bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication casting and additive manufacturing for fabrication of cellular aluminum with periodic topology: optimization by CFD simulation
Authors: Fernández-Morales Patricia , Echeverrí Lauramaría , Fandiño Emigdio Mendoza , Zuleta Gil Alejandro Alberto
Published: March 2023

In this work, processes such as additive digital manufacturing (ADM) and precision casting are presented as alternative methods to manufacture aluminum foams with ordered open-pore morphology. Digital modeling of cellular structures with defined regular patterns was manufactured with ABS and wax and then melted in aluminum A356 alloy by a replication casting process. To guarantee the complete filling of the mold, a simulation by the Flow-3D program was made. This computational tool allowed to determine the temperature values of both melting and the mold temperature. The simulations revealed potential defects in the metal foams to be obtained, which were evidenced by the cast pieces processed after as a validation test. The results show that the casting process carried out supported by a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation allows understanding the effects of the simulated parameter process, optimizing the parameters involved in the infiltration process, and establishing the conditions for obtaining a sound piece of open-cell aluminum foam with truncated octahedron pores shape. The established manufacturing process conditions can be used to produce lattice structures with multifunctional uses such as impact and blast-proof devices, vibration attenuators, or where enhancement of heat transfer could be needed.
Molecular and neural roles of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in alleviating neurocognitive impairment in diabetic mice
Authors: Piątkowska-Chmiel Iwona , Herbet Mariola , Gawrońska-Grzywacz Monika , Pawłowski Kamil , Ostrowska-Leśko Marta , Dudka Jarosław
Published: March 2023

Diabetes causes a variety of molecular changes in the brain, making it a real risk factor for the development of cognitive dysfunction. Complex pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity of cognitive impairment makes the efficacy of current drugs limited. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) gained our attention as drugs with potential beneficial effects on the CNS. In the present study, these drugs ameliorated the cognitive impairment associated with diabetes. Moreover, we verified whether SGLT2i can mediate the degradation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and modulation of gene expression (Bdnf, Snca, App) involved in the control of neuronal proliferation and memory. The results of our research proved the participation of SGLT2i in the multifactorial process of neuroprotection. SGLT2i attenuate the neurocognitive impairment through the restoration of neurotrophin levels, modulation of neuroinflammatory signaling, and gene expression of Snca, Bdnf, and App in the brain of diabetic mice. The targeting of the above-mentioned genes is currently seen as one of the most promising and developed therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with cognitive dysfunction. The results of this work could form the basis of a future administration of SGLT2i in diabetics with neurocognitive impairment.
Laser microdissection pressure catapulting (LMPC): a new technique to handle single microplastic particles for number-based validation strategies
Authors: Hildebrandt Lars , Zimmermann Tristan , Pröfrock Daniel
Published: March 2023

This study examines laser microdissection pressure catapulting (LMPC) as an innovative method for microplastic research. Laser pressure catapulting as part of commercially available LMPC microscopes enables the precise handling of microplastic particles without any mechanical contact. In fact, individual particles with sizes between several micrometers and several hundred micrometers can be transported over centimeter-wide distances into a collection vial. Therefore, the technology enables the exact handling of defined numbers of small microplastics (or even individual ones) with the greatest precision. Herewith, it allows the production of particle number-based spike suspensions for method validation. Proof-of-principle LMPC experiments with polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate model particles in the size range from 20 to 63 µm and polystyrene microspheres (10 µm diameter) demonstrated precise particle handling without fragmentation. Furthermore, the ablated particles showed no evidence of chemical alteration as seen in the particles’ IR spectra acquired via laser direct infrared analysis. We propose LMPC as a promising new tool to produce future microplastic reference materials such as particle-number spiked suspensions, since LMPC circumvents the uncertainties resulting from the potentially heterogeneous behavior or inappropriate sampling from microplastic suspensions. Furthermore, LMPC could be advantageous for the generation of very accurate calibration series of spherical particles for microplastic analysis via pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (down to 0.54 ng), as it omits the dissolution of bulk polymers.

Graphical Abstract
Palliation of a Heterotaxy Single Ventricle Neonate with Pulmonary Atresia and Obstructed TAPVR
Authors: Robinson Justin , Forbess Joseph M. , Slack Michael , Moss Julianne , Chaves Alicia
Published: March 2023

Patients born with obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return have a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period, which only increases when combined with single ventricle physiology and non-cardiac congenital anomalies such as heterotaxy syndrome. Despite advances in management of congenital heart disease, surgery within the first weeks of life to repair the pulmonary venous connection and establish pulmonary blood flow with a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt has historically led to disappointing outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach with pediatric interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery is required to reduce morbidity and mortality in this extremely high-risk patient population. Extending the time between birth and cardiac surgery can lessen postoperative complications and mortality risk, especially in patients with abnormal thoracoabdominal relationships. Our team was able to successfully utilize transcatheter stent placement in a vertical vein and patent ductus arteriosus to delay and stage cardiac surgeries in an infant born with obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return, unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect with pulmonary atresia and heterotaxy, thus reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this diagnosis.
MIP3α as an early prognostic predictor for patients with B-cell malignancies receiving CD19/CD22-redirected CAR-T cell cocktail therapy
Authors: Jin Jin , Liu Tianjiao , Cheng Jiali , Meng Jiao , Wang Na , Huang Liang , Zhou Xiaoxi , Chen Liting , Luo Hui , Zhou Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Identifying the temporal pattern of recurrence and prognostic biomarkers would further help improve the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -T therapy.

Methods

We examined the prognoses of 119 patients after sequential infusion of anti-CD19 and anti-CD22, a cocktail of 2 single-target CAR (CAR19/22) T cells in an open-label, single-center clinical trial (ChiCTR-OPN-16008526). And we, from a 70-biomarker panel, identified candidate cytokines that might predict the treatment failure, including primary non-response (NR) and early relapse (ER).

Results

In our study, 3 (11.5%) patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) and 9 (12.2%) cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) failed to respond to sequential CAR19/22 T-cell infusion (NR). A total of 11 (42.3%) B-ALL patients and 30 (52.7%) B-NHL patients had relapses during follow-up. Most recurrence events (67.5%) occurred within six months of sequential CAR T-cell infusion (ER). We found that macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α was a highly sensitive and specific prognostic predictor for patients with NR/ER and those attaining over-6-month remission. Patients who had higher MIP3α levels after sequential CAR19/22 T-cell infusion had significantly favorable progression-free survival (PFS) than their counterparts with relatively lower MIP3α expression. Our experiments demonstrated that MIP3α could enhance the therapeutic effect of CAR-T cells by promoting T-cell infiltration into and enriching memory-phenotype T cells in the tumor environment.

Conclusion

This study showed that relapse occurred mainly within six months after sequential CAR19/22 T-cell infusion. Moreover, MIP3α could act as a valuable post-infusion biomarker for identifying patients with NR/ER.
Exploring palaeoecology in the Northern Territory: the Walanjiwurru rockshelter, vegetation dynamics and shifting social landscapes in Marra Country
Authors: Rowe Cassandra , Ash Jeremy , Brady Liam M. , Wesley Daryl , Evans Shaun , Barrett David
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a palynological analysis of sediments from Walanjiwurru 1, a rockshelter located in the Country of the Marra Aboriginal people at Limmen National Park in the Northern Territory (Australia). Analysis seeks to test rockshelter sediments as a framework for research in an environmentally difficult location, and to explore how the palaeoecological record may capture the diversity of people-nature relationships over time in the Northern Territory. The Walanjiwurru 1 pollen record provides an approximate 500-year insight into the rockshelter’s surrounding landscape. Two plant communities demonstrate local presence across this time frame—foremost a drier eucalypt woodland, and a wetter fringing Melaleuca dominated habitat, each with an integrated series of monsoonal forest taxa. With only subtle shifts in vegetation, the Marra’s consistent maintenance of relations with their landscape is observable, and this is discussed in relation to the Walanjiwurru 1’s archaeology and regional European settler colonialism. Charcoal recovery from Walanjiwurru 1 is derived from in situ campfires, making it difficult to conclude on the response of plant types and vegetation communities to long-term landscape burning. Future palaeoecological research off-site from the rockshelter has therefore been recommended.
Safety and efficacy of oxybutynin in patients with hyperhidrosis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: El-Samahy Mohamed , Mouffokes Adel , Badawy Marwa M. , Amro Sarah , Fayad Taha , Abdelwahab Omar Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Background

Sweating is a physiologic mechanism of human thermoregulation. Hyperhidrosis is defined as a somatic disorder where the sweating is exaggerated in an exact area because the sweat glands are hyperfunctioning. It negatively affects the quality of life of the patients. We aim to investigate patient satisfaction and the effectiveness of oxybutynin in treating hyperhidrosis.

Methods

We prospectively registered the protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis on PROSPERO (CRD 42022342667). This systematic review and meta-analysis were reported according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. We searched three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) from inception until June 2, 2022, using MeSH terms. We include studies comparing patients with hyperhidrosis who received oxybutynin or a placebo. We assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (ROB2) for randomized controlled trials. The risk ratio was calculated for categorical variables, and the mean difference was calculated for continuous variables using the random effect model with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 293 patients. In all studies, patients were assigned to receive either Oxybutynin or Placebo. Oxybutynin represented an HDSS improvement (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002). It also can improve the quality of life. There is no difference between oxybutynin and placebo regarding dry mouth (RR = 1.68 95% CI [1.21, 2.33], p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that using oxybutynin as a treatment for hyperhidrosis is significant and needs to be highlighted for clinicians. However, more clinical trials are needed to grasp the optimum benefit.
Blood–brain barrier dysfunction and folate and vitamin B12 levels in first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Campana Mattia , Löhrs Lisa , Strauß Johanna , Münz Susanne , Oviedo-Salcedo Tatiana , Fernando Piyumi , Maurus Isabel , Raabe Florian , Moussiopoulou Joanna , Eichhorn Peter , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet , Wagner Elias
Published: March 2023

Vitamin deficiency syndromes and blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction are frequent phenomena in psychiatric conditions. We analysed the largest available first-episode schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis (FEP) cohort to date regarding routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood parameters to investigate the association between vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12 and folate) and BBB impairments in FEP. We report a retrospective analysis of clinical data from all inpatients that were admitted to our tertiary care hospital with an ICD-10 diagnosis of a first-episode F2x (schizophrenia-spectrum) between January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2018 and underwent a lumbar puncture, blood-based vitamin status diagnostics and neuroimaging within the clinical routine. 222 FEP patients were included in our analyses. We report an increased CSF/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) as a sign of BBB dysfunction in 17.1% (38/222) of patients. White matter lesions (WML) were present in 29.3% of patients (62/212). 17.6% of patients (39/222) showed either decreased vitamin B12 levels or decreased folate levels. No statistically significant association was found between vitamin deficiencies and altered Qalb. This retrospective analysis contributes to the discussion on the impact of vitamin deficiency syndromes in FEP. Although decreased vitamin B12 or folate levels were found in approximately 17% of our cohort, we found no evidence for significant associations between BBB dysfunction and vitamin deficiencies. To strengthen the evidence regarding the clinical implications of vitamin deficiencies in FEP, prospective studies with standardized measurements of vitamin levels together with follow-up measurements and assessment of symptom severity in addition to CSF diagnostics are needed.
Testicular neoplasms: the interrelationships of serum levels of microRNA-371a-3p (M371) and classical tumor markers with histology, clinical staging, and age—a statistical analysis
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Dumlupinar Cansu , Grobelny Francesca , Utschig Julia , Klemke Markus , Ahmed Saad El Moeiz , Wülfing Christian , Pichlmeier Uwe , Isbarn Hendrik , Belge Gazanfer
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In testicular neoplasms, the interrelationship of elevations of the novel serum tumor marker microRNA-371a-3p (M371) and traditional markers with other clinical features is still incompletely understood. The present study evaluated marker expression rates in relation to various other clinical parameters.

Methods

The following data were retrospectively registered from 641 consecutive patients with testicular neoplasms: histology, such as seminoma (n = 365), nonseminoma (n = 179), benign tumor (n = 79), other malignant tumor (n = 18); patients age (years); clinical stage (CS1, CS2a/b, CS2c, CS3); and preoperative elevation of beta HCG, AFP, LDH, M371 (yes/no). Descriptive statistical methods were employed with comparisons of various subgroups to disclose associations of marker expression rates with age, histology and CS, and of age with histology.

Results

The histologic subgroups revealed significantly different expression rates of tumor markers. M371 performed best with expression rates of 82.69% and 93.58% in seminoma and in nonseminoma, respectively. In germ cell tumors, all markers had significantly higher expression rates in metastasized stages than in localized disease. All markers except LDH have significantly higher expression rates in younger than in older patients. Nonseminoma is most prevalent in the youngest age category, seminoma predominates in patients > 40 years, other malignancies were restricted to patients > 50 years.

Conclusion

The study documented significant associations of serum marker expression rates with histology, age and clinical staging, with highest rates in nonseminomas, young age and advanced clinical stages. M371 showed significantly higher expression rates than other markers suggesting its superior clinical usefulness.
An enriched phase-field method for the efficient simulation of fracture processes
Authors: Loehnert Stefan , Krüger Christian , Klempt Verena , Munk Lukas
Published: March 2023

The efficient simulation of complex fracture processes is still a challenging task. In this contribution, an enriched phase-field method for the simulation of 2D fracture processes is presented. It has the potential to drastically reduce computational cost compared to the classical phase-field method (PFM). The method is based on the combination of a phase-field approach with an ansatz transformation for the simulation of fracture processes and an enrichment technique for the displacement field as it is used in the extended finite element method (XFEM) or generalised finite element method (GFEM). This combination allows for the application of significantly coarser meshes than it is possible in PFM while still obtaining accurate solutions. In contrast to classical XFEM / GFEM, the presented method does not require level set techniques or explicit representations of crack geometries, considerably simplifying the simulation of crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence. The efficiency and accuracy of this new method is shown in 2D simulations.
Cost consequences of unscheduled emergency admissions in cancer patients in the last year of life
Authors: McFerran Ethna , Cairnduff Victoria , Elder Ray , Gavin Anna , Lawler Mark
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Cancer is a leading cause of death. This paper examines the utilisation of unscheduled emergency end-of-life healthcare and estimates expenditure in this domain. We explore care patterns and quantify the likely benefits from service reconfigurations which may influence rates of hospital admission and deaths.

Methods

Using prevalence-based retrospective data from the Northern Ireland General Registrar’s Office linked by cancer diagnosis to Patient Administration episode data for unscheduled emergency care (1st January 2014 to 31st December 2015), we estimate unscheduled-emergency-care costs in the last year of life. We model potential resources released by reductions in length-of-stay for cancer patients. Linear regression examined patient characteristics affecting length of stay.

Results

A total of 3134 cancer patients used 60,746 days of unscheduled emergency care (average 19.5 days). Of these, 48.9% had ≥1 admission during their last 28 days of life. Total estimated cost was £28,684,261, averaging £9200 per person. Lung cancer patients had the highest proportion of admissions (23.2%, mean length of stay = 17.9 days, mean cost=£7224). The highest service use and total cost was in those diagnosed at stage IV (38.4%), who required 22,099 days of care, costing £9,629,014. Palliative care support, identified in 25.5% of patients, contributed £1,322,328. A 3-day reduction in the mean length of stay with a 10% reduction in admissions, could reduce costs by £7.37 million. Regression analyses explained 41% of length-of-stay variability.

Conclusions

The cost burden from unscheduled care use in the last year of life of cancer patients is significant. Opportunities to prioritise service reconfiguration for high-costing users emphasized lung and colorectal cancers as offering the greatest potential to influence outcomes.
Correlations between cerebrospinal fluid homovanillic acid and dopamine transporter SPECT in degenerative parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Goto Ryoji , Kurihara Masanori , Kameyama Masashi , Komatsu Hiroki , Higashino Masashi , Hatano Keiko , Ihara Ryoko , Higashihara Mana , Nishina Yasushi , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Kanemaru Kazutomi , Saito Yuko , Murayama Shigeo , Iwata Atsushi
Published: March 2023

Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic acid (HVA) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reflect nigrostriatal dopaminergic function, but studies on the relationship between the two have been limited. It is also unknown whether the reported variance in striatal DAT binding among diseases reflects the pathophysiology or characteristics of the subjects. We included 70 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 12 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 12 with multiple system atrophy, six with corticobasal syndrome, and nine with Alzheimer’s disease as disease control, who underwent both CSF analysis and 123I-N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane (123I-ioflupane) SPECT. We evaluated the correlation between CSF HVA concentration and the specific binding ratio (SBR) of striatal DAT binding. We also compared the SBR for each diagnosis, controlling for CSF HVA concentration. The correlations between the two were significant in patients with PD (r = 0.34, p = 0.004) and PSP (r = 0.77, p = 0.004). The mean SBR value was the lowest in patients with PSP and was significantly lower in patients with PSP than in those with PD (p = 0.037) after adjusting for CSF HVA concentration. Our study demonstrates that striatal DAT binding correlates with CSF HVA concentration in both PD and PSP, and striatal DAT reduction would be more advanced in PSP than in PD at an equivalent dopamine level. Striatal DAT binding may correlate with dopamine levels in the brain. The pathophysiology of each diagnosis may explain this difference.
Effect of polymerization mode on shrinkage kinetics and degree of conversion of dual-curing bulk-fill resin composites
Authors: Burrer Phoebe , Par Matej , Fürer Leo , Stübi Michelle , Marovic Danijela , Tarle Zrinka , Attin Thomas , Tauböck Tobias T.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To assess the behavior of dual-cure and conventional bulk-fill composite materials on real-time linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion.

Materials and methods

Two dual-cure bulk-fill materials (Cention, Ivoclar Vivadent (with ion-releasing properties) and Fill-Up!, Coltene) and two conventional bulk-fill composites (Tetric PowerFill, Ivoclar Vivadent; SDR flow + , Dentsply Sirona) were compared to conventional reference materials (Ceram.x Spectra ST (HV), Dentsply Sirona; X-flow; Dentsply Sirona). Light curing was performed for 20 s, or specimens were left to self-cure only. Linear shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and degree of conversion were measured in real time for 4 h (n = 8 per group), and kinetic parameters were determined for shrinkage stress and degree of conversion. Data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA followed by post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Pearson’s analysis was used for correlating linear shrinkage and shrinkage force.

Results

Significantly higher linear shrinkage and shrinkage stress were found for the low-viscosity materials compared to the high-viscosity materials. No significant difference in degree of conversion was revealed between the polymerization modes of the dual-cure bulk-fill composite Fill-Up!, but the time to achieve maximum polymerization rate was significantly longer for the self-cure mode. Significant differences in degree of conversion were however found between the polymerization modes of the ion-releasing bulk-fill material Cention, which also exhibited the significantly slowest polymerization rate of all materials when chemically cured.

Conclusions

While some of the parameters tested were found to be consistent across all materials studied, heterogeneity increased for others.

Clinical relevance

With the introduction of new classes of composite materials, predicting the effects of individual parameters on final clinically relevant properties becomes more difficult.
Hydrogeological characteristics of waterlogged areas in Natore District, Bangladesh
Authors: Hassan Md Mahmudul , Jahan Chowdhury S. , Cheong Jae-Yeol , Hamm Se-Yeong
Published: March 2023

Waterlogging (WL) refers to the process by which water flow is resisted in vertical and horizontal directions and thus water stagnates for a short or long span of time; it is induced by a combination of human and natural factors. In the southwestern region of Bangladesh, including Natore District, WL is a significant issue that needs to be addressed if agricultural activity is to be successful. This study aimed to identify surface WL in Natore District and to characterise the WL scenario in the study area in terms of hydrogeology. Waterlogged areas were identified with a geographic information system using satellite images corresponding to the premonsoon and postmonsoon periods. Using groundwater level data (1990–2017), the pre- and postmonsoon scenarios of the waterlogged areas were indicated by seasonal and perennial types of WL. Groundwater recharge scenarios were classified as long and short lag times. Most of the study area was characterised by thick clay or silty clay surficial layers with low water penetration rates, resulting from low porosity and low hydraulic conductivity. The cross-correlation between rainfall and groundwater level revealed the response of groundwater to rainfall, with a lag time of 1–5 months. Long lag time areas exhibited slow groundwater recharge and significant groundwater level fluctuation, with lower hydraulic conductivity values of 49.37–76.24 m/day. In contrast, short lag time areas displayed rapid groundwater recharge and small groundwater fluctuation due to a good proportional relationship with rainfall and higher hydraulic conductivity values of 74.74–117.79 m/day.
Visual perception of emotion cues in dogs: a critical review of methodologies
Authors: Correia-Caeiro Catia , Guo Kun , Mills Daniel S.
Published: March 2023

Comparative studies of human–dog cognition have grown exponentially since the 2000’s, but the focus on how dogs look at us (as well as other dogs) as social partners is a more recent phenomenon despite its importance to human–dog interactions. Here, we briefly summarise the current state of research in visual perception of emotion cues in dogs and why this area is important; we then critically review its most commonly used methods, by discussing conceptual and methodological challenges and associated limitations in depth; finally, we suggest some possible solutions and recommend best practice for future research. Typically, most studies in this field have concentrated on facial emotional cues, with full body information rarely considered. There are many challenges in the way studies are conceptually designed (e.g., use of non-naturalistic stimuli) and the way researchers incorporate biases (e.g., anthropomorphism) into experimental designs, which may lead to problematic conclusions. However, technological and scientific advances offer the opportunity to gather much more valid, objective, and systematic data in this rapidly expanding field of study. Solving conceptual and methodological challenges in the field of emotion perception research in dogs will not only be beneficial in improving research in dog–human interactions, but also within the comparative psychology area, in which dogs are an important model species to study evolutionary processes.
A gradient sampling algorithm for stratified maps with applications to topological data analysis
Authors: Leygonie Jacob , Carrière Mathieu , Lacombe Théo , Oudot Steve
Published: March 2023

We introduce a novel gradient descent algorithm refining the well-known Gradient Sampling algorithm on the class of stratifiably smooth objective functions, which are defined as locally Lipschitz functions that are smooth on some regular pieces—called the strata—of the ambient Euclidean space. On this class of functions, our algorithm achieves a sub-linear convergence rate. We then apply our method to objective functions based on the (extended) persistent homology map computed over lower-star filters, which is a central tool of Topological Data Analysis. For this, we propose an efficient exploration of the corresponding stratification by using the Cayley graph of the permutation group. Finally, we provide benchmarks and novel topological optimization problems that demonstrate the utility and applicability of our framework.
Geometry of tree-based tensor formats in tensor Banach spaces
Authors: Falcó Antonio , Hackbusch Wolfgang , Nouy Anthony
Published: March 2023

In the paper ‘On the Dirac–Frenkel Variational Principle on Tensor Banach Spaces’, we provided a geometrical description of manifolds of tensors in Tucker format with fixed multilinear (or Tucker) rank in tensor Banach spaces, that allowed to extend the Dirac–Frenkel variational principle in the framework of topological tensor spaces. The purpose of this note is to extend these results to more general tensor formats. More precisely, we provide a new geometrical description of manifolds of tensors in tree-based (or hierarchical) format, also known as tree tensor networks, which are intersections of manifolds of tensors in Tucker format associated with different partitions of the set of dimensions. The proposed geometrical description of tensors in tree-based format is compatible with the one of manifolds of tensors in Tucker format.
Gamifying model-based engineering: the PapyGame experience
Authors: Bucchiarone Antonio , Savary-Leblanc Maxime , Le Pallec Xavier , Cicchetti Antonio , Gérard Sébastien , Bassanelli Simone , Gini Federica , Marconi Annapaola
Published: March 2023

Modeling is an essential and challenging activity in any engineering environment. It implies some hard-to-train skills such as abstraction and communication. Teachers, project leaders, and tool vendors have a hard time teaching or training their students, co-workers, or users. Gamification refers to the exploitation of gaming mechanisms for serious purposes, like promoting behavioral changes, soliciting participation and engagement in activities, etc. We investigate the introduction of gaming mechanisms in modeling tasks with the primary goal of supporting learning/training. The result has been the realization of a gamified modeling environment named PapyGame. In this article, we present the approach adopted for PapyGame implementation, the details on the gamification elements involved, and the derived conceptual architecture required for applying gamification in any modeling environment. Moreover, to demonstrate the benefits of using PapyGame for learning/training modeling, a set of user experience evaluations have been conducted. Correspondingly, we report the obtained results together with a set of future challenges we consider as critical to make gamified modeling a more effective education/training approach.
Natural disasters and perinatal mental health: what are the impacts on perinatal women and the service system?
Authors: Hine Rochelle Helena , Mitchell Eleanor , Whitehead-Annett Lara , Duncan Zoe , McArdle Adelle
Published: March 2023

Aim

The perinatal period is characterised by radical change across multiple domains. When it coincides with natural disasters, women and families need targeted support to mitigate the impacts on their birthing and early parenting experiences. Disaster planning in Australia has paid scant attention to the needs of this group. This study aimed to explore rural maternal and child health nurses’ perceptions of how women receiving postnatal care during times of disaster manage mental health and wellbeing issues.

Subject and methods

Eight female maternal and child health nurses (MCHNs) were recruited through purposive sampling across two rural regions of Victoria, Australia. A qualitative design using an online survey followed by in-depth interviews, was underpinned by intersectional feminist theory. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data.

Results

Three overarching themes: context of practice, impact of disasters on mothers, and impact of disasters on services were identified. Isolation for mothers was highlighted, necessitating increased provision of emotional support, at a time when service providers themselves were under strain.

Conclusion

Natural disasters exacerbate stressors on perinatal rural women and can impede their access to formal and informal supports, jeopardizing mental health outcomes. Targeted investment in rural perinatal services to enable proactive planning and implementation of disaster strategies is urgently needed to reduce the impact of natural disasters on rural perinatal women and their families.
Direct and indirect effects of agricultural land cover on avian biodiversity in eastern Canada
Authors: Rabbetts Michelle , Fahrig Lenore , Mitchell Greg W. , Hannah Kevin C. , Collins Sara J. , Wilson Scott
Published: March 2023

Agriculture is one of the largest threats to global biodiversity. However, most studies have focused only on the direct effects of agriculture on biodiversity, and few have addressed the indirect effects, potentially over or under-estimating the overall impacts of agriculture on biodiversity. The indirect effect is the response not to the agricultural cover types or operations per se, but instead, to the way that agriculture influences the extent and configuration of different types of natural land cover in the landscape. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects of agriculture on species richness of three bird guilds: forest birds, shrub-edge birds, and open country birds. We found that forest bird richness was driven by the negative indirect effect of cropland via forest loss. Shrub-edge and open country bird richness increased with the amount of agriculture land covers; however, importantly, we found negative indirect effects of agriculture on both guilds via a reduction in more natural land covers. This latter result highlights how we would have over-estimated the positive effects of agriculture on shrub-edge and open country bird richness had we not measured both direct and indirect effects (i.e., the total effect size is less than the direct effect size). Overall, our results suggest that a bird-friendly agricultural landscape in our region would have forest that is configured to maximize forest edge, and a high proportion of perennial forage within the agricultural portion of the landscape.
Conservation management in the context of unidentified and unmitigated threatening processes
Authors: Stojanovic Dejan , Hogg Carolyn J. , Alves Fernanda , Baker G. Barry , Biggs James R. , Bussolini Laura , Carey Mark J. , Crates Ross , Magrath Michael J. L. , Pritchard Rachel , Troy Shannon , Young Catherine M. , Heinsohn Robert
Published: March 2023

The decision to intervene in endangered species management is often complicated. Migratory species exemplify this difficulty because they experience diverse threats at different times and places that can act cumulatively and synergistically on their populations. We use population viability analysis (PVA) to compare potential conservation interventions on the critically endangered, migratory Orange-bellied ParrotNeophema chrysogaster. This species suffers high juvenile mortality, but it is not clear why this is so. Given uncertainty about the best recovery strategy, we compare PVA scenarios that simulate various ways of utilizing captive-bred parrots to support the wild population in the context of unresolved threatening processes. Increasing the number of juveniles entering the population each year had the greatest benefit for population growth rate and size. Directly lowering juvenile mortality rates is difficult given uncertainty about the drivers of mortality in the wild. In lieu of this, releasing 100 juveniles from captivity to the wild population each autumn (either as a stand-alone action, or in combination with other interventions) was the most feasible and straightforward intervention of the options we tested. However, our PVAs also show that unless substantial and sustainable reductions can be made to juvenile mortality rates, Orange-bellied Parrots will remain dependent on intensive conservation management. This study highlights the utility of PVAs for answering practical questions about how to implement species conservation. PVAs provide a way to incorporate the best available information in a replicable modelling framework, and to identify impacts of parameter uncertainty on demographic trends.
The impact of upright posture on left ventricular deformation in athletes
Authors: Kandels J. , Metze M. , Hagendorff A. , Marshall R. P. , Hepp P. , Laufs U. , Stöbe S.
Published: March 2023

Besides LV ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global myocardial work index (GWI) are increasingly important for the echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular (LV) function in athletes. Since exercise testing is frequently performed on a treadmill, we investigated the impact of upright posture on GLS and GWI. In 50 male athletes (mean age 25.7 ± 7.3 years) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and simultaneous blood pressure measurements were performed in upright and left lateral position. LVEF (59.7 ± 5.3% vs. 61.1 ± 5.5%; P = 0.197) was not affected by athletes’ position, whereas GLS (− 11.9 ± 2.3% vs. − 18.1 ± 2.1%; P < 0.001) and GWI (1284 ± 283 mmHg% vs. 1882 ± 247 mmHg%; P < 0.001) were lower in upright posture. Longitudinal strain was most frequently reduced in upright posture in the mid-basal inferior, and/or posterolateral segments. Upright posture has a significant impact on LV deformation with lower GLS, GWI and regional LV strain in upright position. These findings need to be considered when performing echocardiography in athletes.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating chelating agents and their effects on cellulosic pulps during P-stage bleaching. Part 1: analytical method development
Authors: Goto Takaaki , Zaccaron Sara , Hettegger Hubert , Bischof Robert H. , Fackler Karin , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: March 2023

During peroxide bleaching of pulp (“P-stage”), the heavy metal ions must be removed from the pulp and inactivated by chelation before the bleaching to prevent undesired degradation of cellulose by reactive oxygen species. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) is mostly used as a chelating agent; however, it may soon be banned because of environmental concerns. Therefore, there is a demand for new chelating agents to replace EDTA, and a comprehensive analytical method is necessary to investigate their chelating ability and the effects on the pulp. In this study, an analytical sequence for evaluating chelating agents and oxidative damage to cellulose during chelation (Q-stage) and bleaching (P-stage) has been established and optimized. GPC provides the molar mass distribution and oxidative damage (as profiles of carbonyl groups relative to the molar mass distribution), and the metal content of the pulp was determined by ICP-OES. This method enables the analysis of the chelating potential of new chelating agents, with simultaneous determination of the impact on cellulose on a molecular level.

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Knitting for conservation: a social practice perspective on a social and behaviour change communication intervention
Authors: Gallegos Maria Cristina , Buizer Marleen , Hobbis Stephanie Ketterer , Wise Graham
Published: March 2023

We critically reflect on a conservation project in the Ecuadorian Amazon that was designed to promote biodiversity conservation among lowland indigenous communities involved in eco-tourism initiatives by teaching them how to knit a particular set of local animals. We use interpretive qualitative research and draw on social practice theory to examine the ways that participants’ engagement with new knitting in participatory knitting workshops changed the understanding of environmental conservation and social entrepreneurship within an eco-tourism context. Eventually, the intervention pushed participants to adopt new and difficult-to-sustain conservation and entrepreneurial practices. The introduction of these new practices and a focus on a specific list of local species turned animals into commodities and created unsustainable connections with new materials and a disconnect between local and traditional know-how.
A Sensitivity Study of a Thermal Propagation Model in an Automotive Battery Module
Authors: Huang Chen , Bisschop Roeland , Anderson Johan
Published: March 2023

Thermal runaway is a major concern for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. A manufacturing fault or unusual operating conditions may lead to this event. Starting from a single battery cell, more cells may be triggered into thermal runaway, and the battery pack may be destroyed. To prevent this from happening, safety solutions need to be evaluated. Physical testing is an effective, yet costly, method to assessing battery safety performance. As such, the potential of a numerical tool, which can cut costs and reduce product development times, is investigated in terms of capturing a battery module’s tolerance to a single cell failure. A 3D-FE model of a battery module was built, using a commercial software, to study thermal runaway propagation. The model assumes that when the cell jelly roll reaches a critical value, thermal runaway occurs. This approach was considered to study the module’s tolerance to a single cell failure, which was in reasonable agreement with what had been observed in full-scale experiments. In addition, quantitative sensitivity study on the i) model input parameters, ii) model space, and iii) time resolutions on the computed start time instant and time duration of thermal runaway were performed. The critical temperature was found to have the greatest influence on thermal runaway propagation. The specific heat capacity of jelly roll was found to significantly impact the thermal runaway time duration. The multi-physics model for battery thermal propagation is promising and worth to be applied with care for designing safer batteries in combination with physical testing.
A comprehensive regulatory and industry review of modeling and simulation practices in oncology clinical drug development
Authors: Ruiz-Garcia Ana , Baverel Paul , Bottino Dean , Dolton Michael , Feng Yan , González-García Ignacio , Kim Jaeyeon , Robey Seth , Singh Indrajeet , Turner David , Wu Shu-Pei , Yin Donghua , Zhou Di , Zhu Hao , Bonate Peter
Published: March 2023

Exposure–response (E–R) analyses are an integral component in the development of oncology products. Characterizing the relationship between drug exposure metrics and response allows the sponsor to use modeling and simulation to address both internal and external drug development questions (e.g., optimal dose, frequency of administration, dose adjustments for special populations). This white paper is the output of an industry-government collaboration among scientists with broad experience in E–R modeling as part of regulatory submissions. The goal of this white paper is to provide guidance on what the preferred methods for E–R analysis in oncology clinical drug development are and what metrics of exposure should be considered.
Using Observational Dyadic Methods in Youth Mentoring Research: Preliminary Evidence of the Role of Actors’ and Partners’ Self-disclosure in Predicting Relationship Quality
Authors: Dutton Hilary , Deane Kelsey L. , Overall Nickola C.
Published: March 2023

Self-disclosure builds high quality relationships, but knowledge of self-disclosure in youth mentoring relationships is limited by a lack of research and reliance on self-reports. To demonstrate the value of observational methods and dyadic modeling of mentoring communication processes, this study examined the associations between behavioral observation of self-disclosure and self-reported relationship quality in 49 mentee-mentor dyads (mentees: 73.5% female; x̄ age = 16.2, range = 12–19; mentors: 69.4% female; x̄ age = 36.2, range = 19–59). Video-recorded observations of disclosure were coded on three dimensions: amount (number of topics and detail of disclosure), intimacy (disclosure of personal or sensitive information), and openness (willingness to disclose). More intimate mentor disclosure was associated with higher mentee relationship quality, whereas higher amount of mentor disclosure combined with low intimacy was associated with lower mentee relationship quality. Greater mentee openness correlated with higher mentor relationship quality, but more intimate mentee disclosures were associated with lower mentee relationship quality. These preliminary findings illustrate the potential of methods that enable in-depth investigation of dyadic processes to advance understanding of how behavioral processes may influence mentoring relationships.
Recombinant Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Dimers: Receptor Binding Affinities and Activation Abilities
Authors: Lin Jingjing , Asai Seiya , Selicharová Irena , Mitrová Katarína , Kaminský Jakub , Young Elinor , Jiráček Jiří
Published: March 2023

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and its IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) belong to an important biological system that is involved in the regulation of normal growth, but that has also been recognized as playing a role in cancer. IGF-1R antagonists could be interesting for the testing of their potential antiproliferative properties as an alternative to IGF-1R tyrosine-kinase inhibitors or anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibodies. In this study, we were inspired by the successful development of insulin dimers capable of antagonizing insulin effects on the insulin receptor (IR) by simultaneous binding to two separated binding sites and by blocking structural rearrangement of the IR. We designed and produced in Escherichia coli three different IGF-1 dimers in which IGF-1 monomers are interlinked through their N- and C-termini, with linkers having 8, 15 or 25 amino acids. We found that the recombinant products were susceptible to the formation of misfolded or reduced variants, but that some of them were able to bind IGF-1R in low nanomolar affinities and all of them activate IGF-1R proportionally to their binding affinities. Overall, our work can be considered as a pilot study that, although it did not lead to the discovery of new IGF-1R antagonists, explored the possibility of recombinant production of IGF-1 dimers and led to the preparation of active compounds. This work could inspire further studies dealing, for example, with the preparation of IGF-1 conjugates with specific proteins for the study of the hormone and its receptor or for therapeutic applications.

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