Linear Decrease Research Articles

Impact of Patient’s Age and Physician’s Professional Background on the Number Needed to Treat in Malignant Melanoma Detection

Background/Objectives: With regard to excision of pigmented lesions for detection of malignant melanoma (MM), the number needed to treat (NNT) describes the number of melanocytic nevi that need to be biopsied/excised to detect one MM. The aim should be a low NNT. Methods: Single-center data analysis, including dermatohistopathological records of all nevi and MM cases during 2004–2013 at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg (UKR), was performed. We calculated the NNT, correlating it with the patient’s age and referring physician. The MM to MM in situ ratio was calculated to quantify early detection. As a secondary objective, we stratified into a pre- and post-2008 dataset, coinciding with the introduction of statutory skin cancer screening in Germany. Results: The overall NNT of 118,668 pigmented lesions was 17.2. We found a linear decrease in NNT towards older patients (R2 = 62%; p < 0.001). The impact of skin cancer screening in 2008 was marked by a reduction in biopsies/excisions, a shift in age distribution, and a decrease in the NNT from 20.3 to 14.7. Office-based dermatologists had an NNT of 22.3, UKR-based dermatologists had an NNT of 8.0, and non-dermatologists had an NNT of 16.5. Conclusions: The age-related decrease in the NNT emphasizes the importance of age stratification for pigmented lesions. The NNT differed between professional settings. The implementation of skin cancer screening in 2008 was associated with a reduced NNT.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multicomponent Smoking Cessation Intervention for Adults with Serious Mental Illness.

Background: Combined behavioral- and pharmacological-based tobacco cessation interventions are effective for adults with serious mental illness; yet, they continue to smoke at alarming rates. Materials and Methods: A pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial of the program consisted of 50 minutes of game-based groups 3×/week, for 12 weeks alongside counseling and pharmacotherapy. The intervention group engaged in game-based group physical activity (PA), while the control group engaged in sedentary games. Results: Multilevel regression analyses were used to examine the primary aims. Mean number of cigarettes smoked per week (cig/wk) for the sample (n = 48) at enrollment was 56.3 cigarettes. The linear change was significant at 2.9 fewer cig/wk. The average psychiatric symptom score at enrollment for the PA group was 41.5 points with a significant predicted linear decrease in scores. Conclusion: Both study groups showed a significant reduction in cig/wk. The combination of counseling and pharmacotherapy offered in groups may have aided with cessation and cigarette reduction while also providing a benefit to mental health.

Reaching medium entropy oxides with rocksalt structure based on cluster-plus-glue-atom model: A case study of Co-Ni-Cu-Zn-O system with tunable optoelectrical properties

Mg–Co–Ni–Cu–Zn–O is the firstly reported high entropy oxide (HEO) which has great promise in optoelectrical applications. However, the multicomponent and decreased configurational entropy by extracting one element from (Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) makes it difficult to synthesize single-phase medium entropy oxides (MEOs) especially when the cations are non-equimolar. In this paper, we synthesized different compositional-type of non-equimolar Co–Ni–Cu–Zn–O MEOs possessing single-phase rocksalt structure guided by the cluster-plus-glue-atom model. Interestingly, Co21Ni43Cu16Zn16O96 and Co17Ni47Cu16Zn16O96 have the lowest single-phase formation temperature (850 °C) when the total cation content is kept unchanged. Further increase or decrease of Co/Ni content (none, little, more) will increase the difficulty of single-phase formation ability and temperature (900–1200 °C). It is suggested the single-phase formation ability of Co–Ni–Cu–Zn–O MEOs is closely related to the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and average cation-size difference (δ). The linear decrease of Co content and increase of Ni content can monotonously enlarge the energy band gap (Eg) from 1.52 eV to 1.93 eV and increase the electrical impedance with five orders of magnitude (∼103 Ω–∼108 Ω), which may be valuable in the fields of optoelectrical devices.

Caregivers' physiological responses during toddler vaccinations: associations with psychological and behavioral responses.

This study investigated biological, psychological, and behavioral aspects of caregivers' responses to toddlers' pain-related distress by measuring caregivers' high-frequency heart rate variability (HRV) responses during toddler vaccination pain and examining associations with caregivers' behavioral responses and psychological stress. Participants included caregiver-toddler dyads (N = 194) from a longitudinal cohort-sequential study who were observed during toddlers' 12-, 18-, or 24-month routine vaccinations. Changes in caregiver HRV were analyzed using growth curve modeling. Conditional growth curve models examined associations between caregiver HRV and caregivers' concurrent behavior and psychological stress. The unconditional growth curve model indicated a slight linear decrease in caregiver HRV (i.e., vagal withdrawal) across the 3 min post-needle (unstandardized B = -0.06, p = .049). In conditional growth curve models, higher levels of parenting stress were associated with less vagal withdrawal during the post-needle period (standardized B = 0.47, unstandardized B = 0.02, p = .003). Caregivers' behavioral responses (i.e., use of soothing and distress-promoting behaviors), state anxiety, and general anxiety symptomology were not significantly associated with HRV responses. Caregiver parasympathetic nervous system activity levels changed minimally from baseline to post-needle and decreased slightly across the post-needle period. Caregivers' self-reported parenting stress was associated with their parasympathetic responses to the procedure. Findings support an improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying caregivers' responses to children's pain-related distress in a naturalistic setting.

Development of inattention and executive dysfunction in youth with spina bifida: condition severity variables as predictors

ABSTRACT Youth with spina bifida (SB) are at increased risk for inattention and executive dysfunction challenges. This study aimed to characterize the development of inattention and executive dysfunction in SB and examine the relationship between condition severity (i.e. lesion level, shunt status, and shunt revisions) and inattention and executive dysfunction at age 11.5 and longitudinally. Participants included 140 youth with SB. Condition severity was collected via parent reports and chart review. Parents and teachers reported on youth’s inattention and executive dysfunction using informant-based measures across five time points. Parents and teachers both reported linear decreases in inhibition and working memory problems. Development of inattention and shifting problems varied by reporter. At 11.5 years, shunt status predicted worse parent- and teacher-reported inattention and executive dysfunction, while shunt revisions predicted worse parent-reported working memory alone. Higher lesion level predicted fewer parent-reported inhibition problems at 11.5 years. Over time, more shunt revisions and higher lesion level predicted worse parent-reported inattention and inhibition, respectively. Findings suggest that inattention and executive dysfunction may significantly change over time in youth with SB, related to condition severity and reporter. Early deficit identification and intervention implementation, particularly for youth with greater SB severity, may result in better longitudinal outcomes.

Cumulative effects of H+ and Pi on force and power of skeletal muscle fibres from young and older adults.

The cellular causes of the age-related loss in power output and increased fatigability are unresolved. We previously observed that the depressive effects of hydrogen (H+) (pH 6.2) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) (30mm) did not differ in muscle fibres from young and older men. However, the effects may have been saturated in the severe fatigue-mimicking condition, potentially masking age differences in the sensitivity of the cross-bridge to these metabolites. Thus, we compared the contractile mechanics of muscle fibres from the vastus lateralis of 13 young (20-32years, seven women) and 12 older adults (70-90years, six women) in conditions mimicking quiescent muscle and a range of elevated H+ (pH 6.8-6.6-6.2) and Pi (12-20-30mm). The older adult knee extensor muscles showed hallmark signs of ageing, including 19% lower thigh lean mass, 60% lower power and a greater fatigability compared to young adult muscles. Progressively increasing concentrations of H+ and Pi in the chemically-permeabilized fibre experiments caused a linear decrease in fibre force, velocity and power; however, the effects did not differ with age or sex. Fast fibre cross-sectional area was 41% smaller in older compared to young adults, which corresponded with lower absolute power. Size-specific power was greater in fibres from older compared to young adults, indicating the age-related decline in absolute power was explained by differences in fibre size. These data suggest the age-related loss in power is determined primarily by fast fibre atrophy in men and women, but the age-related increase in fatigability cannot be explained by an increased sensitivity of the cross-bridge to H+ and Pi. KEY POINTS: The causes of the age-related loss in muscle power output and the increase in fatigability during dynamic exercise remain elusive. We show that progressively increasing concentrations of hydrogen (H+) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) causes a linear decrease in muscle fibre force, velocity and power, but the depressive effects of these metabolites on cross-bridge function did not differ in fibres from older compared to young adults across a range of fatigue-mimicking conditions. We also found peak absolute power did not differ in slow fibres from young and older adults but it was ∼33% lower in older adult fast fibres, which was explained entirely by age differences in fibre size. These data suggest that fast fibre atrophy is a major factor contributing to the loss in power of older men and women, but that the age-related increase in fatigability cannot be explained by an increased sensitivity of the cross-bridge to H+ and Pi.

Low-temperature preparation of C/C-W-Cu composites with enhanced particle impact and ablation resistance

Herein, C/C-W-Cu composites were innovatively developed by a molten salt assisted reactive infiltration method, with the preparation temperature of only 1300 ℃, far lower than the traditional infiltration temperatures. The as-prepared C/C-W-Cu composites exhibited better particle erosion and high-temperature ablation resistance than C/C composites, with a linear variation rate decrease of 99.5 % and 80.3 % under particle impact (70 m/s, 10 s) and oxyacetylene ablation (2.4 MW/m2, 120 s) conditions, respectively. The improved protection performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of ductile deformation of the surface W-Cu metal layer and transpiration cooling of the filled Cu phase, which prevents serious carbon fiber damage and ensures a low response of surface ablation temperature (∼1400 ℃).

Energetic and Neuromuscular Demands of Unresisted, Parachute- and Sled-Resisted Sprints in Youth Soccer Players: Differences Between Two Novel Determination Methods.

The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in terms of (1) muscle activation patterns; (2) metabolic power (MP) and energy cost (EC) estimated via two determination methods (i.e., the Global Positioning System [GPS] and electromyography-based [EMG]); and (3) the apparent efficiency (AE) of 30-m linear sprints in seventeen elite U17 male soccer players performed under different conditions (i.e., unloaded sprint [US], parachute sprint [PS], and four incremental sled loads [SS15, SS30, SS45, SS60, corresponding to 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg of additional mass]). In a single testing session, each participant executed six trials (one attempt per sprint type). The results indicated that increasing the sled loads led to a linear increase in the relative contribution of the quadriceps (R2 = 0.98) and gluteus (R2 = 0.94) and a linear decrease in hamstring recruitment (R2 = 0.99). The MP during the US was significantly different from SS15, SS30, SS45, and SS60, as determined by the GPS and EMG approaches (p-values ranging from 0.01 to 0.001). Regarding EC, significant differences were found among the US and all sled conditions (i.e., SS15, SS30, SS45, and SS60) using the GPS and EMG methods (all p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, MP and EC determined via GPS were significantly lower in all sled conditions when compared to EMG (all p ≤ 0.001). The AE was significantly higher for the US when compared to the loaded sprinting conditions (all p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, muscle activation patterns, MP and EC, and AE changed as a function of load in sled-resisted sprinting. Furthermore, GPS-derived MP and EC seemed to underestimate the actual neuromuscular and metabolic demands imposed on youth soccer players compared to EMG.

Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Lactic Acid-Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents as a Function of Water Content

The interest in natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) in green technology as an alternative to organic solvents has grown over the past decades. In this work, for the first time, the effect of dilution with water on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of lactic acid-based NADES with choline chloride (NADES1), sorbitol (NADES2), and glucose (NADES3) was systematically studied. According to FTIR data, after the dilution of NADESs with water, the strong hydrogen bonds weakened, however, were not destroyed after dilution of up to 40% water. The dilution of NADES with water resulted in a linear decrease in density and refractive index and in a linear increase in pH. The equations for the prediction of NADES density, pH, and refractive index as a function of water content were calculated. The viscosity decreased by half after adding approximately 10% water. The initial viscosity of NADES2 and NADES3 was significantly different. However, after adding 20% of the water, the viscosity was almost the same. The most pronounced decrease in surface tension (by 46.7%) was found for NADES1. The water activity was decreased in the following order: NADES3 > NADES1 > NADES2. The dilution of NADES with water caused a gradual increase in water activity. NADES1 showed the lowest minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) (7.8, 3.9, and 0.98 mg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) (15.6, 7.8, and 1.95 mg/mL) for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was decreased by 2–8 times after the addition of 40% water. The water activity for all tested NADES together with low pH could explain the antimicrobial effect. The revealed regularity can be useful for the prediction of NADES properties and for the selection of green solvents on a laboratory and industrial scale.

Enhancing Communication Security in Drones Using QRNG in Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

This paper presents a novel approach to enhancing the security and reliability of drone communications through the integration of Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) in Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) systems. We propose a multi-drone framework that leverages QRNG technology to generate truly random frequency hopping sequences, significantly improving resistance against jamming and interception attempts. Our method introduces a concurrent access protocol for multiple drones to share a QRNG device efficiently, incorporating robust error handling and a shared memory system for random number distribution. The implementation includes secure communication protocols, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality through encryption and Hash-based Message Authentication Code (HMAC) verification. We demonstrate the system’s effectiveness through comprehensive simulations and statistical analyses, including spectral density, frequency distribution, and autocorrelation studies of the generated frequency sequences. The results show a significant enhancement in the unpredictability and uniformity of frequency distributions compared to traditional pseudo-random number generator-based approaches. Specifically, the frequency distributions of the drones exhibited a relatively uniform spread across the available spectrum, with minimal discernible patterns in the frequency sequences, indicating high unpredictability. Autocorrelation analyses revealed a sharp peak at zero lag and linear decrease to zero values for other lags, confirming a general absence of periodicity or predictability in the sequences, which enhances resistance to predictive attacks. Spectral analysis confirmed a relatively flat power spectral density across frequencies, characteristic of truly random sequences, thereby minimizing vulnerabilities to spectral-based jamming. Statistical tests, including Chi-squared and Kolmogorov-Smirnov, further confirm the unpredictability of the frequency sequences generated by QRNG, supporting enhanced security measures against predictive attacks. While some short-term correlations were observed, suggesting areas for improvement in QRNG technology, the overall findings confirm the potential of QRNG-based FHSS systems in significantly improving the security and reliability of drone communications. This work contributes to the growing field of quantum-enhanced wireless communications, offering substantial advancements in security and reliability for drone operations. The proposed system has potential applications in military, emergency response, and secure commercial drone operations, where enhanced communication security is paramount.

The Optimal Dietary Sodium or Chloride Level of Broilers Fed a Corn-Soybean Meal Diet from 22 to 42 Days of Age.

The objective of this study was to assess the ideal dietary Na or Cl level for chickens from 22 to 42 d of age, utilizing a corn-soybean meal diet that maintains a 1:1 ratio of Na to Cl. At 22 d of age, a total of 288 male broilers of Arbor Acres were selected and randomly divided into one of six treatments. Each treatment contained eight replicates, with six chicks in each replicate. The control chicks were given a basic diet including 0.02% Na and 0.07% Cl without added Na or Cl, while the birds in other treatments were given diets containing different Na or Cl levels (0.13%, 0.19%, 0.25%, 0.31%, and 0.37%). With increasing dietary Na or Cl levels, linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) increases occurred in ADG, ADFI, and average daily water consumption, while F/G exhibited a linear (p < 0.0001) and quadratic (p < 0.0001) decrease from 22 to 42 d of age in broilers. Linear (p < 0.02) and quadratic increases (p < 0.03) were found in the heart indicator, serum Cl- concentrations, and blood Na+ and Cl- concentrations, whereas the kidney indicator, blood K+ concentrations, and serum K+, UA, and glucose (GLU) concentrations showed a linear (p < 0.04) and quadratic (p < 0.004) decrease with an increase in dietary Na or Cl levels. The excreta water content, liver indicator, and jejunal crypt depth also showed a linear increase (p < 0.02). The ideal levels of dietary Na or Cl were estimated to be 0.07% to 0.12%, based on the most suitable broken-line and asymptotic models (p ≤ 0.0002) using those sensitive indicators mentioned above. It was suggested that the suitable dietary Na or Cl level of 0.12% would adequately fulfill the Na or Cl metabolic demands of chickens from 22 to 42 d of age.

Investigation of the physical properties and pressure-induced band gap tuning of Sr3ZBr3 (Z=As, Sb) for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications: A DFT - GGA and mBJ studies

This study discusses the feasibility of diversifying the scope of application of lead-free Sr3ZBr3 (Z = As, Sb) as promising materials for their enhanced electronic, mechanical, optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties using first-principles calculation based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). Both compounds have cubic crystal structures, and both materials' dynamic stability is validated by the lack of negative frequencies in their phonon dispersion spectra. Besides ground state physical characteristics, we also examined the impact of hydrostatic pressure (0–21 GPa) on electronic, mechanical, and optical properties. The lattice parameters exhibit a linear decrease from 6.27 to 5.61 Å for Sr3AsBr3 and 6.45 to 5.71 Å for Sr3SbBr3 under increasing pressure, attributed to bond length reduction, which alters their physical properties. Initially observed direct band gap (Γ-Γ) of Sr3AsBr3 and Sr3SbBr3 were 2.35 and 2.30 eV using modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) functional which reduces to 1.15 and 0.82 eV as the compounds go from 0 to 21 GPa pressure. This study reveals enhanced optical properties under pressure, with broader spectral response, increased sensitivity, and improved dielectric constant. Optical absorption and conductivity also shift toward lower-energy photons. The investigation further shows that the compounds show brittle to ductile transition under high pressure. Their ductility and anisotropy nature are further enhanced with pressure along with other mechanical features. The thermodynamic properties indicate their ability to withstand and perform well at high temperatures and pressures. Lastly, the thermoelectric properties of Sr3ZBr3 (Z = As, Sb) were assessed through electrical and thermal conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor (PF), and figure of merit (ZT) as a function of temperature. Both compounds exhibit high PF and near-unity ZT. These findings underscore their potential as strong candidates for optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices, owing to their direct bandgap and exceptional properties.

Effect of chitosan molecular weight and protein to polysaccharide ratio on the rheological and physicochemical properties of milk proteins–chitosan complex coacervate

The small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheological properties of complex coacervate of milk proteins with high (HMC), medium (MMC), and low (LMC) molecular weight chitosan in the optimal ratios of milk proteins to chitosan (15:1, 10:1, and 5:1, respectively) were measured. In addition, the morphological (SEM), structural (XRD), and thermal (DSC) properties of the complex coacervates were investigated in comparison with the milk protein concentrate. Complex coacervates showed the shear-thinning behavior due to a linear decrease of complex viscosity with increasing frequency. Furthermore, the highest complex modulus and the more compact structure under optimal conditions, in terms of the ratio of protein to chitosan and pH, revealed strong electrostatic bonding between proteins and chitosan. All coacervates showed a G′ > G″ (Tanδ<1), indicating the formation of an interconnected gel-like structure that was described by the power law model. The maximum fracture stress was obtained at optimum conditions (R = 15:1, pH =6.7 for HMC; R = 10:1, pH =5.5 for MMC and R = 5:1, pH =4.6 for LMC), indicating the highest intermolecular interaction between milk proteins and chitosan. The coacervates had a completely amorphous structure similar to MPC, and according to DSC results, the ionic bonds between milk proteins and chitosan were not destroyed up to 300 °C. Coacervation leads to purified milk proteins at a low cost. In addition, the coacervates can be used for the encapsulation of heat-sensitive compounds, and also as a stabilizer to improve the texture of food.

Associations of Dietary Intake of Vitamin B6 and Plasma Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate Level With Depression in US Adults: Findings From NHANES 2005-2010.

Evidence regarding the associations of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate level in plasma and dietary intake of vitamin B6 with depression risk is scarce. Accordingly, we investigated the aforementioned associations in US adults. This is a cross-sectional study that included data from two independent samples of 12,716 and 11,967 individuals (aged ≥20years) participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010. The associations of the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate level in plasma and dietary intake of vitamin B6 with depression risk were examined through multivariable logistic regression. In addition, we determined dose-response associations by fitting restricted cubic splines to the data. In the multivariable model, the highest quarter of dietary intake of vitamin B6 was associated with a significantly lower risk of depression compared to the lowest quarter (OR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.79, p< 0.001). Similarly, the highest quartile of plasma PLP levels was linked to a reduced risk of depression compared to the lowest quartile (OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.93, p<0.01). With increasing quartiles of dietary intake of vitamin B6 and plasma PLP levels, the risk of depression also decreased accordingly (all p for trend < 0.01). Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that for every 1-SD increase in the level of plasma lutein+zeaxanthin and dietary intake of vitamin B6, the risk of depression showed a decreasing trend (all p<0.01). The interaction test results indicated that the dietary consumption of vitamin B6 did not significantly interact with any of the stratification factors (all p for interaction >0.05). Moreover, no significant interaction was found between the amount of plasma PLP and any hierarchical factors (all p for interaction >0.05), except for gender-based subgroup analysis (p for interaction >0.05). The dose-response relationship results showed a linear decrease trend in the relationship between dietary vitamin B6 intake and plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate with the risk of depression. Plasma PLP levels and dietary vitamin B6 intake in the highest quartiles are associated with a lower risk of depression. These findings support the promotion of a balanced diet rich in vitamin B6. However, future randomized controlled trials are necessary to confirm the effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on depression risk. We should aim for a healthy and balanced diet in terms of nutritional supplementation.

Water Droplet Equilibration on Silicone Elastomer Substrates Containing Mobile Silicones.

Understanding interfacial behavior at the water/silicone elastomer interface is vital in many applications, including microfluidics, antibiofouling, and self-cleaning surfaces. Silicone elastomers are not always static systems, however. Unreacted silicone molecules within a substrate may change the water-wetting behavior compared to fully reacted substrates. To investigate the impact of free silicone species at the interface, we systematically studied water wettability as a function of contact time with various silicone elastomer substrates. One set of Sylgard 184 substrates was prepared from curing at optimal stoichiometry and included doses of silicone molecules of varying molecular weights. Another set of substrates was made by mixing Sylgard 184 in imbalanced ratios to provide incomplete cross-linking. In the absence of added silicone oils, we observe a linear decrease in contact angle with time due to the evaporation of water. However, within certain molecular weight and loading levels of additional inert oils, nonlinear wetting behavior occurs as oils migrate to the interface and the system stabilizes. Similar nonlinear wetting behavior occurs without including silicone oils by mixing pure Sylgard 184 in very imbalanced mixing ratios, resulting in incomplete cross-linking. Such substrates contain unbound mobile silicone species that diffuse to the water-substrate interface. We show how the water contact angle technique can elucidate the presence of unbound silicone oils in the substrate.

The influence of epicardial resistance on Microvascular Resistance Reserve (MRR)

Abstract Background The optimal index of microvascular function should be specific for the microvascular compartment. Yet, coronary flow reserve (CFR), despite being widely used to diagnose coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), is influenced by both epicardial and microvascular resistance. Conversely, microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) adjusts for fractional flow reserve (FFR), and thus is theoretically independent of epicardial resistance. Purpose We tested the hypothesis that MRR, unlike CFR, is not influenced by increasing epicardial resistance, and thus is a more specific index of microvascular function. Methods In a cohort of 16 patients that had undergone proximal left anterior descending artery stenting, we created four grades of artificial stenosis (no stenosis, mild, moderate, and severe) using a coronary angioplasty balloon inflated to different degrees within the stent. For each stenosis grade, we calculated CFR and MRR using continuous thermodilution (64 measurements of each) in order to assess their response to changing epicardial resistance. Results Graded balloon inflation resulted in a significant sequential decrease in mean FFR (no stenosis: 0.82 ±0.05; mild: 0.72 ±0.04; moderate: 0.61 ±0.05; severe: 0.48 ±0.09, p&amp;lt;0.001). This translated into a linear decrease in mean hyperaemic coronary flow (no stenosis: 170.5 ±66.8 ml/min; mild: 149.8 ±58.8 ml/min; moderate: 124.4 ±53.0 ml/min; severe: 94.0 ±45.2 ml/min, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1). CFR exhibited a marked linear decrease with increasing stenosis (no stenosis: 2.5 ±0.9; mild: 2.2 ±0.8; moderate: 1.8 ±0.7; severe: 1.4 ±0.6), corresponding to a decrease of 0.3 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conversely, MRR exhibited a minimal decrease across all stenosis grades (no stenosis: 3.0 ±1.0; mild: 3.0 ±1.0; moderate: 2.9 ±1.0; severe: 2.8 ±1.0), corresponding to a decrease of just 0.05 for a decrease in FFR of 0.1 (p&amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 1). Conclusion MRR, unlike CFR, is minimally influenced by epicardial resistance, and thus should be considered the most specific index of microvascular function.Figure 1.Absolute blood flow (Q) vs FFRFigure 2.MRR/CFR vs FFR

Semiaromatic Polyester-Ethers with Tunable Degradation Profiles.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a widely utilized polymer within the biomedical field; however, one of its limitations is the multi-year long degradation profile. Herein, we report a semiaromatic polyester-ether (SAEE) PCL copolymer using a salicylic acid-based monomer which can disrupt the semicrystalline nature of the bulk material. The molar percentage of incorporation correlated to a linear decrease in melting and crystallization temperature, until a totally amorphous solid was seen at 37 mol %. Alongside this, mechanical analysis elucidated a softer, more extensible material with E' decreasing from 292 to 222 to 43.8 MPa for PCL to 10 to 22 mol % SAEE, respectively. Accelerated basic degradation studies (2 M NaOH) exhibited total mass loss after 16 weeks for 6 mol % compared to only 38% mass loss for PCL over the same period. Overall, by varying the SAEE mol %, we show the ability to finely tune the thermal, mechanical, and degradation profiles of PCL copolymers while maintaining an advantageous biological profile.

Environmental impacts of the filamentous fungi Paecilomyces variotii (PEKILO®) as a novel protein source in feeds for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

The present study investigated environmental impacts associated with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, economic Fish in Fish out ratio (eFIFO), waste outputs, and food-feed competition of feeding diets containing the filamentous fungus Paecilomyces variotii (PEKILO®) to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) pre-smolts. To achieve this, a feeding trial was conducted using four experimental diets. The control diet was based on fishmeal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten meal. Diets 1, 2, and 3 were formulated so that P. variotii replaced 5, 10, and 20 % of the crude protein (CP) content of the control diet originating mainly from fishmeal, soy protein concentrate, and wheat gluten meal. Dietary inclusion of P. variotii affected simulated environmental indices such as GHG emission (P < 0.001); this index was P. variotii-dose-dependent, as illustrated by negative linear models (P < 0.001, adjusted R-squared = 0.96). Dietary inclusion of P. variotii was negatively correlated with eFIFO (P < 0.001, adjusted R-squared = 0.82). Dietary inclusion of P. variotii reduced food-competition feedstuff (FCF) in the diets (P < 0.001), as well as the amount of FCF to produce one kg of Atlantic salmon (P < 0.001). Relative to the control diet, solid nitrogen waste output, expressed as g kg−1 fish produced, was increased (P < 0.0001) in fish fed Diet 3. Conversely, linear decreases in solid phosphorous, magnesium and potassium (P < 0.0001) wastes expressed as g kg−1 fish produced were associated with increasing dietary inclusion of P. variotii. Likewise, linear decreases in dissolved nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium (P < 0.0001) wastes were observed with increasing replacement of the CP content of the control diet with P. variotii. Based on this assessment, P. variotii is a relevant alternative protein source with a low environmental footprint for use in Atlantic salmon feeds. Future novel feeds for Atlantic salmon should expand the use of alternative protein- and lipid-rich materials with a low ecological footprint that are produced according to a circular bioeconomy principle and utilize non-food-competing feedstuff (NFCF) such as P. variotii to move the industry towards sustainability.

Longitudinal effects of father‐adolescent attachment on anxiety: A multi‐informant study

AbstractResearch has demonstrated that many elements of the family context can play a significant role in the development of anxiety in adolescents. Some work suggests that parent‐adolescent attachment may serve as an antecedent of adolescent anxiety problems, but there remains a gap in research that examines both the mother‐adolescent and father‐adolescent attachment relationship and its impact on adolescent anxiety. Evidence suggests that parent‐child attachment security may provide a context for the development of emotion regulation skills; if an adolescent lacks these important regulatory capabilities in a time of stressful transitions, this may be related to increased feelings of anxiety. However, little is known about the particular effects of father‐adolescent attachment on anxiety, especially in early to mid‐adolescence. The present study addresses parental influences on the development of adolescent anxiety in a sample of 295 mothers, fathers, and adolescents studied across three years. Two dyadic growth‐curve models were specified: one for mother‐adolescent dyads and the other for father‐adolescent dyads. Results indicated that linear increases in adolescent reports of secure attachment with their fathers were predictive of linear decreases in adolescent reports of anxiety. Interestingly, there were no significant effects for the mother‐adolescent model. The results call attention to the developmental significance of attachment to fathers in buffering adolescents from emerging anxiety in this developmental period. The present study contributes to a growing body of research that highlights the importance of the father‐child relationship in adolescence.

Deformation behaviour of strain-softening rock mass in tunnels considering deterioration model of elastic modulus

By analyzing the composite effects of the plastic shear strain and confining stress according to the laboratory test results, a model adopting a deteriorating elastic modulus for the intact rock is proposed. Soft rock such as coal and the strong rock such as granite with different quality are investigated. Geological Strength Index (GSI) is adopted to represent the integrity of rock, to be specific, from intact rock to the rock mass. Specifically, for the strain-softening rock mass, the elastic modulus is gained by introducing GSI into the deterioration model. The strength parameters are obtained by fitting GSI into Hoek-Brown failure criterion. Then, the elastic modulus and strength parameters of the rock mass are employed in the numerical procedure for solving out the rock deformation, the radii of the plastic softening and residual zones of the tunnels. The rationality of the numerical procedure is verified with the existing semi-analytical and analytical procedures. In the discussion, the influences of the critical plastic parameters and GSI, on the elastic modulus, rock deformation, radii of the plastic softening and residual zones are investigated. Five models for the variation of the modulus including the proposed deterioration model are defined. The rock mass deformation behaviours of the five models are compared. The results indicate that, in the plastic softening zone that is far away from the tunnel periphery, the elastic modulus is more sensitive to the plastic shear strain, whereas near the tunnel periphery, the elastic modulus is primarily affected by the confining stress. Regarding a linear decrease of the elastic modulus versus the plastic shear strain overestimates the elastic modulus to some extent, especially for the soft rock mass.