bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Nondominant Leg-Side Hip Internal Rotation Restriction and Low Back Pain in Male Elite High School Soft Tennis Players
Authors: Tanabe Toru , Watabu Takumi , Miaki Hiroichi , Kubo Naoyuki , Inaoka Pleiades Tiharu , Sugano Tomonari , Mizuno Katsunori
Published: August 2022

Context: The incidence of low back pain (LBP) is high among high school male soft tennis players. In some sports for which the rotational component of the body is important, an association between restricted hip internal rotation of the nondominant leg and LBP has been reported; however, whether this association holds in soft tennis is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between hip internal rotation, hip external rotation, hamstring flexibility, iliopsoas flexibility, and LBP incidence. Design: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study, conducted at a sports training center. Methods: Participants comprised 113 male elite high school soft tennis players (age: 16.1 [0.7] y) from 9 elite-level teams. The main outcome measures were the hip internal and external rotation range of motion, hamstring flexibility on the straight leg raise test, and iliopsoas flexibility on the Thomas test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of main outcomes on LBP incidence in the past 1 year. Results: A total of 35 participants had LBP (LBP group); 78 participants did not have LBP (non-LBP group). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio for height was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 1.00–1.16; P = .043) and for the hip internal rotation range of motion in the nondominant leg was 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.85–0.95; P < .001), indicating significant associations with LBP. Conclusion: Hip internal rotation range of motion in the nondominant leg and height were crucial factors related to LBP in male elite high school soft tennis players.
Global and regional erosion of mammalian functional diversity across the diel cycle
Authors: Cox Daniel T. C. , Gardner Alexandra S. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: August 2022

Biodiversity is declining worldwide. When species are physically active (i.e., their diel niche) may influence their risk of becoming functionally extinct. It may also affect how species losses affect ecosystems. For 5033 terrestrial mammals, we predict future changes to diel global and local functional diversity through a gradient of progressive functional extinction scenarios of threatened species. Across scenarios, diurnal species were at greater risk of becoming functionally extinct than nocturnal, crepuscular, and cathemeral species, resulting in deep functional losses in global diurnal trait space. Redundancy (species with similar roles) will buffer global nocturnal functional diversity; however, across the land surface, losses will mostly occur among functionally dispersed species (species with distinct roles). Functional extinctions will constrict boundaries of cathemeral trait space as megaherbivores, and arboreal foragers are lost. Variation in the erosion of functional diversity across the daily cycle will likely profoundly affect the partitioning of ecosystem functioning between night and day.
Synthetic genetic circuits as a means of reprogramming plant roots
Authors: Brophy Jennifer A. N. , Magallon Katie J. , Duan Lina , Zhong Vivian , Ramachandran Prashanth , Kniazev Kiril , Dinneny José R.
Published: August 2022

The shape of a plant’s root system influences its ability to reach essential nutrients in the soil and to acquire water during drought. Progress in engineering plant roots to optimize water and nutrient acquisition has been limited by our capacity to design and build genetic programs that alter root growth in a predictable manner. We developed a collection of synthetic transcriptional regulators for plants that can be compiled to create genetic circuits. These circuits control gene expression by performing Boolean logic operations and can be used to predictably alter root structure. This work demonstrates the potential of synthetic genetic circuits to control gene expression across tissues and reprogram plant growth.
Activating translation with phase separation
Authors: Ramat Anne , Simonelig Martine
Published: August 2022

Ribonucleoprotein granules allow activation of translation to complete mouse spermatogenesis
Physical activity paradox: could inflammation be a key factor?
Authors: Feinberg Joshua Buron , Møller Anne , Siersma Volkert , Bruunsgaard Helle , Mortensen Ole Steen
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to test the extent to which physical activity performed during work and leisure is associated with systemic inflammation.

Methods

Data regarding job history and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, as well as potential confounders, came from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank. The participants’ self-reported job history was combined with a job exposure matrix to give a more valid assessment of cumulated occupational physical activity compared with conventional self-reported activity. Occupational physical activity was measured as cumulative ton-years (lifting 1000 kg each day for a year). Current leisure time physical activity was self-reported into four different categories. We analysed the association between occupational physical activity, current leisure time physical activity and hs-CRP level in a multivariable linear regression model with adjustment for age, sex, smoking history, number of chronic diseases, body mass index and alcohol.

Results

In unadjusted analysis, higher occupational physical activity was associated with increased hs-CRP levels, while higher leisure time physical activity was associated with lower hs-CRP levels. In adjusted analysis, lower leisure time physical activity resulted in 12% higher hs-CRP levels while higher occupational physical activities showed a 6% increase in hs-CRP. When we analysed occupational and leisure time physical activity as continuous variables, only leisure time physical activity affected hs-CRP.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the relationship between physical activity and hs-CRP depends on the setting of physical activity, with lower hs-CRP related to leisure time physical activity and higher hs-CRP related to occupational physical activity. The results suggest that systemic inflammation may explain the physical activity paradox.
Integrated metagenomic and metabolomic analysis reveals distinct gut-microbiome-derived phenotypes in early-onset colorectal cancer
Authors: Kong Cheng , Liang Lei , Liu Guang , Du Lutao , Yang Yongzhi , Liu Jianqiang , Shi Debing , Li Xinxiang , Ma Yanlei
Published: August 2022

Objective

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC) is steadily increasing. Here, we aimed to characterise the interactions between gut microbiome, metabolites and microbial enzymes in EO-CRC patients and evaluate their potential as non-invasive biomarkers for EO-CRC.

Design

We performed metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, identified multiomics markers and constructed CRC classifiers for the discovery cohort with 130 late-onset CRC (LO-CRC), 114 EO-CRC subjects and age-matched healthy controls (97 LO-Control and 100 EO-Control). An independent cohort of 38 LO-CRC, 24 EO-CRC, 22 LO-Controls and 24 EO-Controls was analysed to validate the results.

Results

Compared with controls, reduced alpha-diversity was apparent in both, LO-CRC and EO-CRC subjects. Although common variations existed, integrative analyses identified distinct microbiome–metabolome associations in LO-CRC and EO-CRC.Fusobacterium nucleatumenrichment and short-chain fatty acid depletion, including reduced microbial GABA biosynthesis and a shift in acetate/acetaldehyde metabolism towards acetyl-CoA production characterises LO-CRC. In comparison, multiomics signatures of EO-CRC tended to be associated with enrichedFlavonifractor plautiand increased tryptophan, bile acid and choline metabolism. Notably, elevated red meat intake-related species, choline metabolites and KEGG orthology (KO) pldB and cbh gene axis may be potential tumour stimulators in EO-CRC. The predictive model based on metagenomic, metabolomic and KO gene markers achieved a powerful classification performance for distinguishing EO-CRC from controls.

Conclusion

Our large-sample multiomics data suggest that altered microbiome–metabolome interplay helps explain the pathogenesis of EO-CRC and LO-CRC. The potential of microbiome-derived biomarkers as promising non-invasive tools could be used for the accurate detection and distinction of individuals with EO-CRC.
Proposal to support making decisions about the organ donation process
Authors: Moorlock Greg , Draper Heather
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to permit members of the public opportunity to record more nuanced wishes in relation to organ donation. Recent developments in organ donation and procurement have made the associated processes potentially more multistaged and complex than ever. At the same time, opt-out legislation has led to a more simplistic recording of wishes than ever. We argue that in order to be confident that a patient would really wish to go ahead with the various interventions and procedures that now accompany organ donation, more nuanced information than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ may be required. This is of particular importance for donation after circulatory death, where some interventions to facilitate donation occur when the patient is still alive. We propose the implementation of an online form to allow people to record more nuanced wishes in relation to donation, including an indication of competing wishes and how these should be weighed into decision-making. We argue that this approach will promote autonomous decision-making for the public, potentially reduce difficulties that family members encounter at the time of organ donation, and should make medical staff more confident that they are truly acting according to the wishes and best interests of their patients.
Neuropathology and emerging biomarkers in corticobasal syndrome
Authors: Koga Shunsuke , Josephs Keith A , Aiba Ikuko , Yoshida Mari , Dickson Dennis W
Published: August 2022

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is a clinical syndrome characterised by progressive asymmetric limb rigidity and apraxia with dystonia, myoclonus, cortical sensory loss and alien limb phenomenon. Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is one of the most common underlying pathologies of CBS, but other disorders, such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 inclusions, are also associated with this syndrome.

In this review, we describe common and rare neuropathological findings in CBS, including tauopathies, synucleinopathies, TDP-43 proteinopathies, fused in sarcoma proteinopathy, prion disease (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) and cerebrovascular disease, based on a narrative review of the literature and clinicopathological studies from two brain banks. Genetic mutations associated with CBS, includingGRNandMAPT, are also reviewed. Clinicopathological studies on neurodegenerative disorders associated with CBS have shown that regardless of the underlying pathology, frontoparietal, as well as motor and premotor pathology is associated with CBS. Clinical features that can predict the underlying pathology of CBS remain unclear. Using AD-related biomarkers (ie, amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) and fluid biomarkers), CBS caused by AD often can be differentiated from other causes of CBS. Tau PET may help distinguish AD from other tauopathies and non-tauopathies, but it remains challenging to differentiate non-AD tauopathies, especially PSP and CBD. Although the current clinical diagnostic criteria for CBS have suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, emerging biomarkers hold promise for future improvements in the diagnosis of underlying pathology in patients with CBS.
067 One Health: Clinical characteristics of spontaneously-arising feline LGI1- autoantibody limbic encephalitis in a large international cohort
Authors: Binks Sophie , Crawford Abbe H , Woodhall Mark , Fower Andrew , Syme Hattie , Kennedy Lorna J , Waters Patrick , Davison Lucy , Irani Sarosh , Pakozdy Akos
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) is one of the most common surface neuronal autoantigens associated with autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) in humans, with hallmarks of personality change, amnesia and seizures. Recently, these autoantibodies were described in domestic cats with LE, likewise with a distinctive phenotype of behavioural change and orofacial seizures.

Methods

Using a feline-specific cell-based assay for LGI1-autoantibodies, we tested serum from 123 cats with neurological signs, submitted by veterinary surgeons across Europe. Clinical presentation, investiga- tions, management and outcomes were captured by questionnaire and review of medical records.

Results

56 samples were positive for LGI1-autoantibodies. The median age was 45 months and 34/54 (63%) were female. Most (44/56, 79%) had LE but other clinical syndromes included epilepsy, encephalopathy and feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Focal seizures without generalisation were reported in 42/51 (82%) compared to 25/47 (53%) in seronegative cats (p=0.02). Among seropositive cats, MRI abnormalities were identified in 23/42 (55%), adverse drug reactions in 7/50 (14%), and 8/51 (16%) were euthanised due to refractory seizures or status epilepticus.

Conclusion

Many features are common to humans and cats with LGI1-autoantibodies. Feline patients represent a naturally-occurring disease model and an opportunity to benefit health in both species via a bi-directional translational model.
120 UK multiple sclerosis registries project: disease modifying treatment durability
Authors: Froud Joseph , John Freddie St , Willis Mark , Anderson Valerie , Uzochukwu Emeka , Thomas Ray Wynford- , Harding Katharine , Tallantyre Emma , Robertson Neil ,   et al
Published: August 2022

Background

Real-world, long-term adherence and effectiveness data is vital to complement our under- standing of therapies, which is often based on short-term clinical trials. Here we explored disease modifying therapy (DMT) durability in a UK-wide cohort of people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS).

Methods

In this cohort study, which included 4,415 pwMS from 10 UK MS centres, 6,960 DMT prescrip- tions were included in the analysis (mean 1.7, range 1-6 per patient). Prescriptions without accurate start dates were excluded (n=90). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to model DMT persistence (days from prescription start to stop), which was used to calculate 2, 5 and 10-year durability (% of prescrip- tions continuing).

Results

Two-year durability was highest for immune reconstitution therapies cladribine (98%), ocrelizumab (96%), and alemtuzumab (95%). Oral therapies fingolimod (74%) and dimethyl fumarate (73%), and intravenous natalizumab (78%) shared similar durability. Injectable therapies glatiramer acetate (51%) and interferon (55%), had lowest durability. Potential confounding factors include variable date of DMT licensing, change in DMT algorithms over time and increasing DMT options.

Conclusion

This multi-centre study has revealed highly variable durability between DMTs over time, which may impact real-world effectiveness. These results may inform DMT clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for pwMS.
138 Done in 16 Seconds: extracting research ready data from NHS clinical letters
Authors: Middleton Rod , Witts James , Craig Elaine , Tuite-Dalton Katherine , Rodgers Jeff , Nicholas Richard ,   UK MS Register Research Group
Published: August 2022

Background

Letters dictated by healthcare professionals in routine patient care form an invaluable dataset but are difficult to access and interpret. The UK MS Register (UKMSR) previously outlined (ABN2019) usage of Natural Language Processing Algorithms (NLP-A) to harvest and transform written language into analysable data in databases. We expanded the variables captured, increased the number of donating hospitals and compared the results to the previous NLP-A.

Aim

Apply the new NLP-A to a random letter selection and evaluate output and results.

Methods

A random, seeded, selection algorithm chose 100 letters from a corpus of 2690 consented in/outpatient letters from 13 Trusts. Letters were reviewed by human domain experts for Date Of Birth, NHS Number, Gender, Clinic Date, Postcode, MS Type and Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS). NLP-A was applied and assessment made against the same variables.

Results

Run time was 15.4s, Sensitivity and Specificity > 98% in all cases except Clinic Date (Sensitivity 87%, Specificity 20%), MSType (Sensitivity 84%, Specificity 98%) and Postcode (Sensitivity 100%, Specificity 66%). Low specificity in Clinic Date illustrates disagreement on criteria between reviewer and NLP-A. These results represent a 5% increase (in common variables) in Sensitivity and Specificity over the 2019 algorithm.

Conclusion

We have improved the ability to accurately and rapidly identify required variables from the UKMSR minimum dataset using NLP-A. We are continuing to implement this on a widespread basis in the UKMSR.
197 Checkpoint inhibitor associated neuritis a novel pathological entity
Authors: Brown Rachel , Kapoor Mahima , Compton Laura , Shaw Heather , Jaunmuktanee Zane , Turajlic Samra , Rees Jeremy , Brandner Sebastian , Lunn Michael , Carr Aisling
Published: August 2022

Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy has revolutionised cancer treatment. However, immunotoxicity due to dysregulated immune control can affect a range of non-cancer tissues causing dermatitis, colitis and endocrinopathies in up to 80% of exposed patients. Peripheral nerve neurotoxicity is rare (<5%) and described as GBS-like or CIDP-like in published case series.

Here we present two cases of checkpoint inhibitor associated peripheral neuropathy suggesting this neuritis is a novel pathological entity.

Case 1

55-year-old man treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab for renal cell carcinoma developed painful sensory predominant neuropathy after cycle 1. Gait impairment led to discontinuation by cycle

3. NCS revealed axonal loss and conduction slowing but no demyelinating features. He was treated with IVIg without response.

Case 2

55-year-old woman with metastatic melanoma was treated with pembrolizumab for 16 months without complication. Within weeks of change to nivolumab she developed painful neuropathic symptoms causing difficulty walking. Neurophysiology was similar to case 1 but she improved to normal with high dose corticosteroids over 4 months.

Both sural nerve biopsies showed active large fibre degeneration with diffuse, predominantly T cell inflam- matory infiltrate. No malignant cells. No evidence of a primary demyelinating pathology.

This novel inflammatory neuropathy warrants recognition due to alternative treatment response.
Extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab reduces risk of developing hypogammaglobulinaemia
Authors: Allen Christopher , Russell Melanie , Pendlebury Jessica , Vollmer Brandi , Moswela Olivia , Raza Pranee-Ta , Garjani Afagh , Abdel-Fahim Rasha , Tallantyre Emma , Evangelou Nikos
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Disruption to clinical services, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, led to extended intervals between ocrelizumab treatments for some patients.

Objectives

To assess the rates of developing low immunoglobulin levels and timing of CD19+ B-cell count repopulation in a real-world clinical population. To assess for evidence of clinical or radiological MS disease activity with extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab.

Methods

We audited 712 patients given ocrelizumab by our seven clinical services. All monitoring of immunoglobulin levels and CD19+ cell counts were recorded. Disease activity was defined as on treatment clinical relapse, radiological activity, and EDSS progression.

Results

Low immunoglobulin levels developed in 102 patients, the odds ratio for developing hypogam- maglobulinaemia comparing extended to standard interval dosing was 0.42 (CI 0.22-0.81). Disease activity included 20 participants with clinical relapses and 72 with new MRI lesions. There was no evidence of excess clinical or radiological disease activity on switching to extended interval dosing. 38 had EDSS progression, giving an odds ratio comparing extended to standard interval dosing of 0.77 (CI 0.38-1.56).

Conclusions

This real-world data of extended interval dosing of ocrelizumab indicates lower rates of hypogammaglobulinaemia and no detrimental effect on short-term treatment efficacy.
Improving compliance with the duty of candour: 5-year experience within an endoscopy department
Authors: Berry Philip , Kotha Sreelakshmi , Demartino Sabina , Tritto Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Background and aims

Duty of candour (DoC) is the requirement for timely and transparent disclosure after significant healthcare-related harm. We describe the experience of DoC following patient safety incidents (PSI) related to endoscopy, and offer reflections on improving compliance across other areas of clinical medicine.

Methods

PSI notified on an electronic reporting system (DATIX) from January 2015 to June 2021 were identified. Details of the procedure, level of harm and evidence of both verbal and written DoC were collected and analysed.

Results

33 PSI were notified on DATIX. A verbal apology was documented in 23 cases (70%) and a written notification was offered or sent to in 20 (61%). Verbal apologies were timely, while written DoC was delayed. PSI reporting and verbal DoC increased over this period. Patients or families were invited to present questions for investigation in all 20 with written DoC. There were two claims for compensation during this period.

Conclusion

DoC remains challenging for clinicians and patient safety teams 8 years after its inception. Improved compliance requires promotion by clinical leaders and high levels of awareness among clinical and nursing staff, a culture of openness and importantly, sustained administrative support to ensure that downstream actions are not overlooked.
Sexual behaviours and sexual health among middle-aged and older adults in Britain
Authors: Khan Junead , Greaves Emily , Tanton Clare , Kuper Hannah , Shakespeare Thomas , Kpokiri Eneyi , Wang Yun , Ong Jason J , Day Suzanne , Pan Stephen W , Tang Weiming , Wang Bingyi , Peng Xin , Liang Bowen , Zou Huachun , Tucker Joseph D , Wu Dan
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Population-representative studies of the sexual health of middle-aged and older adults are lacking in ageing societies. This study aimed to identify latent patterns of sexual behaviours and health of people aged 45–74 years.

Methods

We conducted a latent class analysis of the National Attitudes and Sexual Lifestyles Survey (Natsal-3), a nationally representative survey conducted in Britain in 2011.

Results

Of the 5260 respondents aged 45–74 years, 48.86% of men and 44.91% of women belonged to the Content Caseys class who reported good sexual health. The Infrequent Indigos (30.94% of men, 44.38% of women) were characterised by a lack of sexual activity, reported some dissatisfaction, and were more likely to have a disability. The Low-Functioning Lees (11.65% of men, 8.41% of women) reported some more disability and had issues with sexual functioning and higher levels of distress. The Multiple-Partnered Morgans (8.62% of men, 2.30% of women) were characterised by a greater number of sexual partners and several risk behaviours.

Conclusions

The use of these four classes can aid in improved targeting of tailored sexual health services to improve sexual function, sexual satisfaction, reduce distress and risky behaviours among middle-aged and older adults. These services should be inclusive of the disabled community.
Minimum important difference of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale in obstructive sleep apnoea: estimation from three randomised controlled trials
Authors: Crook Sarah , Sievi Noriane A , Bloch Konrad E , Stradling John R , Frei Anja , Puhan Milo A , Kohler Malcolm
Published: August 2022

Background

The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) is a widely used tool for assessing sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). We aimed to estimate the minimal important difference (MID) in patients with OSA.

Methods

We used individual data from three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in patients with OSA where the preintervention to postintervention change in ESS was used as a primary outcome. We used anchor-based linear regression and responder analysis approaches to estimate the MID. For anchors, we used the change in domains of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. We also used the distribution-based approaches Cohen’s effect size, SE of measurement and empirical rule effect size to support the anchor-based estimates. The final MID was determined by triangulating all estimates to a single MID.

Findings

A total of 639 patients with OSA were included in our analyses across the three RCTs with a median (IQR) baseline ESS score of 10 (6–13). The median (IQR) ESS change score overall was −2 (−5 to 1). The anchor-based estimates of the MID were between −1.74 and −4.21 points and estimates from the responder analysis were between −1 and −3 points. Distribution-based estimates were smaller, ranging from −1.46 to −2.36.

Interpretation

We propose an MID for the ESS of 2 points in patients with OSA with a disease severity from mild to severe. This estimate provides the means to plan trials and interpret the clinical relevance of changes in ESS.

Trial registration number

Provent, NCT01332175; autoCPAP trial, NCT00280800; MOSAIC,ISRCTN (3416388).
An Ultra-Low-Power C-Band FMCW Transmitter Using a Fast Settling Fractional-N DPLL and Ring-Based Pulse Injection Locking Oscillator
Authors: Muqueem Abdul , Saxena Shanky , Patel Govind Singh
Published: August 2022

Frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) signals-based radar systems can outrun the optical and ultrasound sensors in dark and severe weather conditions. FMCW radar systems require a fast settling frequency synthesizer to reduce the chirp signal’s inactive and modulation times. This work proposes a new C-B and FMCW Transmitter based on Fast Settling Fractional-N DPLL (FS-FNDPLL) and ring-based pulse injection locking oscillator (R-PILO). The proposed FS-FNDPLL generates an ultra-fast low-noise smooth narrowband chirp by introducing an automatic controller-based TDC switching (AC-TDCSw) scheme in the forward loop of FNDPLL. Also, the proposed FS-FNDPLL employs a new background gain calibrated digital-to-time converter (BGC-DTC) as a fractional divider in the feedback path for the quantization noise cancellation (QNC). The proposed FMCW transmitter uses an R-PILO to produce fast switching adjacent carriers after generating a narrowband chirp using FS-FNDPLL. The main features of the proposed FMCW to accelerate settling time with AC-TDCSw, BGC-DTC and the integration of spur suppressing pulse generator (SSPG) in R-PILO enable ultra-fast chirps with less phase noise and spur levels. The proposed transmitter up-converts the 500[Formula: see text]MHz narrowband chirp signal onto four adjacent carriers for obtaining a 2[Formula: see text]GHz chirp at the C-band. The simulation results prove that the proposed FMCW Transmitter consumes 79[Formula: see text]mW power. Furthermore, the phase noise of the proposed FS-FNDPLL is reduced to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBc/Hz at 1[Formula: see text]MHz. The proposed FS-FNDPLL reduces the settling time to 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s with the introduced AC-TDCSw scheme.
Emission feature of the singly-charged and doubly-charged projectile fragments emitted in the interaction of 84Kr36 + Em at 1GeV per nucleon
Authors: Kajal  , Singh M. K.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the emission features of singly-charged and doubly-charged projectile fragments emitted in interactions of [Formula: see text] with emulsion at 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]GeV are studied. We have also observed the dependence of the singly-charged and doubly-charged projectile fragments on the interaction with different target groups of the emulsion detectors. The multi-source model can characterize the projectile fragments, and each source provides an exponential distribution, according to our calculations. The present observation shows that the emission features of the singly-charged and doubly-charged projectile fragments are independent on the interaction with different target groups of the emulsion.
Experimental Investigation of Unsteady Aerodynamic Forces and Vortex-Induced Aeroelastic Effects of a Slender Structure in Uniform and Turbulent Flows
Authors: Fu Guoqiang , Quan Yong , Gu Ming , Feng Chengdong
Published: August 2022

Slender structures are sensitive to wind loads, and aeroelastic effects during vortex-induced resonance have considerable influences on their survivability, serviceability, and habitability. However, the vortex-induced aeroelastic effects and the effects of turbulence intensity on unsteady aerodynamic forces of an aeroelastic prism remain far from been fully understood. In this study, a series of wind tunnel tests, including the pressure measurements of a rigid model and simultaneous measurements of the pressure and response of an aeroelastic model, were conducted in three different wind flows. The characteristics of unsteady aerodynamic forces and the effects of turbulence intensity on the unsteady aerodynamic forces were systematically investigated. The mechanism of aeroelastic effects and the variations of aerodynamic damping ratios were also discussed. Wind-induced responses were predicted by the unsteady aerodynamic forces and compared with the measured values. The experimental results show that vortex-induced aeroelastic effects on the wind-induced responses and the unsteady aerodynamic forces are significant. An increase in the turbulence intensity may result in a weak correlation of the unsteady aerodynamic forces and thus suppress the vortex-induced aeroelastic effects. Moreover, the amplitudes of the positive and negative peaks of the aerodynamic damping ratios decrease with the increase of the turbulence intensity. In addition, the wind-induced responses predicted by the unsteady aerodynamic forces measured from the aeroelastic model are the closest to the measured responses.
Central nilpotency of skew braces
Authors: Bonatto Marco , Jedlička Přemysl
Published: August 2022

Skew braces are algebraic structures related to the solutions of the set-theoretic quantum Yang–Baxter equation. We develop the central nilpotency theory for such algebraic structures in the sense of Freese–McKenzie [12] and we compare the universal algebraic notion of central nilpotency with the notion of right and left nilpotency developed in [7].
On some generalized inverses and partial orders in ∗-rings
Authors: Marovt Janko , Mosić Dijana , Cremer Insa
Published: August 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a unital ring with involution. The notions of 1MP-inverse and MP1-inverse are extended from [Formula: see text], the set of all [Formula: see text] matrices over [Formula: see text], to the set [Formula: see text] of all Moore–Penrose invertible elements in [Formula: see text]. We study partial orders on [Formula: see text] that are induced by 1MP-inverses and MP1-inverses. We also extend to the setting of Rickart ∗-rings the concept of another partial order, called the plus order, which has been recently introduced on the set of all bounded linear operators between Hilbert spaces. Properties of these relations are investigated and some known results are thus generalized.
Lipschitz stability for the Hunter–Saxton equation
Authors: Grunert Katrin , Tandy Matthew
Published: August 2022

We study Lipschitz stability in time for [Formula: see text]-dissipative solutions to the Hunter–Saxton equation, where [Formula: see text] is a constant. We define metrics in both Lagrangian and Eulerian coordinates, and establish Lipschitz stability for those metrics.
A Triboelectric Joint Sensor Imitating Soft Robot for Human Joint Rehabilitation Monitoring
Authors: Zhang Zhongxing , Cai Jun
Published: August 2022

Human bone joint monitoring is essential for medical treatment, especially in the recovery phase of injury. It is worth noting that bending sensors based on soft robots have developed rapidly in recent years. Due to their flexibility, soft robots have a limitless number of degrees of freedom, but they also confront severe sensing and control issues. Meanwhile, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are projected to be self-powered sensors for soft robotics owing to their great sensitivity, versatility and simplicity. In this work, we first propose a triboelectric joint sensor (TJS) based on the TENG device. The TJS can provide the response on the dynamic, and the TJS’s output voltage is proportional to the local bending angle. According to the results, the voltage of TJS device rises linearly from 3.6[Formula: see text]V to 45[Formula: see text]V as the bending angle increases from 0∘ to 60∘. Furthermore, the TJS device can be used to monitor the postoperative rehabilitation of hand joints through the voltage signal of TJS device installed on the finger. This study will promote the application of triboelectric sensor simulating soft robot device in the field of medical monitoring.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/MXene-Derived TiO2 Hybrid Interface Layer for the Improvement of Zinc Oxide Nanorod Growth and Their Applications in Glutathione Sensing
Authors: Zhu Miao , Murtaza Imran , Xie Wei , Li Songquan , Zou Changwei , Xiang Yanxiong
Published: August 2022

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor is an important type of biosensor widely used in glutathione (GSH) sensing. The PEC properties of the photoanode present in the sensor are critical to its sensing performance. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an excellent semiconductor with a suitable band gap and light absorption ability for photoanode applications. Meanwhile, the interfacial layer is also important in the separation and transportation process of the excitons. In this work, high-quality ZnO nanorods were grown on the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates. An interfacial layer consisting of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or MXene (a two-dimensional transition metal carbide)-derived TiO2 was introduced. Our results show that the introduction of the RGO/TiO2 hybrid interfacial layer can promote both the high-quality growth of ZnO nanorods and also provides suitable band gap grading for efficient excitons separation and transportation. The GSH sensing performance of the PEC sensor based on the ZnO nanorods grown on the RGO/TiO2 hybrid layer-coated ITO photoanode can dramatically improve the photocurrent strength and linearity.
N, S-doped Graphene Quantum Dots Grafted Graphitic Carbon Nitride to Boost its Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Li Jinlun , Liu Hulin , Bai Xin , Rao Xi , Zhang Yongping
Published: August 2022

Constructing heterojunction is one promising strategy to improve the transfer and separation of photoinduced charge carriers of graphitic carbon nitride (CN). Herein, nonmetal N, S-doped graphene quantum dots (N, S-GQDs)/g-C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by calcining N, S-GQDs (NSGs) and melamine at elevated temperature. The optimal 06NSG-CN composite effectively reduced the concentration of Escherichia coli flora under visible light irradiation by superoxide and super hydroxyl radicals. Meanwhile, the optimum photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaches 50.9 [Formula: see text]mol/h, about 16.9 times that of pure phase CN under visible light. Graphitic carbon nitride ([Formula: see text]-C3N4) grafted with N, S-doped GQDs could increase the specific surface area, promote the absorption and utilization of visible light, and inhibited the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs, resulting in excellent photocatalytic antibacterial activity.
On energy of matrices of a weighted graph
Authors: Sahir Md. Abdus , Abu Nayeem Sk. Md.
Published: August 2022

The energy of a square matrix is the sum of the absolute values of deviations of its eigenvalues from their mean. In this paper, we extend the notion of the Laplacian and the signless Laplacian energy of a graph to non-negative real symmetric matrices with zero diagonal. Such a matrix [Formula: see text] can be considered as the adjacency matrix of some weighted graph. Considering the sum of the weights of edges that are incident to a vertex as the weight of the corresponding vertex, we construct the diagonal matrix [Formula: see text] of which the diagonal entries are the weights of the corresponding vertices. We define a weighted version of the Laplacian matrix as [Formula: see text] and that of the signless Laplacian matrix as [Formula: see text]. In this work, we obtain some bounds of the energies of the weighted adjacency matrix, the weighted Laplacian matrix, and the weighted signless Laplacian matrix by studying the corresponding weighted graph. We also obtain some relations interconnecting those energies.
Weighted spectra on a weighted geometric realization of 2-simplexes and 3-simplexes
Authors: Baalal Azeddine , Hatim Khalid
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we construct a weighted geometric realization of the set of 2-simplexes and 3-simplexes. On this weighted geometric realization, we create the Laplacian associated to 2-simplexes [Formula: see text] and the Laplacian associated to 3-simplexes [Formula: see text]. We prove that the nonzero spectrum of [Formula: see text] is the same as the nonzero spectrum of [Formula: see text]. For 0, we show that 0 belongs to the spectrum of [Formula: see text] or to the spectrum of [Formula: see text].
On the coefficients of skew Laplacian characteristic polynomial of digraphs
Authors: Ganie Hilal A. , Ingole Archana , Deshmukh Ujwala
Published: August 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a connected graph with [Formula: see text] vertices and [Formula: see text] edges. Let [Formula: see text] be the digraph obtained by orienting the edges of [Formula: see text] arbitrarily. The digraph [Formula: see text] is called an orientation of [Formula: see text] or oriented graph corresponding to [Formula: see text]. The skew Laplacian matrix of the digraph [Formula: see text] is denoted by [Formula: see text] and is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the skew matrix and [Formula: see text] is the diagonal matrix with [Formula: see text]th diagonal entry [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we obtain combinatorial representation for the first five coefficients of characteristic polynomial of skew Laplacian matrix of [Formula: see text]. We provide examples of orientations of some well-known graphs to highlight the importance of our results. We conclude the paper with some observations about the skew Laplacian spectral determinations of the directed path and directed cycle.
The Quad: From Loose Coordination Toward an Alliance
Authors: Yang Siling , Ren Jilei
Published: August 2022

2021 was a watershed year for the US, Japan, India, and Australia vis-à-vis their Quadrilateral Cooperation mechanism, which successfully transitioned from a loose coordinating body to a grouping of allied actors. Reviewing the historical development of the Quad, three distinct phases can be identified: the conceptual stage, the strategy development stage, and the third phase of evolution toward an alliance. During the first two phases, the Quad was not more than a loose coordinating structure, but in the last phase, it started to take on the characteristics of an alliance-like body. The primary reason we can conclude that it has evolved into an alliance body is that the organization has started to mold behavioral norms, and it further aims to establish a monopoly over the provision of norms in the Indo-Pacific region. Three factors have played a role in driving the US, Japan, India, and Australia to build the Quad into an alliance body: first is the pursuit of general interests; second is the global situation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their relations; third is the formation of a shared objective. These three factors combined worked to shape the Quad into an alliance. As the Quad primarily targets China, its emergence as an alliance will have impacts on China’s security environment that cannot be ignored. In response, China should implement its “neighborhood first” strategy, promote the [Formula: see text] Leader’s Summit on Mutual Respect with its neighboring countries, and advance the comprehensive deepening of economic cooperation between China and ASEAN. These steps can help China respond to the rapidly changing Indo-Pacific geo-political situation.
Personal or General? A Hybrid Strategy with Multi-factors for News Recommendation
Authors: Huang Zhenya , Jin Binbin , Zhao Hongke , Liu Qi , Lian Defu , Tengfei Bao , Chen Enhong
Published: August 2022

News recommender systems have become an effective manner to help users make decisions by suggesting the potential news that users may click and read, which has shown the proliferation nowadays. Many representative algorithms made great efforts to discover users’ preferences from the histories for triggering news recommendations. However, there exist some limitations due to the following two main issues. First, they mainly rely on the sufficient user data, which cannot well capture users’ temporal interests with very limited records. Second, always perceiving users’ histories for recommendation may ignore some important news (e.g., breaking news). In this article, we propose a novel Multi-factors Fusion model for news recommendation by integrating both user-dependent preference effect and user-independent timeliness effect together. First, to track the preference of a certain user, we decompose her reading history into two user-related factors, including the long-term habit and the short-term interest. Specifically, we extract her persistent habit by exploring the category effect of news that she focuses on from her whole records. Then, we characterize her temporary interests by proposing a recurrent neural network of analyzing the homogeneous relations between her latest clicked news and the candidate ones. Second, to describe the user-independent news timeliness effect, we propose a novel survival analysis model to estimate the instantaneous click probability of a certain news as the occurring probability of an event, where much sensational news tends to be picked out. Last, we fuse all effects to determine the probability of a user clicking on a certain news under the independent event assumption. We conduct extensive experiments on two real-world datasets. Experimental results demonstrate that our model can generate better news recommendations on both general scenario and cold-start scenario.
Central Bank Digital Currencies: Motives, Economic Implications, and the Research Frontier
Authors: Auer Raphael , Frost Jon , Gambacorta Leonardo , Monnet Cyril , Rice Tara , Shin Hyun Song
Published: August 2022

In just a few years, central banks have rapidly ramped up their research and development efforts on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). A growing body of economic research informs these activities, often focusing on the “reserves for all” aspect of CBDCs for retail use. However, CBDCs should be considered in the full context of the digital economy and the centrality of data, which raises concerns around competition, payment system integrity, and privacy. This review gives a guided tour of the growing CBDC literature on the microeconomic considerations related to operation architectures, technologies, and privacy as well as the macroeconomic implications for the financial system, financial stability, and monetary policy. A set of questions, particularly on the cross-border dimensions of CBDCs, remains unresolved and calls for further work to expand the research frontier.
A Novel Non-Enzymatic Sensor Prepared by ZnO Nanoneedle Arrays Template for High Performance of Glucose Sensing
Authors: Yang Kaitian , Xue Tao , Su Qi , Zou Qiang
Published: August 2022

In this study, we prepared a gold film covered with dense particles and honeycomb-like holes using a sacrificial template of ZnO nanoneedle arrays and integrated it into a non-enzymatic glucose sensor. The template was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This is an effective and novel method because the three-dimensional microstructure appeared on its surface when the zinc plate was heated directly. Moreover, seperate steps were not required to modify the electrode. Due to a large specific surface area (Rf= 27.8) and more active sites, the glod film showed a good electrochemical catalytic behavior. The surface morphology and elements of working electrode were characterized by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The sensor showed a wide linear range of 0.1–11.0 mM, a high sensitivity of 514.41μAcm−2mM−1, and a low detection limit of 2.31μM. It also can distinguish small changes in glucose concentration (10 or 20μM). Moreover, The sensor displayed good repeatability, stability and selectivity. Ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) had low interference when it detected glucose. Fianlly, a sensor with outstanding performancces, easy preparation was manufactured in this work. It has promising prospects.
Abnormal left atrial body stiffness is predicted by appendage size: impact of appendage occlusion on left atrial mechanics assessed by pressure-volume analysis
Authors: Bregasi Alda , Freeman James V. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Akar Joseph G. , Ortiz-Leon Xochitl A. , Maia Julia H. , Higgins Angela Y. , Matthews Ray V. , Sinusas Albert J. , McNamara Robert L. , Sugeng Lissa , Lin Ben A.
Published: August 2022

Our study documents a correlation of LA appendage remodeling with the degree of chronically abnormal LA body stiffness. In addition, we found that LA appendage size was the baseline parameter that best correlated with the magnitude of a further increase in overall LA stiffness after appendage occlusion. These findings offer insights about the LA appendage and LA mechanics that are relevant to patients at risk for adverse atrial remodeling, especially candidates for LA appendage occlusion.
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: from genetic heterogeneity to phenotypic continuum
Authors: Guerrini Renzo , Conti Valerio , Mantegazza Massimo , Balestrini Simona , Galanopoulou Aristea S. , Benfenati Fabio
Published: August 2022

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by early-onset, often severe epileptic seizures and EEG abnormalities on a background of developmental impairment that tends to worsen as a consequence of epilepsy. DEEs may result from both nongenetic and genetic etiologies. Genetic DEEs have been associated with mutations in many genes involved in different functions including cell migration, proliferation, and organization, neuronal excitability, and synapse transmission and plasticity. Functional studies performed in different animal models and clinical trials on patients have contributed to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms underlying many DEEs and have explored the efficacy of different treatments. Here, we provide an extensive review of the phenotypic spectrum included in the DEEs and of the genetic determinants and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these conditions. We also provide a brief overview of the most effective treatment now available and of the emerging therapeutic approaches.