bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OH Radical‐Induced Oxidation in Nucleosides and Nucleotides Unraveled by Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Yining , Clavaguéra Carine , Indrajith Suvasthika , Houée‐Levin Chantal , Berden Giel , Oomens Jos , Scuderi Debora
Published: September 2023

OH⋅‐induced oxidation products of DNA nucleosides and nucleotides have been structurally characterized by collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID‐MS2) and Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. CID‐MS2 results have shown that the addition of one oxygen atom occurs on the nucleobase moiety. The gas‐phase geometries of +16 mass increment products of 2’‐deoxyadenosine (dA(O)H+), 2’‐deoxyadenosine 5’‐monophosphate (dAMP(O)H+), 2’‐deoxycytidine (dC(O)H+), and 2’‐deoxycytidine 5’‐monophosphate (dCMP(O)H+) are extensively investigated by IRMPD spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical calculations. We show that a carbonyl group is formed at the C8 position after oxidation of 2’‐deoxyadenosine and its monophosphate derivative. For 2’‐deoxycytidine and its monophosphate derivative, the oxygen atom is added to the C5 position to form a C−OH group. IRMPD spectroscopy has been employed for the first time to provide direct structural information on oxidative lesions in DNA model systems.
Comparative efficacy of materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fasoulas Athanasios , Keratiotis Georgios , Spineli Loukia , Pandis Nikos , De Bruyne Mieke A. A. , De Moor Roeland J.G. , Meire Maarten A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Different materials have been used for capping the pulp after exposure during caries removal in permanent teeth. The purpose of this study was to collate and analyze all pertinent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different materials used in patients undergoing pulpotomy or direct pulp capping in carious teeth.

Materials and Methods

Trials comparing two or more capping agents used for direct pulp capping (DPC) or pulpotomy were considered eligible. An electronic search of four databases and two clinical trial registries was carried out up to February 28, 2021 using a search strategy properly adapted to the PICO framework. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias (RoB) assessment of primary studies were performed in duplicate and independently. The primary outcome was clinical and radiological success; secondary outcomes included continued root formation, tooth discoloration, and dentin bridge formation.

Results

21 RCTs were included in the study. The RoB assessment indicated a moderate risk among the studies. Due to significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the studies, performing network meta‐analysis (NMA) was not possible. An ad hoc subgroup analysis revealed strong evidence of a higher success of DPC with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) compared to calcium hydroxide (CH) (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.66−5.79). MTA performed better than CH in pulp capping (both DPC and pulpotomy) of mature compared to immature teeth (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.81−6.17). The GRADE assessment revealed moderate strength of evidence for DPC and mature teeth, and low to very low strength of evidence for the remaining subgroups.

Conclusions

Considerable clinical and statistical heterogeneity among the trials did not allow NMA. The ad hoc subgroup analysis indicated that the clinical and radiographic success of MTA was higher than that of CH but only in mature teeth and DPC cases where the strength of evidence was moderate. PROSPERO Registration: number CRD42020127239.
Performance evaluation of five‐level packed U‐cell inverter and its fault‐tolerant variants
Authors: Rehman Haroon , Fahad Mohammad , Sarwar Adil , Tariq Mohd , Lin Chang‐Hua
Published: September 2023

In the power electronics industry, reliability is of utmost importance to manufacturers. Power semiconductor devices are extensively utilized in multilevel inverters (MLIs), which results in increased failure probability. MLI structures have a significant impact on the system's overall reliability. MLIs with a high degree of reliability reduce system maintenance costs and improve efficiency and the life of the entire system. This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of five‐level packed U‐cell (PUC5) inverter, modified five‐level PUC (MPUC5) inverter, and their fault‐tolerant (FT) variants with respect to reliability, degree of fault tolerance, power loss and efficiency, and cost. A more accurate reliability evaluation method is used in this work in which failure rates of each component of inverter topologies under healthy and post‐fault conditions are calculated. Hence, this method provides more accurate reliability function of an MLI topology as compared to other methods in which failure rates are assumed to be same for all switches. Typhoon HIL‐402 emulator is used to demonstrate the FT capabilities of topologies in hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) environments.
Controller parameters design of a fractional‐order LCL‐type grid‐connected inverter
Authors: Jiang Yuanhuai , Wang Xiaogang
Published: September 2023

The grid‐connected inverter (GCI) based on the fractional‐order LCL (FOLCL) filter can achieve good attenuation of resonant peak and simplify the control system design by omitting the capacitor current feedback as long as the orders of the inductor and capacitor are set appropriately. This paper investigates the parameter design methods of four types of controllers based on a single‐phase FOLCL‐type GCI without capacitor current feedback; the four controllers are the integer‐order proportional integral controller, fractional‐order proportional integral controller, integer‐order proportional resonance controller, and fractional‐order proportional resonance controller. Closed‐loop constraints based on steady‐state error, phase margin, and gain margin are given to design the specific parameters of each controller. The methods can accurately and quickly obtain the appropriate controller parameters to meet the system performance requirements without repeated trial and error. Simulations and hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments verify the validity of the theoretical analyses.
Long noncoding RNA Regulating ImMune Escape regulates mixed lineage leukaemia protein‐1‐H3K4me3‐mediated immune escape in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhou Wei‐Yi , Luo Xiao‐Jing , Chen Yan‐Xing , Wong Chau‐Wei , Liu Ze‐Xian , Bo Zheng Jia‐ , Yu Mo Hai‐ , Chen Jun‐Quan , Li Jia‐Jun , Zhong Ming , Xu Yu‐Hong , Zhang Qi‐Hua , Pu Heng‐Ying , Wu Qi‐Nian , Jin Ying , Wang Zi‐Xian , Xu Rui‐Hua , Luo Hui‐Yan
Published: September 2023

Background

Predictive biomarkers for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) immunotherapy are lacking, and immunotherapy resistance remains to be addressed. The role of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in ESCC immune escape and immunotherapy resistance remains to be elucidated.

Methods

The tumour‐associated macrophage‐upregulated lncRNAs and the exosomal lncRNAs highly expressed in ESCC immunotherapy nonresponders were identified by lncRNA sequencing and polymerase chain reaction assays. CRISPR‐Cas9 was used to explore the functional roles of the lncRNA. RNA pull‐down, MS2‐tagged RNA affinity purification (MS2‐TRAP) and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) were performed to identify lncRNA‐associated proteins and related mechanisms. In vivo, the humanized PBMC (hu‐PBMC) mouse model was established to assess the therapeutic responses of specific lncRNA inhibitors and their combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Single‐cell sequencing, flow cytometry, and multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry were used to analyze immune cells infiltrating the tumour microenvironment.

Results

We identified a lncRNA that is involved in tumour immune evasion and immunotherapy resistance. High LINC02096 (RIME) expression in plasma exosomes correlates with a reduced response to PD‐1 mAb treatment and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, RIME binds to mixed lineage leukaemia protein‐1 (MLL1) and prevents ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 2 (ASB2)‐mediated MLL1 ubiquitination, improving the stability of MLL1. RIME‐MLL1 increases H3K4me3 levels in the promoter regions of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase 1 (IDO‐1), constitutively increasing the expression of PD‐L1/IDO‐1 in tumour cells and inhibiting CD8+ T cells infiltration and activation. RIME depletion in huPBMC‐NOG mice significantly represses tumour development and improves the effectiveness of PD‐1 mAb treatment by activating T‐cell‐mediated antitumour immunity.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the RIME‐MLL1‐H3K4me3 axis plays a critical role in tumour immunosuppression. Moreover, RIME appears to be a potential prognostic biomarker for immunotherapy and developing drugs that target RIME may be a new therapeutic strategy that overcomes immunotherapy resistance and benefits patients with ESCC.
Phenotypic plasticity and genetic diversity shed light on endemism of rare Boechera perstellata and its potential vulnerability to climate warming
Authors: Boyd Jennifer Nagel , Baskauf Carol , Lindsey Annie , Anderson Jill T. , Brzyski Jessica , Cruse‐Sanders Jennifer
Published: September 2023

The rapid pace of contemporary environmental change puts many species at risk, especially rare species constrained by limited capacity to adapt or migrate due to low genetic diversity and/or fitness. But the ability to acclimate can provide another way to persist through change. We compared the capacity of rare Boechera perstellata (Braun's rockcress) and widespread B. laevigata to acclimate to change. We investigated the phenotypic plasticity of growth, biomass allocation, and leaf morphology of individuals of B. perstellata and B. laevigata propagated from seed collected from several populations throughout their ranges in a growth chamber experiment to assess their capacity to acclimate. Concurrently, we assessed the genetic diversity of sampled populations using 17 microsatellite loci to assess evolutionary potential. Plasticity was limited in both rare B. perstellata and widespread B. laevigata, but differences in the plasticity of root traits between species suggest that B. perstellata may have less capacity to acclimate to change. In contrast to its widespread congener, B. perstellata exhibited no plasticity in response to temperature and weaker plastic responses to water availability. As expected, B. perstellata also had lower levels of observed heterozygosity than B. laevigata at the species level, but population‐level trends in diversity measures were inconsistent due to high heterogeneity among B. laevigata populations. Overall, the ability of phenotypic plasticity to broadly explain the rarity of B. perstellata versus commonness of B. laevigata is limited. However, some contextual aspects of our plasticity findings compared with its relatively low genetic variability may shed light on the narrow range and habitat associations of B. perstellata and suggest its vulnerability to climate warming due to acclimatory and evolutionary constraints.
PopEquus: A predictive modeling tool to support management decisions for free‐roaming horse populations
Authors: Folt Brian , Schoenecker Kathryn A. , Ekernas L. Stefan , Edmunds David R. , Hannon Mark
Published: September 2023

Feral horse (Equus caballus) population management is a challenging problem around the world because populations often exhibit density‐independent growth, can exert negative ecological effects on ecosystems, and require great cost to be managed. However, strong value‐based connections between people and horses cause contention around management decisions. To help make informed decisions, natural resource managers might benefit from more detailed understanding of how horse management alternatives, including combinations of removals and fertility control methods, could achieve objectives of sustainable, multiple‐use ecosystems while minimizing overall horse handling and fiscal costs. Here, we describe a modeling tool that simulates horse management alternatives and estimates trade‐offs in predicted metrics related to population size, animal handling, and direct costs of management. The model considers six management actions for populations (removals for adoption or long‐term holding; fertility control treatment with three vaccines, intrauterine devices, and mare sterilization), used alone or in combination. We simulated 19 alternative management scenarios at 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐year management return intervals and identified efficiency frontiers among alternatives for trade‐offs between predicted population size and six management metrics. Our analysis identified multiple alternatives that could maintain populations within target population size ranges, but some alternatives (e.g., removal and mare sterilization, removal and GonaCon treatment) performed better at minimizing overall animal handling requirements and management costs. Cost savings increased under alternatives with more effective, longer lasting fertility control techniques over longer management intervals compared with alternatives with less‐effective, shorter lasting fertility control techniques. We built a user‐friendly website application, PopEquus, that decision makers and interested individuals can use to simulate management alternatives and evaluate trade‐offs among management and cost metrics. Our results and website application provide quantitative trade‐off tools for horse population management decisions and can help support value‐based management decisions for wild or feral horse populations and ecosystems at local and regional scales around the world.
The kinocardiograph for assessment of fluid status in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Herkert Cyrille , De Lathauwer Ignace , van Leunen Mayke , Spee Rudolph Ferdinand , Balali Paniz , Migeotte Pierre‐Francois , Hossein Amin , Lu Yuan , Kemps Hareld Marijn Clemens
Published: September 2023

Aims

To improve telemonitoring strategies in heart failure patients, there is a need for novel non‐obtrusive sensors that monitor parameters closely related to intracardiac filling pressures. This proof‐of‐concept study aims to evaluate the responsiveness of cardiac kinetic energy (KE) measured with the Kinocardiograph (KCG), consisting of a seismocardiographic (SCG) sensor and a ballistocardiographic (BCG) sensor, during treatment of patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Methods and results

Eleven patients with acute decompensated heart failure who were hospitalized for treatment with intravenous diuretics received daily KCG measurements. The KCG measurements were compared with the diameter of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and body weight. Follow‐up stopped at discharge, that is, in the recompensated state. Median (interquartile range) weight and IVC diameter decreased significantly after diuretic treatment [weight 74.5 (67.6–98.7) to 73.3 (66.7–95.6) kg, P = 0.003; IVC diameter 2.47 (2.33–2.99) to 1.78 (1.65–2.47) cm, P = 0.03]. In contrast with BCG measurements, significant changes in median KE measured with SCG were observed during the passive filling phase of the diastole [SGG: 0.48 (0.39–0.60) to 0.69 (0.56–0.84), P = 0.026; BCG: 0.68 (0.46–0.73) to 0.68 (0.59–0.82), P = 0.062], the active filling phase of the diastole [SCG: 0.38 (0.30–0.61) to 0.31 (0.09–0.47), P = 0.016; BCG: 0.29 (0.17–0.39) to 0.26 (0.20–0.34), P = 0.248], and the ratio between the passive and active filling phases [SCG: 2.76 (1.68–5.30) to 5.02 (3.13–10.17), P = 0.006; BCG: 5.87 (3.57–7.55) to 5.27 (3.95–9.43), P = 0.790]. The correlations between changes in KE during the passive and active filling phases, using SCG, and changes in weight or IVC were non‐significant. Systolic KE did not show significant changes.

Conclusion

KE measured with the KCG using SCG is highly responsive to changes in fluid status. Future research is needed to confirm its accuracy in a larger study population and specifically its application for detection of clinical deterioration in the home‐environment.
Major adverse kidney events predict reduced survival in ventricular assist device supported patients
Authors: Barua Sumita , Conte Sean M. , Cherrett Callum , Kearney Katherine L. , Robson Desiree , Bragg Christopher , Macdonald Peter S. , Muthiah Kavitha , Hayward Christopher S.
Published: September 2023

Aims

There is limited data describing major adverse kidney events (MAKE) in patients supported with ventricular assist devices (VAD). We aim to describe the association between MAKE and survival, risk factors for MAKE, and renal trajectory in VAD supported patients.

Methods and results

We conducted a single‐centre retrospective analysis of consecutive VAD implants between 2010 and 2019. Baseline demographics, biochemistry, and adverse events were collected for the duration of VAD support. MAKE was defined as the first event to occur of sustained drop (>50%) in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), progression to stage V chronic kidney disease, initiation or continuation of renal replacement therapy beyond implant admission or death on renal replacement therapy at any time. One‐hundred and seventy‐three patients were included, median age 56.8 years, 18.5% female, INTERMACS profile 1 or 2 in 75.1%. Thirty‐seven patients experienced MAKE. On multivariate analysis, post‐implant clinical right ventricular failure and the presence of chronic haemolysis, defined by the presence of schistocytes on blood film analysis, were significantly associated with increased risk of MAKE (adjusted odds ratio 9.88, P < 0.001 and adjusted odds ratio 3.33, P = 0.006, respectively). MAKE was associated with reduced survival (hazard ratio 4.80, P < 0.001). Patients who died or experienced MAKE did not demonstrate the expected transient 3‐month improvement in eGFR, seen in other cohorts.

Conclusions

MAKE significantly impacts survival. In our cohort, MAKE was predicted by post‐implant right ventricular failure and chronic haemolysis. The lack of early eGFR improvement on VAD support may indicate higher risk for MAKE.
Early steps in the biogenesis of mitochondrially encoded oxidative phosphorylation subunits
Authors: Jung Sung‐jun , Sridhara Sagar , Ott Martin
Published: September 2023

The complexes mediating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in the inner mitochondrial membrane consist of proteins encoded in the nuclear or the mitochondrial DNA. The mitochondrially encoded membrane proteins (mito‐MPs) represent the catalytic core of these complexes and follow complicated pathways for biogenesis. Owing to their overall hydrophobicity, mito‐MPs are co‐translationally inserted into the inner membrane by the Oxa1 insertase. After insertion, OXPHOS biogenesis factors mediate the assembly of mito‐MPs into complexes and participate in the regulation of mitochondrial translation, while protein quality control factors recognize and degrade faulty or excess proteins. This review summarizes the current understanding of these early steps occurring during the assembly of mito‐MPs by concentrating on results obtained in the model organism baker's yeast.
Symbolic Regression of Upstream, Stormwater, and Tributary E. Coli Concentrations Using River Flows
Authors: Jagupilla Sarath Chandra K. , Vaccari David A. , Miskewitz Robert , Su Tsan‐Liang , Hires Richard I.
Published: September 2023

Symbolic regression was used to model E. coli concentrations of upstream boundary, tributaries, and stormwater in the lower Passaic River at Paterson, New Jersey. These models were used to simulate boundary concentrations for a water quality analysis simulation program to model the river. River flows from upstream and downstream boundaries of the study area were used as predictors. The symbolic regression technique developed a variety of candidate models to choose from due to multiple transformations and model structures considered. The resulting models had advantages such as better goodness‐of‐fit statistics, reasonable bounds to outputs, and smooth behavior. The major disadvantages of the technique are model complexity, difficulty to interpret, and overfitting. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiencies of the models ranged from 0.61 to 0.88, and they adequately captured the upstream boundary, tributary, and stormwater concentrations. The results suggest symbolic regression can have significant applications in the areas of hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and water quality modeling.
Narrow and wide replication of Chalfin and McCrary (REStat, 2018)
Authors: Crudu Federico , Moharir Advait
Published: September 2023

We undertake a narrow and wide replication of "Are US Cities Underpoliced? Theory and Evidence" by Chalfin and McCrary. Using data from medium to large cities in the United States from 1960 to 2010, the authors estimate the effect of police on crime. To correct for the presence of measurement error, they propose to combine the information from two proxies of the police variable within the generalized method of moments framework. Throughout our replication exercise, we find that, in general, the original results are robust to computation in R compared to STATA and to the inclusion of more recent data (until 2019).
Nondestructive and high‐resolution monitoring of inflammation‐type skull defects regeneration on adult zebrafish with optical coherence tomography
Authors: Gao Weijian , Zhang Yiqing , Zhang Yuanhan , Yuan Zishan , Chen Keer , Xie Weilin , Li Dan , Zhang Jian , Zhang Lan
Published: September 2023

Optimized animal models and effective imaging techniques are exceedingly important to study cranial defects in bone loss due to chronic inflammation. In this study, the assessment procedure on a zebrafish inflammation‐type skull defects model was monitored in vivo with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and the efficacy of etidronate disodium in bone regeneration was assessed. An acute skull defect injury model was established in adult zebrafish using a stereotaxic craniotomy device. SD‐OCT imaging was performed immediately following the mechanical injury. Both SD‐OCT and immunohistochemistry results demonstrated an increase in inflammation‐induced skull destruction within 5 days, which was confirmed by pathological experiments.
Isoquercitrin promotes ferroptosis and oxidative stress in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via the AMPK/NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Luo Xinggu , Gong Yongqian , Jiang Qingshan , Wang Qin , Li Songtao , Liu Lijun
Published: September 2023

Isoquercitrin has been discovered with various biological properties, including anticancer, anti‐inflammation, antioxidation, and neuroprotection. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of isoquercitrin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to disclose its potential regulating mechanisms. CNE1 and HNE1 cells were treated with various concentrations of isoquercitrin. Ferrostatin‐1 (Fer‐1, a ferroptosis inhibitor) and alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA, an activator of the AMP‐activated protein kinase [AMPK] pathway) treatments were conducted to verify the effects of isoquercitrin, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and lipid peroxidation were determined, respectively. GPX4 expression and ferroptosis‐ and pathway‐related protein expression were measured. A xenograft tumor model was constructed by subcutaneously inoculating CNE1 cells into the middle groin of each mouse. We found that the IC50 values of CNE1 and HNE1 cells were 392.45 and 411.38 μM, respectively. CNE1 and HNE1 viability and proliferation were both markedly reduced with the increasing concentration of isoquercitrin. ROS generation and lipid peroxidation were both enhanced with declined ferroptosis‐related markers under isoquercitrin treatment. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway, the AMPK pathway, and the interleukin (IL)‐1β expression were all markedly suppressed by isoquercitrin. Moreover, isoquercitrin restrained the tumor growth and enhanced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in vivo. Interestingly, both Fer‐1 and ALA treatments distinctly offset isoquercitrin‐induced effects in vitro and in vivo. These findings indicated that isoquercitrin might enhance oxidative stress and ferroptosis in NPC via AMPK/NF‐κB p65 inhibition.
Transfer of functions based on equivalence class formation using musical stimuli
Authors: Martins Thiago H. S. , Rodrigues Raone M. , Araújo Felipe C. O. , Cedro Átila M. , Bortoloti Renato , Varella André A. B. , Huziwara Edson M.
Published: September 2023

Empirical evidence has supported that musical excerpts written in major and minor modes are responsible for evoking happiness and sadness, respectively. In this study, we evaluated whether the emotional content evoked by musical stimuli would transfer to abstract figures when they became members of the same equivalence class. Participants assigned to the experimental group were submitted to a training procedure to form equivalence classes comprising musical excerpts (A) and meaningless abstract figures (B, C, and D). Afterward, transfer of function was evaluated using a semantic differential. Participants in the control group showed positive semantic differential scores for major mode musical excerpts, negative scores for minor mode musical excerpts, and neutral scores for the B, C, and D stimuli. Participants in the experimental groups showed positive semantic differential scores for visual stimuli equivalent to the major modes and negative semantic differential scores for visual stimuli equivalent to the minor modes. These results indicate transfer of function of emotional content present in musical stimuli through equivalence class formation. These findings could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of using emotional stimuli in equivalence class formation experiments and in transfer of function itself.
Liver stereotactic body radiation therapy without fiducial or retained ethiodized oil guidance warrants greater than 5 mm planning target volumes
Authors: Breazeale Alec , Rahmani Ramtin , Gallagher Kyle , Nabavizadeh Nima
Published: September 2023

Introduction

For liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), the placement of fiducial markers or retained ethiodized oil by transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) provides a landmark for consistent target localisation. TACE and fiducial markers are invasive procedures that harbour additional risks. We hypothesise that liver SBRT can be accurately delivered without the use of these invasive surrogate markers.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 50 consecutive patients who underwent liver SBRT with respiratory motion management to a single lesion which exhibited retained ethiodized oil per prior TACE delivery. For each SBRT fraction, two manual rigid image registrations were performed by the treating physician. One using the liver contour as a surrogate for the target and second aligning only to the radio‐opaque retained ethiodized oil of the treated lesion. The magnitude of the displacement vector between the two registration methods was used to assess the accuracy of target localisation if ethiodized oil was not present.

Results

For the 50 patients, a total of 244 analysable cone‐beam CTs (CBCTs) were included (six CBCTs excluded due to poor ethiodized oil visualisation). Respiratory motion management techniques consisted of active breathing control for 13 and abdominal compression for 37 patients. Forty‐two patients had peripheral lesions and eight had central lesions (<2 cm from left and right portal veins). The average target localisation offset between the two registration methods (i.e. liver contour vs. retained ethiodized oil alignment) for patients with a single peripheral or central liver lesion was 5.8 and 5.3 mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Across all patients, the average change in target position exceeded 5 mm for image registration methods based on the liver contour alone versus the retained ethiodized oil region. This suggests that margins greater than 5 mm may be required for respiratory motion‐managed liver SBRT treatments in patients who do not undergo prior TACE or fiducial placement.
Clinical, epidemiological, and genomic characteristics of a seasonal influenza A virus outbreak in Beijing: A descriptive study
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Gu Li
Published: September 2023

China experienced a severe influenza season that began at the end of February 2023. The aim of this post hoc analysis was to investigate the clinical, epidemiological, and genomic features of this outbreak in Beijing. The number of cases increased rapidly from the end of February and reached its peak in March, with 7262 confirmed cases included in this study. The median age was 33 years, and 50.3% of them were male. The average daily positive rate reached 69% during the peak period. The instantaneous reproduction number (Rt) showed a median of 2.1, exceeded 2.5 initially, and remaining above 1 for the following month. The most common symptoms were fever (75.0%), cough (51.0%), and expectoration (42.9%), with a median body temperature of 38.5°C (interquartile range 38–39). Eight clinical symptoms were more likely to be observed in cases with fever, with odds ratio greater than 1. Viral shedding time ranged from 3 to 25 days, with median of 7.5 days. The circulating viruses in Beijing mainly included H1N1pdm09 (clades 5a.2a and 5a.2a.1), following with H3N2 (clade 2a.2a.3a.1). The descriptive study suggests that influenza viruses in this influenza season had a higher transmissibility and longer shedding duration, with fever being the most common symptom.
Modes Trimming and Clustering in a Weakly Perturbed High‐Q Whispering Gallery Microresonator
Authors: Fu Botao , Gao Renhong , Lin Jintian , Yao Ni , Zhang Haisu , Wang Min , Qiao Lingling , Fang Wei , Cheng Ya
Published: September 2023

In general, a high‐quality (Q) microresonator can accommodate abundant whispering gallery modes (WGMs) with the mode number increasing with the dimensional sizes of the microresonator. Removing the unnecessary modes while reorganizing the remaining modes is of vital importance, which, however, has been proved challenging and usually results in a tradeoff with the Q of the microresonator. Here, an effective and controllable mode trimming and clustering mechanism is revealed underlying the generation of polygon and star modes in weakly perturbed tapered fiber‐coupled lithium niobate whispering gallery microresonators. Experimentally, various polygon and star modes are observed in sequence within a single microresonator by tuning the excitation wavelength or varying the coupling position between a tapered fiber and the circular microresonator, which can be well reproduced with the theoretical model. The finding offers a ubiquitous solution for a broad range of applications requiring elaborate selection and organization of the high‐Q WGMs.
A new method of reinforcing graphene nanoplatelets in glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Malik K. , Ahmad F. , Yunus N. A. , Nakato T. , Mouri E. , Dawood S. , Memon I. R.
Published: September 2023

This research aims to develop a method for the amalgamation of graphene nanoplatelets in glass/epoxy composites. The poor interface bonding between the fiber and matrix is critical and hinders the full performance of the composites. Glass fabric and epoxy were used as reinforcement and matrix in the composite, respectively. Graphene nanoplatelets were utilized as an additional nano‐materials filler for the composites. Glass/graphene/epoxy and glass/epoxy composites were fabricated via vacuum infusion molding. The new method of applying graphene nanoplatelets as secondary reinforcement in the composite was developed based on proper functionalization in the sonication process. The physical, tensile, flexural, and short beam interlaminar properties of fabricated composites were examined to analyze the method's effectiveness. The results showed that density decreased by around 5 %; however, thickness increased by around 34 % after introducing graphene nanoplatelets into the composites. The tensile strength and modulus of the composites declined by approximately 19 %, on the other hand, flexural strength and modulus increased by around 63.3 % and 8.3 %, respectively, after the addition of graphene nanoplatelets into the composites. Moreover, interlaminar shear strength of the composite was enhanced by approximately 50 %.
What factors do physical therapists consider when determining patient prognosis: A mixed methods study
Authors: Smith Matthew P. , Tracy Brad , Soncrant Jason , Young Jodi L. , Rhon Daniel I. , Cook Chad E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

A prognosis provides valuable information to expected progress and anticipated outcome over the course of care. Although it is known that physical therapists can accurately prognose, it is unknown what factors are utilised in clinical practice.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic domains and factors that influenced a PT's clinical reasoning processes.

Design

Mixed Methods Design, affirming the prognostic ability of the physical therapists and the qualitative exploration of the prognostic factors considered by physical therapists.

Methods

Twenty‐nine physical therapists participated in this study. Participants underwent semi‐structured qualitative interviews that were coded to populate a prognostic framework. In addition, de‐identified patient data was used to determine the ability of the PT to form a prognosis. Linear regression was used to determine if an initial prognostic score was related to function at discharge.

Results

There were significant relationships (p = <0.05) between the prognosis score and Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes (B = 2.25), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (B = 0.257), and GROC (B = 0.289) upon patient discharge. Qualitative factors were categorised into prognostic domains (prevalence): Mood, Motivation, Pain Behaviours (100%), Disease Severity (93.1%), Health Status (86.2%), Social, Occupation, Environmental (67.0%), and Genetics, Biology, Biomarkers (44.8%). Factors that did not fit established domains were reported and categorised as Other (86.2%).

Conclusion

Our findings support the relationship between PT prognosis of patients with musculoskeletal pain and patient outcomes. In addition, the domains and factors PTs use to formulate prognosis during evaluation present a complex biopsychosocial framework, suggesting that PTs consider factors from multiple domains when forming a prognosis.
Energy‐based model order reduction for linear stochastic Galerkin systems of second order
Authors: Pulch Roland
Published: September 2023

We consider a second‐order linear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) including random variables. A stochastic Galerkin method yields a larger deterministic linear system of ODEs. We apply a model order reduction (MOR) of this high‐dimensional linear dynamical system, where its internal energy represents a quadratic quantity of interest. We investigate the properties of this MOR with respect to stability, passivity and energy dissipation. Numerical results are shown for a system modelling a mass‐spring‐damper configuration.
Coupled strain and temperature gradient analysis in curved surfaces
Authors: Müller‐Lohse Lutz , Tröger Jendrik‐Alexander , Hartmann Stefan
Published: September 2023

A common method in experimental mechanics is 3D digital image correlation (DIC) for determining deformations of curved surfaces, whereby the motion of material points is measured. The temperatures induced by the deformation of surfaces or by other heat sources are of particular interest as well. In this context, surface temperatures can be measured using infrared thermography systems. However, the disadvantage of this approach is that a thermographic camera only provides the two‐dimensional temperature distribution (plane images) of three‐dimensionally curved surfaces. Thus, the temperature and temperature gradients on the curved surface assigned to material points cannot be specified. However, for particular problems the temperature and the motion of material points are of particular interest. In the literature, planar problems are studied and simplifying assumptions are made so that a simple coupling of thermography and DIC is possible. In contrast, this contribution presents a method where 3D DIC is coupled with thermography in such a way that the temperature, temperature gradient, as well as displacement and strain distributions at material points of curved surfaces can be determined over temporal processes. The method also allows a continuous strain and temperature gradient determination over the entire domain, since a special class of functions named radial basis functions is used for interpolating the measured data.
The classical unsteady boundary layer: A numerical study
Authors: Kaczvinszki Markus , Braun Stefan
Published: September 2023

The transition process from a laminar to turbulent flow near a solid wall (e.g., at the suction side of a slender airfoil) is still not fully understood. We focus on the early stage of the flow transition based on boundary layer (BL) theory, that is, high Reynolds number asymptotic expansions, which reduce the Navier–Stokes equations into simplified forms. While steady solutions of the resulting classical BL equations and corresponding regularisations based on viscous–inviscid interaction theory are studied quite extensively, there is only few information about the fully time‐dependent scenario. Hence, we numerically study the classical unsteady BL and its breakdown structure, the Van Dommelen–Shen singularity, on the simplest example we can imagine, the incompressible planar fluid flow through a rectangular channel with suction. The depicted BL builds at the lower channel wall and follows initially a generic Blasius behaviour, which gets temporally modulated through suction by means of a slot located at the upper wall. As usual, the main part of the flow is inviscid and governed by Laplace's equation. Remarkably, the wall‐slip velocity, or alternatively the pressure gradient imposed on the BL, can be calculated in closed form and we have full control of its temporal dependency through the variation of the applied suction strength. This specific flow configuration allows us to split off the initial Blasius solution and promises high‐accuracy solutions of the remaining unsteady BL equation in the scaled stream function formulation. The Chebyshev collocation is used in the wall‐normal direction, where the infinite domain is mapped onto [ − 1, 1]. On the contrary, we discretise the mainstream direction with a finite difference scheme of second‐order accuracy, which proved to be more precise near the build‐up of singularities. In order to trigger a dynamic breakdown of the unsteady BL equations, we increase the suction rate continuously from zero to a level slightly above the critical value (obtained from the steady case). As a consequence, the system cannot relax to a steady solution and instead blows up in finite time at some mainstream position. We try to resolve this process with high resolution and the final goal is to verify the inner structure (the two‐dimensional blow‐up profile) of the Van Dommelen–Shen singularity and its role in flow separation and transition.
Discrete nonlinear elastodynamics in a port‐Hamiltonian framework
Authors: Kinon Philipp L. , Thoma Tobias , Betsch Peter , Kotyczka Paul
Published: September 2023

We provide a fully nonlinear port‐Hamiltonian formulation for discrete elastodynamical systems as well as a structure‐preserving time discretization. The governing equations are obtained in a variational manner and represent index‐1 differential algebraic equations. Performing an index reduction, one obtains the port‐Hamiltonian state space model, which features the nonlinear strains as an independent state next to position and velocity. Moreover, hyperelastic material behavior is captured in terms of a nonlinear stored energy function. The model exhibits passivity and losslessness and has an underlying symmetry yielding the conservation of angular momentum. We perform temporal discretization using the midpoint discrete gradient, such that the beneficial properties are inherited by the developed time stepping scheme in a discrete sense. The numerical results obtained in a representative example are demonstrated to validate the findings.
A strategy to prepare high‐robust and ultra‐tough polylactic acid/polycaprolactone/talc composites with thermo‐resistance
Authors: Xia Yingbo , Qian Shaoping , Lu Wen , Zhang Zhaoyan , Cheng Huifan , Sheng Kuichuan
Published: September 2023

Blending with ductile polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the common toughening methods for polylactic acid (PLA). However, it seems inevitable to experience a trade‐off in mechanical strength and thermal stability of PLA. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA/PCL blends by adding different contents of talc (0–10 wt%) and conducting annealing treatments. Interestingly, the maximum tensile strength (52.04 MPa), elongation at break (83.51%), and impact strength (6.05 kJ/m2) were achieved by incorporating 2.5 wt% talc into the blends without annealing. Meanwhile, the addition of just 1 wt% talc shortened the semi‐crystallization time of PLA to one‐third of the neat PLA at 100°C. Particularly, after annealing treatment, the crystallinity of PLA increased to 32.1%, and the Vicat softening temperature reached as high as 133.3°C with 2.5 wt% talc. Importantly, the increase in crystallinity did not compromise the toughness of PLA composites but significantly enhanced the impact strength to 8.91 kJ/m2. This study provides an updated understanding of the relationship between toughness and crystallinity in PLA composites.

Highlights

Thermo‐resistance of polylactic acid (PLA) composite increases to 133.3°C.

Talc aids nucleation and promotes PLA crystallization.

Increased crystallinity and high toughness are simultaneously realized.

Adding 1 wt% talc reduced PLA semi‐crystallization time by one‐third.

Crystal transformation and sea‐islands structure are vital for reinforcements.
Confined self‐assembly of block copolymers in emulsion droplets: Preparation, shape and internal structure, and applications
Authors: Yan Nan , Song Yuqing , Zhu Yutian
Published: September 2023

Confined assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) in emulsion droplets receives considerable attention since self‐assembly in flexible geometry pioneers an efficient yet promising route to prepare unconventional polymer materials that cannot be acquired in the bulk state or solution. The deformability and interfacial property regulation of the soft emulsion droplets offer tremendous potential for the design and construction of BCP nanoparticles with desired shape and internal nanostructures. This review summarizes the recent developments of BCP assembly behavior in three‐dimensional (3D) soft oil emulsion droplets, including preparation methods, shape and internal structure control, as well as advanced applications of the generated BCP materials. Typical experimental parameters and post processes, including intrinsic property of BCPs, surfactant property, confinement degree, interfacial instability, additives, evaporation rate, post‐annealing, and disassembly, that have significant influence on the precise control and regulation of emulsion interface properties and the prepared assembly structures are well systematically summarized. Finally, the challenges and further perspective in this area are presented.
Association between plasma lysophosphatidic acid levels and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm infants: A prospective study
Authors: Li Huitao , Huang Zilu , Yang Chuanzhong , Han Dongshan , Wang Xuan , Qiu Xiaomei , Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Xueyu
Published: September 2023

Background

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is implicated in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) pathogenesis, but clinical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to investigate LPA levels in preterm infants with and without BPD and explore LPA as a biomarker for predicting BPD occurrence.

Methods

Premature infants with a gestational age of <28 weeks or a birth weight of <1000 g were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at postnatal day (PD) 7, 28, and postmenstrual age (PMA) 36 weeks, and plasma LPA levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis determined the PD 28 cutoff for LPA, and multivariable regression analyzed LPA's independent contribution to BPD and exploratory outcomes.

Result

Among the 91 infants enrolled in this study, 35 were classified into the non‐BPD group and 56 into the BPD group. Infants with BPD had higher plasma LPA levels at PD 28 (6.467 vs. 4.226 μg/mL, p = 0.034) and PMA 36 weeks (2.330 vs. 1.636 μg/mL, p = 0.001). PD 28 LPA level of 6.132 μg/mL was the cutoff for predicting BPD development. Higher PD 28 LPA levels (≥6.132 μg/mL) independently associated with BPD occurrence (OR 3.307, 95% CI 1.032–10.597, p = 0.044). Higher LPA levels correlated with longer oxygen therapy durations [regression coefficients (β) 0.147, 95% CI 0.643–16.133, p = .034].

Conclusions

Infants with BPD had higher plasma LPA levels at PD 28 and PMA 36 weeks. Higher PD 28 LPA levels independently associated with an increased BPD risk.
Diameter of ductus arteriosus on postnatal Day 7 is associated with late pulmonary hypertension in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Huang Zilu , Cheng Xiaoqin , Lin Bingchun , Zhao Jie , Huang Zhifeng , Xiong Xiaoyun , Yang Chuanzhong , Chen Xueyu
Published: September 2023

Objectives

A clinically feasible biomarker for pulmonary hypertension (PH) prediction is still lacking. Thus, we aim to assess the association between ductus arteriosus (DA) diameter and PH in extremely preterm infants.

Study Design

A retrospective case‐control study was performed to compare the diameter of DA in infants with and without late PH. Propensity scores were calculated to match the gestational age in two groups with a match ratio of 1:2. The diameter of DA was measured by echocardiography on postnatal Days 3 and 7.

Results

A total of 91 infants were included in the study. The diagnosis of late PH was made in 32 infants between postnatal life of 28−159 days. Univariable analysis showed that late PH was associated with birth weight, invasive mechanical ventilation, hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA), duration of PDA exposure, the rate of surgical ligation, and diameter of DA on postnatal Days 3 and 7. After adjusting for these selected factors, the diameter of DA measured on postnatal Day 7 was independently associated with the risk of late PH (odds ratios: 5.511, 95% confidence interval: 1.552−19.562, p = .008). Receiver operator curve analysis indicated that 1.95 mm in DA diameter on postnatal Day 7 was the cutoff value for late PH with an area under the curve of 0.697.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DA diameter (larger than or equal to 1.95 mm) on postnatal Day 7 might serve as a predictor for late PH in extremely preterm infants.