bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐scale drivers of spatial patterns in floodplain sediment and phosphorus deposition
Authors: Diehl Rebecca M. , Underwood Kristen L. , Triantafillou Shayla P. , Ross Don S. , Drago Stephanie , Wemple Beverley C.
Published: November 2022

The capacity for floodplains to capture sediment and filter pollutants is spatially variable and depends on the complex interactions of geomorphic, geologic, and hydrologic variables that operate at multiple scales. In this study, we integrated watershed‐scale and local assessments to improve our understanding of floodplain depositional patterns. We developed a dataset of event‐scale observations of sediment and phosphorus deposition rates distributed at 129 plots across large environmental gradients of floodplain topography, valley geometry, and watershed characteristics in the Lake Champlain Basin, Vermont. Plot‐scale observations were used to evaluate the cross‐scale influence of environmental factors and were summarized into site‐scale averages to explore regional trends. Consistent with other studies, floodplain deposition generally scaled with drainage area, but trends were longitudinally discontinuous and depended on variations in valley width and slope. While variability in deposition patterns at the watershed‐scale was large (average of 2.0 (0.2–9.8) kg sediment m−2 yr−1; average of 1.4 (0.2–6.5) g phosphorus m−2 yr−1), the range in deposition rates locally across a floodplain was greater (average of 4.6 (0.06–21.7) kg sediment m−2 yr−1; average of 6.4 (0.1–41.1) g phosphorus m−2 yr−1). Local variables that described the proximity to water and sediment sources, and frequency with which the plot was activated by a flood, had the greatest relative contribution to boosted regression tree models of phosphorus deposition rates, highlighting the importance of river–floodplain connectivity for floodplain functioning and the profound impact of human activities that limit such connectivity. Patterns identified in our study may guide prioritization of restoration and conservation practices designed to capture sediment and phosphorus on floodplains.
Phase‐field‐based multiple‐distribution‐function lattice Boltzmann method for incompressible two‐phase flows
Authors: Zhan Chengjie , Chai Zhenhua , Shi Baochang
Published: November 2022

In this work, a multiple‐distribution‐function lattice Boltzmann method (MDF‐LBM) for the incompressible two‐phase flows with large density ratios is proposed by considering the governing equations as a coupled convection‐diffusion system. In this method, the phase‐field and convection‐diffusion‐based Navier–Stokes equations can be correctly recovered through the direct Taylor expansion. In addition, the pressure is obtained from the first‐order moment of the distribution function, and the incompressibility is satisfied automatically. Furthermore, we also develop a local computing scheme for the velocity gradient, which can be used to calculate some physical quantities, for example, the strain rate tensor, velocity divergence and vorticity. In our simulations, two simple phase‐capturing benchmark tests without including flow field are first conducted to validate the present MDF‐LBM. When coupling the flow field, we consider the deformation of a square droplet, and find that compared to the commonly used single LBM, the present MDF‐LBM can preserve the incompressibility and mass conservation much better. Then the layered Poiseuille flow is also used to test the present MDF‐LBM, and the numerical results are in good agreement with the analytical solutions and some available results. Finally, the problems of the droplet impact on a thin liquid film as well as the two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor instability with the large deformation are further investigated to show the capability of present MDF‐LBM in the study of the complex two‐phase flows.
Fading of brain network fingerprint in Parkinson's disease predicts motor clinical impairment
Authors: Troisi Lopez Emahnuel , Minino Roberta , Liparoti Marianna , Polverino Arianna , Romano Antonella , De Micco Rosa , Lucidi Fabio , Tessitore Alessandro , Amico Enrico , Sorrentino Giuseppe , Jirsa Viktor , Sorrentino Pierpaolo
Published: November 2022

The clinical connectome fingerprint (CCF) was recently introduced as a way to assess brain dynamics. It is an approach able to recognize individuals, based on the brain network. It showed its applicability providing network features used to predict the cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. In this article, we explore the performance of CCF in 47 Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and 47 healthy controls, under the hypothesis that patients would show reduced identifiability as compared to controls, and that such reduction could be used to predict motor impairment. We used source‐reconstructed magnetoencephalography signals to build two functional connectomes for 47 patients with PD and 47 healthy controls. Then, exploiting the two connectomes per individual, we investigated the identifiability characteristics of each subject in each group. We observed reduced identifiability in patients compared to healthy individuals in the beta band. Furthermore, we found that the reduction in identifiability was proportional to the motor impairment, assessed through the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, and, interestingly, able to predict it (at the subject level), through a cross‐validated regression model. Along with previous evidence, this article shows that CCF captures disrupted dynamics in neurodegenerative diseases and is particularly effective in predicting motor clinical impairment in PD.
Epidemiology and clinical features of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in hospitalized children across four waves in Hungary: A retrospective, comparative study from March 2020 to December 2021
Authors: Takács Andrea T. , Bukva Mátyás , Gavallér Gabriella , Kapus Katalin , Rózsa Mária , Bán‐Gagyi Boglárka , Sinkó Mária , Szűcs Dániel , Terhes Gabriella , Bereczki Csaba
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

From 2019 till the present, infections induced by the novel coronavirus and its mutations have posed a new challenge for healthcare. However, comparative studies on pediatric infections throughout waves are few. During four different pandemic waves, we intended to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristic of the pediatric population hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus infection.

Methods

Between March 2020 and December 2021, we performed our retrospective research on children infected with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus at the University of Szeged. We analyzed the data of all patients who required hospitalization due to positive results of SARS‐CoV‐2 tests (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or rapid antigen test). Data analysis included demographic data, medical history, clinical findings, length of hospitalization, and complications, using medical records.

Results

In this study, data from 358 coronavirus‐infected children were analyzed. The most affected age group was children over 1 month and under 1 year (30.2%). The highest number of cases was recorded in the fourth wave (53.6%). Fever (65.6%), cough (51.4%), nasal discharge (35.3%), nausea and vomiting (31.3%), and decreased oral intake (28.9%) were the most common symptoms. The most common complications were dehydration (50.5%), pneumonia (14.9%), and bronchitis/bronchiolitis (14.5%). Based on RR values, there are considerable differences in the prevalence of the symptoms and complications between the different age groups and waves. Cox proportional hazard model analyzes showed that fever and tachypnoea had a relevant effect on days to recovery.

Conclusions

We found trends similar to those previously published, overall statistics. The proportion of children requiring hospitalization varied from wave to wave, with the fourth wave affecting the Hungarian child population the most. Our findings suggest that hospitalization time is unrelated to age, but that certain symptoms (fever and tachypnoea) are associated with longer hospitalization. The onset of certain symptoms may differ by age group.
A comprehensive comparison of the early and late complications of surgical circumcision in neonates and children: A cohort study
Authors: Siroosbakht Soheila , Rezakhaniha Bijan
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Major circumcision complications are rare; however, circumcision arouses distress in some special cases. The present study aimed to compare infancy and childhood regarding the frequency and relative risk of early and late complications of circumcision.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort data analysis including 240 neonates and 240 children referred for circumcision from 2015 to 2021. All circumcisions were performed using the surgical dorsal‐ventral slits method. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of complications at a confidence Interval of 95%.

Results

The mean age was 19.32 ± 6.5 days for the neonates and 46.1 ± 8.8 months for the children. In general, complications occurred in 61 boys (12.7%), 40 neonates (8.3%), and 21 children (4.4%) (p˂0.001). Bleeding was the most common early complication in six neonates (2.5%) and three children (1.3%), and meatal stenosis was the most common late complication in 10 neonates (4.2%) and four children (1.6%). Meatal web was observed in 11 neonates (4.6%) and four children (1.6%), and the incomplete removal of the prepuce, as “not very satisfactory”, was also noticed in nine neonates (3.75%) and three children (1.3%). The circumcision complications were significantly more frequent in neonates than in children (RR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.46‐4.71, p<0.001). The neonatal circumcisions had a significant risk of the incomplete removal of the prepuce, meatal web, and meatal stenosis compared to children (RR = 3, 95% CI 5.83–10.81, p<0.04; RR = 2.75, 95% CI 0.9–8.3, p˂0.03; RR = 2.5, 95% CI 0.8–7.75, p<0.04, respectively).

Conclusion

The risk of complications is higher in neonates than children. The incomplete removal of prepuce, meatal web, and meatal stenosis are significantly higher in neonates than in children. Before prohibiting or recommending this procedure, practitioners should provide comprehensive information about its risks and benefits. Parents should weigh up the risks and benefits and make the best decision regarding their personal beliefs and customs.
What has been learned about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan: Insights from a narrative review
Authors: Tharwani Zoaib Habib , Kumar Prince , Marfani Wajeeha Bilal , Shaeen Sean Kaisser , Adnan Alishba , Mohanan Parvathy , Islam Zarmina , Essar Mohammad Yasir
Published: November 2022

Background

Vaccine hesitancy is not a new phenomenon to Pakistan. This is evidenced through the slow progress of previous vaccination campaigns and programs against MMR, BCG, and especially polio. This issue continues to persist and is therefore becoming the cause of low COVID‐19 vaccination rates in Pakistan.

Aim

To provide insights about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy among Pakistanis, and its potential harm on public health. Moreover, we aim provide recommendations to counter the factors limiting the COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan.

Methodology

A Boolean search was conducted to find the literature in MEDLINE‐PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases up till March 16, 2022. Specific keywords were used which comprised of “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “COVID‐19,” “vaccine hesitancy,” “vaccine acceptance,” “intention to vaccinate,” and “Pakistan,” with use of “OR” and “AND.” Only free full‐text original studies in English language were used to compare and contrast.

Results

As proven by various studies, COVID‐19 vaccination rates are influenced by multiple factors, including inaccurate beliefs about COVID‐19, hesitancy amongst healthcare workers, uncertainty regarding vaccine's efficacy and fear of side effects. Various conspiracy theories and lower testing rates among others also add up to impose a negative impact on the vaccination rates and public health of Pakistan. This may lead to newer strains of potentially harmful COVID‐19, mental health deterioration, and prolonged lockdowns.

Conclusion

Vaccine hesitancy is a global public health threat, and its impacts are pronounced in Pakistan. This is reflected in the COVID‐19 pandemic; low vaccination rates in Pakistan may lead to future outbreaks of new, potentially harmful, strains of COVID‐19 which can prolong lockdowns in the country and affect mental health of the population. To improve the current situations, it is imperative for the government, educational institutes, and healthcare systems to develop trust and continually use dialogue, communication, and education to address misconceptions to improve COVID‐19 vaccination in Pakistan.
International taxation and the potential of cross‐border mergers for optimal profit repatriation
Authors: Kollruss Thomas
Published: November 2022

The article aims to investigate the use of cross‐border mergers in worldwide constellations as a strategy for receiving tax‐optimized profit repatriation from foreign subsidiaries. The study is carried out on the basis of an exemplary case study of a cross‐border merger. Moreover, theoretical, analytical, and conceptual research methods used. The findings and implications are of general interest, since a cross‐border merger is in principle possible worldwide and not only in certain country constellations. Generally, the results of the study apply to any cross‐border merger, for example, also to a merger of any EU corporation into a foreign parent company irrespective of its residence. The results show that multinational firms can use cross‐border mergers as a stable strategy to obtain tax‐optimized profit repatriation from foreign subsidiaries and to optimize the group tax rate. This general strategy worked out in the article solves an essential and widespread problem for investments in foreign subsidiaries, namely how to repatriate the retained profits of foreign subsidiaries without triggering an excessive tax burden. A comparable strategy has not yet been found or developed in the literature. Consequently, there is no literature on the possibility of using cross‐border reorganizations as a strategy for a tax‐optimized repatriation of profits.
Towards a conjecture of Birmelé–Bondy–Reed on the Erdős–Pósa property of long cycles
Authors: Ma Jie , Zu Chunlei
Published: November 2022

A conjecture of Birmelé, Bondy, and Reed states that for any integer , every graph without two vertex‐disjoint cycles of length at least contains a set of at most vertices which meets all cycles of length at least . They showed the existence of such a set of at most vertices. This was improved by Meierling, Rautenbach, and Sasse to . Here we present a proof showing that at most vertices suffice.
From replantation to transplantation: The evolution of orthoplastic extremity reconstruction
Authors: Levin L. Scott
Published: November 2022

For more than six decades, the use of the operating microscope for extremity surgery has led to remarkable advances in the management of orthopedic trauma, tumors, infections, and congenital differences. The microsurgical reconstructive ladder ascends from basic microsurgical procedures such as a digital artery or nerve repair to more complex procedures such as autologous tissue transplantation. Functional muscle transfers, toe‐to‐hand transfers, and recently vascularized composite allotransplantation are the highest rungs on this ladder that help restore extremity function. The development of the orthoplastic approach over the last three decades simultaneously integrates the principles and practices of both orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery for optimal care and salvage of extremities. Clinical, anatomic, and basic science research in reconstructive microsurgery has resulted in significant improvements in extremity salvage, reconstruction, and restoration.
One‐pot synthesis of magnetic sulfonated covalent organic polymer for extraction of protoberberine alkaloids in herbs and human plasma
Authors: Ma Shumin , He Zhenfu , Teng Qiuxiu , Wang Rong
Published: November 2022

A novel magnetic sulfonated covalent organic polymer was prepared for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of protoberberine alkaloids. The magnetic sulfonated covalent organic polymer was rapidly synthesized under mild conditions. The physicochemical properties of the prepared materials were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Several extraction parameters were systematically investigated, including desorption time, pH of sample solution, acetonitrile content, acetic acid content in the eluent, extraction time, and sample volume. By coupling magnetic solid‐phase extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography, an efficient and sensitive method for the extraction and determination of protoberberine alkaloids in complex samples was developed. The proposed method showed great linearity (r > 0.9989), low limits of detection (0.2–0.3 ng/ml), and high precision (relative standard deviations ≤ 5.74%). The proposed method was further applied to the analysis of protoberberine alkaloids in Cortex phellodendri and human plasma samples. The recoveries were 91.50%–110.31% with relative standard deviations less than 6.63% in Cortex phellodendri and 96.12%–111.20% with relative standard deviations lower than 5.56% in plasma samples.
Noninvasive Prediction of Ki‐67 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Machine Learning‐Based Ultrasomics
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Duan Shaobo , Qi Qinghua , Li Qian , Ren Shanshan , Liu Shunhua , Mao Bing , Zhang Ye , Wang Simeng , Yang Long , Liu Ruiqing , Liu Luwen , Li Yaqiong , Li Na , Zhang Lianzhong
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate the ability of ultrasomics to predict Ki‐67 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

A total of 244 patients from three hospitals were retrospectively recruited (training dataset, n = 168; test dataset, n = 43; and validation dataset, n = 33). Lesion segmentation of the ultrasound images was performed manually by two radiologists. In total, 1409 ultrasomics features were extracted. Feature selection was conducted using the intra‐class correlation coefficient, variance threshold, mutual information, and recursive feature elimination plus eXtreme Gradient Boosting. The support vector machine was combined with the learning curve and grid search parameter tuning to construct the clinical, ultrasomics, and combined models. The predictive performance of the models was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Results

The ultrasomics model performed well on the training, test, and validation datasets. The AUC (95% confidence interval [CI]) for these datasets were 0.955 (0.912–0.981), 0.861 (0.721–0.947), and 0.665 (0.480–0.819), respectively. The combination of ultrasomics and clinical features significantly improved model performance on all three datasets. The AUC (95% CI), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.986 (0.955–0.998), 0.973, 0.840, and 0.869 on the training dataset; 0.871 (0.734–0.954), 0.750, 0.829, and 0.814 on the test dataset; and 0.742 (0.560–0.878), 0.714, 0.808, and 0.788 on the validation dataset, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasomics was proved to be a potential noninvasive method to predict Ki‐67 expression in HCC.
Preparation of Poly(β‐malic acid) via Direct Carbonylative Polymerization of Benzyl Glycidate
Authors: Yang Jun , Yang Jin‐Chuang , Lu Xiao‐Bing , Liu Ye
Published: November 2022

Poly(malic acid) (PMLA) is a water‐soluble, biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic polyester in the poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA) family. it features various applications in pharmaceutical field. Herein, NaCo(CO)4 and pyridine derivatives are employed for direct carbonylative polymerization of benzyl glycidate (BG) for poly(β‐malic acid) production. Further investigation on reaction mechanism reveals that this polymerization undergoes a direct chain growth, rather than a sequential process involving β‐lactone intermediate. The low cost and facile preparation of epoxide substrate render this methodology extremely appealing that avoids the rather tedious procedures for β‐malolactonate synthesis required toward ring opening polymerization. This study also represents an alternative strategy over traditional methods for poly(β‐malic acid) production using step growth polycondensation of malic acid.
Changing clinical features of the 2022 monkeypox global health emergency
Authors: Baptista‐Hon Daniel T. , Fesalbon Gabriel João W. , Monteiro Olivia
Published: November 2022

A large number of monkeypox cases have been reported in many countries in 2022, and a Public Health Emergency of International Concern has been declared by the World Health Organisation. In this perspective, we review the structure, life cycle, and genetics of the monkeypox virus. We also discuss current treatment options and vaccination against monkeypox. In particular, we highlight the unique features of this unprecedented monkeypox outbreak, and present an analysis of the clinical symptoms recorded from infected individuals from the current outbreak, and compared these to those from previous outbreaks. We find that the clinical signs and symptoms appear to be milder and less remarkable. Importantly, the number of monkeypox lesions appear to be drastically reduced. It is possible that a less florid disease, together with the potential of asymptomatic spread, contributed to the extraordinary numbers of cases in this outbreak.
Links between geomagnetic activity and atmospheric cold fronts passage over the Belgrade region, Serbia
Authors: Todorović Nedeljko , Vujović Dragana
Published: November 2022

The suggestion that variations in solar irradiance affect Earth's weather and climate is based on correlations between solar and meteorological parameters. Solar activity influences the Earth's magnetic field. The geomagnetic activity index (GAI) is one of the indexes that measure this influence. In this paper, we researched the link between GAI and the passage of atmospheric cold fronts (CFs) over the Belgrade region, Serbia. Three years of daily data for solar (coronal holes, protons velocity and density), geomagnetic (GAI, electrical potential of Earth's atmosphere) and meteorological (air temperature, wind and precipitation) parameters were analysed. We developed a methodology that established pairs of GAI peaks and CFs and found the time interval (TI) between them. In 88.5% of cases, we were able to pair a GAI and a CF, while in 11.44% pairing could not be established. The number of GAI peaks without assigned CFs increased as mean values of GAI decreased. Most frequently, following an increase in the GAI, a CF passed after 7 days (relative frequency 22.8%), followed by 6 days (19.9%) and 8 days (18.5%). These three TIs covered, in sum, 61.3% of cases. Mean TI value was 6.82 days. The warm part of the year had the same TI distribution but the cold part of the year produced a bimodal frequency, with a maximum of 8 days (21.6%), followed by 5 (18.3%) and 6 days (17.6%). The most frequent CFs passing over Belgrade are from WNW‐N (67.1%) and SSW‐W (27.6%) quadrants.
NMSDR: Drug repurposing approach based on transcriptome data and network module similarity
Authors: Ünsal Ülkü , Cüvitoğlu Ali , Turhan Kemal , Işık Zerrin
Published: November 2022

Computational drug repurposing aims to discover new treatment regimens by analyzing approved drugs on the market. This study proposes previously approved compounds that can change the expression profile of disease‐causing proteins by developing a network theory‐based drug repurposing approach. The novelty of the proposed approach is an exploration of module similarity between a disease‐causing network and a compound‐specific interaction network; thus, such an association leads to more realistic modeling of molecular cell responses at a system biology level. The overlap of the disease network and each compound‐specific network is calculated based on a shortest‐path similarity of networks by accounting for all protein pairs between networks. A higher similarity score indicates a significant potential of a compound. The approach was validated for breast and lung cancers. When all compounds are sorted by their normalized‐similarity scores, 36 and 16 drugs are proposed as new candidates for breast and lung cancer treatment, respectively. A literature survey on candidate compounds revealed that some of our predictions have been clinically investigated in phase II/III trials for the treatment of two cancer types. As a summary, the proposed approach has provided promising initial results by modeling biochemical cell responses in a network‐level data representation.
A machine learning strategy with clustering under sampling of majority instances for predicting drug target interactions**
Authors: Liyaqat Tanya , Ahmad Tanvir
Published: November 2022

Drug Target Interactions (DTIs) are crucial in drug discovery as it reduces the range of candidate searches, speeding up the drug screening process. Considering in vitro and in vivo experimentations are time and cost‐expensive, there has been a surge in computational techniques, especially ML methods for DTIs prediction. Therefore, this study aims to present a methodology that uses molecular structures and amino acid sequences for generating PSSM and PubChem fingerprints for drugs and targets respectively. The proposed work uses a novel technique NearestCUS for handling the class imbalance problem of the benchmark datasets. We use Isomap Embedding to extract features from PSSMs. Feature selection is performed using ANOVA. CatBoost is used for predicting the interaction between drugs and targets for the first time. To quantify the efficacy of NearestCUS, we compared it with other sampling techniques. We found that the proposed methodology performed better than state‐of‐the‐art approaches.
Learning from synthetic data for reference‐free Nyquist ghost correction and parallel imaging reconstruction of echo planar imaging
Authors: Dai Lixing , Yang Qinqin , Lin Jianzhong , Zhou Zihan , Zhang Pujie , Cai Shuhui , Chen Zhong , Wu Zhigang , Kang Taishan , Cai Congbo
Published: November 2022

Background

Echo planar imaging (EPI) suffers from Nyquist ghost caused by eddy currents and other non‐ideal factors. Deep learning has received interest for EPI ghost correction. However, large datasets with qualified labels are usually unavailable, especially for the under‐sampled EPI data due to the imperfection of traditional ghost correction algorithms.

Purpose

To develop a multi‐coil synthetic‐data‐based deep learning method for the Nyquist ghost correction and reconstruction of under‐sampled EPI.

Methods

Our network is trained purely with synthetic data. The labels of the training samples are generated by combining a public magnetic resonance imaging dataset and a few pre‐collected coil sensitivity maps. The input is synthesized by under‐sampling (for the accelerated case) and adding phase errors between the even and odd echoes of the label. To bridge the gap between synthetic data and data from real acquisition, linear and non‐linear 2D phase errors are considered during the training data generation.

Results

The proposed method outperformed the existing mainstream approaches in several experiments. The average ghost‐to‐signal ratios of our/3‐line navigator‐based methods were 0.51%/5.36% and 0.42%/8.64% in fully‐sampled and under‐sampled in vivo experiments, respectively. In the sagittal experiments, our method successfully corrected higher‐order and 2D phase errors. Our method also outperformed other reference‐based methods on motion‐corrupted data. In the simulation experiments, the peak signal‐to‐noise ratios were 37.6/38.3 dB for 2D linear/non‐linear simulated phase errors, indicating that our method was consistently reliable for different kinds of phase errors.

Conclusion

Our method achieves superb ghost correction and parallel imaging reconstruction without any calibration information, and can be readily adapted to other EPI‐based applications.
A UK survey evaluation of First Contact Practitioners' and musculoskeletal physiotherapists' confidence, recognition, and referral of suspected axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Steen Eliza , McCrum Carol , Cairns Melinda
Published: November 2022

Background

Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory disease associated with significant diagnostic delays. Steen et al. (2021) found inadequate consideration of axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in physiotherapists back pain assessments. Since the previous survey, increased professional education on axSpA has occurred and First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), now widely established in General Practice, are key in supporting earlier recognition.

Objectives

(1) To re‐evaluate physiotherapists' and evaluate FCPs' awareness, knowledge, and confidence in screening for and recognising features of axSpA and criteria prompting referral to rheumatology. (2) To compare these results to previous research (Steen et al., 2021).

Design

As per Steen et al. (2021), an online survey was undertaken combining back pain vignettes (reflecting axSpA, non‐specific low back pain [NSLBP] and radicular syndrome) and questioning on features of suspected axSpA.

Results

165 surveys were analysed. Only 73% (n = 120/165) of respondents recognised the axSpA vignette compared to NSLBP 91% (n = 80/88) and radicular syndrome 88% (n = 68/77). An improvement in axSpA recognition was demonstrated compared with previous data. FCPs performed slightly better with 77% (n = 67/87) of respondents recognising the axSpA vignette. Adequate awareness of national referral guidance was evident in only 55% of ‘clinical reasoning’ and 6% of ‘further subjective screening’ responses. There was still misplaced confidence in recognising clinical features of axSpA compared to knowledge levels shown, including high importance given to inflammatory markers.

Conclusion(s)

Musculoskeletal physiotherapists demonstrate some improved knowledge and awareness of axSpA compared with previous study findings. Consideration of axSpA is still not universal in musculoskeletal physiotherapists' or FCPs' approaches to persistent back pain assessments and awareness of national referral guidance remains limited. This study highlights the continued need for professional education. Enhanced knowledge of screening and referral criteria in musculoskeletal clinical practice would support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
Associations between frailty, sociodemographic characteristics and quality‐of‐life among community‐dwelling older adults: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Lan Xuefen , Lou Yan , Engström Maria
Published: November 2022

Aim

To explore the quality‐of‐life among community‐dwelling older adults in China and to examine the associations between frailty, sociodemographic characteristics and quality‐of‐life.

Design

A cross‐sectional correlational study was adopted.

Methods

Questionnaire study of 311 community‐dwelling older adults using the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and FRAIL scale.

Results

Highest quality‐of‐life was found for the physical symptoms factor and the lowest for quality of everyday activities/fun. Frailty was associated with total quality‐of‐life and the physical symptoms and sickness impact factors. For total quality‐of‐life, the odds of being in the group with a median score or more decreased for frail older people (OR 0.30) versus non‐frail and increased for those with medical insurance from employer versus basic (OR 2.30) and those doing exercise ≥30 min 3 days/week or more versus less (OR 2.12). Registered nurses caring for community‐dwelling older adults should screen for and prevent frailty and encourage exercise to improve their quality‐of‐life.
The effect of water and sodium hydrogen carbonate content on flexible polyurethane's microstructure, water, and mechanical properties
Authors: Fawzi Tarek , Al‐Talib Ammar A. M.
Published: November 2022

It is well known that blowing agents (BAs) and polyol are essential components in polyurethane (PU) composition. Utilizing renewable sources in the material's formulation might reduce its environmental hazards while extending its possible engineering applications. In this study, the samples have been synthesized by using palm kernel oil‐based polyol (PKOP). Water and sodium hydrogen carbonate (SHB) have been used as BAs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown that adding the mix of BAs is causing the cells' average size to increase up to 227% and have reduced the lamellae width by up to 2% in comparison with the reference sample. The water tests have illustrated that combining two parts per hundred polyol by weight (php) water and 25 php SHB to the sample has increased its water capacity up to 617%. However, the samples are only able to retain 6% of the absorbed water at the 7th day. It has been also found that porosity has affected the water uptake and all the samples are following Fick's diffusion law, and diffusion is correlated to the square root of time. Multivariable power least squares method (MPLSM) and moving least squares method (MLSM) have been applied to find the relation between tear resistance value and BAs ratio. It is found that both methods have a dominant variable compared to the other variables, but MLSM provided optimizable equation with better R2.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 61)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Dunlop Ewan D. , Siefer Gerald , Yoshita Masahiro , Kopidakis Nikos , Bothe Karsten , Hao Xiaojing
Published: November 2022

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since July 2022 are reviewed. Graphs showing progress with each cell technology over the 30‐year history of the tables are also included plus an updated list of designated test centres.
Verification of wild apple (Malus sylvestris) nursery stock sold in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ruhsam Markus , Renny James , Worrell Rick
Published: November 2022

Societal Impact Statement

Crop wild relatives are plant taxa that are the progenitors of commercial crops and are an important genetic resource for improving these crops and making them more resilient in the face of environmental change. They play an important role for food security and it is vital to maintain their natural genetic diversity. However, crop‐to‐wild gene flow may reduce the fitness and threaten the genetic integrity of the wild species in the long run. Here we investigate the genetic purity of European wild apple (Malus sylvestris), a rare tree species in Europe that frequently hybridises with domesticated apple (M. domestica), sold by UK nurseries.
Surveillance and invasive risk of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren in China
Authors: Wang Xiaoliang , Qin Yujia , Xu Yanling , Feng Xiaodong , Zhao Shouqi , Lu Yongyue , Li Zhihong
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren is one of the world's most successful and destructive invasive ant species. In mainland China, fast, monthly and annual pest reports on all pests have been established since 2010. The distribution of S. invicta resulting from climate change in China was predicted using MaxEnt modeling in combination with comprehensive surveillance data and 56 environmental factors.

RESULTS

The fast and monthly reports revealed that S. invicta had spread to new territories almost every year in this timeframe. The transportation of seedlings and deployment of turfgrass were the major artificial transmission pathways. Annual reports indicated that control efforts had effectively reduced its occurrence areas and degree of severity of infestations, and retrieved the economic loss caused by S. invicta. The MaxEnt model predicted that S. invicta would expand to 23 provinces in China as a result of climate change. Moisture variables were the key factors affecting the distribution of this pest.

CONCLUSION

Based on the theoretical reference framework of this research, China proposed the first‐ever integrated tactics against a single pest, jointly involving nine ministries, which include clarifying responsibilities, cutting off transmission pathways, strengthening surveillance, declaring pest distributions and conducting preventive and control campaigns. Practical efforts and measures combating the devastation of S. invicta may shed light on its management and other invasive species worldwide. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Profiling polysorbate 80 components using comprehensive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Konya Yutaka , Ochiai Ryosuke , Fujiwara Satoshi , Tsujino Kazushige , Okumura Takeshi
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Polysorbate 80 (PS80) is an amphipathic, nonionic surfactant commonly used in pharmaceutical protein formulations and is composed of fatty acid (FA) esters of polyethoxylated sorbitan. However, commercial PS80 products contain substantial amounts of by‐products. The development of simple and reliable methods for PS80 component analysis is challenging given the inherent heterogeneity.

Method

We developed a comprehensive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method to profile the components of PS80. Semi‐comprehensive LC–MS/MS analyses of 11 subspecies in three commercial PS80 products were performed to estimate the average degree of polymerization of the ethylene oxide units (Avg‐n) in the molecules. Furthermore, three subspecies (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monoester, polyoxyethylene isosorbide monoester, and polyoxyethylene monoester) were analyzed to estimate the composition ratios of the seven ester‐bonded FAs present in PS80.

Results

The Avg‐n values of five polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters (none, mono, di, tri, and tetra), three polyoxyethylene isosorbide esters (none, mono, and di), and three polyoxyethylene esters (none, mono, and di) were 26.5–30.6, 12.1–14.6, and 11.4–15.8, respectively. These values were comparable regardless of the number of ester‐bonded FAs. Each product had a similar FA composition ratio regardless of the differences in the subspecies. However, the obtained C18:2 values were higher than those reported in the product certificates.

Conclusion

The proposed LC–MS/MS method evaluated the overall PS80 components, revealing the possibility of underestimation of ester‐bonded linoleic acid using the conventional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method. The similarity of Avg‐n values and FA compositions among subspecies suggested the high reliability of these results, indicating that the presented approach may help in the quality control of PS80 formulations.
Stable isotope characterization of tobacco products: A determination of synthetic or natural nicotine authenticity
Authors: Han Shulei , Cui Lili , Chen Huan , Fu Ya'ning , Hou Hongwei , Hu Qingyuan , Yuan Yuwei
Published: November 2022

Rationale

“Tobacco‐free” or synthetic nicotine products have appeared in some markets, increasing potential health risks and regulatory compliance challenges. Currently, there are few reliable methods for the determination of authenticity of natural and synthetic nicotine. Analytical techniques based on stable isotopes have broad application prospects in the traceability and identification of agricultural products.

Methods

Tobacco leaves from four main tobacco production regions in China and different types of tobacco products were extracted with n‐hexane and 5% sodium hydroxide to obtain nicotine extracts. Subsequent stable isotope mass spectrometry was performed by analyzing δ2H, δ13C, and δ15N values of nicotine.

Results

Firstly, results from a batch of 233 samples indicated stable isotopes were closely related to climate and geographical locations and provide a basis for a determination of the origin of tobacco leaves. In addition, the δ2H values had significant differences between natural and synthetic nicotine and the results indicate a δ2H value of −163.0‰ could be the threshold for assessing synthetic and natural nicotine. Finally, a total of 239 results further validated the δ2H value as a metric for source authentication of commercial tobacco products.

Conclusions

Synthetic (S)‐(−)‐nicotine could be accurately and quickly identified using the method developed by measuring δ2H values in a qualitative manner. To our knowledge, this is the first time a stable isotope mass spectrometry technique has been used for distinguishing the source of nicotine. This technique will aid in the accurate identification, labelling, and regulation of synthetic nicotine‐based tobacco products.
Tracing the geographical origin of bottled water collected in South Korea via isotopic and elemental analyses
Authors: Song Byeong‐Yeol , Lee Dong‐Kye , Kim Do‐Hee , Lee Yu‐Ran
Published: November 2022

Rationale

The production of bottled water requires a forensic discriminant technique that enables the identification of the brands or accidents caused by intended contaminants. The bottled water poisoning crimes have drawn much attention, and such crimes may recur in the future. The water is colorless and odorless, and thus it is difficult to detect contaminated water through visual observation. Thus, bottled water can be easily exploited for poisoning, and a method for tracing their origin is currently required.

Methods

In this study, a total of 27 brands of bottled water samples were analyzed to determine stable oxygen isotopes, strontium isotopes, major and trace elements. The geographical origin of the water was traced based on the climatic and geographical characteristics of the location from where water was sourced, which was assumed to be reflected in the bottled water. Furthermore, we investigated whether this method can be applied to identify bottled water products.

Results

The results demonstrated that the characteristics of the bottled water, including the oxygen stable isotope ratios, reflect the latitude and altitude of bottled water source in South Korea, from the high‐latitude region to the coastal regions. In addition, the results indicated that excellent discrimination was achieved using strontium isotopes to identify source areas with different types of bedrock, complex underlying lithologies, and ocean areas in South Korea. A statistical method based on discriminant analysis was applied to measure trace elements, and the results effectively reflected the characteristics of water–rock interactions (cross‐validated classification probability: ≥92%).

Conclusions

These data suggest that the geographical characteristics of the source area are well reflected in commercial bottled water in South Korea. The proposed analytical methods can be utilized to trace the geographical origin of different bottled water samples and identify bottled water products used in poisoning crimes.
Robust tilt‐integral‐derivative controller synthesis for first‐order plus time delay and higher‐order systems
Authors: Lu Chuanfan , Tang Rongnian , Chen YangQuan , Li Chuang
Published: November 2022

A tilt integrator of the tilt‐integral‐derivative (TID) controller is an integrator to the power of a fraction. The current state of the art of TID controller is difficult to satisfy prespecified frequency‐domain specifications and is not able to build the connection between the frequency‐domain synthesis and time‐domain analysis. To fill the gap in TID control theory, a systematic tuning method of robust TID controller for first order plus time delay (FOPTD) and higher‐order processes is proposed, which is based on combining frequency‐ and time‐domain specifications synthesis. The TID controller parameters , , and optimal fractional order are settled to meet frequency‐domain specifications including phase margin, gain crossover frequency, and flat phase constraint that guarantee systemic stability and robustness. The parameter can be determined under the time‐domain specification including the smallest ITAE that achieves optimal dynamic performance. In addition, the steps of the proposed robust TID controller design process are given in detail, and an example is given to illustrate the corresponding steps. At last, the control and gain variation performances of the obtained TID controller are compared with some other controllers (PID, FOPI, and FOPID). Simulation results for FOPTD and higher‐order systems illustrate the superior robustness as well as the transient performance of the proposed control tuning procedure. To verify the practical usefulness of the outcomes of this paper, some experimental results on temperature control of a Peltier cell are presented.
Integral sliding‐mode‐based robust output‐regulation for constrained and uncertain linear systems
Authors: Gutierrez Ariana , Mera Manuel , Ríos Héctor
Published: November 2022

This article proposes a solution to the output regulation problem for uncertain linear systems with input saturation, state constraints, and external disturbances. The proposed robust control is composed of a linear and a nonlinear part. Each part of the control can be designed independently due to the use of an integral sliding‐mode control approach. The linear control, whose design is based on the barrier Lyapunov function and the attractive ellipsoid method, considers the input saturation, the state constraints, and the parameter uncertainties. The nonlinear part is based on an integral sliding‐mode control approach and it can compensate the effect of some matched disturbances. Also, a safe set where the system trajectories do not transgress the state constraints and input saturation, is provided. The proposed scheme guarantees asymptotic convergence to zero of the output regulation error coping with the system constraints and disturbances. A constructive and simple method, based on linear matrix inequalities, is proposed to compute the controller gains. Some simulation results illustrate the feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Sensitive DNA Detection using a Branched DNA as a Sensor Coupled with Hybridization Chain Reaction
Authors: Zhang Zhikun , Zhang Liu , Liu Yumin , Hu Cuixia , Liu Qingju
Published: November 2022

Nucleic acids detection is becoming increasingly vital for disease's diagnosis. A sensitive, convenient and simple detection method provide the possibility of self‐diagnosis to prevent the disease's development. Herein, we designed a novel branched DNA nanostructure as probe, which could induce DNA hybridization chain reaction in the presence of target DNA. The strategy as amplifier enhanced the electrochemical signal of target DNA for sensitive nucleic acids detection. In this system, the branched DNA probe possessed more capturing points for Target DNA than previous single‐stranded DNA. Target DNA as trigger were used to induce hybridization chain reaction in three dimensions. The limit of detection of this strategy can reach to 1 pM with excellent specificity and selectivity. Meanwhile, the linear working range was from 10 pM to 100 μM. The biosensor had a great promising in the determination of nucleic acids for disease's diagnosis.