bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully functional monocytic MDSC generation from the murine HoxB8 cell line
Authors: Alattar Haisam , Xu Huaming , Zenke Martin , Lutz Manfred B.
Published: June 2023

Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) play a crucial role in controlling T‐cell responses, but their development and suppressor mechanisms are not fully understood. To study the molecular functions of MDSC, a large number of standardized cells are required. Traditionally, bone marrow (BM) has been used to generate myeloid cell types, including MDSC. In this study, we demonstrate that a previously described protocol for generating monocytic MDSC (M‐MDSC) from murine BM with GM‐CSF can be fully transferred to BM cells that are conditionally transformed with HoxB8 gene (HoxB8 cells). HoxB8 cells have an extended lifespan and efficiently differentiate into MDSC that are quantitatively and qualitatively comparable to M‐MDSC from BM cells. Flow cytometric analyses of LPS/IFN‐γ activated cultures revealed the same iNOS+ and/or Arg1+ PD‐L1high M‐MDSC subsets in similar frequencies from BM or HoxB8 cells. In vitro suppression of CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferations was also largely comparable in their efficacy and its iNOS‐ or Arg1‐dependent suppressor mechanisms, which was confirmed by the similar amounts of nitric oxide (NO) secretion measured from the suppressor assay. Therefore, our data suggest that murine M‐MDSC generation from HoxB8 cells with GM‐CSF can be used to substitute BM cultures.
Study on catalytic degradation of toluene by copper manganese composite oxide
Authors: Xia Daoran , Zhang Zhihong
Published: June 2023

Herein, Cu–Mn catalysts were used to study the catalytic oxidation system of toluene, revealing the optimal preparation conditions for catalytic oxidation of toluene and the effects of other factors on catalytic performance (oxygen concentration, toluene concentration, temperature, humidity, space velocity). The as‐synthesized Cu2Mn1Ox exhibited the best catalytic activity and stability. The BET, XRD, and O2‐TPD results indicated that the synthesized Cu2Mn1 catalyst can effectively form the Cu1.4Mn1.6O4 phase at the optimal calcination temperature (500–600°C) and accelerate the toluene degradation at 220°C. Although water vapor can promote the progress of catalytic reactions, excessive water vapor tends to form competitive adsorption at active sites, inhibiting the progress of catalytic reactions. In addition, oxygen concentration plays a key role in catalytic reactions. Based on the results, it was found that at lower oxygen concentrations or higher toluene concentrations, the catalyst was easy to react with toluene to generate Cu and MnO, resulting in catalyst deactivation.
How to conduct EEG recordings—A video‐based educational resource
Authors: Nascimento Fábio A. , Salazar Michael , Colonetti Jacqueline , Schomer Donald , Beniczky Sándor
Published: June 2023

Content available: Video
Uncertainty analysis–forecasting system based on decomposition–ensemble framework for PM2.5 concentration forecasting in China
Authors: Qu Zongxi , Hao Xiaogang , Zhao Fazhen , Niu Chunhua
Published: June 2023

Practical analysis and forecasting of PM2.5 concentrations is complex and challenging owing to the volatility and non‐stationarity of PM2.5 series. Most previous studies mainly focused on deterministic predictions, whereas the uncertainty in the prediction is not considered. In this study, a novel uncertainty analysis–forecasting system comprising distribution function analysis, intelligent deterministic prediction, and interval prediction is designed. Based on the characteristics of PM2.5 series, 16 hybrid models composed of various distribution functions and swarm optimization algorithms are selected to determine the exact PM2.5 distribution. Subsequently, a hybrid deterministic forecasting model based on a novel decomposition–ensemble framework is established for PM2.5 prediction. Regarding uncertainty analysis, interval prediction is established to provide uncertain information required for decision–making based on the optimal distribution functions and deterministic prediction results. PM2.5 concentration series obtained from three cities in China are used to conduct an empirical study. The empirical results show that the proposed system can achieve better prediction results than other comparable models as well as provide meaningful and practical quantification of future PM trends. Hence, the system can provide more constructive suggestions for government administrators and the public.
Exploring the health benefits and functional properties of goat milk proteins
Authors: ALKaisy Qausar Hamed , Al‐Saadi Jasim S. , AL‐Rikabi Ali Khudhair Jaber , Altemimi Ammar B. , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: June 2023

Goat milk proteins are unique in their nutritional and functional properties and have become increasingly popular in recent years. A variety of methods have been studied for extracting and isolating these proteins, with coprecipitation being a particularly effective approach. Compared to cow milk proteins, goat milk proteins contain higher levels of certain amino acids such as tryptophan and cysteine, while maintaining similar nutritional properties. Additionally, they have superior functional properties, including better emulsifying and foaming properties, which make them an attractive option for developing new food products. Research has shown that goat milk proteins have several health benefits, including immunomodulatory effects, allergy management, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as antimicrobial and anticancer properties. They have the potential to be used as a treatment for autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other immune system disorders due to their ability to modulate the production of cytokines and other immune system components. Furthermore, their antimicrobial properties can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. Future research will focus on the potential of goat milk proteins as a functional food ingredient, their effects on gut health and microbiota, and their therapeutic potential for various health conditions. This research may lead to the development of new functional foods that promote health and prevent disease, and potentially pave the way for the use of goat milk proteins as a therapeutic agent for various health conditions.
Electrochemical Oxidation of Alcohols Using Halogen Mediators
Authors: Yamamoto Kosuke , Kuriyama Masami , Onomura Osamu
Published: June 2023

The high importance of carbonyl compounds in organic synthesis and fine chemical industries has let the development of efficient and environmentally benign methods for the oxidation of alcohols be an important research field. Electrochemistry would be one of the ideal strategies to achieve green redox processes avoiding the use of chemical oxidants/reductants. Due to the relatively high oxidation potential of alcohols, indirect methods using redox mediators have often been employed for the electrochemical alcohol oxidation. Halide salts would be one of the most traditional but still common mediators owing to the advantage of wide commercial availability and cost‐efficiency. This review summarized the electrogenerated active halogen‐mediated transformations of prim‐ sec‐, and tert‐alcohols from the pioneering works to the recent examples. In addition, recent advances in the direct oxidation of alcohols are also presented.
Effects of Dienogest on breasts of women of reproductive age and women in menopausal transition: A cohort study
Authors: Huang Kuan‐Ju , Li Ying‐Xuan , Wu Chin‐Jui , Chang Wen‐Chun , Wei Lin‐Hung , Sheu Bor‐Ching
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

Dienogest appears not to have any adverse breast effects on women of reproductive age.
Prognostic and discriminatory abilities of imaging scoring systems in predicting COVID‐19 adverse outcomes
Authors: Kandil Omneya , Elgenidy Anas , Saba Patrick , Hasan Mohamed Tarek , Galbraith Kenneth , Spooner Mark , Ajao Demi , Yaipen Omar , Ayad Elyas , Nassar Abdelrahman , Hamka Khalil , Hasan Walaa , Shah Jaffer , Shawkat Ahmed , Hakim Diaa , Aiash Hani
Published: June 2023

Background

To evaluate the discriminatory ability of imaging modalities' scoring systems in the prediction of COVID‐19 adverse outcomes like ICU admission, ventilatory support, or mortality.

Methods

We searched PUBMED, EBSCO, WEB OF SCIENCE, and SCOPUS. Two authors independently screened the resulting papers for fulfillment criteria. Meta‐DiSc version 1.4, RevMan version 5.4, and MedCalc version 19.1 were used for test accuracy analysis, sensitivity and specificity analysis, and pooling Area under the curve for discriminatory assessment, respectively.

Results

Regarding mortality prediction, the computed tomography (CT) showed significantly higher sensitivity [80%; 95% CI 0.74–0.85] and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) [4.41 95% CI 2.94–6.61] relative to the Lung Ultrasound Score (LUS) approach, while the LUS approached the CT scan with specificity of 81% [95% CI 0.78–0.83] and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of [0.32; 95% CI 0.16–0.64]. The pooled area under ROC for LUS was [AUC = 0.777, 95% CI 0.701–0.852; p < 0.001, I2 = 74.86%, p = 0.019] while the pooled area under ROC for CT severity score was [AUC = 0.855, 95% CI 0.78–0.93; p < 0.001, I2 = 93.73%, p < 0.001]. Regarding adverse outcomes prediction, the LUS had a slightly higher specificity of [78%; 95% CI 0.75–0.80] and PLR of [3.60; 95% CI 2.28–5.68] compared to CT score. The pooled AUC using LUS was (0.77, 95% CI 0.719–0.832; p < 0.001), while using CT severity score was (0.843, 95% CI 0.787–0.898; p < 0.001), and using X‐ray scores was (0.814, 95% CI 0.751–0.878; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CT severity score showed a better discriminatory ability in predicting COVID‐19 adverse outcomes, as in‐hospital mortality, ICU admission, and need for ventilatory support compared to LUS and X‐RAY scores, while the LUS, being more specific, had a slightly better prognostic value.
A direct approach to Kilian–Lewis style counterfactual analysis in vector autoregression models
Authors: Chen Shiu‐Sheng
Published: June 2023

This paper proposes a direct approach to Kilian–Lewis style counterfactual analysis in structural vector autoregression models. The proposed approach is easy to implement, and the procedure of counterfactual construction is more transparent than the indirect approach. Practitioners conducting Kilian–Lewis style counterfactual analysis should find the proposed approach novel and useful.
Ghars date extract/iodide ions system as an eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitor for API 5L X70 steel in sulfuric acid
Authors: Bouamra Bouzid , Djellab Mounir , Bentrah Hamza , Chala Abdelouahad , Kherief Slimane , Taoui Hicham
Published: June 2023

Background

Ghars date fruit is very rich in polysaccharides, which qualifies it to be exploited as a green corrosion inhibitor. Ghars date is produced in large commercial quantities in Africa and Asia, which gives them the opportunity to be used as a cheap raw material for the industry of eco‐friendly inhibitors.

Objectives

The synergy between the Ghars date extract (GDE) and iodide ions is investigated for the first time to improve the inhibition efficiency for API 5 L X70 pipeline steel in 0.5 mol L−1 sulfuric acid.

Methods

The synergistic effect of the GDE and iodide ions is studied by potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy.

Results

The inhibition efficiency is 45.5% at 2 g L−1 GDE at 20°C, while it increases to 97.9% when 5 × 10−4 mol L−1 of potassium iodide is added at 25°C. The GDE/iodide ion system follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, involves both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption and acts as a mixed‐type inhibitor.

Conclusions

It is found that significant corrosion inhibition can be obtained in a synergistic manner between Ghars date extract and iodide ions for the API 5 L X70 pipeline steel in sulfuric acid.
Risk of burnout, psychological growth, longevity of career and making sense of Covid‐19 in senior Australian radiation oncologists
Authors: McCormack Lynne , Falcioni Dane , Lee Yoo Young
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Senior radiation oncologists in hospital/organisational settings, are repetitively and vicariously exposed to others' traumatic distress‐perpetuating risk of burnout. Little is known of the additional organisational burdens of the Covid‐19 pandemic on their mental well‐being for career longevity.

Methods

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, semi‐structured interviews provided positive and negative subjective interpreted data from five senior Australian radiation oncologists during Covid‐19 lockdowns.

Results

One superordinate theme, Vicarious risk, hierarchical invalidation, redefining altruistic authenticity, overarched four subordinate themes: (1) Vicarious contamination of caring, (2) The hierarchical squeeze, (3) The heavy burden of me and (4) Growth of authenticity. For these participants, juxtaposed challenges to career longevity and mental well‐being were ‘self’ as empathic carer to vulnerable patients, and ever‐increasing burdens of the organisation. Sensing invalidation, they experienced periods of exhaustion and disengagement. However, with experience and seniority, self‐care was prioritised and nurtured through intrapersonal honesty, altruism and relational connectedness with patients and mentoring forward junior colleagues. Focusing on mutual well‐being, a sense of life beyond radiation oncology became acceptable.

Conclusions

For these participants, self‐care became a relational joining with their patients separate from the lack of systemic support which heralded an early termination to their career for psychological well‐being and authenticity.
Incidence and Reimbursement Trends for Facial Fracture Repair in the Elderly: A Medicare Analysis
Authors: Torabi Sina J. , An Miranda B. , Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Lonergan Ashley R. , Salehi Parsa P. , Manes R. Peter , Azizzadeh Babak , Kuan Edward C.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim was to describe incidence and reimbursement trends of surgical repair of facial fractures among the Medicare population.

Methods

The annual procedure data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service National Part B Data File from 2000 to 2019 were queried.

Results

The total number of surgically corrected facial fractures increased from 10,148 in 2000 to 19,631 in 2019 in a linear pattern (r = 0.924). Specifically, nasal bone/septum fracture repairs increased the most by 200.6% (n = 4682 to n = 14,075), whereas operations for TMJ dislocations, malar/zygoma fractures, and alveolar ridge/mandibular fractures decreased by 27.9%, 12.3%, and 3.2%, respectively, between 2000 and 2019. Correspondingly, the total Medicare reimbursement rose from $2,574,317 in 2000 to $4,129,448 in 2019 (r = 0.895). However, the mean reimbursement for all procedures decreased from $376.63 to $210.35 (44.1% fall) over the same time after adjusting for inflation, with this trend holding for individual fracture types as well.

Conclusions

Given the population's increasing age, there has been a significant increase in the number of surgical repairs of facial fractures in Medicare patients between 2000 and 2019. However, this is largely driven by an increase in nasal bone/septum closed reductions, with stagnant and, in some cases, declining incidence among other fracture repairs. The reason is unclear and may be related to an increase in nonoperative management or poor outcomes. Nevertheless, like other subfields within otolaryngology and medicine at large, payments have lagged far behind, which may play some role.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:659–665, 2024
Organic fertilization promotes the accumulation of soil particulate organic carbon in a 9‐year plantation experiment
Authors: Ren Tingting , Liao Jiahui , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Ni Juanping , Li Yuanyuan , Jin Long , Ruan Honghua
Published: June 2023

Management practices are expected to influence the capacity of forests to mitigate climate change. However, the long‐term effects of afforestation on soil carbon accumulation in response to contrasting management regimes remain poorly understood. Here, we combined organic matter fractionation with a nine‐year‐long organic fertilization experiment to investigate the influences of largely accepted practices such as biochar (BC) and biogas‐slurry (BS) inputs on the accumulation of soil particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral‐associated organic carbon (MAOC) in three soil horizon depths (0–25, 25–50, and 50–75 cm, respectively). Our results suggested that both BS and BC significantly enhanced the POC and total soil organic carbon (SOC) content but overall did not significantly influence MAOC. Moreover, the POC and MAOC was more responsive to BS than BC. Further, our analyses revealed that the effects of BC on POC and MAOC were indirectly regulated by changes in the SOC: total nitrogen (TN) ratio, while BS influenced POC and MAOC by regulating TN. However, the responses of MAOC to the infiltration of organic fertilizers into the mineral soil should not be ignored, especially under high BC levels. Our work revealed that management practices are critical for supporting the long‐term capacity of new forests to accumulate soil carbon, thereby facilitating the provision of nature‐based solutions in response to climate change.
A significant loop of lake sedimentation state links catchment eco‐surroundings and lake biogenic regime shifts
Authors: Ran Fengwei , Nie Xiaodong , Wang Shilan , Xiao Tao , Yang Changrong , Liu Yi , Wang Lingxia , Liu Yaojun , Chu Xin , Li Zhongwu
Published: June 2023

As an important destination for upstream materials and element accumulation, lake sediments hold a multitude of contextual information about climatic changes and anthropogenic disturbances. However, understanding the lake sedimentation state to link catchment pressures and biogenic regime shifts remains challenging. To address this, research was conducted on the lake sedimentation state, including the dynamics, catchment drivers, effects on biogenic regimes, and responses to typical historical events using nine sediment cores from Dongting Lake, China, a typical global priority ecoregion. Three transitions of lake sedimentation state were distinguished over the century (1937, 1968, and 1993), whereby hydrologic dynamics and land‐use changes in the watershed were the direct drivers with relative contributions of 16.30% and 14.56%, respectively. Lake sedimentation state and organic matter inputs not only preceded sediment biogenic elements at the shift time but also exhibited nonlinear trigger effects on biogenic element contents (R2 = 0.47, p < 0.01), which promoted an increase in sediment biogenic element burial rates. Rate of change analysis indicated that intensive human activities altered the relationship between the sedimentation state and biogenic regime shift, thus revealing the response to anthropogenic events in the catchment. Pathways quantified by the partial least squares path model established the link between watershed attributes and lake biogenic properties via the lake sedimentation state. Our findings revealed a cascading linkage among catchment eco‐surroundings, lake sedimentation states, and biogenic regime shifts. The research further provided insights into driver‐response relationships in lake‐catchment systems.
A Ku/K‐band wideband crossed dipole circularly polarized array with low profile
Authors: Li Wenxun , Zhang Yun , He Xiaofeng , Chen Kai , Jiang Guangming , Yang Xiaoqing
Published: June 2023

A low‐profile Ku/K band circularly polarized phased array antenna based on crossed dipole and four parasitic elements is presented. Four parasitic patches and the outline of dipole arms which are designed as an exponentially gradual curve are intended to broaden impedance bandwidth. For better integrated design, the plated through holes at the bottom of substrate replaces the metal cavity, aiming to enhance the radiation characteristics of the positive direction. The small angle sequential ro0tation tech is adopted to further increase the axial ratio (AR) bandwidth. The 8 × 8 antenna array is operated from 15.5 to 23.5 GHz (41%), with the size of 56 mm × 56 mm × 2.54 mm. In the operating frequency, the array demonstrates an average peak realized gain of 24.3 dBic and has a 3‐dB AR beamwidth with scanning angle from −60° to 60° in the plane of ɸ = 0° and ɸ = 90°.
Spectral Resolution and Speech Perception in Cochlear Implanted School‐Aged Children
Authors: Noble Anisha R. , Halverson Destinee M. , Resnick Jesse , Broncheau Mariette , Rubinstein Jay T. , Horn David L.
Published: June 2023

Objective

Cochlear implantation of prelingually deaf infants provides auditory input sufficient to develop spoken language; however, outcomes remain variable. Inability to participate in speech perception testing limits testing device efficacy in young listeners. In postlingually implanted adults (aCI), speech perception correlates with spectral resolution an ability that relies independently on frequency resolution (FR) and spectral modulation sensitivity (SMS). The correlation of spectral resolution to speech perception is unknown in prelingually implanted children (cCI). In this study, FR and SMS were measured using a spectral ripple discrimination (SRD) task and were correlated with vowel and consonant identification. It was hypothesized that prelingually deaf cCI would show immature SMS relative to postlingually deaf aCI and that FR would correlate with speech identification.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

In‐person, booth testing.

Methods

SRD was used to determine the highest spectral ripple density perceived at various modulation depths. FR and SMS were derived from spectral modulation transfer functions. Vowel and consonant identification was measured; SRD performance and speech identification were analyzed for correlation.

Results

Fifteen prelingually implanted cCI and 13 postlingually implanted aCI were included. FR and SMS were similar between cCI and aCI. Better FR was associated with better speech identification for most measures.

Conclusion

Prelingually implanted cCI demonstrated adult‐like FR and SMS; additionally, FR correlated with speech identification. FR may be a measure of CI efficacy in young listeners.
Effect of Yokukansan on preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in mandibular third molar extraction: A pilot study
Authors: Yoshida Kensuke , Kodama Yasumitsu , Kiyomi Anna , Pak Kyongsun , Nagai Takahiro , Saito Chie , Yamazaki Kyosuke , Sugiura Munetoshi , Toyama Akira , Tomihara Kei
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Managing perioperative anxiety improves postoperative recovery significantly by reducing postoperative pain. However, little is known about association between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in oral surgical procedures. In the present study, we examined the effect between preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in mandibular third molar extraction and the anxiolytic effect of Yokukansan (YKS) during the perioperative period.

Materials and methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study from September 2021 to May 2022. For patients with a complaint of insomnia on the day before surgery, 2.5 g per package of YKS was administered before sleep on the day before surgery. Twelve patients were administered YKS, and 23 patients were not (non‐YKS).

Results

Perioperative anxiety was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and amylase in saliva, and perioperative pain was assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the total number of times pain medication. There were no significant differences in HADS and amylase in saliva between the YKS and non‐YKS. The median postoperative NRS was 5 for YKS and 7 for non‐YKS. The maximum use of pain medication was 16 in YKS and 24 in non‐YKS. Although no significant difference was observed in the anxiolytic effects and the improvement of postoperative pain during the perioperative period of mandibular third molar extraction between patients who took YKS and those who did not, NRS and the maximum use of pain medication were less in the YKS patients.

Conclusions

Therefore, YKS may be useful for managing postoperative pain through the preoperative anxiolytic effect in oral surgical procedures.
Data envelopment analysis to investigate the Italian legal system and its reform
Authors: Falavigna Greta , Ippoliti Roberto
Published: June 2023

This work investigates the Italian judicial system and discusses the designing of a policy reform to boost the efficiency of courts, considering the human resources available as well as the expenditure generated by the process to deliver justice. The authors present the benchmarks and shed light on how policy makers embarking on such a process of reform may be misled by inappropriate model definition. In detail, the authors propose a comparative analysis of technical efficiency (TE) scores computed using data envelopment analysis, adopting the same output (number of settled cases) and two alternative sets of inputs (judicial expenditure and human resources). According to the results, without considering the information extracted from the two complementary benchmark analyses, policy makers might be misled in the reform process. Regarding the elements that affect the performance of courts, it may be possible to improve the efficiency of judicial districts by working on judicial procedures. Hence, these are the domains where interventions by policy makers may prove successful. As for policy implications, the models and benchmarks presented here could be used to devise a reform of the judicial system aimed at enhancing its TE, while also keeping public expenditure under control.
Urinary collagen peptides: Source of markers for bone metabolic processes in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Marx David , Anglicheau Dany , Caillard Sophie , Moulin Bruno , Kochman Audrey , Mischak Harald , Latosinska Agnieszka , Bienaimé Frank , Prié Dominique , Marquet Pierre , Perrin Peggy , Gwinner Wilfried , Metzger Jochen
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) are at an increased risk of fractures. Total urinary hydroxyproline excretion served as marker for bone resorption (BR) but was replaced by β‐CrossLaps (CTX), a C‐terminal collagen α‐1(I) chain (COL1A1) telopeptide. We investigated the low‐molecular‐weight urinary proteome for peptides associated with changes in bone metabolism after kidney transplantation. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data including serum levels of CTX in 96 KTR from two nephrology centers were correlated with signal intensities of urinary peptides identified by capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry. Results: Eighty‐two urinary peptides were significantly correlated with serum CTX levels. COL1A1 was the predominant peptide source. Oral bisphosphonates were administered for decreased bone density in an independent group of 11 KTR and their effect was evaluated on the aforementioned peptides. Study of the peptides cleavage sites revealed a signature of Cathepsin K and MMP9. Seventeen of these peptides were significantly associated with bisphosphonate treatment, all showing a marked reduction in their excretion levels compared to baseline. Discussion: This study provides strong evidence for the presence of collagen peptides in the urine of KTR that are associated with BR and that are sensitive to bisphosphonate treatment. Their assessment might become a valuable tool to monitor bone status in KTR.
Statistical problem‐solving teams: A case study in a global manufacturing organization in the automotive industry
Authors: Barsalou Matthew , Perkin Robert
Published: June 2023

Organizations are confronted with quality failures that must be addressed. Often, statistical methods can be helpful, but the organization lacks an internal statistician. This paper explores the use of a statistical problem‐solving team using Six Sigma professionals as problem‐solving team leaders, trainers, and coaches. A case study methodology is used. The actions and events from the implementation of a statistical problem‐solving team in a global manufacturing organization in the automotive industry through the first decade after implementation are described. Statistical problem‐solving bridges the gap between engineer and statistician using engineers trained to awareness‐level knowledge of statistics and supported by Six Sigma Master Black Belts. The statistical problem‐solving team members need to be highly trained in the three pillars of statistical problem‐solving: Key statistical concepts, key statistical analysis, and the key test method as well as a solid foundation in quality tools. This paper provides a unique view of a global problem‐solving team using both Six Sigma tools and methods and the 8D process as a problem‐solving methodology.
How do leveraged buyouts affect industry peers? Analysis of the information and the competition channels
Authors: Kathan Manuel C. , Tykvová Tereza
Published: June 2023

Our paper provides a contribution to the literature on peer effects in leveraged buyouts and delivers an explanation for the seemingly contradicting findings in the existing literature. We find that the average peer announcement CAR amounts to −1.98%. A buyout may reveal private information about peer value and can also change in the competition within the buyout target industry. Our identification strategy to examine the information and competition channels relies on two quasi‐natural experiments, which generate exogenous variation in the information and competition environments. In addition, we analyze various mechanisms within these two channels by considering the cross‐section of peer CARs and by running additional tests. Our results support the revaluation and the competitive pressure hypotheses.
Age‐ and endometrial microbiota‐related delay in development of endometrial receptivity
Authors: Fujii Shunsaku , Oguchi Takaaki
Published: June 2023

Purpose

We evaluated factors affecting the development of endometrial receptivity according to age and changes in the endometrial microbiota.

Methods

We recruited patients with infertility who underwent transcriptomic analyses of endometrial receptivity and the endometrial microbiome prior to frozen embryo transfer. An endometrial biopsy was performed 108 h after initial progesterone administration.

Results

In 185 tests from 185 eligible patients, the results of endometrial receptivity analysis were receptive in 111 (60.0%) patients and pre‐receptive in 74 (40.0%) patients. Compared with receptive patients, pre‐receptive patients had significantly older ages (36.0 ± 0.5 vs. 38.2 ± 0.5, p = 0.0021), a smaller proportion of normal Lactobacillus‐dominant microbiota (27.9% vs. 12.2%), and a greater proportion of microbiota with ultralow biomass (22.5% vs. 41.9%) (p = 0.0074). Patient age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.0351) and a microbiome with ultralow biomass (adjusted odds ratio: 3.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.49–9.82, p = 0.0039) were independent predictive factors for pre‐receptive endometrium.

Conclusions

Older age was accompanied by a decrease in Lactobacillus‐dominant microbiota; aging and endometrial microbiota with ultralow biomass were significantly associated with pre‐receptive endometrium. Our findings suggest that the quantity (rather than proportion) of Lactobacillus in the endometrium is important in the development of endometrial receptivity.
Fixed‐time event‐triggered controller of a state‐constrained nonlinear system: A zero‐error tracking control approach
Authors: Zhang Zhongcai , Gao Yang , Sun Wei , Wu Yuqiang
Published: June 2023

In this article, an event‐triggered zero‐error adaptive output tracking controller with fixed‐time convergence mode is designed for a kind of uncertain nonlinear systems under full‐state constraints, unknown control coefficients, input dead‐zone, and saturation. The constrainedly practically fixed‐time stability is investigated for the considered high‐order nonlinear system. Then applying the barrier Lyapunov function technology and blending an error transformation into backstepping scheme, the Nussbaum‐gain‐based adaptive fuzzy control is proposed with prescribed performance. The control process consists of two phases, among which the first phase is used to render tracking error into the preset adjustable residual set within a preassigned fixed time at a prescribed decay rate, and the second phase further force the tracking error to converge to zero asymptotically. Additionally, the desired full‐state constraints are not violated in the whole control process. The simulation results are also given to show the effectiveness of the designed control method
Cover crops and soil health in rainfed and irrigated corn: What did we learn after 8 years?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Ruis Sabrina J. , Koehler‐Cole Katja , Elmore Roger W. , Francis Charles A. , Shapiro Charles A. , Proctor Christopher A. , Ferguson Richard B.
Published: June 2023

Duration of cover crop (CC) management, CC biomass production, and other factors could impact how CC affects soil health. We studied the 8‐year cumulative impacts of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) CC on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in rainfed and irrigated no‐till corn (Zea mays L.)‐based systems in the western US Corn Belt. Average annual CC biomass production was 0.56 ± 0.51 Mg ha−1 at the rainfed site and 0.98 ± 0.95 Mg ha−1 at the irrigated site. After 8 years, CC improved particulate organic matter (POM) and mean weight diameter of water‐stable aggregates (MWD) compared with no CC in the 0–5 cm soil depth at both sites. Cover crop increased total POM concentration by 2.8 mg g−1 at the rainfed site and by 13.4 mg g−1 at the irrigated site, while it increased MWD by 0.39 mm at the rainfed site and by 0.79 mm at the irrigated site. Also, CC increased soil C at a rate of 0.125 Mg ha−1 year−1 in the 0–5 cm depth but only at the rainfed site. Cover crop affected neither water infiltration nor available water but improved microbial biomass. Changes in other properties were site‐dependent. Cover crop improved many soil properties after 8 years even though measurement taken after 4 years showed no significant effect of CC, which indicates CC slowly impacts properties in this environment. Low CC biomass production and high biomass input from corn‐based systems may explain the slow soil response. In general, winter rye CC enhances near‐surface soil properties in the long term.
Evaluation of passive flux samplers with different orifice sizes to measure ammonia volatilization losses
Authors: Cabrera Miguel L. , Noor Nadia , Moore Logan
Published: June 2023

A common passive sampler used to measure NH3 volatilization losses in field studies has a nozzle with a 1‐mm, round orifice that reduces air flow to increase NH3 adsorption. This reduction in air flow, measured by the orifice's K value (0–1), implies a reduction in the amount of NH3 entering the sampler per unit of time, which may require a longer exposure to accumulate measurable quantities of NH3. Increasing the diameter of the orifice would increase the NH3 entering the sampler and possibly allow shorter exposure times, but it may also lead to increased NH3 bypass. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the effect of wind speed on NH3 bypass in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices, (2) determine the reduction in air speed in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices by determining their K values, and (3) compare field NH3 volatilization losses measured with 1‐ and 2‐mm orifices. A laboratory study with wind speeds ranging from 0.6 to 10 m·s−1 showed that both orifice sizes had NH3 bypass at low and high wind speeds. Results from wind tunnel studies determined that flow was reduced to 63% (K = 0.63) in 1‐mm orifices and to 74% (K = 0.74) in 2‐mm orifices. Field studies indicated that 1‐mm orifices may measure greater NH3 volatilization losses than 2‐mm orifices at average low wind speeds when maximum wind speeds <10 m·s−1, but may measure equal or lower losses than 2‐mm orifices when several days occur with maximum wind speeds >10 m·s−1.
An integrated mechanism and challenges of mountainous sustainable development: A review of Hani Terraces, China
Authors: Zhang Yongxun , Zhang Aiping , Ma Yijiao
Published: June 2023

Mountainous agriculture supports 15% of the global population, but its sustainability is facing challenges with the social transition. Honghe Hani Rice Terrace System (HHRTS), China, a double world‐level heritage, performs strong resilience to challenges. Available studies on HHRTS examines its sustainability from some perspectives but lack a systemic elaboration on its sustainable mechanism. This study extensively examines the literature on HHRTS and offers a comprehensive analysis of its sustainability. The findings suggest that mountainous agricultural sustainability depends on the support from relatively enough water and land resources and diverse employment based on these resources (economic sustainability), the environmental stability based on reasonable landscape structure, rich biodiversity and ecological farming methods (environmental sustainability), and social stability based on the well‐developing social structure, efficient management system, and relevant cultural restraint and guidance (social sustainability) as well as the dynamic interaction among the three dimensions. Among them, traditional knowledge and cultures play a positive role in maintaining the stability of terraced landscapes, but their role is weakening with industrialization and urbanization. This study provides a systemic explanation of a dynamic evolution mechanism that the economic and social factors drive local people to maintain a mountainous agricultural system from the agricultural society to the industrial society based on the theory of planned behavior. This study also provides abundant local knowledge, experiences, and an analytical framework for reconstructing a sustainable mountainous agricultural system in the socio‐economic transformation stage.
Handling misclassified stratification variables in the analysis of randomised trials with continuous outcomes
Authors: Yelland Lisa N. , Louise Jennie , Kahan Brennan C. , Morris Tim P. , Lee Katherine J. , Sullivan Thomas R.
Published: June 2023

Many trials use stratified randomisation, where participants are randomised within strata defined by one or more baseline covariates. While it is important to adjust for stratification variables in the analysis, the appropriate method of adjustment is unclear when stratification variables are affected by misclassification and hence some participants are randomised in the incorrect stratum. We conducted a simulation study to compare methods of adjusting for stratification variables affected by misclassification in the analysis of continuous outcomes when all or only some stratification errors are discovered, and when the treatment effect or treatment‐by‐covariate interaction effect is of interest. The data were analysed using linear regression with no adjustment, adjustment for the strata used to perform the randomisation (randomisation strata), adjustment for the strata if all errors are corrected (true strata), and adjustment for the strata after some errors are discovered and corrected (updated strata). The unadjusted model performed poorly in all settings. Adjusting for the true strata was optimal, while the relative performance of adjusting for the randomisation strata or the updated strata varied depending on the setting. As the true strata are unlikely to be known with certainty in practice, we recommend using the updated strata for adjustment and performing subgroup analyses, provided the discovery of errors is unlikely to depend on treatment group, as expected in blinded trials. Greater transparency is needed in the reporting of stratification errors and how they were addressed in the analysis.
Managing risk in corporate groups: Limited liability, asset partitioning, and risk compartmentalization
Authors: Belenzon Sharon , Lee Honggi , Patacconi Andrea
Published: June 2023

Research Summary

Limited liability enables corporate parents to avoid financial responsibility of their subsidiaries. However, courts can disregard separate legal personality, “pierce the corporate veil,” and impose the debts of a subsidiary on its parent—an exception referred to as “enterprise liability.” We argue that in countries with weak enterprise liability, groups can better compartmentalize risks by incorporating more of their units as legally independent subsidiaries. Weaker enterprise liability may also induce headquarters to delegate more decision‐making authority to their subsidiaries, invest more, and expand faster, although failure rates could rise. Using data from 16 countries across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, we provide evidence supporting these predictions. This paper highlights two channels—risk compartmentalization and subsidiary autonomy—through which limited liability laws affect organizational outcomes.

Managerial Summary

Limited liability is a key attribute of the corporate form. However, when the owner of a corporation is another corporation (as in corporate groups), a key justification for limited liability—to protect small, passive investors from unlimited losses—is severely weakened. We examine how variation in parent limited liability protections for subsidiaries across countries affect firm boundaries, internal organization, and performance. In countries with strong limited liability protections, groups partition their assets more finely into legally independent subsidiaries and grant their subsidiaries more autonomy. They also invest more and grow faster, although they experience higher rates of significant revenue declines. Our findings suggest that limited liability laws play a central role in shaping organizational structure and performance.
Asymmetric Hairpins DNA Encapsulated Silver Nanoclusters for In Situ Fluorescence Imaging of Fusion Gene Isoforms in Bone Marrow
Authors: Gou Xiaolong , Zhang Yangli , Zhu Shasha , Yu Xiaolin , Qin Lu , Cheng Xiaoxue , Zhang Yuhong , Ding Shijia , Chen Rui , Tang Hua , Cheng Wei
Published: June 2023

Rapid and accurate imaging of the BCR/ABL fusion gene isoforms (e.g., e13a2, e14a2 and co‐expression type) of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is of vital importance to first‐line drug selection, but there is no assay that meets clinical needs (e.g., clinical kits > 18 h without isoforms information). Herein, an in situ imaging platform is developed for the rapid and accurate detection of CML fusion gene isoforms using asymmetric sequence‐enhanced hairpins DNA encapsulated silver nanoclusters (ADHA) and catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA). The specific detection of e13a2 and e14a2 fusion gene isoforms with detection limits of 19.2 am (11.558 copies µL−1) and 32.56 am (19.601 copies µL−1) in one‐pot is achieved. The feasibility of the developed assay for real‐world applications are demonstrated by one‐step fluorescence imaging (40 min) of e13a2, e14a2 and co‐expression type in bone marrow quantitatively (International Standard: 15.66%–168.878%) and further validated by cDNA‐sequencing. This work suggests that the developed imaging platform holds great potential for rapid identification of the fusion gene isoforms and isoform related treatment monitoring.
Treatment recommendation based on SYNTAX score 2020 derived from coronary computed tomography angiography and invasive coronary angiography
Authors: Masuda Shinichiro , Serruys Patrick W. , Kageyama Shigetaka , Kotoku Nozomi , Ninomiya Kai , Garg Scot , Soo Alan , Morel Marie-Angele , Puskas John D. , Narula Jagat , Schneider Ulrich , Doenst Torsten , Tanaka Kaoru , de Mey Johan , La Meir Mark , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Mushtaq Saima , Pompilio Giulio , Andreini Daniele , Onuma Yoshinobu
Published: June 2023

The diagnostic performance of the SYNTAX score 2020 (SS-2020) when calculated using CCTA remains unknown. This study aimed to compare treatment recommendations based on the SS-2020 derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) versus invasive coronary angiography (ICA). This interim analysis included 57 of the planned 114 patients with de-novo three-vessel disease, with or without left main coronary artery disease, enrolled in the ongoing FASTTRACK CABG trial. The anatomical SYNTAX scores derived from ICA or CCTA were evaluated by two separate teams of blinded core-lab analysts. Treatment recommendations were based on a maximal individual absolute risk difference in all-cause mortality between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) of 4.5% ([predicted PCI mortality] – [predicted CABG mortality]). The level of agreement was evaluated with Bland–Altman plots and Cohen’s Kappa. The mean age was 66.2 ± 9.2 years and 89.5% of patients were male. Mean anatomical SYNTAX scores derived from ICA and CCTA were 35.1 ± 11.5 and 35.6 ± 11.4 (p = 0.751), respectively. The Bland–Altman analysis showed mean differences of − 0.26 and − 0.93, with standard deviation of 3.69 and 5.23, for 5- and 10-year all-cause mortality, respectively. The concordance in recommended treatment for 5- and 10-year mortalities were 84.2% (48/57 patients) and 80.7% (46/57 patients), with Cohen’s κ coefficients of 0.672 and 0.551. There was moderate to substantial agreement between treatment recommendations based on the SS-2020 derived using CCTA and ICA, suggesting that CCTA could be used as an alternative to ICA when making decisions regarding the modality of revascularization.
Value and limitations of machine learning in high-frequency nutrient data for gap-filling, forecasting, and transport process interpretation
Authors: Barcala Victoria , Rozemeijer Joachim , Ouwerkerk Kevin , Gerner Laurens , Osté Leonard
Published: June 2023

High-frequency monitoring of water quality in catchments brings along the challenge of post-processing large amounts of data. Moreover, monitoring stations are often remote and technical issues resulting in data gaps are common. Machine learning algorithms can be applied to fill these gaps, and to a certain extent, for predictions and interpretation. The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate six different machine learning models for gap-filling in a high-frequency nitrate and total phosphorus concentration time series, (2) to showcase the potential added value (and limitations) of machine learning to interpret underlying processes, and (3) to study the limits of machine learning algorithms for predictions outside the training period. We used a 4-year high-frequency dataset from a ditch draining one intensive dairy farm in the east of The Netherlands. Continuous time series of precipitation, evapotranspiration, groundwater levels, discharge, turbidity, and nitrate or total phosphorus were used as predictors for total phosphorus and nitrate concentrations respectively. Our results showed that the random forest algorithm had the best performance to fill in data-gaps, with R2 higher than 0.92 and short computation times. The feature importance helped understanding the changes in transport processes linked to water conservation measures and rain variability. Applying the machine learning model outside the training period resulted in a low performance, largely due to system changes (manure surplus and water conservation) which were not included as predictors. This study offers a valuable and novel example of how to use and interpret machine learning models for post-processing high-frequency water quality data.