bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of industrial wastes in Al2O3‐SiC‐SiO2‐C refractories: Characterization of erosion and corrosion resistance
Authors: Ju Maoqi , Cheng Shuiming , Xia Changyong , Liang Yonghe , Cai Manfei , Cai Wei
Published: July 2023

Industrial waste has a high potential for reuse in the production of refractories, which can significantly lower costs. The purpose of the research is to access the role of three types of recycled industrial wastes (ferro‐titanium slag [FTS], ferhro‐chromium slag [FCS], and ferro‐vanadium slag [FVS]) utilized as aggregate in the traditional Al2O3‐SiC‐SiO2‐C refractories (ASSC). Erosion and corrosion resistance characterization was performed to determine whether these industrial waste‐containing ASSC still perform better than traditional ASSC during service. Based on the results, incorporating FVS into the ASSC was not recommended, its corrosion resistance was significantly reduced due to the presence of excessive liquid phase. Nonetheless, FTS and FCS could be added as aggregate to the ASSC without affecting their performance. This necessity of the proper amount of liquid phase in ASSC was highlighted in this research since the parameters could alter its properties. Furthermore, the Ti(C,N) transformed from TiO2 in FTS via carbothermal reduction nitridation could effectively prevent further corrosion, and Cr2O3 derived from the decomposition of (Al,Cr)2O3 solid solution in FCS could play the same role during the corrosion process, both of which may be potential raw materials to be used in refractories.
Synthesis of BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3‐δ nano‐powders by aqueous gel‐casting for proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Wang Donggang , Zhang Zhenhao , Song Tao , Sun Haibin , Li Jiao , Guo Xue , Hu Qiangqiang , Feng Yurun , Zhao Shikai
Published: July 2023

For the sake of enhance the sinter ability and electrical conductivity of BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3‐δ (BZCY) electrolytes, a modified aqueous gel‐casting method was applied to synthesize high sintering active and high conductive BZCY nano‐powders. The new approach makes it easy to obtain pure perovskite. The highly sintering active purity‐phase of BZCY nano‐powder (particle size of 50∼100 nm) was obtained by calcining at 1100°C for 2 h. Nano‐powders effectively reduce the sintering densification temperature and successfully prepare BZCY electrolyte with relative density > 96 % at 1450°C, and promote grain growth with an average grain size of 2.36 μm. Benefiting from this, improved electrical conductivities (e.g., 12.4×10−3 S cm−1 at 700°C, in wet air) are obtained. The NiO‐BZCY/BZCY/LSCF‐BZCY anode‐supporting single cell shows a peak power density of 0.75 W cm−2 at 700°C while taking ambient air as oxidants and wet H2 (∼3 vol.% H2O) as fuels.
A contrastive analysis of congratulate by native speakers of Chinese and advanced learners of Chinese
Authors: Qiu Jia , Chen Xinren , Cao Yanli
Published: July 2023

The present study aims to contrast the performance of Congratulate by advanced learners of Chinese as a Foreign Language (CFL) and Chinese native speakers. Adopting a bottom‐up procedure, it discovers three types of Congratulate structures and seven categories of strategies used by both native speakers and advanced CFL learners. It also reveals that while social distance and power exert influence on the performance of Congratulate in both groups, significant differences exist in the overall distribution of these structures and categories of strategies. In addition, it discusses salient problems concerning the appropriateness of advanced CFL learners’ production with the aid of corpus‐based analysis and written interview. By supplementing a discourse completion test–based contrastive analysis with the two ancillary analyses, the study has a methodological implication for future empirical research in second language pragmatics.
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to advance cell therapy
Authors: Capponi Sara , Daniels Kyle G.
Published: July 2023

Cell therapies are powerful technologies in which human cells are reprogrammed for therapeutic applications such as killing cancer cells or replacing defective cells. The technologies underlying cell therapies are increasing in effectiveness and complexity, making rational engineering of cell therapies more difficult. Creating the next generation of cell therapies will require improved experimental approaches and predictive models. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methods have revolutionized several fields in biology including genome annotation, protein structure prediction, and enzyme design. In this review, we discuss the potential of combining experimental library screens and AI to build predictive models for the development of modular cell therapy technologies. Advances in DNA synthesis and high‐throughput screening techniques enable the construction and screening of libraries of modular cell therapy constructs. AI and ML models trained on this screening data can accelerate the development of cell therapies by generating predictive models, design rules, and improved designs.
A new DEA model for slacks‐based measure of efficiency and super‐efficiency with strongly efficient projections
Authors: Liu Peide , Xu Hongxue , Xu Ke
Published: July 2023

Most of the existing researches for the integrated model of slack‐based measure (SBM) and SuperSBM models ignore two major problems. First, the SuperSBM model may yield weakly efficient projections such that the super‐efficiency is overestimated due to ignoring the inefficiency components. Second, in the existing integrated models, some integrated models have feasible solutions, but their scale is very large; some integrated models are very small in scale, but there may be no feasible solutions. Therefore, this paper tackles these problems and presents a modified SuperSBM (MSuperSBM) model. The MSuperSBM model can differentiate all decision‐making units and determine their strongly efficient projections simultaneously. And the actual‐efficiency scores obtained objectively discount the inefficiency components relative to the strongly efficient point, thereby they are not overestimated. In addition, the MSuperSBM model contains only necessary decision variables and constraints, which can reduce the number of required computations for large‐scale performance evaluation. Finally, through several numerical experiments, the advantages of our model in the computational results and computational scale are verified.
Scintillator‐oriented near‐infrared emitting Cs4SrI6:Yb2+, Sm2+single crystals via sensitization strategy
Authors: Wen Xuemin , Kucerkova Romana , Babin Vladimir , Prusa Petr , Kotykova Monika , Nikl Martin , Li Wen , Wang Qian , Kurosawa Shunsuke , Wu Yuntao
Published: July 2023

In this study, a new Cs4SrI6:Yb2+,Sm2+near‐infrared (NIR) emitting scintillator was developed using sensitization strategy. It was found that Yb2+sensitization significantly enhances the NIR radioluminescence (RL) of Sm2+, providing a new approach of designing highly emissive sensitized NIR scintillators. By studying the optical spectra and decay kinetics of Cs4SrI6:Yb2+,Sm2+, it was revealed that the energy transfer pathways involve both radiative and nonradiative processes. The gamma spectroscopy performance of Cs4SrI6:Yb2+,Sm2+single crystals was studied by using the high‐quantum‐efficiency avalanche photodiode (APD) as the readout. Our results highlight the importance of using sensitization strategy of achieving NIR emitting scintillators and demonstrate the significant potential for radiation detection applications.
Fast Ce,Ca:LuAG scintillation ceramics for HEP: Fabrication, characterization, and computation
Authors: Zhu Danyang , Chen Xiaopu , Cai Jiajia , Beitlerova Alena , Kucerkova Romana , Chewpraditkul Weerapong , Nikl Martin , Li Jiang
Published: July 2023

High‐energy physics community is looking for a hard, fast, and low‐cost scintillation material, and Ce:Lu3Al5O12 (Ce:LuAG) ceramic is one of the competitive candidates. This work presents Ce,Ca:LuAG scintillation ceramics with good optical quality, and the influence of Ce and Ca concentrations on optical and scintillation properties was fully analyzed. At relatively low level of Ce concentration, the less Ca2+ content is needed to achieve a significant intensity increase in fast scintillation component while maintaining a relatively high light yield (LY). The introduction of only 0.1 at% Ca2+ could increase the LY0.5 μs/LY3.0 μs from 79.9% to 96.1% in Ce,Ca:LuAG ceramics of 0.1 at% Ce. First‐principles investigations are further performed to reveal the tuning mechanisms of the scintillation properties of LuAG by Ce and Ca codoping. We show that the Fermi level shifts down with Ca codoping, which increases the Ce4+ content and decreases the depth of the electron traps (VO), resulting to a faster decay. Moreover, the formation preference of Ca‐VO complexes over Ce‐VO leads to the suppression of the non‐radiative decay of Ce via VO. In summary, our study demonstrates the realization of the performance tuning of LuAG via Ce and Ca codoping.
‘Pretty cathartic actually’: Reflections on the attempt to reduce re‐traumatization of researchers and nurses taking part in a longitudinal interview study
Authors: Conolly Anna , Rowland Emma , Abrams Ruth , Harris Ruth , Kelly Daniel , Kent Bridie , Maben Jill
Published: July 2023

Aim

To critically evaluate the concepts of harm and re‐traumatization in the research process and to explore the ethical implications of conducting research on distressing topics using our research on the experiences of nurses working during the COVID‐19 pandemic as an exemplar.

Design

Longitudinal qualitative interview study.

Methods

Using qualitative narrative interviews, we explored the impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses' psychological well‐being in the UK.

Results

To reduce the potential for harm to both research participants and researchers, the members of the research team were keen to establish ways to reduce the power differential between the researcher and participants. We found that our collaborative and team‐based approach, with participant autonomy and researcher reflexivity embedded into the research framework, enabled the sensitive generation of data.

Conclusion

Reduction of potential harm for both participants and researchers in the generation of at times highly distressing data with a traumatized population was achieved through a respectful, honest and empathetic approach within a team that met frequently for reflection.

Impact

The research participants were not harmed by our research, instead they expressed gratitude at being given space and time to tell their stories in a supportive environment. Our work advances nursing knowledge through accentuating the value of giving autonomy to research participants to control their stories whilst working within a supportive research team with emphasis placed on reflexivity and debriefing.

Patient and Public Contribution

Nurses working clinically during COVID‐19 were involved in the development of this study. Nurse participants were given autonomy over how and when they participated in the research process.
The relationship between mental health continuum and care dependency in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Akay Berna , Bozkurt Canan , Bulut Hülya
Published: July 2023

Aim

To examine the relationship between mental health continuum and care dependence of hospitalized patients, who were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The data were obtained from 448 inpatients diagnosed with COPD, who were treated in clinics, by utilizing questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews between November 2021 and February 2022. The Mental Health Continuum Short Form and Care Dependency Scale were used by the researchers with the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics form created in line with the literature. The data were analysed using the SPSS 23.0 software.

Results

It was determined that a moderately significant positive relationship between mental health continuum and care dependency. In addition, the patient's perception of own health, disease stage and severity of dyspnoea were also found to be associated with mental health and care dependency. Gender, marital status, employment status and income level were found to be associated with mental health continuum, but not with care dependency. Advanced age, low educational level, alcohol consumption, antidepressant use and comorbidities were found to be associated with both care dependency and mental health continuum.

Conclusion

Individuals with COPD who have low mental health, poor health perception, high disease stage and dyspnoea severity have high care dependency.

Impact

In this study, it was revealed that the level of mental health continuum was significantly associated with care dependency in individuals with COPD; in addition, the individual's perception of poor health, disease stage and dyspnoea severity were other factors associated with care dependency. It is important for nurses working with individuals with COPD to evaluate the mental health of individuals with poor health perception, high disease stage and dyspnoea severity and to plan appropriate interventions to reduce care dependency.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was required in the design, conduct, analysis or interpretation of this study. Patients/public members only contributed to data collection. Data were obtained from patients hospitalized in the chest diseases clinic of a training and research hospital.
The origin and spread of the southern black ant, a widely distributed leaf‐cutting ant
Authors: Sánchez‐Restrepo Andrés F. , Confalonieri Viviana A. , Calcaterra Luis A.
Published: July 2023

Aim

The existence of past connections between different regions through corridors has influenced the diversification of the biota in South America. Evidence of such connections in southern South America is scarce and poorly understood. As a model to analyse the existence of these corridors we study the evolutionary history of a widely distributed leaf‐cutting ant by inferring its origin, historical demographic and dispersal processes, and explore for evidence that relates its evolutionary history to geoclimatic events.

Location

Southern South America.

Taxon

Southern black ant (Acromyrmex lobicornis).

Methods

A total of 215 samples were obtained from Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia. A time‐calibrated phylogenetic tree, using a fossilised birth–death process model, was obtained using one mitochondrial and four nuclear molecular markers. Historical demographic processes were inferred using coalescence‐based methodologies. A Bayesian continuous phylogeographical diffusion model was used to estimate the geographical origin and infer its spread routes.

Results

A. lobicornis has two main occurrence areas: one goes through the Arid diagonal in Argentina up to Bolivia, and the other goes from central Uruguay up to southern Brazil. Both areas are connected by scattered populations distributed along the Espinal ecoregion in Argentina. The estimated crown age is ~1.2 Ma (early Pleistocene). The origin of the species was located between the High Monte and Dry Chaco ecoregions, from where it dispersed along the Arid diagonal and towards the east into the Uruguayan Savannas through the Espinal.

Main Conclusions

The Espinal has an important role as a bridge for the dispersion and posterior maintaining of the genetic flow between populations of A. lobicornis, a corridor that could have been also used by other species. As opposed to the previous hypothesis that postulated its origin in a humid subtropical region, this study provides novel evidence placing the origin of A. lobicornis in an arid subtropical region.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor induced cough compared with placebo, and other antihypertensives: A systematic review, and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Yiyun , Liang Ling , Liu Shuang , Kung Janice Y. , Banh Hoan Linh
Published: July 2023

Studies have shown that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) are superior in primary and secondary prevention for cardiac mortality and morbidity to angiotensin receptor blocker (ARBs). One of the common side effects from ACEI is dry cough. The aims of this systematic review, and network meta‐analysis are to rank the risk of cough induced by different ACEIs and between ACEI and placebo, ARB or calcium channel blockers (CCB). We performed a systematic review, and network meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials to rank the risk of cough induced by each ACEI and between ACEI and placebo, ARB or CCB. A total of 135 RCTs with 45,420 patients treated with eleven ACEIs were included in the analyses. The pooled estimated relative risk (RR) between ACEI and placebo was 2.21 (95% CI: 2.05–2.39). ACEI had more incidences of cough than ARB (RR 3.2; 95% CI: 2.91, 3.51), and pooled estimated of RR between ACEI and CCB was 5.30 (95% CI: 4.32–6.50) Moexipril ranked as number one for inducing cough (SUCRA 80.4%) and spirapril ranked the least (SUCRA 12.3%). The order for the rest of the ACEIs are as follows: ramipril (SUCRA 76.4%), fosinopril (SUCRA 72.5%), lisinopril (SUCRA 64.7%), benazepril (SUCRA 58.6%), quinapril (SUCRA 56.5%), perindopril (SUCRA 54.1%), enalapril (SUCRA 49.7%), trandolapril (SUCRA 44.6%) and, captopril (SUCRA 13.7%). All ACEI has the similar risk of developing a cough. ACEI should be avoided in patients who have risk of developing cough, and an ARB or CCB is an alternative based on the patient's comorbidity.
Over‐expression of Dyrk1A affects bleeding by modulating plasma fibronectin and fibrinogen level in mice
Authors: Postic Guillaume , Solarz Jean , Loubière Cécile , Kandiah Janany , Sawmynaden Jaysen , Adam Frederic , Vilaire Marie , Léger Thibaut , Camadro Jean‐Michel , Victorino Daniella Balduino , Potier Marie‐Claude , Bun Eric , Moroy Gautier , Kauskot Alexandre , Christophe Olivier , Janel Nathalie
Published: July 2023

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal abnormality in humans. Patients with Down syndrome have hematologic disorders, including mild to moderate thrombocytopenia. In case of Down syndrome, thrombocytopenia is not associated with bleeding, and it remains poorly characterized regarding molecular mechanisms. We investigated the effects of overexpression of Dyrk1A, an important factor contributing to some major Down syndrome phenotypes, on platelet number and bleeding in mice. Mice overexpressing Dyrk1A have a decrease in platelet number by 20%. However, bleeding time was found to be reduced by 50%. The thrombocytopenia and the decreased bleeding time observed were not associated to an abnormal platelet receptors expression, to a defect of platelet activation by ADP, thrombin or convulxin, to the presence of activated platelets in the circulation or to an abnormal half‐life of the platelets. To propose molecular mechanisms explaining this discrepancy, we performed a network analysis of Dyrk1A interactome and demonstrated that Dyrk1A, fibronectin and fibrinogen interact indirectly through two distinct clusters of proteins. Moreover, in mice overexpressing Dyrk1A, increased plasma fibronectin and fibrinogen levels were found, linked to an increase of the hepatic fibrinogen production. Our results indicate that overexpression of Dyrk1A in mice induces decreased bleeding consistent with increased plasma fibronectin and fibrinogen levels, revealing a new role of Dyrk1A depending on its indirect interaction with these two proteins.
Using Response Time in Multidimensional Computerized Adaptive Testing
Authors: He Yinhong , Qi Yuanyuan
Published: July 2023

In multidimensional computerized adaptive testing (MCAT), item selection strategies are generally constructed based on responses, and they do not consider the response times required by items. This study constructed two new criteria (referred to as DT‐inc and DT) for MCAT item selection by utilizing information from response times. The new designs maximize the amount of information per unit time. Furthermore, these two new designs were extended to the DTS‐inc and DTS designs to efficiently estimate intentional abilities. Moreover, the EAP method for ability estimation was also equipped with response time. The performances of the response‐time‐based EAP (RT‐based EAP) and the new designs were evaluated in simulation and empirical studies. The results showed that the RT‐based EAP significantly improved the ability estimation precision compared with the EAP without using response time, and the new designs dramatically saved testing times for examinees with a small sacrifice of ability estimation precision and item pool usage.
Courtship behavior in the knife livebearer Alfaro cultratus (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae)
Authors: Garita‐Alvarado Carlos A.
Published: July 2023

The mating behavior of the knife livebearer Alfaro cultratus is described in detail. During “rubbing,” the male swims to a position above the female and gently moves down repeatedly touching the dorsal part of female head with the pelvic fin tips. This courtship behavior constitutes the first report of a pelvic fin male–female contact during mating in poecilids. Based on preliminary evidence, I propose that a sensory bias mechanism could mediate the evolution of signal design/mate choice in this species, which should be tested in further studies.
Data implementation matters: Effect of software choice and LCI database evolution on a comparative LCA study of permanent magnets
Authors: Miranda Xicotencatl Brenda , Kleijn René , van Nielen Sander , Donati Franco , Sprecher Benjamin , Tukker Arnold
Published: July 2023

Life cycle assessment (LCA) databases and software evolve. We analyzed to which extent software and evolving life cycle inventory databases affect the comparison of technology alternatives, using a comparative LCA on permanent magnets as a case study, with two selected software tools: CMLCA and Brightway LCA. We migrated the system models from the CMLCA to Brightway LCA software and alternated between the ecoinvent database versions 2.2 and 3.1 to 3.6 in the system background. When using ecoinvent v3.6 instead of v2.2, the change of the indicator results ranged from to 283%. The evolution of the ecoinvent database impacted the absolute amounts of the characterized results and the relative performance between alternatives. The impact category with the highest variability was ionizing radiation, which even showed a ranking inversion with ecoinvent v3.4. In contrast, the impact of using CMLCA or Brightway was negligible because the same data and modeling assumptions caused percentage differences below 0.4%. During the semi‐automated data migration to Brightway, we identified 23 environmental flows in the CMLCA model that were not paired with their corresponding characterization factors in the published study of reference. This error had led to an underestimation of 63% in the photochemical oxidation indicator of one of the alternatives. This underestimation relates to an interoperability issue regarding the nomenclature of environmental flows in software alternatives and is a matter of data implementation rather than an issue intrinsic to the selected software. Finally, we identified improvement opportunities for the transparency and reusability of LCA models. This article met the requirements for a Gold‐Gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.
Quantifying a virtual water metabolic network of the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador using ecological network methods
Authors: Rosales Francisco Orlando , Fath Brian D. , Llerena Grace Yolanda
Published: July 2023

Current human population is mostly located in urban areas making cities the center of attention in terms of achieving sustainability goals. Evidence shows that ecosystems have evolved over time toward a balanced configuration between resource efficiency and functional redundancy. For this reason, they are exemplary models to follow in terms of sustainability. Here, we apply similar ecological network‐based methods to study the virtual water metabolic network (VWMN) of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The VWMN was obtained using novel bottom‐up, survey‐based methods to generate the urban metabolic network. We compare the VWMN results with those previously obtained from ecological food webs, to learn if there are insights about the sustainability of urban metabolic processes. We conclude that VWMN does not exhibit characteristics observed in sustainable ecological networks because this socioeconomic network exhibits higher levels of path redundancy. Urban metabolism studies are gaining in popularity as a research tool aimed at informing resource management and this is one of the first covering a city in the Global South and using a bottom‐up survey method.
EDITOR SPOTLIGHT: Interview with Brain Proteostasis Special Issue Guest Editor Mychael Lourenco
Authors:   JNC Editorial Office, Kwan Kim H. , Lourenco Mychael V.
Published: July 2023

Mychael Lourenco is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Research in his lab focusses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in neurodegeneration and his research on Alzheimer's disease has been recognized by many awards both in Brazil and internationally. He serves as a Reviews Editor for the Journal of Neurochemistry and led this special issue on Brain Proteostasis as a Guest Editor. Here we interviewed him to hear his thoughts on the future of neuroscience and on career development and training.

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Somatosensory profiling of patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal: Do neuropathic pain and sensory loss represent a problem?
Authors: Fernandez Aurore , Graf Guillaume , Lasserre Aurélie , Daeppen Jean‐Bernard , Chu Sin Chung Paul , Berna Chantal , Suter Marc R.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Chronic heavy alcohol use is known to cause neurological complications such as peripheral neuropathy. Concerning the pathophysiology, few sural nerve and skin biopsy studies showed that small fibers might be selectively vulnerable to degeneration in alcohol‐related peripheral neuropathy. Pain has rarely been properly evaluated in this pathology. The present study aims at assessing pain intensity, potential neuropathic characteristics as well as the functionality of both small and large nerve sensitive fibers.

Methods

In this observational study, 27 consecutive adult patients, hospitalized for alcohol withdrawal and 13 healthy controls were recruited. All the participants underwent a quantitative sensory testing (QST) according to the standardized protocol of the German Research Network Neuropathic Pain, a neurological examination and filled standardized questionnaires assessing alcohol consumption and dependence as well as pain characteristics and psychological comorbidities.

Results

Nearly half of the patients (13/27) reported pain. Yet, pain intensity was weak, leading to a low interference with daily life, and its characteristics did not support a neuropathic component. A functional impairment of small nerve fibers was frequently described, with thermal hypoesthesia observed in 52% of patients. Patients with a higher alcohol consumption over the last 2 years showed a greater impairment of small fiber function.

Discussion

Patients report pain but it is however unlikely to be caused by peripheral neuropathy given the non‐length‐dependent distribution and the absence of neuropathic pain features. Chronic pain in AUD deserves to be better evaluated and managed as it represents an opportunity to improve long‐term clinical outcomes, potentially participating to relapse prevention.
Real interest rate parity in practice: Evidence from Asia‐pacific economies
Authors: Chang Ming‐Jen , Chen Shikuan , Chien Chih‐Chung
Published: July 2023

This research investigates the relationship between real interest rate parity and the interest parity puzzle across several economies in the Asia‐Pacific region. Unlike previous studies, we establish a comprehensive theoretical framework for parity and utilize macroeconomic and financial market data from 15 economies in the region to examine it. Our findings indicate that most countries exhibit mild deviations from parity, with real interest rate differentials strongly correlated with changes in the real exchange rate and interest‐exchange rate interaction terms, particularly in middle‐income economies. While interest parity puzzle is also observed in high‐income economies, it is less prevalent in most middle‐income economies. Our analysis reveals that income levels are key drivers of deviations from parity in this model, with interaction terms also playing a crucial role in most cases. The implication here is that for carry trades, investors place significant importance on risk factors, especially in economies with relatively low risk. This insight helps to clarify a puzzle in this area. Therefore, it is imperative that investors should take into account the impact of interest‐exchange rate interaction terms when making carry trade decisions. Lastly, we underscore the significance of ex ante price forecast approaches in achieving parity.
The impact of primary peristalsis, contractile reserve, and secondary peristalsis on esophageal clearance measured by timed barium esophagogram
Authors: Koop Andree H. , Kahrilas Peter J. , Schauer Jacob , Pandolfino John E. , Carlson Dustin A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary and secondary peristalsis facilitate esophageal bolus transport; however, their relative impact for bolus clearance remains unclear. We aimed to compare primary peristalsis and contractile reserve on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) and secondary peristalsis on functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) Panometry with emptying on timed barium esophagogram (TBE) and incorporate findings into a comprehensive model of esophageal function.

Methods

Adult patients who completed HRM with multiple rapid swallows (MRS), FLIP, and TBE for esophageal motility evaluation and without abnormal esophagogastric junction outflow/opening or spasm were included. An abnormal TBE was defined as a 1‐min column height >5 cm. Primary peristalsis and contractile reserve after MRS were combined into an HRM–MRS model. Secondary peristalsis was combined with primary peristalsis assessment to describe a complementary neuromyogenic model.

Key Results

Of 89 included patients, differences in rates of abnormal TBEs were observed with primary peristalsis classification (normal: 14.3%; ineffective esophageal motility: 20.0%; absent peristalsis: 54.5%; p = 0.009), contractile reserve (present: 12.5%; absent: 29.3%; p = 0.05), and secondary peristalsis (normal: 9.7%; borderline: 17.6%; impaired/disordered: 28.6%; absent contractile response: 50%; p = 0.039). Logistic regression analysis (akaike information criteria, area under the receiver operating curve) demonstrated that the neuromyogenic model (80.8, 0.83) had a stronger relationship predicting abnormal TBE compared to primary peristalsis (81.5, 0.82), contractile reserve (86.8, 0.75), or secondary peristalsis (89.0, 0.78).

Conclusions and Inferences

Primary peristalsis, contractile reserve, and secondary peristalsis were associated with abnormal esophageal retention as measured by TBE. Added benefit was observed when applying comprehensive models to incorporate primary and secondary peristalsis supporting their complementary application.
Updating the association between socioeconomic status and obesity in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income sub‐Saharan African countries: A literature review
Authors: Daran Bertille , Levasseur Pierre , Clément Matthieu
Published: July 2023

Globally, the literature tends to emphasize negative associations between socioeconomic status (SES) and bodyweight in countries improving their economic development. However, little is known about the social distribution of obesity in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) where economic growth has been highly heterogeneous the last decades. This paper reviews an exhaustive set of recent empirical studies examining its association in low‐income and lower‐middle‐income countries in SSA. Although there is evidence of a positive association between SES and obesity in low‐income countries, we found mixed associations in lower‐middle‐income countries, potentially providing evidence of a social reversal of the obesity burden.
Effect of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness on cardiac functions in older adults
Authors: Fotbolcu Hakan , Soysal Pinar
Published: July 2023

Background

We investigated the potential harmful effect in older adults of insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) on myocardial functions and electrophysiologic changes of the heart in terms of heart rate and QT intervals corrected for heart rate (QTc).

Methods

The study included 32 insomnia patients and 30 control subjects. An Insomnia Severity Index score of ≥15 indicated insomnia, while a score of <8 was accepted as the control group. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was used to assess EDS, with a score of ≥11/24 points indicating EDS. Diastolic and systolic functions were evaluated in each patient by transthoracic two‐dimensional, conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Heart rate and QTc were calculated for electrophysiologic changes.

Results

The mean age was 73.2 ± 7.9 years, with 59.7% being female. Biventricular systolic and diastolic functions were impaired in the insomnia patients. The E' value for diastolic function was lower in the patients with insomnia than the controls (5.99 ± 1.59 vs. 6.88 ± 0.97, P = 0.053). Furthermore, values for the systolic function parameters Lateral‐S (7.41 ± 1.92 vs. 9.37 ± 1.83, P < 0.001), Septal‐S (6.69 ± 1.40 vs. 8.10 ± 1.30, P = 0.001), and Tricuspid‐S (12.25 ± 2.00 vs. 14.37 ± 3.13, P = 0.004) were lower for insomnia patients than for controls. In the case of EDS coexistence, the heart rate and QTc values were higher than the controls (76.47 ± 7.18 vs. 71.03 ± 10.95, P = 0.001, and 413.72 ± 28.24 vs. 394.67 ± 24.47, P = 0.015, respectively).

Conclusion

Insomnia is associated with impaired systolic‐diastolic functions, independent of EDS. The co‐existence of insomnia and EDS may lead to electrophysiological changes in older adults, including increased heart rate and longer QTc.
Herbicide control of swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora) in restoration of ephemeral wetlands
Authors: Minogue Patrick J. , Lauer Dwight K. , Sharma Ajay , Keserauskis Kunzer Megan , McKeithen Justin , Mott Jana
Published: July 2023

Swamp titi (Cyrilla racemiflora L.) is a vigorous native shrub or small tree found in poorly drained areas of the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain. In the absence of fire, it creates dense thickets that prevent herbaceous groundcover in ephemeral wetlands, degrading habitat for uncommon and endangered amphibians and other genera. In our study, aquatic herbicides and methods of application were examined at two forests in north Florida for restoration of ephemeral wetland habitat to benefit wetland‐breeding amphibians. Glyphosate, imazapyr, and combinations of glyphosate and imazapyr were tested in four study protocols that included an operational standard (triclopyr), treatment method control, and untreated control where appropriate. Results of foliar protocols (targeting rootstocks less than 1.5 m tall) demonstrated that glyphosate provided better titi control than imazapyr (average of 79% vs. 12% mortality), there was no strong improvement with the addition of imazapyr to glyphosate (84% mortality), glyphosate treatments had titi mortality as high or higher than the triclopyr operational treatment (57% mortality), and that methylated seed oil surfactant improved glyphosate efficacy but might have been antagonistic for combination treatments. Glyphosate and imazapyr cut stump treatments did not provide higher efficacy than the triclopyr standard treatment (60% mortality). Cut stem treatments (targeting rootstocks greater than 1.5 m tall) provided the highest level of control averaging 97, 90, 97, and 80% mortality for glyphosate, imazapyr, combination treatments, and triclopyr standard, respectively. Only directed foliar sprays reduced total groundcover and graminoid cover, with triclopyr treatment giving the least reduction of desired herbaceous groundcover.
Transplanting naturally regenerated tree seedlings for tropical forest restoration: a case study of Calophyllum brasiliense and Vochysia guatemalensis in Mexico
Authors: Prieto‐Rodao Elena , Ricker Martin , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel
Published: July 2023

Plant species produce far more seedlings than those surviving to adulthood. It would seem reasonable to take advantage of that excess production, by relocating seedlings to desired restoration sites. There is, however, little information available on this issue. In the present study, we collected naturally regenerated seedlings of two native species, Calophyllum brasiliense (“barí”) and Vochysia guatemalensis (“corpo”), in old‐growth forest patches, and transplanted them for the enrichment of a secondary tropical forest in Veracruz, Mexico. For transplanted C. brasiliense seedlings, overall survival was 32% after 20 months, and for V. guatemalensis seedlings it was 66% after 26 months. The mean height (±standard error) of all C. brasiliense and V. guatemalensis seedlings that survived until the end of the study, was 33 ± 2 cm (from initially 12.9 ± 0.2 cm) and 52 ± 5 cm (from 4.6 ± 0.1 cm), respectively. We applied a cost–benefit model to assess the trade‐off between initial‐investment costs and the resulting survival of transplanting naturally regenerated seedlings in the current study, in comparison with direct seeding (with and without the protection of seeds and emerged seedlings) reported in a previous study for the same area and species. For C. brasiliense, the success of transplanting naturally regenerated seedlings was always inferior to direct seeding without protection, whereas for V. guatemalensis it was always superior. Comparing the transplantation of naturally regenerated seedlings with direct seeding with protection, the best propagation strategy depended on the (monetary) value that a treelet is expected to be worth after 2 years.
Conservation in coastal soft‐sediment ecosystems: valuing places and recovery
Authors: Evans Tegan , Thrush Simon
Published: July 2023

Coastal soft‐sediment environments provide numerous benefits to all aspects of life and are disproportionally impacted by anthropogenic influence. There is an acknowledgment that ecosystem restoration is required across the globe to combat environmental degradation over the past century. Initiatives like The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration have an aim of protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. While we need to set goals to prompt action, we also need to ensure that these goals are backed with decision‐making that is underpinned by scientific principles to ensure that we do not end up with residual reserves. This paper suggests practical methods for determining the most appropriate areas for protection in coastal soft‐sediment environments to increase the chances of the ecosystem restoration that is so desperately needed.
Assessing effectiveness of braille and audio‐tactile performance technique in improving oral hygiene status of young adults with visual impairment
Authors: Coutinho David Albert , Murthy Archana Krishna , Khond Mugdha , Pawar Prashant , Malbhage Smita , Nikam Madhuri
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Young adults with Visual impairment (VI) challenge the dentists’ skills and knowledge due to a higher risk of developing oral diseases due to difficulty in attaining good oral hygiene (OH).

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of ATP (Audio‐Tactile Performance) technique and braille versus braille alone in improving OH status of young adults with VI.

Methods and material

A parallel arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 70 young adults with VI. Participants were randomly allocated to either test group (braille combined with ATP) or control group (braille alone). A pre‐validated braille questionnaire was used to obtain the baseline data followed by clinical examination. OH status assessment was recorded through Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) proforma followed by a thorough ultrasonic oral prophylaxis. Periodic reinforcement was carried out on the 7th day, after 1 month and 3 months. The outcomes were assessed at the end of 3rd and 6th month.

Results

There was an increase in the knowledge scores after 3 and 6 months and attitude scores, GI scores and PI scores after 6 months in the test group compared to the control group and this difference was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions

The findings of this study showed that a combination of ATP and braille proved to be more effective than braille alone in improving the knowledge and OH status of young adults with VI.
Effectiveness of single‐lead ECG devices for detecting atrial fibrillation: An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Gu Hai Yue , Huang Jun , Liu Xu , Qiao Shu Qian , Cao Xi
Published: July 2023

Background

Individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at an increased risk for stroke. Early detection of undiagnosed AF by screening is recommended. Single‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is the most widely used technology in AF detection. Several systematic reviews on the diagnostic accuracy of single‐lead ECG devices for AF detection have been performed but have yielded inconclusive results.

Aims

The aim of this study was to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of single‐lead ECG devices in detecting AF.

Methods

An overview of systematic reviews was conducted. Five English databases (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science) and two Chinese databases (Wanfang and CNKI) were searched from inception to July 31, 2021. Systematic reviews that examined the accuracy of tools based on single‐lead ECG technology for detecting AF were included. A narrative data synthesis was performed.

Results

Eight systematic reviews were finally included. Systematic reviews with meta‐analysis showed that single‐lead ECG‐based devices had good sensitivity and specificity (both ≥90%) in detecting AF. According to subgroup analysis, the sensitivities of tools used in populations with a history of AF were all >90%. However, among handheld and thoracic placed single‐lead ECG devices, large variations in diagnostic performance were observed.

Linking evidence to action

Single‐lead ECG devices can potentially be used for AF detection. Due to the heterogeneity in the study population and tools, future studies are warranted to explore the suitable circumstances in which each tool could be applied for AF screening in an effective and cost‐effective manner.
Infinitesimal semi‐invariant pictures and co‐amalgamation
Authors: Hanson Eric J. , Igusa Kiyoshi , Kim Moses , Todorov Gordana
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the local structure of the semi‐invariant picture of a tame hereditary algebra near the null root. Using a construction that we call co‐amalgamation, we show that this local structure is completely described by the semi‐invariant pictures of a collection of self‐injective Nakayama algebras. We then describe the cones of this local structure using cluster‐like structures that we call support regular clusters. Finally, we show that the local structure is (piecewise linearly) invariant under cluster tilting.
Memory impairment in the D2.mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy is prevented by the adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688
Authors: Bellissimo Catherine A. , Castellani Laura N. , Finch Michael S. , Murugathasan Mayoorey , Gandhi Shivam , Sweeney Gary , Abdul‐Sater Ali A. , MacPherson Rebecca E. K. , Perry Christopher G. R.
Published: July 2023

Memory impairments have been well documented in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, and there is an unmet need to develop new therapies to treat this condition. Using a novel object recognition test, we show that recognition memory impairments in D2.mdx mice are completely prevented by daily treatment with the new adiponectin receptor agonist ALY688 from day 7 to 28 of age. In comparison to age‐matched wild‐type mice, untreated D2.mdx mice demonstrated lower hippocampal mitochondrial respiration (carbohydrate substrate), greater serum interleukin‐6 cytokine content and greater hippocampal total tau and Raptor protein contents. Each of these measures was partly or fully preserved after treatment with ALY688. Collectively, these results indicate that adiponectin receptor agonism improves recognition memory in young D2.mdx mice.
Barrier/seed system for electroless metallization on complex surfaces using (aminomethylaminoethyl)phenethyltrimethoxysilane self-assembled films
Authors: Peters J. K. L. , Ashby G. D. , Hallen H. D.
Published: July 2023

High frequency signals propagate along the edges of conductors. If the conductors are electroplated, then a conducting seed layer is needed at least on one edge, so care must be taken to ensure the electrical quality of these layers. A poor, high resistance seed layer may carry all the current at 10 GHz due to reduced skin depth. In this work, we study the initial quality of self-assembled monolayer (SAM)-based seed layers that are compatible with complex surfaces including through-silicon vias (TSVs), as are used in via-last three-dimensional semiconductor device packaging. In particular, morphology, adhesion, and resistivity are found to vary with the electroless catalyst and electroless metal deposition parameters; inductance-induced losses are also influenced by edge resistivity and metal choice. The seed layer must be fabricated on a barrier that will withstand diffusion, yet be thin enough to provide a conformal surface that allows for continuous seed layer deposition. Standard barrier and seed layer deposition methods such as evaporation or sputtering require either a line of sight from the source or aspect ratios large enough to provide scattering from the background gas within the structure to coat all surfaces. Such via holes are difficult to reliably fabricate and rely on tight parameter control. We propose a barrier layer based on an aromatic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) that also aids catalyst and high-quality electroless copper seed-layer attachment. The viability of the SAM barrier layer is determined by the quality of the deposited copper seed film, judged quantitatively by thin film resistivity and qualitatively by surface adhesion and morphological properties such as cracks and bubbles. Insights to the origins of problems are described and an optimal scheme identified. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to verify results at each fabrication step. Extensions for use as a photolithographic resist layer are suggested. Our SAM approach for TSV applications yields a “smart” seed layer that can be used with a “simple,” scalloped, easy to fabricate, via hole.
Elder fish means more microplastics? Alaska pollock microplastic story in the Bering Sea
Authors: Ding Jinfeng , Ju Peng , Ran Quan , Li Jingxi , Jiang Fenghua , Cao Wei , Zhang Jie , Sun Chengjun
Published: July 2023

Marine microplastics are an increasingly big concern. We analyze the occurrence of microplastics in Alaska pollock (
Gadus chalcogrammus
) across 2+ to 12+ ages sampled from the Bering Sea. Results show that 85% of the fish have ingested microplastics and elder fish ingest more with over a third of microplastics in the 100- to 500-micrometer size range, indicating the prevalence of microplastics in Alaska pollock distributed in the Bering Sea. A positive linear relationship is obtained between fish age and microplastic size. Meanwhile, the number of polymer types increases in elder fish. The link between microplastic characteristics in Alaska pollock and the surrounding seawater suggests an extended spatial impact of microplastics. The impact of age-related microplastic ingestion on the population quality of Alaska pollock is still unknown. Therefore, we need to further investigate the potential impact of microplastics on marine organisms and the marine ecosystem, taking age as an important factor.