bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of stress and elastic energy relief efficiency in a hard coating with a metal interlayer—Using TiN/Ti as a model system
Authors: Huang Jia-Hong , Ting I.-Sheng , Lin Peng-Wen
Published: February 2023

This study measured the stress relief extent of a hard coating by a metal interlayer in a bilayer system. An energy-balance model was used to evaluate the energy relief efficiency (ξtot) by the interlayer. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between plastic deformation and the energy relief efficiency of the metal interlayer in a bilayer thin film system. A TiN/Ti bilayer thin film was chosen as the model system. TiN/Ti samples were prepared with different interlayer thicknesses and under different stress levels in TiN coating using unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The overall stress of the bilayer samples was determined by the laser curvature method, and the stress in the individual layer was measured by average x-ray strain combined with nanoindentation method. For the TiN/Ti sample with Ti interlayer thickness >78 nm, a maximum ξtot was reached at an interlayer thickness about 110 nm; further increasing the interlayer thickness may decrease ξtot. This was mainly due to plastic deformation of the Ti interlayer being localized near the TiN/Ti interface. The results also showed that ξtot increased with increasing stress in the TiN coating. The model analyses revealed that the energy relief was mostly contributed from the TiN coating, while less than 30% was from curvature relaxation of the Si substrate. For the sample with insufficient thickness (52 nm) of an Ti interlayer, the stress of the TiN coating could not be effectively relieved and the interlayer was subjected to compressive stress. In this case, the energy-balance model was not valid, while our previous elastic model could be used to account for the stress state transition. The residual stress state of the Ti interlayer can serve as an index to assess the effectiveness in relieving film stress by the interlayer. The interlayer is functioning by sustaining tensile stress, whereas it is ineffective if the interlayer is subjected to compressive stress.
Snapshot-deficient active target localization in beam-time domain using multi-frequency expectation-maximization algorithm
Authors: Wang He , Zhang Ting , Cheng Lei , Zhao Hangfang
Published: February 2023

The two-dimensional (2D) active target localization is generally hindered by the high temporal and spatial sidelobe levels in snapshot-deficient scenarios, where the adaptive approaches undergo performance degeneration since they require many snapshots to build the sample covariance matrix. Aiming at working robustly in snapshot-deficient active scenarios, a 2D expectation-maximization-based vertical-time-record (EMVTR) approach is proposed to compensate for the snapshot deficiency and achieve the high-resolution active localization by reconstructing the covariance matrix using estimated hyperparameters, i.e., signal powers and noise variance. With the short-time Fourier transform, the proposed approach could reduce echoes' temporal correlation and attain robust beam-time localization in mild reverberation. The multi-frequency EMVTR is derived from the single-frequency case to improve the weak echo localization. The performance is evaluated by considering single and multiple target echoes in simulation and a single moving target with tank experimental data. The results manifest the proposed EMVTR's robustness and effectiveness for the 2D active localization in snapshot-deficient scenarios.
Time reversal of long coda waves: Experiments in the nonlinear regime
Authors: Garay Gonzalo , Abraham Yamil , Benech Nicolás , Negreira Carlos
Published: February 2023

A problem that arises when the time-reversal process is applied in a nonlinear regime is related to the generation of harmonics: conventional piezoelectric transducers cannot work properly at the frequency of the second harmonic. Then, the time-reversed wave cannot be completely emitted. Few works provide a solution to this issue. Thus, we study the alternative of performing a cross correlation of the wavefield. In a linear regime, this procedure is an accurate method for estimating real time-reversal properties. To study both procedures in the nonlinear regime in detail, we measure the wavefield of a wave that (1) traverses a multiple scattering medium, composed by a random set of parallel copper rods and (2) propagates inside a reverberant cavity, consisting of an aluminum case immersed in water. Cross correlation yields a virtually focused wavefield, where the focal width at the frequency of the first, second, and third harmonics can be measured. We compare these values with those obtained in a real time-reversal experiment. Results suggest that both time-reversal procedures are equivalent. In addition, we discuss the possibility of amplitude estimation at the focal spot and the limits of this work based on a theoretical model.
A Radon diffraction theorem for plane wave ultrasound imaging
Authors: Schwab Hans-Martin , Lopata Richard
Published: February 2023

The rising demand on high frame rate ultrasound imaging applications necessitates the development of fast algorithms for plane wave image reconstruction. We introduce a new class of plane wave reconstructions that relies on a relation between receive data and image data in the Radon domain. This relation is derived for arbitrary dimensions and validated on multiple two-dimensional plane wave data sets. We further present a mathematical relation between conventional delay-and-sum and Fourier domain reconstruction methods and the method proposed. Our analysis shows that they all rely on the same physical model with slight variations in certain filtering steps and, therefore, the new Radon domain reconstruction yields similar results as other methods in terms of image quality. However, we show that our method offers a huge potential to improve computation time by reducing the number of applied projections and to improve image quality by introducing nonlinear operations in the Radon domain, e.g., for edge enhancement. As the Radon transform retains both angular and temporal information, the relation also provides new insights on the fundamentals of plane wave imaging that can be leveraged for optimizing acquisition schemes or for developing novel compounding strategies in the future.
Hyperexcited limbic neurons represent sexual satiety and reduce mating motivation
Authors: Zhou Xiaojuan , Li Ang , Mi Xue , Li Yixuan , Ding Zhaoyi , An Min , Chen Yalan , Li Wei , Tao Xianming , Chen Xinfeng , Li Ying
Published: February 2023

Transient sexual experiences can have long-lasting effects on behavioral decisions, but the neural coding that accounts for this change is unclear. We found that the ejaculation experience selectively activated estrogen receptor 2 (
Esr2
)–expressing neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)—BNST
Esr2
—and led to persistent decreases in firing threshold for days, during which time the mice displayed sexual satiety. Inhibition of hyperexcited BNST
Esr2
elicited fast mating recovery in satiated mice of both sexes. In males, such hyperexcitability reduced mating motivation and was partially mediated by larger HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) currents. Thus, BNST
Esr2
not only encode a specific mating action but also represent a persistent state of sexual satiety, and alterations in a neuronal ion channel contribute to sexual experience–dependent long-term changes to mating drive.
Structural basis for SMAC-mediated antagonism of caspase inhibition by the giant ubiquitin ligase BIRC6
Authors: Dietz Larissa , Ellison Cara J. , Riechmann Carlos , Cassidy C. Keith , Felfoldi F. Daniel , Pinto-Fernández Adán , Kessler Benedikt M. , Elliott Paul R.
Published: February 2023

Certain inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family members are sentinel proteins that prevent untimely cell death by inhibiting caspases. Antagonists, including second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC), regulate IAPs and drive cell death. Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 6 (BIRC6), a giant IAP with dual E2 and E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, regulates programmed cell death through unknown mechanisms. We show that BIRC6 directly restricts executioner caspase-3 and -7 and ubiquitinates caspase-3, -7, and -9, working exclusively with noncanonical E1, UBA6. Notably, we show that SMAC suppresses both mechanisms. Cryo–electron microscopy structures of BIRC6 alone and in complex with SMAC reveal that BIRC6 is an antiparallel dimer juxtaposing the substrate-binding module against the catalytic domain. Furthermore, we discover that SMAC multisite binding to BIRC6 results in a subnanomolar affinity interaction, enabling SMAC to competitively displace caspases, thus antagonizing BIRC6 anticaspase function.
Masters of Misdirection: Peptidoglycan Glycosidases in Bacterial Growth
Authors: Weaver Anna , Taguchi Atsushi , Dörr Tobias
Published: February 2023

The dynamic composition of the peptidoglycan cell wall has been the subject of intense research for decades, yet how bacteria coordinate the synthesis of new peptidoglycan with the turnover and remodeling of existing peptidoglycan remains elusive. Diversity and redundancy within peptidoglycan synthases and peptidoglycan autolysins, enzymes that degrade peptidoglycan, have often made it challenging to assign physiological roles to individual enzymes and determine how those activities are regulated.
Rock surface luminescence dating of gravel determines the age of a glacial outburst megaflood, Glacial Lake Missoula, Montana, USA
Authors: Smith Larry N. , Sohbati Reza , Jain Mayank
Published: February 2023

Giant gravel bars are important archives of megafloods; however, determining their depositional ages requires reliable geochronometric methods. Five gravel bars, reaching heights of 150–170 m, formed in the bedrock-lined Alberton Gorge along the Clark Fork River, Montana (USA), during draining of Glacial Lake Missoula (GLM). We report the first numerical ages for megaflood deposits in the GLM basin by successfully applying the novel optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) rock surface dating technique to date cobbles collected from three locations along one bar’s transport direction. Depth-dependent infrared stimulated luminescence and post-infrared pulsed OSL signals showed that exteriors of only 3 out of the 38 collected cobble samples were well bleached by exposure to daylight before burial, and hence suitable for dating. The cobbles provided ages of 16.5 ± 0.9, 18.5 ± 1.4, and 21.7 ± 1.1 ka, all of which are indistinguishable from the average cosmogenic nuclide age of 18.2 ± 1.5 ka (n = 4) for a large megaflood in the Channeled Scabland, eastern Washington State. The average of the two younger ages, 17.5 ± 1.0 ka, is our best estimate of the deposit age. We interpret the older age to be from a cobble that was reworked by the flood. Our results show that these techniques have great potential for providing reliable chronologies for paleofloods and other high-energy depositional events.
Stranding continental crustal fragments during continent breakup: Mantle suture reactivation in the Nain Province of Eastern Canada
Authors: Heron Philip J. , Peace A.L. , McCaffrey K.J.W. , Sharif A. , Yu A.J. , Pysklywec R.N.
Published: February 2023

Earth’s continental crust has evolved through a series of supercontinent cycles, resulting in a patchwork of Archean cores surrounded by terranes, fragments, and slivers of younger crustal additions. However, the dispersal (and/or stranding) of continental fragments during breakup is not well understood. Inherited structures from previous tectonic activity may explain the generation of continental terranes by controlling first-order deformation during rifting. Here, we explored the influence of lithospheric deformation related to ancient orogenesis, focusing on the impact of the Torngat orogen in the genesis of the Nain Province continental fragment in Eastern Canada. We present three-dimensional continental extension models in the presence of an inherited lithospheric structure and show that a narrow continental terrane could be separated and stranded by deep lithospheric scarring. The results show that continental terranes formed by this method would be limited to a width of 100–150 km, imposed by tectonic conditions during continental suturing. The findings have broad implications, demonstrating an original theory on the fundamental geologic problem of terrane generation and continent breakup.
Gestational age and hospital admission costs from birth to childhood: a population-based record linkage study in England
Authors: Hua Xinyang , Petrou Stavros , Coathup Victoria , Carson Claire , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Quigley Maria A , Boyle Elaine , Johnson Samantha , Macfarlane Alison , Rivero-Arias Oliver
Published: February 2023

Objective

To examine the association between gestational age at birth and hospital admission costs from birth to 8 years of age.

Design

Population-based, record linkage, cohort study in England.

Setting

National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England, UK.

Participants

1 018 136 live, singleton births in NHS hospitals in England between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2006.

Main outcome measures

Hospital admission costs from birth to age 8 years, estimated by gestational age at birth (<28, 28–29, 30–31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 weeks).

Results

Both birth admission and subsequent admission hospital costs decreased with increasing gestational age at birth. Differences in hospital admission costs between gestational age groups diminished with increasing age, particularly after the first 2 years following birth. Children born extremely preterm (<28 weeks) and very preterm (28–31 weeks) still had higher average hospital admission costs (£699 (95% CI £419 to £919) for <28 weeks; £434 (95% CI £305 to £563) for 28–31 weeks) during the eighth year of life compared with children born at 40 weeks (£109, 95% CI £104 to £114). Children born extremely preterm had the highest 8-year cumulative hospital admission costs per child (£80 559 (95% CI £79 238 to £82 019)), a large proportion of which was incurred during the first year after birth (£71 997 (95% CI £70 866 to £73 097)).

Conclusions

The association between gestational age at birth and hospital admission costs persists into mid-childhood. The study results provide a useful costing resource for future economic evaluations focusing on preventive and treatment strategies for babies born preterm.
Resection of an elusive parathyroid adenoma in the aortopulmonary window
Authors: Bondje Sophie , Kaplan Felicity , Palazzo Fausto , Barwick Tara
Published: February 2023

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is the most common cause of hypercalcaemia and is caused by a single parathyroid adenoma in the neck in 85% or more of patients. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines published in May 2019 advise that preoperative imaging is offered prior to parathyroid surgery for PHPT if it will inform surgical approach. If imaging, typically a neck ultrasound and a second modality that may use ionising radiation, does not identify the adenoma or is discordant, it is advised that surgery is performed by a surgeon with expertise in the management of unlocalised parathyroid disease.The cure rate in such cases is over 96%. Occasionally, however, PHPT cure can be challenging.

A woman in her late 40s presented with bilateral renal calculi and was found to have PHPT. Following false positive imaging and three non-curative surgical procedures, removal of a supernumerary ectopic parathyroid adenoma in the aortopulmonary window via sternotomy achieved definitive cure.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast with late recurrence and high-grade transformation
Authors: Vasudevan Gowtham , John Ann Mary , D K Vijaykumar , Vallonthaiel Archana George
Published: February 2023

Breast cancers have broad histological subtypes with varied molecular expression, which determines the management. Although ductal and lobular breast carcinomas constitute the significant 90% of these tumours, other subtypes constitute about 10% of breast cancers. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) is a salivary gland-type tumour described in breast, constituting less than 1% of all breast carcinomas. These tumours have a favourable prognosis and are surgically managed by either lumpectomy or mastectomy. Solid-basaloid and AdCC with high-grade transformation are the sporadic subtypes of AdCC, in addition to the classic type. We report a case of recurrent AdCC which was surgically managed by modified radical mastectomy initially and presented with recurrence and high-grade transformation 11 years later.
Self-reported dual sensory impairment and related factors: a European population-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Leveziel Nicolas , Marillet Simon , Braithwaite Tasanee , Peto Tunde , Ingrand Pierre , Pardhan Shahina , Bron Alain M , Jonas Jost B , Resnikoff Serge , Julie Anne Little , Davis Adrian C , McMahon Catherine M , Bourne Rupert R A
Published: February 2023

Background

Data on population-based self-reported dual vision and hearing impairment are sparse in Europe. We aimed to investigate self-reported dual sensory impairment (DSI) in European population.

Methods

A standardised questionnaire was used to collect medical and socio-economic data among individuals aged 15 years or more in 29 European countries. Individuals living in collective households or in institutions were excluded from the survey.

Results

Among 296 677 individuals, the survey included 153 866 respondents aged 50 years old or more. The crude prevalence of DSI was of 7.54% (7.36–7.72). Among individuals aged 60 or more, 9.23% of men and 10.94% of women had DSI. Eastern and southern countries had a higher prevalence of DSI. Multivariable analyses showed that social isolation and poor self-rated health status were associated with DSI with ORs of 2.01 (1.77–2.29) and 2.33 (2.15–2.52), while higher income was associated with lower risk of DSI (OR of 0.83 (0.78–0.89). Considering country-level socioeconomic factors, Human Development Index explained almost 38% of the variance of age-adjusted prevalence of DSI.

Conclusion

There are important differences in terms of prevalence of DSI in Europe, depending on socioeconomic and medical factors. Prevention of DSI does represent an important challenge for maintaining quality of life in elderly population.
Comprehensive assessment and classification of upper and lower limb pain in athletes: a scoping review
Authors: Purcell Ciarán , Duignan Ciara , Fullen Brona M , Ryan Shiofra , Ward Tomas , Caulfield Brian
Published: February 2023

Background

Upper and lower limb (peripheral) pain is prevalent in athletes. Contemporary research prioritises multidimensional pain assessment and classification. This study aims to review comprehensive athlete pain assessment practices against the reference standard (International Olympic Committee, IOC Athlete Pain framework), identifying trends and highlighting gaps.

Methods and analysis

Six databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy. This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute standardised methodology for scoping reviews and is reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Title and abstract, full-text screening and data charting were completed by two independent reviewers.

Inclusion criteria

Original research, systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines reporting assessment or classification of pain in athletes of any age with chronic or acute peripheral pain in English on human participants from database inception.

Results

470 studies with 175 different pain assessment tools were mapped against the IOC Athlete Pain Framework. Papers included tools from neurophysiological (470/100%), biomechanical (425/90%), affective (103/22%), cognitive (59/13%) and socioenvironmental (182/39%) domains. Pain classification was included in 108 studies (23%). 4 studies (0.85%) defined pain. Athletes with physical disability were included in 13 (3%) studies and no studies included athletes with intellectual disabilities. Socioeconomic factors were addressed in 29 (6%) studies.

Discussion

Neurophysiological and biomechanical domains are frequently addressed. Affective, socioenvironmental and cognitive tools are under-represented. Potential tools for use by researchers and clinicians are highlighted. Defining and classifying pain and determining predominant pain mechanisms is needed in both research and clinical practice. More work on underrepresented populations is needed.

Conclusion

This review informs researchers and clinicians working with athletes in pain how pain assessment and classification is currently conducted and highlights future priorities.
The impact of economic sanctions on health and health systems in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Pinna Pintor Matteo , Suhrcke Marc , Hamelmann Christoph
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Economic sanctions restrict customary commercial and financial ties between states to induce change in political constitution or conduct of the targeted country. Although the stated goals of sanctions often include humanitarian objectives, prospective procedures for health risk assessment are not regularly incorporated in their implementation. Moreover, past experience suggests that the burden of economic isolation may fall on the civilian population. We present key findings from a WHO-sponsored evidence review on the impact of economic sanctions on health and health systems in low-income and middle-income countries, aiming at comprehensive coverage and explicit consideration of issues of causality and mechanisms.

Methods

Broad searches of PubMed and Google Scholar (1970–2021) were designed to retrieve published and grey English-language literature expected to cut across disciplines, terminology and research methods. Studies providing an impact estimate were rated by a structured assessment based on ROBINS-I risk of bias domains, synthesised via vote counting and contextualised into the broader literature through a thematic synthesis.

Results

Included studies (185) were mostly peer-reviewed, mostly single-country, largely coming from medicine and public health, and chiefly concerned with three important target countries—Iraq, Haiti and Iran. Among studies providing impact estimates (31), most raised multiple risk-of-bias concerns. Excluding those with data integrity issues, a significant proportion (21/27) reported consistently adverse effects of sanctions across examined outcomes, with no apparent association to assessed quality, focus on early episodes or publication period. The thematic synthesis highlights the complexity of sanctions, their multidimensionality and the possible mechanisms of impact.

Conclusion

Future research should draw on qualitative knowledge to collect domain-relevant data, combining it with better estimation techniques and study design. However, only the adoption of a risk assessment framework based on prospective data collection and monitoring can certify claims that civilians are adequately protected.
Undiagnosed hypoglycaemia disorders in children detected when hypoglycaemia occurs in the setting of illness: a retrospective study
Authors: Rosenfeld Elizabeth , Alzahrani Ohoud , De León Diva D
Published: February 2023

Objective

Whether hypoglycaemia incidentally detected during intercurrent illness in children requires an endocrine workup remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the yield of conducting a diagnostic evaluation in this setting and to compare clinical and biochemical features between patients ultimately diagnosed with a hypoglycaemic disorder and those who were not.

Design

Single-center, retrospective review of children referred to endocrinology between January 2013 and December 2018 for evaluation of hypoglycaemia (defined as plasma glucose<3.9 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL)) in the setting of acute illness.

Results

145 patients met eligibility criteria. A hypoglycaemia disorder was identified in 12 patients (8% of the cohort, 17% of those who underwent a diagnostic fast). There were no cases in which diagnosis was established in the absence of a diagnostic fast. Characteristics associated with identifying an underlying disorder included younger age (1.03 years (IQR: 0.05–1.54) vs 2.18 years [IQR: 1.29–3.99], p<0.001), higher bicarbonate level (22±5.5 mmol/L vs 16±3.6 mmol/L, p<0.001), lower frequency of elevated plasma or urine ketones (25% vs 92%, p=0.004) and lower frequency of other documented medical problems (17% vs 50%, p=0.03).

Conclusions

The yield of diagnostic evaluation among children with incidental detection of hypoglycaemia in the setting of illness is not insignificant. We thus recommend that all children with hypoglycaemia in the setting of illness undergo guided diagnostic evaluation. Younger age and absence of ketosis and acidosis at presentation may serve as useful predictors for establishing a diagnosis. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Long-term outcomes and prognostic factors of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients older than 75 years: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Kikuta Shota , Inoue Akihiko , Ishihara Satoshi , Takahashi Ryo , Ijuin Shinichi , Matsuyama Shigenari , Nakayama Shinichi
Published: February 2023

Background

Few studies have assessed older adult patients who received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) after cardiac arrest, and outcomes and prognostic factors of ECPR in this population remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes and prognostic factors among patients older than 75 years who received ECPR after experiencing cardiac arrest.

Methods

This is a single-centre, retrospective case–control study conducted between August 2010 and July 2019. Consecutive patients older than 75 years who had in-hospital (IHCA) or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and received ECPR at the Emergency Department in the Hyogo Emergency Medical Center, Hyogo, Japan, were included. The primary outcome was a favourable neurological outcome, defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 1–2 at 1 year after the event. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between variables and patient outcomes.

Results

Of the 187 patients with cardiac arrest who received ECPR, 30 were older than 75 years and 28 (15% of the cohort receiving ECPR) were examined in this study. The median age of the patients was 79 years (IQR 77–82), and there were 13 (46%) male patients. Neurological outcomes were favourable for seven (25%) patients, five of whom had IHCA and two with out-of-hospital OHCA. On univariate analysis, patients with a favourable outcome had a shorter median total collapse time (TCT) than those with an unfavourable outcome (favourable: 18.0 min (IQR 13.0–33.5) vs unfavourable: 44.0 min (IQR 25.0–53.0); p=0.049).

Conclusion

In selected patients older than 75 years, ECPR could be beneficial by providing a shorter TCT, which may contribute to favourable neurological outcomes. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Mobile-phone text messaging to promote ideal cardiovascular health in women
Authors: Acevedo Monica , Varleta Paola , Casas-Cordero Carolina , Berríos Amalia , Navarrete Carlos , Valentino Giovanna , Lopez Rosario , Smith Sidney C
Published: February 2023

Objective

Ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) was developed to promote CVH as a key component of primordial prevention. Mobile short message service (SMS) is useful for improving health behaviours. We aim to test the effectiveness of SMS intervention in women to improve CVH.

Methods

In a single-blinded, randomised, controlled study, 620 women, aged 35–70 years, without cardiovascular disease, were enrolled in SMS intervention versus no SMS. CVH metrics by self-report, and biochemical laboratory, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were collected during home visits at baseline and 9 months. Women were categorised as having poor (0–2), intermediate (3–4) or ideal (5–7) CVH according to the number of ideal CVH metrics. Participants were randomised 1:1 to SMS intervention versus control. SMS was sent every 5–6 days for 9 months. The primary outcome was the difference in the proportion of women with ideal CVH between SMS and control groups at 9 months. Rates of intermediate CVH, poor CVH and each of the seven ideal CV health metrics at 9 months were key secondary endpoints.

Results

At 9 months, there was no significant difference between groups for the primary outcome (16.3% at baseline and 13.3% at 9 months, and 10.1% and 11.1%, in SMS and control groups, respectively, adjusted RR 1.0; 95% CI 0.6 to 1.6). Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups for the key secondary endpoints. SMS had an acceptance rate of 94.9%.

Conclusions

Behavioural SMS intervention did not improve rates of ideal CVH in women, despite being feasible and well received.

Trial registration number

6377.
Inflammation, bone loss and 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra in axial spondyloarthritis: a multilevel MRI and low-dose CT analysis
Authors: Marques Mary Lucy , Pereira da Silva Nuno , van der Heijde Desirée , Stal Rosalinde , Baraliakos Xenofon , Braun Juergen , Reijnierse Monique , Bastiaenen Caroline , Ramiro Sofia , van Gaalen Floris A
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate whether in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) inflammation is associated with lower trabecular bone density (TBD), and subsequently, if a lower TBD increases the likelihood of 2-year bone formation at the same vertebra.

Methods

Whole spine (C3–L5) data from patients included in the multicentre 2-year Sensitive Imaging in Ankylosing Spondylitis cohort was used. Two readers measured baseline TBD by Hounsfield units (HU) on low-dose CT (ldCT). Baseline MRI bone marrow oedema (BME) status scores and ldCT syndesmophyte formation and/or growth change-from-baseline scores were assessed by three and two readers, respectively. Average of readers’ continuous measurements or readers’ agreement in binary scores generated within the same vertebra (1—present in ≥1 quadrant/0—absent in all quadrants) were used. Multilevel generalised estimating equations models were used, the unit of analysis being the vertebra.

Results

In 50 patients with r-axSpA, TBD HU decreased from cranial to caudal vertebrae. Baseline MRI-BME was present in 300/985 (30%) and syndesmophytes in 588/910 (65%) vertebrae, both most prevalent at thoracolumbar region. Syndesmophyte formation or growth was observed in 18% of at-risk vertebrae (124/691). A significant confounder-adjusted association was found between inflammation and lower TBD (regression coefficient=−51; 95% CI−63 to −39). TBD was not associated with 2-year syndesmophyte formation or growth (adjusted OR 1.00; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00).

Conclusion

In r-axSpA, while vertebral inflammation was associated with lower vertebral TBD, lower vertebral TBD itself did not increase the risk for new bone formation at the same vertebra. In preventing syndesmophyte progression, targeting local inflammation seems more important than targeting vertebral trabecular bone loss.
Potential impact of autoimmune diseases family history in IgG4-related disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Ruijie , Liu Zheng , Lu Hui , Peng Yu , Li Jieqiong , Nie Yuxue , Li Jingna , Peng Linyi , Zhou Jiaxin , Fei Yunyun , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhang Wen
Published: February 2023

Objective

Autoimmune comorbidities may be associated with IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), here we aimed to determine the correlation of autoimmune diseases (AID) family history and IgG4-RD in a Chinese cohort.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study identified 628 cases of IgG4-RD in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Patients were classified into two groups, with AID family history group (AID-positive) and without AID family history group (AID-negative). We viewed the potential value of AID family history on IgG4-RD by comparing the differences between the two groups. In addition, Cox regression analysis estimated CIs and HR for IgG4-RD risk.

Results

93 (14.8%) IgG4-RD patients had AID family history. Compared with AID-negative group, baseline data analysis revealed that AID-positive group patients had an earlier age of IgG4-RD onset (50.4±14.8 vs 54.2±12.6, p=0.014*), a higher percentage of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity (38.9% vs 22.7%, p=0.0277*) and Riedel thyroiditis (10.9% vs 2.4%, p=0.001*), were prone to comorbid with other AID (16.1% vs 6.2%, p=0.0238*). Cox analysis found that younger age (HR 0.97 (95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), p=0.0384*) and higher proportions of baseline peripheral eosinophils (HR 1.1 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.2), p=0.0199*) increased the risk of unfavourable prognosis for AID-positive IgG4-RD patients.

Conclusions

14.8% of IgG4-RD patients had AID family history, with younger age of disease onset age and higher frequency of ANA positivity in AID-positive group, indicating that IgG4-RD may share genetic background with other AID.
Hand function is already reduced before RA development and reflects subclinical tenosynovitis
Authors: Krijbolder Doortje Isabelle , Khidir Sarah J H , Matthijssen Xanthe M E , ten Brinck Robin M , van Aken Jill , Speyer Irene , van der Giesen Florus J , van Mulligen Elise , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H M
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) is characterised by arthralgia of small joints and considered a risk stage for development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains unknown if the function of the hands is already affected and what mechanisms underlie impaired hand-function in CSA.

Methods

We studied various measures of hand function in two CSA populations. CSA patients in the TREAT EARLIER-trial (n=236) were evaluated at baseline for: grip strength on a dynamometer (GS), patient-reported difficulties in the grip domain of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) questionnaire and incomplete fist closure at physical examination. Findings were validated in an independent CSA cohort (n=600) where hand function was measured as: GS evaluated by squeezing the examiner’s fingers, grip domain of the HAQ questionnaire and fist closure. Contrast-enhanced MRI of the hands measured synovitis, tenosynovitis and bone marrow oedema (summed as subclinical inflammation) in both cohorts.

Results

GS (on a dynamometer) was reduced in 75% compared with reference values in healthy controls, 60% reported grip difficulties and 13% had incomplete fist closure. Reduced GS was associated with subclinical inflammation (−0.38 kg/point inflammation, 95% CI −0.68 to −0.08). Studying separate MRI features, GS reduction was independently associated with tenosynovitis, decreasing with −2.63 kg (95% CI −2.26 to −0.33)/point tenosynovitis (range observed tenosynovitis scores: 0–20). Similar relations with tenosynovitis were seen for patient-reported grip difficulties (OR 1.12/point, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.42) and incomplete fist closure (OR 1.36/point, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.79). In the validation cohort, 36% had decreased examiner-assessed GS, 51% reported grip difficulties and 14% incomplete fist closure: all were associated with tenosynovitis. Decreased dynamometer-measured GS was most sensitive for detecting tenosynovitis (75%), while incomplete fist closure was most specific (88%–90%).

Conclusion

Hand function is already often affected before RA development. These limitations are related to subclinical inflammation and tenosynovitis in particular.
Insufficient PrEParation: an assessment of primary care prescribing habits and use of pre-exposure prophylaxis in patients at risk of HIV acquisition at a single medical centre
Authors: Babiarz Jane , Nix Chad D , Bowden Sean , Roberts Rachel
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To assess HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prescribing habits by primary care providers and the number of patients at risk of HIV acquisition at a single medical centre in the Northwestern USA from 1 July 2018 to 31 June 2020.

Methods

An electronic cross-sectional survey was administered in April and May 2021 to providers in family medicine, internal medicine, adolescent and young adult health, student health and women’s health clinics affiliated with the medical centre with questions pertaining to PrEP prescribing practices. Electronic medical record abstraction was used to quantify the number of eligible patients who sought care in primary care departments and the adherence to PrEP initiation guidelines from 1 July 2018 to 31 June 2020.

Results

74% (61/82) of providers reported familiarity with national clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of HIV infection. 50% (41/82) of respondents were located in family medicine clinics. 57% (47/82) of providers counseled less than one-quarter of those who they identified as at risk of HIV infection. The major barriers to prescribing PrEP were insufficient time and lack of familiarity with guidelines. Of the 4330 eligible patients for PrEP, 8% (337/4330) received at least one PrEP prescription during the study period. For patients newly prescribed PrEP, only 23% (39/170) had appropriate counseling and labs at initiation. The top three qualifying indications for PrEP were identifying as transgender (36%, n=1562), high-risk sexual behaviour (32%, n=1405) and injection drug use (30%, n=1289).

Conclusions

This study highlights intervention points in the HIV prevention cascade warranting attention in order to achieve the 2025 Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. target for PrEP coverage. These include increasing provider adherence to prescribing guidelines and reducing the logistical barriers to prescribing.
On the troubling use of plastic ‘habitat’ structures for fish in freshwater ecosystems – or – when restoration is just littering
Authors: Cooke S.J. , Piczak M.L. , Vermaire J.C. , Kirkwood A.E.
Published: February 2023

The creation and deployment of plastic structures made out of pipes and panels in freshwater ecosystems to enhance fish habitat or restore freshwater systems have become popularized in some regions. Here, we outline concerns with these activities, examine the associated evidence base for using plastic materials for restoration, and provide some suggestions for a path forward. The evidence base supporting the use of plastic structures in freshwater systems is limited in terms of ecological benefit and assurances that the use of plastics does not contribute to pollution via plastic degradation or leaching. Rarely was a cradle-to-grave approach (i.e. the full life cycle of restoration as well as the full suite of environmental consequences arising from plastic creation to disposal) considered nor were decommissioning plans required for deployment of plastic habitats. We suggest that there is a need to embrace natural materials when engaging in habitat restoration and provide more opportunities for relevant actors to have a voice regarding the types of materials used. It is clear that restoration of freshwater ecosystems is critically important, but those efforts need to be guided by science and not result in potential long-term harm. We conclude that based on the current evidence base, the use of plastic for habitat enhancement or restoration in freshwater systems is nothing short of littering.
Online Single-Processor Scheduling with an Unexpected Breakdown
Authors: Guo Sainan , Chen Yannan , Mao Yaping , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we consider two single-processor online scheduling problems with an unexpected breakdown. Speaking specifically, there is a group of nonresumable jobs being processed on the single processor. Note that the breakdown will emerge on the processor suddenly, which signifies that its beginning time and its length are unknown in advance. In this study, we are interested in scheduling the jobs so as to minimize the maximum weighted completion time. Most noticeably, when all jobs respect an agreeable condition, i.e., for each two jobs [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] means that [Formula: see text], we design an optimal online algorithm. In addition, for the general version, we propose an online algorithm with a competitive ratio of at most 2.
The effective equation of state in Rastall gravity
Authors: Xi Ping , Xu Zi-tong , Li Xin-zhou
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we study a homogeneous and isotropic flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) universe in Rastall gravity, in which there exist the components of radiation and dust. That is to say, the density of fluid [Formula: see text] satisfies the barotropic equation of state [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and the equation of state [Formula: see text]. We derive the modified Friedmann equations, and the effective equation of state [Formula: see text] in this universe model. For the dust-dominated case, the effective equation of state [Formula: see text] is described by [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the Rastall parameter. As [Formula: see text], we have [Formula: see text] which means an accelerated expansion of the universe occurs. Along with the conditions for the convergent modified Friedmann equations and the positive density of dust, the Rastall parameter [Formula: see text] should be in the range of [Formula: see text]. In other words, the various [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text] correspond to those of quintessence with the general barotropic equation of state [Formula: see text]. For the general case, the Rastall universe full of radiation and dust, the expression of [Formula: see text] is complicated involving the Rastall parameter, the density of radiation and the density of dust. As the ratio of the densities of dust and radiation is smaller than [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is less than [Formula: see text]. Moreover, to keep the density of dust positive, the Rastall parameter should be restricted in [Formula: see text] too. By the numerical calculation, we find that [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] decreases as [Formula: see text] increases. And [Formula: see text] for different [Formula: see text] ultimately tend to [Formula: see text], the value of which are in the range of [Formula: see text]. Obviously, the expansion of the cosmology filled with radiation and dust or only dust in Rastall gravity [Formula: see text] accelerates without any “exotic” energy whose equation of state [Formula: see text].
Analyses of a two-lane lattice hydrodynamic model incorporating predictive effect and self-delayed flux integral
Authors: Kang Chengjun , Qian Yongsheng , Zeng Junwei , Wei Xuting
Published: February 2023

To explore the mechanism among disturbance, spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and stability for traffic flow, this paper presents an improved lattice hydrodynamic model with lane change into consideration and investigates the influence of three influencing factors, namely, lane change effect, predictive effect, and self-delayed flux integral effect on traffic flow. Moreover, theoretical analyses containing linear and nonlinear analysis are further developed. By linear stability analysis, we obtain the model’s neutral stability curve. Moreover, the Burgers equation and modified Korteweg–de Vries equation are derived in nonlinear stability analysis section. The phase transition of traffic flow and its propagation behavior of congestion near the critical point are described. In addition, under the influence of disturbance, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of density wave and energy consumption are intuitively shown by numerical simulations. The results reveal that appropriate lane change behavior, predictive effect and self-delayed flux integral effect are conducive to improve traffic stability and reduce energy consumption.
Dynamic Virtual Machine Allocation in Cloud Computing Using Elephant Herd Optimization Scheme
Authors: Madhusudhan H. S. , Gupta Punit , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Tan Zhenhai
Published: February 2023

Cloud computing is a computing technology that is expeditiously evolving. Cloud is a type of distributed computing system that provides a scalable computational resource on demand including storage, processing power and applications as a service via Internet. Cloud computing, with the assistance of virtualization, allows for transparent data and service sharing across cloud users, as well as access to thousands of machines in a single event. Virtual machine (VM) allocation is a difficult job in virtualization that is governed as an important aspect of VM migration. This process is performed to discover the optimum way to place VMs on physical machines (PMs) since it has clear implications for resource usage, energy efficiency, and performance of several applications, among other things. Hence an efficient VM placement problem is required. This paper presents a VM allocation technique based on the elephant herd optimization scheme. The proposed method is evaluated using real-time workload traces and the empirical results show that the proposed method reduces energy consumption, and maximizes resource utilization when compared to the existing methods.
A Lightweight Detection Scheme for the Safety of Human Behaviors in Power Construction Sites
Authors: Chen Bo , Zhang Hongyu , Li Ying , Fang Xiao , Chen Haiyang
Published: February 2023

Safety mishaps at electric power construction sites have been more frequent in recent years as a result of the growth of the electric power business, the inescapable carelessness of current safety oversight, and other causes. Traditional manual supervision and video surveillance methods demand a lot of human resources and suffer from issues like low efficiency and lack of objectivity, making it unable to provide security alerts in real-time and accurately. Therefore, solutions like intelligent monitoring based on object detection are required to address this issue. Many object detection methods now in use (such as R-CNN, Fast R-CNN, and YOLOV5) are computationally and energy intensive. They are typically installed on remote back-end servers, which makes it impossible to guarantee the real-time security alert. This paper trains a lightweight NanoDet network model to recognize the attire and actions of power construction workers in order to address the aforementioned issues. Additionally, in order to meet the real-time security warning requirements and fully utilize the limited computing resources of edge devices, the NanoDet network model is divided, with some layers being divided into CPU execution. According to experiments, power consumption can be reduced by deploying the Backbone or PAFPN blocks of the NanoDet model to CPUs and running them in 30W4Core mode.
Regularity of powers of cover ideals of bipartite graphs
Authors: Hang Nguyen Thu , Hien Truong Thi
Published: February 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a bipartite graph over the vertex set [Formula: see text] and let [Formula: see text] be the cover ideal of [Formula: see text] in the polynomial ring [Formula: see text]. It is known that there are integers [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] is a linear function in [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we give effective bounds for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].