bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overweight and obesity are associated with better survival inSTEMIpatients with diabetes
Authors: Chaudhry Hamza , Bodair Ramez , Mahfoud Ziyad , Dargham Soha , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Jneid Hani , Abi Khalil Charbel
Published: September 2023

Objective

The relationship between obesity and in‐hospital outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who develop an ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was assessed.

Methods

Data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2008 to 2017 were analyzed. Patients with STEMI and T2DM were classified as being underweight or having normal weight, overweight, obesity, and severe obesity. The temporal trend of those BMI ranges and in‐hospital outcomes among different obesity groups were assessed.

Results

A total of 74,099 patients with T2DM and STEMI were included in this analysis. In 2008, 35.8% of patients had obesity, and 37.3% had severe obesity. However, patients with obesity accounted for most of the study population in 2017 (57.8%). During the observation period, mortality decreased in underweight patients from 18.1% to 13.2% (p < 0.001). Still, it gradually increased in all other BMI ranges, along with cardiogenic shock, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular fibrillation (p < 0.001 for all). After the combination of all patients during the observation period, mortality was lower in patients with overweight and obesity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.625 [95% CI 0.499–0.784]; 0.606 [95% CI 0.502–0.733], respectively).

Conclusions

A U‐shaped association governs the relationship between BMI and mortality in STEMI patients with diabetes, with those having overweight and obesity experiencing better survival.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen in the Follow‐up of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Schepens Emma J.A. , Al‐Mamgani Abrahim , Karssemakers Luc H.E. , van den Broek Daan , van den Brekel Michiel. W.M. , Lopez‐Yurda Marta
Published: September 2023

Objective

to determine if the tumor marker squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC‐Ag) observed over time may contribute to the early detection of recurrence, metastasis, and second primary tumors in the follow‐up of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Study Design

A retrospective analysis of patients with HNSCC and at least one SCC‐Ag measurement was conducted. Hazard ratios (HRs) were used to determine the correlation between SCC‐Ag and an event.

Setting

patients with HNSCC, treated in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital in The Netherlands between 2010 and 2020 were used for the analysis.

Methods

Data from 789 patients were used on event‐free survival (EFS) with time‐dependent Cox models. In addition to current (most recent) SCC‐Ag (also dichotomized into high and low as done for clinical practice), average SCC‐Ag and change between SCC‐Ag measurements (delta SCC‐Ag) were considered, using restricted cubic splines to explore nonlinear relationships.

Results

Dichotomized SCC‐Ag values (HR = 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17‐4.18) and the delta SCC‐Ag (HR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07‐1.22) predicted EFS better than models using the cumulative average or current value of SCC‐Ag, also after adjusting for tumor site, stage, age, and gender. A strong association was observed when using delta SCC‐Ag as a linear predictor in the subgroup of oropharynx patients (HR = 4.88, 95% CI: 2.71‐8.79).

Conclusion

Dichotomized and delta SCC‐Ag values can be important markers for EFS, during the follow‐up of patients treated for HNSCC. These results were more evident in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
Dimension effect on thermal conductivity of hexagonal boron nitride/titanium dioxide reinforced hybrid PEEK composites developed with a scalable compounding approach
Authors: Gul Saher , Arican Selin , Cansever Murat , Yildiz Mehmet , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: September 2023

For the removal of elevated thermal flux in high‐temperature applications, there is an urgent need for robust and lightweight thermally conductive thermoplastic materials with suitable mechanical integrity. In current work, multiscale hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) fillers are integrated into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer to create a synergistic effect regarding thermal conductivity. An optimized twin‐screw extrusion is utilized to disperse the fillers uniformly in the host polymer by changing the screw design in terms of kneading, mixing, and reverse elements, feeding zones of the fillers/polymer, and the feeding cycles. Various specimens were developed by systematically varying the relative filler amount of the thermally anisotropic hBN and the thermally isotropic TiO2, while the total filler content was fixed to 60 wt%. As a result, 50B‐10T composite exhibited an ultrahigh thermal conductivity of 8.195 W/(m.K), with a 3139% enhancement compared to unfilled PEEK. Moreover, as the PEEK‐mediated regions are occupied with nano‐sized TiO2, efficient channels for phonon transport are formed between hybrid fillers, and the through‐plane thermal conductivity reached 1.704 W/(m.K) in 50B‐10T sample. The potential application of prepared composites as a heat spreader is demonstrated by monitoring surface temperature distribution and numerical simulation. Meanwhile, we achieved a synchronous improvement in mechanical stiffness within hybrid composites; and failure mechanisms including crack bridging at TiO2‐PEEK interface, and debonding at hBN‐PEEK interface are observed in hybrid composites. Lastly, the high thermal stability makes the PEEK/hBN/TiO2 specimens suitable for heat dissipation in demanding applications in the energy and aerospace sectors.

Highlights

Bespoke screw design developed for scalable manufacturing of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) matrix composites reinforced with Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) via twin‐screw melt compounding.

Interconnected 3D filler networks were achieved due to the filler dimension effect, allowing us to reach an ultrahigh in‐plane thermal conductivity value of 8.2 W/(m.K) and through‐plane thermal conductivity value of 1.7 W/(m.K) for 50B‐10T specimen.

Manufactured hybrid PEEK/hBN/TiO2 composite specimens possess excellent mechanical stiffness.
Coaxially oriented PVDF/MWCNT nanofibers as a high‐performance piezoelectric actuator
Authors: Sharafkhani Sobhan , Kokabi Mehrdad
Published: September 2023

Controlling the orientation of the carbon nanotubes inside a polymer matrix essentially improves their reinforcement effect even at small loading levels, which is attractive from the processing point of view. We inform the utilization of electrospinning to produce highly aligned small‐diameter polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers where the multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) are coaxially aligned inside the PVDF nanofibers. The coaxially aligned MWCNTs arrange large numbers of contact sites with the polymer chains, thereby providing enhanced interfacial interactions, resulting in the superior effect of the MWCNTs on the crystalline structure and actuator response of the PVDF at low loading levels (0.06 wt.%). An effective α‐ to β‐phase conversion occurred through the synergistic effects of the electrospinning and MWCNTs, the β‐phase content reached 94%. Also, the degree of crystallinity increased up to 50% respecting the pure nanofibers. The bending actuation of the nanofibers was analyzed as the active layer of soft piezoelectric actuators in a unimorph configuration. The well‐aligned nanofibers showed better actuator deflection than the randomly oriented nanofibers. Comparing the PVDF nanofiber‐based actuators in the literature, our actuators exhibited excellent piezoelectric performance with high potential for practical applications.

Highlights

Highly aligned small‐diameter PVDF/CNT nanofibers produced by electrospinning.

Axially aligned CNTs induce a great piezoelectric effect at low‐loading levels.

The F(β) was 94%, and the crystallinity increased by 50% at only 0.06 wt% CNTs.

Well‐aligned nanofibers showed better actuator response than the random ones.

The soft actuators showed a higher performance than those in the literature.
Unravelling the mystery of rising methane emissions
Authors: Naples Mark
Published: September 2023

The global picture of emissions is more complex than it might appear – here is how laser absorption spectroscopy can untangle the many mysteries surrounding methane emissions.
Effect of urban shadowing on the potential of solar‐powered vehicles
Authors: Brito Miguel Centeno , Amaro e Silva Rodrigo , Pera David , Costa Ivo , Boutov Dmitri
Published: September 2023

Solar‐powered vehicles have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, operational costs and charging frequency needs of electric vehicles. This potential will depend on the local solar irradiation but also shadowing conditions, a relevant issue for urban contexts. The potential of solar‐powered vehicles in the urban context is modelled for 100 cities across the world showing that the median solar extended driving range is 18 and 8 km/day/kWp for driving and parked vehicles, respectively. The most favourable geographies include Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia; nonetheless, solar‐powered mobility has relevant potential across the full sample, including China, Europe, North America and Australia.

Highlights

Urban VIPV potential is assessed for 100 cities across the world.

Solar extended driving range varies between 11 and 29 km/day/kWp.

Charging frequency ratio ranges from 0% to 80%, with a median of 57%.

Urban shadowing reduces driving range by about 25% for driving vehicles.
The general factor of personality and moral hypocrisy: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Yu Yongjin , Zhang Yanyan
Published: September 2023

This study examines the relationship between the general factor of personality (GFP) and moral hypocrisy, the mediating effect of moral disengagement, and the moderating effect of system justification. Six hundred and four Chinese college students (59.9% female, Mage = 22.58, SD = 1.81) completed questionnaires assessing their personality and the levels of moral disengagement and system justification. The moral situation assessment paradigm was used to measure interpersonal moral hypocrisy (i.e., moral double standards). The task assignment paradigm was used to measure intrapersonal moral hypocrisy (i.e., misalignment between words and deeds). The results revealed that the GFP was negatively associated with moral hypocrisy, and moral disengagement mediated this relationship. In addition, this mediating effect of moral disengagement was moderated by system justification. That is, the mediation effect was stronger for students with a higher level of system justification. These findings provide educational suggestions for preventing and intervening in moral hypocrisy among college students.
Greater fertility distress and avoidance relate to poorer decision making about family building after cancer among adolescent and young adult female survivors
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Stal Julia , Davis Ali , Zeidman Anna , Pons Devon , Schapira Lidia , Diefenbach Michael , Ford Jennifer S.
Published: September 2023

Background

Many adolescent and young adult female (AYA‐F) cancer survivors face decisions about family building using reproductive medicine or adoption to achieve parenthood. This study evaluated associations among reproductive distress, avoidance, and family‐building decision making and identified sociodemographic and clinical characteristics related to high distress and avoidance.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey assessed AYA‐F survivors' oncofertility experiences. Measures included an investigator‐designed Unmet Information Needs scale, Reproductive Concerns After Cancer Scale, Impact of Events Scale—Avoidance subscale, Decision Self‐Efficacy scale, and Decision Conflict Scale. Two linear regression models evaluated correlates of decision self‐efficacy and decisional conflict about family building after cancer. Bivariate analyses evaluated correlates of avoidance using Pearson's correlation, t‐test, and ANOVA.

Results

AYA‐Fs (N = 111) averaged 31‐years‐old (SD = 5.49) and 3 years post‐treatment (range: 1–23 years); 90% were nulliparous. Most common diagnoses were leukemia (24%) and breast cancer (22%). Average decisional conflict was 52.12 (SD = 23.87, range: 0–100); 74% of the sample reported DCS scores within the clinically significant range. Higher levels of reproductive distress (B = −0.23, p = 0.04) and avoidance (B = −0.24, p = 0.02) related to lower decision self‐efficacy. Younger age (B = −0.18, p = 0.03), greater unmet information needs (B = 0.33, p < 0.001), and higher levels of reproductive distress (B = 0.34, p = 0.001) related to worse decisional conflict. Predictors of distress and avoidance were identified.

Conclusions

After cancer treatment, high fertility distress and avoidant coping were associated with poorer quality decision making about family building after cancer. Fertility counseling post‐treatment should support self‐efficacy and constructive coping skills to counteract high distress, maladaptive coping, and facilitate values‐based decision making.
The antimicrobial peptide database is 20 years old: Recent developments and future directions
Authors: Wang Guangshun
Published: September 2023

In 2023, the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (currently available at https://aps.unmc.edu) is 20‐years‐old. The timeline for the APD expansion in peptide entries, classification methods, search functions, post‐translational modifications, binding targets, and mechanisms of action of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been summarized in our previous Protein Science paper. This article highlights new database additions and findings. To facilitate antimicrobial development to combat drug‐resistant pathogens, the APD has been re‐annotating the data for antibacterial activity (active, inactive, and uncertain), toxicity (hemolytic and nonhemolytic AMPs), and salt tolerance (salt sensitive and insensitive). Comparison of the respective desired and undesired AMP groups produces new knowledge for peptide design. Our unification of AMPs from the six life kingdoms into “natural AMPs” enabled the first comparison with globular or transmembrane proteins. Due to the dominance of amphipathic helical and disulfide‐linked peptides, cysteine, glycine, and lysine in natural AMPs are much more abundant than those in globular proteins. To include peptides predicted by machine learning, a new “predicted” group has been created. Remarkably, the averaged amino acid composition of predicted peptides is located between the lower bound of natural AMPs and the upper bound of synthetic peptides. Synthetic peptides in the current APD, with the highest cationic and hydrophobic amino acid percentages, are mostly designed with varying degrees of optimization. Hence, natural AMPs accumulated in the APD over 20 years have laid the foundation for machine learning prediction. We discuss future directions for peptide discovery. It is anticipated that the APD will continue to play a role in research and education.
The role of motivation in human performance and in minimizing the impact of human error
Authors: Li Ritche Niño
Published: September 2023

The role of human error is the subject of various case studies on process safety incidents worldwide. To improve the situation and minimize the impact of human error, efforts are widely focused on the external job situation, such as job design, and the rules of rewards and punishments. Furthermore, organizations have opted to improve individual conditions such as job competencies and skills development. It is the aim of human factors engineering to maximize the potential of human performance in preventing process safety incidents. However, little attention is paid to the internal motivational process that occurs in an individual participating in the incident. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to bridge the gap and to highlight the role of motivational behavior in developing human performance or in executing actions that lead to human error. Human behavior and motivation widely vary within organizations. Therefore, organizations may benefit from the motivational theories that are widely used in the study of organizational behavior. The theoretical approach to motivation is separated into two main categories: inner motivation and outer motivation. Moreover, inner motivational theory is also subdivided into rational factors and irrational factors. The theories applied in this paper exemplify and combine the use of motivational theories in improving human performance and preventing process safety incidents. Based on the analysis, key recommendations are generated that can be implemented to improve human performance as part of the process safety management system.
An unexpected explosion while fumigating a grain silo: It wasn't the dust
Authors: Lardinois Trevor , Morrison Delmar “Trey” , Revez Daniela
Published: September 2023

Large‐scale fumigation of grain silos is a strategy to mitigate infestation of the bulk material. A common fumigant precursor for grain processes is aluminum phosphide, which exothermically decomposes in the presence of moisture (from the grain or air) to the toxic fumigant: phosphine gas. To overcome the hazards of exothermic decomposition and phosphine exposure, aluminum phosphide pellets can be metered into the silo's grain feed to distribute them throughout the grain more evenly. This approach decreases the decomposition rate of aluminum phosphide, better distributes heat generation to avoid igniting grain, and sustains a phosphine gas concentration well below the pyrophoric concentration—all while achieving the fumigation objectives. During a fumigation activity, a large explosion occurred within a group of silos at a grain elevator complex. Dust explosions are a common hazard for grain handling facilities, but this incident was caused by the autoignition of a phosphine gas cloud inside the conveyor tunnels. It was only through post‐incident evaluations of the grain flow dynamics and pellet addition activities that a gap between the desired pellet distribution and the incident conditions was identified. As a result, a new insight into bulk grain handling and safe fumigation was developed.
Combining pharmacometric models with predictive and prognostic biomarkers for precision therapy in Crohn's disease: A case study of brazikumab
Authors: Zhang Nan , Chan Ming Liang , Li Jing , Brohawn Philip Z. , Sun Bo , Vainshtein Inna , Roskos Lorin K. , Faggioni Raffaella , Savic Rada M.
Published: September 2023

Pharmacometric models were used to investigate the utility of biomarkers in predicting the efficacy (Crohn's Disease Activity Index [CDAI]) of brazikumab and provide a data‐driven framework for precision therapy for Crohn's disease (CD). In a phase IIa trial in patients with moderate to severe CD, treatment with brazikumab, an anti‐interleukin 23 monoclonal antibody, was associated with clinical improvement. Brazikumab treatment effect was determined to be dependent on the baseline IL‐22 (BIL22) or baseline C‐reactive protein (BCRP; predictive biomarkers), and placebo effect was found to be correlated with the baseline CDAI (a prognostic biomarker). A maximal total inhibition on CDAI input function of 50.6% and 42.4% was predicted for patients with extremely high BIL22 or BCRP, compared to a maximal total inhibition of 20.9% and 17.8% for patients with extremely low BIL22 or BCRP, respectively, which were mainly due to the placebo effect. We demonstrated that model‐derived baseline biomarker levels that achieve 50% of maximum unbound systemic concentration of 22.8 pg/mL and 8.03 mg/L for BIL22 and BCRP as the cutoffs to select subpopulations can effectively identify high‐response subgroup patients with improved separation of responders when compared to using the median values as the cutoff. This work exemplifies the utility of pharmacometrics to quantify biomarker‐driven responses in biologic therapies and distinguish between predictive and prognostic biomarkers, complementing clinical efforts of identifying subpopulations with higher likelihood of response to brazikumab.
Dynamical systems insights on cyclonic compound “wet” and “windy” extremes in the Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Vakrat Eylon , Hochman Assaf
Published: September 2023

Extreme weather, such as heavy precipitation and strong winds, can co‐occur, resulting in larger socio‐economic impacts than the linear sum of their components. These are termed “compound extremes” and are challenging to forecast even a few days before. With this aim, we investigate the “wet” and “windy” extremes associated with Eastern Mediterranean cyclones in winter. We combine insights from a synoptic classification algorithm, traditional atmospheric analysis techniques, and dynamical systems theory. In phase space, the latter quantifies atmospheric states' co‐recurrence ratio (α) and persistence (Θ−1). We base the analysis on ERA5 at various pressure levels and time lags. Our analysis is two‐fold; first, we define compound dynamical extremes (CDE) based on upper and lower deciles of α and Θ−1, linking them to the synoptic patterns. We find that CDEs are related to the depth and location of the surface cyclone and upper‐level trough. Then, we show that high co‐recurrence and persistence are associated with heavier precipitation and stronger wind speed. Second, we define compound extremes (CE), the upper 5% of precipitation intensity and wind velocity co‐occurring simultaneously. We link these back to the dynamical system metrics anomalies. Finally, we compare CEs with individual extremes and cyclone climatology. We find that CEs display significantly higher co‐recurrence and persistence than individual extremes. Indeed, days with high co‐recurrence and persistence anomalies are ∼2–18 times more likely to be allied with extreme weather, depending on the extreme type, than low co‐recurrence and persistence. Moreover, we show that the upper levels are significantly more persistent than the surface flow during a CE. The mid‐February 2012 “wet” and “windy” CE case‐study strengthened the abovementioned climatological findings. To conclude, the dynamical systems viewpoint is a valuable complement to understanding the dynamics of CEs in the Eastern Mediterranean. We foresee it to be fruitfully applied to other CEs and regions.
Quantum Sensing for Detection of Zinc‐Triggered Free Radicals in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Wojtas Daniel , Li Runrun , Jarzębska Anna , Sułkowski Bartosz , Zehetbauer Michael , Schafler Erhard , Wierzbanowski Krzysztof , Mzyk Aldona , Schirhagl Romana
Published: September 2023

Oxidative stress originating from the overproduction of free radicals poses a major threat to cell fate, therefore it is of great importance to address the formation of free radicals in cells subjected to various pathological stimuli. Here we investigate the free radical response of endothelial cells to biodegradable zinc. In addition to the standard free radical assays, relaxometry was used for determining the production of free radicals in cells exposed to non‐physiological concentrations of zinc ions. The cellular morphology, intracellular zinc accumulation, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, are determined using standard fluorescent methods. For endothelial cells subjected to 50% zinc extracts, deviations from the normal cell shape and cell agglomeration tendency are observed. The culture medium containing the highest amount of zinc ions caused nuclei fragmentation, blebbing, and cell shrinkage, indicating cell death. A potential explanation for the observed phenomena is an overproduction of free radicals. In the case of 1% and 10% zinc extracts, the formation of free radicals is clearly confirmed by relaxometry, while the results obtained by using fluorescent techniques are unambiguous. It is revealed that high concentrations of zinc ions released from biodegradable samples induce a deleterious effect on endothelial cells.
Two's a company, three's a cloud: Explaining the effect of natural disasters on health‐based violations in drinking water
Authors: Chen Xi , Fisk Jonathan M. , Mayer Martin K. , McNamara Madeleine W. , Morris John C.
Published: September 2023

Identifying violations is at the heart of environmental compliance, especially detecting contaminants that endanger human health and safety. A review of state drinking water compliance programs demonstrates that the rate and frequency of identifying health‐based violations varies significantly across the states. Previous scholarship has attributed much of this variation to anthropogenic causes. Less studied is the role of natural disasters and other natural events, which may also influence compliance outcomes. To address this gap, we build and utilize a novel data set of state‐reported health‐based violations reported under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) from 1993 to 2016. We are particularly interested in the role that events, such as severe storms, hurricanes, floods, and fires, have on the patterns of health‐based violations. Results indicate that not all focusing events are created equally and that severe storms and hurricanes are associated with state agencies identifying a flurry of violations as compared to fires and flooding.
The Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis guidelines for managing adenomyosis
Authors: Harada Tasuku , Taniguchi Fuminori , Guo Sun‐Wei , Choi Young Min , Biberoglu Kutay Omer , Tsai Shaw‐Jenq Sean , Alborzi Saeed , Al‐Jefout Moamar , Chalermchokcharoenkit Amphan , Sison‐Aguilar Angela G. , Fong Yoke‐Fai , Senanayake Hemantha , Popov Alexander , Hestiantoro Andon , Kaufman Yuval
Published: September 2023

This is the first guidelines for adenomyosis from the Asian Society of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Evaluating a pathway for environmental sustainability: The role of competitive industrial performance and renewable energy consumption in European countries
Authors: Caglar Abdullah Emre , Daştan Muhammet , Bulut Emre , Marangoz Cumali
Published: September 2023

With the efforts of the United Nations, environmental sustainability is becoming the subject of countries. Policymakers and researchers closely follow the environmental dimensions of Sustainable Development Goals. This study offers a new perspective for the European Union economies by directly targeting SDG 9 and considers environmental sustainability policies in selecting variables. To be more precise, this study probes the effects of economic growth, trade openness, renewable energy, human capital, and competitive industrial performance on the load capacity factor for EU countries over the period of 1995–2018. This study uses the CUP‐FM and CUP‐BC approaches due to cross‐sectional dependence and heterogeneity. In addition, the study does not ignore possible structural breaks. As a result of the empirical analysis, while economic growth, trade openness, and competitiveness worsen environmental quality, renewable energy and human capital contribute to environmental sustainability. Based on the panel data results, EU economies still rely on fossil fuels to maintain competitiveness in the industry. The EU, which has 2030 and 2050 targets, can eliminate the disadvantages of competitiveness by expanding the environmental quality‐enhancing feature of renewable energy and human capital. Moreover, this study provides SDG‐oriented policy recommendations for EU countries.
Associations between emotion reactivity to daily interpersonal stress and acute social‐evaluative stress during late adolescence
Authors: Rahal Danny , Bower Julienne E. , Fuligni Andrew J. , Chiang Jessica J.
Published: September 2023

Emotion reactivity refers to the intensity of changes in positive and negative emotion following a stimulus, typically studied with respect to daily stressors (e.g., arguments, demands) or laboratory stressors, including the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Yet, it is unclear whether emotion reactivity to daily and to laboratory stressors are related. The present study examined whether greater emotion reactivity to daily stressors (i.e., arguments, demands) is associated with greater reactivity to the TSST. Late adolescents (N = 82; Mage = 18.35, SD = 0.51, range 17–19; 56.1% female; 65.9% Latine, 34.2% European American) reported whether they experienced arguments and demands with friends, family, and individuals at school and their negative and positive emotion nightly for 15 days. They also completed the TSST, a validated paradigm for eliciting social‐evaluative threat, and reported their emotion at baseline and immediately post‐TSST. Multilevel models examined whether daily and laboratory emotion reactivity were related by testing whether the daily associations between arguments and demands with emotion differed by emotion reactivity to the TSST. Individuals with greater positive emotion reactivity (i.e., greater reductions in positive emotion) and greater negative emotion reactivity to the TSST showed greater positive emotion reactivity to daily demands. Emotion reactivity to the TSST was not significantly related to emotion reactivity to arguments. Findings provide preliminary evidence that emotion reactivity to the TSST relates to some aspects of daily emotion reactivity, with relations differing depending on type of daily stressor and valence of emotion. Results contextualise the implications of emotion reactivity to the TSST for daily stress processes.
Machine Learning‐Based Shear Optimal Adhesive Microstructures with Experimental Validation
Authors: Dayan Cem Balda , Son Donghoon , Aghakhani Amirreza , Wu Yingdan , Demir Sinan Ozgun , Sitti Metin
Published: September 2023

Bioinspired fibrillar structures are promising for a wide range of disruptive adhesive applications. Especially micro/nanofibrillar structures on gecko toes can have strong and controllable adhesion and shear on a wide range of surfaces with residual‐free, repeatable, self‐cleaning, and other unique features. Synthetic dry fibrillar adhesives inspired by such biological fibrils are optimized in different aspects to increase their performance. Previous fibril designs for shear optimization are limited by predefined standard shapes in a narrow range primarily based on human intuition, which restricts their maximum performance. This study combines the machine learning‐based optimization and finite‐element‐method‐based shear mechanics simulations to find shear‐optimized fibril designs automatically. In addition, fabrication limitations are integrated into the simulations to have more experimentally relevant results. The computationally discovered shear‐optimized structures are fabricated, experimentally validated, and compared with the simulations. The results show that the computed shear‐optimized fibrils perform better than the predefined standard fibril designs. This design optimization method can be used in future real‐world shear‐based gripping or nonslip surface applications, such as robotic pick‐and‐place grippers, climbing robots, gloves, electronic devices, and medical and wearable devices.
Eulachon migration patterns in the lower Fraser River revealed through acoustic telemetry
Authors: Burns Christopher W. , Gibeau Pascale , Robichaud David , McCulloch Cameron , Novoa Julio , Lockert Krystal
Published: September 2023

Objective

The Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada, historically supported productive Indigenous, recreational, and commercial fisheries for Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus. Although Eulachon spend most of their lives in the marine environment, they spawn in freshwater and it is hypothesized that habitat degradation in the Fraser River has contributed to population decline. A greater understanding of Eulachon life history strategies is necessary to develop species recovery strategies. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into population demographics, migration timing, residence time, travel speed and distance, and movement patterns of Eulachon traveling in the Fraser River by conducting index netting and acoustic telemetry.

Methods

In total, 244 Eulachon were acoustically tagged at the mouth of the Fraser River, and their movements were monitored using acoustic receivers in the lowermost 70 km of the Fraser River and in the Pitt River (a tributary to the Fraser River) over a 2-year period.

Result

Tagged Eulachon displayed heterogeneous movement behaviors and a protracted migration period between February and May. Eulachon index gill netting revealed three discrete migration groups matching traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous knowledge holders. There were shifts in population demographics, with sex ratios changing from predominately males to females throughout the migration. Residence time within the estuarine salt wedge and river was short. Upstream travel speeds varied significantly between sexes and slowed as fish traveled upstream.

Conclusion

Overall, Eulachon travel speeds, travel distances, and residence times, along with size and sex effects, provided insights into movement patterns. These results will increase our understanding of sex-specific risks related to instream disturbance, harvest, and predation and will inform management decisions regarding protection of critical habitats. The observed patterns highlight the need for stock assessment methods to consider all discrete migration groups and will assist in prioritizing species recovery efforts.
An innovative predictive model for cervical cancer constructed around a gene profile associated with cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Pu Tengda , Jin Ying , Tang Chuai , Fu Jingjing , Zhang Chengyuan , Su Bingfeng , Cao Aie
Published: September 2023

Cholesterol metabolism is crucial for cell survival and cancer progression. The prognostic patterns of genes linked to cholesterol metabolism (CMAGs) in CESC, however, have received very little attention in research. From public databases, TCGA‐CESC cohorts with mRNA expression patterns and the accompanying clinical information of patients were gathered. Consensus clustering was used to find the molecular subtype connected to cholesterol metabolism. In the TCGA‐CESC cohort, a predictive risk model with 28 CMAGs was created using Lasso‐Cox regression. The function enrichment analysis between groups with high‐and low‐risk were investigated by employing GO, KEGG, and GSVA software. The immune cell infiltration was analyzed using ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and MCPCOUNTER methods. Finally, we select 7 genes in risk model for further multivariate Cox analysis, and ultimately a hub gene, CHIT1, was identified. Meanwhile, the function of CHIT1 was preliminarily verified in cell and mice tumor model. In conclusion, the abundance of the CHIT1 gene might be beneficial for forecasting the prognosis of CESC, demonstrating that cholesterol metabolism could be a promising treatment target for CESC.
Water desalination using stainless steel meshes coated with layered double hydroxide/graphene oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Foroutan Fahimeh , Ahmadzadeh Hossein , Davardoostmanesh Maryam , Amiri Amirhassan
Published: September 2023

Coated stainless steel meshes with layered double hydroxides and graphene oxide nanocomposites (LDH/GO) were used as desalination membranes. The nature of stainless steel mesh allows a greater amount of sorbent to be coated on the surface using sol–gel technique and increases the adsorption capacity of ions and the efficiency of desalination. These substrates improve the contact surface area so that approximately 5 min is required for the desalination process. The LDH/GO stainless steel mesh exhibited excellent corrosion resistance and tensile strength of 99.9% and 112 MPa, respectively. To achieve the best desalination efficiency, different parameters were optimized, including the ratio of GO to LDH in the nanocomposites, the number of mesh layers, NaCl concentrations, and process cycles. The maximum adsorption capacity for the NaCl was 555.5 mg g−1. The results revealed that LDH/GO nanocomposite was able to remove (94.3 ± 0.5) % of the NaCl under the optimum conditions. The proposed method was used to successfully remove Na+, Mg+2, Ca+2, and K+ cations from seawater, with the yields of 92.3%, 92.5%, 91.2%, and 90.2%, respectively.

Practitioner Points

The salts are removed via interaction between salt ions and functional groups on the LDH/GO nanocomposite surface.

A high amount of adsorbent loaded on the surface of steel mesh leads to an improvement in the adsorption capacity.

The sol‐gel technique strengthens the LDH/GO nanocomposites on the surface of steel mesh.
Some Consequences of the Valley Delta Conjectures
Authors: D’Adderio Michele , Iraci Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Haglund et al. (Trans Am Math Soc 370(6):4029–4057, 2018) introduced their Delta conjectures, which give two different combinatorial interpretations of the symmetric function $$\Delta '_{e_{n-k-1}} e_n$$

Δ

e

n
-
k
-
1

′

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in terms of rise-decorated or valley-decorated labelled Dyck paths. While the rise version has been recently proved (D’Adderio and Mellit in Adv Math 402:108342, 2022; Blasiak et al. in A Proof of the Extended Delta Conjecture, arXiv:2102.08815, 2021), not much is known about the valley version. In this work, we prove the Schröder case of the valley Delta conjecture, the Schröder case of its square version (Iraci and Wyngaerd in Ann Combin 25(1):195–227, 2021), and the Catalan case of its extended version (Qiu and Wilson in J Combin Theory Ser A 175:105271, 2020). Furthermore, assuming the symmetry of (a refinement of) the combinatorial side of the extended valley Delta conjecture, we deduce also the Catalan case of its square version (Iraci and Wyngaerd 2021).
Interpolation operators for parabolic problems
Authors: Stevenson Rob , Storn Johannes
Published: September 2023

We introduce interpolation operators with approximation and stability properties suited for parabolic problems in primal and mixed formulations. We derive localized error estimates for tensor product meshes (occurring in classical time-marching schemes) as well as locally in space-time refined meshes.
Effects of seed traits on the cache size of a scatter-hoarding rodent, Leopoldamys edwardsi
Authors: Wang Minghui , Yang Xifu , Yi Xianfeng
Published: September 2023

Seed traits can influence post-dispersal seed fate and seedling establishment by manipulating the size of caches made by hoarding animals. However, few studies have explored how seed traits affect cache size and subsequent seed fate mediated by hoarding rodents. In this study, we investigated the effects of seed traits on hoarding behavior of Leopoldamys edwardsi using seeds of Quercus variabilis, Castanea henryi, Camellia oleifera, Lithocarpus harlandii, and Choerospondias axillaris in semi-natural enclosures in Dujiangyan, southwest China, in an attempt to elucidate the relationship between seed traits and cache size. Significant differences were detected in the scatter-hoarding preference of L. edwardsi for seeds of C. axillaris, C. henryi, C. oleifera, Q. variabilis, and L. harlandii. There was a significant difference in the cache size between the five seed species made by L. edwardsi. More importantly, we found that there was a significant positive correlation between the cache size and crude fat but a significant negative correlation between cache size and seed mass as well as crude starch. Our study has revealed that seed traits appear to be a key factor in regulating the hoarding behavior of rodents, mainly the size of their caches. This regulation, in turn, has a significant impact on seed survival and seedling establishment that emerge from the caches.

Significance statement

At present, a large number of studies focus on a certain trait of a single seed or the effect of a certain seed trait of various species on the hoarding behavior of rodents. How seed traits affect cache size and subsequent seed fate mediated by hoarding rodents remains unknown. This study systematically illustrates how rodents manipulate seed fates and manage cache size according to seed traits. Managing cache size based on different seed traits involves a trade-off between cache recovery and pilferage, which may be an evolutionary strategy of scatter-hoarding animals.
A prospective, multicenter, observational study of ixazomib plus lenalidomide-dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Japan
Authors: Horigome Yuichi , Iino Masaki , Harazaki Yoriko , Kobayashi Takahiro , Handa Hiroshi , Hiramatsu Yasushi , Kuroi Taiga , Tanimoto Kazuki , Matsue Kosei , Abe Masahiro , Ishida Tadao , Ito Shigeki , Iwasaki Hiromi , Kuroda Junya , Shibayama Hirohiko , Sunami Kazutaka , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Tamura Hideto , Hayashi Toshiaki , Akagi Kiwamu , Maeda Takahiro , Yoshida Takahiro , Mori Ikuo , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Iida Shinsuke
Published: September 2023

Real-world studies permit inclusion of a more diverse patient population and provide more information on the effectiveness of treatments used in routine clinical practice. This prospective, multicenter, observational study investigated the effectiveness and safety of ixazomib plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone (IRd) in 295 patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) in routine clinical practice in Japan. Patients had a median age of 74 years, 80.0% were aged ≥ 65 years, 42.0% had received ≥ 3 lines of prior treatment, and 28.5% were “frail” according to the International Myeloma Working Group frailty score. After a median follow-up of 25.0 months, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15.3 (95% CI 12.4–19.5) months, while median overall survival was not reached. The overall response rate was 53.9%, and 31.5% of patients had a very good partial response or better. In the subgroup analysis, median PFS was better in patients with 1 versus 2 or ≥ 3 lines of prior treatment (29.0 vs 19.2 or 6.9 months) and paraprotein versus clinical relapse (16.0 vs 7.9 months), but median PFS was not notably affected by frailty score or age group. Dose adjustment was more frequent among patients aged > 75 years, especially early after IRd treatment initiation. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of any grade occurred in 84.4% of patients and 24.7% of patients discontinued treatment due to TEAEs; no new safety concerns were found. These findings suggest that oral IRd triplet regimen is an effective and tolerable treatment option for RRMM patients in real-world settings outside of clinical trials.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03433001; Date of registration: 14 February 2018.
The impact of gender on the self-confidence of practical and surgical skills among OBGYN residents: a trinational survey
Authors: Meister Tara , Foessleitner Philipp , Breuer Georg , Winder Franziska M. , Favero Martine , Friemann Margareta , Krischer Benedict , Weiss Martin , Windsperger Karin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Gender disparities exist in the OBGYN discipline. This study investigates, for the first time, whether gender impacts on the confidence of practical and surgical skills among OBGYN residents, and of being prepared to work as a specialist.

Methods

The gynecological societies of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland established a web-based survey of 30 questions that was sent to all registered OBGYN members-in-training from August to September 2020. Data collection, controlling and analysis were performed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH).

Results

A total of 422 participants took part in the survey, of which 375 (88.9%) were female, 46 (10.9%) were male, and one (0.2%) was divers. The diverse participant was excluded from further analyses. The gender distribution was comparable in all three countries. Multiple regression analyses showed that gender is an independent variable significantly impacting on the confidence levels in performing standard gynaecological (p = 0.03) and obstetric (p < 0.001) procedures. Similarly, the feeling of confidence in being prepared for working as a specialist in a clinic showed to be gender-dependent (p < 0.001), however, not the feeling of being prepared for working as specialist in an outpatient setting (p = 0.37). The “female factor” significantly decreases the confidence rating for surgical and practical skills and for working in a hospital. Covariates including year of training, country, workload, receiving regular feedback, and implemented simulation training were included in all analyses.

Discussion

Improvements of residency programs to promote female doctors to overcome factors reducing their confidence in their own OBGYN skills are highly warranted.
Standards of practice in forensic age estimation with CT of the medial clavicular epiphysis—a systematic review
Authors: Ruder Thomas D. , Kuhnen Saskia C. , Zech Wolf-Dieter , Klaus Jeremias B. , Lombardo Paolo , Ith Michael
Published: September 2023

The AGFAD (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forensische Alterdiagnostik, Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics) has published several recommendations regarding both technical aspects of computed tomography (CT) of the medial clavicular epiphysis (MCE) and the process of reading and interpreting the CT images for forensic age estimations (FAE). There are, however, no published recommendations regarding CT scan protocols and no dose reference values for CT of the MCE. The objective of this analysis was to assess adherence to AGFAD recommendations among practitioners of FAE and analyse reported dose-relevant CT scan parameters with the objective of helping to establish evidence-based dose reference values for FAE. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and in Google Scholar with specific MeSH terms to identify original research articles on FAE with CT of the MCE from 1997 to 2022. A total of 48 studies were included. Adherence to AGFAD recommendations among practitioners of FAE is high regarding the use of Schmeling main stages (93%), bone window (79%), ≤ 1 mm CT slices (67%), axial/coronal CT images (65%), and Kellinghaus sub-stages (59%). The reporting of CT technique and CT dose-relevant scan parameters is heterogeneous and often incomplete in the current literature. Considering the success achieved by the AGFAD in creating standards of practice of FAE in living subjects, there is potential for the AGFAD to establish standards for radiation protection in FAE as well.
Hepatitis B reactivation is a rare event among patients with resolved infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies in monotherapy without antiviral prophylaxis: results from the HEBEM study
Authors: Marzo Blanca , Vidal-Jordana Angela , Castilló Joaquín , Robles-Sanchez Miguel-Angel , Otero-Romero Susana , Tintore Mar , Montalban Xavier , Buti Maria , Riveiro-Barciela Mar
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Prospective data on the risk of hepatitis B reactivation (HBVr) among patients with resolved HBV infection undergoing anti-CD20 antibodies monotherapy is scarce. We aimed to assess the risk of HBVr in patients with resolved HBV infection treated with rituximab or ocrelizumab in monotherapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) without antiviral prophylaxis.

Methods

HEBEM is a prospective study that included all consecutive adults HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive who initiated anti-CD20 antibodies for MS or NMOSD at Cemcat. Inclusion criteria encompassed undetectable HBV-DNA, absence of other immunosuppressants or antiviral therapy. Every 6 months HBsAg, ALT and HBV-DNA were performed to rule out HBVr (defined by 2-log increase in HBV-DNA or seroconversion to HBsAg+).

Results

From August/2019 to August/2022, 540 subjects initiated anti-CD20 antibodies, 28 (5.2%) were anti-HBc-positive and were included. Twenty-two received rituximab and 6 ocrelizumab. The majority (89.3%) had previously received ≥ 1 immunomodulatory drug, with corticosteroids (82.1%) and interferon (42.9%) as the most common. At inclusion, all presented normal transaminases and undetectable HBV-DNA. Median anti-HBs levels were 105.5 mIU/mL (IQR 0–609). Median follow-up was 3.1 years (2.1–4.0). Median number of cycles of anti-CD20 antibodies was 6 (3–7), with a cumulative dose of 8.5 g (5.8–11.2) of rituximab and 3 g (1.8–3.8) of ocrelizumab. Neither cases of HBVr nor changes in anti-HBs titers were observed per 83.6 patient-years treated with monotherapy with anti-CD20 antibodies.

Conclusions

In this cohort of patients with MS or NMOSD and resolved HBV infection, anti-CD20 monotherapy was not associated with detectable risk of HBV reactivation despite the lack of antiviral prophylaxis.