bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors and population health outcomes of persistent high GP turnover in English general practices: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Parisi Rosa , Lau Yiu-Shing , Bower Peter , Checkland Katherine , Rubery Jill , Sutton Matt , Giles Sally J , Esmail Aneez , Spooner Sharon , Kontopantelis Evangelos
Published: January 2023

Objective

English primary care faces significant challenges, including ‘persistent high turnover’ of general practitioners (GPs) in some partnerships. It is unknown whether there are specific predictors of persistent high turnover and whether it is associated with poorer population health outcomes.

Design

A retrospective observational study.

Methods

We linked workforce data on individual GPs to practice-level data from Hospital Episode Statistics and the GP Patient Survey (2007–2019). We classified practices as experiencing persistent high turnover if more than 10% of GPs changed in at least 3 consecutive years. We used multivariable logistic or linear regression models for panel data with random effects to identify practice characteristics that predicted persistent high turnover and associations of practice outcomes (higher emergency hospital use and patient experience of continuity of care, access to care and overall patient satisfaction) with persistent high turnover.

Results

Each year, 6% of English practices experienced persistent high turnover, with a maximum of 9% (688/7619) in 2014. Larger practices, in more deprived areas and with a higher morbidity burden were more likely to experience persistent high turnover. Persistent high turnover was associated with 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2.1) more emergency hospital attendances per 100 patients, 0.1 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.2) more admissions per 100 patients, 5.2% (95% CI −5.6% to −4.9%) fewer people seeing their preferred doctor, 10.6% (95% CI−11.4% to −9.8%) fewer people reporting obtaining an appointment on the same day and 1.3% (95% CI −1.6% to −1.1%) lower overall satisfaction with the practice.

Conclusions

Persistent high turnover is independently linked to indicators of poorer service and health outcomes. Although causality needs to be further investigated, strategies and policies may be needed to both reduce high turnover and support practices facing challenges with high GP turnover when it occurs.
French women’s experiences and opinions with in-country versus cross-border abortion travel: a mixed-methods paper
Authors: Rahm Laura , De Zordo Silvia , Mishtal Joanna , Zanini Giulia , Garnsey Camille , Clougher Derek , Gerdts Caitlin
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This is the first study contrasting the experience of women residing in France and travelling for abortion services inside and outside their country of residence. We compare travel reasons and costs as well as our study participants’ opinions of abortion legislation. The article documents legal and procedural barriers related to accessing local and timely abortions and provides policy recommendations to broaden care options.

Methods

The study is based on a mixed-methods research design. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed using Stata and drawn from 100 surveys with in-country abortion seekers collected from 3 Parisian hospitals, and 57 surveys with French residents seeking abortion care in the Netherlands (42), Spain (10) and the UK (5). Qualitative data were thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti and drawn from 36 interviews with French residents (23 in-country abortion seekers and 13 cross-border abortion travellers).

Findings

Gestational age (GA) limits were the key reason for cross-border travel, while lack of close-by, timely and good quality abortion care was the main driver for in-country abortion travel. Unlike in-country travellers, cross-border abortion seekers faced significant financial costs and burdens related to such travel. Partners, family members and service providers offered important support structures to both cross-border and in-country travellers.

Conclusions

Legal time limits appeared to be the key driver for abortion-related travel of French residents. Having passed or being at risk of exceeding the GA limit caused women to travel outside their country or department of residence for abortion care.
Improved lifestyle is associated with improved depression, anxiety and well-being over time in UK healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the CoPE-HCP cohort study
Authors: Khanji Mohammed Y , Collett George , Godec Thomas , Maniero Carmela , Ng Sher May , Siddiqui Imrana , Gupta Jaya , Kapil Vikas , Gupta Ajay
Published: January 2023

Background

One potential modifiable factor to improve the mental health of healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the pandemic is lifestyle.

Aims

This study aimed to assess whether an improved lifestyle during the pandemic is associated with improved mental health symptoms and mental well-being in HCPs over time.

Methods

This was a cohort study involving an online survey distributed at two separate time points during the pandemic (baseline (July–September 2020) and follow-up (December 2020–March 2021)) to HCPs working in primary or secondary care in the UK. Both surveys assessed for major depressive disorder (MDD) (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)), mental well-being (Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Score (SWEMWBS)) and self-reported lifestyle change (compared with the start of the pandemic) on multiple domains. Cumulative scores were calculated to estimate overall lifestyle change compared with that before the pandemic (at both baseline and follow-up). At each time point, separate logistic regression models were constructed to relate the lifestyle change score with the presence of MDD, GAD and low mental well-being. Linear regression models were also developed relating the change in lifestyle scores from baseline to follow-up to changes in PHQ-9, GAD-7 and SWEMWBS scores.

Results

613 HCPs completed both baseline assessment and follow-up assessment. Consistent significant cross-sectional associations between increased lifestyle change scores and a reduced risk of MDD, GAD and low mental well-being were observed at both baseline and follow-up. Over the study period, a whole unit increase in the change in novel scores (ie, improved overall lifestyle) over 4 months was inversely associated with changes in PHQ-9 (adjusted coefficient: −0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.73 to −0.30, p<0.001) and GAD-7 scores (adjusted coefficient: −0.32, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.10, p=0.004) and positively associated with the change in SWEMWBS scores (adjusted coefficient: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.55, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Improved lifestyle over time is associated with improved mental health and mental well-being in HCPs during the pandemic. Improving lifestyle could be a recommended intervention for HCPs to help mitigate the mental health impact during the current and future pandemics.

Trial registration number

NCT04433260.
Insufficient sleep during adolescence and risk of multiple sclerosis: results from a Swedish case-control study
Authors: Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars , Hedström Anna Karin
Published: January 2023

Background

Shift work, which often results in sleep deprivation and circadian desynchrony, has been associated with increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed at studying the impact of sleep duration, circadian disruption and sleep quality on MS risk.

Methods

We used a Swedish population-based case-control study (2075 cases, 3164 controls). Aspects of sleep were associated with MS risk by calculating OR with 95% CIs using logistic regression models.

Results

Compared with sleeping 7–9 hours/night during adolescence, short sleep (<7 hours/night) was associated with increased risk of developing MS (OR 1.4, 95% OR 1.1–1.7). Similarly, subjective low sleep quality during adolescence increased the risk of subsequently developing MS (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.9), whereas phase shift did not significantly influence the risk. Our findings remained similar when those who worked shifts were excluded.

Conclusions

Insufficient sleep and low sleep quality during adolescence seem to increase the risk of subsequently developing MS. Sufficient restorative sleep at young age, needed for adequate immune functioning, may be a preventive factor against MS.
Cigarettes, heated tobacco products and dual use: exhaled carbon monoxide, saliva cotinine and total tobacco consumed by Hong Kong tobacco users
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Yuying , Cheung Yee Tak Derek , Wang Man Ping , Wu Yongda Socrates , Chak Kin Yeung , Chen Jianjiu , Leung Lok Tung , Lam Tai Hing , Ho Sai Yin
Published: January 2023

Background

Independent studies on exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) and saliva cotinine levels in regular heated tobacco product (HTP) users, and how they compare with conventional cigarette (CC) smokers, are lacking.

Methods

A total of 3294 current users of CCs, HTPs or electronic cigarettes (ECs) from a household survey and a smoking hotspot survey were classified into seven groups: exclusive users of CCs, HTPs, ECs; dual users of CCs and HTPs, CCs and ECs, HTPs and ECs; and triple users. We measured exhaled CO level using the piCo Smokerlyzer (n=780) and saliva cotinine using NicAlert cotinine test strips (n=620). Among the seven groups, the differences in (1) CO and cotinine levels were examined using Kruskal-Wallis test, and (2) the average daily tobacco consumption in the past 30 days was examined using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Both exclusive and dual users of CCs had a higher CO level than exclusive HTP or EC users (p<0.05). Exhaled CO levels were similar between HTP and EC users, as were saliva cotinine levels among the seven groups. Compared with exclusive CC users, those who also used HTPs or ECs smoked fewer CCs (CCs+HTPs: adjusted coefficient −2.79, 95% CI −3.90 to –1.69; CCs+ECs: −1.34, 95% CI −2.34 to –0.34), but consumed more tobacco sticks equivalent in total (2.79 (95% CI 1.61 to 3.96); 1.95 (95% CI 0.79 to 3.12)).

Conclusions

HTP or EC use showed lower exhaled CO but similar saliva cotinine levels compared with CC use. Dual users of CCs and HTPs/ECs smoked fewer CCs than exclusive CC users, but consumed more tobacco in total.
Evaluation of Photos Monte Carlo ambiguities in case of four fermion final states
Authors: Kusina A. , Was Z.
Published: January 2023

With the increasing precision requirements and growing spectrum of applications of Monte Carlo simulations the evaluation of different components of such simulations and their systematic ambiguities become of utmost interest. In the following, we will address the question of systematic errors for Monte Carlo for simulation of bremsstrahlung corrections in final states, which can not, in principle, be identified as a decay of resonances. It is possible, because the program features explicit and exact parametrization of phase space for multi-body plus multi-photon final states. The emission kernel for some processes consist of complete matrix element, in the remaining cases appropriate approximation is used. Comparisons with results of simulations, from generators based on exact phase space and exact fixed order matrix elements, can be used. For the purpose of such validations provides an option to restrict emissions to single photon only. In the current work we concentrate on final state bremsstrahlung in $$q {\bar{q}}(e^+e^-) \rightarrow l^+l^- l^+l^- \gamma $$

q

q

¯

(

e
+

e
-

)

→

l
+

l
-

l
+

l
-

γ

and $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow l^+l^- \gamma $$

γ
γ
→

l
+

l
-

γ

processes. The reference distributions used as a cross-check are obtained from the fixed-order Monte Carlo simulations. For the purpose of validation we concentrate on those phase space regions where is not expected to work on the basis of its design alone. These phase space regions of hard, non-collinear photons, do not contribute to large logarithmic terms. We find that in these phase space regions the differences between and results do not surpass a few percent and these regions, in turn, contribute about 10% to the observed process rates. This is encouraging in view of the possible ambiguities for precise calculation of realistic observables.
Geometric minimization of softly broken potentials
Authors: de Medeiros Varzielas Ivo , Ivo Diogo
Published: January 2023

We study the minimization of the potentials of multi-Higgs models with symmetries that are softly broken. The powerful method of geometric minimization enables analytic minimization of the potentials of multi-Higgs models invariant under large symmetries. When these symmetries are softly broken, the method needs to be adapted. We propose a useful generalization that considers the effect of the soft-breaking terms to the quadratic part of the potential, by applying the procedure to restricted orbit spaces. We exemplify our novel methodology by finding and classifying the minima for an $$S_4$$

S
4

multi-Higgs model that is softly broken with specific terms.
A Dialog About the Special Issues on Theory
Authors: Ko Amy J. , Draper Steve , Maguire Joseph , Pajunen John , Tedre Matti , Sinclair Jane , Szabo Claudia
Published: January 2023

Several authors of articles in the special issue came together for an asynchronous discussion of the articles, surfacing several tensions and opportunities for future work. This summary of the discussion offers a glimpse into these insights.
Incentive Mechanisms in Peer-to-Peer Networks — A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ihle Cornelius , Trautwein Dennis , Schubotz Moritz , Meuschke Norman , Gipp Bela
Published: January 2023

Centralized networks inevitably exhibit single points of failure that malicious actors regularly target. Decentralized networks are more resilient if numerous participants contribute to the network’s functionality. Most decentralized networks employ incentive mechanisms to coordinate the participation and cooperation of peers and thereby ensure the functionality and security of the network. This article systematically reviews incentive mechanisms for decentralized networks and networked systems by covering 165 prior literature reviews and 178 primary research papers published between 1993 and October 2022. Of the considered sources, we analyze 11 literature reviews and 105 primary research papers in detail by categorizing and comparing the distinctive properties of the presented incentive mechanisms. The reviewed incentive mechanisms establish fairness and reward participation and cooperative behavior. We review work that substitutes central authority through independent and subjective mechanisms run in isolation at each participating peer and work that applies multiparty computation. We use monetary, reputation, and service rewards as categories to differentiate the implementations and evaluate each incentive mechanism’s data management, attack resistance, and contribution model. Further, we highlight research gaps and deficiencies in reproducibility and comparability. Finally, we summarize our assessments and provide recommendations to apply incentive mechanisms to decentralized networks that share computational resources.
Omnisemantics: Smooth Handling of Nondeterminism
Authors: Charguéraud Arthur , Chlipala Adam , Erbsen Andres , Gruetter Samuel
Published: January 2023

This article gives an in-depth presentation of the omni-big-step and omni-small-step styles of semantic judgments. These styles describe operational semantics by relating starting states to sets of outcomes rather than to individual outcomes. A single derivation of these semantics for a particular starting state and program describes all possible nondeterministic executions (hence the name
omni
), whereas in traditional small-step and big-step semantics, each derivation only talks about one single execution. This restructuring allows for straightforward modeling of both nondeterminism and undefined behavior as commonly encountered in sequential functional and imperative programs. Specifically, omnisemantics inherently assert
safety
(i.e., they guarantee that none of the execution branches gets stuck), while traditional semantics need either a separate judgment or additional error markers to specify safety in the presence of nondeterminism.

Omnisemantics can be understood as an inductively defined weakest-precondition semantics (or more generally, predicate-transformer semantics) that does not involve invariants for loops and recursion but instead uses unrolling rules like in traditional small-step and big-step semantics. Omnisemantics were previously described in association with several projects, but we believe the technique has been underappreciated and deserves a well-motivated, extensive, and pedagogical presentation of its benefits. We also explore several novel aspects associated with these semantics, in particular, their use in type-safety proofs for lambda calculi, partial-correctness reasoning, and forward proofs of compiler correctness for terminating but potentially nondeterministic programs being compiled to nondeterministic target languages. All results in this article are formalized in Coq.
Efficient Distributed Matrix-free Multigrid Methods on Locally Refined Meshes for FEM Computations
Authors: Munch Peter , Heister Timo , Prieto Saavedra Laura , Kronbichler Martin
Published: January 2023

This work studies three multigrid variants for matrix-free finite-element computations on locally refined meshes: geometric local smoothing, geometric global coarsening (both
h
-multigrid), and polynomial global coarsening (a variant of
p
-multigrid). We have integrated the algorithms into the same framework—the open source finite-element library
deal.II
—, which allows us to make fair comparisons regarding their implementation complexity, computational efficiency, and parallel scalability as well as to compare the measurements with theoretically derived performance metrics. Serial simulations and parallel weak and strong scaling on up to 147,456 CPU cores on 3,072 compute nodes are presented. The results obtained indicate that global-coarsening algorithms show a better parallel behavior for comparable smoothers due to the better load balance, particularly on the expensive fine levels. In the serial case, the costs of applying hanging-node constraints might be significant, leading to advantages of local smoothing, even though the number of solver iterations needed is slightly higher. When using
p
- and
h
-multigrid in sequence (
hp
-multigrid), the results indicate that it makes sense to decrease the degree of the elements first from a performance point of view due to the cheaper transfer.
Accurately Measuring Contention in Mesh NoCs in Time-Sensitive Embedded Systems
Authors: Cardona Jordi , Hernández Carles , Abella Jaume , Mezzetti Enrico , Cazorla Francisco J.
Published: January 2023

The computing capacity demanded by embedded systems is on the rise as software implements more functionalities, ranging from best-effort entertainment functions to performance-guaranteed safety-related functions. Heterogeneous manycore processors, using wormhole mesh (wmesh) Network-on-Chips (NoCs) as the main communication means, and contention block among applications, are increasingly considered to deliver the required computing performance. Most research efforts on software timing analysis have focused on deriving bounds (estimates) to the contention that tasks can suffer when accessing wmesh NoCs. However, less effort has been devoted to an equally important problem, namely,accuratelymeasuring the actual contention tasks generate each other on the wmesh which is instrumental during system validation to diagnose any software timing misbehavior and determine which tasks are particularly affected by contention on specific wmesh routers. In this article, we work on the foundations ofcontention measuringin wmesh NoCs and propose and explain the rationale of agolden metric, called taskPairWise Contention(PWC). PWC allows ascribing the actual share of the contention a given task suffers in the wmesh to each of its co-runner tasks at packet level. We also introduce and formalize aGolden Reference Value(GRV) for PWC that specifically defines a criterion to fairly break down the contention suffered by a task among its co-runner tasks in the wmesh. Our evaluation shows that GRV effectively captures how contention occurs by identifying the actual core (task) causing contention and whether contention is caused by local or remote interference in the wmesh.
Recent Advances in Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Wang Xilu , Jin Yaochu , Schmitt Sebastian , Olhofer Markus
Published: January 2023

Bayesian optimization has emerged at the forefront of expensive black-box optimization due to its data efficiency. Recent years have witnessed a proliferation of studies on the development of new Bayesian optimization algorithms and their applications. Hence, this article attempts to provide a comprehensive and updated survey of recent advances in Bayesian optimization that are mainly based on Gaussian processes and identify challenging open problems. We categorize the existing work on Bayesian optimization into nine main groups according to the motivations and focus of the proposed algorithms. For each category, we present the main advances with respect to the construction of surrogate models and adaptation of the acquisition functions. Finally, we discuss the open questions and suggest promising future research directions, in particular with regard to heterogeneity, privacy preservation, and fairness in distributed and federated optimization systems.
Potentiometric Testing of Soil by Printed Nobel Metal Thick Film Electrode
Authors: Ramesh M. , Kharbanda D. K. , Kumar S. , Kumar D. , Khanna P. K. , Suri N.
Published: January 2023

Analysis of precision farming in soil includes monitoring the main nutrient contents such as nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium on agricultural land before farming activities are carried out. The electrochemical soil detectors are extensively used to detect the nutrient of soil due to their low cost, repeatability, multiplexing, and quick response. In this study AuPt based thick film electrodes are fabricated for detecting NPK using electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical response is monitored in the soil contains urea, KCl and DAP and it shows the good response of DAP. To know the least detection of DAP, concentration varied from 7.5 mM to 500 nM is measured and it is found that the electrode can detect even at 500 nm. The limit of detection is calculated by using the concentration 1μM to 10μM and value shows 291 nM can be detected. The surface morphology of the electrode is captured in SEM before and after voltammeter experiments.
Attractors of Modified Coupled Ginzburg–Landau Model
Authors: Chen Shuhong , Liu Shuai
Published: January 2023

Bose–Einstein condensation is a gaseous, superfluid state of matter exhibited by bosons as they cool to near absolute zero, which was discovered as early as 1924 but was not experimentally realized until 1995. In 2006, Machida and Koyama developed the corresponding Ginzburg–Landau model for superfluid and Bose–Einstein condensation‐spanning phenomena. We mainly consider the global attractor for the initial boundary value problem of the modified coupled Ginzburg–Landau equations, which come from the BCS‐BEC crossover model. Combining Gronwall inequality, properties of the binomial function, with some suitable a priori estimates, we establish the existence of global attractors. The attractor results obtained in this paper can provide a strong theoretical basis for the experimental realization of the BCS‐BEC spanning phenomenon, and the adopted research method can also serve as a reference for analysing other types of partial differential equation attractors.
Indirect Estimation of Swelling Pressure of Expansive Soil: GEP versus MEP Modelling
Authors: Jalal Fazal E. , Iqbal Mudassir , Ali Khan Mohsin , Salami Babatunde A. , Ullah Shahid , Khan Hayat , Nabil Marwa
Published: January 2023

In this article, detailed trials were undertaken to study the variation in genetic parameters in order to formulate more robust predictive models using gene expression programming (GEP) and multigene expression programming (MEP) for computing the swelling pressure of expansive soils (Ps-ES). A total of 200 datasets with ten input parameters (i.e., clay fraction CF, liquid limitwL, plastic limitwP, plasticity index IP, specific gravity Gs, swell percent Sp, sand content, silt content, maximum dry density ρdmax, and optimum water contentwopt) and one output variable, i.e., Ps-ES are collected from the literature, which comprises 120 internationally publications. The effect of input parameters in contributing to Ps-ES has been validated using Pearson correlation (r), sensitivity analysis (SA), as well as a parametric study. The results reveal that the GP-based techniques correctly characterize the swelling characteristics of the ES, thus leading to reasonable prediction performance; however, the MEP model yielded relatively better performance. Also, the proposed predictive models were compared with widely used AI models (ANN, ANFIS, RF, GB-T, DT, and SVM). The ANN performed relatively better; however, it is recommended to use the GEP and MEP due to the blackbox nature of the ANN. Other models exhibited inferior performance. The SA revealed different importance by the GEP and MEP models, however, its confirmed that the maximum dry density and optimum moisture content significantly affect the Ps-ES. The variation in Ps-ES with changes in input attributes is further corroborated from literature. Hence, it is recommended that the proposed GEP and MEP models can be deployed for computing the Ps-ES which efficiently lessens the laborious and time-consuming testing.
Comprehensive Molecular Analyses of Notch Pathway-Related Genes to Predict Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Song Yinsen , Gao Na , Yang Zhenzhen , Zhang Sisen , Fan Tianli , Zhang Baojun
Published: January 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly molecular heterogeneous tumor with unfavorable outcomes. The Notch signaling pathway is an important regulator of immune cell differentiation and has been associated with autoimmune disorders, the development of tumors, and immunomodulation caused by tumors. In this study, by developing a gene signature based on genes relevant to the Notch pathway, we could improve our ability to predict the outcome of patients with GC. From the TCGA database, RNA sequencing data of GC tumors and associated normal tissues were obtained. Microarray data were collected from GEO datasets. The Molecular Signature Database (MSigDB) was accessed in order to retrieve sets of human Notch pathway-related genes (NPRGs). The LASSO analysis performed on the TCGA cohort was used to generate a multigene signature based on prognostic NPRGs. In order to validate the gene signature, the GEO cohort was utilized. Using the CIBERSORT method, we were able to determine the amounts of immune cell infiltration in the GC. In this study, a total of 21 differentially expressed NPRGs were obtained between GC specimens and nontumor specimens. The construction of a prognostic prediction model for patients with GC involved the identification and selection of three different NPRGs. According to the appropriate cutoff value, the patients with GC were divided into two groups: those with a low risk and those with a high risk. The time-dependent ROC curves demonstrated that the new model had satisfactory performance when it came to prognostic prediction. Multivariate assays confirmed that the risk score was an independent marker that may be used to predict the outcome of GC. In addition, the generated nomogram demonstrated a high level of predictive usefulness. Moreover, the scores of immunological infiltration of the majority of immune cells were distinctly different between the two groups, and the low-risk group responded to immunotherapy in a significantly greater degree. According to the results of a functional enrichment study of candidate genes, there are multiple pathways and processes associated with cancer. Taken together, a new gene model associated with the Notch pathway may be utilized for the purpose of predicting the prognosis of GC. One potential method of treatment for GC is to focus on NPRGs.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of AZ31-SiC-Graphite Hybrid Nanocomposites Fabricated by Bottom Pouring-Type Stir Casting Machines
Authors: Veeranjaneyulu Itha , Chittaranjan Das Vemulapalli , Karumuri Srikanth
Published: January 2023

In this study, a bottom pouring-type stir casting machine was used to create AZ31 magnesium alloy hybrid nanocomposites with varying weight percentages (0, 3, 5, and 7) of silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) particles. Investigations have been made into the mechanical characteristics and microstructural distribution of manufactured hybrid nanocomposites. The outcomes demonstrate that the mechanical characteristics and uniform distribution of SiC and Gr particles are enhanced compared to those of the base alloy. In comparison to monolithic AZ31 alloy, microhardness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and compressive strength (CS) were raised by about 54%, 68%, 82%, and 107%, respectively. The presence of reinforced particles, the uniform distribution of particles, and the strong interfacial connection between the matrix and reinforcement all contribute to the improvement of mechanical properties. However, the addition of 7 wt. % SiC/Gr showed good mechanical properties compared to the base alloy. The microstructure of nanocomposites was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and particles were described using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Thermodynamic Phase Transition of Generalized Ayon-Beato Garcia Black Holes
Authors: Ghasemi Elham , Ghaffarnejad Hossein
Published: January 2023

In this work, we study thermodynamics of generalized Ayon-Beato and Garcia (ABG) black hole metric which contains three parameters named as mass

m

, magnetic charge

q

, and dimensionless coupling constant of nonlinear electrodynamics interacting field

γ

. We showed that central regions of this black hole behaves as dS (AdS) vacuum space by setting

q
<
2
m

q
>
2
m

and in the case

q
=
2
m

reaches to a flat Minkowski space. In the large distances, this black hole behaves as a Reissner-Nordstrom BH. However, an important role of the charge

q

appeared in the production of a formal variable cosmological parameter which will support pressure coordinate in the thermodynamic perspective of this black hole in our setup. We should point that this formal variable cosmological parameter is different with cosmological constant which comes from AdS/CFT correspondence, and it is effective at large distances as AdS space pressure. In our setup, the assumed pressure originated from the internal material of the black hole say

q

and

m

here. By calculating the Hawking temperature of this black hole, we obtain equation of state. Then, we plotted isothermal P-V curves and heat capacity at constant pressure. They show that the system participates in the small to large phase transition of the black hole or the Hawking-Page phase transition which is similar to the van der Waals phase transition in the ordinary thermodynamics systems. In fact in the Hawking-Page phase transition disequilibrium, evaporating generalized ABG black hole reaches to a vacuum AdS space finally.
IV Vitamin C in Sepsis: A Latest Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wen Chengli , Li Yuan , Hu Qinxue , Liu Hui , Xu Xinxin , Lü Muhan
Published: January 2023

Sepsis is a high-incidence disease and demands intensive care. Finding effective treatment is the key to cure sepsis. Studies have shown a lower level of vitamin C in patients with sepsis. Therefore, vitamin C supplementation has become one of the measures to treat sepsis. However, the clinical studies of vitamin C in the treatment of sepsis have been controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate vitamin C’s efficacy and safety in the treatment of sepsis. We searched four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, and two researchers independently screened 24 eligible RCTs published in English. Our review demonstrates that intravenous (IV) vitamin C might improve short-term mortality (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65–1.02;

P
=
0.07

; and I2 = 45%) and overall mortality (RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.74–1.01;

P
=
0.06

; and I2 = 51%) of patients with sepsis. Moreover, the SOFA score of patients with sepsis improved significantly after treatment with vitamin C for over 72 hours (RR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09–0.42;

P
=
0.002

; and I2 = 0%). The main results of our study were moderate-quality evidence. More high-quality, multicenter RCTs are needed to provide more substantial evidence on the efficacy and safety of IV vitamin C for sepsis.
Feature Extraction and Signal Enhancement Based on Unsaturation Piecewise Tri-Stable Stochastic Resonance Driven by Lévy Noise
Authors: Zhao Shuai , Shi Peiming
Published: January 2023

As science advances and machines become larger and more sophisticated, it is vital to determine whether there is a mechanical failure without damaging the device. Stochastic resonance (SR), as a widely used method, can effectively extract the periodic signal in the noise and then realize the identification of mechanical faults, which is very important for safety and property protection. Most studies on SR are based on additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) as the driving source; however, there are many kinds of noise in reality. In this paper, based on the previously proposed piecewise tri-stable SR (PTSR) model, the influence of parameters on the mean of signal-to-noise ratio gain (SNR-GM) of the system driven by Lévy noise is studied. It is also verified by simulation signals and actual signals that PTSR can also achieve feature extraction and signal enhancement with Lévy noise as the driving source, which proves that PTSR can be applied in a wider range of conditions.
Identifying the Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco-Related Predictors on Frequencies of Heavy Vehicle Traffic Accidents in Bangladesh: Linear and Binary Logistic Regression-Based Approach
Authors: Uddin Md. Anwar , Debnath Mithun , Roy Sumit , Adiba Saima , Talukder Mohammad Mahbub Alam
Published: January 2023

Smoking is responsible for ninety percent of all premature deaths worldwide. Its prevalence is increasing in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) have risen dramatically in recent years, with tobacco use accounting for 4–5 million fatalities each year. This trend will likely continue as more bus and truck drivers smoke in Bangladesh. Therefore, our study attempts to identify predictors that may be directly related to the frequency of RTAs and smoking. The study included 424 bus and truck drivers and ten key informant interviews (KIIs). Then, a linear regression (LR) analysis model was used to determine how various smoking-related predictors contribute to the frequency of accidents. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression (BLR) model was used to examine the likelihood of a driver being involved in an accident related to various smoking-related predictors. This study demonstrates a strong association between the incidence of accidents and the number of times a person smokes, smokes while driving, and uses smokeless tobacco (SLT) daily. The result has been taken from the second BLR model, which fits with the data more than the LR model. According to that model, a driver is more likely to be in an accident if the number of days per year that he smokes cigarettes increases and if he smokes while driving. Additionally, it stresses the need for more research to make a more accurate forecast.
Stress and Displacement of Deep‐Buried Composite Lining Tunnel under Different Contact Conditions
Authors: Liu Shuhong , Duan Jiajun , Fan Jinlu , Zhu Yongquan
Published: January 2023

Stress and displacement of the composite lining are important factors to be considered during tunnel design. By the complex variable method, analytical solutions for stress and displacement of surrounding rock, primary support and secondary lining satisfying the interface continuity and boundary conditions under far‐field stresses are derived. Taking the railway composite lining tunnel as an example, the analytical distributions of stress and displacement along boundaries are given, which was in good agreement with the numerical solution calculated by finite element software. The results show that the maximum normal stress ratio (load sharing ratio) of the outer boundary between the secondary lining and the primary support is 0.74. The radial displacement of the inner boundary of surrounding rock, primary support, and secondary lining change consistently. The maximum settlement and uplift occur at the vault and bottom, respectively. The tangential stress of secondary lining is compressive stress, while the tangential stress of primary support is tensile stress and compressive stress. The maximum tangential stress of primary support and secondary lining is smaller than the allowable stress of concrete.
A Single Objective GA and PSO for the Multimodal Palmprint Recognition System
Authors: Abdullah Mohan , Kedir Beshir , Alemayehu Kebede Abebe , Habtemarium Hailu Takore
Published: January 2023

Biometric plays a vital role in human authentication systems. Unimodal and multimodal biometrics have been active research areas for the past few decades. The investigation of palmprint recognition under various illuminations, rotations, and translations is a challenging task. The research work on multimodal palmprint recognition systems has widely increased to improve the recognition rate and reduce execution time. In this article, a multimodal palmprint biometric system is formed by combining the left and right palmprint images to obtain an optimal recognition rate. A modified multilobe ordinal filter (MMLOF) is used to extract the features. Feature‐level fusion is used to fuse the left and right palmprint images. This results in a high‐dimension feature vector that requires larger memory to store. It creates redundant and irrelevant features that affect the recognition rate. To overcome these limitations, the optimal MMOF features are extracted by optimization techniques such as particle swarm optimization (PSO) and the genetic algorithm (GA). Finally, PSO and GA optimization algorithms are wrapped with the nearest neighbor classifier (NN) to evaluate the fitness function. The experimental analyses are conducted to identify the performance of GA and PSO using the IITD palmprint dataset. The 1st order MMLOF with GA (multimodal) converges faster and outperforms the 1st order MMLOF with PSO (multimodal) and obtains an optimal recognition rate of 96.95%.
Pterostilbene Confers Protection against Diquat-Induced Intestinal Damage with Potential Regulation of Redox Status and Ferroptosis in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Chen Yanan , Zhang Hao , Li Yue , Wang Tian
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress causes damage to macromolecules, including proteins, DNA, and lipid, and has been recognized as a crucial driver of the onset and progression of several intestinal disorders. Pterostilbene, one of the natural antioxidants, has attracted considerable attention owing to its multiple biological activities. In the present study, we established an oxidative stress model in broiler chickens via injection with diquat to investigate whether pterostilbene could attenuate diquat-induced intestinal damage and reveal the underlying mechanisms. We found that diquat-induced decreases in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and the level of reduced glutathione and the increase in hydrogen peroxide content in plasma and jejunum were significantly alleviated by pterostilbene (

P
<
0.05

). Pterostilbene supplementation also decreased intestinal permeability and jejunal apoptosis rate, improved jejunal villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and promoted the transcription and translation of jejunal tight junction proteins occludin and zona occludens 1 in diquat-challenged broilers (

P
<
0.05

). Furthermore, pterostilbene reversed diquat-induced mitochondrial injury in the jejunum, as indicated by the decreased reactive oxygen species level and elevated activities of superoxide dismutase 2 and mitochondrial respiratory complexes (

P
<
0.05

). Importantly, administering pterostilbene maintained iron homeostasis, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and regulated the expression of the markers of ferroptosis in the jejunum of diquat-exposed broilers (

P
<
0.05

). The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway in the jejunum of diquat-exposed broilers was also activated by pterostilbene (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, our study provides evidence that pterostilbene alleviates diquat-induced intestinal mucosa injury and barrier dysfunction by strengthening antioxidant capacity and regulating ferroptosis of broiler chickens.
Patrinoside and Patrinoside A from Patrinia scabiosaefolia Improve Insulin Resistance by Inhibiting NF-κB, MAPK Pathways and Oxidative Stress in RAW264.7 and 3 T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Wang Mengke , Liu Yuhang , Ren Mengjie , Xi Xuefeng , Li Shiming , Kang Wenyi
Published: January 2023

Patrinia scabiosaefolia, as traditional food and medicine plant, was used to treat appendicitis, enteritis, and hepatitis for thousand years in China. Patrinoside and patrinoside A isolated from P. scabiosaefolia could significantly improve insulin resistance (IR) by activating PI-3 K/AKT signaling pathway in our previous study. Since IR is closely related to inflammation, their anti-inflammatory activities in RAW264.7 inflammatory model induced by LPS and in 3 T3-L1 IR inflammatory model induced by TNF-α were evaluated to identify whether the effects on improving IR related to anti-inflammatory activity. In RAW264.7 cells, patrinoside and patrinoside A significantly inhibited the transcription and secretion of inflammatory mediators NO, TNF-α, and IL-6. Western blot analysis showed that the significant inhibition of phosphorylation of IκB and P65 and P38, ERK and JNK suggested that the effects were exerted through NF-κB pathway and MAPK pathway. In 3 T3-L1 cells, patrinoside and patrinoside A also inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways through inhibiting the transcriptions of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-1α. These events resulted in the inhibition of macrophages migration to adipocytes. In addition, patrinoside and patrinoside A ameliorated oxidative stress by inhibiting ROS release in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, patrinoside and patrinoside A could active PI-3 K/AKT pathway, inhibit NF-κB pathway, MAPK pathway, and improve oxidative stress, which showed multipathways on improving IR. These results provided the scientific basis for material basis and mechanism on improving IR of P. scabiosaefolia.
Genomic Complexity Predicts Resistance to Endocrine Therapy and CDK4/6 Inhibition in Hormone Receptor–Positive (HR+)/HER2-Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Davis Andrew A. , Luo Jingqin , Zheng Tiantian , Dai Chao , Dong Xiaoxi , Tan Lu , Suresh Rama , Ademuyiwa Foluso O. , Rigden Caron , Rearden Timothy P. , Clifton Katherine , Weilbaecher Katherine , Frith Ashley , Tandra Pavan K. , Summa Tracy , Haas Brittney , Thomas Shana , Hernandez-Aya Leonel F. , Peterson Lindsay L. , Wang Xiaohong , Luo Shujun J. , Zhou Kemin , Du Pan , Jia Shidong , King Bonnie L. , Krishnamurthy Jairam , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Clinical biomarkers to identify patients unlikely to benefit from CDK4/6 inhibition (CDK4/6i) in combination with endocrine therapy (ET) are lacking. We implemented a comprehensive circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to identify genomic features for predicting and monitoring treatment resistance.

Experimental Design:

ctDNA was isolated from 216 plasma samples collected from 51 patients with hormone receptor–positive (HR+)/HER2-negative (HER2−) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) on a phase II trial of palbociclib combined with letrozole or fulvestrant (NCT03007979). Boosted whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed at baseline and clinical progression to evaluate genomic alterations, mutational signatures, and blood tumor mutational burden (bTMB). Low-pass whole-genome sequencing was performed at baseline and serial timepoints to assess blood copy-number burden (bCNB).

Results:

High bTMB and bCNB were associated with lack of clinical benefit and significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) compared with patients with low bTMB or low bCNB (all P < 0.05). Dominant APOBEC signatures were detected at baseline exclusively in cases with high bTMB (5/13, 38.5%) versus low bTMB (0/37, 0%; P = 0.0006). Alterations in ESR1 were enriched in samples with high bTMB (P = 0.0005). There was a high correlation between bTMB determined by WES and bTMB determined using a 600-gene panel (R = 0.98). During serial monitoring, an increase in bCNB score preceded radiographic progression in 12 of 18 (66.7%) patients.

Conclusions:

Genomic complexity detected by noninvasive profiling of bTMB and bCNB predicted poor outcomes in patients treated with ET and CDK4/6i and identified early disease progression before imaging. Novel treatment strategies including immunotherapy-based combinations should be investigated in this population.
Pathogenic Variants in Adult-Onset Cancer Predisposition Genes in Pediatric Cancer: Prevalence and Impact on Tumor Molecular Features and Clinical Management
Authors: McGee Rose B. , Oak Ninad , Harrison Lynn , Xu Ke , Nuccio Regina , Blake Alise K. , Mostafavi Roya , Lewis Sara , Taylor Leslie M. , Kubal Manish , Ouma Annastasia , Hines-Dowell Stacy J. , Cheng Cheng , Furtado Larissa V. , Nichols Kim E.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Clinical genomic sequencing of pediatric tumors is increasingly uncovering pathogenic variants in adult-onset cancer predisposition genes (aoCPG). Nevertheless, it remains poorly understood how often aoCPG variants are of germline origin and whether they influence tumor molecular profiles and/or clinical care. In this study, we examined the prevalence, spectrum, and impacts of aoCPG variants on tumor genomic features and patient management at our institution.

Experimental Design:

This is a retrospective study of 1,018 children with cancer who underwent clinical genomic sequencing of their tumors. Tumor genomic data were queried for pathogenic variants affecting 24 preselected aoCPGs. Available tumor whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were evaluated for second hit mutations, loss of heterozygosity (LOH), DNA mutational signatures, and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD). Patients whose tumors harbored one or more pathogenic aoCPG variants underwent subsequent germline testing based on hereditary cancer evaluation and family or provider preference.

Results:

Thirty-three patients (3%) had tumors harboring pathogenic variants affecting one or more aoCPGs. Among 21 tumors with sufficient WGS sequencing data, six (29%) harbored a second hit or LOH affecting the remaining aoCPG allele with four of these six tumors (67%) also exhibiting a DNA mutational signature consistent with the altered aoCPG. Two additional tumors demonstrated HRD, of uncertain relation to the identified aoCPG variant. Twenty-one of 26 patients (81%) completing germline testing were positive for the aoCPG variant in the germline. All germline-positive patients were counseled regarding future cancer risks, surveillance, and risk-reducing measures. No patients had immediate cancer therapy changed due to aoCPG data.

Conclusions:

AoCPG variants are rare in pediatric tumors; however, many originate in the germline. Almost one third of tumor aoCPG variants examined exhibited a second hit and/or conferred an abnormal DNA mutational profile suggesting a role in tumor formation. aoCPG information aids in cancer risk prediction but is not commonly used to alter the treatment of pediatric cancers.