bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explainable AI for DBA: Bridging the DBA's experience and machine learning in tuning database systems
Authors: Ouared Abdelkader , Amrani Moussa , Schobbens Pierre‐Yves
Published: March 2023

Recently artificial intelligence techniques in the database community have become a driver for many database applications. The proposed solution adopting AI in the core database shows that incorporating AI improves the query processing and the self‐tuning of database systems. In traditional systems, self‐tuning database systems are commonly addressed with heuristics to suggest the physical structures (e.g., creation of indexes and materialized views) that enable the fastest execution of queries. However, existing designer tools do not explain/justify how the system behaves and the reasoning behind tuning activities. Moreover, these tools do not keep the database administrator (DBA) in the loop of the optimization process to trust some of the automatic tuning decisions. To address this problem, we introduce a framework called Explain‐Tun that enables to predict and explain self‐tuning actions with transparent strategy from historical data using two explicit models, that is, decision tree and random forests. First, we propose AI‐based DBMS to explain how to select physical structures and provide decision rules extracted by machine learning (ML) as a designed plug‐gable component. Second, a goal‐oriented model to keep DBA in the loop of the optimization process in order to manipulate ML models as CRUD entities. Finally, we evaluate our approach on three use cases, results show that bridging the DBA's experience and ML make sense in tuning database systems.
Performance and Stability of Aemion and Aemion+ Membranes in Zero‐Gap CO2 Electrolyzers with Mild Anolyte Solutions
Authors: Mardle Peter , Gangrade Apurva , Saatkamp Torben , Jiang Zhengming , Cassegrain Simon , Zhao Nana , Shi Zhiqing , Holdcroft Steven
Published: March 2023

The dependence of performance and stability of a zero‐gap CO2 electrolyzer on the properties of the anion exchange membrane (AEM) is examined. This work firstly assesses the influence of the anolyte when using an Aemion membrane and then shows that when using 10 mM KHCO3, a CO2 electrolyzer using a next‐generation Aemion+ membrane can achieve lower cell voltages and longer lifetimes due to increased water permeation. The impact of lower permselectivity of Aemion+ on water transport is also discussed. Using Aemion+, a cell voltage of 3.17 V at 200 mA cm−2 is achieved at room temperature, with a faradaic efficiency of >90 %. Stable CO2 electrolysis at 100 mA cm−2 is demonstrated for 100 h, but with reduced lifetime at 300 mA cm−2. However, the lifetime of the cell at high current densities is shown to be increased by improving water transport characteristics of the AEM and reducing dimensional swelling, as well as by improving cathode design to reduce localized dehydration of the membrane.
A new single‐phase multilevel inverter with improved modulation technique
Authors: Nageswar Rao Bhukya , Suresh Y , Shiva Naik Banavath , Aditya K , K Panda A
Published: March 2023

This article proposes a seventeen‐level (17L) inverter with a common leg configuration and an improved modulation technique. The proposed inverter uses only 10 switches, one toroidal core transformer, and one dc source. Therefore, the proposed design offers less control complexity with reduced cost and volume. Additionally, the suggested modulation technique improves the load voltage quality by minimizing the harmonic content. Simulation and laboratory studies are performed to confirm the proficiency of the suggested inverter with a new modulation technique. Further, a thorough comparison with recent transformer‐based circuits is carried out to highlight the benefits of the proposed structure.
Performance assessment of hemispherical solar distillers integrated with the red bricks filled with cement as natural thermal storage materials
Authors: Attia Mohammed El Hadi , Kabeel Abd Elnaby , Beggas Azzeddine , Abdelgaied Mohamed
Published: March 2023

This manuscript aims to augment the production rate of drink water from the hemispherical solar distillers using red bricks filled with cement as natural low‐cost reasonable storage materials. To obtain the optimal height and optimal gap distance of the red brick tiles filled with cement that achieves the highest productivity of hemispherical distillers. Three different heights of the red brick (1, 2, and 3 cm) with two different gap distances of (4 and 6 cm) were experimentally studied. Therefore, three hemispherical distillers were constructed and operated under the same climate conditions. The first is the traditional hemispherical solar distiller (THSD) which represents the reference distiller. The second is a hemispherical distiller with red brick tiles filled with cement set at a gap distance of 6 cm. The third is a hemispherical distiller with red brick tiles filled with cement set at a gap distance of 4 cm. The results presented that, the utilization of red brick tiles filled with cement with a height of 2 cm and a gap distance of 4 cm represents a good choice that achieves the highest performance of hemispherical distillers. The results showed that the utilization of red bricks filled with cement will be improved the accumulative yield from 4.3 L/m2/day (THSD) to 6.55 L/m2/day with an improvement of 52.3%. Also, using the red bricks filled with cement improved the thermal and exergy efficiencies by 51.24% and 435.5%, respectively compared to THSD.
Optimization and planning of renewable energy sources based microgrid for a residential complex
Authors: Hasan Sayeed , Zeyad Mohammad , Ahmed S.M. Masum , Anubhove Md. Sadik Tasrif
Published: March 2023

World population growth and increased energy demand are taking a heavy toll on the environment. Aside from developed countries, the adverse effects are far more apparent in third‐world countries, which are also affected by climate change, pollution, and fuel scarcity. One of the primary solutions to this challenge is the implementation of cleaner and more sustainable energy resources. Building scale renewable integration is one of the solutions included in hybrid energy systems. The article aims to design a grid‐tied hybrid energy system for a residential complex in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The design includes several combinations of the photovoltaic system, diesel generator, and battery energy storage system (BESS). The key objectives of the analysis are to minimize system costs, reduce grid dependency, and reduce emissions. Various models were simulated in Hybrid optimization of multiple energy resources (HOMER Pro) to obtain a suitable system with maximum renewable usage. Several systems were compared based on different parameters such as net present cost (NPC), operating cost, cost of energy (COE), and carbon emissions. A grid‐tied system with PV and lithium battery storage was found to be the most suitable system for powering the residential load. From the analysis, the preferred system can reduce COE by 53%, NPC by 26%, and operating costs by 54%. Also, the total emission is reduced by 31%. Aside from being cost‐effective, the proposed system is also convenient and sustainable, with fewer salvageable parts owing to its use of lithium‐based BESS.
Recent development of pH‐responsive theranostic nanoplatforms for magnetic resonance imaging‐guided cancer therapy
Authors: Li Xu , Yue Renye , Guan Guoqiang , Zhang Cheng , Zhou Ying , Song Guosheng
Published: March 2023

The acidic characteristic of the tumor site is one of the most well‐known features and provides a series of opportunities for cancer‐specific theranostic strategies. In this regard, pH‐responsive theranostic nanoplatforms that integrate diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities are highly developed. The fluidity of the tumor microenvironment (TME), with its temporal and spatial heterogeneities, makes noninvasive molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology very desirable for imaging TME constituents and developing MRI‐guided theranostic nanoplatforms for tumor‐specific treatments. Therefore, various MRI‐based theranostic strategies which employ assorted therapeutic modes have been drawn up for more efficient cancer therapy through the raised local concentration of therapeutic agents in pathological tissues. In this review, we summarize the pH‐responsive mechanisms of organic components (including polymers, biological molecules, and organosilicas) as well as inorganic components (including metal coordination compounds, metal oxides, and metal salts) of theranostic nanoplatforms. Furthermore, we review the designs and applications of pH‐responsive theranostic nanoplatforms for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In addition, the challenges and prospects in developing theranostic nanoplatforms with pH‐responsiveness for cancer diagnosis and therapy are discussed.
Nanodrugs with intrinsic radioprotective exertion: Turning the double‐edged sword into a single‐edged knife
Authors: Guo Jiaming , Zhao Zhemeng , Shang Zeng‐Fu , Tang Zhongmin , Zhu Huanhuan , Zhang Kun
Published: March 2023

Ionizing radiation (IR) poses a growing threat to human health, and thus ideal radioprotectors with high efficacy and low toxicity still receive widespread attention in radiation medicine. Despite significant progress made in conventional radioprotectants, high toxicity, and low bioavailability still discourage their application. Fortunately, the rapidly evolving nanomaterial technology furnishes reliable tools to address these bottlenecks, opening up the cutting‐edge nano‐radioprotective medicine, among which the intrinsic nano‐radioprotectants characterized by high efficacy, low toxicity, and prolonged blood retention duration, represent the most extensively studied class in this area. Herein, we made the systematic review on this topic, and discussed more specific types of radioprotective nanomaterials and more general clusters of the extensive nano‐radioprotectants. In this review, we mainly focused on the development, design innovations, applications, challenges, and prospects of the intrinsic antiradiation nanomedicines, and presented a comprehensive overview, in‐depth analysis as well as an updated understanding of the latest advances in this topic. We hope that this review will promote the interdisciplinarity across radiation medicine and nanotechnology and stimulate further valuable studies in this promising field.
The association between dietary micronutrient patterns and odds of diabetic nephropathy: A case–control study
Authors: Bahrampour Niki , Mirzababaei Atieh , Abaj Faezeh , Hosseininasab Dorsa , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2023

Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between different dietary micronutrient patterns and risk of DN in women. This was a case–control study. One hundred and five patients had DN (defined as urinary mg of albumin per gram of creatinine ≥30 mg/g) were chosen as the case and 105 women without DN were chosen as control. Dietary intakes were assessed by a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis with varimax rotation was used to derive the micronutrient patterns. Patterns were divided into two groups of lower and higher than median. Logistic regression was used to discern and find the odds ratio (ORs) of DN, and its 95% confidence interval (CI) based on the micronutrient patterns in crude and adjusted model. Three patterns which were included, (1) mineral patterns such as chromium, manganese, biotin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, copper, zinc, potassium, and iron, (2) water‐soluble vitamin patterns such as vitamin B5, B2, folate, B1, B3, B12, sodium and C, and (3) fat‐soluble vitamin patterns such as calcium, vitamin K, beta carotene, alpha tocopherol, alpha carotene, vitamin E, and vitamin A, were extracted. An inverse relationship was found between risk of DN and following mineral patterns and fat‐soluble vitamin patterns in adjusted model (ORs = 0.51 [95% CI 0.28–0.95], p = .03) and (ORs = 0.53 [95% CI 0.29–0.98], p = .04), respectively. No relationship was seen between water‐soluble vitamin patterns and risk of DN in crude and adjusted model but the significance was decreased in adjusted model. The risk of DN was 47% decreased after high adherence of fat‐soluble vitamin patterns. In addition, we saw a 49% decrease of risk of DN in high adherence group of mineral patterns. The findings confirm that renal‐protective dietary patterns can reduce risk of DN.
Physicochemical property changes of Dendrobium officinale leaf polysaccharide LDOP‐A and it promotes GLP‐1 secretion in NCI‐H716 cells by simulated saliva‐gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Xiong Jingfang , Fang Jingyu , Chen Dongya , Xu Hong
Published: March 2023

A polysaccharide LDOP‐A with a molecular weight of 9.9 kDa was isolated and purified from Dendrobium officinale leaves by membrane separation, cellulose column, and dextran gel column. The Smith degradable products, methylation products, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed that LDOP‐A may be composed of →4)‐Glc‐(1→, →3,6)‐Man‐(1→, and →6)‐Glc‐(1→sugar residues. In vitro, simulated digestion assays showed that LDOP‐A could be partially digested in the stomach and small intestine, and produced a large amount of acetic acid and butyric acid during colonic fermentation. Further cell experiment results illustrated that LDOP‐A‐I (LDOP‐A digested by gastrointestinal tract) could induce glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) secretion in NCI‐H716 cells without showing any cytotoxicity.
How can we reduce medication errors in veterinary practice?
Authors: Mosedale Pam
Published: March 2023

Errors happen – we are all human. While we can instil a no‐blame culture and learn from errors, there are systems we can adopt to reduce the chance of an error occurring as much as possible. This article discusses some of the common errors that can happen with veterinary medication, and explores small changes that teams can make to improve patient safety in practice.
Effect of solution acidity on cytochrome c conformations of alternating current electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Ping , Li Cheng‐Han , Chang Yut‐Zu , Hsieh Wen‐Shan , Wang Shau‐Chun
Published: March 2023

This paper reports notable observations regarding the ion charge states of thermally stable cytochrome c, generated using an alternating current (AC) electrospray ionization (ESI) device. An AC ESI sprayer entrains low‐mobility ions to accumulate at the meniscus cone tip prior to the ejection of detached aerosols to produce analyte ions. Therefore, as the solvent acidity varies, protein ions entrained in the AC cone tip are found to change conformation less significantly compared with those in the direct current (DC) cone. We acquired the AC ESI mass spectra of cytochrome c at pH range from 2 to 4. Unlike the DC ESI mass spectra showing clear conformation changes due to denaturing, the AC spectra indicated that only partial denaturing occurs even at extremely acidic pH 2. More native cytochrome c in lower charge states therefore remained. Moreover, with a solvent mixture of aqueous buffer and acetonitrile (70:30), partially denatured cytochrome c was still preserved at pH 2 by using AC ESI. Completely denatured proteins are observed at pH 2 by using DC ESI.
Normative values of hand grip strength in a large unselected Chinese population: Evidence from the China National Health Survey
Authors: He Huijing , Pan Li , Wang Dingming , Liu Feng , Du Jianwei , Pa Lize , Wang Xianghua , Cui Ze , Ren Xiaolan , Wang Hailing , Peng Xia , Zhao Jingbo , Shan Guangliang
Published: March 2023

Background

Hand grip strength (HGS) is a powerful indicator of sarcopenia and other adverse health outcomes. Normative values for HGS for general Chinese people with a broad age spectrum are lacking. This study aims to establish normative values of HGS and explore the correlations between HGS and body composition among unselected people aged 8–80 in China.

Methods

From 2012 to 2017, 39 655 participants aged 8–80 years in the China National Health Survey were included. Absolute HGS was measured using a Jamar dynamometer. The relative HGS was normalized by body mass index. Body composition indexes included body mass index, body fat percentage, muscle mass, fat mass index (FMI) and muscle mass index (MMI). Sex‐specific smoothed centile tables for the P1, P5, P25, P50, P75, P95 and P99 centiles of HGS and body composition were generated using lambda‐mu‐sigma method. The correlations between muscle strength and body composition were estimated by partial Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

The median values (25th and 75th percentile) of HGS in boys and girls (8–19 years old) were 22 (14, 34) kg and 18 (12, 22) kg, respectively; in men and women aged 20–80 were 39 (33, 44) kg and 24 (20, 27) kg, respectively. Values of upper and lower HGS across ages had three periods: an increase to a peak in the 20 s in men (with the 5th and 95th values of 30 and 55 kg, respectively) and 30 s in women (with the 5th and 95th values of 18 and 34 kg, respectively), preservation through midlife (20s–40 s), and then a decline after their 50 s. The lowest HGS values in both sexes were in the 70‐ to 80‐year‐old group, with the 5th and 95th percentile values of 16 and 40 kg in men, and 10 and 25 kg in women. There were substantial sex differences in body composition in the life course (all P values <0.001). In ageing, the decrease of muscle strength was faster than that of muscle mass in both sexes. The correlations between muscle mass and HGS were most robust than other correlations, especially in women (0.68 vs. 0.50), children and adolescents.

Conclusions

Our study established the age‐ and sex‐specific percentile reference values for hand grip strength in an unselected Chinese population across a broad age‐spectrum. The rich data can facilitate the practical appraisal of muscle strength and promote early prediction of sarcopenia and other impairments associated with neuromuscular disorders.
Influence of carbon nanotube functionalization on the physical properties of PCL diol/chitosan blends
Authors: Antolin‐Ceron V.H. , Gonzalez‐Jauregui D. , Astudillo‐Sanchez P.D. , Cabrera‐Chavarria J. , Andrade‐Melecio H.A. , Barrera‐Rivera K.A. , Martinez‐Richa A.
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Chitosan‐poly(ε)caprolactone diol (PCL) blends were studied for food packaging film applications. The mechanical and thermal properties of blend films can be regulated with different amounts of PCL and the addition of a nanofiller could reinforce specific domains in the blend to generate nanocomposites with desirable properties for food packaging. This is evidence of the selective insertion of functionalized carbon nanotubes in either PCL or chitosan domains, depending on the nature of chemical groups and the structure over the surface nanofiller.

RESULTS

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were functionalized with four different dendritic molecules and were tested as nanofillers to reinforce biodegradable films made from 70 to 30, 80 to 20, and 90 to 10 Chitosan‐PCL blends in an effort to explore their effects on the barrier and mechanical properties of the yielded nanocomposites. PCL was obtained by biocatalysis from ɛ‐caprolactone and diethylene glycol and then blended with commercial chitosan. Blends were prepared from a solution of chitosan in acetic acid (2% wt/wt), adding PCL diol in chloroform dropwise under stirring. The MWNTs were modified with several functional groups (tannic acid via no‐covalent functionalization, poly(citric acid), poly(urea‐urethane), and poly(amino‐amido) dendrimer). Nanocomposites were obtained by adding in situ 0.5 wt/wt functionalized MWNTs during the preparation of blends. The structural interactions, morphological, and mechanical features of MWNTs/Blend nanocomposites were studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and strain–stress testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Preferential interactions between nanofiller and matrix strongly depend on the nature of the nanofiller and the amount of hydrogen bonding species. It was possible to reinforce a particular domain in the blend to generate nanocomposites with desirable/tunable properties by using complementary chemical groups onto MWNTs surface. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Changes in UK parental mental health symptoms over 10 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Skripkauskaite Simona , Creswell Cathy , Shum Adrienne , Pearcey Samantha , Lawrence Pete , Dodd Helen , Waite Polly
Published: March 2023

Background

The threats to health, associated restrictions and economic consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic have been linked to increases in mental health difficulties for many. Parents, in particular, have experienced many challenges such as having to combine work with home‐schooling their children and other caring responsibilities. Yet, it remains unclear how parental mental health has changed throughout the pandemic or what factors may have mitigated or compounded the impact of the pandemic on parents' mental health.

Methods

We examined monthly survey data from two linked UK‐based longitudinal studies: COVID‐19: Supporting Parents, Adolescents and Children during Epidemics' (Co‐SPACE) and COVID‐19: Supporting Parents and Young Children during Epidemics' (Co‐SPYCE). Data from 5576 parents/carers of 2–17‐year‐old children collected between April 2020 and January 2021 was analysed using mixed‐effect modelling and latent class growth (mixture) modelling.

Results

Parental stress and depression, but not anxiety, were higher during the periods of restrictions. This pattern was most pronounced for parents with primary‐school‐aged children, those that worked at home or had other adults in the household. Being younger, reporting secondary or below education, working out of home, having secondary‐school‐aged children or children with special education needs (SEN)/neurodevelopmental disorders (ND) further moderated whether, how and when parental mental health symptoms changed. Although around three quarters of parents reported consistently low mental health symptoms, a substantial minority reported consistently high or increasing symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression. The latter were more likely to be parents who were younger than average, were a single adult in the household, had a pre‐existing mental health diagnosis or had a child with special educational needs or a ND.

Conclusions

These findings emphasise how different personal circumstances and pre‐existing inequalities shaped how parents were affected by this unprecedented global pandemic and highlight the need for support and consideration to meet the needs of families in the future.
Standardising the preanalytical reporting of biospecimens to improve reproducibility in extracellular vesicle research – A GEIVEX study
Authors: López‐Guerrero José A. , Valés‐Gómez Mar , Borrás Francesc E. , Falcón‐Pérez Juan Manuel , Vicent María J. , Yáñez‐Mó María
Published: March 2023

The standardization of clinical studies using extracellular vesicles (EVs) has mainly focused on the procedures employed for their isolation and characterization; however, preanalytical aspects of sample collection, handling and storage also significantly impact the reproducibility of results. We conducted an online survey based on SPREC (Standard PREanalytical Code) among members of GEIVEX (Grupo Español de Investigación en Vesiculas Extracelulares) to explore how different laboratories handled fluid biospecimens destined for EV analyses. We received 70 surveys from forty‐three different laboratories: 44% focused on plasma, 9% on serum and 16% on urine. The survey indicated that variability in preanalytical approaches reaches 94%. Moreover, in some cases, researchers had no access to all relevant preanalytical details of samples, with some sample aspects with potential impact on EV isolation/characterisation not coded within the current version of SPREC. Our study highlights the importance of working with common standard operating procedures (SOP) to control preanalytical conditions. The application of SPREC represents a suitable approach to codify and register preanalytical conditions. Integrating SPREC into the SOPs of laboratories/biobanks will provide a valuable source of information and constitute an advance for EV research by improving reproducibility and credibility.
Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells pretreated with decellularized extracellular matrix enhance the alleviation of osteoarthritis through miR‐3473b/phosphatase and tensin homolog axis
Authors: Zhang Yueqi , Qi Guobin , Yan Yuheng , Wang Chenzhong , Wang Zhe , Jiang Chang , Jiang Zengxin , Ma Tianle , Zhang Chi , Yan Zuoqin
Published: March 2023

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative articular disease for which there is no effective treatment. Progress has been made in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy in OA, and the efficacy has been demonstrated to be a result of paracrine exosomes from MSCs. Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) provides an optimum microenvironment for the expansion of MSCs. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether exosomes isolated from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with dECM pretreatment (dECM‐BMSC‐Exos) enhance the amelioration of OA.

Methods

Exosomes from BMSCs with or without dECM pretreatment were isolated. We measured and compared the effect of the BMSC‐Exo and dECM‐BMSC‐Exo on interleukin (IL)‐1β‐induced chondrocytes by analyzing proliferation, anabolism and catabolism, migration and apoptosis in vitro. The in vivo experiment was performed by articular injection of exosomes into DMM mice, followed by histological evaluation of cartilage. MicroRNA sequencing of exosomes was performed on BMSC‐Exo and dECM‐BMSC‐Exo to investigate the underlying mechanism. The function of miR‐3473b was validated by rescue studies in vitro and in vivo using antagomir‐3473b.

Results

IL‐1β‐treated chondrocytes treated with dECM‐BMSC‐Exos showed enhanced proliferation, anabolism, migration and anti‐apoptosis properties compared to BMSC‐Exos. DMM mice injected with dECM‐BMSC‐Exo showed better cartilage regeneration than those injected with BMSC‐Exo. Interestingly, miR‐3473b was significantly elevated in dECM‐BMSC‐Exos and was found to mediate the protective effect in chondrocytes by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which activated the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

Conclusions

dECM‐BMSC‐Exo can enhance the alleviation of osteoarthritis via promoting migration, improving anabolism and inhibiting apoptosis of chondrocytes by upregulating miR‐3473b, which targets PTEN.
Optical coherence tomography angiography features of retinal artery occlusion before and after intra‐arterial thrombolysis
Authors: Wu Qiaowei , Niu Yongyi , Chen Daiyu , Lin Hongbin , Tan Mingkui , Hu Yijun , Yu Honghua , Liang Anyi
Published: March 2023

Background

To evaluate the ability of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of intra‐arterial thrombolysis (IAT) surgery for the treatment of retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Patients diagnosed with RAO who received IAT were enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations and OCTA scans. The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vascular densities (VDs) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), radial peripapillary capillaries, and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded. The above parameters were compared between RAO eyes and the fellow healthy eyes before and after IAT. Correlations between the BCVA and OCTA parameters in RAO eyes were calculated.

Results

Thirty‐four eyes from 34 consecutive RAO patients with a mean age of 51.0 ± 12.9 years were enrolled. There was a considerable decrease of VDs in the SCP, DCP, and radial peripapillary capillaries in all RAO eyes (all p < 0.001). Compared with contralateral normal eyes, CRT was significantly increased in RAO eyes (p < 0.001). The SCP and DCP VDs were significantly improved after IAT surgery (p = 0.010 and 0.014, respectively). BCVA in logMAR unit was negatively correlated with the DCP VD (r = −0.664, p = 0.010) and positively correlated with CRT (r = 0.597, p = 0.024) after surgery, but not significantly correlated with VDs or CRT before surgery.

Conclusion

Macular and peripapillary VDs of the retina detected by OCTA were greatly decreased in RAO eyes and improved after IAT treatment. OCTA is capable of quantifying VDs in separate retinal layers non‐invasively, conveniently, efficiently, and precisely.
New York state advocates push for increased workforce investments
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

As New York state legislators and the governor negotiate the 2024 executive state budget, mental health advocates, providers, and the state's entire health services sector continue to ramp up efforts to push for additional workforce funding and enact an 8.5% cost‐of‐living adjustment (COLA) increase in the final budget agreement.
Campus‐based pilot seeks to lift barriers to care for young adults
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: March 2023

Operators of a young adult mental health pilot program in Texas are planning to deliver services in a fashion that too many traditional mental health systems nationally have not: early, low‐barrier, and age‐specific.
Mental Health Weekly is seeking innovations in advocacy
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Mental Health Weekly will profile innovative efforts in public advocacy, community mobilization and related causes in mental health. Share with us what is going on in your community to elevate mental health awareness and service delivery. Send your thoughts to contributing editor Gary Enos at garyenos5@gmail.com.
New discussion on the existence and controllability of fractional evolution inclusion of order 1 < r < 2 without compactness
Authors: Kavitha Williams W. , Vijayakumar V.
Published: March 2023

In this article, we investigate the existence and controllability results for fractional evolution inclusions in Banach spaces. By eliminating compactness hypotheses on the semigroup produced by the linear component and any requirements on the multivalued nonlinearity defined in terms of measures of noncompactness, we apply a new method to arrive at the existence of mild solutions and controllability results. In fact, to satisfy the existence and controllability requirements, we propose a fixed‐point strategy for weakly sequentially closed maps. Finally, a concrete example is provided to highlight our theoretical findings.
Robust quantification of CT‐ventilation biomarker techniques and repeatability in a porcine model
Authors: Flakus Mattison J. , Wuschner Antonia E. , Wallat Eric M. , Shao Wei , Meudt Jen , Shanmuganayagam Dhanansayan , Christensen Gary E. , Reinhardt Joseph M. , Bayouth John E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Biomarkers estimating local lung ventilation have been derived from computed tomography (CT) imaging using various image acquisition and post‐processing techniques. CT‐ventilation biomarkers have potential clinical use in functional avoidance radiation therapy (RT), in which RT treatment plans are optimized to reduce dose delivered to highly ventilated lung. Widespread clinical implementation of CT‐ventilation biomarkers necessitates understanding of biomarker repeatability. Performing imaging within a highly controlled experimental design enables quantification of error associated with remaining variables.

Purpose

To characterize CT‐ventilation biomarker repeatability and dependence on image acquisition and post‐processing methodology in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated pigs.

Methods

Five mechanically ventilated Wisconsin Miniature Swine (WMS) received multiple consecutive four‐dimensional CT (4DCT) and maximum inhale and exhale breath‐hold CT (BH‐CT) scans on five dates to generate CT‐ventilation biomarkers. Breathing maneuvers were controlled with an average tidal volume difference <200 cc. As surrogates for ventilation, multiple local expansion ratios (LERs) were calculated from the acquired CT scans using Jacobian‐based post‐processing techniques. measured local expansion between an image pair using either inhale and exhale BH‐CT images or two 4DCT breathing phase images. measured the maximum local expansion across the 4DCT breathing phase images. Breathing maneuver consistency, intra‐ and interday biomarker repeatability, image acquisition and post‐processing technique dependence were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Biomarkers showed strong agreement with voxel‐wise Spearman correlation for intraday repeatability and for all other comparisons, including between image acquisition techniques. Intra‐ and interday repeatability were significantly different (p < 0.01). LER2 and LERN post‐processing did not significantly affect intraday repeatability.

Conclusions

4DCT and BH‐CT ventilation biomarkers derived from consecutive scans show strong agreement in controlled experiments with nonhuman subjects.
To mask or not to mask? Investigating the impact of accounting for spatial frequency distributions and susceptibility sources on QSM quality
Authors: Sandgaard Anders Dyhr , Shemesh Noam , Jespersen Sune Nørhøj , Kiselev Valerij G.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Estimating magnetic susceptibility using MRI depends on inverting a forward relationship between the susceptibility and measured Larmor frequency. However, an often‐overlooked constraint in susceptibility fitting is that the Larmor frequency is only measured inside the sample, and after successful background field removal, susceptibility sources should only reside inside the same sample. Here, we test the impact of accounting for these constraints in susceptibility fitting.

Theory and Methods

Two different digital brain phantoms with scalar susceptibility were examined. We used the MEDI phantom, a simple phantom with no background fields, to examine the effect of the imposed constraints for various levels of SNR. Next, we considered the QSM reconstruction challenge 2.0 phantom with and without background fields. We estimated the parameter accuracy of openly‐available QSM algorithms by comparing fitting results to the ground truth. Next, we implemented the mentioned constraints and compared to the standard approach.

Results

Including the spatial distribution of frequencies and susceptibility sources decreased the RMS‐error compared to standard QSM on both brain phantoms when background fields were absent. When background field removal was unsuccessful, as is presumably the case in most in vivo conditions, it is better to allow sources outside the brain.

Conclusion

Informing QSM algorithms about the location of susceptibility sources and where Larmor frequency was measured improves susceptibility fitting for realistic SNR levels and efficient background field removal. However, the latter remains the bottleneck of the algorithm. Allowing for external sources regularizes unsuccessful background field removal and is currently the best strategy in vivo.
Intestinal ACE2 regulates glucose metabolism in diet‐induced obese mice through a novel gut‐islet axis mediated by tryptophan
Authors: Chen Qi , Gao Fei , Gao Yuanyuan , Yang Songtao , Cao Jie , Deng Hongjun , Yang Fengying , Wang Ying , Yuan Li
Published: March 2023

Objective

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays a vital role in regulating intestinal tryptophan (Trp) transport and maintaining Trp homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the functional relationship between intestinal ACE2 and Trp in the regulation of glucose metabolism under metabolic stress.

Methods

ACE2‐knockout mice and mice with adeno‐associated virus‐mediated overexpression of ACE2 were fed with a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks to establish a high‐fat‐induced metabolic stress model. They were subjected to a Trp gavage intervention for another 4 weeks.

Results

Here, it is reported that ACE2 regulates intestinal Trp absorption by stabilizing neutral amino acid transporter B0AT1. Notably, in ACE2‐knockout mice, it was found that B0AT1 and serum Trp levels were significantly reduced, which was not reversed by Trp supplementation. However, mice receiving adeno‐associated virus‐ACE2 did the opposite and showed significantly improved glycolipid metabolism. It was then confirmed that Trp potentiated glucagon‐like peptide 1 production from intestinal and islet α‐cells. Meanwhile, Trp‐treated MIN6 cells ameliorated mitochondrial function and safely guarded MIN6 cells against reactive oxygen species exposure.

Conclusions

This study highlights an essential role of ACE2 in the maintenance of systemic metabolism to optimize the function of the islets through a novel gut‐islet axis mediated by Trp. These results provide proof‐of‐concept evidence for treating obesity and diabetes.
Effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post‐metabolic and bariatric surgery weight recurrence
Authors: Murvelashvili Natia , Xie Luyu , Schellinger Jeffrey N. , Mathew M. Sunil , Marroquin Elisa Morales , Lingvay Ildiko , Messiah Sarah E. , Almandoz Jaime P.
Published: March 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post‐metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) weight recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 207 adults with post‐MBS weight recurrence treated with semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly (n = 115) or liraglutide 3.0 mg daily (n = 92) at an academic center from January 1, 2015, through April 1, 2021, was conducted. The primary end point was percentage body weight change at 12 months of treatment with regimens containing semaglutide or liraglutide.

Results

The mean sample age was 55.2 years; mean BMI was 40.4 kg/m2; 89.9% were female; and 50% completed sleeve gastrectomy, 29% completed Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, and 21% completed adjustable gastric banding. Least‐squares mean weight change at 12 months was −12.92% versus −8.77% in the semaglutide and liraglutide groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios were 2.34 (95% CI: 1.28‐4.29) for ≥10% weight loss and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.22‐5.36) for ≥15% weight loss over 12 months in the semaglutide group versus liraglutide group, respectively. Weight‐loss efficacy of semaglutide (vs. liraglutide) did not differ by subgroups explored, including age, sex, and MBS procedure.

Conclusions

These results show that treatment regimens including semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly lead to superior weight loss compared with liraglutide 3.0 mg daily for treating post‐MBS weight recurrence, regardless of procedure type or the magnitude of weight recurrence.
Filtered auxiliary model recursive generalized extended parameter estimation methods for Box–Jenkins systems by means of the filtering identification idea
Authors: Ding Feng , Xu Ling , Zhang Xiao , Zhou Yihong
Published: March 2023

For equation‐error autoregressive moving average systems, that is, Box–Jenkins systems, this paper presents a filtered auxiliary model generalized extended stochastic gradient identification method, a filtered auxiliary model multi‐innovation generalized extended stochastic gradient identification method, a filtered auxiliary model recursive generalized extended gradient identification method, a filtered auxiliary model multi‐innovation recursive generalized extended gradient identification method, a filtered auxiliary model recursive generalized extended least squares identification method, and a filtered auxiliary model multi‐innovation recursive generalized extended least squares identification method by using the filtering identification idea and the auxiliary model identification idea. The proposed filtered auxiliary model recursive generalized extended identification methods can be generalized to other linear and nonlinear multivariable stochastic systems with colored noises.
Nonlinear switched model predictive control with multiple Lyapunov functions for trajectory tracking and obstacle avoidance of nonholonomic systems
Authors: Zhao Hai , Yang Hongjiu , Wang Zhengyu , Li Hongbo
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we investigate trajectory tracking and obstacle avoidance for a nonholonomic system subject to external disturbances by a nonlinear switched model predictive control (MPC) strategy. In the nonlinear switched MPC strategy, a potential field is introduced in a cost function to guarantee a smooth path for the nonholonomic system. A switched mechanism is designed to ensure switching stability by setting multiple Lyapunov functions in different areas. Different from traditional switched mechanisms, an average dwell time closely related to stability conditions is proposed to balance safety and stability in the whole process. Recursive feasibility is presented for the nonlinear switched MPC strategy in trajectory tracking and obstacle avoidance. Simulation results are provided to show effectiveness and superiority of the nonlinear switched MPC strategy by a two‐wheeled mobile vehicle.
Finite‐time fault estimate and fault‐tolerant control for discrete‐time Markov jump systems with actuator and sensor faults
Authors: Zhu Xiaodan , Li Wuquan , Xia Yuanqing
Published: March 2023

This paper solves the finite‐time fault estimation (FE) and fault‐tolerant control (FTC) problem for discrete‐time Markov jump systems with actuator and sensor faults. A new extended state system is constructed by taking the fault as a state. For this system, a novel observer is shown to estimate states, actuator and faults of considered systems, simultaneously. Based on the utilized estimation, a fault‐tolerant controller is proposed to ensure the finite‐time boundedness of closed‐loop ones with performance. The feasibility of the proposed finite‐time FE and FTC scheme is illustrated based on a simulation example.
An inquiry into urban carrying capacity of sustainable development demonstration belt of China: Multiscale evaluation and multidimensional interaction
Authors: Tan Feifei , Gong Chunyan , Niu Zhiyuan , Zhao Yuxuan
Published: March 2023

How to seek multiregional sustainable development within planetary boundaries depends on the scientific inquiry into urban carrying capacity from multiscale evaluation and multidimensional interaction. Using a typical region moving forward on the sustainable development demonstration belt of China, the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), as a case study, a new integrated framework of multiscale evaluation and multidimensional interaction is proposed to track the urban comprehensive carrying capacity. We made a multiscale comprehensive assessment and constructed a panel vector autoregressive model for giving dissection on the drivers of urban carrying capacity and the qualitative and quantitative interaction from multidimensional variations. Results show that (1) the urban carrying capacity of China's YREB and its three reaches harbors an upward trend over time although there are uneven development patterns of inter‐regional and inter‐dimensional urban carrying capacity; (2) factor market carrying capacity (FMCC) is the critical driving force among four dimensions of urban carrying capacity, which has promotion effects on ecological environment carrying capacity (EECC) and industrial economics carrying capacity, but an inhibiting effect on transportation carrying capacity (TCC). (3) FMCC is the Granger cause of TCC, and there is a bidirectional Granger causality between the dimensions of FMCC and EECC; (4) each dimension is self‐supporting and influenced by its fluctuations. Tracking the underlying factors of urban carrying capacity can help construct an early‐warning mechanism when confronting the challenge of sustainable development and play a guiding role in both academic and practical aspects.
Synergistic effect of K+and PANI in vanadium oxide hydration by interlayer engineering boosts the ammonium ion storage
Authors: Chen Xingyu , Feng Ziying , Dong Xueying , Jiang Hanmei , Meng Changgong , Zhang Yifu
Published: March 2023

Aqueous ammonium‐ion (NH4+) hybrid supercapacitor (AA‐HSC), as a new type of energy storage device with great potential, is in the initial stage of rapid development. Based on its special energy storage mechanism, exploiting novel NH4+‐hosting materials is still a great challenge. Herein, vanadium oxide hydration (VOH) tuned by interlayer engineering of K+/PANI co‐intercalation, named KVO/PANI, is designed for AA‐HSC. Intercalated PANI can shield interaction between NH4+and V–O layers to some extent and enlarge interlayer space, which improves the efficiency of reversible NH4+(de)insertion. However, K+enhances redox activity and electronic conductivity. The synergistic effect of co‐intercalation optimizes intercalation pseudocapacitive behavior during the (de)ammonization process, which is reported in NH4+storage for the first time. Theoretical calculations reveal that the lowered electron transport barrier and enhanced electronic conductivity improve NH4+kinetics and exhibit high capacitance for charge storage. The KVO/PANI can deliver the specific capacitance of 340 F g−1at 0.5 A g−1and retain 177 F g−1at 10 A g−1. Pairing with activated carbon, the AA‐HSC can achieve a decent energy density of 31.8 Wh kg−1. This work gives inorganic/organic co‐intercalation that can enhance the NH4+storage of VOH by interlayer engineering. The strategy can be used to design other materials for aqueous energy storage systems.
Motivating owners to change their behaviour to tackle obesity in their pets
Authors: Furtado Tamzin
Published: March 2023

Research is revealing more about the risk factors for obesity in companion animals, particularly dogs, making it easier to target efforts to tackle this weighty problem. But, as Tamzin Furtado will explain at BVA Live, there is one fundamental thing that must happen to ensure success.
Introduction of Laparoscopy in an Urban High‐Volume Sub‐Saharan Trauma Centre
Authors: Makhadi Shumani , Lubout Megan , Moeng Maeyane S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Trauma is a major disease burden in low and middle‐income countries like South Africa. Abdominal trauma is one of the leading reasons for emergency surgery. The standard of care for these patients is a laparotomy. In selected trauma patients, laparoscopy has both diagnostic and therapeutic usage. The trauma burden and the number of cases seen in a busy trauma unit make laparoscopy challenging.

Aim

We wanted to describe our journey with laparoscopy in the management of abdominal trauma in a busy urban trauma unit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods

We reviewed all trauma patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) or therapeutic laparoscopy (TL) between 01 January 2017 and 31 October 2020 for blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. The demographic data, indications for laparoscopy, injuries identified, procedures performed, intraoperative laparoscopic complications, conversion to laparotomy, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated.

Results

A total of 54 patients who had laparoscopy were included in the study. The median age was 29 years (IQR 25–25). Most injuries were penetrating 85.2% (n = 46/54) and 14.8% blunt trauma. Most patients were males, 94.4% (n = 51/54). Indications for laparoscopy included diaphragm evaluation (40.7%), pneumoperitoneum for evaluation of potential bowel injury (16.7%), free fluid with no evidence of solid organ injury (12.9%) and colostomy (5.5%). There were 8 (14.8%) cases converted to laparotomy. There were no missed injuries or mortality in the study group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy in selected trauma patients is safe even in a busy trauma unit. It is associated with less morbidity and shortened hospital length of stay.