bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health professionals involved in diabetic foot and their tasks in a country without podiatrists: From a Japanese Nationwide Survey
Authors: Izumi Yuki , Onishi Hirotaka , Lavery Lawrence A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough there are no podiatrists in 85% of countries worldwide, how diabetic foot is managed in those countries is still unknown. We sought to identify the health professionals involved in diabetic foot and their tasks in Japan, where no podiatrists exist. This cross‐sectional study used the Japanese Nationwide Survey on Foot Ulcer Management dataset, consisting of 249 medical doctors and 680 allied health professionals. The types of health professionals involved in the diabetic foot were identified, and the tasks performed by each professional were compared within subgroups (medical doctors and allied health professionals). We found that the primary medical doctors involved in diabetic foot care in Japan were plastic surgeons (33.5%), dermatologists (21%), cardiovascular/vascular surgeons (15.2%), and cardiologists (12.1%). Nurses were the main allied health professionals (80%), and the rest consisted of prosthetists/orthotists (7.6%), physical/occupational therapists (5.9%), and clinical engineering technologists (3.6%). Medical doctors performed tasks related to their specialties significantly more than others (p < 0.001); however, they also engaged in tasks outside of their specialty, such as plastic surgeons performing preventive foot care (72%). Among allied health professionals, clinical engineering technologists performed more vascular assessments (p < 0.001), and half were engaged in wound management, preventive foot care, and self‐foot care education. In conclusion, the type and proportion of health professionals in our study differed from those in countries with podiatrists, and many performed tasks outside their specialties. This is the first nationwide cross‐sectional study of diabetic foot care in a country without podiatrists and is unique in examining multiple specialists/professionals in one study.
Deletion of the α2δ‐1 calcium channel subunit increases excitability of mouse chromaffin cells
Authors: Geisler Stefanie M. , Ottaviani Matteo M. , Jacobo‐Piqueras Noelia , Theiner Tamara , Mastrolia Vincenzo , Guarina Laura , Ebner Karl , Obermair Gerald J. , Carbone Emilio , Tuluc Petronel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHigh voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels (HVCCs) shape the electrical activity and control hormone release in most endocrine cells. HVCCs are multi‐subunit protein complexes formed by the pore‐forming α1 and the auxiliary β, α2δ and γ subunits. Four genes code for the α2δ isoforms. At the mRNA level, mouse chromaffin cells (MCCs) express predominantly the CACNA2D1 gene coding for the α2δ‐1 isoform. Here we show that α2δ‐1 deletion led to ∼60% reduced HVCC Ca2+ influx with slower inactivation kinetics. Pharmacological dissection showed that HVCC composition remained similar in α2δ‐1−/− MCCs compared to wild‐type (WT), demonstrating that α2δ‐1 exerts similar functional effects on all HVCC isoforms. Consistent with reduced HVCC Ca2+ influx, α2δ‐1−/− MCCs showed reduced spontaneous electrical activity with action potentials (APs) having a shorter half‐maximal duration caused by faster rising and decay slopes. However, the induced electrical activity showed opposite effects with α2δ‐1−/− MCCs displaying significantly higher AP frequency in the tonic firing mode as well as an increase in the number of cells firing AP bursts compared to WT. This gain‐of‐function phenotype was caused by reduced functional activation of Ca2+‐dependent K+ currents. Additionally, despite the reduced HVCC Ca2+ influx, the intracellular Ca2+ transients and vesicle exocytosis or endocytosis were unaltered in α2δ‐1−/− MCCs compared to WT during sustained stimulation. In conclusion, our study shows that α2δ‐1 genetic deletion reduces Ca2+ influx in cultured MCCs but leads to a paradoxical increase in catecholamine secretion due to increased excitability.
imageKey points
Deletion of the α2δ‐1 high voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel (HVCC) subunit reduces mouse chromaffin cell (MCC) Ca2+ influx by ∼60% but causes a paradoxical increase in induced excitability.
MCC intracellular Ca2+ transients are unaffected by the reduced HVCC Ca2+ influx.
Deletion of α2δ‐1 reduces the immediately releasable pool vesicle exocytosis but has no effect on catecholamine (CA) release in response to sustained stimuli.
The increased electrical activity and CA release from MCCs might contribute to the previously reported cardiovascular phenotype of patients carrying α2δ‐1 loss‐of‐function mutations.
Gaussian Process-Based Learning Control of Underactuated Balance Robots With an External and Internal Convertible Modeling Structure
Authors: Han Feng , Yi Jingang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
External and internal convertible (EIC) form-based motion control is one of the effective designs of simultaneous trajectory tracking and balance for underactuated balance robots. Under certain conditions, the EIC-based control design is shown to lead to uncontrolled robot motion. To overcome this issue, we present a Gaussian process (GP)-based data-driven learning control for underactuated balance robots with the EIC modeling structure. Two GP-based learning controllers are presented by using the EIC property. The partial EIC (PEIC)-based control design partitions the robotic dynamics into a fully actuated subsystem and a reduced-order underactuated subsystem. The null-space EIC (NEIC)-based control compensates for the uncontrolled motion in a subspace, while the other closed-loop dynamics are not affected. Under the PEIC- and NEIC-based, the tracking and balance tasks are guaranteed, and convergence rate and bounded errors are achieved without causing any uncontrolled motion by the original EIC-based control. We validate the results and demonstrate the GP-based learning control design using two inverted pendulum platforms.
Study on Chemical Kinetic Mechanism and Autoignition Characteristics of Isopentanol/Gasoline Surrogate Fuel
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Suo Xinghan , Liu Leilei , Wang Lin , Feng Hongqing , Wang Changhui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this article, the detailed mechanism of isopentanol was simplified by direct relationship graph error propagation (DRGEP), generation rate analysis, reaction path optimization, and sensitivity analysis, and a comprehensive simplified mechanism of isopentanol/gasoline alternative fuels was obtained. Isopentanol/gasoline-characterized fuels with different blending ratios were investigated, and the results showed that blending of isopentanol promoted the autoignition of gasoline. It was found that blending isopentanol does not significantly affect the low-temperature reaction path of alkanes, but increases the reaction path flux from toluene to benzene. During combustion of isopentanol/gasoline alternative fuels, the isopentanol component exhibits a unique two-stage combustion phenomenon.
Influence of Reynolds Number on Aerodynamic and Performance Coefficients of a Novel Parabolic-Bladed Savonius Wind Rotor
Authors: Mohan Man , Talukdar Parag K. , Saha Ujjwal K. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The vertical-axis Savonius wind rotor is known for its design simplicity, better starting qualities, and direction independency despite its inferior efficiency when measured against certain other types of vertical-axis wind rotors. Despite a plethora of research work on Savonius rotors, an in-depth analysis of Reynolds number (Re) on aerodynamic and power coefficients of the Savonius rotors is scarce. This paper aims at exploring the influence of Re on the performance of a novel parabolic blade profile through unsteady two-dimensional (2D) computation. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations are modeled using the ansys fluent by adopting a shear stress transport (SST) k–ω turbulence model. The computational results of the novel blade profile are then compared and analyzed with an established semicircular blade profile to draw some meaningful insights into the aerodynamic performance. In the tested range of Re = 5.3 × 104–10.6 × 104, the novel parabolic blade profile outperformed the semicircular blade profile in terms of aerodynamic and performance coefficients.
Influence of Aluminum Content and Agglomerates Initial Velocity on Erosion in Solid Rocket Motor
Authors: Abousabae Mohamed , Khalil Areej , Al Hamad Saif , Amano Ryoichi S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Despite the aluminized propellants offering a high specific impulse, the challenge of nozzle erosion adversely impacts the rocket's performance and its reusability potential. This study presents a numerical model aiming to predict the mechanical erosion of the propulsion chamber nozzle. The model employs an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach to simulate the complexity of the flow field within the rocket combustion chamber and the interactions between the continuous phase and particles. The model also emphasizes the importance of the aluminum particle combustion process and the secondary breakup phenomena in the erosion process. Experimental and numerical data from the literature were used to validate the numerical model. Subsequently, the model was utilized to explore the impacts of increasing propellant aluminum content and varying particles' injection velocities on the nozzle's mechanical erosion. The outcomes indicated that higher aluminum content leads to a 4–10% increase in nozzle erosion compared to the 15% content case. Furthermore, the aluminum particles tend not to fully burn within the combustion chamber and contribute to the nozzle's erosion. Lastly, particles with higher initial velocity at the inlet of the combustion chamber increase the nozzle mechanical erosion despite the observed decrease in incident mass flux.
Time to resolution of symptoms and recovery after mild traumatic brain injury: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ngai Adrian , Hibberd Owen , Hassan Hamda , Whitehouse Daniel P , Richter Sophie , Newcombe Virginia 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, with approximately 1 out of 200 people each year sustaining an mTBI in Europe. There is a growing awareness that recovery may take months or years. However, the exact time frame of recovery remains ill-defined in the literature. This systematic review aims to record the range of outcome measures used for mTBI and understand the time to recovery for different outcomes.Methods and analysisThis protocol complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guideline. A prespecified literature search for articles in the English language will be conducted from database inception to the date of searches using MEDLINE and EMBASE. A trial search was conducted on 5 October 2023 with refinement of the search criteria following this. For each study, screening of the title, abstract and full text, as well as data extraction, will be done by two reviewers, with an adjudicating third reviewer if required. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for clinical trials and the Newcastle Ottawa score for cohort studies. The primary outcome is the time to resolution of symptoms in mTBI patients who have a full recovery, using any validated outcome measure. Results will be categorised by symptom groups, including but not limited to post-concussive symptoms, mental health, functional recovery and health-related quality of life. For mTBI patients who do not recover, this review will also explore the time to the plateau of symptoms and the sequelae of these symptoms. Where possible, meta-analysis will be undertaken, with a narrative review undertaken when this is not possible. Subgroup analyses of patients aged over 64 years, and patients with repetitive head injury, are planned.Ethical review and disseminationEthical review is not required, as no original data will be collected. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and academic conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023462797.
Tailored leadership training in emergency medicine: qualitative exploration of the impact of the EMLeaders programme on consultants and trainees in England
Authors: Kneafsey Rosie , Moore Amanda , Palmer Shea , Szczepura Ala , Hooper Gareth , Leech Caroline , Turner Chris , Khan Aanika , Pawar Bhupinder , Rodrigues Amorim Adegboye Amanda 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundEmergency medicine (EM) consultants are expected to provide leadership to facilitate optimal clinical results, effective teamwork and learning. To foster leadership skills, the Emergency Medicine Leadership Programme (EMLeaders) was launched in 2018 by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), Health Education England and National Health Service England. A mixed-methods evaluation of EMLeaders was commissioned to assess the impact at the strategic, team and individual levels. This paper reports the qualitative evaluation component.MethodsQualitative data collected from 2021 to 2022 were drawn from an online survey of RCEM members in England, which included four open questions about leadership training. At the end of the survey, participants were asked to share contact details if willing to undertake an in-depth qualitative interview. Interviews explored perceptions of the programme and impact of curriculum design and delivery. Data were analysed thematically against the Kirkpatrick framework, providing in-depth understanding.ResultsThere were 417 survey respondents, of whom 177 had participated in EMLeaders. Semistructured interviews were completed with 13 EM consultants, 13 trainees and 1 specialty and associate specialist doctor. EMLeaders was highly valued by EM consultants and trainees, particularly group interaction, expert facilitation and face-to-face practical scenario work. Consultant data yielded the themes: we believe in it; EM relevance is key; on a leadership journey; shaping better leaders; and a broken system. Challenges were identified in building engagement within a pressured workplace system and embedding workplace role modelling. Trainees identified behavioural shift in themselves following the programme but wanted more face-to-face discussions with senior colleagues. Key trainee themes included value in being together, storytelling in leadership, headspace for the leadership lens and survival in a state of collapse.ConclusionThe development of leadership skills in EM is considered important. The EMLeaders programme can support leadership learning but further embedding is needed.
Effects of log booms on physical habitat, water quality, and benthic invertebrates in the lower Fraser River and estuary
Authors: Kussin-Bordo Noah , Hinch Scott G. , Asadian Yeganeh , Scott David C. 
Published: July 2024

To facilitate the movement and processing of timber in some regions of the Pacific Northwest, logs are tied together to form large rectangular rafts (often called “booms”) which are transported and stored in aquatic environments. In the lower Fraser River, British Columbia, some reaches have >50% of shoreline with adjacent log booms, yet our understanding of the effects of log booms on habitats and biota is very limited. We compared sites that have never had log booms to nearby ones with active boom storage occurring to examine differences in environmental characteristics. In contrast to reference sites, nearly all active sites had compacted sediments and little vegetation coverage, likely caused by logs “grounding” onto benthic environments due to tidally influenced water level changes. Total benthic invertebrate abundance was higher at reference sites which had relatively more Amphipoda and Trichoperta, but fewer Haplotaxida, compared to active sites whose compacted and more detrital-laden sediments should favour haplotaxids. Water quality variables generally did not differ between reference and active sites. Grounding of log booms and contact with the below substrate is in contradiction of best management practices and has clear effects on the physical habitat and biota of the area underneath booming sites.
Synergy between noisy quantum computers and scalable classical deep learning for quantum error mitigation
Authors: Cantori Simone , Mari Andrea , Vitali David , Pilati Sebastiano 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe investigate the potential of combining the computational power of noisy quantum computers and of classical scalable convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The goal is to accurately predict exact expectation values of parameterized quantum circuits representing the Trotter-decomposed dynamics of quantum Ising models. By incorporating (simulated) noisy expectation values alongside circuit structure information, our CNNs effectively capture the underlying relationships between circuit architecture and output behaviour, enabling, via transfer learning, also predictions for circuits with more qubits than those included in the training set. Notably, thanks to the quantum information, our CNNs succeed even when supervised learning based only on classical descriptors fails. Furthermore, they outperform a popular error mitigation scheme, namely, zero-noise extrapolation, demonstrating that the synergy between quantum and classical computational tools leads to higher accuracy compared with quantum-only or classical-only approaches. By tuning the noise strength, we explore the crossover from a computationally powerful classical CNN assisted by quantum noisy data, towards rather precise quantum computations, further error-mitigated via classical deep learning.
Opportunities and Open Questions in Modern Beta Decay
Authors: Hayen Leendert 
Published: July 2024

For well over half a century, precision studies of neutron and nuclear β decays have been at the forefront of searches for exotic electroweak physics. Recent advances in nuclear ab initio theory and the widespread use of effective field theories mean that the modern understanding of β decay is going through a transitional phase. This has been propelled by current tensions in the global dataset leading to renewed scrutiny of the theoretical ingredients. In parallel, novel techniques and methods are being investigated that can sidestep many traditional systematic uncertainties and require a diverse palette of skills and collaboration with material science and condensed matter physics. This review highlights the current opportunities and open questions to facilitate the transition to a more modern understanding of β decay.
Metabolic Reprogramming Is an Initial Step in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis That Can Be Targeted to Inhibit Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia
Authors: Neuß Thorsten , Chen Min-Chun , Wirges Nils , Usluer Sinem , Oellinger Rupert , Lier Svenja , Dudek Michael , Madl Tobias , Jastroch Martin , Steiger Katja , Schmitz Werner , Einwächter Henrik , Schmid Roland M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and is crucial for cancer progression, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Understanding the role of metabolic reprogramming in cancer initiation could help identify prevention strategies. To address this, we investigated metabolism during acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), the first step of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Glycolytic markers were elevated in ADM lesions compared with normal tissue from human samples. Comprehensive metabolic assessment in three mouse models with pancreas-specific activation of KRAS, PI3K, or MEK1 using Seahorse measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance metabolome analysis, mass spectrometry, isotope tracing, and RNA sequencing analysis revealed a switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis in ADM. Blocking the metabolic switch attenuated ADM formation. Furthermore, mitochondrial metabolism was required for de novo synthesis of serine and glutathione (GSH) but not for ATP production. MYC mediated the increase in GSH intermediates in ADM, and inhibition of GSH synthesis suppressed ADM development. This study thus identifies metabolic changes and vulnerabilities in the early stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis.
Significance: Metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis mediated by MYC plays a crucial role in the development of pancreatic cancer, revealing a mechanism driving tumorigenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
See related commentary by Storz, p. 2225
Sociodemographic Disparities in HER2+ Breast Cancer Trastuzumab Receipt: An English Population-Based Study
Authors: Norris Ruth P. , Dew Rosie , Greystoke Alastair , Cresti Nicola , Cain Henry , Todd Adam , Sharp Linda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Sociodemographic disparities in traditional breast cancer treatment receipt in nonpublicly funded healthcare systems are well documented. This study investigated trastuzumab receipt by sociodemographic factors within a female, HER2+ breast cancer population in England’s publicly funded National Health Service.

Methods:
The English national population-based cancer registry and linked Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy database identified 36,985 women with HER2+ invasive breast cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017. Multivariable logistic regression determined the likelihood of trastuzumab receipt in early and metastatic disease by the deprivation category of area of residence and other sociodemographic characteristics.

Results:
Early-stage trastuzumab receipt followed a socioeconomic gradient. Women residing in the most deprived areas were 10% less likely to receive trastuzumab [multivariable OR 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.83–0.98] compared with women residing in the least deprived areas. In both early and metastatic disease, trastuzumab receipt was less likely in older women with more comorbidities, estrogen receptor–positive disease, and who were not discussed at a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Conclusions:
Despite the provision of free care at the point of delivery in England, sociodemographic disparities in early-stage HER2+ trastuzumab receipt occur. Further research determining how inequities contribute to disparities in outcomes is warranted to ensure optimized trastuzumab use for all.

Impact:
Fair access to novel cancer treatments regardless of place of residence, sociodemographic characteristics, and/or cancer stage requires prioritization in future cancer improvement policies.
See related In the Spotlight, p. 1259