bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis and Conversion Between Actiwatch and ActiGraph Open-Source Counts
Authors: Lee Paul H. , Neishabouri Ali , Tse Andy C.Y. , Guo Christine C.
Published: August 2023

Body-worn sensors have contributed to a rich and growing body of literature in public health and clinical research in the last decades. A major challenge in sensor research is the lack of consistency and standardization of the collection and reporting of the sensor data. The algorithms used to derive these activity counts can be vastly different between manufactures and not always transparent to the researchers. With Philips, one of the major research-grade wearable device manufacturers, discontinuing this product line, many researchers are left in need of alternative solutions and at the risk of not being able to relate their historical data using the Philips Actiwatch 2 devices to future findings with other devices. We herein provide a comparison analysis and conversion method that can be used to convert activity counts from Philips to those from ActiGraph, another major manufacturer who provide both raw acceleration data and count data based on their open-source algorithm to the research community. This work provides an approach to maximize the scientific value of historical actigraphy data collected by the Actiwatch devices to support research continuity in this community. The conversion, however, is not perfect and only offers an approximation, due to the intrinsic difference in the count algorithms between the two accelerometers, and the permanent information loss during data reduction. We encourage future research using body-worn sensors to retain the raw sensor data to ensure data consistency, comparability, and the ability to leverage future algorithm improvement.
Hydration and Performance in Young Triathletes During a Competition in Tropical Climate
Authors: Rivera-Brown Anita M. , Pagán-Lassalle Patricia
Published: August 2023

Purpose: We examined fluid intake, the relation between body mass (BM) loss and performance, and core temperature in young triathletes during a competition in tropical climate. Methods: Fluid intake and pre and post BM were measured in 35 adolescent athletes, and core temperature was measured in one female and one male. Results: Mean urine specific gravity (1.024 [0.007]) indicated that athletes were in suboptimal state of hydration upon waking. Race time was 73.2 (8.0) minutes. BM decreased by 0.6 (0.3) kg (P < .05). Fluid intake (528.5 [221.6] mL) replaced 47% of the fluid loss (1184.9 [256.4] mL) and was higher during run (11.5 [6.6] mL·min−1) compared to bike (7.3 [3.1] mL·min−1), P < .01. Loss in BM was ≥1.0% in 66% and ≥1.5% in 29% of the athletes. Males showed a moderate association between percentage loss in BM and finishing time (r = −.52), higher sweat rates (1.0 [0.3] L·h−1), and faster times (69.4 [7.5] min; P < .05). Core temperature rose to 40.1 °C in the female and 39.6 °C in the male. Conclusion: Young triathletes competing in a hot/humid climate became mildly to moderately dehydrated and hyperthermic even when water and sports drinks were available but did not show symptoms of heat illness.
Complete genome sequence of the broad host range
Acinetobacter baumannii
phage EAb13
Authors: Margulieux Katie R. , Bird Jordan T. , Kevorkian Richard T. , Ellison Damon W. , Nikolich Mikeljon P. , Mzhavia Nino , Filippov Andrey A.
Published: August 2023

We describe the genome of a lytic phage EAb13 isolated from sewage, with broad activity against multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
. EAb13 is an unclassified siphovirus. Its genome consists of 82,411 bp, with 40.15% GC content, 126 protein-coding sequences, 1 tRNA, and 2,177 bp-long direct terminal repeats.
Methane Emission from Flooded Soils of Rice Paddies in Rostov Oblast
Authors: Gar’kusha D. N. , Fedorov Yu. A. , Tambieva N. S. , Mel’nikov E. V.
Published: August 2023

The methane fluxes to the atmosphere from the rice fields in the Rostov oblast (south of the European Russia) are analyzed using the results of field chamber measurements. In addition to the measurements of methane fluxes at the stages of rice seedlings and full ripeness, the concentrations of methane and hydrogen sulfide, Eh, pH, density, and moisture content are determined in water and different horizons of flooded paddy soils. The methane flux to the atmosphere from a rice paddy varies in the range of 0.195–0.531 mg CH4/(m2 h) and is on the average 2.1-fold higher at the stage of full ripeness as compared with the stage of seedlings. The rate of the methane flux to the atmosphere from the surface of dry soils separating rice paddies is on the average 4.9–12.1-fold lower as compared with the flux from the paddies, varying from 0.034 to 0.045 mg CH4/(m2 h). After flooding the rice paddies, the Eh values decrease in the soils isolated by a water layer and, as a consequence, the methane concentration in soils increases as well as its fluxes to the atmosphere. According to our assessment, the total methane emission from the rice fields in the Rostov oblast approximately reaches 1.253 t/day of 150 t/year, which accounts for 0.4–1.5% of the total methane emission from the soils of the Rostov oblast.
Effect of an avatar-based discharge education application on knowledge and behaviour in people after acute coronary syndrome: protocol for a pragmatic prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ellis Tiffany , Cheng Sonia , Zecchin Robert , Zwack Clara , Hyun Karice , Zhang Ling , Gallagher Robyn , Clark Robyn , Redfern Julie
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Many hospital presentations for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occur in people previously hospitalised with coronary heart disease (CHD), leading to increased costs and health burden. Secondary prevention education including a prehospital discharge plan is recommended for all individuals to reduce the risk of recurrence. However, many clinicians lack the time or support to provide education, and patients’ uptake of secondary prevention programmes is limited. An avatar-based education app is a novel and engaging way to provide self-delivered, evidence-based secondary prevention information during the hospital admission and remains accessible after discharge. This protocol aims to evaluate the effect of an avatar-based education app on individuals with ACS.

Methods and analysis

This protocol describes a prospective, randomised controlled trial with 3-month follow-up and blinded assessment of 72 participants. Intervention group participants will download the app onto their own device during the hospital admission and independently complete six interactive education modules based on the National Heart Foundation’s six steps to cardiac recovery. All participants will receive a text message reminder of the study after 3 weeks. Both groups will receive usual care consisting of bedside education and a pamphlet about cardiac rehabilitation. The primary outcome is knowledge of CHD, assessed using the Coronary Artery Disease Education Questionnaire II. Secondary outcomes include quality of life, response to heart attack symptoms, cardiac-related readmissions and mortality and modifiable cardiac risk factors. Engagement with the app will be evaluated objectively. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted, with between-group comparisons and 95% CIs of the primary outcome analysed using analysis of covariance, adjusting for baseline values.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. The results of this study will be disseminated via a peer-reviewed journal and research thesis.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001436763).
Absolute cardiovascular risk assessment by Australian early-career general practitioners: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Morgan Toby , Ralston Anna , Davey Andrew , Holliday Elizabeth G , Nelson Mark , Fielding Alison , van Driel Mieke , Tapley Amanda , Moad Dominica , Ball Jean , Presser Jennifer , Spike Neil , Magin Parker
Published: August 2023

Objective

To determine the prevalence and associations of general practice registrars’ performing absolute cardio-vascular risk (ACVR) assessment (ACVRa).

Design

A cross-sectional study employing data (2017–2018) from the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training project, an ongoing inception cohort study of Australian GP registrars. The outcome measure was whether an ACVRa was performed. Analyses employed univariable and multivariable regression. Analysis was conducted for all patient problems/diagnoses, then for an ‘at-risk’ population (specific problems/diagnoses for which ACVRa is indicated).

Setting

Three GP regional training organisations (RTOs) across three Australian states.

Participants

GP registrars training within participating RTOs.

Results

1003 registrars (response rate 96.8%) recorded details of 69 105 problems either with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait patients aged 35 years and older or with non-Indigenous patients aged 45 years and older. Of these problems/diagnoses, 1721 (2.5% (95% CI 2.4% to 2.6%)) involved an ACVRa. An ACVRa was ‘plausibly indicated’ in 10 384 problems/diagnoses. Of these, 1228 (11.8% (95% CI 11.2% to 12.4%)) involved ACVRa. For ‘all problems/diagnoses’, on multivariable analysis female gender was associated with reduced odds of ACVRa (OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.68)). There was some evidence for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people being more likely to receive ACVRa (OR 1.40 (95% CI 0.94 to 2.08), p=0.10). There were associations with variables related to continuity of care, with reduced odds of ACVRa: if the patient was new to the registrar (OR 0.65 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.75)), new to the practice (OR 0.24 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.38)) or the problem was new (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.78)); and increased odds if personal follow-up was organised (OR 1.43 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.66)). For ‘ACVRa indicated’ problems/diagnoses, findings were similar to those for ‘all problems/diagnoses’. Association with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status, however, was significant at p<0.05 (OR 1.60 (95% CI 1.04 to 2.46)) and association with female gender was attenuated (OR 0.88 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.01)).

Conclusion

Continuity of care is associated with registrars assessing ACVR, reinforcing the importance of care continuity in general practice. Registrars’ assessment of an individual patient’s ACVR is targeted to patients with individual risk factors, but this may entail ACVRa underutilisation in female patients and younger age groups.
Associations between modifiable risk factors and frailty: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Zhang Nan , Jia Ziheng , Gu Tianshu , Zheng Yi , Zhang Yunpeng , Song Wenhua , Chen Ziliang , Li Guangping , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: August 2023

Background

Early identification of modifiable risk factors is essential for the prevention of frailty. This study aimed to explore the causal relationships between a spectrum of genetically predicted risk factors and frailty.

Methods

Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses were performed to explore the relationships between 22 potential risk factors and frailty, using summary genome-wide association statistics. Frailty was accessed by the frailty index.

Results

Genetic liability to coronary artery disease (CAD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), ischaemic stroke, atrial fibrillation and regular smoking history, as well as genetically predicted 1-SD increase in body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, alcohol intake frequency and sleeplessness were significantly associated with increased risk of frailty (all p<0.001). In addition, there was a significant inverse association between genetically predicted college or university degree with risk of frailty (beta −0.474; 95% CI (−0.561 to –0.388); p<0.001), and a suggestive inverse association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level with risk of frailty (beta −0.032; 95% CI (−0.055 to –0.010); p=0.004). However, no significant causal associations were observed between coffee consumption, tea consumption, serum level of total testosterone, oestradiol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, C reactive protein or moderate to vigorous physical activity level with frailty (all p>0.05). Results of the reverse directional MR suggested bidirectional causal associations between T2DM and CAD with frailty.

Conclusions

This study provided genetic evidence for the causal associations between several modifiable risk factors with lifetime frailty risk. A multidimensional approach targeting these factors may hold a promising prospect for prevention frailty.
Long-term outcomes among stable post-acute myocardial infarction patients living in rural versus urban areas: insights from the prospective, observational TIGRIS registry
Authors: Nicolau Jose Carlos , Owen Ruth , Furtado Remo H M , Goodman Shaun G , Granger Christopher B , Cohen Mauricio G , Westermann Dirk , Yasuda Satoshi , Simon Tabassome , Hedman Katarina , Hunt Phillip R , Brieger David B , Pocock Stuart J
Published: August 2023

Background

Insights on the differences in clinical outcomes, quality of life (QoL) and health resource utilisation (HRU) with different levels of care available to post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) populations in rural and urban settings are limited.

Methods

The long-Term rIsk, clinical manaGement, and healthcare Resource utilisation of stable coronary artery dISease (TIGRIS), a prospective, observational registry, enrolled 8452 patients aged ≥50 years 1–3 years post-AMI from June 2013 to November 2014 from 24 countries in Asia Pacific/Australia, Europe, North America and South America. Differences in QoL (measured using the EuroQol Research Foundation instrument) and HRU between patients in rural and urban settings were evaluated in this post hoc analysis. The incidence of clinical endpoints (cardiovascular (CV) death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation and stroke; bleeding; and all-cause mortality) was analysed. Data were collected at baseline and every 6 months for 24 months.

Results

There were fewer hospitalisations and visits to general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists in the rural versus urban populations (adjusted event rate ratio (ERR)=0.90 (95% CI, 0.82 to 1.00, p=0.04); ERR=0.84 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92, p<0.001); ERR=0.86 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.92, p<0.001), respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between rural and urban populations in all-cause death, AMI, unstable angina with urgent revascularisation, CV death, stroke, major bleeding events and health-related QoL. The adjusted incidence rate ratio was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.15) for the composite of CV death, AMI and stroke.

Conclusions

Living in rural areas was associated with fewer GP/cardiologist visits and hospitalisations; no significant differences in clinical outcomes and QoL were observed.

Trial registration number

NCT01866904.
Safety profile of baricitinib in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: an integrated analysis
Authors: Morand Eric , Smolen Josef S , Petri Michelle , Tanaka Yoshiya , Silk Maria , Dickson Christina , Meszaros Gabriella , de la Torre Inmaculada , Issa Maher , Zhang Hong , Dörner Thomas
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To assess the safety of the oral Janus kinase inhibitor baricitinib in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving stable background therapy. Topics of special interest included infections and cardiovascular and thromboembolic events.

Methods

This analysis included integrated safety data from three randomised, placebo-controlled studies (one phase 2 and two phase 3) and one long-term extension study. Data are reported in three data sets: placebo-controlled, extended exposure and all-baricitinib. Outcomes include treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs), AEs of special interest and abnormal laboratory changes. Proportions of patients with events and incidence rates (IRs) were calculated.

Results

A total of 1655 patients received baricitinib for up to 3.5 years (median duration 473 days). With baricitinib 4 mg, baricitinib 2 mg and placebo, respectively, 50.8%, 50.7% and 49.0% of patients reported at least one infection and 4.4%, 3.4% and 1.9% of patients had a serious infection. The most common treatment-emergent infections included urinary tract infection, COVID-19, upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis. Herpes zoster was more common with baricitinib 4 mg (4.7%) vs baricitinib 2 mg (2.7%) and placebo (2.8%). Among baricitinib-4 mg, 2 mg and placebo-treated patients, respectively, 4 (IR=0.9), 1 (IR=0.2) and 0 experienced at least one positively adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular event, and 0, 3 (IR=0.6) and 2 (IR=0.4) reported at least one positively adjudicated venous thromboembolism.

Conclusions

The results of this integrated safety analysis in patients with SLE are not substantially different to the established safety profile of baricitinib. No increased venous thromboembolism was found.
NDUFA4 promotes the progression of head and neck paraganglioma by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Tao Erxing , Chen Yiming , Wang Qi , Liu Min , Wei Liang , Xu Siyi , Chen Wei , Zhong Chunlong
Published: August 2023

NDUFA4 is a component of respiratory chain–oxidative phosphorylation pathway. NDUFA4 is highly expressed in tumor tissues, but little is known about the function of NDUFA4 in head and neck paraganglioma (HNPGL). We examined NDUFA4 expression in tissues from 10 HNPGL patients and 6 controls using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. NDUFA4 knockdown PGL-626 cells were established by using lentivirus infection and puromycin screening. Cell viability, ATP production, lipid reactive oxygen species, and mitochondrial membrane potential assays were performed to investigate the ferroptotic effects in NDUFA4 deficiency HNPGL cancer cells. Xenograft mouse model was created to detect the synergetic antitumor action between NDUFA4 deficiency and Metformin. NDUFA4 was upregulated in tumor tissues of HNPGL patients. NDUFA4 knockdown impaired the assembly of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes and decreased the production of ATP and reduced cancer cell viability. Mechanistically, NDUFA4 knockdown increased cell ferroptosis, which further promoted Metformin-induced ferroptosis in PGL-626 cells. Therefore, NDUFA4 deficiency enhanced Metformin-mediated inhibition of the HNPGL progression in mice. In conclusion, NDUFA4 promotes the progression of HNPGL, and NDUFA4 knockdown enhances Metformin-mediated inhibition of the HNPGL progression in a mouse model.
A perturbative production of massive Z bosons and fermion–antifermion pairs from the vacuum in the de Sitter Universe
Authors: Dumitrele Diana , Băloi Mihaela-Andreea , Crucean Cosmin
Published: August 2023

In this paper we study the problem of neutral electro-weak interactions in a de Sitter geometry. We develop the formalism of reduction for the Proca field with the help of the solutions for the interacting fields and by using perturbative methods we obtain the definition of the transition amplitudes in the first order of perturbation theory. As an application to our formalism we study the generation of massive fermions and Z bosons from vacuum in the expanding de Sitter universe. Our results are the generalization to the curved geometry of the Weinberg–Salam electro-weak theory for the case of Z boson interaction with leptons. The probability is found to be a quantity that depends on the Hubble parameter and we prove that such perturbative processes are possible only for large expansion regime of the early Universe. The total probability and rate of transition are obtained for the case of large expansion and we use the dimensional regularization for extract finite results from the momenta integrals. In the Minkowski limit we obtain that the probability of particle generation from vacuum is vanishing recovering the well known result that forbids particle production in flat space-time due to the momentum-energy conservation.
Collapsing dynamics of relativistic fluid in modified gravity admitting a conformal Killing vector
Authors: Bamba Kazuharu , Yousaf Z. , Bhatti M. Z. , Nazer R. , Hashimoto Yuki
Published: August 2023

The collapsing dynamics of relativistic fluid are explored in f(R) gravity in detailed systematic manner for the non-static spherically symmetric spacetime satisfying the equation of the conformal Killing vector. With quasi-homologous condition and diminishing complexity factor condition, exact solutions for dissipative as well as for non-dissipative system are found and the astrophysical applications of these exact solutions are discussed. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that $$f(R)=R,$$

f
(
R
)
=
R
,

which is the extensive restriction of f(R) gravity, prior solutions of the collapsing fluid in general relativity, can be retrieved.
Electronic, magneto-optic, and thermoelectric properties of RbCaX2 (X = N, O) Heuslerene compounds: DFT study
Authors: Ghafouri Nezhad Kobra , Boochani Arash , ArghavaniNia Borhan , Rezaee Sahar
Published: August 2023

Based on density functional theory, structural, electronic, magneto-optic, and thermoelectric properties of RbCaN2 and RbCaO2, Heuslerene compounds have been calculated. These compounds have the ground state points with total magnetic moment of 1.0[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], which represents their ferromagnetic behavior. The RbCaN2 Heuslerene has the half-metallic nature and RbCaO2 case is a magnetic semiconductor. The Kerr angle of the RbCaN2 Heuslerene has two relatively peaks at the energies of 5.5[Formula: see text]eV to 7.0[Formula: see text]eV, but for the RbCaO2 compound, this diagram is wider in a larger energy range. Faraday angle peaks occurred at 6.2[Formula: see text]eV and 6.8[Formula: see text]eV for RbCaN2 and RbCaO2 compounds, which indicates the polarization of the light irradiated to them at these energies. It was observed that both compounds show high thermoelectric quality at temperatures higher than the room-temperature, and both compounds are suitable for power generator applications.
Multiband acoustic reflection metasurface with split hollow cubic
Authors: Chen Xi , Hao Limei , Yan Xiaole , Yang Xiao , Liu Dong-an , Zhang Xiaoyan , Pang Shaofang , Xie You , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2023

A kind of acoustic metasurface (AMS) with multiple response frequency bands based on the replace method was proposed, which composed of six units, each containing three split hollow cubics (SHCs) (denoted as the AAA type of AMS). The simulation results demonstrated that the presented AMS can achieve the flexible modulation of the reflected wave direction. The AAA type of AMS had one response band, the AAC type of AMS had two different response bands, and the ABC type of AMS had three different response bands. Furthermore, the response bandwidth of the ABC type of AMS declined the most in the middle-frequency band, followed in the low-frequency band, and the least in the high-frequency band, when compared to the corresponding AAA type of AMS with single bandwidth. In addition, it was worth noting that the ABC type of AMS not only enlarged the manipulation direction of reflected acoustic wave, but also improved the effects of the wavefront distribution at the same frequency. This multiple band AMS will be beneficial for the application of architectural acoustics, and acoustic absorption and noise reduction.
New unexpected variety of solitons arising from spatio-temporal dispersion (1+1)-dimensional Ito-equation
Authors: Zahran Emad H. M. , Bekir Ahmet
Published: August 2023

In this work, new varieties of unexpected scenarios for the solitons arising from the spatio-temporal dispersion ([Formula: see text])-dimensional Ito-equation (STDIE) are considered as an extension of the KdV (mKdV) type to higher order and usually employed to predict the rolling behavior of ships in regular sea. Moreover, they can describe the interaction process of two internal long waves specially the height of the water’s free surface above a flat bottom where [Formula: see text] is an analytic function. We will introduce these new unexpected and impressive scenarios for the solitons that emerged from this model for the first time in the framework of three distinct schemas. The three schemas that are employed for this target are the Paul-Painleve approach method (PPAM), the extended direct algebraic method (EDAM) and ([Formula: see text]/G)-expansion method. Our obtained solitons are new compared with that achieved before by other authors who applied various schemas.
DRIVEN BY EMOTIONS: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF SOCIOEMOTIONAL WEALTH DIMENSIONS ON THE LINK BETWEEN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND INNOVATION PERFORMANCE IN FAMILY FIRMS
Authors: LEHMANN DAVID M. , MROŻEWSKI MATTHIAS , MAUER RENÉ
Published: August 2023

This study examines the influence of socioemotional wealth (SEW) dimensions on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and innovation performance in family firms. Based on an analysis of a dataset comprising 145 family firms, our findings provide evidence that SEW positively moderates the association between EO and innovation performance. Notably, the dimension ([Formula: see text]) emotional attachment of family members within SEW solely drives this interaction effect. Surprisingly, none of the other dimensions exhibit a significant moderating effect on the entrepreneurial orientation–innovation performance relationship. Furthermore, the overall moderation is substantially more pronounced for multidimensional SEW than for unidimensional SEW. Our findings challenge the results of previous studies on the entrepreneurial orientation–performance relationship in family firms, which considered SEW as unidimensional. Finally, we discuss implications for corporate entrepreneurship as well as SEW literature and provide directions for future research.
The myth of the Highland Cretaceous revealed by the art of palaeogeographic mapping
Authors: Macdonald David I. M.
Published: August 2023

Since the term was coined in 1873, palaeogeography has provided a powerful map-based tool for synthesizing, visualizing, and testing diverse regional data and hypotheses, but there are problems in deducing the palaeogeography of areas with few data points. As an example, the Scottish Highlands are better mapped and more studied than almost any other ancient orogen, yet questions remain on the persistence of topography since the Caledonian orogeny and the possibility of Cretaceous marine inundation. This paper reviews the data available on Scottish Cretaceous outcrops using published geological maps and memoirs to extract data: outcrop length, stratigraphic thickness and component units, elevation range of the outcrop and subcrop formations. All Cretaceous rocks in western Scotland were deposited in shallow marine and shoreline environments; deposits thin northwards and appear to be close to a feather edge. Elevation data are used to construct a Cretaceous surface which intersects present-day topography at low to intermediate altitudes. It is concluded that the Scottish Highlands were largely emergent during the Late Cretaceous, confirming previous palaeogeographic studies.
Augmented Reality Visualization of Autonomous Mobile Robot Change Detection in Uninstrumented Environments
Authors: Reardon Christopher , Gregory Jason M. , Haring Kerstin S. , Dossett Benjamin , Miller Ori , Inyang Aniekan
Published: August 2023

The creation of information transparency solutions to enable humans to understand robot perception is a challenging requirement for autonomous and artificially intelligent robots to impact a multitude of domains. By taking advantage of comprehensive and high-volume data from robot teammates’ advanced perception and reasoning capabilities, humans will be able to make better decisions, with significant impacts from safety to functionality. We present a solution to this challenge by coupling augmented reality (AR) with an intelligent mobile robot that is autonomously detecting novel changes in an environment. We show that the human teammate can understand and make decisions based on information shared via AR by the robot. Sharing of robot-perceived information is enabled by the robot’s online calculation of the human’s relative position, making the system robust to environments without external instrumentation such as global positioning system. Our robotic system performs change detection by comparing current metric sensor readings against a previous reading to identify differences. We experimentally explore the design of change detection visualizations and the aggregation of information, the impact of instruction on communication understanding, the effects of visualization and alignment error, and the relationship between situated 3D visualization in AR and human movement in the operational environment on shared situational awareness in human-robot teams. We demonstrate this novel capability and assess the effectiveness of human-robot teaming in crowdsourced data-driven studies, as well as an in-person study where participants are equipped with a commercial off-the-shelf AR headset and teamed with a small ground robot that maneuvers through the environment. The mobile robot scans for changes, which are visualized via AR to the participant. The effectiveness of this communication is evaluated through accuracy and subjective assessment metrics to provide insight into interpretation and experience.
Refinement-based Specification and Analysis of Multi-core ARINC 653 Using Event-B
Authors: Zhang Feng , Zhang Leping , Zhao Yongwang , Liu Yang , Sun Jun
Published: August 2023

ARINC 653 as the de facto standard of partitioning operating systems has been applied in many safety-critical domains. The multi-core version of ARINC 653, ARINC 653 Part 1-4 (Version 4), provides support for services to be utilized with a module that contains multiple processor cores. Formal specification and analysis of this standard document could provide a rigorous specification and uncover concealed errors in the textual description of service requirements. This article proposes a specification method for concurrency on a multi-core platform using Event-B, and a refinement structure for the complicated ARINC 653 Part 1-4 provides a comprehensive, stepwise refinement-based Event-B specification with seven refinement layers and then performs formal proof and analysis in RODIN. We verify that the errors discovered in the single-core version standard (ARINC 653 Part 1-3) also exist in the ARINC 653 Part 1-4 during the formal specification and analysis.
Causes and Clinical Sequelae of Riboflavin Deficiency
Authors: McNulty Helene , Pentieva Kristina , Ward Mary
Published: August 2023

Riboflavin, in its cofactor forms flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN), plays fundamental roles in energy metabolism, cellular antioxidant potential, and metabolic interactions with other micronutrients, including iron, vitamin B6, and folate. Severe riboflavin deficiency, largely confined to low-income countries, clinically manifests as cheilosis, angular stomatitis, glossitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and severe anemia with erythroid hypoplasia. Subclinical deficiency may be much more widespread, including in high-income countries, but typically goes undetected because riboflavin biomarkers are rarely measured in human studies. There are adverse health consequences of low and deficient riboflavin status throughout the life cycle, including anemia and hypertension, that could contribute substantially to the global burden of disease. This review considers the available evidence on causes, detection, and consequences of riboflavin deficiency, ranging from clinical deficiency signs to manifestations associated with less severe deficiency, and the related research, public health, and policy priorities.
Influence of Hydrogen Electrode Active Layer Thickness on Electrochemical Performance of Solid Oxide Cell Operating in Electrolysis Mode
Authors: Kukk F. , Pylypko S. , Lust E. , Nurk G.
Published: August 2023

Reversible solid oxide cell technology (RSOC) is a key technology in future hydrogen energy concept and may play a significant role in stabilizing intermittent renewable electric power sources. This work handles an attempt to optimize the thickness of the hydrogen electrode active layer (HEAL) for solid oxide cells designed and developed initially for fuel cell application (SOFC). Five cells with HEAL thickness of 0, 7, 12, 16 and 20 μm, prepared using industrial manufacturing methods, are analyzed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods under a wide range of operating conditions. Optimal thickness of an active layer studied depends on operating conditions. Depending on the temperature and feed gas water content applied highest performances were achieved for cells with HEAL thicknesses between 7 and 16 μm. At 800 °C and 90% feed gas water content, the best cell had an active layer of 7 μm, drawing −3.5 A cm−2 current at −1.4 V.
An adapted liver perfusion in a shark species, Squalus suckleyi: investigation of energy mobilization
Authors: Schoen Alexandra N. , Weinrauch Alyssa M. , Bouyoucos Ian A. , Anderson W. Gary
Published: August 2023

We describe a viable liver perfusion in a shark species for the first time as determined by oxygen consumption and hormone-mediated changes in hemodynamics (angiotensin II, ANG II). In addition, removal of major energy metabolites confirms hepatic ketone [3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB)] production by an elasmobranch liver. Perfusion with heterologous insulin and homologous glucagon did not cause changes in glucose balance, however, possibly demonstrating differences in glucose metabolism in this taxon as compared with more derived vertebrates.
Effects of cortisol, epinephrine, and bisphenol contaminants on the transcriptional landscape of marine mammal blubber
Authors: Kashiwabara Lauren , Pirard Laura , Debier Cathy , Crocker Daniel , Khudyakov Jane
Published: August 2023

Top ocean predators such as marine mammals are threatened by intensifying anthropogenic activity, and understanding the combined effects of multiple stressors on their physiology is critical for conservation efforts. We investigated potential interactions between stress hormones and bisphenol contaminants in a model marine mammal, the northern elephant seal (NES). We exposed precision-cut adipose tissue slices (PCATS) from blubber of weaned NES pups to cortisol (CORT), epinephrine (EPI), bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), or their combinations (CORT-EPI, BPA-EPI, and BPS-EPI) ex vivo and identified hundreds of genes that were differentially regulated in response to these treatments. CORT altered expression of genes associated with lipolysis and adipogenesis, whereas EPI and CORT-EPI-regulated genes were associated with responses to hormones, lipid and protein turnover, immune function, and transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression, suggesting that EPI has wide-ranging and prolonged impacts on the transcriptional landscape and function of blubber. Bisphenol treatments alone had a weak impact on gene expression compared with stress hormones. However, the combination of EPI with bisphenols altered expression of genes associated with inflammation, cell stress, DNA damage, regulation of nuclear hormone receptor activity, cell cycle, mitochondrial function, primary ciliogenesis, and lipid metabolism in blubber. Our results suggest that CORT, EPI, bisphenols, and their combinations impact cellular, immune, and metabolic homeostasis in marine mammal blubber, which may affect the ability of marine mammals to sustain prolonged fasting during reproduction and migration, renew tissues, and mount appropriate responses to immune challenges and additional stressors.
Mild and moderate chronic hypercapnia elicit distinct transcriptomic responses of immune function in cardiorespiratory nuclei
Authors: Grams Kirstyn J. , Neumueller Suzanne E. , Mouradian Gary C. , Burgraff Nicholas J. , Hodges Matthew R. , Pan Lawrence , Forster Hubert V.
Published: August 2023

Mild chronic hypercapnia (CH) broadly upregulated immune-related genes and a predicted activation of biological pathways related to immune cell activity and the overall immune response. In contrast, moderate CH primarily downregulated genes related to major histocompatibility complex signaling and vasculature function that led to a predicted inactivation of pathways involving the immune response and vascular endothelial function. The severity-dependent effect on immune responses suggests that neuroinflammation has an important role in CH and may be important in the maintenance of proper ventilatory responses to acute and chronic hypercapnia.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial to Assess the Efficacy of a Nutritional Supplement in Female Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Arias Eva María , Selda-Enríquez Gerald , Burgos-Blasco Patricia , Melián-Olivera Ana , Manzanares Sara , Sarró Eduard , Floriach Núria , Saceda-Corralo David
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common form of hair loss in women, is characterized by progressive hair thinning and loss of terminal hairs over frontal and parietal regions of the scalp. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the nutritional supplement Pilopeptan® WOMAN 5αR (PPT5α) composed of specific plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals in women with initial to moderate AGA. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial study. Forty‐seven women (aged 25–59 years) with AGA grade I/II were randomized to daily receive PPT5α (n = 24) or placebo (n = 23), and the treatment safety, as well as the percentages of terminal hair in frontal and parietal areas from trichoscopic images, was assessed at 0, 3, and 6 months. Secondary outcomes included self‐assessed hair parameters and overall treatment satisfaction. Results. A total of 44 women completed the study. At 6 months, patients who received the nutritional supplement showed high percentages of terminal hair both in the frontal (77.6% vs 69.8%, p = 0.02) and parietal (77% vs 64.3%, p = 0.02) areas compared to the placebo group. Self‐assessed evaluation of hair parameters showed an improvement in the reduction of hair loss and hair thickness both at the 3‐month (p = 0.004 and p = 0.012) and 6‐month (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004) visits. At the 3 month visit, the intervention group also showed higher treatment satisfaction (p = 0.01). No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusion. These results evidence that the nutritional supplement PPT5α may be beneficial in preventing progression or even improving the condition of AGA in the early stages.
Determination of Lime Requirement with Compost on Acidic Ultisols for Wheat Crop in the Gurage Zone of Ethiopia
Authors: Dejene Dereje , Yitbarek Teshome , Jembere Abdeta
Published: August 2023

Acidic soil adversely affects the plant growth and production. Various ameliorating strategies are known, but the optimum rate of lime and compost rate determination for better nutrient management and production in acid Ultisols was not well studied, so the main objective of this study was to determine optimum lime and compost rate for wheat production. A pot experiment was performed on the soil collected from Yefereze (Cheha District). The incubation trail was conducted in factorial combination of four level lime (8.44, 6.33, 4.22, and 0 t·ha−1) and compost (15, 10, 5, and 0 t·ha−1). The sixteen treatments were arranged in completed randomized design (CRD) with triplicate replications in the greenhouse. After 75 days, each pot that was planted with wheat and crop performance had been monitored. The textural class of the soils of the experiment was clay with strongly acidic pH. The organic carbon (2.17%) and total nitrogen content (0.17%) status was medium. The available phosphorus (Av. P) contents were very low (1.63 ppm). The experimental study result revealed that all the three rates of lime and compost continuously improve the soil pH throughout the study periods and the maximum soil pH (6.53) was obtained in combination of 8.44 t·ha−1 and 10 t·ha−1 lime and compost, respectively. The compost amended treatment indicated slight improvement in soil reaction which assert that using compost alone did not reduce soil acidity within 75-day periods in strongly acidic soil condition for suitable wheat production. Liming alone or integrated application increases soil pH (4.69 to 6.53), cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) (27.18 to 31.58 cmolckg−1), exchangeable calcium (3.56 to 8.43 cmolckg−1), available phosphorus (Av.P) (1.63 to 5.27 ppm), total nitrogen (TN) (0.19 to 0.24 ppm), and exchangeable acidity reduced (0.73 cmolckg−1 to trace). Integrated application of 8.44 and 5 t·ha−1 lime and compost rates improve the overall soil property and maximize the wheat yield by 24.26%. Generally, the limiting factor for wheat production of the study area was the acidity of the soil. The combined application of lime and compost raised the pH and improved the suitability of the soil for wheat production. However, the status of Av. P was low after the amendment, and it is advisable to integrate phosphorus containing fertilizer in addition to lime and compost for optimum and sustainable production of wheat in the study area. Since the incubation and greenhouse experiment were conducted in a controlled environment, there is a need for field verification. It is also advisable to assess the economic feasibility of the different rates of lime and compost for an appropriate soil management decision.
Toward Performant and Energy-Efficient Network Queries: A Parallel and Stateless Approach
Authors: Wang Jiayao , Wang Ting , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Zhu Junwu , Zhang Tao , Jiang Linhua , Li Tonglin , Zhao Dongfang
Published: August 2023

In many edge computing applications (e.g., wireless sensor networks, WSNs) where nodes are mostly battery-powered, queries’ energy consumption, and response time are two of the most important metrics, representing the network’s sustainability and performance, respectively. Conventional techniques used to focus on only one of the two metrics and did not attempt to optimize both in a coordinated manner. This work aims to achieve both high sustainability and high performance of these queries at the same time. To that end, a new mechanism is proposed to construct the topology of a three-tier WSN. The proposed mechanism eliminates the conventional stateful routing tables and employs a stateless and efficient addressing scheme inspired by the Chinese remainder theorem (CRT). The CRT-based topology allows for query parallelism, an unprecedented feature in the WSNs. On top of the new topology encoded by CRT, a new protocol is designed to parallelly preprocess collected data on sensor nodes by effectively aggregating and deduplicating data in a cluster of neighborhood nodes. At the same time, the hibernating mechanism is proposed to prolong the network life cycle. Moreover, a new algorithm is devised to allow the queries and results to be transmitted through low-power and fault-tolerant paths using recursive elections over a subset of the entire power range. With all these new techniques taken together, the system presented in this work outperforms approximate algorithms from various perspectives: (i) the query response is improved by up to 21.6%; (ii) the energy consumption is reduced by up to 16.8%; and (iii) the reliability is increased by up to 18.3%.
Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing versus Right Ventricular Pacing in Patients with Atrioventricular Block: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Zhongxiu , Xu Yuanning , Jiang Lingyun , Zhang Ran , Zhao Hongsen , Liu Ran , Zhang Lei , Li Yajiao , Liu Xingbin
Published: August 2023

Objective. We aim to conduct a comparison of the safety and effectiveness performance between left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) and right ventricular pacing (RVP) regimens for patients with atrioventricular block (AVB). Methods. This observational cohort study included patients who underwent pacemaker implantations with LBBAP or RVP for AVB indications from the 1st of January 2018 to the 18th of November 2021 at West China Hospital. The primary composite outcome included all-cause mortality, lead failure, or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). The secondary outcome included periprocedure complication, cardiac death, or recurrent unexplained syncope. A 1 : 1 propensity score–matched cohort was conducted for left ventricular (LV) function analysis. Results. A total of 903 patients met the inclusion criteria and completed clinical follow-up. After adjusting for the possible confounders, LBBAP was independently associated with a lower risk of the primary outcome (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.83,

p
=
0.009

), including a lower risk of all-cause mortality and HFH. No significant difference in the secondary outcome was detected between the groups except that LBBAP was independently associated with a lower risk of recurrent unexplained syncope. In the propensity-score matching cohort of echocardiographic analysis, the LV systolic dyssynchrony index was lower in LBBAP compared with that in RVP (

5.68
±
1.92

vs.

6.50
±
2.28

%,

p
=
0.012

). Conclusions. Compared to conventional RVP, LBBAP is a feasible novel pacing model associated with a significant reduction in the primary composite outcome. Moreover, LBBAP significantly reduces the risk of recurrent unexplained syncope and improves LV systolic synchrony. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05722379.
Development of a Group Organizational Learning Activity Inventory for the Implementation and Sustainability of Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing
Authors: Ishii Keiko , Takemura Yukie , Ichikawa Naoko
Published: August 2023

Purpose. This study aimed to develop a group organizational learning activity inventory for evidence-based practice (EBP) institutionalized by hospitals and to verify its reliability and validity. Methods. A draft inventory was created after verifying content and face validity of draft items developed based on interview data and materials used in EBP implementation. Construct validity and reliability were assessed cross-sectionally through an anonymous self-administered survey conducted via web and printed questionnaires. Construct validity was confirmed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and internal consistency and convergent/discriminant validity were verified. Inventory structure was determined using the theoretical model based on the hypothetical constructive concept. Temporal stability was assessed two weeks after the initial survey. Result. A draft inventory comprising 12 factors and 47 items was created based on 95 draft items. Data from 371 nurses across 55 departments in 12 hospitals were analyzed. The inventory comprised 8 factors and 40 items based on the theoretical model. The comparative fit index was 0.86, the Tucker–Lewis index was 0.85, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.09, and standardized root mean square was 0.04. Cronbach’s alpha of each factor was ≥0.8, and the temporal stability was moderate. Conclusion. We developed the group organizational learning activity inventory, comprising 8 factors and 40 items. Though construct validity was low, the reliability and concurrent/convergent validities were confirmed. This inventory contains new factors that measure the group activities to ensure EBP’s continuation in hospitals: forming common knowledge, understanding the value of EBP in groups, and fostering ownership thereof. Using this inventory, departments that introduced EBP can evaluate the extent of activities leading to nurses’ continuation of EBP and find the improvement point.