bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BN‐based seismic risk analysis and mitigation strategy for UHV converter station
Authors: Wu Siyuan , Liu Xiao , Chen Junhan , Xie Qiang
Published: September 2024

Ultra‐high voltage (UHV) converter stations are critical nodes in power grids. This paper proposes a probabilistic framework for assessing and mitigating the seismic risk of UHV converter station systems to enhance the seismic performance of the grid. First, a Bayesian network model for the system functionality of UHV converter stations was established based on the enumeration of equipment failure scenarios. Conditional probability tables (CPTs) were used to represent the causal relationship among subsystems and system functionality. Inference calculations were conducted using Bayes’ theorem. Then, the definition of system seismic loss risk distribution was proposed to assess the seismic risk of the system over its entire lifespan. The feasibility of this framework was validated using a specific UHV converter station, yielding analytical solutions for the probability distribution of system functionality and seismic vulnerability curves. Additionally, the cost‐effectiveness of several risk mitigation strategies was assessed. A cost‐benefit analysis was performed from the perspectives of both the expected loss of a single earthquake and the life‐cycle cost. The framework comprehensively considered the constraints imposed by series, parallel, and bypass control devices on the system's functionality. It was revealed that the seismic loss risk for UHV converter stations exhibits a characteristic of low probability but high loss.
Site‐scale drivers of post‐fire vegetation regrowth in gullies: A case study in Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Martins Bruno , Pinheiro Catarina , Nunes Adélia , Bento‐Gonçalves António , Laranjeira Manuela
Published: September 2024

Mediterranean forests are very degraded, mainly due to the intensification of wildfires in recent decades, which, boosted by human activity, have contributed to the acceleration of erosion processes and soil degradation. Under certain conditions, this also contributes to the formation of gullies. The aim of this study is to identify and characterise gullies considering their morphological and topographical aspects and determine the factors that control vegetation regrowth in gullies in a Mediterranean environment after a wildfire. The gullies were identified based on the 2018 orthophotograph, after the large wildfire of October 2017 that affected the entire study area. To analyse the vegetation regrowth, we used the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from seven Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images (2017–2022). The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was selected to estimate the correlation between gully characteristics and vegetation regrowth. Before running the model, a multicollinearity test was conducted (VIF ≤ 10 and tolerance ≥ 0.1). Stepwise multiple regression was conducted in order to identify the independent variable that has a strong relationship with vegetation regrowth. A marginal effects plot was drawn up. The 38 gullies identified are in forest areas, mainly composed of pine (Pinus pinaster) trees (17 gullies) or a combination of pine trees and broadleaf (Eucalyptus globulus) trees (eight gullies). In all, invasive species are present in 11 gullies, alone (one gully), together with pine trees (four gullies) or with other species (six). The other gully has broadleaf trees. The vegetation in the gully channel recovered well in the year after the wildfire. In the following years there was growth at a slower rate until it reached similar values of NDVI in 2022, 5 years after the wildfire. Stepwise multiple regression (SMR) produced a solution with three models. The three derived dimensions covered 66.8% of the variance, considering the mean width, altitude and flow accumulation. The results can help to devise more effective management strategies for areas where the recurrence and intensity of wildfires have contributed very effectively to soil loss and degradation from gully erosion, with a view to a more resilient and sustainable territory.
Optimization of Thermal Performance in Lauric Acid‐Based Phase Change Materials Using a Priority Clustering Approach
Authors: Khan Osama , Parvez Mohd , Kumari Pratibha , Yahya Zeinebou , Alhodaib Aiyeshah , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Shukla Anoop Kumar
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the thermal properties of lauric acid (LA) as a phase change material (PCM) using the K‐Means clustering method to analyze the melting characteristics. This study focuses on the optimization of PCMs using a hybrid methodology of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and K‐Means clustering. LA, enhanced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, was evaluated for its thermal performance. LA's suitability as a PCM is evaluated based on initial temperature, heating rate, final temperature, and time to melt. AHP was employed to determine the weightage for three critical outcomes: latent heat, melting point, and thermal conductivity. The weightages assigned were 59%, 31%, and 11%, respectively, reflecting the relative importance of each outcome in assessing the efficiency of LA as a PCM. Furthermore, K‐Means clustering was then applied to categorize the data based on these weighted outcomes. AHP was utilized to determine the weightage of input parameters, assigning 27% to initial temperature, 15% to heating rate, and 22% to final temperature, underscoring their significance in the analysis. The optimal input conditions identified were an initial temperature of 24.8°C, a ieating rate of 5.6°C/min, a final temperature of 81.4°C, and a time to melt of 10.6 min. These conditions resulted in optimal outcomes of 208 J/g for latent heat, a melting point of 80.9°C, and a thermal conductivity of 0.21 W/m·K. This hybrid approach provides a robust framework for optimizing PCM performance, facilitating enhanced thermal energy storage and release in practical applications.
Physicochemical properties of oleaster extract and the role of oleaster antioxidants on oxidative induced DNA damage
Authors: Şahin Saliha , Aybastıer Önder
Published: September 2024

Oleaster (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) is a plant with high medicinal value and economic and nutritional importance, which has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Oleaster contains phenolic compounds that have the ability to prevent a wide variety of diseases. In this study antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total carbohydrate content were found as 108.70 ± 0.20 μg GAE/g of oleaster extract, 28.80 ± 0.01 μg TE/g of oleaster extract, and 15.40 ± 0.01 mg D‐glucose/g of oleaster extract, respectively. The oleaster extract was analyzed using the HPLC‐DAD system. The results showed rutin, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid. The protective abilities of rutin, caffeic acid, protocatechuic acid, ferulic acid, and oleaster extract were tested against the oxidation of DNA. The mix of phenolic compounds (inhibited about 93.29% of the damage) and oleaster extract (inhibited about 94.14% of the damage) showed better protect DNA against oxidation than phenolic compounds. The results obtained from this study are guiding for new applications involving the physicochemical properties of oleaster extract with high antioxidant properties for food applications.
Site Formation Processes at Tinshemet Cave, Israel: Micro‐Stratigraphy, Fire Use, and Cementation
Authors: García Pedro , Zaidner Yossi , Nicosia Cristiano , Shahack‐Gross Ruth
Published: September 2024

Recent excavations at the Middle Paleolithic site of Tinshemet Cave, Israel, showcase hominin burials and associated material culture that uniquely provide new information on hominin behavior in the south Levant around 120–100 ky ago. This study presents the site's stratigraphy in association with findings from sediment micromorphological analyses, shedding light on natural and anthropogenic site formation processes as well as human activities. Results indicate that two main types of sediment have been deposited—wood ash and reworked Terra Rossa soil—mixed to various degrees across the stratigraphic units. Hominin occupation started shortly after a partial roof collapse, intermittent with carnivore presence (Unit C). Hominin occupation increased and included the use of fire, flint knapping, cooking, and burial (Unit B), and increased even more (Unit A, Layer III) with more burials, intensive use of fire, cooking, knapping, trampling, and dumping. Anthropogenic sediments are largely cemented by secondary calcite that originates from recrystallized ash; however, intact hearths are absent due to syn‐ and postdepositional processes such as extensive bioturbation, cementation of the deposits, and trampling. Other postdepositional processes include fissuring and surface erosion. This study presents the importance of micromorphology to disentangle natural, anthropogenic, depositional, and postdepositional processes to better understand hominin behavior.
Neuronal and glial cell alterations involved in the retinal degeneration of the familial dysautonomia optic neuropathy
Authors: Schultz Anastasia , Albertos‐Arranz Henar , Sáez Xavier Sánchez , Morgan Jamie , Darland Diane C. , Gonzalez‐Duarte Alejandra , Kaufmann Horacio , Mendoza‐Santiesteban Carlos E. , Cuenca Nicolás , Lefcort Frances
Published: September 2024

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a rare genetic neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorder. In addition to the autonomic and peripheral sensory neuropathies that challenge patient survival, one of the most debilitating symptoms affecting patients' quality of life is progressive blindness resulting from the steady loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Within the FD community, there is a concerted effort to develop treatments to prevent the loss of RGCs. However, the mechanisms underlying the death of RGCs are not well understood. To study the mechanisms underlying RGC death, Pax6‐cre;Elp1loxp/loxp male and female mice and postmortem retinal tissue from an FD patient were used to explore the neuronal and non‐neuronal cellular pathology associated with the FD optic neuropathy. Neurons, astrocytes, microglia, Müller glia, and endothelial cells were investigated using a combination of histological analyses. We identified a novel disruption of cellular homeostasis and gliosis in the FD retina. Beginning shortly after birth and progressing with age, the FD retina is marked by astrogliosis and perturbations in microglia, which coincide with vascular remodeling. These changes begin before the onset of RGC death, suggesting alterations in the retinal neurovascular unit may contribute to and exacerbate RGC death. We reveal for the first time that the FD retina pathology includes reactive gliosis, increased microglial recruitment to the ganglion cell layer (GCL), disruptions in the deep and superficial vascular plexuses, and alterations in signaling pathways. These studies implicate the neurovascular unit as a disease‐modifying target for therapeutic interventions in FD.
Decreased sialylation elicits complement‐related microglia response and bipolar cell loss in the mouse retina
Authors: Cuevas‐Rios German , Assale Tawfik Abou , Wissfeld Jannis , Bungartz Annemarie , Hofmann Julia , Langmann Thomas , Neumann Harald
Published: September 2024

Sialylation plays an important role in self‐recognition, as well as keeping the complement and innate immune systems in check. It is unclear whether the reduced sialylation seen during aging and in mice heterozygous for the null mutant of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine 2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase (Gne+/−), an essential enzyme for sialic acid biosynthesis, contributes to retinal inflammation and degeneration. We found a reduction of polysialic acid and trisialic acid expression in several retinal layers in Gne+/− mice at 9 months of age compared to Gne+/+ wildtype (WT) mice, which was associated with a higher microglial expression of the lysosomal marker CD68. Furthermore, the total number of rod bipolar cells was reduced in 12 months old Gne+/− mice in comparison to WT mice, demonstrating loss of these retinal interneurons. Transcriptome analysis showed up‐regulation of complement, inflammation, and apoptosis‐related pathways in the retinas of Gne+/− mice. Particularly, increased gene transcript levels of the complement factors C3 and C4 and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine Il‐1β were observed by semi‐quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (sqRT‐PCR) in 9 months old Gne+/− mice compared to WT mice. The increased expression of CD68, loss of rod bipolar cells, and increased gene transcription of complement factor C4, were all prevented after crossing Gne+/− mice with complement factor C3‐deficient animals. In conclusion, our data show that retinal hyposialylation in 9 and 12 months old Gne+/− mice was associated with complement‐related inflammation and lysosomal microglia response, as well as rod bipolar cells loss, which was absent after genetic deletion of complement factor C3.
Ferritin loss in astrocytes reduces spinal cord oxidative stress and demyelination in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model
Authors: Smith Z. , Cheli V. T. , Angeliu C. G. , Wang C. , Denaroso G. E. , Tumuluri S. G. , Corral J. , Garbarini K. , Paez P. M.
Published: September 2024

Demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) cause myelin degradation and oligodendrocyte death, resulting in the release of toxic iron and iron‐induced oxidative stress. Astrocytes have a large capacity for iron transport and storage, however the role of astrocytic iron homeostasis in demyelinating disorders is not completely understood. Here we investigate whether astrocytic iron metabolism modulates neuroinflammation, oligodendrocyte survival, and oxidative stress following demyelination. To this aim, we conditionally knock out ferritin in astrocytes and induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an autoimmune‐mediated model of demyelination. Ferritin ablation in astrocytes reduced the severity of disease in both the acute and chronic phases. The day of onset, peak disease severity, and cumulative clinical score were all significantly reduced in ferritin KO animals. This corresponded to better performance on the rotarod and increased mobility in ferritin KO mice. Furthermore, the spinal cord of ferritin KO mice display decreased numbers of reactive astrocytes, activated microglia, and infiltrating lymphocytes. Correspondingly, the size of demyelinated lesions, iron accumulation, and oxidative stress were attenuated in the CNS of ferritin KO subjects, particularly in white matter regions of the spinal cord. Thus, deleting ferritin in astrocytes reduced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and myelin deterioration in EAE animals. Collectively, these findings suggest that iron storage in astrocytes is a potential therapeutic target to lessen CNS inflammation and myelin loss in autoimmune demyelinating diseases.
Comparison between EEG and MEG of static and dynamic resting‐state networks
Authors: Cho SungJun , van Es Mats , Woolrich Mark , Gohil Chetan
Published: September 2024

The characterisation of resting‐state networks (RSNs) using neuroimaging techniques has significantly contributed to our understanding of the organisation of brain activity. Prior work has demonstrated the electrophysiological basis of RSNs and their dynamic nature, revealing transient activations of brain networks with millisecond timescales. While previous research has confirmed the comparability of RSNs identified by electroencephalography (EEG) to those identified by magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), most studies have utilised static analysis techniques, ignoring the dynamic nature of brain activity. Often, these studies use high‐density EEG systems, which limit their applicability in clinical settings. Addressing these gaps, our research studies RSNs using medium‐density EEG systems (61 sensors), comparing both static and dynamic brain network features to those obtained from a high‐density MEG system (306 sensors). We assess the qualitative and quantitative comparability of EEG‐derived RSNs to those from MEG, including their ability to capture age‐related effects, and explore the reproducibility of dynamic RSNs within and across the modalities. Our findings suggest that both MEG and EEG offer comparable static and dynamic network descriptions, albeit with MEG offering some increased sensitivity and reproducibility. Such RSNs and their comparability across the two modalities remained consistent qualitatively but not quantitatively when the data were reconstructed without subject‐specific structural MRI images.
‘Our culture makes us strong’: Understanding and working with community strengths among Aboriginal people in western Sydney
Authors: Gardner K. , Graham S. , Beadman M. , Doyle M. , Wilms J. , Beetson K. , Bryant J. , Martin K. , Treloar C. , Murphy D. , Bell S. , Browne A. , Aggleton P. , Bolt R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Strengths‐based approaches to health care are often seen as an alternative to deficit‐based approaches and are common in Aboriginal health settings. Despite this, there is little existing research that describes Aboriginal peoples' perspectives about the strengths of their communities. This paper describes cultural strengths and resources as understood by Aboriginal people living in western Sydney.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data from two communities on Dharug and Dharrawal Country in western Sydney Australia. Data come from a larger study, which focused on how cultural strengths supported sexual well‐being. Fifty‐two interviews were conducted with Aboriginal young people (aged 16–24 years) by trained peer interviewers. Additionally, 16 interviews with Aboriginal adults (25 years and older) were conducted by members of the research team.

Findings and Discussion

While opinions varied, four key areas of cultural strength were identified: (1) strong kinship relationships; (2) knowledge sharing; (3) shared experiences, identities, and values; and (4) knowing Country. Throughout these four themes, the sense of connection and belonging is viewed as an important overarching theme.

Conclusion

Communities are not homogenous with regard to what they view as cultural strengths. Knowing Country and practising culture meant different things to different individuals while providing a similar sense of belonging, connection, and identity.

So What

Health service providers, policies, and programs can use this information to understand the continuing impacts of past policies and events whilst recognising that each community has strengths that can be drawn upon to improve service engagement, knowledge sharing, and health outcomes.
Development of temperamental regulation of infants at 6 and 24 months: Associations with maternal soothing and distress
Authors: Nakagawa Atsuko , Matsuki Taro , Tomida Makiko , Miyachi Taishi , Ebara Takeshi , Kamijima Michihiro
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

In the neurobiological theory of attention, the orienting network mainly supports the temperamental regulatory function in infancy, with soothing methods such as visual attention distraction influencing its development. The attention distraction method chosen for soothing is thought to be influenced by maternal sensitivity, which has been found to decrease with poor maternal mental health. We hypothesize that the degree of maternal distress may affect the choice of attention distraction soothing method. Further, individual differences in being soothed by attention distraction will be associated with the temperamental regulation function in infancy/toddlerhood.

Method

Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted on longitudinal data at 6 and 24 months on a sample (N = 1892) drawn from the sub‐cohort of the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Temperament was examined through the short Infant Behavior Questionnaire‐Revised (Japanese version) and the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (Japanese version). Distress in caregivers was measured through the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (Japanese version) at prenatal and 1‐year‐postnatal stages. Individual differences in using visual distraction soothing methods were also measured using tailor‐made items.

Results

Postnatal maternal distress at 12 months was negatively related to the tendency to use visual attention distraction as a soothing method (β = −0.06, p = 0.006) at 24 months. When we applied the subscale of the temperamental regulatory factor in SEM, the more the mothers chose the distraction method for soothing, i.e., the more the toddlers experienced it, the higher their attention shifting scores (β = 0.07, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The findings support the view that caregivers' choice of method for distracting offspring's attention from distress may be associated with the development of self‐regulation during infancy and toddlerhood.
Moisture conditions are limiting evapotranspiration changes of Alpine mountains of Qilian Mountains
Authors: Wang Yunying , Li Zongxing , Xue Jian , Si Lanping , Xu Chong
Published: September 2024

Variations in evapotranspiration and their sensitivity to controlling variables are pivotal for comprehending water balance dynamics and climate change, particularly in high‐altitude regions such as the Qilian mountains. Environmental shifts are bound to disrupt local water cycles and balance, with significant implications for these alpine areas. To enhance our understanding of evapotranspiration variability across different altitudes within the Qilian Mountains' high‐elevation region and to assess the model's adaptability and responsiveness to environmental factors, our study involved measuring actual evapotranspiration at three distinct elevations. This was achieved using meteorological stations and continuous data from a weighing‐type microlysimeter at the Shaliu River basin's gradients of 3797, 4250 and 4303 m, spanning the growing seasons from June 2020 to October 2022. We utilized 10 models to calculate the value of reference evapotranspiration, which were then matched against actual evapotranspiration data to identify the most appropriate model. Our research found that across the three elevation gradients, the daily average evapotranspiration were 3.663, 3.845 and 4.317 mm day−1, respectively. Across the three elevations, with consistent intra‐annual fluctuations. Notably, August experienced the highest monthly evapotranspiration at 4.750 mm day−1, and reach peak at 10:00 and 15:00 on the three elevation gradients. The results from the simulation of the 10 models indicate that the Dalton model is more suitable for our study area compared with the other models, showing the best R2, root mean square error and percentage error values. Partial least squares regression analysis, coupled with an enhanced regression tree model, identified precipitation as the most critical factor, with a variable importance in projection score of 2.079, contributing 52.6% to evapotranspiration. Collectively, precipitation were identified as key factors influencing evapotranspiration variability within our research area. Our study's insights are valuable for anticipating the impacts of future climate change. This conclusion is instrumental for refining water budget projections in Alpine regions under climate change scenarios.
The synthesis of novel unnatural amino acid by intramolecular aza‐Michael addition reaction as multitarget enzyme inhibitors
Authors: Abul Nurgül , Tüzün Burak , Gülçin İlhami , Atmaca Ufuk
Published: September 2024

Synthesis of novel unnatural amino acids (UAAs) from 4‐oxo‐4‐phenylbut‐2‐enoic acid derivatives with intramolecular aza‐Michael addition reaction in the presence of chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (CSI) was reported in soft conditions without any metal catalyst. Acids and base as a catalyst, and solvents effects were investigated for the synthesis of novel UAAs. This novel method provides inexpensive, practicable, and efficient approach to generate UAAs. The use of UAAs has attracted great interest in the development of therapeutic agents and drug discovery to improve their properties. In this context, in addition to the synthesis of new UAAs, their inhibition effects on important metabolic enzymes of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrases I and II (hCA I and II) enzymes were investigated. The compound 2g showed the best inhibition for CA I and AChE enzymes, while compound 2i exhibited the best inhibition profile against CA II isoenzyme. The inhibition values of these compounds were found as 1.85 ± 0.64 for AChE, 0.53 ± 0.07 for hCA I, 0.44 ± 0.15 µM for hCA II, respectively, and they showed a stronger inhibitory property than acetazolamide (standard inhibitor for hCA I and II) and tacrine (standard inhibitor for AChE) molecules. The activity of the studied molecule against different proteins that are hCA I (PDB ID: 2CAB), hCA II (PDB ID: 5AML), and AChE (PDB ID: 1OCE) was examined. Finally, the drug properties of the studied molecule were examined by performing absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity analysis.
A Narrative Review of Bedaquiline and Delamanid: New Arsenals Against Multidrug‐Resistant and Extensively Drug‐Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ahmad Khosravi Nazanin , Sirous Mehrandokht , Khosravi Azar Dokht , Saki Morteza
Published: September 2024

Background

The treatment of multidrug‐resistant (MDR‐) and extensively drug‐resistant tuberculosis (XDR‐TB) is a formidable challenge. Treatment of MDR‐ and XDR‐TB using bedaquiline (BDQ) and delamanid (DLM), two newly introduced medications, is steadily increasing. This narrative review aimed to present a concise overview of the existing information regarding BDQ and DLM, and elucidate their antimicrobial characteristics, resistance mechanisms, synergism with other drugs, and side effects.

Methods

To collect the required information about the antimicrobial properties, a search for scientific evidence from the Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases was performed, and all recently published articles up to May 2024 were considered.

Results

BDQ had potent antimicrobial effects on various types of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), including rapid‐growing and slow‐growing species, and MDR/XDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The mechanisms of BDQ resistance in M. tuberculosis primarily involve mutations in three genes: atpE, mmpR (Rv0678) and pepQ. BDQ may have synergistic effects when combined with DLM, pyrazinamide, and pretomanid/linezolid. BDQ has a low incidence of side effects. The use of BDQ may prolong the QTc interval. Similarly, DLM showed potent antimicrobial effects on NTM and MDR/XDR M. tuberculosis. The main resistance mechanisms to DLM are induced by mutations in fbiA, fbiB, fbiC, fgd1, and ddn genes. The DLM had synergistic effects with BDQ and moxifloxacin. The DLM also has few side effects in some patients including QTc prolongation.

Conclusion

BDQ and DLM are suitable antibiotics with few side effects for the treatment of MDR/XDR‐TB. These antibiotics have synergistic effects when combined with other antituberculosis drugs.
Motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand: A mixed methods study
Authors: Kaminski Michelle R. , Whittaker Glen A. , Robinson Caroline , Cotchett Matthew , Ho Malia , Munteanu Shannon E. , Dollinger Mollie , Kazantzis Sia , Li Xia , Causby Ryan S. , Frecklington Mike , Walmsley Steven , Chuter Vivienne , Casey Sarah L. , Hugo Burke , Bonanno Daniel R.
Published: September 2024

Background

Podiatry enrolments at Australian and New Zealand universities have decreased by 17.3% since 2015, which threatens the profession's sustainability and the health and wellbeing of Australian and New Zealand people and communities. Reasons for this decline remain unclear due to insufficient evidence on factors influencing career choices. The overarching aim of this study was to identify motivators and barriers for studying podiatry in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

This study used a convergent mixed methods design. Students enrolled in (i) podiatry and (ii) relevant non‐podiatry health, sport or science programs at nine Australian and one New Zealand university, were invited to participate in an online survey. First‐year podiatry students were also invited to participate in an online workshop. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and linear/logistic regression models. Three independent assessors used inductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data.

Results

Overall, 278 podiatry students (mean age 24.9 ± 8.5 years, 65.1% female) and 553 non‐podiatry students (mean age 24.8 ± 8.2 years, 75.4% female; 32.2% from physiotherapy and 29.1% from occupational therapy) responded to the survey. Interest in a health‐related career, wanting to make a difference to people's health, and opportunity to care for people from different backgrounds/age groups were key motivating factors among podiatry students. Barriers to studying podiatry were encountered by 28.1% of podiatry students. Thematic analysis identified seven themes concerning career choice, which are as follows: (i) awareness of profession and scope of practice; (ii) stereotypes and negative perceptions of the profession; (iii) awareness of career pathways; (iv) job prospects and earning potential; (v) working with people and building relationships; (vi) podiatry is not the first preference; and (vii) barriers which limit student enrolment.

Conclusions

There are a variety of factors that motivate and influence students to study podiatry, however, altruistic reasons are most highly rated. Allied health students have limited understanding of the scope of practice and career opportunities in podiatry. Additionally, the podiatry profession often faces negative stereotypes. Further work is required to reverse the negative stereotypes and perceptions of podiatry and build knowledge of the profession's scope of practice, career pathways/opportunities, job prospects and earning potential.
High‐risk screening for late‐onset Pompe disease in China: An expanded multicenter study
Authors: Jiao Kexin , Zhu Bochen , Chang Xueli , Guo Junhong , Fu Jun , Song Xueqin , Yu Xuen , Zhang Xiaoge , Dong Jihong , Yan Wang , Luan Xinghua , Wang Zhiqiang , Han Hong , Du Lijun , Yu Liqiang , Zhang Yali , Zhang Jingjing , Chen Yan , Hu Jing , Zhao Zhe , Kang Juan , Tan Song , Wang Zhiyun , Mao Shanshan , Qian Fangyuan , Luo Ronghua , Liu Changxia , Huang Zhengyu , Li Gang , Li Xia , Luo Lijun , Li Dong , Zhou Yuanlin , Hu Xiafei , Yu Xuefan , Shi Yongguang , Jiang Jianming , Zhang Jialong , Cheng Nachuan , Wang Ningning , Xia Xingyu , Yue Dongyue , Gao Mingshi , Xi Jianying , Luo Sushan , Lu Jiahong , Zhao Chongbo , Ke Qing , Ma Mingming , Zhu Wenhua
Published: September 2024

Late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is caused by a genetic deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid alpha‐glucosidase (GAA), leading to progressive limb‐girdle weakness and respiratory impairment. The insidious onset of non‐specific early symptoms often prohibits timely diagnosis. This study aimed to validate the high‐risk screening criteria for LOPD in the Chinese population. A total of 726 patients were included, including 96 patients under 14 years of age. Dried blood spots (DBS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) were employed to evaluate serum GAA activity. Forty‐four patients exhibited a decreased GAA activity, 16 (2.2%) of which were confirmed as LOPD by genetic testing. Three previously unreported GAA mutations were also identified. The median diagnostic delay was shortened to 3 years, which excelled the previous retrospective studies. At diagnosis, most patients exhibited impaired respiratory function and/or limb‐girdle weakness. Elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels were more frequently observed in patients who manifested before age 16. Overall, high‐risk screening is a feasible and efficient method to identify LOPD patients at an early stage. Patients over 1 year of age with either weakness in axial and/or proximal limb muscles, or unexplained respiratory distress shall be subject to GAA enzymatic test, while CK levels above 2 times the upper normal limit shall be an additional criterion for patients under 16. This modified high‐risk screening criteria for LOPD requires further validation in larger Chinese cohorts.
Predictive Value of Angle of Progression in Term Nulliparous Women
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhang Aohua , Zheng Zhijuan , Zhang Xinling
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This study aims to explore the correlation between the angle of progression (AOP) and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) for term nulliparous women before the onset of labor. Additionally, it evaluates the diagnostic efficacy of AOP in predicting SVD in term nulliparous women.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, data from nulliparous women without contraindications for vaginal delivery, with a singleton pregnancy ≥37 weeks, and before the onset of labor were included. Transperineal ultrasound was performed to collect AOP. The date and mode of delivery were tracked, to assess the correlation between AOP and SVD in term nulliparous women. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of AOP in predicting SVD for term nulliparous women.

Results

The SVD‐failure (SVD‐f) group exhibited a significantly lower AOP compared with the SVD group (88.43° vs 95.72°, P < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that AOP was associated with SVD in term nulliparous women (OR = 1.051). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the area under the ROC curve with AOP 84° as the threshold was 0.663, with a sensitivity of 85.25% and specificity of 43.18%. Considering a sensitivity and specificity of 90%, the dual cut‐off values for term nulliparous women for SVD were 81° and 104°, respectively.

Conclusions

A positive correlation was identified between AOP and SVD for nulliparous women after 37 weeks and before the onset of labor. Notably, term nulliparous women with AOP exceeding 104° exhibited a higher probability of SVD.
Addressing Responsivity‐Noise Trade‐Off by Van der Waals Multilayer Two‐Phase Heterojunction for Large LDR Organic Photodetectors
Authors: He Meiyu , Han Jiayue , Li Chunyu , Han Chao , Han Xingwei , Du Xiaoyang , Luo Hanwen , Yu He , Gou Jun , Wu Zhiming , Wang Jun
Published: September 2024

One of the main challenges most organic photodiodes (OPDs) facing is to overcome the traditional trade‐off between ultralow dark current and high responsivity (R) in existing research. Here, van der Waals multilayer OPD based on water transfer printing method, termed hybrid bulk‐heterojunction (BHJ)/planar‐heterojunction (PHJ) (B‐PHJ) framework, is constructed making certain the high‐quality interface and novel two‐phase energy band alignment between the active and barrier layer with noise suppression and photovoltaic complement simultaneously. The prepared OPD exhibits the combined advantages of ultralow dark current (0.2 nA cm−2 at −1 V) and high responsivity (0.49 A W−1 at 850 nm). As a result, these superimposed effects enable the device to feature a superior liner dynamic range (LDR) of 210 dB and a specific detectivity of 1014 Jones to address the conventional responsivity‐noise trade‐off. The results reveal that the balance dynamics of charge transfer and charge blocking in van der Waals hybrid two‐phase framework OPD, may inspire the development of next OPDs. Finally, its diverse practical application potential is demonstrated through long‐distance misaligned photoplethysmography (PPG) measurement.
A nonlocal Kirchhoff diffusion problem with singular potential and logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Tan Zhong , Yang Yi
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we investigate the following fractional Kirchhoff‐type pseudo parabolic equation driven by a nonlocal integro‐differential operator
:

where
represents the Gagliardo seminorm of
. Instead of imposing specific assumptions on the Kirchhoff function, we introduce a more general sense to establish the local existence of weak solutions. Moreover, via the sharp fractional Hardy inequality, the decay estimates for global weak solutions, the blow‐up criterion, blow‐up rate, and the upper and lower bounds of the blow‐up time are derived. Lastly, we discuss the global existence and finite time blow‐up results with high initial energy.
A new visual State Space Model for low‐dose CT denoising
Authors: Huang Jiexing , Zhong Anni , Wei Yajing
Published: September 2024

Background

Low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) can mitigate potential health risks to the public. However, the severe noise and artifacts in LDCT images can impede subsequent clinical diagnosis and analysis. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers stand out as the two most popular backbones in LDCT denoising. Nonetheless, CNNs suffer from a lack of long‐range modeling capabilities, while Transformers are hindered by high computational complexity.

Purpose

In this study, our main goal is to develop a simple and efficient model that can both focus on local spatial context and model long‐range dependencies with linear computational complexity for LDCT denoising.

Methods

In this study, we make the first attempt to apply the State Space Model to LDCT denoising and propose a novel LDCT denoising model named Visual Mamba Encoder‐Decoder Network (ViMEDnet). To efficiently and effectively capture both the local and global features, we propose the Mixed State Space Module (MSSM), where the depth‐wise convolution, max‐pooling, and 2D Selective Scan Module (2DSSM) are coupled together through a partial channel splitting mechanism. 2DSSM is capable of capturing global information with linear computational complexity, while convolution and max‐pooling can effectively learn local signals to facilitate detail restoration. Furthermore, the network uses a weighted gradient‐sensitive hybrid loss function to facilitate the preservation of image details, improving the overall denoising performance.

Results

The performance of our proposed ViMEDnet is compared to five state‐of‐the‐art LDCT denoising methods, including an iterative algorithm, two CNN‐based methods, and two Transformer‐based methods. The comparative experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ViMEDnet can achieve better visual quality and quantitative assessment outcomes. In visual evaluation, ViMEDnet effectively removes noise and artifacts, while exhibiting superior performance in restoring fine structures and low‐contrast structural edges, resulting in minimal deviation of denoised images from NDCT. In quantitative assessment, ViMEDnet obtains the lowest RMSE and the highest PSNR, SSIM, and FSIM scores, further substantiating the superiority of ViMEDnet.

Conclusions

The proposed ViMEDnet possesses excellent LDCT denoising performance and provides a new alternative to LDCT denoising models beyond the existing CNN and Transformer options.
Identifying biochemical changes in the kidney using proton nuclear magnetic resonance in an adenine diet chronic kidney disease mouse model
Authors: Humphries Tyrone L. R. , Gobe Glenda C. , Urquhart Aaron J. , Ellis Robert J. , Galloway Graham J. , Vesey David A. , Francis Ross S.
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic changes in the kidneys in a murine adenine–diet model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Kidney fibrosis is the common pathological manifestation across CKD aetiologies. Sustained inflammation and fibrosis cause changes in preferred energy metabolic pathways in the cells of the kidney. Kidney cortical tissue from mice receiving a control or adenine‐supplemented diet for 8 weeks (late inflammation and fibrosis) and 12 weeks (8 weeks of treatment followed by 4 weeks recovery) were analysed by 2D‐correlated nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and compared with histopathology and biomarkers of kidney damage. Tissue metabolite and lipid levels were assessed using the MestreNova software. Expression of genes related to inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism were measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Animals showed indicators of severely impaired kidney function at 8 and 12 weeks. Significantly increased fibrosis was present at 8 weeks but not in the recovery group suggesting some reversal of fibrosis and amelioration of inflammation. At 8 weeks, metabolites associated with glycolysis were increased, while lipid signatures were decreased. Genes involved in fatty acid oxidation were decreased at 8 weeks but not 12 weeks while genes associated with glycolysis were significantly increased at 8 weeks but not at 12 weeks. In this murine model of CKD, kidney fibrosis was associated with the accumulation of triglyceride and free lactate. There was an up‐regulation of glycolytic enzymes and down‐regulation of lipolytic enzymes. These metabolic changes reflect the energy demands associated with progressive kidney disease where there is a switch from fatty acid oxidation to that of glycolysis.
The effectiveness of a modified Manchester Triage System for geriatric patients: A retrospective quantitative study
Authors: Li Baiyu , Zhang Zhufeng , Li Keye , Deng Yayin
Published: September 2024

Aim

Geriatric patients are increasingly dominating the daily routine in emergency department (ED). The atypical clinical presentation of disease, multimorbidity, frailty and cognitive impairment of geriatric patients pose particular challenges for triage in the ED. Efficient and accurate emergency triage plays a key role in differentiating between geriatric patients who need timely treatment and those who can wait safely. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the modified Manchester Triage System (mMTS) in classifying geriatric patients.

Design

An observational retrospective study.

Methods

A retrospective study of 18,796 geriatric patients (≥65 years) attending the ED of a tertiary care hospital in Zhejiang province between 1 June 2020 and 30 June 2022. Baseline information on patients was collected and divided into two different study groups according to triage level: high priority (red/orange) and low priority (yellow/green). The sensitivity and specificity of the mMTS were estimated by verifying the triage classification received by the emergency geriatric patients and their survival at 7 days or the need for acute surgery within 72 h.

Results

The study included a total of 17,764 geriatric patients with a median age of 72 years in ED. 10.7% (1896/17,764) of the geriatric patients were assigned to the high priority code group (red/orange) and 89.3% (15,868/17,764) were in the low priority code group (yellow/green). The sensitivity of the mMTS associated with death within 7 days was 85.7% (77.5–91.4), specificity was 89.8% (89.3–90.2), and accuracy was 89.8% (89.3–90.2). 1.8% of patients required surgery within 72 h. The sensitivity was 62.6% (57.0–67.9), specificity was 90.3% (89.8–90.7), and negative predictive value was 99.2% (99.0–99.4).

Conclusions

The mMTS has good specificity, accuracy and negative predictive value for geriatric patients. However, its incorrect prediction of triage in high‐priority code patients results in lower sensitivity, which may serve as a protective strategy for these individuals. The current emergency triage system does not completely screen geriatric patients with severe acute illness who present to the ED, and it is necessary to add comprehensive assessment tools that match the characteristics of geriatric patients to improve triage outcomes.
Error bound of the multilevel fast multipole method for 3‐D scattering problems
Authors: Meng Wenhui
Published: September 2024

The multilevel fast multipole method (MLFMM) is widely used to accelerate the solutions of acoustic and electromagnetic scattering problems. In the expansions and translation operators of the MLFMM for 3‐D scattering problems, some special functions are used, including spherical Bessel functions, spherical harmonics and Wigner symbol. This makes it difficult to analyze the truncation errors. In this paper, we first give sharp bounds for the truncation errors of the expansions used in the MLFMM, then derive the overall error formula of the MLFMM and estimate its upper bound, the result is finally applied to the cube octree structure. Some numerical examples are performed to validate the proposed results. The method in this paper can also be used to the MLFMM for other 3‐D problems, such as potential problems, elastostatic problems, Stokes flow problems and so on.
Influence of impact loading on creep, damage and fracture of metals
Authors: Breslavsky Dmytro , Tatarinova Oksana , Altenbach Holm
Published: September 2024

The approach to modeling the stress‐strain state during creep damage processes in long beams, which receives an impact loading on their surface, is presented. Both problems are solved by use of the finite element method (FEM). Stress distributions obtained in impact solution are further used as additional initial conditions in the analysis of the effect of impact loading on creep. The creep and damage accumulation in beams with isotropic and transversally isotropic creep properties were analyzed. The essential role of impact loading leading to plastic deformation in creep damage and fracture processes is demonstrated.
Towards an analysis of damage progression in concrete pavements using machine learning and computer vision
Authors: Garita‐Durán Hellen , Elizondo‐Arrieta Fabian , Barrantes‐Jiménez Roy , Kaliske Michael
Published: September 2024

In the field of pavement damage analysis, long‐term damage monitoring and assessment remain a formidable challenge due to the dynamic nature of damage development and environmental changes. This study presents preliminary progress towards a system for tracking and analyzing the progression of pavement deterioration over time using image datasets of real concrete pavement. The research focuses on specific road sections, with annual data collection over three years, resulting in a time‐series dataset with detailed spatiotemporal information. The proposed methodology integrates GPS data for precise location mapping and employs advanced image analysis techniques to consistently identify and monitor pavement damages across different time frames. Image rectification and alignment processes are applied to ensure comparability in detail and orientation. The current status of the project is presented, including initial implementations of the methodology, limitations encountered, and suggestions for improvement in data collection. The goal is to establish a robust and replicable methodology that facilitates understanding the evolution of pavement damage. This spatiotemporal matching approach aims to lay the foundation for agencies to monitor the progression of issues and enable timely interventions throughout the pavement life cycle.