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NIBB has potential advantages over other APBI techniques by delivering highly conformal radiation with minimal collateral dose to the heart and lung compared with external beam techniques, but unlike other brachytherapy techniques NIBB is non-invasive. Previous data has shown encouraging outcomes using a 10-fraction regimen. To improve efficiency, convenience, and cost, reduction in the fraction number is desirable. Final results of a prospective phase II trial are reported. NIBB APBI was delivered using 28.5Gy in 5 fractions daily over 1 week. Patient eligibility criteria required: invasive carcinoma ≤2.0 cm or DCIS ≤3.0 cm, ER positive (if invasive), lymph node negative, LVI absent, and lumpectomy with margins negative by 2mm. The primary endpoint was grade ≥ 2 subcutaneous fibrosis/induration <30%. Secondary endpoints included any late toxicity, cosmetic outcome, and local control. 40 patients were treated with a median follow-up of 59.7 months. The mean age was 67 years (50-89 years) and tumor size was 1.0cm (0.3-2.0cm). 80% had invasive carcinoma. The mean breast separation with compression was 6.7cm (3.5-8.9cm). The 5-year actuarial local control was 96.6% and overall survival was 96.9%. Grade 2 and 3 late toxicities were 15% and 0%, respectively. The rate of grade 2 subcutaneous fibrosis/induration was 2.5% (+/-2.5%) meeting the study's primary endpoint. The most common late toxicity of any grade was skin telangiectasia; 22.5% grade 1 and 15% grade 2. Only breast separation was associated with telangiectasia risk, p=0.002. Overall cosmetic outcome was excellent, good, and fair/poor in 75%, 25%, and 0%, respectively. NIBB APBI delivered in 5 fractions results in a low rate of late toxicity and a high rate of good/excellent cosmetic outcomes. Telangiectasia risk can be minimized by keeping breast separation ≤7.0cm. The local failure rate was appropriately low. Further investigation of this technique is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a major environmental issue, while reducing carbon dioxide emissions is viewed as a vital measure against global warming. The CHINA RAILWAY Express (CRE) could attract or foster new export-oriented industries by generating new profitable export opportunities and enhancing access to European markets. This study focused on the unintended effect of the CRE policy on carbon dioxide emissions reduction, which stems from its promotion of industry development. We used the synthetic difference-in-differences approach to derive reliable estimation of the CRE's unintended low-carbon effect. After controlling for the influence of other emission sectors and other low-carbon policies, the estimated results indicate that the CRE only reduced carbon dioxide emissions in the 12 cities with regular CRE services. The unintended policy effect decreased carbon dioxide emissions, on average, by 9.18%. Further heterogeneous analysis shows that the CRE's effect is positively correlated with the numbers of CRE trains. Moreover, the CRE has a heterogeneous impact on high-carbon and low-carbon sectors. Because the CRE can promote the exports of low-carbon sectors to Europe rather than those of high-carbon sectors, the CRE has a prominent impact on reducing average carbon dioxide emissions and improving the industrial structure. Formal mechanism analysis confirms that the impact of the CRE on carbon dioxide emissions actually occurs through the mechanism of industrial structure upgrading. Our results reveal the CRE's unintended environmental gains and offer insight for governments that hope to simultaneously reduce carbon dioxide emissions and promote economic growth. • CRE policy can have unintended environmental gains, such as reduced carbon emission. • CRE can bring in profitable export opportunities and enhance European market reach. • CRE's driving power for industrial upgrades shows unintended environmental gains. • CRE's reduction of CO 2 emissions is significant in regularly operational CRE cities. • CRE's unintended low-carbon policy impacts positively correlate with CRE train numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity of reported outcomes can impact the certainty of evidence for prehabilitation. The objective of this scoping review was to systematically map outcomes and assessment tools used in trials of surgical prehabilitation. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched in February 2023. Randomised controlled trials of unimodal or multimodal prehabilitation interventions (nutrition, exercise, psychological support) lasting at least 7 days in adults undergoing elective surgery were included. Reported outcomes were classified according to the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research framework. We included 76 trials, mostly focused on abdominal or orthopaedic surgeries. A total of 50 different outcomes were identified, measured using 184 outcome assessment tools. Observer-reported outcomes were collected in 86% of trials (n =65), with hospital length of stay being most common. Performance outcomes were reported in 80% of trials (n =61), most commonly as exercise capacity assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Clinician-reported outcomes were included in 78% (n =59) of trials and most frequently included postoperative complications with Clavien–Dindo classification. Patient-reported outcomes were reported in 76% (n =58) of trials, with health-related quality of life using the 36- or 12-Item Short Form Survey being most prevalent. Biomarker outcomes were reported in 16% of trials (n =12) most commonly using inflammatory markers assessed with C-reactive protein. There is substantial heterogeneity in the reporting of outcomes and assessment tools across surgical prehabilitation trials. Identification of meaningful outcomes, and agreement on appropriate assessment tools, could inform the development of a prehabilitation core outcomes set to harmonise outcome reporting and facilitate meta-analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ichnos has developed a multi-specific antibody platform based on the BEAT® (Bispecific engagement by antibodies based on the T-cell receptor) interface. The increased complexity of the bi- and multi-specific formats generated with this platform makes these molecules difficult-to-express proteins compared to standard monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). This report describes how expression limitations of a bi-specific bi-paratopic BEAT antibody were improved in a holistic approach. An initial investigation allowed identification of a misbalance in the subunits composing the BEAT antibody as the potential root cause. This misbalance was then addressed by a signal peptide optimization, and the overall expression level was increased by the combination of two vector design elements on a single gene vector. Further improvements were made in the selection of cell populations and an upstream (USP) platform process was applied in combination with a cell culture temperature shift. This allowed titer levels of up to 6 g/L to be reached with these difficult-to-express proteins. Furthermore, a high-density seeding process was developed that allowed titers of around 11 g/L for the BEAT antibody, increasing the initial titer by a factor of 10. The approach was successfully applied to a tri-specific antibody with titer levels reaching 10 g/L. In summary, a platform process for difficult-to-express proteins was developed using molecular biology tools, cell line development, upstream process optimization and process intensification. • Holistic development overcoming expression limits in bi-/multispecific antibodies via mol. bio., cell line dev, process opt. • Molecular constructs in article enable very high expression levels, particularly beneficial for challenging proteins. • Report of a process allowing titers > 10 g/L (product) for bi- and multi-specific antibody formats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The present experiment investigated the relationship between LP and subjective reports. • High-frequency reporting requirements enhance LP amplitudes but reduce VAN amplitudes. • LP reflects post-perceptual processing correlated with subjective reports. Identifying the neural correlates of consciousness (NCCs) is an important way to understand the fundamental nature of consciousness. By recording event-related potentials (ERPs) using EEG, researchers have found three potential electrophysiological NCCs: early positive correlate of consciousness (enhanced P1), visual awareness negativity (VAN), and late positivity (LP). However, LP may reflect post-perceptual processing associated with subjective reports rather than consciousness per se. The present experiment investigated the relationship between LP and subjective reports. We adopted two subjective reporting tasks that differed in the requirement for subjective reports. In the low-frequency reporting task, participants needed to report whether they saw the target picture in 25% of trials, whereas in the high-frequency reporting task, participants needed to report whether they saw the target picture in each trial. Behavioral results showed that the hit rates were lower and false alarm rates were higher on reporting trials in low-frequency reporting tasks than on reporting trials in high-frequency reporting tasks. Unexpectedly, VAN was larger on reporting trials in the low-frequency reporting task than on reporting trials in the high-frequency reporting task. Importantly, our ERP results showed that LP was larger on reporting trials in the high-frequency reporting task than on reporting trials in the low-frequency reporting task. Thus, our findings indicated that when the frequency of reports was increased, the task relevance of the stimuli increased, which led to larger LP amplitudes. These findings suggest that LP correlates with subjective reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The process of globalization has encountered obstacles, with increasing regional conflicts and unforeseen events, posing greater challenges to global cooperation. Particularly, transportation bottlenecks are hindering international economic and trade activities and exerting significant pressure on economic recovery. In response to the principles of economic development, China introduced the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that targets to enhance economic and trade activities in the regions along the route. China Railway Express (CR Express) is an essential vehicle for the BRI, characterized by advantages such as convenience, safety, stability, and promotion of green economy. It serves as a necessary means for China to enhance economic and trade influence. This study conducts quantitative research utilizing a dataset from 287 prefecture-level Chinese cities, with a primary focus on examining the operational effects of the CR Express and deriving the following conclusions. Firstly, combining theoretical insights with practical experience, a comprehensive analytical framework was established, and an economic and trade vitality (ETV) index was constructed. The results showed that the ETV increased in over 43.9% of cities. Secondly, using a multi-temporal asymptotic spatial different-in-differences (SDID) model, we obtained that CR Express exhibited significant spatial spillover effects, making a substantial contribution to urban ETV. Thirdly, spatial heterogeneity detected that the intensity of CR Express policy effects varied across city types due to diverse patterns of economic development and consumption structures. Ultimately, mechanisms for the impact of CR Express on ETV was examined more precisely and an integrated five-sphere mechanism was proposed. The conclusions of this research enrich the vital connection between CR Express and urban ETV, providing managerial insights for both enterprises and governments seeking new development opportunities. • The economic-trade vitality index of Chinese cities is constructed. • The static and dynamic spatial effects of CR Express is explored. • The intensity of CR Express policy effects varies across city types. • An integrated five-sphere intermediate mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conduct and reporting of studies with a noninferiority hypothesis is challenging because of the complexity involved in their design and interpretation. However, studies with a noninferiority design have increased in popularity. A recently published trial reported on the noninferiority of lidocaine infusion to epidural analgesia in major abdominal surgeries. Apart from needing a critical appraisal, this draws attention to improve our understanding of noninferiority study framework and its unique features. Given the increasing focus on using various analgesic adjuncts and multiple approaches to fascial plane blocks to avoid more definitive and standard approaches, it is imperative that particular attention is paid to appropriate execution and reporting of noninferiority studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Göttingen minipig is fast becoming the standard for assessing dermal chemical hazards because, like most swine, its skin is predictive of human skin response and because this strain's smaller size makes laboratory manipulations and husbandry easier. Unfortunately, standard behavioral tests and apparatus have not been developed for behavioral assessments of this swine strain. Indeed, computer-controlled automated behavioral testing procedures are much needed. The present research advanced this goal by producing a home-cage behavioral testing system that could accommodate minipigs of various sizes (ages). An aluminum frame housed three levers for recording operant responses, and LEDs above and below each lever served as discriminative stimuli. A commercially available food pellet dispenser was attached to a specialized pellet receptacle capable of measuring pellet retrieval. Two behavioral tests were selected and adapted from our commonly used non-human primate behavioral assessments: delayed match-to-sample (a memory test) and temporal response differentiation (a time-estimation test). Minipigs were capable of learning both tests and attaining stable performance. Next, scopolamine was used to validate the sensitivity of the behavioral tests for gauging behavioral perturbations in this swine strain. Scopolamine dose-effect functions were comparable to those observed in other species, including non-human primates, wherein 37.5 µg/kg of scopolamine (administered intramuscularly) reduced responding approximately 50%. Thus, we were successful in developing the apparatus and automated operant behavioral tests necessary to characterize drug safety in this swine strain. This capability will be valuable for characterizing chemical agent toxicity as well as the safety and efficacy of medical countermeasures. • Swine may provide a good large animal research alternative to canines and monkeys. • Standard, automated behavioral tests for swine are needed. • We developed an adaptable system for testing operant behavior in swine. • Methods were validated using scopolamine on memory and timing tests. • Results demonstrated the success of the methods and sensitivity of both tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the impact of fiscal decentralization reforms on two central components of public service delivery outcomes, viz., health and education using feasible generalized least squares on a balanced panel of 18 non-special category states of India for the period 2002–2020. Given India's complex decentralization framework, intertwined with dynamic political and socioeconomic dimensions and weak institutional processes, our analysis is critical to examining the efficacy of decentralization as a policy instrument to augment the provision of public services. The novelty of our study stems not only from its longitudinal and multidimensional approach towards analyzing the effectiveness of decentralization reforms but also from its unique construction of an 'institutional quality' index that is critical for ensuring accountability in the decentralization process. Our findings underscore the positive impact of fiscal decentralization as a reformative intervention on public service delivery outcomes, highlighting the role of Indian polity and socioeconomic channels of accountability in shaping those outcomes. The study emphasizes the imperative to augment institutional quality, safeguard press freedom, enhance local government capacity, and delineate distinct functions within key policy domains for successful decentralization reforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VCphO has a very strong antibacterial against bacteria p.acnes. • VCphO has a high antioxidant. • VCphO has derivative coumarin. • VCphO has a potential to cosmetics. Nyamplung seed oil has active compounds that can be utilized as the foundation for medications or cosmetics. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the impact of pressing temperature and drying duration on the production of VCphO, a cosmetic preparation, from nyamplung fruit. In this work, Virgin Callophyllum Oil (VCphO) was mechanically extracted at room temperature and heat using a screw press with drying fruit 3, 5, 7 days compare with oven drying. We looked at the pH and phytochemical composition of VCphO. Investigations also looked on antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The yield was unaffected greatly by hot or cold pressing. Pressing at room temperature results in a low acid number, making it the ideal treatment. The pH range of VCphO is 4 to 5.48, which is similar to skin pH. VCphO includes high levels of antioxidants (48–57 %) and total phenols (1–2.6 mg GAE/g sample). Terpenoids, quinon, flavonoids, and phenols are steroid chemicals that demonstrate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of VCphO. VCphO has a very strong antibacterial against bacteria p.acnes and is weak on s.epidermis bacteria. Based on this, VCphO has the potential to be used in pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates if headlines in journalism are genre-specific. Taking a starting point in Austin's concept of illocutionary act, Searle's development of the concept, and the adaptation of the concept to texts within rhetorical genre studies (Bazerman, 1994; Miller, 1984) and pragmatic text linguistics (Borchmann, 2005, 2010, 2014), the study assumes that the texts of a specific genre comprise various subordinated illocutionary acts which must contribute to the fulfilment of the typified purpose that the textual macro-act serves. Accordingly, headlines are considered to be subacts, i.e. illocutionary acts whose conditions of satisfaction are determined by the typified purpose of the text they form a part of. This functional account suggests that headlines are genre-specific. The present study tests this hypothesis by means of two analyses: a comparative pragmatic analysis of 300 headlines from three different genres, and a comparative pragmatic analysis of 90 texts from three different genres. The material used in both surveys are texts of the genres news, analysis and column in the Danish omnibus newspaper Politiken. The result of the comparative analysis of headlines is that it is possible to identify genre-specific pragmatic features of headlines. The results of the comparative analysis of texts are that there are functional relations between pragmatic features of headlines and the accepted purpose of the textual macro-act they form a part of, and that there are genre-specific rhetorical relations between headlines and the body of the texts. On this basis, the distinctive conditions of satisfactions of each of the three illocutionary subacts news headline, headline of analysis and headline of column are stated. By applying a pragmatic text linguistic and genre theoretical development of the concept of illocutionary act the manuscript demonstrates that headlines of journalism are genre-specific: • Headlines of news articles, analyses, and columns in the online version of the Danish omnibus newspaper Politiken are different in terms of their pragmatic features • There are functional relations between the pragmatic features of headlines and the purpose of the genre • There are genre-specific rhetorical relations between headlines and the body of the text • The conditions of satisfactions of headlines as illocutionary subacts are genre-specific The results of the study call for caution with regard to the association of certain linguistic features and certain functions with headlines in journalism in general. The study demonstrates that genre control can be obtained by a pragmatic analysis using the concept of illocutionary subact as a framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The American Statistical Association has highlighted problems with null hypothesis significance testing and outlined alternative approaches that may 'supplement or even replace P -values'. One alternative is to report the false positive risk (FPR), which quantifies the chance the null hypothesis is true when the result is statistically significant. We reviewed single-centre, randomised trials in 10 anaesthesia journals over 6 yr where differences in a primary binary outcome were statistically significant. We calculated a Bayes factor by two methods (Gunel, Kass). From the Bayes factor we calculated the FPR for different prior beliefs for a real treatment effect. Prior beliefs were quantified by assigning pretest probabilities to the null and alternative hypotheses. For equal pretest probabilities of 0.5, the median (inter-quartile range [IQR]) FPR was 6% (1–22%) by the Gunel method and 6% (1–19%) by the Kass method. One in five trials had an FPR ≥20%. For trials reporting P -values 0.01–0.05, the median (IQR) FPR was 25% (16–30%) by the Gunel method and 20% (16–25%) by the Kass method. More than 90% of trials reporting P -values 0.01–0.05 required a pretest probability >0.5 to achieve an FPR of 5%. The median (IQR) difference in the FPR calculated by the two methods was 0% (0–2%). Our findings suggest that a substantial proportion of single-centre trials in anaesthesia reporting statistically significant differences provide limited evidence of real treatment effects, or, alternatively, required an implausibly high prior belief in a real treatment effect. PROSPERO (CRD42023350783). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transpiration (Et) in forests accounts for a significant fraction of evapotranspiration. However, because Et is influenced by meteorological factors and the physiological response of vegetation, developing an accurate model for predicting Et presents a challenge. In this study, we developed a model to estimate Et specific to cypress plantation forests using satellite remote sensing and sap flow data in Japanese cypress plantations composed of a single forest species. The contribution of Et to meteorological (Et base) and plant physiology (Et leaf) was determined using the decoupling index along with the surface temperature. Using the Forest Inventory (FI), in which the extent of growth of each species, including cypress, was surveyed and Land Remote Sensing Satellite imagery of the FI range was obtained, an index of activity estimation for cypress trees was developed. The sapwood area, which significantly influences Et, was calculated from the tree age obtained from FI or diameter at breast height and incorporated into the model. The developed model exhibited a high correlation of r = 0.74–0.88 with the measured Et. The antecedent precipitation index (API), which represents the wetness of the land surface, can be used to evaluate the confidence level and correction coefficient (if needed) of model estimates. When corrected by API, Et could be estimated with even higher accuracy (r = 0.76–0.89). The model developed in this study considers the physiological responses of vegetation and plant species, and the same approach can be used to develop models to estimate Et for other tree species. Additionally, our model uses reflectance at wavelengths close to visible light and surface temperature and can, therefore, be readily applied to other remote sensing methods, such as unmanned aerial vehicles and airborne methods. The model developed in this study can be used with FI data to estimate Et by tree species to provide detailed and accurate estimates of Et. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that conduct subgroup analyses have the potential to provide information on treatment decisions in specific groups of patients from heterogeneous populations. Although we understand several factors can modify the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and the benefit/risk ratio of anticoagulation treatments, further evidence is warranted to show the heterogeneity of treatment effects in different subgroups of patients. The primary purpose was to evaluate the appropriateness and interpretation of subgroup analysis performed on VTE RCTs reporting pharmacological interventions. A systematic review of RCTs published between January 2017 and January 2022 was conducted. Claims of subgroup effects were evaluated with predefined criteria. High-quality claims of subgroup effect were further analyzed and discussed. Overall, 28 RCTs with a generally low bias risk were included. The purposes of the treatments included pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis (17), therapeutic dose anticoagulation (9), and catheter-directed pharmacologic thrombolysis (2). The evaluated subgroup analyses generally presented: a high number of subgroup analyses reported, a lack of prespecification, and a lack of usage of statistical tests for interaction. The authors reported 13 claims of subgroup effect; only two were considered potentially reliable to represent heterogeneity in the direction or magnitude of treatment effect. Subgroup analyses of VTE RCTs reporting pharmacologic interventions are generally methodologically poor. Most claims of subgroup effect did not meet critical criteria and lacked credibility. Clinicians in this field may proceed with scepticism when assessing claims of subgroup effects due to methodological concerns and misleading interpretations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the interplay between morality, impoliteness, and moral order in the online harassment of Swedish journalists on Twitter. It reveals how impoliteness serves as a tool to harm the media's epistemic credibility, rooted in anti-press and populist rhetoric, and exert destructive informal social control. The highlighted paradox is that provisions for freedom of speech, designed to protect, are paradoxically used to suppress journalists' voices through targeted insults and derogatory language. The study uncovers that such harassment is systematic, politically motivated, and morally grounded. We emphasize the urgent need to recognize and confront these subtle tactics that threaten journalistic freedom and, consequently, access to information in Sweden and internationally under growing criticism that seeks to delegitimize the media. • Strategic impoliteness undermines media, backed by anti-press, populist views. • Targeted impoliteness at journalists is systematic, intentional, and not random. • Strategic impoliteness aims for destructive control over journalism. • Weaponized free speech transcends borders to control discourse globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Mini-tablets (MTs) with losartan potassium were developed to treat the rare disease Epidermolysis Bullosa. The focus was placed on transfer and scale-up of a direct compressible formulation from the compaction simulator STYL'One Evo (CS) to the rotary tablet press Korsch XM 12 (RP). Transfer of tabletability and compactibility profiles from CS to RP did not show good agreement, e.g. at a tableting pressure of 125 MPa mean tensile strengths (TS) of 4 MPa on CS and 1–1.5 MPa on RP were reached. These results highlight the impact of the feed frame on final product qualities depending on process and material factors. In the scale-up studies the critical quality attributes (CQAs) mass variation, content uniformity, TS and disintegration time were investigated. After an appropriate run-up time, most CQAs reached a plateau, after reaching a balance between influx, efflux and distribution of lubricant in the feed frame. TS values of 1–2 MPa, disintegration times of max. 50 s, mass variation of 0.9–2.2 % (CV) and acceptance values below 15.0 were reached depending on chosen process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A time-to-first-event composite endpoint analysis has well-known shortcomings in evaluating a treatment effect in cardiovascular clinical trials. It does not fully describe the clinical benefit of therapy because the severity of the events, events repeated over time, and clinically relevant nonsurvival outcomes cannot be considered. The generalized pairwise comparisons (GPC) method adds flexibility in defining the primary endpoint by including any number and type of outcomes that best capture the clinical benefit of a therapy as compared with standard of care. Clinically important outcomes, including bleeding severity, number of interventions, and quality of life, can easily be integrated in a single analysis. The treatment effect in GPC can be expressed by the net treatment benefit, the success odds, or the win ratio. This review provides guidance on the use of GPC and the choice of treatment effect measures for the analysis and reporting of cardiovascular trials. [Display omitted] • GPC is a statistical method that overcomes shortcomings of time-to-first-event analyses. • GPC can assess treatment effects as NTB, SO, and WR. • This review provides guidance on the use of GPC and choice of treatment effect measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectoralis major tendon rupture rate is increasing due to increased tendency to bodybuilding exercises, specially the bench press workout, and weight-lifting. The aim of this study was to determine the results of pectoralis major rupture repair with Achilles tendon allograft in bodybuilding athletes. In this case series study, 22 bodybuilding athlete patients (24 pectoralis major ruptures) were undergone open surgical repair during January 2016 till December 2020. 21 ruptures were chronic (2 ruptures were revision) and 3 ruptures were acute. Surgical method was based on Achilles tendon allograft used to augment the ruptured site for lengthening the shortened tendon.The results were analyzed using Bak's criteria and Constant score in pre operation visit and 6th and 12th months and in the last follow up. All cases were male with the mean age of 32.1 ± 5.4. The mean duration time between injuries to surgery was 37 ± 46 month (1–182 months). Return to professional sport began at 10.9 ± 2.8 months after surgery in which 16 cases (66.7%) have returned to their pre surgery bench press workout records. No infection or hematoma occurred. At the final follow-up, Bak criteria demonstrated excellent, good and fair in 4, 18 and 2 shoulders respectively. The constant score increased from 87.9 ± 7.9 in pre operation visit to 92.7 ± 6.4 in the last follow up (P < 0.001). It seems that our surgical method is an effective approach in cases with acute or chronic pectoralis major ruptures. Level IV [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heat-press hand burn leads to complex and severe lesions, with potentiation of thermal burn by the crushing mechanism. Management remains poorly codified, and the surgical strategies found in the literature remain contradictory. The objective of our study is to report our experience and define the first burn excision delay through functional evaluation with a Quick-DASH questionnaire.Methods: We carried out a retrospective study of 20 burned hands by heat-press managed in our burn unit between 2002 and 2021. Following data were collected, at least one year after the accident: Quick-DASH score, which was our primary endpoint, injury assessment according to the Tajima's classification, overall surgical management, and impact on their professional activity. A descriptive statistical analysis of these data was performed followed by a univariate analysis to assess the correlation between delay to first surgical excision and the long-term functional result (Quick-DASH score and time before return to work).Results: Burns were Tajima grade 1 (supra-fascial dermal burn) in 35 % of cases, grade 2 (exposure of subfascial structures) in 45 % and grade 3 (bone or joint exposure) in 20 %. There were no cases of bone fractures. We received 18 out of 20 questionnaires with no significant differences between those who send back or not. The median QuickDash score was 7.15 [IQR 0-52.25]. The first surgical excision was performed with a median of 8 days after the accident [min: 0; max: 20]. The median time before return to work was 24 weeks [IQR 17-42.25]. Only 11 patients (55 %) were able to go on the initial employment. Spearman test found a strong trend for a negative correlation between the time to the first excision and the QuickDash score (ρ = -0.46; r2 = 0.087; p = 0.053).Conclusion: According to observations made in our unit and in agreement with Tajima, who first described heat-press injury, the first surgical excision should be performed approximately one week after the accident. Subsequent excisions may be performed to reassess the lesions and complete the debridement, with reconstruction to follow. Multidisciplinary management is still necessary, including early and intensive physiotherapy, psychological support, and assessment by an occupational physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum oxide (alumina, Al 2 O 3) is one of the most widely used ceramic materials owing to its excellent dielectric, chemical resistance, and low cost. In contemporary semiconductor fabrication processing, in particular, Al 2 O 3 plays a key role in high-value processing components, such as an electrostatic chuck. Here, we report for the first time a novel densifying technique for Al 2 O 3 that can be referred to as the powder metallurgy hot isostatic press (PM-HIP) process. Unlike the conventional HIP process, our PM-HIP process can directly convert Al 2 O 3 powders into fully densified ceramics via a one-step process. More importantly, during the PM-HIP process, thermomechanical energy can easily be transferred to each of the particles simultaneously, which facilitates the sinter process (i.e., necking and diffusion) and the clipping of lattice planes. As a result, highly dense dislocation arrays are embedded within the entire volume of the sintered body. This correlates with unique material properties-processing relationships in the Al 2 O 3 ceramics sintered via PM-HIP. The Al 2 O 3 ceramics sintered by PM-HIP exhibited unique mechanical and electrical properties, highlighting its potential for use in electrostatic chucks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has shown promise in the treatment of complex wounds, with trials reporting good healing rates and safety profile. We aim to investigate the role of AFG in managing complex anorectal fistulas. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database. We examined the rates of symptom improvement, clinical closure of fistula tracts, recurrence, complications, and worsening fecal incontinence. Perianal disease activity index (PDAI) was obtained for patients undergoing combination of AFG and fistula plug treatment. Results: In total, 52 unique patients underwent 81 procedures, of which Crohn's was present in 34 (65.4%) patients. The majority of patients previously underwent more common treatments such as endorectal advancement flap or ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. Fat-harvesting sites and processing technique were selected by the plastic surgeons based on availability of trunk fat deposits. When analyzing patients by their last procedure, 41 (80.4%) experienced symptom improvement, and 29 (64.4%) experienced clinical closure of all fistula tracts. Recurrence rate was 40.4%, and complication rate was 15.4% (7 postoperative abscesses requiring I&D and 1 bleeding episode ligated at bedside). The abdomen was the most common site of lipoaspirate harvest at 63%, but extremities were occasionally used. There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes when comparing single graft treatment to multiple treatments, Crohn's and non-Crohn's, different methods of fat preparation, and diversion. Conclusion: AFG is a versatile procedure that can be done in conjunction with other therapies and does not interfere with future treatments if recurrence occurs. It is a promising and affordable method to safely address complex fistulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To systematically analyze the current status of outcomes reporting in clinical trials on treating stasis acute mastitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage. We searched CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane library, JBI, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Clinical Trials Registry Platform portal, Clinical Trials Registry, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, Center Watch Registry from inception to May IS, 2022 to find randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, case series and cohort studies which reported the outcomes of stasis acute mastitis managed with Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage, with search terms of mastitis, acute mastitis, lactation mastitis, puerperal mastitis, breast problem, breast engorgement, milk stasis, blocked ducked, breast pain, breast massage, and acupoint massage. Outcomes and the measurement schemes (measurement methods, timing of assessing outcome, frequency of assessing outcome, measurers) were extracted from the included studies. We used the Management of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children with Cleft Palate (MOMENT) to assess the quality of each study, then categorized outcomes derived from the included studies into different domains according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Arthritis Clinic Trials (OMERACT) Filter 2.1 framework. We identified 85 clinical trials, in which 54 different outcomes were reported. A total of 81.2% (69/85) of studies were assessed as medium quality with a mean score of 2.6, and 18.8% (16/85) as low quality with a mean score of 0.9. These outcomes were organized in three core areas. Lump size (89.4%, 76/85) was the most frequently reported outcome, followed by breast pain (69.4%, 59/85) and milk excretion (68.2%, 58/85). Five methods were used to assess lump size and four methods to assess breast pain. The outcomes reported in clinical trials regarding stasis acute mastitis treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage are heterogeneous. Developing a core outcome set to achieve consistent standards for reporting outcomes and modalities for validation of the outcomes is clearly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pre-referral rectal artesunate suppositories can save the lives of children with severe malaria if patients receive adequate post-referral care. A multi-country randomised controlled trial reporting on the efficacy of rectal artesunate informed the current WHO guidelines. In October, 2022, we reported on the findings of the Community Access to Rectal Artesunate for Malaria (CARAMAL) project, a carefully monitored roll-out of quality-assured rectal artesunate into established community-based health-care systems in DR Congo, Nigeria, and Uganda. The aim of the project was to understand the challenges involved in the successful real-world implementation of pre-referral rectal artesunate and to inform subsequent scale-up in endemic countries. In our study, we found that children treated with pre-referral rectal artesunate in routine clinical practice did not have an increased chance of survival, most likely explained by shortfalls along the continuum of care. A substantial proportion of the more than 6200 severely ill children that were followed up 28 days after treatment initiation did not receive comprehensive severe malaria care, either due to an incomplete referral to a secondary facility, or due to incomplete post-referral treatment. The observational study design allowed for a realistic assessment of the obstacles involved in implementing pre-referral rectal artesunate in settings where malaria mortality remains high. Without improving the entire continuum of care, children will continue to die from severe malaria and promising interventions will fail to meet their full potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indonesia's measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign faced public refusal due to religious objections. The government then lobbied the religious organization to issue a decree to permit the consumption of the MR vaccine, which would enhance public approval. Media outlets, including religious and mainstream media, played a crucial role in promoting the decree and the vaccine. Learning from this MR vaccination campaign in 2018, this study examined how the mainstream and alternative or religious media framed the MR vaccination and how it changed before and after the decree. A content analysis was performed on 234 news articles from Indonesian religious and mainstream media. Mainstream media positively framed MR vaccines, which were further amplified after the decree was issued. In contrast, religious media consistently depicted the opposing sides of the vaccine and its campaign. Both media types also predominantly cited the government and religious leaders in their articles. While the mainstream media agenda aligns with the national agenda to promote the MR vaccine, religious media still emphasizes the risk of the vaccine. The prevalence of religious leaders in alternative media also suggests that the public, including religious leaders, may not necessarily accept the decree. Hence, more effort should be devoted to encouraging the media and religious leaders to accept the vaccine, as they may act as opinion leaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the effects between 2-min active and 2-min passive interset rest among intra and interset velocity and power loss, blood lactate level, and effort perception in young resistance-trained male during bench press exercise. Nineteen volunteers completed a maximal power test for bench press to determine the optimal load for maximum power production. Separated by, unless, 72 hours all participants realised two resistance training bouts consisting of 2 × 8 repetitions at maximal velocity using the optimal load for maximal power, and a 3rd set until muscle failure, with 2-min interset rest passive or active, where participants completed repetitions in vertical chest press at a controlled velocity during active protocol. We measured power and velocity for each repetition using a lineal encoder, and we calculate intraset loss for both outcomes with two different equations. We also measured blood lactate levels and rate of perceived exertion before and after each set, and during recovery period after the last set. There was a lower intraset velocity and power loss for active interset rest compared to passive, being these differences statistically significant for the 1st set (P < 0.05) as confirmed by Student's t -test for independent measures. We also found only for the passive protocol a significant increase in blood lactate levels when comparing the values post set and before the consecutive set (P < 0.01), showing a significant increase during the interset rest period (post-set 1–pre-set 2; and post-set 2–pre-set 3). Moreover, blood lactate levels were significantly higher in passive compared to active before starting the 3rd set (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences for rate of perceived exertion between both protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that when interpreting scalar terms like quantifiers (e.g., some) and probability expressions (e.g., possibly), recipients tend to take into account the speaker's face management concerns (e.g., to save the recipient's face). In this study, we presented two experiments in Chinese that examined the recipient's perception of the speaker's implicit promise, a speech act that threatens the speaker's own (negative) face (by restricting the speaker's subsequent freedom). Results showed that participants, as recipients, considered the speaker to be less committed to the implicit promise when the speaker's negative face was threatened. We suggest that the perceived lower speaker commitment in face-threatening contexts is motivated by participants' recognition of facework. During social interactions, people recognize the speaker's face management concerns not only when the recipient's face is threatened, but also when the speaker's own face is at stake. • Speakers are less committed to implicit promises in face-threatening contexts. • Hearers recognize speakers' face concerns when perceiving implicit promises. • Speaker commitment to promises is modulated by the nature of the context. • Speaker commitment can be measured more directly in future experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, MgAl 2 O 4 : Cr3+ transparent ceramics have been synthesized by the hot press sintering techniques, and the effect of the sintering aid Gd 2 O 3 and its content on the densification, microstructure, and optical, photoluminescence was studied and discussed. The relative density reached 99.29% with 0.8 wt% Gd 2 O 3 as a sintering aid, and the optical transmittance at 686 nm and 1446 nm were approximately 76%. As Gd 2 O 3 content continued to increase, the grain size of the ceramics became smaller and uniform, accompanied by some pores with the size of ～1 μm. The ceramics with 4.0 wt% Gd 2 O 3 showed a higher transmittance, of 82% at 1446 nm. Additionally, Gd 2 O 3 was helpful for Cr3+ in the sites of octahedral symmetry, which increased the quantum yield. The quantum yield of MgAl 2 O 4 : Cr3+ with 0.8 wt% Gd 2 O 3 was about 0.175, which was 36% higher than that of ceramic without Gd 2 O 3. In short, the sintering aid Gd 2 O 3 not only contributed to improving the densification, homogenizing the grain size, and heightening the optical transmittance but also enhanced the quantum yield of Cr3+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geopolymers are attracting attention in the field of concrete building materials from the viewpoint of reducing CO 2 emissions. This study demonstrates the effects of the addition of silica fume in the warm press method on the densification and mechanical properties of a geopolymer. First, geopolymer products hardened by conventional slurry curing, using fly-ash and sodium hydroxide solution as starting materials, were prepared. The hardened geopolymer products were then pulverized into small grains. Subsequently, various amounts of silica fume were mixed into the fine geopolymer particles to form the starting powder mixtures. A series of these mixtures (10 mass% water added) were placed into a steel mold, which was then inserted into a warm press device. An uniaxial pressure of 240 MPa was applied at room temperature and then the temperature was raised from 80 to 180 °C. When the warm press temperature was set at 80 °C, the compressive strength of the hardened bodies increased in line with the amount of added silica fume. Particularly, in the case of a hardened body with 30 wt% silica fume, the compressive strength reached 195 MPa, which was about three times that of a hardened body with 0 wt% silica fume. The added silica fume was found to improve the fine stacking of starting geopolymer particles in the early stages of warm pressing and help form objects with tightly packed voids between the original geopolymer particles. In contrast, for heat treatment at a warm press temperature of 180 °C, the compressive strength of the hardened bodies with 30 wt% silica fume decreased compared to those for the hardened bodies with 0, 10 and 20 wt% silica fume. From the results of nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, this decrease in strength was considered to be due to an increase in the silica-rich phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking cancer dynamic protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and deciphering their pathogenesis remain a challenge. We presented a dynamic PPIs' hypothesis: permanent and transient interactions might achieve dynamic switchings from normal cells to malignancy, which could cause maintenance functions to be interrupted and transient functions to be sustained. Based on the hypothesis, we first predicted >1400 key cancer genes (KCG) by applying PPI-express we proposed to 18 cancer gene expression datasets. We then further screened out key dynamic interactions (KDI) of cancer based on KCG and transient and permanent interactions under both conditions. Two prominent functional characteristics, "Cell cycle-related" and "Immune-related", were presented for KCG, suggesting that these might be their general characteristics. We found that, compared to permanent to transient KDI pairs (P2T) in the network, transient to permanent (T2P) have significantly higher edge betweenness (EB), and P2T pairs tending to locate intra-functional modules may play roles in maintaining normal biological functions, while T2P KDI pairs tending to locate inter-modules may play roles in biological signal transduction. It was consistent with our hypothesis. Also, we analyzed network characteristics of KDI pairs and their functions. Our findings of KDI may serve to understand and explain a few hallmarks of cancer. • More than 1,400 key cancer genes (KCG) predicted by applying PPI-express. • Two prominent functional characteristics, "Cell cycle-related" and "Immune-related", presented in the functions of KCG. • Transient to permanent (T2P) having significantly higher EB in dynamic PPIs, suggesting a continuation of signaling. • Permanent to transient KDI pairs (P2T) representing the blocking of a sustained immune response. • KDI's characteristics contributing to the understanding the hallmarks of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss a newly published study examining how phrases are used in clinical trials to describe results when the estimated P-value is close to (slightly above or slightly below) 0.05, which has been arbitrarily designated by convention as the boundary for 'statistical significance'. Terms such as 'marginally significant', 'trending towards significant', and 'nominally significant' are well represented in biomedical literature, but are not actually scientifically meaningful. Acknowledging that 'statistical significance' remains a major determinant of publication, we propose that scientific journals de-emphasise the use of P-values for null hypothesis significance testing, a purpose for which they were never intended, and avoid the use of these ambiguous and confusing terms in scientific articles. Instead, investigators could simply report their findings: effect sizes, P-values, and confidence intervals (or their Bayesian equivalents), and leave it to the discerning reader to infer the clinical applicability and importance. Our goal should be to move away from describing studies (or trials) as positive or negative based on an arbitrary P-value threshold, and rather to judge whether the scientific evidence provided is informative or uninformative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Journal articles are often made available prior to assignment to an issue, using labels like "early view," "advanced online publication," "ahead of print," "online first," or "in press." While making articles available before an issue can speed up the scholarly communications cycle, a negative effect can be observed when full text is delivered through aggregator databases like EBSCO, ProQuest, or Gale products. This study assessed issue assignment delays across 18 journals which have full text aggregated in EBSCO's CINAHL Ultimate. Results show that articles published first in an early-view state are only available in the aggregator after they have been assigned to an issue. Any database-specific full-text delays ("embargos") are then calculated from issue date rather than online publication date, leading subscribers who access the journals via aggregators to experience extended delays ranging from months to years in length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain arteriovenous malformations management remains controversial despite the numerous, available treatment options. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) theoretically provide the strongest evidence for the assessment of any therapeutic intervention. However, poorly designed RCTs may be associated with biases, inaccuracies, and misleading conclusions. The purpose of our study is to assess reporting transparency and methodological quality of the existing RCTs. A search was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Embase, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane databases. The search was limited to English literature. We included all published RCTs reporting on the management of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations. The eligible studies were evaluated by 5 blinded raters with the CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials 2010 statement and the risk-of-bias 2 tool. The inter-rater agreement was assessed with the Fleiss' Kappa. A randomized trial of unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (ARUBA) and treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations (TOBAS) trials were evaluated. ARUBA achieved high CONsolidated standards of reporting trials compliance, while TOBAS showed a moderate one. In ARUBA the introduction, discussion, and other information sections reached the highest compliance rate (80%–86%). The lowest rates were recorded in the results and the methods (62% and 73%, respectively). The inter-rater agreement was moderate to substantial (54.1% to 78.4%). All the examined studies demonstrated a high risk of bias, mainly related to ill-defined intended interventions, missing outcome data, and selection of the reported results. Our study confirmed the high risk of bias mainly attributed to several protocol violations, deviations, minimal external validity and selection, attrition, and allocation biases of the ARUBA trial. Analysis of the TOBAS trial revealed a moderate overall reporting clarity and a high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) and Maritime Silk Road (MSR) provide important avenues for cargo transport between China and Europe. This paper addresses the issues of the subsidy for China-Europe Railway Express (CERE) on the SREB and the sulfur emission control for liner shipping on the MSR from a perspective of building a community of shared future for mankind. Two welfare maximization models are proposed for determining the optimal subsidy and the optimal sulfur emission control coverage within which the sulfur in ships' fuel oil is required to be less than 0.1%. One considers the competition between two transport modes (CERE and liner shipping), in which their own net profit is maximized. The other concerns the cooperation between two modes, in which their total net profit is maximized. The properties of the two models are analytically explored and compared. The results show that intermodal competition outperforms intermodal cooperation in terms of social welfare, consumer surplus, and environmental pollution, though at the cost of carrier profit and total subsidy from the regulator. The regulator may efficiently control the adverse impacts of an increase in the fuel oil price or in the marginal cost of air pollution on the social welfare of the system through adjusting the CERE subsidy and the sulfur emission control coverage. • Address the issues of the optimal subsidy for China-Europe Railway Express and the optimal emission control coverage for liner shipping on Maritime Silk Road. • Propose social welfare maximization models under the competition and cooperation of the China-Europe Railway Express and liner shipping. • Intermodal competition outperforms intermodal cooperation in terms of social welfare, consumer surplus, and environmental pollution, though at the cost of carrier profit and total subsidy from the regulator. • The regulator may efficiently control the adverse impacts of fuel oil price rise through adjusting the subsidy for China-Europe Railway Express and the sulfur emission control coverage for liner shipping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport time is valuable in international trade, especially for relatively high value-to-weight products. The China Railway Express (CRE) can be viewed as an outcome of a policy aimed at reducing transport time. This study focused on CRE's transport time reduction and its policy effect on international trade. Based on a special case examining the early stage of the Chongqing-Sinkiang-Europe Railway Express (CSERE), we adopted a synthetic control method (SCM) to investigate the extent of the effect of transport time reduction on the export of high value goods. We found that opening the CSERE led to an improvement of almost USD 23.18 billion of laptop exports from Chongqing to Europe in the first three years. The results showed the considerable value of the transport time reduction and the potentially vast bilateral trade flow between China and Europe that could be created by CRE. Our analysis also explored the micro mechanism of such effect. Only when the saved time costs cover the extra expense compared with ocean-borne cargo could CRE be a profitable choice for exporters and thus create new trade. Our findings offer insight for operators of CRE and local governments: matching and attracting the transport demand of suitable goods are key to successful market-oriented operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-White racial and ethnic groups have been traditionally under-represented for decades in the field of cardiology, specifically in cardiovascular research studies. This underrepresentation has occurred despite the fact that these racial and ethnic groups have been shown to be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods: To assess the trend of representation in mainstream landmark cardiovascular trials, we performed a review of major cardiovascular trials published between 1986 and 2019. Mainstream landmark trials were selected as classified by established cardiology standards. The reported numbers of racial and ethnic participants were assessed within these categorised cardiovascular trials over a continuous time period.Results: A total of 1,138,683 patients were assessed from 153 randomised clinical trials. Of these trials, only 56% (n=86) reported information about race. Of note, 99% (n=152) of these trials reported gender. About three-quarters of the trials (77%) were undertaken at least partly in the United States (US). Our results show that the percentage of non-White participants in clinical trials was not significantly different over time (p=0.85), suggesting no significant improvement in non-White racial/ethnic representation. Further analysis of only the US inclusive trials (n=20) also showed no significant improvement in representation (p=0.38).Conclusion: Only about half of all major cardiovascular landmark trials reported any racial or ethnic information, despite more recent calls over the last 5-10 years for diversity and representation in cardiovascular research studies. Additionally, no significant improvement in inclusion of traditionally under-represented racial and ethnic groups (UREGs) in these trials has occurred over time. Our analysis shows that there is still major work to be done to foster better representation and evaluation of the UREG population in cardiovascular trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the impact of "Covid-19 Vaccination express" (CVE) on vaccine uptake in Malawi. Retrospective cross-sectional study to compare the daily vaccine administration rate in CVE and routine covid vaccination (RCV). RCV data was collected from March 2021 to October 2021. The data regarding CVE was collected from 5 November 2021 to 31 December 2021. Data was collected regarding (1) the total number and type of vaccine doses administered and (2) Demographic details like age, gender, occupation, presence of comorbidities, the first dose, or the second dose of the people who received a vaccine. From March-December 2021, a total of 1,866,623 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered, out of which 1,290,145 doses were administered at a mean daily vaccination rate of 1854 (95 % CI: 1292–2415) doses as a part of RCV, and 576,478 doses were administered at a mean daily vaccination rate of 3312 (95 % CI: 2377–4248) doses as a part of CVE. Comparing the mean daily doses (Astra Zeneca, AZ doses 1 & 2) administered in the CVE and RCV showed that the mean daily doses of AZ vaccine administered were significantly higher in the CVE (p < 0.05). CVE successfully increased the uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal contamination poses a significant threat to soil quality, plant growth, and food safety, and directly affects multiple UN SDGs. Addressing this issue and offering a remediation solution are vital for human health. One effective approach for immobilizing heavy metals involves impregnating cypress chips with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2) to enhance the chemical adsorption capacity of the resulting woody charcoal. In the present study, un-treated cypress biochar (UCBC) and calcium-treated cypress biochar (TCBC), were introduced into pristine and contaminated soil, at rates of 3, 6, and 9% (w/w). Both BCs were alkaline (UCBC pH: 8.9, TCBC pH: 9.7) with high specific surface area, which improved the soil properties (pH, EC, and OM). Radish (Raphanus sativus) cultivated in pots revealed that both UCBC and TCBC demonstrated significant improvements in growth attributes and heavy metal immobilization compared to the control, with TCBC exhibiting superior effects. The TCBC surface showed highly active nanosized precipitated calcium carbonate particles that were active in immobilizing heavy metals. The application of TCBC at a rate of 9% resulted in a substantial reduction in Zn and Cu uptake by radish roots and shoots. In contaminated soil, Zn uptake by radish roots decreased by 55% (68.3–31.0 mg kg−1), and shoots by 37% (49.3–31.0 mg kg−1); Cu uptake decreased by 40% (38.6–23.2 mg kg−1) in roots and 39% (58.2–35.2 mg kg−1) in shoots. Uptake of Pb was undetectable after TCBC application. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted the potential of TCBC over UCBC in reducing heavy metal concentrations and promoting radish growth. Future research should consider the long-term effects and microbial interactions of TCBC application. [Display omitted] • To immobilize Zn, Cu, and Pb in soil, a novel biochar (TCBC) was prepared. • TCBC improved soil properties and radish growth attributes. • TCBC resulted in a substantial reduction in Zn, Cu, and Pb in radish roots and shoots. • Highly active nano-sized CaCO 3 particles in TCBC-immobilized heavy metals. • TCBC consistently outperformed UCBC in terms of immobilization properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a methodology for determining powder systems' Critical Binder Volume Concentration (CBVC), a key parameter in optimizing paste properties for various shaping processes. Leveraging both press and pycnometer density measurements, our approach precisely identifies the CBVC by analysing the pressure-dependency of powder compaction within a confined cavity, reflecting the interplay between internal friction and packing capacity. Through comparative analysis with established techniques, we validate our method using a nano-sized WC-Co powder system combined with two distinct organic binders, linseed oil and a proprietary binder. The method finds the maximum packing fraction more efficiently and utilizes less material than conventional CBVC determination techniques. A zero-pressure density is introduced and its applicability to other powder types, including ceramics and metals, is anticipated. [Display omitted] • New Methodology for Critical Binder Volume Content (CBVC) determination of powders. • The proposed method yields the lowest CBVC values compared to existing techniques. • Introduction of a quantity called the zero-pressure density (ρ P 0) and CBVC P 0. • The method is validated for nano-sized WC-Co hard metal powders. • Results suggest the applicability to other powder systems like ceramics and metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder metallurgy-hot isostatic pressing (PM-HIPing) is an advanced manufacturing technology for large-sized and complex-shaped components for nuclear applications. In the present study, a novel PM-HIPing strategy was proposed to optimize the grain boundary network and tensile properties of Ni-based alloy Inconel 625, and it was verified by a series of experiments. Samples with 69 % and 74 % of coincidence site lattice (CSL) grain boundaries were obtained when the narrow-size ranged powder was consolidated at 1140 °C and 1180 °C, respectively. The fraction of CSL grain boundaries was further increased to ∼78.5 % after a high temperature solution treatment. Room temperature yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of PM-HIPed alloy 625 were comparable to that of the wrought specimens, elongation of the specimens was ∼56–60 %, the samples all featured with dimple ductile dominant fracture mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Better use of healthcare systems data, collected as part of interactions between patients and the healthcare system, could transform planning and conduct of randomised controlled trials. Multiple challenges to widespread use include whether healthcare systems data captures sufficiently well the data traditionally captured on case report forms. "Data Utility Comparison Studies" (DUCkS) assess the utility of healthcare systems data for RCTs by comparison to data collected by the trial. Despite their importance, there are few published UK examples of DUCkS. Building from ongoing and selected recent examples of UK-led DUCkS in the literature, we set out experience-based considerations for the conduct of future DUCkS. Developed through informal iterative discussions in many forums, considerations are offered for planning, protocol development, data, analysis and reporting, with comparisons at "patient-level" or "trial-level", depending on the item of interest and trial status. DUCkS could be a valuable tool in assessing where healthcare systems data can be used for trials and in which trial teams can play a leading role. There is a pressing need for trials to be more efficient in their delivery and research waste must be reduced. Trials have been making inconsistent use of healthcare systems data, not least because of an absence of evidence of utility. DUCkS can also help to identify challenges in using healthcare systems data, such as linkage (access and timing) and data quality. We encourage trial teams to incorporate and report DUCkS in trials and funders and data providers to support them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new perspective for assessing the convenience of international multimodal transport with the novel international multimodal transport connectivity (IMTC) index is provided. • In both the pre-and post-COVID years, the time-based IMTCs via CR Express were significantly higher than those via maritime shipping for all nine cargo categories. • In the pre-COVID year, monetary-based IMTCs via CR Express were significantly lower than those via maritime shipping and vice versa. In this study, we propose a novel International Multimodal Transport Connectivity (IMTC) index and assess the IMTC of multimodal transport from mainland China to Europe. We first present the definition of IMTC, which represents the ease of transporting export cargoes from a domestic origin to an overseas destination by an international multimodal transport network. Second, we propose two kinds of IMTC indexes and then give detailed measurement methods by considering the main modes (i.e., railway express and maritime shipping) in the international multimodal transport process. One is the monetary-based IMTC measured by the monetary cost shippers must pay for transporting export cargo to an overseas region. The other is the time-based IMTC, which is measured by the time cost of the international multimodal transport process and incorporates the time value of different export cargo categories and transport time uncertainty. Third, we assess the IMTC of the international multimodal transport from mainland China to Europe and we mainly compare the monetary-based and the time-based IMTCs via the CR Express or maritime shipping in the pre- and post-COVID years. The results indicate that monetary-based IMTCs from China to Europe via CR Express are significantly lower than those via maritime shipping in the pre-COVID year, while the trend reverses in the post-COVID year, and the monetary-based IMTCs via CR Express are much higher than those via maritime shipping. Moreover, in both the pre-and post-COVID years, the time-based IMTCs from China to Europe via CR Express were significantly higher than those via maritime shipping for all nine cargo categories. Our study offers a new perspective for assessing the convenience of international multimodal transport with the novel IMTC index and provides policy and managerial implications (e.g., real-time cargo tracking technology with blockchain, unified price control mechanism and subsidy strategy, and expansion of the CR Express capacity) to guide policymakers in improving the resilience of international multimodal transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impacts of news veracity, source credibility, collective social endorsement, and perceptions of Twitter's utility on perceived credibility of and engagement with social media news posts. We conducted a 2 (Veracity: real vs. fake) × 2 (Source Credibility: credible vs. non-credible) x 2 (Collective Social Endorsement: high vs. low) online experiment (N = 271). In processing news posts, news veracity and source credibility influenced users' perceptions of post credibility, in that real news posts from credible sources were perceived as more credible than fake news posts from non-credible sources. Contrary to previous findings, social endorsement cues did not affect users' perceptions of post credibility or news engagement intent. More importantly, users' perceptions of Twitter's helpfulness in staying informed were associated with post credibility and intent to 'like' or share. Users with higher perceptions of Twitter's helpfulness were more likely to perceive posts as credible and more likely to engage with posts on social media. The results of this study have important implications for future research on news assessment and spread on social media. • News veracity and source credibility influence assessments of post credibility. • Social endorsement does not affect post credibility perceptions or behavioral intent. • Twitter believers more likely perceive posts as credible and engage on social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry coccidiosis is a catastrophic parasitic disease and the industry is currently seeking alternative compounds to replace conventional antibiotics. Accordingly, the current study determined the effect of dietary violacein supplementation on growth performance and anticoccidial indices of Eimeria -infected broiler chickens. A total of 336-day-old "Ross 308" broiler chicks were allotted to 6 treatments: that is, positive control (PC), negative control (NC), 1 treatment with salinomycin (6 ppm), and 3 treatments with different violacein concentrations (10, 15, 20 ppm). Experimental coccidiosis was induced in all chickens (except NC) by inoculating 3.2 × 105 sporulated oocysts. The treatment with 15 ppm violacein (VIO 15) significantly improved chicken growth performance compared to PC. Furthermore, significant reductions in lesion score, oocyst per gram of feces (OPG), and oocysts index (OI) were observed in the VIO 15 and the salinomycin treatments compared to other treatments. Violacein was reported as 'moderately effective' on Eimeria spp. based on the "anticoccidial index (ACI)," whereas "reduction in lesion score (RLS)" and "percentage anticoccidial activity (POAA)" indices designated its 15 ppm treatment as "highly sensitive" on them. Additionally, VIO 15 downregulated "interleukin-8 (IL-8)" and "interleukin-6 (IL-6)" compared to PC, in both spleen and cecal tonsils. Besides, expression levels of "chemokine C–C motif ligand 2 (CCLi-2)," were reduced in cecal tonsils of VIO 15 broiler chickens compared to PC. Conclusively, dietary violacein supplementation suppressed the deleterious effects of coccidial infection in broiler chickens with improved growth, and its 15 ppm level is recommended for use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based polymers are good candidates for high-power energy storage in dielectric capacitors. So far, most studies reporting PVDF with high energy density are based on solution casting, a method ill-suited for large-scale production. In this work, we develop PVDF films with high crystallinity (47%) and ultrahigh β-phase (∼97%) using Hot Rolling Press (HRP). During HRP, the crystallinity, fraction of β-phase, internal stress, and the piezoelectric coefficient d 33 increased with rolling temperature. The anisotropic stress imposed by two rollers led to a highly preferred orientation of the HRP film along the rolling direction. Notably, the HRP film exhibits an enhanced field-induced polarisation P in-max value (0.16 C m−2) compared to conventional PVDF films (0.10 C m−2), with an energy density of 32.6 J cm−3 at 871 kV mm-1. The good low field dielectric ( ε r ∼19 @ 1 kHz) and piezoelectric (d 33 ∼30 pC N-1) properties with high-temperature stability (up to 100 °C), and its suitability for in-line continuous production, make HRP PVDF films promising for low field dielectric and piezoelectric applications. [Display omitted] • PVDF films with ∼97% β-phase were made using a scalable Hot Rolling Press method. • HRP PVDF film shows higher field-induced polarization (P in-max 0.16 C mm-2) than conventional films. • HRP PVDF film has high U rec (32.6 J cm-3) and d 33 (30 pC N-1), promising for dielectric and piezoelectric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] External lubrication is an alternative to internal lubrication and its related detrimental effects on properties of tablets like tensile strength (TS). However, to date there are hardly any systematic investigations on external lubrication of mini-tablets on rotary tablet presses. Aim of this study was the systematic investigation of the impact of parameters tableting pressure, tableting speed, dosing rate and air pressure on the TS of mini-tablets. Both studies, the Central Composite Design (CCD) with SMCC 90 and the subsequently executed D-optimal design with SMCC 50, exhibited that tableting pressure had the highest positive effect on TS. Tableting speed and dosing rate in the CCD presumably did not seem to influence the TS, air pressure represented a positive coefficient. An additional temporal factor seemed to impact the results, deduced from the negative effect of the experimental order on TS in the CCD and from the negative correlation along the execution order in the residual plots. Additional long runs support findings of a non-linear decrease of TS over time. An interplay between dosing rate level and performance of the dust extraction collector is assumed, making more magnesium stearate available in the tablet press and potentially causing gradual contamination of the powder over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Which traits provide post-drought growth resilience to trees and shrubs? • We answered this issue by analyzing 19 conifers from climatically contrasting sites. • Growth resilience was negatively related to plant height. • Resilience was positively related to (hydraulic diameter / cell-wall thickness). • Growth recovery was positively related to the growth responsiveness to climate. Warmer and drier climate conditions are negatively impacting conifers, which show different mechanisms to withstand drought stress including growth resilience. However, it is unclear which traits make trees and shrubs more resilient to drought in terms of growth recovery. We addressed this question by measuring and collecting from the literature several functional traits in 19 conifers of nine genera (Abies, Pinus, Pseudotsuga, Cedrus, Picea, Juniperus, Cupressus, Tetraclinis and Taxus) from three families (Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxaceae) inhabiting sites of contrasting climate conditions in Spain. These traits were correlated with three growth resilience indices derived from ring-width data (Rt, resistance; Rc, recovery; Rs, resilience) with and without accounting for their phylogenetic signal. Growth resistance (Rt) was negatively related to plant height (r = -0.52, p = 0.04). Growth resilience (Rs) was negatively related to plant height (r = -0.93, p < 0.001) and leaf life span (r = -0.51, p = 0.03), but positively related to the thickness-to-span ratio (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). However, the relationship between Rs and leaf life span was not significant (p = 0.155) after accounting for phylogenetic signals. Lastly, growth recovery was positively related to the growth responsiveness to climate, assessed as the correlation between ring-width indices and water balance (r = 0.66, p = 0.002). Height and the thickness-to-span ratio, a surrogate of xylem resistance to cavitation, are linked to post-drought growth recovery in conifers subjected to seasonal dry conditions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing overdose and drug toxicity crisis in North America has contributed momentum to the emergence of safer supply prescribing and programs in Canada as a means of providing an alternative to the highly volatile unregulated drug supply. The implementation and scale-up of safer supply have been met with a vocal reaction on the part of news media commentators, conservative politicians, recovery industry representatives, and some prominent addiction medicine physicians. This reaction has largely converged around several narratives, based on unsubstantiated claims and anecdotal evidence, alleging that safer supply programs are generating a "new opioid epidemic", reflecting an emerging alignment among key institutional and political actors. Employing situational analysis method, and drawing on the policy studies and social science scholarship on moral panics, this essay examines news media coverage from January to July 2023, bringing this into dialogue with other existing empirical sources on safer supply (e.g. Coroner's reports, program evaluations, debates among experts in medical journals). We employ eight previously established criteria delineating moral panics to critically appraise public dialogue regarding safer supply, diverted medication, and claims of increased youth initiation to drug use and youth overdose. In detailing the emergence of a moral panic regarding safer supply, we trace historic continuities with earlier drug scares in Canadian history mobilized as tools of racialized poverty governance, as well as previous backlashes towards healthcare interventions for people who use drugs (PWUD). The essay assesses the claims of moral entrepreneurs against the current landscape of opioid use, diversion, and overdose among youth, notes the key role played by medical expertise in this and previous moral panics, and identifies what the convergence of these narratives materialize for PWUD and healthcare access, as well as the broader policy responses such narratives activate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The maximum ratio of stemflow (SF) to gross rainfall (GR) was 53.3% • SF/GR linearly increased with stand density. • SF increased with GR linearly on a 10-minute basis. • For intense rainfall the slope of the regression line for GR-SF became less steeper. • During heavy rainfall, the ratio of canopy interception to GR increased. Stemflow (SF) and gross rainfall (GR) were measured in two Japanese cedar stands with stand densities (SDs) of 5700 trees/ha and 9700 trees/ha. SF water was collected from four trees in each stand, and SF was derived by dividing the volume by the canopy area of the trees. In previous studies the highest SD for SF measurements in Japanese cedar and cypress was 2500 trees/ha with SF/GR of 23.3%. In this study SF/GR in the 5700-trees/ha and the 9700-trees/ha stands were 34.0% and 53.3%, respectively. Literature data together with the results of this study showed linear relationship between SF/GR and SD. In both cedar stands SF increased linearly with increasing GR on a rain event basis, however, a bending point in linearity that is defined as a threshold appeared for GR > 100 mm in the 9700-trees/ha stand, over which the slopes of the regression line became gentler. The 10-minute analyses also revealed the threshold and gentler slope of the regression line during intense rainfall. The threshold values were not constant but ranged from 4 to 8 mm/10 min. One of the causes of the threshold is splash droplets generated by raindrops hitting canopy and trunks, and another is SF water that breaks away from branches and stems. Both of them become throughfall (TF) and reduce rainwater allocated to SF during intense rainfall. The past measurements on TF and canopy interception (CI) conducted at the same site as this study showed the threshold, over which CI/GR increased. The existence of the threshold in CI/GR means some rainwater that was not allocated to SF but became TF evaporated as splashes before reaching the forest floor. Reduction in SF/GR influences rainfall partitioning in the stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel regularized orthogonal activated inverse-learning (ROAIL) neural network is proposed and investigated for reducing the impact of outliers in regression and classification fields. The proposed ROAIL network does not require extensive iterative computations. Instead, it can achieve the desired results with a single step of computation, allowing for the efficient acquisition of network weights. By extending the Gegenbauer polynomials to a multi-variate version, and integrating the ℓ 2 regularization and Welsch loss function into the orthogonal activated inverse-learning framework, two forms of ROAIL are obtained, i.e., ℓ 2 norm ROAIL (ℓ 2 -ROAIL) and Welsch-ROAIL (W-ROAIL). ℓ 2 -ROAIL neural network is proposed to minimize the empirical and structural risk simultaneously since taking the structural risk as a part of loss function can effectively reduce the complexity of the model and thus improve the generalization ability. W-ROAIL neural network further improves the robustness of the ℓ 2 -ROAIL neural network by replacing the original two-norm in loss function with Welsch function. The Welsch function can determine the weights of each sample according to its output error, and influence of outliers could be weakened since the weights of outliers would be reduced. Both regression and classification experiments show that W-ROAIL neural network has strong ability to suppress the influence of outliers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oleosomes are oil droplets abundant in oilseeds that can be extracted together with proteins for use in emulsion-like foods and can be used as natural, ready emulsions as alternatives to dairy and fat-based products. To make optimal use of the raw material, we look at simultaneous extraction of oleosomes and proteins from rapeseed. The combined approach of colloid milling and twin screw pressing resulted in a higher yield of oleosomes (70 % w/w) when compared to twin screw press alone (54 % w/w), which may be due to extensive cell wall disruption caused by colloid mill processing, as evidenced by SEM imaging. The protein yield remained constant irrespective of the degree of cell wall disruption (50 % w/w). In conclusion, combining the colloid mill and twin screw press is a straightforward way for the extraction of oleosome and proteins from rapeseeds for food application. [Display omitted] • The oleosome extraction yield was 54 % w/w by twin screw press. • Colloid mill oleosome extraction followed by twin screw press increases yield to 70 % w/w. • The yield of co-extracted protein (50 % w/w) is not affected by extraction method. • Both extraction methods are coalescence free, with oleosomes retaining their structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]