bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuum of sensory profiles in diabetes mellitus patients with and without neuropathy and pain
Authors: Raputova Jana , Rajdova Aneta , Vollert Jan , Srotova Iva , Rebhorn Cora , Üçeyler Nurcan , Birklein Frank , Sommer Claudia , Vlckova Eva , Bednarik Josef
Published: September 2022

Background

Quantitative sensory testing (QST) assesses the functional integrity of small and large nerve fibre afferents and central somatosensory pathways; QST was assumed to provide insight into the mechanisms of neuropathy. We analysed QST profiles and phenotypes in patients with diabetes mellitus to study whether these could differentiate patients with and without pain and neuropathy.

Methods

A standardized QST protocol was performed and ‘loss and gain of function’ abnormalities were analysed in four groups of subjects: diabetic patients with painful (pDSPN; n = 220) and non‐painful distal symmetric polyneuropathy (nDSPN; n = 219), diabetic patients without neuropathy (DM; n = 23) and healthy non‐diabetic subjects (n = 37). Based on the QST findings, diabetic subjects were further stratified into four predefined prototypic phenotypes: sensory loss (SL), thermal hyperalgesia (TH), mechanical hyperalgesia (MH) and healthy individuals.

Results

Patients in the pDSPN group showed the greatest hyposensitivity (‘loss of function’), and DM patients showed the lowest, with statistically significant increases in thermal, thermal pain, mechanical and mechanical pain sensory thresholds. Accordingly, the frequency of the SL phenotype was significantly higher in the pDSPN subgroup (41.8%), than expected (p < 0.0042). The proportion of ‘gain of function’ abnormalities was low in both pDSPN and nDSPN patients without significant differences.

Conclusions

There is a continuum in the sensory profiles of diabetic patients, with a more pronounced sensory loss in pDSPN group probably reflecting somatosensory nerve fibre degeneration. An analysis of ‘gain of function’ abnormalities (allodynia, hyperalgesia) did not offer a key to understanding the pathophysiology of spontaneous diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

Significance

This article, using quantitative sensory testing profiles in large cohorts of diabetic patients with and without polyneuropathy and pain, presents a continuum in the sensory profiles of diabetic patients, with more pronounced ‘loss of function’ abnormalities in painful polyneuropathy patients. Painful diabetic polyneuropathy probably represents a ‘more progressed’ type of neuropathy with more pronounced somatosensory nerve fibre degeneration. The proportion of ‘gain of function’ sensory abnormalities was low, and these offer limited understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of spontaneous neuropathic pain.
Antarctic biodiversity predictions through substrate qualities and environmental DNA
Authors: Czechowski Paul , de Lange Michel , Knapp Michael , Terauds Aleks , Stevens Mark I
Published: September 2022

Antarctic conservation science is crucial for enhancing Antarctic policy and understanding alterations to terrestrial Antarctic biodiversity. Antarctic conservation will have limited long‐term impacts in the absence of large‐scale biodiversity data, but if such data were available, it is likely to improve environmental protection regimes. To enable the prediction of Antarctic biodiversity across continental spatial scales through proxy variables, in the absence of baseline surveys, we linked Antarctic substrate‐derived environmental DNA (eDNA) sequence data from the remote Antarctic Prince Charles Mountains to a selected range of concomitantly collected measurements of substrate properties. We achieved this through application of a statistical method commonly used in machine learning. Our analysis indicated that neutral substrate pH, low conductivity, and certain substrate minerals are important predictors of the presence of basidiomycetes, chlorophytes, ciliophorans, nematodes, and tardigrades. A bootstrapped regression revealed how variations in the identified substrate parameters influence probabilities of detecting eukaryote phyla across vast and remote areas of Antarctica. We believe that our work will improve future taxon distribution modeling and aid in developing more targeted surveys of biodiversity conducted under logistically challenging conditions.
Effect of magnesium supplementation on pregnancy outcome in gestational diabetes mellitus patients: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qu Qiuchan , Rong Rong , Yu Jinhua
Published: September 2022

Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of magnesium supplementation during pregnancy in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients. This meta‐analysis examines the effect of magnesium on glycemic indices and metabolic status in GDM. We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted, and after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of four RCTs were considered eligible for the analysis. Outcome parameters included markers for glycemic control and metabolic status. A total of four RCTs with 198 participants (control = 99; magnesium supplemented = 99) were selected for the analysis. Magnesium supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in markers of glycemic control—fasting plasma glucose (standard mean difference () = −0.83; 95% CI: [−1.13, –0.54]; p‐value <.0001), and insulin levels ( = −0.95; 95% CI: [−1.38, −0.52]; p‐value <.0001). Also, Mg intake resulted in altered oxidative stress markers TAC ( = 1.09; 95% CI: [0.10, 2.07]; p‐value = .03) of the pregnant women. No significant effect on GSH and CRP levels was observed. This study provides evidence of the positive effects of magnesium intervention on insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress in GDM patients.
The early adolescent brain on music: Analysis of functional dynamics reveals engagement of orbitofrontal cortex reward system
Authors: Fasano Maria Celeste , Cabral Joana , Stevner Angus , Vuust Peter , Cantou Pauline , Brattico Elvira , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: September 2022

Music listening plays a pivotal role for children and adolescents, yet it remains unclear how music modulates brain activity at the level of functional networks in this young population. Analysing the dynamics of brain networks occurring and dissolving over time in response to music can provide a better understanding of the neural underpinning of music listening. We collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 17 preadolescents aged 10–11 years while listening to two similar music pieces separated by periods without music. We subsequently tracked the occurrence of functional brain networks over the recording time using a recent method that detects recurrent patterns of phase‐locking in the fMRI signals: the leading eigenvector dynamics analysis (LEiDA). The probabilities of occurrence and switching profiles of different functional networks were compared between periods of music and no music. Our results showed significantly increased occurrence of a specific functional network during the two music pieces compared to no music, involving the medial orbitofrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortices—a brain subsystem associated to reward processing. Moreover, the higher the musical reward sensitivity of the preadolescents, the more this network was preceded by a pattern involving the insula. Our findings highlight the involvement of a brain subsystem associated with hedonic and emotional processing during music listening in the early adolescent brain. These results offer novel insight into the neural underpinnings of musical reward in early adolescence, improving our understanding of the important role and the potential benefits of music at this delicate age.
The impact of infectious disease prevention behavior on quality of life: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Fei , Ge Pu , Li Danyang , Cai Lin , Li Xialei , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo
Published: September 2022

Objective

To explore the mechanism of infectious disease prevention behavior on quality of life, and to investigate the mediating role of self‐efficacy and the moderating role of family structure.

Methods

A total of 3015 subjects were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling.

Results

Infectious disease prevention behavior had a significant positive predictive effect on the quality of life (β = 0.08,p < 0.001), The self‐efficacy of family members had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between infectious disease prevention behavior and quality of life (β = 0.01,p < 0.001). Compared to nuclear family, conjugal family (β = 0.05,p < 0.001) and single‐parent family (β = 0.04, p < 0.01) could regulate the relationship between infectious disease prevention behavior and the quality of life, stem family (β = −1.53,p < 0.05), conjugal family (β = 1.63,p < 0.05), and collective family (β = −1.37,p < 0.05) could regulate the relationship between infectious disease prevention behavior and self‐efficacy, conjugal family (β = 0.00,p < 0.001) could regulate the relationship between self‐efficacy and quality of life.

Conclusion

Infectious disease prevention behavior can affect the quality of life through self‐efficacy. Different family structures play a regulatory role in different paths, and a regulatory mediation model is established.
Epstein–Barrvirus‐associated leiomyosarcoma of the larynx in an adult patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jin Jian‐Di , Chen Zhe , Cao Zai‐Zai , Zhou Shui‐Hong , Zhang Xiu‐Ming , Yao Hong‐Tian
Published: September 2022

We investigated the clinical features, treatment, and prognosis of laryngeal leiomyosarcoma (LLMS) and Epstein–Barr virus‐associated (EBV‐associated) LMS. We report a case of EBV‐associated LLMS in an adult patient with HIV infection. We also conducted a review of the English‐language literature on LLMS and EBV‐associated leiomyosarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, 62 cases of LLMS and EBV‐associated leiomyosarcoma have been reported to date. Of patients with LLS, 18.9% had distant metastases and 17.0% had local recurrence. The overall 5‐year survival rate was 64.0%. Distant metastases affected the survival of patients with LLMS (p = 0.04). EBV‐positive patients had a low survival rate (p = 0.01). Among patients with EBV‐associated LMS, 8.2% had distant metastases and recurrence and the overall 5‐year survival rate was 50.0%. EBV‐associated LLMS is rare. The EBV infection might be a poor prognostic factor of LLMS.
Soret–Dufour effects on chemically reacting non‐Darcian MHD flow around a plate
Authors: Sharma Bishwa R. , Choudhury Rita , Das Utpal J.
Published: September 2022

Here, a study of steady, magnetohydrodynamic flow of incompressible, cold fluid around a moving plate with a non‐Darcian porous medium in existence of heat source and nth‐order chemical reaction incorporating Soret and Dufour effects is considered. MATLAB bvp4c technique is used to solve the prevailing equations. Variations in velocity, temperature and concentration are analysed. It is observed that the applicable parameters such as non‐Darcy, Soret, Dufour, chemical reaction play a significant role in controlling the flow. Chemical reaction parameter reduces skin friction, heat transfer, and mass transfer while Eckert number enhances the mass transfer and skin friction.
Predicting and optimizing the heat transfer performance of radiator with functionalized graphene nanofluids
Authors: Ponangi Babu Rao , Sachin Bharadwaj M. , Shashwath D. S. , Rajendra Prasad K. S.
Published: September 2022

Accurately predicting the heat transfer characteristics of coolants used in thermal management of energy systems like heat exchangers, power electronics, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is indispensable in maintaining its operating conditions within safety limits. Apart from safety, factors such as power consumption and operating cost are the most important constraints to be considered in designing an energy‐efficient and cost‐effective cooling solution. In this study, the experimental data available from previous research on the use of functionalized graphene‐based nanofluids in compact heat exchangers such as the automotive radiator is used to optimize the heat transfer performance parameters like Nusselt number of the nanofluid, the friction factor, and effectiveness of the heat exchanger. A supervised machine learning technique like the artificial neural network is used to obtain the objective functions of the response variables in terms of input features such as Reynolds number, Prandtl number, the volume concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid, number of transfer units, heat capacity, the density of nanofluid, pressure drop and velocity. On the current dataset, it is found that by using the Bayesian regularization training algorithm and tangent sigmoidal activation function in the neural network, the best accuracies in the prediction can be achieved. Well‐known nature‐inspired optimization algorithms like genetic algorithms and simulated annealing are used in optimizing the above‐mentioned response variables. Both algorithms converged to the same values of the objective functions. The optimum values of Nusselt number, effectiveness, and friction factor are 105.65, 0.506, and 0.0038, respectively, for the given composition of the nanofluid and radiator configuration.
Preferences for pandemic recovery policies: Perspectives of Myanmar agri‐food system participants
Authors: Maredia Mywish K. , Goeb Joseph , Ortega David L. , Synt Nang Lun Kham , Zu A. Myint
Published: September 2022

This study assesses preferences for COVID‐19 pandemic recovery policies from four key groups representing the upstream (input retailers), farm (farmers), and downstream (millers and traders) levels of Myanmar's agri‐food‐system using the best–worst scaling (BWS) method. Our results show that nonrestrictive policies such as maintaining open international borders and allowing businesses to stay open are preferred to cash transfers and free COVID‐19 vaccination. However, there is considerable heterogeneity across groups, and group characteristics matter more than individual characteristics in shaping policy preferences. This paper highlights the need for careful consideration of diverse stakeholder perspectives in designing recovery policies.
Novel polycaprolactone (PCL)‐type I collagen core‐shell electrospun nanofibers for wound healing applications
Authors: Anaya Mancipe Javier Mauricio , Boldrini Pereira Leonardo Cunha , de Miranda Borchio Priscila Grion , Dias Marcos Lopes , da Silva Moreira Thiré Rossana Mara
Published: September 2022

Type I collagen (Col_1) is one of the main proteins present in the skin extracellular matrix, serving as support for skin regeneration and maturation in its granulation stage. Electrospun materials have been intensively studied as the next generation of skin wound dressing mainly due to their high surface area and fibrous porosity. However, the electrospinning of collagen‐based solutions causes degradation of its structure. In this work, a coaxial electrospinning process was proposed to overcome this limitation. The production of mats of polycaprolactone (PCL)–Col_1/PVA (collagen/poly(vinyl alcohol)) composed of core‐shell nanofibers was investigated. PCL solution was used as the core solution, while Col_1/PVA was used as the shell solution. PVA was used to improve the processability of collagen, while PCL was employed to improve the mechanical properties and morphology of Col_1/PVA fibers. The morphology and the cytotoxicity of the fibers were highly dependent on the processing parameters. Defect‐free core‐shell nanofibers were obtained with a shell/core flow rates ratio = 4, flight distance of 12 cm, and an applied voltage of 16 kV. Using this strategy, the triple helix structure characteristic of the collagen molecule was preserved. Moreover, the common post‐processing of solvent removal could be suppressed, simplifying the manufacturing processing of these biomaterials. The nanostructured mats showed no cytotoxicity, high liquid absorption, structural stability, hydrophilic character, and collagen release capacity, making them a potential novel dressing for skin damage regeneration, in special in the case of chronic wounds treatment, in which exogenous collagen delivery is necessary.
BML‐260 promotes the growth of cord blood and mobilized peripheral blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with improved reconstitution ability
Authors: Albayrak Esra , Akgol Sezer , Turan Raife Dilek , Uslu Merve , Kocabas Fatih
Published: September 2022

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are multipotent and have the ability to self‐renew, are frequently used in the treatment of hematological diseases and cancer. Small molecules that target HSC quiescence regulators could be used for ex vivo expansion of both mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We identified and investigated 35 small molecules that target HSC quiescence factors. We looked at how they affected HSC activity, such as expansion, quiescence, multilineage capacity, cycling ability, metabolism, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. A transplantation study was carried out on immunocompromised mice to assess the expanded cells' repopulation and engraftment abilities. 4‐[(5Z)‐5‐benzylidene‐4‐oxo‐2‐sulfanylidene‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐3‐yl]benzoic acid (BML)‐260 and tosyl‐l‐arginine methyl ester (TAME) significantly increased both mPB and UCB‐HSPC content and activated HSC re‐entry into the cell cycle. The improved multilineage capacity was confirmed by the colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that BML‐260 and TAME molecules aided HSC expansion by modulating cell cycle kinetics, such as p27, SKP2, and CDH1. In addition to these in vitro findings, we discovered that BML‐260‐expanded HSCs had a high hematopoietic reconstitution capacity with increased immune cell content after xenotransplantation into immunocompromised mice. In addition to the BML‐260 molecule, a comparison study of serum‐containing and serum‐free chemically defined media, including various supplements, was performed. These in vitro and xenotransplantation results show that BML‐260 molecules can be used for human HSC expansion and regulation of function. Furthermore, the medium composition discovered may be a novel platform for human HSPC expansion that could be used in clinical trials.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning in musculoskeletal imaging: Current applications
Authors: D'Angelo Tommaso , Caudo Danilo , Blandino Alfredo , Albrecht Moritz H. , Vogl Thomas J. , Gruenewald Leon D. , Gaeta Michele , Yel Ibrahim , Koch Vitali , Martin Simon S. , Lenga Lukas , Muscogiuri Giuseppe , Sironi Sandro , Mazziotti Silvio , Booz Christian
Published: September 2022

Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding in all technological fields. The medical field, and especially diagnostic imaging, has been showing the highest developmental potential. Artificial intelligence aims at human intelligence simulation through the management of complex problems. This review describes the technical background of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning. The first section illustrates the general potential of artificial intelligence applications in the context of request management, data acquisition, image reconstruction, archiving, and communication systems. In the second section, the prospective of dedicated tools for segmentation, lesion detection, automatic diagnosis, and classification of musculoskeletal disorders is discussed.
Dental hygiene students’ participation as subjects in a randomized controlled trial: A full evidence‐based dentistry experience
Authors: Chambers David W.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Demonstrate that dental hygiene students’ participation in a randomized controlled trial comparing the plaque‐removing capability of two toothbrushes provides a fuller understanding of the factors affecting the potential application of research to practice.

Methods

All students (N = 18) in a baccalaureate dental hygiene class were engaged in the design of a randomized controlled trial using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) standard and then participated as subjects in a staggered, repeated measures trial using plaque removal as the dependent variable and brush type, brush head wear, and time in study as independent variables. A debriefing of student participation and lessons learned from analyzing the results was conducted.

Results

The study found statistically significant differences in plaque removal capability. Brush type accounted for only 4% of the variance, while measures of brush head wear were inconsistent, and time in the study (“experimental fatigue”) accounted for the most variance (9%). Students recognized and confirmed by their personal experiences that research that fails to focus on variance can create an overly optimistic impression of research effectiveness. There was strong agreement that subjects/patients vary widely and that performance depends on multiple factors.

Conclusions

Dental hygiene students who participated as subjects in a randomized controlled trial comparing toothbrushes for plaque removal capacity felt that full analysis to account for all sources of variance and estimate the magnitude of measures of effect add to the value of reported research. Variation across patients is important in practice, if often overlooked as an “error” in the literature.
COVID‐19 vaccinations and rates of infections, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and deaths in Europe during SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron wave in the first quarter of 2022
Authors: Rzymski Piotr , Kasianchuk Nadiia , Sikora Dominika , Poniedziałek Barbara
Published: September 2022

The vaccination campaigns brought hope to minimizing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) burden. However, the emergence of novel, highly transmissible Omicron lineage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and the waning of neutralizing antibodies a few months after vaccination has brought concerns over the vaccine efficacy. The present work analyzed the relationships between COVID‐19 vaccine coverage (completion of primary course and booster dose intake) in the European Economic Area and rates of infection, hospitalizations, admissions to intensive care units (ICU), and deaths during the Omicron wave in the first quarter of 2022 (January–April). As demonstrated, infection rates were not correlated to vaccine coverage in any considered month. For January and February, the rates of hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and death due to COVID‐19 were strongly negatively correlated (r =− 0.54 to −0.82) with the percentage of individuals who completed initial vaccination protocol and the percentage of those who received a booster dose. However, in March and April, the percentage of the population with primary vaccination course correlated negatively only with ICU admissions (r = −0.77 and −0.46, respectively). The uptake of boosters in March still remained in significant negative correlation with hospitalizations (r = −0.45), ICU admissions (r = −0.70) and deaths due to COVID‐19 (r = −0.37), although in April these relationships were no longer observed. The percentage of individuals with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection did not correlate with the pandemic indices for any considered month. The study indicates that COVID‐19 vaccination, including booster administration, was beneficial in decreasing the overwhelming of healthcare systems during the Omicron wave, but novel vaccine strategies may be required in the long term to enhance the effectiveness and durability of vaccine‐induced protection during future waves of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
Complex evaluation of Raman spectra using morphological filtering: Algorithms, software implementation, and experimental verification of baseline correction, peak recognition, and cosmic ray removal in SERS spectra of designer drugs
Authors: Pavelka Vít , Hemzal Dušan , Hrbáč Jan
Published: September 2022

We discuss a full‐scale treatment of real‐life Raman spectra with pronounced artifacts via mathematical morphology: Baseline correction, peak recognition, and cosmic ray removal are provided using a single kernel. The suggested treatment is peak‐oriented, and its novelty lies in utilization of contact points between a spectrum and its morphological mapping to provide robust peak recognition via low‐order morphological operators. Reaching a compromise between complicated iterative processing and requiring tedious input from the user, the provided algorithms permit effective unsupervised evaluation of individual spectra as well as Raman maps and time or depth series. The method is demonstrated on SERS identification of selected designer drugs.
Neurodevelopmental disorder with dystonia due to SOX6 mutations
Authors: Schneider Susanne A. , Mueller Christine , Biskup Saskia , Fietzek Urban M. , Schroeder Andreas Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Background

Mutations in SOX6 have recently been recognized as a new molecular cause of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability, behavioral changes, and nonspecific facial and digital skeletal abnormalities. To date, <25 cases have been reported in the literature.

Methods and Findings

Here we report a new case of SOX6‐associated neurodegeneration and expand the phenotype to include ceratoconus. The clinical picture consisted of early onset mildly reduced intellectual function, facial asymmetry, and dystonic tremor of hands and neck, substantially improved by levodopa. Skeletal abnormalities included scoliosis and hypertrophy of the mandibular coronoid process. A heterozygous de novo loss‐of‐function variant in SOX6 (c.277 C>T. p.Arg93*) was molecularly confirmed which leads to truncation of the SOX6 protein in its N‐terminus, upstream of any known functional domain.

Conclusion

SOX6‐associated neurodevelopmental delayis ultrarare with less than 25 cases described in the literature. We report a new case who presented with early‐onset mildly reduced intellectual function, facial asymmetry, skeletal abnormalities and dystonic tremor of hands and neck, substantially improved by levodopa. Given the therapeutic implications, SOX6 mutations should be considered in patients with complex dystonia parkinsonism.
Oscillation of higher order nonlinear dynamic equations with a nonlinear neutral term
Authors: Grace Said R. , Chhatria Gokula N.
Published: September 2022

This study introduces the oscillation of higher order nonlinear dynamic equations with a nonlinear neutral term. The findings are obtained via utilising an integral criterion as well as a comparison theorem with the oscillatory properties of a first‐order dynamic equation. We propose novel oscillation criteria that improve, extend and simplify existing ones in the literature. The results are associated with several numerical examples.
Complex Clifford algebra in repeated quantum prisoner's dilemma
Authors: Eryganov Ivan , Hrdina Jaroslav
Published: September 2022

This paper introduces an application of complex Clifford algebra in a representation of the quantum prisoner's dilemma. The authors propose a novel modification of the Eisert–Lewenstein–Wilkens protocol to represent a repeated version of the quantum game. This repeated modification allows to embed entanglement into players' strategy sets and to see how players will operate with it. The apparatus of complex Clifford algebra enables an intuitive representation of the suggested protocol and efficient computation of the resulting payoff functions. The presented findings provide a new point of view on the interpretation of entanglement as a measure of information transition between rounds of the game.
Traumatic injury to peripheral nerves
Authors: Robinson Lawrence R.
Published: September 2022

This article reviews the epidemiology, classification, localization, prognosis, and mechanisms of recovery of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). Electrodiagnostic (EDx) assessments are critical components of treating patients with PNIs. In particular, motor and sensory nerve conduction studies, needle electromyography, and other electrophysiological methods are useful for localizing peripheral nerve injuries, detecting and quantifying the degree of axon loss, and contributing toward treatment decisions as well as prognostication. It is critical that EDx medical consultants are aware of the timing of these changes as well as limitations in interpretations. Mechanisms of recovery may include recovery from conduction block, muscle fiber hypertrophy, distal axonal sprouting, and axon regrowth from the site of injury. Motor recovery generally reaches a plateau at 18 to 24 months postinjury. When patients have complete or severe nerve injuries they should be referred to surgical colleagues early after injury, as outcomes are best when nerve transfers are performed within the first 3 to 6 months after onset.
Nonprofits are undergoing a ‘great re‐evaluation’ and it's bolstering both people and purpose
Authors: Silverman Victoria , Search Cook Silverman
Published: September 2022

The much‐touted “Great Resignation” has held a steady spot in the news cycle since early 2021, when following the initial effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, including significant layoffs and furloughs, people decided to voluntarily leave their jobs “en masse.” While the great resignation may be a catchy phrase, it may not accurately depict what has happened. I would argue that it incorrectly labels what has transpired in the nonprofit sector. Many nonprofit workers also left their jobs, and the rationale behind why is more accurately described as a “re‐evaluation.”
Weighted relaxation for multigrid reduction in time
Authors: Sugiyama Masumi , Schroder Jacob B. , Southworth Ben S. , Friedhoff Stephanie
Published: September 2022

Current trends in computer architectures now mean that faster computation speed must come primarily from increased concurrency, not faster clock speeds, which are stagnating. Thus, this situation creates bottlenecks for serial algorithms, including the well‐known bottleneck for sequential time‐integration, where each individual time‐value (i.e., time‐step) is computed sequentially. One approach to alleviate this and achieve parallelism in time is with multigrid. In this work, we consider multigrid‐reduction‐in‐time (MGRIT), a multilevel method applied to the time dimension that computes multiple time‐steps in parallel. Like all multigrid methods, MGRIT relies on the complementary relationship between relaxation on a fine‐grid and a correction from the coarse grid to solve the problem. All current MGRIT implementations are based on unweighted‐Jacobi relaxation; here we introduce the concept of weighted relaxation to MGRIT. We derive new convergence bounds for weighted relaxation, and use this analysis to guide the selection of relaxation weights. Numerical results then demonstrate that by choosing appropriate non‐unitary relaxation weights, one can achieve faster convergence rates and lower iteration counts for MGRIT when compared with unweighted relaxation. In most cases, weighted relaxation yields a 10%–20% saving in iterations, which is significant when using large high‐performance computers. For A‐stable integration schemes, results also illustrate that under‐relaxation canrestore convergencein some cases where unweighted relaxation is not convergent.
Lower and upper bounds of condition number for Vandermonde‐wise matrices and method of fundamental solutions using pseudo radial‐lines
Authors: Zhang Li‐Ping , Li Zi‐Cai , Lee Ming‐Gong , Huang Hung‐Tsai
Published: September 2022

Consider the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) for 2D Laplace's equation in a bounded simply connected domain . In the standard MFS, the source nodes are located on a closed contour outside the domain boundary , which is called pseudo‐boundary. For circular, elliptic, and general closed pseudo‐boundaries, analysis and computation have been studied extensively. New locations of source nodes are proposed along two pseudo radial‐lines outside . Numerical results are very encouraging and promising. Since the success of the MFS mainly depends on stability, our efforts are focused on deriving the lower and upper bounds of condition number (Cond). The study finds stability properties of new Vandermonde‐wise matrices on nodes with . The Vandermonde‐wise matrix is called in this article if it can be decomposed into the standard Vandermonde matrix. New lower and upper bounds of Cond are first derived for the standard Vandermonde matrix, and then for new algorithms of the MFS using two pseudo radial‐lines. Both lower and upper bounds of Cond are intriguing in the stability study for the MFS. Numerical experiments are carried out to verify the stability analysis made. Since the fundamental solutions (as ) are the basis functions of the MFS, new Vandermonde‐wise matrices are found. Since the nodes with may come from approximations and interpolations by the Laurent polynomials with singular part, the conclusions in this article are important not only to the MFS but also to matrix analysis.
How we approach genetics in the diagnosis and management of vascular anomalies
Authors: Setty Bhuvana A. , Wusik Katie , Hammill Adrienne M.
Published: September 2022

Vascular anomalies are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are currently classified based on their clinical and histological characteristics. Over the past decade, there have been significant advances in molecular genetics that have led to identification of genetic alterations associated with vascular tumors, vascular malformations, and syndromes. Here, we describe known genetic alterations in vascular anomalies, discuss when and how to test, and examine how identification of causative genetic mutations provides for better management of these disorders through improved understanding of their pathogenesis and increasing use of targeted therapeutic agents in order to achieve better outcomes for our patients.
Pulmonary hypertension screening in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Chan Kok Hoe , Rizvi Syeda Hiba , De Jesus‐Rojas Wilfredo , Stark James M. , Mosquera Ricardo A. , Prada‐Ruiz Adriana Carolina , Gonzales Traci , Brown Deborah L. , Menon Neethu M. , Nguyen Trinh T. , Jon Cindy K. , Yadav Aravind
Published: September 2022

Background

Screening for pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is recommended in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, best approaches are poorly described. We examined the utility of PHT symptoms, echocardiogram (ECHO), N‐terminal‐pro hormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and BNP to screen for PHT in the SCD pediatric population.

Methods

Children (8–18 years old) with SCD‐HbSS and HbSthal° were prospectively included and underwent PHT screening. The screening consisted of a comprehensive PHT symptoms evaluation, ECHO measurement, and NT‐proBNP and BNP levels.

Results

A total of 73 patients were included (mean age 12 ± 5.7 years; >80% on hydroxyurea), of which 37% had a symptom consistent with PHT, including exertional dyspnea (26.5%), fatigue (17.6%), palpitation (14.7%), and chest pain (10.3%). ECHO was obtained in 53 (72.6%) patients, with only ECHO of 48 patients included in the final analysis. Elevated ECHO peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRV) >2.5 m/s or indirect findings to suggest PHT were seen in only two of 48 (4.2%). No significant differences were seen between those with and without PHT symptoms when compared for NT‐proBNP, BNP, hemoglobin, pulmonary function testing, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, asthma, oxygen saturation, and sleep apnea.

Conclusion

PHT symptoms are not consistent with ECHO, NT‐proBNP nor BNP findings in children with SCD. PHT prevalence based on TRV was low in children on hydroxyurea, therefore screening may not be warranted for this group.
RNA biology takes root in plant systems
Authors: Yu David , McKinley Lauren , Nien Yachi , Prall Wil , Zvarick Allison
Published: September 2022

Advances in RNA biology such as RNAi, CRISPR, and the first mRNA vaccine represent the enormous potential of RNA research to address current problems. Additionally, plants are a diverse and undeniably essential resource for life threatened by climate change, loss of arable land, and pollution. Different aspects of RNA such as its processing, modification and structure are intertwined with plant development, physiology and stress response. This report details the findings of researchers around the world during the 23rd Penn State Symposium in Plant Biology with a focus in RNA biology.
Theoretical calculation of nitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrophenyl)‐1H‐azoles energetic compounds
Authors: Qi Zhibin , Lu Yong , Gou Ruijun , Zhang Shuhai
Published: September 2022

In order to study the properties of new energetic compounds formed by introducing nitroazoles into 2,4,6‐trinitrobezene, the density, heat of formation and detonation properties of 36 nitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene)‐1H‐azoles energetic compounds are studied by density functional theory, and their stability and melting point are predicted. The results show that most of target compounds have good detonation properties and stability. And it is found that nitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐Trinitrophenyl)‐1H‐pyrrole compounds and nitro‐1‐(2,4,6‐trinitrop‐enyl)‐1H‐Imidazole compounds have good thermal stability, and their weakest bond is CNO2 bond, the bond dissociation energy of the weakest bond is 222–238 kJ mol−1 and close to 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (235 kJ mol−1). The weakest bond of the other compounds may be the CNO2 bond or the NN bond, and the strength of the NN bond is related to the nitro group on azole ring.
Management‐induced shifts in rhizosphere bacterial communities contribute to the control of pathogen causing citrus greening disease
Authors: Bazany Kathryn E. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Thompson Abigail , Wang Jun‐Tao , Otto Kristen , Adair Robert C. , Borch Thomas , Leach Jan E. , Trivedi Pankaj
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Citrus greening (aka Huanglongbing, HLB) caused primarily by the bacterial pathogenCandidatusLiberibacter asiaticus (CLas) has devastating effects on the global citrus industry. Agricultural management‐induced changes in microbial communities are hypothesised to contribute toward HLB resistance by reducing pathogen titre and increasing root and soil health. However, we have a limited understanding of the impacts of management practices on the soil microbiome, making the extent of HLB management uncertain.

Material and Methods

Here we investigated the effect of agricultural management practices on reducingCLas titer via changes in rhizosphere‐associated bacterial communities. Rhizosphere and root samples were collected from two sites in Florida where different management practices (e.g., metalized reflective mulch ground covers, compost application and microbial inoculations) are currently being implemented to prevent HLB. Management‐induced changes in the rhizosphere bacterial community were assessed using amplicon sequencing. qPCR assays were used to quantify the titer of the pathogenCLas in roots. In addition, we measured soil properties and the activities of microbial enzymes involved in soil nutrient cycling.

Results

Our results indicated that certain management practices lead to shifts in the community structure of rhizosphere bacterial communities that negatively interact with the HLB pathogen. Management practices improved soil quality and reducedCLas titer. Additionally, we found that Actinobacteria were frequently enriched in the successful treatment sites, suggesting that Actinobacteria taxa could be indicators for HLB suppression properties in the soil.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that microbiome manipulation, either through changes in the management practices or microbial amendment, can increase the suppressive potential of soils, resulting in the reduction inCLas titer and potentially leading to HLB suppression in citrus groves.
Classroom‐based Oral Storytelling: Reading, Writing, and Social Benefits
Authors: Spencer Trina D. , Pierce Chelsea
Published: September 2022

Many students struggle to acquire adequate reading comprehension and writing skills. Although word recognition and spelling are needed to fully actualize these skills, the oral language aspects of reading and writing can be taught and practiced without text. Oral storytelling is good for all students, but it may be essential for students with code‐related disabilities and students with limited proficiency in the mainstream academic language of U.S. schools. The purpose of this article is to offer oral storytelling as a versatile classroom‐based approach for advancing diverse students' reading and writing skills, as well as facilitating their social–emotional development. Based on an extensive theoretical and empirical literature, we propose seven strategies teachers can implement to infuse oral storytelling in their classrooms.
Induction
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

The axiom of mathematical induction is used extensively as a method of proof in mathematics. This chapter presents inductive proofs of results that may not be known to the reader. We begin with a short review of mathematical induction (Sect. 6.1). Section 6.2 proves results about the familiar Fibonacci numbers while Sect. 6.3 proves results about Fermat numbers. Section 6.4 presents the 91-function discovered by John McCarthy; the proof is by induction on an unusual sequence: integers in an inverse ordering. The proof of the formula for the Josephus problem (Sect. 6.5) is also unusual because of the double induction on two different parts of an expression.
Ramsey Theory
Authors: Ben-Ari Mordechai
Published: September 2022

Ramsey theory is a branch of combinatorics that asks questions of the form: How large must a set be so that if it is divided into subsets, at least one subset has a certain property? Results in Ramsey theory are difficult to prove and there remain many open problems.
Large Fronts in Nonlocally Coupled Systems Using Conley–Floer Homology
Authors: Bakker Bente Hilde , van den Berg Jan Bouwe
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we study travelling front solutions for nonlocal equations of the type $$\begin{aligned} \partial _t u = N * S(u) + \nabla F(u), \qquad u(t,x) \in {{\textbf {R}}}^d. \end{aligned}$$

∂
t

u
=
N

∗
S

(
u
)

+
∇
F

(
u
)

,

u

(
t
,
x
)

∈

R

d

.

Here, $$N *$$

N

∗

denotes a convolution-type operator in the spatial variable $$x \in {{\textbf {R}}}$$

x
∈
R

, either continuous or discrete. We develop a Morse-type theory, the Conley–Floer homology, which captures travelling front solutions in a topologically robust manner, by encoding fronts in the boundary operator of a chain complex. The equations describing the travelling fronts involve both forward and backward delay terms, possibly of infinite range. Consequently, these equations lack a natural phase space, so that classic dynamical systems tools are not at our disposal. We therefore develop, from scratch, a general transversality theory, and a classification of bounded solutions, in the absence of a phase space. In various cases the resulting Conley–Floer homology can be interpreted as a homological Conley index for multivalued vector fields. Using the Conley–Floer homology, we derive existence and multiplicity results on travelling front solutions.
Multidisziplinarität als Schlüssel zum Erfolg
Authors: Staubach Petra , Veelen Katrin , Zimmer Sebastian , Sohn Anna , Lang Berenice M. , Peveling-Oberhag Adriane , Grabbe Stephan , Kaluza-Schilling Wiebke , Schwarting Andreas , Wegner Joanna
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Patienten mit systemischen Autoimmun- und/oder autoinflammatorischen Erkrankungen (AI/AInf) bedürfen in der Regel einer multidisziplinären Zusammenarbeit durch verschiedene Fachrichtungen.

Ziel der Arbeit (Fragestellung)

Wir evaluierten, ob die Etablierung eines multidisziplinären Boards (sog. Rheumaboard [RB]) zur Optimierung der Versorgung von Patienten mit Psoriasisarthritis (PsA) oder anderen AI/AInf führt.

Material und Methoden

Es wurden n = 272 Patienten mit AI/AInf eingeschlossen, die in 3 Gruppen eingeteilt wurden; Gruppe 1: 41 Patienten mit oder mit Verdacht auf (V. a.) PsA, von der Dermatologie in der Rheumatologie konsiliarisch avisiert; Gruppe 2: 166 Patienten mit oder mit V. a. PsA, vorstellig in der Dermatologie und im RB; Gruppe 3: 65 Patienten mit anderen AI/AInf, vorstellig in der Dermatologie und im RB. Evaluiert wurde die durchschnittliche Zeit von der initialen Vorstellung bis zur Therapieeinleitung nach erfolgter Beurteilung und Diagnostik durch beide Fachrichtungen. Darüber hinaus wurden die Diagnosesicherung/-bestätigung und die Therapieweiterführung/-optimierung bei allen 3 Gruppen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Die durchschnittliche Zeitspanne von der initialen Vorstellung bis zur Therapieeinleitung betrug in Gruppe 1 85 ± 42,24 (5 bis 173) Tage, in Gruppe 2 15 ± 13,09 (0 bis 78) Tage und in Gruppe 3 20 ± 16,71 (1 bis 75) Tage. In Gruppe 2 und 3 konnte die Diagnose schneller gesichert oder bestätigt sowie die Wartezeit auf Diagnostik und Therapie deutlich reduziert werden.

Diskussion

Durch die Etablierung eines RB zeigt sich eine signifikante Verkürzung der Zeitspanne zwischen Erstvorstellung und Therapieeinleitung und damit eine deutliche Verbesserung des Versorgungsmanagements bei Patienten mit AI/AInf inklusive Diagnosesicherung und Therapieoptimierung.

Graphic abstract
Moderating effect of carbon accounting systems on strategy and carbon performance: a CDP analysis
Authors: Bui Binh , Houqe Muhammad Nurul , Zahir-ul-Hassan Muhammad Kaleem
Published: September 2022

Carbon emissions bring significant risks and opportunities, and organisations have responded by adopting different strategies and environmental control systems, such as carbon accounting systems (CASs). However, it remains unclear whether a CAS can help reduce emissions, and what role is played by a CAS in the relationship between carbon strategy and carbon performance. Therefore, this paper analyses the strategy-accounting-performance nexus by drawing on 1672 firm-year observations of firms participating in the CDP in 2014 and 2015. The results suggest that the quality of a CAS is influenced by strategic choices; with a proactive carbon strategy being associated with a higher quality CAS. Further, proactive strategies and CASs are found to be associated with carbon savings and emissions reduction. The results indicate a moderating role of CASs on the strategy-performance relationship, with carbon strategy enabling higher carbon savings and lower emissions intensity in the presence of a high-quality CAS. Our findings suggest that formulation of carbon strategies and establishment of carbon measures can drive effective carbon mitigation.