bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐Modal Sensing Skin Adaptive to Daylight, Darkness, and Ultraviolet Light for Simultaneous Full‐Field Deformation Measurement and Mechanoluminescence Responses
Authors: Timilsina Suman , Jo Cheol Woo , Lee Kwang Ho , Sohn Kee‐Sun , Kim Ji Sik
Published: October 2024

Mechanoluminescence (ML) and digital image correlation (DIC) have emerged as promising optical methods to visualize and measure deformation fields. In this study, a dual‐modal sensing skin, called the ML‐DIC skin is introduced, that is capable of emitting ML and facilitating DIC measurements under various lighting conditions, including daylight, night or darkness, and UV irradiation. Four ML‐DIC skins are fabricated with or without carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a composite powder consisting of SrAl2O4: Eu,Dy (SAO), and acrylic resin, with CNT milling times of 48, 72, and 96 h for three of four skins, respectively. DIC measurements are performed under multiple lighting conditions for measuring photoluminescence, persistence luminescence, and reflection. Uniaxial tension tests demonstrate the superior performance of ML‐DIC skins with CNTs compared with pristine SAO skins, with the skin subjected to 48 h of CNT dispersion exhibiting optimal performance. Further investigations focus on ML emission and DIC measurements near the crack‐tip vicinity of static and propagating cracks as well as on surfaces above subsurface cracks. The integration of ML and DIC techniques offers a versatile approach for comprehensive deformation analysis applicable to diverse environments, with implications for materials science, engineering, and structural health monitoring.
DFT Study in an Asymmetric Organocatalytic Homologation: Mechanism, Origin of Stereoselectivity
Authors: Wang Yang , Wei Donghui
Published: October 2024

In the present study, the mechanism, origin of stereoselectivity, and role of catalyst of the organocatalytic homologation reaction between phenyl boronate and trifluoromethyl diazomethane have been theoretically investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) method. Based on the calculations, the in situ generated ethanol plays significant role in triggering the reaction. Moreover, the [1,2]‐boron migration process is the stereoselectivity‐determining step, with the S‐configured isomer being generated predominantly. In addition, NCI analysis is performed to disclose the origin of stereoselectivity.
Potential of observing the diameter of the optic nerve sheath using computed tomography in diagnosing high intracranial pressure in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea
Authors: Li Shunke , Zhang Zengxiao , Zhao Huijuan , Li Xuehui , Wang Lin , Zhang Jisheng , Han Lin , Yan Xudong , Jiang Liwei , Wei Zhaoxia , Yu Longgang , Jiang Yan
Published: October 2024

Key points

Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (sCSFR) is often accompanied by an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP).

The widening of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an indicator of increased ICP.

Using CT to measure ONSD is a simple and noninvasive auxiliary method for determining high ICP in sCSFR patients.
Carbon Nanoparticle Oxidation by NO2 and O2: Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Pathways
Authors: Berkemeier Thomas , Pöschl Ulrich
Published: October 2024

Carbon nanoparticle interactions with gases are central to many environmental and technical processes, but the underlying reaction kinetics and mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we investigate the oxidation and gasification of carbon nanoparticles by NO2 and O2 under combustion exhaust conditions. We build on a comprehensive experimental data set and use a kinetic multilayer model (KM‐GAP‐CARBON) to trace the uptake and release of gas molecules alongside the temporal evolution of particle size and surface composition. The experimental results are captured by a model mechanism that involves different types of carbon atoms (edge/plane‐like) and the formation of a reactive oxygen intermediate (activated CO complex) as the rate‐limiting step. A transition between distinct chemical regimes driven by NO2 at lower temperatures and O2 at higher temperatures is reflected by an increase in the observable activation energy from
60 kJ/mol to
130 kJ/mol. We derive energy profiles for three alternative reaction pathways that involve uni‐ or bimolecular decomposition of reactive oxygen intermediates.
Matrix‐Emission‐Assisted Photochromism Enables Dual‐Field Color‐Changing Modulations
Authors: Zhu Hengli , Zhang Jiaping , Wang Panqin , Lyu Shaoxing , Lin Hengwei , Du Jiaren
Published: October 2024

Trap‐related inorganic photochromic materials coupled with regulated luminescence have attracted extensive interest due to their great potential in optoelectronic devices, optical memory, and multiple anti‐counterfeiting applications. Combining photochromism with luminescence modulations enables the light‐driven reversible manipulation of optical information in both dark and bright fields. However, photochromism induced luminescence modulation is still restricted to monochromatic visualization with only emission intensity variations. To this end, the limitation of the common single‐wavelength modulation is overcome by integrating the matrix (Sr2YGaO5) and dopant (Sm3+) emissions mutually together to achieve wavelength variations. Color‐changing emission is identified with a large Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromatic coordinate difference. The compatible coexistence of matrix/rare‐earth emission centers together with abundant photo‐active traps contributes to the superior optical integration and matrix‐emission‐assisted photochromism enables a distinct color variation in dual fields. This work provides a good example of designing one single material with color changeable characteristics in both bright and dark fields.
A frequency domain fractional order tilted integral derivative controller design for fractional order time delay processes
Authors: K Gnaneshwar , Trivedi Rishika , Sharma Sudeep , Padhy Prabin Kumar
Published: October 2024

In real‐time processes, time delays are inherent due to various factors, such as delays in volume, mass, and information transfer, leading to a deterioration in process performance and stability. Therefore, this paper proposes a fractional‐order tilted integral derivative (TID) controller design for stable and unstable fractional‐order processes with time delay, where the optimal controller parameters are designed using a deterministic approach. An inner loop controller is designed using stability analysis and a graphical approach for unstable fractional‐order time delay processes. The proposed approach offers flexibility and fine‐tuning in designing the controller for a specific application. A systematic reference to the disturbance ratio is carried out to assess the disturbance handling capacity of the proposed controller. It shows the sensitivity of the designed controller against disturbances in the frequency spectrum graphically. Numerous performance indices and time‐domain parameters are computed and compared with state‐of‐the‐art techniques to analyze the efficacy. Furthermore, it is validated on the experimental setup of a four‐tank system. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms recent techniques in terms of process control and disturbance rejection.
Association Between Serum Galectin‐3 and Parkinson's Disease: A Two‐Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Pan Rui , Li Wei , Wang Jinyuan , Xie Jiarong , Weng Xiucan , Yang Ying , Shi Xiaolei
Published: October 2024

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with poor prognosis. Observational studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between serum galectin‐3 and PD, suggesting a potential role of galectin‐3 as a biomarker for PD. However, it is still unclear whether galectin‐3 contributes to the risk of the disease.

Methods

A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach was used in this study. Genetic instruments for serum galectin‐3 level were selected from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS), including 30,931 European individuals. Summary‐level statistics for PD were derived from another published GWAS, including 33,674 cases and 449,056 controls. Primary analysis was conducted using the inverse‐variance weighting (IVW) method. Weighted median, MR‐Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and MR‐pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR‐PRESSO) methods were used as complementary analyses. To detect heterogeneity, Cochran's Q statistic and leave‐one‐out analysis were used. For testing potential horizontal pleiotropy, the MR‐Egger intercept test and MR‐PRESSO global test were conducted.

Results

MR analysis using IVW model (OR 1.112, 95% CI 1.025–1.206, p = 0.010), weighted median (OR 1.135, 95% CI 1.037–1.242, p = 0.006), weighted mode (OR 1.142, 95% CI 1.038–1.257, p = 0.030), and MR‐PRESSO (OR 1.112, 95% CI 1.046–1.182, p = 0.012) presented a consistent result, indicating that increased serum galectin‐3 was associated with a higher risk of PD. No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in the analyses.

Conclusions

The study shows a suggestive association between galectin‐3 and PD. Increasing serum galectin‐3 was associated with an increase in PD risk. Galectin‐3 may play an important role in the causal pathway to PD.
The Activation of PKM2 Induces Pyroptosis in Hippocampal Neurons via the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD Pathway in Neonatal Rats With Hypoxic‐Ischemic Brain Injury
Authors: Sha Sha , Jin Ni , Zhou Ruiyu , Ruan Yanghao , Ouyang Ying
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The presence of hypoxic‐ischemic brain damage (HIBD) in neonates triggers a strong neuroinflammatory reaction. Pyroptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism associated with inflammation, plays a crucial role in HIBD. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) plays a significant role in connecting metabolic processes and inflammatory responses, but whether it affects hippocampus pyroptosis in HIBD is unclear. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role of PKM2 in HIBD and to propose a novel therapeutic approach for neonatal ischemic‐hypoxic encephalopathy.

Methods

In this study, we employed neonatal 7‐day‐old Sprague Dawley rats to establish a model of HIBD using the Rice–Vannucci surgical technique and a hypoxia device. To inhibit the elevation of PKM2, we utilized the PKM2 inhibitor shikonin. The rats were categorized into four groups: Sham, Shikonin, HIBD, and Shikonin + HIBD. Behavioral tests, hematoxylin eosin staining, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA (IL‐1β, IL‐18), and LDH were conducted in each group to evaluate neurological function, hippocampal damage, the occurrence of neuronal pyroptosis, and the neuroinflammation. Western blot was used to assess the expression levels of PKM2, NLRP3, Caspase‐1, Cleaved Caspase‐1, GSDMD, GSDMDN, and IL‐1β.

Results

The expression of PKM2 elevated in hippocampal tissues of the HIBD model and the localization of PKM2 in the hippocampus was activated in neurons instead of microglia during the HIBD. Meanwhile, the inhibition of PKM2 improved the behavioral test scores and the body weight of rats, the neuronal damage in the CA1 region of hippocampal tissue was also attenuated. In addition, inhibiting PKM2 alleviated neuronal pyroptosis by decreasing the expression of PKM2, NLRP3, Caspase‐1, Cleaved Caspase‐1, GSDMD, GSDMDN. Furthermore, serum levels of LDH and inflammatory factors IL‐1β and IL‐18 decrease with PKM2 inhibition.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we can conclude that PKM2 plays a crucial role in regulating hippocampal neuronal pyroptosis of HIBD rats via NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD pathway. Therefore, inhibiting PKM2 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neonatal ischemic‐hypoxic encephalopathy.
Patterns and predictors of opioid dispensing among older cancer patients from 2008 to 2015
Authors: Chen Yingxi , Shin Yei‐Eun , Spillane Susan , Shiels Meredith S. , Coghill Anna E. , Enewold Lindsey , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Freedman Neal D.
Published: October 2024

Background

Understanding factors associated with opioid dispensing in cancer patients is important for developing tailored guidelines and ensuring equitable access to pain management. We examined patterns and predictors of opioid dispensing among older cancer patients from 2008 to 2015.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database linked to Medicare claims. We included the most common cancer types among patients aged 66–95 years. Opioids dispensed within 30 days before and 120 days after cancer diagnosis were assessed. We used logistic regression models to examine trends, adjusted odds ratios (aORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for opioid dispensing, considering patient demographics, geography, cancer stage, comorbidities, and treatment options. Models were stratified by sex.

Results

A total of 211,759 cancer patients aged 66–95 years were included in the study. For cancers combined, non‐Hispanic Black men had a significantly lower odds of receiving opioids during the 120 days post‐diagnosis (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.94) compared to non‐Hispanic White men. Factors such as pre‐diagnosis opioid dispensing, age, geography, cancer stage, comorbidities, and type of cancer treatment were associated with opioid dispensing during the 120 days post‐diagnosis. Surgery had the strongest association, with men undergoing surgery being 4.4 times more likely to receive opioids within 120 days post‐diagnosis (aOR = 4.41, 95% CI = 4.23–4.60), while women had an odds ratio of 2.72 (95% CI = 2.62–2.83). Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were also positively associated with opioid dispensing, with less pronounced estimates.

Conclusions

We observed significant variations in opioid dispensing among cancer patients aged 66‐95 years across cancer types and demographic and clinical factors.
Psychotherapist personal therapy as a pathway towards relationally oriented practice
Authors: Råbu Marit , McLeod John , Moltu Christian
Published: October 2024

Aim

The experience of being a patient has been regarded as one of the principal means through which psychotherapists' skills and personal qualities have been nurtured. While it has been hard to demonstrate the effects of therapist personal therapy on patient outcomes, qualitative studies suggest that many practitioners regard personal therapy as highly valuable. The aim of this study was to explore the meaning of personal therapy in relation to a broader contextual understanding of therapist life experience and practice.

Method

In‐depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 mid‐career therapists and analysed using a hermeneutic, phenomenologically informed thematic approach.

Findings

Participants typically reported that they had received therapy prior to entering training in order to address symptoms and/or life problems. In addition, many had been in therapy at later points in their life, as part of training programmes. The experience of an accepting and authentic therapy relationship has helped them to become more generous towards others and more able to set boundaries. Expressing vulnerability in a patient role made them feel safer in prioritising presence with their own patients. They also reflected that their therapist became a useful internalised point of reference and that disappointments in their therapies had sensitised them to what can be hurtful for patients. These themes are examined in relation to findings from analyses of how these therapists interacted with their own patients. Implications are discussed for understanding the contribution of personal therapy to therapist development, and in relation to the conduct of therapy outcome research as a whole.
A case report of cardiac rehabilitation in coronary artery aneurysm combined with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Feng Xin‐di , Ma Zi‐lin , Huang Jia‐ying , Tang Jing‐yi , Wei Yi‐hong
Published: October 2024

Key Clinical Message

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA), marked by diffuse or localized dilation of artery, can cause life‐threatening complications in acute coronary syndrome. This report presents a case of CAA combined with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction, successfully treated with cardiac rehabilitation exercise therapy, offering insights for clinical practice.
Experiences in a study abroad utilizing deliberate psychological education
Authors: Robertson Derek , Stumpf Mica , Interiano‐Shiverdecker Claudia G. , Santillan Sofia
Published: October 2024

Faculty‐led study abroad programs promote professional and personal development for counseling students. Through interpretive phenomenological analysis, we explored how Latine bilingual counseling students (N = 7) experienced a study abroad utilizing Deliberate Psychological Education. We organized findings into three themes that spoke to cultural immersion, presence and validation, and connections.
Efficient Dendritic Cell Activation by a Layered Double Hydroxide‐Loaded Dual Adjuvant Cocktail
Authors: Jiang Yi , Tang Chenglun , Wu Yilun , Zhu Yishen
Published: October 2024

One of the main goals of present vaccine investigations is to develop a potent and efficient adjuvant strategy. The combination of multiple agonists to different pattern recognition receptor families offers great opportunities to achieve strong immune responses in a synergy manner. Here, we employed layered double hydroxide nanomaterials with BSA coating (LB) to integrate CpG and 3pRNA dual adjuvant cocktail, together with ovalbumin antigen. With LB loading, CpG and 3pRNA led to a quick internalization and enhanced induction of dendritic cell (DC) maturation. Meanwhile, this nanoadjuvant cocktail facilitated antigen crosspresenting in activated DCs. Taken together, these results may inspire the investigation of agonists combination and LDH‐based nanoadjuvants.
Regulating Molecular Interactions in Polybenzimidazole Membrane for Efficient Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
Authors: Su Yuke , Liu Suqin , Zhu Weiwei , Huang Kui , Huang Da , Jiang Peng , Liu Jianhui , Yang Guang , He Zhen , Wang Jue
Published: October 2024

The tightly bonded structure of polybenzimidazole (PBI) membrane is the origin of its poor proton conductivity, which severely hinders achieving a cost‐effective membrane for vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). It desires a strategy to relax the membrane structure to significantly improve the proton conductivity and maintain its structure stability. Therefore, this work proposes a novel strategy through regulating molecular interactions within PBI membrane to loosen up the structure of PBI membrane and dramatically enhance the proton conductivity. The interactions in PBI membrane are switched by DMSO/water and acid through sequentially treating membrane with these solutions. The efficient PBI membrane prepared using this strategy demonstrates an outstanding performance for VRFB, with the proton conductivity enhanced by 3850 % (from 1.9 to 76.3 mS cm−1), and VRFB achieves a high energy efficiency of 80.5 % under 200 mA cm−2. More importantly, this work shed lights on the structure‐property relationship of PBI membrane, and the mechanism in enhancing proton conductivity is unraveled, which is of great significance for the development of VRFB membranes.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Wireless Electric Vehicle Battery Charging System Using Dual T‐Type Converter With High Efficiency and Bidirectional Capability
Authors: R Venugopal , C Balaji
Published: October 2024

Recently, numerous bidirectional wireless power transfer (WPT) systems with enhanced features for electric vehicle (EV) battery charging have been proposed. The converters in these WPT systems are generally configured with two synchronized full‐bridge–controlled converters operating at fixed duty cycle (two‐level operation) to enable WPT between the transmitter and receiver magnetic charge couplers. However, these require additional circuits to be employed in a wide range of load conditions, which lead to high costs and reduced power density. As a substitute, this article introduces a new wireless EV charging system using bidirectional dual T‐type converter (BDTC) configuration with PWM control. A wide range of load variations can be obtained without any additional circuits/switches with a proposed charging system based on a BDTC. Due to the reduced switching loss, reduced reactive circulating current, low cost, and increased efficiency, along with simple control, the proposed architecture offers significant advantages over traditional WPT systems. The proposed wireless EV charging system operates with series resonance in both directions. A mathematical model of the BDTC converter is developed, and the operating principle is detailed. Experimental results were acquired from the 3.3‐kW laboratory model, which exhibits nearly flat efficiency characteristics under various loading conditions; hence, the feasibility of the BDTC topology is validated.
Predictors of Outpatient and Inpatient Service Utilization Among Publicly–Insured Youth With Eating Disorders
Authors: Mikhail Megan E. , Cordell Kate Duggento , Downey Amanda E. , Snowden Lonnie R. , Accurso Erin C.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Although eating disorders (EDs) affect youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds, little is known about the treatment experiences of under‐resourced youth with EDs. To address this gap, we examined patterns of outpatient and inpatient service utilization among publicly–insured youth with EDs in California and potential disparities for youth with additional marginalized identities.

Method

Participants were identified from the full sample of California Medicaid/Medi‐Cal beneficiaries aged 7–18 with ≥ 1 service episode between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2016. Claims data were extracted for youth with a full year of claims after the first known ED diagnosis (N = 3311) to analyze outpatient mental health, outpatient medical/physical, inpatient mental health, and inpatient medical/physical service use across ED diagnosis and demographic characteristics (sex, age, race/ethnicity, and preferred language).

Results

Outpatient individual and family therapy service utilization was low across ED diagnoses (4–7 individual therapy sessions and ≈5 family therapy sessions annually). Conversely, hospitalization rates were high, particularly among youth with anorexia nervosa (27.8%) and bulimia nervosa (30.0%). Youth with other specified feeding or ED had high medical service utilization, with more days of outpatient medical care and greater odds of medical hospitalization than youth with all other diagnoses. Latinx youth, Black youth, and boys tended to receive fewer services after accounting for diagnosis, with disparities particularly pronounced for Latinx youth.

Conclusions

Publicly–insured youth with EDs in California experience high hospitalization rates but receive limited outpatient therapy. Additional research is needed to identify possible unmet needs and factors contributing to treatment disparities among these youth.
Timing of veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Sundermeyer Jonas , Kellner Caroline , Beer Benedikt N. , Dettling Angela , Besch Lisa , Blankenberg Stefan , Eitel Ingo , Frank Derk , Frey Norbert , Graf Tobias , Kirchhof Paulus , Krais Jannis , von Lewinski Dirk , Mangner Norman , Möbius‐Winkler Sven , Nordbeck Peter , Orban Martin , Pauschinger Matthias , Sag Can Martin , Scherer Clemens , Skurk Carsten , Thiele Holger , Westermann Dirk , Schrage Benedikt
Published: October 2024

Aims

The optimal timing for implementing mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in cardiogenic shock (CS) remains indeterminate. This study aims to evaluate patient characteristics and outcome associated with the time interval between CS onset and veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) implementation.

Methods and results

In this study, patients with CS treated with MCS at 15 tertiary care centres in three countries were enrolled. Patients treated with MCS were stratified into early (<2 h), intermediate (2–12 h) and delayed (≥12–24 h) MCS implantation by using the time interval between CS onset and MCS device implementation. Adjusted logistic and Cox regression models were fitted to assess the association between timing of MCS implementation, patient characteristics and 30‐day mortality. A total of 330 patients with CS treated with VA‐ECMO and/or microaxial flow pump were included in this study; 20.9% received early, 55.8% intermediate, and 23.3% delayed MCS. Although crude 30‐day mortality was slightly lower in patients with early MCS (58.1% vs. 64.7% vs. 64.3%), adjusted analyses showed no significant association between timing of MCS implantation and 30‐day all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] for early vs. intermediate MCS: 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.59–1.46, p = 0.74; HR for early vs. delayed MCS: 1.29, 95% CI 0.78–2.13, p = 0.33). Moreover, the incidence of complications, related and unrelated to MCS, did not differ significantly among groups.

Conclusion

In this exploratory study of patients with CS treated with MCS, the timing of device implantation within 24 h after CS onset was not associated with mortality. This supports a restrictive MCS approach, reserving its application for patients experiencing CS deterioration despite conventional therapy.
Allicin: A natural weapon against Taxol resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer through Cathepsin B inhibition and lysosomal‐autophagy disruption
Authors: Gao Xudong , Xu Chang , Santhanam Ramesh Kumar , Zhang Yingshi , Zhao Qingchun
Published: October 2024

Drug resistance in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) limits its therapeutic efficacy. Allicin may help to solve the problem of Taxol resistance in NSCLC. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism by which allicin reverses Taxol resistance in NSCLC. The potential mechanism of allicin reversing Taxol resistance in vitro was evaluated using cytotoxicity assays, evaluation of cell autophagy and lysosomal function. In addition, the in vivo model was established to evaluate the effectiveness of allicin in reversing Taxol resistance. The results showed that allicin effectively inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and reversed Taxol resistance. It inhibits P‐gp expression, reduces drug efflux, and disrupts cell autophagy. In particular, allicin inhibited Cathepsin B (CTSB), disrupted lysosomal function, blocked autophagy flux, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhanced the sensitivity to Taxol. Allicin combined with Taxol significantly inhibited the growth of tumor nodules and reduced their number, demonstrating its potential to reverse Taxol resistance in vivo. In summary, allicin reversed Taxol resistance by inhibiting P‐gp and CTSB activity and disrupting the lysosomal‐autophagy pathway. These findings highlight the potential of allicin for cancer treatment and drug development.
Market Efficiency and Equity Risk Premium Predictability
Authors: dos Santos Maciel Leandro , da Silva Ricardo Franceli
Published: October 2024

This work examines equity risk premium predictability in periods of market efficiency and market inefficiency. Efficiency is measured by the return's degree of multifractality, calculated from the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis method. For the S&P 500 index during the 1951–2022 period, the results show that market efficiency varies over time, with recurrent periods of statistically significant inefficiency (multifractality). Moments of inefficiency are associated with (i) a higher level of financial uncertainty—financial uncertainty Granger causes the degree of multifractality (inefficiency), (ii) a greater variability in the patterns of dependence of returns and also (iii) with periods of more relevant volatility clusters. In times of market inefficiency (efficiency), the use of financial (technical) indicators shows statistically significant in‐sample and out‐of‐sample accuracy for equity risk premium prediction. When the market is efficient (inefficient), the use of financial (technical) indicators should be avoided due to the degradation of their predictive capacity. To build accurate and statistically significant predictions of the risk premium, thus enhancing decision‐making processes, investors should monitor the informational efficiency status of the market before selecting financial and technical indicators as predictive variables. Finally, during market inefficiency periods, there is a greater polarisation of investors' opinions, with increased attention to fundamental variables for risk premium prediction, leading to a breakdown in price trend patterns, explaining the worst predictive capacity of technical indicators.
Mechanism of HOXA10 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation through the PTPRG‐AS1/USP1 axis
Authors: Zhou He , Deng Chang , Xi Yue
Published: October 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial carcinoma arising from the nasopharyngeal mucosal lining. The present study sought to analyze the mechanism by which homeobox A10 (HOXA10) affects NPC cell proliferation. The expression levels of HOXA10/long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) PTPRG antisense RNA 1 (PTPRG‐AS1)/ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 1 (USP1) in NPC tissues and cells were determined. Cell proliferation was evaluated. The enrichment of HOXA10 on the PTPRG‐AS1 promoter was determined. The binding of PTPRG‐AS1, HuR, and USP1 to each other was analyzed via RNA immunoprecipitation. USP1 mRNA stability was determined after actinomycin D treatment. The role of the PTPRG‐AS1/USP1 axis in NPC cell proliferation was analyzed in combined experiments. The role of HOXA10 in vivo was confirmed in xenograft tumor models. The results revealed that HOXA10 was overexpressed in NPC. HOXA10 downregulation reduced NPC cell proliferation. PTPRG‐AS1 and USP1 were upregulated in NPC. HOXA10 bound to the PTPRG‐AS1 promoter to increase PTPRG‐AS1 expression, and the binding of PTPRG‐AS1 to HuR increased USP1 expression. PTPRG‐AS1 or USP1 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of HOXA10 downregulation on NPC cell proliferation. HOXA10 downregulation inhibited in vivo NPC proliferation through the PTPRG‐AS1/USP1 axis. In conclusion, HOXA10 facilitates NPC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo through the PTPRG‐AS1/USP1 axis.
Sauger testicular harvest eliminates sperm limitation during large-scale saugeye (Walleye × Sauger) production
Authors: Blawut Bryan
Published: October 2024

Objective

Poor milt yield via strip-spawning in male Sauger Sander canadensis limits the production of saugeye (female Walleye S. vitreus × male Sauger) by the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Compared to strip-spawning, collecting sperm via testicular harvest offers several advantages that increase production efficiency through enhanced sperm yield (e.g., requires fewer broodfish, allows higher sperm application rates, and increases fertilization rates). The benefits of testicular harvest have been demonstrated experimentally in Sauger but not at a production scale. In this study, I validated the large-scale efficacy of testicular harvest in Sauger for saugeye production.

Methods

I collected sperm from male Sauger by using either testicular harvest (42 fish) or strip-spawning (222 fish), diluted samples with extender, and combined samples to create 9-mL sperm pools (n = 21 for testicular harvest; n = 39 for strip-spawning). I compared sperm quantity, sperm motility, and production attributes (broodstock requirements, sperm application rates, and expected fertilization) between testicular harvest and strip-spawning collection methods.

Result

Both collection methods resulted in high-quality sperm. Testicular harvest doubled the sperm yield (total number of sperm) per 9-mL pool despite using only 2 fish/pool, while strip-spawning required 5–7 fish/pool. Through this enhanced yield, testicular harvest produced enough sperm to fertilize 317 L of eggs (1.06 mL/L) by using 80% fewer males than strip-spawning. Further, sperm application increased fourfold using testicular harvest (4.23 mL/L) while still requiring 30–40% fewer fish than are currently used to meet production. Adopting testicular harvest for saugeye production in 2023 increased broodstock sperm yield, allowed greater sperm application rates, reduced Sauger broodstock needs, and increased saugeye hatching rates (15–20% increase).

Conclusion

Testicular harvest provides an efficient approach for sperm collection during large-scale production in fish species that produce small quantities of sperm.
Coronavirus Metamorphosis Optimization Algorithm and Collocation Method for Optimal Control Problem in COVID‐19 Vaccination Model
Authors: Jajarmi A. , Ebrahimzadeh A. , Khanduzi R.
Published: October 2024

This article addresses an optimal control problem (OCP) related to the COVID‐19 vaccination model. We transform the OCP into a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem by employing a collocation method that utilizes shifted Jacobian polynomials (SJPs) and their derivative operational matrices. To solve the NLP, we implement the Coronavirus Metamorphosis Optimization Algorithm (CMOA), which determines the control variables for , 2, and 3, corresponding to isolation, vaccination efficacy, and treatment enhancement. The CMOA is particularly suitable for the OCP concerning COVID‐19 due to its ability to navigate complex challenges and provide accurate solutions. Therefore, the primary aim of this paper is to identify a high‐quality optimal solution for the OCP, thereby contributing to the development of effective control strategies for managing the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Low‐value interventions to deimplement: A secondary analysis of a systematic review of low back pain clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Tai Daniel , Kim Eunyeop , Grover Prateek , Rodriguez Alejandro , Olivier Timothy J. , Annaswamy Thiru M.
Published: October 2024

Objective

To perform a secondary review of low back pain (LBP) clinical practice guidelines (CPG) identified in a recently conducted systematic review and to synthesize and summarize low‐value recommendations as practices that may be candidates for deimplementation.

Literature Survey

LBP (subacute or chronic) CPGs in English (symptom based, created by a governmental or professional society, published between January 1990 and May 2020) were previously identified using MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Ortho Guidelines, CPG Infobase, Emergency Care Research Institute, Guidelines International Network, National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, and Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network.

Methodology

Twenty‐one CPGs were reviewed from a systematic review (previously published). Full‐text review of all 21 CPGs was conducted, and three recommendation categories indicative of low value (recommend strongly against, recommend weakly against, inconclusive/insufficient evidence) were identified using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) language and approach.

Synthesis

One hundred thirty‐five low‐value recommendations were identified and classified under eight intervention categories: orthotics/support, traction, physical modalities, pharmacological interventions, injections, surgery, bed rest, and miscellaneous. Traction, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) had the most CPGs recommend strongly against their usage. Opioids were recommended strongly against by four CPGs. No significant difference (p > .05) was found between CPG quality and a specific deimplementation recommendation or between CPG quality and the number of strongly against, weakly against, and inconclusive/insufficient evidence recommendations.

Conclusions

Clinicians managing patients with chronic LBP should consider deimplementing these low‐value interventions (traction, TENS, TUS, and SSRI).
Bayesian Response Adaptive Randomization for Randomized Clinical Trials With Continuous Outcomes: The Role of Covariate Adjustment
Authors: Aslanyan Vahan , Pickering Trevor , Nuño Michelle , Renfro Lindsay A. , Pa Judy , Mack Wendy J.
Published: October 2024

Study designs incorporate interim analyses to allow for modifications to the trial design. These analyses may aid decisions regarding sample size, futility, and safety. Furthermore, they may provide evidence about potential differences between treatment arms. Bayesian response adaptive randomization (RAR) skews allocation proportions such that fewer participants are assigned to the inferior treatments. However, these allocation changes may introduce covariate imbalances. We discuss two versions of Bayesian RAR (with and without covariate adjustment for a binary covariate) for continuous outcomes analyzed using change scores and repeated measures, while considering either regression or mixed models for interim analysis modeling. Through simulation studies, we show that RAR (both versions) allocates more participants to better treatments compared to equal randomization, while reducing potential covariate imbalances. We also show that dynamic allocation using mixed models for repeated measures yields a smaller allocation proportion variance while having a similar covariate imbalance as regression models. Additionally, covariate imbalance was smallest for methods using covariate‐adjusted RAR (CARA) in scenarios with small sample sizes and covariate prevalence less than 0.3. Covariate imbalance did not differ between RAR and CARA in simulations with larger sample sizes and higher covariate prevalence. We thus recommend a CARA approach for small pilot/exploratory studies for the identification of candidate treatments for further confirmatory studies.
Functionally Gradient H13 Tool Steel/Oxygen‐Free High Thermal Conductivity Cu Composites Manufactured by Laser‐Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Craig Owen Hambleton , Moreau Eric , Toddy Joshua , Murphy Nylana , Halliday Harold Scott , Corbin Stephen F. , Plucknett Kevin Paul
Published: October 2024

H13 tool steel and copper (Cu) functionally gradient materials (FGMs) have been manufactured using laser‐directed energy deposition (L‐DED). Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of H13‐Cu blends shows clear separation of the Fe‐rich and Cu‐rich liquids due to the Fe–Cu miscibility gap. Also, in the analysis, it is determined that there is a large solidification range that will promote solidification cracking. A compositional gradient is produced by changing the powder feed rates in situ within the L‐DED system, to create six different compositions, beginning with 100% H13 at the substrate and ending at 100% Cu. Single‐track clads and three‐layer clad tracks of various H13‐Cu blends are successfully printed onto a wrought H13 substrate. The cross section of the clad samples containing Cu experiences vertical cracking, indicative of solidification cracking. Rectangular FGM samples of H13‐Cu are successfully printed onto a wrought H13 substrate using two different laser powers, namely 400 and 460 W; however, these samples experience major porosity and detrimental transverse cracking issues situated in the ≈25 and ≈45 wt% Cu sections. This is attributed to the Fe–Cu miscibility gap, difference in coefficient of thermal expansion, and Cu being known to promote cracking in steels. Some potential solutions to these issues are discussed.
A Robust PCC Voltage Feedforward Control Strategy of LCL‐Type Converters under Weak Grid Condition
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Liu Chengyao , Ouyang Jing
Published: October 2024

The point of common coupling (PCC) voltage feedforward control strategy can effectively reduce the startup inrush current and improve the anti‐interference ability of the LCL‐type converters, which is widely used in the renewable energy converters control field. With the high penetration of the new energy, the increase of grid impedance leads to the weakening of the grid. Under weak grid conditions, the PCC voltage feedforward control strategy will generate an additional feedback loop of grid‐side current, which has a great impact on the stability of the system. In this paper, the damping characteristic of the PCC voltage feedforward control strategy and the effect on the open loop characteristic of the system have been deeply analyzed. An improved PCC voltage feedforward control strategy based on a proportional plus band‐pass filter is proposed, which can effectively improve the phase margin and achieve active damping under weak grid conditions, therefore, the robustness of the converters can be effectively improved. A three‐phase LCL‐type AC/DC converter platform is built and comparative experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical analysis. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Pituitary apoplexy secondary to immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia, with refractory severe hypernatremia in a dog
Authors: Cermeno Sara , Hardwick Josh J. , Cardy Thomas , Woolhead Vanessa L.
Published: October 2024

A 9‐year‐old, female, neutered Swedish Valhund was referred for progressive obtundation and development of petechiae. Neurological examination was consistent with a diffuse forebrain and brainstem neuroanatomical localisation. Severe thrombocytopenia was documented with investigations indicative of primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia. The dog was subsequently found to have persistent severe hypernatremia 5 days after initial presentation, which was refractory to intravenous fluid therapy. Euthanasia was requested due to the lack of clinical improvement. Postmortem brain magnetic resonance imaging identified an ovoid suprasellar area of suspected haemorrhage, most likely consistent with pituitary apoplexy. This is the first report describing pituitary apoplexy with refractory severe hypernatremia secondary to immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in a dog.
Performance Evaluation of a Family of GARCH Processes Based on Value at Risk Forecasts: Data Envelopment Analysis Approach
Authors: Babiš Alex
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study is to form a detailed comparison of the predicting power of some generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity processes paired with several parametric distributions in application to Value at Risk evaluation. Selected processes are able to incorporate known volatility characteristics such as the memory or the leverage effect. In the same manner, the distributions have been selected to be able to incorporate the asymmetry or heavy tails. We decide to form the criteria based on the statistical tests and the loss function, both measures popular in value at risk backtesting, as well as various confidence levels as the results can vary with changing the confidence level value estimated on 46 European stocks traded over a 4-year period. As this approach yields a large amount of different criteria about each separate model, the aggregation of data is used in order to create summary metrics and subsequently those metrics are passed to Russel model in order to produce clear and reasonable comparison of the approaches. We found that the data envelopment analysis methods are adequate for tasks regarding performance evaluation of the models. Second, we found that in the long position value at risk forecasting the distribution is more valuable than the volatility specification, which has been already shown to be present for various time series data in the literature. As for the short position value at risk forecasting, we came to a conclusion that the relationship is reversed and the volatility specification should be given the primary attention as it produces better value at risk forecasts.
Synthesis and performance evaluation of bio-derived and synthetic carbon as lithium-sulfur battery cathode
Authors: Rao K. Sandeep , Pathak Dipa Dutta , Mandal Balaji P. , Tyagi Deepak , Sahu Ashok K. , Tyagi A. K.
Published: October 2024

The next-generation of batteries need be both energy dense and environment friendly. Lithium sulfur batteries (LSBs) satisfy both criteria but their practical implementation is marred by the highly resistive nature of sulfur. Carbon-based cathodes play a vital role in mitigating the issue because their high conductivity allows for effective electron transfer during electrochemical cycling. Synthesis and electrochemical evaluation of carbon-based cathodes from two different sources for LSBs was carried out. Herein, two kinds of carbon, namely bio-derived carbon from coconut shells (CC500) and N-doped carbon (NC) from polyacrylonitrile fibers were synthesized and sulfur was incorporated via the melt diffusion route. The composites are characterized by PXRD and TGA, which determined 80 wt% mass loading of sulfur. The higher intensity of G-band over D-band in Raman spectroscopy indicates greater graphitic character for CC500 compared to NC. SEM images show large macro-pore like tunnels in CC500 while NC appears are irregular chunks. EDAX spectra showed 20 wt% N content in NC while CC500 is largely carbon with some minor surface oxygen. In galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling of coin cells, bare CC500/S shows better specific capacity compared to NC/S samples but the trend flips once a separator modified with 4 mg of graphene oxide (GO) is introduced (indicated as NC/S/GO4 and CC500/S/GO4). This points towards synergy between N-doped carbon and GO layer in retaining the soluble polysulfides in the catholyte region. NC/S/GO4 exhibited better capacity i.e., 1453, 1024, 866, 787, 697 mAh/g versus 1016, 779, 672, 551, 441 mAh/g offered by CC500/S/GO4 when discharged at 50, 100, 200, 300 and 500 mA/g, respectively.
Seismological monitoring of magmatic and tectonic earthquakes in the East Eifel Volcanic Field, Germany
Authors: Ritter Joachim R. R. , Koushesh Konun , Schmidt Bernd , Föst Jan-Phillip , Bühler Julian , Hensch Martin , Mader Sarah M.
Published: October 2024

In 2013 there were reports on exceptionally deep earthquakes in ca. 40 km depth below the intraplate East Eifel Volcanic Field, Germany. Due to this observation the regional seismological monitoring network was improved to better explore this unusual seismicity. In order to acquire the necessary instruments, financial resources, and man power, a close partnership was initiated between the local state seismological service and academic research institutions. As an outcome the seismological field experiment called Deep Eifel Earthquake Project – Tiefe Eifel Erdbeben (DEEP-TEE) was accomplished which measures high-quality ground motion recordings since 2014. These measurements are used to study deep magmatic processes around the Laacher See Volcano (LSV) which was the site of a paroxysmal eruption just 13,079 years ago. As the DEEP-TEE network is located in a region with a high cultural noise and loose sediments, a careful site selection was a major task. Here, the network design is described and its recordings are used to determine 1-D seismic velocity models (vp, vs, and vp / vs) with station delay times to relocate the seismic events. The models include a priori information from active seismic experiments, especially in the mantle, to overcome resolution problems. The new velocity models allow to (re)locate the local earthquakes with horizontal and vertical uncertainties of ca. 0.5 km and 2.0 km, respectively. A special highlight of DEEP-TEE is the frequent observation of deep low-frequency (< 10 Hz) earthquakes whose hypocentres outline an active translithospheric channel, feeding the magmatic-fluid-volatile system underneath the LSV.