bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Path selection and mechanism innovation of improving railway energy efficiency – from foreign experience and Chinese practice
Authors: Zhou Xinjun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Under the dual pressure of resources and environment, many countries have focused on the role of railways in promoting low-carbon development of integrated transportation and of even the whole society. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive study on methods to improve railway energy efficiency in other national railways and achievements made by China’s railways in the past practice, and then to propose ways in which in the future China’s railways could rationally select the path of improving energy efficiency regarding the needs of the nation's ever-shifting development and carry out the re-engineering for mechanism innovation in energy conservation and emission reduction process.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first studies other national railways that have tried to promote the improvement of railway energy efficiency by the ways of technology, management and structural reconstruction to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Among them, the effect of structural energy conservation and emission reduction has become more prominent. It has become the main energy conservation and emission reduction measure adopted by foreign railway sectors. The practice of energy conservation and emission reduction of railways in various countries has tended to shift from a technical level to a structural one.

Findings

Key aspects in improving energy efficiency include re-optimization of energy structure, re-innovation of energy-saving technologies and optimization of transportation organization. Path selection includes continuing to promote electrified railway construction, increasing the use of new and renewable energy sources, and promoting the reform of railway transportation organizations.

Originality/value

This paper provides further challenges and research directions in the proposed area and has referential value for the methodologies, approaches for practice in a Chinese context. To achieve the expected goals, relevant supporting policies and measures need to be formulated, including actively guiding integrated transportation toward railway-oriented development, promoting innovation in energy-saving and emission reduction mechanisms and strengthening policy incentives, focusing on improving the energy efficiency of railways through market behavior. At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to new phenomena in the railway industry for track and analysis.
Revolutionising the Way Health is Measured
Authors: Cockle Sam
Published: November 2022

“Healthy” no longer means “not ill”. So what is the best way to “take the temperature” of a population in today's world? Sam Cockle introduces the comprehensive new Office for National Statistics Health Index
Assessment of a single‐pass venous phase CT chest, abdomen and pelvis and dual‐energy CT in general oncology outpatients
Authors: Seah Huey Ming , Choi Hau Cher , Bajic Nicholas , Oakden‐Rayner Lauren , Gormly Kirsten L
Published: November 2022

Introduction

This study assessed replacing traditional protocol CT‐arterial chest and venous abdomen and pelvis, with a single‐pass, single‐bolus, venous phase CT chest, abdomen and pelvis (CAP) protocol in general oncology outpatients at a single centre.

Methods

A traditional protocol is an arterial phase chest followed by venous phase abdomen and pelvis. A venous CAP (vCAP) protocol is a single acquisition 60 s after contrast injection, with optional arterial phase upper abdomen based on the primary tumour. Consecutive eligible patients were assessed, using each patient's prior study as a comparator. Attenuation for various structures, lesion conspicuity and dose were compared. Subset analysis of dual‐energy (DE) CT scans in the vCAP protocol performed for lesion conspicuity on 50 keV virtual monoenergetic (VME) images.

Results

One hundred and eleven patients were assessed with both protocols. Forty‐six patients had their vCAP scans using DECT. The vCAP protocol had no significant difference in the attenuation of abdominal structures, with reduced attenuation of mediastinal structures. There was a significant improvement in the visibility of pleural lesions (p < 0.001), a trend for improved mediastinal nodes assessment, and no significant difference for abdominal lesions. A significant increase in liver lesion conspicuity on 50 keV VME reconstructions was noted for both readers (p < 0.001). There were significant dose reductions with the vCAP protocol.

Conclusion

A single‐pass vCAP protocol offered an improved thoracic assessment with no loss of abdominal diagnostic confidence and significant dose reductions compared to traditional protocol. Improved liver lesion conspicuity on 50 keV VME images across a range of cancers is promising.
Reframing the climate debate: The origins and diffusion of net zero pledges
Authors: Van Coppenolle Hermine , Blondeel Mathieu , Van de Graaf Thijs
Published: November 2022

Achieving net zero emissions has rapidly become the dominant long‐term objective guiding national climate policies. At the end of 2018, only 24 countries were considering or had adopted long‐term net zero targets. By the end of 2021, this had climbed to almost 150 countries, covering 89 per cent of global carbon emissions. In this article, we trace the origins and diffusion of net zero pledges through the lens of international norm theory. Drawing on a newly compiled database of national net zero targets, our analysis highlights the critical role played by climate scientists, transnational advocacy networks, and norm entrepreneurs in articulating the norm of net zero emissions. The IPCC's fifth assessment report was foundational, by introducing the concept of a cumulative carbon budget, allowing translation of abstract temperature goals into more actionable net zero targets. The norm of net zero has been institutionalised at the global political level in the period 2015–2018 and cascaded through the international system in 2019–2020. Yet, it remains subject to various forms of contestation, most notably regarding validity, fairness, scope, and implementation. The norm is now at a critical stage in its lifecycle that will decide whether it gets institutionalised or suffers backsliding and even erosion.
Living on the edge: The use of fruit‐feeding butterflies to evaluate edge effect on subtropical assemblages
Authors: Bellaver Juliane , Romanowski Helena Piccoli , Richter Aline , Iserhard Cristiano Agra
Published: November 2022

This study evaluated how the edge effect influences the structuration of fruit‐feeding butterfly assemblages in swamp forest fragments of the subtropical Atlantic Forest, Southern Brazil. Sampling was carried out twice in 10 fragments using baited traps placed in sampling units both at the forest edge and 50 m within the forest interior, with the habitats being defined by a set of environmental variables. Richness and abundance were higher for edge habitats with an effect of temperature depending on humidity and luminosity. The subfamily/tribe composition of fruit‐feeding butterflies was segregated between edge and interior and was predicted by wind speed and the interaction between humidity and luminosity. Fifty meters within the forest interior is not sufficient to cause homogenization of butterfly composition between the edge and interior of swamp forest fragments, indicating distinct assemblages in each habitat. The interior harboured forest‐loving butterfly groups while the edge harboured generalist sun‐loving and common butterflies associated with disturbed areas, suggesting resistance to the effects of habitat fragmentation. We highlight the importance of using fruit‐feeding butterfly groups, instead of species, to evaluate edge effects. We also suggest that a heterogeneous matrix with native habitats and distinct semi‐natural land‐use systems be maintained to manage subtropical areas by increasing connectivity within the landscape. Considering the impacts that the Atlantic Forest suffers, increased knowledge of modifications caused at small and regional scales is crucial for the maintenance of ecological processes and represents a tool for conservation planning and environmental agendas.
Comparison of physico‐chemical properties of zinc oxide eugenol cement and a bioceramic sealer
Authors: Gaeta Carlo , Marruganti Crystal , Mignosa Emanuele , Malvicini Giulia , Verniani Giulia , Tonini Riccardo , Grandini Simone
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to compare the physico‐chemical properties of EssenSeal with AH PLUS bioceramic and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT. Flow, solubility, film thickness, radiopacity and setting time were evaluated according to ISO 6876 (2012) specifications. External and cross‐section surface characteristics were analysed under a scanning electron microscope. Statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro–Wilk's test, one‐way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test. All the sealers conformed to the ISO 6876 (2012) standards, except for the setting time for AH plus bioceramic, which exceeded more than 10% of the time indicated by the manufacturer. Statistically significant differences were found between the three study sealers regarding the physico‐chemical properties tested (p < 0.05). EssenSeal demonstrated characteristics respecting the ISO 6876 (2012) standards and can be considered a predictable alternative in root canal sealing.
NETs promote ROS production to induce human amniotic epithelial cell apoptosis via ERK1/2 signaling in spontaneous preterm birth
Authors: Hu Min , Li Hao , Li Guangzhen , Wang Yuan , Liu Jing , Zhang Meihua , Shen Di , Wang Xietong
Published: November 2022

Problem

Premature birth is a common obstetric complication but its pathogenesis is unclear. Inflammation at the maternal‐fetal interface in preterm labor leads to the infiltration of neutrophils, which promotes inflammatory responses and induces the degradation of extracellular matrix and cell apoptosis, thus contributing to preterm labor. It is unclear whether neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), a functional form of neutrophils, are involved in preterm labor.

Methods of Study

After collecting amniotic membranes from research objects, we localized NETs by immunofluorescence and evaluated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 and MMP‐2 by western blotting. Primary human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) subjected to treatment with NETs, 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine cell proliferation assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, western blotting, and flow cytometry apoptosis assay were used to determine the effects of NETs on hAECs. We also elucidated possible mechanisms underlying the effects.

Results

Compared with normal term women, NETs infiltration and MMP‐9 expression in the amniotic membrane from preterm women had increased. Thereafter, NETs might suppress the proliferation and promote the apoptosis of hAECs. Furthermore, after NETs treatment, the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly decreased, ERK1/2 phosphorylation expression was upregulated and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was increased in hAECs. Changes in cell proliferation, LDH release, and cell apoptosis level due to NETs could be reversed by ROS inhibitor or ERK phosphorylation inhibitors.

Conclusions

NETs can promote the apoptosis of hAECs via ERK1/2 pathways dependent on ROS release.
Circ_0111277 suppresses trophoblast cell proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion and EMT via regulating miR‐188‐3p/GRHL2 axis
Authors: Zhou Meixi , Yu Xiang , Li Chenping , Lou Lejing , Yang Song , Cai Jihao , Cai Chang
Published: November 2022

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE) is the main factor threatening the life of primipara. Defective migration and invasion of trophoblast cells was one of the causes of PE. Circ_0111277 had been reported to be related to the development of PE, but the mechanism of its effect on trophoblast cells needed further study.

Method of Study

The expression of circ_0111277, microRNA‐188‐3p (miR‐188‐3p) and grainyhead‐like 2 (GRHL2) mRNA were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, 5‐Ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine (EdU) and colony formation assay were used to examine cell proliferation ability. Tube formation and transwell assay were performed to assess the angiogenesis and metastasis ability of cells. Western blot was applied to measure the levels of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related proteins (E‐cadherin and Vimentin) and GRHL2 protein. The relationship between miR‐188‐3p and circ_0111277 or GRHL2 was verified by the dual luciferase reporter experiment.

Results

Circ_0111277 and GRHL2 were elevated, and miR‐188‐3p was declined in PE patients. Overexpression of circ_0111277 could inhibit the proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion and EMT of trophoblast cells (HTR‐8/Svneo). Circ_0111277 was the molecular sponge of miR‐188‐3p. MiR‐188‐3p up‐regulation could reduce the inhibition of HTR‐8/Svneo cell growth caused by overexpression of circ_0111277. GRHL2 was a target gene of miR‐188‐3p, and GRHL2 silencing relieved the adverse effects of miR‐188‐3p inhibitors on HTR‐8/Svneo. In general, circ_0111277 up‐regulated GRHL2 expression through sponge miR‐188‐3p.

Conclusion

Highly expressed circ_0111277 up‐regulated the expression of GRHL2 through sponge miR‐188‐3p, thereby inhibiting trophoblast cells function, which suggested a new molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis of PE.
Long and Short‐term Investments by European Banks – Trends Since the IASB Published IFRS 9
Authors: Löw Edgar , Erkelenz Marc
Published: November 2022

IFRS 9 was introduced by the IASB in 2014 with a mandatory application in 2018. Three years later the IASB started a post‐implementation review project. Major concerns at a political level and from the (insurance) industry were raised about long‐term investment strategies that appear less favourable due to new measurement categories and impairment rules. Furthermore, it was expected that the new rules on categorisation would create more profit or loss (P/L) volatility. We show that concerns about banks' decreasing maturity investment behaviour and increased profit or loss volatility since the publication of IFRS 9 in 2014 could not be verified until 2020. Additionally, banks hardly use the fair value option in practice, which suggests it can be abolished. Finally, the paper finds that the fair value through other comprehensive income option for equity instruments has almost no importance for banks. The IASB should, therefore, abolish this category as well. Hence, the measurement categories could be reduced by two categories reducing complexity and increasing the decision usefulness of financial instruments accounting rules for investors.
Barriers to access adequate maternal care in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova: A cross‐country comparison
Authors: Miteniece Elina , Pavlova Milena , Rechel Bernd , Kabakchieva Margarita , Zuza Irina , Radu Ilinca , Groot Wim
Published: November 2022

Background

Eastern European health system indicators (e.g., number of health workers and care coverage) suggest well‐resourced maternity care systems, but maternal health outcomes compare poorly with those in Western Europe. Often, poor maternal health outcomes are linked to inequities in accessing adequate maternal care. This study investigates access‐related barriers (availability, appropriateness, affordability, approachability, and acceptability) to maternity care in Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.

Methods

This cross‐country study (n = 7345) is based on an online survey where women who received maternity care and gave birth in 2015–2018 in Bulgaria (n = 4951), Romania (n = 2018), and Moldova (n = 376) provided information on their experiences with the care received. We used regression analysis to identify factors associated with accessing maternity care across the three countries.

Results

Results show high rates of cesarean births (CB) and a low number of antenatal and postnatal care visits. Informal payments and use of personal connections are common practices. Formal and informal out‐of‐pocket payments create a financial burden for women with health complications. Women who had health complications, those who gave birth by cesarean, and women who gave birth in a public facility and had fewer antenatal check‐ups, were more likely to describe facing access‐related barriers.

Conclusions

This study identifies several barriers to high‐quality maternity care in Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. More attention should be paid to the appropriateness of care provided to women with complicated pregnancies, to those who have CBs, to women who give birth in public facilities, and to those who receive fewer antenatal care visits.
Shifting risk‐stratified early prostate cancer detection to a primary healthcare setting
Authors: Hogenhout Renée , Osses Daniël F. , Alberts Arnout R. , Buizer‐Rijksen Hanne G. , Remmers Sebastiaan , Roobol Monique J.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of multivariable risk stratification for early prostate cancer (PCa) detection in a primary healthcare diagnostic facility with regard to its effects on the referral rate and subsequent PCa diagnoses compared to a PSA threshold of 3.0 ng/mL as the current referral indicator.

Patients and Methods

In 2014, the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and the primary healthcare diagnostic facility STAR‐SHL (located in Rotterdam city centre) initiated this observational study, in which general practitioners (GPs) could refer men who wished to undergo PCa screening to STAR‐SHL for consultation by specially trained personnel. Referral recommendations to secondary healthcare were based on the outcome of application of the Rotterdam Prostate Cancer Risk Calculator (RPCRC) and were compared to the current Dutch GPs' PSA referral threshold of 3.0 ng/mL. For data collection on PCa diagnoses, the study cohort was linked to the Dutch nationwide pathology databank (PALGA).

Results

Between January 2014 and February 2021, 507 men were referred for consultation and in 495 men prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was tested. The median (interquartile range) follow‐up from consultation to PALGA linkage was 43 (25–65) months. In total, 279 men (56%) had a PSA level ≥3.0 ng/mL, of whom 68% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 63–74) were considered at low risk according to the RPCRC. Within 1 year after consultation, one of these men (0.52%; 95% CI 0.092–2.9) was diagnosed with clinically significant (cs)PCa (i.e., International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group ≥2). Thereafter, another four (2.1%; 95% CI 0.82–5.3) low‐risk men were diagnosed with csPCa. Of the high‐risk men who were biopsied within 1 year after consultation (n = 61), 77% (95% CI 65–86) were diagnosed with PCa and 49% (95% CI 37–61) with csPCa.

Conclusion

In a primary healthcare diagnostic facility, the RPCRC could reduce up to 68% of referrals to secondary healthcare, as compared to a PSA referral threshold of 3.0 ng/mL. Deploying the RPCRC in this setting resulted in a high csPCa detection rate in those men biopsied. This strategy can be considered safe since the observational data showed low proportions of csPCa among men at low risk.
The fate of interneurons, GABAA receptor sub‐types and perineuronal nets in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ali Afia B. , Islam Anam , Constanti Andrew
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurological disease, which is associated with gradual memory loss and correlated with synaptic hyperactivity and abnormal oscillatory rhythmic brain activity that precedes phenotypic alterations and is partly responsible for the spread of the disease pathology. Synaptic hyperactivity is thought to be because of alteration in the homeostasis of phasic and tonic synaptic inhibition, which is orchestrated by the GABAA inhibitory system, encompassing subclasses of interneurons and GABAA receptors, which play a vital role in cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix, the perineuronal nets (PNNs) which often go unnoticed in considerations of AD pathology, encapsulate the inhibitory cells and neurites in critical brain regions and have recently come under the light for their crucial role in synaptic stabilisation and excitatory‐inhibitory balance and when disrupted, serve as a potential trigger for AD‐associated synaptic imbalance. Therefore, in this review, we summarise the current understanding of the selective vulnerability of distinct interneuron subtypes, their synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAAR subtypes as well as the changes in PNNs in AD, detailing their contribution to the mechanisms of disease development. We aim to highlight how seemingly unique malfunction in each component of the interneuronal GABA inhibitory system can be tied together to result in critical circuit dysfunction, leading to the irreversible symptomatic damage observed in AD.
Cells with stem‐like properties are associated with the development of HPV18‐positive cervical cancer
Authors: Kusakabe Misako , Taguchi Ayumi , Tanikawa Michihiro , Wagatsuma Ryota , Yamazaki Miki , Tsuchimochi Saki , Toyohara Yusuke , Kawata Akira , Baba Satoshi , Ueno Toshihide , Sone Kenbun , Mori‐Uchino Mayuyo , Ikemura Masako , Matsunaga Hiroko , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Kawazu Masahito , Ushiku Tetsuo , Takeyama Haruko , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Mano Hiroyuki , Osuga Yutaka
Published: November 2022

The cellular origins of cervical cancer and the histological differentiation of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐infected cells remain unexplained. To gain new insights into the carcinogenesis and histological differentiation of HPV‐associated cervical cancer, we focused on cervical cancer with mixed histological types. We conducted genomic and transcriptomic analyses of cervical cancers with mixed histological types. The commonality of the cellular origins of these cancers was inferred using phylogenetic analysis and by assessing the HPV integration sites. Carcinogenesis was estimated by analyzing human gene expression profiles in different histological types. Among 42 cervical cancers with known HPV types, mixed histological types were detected in four cases, and three of them were HPV18‐positive. Phylogenetic analysis of these three cases revealed that the different histological types had a common cell of origin. Moreover, the HPV‐derived transcriptome and HPV integration sites were common among different histological types, suggesting that HPV integration could occur before differentiation into each histological type. Human gene expression profiles indicated that HPV18‐positive cancer retained immunologically cold components with stem cell properties. Mixed cervical cancer has a common cellular origin among different histological types, and progenitor cells with stem‐like properties may be associated with the development of HPV18‐positive cervical cancer.
Enlightening through children—playing and thinking together in new ways
Authors: Saal Britta
Published: November 2022

The undertaking in this article is primarily to recall the basic meaning of enlightenment as a self‐active thinking movement. I show that enlightenment is not something to be taught, but rather the encouragement to think for yourself and, subsequently, to think anew; and this applies to the same degree to children and adults. I suggest a childist critique of enlightenment by addressing, first, enlightenment's overlooked adultist conception, giving, second, a brief practical insight into the children's polylogue, and, finally, re‐adjusting the understanding of enlightenment by referring to Hannah Arendt's considerations about world‐building and John Wall's thoughts about play.
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea before coronary angiography
Authors: Pei Guo , Ou Qiong , Chen Yongchi , Xu Yanxia , Tan Jiaoying
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD) is yet to be clarified. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of OSA before coronary angiography (CAG).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients with suspected CHD admitted to the Department of Geriatric Cardiology of our hospital between July 2019 and July 2021. OSA was screened using the level III home sleep apnea test before CAG. The prevalence of OSA was then compared between the CHD and non‐CHD groups. CHD severity was determined using the Gensini score of CAG results, and OSA severity was graded using the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI).

Results

Among the 327 patients, 211 had CHD. In total, 264 patients were diagnosed with OSA (80.7%) (184 patients, CHD group [87.2%]; 80 patients, non‐CHD group [69.0%]). The CHD group had a significantly higher prevalence of OSA (P < 0.01) and higher AHI (CHD group 18.76 ± 14.94, non‐CHD group 11.56 ± 10.67, P < 0.01). The Gensini score was positively correlated with OSA severity in patients with CHD, and AHI ≥ 20 was a risk factor for CHD (odds ratio: 1.961, 95% confidence interval: 1.065–3.608, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

OSA screening before CAG revealed a higher prevalence in CHD patients than in non‐CHD patients. The degree of coronary artery obstruction is positively correlated with AHI, and AHI ≥ 20 is a risk factor for CHD. Therefore, attention should be paid to OSA screening and management before CAG in patients with suspected CHD.
Plasma levels of E‐selectin are associated with retinopathy in sickle cell disease
Authors: Agouti Imane , Masson Elodie , Loundou Anderson , Jean Estelle , Arnaud Laurent , Abdili Evelyne , Berenger Patricia , Lavoipierre Virginie , Séguier Julie , Dignat‐George Françoise , Lacroix Romaric , Bernit Emmanuelle
Published: November 2022

Background

The vascular endothelium is markedly disrupted in sickle cell disease (SCD) and is the converging cascade of the complex pathophysiologic processes linked to sickle cell vasculopathy. Circulating endothelial activation and/or apoptotic markers may reflect this endothelial activation/damage that contributes to the pathophysiology of the SCD vascular complications.

Methods

Plasmatic levels of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), E‐selectin, progenitor's endothelial cells (EPCs), and circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) were evaluated in 50 SCD patients, 16 with vasculopathy. The association between these markers and the occurrence of disease‐related microvascular injuries of the eye (retinopathy), kidney (nephropathy), and skin (chronic active ulcers) was explored.

Results

Among the endothelial activation markers studied, only higher plasma levels of E‐selectin were found in SCD patients with vasculopathy (p = .015). Increased E‐selectin levels were associated with retinopathy (p < .001) but not with nephropathy or leg ulcers. All patients, at steady state, with or without vasculopathy, did not display a high count of CEC and EPC, markers of endothelial injury and repair. We did not show any significant differences in EVs levels between vasculopathy and not vasculopathy SCD patients.

Conclusions

Further studies will be required to determine whether the E‐selectin could be used as an early biomarker of retinopathy sickle cell development.
Creep life estimation of a service‐exposed P91 cross‐weld joint based on a primary‐secondary creep deformation model
Authors: Lok Vanno , Le Thi Giang , Yoon Kee Bong
Published: November 2022

Creep deformation and rupture behavior of welded joints from service‐exposed P91 steel were investigated by creep tests and microstructure examination. A series of miniature tensile creep tests were conducted at 569°C under applied stresses ranging from 182.5 to 286 MPa for the heat‐affected zone (HAZ), base metal, and weld metal. Creep deformation behavior was modeled using the experimentally measured creep strain data as the primary creep‐secondary creep (PC‐SC) model and fitting closely with the measured creep curves of each metal. Power‐law type creep equations were employed to describe the primary and secondary creep behavior. The creep rupture life of the cross‐weld specimen was predicted using the PC‐SC model with HAZ properties. An accurate prediction was possible if the stress in estimation was increased to 1.14 times of the actual applied stress. The creep test results with the cross‐weld specimens were used for verification. Applying the Monkman–Grant relationship and the creep damage tolerance factors to the cross‐weld joint life prediction are also discussed.
Parameter estimation in multiaxial fatigue short crack growth model using hierarchical Bayesian linear regression
Authors: He Gao Yuan , Zhao Yong Xiang , Yan Chu Liang
Published: November 2022

Multiaxial fatigue failure is the most common problem in engineering structures. It is worth noting that short crack growth accounts for most of the fatigue life. Hence, it is necessary to study the short crack growth models for multiaxial fatigue life assessment. The primary focus of this study is to develop a hierarchical Bayesian linear regression method to estimate parameters in multiaxial fatigue crack growth model. The Bayesian method is used to estimate the intercept and slope of the regression equation for each loading path and ensemble test datasets. The method of this work was demonstrated on three multiaxial fatigue crack growth datasets. The main results obtained in this paper were that the parameters of the multiaxial fatigue crack growth model changed significantly with different loading paths, and the parameters of the model depended on the multiaxial loading path.
The potential bias of nitrogen deposition effects on primary productivity and biodiversity
Authors: Ke Yuguang , Yu Qiang , Wang Hongqiang , Zhao Yi , Jia Xiaotong , Yang Yadong , Zhang Yunlong , Zhou Wei , Wu Honghui , Xu Chong , Sun Tao , Gao Yingzhi , Jentsch Anke , He Nianpeng , Yu Guirui
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is composed of both inorganic nitrogen (IN) and organic nitrogen (ON), and these sources of N may exhibit different impacts on ecosystems. However, our understanding of the impacts of N deposition is largely based on experimental gradients of INs or more rarely ONs. Thus, the effects of N deposition on ecosystem productivity and biodiversity may be biased. We explored the differential impacts of N addition with different IN:ON ratios (0:10, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 10:0) on aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) of plant community and plant diversity in a typical temperate grassland with a long‐term N addition experiment. Soil pH, litter biomass, soil IN concentration, and light penetration were measured to examine the potential mechanisms underlying species loss with N addition. Our results showed that N addition significantly increased plant community ANPP by 68.33%–105.50% and reduced species richness by 16.20%–37.99%. The IN:ON ratios showed no significant effects on plant community ANPP. However, IN‐induced species richness loss was about 2.34 times of ON‐induced richness loss. Soil pH was positively related to species richness, and they exhibited very similar response patterns to IN:ON ratios. It implies that soil acidification accounts for the different magnitudes of species loss with IN and ON additions. Overall, our study suggests that it might be reasonable to evaluate the effects of N deposition on plant community ANPP with either IN or ON addition. However, the evaluation of N deposition on biodiversity might be overestimated if only IN is added or underestimated if only ON is added.
Environmental DNA reveals a mismatch between diversity facets of Amazonian fishes in response to contrasting geographical, environmental and anthropogenic effects
Authors: Coutant Opale , Jézéquel Céline , Mokany Karel , Cantera Isabel , Covain Raphaël , Valentini Alice , Dejean Tony , Brosse Sébastien , Murienne Jérôme
Published: November 2022

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered ecosystem in the world. Understanding how human activities affect these ecosystems requires disentangling and quantifying the contribution of the factors driving community assembly. While it has been largely studied in temperate freshwaters, tropical ecosystems remain challenging to study due to the high species richness and the lack of knowledge on species distribution. Here, the use of eDNA‐based fish inventories combined to a community‐level modelling approach allowed depicting of assembly rules and quantifying the relative contribution of geographic, environmental and anthropic factors to fish assembly. We then used the model predictions to map spatial biodiversity and assess the representativity of sites surveyed in French Guiana within the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and highlighted areas that should host unique freshwater fish assemblages. We demonstrated a mismatch between the taxonomic and functional diversity. Taxonomic assemblages between but also within basins were mainly the results of dispersal limitation resulting from basin isolation and natural river barriers. Contrastingly, functional assemblages were ruled by environmental and anthropic factors. The regional mapping of fish diversity indicated that the sites surveyed within the EU WFD had a better representativity of the regional functional diversity than taxonomic diversity. Importantly, we also showed that the assemblages expected to be the most altered by anthropic factors were the most poorly represented in terms of functional diversity in the surveyed sites. The predictions of unique functional and taxonomic assemblages could, therefore, guide the establishment of new survey sites to increase fish diversity representativity and improve this monitoring program.
Post‐dialysis fatigue: Comparison of bicarbonate hemodialysis and online hemodiafiltration
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Monteburini Tania , Parodi Emanuele , Santarelli Stefano , Sirolli Vittorio , Cenerelli Stefano , Bonomini Mario , de Ninno Grazia , di Stasio Enrico
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The present cross‐sectional study aimed to compare the prevalence, the characteristics of post‐dialysis fatigue and the length of recovery time after hemodialysis in prevalent end‐stage renal disease patients (ESRD) receiving bicarbonate hemodialysis (HD) or hemodiafiltration (HDF).

Methods

Patients were suffering from post‐dialysis fatigue if they spontaneously offered this complaint when asked the open‐ended question: “Do you feel fatigued after dialysis?”. Moreover, each patient was invited to rate the intensity, duration, and frequency of post‐dialysis fatigue from 1 to 5. In order to assess RECOVERY TIME AFTER DIALYSIS, patients were invited to answer to the following single open‐ended question: “How long does it take you to recover from a dialysis session?”

Findings

We included 335 patients: 252 received HD and 83 received HDF. Post‐dialysis fatigue was present in 204 patients (60.9%). Prevalence of post‐dialysis fatigue did not differ significantly between patients on HD (62.3%) and on HDF (56.6%; p = 0.430). Median recovery time after dialysis was 180 min [180–240] and did not differ significantly between the two subgroups (180 min [130–240] and 240 min [120–332] p = 0.671, respectively). Median post‐dialysis fatigue intensity, duration, and frequency were 3 [1–5], 3 [1–5], and 4 [1–5] and did not differ significantly between patients on HD and on HDF. At the multivariate analysis, age, ADL and hemoglobin levels were the independent predictors of the HDF treatment.

Discussion

Prevalence and characteristics of post‐dialysis fatigue do not differ significantly between patients receiving bicarbonate HD or HDF.
Challenges for incorporating long‐term baselines into biodiversity restoration: A case study of the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) in Britain
Authors: Crees Jennifer J. , Oxley Victoria A. , Schreve Danielle C. , Turvey Samuel T.
Published: November 2022

Species reintroductions are a core component of conservation but require critical assessment of past baselines. The Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus formerly occurred in Britain during the Holocene and there is interest in its possible reintroduction, but its regional extinction dynamics remain poorly understood. Pelican bones are known from subfossil and zooarchaeological contexts at 11 British Holocene sites in three regions (East Anglian Fens, Somerset Levels and Moors, Humber Valley). Dalmatian Pelican is positively identified from four of these sites, with other specimens only identified to genus level. Pelican populations were probably only present periodically in Britain during intervals of suitable climate and available habitat: there is little evidence for pelicans before the Bronze Age, and most sites are known or inferred to be Iron Age. There is a suggested Medieval specimen but no secure evidence of pelican presence after the Roman period. However, no specimens are directly dated, with age estimation reliant upon indirect dates or inference. Climatic niche modelling indicates that southern Britain was the northwestern limit of pelican climate tolerance under postglacial conditions, and pelicans may have been unable to persist regionally until the mid‐ or late Holocene. Considerable pelican breeding and foraging habitat might have existed until the Medieval period, but availability of suitable habitat fluctuated throughout the Holocene. Probabilistic analysis suggests possible mean extinction date estimates between ad 589 and ad 1587, highlighting uncertainty associated with indirect data, and hindering our ability to correlate pelican disappearance with putative extinction drivers (overexploitation, human modification of wetlands, or non‐anthropogenic environmental changes). Improving our understanding of conditions associated with past pelican occurrence is essential for potential reintroduction decision‐making, and direct dating of bones from all sites is needed to establish a secure chronological framework for correlating pelican presence and disappearance with regional landscape change. This review provides a robust framework for how to integrate past environmental baselines into conservation decision‐making and reintroduction feasibility assessments.
Comparison of microwave irradiation and conventional thermal heating on volatile profiles and degree of oxidation in corn oil
Authors: Kim SeHyuk , Choi Hyuk , Lee YoonHee , Lee JaeHwan
Published: November 2022

Volatile profiles and degree of oxidation in corn oils after microwave treatment for 50 min were compared to oils with conventional heating at 180°C for 4 h. Oil microwaved for 10 and 50 min showed a similar degree of oxidation compared to the oil heated at 180°C for 1 and 3 h, respectively, based on the primary and secondary oxidation products. However, the total volatile contents of 50 min‐microwaved oil were significantly lower than that of corn oil heated for 1 h at 180°C (P < 0.05). Microwave treatment accelerated the rates of lipid oxidation by 4.6 times compared to 180°C thermal oxidation. Relatively short treatment with microwave irradiation may not provide sufficient time to generate volatiles from oil. Microwaved corn oil for 50 min had higher contents of hexanal and t‐2‐heptenal and lower contents of 2,4‐decadienal and nonanal than the oils heated at 180°C for 3 h. Reactive oxygen species may be involved in volatile formation in microwave‐irradiated oils.
Physiology and pathology of the C3 amplification cycle: A retrospective
Authors: Peters Keith
Published: November 2022

The C3 “Tickover” hypothesis, a mechanism whereby the host maintains constant surveillance of potential invading pathogens, targeting them for elimination through amplified C3b generation and C3‐dependent effector mechanisms, was proposed by the late Professor Peter Lachmann in 1973. This unique insight came from a combined understanding of the complement system as it was then defined and the nature of the disease process in rare complement deficiencies and complement‐driven diseases. In this review, I give a personal perspective of how understanding of “Tickover” has developed in the subsequent 50 years, culminating in the introduction into the clinic of therapeutic agents designed to combat amplification‐driven disease.
The neutrophil: A key resourceful agent in immune‐mediated vasculitis
Authors: Aymonnier Karen , Amsler Jennifer , Lamprecht Peter , Salama Alan , Witko‐Sarsat Véronique
Published: November 2022

The term “vasculitis” refers to a group of rare immune‐mediated diseases characterized by the dysregulated immune system attacking blood vessels located in any organ of the body, including the skin, lungs, and kidneys. Vasculitides are classified according to the size of the vessel that is affected. Although this observation is not specific to small‐, medium‐, or large‐vessel vasculitides, patients show a high circulating neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, suggesting the direct or indirect involvement of neutrophils in these diseases. As first responders to infection or inflammation, neutrophils release cytotoxic mediators, including reactive oxygen species, proteases, and neutrophil extracellular traps. If not controlled, this dangerous arsenal can injure the vascular system, which acts as the main transport route for neutrophils, thereby amplifying the initial inflammatory stimulus and the recruitment of immune cells. This review highlights the ability of neutrophils to “set the tone” for immune cells and other cells in the vessel wall. Considering both their long‐established and newly described roles, we extend their functions far beyond their direct host‐damaging potential. We also review the roles of neutrophils in various types of primary vasculitis, including immune complex vasculitis, anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and Behçet's disease.
The development of advanced practice nurses in Singapore
Authors: Xu Changqing , Koh Karen W. L. , Zhou Wentao
Published: November 2022

The development of advanced practice nursing has evolved globally over the past decades and has become an important component in the contemporary healthcare system. The term ‘advanced practice nurse’ is used to refer to nurses practising at a higher level than traditional nurses and is defined as a registered nurse who has acquired the expert knowledge base, complex decision‐making skills and clinical competencies for expanded practice. In 2003, Singapore embarked on the development of advanced practice nurses as an initiative to improve the nursing professional image, retain excellent clinical nurses and fill the gaps in the provision of healthcare services for the ageing population. This paper documents Singapore's journey of advanced practice nursing development and shares our unique learning experience in the aspects of education, certification, registration and scope of practice.
The antecedents and consequences of intergroup affective polarisation on social media
Authors: Wakefield Robin L. , Wakefield Kirk
Published: November 2022

Social media platforms enable like‐minded users to form online groups, interact and thereby contribute to ideological polarisation. However, online groups also polarise along a continuum of liking or affect for their group compared to other groups. We explore affective polarisation on social media and its implications for online intergroup interaction. Using social identity theory, we investigate the effects of group identification, passion, and affective polarisation on social media users' intergroup approach and avoidance tendencies. We test the research model in the context of political groups on social media. We find group identification contributes to affective polarisation by strengthening favouritism for the ingroup rather than hostility for the outgroup. Although those with greater group identification prefer to confront (approach) the opposition group on social media, the behaviour is a function of inflated feelings for the ingroup more so than animus for the outgroup. Interestingly, users with greater affective polarisation tend to shut out (avoid) the rival group on social media. Our findings imply affective polarisation contributes to group isolation that may exacerbate ideological polarisation.
Patient‐mediated interventions in hospital: A systematic review
Authors: Tobiano Georgia , Roberts Shelley , Muir Rachel , Jerofke‐Owen Teresa , Ting Christine , Thorning Sarah , Heyland Daren K. , Marshall Andrea P.
Published: November 2022

Aims

To describe the characteristics of hospital‐based, patient‐mediated interventions and their impact on patient, clinician and organization outcomes.

Design

Systematic review.

Data Sources

Health literature databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE) were searched in August 2021. Backward and forward citation searching was conducted.

Review Methods

Studies investigating patient‐mediated interventions, targeted at adult hospitalized patients were eligible. Data were extracted related to study and intervention characteristics. Narrative synthesis was used to understand intervention impact on patient, clinician and organization outcomes (as per a framework). Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool.

Results

Thirty‐three studies, reporting 18 interventions, were included. Twelve interventions prompted patients to report health information about their own health/needs/concerns and six interventions encouraged patients to provide feedback about clinical practice. Across all interventions, there was evidence that patients used patient‐mediated interventions and that they may improve patient communication. Healthcare professional outcomes were mixed for actual/intended use, acceptability and usefulness of interventions; yet there was some evidence of healthcare professional behaviour change. Interventions that encouraged patients to report health information about their own health/needs/concerns appeared more successful than other types of interventions.

Conclusions

There is some evidence that hospital‐based patient‐mediated interventions may influence patient communication and healthcare professional behaviour. Patient‐mediated interventions that encourage patients to report patient data before a clinical encounter may be more impactful than interventions that encourage patient feedback during or post‐encounter.

Impact

To date, most patient‐mediated intervention research has been conducted in primary care settings; we uncovered the types of patient‐mediated interventions that have been trialled in hospitals. We found that patient communication and healthcare professional behaviour may be influenced by these patient‐mediated interventions. Future researchers could explore the suitability and effectiveness of a wider range of hospital‐based patient‐mediated interventions.

No patient or public contribution

There was no funding to remunerate a patient/member of the public for this review.