bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD61 What Are The Drivers Of Transitioning From Fee-For-Service To Value-Based Payment Models In The Brazilian Private Healthcare System?
Authors: Bernz Iara Muller , Pedro Gabriel Ogata , Tanaka Marcos , Tanaka Sandra , Nita Marcelo Eidi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The Brazilian National Agency for private healthcare system (ANS) makes the regulation for private healthcare system in Brazil. ANS, since 2019, is running the pilot value-based new payment models project. In total, 13 projects were selected by ANS. This research aims to identify the key drivers for moving from fee for service (FFS) to value-based payment models in the Brazilian healthcare private system.

Methods

We interviewed managers of private healthcare plans (13 in total) participating in the Value-Based Payment Models run by ANS. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews during 2021. Twelve managers were invited to the interview and eight accepted the invitation. The key questions were: “Why are healthcare providers transitioning from the fee for service model to value-based models?” and “What are your motivations to participate in the ANS project?” For data analysis, Bardin’s content analysis was chosen. Data validation was performed using the debriefing technique.

Results

The main reasons for transitioning from FFS to value-based models were related to weaknesses of FFS (58%), strengths of the value-based payment model (14%) and sector needs (14%). Fee-for-service weaknesses are related to financial impacts – including waste and unsustainability (55%), and lack of transparency – including lack of trust and conflict of interest (28%). Strengths of the value-based payment model were related to financial benefits (100%), in other words, greater return on investment. The key unmet needs of the sector are related to improvement of the financial status - including lower costs and less waste (71%), and improvement of care delivery quality (29%). Continuity was reported as a benefit of FFS, according to 43 percent of respondents.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that financial motivations are the main reason to transition from fee-for-service to value-based models.
PD63 Impact Of Parallel Submission On The Rollout Time and Health-Technology-Assessment Recommendation Of New-Active-Substances
Authors: Sola-Barrado Belen , Wang Tina , McAuslane Neil
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Australia and Canada have parallel submission processes that allow companies to submit their dossier to the respective Health-Technology-Assessment (HTA) body before the market authorization is issued, aiming to provide timelier access to drugs. The objective of this study is to investigate the associations of parallel submissions with the rollout times and HTA recommendations of new active substances (NASs).

Methods

Public data from 208 HTA appraisals were collected from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) from Australia and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) for NASs obtaining regulatory approval between 2012 and 2020. We implemented multivariable logistic and linear regression models allowing for type of submission (parallel or sequential) and jurisdiction (Australia and Canada) to examine associations with first HTA recommendation (positive and positive with restrictions vs negative) and rollout time (regulatory submission to HTA recommendation), respectively.

Results

A total of 121 appraisals followed a parallel submission. The therapeutic products that most used a parallel submission were antineoplastic agents (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Code=L;47.11%). A similar proportion of chemical and biotechnological products followed parallel submissions.

Multivariable linear regression showed that parallel submission presented 14-months decrease in rollout time when compared to sequential (p<0.001). Regarding jurisdictions, longer rollout times were seen for Canada when compared to Australia (β:4.0, p-value=0.024).

Parallel submission showed no association with HTA recommendation. Canada had higher odds of receiving a positive recommendation (Odds Ratio:4.84, 95% confidence interval:2.63-9.18) when compared with Australia (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Antineoplastic agents were the main products using parallel submissions. Appraisals following a parallel submission showed a considerably faster rollout time than those following the traditional sequential submission, illustrating the advantage of this approach for dossier submission. The submission type did not have an impact on the HTA recommendation, indicating that although quicker, the HTA decision was not affected. Canada has a more restrictive criteria regarding the timing of dossier submission compared to Australia, which may lead to disparities in their rollout time.
Childhood sexual abuse and pervasive problems across multiple life domains: Findings from a five-decade study
Authors: Guiney Hayley , Caspi Avshalom , Ambler Antony , Belsky Jay , Kokaua Jesse , Broadbent Jonathan , Cheyne Kirsten , Dickson Nigel , Hancox Robert J. , Harrington HonaLee , Hogan Sean , Ramrakha Sandhya , Righarts Antoinette , Thomson W. Murray , Moffitt Terrie E. , Poulton Richie
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to use longitudinal population-based data to examine the associations between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and risk for adverse outcomes in multiple life domains across adulthood. In 937 individuals followed from birth to age 45y, we assessed associations between CSA (retrospectively reported at age 26y) and the experience of 22 adverse outcomes in seven domains (physical, mental, sexual, interpersonal, economic, antisocial, multi-domain) from young adulthood to midlife (26 to 45y). Analyses controlled for sex, socioeconomic status, prospectively reported child harm and household dysfunction adverse childhood experiences, and adult sexual assault, and considered different definitions of CSA. After adjusting for confounders, CSA survivors were more likely than their peers to experience internalizing, externalizing, and thought disorders, suicide attempts, health risk behaviors, systemic inflammation, poor oral health, sexually transmitted diseases, high-conflict relationships, benefit use, financial difficulties, antisocial behavior, and cumulative problems across multiple domains in adulthood. In sum, CSA was associated with multiple persistent problems across adulthood, even after adjusting for confounding life stressors, and the risk for particular problems incremented with CSA severity. The higher risk for most specific problems was small to moderate, but the cumulative long-term effects across multiple domains reflect considerable individual and societal burden.
Left atrial appendage aneurysm enlarged in the neonatal period
Authors: Yamashita Naoto , Harada Masako , Moritake Hiroshi
Published: December 2022

We describe a newborn with a congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm. The aneurysm size did not change prenatally. However, it rapidly enlarged after birth. MRI was useful for assessing the aneurysm extent and exact size, and for diagnosis. Respiratory distress and feeding difficulties appeared, and surgery was performed. These symptoms disappeared post-operatively. The patient is alive without complications or recurrence.
Assessment and management of feeding difficulties for infants with complex CHD
Authors: Desai Hema , Jones Courtney E. , Fogel Jennifer L. , Negrin Karli A. , Slater Nancy L. , Morris Kimberly , Doody Lisa R. , Engstler Katherine , Torzone Andrea , Smith Jodi , Butler Samantha C.
Published: December 2022

Early surgical intervention in infants with complex CHD results in significant disruptions to their respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, which are all instrumental to the development of safe and efficient oral feeding skills. Standardised assessments or treatment protocols are not currently available for this unique population, requiring the clinician to rely on knowledge based on neonatal literature. Clinicians need to be skilled at evaluating and analysing these systems to develop an appropriate treatment plan to improve oral feeding skill and safety, while considering post-operative recovery in the infant with complex CHD. Supporting the family to re-establish their parental role during the hospitalisation and upon discharge is critical to reducing parental stress and oral feeding success.
Japan: the harbinger state
Authors: Lipscy Phillip Y.
Published: December 2022

Why study Japan? Research on contemporary Japanese politics and foreign policy faces headwinds from the relative geopolitical decline of Japan and scholars skeptical about single-country studies. An overview of Japanese politics publications in English-language journals over the past four decades suggests the subfield remains active and robust. However, there is still room to grow. I argue that Japan is a harbinger state, which experiences many challenges before others in the international system. As such, studying Japan can inform both scholars and policymakers about the political challenges other countries are likely to confront in the future. In turn, scholarship on Japan offers a critical opportunity to develop theoretical insights, assess early empirical evidence, and offer policy lessons about emerging challenges and the political contestation surrounding them. I consider the reasons why Japan so often emerges as a harbinger across issue areas and suggest areas for ongoing scholarly attention.
Two‐Step Method for Determining the Solar Quiet Current Focus and the Validation Using Observing Procedure Experiment
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Sun Yang‐Yi , Chen Chieh‐Hung , Mao Zhiqiang
Published: December 2022

It was known that the Solar quiet (Sq) current is important for the ionosphere dynamics, which can cause variations in the geomagnetic fields recorded on the ground. Using a north‐south chain of observatories, the latitude of the Sq focus (center of the solar quiet current) can be determined in a local area. However, a single chain of observatories does not provide the longitudinal information of the Sq focus. In this study, we proposed an improved method using a magnetic observatory network in Asia to determine the focus automatically. After taking the variability and asymmetry of the Sq current into consideration, the proposed method determines the Sq focus with the longitudinal and latitudinal fitting processes. To verify the effectiveness of this method, we designed an observing procedure experiment (OPE) to simulate the geomagnetic field observation and focus determination under different conditions. The results show that the proposed method has the capability of tracking the trajectory of the Sq focus. Additionally, the OPE can efficiently validate the performance of the method.
Spacecraft Charging Due To Energetic Electrons and Ions at Geosynchronous Altitudes
Authors: Pervaiz Fareeha , Ali S. , Ali M. , Lai Shu T.
Published: December 2022

Satellites and spacecraft are usually exposed to space plasma disturbances, which vary in time at Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), affecting the charging of spacecraft and weather on the Earth. The charging currents are often described by the current‐balance equation (CBE) containing the electron‐ion (incoming/outgoing) current density fluxes and their energy distributions. The power‐law q‐distribution is the most generalized distribution that essentially characterizes more pronounced energy tails and can be reduced to standard Maxwellian distribution for q → 1. Using the equilibrium currents, the CBE is solved both analytically and numerically to study spacecraft charging within the framework of Whittaker function. It is found that energetic electron and ion‐induced currents significantly modify the charging phenomenon on the spacecraft's surface. Especially, ion‐induced currents result in the delay of negative charging at critical electron thermal energy and enhance the magnitude of the total normalized current. Apart from CuBe surface material, numerical analysis is also carried out for silver and Aluminum to determine the magnitude of total normalized current and onset of negative charging. The present findings are consistent with spacecraft charging at GEO altitudes around the Earth.
Temporal Scales of Electron Precipitation Driven by Whistler‐Mode Waves
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Jia , Angelopoulos Vassilis , Artemyev Anton , Mourenas Didier , Agapitov Oleksiy , Tsai Ethan , Wilkins Colin
Published: December 2022

Electron resonant scattering by whistler‐mode waves is one of the most important mechanisms responsible for electron precipitation to the Earth's atmosphere. The temporal and spatial scales of such precipitation are dictated by properties of their wave source and background plasma characteristics, which control the efficiency of electron resonant scattering. We investigate these scales with measurements from the two low‐altitude Electron Losses and Fields Investigation (ELFIN) CubeSats that move practically along the same orbit, with along‐track separations ranging from seconds to tens of minutes. Conjunctions with the equatorial THEMIS mission are also used to aid our interpretation. We compare the variations in energetic electron precipitation at the same L‐shells but on successive data collection orbit tracks by the two ELFIN satellites. Variations seen at the smallest inter‐satellite separations, those of less than a few seconds, are likely associated with whistler‐mode chorus elements or with the scale of chorus wave packets (0.1–1 s in time and ∼100 km in space at the equator). Variations between precipitation L‐shell profiles at intermediate inter‐satellite separations, a few seconds to about 1 min, are likely associated with whistler‐mode wave power modulations by ultra‐low frequency waves, that is, with the wave source region (from a few to tens of seconds to a few minutes in time and ∼1,000 km in space at the equator). During these two types of variations, consecutive crossings are associated with precipitation L‐shell profiles very similar to each other. Therefore the spatial and temporal variations at those scales do not change the net electron loss from the outer radiation belt. Variations at the largest range of inter‐satellite separations, several minutes to more than 10 min, are likely associated with mesoscale equatorial plasma structures that are affected by convection (at minutes to tens of minutes temporal variations and ≈[103, 104] km spatial scales). The latter type of variations results in appreciable changes in the precipitation L‐shell profiles and can significantly modify the net electron losses during successive tracks. Thus, such mesoscale variations should be included in simulations of the radiation belt dynamics.
Temperature‐Induced Nonlinear Elastic Behavior in Berea Sandstone Explained by a Modified Sheared Contacts Model
Authors: Simpson Jonathan , van Wijk Kasper , Adam Ludmila , Esteban Lionel
Published: December 2022

Rocks commonly display a reduction in elastic modulus during an acoustic perturbation followed by a logarithmic recovery of the modulus to its original value. This nonlinear elastic behavior can also be induced by changes in temperature of the rock, although experimental data for this are sparse. In this paper, we utilize temperature perturbations to broaden our understanding of the causes and mechanisms of nonlinear elasticity in rocks. We perform laboratory experiments tracking the nonlinear response of a Berea sandstone under vacuum both during and following 10°C changes in temperature. Ultrasonic velocity decreases by up to 0.30 ± 0.02% during both temperature increases and decreases, before recovering in the following days. Continuous monitoring over a 2‐month period also reveals a longer‐term 0.78 ± 0.04% increase in velocity. To explain these observations, we modify a recent model for nonlinear elasticity based on the shearing and subsequent recreation of internal microscopic contacts. Application of this model to our data suggests that internal stresses from differential thermal expansion/contraction of mineral grains break contacts, inducing nonlinear weakening. The degree of weakening depends on the temperature gradient. Slow dynamics recovery in the ∼10 hr following a temperature change likely results from the recreation of broken contacts due to nanoscopic adhesive forces. In contrast, the long‐term velocity increase results from evaporation of bound water from clay minerals. In addition to furthering our understanding of nonlinear elasticity in rocks, our results imply that sudden changes of temperature in shallow crustal environments will induce nonlinear weakening that persists for hours to days.
KDM6B promotes gastric carcinogenesis and metastasis via upregulation of CXCR4 expression
Authors: Liu Fen , Wang Yue , Yang Zongcheng , Cui Xiujie , Zheng Lixin , Fu Yue , Shao Wei , Zhang Lu , Yang Qing , Jia Jihui
Published: December 2022

KDM6B (Lysine-specific demethylase 6B) is a histone lysine demethyltransferase that plays a key role in many types of cancers. However, its potential role in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Here, we focused on the clinical significance and potential role of KDM6B in GC. We found that the KDM6B expression is upregulated in GC tissues and that its high expression in patients is related to poor prognosis. KDM6B ectopic expression promotes GC cells’ proliferation and metastasis, while its inhibition has opposite effects in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, KDM6B promotes GC cells proliferation and metastasis through its enzymatic activity through the induction of H3K27me3 demethylation near the CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) promoter region, resulting in the upregulation of CXCR4 expression. Furthermore, H. pylori was found to induce KDM6B expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that KDM6B is aberrantly expressed in GC and plays a key role in gastric carcinogenesis and metastasis through CXCR4 upregulation. Our work also suggests that KDM6B may be a potential oncogenic factor and a therapeutic target for GC.
PKM2 deficiency exacerbates gram-negative sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy via disrupting cardiac calcium homeostasis
Authors: Ni Le , Lin Bowen , Shen Meiting , Li Can , Hu Lingjie , Fu Fengmei , Chen Lei , Yang Jian , Shi Dan
Published: December 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening syndrome with multi-organ dysfunction in critical care medicine. With the occurrence of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), characterized by reduced ventricular contractility, the mortality of sepsis is boosted to 70–90%. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) functions in a variety of biological processes and diseases other than glycolysis, and has been documented as a cardioprotective factor in several heart diseases. It is currently unknown whether PKM2 influences the development of SIC. Here, we found that PKM2 was upregulated in cardiomyocytes treated with LPS both in vitro and in vivo. Pkm2 inhibition exacerbated the LPS-induced cardiac damage to neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Furthermore, cardiomyocytes lacking PKM2 aggravated LPS-induced cardiomyopathy, including myocardial damage and impaired contractility, whereas PKM2 overexpression and activation mitigated SIC. Mechanism investigation revealed that PKM2 interacted with sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), a key regulator of the excitation-contraction coupling, to maintain calcium homeostasis, and PKM2 deficiency exacerbated LPS-induced cardiac systolic dysfunction by impairing SERCA2a expression. In conclusion, these findings highlight that PKM2 plays an essential role in gram-negative sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, which provides an attractive target for the prevention and treatment of septic cardiomyopathy.
Paratype: a genotyping tool for Salmonella Paratyphi A reveals its global genomic diversity
Authors: Tanmoy Arif M. , Hooda Yogesh , Sajib Mohammad S. I. , da Silva Kesia E. , Iqbal Junaid , Qamar Farah N. , Luby Stephen P. , Dougan Gordon , Dyson Zoe A. , Baker Stephen , Garrett Denise O. , Andrews Jason R. , Saha Samir K. , Saha Senjuti
Published: December 2022

Salmonella Paratyphi A, the primary etiology of paratyphoid, is estimated to cause 3.4 million infections annually, worldwide. With rising antimicrobial resistance and no licensed vaccines, genomic surveillance is key to track and monitor transmission, but there is currently no reliable genotyping framework for this pathogen. Here, we sequence 817 isolates from South Asia and add 562 publicly available genomes to build a global database representing 37 countries, covering 1917–2019. We develop a single nucleotide polymorphism-based genotyping scheme, Paratype, that segregates Salmonella Paratyphi A population into three primary and nine secondary clades, and 18 genotypes. Each genotype is assigned a unique allele definition located on an essential gene. Using Paratype, we identify spatiotemporal genomic variation and antimicrobial resistance markers. We release Paratype as an open-access tool that can use raw read files from both Illumina and Nanopore platforms, and thus can assist surveillance studies tracking Salmonella Paratyphi A across the globe.
Emergence of coherent backscattering from sparse and finite disordered media
Authors: Estakhri Nooshin M. , Mohammadi Estakhri Nasim , Norris Theodore B.
Published: December 2022

Coherent backscattering (CBS) arises from complex interactions of a coherent beam with randomly positioned particles, which has been typically studied in media with large numbers of scatterers and high opacity. We develop a first-principles scattering model for scalar waves to study the CBS cone formation in finite-sized and sparse random media with specific geometries. The current study provides insights into the effects of density, volume size, and other relevant parameters on the angular characteristics of the CBS cone emerging from sparse and bounded random media for various types of illumination, with results consistent with well-known CBS studies which are typically based on samples with much larger number of scatterers and higher opacity. The enhancements are observed in scattering medium with dimensions between 10× and 40× wavelength and the number of particles as few as 370. This work also highlights some of the potentials and limitations of employing the CBS phenomenon to characterize disordered configurations. The method developed here provides a foundation for studies of complex electromagnetic fields beyond simple incident classical beams in randomized geometries, including structured wavefronts in illumination and quantized fields for investigating the effects of the quantum nature of light in multiple scattering, with no further numerical complications.
A sensitive soil biological indicator to changes in land-use in regions with Mediterranean climate
Authors: Steinberger Yosef , Stein Alfred , Dorman Michael , Svoray Tal , Doniger Tirza , Rinot Oshri , Gil Eshel
Published: December 2022

The demand for reliable indicators to quantify soil health has increased recently. We propose and test the use of soil microbial functional diversity as an indicator of multifunctional performance in agriculturally important areas. Agricultural fields in the Mediterranean and semiarid regions of Israel were selected as test sites and measured in Spring and Autumn seasons. Measurements included microbial parameters, basic soil abiotic properties and biological responses to agricultural management relative to measures of a natural ecosystem. Using a canonical correlation analysis we found that soil moisture was the most important basic soil property with different responses in Spring and Autumn. In Spring, it had a strongly negative relation with microbial biomass (MB), community level physiological profiling (CLPP) and the Shannon-Weaver index H', while in Autumn it had a strong relation with CLPP. We further show a significant interaction between CLPP and climate for land-use type "orchards". CLPP measured in the autumn season was thus identified as a useful and rapid biological soil health indicator, recommended for application in semiarid and Mediterranean agricultural regions. Apart from obtaining a better understanding of CLPP as the soil indicator, the study concludes that CLPP is well suited to differentiate between soils in different climates, seasons and land use types. The study shows a promising direction for further research on characterizing soil health under a larger variety of conditions.
Artificial intelligence convolutional neural networks map giant kelp forests from satellite imagery
Authors: Marquez L. , Fragkopoulou E. , Cavanaugh K. C. , Houskeeper H. F. , Assis J.
Published: December 2022

Climate change is producing shifts in the distribution and abundance of marine species. Such is the case of kelp forests, important marine ecosystem-structuring species whose distributional range limits have been shifting worldwide. Synthesizing long-term time series of kelp forest observations is therefore vital for understanding the drivers shaping ecosystem dynamics and for predicting responses to ongoing and future climate changes. Traditional methods of mapping kelp from satellite imagery are time-consuming and expensive, as they require high amount of human effort for image processing and algorithm optimization. Here we propose the use of mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNN) to automatically assimilate data from open-source satellite imagery (Landsat Thematic Mapper) and detect kelp forest canopy cover. The analyses focused on the giant kelpMacrocystis pyriferaalong the shorelines of southern California and Baja California in the northeastern Pacific. Model hyper-parameterization was tuned through cross-validation procedures testing the effect of data augmentation, and different learning rates and anchor sizes. The optimal model detected kelp forests with high performance and low levels of overprediction (Jaccard’s index: 0.87 ± 0.07; Dice index: 0.93 ± 0.04; over prediction: 0.06) and allowed reconstructing a time series of 32 years in Baja California (Mexico), a region known for its high variability in kelp owing to El Niño events. The proposed framework based on Mask R-CNN now joins the list of cost-efficient tools for long-term marine ecological monitoring, facilitating well-informed biodiversity conservation, management and decision making.
Proximity-dependent biotin labeling in testicular germ cells identified TESMIN-associated proteins
Authors: Oura Seiya , Ninomiya Akinori , Sugihara Fuminori , Matzuk Martin M. , Ikawa Masahito
Published: December 2022

Characterization of protein–protein interactions (PPI) is a key to understanding the functions of proteins of interest. Recently developed proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) has been actively investigated as an alternative PPI mapping method because of its usefulness in uncovering transient PPI. Here, as an example of proximity labeling proteomics application in the testis, we generated two transgenic mouse lines expressing two biotin ligases (BioID2 or TurboID) fused with TESMIN, which translocates from the cytosol to the nucleus during meiotic progression and is required for reproduction. The BioID2 transgene, albeit not the TurboID transgene, rescued fertility defects of the Tesmin KO male mice, indicating that the TESMIN-BioID2 fusion can physiologically replace TESMIN. Furthermore, biotinylated protein pull-down and affinity-purification followed by mass spectrometry using the TESMIN-BioID2 transgenic mice captured components of the MYBL1–MuvB complex that regulate cell-cycle gene expression. Thus, our study shows that proximity labeling proteomics can be applied in male germ cells, although the choice of biotin ligase needs to be carefully tested.
Aggregation of alpha-synuclein in enteric neurons does not impact function in vitro
Authors: Bindas Adam J. , Nichols Kyla N. , Roth Nicole J. , Brady Ryan , Koppes Abigail N. , Koppes Ryan A.
Published: December 2022

Recent evidence implicates a gut-first pathogenesis in the enteric nervous system (ENS) within a portion of PD patients, yet in vitro investigations have primarily focused on the central nervous system. Here, the preformed fibril (PFF) PD model is applied with co-administered groups of butyrate and lipopolysaccharide to model the effects of the local gut microbiome. Significant PFF uptake and retention occur in isolated rat enteric neurons compared to untreated controls resulting in increasing immunostained aggregate conformation-specific, alpha-synuclein (a-Syn) average intensity between 6 µg PFF and untreated controls. Cortical neurons significantly retain PFFs with an increase in aggregated a-Syn average intensity within all dosages. Differences in growth cone morphology but not dynamics in PFF-treated ENS cultures occur. Electrophysiological recordings via a microelectrode array (MEA) indicate no overall difference in spontaneous spike rate. However, only untreated controls respond to PD-relevant dopamine stimulus, while 1 µg PFF and control populations respond to stimulus with ENS-abundant acetylcholine. Finally, no differences in substance P levels—correlated with PD and neurodegeneration—are observed. Overall, these findings suggest the ENS retains PFF dosage absent acute loss in function, however, does experience changes in growth cone morphology and dopamine-stimulated activity.
Creep modeling of composite materials based on improved gene expression programming
Authors: Tan Hua , Yan Shilin , Zhu Sirong , Wen Pin
Published: December 2022

In this article, a new method for creep modeling and performance prediction of composite materials is presented. Since Findley power-law model is usually suitable for studying one-dimensional time-dependent creep of materials under low stress, an intelligent computing method is utilized to derive three temperature-related sub-functions, the creep model as a function of time and temperature is established. In order to accelerate convergence rate and improve solution accuracy, an improved gene expression programming (IGEP) algorithm is proposed by adopting the probability-based population initialization and semi-elite roulette selection strategy. Based on short-term creep data at seven temperatures, a bivariate creep model with certain physical significance is developed. At fixed temperature, the univariate creep model is acquired. R2, RMSE, MAE, RRSE statistical metrics are used to verify the validity of the developed model by comparison with viscoelastic models. Shift factor is solved by Arrhenius equation. The creep master curve is derived from time–temperature superposition model, and evaluated by Burgers, Findley and HKK models. R-square of IGEP model is above 0.98 that is better than classical models. Moreover, the model is utilized to predict creep values at t = 1000 h. Compared with experimental values, the relative errors are within 5.2%. The results show that the improved algorithm can establish effective models that accurately predict the long-term creep performance of composites.
Investigation of microseismic signal denoising using an improved wavelet adaptive thresholding method
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Ye Yicheng , Luo Binyu , Chen Guan , Wu Meng
Published: December 2022

There are high- and low-frequency noise signals in a microseismic signal that can lead to the distortion and submersion of an effective waveform. At present, effectively removing high- and low-frequency noise without losing the effective signal of local waveform spikes remains a challenge. This work addresses this issue with an improved wavelet adaptive thresholding method. Because a denoised signal conceptually approximates the minimum error, a dynamic selection model is established for the optimal threshold. On this basis, an adaptive correction factor aj is proposed to reflect the noise intensity, which uses the 1/2 power of the ratio of the median absolute value to the amplitude of the monitoring data to reflect the noise intensity of the wavelet detail signal and corrects the size of the denoising scale. Finally, the performance of the improved method is quantitatively evaluated in terms of the denoising quality and efficiency using the signal-to-noise ratio, root-mean-square error, sample entropy and running time.
A new approach to designing easily recyclable printed circuit boards
Authors: Khrustalev Dmitriy , Tirzhanov Arman , Khrustaleva Anastassiya , Mustafin Marlen , Yedrissov Azamat
Published: December 2022

Due to the ever-increasing amount of electronic waste (e-waste) worldwide, the problem of the effective disposal of printed circuit board waste (WPCB), which are environmentally hazardous, difficult to recycle and economically valuable products, has become a major environmental challenge. Conventional WPCB recycling techniques have low efficiency and require tough processing, such as heat treatment and high pressure. This paper presents a new composite material for the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCB) that can be easily recycled into their original components and reused. In addition, the most valuable PCB components (electronic components containing precious metals) can be easily separated from the printed circuit board and reused. This study demonstrates the benefit of using biodegradable polymers as binders for PCBs in terms of environmentally friendly and efficient recycling.
Correlation of internet search enquiries, incidence of ophthalmological diseases and corneal, cataract and refractive surgical procedures
Authors: Ghaly Mohamed , Jaber Diana , Matthaei Mario , Cursiefen Claus , Händel Alexander , Köberlein-Neu Juliane , Hörster Robert , Siebelmann Sebastian
Published: December 2022

Analysis of internet search queries (ISQ) could be useful to study public interest and medical need for corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery. To date, there are preliminary data on seasonal trends in ophthalmic conditions, but only few studies correlate these data with real data from healthcare systems. The aim of this study is to analyze ISQ and correlate it with real healthcare system data. Data were retrieved from the KBV registry of patients who underwent outpatient ophthalmic surgery in Germany from 2017 to 2019 and from Statista GmbH from 2010 to 2020 for corneal refractive surgery. Time Series analysis of ISQ was analyzed from 2004 to 2020 and correlated with healthcare system data using bivariate correlation analysis. ISQ correlated significantly with the incidence of ophthalmic procedures such as corneal transplantations (r = 0.69, p < 0.05), cataract- (r = 0.59, p < 0.05) and refractive laser surgery (r = 0.83, p < 0.05) in Germany. In addition, specific trends were observed with respect to individual surgical procedures. The correlation between search intensities and surgical procedures varied significantly. Thus, interests in surgical procedures can be tracked by observing changes in ISQ over time. These data correlate with real healthcare data and could be used in the future for now-casting or even forecasting.
Intestinal bacterial community composition of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis under different feeding times in lab conditions
Authors: Xu Yingkai , Huang Ziwei , Zhang Baoli , Yu Changyue , Li Lisong , Li Xiaodong , Li Yingdong
Published: December 2022

Feeding time is an important factor affecting the physiological activity and feeding rhythm of crustaceans. However, little is known about the factors and mechanisms contributing to variations in feeding time in aquatic species or their impacts. Moreover, the gut microbiome largely affects host physiology and is associated with diet. To investigate the effects of different feeding times on the composition of intestinal bacterial communities, high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing was used to monitor the gut bacteria of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis over a 10-day period under different feeding times: 06:00 h, 12:00 h, 18:00 h, and 24:00 h. Weight gain of the day-fed groups was significantly higher than that of the night-fed groups. Two probiotics, Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, were detected in the intestines of crabs in the 12:00 group. In addition, the diversity and richness of the flora in the 12:00 group were slightly higher than those in the other treatment groups. These results collectively indicate that different feeding times change the intestinal flora composition of Chinese mitten crabs, and further identified specific feeding times associated with a more significant weight gain effect. Our findings provide important insights into improving farming strategies for Chinese mitten crabs.
Using high-throughput sequencing to investigate the dietary composition of the Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus): a spatiotemporal comparison
Authors: Lee Seung-Kyung , Woo Cheolwoon , Lee Eun Ju , Yamamoto Naomichi
Published: December 2022

The Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) is considered a vermin in Korea because it damages crops, but also listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN’s red list. Therefore, it is indispensable to manage them appropriately by understanding the ecology such as food habits. Here, we aimed to apply high-throughput sequencing (HTS), a sensitive and objective method, to investigate the dietary composition of the Korean water deer inhabiting the lowland and forest areas in summer and winter. We targeted the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region for plant identification. From a total of 40 fecal samples analyzed, 63 plant genera were identified, withMorusbeing the most abundant, and some of the plant taxa identified by HTS were detected for the first time as the diets of Korean water deer. By type, woody plants (68.6%) were the most predominant, followed by forbs (7.0%) and graminoids (0.7%). We found that the deer in the forest area ate more woody plants (84.6%) than those in the lowland area (52.7%). It was also found that the type of woody plants that the deer ate changed by season. Overall, our results indicate that the Korean water deer is a browser that is seasonally adaptable and feeds on a wide variety of woody plants. We expect that the results and genetics methods reported here, by parallelly investigating their habitat range and reproductive behavior in the future, will help the management and conservation of the Korean water deer, which is in contradictory situations.
Geometry-aware view reconstruction network for light field image compression
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Wan Lifei , Mao Yifan , Huang Xinpeng , Liu Deyang
Published: December 2022

Light Field (LF) imaging empowers many attractive applications by simultaneously recording spatial and angular information of light rays. In order to meet the challenges of LF storage and transmission, many view reconstruction-based LF compression methods are put forward. However, occlusion issue and under-exploitation of LF rich structure information limit the view reconstruction qualities, which further influence LF compression efficiency. In order to alleviate these problems, in this paper, we propose a geometry-aware view reconstruction network for LF compression. In our method, only sparsely-sampled LF views are encoded, which are further used as priors to reconstruct the un-sampled LF views at the decoder side. The proposed reconstruction process contains two stages including geometry-aware reconstruction and texture refinement. The geometry-aware reconstruction stage utilizes a multi-stream framework, which can fully explore LF spatial-angular, location and geometry information. The texture refinement stage can adequately fuse such rich LF information to further improve LF reconstruction quality. Comprehensive experimental results validate the superiority of the proposed method. The rate-distortion performance and the perceptual quality of reconstructed views further demonstrate that the proposed method can save more bitrate while increasing LF reconstruction quality.
Thermal spiral inductor using 3D printed shape memory kirigami
Authors: Kim Yelim , Phon Ratanak , Jeong Heijun , Kim Yeonju , Lim Sungjoon
Published: December 2022

Spiral inductors are required to realise high inductance in radio frequency (RF) circuits. Although their fabrication by using micro-electrical–mechanical systems, thin films, actuators, etc., has received considerable research attention, current approaches are both complex and expensive. In this study, we designed and fabricated a thermal spiral inductor by using a three-dimensional (3D) printed shape-memory polymer (SMP). The proposed inductor was inspired by kirigami geometry whereby a two-dimensional (2D) planar geometric shape could be transformed into a 3D spiral one to change the inductance by heating and manually transform. Mechanical and electromagnetic analyses of the spiral inductor design was conducted. Hence, in contrast with the current processes used to manufacture spiral inductors, ours can be realised via a single facile fabrication step.
Nucleophagy delays aging and preserves germline immortality
Authors: Papandreou Margarita-Elena , Konstantinidis Georgios , Tavernarakis Nektarios
Published: December 2022

Marked alterations in nuclear ultrastructure are a universal hallmark of aging, progeroid syndromes and other age-related pathologies. Here we show that autophagy of nuclear proteins is an important determinant of fertility and aging. Impairment of nucleophagy diminishes stress resistance, germline immortality and longevity. We found that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans nuclear envelope anchor protein, nuclear anchorage protein 1 (ANC-1) and its mammalian ortholog nesprin-2 are cleared out by autophagy and restrict nucleolar size, a biomarker of aging. We further uncovered a germline immortality assurance mechanism, which involves nucleolar degradation at the most proximal oocyte by ANC-1 and key autophagic components. Perturbation of this clearance pathway causes tumor-like structures in C. elegans, and genetic ablation of nesprin-2 causes ovarian carcinomas in mice. Thus, autophagic recycling of nuclear components is a conserved soma longevity and germline immortality mechanism that promotes youthfulness and delays aging under conditions of stress.
Multi-feature round silicon membrane filters enable fractionation and analysis of small micro- and nanoplastics with Raman spectroscopy and nano-FTIR
Authors: Meyns Michaela , Dietz Frank , Weinhold Carin-Sonja , Züge Heiko , Finckh Saskia , Gerdts Gunnar
Published: December 2022

We apply round silicon membrane filters with honeycomb structures and optical guides with 1 and 0.25 μm pores for sequential filtration and spectroscopic analysis of polymer particles from the small micro- into the nano range.
Decellularized extracellular matrix (d-ECM): the key role of the inflammatory process in pre-regeneration after implantation
Authors: Long Jie , Qin Zijin , Chen Guo , Song Baoqiang , Zhang Ziang
Published: December 2022

After d-ECM transplantation, residues in the d-ECM have different effects on immunological responses, leading to degradability, inflammation, and functional tissue remodeling.
Pushing up the easy-axis magnetic anisotropy and relaxation times in trigonal prismatic CoII mononuclear SMMs by molecular structure design
Authors: Landart-Gereka Aritz , Quesada-Moreno María Mar , Palacios María A. , Díaz-Ortega Ismael F. , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Ozerov Mykhaylo , Krzystek J. , Colacio Enrique
Published: December 2022

We have demonstrated that the smaller the distortion of the coordination sphere from the ideal trigonal prismatic geometry in mononuclear CoII complexes, the larger the axial anisotropy, the relaxation times and the magnetic hysteresis.
Stretchable conductors for stretchable field-effect transistors and functional circuits
Authors: Wang Liangjie , Yi Zhengran , Zhao Yan , Liu Yunqi , Wang Shuai
Published: December 2022

This review summarizes the recent progress of stretchable conductors in transistors and circuits, highlighting the achievements and challenges in materials, device engineering, and preparation technologies.
Hydrogen production by graphdiyne (CnH2n−2)-based graphdiyne/CuI/NiMn(LDHs) double S-scheme heterojunctions
Authors: Liu Zhenkun , Jin Zhiliang
Published: December 2022

CuI–GDY was prepared by cross-coupling method, and CuI–GDY/NiMn(LDHs) composite catalysts were prepared by a simple solvothermal method, and the constructed double s-type heterojunction accelerated the electron transfer rate.
Spermidine carbon dots enhance thermotolerance by modulating photosynthesis and cellular redox homeostasis in tomato
Authors: Zhong Min , Yue Lingqi , Chen Qingqing , Wang Hui , Lei Bingfu , Yang Xian , Kang Yunyan
Published: December 2022

In this study, we demonstrate and elucidate how spermidine carbon dots (Spd-CDs) enhance tomato tolerance under heat stress (45 °C).
Correction: Hydraulic-driven piezoelectric ozonation process for nitrobenzene degradation: synergy, energy consumption, impact factors, mechanism, and application potential
Authors: Zhuang Wei , Zheng Ying , Shuai Yi , Bai Lun , Zhao Mengshang , Zhao Chun
Published: December 2022

Correction for ‘Hydraulic-driven piezoelectric ozonation process for nitrobenzene degradation: synergy, energy consumption, impact factors, mechanism, and application potential’ by Wei Zhuang et al., Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2022, 8, 1803–1813, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2EW00148A
Screening of anti-liver fibrosis peptides from turtle shell protein using two-enzyme hydrolysis by molecular docking
Authors: Xia Shufan , Li Yao , You Pengtao , Hu Chunling
Published: December 2022

Turtle shell as a food residue of Pelodiscus sinensis (a type of edible aquatic animal) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hepatic fibrosis therapy.
Utilizing biocatalysis and a sulfolane-mediated reductive acetal opening to access nemtabrutinib from cyrene
Authors: Kuhl Nadine , Turnbull Ben W. H. , Ji Yining , Larson Reed T. , Shevlin Michael , Prier Christopher K. , Chung Cheol K. , Desmond Richard , Guetschow Erik , He Cyndi Qixin , Itoh Tetsuji , Kuethe Jeffrey T. , Newman Justin A. , Reibarkh Mikhail , Rivera Nelo R. , Shang Gao , Wang Zhixun , Zewge Daniel , Thaisrivongs David A.
Published: December 2022

The development of a protecting group-free, 2-step synthesis of 5-amino-2-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran 1a from biorenewable Cyrene™ is described which renders access to BTK-inhibitor nemtabrutinib (2) more efficient and sustainable.
An efficient method for the separation of REEs from Ba for the accurate determination of REE content in Ba-rich samples by ICP-MS
Authors: Liu Wengang , An Yuchen , Qu Qinyuan , Li Pengfei , Zhang Lixin , Li Chaofeng , Wei Shuang , Zhou Hongying , Chen Jiubin
Published: December 2022

A new efficient method for the separation of Ba from REEs for the accurate determination of REE content in Ba-rich samples by ICP-MS.
Surface oxidation protection strategy of CoS2 by V2O5 for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Wu Jie , Qin Xuetao , Xia Yu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Bin , Du Yunchen , Wang Hsing-Lin , Li Siwei , Xu Ping
Published: December 2022

V2O5 nanoclusters can inhibit CoS2 from serious surface oxidation in air, and the lower surface oxidation degree, the better HER performance.
In situ observations of size effects in GaAs nanowire growth
Authors: Marnauza Mikelis , Tornberg Marcus , Mårtensson Erik K. , Jacobsson Daniel , Dick Kimberly A.
Published: December 2022

We present the first experimental study into how Au-seeded GaAs nanowire diameter affects the Ga-dependent incubation and As-dependent step-flow processes revealing a dramatic increase of step-flow process time for smaller diameter nanowires.
Silicon photonics interfaced with microelectronics for integrated photonic quantum technologies: a new era in advanced quantum computers and quantum communications?
Authors: Gupta Rajeev , Singh Rajesh , Gehlot Anita , Akram Shaik Vaseem , Yadav Neha , Brajpuriya Ranjeet , Yadav Ashish , Wu Yongling , Zheng Hongyu , Biswas Abhijit , Suhir Ephraim , Yadav Vikram Singh , Kumar Tanuj , Verma Ajay Singh
Published: December 2022

Silicon photonics is rapidly evolving as an advanced chip framework for implementing quantum technologies.
Enhancing UV photodetection performance of an individual ZnO microwire p–n homojunction via interfacial engineering
Authors: Tang Kai , Jiang Mingming , Yang Bingwang , Xu Tong , Liu Zeng , Wan Peng , Kan Caixia , Shi Daning
Published: December 2022

A high-performance ultraviolet self-powered photodetector based on p-ZnO:Sb MW/MgO/n-ZnO homojunction is proposed.