bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photo Fenton RAFT Polymerization of (Meth)Acrylates in DMSO Sensitized by Methylene Blue
Authors: Deng Yuanming , Li Cuiting , Fan Jiangtao , Guo Xie
Published: July 2023

A novel open‐to‐air photo RAFT polymerization of a series of acrylate and methacrylate monomers mediated by matching chain transfer agent irradiated by far‐red light in DMSO is reported. Hydroxyl radical (•OH) generated from methylene blue (MB) sensitized decomposition of H2O2 via photo‐Fenton like‐reaction is used for polymerization initiation. The “living/control” characteristic is evidenced by kinetic study, in which a pseudo first order curve and linearly increases of molecular weight with the increase of monomer conversion are observed. The living end‐group fidelity is characterized by MALDI‐TOF‐MS and 1H NMR results, and confirmed by successful chain extension. The temporary controllability is proved by light on/off switch experiment.
4Dflow‐VP‐Net: A deep convolutional neural network for noninvasive estimation of relative pressures in stenotic flows from 4D flow MRI
Authors: Nath Ruponti , Kazemi Amirkhosro , Callahan Sean , Stoddard Marcus F. , Amini Amir A.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To estimate relative transvalvular pressure gradient (TVPG) noninvasively from 4D flow MRI.

Methods

A novel deep learning–based approach is proposed to estimate pressure gradient across stenosis from four‐dimensional flow MRI (4D flow MRI) velocities. A deep neural network 4D flow Velocity‐to‐Presure Network (4Dflow‐VP‐Net) was trained to learn the spatiotemporal relationship between velocities and pressure in stenotic vessels. Training data were simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for different pulsatile flow conditions under an aortic flow waveform. The network was tested to predict pressure from CFD‐simulated velocity data, in vitro 4D flow MRI data, and in vivo 4D flow MRI data of patients with both moderate and severe aortic stenosis. TVPG derived from 4Dflow‐VP‐Net was compared to catheter‐based pressure measurements for available flow rates, in vitro and Doppler echocardiography–based pressure measurement, in vivo.

Results

Relative pressures calculated by 4Dflow‐VP‐Net and in vitro pressure catheterization revealed strong correlation (r2 = 0.91). Correlations analysis of TVPG from reference CFD and 4Dflow‐VP‐Net for 450 simulated flow conditions showed strong correlation (r2 = 0.99). TVPG from in vitro MRI had a correlation coefficient of r2 = 0.98 with reference CFD. 4Dflow‐VP‐Net, applied to 4D flow MRI in 16 patients, showed comparable TVPG measurement with Doppler echocardiography (r2 = 0.85). Bland–Altman analysis of TVPG measurements showed mean bias and limits of agreement of −0.20 ± 2.07 mmHg and 0.19 ± 0.45 mmHg for CFD‐simulated velocities and in vitro 4D flow velocities. In patients, overestimation of Doppler echocardiography relative to TVPG from 4Dflow‐VP‐Net (10.99 ± 6.77 mmHg) was observed.

Conclusion

The proposed approach can predict relative pressure in both in vitro and in vivo 4D flow MRI of aortic stenotic patients with high fidelity.
Understanding a decade of safety reporting for sacral neuromodulation in the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience database
Authors: Carlton Caitlin E. , Souders Colby P. , Chertack Nathan A. , Goueli Ramy S. , Lemack Gary E. , Anger Jennifer T. , McClelland Lynn , Carmel Maude E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Over 350 000 sacral neuromodulation (SNM) devices have been implanted since approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1998. SNM technology and clinical applications have evolved, with minimal safety updates after initial trials. We aim to provide an updated overview of real‐world SNM safety. These insights will guide informed consent, preoperative counseling, and patient expectation‐setting.

Materials and Methods

The FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database is a repository for medical device safety reports. We performed MAUDE categorical (1/1/98‐12/31/10) and keyword (1/1/11‐9/30/21) searches for “Interstim.” A random sample of 1000 reports was reviewed and categorized by theme. To corroborate our MAUDE database analysis, a legal librarian searched the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database, as well as Bloomberg Law's dockets database for all lawsuits related to SNM devices.

Results

Our search of the MAUDE database returned 44 122 SNM‐related adverse events (AEs). The figure illustrates the prevalence of event categories in the random sample. The largest proportion of reports (25.6%) related to a patient's need for assistance with device use, followed by loss/change of efficacy (19.0%). Interestingly, a fall preceded issue onset in 32% of non‐shock pain, 30% of lead/device migration, and 27% of painful shock reports. Our legal search revealed only four lawsuits: one for patient complications after an SNM device was used off‐label, one case of transverse myelitis after implant, one for device migration or poor placement, and the fourth claimed the device malfunctioned requiring removal and causing permanent injury.

Conclusions

This review confirms the real‐world safety of SNM devices and very low complication rates as seen in the original clinical trials. Our findings indicate that 43.2% (95% confidence interval 40.1%–46.3%) of SNM “complications” are not AEs, per se, but rather reflect a need for improved technical support or more comprehensive informed consent to convey known device limitations to the patient, such as battery life. Similarly, the number of lawsuits is shockingly low for a device that has been in the market for 24 years, reinforcing the safety of the device. Legal cases involving SNM devices seem to relate to inappropriate patient selection—including at least one case in which SNM was used for a non‐FDA approved indication—lack of appropriate follow‐up, and/or provider inability to assist the patient with utilizing the device after implantation.
Study on structural optimization of braid‐and‐lay integrated carbon fiber reinforced polymer for metro bogie
Authors: Ma Qihua , Qin Xiaoyu , Gan Xuehui , Wang Yazhe
Published: July 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer is an effective solution for replacing metal materials and achieving lightweight, and both three‐dimensional (3‐D) braided composites and prepreg laminated composites have their strengths and weaknesses. Using only one forming process can be challenging to meet the performance requirements of structural components under complex operating conditions. To effectively reduce the production cost and cycle time of large structural components while ensuring the mechanical properties of the structure, this article proposes a novel three‐dimensional braided and prepreg‐layered (braid‐and‐lay) composite forming process that is studied in the context of metro bogies. First, the performance advantages of braid‐and‐lay composites were verified through experimental methods. Then, a multi‐scale analysis method, combining experimental and finite element analysis, accurately predicted the macroscopic elastic parameters of the three‐dimensional braided composite with an error of less than 10% compared to the experimental values. Finally, a structural optimization design of the braid‐and‐lay composite metro bogie was carried out based on the predicted elastic parameters. The results show that the mass of the structure was reduced by 15.33%, from 272.103 to 230.386 kg, while ensuring that the displacement and stress responses do not exceed the constraint range.

Highlights

Proposed a braid‐and‐lay integrated composite forming process.

A multi‐scale analysis method, combining experimental and finite element analysis, was used to predict the modulus.

The effect of braiding parameters on modulus prediction was investigated.

The influence of the forming process and structural parameters on the performance of the metro bogie was investigated.

The lightweight design of the metro bogie is effectively realized.
Home gardens contribute to conservation of the critically endangered Wollemi Pine: Evaluation of a botanic garden‐led horticultural release programme
Authors: Offord Catherine A. , Zimmer Heidi C.
Published: July 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Botanic gardens play a leading role in conserving plant species worldwide. Wollemi Pine, a critically endangered species described as new to science in 1994, has been the subject of botanic garden‐led conservation efforts, including widespread horticultural cultivation. An online survey found that gardeners hold a wealth of knowledge on the response of Wollemi Pine to local environmental conditions and horticultural regimes and a high level of awareness of the importance of plant conservation. This information could increase the success of future ex situ conservation efforts, such as the development of a genetically diverse, globally dispersed metacollection of Wollemi Pines.

The Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis; Araucariaceae) is a critically endangered conifer and the source of public and horticultural fascination since its identification in 1994. An ex situ population of Wollemi Pine was initially established in a botanic garden for conservation purposes. Subsequently, a commercial propagation programme was developed to satisfy the demand for this tree as a garden plant, with the release of plants internationally in 2005. We sought to understand how well the original aim of the Wollemi Pine horticultural release programme (to safeguard the species in the wild by promoting its widespread use in horticulture and thereby reduce the risk of illegal and harmful collection) has been met and the factors correlated with Wollemi Pine presence and growth in gardens.

We developed an online community science survey to gather data on the location and growth characteristics of Wollemi Pines in garden environments globally.

We received 1510 individual responses from 31 countries on five continents. The key factors correlated with the presence of Wollemi Pine were: a temperate climate with mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures between 3.2 and 25.4°C, respectively, and above‐average rainfall. Plants in the ground were favoured by loamy soil.

Wollemi Pines are established in gardens in many parts of the world and are amenable to a variety of horticultural situations. The results of this survey inform future conservation horticulture of this species, such as the development of genetically diverse metacollections, by ensuring the selection of participating botanic gardens and arboreta in environmentally appropriate locations.
Information fraction estimation: Strategies for a phase 3 non‐inferiority maximum duration design with time to event outcome
Authors: Dang Ha M. , Krailo Mark D. , Alonzo Todd A. , Mack Wendy J. , Kairalla John A.
Published: July 2023

There is considerable debate surrounding the choice of methods to estimate information fraction for futility monitoring in a randomized non‐inferiority maximum duration trial. This question was motivated by a pediatric oncology study that aimed to establish non‐inferiority for two primary outcomes. While non‐inferiority was determined for one outcome, the futility monitoring of the other outcome failed to stop the trial early, despite accumulating evidence of inferiority. For a one‐sided trial design for which the intervention is inferior to the standard therapy, futility monitoring should provide the opportunity to terminate the trial early. Our research focuses on the Total Control Only (TCO) method, which is defined as a ratio of observed events to total events exclusively within the standard treatment regimen. We investigate its properties in stopping a trial early in favor of inferiority. Simulation results comparing the TCO method with alternative methods, one based on the assumption of an inferior treatment effect (TH0), and the other based on a specified hypothesis of a non‐inferior treatment effect (THA), were provided under various pediatric oncology trial design settings. The TCO method is the only method that provides unbiased information fraction estimates regardless of the hypothesis assumptions and exhibits a good power and a comparable type I error rate at each interim analysis compared to other methods. Although none of the methods is uniformly superior on all criteria, the TCO method possesses favorable characteristics, making it a compelling choice for estimating the information fraction when the aim is to reduce cancer treatment‐related adverse outcomes.
A comparative on the thermal decomposition and fire‐extinguishing performance of C5F8 and C5F7Cl
Authors: Chang Zhenxiang , Yu Rourou , Li Shukai , Guo Yueying , Tan Zhaoyang , Zhang Xiao , Liu Jiexiang
Published: July 2023

Compared with fluorinated cycloalkanes and liner olefins, the degradation of chlorofluorocycloolefins is much easier with good environmental friendliness. However, the fire‐extinguishing performance of chlorofluorocycloolefins has been rarely explored. In this study, the fire‐extinguishing performance and working mechanism of octafluorocyclopentene (C5F8) and 1‐chloro‐2,3,3,4,4,5,5‐heptafluorocyclopentene (C5F7Cl) were studied by combined experimental and theoretical approach. It was found that, compared to C5F8, the asymmetry of C5F7Cl agent with the chlorine atom possesses a reduced energy barrier in pyrolysis process and its reaction with OH· radicals. Moreover, chlorine‐containing unsaturated active groups and CF2· radicals generated in C5F7Cl pyrolysis can effectively capture flame radicals. As a result, a relatively low minimum extinguishing concentrations (MECs) for suppressing methane‐air (5.37 vol%) and propane‐air flame (5.93 vol%) is achieved outperforms that of C5F8 (6.73 and 7.74 vol%), even better than reported fluorinated cycloalkanes and chlorofluoroolefins agents. This study shows that chlorofluorocycloolefins are promising Halon substitutes over perfluorocyclic olefins in fire‐extinguishing performance.
Estimation and evaluation of individualized treatment rules following multiple imputation
Authors: Shen Jenny , Hubbard Rebecca A. , Linn Kristin A.
Published: July 2023

An individualized treatment rule (ITR) is a function that inputs patient‐level information and outputs a recommended treatment. An important focus of precision medicine is to develop optimal ITRs that maximize a population‐level distributional summary. However, guidance for estimating and evaluating optimal ITRs in the presence of missing data is limited. Our work is motivated by the Social Incentives to Encourage Physical Activity and Understand Predictors (STEP UP) study. Participants were randomized to a control or one of three interventions designed to increase physical activity and were given wearable devices to record daily steps as a measure of physical activity. Many participants were missing at least one daily step count during the study period. In the primary analysis of the STEP UP trial, multiple imputation (MI) was used to address missingness in daily step counts. Despite ubiquitous use of MI in practice, it has been given relatively little attention in the context of personalized medicine. We fill this gap by describing two frameworks for estimation and evaluation of an optimal ITR following MI and assessing their performance using simulated data. One framework relies on splitting the data into independent training and testing sets for estimation and evaluation, respectively. The other framework estimates an optimal ITR using the full data and constructs an ‐out‐of‐ bootstrap confidence interval to evaluate its performance. Finally, we provide an illustrative analysis to estimate and evaluate an optimal ITR from the STEP UP data with a focus on practical considerations such as choosing the number of imputations.
Impact investing in disadvantaged urban areas
Authors: Boulongne Romain , Durand Rodolphe , Flammer Caroline
Published: July 2023

Research Summary

We examine whether impact investing is more effective in fostering business venture success and social impact when investments are directed toward ventures in disadvantaged urban areas compared to similar investments directed toward ventures outside these areas. We explore this question in the context of loans made to business ventures in French “banlieues” versus “non‐banlieues.” We find that, following the loan issuance, banlieue ventures achieve greater improvements in financial performance and greater social impact in terms of the creation of local employment opportunities, quality jobs, and gender‐equitable jobs. This suggests that impact investors are able to contract with ventures of greater unrealized potential in banlieues, as banlieue ventures tend to be discriminated on the traditional loan market. The latter is corroborated in a controlled lab experiment.

Managerial Summary

We shed light on the unrealized potential of business ventures in economically disadvantaged urban areas, known as “banlieues” in France. Our results show that, after receiving loans from an impact investor, banlieue ventures achieve greater financial performance compared to non‐banlieue ventures. What is more, banlieue ventures achieve greater social impact by creating more jobs that benefit the local community. Why are traditional investors missing out on these opportunities? Our results point toward discrimination of banlieue ventures on the traditional loan market. This is confirmed in a controlled lab experiment, in which participants are less likely to approve loans to banlieue ventures compared to identical non‐banlieue ventures. These insights can guide managers and investors seeking sustainable, socially impactful, and financially viable investment opportunities.
Taming complexity of industrial printing systems using a constraint‐based DSL: An industrial experience report
Authors: Denkers Jasper , Brunner Marvin , van Gool Louis , Vinju Jurgen J. , Zaidman Andy , Visser Eelco
Published: July 2023

Flexible printing systems are highly complex systems that consist of printers, that print individual sheets of paper, and finishing equipment, that processes sheets after printing, for example, assembling a book. Integrating finishing equipment with printers involves the development of control software that configures the devices, taking hardware constraints into account. This control software is highly complex to realize due to (1) the intertwined nature of printing and finishing, (2) the large variety of print products and production options for a given product, and (3) the large range of finishers produced by different vendors. We have developed a domain‐specific language called CSX that offers an interface to constraint solving specific to the printing domain. We use it to model printing and finishing devices and to automatically derive constraint solver‐based environments for automatic configuration. We evaluate CSX on its coverage of the printing domain in an industrial context, and we report on lessons learned on using a constraint‐based DSL in an industrial context.
Statistical modeling to relate technology readiness to schedule
Authors: Kenley C. Robert , Subramanian Shrividya , Adams Katherine M.
Published: July 2023

Projects from U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Department of Energy technology development activities provide historical data on project completion timelines versus technology readiness levels that were assessed during the life cycle of a program. A statistical analysis was performed to develop a method to forecast future project completion timelines based on technical maturity assessments. The goodness‐of‐fit of the model used for forecasting also was evaluated, and the null hypothesis that the data follows the probability distribution used for the forecasting model could not be rejected at a Type I error level of 0.05. Several potential extensions to the model using product forecasting methods, semi‐Markov processes, and Bayes nets are presented. The limitations of the statistical modeling and of the potential extensions are also discussed.
Finite Control Set Model Predictive Torque Control Considering Dynamic and Steady‐State Control Performance for SMPMSM Drives
Authors: Zhou Chao , Li Hongmei , Yang Liguo , Liu Rundong , Zhao Haonan
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the dynamic and steady‐state performance of the finite control set model predictive torque controlled surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system, a novel finite control set model predictive torque control (FCS‐MPTC) with different dynamic and steady‐state control schemes is proposed in this paper. When the SMPMSM drive system operates at transient state, the optimal basic voltage vector of inverter is the vector that minimizes torque tracking error, the proposed FCS‐MPTC achieves fast dynamic response based on the optimal torque control. When the system operates at steady state, the relative importance of torque to the stator flux amplitude is calculated based on the quantitative analysis of minimum staggered errors between motor torque and stator flux amplitude control objectives, then the priority weighting factors based on the relative importance are determined online adaptively, the optimal control of motor torque and stator flux amplitude is achieved simultaneously. Finally, the comparison of the experimental results of proposed FCS‐MPTC with different control methods is implemented and research conclusion is shown. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
On a procedure to derive ϵ-factorised differential equations beyond polylogarithms
Authors: Görges Lennard , Nega Christoph , Tancredi Lorenzo , Wagner Fabian J.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this manuscript, we elaborate on a procedure to derive ϵ-factorised differential equations for multi-scale, multi-loop classes of Feynman integrals that evaluate to special functions beyond multiple polylogarithms. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach to diverse classes of problems, by working out ϵ-factorised differential equations for single- and multi-scale problems of increasing complexity. To start we are reconsidering the well-studied equal-mass two-loop sunrise case, and move then to study other elliptic two-, three- and four-point problems depending on multiple different scales. Finally, we showcase how the same approach allows us to obtain ϵ-factorised differential equations also for Feynman integrals that involve geometries beyond a single elliptic curve.
Sexual Orientation Affects Neural Responses to Subtle Social Aggression Signals
Authors: Lübke Katrin T. , Storch Dunja , Pause Bettina M.
Published: July 2023

The current series of studies are the first to examine brain responses to social aggression signals as a function of male and female sexual orientation. For the first set of studies (1a, 1b), axillary sweat had been collected from 17 heterosexual men and 17 heterosexual women aggressively responding to frustrating opponents (aggression condition) and while playing a construction game (control condition). Sweat samples were pooled according to sex and condition, and presented via a constant flow olfactometer to 17 gay and 23 heterosexual men (Study 1a), and 19 lesbian and 25 heterosexual women (Study 1b). Ongoing EEG was recorded from 61 scalp locations, chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERPs; P2, P3-1, P3-2) were analyzed, and neuronal sources calculated (low resolution electromagnetic tomography). Within the second set of studies (2a, 2b), pictures of males’ and females’ weak angry and neutral facial expressions were presented to 21 gay and 23 heterosexual men (Study 2a), and 19 lesbian and 26 heterosexual women (Study 2b), and ERPs (N170, P3) were analyzed. Gay men showed larger P3-1 amplitudes than heterosexual men upon presentation of male aggression sweat, accompanied by activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG, BA 10). Gay men also displayed longer N170 latencies in response to men’s compared to women’s angry facial expressions, while heterosexual men did not. In women, sexual orientation did not affect the processing of aggression sweat or anger expressions. Gay men showed preferential processing of chemosensory aggression signals (P3-1 amplitudes), indicating fine-tuned socioemotional sensitivity, related to activation of brain areas involved in emotion regulation (IFG). They further process the relative relevance of visual aggression signals (N170 latency). These results were in line with theories proposing a common evolutionary pathway for same-sex attraction and traits easing social integration.
Sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera J. Agardh, Chlorophyta) for human use: Structured review on recent research in cultivation, nutritional value, and post-harvest management
Authors: Stuthmann Lara Elisabeth , Brix da Costa Beatrice , Springer Karin , Kunzmann Andreas
Published: July 2023

Seaweeds are a major contributor to global marine aquaculture production, with the biomass being mainly used, among others, for human nutrition, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. However, green seaweeds are severely underrepresented, compared to red and brown macroalgae. Caulerpa lentillifera (known as “sea grapes” or “green caviar”) is an edible, green seaweed with a distinctive texture and various nutritional benefits. In this review, all articles on sea grapes published between 1900 and October 2022 and found in the scientific citation databases Scopus and Web of Science (search string: “caulerpa” AND “lentillifera”) were grouped by research topic and the intended application following the PRISMA approach. 51% of the 130 articles included in the review focused on the topic of “Biochemical composition”, followed by “Water treatment” (18%) and “Ecophysiology” (15%). The most prominent application was “Pharmaceutics”, followed by “Cultivation” and “Fundamental research”. In order to provide a knowledge base to researchers and practitioners of C. lentillifera aquaculture, research that was simultaneously grouped under one of the topics “Biochemical composition”, “Water treatment”, or “Ecophysiology” and the applications “Cultivation”, “Nutritional value” or “Post-harvest” was summarized in more detail. Light management of sea grapes, their use as a high-value co-culture species and the capacity to bioremediate nutrients, as well as their short shelf-life were identified as important areas of research interest. The assessment revealed several knowledge gaps, for example the need for intra-species comparisons of C. lentillifera biochemical composition across spatial and temporal scales.
Gender Gaps in Commuting Time: Evidence from Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia
Authors: Campaña Juan Carlos , Gimenez-Nadal J. Ignacio
Published: July 2023

We analyze the relationship between gender and the time devoted to commuting by men and women in four Latin American countries. Using data from time surveys from Peru (2010), Ecuador (2012), Chile (2015) and Colombia (2012 and 2017), we observe in all four countries that women devote less time to this activity compared to men, in both urban and rural areas This gender difference varies depending on the presence of children, the working hours, the type of employment, and the urban or rural status of the respondent. Our results contribute to the literature on gender differences in commuting time for a set of countries that have not been thoroughly analyzed, pointing to the responsibility for the care of children as a factor limiting the daily mobility of women in these countries.
Hydrolysis and condensation behavior of tetraethoxysilane, hexaethoxydisiloxane, and octaethoxytrisiloxane
Authors: Sato Yohei , Sugimoto Asahi , Iwashina Tatsuya , Hayami Ryohei , Yamamoto Kazuki , Gunji Takahiro
Published: July 2023

In the initial stage of the hydrolysis–condensation of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), hexaethoxydisiloxane (HEDS) and octaethoxytrisiloxane (OETS) are formed. However, little is known about the hydrolysis–condensation of HEDS and OETS. In this study, the hydrolysis–condensation of TEOS, HEDS, and OETS was investigated. HEDS and OETS were synthesized from diethoxy(diisocyanato)silane, a raw material with controllable functionality. The hydrolysis of TEOS, HEDS, and OETS was analyzed by mass spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance. The hydrolysis–condensation product of TEOS was a three-dimensional network-type polysiloxane. The hydrolysis–condensation product of HEDS consisted mainly of four-membered cyclic siloxane. The hydrolysis–condensation product of OETS consisted mainly of various membered cyclic siloxanes.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of a Smartphone Application on Physical Activity and Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery—Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bonn Stephanie E. , Hult Mari , Spetz Kristina , Eke Helén , Andersson Ellen , Wirén Mikael , Löf Marie , Trolle Lagerros Ylva
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Ways to motivate and support patients in being physically active after bariatric surgery are needed. This trial was aimed at evaluating the effect of using a smartphone application targeting physical activity during 12 weeks on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, primary outcome) and secondary outcomes of inactivity, light physical activity (LPA), body mass index (BMI), and percent total weight loss (%TWL) after bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods

Data from a randomized controlled trial comprising 146 patients (79.5% women) undergoing bariatric surgery was analyzed. Mean age and BMI pre-surgery were 40.9 years and 40.5 kg/m2, respectively. Participants were randomized 1:1 to an intervention or a control group. Physical activity and body weight were objectively measured at baseline pre-surgery and post-surgery follow-ups after 6 weeks (weight only), 18 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Linear mixed models were fitted to assess longitudinal differences in outcomes between the groups.

Results

A significant effect of the intervention (group-by-time interaction 16.2, 95% CI 3.5 to 28.9) was seen for MVPA at 18 weeks; the intervention group had increased their MVPA since baseline, while the control group had decreased their MVPA. The control group had lowered their BMI approximately 1 kg/m2more than the intervention group at follow-up after 18 weeks and 12 months, yet, mean BMI did not differ between the groups. No intervention effect was seen on inactivity, LPA, or %TWL.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that use of a smartphone application targeting physical activity may have the potential to promote short-term MVPA post bariatric surgery.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03480464

Graphical Abstract
Janus kinase inhibitors effectively improve pain across different disease activity states in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: De Stefano Ludovico , Bozzalla Cassione Emanuele , Bottazzi Francesca , Marazzi Elena , Maggiore Francesco , Morandi Valentina , Montecucco Carlomaurizio , Bugatti Serena
Published: July 2023

Pain remains one of the most difficult-to-treat domains in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In clinical trials, the Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) have demonstrated good efficacy in pain relief. Aim of our study was to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of JAKis in improving pain in patients with RA in different states of baseline disease activity. A monocentric prospective cohort of 181 RA patients starting treatment with JAKis was studied. Pain was evaluated on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Clinically meaningful improvements over 24 weeks were defined as follows: proportion of patients achieving ≥ 30%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 70% pain relief, and remaining pain ≤ 20 or ≤ 10 mm. Results were analysed after stratification for baseline inflammatory activity; patients with swollen joints and C-reactive protein ≤ 1 at treatment start were considered pauci-inflammatory. Proportion of patients who achieved ≥ 30%, ≥ 50% and ≥ 70% pain improvement at 24 weeks was 61.4%, 49.3% and 32.9%. Furthermore, 40.6% and 28.5% of the patients achieved thresholds of remaining pain equivalent to mild pain or no/limited pain. Pain improvements were more evident in patients naive to previous biologics, although nearly 30% of multiple failures achieved VAS ≤ 20 mm. No significant differences were observed in relation to monotherapy. Pauci-inflammatory patients at treatment start achieved good outcomes, with 40.4% experiencing ≥ 70% pain improvement, and 35.7% VAS ≤ 10 mm. JAKis show efficacy in pain relief in real life. The improvement of painful symptoms also in those patients with limited objective inflammation may open new perspectives on the management of difficult-to-treat RA.
Completeness Problem via Fixed Point Theory
Authors: Anjum Rizwan , Abbas Mujahid , Işık Hüseyin
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present the notion of MR-Kannan type contractions using the generalized averaged operator. Several examples are provided to illustrate the concept presented herein. We provide a characterisation of normed spaces using MR-Kannan type contractions with a fixed point. We investigate the Ulam–Hyers stability and well-posedness result for the mappings presented here.
Update on the management of elderly patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Soler-González Gemma , Sastre-Valera Javier , Viana-Alonso Antonio , Aparicio-Urtasun Jorge , García-Escobar Ignacio , Gómez-España María Auxiliadora , Guillén-Ponce Carmen , Molina-Garrido María José , Gironés-Sarrió Regina
Published: July 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common tumours worldwide, and 70% of CRC patients are over 65 years of age. However, the scientific evidence available for these patients is poor, as they are underrepresented in clinical trials. Therefore, a group of experts from the Oncogeriatrics Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Cooperative Group for the Treatment of Digestive Tumours, (TTD) and the Multidisciplinary Spanish Group of Digestive Cancer (GEMCAD) have reviewed the scientific evidence available in older patients with CRC. This group of experts recommends a multidisciplinary approach and geriatric assessment (GA) before making a therapeutic decision because GA predicts the risk of toxicity and survival and helps to individualize treatment. In addition, elderly patients with localized CRC should undergo standard cancer resection, preferably laparoscopically. The indication for adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) should be considered based on the potential benefit, the risk of recurrence, the life expectancy and patient comorbidities. When the disease is metastatic, the possibility of radical treatment with surgery, radiofrequency (RF) or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered. The efficacy of palliative CT is similar to that seen in younger patients, but elderly patients are at increased risk of toxicity. Clinical trials should be conducted with the elderly population and include GAs and specific treatment plans.
The cognitive basis for virtual reality rehabilitation of upper-extremity motor function after neurotraumas
Authors: Dewil Sophie , Kuptchik Shterna , Liu Mingxiao , Sanford Sean , Bradbury Troy , Davis Elena , Clemente Amanda , Nataraj Raviraj
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to present previous works in augmented sensory guidance for motor learning and psychophysiological factors and contextualize how these approaches may facilitate greater optimization of motor rehabilitation after neurotraumas with virtual reality. Through library resources at Stevens Institute of Technology, we searched for related works using multiple electronic databases and search engines with a medical focus (detailed in the paper). Searches were for articles published between 1980 and 2023 examining upper extremity rehabilitation, virtual reality, cognition, and modes and features of sensory feedback (specific search terms detailed in the paper). Strategic activation of sensory modalities for augmented guidance using virtual reality may improve motor training to develop further skill retention in persons suffering from impulsive neurological damage. Features with unique motor learning characteristics to consider with augmented feedback signals include representation, timing, complexity, and intermittency. Furthermore, monitoring psychophysiological factors (e.g., sense of agency, cognitive loading, attention) that represent mental and psychological processes may assist in critically evaluating novel designs in computerized rehabilitation. Virtual reality approaches should better incorporate augmented sensory feedback and leverage psychophysiological factors to advance motor rehabilitation after neurotraumas.
Respiratory Fungal Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Schwarz C. , Mainz J. G. , Romanowska E. , Rosseau S. , Schuette H. , Martin-Souto L. , Ramirez-Garcia A. , Eschenhagen P.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of Review

In cystic fibrosis (CF), the main focus in bronchopulmonary infections is on bacterial pathogens, as they significantly influence lung function and the exacerbation rate. In the last decade, fungal respiratory diseases have been increasingly investigated for their impact on the clinical course of people with CF. This review aims to highlight recent findings in diagnostics and therapeutic approaches in terms of fungal infections in CF.

Recent Findings

We reviewed over 100 publications on fungal species in CF. Studies showed that Aspergillus spp. negatively impact lung function in patients with CF. A summary of these investigations showed that fungal diseases in patients with CF present as colonization, sensitization, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and aspergilloma. Two significant fungal infections, pneumonia and bronchitis, are now well-defined, and several studies have established treatment options. The following pathogens are considered the primary cause of bronchitis, i.e., Aspergillus spp. and Exophiala spp., and of pneumonia, i.e., Scdedosporium spp., Apergillus spp., Trichosporon spp., and Candida spp. The main therapeutic innovations highlighted were real-time PCR techniques, DNA chips, and antigen-reactive T cell enrichment assay (ARTE).

Respiratory fungal infections in CF are a complex task in terms of definition and therapy.
Translational control of SOG1 expression in response to replication stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Jinchao , Qian Weiqiang
Published: July 2023

DNA damage, which may arise from cellular activities or be induced by genotoxic stresses, can cause genome instability and significantly affect plant growth and productivity. In response to genotoxic stresses, plants activate the cellular DNA damage response (DDR) to sense the stresses and activate downstream processes. The transcription factor SUPPRESSOR OF GAMMA RESPONSE 1 (SOG1), a functional counterpart of mammalian p53, is a master regulator of the DDR in plants. It is activated by various types of DNA lesions and can activate the transcription of hundreds of genes to trigger downstream processes, including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, endoreplication, and apoptosis. Since SOG1 plays a crucial role in DDR, the activity of SOG1 must be tightly regulated. A recent study published in Plant Cell (Chen et al., Plant Cell koad126, 2023) reports a novel mechanism by which the ATR-WEE1 kinase module promotes SOG1 translation to fine-tune replication stress response.
Python for Scientists
Authors: Stewart John M. , Mommert Michael
Published: July 2023

The third edition of this practical introduction to Python has been thoroughly updated, with all code migrated to Jupyter notebooks. The notebooks are available online with executable versions of all of the book's content (and more). The text starts with a detailed introduction to the basics of the Python language, without assuming any prior knowledge. Building upon each other, the most important Python packages for numerical math (NumPy), symbolic math (SymPy), and plotting (Matplotlib) are introduced, with brand new chapters covering numerical methods (SciPy) and data handling (Pandas). Further new material includes guidelines for writing efficient Python code and publishing code for other users. Simple and concise code examples, revised for compatibility with Python 3, guide the reader and support the learning process throughout the book. Readers from all of the quantitative sciences, whatever their background, will be able to quickly acquire the skills needed for using Python effectively.
Understanding Reproduction
Authors: Fusco Giuseppe , Minelli Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Our understanding of reproduction and reproductive processes is often biased towards the behaviour of organisms most familiar to us. As such, the amazing disparity of the phenomena of reproduction and sex is often overlooked. Understanding Reproduction addresses all the main facets of this large chapter of the life sciences, including discussions of asexual reproduction, parthenogenesis, sex determination, reproductive effort, and much more. The book features an abundance of examples from across the tree of life, including animals, plants, fungi, protists and bacteria. Written in an accessible and easy to digest style, overcoming the intimidating diversity of the technical terminology, this book will appeal to interested general readers, biologists, science educators, philosophers and medical doctors.
Swiss Contract Law in International Commercial Arbitration
Authors: Müller Christoph
Published: July 2023

This book provides a systematic presentation of the most important commercial contracts under Swiss law, i.e., the contract of sale, the contract for work and services, the simple mandate contract, and the commercial agency contract, as well as the licence agreement, the exclusive distribution agreement, and the settlement agreement. The book also contains an in-depth introduction of the Swiss law of obligations, covering topics such as the fundamental principles of contract law, the obligation (as the effect of the contract), the formation of contracts, contract interpretation, validity of contracts, agency, general terms and conditions, and breach of contract. After English law, Swiss law is deemed to be the most attractive law applicable to the parties' contract in an international context. At the same time, English is usually chosen as the language of the arbitration proceedings. This book will therefore be an indispensable resource for all English-speaking lawyers interested in international commercial arbitration.
Impact of surface physisorption on gas scattering dynamics
Authors: Chen Yichong , Gibelli Livio , Li Jun , Borg Matthew K.
Published: July 2023

Engineering flow systems operating under low pressures and/or at the micro/nano scale generally include a physically adsorbed gas layer next to the surface. In this paper, we develop a scattering kernel that accounts for the effect of adsorption, arising from van der Waals interactions, on the dynamics of molecules impinging on solid smooth surfaces. In the limit of low bulk density, surface adsorption becomes negligible and the scattering kernel recovers consistently the Cercignani–Lampis model, which best describes molecular collisions with a clean, smooth surface. In the limit of high bulk density, a dense adsorbed molecular layer forms next to the surface and its presence is picked up by the Maxwell model with complete diffuse reflection, which better captures the multiple collisions suffered by molecules. A weight coefficient based on the Langmuir adsorption isotherm is incorporated into the modelling to handle the transition between these two limiting conditions of low and high densities. The proposed model is validated against high-fidelity molecular dynamics simulations that are performed for a variety of gas–surface combinations and adsorbed molecular layers with different densities. It is shown that the proposed model very well captures the scattering patterns of beams of gas molecules at different velocities impinging on surfaces, as well as momentum and energy accommodation coefficients in the entire range of explored conditions.
Efficacy and utility of a tool for both measurement of vitamin B6, B12, D, folate and iron status and assessment of diet quality in athletes
Authors: Baart A. Mireille , Slotegraaf Anne I. , Gobes-de Punder Inge E. , Mensink Marco , Wardenaar Floris , de Vries Jeanne H.M. , Klein Gunnewiek Jacqueline M.T. , Balvers Michiel G.J. , Terink Rieneke
Published: July 2023

NutriProfiel® is a tool to measure micronutrient status and to assess diet quality. It consists of measurement of micronutrient status in blood and a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) (‘Eetscore-FFQ’). Based on the results, individuals receive a dietary advice. In this study, we evaluated the application of NutriProfiel in athletes (‘NutriProfiel-Sport’) by assessing the coverage of nutrient intake of the Eetscore-FFQ (part 1) and by evaluating athlete's dietary behaviour after using NutriProfiel-Sport and their satisfaction with this tool (part 2). For part 1, data of 419 athletes were used. We evaluated the coverage of nutrient intake of the Eetscore-FFQ using first and second MOMents (MOM1 and MOM2) sum scores of food items in the questionnaire. Forty-eight athletes were involved in part 2. They gave blood samples for micronutrient status measurement and were asked to complete the Eetscore-FFQ at baseline and after 3 months, as well as a questionnaire on their satisfaction with NutriProfiel-Sport. Results showed that for most nutrients, MOM1 and MOM2 scores were above 80 %, meaning that nutrient intake was sufficiently covered by the Eetscore-FFQ. No difference in diet quality was observed between baseline and after 3 months. Nevertheless, a majority of athletes reported the NutriProfiel-Sport results and advice as useful. On a scale from 0 to 10, NutriProfiel-Sport was graded with a mean (±sd) score of 7⋅6 (±0⋅8). In conclusion, NutriProfiel-Sport is a potential valuable and appreciated tool for athletes and the Eetscore-FFQ as part of this tool sufficiently covers nutrient intake in athletes.
Feasibility and implementation of a grocery shopping intervention for adults diagnosed with or at-risk for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hollis-Hansen Kelseanna , Tan Sherey , Bargnesi Sarah , McGovern Lily , Drozdowsky Julia , Epstein Leonard H , Leone Lucia A , Mak Eunice , Masci Jaclyn , Anzman-Frasca Stephanie
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To examine the feasibility and implementation of an optimal defaults intervention designed to align grocery purchases with a diet recommended for people with or at-risk for type 2 diabetes.

Design:

This was a 5-week pilot randomised trial with three groups: in-person grocery shopping, shopping online and shopping online with ‘default’ carts. Participants were asked to shop normally in Week One, according to group assignment in Weeks Two–Four (intervention period), and as preferred in Week Five. All groups received diabetes-friendly recipes via email each intervention week.

Setting:

Participants grocery shopped in person or online. Grocery receipt forms, enrolment information and exit surveys were collected remotely and used to assess feasibility and implementation.

Participants:

Sixty-five adults with or at-risk for type 2 diabetes.

Results:

Sixty-two participants completed the exit survey and fifty-five submitted receipts all 5 weeks. Forty utilised recipes, 95 % of whom indicated recipes were somewhat or very useful. Orange chicken, quesadillas and pork with potato and apples were the most liked recipes. Most Defaults group participants accepted at least some default cart items. Recipes with the highest default acceptance were whole grain pasta and chicken, quesadillas with black beans and chicken with olives. Participants’ primary concerns about the intervention were costs associated with online shopping, inability to select preferred foods and some recipes including ingredients household members would not eat.

Conclusions:

The study had high retention, data were successfully collected remotely and the intervention was acceptable to most participants. Tailoring recipes to household preferences may be beneficial in future studies.