bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molybdenum‐Based Nanomaterials for Photothermal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhou Zhan , Li Xiangqian , Hu Tingting , Xue Baoli , Chen Hong , Ma Lufang , Liang Ruizheng , Tan Chaoliang
Published: October 2022

Molybdenum (Mo) is a trace dietary element that is essential for human survival. Several molybdenum‐containing enzymes (e.g., aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase and sulfite oxidase) are associated with key metabolic activities in the body. Molybdenum‐based nanomaterials (Mo‐NMs), including molybdenum dichalcogenides, molybdenum oxides, molybdenum‐based polyoxometalates, and molybdenum‐based nanocomposites, have been extensively explored in biomedical applications including photothermal therapy (PTT) because of their unique chemical and physical properties as well as excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. PTT, which relies on converting the near‐infrared (NIR) light energy into thermal energy to achieve therapeutic effects, has attracted considerable attention in past decades for cancer treatment because of its localized and trigger‐activated therapeutic effects. In this review, the state‐of‐the‐art progress on Mo‐NMs for photothermal cancer treatment is summarized. The classification, synthesis, and surface functionalization of Mo‐NMs are first introduced. Then the discussion of PTT and PTT‐combined therapies of Mo‐NMs for effective cancer treatment is focused on. Following that, the toxicity assessment of Mo‐NMs is also discussed. Finally, a short discussion on the challenges and future prospects in this field is presented.
An expert‐in‐the‐loop method for domain‐specific document categorization based on small training data
Authors: Han Kanyao , Rezapour Rezvaneh , Nakamura Katia , Devkota Dikshya , Miller Daniel C. , Diesner Jana
Published: October 2022

Automated text categorization methods are of broad relevance for domain experts since they free researchers and practitioners from manual labeling, save their resources (e.g., time, labor), and enrich the data with information helpful to study substantive questions. Despite a variety of newly developed categorization methods that require substantial amounts of annotated data, little is known about how to build models when (a) labeling texts with categories requires substantial domain expertise and/or in‐depth reading, (b) only a few annotated documents are available for model training, and (c) no relevant computational resources, such as pretrained models, are available. In a collaboration with environmental scientists who study the socio‐ecological impact of funded biodiversity conservation projects, we develop a method that integrates deep domain expertise with computational models to automatically categorize project reports based on a small sample of 93 annotated documents. Our results suggest that domain expertise can improve automated categorization and that the magnitude of these improvements is influenced by the experts' understanding of categories and their confidence in their annotation, as well as data sparsity and additional category characteristics such as the portion of exclusive keywords that can identify a category.
Sustainability performance measurement in risk and uncertainty management: An analysis of base of the pyramid supply chain literature
Authors: Aman Sadaf , Seuring Stefan , Khalid Raja Usman
Published: October 2022

Risk management in the base of the pyramid (BoP) environment is needed to ensure that firms performance objectives are met. Accordingly, integrating sustainability performance measurement in the supply chain risk management would offer interesting avenues for managing risks in BoP supply chain. Therefore, the paper conceptualizes an intersection between supply chain risk/uncertainty management and sustainable performance measurement. This intersection is then tested by a literature review of 164 BoP SC articles between the years 2000 and 2022. Descriptive, frequency, and correlation analysis identify various risks factors studied in the BoP literature so far, their management strategies and respective performance measures. The findings show a broad strategical aspect of managing SC risks and proffered the tactical or operational level performance measures which along with these practices can manage the related risks. Therefore, their incorporation into the risk management process should be considered. The correlation findings highlight the important role of performance process measures and the impact of these along with the management practices on firm's performance outcomes. The study contributes to supply chain risk and performance management literature by capturing the nexus between BoP and supply chain management.
Ellagic Acid Alleviates Mice Intestinal Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury: A Study Based on Transcriptomics Combined with Functional Experiments
Authors: Fan Shuyuan , Xu Yue , Li Kun , Li Bin , Diao Yunpeng
Published: October 2022

Background: It has been reported that intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion injury (IIRI) is closely related to inflammatory response, apoptosis and oxidative stress. Ellagic acid (EA) has been proved to have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects and can inhibit tumor angiogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EA on IIRI in mice. Methods: A mouse model of IIRI was established by clamping the mesenteric artery. Effects and mechanisms of EA on IIRI were investigate by transcriptomics combined with functional experiments. Results: The symptoms of IIRI were reflected in significant increases in inflammatory factors such as TNF‐α and IL‐1β; significant increases in oxidative stress indicators such as MDA and GSH and decreases in SOD and promotion of the apoptotic protein Bax/Bcl‐2. These indicators were significantly alleviated by EA. And after EA treatment, transcriptomics results identified AKT1 differentially expressed mRNAs mainly enriched in PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Conclusion: This study illustrates the protective effects against IIRI, the possible mechanisms were also studied. This study provides new scientific information for the application of EA in IIRI therapy.
Dynein localization and pronuclear movement in the C. elegans zygote
Authors: Ignacio David P. , Kravtsova Natalia , Henry John , Palomares Roberto Hernández , Dawes Adriana T.
Published: October 2022

Centrosomes serve as a site for microtubule nucleation and these microtubules will grow and interact with the motor protein dynein at the cortex. The position of the centrosomes determines where the mitotic spindle will develop across all cell types. Centrosome positioning is achieved through dynein and microtubule‐mediated force generation. The mechanism and regulation of force generation during centrosome positioning are not fully understood. Centrosome and pronuclear movement in the first cell cycle of the Caenorhabditis elegans early embryo undergoes both centration and rotation prior to cell division. The proteins LET‐99 and GPB‐1 have been postulated to have a role in force generation associated with pronuclear centration and rotation dynamics. When the expression of these proteins is perturbed, pronuclear positioning exhibits a movement defect characterized by oscillatory (“wobble”) behavior of the pronuclear complex (PNC). To determine if this movement defect is due to an effect on cortical dynein distribution, we utilize RNAi‐mediated knockdown of LET‐99 and GPB‐1 to induce wobble and assay for any effects on GFP‐tagged dynein localization in the early C. elegans embryo. To compare and quantify the movement defect produced by the knockdown of LET‐99 and GPB‐1, we devised a quantification method that measures the strength of wobble (“wobble metric”) observed under these experimental conditions. Our quantification of pronuclear complex dynamics and dynein localization shows that loss of LET‐99 and GPB‐1 induces a similar movement defect which is independent of cortical dynein localization in the early C. elegans embryo.
FeOCl Nanodots and Doxorubicin Co‐loaded Polymer Nanoparticles for Glutathione/pH‐responsive Chemodynamic Therapy/Chemotherapy of Tumors
Authors: Yuwen Lihui , Zhang Yue , Xiao Huayu , Xiao Hang , Li Xiao , Yang Wenjing , Yang Zhaoxia , Dong Heng , Wang Lianhui
Published: October 2022

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) based on the Fenton reaction has been considered as a promising solution for the treatment of tumors. However, the limited therapeutic efficacy and lack of responsive release of Fenton agents still hinder the further application of CDT. To this end, we designed a disulfide bond (−S−S−) cross‐linked polymer nanoparticles (poly(AA‐co‐DMA), PAD) to load FeOCl nanodots (FeOCl NDs) and doxorubicin (DOX) with the surface coating of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to prepare glutathione (GSH)/pH‐responsive PAD‐FeOCl/DOX@BSA nanoparticles (PFDB). In the tumor microenvironment (TME) with abundant GSH and acidic pH, the −S−S− bond in PFDB can be reduced and the linkage between the polymer chains is broken down, which facilitates the controlled release of FeOCl NDs and DOX. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results showed that PFDB can serve as a GSH/pH‐responsive nanoagent for the effective killing of 4T1 tumor cells by combined CDT/chemotherapy. This study provides a promising TME‐responsive nanoagent with dual therapeutic modes for the effective treatment of tumors.
Novel single‐operator through‐the‐scope traction device for endoscopic submucosal dissection: Outcomes of a multicenter randomized pilot ex‐vivo study in trainees with limited endoscopic submucosal dissection experience (with video)
Authors: Yang Dennis , Aihara Hiroyuki , Hasan Muhammad K. , Simsek Cem , Khan Hafiz , Brar Tony S. , Gorrepati Venkata S. , Forde Justin J. , Kadkhodayan Kambiz , Arain Mustafa A. , Draganov Peter V.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a technically demanding procedure. The pilot study aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel single‐operator through‐the‐scope dynamic traction device among trainees with limited endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) experience.

Methods

Randomized, controlled, pilot study comparing traction‐assisted ESD (T‐ESD) versus conventional ESD (C‐ESD) in an ex‐vivo porcine stomach model. Trainees were randomized to group 1 (T‐ESD followed by C‐ESD) and group 2 (C‐ESD followed by T‐ESD). Lesions were created on the gravity‐dependent area of the stomachs. The primary outcome was submucosal dissection speed. Secondary outcomes included differences in en‐bloc resection, adverse events, and workload, assessed by the National Aeronautical and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX).

Results

Five trainees performed two T‐ESD and two C‐ESD each, for a total of 20 procedures. Submucosal dissection speed was significantly faster in the T‐ESD group compared to the C‐ESD group (43.32 ± 22.61 vs. 24.19 ± 15.86 mm2/min; p = 0.042). En‐bloc resection was achieved in 60% with T‐ESD and 70% with C‐ESD (p = 1.00). The muscle injury rate was higher in the C‐ESD group (50% vs. 10%; p = 0.21) with 1 perforation reported with C‐ESD and none with T‐ESD. NASA‐TLX physical demand was lower with T‐ESD compared to C‐ESD (4.5 ± 2.17 vs. 6.9 ± 2.50; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

T‐ESD resulted in faster submucosal dissection and less physical demand when compared to C‐ESD, as performed by trainees in an ex‐vivo gravity‐dependent model. Future studies are needed to assess its role in human ESD cases.
Reciprocal relationships between personality disorders and eating disorders in a prospective 17‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Eielsen Hanna Punsvik , Vrabel KariAnne , Hoffart Asle , Rø Øyvind , Rosenvinge Jan H.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study aimed to report the presence of categorical and dimensional personality disorders (PD) in adults with longstanding eating disorders (ED) over a period of 17 years and to investigate whether changes in PD predict changes in ED symptoms or vice versa.

Methods

In total, 62 of the 80 living patients (78% response rate) with anorexia nervosa (n = 23), bulimia nervosa (n = 25), or other specified feeding or ED (n = 14) at baseline were evaluated during hospital treatment and at 1‐year, 2‐year, 5‐year, and 17‐year follow‐up. PD were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Axis II disorders, and the eating disorder examination (EDE) interview was used to assess ED. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling.

Results

From baseline to the 17‐year follow‐up, the number of patients with any PD decreased significantly from 74.2% to 24.2%, and the total number of PD diagnoses declined from 80 to 22. Mean EDE score was significantly reduced from 4.2 (SD: 1.1) to 2.0 (SD: 1.6). There was a positive association between ED and PD where the initial level of either disorder was followed by similar levels of the other disorder throughout the entire follow‐up period. High baseline levels of borderline PD predicted less decrease in ED symptoms. No significant within‐person effects were found.

Conclusions

Both ED and PD significantly declined over time. As the severity of either disorder seems to be associated with the other, thorough assessment and treatment that incorporates both the ED psychopathology and the personality disturbances are advisable.

Public Significance Statement

While personality disorders were highly prevalent in the sample of patients with longstanding eating disorders, both disorders were significantly reduced at the 17‐year follow‐up. The disorders are related in the sense that an initial high level of either disorder is associated with a high level of the other over time. A thorough assessment and attention to both illnesses are advisable in therapy.

Clinical Trial Identifier

NCT03968705.
The interplay between prior selection, mild intermittent exposure, and acute severe exposure in phenotypic and transcriptional response to hypoxia
Authors: Ekwudo Millicent N. , Malek Morad C. , Anderson Cora E. , Yampolsky Lev Y.
Published: October 2022

Hypoxia has profound and diverse effects on aerobic organisms, disrupting oxidative phosphorylation and activating several protective pathways. Predictions have been made that exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia may be protective against more severe exposure and may extend lifespan. Here we report the lifespan effects of chronic, mild, intermittent hypoxia, and short‐term survival in acute severe hypoxia in four clones of Daphnia magna originating from either permanent or intermittent habitats. We test the hypothesis that acclimation to chronic mild intermittent hypoxia can extend lifespan through activation of antioxidant and stress‐tolerance pathways and increase survival in acute severe hypoxia through activation of oxygen transport and storage proteins and adjustment to carbohydrate metabolism. Unexpectedly, we show that chronic hypoxia extended the lifespan in the two clones originating from intermittent habitats but had the opposite effect in the two clones from permanent habitats, which also showed lower tolerance to acute hypoxia. Exposure to chronic hypoxia did not protect against acute hypoxia; to the contrary, Daphnia from the chronic hypoxia treatment had lower acute hypoxia tolerance than normoxic controls. Few transcripts changed their abundance in response to the chronic hypoxia treatment in any of the clones. After 12 h of acute hypoxia treatment, the transcriptional response was more pronounced, with numerous protein‐coding genes with functionality in oxygen transport, mitochondrial and respiratory metabolism, and gluconeogenesis, showing upregulation. While clones from intermittent habitats showed somewhat stronger differential expression in response to acute hypoxia than those from permanent habitats, contrary to predictions, there were no significant hypoxia‐by‐habitat of origin or chronic‐by‐acute treatment interactions. GO enrichment analysis revealed a possible hypoxia tolerance role by accelerating the molting cycle and regulating neuron survival through upregulation of cuticular proteins and neurotrophins, respectively.
Anticancer effect of a pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide‐triphenylphosphonium conjugate selectively targeting a common mitochondrial DNA cancer risk variant in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Yao Jihang , Takenaga Keizo , Koshikawa Nobuko , Kida Yuki , Lin Jason , Watanabe Takayoshi , Maru Yoshiaki , Hippo Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Seigi , Zhu Yuyan , Nagase Hiroki
Published: October 2022

Cervical cancer remains a major threat to women's health, especially in countries with limited medical resources, and new drugs are needed to improve patient survival and minimize adverse effects. Here, we examine the effects of a triphenylphosphonium (TPP)‐conjugated pyrrole‐imidazole polyamide (CCC‐h1005) targeting the common homoplasmic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cancer risk variant (ATP6 8860A>G) on the survival of cervical cancer cell lines, cisplatin‐resistant HeLa cells and patient‐derived cervical clear cell carcinoma cells as models of cervical cancer treatment. We found that CCC‐h1005 induced death in these cells and suppressed the growth of xenografted HeLa tumors with no severe adverse effects. These results suggest that PIP‐TPP designed to target mtDNA cancer risk variants can be used to treat many cervical cancers harboring high copies of the target variant, providing a foundation for clinical trials of this class of molecules for treating cervical cancer and other types of cancers.
Exchange rate pass‐through to consumer prices in India – nonlinear evidence from a smooth transition model
Authors: Bhat Javed Ahmad , Nain Md Zulquar , Bhat Sajad Ahmad
Published: October 2022

Using a backward‐looking Philips curve framework and a Logistic Smooth Transition Regression (STR) model, this article examined the exchange rate pass‐through (ERPT) to final consumer prices in the case of India. Specifically, the nonlinearity of ERPT has been investigated with respect to the level of economic activity and the rate of inflation by considering two alternative measures of exchange rate. For the first transition variable, results are markedly different between high and low‐activity regimes and signify the favourable impact of economic activity on the extent of pass‐through. In the short run, 1% exchange rate appreciation would decrease the price level by 0.244% when the economy is in a low‐activity regime; however, the same appreciation increases the price level by 0.485% when there is a boom in the economy. In the long run, ERPT in the low‐activity regime is −0.358, and in the high‐activity regime, it is 0.039. In both regimes, pass‐through coefficients differ from zero and one, implying that neither local currency pricing nor producer currency pricing characterizes the ERPT mechanism. The impact of other important determinants of inflation is also well according to theoretical expectations. Finally, for the rate of inflation, we did not report any evidence favouring the Taylor hypothesis in the case of India.
Is Systems Engineering Effectiveness the Heart of Today's Employability Skills?
Authors: Hutchison Nicole , McDermott Tom
Published: October 2022

There are three essential and interrelated sets of personal characteristics and skills that are acquired by the most valued and effective individuals as they develop their careers. These are (1) self‐leadership and learning, (2) complex problem solving, and (3) team leadership and collaboration. These are interdependent and develop iteratively through practice in authentic work‐related contexts. They are at the heart of the Helix study which was conducted by the Systems Engineering Research Center to discover the sets of proficiencies that make a systems engineer effective in their roles (Hutchison and Verma 2018). They are also at the heart of the “employability skills” so desired by today's businesses. Each of these three skillsets is supported by tools of different types and can be embedded into education and organizational learning programs. In this article we relate the development of effective systems engineers as a model for all professionals and frame a set of learning objectives that individuals and organizations can use to accelerate desired employability skills.
What Is the Role of a Systems Engineer In an Engineering Organization?
Authors: Beasley Richard
Published: October 2022

This article discusses the role of a “specialist” Systems Engineer inside an engineering focused on ensures the engineering parts integrate to achieve the objectives of the whole – and so is embedding a systems approach throughout the organization – trying to “make Systems Engineering the way engineering is done”. In this type of organization all engineers need systems engineering as a core skill (which is part of them becoming T‐shaped”. The specialist Systems Engineer needs to be more π‐shaped, with specialism in the systems approach used to inform and guide all the other disciplines which need to be integrated together. Since systems engineering is an integrating discipline the group of systems engineers must not become “just another” technical silo.
Optimization of methacrylated gelatin /layered double hydroxides nanocomposite cell‐laden hydrogel bioinks with high printability for 3D extrusion bioprinting
Authors: Alarçin Emine , İzbudak Burçin , Yüce Erarslan Elif , Domingo Sherif , Tutar Rumeysa , Titi Kariman , Kocaaga Banu , Guner F. Seniha , Bal‐Öztürk Ayça
Published: October 2022

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) offer unique source of inspiration for design of bone mimetic biomaterials due to their superior mechanical properties, drug delivery capability and regulation cellular behaviors, particularly by divalent metal cations in their structure. Three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting of LDHs holds great promise as a novel strategy thanks to highly tunable physiochemical properties and shear‐thinning ability of LDHs, which allow shape fidelity after deposition. Herein, we introduce a straightforward strategy for extrusion bioprinting of cell laden nanocomposite hydrogel bioink of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) biopolymer and LDHs nanoparticles. First, we synthesized LDHs by co‐precipitation process and systematically examined the effect of LDHs addition on printing parameters such as printing pressure, extrusion rate, printing speed, and finally bioink printability in creating grid‐like constructs. The developed hydrogel bioinks provided precise control over extrudability, extrusion uniformity, and structural integrity after deposition. Based on the printability and rheological analysis, the printability could be altered by controlling the concentration of LDHs, and printability was found to be ideal with the addition of 3 wt % LDHs. The addition of LDHs resulted in remarkably enhanced compressive strength from 652 kPa (G‐LDH0) to 1168 kPa (G‐LDH3). It was shown that the printed nanocomposite hydrogel scaffolds were able to support encapsulated osteoblast survival, spreading, and proliferation in the absence of any osteoinductive factors taking advantage of LDHs. In addition, cells encapsulated in G‐LDH3 had a larger cell spreading area and higher cell aspect ratio than those encapsulated in G‐LDH0. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the developed GelMA/LDHs nanocomposite hydrogel bioink revealed a high potential for extrusion bioprinting with high structural fidelity to fabricate implantable 3D hydrogel constructs for repair of bone defects.
Transfection reagent artefact likely accounts for some reports of extracellular vesicle function
Authors: McConnell Russell E. , Youniss Madeleine , Gnanasambandam Bhargavee , Shah Palak , Zhang Wei , Finn Jonathan D.
Published: October 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are important mediators of cell communication and physiology. EVs are frequently investigated by transiently transfecting cells with plasmid DNA to produce EVs modified with protein(s) or nucleic acid(s) of interest. DNA‐transfection reagent complexes (DTC) are approximately the same size as EVs, raising the possibility that some purification procedures may fail to separate these two species and activity arising from carryover DTC may be improperly attributed to EVs. We find that differential ultracentrifugation, a commonly employed EV isolation procedure, does not separate EVs from DTC present in the cell culture supernatant of transiently transfected cells. We demonstrate that the biological activity of an EV‐directed Cre recombinase is due to contaminating plasmid DNA and not EV‐mediated delivery of Cre protein. Moreover, steps commonly taken to remove plasmid DNA from EV samples, such as media exchanges and treatment with nucleases, are ineffective at avoiding this artefact. Due to the pernicious nature of plasmid DNA in these cellular assays, some reports of EV function are likely artefacts produced by contaminating DTC. EVs and DTC can be separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation, highlighting the importance of validating elimination of DTC when using transient transfection of EV‐producing cells to interrogate EV function.
Different sound characteristics produced by the left and right pectoral fins constitute a new form of lateralization in a vocal fish
Authors: Maiditsch Isabelle P. , Ladich Friedrich
Published: October 2022

Songbirds and toothed whales are able to produce different sounds with the left and right part of their sonic organs, a phenomenon termed lateralized sound production. In fishes this phenomenon is poorly known, with lateralization having been observed solely in the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). They produce more sounds with their right pectoral fins. Croaking gouramis Trichopsis vittata beat their pectoral fins alternately, resulting in a series of two‐pulsed sound bursts termed croaking sounds. This study investigates lateralized sound production by comparing temporal and amplitude characteristics of sound bursts generated by pectoral fins in T. vittata. Croaking sounds, produced during dyadic contests, were analyzed in 19 females. We investigated the following characteristics of sound bursts: burst period, pulse period within bursts, the relative peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of bursts, and the ratio of peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of the first and second pulse within bursts. Sound bursts produced by the right and left sonic organ differed in 17 out of 19 females in at least one to four measured sound characteristics. The number of females whose temporal characteristics differed between pectoral fins was significantly higher than the number of females lacking such differences (16 out of 19). This was not the case for amplitude characteristics. Our data demonstrated that the sound characteristics produced by the left and right sonic organ in T. vittata differed significantly in most specimens. These differences in sound properties may constitute a new form of lateralized sound production in vocal fishes.
Could Duodenal Molecular Mechanisms be Involved in the Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Silicon Used as Functional Ingredient in Late‐Stage Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Hernández‐Martín Marina , Bocanegra Aránzazu , Redondo‐Castillejo Rocío , Macho‐González Adrián , Sánchez‐Muniz Francisco J. , Benedí Juana , Bastida Sara , García‐Fernández Rosa A. , Garcimartín Alba , López‐Oliva M. Elvira
Published: October 2022

Scope

Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), especially in the late‐stage. Consumption of bioactive compounds as functional ingredients would help achieve therapeutic goals for cholesterolemia. Silicon has demonstrated a hypocholesterolemic effect and the ability to reduce fat digestion. However, it is unclear whether silicon exerts such effect in late‐stage T2DM (LD) and the intestinal mechanisms involved.

Methods and results

Three groups of eight rats were included: early‐stage T2DM control (ED), LD, and the LD group treated with silicon (LD‐Si) once the rats were diabetic. Morphological alterations of the duodenal mucosa, and levels of markers involve in cholesterol absorption and excretion, beside cholesterolemia, and fecal excretion were assayed. Silicon included as a functional ingredient significantly reduces cholesterolemia in part due to: 1) reducing cholesterol intestinal absorption by decreasing the absorptive area and Acetyl‐Coenzyme A acetyltransferase‐2 (ACAT2) levels; and 2) increasing cholesterol excretion to the lumen by induction of the liver X receptor (LXR) and consequent increase of adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporter (ABCG5/8).

Conclusions

These results provide insight into the intestinal molecular mechanisms by which silicon reduces cholesterolemia and highlights the efficacy of the consumption of silicon‐enriched functional foods in late‐stage T2DM.
Energy‐efficient manufacturing of polymers with tunable mechanical properties by frontal ring‐opening metathesis polymerization
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Li Jie , An Mengjing , Jin Peng , Zhang Ximing , Luo Yunjun
Published: October 2022

Frontal polymerization (FP) is a process in which the heat generated by the self‐reaction transforms monomers to cured polymers. Here, in order to improve the flexibility of polydicyclopentadiene, comonomers (norbornene‐terminated polyether, ND‐230,400,2000) are designed and synthesized, which can copolymerize with dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) by FP. The polymers (ND) prepared by ND‐2000 and DCPD have tunable mechanical properties, from thermosets to elastomers. Specifically, the breaking elongation of the polymers can be varied 69‐fold, from 6.1% to 423.4% by controlling the proportion of ND‐2000. Among them, ND polymer with 50 wt% ND‐2000 has good elastic behavior without yield. And, the reaction mixture solutions of DCPD and ND‐2000 have the characteristics of controllable gel time and shear thinning, which make it have the potential of application in additive manufacturing.
Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) of the distribution and characteristics of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden
Authors: Stammler Melanie , Stevens Thomas , Hölbling Daniel
Published: October 2022

Current climate change in the Arctic is unprecedented in the instrumental record, with profound consequences for the environment and landscape. In Arctic Sweden, aeolian sand dunes have been impacted by climatic changes since their initial formation after the retreat of the last glacial ice sheet. Dune type, location and orientation can therefore be used to explore past wind patterns and landscape destabilisation in this sensitive area. However, knowledge of the full spatial extent and characteristics of these dunes is limited by their inaccessibility and dense vegetation cover. Geographic object‐based image analysis (GEOBIA) permits the semi‐automatic creation of reproducible parameter‐based objects and can be an appropriate means to systematically and spatially map these dunes remotely. Here, a digital elevation model (DEM) and its derivatives, such as slope and curvature, were segmented in a GEOBIA context, enabling the identification and mapping of aeolian sand dunes in Arctic Sweden. Analysis of the GEOBIA‐derived and expert‐accepted polygons affirms the prevalence of parabolic dune type and reveals the coexistence of simple dunes with large coalesced systems. Furthermore, mapped dune orientations and relationships to other geomorphological features were used to explore past wind directions and to identify sediment sources as well as the reasons for sand availability. The results indicate that most dune systems in Arctic Sweden were initially supplied by glaciofluvial and fluvial disturbances of sandy esker systems. Topographic control of wind direction is the dominant influence on dune orientation. Further, our approach shows that analysing the GEOBIA‐derived dune objects in their geomorphological context paves the way for successfully investigating aeolian sand dune location, type and orientation in Arctic Sweden, thereby facilitating the understanding of post‐glacial landscape (in)stability and evolution in the area.
Synergetic roles of dynamic and cloud microphysical processes in extreme short‐term rainfall: A case‐study
Authors: Yin Jinfang , Gu Haodong , Yu Miao , Bao Xinghua , Xie Yanxin , Liang Xudong
Published: October 2022

Both dynamic and cloud microphysical processes play significant roles in the intensity of severe rainfall within a convective storm. In this study, a quantitative analysis has been performed to investigate dynamic and cloud microphysical contributions to extreme hourly rainfall (EHR) with the peak value of 201.9 mm in Zhengzhou City, China, on 20 July 2021. It is found that the EHR is generated by the overlay of rainwater provided by both dynamic delivery and cloud microphysical production within a meso‐γ‐scale convective storm over Zhengzhou. Specifically, part of the rainwater is directly produced by cloud microphysical processes over the EHR region. More importantly, considerable rainwater, which is produced in the front of the storm associated with strong updraughts, is delivered into the EHR region. The dynamically delivered rainwater overlays the rainwater produced by cloud microphysical processes, forming a deep layer with a large amount of rainwater over the EHR region. As the massive rainwater pours down within a short time, EHR is formed. It should be highlighted that the dynamic delivery plays a decisive role in EHR formation, although sometimes EHR can be generated mainly through cloud microphysical production in the case of weak dynamic delivery. Concerning the cloud microphysical processes, the collision of cloud droplets by raindrops produces the largest amount of rainwater, followed by graupel melting. Linking the EHR with dynamic and cloud microphysical processes within a convective storm, a new light on further understanding and forecasting of short‐duration extreme rainfall would be shed.
A phase‐field porous media fracture model based on homogenization theory
Authors: Galvis Juan , Versieux Henrique M.
Published: October 2022

A novel regularized fracture model for crack propagation in porous media is proposed. Our model is obtained through formal asymptotic expansions. We start with a regularized quasi‐static fracture model posed in a periodically perforated domain obtained by periodic extension of a rescaled unit cell with a hole. This setup allows us to write two separated minimality conditions for the primary (displacement) and secondary (or phase field) variables plus a balance of energy relation. Then we apply the usual asymptotic expansion matching to deduce limit relations when the rescaling parameter of the unit cells vanishes. By introducing cell problems solutions and a homogenized tensor, we can recast the obtained relations into a novel model for crack propagation in porous media. The proposed model can be interpreted as a regularized quasi‐static fracture model for porous media. This model yields two separated (homogenized) minimality conditions for the primary and secondary variables and a balance of a homogenized energy relation.
On the equality problem of two-variable Bajraktarević means under first-order differentiability assumptions
Authors: Páles Zsolt , Zakaria Amr
Published: October 2022

The equality problem of two-variable Bajraktarević means can be expressed as the functional equation $$\begin{aligned} \left( \frac{f}{g}\right) ^{-1}\bigg (\frac{f(x)+f(y)}{g(x)+g(y)}\bigg ) =\left( \frac{h}{k}\right) ^{-1}\bigg (\frac{h(x)+h(y)}{k(x)+k(y)}\bigg )\qquad (x,y\in I), \end{aligned}$$

f
g

-
1

(

f
(
x
)
+
f
(
y
)

g
(
x
)
+
g
(
y
)

)

=

h
k

-
1

(

h
(
x
)
+
h
(
y
)

k
(
x
)
+
k
(
y
)

)

(
x
,
y
∈
I
)

,

where I is a nonempty open real interval, $$f,g,h,k:I\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
,
g
,
h
,
k
:
I
→
R

are continuous functions, g, k are positive and f/g, h/k are strictly monotone. This functional equation, for the first time, was solved by Losonczi in 1999 under 6th-order continuous differentiability assumptions. Additional and new characterizations of this equality problem have been found recently by Losonczi, Páles and Zakaria under the same regularity assumptions in 2021. In this paper it is shown that the same conclusion can be obtained under substantially weaker regularity conditions, namely, assuming only first-order differentiability.
Special MMP for log canonical generalised pairs (with an appendix joint with Xiaowei Jiang)
Authors: Lazić Vladimir , Tsakanikas Nikolaos
Published: October 2022

We show that minimal models of$$\mathbb {Q}$$Q-factorial NQC log canonical generalised pairs exist, assuming the existence of minimal models of smooth varieties. More generally, we prove that on a$$\mathbb {Q}$$Q-factorial NQC log canonical generalised pair$$ (X,B+M) $$(X,B+M)we can run an MMP with scaling of an ample divisor which terminates, assuming that it admits an NQC weak Zariski decomposition or that$$ K_X+B+M$$KX+B+Mis not pseudoeffective. As a consequence, we establish several existence results for minimal models and Mori fibre spaces.
Natural dihydroisobenzofuran derivatives as a template for promising radical scavengers: theoretical insights into structure–activity relationships, thermochemistry and kinetics
Authors: Spiegel Maciej , Sroka Zbigniew
Published: October 2022

Dihydroisobenzofuran heterocycle is a structural motif found in a number of medications with anti-tumour, anti-diabetic, and antibacterial activities. It is also found in a slew of natural substances, most notably fungus metabolites, which have been shown to possess credible radical scavenging activity. Density functional theory studies on three different derivatives were conducted to investigate their electronic structures as well as thermochemical and kinetic behaviour against ·OOH, ·OH, and ·OCH3 in biologically relevant solvents, with the goal of elucidating structure–activity relationships and discussing the potential role of the scaffolds as a template for new semisynthetic antioxidants. The importance of resonance and inductive effects, and also hydrogen bonding, has been underlined, but most importantly, it has been demonstrated that all structures have considerable scavenging potential against all studied radicals, with reactions rates close to the diffusion limit.
Clinical outcomes after using patient specific instrumentation: is it worth the effort? A minimum 5-year retrospective review of 298 PSI knees
Authors: Rammohan R  , Nugent Luke , Kasture Sarang , Ganapathi Muthu
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Use of patient specific instrumentation (PSI) for performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been shown to improve component positioning but there is dearth of evidence regarding clinical outcomes. The aim of our study was to report patient satisfaction and functional outcome scores of patients who underwent PSI TKAs at minimum 5 year follow up.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of a prospectively collected data of patients who underwent PSI TKAs between January 2012 and October 2015 under a single surgeon. Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), patient satisfaction questionnaires, surgeon directed 3D planning changes and intra-operative changes were collected and analysed.

Results

The cohort included 298 consecutive PSI TKAs performed on 249 patients at a mean age of 71 years (range: 49–93 years). On an average 4 changes were made for each knee during 3D planning compared to preliminary plan. Intra-operative implant size change was required only in 3% (10 knees). The PROM scores were collected at a mean follow-up period of 6.8 years (range: 5.0–8.6 years) for 224 knees. Oxford Knee Score improved from median pre-operative score of 18 (IQR: 13–24) to median post-operative score of 44 (IQR: 40–47) with a median gain of 23 (IQR: 16–30). The median modified Forgotten Joint Score was 87.5 (IQR: 54.4–98.1). For the Beverland questionnaire, 75% (n = 166) reported being “Very Happy” and only 4% (n = 9/222) were ‘Never Happy’.

Conclusion

Excellent patient satisfaction and functional scores at mid-term can be achieve d using PSI technique to perform TKA with careful surgeon directed pre-operative planning.
The optimal timing of elective surgery in sigmoid diverticular disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Vaghiri Sascha , Prassas Dimitrios , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Krieg Andreas
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the optimal time point of elective sigmoidectomy regarding the intraoperative and postoperative course in diverticular disease.

Methods

A comprehensive literature research was conducted for studies comparing the operative outcome of early elective (EE) versus delayed elective (DE) minimally invasive sigmoidectomy in patients with acute or recurrent diverticular disease. Subsequently, data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and entered into a meta-analysis. By using random effect models, the pooled hazard ratio of outcomes of interest was calculated.

Results

Eleven observational studies with a total of 2096 patients were included (EE group n = 828, DE group n = 1268). Early elective sigmoidectomy was associated with a significantly higher conversion rate as the primary outcome in comparison to the delayed elective group (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.5427–4.0019, p = 0.0002). Of the secondary outcomes analyzed only operative time (SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.0020–0.2701, p = 0.0466) and time of first postoperative bowel movement (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.1202–1.0233, p = 0.0131) were significant in favor of the delayed elective approach.

Conclusions

Delayed elective sigmoid resection demonstrates benefit in terms of reduced conversion rates and shortened operative time as opposed to an early approach. Conversely, operative morbidities seem to be unaffected by the timing of surgery. However, a final and robust conclusion based on the included observational cohort studies must be cautiously made. We therefore highly advocate larger randomized controlled trials with homogenous study protocols.
Adaptive and Frugal FETI-DP for Virtual Elements
Authors: Klawonn Axel , Lanser Martin , Wasiak Adam
Published: October 2022

The FETI-DP (Finite Element Tearing and Interconnecting - Dual Primal) method has recently successfully been applied to virtual element discretizations, adding more flexibility to the resolution of possibly complicated underlying domain geometries. However, for second-order partial differential equations with large discontinuities in the coefficient functions, in general, the convergence rate of domain decomposition methods is known to deteriorate if the coarse space is not properly adjusted. For finite element discretizations, this problem can be solved by using adaptive coarse spaces, which guarantee a robust method for arbitrary coefficient distributions, or by the computationally much cheaper frugal coarse space, which numerically proved to be robust for many realistic coefficient distributions. In this article, both, the adaptive and the frugal FETI-DP methods are applied to discretizations obtained by using virtual elements. As model problems, stationary diffusion and compressible linear elasticity in two spatial dimensions are considered. The performance of the methods is numerically tested, varying the quasi-uniformity of the underlying meshes, the polynomial degree, the scaling method, and considering regular and irregular domain decompositions. It is shown that adaptive and frugal FETI-DP for virtual elements behave similarly as in the finite element case.
Evaluation of water-level trends in the Mimbres Basin, southwest New Mexico (USA), using spatiotemporal kriging
Authors: Rawling Geoffrey C.
Published: October 2022

Groundwater-level trends over the past 40 years in the Mimbres Basin of southwest New Mexico (USA) were characterized with sequential water-level maps and maps of water-level change generated via spatiotemporal kriging. In the region of the most abundant irrigated agriculture, water levels have declined up to 24 m and cones of depression have expanded greatly. Increases in area of irrigated land and groundwater withdrawals in the past 10 years are coeval with water-level declines near the USA-Mexico border. Known areas of groundwater recharge from streamflow infiltration, and springs discharging deep-sourced water, show evidence of net water-level rises in the past 40 years, but declines in the last 10 years, in concert with declining precipitation over the basin. Formerly irrigated lands exhibit water-level rises, suggestive of flattening of cones of depression after cessation of extensive groundwater pumping. Manual water-level measurements are vital for understanding and managing groundwater resources, yet they are expensive and laborious to collect, which has resulted in much fewer data in recent years. Spatiotemporal kriging is more complex in mathematical development and implementation than spatial kriging, but it yields improved precision and accuracy, predictions at times with no data as well as at locations with no data, and fewer artifacts due to changing well networks. Its ability to leverage historical data recommends its use in hydrologic studies dependent on water-level maps and changes in water levels over time.
Vaccination Gap, Vaccination Fraud and Inefficient Testing
Authors: Beck Hanno , Prinz Aloys , Wolfstetter Elmar
Published: October 2022

A number of shortcomings in Germany’s efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus, including fraudulent testing, vaccination fraud and insufficient testing capacity have been identified and need to be remedied before another wave or worse, another pandemic. This paper examines the failures of the deterrence instruments and proposes solutions to address them.
A novel integration of MCDM methods and Bayesian networks: the case of incomplete expert knowledge
Authors: Kaya Rukiye , Salhi Said , Spiegler Virginia
Published: October 2022

In this study, we propose an effective integration of multi criteria decision making methods and Bayesian networks (BN) that incorporates expert knowledge. The novelty of this approach is that it provides decision support in case the experts have partial knowledge. We use decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) to elicit the causal graph of the BN based on the causal knowledge of the experts. BN provides the evaluation of alternatives based on the decision criteria which make up the initial decision matrix of the technique for order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS). We then parameterize BN using Ranked Nodes which allows the experts to submit their knowledge with linguistic expressions. We propose the analytical hierarchy process to determine the weights of the decision criteria and TOPSIS to rank the alternatives. A supplier selection case study is conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Two evaluation measures, namely, the number of mismatches and the distance due to the mismatch are developed to assess the performance of the proposed approach. A scenario analysis with 5% to 20% of missing values with an increment of 5% is conducted to demonstrate that our approach remains robust as the level of missing values increases.
Design and experiment of an adaptive dynamic vibration absorber with smart leaf springs
Authors: Guo Xiangying , Zhu Yunan , Qu Yegao , Cao Dongxing
Published: October 2022

An adaptive dynamic vibration absorber (ADVA) is designed for low-frequency vibration suppression. The leaf springs are applied as the tuning stiffness elements. The principle of variable stiffness is analyzed to obtain the effective range of the first natural frequency variation. A classic simply supported manipulator is selected as the controlled system. The coupled dynamic model of the manipulator-ADVA system is built to obtain the maximum damping efficiency and the vibration absorption capacity of the designed ADVA. An experimental platform is set up to verify the theoretical results. It is revealed that the ADVA can adjust the first natural frequency on a large scale by changing the curvature of the leaf springs. The amplitude of the manipulator is reduced obviously with the installation of the designed ADVA. Finally, based on the short-time Fourier transformation (STFT), a stepwise optimization algorithm is proposed to achieve a quick tuning of the natural frequency of the ADVA so that it can always coincide with the frequency of the prime structure. Through the above steps, the intelligent frequency tuning of the ADVA is realized with high vibration absorption performance in a wide frequency range.