bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Impact of Chronical Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Vascular Development Across Pregnancy Stages Using Photoacoustic Tomography
Authors: Yang Hao , Tanvir Md Farhan , Jiang Huabei
Published: December 2024

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is a major contributor to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), resulting in neurodevelopmental abnormalities. This study utilizes photoacoustic tomography (PAT) to investigate the effects of PAE on fetal brain vasculature in mice. PAT imaging was conducted from embryonic Day 10 (E10) to Day 20 (E20), aimed to compare two alcohol‐exposed groups with a control group. Key vascular parameters, including blood vessel diameter and density, and oxygen saturation (sO2), were analyzed. Results show significant reductions in vessel size and density, as well as reduced sO2 levels, in alcohol‐exposed groups, especially from E14 onward, compared to controls. These findings underscore the vulnerability of the fetal brain to alcohol exposure during early development and highlight the potential of PAT as a valuable tool for investigating FASD‐related vascular changes.
Longer time between anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstruction is associated with a greater risk of medial meniscus injury
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Zhenning , Li Baoqiang , Wu Hao , Pan Liping , Zhang Daojian , Cao Yongping
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of delaying reconstruction following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the risk of meniscal injury and subsequent meniscectomy, the study was carried out. This constitutes the first study of its kind to be conducted in China.

Methods

This study collected data on patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction surgery at Peking University First Hospital between 2010 and 2022. Patient's injury details, including the time and cause of ACL injury, surgery date and meniscal injury details, were recorded. Patients were stratified into distinct cohorts based on the duration between injury and reconstruction. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of a delayed reconstruction time on the risk of meniscal injury and meniscectomy.

Results

The study involved patients with an average age of 34.1 ± 11.3 years. Nearly half of the patients (49.74%) had meniscal injuries. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender and the time from ACL trauma to surgery were significantly associated with meniscus injury (p < 0.01). Men have a higher risk of meniscus damage than women (p < 0.01, odds ratio: 1.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–3.05). Patients who had surgery 12 months after injury had a significantly increased risk of meniscus injury compared to those who had surgery within 3 months after injury (p < 0.01). The time from ACL injury to operation was significantly correlated with medial meniscus injury (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between time to ACL reconstruction and lateral meniscus injury (p > 0.05). Age was significantly associated with the risk of medial meniscectomy (p > 0.05). Time from injury to surgery was not significantly associated with the risk of lateral meniscectomy (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Delayed reconstruction beyond 12 months after ACL rupture increases the risk of medial meniscus injury. The risk of meniscus injury after ACL injury is higher in men than in women, and the risk of medial meniscectomy increases with age.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Thin‐Plate Spline Interpolation Spatial Modelling of GNSS Retrieved Water Vapour Over Northeast Japan
Authors: Ansari Kutubuddin , Walo Janusz , Wezka Kinga , Marjanska Dorota , Jamjareegulgarn Punyawi
Published: December 2024

The study investigated precipitable water vapour (PWV) variation over Northeast Japan by using more than two decades (2000 to 2022) of measurements. These data have been extracted from 36 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) networks and interpolated with thin‐plate spline interpolation to understand its spatial variation over the region. PWV annual and seasonal variation is studied and correlated with ERA5 reanalysis observations. These PWV variation shows that the northern part of Northeast Japan which is located at higher latitudes showed a smaller magnitude compared to PWV magnitude in the southern part of low latitudes. This is possible because the cold air is drier and the warm air holds more moisture in the lower southern part. The correlation coefficient variation based on geographical area is visible which quantifies the consistency between GNSS PWV and ERA5 and visualises the effects in sampling. The southern part, where the correlation coefficients are very high (more than 0.80), indicates good agreements between GNSS PWV and ERA5 values and can be considered well‐sampled observations. Moreover, the correlation coefficients drop the values to approximately 0.40–0.60 for poorly sampled observations on the northern coast, pointing out the interannual inconsistency of PWV measurements, which are loosely related to ERA5 observations. Finally, the correlation coefficient between PWV with surface temperature and atmospheric pressure over Northeast Japan is investigated. This is clear from the results that the correlation coefficient between PWV and temperature is around 0.98 for each site, indicating that PWV has a very high dependency on surface temperature. The correlation coefficient between PWV and pressure is highly negative around −0.80, indicating their inverse relationship. We believe the outcomes from this study will contribute to a better understanding of PWV over Japan and the future refinements of atmospheric models over the East Asian region.
Least significant change with repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements in children with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: A descriptive cohort study
Authors: Speakman Alexandria , Hitchcock Kathryn , Romantic Emily , Quiambao Venancio , Lepolt Abigail , Arce‐Clachar Ana Catalina , Bramlage Kristin , Fei Lin , Sun Qin , Xanthakos Stavra , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: December 2024

Background

Bioelectrical impedance is used clinically to assess body composition. To determine true (rather than chance/measurement error) change in bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements over time, it is necessary to know their least significant change. Least significant change represents values exceeding the 95% prediction interval of the precision error of repeat measurements. The least significant change of repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements in children with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease is currently unknown.

Methods

This is a prospective, single‐center, descriptive cohort study in youth 6–20 years of age with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease. Two same‐day bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were performed on a multifrequency, octopolar device (InBody 370). Fat mass and fat‐free mass were adjusted for age using respective indices (dividing by height squared). Fasting status was determined by patient report. Descriptive statistics (medians with interquartile ranges and means with standard deviations and proportions) were used; the least significant change between repeat measurements with precision interval was calculated.

Results

We recruited 43 patients (81% male; 33% Hispanic; median age: 14 years [interquartile range: 11–16]; median body mass index z score: 2.31 [interquartile range: 2.84–2.65]). A total of 60% were fasting, for a median of 12 h. The least significant change of fat mass index was 0.5 (precision interval: −0.4 to 0.5) kg/m2, fat‐free mass index was 0.3 (precision interval: −0.3 to 0.3) kg/m2, and body fat percent was 1.5% (precision interval: −1.3 to 1.50). Fasting status affected least significant change measurements.

Conclusion

In youth with obesity and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, repeat bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements beyond least significant change and precision interval determined in this study likely represent true changes in body composition over time, vs measurement error.
Insights into human–environment interactions in tropical Africa during the Late Holocene based on the sediment sequence from Saiwa Swamp, Kenya
Authors: Kiage Lawrence Morara
Published: December 2024

The present landscapes that define the tropical African region have evolved through the intricate interplay of climate and human interventions across various spatial and temporal scales. The late Holocene period is a valuable window for investigating how the environment responded to human influence. This study examined paleoenvironmental changes in the African tropics over the past 3500 years using proxy data, encompassing pollen, fungal spores, loss‐on‐ignition and microscopic charcoal extracted from core SS4 collected from Saiwa Swamp in western Kenya. The results show that Afromontane forests, represented by Podocarpus, Olea, Celtis and Juniperus, persisted in the region for much of the late Holocene despite prevailing conditions that favored the expansion of open savanna‐like vegetation and drought‐adapted taxa. The charcoal record reveals continuous fire occurrences throughout the sequence, raising questions about human‐induced fires and their potential role in shaping the landscape. The emergence of Sordaria fungal spores in the record between approximately 925
bce and 970
ce points to early human settlements engaging in livestock farming. Yet, these initial anthropogenic impacts did not trigger extensive forest clearing, hinting at a nuanced interplay between human activities and the environment during that era. The study emphasizes the importance of considering natural and human factors when interpreting environmental changes. It highlights the complex interplay of climatic, ecological and anthropogenic factors in shaping the landscape and vegetation dynamics over time.
The Influence of Area Deprivation Index on Surgical Outcomes in Pancreas Cancer
Authors: Muaddi Hala , Glasgow Amy , Abou Chaar Mohamad K. , Habermann Elizabeth , Starlinger Patrick , Warner Susanne , Smoot Rory , Kendrick Michael , Truty Mark , Thiels Cornelius A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgical resection for pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the mainstay of treatment. Regardless of enhanced survival rates, disparities in patient outcomes and experiences driven by the social determinants of health (SDH) persist. The area deprivation index (ADI) comprises 17 indicators related to education, employment, housing‐quality, and poverty. We sought to examine the impact of ADI on surgical outcomes of PDAC patients.

Methods

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy for PDAC between January 2011 and December 2022 were identified. ADI was calculated using patient zip codes and categorized into quartiles, with the highest indicating the most marginalized. The primary outcome was loss to follow‐up after surgical resection. To account for confounders, a competing risk multivariable regression analysis was used.

Results

A total of 1001 patients had a mean age of 66.6 (±9.64), with 46.3% (n = 463) of patients being female. A majority, 94.6% (n = 947), identified as white, and 64.1% (n = 641) had at least a college degree. The median length of follow‐up after surgery was 1.8 years (interquartile range: 0.9–3.5). Multivariable analysis adjusting for competing risk of death, showed that patients who are least marginalized are 1.57 times more likely to have their follow‐up than those most marginalized (hazard ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.29, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

SDH impact many aspects of patient's care including a higher risk of loss to follow‐up for marginalized patients after surgery for PDAC. Future efforts should seek to identify and lower barriers faced by marginalized patients with system‐level changes to ensure equitable access.
The Effect of Health Insurance on Racial Disparities in Patients With Isolated Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Mitsakos Anastasios T. , Hao Scarlett , Honaker Michael D. , Irish William , Court Colin , Snyder Rebecca A. , Parikh Alexander A.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives

Although resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) improves survival, factors including race and health insurance are associated with disparities in care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of health insurance on racial disparities in CRLM resection.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with CRC with synchronous CRLM was performed using the National Cancer Database (2004−2020). The primary outcome was resection liver resection. Multivariable logistic regression (MVR) was performed to evaluate the association of race and insurance with the odds of resection.

Results

Forty‐four thousand and six hundred sixteen patients were included. Resection rates were lower among Blacks compared to White patients (12.9% vs. 17.3%). By MVR, Black patients (OR 0.76 vs. White), uninsured and Medicaid‐insured patients (OR 0.49 and OR 0.71 vs. private insurance) were less likely to undergo resection. On MVR of race stratified by insurance, Black patients with private and Medicare insurance had decreased odds of resection compared to White (OR 0.71 and OR 0.64).

Conclusions

Although Black patients with CRLM have lower odds of hepatic resection compared to White, when stratified by insurance, this was only present among private‐ and Medicare‐insured. Further investigation is warranted to understand other factors associated with racial disparities in this population.
Wolf density and predation patterns in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Anderson Morgan L. , Cluff H. Dean , Mech L. David , MacNulty Daniel R.
Published: December 2024

The Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) is a predator of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus), Arctic hares (Lepus arcticus), and endangered Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) in the Canadian High Arctic. Although Arctic wolves potentially affect the dynamics of muskoxen and Peary caribou populations, knowledge about their abundance, distribution, and predation patterns is limited. Inuit and Inuvialuit communities value these species for sociocultural and subsistence reasons, and community members are concerned about how interactions among these species and their environment may change in a warming, unpredictable Arctic. We conducted a study from 2014–2018 of wolves in the rolling tundra of central Ellesmere Island (Fosheim Peninsula) and eastern Axel Heiberg Island. This area supported relatively high densities of muskoxen and Arctic hares, and previously supported Peary caribou, although caribou were mostly absent in the area during our study. We deployed global positioning system (GPS) radio‐collars on 10 adult wolves in 6 packs on Ellesmere and Axel Heiberg islands to describe wolf density and predation patterns. Wolves were neither nomadic nor migratory; they remained on territories year‐round, with summer densities of 2.5–8.0 adult wolves/1,000 km2 and 3.7–10.4 wolves/1,000 km2 including pups. Based on a ground search of 312 of 868 location clusters over a 340‐day period, wolves in a focal study pack killed approximately 0.12 muskoxen/day, equivalent to a predation rate of 5.5–17.0% of the estimated muskox population (older than 10 months old). This predation rate is likely sustainable given that calves and yearlings rather than reproductive adults comprised most documented kills, and that muskox populations can increase at rates up to 20%. The kill rate for this pack also implied a biomass intake deficit of 0.82–1.63 kg/wolf/day that could have been offset by each wolf consuming 115–228 Arctic hares annually. The decline of Peary caribou in the study area precluded any assessment of wolf predation influences on their population, but annual telemetry data confirming the year‐round presence of a wolf–ungulate–hare system with relatively high wolf densities suggests that apparent competition could present a challenge to Peary caribou recovery efforts.
A high proportion of patients demonstrate recall bias in the retrospective collection of patient‐reported outcomes following hip arthroscopy
Authors: Morgan Allison M. , Triana Jairo , Li Zachary I. , Song Melissa , Rynecki Nicole D. , Garra Sharif , Youm Thomas
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to assess agreement between retrospectively and prospectively collected patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) following hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

Methods

Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy from 2021 to 2023 for FAIS completed preoperative PROMs, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the Non‐Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). Post‐operatively, patients were surveyed and asked to recall their preoperative hip function. Paired two‐sample t tests were used to compare baseline and recalled baseline PROMs and the difference between scores was compared to previously published minimally clinically important difference (MCID) values. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to test the reliability between scores based on a single‐rater, two‐way mixed‐effects model. Multivariable regression, accounting for age, sex and preoperative baseline scores, was used to evaluate the relationship of time elapsed since surgery with recall accuracy.

Results

A total of 116 patients (age: 37.6 ± 11.8 years; 61.2% female) were included. The mean time elapsed for recalled data was 13.1 months (range: 1–27 months). Overall, patients' recalled scores were significantly lower than those prospectively collected (mHHS: 52.9 ± 20.1 vs. 61.5 ± 18.5, p < 0.0001; NAHS: 54.7 ± 20.0 vs. 58.8 ± 19.1, p < 0.0001). Frequency distribution found 68.1% of recalled mHHS and 61.2% of NAHS scores to have a greater difference (between baseline and recalled scores) than the MCID. The ICC was moderate for both mHHS (ICC = 0.559, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.420‐0.672], p < 0.001) and NAHS (ICC = 0.612, 95% CI = [0.484–0.714], p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis did not find time elapsed since surgery to be associated with the difference between baseline and recalled mHHS (n.s.) or NAHS (n.s.).

Conclusion

There are significant differences between retrospective and prospectively collected PROMs in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy that are not predicted by time to recall. These findings should impact the interpretation of the existing literature, support the routine collection of prospective data and inform patient counsel regarding their perceived post‐operative outcomes.

Level of Evidence

Level IV.
Warming effects on a nonindigenous predator are not conserved across seasons
Authors: Theurich Nora , Cuthbert Ross N. , Briski Elizabeta
Published: December 2024

The global proliferation of nonindigenous species remains a critical stressor driving both biodiversity loss and socioeconomic costs. These impacts frequently depend on environmental contexts, but few studies have investigated how seasonal variations coupled with climate changes, like warming, could modulate nonindigenous species ecological impacts. The Japanese brush‐clawed shore crab Hemigrapsus takanoi is a successful nonindigenous species in northern European waters and is currently spreading in the Baltic Sea. In this study, we used generalized linear models and the comparative functional response approach to examine the predatory impact of H. takanoi toward blue mussels Mytilus sp. across four seasons under current and future temperature scenarios (i.e., ambient and + 6°C warming). We further integrated H. takanoi Q10 values and field abundances across seasons to examine population‐level feeding impacts toward blue mussels. The nonindigenous species exhibited a consistent type II functional response (i.e., inversely prey density‐dependent response) across all seasons, temperatures and sexes, with males consistently consuming more mussels than females across all seasons. Warming generally decreased handling times and increased attack rates, but these effects varied by season and sex, with the most pronounced temperature responses observed in autumn and spring. Population‐level impact calculations integrating field abundance data of H. takanoi indicated that under ambient conditions, feeding impacts toward blue mussels currently peak in the summer months, but as temperature increases, this feeding impact is anticipated to shift later in the year into autumn. These findings underline the critical need for multifaceted research approaches to better understand and predict the context‐dependent ecological impacts of nonindigenous species, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change and shifting population characteristics.
An Analytical Framework for the Multiplicative Best‐Worst Method
Authors: Ratandhara Harshit M. , Kumar Mohit
Published: December 2024

The Best‐Worst Method (BWM) is a well‐known Multi‐Criteria Decision‐Making (MCDM) method. Numerous models of BWM have been developed by integrating various distance functions with the core principles of the method. This article addresses the multiplicative model of BWM. We first formulate an optimization model that is equivalent to the existing multiplicative model. This model provides a robust foundation for deriving analytical forms of optimal interval‐weights, the Consistency Index (CI) and the Consistency Ratio (CR). The proposed approach eliminates the need for optimization software, enhancing its ease of implementation and time efficiency. Moreover, the derived analytical form of CR enables it to function as an input‐based consistency measure. We then introduce a secondary objective function to select the best optimal weight set from the collection of all optimal weight sets. Finally, we present numerical examples to illustrate the proposed approach.
A multimethod approach to assess marine recreational fishing activity in a Mediterranean area: A case study of the Balagne region (Corsica, France)
Authors: Iborra Laura , Marengo Michel , Valleteau Claire , Patrissi Michela , Lejeune Pierre , Gobert Sylvie , Cuny Philippe
Published: December 2024

Objective

Recreational fishing is a growing concern in the management of fishery resources given its economic impact, the number of people involved, and the magnitude of catches. Despite its significant impact on marine resources and ecosystems, recreational fishing has received less attention in research than commercial fishing.

Methods

This study focuses on marine recreational fishing in Balagne (Corsica, France, northwestern Mediterranean). It presents, for the first time in this region, valuable data on the population size of recreational fishers; their sociological profiles; fishing habits; and, specifically, catch data related to boat fishing.

Result

Through an extensive telephone survey involving 387 households, we estimated that recreational fishers constitutes 10.2% of the population, with the majority being men (84.84%). The average age varies significantly based on the type of fishing practiced: 38.4 years for spearfishing, 50.2 years for shore fishing, and 56.4 years for boat fishing. Additionally, the study found that shore fishers declare practicing no-kill fishing more frequently than do boat fishers (90.00% and 56.67%, respectively). Photographic protocol, fishing logbooks, and boarding provided data on catch composition and fishing characteristics. In the case of boat fishers, catches per unit of effort, estimated from boarding data, were found to be 1.03 ± 1.51 individuals/h/fisher and 222.32 ± 318.94 g/h/fisher. Despite the great diversity among the species caught (49 species), Comber Serranus cabrilla, Blackspot Seabream Pagellus bogaraveo, Black Seabream Spondyliosoma cantharus, and Painted Comber Serranus scriba are overly represented in number among the species of marine fish caught by boat fishers and Common Dentex Dentex dentex, Greater Amberjack Seriola dumerili, Dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, and Bluefin Tuna Thunnus thynnus are overly represented in weight. Among all individuals caught and measured, about one out of two individuals (48.97% of catches) does not reach the legal size.

Conclusion

This study reveals the need to establish monitoring, surveillance, and control programs to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and fisheries, including recreational fisheries.
Neurophysiological Features of Tremor during Walking in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Costanzo Matteo , Marchet Francesco , Leodori Giorgio , Cutrona Carolina , De Bartolo Maria Ilenia , Vivacqua Giorgio , Conte Antonella , Fabbrini Giovanni , Berardelli Alfredo , Belvisi Daniele
Published: December 2024

Background

In Parkinson's Disease (PD), upper limb tremor during walking (TW) is observed and clinical observations suggest it may represent a variant of rest tremor. However, its neurophysiological characteristics remain unexplored.

Objectives

This study compared the neurophysiological features of TW with other PD tremors and tested whether TW arises from reduced ipsilateral arm swing.

Methods

Inertial measurement units were used to measure frequency and amplitude of tremors and arm swing during walking in 25 PD patients.

Results

TW shared a similar frequency with rest and re‐emergent tremor (RET) but showed significantly greater amplitude. A positive correlation was observed between the amplitude and frequency of TW with those of rest and RET on the same side. TW distribution was unrelated to reduced arm swing during walking, suggesting TW is not due to decreased ipsilateral arm movement.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that walking may act as a provocation maneuver, triggering rest tremor.
Dual‐Wideband Slot Antenna With Simple Structure
Authors: Li Jun Xi , Huang Jie Ju , Jiang Fan , Ye Liang Hua , Li Jian‐Feng , Ni Yi Qiang
Published: December 2024

A compact dual‐wideband slot antenna with a simple structure is presented. A wide slot etched in a rectangular ground plane is fed by a T‐shaped strip and a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line for generating an ultrawide lower operating band. Then a narrow slot, which is embedded in the T‐shaped strip, is fed by a microstrip line for introducing a wide higher operating band. It is worth noting that the loading of the narrow slot and microstrip line does not enlarge the antenna size, but introduce an extra higher operating band. By using this method, a dual‐wideband antenna is designed. It achieves dual wide bandwidths of 117.8% and 58.1%, which covers 0.698–2.7 and 3.3–6 GHz for the lower and higher bands, respectively. The isolation between the ports can exceed 30 dB. Additionally, the overall size of our antenna is only 0.30λ0 × 0.24λ0 × 0.002λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at the lowest frequency).
Temperature Extended‐Two‐Fluid Tracking (txTFT) Method for Grouting Simulation in High‐Temperature Flowing Water
Authors: Xu Zhenhao , Bu Zehua , Pan Dongdong , Zhou Hao
Published: December 2024

Aiming at the treatment problem for water inflow in a high geothermal environment, we proposed a grouting simulation method in high‐temperature flowing water: temperature extended‐two‐fluid tracking (txTFT) method. First, a transport model for solving the residence time of slurry was derived. Furthermore, a temperature transport model was established to describe the heat transfer between slurry and water. Finally, according to the fitted equation of slurry viscosity with residence time and temperature, the fine characterization of slurry viscosity was realized, and then the whole process simulation of grouting was realized. This method was used to reveal the blocking mechanism for grouting in high‐temperature flowing water of rock fractures. The results show that high‐temperature water limited the parallel‐flow diffusion of slurry and increased the counterflow diffusion and transverse diffusion of slurry. The higher the water temperature, the larger the grouting rate, and the lower the inlet pressure, the better the blocking effect of flowing water. The research results can provide theoretical guidance and application value for the grouting treatment of water inflow in a high geothermal environment.
One‐Dimensional Fully Coupled Hydro‐Mechanical‐Chemical Model for Contaminant Transport Under Step‐Loading Condition and Its Analytical Solutions
Authors: Zhou Jiashu , Zhang Zhihong , Han Lin , Lu Xixin , Huang Jinkun , Jin Rencai
Published: December 2024

Stepped dumpling of waste is the main operating method used in landfill engineering. For the liners located at the bottom of the landfill, the waste can be considered as a vertical loading due to its heavy weight, causing compressive deformation of the liners and, most importantly, tending to lose the effectiveness of the geomembrane with the differential deformation. However, most experiments or numerical models use transient‐loading and ignore the influence of variable step‐loading on liner performance. In this study, a one‐dimensional fully coupled hydro‐mechanical‐chemical (HMC) model for contaminant transport under the framework of small strain, taking into account the step‐loading effect, is proposed, and its analytical solutions are derived by using the separation of variables. The behavior of contaminant transport in a single‐layer clay liner is investigated under variable step‐loading conditions. Analytical results show that the step‐loading can significantly accelerate the transport of contaminants compared to the transient‐loading. Variation of the step‐loading rate from 2 to 4 times yields an increase of 6.1 and 15.2 years of the breakthrough time. At a step‐loading rate of 50 kPa/year, the breakthrough increases by 13.37 years, and the peak settlement reduces to half that under transient‐loading. Ignoring the influence of step‐loading on contaminant transport may overestimate the performance of clay liners.
A FEM‐DEM Coupling Analysis on Bearing Capacity of Sandy Soil Foundation Considering Fabric Anisotropy
Authors: Nie Jiayan , Mou Yi , Bu Jiantao , Zhu Mingyuan , Yang Tao , Xu Lin , Zheng Zidong , Wang Peng , Wu Zhijun
Published: December 2024

With the acceleration of urbanization, the stability of the foundation is being more crucial to the performance and service of the superstructure. As our understanding of the factors influencing soil's physical and mechanical behavior deepens, it becomes increasingly challenging for traditional limit equilibrium and limit analysis methods to accurately consider the complex factors affecting foundation stability, such as initial fabric anisotropy caused by the particle morphology and geological deposition in sand. Although some scholars had used advanced constitutive models in the finite element method (FEM) to investigate the influence of initial fabric anisotropy on mechanical responses of foundations, this approach failed to reveal the microscopic information underlying the shear failure of sandy soil foundations. In this study, the influence of the initial fabric anisotropy of sandy soil on the ultimate bearing capacity and shear failure mode of shallow foundation is studied using the hierarchical FEM and discrete element method (DEM) coupling analysis method. Four representative volume elements (RVEs) with varying initial bedding plane angles are constructed in DEM for characterizing different initial fabric anisotropies, and the specific stress–strain information of DEM RVEs is directly passed into the corresponding Gauss points in FEM to replace the conventional constitutive model. Numerical results show that the initial fabric anisotropy affects the ultimate bearing capacity and shear failure mode of shallow foundations significantly, and the corresponding micromechanical behaviors at different local Gauss points have been explored, which advances our understanding of the micromechanisms underlying the progressive shear failure of sandy soil foundations significantly.
Effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine on neural activity in the nucleus accumbens of male mice engaged in social behavior
Authors: Nishitani Naoya , Sasaki Yuki , Kaneda Katsuyuki
Published: December 2024

3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a commonly abused recreational drug, induces prosocial effects such as increased sociability and empathy. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been suggested to play a crucial role in these MDMA‐mediated prosocial effects. However, the relationship between social behavior and NAc neural activity, and the effects of MDMA on this relationship, remain unknown. In this study, we measured NAc neural activity using fiber photometry and classified the behaviors of mice at times of transient increases in NAc neural activity during the social approach test (SAT). We found that NAc neural activity transiently increased at the onset of turning toward and sniffing novel mice during the SAT, although the frequency of turning was relatively low. We then examined the effects of MDMA on behavior and NAc neural activity and found that MDMA decreased the duration of sniffing per bout but did not alter NAc neural activity at the onset of turning toward or sniffing novel mice. These results suggest that MDMA does not affect the transient increase in NAc neural activity at the onset of social behaviors.
One‐dimensional forward and inversion of direct current resistivity arrays: Introducing differential and integral arrays
Authors: Ling Jiaxuan , Dai Shikun , Zhou Yinming , Qingrui Chen , Wei Shuliu
Published: December 2024

To enhance the vertical resolution of direct current resistivity method, this study introduces differential and integrating arrays and explains the basic principle and expression of apparent resistivity. Forward and inversion modelling in layered media was conducted to demonstrate the vertical resolution of these two arrays through several examples. The results indicate that the differential array has improved sensitivity and vertical resolution compared to other arrays for layered media structures. However, the integral and dipole–dipole arrays have the same resolution to the underground structures, which is inferior to the differential array.
Fe3O4‐doped highly electromagnetically shielded PAN‐PVP composite porous carbon films
Authors: Yang Renyuan , Liao Longfeng , Xu Yuhuan , Zhan Xiao , Zhang Daohai , Qin Shuhao , Liu Shan
Published: December 2024

With the wide application of modern electronic devices, the problem of electromagnetic pollution is becoming more and more serious, and the demand for efficient electromagnetic shielding materials is becoming more and more urgent. To address this problem, we homogeneously mixed polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and triiron tetraoxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles by solution blending, and prepared composite precursor membranes by taking advantage of the magnetic properties and good electromagnetic loss characteristics of Fe3O4, as well as the high thermal stability and film‐forming properties of PAN and PVP. Subsequently, carbonized PAN‐PVP/ Fe3O4 composite films with different Fe3O4 contents were successfully prepared by carbonization under high temperature inert atmosphere to convert PAN and PVP into carbon materials. It was found that the PAN‐PVP/ Fe3O4 porous carbon film with 3 wt% Fe3O4 addition had a conductivity of 3.99 S·mm−1 at a thickness of 0.42 mm, and an average EMI SET of 78.9 dB, SEA of 64.8 dB, and SSEt of 1838 dB/(cm2·g−1) in the X‐band, which is a typical wave absorbing material and can meet commercial electromagnetic shielding requirements. This work provides new ideas and methods for the research and development of polymer‐based porous carbonized film as electromagnetic shielding materials.

Highlights

The carbon films with rich porous structure were prepared.

Fe3O4 was successfully embedded into the carbon film.

Carbon films have an efficient conducting network.

Carbon film has excellent electromagnetic shielding performance.

The main shielding mode of carbon film is absorption.
Experimental simulation of friction and wear between carbon fiber tow and heddle eye under periodic tension during the 3D weaving process
Authors: Zhu Jionglin , Wu Ning , Liu Ce , Liu Suo , An Da , Chen Li
Published: December 2024

Weaving is the predominant technology for fabricating carbon fiber composite preforms. Carbon fibers are subjected to various forms of reciprocating friction in the weaving process. Especially, the friction between carbon tow and heddle eyes is difficult to describe due to the complex conditions of variable tension. In this study, a novel experimental simulator was developed to characterize the friction behavior between warp yarn and heddle eye under periodic tension variation. The friction force (Ff) and coefficient of friction (COF) under variable tension conditions were tested. To investigate the variation of real contact area between carbon tow and heddle eyes under variable tension conditions, a silicon‐film indentation method was developed, and the effect of pre‐tension on carbon tow was obtained by combining three‐dimensional micro surface morphology and Hertz analysis methods. The results indicated that both the COF and Ff decreased with increasing pre‐tension. 3D morphology analysis suggested that the tow contact area reached its maximum when the pre‐tension was 1.2 N. In the Hertzian calculation of the actual contact area, the change of the contact area and the pre‐tension was generated by taking into account the evolving contact length, which differed from the measured friction force value by a constant factor.

Highlights

A variable tension device was designed and developed.

The friction between carbon tow and heddle eye was simulated under variable tension.

The Ff and COF under different pre‐tensions were tested.

A silicon‐film indentation method was proposed.

The relationship between contact area and friction was studied.
Does Physicians' Clinical Competence, Communication Ability, or Cultural Background Influence Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing of Benzodiazepines and Z‐Drugs Among Older Adults With Insomnia?
Authors: Chan Fiona K. I. , Moraga Maria‐Teresa , Habib Bettina , Girard Nadyne , Boulet John R. , Tamblyn Robyn
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to estimate the association between physician's age, sex, clinical and communication competencies, and cultural background on benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs (BDZ) prescribing to older adults with insomnia.

Methods

A cohort of international medical graduates (IMGs) who completed their pre‐residency licensure exam in 1998–2004 were linked to all U.S. Medicare patients they provided care to in 2014–2015. Their care records in Parts A, B, and D from all physicians were extracted. The first outpatient visit for insomnia to a study IMG was identified for each patient in that period. The outcome was incident BDZ prescribing by the study physician following the visit. Main exposures were physician age, sex, citizenship at birth, and clinical and communication competency as measured on the licensure exam. The association between physician characteristics and BDZ prescribing, adjusting for physician and patient covariates, was estimated using generalized estimating equations multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We analyzed 28 018 patients seen by 4069 unique physicians. IMGs born in all other regions of the world were less likely to prescribe BDZs compared to U.S.‐born IMGs, with physicians from the United Kingdom being least likely (OR 0.54 [95%CI 0.34–0.85]). Neither physician's clinical competency nor communication ability were associated with BDZ prescribing (OR per 10% increase, respectively: 0.95 [95%CI 0.88–1.02] and 0.98 [95%CI 0.93–1.04]). Older physicians remain more likely to prescribe BDZ (OR per 5‐year increase 1.04 [95%CI 1.00–1.08]).

Conclusions

The associations between cultural background and physician's age on BDZ prescribing highlight the potential targets for remedial solutions to reduce the use of potentially inappropriate medications.
Facilitating CO2–CH4 Reforming Into Syngas and Useful Chemicals by Water‐Cooled Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma: Effect of Discharge Power, Gas Mixing, and Mechanism Insight
Authors: Chang Tian , Chang Xuanchen , Labidi Abdelkader , Ma Chuanlong , Zhao Zuotong , Jiang Zerong , Yang Zhao , Sun Hongfang , Wang Yuqin , Wang Chuanyi
Published: December 2024

CO2 reforming of CH4 to syngas (H2 and CO) has emerged as one of the attractive options for mitigating carbon emissions. Here, a water‐cooled dielectric barrier discharge plasma reactor has been constructed for CO2–CH4 reforming to produce syngas and value‐added chemicals. The effects of the main parameters (i.e., discharge power, CH4/CO2 molar ratio, and gas flow rate) on CO2–CH4 reforming were investigated. The highest conversion rate of CH4 and CO2 was found to be 40.57% and 27.15%, respectively, with CO and H2 selectivity of 56.07% and 43.71%, respectively. The total energy efficiency achieved was 0.28 mmol/kJ. C2H6 was found to be the main hydrocarbon product. Lastly, the mechanism of CO2–CH4 reforming was proposed in terms of the active species and products.
SOPRANO: Macitentan in patients with pulmonary hypertension following left ventricular assist device implantation
Authors: Frantz Robert P. , Desai Shashank S. , Ewald Gregory , Franco Veronica , Hage Antoine , Horn Evelyn M. , LaRue Shane J. , Mathier Michael A. , Mandras Stacy , Park Myung H. , Ravichandran Ashwin K. , Schilling Joel D. , Wang I‐wen , Zolty Ronald , Rendon Gabriela Gomez , Rocco Mark A. , Selej Mona , Zhao Carol , Rame J. Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Macitentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) approved for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). SOPRANO evaluated the efficacy and safety of macitentan versus placebo in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. SOPRANO was a phase 2, multicenter, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study. Patients with an LVAD implanted within the prior 90 days who had persistent PH (i.e., mean pulmonary arterial pressure ≥25 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure [PAWP] ≤18 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR] >3 Wood units [WU]) were randomized (1:1) to macitentan 10 mg or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in PVR. Secondary endpoints included change in right‐heart catheterization hemodynamic variables, N‐terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide levels, World Health Organization functional class, and safety/tolerability. Fifty‐seven patients were randomized to macitentan (n = 28) or placebo (n = 29). A statistically significant reduction in PVR from baseline to Week 12 was observed with macitentan versus placebo (placebo‐corrected geometric mean ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.94; p = .0158). No statistically significant differences were observed in secondary endpoints. In a post‐hoc analysis, 66.7% of patients receiving macitentan achieved PVR <3 WU versus 40.0% receiving placebo (p = .0383). Macitentan was generally well tolerated; adverse events were consistent with those in previous PAH studies with macitentan. In conclusion, macitentan showed promising tolerability and significantly reduced PVR in PH patients with persistently elevated PVR after LVAD implantation. ClinicalTrials. gov identifier: NCT02554903.
THBS1 mediates hypoxia driven EndMT in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Peng Bingming , Zhou Yingzhen , Fu Xingmeng , Chen Li , Pan Zhengxia , Yi Qijian , Zhao Tengteng , Fu Zhou , Wang Ting
Published: December 2024

Long‐term hypoxia is one of the main causes of pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with congenital heart disease (CHD) children. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important pathological basis of pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH. We observed that Fibronectin 1 (FN1) had strong protein–protein interactions with both Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) and Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) in PH with venous peripheral bloods samples from pediatric patients and healthy children. LungMAP CellCards and heatmaps of human PAEC in PH patients and lung tissues in hypoxia induced PH mice model were used to show that THBS1 and FN1 were significantly elevated. We studied the relationship between THBS1 and FN1 in vivo, by using SUHX‐induced PH mice model, and in vitro, by using hypoxia‐induced human PAEC. The results showed that hypoxia could result in EndMT and inhibiting THBS1 could reverse EndMT in vivo and in vitro, verifying our transcriptome results. Taken together, our research demonstrated that THBS1 could mediate hypoxia driven EndMT of PH, providing a new insight of research in the pathophysiology of PH.
Helmholtz preconditioning for the compressible Euler equations using mixed finite elements with Lorenz staggering
Authors: Lee David , Martín Alberto F. , Ricardo Kieran
Published: December 2024

Implicit solvers for atmospheric models are often accelerated via the solution of a preconditioned system. For block preconditioners, this typically involves the factorisation of the (approximate) Jacobian resulting from linearization of the coupled system into a Helmholtz equation for some function of the pressure. Here we present a preconditioner for the compressible Euler equations with a flux‐form representation of the potential temperature on the Lorenz grid using mixed finite elements. This formulation allows for spatial discretisations that conserve both energy and potential temperature variance. By introducing the dry thermodynamic entropy as an auxiliary variable for the solution of the algebraic system, the resulting preconditioner is shown to have a similar block structure to an existing preconditioner for the material‐form transport of potential temperature on the Charney–Phillips grid. This new formulation is also shown to be more efficient and stable than both the material‐form transport of potential temperature on the Charney–Phillips grid and a previous Helmholtz preconditioner for the flux‐form transport of density‐weighted potential temperature on the Lorenz grid for a 1D thermal bubble configuration. The new preconditioner is verified further against standard two‐dimensional test cases in a vertical slice geometry.
Antiphospholipid syndrome followed idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in the same patient: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Ho Wanki , Li Weihao , Nie Wenchang , Zhou Yunshan , Li Chun , Gan Yuzhou , Ye Hua
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (IRPF) is a rare fibro‐inflammatory disease characterized by fibrous sclerosis of the retroperitoneal area and may be accompanied by other autoimmune diseases. Herein, we report an unusual case of IRPF with compression of retroperitoneal vessels, then diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), evidenced by multiple venous thrombosis and persistent positivity of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Along with literature reviews, we highlighted the importance of screening for all possible causes in case of thrombosis secondary to IRPF.

Case Description

A 46‐year‐old male patient was admitted in 2010 due to hypogastralgia and low back pain. The initial laboratory findings showed elevated inflammatory indicators, but negative results of immunology screening. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse soft tissue in the retroperitoneal area. IRPF was first diagnosed and initially treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Along the process of tapering the drugs, IRPF relapsed again. Reexamination of CT scan showed newly developed thrombus in the retroperitoneal vessels. APLs were evaluated and persistently positive with the interval of six months. The diagnosis of APS was confirmed. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants were prescribed again accompanied with warfarin. During 17‐month follow‐up periods, there was no relapse of symptoms again.

Conclusion

When IRPF is accompanied by venous thrombosis, in addition to blood flow stasis due to venous compression, other potential causes of thrombophilia should also be considered.