bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of static tensile stress on enzymatic degradation of poly(glycerol sebacate)
Authors: Wu Zebin , Wang Lizhen , Fan Yubo
Published: April 2023

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is an excellent scaffold material in tissue engineering due to good biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. The degradation properties of PGS have been primarily explored in static phosphate buffer solution or enzyme solution. It is vital to understand how the tensile stress affect the degradation rate. In this study, PGS was synthetized by melt polycondensation and its properties were characterized. Then an in vitro degradation device which could provide different constant tensile stresses was carefully designed and established, and the enzymatic degradation of PGS was tested under 0–150 kPa at 37°C. It was found that holes of PGS surface arranged almost parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of tensile stresses at 100 kPa and 150 kPa after 2–4 days degradation. After 8 days degradation, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of PGS at 150 kPa was 0.28 MPa and the elastic modulus was 1.11 MPa, while the UTS of PGS was 0.44 MPa and the elastic modulus was 1.63 MPa before degradation, both of them have significant differences. Hence, the tensile stress and degradation time were proportional to the appear time and size of holes, leading to the decrease of mass loss, UTS and elastic modulus. The relationship between stress and PGS degradation rates was quantitatively described through our degradation experiments, providing guidance for suitable PGS applications in the future.
A Problem‐Solving Theory to Enhance Understanding and Practice of Leadership
Authors: Friedel Curtis R.
Published: April 2023

The focus of the symposium is adaption‐innovation (A‐I) theory, as it relates to solving problems with cognitive diversity. The intent of the current article is to introduce adaption‐innovation theory; its beginning and key elements. The symposium specifically focuses on implications for adaptive leadership, inclusion, wicked problems, and business.
Antiandrogens for the treatment of COVID‐19 patients: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Cheema Huzaifa Ahmad , Rehman Aqeeb Ur , Elrashedy Asmaa Ahmed , Mohsin Aleenah , Shahid Abia , Ehsan Muhammad , Ayyan Muhammad , Ismail Heba , Almas Talal
Published: April 2023

Antiandrogens may carry a potential benefit as a therapeutic agent against COVID‐19. However, studies have been yielding mixed results, thus hindering any objective recommendations. This necessitates a quantitative synthesis of data to quantify the benefits of antiandrogens. We systematically searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, clinical trial registers, and reference lists of included studies to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Results from the trials were pooled using a random‐effects model and outcomes were reported as risk ratios (RR) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Fourteen RCTs with a total sample size of 2593 patients were included. Antiandrogens yielded a significant mortality benefit (RR 0.37; 95% CI; 0.25–0.55). However, on subgroup analysis, only proxalutamide/enzalutamide and sabizabulin were found to significantly reduce mortality (RR 0.22, 95% CI: 0.16–0.30 and RR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.26–0.68, respectively), while aldosterone receptor antagonists and antigonadotropins did not show any benefit. No significant between‐group difference was found in the early or late initiation of therapy. Antiandrogens also reduced hospitalizations and the duration of hospital stay, and improved recovery rates. Proxalutamide and sabizabulin may be effective against COVID‐19, however, further large‐scale trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Proinflammatory mediators in lipid emulsions and parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease: Review of leading factors
Authors: Driscoll David F.
Published: April 2023

Lipid injectable emulsions have been in clinical use for over 60 years. The first product launched was Intralipid, which consisted of an emulsion of soybean oil in water for intravenous administration. It was a key source of essential fatty acids and an alternative source of energy for patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction requiring long‐term parenteral nutrition. With clinical experience, a condition known as parenteral nutrition–associated liver disease (PNALD), or intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD), was observed, with a focus on carbohydrate and fat energy. Modifying the daily doses and infusion rates had some salutary effects, but PNALD persisted. Subsequently, on closer inspection of the fatty acids profile and phytosterol concentrations, degradation products arising from chemical and physical stability issues of the available lipid injectable emulsions were implicated. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration convened an online workshop entitled “The Role of Phytosterols in PNALD/IFALD,” with an emphasis on (1) the multifactorial pathophysiology of PNALD/IFALD, (2) risk associated with phytosterols, and (3) regulatory history. The scope of this review includes the multifactorial pathophysiology of PNALD/IFALD as it relates to the pharmaceutical aspects of the various lipid injectable emulsions on the market, with respect to potential proinflammatory components, as well as physical and chemical stability issues that may also affect products' safe intravenous administration to patients.
Prognostic value of a composite outcome measure for periodontal stability following periodontal regenerative treatment: A retrospective analysis at 4 years
Authors: Simonelli Anna , Farina Roberto , Minenna Luigi , Tomasi Cristiano , Trombelli Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Background

Recently, a composite outcome measure (COM) was proposed to describe the short‐term results of periodontal regenerative treatment. The present retrospective study aimed at evaluating the prognostic value of COM on clinical attachment level (CAL) change over a 4‐year period of supportive periodontal care (SPC).

Methods

Seventy‐four intraosseous defects in 59 patients were evaluated at 6 months and 4 years following regenerative treatment. Based on 6‐month CAL change and probing depth (PD), defects were classified as: COM1 (CAL gain ≥3 mm, PD ≤4 mm); COM2 (CAL gain <3 mm, PD ≤4 mm); COM3 (CAL gain ≥3 mm, PD >4 mm); or COM4 (CAL gain <3 mm, PD >4 mm). COM groups were compared for “stability” (i.e., CAL gain, no change in CAL or CAL loss <1 mm) at 4 years. Also, groups were compared for mean change in PD and CAL, need for surgical retreatment, and tooth survival.

Results

At 4 years, the proportion of stable defects in COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4 group was 69.2%, 75%, 50%, and 28.6%, respectively, with a substantially higher probability for a defect to show stability for COM1, COM2, and COM3 compared with COM4 (odds ratio 4.6, 9.1, and 2.4, respectively). Although higher prevalence of surgical reinterventions and lower tooth survival were observed in COM4, no significant differences were detected among COM groups.

Conclusions

COM may be of value in predicting CAL change at sites undergoing SPC following periodontal regenerative surgery. Studies on larger cohorts, however, are needed to substantiate the present findings.
A novel protocol for quantitative determination of 1,4‐dioxane in finished cleaning products
Authors: Palumbo Brian , Conrad‐Vlasak Deena , Stanton Kathleen
Published: April 2023

A novel method to quantify 1,4‐dioxane in finished cleaning products using headspace gas chromatograph with mass spectrometry (HS GC/MS), single ion monitoring, and a fully deuterated internal standard has been developed. The method generates very linear calibration curves with a R2 of at least 0.99, excellent accuracy with spike/recovery of 97%–102%, and effective precision of 1%–7%RSD for different cleaning products. The method also produces an instrument limit of quantitation (LOQ) of <20 ppb, and sample LOQ of <100 ppb. The method robustness was demonstrated with a ten‐lab round‐robin exercise that showed that even with some unexpected deviations from the method, excellent analytical results were obtained from the different labs. This new method will be valuable to evaluate consumer products impacted by government regulation to limit 1,4‐dioxane concentrations in complex matrices.
Amino acid carbon isotope fingerprints are unique among eukaryotic microalgal taxonomic groups
Authors: Stahl Angela R. , Rynearson Tatiana A. , McMahon Kelton W.
Published: April 2023

Eukaryotic microalgae play critical roles in the structure and function of marine food webs. The contribution of microalgae to food webs can be tracked using compound‐specific isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA). Previous CSIA‐AA studies have defined eukaryotic microalgae as a single functional group in food web mixing models, despite their vast taxonomic and ecological diversity. Using controlled cultures, this work characterizes the amino acid δ13C (δ13CAA) fingerprints—a multivariate metric of amino acid carbon isotope values—of four major groups of eukaryotic microalgae: diatoms, dinoflagellates, raphidophytes, and prasinophytes. We found excellent separation of essential amino acid δ13C (δ13CEAA) fingerprints among four microalgal groups (mean posterior probability reclassification of 99.2 ± 2.9%). We also quantified temperature effects, a primary driver of microalgal bulk carbon isotope variability, on the fidelity of δ13CAA fingerprints. A 10°C range in temperature conditions did not have significant impacts on variance in δ13CAA values or the diagnostic microalgal δ13CEAA fingerprints. These δ13CEAA fingerprints were used to identify primary producers at the base of food webs supporting consumers in two contrasting systems: (1) penguins feeding in a diatom‐based food web and (2) mixotrophic corals receiving amino acids directly from autotrophic endosymbiotic dinoflagellates and indirectly from water column diatoms, prasinophytes, and cyanobacteria, likely via heterotrophic feeding on zooplankton. The increased taxonomic specificity of CSIA‐AA fingerprints developed here will greatly improve future efforts to reconstruct the contribution of diverse eukaryotic microalgae to the sources and cycling of organic matter in food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycling studies.
A Novel Strategy as a Potential Rapid Therapy Modality in the Treatment of Corneal Ulcers: Fluconazole/Vancomycin Dual Drug‐Loaded Nanofibrous Patches
Authors: Cesur Sumeyye , Ilhan Elif , Pilavci Esra , Sulutas Rabia Betul , Gurboga Merve , Bingol Ozakpinar Ozlem , Kaya Elif , Heljak Marcin , Bosgelmez Tinaz Gulgun , Oktar Faik Nuzhet , Gunduz Oguzhan , Kijeńska‐Gawrońska Ewa
Published: April 2023

Corneal ulcer, which is brought on by a breach in the epithelial barrier, is a dangerous infection of the avascular corneal stroma. New treatment strategies are needed, suppressing the aggressive nature of the disease and including a combination of different drugs. In this study, vancomycin (VAN) and fluconazole (FLU) dual‐drug loaded dual‐layered polyvinyl alcohol and gelatin (PVA/GEL) nanofibrous patches are produced by electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show smooth surfaces are obtained for both pure and drug‐loaded nanofibrous patches. The tensile test results report that loading the FLU and VAN separately into the PVA/GEL patches decrease both the tensile strength and elongation at break and it is further reduced when combining two drug‐loaded layers in one patch. According to drug release results, the FLU and VAN‐loaded nanofibrous patches show a controlled release profile extending up to 96 h. Moreover, PVA/GEL/FLU, PVA/GEL/VAN, and PVA/GEL/FLU/VAN nanofibrous patches display significant antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus. SEM, 4'‐6diamidynofenyloindol (DAPI) staining, and 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay show that PVA/FLU and PVA/GEL/FLU/VAN nanofibrous patches have a superior effect on NIH3T3 cell spreading and proliferation. The novelty of this study lays in the development of a potential dual drug rapid treatment for corneal ulcers of aggressive nature.
Retracted: A Photoclick Thiol‐Ene Collagen‐Based Hydrogel Platform for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Holmes Roisin , Yang Xuebin B. , Wood David J. , Tronci Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

UV‐cured collagen‐based hydrogels hold promise in skeletal muscle regeneration due to their soft elastic properties and porous architecture. However, the complex triple helix conformation of collagen and environmental conditions, i.e., molecular oxygen, pose risks to reaction controllability, wet‐state integrity, and reproducibility. To address this challenge, a photoclick hydrogel platform is presented through an oxygen‐insensitive thiol‐ene reaction between 2‐iminothiolane (2IT)‐functionalized type I collagen and multiarm, nonhomopolymerizable norbornene‐terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG). UV‐induced network formation is demonstrated by oscillatory time sweeps on the reacting thiol‐ene mixture, so that significantly increased storage moduli are measured and adjusted depending on the photoinitiator concentration. Variations in PEG functionality (4‐arm and 8‐arm) and PEG content generate hydrogels with skeletal muscle native stiffness (Ec = 1.3 ± 0.2‒11.5 ± 0.9 kPa), diffusion‐controlled swelling behavior and erosion‐driven degradability. In vitro, no cytotoxic effect is detected on C2C12 murine myoblasts, while myogenic differentiation is successfully accomplished on hydrogel‐seeded cells in then low serum culture medium. In vivo, 7 d subcutaneous implantation of selected thiol‐ene hydrogel in rats reveal higher cell infiltration, blood vessel formation, and denser tissue interface compared to a clinical gold standard collagen matrix (Mucograft, a trademark of Geistlich Biomaterials). These results, therefore, support the applicability and further development of this hydrogel platform for skeletal muscle regeneration.
Consumer–brand relationships and social distance: A construal level theory perspective
Authors: Luan Jing , Filieri Raffaele , Xiao Jie , Sun Yue
Published: April 2023

Brands are increasingly struggling to establish and maintain strong relationships with their customers. But such relationship status is rare, and consumers are often relationship‐averse or satisfied with the relationship status quo. Drawing upon construal level theory (CLT) and consumer–brand relationship (CBR) literature, this study provides empirical support for the connection between CBRs and social distance and demonstrates that changes in CBRs foster variation of consumers' preferences to primary and secondary product features, which reflects their varying construal levels and consumer–brand social distances (study 1). Furthermore, we assessed whether the congruency between consumer–brand social distance and construal levels can contribute to more favorable product evaluations. Studies 2 and 3 reveal that when consumers are socially close to brands, product attributes (low‐level construal) exert a higher impact on product assessments, whereas when consumers are socially distant from the brand, price (high‐level construal) exerts a greater impact on product evaluations. Additionally, unlike the common belief that high prices lead to higher perceived quality, our findings suggest that a positive perception of a product attribute for low‐priced products leads to more favorable product evaluations. These results indicate that marketers can nurture existing CBRs for developing their communication strategy to achieve better consumer evaluations.
Does competition increase advertising?
Authors: Lai Tat‐kei , Ng Travis
Published: April 2023

In the Milgrom‐Roberts's advertising model, introducing the possibility to die before customers' repurchase alters the firm's advertising incentive to signal hidden product quality. Two opposing forces result, one mechanical and the other strategic. Depending on their relative strengths, the equilibrium advertising can either rise or fall. To the extent that competition threatens firms' survival, our result explains the mixed findings on the causal effects of competition on advertising. Introducing firm deaths in their model offers a new test of whether advertising signals quality, still an unsettled empirical question since Nelson first articulates advertising as a signal in 1974.
Analysis of GJB2 gene mutations spectrum and the characteristics of individuals with c.109G>A in Western Guangdong
Authors: Liang Shaoming , Li Weihong , Chen Zhichao , Yuan Shimin , Wang Zhao
Published: April 2023

Background

GJB2 mutations are among the most important causes of deafness, and their prevalence varies greatly among different countries and ethnic groups. This study aimed to determine the pathogenic mutation spectrum of GJB2 in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) in Western Guangdong and to explore the pathogenic characteristics of the c.109G>A locus.

Methods

In total, 97 NSHL patients and 212 normal controls (NC) were included in this study. Genetic sequencing analyses were performed on GJB2.

Results

In the NSHL group, the main pathogenic mutations in GJB2 were as follows: c.109G>A, c.235delC, and c.299_300delAT with allele frequencies of 9.28%, 4.12%, and 2.06%, respectively. c.109G>A was the most frequently detected pathogenic mutation in this region. In the NC group, the allele frequency of c.109G>A among 30–50 years old subjects was markedly lower than that among 0–30 years old subjects (5.31% vs. 11.11%, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We found the pathogenic mutation spectrum of GJB2 in this region and showed that c.109G>A was the most common GJB2 mutation with unique characteristics, such as clinical phenotypic heterogeneity and delayed onset. Therefore, the c.109G>A mutation should be considered as an essential marker for routine genetic assessment of deafness, which can also be beneficial for preventing deafness.
Mathematical modeling of pest resistance to insecticides in a heterogeneous environment
Authors: Khadidja Aicha Kada , Bedreddine Ainseba , Sidi Mohammed Bouguima
Published: April 2023

Insecticides are an effective tool for controlling grapevine moths such as Lobesia botrana. However, when massive use of insecticides, pests develop resistance because of selection of resistant individuals of the population and/or because of natural mutation. The main question is then to define a strategic pest management with respect to time and space. In the first part of this work, we present a model without spatial structure describing the dynamics of insects including its resistance to insecticides. In the second part, we include in the model dispersal between different space patches. Individuals can move from one patch to another at a fast time scale with respect to the demographical time scale. Using this model, we aim to understand the main characteristics leading to persistence or extinction of the insect pest population. We establish global stability results. Numerical simulations provide some interesting insights on the dynamics of the pest population.
Threshold dynamics for an age‐structured heroin epidemic model with distributed delays
Authors: Djilali Salih , Bentout Soufiane , Touaoula Tarik Mohamed , Atangana Abdon
Published: April 2023

We introduce, in this paper, a delayed hybrid epidemic model describing the evolution of heroin addiction in a given population. The main objective of our mathematical analysis will be to provide the global behavior of the solutions. To the best of our knowledge, there are no results about the global dynamics of such a model containing both age structure and distributed time delay. We will prove that our model has threshold dynamics in terms of the basic reproduction number . It will be established that for , the addiction‐free equilibrium is globally stable and for , the endemic equilibrium is globally stable. The theoretical results are checked numerically. Especially, we focus on the influence of the addiction rate on the population dynamic.
Coupled system of three sequential Caputo fractional differential equations: Existence and stability analysis
Authors: Ganie Abdul Hamid , Houas Mohamed , AlBaidani Mashael M. , Fathima Dowlath
Published: April 2023

Recently, many studies on fractional coupled systems involving different sequential fractional derivatives have appeared during the past several years. The paper is dealing with a coupled system of three sequential Caputo fractional differential equations, and the designed system absorbs none of the commutativity and the semigroup properties. The Banach contraction principle is used for proving the existence and uniqueness results. We prove the existence of at least one is obtained by using the Leray–Schauder alternative. The Ulam–Hyers–Rassias stability of the considered system is defined and discussed. An illustrative example is also presented.
Physics‐based iterative scheme for computing antenna array embedded element patterns
Authors: Chose Matthews , Conradie André S. , Cilliers Pierre I. , Botha Matthys M.
Published: April 2023

Rigorously accounting for mutual coupling effects in antenna array synthesis, generally requires that embedded element patterns (EEPs) be determined. The method of moments (MoM) is typically used. Multiple linear system solutions are required, corresponding to every excitation vector associated with an EEP. This paper presents the direct coupling technique (DCT) to obtain the MoM solution for arrays with disjoint elements, by iteratively solving a series of localized subproblems, one associated with each array element. It utilizes a physics‐based, direct‐coupling approximation to incorporate global coupling into the local problems. Local matrices do not change between iterations or with excitation vectors, hence they can be inverted as a preprocessing step, allowing for efficient solution of multiple excitation configurations. Numerical results demonstrate rapid convergence. The convergence rate can be controlled via local problem domain sizing. Since the DCT is ideally suited to parallelization, it is applicable to very large arrays.
Wideband second‐order bandpass frequency selective surface with high selectivity
Authors: Zhao Minxin , Li Huangyan , Wu Zhen , Wang Bin , Min Xiaofan , Cao Qunsheng
Published: April 2023

A wideband second‐order bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS), which is composed of three metallic arrays and two dielectric substrate layers, is proposed in this paper. The proposed design has high selectivity and wide passband properties simultaneously and is insensitive to incident angles and different polarizations. The equivalent circuit method and field distribution are analyzed to explain the mechanism of the proposed design. A prototype is fabricated and measured, demonstrating a well wideband second‐order passband ranging from 4.8 to 8.8 GHz with 58.8% bandwidth (−3 dB), and the insertion loss (IL) in‐band is less than 0.4 dB. Meanwhile, the transitional bands at both sides of the passband are 0.64 GHz (9.4%) and 0.6 GHz (8.8%), respectively. Moreover, the frequency responses of the proposed structure are stable up to 60° for both TE and TM polarizations.
Innovative integration of augmented reality and optical surface imaging: A coarse‐to‐precise system for radiotherapy positioning
Authors: Zhang Gongsen , Jiang Zejun , Zhu Jian , Dai Tianyuan , He Xiaolong , Liu Xinchao , Chang Yankui , Wang Linlin
Published: April 2023

Background

Traditional methods of radiotherapy positioning have shortcomings such as fragile skin‐markers, additional doses, and lack of information integration. Emerging technologies may provide alternatives for the relevant clinical practice.

Purpose

To propose a noninvasive radiotherapy positioning system integrating augmented reality (AR) and optical surface, and to evaluate its feasibility in clinical workflow.

Methods

AR and structured light‐based surface were integrated to implement the coarse‐to‐precise positioning through two coherent steps, the AR‐based coarse guidance and the optical surface‐based precise verification. To implement quality assurance, recognition of face and pattern was used for patient authentication, case association, and accessory validation in AR scenes. The holographic images reconstructed from simulation computed tomography (CT) images, guided the initial posture correction by virtual‐real alignment. The point clouds of body surface were fused, with the calibration and pose estimation of structured light cameras, and segmented according to the preset regions of interest (ROIs). The global‐to‐local registration for cross‐source point clouds was achieved to calculate couch shifts in six degrees‐of‐freedom (DoF), which were ultimately transmitted to AR scenes. The evaluation based on phantom and human‐body (4 volunteers) included, (i) quality assurance workflow, (ii) errors of both steps and correlation analysis, (iii) receiver operating characteristic (ROC), (iv) distance characteristics of accuracy, and (v) clinical positioning efficiency.

Results

The maximum errors in phantom evaluation were 3.4 ± 2.5 mm in Vrt and 1.4 ± 1.0° in Pitch for the coarse guidance step, while 1.6 ± 0.9 mm in Vrt and 0.6 ± 0.4° in Pitch for the precise verification step. The Pearson correlation coefficients between precise verification and cone beam CT (CBCT) results were distributed in the interval [0.81, 0.85]. In ROC analysis, the areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.87 and 0.89 for translation and rotation, respectively. In human body‐based evaluation, the errors of thorax and abdomen (T&A) were significantly greater than those of head and neck (H&N) in Vrt (2.6 ± 1.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.01), Lng (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 1.4 ± 0.9, p < 0.01), and Rtn (0.8 ± 0.4 vs. 0.6 ± 0.3, p = 0.01) while relatively similar in Lat (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, p = 0.07). The translation displacement range, after coarse guidance step, required for high accuracy of the optical surface component of the integrated system was 0–42 mm, and the average positioning duration of the integrated system was significantly less than that of conventional workflow (355.7 ± 21.7 vs. 387.7 ± 26.6 s, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The combination of AR and optical surface has utility and feasibility for patient positioning, in terms of both safety and accuracy.
Mechanical Properties and Blocking Resistance of Films Cast from Core–Shell Latex Particles
Authors: Perez Adrián , Kynaston Emily , Lindsay Christopher , Ballard Nicholas
Published: April 2023

The mechanical properties and blocking resistance of films cast from latex particles can be improved by addition of a reinforcing polymer of high modulus that acts as a “hard” phase. This work demonstrates that blocking resistance, a key performance parameter for use in coatings, of such films can be understood in terms of the relative contribution of the “hard” and “soft” components to the rheological properties of the material. In order to do so, representative latexes that contain a semicrystalline core of poly(stearyl acrylate) as a reinforcing phase and a shell of amorphous poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate) are synthesized. By varying the composition of the amorphous phase (glass transition temperature, molar mass) and the relative amorphous/semicrystalline fraction, it is demonstrated that the improvement in blocking resistance is strongly correlated with the increase in the modulus of the material but is also affected by the dynamics of polymer diffusion of chains in the soft phase. This work allows to establish design rules for polymer and colloidal structures that can be targeted to maximize blocking resistance.
Reconstruct lower‐dimensional crack paths from phase‐field point cloud
Authors: Xu Yue , You Tao , Zhu Qizhi
Published: April 2023

Because of the smeared representation of phase‐field fracture, reconstructing lower‐dimensional crack paths is challenging, which may impede the further applications of the phase‐field method in the modeling of fault friction and fluid flow in fracture. In the present work, we propose to capture the crack curves or surfaces from two‐dimensional or three‐dimensional phase‐field point cloud using an optimized ridge regression algorithm, and k‐nearest neighbor and principal component analysis are used to estimate the normal direction of each segment on the identified discrete crack path. The sensitivity and computational efficiency of the proposed method are investigated thoroughly. Subsequently, this method is extended to reconstruct the complex discrete fracture networks. Finally, several benchmarks for fracture, fault friction and fluid flow problems are presented to demonstrate the strength of the proposed approach.
The experiences of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis of their decision‐making processes to invasive home mechanical ventilation—A qualitative study
Authors: Thorborg Tina , Finderup Jeanette , Winther Dorte Skriver , Lorenzen Charlotte Kirkegaard , Dreyer Pia
Published: April 2023

Aim

To explore and gain knowledge of the experiences and needs among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) of their decision‐making processes whether to choose invasive home mechanical ventilation or not.

Design

A qualitative study.

Methods

A phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach influenced by Ricoeur's interpretation theory was used. Seven patients with ALS were interviewed. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used for reporting.

Results

Three themes were evident in patients' accounts of the decision‐making process: (1) being taken care of directly after receiving the diagnosis, (2) living in uncertainty about what the future would bring and (3) doubt causing patients with ALS to change their minds. Patients with ALS were burdened with everyday life challenging decision‐making processes about future treatment and doubt caused patients to change their minds about their future treatment. It is necessary to support patients in their decision‐making processes using shared decision‐making.

Patient or Public Contribution

No Patient or Public Contribution.
The Effect of Safety Net Generosity on Maternal Mental Health and Risky Health Behaviors
Authors: Schmidt Lucie , Shore‐Sheppard Lara , Watson Tara
Published: April 2023

Single mothers are more likely to experience mental health problems and stress‐related negative health behaviors than their married counterparts, but a more generous safety net may improve these outcomes. We use a simulated safety net eligibility approach that accounts for interactions across safety net programs and relies on changing policies across states and time to identify causal effects of safety net generosity on psychological distress and risky behaviors of single mothers. Results suggest that a more generous safety net is protective of maternal mental health: a $1,000 increase to the simulated potential combined cash and food benefit package reduces severe psychological distress by 8.4 percent. Breaking out effects by individual programs while still controlling for potential benefits from other programs, we find protective effects of tax credits, cash benefits provided by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and food benefits provided by Supplemental Nutritional Assistance, but no effects of Medicaid eligibility. The effects are primarily driven by single mothers with the lowest levels of education. We find no significant effects of generosity on daily smoking, but we find evidence that benefits reduce the likelihood of heavy drinking. Results suggest that government investments in resources available to low‐income families can be effective at improving well‐being.
Dynamic viscoelastic behavior and interlaminar performance of glass/epoxy composites with binary nano‐fillers at different in‐situ elevated temperature environments
Authors: Shubham  , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra
Published: April 2023

For commercial civil applications of laminated composite material, characterizations to forecast the interlaminar shear behavior and viscoelastic response across a wide temperature range are essential. In this study, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of glass/epoxy (GE) composites dispersed with binary nanofillers nanosilica‐multilayer graphene (NS‐MLG) and nanosilica‐nanoclay (NS‐NC) was analyzed at an in‐situ testing temperature of 20, 70, and 110°C. Further, the viscoelastic property of the composites was studied using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) in the temperature range of 35–165°C. An increase in the ILSS value of around 9% and 10% was observed at room temperature for GE/MLG‐NS and GE/NC‐NS, respectively, compared to control GE composites. In contrast, the trend was seen to change at higher temperatures. There was a slight decrement in the storage modulus (E′) of GE/MLG‐NS and GE/NC‐NS composites in the glassy region compared to control GE composites. The mean Tg of the GE composite (control) was nearly 107.3°C when the E′ decline onset temperature was taken into account, but after the addition of MLG‐NS, it was 10.1°C below. The mean Tg of GE/NC‐NS was determined to be 106.3°C, and in the glass transition as well as rubbery regions, it was observed to compete with the E′ value of the control GE composites. Fractography was done using micrographs obtained from environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Traces of polymeric material found at the fiber surface certified the improved interfacial adhesion between glass fiber and polymer in the matrix‐modified composite samples.
Bias in observational studies on the effectiveness of in hospital use of hydroxychloroquine in COVID‐19
Authors: Hempenius Mirjam , Bots Sophie H. , Groenwold Rolf H. H. , de Boer Anthonius , Klungel Olaf H. , Gardarsdottir Helga
Published: April 2023

Purpose

During the first waves of the coronavirus pandemic, evidence on potential effective treatments was urgently needed. Results from observational studies on the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) were conflicting, potentially due to biases. We aimed to assess the quality of observational studies on HCQ and its relation to effect sizes.

Methods

PubMed was searched on 15 March 2021 for observational studies on the effectiveness of in‐hospital use of HCQ in COVID‐19 patients, published between 01/01/2020 and 01/03/2021 on. Study quality was assessed using the ROBINS‐I tool. Association between study quality and study characteristics (journal ranking, publication date, and time between submission and publication) and differences between effects sizes found in observational studies compared to those found in RCTs, were assessed using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Eighteen of the 33 (55%) included observational studies were scored as critical risk of bias, eleven (33%) as serious risk and only four (12%) as moderate risk of bias. Biases were most often scored as critical in the domains related to selection of participants (n = 13, 39%) and bias due to confounding (n = 8, 24%). There were no significant associations found between the study quality and the characteristics nor between the study quality and the effect estimates.

Discussion

Overall, the quality of observational HCQ studies was heterogeneous. Synthesis of evidence of effectiveness of HCQ in COVID‐19 should focus on RCTs and carefully consider the added value and quality of observational evidence.
Improving learning science: Evaluating and comparing academic interventions using measures of learning speed
Authors: Skinner Christopher H. , Fowler Kristen , Cates Gary L. , Poncy Brain , Duhon Gary J. , Solomon Benjamin G. , Belfiore Phillip J.
Published: April 2023

Measures of learning speed (i.e., the amount of learning/cumulative time learner spends engaged in an intervention) are rarely included in research designed to evaluate and compare academic interventions. We build a case that includes analyses of learning speed metrics in academic intervention research can provide more useful information for prevention and remediation efforts, deter researchers from drawing misleading data‐based conclusions, and promote scientific parsimony. Research is reviewed where the same learning data is analyzed across different metrics (i.e., same amount of learning, different measurement scales) including learning per event, learning speed, and growth. Patterns are analyzed and examples are provided that demonstrate how altering metrics can influence relative effectiveness conclusions and applied recommendations when researchers compare two or more interventions, conduct component analysis or optimization studies, and apply meta‐analytic techniques. Opportunity costs for learners, educators, and learning scientists that may be caused by failure to measure learning speed are identified and analyzed. Our review and analyses support the conclusion that, in most instances, researchers can better inform prevention and remediation efforts by including precise measures of learning speed as dependent variables when they evaluate and compare interventions designed to enhance academic skills. Limitations and challenges associated with measuring learning speed are described and directions for future research are provided.
Perceived school climate and adolescent behaviors among Chinese adolescents: Mediating effect of social‐emotional learning competencies
Authors: Pan Yangu , Liang Shuang , Shek Daniel T. L. , Zhou Di , Lin Xueqin
Published: April 2023

Although school climate plays an important role in the development of adolescent prosocial behaviors and problem behaviors, little is known about the mechanisms underlying school climate's impact on such behaviors, particularly in Chinese adolescents. This study used a multi‐informant approach to investigate the mediating role of social‐emotional learning (SEL) competencies on the association of school climate with prosocial behaviors and problem behaviors (i.e., internalizing and externalizing behaviors) among Chinese adolescents. A total of 699 students (Mage = 12.89 years, SD = 0.70) in 7th and 8th grades from three middle schools in Chengdu, China completed measures of perceived school climate and SEL competencies. Their guardians also completed ratings on adolescent prosocial and problem behaviors. As predicted, while perceived school climate was positively associated with adolescent prosocial behaviors, it was negatively related to adolescent internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Analyses using PROCESS further showed that SEL competencies mediated the relationship between perceived school climate and adolescent behaviors. The findings underscored the importance of promoting positive school climate as well as SEL competencies to foster positive adolescent development.
A deep learning model for predicting optimal distance range in crosslinking mass spectrometry data
Authors: Cohen Shon , Schneidman‐Duhovny Dina
Published: April 2023

Macromolecular assemblies play an important role in all cellular processes. While there has recently been significant progress in protein structure prediction based on deep learning, large protein complexes cannot be predicted with these approaches. The integrative structure modeling approach characterizes multi‐subunit complexes by computational integration of data from fast and accessible experimental techniques. Crosslinking mass spectrometry is one such technique that provides spatial information about the proximity of crosslinked residues. One of the challenges in interpreting crosslinking datasets is designing a scoring function that, given a structure, can quantify how well it fits the data. Most approaches set an upper bound on the distance between Cα atoms of crosslinked residues and calculate a fraction of satisfied crosslinks. However, the distance spanned by the crosslinker greatly depends on the neighborhood of the crosslinked residues. Here, we design a deep learning model for predicting the optimal distance range for a crosslinked residue pair based on the structures of their neighborhoods. We find that our model can predict the distance range with the area under the receiver‐operator curve of 0.86 and 0.7 for intra‐ and inter‐protein crosslinks, respectively. Our deep scoring function can be used in a range of structure modeling applications.
Electronegative clusters modulate folding status and RNA binding of unstructured RNA‐binding proteins
Authors: Zaharias Steve , Fargason Talia , Greer Rory , Song Yuhua , Zhang Jun
Published: April 2023

Electronegative clusters (ENCs) made up of acidic residues and/or phosphorylation sites are the most abundant repetitive sequences in RNA‐binding proteins. Previous studies have indicated that ENCs inhibit RNA binding for structured RNA‐binding domains (RBDs). However, this is not the case for the unstructured RBD in histone pre‐mRNA stem‐loop binding protein (SLBP). The SLBP RBD contains 70 amino acids and is followed by a phosphorylatable ENC. ENC phosphorylation increases RNA‐binding affinity of SLBP to the sub‐picomolar range. In this study, we use NMR and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the mechanism for this tight binding. Our NMR data demonstrate that the ENC transiently folds apo SLBP into an RNA‐bound resembling state. We find that in the RNA‐bound state, the phosphorylated ENC interacts with the loop region opposite to the RNA‐binding site. This allosteric interaction stabilizes the complex and therefore enhances RNA binding. To evaluate the generality of our findings, we graft an ENC onto endoribonuclease homolog 1's first double‐stranded RNA‐binding motif (DRBM1), an unstructured RBD that shares no homology with SLBP. We find that the engineered ENC increases the folded species of DRBM1 and inhibits RNA binding. On the contrary, introducing basic residues to DRBM1 makes the domain more unfolded, enhances RNA binding, and mitigates the inhibitory effect of the engineered ENC. In summary, our study suggests that ENCs promote folding of unstructured RNA‐binding domains, and their effects on RNA binding depend on the electropositive charges on the RBD surface.
Population PK/PD model of tacrolimus for exploring the relationship between accumulated exposure and quantitative scores in myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Chen Di , Yao Qingyu , Chen Wenjun , Yin Jian , Hou Shifang , Tian Xiaoxin , Zhao Ming , Zhang Hua , Yang Liping , Zhou Tianyan , Jin Pengfei
Published: April 2023

Tacrolimus is an important immunosuppressant used in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). However, the population pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics together with the exposure‐response of tacrolimus in the treatment of MG remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to develop a population PK/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of tacrolimus in patients with MG, in order to explore the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and its therapeutic efficacy. The genotype of CYP3A5, Osserman's classification, and status of thymus, as well as demographic characteristics and other biomarkers from laboratory testing were tested as covariate, and simulations were performed based on the final model. The population PK model was described using a one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination and fixed absorption parameters. CYP3A5 genotype significantly influenced the apparent clearance, and total protein (TP) influenced the apparent volume of distribution as covariates. The quantitative MG scores were characterized by the cumulated area under curve of tacrolimus in a maximum effect function. Osserman's classification was a significant covariate on the initial score of patients with MG. The simulations demonstrated that tacrolimus showed an unsatisfying effect possibly due to insufficient exposure in some patients with MG. A starting dose of 2 mg/d and even higher dose for patients with CYP3A5 *1/*1 and *1/*3 and lower TP level were required for the rapid action of tacrolimus. The population PK/PD model quantitatively described the relationships among tacrolimus dose, exposure, and therapeutic efficacy in patients with MG, which could provide reference for the optimization of tacrolimus dosing regimen at the individual patient level.
Optimization of the Hysteresis Effect in Superconductor Nb Open Nanotubes
Authors: Bogush Igor , Fomin Vladimir M.
Published: April 2023

Superconductor Nb open nanotubes are analyzed under a strong transport current in an external magnetic field using the time‐dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations. The geometric properties of the hysteresis loop in current–voltage characteristics are described for nanotubes of different radii from 190 to 440 nm as a function of the magnetic field. The hysteresis effect appears at a constant temperature as a result of the order parameter dynamics. In nanotubes of radii equal to 240 nm and larger, the area of the hysteresis loop manifests a non‐monotonic behavior as a function of the external magnetic field with a maximum ranging from 15 to 20 mT. Normal conductivity is shown to have a crucial impact on the hysteresis effect in superconductor open nanotubes. Namely, a higher normal conductivity leads to the disappearance of the hysteresis effect. As a rule, the upper and lower branches of the hysteresis loop are provided by the phase‐slip and vortex regimes, correspondingly. Just before the transition of the system from the upper branch to the lower one, the way of nucleation and annihilation of vortices in the region with suppressed superconductivity experiences readjustment.
Metal‐Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Aluminum Yttrium Nitride
Authors: Leone Stefano , Streicher Isabel , Prescher Mario , Straňák Patrik , Kirste Lutz
Published: April 2023

Transition metal nitrides, namely group 3 (Sc and Y) elements alloyed with AlN, are predicted to enhance several characteristics of wurtzite semiconducting nitrides, thanks to the presence of 3dorbitals and the distortion introduced in the lattice by the large metals. While AlScN is actively researched and grown by several techniques, and already many applications benefit from the enhanced piezoelectric and ferroelectric characteristics of this material. There are very few experimental reports on AlYN and several promising theoretical studies. The growth of AlYN by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) is reported for the first time. Parameters such as the growth temperature, yttrium concentration in the alloy, and the effect of the underlying template on the epitaxial growth are studied. Structural and morphological characterizations of the epitaxial layers show that the growth of wurtzite AlYN with Y concentration up to 30% can be achieved, but cubic inclusions are formed by raising the growth temperature or the yttrium concentration. Impurities in the precursors and oxidation effects are discussed as well.