bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling daily air temperature at a fine spatial resolution dealing with challenging meteorological phenomena and topography in Switzerland
Authors: Flückiger Benjamin , Kloog Itai , Ragettli Martina S. , Eeftens Marloes , Röösli Martin , de Hoogh Kees
Published: March 2022

Epidemiological studies investigating the relationship between air temperature or heat and health, still, by and large, rely on either information from the nearest weather station or on coarse gridded temperature predictions, thereby ignoring small‐scale intra‐urban variations. Recent methodological advances show promise in achieving high spatiotemporal temperature predictions, thus improving the characterization of spatial variations in temperature and decreasing bias in health studies. Here, we applied a two‐stage approach using random forest to (a) impute missing moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) land surface temperature at a 1 × 1 km resolution and (b) to use the gap‐filled MODIS data to explain spatiotemporal variation in the measured ground‐based air temperature data at a 100 × 100 m resolution across Switzerland using a range of predictor variables, including meteorological parameters, normalized difference vegetation index, impervious surface and altitude. Models presented here managed to capture temporal and spatial variations in air temperature in Switzerland from 2003 to 2018 at a fine spatial resolution of 100 × 100 m. Stage 1 models achieved an overall R2 of 0.98 and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 1.49°C (independent validation), and the stage 2 model performed well for all years with R2 and RMSE ranging from 0.94 to 0.99 and 1.05 to 1.86°C, respectively. We were also able to capture the urban heat island effect and some typical weather phenomena caused by Switzerland's complex topography, like the foehn effect and inversion conditions. The resulting daily temperature surfaces for 2003–2018 will facilitate ongoing epidemiological research investigating the health effects of heat.
Increasingly dry/wet abrupt alternation events in a warmer world: Observed evidence from China during 1980–2019
Authors: Qiao Yu , Xu Wei , Meng Chenna , Liao Xinli , Qin Lianjie
Published: March 2022

The evolution of the frequency of dry/wet spells is a hot topic in global climate change research. The synergistic effects of dry/wet spells make their consequences far more significant than a single disaster, having considerable impacts on hydrology, ecology, and economies, especially in the context of global warming. In this study, the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI)‐based identification of dry/wet spells was used to explore the evolution of the frequency of dry/wet abrupt alternation (DWAA) events in the past four decades in China, makes up for the lack of research on the evolution of such compound disasters. China has been affected by dry/wet spells in many areas for a long time. Studies found that high‐frequency DWAA areas are concentrated in densely populated areas, China's essential food bases and core areas for economic development. Dry‐to‐wet (D–W) events and wet‐to‐dry (W–D) events basically increased or decreased at the same pace in this period. We innovatively find DWAA events (D–W events and W–D events) are projected to occur increasingly in a wider region of China. The frequency of D–W events across China has increased from 2.35 in the 1980s to 3.56 in the last decade, a 50% increase. On the other hand, W–D events increased from 2.6 to 3.23, increasing 24%. The three regions with the most remarkable changes in the past four decades are Inner Mongolia, northwest China, and north China, where D–W events increased by 121, 61, and 58%, respectively, and W–D events increased by 71, 57, and 61%, respectively. Hereby, it is vital to implement effective prevention against DWAA events in the area which has been neglected in the past decades because of lower frequency. These results may help policymakers develop suitable disaster mitigation plans for reducing the potential risks of extreme compound natural events.
Climatology of aerosol types and their vertical distribution over East Asia based on CALIPSO lidar measurements
Authors: Gui Lu , Tao Minghui , Wang Yi , Wang Lunche , Chen Liangfu , Lin Changqing , Tao Jinhua , Wang Jun , Yu Chao
Published: March 2022

Aerosol vertical distribution generally determines their health impacts and climate effects. By using long‐term (2007–2019) CALIPSO lidar measurements, we present a large‐scale insight into the climatology of aerosol types and their vertical structure over East Asia. Despite the low sampling frequency, comparison with MODIS aerosol optical depth (AOD) shows that the integrated CAIPSO vertical extinction can reasonably reproduce spatial patterns of the aerosol loading. With the unique advantage of active detection, CALIPSO reveals an obvious enhancement of the night‐time AOD due to worse diffusion conditions. Moreover, long‐range transport of different aerosols including dust, polluted dust, and smoke has substantial contribution to the aerosol loading over East Asia. Pure dust particles are mainly concentrated over the deserts with notable dust transport belts (dust AOD > 0.2 at 532 nm) along downwind regions during winter and spring. By contrast, polluted dust is prevalent over the downstream eastern China with much higher AODs throughout the year. In particular, AOD of polluted dust (~0.5) is higher in winter rather than in spring, which is consistent with their seasonal occurrences. Smoke aerosols usually appear in the night‐time over southern China. The top heights of aerosols are around 4–6 km, with dust and smoke having higher extinction at upstream regions. The climatology of these aerosol types and vertical distribution can provide a significant constraint for associated studies of air quality and climate effects.
Probabilistic drought forecasting using copula and satellite rainfall based PERSIANN‐CDR and MSWEP datasets
Authors: Alijanian Mohammadali , Rakhshandehroo Gholam Reza , Dehghani Maryam , Mishra Ashok
Published: March 2022

In situ rainfall data plays a vital role in drought assessment. However, adequate in situ data are not available in many parts of the world, and they do not provide the proper spatial coverage for drought assessment. With the advacements in satellite rainfall estimates (SREs), it is possible to monitor droughts in ungauged basins. However, the applications of SREs for drought forecasting are not widely explored due to the inherent uncertainties associated with these products.In this study, we evaluated two long‐term SREs for drought forecasting in the Zayandehrood basin, a critical region in the central plateau of Iran. The performance of two SREs, including Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks‐Climate Data Record (PERSIANN‐CDR), and Multi‐Source Weighted‐Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP) are compared with observations during 1983–2015. The overall results indicate that utilizing MSWEP data in the forecasting model can slightly overestimate the probability of spring drought based on winter drought (with the highest error of 8.5%). In comparison, the PERSIANN‐CDR underestimated the probabilities (with the lowest error being −44%). The performance of copula models and SREs can vary based on the thresholds for drought severity. For example, the performance of MSWEP datasets for predicting moderate to severe droughts during the Spring season is closer to the predicted values by gauge datasets. It is concluded that the MSWEP may be considered more reliable in drought forecasting than the PERSIANN‐CDR. Our results highlight the potential application of copula‐based forecasting models for seasonal drought forecasting using SREs datasets. Such models can be implemented for global‐scale drought predictions, especially in ungagged basins.
How is the El Niño–Southern Oscillation signal recorded by tree‐ring oxygen isotopes in southeastern China?
Authors: Fang Congxi , Liu Yu , Li Qiang , Song Huiming , Cai Qiufang , Sun Changfeng
Published: March 2022

Previous studies universally found that tree‐ring oxygen isotope (δ18OTR) in southeastern China (SEC) significantly recorded the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal. However, the correlation between the climate in SEC and ENSO is insignificant, so the local climatic response of SEC δ18OTR fails to explain the significant positive correlations between these δ18OTR records and ENSO. In this study, based on four δ18OTR series from SEC, meteorological data, simulated precipitation oxygen isotope (δ18OP) data, and a moisture uptake atlas deduced from Lagrangian backward trajectory experiments, a conceptual model was established to explain how the ENSO signal is recorded by SEC δ18OTR. During the El Niño decaying years, the Northwest Pacific (NWP) convective activity weakens; the convective weakening areas coincide with the main moisture sources for SEC, which enriches 18O in moisture that is transported to SEC, resulting in positive anomalies of δ18OP in SEC; finally, the ENSO‐modulated δ18OP signal is inherited by SEC δ18OTR. The opposite situations occur in the La Niña events. It was also indicated that the change in the moisture contribution percentage from different sources may not be a primary factor that connects SEC δ18OTR with ENSO. These findings contribute to understanding climatic signals represented by δ18OTR and δ18OP in the East Asian monsoon region.
Evaluation and projection of precipitation in Pakistan using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 model simulations
Authors: Abbas Adnan , Ullah Safi , Ullah Waheed , Waseem Muhammad , Dou Xin , Zhao Chengyi , Karim Aisha , Zhu Jianting , Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia , Bhatti Asher Samuel , Ali Gohar
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of global climate models (GCMs) from the family of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) in the historical simulation of precipitation and select the best performing GCMs for future projection of precipitation in Pakistan under multiple shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs). The spatiotemporal performance of GCMs was evaluated against the Climate Research Unit (CRU) data in simulating annual precipitation during 1951–2014, using the Taylor diagram and interannual variability skill (IVS). Moreover, the modified Mann–Kendall (mMK) and Sen's slope estimator (SSE) tests were employed to estimate significant trends in future precipitation for the period 2015–2100. Based on the comprehensive ranking index (CRI), the HadGEM3‐GC31‐MM model has the highest skill in simulating precipitation distributions followed by EC‐Earth3‐Veg‐LR, CNRM‐ESM2‐1, MPI‐ESM1‐2‐HR, CNRM‐CM6‐1, MRI‐ESM2‐0, CNRM‐CM6‐1‐HR, EC‐Earth3‐Veg, MCM‐UA‐1‐0, INM‐CM5‐0, KACE‐1‐0‐G, CAMS‐CSM1‐0, and HadGEM3‐GC31‐LL models. Furthermore, the projections of the best models ensemble mean (BMEM) showed that the study region will experience a substantial increase in precipitation under SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5 but an indolent rise under SSP1‐2.6 and SSP2‐4.5 scenarios. The summer and annual precipitations exhibit a statistically significant increasing trend relative to the winter season under most scenarios. Moreover, the magnitude of monotonic trends in seasonal and annual precipitation progresses from low forcing scenario (SSP1‐2.6) to high forcing scenario (SSP5‐8.5). The findings of the study could provide a benchmark in selecting appropriate GCMs for future projection over a data scare region, like Pakistan. Moreover, the projected trends of future precipitation are crucial in devising adaption and mitigation actions towards sustainable planning of water resource management, food security, and disaster risk management.
Statistical shape model‐based tibiofibular assessment of syndesmotic ankle lesions using weight‐bearing CT
Authors: Peiffer Matthias , Burssens Arne , De Mits Sophie , Heintz Thibault , Van Waeyenberge Michiel , Buedts Kris , Victor Jan , Audenaert Emmanuel
Published: March 2022

Forced external rotation is hypothesized as the key mechanism of syndesmotic ankle injuries, inducing a three‐dimensional deviation from the normal distal tibiofibular joint (DTFJ) alignment. However, current diagnostic imaging modalities are impeded by a two‐dimensional assessment, without considering ligamentous stabilizers. Therefore, our aim is threefold: (1) to construct an articulated statistical shape model of the normal DTFJ with the inclusion of ligamentous morphometry, (2) to investigate the effect of weight‐bearing on the DTFJ alignment, and (3) to detect differences in predicted syndesmotic ligament length of patients with syndesmotic lesions with respect to normative data. Training data comprised non‐weight‐bearing CT scans from asymptomatic controls (N = 76), weight‐bearing CT scans from patients with syndesmotic ankle injury (N = 13), and their weight‐bearing healthy contralateral side (N = 13). Path and length of the syndesmotic ligaments were predicted using a discrete element model, wrapped around bony contours. Statistical shape model evaluation was based on accuracy, generalization, and compactness. The predicted ligament length in patients with syndesmotic lesions was compared with healthy controls. With respect to the first aim, our presented skeletal shape model described the training data with an accuracy of 0.23 ± 0.028 mm. Mean prediction accuracy of ligament insertions was 0.53 ± 0.12 mm. In accordance with the second aim, our results showed an increased tibiofibular diastasis in healthy ankles after weight‐bearing. Concerning our third aim, a statistically significant difference in anterior syndesmotic ligament length was found between ankles with syndesmotic lesions and healthy controls (p = 0.017). There was a significant correlation between the presence of syndesmotic injury and the positional alignment between the distal tibia and fibula (r = 0.873, p < 0,001). Clinical Significance: Statistical shape modeling combined with patient‐specific ligament wrapping techniques can facilitate the diagnostic workup of syndesmosic ankle lesions under weight‐bearing conditions. In doing so, an increased anterior tibiofibular distance was detected, corresponding to an “anterior open‐book injury” of the ankle syndesmosis as a result of anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament elongation/rupture.
Does synovial sarcoma grade predict oncologic outcomes, and does a low‐grade variant exist?
Authors: Fice Michael , Almajnooni Abdullah , Gusho Charles , Chapman Reagan , Mallikarjunappa Subramanya , Batus Marta , Gitelis Steven , Colman Matthew , Miller Ira , Blank Alan
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

While historically aggressive, some synovial sarcomas (SS) are clinically indolent. This study sought to determine whether SS grade predicts oncologic outcomes and whether Grade 1 disease might exist.

Methods

Thirty‐five cases from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinicopathological data were analyzed and Kaplan–Meier assessed survival.

Results

The median patient age was 37 years (interquartile range: 28–51.5). The local control rate was 74.3%, and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was worse in positive versus negative margin resections (p = 0.023). The incidence of metastasis was 21.9% (n = 7) at a median 31 ± 31.7 months, and metastasis‐free survival was 50.0% in Grade 3 SS versus 86.5% in Grade 2 (p = 0.026). Among a theoretical Grade 1 group, the overall survival (OS) and RFS profiles were improved compared to Grade 2 and 3 SS, respectively (p = 0.014 and p = 0.030). The Grade 1 group had a 15.8% (n = 3) metastatic rate and 80% 10‐year survival.

Conclusions

Tumor grade appears to predict outcomes in SS. A theoretical Grade 1 group showed improved OS and RFS versus Grades 2 and 3 SS, with metastatic rates and long‐term survival resembling the historical literature for other low‐grade soft tissue sarcomas. Our group continues to support the French Federation of Cancer Centers diagnostic strategy and NCCN treatment guidelines for SS.
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on surgical oncology practice—Results of an SSO survey
Authors: Gribkova Yelizaveta , Davis Catherine H. , Greenbaum Alissa A. , Lu Shou‐en , Berger Adam C.
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic significantly affected healthcare delivery, shifting focus away from nonurgent care. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the pandemic on the practice of surgical oncology.

Methods

A web‐based survey of questions about changes in practice during the COVID‐19 pandemic was approved by the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) Research and Executive Committees and sent by SSO to its members.

Results

A total of 121 SSO members completed the survey, 77.7% (94/121) of whom were based in the United States. Breast surgeons were more likely than their peers to refer patients to neoadjuvant therapy (p = 0.000171). Head and neck surgeons were more likely to refer patients to definitive nonoperative treatment (p = 0.044), while melanoma surgeons were less likely to do so (p = 0.029). In all, 79.2% (95/120) of respondents are currently using telemedicine. US surgeons were more likely to use telemedicine (p = 0.004). Surgeons believed telemedicine is useful for long‐term/surveillance visits (70.2%, 80/114) but inappropriate (50.4%, 57/113) for new patient visits.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 pandemic resulted in increased use of neoadjuvant therapy, delays in operative procedures, and increased use of telemedicine. Telemedicine is perceived to be most efficacious for long‐term/surveillance visits or postoperative visits.
Impact of sociodemographic factors on outcomes in patients with peritoneal malignancies following cytoreduction and chemoperfusion
Authors: Cantos Adriana , Eguia Emanuel , Wang Xuanji , Abood Gerard , Knab Lawrence M.
Published: March 2022

Background and Objectives

Sociodemographic factors have been shown to impact surgical outcomes. However, the effects of these factors on patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are not well known. This study aims to evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors on patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Methods

Adult patients at a tertiary center who underwent CRS/HIPEC were evaluated. Perioperative variables were collected and analyzed. A national database was also used to evaluate patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC.

Results

There were 90 patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC (32% non‐White). There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications, length of stay, or discharge disposition based upon race (white vs. non‐White patients), socioeconomic status (SES), or insurance type. Nationally, we found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo CRS/HIPEC than Non‐Hispanic white patients (Black: odds ratio [OR]: 0.60, [confidence interval {CI}: 0.39–0.94]; Hispanic: OR: 0.52, [CI: 0.28–0.98]). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications based upon race/ethnicity.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic factors including race, SES, and insurance status did not impact postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC at our single institution. On a national level, Black and Hispanic patients underwent CRS/HIPEC at lower rates compared to white patients.
General friction law for velocity‐stress dependent phase transition in granular flow
Authors: Wang Yang , Wu Wei , Evans T. Matthew , Wu Huanran , Xiao Yang
Published: March 2022

Plane shear flow is an important configuration for granular materials. We study the variation of states in plane shear flow, that is, the jam‐flow, slip‐flow, and flow states, in particular the velocities, kinetic energy, contact numbers, and force chains. An open‐source physics‐engine system (BLENDER‐REATICLE) is adopted in this study, which is developed based on the impulse‐based dynamics with the 3D creation suite Blender and the physics engine Bullet. The particles are assumed to be rigid bodies and the elastic energy and gravitational potential energy are neglected in the plane shear flow without gravity. In the phase transition diagram with axial normal stress, shear stress, and solid fraction, the critical‐jamming solid fraction and the critical shear stress are found to increase with the normal stress. We show further that a common power law with the exponent of 0.5 captures well the distributions of particles with low energy. This power law indicates the existence of ergodicity in small‐energy transformation. Moreover, we present a general friction law where the relationships between the effective friction coefficients and the inertial number obey a zero‐order infinitesimal function in the vicinity of the point with Iboundary = 0.
An algorithmic framework for computational estimation of soil freezing characteristic curves
Authors: Kebria Mahyar Malekzade , Na SeonHong , Yu Fan
Published: March 2022

Many numerical models for simulating freezing and thawing phenomena of soil have been developed due to emerging geotechnical issues in cold regions. In particular, coupled thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) analysis is used to evaluate complicated deformation, thermal, and moisture transport behavior of freezing–thawing soils. This study proposes a soil‐freezing characteristic curve (SFCC) that is robust and adaptive with various computational frameworks, including the THM approach. The proposed SFCC can also account for different soil types by incorporating the particle size distribution. Here an automatic regression scheme is adopted to update the SFCC associated with deformation and thermal changes. In addition, a smoothing algorithm is adopted to prevent a sharp change of the SFCC due to phase transition between the liquid water and crystal ice. Based on experimental works in the literature, the applicability of our model is demonstrated when the initial water contents and soil particle distribution differ. We further investigate the performance of the proposed SFCC as a constitutive model within a simplified THM framework. Our results show that the proposed model captures the desired behavior of different soil types in the freezing process, such as freezing temperature depreciation, the effect of compaction, and mechanical loading on unfrozen water content.
A ternary biocomposite based on modified fish scale collagen and ginsenoside Rb1: preparation, properties and bioactivities
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Chinh , Tran Do Mai Trang , Hoang Tran Dung , Le Trong Lu , Nguyen Tien Dung , Ngo Thi Cam Quyen , Pham Thi Hong , Vu Thi Thu Le , Can Van Mao , Thai Hoang
Published: March 2022

This paper presents some characteristics, morphologies and bioactivities of modified collagen films (MCF) in a combination of fish scale collagen gel, crosslinking agent and ginsenoside Rb1. Collagen was extracted from freshwater fish scales by biochemical methods using pepsin enzyme to improve collagen hydrolysis. Glutaraldehyde, glucose and riboflavin were chosen as modification agents for the obtained collagen. These collagen samples were processed into MCF by a 3D printing method. The characteristics and morphologies of MCF were evaluated using infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray, field emission scanning electron microscopy and high‐performance liquid chromatography techniques. Moreover, the biocompatibility, hemostatic ability and anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of MCF were tested for preliminarily assessing the application efficiency of MCF. The obtained results suggest that crosslinking agent and ginsenoside Rb1 have effects on properties of collagen. MCF are well biocompatible, have great anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial ability, are nontoxic to normal cells and have short blood clotting time. They are promising for applications of 3D printed modified collagen/ginsenoside Rb1 biocomposite films in biomedicine as hemostatic agents or other biomedical materials. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A novel CRITIC‐TOPSIS approach for optimal selection of software reliability growth model (SRGM)
Authors: Saxena Palak , Kumar Vijay , Ram Mangey
Published: March 2022

Various Software Reliability Growth Models (SRGMs) have been developed over last five decades to estimate the failure rate, software reliability and remaining number of faults in the software during testing phase of software development life cycle. There are numerous SRGMs available in the research literature and in the presence of numerous SRGM, appropriate selection is a staggering task for the software testing professionals. In the software reliability area, researchers have always been interested to select the optimal SRGM to use in a particular situation. In this study, we have developed an integrated technique based on Criteria Importance Through Inter Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to select the optimal SRGM. The weights of criteria are obtained by the CRITIC method and SRGMs are ranked by order using TOPSIS method. The working of proposed integrated CRITIC‐TOPSIS approach is illustrated on the two real‐time failure data sets. Furthermore, the methodology validation idea supports the current study by comparing the results obtained with the previous multi‐criteria decision making (MCDM) methodologies namely Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS). The study revealed that the ranking of SRGMs can be solved effectively using the integration of CRITIC and TOPSIS. The result of this study plays a significant role to take decisions and to evaluate the feasibility of SRGM.
A failure tracing method with hierarchical digraph and meta action for complex electromechanical systems
Authors: Xiao Liming , Huang Guangquan , Zhang Genbao , Zhu Xiao , Jin Chuanxi
Published: March 2022

As an important method for analyzing the failure pervasion mechanism, failure tracing is a powerful tool for locating the failure causes in reliability analysis of complex electromechanical systems (EMS). However, most of the previous studies mainly focus on the failure tracing and identifying of part levels, which are often complicated. Besides, they cannot reflect the product feature that motion determines product function. To fill these gaps, this paper develops a combined dynamic and static failure tracing model based on meta action and hierarchy digraph model. First, the failure propagation directed digraph is constructed based on the structure of the EMS and the interactions of action signals, and the interpretative structural model (ISM) is further applied to obtain the hierarchy failure propagation model based on the directed digraph. Second, the combined dynamic and static failure propagation intensity between meta actions is measured based on the failure propagation probability and edge betweenness, which can effectively extract the crucial pathway and crucial meta actions to facilitate failure tracing. Third, a failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) method considering the weights of risk elements and experts is proposed to estimate the risks of the crucial meta actions’ failure modes, which can help engineers develop countermeasures for preventing or eliminating failures. Finally, a case study and several comparisons are presented to illustrate the feasibility and benefits of the developed model.
The efficacy of mindfulness‐based stress reduction intervention 3 for post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in patients with PTSD: A meta‐analysis of four randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Qing , Zhu Jian , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: March 2022

As one of the most widely used mindfulness‐based psychotherapeutic intervention techniques, mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) has emerged as an auxiliary or alternative technique for the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study conducted a meta‐analysis of the effect of MBSR on the changes in symptoms in PTSD patients. The final search was conducted on 10 December 2021, and 10 eligible randomized controlled trials were identified, including 768 participants. A quality assessment was conducted. Proportional sensitivity analysis and random effects meta‐analysis were performed, and the 95% confidence interval was calculated. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to identify moderators (e.g., features of population and intervention). Compared with the control condition, MBSR significantly reduced the symptoms of PTSD patients and had a moderately positive effect (g = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.31–0.62, p < 0.001). This was the case in people who suffer from PTSD for different reasons, indicating that MBSR is an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms in PTSD patients. It was feasible to implement MBSR interventions for PTSD patients caused by different reasons.
Patterns and Scaling of Reproductive Output in Paddlefish Polyodon spathula and Its Conservation Implications
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Schooley Jason D. , Slominski Aaron , Backes K. Michael , Brown Brandon , Gordon Brent D. , Lim Youngtaik
Published: March 2022

We used a large, three‐state data set to investigate if larger female Paddlefish Polyodon spathula reproduce disproportionately more than smaller females. The approach was to assess the relation between fecundity F, expressed as raw egg weight, and fish weight W, in the expression F = aWb. We compared results among three fisheries for Paddlefish harvested in the three states and between two stocks and compared results between total fish weight and total raw egg weight with results across taxa presented in other studies. Paddlefish from all three state‐managed fisheries (Montana, North Dakota, and Oklahoma) showed hyperallometric increases in fecundity, expressed as raw egg weight, with fish weight (i.e., b > 1). For Montana females, hyperallometry was greatest (b = 1.75; n = 8,487), followed by North Dakota (b = 1.61; n = 9,549) and Oklahoma (b = 1.47; n = 14,294). Paddlefish from Montana and North Dakota in general allocated a lower percentage of their total weight to egg weight (asymptotic gonadosomatic index [GSI∞]) than did Oklahoma Paddlefish (Montana: 21.46%; North Dakota: 20.01%; and Oklahoma: 24.22%). The hyperallometric increases in raw egg weight with fish weight reported here depict only one of several conservation benefits associated with maintaining larger and older fish in the populations. Conclusions about weight–fecundity relationships for a particular species should be considered with an adequate understanding of the complete life history and factors which would affect somatic growth versus fecundity tradeoffs.
The PPT$$^2$$ Conjecture Holds for All Choi-Type Maps
Authors: Singh Satvik , Nechita Ion
Published: March 2022

We prove that the PPT$$^2$$

2

conjecture holds for linear maps between matrix algebras which are covariant under the action of the diagonal unitary group. Many salient examples, like the Choi-type maps, depolarizing maps, dephasing maps, amplitude damping maps, and mixtures thereof, lie in this class. Our proof relies on a generalization of the matrix-theoretic notion of factor width for pairwise completely positive matrices, and a complete characterization in the case of factor width two.
The compressive response of additively-manufactured hollow truss lattices: an experimental investigation
Authors: Intrigila Claudio , Nodargi Nicola A. , Bisegna Paolo
Published: March 2022

The mechanical response of additively-manufactured hollow truss lattices is experimentally investigated under quasi-static compression testing. Exploiting the recent developments in the Fusing Deposition Modelling (FDM) technique, two families of lattices have been fabricated, obtained as tessellation in space of octet-truss and diamond unit cells. Four specimens for each family of lattices have been designed with prescribed relative density, selecting different inner-to-outer radius ratios r/R of their hollow struts. Compression experiments prove that mechanical properties and failure mechanisms of hollow truss lattices are significantly dependent on the r/R ratio. In particular, a shift from quasi-brittle to ductile mechanical response at increasing r/R values has been revealed for the octet-truss lattice, leading to a stable collapse mechanism and increased energy absorption capacity. On the other hand, a more compliant behaviour has been observed in the diamond lattice response, with a monotonic improvement of mechanical properties as a function of the r/R ratio. Such results substantiate the potentialities of additively-manufactured hollow lattice structures as an attractive solution when lightweight, resistant and efficient energy absorption materials are required.

Graphic Abstract
The role of endogenous versus exogenous sources in the exposome of putative genotoxins and consequences for risk assessment
Authors: Rietjens Ivonne M. C. M. , Michael Arand , Bolt Hermann M. , Siméon Bourdoux , Andrea Hartwig , Nils Hinrichsen , Christine Kalisch , Angela Mally , Gloria Pellegrino , Daniel Ribera , Natalie Thatcher , Gerhard Eisenbrand
Published: March 2022

The “totality” of the human exposure is conceived to encompass life-associated endogenous and exogenous aggregate exposures. Process-related contaminants (PRCs) are not only formed in foods by heat processing, but also occur endogenously in the organism as physiological components of energy metabolism, potentially also generated by the human microbiome. To arrive at a comprehensive risk assessment, it is necessary to understand the contribution of in vivo background occurrence as compared to the ingestion from exogenous sources. Hence, this review provides an overview of the knowledge on the contribution of endogenous exposure to the overall exposure to putative genotoxic food contaminants, namely ethanol, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, acrylamide, acrolein, α,β-unsaturated alkenals, glycation compounds, N-nitroso compounds, ethylene oxide, furans, 2- and 3-MCPD, and glycidyl esters. The evidence discussed herein allows to conclude that endogenous formation of some contaminants appears to contribute substantially to the exposome. This is of critical importance for risk assessment in the cases where endogenous exposure is suspected to outweigh the exogenous one (e.g. formaldehyde and acrolein).
Influence of wet extrudates from pumpkin seed proteins on drying, texture, and appearance of dry-cured hybrid sausages
Authors: Ebert Sandra , Jungblut Florence , Herrmann Kurt , Maier Barbara , Terjung Nino , Gibis Monika , Weiss Jochen
Published: March 2022

Hybrid meat products represent a promising, more sustainable alternative to all-meat formulations. However, differences among plant- and animal-based proteins may alter traditional handling and final product properties. In this study, pork meat was partially replaced with texturized pumpkin seed proteins at 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50% to obtain dry-cured hybrid meat sausages and their ripening (acidification, drying) during 21 days and final product properties (texture, sensory) were characterized and compared to a control (all-meat formulation). The drying behavior and distribution of moisture and free water of hybrids with extrudate contents of 12.5 and 25% were comparable to the sample made with meat and no significant (p > 0.05) differences in proximate composition were found. In contrast, higher meat replacement levels resulted in distinct changes of compositional and textural attributes i.e. chewiness was decreasing by up to 70%. Results suggested 25% of extrudates as an important threshold in manufacture of hybrid dry-cured sausages due to alterations in their ability to bind or release water. Results may be used to understand the influence of alternative texturized proteins in hybrid formulations and help product developers to understand related process and product relevant changes.
Untreated Surgical Problems Among East African Refugees: A Cluster Randomized, Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Enumah Zachary Obinna , Manyama Frank , Yenokyan Gayane , Ngude Hilary , Rafiq Mohamed Yunus , Juma Omar , Stevens Kent , Sakran Joseph V.
Published: March 2022

Objective

The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence of surgical conditions among refugees in East Africa.

Background

Surgery is a foundational aspect to high functioning health care systems. In the wake of the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, previous research has focused on defining the burden of surgical conditions in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Despite numbering over 80 million people globally, forced migrant populations have often been neglected from this body of research.

Methods

We administered a validated survey using random cluster sampling to determine surgical need among refugees in western Tanzania. Primary outcome was history or presence of a surgical problem. Analysis included descriptive and multivariable logistic regression including an average marginal effects model.

Results

We analyzed data from 3,574 refugee participants in East Africa. A total of 1,654 participants (46.3%) reported a history or presence of at least one problem that may be surgical in nature. Of those 1,654 participants who did report a problem 1,022 participants (61.8%) reported the problem was still ongoing. Multivariable analysis revealed several factors associated with having a surgical problem (increasing age, occupation, illness within past year).

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first and largest population‐based survey in estimating the prevalence of surgical disease among refugees in sub‐Saharan Africa. Our results imply that more than one‐in‐four refugees has an ongoing surgical problem, suggesting over double the burden of surgical need in refugee populations compared to non‐refugee settings.
Copula-based measures of asymmetry between the lower and upper tail probabilities
Authors: Kato Shogo , Yoshiba Toshinao , Eguchi Shinto
Published: March 2022

We propose a copula-based measure of asymmetry between the lower and upper tail probabilities of bivariate distributions. The proposed measure has a simple form and possesses some desirable properties as a measure of asymmetry. The limit of the proposed measure as the index goes to the boundary of its domain can be expressed in a simple form under certain conditions on copulas. A sample analogue of the proposed measure for a sample from a copula is presented and its weak convergence to a Gaussian process is shown. Another sample analogue of the presented measure, which is based on a sample from a distribution on$$\mathbb {R}^2$$R2, is given. Simple methods for interval and region estimation are presented. A simulation study is carried out to investigate the performance of the proposed sample analogues and methods for interval estimation. As an example, the presented measure is applied to daily returns of S&P500 and Nikkei225. A trivariate extension of the proposed measure and its sample analogue are briefly discussed.
Studies on safety and efficacy of particles containing a mixture of hydroxyapatite–argentum–titanium oxide (HAT) and sheets coated with HAT particles to be used in masks to improve nasal allergy: II. Cellular, in vivo, and clinical studies
Authors: Okazaki Narumi , Yamaki Dai , Takei Toshio , Shimizu Miyuki , Kamatani Naoyuki , Shindo Takayuki
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We report the manufacture of particles containing a mixture of hydroxyapatite–argentum–titanium oxide (HAT), followed by attachment to nonwoven polyester fabrics to produce HAT-coated sheets (HATS) for use in masks. The purpose of the present study was to perform cellular, in vivo, and clinical studies to further examine the safety of HATS for use in masks to improve nasal allergy.

Methods

Reverse mutation tests for HAT were performed using five bacterial strains. A cellular toxicity test was performed using a Chinese hamster cell line incubated with the HATS extracts. Skin reactions after intradermal administration were examined in rabbits. Skin sensitization tests in guinea pigs were performed using the HATS extracts. HAT was administered to the nasal cavity and conjunctival sac of the rabbits. An oral administration study was performed in rats. Finally, a human skin patch test was performed using the HATS.

Results

Reverse mutation tests showed negative results. The cellular toxicity test showed that the HATS extract had moderate cytotoxicity. The intradermal skin reaction and skin sensitization tests were all negative. The administration of HAT to the nasal cavity and intraocular administration showed negative results. No toxicity was observed after oral administration of HAT powder up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Finally, the skin patch test result was negative.

Conclusion

Although HAT showed moderate cytotoxicity, in vivo results indicated that HAT is safe because it does not come in direct contact with cells in normal usage, and HATS is safe when used in masks.
Early detection of oral cancer: a key role for dentists?
Authors: Hertrampf Katrin , Jürgensen Martina , Wahl Stefanie , Baumann Eva , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Wiltfang Jörg , Waldmann Annika
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The majority of suspected malignant changes in the oral mucosa are detected by dentists in private practice. Statements regarding the effectiveness of visual examination of the oral cavity for early detection are not necessarily transferable between different health care systems. Our clinical-epidemiological and methodological aim was thus to conduct a prospective regional study in dental practices under everyday conditions, assess the frequency and type of oral mucosal changes, and evaluate the dental examination methodology.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted, combining a feasibility study of early detection of oral cancer and its documentation with phase I ‘modelling’ to conceptualize complex interventions in health services research. Dentists in private practice continuously recruited patients over 6 months and used two different sheets for the documentation of suspicious lesions. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics and tests for differences (Welch test) or association (Chi-squared test).

Results

Twenty-five dentists (mean age: 50 years, 24% females) participated in this study. Eleven dentists achieved the overall aim of recruiting 200 patients. Around 4200 patients (mean age: 52 years, 57.5% females) participated. The prevalence of suspicious lesions was 8.5%.

Conclusion

It became apparent that a study in cooperation with dentists in private practice to generate clinical-epidemiological data on the early detection of oral mucosal lesions under everyday conditions can be carried out successfully. Further studies with a corresponding level of evidence should be carried out to be able to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the early detection measure under everyday practice conditions.
Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors: study of 266 cases focusing on clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, and prognosis
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Rui , Xu Liqin , Wang Yan , Yuan Zaixin , Hou Xiaohui , Feng Jian
Published: March 2022

Objective

Pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) consist of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), typical carcinoid (TC), and atypical carcinoid (AC). We aimed to analyze the immunophenotypic, metastatic, and prognostic risk factors for PNETs.

Materials and methods

A total of 266 patients with PNETs were enrolled, including 219 patients with SCLC, 18 patients with LCNEC, 11 patients with TC, and 18 patients with AC. Clinicopathological characteristics and immunophenotypes were compared among the subtypes of PNETs. Risk factors for metastasis, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and the Ki-67 index were significantly different among subtypes of PNETs (all P < 0.05). Smoking (OR, 2.633; P = 0.031), high pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA > 5 ng/ml: OR, 3.084; P = 0.014), and poorly differentiated pathotypes (P = 0.001) were independent risk factors for lymph-node metastasis. Smoking (OR, 2.071; P = 0.027) and high pretreatment CEA (OR, 2.260; P = 0.007) were independent risk factors for distant metastasis. Results of the multivariate Cox regression model showed pretreatment CEA (HR, 1.674; P = 0.008) and lymphocyte–monocyte ratio (LMR) (HR = 0.478, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with PFS; BMI (P = 0.031), lymph-node metastasis (HR = 4.534, P = 0.001), poorly differentiated pathotypes (P = 0.015), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (HR = 2.305, P = 0.004), and LMR (HR = 0.524, P = 0.045) were significantly associated with OS.

Conclusions

PNETs are a group of highly heterogeneous tumors with different clinical manifestations, pathological features, and prognoses. Knowing clinicopathological characteristics and immunophenotypes of PNETs is significant for diagnosis. Pretreatment PLR, LMR, and CEA have certain value in the prognosis of PNETs.
Signatures of genetic variation in human microRNAs point to processes of positive selection and population-specific disease risks
Authors: Villegas-Mirón Pablo , Gallego Alicia , Bertranpetit Jaume , Laayouni Hafid , Espinosa-Parrilla Yolanda
Published: March 2022

The occurrence of natural variation in human microRNAs has been the focus of numerous studies during the last 20 years. Most of them have been focused on the role of specific mutations in disease, while a minor proportion seek to analyse microRNA diversity in the genomes of human populations. We analyse the latest human microRNA annotations in the light of the most updated catalogue of genetic variation provided by the 1000 Genomes Project. By means of the in silico analysis of microRNA genetic variation we show that the level of evolutionary constraint of these sequences is governed by the interplay of different factors, like their evolutionary age or genomic location. The role of mutations in the shaping of microRNA-driven regulatory interactions is emphasized with the acknowledgement that, while the whole microRNA sequence is highly conserved, the seed region shows a pattern of higher genetic diversity that appears to be caused by the dramatic frequency shifts of a fraction of human microRNAs. We highlight the participation of these microRNAs in population-specific processes by identifying that not only the seed, but also the loop, are particularly differentiated regions among human populations. The quantitative computational comparison of signatures of population differentiation showed that candidate microRNAs with the largest differences are enriched in variants implicated in gene expression levels (eQTLs), selective sweeps and pathological processes. We explore the implication of these evolutionary-driven microRNAs and their SNPs in human diseases, such as different types of cancer, and discuss their role in population-specific disease risk.