hearing loss. Successful tumour removal and cochlear implantation utilizing a lateral wall electrode is possible and can achieve good hearing outcomes.
Satisfactory patient‐reported outcomes in patients treated with impaction bone grafting and autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis for osteochondral knee defects
Authors: Mitrousias Vasileios , Chalatsis Georgios , Mylonas Theodoros , Siouras Athanasios , Stergiadou Stella , Panteliadou Freideriki , Vlychou Marianna , Hantes Michael
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Osteochondral knee defects usually affect young, active patients and may alter knee biomechanics and progressively lead to joint degeneration. Various treatment options exist with autologous, impaction bone grafting in combination with autologous matrix‐induced chondrogenesis (BG‐AMIC) being a less‐expensive, one‐step, promising option. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological mid‐term outcomes of large osteochondral lesions treated with BG‐AMIC, identify a possible correlation between the two and report postoperative complications and reoperation rate.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 25 patients treated with the BG‐AMIC technique for knee osteochondral lesions was performed. Patients were assessed using the following PROMs: the IKDC, the KOOS and the Lysholm score, the Tegner activity scale and a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS). The EQ‐5D‐5L score was used to assess health‐related quality of life. Radiological assessment was performed using the MOCART 2.0 score on a 3 T MRI.

Results

At a mean of 3.8 (± 0.8)‐year follow‐up, all functional scores increased significantly (p < 0.005) when compared to the preoperative baseline. IKDC increased from 44.5 (± 15.9) to 81.4 (± 14.7), KOOS from 41.5 (± 16.1) to 91.6 (± 11.6) and Lysholm from 54.4 (± 23) to 95.2 (± 5.5) (p < 0.005). The EQ‐5D‐5L score also revealed a significant improvement [59.9 (± 25) to 93.4 (± 10.2), p < 0.005]. Mean Tegner score reached pre‐injury levels. The PASS was positive in 100% of patients. The minimum clinically important difference was reached in all PROMs except for the KOOS Sports subscale. There were no re‐operations. Morphological evaluation of the repair tissue using the MOCART 2.0 score revealed a mean total score of 52.8 (± 30.5). A statistically significant, positive correlation was found between the MOCART 2.0 score and the IKDC score, the KOOS ADL subscale and the EQ‐5D‐5L (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

BG‐AMIC is a safe and reliable option for treating deep, knee osteochondral lesions, providing a statistically significant and clinically important improvement in patient‐reported outcomes. No complications were noticed, and no re‐operations were performed after the procedure. A moderate positive correlation between the MOCART 2.0 score and the IKDC, KOOS ADL and EQ‐5D‐5L was noticed. However, this correlation is not necessarily clinically relevant, and excellent clinical results can be expected even in patients with low MOCART scores.

Level of evidence

III.
Bariatrisch-metabolische Operationstechniken
Authors: Schäfer Aline-Louise
Published: October 2023

Bariatrisch-metabolische Operationen gelten als die effektivste Therapiemöglichkeit der morbiden Adipositas. In Langzeitstudien konnten sehr gute Erfolge bei der Reduktion des Übergewichts und bei der Behandlung Adipositas-assoziierter Komorbiditäten (u. a. arterielle Hypertonie, Diabetes mellitus Typ 2) gezeigt werden. Die bariatrischen Operationstechniken beruhen auf dem Wirkungsprinzip der Restriktion und Malabsorption. Die damit verbundenen metabolischen Effekte, die z. T. unabhängig vom Gewichtsverlust und der Kalorienreduktion schon früh postoperativ einsetzen, werden derzeit intensiv beforscht. Die am häufigsten angewandten restriktiven Verfahren sind Schlauchmagen, Magenband, Magenfaltung und Magenballon. Beim Magenbypass, der biliopankreatischen Diversion (mit und ohne duodenalem Switch) und dem „single anastomosis duodenal-ileal-bypass“ mit Sleeve werden die Wirkprinzipien kombiniert. Die Eingriffe werden üblicherweise laparoskopisch durchgeführt und haben akzeptable Komplikationsraten. Postoperativ sind lebenslange Stoffwechselkontrollen und Substitution mit Vitaminen und Spurenelementen (insbesondere bei malabsorptiven Verfahren) erforderlich, um einer Malnutrition vorzubeugen.
Duality and stable compactness in Orlicz-type modules
Authors: Orihuela José , Zapata José M.
Published: October 2023

Orlicz-type modules are module analogues of classical Orlicz spaces. We study duality and stable compactness in Orlicz-type modules. We characterize the conditional Köthe dual of an Orlicz-type module as the space of all $$\sigma $$
σ
-order continuous module homomorphisms. We find an order continuity criterion for stable compactness in Orlicz-type modules. As an application, we obtain a robust representation result for conditional risk measures on Orlicz spaces.
Calculus of variations with higher order Caputo fractional derivatives
Authors: Ferreira Rui A. C.
Published: October 2023

In this work, we consider fractional variational problems depending on higher order fractional derivatives. We obtain optimality conditions for such problems and we present and discuss some examples. We conclude with possible research directions.
Assessment of three mixed arrays dataset for subsurface cavities detection using resistivity tomography as inferred from numerical modelling
Authors: Dosoky Wael
Published: October 2023

The present study deals with the evaluation of a three-mixed array dataset for the detection of subsurface cavities using conceptual air-filled cavity model sets at different depths. Cavity models were simulated using the forward modelling technique to generate synthetic apparent resistivity data for three common individual arrays. These arrays are dipole–dipole (DD), pole–dipole (PD), and Wenner–Schlumberger (WS). The synthetically apparent resistivity data obtained from two different individual arrays were merged to form a high-resolution single model. Consequently, three possible mixed arrays datasets can be obtained: the dipole–dipole-Wenner–Schlumberger (DD+WS), pole–dipole, and Wenner–Schlumberger (PD+WS), and dipole–dipole and pole–dipole (DD+PD). The synthetically apparent resistivity data for both the individual and mixed arrays were inverted using Res2dinv software based on the robust constrain inversion technique to obtain a 2D resistivity model section. The inverted resistivity sections were evaluated in terms of their recovering ability of the model’s parameters (e.g. resistivity, and geometry). The results show that the individual arrays can resolve the location and dimensions of the cavity within reasonable accuracy only at a depth not exceeding 6 m below the surface. On the other hand, a significant resolution enhancement in model resistivity with increasing depth was observed when the mixed arrays were used. The (DD+WS) mixed arrays dataset brings up better model resistivity and shows closer parameters to the true actual model among the other mixed arrays. So it is strongly recommended for cavity detection studies.
A Class of Estimators for Estimation of Population Mean Under Random Non-response in Two Phase Successive Sampling
Authors: Basit Zeeshan , Masood Saadia , Bhatti Ishaq
Published: October 2023

This paper presents some efficient classes of estimators of population mean on current occasion in the presence of random non-response under a two-phase successive sampling set-up. The suggested classes of estimators are proposed for simple random sampling under various situations of non-response. The properties of proposed estimators have been discussed up to first order of approximation. The efficiency of the presented estimators has been contrasted with the estimators for the complete response scenarios. Two real and two artificially generated data sets are used. The efficacy of the proposed classes of estimators over the existing estimators is checked theoretically and empirically. The numerical comparison supports the proposed estimators.
Uncovering the Underlying Causes of Severe Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Aetiology in Children: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: AlShurman Maria , AlShurman Bara’ Abdallah , Sehar Hibah , Evans Amy , Alzoubi Tala , Mac Christina , Butt Zahid Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Background

Since October 2021, multiple paediatric cases of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology (SAHUA) not caused by hepatitis A–E viruses have been reported by multiple countries. As of 14 September 2022, approximately 1296 probable cases of SAHUA in 37 countries and regions had been reported.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to present a complete picture of this outbreak, including its origin, current cases, clinical signs, possible hypotheses, and potential treatments.

Methods

A thorough search for literature from October 2021 to September 2023 was performed in the PubMed and Medline databases. Additional websites, including the WHO, CDC, ECDC, and the UKHSA, were searched for further relevant data.

Results

Common clinical symptoms include jaundice, vomiting, pale stools, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and nausea, whereas fever is infrequent. Elevated AST and ALT are prevalent, and most cases test positive for adenovirus. However, immunohistochemical staining on liver tissue often yields negative results for adenovirus, thus challenging the hypothesis that adenovirus is a definitive cause. A recent compelling hypothesis has implicated AAV-2 as a likely etiologic agent of SAHUA in paediatric cases involving abnormal AAV-2 replication products and immune-mediated hepatic disease. Evidence of low immunogenicity, tissue tropism, and immune responses supports this hypothesis. SARS-CoV-2's role has also been explored. Some SAHUA cases have SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity even when PCR tests are negative, thereby suggesting silent prior infections. Cidofovir, a suggested treatment for severe human adenovirus infection in immunocompromised patients, has not decreased adenoviral load in two cases. Notably, 29 deaths have been reported, and 55 cases have required or received liver transplant.

Conclusion

SAHUA in children presents a complex challenge with potential involvement of AAV-2 and immune-mediated factors. SARS-CoV-2 may affect disease severity—a possibility warranting further investigation. Treatment options include diagnostics, supportive care, antivirals, and immunosuppression. Prevention relies on infection control measures, and management requires advanced diagnostics and international collaboration. SAHUA remains an enigma, thus underscoring the need for continued research and adaptability to emerging infectious threats.
Central Role of Nitrogen Fertilizer Relative to Water Management in Determining Direct Nitrous Oxide Emissions From Global Rice‐Based Ecosystems
Authors: Song Hanxiong , Zhu Qiuan , Blanchet Jean‐Pierre , Chen Zhi , Zhang Kerou , Li Tong , Zhou Feng , Peng Changhui
Published: October 2023

The increasing atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) concentration stems from the development of agriculture. However, N2O emissions from global rice‐based ecosystems have not been explicitly and systematically quantified. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the spatiotemporal magnitudes of the N2O emissions from global rice‐based ecosystems and determine different contribution factors by improving a process‐based biogeochemical model, TRIPLEX‐GHG v2.0. Model validation suggested that the modeled N2O agreed well with field observations under varying management practices at daily, seasonal, and annual steps. Simulated N2O emissions from global rice‐based ecosystems exhibited significant increasing trends from 0.026 ± 0.0013 to 0.18 ± 0.003 TgN yr−1 from 1910 to 2020, with ∼69.5% emissions attributed to the rice‐growing seasons. Irrigated rice ecosystems accounted for a majority of global rice N2O emissions (∼76.9%) because of their higher N2O emission rates than rainfed systems. Regarding spatial analysis, Southern China, Northeast India, and Southeast Asia are hotspots for rice‐based N2O emissions. Experimental scenarios revealed that N fertilizer is the largest global rice‐N2O source, especially since the 1960s (0.047 ± 0.010 TgN yr−1, 35.24%), while the impact of expanded irrigation plays a minor role. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the rice‐based ecosystem in the global agricultural N2O budget; further, it quantitively demonstrated the central role of N fertilizer in rice‐based N2O emissions by including rice crop calendars, covering non‐rice growing seasons, and differentiating the effects of various water regimes and input N forms. Our findings emphasize the significance of co‐management of N fertilizer and water regimes in reducing the net climate impact of global rice cultivation.
The variable source of the plasma sheet during a geomagnetic storm
Authors: Kistler L. M. , Asamura K. , Kasahara S. , Miyoshi Y. , Mouikis C. G. , Keika K. , Petrinec S. M. , Stevens M. L. , Hori T. , Yokota S. , Shinohara I.
Published: October 2023

Both solar wind and ionospheric sources contribute to the magnetotail plasma sheet, but how their contribution changes during a geomagnetic storm is an open question. The source is critical because the plasma sheet properties control the enhancement and decay rate of the ring current, the main cause of the geomagnetic field perturbations that define a geomagnetic storm. Here we use the solar wind composition to track the source and show that the plasma sheet source changes from predominantly solar wind to predominantly ionospheric as a storm develops. Additionally, we find that the ionospheric plasma during the storm main phase is initially dominated by singly ionized hydrogen (H+), likely from the polar wind, a low energy outflow from the polar cap, and then transitions to the accelerated outflow from the dayside and nightside auroral regions, identified by singly ionized oxygen (O+). These results reveal how the access to the magnetotail of the different sources can change quickly, impacting the storm development.
Neural control of lexical tone production in human laryngeal motor cortex
Authors: Lu Junfeng , Li Yuanning , Zhao Zehao , Liu Yan , Zhu Yanming , Mao Ying , Wu Jinsong , Chang Edward F.
Published: October 2023

In tonal languages, which are spoken by nearly one-third of the world’s population, speakers precisely control the tension of vocal folds in the larynx to modulate pitch in order to distinguish words with completely different meanings. The specific pitch trajectories for a given tonal language are called lexical tones. Here, we used high-density direct cortical recordings to determine the neural basis of lexical tone production in native Mandarin-speaking participants. We found that instead of a tone category-selective coding, local populations in the bilateral laryngeal motor cortex (LMC) encode articulatory kinematic information to generate the pitch dynamics of lexical tones. Using a computational model of tone production, we discovered two distinct patterns of population activity in LMC commanding pitch rising and lowering. Finally, we showed that direct electrocortical stimulation of different local populations in LMC evoked pitch rising and lowering during tone production, respectively. Together, these results reveal the neural basis of vocal pitch control of lexical tones in tonal languages.
Additive manufacturing of alloys with programmable microstructure and properties
Authors: Gao Shubo , Li Zhi , Van Petegem Steven , Ge Junyu , Goel Sneha , Vas Joseph Vimal , Luzin Vladimir , Hu Zhiheng , Seet Hang Li , Sanchez Dario Ferreira , Van Swygenhoven Helena , Gao Huajian , Seita Matteo
Published: October 2023

In metallurgy, mechanical deformation is essential to engineer the microstructure of metals and to tailor their mechanical properties. However, this practice is inapplicable to near-net-shape metal parts produced by additive manufacturing (AM), since it would irremediably compromise their carefully designed geometries. In this work, we show how to circumvent this limitation by controlling the dislocation density and thermal stability of a steel alloy produced by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology. We show that by manipulating the alloy’s solidification structure, we can ‘program’ recrystallization upon heat treatment without using mechanical deformation. When employed site-specifically, our strategy enables designing and creating complex microstructure architectures that combine recrystallized and non-recrystallized regions with different microstructural features and properties. We show how this heterogeneity may be conducive to materials with superior performance compared to those with monolithic microstructure. Our work inspires the design of high-performance metal parts with artificially engineered microstructures by AM.
Thermal dependence of the hydrated proton and optimal proton transfer in the protonated water hexamer
Authors: Mouhat Félix , Peria Matteo , Morresi Tommaso , Vuilleumier Rodolphe , Saitta Antonino Marco , Casula Michele
Published: October 2023

Water is a key ingredient for life and plays a central role as solvent in many biochemical reactions. However, the intrinsically quantum nature of the hydrogen nucleus, revealing itself in a large variety of physical manifestations, including proton transfer, gives rise to unexpected phenomena whose description is still elusive. Here we study, by a combination of state-of-the-art quantum Monte Carlo methods and path-integral molecular dynamics, the structure and hydrogen-bond dynamics of the protonated water hexamer, the fundamental unit for the hydrated proton. We report a remarkably low thermal expansion of the hydrogen bond from zero temperature up to 300 K, owing to the presence of short-Zundel configurations, characterised by proton delocalisation and favoured by the synergy of nuclear quantum effects and thermal activation. The hydrogen bond strength progressively weakens above 300 K, when localised Eigen-like configurations become relevant. Our analysis, supported by the instanton statistics of shuttling protons, reveals that the near-room-temperature range from 250 K to 300 K is optimal for proton transfer in the protonated water hexamer.
Exploring decarbonization pathways for USA passenger and freight mobility
Authors: Hoehne Christopher , Muratori Matteo , Jadun Paige , Bush Brian , Yip Arthur , Ledna Catherine , Vimmerstedt Laura , Podkaminer Kara , Ma Ookie
Published: October 2023

Passenger and freight travel account for 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions today. We explore pathways to reduce transportation emissions using NREL’s TEMPO model under bounding assumptions on future travel behavior, technology advancement, and policies. Results show diverse routes to 80% or more well-to-wheel GHG reductions by 2050. Rapid adoption of zero-emission vehicles coupled with a clean electric grid is essential for deep decarbonization; in the median scenario, zero-emission vehicle sales reach 89% for passenger light-duty and 69% for freight trucks by 2030 and 100% sales for both by 2040. Up to 3,000 terawatt-hours of electricity could be needed in 2050 to power plug-in electric vehicles. Increased sustainable biofuel usage is also essential for decarbonizing aviation (10–42 billion gallons needed in 2050) and to support legacy vehicles during the transition. Managing travel demand growth can ease this transition by reducing the need for clean electricity and sustainable fuels.
Global climate forcing on late Miocene establishment of the Pampean aeolian system in South America
Authors: Stubbins Blake , Leier Andrew L. , Barbeau David L. , Pullen Alex , Abell Jordan T. , Nie Junsheng , Zárate Marcelo A. , Fidler Mary Kate
Published: October 2023

Wind-blown dust from southern South America links the terrestrial, marine, atmospheric, and biological components of Earth’s climate system. The Pampas of central Argentina (~33°–39° S) contain a Miocene to Holocene aeolian record that spans an important interval of global cooling. Upper Miocene sediment provenance based on n = 3299 detrital-zircon U-Pb ages is consistent with the provenance of Pleistocene–Holocene deposits, indicating the Pampas are the site of a long-lived fluvial-aeolian system that has been operating since the late Miocene. Here, we show the establishment of aeolian sedimentation in the Pampas coincided with late Miocene cooling. These findings, combined with those from the Chinese Loess Plateau (~33°–39° N) underscore: (1) the role of fluvial transport in the development and maintenance of temporally persistent mid-latitude loess provinces; and (2) a global-climate forcing mechanism behind the establishment of large mid-latitude loess provinces during the late Miocene.
Optogenetic control of YAP reveals a dynamic communication code for stem cell fate and proliferation
Authors: Meyer Kirstin , Lammers Nicholas C. , Bugaj Lukasz J. , Garcia Hernan G. , Weiner Orion D.
Published: October 2023

YAP is a transcriptional regulator that controls pluripotency, cell fate, and proliferation. How cells ensure the selective activation of YAP effector genes is unknown. This knowledge is essential to rationally control cellular decision-making. Here we leverage optogenetics, live-imaging of transcription, and cell fate analysis to understand and control gene activation and cell behavior. We reveal that cells decode the steady-state concentrations and timing of YAP activation to control proliferation, cell fate, and expression of the pluripotency regulators Oct4 and Nanog. While oscillatory YAP inputs induce Oct4 expression and proliferation optimally at frequencies that mimic native dynamics, cellular differentiation requires persistently low YAP levels. We identify the molecular logic of the Oct4 dynamic decoder, which acts through an adaptive change sensor. Our work reveals how YAP levels and dynamics enable multiplexing of information transmission for the regulation of developmental decision-making and establishes a platform for the rational control of these behaviors.
Fading regulation of diurnal temperature ranges on drought-induced growth loss for drought-tolerant tree species
Authors: Zhang Xianliang , Rademacher Tim , Liu Hongyan , Wang Lu , Manzanedo Rubén D.
Published: October 2023

Warming-induced droughts caused tree growth loss across the globe, leading to substantial carbon loss to the atmosphere. Drought-induced growth loss, however, can be regulated by changes in diurnal temperature ranges. Here, we investigated long term radial growth responses of 23 widespread distributed tree species from 2327 sites over the world and found that species’ drought tolerances were significantly and positively correlated with diurnal temperature range-growth loss relationships for the period 1901-1940. Since 1940, this relationship has continued to fade, likely due to asymmetric day and night warming trends and the species’ ability to deal with them. The alleviation of reduced diurnal temperature ranges on drought-induced growth loss was mainly found for drought resistant tree species. Overall, our results highlight the need to carefully consider diurnal temperature ranges and species-specific responses to daytime and nighttime warming to explore tree growth responses to current and future warmer and drier climates.
Leveraging data from the Genomes-to-Fields Initiative to investigate genotype-by-environment interactions in maize in North America
Authors: Lopez-Cruz Marco , Aguate Fernando M. , Washburn Jacob D. , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Lima Dayane Cristina , Tan Ruijuan , Thompson Addie , De La Bretonne Laurence Willard , de los Campos Gustavo
Published: October 2023

Genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions can significantly affect crop performance and stability. Investigating G×E requires extensive data sets with diverse cultivars tested over multiple locations and years. The Genomes-to-Fields (G2F) Initiative has tested maize hybrids in more than 130 year-locations in North America since 2014. Here, we curate and expand this data set by generating environmental covariates (using a crop model) for each of the trials. The resulting data set includes DNA genotypes and environmental data linked to more than 70,000 phenotypic records of grain yield and flowering traits for more than 4000 hybrids. We show how this valuable data set can serve as a benchmark in agricultural modeling and prediction, paving the way for countless G×E investigations in maize. We use multivariate analyses to characterize the data set’s genetic and environmental structure, study the association of key environmental factors with traits, and provide benchmarks using genomic prediction models.
Assessing the size and uncertainty of remaining carbon budgets
Authors: Lamboll Robin D. , Nicholls Zebedee R. J. , Smith Christopher J. , Kikstra Jarmo S. , Byers Edward , Rogelj Joeri
Published: October 2023

The remaining carbon budget (RCB), the net amount of CO2 humans can still emit without exceeding a chosen global warming limit, is often used to evaluate political action against the goals of the Paris Agreement. RCB estimates for 1.5 °C are small, and minor changes in their calculation can therefore result in large relative adjustments. Here we evaluate recent RCB assessments by the IPCC and present more recent data, calculation refinements and robustness checks that increase confidence in them. We conclude that the RCB for a 50% chance of keeping warming to 1.5 °C is around 250 GtCO2 as of January 2023, equal to around six years of current CO2 emissions. For a 50% chance of 2 °C the RCB is around 1,200 GtCO2. Key uncertainties affecting RCB estimates are the contribution of non-CO2 emissions, which depends on socioeconomic projections as much as on geophysical uncertainty, and potential warming after net zero CO2.
Spatial communication systems across languages reflect universal action constraints
Authors: Coventry Kenny R. , Gudde Harmen B. , Diessel Holger , Collier Jacqueline , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro , Vulchanova Mila , Vulchanov Valentin , Todisco Emanuela , Reile Maria , Breunesse Merlijn , Plado Helen , Bohnemeyer Juergen , Bsili Raed , Caldano Michela , Dekova Rositsa , Donelson Katharine , Forker Diana , Park Yesol , Pathak Lekhnath Sharma , Peeters David , Pizzuto Gabriella , Serhan Baris , Apse Linda , Hesse Florian , Hoang Linh , Hoang Phuong , Igari Yoko , Kapiley Keerthana , Haupt-Khutsishvili Tamar , Kolding Sara , Priiki Katri , Mačiukaitytė Ieva , Mohite Vaisnavi , Nahkola Tiina , Tsoi Sum Yi , Williams Stefan , Yasuda Shunei , Cangelosi Angelo , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Mishra Ramesh Kumar , Rocca Roberta , Šķilters Jurģis , Wallentin Mikkel , Žilinskaitė-Šinkūnienė Eglė , Incel Ozlem Durmaz
Published: October 2023

The extent to which languages share properties reflecting the non-linguistic constraints of the speakers who speak them is key to the debate regarding the relationship between language and cognition. A critical case is spatial communication, where it has been argued that semantic universals should exist, if anywhere. Here, using an experimental paradigm able to separate variation within a language from variation between languages, we tested the use of spatial demonstratives—the most fundamental and frequent spatial terms across languages. In n = 874 speakers across 29 languages, we show that speakers of all tested languages use spatial demonstratives as a function of being able to reach or act on an object being referred to. In some languages, the position of the addressee is also relevant in selecting between demonstrative forms. Commonalities and differences across languages in spatial communication can be understood in terms of universal constraints on action shaping spatial language and cognition.