bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of HPV16 early antigen serology for HPV‐driven oropharyngeal cancer is independent of age and sex
Authors: Kusters Johannes M. A. , Diergaarde Brenda , Ness Andrew , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F. , Heijne Janneke C. M. , Schroeder Lea , Hueniken Katrina , McKay James D. , Macfarlane Gary J. , Lagiou Pagona , Lagiou Areti , Polesel Jerry , Agudo Antonio , Alemany Laia , Ahrens Wolfgang , Healy Claire M. , Conway David I. , Robinson Max , Canova Cristina , Holcátová Ivana , Richiardi Lorenzo , Znaor Ariana , Pring Miranda , Thomas Steve , Hayes D. Neil , Liu Geoffrey , Hung Rayjean J. , Brennan Paul , Olshan Andrew F. , Virani Shama , Waterboer Tim
Published: September 2023

A growing proportion of head and neck cancer (HNC), especially oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are several markers for HPV‐driven HNC, one being HPV early antigen serology. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of HPV serology and its performance across patient characteristics. Data from the VOYAGER consortium was used, which comprises five studies on HNC from North America and Europe. Diagnostic accuracy, that is, sensitivity, specificity, Cohen's kappa and correctly classified proportions of HPV16 E6 serology, was assessed for OPC and other HNC using p16INK4a immunohistochemistry (p16), HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) and HPV PCR as reference methods. Stratified analyses were performed for variables including age, sex, smoking and alcohol use, to test the robustness of diagnostic accuracy. A risk‐factor analysis based on serology was conducted, comparing HPV‐driven to non‐HPV‐driven OPC. Overall, HPV serology had a sensitivity of 86.8% (95% CI 85.1‐88.3) and specificity of 91.2% (95% CI 88.6‐93.4) for HPV‐driven OPC using p16 as a reference method. In stratified analyses, diagnostic accuracy remained consistent across sex and different age groups. Sensitivity was lower for heavy smokers (77.7%), OPC without lymph node involvement (74.4%) and the ARCAGE study (66.7%), while specificity decreased for cases with <10 pack‐years (72.1%). The risk‐factor model included study, year of diagnosis, age, sex, BMI, alcohol use, pack‐years, TNM‐T and TNM‐N stage. HPV serology is a robust biomarker for HPV‐driven OPC, and its diagnostic accuracy is independent of age and sex. Future research is suggested on the influence of smoking on HPV antibody levels.
Experiences of men undergoing assisted reproductive technology: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Hya Kia Min , Huang Zhongwei , Chua Crystal Min Siu , Shorey Shefaly
Published: September 2023

Background

Many infertile couples undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) to increase pregnancy chances, with many of them experiencing psychosocial distress. Although research has been performed on women's experiences of ART, there is limited focus on men.

Objective

This systematic review consolidated and synthesized men's experiences with ART to better understand their needs and challenges to support them.

Search Strategy

Nine electronic databases were searched from the inception date until November 2022.

Selection Criteria

This review included published and unpublished primary studies with qualitative methodologies exploring men's experiences with ART.

Data Collection and Analysis

The screening of studies, methodological assessment, data extraction, and analysis were conducted by two reviewers independently. The data were thematically synthesized.

Main Results

Fifteen studies were included. An overarching theme of “despair to destiny” was identified, with four synthesized themes: (1) “the roller coaster ride,” (2) “what made it from bad to worse?”, (3) “what kept men going?”, and (4) “hopeful for the future.”

Conclusion

Men undergoing ART experienced struggles, a transition of emotions, and a need for support as they attempted to cope with unknowns while remaining hopeful for future outcomes. There is a need for health care interventions and policies to address the issue to improve the well‐being of male ART patients. Interventions should be tailored to the specific support groups that cater to the emotional and informational needs of male ART patients. Future research should focus on the influence of cultural sensitivities on men's ART experiences, to tailor support programs to address their psychological needs during ART.
In vivo visualization of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Bao Guangfa , Zhou Jianyuan , Cheng Siyuan , Zhao Jun , Zhu Xiaohua
Published: September 2023

Immunosuppressive cells are pivotal players in tumor progression by affecting the efficacy of conventional therapies and the prognosis of cancer patients. Visualization and real‐time evaluation of these cells are very important to achieve patient‐oriented precision oncological medicine. Noninvasive imaging techniques are excellent tools for this purpose, and various molecular imaging probes have been developed to monitor these protumoral immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provide a brief update on the biology of immunosuppressive cells and outline recent progress in their visualization.
The protective effects of pirfenidone in preventing abdominal aortic aneurysm formation
Authors: Yong Jun , Wang Rui , Song Fubo , Wang Tao
Published: September 2023

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐mediated angiogenesis participates in the initiation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Pirfenidone is a compound that has anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties and suppresses angiogenesis. Pirfenidone targets the extracellular matrix (ECM) and has therapeutic effects on fibrotic diseases. Therefore, we speculated that pirfenidone might have meaningful therapeutic effects in AAA, and the current study was designed to investigate this capacity. An AAA model was constructed in mice using a long‐term injection of angiotensin II (Ang II), followed by a 28‐day administration of 200 mg/kg/day pirfenidone. Increased maximal external diameter of the abdominal artery, promoted levels of VEGF‐A and its receptor VEGF‐R2, upregulated matrix metallopeptidases (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9, and elevated release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were observed in AAA mice, which were extremely repressed by 200 mg/kg pirfenidone. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) were stimulated with Ang II for 1 day, in the presence or absence of pirfenidone (100 nM). Elevated expression of VEGF‐A and VEGF‐R2, facilitated proliferation, increased tube formation ability, and upregulated MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were observed in Ang II‐stimulated HAECs, all of which were significantly rescued by 100 nM pirfenidone. Finally, the elevated levels of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 and phosphorylated nuclear factor‐kappa‐B subunit p65 observed in Ang II‐stimulated HAECs were repressed by pirfenidone. Collectively, pirfenidone alleviated AAA by inhibiting ECM degradation and ameliorating endothelial dysfunction.
Antibacterial HPL‐DOSS surface coating for commercial plastics
Authors: Chen Guohao , Liu Xiao , Zhang Rui , Han Miaomiao , Ji Shengxiang
Published: September 2023

Bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the surface of materials can lead to serious bacterial infections and are highly detrimental to our health. Here, we prepared a water‐insoluble HPL‐DOSS complex by compounding hyperbranched polylysine (HPL) with docusate sodium salt (DOSS) and coated HPL‐DOSS onto the surfaces of the commercial polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plastics to afford antibacterial PP‐HD and TPU‐HD plastics. PP‐HD and TPU‐HD showed excellent antibacterial activities against both Escherichia coli and MRSA. In addition, the bacterial residues on the PP‐HD and TPU‐HD surfaces were significantly reduced compared with the pristine PP and TPU surfaces, indicating that the HPL‐DOSS surface coating had good anti‐adhesive property against bacteria and helped to reduce the formation of biofilms. Meanwhile, both PP‐HD and TPU‐HD exhibited excellent biocompatibility, indicating that the HPL‐DOSS complex could be used as a safe antimicrobial coating material to reduce bacterial infections on plastic surfaces.
Artificial intelligence for HPV status prediction based on disease‐specific images in head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Cheng , Chen Xu , Tang Chao , Xue Peng , Jiang Yu , Qiao Youlin
Published: September 2023

Accurate early detection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) status in head and neck cancer (HNC) is crucial to identify at‐risk populations, stratify patients, personalized treatment options, and predict prognosis. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool to dissect imaging features. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the performance of AI to predict the HPV positivity through the HPV‐associated diseased images in HNC patients. A systematic literature search was conducted in databases including Ovid‐MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection for studies continuously published from inception up to October 30, 2022. Search strategies included keywords such as “artificial intelligence,” “head and neck cancer,” “HPV,” and “sensitivity & specificity.” Duplicates, articles without HPV predictions, letters, scientific reports, conference abstracts, or reviews were excluded. Binary diagnostic data were then extracted to generate contingency tables and then used to calculate the pooled sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), area under the curve (AUC), and their 95% confidence interval (CI). A random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis, four subgroup analyses were further explored. Totally, 22 original studies were included in the systematic review, 15 of which were eligible to generate 33 contingency tables for meta‐analysis. The pooled SE and SP for all studies were 79% (95% CI: 75−82%) and 74% (95% CI: 69−78%) respectively, with an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.79−0.86). When only selecting one contingency table with the highest accuracy from each study, our analysis revealed a pooled SE of 79% (95% CI: 75−83%), SP of 75% (95% CI: 69−79%), and an AUC of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81−0.87). The respective heterogeneities were moderate (I2 for SE and SP were 51.70% and 51.01%) and only low (35.99% and 21.44%). This evidence‐based study showed an acceptable and promising performance for AI algorithms to predict HPV status in HNC but was not comparable to the routine p16 immunohistochemistry. The exploitation and optimization of AI algorithms warrant further research. Compared with previous studies, future studies anticipate to make progress in the selection of databases, improvement of international reporting guidelines, and application of high‐quality deep learning algorithms.
CRISPR dual enzyme cleavage triggers DNA and RNA substrate cleavage for SARS‐CoV‐2 dual gene detection
Authors: Jiang Tong , Liu Runde , Shen Jilu
Published: September 2023

The widespread dissemination of coronavirus 2019 imposes a significant burden on society. Therefore, rapid detection facilitates the reduction of transmission risk. In this study, we proposed a multiplex diagnostic platform for the rapid, ultrasensitive, visual, and simultaneous detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) open reading frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and N genes. A visual diagnostic method was developed using a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)‐Cas12a/Cas13a dual‐enzyme digestion system integrated with multiplex reverse transcriptase‐recombinase polymerase amplification (RT‐RPA). Two CRISPR‐Cas proteins (Cas12a and Cas13a) were introduced into the system to recognize and cleave the N gene and ORF1ab gene, respectively. We used fluorescent or CRISPR double digestion test strips to detect the digested products, with the N gene corresponding to the FAM channel in the PCR instrument or the T1 line on the test strip, and the ORF1ab gene corresponding to the ROX channel in the PCR instrument or the T2 line on the test strip. The analysis can be completed in less than 20 min. Meanwhile, we assessed the application of the platform and determined a sensitivity of up to 200 copies/mL. Additionally, dual gene validation in 105 clinical nasopharyngeal swab samples showed a 100% positive predictive value agreement and a 95.7% negative predictive value agreement between our method and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Overall, our method offered a novel insight into the rapid diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2.
A low‐cost efficient online derivatization system for the determination of saccharides by high‐performance liquid chromatograph‐ultraviolet detector
Authors: Jiang Zheng , Wang Hong , Yu Miao , Qu Cheng , Yue Wei , Wu Qinan
Published: September 2023

In this study, a low‐cost efficient online derivatization system was developed which allows for the detection of various types of mono‐ and oligo‐saccharides only utilizing high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)‐ultraviolet detector (UV) system. In the proposed method, phenylhydrazine was used as the derivatization reagent and directly spiked in the mobile phase, allowing for the separation and detection of mono‐ and oligosaccharides in an accessible instrument system (HPLC‐UV). And the online derivatization design of the proposed method has significantly reduced the potential harm of derivatization reagents to the analysts. Furthermore, critical chromatographic parameters were optimized via the Box‐Behnken design strategy, culminating in the ideal response for saccharides. Finally, the methodology validation of the proposed method was conducted. The proposed method showed satisfactory linear ranges with acceptable correlation coefficients (R2 > 0.99), outstanding accuracy (Recovery: 95.3%–105.6%), high intra‐day precision (relative standard deviation [RSD]: 1.4%–7.1%) and inter‐day precision (RSD: 2.0%–7.4%). The robustness and ruggedness of the proposed method were proved as the recovery values in the range of 95.0%–104.6% and 95.1%–104.8% for robustness and ruggedness, respectively. These satisfactory validation results confirm the applicability and reliability of the proposed method for the analysis of saccharides in various complex real‐world samples.
A countercurrent chromatography solvent system based on deep eutectic solvents for separation of cis‐ and trans‐crocetin from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis
Authors: Wen Lijiao , Shen Zetao , Cao Xueli , Fan Chen
Published: September 2023

Due to the structural similarity and large difference in concentration, the separation of trans‐ and cis‐crocetin has been challenging, and the cis‐crocetin is usually neglected. In this work, a countercurrent chromatography method was developed for the quick separation of trans‐crocetin and cis‐crocetin from the hydrolytic extract of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. High purity of trans‐crocetin (>95%) and cis‐crocetin (>91%) were prepared simultaneously for the first time through a novel biphasic system based on deep eutectic solvents, n‐heptane/n‐butyl alcohol/13 mmol/L Na2CO3 in water/acetamide‐benzyltrimethylammonium chloride (4:1, mol/mol) (4:7:9:1, v/v). The addition of deep eutectic solvent significantly improved the separation efficiency. The two targets can be easily recovered from the separation system through simple acidification and precipitation. It has potential for preparative separations on a large scale.
The Water Swallow Test and EAT‐10 as Screening Tools for Referral to Videofluoroscopy
Authors: Kuuskoski Jonna , Vanhatalo Jaakko , Rekola Jami , Aaltonen Leena‐Maija , Järvenpää Pia
Published: September 2023

Background

Videofluoroscopy (VFS) is the gold standard in evaluating dysphagia. Water swallow tests (WST) and the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT‐10) are commonly used in dysphagia screening. We aimed to determine the feasibility of WST and EAT‐10 as screening tools for referral to VFS.

Methods

Patients (n = 150, median age: 70.0 years, range: 19–92 years, 58.7% female) referred to VFS completed the WST and EAT‐10 before the examination. In the WST, we evaluated both the qualitative parameters (coughing, possible change in voice) and quantitative parameters (average drinking bolus size, swallowing speed). Correlations of EAT‐10 total scores and WST parameters to the VFS findings were analyzed both individually and combined.

Results

In the WST, the most specific (89.7%) predictor of normal VFS findings was the absence of coughing, and the most sensitive (79.1%) parameter to predict abnormal findings was a bolus size of ≤20 mL. Using a combination of coughing and a bolus size ≤20 mL (simplified WST), the sensitivity of predicting abnormal findings increased to 83.5%. The most sensitive (84.6%) predictor of penetration/aspiration was failing any parameter in the WST. Lack of coughing indicated an absence of penetration/aspiration with an 82.5% specificity. Swallowing speed or combining the EAT‐10 results with the WST results did not enhance the sensitivity or specificity of the WST for predicting the VFS results.

Conclusions

Coughing and average drinking bolus size are the most important parameters in WST when screening for referral to VFS, whereas the swallowing speed does not seem to be useful. The WST is superior to EAT‐10 in predicting VFS findings.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:1349–1355, 2024
High‐Q and Strong Chiroptical Responses in Planar Metasurfaces Empowered by Mie Surface Lattice Resonances
Authors: Luo Xiaoqing , Du Xiang , Huang Rixing , Li Guangyuan
Published: September 2023

Planar chiral metasurfaces have emerged as a versatile platform for manipulating chiral light‐matter interactions in diverse applications. However, it remains challenging to achieve high quality factors together with strong chirality. Here, chiral all‐dielectric metasurfaces with a high Q factor of 1220 and relatively large planar chirality of circular dichroism −0.37 under normal incidence, or with a high Q factor of 872 and large extrinsic 3D chirality of circular dichroism 0.7, based on Mie surface lattice resonances (SLRs) are proposed and experimentally demonstrated. Both SLR‐induced planar chirality under normal incidence and SLR‐assisted extrinsic 3D chirality under oblique incidence are achieved by perturbing the square lattice and by slightly tilting the incidence angle, respectively. It shows that the high‐Q and strong chirality arises from the different excitation efficiencies of Mie SLRs under the incidences of left‐ and right‐handed circularly polarized light. With these findings, this study provides a new direction for realizing high‐performance chiral metasurfaces and holds great promise for chiral nanophotonic applications in biochemical sensing, emission or lasing, and nonlinear optics.
Laser Plasma‐Accelerated Ultra‐Intense Electron Beam for Efficiently Exciting Nuclear Isomers
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Yaojun , Tan Junhao , Wang Wenzhao , Li Yifei , Zhang Xiaopeng , Meng Yue , Ge Xulei , Liu Feng , Yan Wenchao , Fu Changbo , Chen Liming , Zhang Jie
Published: September 2023

Utilizing a laser plasma wakefield to accelerate ultrahigh charge and current electron beams is critical for many pioneering applications, for example, to efficiently produce nuclear isomers with short lifetimes that may be widely used. However, because of the beam loading effect, the electron charge in a single plasma bubble is limited to hundreds of picocoulombs. Herein, via a tightly focused intense laser pulse self‐guiding in dense gas, a twenty‐nanocoulomb, tens‐of‐MeV, hundred‐kiloampere collimated electron beam is produced from a chain of plasma bubbles in the saturated injection regime. This intense electron beam is utilized to excite indium nuclear isomers with an ultrahigh peak rate of particles·s‐1 via photonuclear reaction. This efficient isomer production method can be widely used for pumping isotopes with excited state lifetimes on the picosecond scale, which is beneficial for deeply understanding nuclear transition mechanisms or stimulating γ‐ray lasers.
Comparing safety and efficacy of acoustic subcision at two different rapid acoustic pulse rates to improve the appearance of cellulite
Authors: Biesman Brian S. , Capelli Christopher C.
Published: September 2023

Background

A recent study showed the safety and efficacy of a noninvasive acoustic subcision device to improve the appearance of cellulite via delivery of rapid acoustic pulses in a single treatment visit.

Objective

To evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of a single rapid acoustic pulse treatment visit using an equivalent number of rapid acoustic pulses at a pulse rate of 100 or 50 Hz.

Methods

This single‐center, prospective study enrolled 15 adult women with moderate to severe cellulite according to the Cellulite Dimple—At Rest Scale. Each participant would receive nominally 72,000 rapid acoustic pulses at a pulse rate of 50 Hz on the left buttock and thigh, and nominally 72,000 rapid acoustic pulses at a pulse rate of 100 Hz on the right buttock and thigh within one treatment visit. Efficacy was assessed by the ability of blinded, independent reviewers to correctly distinguish the pre‐ and post‐treatment photos, participant satisfaction, and the change in Cellulite Dimple—At Rest scores for each treatment side. Safety was monitored throughout the conduct of the study.

Results

For both 100 and 50 Hz pulse rate treated areas, the majority (two out of three) of blinded reviewers correctly identified 100% of the pre/post‐treatment photos. For both the 100 and 50 Hz treated areas, 80% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that their cellulite appeared improved at the 12‐week follow‐up visit. Significant improvements in Cellulite Dimple—At Rest scores were seen for both the 100 and 50 Hz treated areas. All participants thought both the 100 and 50 Hz pulse rate treatments were tolerable, and the pain (mean score ± SD; 2.2 ± 1.2) associated with each was identical. No unexpected or serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

Acoustic subcision delivered via rapid acoustic pulses at 100 Hz, compared to 50 Hz, provides equivalent improvement in the appearance of cellulite while maintaining a similar safety and efficacy profile. For both pulse rates, treatment pain was minimal, and participant satisfaction was high.
Rifampicin‐resistant RpoB S522L Vibrio vulnificus exhibits disturbed stress response and hypervirulence traits
Authors: Cutugno Laura , O'Byrne Conor , Pané‐Farré Jan , Boyd Aoife
Published: September 2023

Rifampicin resistance, which is genetically linked to mutations in the RNA polymerase β‐subunit gene rpoB, has a global impact on bacterial transcription and cell physiology. Previously, we identified a substitution of serine 522 in RpoB (i.e., RpoBS522L) conferring rifampicin resistance to Vibrio vulnificus, a human food‐borne and wound‐infecting pathogen associated with a high mortality rate. Transcriptional and physiological analysis of V. vulnificus expressing RpoBS522L showed increased basal transcription of stress‐related genes and global virulence regulators. Phenotypically these transcriptional changes manifest as disturbed osmo‐stress responses and toxin‐associated hypervirulence as shown by reduced hypoosmotic‐stress resistance and enhanced cytotoxicity of the RpoBS522L strain. These results suggest that RpoB‐linked rifampicin resistance has a significant impact on V. vulnificus survival in the environment and during infection.
The impact of Lévy noise on the threshold dynamics of a stochastic susceptible‐vaccinated‐infected‐recovered epidemic model with general incidence functions
Authors: Kiouach Driss , Azami El‐idrissi Salim El , Sabbar Yassine
Published: September 2023

Compartmental systems like the well‐famed SIR, SEIR, SQIR, SVIR, and their variants are efficient tools for the mathematical modeling of infectious illnesses, and they permit us to get a clear picture of how they proliferate. In actuality, the aleatory fluctuations factors present in the natural environment like storm surges, weather changes, and seismic tremors make the dissemination of epidemics susceptible to some randomness. This calls for a stronger mathematical formulation that takes into consideration this stochasticity effect. From this perspective, and in order to highlight in the same time the effect of the vaccination strategy, we survey in this paper an SVIR model with general incidence rates that is disturbed by both Brownian motions and Lévy jumps. Initially, we establish its well‐posedness in the sense that it has a unique positive and global‐in‐time solution. Then, we rely on some assumptions and nonstandard analytic techniques, to derive sufficient and almost necessary conditions for extinction, persistence in the mean, and also weak persistence. More explicitly, we identify firstly under some hypotheses a threshold between extinction and persistence in the mean. In other phrases, if , the infected population dies out while it persists in the mean when . Then, and by modifying the hypothetical framework in order to cover more incidence rates, we prove that can act also as a threshold between extinction and weak persistence. At last, we provide some numerical simulations to corroborate our findings and cover some particular cases of response functions.
Dot‐shaped transmit beamforming with nonuniform time‐modulated concentric circular frequency diverse array
Authors: Yesilyurt Ugur , Arican Galip Orkun , Aksoy Ertugrul
Published: September 2023

In this study, a true three‐dimensional dot‐shaped beamforming, in which the transmitted energy in a spatial region (azimuth, elevation, and range) is focused is performed with the nonuniform time‐modulated concentric circular frequency diverse array (NUTM‐CCFDA). The CCFDA structure with a radially outward increasing frequency offset between the rings has structural symmetry that provides the advantage of full scanning in the azimuth plane without any significant change in beam shape. Moreover, the NUTM, where the antenna elements are simply excited with a different modulation frequency in each ring, uses the in‐phase/quadrature channel modulator to realize a single sideband. The proposed NUTM‐CCFDA structure exhibits efficient beam scanning with the switch time‐on instant without using variable phase shifters to steer the dot‐shaped beam. Thus, NUTM‐CCFDA not only realizes a true dot‐shaped beam with better angle resolution on the first harmonic components but also has a simpler configuration than the conventional frequency diverse arrays with sophisticated variable frequency/phase shifters.
A multifidelity neural network (MFNN) for constitutive modeling of complex soil behaviors
Authors: Su Mingming , Guo Ning , Yang Zhongxuan
Published: September 2023

The development and calibration of soil models under the framework of plasticity is notoriously challenging given the prismatic features in soil's shear behaviors. Data‐driven deep neural networks (DNNs) offer an alternative approach to this formidable task. However, classical DNN models struggle to accurately capture soil mechanical responses using limited training data. To address this issue, a unified multifidelity neural network (MFNN) is proposed to leverage the accuracy of high‐fidelity experimental datasets and the abundance of low‐fidelity datasets synthesized using the modified Cam‐clay (MCC) model. The MFNN model can automatically learn the correlation between the low‐fidelity and high‐fidelity datasets, and has been applied to predicting the mechanical responses of over‐consolidated and anisotropically consolidated clays, cement‐treated clays, silts sheared under varying temperatures, and suction‐controlled unsaturated soils. The results demonstrate significantly improved prediction capabilities of MFNN compared to purely data‐driven DNNs. The proposed MFNN framework holds encouraging promise to revolutionize constitutive modeling of complex soil behaviors.
A robust interface finite element formulation for modeling brittle material failure problems
Authors: Liu Ruijie , Jin Wencheng , Harbour Logan , Kong Fande , Permann Cody , Gaston Derek , Podgorney Robert
Published: September 2023

Failure of many brittle materials and structures can be modeled using interface‐oriented finite elements combined with intrinsic cohesive zone models. The discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method provides an innovative framework for modeling brittle crack propagation with zero‐thickness interface elements, which can accommodate extrinsic cohesive laws to avoid the artificial compliance required in intrinsic cohesive models. However, robust formulations and implementations of DG methods are critical in alleviating the well‐known convergence issues for both crack nucleation and propagation with reduced instability. This paper presents a robust interface element formulation by modifying the incomplete interior penalty Galerkin (IIPG) method, which successfully avoids the initial element interface penetration across elements that occurs prior to crack nucleation, and thereby greatly reduces the instability issue as cracks open. We further verified and validated our implementation by using a bar tension test and a beam fracturing benchmark. The robustness of our proposed interface element method was demonstrated by a micromechanics fiber/matrix debonding problem with 64 fibers embedded in a bulk matrix.
On the use of a mass lumping technique compatible with a fully‐coupled hydromechanical model for the case of strong discontinuities with the extended finite element method
Authors: Faivre Maxime , Martin Alexandre , Massin Patrick , Giot Richard , Golfier Fabrice
Published: September 2023

In the present article, we introduce a new approach that uses a standard lumping technique, also known as the row‐sum technique, in the extended finite element method (XFEM) in order to stabilize a fully‐coupled hydromechanical model in the presence of a strong discontinuity. Typically, numerical oscillations can be observed where high gradients appear (pressure shocks) due to the violation of the maximum principle. In order to remediate this abnormal behavior, it is of common use to lump the mass matrix associated with the discretized form of the diffusion equation, a parabolic partial differential equation. Several techniques are available to diagonalize the mass matrix in XFEM in the context of dynamic crack growth. However, these techniques were designed for a wave‐like partial differential equation, a hyperbolic partial differential equation. The direct use of such techniques with a fully‐coupled hydromechanical model does not conserve the mass and leads to the violation of the maximum principle. The approach proposed in this work fulfills the features of a parabolic partial differential equation. It is also adapted to the nonlinear case for which the mass density is given by a constitutive law with a distribution that depends on the position inside the domain but which can be different on each side of the discontinuity. In order to test the robustness of our XFEM formulation, only discontinuous enrichments are considered in this article and the discontinuity is supposed impermeable in order to recover two distinct materials on each side of the boundary‐controlled interface for which we can exhibit independent analytical solutions.
Ecological and anthropogenic drivers of leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) attack occurrence on humans in Nepal
Authors: Poudel Shashank , Twining Joshua P. , Stedman Richard C. , Ghimire Shravan Kumar , Fuller Angela K.
Published: September 2023

The negative impact of large carnivore presence in human‐dominated landscapes manifests as livestock depredation and in extreme cases as attacks on humans. In the case of conflict with leopards in Nepal, attacks resulting in human fatality have become more frequent over time, thus creating an urgent socio‐ecological and management issue.

We estimated the occurrence of leopard attacks in Nepal from human‐leopard conflict cases reported in the media. We used occupancy models to analyse data collected from online news reports on incidents of leopard attacks on humans to explore drivers of leopard attacks on a landscape scale. Our results suggest that the probability of occurrence of leopard attack is associated with human population density, terrain ruggedness and livestock density.

The human population density effect may be indicative of a density‐dependent relationship, where attacks are more likely in areas where an increased abundance of humans increases encounter rates with leopards. The positive effect of livestock density suggests that livestock may be drawing leopards into human settlements, and consequently increasing the likelihood of attacks on humans. Terrain ruggedness might be offering ideal conditions to facilitate attacks on humans, for example remoteness and high amounts of cover to launch ambush attacks.

We provide inference and insights into key determinants of leopard attacks on humans on a landscape scale. These insights can be used to guide future research, inform mitigation measures to reduce leopard attacks and foster a better understanding of the interaction between people and leopards.

This study demonstrates the applicability and novelty of using a hierarchical modelling framework applied to freely and publicly available media reports to inform the applied management of human‐wildlife conflict at a national scale.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Implementation of a formalized evaluation and planning tool to improve pediatric oncology outcomes in Kenya
Authors: Mutua Doreen , Omotola Ayomide , Bonilla Miguel , Bhakta Nickhill , Friedrich Paola , Wata David , Muma Sarah Nyaboke , Ganey Michael , Muriithi Carol , Mwangi Martin , Maina Alfred Karagu , Libes Jaime
Published: September 2023

Background

Survival from pediatric cancers in low middle‐income countries is often very low compared to that of high‐income countries due to multifactorial etiologies, including late presentation, delayed diagnosis, difficulty with accessing healthcare, drug unavailability, and treatment abandonment. The St. Jude Pediatric Oncology Facility Integrated Local Evaluation Tool (PrOFILE) was developed to map and evaluate childhood cancer healthcare delivery in individual institutions and entire countries, identifying the strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for advancement of care.

Procedure

Using the PrOFILE self‐assessment tool, selected Kenyan pediatric oncology facilities entered data into 12 modules: national context, facility and local context, finances and resources, personnel, service capacity, service integration, diagnostics, chemotherapy, supportive care, surgery, radiation therapy, and patients and outcomes. These modules are grouped into five specific components, including Context, Workforce, Diagnostics, Therapy, and Patients and Outcomes. The St. Jude PrOFILE team analyzed the data and organized the first hybrid workshop, containing both in‐person and virtual components.

Results

Multidisciplinary stakeholders prioritized recommendations for improving care and developed smart objectives to accomplish identified goals over the following 2 years. Strengths and weaknesses of conducting a hybrid global workshop were identified.

Conclusions

We demonstrated successful use of the PrOFILE tool to conduct a hybrid workshop and identify strategies to improve pediatric oncology care in Kenya. The voluntarily structured work groups will methodically aim to achieve outcome‐oriented goals moving forward.
A combination of experimental and theoretical approaches on SSBR/BR compounds reinforced by hybrid nano‐silica/carbon black: Mechanical and rheological properties
Authors: Barghamadi Mohammad , Karrabi Mohammad , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Naderi Ghasem
Published: September 2023

In modern formulations for green tire treads, nano‐silica combined with silane coupling agents has recently partially replaced carbon black (CB) to improve the well‐known “magic triangle” of tire tread compounding. However, achieving adequate levels of CB in formulations is still a challenge. In this study, the effect of nano‐silica/CB hybrid reinforcements and silane coupling agents on rubber compound prepared by melt blending method was investigated. Microstructure, swelling, mechanical and rheological properties of highly filled SSBR/BR‐based compounds were investigated. The results showed that with the increase of CB content in SSBR/BR/TESPT/nano‐silica, the properties pass an optimum point. Various properties were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images. Estimation of the properties of tire tread compounds is inevitable due to the high cost of the components and the time and energy savings. For this purpose, different theoretical models were used. The Bergstrom‐Boyce, Ogden‐Roxburgh and Mooney‐Rivlin models were used to study the mechanical properties and the Herschel‐Bulkley, Power law and Carreau–Yasuda theories were used for the rheological properties. Among the theoretical models used, the Bergstrom‐Boyce model showed better correlation with the experimental data than other models.

Highlights

Compounds based on SSBR/BR rubber blends were prepared by the melt blending method.

The effect of hybrid reinforcements and silane coupling agent as compatibilizer was studied.

The microstructure, mechanical behavior, thermal and rheological properties of the compounds were investigated.

The improved dispersion of the reinforcements in the SSBR/BR matrix was confirmed by microstructure analyses.

Various theoretical models were applied to validate the experimental mechanical and rheological results.
The functional network of biglycan: A new frontier in tumor progression
Authors: Yu Li , Maishi Nako , Matsuda Aya , Hida Kyoko
Published: September 2023

Biglycan is a member of the small leucine‐rich proteoglycan family. Dysregulation of biglycan leads to a broad range of clinical consequences, such as osteoclastogenesis, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Biglycan binding to toll‐like receptor (TLR)−2 or TLR‐4 on immune cells lead to infiltration of immune cells to mediate the inflammatory response. Additionally, the extracellular matrix‐secreted soluble biglycan functions as a danger‐associated molecular pattern molecule involved in the induction of inflammation and cancer. High expression of biglycan is demonstrated in tumor endothelial cells (TECs) of various cancers and correlates with metastatic potential and poor clinical outcomes. This comprehensive review addresses the role of biglycan in both tumor cells and tumor stromal cells, especially TECs, in regulating tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance.
Zero‐shot mutation effect prediction on protein stability and function using RoseTTAFold
Authors: Mansoor Sanaa , Baek Minkyung , Juergens David , Watson Joseph L. , Baker David
Published: September 2023

Predicting the effects of mutations on protein function and stability is an outstanding challenge. Here, we assess the performance of a variant of RoseTTAFold jointly trained for sequence and structure recovery, RFjoint, for mutation effect prediction. Without any further training, we achieve comparable accuracy in predicting mutation effects for a diverse set of protein families using RFjoint to both another zero‐shot model (MSA Transformer) and a model that requires specific training on a particular protein family for mutation effect prediction (DeepSequence). Thus, although the architecture of RFjoint was developed to address the protein design problem of scaffolding functional motifs, RFjoint acquired an understanding of the mutational landscapes of proteins during model training that is equivalent to that of recently developed large protein language models. The ability to simultaneously reason over protein structure and sequence could enable even more precise mutation effect predictions following supervised training on the task. These results suggest that RFjoint has a quite broad understanding of protein sequence‐structure landscapes, and can be viewed as a joint model for protein sequence and structure which could be broadly useful for protein modeling.
Relationship between sacral‐abdominal wall distance and grip strength in postmenopausal osteoporotic patients
Authors: Nagai Takashi , Miyagami Makoto , Nakamura Shota , Amemiya Yayoi , Okano Ichiro , Sakamoto Keizo , Fumihito Kasai , Kudo Yoshifumi , Inagaki Katsunori , Kawate Nobuyuki
Published: September 2023

Background

An increase in waist circumference (WC) is a factor in lifestyle‐related diseases. The rectus abdominis muscle is a skeletal muscle that attaches to the pelvis from the xiphoid process and is thought to be affected by kyphosis deformity and posterior pelvic tilt. The purpose of this study is to examine differences between sacral‐abdominal wall distance (SAD) and WC and to determine whether they are associated with fall risk, frailty, markers of sarcopenia (grip strength and lean body mass), and spinal alignment. A secondary objective is to examine these differences by stratification by grip strength.

Methods

This retrospective study included 239 women aged 65 years or older (mean age 76.5 ± 6.7 years) attending an outpatient osteoporosis clinic. Bone mineral density and skeletal body composition (muscle mass index and trunk lean mass) were measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. SAD, pelvic tilt, and sagittal longitudinal axis were measured from simple X‐ray images of the spine sides. WC, grip strength, frailty, and fall risk score were investigated. Statistics were performed using Stat Flex, with two‐sided P < 0.05 being significantly different.

Results

WC was correlated with SAD (R = 0.68, P < 0.001). The SAD cut‐off value for a WC of 90 cm was 167 mm. The relationship between grip strength, SAD, and WC, weaker grip strength was associated with greater SAD; however, no significant difference was noted in WC. WC was not correlated with pelvic alignment but was correlated with body mass index (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, SAD was correlated with body mass index, pelvic tilt, sagittal longitudinal axis (P < 0.01), spinal alignment, and WC. Logistic regression analysis was performed with a grip strength of less than 18 kg as the objective variable. We found that the conditions for a grip strength of less than 18 kg were older age (P < 0.001), increased SAD (P = 0.02), and decreased trunk lean body mass. There was a decrease in grip strength (P < 0.05) and an increase in frailty (P < 0.05) and falls (P < 0.01) score in patients with SAD of 167 mm or greater.

Conclusions

SAD and WC were found to be correlated; SAD was associated with body weight, posterior pelvic tilt, and anterior spinal tilt deformity, while WC was related to body weight. Increased SAD was found to be linked with decreased grip strength and increased risk of falls. This study was the first to examine a new measurement, SAD, for its utility in assessing grip strength, spinal alignment, frailty, and fall risk.
Antecedents of sustainability‐oriented entrepreneurial intentions: A comprehensive model and empirical evidence
Authors: Srivastava Mayuri , Shivani Shradha , Dutta Sraboni
Published: September 2023

The study contributes to the advancement of the theory and practice of sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) by enabling a deeper understanding of the emerging construct, sustainability‐oriented entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) which is a precursor of SE. A unique, comprehensive model depicting the role of the individual‐level antecedents of SEI is developed from an exhaustive literature review, and it is then validated using survey responses from youth in India. Of the seven constructs identified from the literature, four constructs, namely Altruism, Environmental Values, Intrinsic Rewards, and Attitude Towards Sustainability (one of the Theory of Planned Behavior constructs [TPB]), were found to have the strongest relationship with SEI, while others (Extrinsic Rewards, General Self‐Efficacy, Job Security, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) constructs Perceived Entrepreneurial Desirability, and Perceived Entrepreneurial Feasibility) were reported as statistically significant. Partial Mediating effects of TPB constructs were also reported. This research provides empirical evidence on the individual‐level antecedents of SEI, hence contributing to the sparse body of literature available on the emerging construct, SEI. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and educators to design effective approaches to foster SEI and expand the adoption of SE among young individuals. The originality of this study lies in the fact that, to date, no comprehensive research has been conducted on any demographic group in India to examine the individual‐level factors that influence SEI.
Emerging 2D Materials with Nonparabolic Bands for Ultrafast Photonics
Authors: Liu Guanyu , Cui Zhengwei , Zhang Fangteng , Zeng Youjun , Chen Weicheng , Liu Yuxian , Nie Zhaogang , Bao Qiaoliang
Published: September 2023

In recent years, 2D materials have been widely used in optical and photonic applications such as mode lockers, optical switches, polarizers, and optical modulators. As is known, many 2D optical materials are parabolic semiconductors. The electronic states determines the material's optical characteristics. The energy band structure with a bandgap dominates the electron dynamics process associated with intrinsic light absorption. Particularly, the Dirac cone and flat band (FB) are special nonparabolic energy band structures in materials. Dirac materials are characterized by a zero bandgap, and FB materials have a completely flat dispersionless band in the Brillouin zone. These materials are used as emergent and promising 2D materials for saturable absorbers (SAs) due to their excellent nonlinear optical response, and they become potential candidates for ultrafast photonics applications. Herein, the focus is on the characteristics of the energy band structure; the carrier dynamics are reviewed, and application in ultrafast photonics are summarized.
Manipulating the Solvation Structure and Interface via a Bio‐Based Green Additive for Highly Stable Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Wang Yan , Zeng Xiaohui , Huang Haiji , Xie Dongmei , Sun Jianyang , Zhao Jiachang , Rui Yichuan , Wang Jinguo , Yuwono Jodie A. , Mao Jianfeng
Published: September 2023

The practical application of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) is limited by serious side reactions, such as the hydrogen evolution reaction and Zn dendrite growth. Here, the study proposes a novel adoption of a biodegradable electrolyte additive, γ‐Valerolactone (GVL), with only 1 vol.% addition (GVL‐to‐H2O volume ratio) to enable a stable Zn metal anode. The combination of experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations verifies that the green GVL additive can competitively engage the solvated structure of Zn2+ via replacing a H2O molecule from [Zn(H2O)6]2+, which can efficiently reduce the reactivity of water and inhibit the subsequent side reactions. Additionally, GVL molecules are preferentially adsorbed on the surface of Zn to regulate the uniform Zn deposition and suppress the Zn dendrite growth. Consequently, the Zn anode exhibits boosted stability with ultralong cycle lifespan (over 3500 h) and high reversibility with 99.69% Coulombic efficiency. The Zn||MnO2 full batteries with ZnSO4‐GVL electrolyte show a high capacity of 219 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and improved capacity retention of 78% after 550 cycles. This work provides inspiration on bio‐based electrolyte additives for aqueous battery chemistry and promotes the practical application of AZIBs.