bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search and learning in export markets: Evidence from interviews with Colombian exporters
Authors: Domínguez Juan Camilo , Eaton Jonathan , Eslava Marcela , Tybout James
Published: January 2023

Why do most new exporters quickly abandon foreign markets after shipping very small amounts? And what are the investments that exporters need to make to succeed in exporting? A large literature uses models and customs records to address these questions. We complement these studies by conducting case study interviews with a small set of Colombian manufacturers of plastic products with limited differentiation. Inter alia, we find that establishing a lasting foreign market presence involves a costly search and learning process, with valuable knowledge coming from initial failures. Our interviews shed light on the specific types of hurdles the exporters face and investments they make to overcome such barriers.
Dermoscopy of cutaneous granulomatous disorders: A study of 107 cases
Authors: Kalantari Yasamin , Peymanfar Amir Abbas , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Etesami Ifa
Published: January 2023

Background

Cutaneous granulomatous disorders (CGDs) can share some features, but an accurate assessment of various findings and their pattern can be useful in differentiating them. In addition to common dermoscopic findings for CGDs, some peculiar dermoscopic characteristics can be helpful in distinguishing them.

Objective

Herein, we aimed to evaluate dermoscopic findings in patients with CGDs and determine the dermoscopic criteria that could suggest the type of granulomatous disorder.

Material and methods

A total of 107 cases including 75 (70.09%) males and 32 (29.90%) females with an established diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 49), cutaneous sarcoidosis (n = 23), granuloma annulare (GA) (n = 18), and tattoo granuloma (n = 17) confirmed by clinical and pathological studies were included. Based on the previous studies available in the literature, we wrote a checklist containing dermoscopic features of CGDs. Afterward, two dermatologists independently reviewed all dermoscopic images for the presence or absence of each item on the checklist. Descriptive analysis, fisher exact, chi‐square, andt‐test were used. The granulomatous disorders with larger sample sizes were selected for further analysis, including the univariate and conditional multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

The most prevalent nonvascular findings in all of our CGD patients were white scaling (N = 67%, 62.61%), diffuse or localized orange structureless areas (N = 53%, 49.53%), and diffuse erythema (N = 48%, 44.85%). Furthermore, the most frequent vascular findings in all of our CGD cases were branching and arborizing vessels (N = 30%, 28.03%), linear irregular (N = 30%, 28.03%), and dotted vessels (N = 27%, 25.23%).

Conclusion

For differentiating leishmaniasis from sarcoidosis by dermoscopy, white scaling and white scarring areas are more suggestive of cutaneous leishmaniasis, whereas the presence of arborizing vessels would be more in favor of sarcoidosis. When comparing GA to cutaneous leishmaniasis, the latter significantly shows more linear irregular vessels, hairpin vessels, white scaling, and white scarring areas. In the case of differentiating sarcoidosis from GA, the presence of hairpin vessels would be suggestive of sarcoidosis.
Identification of the microRNA alterations in extracellular vesicles derived from human haemorrhoids
Authors: Wang Kaijing , Zhang Yuanyuan , Ma Xiaoxue , Ge Xinyu , Deng Yewei
Published: January 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in many pathophysiologies as cell‐to‐cell communication vehicles. However, the features and potential functions of the EVs in haemorrhoids remain unclear. Therefore, we performed microRNA (miRNA) microarray analysis in EVs derived from haemorrhoid tissue to identify the profile of miRNAs in these EVs and predict their potential functions. We obtained typical EVs from both haemorrhoid and control tissues. Microarray analysis identified 447 miRNAs with significant differential expresssion (DE): 245 upregulated and 202 downregulated. The top three upregulated miRNAs in haemorrhoid EVs (Hae‐EVs), namely miR‐6741‐3p, miR‐6834‐3p and miR‐4254, were detected by RT‐qPCR in both Hae‐EVs and haemorrhoid tissues. Interestingly, we found a different expression pattern in the haemorrhoid tissues from that in Hae‐EVs. The potential target genes of these DE‐miRNAs were predicted by the miRWalk and miRDB databases. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the target genes showed that the DE‐miRNAs contributed mainly to protein kinase activity, transcriptional activity and ubiquitin‐protein function. KEGG search found that the DE‐miRNAs might regulate the MAPK and Ras signalling pathways. These findings revealed, for the first time, the miRNA profiles in Hae‐EVs and provided potential targets and pathways involved in the pathological process.
Serum concentration impacts myosin heavy chain expression but not cellular respiration in human LHCN‐M2 myoblasts undergoing differentiation
Authors: Turner Mark C. , Brett Ryan , Saini Amarjit , Stewart Claire E. , Renshaw Derek
Published: January 2023

The human LHCN‐M2 myoblast cell line has the potential to be used to investigate skeletal muscle development and metabolism. Experiments were performed to determine how different concentrations of human serum affect myogenic differentiation and mitochondrial function of LHCN‐M2 cells. LHCN‐M2 myoblasts were differentiated in serum‐free medium, 0.5% or 2% human serum for 5 and 10 days. Myotube formation was assessed by immunofluorescence staining of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and molecularly by mRNA expression of Myogenic differentiation 1 (MYOD1) and Myoregulatory factor 5 (MYF5). Following differentiation, mitochondrial function was assessed to establish the impact of serum concentration on mitochondrial function. Time in differentiation increased mRNA expression of MYOD1 (day 5, 6.58 ± 1.33‐fold; and day 10, 4.28 ± 1.71‐fold) (P = 0.012), while suppressing the expression of MYF5 (day 5, 0.21 ± 0.11‐fold; and day 10, 0.06 ± 0.03‐fold) (P = 0.001), regardless of the serum concentration. Higher serum concentrations increased MHC area (serum free, 11.92 ± 0.85%; 0.5%, 23.10 ± 5.82%; 2%, 43.94 ± 8.92%) (P = 0.001). Absolute basal respiration approached significance (P = 0.06) with significant differences in baseline oxygen consumption rate (P = 0.025) and proton leak (P = 0.006) when differentiated in 2% human serum, but these were not different between conditions when normalised to total protein. Our findings show that increasing concentrations of serum of LHCN‐M2 skeletal muscle cells into multinucleated myotubes, but this does not affect relative mitochondrial function.
Pulmonary diffusing capacity to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide during exercise and in the supine position: a test–retest reliability study
Authors: Madsen Anna Christrup , Thomsen Rie Skovly , Nymand Stine B. , Hartmann Jacob Peter , Rasmussen Iben E. , Mohammad Milan , Skovgaard Lene Theil , Hanel Birgitte , Jønck Simon , Iepsen Ulrik Winning , Chistensen Regitse H. , Mortensen Jann , Berg Ronan M. G.
Published: January 2023

DLCO/NO, the combined single‐breath measurement of the diffusing capacity to carbon monoxide (DLCO) and nitric oxide (DLNO) measured either during exercise or in the resting supine position may be a useful physiological measure of alveolar–capillary reserve. In the present study, we investigated the between‐day test–retest reliability of DLCO/NO‐based metrics. Twenty healthy volunteers (10 males, 10 females; mean age 25 (SD 2) years) were randomized to repeated DLCO/NO measurements during upright rest followed by either exercise (n = 11) or resting in the supine position (n = 9). The measurements were repeated within 7 days. The smallest real difference (SRD), defined as the 95% confidence limit of the standard error of measurement (SEM), the coefficient of variance (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess test–retest reliability. SRD for DLNO was higher during upright rest (5.4 (95% CI: 4.1, 7.5) mmol/(min kPa)) than during exercise (2.7 (95% CI: 2.0, 3.9) mmol/(min kPa)) and in the supine position (3.0 (95% CI: 2.1, 4.8) mmol/(min kPa)). SRD for DLCOc was similar between conditions. CV values for DLNO were slightly lower than for DLCOc both during exercise (1.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.7) vs. 3.8 (95% CI: 3.2, 4.3)%) and in the supine position (2.2 (95% CI: 1.8, 2.5) vs. 4.8 (95% CI: 3.8, 5.4)%). DLNO increased by 12.3 (95% CI: 11.1, 13.4) and DLCOc by 3.3 (95% CI: 2.9, 3.7) mmol/(min kPa) from upright rest to exercise. The DLCO/NO technique provides reliable indices of alveolar–capillary reserve, both during exercise and in the supine position.
Grain growth of Cu wires during Joule heat welding
Authors: Tohmyoh Hironori , Sakatoku Taiga
Published: January 2023

The Joule heat welding technique requires only current to join fine-scale materials together and is a useful way to create and repair electric circuits. During Joule heat welding, the temperature in the wire system increases, leading to grain growth and affecting the mechanical properties of the welded wires. This paper reports the grain growth of Cu wires during Joule heat welding and the mechanical properties of the welded wires. The diameter of a Cu wire was 25 μm, and the welded wires were subjected to tensile testing. Although the welded wires were broken outside the welds, the yield stress and fracture stress of the welded wires were two-thirds of the yield stress and fracture stress of the as-received Cu wire. The decrease in the yield stress and fracture stress of a Cu wire was due to its grain growth. Tensile testing of Cu wires heat-treated at various temperatures by current was also conducted. The region around the fracture position of the Cu wires was heated to around 900 °C during welding, and the grain there was found to have grown to about twice the size of that before testing.
Robust underwater direction-of-arrival tracking based on variational Bayesian extended Kalman filter
Authors: Hou Xianghao , Qiao Yueyi , Zhang Boxuan , Yang Yixin
Published: January 2023

The variational Bayesian extended Kalman filter (VB-EKF) based robust direction-of-arrival (DOA) tracking technique is proposed to make reliable estimations of the bearing angle of an underwater target with uncertain environment noise. By utilizing the VB-EKF scheme, the uncertain measurement noise caused by an unknown underwater environment along with the bearing angle of the target can be estimated simultaneously to provide reliable results at every tracking step. The proposed technique is demonstrated and verified by the sea trial data from the South China Sea in July 2021 and both the robustness and accuracy are proved superior to the traditional DOA estimating methods.
Understanding the transient large amplitude oscillatory shear behavior of yield stress fluids
Authors: Kamani Krutarth M. , Donley Gavin J. , Rao Rekha , Grillet Anne M. , Roberts Christine , Shetty Abhishek , Rogers Simon A.
Published: January 2023

A full understanding of the sequence of processes exhibited by yield stress fluids under large amplitude oscillatory shearing is developed using multiple experimental and analytical approaches. A novel component rate Lissajous curve, where the rates at which strain is acquired unrecoverably and recoverably are plotted against each other, is introduced and its utility is demonstrated by application to the analytical responses of four simple viscoelastic models. Using the component rate space, yielding and unyielding are identified by changes in the way strain is acquired, from recoverably to unrecoverably and back again. The behaviors are investigated by comparing the experimental results with predictions from the elastic Bingham model that is constructed using the Oldroyd–Prager formalism and the recently proposed continuous model by Kamani, Donley, and Rogers in which yielding is enhanced by rapid acquisition of elastic strain. The physical interpretation gained from the transient large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) data is compared to the results from the analytical sequence of physical processes framework and a novel time-resolved Pipkin space. The component rate figures, therefore, provide an independent test of the interpretations of the sequence of physical processes analysis that can also be applied to other LAOS analysis frameworks. Each of these methods, the component rates, the sequence of physical processes analysis, and the time-resolved Pipkin diagrams, unambigiously identifies the same material physics, showing that yield stress fluids go through a sequence of physical processes that includes elastic deformation, gradual yielding, plastic flow, and gradual unyielding.
Concussive Biomechanics in a Women’s Soccer Player: A Validation Clinical Case Report
Authors: Sayre Hallie D. , Bowman Tom G.
Published: January 2023

A concussed 19-year-old female midfielder on an National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III soccer team reported to the athletic training clinic complaining of a headache that began 4 days previously during a game where she headed several long punts. Despite delayed reporting, the patient returned to full participation without complication 13 days after her injury. The biomechanical data for the impacts she received on the day of injury were much lower than those presented in the literature as causing concussion for male athletes. Therefore, impact magnitude should not be used as an indicator for injury, as smaller, seemingly insignificant impacts can cause concussion.
Low Back Pain and the Social Determinants of Health: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis: A Critically Appraised Paper
Authors: Andersen J.C. , VanOpdorp Heather
Published: January 2023

Focused Clinical Question: In adult patients with persistent low back pain, what relationship do social determinants of health have on pain frequency or severity? Bottom Line: This systematic review identified several particular social risk factors (including education status, socioeconomic status, and occupational factors) that are consistently associated with adverse low back pain outcomes. In addition, the analysis of the population-representative (cross-sectional) studies demonstrated support for important associations between specific social determinants of health, such as low socioeconomic status/income status and employment status and chronic low back pain prevalence.
Considerations for Designing Indigenous Coach Education
Authors: Gurgis Joseph John , Callary Bettina , Denny Levi
Published: January 2023

This study used a participatory action research approach to explore the criteria for collaboratively designing culturally relevant Indigenous coach education with Indigenous sport stakeholders from Nova Scotia, Canada. Fourteen Mi’kmaw sport stakeholders, including six coaches (three men and three women), seven administrators (five men and two women), and one Elder (man), participated in the study through methods including online semistructured interviews, unstructured interviews, and focus group discussions to explore their perspectives of how to develop culturally relevant Indigenous coach education. The findings suggest the purpose of designing culturally relevant Indigenous coach education is to enhance cultural pride and support Indigenous coach development. Participants believed these objectives could be fulfilled by addressing topics such as Mi’kmaq culture and history, as well as colonialism. The preferred methods of delivering content included facilitating experiences, storytelling, and mentoring. The findings are interpreted relative to the Calls to Action advanced by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as well as the existing literature on Indigenous coaching and learning. Finally, the Mi’kmaq framework of two-eyed seeing is used to advocate for the bridging of Indigenous and Western perspectives, as a means of decolonizing coach education.
Physical Activity and Health Equity for Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Marquez David X. , Jaldin Michelle A. , Negrete Miguel , Whitt-Glover Melicia C. , Glover Crystal M.
Published: January 2023

Physical activity (PA) has been associated with a multitude of beneficial mental and physical outcomes. It is well documented, however, that there are health disparities and inequities for segments of the population, especially as related to PA. Engagement of traditionally minoritized populations into research is essential for justice in health. We discuss a community engagement model that can be used for recruiting and retaining traditionally minoritized populations into PA research, and then we go into three major ethnic/racial groups in the United States: Latinos, African Americans, and Asian Americans. Background information of each group, cultural values that play a role in health for each of the groups, and research demonstrating how culture plays a role in the formation and implementation of PA interventions in these groups is presented.
High Isoniazid Exposures When Administered with Rifapentine Once Weekly for Latent Tuberculosis in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Jarrett Ryan T. , van der Heijden Yuri , Shotwell Matthew S. , Chihota Violet , Marzinke Mark A. , Chaisson Richard E. , Dooley Kelly E. , Churchyard Gavin J.
Published: January 2023

Isoniazid pharmacokinetics are not yet well-described during once weekly, high-dose administrations with rifapentine (3HP) for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Fewer data describe 3HP with dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Efficacy of Replacing Linezolid with OTB-658 in Anti-Tuberculosis Regimens in Murine Models
Authors: Liu Haiting , Zhu Hui , Fu Lei , Zhang Weiyan , Chen Xi , Wang Bin , Guo Shaochen , Ding Yangming , Wang Ning , Li Dongshuo , Lu Yu
Published: January 2023

Linezolid (LZD) was the first oxazolidinone approved for treating drug-resistant tuberculosis. A newly approved regimen combining LZD with bedaquiline (BDQ) and pretomanid (PMD) (BPaL regimen) is the first 6-month oral regimen that is effective against multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Microbial Community Dynamics during a Harmful Chrysochromulina leadbeateri Bloom in Northern Norway
Authors: Aalto Nerea J. , Schweitzer Hannah , Grann-Meyer Erlend , Krsmanovic Stina , Svenning Jon B. , Dalheim Lars , Petters Sebastian , Ingebrigtsen Richard A. , Hulatt Chris J. , Bernstein Hans C.
Published: January 2023

The 2019
Chrysochromulina leadbeateri
bloom in northern Norway had a major impact on the local economy and society through its devastating effect on the aquaculture industry. However, many fail to remember that
C. leadbeateri
is, in fact, a common member of the seasonal marine microbiome and the same spring phytoplankton blooms that support the marine ecosystem.
Plasmodium berghei Purified Hemozoin Associated with DNA Strongly Inhibits P. berghei Liver-Stage Development in BALB/c Mice after Intravenous Inoculation
Authors: Franco Adriano , Flores-Garcia Yevel , Zavala Fidel , Sullivan David J.
Published: January 2023

In the acidic lysosome-like digestive vacuole,
Plasmodium
parasites crystallize heme from hemoglobin into hemozoin, or malaria pigment. Upon release of progeny merozoites, the residual hemozoin is phagocytized by macrophages principally in the liver and spleen where the heme crystals can persist for months to years, as heme oxygenase does not readily degrade the crystal.
Construction and Characterization of Functional FtsA Sandwich Fusions for Studies of FtsA Localization and Dynamics during Escherichia coli Cell Division
Authors: Cameron Todd A. , Margolin William
Published: January 2023

FtsA is a key conserved cell division protein, and
E. coli
is the most well studied model system for bacterial cell division. One obstacle to full understanding of this process is the lack of a fully functional fluorescent reporter for FtsA
in vivo
. Here, we describe a fluorescent fusion to
E. coli
FtsA that promotes efficient cell division in the absence of the native FtsA and can be used to monitor FtsA dynamics during cell division.
The Extracellular Electron Transport Pathway Reduces Copper for Sensing by the CopRS Two-Component System under Anaerobic Conditions in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Rizk Amena A. , Komazin Gloria , Maybin Michael , Hoque Nushrat , Weinert Emily , Meredith Timothy C.
Published: January 2023

Two-component extracellular copper sensing from the periplasm of Gram-negative bacteria has been well studied, but copper detection at the cell surface of the Gram-positive
L. monocytogenes
is less understood. Collectively, our results show that EET is most active under anaerobic conditions and reduces Cu
2+
and Ag
1+
to, respectively, generate or remove the monovalent ligands that directly bind to CopS and lead to the induction of lipoprotein remodeling genes.
Phosphatidylglycerol Is the Lipid Donor for Synthesis of Phospholipid-Linked Enterobacterial Common Antigen
Authors: Morris Kinsey N. , Mitchell Angela M.
Published: January 2023

The Gram-negative outer membrane is a permeability barrier preventing cellular entry of antibiotics. However, outer membrane biogenesis pathways are targets for small molecule development.
An Equity-Focused Redesign of an Introductory Organismal Biology Lab Course To Develop Foundational Scientific Practices
Authors: Killpack Tess L. , Popolizio Thea R.
Published: January 2023

Laboratory courses can serve as important avenues to equitably support introductory biology students to develop foundational scientific literacy skills while experiencing the authentic research process. We present a model for an equity-focused redesign of an introductory organismal biology laboratory course at a teaching institution with limited research infrastructure.
Brucella Egresses from Host Cells Exploiting Multivesicular Bodies
Authors: Spera Juan Manuel , Guaimas Francisco , Czibener Cecilia , Ugalde Juan Esteban
Published: January 2023

How intracellular bacterial pathogens egress from host cells has been poorly studied. This is particularly important because this stage of the infectious cycle can have a strong impact on how the host resolves the infection.
Brucella
is an intracellular pathogen that infects mammals, including humans, and causes a chronic debilitating illness.
Comprehensive Comparison of Seven SARS-CoV-2-Specific Surrogate Virus Neutralization and Anti-Spike IgG Antibody Assays Using a Live-Virus Neutralization Assay as a Reference
Authors: Graninger Marianne , Jani Claudia Maria , Reuberger Elisabeth , Prüger Katja , Gaspar Philipp , Springer David Niklas , Borsodi Christian , Weidner Lisa , Rabady Susanne , Puchhammer-Stöckl Elisabeth , Jungbauer Christof , Höltl Eva , Aberle Judith Helene , Stiasny Karin , Weseslindtner Lukas
Published: January 2023

While the measurement of neutralizing antibodies is considered a valuable tool in assessing protection against SARS-CoV-2, neutralization tests employ live-virus isolates and cell culture, requiring advanced laboratory biosafety levels. Including a large sample panel (over 700 samples), this study provides adapted cutoff values calculated for seven commercial immunoassays (including four surrogate neutralization assays and a protein-based microarray) that robustly correlate with specific titers of neutralizing antibodies.
Genomic and Metabolite Profiling Reveal a Novel
Streptomyces
Strain, QHH-9511, from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Feng Xi-Long , Zhang Rui-Qi , Wang Da-Cheng , Dong Wei-Ge , Wang Zhen-Xin , Zhai Yi-Jie , Han Wen-Bo , Yin Xia , Tian Junmian , Wei Jing , Gao Jin-Ming , Qi Jianzhao
Published: January 2023

Undescribed microorganisms from special habitats are being screened for anti-superbug drug molecules. In a project to screen actinomycetes for anti-MRSA activity, we isolated a
Streptomyces
strain from Qinghai Lake lichens.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Using the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Assay on the Stool of Pediatric Patients in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Authors: Rekart Michael L. , Mun Lidiya , Aung Aung , Gomez Diana , Mulanda Winston , Kliescikova Jarmila , Sitali Norman , Rajabov Asliddin , Azamova Shahnoza , Pirmahmadzoda Bobojon , Achar Jay , Alvarez Jose Luis , Greig Jane , Cros Philipp du , Sinha Animesh
Published: January 2023

The importance of this report is that it provides further support for WHO’s recent recommendation that fresh stool is an acceptable sample for GeneXpert TB testing in children, especially small children who often cannot produce an adequate sputum sample. Diagnosing TB in this age group is difficult, and many cases are missed, leading to unacceptable rates of TB illness and death.
Antibacterial Activity of an FtsZ Inhibitor Celastrol and Its Synergistic Effect with Vancomycin against Enterococci
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Lu Xi , Wang Yanxiang , Guo Wei , Zhang Zhimeng , Hu Xinxin , Nie Tongying , Yang Xinyi , Li Congran , Wang Xiukun , Li Xue , Lu Yun , Li Guoqing , Zhang Youwen , Sun Lang , Pang Jing , You Xuefu
Published: January 2023

The emergence and transmission of VRE pose a significant medical and public health challenge. CEL, well-known for a wide range of biological activities, has not previously been investigated for its synergistic effect with vancomycin against VRE.
A Ten-Year Retrospective Survey of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Typhi Isolates in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Clark Shawn T. , Cronin Kirby , Corbeil Antoine J. , Patel Samir N.
Published: January 2023

This work provides an updated summary of the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among
Salmonella
Typhi strains isolated from patients in Ontario, Canada.
Personal strategies to mitigate the effects of air pollution exposure during sport and exercise: a narrative review and position statement by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
Authors: Hung Andy , Koch Sarah , Bougault Valerie , Gee Cameron Marshall , Bertuzzi Romulo , Elmore Malindi , McCluskey Paddy , Hidalgo Laura , Garcia-Aymerich Judith , Koehle Michael Stephen
Published: January 2023

Air pollution is among the leading environmental threats to health around the world today, particularly in the context of sports and exercise. With the effects of air pollution, pollution episodes (eg, wildfire conflagrations) and climate change becoming increasingly apparent to the general population, so have their impacts on sport and exercise. As such, there has been growing interest in the sporting community (ie, athletes, coaches, and sports science and medicine team members) in practical personal-level actions to reduce the exposure to and risk of air pollution. Limited evidence suggests the following strategies may be employed: minimising all exposures by time and distance, monitoring air pollution conditions for locations of interest, limiting outdoor exercise, using acclimation protocols, wearing N95 face masks and using antioxidant supplementation. The overarching purpose of this position statement by the Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology is to detail the current state of evidence and provide recommendations on implementing these personal strategies in preventing and mitigating the adverse health and performance effects of air pollution exposure during exercise while recognising the limited evidence base.
European fitness landscape for children and adolescents: updated reference values, fitness maps and country rankings based on nearly 8 million test results from 34 countries gathered by the FitBack network
Authors: Ortega Francisco B , Leskošek Bojan , Blagus Rok , Gil-Cosano José J , Mäestu Jarek , Tomkinson Grant R , Ruiz Jonatan R , Mäestu Evelin , Starc Gregor , Milanovic Ivana , Tammelin Tuija H , Sorić Maroje , Scheuer Claude , Carraro Attilio , Kaj Mónika , Csányi Tamás , Sardinha Luis B , Lenoir Matthieu , Emeljanovas Arunas , Mieziene Brigita , Sidossis Labros S , Pihu Maret , Lovecchio Nicola , Konstabel Kenn , Tambalis Konstantinos D , Štefan Lovro , Drenowatz Clemens , Rubín Lukáš , Gontarev Seryozha , Castro-Piñero José , Vanhelst Jérémy , O’Keeffe Brendan , Veiga Oscar L , Gisladottir Thordis , Sandercock Gavin , Misigoj-Durakovic Marjeta , Niessner Claudia , Riso Eva-Maria , Popovic Stevo , Kuu Saima , Chinapaw Mai , Clavel Iván , Labayen Idoia , Dobosz Janusz , Colella Dario , Kriemler Susi , Salaj Sanja , Noriega Maria Jose , Bös Klaus , Sánchez-López Mairena , Lakka Timo A , Tabacchi Garden , Novak Dario , Ahrens Wolfgang , Wedderkopp Niels , Jurak Gregor
Published: January 2023

Objectives

(1) To develop reference values for health-related fitness in European children and adolescents aged 6–18 years that are the foundation for the web-based, open-access and multilanguage fitness platform (FitBack); (2) to provide comparisons across European countries.

Methods

This study builds on a previous large fitness reference study in European youth by (1) widening the age demographic, (2) identifying the most recent and representative country-level data and (3) including national data from existing fitness surveillance and monitoring systems. We used the Assessing Levels of PHysical Activity and fitness at population level (ALPHA) test battery as it comprises tests with the highest test–retest reliability, criterion/construct validity and health-related predictive validity: the 20 m shuttle run (cardiorespiratory fitness); handgrip strength and standing long jump (muscular strength); and body height, body mass, body mass index and waist circumference (anthropometry). Percentile values were obtained using the generalised additive models for location, scale and shape method.

Results

A total of 7 966 693 test results from 34 countries (106 datasets) were used to develop sex-specific and age-specific percentile values. In addition, country-level rankings based on mean percentiles are provided for each fitness test, as well as an overall fitness ranking. Finally, an interactive fitness platform, including individual and group reporting and European fitness maps, is provided and freely available online (www.fitbackeurope.eu).

Conclusion

This study discusses the major implications of fitness assessment in youth from health, educational and sport perspectives, and how the FitBack reference values and interactive web-based platform contribute to it. Fitness testing can be conducted in school and/or sport settings, and the interpreted results be integrated in the healthcare systems across Europe.
Uniqueness and uniform structural stability of Poiseuille flows in a periodic pipe with Navier boundary conditions
Authors: Wang Yun , Xie Chunjing
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we prove the uniqueness and structural stability of Poiseuille flows for axisymmetric solutions of steady Navier–Stokes system supplemented with Navier boundary conditions in a periodic pipe. Moreover, the stability is uniform with respect to both the flux and the slip coefficient of Navier boundary conditions. It is also shown that the nonzero frequency part of the velocity is bounded by a power function of the flux with negative power as long as the flux is suitably large. One of the key ingredients of the analysis is to prove the uniform linear structural stability, where the detailed analysis for the boundary layers and the swirl velocity corresponding to the flux and the slip coefficients in different regimes plays a crucial role.
Global stability of traveling waves for (1 + 1)-dimensional systems of quasilinear wave equations
Authors: Cha Louis Dongbing , Shao Arick
Published: January 2023

A key feature of [Formula: see text]-dimensional nonlinear wave equations is that they admit left or right traveling waves, under appropriate algebraic conditions on the nonlinearities. In this paper, we prove global stability of such traveling wave solutions for [Formula: see text]-dimensional systems of nonlinear wave equations, given a certain asymptotic null condition and sufficient decay for the traveling wave. We first consider semilinear systems as a simpler model problem; we then proceed to treat more general quasilinear systems.
Einstein vacuum equations with 𝕌(1) symmetry in an elliptic gauge: Local well-posedness and blow-up criterium
Authors: Touati Arthur
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we are interested in the Einstein vacuum equations on a Lorentzian manifold displaying [Formula: see text] symmetry. We identify some freely prescribable initial data, solve the constraint equations and prove the existence of a unique and local in time solution at the [Formula: see text] level. In addition, we prove a blow-up criterium at the [Formula: see text] level. By doing so, we improve a result of Huneau and Luk in [Einstein equations under polarized [Formula: see text] symmetry in an elliptic gauge, Commun. Math. Phys. 361(3) (2018) 873–949] on a similar system, and our main motivation is to provide a framework adapted to the study of high-frequency solutions to the Einstein vacuum equations done in a forthcoming paper by Huneau and Luk. As a consequence we work in an elliptic gauge, particularly adapted to the handling of high-frequency solutions, which have large high-order norms.
Security Assessment and Evaluation of VPNs: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: Abbas Haider , Emmanuel Naina , Amjad Muhammad Faisal , Yaqoob Tahreem , Atiquzzaman Mohammed , Iqbal Zafar , Shafqat Narmeen , Shahid Waleed Bin , Tanveer Ali , Ashfaq Umer
Published: January 2023

The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has witnessed an outstanding rise as they aim to provide confidentiality and anonymity to communication. Despite this enormous and ubiquitous usage, VPNs come with various security, misconfiguration, and performance related issues thereby hindering the users to take maximum advantage of this revolutionary technology. To address this concern, VPN users must choose the most secure and perfect VPN solution for the smooth functioning of daily life activities. Generally, no clear set of directions is available for assisting a common VPN user thereby accentuating the need to develop an elucidated and coherent checklist that thoroughly helps in evaluating any VPN based on its security, performance, auditing, and management function. This research comprehensively surveys VPN technologies, its features, working principles, and compliance principles that evolved over the last two decades. Based on it, this research presents a new methodology in the form of a feature-enriched template to comprehensively analyze a VPN solution. Each VPN feature is given its score against the potential damage it may cause in case of failure and the probability of occurrence of that failure. In this way, the corporate sector and individual users can quantitatively and qualitatively grade available options while choosing a VPN and use it effectively.
Learning to Retrieve User Behaviors for Click-through Rate Estimation
Authors: Qin Jiarui , Zhang Weinan , Su Rong , Liu Zhirong , Liu Weiwen , Zhao Guangpeng , Li Hao , Tang Ruiming , He Xiuqiang , Yu Yong
Published: January 2023

Click-through rate (CTR) estimation plays a crucial role in modern online personalization services. It is essential to capture users’ drifting interests by modeling sequential user behaviors to build an accurate CTR estimation model. However, as the users accumulate a large amount of behavioral data on the online platforms, the current CTR models have to truncate user behavior sequences and utilize the most recent behaviors, which leads to a problem that sequential patterns such as periodicity or long-term dependency are not contained in the recent behaviors but in far back history. However, it is non-trivial to model the entire user sequence by directly using it for two reasons. Firstly, the very long input sequences will make online inference time and system load infeasible. Secondly, the very long sequences contain much noise, thus making it difficult for CTR models to capture useful patterns effectively. To tackle this issue, we consider it from the input data perspective instead of designing more sophisticated yet complex models. As the entire user behavior sequence contains much noise, it is unnecessary to input the entire sequence. Instead, we could justretrieveonly a small part of it as the input to the CTR model. In this article, we propose theUserBehaviorRetrieval (UBR) framework which aims atlearning to retrievethe most informative user behaviors according to each CTR estimation request. Retrieving only a small set of behaviors could alleviate the two problems of utilizing very long sequences (i.e., inference efficiency and noisy input). The distinguishing property of UBR is that it supportsarbitrary and learnable retrieval functionsinstead of utilizing a fixed pre-defined function, which is different from the current retrieval-based methods. Offline evaluations on three large-scale real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority and efficacy of the UBR framework. We further deploy UBR at the Huawei App Store, where it achieves 6.6% of eCPM gain in the online A/B test and now serves the main traffic in the Huawei App Store advertising scenario.
Fully Linear Graph Convolutional Networks for Semi-Supervised and Unsupervised Classification
Authors: Cai Yaoming , Zhang Zijia , Ghamisi Pedram , Cai Zhihua , Liu Xiaobo , Ding Yao
Published: January 2023

This article presents FLGC, a simple yet effective fully linear graph convolutional network for semi-supervised and unsupervised learning. Instead of using gradient descent, we train FLGC based on computing a global optimal closed-form solution with a decoupled procedure, resulting in a generalized linear framework and making it easier to implement, train, and apply. We show that (1) FLGC is powerful to deal with both graph-structured data and regular data, (2) training graph convolutional models with closed-form solutions improve computational efficiency without degrading performance, and (3) FLGC acts as a natural generalization of classic linear models in the non-Euclidean domain (e.g., ridge regression and subspace clustering). Furthermore, we implement a semi-supervised FLGC and an unsupervised FLGC by introducing an initial residual strategy, enabling FLGC to aggregate long-range neighborhoods and alleviate over-smoothing. We compare our semi-supervised and unsupervised FLGCs against many state-of-the-art methods on a variety of classification and clustering benchmarks, demonstrating that the proposed FLGC models consistently outperform previous methods in terms of accuracy, robustness, and learning efficiency. The core code of our FLGC is released at
https://github.com/AngryCai/FLGC
.
HVPE Growth and Characterization of Thick κ-Ga2O3 layers on GaN/Sapphire Templates
Authors: Stepanov S. I. , Nikolaev V. I. , Polyakov A. Y. , Pechnikov A. I. , Yakimov E. B. , Scheglov M. P. , Shchemerov I. V. , Vasilev A. A. , Kochkova A. A. , Chernykh A. V. , Chikiryaka A. V. , Butenko P. N. , Pearton S. J.
Published: January 2023

Ga2O3 layers with thickness from 10 to 86 μm were grown by halide vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) on GaN(0001)/sapphire templates in a hot wall reactor at 570 °C, with the growth rate of about 3–4 μm h−1. The grown layers consisted of pure (001)-oriented κ-Ga2O3 polymorph with no admixture of β-Ga2O3 or α-Ga2O3 phases. The narrowest (004) X-ray rocking curves were observed for 13–20 μm thick κ-Ga2O3 layers. A further increase in thickness results in deterioration of the crystal quality which is indicated by the broadening of rocking curves. Electrical measurements of the thick layers revealed that they were n-type, with the concentration of shallow donors gradually decreasing from ∼1016 cm−3 to ∼1015 cm−3. Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) measurements revealed the presence of deep traps with levels near Ec−0.3 eV, Ec−0.6 eV, Ec−0.7 eV, Ec−0.8 eV, Ec−1 eV, with the Ec−0.8 eV being predominant.
Age at natural menopause impacts cerebrovascular reactivity and brain structure
Authors: Moir M. Erin , Corkery Adam T. , Senese Katherine A. , Miller Kathleen B. , Pearson Andrew G. , Loggie Nicole A. , Howery Anna J. , Gaynor-Metzinger Sarean H. A. , Cody Karly A. , Eisenmenger Laura B. , Johnson Sterling C. , Barnes Jill N.
Published: January 2023

Menopause is associated with adverse changes in vascular health coinciding with an increased risk of stroke and vascular cognitive impairment. However, there is significant variation in the age at menopause. The present study examined how the age at natural menopause impacts cerebrovascular reactivity and structural biomarkers of brain aging. Thirty-five healthy postmenopausal women were classified as early-onset menopause (Early; n = 19, age at menopause: 47 ± 2 yr) or later-onset menopause (Late; n = 16, age at menopause: 55 ± 2 yr). Middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) were recorded during a stepped hypercapnia protocol. Reactivity was calculated as the slope of the relationship between ETCO2 and each variable of interest. Brain volumes and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were obtained with 3T MRI. Resting MAP was greater in the Early group (99 ± 9 mmHg) compared with the Late group (90 ± 12 mmHg; P = 0.02). Cerebrovascular reactivity, assessed using MCAv, was blunted in the Early group (1.87 ± 0.92 cm/s/mmHg) compared with the Late group (2.37 ± 0.75 cm/s/mmHg; P = 0.02). Total brain volume did not differ between groups (Early: 1.08 ± 0.07 L vs. Late: 1.07 ± 0.06 L; P = 0.66), but the Early group demonstrated greater WMH fraction compared with the Late group (Early: 0.36 ± 0.14% vs. Late: 0.25 ± 0.14%; P = 0.02). These results suggest that age at natural menopause impacts cerebrovascular function and WMH burden in healthy postmenopausal women.
Biological and Mechanical Factors and Epigenetic Regulation Involved in Tendon Healing
Authors: Li Zhi Jie , Yang Qian Qian , Zhou You Lang
Published: January 2023

Tendons are an important part of the musculoskeletal system. Connecting muscles to bones, tendons convert force into movement. Tendon injury can be acute or chronic. Noticeably, tendon healing requires a long time span and includes inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling processes. The mismatch between endogenous and exogenous healing may lead to adhesion causing further negative effects. Management of tendon injuries and complications such as subsequent adhesion formation are still challenges for clinicians. Due to numerous factors, tendon healing is a complex process. This review introduces the role of various biological and mechanical factors and epigenetic regulation processes involved in tendon healing.
BER and PSD Improvement of FBMC with Higher Order QAM Using Hermite Filter for 5G Wireless Communication and beyond
Authors: Dumari Hise Teferi , Gelmecha Demissie Jobir , Shakya Rajeev K. , Singh Ram Sewak
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, multicarrier modulation schemes are being widely used in wireless communication system than single-carrier modulation techniques. Single-carrier modulation schemes are less capable of dealing with multipath fading channels than multicarrier modulation schemes, which results in lower spectral efficiency. Multicarrier modulation schemes have the ability to overcome multipath fading channels. Multicarrier modulation technique currently used in 4G technology in many countries is OFDM and it is easy for implementation, immune to interference, and provide fast data rate. However, the rising users demand on wireless communication resulted in need for further advancement of wireless communication system. The present OFDM transmission does not fulfill the requirements of 5G wireless communication system and beyond due to major limitations such as out of band emission and usage of cyclic prefix. To overcome the challenges of OFDM, different modulation schemes like Filter Bank Multicarrier with Offset-QAM, Filter Bank Multicarrier with QAM, Universal Filter Multicarrier, Filtered-OFDM, and Weighted Overlap and Added-OFDM are proposed. In this study, the Filter Bank Multicarrier with QAM using Hermite prototype filter is proposed to overcome drawbacks of OFDM and all other proposed waveforms. The performances of each multicarrier technique are analyzed based on power spectral density and bit error rate. Simulation result shows that the power spectral density of FBMC with QAM using Hermite filter resulted in 4.7 dB reduction of out of band emission compared to FBMC with QAM using PHYDYAS filter. The bit error rate is also reduced for Vehicular A, Vehicular B, Pedestrian A, and Pedestrian B channel models.
At What Age Should We Stop Colorectal Cancer Screening? When Is Enough, Enough?
Authors: Lieberman David
Published: January 2023

There is strong evidence that colorectal cancer screening can reduce both colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Guidelines recommend screening for individuals age 45 to 75 years, but are less certain about the benefits after age 75 years. Dalmat and colleagues provide evidence that individuals with a prior negative colonoscopy 10 years or more prior to reaching age 76 to 85 years, had a low risk of colorectal cancer, and would be less likely to benefit from further screening. It is important to note that this study population did not include individuals with a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of having high-risk adenomas. These data suggest that a negative colonoscopy can be an effective risk-stratification tool when discussing further screening with elderly patients.

See related article by Dalmat et al., p. 37
Longer versus Shorter Schedules of Vincristine, Irinotecan, and Temozolomide (VIT) for Relapsed or Refractory Ewing Sarcoma: A Randomized Controlled Phase 2 Trial
Authors: Xu Jie , Xie Lu , Sun Xin , Liu Kuisheng , Liang Xin , Cai Zhenyu , Tang Xiaodong , Guo Wei
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

The optimal dose schedule of vincristine, irinotecan, and temozolomide (VIT) in relapsed or refractory patients with Ewing sarcoma requires clarification.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with relapsed or refractory Ewing sarcoma were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a shorter d × 5 schedule (irinotecan 50 mg/m2/d D1–5, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 D1) or protracted d × 5×2 schedule (irinotecan 20 mg/m2/d D1–5,8–12, vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 D1,8) together with temozolomide (100 mg/m2/d D1–5). Patients were treated every 3 weeks for up to eight cycles until progression or unacceptable toxic effects occurred. The primary endpoint was objective response rate at 12 weeks (ORR12w). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety.

Result:

A total of 46 patients presenting with relapsed or refractory Ewing sarcoma were randomly assigned to the d × 5 (n = 24) or d × 5×2 (n = 22) schedules. Median follow-up was 10.7 months in the d × 5 group and 8.3 months in the d × 5×2 group. ORR12w was lower for d × 5 (5/24; 20.8%) patients than for d × 5×2 (12/22; 54.5%; P = 0.019), but no significant difference was found in PFS (median PFS, 2.3 months for d × 5 vs. 4.3 months for d × 5×2) or OS (median OS, 14.8 months for d × 5 and 12.8 months for d × 5×2). Patients receiving the d × 5 schedule reported more grade 3 and 4 adverse events (AE) than those receiving d × 5×2, including diarrhea/abdominal pain and vomiting/nausea.

Conclusions:

The protracted d × 5×2 VIT schedule showed superior efficacy and favorable tolerability compared with the shorter d × 5 VIT schedule in patients with relapsed or refractory Ewing sarcoma.