bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower ratio of adjacent to injured vertebral bone quality scores can predict augmented vertebrae recompression following percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures with intravertebral clefts
Authors: Yu Weibo , Zhang Haiyan , Yao Zhensong , Zhong Yuanming , Jiang Xiaobing , Cai Daozhang
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite the favorable clinical outcome of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) patients with intravertebral clefts (IVCs), previous studies have demonstrated a high incidence of augmented vertebrae recompression (AVR). We aim to evaluate the usefulness of the adjacent and injured vertebral bone quality scores (VBQS) based on T1‐weighted MRI images in AVR after PKP for OVFs with IVCs.

Methods

Patients who underwent PKP for single OVFs with IVCs between January 2014 and September 2020 were reviewed and met the inclusion criteria. The follow‐up period was at least 2 years. Relevant data affecting AVR were collected. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to calculate the correlation between the injured and adjacent VBQS and BMD T‐score. We determined independent risk factors and critical values using binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC).

Results

A total of 165 patients were included. Recompression group was found in 42 (25.5%) patients. The independent risk factors for AVR were lumbar BMD T‐score (OR = 2.53, p = 0.003), the adjacent VBQS (OR = 0.79, p = 0.016), the injured VBQS (OR = 1.27, p = 0.048), the ratio of adjacent to injured VBQS (OR = 0.32, p < 0.001), and cement distribution pattern. Among these independent significant risk factors, the prediction accuracy of the ratio of adjacent to injured VBQS was the highest (Cutoff = 1.41, AUC = 0.753). Additionally, adjacent and injured VBQS were negatively correlated with lumbar BMD T‐scores.

Conclusion

For the patients after PKP treatment for OVFs with IVCs, the ratio of adjacent to injured VBQS had the best prediction accuracy in predicting recompression and when the ratio of adjacent to injured VBQS was <1.41, the augmented vertebrae were more likely to have recompression in the future.
A large‐scale whole‐exome sequencing mutant resource for functional genomics in wheat
Authors: Xiong Hongchun , Guo Huijun , Fu Meiyu , Xie Yongdun , Zhao Linshu , Gu Jiayu , Zhao Shirong , Ding Yuping , Du Qidi , Zhang Jiazi , Qiu Lin , Xie Xiaomei , Zhou Libin , Chen Zhongxu , Liu Luxiang
Published: July 2023

Hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum), a major staple crop, has a remarkably large genome of ~14.4 Gb (containing 106 913 high‐confidence [HC] and 159 840 low‐confidence [LC] genes in the Chinese Spring v2.1 reference genome), which poses a major challenge for functional genomics studies. To overcome this hurdle, we performed whole‐exome sequencing to generate a nearly saturated wheat mutant database containing 18 025 209 mutations induced by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), carbon (C)‐ion beams, or γ‐ray mutagenesis. This database contains an average of 47.1 mutations per kb in each gene‐coding sequence: the potential functional mutations were predicted to cover 96.7% of HC genes and 70.5% of LC genes. Comparative analysis of mutations induced by EMS, γ‐rays, or C‐ion beam irradiation revealed that γ‐ray and C‐ion beam mutagenesis induced a more diverse array of variations than EMS, including large‐fragment deletions, small insertions/deletions, and various non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms. As a test case, we combined mutation analysis with phenotypic screening and rapidly mapped the candidate gene responsible for the phenotype of a yellow‐green leaf mutant to a 2.8‐Mb chromosomal region. Furthermore, a proof‐of‐concept reverse genetics study revealed that mutations in gibberellic acid biosynthesis and signalling genes could be associated with negative impacts on plant height. Finally, we built a publically available database of these mutations with the corresponding germplasm (seed stock) repository to facilitate advanced functional genomics studies in wheat for the broad plant research community.
Deflating the hard problem of consciousness by multiplying explanatory gaps
Authors: Sarıhan Işık
Published: July 2023

Recent philosophy has seen a resurgence of the realist view of sensible qualities such as colour. The view holds that experienced qualities are properties of the objects in the physical environment, not mentally instantiated properties like qualia or merely intentional, illusory ones. Some suggest that this move rids us of the explanatory gap between physical properties and the qualitative features of consciousness. Others say it just relocates the problem of qualities to physical objects in the environment, given that such qualities cannot be derived from the non‐qualitative properties of objects, and it does not resolve the problem of consciousness either. I argue that such an outcome is welcome: if the physical world is full of explanatory gaps, then the mind–body explanatory gap is not so special. Moreover, the explanatory gaps regarding qualities of objects are less puzzling than the brain‐qualia gap. In order to counter the usual worries concerning realism about objective qualities, I introduce ‘imperfect realism’ as an alternative to colour pluralism and complex reductionism, which accommodates realism in the face of widespread perceptual error. I conclude with a discussion of how this ‘multiple‐gaps view’ sits better with a naturalistic framework compared to the Galilean‐Cartesian account of qualities.
Glass wool column filtration for stallion sperm selection: A comparative analysis with the single‐layer colloid centrifugation
Authors: Zevallos Valenzuela Giuliana Elizabeth , Ferrante Alejandro , Verón Gustavo Luis , Miragaya Marcelo , Marín‐Briggiler Clara Isabel , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica Hebe
Published: July 2023

Glass wool column filtration (GWCF) selects human, bull, boar, dog and buffalo spermatozoa, but reports in the horse are scarce. Single‐layer colloid centrifugation with Androcoll‐E™ is currently the standard procedure to select good‐quality equine sperm. This study was designed to assess GWCF (50 and 75 mg columns; GWCF‐50 and GWCF‐75, respectively) efficacy to select good‐quality sperm from fresh and frozen–thawed equine semen, and to compare its performance with Androcoll‐E™ colloid centrifugation. Percentage total motile (TM), progressively motile (PM), morphologically normal (MN), osmotically competent (HOS+) and acrosome‐intact/osmotically competent (AI/HOS+) sperm were determined. In studies done with fresh semen samples (n = 17), suspensions subjected to GWCF‐50 showed an improvement (p < .05) in PM and HOS+ sperm after selection. With GWCF‐75, an increase (p < .05) in PM, MN and HOS+ sperm was observed. Results with GWCF were comparable or better than with Androcoll‐E™ selection. Sperm recovery was similar between procedures for all semen parameters. Total sperm count recovery was lower after GWCF‐75 (GWCF‐50 = 60.0; GWCF‐75 = 51.0; Androcoll‐E™ = 76.0 million sperm; median; p = .013), but results on total progressive sperm count were similar (GWCF‐50 = 23.0; GWCF‐75 = 27.0; Androcoll‐E™ = 24.0 million sperm; median; p = .3850). Using frozen–thawed semen samples (n = 16), an improvement (p < .05) in TM, PM, NM, HOS+ and AI/HOS+ sperm was observed in GWCF‐75 filtrates. Results were comparable to Androcoll‐E™ centrifugation, except HOS+ that increased (p < .05) only after GWCF‐75. Recovery was comparable for all parameters in frozen samples. GWCF is a simple and low‐cost procedure that selects equine sperm with a quality comparable to colloid centrifugation with Androcoll‐E™.
Combining ecology and technology to kick‐start oyster reef restoration
Authors: Williams Brittany R. , McAfee Dominic , Connell Sean D.
Published: July 2023

Techniques that enhance the recruitment of foundation species to restoration sites can inform the ecological development of the restored habitat. However, techniques are often considered in isolation, potentially overlooking synergies from combining them. Native oyster reefs have been lost worldwide, resulting in restoration efforts in systems that are often recruitment limited, or where recruiting oysters must spatially compete with opportunistic species. Here, we present a field‐based study that combines ecological knowledge on positive species interactions with novel acoustic technology, both of which are demonstrated to boost oyster recruitment in isolation, to test whether their interaction synergistically enhances the early larval recruitment that drives oyster reef development. At three sites across a 20 ha oyster reef restoration in southern Australia, we used self‐made speakers to broadcast healthy reef soundscapes that attract oysters and combine this with artificial kelp that facilitates oyster recruitment by suppressing competitive species (turfing algae). The combination of acoustic enrichment and artificial kelp increased oyster recruitment to the topside of substrate (326.98% increase), whereas only acoustic enrichment increased recruitment to the underside of substrate (126.95% increase). Our findings suggest that the combination of multiple techniques and their interactive effects might boost the early stages of reef development, providing proof‐of‐concept that these approaches can help oysters to build and bind reefs (i.e. recruit to the topside and underside, respectively). By combining ecology with technology during the first stages of a developing reef restoration, we show the potential value of these novel approaches to kick‐start the recovery of lost oyster reefs.
The gender of bruising: A critical literature review on gender in boxing
Authors: Országhová M. A. Kristína
Published: July 2023

This article provides a critical review of the scholarship on gender in boxing since the formal recognition of women's boxing internationally in 1994. The article is divided into three parts, each addressing a different aspect of the relationship between gender and boxing. The first part discusses the beginnings of boxing scholarship that mostly focussed on men and masculinity, the second part explores the research on boxing since the inclusion of female boxing in international competitions and examines organizational aspects of boxing, and the last part outlines the scholarship that explores gender identities in boxing. The review is based on qualitative textual analysis and attempts to identify gaps in the scholarship, providing suggestions for future research directions. Overall, the article argues that while the scholarship on gender in boxing is saturated, there are still a few areas that would benefit from further research. These are studies on the relationship between volunteering, refereeing, heterosexuality, and gender in boxing.
Swedish unions and obligatory complementary income insurance: Securing unemployment benefits in a changing welfare state
Authors: Hamark Jesper , Lapidus John
Published: July 2023

Until the 2000s, the Ghent system of state‐supported, union‐run funds contributed to high union density in Sweden. However, there has been a remodelling of the Ghent system and a gradual erosion of public unemployment insurance. In this new institutional and less universal context, unions have introduced the private complement known as obligatory complementary income insurance (OCII). This article seeks answers to how Swedish unions have thought and argued on OCII, how these thoughts and arguments change over time and whether there are differences across unions within different confederations. The material includes congressional minutes and other internal documents as well as newspapers and union magazines, 2000–2020. There is a myriad of arguments for and against OCII. Many unions highlight the eroded public unemployment insurance—arguably a threat both to individuals and collectives—as the prime trigger of OCII. Yet, for unions with high rates of unemployment and relatively high wages, the OCII premium may be too expensive. Further, some unions argue that high‐wage members are subsidised by low‐wage members. We also find that OCII enhances sharp competition between unions to keep and recruit new members. The material also reveals different union opinions on how OCII is affecting the future of the welfare model.
Role of imaging in morphea assessment: A review of the literature
Authors: Khorasanizadeh Faezeh , Kalantari Yasamin , Etesami Ifa
Published: July 2023

Background

Localized scleroderma, known as morphea, is a connective tissue disorder characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the skin and the soft tissue. There exist no universally accepted validated outcome measures in order to monitor the disease activity. Besides clinical scores to evaluate outcome measures, imaging modalities are increasingly utilized in assessing patients with morphea, such as high‐frequency ultrasonography (US), shear‐wave elastography (SWE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the accuracy of these imaging modalities in monitoring morphea activity is not yet clear.

Aims

To review the literature regarding the role of imaging modalities in assessing patients with morphea.

Materials & Methods

In this study, we searched the PubMed/Medline database for articles published from inception until February 2023.

Results

A total number of 23 original articles in three categories of US, elastography, and MRI were included.

Discussion

Regarding US, criteria, including increased dermal thickness, increased echogenicity of the subcutaneous tissue, and decreased dermal echogenicity, were indicators of active morphea lesions when using high frequencies probe (18–20 MHz) color Doppler sonography. Moreover, studies evaluating SWE, a novel method to quantitatively assess tissue stiffness, demonstrated increased dermal stiffness in active lesions.

Conclusion

Studies showed that MRI can help to determine the depth of disease, particularly as a first‐line and follow‐up diagnostic tool, especially in generalized and deep morphea. In addition, brain MRI may be useful for patients with localized craniofacial scleroderma experiencing new or worsening neurological symptoms.
HLA‐A23/HLA‐A24 serotypes and dementia interaction in the elderly: Association with increased soluble HLA class I molecules in plasma
Authors: Cardoso Elsa M. , Lourenço‐Gomes Vânia , Esgalhado André J. , Reste‐Ferreira Débora , Oliveira Nádia , Amaral Ana Saraiva , Martinho António , Gama Jorge M. R. , Verde Ignácio , Lourenço Olga , Fonseca Ana M. , Buchli Rico , Arosa Fernando A.
Published: July 2023

MHC class I molecules regulate brain development and plasticity in mice and HLA class I molecules are associated with brain disorders in humans. We investigated the relationship between plasma‐derived soluble human HLA class I molecules (sHLA class I), HLA class I serotypes and dementia. A cohort of HLA class I serotyped elderly subjects with no dementia/pre‐dementia (NpD, n = 28), or with dementia (D, n = 28) was studied. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the influence of dementia and HLA class I serotype on sHLA class I levels, and to compare sHLA class I within four groups according to the presence or absence of HLA‐A23/A24 and dementia. HLA‐A23/A24 and dementia, but not age, significantly influenced the level of sHLA class I. Importantly, the concurrent presence of HLA‐A23/A24 and dementia was associated with higher levels of sHLA class I (p < 0.001). This study has shown that the simultaneous presence of HLA‐A23/HLA‐A24 and dementia is associated with high levels of serum sHLA class I molecules. Thus, sHLA class I could be considered a biomarker of neurodegeneration in certain HLA class I carriers.
Outcomes of therapeutic plasma exchange in severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia hospitalizations: An analysis of the National Inpatient Sample
Authors: Abdelhay Ali , Mahmoud Amir A. , Ammari Omar , Dalbah Rami , Reghis Mouna , Hashem Anas , Alkasem Mouaz , Mostafa Mariam
Published: July 2023

Background

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is characterized by humoral and/or cellular immune‐mediated hemolysis of red blood cells. The role of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in AIHA is unclear.

Study Design and Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2002–2019 to identify hospitalizations with the primary diagnosis of AIHA. We included hospitalizations with the highest severity subclass identified by All Patient Refined Disease Related Group (APR‐DRG). We used multivariate regression analysis to compare in‐hospital mortality and other relevant in‐hospital outcomes between hospitalizations that received TPE and those that did not.

Results

We identified 255 weighted hospitalizations in the TPE group and 4973 in the control group. Those in the control group were older (median age 67 vs. 48 years, p < .001) and had a higher prevalence of most comorbidities. The TPE group had higher odds of all‐cause in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–2.11). They also had higher rates of many secondary outcomes, including requiring mechanical ventilation, developing circulatory shock, acute stroke, urinary tract infections, intracranial hemorrhage, acute kidney injury, and requiring new hemodialysis. No significant differences were noted in the rates of acute myocardial infarctions, bacterial pneumonia, sepsis/septicemia, thromboembolic events, and other bleeding events. Furthermore, the TPE group had a higher median length of hospital stay (19 vs. 9 days, p < .001).

Conclusion

Hospitalizations with severe AIHA that received TPE had higher rates of adverse in‐hospital outcomes.
Solvent/detergent treated pooled human plasma can decrease the recurrence of allergic transfusion reactions in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients
Authors: Ibrahim Wael , Kinney Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Background

Octaplas is a solvent/detergent (S/D)‐treated pooled human plasma indicated for the treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) as well as multiple coagulation factor deficiency in patients with liver disease or undergoing liver transplantation or cardiac surgery. We aimed at providing pediatric, adolescent, and young adult evidence for the decrease in allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) with S/D‐treated plasma.

Study Design/Methods

A single‐center retrospective review of patient records was performed from January 2018 through July 2022 for patients who received S/D treated plasma (Octaplas™; Octapharma).

Results/Findings

A total of 1415 units of S/D‐treated plasma were transfused to nine patients at our institution. Patient ages ranged from 13 months to 25 years old. The reason to initiate transfusion with S/D treated plasma in six patients was mild to severe ATR to plasma‐containing products and the need for therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) or plasma transfusions (PTs). TPE or PT was performed for various clinical indications. Average S/D treated plasma volume per TPE or PT ranged from 200 to 1800 mL per event. During the study period, since initiating transfusions with S/D treated plasma, there have been no allergic or other transfusion reactions reported among these patients.

Conclusion

We have successfully utilized S/D treated plasma over the last 4.5 years for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients who otherwise would have suffered ATR due to necessary TPE or PT. S/D treated plasma is an additional tool that can be utilized by transfusion services, including pediatrics, to safely transfuse their patients.
A Conformal Design Approach of TPMS-Based Porous Microchannels With Freeform Boundaries
Authors: Chi Zi-Peng , Wang Qing-Hui , Li Jing-Rong , Xie Hai-Long
Published: July 2023

Triply period minimal surface (TPMS)-based porous microchannels with freeform surfaces are extensively used in various applications, e.g., bone scaffold design and thermal management. However, TPMS-based porous microchannels designed by most existing solutions are difficult to conform with the boundaries of freeform surfaces, and the integrity of the TPMS unit at the surface boundary is easily destroyed. Therefore, this work proposes a conformal design method for TPMS-based microchannels based on mesh surface conformal parameterization. A novel geometric structure, namely “quasi-quadrilateral,” is presented with this approach to control the size and shape of TPMS unit. Then, a design method of TPMS network topology in the 2D parametric domain of mesh surfaces is proposed to determine the positions of TPMS units. Based on this network topology, an algorithm to generate conformal TPMS units and TPMS-based microchannels is further presented. The result microchannels can automatically adapt to various freeform surfaces, and the quality of TPMS unit is greatly improved. Moreover, the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed approach are validated by comparative experimental studies with existing solutions.
Shock Isolation of an Orthogonal Six-DOFs Platform With High-Static-Low-Dynamic Stiffness
Authors: Hao Rong-Biao , Lu Ze-Qi , Ding Hu , Chen Li-Qun
Published: July 2023

A novel approach to enhance the shock vibration environment of multi-directions using a high-static-low-dynamic stiffness supported orthogonal six-degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) nonlinear vibration isolation (OSNVI) system is presented in this paper. By combining spring positive stiffness and magnetic negative stiffness, the proposed system achieves high-static-low-dynamic stiffness. Under the multi-directions half-sine vibration, the dynamic equation of the OSNVI is obtained. Both dynamic and static analysis methods are utilized to explore the effect of various parameters on the shock isolation performance of the OSNVI from both the time and frequency domains. The results indicate that the proposed OSNVI can efficiently suppress multi-direction shocks at the cost of only one second. Although a nonlinear jump is usually not expected, the nonlinear jump of the OSNVI could improve the load capacity by increasing the spring stiffness without changing the shock isolation frequency band. Finally, a shock experiment is employed through a three-axis shaker platform to validate the shock isolation performance of the orthogonal six-DOF nonlinear vibration isolator. The proposed OSNVI provides a promising approach to suppress the multi-directional shock vibrations.
Clustering of phosphatase RPTPα promotes Src signaling and the arthritogenic action of synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Sendo Sho , Kiosses William B. , Yang Shen , Wu Dennis J. , Lee Daniel W. K. , Liu Lin , Aschner Yael , Vela Allison J. , Downey Gregory P. , Santelli Eugenio , Bottini Nunzio
Published: July 2023

Receptor-type protein phosphatase α (RPTPα) promotes fibroblast-dependent arthritis and fibrosis, in part, by enhancing the activation of the kinase SRC. Synovial fibroblasts lining joint tissue mediate inflammation and tissue damage, and their infiltration into adjacent tissues promotes disease progression. RPTPα includes an ectodomain and two intracellular catalytic domains (D1 and D2) and, in cancer cells, undergoes inhibitory homodimerization, which is dependent on a D1 wedge motif. Through single-molecule localization and labeled molecule interaction microscopy of migrating synovial fibroblasts, we investigated the role of RPTPα dimerization in the activation of SRC, the migration of synovial fibroblasts, and joint damage in a mouse model of arthritis. RPTPα clustered with other RPTPα and with SRC molecules in the context of actin-rich structures. A known dimerization-impairing mutation in the wedge motif (P210L/P211L) and the deletion of the D2 domain reduced RPTPα-RPTPα clustering; however, it also unexpectedly reduced RPTPα-SRC association. The same mutations also reduced recruitment of RPTPα to actin-rich structures and inhibited SRC activation and cellular migration. An antibody against the RPTPα ectodomain that prevented the clustering of RPTPα also inhibited RPTPα-SRC association and SRC activation and attenuated fibroblast migration and joint damage in arthritic mice. A catalytically inactivating RPTPα-C469S mutation protected mice from arthritis and reduced SRC activation in synovial fibroblasts. We conclude that RPTPα clustering retains it to actin-rich structures to promote SRC-mediated fibroblast migration and can be modulated through the extracellular domain.
Extracellular messaging elicited by exercise
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: July 2023

The exercise-induced secretomes of multiple cell types in mice are characterized.
Comparison of an ID NOW COVID-19 Assay Used at the Point of Care to Laboratory-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests
Authors: Payne David , Williams Channyn , Jacob Justin , Chastain-Potts Shelby , Adjei Michael , Taye Berihun , Montalvo Shayla , Short Luke , Tran Anthony
Published: July 2023

The emergence of a novel coronavirus, namely, SARS-CoV-2, necessitated the use of rapid, accurate diagnostics to quickly diagnose COVID-19. This need has increased with the emergence of new variants and continued waves of COVID-19 cases.
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus, Surrogate for Coronavirus Decay Measurement in French Coastal Waters and Contribution to Coronavirus Risk Evaluation
Authors: Contrant Maud , Bigault Lionel , Andraud Mathieu , Desdouits Marion , Rocq Sophie , Le Guyader Françoise S. , Blanchard Yannick
Published: July 2023

The present work addresses the question of the persistence of coronavirus in marine environments because SARS-CoV-2 is regularly detected in wastewater treatment plants, and the coastal environment, subjected to increasing anthropogenic pressure and the final receiver of surface waters and sometimes insufficiently depurated wastewater, is particularly at risk. The problem also arises in the possibility of soil contamination by CoV from animals, especially livestock, during manure application, where, by soil impregnation and runoff, these viruses can end up in seawater.
Wet calc-alkaline magmatic fractionation in the middle−upper crustal sections of the continental arc: Insights from the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, western Yangtze Block, South China
Authors: Zhu Yu , Lai Shao-cong , Xie Wan-li , Qin Jiang-feng , Zhu Ren-zhi , Zhao Shao-wei , Liu Min , Zhang Fang-yi , Zhang Ze-zhong , Yang Hang
Published: July 2023

Elucidating the petrological and geochemical characteristics of continental arc crustal fragments can provide unique insights into the magmatic evolutional path and physicochemical conditions (e.g., P−T−H2O) of continental magmatic arcs. This contribution provides a comprehensive set of petrological, mineralogical, geochronological, and geochemical data for the Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex of the western Yangtze Block, South China, which features well-exposed middle−upper crustal sections of the Neoproterozoic continental magmatic arc, to evaluate their magmatic source and fractionation process. The Neoproterozoic Nanba intrusive complex, composed of cumulate gabbros, hornblende gabbros, gabbro-diorites, diorites, granodiorites, K-feldspar granites, and monzogranites, was emplaced at ca. 796−790 Ma. The different lithologies of the Nanba intrusive complex display relatively homogeneous Sr-Nd-Hf isotopes, which indicates a cogenetic evolutional process. The predominantly depleted isotopic characteristics, together with high values of Ba, Rb/Y, and Ba/La, demonstrate that these rocks mainly originated from a subduction fluid−metasomatized mantle source. Petrological and geochemical characteristics, as well as hornblende thermobarometric data, collectively support that the ca. 796−790 Ma Nanba intrusive complex, following the calc-alkaline trend, was dominated by the wet cogenetic fractionation of hornblende accompanied by plagioclase and accessory minerals beneath the middle−upper crustal levels (2.4−4.7 kbar). The cumulate gabbros represent the residue of accumulated hornblende + plagioclase + Fe-Ti oxides from fractionated basaltic melts. The high-SiO2 K-feldspar granites and monzogranites display complementary trace elements, which represent residual silicic cumulates and extracted interstitial liquids in the shallower crystal mush reservoir, respectively. In combination with previous studies, we propose that the middle−upper crustal sections of the Neoproterozoic continental arc of the western Yangtze Block underwent hornblende-dominated fractionation that was followed by significant crystal-liquid separation, which led to the genesis of high-SiO2 melts at the shallower crustal level. The cogenetic evolution played a significant role in molding the petrological and geochemical diversity of Neoproterozoic igneous rocks and the differentiation process of continental arc crust in the western Yangtze Block.
Successful management of delayed postoperative lung collapse secondary to spillage of aspergilloma
Authors: Lahiri Raja , Jhalani Ishan , Kumar Ajay , Goswami Aakansha Giri
Published: July 2023

Aspergilloma usually grows in lung cavities, although some may present with intrabronchial masses. Bronchial spillage during surgery is a known and disastrous complication of cavitary aspergilloma with bronchial communication. We present a case of a man in his 40s who developed a cavitary aspergilloma with recurrent haemoptysis almost a decade after his pulmonary tuberculosis. Following a segmentectomy for the same, the patient was extubated on table with well-expanded lung fields. Six hours later, he developed respiratory distress, and X-ray showed a complete lung collapse. An emergency bronchoscopy revealed a fungal ball obstructing the left main bronchus. The mass was successfully removed through bronchoscope, and the patient had lung expansion and uneventful recovery.
Preoperative embolization of brain arteriovenous malformation and efficacy in intraoperative blood loss reduction: a quantitative study
Authors: Brunozzi Denise , Stone McGuire Laura , Hossa Jessica , Atwal Gursant , Charbel Fady T , Alaraj Ali
Published: July 2023

Background

Embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is often used as adjuvant therapy to microsurgical resection to reduce the high-risk features of bAVMs such as large size and high flow. However, the effect of preoperative embolization on surgical performance and patient outcome has shown mixed results. Heterogeneity in treatment goals, selection criteria, and unpredictable changes in bAVM hemodynamics after partial embolization may account for these uncertain findings. In this study we use an objective quantitative technique to assess the impact of preoperative embolization on intraoperative blood loss (IBL).

Methods

Patients with bAVM treated with microsurgical resection only or in combination with preoperative embolization from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if quantitative magnetic resonance angiography was performed prior to any treatment. Correlation of baseline bAVM flow, volume, and IBL was evaluated between the two groups. Additionally, bAVM flow prior to and after embolization was compared.

Results

Forty-three patients were included, 31 of whom required preoperative embolization (20 had more than one session). Mean bAVM initial flow (362.3 mL/min vs 89.6 mL/min, p=0.001) and volume (9.6 mL vs 2.8 mL, p=0.001) were significantly higher in the preoperative embolization group; flow decreased significantly after embolization (408.0 mL/min vs 139.5 mL/min, p<0.001). IBL was comparable between the two groups (258.6 mL vs 141.3 mL, p=0.17). Linear regression continued to show a significant difference in initial bAVM flow (p=0.03) but no significant difference in IBL (p=0.53).

Conclusion

Patients with larger bAVMs who underwent preoperative embolization had comparable IBL to those with smaller bAVMs undergoing only surgical treatment. Preoperative embolization of high-flow bAVMs facilitates surgical resection, reducing the risk of IBL.
Cancer pain intensity and perceived social support in palliative care: 1-week prospective study
Authors: Yang Yilong , Cui Meng , Zhao Xinxin , Wang Simeng , Wang Yumei , Wang Xiaohe
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Pain is a complex and multidimensional experience affected by psychosocial factors. Perceived social support (PSS) has been considered as a positive psychosocial resource for effective regulation of cancer patients’ well-being. Our study examined the relationship between PSS and pain intensity under 1-week palliative care.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted of terminal cancer inpatients (N=84) recruited from the hospice ward. Pain intensity was assessed on admission and 1 week later, and patients completed self-report questionnaires assessing PSS at admission. The repeated designed analysis of variance was used to explore the correlate of PSS with cancer pain.

Results

Pain intensity decreased after 1 week (t=2.303, p=0.024), and 47.62% gained pain relief. For pain intensity, there was a significant PSS group×time interaction effect detected (F=4.544, p=0.036). Pain intensity in the high PSS group was significantly reduced 1 week later (p=0.008), while the change of pain intensity was not significant in the low PSS group (p=0.609).

Conclusions

PSS at admission predicted the 1-week development of pain intensity. Identifying PSS of terminal cancer patients leads to early interventions that are more effective in improving pain management of palliative care.
Preference and actual place-of-death in advanced cancer: prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Valentino Talita Caroline de Oliveira , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , de Oliveira Marco Antonio , Hui David , Bruera Eduardo , Julião Miguel , Paiva Bianca Sakamoto Ribeiro
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the preferred place-of-death (PPoD) among patients with advanced cancer over time, and the concordance between preferred and actual place-of-death.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. A total of 190 patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers (n=190) were interviewed every 3 months, from study enrolment to 12 months (M0, M1, M2, M3, M4). PPoD data were obtained under four different end-of-life scenarios: (1) severe clinical deterioration without further specification; (2) clinical deterioration suffering from severe symptoms; (3) clinical deterioration receiving home-based visits; and (4) clinical deterioration receiving home-based visits and suffering from severe symptoms.

Results

Home was the most common PPoD over time among patients in scenarios 1 (n=121, 63.7%; n=77, 68.8%; n=39, 57.4%; n=30, 62.5%; n=23, 60.5%) and 3 (n=147, 77.4%; n=87, 77.7%; n=48, 70.6%; n=36, 75.0%; n=30, 78.9%). PPoD in palliative care unit (PCU) and hospital were most frequent at baseline in scenario 2 (n=79, 41.6%; n=78, 41.1%), followed by hospital over time (n=61, 54.5%; n=45, 66.2%; n=35, 72.9%; n=28, 73.7%). During the curse of illness, 6.3% of patients change their PPoD in at least one of end-of-life scenario. About 49.7%, 30.6% and 19.7% of patients died in PCU, hospital and home, respectively. Living in rural area (OR=4.21), poor health self-perception (OR=4.49) and pain at the last days of life (OR=2.77) were associated with death in PPoD. The overall agreement between last preference and actual place-of-death was 51.0% (k=0.252).

Conclusion

Home death was not the preferred place for a large number of patients when this option was presented within a clinical context scenario. The PPoD and actual place-of-death were depending on the clinical situation.
Quasitopological electromagnetism, conformal scalar field and Lovelock black holes
Authors: Ali Askar
Published: July 2023

In this work, we present the new higher dimensional dyonic black hole solutions of the Lovelock-scalar gravity coupled with quasitopological electromagnetism. First, we concentrate on the dimensionally continued gravity and construct the solution that describes the dyonic black holes with conformal scalar hair in diverse dimensions. We study the physical properties and discuss the effects of the quasitopological electromagnetism and conformal scalar field on the local thermodynamic stability of these dimensionally continued black holes. Next, we derive the solutions that describe the conformal hairy black holes of the Gauss–Bonnet and third order Lovelock gravities in the presence of quasitopological electromagnetism. The basic thermodynamic quantities of these black holes are calculated as well.
Calculations of multipole transitions in Sn II for kilonova analysis
Authors: Bondarev A. I. , Gillanders J. H. , Cheung C. , Safronova M. S. , Fritzsche S.
Published: July 2023

We use the method that combines linearized coupled-cluster and configuration interaction approaches for calculating energy levels and multipole transition probabilities in singly ionized tin ions. We show that our calculated energies agree very well with the experimental data. We present probabilities of magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole transitions and use them for the analysis of the AT2017gfo kilonova emission spectra. This study demonstrates the importance and utility of accurate atomic data for forbidden transitions in the examination of future kilonova events.

Graphical abstract
Endpoint regularity of discrete multilinear maximal and minimal operators
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Feng
Published: July 2023

We introduce two discrete multilinear maximal and minimal operators associated to the function [Formula: see text], which cover the classical discrete multilinear maximal and minimal operators and their fractional variants. Under a more restrictive condition on [Formula: see text], we establish some new variation boundedness and continuity of the above operators, which is new and interesting even in the linear case. It should be pointed out that the main results we obtain not only extend and improve some known ones in the maximal setting, but also supplement some new results in the minimal setting.
Study of fractional-order alcohol-abuse mathematical model using the concept of piecewise operator
Authors: Sher Muhammad , Shah Kamal , Sarwar Muhammad , Abdallab Bahaaeldin , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we study a novel model of the dynamics of alcohol consumption under induced complications. The mentioned model is considered under some advanced concept of fractional derivative called piecewise fractional-order derivative. Currently, most real-world problems are considered under fractional derivatives because of their stable and global behavior. To deal with and detect the crossover behavior in the dynamics of the proposed model, the piecewise derivative containing the Mittag-Leffler-type kernel combined with classical integer order derivatives in piecewise form is used. First, we will investigate the model for qualitative theory in detail. For qualitative theory, we will use fixed point theory. Additionally, we establish sufficient conditions for Ulam–Hyers (UH) stability. To simulate the model, we develop a numerical algorithm based on the Euler technique. The numerical method is applied to present graphically the approximate solutions of the model. In the final part of the paper, we give a detailed discussion of our numerical results.
Insight into the thermocapillary radiative flow of hybrid nanoliquid film over an infinite rotating disk with entropy generation and heat source
Authors: Kumari Abha , Kumar Amit , Tripathi Rajat
Published: July 2023

Research into hybrid nanofluid flow over a disk surface is growing due to numerous processes in marine or gas turbines, rotating disk reactors for biofuels generation, cooling of spinning equipment components and other industrial applications. The purpose of this research study is to examine the entropy generation for the transient thermocapillary flow of hybrid nanoliquid thin films across a disk surface with different shapes of nanoparticles. To analyze the nanomaterial, the Tiwari–Das hybrid nanofluid flow model is established, and in doing so, Prandtl’s boundary layer theory is incorporated into this model. The energy equation considers the impacts of thermal radiation, two different kinds of heat sources — namely an exponentially space-dependent heat source and a linear thermal heat source — and viscous dissipation. The nonlinear partial differential equations, which explain the flow processes, are transformed into the nondimensional ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Once the ODEs have been constructed, they are next solved using the bvp4c technique. In addition, the surface drag force and the rate of heat transfer are both evaluated as functions of the shape factor of the nanoparticles that are disseminated in the base fluid. The influence of significant parameters on the flow fields is depicted graphically, and adequate physical explanations are provided for each representation. One of the important findings of this study indicates that the largest amount of heat transfer can be accomplished at the disk surface by employing nanoparticles with blade shape, while this physical quantity is the least when nanoparticles with spherical shapes are used. The temperature profile grows as the thermal and exponential heat sources increase. Entropy generation improves with the increase in either the magnetic parameter or the Brinkman number.
A Novel Thanka Image Inpainting Method with Euler’s Elastica and Iterative Denoising and Backward Projections
Authors: Li Qiaoqiao , Wang Weilan
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a brand-new Thanka picture inpainting technique based on Euler’s elastica, iterative denoising, and backward projections (EEIDBP). Specifically, a model of Euler’s elastica is introduced to estimate the original observation due to its lower staircasing effects and better approximation of natural images. A method for backward projection and iterative denoising is applied to achieve a more accurate estimate of the original signal by alternating iterations between the estimation of the original signal and the estimation of the original observation. The experimental findings demonstrate that, in terms of a subjective assessment, the quantitative peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), and the structural similarity (SSIM), the proposed technique outperforms the state-of-the-art picture inpainting methods.
An Intelligent Diagnosis Approach Combining Resampling and CWGAN-GP of Single-to-Mixed Faults of Rolling Bearings Under Unbalanced Small Samples
Authors: fan Hongwei , Ma Jiateng , Cao Xiangang , Zhang Xuhui , Mao Qinghua
Published: July 2023

Rolling bearing is a key component with the high fault rate in the rotary machines, and its fault diagnosis is important for the safe and healthy operation of the entire machine. In recent years, the deep learning has been widely used for the mechanical fault diagnosis. However, in the process of equipment operation, its state data always presents unbalanced. Number of effective data in different states is different and usually the gap is large, which makes it difficult to directly conduct deep learning. This paper proposes a new data enhancement method combining the resampling and Conditional Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks-Gradient Penalty (CWGAN-GP), and uses the gray images-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to realize the intelligent fault diagnosis of rolling bearings. First, the resampling is used to expand the small number of samples to a large level. Second, the conditional label in Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGAN) is combined with WGAN-GP to control the generated samples. Meanwhile, the Maximum Mean Discrepancy (MMD) is used to filter the samples to obtain the high-quality expanded data set. Finally, CNN is used to train the obtained dataset and carry out the fault classification. In the experiment, a single, compound and mixed fault cases of rolling bearings are successively simulated. For each case, the different sets considering the imbalance ratio of data are constructed, respectively. The results show that the method proposed significantly improves the fault diagnosis accuracy of rolling bearings, which provides a feasible way for the intelligent diagnosis of mechanical component with the complex fault modes and unbalanced small data.
EFFECTS OF EDGE ROUGHNESS ON SURFACE CHARGING IN PLASMA ETCHING
Authors: ZHANG PENG
Published: July 2023

In the plasma etching technique, acquiring a high-quality transfer from the mask pattern onto the substrate under the suppression of the charging effects is of great significance. Most previous publications only focus on studying the charging phenomena on smooth round mask holes. This work shifted the target to an isolated mask hole with a rough edge using a classical particle simulation program, to examine the effects of edge roughness on surface charging for a mask hole. This study adopted the CF4 plasmas, due to the widely used fluorocarbon plasmas for the contact-holes. Simulated results indicate that the mask holes with various shapes present differences in electric field ([Formula: see text]-field) strength distribution, etching rate and profile evolution, relying on some condition parameters (roughness and reflection probability on the mask surface). The larger the dominant wavelength (DW), the more uniform the [Formula: see text]-field distribution around the edge of the mask hole will be. The simulation of the profile evolution further confirmed that the deformation is in keeping with the distribution of the [Formula: see text]-field. It was further found that the root mean square (RMS) of roughness increases with time in cases of the relatively small values of wavelength (10 and 35 nm) and decreases for other cases. Possible mechanisms behind have been discussed in detail. The findings of this work would shed light on an approach to maintain the pattern integrity.
INVESTIGATION OF 3D SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY FEATURES ON THE POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND TURNING OF ALUMINA
Authors: NATARAJAN YUVARAJ , ORAON NARESH KUMAR , MONDAL RAMPRASAD , GANGADHARAN SUBBAIYAN
Published: July 2023

The product’s surface quality and service performance depend on the surface integrity features formed by the machining process. Surface integrity consists of many features including surface topography and others. In this work, 3D (areal) surface topography features, particularly height variations, were investigated on the polycrystalline diamond (PCD) turning of alumina. Variations of the areal unevenness and height distribution parameters, namely arithmetic mean deviation (Sa), maximum peak height (Sz), skewness (Ssk) and kurtosis (Sku), with respect to turning parameters such as spindle speed (1000, 2000 & 3000 rpm), feed rate (0.05, 0.075 & 0.1 mm/rev) and depth of cut (1, 3 & 5 [Formula: see text]m) were studied. The Taguchi technique was carried out in this study based on the L9 standard orthogonal array for optimizing the turning parameters for the generation of better topography features. The error analysis was done with the experimental results and the error variations were noticed to be less than 10%. Based on the experimental results, the best surface figure combination of Sa 0.67 [Formula: see text]m, Sz 3.18 [Formula: see text]m, Ssk 0.0039 and Sku 3.06 was found at the employment of spindle speed of 1500 rpm, feed rate of 0.1 mm/rev, and depth of cut of 1 [Formula: see text]m. The distribution of peaks and valleys formed over the PCD-turned alumina surfaces may influence the different functional properties such as fatigue, friction, wear, etc. Besides, the results were examined through means of responses and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test results also reported that the depth of cut outperforms other hard turning parameters over the surface topography features of the turned alumina ceramics. At a lower depth of cut, the cutting tool is involved in the shearing action which causes the stable material removal of alumina ceramics through an appreciable chip formation.