bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the photostability of fluorescent dyes by polymer nano‐insulating layer
Authors: Zhao Yingshi , Song Qinyong , Lin Yuebin , Chu Feng , Wei Yanchun , Liu Sen , Pan Changjiang , Quan Li , Wang Yiqing
Published: September 2021

Fluorescein is a traditional organic fluorescent dye that has the disadvantage of agglomeration‐induced fluorescence quenching and photobleaching due to its large hydrophobic conjugate π‐π system, which makes them have limitations in many fields of application. A method of polymer modification is revealed to address this issue. In this study, fluorescein molecules were modified by polycaprolactone (PCL) to obtain PCL grafting fluorescein (PxF), and subsequently assembled with PEG‐PCL to obtain fluorescent nanoparticles (PPxF). PPxF would realize long term cellular fluorescence imaging. PCL polymerization induces self‐assembly, which effectively avoids fluorescence quenching caused by fluorescent molecules aggregation, and at the same time well inhibit the energy transfer with oxygen to improve photostability. This method is a good way to improve the fluorescence properties of fluorescent dyes, to be suitable for all traditional organic fluorescent dyes to greatly improve their fluorescence and hydrophilic properties and enhance their application fields.
Postnatal ontogeny of the femur in fossorial and semiaquatic water voles in the 3D‐shape space
Authors: Durão Ana Filipa , Muñoz‐Muñoz Francesc , Ventura Jacint
Published: September 2021

Water voles of the genusArvicolaconstitute an excellent subject to investigate to which extent function affects postnatal developmental growth of limb structures in phylogenetically close species. We performed a comparative analysis of postweaning femur form changes betweenArvicola sapidus(semiaquatic) andArvicola scherman(fossorial) using three‐dimensional landmark‐based geometric morphometrics. In both species, we observed greater femur robustness in juvenile individuals than in adult ones, probably due to the accommodation of high loads on the bone during initial locomotor efforts. Significant interspecific differences were also found in the femur size and shape of adult specimens, as well as in the postnatal allometric and phenotypic trajectories. In terms of phenotypic variation, fossorial water voles show relatively wider third and lesser trochanters, and greater femur robustness thanA. sapidus, characters associated to the digging activity. In contrast,A. sapidusdisplays a slight increase of the greater trochanter in comparison withA. scherman, which is seemingly an adaptive response for enhancing propulsion through the water. Results evidence that certain morphological traits and differences betweenA. sapidusandA. schermanin the allometric and phenotypic trajectories of the femur are associated with their different locomotor mode.
Untergrundspezifische und einwirkungsabhängige Spektren in DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021
Authors: Schwarz Jochen , Maiwald Holger , Kaufmann Christian
Published: September 2021

Im Beitrag werden die Grundlagenuntersuchungen vorgestellt, die zur Bereitstellung der seismischen Einwirkungsgrößen für den neuen nationalen Anhang zu DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021 geführt haben. Dargestellt wird, wie für die Ergebnisse moderner probabilistischer seismischer Gefährdungsanalysen (PSGA) die seismischen Einwirkungen normkompatibel bereitgestellt werden können. Einleitend werden Vorgehensweisen zur Ermittlung und Überprüfung der Spektren für unterschiedliche Untergrundklassen vorgestellt. Mit den standortspezifischen Bodenbewegungsmodellen wird gezeigt, wie künftig baupraktische Anwendungen auf Grundlage von Starkbebenregistrierungen erfolgen können. Da die Besonderheiten der deutschen Erdbebengebiete durch das im EC 8 vorgesehene Klassifikationsschema nicht abgedeckt werden, ist weiterhin dem Konzept der geologie‐ und baugrundabhängigen Spektren und der Einführung entsprechender Kombinationen in Form von Untergrundklassen Präferenz einzuräumen. Die Kontrollparameter der elastischen Spektren für die Untergrundverhältnisse gem. DIN EN 1998‐1/NA‐2021 werden auf Grundlage simulativer Standortanalysen an repräsentativen Modellprofilen für den interessierenden Bereich von Einwirkungsintensitäten und somit auch für verschiedene Wiederkehrperioden ermittelt. Damit wird auch der Bezug zu den Verhaltens‐ bzw. Grenzzuständen und den zugehörigen Nachweisaufgaben hergestellt. Abschließend wird ein Ausblick auf die nächste Phase der europäischen Erdbebennormung gegeben.
Matrix stiffness mechanosensing modulates the expression and distribution of transcription factors in Schwann cells
Authors: Rosso Gonzalo , Wehner Daniel , Schweitzer Christine , Möllmert Stephanie , Sock Elisabeth , Guck Jochen , Shahin Victor
Published: September 2021

After peripheral nerve injury, mature Schwann cells (SCs) de‐differentiate and undergo cell reprogramming to convert into a specialized cell repair phenotype that promotes nerve regeneration. Reprogramming of SCs into the repair phenotype is tightly controlled at the genome level and includes downregulation of pro‐myelinating genes and activation of nerve repair‐associated genes. Nerve injuries induce not only biochemical but also mechanical changes in the tissue architecture which impact SCs. Recently, we showed that SCs mechanically sense the stiffness of the extracellular matrix and that SC mechanosensitivity modulates their morphology and migratory behavior. Here, we explore the expression levels of key transcription factors and myelin‐associated genes in SCs, and the outgrowth of primary dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurites, in response to changes in the stiffness of generated matrices. The selected stiffness range matches the physiological conditions of both utilized cell types as determined in our previous investigations. We find that stiffer matrices induce upregulation of the expression of transcription factors Sox2, Oct6, and Krox20, and concomitantly reduce the expression of the repair‐associated transcription factor c‐Jun, suggesting a link between SC substrate mechanosensing and gene expression regulation. Likewise, DRG neurite outgrowth correlates with substrate stiffness. The remarkable intrinsic physiological plasticity of SCs, and the mechanosensitivity of SCs and neurites, may be exploited in the design of bioengineered scaffolds that promote nerve regeneration upon injury.
Cytomegalovirus reactivation in esophageal cancer patients receiving chemoradiotherapy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kitagawa Koichi , Okada Hideaki , Miyazaki Shuichiro , Funakoshi Yohei , Sanada Yukinari , Chayahara Naoko , Mayahara Hiroshi , Fujii Masahiko
Published: September 2021

Background

Although rare, cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation can be lethal in patients with cancer. However, the criteria for the prevention of cytomegalovirus reactivation during cancer treatment are unclear. This study aimed to identify factors associated with CMV reactivation in patients with esophageal cancer who were receiving chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

This retrospective study included esophageal cancer patients receiving definitive or palliative chemoradiotherapy during April 2013–March 2020. Patients with fever during chemoradiotherapy underwent a systemic work‐up to detect the primary focus of infection, and CMV antigenemia was assessed in cases of unidentifiable infection.

Results

Among 132 patients (80.3% male, median age 69 years [range, 39–86 years]), 124 received 5‐fluorouracil plus cisplatin and 8 received oxaliplatin–5‐fluorouracil–levofolinate chemotherapy. Overall, 19 patients had CMV reactivation, 37 had other infections, and 76 had no identified infection (groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Median minimum lymphocyte counts were 81.0/µl (interquartile range: 52.0–144.0/µl), 120.0/µl (81.0–162.5/µl), and 185.5/µl (120.5–328.0/µl) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, with counts being significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 (p < 0.001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the minimum lymphocyte count was associated with CMV reactivation (odds ratio 0.983, 95% confidence interval: 0.973–0.994, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

CMV reactivation is not rare in patients with esophageal cancer who were receiving chemoradiotherapy and is associated with the minimum lymphocyte counts. CMV reactivation should be considered during differential diagnosis for patients with a severe decline in lymphocyte counts when receiving chemoradiotherapy.
Urgent percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction exacerbated after surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Sasahira Yoshitaka , Yamada Ryotaro , Doi Naofumi , Uemura Shiro
Published: September 2021

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is an established procedure for treating symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. We report a case of urgent PTSMA for treating refractory heart failure due to exacerbated obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract after surgical aortic valvular replacement to treat severe aortic stenosis.
Semiparametric additive frailty hazard model for clustered failure time data
Authors: Liu Peng , Song Shanshan , Zhou Yong
Published: September 2021

This article proposes a flexible semiparametric additive frailty hazard model under clustered failure time data, where frailty is assumed to have an additive effect on the hazard function. When there is no frailty, this model degenerates into a semiparametric additive hazard model. Our method can deal simultaneously with both time‐varying and constant covariate effects. The estimate of the covariate effects does not rely on the frailty distribution. The time‐varying coefficient is estimated by utilizing the local linear technique, while we can obtain a ‐consistency convergence rate of the constant‐coefficient estimate by integration. Another advantage of the estimator is that it has a closed form. We establish large sample properties of the estimator and conduct simulation studies under various scenarios to demonstrate its performance. The proposed method is applied to real data for illustration.
Towards the Standardization of Flow Chemistry Protocols for Organic Reactions
Authors: Hone Christopher A. , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: September 2021

Flow chemistry studies can sometimes be difficult to reproduce. In this article we provide guidance to scientists for experimental details that should be considered as part of any organic chemistry‐based continuous flow study. A focus is placed on information that should be provided within reported studies to enable experiments to be more easily and reliably reproduced. Topics covered include flow reactor components and assembly, important parameter effects and useful performance criteria. The article covers aspects of homogeneous systems, multiphase transformations, and catalytic reactions (homogeneous and heterogeneous). A more detailed discussion of photochemistry, biocatalysis and electrochemical flow systems is outside the scope of this review.
Smart allocation of restoration funds over space and time
Authors: Shoo Luke P. , Catterall Carla P. , Beyer Hawthorne L. , Cockbain Paul , Duncan Michael , Robson Tim , Roche Darren , Taylor Howard , White Zoe , Wilson Kerrie
Published: September 2021

A challenge for natural area managers is to ensure that public expenditure on land restoration is cost effective, efficient and transparent but this is difficult to achieve in practice, especially when there are many possible projects across multiple years. Here we develop a “roadmap” for investment in land restoration. It explicitly considers space, time and their interaction, in relation to ecological outcomes and restoration costs (and their variation in time and space). Using integer linear programming optimization in a benefit‐cost accounting framework, the roadmap incorporates: transitions between different stages of ecological recovery in a spatial mosaic of multiple ecosystem types; cost schedules associated with managing those transitions over time; time lags between beginning management and achieving outcomes; variations to constraints and goals associated with various factors including site accessibility, specific conservation priorities (such as threatened species or ecosystems); and background environmental trends. This approach enables land managers to: (1) forecast landscape‐scale outcomes of management strategies over long timeframes; (2) address the question of how long it will take and how much it will cost to achieve specific outcomes; and (3) explore potential trade‐offs in outcomes among alternative management strategies. We illustrate its application using a case study of forest restoration in Australia by a local government authority across a public conservation estate comprising 765 land units of varying size, totaling ˜13,000 ha, across five different floristic vegetation types, with an annual budget of ˜AU$5M, projected over a 50‐yr timeframe. These simulations revealed a trade‐off between management strategies that seek to increase either the total cover of native forest or the amount of high quality forest: quality‐based strategies were favored in scenarios in which shorter term (20–30 yr) timeframes were chosen at the outset, but cover‐based strategies were favored if longer time horizons were initially targeted. Projected outcomes were also strongly influenced by assumed background rates of vegetation decline or recovery. Many of the issues in this restoration roadmap are generalizable (even though specific outcomes and trade‐offs are likely to vary among case studies), and the approach is both scalable and transferable to other regions and ecosystems.
Optimal surveillance against bioinvasions: a sample average approximation method applied to an agent‐based spread model
Authors: Nguyen Hoa‐Thi‐Minh , Ha Pham Van , Kompas Tom
Published: September 2021

Trade‐offs exist between the point of early detection and the future cost of controlling any invasive species. Finding optimal levels of early detection, with post‐border active surveillance, where time, space and randomness are explicitly considered, is computationally challenging. We use a stochastic programming model to find the optimal level of surveillance and predict damages, easing the computational challenge by combining a sample average approximation (SAA) approach and parallel processing techniques. The model is applied to the case of Asian Papaya Fruit Fly (PFF), a highly destructive pest, in Queensland, Australia. To capture the non‐linearity in PFF spread, we use an agent‐based model (ABM), which is calibrated to a highly detailed land‐use raster map (50 m × 50 m) and weather‐related data, validated against a historical outbreak. The combination of SAA and ABM sets our work apart from the existing literature. Indeed, despite its increasing popularity as a powerful analytical tool, given its granularity and capability to model the system of interest adequately, the complexity of ABM limits its application in optimizing frameworks due to considerable uncertainty about solution quality. In this light, the use of SAA ensures quality in the optimal solution (with a measured optimality gap) while still being able to handle large‐scale decision‐making problems. With this combination, our application suggests that the optimal (economic) trap grid size for PFF in Queensland is ˜0.7 km, much smaller than the currently implemented level of 5 km. Although the current policy implies a much lower surveillance cost per year, compared with the $2.08 million under our optimal policy, the expected total cost of an outbreak is $23.92 million, much higher than the optimal policy of roughly $7.74 million.
A habitat analog approach establishes native plant communities on green roofs
Authors: Ksiazek‐Mikenas Kelly , Chaudhary V. Bala , Larkin Daniel J. , Skogen Krissa A.
Published: September 2021

Novel habitats can support biodiversity by amending what has been lost through urban development. However, the effects of fragmentation, disturbance, and altered availability of resources in cities can prevent many local plant species from establishing and persisting. Novel habitats like green roofs could be colonized by native plants if species could overcome particularly harsh environmental conditions. To do so, green roofs could be designed using a habitat analog approach wherein natural habitats with similar abiotic characteristics inform the potential species pool. In this study, we tested the efficacy of using a habitat analog approach to establish native plant communities on green roofs. We surveyed vegetation in 18 dry prairies of three subtypes (gravel hill, dolomite, and sand) and planted replicates of two communities (sand prairie and rock prairie, which combined gravel hill and dolomite) on green roofs to determine which prairie was the most suitable analog. We investigated the effect of three environmental variables on plant establishment, survival, and growth: soil continuity (continuous soil vs. isolated trays), planting method (seeds vs. pre‐grown seedlings), and the addition of native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. We determined the most suitable habitat analog and measured the effect of the environmental variables by conducting vegetation surveys in the experimental roof plots for three years. The experimental rock prairie communities more closely resembled the target than did the sand prairies, supporting the hypothesis that shared soil properties are important for establishing analogous plant communities in novel habitats. At the community level, survival and growth were higher in continuous soil, highlighting the importance of belowground components of constructed habitats. We found no effect of planting method or addition of native AM fungi on plant survival or growth. Overall, our results support using a habitat analog approach to select native species that support biodiversity in constructed novel habitats like green roofs.
Interaction between dietary and habitat niche breadth influences cetacean vulnerability to environmental disturbance
Authors: Cloyed Carl S. , Balmer Brian C. , Schwacke Lori H. , Wells Randall S. , Berens McCabe Elizabeth J. , Barleycorn Aaron A. , Allen Jason B. , Rowles Teresa K. , Smith Cynthia R. , Takeshita Ryan , Townsend Forrest I. , Tumlin Mandy C. , Zolman Eric S. , Carmichael Ruth H.
Published: September 2021

Ecosystems are experiencing elevated levels of disturbance, and species with narrower niches are often more vulnerable to disturbances. Niche breadth is often measured in terms of either diet or habitat use but diet and spatial use are infrequently considered in tandem. These different aspects of niche breadth potentially expose species to different types of disturbances; species with narrow dietary niches may be more affected by disturbances that alter trophic relationships, while species with narrow habitat niches may be more vulnerable to habitat loss and point‐source pollutants. We examined dietary and habitat niche breadth of common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus truncatus, from three different nearshore sites in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Using stable isotopes, we determined proportional contributions of different prey groups to dolphin diets at each site and through time at one site. We used satellite‐linked telemetry at two sites to determine habitat use and site fidelity. Additionally, we examined the literature on cetacean diet, habitat use, movement, and IUCN status to determine relationships between niche breadth and population status for different species. Dolphin diets varied among sites as available prey varied, but Perciformes fish were the most frequently consumed prey. At the site for which we had temporal data, dolphins consumed more cephalopods in 2015 and 2018 but otherwise consumed primarily Perciformes fish. Dolphins had small utilization distributions and exhibited high site fidelity. Data from 31 cetacean species revealed that most species with vulnerable, threatened, or endangered IUCN statuses not only have specialized diets but also exhibit high site fidelity. Dolphins had diet characteristic of flexible generalists but were habitat specialists with high site fidelity. Dolphin populations in the GoM may have altered their diets in response to environmental changes that have altered community composition and trophic dynamics. On the other hand, their high site fidelity has exposed them to point‐source pollutants, such as oil spills, persistent organic pollutants, and freshwater. Our broader analysis of cetaceans confirmed that species with specialized diets and high site fidelity were the most vulnerable to disturbances, providing a framework to predict which nearshore dolphin populations, and cetaceans in general, are most vulnerable to environmental changes.
Benthic micro‐ and macro‐community succession and coral recruitment under overfishing and nutrient enrichment
Authors: Evensen Nicolas R. , Vanwonterghem Inka , Doropoulos Christopher , Gouezo Marine , Botté Emmanuelle S. , Webster Nicole S. , Mumby Peter J.
Published: September 2021

Herbivory and nutrient availability are fundamental drivers of benthic community succession in shallow marine systems, including coral reefs. Despite the importance of early community succession for coral recruitment and recovery, studies characterizing the impact of top‐down and bottom‐up drivers on micro‐ and macrobenthic communities at scales relevant to coral recruitment are lacking. Here, a combination of tank and field experiments were used to assess the effects of herbivore exclusion and nutrient enrichment on micro‐ to macrobenthic community succession and subsequent coral recruitment success. Herbivore exclusion had the strongest effect on micro‐ and macrobenthic community succession, including a community shift toward copiotrophic and potentially opportunistic/pathogenic microorganisms, an increased cover of turf and macroalgae, and decreased cover of crustose coralline algae. Yet, when corals settled prior to the development of a macrobenthic community, rates of post‐settlement survival increased when herbivores were excluded, benefiting from the predation refugia provided by cages during their vulnerable early post‐settlement stage. Interestingly, survival on open tiles was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of the bacterial order Rhodobacterales, an opportunistic microbial group previously associated with stressed and diseased corals. Development of micro‐ and macrobenthic communities in the absence of herbivory, however, led to reduced coral settlement. In turn, there were no differences in post‐settlement survival between open and caged treatments for corals settled on tiles with established benthic communities. As a result, open tiles experienced marginally higher recruitment rates, driven primarily by the higher initial number of settlers on open tiles compared to caged tiles. Overall, we reveal that the primary interaction driving coral recruitment is the positive effect of herbivory in creating crustose coralline algae (CCA)‐dominated habitats, free of fleshy algae and associated opportunistic microbes, to enhance coral settlement. The negative direct and indirect impact of fish predation on newly settled corals was outweighed by the positive effect of herbivory on the initial rate of coral settlement. In turn, the addition of nutrients further altered benthic community succession in the absence of herbivory, reducing coral post‐settlement survival. However, the overall impact of nutrients on coral recruitment dynamics was minor relative to herbivory.
Optimizing an enclosed bead beating extraction method for microbial and fish environmental DNA
Authors: Anderson Sean R. , Thompson Luke R.
Published: September 2021

DNA extraction is a critical step in processing environmental DNA (eDNA), influencing biodiversity estimates and ecosystem monitoring. Sterivex filters have become popular for collecting aquatic eDNA, allowing for on‐site filtration and reduced contamination. Yet, extracting eDNA from an enclosed filter remains laborious. Recent methods have improved extraction of microbial DNA from Sterivex by adding lysis buffer and beads directly to the filter; however, it remains unclear how bead size affects eDNA recovery across multiple trophic levels. Further, the method has not been scaled up for 96‐well magnetic bead extraction kits and robotic manipulation. We collected surface water from Bear Cut (Biscayne Bay, Florida) and performed enclosed Sterivex DNA extractions with different bead size combinations (0.1, 0.5, 0.1 + 0.5 mm, and no beads) and two magnetic kits (Zymo and NucleoMag). We employed 16S and 12S rRNA gene metabarcoding to assess extraction effects on microbes (bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes) and bony fishes. We polled local experts to verify fish eDNA, revealing several non‐native taxa originating from a nearby aquarium. DNA yield, microbial richness, and diversity were not influenced by beads. Bacterial relative abundance (family to ASV) was conserved across bead treatments, while several hard‐to‐lyse eukaryotes (diatoms and chlorophytes) were less abundant (or absent) when extracted without beads. Higher fish richness was detected with larger beads; however, relative abundance and composition were not associated with beads, likely reflecting heterogeneity or low concentrations of fish compared to microbial eDNA. We recommend using larger or differently sized beads for Sterivex extractions to detect a range of marine life, with increased water volume (>2 L per filter) or replication as necessary to enhance fish eDNA capture.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Rapacciuolo Antonio , Iacopino Saverio , D'Onofrio Antonio , Curnis Antonio , Pisanò Ennio C. , Biffi Mauro , Della Bella Paolo , Dello Russo Antonio , Caravati Fabrizio , Zanotto Gabriele , Calvi Valeria , Rovaris Giovanni , Senatore Gaetano , Nicolis Daniele , Santamaria Matteo , Giammaria Massimo , Maglia Giampiero , Duca Antonio , Ammirati Giuseppe , Romano Salvo Andrea , Piacenti Marcello , Celentano Eduardo , Bisignani Giovanni , Vaccaro Paola , Miracapillo Gennaro , Bertini Matteo , Nigro Gerardo , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Bisceglia Caterina
Published: September 2021

Aims

There are conflicting data on the benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare patient outcomes according to the presence or absence of permanent AF at device implantation.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed remote monitoring data from 1141 CRT defibrillators. Propensity score with inverse‐probability weighting method was used to balance AF and sinus rhythm (SR) groups. Analysis endpoints included total mortality, appropriate defibrillation shocks, and CRT percentage. There were 229 patients (20.1%) in the AF group and 912 patients (79.9%) in the SR group. Compared with SR patients, AF patients were older (median age, 77 vs. 72 years, P < 0.001), more frequently male (82.5% vs. 75.5%, P = 0.02), and had higher heart rate (75.7 vs. 71.0 b.p.m., P < 0.001). Of the 229 AF patients, 162 (70.7%) received suboptimal CRT (<98%) and 67 (29.3%) had adequate CRT (≥98%). During a median follow‐up of 24 months, total mortality did not differ between AF and SR groups (propensity‐score‐weighted hazard ratio, HR 1.32 [95% confidence interval, 0.82–2.15], P = 0.25). The risk of appropriate shocks was significantly higher in the AF group with <98% CRT than in the SR group (weighted‐HR, 1.99 [1.21–3.26], P = 0.006) and was similar in the AF group with ≥98% CRT versus the SR group (1.29 [0.66–2.53], P = 0.45). During follow‐up, sinus rhythm was recovered in 23 patients in the AF group (10%) after a median time of 106 (42–256) days. The rate of sinus rhythm recovery in the AF group was 4.5 (95% CI, 2.8–6.7) per 100 patient‐years; the rate of permanent AF occurrence in the SR group was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.9–3.3) per 100 patient‐years.

Conclusions

Although mortality was similar across patient groups, patients with permanent AF and suboptimal CRT had twofold higher risk of appropriate shocks than SR patients or AF patients with CRT ≥ 98%.
Recovery of cardiac function following COVID‐19 – ECHOVID‐19: a prospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Lassen Mats C.H. , Skaarup Kristoffer Grundtvig , Lind Jannie N. , Alhakak Alia S. , Sengeløv Morten , Nielsen Anne B. , Simonsen Jakob Ø. , Johansen Niklas D. , Davidovski Filip S. , Christensen Jacob , Bundgaard Henning , Hassager Christian , Jabbari Reza , Carlsen Jørn , Kirk Ole , Lindholm Matias G. , Kristiansen Ole P. , Nielsen Olav W. , Ulrik Charlotte S. , Sivapalan Pradeesh , Gislason Gunnar , Møgelvang Rasmus , Jensen Gorm B. , Schnohr Peter , Søgaard Peter , Solomon Scott D. , Iversen Kasper , Jensen Jens U.S. , Schou Morten , Biering‐Sørensen Tor
Published: September 2021

Aims

The degree of cardiovascular sequelae following COVID‐19 remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether cardiac function recovers following COVID‐19.

Methods and results

A consecutive sample of patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 was prospectively included in this longitudinal study. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination during hospitalization and 2 months later. All participants were successfully matched 1:1 with COVID‐19‐free controls by age and sex. A total of 91 patients were included (mean age 63 ± 12 years, 59% male). A median of 77 days (interquartile range: 72–92) passed between the two examinations. Right ventricular (RV) function improved following resolution of COVID‐19: tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (2.28 ± 0.40 cm vs. 2.11 ± 0.38 cm, P < 0.001) and RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) (25.3 ± 5.5% vs. 19.9 ± 5.8%, P < 0.001). In contrast, left ventricular (LV) systolic function assessed by global longitudinal strain (GLS) did not significantly improve (17.4 ± 2.9% vs. 17.6 ± 3.3%, P = 0.6). N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide decreased between the two examinations [177.6 (80.3–408.0) ng/L vs. 11.7 (5.7–24.0) ng/L, P < 0.001]. None of the participants had elevated troponins at follow‐up compared to 18 (27.7%) during hospitalization. Recovered COVID‐19 patients had significantly lower GLS (17.4 ± 2.9% vs. 18.8 ± 2.9%, P < 0.001 and adjusted P = 0.004), TAPSE (2.28 ± 0.40 cm vs. 2.67 ± 0.44 cm, P < 0.001 and adjusted P < 0.001), and RVLS (25.3 ± 5.5% vs. 26.6 ± 5.8%, P = 0.50 and adjusted P < 0.001) compared to matched controls.

Conclusion

Acute COVID‐19 affected negatively RV function and cardiac biomarkers but recovered following resolution of COVID‐19. In contrast, the observed reduced LV function during acute COVID‐19 did not improve post‐COVID‐19. Compared to the matched controls, both LV and RV function remained impaired.
Always communicate a message of positivity
Authors: Enos Gary A.
Published: September 2021

Optimism in the face of the challenges a small private liberal arts institution can encounter characterizes the leadership at Emory & Henry College, located in the highlands of southwest Virginia. Jennifer Pearce, Vice President for Enrollment and External Affairs, considers the can‐do attitude a cornerstone of her leadership style, mirroring the approach she has seen from the college's president, John W. Wells.
Household food insecurity after the early monsoon flash flood of 2017 among wetland (Haor) communities of northeastern Bangladesh: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Parvez Mahmood , Islam Mir Raihanul , Dey Nepal C.
Published: September 2021

The livelihoods of wetland (Haor) communities living in northeastern region of Bangladesh are largely dependent on agriculture. Unseasonably heavy rainfall in Haor basin and upstream Indian catchments triggered a devastating early monsoon flash flood in Haor basin at the beginning of April in 2017, which destroyed the nearly ready‐to‐harvest annual rice crop and resulted in significant income loss of Haor dwellers. The present study aims at assessing post‐flood household food insecurity and the factors associated with it in the aftermath of this flash flood. A cross‐sectional study design was adopted, and a survey covering 1845 flood‐affected households was conducted to measure the post‐flood household food insecurity. A set of questionnaires was adopted from Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) to assess the level of household food insecurity, and a modified poisson regression model was used to identify the risk factors of household food insecurity. A staggering 62% of the surveyed households were found food insecure following the flash flood. Being ultra‐poor, loss of livestock in flood, household head's occupation being natural resource‐based, and household reliance on market purchase of food were identified as significant risk factors of post‐flood household food insecurity. Household being headed by relatively younger, educated people, and household owning agricultural land were found to be protective against post‐flood food insecurity. Therefore, post‐flood emergency programs, especially the food assistance programs should be designed prioritizing these most food insecure groups instead of considering household poverty as the only selection criteria. As a long‐term plan, a multi‐sectoral approach focusing on disaster risk reduction by taking into account the risk of disaster‐induced food insecurity is essential to reduce the vulnerability of wetland communities.
Whole‐body hybrid positron emission tomography imaging yields clinically relevant information in the staging and restaging of sinonasal tumors
Authors: Maurer Alexander , Meerwein Christian M. , Soyka Michael B. , Grünig Hannes , Skawran Stephan , Mühlematter Urs J. , Messerli Michael , Mader Cäcilia E. , Husmann Lars , Rupp Niels J. , Holzmann David , Huellner Martin W.
Published: September 2021

Background

Whole‐body hybrid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging is increasingly used for sinonasal tumors. However, only empirical data exist on the additional, clinically relevant information derived from these techniques.

Methods

This study included 96 regionalized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the sinonasal tract/neck and separate hybrid FDG‐PET/CT or FDG‐PET/MRI in 74 patients. Additional radiological information (ARI) obtained from each hybrid examination was analyzed and its clinically relevance was determined. Clinically relevant information (CRI) was categorized with regard to primary tumor site, regional lymph node metastases, distant metastases, second primary tumors, and non‐neoplastic findings.

Results

A total of 45/96 (46.9%) hybrid PET examinations revealed ARI. CRI was found in 32/96 (33.3%) examinations and concerned the primary tumor site (6.1%), regional lymph node metastases (4.1%), distant metastases (14.3%), second primary tumors (7.3%), and non‐neoplastic findings (5.1%).

Conclusions

Hybrid PET imaging yields additional radiological information translating into clinically relevant information in a substantial proportion of patients with sinonasal tumors.
Fusion of convolutional neural networks based on Dempster–Shafer theory for automatic pneumonia detection from chest X‐ray images
Authors: Ben Atitallah Safa , Driss Maha , Boulila Wadii , Koubaa Anis , Ben Ghézala Henda
Published: September 2021

Deep learning‐based applications for disease detection are essential tools for experts to effectively diagnose diseases at different stages. In this article, a new approach based on an evidence based fusion theory is proposed, allowing the combination of a set of deep learning classifiers to provide more accurate disease detection results. The main contribution of this work is the application of the Dempster–Shafer theory for the fusion of five pre trained convolutional neural networks including VGG16, Xception, InceptionV3, ResNet50, and DenseNet201 for the diagnosis of pneumonia from chest X‐ray images. To evaluate this approach, experiments are conducted using a publicly available dataset containing more than 5800 chest X‐ray images. The obtained results demonstrate that our approach provides excellent detection performance compared to other state‐of‐the‐art methods; it achieves a precision of 97.5%, a recall of 98%, an f1‐score of 97.8%, and an accuracy of 97.3%.
Sentinel lymph node detection by combining nonradioactive techniques with contrast agents: State of the art and prospects
Authors: Kurochkin Maxim A. , German Sergey V. , Abalymov Anatolii , Vorontsov Dmitry А. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Novoselova Marina V.
Published: September 2021

The status of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) has a substantial prognostic value because these nodes are the first place where cancer cells accumulate along their spreading route. Routine SLN biopsy (“gold standard”) involves peritumoral injections of radiopharmaceuticals, such as technetium‐99m, which has obvious disadvantages. This review examines the methods used as “gold standard” analogs to diagnose SLNs. Nonradioactive preoperative and intraoperative methods of SLN detection are analyzed. Promising photonic tools for SLNs detection are reviewed, including NIR‐I/NIR‐II fluorescence imaging, photoswitching dyes for SLN detection, in vivo photoacoustic detection, imaging and biopsy of SLNs. Also are discussed methods of SLN detection by magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonic imaging systems including as combined with photoacoustic imaging, and methods based on the magnetometer‐aided detection of superparamagnetic nanoparticles. The advantages and disadvantages of nonradioactive SLN‐detection methods are shown. The review concludes with prospects for the use of conservative diagnostic methods in combination with photonic tools.
Extracellular ATP and adenosine in tumor microenvironment: Roles in epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, and invasion
Authors: Alvarez Cora L. , Troncoso María F. , Espelt María V.
Published: September 2021

Under nonpathological conditions, the extracellular nucleotide concentration remains constant and low (nM range) because of a close balance between ATP release and ATP consumption. This balance is completely altered in cancer disease. Adenine and uridine nucleotides are found in the extracellular space of tumors in high millimolar (mM) concentrations acting as extracellular signaling molecules. In general, although uridine nucleotides may be involved in different tumor cell responses, purinergic signaling in cancer is preferentially focused on adenine nucleotides and nucleosides. Extracellular ATP can bind to specific receptors (P receptors) triggering different responses, or it can be hydrolyzed by ectoenzymes bound to cell membranes to render the final product adenosine. The latter pathway plays an important role in the increase of adenosine in tumor microenvironment. In this study, we will focus on extracellular ATP and adenosine, their effects acting as ligands of specific receptors, activating ectoenzymes, and promoting epithelial–mesenchymal transition, migration, and invasion in cancer cells. Finding the roles that these nucleotides play in tumor microenvironment may be important to design new intervention strategies in cancer therapies.
Catalytic activity of platinized titanium and titanium coated with ruthenium oxide in the processes of electrooxidation of ethyl alcohol in alkaline media
Authors: Tarantseva Klara , Politaeva Natalia , Tarantsev Konstantin , Yackhkind Mikhail , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the catalytic activity of platinized titanium and titanium coated with ruthenium oxide in the processes of electrooxidation of ethyl alcohol in alkaline phosphate electrolyte and potassium hydroxide electrolyte in non‐flowing membraneless fuel cells proposed by the authors. In these systems, an interface between the phases formed, which played the role of a membrane. Cyclic voltammetry, pulse chronoamperometry and gas–liquid chromatography were used to study the corrosion resistance and catalytic activity of ethanol oxidation on the selected electrodes. Platinized titanium and titanium coated with ruthenium oxide, involving a thin layer of platinum or ruthenium oxide on a perforated titanium mesh, were investigated.

RESULTS

It is found that the oxidation of ethyl alcohol proceeds more actively on the surface of titanium coated with ruthenium oxide in alkaline phosphate electrolyte, with the formation of acetaldehyde as the main reaction product. In potassium hydroxide electrolyte, acetaldehyde and acetic acid are formed on the surface; two and four electrons are released, respectively. This indicates the C2 reaction pathway of ethanol oxidation. In contrast, the oxidation of ethyl alcohol in potassium hydroxide electrolyte proceeds more actively on the platinized titanium with the formation of acetaldehyde.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained show that titanium electrode coated with ruthenium oxide is promising in phosphate electrolyte, but platinized titanium electrode is promising in potassium hydroxide electrolyte in the proposed non‐flowing membraneless alcohol fuel cells. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Community engagement in engineering education: A systematic literature review
Authors: Natarajarathinam Malini , Qiu Shaoping , Lu Wei
Published: September 2021

Background

Community engagement has recently become a focus in engineering education. However, systematic reviews that catalog best practices and identify research patterns and gaps remain scarce.

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review is to generate insights and findings by reviewing studies focused on community engagement programs in engineering education from 1980 to 2019. This review offers new findings for practitioners and researchers with a menu of proven ideas and provides directions for community engagement practice and future research.

Method

Articles were obtained via keyword searches for “Engineering” AND “service‐learning,” “community engagement” OR “civic engagement” using available databases. Search constraints included the year of publication, peer‐reviewed articles, and articles written in English. The content analysis method was used to categorize, summarize, and evaluate selected articles. A total of 120 articles have been reviewed.

Results

This systematic review identified recent trends in engineering community engagement programs. Undergraduate students were the main program participants. The vast majority of projects took place in the United States. Overall, community engagement projects increasingly recruited multidisciplinary students. Factors such as logistics constraints, cultural barriers, and disconnect issues were reported as major challenges to the success of engineering community engagement programs. Qualitative research dominated community engagement studies. The community partner remains a less‐studied subject. Research focusing on engineering graduate students in community engagement was rare.

Conclusions

To obtain a holistic understanding of community engagement in engineering education, additional research should focus on community partners' perspectives, graduate students in engineering, diversity, and holistic assessments.
The (d)evolution of a technological species: A history and critique of ecopsychology's constructions of science and technology
Authors: Davidson Tal
Published: September 2021

In this paper, I aim to convey the history of ecopsychology's changing conceptualizations of science and technology and their role in facilitating engagement with the ecology movement. To do so, I compare ecopsychology's treatment of science and technology in two important publications:Gatherings, a non‐peer‐reviewed digital journal of the early 2000s that portrayed ecopsychology in humanistic, socially critical, and artistic terms; andEcopsychology, a scholarly journal founded in 2009 that regarded ecopsychological questions as testable hypotheses, and distinguished itself from prior (“first generation”) ecopsychology on the basis of its embrace of technological progress and the scientific method. As a part of this shift, ecopsychologists of the “second generation” championed the notion that humans are a “Technological Species,” an ontological statement that naturalized the increasing sophistication of high technology as the result of inherent human drives, and established conceptual groundwork for studies that used consumer technology such as computers to mediate experiences of nature. In the final part of the paper, I critique the “Technological Species” proposition for obscuring the historical and material conditions that make the existence of consumer technology possible, such as the ecologically devastating mining of rare‐earth metals on colonized land in Central and South America. I argue that, to be socially and ecologically accountable, ecopsychology should turn toward practices that help us make sense of consumer technology's place in systems of colonialist and ecological violence, process our place within these systems as users of consumer technology, and build community less dependent on technology.
Subdural hematoma in glutaric aciduria type 1: High excreters are prone to incidental SDH despite newborn screening
Authors: Boy Nikolas , Mohr Alexander , Garbade Sven F. , Freisinger Peter , Heringer‐Seifert Jana , Seitz Angelika , Kölker Stefan , Harting Inga
Published: September 2021

Subdural hematoma (SDH) was initially reported in 20% to 30% of patients with glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1). A recent retrospective study found SDH in 4% of patients, but not in patients identified by newborn screening (NBS). 168 MRIs of 69 patients with GA1 (age at MRI 9 days – 73.8 years, median 3.2 years) were systematically reviewed for presence of SDH, additional MR and clinical findings in order to investigate the frequency of SDH and potential risk factors.

SDH was observed in eight high‐excreting patients imaged between 5.8 and 24.4 months, namely space‐occupying SDH in two patients after minor accidental trauma and SDH as an incidental finding in six patients without trauma. In patients without trauma imaged at 3 to 30 months (n = 36, 25 NBS, 27/9 high/low excreters), incidence of SDH was 16.7% (16% in NBS). SDH was more common after acute (33.3%) than insidious onset of dystonia (14.3%) or in asymptomatic patients (5.9%). It was only seen in patients with wide frontoparietal CSF spaces and frontotemporal hypoplasia. High excreters were over‐represented among patients with SDH (6/27 vs 0/9 low excreters), acute onset (10/12), and wide frontoparietal CSF spaces (16/19).

Incidental SDH occurs despite NBS and early treatment in approximately one in six patients with GA1 imaged during late infancy and early childhood. Greater risk of high excreters is morphologically associated with more frequent enlargement of external CSF spaces including frontotemporal hypoplasia, and may be furthered aggravated by more pronounced alterations of cerebral blood volume and venous pressure.
Late Quaternary solifluction sheets in the British uplands
Authors: Harrison Stephan , Hughes Leanne , Glasser Neil , Kuras Oliver
Published: September 2021

Solifluction sheets are large‐scale and extensive valley‐floor and valley‐side landforms developed widely in the British Isles from mass‐wasting of glacial and periglacial sediments during late‐glacial times. We describe their geographical distribution and review the processes that have led to their development. We use data from the Cheviot Hills, the one site in the British Isles where sedimentology and optically stimulated luminescence dating have been combined, to assess their age and nature of deposition. We also present data from central Wales where a new mapping and resistivity survey has reconstructed the nature of valley‐side solifluction sheets. We explore the relative lack of recent research on these landforms and argue that solifluction sheets represent a clear example of how upland geomorphological systems have responded to late‐glacial climate change. We end by identifying a number of areas where research on these enigmatic features could be focussed, including better understanding of their distribution, sedimentology and age.