bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excited-state absorption and upconversion pumping of Tm3+-doped potassium lutetium double tungstate
Authors: Tyazhev Aleksey , Loiko Pavel , Guillemot Lauren , Kouta Alexandre , Solé Rosa Maria , Mateos Xavier , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc , Dupont Hippolyte , Georges Patrick , Druon Frédéric , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice , Hideur Ammar
Published: March 2023

We report on a bulk thulium laser operating on the 3H4 → 3H5 transition with pure upconversion pumping at 1064 nm by an ytterbium fiber laser (addressing the 3F4 → 3F2,3 excited-state absorption (ESA) transition of Tm3+ ions) generating 433 mW at 2291 nm with a slope efficiency of 7.4% / 33.2% vs. the incident / absorbed pump power, respectively, and linear laser polarization representing the highest output power ever extracted from any bulk 2.3 µm thulium laser with upconversion pumping. As a gain material, a Tm3+-doped potassium lutetium double tungstate crystal is employed. The polarized ESA spectra of this material in the near-infrared are measured by the pump-probe method. The possible benefits of dual-wavelength pumping at 0.79 and 1.06 µm are also explored, indicating a positive effect of co-pumping at 0.79 µm on reducing the threshold pump power for upconversion pumping.
Highly efficient waveguide-coupled output in asymmetrically deformed square cavity microlasers
Authors: Bai Hua-Yu , Hao You-Zeng , Shi Yang , Li Ya-Li , Xiao Jin-Long , Yang Yue-De , Huang Yong-Zhen
Published: March 2023

We propose and demonstrate deformed square cavity microlasers for realizing highly efficient output from a connected waveguide. The square cavities are deformed asymmetrically by replacing two adjacent flat sides with circular arcs to manipulate the ray dynamics and couple the light to the connected waveguide. The numerical simulations show that the resonant light can efficiently couple to the fundamental mode of the multi-mode waveguide by carefully designing the deformation parameter utilizing global chaos ray dynamics and internal mode coupling. An enhancement of approximately six times in the output power is realized in the experiment compared to the non-deformed square cavity microlasers, while the lasing thresholds are reduced by about 20%. The measured far-field pattern shows highly unidirectional emission agreeing well with the simulation, which confirms the feasibility of the deformed square cavity microlasers for practical applications.
Morphology control in Ni/Ti multilayer neutron mirrors by ion-assisted interface engineering and B4C incorporation
Authors: Eriksson Fredrik , Ghafoor Naureen , Broekhuijsen Sjoerd , Greczynski Grzegorz , Schell Norbert , Birch Jens
Published: March 2023

The optical contrast and minimum layer thickness of Ni/Ti broadband neutron multilayer supermirrors is usually hampered by an interface width, typically 0.7 nm, caused by nanocrystallites, interdiffusion, and/or intermixing. We explore the elimination of nanocrystallites in combination with interface smoothening by modulation of ion assistance during magnetron sputter deposition of 0.8 to 6.4 nm thick Ni and Ti layers. The amorphization is achieved through incorporation of natural B4C where B and C preferably bond to Ti. A two-stage substrate bias was applied to each layer; -30 V for the initial 1 nm followed by -100 V for the remaining part, generating multilayer mirrors with interface widths of 0.40-0.45 nm. The results predict that high performance supermirrors with m-values as high as 10 are feasible by using 11B isotope-enriched B4C combined with temporal control of the ion assistance.
Ratiometric optical oxygen sensor based on perovskite quantum dots and Rh110 embedded in an ethyl cellulose matrix
Authors: Mesin Rispandi , Chu Cheng-Shane , Tseng Zong-Liang
Published: March 2023

Ratiometric optical sensor gas sensing continues to develop optical sensing techniques and materials used in various industrial and environmental applications. This research focuses on a new ratiometric optical sensor using the development of new material of FAPbI3 perovskite QDs and a simple method to detect oxygen (O2) gas. FAPbI3 perovskite QDs are used as an indicator of oxygen gas, and rhodamine 110 (Rh 110) is a reference material in a ratiometric optical sensor. All of the sensing and reference materials are embedded in an ethyl cellulose (EC) matrix and coated on the surface of the filter paper. Using a UV LED with a central wavelength of 380 nm as the excitation light source, the emission spectra results show that the emission wavelengths of the oxygen-sensitive dye (O2) FAPbI3 perovskite QDs do not overlap with the Rh 110 reference signal. Thus, oxygen concentration can be measured using a ratiometric fluorescence reference-based approach. The sensing signal will be obtained in the presence of analyte gas in the ratiometric sensitivity of R0/R100, where R0 and R100 represent the luminescence intensity detected in 100% nitrogen and 100% oxygen concentrations, respectively. The experimental results show the optical oxygen sensor's sensitivity as R0/R100 = 12.7. In addition, the response time and recovery of the oxygen gas sensor produced are 75 s and 93 s, respectively. The use of a new type of FAPbI3 perovskite QDs material has been successfully developed in the optical ratiometric sensor for oxygen gas. The sensor proposed in this study has a low cost and easy fabrication process. The effect of spurious fluctuations in the excitation source intensity can be suppressed by the ratiometric optical sensing method.
Multiband camouflage design with thermal management
Authors: Huang Lehong , Li Haochuan , Li Zhiguo , Zhang Wenbo , Ma Caiwen , Zhang Chunmin , Wei Yuxuan , Zhou Liang , Li Xun , Cheng Zhiyuan , Guo Xiaohui , Guo Shiping
Published: March 2023

Although the effective “stealth” of space vehicles is important, current camouflage designs are inadequate in meeting all application requirements. Here, a multilayer wavelength-selective emitter is demonstrated. It can realize visible light and dual-band mid-infrared camouflage with thermal control management in two application scenarios, with better effect and stronger radiation cooling capability, which can significantly improve the stealth and survivability of space vehicles in different environments. The selective emitter demonstrated in this paper has the advantages of simple structure, scalability, and ease of large-area fabrication, and has made a major breakthrough in driving multiband stealth technology from simulation research to physical verification and even practical application.
A systematic review of published literature on mosquito control action thresholds across the world
Authors: Aryaprema Vindhya S. , Steck Madeline R. , Peper Steven T. , Xue Rui-de , Qualls Whitney A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the use of numerous methods of control measures, mosquito populations and mosquito-borne diseases are still increasing globally. Evidence-based action thresholds to initiate or intensify control activities have been identified as essential in reducing mosquito populations to required levels at the correct/optimal time. This systematic review was conducted to identify different mosquito control action thresholds existing across the world and associated surveillance and implementation characteristics.

Methodology/Principal findings

Searches for literature published from 2010 up to 2021 were performed using two search engines, Google Scholar and PubMed Central, according to PRISMA guidelines. A set of inclusion/exclusion criteria were identified and of the 1,485 initial selections, only 87 were included in the final review. Thirty inclusions reported originally generated thresholds. Thirteen inclusions were with statistical models that seemed intended to be continuously utilized to test the exceedance of thresholds in a specific region. There was another set of 44 inclusions that solely mentioned previously generated thresholds. The inclusions with “epidemiological thresholds” outnumbered those with “entomological thresholds”. Most of the inclusions came from Asia and those thresholds were targeted toward Aedes and dengue control. Overall, mosquito counts (adult and larval) and climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) were the most used parameters in thresholds. The associated surveillance and implementation characteristics of the identified thresholds are discussed here.

Conclusions/Significance

The review identified 87 publications with different mosquito control thresholds developed across the world and published during the last decade. Associated surveillance and implementation characteristics will help organize surveillance systems targeting the development and implementation of action thresholds, as well as direct awareness towards already existing thresholds for those with programs lacking available resources for comprehensive surveillance systems. The findings of the review highlight data gaps and areas of focus to fill in the action threshold compartment of the IVM toolbox.
Improving the mental health and well-being of healthcare providers using the transcendental meditation technique during the COVID-19 pandemic: A parallel population study
Authors: Nestor Mark S. , Lawson Alec , Fischer Daniel
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Frontline Healthcare provider (HCP) burnout has dramatically increased due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Hospitals are supporting wellness programs and techniques to reduce burnout including the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique. This study evaluated the use of TM on HCP symptoms of stress, burnout and wellness.

Methods

A total of 65 HCPs at three South Florida hospitals were recruited and instructed in the TM technique which they practiced at home for 20 minutes twice a day. A parallel lifestyle as usual control group was enrolled. Validated measurement scales (Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey [MBI-HSS (MP)] and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well Being Scale (WEMWBS) were administered at baseline, 2 weeks, one and three months.

Results

No significant demographic differences were seen between the 2 groups; however, some baseline scales were higher in the TM group. TM average weekly session completion rate was very high at 83%. After 2-weeks, symptoms of somatization, depression, and anxiety in the TM group had all shown near 45% reductions, while insomnia, emotional exhaustion, and well-being had improved by 33%, 16%, and 11% respectively (P = 0.02 for somatization and < .001 for all others); no significant change was noted in the LAU group. At 3-months, in the TM group, the improvement in symptoms showed a mean reduction of in anxiety, 62%, somatization, 58%, depression, 50%, insomnia, 44%, emotional exhaustion 40%, depersonalization, 42%, and improvement of well-being 18% (for all p<0.004). P-values for between-group differences in change from baseline, based upon repeated measures ANCOVA covarying for baseline measurements, showed significance for all scales at 3-months.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the reported significant and rapid benefits of the practice of TM and demonstrated its positive psychological impact on healthcare workers in a high stress setting.
Liver function indicators in patients with breast cancer before and after detection of hepatic metastases-a retrospective study
Authors: Leser Carmen , Dorffner Georg , Marhold Maximilian , Rutter Anemone , Döger Mert , Singer Christian , König-Castillo Deirdre Maria , Deutschmann Christine , Holzer Iris , König-Castillo Daniel , Gschwantler-Kaulich Daphne
Published: March 2023

Background

Liver metastases are common in patients with breast cancer, and determining the factors associated with such metastases may improve both their early detection and treatment. Given that liver function protein level changes in these patients have not been determined, the aim of our study was to investigate liver function protein level changes over time, spanning 6 months before the detection of liver metastasis to 12 months after.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 104 patients with hepatic metastasis from breast cancer who were treated at the Departments of Internal Medicine I and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical University of Vienna between 1980 and 2019. Data were extracted from patient records.

Results

Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated when compared to normal range 6 months before the detection of liver metastases (p<0.001) Albumin was decreased (p<0.001). The values of aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly increased at the time of diagnosis compared to 6 months prior (p<0.001). Patient- and tumor-specific parameters had no influence on these liver function indicators. Elevated aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.002) and reduced albumin (p = 0.002) levels at the time of diagnosis were associated with shorter overall survival.

Conclusion

Liver function protein levels should be considered as potential indicators when screening for liver metastasis in patients with breast cancer. With the new treatment options available, it could lead to prolonged life.
Efficiency evaluation of urban employee’s basic endowment insurance expenditure in China based on a three-stage DEA model
Authors: Li Liping , Li Dongmei
Published: March 2023

With the deepening of population aging, the expenditure of basic endowment insurance in China is increasing. The urban employees’ basic endowment insurance(UEBEI) system for is an important part of China’s basic social endowment insurance system, which is the most important institutional guarantee for the basic needs of employees after retirement. It not only relates to the living standards of retired employees but also relates to the stability of the whole society. Especially considering the acceleration of urbanization process, the financial sustainability of the basic endowment insurance for employees is of great significance for safeguarding the pension rights of retired employees and realizing the normal operation of the whole system, and the operation efficiency of urban employees’ basic endowment insurance(UEBEI) fund inevitably becomes the focus of increasing attention. Based on the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2016 to 2020, this paper established a three-stage DEA-SFA model, and compared the differences of comprehensive technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency with radar chart, aiming to explore the operating efficiency of the UEBEI in China and how environmental factors affect it. The empirical results show that at present, the overall level of the expenditure efficiency of the UEBEI fund for urban workers is not high, and all provinces have not reached the efficiency frontier level, and there is still a certain space for efficiency improvement. Fiscal autonomy and elderly dependency ratio are negatively correlated with fund expenditure efficiency, while urbanization level and marketization level are positively correlated with fund expenditure efficiency. The regional difference of fund operation efficiency is significant, from high to low, it is East China, Central China and West China. Reasonable control of environmental variables and narrowing of regional economic development and fund expenditure efficiency differences can provide some enlightenment for better realization of common prosperity.
Elucidating the life cycle of opossum parasites: DNA sequences reveal the involvement of planorbid snails as intermediate hosts of Rhopalias spp. (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) in Brazil
Authors: López-Hernández Danimar , Valadão Marisa Caixeta , de Melo Alan Lane , Tkach Vasyl V. , Pinto Hudson Alves
Published: March 2023

Echinostomatid digeneans belonging to the genus Rhopalias are intestinal trematodes found mainly in opossums in the New World. The genus comprises seven species, but their life cycles and intermediate hosts have been unknown until now. During our long-term study carried out in freshwater habitats within the state of Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, echinostomatid cercariae lacking collar spines were found in planorbid snails Biomphalaria glabrata, Biomphalaria straminea, Drepanotrema lucidum and Gundlachia ticaga in six different batches of snail samples collected between 2010 and 2019. Morphologically, the larvae reported herein are morphologically consistent with each other and characterized by the presence of 2–3 large ovoid or spherical corpuscles in each main duct of the excretory system, resembling to Cercaria macrogranulosa previously described from the same region of Brazil. Partial sequences of the ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and 28S gene of the nuclear ribosomal RNA operon, and partial sequences of mitochondrial nad1 and cox1 genes were obtained and compared with the data available for members of the family Echinostomatidae. Nuclear markers indicate that all samples of cercariae evaluated in the present study can be assigned to Rhopalias, but distinct from North American isolates of Rhopalias macracanthus, Rhopalias coronatus and Rhopalias oochi (divergence 0.2–1.2% in 28S and 0.8–4.7% in ITS). The lack of differences verified in both 28S and ITS in 5 out 6 studied samples suggested that they belong to the same species. However, nad1 sequences revealed that our cercariae correspond to three distinct species of Rhopalias (interspecific divergence: 7.7–9.9%), named here as Rhopalias sp. 1, found in B. straminea and G. ticaga, Rhopalias sp. 2 found in B. glabrata and D. lucidum, and Rhopalias sp. 3 also found in D. lucidum. They also differ by 10.8–17.2% from a North American isolate of R. macracanthus sequenced in this study. The cox1 sequences obtained for Rhopalias sp. 1 and Rhopalias sp. 2 (but not Rhopalias sp. 3) reveal that they are distinct from North American isolates of R. macracanthus (genetic divergence 16.3–16.5% and 15.6–15.7%, respectively), R. coronatus (9.2–9.3% and 9.3–9.5%) and Rhopalias oochi (9.0% and 9.5–10.1%). Encysted metacercariae with general morphology similar to that of the body of cercariae were found in tadpoles of Rhinella sp. from the same stream where snails harbored Rhopalias sp. 2, suggesting that the amphibians could act as second intermediate hosts of species of Rhopalias. Data obtained provide the first insights into the life cycle of this unusual echinostomatid genus.
Patient-specific computational simulation of coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Wu Wei , Panagopoulos Anastasios Nikolaos , Vasa Charu Hasini , Sharzehee Mohammadali , Zhao Shijia , Samant Saurabhi , Oguz Usama M. , Khan Behram , Naser Abdallah , Harmouch Khaled M. , Kassab Ghassan S. , Siddique Aleem , Chatzizisis Yiannis S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is an intervention in patients with extensive obstructive coronary artery disease diagnosed with invasive coronary angiography. Here we present and test a novel application of non-invasive computational assessment of coronary hemodynamics before and after bypass grafting.

Methods and results

We tested the computational CABG platform in n = 2 post-CABG patients. The computationally calculated fractional flow reserve showed high agreement with the angiography-based fractional flow reserve. Furthermore, we performed multiscale computational fluid dynamics simulations of pre- and post-CABG under simulated resting and hyperemic conditions in n = 2 patient-specific anatomies 3D reconstructed from coronary computed tomography angiography. We computationally created different degrees of stenosis in the left anterior descending artery, and we showed that increasing severity of native artery stenosis resulted in augmented flow through the graft and improvement of resting and hyperemic flow in the distal part of the grafted native artery.

Conclusions

We presented a comprehensive patient-specific computational platform that can simulate the hemodynamic conditions before and after CABG and faithfully reproduce the hemodynamic effects of bypass grafting on the native coronary artery flow. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate this preliminary data.
Diagnostic performance of GENEDIA W and ActiveXpress+ COVID-19 antigens tests among symptomatic individuals in Peru and The United Kingdom
Authors: Palomino-Padilla Sandra , Finch Lorna , de Vos Margaretha , Savage Helen , Villa-Castillo Luz , Hayward Gail , Cook Eloïse ,   LSTM diagnostics group,   UTB-IMTAvH group,   CONDOR steering group, Escadafal Camille , Body Richard , Adams Emily R. , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Cubas-Atienzar Ana I.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

In order to generate independent performance data regarding accuracy of COVID-19 antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs), prospective diagnostic evaluation studies across multiple sites are required to evaluate their performance in different clinical settings. This report describes the clinical evaluation the GENEDIA W COVID-19 Ag Device (Green Cross Medical Science Corp., Chungbuk, Korea) and the ActiveXpress+ COVID-19 Complete Testing Kit (Edinburgh Genetics Ltd, UK), in two testing sites Peru and the United Kingdom.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 456 symptomatic patients at primary points of care in Lima, Peru and 610 symptomatic participants at a COVID-19 Drive-Through testing site in Liverpool, England were analyzed by Ag-RDT and compared to RT-PCR. Analytical evaluation of both Ag-RDTs was assessed using serial dilutions of direct culture supernatant of a clinical SARS-CoV-2 isolate from the B.1.1.7 lineage.

Results

For GENEDIA brand, the values of overall sensitivity and specificity were 60.4% [95% CI 52.4–67.9%], and 99.2% [95% CI 97.6–99.7%] respectively; and for Active Xpress+ the overall values of sensitivity and specificity were 66.2% [95% CI 54.0–76.5%], and 99.6% [95% CI 97.9–99.9%] respectively. The analytical limit of detection was determined at 5.0 x 102 pfu/ml what equals to approximately 1.0 x 104 gcn/ml for both Ag-RDTs. The UK cohort had lower median Ct values compared to that of Peru during both evaluations. When split by Ct, both Ag-RDTs had optimum sensitivities at Ct<20 (in Peru; 95% [95% CI 76.4–99.1%] and 100.0% [95% CI 74.1–100.0%] and in the UK; 59.2% [95% CI 44.2–73.0%] and 100.0% [95% CI 15.8–100.0%], for the GENDIA and the ActiveXpress+, respectively).

Conclusions

Whilst the overall clinical sensitivity of the Genedia did not meet WHO minimum performance requirements for rapid immunoassays in either cohort, the ActiveXpress+ did so for the small UK cohort. This study illustrates comparative performance of Ag-RDTs across two global settings and considers the different approaches in evaluation methods.
Refusal to participate in research among hard-to-reach populations: The case of detained persons
Authors: Baggio Stéphanie , Gonçalves Leonel , Heller Patrick , Wolff Hans , Gétaz Laurent
Published: March 2023

Providing insights on refusal to participate in research is critical to achieve a better understanding of the non-response bias. Little is known on people who refused to participate, especially in hard-to-reach populations such as detained persons. This study investigated the potential non-response bias among detained persons, comparing participants who accepted or refused to sign a one-time general informed consent. We used data collected in a cross-sectional study primary designed to evaluate a one-time general informed consent for research. A total of 190 participants were included in the study (response rate = 84.7%). The main outcome was the acceptance to sign the informed consent, used as a proxy to evaluate non-response. We collected sociodemographic variables, health literacy, and self-reported clinical information. A total of 83.2% of the participants signed the informed consent. In the multivariable model after lasso selection and according to the relative bias, the most important predictors were the level of education (OR = 2.13, bias = 20.7%), health insurance status (OR = 2.04, bias = 7.8%), need of another study language (OR = 0.21, bias = 39.4%), health literacy (OR = 2.20, bias = 10.0%), and region of origin (not included in the lasso regression model, bias = 9.2%). Clinical characteristics were not significantly associated with the main outcome and had low relative biases (≤ 2.7%). Refusers were more likely to have social vulnerabilities than consenters, but clinical vulnerabilities were similar in both groups. The non-response bias probably occurred in this prison population. Therefore, efforts should be made to reach this vulnerable population, improve participation in research, and ensure a fair and equitable distribution of research benefits.
Safety and efficacy of anti-hyperglycemic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): Protocol for an overview of systematic reviews based on network meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Zhengping , Xu Jianguo , Qin Yu , Zheng Qingyong , Zhao Liang , Wang Yunfang , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has caused a huge clinical and economic burden worldwide. The management strategy of T2DM has been mentioned in many guidelines. However, controversy still exists in the recommendation of anti-hyperglycemic agents. To this end, this protocol has been written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P). We will make an overview of systematic reviews based-on network meta-analysis firstly that report on safety and efficacy of different category of anti-hyperglycemic agents for T2DM patients. We will identify network meta-analysis by applying a robust and standardized search strategy within Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) will be defined as the primary outcomes. We will assess the methodological quality of included reviews by applying the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) tool, and quality of evidence for all outcomes will be judged by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). This will provide an accessible narrative synthesis to clinicians, patients, policy makers, and developers of clinical guidelines based on published high-quality network meta-analysis. We will submit our results for peer-review publication and presentation at domestic and international conferences. We will also disseminate our results through established clinical networks and consumer networks, using pamphlet where appropriate. Ethics approval is not required for this overview as we will analysis published network meta-analysis only.

Trial registration number:INPLASY202070118.
Rate control deficits during pinch grip and ankle dorsiflexion in early-stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Chung Jae Woo , Knight Christopher A. , Bower Abigail E. , Martello Justin P. , Jeka John J. , Burciu Roxana G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Much of our understanding of the deficits in force control in Parkinson’s disease (PD) relies on findings in the upper extremity. Currently, there is a paucity of data pertaining to the effect of PD on lower limb force control.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to concurrently evaluate upper- and lower-limb force control in early-stage PD and a group of age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Methods

Twenty individuals with PD and twenty-one healthy older adults participated in this study. Participants performed two visually guided, submaximal (15% of maximum voluntary contractions) isometric force tasks: a pinch grip task and an ankle dorsiflexion task. PD were tested on their more affected side and after overnight withdrawal from antiparkinsonian medication. The tested side in controls was randomized. Differences in force control capacity were assessed by manipulating speed-based and variability-based task parameters.

Results

Compared with controls, PD demonstrated slower rates of force development and force relaxation during the foot task, and a slower rate of relaxation during the hand task. Force variability was similar across groups but greater in the foot than in the hand in both PD and controls. Lower limb rate control deficits were greater in PD with more severe symptoms based on the Hoehn and Yahr stage.

Conclusions

Together, these results provide quantitative evidence of an impaired capacity in PD to produce submaximal and rapid force across multiple effectors. Moreover, results suggest that force control deficits in the lower limb may become more severe with disease progression.
An evaluation model for automobile intelligent cockpit comfort based on improved combination weighting-cloud model
Authors: Yang Jianjun , Wan Qilin , Han Jiahao , Xing Shanshan
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the comfort evaluation of automobile intelligent cockpit, an evaluation model based on improved combination weighting-cloud model is established. By consulting relevant literature, 4 first-class indexes and 15 second-class indexes, including noise and vibration, light environment, thermal environment and human-computer interaction, are selected to establish a comfort evaluation system. Later the subjective and objective weights obtained by improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) are combined by Game Theory. Considering the fuzziness and randomness of the index system, the combination weights obtained by Game Theory are combined with the cloud model. The floating cloud algorithms is used to determine the first-class and second-class index clouds and the comprehensive evaluation cloud parameters. Improvements were made in two commonly used similarity calculation methods, the expectation curve method (ECM) and the maximum boundary curve method (MCM). A new similarity calculation method is defined to optimize the evaluation results and determine the final comfort evaluation grade. Lastly, a 2021 Audi intelligent car under a certain working condition was selected to verify the correctness and rationality of the model using the fuzzy evaluation method. The results show that the cockpit comfort evaluation model based on the improved combination weighting-cloud model can better reflect the comprehensive comfort of automobile cockpit.
Best-worst scaling preferences among patients with well-controlled epilepsy: Pilot results
Authors: Terman Samuel W. , Aschmann Hélène E. , Hutton David W. , Burke James F.
Published: March 2023

Epilepsy is a common, serious condition. Fortunately, seizure risk decreases with increasing seizure-free time on antiseizure medications (ASMs). Eventually, patients may consider whether to stop ASMs, which requires weighing treatment benefit versus burden. We developed a questionnaire to quantify patient preferences relevant to ASM decision-making. Respondents rated how concerning they would finding relevant items (e.g., seizure risks, side effects, cost) on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0–100) and then repeatedly chose the most and least concerning item from subsets (best-worst scaling, BWS). We pretested with neurologists, then recruited adults with epilepsy who were seizure-free at least one year. Primary outcomes were recruitment rate, and qualitative and Likert-based feedback. Secondary outcomes included VAS ratings and best-minus-worst scores. Thirty-one of 60 (52%) contacted patients completed the study. Most patients felt VAS questions were clear (28; 90%), easy to use (27; 87%), and assessed preferences well (25; 83%). Corresponding results for BWS questions were 27 (87%), 29 (97%), and 23 (77%). Physicians suggested adding a ‘warmup’ question showing a completed example and simplifying terminology. Patients suggested ways to clarify instructions. Cost, inconvenience of taking medication, and laboratory monitoring were the least concerning items. Cognitive side effects and a 50% seizure risk in the next year were the most concerning items. Twelve (39%) of patients made at least one ‘inconsistent choice’ for example ranking a higher seizure risk as lower concern compared with a lower seizure risk, though ‘inconsistent choices’ represented only 3% of all question blocks. Our recruitment rate was favorable, most patients agreed the survey was clear, and we describe areas for improvement. ‘Inconsistent’ responses may lead us to collapse seizure probability items into a single ‘seizure’ category. Evidence regarding how patients weigh benefits and harms may inform care and guideline development.
Discordance between hyposalivation and xerostomia among community-dwelling older adults in Japan
Authors: Morita Ichizo , Morioka Hisayoshi , Abe Yoshikazu , Nomura Taketsugu , Nakashima Seiji , Sugiura Iwane , Inagawa Yujo , Kondo Yuka , Kameyama Chisato , Kondo Kanae , Kobayashi Naoji
Published: March 2023

Individuals with an objective decrease in salivary flow (objective dry mouth) may not be aware of subjective dry mouth (xerostomia). However, no clear evidence exists to explain the discordance between subjective and objective dry mouth. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of xerostomia and decreased salivary flow among community-dwelling elderly adults. In addition, this study assessed several potential demographic and health status determinants of the discrepancy between xerostomia and reduced salivary flow. The 215 participants in this study were community-dwelling older people aged 70 years and above who underwent dental health examinations between January-February 2019. Symptoms of xerostomia were collected in the form of a questionnaire. The unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) was measured by a dentist using visual inspection. The stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR) was measured using the Saxon test. We identified 19.1% of participants as having mild-severe USFR decline with xerostomia and 19.1% as having mild-severe USFR decline without xerostomia. Additionally, 26.0% of participants had low SSFR and xerostomia, and 40.0% had low SSFR without xerostomia. Except for the age trend, no factors could be associated with the discordance between USFR measurement and xerostomia. Furthermore, no significant factors were associated with the discordance between the SSFR and xerostomia. However, females were significantly associated (OR = 2.608, 95% CI = 1.174–5.791) with low SSFR and xerostomia, as compared to males. Age was a factor that was also significantly associated (OR = 1.105, 95% CI = 1.010–1.209) with low SSFR and xerostomia. Our findings indicate that approximately 20% of the participants had low USFR without xerostomia, and 40% had low SSFR without xerostomia. This study showed that age, sex, and the number of medications may not be factors in the discrepancy between the subjective feeling of dry mouth and reduced salivary flow.
The role and value of data in advancing environmental sustainability with empirical evidence from tissue and textile businesses
Authors:   University of Helsinki, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, Department of Forest Sciences, Luoma Päivi
Published: March 2023

As the need for genuine sustainability transformation crystallises, data’s digitalisation-enabled use creates opportunities to refine how businesses and societies operate. With the power of diverse data sources, available in increasing quantity, actors can set feasible environmental targets, identify improvement opportunities, implement actions, and follow development. The dissertation explores data’s role and value for corporate environmental sustainability and specifically for circular economy from four perspectives: the customer-perceived value of data for environmental sustainability (considered via studying a tissue-paper supplier), how data’ use influences sustainability pathways toward circular economy (specifically of textiles), paradoxical tensions that arise in utilising data to drive circular economy (in the textiles context), and how the literature characterises data’s role and value in circular business models. A company case study, disaggregative Delphi and literature review were used as research methods. The work pinpointed availability of detailed, reliable product-specific data as crucial for supporting environmental sustainability and transparency of products’ value chains. Also, capturing data’s value here demands collaboration with customers and suppliers but also wider business networks, central to which are conditions for solid data-sharing. Consumers demand environmental sustainability, circularity, and accrue benefit from data-related decisions on individual purchases. The strategic and operative decisions/activities across business functions and throughout value chains further guide environmentally better-informed decisions. While use of data can be crucial to developing sustainable business models (for circularity specifically), the role varies less between models than with the activity supported. The results clearly implies that neither environment-related data nor initiatives utilising data automatically benefit the environment; the interactions are more complex. Still, the data are a critical business enabler, and anticipating future data needs should dovetail with systematically developing environment-related data-management capabilities. These findings provide rich insight as to the elements, mechanisms, and critical issues of data driving environmental sustainability and circular economy.
Aplicação do princípio Lean Construction e teoria das restrições para reduzir desperdícios em uma cadeia de suprimentos na construção civil
Authors: Bassani Leonardo Debarba , Piran Fabio Antônio Sartori
Published: March 2023

O objetivo proposto pelo artigo é desenvolver um modelo de gestão focalizado em reduzir desperdícios dentro da cadeia de suprimentos na construção civil. Para alcançar este objetivo foi utilizado o método de pesquisa Design Science Research (DSR) para a criação de um artefato que possibilitasse junto as dificuldades encontradas dentro da empresa elaborar mecanismos que identificassem e reduzissem desperdícios dentro do setor. O estudo foi desenvolvido a partir de ideias provenientes dos pensamentos do Lean Construction e da Teoria das Restrições, os quais, por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica e conhecimentos profissionais do autor nortearam a elaboração de cada etapa do método. O artefato desenvolvido foi nomeado “Modelo de Gestão de Suprimentos da Construção Civil” e consiste, a partir da subdivisão do planejamento do projeto, em atividades que contribuem para a eliminação de gargalos e a redução de desperdícios dentro da cadeia. Além disso, o artefato exemplifica e detalha cada processo do método para que se discuta os resultados obtidos.
Peculiarities of epidermal proliferation and terminal differentiation in various histological types of seborrheic keratosis
Authors: Makurina G. I. , Tertyshnyi S. I. , Cherneda L. O.
Published: March 2023

Aim of the study is to determine the peculiarities of epidermal proliferation and terminal differentiation in various histological types of seborrheic keratosis (SK).
Materials and methods. Pathomorphological and immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the skin biopsy material of 60 patients with SK, who constituted the study group, and on the material of 30 healthy skin samples, which were considered a control group.
Results. Level of expression of Ki-67 marker in papillomatous and acanthotic types of SK is significantly lower (P < 0.005) compared to healthy skin samples, which indicates a low proliferative potential of tumors. While the expression of the marker of terminal differentiation between these groups of SK and healthy skin is significantly higher (P < 0.005). Comparative characterization of the association of the expression degree of the immunohistochemical marker of proliferation Ki-67 depending on the activity of terminal differentiation processes in acanthotic and papillomatous types of SK indicates a statistically significant inverse correlation of these pathogenetically determined processes. Thus, activation of terminal differentiation with increase of caspase-14 expression level inhibits proliferation in basal epidermal layers that is accompanied by decrease of Ki-67 level.
Conclusions. Level of expression of Ki-67 as a marker of proliferative activity in patients with acanthotic and papillomatous types is significantly lower than in the control group, which may indicate no tendency to malignancy. The expression level of caspase-14 in acanthotic and papillomatous types is increased compared to healthy skin, which may indicate a violation of keratinization, which occurs during the terminal differentiation of epidermocytes. Statistical inverse conjugacy between caspase-14 and Ki-67 indicates inhibition of proliferation against the background of increased terminal differentiation activity and may justify the vectors of therapeutic action of topical agents.
Prospects for the sulfur-containing amino acids medicines usage for trimethylamine-N-oxide biosynthesis modulation in humans
Authors: Melnychuk I. O. , Sharaieva M. L. , Kramarova V. N. , Lyzohub V. H.
Published: March 2023

The aim: to identify prospects for the sulfur-containing amino acids medicines usage for trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) biosynthesis modulation in humans.
Intestinal microbiome and its metabolic products are currently widely discussed as a new therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic diseases. The effect of the intestinal microbiome on human health is unconditional. Its metabolites, including trimethylamine (TMA), TMAO and plasma amino acids, play an important role in the mechanisms of many diseases. The synthesis of TMAO directly depends on such factors as diet, intestinal microbiome status, genetic characteristics of the human body (activity and type of hepatic flavin monooxygenase). At the same time, all these factors are also able to affect the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. Conversely, sulfur-containing amino acids are able to simulate the state of the intestinal microbiome and the activity of hepatic flavin monooxygenase. Today many sulfur-containing amino acid drugs are widely used in therapeutic practice (taurine, methionine, glutathione), including for the cardiovascular and metabolic diseases treatment. Their effect on the state of the intestinal microbiome and its metabolites is still unexplored. There are currently no strong clinical studies for the use of amino acid preparations to reduce plasma TMAO levels, although this perspective is interesting. The possibility of using taurine is questionable as it affects the state of the intestinal microbiome in ultra-high doses (more than 3 g/day), which can cause side effects. Glutathione drugs have low bioavailability due to its physical and chemical properties, and therefore have not become widespread in therapeutic practice. Drugs that activate glutathione synthesis – for example, selenium derivatives, glutoredoxins, some heat shock proteins (HPS70) actions are not studied in vivo enough. Unfortunately, methionine preparations, on the other hand, increase plasma TMAO levels.
Conclusions. Despite the deep pathogenetic affinity of sulfur-containing amino acids and TMAO synthesis, the prospect of using these amino acids drugs to reduce TMAO synthesis is questionable. The problem of reducing the synthesis of TMAO in the human body remains unsolved and requires further search for promising pathogenetically drugs for its correction.
Productivity, Innovation Spillovers, and Mergers: Evidence from a Panel of U.S. Firms
Authors: Entezarkheir Mahdiyeh , Sen Anindya
Published: March 2023

We investigate the impact of mergers and product innovation on labour productivity through a unique panel data set of roughly 2000 publicly traded U.S. manufacturing firms from 1980 to 2003. OLS estimates reveal that mergers interacted with citation-weighted patents are significantly correlated with increases in labour productivity. OLS and IV estimates of citation-weighted patent stocks with respect to firm-specific labour productivity are positive and consistently significant. Further, mergers are significantly correlated with a rise in citation-weighted patent stocks and research and development (R&D) spending. In tandem, our findings suggest that larger firms resulting from mergers spend more on innovation, which results in higher quality patents, and increased labour productivity.
Kähler–Einstein metrics near an isolated log-canonical singularity
Authors: Datar Ved , Fu Xin , Song Jian
Published: March 2023

We construct Kähler–Einstein metrics with negative scalar curvature near an isolated log canonical (non-log terminal) singularity.
Such metrics are complete near the singularity if the underlying space has complex dimension 2. We also establish a stability result for Kähler–Einstein metrics near certain types of isolated log canonical singularity. As application, for complex dimension 2 log canonical singularity, we show that any complete Kähler–Einstein metric of negative scalar curvature near an isolated log canonical (non-log terminal) singularity is smoothly asymptotically close to model Kähler–Einstein metrics from hyperbolic geometry.
The differential role of resistin on invasive liver cancer cells
Authors: Miethe Candace , Raign Kelsie , Zamora Megan , Price Ramona Salcedo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To determine whether inhibition of kinase signaling will suppress resistin-induced liver cancer progression. Resistin is located in monocytes and macrophages of adipose tissue. This adipocytokine is an important link between obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and cancer risk. Pathways that resistin is known to be involved include but are not limited to mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK). The ERK pathway promotes cellular proliferation, migration, survival of cancer cells, and tumor progression. The Akt pathway is known to be up-regulated in many cancers including liver cancer.

Methods

Using an in vitro model, HepG2 and SNU-449 liver cancer cells were exposed to resistin ± ERK, Akt, or both inhibitors. The following physiological parameters were assessed: cellular proliferation, ROS, lipogenesis, invasion, MMP, and lactate dehydrogenase activity.

Results

The inhibition of kinase signaling suppressed resistin-induced invasion and lactate dehydrogenase in both cell lines. In addition, in SNU-449 cells, resistin increased proliferation, ROS, and MMP-9 activity. Inhibition of PI3K and ERK decreased phosphorylated Akt and ERK, and pyruvate dehydrogenase.

Conclusions

In this study, we describe the effect of Akt and ERK inhibitors to determine if inhibition suppresses resistin-induced liver cancer progression. Resistin promotes cellular proliferation, ROS, MMP, invasion and LDH activity in SNU-449 liver cancer cells which is differentially mediated by Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
The readily retrievable pool of synaptic vesicles
Authors: Krishnan Sai , Klingauf Jürgen
Published: March 2023

In the CNS communication between neurons occurs at synapses by secretion of neurotransmitter via exocytosis of synaptic vesicles (SVs) at the active zone. Given the limited number of SVs in presynaptic boutons a fast and efficient recycling of exocytosed membrane and proteins by triggered compensatory endocytosis is required to maintain neurotransmission. Thus, pre-synapses feature a unique tight coupling of exo- and endocytosis in time and space resulting in the reformation of SVs with uniform morphology and well-defined molecular composition. This rapid response requires early stages of endocytosis at the peri-active zone to be well choreographed to ensure reformation of SVs with high fidelity. The pre-synapse can address this challenge by a specialized membrane microcompartment, where a pre-sorted and pre-assembled readily retrievable pool (RRetP) of endocytic membrane patches is formed, consisting of the vesicle cargo, presumably bound within a nucleated Clathrin and adaptor complex. This review considers evidence for the RRetP microcompartment to be the primary organizer of presynaptic triggered compensatory endocytosis.