bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving transitions between clinical placements
Authors: Young Yasmine , Leedham‐Green Kathleen , Jensen‐Martin James
Published: May 2023

Background

Students regularly transition between clinical learning environments as they rotate through their clinical placements. These transitions are stressful for learners, as they must navigate unfamiliar policies, people and physical spaces. It is important to reduce cognitive overload at the start of each placement through appropriate inductions. Our governance processes found there was significant variation between induction processes at our affiliated teaching‐hospital sites: our aim was to optimise and standardise these.

Approach

We opted for induction websites for each of our affiliated hospital sites, as these could be dynamically updated and quality assured. Our websites were informed by a conceptual framework of the clinical learning environment and the theory of sociomateriality. We co‐produced them with students and other stakeholders through iterative evaluation and improvement cycles.

Evaluation

To elicit end‐user analysis, we conducted three focus groups with 19 students. We used the technology acceptance model to inform our topic guide and coding categories. Students reported that the websites were useful, easy to use, and fulfilled a significant unmet need.

Implications

Induction websites can be optimised through the involvement of a range of stakeholders and the application of theory. They can be pushed to students before each new placement and used to scaffold in‐person inductions. Further research is needed to explore the wider impacts of improved site inductions on participation and engagement with clinical learning opportunities and on student satisfaction and experience.
Evaluation of the accuracy and intra‐ and interobserver reliability of three manual laxity tests for canine cranial cruciate ligament rupture—An ex vivo kinetic and kinematic study
Authors: Lampart Marina , Park Brian H. , Husi Benjamin , Evans Richard , Pozzi Antonio
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To investigate the accuracy and intra‐ and interobserver reliability of the cranial drawer test (CD), tibial compression test (TCT), and the new tibial pivot compression test (TPCT) in an experimental setting resembling acute cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR) and to elucidate the ability to subjectively estimate cranial tibial translation (CTT) during testing.

Study design

Experimental ex vivo study.

Sample population

Ten cadaveric hindlimbs of large dogs.

Methods

Kinetic and 3D‐kinematic data was collected while three observers performed the tests on each specimen with intact (INTACT) and transected cranial cruciate ligament (CCLD) and compared using three‐way repeated‐measures ANOVA. Subjectively estimated CTT (SCTT), obtained during a separate round of testing, was compared to kinematic data by Pearson correlation.

Results

CTT was significantly higher for CCLD than for INTACT for all tests, resulting in 100% sensitivity and specificity. TPCT induced the highest CTT and internal rotation. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement of translation was excellent. For rotation and kinetics, agreement was more variable. SCTT strongly correlated with the objectively measured values.

Conclusion

The CD, TCT and the new TPCT were all accurate and reliable. The high translations and rotations during TPCT are promising, encouraging further development of this test. SCTT was reliable in our experimental setting.

Clinical significance

Veterinary manual laxity tests are accurate and reliable in acute CCLR. The TPCT might have potential for the assessment of subtle and rotational canine stifle instabilities. The high reliability of SCTT implies that grading schemes for stifle laxity, similar to human medicine, could be developed.
Curvatures for unions of WDC sets
Authors: Pokorný Dušan
Published: May 2023

We prove the existence of the curvature measures for a class of sets, which is a direct generalisation of sets studied by Rataj and Zähle. Moreover, we provide a simple characterisation of sets in and prove that in , the class of sets contains essentially all classes of sets known to admit curvature measures.
Measurement of Brain Strains in a Goat Head Under Impact Loading
Authors: Singh Abhilash , Naing Yan , Ganpule S. G.
Published: May 2023

Measurements of brain deformations under dynamic loading are required to understand the biomechanics of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this work, we have experimentally measured two-dimensional (2D) brain deformations in a sacrificed goat brain under injurious impact loading. To facilitate imaging, the goat head was dissected along the longitudinal midline. Goat head response was studied for sagittal plane rotation. Full-field, 2D deformations in the midsagittal plane of a goat brain were obtained at spatiotemporal resolutions of ∼1 mm and 0.4 ms, respectively. Results elucidate the dynamic strain evolution. The goat brain underwent large deformation. The strain pattern was heterogeneous. Peak strains in various brain regions were established within ∼20 ms, followed by negligible strain development due to the considerable viscous dissipation. The Cerebellum region experienced the highest strain, followed by cortical and subcortical regions. Strain concentration in the goat brain near the stiff membrane of the tentorium was observed. The strains in a brain simulant of a head surrogate (obtained previously) were also compared against the goat brain response. A response in the brain simulant was comparable to the goat brain in terms of strain pattern, peak strains in various substructures, and strain concentration near the membrane. However, the brain simulant was less dissipative than the goat brain. These results enhance the current understanding of the biomechanics of the brain under dynamic loading.
Effect of Internal Mechanical Environment of Porous Scaffolds on Mechano-driven Bone Ingrowth: A Numerical Study
Authors: Huo Mengke , He Siyuan , Liu Qing , Feng Yuxiao , Liu Mengxing , Zhou Ping , Lu Jian
Published: May 2023

Porous cages with lower global stiffness induce more bone ingrowth and enhance bone-implant anchorage. However, it's dangerous for spinal fusion cages, which usually act as stabilizers, to sacrifice global stiffness for bone ingrowth. Intentional design on internal mechanical environment might be a promising approach to promote osseointegration without undermining global stiffness excessively. In this study, three porous cages with different architectures were designed to provide distinct internal mechanical environments for bone remodeling during spinal fusion process. A design space optimization-topology optimization based algorithm was utilized to numerically reproduce the mechano-driven bone ingrowth process under three daily load cases, and the fusion outcomes were analyzed in terms of bone morphological parameters and bone-cage stability. Simulation results show that the uniform cage with higher compliance induces deeper bone ingrowth than the optimized graded cage. Whereas, the optimized graded cage with the lowest compliance exhibits the lowest stress at the bone-cage interface and better mechanical stability. Combining the advantages of both, the strain-enhanced cage with locally weakened struts offers extra mechanical stimulus while keeping relatively low compliance, leading to more bone formation and the best mechanical stability. Thus, the internal mechanical environment can be well-designed via tailoring architectures to promote bone ingrowth and achieve a long-term bone-scaffold stability.
Bias-pulsed atomic layer etching of 4H-silicon carbide producing subangstrom surface roughness
Authors: Michaels J. A. , Delegan N. , Tsaturyan Y. , Renzas J. R. , Awschalom D. D. , Eden J. G. , Heremans F. J.
Published: May 2023

A new approach to atomic layer etching (ALE) has been demonstrated, and its application to 4H-SiC is reported here. By pulsing only the DC bias for an Ar/Cl2 inductively coupled plasma-reactive ion etching system, the etch cycle duration is reduced by more than an order of magnitude relative to conventional ALE processes. Gas flows are not changed throughout the ALE process. With this process protocol, we achieved an etch rate of 2.48±0.09 Å/cycle with 6 s cycles, an RMS surface roughness (Rq) of 0.83±0.08 Å, and an ALE synergy value of S = 99%. The parameters explored within this ALE process demonstrate effective subangstrom smoothening of 4H-SiC surfaces and is well-suited for a variety of classical and quantum device nanofabrication.
Quantifying the impact of individual and collective compliance with infection control measures for ethical public health policy
Authors: Roberts Daniel , Jamrozik Euzebiusz , Heriot George S. , Slim Anja C. , Selgelid Michael J. , Miller Joel C.
Published: May 2023

Infectious disease control measures often require collective compliance of large numbers of individuals to benefit public health. This raises ethical questions regarding the value of the public health benefit created by individual and collective compliance. Answering these requires estimating the extent to which individual actions prevent infection of others. We develop mathematical techniques enabling quantification of the impacts of individuals or groups complying with three public health measures: border quarantine, isolation of infected individuals, and prevention via vaccination/prophylaxis. The results suggest that (i) these interventions exhibit synergy: They become more effective on a per-individual basis as compliance increases, and (ii) there is often substantial “overdetermination” of transmission. If a susceptible person contacts multiple infectious individuals, an intervention preventing one transmission may not change the ultimate outcome (thus, risk imposed by some individuals may erode the benefits of others’ compliance). These results have implications for public health policy during epidemics.
Single-cell analysis of the postnatal dorsal V-SVZ reveals a role for Bmpr1a signaling in silencing pallial germinal activity
Authors: Marcy Guillaume , Foucault Louis , Babina Elodie , Capeliez Timothy , Texeraud Emeric , Zweifel Stefan , Heinrich Christophe , Hernandez-Vargas Hector , Parras Carlos , Jabaudon Denis , Raineteau Olivier
Published: May 2023

The ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) is the largest neurogenic region of the postnatal forebrain, containing neural stem cells (NSCs) that emerge from both the embryonic pallium and subpallium. Despite of this dual origin, glutamatergic neurogenesis declines rapidly after birth, while GABAergic neurogenesis persists throughout life. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of the postnatal dorsal V-SVZ for unraveling the mechanisms leading to pallial lineage germinal activity silencing. We show that pallial NSCs enter a state of deep quiescence, characterized by high bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, reduced transcriptional activity and Hopx expression, while in contrast, subpallial NSCs remain primed for activation. Induction of deep quiescence is paralleled by a rapid blockade of glutamatergic neuron production and differentiation. Last, manipulation of Bmpr1a demonstrates its key role in mediating these effects. Together, our results highlight a central role of BMP signaling in synchronizing quiescence induction and blockade of neuronal differentiation to rapidly silence pallial germinal activity after birth.
Short tandem repeat expansions in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Henden Lyndal , Fearnley Liam G. , Grima Natalie , McCann Emily P. , Dobson-Stone Carol , Fitzpatrick Lauren , Friend Kathryn , Hobson Lynne , Chan Moi Fat Sandrine , Rowe Dominic B. , D’Silva Susan , Kwok John B. , Halliday Glenda M. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Mazumder Srestha , Timmins Hannah C. , Zoing Margaret , Pamphlett Roger , Adams Lorel , Bahlo Melanie , Blair Ian P. , Williams Kelly L.
Published: May 2023

Pathogenic short tandem repeat (STR) expansions cause over 20 neurodegenerative diseases. To determine the contribution of STRs in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), we used ExpansionHunter, REviewer, and polymerase chain reaction validation to assess 21 neurodegenerative disease-associated STRs in whole-genome sequencing data from 608 patients with sporadic ALS, 68 patients with sporadic FTD, and 4703 matched controls. We also propose a data-derived outlier detection method for defining allele thresholds in rare STRs. Excluding
C9orf72
repeat expansions, 17.6% of clinically diagnosed ALS and FTD cases had at least one expanded STR allele reported to be pathogenic or intermediate for another neurodegenerative disease. We identified and validated 162 disease-relevant STR expansions in
C9orf72
(ALS/FTD),
ATXN1
[spinal cerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1)],
ATXN2
(SCA2),
ATXN8
(SCA8),
TBP
(SCA17),
HTT
(Huntington’s disease),
DMPK
[myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1)],
CNBP
(DM2), and
FMR1
(fragile-X disorders). Our findings suggest clinical and pathological pleiotropy of neurodegenerative disease genes and highlight their importance in ALS and FTD.
Linking Pacific Plate formation and Early Cretaceous metallogenic response on the circum-Pacific continental margins
Authors: Wu Chao , Chen Huayong , Chiaradia Massimo , Huangfu Pengpeng , Li Zhonghai
Published: May 2023

Hydrothermal mineralization along the circum-Pacific continental margin is genetically linked to the motions of the Pacific Plate. Compiled geochronological results of ore deposits, coupled with the newly reconstructed geometry of the late Early Cretaceous subduction zones in East China, North America, and the Central Andes using GPlates and I2VIS software, were applied to investigate the relationships between mineralization and Pacific Plate formation. The ∼120-m.y.-old orogenic Au provinces in East China and North America are related to transpression caused by high-rate oblique subduction with intermediate−high dip angles of the Izanagi and Farallon plates, respectively. In contrast, the ∼105-m.y.-old porphyry-epithermal belt in Southeast China was produced by oblique subduction of the Izanagi Plate with low−intermediate subduction rates and intermediate−high dip angles. In the Central Andes, the oblique subduction of the Farallon Plate with low−intermediate rates and low dip angle accounted for iron oxide−copper−gold ore (IOCG) deposit mineralization in South Peru at ca. 110 Ma; whereas the high rate and low dip-angle subduction of the paleo-Phoenix Plate, which caused mild compression, was responsible for Fe, porphyry Cu, and IOCG mineralization in North Chile at ca. 110 Ma. The late Early Cretaceous metallogenic response in the circum-Pacific region coincides with superplume events that triggered the significant growth of the modern Pacific Plate. The forward simulations reveal that different subsequent styles of subduction and associated magmatism are likely responsible for the distinct mineralization types present in the region, including orogenic Au, porphyry-epithermal, Fe, and IOCG deposits. The precise dynamics of the subduction zone determined by this study led to the improved metallogenesis models in the Pacific margin.
Parapneumonic effusions related toStreptococcus pneumoniae: serotype and disease severity trends from 2006 to 2018 in Bristol, UK
Authors: Hyams Catherine , Arnold David T , Heath Robyn , Amin-Chowdhury Zahin , Hettle David , Ruffino Gabriella , North Paul , Grimes Charli , Fry Norman K , Williams Philip , Challen Robert , Danon Leon , Williams O Martin , Ladhani Shamez , Finn Adam , Maskell Nick
Published: May 2023

Rationale

Streptococcus pneumoniaeepidemiology is changing in response to vaccination and some data suggest that empyema incidence is increasing. However, differences exist between the UK and US studies. We describe trends in the clinical phenotype of adult pneumococcal pleural infection, including simple parapneumonic effusions (SPE) in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV) era.

Objectives

To determine whether there were differences in pneumococcal disease presentation and severity associated with pleural infection.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, all adults ≥16 years admitted to three large UK hospitals, 2006–2018 with pneumococcal disease. 2477 invasive pneumococcal cases were identified: 459 SPE and 100 pleural infection cases. Medical records were reviewed for each clinical episode. Serotype data were obtained from the UK Health Security Agency national reference laboratory.

Results

Incidence increased over time, including non-PCV-serotype disease. PCV7-serotype disease declined following paediatric PCV7 introduction, but the effect of PCV13 was less apparent as disease caused by the additional six serotypes plateaued with serotypes 1 and 3 causing such parapneumonic effusions from 2011 onwards.

Patients with pleural infection had a median survival 468 days (95% CI 340 to 590) vs 286 days (95% CI 274 to 335) in those with SPE. Pleural infection associated with frank pus had lower 90-day mortality than pleural infection without pus (0% vs 29%, p<0.0001). 90-day mortality could be predicted by baseline increased RAPID (Renal, Age, Purulence, Infection source, and Dietary factors) score (HR 15.01, 95% CI 1.24 to 40.06, p=0.049).

Conclusions

Pneumococcal infection continues to cause severe disease despite the introduction of PCVs. The predominance of serotype 1 and 3 in this adult UK cohort is in keeping with previous studies in paediatric and non-UK studies. Rising non-PCV serotype disease and limited impact of PCV13 on cases caused by serotypes 1 and 3 offset the reductions in adult pneumococcal parapneumonic effusion disease burden observed following the introduction of the childhood PCV7 programme.
Impact of cardiac surgery on left-sided infective endocarditis with intermediate-length vegetations
Authors: Scheggi Valentina , Bohbot Yohann , Tribouilloy Christophe , Trojette Faouzi , Di Lena Chloé , Philip Mary , Hubert Sandrine , Menale Silvia , Zoppetti Nicola , Del Pace Stefano , Stefàno Pier Luigi , Habib Gilbert , Marchionni Niccolò
Published: May 2023

Objective

The best strategy to manage patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (IE) and intermediate-length vegetations (10–15 mm) remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the role of surgery in patients with intermediate-length vegetations and no other European Society of Cardiology guidelines-approved surgical indication.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 638 consecutive patients admitted to three academic centres (Amiens, Marseille and Florence University Hospitals) between 2012 and 2022 for left-sided definite IE (native or prosthetic) with intermediate-length vegetations (10–15 mm). We compared four clinical groups: medically (n=50) or surgically (n=345) treated complicated IE, medically (n=194) or surgically (n=49) treated uncomplicated IE.

Results

Mean age was 67±14 years. Women were 182 (28.6%). The rate of embolic events on admission was 40% in medically treated and 61% in surgically treated complicated IE, 31% in medically treated and 26% in surgically treated uncomplicated IE. The analysis of all-cause mortality showed the lowest 5-year survival rate for medically treated complicated IE (53.7%). We found a similar 5-year survival rate for surgically treated complicated IE (71.4%) and medically treated uncomplicated IE (68.4%). The highest 5-year survival rate was observed in surgically treated uncomplicated IE group (82.4%, log-rank p<0.001). The analysis of the propensity score-matched cohort estimated an HR of 0.23 for uncomplicated IE treated surgically compared with medical therapy (p=0.005, 95% CI: 0.079 to 0.656).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that surgery is associated with lower all-cause mortality than medical therapy in patients with uncomplicated left-sided IE with intermediate-length vegetations even in the absence of other guideline-based indications.
Multidisciplinary consensus guideline for the diagnosis and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension
Authors: Cheema Sanjay , Anderson Jane , Angus-Leppan Heather , Armstrong Paul , Butteriss David , Carlton Jones Lalani , Choi David , Chotai Amar , D'Antona Linda , Davagnanam Indran , Davies Brendan , Dorman Paul J , Duncan Callum , Ellis Simon , Iodice Valeria , Joy Clare , Lagrata Susie , Mead Sarah , Morland Danny , Nissen Justin , Pople Jenny , Redfern Nancy , Sayal Parag P , Scoffings Daniel , Secker Russell , Toma Ahmed K , Trevarthen Tamsin , Walkden James , Beck Jürgen , Kranz Peter George , Schievink Wouter , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Matharu Manjit Singh
Published: May 2023

Background

We aimed to create a multidisciplinary consensus clinical guideline for best practice in the diagnosis, investigation and management of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) due to cerebrospinal fluid leak based on current evidence and consensus from a multidisciplinary specialist interest group (SIG).

Methods

A 29-member SIG was established, with members from neurology, neuroradiology, anaesthetics, neurosurgery and patient representatives. The scope and purpose of the guideline were agreed by the SIG by consensus. The SIG then developed guideline statements for a series of question topics using a modified Delphi process. This process was supported by a systematic literature review, surveys of patients and healthcare professionals and review by several international experts on SIH.

Results

SIH and its differential diagnoses should be considered in any patient presenting with orthostatic headache. First-line imaging should be MRI of the brain with contrast and the whole spine. First-line treatment is non-targeted epidural blood patch (EBP), which should be performed as early as possible. We provide criteria for performing myelography depending on the spine MRI result and response to EBP, and we outline principles of treatments. Recommendations for conservative management, symptomatic treatment of headache and management of complications of SIH are also provided.

Conclusions

This multidisciplinary consensus clinical guideline has the potential to increase awareness of SIH among healthcare professionals, produce greater consistency in care, improve diagnostic accuracy, promote effective investigations and treatments and reduce disability attributable to SIH.
Tipping and strong rarity value in a stochastic fishery game
Authors: Joosten Reinoud , Harmelink Rogier
Published: May 2023

Strong rarity value is the phenomenon that an increase in scarcity of a species (of plants or animals) leads to a price increase which more than compensates increased search costs and lower numbers found or caught. Tipping here is a regime shift moving the system into a low resource-level state from which it is impossible to escape unless measures to restore the resource are taken for a long period of time. We engineer a model in which agents wishing to maximize their limiting average rewards have two choices at every stage of the play, restraint or no-restraint (“overfish”). Overfishing damages the resource, causes tipping and induces scarcity which in turn creates rarity value. We find that Pareto-efficient equilibrium outcomes for very patient agents may require substantial overexploitation of the resource inducing serious threats to its sustainability. However, equilibrium behavior yields a sufficiently rich scheme of outcomes that leave room for viable compromises between ecologically and economically maximalistic policies.
Completely Mixed Discounted Bistochastic Games
Authors: Parthasarathy T. , Ravindran G. , Sricharan A. R.
Published: May 2023

The study of completely mixed strategies was initiated by Kaplansky, who gave a set of necessary and sufficient conditions for a matrix game to be completely mixed. In this paper, we study completely mixed strategies in two-player nonzero-sum discounted stochastic games (also referred to as bistochastic games), and show two results. Our first result shows that when all the reward matrices are skew-symmetric, the bistochastic game has a unique completely mixed equilibrium if and only if all the individual matrix games are completely mixed. We provide an example to show that this result does not hold true when the matrices are symmetric (in contrast with bimatrix games where an analogous result does hold). Our second result shows that for single player controlled games (controlled by Player 2, say) with symmetric reward matrices for the other player (Player 1), if the bistochastic game has a unique completely mixed equilibrium, then the individual matrix games of the noncontrolling player (Player 1) are completely mixed. We show that this implication does not hold on relaxing any of the assumptions, showing the sharpness of our result.
Invariant self-centralizing subgroups and structure of finite groups
Authors: Shao Changguo , Jiang Qinhui
Published: May 2023

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be finite groups of coprime orders and assume that [Formula: see text] acts on [Formula: see text] by automorphisms. We investigate groups [Formula: see text] in which each non-central [Formula: see text]-invariant subgroup is self-centralizing. Moreover, we describe the structure of groups [Formula: see text] in which every [Formula: see text]-invariant self-centralizing subgroup is either subnormal or a TI-subgroup of [Formula: see text].
The Role of Human Resource Analytics: Analyzing the Factors Influencing it in Organizations Using SEM and ANOVA
Authors: Padhi Amarnath
Published: May 2023

In any organization, employees are more important for the success and sustainability of the business. An organization that attracts talented people, uses talent efficiently, manages talent effectively, and retains employees will secure the long-term success of the business. Human Resources Analytics (HRA) can significantly benefit HR executive decisions regarding employee and organizational performance. This work intends to find the impacting factors of human resource analytics in the organization and also the organization outcomes are impacted by the HRA. The influencing factors considered are technology, organization, environment, and data governance. The organizational outcomes to be measured are planned decision-making, improved performance management, and employee retention. This research involves two segments: (a) information gathering and (b) statistics assessment. An organized feedback form with 30 questions are to be prepared and circulated to the human resource executives and higher managers of organizations.  The developed hypotheses are used to construct the poll. With the help of this study, significant relationships between the elements affecting human resource analytics were found.
A Nanophotocatalyst of ZnO/CuS with Photothermal Effect, Superhydrophobicity and Self-Healing Function
Authors: Wang Xueqi , Cheng Jinkun , Xiong Xudong , Xu Chao , Fan Zhao , Wang Yongqian
Published: May 2023

Photothermal-assisted photocatalysis is a novel catalytic technology that can not only utilize both light energy and light heat, but also simultaneously incorporate superhydrophobicity and self-healing ability into photocatalysts. It represents a significant advancement in efficient photocatalytic degradation of water pollution. Here, by incorporating the semiconductor photothermal agent CuS on the outer layer of ZnO nanoflowers, the deposited CuS layer exhibits an outstanding photothermal effect under near-infrared light irradiation, which can absorb infrared light and convert it into heat energy, enhancing the performance of the ZnO nanoflowers in situ. Meanwhile, a photothermal conversion surface material with self-healing superhydrophobicity is prepared by using a mixture of beeswax and polydimethylsiloxane. The broad light absorption ability and enhanced charge transfer accelerate the photocatalytic efficiency, in addition, the incorporation of superhydrophobicity enables resistance to corrosive liquid pollution and repairs its superhydrophobicity damage by beeswax migration to provide lasting protection. The degradation rate of MB is as high as 98% within 80 min. Finally, the mechanism of photothermal effect in photocatalysis and the mechanism of self-healing superhydrophobicity are proposed. This work innovatively integrates photothermal effect and self-healing superhydrophobic function into photocatalytic degradation of water pollution technology, which broadens the scope of improving photocatalytic performance and extends the photocatalyst operation life to a certain extent.
Novel Synthesis of MXene/CeCr2O4 Nanocomposite and its Optimistic Characterizations for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Yaqoob Tahira , Rani Malika , Neffati R. , Shafique Rubia , Batool Kiran , Shah Aqeel Ahmad , Siddiqui Rabia , Mahmood Arshad
Published: May 2023

Novel nanocomposite MXene/CeCr2O4 had been synthesized by means of inexpensive co-precipitation method. This paper reports the smooth nanocomposite of MXene/CeCr2O4 by co-precipitation method and the sol–gel route used for spinel cerium chromite (CeCr2O[Formula: see text] nanoparticles in which ethylene glycol chemical is exploited to restrain the accumulation of nanoparticles. The results show the formation of small nanoparticles with an average crystal crystalline size of CeCr2O4, MXene, MXene/CeCr2O4 nanocomposite is 37.9[Formula: see text]nm, 18.4[Formula: see text]nm, 11.15 nm, respectively. Characterizations, such as the X-ray diffraction (XRD), have demonstrated the amorphous nature of nanocomposite. The structural morphology [scanning electron microscopy (SEM)] shows the formation of nanocomposite with average particle size of[Formula: see text]nm of about 0.59[Formula: see text]nm. Raman spectroscopy shows that chemical bonding, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and photoluminance spectroscopy were performed and 3.56[Formula: see text]eV is band gap energy calculated from UV spectra. A comprehensive peak was noticed at 1425[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] because of bending and stretching oscillations of O–H groups and zeta potential value[Formula: see text]19.1[Formula: see text]mV. All of these results confirmed the successful formation of nanocomposite of MXene/CeCr2O4. The resulting MXene/CeCr2O4 nanocomposite structure shows evidence of significant characteristics as compared to single material having much potential for numerous applications such as optical, energy storing and conductive applications.
The Italian domination numbers of some generalized Sierpiński networks
Authors: Liang Zhipeng , Wu Liyun , Yang Jinxia
Published: May 2023

An Italian dominating function of a graph [Formula: see text] with vertex set [Formula: see text] is defined as a function [Formula: see text], which satisfies the condition that for every [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. The weight of an Italian dominating function on [Formula: see text] is the sum [Formula: see text] and the Italian dominating number, and [Formula: see text] indicates the minimum weight of an Italian dominating function [Formula: see text]. In this paper, the structure of the generalized Sierpiński networks is investigated using the bounds of Italian domination number of graphs and the methods of mathematical induction and reduction to absurdity. Then, the Italian domination on the generalized Sierpiński networks [Formula: see text] is obtained, where [Formula: see text] denotes any special class of Path [Formula: see text], Cycle [Formula: see text], Wheel [Formula: see text], Star [Formula: see text], and complete bipartite graph [Formula: see text].
EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD CROP PRODUCTION IN BENIN
Authors: NONVIDE GBETONDJI MELAINE ARMEL , AKPA ARMAND FRÉJUIS
Published: May 2023

Climate change becomes a serious threat to all humanity and in particular developing countries where people are more vulnerable because they depend on agriculture for their livelihood. In this study, we analyzed the effects of climatic variables on maize, rice and sorghum yields for 76 of the 77 municipalities in Benin over the period from 1995 to 2019. Using a production function, we specified a panel data model. Estimation of the pooled model and the fixed effect model showed that both precipitation and temperature variation were negatively correlated with production for the full sample and in northern and southern Benin, indicating the robustness of the results. Policies to promote adaptation strategies by facilitating farmers’ access to adaptation strategies need to be strengthened.
Material characterization of A356-T6 aluminum alloy and correlation of wheel impact test results using finite element analysis
Authors: Koppisetti Suresh Babu , Nallu Ramanaiah
Published: May 2023

This paper focuses on the material characterization of the A356-T6 aluminum alloy wheel, which is mandatory when an experimental correlation is required with respect to the finite element analysis performed. There is always a chance that the finite element analysis results differ from experimental results if the material properties used for analysis are not developed from the component due to variation in the manufacturing processes and chemical compositions. Hence, the procedure for developing material data is presented, and the respective applicable standards are mentioned. The method of generating a stress–strain curve from the specimens extracted from the alloy wheel is presented. Finite element analysis is performed for impact loads using the developed material stress–strain curve and reference material of the same composition and heat treatment process. The finite element results for both the materials are compared to study the variations.
PANet: An End-to-end Network Based on Relative Motion for Online Multi-object Tracking
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Baopeng , Liu Wei , Teng Zhu , Fan Jianping
Published: May 2023

The popular tracking-by-detection paradigm of multi-object tracking (MOT) takes detections of each frame as the input and associates detections from one frame to another. Existing association methods based on the relative motion have attracted attention, because they restrain the effect of noisy detections and improve the performance of MOT. However, these methods depend only on the immediately previous frame, which may easily lead to inaccurate matches and even large accumulated errors. Furthermore, multiple objects involved in occlusions are not fully exploited in these existing methods, which leads to the aggravation of inaccurate matches. Motivated by these issues, we design the pivot to represent each object and propose a novel pivot association network (PANet) for the MOT task. Specifically, pivots are learned from spatial semantic and historical contextual clues, which alleviates the dependency on the immediately previous frame. Our online tracker PANet employs pivots and a lightweight associator to localize tracklets of objects, which can inhibit noise detections and improve the accuracy of tracklet prediction by learning the correlation responses between pivots and spatial search areas. Extensive experiments conducted on two-dimensional MOT15, MOT16, MOT17, and MOT20 demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method against numerous state-of-the-art MOT trackers.
Text Image Super-Resolution Guided by Text Structure and Embedding Priors
Authors: Huang Cong , Peng Xiulian , Liu Dong , Lu Yan
Published: May 2023

We aim to super-resolve text images from unrecognizable low-resolution inputs. Existing super-resolution methods mainly learn a direct mapping from low-resolution to high-resolution images by exploring low-level features, which usually generate blurry outputs and suffer from severe structure distortion for text parts, especially when the resolution is quite low. Both the visual quality and the readability will suffer. To tackle these issues, we propose a new text super-resolution paradigm by recovering with understanding. Specifically, we extract a text-embedding prior and a text-structure prior from the upsampled image by learning to understand the text. The two priors with rich structure information and text-embedding information are then used as auxiliary information to recover the clear text structure. In addition, we introduce a text-feature loss to guide the training for better text recognizability. Extensive evaluations on both screen and scene text image datasets show that our method largely outperforms the state-of-the-art in both visual quality and recognition accuracy.
Case of IV Stage Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Presurgically Treated with a Single ECA Stop-Flow Embolization Technique Using Onyx 18
Authors: Faiella Eliodoro , Santucci Domiziana , Fior Davide , Riva Federica , Tagliaferri Chiara , Demelas Laura , D’ Aniello Giovanni , Muraca Rosa Maria , Bignami Maurizio , Moramarco Lorenzo Paolo
Published: May 2023

Background. Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare tumor that mainly affects young boys. Its intervention may be complex due to its high vascularity, location, and extension. Preoperative embolization is used to prevent intrasurgical and postsurgical bleeding. Two main kinds of embolization are described in literature: intratumoral and transarterial, and numerous embolic materials are used. Case Presentation. We want to present a case of presurgical embolization of a stage IV JNA, performed using a single stop-flow balloon assisted technique with the balloon cuffed exclusively in the external carotid artery and using Onyx 18 as an embolic agent. Conclusions. The embolization with an exclusive external carotid artery single stop-flow technique using Onyx 18 is a safe, effective, and a definitive approach.
Impact of Sleep and Activity on Glycemic Control and Quality of Life in Haitian Children and Youth with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Babinski Melanie , Duperval Regina , Altenor Ketly , von Oettingen Julia
Published: May 2023

Background. Sleep and physical activity affect overall health. In youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM), they may improve glycemic control. Data from low-income countries are lacking. Objective. To describe sleep and activity in Haitian children and youth with T1DM, and examine their impact on glycemic control, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and life satisfaction (LS). Methods. This cross-sectional study in Haiti included people with T1DM aged 8–25 years. Wristbands (Mi Band 3) tracked activity (step count and activity time) and sleep (sleep duration, light sleep, and deep sleep). The Diabetes Quality of Life in Youth (DQOLY) questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQL and LS. Point-of-care (POC) hemoglobin A1c values were recorded. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between sleep, activity, HbA1c, HRQL, and LS. Results. We included 66 participants (59% female, mean age 17.8 ± 4.8 years, mean diabetes duration 3.7 ± 3.4 years, and mean BMI Z-score −0.86 ± 1.1). Mean HRQL was 63/100, and mean LS was 65/100. Mean HbA1c was 11.3%. Maximum HbA1c measure was 14% on the POC machine, and 23 participants (35%) had HbA1c recorded as 14%. Mean daily step count was 7,508 ± 3,087, and mean sleep duration was 7 h31 ± 1 h17. When excluding participants with HbA1c ≥ 14%, shorter sleep duration was significantly associated with higher HbA1c (

p
=
0.024

). Sleep duration and step count were not associated with HRQL or LS. Conclusions. Children and youth with T1DM in Haiti have poor glycemic control and low HRQL and LS. Their sleep and activity habits are similar to peers. While activity did not affect HbA1c, HRQL, or LS, shorter sleep duration was associated with higher HbA1c in participants with HbA1c < 14%. Prospective studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate our findings.
Intelligent Construction of Hospital Management Organization Based on Communication Technology and Information Fusion
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Chen Xiujie , Zhang Yan , Hua Hao
Published: May 2023

With the mature application of 5G communication and the development of artificial intelligence, the deep integration of modern hospital management and information technology has been fully realized. Therefore, this paper explores the organizational structure and system design of our institute and implements the construction and operation of the information system according to the concept of “management institutionalization, organization informatization, and form computerization.” The construction of information management departments was strengthened, the entire 69 information systems with systematic thinking were managed, the dynamic management mechanism of information system operation and maintenance was established, and the fine closed-loop management of hospital processes was realized. The results show that the information system based on institutional management will improve the management efficiency of the hospital and ensure the real-time, accuracy, and security of hospital data information.
miR-135a Regulates Atrial Fibrillation by Targeting Smad3
Authors: Fan Xueting , Feng Kai , Liu Yonghui , Yang Leixi , Zhao Yizhuo , Tian Liping , Tang Yiqun , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: May 2023

Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical. Atrial fibrosis is a hallmark feature of atrial structural remodeling in AF, which is regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Recent studies have implicated that miRNAs are involved in the process of AF. However, the regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs remain largely unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the function and regulatory network of miR-135a in AF. Methods. In vivo, the plasma was collected from patients with AF and non-AF subjects. Adult SD rats were induced by acetylcholine (ACh) (66 μg/ml)-CaCl2 (10 mg/ml) to establish an AF rat model. In vitro, atrial fibroblasts (AFs), isolated from adult SD rats, were treated with high-frequency electrical stimulation (HES) (12 h) and hypoxia (24 h) to mimic the AF and atrial fibrosis, respectively. miR-135a expression was detected through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The association between miR-135a and Smad3 was speculated by the TargetScan database and confirmed by the luciferase reporter assay. Fibrosis-related genes, Smad3, and TRPM7 were all assessed. Results. The expression of miR-135a was markedly decreased in the plasma of AF patients and AF rats, which was consistent with that in HES-treated and hypoxia-treated AFs. Smad3 was identified as a target of miR-135a. the downregulation of miR-135a was associated with the enhancement of Smad3/TRPM7 expressions in AFs. Additionally, the knockdown of Smad3 significantly reduced the expression of TRPM7 and further inhibited atrial fibrosis. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that miR-135a regulates AF via Smad3/TRPM7, which is a potential therapeutic target for AF.
TGFβ Antagonizes IFNγ-Mediated Adaptive Immune Evasion via Activation of the AKT–Smad3–SHP1 Axis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ye Fan , Cai Zihao , Wang Boyu , Zeng Chenxi , Xi Yu , Hu Shaojie , Qu Rirong , Yuan Zhiwei , Yue Jiaqi , Tian Yitao , Wang Xue , Fu Xiangning , Li Lequn
Published: May 2023

IFNγ-mediated signaling in tumor cells can induce immunosuppressive responses and cause tumor resistance to immunotherapy. Blocking TGFβ promotes T lymphocyte infiltration and turns immunologically cold tumors into hot tumors, thereby improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. Several studies have shown that TGFβ inhibits IFNγ signaling in immune cells. We thus sought to determine whether TGFβ affects IFNγ signaling in tumor cells and plays a role in the development of acquired resistance to immunotherapy. TGFβ stimulation of tumor cells increased SHP1 phosphatase activity in an AKT–Smad3-dependent manner, decreased IFNγ-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of JAK1/2 and STAT1, and suppressed the expression of STAT1-dependent immune evasion–related molecules, e.g., PD-L1, IDO1, herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), and galectin-9 (Gal-9). In a lung cancer mouse model, dual blockade of TGFβ and PD-L1 led to superior antitumor activity and prolonged survival compared with anti–PD-L1 therapy alone. However, prolonged combined treatment resulted in tumor resistance to immunotherapy and increased expression of PD-L1, IDO1, HVEM, and Gal-9. Interestingly, after initial anti–PD-L1 monotherapy, dual TGFβ and PD-L1 blockade promoted both immune evasion gene expression and tumor growth compared with that in tumors treated with continuous PD-L1 monotherapy. Alternatively, treatment with JAK1/2 inhibitor following initial anti–PD-L1 therapy effectively suppressed tumor growth and downregulated immune evasion gene expression in tumors, indicating the involvement of IFNγ signaling in immunotherapy resistance development. These results demonstrate an unappreciated effect of TGFβ on the development of IFNγ-mediated tumor resistance to immunotherapy.

Significance:

Blocking TGFβ facilitates IFNγ-mediated resistance to anti–PD-L1 therapy due to the role of TGFβ in inhibiting IFNγ-induced immunoevasion by increasing SHP1 phosphatase activity in tumor cells.
Data from Influence of adipose tissue distribution, sarcopenia, and nutritional status on clinical outcomes after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy
Authors: Rejeski Kai , Cordas dos Santos David M. , Parker Nathan H. , Bücklein Veit L. , Winkelmann Michael , Jhaveri Khushali S. , Liu Lian , Trinkner Paul , Günther Sophie , Karschnia Philipp , Blumenberg Viktoria , Schmidt Christian , Kunz Wolfgang G. , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Jain Michael D. , Theurich Sebastian , Subklewe Marion
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Although CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CD19.CAR-T) has proven clinical efficacy for multiple refractory B-cell malignancies, over 50% of patients ultimately relapse. Recent evidence has underlined the critical role of the host in determining treatment responses. In this retrospective observational study of 106 relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) patients receiving standard-of-care CD19.CAR-T, we analyzed the impact of immunometabolic host features and detailed body composition measurements on post-CAR-T clinical outcomes. We extracted muscle and adipose tissue distributions from pre-lymphodepletion CT images and assessed laboratory-based immuno-nutritional scores. Early responders displayed increased total abdominal adipose tissue deposits (TAT: 336 vs. 266 mm3, P=0.008) and favorable immuno-nutritional scores compared to non-responding patients. On univariate Cox regression analysis, visceral fat distribution, sarcopenia, and nutritional indices significantly impacted both progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients with a low skeletal muscle index (e.g. SMI<34.5), a sarcopenia indicator, exhibited poor clinical outcomes (mOS 3.0 vs. 17.6 months, log-rank p=0.0026). Prognostically adverse immuno-nutritional scores were linked to inferior survival (low PNI, HROS: 6.31, 95% CI: 3.35-11.90, P<0.001). In a multivariable analysis adjusting for baseline ECOG, CRP, and LDH, increased TAT independently associated with improved clinical outcomes (adjusted HROS: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.90, P=0.03). We noted particularly favorable treatment outcomes in patients with both increased abdominal fat and muscle mass (TAThigh/SMIhigh: 1-yr PFS 50%, 1-yr OS 83%). These real-world data provide evidence for a role of body composition and immuno-nutritional status in the context of CD19.CAR-T and suggest that the obesity paradox extends to modern T-cell based immunotherapies.