bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic modification in alcohol‐related liver diseases
Authors: Ajoolabady Amir , Aslkhodapasandhokmabad Hamid , Zhou Yuan , Ren Jun
Published: February 2022

Alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) refers to a spectrum of hepatic damage triggered by excessive alcohol intake, resulting in inflamed and swollen livers, ultimately, liver cirrhosis. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a similar term denoting liver disorders encompassing steatosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent evidence has suggested a vital role for epigenetic factors, which modulate gene expression in the absence of changes in DNA sequence, in the onset and progression of liver disorders, to foster hepatic fibrogenesis and cirrhosis. Mounting findings have delineated that alcohol consumption extensively modulates liver epigenetics, thus, prompting the etiology of ARLD and ALD. Alcohol‐induced epigenetic modifications (AIEM) in the liver encompass histone modification, microRNA‐induced genetic modulation, DNA methylation, and alcohol‐evoked cell signaling that alters gene expression. Herein, we aim at summarizing key findings to decipher AIEM and its role in the onset and development of ARLD and ALD from the perspectives of both cellular and animal models of alcohol exposure. Furthermore, we will share our viewpoints on epigenetics‐based therapeutic options in the management of ARLD and ALD.
Novel approach to apply existing constitutive soil models to the modelling of interfaces
Authors: Staubach Patrick , Machaček Jan , Wichtmann Torsten
Published: February 2022

A novel scheme to apply constitutive (continuum) soil models to the mechanical modelling of soil‐structure interfaces is presented. Opposite to existing approaches, all normal stress components of the interface depend directly on the normal stress components of the adjacent continuum. This allows to satisfy boundary conditions not only for the continuum but also for the interface. Interface models based on Hypoplasticity with intergranular strain extension and on Sanisand (version of 2004) are formulated. They are implemented in the framework of a mortar contact discretisation technique in a finite element code, which is available for download. A numerical differentiation scheme is used to secure consistent derivatives of contact forces with respect to displacement. The performance of the proposed interface models is evaluated by comparison with data from (cyclic) simple interface shear tests and an existing (hypoplastic) interface model proposed by Stutz et al. (2016). Subsequently, a large‐scale cyclic interface shear test with complex geometry is simulated using the different interface models. It is concluded that only the novel interface formulation allows to appropriately consider the boundary conditions of the large‐scale interface shear test in the interface.
Psychometric evaluation of the perceived nursing student's Incivility questionnaire
Authors: Abedini Zahra , Khoramirad Ashraf , Ahmari Tehran Hoda , Saeedi Maryam
Published: February 2022

Aim

Student's uncivil behaviour is one of the most common problems in the educational setting, including nursing schools. It is essential to develop tools for measuring the uncivil behaviour of nursing students to solve this problem. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of perceived nursing student's incivility questionnaire among the Iranian community.

Design

In this methodological study, perceived nursing student's incivility questionnaire was completed by 360 nursing students and 121 nursing faculty members.

Methods

Sampling was done from October 2019–November 2019. Content and construct validity of the questionnaire were evaluated. Reliability was estimated using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients and composite reliability. The construct validity of nursing student's perceived incivility was investigated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Results

Content validity index 0.88 for the whole instrument. The three factors of violent behaviours, irresponsible behaviours and unsound behaviours explained more than 51.485% of the variance. Factor structure extracted using model fit indices (PCFI = 0.763, PNFI = 0.732, CMIN/DF = 2.501, RMSEA = 0.056, GFI = 0.941, AGFI = 0.918, CFI = 0.935) and convergent validity were also confirmed. Internal consistency and composite reliability were estimated to be more than 0.7. The results showed that Iranian perceived nursing student's incivility questionnaire is a three‐dimensional construct with good validity and reliability.
Black Americans’ willingness to participate in pediatric sickle cell clinical trials: A retrospective, systematic review
Authors: Zanfardino Sara , Mazziotto Volha , Bodas Prasad
Published: February 2022

Black individuals are underrepresented in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Willingness to participate is a frequently cited explanation. However, the few studies that have investigated willingness to participate demonstrated no difference between Black individuals and other groups. We sought to measure willingness to participate by focusing on sickle cell disease (SCD), in which approximately 90% of affected individuals are Black. We conducted an analysis of 17 RCTs. A level of clarity was defined and correlated with each article's transparency in reporting patient enrollment data. Calculated measures of acceptance ranged from 32% to 93.5%. Calculated completion rates ranged from 58.8% to 100%. Weighted measures of acceptance and completion were 59.1% and 83.8%, respectively. Our study is limited by focusing solely on studies pertinent to SCD and only a minority of publications reviewed provided sufficient patient enrollment data. Yet, our results suggest that decreased willingness to participate does not account for underrepresentation of Black individuals.
Identifying dominant recombination locations in double‐graded Cu(In1‐xGax)(Se1‐ySy)2 solar cells and their impact on the performance at different light intensities
Authors: Ahmed Hamsa , Elshabasi Mohamed , Gonzalez Marco A. , Richter Michael , Stölzel Marko , Weber Alfons , Heise Stephan J. , Dalibor Thomas , Schäfer Sascha , Parisi Jürgen
Published: February 2022

In this work, the impact of different Cu(In1‐xGax)(Se1‐ySy)2 solar cell structures on the shift of the dominant recombination region at varying light intensities was investigated. A new parameter was proposed to account for the dominant recombination region relative to the minimum band gap location in a graded absorber. Additionally, the influence of shunt resistances on the dominant recombination location for different CIGSSe solar cell structures was modeled. Within the investigated illumination range, correlations between the dominant recombination location and solar cell parameters as well as their temperature dependence were discussed.
Preparation of TiO2 nanoparticles via cathode glow discharge electrolysis and its photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Lu Quanfang , Li Juanlong , Wang Bo , Yu Jie , Ma Xiaojuan , Cui Lijuan , Feng Yan
Published: February 2022

TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by cathode glow discharge electrolysis in sodium fluoride solution, in which cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) acted as a stabilizer, and a Ti foil and a Pt needlepoint served as the anode and the cathode, respectively. The structure, component, and morphology of TiO2 NPs were characterized. A possible preparation mechanism was proposed. In addition, the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 NPs was assessed through the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results showed that TiO2 NPs with 12.7 nm particle size could be prepared at 500 V discharge voltage. CTAB, as a stabilizer, can diminish the agglomeration. The photocatalytic property of TiO2 NPs for the degradation of MB with 0.15% CTAB is markedly superior to that of TiO2 NPs without adding CTAB and commercial TiO2 NPs (P25).
Identification of novel susceptibility factors related to CP/CPPS‐like symptoms: Evidence from a multicenter case‐control study
Authors: Zhang Meng , Jin Chen , Kong Xiangbin , Meng Jialin , Fan Song , Ding Yang , Fang Qiaozhou , Dong Ting , Zhang Houliang , Ni Jinliang , Liu Yi , Wang Hua , Chen Xianguo , Hao Zongyao , Peng Bo , Zhang Li , Wang Zhiping , Liang Chaozhao
Published: February 2022

Background

We aimed to systematically identify novel susceptible factors related to the occurrence and development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)‐like symptoms that were not limited to lifestyles or dietary habits in Chinese population.

Methods

We recruited participants from three centers (Shanghai [northeast], Hefei [east], and Lanzhou [northwest]) from August 2020 to June 2021. Demographics, lifestyles, dietary habits, past medical history, and national institutes of health‐chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH‐CPSI) were collected from the individuals via optimized questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis and multivariate adjustment models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to assess the association between these variables and CP/CPPS‐like symptoms.

Results

A total of 1851 participants were enrolled in this study (764 cases and 1087 controls). Age distributions differed between groups (median, range: 32, 18–74 vs. 29, 18–70, p < 0.001). After adjustment, physicochemical occupational hazards were identified significantly related to CP/CPPS‐like symptom occurrence and development (ORoccurrence: 1.389, 95% CI: 1.031–1.870, p < 0.001; ORdevelopment: 2.222, 95% CI: 1.464–3.372, p < 0.001); besides, greater than or equal to four ejaculations per week significantly increased the likelihood of CP/CPPS‐like symptoms compared with one ejaculation per week (ORoccurrence: 3.051, 95% CI: 1.598–5.827, p = 0.001). For these patients, who were easily felt gastrointestinal discomfort caused by spicy food intake, they had a higher incidence to affect with CP/CPPS‐like symptoms (ORoccurrence: 2.258, 95% CI: 1.858–2.745, p < 0.001). In addition, history of drug allergy and genitourinary infections were identified as independent susceptible factors for the occurrence of CP/CPPS‐like symptoms (ORoccurrence: 1.689, 95% CI: 1.007–2.834, p = 0.047; ORoccurrence: 3.442, 95% CI: 2.202–5.382, p < 0.001, respectively), while the history of rheumatic immune diseases was found tightly associated with the development of CP/CPPS‐like symptoms (ORdevelopment: 2.002, 95% CI: 1.008–4.058, p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Infection/inflammatory/immune‐related disorders, novel dietary habits, and lifestyles associated with the susceptibility of CP/CPPS‐like symptoms' occurrence and development are identified. Altering these irregular conditions serves as potential strategies for the treatment of patients with CP/CPPS‐like symptoms.
Mechanisms of influence of the Semi‐Annual Oscillation on stratospheric sudden warmings
Authors: Gray Lesley J. , Lu Hua , Brown Matthew J. , Knight Jeff R. , Andrews Martin B.
Published: February 2022

The influence of the Semi‐Annual Oscillation (SAO) on the timing and evolution of major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) is examined using the 2008/2009 SSW as the primary case‐study. When the zonal winds in both the troposphere and the SAO region of the equatorial upper stratosphere/lower mesosphere are relaxed towards reanalysis fields in the UK Met Office Unified Model, a remarkably accurate representation of the January 2009 SSW is achieved. The accurate timing of the SSW is determined by the SAO zonal wind relaxation. The westerly‐to‐easterly phase transition of the SAO in the lower mesosphere (0.1–0.5 hPa) is found to be a key factor for this influence. It defines an initial conical‐shaped vortex that determines the upward propagation of wave activity and subsequent evolution of wave mean‐flow interaction. Internal transient wave reflection in the subtropics and associated wave‐induced acceleration of the mean‐flow is found to be an important component, strengthening the vortex and thus delaying the onset of the SSW. The sensitivity of SSW timing to the equatorial westerly winds in the lower mesosphere is further explored in the context of all major SSWs during the 1979–2018 period. The timing of SSWs is found to be significantly correlated with the timing of the equinoctial westerly‐to‐easterly phase transition at 0.3 hPa in early winter (r = 0.79). This relationship is discussed in the context of the more widely recognised influence of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO). These results suggest that accurate simulation of the timing of SAO phase transitions, as well as knowledge of the QBO phase, is likely to provide additional and extended Northern Hemisphere wintertime seasonal forecast skill.
What makes a good educational research summary? A comparative judgement study of mathematics teachers' and mathematics education researchers' views
Authors: Rycroft‐Smith Lucy , Stylianides Andreas J.
Published: February 2022

The field of knowledge brokering in education—aiming to better connect research to practice—is currently emerging. Evidence of a community dissonance between researchers and practitioners in education suggests that models of knowledge brokering that consider the perspectives and priorities of both groups are required. It is also a priority to identify what kinds of knowledge brokering products such as research summaries are successful at communicating research to teachers, potentially functioning as boundary objects. We report findings from a comparative judgement study where a group of 28 mathematics teachers and a group of 19 mathematics education researchers ranked twenty research summaries, from different sources, in terms of their success at communicating the research to teachers, and explained which features contributed to this ranking. Overall the findings suggest moderate consensus both within and between the two groups, and some important areas of difference. Both groups agreed that graphic design was the most important element of a research summary; that being summarised, having implications for practice and being easy to read or accessible and well‐structured were key features of a research summary; and that the length of the research summary or the time it might take to read were also important. Whereas teachers mentioned the choice of topic of the research summary and to some extent language more than researchers, researchers highlighted some other features of successful research summaries for them that teachers did not: ideas around methodology and use of evidence, opportunities for critical reflection, and issues of trust and credibility.
An Efficient, Multi‐element AC/TiO2/WO3 Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Xu Mengdi , Nan Hui , Yang Hao , Xue Caihong , Fu Hua , Yang Guijun , Chen Huiyuan , Lin Hong
Published: February 2022

In this study, a simple one‐step hydrothermal synthesis of three‐element complex system photocatalyst technology is systematically studied. The results show that due to the complex heterojunction formed by titanium dioxide (TiO2), tungsten trioxide (WO3) and activated carbon (AC) and the strong adsorption performance of AC, the catalytic efficiency and cycle stability of the composite have been significantly improved. The excellent electron transport ability of AC is conducive to the separation of carriers, so that the electron transfer between AC/TiO2 and AC/WO3 can make it achieve a heterojunction effect similar to TiO2/WO3. The rich specific surface area of AC and the pores of the “labyrinth” structure can provide a higher concentration of degradable substances inside the catalyst, and the degraded substances are quickly transferred to the active site for degradation. Therefore, by controlling the mass ratio of AC/TiO2/WO3, a photocatalyst with high catalytic efficiency and strong cycle stability was successfully prepared (the degradation efficiency is above 95 %, and the degradation efficiency after 5 cycles is above 80 %).
Spirulina Biomass‐Loaded Thermoplastic Polyurethane/Polycaprolacton (TPU/PCL) Nanofibrous Mats: Fabrication, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity as Potential Wound Healing
Authors: Parın Fatma Nur , Parın Uğur
Published: February 2022

The development of antibacterial products with therapeutic properties has become a popular human health trend. Herein, for the first time, we described an effective antibacterial thermoplastic polyurethane/polycaprolacton (TPU/PCL) composite nanofibers loaded with the spirulina biomass by electrospinning method for wound care applications. The chemical, microstructural, mechanical, wettability properties and antibacterial activities of produced electrospun TPU/PCL/spirulina fibers with varied spirulina concentrations (1, 3, and 5 %, w/v to polymer solution) were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), UV‐VIS Spectroscopy, optical tensiometer and tensile testing machine. The SEM micrographs revealed that all resultant fibers have an average fiber diameter of 228–312 nm and a significant porosity (86‐90 %). FT‐IR spectrum pointed out no chemical bonding between spirulina and polymer matrixes. Increasing the spirulina content caused an increased swelling capacity of the nanofibers. Furthermore, TPU/PCL/spirulina samples indicated superhydrophilic property with contact angle values almost 36°, 0°, and 0°, respectively. The resultant TPU/PCL/spirulina fibers, released 36.89 ppm, 59.4 ppm, and 209.1 ppm of the spirulina after 8 hours, respectively and showing the effect of interactions between the TPU/PCL matrix and the spirulina on its release of the TPU/PCL matrix. Fluid absorption value have increased as incorporation of spirulina into the polymer matrix. All TPU/PCL/spirulina fibers and spirulina have antibacterial efficiency against E.colibacteria.TPU/PCL nanofiber with the highest amount of spirulina (5 %) has the highest tensile strength with 3.89±0.19 MPa.The electrospun TPU/PCL/spirulina nanofibers appear to be a potential candidate material for tissue engineering and wound care applications, based on our results.
Bimetallic Multi‐Level Layered Co‐NiOOH/Ni3S2@NF Nanosheet for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Wu Zhong , Feng Yanhui , Qin Zhenbo , Han Xiaopeng , Zheng Xuerong , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: February 2022

Development of efficient non‐noble metal catalysts for water splitting is of great significance but challenging due to the sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline medium. Herein, a bimetallic multi‐level layered catalytic electrode composed of Ni3S2 nanosheets with secondary Co‐NiOOH layer of 3D porous and free‐standing cathode in alkaline medium is reported. This integrated synergistic catalytic electrode exhibits excellent HER electrocatalytic performance. The resultant Ni0.67Co0.33/Ni3S2@NF electrode displays the highest HER activity with only overpotentials of 87 and 203 mV to afford current densities of 10 and 100 mA·cm−2, respectively, and its Tafel slope is 80 mV·dec−1. The chronopotentiometry operated at high current density of 50 mA·cm−2 shows negligible deterioration, indicating better stability of Ni0.67Co0.33/Ni3S2@NF electrode than Pt/C (20 wt.%). Such a desirable catalytic performance is attributed to the modification of physical and electronic structure that exposes abundant active sites and improves the intrinsic catalytic activity toward HER, which is also confirmed by electrochemically active surface area and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. This work provides a strong support for the rational design of high‐performance bimetallic electrodes for industrial water splitting.
Incorporation of the DEMATEL into evaluations of CSR performance in BOT projects
Authors: Hu Yi‐Chung , Chiu Yu‐Jing , Yen Ghi‐Feng , Ken Yen‐Wei
Published: February 2022

Build–operate–transfer (BOT) is a public–private partnership (PPP) model in which the government commissions private enterprises to develop large‐scale public infrastructure. Owing to the large scale and long duration of BOT projects, BOT companies have diverse stakeholders and assume more social responsibility than ordinary companies do. Although studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) are plentiful, most of them have examined CSR from the perspective of consumers or private‐ or state‐owned enterprises. Few studies have investigated BOT and CSR from a holistic perspective. Therefore, we adopted systems thinking to examine multistakeholder and multicriteria scenarios for investigating the CSR of BOT companies. This study established a research framework through the Delphi method. Subsequently, the decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory and an analytic network process were used to identify causality among these criteria. Finally, the results are discussed from a systemic perspective, and suggestions for future strategies are provided.
Flexible Metal–Organic Frameworks as CO2 Adsorbents en Route to Energy‐Efficient Carbon Capture
Authors: Yao Xuan , Cordova Kyle E. , Zhang Yue-Biao
Published: February 2022

Innovation in the realm of adsorbents for carbon capture is a necessity for meeting the carbon neutrality goal by 2060. Flexible metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) hold great promise for energy‐efficient carbon capture as a direct result of their high working capacity, high selectivity, and intrinsic thermal management during gate‐opening adsorption. In this review, the development and recent progress of flexible MOFs are summarized, the reported methods for control over flexibility are outlined, and the challenges and potential solutions of these materials toward practical carbon capture are discussed. It is envisioned that a deep molecular understanding of the adsorption mechanism in conjunction with a handle over gate‐opening phenomena is a critical element for promoting the performance and large‐scale application of flexible MOFs.
Azide‐Modified Nucleosides as Versatile Tools for Bioorthogonal Labeling and Functionalization
Authors: Müggenburg Frederik , Müller Sabine
Published: February 2022

Azide‐modified nucleosides are important building blocks for RNA and DNA functionalization by click chemistry based on azide‐alkyne cycloaddition. This has put demand on synthetic chemistry to develop approaches for the preparation of azide‐modified nucleoside derivatives. We review here the available methods for the synthesis of various nucleosides decorated with azido groups at the sugar residue or nucleobase, their incorporation into oligonucleotides and cellular RNAs, and their application in azide‐alkyne cycloadditions for labelling and functionalization.
Context, Communities, and Conflict: Novice Language Teachers in Malaysia
Authors: Macalister John
Published: February 2022

This narrative inquiry focuses on two Malaysian novice English language teachers whose pre‐service teacher education had included two years of study abroad. The experiences of novice language teachers remain an under‐investigated area and this study furthers our understanding of that experience. Furthermore, while research on the effectiveness of pre‐service language teacher education has reported mixed results, accounts on the impact of studying abroad claim multiple benefits. Thus this study extends the literature on novice language teachers by adding a study abroad dimension. It asks what influences the teachers’ pedagogical decision‐making and how they now view their study abroad. In line with models of language teacher cognition, a dynamic interplay of influences on these novice teachers’ classroom practice emerges. These influences include their ‘apprenticeship of observation’, the national and local context, their professional learning, and support networks. Multiple layers of both context and community were found to influence the teachers. The study abroad experiences features in both positive and negative ways. It conveys status, and raises expectations, but is not always regarded as relevant to teaching in Malaysian primary schools. It can also, however, have an alienating effect. This is a previously unacknowledged effect of study abroad on language teachers.
Interactions between polymeric nanoparticles and different buffers as investigated by zeta potential measurements and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Inam Wali , Bhadane Rajendra , Akpolat Rukiye Nur , Taiseer Rifahul Abrar , Filippov Sergey K. , Salo‐Ahen Outi M. H. , Rosenholm Jessica M , Zhang Hongbo
Published: February 2022

Zeta potential is an essential surface parameter in the characterization of nanoparticles, determined at the interface of loosely bound ions (diffuse layer) at the nanoparticle surface and free ions in solution. The ionic concentration and pH of the solution are known to, by definition, influence the composition of the diffuse layer and zeta potential accordingly. Thus, to fix the solution's pH for valid zeta potential measurements, buffers are frequently used. However, an issue that remains largely neglected is that buffers could also additionally alter the electrokinetic properties of nanoparticles through specific molecular interactions. Therefore, a thorough molecular understanding of buffer–nanoparticle interactions is needed to correctly implement zeta potential results. Thus, in order to study nanoparticle–buffer interactions, we first adopted a simple experimental approach of measuring zeta potential of common polymeric nanoparticle systems at different buffer concentrations, pH, and nanoparticle–buffer fraction ratios. We observed that zwitterionic/cationic buffer molecules impart significant interference to the electrokinetic properties of structurally diverse polymer nanoparticles, by causing zeta potential suppression or even inversion during the experiments. In parallel, advancement in computation resources nowadays allow studying intermolecular interactions of nanoparticles and other complex molecules by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Thus, by performing MD simulations for six different polymeric nanomaterials with commonly used buffer molecules, we found that noncovalent interactions play a significant role in altering the observed zeta potential values, which may contribute to erroneous results and false particle characterizations if not taken properly into account in zeta potential measurements.
WikiPathways: Integrating Pathway Knowledge with Clinical Data
Authors: Slenter Denise N. , Kutmon Martina , Willighagen Egon L.
Published: February 2022

Throughout the chapters in this book, pathways are used to visualize how genetically inheritable metabolic disorders are related. These pathways provide common conceptual models which explain groups of chemical reactions within their biological context. Visual representations of the reactions in biological pathway diagrams provide intuitive ways to study the complex metabolic processes. In order to link (clinical) data to these pathways, they have to be understood by computers. Understanding how to move from a regular pathway drawing to its machine-readable counterpart is pertinent for creating proper models. This chapter outlines the various aspects of the digital counterparts of the pathway diagrams in this book, connecting them to databases and using them in data integration and analysis. This is followed by three examples of bioinformatics applications including a pathway enrichment analysis, a biological network extension, and a final example that integrates pathways with clinical biomarker data.
Erratum to: Two-loop coefficient function for DVCS: vector contributions
Authors: Braun V. M. , Manashov A. N. , Moch S. , Schoenleber J.
Published: February 2022

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP09(2020)117
Procedure using CAD/CAM-manufactured insertion guides for purely mini-implant-borne rapid maxillary expanders
Authors: Wilmes Benedict , Tarraf Nour Eldin , de Gabriele Renzo , Dallatana Gianluca , Drescher Dieter
Published: February 2022

With traditional rapid palatal expansion (RPE), orthopaedic forces are transmitted to the skeletal structures via the anchor teeth potentially leading to several unwanted dental side effects. To prevent these issues, tooth–bone-borne or purely bone-borne expanders were introduced using mini-implants in the palate. In this paper, the digitally planned Quadexpander is described which permits palatal expansion with only skeletal anchorage. The use of virtual insertion planning allows for insertion in areas of ideal bone, while avoiding roots and vital structures as well as the possibility of insertion into sites which would otherwise not be considered usable. A second advantage of digital planning is that mini-implants and the expander can be inserted in just one appointment.
Laser polishing: a review of a constantly growing technology in the surface finishing of components made by additive manufacturing
Authors: Gisario Annamaria , Barletta Massimiliano , Veniali Francesco
Published: February 2022

Additive manufacturing is a vanguard production technology that has contributed greatly to speed up replacing on the market of complex-shaped components. A delicate and unavoidable phase of additive technology is that relating to the post-processing of the components, especially the finishing process. Post-processing needs to be automated and made scalable so that the technology can actually be adopted also for mass production. In this respect, an emerging post-processing technology suitable for surface finishing, not in contact and easily automatable, is the one that involves the use of laser sources, known by the name of laser polishing. Laser polishing is spreading, in fact, more and more strongly, in the field of manufacturing as a valid alternative to conventional technologies for the surface finishing of metallic components obtained by additive processes. Laser polishing is widely considered very suitable to improving the surface finish of metal components. When compared with the conventional finishing technologies, laser polishing has many benefits in terms of costs and process times especially if automated, through the use of CNC systems and scanning heads. In this manuscript, the knowledge of this technology is deepened through a review of the relevant literature that highlights the aspects of the interaction of the laser beam with the metal alloys most frequently used in 3D printing, without neglecting the importance of the thermo-mechanical properties that derive from it. The analysis conducted on the technology of laser polishing aims therefore at evaluating the potential applications in industrial engineering, mainly with regard to the surfaces quality achievable as a result of the polishing of metal components fabricated by additive manufacturing.
Laser transmission welding of aluminum film coated with heat sealable co-polyester resin with polypropylene films for applications in food and drug packaging
Authors: Gisario Annamaria , Aversa Clizia , Barletta Massimiliano , Natali Stefano , Veniali Francesco
Published: February 2022

The present work deals with the high-power diode laser joining process of aluminum films coated with a polyester resin with polypropylene (PP) films. The first part of the work focused on analyzing the coating process of aluminum films with a polyester resin, using an automatic applicator. The second part of the work was focused on the analysis of the laser joining process of coated aluminum films with plastic counterparts made of PP. Different thicknesses and colors of the PP parts were tested in order to analyze the joining process under a wide range of different conditions. The experimental plan involved the study of the influence of the laser joining parameters, in particular the scanning speed and beam power, on the joints. The joints between aluminum and PP films were subsequently tested by means of tensile and peel-off tests. All the joints between aluminum and PP are obtained through the so-called laser transmission welding (LTW) mechanism. Analysis of the mechanical response of the welded joints allowed to identify the optimal processing window, that is, the choice of the operational parameters that leads to satisfactory welded joints, stating the high potential of laser systems in the joining process of aluminum and PP films for food packaging applications.
Conformal Nets V: Dualizability
Authors: Bartels Arthur , Douglas Christopher L. , Henriques André
Published: February 2022

We prove that finite-index conformal nets are fully dualizable objects in the 3-category of conformal nets. Therefore, assuming the cobordism hypothesis applies, there exists a local framed topological field theory whose value on the point is any finite-index conformal net. Along the way, we prove a Peter–Weyl theorem for defects between conformal nets, namely that the annular sector of a finite defect is the sum of every sector tensored with its dual.
Underground Ecosystem Conservation Through High-resolution Air Monitoring
Authors: Addesso Rosangela , Bellino Alessandro , Baldantoni Daniela
Published: February 2022

In cave ecosystems tourists represent moving sources of discontinuous disturbances, able to induce transient system responses whose knowledge is crucial in defining appropriate conservation measures. Here we propose an approach to evaluate the amplitude and scales of cave alterations based on high-resolution air monitoring, through the use of purposely developed low-cost monitoring stations and a consistent analytical framework for information retrieval based on time series analysis. In particular, monitoring stations adopt a modular structure based on physical computing platforms acquiring data through several sensors, with means of preventing humidity damages and guaranteeing their continuous operation. Data are then analyzed using wavelet periodograms and cross-periodograms to extract the scales of tourism-induced alterations. The approach has been exemplified in the Pertosa-Auletta Cave, one of the most important underground environments in Southern Italy, highlighting the development of monitoring stations and the information obtainable with the proposed analytical workflow. Here, 2 monitoring stations acquiring data for 1 year at 1′ sampling time on temperature, relative humidity, CO2, VOCs, and particulate matter were deployed in trails subjected to different levels of tourism. In terms of Pertosa-Auletta Cave air dynamics, the approach allowed estimating the temporal and spatial scales of tourism-induced alterations in the order of minutes and meters, respectively, with parameter-dependent variations. On more general terms, the approach proved reliable and effective, with its modularity and low-cost fostering its straightforward adoption in other underground ecosystems, where it can support the development of tailored management strategies.
Hsp90 inhibition sensitizes DLBCL cells to cisplatin
Authors: Schmidt Linnéa , Issa Issa Ismail , Haraldsdóttir Hulda , Hald Jonas Laugård , Schmitz Alexander , Due Hanne , Dybkær Karen
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Platinum-containing therapy is standard treatment for relapsed Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the efficacy of treatment is limited by drug resistance leading to relapse. Cisplatin resistance has been linked to impairments of the DNA damage response, and several DNA repair proteins have been identified as clients of the molecular chaperone Hsp90. Here, we investigated the combinatory treatment of cisplatin and the Hsp90 inhibitor, 17AAG, in DLBCL cells to evaluate if inhibition of Hsp90 could sensitize DLBCL cells to cisplatin treatment.

Methods

Cell viability was assessed for cisplatin and 17AAG as monotherapies and for 25 different combinations in 7 DLBCL cell lines, where the Bliss Independence Model and the Combination Index were applied to assess their interaction. Induction of apoptosis and DNA damage response were evaluated by measuring Annexin V and γH2AX levels after 48 h of exposure.

Results

17AAG synergized with cisplatin in DLBCL cells as detected in both interaction assessment models, resulting in a lower viability after 48 h for the combination-treated cells compared to both vehicle and single drug-treated cells. The combination also induced a stronger apoptotic response and an increase in DNA damage in 17AAG, cisplatin- and combination-treated cells compared to vehicle-treated cells, with the effect of the combination generally being higher than compared to both single drugs.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that 17AAG sensitizes DLBCL cells to cisplatin treatment. This effect is correlated with increased apoptotic and DNA damage response, potentially mediated by downregulation of Hsp90 clients in DNA repair pathways. Thus, cisplatin resistance could plausibly be overcome by combining the treatment with an Hsp90 inhibiting drug.
Influence of Major Stratospheric Sudden Warming on the Unprecedented Cold Wave in East Asia in January 2021
Authors: Zhang Yingxian , Si Dong , Ding Yihui , Jiang Dabang , Li Qingquan , Wang Guofu
Published: February 2022

An unprecedented cold wave intruded into East Asia in early January 2021 and led to record-breaking or historical extreme low temperatures over vast regions. This study shows that a major stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) event at the beginning of January 2021 exerted an important influence on this cold wave. The major SSW event occurred on 2 January 2021 and subsequently led to the displacement of the stratospheric polar vortex to the East Asian side. Moreover, the SSW event induced the stratospheric warming signal to propagate downward to the mid-to-lower troposphere, which not only enhanced the blocking in the Urals–Siberia region and the negative phase of the Arctic Oscillation, but also shifted the tropospheric polar vortex off the pole. The displaced tropospheric polar vortex, Ural blocking, and another downstream blocking ridge over western North America formed a distinct inverted omega-shaped circulation pattern (IOCP) in the East Asia–North Pacific sector. This IOCP was the most direct and impactful atmospheric pattern causing the cold wave in East Asia. The IOCP triggered a meridional cell with an upward branch in East Asia and a downward branch in Siberia. The meridional cell intensified the Siberian high and low-level northerly winds, which also favored the invasion of the cold wave into East Asia. Hence, the SSW event and tropospheric circulations such as the IOCP, negative phase of Arctic Oscillation, Ural blocking, enhanced Siberian high, and eastward propagation of Rossby wave eventually induced the outbreak of an unprecedented cold wave in East Asia in early January 2021.
Impact of equatorial wind stress on Ekman transport during the mature phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole
Authors: Zhang Linfang , Li Yaokun , Li Jianping
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the impact of equatorial wind stress on the equatorial Ekman transport during the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) mature phase. The results show that the equatorial zonal wind stress directly drives the meridional motion of seawater at the upper levels. In normal years, the zonal wind stress south of the equator is easterly and that north of the equator is westerly, which contributes to southward Ekman transport at the upper levels to form the climatological Indian Ocean shallow meridional overturning circulation. During the years of positive IOD events, abnormal easterly winds near the equator bring southward Ekman transport south of the equator while they bring northward Ekman transport north of the equator. This causes the seawater to move away from the equator and hence induces upwelling near the equator, which forms a pair of small circulation cells that are symmetric about the equator at the upper levels (approximately 100 m deep). The abnormal circulation cell south (north) of the equator strengthens (weakens) the southward (southward) motion south (north) of the equator. During years with negative IOD events, the opposite occurs. In addition, during the mature period of IOD, the remote sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) may exert some influence on Ekman transport anomaly near the equator during the mature period of IOD.
Exploring the influence of the North Pacific Rossby wave sources on the variability of summer atmospheric circulation and precipitation over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Fuentes-Franco Ramón , Koenigk Torben , Docquier David , Graef Federico , Wyser Klaus
Published: February 2022

The influence of Rossby waves emitted in the northeastern Pacific Ocean on the Northern Hemisphere’s atmosphere during summer is analysed using ERA5 reanalysis and a new large ensemble performed with the EC-Earth3 model. The Rossby Wave Sources (RWS) trigger wave-like patterns arising from the upper troposphere of the north-eastern Pacific region, causing a response around the Northern Hemisphere with alternating regions of positive and negative correlation values between RWS and geopotential height at 500 hPa. Increased RWS intensity during summer is related to negative temperature anomalies over western North America, and positive temperature anomalies over eastern North America, concurrently with increased precipitation over the western subtropical Atlantic and Northern Europe during summer. Colder than normal conditions on the North Pacific Ocean intensify the RWS and its impact on the global atmospheric circulation. Different warm or cold states in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans modify the atmospheric response to RWS, showing a change in the middle troposphere (500 hPa) towards a more-wavy structure with cold Pacific conditions, and towards a less-wavy structure with a warm Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the North Atlantic plays a very important role in hindering (in the case of warm water) or permitting (cold water) that Rossby waves generated in the Pacific modulate the atmospheric conditions over Europe.
Early versus delayed defunctioning ileostomy closure after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of safety and functional outcomes
Authors: Podda Mauro , Coccolini Federico , Gerardi Chiara , Castellini Greta , Wilson Michael Samuel James , Sartelli Massimo , Pacella Daniela , Catena Fausto , Peltrini Roberto , Bracale Umberto , Pisanu Adolfo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) to answer whether early closure of defunctioning ileostomy may be suitable after low anterior resection.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, up to October 2021, for RCTs comparing early closure (EC ≤ 30 days) and delayed closure (DC ≥ 60 days) of defunctioning ileostomy. The risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI was calculated for dichotomous variables and the mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous variables. The GRADE methodology was implemented for assessing Quality of Evidence (QoE). TSA was implemented to address the risk of random error associated with sparse data and/or multiple testing.

Results

Seven RCTs were included for quantitative synthesis. 599 patients were allocated to either EC (n = 306) or DC (n = 293). EC was associated with a higher rate of wound complications compared to DC (RR 2.56; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.93; P = 0.005; I2 = 0%, QoE High), a lower incidence of postoperative small bowel obstruction (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.89; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%, QoE moderate), and a lower rate of stoma-related complications (RR 0.26; 95% CI 0.16 to 0.42; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%, QoE moderate). The rate of minor low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) (RR 1.13; 95% CI 0.55 to 2.33; P = 0.74; I2 = 0%, QoE low) and major LARS (RR 0.80; 95% CI 0.59 to 1.09; P = 0.16; I2 = 0%, QoE low) did not differ between the two groups. TSA demonstrated inconclusive evidence with insufficient sample sizes to detect the observed effects.

Conclusion

EC may confer some advantages compared with a DC. However, TSA advocated a cautious interpretation of the results.

Prospero Register ID

CRD42021276557
A randomized, open-label, multicenter study of switching to brolucizumab with or without a loading dose for patients with suboptimal anatomically controlled neovascular age-related macular degeneration—the FALCON study
Authors: Holz F. G. , Schmitz-Valckenberg Steffen , Wolf A. , Agostini H. , Lorenz K. , Pielen A. , Feltgen N. , Guthoff R. , Quiering C. , Clemens A. , Jaeger K.
Published: February 2022

Background

Treatment initiation with brolucizumab, a new potent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, is typically performed with three monthly injections (loading dose) and has been well studied in treatment-naïve patients. However, no clinical data are available yet on whether or not anti-VEGF pretreated patients also benefit from a loading dose. In the clinical setting, different heterogeneous treatment patterns are used as no clinical trial has addressed this so far in a head-to-head comparison. Therefore, the FALCON study is investigating whether patients with unsatisfactory response to previous anti-VEGF treatments benefit from a loading dose at the switch to brolucizumab treatment.

Methods

FALCON is a 52-week, two-arm, randomized, open-label, multicenter, multinational study in patients with residually active neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) who will be randomized 1:1 and started with brolucizumab 6 mg loading (three monthly loading doses) or brolucizumab 6 mg non-loading (one initial injection) and consecutive treatment every 12 weeks, respectively. The primary objective is to demonstrate non-inferiority of the non-loading vs. loading arm in mean change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to the mean value at week 40 to week 52. Secondary objectives include the assessment of anatomical outcomes, treatment intervals, safety and tolerability.

Results

FALCON will be the first study to assess treatment initiation with an anti-VEGF agent in a switch situation with or without loading dose in patients with nAMD.

Conclusions

The results will support the optimization of treatment of patients with previous unsatisfactory anti-VEGF response. Therefore, we expect to see an impact on current clinical practice which has been established for more than a decade.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04679935, date of registration—22-Dec 2020; EUDRACT number: 2019–004763-53, date of registration—03 Dec 2019.
Nonlocal and surface effects on nonlinear vibration response of a graded Timoshenko nanobeam
Authors: El-Borgi S. , Rajendran P. , Trabelssi M.
Published: February 2022

The free and forced vibration of a graded geometrically nonlinear Timoshenko nanobeam supported by on a nonlinear foundation is considered in this paper. The main contribution of this study is to propose a new formulation for the dynamic response of this beam by combining nonlocal and surface elasticity in addition to employing the physical neutral axis method which eliminates the quadratic nonlinearity from the equation of motion. Using the principle of virtual work, a fourth-order nonlinear partial differential equation is formulated and Galerkin technique is employed to yield a fourth-order ordinary differential equation with cubic nonlinearity in the temporal domain. The method of multiple scales is employed to obtain the analytical expression of the nonlinear frequency of the beam and its frequency response curve from a primary resonance analysis. To assess the accuracy of this analytical solution, it is compared with a numerical solution obtained using the differential quadrature method. The obtained analytical results are successfully validated for particular cases of the considered problem with results published by other authors. The effects of surface elasticity, nonlocality, the physical neutral axis, the beam aspect ratio, the power-law index and the elastic foundation coefficients on the free and forced vibration response of the graded Timoshenko nanobeam are thoroughly investigated for different types of boundary conditions .