bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Activated Carbon using Plasma Technology
Authors: Jayasinghe Sehan , Pasan Siriwardena Dumindu , Munaweera Imalka , Perera Chandani , Kottegoda Nilwala
Published: September 2022

Surface functionalized activated carbon (SFAC) has been used for several applications, including adsorption, catalysis and energy storage materials. Existing chemical and physical activation methods for surface functionalization are mostly identified as expensive, inefficient, and non‐green methods. Plasma, known as the fourth state of matter, has recently been recognized as an attractive and sustainable method for introducing a higher degree of surface functionality to activated carbon. It also improves the bulk chemical structure and the properties of SFAC. The surface functionalization process is governed by discharge gas, discharge source, discharge efficiency and discharge time. The majority of researchers have utilized oxygen plasma as the discharge gas. However, ammonia, carbon dioxide, atmospheric air, specific gases such as chlorine and hydrogen sulfide, and neutral gases such as nitrogen and argon have also been used as the discharge gas. These plasma activations were conducted under different power conditions (W to kW) and varying treatment times (seconds to hours) using different plasma sources such as dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), arc, radio frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) for the surface functionalization. Most of the researchers have experienced both positive and negative co‐relationships between principal parameters and surface functional groups (SFGs), surface area, porosity and other surface features such as roughness and hydrophilicity. However, a comprehensive review on the effects of these parameters on the final material properties is lacking. Therefore, this Review focuses on the recent developments in the utilization of plasma as a surface activation technique for activated carbon. Furthermore, an in‐depth analysis of the relationship between experimental parameters and the resultant surface features of activated carbon is carried out and discussed. The functionalization mechanisms related to plasma activation have also been illustrated. The aging effect, which negatively impacts surface functionalized activated carbon, is also emphasized. Finally, the recent advances in applications of SFAC, challenges and future perspectives are discussed in detail.
Assessment of photodynamic therapy as a salvage treatment for local failure after chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy for esophageal cancer in patients aged 80 years or older
Authors: Nishikawa Michiko , Yamamoto Yoshinobu , Kushida Saeko , Hirabayashi Taku , Tanaka Syunta , Takegawa Naoki , Mimura Takuya , Tsumura Hidetaka , Miki Ikuya , Tsuda Masahiro
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or radiotherapy (RT) alone is often the treatment of choice for elderly patients with esophageal cancer with the expectation of organ preservation. However, salvage treatment remains a problem when endoscopic resection is not indicated for local failure after CRT/RT. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is indicated for local failure after CRT/RT, but there are few reports on its efficacy and safety in elderly patients. This study aimed to assess the outcome of PDT for local failure after CRT/RT for esophageal cancer in elderly patients.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center study included 42 patients who first underwent PDT between April 2013 and June 2021. Patients aged ≥80 and <80 years were classified into the elderly and nonelderly groups, respectively. Local complete response rate, overall survival, progression‐free survival, and incidence of adverse events related to PDT were compared retrospectively between the groups.

Results

The local complete response rate was 93.3% in the elderly group and 85.7 in the non‐elderly group. The 2‐year overall survival rate was 68.6% and 72.5%, and the 2‐year progression‐free survival rate was 49.5% and 70.0% in the elderly and nonelderly groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in any of these outcomes between the groups. In terms of adverse events, pneumonia and delirium tended to occur more frequently in the elderly group, but there were no serious adverse events in either group.

Conclusion

The outcome of salvage PDT in the local control was comparable between the elderly and nonelderly patients for local failure after CRT/RT for esophageal cancer.
Diagnostic performance of microRNAs in the detection of heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Parvan Reza , Hosseinpour Milad , Moradi Yousef , Devaux Yvan , Cataliotti Alessandro , da Silva Gustavo J.J.
Published: September 2022

Aim

Chronic heart failure (CHF) can be classified as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Currently, there is an unmet need for a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for different forms of CHF. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) for the detection of different CHF forms via a systematic review and meta‐analysis approach.

Methods and results

Comprehensive search on Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE identified 45 relevant studies which were used for qualitative assessment. Out of these, 29 studies were used for qualitative and quantitative assessment and allowed to identify a miRNA panel able to detect HFrEF and HFpEF with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 and 0.79, respectively. A panel of eight miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐18b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐21‐5p, hsa‐miR‐22‐3p, hsa‐miR‐92b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐129‐5p, hsa‐miR‐320a‐5p, hsa‐miR‐423‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐675‐5p) detected HFrEF cases with a sensitivity of 0.85, specificity of 0.88 and AUC of 0.91. A panel of seven miRNAs (hsa‐miR‐19b‐3p, hsa‐miR‐30c‐5p, hsa‐miR‐206, hsa‐miR‐221‐3p, hsa‐miR‐328‐5p, hsa‐miR‐375‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐424‐5p) identified HFpEF cases with a sensitivity of 0.82 and a specificity of 0.61.

Conclusions

Although conventional biomarkers (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and B‐type natriuretic peptide) presented a better performance in detecting CHF patients, the results presented here pointed towards specific miRNA panels with potential additive values to circulating natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis of different classes of CHF. Equally important, miRNAs alone showed a reasonable capacity for ‘ruling out’ patients with HFrEF or HFpEF. Additional studies with large populations are required to confirm the diagnostic potential of miRNAs for sub‐classes of CHF.
Boosted by closure! Regulatory focus predicts motivation and task persistence in the aftermath of task‐unrelated goal closure
Authors: Lalot Fanny , Gollwitzer Peter M. , Quiamzade Alain , Oettingen Gabriele
Published: September 2022

Past research has found that regulatory closure, that is, successful goal striving regulated either under a promotion or prevention focus, has important consequences in terms of motivational activation and mobilisation of cognitive resources in subsequent tasks, but it mostly investigated motivation in the same or similar tasks to the one for which closure was achieved. Drawing from an energisation‐deactivation hypothesis, we investigated the effect of closure on performance and persistence in unrelated subsequent cognitive tasks. Across four studies, we found that promotion closure had an energising effect leading to: quicker decision times in lexical tasks (Studies 1–2), increased persistence and greater originality (Study 3), and greater visuospatial memory performance (Study 4). In contrast, prevention closure had a deactivating effect leading to reduced performance and persistence. No systematic differences arose in situations of non‐closure. We discuss results and implications with respect to both regulatory closure and regulatory fit theoretical approaches.
Analysis and experimental investigation on passive direct methanol fuel cell current collectors with taper cylindrical openings
Authors: Raghavaiah N. V. , Srinivasulu G. Naga
Published: September 2022

Analysis of buoyancy effect on the evaluation of carbon dioxide gas from passive direct methanol fuel cell current collectors’ (CCs’) openings is carried out. Two types of setups are chosen for the analysis, one with taper cylindrical openings and the other with uniform cylindrical openings. The analysis shows that buoyancy is more effective in taper cylindrical openings due to the accommodation of a larger bubble volume compared to that bubble volume in a uniform cylindrical opening. In this experimental study, SS‐316L has been selected as the CC material. During the experiment, it is observed that the CO2 is getting expelled more easily. The best power density (PD) obtained using taper cylindrical openings at a methanol concentration of 3 M is 7.056 mW cm−2, whereas it is 5.219 mW cm−2 in the case of uniform cylindrical openings at the same 3‐M methanol concentration. Hence, the taper cylindrical openings are found to perform better at 3‐M concentration than cylindrical openings by 35.19% at its best PD point and further, the weight of the CCs is also reduced leading to gravitational PD improvement. Analysis of charge density over the tapered surface is also carried out.
Segregation, integration and balance in resting‐state brain functional networks associated with bipolar disorder symptoms
Authors: Chang Zhao , Wang Xinrui , Wu Ying , Lin Pan , Wang Rong
Published: September 2022

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental disorder involving widespread abnormal interactions between brain regions, and it is believed to be associated with imbalanced functions in the brain. However, how this brain imbalance underlies distinct BD symptoms remains poorly understood. Here, we used a nested‐spectral partition (NSP) method to study the segregation, integration, and balance in resting‐state brain functional networks in BD patients and healthy controls (HCs). We first confirmed that there was a high deviation in the brain functional network toward more segregation in BD patients than in HCs and that the limbic system had the largest alteration. Second, we demonstrated a network balance of segregation and integration that corresponded to lower anxiety in BD patients but was not related to other symptoms. Subsequently, based on a machine‐learning approach, we identified different system‐level mechanisms underlying distinct BD symptoms and found that the features related to the brain network balance could predict BD symptoms better than graph theory analyses. Finally, we studied attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in BD patients and identified specific patterns that distinctly predicted ADHD and BD scores, as well as their shared common domains. Our findings supported an association of brain imbalance with anxiety symptom in BD patients and provided a potential network signature for diagnosing BD. These results contribute to further understanding the neuropathology of BD and to screening ADHD in BD patients.
Magnetic resonance imaging‐based radiomics model for predicting radiation‐induced temporal lobe injury in nasopharyngeal carcinoma after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Bao Dan , Zhao Yanfeng , Liu Zhou , Xu Haijun , Zhang Ya , Yuan Meng , Li Lin , Lin Meng , Zhao Xinming , Luo Dehong
Published: September 2022

Background

To develop a model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics and clinical features for predicting radiation‐induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods

Two hundred and sixteen patients with NPC were retrospectively included. Radiomics features were extracted and selected. The logistic regression analysis was performed for prediction models construction. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was calculated for performance evaluation.

Results

Three radiomics features were selected to construct the radiomics signature (AUC of 0.94 and 0.92). The clinical‐radiomics model, integrating radiomics signature with T classification, achieved higher predictive performance in the training and validation cohorts (AUC of 0.95 and 0.93), as well as improved accuracy of the classification of RTLI outcomes (net reclassification improvement: 0.711; 95% CI: 0.57–0.86; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The clinical‐radiomics model and radiomics signature both showed great performance in predicting RTLI in patients with NPC.
The computer‐aided design margin: Ex vivo 3D specimen mapping to improve communication between surgeons and pathologists
Authors: Sharif Kayvon F. , Lewis James S. , Ely Kim A. , Mehrad Mitra , Pruthi Sumit , Netterville James L. , Rohde Sarah L. , Langerman Alexander , Mannion Kyle , Sinard Robert J. , Rosenthal Eben L. , Topf Michael C.
Published: September 2022

Background

Numerous challenges exist in determining surgical margin status. Communication between surgeons and pathologists is crucial for specimen orientation and accurate margin assessment.

Methods

A prospective study to determine feasibility of incorporating three‐dimensional (3D) scanning into surgical pathology workflow was performed. A structured‐light 3D scanner captured the photorealistic surface topography of fresh surgical specimens. Computer‐aided design (CAD) software was used to document sites of margin sampling and sectioning. Surveys were distributed among faculty and staff stakeholders to assess feasibility.

Results

A series of 40 cases were 3D‐scanned. Median image acquisition time was 8 min. The majority of respondents agreed that the experimental 3D system helped achieve clearer communication. 3D specimen maps assisted in the communication of a focally positive or close margin in 4 of 17 cases.

Conclusions

Routine 3D scanning and specimen mapping is feasible and represents an innovative approach to intraoperative and final pathology documentation, margin analysis, and surgeon–pathologist communication.
Clinical characteristics and comorbidities of the most common atypical wounds in Northern Finland in 1996–2019: A retrospective registry study
Authors: Virkkala Jani , Polet Sara , Jokelainen Jari , Huilaja Laura , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims

Atypical wounds comprise about 20% of all chronic wounds. Their diagnosis and treatment are challenging and require multidisciplinary cooperation. More knowledge is needed about the clinical characteristics and comorbidities of atypical wounds to enhance the treatment of these wounds.

Methods

We studied clinical characteristics and comorbidities of the atypical wounds by using the patient data retrieved from the Oulu University Hospital patient database from the year 1996 to the end of 2019 with the following International Classification of Diseases codes: L88, L95.0, L95.8, L95.9, and L98.1.

Results

In our data, there were 135 patients with atypical wound, more commonly seen in females (N = 84, 62.2%) than in males (N = 51, 37.8%) (p < 0.05). The mean age of patients at the time of diagnosis was 57.3 years; those with pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) and factitious wounds were the youngest (53.1 and 53.0 years, respectively). The majority of subjects (N = 126, 93.3%) were diagnosed with comorbidity at the time of the diagnosis. The most common type of wound was PG (N = 49/135, 36.3%), followed by vasculitis and factitious wounds. The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis in PG patients was high (18.4% for both). All patients with Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulceration/calciphylaxis had a diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Psychiatric diseases were more common in patients with factitious wounds than in other types of wounds, whereas patients with vasculitis wounds had more commonly hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus; however, these did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Specific comorbidities associated with atypical wounds, such as high psychiatric comorbidity in factitious wounds. There is a female predominance in atypical wounds and patients are typically younger than patients with other types of wounds. Recognition of the typical clinical picture and comorbidities of atypical wounds may help in identifying these patients and thus also improving their treatment.
Monocyte‐derived macrophages: The supplements of hepatic macrophage in Echinococcus multilocularis infected mice
Authors: Li Bin , Qi Xinwei , Liu Yumei , Yan Yi , Shan Jiaoyu , Cai Xuanlin , Lv Jie , Zhou Xuan , Yu Tao , Ma Xiumin
Published: September 2022

Background

Alveolar echinococcosis is a potentially lethal zoonosis caused by the cestode Echinococcus multilocularis. This study is to investigate the dynamic changes of monocytes, macrophages, and related cytokines in animal models of persistent infection of E. multilocularis.

Methods

An infection model was established by intraperitoneal injection of a protoscolex suspension. The pathological changes of liver were observed by HE staining. The percentage of Ly6Chi and Ly6Clo Monocytes in peripheral blood was detected by flow cytometry. The distribution and expression of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, iNOS, CD163, and CD11b in the liver were detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and Arg1 in the liver was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expression of INF‐γ, interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), IL‐4, and IL‐10 in peripheral blood was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Hematoxylin‐eosin(HE) staining showed that significant lesions appeared in the later stages of infection in the liver. The proportion of Ly6Chi monocytes in the peripheral blood of the experimental group mice decreased after a brief rise, Ly6Clo monocytes decreased first and then increased. The expression of CX3CL1, CX3CR1, CD11b, CD163, and iNOS in the mice liver of the experimental group was increased. The expression level of TNF‐α and Arg1 mRNA in the liver of the experimental group mice increased. The expression level of IFN‐γ, IL‐17, IL‐4, and IL‐10 increased with the duration of infection.

Conclusions

Monocytes as a supplement to hepatic macrophage, monocytes and kupffer cells may both participate in Th1 and Th2 immune responses by differentiating into M1 or M2 at different stages of E. multilocularis infection.
Early‐Life Sugar Consumption Affects the Microbiome in Juvenile Mice
Authors: Alasmar Reem Moath , Varadharajan Kavitha , Shanmugakonar Muralitharan , Al‐Naemi Hamda A.
Published: September 2022

Scope

The composition of the gut microbiota is influenced by the dietary nutrient. Sugar has been linked with many metabolic health disorders such as heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and immune disorders. Long‐term consumption of sugar influences the landscape of gut microbiota by altering the gut microbial population called dysbiosis. This study aims to evaluate the impact of long‐term consumption of high sugar diet (HSD) on the diversity of gut microbiota.

Methods and results

CD1 mice are given high concentration of sugar for 15 weeks followed by a recovery period of 10 weeks. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and 16S rRNA next‐generation sequencing methods employ to identify microbiome diversity. The results show that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes are the predominant phyla in control, cecum, and fecal samples. Firmicutes population are gradually increased in treated samples even after the recovery period, whereas Bacteroidetes abundance slightly reduces throughout the study.

Conclusion

The present study shows that the impact of long period of high sugar diet consumption alters the diversity of normal gut flora which can be restored after 10 weeks of sugar withdrawal. This indicates that the intervention of healthy and nutritious diet influences gut microbes and this can be beneficial in reducing the implication of early life metabolic disorders such as obesity.
An efficient and physically consistent numerical method for the Maxwell–Stefan–Darcy model of two‐phase flow in porous media
Authors: Kou Jisheng , Chen Huangxin , Du ShiGui , Sun Shuyu
Published: September 2022

Numerical modeling of two‐phase flow in porous media has extensive applications in subsurface flow and petroleum industry. A comprehensive Maxwell–Stefan–Darcy (MSD) two‐phase flow model has been developed recently, which takes into consideration the friction between two phases by a thermodynamically consistent way. In this article, we for the first time propose an efficient energy stable numerical method for the MSD model, which can preserve multiple important physical properties of the model. First, the proposed scheme can preserve the original energy dissipation law. This is achieved through a newly‐developed energy factorization approach that leads to linear semi‐implicit discrete chemical potentials. Second, the scheme preserves the famous Onsager's reciprocal principle and the local mass conservation law for both phases by introducing different upwind strategies for two phase saturations and applying the cell‐centered finite volume method to the original formulation of the model. Third, by introducing two auxiliary phase velocities, the scheme has ability to guarantee the positivity of both saturations under proper conditions. Another distinct feature of the scheme is that the resulting discrete system is totally linear, well‐posed and unbiased for each phase. Numerical results are also provided to show the excellent performance of the proposed scheme.
Using consensus methods to prioritize modifiable risk factors for development of manifestations of frailty in hospitalized older adults
Authors: Coleman Susanne , Wray Faye , Hudson Kristian , Forster Anne , Conroy Simon , Tremyl Jonathan , Shenkin Susan D. , Nixon Jane , Fader Mandy , Goodwin Victoria A. , Woods Danielle , Crossland Shelley , Holt Rachel , Mcgregor Louise , Maud Rebecca , Wyrko Zoe , Lamb Sarah E. , Teale Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to reach consensus on modifiable risk factors for a novel system of care to address Manifestations of Frailty in hospitalized older adults.

Design

Consensus study.

Method

A modified nominal group technique, incorporating expert group face‐to‐face interaction, review of existing evidence and pre/post‐meeting questionnaire completion was undertaken November 2019–February 2020.

Results

Seventy‐one risk factors, within seven risk factor domains (pain, medication, fluid and nutrition intake, mobility, elimination, infection, additional patient factors) were considered. It was agreed that 44 risk factors incorporating patient, organizational and environmental risk factors were modifiable and should be included in a novel system of care.
Participants teach nurses how to facilitate forgiveness through lived experiences with media: A qualitative study
Authors: Recine Ann Gentry , Recine Louis , Aschenbrenner Ann , Helmuth Shawna , Jacobson Megan , Peoples Summer , Walther Nick
Published: September 2022

Aims

The first aim was to learn what books and other media the study participants would recommend for inspiring people to let go of anger towards themselves or others and have a kinder intention towards themselves or others. The second aim was to learn which media had these effects on participants, and how. The third aim was to compile lists of cited media that can be available to nurses and other healthcare professionals who want to utilize media therapy for the facilitation of forgiveness.

Design

Phenomenological qualitative.

Methods

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 39 participants.

Results

A total of 166 diverse media were identified as useful for helping people forgive, which were compiled into tables and categorized into cross‐culturally useful forgiveness process themes. Findings also verified and expanded a previously compiled forgiveness guidance document that summarized the findings of 11 qualitative studies revealing how people forgive.
An intervention study of a combined intervention of positioning and hand massage in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Lee Yun Kyeong , Im Mihae , Cho Haeryun
Published: September 2022

Aim

To identify the effectiveness of a combined intervention of 25° upper body elevation and hand massage in patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study using a non‐equivalent control group pre‐test–post‐test design.

Methods

A total of 46 participants were assigned to an intervention group (N = 21) and a control group (N = 25). To test the effectiveness of the combined intervention, the major variables were low back pain and discomfort, including physical, psychological and environmental factors.

Results

The control group had low back pain, and the physical, psychological and environmental discomfort scores increased over time, whereas the experimental group showed low back pain, and the physical, psychological and environmental discomfort scores were statistically significantly decreased. The combined intervention can be applied in clinical practice not only in patients who have undergone radiofrequency catheter ablation but also in those who require an immobile position due to puncture of a femoral blood vessel.
Point‐of‐care testing allows successful simultaneous screening of sickle cell disease, HIV, and tuberculosis for households in rural Guinea‐Bissau, West Africa
Authors: Menzato Federica , Bosa Luca , Sifna Armando , Da Silva Luisa , Gasperoni Elena , Martella Maddalena , Mustik Alfa , Da Dalt Liviana , Reggiani Giulia , Munaretto Vania , Liotta Giuseppe , Riccardi Fabio , Colombatti Raffaella
Published: September 2022

Diagnosis of noncommunicable genetic diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD) and communicable diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or tuberculosis (TB) is often difficult in rural areas of Africa due to the lack of infrastructures, trained staff, or capacity to involve families living in remote areas. The availability of point‐of‐care (POC) tests for the above diseases offers the opportunity to build joint programs to tackle all conditions. We report successful simultaneous screening of SCD, HIV, and TB utilizing POC tests in 898 subjects in Fanhe, in rural Guinea‐Bissau. Adherence was 100% and all diagnosed subjects were enrolled in care programs.
Hybrid in vitro/in silico analysis of low‐affinity protein–protein interactions that regulate signal transduction by Sema6D
Authors: Tanaka Tsubasa , Ekimoto Toru , Nagatomo Meri , Neyazaki Makiko , Shimoji Erena , Yamane Tsutomu , Kanagawa Sakura , Oi Rika , Mihara Emiko , Takagi Junichi , Akashi Satoko , Ikeguchi Mitsunori , Nogi Terukazu
Published: September 2022

Semaphorins constitute a large family of secreted and membrane‐bound proteins that signal through cell‐surface receptors, plexins. Semaphorins generally use low‐affinity protein–protein interactions to bind with their specific plexin(s) and regulate distinct cellular processes such as neurogenesis, immune response, and organogenesis. Sema6D is a membrane‐bound semaphorin that interacts with class A plexins. Sema6D exhibited differential binding affinities to class A plexins in prior cell‐based assays, but the molecular mechanism underlying this selectivity is not well understood. Therefore, we performed hybrid in vitro/in silico analysis to examine the binding mode of Sema6D to class A plexins and to identify residues that give rise to the differential affinities and thus contribute to the selectivity within the same class of semaphorins. Our biophysical binding analysis indeed confirmed that Sema6D has a higher affinity for Plexin‐A1 than for other class A plexins, consistent with the binding selectivity observed in the previous cell‐based assays. Unexpectedly, our present crystallographic analysis of the Sema6D‐Plexin‐A1 complex showed that the pattern of polar interactions is not interaction‐specific because it matches the pattern in the prior structure of the Sema6A‐Plexin‐A2 complex. Thus, we performed in silico alanine scanning analysis and discovered hotspot residues that selectively stabilized the Sema6D‐Plexin‐A1 pair via Van der Waals interactions. We then validated the contribution of these hotspot residues to the variation in binding affinity with biophysical binding analysis and molecular dynamics simulations on the mutants. Ultimately, our present results suggest that shape complementarity in the binding interfaces is a determinant for binding selectivity.
Adaptive integral terminal super‐twisting with finite‐time convergence for an unmanned surface vehicle under disturbances
Authors: Gonzalez‐Garcia Alejandro , Castañeda Herman
Published: September 2022

This article proposes a robust trajectory tracking controller for underactuated unmanned surface vehicles under disturbances. An adaptive integral terminal super‐twisting algorithm is designed for guidance and control, following a cascade strategy. The properties of such algorithm include practical finite‐time (PFT) convergence, robustness against bounded disturbances/uncertainties with unknown boundaries, and chattering attenuation via adaptive gains. A stability analysis is addressed to prove the PFT stability of the overall system. Moreover, the vehicle is subject to wind, waves, and water currents disturbance models to verify the robustness with numerical simulations. Furthermore, real‐time experiments under an extra payload and environmental perturbations with unknown boundaries validate the performance with a prototype. Finally, a comparison against the adaptive super‐twisting algorithm with conventional sliding surface further demonstrates the advantages of the proposed scheme.
Adaptive extreme learning machine‐based event‐triggered control for perturbed Euler–Lagrange systems
Authors: Jin Xiao‐Zheng , Gao Miao‐Miao , Che Wei‐Wei , Wang Hai
Published: September 2022

The problem of event‐triggered finite‐time trajectory tracking control of perturbed Euler–Lagrange systems with nonlinear dynamics and disturbances is addressed in this article. Extreme learning machine (ELM) framework is employed to formulate unknown nonlinearities, and adaptive technique is adopted to adjust output weights of the ELM networks and remedy the negative impacts of disturbances, nonlinearities, and residual errors. Then to ensure the system follows the desired position trajectory within a finite‐time, an adaptive ELM‐based sliding mode control strategy is developed. Moreover, event‐triggered control technique is proposed to regulate control outputs on the basis of the developed control strategy for reducing actuator actions and saving communication resources. Lyapunov stability theorem is utilized to confirm bounded trajectory tracking results and finite‐time convergence of the Euler–Lagrange system. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed adaptive ELM‐based event‐triggered sliding‐mode control strategies is substantiated by simulations in a robotic manipulator system.
Current development of cabazitaxel drug delivery systems
Authors: Sun Boyang , Lovell Jonathan F. , Zhang Yumiao
Published: September 2022

The second‐generation taxane cabazitaxel has been clinically approved for the treatment of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer after docetaxel failure. Compared with the first‐generation taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel, cabazitaxel has potent anticancer activity and is less prone to drug resistance due to its lower affinity for the P‐gp efflux pump. The relatively high hydrophobicity of cabazitaxel and the poor aqueous colloidal stability of the commercial formulation, following its preparation for injection, presents opportunities for new cabazitaxel formulations with improved features. This review provides an overview of cabazitaxel drug formulations and hydrophobic taxane drug delivery systems in general, and particularly focuses on emerging cabazitaxel delivery systems discovered in the past 5 years.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Transport phenomena in hydromagnetic convective Carreau nanoliquid flow over an elongating cylinder: A statistical approach
Authors: Neethu Thaivalappil Sugathan , Areekara Sujesh , Sabu Alappat Sunny , Mathew Alphonsa , Kumar Ravinder
Published: September 2022

The current work presents the convective Carreau nanoliquid flow along an elongating cylinder in the presence of magnetic field and slip constraints. Thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, and Joule heating effects are also considered. The modeled partial differential equations (PDEs) are solved utilizing BVP5C (MATLAB built‐in function) and appropriate similarity transformations. It is noted that the velocity and temperature are inversely proportional and directly proportional to the Hartmann number, respectively. Consequences of various parameters on Sherwood number, Nusselt number, and drag coefficient are analyzed employing tables and graphs. It is noted that the Eckert number demotes heat transfer rate. Verification of the MATLAB code is guaranteed through a reduced study with previously published papers and a good agreement is observed. The simultaneous impact of parameters on the Sherwood number is analyzed using two‐dimensional plots. The influence of parameters on heat transfer rate and drag coefficient are further scrutinized using statistical techniques like correlation and regression.
Numerical Chebyshev finite difference examination of Lorentz force effect on a dissipative flow with variable thermal conductivity and magnetic heating: Entropy generation minimization
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Idrees , Chen Zhi‐Min , Qasim Muhammad
Published: September 2022

This work presents the computational analysis of entropy generation minimization in a dissipative flow of viscous fluid. The flow is produced by a non‐linearly elastic surface under the influence of the variable magnetic field. The non‐isothermal boundary condition is chosen such that all the embedding flow control parameters are free from the space variables. It is supposed that the working fluid's thermal conductivity is temperature‐dependent. The heating term corresponding to the magnetic dissipation effect is also added to the energy equation. The governing energy and momentum equations are simplified by similarity transformations and numerically solved using Chebyshev Finite Difference Scheme (ChFDS). Volumetric entropy generation in dimensionless form is also obtained via similarity transformations. The obtained solutions are also utilized for calculating entropy and Bejan numbers. It has been noticed that the production of entropy is highest at the surface of the elastic boundary. The temperature and entropy have increasing relation with the Eckert number and magnetic parameter. Further, an inverse relation is observed between the entropy generation and temperature difference parameter. The consequences of relevant parameters on the velocity, temperature, entropy and Bejan number are visually described and discussed.
Three-loop β-functions and two-loop anomalous dimensions for MSSM regularized by higher covariant derivatives in an arbitrary supersymmetric subtraction scheme
Authors: Haneychuk O. V. , Shirokova V. Yu. , Stepanyantz K. V.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Three-loop β-functions of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model regularized by higher covariant derivatives are obtained for an arbitrary supersymmetric subtraction scheme. For this purpose we first calculate two-loop anomalous dimensions for all MSSM chiral matter superfields defined in terms of the bare couplings. Then we use the NSVZ equations for the renormalization group functions defined in terms of the bare couplings, which are valid in all orders in the case of using the higher covariant derivative regularization. This gives the three-loop β-functions defined in terms of the bare couplings. After that, we construct the three-loop β-functions and the two-loop anomalous dimensions standardly defined in terms of the renormalized couplings for an arbitrary subtraction scheme. As a nontrivial correctness test, we verify that for a certain renormalization prescription the general results reproduce the ones obtained earlier in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{DR}} $$

DR
¯

scheme. Also this can be considered as an indepedent confirmation of the $$ \overline{\mathrm{DR}} $$

DR
¯

results.
Modelling the process of splitting wood and chipless cutting Pinus sylvestris L. wood in terms of designing the geometry of the tools and the driving force of the machine
Authors: Warguła Łukasz , Wojtkowiak Dominik , Kukla Mateusz , Talaśka Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

The size of wood is reduced by splitting or chipless cutting whilst logging trees, limbing, or preparing wood to be a fuel, for example, or in order to improve the efficiency of wood drying processes. Low costs of wood processing are desirable in each of these processes. The article presents experimental and simulation tests run in ABAQUS software, which allow for an analysis of the geometry of cutting tools used during the splitting or chipless cutting of wood in order to determine the cutting force and driving force of the machine executing such a process. The tests involved wood ofPinus sylvestrisL. (moisture content: 8.74% ± 0.1%) in four configurations (chipless cutting transverse to the fibres (90°–90°), splitting along the fibres (0°–90°), splitting radially to the grain (90°–0°) and splitting tangentially to the grain (90°–0°)). Analysis of the force and strength of the blade proved that an effective tip angle of the knife blade falls between 30° and 45°. The presented results also suggested that splitting wood along the fibres (0°–90°) is preferable in a machine process, while splitting tangentially and radially to the wood grain (90°–0°) is preferable when splitting wood using manual tools.
On the solution of monotone nested variational inequalities
Authors: Lampariello Lorenzo , Priori Gianluca , Sagratella Simone
Published: September 2022

We study nested variational inequalities, which are variational inequalities whose feasible set is the solution set of another variational inequality. We present a projected averaging Tikhonov algorithm requiring the weakest conditions in the literature to guarantee the convergence to solutions of the nested variational inequality. Specifically, we only need monotonicity of the upper- and the lower-level variational inequalities. Also, we provide the first complexity analysis for nested variational inequalities considering optimality of both the upper- and lower-level.
Update on the efficacy and safety of intravenous tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Miangul Shahid , Oluwaremi Timothy , El Haddad Joe , Adra Maamoun , Pinnawala Nathan , Nakanishi Hayato , Matar Reem H. , Than Christian A. , Stewart Thomas M.
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the management of hip fracture surgeries in comparison with placebo.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted from August 6, 2021. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials and prospective studies comparing the use of intravenous TXA in patients treated for hip fractures, in comparison with placebo. Review Manager was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

Eighteen prospective studies including 14 RCTs met the eligibility criteria. The results favored the TXA group in the quantity of total blood loss (MD =  − 196.91 mL, 95% CI − 247.59, − 146.23, I2 = 92%), intraoperative blood loss (MD = − 26.86 mL, 95% CI − 36.96, − 16.78, I2 = 62%), and rate of blood transfusion (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.28, 0.42, I2 = 0%). TXA also exhibited higher hemoglobin level at day 1 (MD = 6.77 g/L, 95% CI 4.30, 9.24, I2 = 83%) and day 3 (MD = 7.02 g/L, 95% CI 3.30, 10.74, I2 = 82%) postoperatively. There was no significant difference found in the incidence of thromboembolic events from occurring between the two groups, such as deep vein thrombosis (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.73, 2.02, I2 = 0%) and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.33, 2.05, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Administration of intravenous TXA appears to reduce blood loss, rate of blood transfusions and pose no increased risk of thromboembolic events. Therefore, TXA should be considered by physicians when managing hip fracture patients.

Graphical abstract
Fast tooth deflection calculation method and its validation
Authors: Hochrein Jonas-Frederick , Otto Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: September 2022

For the development of high power density gearboxes the knowledge of the gear mesh behavior is important. Especially, the tooth deflection influences flank load distribution and is the basis for the design of flank modifications. Analytical and numerical approaches are suitable to evaluate the behavior. Since numerical methods are complex, elaborate and time-consuming, fast and accurate analytical methods are still important and are worth to be further developed and assessed.

An analytical method for calculating tooth deformation for gears goes back to Weber and Banaschek from 1953. In the initial work the final equations are given without many intermediate steps in the plane strain assumption for materials with Poisson’s ratio ν = 0.3. This paper derives the tooth deflection equations in a more detailed and general manner for any linear material. The final equations are valid for the plane stress and plane strain state in one new closed representation and are therefore suitable for an efficient implementation. While the plane strain state is typical for gears, the plane stress state is significant for a thin slice model or special gearings. The presented method captures the shear influence with a more detailed calculation of the shear correction factor.

A calculation study validates the results from the derived analytical tooth deflection calculation method with a plane Finite Element Model. In the study the point of application of force and the gear body are varied to cover the influence of different variants (size and mesh position). Finally limits of the analytical modeling and the validation are discussed.
Multidisciplinary Modelling in a Sixth-Grade Tsunami Investigation
Authors: English Lyn
Published: September 2022

This study investigated sixth-grade students’ development of multidisciplinary models involving the integration of mathematics, science, and statistics, together with shared STEM practices. Mathematics and science featured a reciprocal relationship within the real-world context of tsunami inundation. Experimenting with water tubs comprising “landmasses” and “shore slopes” of varying angles, students explored how varying the slope of the shoreline affects the inundation distance. Given that organising and structuring data are essential to the creation of models as systems of representation, students’ modelling revealed a basic understanding of key statistical concepts and processes, including variation and covariation, and an ability to identify trends both within and across data sets. Students were able to apply their learning in recommending ways of minimising the impact of a real-world tsunami, demonstrating how such an investigation can facilitate understanding of natural phenomena. The overall findings indicate how elementary-grade students can successfully engage in independent multidisciplinary modelling within integrated STEM investigations and develop important conceptual understandings in the process.
Supervision for Aspiring Behaviour Analysts in Australia: An Exploration of Current Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Bayley Kristin , Trembath David , Leif Erin
Published: September 2022

Effective supervision is a key component of the development of effective and ethical behavior analytic repertoires. However, the provision of supervision may be challenging in countries where behavior analysis is an emerging profession and there are few qualified practitioners. We conducted a mixed-methods survey study to examine the supervision practices of board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) in Australia, and perceived challenges related to the provision of supervision. Respondents reported using a variety of supervisory practices to meet the demand for supervision, but a lack of time, resources, and geographical location posed challenges. Based on these findings, we provide several recommendations for addressing identified challenges. Although each recommendation has been contextualized to meet the needs of the Australian behavior analytic community, these recommendations may be useful in other parts of the world where behavior analysis is an emerging profession or there are few BCBAs to meet the needs of a growing behavior analytic workforce.
Development and internal validation of a predictive score for the diagnosis of central adrenal insufficiency when morning cortisol is in the grey zone
Authors: Bioletto F. , Berton A. M. , Varaldo E. , Cuboni D. , Bona C. , Parasiliti-Caprino M. , Prencipe N. , Ghigo E. , Grottoli S. , Maccario M. , Gasco V.
Published: September 2022

Background

When evaluating a patient for central adrenal insufficiency (CAI), there is a wide range of morning cortisol values for which no definite conclusion on hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function can be drawn; in these cases, a stimulation test is required. Aim of this study was to develop an integrated model for CAI prediction when morning cortisol is in the grey zone, here defined as 40.0–160.0 μg/L.

Methods

Overall, 119 patients with history of sellar tumour which underwent insulin tolerance test (ITT) for the evaluation of HPA axis were enrolled. Supervised regression techniques were used for model development.

Results

An integrated predictive model was developed and internally validated, and showed a significantly better diagnostic performance than morning cortisol alone (AUC 0.811 vs 0.699, p = 0.003). A novel predictive score (CAI-score) was retrieved, on a 5.5-point scale, by considering morning cortisol (0 points if 130.1–160.0 μg/L, 1 point if 100.1–130.0 μg/L, 1.5 points if 70.1–100.0 μg/L, 2.5 points if 40.0–70.0 μg/L), other pituitary deficits (2 points if ≥ 3 deficits), and sex (1 point if male). A diagnostic algorithm integrating CAI-score and ITT was finally proposed, with an overall accuracy of 99%, and the possibility to avoid the execution of stimulation tests in 25% of patients.

Conclusions

This was the first study that proposed an integrated score for the prediction of CAI when morning cortisol is in the grey zone. This score might be helpful to reduce the number of patients who need a stimulation test for the assessment of HPA axis function.