bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anomalous origin of left circumflex artery from the right sinus of Valsalva: Clinical outcomes in a consecutive series of master athletes
Authors: Ratti Angelo , Prestini Blanca , Conte Edoardo , Marchetti Davide , Schillaci Matteo , Melotti Eleonora , Belmonte Marta , Mushtaq Saima , Dessani Maria Antonietta , Pizzamiglio Francesca , Tundo Fabrizio , Zeppilli Paolo , Bartorelli Antonio , Andreini Daniele
Published: September 2023

Background

Aim of the study was to collect and describe a case series of consecutive master athletes in whom an anomalous origin of left circumflex artery (LCx) from the right sinus of Valsalva (ALCx) was detected at a clinically indicated coronary computed tomography angiography CCTA) to establish a focused clinical management and counseling about sport activity in those subjects.

Methods

We analyzed a prospective registry of subjects referred to a clinically indicated CCTA. Information about the clinical status was obtained by previous clinical records and clinical evaluation at time of image acquisition; follow‐up allowed to record symptoms, outcomes and downstream testing.

Results

The study population consisted in 14 subjects, of which one competitive athlete and 13 recreational master athletes. Mean age was of 67.2 ± 10.6 years (71% of male); follow‐up lasted 6.4 ± 2.6 years. The major high‐risk anatomy features (inter‐arterial course, intramural segment, high take‐off and slit‐like ostium) were absent. None had abnormal ostial morphology and all had full retroaortic course; three subjects (21%) presented an acute take‐off angle. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was present in 10 patients (71%). Major outcomes (cardiac hospitalization, death for all causes) recorded were not related to the anomalous LCx. Symptoms were most related to atherosclerotic CAD in different vessels whereas two subjects without CAD exhibited cardiac symptoms, without hospitalization.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the diagnosis of ALCx, being usually associated to low‐risk anatomical characteristics, could be considered a benign finding, with scarce or no implications for physically active individuals neither for recreational athletes.
Understanding the Buoy Effect of Surface‐Enriched Pt Complexes in Ionic Liquids: A Combined ARXPS and Pendant Drop Study**
Authors: Hemmeter Daniel , Paap Ulrike , Wellnhofer Nicolas , Gezmis Afra , Kremitzl Daniel , Wasserscheid Peter , Steinrück Hans‐Peter , Maier Florian
Published: September 2023

Recently, we demonstrated that Pt catalyst complexes dissolved in the ionic liquid (IL) [C4C1Im][PF6] can be deliberately enriched at the IL surface by introducing perfluorinated substituents, which act like buoys dragging the metal complex towards the surface. Herein, we extend our previous angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) studies at complex concentrations between 30 and 5 %mol down to 1 %mol and present complementary surface tension pendant drop (PD) measurements under ultraclean vacuum conditions. This combination allows for connecting the microscopic information on the IL/gas interface derived from ARXPS with the macroscopic property surface tension. The surface enrichment of the Pt complexes is found to be most pronounced at 1 %mol. It also displays a strong temperature dependence, which was not observed for 5 %mol and above, where the surface is already saturated with the complex. The surface enrichment deduced from ARXPS is also reflected by the pronounced decrease in surface tension with increasing concentration of the catalyst. We furthermore observe by ARXPS and PD a much stronger surface affinity of the buoy‐complex as compared to the free ligands in solution. Our results are highly interesting for an optimum design of IL‐based catalyst systems with large contact areas to the surrounding reactant/product phase, such as in supported IL phase (SILP) catalysis.
Exploring the mediating role of corporate social responsibility in the connection between board competence and corporate financial performance amidst global uncertainties
Authors: Al Frijat Yaser Saleh , Albawwat Ibrahim Emair , Elamer Ahmed A.
Published: September 2023

Despite the growing literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR), little is known about how the board of directors' competence can affect the CSR‐financial performance relationship during severe uncertainties such as the COVID‐19 outbreak. This paper focuses on exploring the mediating role of CSR in the connection between board competence and corporate financial performance amidst global uncertainties. The sample consists of Jordanian companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. Data were analyzed using the partial least square structural equation modeling. The findings show that boards' CSR competence has a direct and indirect positive impact on financial performance. Therefore, boards of directors' CSR competence can be seen as enablers for CSR activities. In this regard, companies could invest more in qualifying board directors to be socially responsible and enhance their role in improving corporate financial performance. This study identifies and provides empirical evidence on a critical enabler of CSR activities (i.e., boards of directors' CSR competence) from a developing country perspective. This, in turn, could widen the management and other stakeholders' understanding of CSR‐enhancing factors and therefore increase its efficiency. We provide theoretical and practical implications to guide regulators and businesses to ensure sustainable development.
Nonlinear anisotropic finite element analysis of liquefiable tunnel–sand–pile interaction under seismic excitation
Authors: Haque Md. Foisal
Published: September 2023

Nonlinear time‐history analysis can be used to determine the liquefiable behaviors of the tunnel–sand–pile interaction (TSPI) model with the consideration of sand anisotropy. This study presents the nonlinear response of the TSPI model with the existence of liquefaction under seismic excitation. The analysis reveals that tunnel and pile behave as isotropic elements, while sand shows isotropic, orthotropic, and anisotropic characteristics. Three constitutive models including UBC3D‐PLM (two yield surfaces associated with the hardening rule), NGI‐ADP (yielding with associated plastic potential function), and a user‐specified constitutive model are adopted to evaluate the isotropic, orthotropic, and anisotropic behaviors of sand. On this basis, two finite element‐based codes (ETABS 18.1.1 and Plaxis 3D) are used to evaluate sand behaviors and responses. Responses of the tunnel, sand, pile, and excess pore pressure ratio are recorded in the interaction zone by varying the pile diameter, tunnel diameter, and tunnel–pile clearance. Compared with the orthotropic and isotropic conditions, lower variations of results are found in the anisotropic condition, except for the case of generation of excess pore pressure. In addition, the present reanalysis results are in agreement with previous analytical and case study results, which further indicates the effectiveness of the finite element‐based numerical codes.
Fecal metabarcoding of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) reveals a diverse and forb rich diet that reflects local habitat availability
Authors: Vandergast Amy G. , Brehme Cheryl S. , Iwanowicz Deborah , Cornman Robert S. , Adsit‐Morris Devin , Fisher Robert N.
Published: September 2023

Information on diet breadth and preference can assist in understanding links between food resources and population growth and inform habitat restoration for rare herbivores. We assessed the diet of the endangered Pacific pocket mouse using metabarcoding of fecal samples and compared it to plant community composition in long‐term study plots in two populations on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, San Diego County, CA. Fecal samples (n = 221) were collected between spring 2016 and fall 2017 during monthly live‐trap surveys. Concurrently, percent cover and plant phenology were measured in plots centered on trap locations. Fecal samples were sequenced with paired‐end reads of the internal transcribed spacer 2 region of the nuclear ribosomal gene, and the resulting amplicons were matched to a regionally specific database. Seventy‐three plant taxa were detected, which were mostly forbs and perennial herbs (70–90%). Diet composition differed between populations, years, seasons, and plots. Overall, diet and local habitat composition in plots were significantly correlated. However, we detected some differences in above‐ground seed availability and proportion in fecal samples that indicate diet preferences for some forbs, perennial herbs, and native bunch grasses over perennial shrubs and non‐native grasses. This is the first study of PPM to pair plant phenology surveys with diet metabarcoding to estimate resource selection, and results suggest that managing habitat for diverse native forb communities and reducing non‐native grass cover may be beneficial for this critically endangered species.
Heat‐induced maternal effects shape avian eggshell traits and embryo development and phenotype at high incubation temperatures
Authors: Hoffman Alexander J. , Dees Leslie , Wada Haruka
Published: September 2023

Phenotypic plasticity is an important avenue by which organisms may persist in the face of rapid environmental change. Environmental cues experienced by the mother can also influence the phenotype of offspring, a form of plasticity called maternal effects. Maternal effects can adaptively prepare offspring for the environmental conditions they will likely experience; however, their ability to buffer offspring against environmental stressors as embryos is understudied. Using captive zebra finches, we performed a maternal‐offspring environmental match‐mismatch experiment utilizing a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Mothers were exposed to a mild heat conditioning (38°C) or control (22°C) treatment as juveniles, an acute high heat (42°C) or control (22°C) treatment as adults, then paired for breeding. The eggs produced by those females were incubated at a hyperthermic (38.5°C) or optimal temperature (37.2°C). We found that when mothers were exposed to a mild heat conditioning as juveniles, their embryos exhibited reduced water loss, longer development times, and produced hatchlings with heavier pectoralis muscles when incubated at high incubation temperatures, compared to embryos from control mothers. Mothers exposed to both the mild heat conditioning as juveniles and a high heat stressor as adults produced eggs with a higher density of shell pores and embryos with lower heart rates during development. However, there was a cost when there was a mismatch between maternal and embryo environment. Embryos from these conditioned and heat‐stressed mothers had reduced survival at control incubation temperatures, indicating the importance of offspring environment when interpreting potential adaptive effects.
Carbon−Sulfur Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Nickel(II) N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
Authors: Neshat Abdollah , Khezri Rahimeh , Yousefshahi Mohammad Reza , Gholinejad Mohammad , Varmaghani Fahimeh
Published: September 2023

The synthesis and characterization of Nickel(II) complexes with novel pincer‐type N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes were investigated. Nickel(II)‐NHC complexes, 7 and 8, were characterized using HR ESI‐MS, IR, UV‐Visible, and elemental analysis. The complex 7 with less sterically demanding pincer ligand was investigated in the catalytic one pot synthesis of thioethers via coupling reactions of a series of aryl and alkyl halides in the presence of thiourea. In a mixture of water and ethanol, 5 mol% of 7 catalyzed the C−S bond coupling reaction in high yields.
Research on mapping relationship between environmental load and vibration response of bridge structure based on structural health monitoring data
Authors: Qiao Zhong‐Fa , Ding Yang , Zhou Mi , Ye Xiao‐Wei
Published: September 2023

With the increasing lifespan of bridges, various forms of deterioration will inevitably occur. The bridge health monitoring system enables direct monitoring of the loads (such as wind, temperature, and vehicles) experienced by the bridge during operation, as well as the corresponding vibration response of the bridge structure (including main beam deformation, tower top displacement, cable acceleration, etc.). These data provide valuable insights into the safety and durability of the bridge during its operational lifetime. However, the challenge lies in extracting meaningful information from the vast amount of collected data. This article focuses on the Fuyu Bridge as a research case and analyzes the variations in environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, wind load, and structural vibration responses (main beam and cable), obtained from the Fuyu Bridge's structural health monitoring system. It also conducts a structural safety assessment during the operational period of the bridge. Furthermore, the research explores the relationship between environmental factors, load effects, and structural response to establish a foundation for future structural safety assessments of the Fuyu Bridge during its operational period. For instance, changes in environmental factors or load effects can be used to predict structural responses. Additionally, this study provides access to the structural health monitoring data of the Fuyu Bridge, facilitating data‐driven research for other scholars in the field.
Forecasting spring maize yield using vegetation indices and crop phenology metrics from UAV observations
Authors: Bao Lun , Li Xuan , Yu Jiaxin , Li Guangshuai , Chang Xinyue , Yu Lingxue , Li Ying
Published: September 2023

Early and accurate prediction and simulation of grain crop yield can help maximize the revision and development of regional food policy, which is crucial for ensuring national food security. The development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is gradually gaining an advantage over satellite remote sensing at the field scale. In this study, we predicted maize yield using canopy vegetation indices (VIs) and crop phenology metrics obtained through UAV with ordinary least squares (OLS), stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and gradient‐boosted regression tree (GBRT). The results reveal that the VIs extracted from UAV imagery had a high correlation with yield (R = 0.92), facilitating crop yield estimation. Additionally, coupling crop phenology significantly improved the prediction accuracy of SMLR, with the highest R2 and lowest RMSE of 0.894, 1.238 × 103 kg ha−1, respectively. But, the enhancement of GBRT by this method was slender. Its simulation outperformed OLS and SMLR with dramatic R2, RMSE, and MAE of 0.892, 1.189 × 103 kg ha−1, and 9.150 × 102 kg ha−1, respectively. Moreover, the blister stage was deemed the optimal stage for maize yield prediction with an accuracy rate exceeding 81%. These demonstrated the feasibility of using UAV images to predict crop yields, providing an important reference at the field scale.
Association between dietary intake and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women: Evidence from a community‐based observational study
Authors: Yu Yunhan , Zhou Wensu , Zhu Xidi , Hu Zhao , Li Shaojie , Zheng Baohua , Xu Huilan , Long Wei , Xiong Xiyue
Published: September 2023

Dietary intake is considered as a crucial factor affecting mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety symptoms, especially in the case of pregnant women. This study explored the role of dietary intake in depression and anxiety symptoms of pregnant women and provided evidence for primary care interventions. We enrolled 806 pregnant women in their third trimester from 14 communities in Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China, from July 2019 to September 2019. The Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire‐7 (GAD‐7) were used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. Dietary intake, demographic characteristics, BMI, and pregnancy characteristics were collected using a self‐designed, structural questionnaire. A covariate‐adjusted logistic regression was conducted to examine the relationship between mental health symptoms and dietary intake. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in our population were 7.7% (95% CI: 5.9%–9.5%) and 9.2% (95% CI: 7.2%–11.2%), respectively. Women consuming eggs and egg products once a week (OR: 3.688, 95% CI: 1.476–9.215) were more likely to have depression symptom than consumed eggs and egg products once or more per day. Consuming green leafy vegetable <2–3 times per month had a significantly greater risk for depression symptoms than consuming the same once or more per day (OR: 3.450, 95% CI: 1.145–10.393). Women who consumed eggs and egg products 2–3 times a week had an increased likelihood of experiencing anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.253, 95% CI: 1.049–4.837). Anxiety symptoms in women consuming green leafy vegetables <2–3 times per month probably increased by 3.988 times (95% CI: 1.327–11.985) compared with women consuming the same once or more per day. Consuming salted and smoked food <2–3 times per month was protective against anxiety symptoms (OR: 0.181, 95% CI: 0.040–0.828) than consuming the same every day. Implementing interventions to promote healthy dietary among pregnant women is crucial due to its association with mental health. However, future researches are warranted to confirm the reliability and causal association obtained in this study.
Serum levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in remission, but not the acute phase, may predict the development from depression to dementia
Authors: Saida Takao , Baba Hajime , Maeshima Hitoshi , Natsume Shuntaro , Yoshinari Naoto , Shimizu Kentaro , Suzuki Toshihito
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Depression may be a risk factor or a prodromal symptom of dementia, and decreased serum levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been observed in both depression and dementia. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum levels of BDNF in the remitted or acute phase of depression predicted the transition from depression to dementia.

Methods

Serum levels of BDNF were measured in the acute phase of depression (n = 204) and after remission (n = 117), and we followed (mean: 24.3 months) the participants to assess the subsequent onset of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Results

Serum levels of BDNF after remission, but not those in the acute depressive phase, predicted the future development of dementia or MCI.

Conclusions

Patients with low serum BDNF levels, even after depression remission, might have an increased risk of developing dementia. These findings suggest a potential association between residual low serum BDNF levels after remission and the prodromal state of dementia, or the involvement of BDNF in the transition from depression to dementia. However, given that this study is low‐powered and preliminary, interpretation of the results should be approached with caution.
The Pharmacokinetics of Intravenous Testosterone in Elderly Men with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: White C. Michael , Ferraro‐Borgida Melissa J. , Moyna Mali M. , McGill Carol C. , Ahlberg Allan W. , Thompson Paul D. , Chow Moses S. S. , Heller Gary V.
Published: September 2023

Intracoronary testosterone injections have recently been shown to possess coronary vasodilating effects. The same may be true for intravenous testosterone, but the pharmacokinetic and hemodynamic aspects need exploration before pharmacologic studies can begin. This trial determined the pharmacokinetic and hemodynamic properties of 300 µg of testosterone given intravenously. Degree of testosterone aromatization to 17‐b estradiol after exogenous administration and overall patient tolerability also were evaluated. Eleven elderly men with coronary artery disease participated in the study and were given 300 µg of testosterone intravenously over 10 minutes. Serum blood concentrations of testosterone and 17‐b estradiol were measured at baseline and then periodically. Testosterone serum concentrations were stripped and fit to a two‐compartment model for all patients. The volume of distribution (Vdarea) was 80.36 ± 24.51 L, and the elimination half‐life was 55.93 ± 23.06 minutes. No hemodynamic differences or side effects were noted. The serum concentrations of 17‐b estradiol were significantly increased from baseline beginning 5 minutes after infusion to the end of the study (180 minutes after infusion).
Pharmacokinetics of Oral and Intravenous Dolasetron Mesylate in Patients with Renal Impairment
Authors: Dimmitt Dan C. , Shah Ajit K. , Arumugham Thangam , Cramer Michael B. , Halstenson Charles , Horton Michael , Weir Scott J.
Published: September 2023

In an open‐label, randomized, two‐way complete crossover study, the influence of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of dolasetron and its primary active metabolite, hydrodolasetron, were evaluated. Patients with renal impairment were stratified into three groups of 12 based on their 24‐hour creatinine clearance (Clcr): group 1, mild impairment (Clcr between 41 and 80 mL/min); group 2, moderate impairment (Clcr between and 40 mL/min); and group 3, endstagg renal impairment (Clcr ≤ 10 mL/ min). Twenty‐four healthy volunteers from a previous study served as the control group. Each participant received a single intravenous or oral 200‐mg dose of dolasetron mesylate on separate occasions. Serial blood sampies were collected up to 60 hours after dose for determination of dolasetron and hydrodolasetron, and urine samples were collected in intervals up to 72 hours for determination of dolasetron, hydrodolasetron, and the 5’ and 6’‐hydroxy metabolites of hydrodolasetron. Becauseplasma concentrations were low and sporadic, pharmacokinetic parameters ofdolasetron were not calculated after oral administration. Although some significant differences in area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐∞), volume of distribution (Vd), systemic clearance (Cl), and elimination half‐life (t½) of the parent drug were observed between control subjects and patients with renal impairment, there were no systematic findings related to degree of renal dysfunction. The elimination pathways of hydrodolasetron include both hepatic metabolism and renal excretion. Consistent increases in mean Cmax, AUC0‐∞ and t½ and decreases in renal and total apparent clearance of hydrodolasetron were seen with diminishing renal function after intravenous administration of dolasetron mesylate. No consistent changes were found after oral administration. Urinary excretion of hydrodolasetron and its metabolites decreased with decreasing renal function, but the profile of metabolites remained constant. Dolasetron was well tolerated in all three groups of patients. Based on these findings, no dosage adjustment for dolasetron is recommended in patients with renal impairment.
Influence of polylactide coating stereochemistry on mechanical and in vitro degradation properties of porous bioactive glass scaffolds for bone regeneration
Authors: Uppstu Peter , Engblom Simon , Inkinen Saara , Hupa Leena , Wilén Carl‐Eric
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties of polylactide stereocomplexes (PLA SC) have been primarily studied through tensile testing, with inconsistent results, and the compressive properties of PLA SC compared to homocrystalline or amorphous PLA remain poorly understood. In this study, we coated porous bioactive glass 13–93 scaffolds with amorphous, homocrystalline, or stereocomplex PLA to investigate their mechanical and degradation properties before and after immersion in simulated body fluid. The glass scaffolds had interconnected pores and an average porosity of 76%. The PLA coatings, which were 10–100 μm thick and approximately 3% of the glass scaffold mass, covered the glass to a large extent. The compressive strength and toughness of all PLA‐coated scaffolds were significantly higher than those of uncoated scaffolds, with approximately a fourfold increase before immersion and a twofold increase after immersion. The compressive strength and toughness of PLA SC‐coated scaffolds were similar to those of scaffolds with homocrystalline PLA coating, and significantly higher than for scaffolds with amorphous PLA coating. All PLA coatings moderated the initial pH increase caused by the glass, which could benefit surrounding cells and bone tissue in vivo after implantation.
Poor recall of genetics curriculum by medical students highlights barriers to use in clinical practice
Authors: Kapur Sunaina , Lichten Lauren , Ali Nadia , Garber Kathryn B.
Published: September 2023

Many current and upcoming healthcare providers do not feel comfortable ordering or discussing genetic tests and using genetic information in medicine. Nationally, a little over a quarter of medical students indicate that they do not feel prepared to use genetic information in clinical rotations, despite attempts at many schools to remodel the genetics curriculum. This study was conducted at Emory University School of Medicine to identify gaps within the medical curriculum that may contribute to student reports that they feel underprepared to apply genetic knowledge in clinical practice. The analysis included a comprehensive curriculum inventory of genetic content that was then compared to the responses from focus groups of randomly selected second‐ and fourth‐year medical students without a prior genetics degree or background. This joint analysis of precisely what was taught and how it was perceived by students was informative in the development of targeted interventions in our curriculum, and it highlighted the important role of genetic counselors in the education of medical students. Our curriculum has a structure similar to that at many other schools, in which core genetics concepts are concentrated in a brief segment in the first year. We believe our results will be useful for other medical schools to address the perception by medical students that they are underprepared to use genetic information and other basic sciences clinically.
Textbook outcome as a composite measure of quality in hepaticopancreatic surgery
Authors: Mohamed Abdimajid , Nicolais Laura , Fitzgerald Timothy L.
Published: September 2023

Background

Textbook outcome (TO) is a valuable metric to assess postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess TO in patients undergoing hepatopancreatic surgery.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort NSQIP study from 2015 to 2018. TOs are defined as no complication or mortality and length of stay within the 75th percentile.

Results

This study included 44 235 patients. Of those patients, 61% underwent pancreatic surgery (PS) and 39% hepatic surgery (HS). The most common surgical procedure was pancreaticoduodenectomy (16 464), followed by partial hepatectomy (11 817), distal pancreatectomy (8292), hemihepatectomy (4247), hepatic trisegmentectomy (1366) and total pancreatectomy (706). TO was more common for HS than PS, 47% versus 40%, p < .001. TO was more common for younger (0–65, OR: 1.60; CI: 1.30–1.96, p < .001), female (OR: 1.23; CI: 1.17–1.29, p < .001), white (OR: 1.10; CI: 1.01–1.19, p = .022), and lower ASA class (OR: 2.11; CI: 1.54–2.90, p < .001) patients. For patients undergoing HS TO was more common after partial lobectomy than trisegmentectomy and lobectomy (OR: 1.36; CI: 1.18–1.57, p < .001). For those undergoing PS, there was a lower likelihood of TO for those who are obese/morbidly obese compared to normal‐weight patients (OR: 0.73; CI: 0.67–0.79, p < .001). Unlike HS, TO for patients undergoing PS was not associated with the type of surgical procedure.

Conclusions

TO is a composite that can be applied to a national data set to analyze outcome quality. In HS, more complex surgical procedures are associated with a decreased likelihood of TO. In PS, TO are similar regardless of the procedure but less common in obese or morbidly obese patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of a point‐of‐care urine tenofovir assay, and associations with HIV viraemia and drug resistance among people receiving dolutegravir and efavirenz‐based antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Dorward Jienchi , Lessells Richard , Govender Katya , Moodley Pravi , Samsunder Natasha , Sookrajh Yukteshwar , Turner Phil , Butler Christopher C. , Hayward Gail , Gandhi Monica , Drain Paul K. , Garrett Nigel
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Novel point‐of‐care assays which measure urine tenofovir (TFV) concentrations may have a role in improving adherence monitoring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, further studies of their diagnostic accuracy, and whether results are associated with viraemia and drug resistance, are needed to guide their use, particularly in the context of the global dolutegravir rollout.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional evaluation among PLHIV receiving first‐line ART containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate at enrolment into a randomized trial in two South African public sector clinics. We calculated the diagnostic accuracy of the Abbott point‐of‐care immunoassay to detect urine TFV compared to liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). We evaluated the association between point‐of‐care urine TFV results and self‐reported adherence, viraemia ≥1000 copies/ml and HIV drug resistance, among people receiving either efavirenz or dolutegravir‐based ART.

Results

Between August 2020 and March 2022, we enrolled 124 participants. The median age was 39 (IQR 34–45) years, 55% were women, 74 (59.7%) were receiving efavirenz and 50 (40.3%) dolutegravir. The sensitivity and specificity of the immunoassay to detect urine TFV ≥1500 ng/ml compared to LC‐MS/MS were 96.1% (95% CI 90.0−98.8) and 95.2% (75.3−100.0), respectively. Urine TFV results were associated with short (p<0.001) and medium‐term (p = 0.036) self‐reported adherence. Overall, 44/124 (35.5%) had viraemia, which was associated with undetectable TFV in those receiving efavirenz (OR 6.01, 1.27−39.0, p = 0.014) and dolutegravir (OR 25.7, 4.20−294.8, p<0.001). However, in those with viraemia while receiving efavirenz, 8/27 (29.6%) had undetectable urine TFV, compared to 11/17 (64.7%) of those receiving dolutegravir. Drug resistance was detected in 23/27 (85.2%) of those receiving efavirenz and only 1/16 (6.3%) of those receiving dolutegravir. There was no association between urine TFV results and drug resistance.

Conclusions

Among PLHIV receiving ART, a rapid urine TFV immunoassay can be used to accurately monitor urine TFV levels compared to the gold standard of LC‐MS/MS. Undetectable point‐of‐care urine TFV results were associated with viraemia, particularly among people receiving dolutegravir.

Trial registration

Pan‐African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR202001785886049.
Metabolomics approach to growth‐age discrimination in mountain‐cultivated ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Gan , Zhang Hong , Jiang Jiaming , Chen Simin , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Gongmin , Zheng Changwu , Xu Hongxi
Published: September 2023

Mountain‐cultivated ginseng is typically harvested after 10 years, while ginseng aged over 15 years is considered wild ginseng. This study aims to differentiate mountain‐cultivated ginseng by age, as the fraudulent practice of selling low‐aged cultivated ginseng disguised as high‐aged one is damaging the market. In this study, LC‐MS analyzed 98 ginseng samples, and multivariate statistical analysis identified patterns between samples to select influential components. Machine learning models were developed to identify ginseng samples of different ages. The untargeted metabolomic analysis clearly divided samples aged 4‐20 years into three age groups. Twenty‐two potential age‐dependent biomarkers were discovered to differentiate the three sample groups. Three machine learning models were used to predict new samples, and the optimal model was selected. Some biomarkers could determine age phases according to the differentiation of mountain‐cultivated ginseng samples. These biomarkers were thoroughly analyzed for variation trends. The machine learning models established using the screened biomarkers successfully predicted the age group of new samples.
Qualitative identification and quantitative comparison of Physochlainae Radix from different regions based on chemometric methods
Authors: Lv Zhenguo , Yao Guangzhe , Ge Minglei , Bai Yu , Wu Mengxuan , Ouyang Huizi , Feng Jihong , He Jun
Published: September 2023

Physochlainae Radix (PR) is an essential herbal medicine that has been generally applied for treating cough and asthma. In this study, a comprehensive strategy for quality evaluation of PR from different origins was established by integrating qualitative identification, quantitative analysis, and chemometric methods. A total of 58 chemical components were identified by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS), and a sensitive and rapid UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS method was established for the simultaneous determination of 12 compounds. In addition, multivariate statistical analysis was applied for discriminant analysis to compare the differences among 30 batches of PR samples. The results showed that the 30 batches of PR collected from four provinces could be clustered into three categories, in which scoparone, protocatechuic acid, tropic acid, and scopolin were important components to distinguish the primary and non‐primary producing areas, as well as superior and inferior products of PR. Chemometric results were consistent and validated each other, and systematically explained the intrinsic quality characteristics of PR. This study first demonstrated that LC‐MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis, provided a comprehensive and effective means for quality evaluation of PR.
Population dynamics of the threatened Oregon spotted frog before and after drought mitigation
Authors: Rowe Jennifer C. , Pearl Christopher A. , Duarte Adam , McCreary Brome , Adams Michael J.
Published: September 2023

Amphibians are among the most sensitive taxa to climate change, and species inhabiting arid and semiarid landscapes at the extremes of their range are especially vulnerable to drought. The Jack Creek, Oregon, USA, population of Oregon spotted frogs (Rana pretiosa) faces unique challenges because it occupies the highest elevation site in the species' extant range and one that has been transformed by loss of American beavers (Castor canadensis), which historically maintained open water. We evaluated the effects of drought mitigation (addition of excavated ponds) on relationships between local and regional water availability, inactive legacy beaver dams, and Oregon spotted frog population dynamics in the Jack Creek system. We conducted egg mass surveys and capture‐mark‐recapture sampling at a treatment reach with excavated ponds and 3 reference reaches over 13 years; surveys spanned a period before and after pond excavation at the treatment and 1 primary comparison reference reach. We analyzed data using a combination of robust design capture‐mark‐recapture estimators and generalized linear mixed models to characterize population dynamics. Adult Oregon spotted frog survival was approximately 19.5% higher at the treatment reach than the primary reference reach during the study period. Annual survival was most strongly associated with late summer vegetation greenness, a proxy for water availability, and males had higher survival than females. Among the 4 study reaches, the treatment reach consistently had higher late summer vegetation greenness, and the hydrology functioned more independently of regional precipitation patterns relative to the reference reaches; however, these dynamics were not linked to pond excavation. Breeding was concentrated in 2 legacy beaver ponds that were deepened by excavation during the study compared to an unexcavated beaver pond, 2 excavated ponds without legacy beaver dams, and 9 reference ponds. These results point to the benefit of enhancing existing beaver structures and indicate that management actions aimed at maintaining surface water for breeding in spring and saturated soils and ponded water for adults in late summer would benefit this unique population of Oregon spotted frogs in the face of drought.
Corrosion behavior of carbon steel covered with a coating film containing metallic compounds under a sulfuric acid mist environment containing chloride
Authors: Takahashi Masamitsu , Deguchi Hiroshi , Hayashi Yasunori , Kimura Akihiko , Hanaki Koushu , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Yamashita Masato , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: September 2023

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel covered with coating films containing Al2(SO4)3, CaO, and BaO was examined under a sulfuric acid mist environment containing chloride. CaSO4･2H2O and BaSO4 were formed as the corrosion products in the coating film and prevented the penetration of corrosives, in particular BaSO4 was highly effective. Furthermore, the rust layer containing CaCO3 adhered to the carbon steel substrate suppressed the penetration of chloride. The formation of these corrosion products suppressed the anodic reaction, resulting in higher corrosion resistance of the carbon steel in the chloride‐containing acid environment.
Influence of surface treatment on metal dusting resistance of welds
Authors: Schlereth Clara , White Emma M. H. , Lepple Maren , Nowak Benedikt , Hattendorf Heike , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: September 2023

Welds of the commercial Ni‐based alloys 602 CA, 699 XA, 601 and 690 were exposed under harsh metal dusting conditions. The pit formation was compared for as‐welded, brushed, ground, glass bead blasted, steel shot peened and dry cathodic pickled surfaces. Surface treatments were applied by industrial partners. When (stainless) steels were involved in the surface treatment, Fe contaminations acted as catalyst sites for pit initiation. A fast metal dusting attack was also observed on dry cathodic pickled samples. A beneficial effect was attributed to deformation of the sub‐surface zone, as it provides diffusion paths for oxide formers (by grinding and glass bead blasting). In the same region, formation of α‐Cr (BCC) precipitates was observed. The best performance was found for samples where the weld bead was fully flattened by grinding to P40 grit. In addition, it was demonstrated that on‐site slurry aluminization further enhances the resistance against metal dusting attack.
Unimodal singularities and boundary divisors in the KSBA moduli of a class of Horikawa surfaces
Authors: Gallardo Patricio , Pearlstein Gregory , Schaffler Luca , Zhang Zheng
Published: September 2023

Smooth minimal surfaces of general type with , , and constitute a fundamental example in the geography of algebraic surfaces, and the 28‐dimensional moduli space of their canonical models admits a modular compactification via the minimal model program. We describe eight new irreducible boundary divisors in such compactification parameterizing reducible stable surfaces. Additionally, we study the relation with the GIT compactification of and the Hodge theory of the degenerate surfaces that the eight divisors parameterize.
A variable step‐size extrapolated Crank–Nicolson method for option pricing under stochastic volatility model with jump
Authors: Mao Mengli , Tian Hongjiong , Wang Wansheng
Published: September 2023

This paper studies the numerical solution of the stochastic volatility model with jumps under European options. This model can be transformed into a partial integro‐differential equation (PIDE) with spatial mixed derivative terms. Due to the nonsmoothness of the initial function, the variable step‐size extrapolated Crank–Nicolson (CN) method, which explicitly discretizes the jump term and implicitly the rest, is proposed to solve this model. The finite difference method is used to discretize the spatial differential operator, the composite trapezoidal rule to calculate the jump integral, and then a linear system with a nine‐diagonal coefficient matrix is obtained, which is easy to solve. The stability of the variable step‐size extrapolated CN method is then proved. Based on realistic regularity assumptions on the data, the consistency error and global error bounds of the variable step‐size extrapolated CN method are derived in
norm. Compared with the variable step‐size IMEX BDF2 method and the variable step‐size IMEX MP method, the numerical results show the efficiency of the proposed variable step‐size extrapolated CN method.
Reaction monitoring via benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: A practical comparison of on‐line stopped‐flow and continuous‐flow sampling methods
Authors: Maschmeyer Tristan , Russell David J. , Napolitano José G. , Hein Jason E.
Published: September 2023

The ability for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to provide quantitative, structurally rich information makes this spectroscopic technique an attractive reaction monitoring tool. The practicality of NMR for this type of analysis has only increased in the recent years with the influx of commercially available benchtop NMR instruments and compatible flow systems. In this study, we aim to compare 19F NMR reaction profiles acquired under both on‐line continuous‐flow and stopped‐flow sampling methods, with modern benchtop NMR instrumentation, and two reaction systems: a homogeneous imination reaction and a biphasic activation of a carboxylic acid to acyl fluoride. Reaction trends with higher data density can be acquired with on‐line continuous‐flow analyses, and this work highlights that representative reaction trends can be acquired without any correction when monitoring resonances with a shorter spin–lattice relaxation time (T1), and with the used flow conditions. On‐line stopped‐flow analyses resulted in representative reaction trends in all cases, including the monitoring of resonances with a long T1, without the need of any correction factors. The benefit of easier data analysis, however, comes with the cost of time, as the fresh reaction solution must be flowed into the NMR system, halted, and time must be provided for spins to become polarized in the instrument's external magnetic field prior to spectral measurement. Results for one of the reactions were additionally compared with the use of a high‐field NMR.
The role of retention in enrollment management
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: September 2023

Several years ago, I wrote A Practical Guide to Enrollment and Retention Management in Higher Education. I believed then, as I do now, that retention management is as important as enrollment management and is essential for the success of any enrollment management program.
Cal Poly's multiyear journey to overhaul course offerings and boost student graduations
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: September 2023

Cem Sunata was feeling helpless. As the University Registrar at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, he could see which high‐demand classes ran out of seats quickly. He could discern the patterns and inefficiencies at the 22,000‐student school that kept people from graduating, but he felt powerless to make the needed changes.
Various beam and shell models for long slender tools in the area of HSC milling
Authors: Schmidt Rico , Ams Alfons
Published: September 2023

High‐speed‐cutting) milling is an extensively used production process in tool‐making and mold‐making industries. For the purpose of a self‐balancing tool, a hollow shaft is used and filled partially with a fluid. This talk presents different beam and shell models for the investigation of nonlinear vibrations. Therefore, different theories are compared with respect to the influence of geometrical nonlinearities, spin‐softening as well as stress‐stiffening, and also shear deformation. Additionally, a stochastic Wedig–Dimentberg approach is presented for the simulation of a spatial distributed unbalance. Starting with the nonlinear kinematics for the tool‐deformation Hamilton's principle is evaluated for the variational formulation of each model. Regarding to the shear deformation, the theories of Euler–Bernoulli and Ehrenfest–Timoshenko (beam models) as well as Kirchhoff–Love and Mindlin–Reissner (shell models) are used. In the following up, the variational formulation is discretized under usage of a global Ritz approach on the one hand, and on the other hand with a local finite element (FE) discretization. Afterward, the governing system of differential equations is solved and discussed. Different results of rotating and nonrotating tools are presented, which show the available options of each theory and also their limits. In particular, results of the eigenfrequencies including their stochastic distribution, stationary deformation, stability behavior, and various time solutions are shown.
Double U‐Net: Improved multiscale modeling via fully convolutional neural networks
Authors: Lißner Julian , Fritzen Felix
Published: September 2023

In multiscale modeling, the response of the macroscopic material is computed by considering the behavior of the microscale at each material point. To keep the computational overhead low when simulating such high performance materials, an efficient, but also very accurate prediction of the microscopic behavior is of utmost importance. Artificial neural networks are well known for their fast and efficient evaluation. We deploy fully convolutional neural networks, with one advantage being that, compared to neural networks directly predicting the homogenized response, any quantity of interest can be recovered from the solution, for example, peak stresses relevant for material failure. We propose a novel model layout, which outperforms state‐of‐the‐art models with fewer model parameters. This is achieved through a staggered optimization scheme ensuring an accurate low‐frequency prediction. The prediction is further improved by superimposing an efficient to evaluate U‐net, which captures the remaining high‐level features.
Molecular simulation study on permeation behavior of small molecules in graphyne/polypyrrole mixed matrix membrane
Authors: Luo Min , Qiao Yalan , Wang Yihan , Yin Qinjian , Zhou Ge
Published: September 2023

The research on the permeation behavior of small molecules in mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) is an important part of the research of MMMs. Graphyne, a new two‐dimensional carbon material, was used as the filler, and polypyrrole was used as polymer matrix to construct a MMM. In order to clarify the permeation behavior of common small molecules in MMM at room temperature and constant pressure, the adsorption and diffusion properties of H2O, CO2, and O2 in graphyne/polypyrrole MMM were investigated by combining the Giant Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) and molecular dynamics (MD). The results show that: (1) the order of adsorption capacity of the three molecules is H2O > CO2 > O2; (2) the diffusion ability of the three molecules is influenced by the doping content of graphyne. Oxygen diffusion and permeation in MMMs are optimal when the graphyne filling level is 15%. The filling of graphyne affects the permeation of gases. It will shed light on application areas such as coating membranes for electronics in special environments, gas separation membranes, and gas sensor membranes.

Highlights

A new two‐dimensional carbon nano filler—graphyne was used.

A simulation method using a combination of GCMC and MD.

The diffusion and permeation behaviors are analyzed from multiple perspectives.

The permeation behavior conforms to the solution‐diffusion theory.

The graphyne‐filled MMM is conducive to oxygen molecular diffusion.