bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying properties (K) and (μs$\mu ^{s}$)
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Kania Tomasz , Ruan Yingbin
Published: December 2022

A Banach space X has property (K), whenever every weak* null sequence in the dual space admits a convex block subsequence so that as for every weakly null sequence in X; X has property if every weak* null sequence in admits a subsequence so that all of its subsequences are Cesàro convergent to 0 with respect to the Mackey topology. Both property and reflexivity (or even the Grothendieck property) imply property (K). In this paper, we propose natural ways for quantifying the aforementioned properties in the spirit of recent results concerning other familiar properties of Banach spaces.
A two‐stage network interdiction‐monitoring game
Authors: Nguyen Di H. , Song Yongjia , Smith J. Cole
Published: December 2022

We study a network interdiction problem involving two agents: a defender and an evader. The evader seeks to traverse a path from a source node to a terminus node in a directed network without being detected. The game takes place in two stages. In the first stage, the defender removes a set of arcs in the network. In the second stage, the defender and evader play a simultaneous game. The defender monitors a set of arcs, thus increasing the probability that the evader will be detected on that arc (if the evader uses the arc). The evader selects a source‐terminus path. Because the second stage is played simultaneously, both agents use mixed‐strategy solutions. We approach the solution of the second‐stage problem by proposing a constraint‐and‐column generation algorithm. We show that both the constraint‐generation and column‐generation problems are NP‐hard. Accordingly, we prescribe approximate versions of these problems that can be solved more efficiently. Our algorithm relies on solving the approximate versions until it is necessary to obtain an exact solution of the constraint‐generation and column‐generation problems. Then, to link the first‐ and second‐stage problems, we model the original problem using an epigraph reformulation, which we solve using a Benders‐decomposition based approach. The efficacy of our approach is demonstrated on a set of randomly generated test instances.
Developing a competency framework for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Hong Liwei , Hou Chunyi , Chen Lihua , Huang Xiaoqun , Huang Jingye , Liu Weijuan , Shen Xiangxiang
Published: December 2022

Aim

To develop a competency framework applicable to Chinese extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) nurses.

Design

A qualitative study was performed following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews based on the critical incident technique were conducted among 21 ECMO care providers recruited from five well‐known ECMO centres in Guangzhou, China. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using the constant comparative method. The data collection period lasted from November 2021 to April 2022.

Results

A competency framework for ECMO nurses was identified. It included four domains: knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes, containing 33 subcompetencies and 66 items.

Relevance to clinical practice

This framework can be a reference for the assessment and training of ECMO nurses.
Factors related to career interruption and Re‐employment of women in human health and social work activities sector: Comparison with other industry sectors
Authors: Yun Younghee , Hong Kyung Jin
Published: December 2022

Aims

This study aims to examine the factors related to career interruption and re‐employment of women who had worked or were working in the human health sector and to compare them with those in other industrial sectors.

Design

Secondary data analysis study.

Methods

Data from the 2019 economic activities survey of career‐interrupted women of South Korea was used, and 2570 participants were included in the analysis.

Results

Women who had majored in health care and had worked, or were working, in the human health and social work activities sector showed a higher tendency to work more than 40 h per week, compared to the mean of all participants. Moreover, parental leave and flexible working time were related to career interruption and re‐employment.

Patient or Public Contribution

Policies that encourage the use of parental leave and flexible shift work systems should be developed and implemented to prevent career interruption of women in the health sector.
COVID‐19 vaccine equity in doldrums: Good governance deficits
Authors: Bhuiyan Shahjahan
Published: December 2022

This paper explores whether inequities in access to COVID‐19 vaccines can be attributed to governance deficits, particularly for developing and emerging countries where poor governance is widespread, but also for developed countries, where governments' performance fell short of expectations. These shared performance deficits beg questions about the impact of governance quality as well as the interplay of ethics in governance when life‐or‐death decisions must be made. It also explores the impact of COVID‐19 on development, especially in the areas of poverty and employment. The findings of the paper show that there is a positive correlation between vaccine equity and good governance, meaning that countries with higher scores in governance rankings have more access to vaccines and have vaccinated most of their populations. Similarly, countries with relatively lower scores in governance rankings have poor access to and distribution of vaccines and have only covered a limited number of their people. The paper further points to disastrous societal impacts of COVID‐19 vaccine inequity on poverty and employment, which have hindered global development.
Synthesis of antimicrobial polymers with mannose residues as binders for the FimH adhesin of Escherichia coli
Authors: Miyagawa Atsushi , Ohno Shinya , Yamamura Hatsuo
Published: December 2022

Recently, antimicrobial polymers have been developed as novel antibiotics, and they are beneficial for human health. An advantage of these polymers is that they can be easily functionalized via the addition or modification of monomers. In this study, to enhance the bacterial selectivity and antimicrobial activity of a polymer, mannose monomers were copolymerized with aminopropyl monomers and isoalkyl monomers. These mannose monomers were found to mimic the mannan and N‐glycan moieties on mammalian cells interacting with the FimH adhesin of Escherichia coli. A mannose monomer with a short ethyl linker did not enhance the antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 32 μg/ml) against E. coli; however, that with a longer hexyl linker enhanced the antimicrobial activity (MIC: 16 μg/ml) against E. coli selectivity (no effect on Staphylococcus aureus was observed). Further, the polymer containing the hexyl mannose residue did not develop resistance in E. coli after 15 passages. Consequently, polymers with mannose units, which have a high affinity for the FimH adhesin, can serve as effective and selective antimicrobial agents against E. coli.
Thermoresponsive catechol end‐functionalized polymers/CBPQT4+, 4Cl− supramolecular assembly
Authors: Defrançois Sarah , Bouad Vincent , Woisel Patrice , Lyskawa Joël
Published: December 2022

In the past decade, the adhesive properties of catechol derivatives have inspired researchers for the design of various macromolecular architectures featuring fascinating properties and finding applications in energy storage, coatings, adhesives and biomaterials. In this work, the complexation of catechol end‐functionalized polymers prepared by RAFT polymerization was investigated in aqueous media with the electron‐deficient tetracationic cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+) by using UV–Vis and 1H NMR experiments. The formation of pseudorotaxanes between the catechol end‐functionalized polymers and the CBPQT4+,4Cl− leads to the formation of colored guest‐specific complexes displaying tunable complexation properties. In particular, we demonstrated that the thermo‐responsiveness i.e. the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the catechol end‐functionalized poly(NIPAM) could be used as a simple and convenient tool to disrupt the complexation with CBPQT4+; 4Cl− resulting in the disappearance of the characteristic color of the Catechol/BB complex while releasing the cyclophane in the aqueous solution. Furthermore, these supramolecular host/guest assemblies could be disrupted, on demand, by the addition of a competitive Naphthalene derivative leading to the appearance of the characteristic purple color of Naphthalene/CBPQT4+ complexes. These results pave the way for the design of a new generation of stimuli responsive materials with control properties.
Polyimides with super‐highTgand ultra‐low coefficient of thermal expansion fromN‐substituted bibenzimidazole diamines
Authors: Ke Zhao , Wang Mengxia , Gu Qian , Li Dongwu , Dai Fengna , Chen Haiquan , Qian Guangtao , Li Dandan , Li Hui
Published: December 2022

Polyimides (PIs) with super heat‐resistance and ultralow coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) are required urgently to employ as plastic substrates in flexible‐display devices. To attain the target properties, we designed and synthesized a novel bibenzimidazole diamine characterized in having aN‐phenyl group, namely 1‐phenyl‐2,2′‐bibenzoimidazole‐5,5′‐diamine (PhDABZ), and focused on an aromatic poly(benzimidazole imide) series derived from 1,2,4,5‐benzenetetracarboxylic (PMDA). Incorporating bibenzimidazole andN‐substituent effectively increase the interchain interaction and chance for flexible film formation, which provides the PIs with high glass‐transition temperature (Tg > 480 °C) and dimensional stability (CTE < 10 ppm K−1). These data provide a feasible method to achieve higher thermal properties of PIs.
Horizon Thermodynamics in f(R,G)$f(R,\mathcal {G})$ Gravity
Authors: Bhatti M. Z. , Yousaf Z. , Rehman A.
Published: December 2022

In this manuscript, we evaluate the validity of the horizon first law in the framework of gravity. We propose that the energy and entropy of a black hole must be consistent with their relating integration values. The feasibility of the newly proposed horizon 1st law as a result of equations of motion in gravity, will have significant importance in our illustration. The derivation of black hole energies and entropies in the framework of specific models will be helpful in future research. We study that how the positivity of energy and entropy can impose additional restrictions on the domain of gravity. Moreover, we shall consider a flat FLRW model corresponding to theory and will derive the related Friedman equations. The Cai‐Kim technique will then be used to evaluate the expression for energy flux passing through the horizon in insignificantly small time. In addition, we use the Clausius relation related to the evident boundary as well as the Cai‐Kim technique and the relating Friedmann equations, to find the expression for horizon entropy.
Squared Torsion f(T,T)$f(T,\mathcal {T})$ Gravity and Its Cosmological Implications
Authors: Arora Simran , Bhat Aaqid , Sahoo P.K.
Published: December 2022

We present the coupling of the torsion scalar T and the trace of energy‐momentum tensor , which produces new modified gravity. Moreover, we consider the functional form where α and β are free parameters. As an alternative to a cosmological constant, the theory may offer a theoretical explanation of the late‐time acceleration. The recent observational data to the considered model especially the bounds on model parameters is applied in detail. Furthermore, we analyze the cosmological behavior of the deceleration, effective equation of state and total equation of state parameters. However, it is seen that the deceleration parameter depicts the transition from deceleration to acceleration and the effective dark sector shows a quintessence‐like evolution.
Small intestinal obstruction associated with extruded intraluminal polydioxanone suture following enterectomy closure in a dog
Authors: de Jaureguizar Tesas Maria Rosa , Chantziaras Vassilis , Baines Stephen
Published: December 2022

A 2‐year‐old, neutered, female Yorkshire Terrier was presented for investigation of chronic vomiting and inappetence. A hand‐sewn end‐to‐end anastomosis using polydioxanone in a modified simple continuous pattern had been performed 8 weeks earlier for management of intestinal foreign body obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound showed an intestinal linear foreign body, and exploratory coeliotomy revealed focal jejunal plication aborad to the previous enterectomy site. An enterotomy revealed plant foreign material anchored to a strand of persistent polydioxanone suture material extruding into the jejunal lumen, and both were removed. The enterotomy was apposed with poliglecaprone 25 sutures in a simple continuous pattern. However, septic peritonitis developed 72 hours postoperatively. Slowly absorbable suture material can be associated with intestinal foreign body entrapment following intestinal anastomosis apposed with a simple continuous pattern. A shorter duration absorbable material or simple interrupted pattern may be considered for apposition of intestinal wound anastomosis to avoid this complication.
A hobgoblin of large minds: Troubles with consistency in belief
Authors: Sommer Joseph , Musolino Julien , Hemmer Pernille
Published: December 2022

Beliefs are, in many ways, central to psychology and, in turn, consistency is central to belief. Theories in philosophy and psychology assume that beliefs must be consistent with each other for people to be rational. That people fail to hold fully consistent beliefs has, therefore, been the subject of much theorizing, with numerous mechanisms proposed to explain how inconsistency is possible. Despite the widespread assumption of consistency as a default, achieving a consistent set of beliefs is computationally intractable. We review research on consistency in philosophy and psychology and argue that it is consistency, not inconsistency, that requires explanation. We discuss evidence from the attitude, belief, and persuasion literatures, which suggests that accessibility of beliefs in memory is one possible mechanism for achieving a limited, but psychologically plausible, form of consistency. Finally, we conclude by suggesting future directions for research beginning from the assumption of inconsistency as the default.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Reasoning and Decision Making

Psychology > Theory and Methods

Philosophy > Knowledge and Belief
The structure of $$\kappa $$-maximal cofinitary groups
Authors: Fischer Vera , Switzer Corey Bacal
Published: December 2022

We study $$\kappa $$
κ
-maximal cofinitary groups for $$\kappa $$
κ
regular uncountable, $$\kappa = \kappa ^{<\kappa }$$

κ
=

κ

<
κ

. Revisiting earlier work of Kastermans and building upon a recently obtained higher analogue of Bell’s theorem, we show that:

Any $$\kappa $$
κ
-maximal cofinitary group has $${<}\kappa $$

<
κ

many orbits under the natural group action of $$S(\kappa )$$

S
(
κ
)

on $$\kappa $$
κ
.

If $$\mathfrak {p}(\kappa ) = 2^\kappa $$

p

(
κ
)

=

2
κ

then any partition of $$\kappa $$
κ
into less than $$\kappa $$
κ
many sets can be realized as the orbits of a $$\kappa $$
κ
-maximal cofinitary group.

For any regular $$\lambda > \kappa $$

λ
>
κ

it is consistent that there is a $$\kappa $$
κ
-maximal cofinitary group which is universal for groups of size $${<}2^\kappa = \lambda $$

<

2
κ

=
λ

. If we only require the group to be universal for groups of size $$\kappa $$
κ
then this follows from $$\mathfrak {p}(\kappa ) = 2^\kappa $$

p

(
κ
)

=

2
κ

.
The Complexity of Routing Problems in Forbidden-Transition Graphs and Edge-Colored Graphs
Authors: Bellitto Thomas , Li Shaohua , Okrasa Karolina , Pilipczuk Marcin , Sorge Manuel
Published: December 2022

The notion offorbidden-transition graphsallows for a robust generalization of walks in graphs. In a forbidden-transition graph, every pair of edges incident to a common vertex ispermittedorforbidden; a walk iscompatibleif all pairs of consecutive edges on the walk are permitted. Forbidden-transition graphs and related models have found applications in a variety of fields, such as routing in optical telecommunication networks, road networks, and bio-informatics. A widely-studied special case are edge-colored graphs, where a compatible walk is forbidden to take two edges of the same color in a row. We initiate the study of fundamental problems on finding paths, cycles and walks in forbidden-transition graphs from the point of view of parameterized complexity, including an in-depth study of tractability with regards to various graph-width parameters. Among several results, we prove that finding a simple compatible path between given endpoints in a forbidden-transition graph isW[1]-hard when parameterized by the vertex-deletion distance to a linear forest (so it is also hard when parameterized by pathwidth or treewidth). On the other hand, we show an algebraic trick that yields tractability when parameterized by treewidth for finding a compatible Hamiltonian cycle in the edge-colored graph setting.
Two distinct age groups of melilitites, foidites, and basanites from the southern Central European Volcanic Province reflect lithospheric heterogeneity
Authors: Binder Thomas , Marks Michael A. W. , Gerdes Axel , Walter Benjamin F. , Grimmer Jens , Beranoaguirre Aratz , Wenzel Thomas , Markl Gregor
Published: December 2022

Petrographic observations and in situ U–Pb ages of melilitites, foidites, basanites, phonolites, and trachytes from the southern part of the Central European Volcanic Province (CEVP) and related plutonic inclusions therein reveal two distinct age groups separated by a gap of ~ 20 Myr. A late Cretaceous to early Eocene group (~ 73–47 Ma; Taunus, Lower Main plain, Odenwald and Kraichgau area, Bonndorfer Graben and Freiburger Bucht area, Vosges and Pfälzerwald) is characterized by nephelinites and basanites mostly devoid of melilite and perovskite, and by rare haüynites, and trachytes. In contrast, a late Oligocene to late Miocene group (~ 27–9 Ma; Lorraine, southern Upper Rhine Graben, Urach, Hegau area) is dominated by melilitites, melilite-bearing nephelinites (both carrying perovskite), and phonolites. Both magmatic episodes are related to domal topographic uplift, erosion, and formation of major angular unconformities in the Upper Rhine Graben, suggesting an association with dynamic topography interrupted by phases of subsidence (or abatements of uplift). The investigated rocks in the southern CEVP (south of a line Eifel–Vogelsberg–Rhön–Heldburg), except for the Kaiserstuhl volcanic complex, mostly comprise small and isolated occurrences or monogenetic volcanic fields, whereas the northern CEVP is dominated by large volcanic complexes and dyke swarms, which are mostly SiO2-saturated to weakly SiO2-undersaturated. In the northern CEVP, evidence of spatially varying but recurrent volcanic activity exists since the Eocene, lacking the distinct 20 Myr gap as documented from the southern CEVP. While the temporal and spatial distribution of volcanism are a result of the Cretaceous to Miocene tectonic evolution in Central Europe, further studies are needed to explain the petrographic differences between the two age groups in the south.
Mixed-dimensional poromechanical models of fractured porous media
Authors: Boon W. M. , Nordbotten J. M.
Published: December 2022

We combine classical continuum mechanics with the recently developed calculus for mixed-dimensional problems to obtain governing equations for flow in, and deformation of, fractured materials. We present models in both the context of finite and infinitesimal strain, and discuss nonlinear (and non-differentiable) constitutive laws such as friction models and contact mechanics in the fracture. Using the theory of well-posedness for evolutionary equations with maximal monotone operators, we show well-posedness of the model in the case of infinitesimal strain and under certain assumptions on the model parameters.
Evaluating the strength development of mortar using clinker fine aggregate with a combination of fly ash and its inhibitory effects on alkali–silica reaction and delayed ettringite formation
Authors: Miyamoto Shintaro , Naruse Daiki , Hayashi Kensuke , Minagawa Hiroshi , Hisada Makoto
Published: December 2022

The aggregate composed of cement clinker, an intermediate cement product, improves strength development and mass transfer resistance of concrete. Fly ash (FA) is a supplementary cementitious material that can be substituted by cement. This study investigated the strength development of highly FA-substituted mortar mixed with cement clinker fine aggregate (CL) and tested its inhibitory effect against the alkali–silica reaction (ASR). In addition to these, this study provides the testing results of evaluating the effects of using cement clinker fine aggregate on delayed ettringite formation (DEF), which can be problematic for precast concrete products. The study results revealed that at 91 days of age, in the case of 80% replacement ratio of fly ash to cement, using CL exhibited similar strength development as mortar with limestone fine aggregate and no FA substitution. Furthermore, mortars with 70% and 80% FA substitution did not exhibit clear ASR-induced expansion even at 182 days of age. Lastly, mortar using clinker fine aggregate could suppress DEF-induced expansion at 182 days of age, which was similar to the effect obtained using FA. These results can promote the utilization of CL resources for concrete and using clinker as fine aggregate in precast concrete products.
A European multinational cost-effectiveness analysis of empagliflozin in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Tafazzoli Ali , Reifsnider Odette S. , Bellanca Leana , Ishak Jack , Carrasco Marc , Rakonczai Pal , Stargardter Matthew , Linden Stephan
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This research examined the cost-effectiveness of adding empagliflozin to standard of care (SoC) compared with SoC alone for treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) from the perspective of healthcare payers in the United Kingdom (UK), Spain and France.

Methods

A lifetime Markov cohort model was developed to simulate patients’ progression through health states based on Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score. The model predicted risk of death, hospitalisation for worsening heart failure (HHF), treatment-related adverse events, and treatment discontinuation each monthly cycle. Clinical inputs and utilities were derived from EMPEROR-Reduced trial data, supplemented by published literature and national costing databases. Costs (2021 pound sterling/euro) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were discounted annually for the UK (3.5%), Spain (3.0%) and France (2.5%).

Results

In the UK, Spain and France, empagliflozin plus SoC yielded additional QALYs (0.19, 0.23 and 0.21) at higher cost (£1185, €1770 and €1183 per patient) than SoC alone, yielding incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of £6152/QALY, €7736/QALY and €5511/QALY, respectively. Reduced HHF incidence provided most cost offsets for empagliflozin plus SoC. Similar results were obtained for a range of subgroups and sensitivity analyses. Probabilistic sensitivity results indicated empagliflozin plus SoC remained cost-effective vs. SoC at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £20,000/QALY, €20,000/QALY and €30,000/QALY in 79.6%, 75.5% and 97.3% of model runs for the UK, Spain and France, respectively.

Conclusions

Empagliflozin added to SoC leads to health benefits for patients with HFrEF and is a cost-effective treatment option for payers in multiple European countries (UK, Spain, France).
Bu-Dash: a universal and dynamic graphical password scheme (extended version)
Authors: Andriotis Panagiotis , Kirby Myles , Takasu Atsuhiro
Published: December 2022

Passwordless authentication is a trending theme in cyber security, while biometrics gradually replace knowledge-based schemes. However, Personal Identification Numbers, passcodes, and graphical passwords are still considered as the primary means for authentication. Passwords must be memorable to be usable; therefore, users tend to choose easy to guess secrets, compromising security. The Android Pattern Unlock is a popular graphical password scheme that can be easily attacked by exploiting human behavioristic traits. Despite its vulnerabilities, the popularity of the scheme has led researchers to propose adjustments and variations that enhance security but maintain its familiar user interface. Nevertheless, prior work demonstrated that improving security while preserving usability remains frequently a hard task. In this paper we propose a novel graphical password scheme built on the foundations of the well-accepted Android Pattern Unlock method, which is usable, inclusive, universal, and robust against shoulder surfing and (basically) smudge attacks. Our scheme, named , features a dynamic user interface that mutates every time a user swipes the screen. Our pilot studies illustrate that attracts positive user acceptance rates, it is secure, and maintains high usability levels. We define complexity metrics that can be used to further diversify user input, and we conduct complexity and security assessments.
Bioremediation of heavy oily sludge: a microcosms study
Authors: Rondon-Afanador Cinthya , Pinilla-Meza Gustavo , Casallas-Cuervo Francy C. , Diaz-Vanegas Camila , Barreto-Gomez Daniela , Benavides Carolina , Buitrago Nicole , Calvo Melissa , Forero-Forero Camila , Galvis-Ibarra Valentina , Moscoso-Urdaneta Victoria , Perdomo-Rengifo Maria C. , Torres Laura , Arbeli Ziv , Brigmon Robin L. , Roldan Fabio
Published: December 2022

Oily sludge is a residue from the petroleum industry composed of a mixture of sand, water, metals, and high content of hydrocarbons (HCs). The heavy oily sludge used in this study originated from Colombian crude oil with high density and low American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity. The residual waste from heavy oil processing was subject to thermal and centrifugal extraction, resulting in heavy oily sludge with very high density and viscosity. Biodegradation of the total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) was tested in microcosms using several bioremediation approaches, including: biostimulation with bulking agents and nutrients, the surfactant Tween 80, and bioaugmentation. Select HC degrading bacteria were isolated based on their ability to grow and produce clear zones on different HCs. Degradation of TPH in the microcosms was monitored gravimetrically and with gas chromatography (GC). The TPH removal in all treatments ranged between 2 and 67%, regardless of the addition of microbial consortiums, amendments, or surfactants within the tested parameters. The results of this study demonstrated that bioremediation of heavy oily sludge presents greater challenges to achieve regulatory requirements. Additional physicochemical treatments analysis to remediate this recalcitrant material may be required to achieve a desirable degradation rate.
Pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel for Chinese patients with previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (PUFFIN): final analysis of a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Xu Binghe , Li Wei , Zhang Qingyuan , Li Qiao , Wang Xiaojia , Li Huiping , Sun Tao , Yin Yongmei , Zheng Hong , Feng Jifeng , Zhu Huaqi , Siddiqui Asna , Macharia Harrison , Knott Adam
Published: December 2022

Purpose

PUFFIN (NCT02896855), a Chinese bridging study in patients with previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer, assessed consistency of efficacy and safety of pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel versus placebo, trastuzumab, and docetaxel, with CLEOPATRA (NCT00567190).

Methods

Eligible patients, n = 243, were randomized 1:1, stratified by visceral disease and hormone receptor status, to pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel or placebo, trastuzumab, and docetaxel. Primary endpoint: investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints: safety and overall survival (OS). After primary analysis, patients could cross over to the pertuzumab arm.

Results

Updated median PFS: 16.5 months (pertuzumab arm) and 12.5 months (placebo arm), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45, 0.81; p = 0.0008]. Median OS was not reached in either arm; the OS HR was 0.68 (95% CI 0.45, 1.03; p = 0.0658). Safety was similar in both arms with no new safety signals: 73.8% (pertuzumab arm) and 69.2% (placebo arm) experienced grade ≥ 3 adverse events. No heart failure, symptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or left ventricular ejection fraction decline of < 40% were reported.

Conclusions

The PUFFIN final analysis showed, per the primary analysis, that overall efficacy of pertuzumab plus trastuzumab and docetaxel was consistent with CLEOPATRA. Safety remained consistent with the known pertuzumab profile. Overall, PUFFIN contributes to the totality of data with pertuzumab in previously untreated HER2-positive locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer and supports the favorable benefit–risk profile of pertuzumab in Chinese patients.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02896855, registered 7 September 2016.
Macular function in patients with medium myopia
Authors: Grudzińska Ewa Małgorzata , Lubiński Wojciech , Modrzejewska Monika
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This work aims at assessing whether electrophysiological functional changes in the macular region appear in medium myopia, even in the presence of a normal macular OCT scan and how axial length correlates with macular OCT parameters in medium myopia.

Methods

The study included right eyes of 17 patients with myopia of medium degree (SE <  − 6D to >  − 3D). Control group consisted of 20 eyes of patients of age and sex that matched healthy controls with normal macular and optic nerve OCT results and normal axial length. Full ophthalmic examination (the distance best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refractive error, the anterior and posterior segment of the eye in a slit lamp, the axial length of the eyeball) with OCT of the macular and optic disk and the PERG test were performed in the study and control groups. Only the patients with normal ophthalmic and OCT examination results were qualified. The interview covering questions on risk factors of myopia onset and progression such as prematurity, family history of myopia was carried out in both groups. In myopic group, the question relating to time of near work was also asked. Study and control groups were tested with the use of Shapiro–Wilk, Mann–Whitney, Student’s t test, Pearson and Spearman's rank correlation tests.

Results

AL was significantly longer in myopia group (p < 0.01), and SE value was lower (p < 0.01). Longer implicit time of P50 was found in the study group, but amplitudes of P50 and N95 waves were not significantly reduced (p < 0.05). AL showed correlations with P50 implicit time (p < 0.05) and with reduction in retinal fiber nerve layer and ganglion cells and inner plexus layer (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with myopia of medium degree have a dysfunction of retinal cone system of the macular region even when OCT scans show no abnormalities. Elongation of AL correlates with reduction in retinal fiber nerve layer and ganglion cells and inner plexus layer. Longitudinal follow-up studies may answer the question whether this increase in implicit time may be indicative of a faster myopia progression or of myopic retinal pathology, i.e., whether it may help to determine which patient would benefit from earlier or more intensive management of myopia progression.
Agreement of somatic and renal near-infrared spectroscopy with reference blood samples during a controlled hypoxia sequence: a healthy volunteer study
Authors: De Keijzer Ilonka N. , Massari Dario , Niezen Caren K. , Bokkers Reinoud P.H. , Vos Jaap Jan , Scheeren Thomas W.L.
Published: December 2022

Purpose: O3® Regional Oximetry (Masimo Corporation, California, USA) is validated for cerebral oximetry. We aimed to assess agreement of somatic and renal near-infrared spectroscopy with reference blood samples. Methods: O3 sensors were placed bilaterally on the quadriceps and flank of 26 healthy volunteers. A stepped, controlled hypoxia sequence was performed by adding a mixture of nitrogen and room air to the breathing circuit. O3-derived oxygen saturation values were obtained at baseline and at six decremental saturation levels (5% steps). Blood samples (radial artery, iliac vein (somatic reference) and renal vein) were obtained at each step. Reference values were calculated as: 0.7 × venous saturation + 0.3 × arterial saturation. The agreement between O3-derived values with blood reference values was assessed by calculating root-mean-square error accuracy and Bland-Altman plots. Results: The root-mean-square error accuracy was 6.0% between quadriceps oxygen saturation and somatic reference values. The mean bias was 0.8%, with limits of agreement from -7.7 to 9.3%. These were 5.1% and 0.6% (-8.3 to 9.5%) for flank oxygen saturation and somatic reference values, respectively, and 7.7% and -4.9% (-15.0 to 5.2%) for flank oxygen saturation and renal reference values. The kidney depth was 3.1 ± 0.9 cm below the skin. Conclusion: O3 regional oximetry can be used on the quadriceps and flank to monitor somatic saturation, yet has a saturation-level dependent bias. O3-derived values obtained at the flank underestimated renal reference values. Additionally, it is unlikely that the flank sensors did directly measure renal tissue. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04584788): registered October 6th, 2020.
Non-contact respiratory rate monitoring using thermal and visible imaging: a pilot study on neonates
Authors: Maurya Lalit , Zwiggelaar Reyer , Chawla Deepak , Mahapatra Prasant
Published: December 2022

Respiratory rate (RR) monitoring is essential in neonatal intensive care units. Despite its importance, RR is still monitored intermittently by manual counting instead of continuous monitoring due to the risk of skin damage with prolonged use of contact electrodes in preterm neonates and false signals due to displacement of electrodes. Thermal imaging has recently gained significance as a non-contact method for RR detection because of its many advantages. However, due to the lack of information in thermal images, the selection and tracking of the region of interest (ROI) in thermal images for neonates are challenging. This paper presents the integration of visible (RGB) and thermal (T) image sequences for the selection and tracking of ROI for breathing rate extraction. The deep-learning based tracking-by-detection approach is employed to detect the ROI in the RGB images, and it is mapped to the thermal images using the RGB-T image registration. The mapped ROI in thermal spectrum sequences gives the respiratory rate. The study was conducted first on healthy adults in different modes, including steady, motion, talking, and variable respiratory order. Subsequently, the method is tested on neonates in a clinical settings. The findings have been validated with a contact-based reference method.The average absolute error between the proposed and belt-based contact method in healthy adults reached 0.1 bpm and for more challenging conditions was approximately 1.5 bpm and 1.8 bpm, respectively. In the case of neonates, the average error is 1.5 bpm, which are promising results. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a good agreement of estimated RR with the reference method RR and this pilot study provided the evidence of using the proposed approach as a contactless method for the respiratory rate detection of neonates in clinical settings.
Residual Viscosity Stabilized RBF-FD Methods for Solving Nonlinear Conservation Laws
Authors: Tominec Igor , Nazarov Murtazo
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we solve nonlinear conservation laws using the radial basis function generated finite difference (RBF-FD) method. Nonlinear conservation laws have solutions that entail strong discontinuities and shocks, which give rise to numerical instabilities when the solution is approximated by a numerical method. We introduce a residual-based artificial viscosity (RV) stabilization framework adjusted to the RBF-FD method, where the residual of the conservation law adaptively locates discontinuities and shocks. The RV stabilization framework is applied to the collocation RBF-FD method and the oversampled RBF-FD method. Computational tests confirm that the stabilized methods are reliable and accurate in solving scalar conservation laws and conservation law systems such as compressible Euler equations.
Valuable ignorance: delayed epistemic gratification
Authors: Willard-Kyle Christopher
Published: December 2022

A long line of epistemologists including Sosa (Epistemic explanations: a theory of telic normativity, and what it explains. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2021), Feldman (The ethics of belief. Philos and Phenomenol Res 60:667–695, 2002), and Chisholm (Theory of knowledge, 2nd edn. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 2007) have argued that, at least for a certain class of questions that we take up, we should (or should aim to) close inquiry iff by closing inquiry we would meet a unique epistemic standard. I argue that no epistemic norm of this general form is true: there is not a single epistemic standard that demarcates the boundary between inquiries we are forbidden and obligated to close. In short, such norms are false because they are insensitive to the potentially ambitious epistemic goals that agents may permissibly bring to bear on an inquiry. Focusing particularly on knowledge-oriented versions of the norm, I argue that beliefless ignorance has a positive role to play in epistemic life by licensing prolonged inquiry into questions that we especially care about.
Caught in the middle: bottom-up and top-down processes impacting recruitment in a small pelagic fish
Authors: Moyano Marta , Illing Björn , Akimova Anna , Alter Katharina , Bartolino Valerio , Börner Gregor , Clemmesen Catriona , Finke Annegret , Gröhsler Tomas , Kotterba Paul , Livdane Lina , Mittermayer Felix , Moll Dorothee , von Nordheim Lena , Peck Myron A. , Schaber Matthias , Polte Patrick
Published: December 2022

Understanding the drivers behind fluctuations in fish populations remains a key objective in fishery science. Our predictive capacity to explain these fluctuations is still relatively low, due to the amalgam of interacting bottom-up and top-down factors, which vary across time and space among and within populations. Gaining a mechanistic understanding of these recruitment drivers requires a holistic approach, combining field, experimental and modelling efforts. Here, we use the Western Baltic Spring-Spawning (WBSS) herring (Clupea harengus) to exemplify the power of this holistic approach and the high complexity of the recruitment drivers (and their interactions). Since the early 2000s, low recruitment levels have promoted intense research on this stock. Our literature synthesis suggests that the major drivers are habitat compression of the spawning beds (due to eutrophication and coastal modification mainly) and warming, which indirectly leads to changes in spawning phenology, prey abundance and predation pressure. Other factors include increased intensity of extreme climate events and new predators in the system. Four main knowledge gaps were identified related to life-cycle migration and habitat use, population structure and demographics, life-stage specific impact of multi-stressors, and predator–prey interactions. Specific research topics within these areas are proposed, as well as the priority to support a sustainable management of the stock. Given that the Baltic Sea is severely impacted by warming, eutrophication and altered precipitation, WBSS herring could be a harbinger of potential effects of changing environmental drivers to the recruitment of small pelagic fishes in other coastal areas in the world.

Graphical abstract
Stochastic cluster embedding
Authors: Yang Zhirong , Chen Yuwei , Sedov Denis , Kaski Samuel , Corander Jukka
Published: December 2022

Neighbor embedding (NE) aims to preserve pairwise similarities between data items and has been shown to yield an effective principle for data visualization. However, even the best existing NE methods such as stochastic neighbor embedding (SNE) may leave large-scale patterns hidden, for example clusters, despite strong signals being present in the data. To address this, we propose a new cluster visualization method based on the Neighbor Embedding principle. We first present a family of Neighbor Embedding methods that generalizes SNE by using non-normalized Kullback–Leibler divergence with a scale parameter. In this family, much better cluster visualizations often appear with a parameter value different from the one corresponding to SNE. We also develop an efficient software that employs asynchronous stochastic block coordinate descent to optimize the new family of objective functions. Our experimental results demonstrate that the method consistently and substantially improves the visualization of data clusters compared with the state-of-the-art NE approaches. The code of our method is publicly available at https://github.com/rozyangno/sce.
What chance-credence norms should be
Authors: Wroński Leszek , Gyenis Zalán , Cocchiaro Mariangela Zoe
Published: December 2022

We show a somewhat surprising result concerning the relationship between the Principal Principle and its allegedly generalized form. Then, we formulate a few desiderata concerning chance-credence norms and argue that none of the norms widely discussed in the literature satisfies all of them. We suggest that the New Principle comes out as the best contender.
Wear Induced Sub-surface Deformation Characteristics of a 26 Wt% Cr White Cast Iron Subjected to a Destabilization Heat Treatment
Authors: Nayak U. Pranav , Schäfer Florian , Mücklich Frank , Guitar María Agustina
Published: December 2022

In the present work, the sub-surface microstructure of a heat treated and worn 26 wt% Cr white cast iron was investigated to gain better insight into the tribological behaviour of the material. The samples were destabilized at 980 °C for 0 (Q_0), 30 (Q_30) and 90 (Q_90) minutes followed by air cooling, and later subjected to dry-sliding linear reciprocating wear tests. The microstructural characterization of the area under the wear track was carried out using a combination of SEM, EDS and EBSD. Additionally, nanoindentation (NI) measurements were used to corroborate the mechanical behaviour with the microstructural observations. EBSD and NI measurements indicated that the matrix area underneath the wear track in Q_0 had undergone significant plastic deformation resulting in a drastic increase in hardness, whereas no such phenomena was observed in the Q_90. This was attributable to the relatively high amount of retained austenite in the former and a predominately martensitic matrix in the latter. Moreover, the large M7C3 eutectic carbides were less cracked in the destabilized samples compared to the as-cast sample owing to the presence of martensite and dispersed secondary carbides, leading to an increased matrix load-bearing capacity. These factors led to the destabilized samples showing a lower wear rate compared to the as-cast sample, and the Q_0 showing the best wear resistance amongst all the samples.
Deformation Mechanisms in Compositionally Complex Polycrystalline CoNi-Base Superalloys: Influence of Temperature, Strain-Rate and Chemistry
Authors: Bezold A. , Freund L. P. , Förner A. , Völkl J. , Huber L.-K. , Göken M. , Neumeier S.
Published: December 2022

Recent studies revealed the excellent high temperature properties of polycrystalline CoNi-base superalloys. However, their underlying deformation behavior has been reported only scarcely so far. In this work, the deformation mechanisms of four polycrystalline compositionally complex CoNi-base superalloys with slightly varying chemical compositions were investigated by compression and creep experiments at temperatures between 750 °C and 850 °C and strain-rates between 10–3 and 10–8 s−1. In the two (Ta + Ti)-rich alloys, a transition of the deformation mechanism from shearing by APB-coupled dislocation pairs to stacking fault shearing and finally also to microtwinning is observed with decreasing strain-rate and increasing temperature. In contrast, APB-based shearing mechanisms represent the dominant mechanism in both (Al + W)-rich alloys in all conditions. At high temperatures and low strain-rates, dislocation glide-climb processes also contribute to plastic deformation in all alloys. By correlating the underlying defect structures with the mechanical properties of these alloys, it becomes evident that a transition to stacking fault shearing and microtwinning leads to a lower strain-rate dependency and superior high-temperature strength in comparison with APB-based mechanisms. Reasons for the different deformation mechanisms, the influence of segregation processes, the consequences for mechanical properties and implications for a mechanism-based alloy design are discussed.
Surface-Engineered TiO2 for High-Performance Flexible Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Elshahawy Abdelnaby M. , Elkatlawy Saeid M. , Shalaby Mustafa S. , Guan Cao , Wang John
Published: December 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) shows excellent pseudocapacitive properties. However, the low internal conductivity of TiO2 limits its use in supercapacitor applications. Therefore, an efficient surface engineering process was developed to enhance the overall pseudocapacitive performance of rutile TiO2 nanorods. Specifically, surface-engineered TiO2 nanorod arrays coordinated on carbon cloth were established through the Kapton tape-assisted hydrothermal route. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of a tetragonal TiO2 rutile phase. Morphological analysis revealed the formation of uniform nanorods with an apparent high surface-to-volume aspect ratio. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the TiO2 synthesized in the presence of Kapton tape and annealed under air had high content of hydroxyl groups and Ti3+, which is favorable for supercapacitor performance. Surface treatment of the samples led to significantly enhanced conductivity and electrochemical behavior of TiO2. The surface-engineered TiO2 nanorod arrays show specific capacitance of about 57.62 mF/cm2 at 10 mV/s in 2 M KOH, with excellent rate capability of about 83% at 200 mV/s, and also exhibit long cycle life, retaining 91% of their original capacitance after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, which is among the highest values reported for TiO2-based supercapacitors.

Graphical Abstract
First Betti number of the path homology of random directed graphs
Authors: Chaplin Thomas
Published: December 2022

Path homology is a topological invariant for directed graphs, which is sensitive to their asymmetry and can discern between digraphs which are indistinguishable to the directed flag complex. In Erdős–Rényi directed random graphs, the first Betti number undergoes two distinct transitions, appearing at a low-density boundary and vanishing again at a high-density boundary. Through a novel, combinatorial condition for digraphs we describe both sparse and dense regimes under which the first Betti number of path homology is zero with high probability. We combine results of Grigor’yan et al., regarding generators for chain groups, with methods of Kahle and Meckes in order to determine regimes under which the first Betti number is positive with high probability. Together, these results describe the gradient of the lower boundary and yield bounds for the gradient of the upper boundary. With a view towards hypothesis testing, we obtain tighter bounds on the probability of observing a positive first Betti number in a high-density digraph of finite size. For comparison, we apply these techniques to the directed flag complex and derive analogous results