bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicolor 3D Orbital Tracking
Authors: Mieskes Frank , Ploetz Evelyn , Wehnekamp Fabian , Rat Virgile , Lamb Don C.
Published: January 2023

Feedback‐based single‐particle tracking (SPT) is a powerful technique for investigating particle behavior with very high spatiotemporal resolution. The ability to follow different species and their interactions independently adds a new dimension to the information available from SPT. However, only a few approaches have been expanded to multiple colors and no method is currently available that can follow two differently labeled biomolecules in 4 dimensions independently. In this proof‐of‐concept paper, the new modalities available when performing 3D orbital tracking with a second detection channel are demonstrated. First, dual‐color tracking experiments are described studying independently diffusing particles of different types. For interacting particles where their motion is correlated, a second modality is implemented where a particle is tracked in one channel and the position of the second fluorescence species is monitored in the other channel. As a third modality, 3D orbital tracking is performed in one channel while monitoring its spectral signature in a second channel. This last modality is used to successfully readout accurate Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) values over time while tracking a mobile particle.
Understanding Humidity‐Enhanced Adhesion of Geckos: Deep Neural Network‐Assisted Multi‐Scale Molecular Modeling
Authors: Materzok Tobias , Eslami Hossein , Gorb Stanislav N. , Müller‐Plathe Florian
Published: January 2023

A higher relative humidity leads to an increased sticking power of gecko feet to surfaces. The molecular mechanism responsible for this increase, however, is not clear. Capillary forces, water mediating keratin‐surface contacts and water‐induced softening of the keratin are proposed as candidates. In previous work, strong evidence for water mediation is found but indirect effects via increased flexibility are not completely ruled out. This article studies the latter hypothesis by a bottom‐up coarse‐grained mesoscale model of an entire gecko spatula designed without explicit water particles, so that capillary action and water‐mediation are excluded. The elasticity of this model is adjusted with a deep neural network to atomistic elastic constants, including water at different concentrations. Our results show clearly that on nanoscopic flat surfaces, the softening of keratin by water uptake cannot nearly account for the experimentally observed increase in gecko sticking power. Here, the dominant mechanism is the mediation of keratin‐surface contacts by intervening water molecules. This mechanism remains important on nanostructured surfaces. Here, however, a water‐induced increase of the keratin flexibility may enable the spatula to follow surface features smaller than itself and thereby increase the number of contacts with the surface. This leads to an appreciable but not dominant contribution to the humidity‐increased adhesion. Recently, by atomistic grand‐canonical molecular dynamics simulation, the room‐temperature isotherm is obtained for the sorption of water into gecko keratin, to the authors’ knowledge, the first such relation for any beta‐keratin. In this work, it relates the equilibrium water content of the keratin to the ambient relative humidity.
Fast Living 3D Printing via Free Radical Promoted Cationic RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Zhao Bowen , Li Jiajia , Li Guangliang , Yang Xinrui , Lu Shaopu , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian
Published: January 2023

The application of reversible deactivation radical polymerization techniques in 3D printing is emerging as a powerful method to build “living” polymer networks, which can be easily postmodified with various functionalities. However, the building speed of these systems is still limited compared to commercial systems. Herein, a digital light processing (DLP)‐based 3D printing system via photoinduced free radical‐promoted cationic reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of vinyl ethers, which can build “living” objects by a commercial DLP 3D printer at a relatively fast building speed (12.99 cm h−1), is reported. The polymerization behavior and printing conditions are studied in detail. The livingness of the printed objects is demonstrated by spatially controlled postmodification with a fluorescent monomer.
Interrelation between Programmed Cell Death and Immunogenic Cell Death: Take Antitumor Nanodrug as an Example
Authors: Meng Qi , Ding Binbin , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: January 2023

Programmed cell death (PCD, mainly including apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) and immunogenic cell death (ICD), as important cell death mechanisms, are widely reported in cancer therapy, and understanding the relationship between the two is significant for clinical tumor treatments. Considering that vast nanodrugs are developed to induce tumor PCD and ICD simultaneously, in this review, the interrelationship between PCD and ICD is described using nanomedicines as examples. First, an overview of PCD patterns and focus on the morphological differences and interconnections among them are provided. Then the interrelationship between apoptosis and ICD in terms of endoplasmic reticulum stress is described by introducing various cancer treatments and the recent developments of nanomedicines with inducible immunogenicity. Next, the crosstalk between non‐apoptotic (including necrosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy) signaling pathways and ICD is introduced and their relationship through various nanomedicines as examples is further illustrated. Finally, the relationship between PCD and ICD and its application prospects in the development of new ICD nanomaterials are summarized. This review is believed to deepen the understanding of the relationship between PCD and ICD, extend the biomedical applications of various nanodrugs, and promote the progress of clinical tumor therapy.
Anion Storage of MXenes
Authors: Wang Guanyao , Park Jae Min , Kang Taehun , Lee Sang Joon , Park Ho Seok
Published: January 2023

Recently, anion storage materials have gained significant attention owing to the widened cell voltage and additional anion storing capacity for a large energy density. MXenes are considered as the emerging anion storing materials owing to their sufficient interlayer spacing, rich surface chemistries, tunable structures, remarkable electrochemical properties, and mechanical integrity. Herein, a comprehensive review on the anion storage of MXenes covering their anion storage mechanism and state‐of‐the‐art chemical strategies for the improved anion storage performances is reported. The recent progress of MXenes on aluminum ion batteries, metal halogen batteries, halogen ion batteries, and electrochemical electrode deionization is addressed. The scientific and technical challenges and the research direction into the anion storage of MXenes are also addressed and finally the authors’ perspective on anion storage of MXenes is provided. Therefore, this review offers an insight into the rational design of MXenes for anion storage materials and the correlation of surface chemistries and structural modifications with anion storage properties for the applications into electrochemical energy storage and water purification.
Dragon Mimic Shape Facilitate Ultrahigh‐Performance Flexible All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Weijian , Yu Gang , Attique Sanam
Published: January 2023

Flexible tandem solar cells (FTSCs) are a kind of photovoltaic device with enormous potential application value that truly integrates low cost and high efficiency. Perovskite materials have immediately become a dazzling new star in the field of tandem solar cells and flexible solar cells (FSCs) owing to their groundbreaking optoelectronic properties. However, compared with rigid solar cells, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of FSCs still has considerable room for improvement, which is mainly limited by the optical loss of the device. Herein, inspired by the shape of the Chinese dragon, various types of two‐terminal (2T) all‐perovskite FTSCs are constructed utilizing bionic concepts and the finite‐element method and wave optics theory are coupled to study the device's performance. The optical performance of flexible photovoltaic devices is influenced by structure size parameters. In addition, the dependence of the 2T all‐perovskite FTSCs on the light incident angle is also investigated. Finally, the total photocurrent (Jph) value of the device reaches 37.63 mA cm−2 (Jtop = 18.82 mA cm−2, Jbottom = 18.81 mA cm−2). The optical properties of all‐perovskite FTSCs are demonstrated in the simulation results with ultralow surface reflection and it is found extremely insensitive to the incident angle of light. The designed 2T all‐perovskite FTSCs provide a practical route to realize high‐efficiency, low‐cost photovoltaic modules.
Silver‐Alloyed Low‐Bandgap CuInSe2 Solar Cells for Tandem Applications
Authors: Krause Maximilian , Yang Shih-Chi , Moser Simon , Nishiwaki Shiro , Tiwari Ayodhya N. , Carron Romain
Published: January 2023

Photovoltaic conversion efficiency of CuInSe2 solar cells is limited by low fill factor (FF) and open‐circuit‐voltage (V
OC) values compared to Si or perovskite solar cells. Herein, small quantities of Ag to alloy CuInSe2 to improve its properties are used, such as enhanced grain growth, higher crystal quality, and less detrimental defects, to overcome the device limitations of low‐bandgap CuInSe2 absorbers. The impact of Ag on the electronic properties of the bulk material and the buffer–absorber interface is examined at different stoichiometric compositions. Ag alloying improves the morphology with larger grain sizes, extends carrier lifetimes, and elevates net doping densities. Ag alloying reduces Cu‐depleted ordered‐vacancy compounds at the buffer–absorber interface and causes a chalcopyrite phase of high‐crystal‐quality independent of the I/III ratio. It is suggested Ag affects the formation of the alkali‐rich surface layer (Rb–In–Se). The best solar cell with an Ag‐alloyed CuInSe2 absorber achieves a V
OC over 600 mV and FF values of about 74%, which result in a power conversion efficiency of 18.7% for low‐bandgap energy of 1.0 eV with short‐circuit current above 42 mA cm−2. The advantage of Ag alloying on the device performance of CuInSe2 solar cells will impact future applications in tandem devices.
Effect of Nitrogen Content on the High Cycle Fatigue Properties of Titanium Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Song Shengqiang , Jing Rundong , Xue Zhengliang , Tang Dai , Que Guangrong , Liu Dongming , Qi Jianghua
Published: January 2023

The high cycle fatigue properties of three industrial 0.12% Ti microalloyed steels with different nitrogen contents (56, 40, and 30 ppm in molten steel of tundish) are investigated. The results show that <20% of the fatigue crack initiation sites are oxide inclusions of size in 16.8 μm ≈ 55.9 μm, while the rest 80% are surface defects. No TiN inclusions cause fatigue failure and the fatigue limit strength slightly decreases with increasing N contents as the yield strength decreases with a coarser ferrite grain. Inclusions characterization in the section near the fracture shows that the average sizes of TiN inclusions in H56, M40, and L30 steels are 3.50, 3.22, and 2.89 μm, and the maximum sizes are 6.92, 6.67, and 6.23 μm, respectively. Calculating for a cooling rate of 0.2 K s−1 using ChemAppPy precipitation model, the size of TiN inclusions will increase from 6.1 to 7.1 μm, when increasing N content from 30 to 60 ppm. The relationships between nitrogen content, TiN inclusions, and fatigue failure quantified by experimental test and modeling show that the nitrogen content in steel can be relaxed up to 60 ppm when considering economical denitrogenization and fatigue safety.
An efficient in‐gel digestion method on small amounts of protein sample from large intact gel pieces
Authors: Kano Keiko , Noda Saki , Sato Shinya , Kuwata Keiko , Mishiro‐Sato Emi
Published: January 2023

In‐gel digestion is an essential method, but there has been concern that a large ratio of gel volume to protein volume will reduce digestion efficiency and make it difficult to recover peptides after digestion. Few methods for handling large gel pieces have been established. Therefore, we optimized the in‐gel digestion method to handle large intact gel pieces containing small amounts of proteins.

As a model for large intact gel pieces containing small amounts of protein, gel pieces of 7 × 10 mm in size obtained by short‐range sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of 150 ng of total protein extracted from Arabidopsis cells were used. The use of a positive pressure manifold and 96‐well filter enabled rapid and uniform liquid exchange and gel drying, even when handling multiple gel pieces, and reduced the labor required for a liquid exchange. This facilitated the study of conditions using multiple gels and enabled a detailed study of the enzyme solution permeation and elution methods. By using the optimized method, we were able to establish a method for recovering small amounts of protein from large intact gel pieces without compromising reproducibility or recovery rate.
Resistant Starch as a Novel Carrier for Delivery of Probiotics Exploring Effectiveness of Two Different Strategies of Encapsulation
Authors: Gani Adil , Akther Gazalla , Ashwar Bilal Ahmad , Jhan Faiza , Shah Asima
Published: January 2023

In the present study, three probiotic strains viz. Bifidobacterim bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, and Lactobacillus plantarum  were encapsulated in resistant starch derived from Indian horse chestnut (HRS) and rice (RRS) by using freeze drying and emulsification techniques. Encapsulation yield for probiotics  was found to be in the range of 71.9%–73.3% and 70.2.2%–73.4% using emulsification and freeze drying techniques. ATR‐FTIR spectral analysis of all the microcapsules reveals peaks in the range of 1332–1371 cm−1 and 2910–2925 cm−1 confirming the presence of encapsulated probiotics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows granules with size ranging from 4 to 25 µm having different shapes. Cells encapsulated via emulsification show significantly better survivability during storage for a period of 3 months. Moreover, the survival rate of all the three microencapsulated probiotic cells remains comparably better under simulated gastrointestinal conditions than the free cells with minimal difference between the two techniques of encapsulation.
Exploring Links Between Aural Lexical Knowledge and L2 Listening in Arabic and Japanese Speakers: A Close Replication of Cheng, Matthews, Lange and McLean (2022)
Authors: Matthews Joshua , Masrai Ahmed , Lange Kriss , McLean Stuart , Alghamdi Emad A. , Kim Young Ae , Shinhara Yukie , Tada Saori
Published: January 2023

Aural lexical knowledge (ALK) is crucial for second language (L2) listening. Despite its importance, there is scant research that has validly explored the relationship between ALK and L2 listening across different English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts. In an effort to broaden this research base, the current study closely replicates a previous study, Cheng et al. (2022), which measured single‐word ALK, phrasal verb ALK and L2 listening comprehension among participants with Chinese as a first language (L1). The current study administered the same instruments but did so among 147 Japanese and 131 Arabic‐speaking English language learners. Results indicated that the capacity of ALK to predict variance in L2 listening for the Japanese group (R2 = .38) was similar to that observed in the original study (R2 = .42). However, the results for the Arabic‐speaking group were very different to that of the original study and showed an unexpectedly strong relationship between ALK and L2 listening (R2 = .92). Future research directions and pedagogical implications are discussed.
Higher-spin self-dual Yang-Mills and gravity from the twistor space
Authors: Herfray Yannick , Krasnov Kirill , Skvortsov Evgeny
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We lift the recently proposed theories of higher-spin self-dual Yang-Mills (SDYM) and gravity (SDGR) to the twistor space. We find that the most natural room for their twistor formulation is not in the projective, but in the full twistor space, which is the total space of the spinor bundle over the 4-dimensional manifold. In the case of higher-spin extension of the SDYM we prove an analogue of the Ward theorem, and show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the solutions of the field equations and holomorphic vector bundles over the twistor space. In the case of the higher-spin extension of SDGR we show show that there is a one-to-one correspondence between solutions of the field equations and Ehresmann connections on the twistor space whose horizontal distributions are Poisson, and whose curvature is decomposable. These data then define an almost complex structure on the twistor space that is integrable.
Representation Varieties of Twisted Hopf Links
Authors: González-Prieto Ángel , Muñoz Vicente
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the representation theory of the fundamental group of the complement of a Hopf link with n twists. A general framework is described to analyze the $${{\,\textrm{SL}\,}}_r({\mathbb {C}})$$

SL

r

(
C
)

-representation varieties of these twisted Hopf links as byproduct of a combinatorial problem and equivariant Hodge theory. As application, close formulas of their E-polynomials are provided for ranks 2 and 3, both for the representation and character varieties.
Developmental pathways of depressive symptoms via parenting, self-evaluation and peer relationships in young people from 3 to 17 years old: evidence from ALSPAC
Authors: Zhao Mengya , Ford Tamsin , Panayiotou Margarita , Karl Anke
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Self-evaluation and interpersonal factors are theoretically and empirically linked to depression in young people. An improved understanding of the multifactorial developmental pathways that explain how these factors predict depression could inform intervention strategies.

Methods

Using structural equation modeling, this study explored whether self-evaluation and interpersonal factors were associated with adolescent depressive symptoms in a population-based sample (n = 11,921; Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, ALSPAC), across four development stages: early and late childhood plus early and middle adolescence from 3 to 17 years old.

Results

Early good parenting practices predicted self-esteem, fewer peer difficulties, good friendships and fewer depressive symptoms in late childhood development outcomes. Higher self-esteem and less negative self-concept mediated the effect of early good parenting practice on reduced depressive symptoms in middle adolescence. The hypothesized erosion pathway from depressive symptoms in late childhood via higher levels of negative self-concept in early adolescence to depressive symptoms in middle adolescence was also confirmed. Additionally, peer difficulties played a mediation role in developing depressive symptoms. Contrary to the hypothesis, poor friendships predicted fewer depressive symptoms. The analysis supported a developmental pathway in which good parenting practices in early childhood led to fewer peer difficulties in late childhood and to less negative self-concept in early adolescence, which in turn predicted fewer depressive symptoms in middle adolescence.

Conclusion

The social-developmental origin of youth depressive symptoms was supported via the effect of peer relationships in late childhood on self-evaluation in early adolescence.
Evolving pinched submanifolds of the sphere by mean curvature flow
Authors: Baker Charles , Nguyen Huy The
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we prove convergence of the high codimension mean curvature flow in the sphere to either a round point or a totally geodesic sphere assuming a pinching condition between the norm squared of the second fundamental form and the norm squared of the mean curvature and the background curvature of the sphere. We show that this pinching is sharp for dimension $$n\ge 4$$

n
≥
4

but is not sharp for dimension $$n=2,3$$

n
=
2
,
3

. For dimension $$n=2$$

n
=
2

and codimension 2, we consider an alternative pinching condition which includes the normal curvature of the normal bundle. Finally, we sharpen the Chern–do Carmo–Kobayashi curvature condition for surfaces in the four sphere - this curvature condition is sharp for minimal surfaces and we conjecture it to be sharp for curvature flows in the sphere.
Audiological outcome after stapes surgery in relation to prosthesis type
Authors: Handke Vanessa , Agha-Mir-Salim Parwis , James Paul , Müller Alexander
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Different techniques are used to fix crimp and CliP® Piston stapes prostheses to the long process of the incus (LPI). The CliP® Piston provides a stiff connection in contrast to the static bended loop of the crimp prosthesis, which imitates the physiological incudostapedial joint (ISJ) and thereby potentially leads to different hearing outcome.

Methods

In a retrospective single-center study of German-speaking one hundred and ninety patients who underwent stapes surgery CliP® Piston or crimp prostheses between the years of 2016 and 2019 by the same surgeon and in the same setting. Pre- and postoperative bone- (BC) and air-conduction (AC) pure-tone thresholds, pre- and postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) for 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 kHz and the surgery time were examined.

Results

The postoperative bone conduction thresholds were significantly lower in the frequencies between 0.5 and 3 kHz and the mean ABG was < 10 dB in most cases independent of the prosthesis used. Crimp prosthesis showed a significantly better closure of the ABG at 0.5 kHz.

Conclusions

The audiological outcome after stapes surgery is dependent on the type of prosthesis used, as reflected by the frequency-specific air–bone gap. The better ABG closure with the crimp prosthesis might be the result of the connection to the LPI imitating the physiological ISJ. The crimp prosthesis may be the better choice if use of hearing aids is expected postoperatively.
From Deutsche Zeitschrift to International Journal of Legal Medicine—100 years of legal medicine through the lens of journal articles
Authors: Schmeling Andreas , Fracasso Tony , Pfeiffer Heidi , Wirth Ingo
Published: January 2023

From volume 67 (1970) onwards, the journal appeared under the new bilingual title Zeitschrift für Rechtsmedizin—Journal of Legal Medicine. The editorial board was expanded and internationalised. From 1970 to 1990, 1416 articles were published in 36 volumes. 1036 articles were in German and 380 in English. The authors of 411 articles came from non-German-speaking countries. Compared to the periods under review in the first two parts of our article series, the proportion of papers on forensic genetics increased significantly between 1970 and 1990, with a small increase in publications on the identification of unknown dead bodies. An opposite trend was observed in the articles on forensic psychiatry and psychology, sexual medicine and social medicine. This development reflects a further sharpening of the discipline’s profile.
Matching-adjusted indirect comparison of asciminib versus other treatments in chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia after failure of two prior tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Atallah Ehab , Mauro Michael J. , Hochhaus Andreas , Boquimpani Carla , Minami Yosuke , Maheshwari Vikalp Kumar , Saini Lovneet , Corbin Regina , Réa Delphine
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The current standard of care for chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP-CML) is tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Treatment recommendations are unclear for CP-CML failing ≥ 2 lines of treatment, partly due to the paucity of head-to-head trials evaluating TKIs. Thus, matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (MAICs) were conducted to compare asciminib with competing TKIs in third- or later line (≥ 3L) CP-CML.

Methods

Individual patient-level data for asciminib (ASCEMBL; follow-up: ≥ 48 weeks) and published aggregate data for comparator TKIs (ponatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib) informed the analyses. Major molecular response (MMR), complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), and time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) were assessed, where feasible.

Results

Asciminib was associated with statistically significant improvements in MMR by 6 (relative risk [RR]: 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 2.36) and 12 months (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.14) vs ponatinib. For CCyR, the results vs ponatinib were similar by 6 (RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.81, 1.52) and 12 months (RR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.73, 1.28). Asciminib was associated with improvements in MMR by 6 months vs dasatinib but with a CI overlapping one (RR 1.52; 95% CI: 0.66, 3.53). Asciminib was associated with statistically significant improvements in CCyR by 6 (RR: 3.57; 95% CI: 1.42, 8.98) and 12 months (RR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.67) vs nilotinib/dasatinib. Median TTD was unreached for asciminib in ASCEMBL. However, post-adjustment asciminib implied prolonged TTD vs nilotinib and dasatinib, but not vs ponatinib.

Conclusion

These analyses demonstrate favorable outcomes with asciminib versus competing TKIs, highlighting its therapeutic potential in ≥ 3L CP-CML.
Allografts and lateral extra-articular tenodesis for revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: enhanced rotational stability and improved functional outcomes
Authors: Minguell Monyart Joan , Moreira Borim Felipe , Revertè Vinaixa Maria Mercedes , Portas-Torres Irene , Pijoan Bueno Joan , Castellet Feliu Enric , Joshi Jubert Nayana
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Multiple studies have shown higher failure rate and patient-reported outcomes to be significantly worse following revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstructive (ACLR) surgery, especially using allografts. One of the reasons being rotational instability. Because of this, augmentation with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) is often considered. Good short-term results in regards to functional and perceived scores and low complication rate can be expected in revision ACLR using allografts in combination with LET.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2021, 46 patients were registered for revision ACLR using allografts and extra-articular augmentation (modified Lemaire) and included in this prospective study. Patients’ demographic and clinical data were collected preoperatively, postoperatively, and during the follow-up period of 12 months.

Results

Patient-reported functional outcomes were statistically significant for IKDC, Lysholm, and SF-12 physical scale (p < 0.05). Tegner score showed a decreased number of patients who were able to return to sport at their previous level (p = 0.001). Stability examination tests (Lachman and pivot-shift) showed significant improvements. Concomitant lesions were present in 76.1% of patients. Ten patients (21.7%) presented major complications, including six cases of anteroposterior instability, three cases of knee pain and one graft re-rupture.

Conclusion

Revision procedures are inherently challenging with a high number of associated chondral and meniscus lesions. However, good short-term functional outcomes and enhanced rotational stability with an acceptable complication rate can be expected in most cases where revision ACLR using allografts is augmented with LET.

Study design

Prospective; Case series; Level of evidence IV.
Evaluation of perioperative D-dimer concentration for predicting postoperative deep vein thrombosis following hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery
Authors: Sakamoto Teruhisa , Murakami Yuki , Hanaki Takehiko , Kihara Kyoichi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Takano Shuichi , Tokuyasu Naruo , Hasegawa Toshimichi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate the predictive value of the perioperative D-dimer concentration for the development of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after hepatobiliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery.

Methods

The subjects of this retrospective study were 178 patients who underwent HBP surgery in our hospital between January, 2017 and December, 2021. The D-dimer concentration was measured preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 3, and 5. Postoperative DVT was diagnosed based on compression ultrasonography in both lower limbs on POD 6 or 7.

Results

Postoperative DVT developed in 21 (11.8%) of the 178 patients. The D-dimer concentration was significantly higher in the patients with than in those without postoperative DVT before surgery and on PODs 1, 3, and 5. The highest area under the curve of the D-dimer concentration for predicting DVT was 0.762 on POD 3. Multivariate analysis revealed that the D-dimer concentration on POD 3 was an independent predictive risk factor for postoperative DVT, along with the preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate. Preoperative albumin and D-dimer concentrations were also identified as independent predictive factors of an increase in D-dimer concentration on POD 3.

Conclusions

The D-dimer concentration on POD 3 is a useful predictor of DVT after HBP surgery.
Is L-PRF an effective hemostatic agent in single tooth extractions? A cohort study on VKA and DOAC patients
Authors: Berton Federico , Costantinides Fulvia , Stacchi Claudio , Corradini Ambra , Di Lenarda Andrea , Di Lenarda Roberto
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The aim of this clinical observational study was to assess the efficacy of L-PRF as a hemostatic agent in patients under treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs).

Materials and methods

Patients under oral anticoagulant therapy (VKA or DOACs) who needed a single simple tooth extraction were enrolled. L-PRF plug was positioned inside the alveolus and secured with non-absorbable sutures. Surgical time, pain-VAS, paracetamol intake, intra-operative, post-operative biological complications, and bleeding events have been registered.

Results

A total of 112 patients (59 patients for DOAC and 53 for VKA group) were enrolled. Post-operative bleeding was recorded in nine patients (17%) for VKA group and nine patients (15.3%) for DOACs group. None of the patients needed a medical support for managing of bleeding. Seven days after surgery, no cases of post-extractive complications occurred.

Conclusions

The use of L-PRF resulted in limited mild late post-operative bleedings without the need of medical intervention.

Clinical relevance

The use of L-PRF can be adopted for an uneventful post-operative curse in anticoagulated patients without chasing their therapy for single tooth extraction.
Impact of exploration behavior, aptitude for pellet consumption, and the predation practice on the performance in consecutive live prey foraging tests in a piscivorous species
Authors: Molnár Tamás , Urbányi Béla , Benedek Ildikó
Published: January 2023

Within the predator–prey relationship, predator behavior is less studied. Even in natural populations, it shows great diversity, and the factors influencing this are even less known. Among these factors, the personality type of the individual, (including exploration, and neophilia) and the practice significantly influence the success of adapting to a changing environment and switching to new prey types. In the present study, we investigated the first five consecutive foraging trials on live fish prey in naïve pikeperch individuals, which previously consumed or refused pelleted food. We hypothesized that individuals which were willing to consume alternative (pelleted) food would also show higher foraging success on living prey and that the practice would influence the learning process. Our results show that the timing of prey detection is influenced by exploratory behavior, the latency of the first attack by the aptitude for consuming pellets, and both traits by the individual's practice. However, neither of the factor affects the latency and success rate of capturing the prey, suggesting that predation is an independent behavioral trait.
Studying nocturnal activity of single Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus using motion-detecting IP Cams
Authors: Wirth Alexander
Published: January 2023

The sleep–wake patterns and nocturnal activity of diurnal birds have been little studied. Here, we analysed, by chance, those behaviours for free-living Eurasian Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, Linnaeus, 1758) roosting in nest boxes equipped with motion sensor-triggered Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. By monitoring individual birds over six sessions for more than one hundred nights each session, we found repetitive activity patterns during the night as well as a correlation between daylength and roosting times. Using the same method, we found the roosting behaviour of Eurasian Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus, Linnaeus, 1758) to be comparable to that of Great Tits (Parus major, Linnaeus, 1758) and Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris, Linnaeus, 1758) in nest boxes in the same structure. These data, which we showed can be collected relatively easily and inexpensively, suggest that in rural areas the sleep–wake behaviours of free-living birds are mainly determined by the circadian rhythm associated with natural light.
Toxicity bioassay and sub-lethal effects of profenofos-based insecticide on behavior, biochemical, hematological, and histopathological responses in Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: El-bouhy Zeinab. M. , Mohamed Fatma. A. S. , Elashhab Mohamed. W. A. , El-Houseiny Walaa
Published: January 2023

Profenofos (organophosphate) is among the major toxicant polluting freshwater bodies, exerting a significant effect on fish health. The LC50 value of Profenofos (PRO) was resolved in Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with average body weight (55.82 ± 5.42 g) and determined the 96 h LC50 value as 7.2 µg/L for the assay. Twenty-one-day exposures to 1.8 µg/ L and 3.6 µg/ L doses were conducted to evaluate the sub-lethal effects, and various toxicological endpoints were assessed on the 1st, 7th, 15th and 21st days of exposure. Acute toxic stress was observed with fish displaying behavioral toxicity. The most hematological change was extreme microcytic hypochromic anemia. Leucocyte count increased in experimented fish. Moderate neutrophilia, monocytosis and lymphocytosis were observed. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations were significantly diminished. Overall, increments over control were recognized in serum urea, creatinine and acid phosphatase. However, serum glucose, total lipid, cholesterol, serum ALT and AST activity showed a significant decrease in fish exposed to both concentrations of PRO. Serum IgM concentrations insignificantly changed in treated fish except for on the 21st day of exposure to 3.6 µg/ L of PRO, while serum lysozyme significantly decreased. Furthermore, total protein, lipid and glycogen concentrations in muscles and the liver exhibited a decreasing trend at all concentrations. Moreover, histopathological alterations in the liver, kidney, and muscles occurred exclusively after treatment. From the obtained results, it is assumed that profenofos induced general toxic impacts under field conditions and might disturb ecologically relevant processes.
Predicting no-show appointments in a pediatric hospital in Chile using machine learning
Authors: Dunstan J. , Villena F. , Hoyos J.P. , Riquelme V. , Royer M. , Ramírez H. , Peypouquet J.
Published: January 2023

The Chilean public health system serves 74% of the country’s population, and 19% of medical appointments are missed on average because of no-shows. The national goal is 15%, which coincides with the average no-show rate reported in the private healthcare system. Our case study, Doctor Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital, is a public high-complexity pediatric hospital and teaching center in Santiago, Chile. Historically, it has had high no-show rates, up to 29% in certain medical specialties. Using machine learning algorithms to predict no-shows of pediatric patients in terms of demographic, social, and historical variables. To propose and evaluate metrics to assess these models, accounting for the cost-effective impact of possible intervention strategies to reduce no-shows. We analyze the relationship between a no-show and demographic, social, and historical variables, between 2015 and 2018, through the following traditional machine learning algorithms: Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machines, AdaBoost and algorithms to alleviate the problem of class imbalance, such as RUS Boost, Balanced Random Forest, Balanced Bagging and Easy Ensemble. These class imbalances arise from the relatively low number of no-shows to the total number of appointments. Instead of the default thresholds used by each method, we computed alternative ones via the minimization of a weighted average of type I and II errors based on cost-effectiveness criteria. 20.4% of the 395,963 appointments considered presented no-shows, with ophthalmology showing the highest rate among specialties at 29.1%. Patients in the most deprived socioeconomic group according to their insurance type and commune of residence and those in their second infancy had the highest no-show rate. The history of non-attendance is strongly related to future no-shows. An 8-week experimental design measured a decrease in no-shows of 10.3 percentage points when using our reminder strategy compared to a control group. Among the variables analyzed, those related to patients’ historical behavior, the reservation delay from the creation of the appointment, and variables that can be associated with the most disadvantaged socioeconomic group, are the most relevant to predict a no-show. Moreover, the introduction of new cost-effective metrics significantly impacts the validity of our prediction models. Using a prototype to call patients with the highest risk of no-shows resulted in a noticeable decrease in the overall no-show rate.
Plain-to-clear speech video conversion for enhanced intelligibility
Authors: Sachdeva Shubam , Ruan Haoyao , Hamarneh Ghassan , Behne Dawn M. , Jongman Allard , Sereno Joan A. , Wang Yue
Published: January 2023

Clearly articulated speech, relative to plain-style speech, has been shown to improve intelligibility. We examine if visible speech cues in video only can be systematically modified to enhance clear-speech visual features and improve intelligibility. We extract clear-speech visual features of English words varying in vowels produced by multiple male and female talkers. Via a frame-by-frame image-warping based video generation method with a controllable parameter (displacement factor), we apply the extracted clear-speech visual features to videos of plain speech to synthesize clear speech videos. We evaluate the generated videos using a robust, state of the art AI Lip Reader as well as human intelligibility testing. The contributions of this study are: (1) we successfully extract relevant visual cues for video modifications across speech styles, and have achieved enhanced intelligibility for AI; (2) this work suggests that universal talker-independent clear-speech features may be utilized to modify any talker’s visual speech style; (3) we introduce “displacement factor” as a way of systematically scaling the magnitude of displacement modifications between speech styles; and (4) the high definition generated videos make them ideal candidates for human-centric intelligibility and perceptual training studies.
Permutation actions on Quiver Grassmannians for the equioriented cycle via GKM-theory
Authors: Lanini Martina , Pütz Alexander
Published: January 2023

In our previous work, we equipped quiver Grassmannians for nilpotent representations of the equioriented cycle with an action of an algebraic torus. We show here that the equivariant cohomology ring is acted upon by a product of symmetric groups and we investigate this permutation action via GKM techniques. In the case of (type A) flag varieties, or Schubert varieties therein, we recover Tymoczko’s results on permutation representations.
Multi-layer edge resource placement optimization for factories
Authors: Zietsch Jakob , Kulaga Rafal , Held Harald , Herrmann Christoph , Thiede Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Introducing distributed computing paradigms to the manufacturing domain increases the difficulty of designing and planning an appropriate IT infrastructure. This paper proposes a model and solution approach addressing the conjoint application and IT resource placement problem in a factory context. Instead of aiming to create an exact model, resource requirements and capabilities are simplified, focusing on usability in the planning and design phase for industrial use cases. Three objective functions are implemented: minimizing overall cost, environmental impact, and the number of devices. The implications of edge and fog computing are considered in a multi-layer model by introducing five resource placement levels ranging from on-device, within the production system, within the production section, within the factory (on-premise), to the cloud (off-premise). The model is implemented using the open-source modeling language Pyomo. The solver SCIP is used to solve the NP-hard integer programming problem. For the evaluation of the optimization implementation a benchmark is created using a sample set of scenarios varying the number of possible placement locations, applications, and the distribution of assigned edge recommendations. The resulting execution times demonstrate the viability of the proposed approach for small (100 applications; 100 locations) and large (1000 applications, 1000 scenarios) instances. A case study for a section of a factory producing electronic components demonstrates the practical application of the proposed approach.
An Energy-based Overset Finite Element Method for Pseudo-static Structural Analysis
Authors: Tomobe Haruka , Sharma Vikas , Kimura Harusato , Morikawa Hitoshi
Published: January 2023

This paper addresses a simple energy-based overset finite element method (EbO-FEM) to solve pseudo-static deformation problems consisting of overlapped meshes based on the domain composition method (DCM). This scheme is a non-iterative equation-based method for enforcing the continuity of the displacement field. Hence, the scheme consumes possible minimal computational costs for deformation problems with non-conforming overlapping meshes. The system’s total energy is augmented with continuity constraint energy (CCE) which is a function of the gaps in the displacement field between two overlapping regions. Subsequently, two conventional integration schemes, the Gauss-point projection, and the point-to-point projection, are utilized to discretize the CCE. It is confirmed that both schemes can yield accurate and unique solutions in the overlapped region of the finite element meshes. Further, we proposed a dimensionless relative penalty parameter (DRP). We found that DRP ranging between 1 to 10 is appropriate to robustly obtain accurate solutions for a wide range of scales, stiffness, and geometries, which is supported by three numerical simulations without increasing computational costs after assembling the global matrices and vectors.
Making desires satisfied, making satisfied desires
Authors: Dietz Alexander
Published: January 2023

In this paper, I explore a fundamental but under-appreciated distinction between two ways of understanding the desire-satisfaction theory of well-being. According to proactive desire satisfactionism, a person is benefited by the acquisition of new satisfied desires. According to reactive desire satisfactionism, a person can be benefited only by the satisfaction of their existing desires. I first offer an overview of this distinction. I then canvass several ways of developing a general formulation of desire satisfactionism that would capture the reactive view, and argue that all come with significant costs.
Scepticism About Scepticism or the Very Idea of a Global ‘Vat-Language’
Authors: Schönbaumsfeld Genia
Published: January 2023

This paper aims to motivate a scepticism about scepticism in contemporary epistemology. I present the sceptic with a dilemma: On one parsing of the BIV (brain-in-a-vat) scenario, the second premise in a closure-based sceptical argument will turn out false, because the scenario is refutable; on another parsing, the scenario collapses into incoherence, because the sceptic cannot even save the appearances. I discuss three different ways of cashing out the BIV scenario: ‘Recent Envatment’ (RE), ‘Lifelong Envatment’ (LE) and ‘Nothing But Envatment’ (NBE). I show that RE scenarios are a kind of ‘local’ sceptical scenario that does not pose a significant threat to the possibility of perceptual knowledge as such. I then go on to consider the more radical (or global) LE and NBE scenarios, which do undermine the possibility of perceptual knowledge of an ‘external’ world by positing that it is conceivable that one has always been envatted and, hence, trapped in a ‘global’ illusion. I start by assuming that we could be in such a scenario (LE or NBE) and then spell out what we would need to presuppose for such scenarios to be capable of being actual. Drawing on some central insights from Wittgenstein’s anti-private language considerations, I show that the truth of a global scepticism would presuppose the possibility of a private ‘vat-language’, a notion that cannot be rendered coherent. But, if so, then neither can the sceptical scenarios that presuppose such a conception.
Effects of feeding methods on growth and slaughter performance, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology in Minxinan black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Chen DongJin , Sun ShiKun , Chen YanFeng , Wang JinXiang , Sang Lei , Gao ChengFang , Xie XiPing
Published: January 2023

Feed restriction after weaning is a common strategy used in commercial rabbit farms to improve feed efficiency, promote health, and reduce mortality. However, few studies have investigated the feed restrictions of Minxinan black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, the effects of feed restriction on growth and slaughter performance, intestinal morphology, and blood biochemical indices of Minxinan black rabbits were evaluated in this study. Rabbits in group A (control group) had ad libitum intake, while those in feed restriction groups (groups B, C, and D) were restricted to 80% of the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of group A the day before. The rabbits in group B were fed once per day at 8:00 am. Rabbits in groups C and D were fed twice per day at 8:00 am (50%) and 4:00 pm (50%) and 8:00 am (30%) and 4:00 pm (70%), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 8 weeks. Compared to that in group A, the diarrhea rate of group C was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the ADFI, feed conversion ratio, abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein, and intestinal crypt depth of all feed restriction groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio in group D was significantly better than that in groups B and C (P < 0.05). The efficiency index (EI) of groups C and D was higher than that of groups A and B (P < 0.01). Triglyceride levels in groups C and D were significantly lower than those in group A. The villus length to crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum in group D was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the following parameters can be improved by feed restriction: feed conversion ratio, diarrhea rate, abdominal fat rate, serum ALT, lipid indices and intestinal health of Minxinan black rabbits, and the EI of the farm. Feeding twice per day, 30% at 8:00 am and 70% at 4:00 pm, had the best comprehensive effects.