bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRACP‐5b/BAPScore After 3 Months of Treatment With CombinedSERM/E2Therapy Can Predict Changes in Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density After 1 Year of Treatment in Early Postmenopausal Osteopenia
Authors: Ota Ikuko , Ota Yoshiaki , Ota Kuniaki , Eda Homare , Ohta Hiroaki
Published: October 2022

Although changes in bone mineral density (BMD) are important indexes in osteoporosis treatment, no markers are available to predict them. Given the importance of assessing the therapeutic windows of antiresorptives, we explored potential biomarkers of bone remodeling in patients receiving treatment for osteopenia. Postmenopausal women with osteopenia (defined as a lumbar BMDT‐score <−1.0 standard deviation (SD) below that of a reference population but >−2.5 SD) were administered estradiol 1 mg/d and bazedoxifene 20 mg/d. After 3 months of treatment, we evaluated their ratio of serum bone‐specific tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase to bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TRACP‐5b/BAP), which is widely used for evaluating bone turnover in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis in Japan because their minimum significant changes are smaller than other bone turnover markers such as carboxy‐terminal collagen cross‐links (CTX) or N‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP) and thus, accurately reflect bone turnover. After 1 year of treatment, we assessed changes in lumbar BMD. The cut‐off TRACP‐5b/BAP scores for a ≤−2% decrease and ≥2% increase in lumbar spine BMD were 38.4 and 29.0, respectively. The TRACP‐5b/BAP scores were associated with significantly greater areas under the curve than the other evaluated parameters. These results suggest that the TRACP‐5b/BAP score after 3 months of osteopenia treatment can predict changes in lumbar BMD after 1 year of treatment. Moreover, a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of TRACP‐5b/BAP scores after 3 months of antiresorptive therapy and percent changes in BMD at 1 year revealed that the TRACP‐5b/BAP score, as an index of the balance between bone resorption and formation markers, has the potential to serve as a modulator of the anabolic window reflective of bone remodeling. This study's findings also suggested a role for TRACP‐5b/BAP score as a predictor of a non‐response to antiresorptive therapy, thus offering health economic implications for osteoporosis treatment. © 2022 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hypoxia‐induced reprogrammed myoblasts enhance the formation of neuromuscular junctions: A pioneer study
Authors: Tolsma Rachael , Pan Haiying , Harris Loyall , Spitsbergen John M. , Li Yong
Published: October 2022

We previously reported that muscle cells could reprogram into progenitors after traumatic injuries. These injury‐induced muscle stem cells (iMuSCs) have increased migration and differentiation capacities, including neuronal differentiation. Recent studies in our laboratory suggest that the hypoxia‐induced by tissue injury plays an essential role in the reprogramming process of muscle cells. We hypothesize that muscle cells reprogrammed with hypoxia have increased neuronal differentiation potentials and the neuronal differentiation extends into the formation of neuromuscular junction (NMJ)‐like structures. In this study, C2C12 myoblasts were cultured under hypoxic conditions and subsequently in neural differentiation media to generate neurospheres, and then with muscle differentiation media to induce NMJ‐like structure formation. Hypoxia‐induced muscle cells also produced more robust NMJs compared to controls after intramuscular cell transplantation. Our results suggest hypoxia plays a role in the reprogramming of muscle stem cells, which may have the potential to form neuromuscular junctions and ultimately contribute to functional muscle healing.
Synthesis and characterization of potential impurities of ezetimibe
Authors: Satheesh Deekonda , Devi Dharmasoth Rama , Basavaiah Keloth , Sreenivasulu B. , Reddy Bhavanam Sekhara , Aegurla Balakrishna , Kumar Pallerla Satish , Guduri Anil Kumar , Chavakula Ramadas
Published: October 2022

Ezetimibe is an azetidinone derivative and a substituted β‐lactam, it is a hypolipidemic agent, and a drug substance that lowers the cholesterol levels in our body. The present work describes the origin, synthesis, and characterization of three impurities of ezetimibe, which are also positional isomers and/or related substances of ezetimibe. viz: o‐Fluoro benzene isomer, m‐Fluoro aniline analog, and des‐fluoro aniline analogs of ezetimibe.
Recent weakening relationship between the springtime Indo‐Pacific warm pool SST zonal gradient and the subsequent summertime western Pacific subtropical high
Authors: Gan Qiuying , Wang Lei , Leung Jeremy Cheuk‐Hin , Weng Jinwen , Zhang Banglin
Published: October 2022

The western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) substantially affects the climate in the Pacific and East Asia. Previous studies have revealed that the springtime Indo‐Pacific warm pool (IPWP) sea surface temperature zonal gradient (SSTG) could be used as a predictor of the subsequent summertime WPSH's intensity. Here, we find that the interannual variability of the springtime IPWP SSTG has greatly decreased after the late 1990s, accompanied by the weakened relationship between the springtime IPWP SSTG and the following summertime WPSH, which may reduce the efficiency of the springtime IPWP SSTG as a key predictor for the summertime WPSH in recent decades. This observed recent weakening IPWP SSTG–WPSH relationship could be largely contributed by the decadal shift of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the WPSH around the late 1990s. The ENSO regime shift from the eastern Pacific (EP) type to the central Pacific (CP) type could alter the spatial pattern of the springtime IPWP sea surface temperature (SST) dipole and further weaken the local air–sea interaction between the underlying IPWP SST and the WPSH. From another perspective of the WPSH decadal shift, the WPSH‐related first leading mode before (after) the late 1990s, characterized by a large‐scale uniform (dipole) pattern with an oscillating period of ~4–5 year (~2–3 year), tended to promote a stronger (weaker) linkage with the springtime IPWP SSTG. In addition, the recent enhancement of the tropical Atlantic SST influences is considered to possibly promote the decadal shifts of the ENSO and the WPSH‐related leading mode. After the springtime tropical Atlantic SST was added as a predictor, the predicting skills of the empirical equation for the summertime WPSH could be substantially improved. The results herein have important implications for the further improvement of the seasonal WPSH prediction, which is of great practical significance in the prevention and mitigation of climate disasters.
Intravenous amino acids may mediate the adverse effect of early parenteral nutrition on mortality in critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation: A post hoc analysis of the NEED trial
Authors: Lin Jiajia , Liu Man , Huang Mingfeng , Ye Xianghong , Xu Yao , Lv Cheng , Liu Zirui , Liu Yuxiu , Tong Zhihui , Li Weiqin , Ke Lu ,   Chinese Critical Care Nutrition Trials Group (CCCNTG)
Published: October 2022

Background

There is controversy regarding the optimal timing of initiating parenteral nutrition (PN) in critically ill patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between early PN and clinical outcomes and explore the mediation effects of different macronutrients in a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of the NEED trial aiming to investigate the effect of implementing an evidence‐based feeding guideline in newly‐admitted critically ill patients. All eligible patients were divided into those who received early PN within the first 3 days of enrollment (early PN) or those who did not (non‐early PN). Propensity score matching with a one‐to‐one nearest neighbor‐matching algorithm was applied to control potential confounders. Mediation analysis was used to test the indirect effect of different macronutrients from PN on the relationship between early PN and 28‐day mortality.

Results

The propensity score matching created 370 matched pairs of 1154 patients that met the eligibility criteria. Compared with non‐early PN, patients receiving early PN had significantly higher 28‐day mortality (19.7% vs 12.4%; hazard ratio = 1.904; 95% CI, 1.063–3.410; P = 0.03). Mediation analysis showed that amino acids from early PN mediated 65% (mediation effect = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.02–0.13; P = 0.01) of the detrimental effect of early PN on the 28‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Early PN is associated with increased 28‐day mortality in critically ill patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. The detrimental effect may be mediated by intravenous amino acids from early PN.
A systematic review of oncological outcomes after nipple‐sparing mastectomy for breast cancer
Authors: Zaborowski Alexandra M. , Roe Simon , Rothwell Jane , Evoy Denis , Geraghty James , McCartan Damian , Prichard Ruth S.
Published: October 2022

Nipple‐sparing mastectomy is an alternative to skin‐sparing mastectomy in select patients. Increasing evidence supports its use in the setting of breast cancer, however concerns still exist regarding oncological safety. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate long‐term oncological outcomes of patients who underwent nipple‐sparing mastectomy for breast cancer. A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate oncological outcomes in patients with breast cancer who underwent nipple‐sparing mastectomy. Five major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane) were searched. The review included all original articles published in English reporting long‐term oncological outcomes. 2334 studies were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 retrospective studies involving 7107 patients were included. The indication for nipple‐sparing mastectomy was invasive carcinoma in 6069 patients (85.4%) and in situ disease in 1038 (14.6%). Median follow up was 48 months (range 25–94). The weighted mean rates of local recurrence and recurrence involving the nipple‐areola complex were 5.4% (0.9–11.9) and 1.3% (0–4.9), respectively. The weighted mean distant failure rate was 4.8% (1.5–23.0). Therapeutic nipple‐sparing mastectomy is oncologically safe in select patients with breast cancer.
Evaluating a learning health system initiative: Lessons learned during COVID‐19 in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Groot Gary , Witham Stephanie , Badea Andreea , Baer Susan , Dalidowicz Michelle , Reeder Bruce , Froh John , Carr Tracey
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Evaluating a learning health system (LHS) encourages continuous system improvement and collaboration within the healthcare system. Although LHS is a widely accepted concept, there is little knowledge about evaluating an LHS. To explore the outputs and outcomes of an LHS model, we evaluated the COVID‐19 Evidence Support Team (CEST) in Saskatchewan, Canada, an initiative to rapidly review scientific evidence about COVID‐19 for decision‐making. By evaluating this program during its formation, we explored how and to what extent the CEST initiative was used by stakeholders. An additional study aim was to understand how CEST could be applied as a functional LHS and the value of similar knowledge‐to‐action cycles.

Methods

Using a formative evaluation design, we conducted qualitative interviews with key informants (KIs) who were involved with COVID‐19 response strategies in Saskatchewan. Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes. A program logic model was created to represent the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of the CEST initiative.

Results

Interview data from 11 KIs were collated under three overarching categories: (1) outputs, (2) short‐term outcomes, and (3) long‐term outcomes from the CEST initiative. Overall, participants found the CEST initiative improved speed and access to reliable information, supported and influenced decision‐making and public health strategies, leveraged partnerships, increased confidence and reassurance, and challenged misinformation. Themes relating to the long‐term outcomes of the initiative included improving coordination, awareness, and using good judgment and planning to integrate CEST sustainably into the health system.

Conclusion

This formative evaluation demonstrated that CEST was a valued program and a promising LHS model for Saskatchewan. The future direction involves addressing program recommendations to implement this model as a functional LHS in Saskatchewan.
Annual survey finds continued MH increases since pandemic
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2022

Although mental health concerns continue to rise among individuals of all backgrounds, a recent survey has found that Black populations, individuals over age 65, young adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced greater mental health concerns than the general population. The same survey also found that a larger number of Americans polled in April 2022 agreed that the COVID‐19 pandemic has made them more comfortable seeking support for mental health and using technology to address it than those polled two years earlier.
Design of ultrathin transparent cross‐polarization converter
Authors: He Yulian , Kou Na , Yu Shixing , Ding Zhao , Zhang Zhengping
Published: October 2022

In this letter, we propose a novel transparent wideband reflective metasurface based on indium tin oxide (ITO) material. The unit consists of four C‐shaped structures of different sizes. ITO material was plated on the surface of soda‐calcium glass by magnetron sputtering. Floquet port and master‐slave boundary conditions were set up in ANSYS HFSS for simulation. Simulation results show that the polarization conversion ratio reaches 90% in the range of 10.9–20.5 GHz, with little change in the 30° incident angle range. Experimental results are consistent with the simulation ones. The proposed transparent cross‐polarization converter may be used in the devices integrated with solar cells.
Miniaturized coplanar waveguide‐fed metamaterial inspired antenna for radio frequency identification applications
Authors: Subbaiyan Rajasri , Rajasekar Boopathi Rani
Published: October 2022

In this study, split ring resonator (SRR) based coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed antenna for 5.8 GHz radio frequency identification applications is presented. The antenna has a compact size of 18 × 12 × 0.8 mm3 on an FR‐4 substrate. The proposed antenna has been simulated in HFSS 2019 R2 EM simulator. Scattering parameter retrieval method has been used for the analysis of metamaterial unit cells. Return loss, E‐plane and H‐plane radiation patterns of the proposed antenna have been analyzed. The proposed antenna provides good radiation efficiency of 97.5% at an ISM frequency of 5.8 GHz.
Miscellaneous PEDOT:PTS (polythiophenesulfonyl chloride) based conductive binder for silicon anodes in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Yuca Neslihan , Kalafat Ilknur , Taskin Omer Suat , Arici Elif
Published: October 2022

Lithium ion batteries which are an energy storage system have increasing attention owing to suitability and advantages for many applications. Although it has ideal specifications, the capacity properties still have to be developed. In this study, the electrical conductivity of the anode was increased by using a conductive polymer binder and the active material content of the anode was also enhanced without adding carbon additives. Silicon based anodes were manufactured by using poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polythiophenesulfonyl chloride (PEDOT:PTS) conductive polymer binders. Si/PEDOT:PTS anode showed about 2000 mAh/g specific capacities after 60 cycles with decreasing impedance.
Cancer survivors' cancellations of healthcare appointments during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Associations with anxiety and depression
Authors: Finkelstein Lauren B. , Fishbein Joel N. , Bright Emma E. , Nealis Madeline , Schmiege Sarah J. , Arch Joanna J.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Though it is well‐documented that cancer survivors experienced healthcare delays during the COVID‐19 pandemic, who initiated those delays has not been examined. This longitudinal study distinguishes rates of patient‐from provider‐cancelled healthcare appointments at three timepoints during the pandemic, and examines psychosocial factors associated with patient‐cancelled appointments.

Methods

Cancer survivors (N = 147) in the United States completed psychosocial and health behavior measures three times between May and December 2020. We examined rates of patient‐ and provider‐cancelled healthcare appointments, including cancer screening appointments, at each timepoint and change between timepoints. Logistic regression was used to determine if anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and COVID‐19 fears were associated with self‐cancelled healthcare appointments.

Results

In May 2020, one third (33.79%) of participants reported one or more self‐cancelled appointments within the prior 2 months and nearly half (45.89%) reported one or more provider‐cancelled appointments. Rates of provider‐cancelled appointments decreased to 35.71% in June/July 2020 and to 9.24% in November/December 2020 (both reflected p < 0.05 reductions compared to the previous timepoint). Rates of self‐cancelled appointments, however, remained more stable (ps > 0.144). In June/July and November/December 2020, higher depression and anxiety symptoms, but not COVID‐19 fears, were associated with greater likelihood of self‐cancelled appointments.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors cancelled their healthcare appointments at a stable rate even as provider‐cancelled appointments declined. Depression and anxiety symptoms, but not COVID‐19 concerns, were associated with patient cancellations. Interventions that address anxiety and depression symptoms may help to promote adherence to cancer survivorship care during the pandemic.
Depression among caregivers of cancer patients: Updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bedaso Asres , Dejenu Getiye , Duko Bereket
Published: October 2022

Background

It is imperative to provide care for patients with terminal illnesses such as cancer, though it demands time, financial resources and other unmet needs. Subsequently, caregivers might be exposed to psychological stress and other mental health problems. Previous meta‐analysis finding shows caregivers of cancer patient suffer from depression. During the past 4 years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of newly studies, and we therefore intended to update this finding and provide current global prevalence of depression among caregivers of Cancer patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHIL, Embase, and PsychINFO to identify peer‐reviewed studies which reported the prevalence of depression among caregivers of cancer patients using pre‐defined eligibility criteria. Studies were pooled to estimate the global prevalence of depression using a random‐effect meta‐analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's regression tests were used to check for publication bias.

Result

Our search identified 4375 studies, of which 35 studies with 11,396 participants were included in the meta‐analysis. In the current review, the pooled prevalence of depression among caregivers of Cancer patients was 42.08% (95% CI: 34.71–49.45). The pooled prevalence of depression was higher in the studies that used cross‐sectional data (42%, 95% CI: 31–52) than longitudinal data (34%, 95% CI: 18–50). We also observed a higher rate of depression among female caregivers when compared to their male counterparts (57.6%) (95% CI: 29.5–81.5).

Conclusion

Globally, around two in five cancer patient caregivers screened positive for depression, which needs due attention. Routine screening of depressive symptoms and providing psychosocial support for caregivers is crucial.
On the plasma permeability of highly porous ceramic framework materials using polymers as marker materials
Authors: Marxen M. Leander , Hansen Luka , Reimers Armin , Tjardts Tim , Saure Lena M. , Greve Erik , Drewes Jonas , Schütt Fabian , Adelung Rainer , Kersten Holger
Published: October 2022

Highly porous framework materials are of large interest due to their broad potential for application, for example, as sensors or catalysts. A new approach is presented to investigate, how deep plasma species can penetrate such materials. For this purpose, a polymer (ethylene propylene diene monomere rubber) is used as marker material and covered with the porous material during plasma exposure. Water contact‐angle and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements are used to identify changes in the polymer surface, originating from the interaction of plasma species with the polymer. The method is demonstrated by studying the plasma permeability of tetrapodal zinc oxide framework materials with a porosity of about 90% in an oxygen low‐pressure capacitively coupled plasma. Significant differences in the penetration depth ranging from roughly 1.6–4 mm are found for different densities of the material and different treatment conditions.
Branes and Non‐Invertible Symmetries
Authors: García Etxebarria Iñaki
Published: October 2022

supersymmetric Yang‐Mills theories with algebra and appropriate choices of global structure can have non‐invertible symmetries. We identify the branes holographically dual to the non‐invertible symmetries, and derive the fusion rules for the symmetries from the worldvolume dynamics on the branes.
Quasi‐Static Mechanical Properties of a Modified Auxetic Re‐Entrant Honeycomb Metamaterial
Authors: Bao Sai , Ren Xin , Qi Yu Jun , Li Hao Ran , Han Dong , Li Wei , Luo Chen , Song Zhong Zheng
Published: October 2022

Auxetic metamaterials possess superior properties and have drawn extensive attention in the past decades. Herein, two curved ribs are added to the conventional re‐entrant (CRE) honeycomb structure to form a modified auxetic re‐entrant (MRE) honeycomb structure for improving the energy absorption capacity of the structure. In‐plane quasi‐static compression response of the honeycomb in large deformation is numerically explored first. Then, quasi‐static compression test is conducted to verify the validity of the numerical simulation. Both experimental and numerical simulation results reveal that during the quasi‐static compression process, two plateau stresses occur in the load–displacement curves of the structure, and the second plateau stress is much higher than the first one. The occurrence time of the second plateau stress can be controlled by the distance between the concave curved ribs in the structure. The experimental results are in good agreement with the finite element analysis results. Due to their desirable mechanical properties, the MRE honeycomb structures have great potential for applications in civil engineering, vehicle crashworthiness, and protective infrastructure.
Modulated Harmonic Wave in Series‐Connected Discrete Josephson Transmission Line: The Discrete Calculus Approach
Authors: Kogan Eugene
Published: October 2022

The modulated harmonic wave in the discrete series‐connected Josephson transmission line (JTL) is considered. The approach to the modulation problems for discrete wave equations based on discrete calculus is formulated. The approach is checked by applying it to the Fermi–Pasta–Ulam–Tsingou (FPUT) ‐type problem. Applying the approach to the discrete JTL, the equation describing the modulation amplitude is obtained, which turns out to be the defocusing nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation. The profile of the single soliton solution of the NLS is compared with that of the soliton obtained in the previous publication.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) open reading frame 2: Role in pathogenesis and diagnosis in HEV infections
Authors: Sayed Ibrahim M. , Karam‐Allah Ramadan Haidi , Hafez Mahmoud H. R. , Elkhawaga Amal A. , El‐Mokhtar Mohamed A.
Published: October 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection occurs worldwide. The HEV genome includes three to four open reading frames (ORF1‐4). ORF1 proteins are essential for viral replication, while the ORF3 protein is an ion channel involved in the exit of HEV from the infected cells. ORF2 proteins form the viral capsid required for HEV invasion and assembly. They also suppress interferon production and inhibit antibody‐mediated neutralisation of HEV, allowing the virus to hijack the host immune response. ORF2 is the only detectable viral protein in the human liver during HEV infection and it is secreted in the plasma, stool, and urine of HEV‐infected patients, making it a reliable diagnostic marker. The plasma HEV ORF2 antigen level can predict the outcome of HEV infections. Hence, monitoring HEV ORF2 antigen levels may be useful in assessing the efficacy of anti‐HEV therapy. The ORF2 antigen is immunogenic and includes epitopes that can induce neutralising antibodies; therefore, it is a potential HEV vaccine candidate. In this review, we highlighted the different forms of HEV ORF2 protein and their roles in HEV pathogenesis, diagnosis, monitoring the therapeutic efficacy, and vaccine development.
The Pandora's box of social, process, and people debts in software engineering
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Ovais , Gustavsson Tomas
Published: October 2022

In software engineering, technical debt (TD) has been widely investigated, but debt regarding social issues, people, and processes has not been explored as much. It should be noted here that we use nontechnical debt (NTD) as an umbrella term to cover social, process, and people debts. Although the number of studies on NTD in software is increasing, the majority of them are descriptive rather than rigorous, and there is no systematic development of cumulative knowledge. As a result, identifying the fundamental causes of NTD and the associated mitigation techniques in software engineering is challenging. Therefore, this study investigates the scientific evidence regarding NTD till date by conducting a systematic mapping review of software engineering research between January 2000 and October 2021. The search strategy resulted in 175 studies, 17 of which were identified as unique and relevant primary papers. The primary studies show that NTD and TD are inextricably linked. In addition, this study also captured a plethora of causes and mitigation strategies for managing NTD and thus makes four important contributions: (i) highlighting state‐of‐the‐art NTD research; (ii) identification of the reported causes and mitigation strategies in the primary papers; and (iii) determination of opportunities for future NTD research.
Constructing Low‐Impedance Li7La3Zr2O12‐Based Composite Cathode Interface for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Zhao Le , Zeng Yaping , Fu Liang , Zhang Jiaming , Sun Dan , Tang Yougen , Ren Yu , Pan Fusheng , Wang Haiyan
Published: October 2022

Garnet‐type solid‐state electrolytes (SEs) represented by Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) are considered ideal ion‐conducting materials for oxide all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) due to their high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical window. However, there are still many problems at the interface of the composite cathode side with LLZO‐based SEs as ion conductors as LLZO has poor interfacial contact with other particles and shows air instability when exposed to air because of the spontaneous reaction with water and CO2. Among them, the high impedance at the interface is a key issue that severely limits the actual energy density and cycle life of ASSLBs. With the optimized modification of LLZO‐based SEs and the in‐depth study of the interfacial mechanism, some breakthroughs have been made in the electrochemical performance of LLZO‐based ASSLBs. Hence, this review first describes the factors causing high interfacial impedance inside LLZO‐based composite cathode, such as poor interparticle contact, stress disruption and elemental diffusion at the interface, and discontinuous ion/electron percolation paths and then summarizes the solution strategies, for example, microstructure design, component optimization, and internal interface modification. Finally, the development prospect of LLZO‐based ASSLBs composite cathode is prospected to provide a useful reference for exploring the practical application of LLZO‐based ASSLBs.
Genome‐wide identification of R2R3‐MYB family genes and gene response to stress in ginger
Authors: Yao Xiaoyan , Meng Fei , Wu Liping , Guo Xiaohu , Sun Zongping , Jiang Weimin , Zhang Jing , Wu Jing , Wang Shuting , Wang Zhaojian , Su Xinglong , Dai Xiuru , Qu Changqing , Xing Shihai
Published: October 2022

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is an important plant used worldwide for medicine and food. The R2R3‐MYB transcription factor (TF) family has essential roles in plant growth, development, and stresses resistance, and the number of genes in the family varies greatly among different types of plants. However, genome‐wide discovery of ZoMYBs and gene responses to stresses have not been reported in ginger. Therefore, genome‐wide analysis of R2R3‐MYB genes in ginger was conducted in this study. Protein phylogenetic relations and conserved motifs and chromosome localization and duplication, structure, and cis‐regulatory elements were analyzed. In addition, the expression patterns of selected genes were analyzed under two different stresses. A total of 299 candidate ZoMYB genes were discovered in ginger. Based on groupings of R2R3‐MYB genes in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., ZoMYBs were divided into eight groups. Genes were distributed across 22 chromosomes at uneven densities. In gene duplication analysis, 120 segmental duplications were identified in the ginger genome. Gene expression patterns of 10 ZoMYBs in leaves of ginger under abscisic acid (ABA) and low‐temperature stress treatments were different. The results will help to determine the exact roles of ZoMYBs in anti‐stress responses in ginger.
EU’s next generation risk assessment: hurdles and opportunities for new approach methodologies
Authors: Otto Sarah , Vrolijk Misha F. , de Boer Alie
Published: October 2022

The EU’s decision to ban animal testing for toxicity testing, has positively influenced the pace of developing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). This development also supports replacing animal methods in other forms of risk assessment (RA), such as for oral-toxicity testing. This study aims to identify the hurdles and opportunities for validation and implementation of NAMs in the current EU’s chemical RA. Through conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 stakeholders, experiences and perspectives about the validation and implementation of NAMs in RA for orally ingested chemicals were analyzed. Stakeholders considered the use of NAMs for RA processes both a cultural and generational issue. Both were perceived as hurdles for reaching the next generation RA approach. The differing views on NAMs originated from experience and stakeholder positions, but communication and collaboration on developing future RA approaches could support overcoming this skepticism. Irrespectively of their background, all interviewees were generally optimistic that NAMs will support the development of more accurate and sustainable RA. This research highlights the need for the EU to adjust legislation and guidance documents to shift in testing requirements from the traditional overexposure approach to more predictive, mechanistic testing in RA, which will take time. This study, however, shows that—when all stakeholders engage in communication and confidence building—NAMs can already play an important role in reducing and refining animal testing.
Ultrafilters Without Immediate Predecessors in Rudin–Frolik Order for Regulars
Authors: Jureczko Joanna
Published: October 2022

The aim of this paper is to construct ultrafilters without immediate predecessors in the Rudin-Frolik order in $$\beta \kappa {\setminus } \kappa $$

β
κ
\
κ

, where $$\kappa $$
κ
is a regular cardinal. This generalizes the problem posed by Peter Simon more than 40 years ago.
Bark based porous materials obtained with a simple mechanical foaming procedure
Authors: Busquets Ferrer Maria , Solt-Rindler Axel , Vay Oliver , Hansmann Christian , Gindl-Altmutter Wolfgang
Published: October 2022

Tree bark is a by-product of the wood industry and has currently only little use as raw material. In this study, spruce bark disintegrated into three different types of particles was used to obtain porous structures with a wide range of properties. The manufacturing process includes a simple mechanical foaming method, using bark particles, a common wood adhesive, a surfactant and water. Physical and mechanical characterization of the materials was carried out in terms of density, thermal conductivity, water uptake, compression resistance and microscopy observation. All materials produced presented a heterogeneous open porous structure. Thermal conductivity values range between 0.075 and 0.125 W m-1 K-1, while the density values range between 100 and 650 kg/m3. Water uptake percentage varies between groups but is stabilized after 24 h of immersion, and in some cases, the water uptake reaches up to 450%. Regarding the mechanical properties, they vary greatly showing a tendency of decreasing when adding higher amounts of surfactant.
Cardiac Changes and Their Reversal Following Curative Surgery in Pheochromocytoma: PheoCard Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vishvak Chanthar K. M. M. , Khanna Roopali , Agarwal Gaurav , Rout Smarak Ranjan , Kapoor Aditya , Sabaretnam M. , Chand Gyan , Mishra Anjali , Agarwal Amit , Mishra Saroj K.
Published: October 2022

Background

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) are catecholamine producing tumors of chromaffin cell origin, known to cause varied cardiovascular manifestations from hypertension to myocardial infarction. This study sought to objectively evaluate the cardiac changes in PPGL patients and their reversal following curative surgery.

Methods

The PheoCard study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05082311) and involved 35 consecutive PPGL patients managed as per standard protocol involving alpha blockade followed by curative surgery. They underwent detailed cardiac evaluation using 2D‐echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography at the time of diagnosis, 7–10 days after alpha blockade, and at 7 days, 3 months, and 6 months after surgical removal. Age‐ and gender‐matched essential hypertensives and healthy individuals (10 in each group) served as two control groups.

Results

Patients with PPGLs had significantly higher mean blood pressure, left ventricle end‐diastolic dimension and volume (LVEDD, LVEDV), left ventricle end‐systolic volume (LVESV), septal wall thickness, LV hypertrophy, lower mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF), early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/A), decreased amplitude of LV longitudinal strain, and increased circumferential strain (p < 0.001) when compared with the control groups at baseline. After alpha blockade, there was marked reduction in the mean LVEDD, LVEDV, LVESV, and normalization of E/A ratio (p < 0.001) in the PPGL patients. Following curative surgery (normalization of fractionated urinary metanephrines at 7–10 days post‐operatively), there was early improvement in all echocardiographic parameters and it continued to improve even at 6 months after surgery. There was marked improvement in the global longitudinal strain as seen on serial speckle tracking echocardiography with recovery of most of the segments of LV depicting the reversal of subclinical endocardial dysfunction (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

PPGL patients despite normal systolic function have subclinical LV diastolic dysfunction which is reversed after curative surgery.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05082311.
Capacity Building During Short‐Term Surgical Outreach Trips: A Review of What Guidelines Exist
Authors: Leversedge Chelsea , McCullough Meghan , Appiani Luis Miguel Castro , Đình Mùng Phan , Kamal Robin N. , Shapiro Lauren M.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

While short‐term surgical outreach trips improve access to care in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC), there is rising concern about their long‐term impact. In response, many organizations seek to incorporate capacity building programs into their outreach efforts to help strengthen local health systems. Although leading organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate for this approach, uniform guidelines are absent.

Methods

We performed a systematic review, using search terms pertaining to capacity building guidelines during short‐term surgical outreach trips. We extracted information on authorship, guideline development methodology, and guidelines relating to capacity building. Guidelines were classified according to the Global‐QUEST framework, which outlines seven domains of capacity building on surgical outreach trips. Guideline development methodology frequencies and domain classifications frequencies were calculated; subsequently, guidelines were aggregated to develop a core guideline for each domain.

Results

A total of 35 studies were included. Over 200 individual guidelines were extracted, spanning all seven framework domains. Guidelines were most frequently classified into Coordination and Community Impact domains and least frequently into the Finance domain. Less than half (46%) of studies collaborated with local communities to design the guidelines. Instead, guidelines were predominantly developed through author trip experience.

Conclusion

As short‐term surgical trips increase, further work is needed to standardize guidelines, create actionable steps, and promote collaborations in order to promote accountability during short‐term surgical outreach trips.
A group theoretic approach to model comparison with simplicial representations
Authors: Vittadello Sean T. , Stumpf Michael P. H.
Published: October 2022

The complexity of biological systems, and the increasingly large amount of associated experimental data, necessitates that we develop mathematical models to further our understanding of these systems. Because biological systems are generally not well understood, most mathematical models of these systems are based on experimental data, resulting in a seemingly heterogeneous collection of models that ostensibly represent the same system. To understand the system we therefore need to understand how the different models are related to each other, with a view to obtaining a unified mathematical description. This goal is complicated by the fact that a number of distinct mathematical formalisms may be employed to represent the same system, making direct comparison of the models very difficult. A methodology for comparing mathematical models based on their underlying conceptual structure is therefore required. In previous work we developed an appropriate framework for model comparison where we represent models, specifically the conceptual structure of the models, as labelled simplicial complexes and compare them with the two general methodologies of comparison by distance and comparison by equivalence. In this article we continue the development of our model comparison methodology in two directions. First, we present a rigorous and automatable methodology for the core process of comparison by equivalence, namely determining the vertices in a simplicial representation, corresponding to model components, that are conceptually related and the identification of these vertices via simplicial operations. Our methodology is based on considerations of vertex symmetry in the simplicial representation, for which we develop the required mathematical theory of group actions on simplicial complexes. This methodology greatly simplifies and expedites the process of determining model equivalence. Second, we provide an alternative mathematical framework for our model-comparison methodology by representing models as groups, which allows for the direct application of group-theoretic techniques within our model-comparison methodology.
Existence of minimizers and convergence of critical points for a new Landau-de Gennes energy functional in nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Feng Zhewen , Hong Min-Chun
Published: October 2022

The Landau-de Gennes energy in nematic liquid crystals depends on four elastic constants$$L_1$$L1,$$L_2$$L2,$$L_3$$L3,$$L_4$$L4. In the case of$$L_4\ne 0$$L4≠0, Ball and Majumdar (Mol. Cryst. Liq. Cryst., 2010) found an example that the original Landau-de Gennes energy functional in physics does not satisfy a coercivity condition, which causes a problem in mathematics to establish existence of energy minimizers. At first, we introduce a new Landau-de Gennes energy density with$$L_4\ne 0$$L4≠0, which is equivalent to the original Landau-de Gennes density for uniaxial tensors and satisfies the coercivity condition for allQ-tensors. Secondly, we prove that solutions of the Landau-de Gennes system can approach a solution of theQ-tensor Oseen-Frank system without using energy minimizers. Thirdly, we develop a new approach to generalize the Nguyen and Zarnescu (Calc. Var. PDEs, 2013) convergence result to the case of non-zero elastic constants$$L_2$$L2,$$L_3$$L3,$$L_4$$L4.
The Study of Options for Identification Stress Contrasts via Pumping History
Authors: Linkov Aleksandr , Rybarska-Rusinek Liliana , Rejwer-Kosińska Ewa
Published: October 2022

A recorded pressure history is commonly the only quantitative information available as the result of a hydraulic treatment. It would be of value to use the history for decreasing uncertainty of in situ conditions, first of all, of in situ stresses. Yet the inversion of a pressure history in terms of in situ stresses is an ill-posed problem. This makes unclear the options for identification of the stresses. Of essence is to study when, to which extent and how the identification may be performed. The paper aims to meet this request. We start from formulation the inverse problem with employing truly and pseudo-three-dimensional models for generation experimental and theoretical histories. To simplify identification, we (1) reduce the number of input parameters present in these models by using specially normalized variables, and (2) distinguish three dimensionless key parameters $$R$$
R
, $${k}_{\mathrm{asym}}$$

k
asym

and $${b}_{\mathrm{P}}$$

b
P

. They define, respectively, the strength of a stress contrast, asymmetry of stress contrasts, and the prevailing type of fracture growth. The analysis, based on these parameters, gives ranges within which the identification is possible in principle. It also yields a sound initial guess to facilitate rapid identification of stress contrasts within the ranges distinguished. Numerical examples illustrate the options for identification of stress contrasts. They demonstrate agreement with the theoretical conclusions. Specifically, on the one hand, they confirm impossibility of identification beyond the ranges distinguished, and, on the other hand, within these ranges, they demonstrate rapid identification of stress contrasts by the method suggested.
Long-term response of open-habitats species to wildfire salvage logging: the endangered European wild rabbit as example
Authors: Puig-Gironès Roger , Ferret Alba , Rollan Àlex , Real Joan
Published: October 2022

Salvage logging treatments, a type of logging to economic returns after natural disturbance, are often applied in the aftermath of wildfires. Specialist or dependent species of open-habitat usually increase their populations in the short-term after wildfires and post-fire salvage logging. However, the long-term effects on threatened open-habitat species such as the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) are still poorly known. Thus, plant productivity, habitat heterogeneity and rabbit abundance were studied in the north-east Iberian Peninsula in four type of post-fire treatment plots: (1) unburnt, (2) salvage logging with branches left on the ground, (3) salvage logging and manual removal of branches, and (4) recurrent fires. Both the time since the fire and the treatment affected plant productivity and habitat heterogeneity. Plant productivity was quicker in treatments when branches were left on the ground or when branches were removed than in recurrent fire plots. Rabbit relative abundance increased in the short term but dramatically declined over time after fires, especially in the plots where branches were left on the ground and with recurrent fires, in which rabbit abundances fell dramatically. In the long-term, the lack of food availability and adequate habitat structure are the main factors affecting the maintenance of the rabbit population. An appropriate moment for managing burnt areas to favour the persistence of rabbit is between the fifth and sixth year after the fire. These actions also benefit the reduction of environmental biomass and so help prevent future severe wildfires.
Recent advances in the application of deep learning for fault diagnosis of rotating machinery using vibration signals
Authors: Tama Bayu Adhi , Vania Malinda , Lee Seungchul , Lim Sunghoon
Published: October 2022

Vibration measurement and monitoring are essential in a wide variety of applications. Vibration measurements are critical for diagnosing industrial machinery malfunctions because they provide information about the condition of the rotating equipment. Vibration analysis is considered the most effective method for predictive maintenance because it is used to troubleshoot instantaneous faults as well as periodic maintenance. Numerous studies conducted in this vein have been published in a variety of outlets. This review documents data-driven and recently published deep learning techniques for vibration-based condition monitoring. Numerous studies were obtained from two reputable indexing databases, Web of Science and Scopus. Following a thorough review, 59 studies were selected for synthesis. The selected studies are then systematically discussed to provide researchers with an in-depth view of deep learning-based fault diagnosis methods based on vibration signals. Additionally, a few remarks regarding future research directions are made, including graph-based neural networks, physics-informed ML, and a transformer convolutional network-based fault diagnosis method.