bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of antireflective coatings with self-cleaning function using Si–Ti modified hollow silicon mixed sol
Authors: Li Yufan , Zheng Yong , Du Yuze , Zhang Xi , Wang Wangwang , Lv Jin
Published: November 2023

The antireflective coating (ARC) is fabricated by the sol-gel method using mixed sol modified by Si–Ti composite sol. The effects of the mixing ratio of Si–Ti composite sol and hollow silica sol on the surface morphology, optical properties, mechanical properties, and wetting ability of the ARC were studied. Moreover, the self-cleaning ability and environmental stability were examined via dip coating the modified sol on glass substrates. The proposed ARC exhibited a total solar-weighted transmittance (Тsw) of more than 94.97% over a wavelength range of 380–1100 nm, significantly higher than that of the bare glass substrate (Тsw = 90.62%). After modification, the proposed ARC exhibited a hardness of 3 H. In addition, the coating presented an extremely hydrophilic surface with a minimum water contact angle of less than 5°. Water droplets resulted in the formation of a water film on the ARC surface, which could significantly reduce the adverse effects of subsequent pollutants on the coating transmittance; simultaneously, owing to the introduction of TiO2, the coating could oxidatively decompose organic contamination. Finally, damp test results showed that the ARC transmittance only decreased by 0.05%, indicating good environmental stability.
How do molecular motors fold the genome?
Authors: Dekker Cees , Haering Christian H. , Peters Jan-Michael , Rowland Benjamin D.
Published: November 2023

A potential mechanism of DNA loop extrusion by molecular motors is discussed
Birds of a feather
Performance All the Way Down: Genes, Development, and Sexual Difference
Richard O. Prum
University of Chicago Press, 2023. 368 pp.
Authors: Milam Erika Lorraine
Published: November 2023

An ornithologist mobilizes feminist scholarship to advance a holistic view of gender
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Suleymanov Yury , Chiang John C. H. , Stajic Jelena , Osborne Ian S. , Vignieri Sacha , Ash Caroline , Olingy Claire , Lempriere Sarah A. , Lavine Marc S. , Funk Michael A. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Smith H. Jesse , Seale Madeleine , Jiang Di , Grocholski Brent , Smith Orla , Foley John F.
Published: November 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
AI’s challenge of understanding the world
Authors: Mitchell Melanie
Published: November 2023

In thinking about the challenge of getting artificial intelligence (AI) to understand our complex world, I recalled a Twitter post from a user of Tesla’s self-driving system. The user
tweeted
that his car kept stopping abruptly at a particular location for no apparent reason. Then he noticed a billboard advertisement on the side of the road, featuring a sheriff holding up a stop sign. The car’s vision system had interpreted this as an actual stop sign, and slammed on the brakes.
Debate brews over U.S. census changes to disability questions
Authors: Jacobs Phie
Published: November 2023

The proposed changes would decrease the percentage of people considered disabled, affecting data and resources
Calcineurin is required for
Candida glabrata
Pdr1 transcriptional activation
Authors: Vu Bao Gia , Simonicova Lucia , Moye-Rowley W. Scott
Published: November 2023

Fluconazole is one of the most commonly used antifungals today. A result of this has been the inevitable selection of fluconazole-resistant organisms. This is an especially acute problem in the pathogenic yeast
Candida glabrata
. Elevated minimal inhibitory concentrations for fluconazole in
C. glabrata
are frequently associated with substitution mutations within the Zn2Cys6 zinc cluster-containing transcription factor-encoding gene
PDR1
. These mutant Pdr1 regulators drive constitutively high expression of target genes like
CDR1
that encodes an ATP-binding cassette transporter thought to act as a drug efflux pump. Exposure of
C. glabrata
to fluconazole induced expression of both Pdr1 and
CDR1
, although little is known of the molecular basis underlying the upstream signals that trigger Pdr1 activation. Here, we show that the protein phosphatase calcineurin is required for fluconazole-dependent induction of Pdr1 transcriptional regulation. Calcineurin catalytic activity is required for normal Pdr1 regulation, and a hyperactive form of this phosphatase can decrease susceptibility to the echinocandin caspofungin but does not show a similar change for fluconazole susceptibility. Loss of calcineurin from strains expressing two different gain-of-function forms of Pdr1 also caused a decrease in
CDR1
expression and increased fluconazole susceptibility, demonstrating that even these hyperactive Pdr1 regulatory mutants cannot bypass the requirement for calcineurin. Our data implicate calcineurin activity as a link tying azole and echinocandin susceptibility together via the control of transcription factor activity.

IMPORTANCE

Drug-resistant microorganisms are a problem in the treatment of all infectious diseases; this is an especially acute problem with fungi due to the existence of only three major classes of antifungal drugs, including the azole drug fluconazole. In the pathogenic yeast
Candida glabrata
, mutant forms of a transcription factor called Pdr1 are commonly associated with decreased fluconazole susceptibility and poor clinical outcomes. Here, we identify a protein phosphatase called calcineurin that is required for fluconazole-dependent induction of Pdr1 transcriptional activation and associated drug susceptibility. Gain-of-function mutant forms of Pdr1 still required the presence of calcineurin to confer normally decreased fluconazole susceptibility. Previous studies showed that calcineurin controls susceptibility to the echinocandin class of antifungal drugs, and our data demonstrate that this protein phosphatase is also required for normal azole drug susceptibility. Calcineurin plays a central role in susceptibility to two of the three major classes of antifungal drugs in
C. glabrata
.
Identification of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance in
Salmonella enterica
subsp. enterica serovar Javiana (FARPER-220) isolated from broiler chickens
Authors: Tataje-Lavanda Luis , Villanueva-Pérez Doris , Montalván-Avalos Angela , Vallejos-Sánchez Katherine , Zimic-Peralta Mirko , Fernández-Sánchez Manolo , Fernández-Díaz Manolo
Published: November 2023

Genome sequencing of highly virulent
Salmonella enterica
subsp. enterica serovar Javiana strain FARPER-220 (ST-1674) isolated from broiler chickens in Peru revealed multiple virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and invasion-related subcategories. The results provide insights into the potential importance of this strain in causing infections in various animals.
Draft genomes of 3 cyanobacteria strains and 17 co-habiting proteobacteria assembled from metagenomes
Authors: Berthold Maximilian , Albrecht Martin , Campbell Douglas A. , Omar Naaman M.
Published: November 2023

Cyanobium
and
Synechococcus
are prominent, globally distributed cyanobacteria genera with ecological significance. Here, we report the genomes of the marine
Synechococcus
sp. CCMP836 and two strains of
Cyanobium
(CZS25K and CZS48M) along with the genomes of 17 co-occurring proteobacteria. These genomes will improve the strain-specific ecological positions.
Single Top Quark Production in $${s}$$ Channel at Ultra-High Energies
Authors: Okorokov V. A.
Published: November 2023

The processes with single top quark production provide a prototype search for the types of final state that are expected in many new physics scenarios. Some distinctive features are considered for particle production in the top sector in ultra-high energy domain which can be covered partly in the collisions of cosmic ray particles with atmosphere. The single top quark production through electroweak interaction is studied within the Standard Model and the Effective Field Theory approach used for calculations of total partonic cross sections in $$s$$–channel. These quantitative results can be important for both the future collider experiments at center-of-mass energy frontier and the improvement of the phenomenological models for development of the cosmic ray cascades in ultra-high energy domain. Thus the study allows the better understanding of heavy particle production and emphasizes the exciting interrelation between the high-energy physics on accelerators and ultra-high energy cosmic ray measurements.
Prevalence of bradycardia in 4876 newborns in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Rettedal Siren , Kibsgaard Amalie , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Eilevstjønn Joar , Ersdal Hege Langli
Published: November 2023

Objective

To determine the prevalence of bradycardia in the first minute after birth and association with positive pressure ventilation (PPV).

Method

A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2019 to December 2021 at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway. Parents consented to participation during pregnancy, and newborns ≥28 weeks’ gestation were included at birth. Heart rate (HR) was captured immediately after birth and continuously for the first minute(s). Time of birth was registered on a tablet. Provision of PPV was captured using video.

Results

Of 4876 included newborns, 164 (3.4%) did not breathe (two-thirds) or breathed ineffectively (one-third) and received PPV at birth. HR in the first minute had a wide distribution. The prevalence of first measured HR <100 and <60 beats/minute at median 16 s was 16.3% and 0.6%, respectively. HR increased in most cases. At 60 s, 3.7% had HR <100 beats/minute, of which 82% did not require PPV. In total, 25% of newborns had some registered HR <100 beats/minute during the first minute, of which 95% did not require PPV. Among newborns who received PPV, 76% and 62% had HR ≥100 beats/minute at 60 s and at start PPV, respectively.

Conclusion

Bradycardia with HR <100 bpm in the first minute of life was frequent, but mostly self-resolved. Among the 4% of newborns that remained bradycardic at 60 s, only 20% received PPV. Two-thirds of resuscitated newborns had HR ≥100 beats/minute at start PPV. None of the ventilated newborns were breathing adequately at start PPV.

Trial registration number

NCT03849781.
Omental infarction in an overweight child: conservative treatment is a safe approach
Authors: Aralihond Ashok , Aniapravan Roona , Abdelgadir Ibtihal , Powell Colin
Published: November 2023

A previously healthy but overweight (body mass index (BMI) of 24.4) adolescent boy presented with fever and significant right-sided abdominal pain. An abdominal ultrasound scan revealed an omental infarction (OI), which was treated conservatively. OI has been described in overweight teenage children with abdominal trauma but can be missed if not considered. A missed diagnosis could result in an unnecessary laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Although CT is the gold standard for diagnosis, ultrasonography is an effective approach to identifying OI in children. The benefits of early diagnosis of OI by abdominal ultrasound include a shorter hospital stay and a reduction in unnecessary investigations and surgery.
Neonatal perforated appendicitis: a presentation of necrotising enterocolitis?
Authors: Naik Prathit , Anne Rajendra Prasad , Mathai Sheila Samanta , Pai Nitin
Published: November 2023

In this case report, we present a late preterm growth-restricted neonate who developed signs of feeding intolerance on the second day of life, which progressed to frank peritonitis with perforation by the end of the second week of life. As necrotising enterocolitis was considered the most likely diagnosis, a glove drain was placed in the flanks. The neonate did not improve, and surgical exploration was done after medical stabilisation. On exploration, the neonate was found to have appendicular perforation and an appendicectomy was performed. During surgery, the rest of the gut was noted to be healthy. Histopathological examination of the appendix showed transmural inflammation, focal infarction and perforation. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the neonate showed rapid improvement and reached full enteral feeding in the next 5 days. Antibiotic therapy promptly resolved bacterial peritonitis, and the neonate was discharged successfully.
Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the common bile duct presenting as painless jaundice
Authors: Chan Rachael , Stueck Ashley , Stewart Michael , Kohansal Ali
Published: November 2023

A woman in her 70s presented with painless jaundice and index biopsy of a common bile duct (CBD) mass obtained by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was suspicious for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour. Treatment consisted of pancreaticoduodenectomy, and final pathology results were consistent with sarcomatoid carcinoma. Postoperative complications included pancreaticojejunal leak, surgical wound infection, bacteraemia, myocardial injury, and significant ulceration and stricturing of the oesophagus. 14 weeks post-pancreaticoduodenectomy, the patient was found to have a perforated viscus, gastroduodenal leak and diffuse small bowel ischaemia—the patient passed away following emergent laparotomy. We aim to add to the limited literature surrounding this rare CBD neoplasm.
Prevalence of pre-existing lung diseases and their association with income level among patients with lung cancer: a nationwide population-based case-control study in South Korea
Authors: Oh Chang-Mo , Lee Sanghee , Kwon Hoejun , Hwangbo Bin , Cho Hyunsoon
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pre-existing lung diseases in patients with lung cancer compared to people without lung cancer and examine the association between income levels and pre-existing lung diseases.

Methods

Data on patients with lung cancer (case) and the general population without lung cancer (non-cancer controls) matched by age, sex and region were obtained from the Korea National Health Insurance Service—National Health Information Database (n=51 586). Insurance premiums were divided into quintiles and medicaid patients. Conditional logistic regression models were used to examine the association between pre-existing lung diseases and the risk of lung cancer. The relationship between income level and the prevalence of pre-existing lung disease among patients with lung cancer was analysed using logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of asthma (17.3%), chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) (9.3%), pneumonia (9.1%) and pulmonary tuberculosis (1.6%) in patients with lung cancer were approximately 1.6–3.2 times higher compared with the general population without lung cancer. A significantly higher risk for lung cancer was observed in individuals with pre-existing lung diseases (asthma: OR=1.36, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.44; COPD: 2.11, 95% CI 1.94 to 2.31; pneumonia: 1.49, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.61; pulmonary tuberculosis: 2.16, 95% CI 1.75 to 2.66). Patients with lung cancer enrolled in medicaid exhibited higher odds of having pre-existing lung diseases compared with those in the top 20% income level (asthma: OR=1.75, 95% CI 1.56 to 1.96; COPD: 1.91, 95% CI 1.65 to 2.21; pneumonia: 1.73, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.01; pulmonary tuberculosis: 2.45, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.36).

Conclusions

Pre-existing lung diseases were substantially higher in patients with lung cancer than in the general population. The high prevalence odds of pre-existing lung diseases in medicaid patients suggests the health disparity arising from the lowest income group, underscoring a need for specialised lung cancer surveillance.
A clinical decision rule to rule out bloodstream infection in the emergency department: retrospective multicentric observational cohort study
Authors: Pehlivan Jonathan , Douillet Delphine , Jérémie Riou , Perraud Clément , Niset Alexandre , Eveillard Matthieu , Chenouard Rachel , Mahieu Rafael
Published: November 2023

Background

We aimed to identify patients at low risk of bloodstream infection (BSI) in the ED.

Methods

We derived and validated a prediction model to rule out BSI in the ED without the need for laboratory testing by determining variables associated with a positive blood culture (BC) and assigned points according to regression coefficients. This retrospective study included adult patients suspected of having BSI (defined by at least one BC collection) from two European ED between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2019. The primary end point was the BSI rate in the validation cohort for patients with a negative Bacteremia Rule Out Criteria (BAROC) score. The effect of adding laboratory variables to the model was evaluated as a second step in a two-step diagnostic strategy.

Results

We analysed 2580 patients with a mean age of 64 years±21, of whom 46.1% were women. The derived BAROC score comprises 12 categorical clinical variables. In the validation cohort, it safely ruled out BSI without BCs in 9% (58/648) of patients with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 95% to 100%), a specificity of 10% (95% CI 8% to 13%) and a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI 94% to 100%). Adding laboratory variables (creatinine ≥177 µmol/L (2.0 mg/dL), platelet count ≤150 000/mm3and neutrophil count ≥12 000/mm3) to the model, ruled out BSI in 10.2% (58/570) of remaining patients who had been positive on the BAROC score. The BAROC score with laboratory results had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 94% to 100%), specificity of 11% (95% CI 9% to 14%) and negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI 94 to 100%). In the validation cohort, there was no evidence of a difference in discrimination between the area under the receiver operating characteristic for BAROC score with versus without laboratory testing (p=0.6).

Conclusion

The BAROC score safely identified patients at low risk of BSI and may reduce BC collection in the ED without the need for laboratory testing.
Optimal carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) cutoff values in the diagnosis of neoplastic mucinous pancreatic cysts differ among assays
Authors: Kim David , Margolskee Elizabeth , Goyal Abha , Siddiqui Momin T , Heymann Jonas J , Rao Rema , Hayden Joshua
Published: November 2023

Aim

Pancreatic cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a pivotal test in the diagnosis and management of neoplastic mucinous cysts (NMC) of the pancreas. Cyst fluid CEA levels of 192 ng/mL have been widely used to identify NMC. However, CEA values are unique to and significantly differ between individual assays with various optimal cutoffs reported in the literature for NMC. Here, we investigate the optimal CEA cut-off value of pancreatic cysts from two different assays to identify differences in thresholds.

Methods

Pancreatic cyst fluid CEA levels, CEA assay platform (Beckman Dxl (BD) or Siemens Centaur XP (SC)), and clinical/pathological information were retrospectively collected. Cases were categorised into either NMC or non-NMC. Optimal CEA cut-off values were calculated via a receiver operator characteristic curve. Cut-off values were then identified separately by assay platform.

Results

In total, 149 pancreatic cystic lesions with concurrent CEA values (SC: n=47; BD: n=102) were included. Histological correlation was available for 26 (17%) samples. The optimal CEA cut-off value for all samples at the study institution was 45.9 ng/mL (area under the curve (AUC)=86, Sn=85.7%, Sp=73.8%). When analysed separately by CEA assay, the cut-off values were 45.9 ng/mL (AUC=84.27, Sn=89.7%, Sp=71.4%) for BD and 24.4 ng/mL (AUC=77, Sn=81.8%, Sp=75%) for SC (p=0.48).

Conclusions

This study showed an optimal pancreas cyst CEA cut-off threshold of 45.9 ng/mL, which is lower than commonly cited literature with different cutoffs on the two separate platforms (BD: 45.9 ng/mL, SC: 24.4 ng/mL).
Human flourishing, the goals of medicine and integration of palliative care considerations into intensive care decision-making
Authors: Donaldson Thomas
Published: November 2023

Aristotle’s ethical system was guided by his vision of human flourishing (also, but potentially misleadingly, translated as happiness). For Aristotle, human flourishing was a rich holistic concept about a life lived well until its ending. Both living a long life and dying well were integral to the Aristotelian ideal of human flourishing. Using Aristotle’s concept of human flourishing to inform the goals of medicine has the potential to provide guidance to clinical decision-makers regarding the provision of burdensome treatments, such as intensive care treatment, where pursuing a chance of survival must be balanced against the risk of exposing patients to a negative dying experience. By conceptually uniting potentially competing goals of medicine, such as prolonging life and the promotion of peaceful deaths, Aristotle’s understanding of human flourishing creates an argument for the integration of palliative care considerations into intensive care decision-making and for advanced care planning with healthy patients.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in regional anesthesia and pain medicine (Part II): guidelines for performing the systematic review
Authors: D’Souza Ryan S , Barrington Michael J , Sen Ananda , Mascha Edward J , Kelley George A
Published: November 2023

In Part I of this series, we provide guidance for preparing a systematic review protocol. In this article, we highlight important steps and supplement with exemplars on conducting and reporting the results of a systematic review. We suggest how authors can manage protocol violations, multiplicity of outcomes and analyses, and heterogeneity. The quality (certainty) of the evidence and strength of recommendations should follow the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. It is our goal that Part II of this series provides valid guidance to authors and peer reviewers who conduct systematic reviews to adhere to important constructs of transparency, structure, reproducibility, and accountability. This will likely result in more rigorous systematic reviews being submitted for publication to the journals likeRegional Anesthesia & Pain MedicineandAnesthesia & Analgesia.
MACE and VTE across upadacitinib clinical trial programmes in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Charles-Schoeman Christina , Choy Ernest , McInnes Iain B , Mysler Eduardo , Nash Peter , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Lippe Ralph , Khan Nasser , Shmagel Anna K , Palac Hannah , Suboticki Jessica , Curtis Jeffrey R
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To provide an integrated analysis of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and events of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and associated risk factors across rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) phase 2b/3 upadacitinib clinical programmes.

Methods

Data were analysed and summarised from clinical trials of RA, PsA and AS treated with upadacitinib 15 mg once daily (QD) and 30 mg QD (as of 30 June 2021). Data from adalimumab (RA and PsA) and methotrexate (RA) arms were included as comparators. Adjudicated MACEs and VTE events were presented as exposure-adjusted rates per 100 patient-years (E/100 PY). Univariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses assessed potential associations of risk factors for MACE and VTE.

Results

In total, 4298 patients received upadacitinib 15 mg (RA n=3209, PsA n=907 and AS n=182) and 2125 patients received upadacitinib 30 mg (RA n=1204 and PsA n=921). In patients with RA and PsA, rates of MACE (0.3–0.6 E/100 PY) and VTE (0.2–0.4 E/100 PY) were similar across upadacitinib doses; in patients with AS, no MACEs and one VTE event occurred. Most patients experiencing MACEs or VTE events had two or more baseline cardiovascular risk factors. Across RA and PsA groups, rates of MACEs and VTE events were similar.

Conclusions

Rates of MACEs and VTE events with upadacitinib were consistent with previously reported data for patients receiving conventional synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and comparable with active comparators adalimumab and methotrexate. Associated patient characteristics are known risk factors for MACEs and VTE events.

Trial registration numbers

RA (SELECT-NEXT:NCT02675426; SELECT-MONOTHERAPY:NCT02706951; SELECT-BEYOND:NCT02706847; SELECT-COMPARE:NCT02629159; SELECT-EARLY:NCT02706873, SELECT-CHOICE:NCT03086343), PsA (SELECT-PsA 2:NCT03104374; SELECT-PsA 1:NCT03104400), and AS (SELECT-AXIS 1:NCT03178487).
Antimicrobial susceptibility profile ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaefrom patients attending a medical laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar between 2014 and 2020: phenotypical and genomic characterisation in a subset ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeisolates
Authors: Rafetrarivony Lala Fanomezantsoa , Rabenandrasana Mamitina Alain Noah , Hariniaina Elisoa Ratsima , Randrianirina Frédérique , Smith Anthony Marius , Crucitti Tania
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Antimicrobial-resistantNeisseria gonorrhoeae(NG) is a concern. Little is known about antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and associated genetic resistance mechanisms of NG in Madagascar. We report susceptibility data of NG isolates obtained by the medical laboratory (CBC) of the Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar, during 2014–2020. We present antimicrobial resistance mechanisms data and phenotype profiles of a subset of isolates.

Methods

We retrieved retrospective data (N=395) from patients with NG isolated during 2014−2020 by the CBC. We retested 46 viable isolates including 6 found ceftriaxone and 2 azithromycin resistant, as well as 33 isolated from 2020. We determined minimal inhibitory concentrations for ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, penicillin, tetracycline and spectinomycin using Etest. We obtained whole-genome sequences and identified the gene determinants associated with antimicrobial resistance and the sequence types (STs).

Results

Over the study period, ceftriaxone-resistant isolates exceeded the threshold of 5% in 2017 (7.4% (4 of 54)) and 2020 (7.1% (3 of 42)). All retested isolates were found susceptible to ceftriaxone, azithromycin and spectinomycin, and resistant to ciprofloxacin. The majority were resistant to penicillin (83% (38 of 46)) and tetracycline (87% (40 of 46)). We detected chromosomal mutations associated with antibiotic resistance ingyrA, parC, penA, ponA,porBandmtrRgenes. None of the retested isolates carried the mosaicpenAgene. The high rate of resistance to penicillin and tetracycline is explained by the presence ofblaTEM(94.7% (36 of 38)) andtetM(97.5% (39 of 40)). We found a high number of circulating multilocus STs. Almost half of them were new types, and one new type was among the four most predominant.

Conclusions

Our report provides a detailed dataset obtained through phenotypical and genotypical methods which will serve as a baseline for future surveillance of NG. We could not confirm the occurrence of ceftriaxone-resistant isolates. Our results highlight the importance of implementing quality-assured gonococcal antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Madagascar.
Optimising a product standard for banning menthol and other flavours in tobacco products
Authors: Kyriakos Christina N , Chung-Hall Janet , Craig Lorraine V , Fong Geoffrey T
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we highlight key issues that policymakers should consider when developing a product standard banning menthol and other flavours in tobacco products based on research evidence and experiences learnt from other countries. A flavour product standard may be optimised by (1) having a clear and comprehensive definition of flavour that includes a complete ban on additives that have flavour properties and/or evoke sensory/cooling effects (ie, menthol analogues and synthetic coolants that stimulate the cooling receptor of the brain) rather than only as a ‘characterising flavour’ and (2) applying the standard to all tobacco product categories as well as all components or parts of the tobacco product (ie, the tobacco, filter, wrapper or paper), including separate flavourings that can be added to the product.
Impact of intravenous administration of nalbuphine at different time points for postoperative analgesia and sedation in adenotonsillectomized children: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cao Hongmin , Bao Chunying , Tu Haiya , Gao Jing , Huang Jinjin , Chen Qixing
Published: November 2023

Objective

To compare the efficacy of intravenous administration of nalbuphine at different time points for postoperative analgesia and sedation in adenotonsillectomized children.

Methods

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomly divided into group A (patients received intravenous nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg before anesthesia induction), group B (patients received intravenous nalbuphine 0.2 mg/kg 10 min before the end of surgery), and group C (patients did not receive nalbuphine injection). The time points for measuring outcomes were before anesthesia induction (T0), extubation (T1), and 0, 15, 30, or 45 min in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) (T2–T5, respectively).

Results

There were 40 patients in group A, 41 patients in group B and 39 patients in group C. Patients in group B had significantly lower FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) pain scores at T2–T5 than those in group C (all p<0.05). Patients in group B had higher Ramsay Sedation Score at T2–T4 than those in group C (all p<0.05). The proportion of patients who received remedial analgesia in the PACU in group A (17.5%, p=0.008) and group B (9.8%, p<0.001) was significantly lower than that in group C (46.2%).

Conclusion

Intravenous administration of nalbuphine 10 min before the end of adenotonsillectomy in children could decrease pain intensity and increase sedation levels during the recovery period with the reduction of remedial analgesia in the PACU.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2200060118.
Acute oral antioxidant consumption does not alter brachial artery flow mediated dilation in young adults independent of exercise training status
Authors: King Trevor J. , Petrick Heather L. , Millar Philip J. , Burr Jamie F.
Published: November 2023

Endothelium-dependent vasodilation can be tested using a variety of shear stress paradigms, some of which may involve the production of reactive oxygen species. The purpose of this study was to compare different methods for assessing endothelial function and their specific involvement of reactive oxygen species and influence of aerobic training status. Twenty-nine (10 F) young and healthy participants (VO2max: 34–74 mL·kg−1·min−1) consumed either an antioxidant cocktail (AOC; vitamin C, vitamin E, α-lipoic acid) or placebo (PLA) on each of two randomized visits. Endothelial function was measured via three different brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) tests: reactive hyperemia (RH-FMD: 5 min cuff occlusion and release), sustained shear (SS-FMD: 6 min rhythmic handgrip), and progressive sustained shear (P-SS-FMD: three intensities of 3 min of rhythmic handgrip). Baseline artery diameter decreased (all tests: 3.8 ± 0.5 to 3.7 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.004), and shear rate stimulus increased (during RH-FMD test, p = 0.021; during SS-FMD test, p = 0.36; during P-SS-FMD test, p = 0.046) following antioxidant consumption. However, there was no difference in FMD following AOC consumption (RH-FMD, PLA: 8.1 ± 2.6%, AOC: 8.2 ± 3.5%, p = 0.92; SS-FMD, PLA: 6.9 ± 3.9%, AOC: 7.8 ± 5.2%, p = 0.15) or FMD per shear rate slope (P-SS-FMD: PLA: 0.0039 ± 0.0035 mm·s−1, AOC: 0.0032 ± 0.0017 mm·s−1, p = 0.28) and this was not influenced by training status/fitness (all p > 0.60). Allometric scaling did not alter these outcomes (all p > 0.40). Reactive oxygen species may not be integral to endothelium-dependent vasodilation tested using reactive, sustained, or progressive shear protocols in young males and females, regardless of fitness level.
How do different thinning methods influence spatial tree diversity in mixed forest stands of planted Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and naturally regenerated birch (Betula spp.) in southern Sweden?
Authors: Becs Artis , Bergström Dan , Egnell Gustaf , Pommerening Arne
Published: November 2023

Forest biomass has become a viable alternative energy source for replacing fossil fuels, particularly after the European Union acknowledged its sustainability status. To reach zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 in Sweden, new efficient methods of biomass extraction, such as geometrical biomass thinnings, are being explored and tested. These machine-based methods involve the extraction of above-ground biomass in narrow, 1–2 m-wide strips between extraction racks. While evidence-based optimization of biomass extraction mostly focuses on time- and cost-efficiency and on stand growth, criteria such as tree diversity are often overlooked. However, with ongoing climate change, tree diversity is crucial to strengthening the resilience and productivity of future forests, which also enhance the provision of ecosystem services and overall biological diversity. Therefore, we studied the effects of different biomass thinning strategies on spatial tree diversity in southern Sweden using nearest-neighbour summary statistics. We found scientific evidence that different geometrical designs of biomass thinning, especially in 1 or 2 m-wide strips, resulted in higher spatial tree diversity compared to conventional biomass thinning. Hence, in mixed conifer-broadleaved forests, biomass thinning in 1 or 2 m-wide strips is recommended for maintaining spatial tree diversity.
Some characterizations of the complex projective space via Ehrhart polynomials
Authors: Loi Andrea , Zuddas Fabio
Published: November 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be the Ehrhart polynomial associated to an integral multiple [Formula: see text] of the standard simplex [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that if [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-dimensional polarized toric manifold with associated Delzant polytope [Formula: see text] and Ehrhart polynomial [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text], for some [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] (where [Formula: see text] is the hyperplane bundle on [Formula: see text]) in the following three cases: (1) arbitrary [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], (2) [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and (3) [Formula: see text] under the assumption that the polarization [Formula: see text] is asymptotically Chow semistable.
A Small-Deformation Rate-Independent Continuous-Flow Model for Elasto-Plastic Frames Allowing Rapid Fatigue Predictions in Metallic Structures
Authors: Jarecki Dominic , Dhas Bensingh , Srinivasa Arun , Reddy J. N.
Published: November 2023

Fatigue analysis in metallic frame structures can be challenging due to associated computational costs; if localized plasticity is involved, then the approach of three-dimensional (3D) continuum plasticity models for direct computation of stresses will be infeasible for the analysis of cyclic loading that would need to be modeled in medium- to high-cycle fatigue and vibratory fatigue applications. This difficulty is particularly accentuated in architected structures, for which high-resolution 3D finite element analysis (FEA) would be prohibitively expensive. In this work, we propose an alternative approach based on the use of novel elasto-plastic frame model with continuous flow (i.e. no sharp yield function) for modeling 3D frame and lattice structures. Rather than splitting the strains (as is done in classical plasticity) we split the deformation measures, extension, curvature and twist, into elastic and plastic components and postulate a rate type evolution rule for the plastic variables in terms of the stress resultants (axial force, bending moment, and torque). The combination of structural models together with the use of elasto-plastic operator split to solve the resulting boundary value problem allows for much faster determination of localized plasticity than continuum models can provide. The use of a continuous transition from elastic to rate-independent plasticity (as opposed to an abrupt change with classical plasticity models) allows us to capture localized microplasticity and determine resulting fatigue progression using a cycle-count-free, plastic work-based approach, formulated in terms of the curvatures and resultants. We demonstrate that (a) the model is able able to reproduce the response of 3D FEA with very few elements and (b) the model has the ability to rapidly predict the fatigue life under variable amplitude combined loading with relatively few frame elements.
Numerical Investigation of Tensile and Compressive Behavior of Mild Steel Subjected to High Strain Rate
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Iqbal M. A.
Published: November 2023

Numerical simulations were conducted to validate computational and constitutive models for steel materials through dynamic material tests involving both tension and compression. These simulations involved the numerical modeling of the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus, with the appropriate loading applied directly in compression and indirectly in tension. To induce a tensile wave within the specimen, a shoulder, such as a coupler or collar, was interposed between the bars. The simulations were carried out using the LS-DYNA finite element code. In these numerical simulations of the SHPB tests, the MAT-15 Johnson–Cook material model was applied to represent mild steel. The resulting stress–strain relationships obtained under both compression and tension conditions were subsequently compared to corresponding experimental data. The primary objectives of these simulations were to determine the optimal placement of strain gauges on both the input and output bars of the tensile SHPB setup. Additionally, the simulations aimed to assess the influence of the gauge length-to-diameter ratio on the behavior of the mild steel specimen subjected to dynamic tension and compression. The results showed that the pulse produced due to the mechanical mismatch of the element at boundaries can be avoided using the length of the input bar smaller than the output bar. Further, the location of the strain gauge in the case of the output bar should be toward the output bar-shoulder interface, while in the case of the input bar, it should be considered at the center of the span of the bar.
Natural Frequency Maximization of Beam with an Internal Sliding Joint of Translational Restraint
Authors: Wang D.
Published: November 2023

The natural frequency variation of a uniform Euler–Bernoulli beam with an internal sliding joint of the translational restraint is studied intensively such that the optimal design of the connecting point is pursued for maximization of a natural frequency of the system. First, the compatibility conditions at the linkage are presented in detail, and the dynamic characteristic equation of the beam system is accordingly derived. Next, the influences of both the translational restraint stiffness and the position of the sliding joint upon the natural frequency and mode shape are described comprehensively. Then, the optimal position and the corresponding minimum translational stiffness of the internal joint are explored exclusively for maximizing a natural frequency of the beam structure. In this context, the essential requirements for the optimization of the internal sliding joint are presented, respectively, in two different ways to reveal their mechanical implications. It turns out that the optimal joint location can be determined readily from the corresponding mode shape of the equivalent continuous beam. Afterward, numerical results are provided with two classical beams of a single internal sliding joint to demonstrate the variations of their dynamic characteristics as well as to offer significant physical insight into the vibratory behaviors of the beam system with maximization of a natural frequency of interest.
DEEP LEARNING-BASED FEATURE FUSION AND TRANSFER LEARNING FOR APPROXIMATING pIC VALUE OF COVID-19 MEDICINE USING DRUG DISCOVERY DATA
Authors: DHAYGUDE AMOL DATTATRAY , HASAN MEHADI , VIJAY M.
Published: November 2023

The pandemic disease Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) caused thousands of infections and deaths globally. It is important to introduce new medicines to address the critical situation in the medical system. The determination of approximate pIC value is necessary for designing medicines based on molecular compounds. Generally, the approximation of pIC value is a lengthy process, so it is difficult and time-consuming. Hence it is essential to introduce a new technique for automatic approximation. In this research, a Convolutional Neural Network-based transfer learning (CNN-TL) is designed for approximating the pIC value. Initially, Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) notation is extracted from SMILES string symbols using an entropy-based one-hot encoding matrix and the molecular formula-based encoding. The molecular features are then extracted from the input data using Lorentzian similarity and Deep Residual Network (DRN). The pIC value approximation is performed using the CNN-TL model, where the Visual Geometry Group Network-16 (VGGNet-16) is used to fetch hyperparameters used to initialize the CNN. The experimental results proved that the designed CNN-TL technique achieved minimum error rates with normalized values of 0.406 for R2, 0.516 for Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), 0.267 for Mean Square Error (MSE), and for 0.277 Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE).
Small groups in multidimensional feature space: Two examples of supervised two-group classification from biomedicine
Authors: Karpenko Dmitriy , Bigildeev Aleksei
Published: November 2023

Some biomedical datasets contain a small number of samples which have large numbers of features. This can make analysis challenging and prone to errors such as overfitting and misinterpretation. To improve the accuracy and reliability of analysis in such cases, we present a tutorial that demonstrates a mathematical approach for a supervised two-group classification problem using two medical datasets. A tutorial provides insights on effectively addressing uncertainties and handling missing values without the need for removing or inputting additional data. We describe a method that considers the size and shape of feature distributions, as well as the pairwise relations between measured features as separate derived features and prognostic factors. Additionally, we explain how to perform similarity calculations that account for the variation in feature values within groups and inaccuracies in individual value measurements. By following these steps, a more accurate and reliable analysis can be achieved when working with biomedical datasets that have a small sample size and multiple features.
Reference Motion Quality and Design Choices for Bipedal Walking with PPO
Authors: Bestmann Marc , Zhang Jianwei
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the influence of reference motion quality and other design choices on the performance of deep reinforcement learning for bipedal walking with Proximate Policy Optimization (PPO). We use parametrized Cartesian quintic splines to generate reference actions for an omnidirectional walk policy. By using parameter sets with different qualities, we show that the performance of the trained policy correlates to the quality of the reference motion. We also show that a policy in Cartesian space performs superior to a joint-space-based one if an advantageous representation of orientation is chosen. Additionally, we show that using an initial bias for the policy speeds up the training and leads to higher performances for policies using position control. We also show that we can achieve a stable omnidirectional walk on a wide variety of simulated humanoid robots.
Anisotropies and modified gravity theories in stellar and substellar objects
Authors: Chowdhury Shaswata
Published: November 2023

In several classes of modified gravity theories, extra degrees of freedom are not completely screened in the interiors of stellar and substellar objects. In such theories, the hydrostatic equilibrium condition inside these objects is altered. Moreover, the interior structures of these objects might have a small pressure anisotropy induced by several physical phenomena, including rotation and magnetic fields. All these effects, both individually and collectively, induce changes in predicted stellar observables. Such changes have an impact on different phases of the stellar life cycle, starting from its birth to its death, covering almost all the branches of the Hertzsprung–Russell diagram. The aim of this work is to systematically review the current literature on the topic. We discuss the main results and constraints obtained on a class of modified gravity theories.
Gauge CPT: A review and use in constructing new affine connections
Authors: Koltko Kurt
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we review the gauge theory of CPT transformations. Even though it may seem absurd to entertain the notion of gauging a discrete symmetry because there are no continuous parameters, we show otherwise via a “back door”. We also make use of the components of the new gauge field [Formula: see text] which are an extension of the metric spin connection to construct various affine connections.
The Influence of Noise on Multi-parent Crossover for an Island Model Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Aboutaib Brahim , Sutton Andrew M.
Published: November 2023

Many optimization problems tackled by evolutionary algorithms are not only computationally expensive but also complicated, with one or more sources of noise. One technique to deal with high computational overhead is parallelization. However, though the existing literature gives good insight about the expected behavior of parallelized evolutionary algorithms, we still lack an understanding of their performance in the presence of noise. This article considers how parallelization might be leveraged together with multi-parent crossover in order to handle noisy problems. We present a rigorous running time analysis of an island model with weakly connected topology tasked with hill climbing in the presence of general additive noise (i.e., noisy
OneMax
). Our proofs yield insights into the relationship between the noise intensity and number of required parents. We translate this into positive and negative results for two kinds of multi-parent crossover operators. We then empirically analyze and extend this framework to investigate the tradeoffs between noise impact, optimization time, and limits of computation power to deal with noise.
Efficient Neural Ranking Using Forward Indexes and Lightweight Encoders
Authors: Leonhardt Jurek , Müller Henrik , Rudra Koustav , Khosla Megha , Anand Abhijit , Anand Avishek
Published: November 2023

Dual-encoder-based dense retrieval models have become the standard in IR. They employ large Transformer-based language models, which are notoriously inefficient in terms of resources and latency.

We proposeFast-Forwardindexes—vector forward indexes which exploit the semantic matching capabilities of dual-encoder models for efficient and effective re-ranking. Our framework enables re-ranking at very high retrieval depths and combines the merits of both lexical and semantic matching via score interpolation. Furthermore, in order to mitigate the limitations of dual-encoders, we tackle two main challenges: Firstly, we improve computational efficiency by either pre-computing representations, avoiding unnecessary computations altogether, or reducing the complexity of encoders. This allows us to considerably improve ranking efficiency and latency. Secondly, we optimize the memory footprint and maintenance cost of indexes; we propose two complementary techniques to reduce the index size and show that, by dynamically dropping irrelevant document tokens, the index maintenance efficiency can be improved substantially.

We perform an evaluation to show the effectiveness and efficiency ofFast-Forwardindexes—our method has low latency and achieves competitive results without the need for hardware acceleration, such as GPUs.