bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A continuous Class‐EF power amplifier based on the general continuous mode design theory
Authors: Wei Xuepeng , Luo Yonglun
Published: June 2023

Continuous mode provides better bandwidth performance and constant efficiency by offering greater design flexibility in fundamental and harmonics. However, this mode is mainly applicable to limited classes of power amplifiers (PAs) (such as Class‐F, Class‐J, and their derived types). In view of this problem, this paper proposes a general design theory for high‐efficiency broadband continuous PAs, which can easily extend any waveform of PAs to obtain the continuous impedance space. In theoretical analysis, first, the high‐efficiency equations are analyzed from the perspective of frequency domain. Furthermore, combining time domain constraints, a general continuous mode analysis and solution theory is presented. The theory is applied to the bandwidth expansion of Class‐EF PAs, resulting in a new continuous Class‐EF (C‐EF) mode that maintains constant efficiency while offering greater broadband design freedom. The proposed theory is verified by fabricating a C‐EF PA using GaN HEMT CGH40010F, which demonstrated output power (Pout) ranging from 39.5 to 41.2 dBm and drain efficiency (DE) of 69.5% to 79.2% in the frequency range of 2.5–3.6 GHz.
Integrating community science and agency‐collected monitoring data to expand monitoring capacity at large spatial scales
Authors: Sipe Hannah A. , Keren Ilai N. , Converse Sarah J.
Published: June 2023

Monitoring species to better understand their status, ecology, and management needs is a major expense for agencies tasked with biodiversity conservation. Community science data have the potential to improve monitoring for minimal cost, given appropriate analytical frameworks. We describe a framework for integrating data from the eBird community science platform with agency‐collected monitoring data using a multistate occupancy model. Our model accounts for the structural differences across datasets and allows for estimation of both occupancy and breeding probabilities. The framework was applied to Common Loons (Gavia immer) in Washington State. A total of 766 sites had observation effort, of which 713 sites had only eBird effort, 26 sites had only Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) effort, and 27 sites had both. We predicted that the probability of occupancy was only 0.07 (95% Bayesian credible interval, BCI = 0.02–0.51) at the 2324 sites in our sampling frame, though the probability that Common Loons were breeding at occupied sites was 0.95 (95% BCI = 0.71–1.00). We found that probability of occupancy was positively related to waterbody size (probability of a positive effect = 0.88) and negatively related to an index of human influence (probability of a negative effect = 0.94). We found that probability of breeding at occupied sites was positively related to tree canopy cover (0.86), negatively related to elevation (0.99), and negatively related to barren, scrub/shrub, and herbaceous land cover (0.98). We found that state agency biologists were 16 times more likely to detect breeding Common Loons at a site than were eBird users (0.94, 95% BCI = 0.78–0.99 for agency biologists vs. 0.08, 95% BCI = 0.06–0.10 for eBird users). However, the amount of effort expended by eBird users meant that they confirmed Common Loons at 94 sites while agency biologists confirmed them at just 24 sites, although evidence of reproduction was only contributed by agency biologists. Our results provide a better understanding of the distribution of Common Loons in Washington, while further demonstrating that community science data can be a valuable complement to agency‐collected data, if appropriate frameworks are developed to integrate these data sources.
Fitness and niche differences are both important in explaining responses of plant diversity to nutrient addition
Authors: Dostál Petr
Published: June 2023

Plant species loss due to eutrophication is a common phenomenon in temperate perennial grasslands. It occurs in a nonrandom fashion and is usually explained by increased competitive size asymmetry between the co‐occurring winner (tall species with optima in productive habitats) and loser species (small‐statured plants typical for unproductive habitats). It remains unclear why nutrient addition decreases diversity in communities consisting of losers only, whereas it has little effect on winner‐only communities. Here, I used the framework of modern coexistence theory to explore fertilization‐driven changes in fitness and niche differences between different combinations of field‐identified winner (W) and loser (L) species. I experimentally estimated competition parameters for plant species pairs constructed from a pool of eight species, including pairs of species from the same (WW, LL) and different species categories (LW) grown for approximately 2 years in control and fertilized conditions. Concurrently, I also followed plant species diversity in mesocosm communities constructed from the same species pool (four‐species communities including winners, losers, or both) exposed to control and nutrient addition. I found that nutrient addition can reduce but, unexpectedly, also promote species coexistence depending on the type of species pairs. Whereas nutrient addition eroded the coexistence of losers with winners, but also with other losers, treatment had the opposite effect on the persistence of winner species. Fertilization induced large fitness differences between species in loser–winner and loser–loser combinations, but had little effect on the fitness differences of species within the winner–winner combination. In addition, the persistence of winner pairs was promoted by larger niche differences compared to loser species, irrespective of soil nutrients. The differences in how nutrient addition modified coexistence at the pairwise level were reflected by differences in the evenness of multispecies communities assembled from the corresponding species categories. These results suggest that the effect of eutrophication on plant species richness cannot simply be explained by an increased competitive asymmetry. To fully understand the effect of fertilization on the diversity of temperate grasslands, interspecific and intraspecific interactions should be explored while considering differences in species' ecological optima.
Characterizing tree trait variance over spatiotemporal scales
Authors: Umaña Maria Natalia , Hulshof Catherine M.
Published: June 2023

Beyond the study of the mean, functional ecology lacks a concise characterization of trait variance patterns across spatiotemporal scales. Traits are measured in different ways, using different metrics, and at different spatial (and rarely temporal) scales. This study expands on previous research by applying a ubiquitous and widely used empirical model—Taylor's Power Law—to functional trait variance with the goal of identifying general patterns of trait variance scaling (the behavior of trait variance across scales). We compiled data on tree seedling communities monitored over 10 years across 213 2 m2 plots and functional trait data from a subtropical forest in Puerto Rico. We examined trait‐based Taylor's Power Law at nested spatial and temporal scales. The scaling of variance with the mean was idiosyncratic across traits suggesting that the drivers of variation are likely to differ across traits that may make variance scaling theory elusive. However, slopes varied more in space than through time, suggesting that spatial environmental variability may have a larger role in driving trait variance than temporal variability. Empirical models that characterize taxonomic patterns across spatiotemporal scales, like Taylor's Power Law, can provide an insight into the scaling of functional traits, a necessary next step toward a more predictive trait‐based ecology.
Eligibility for vericiguat in a real‐world heart failure population according to trial, guideline and label criteria: Data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc V. , Lindberg Felix , Benson Lina , Ferrannini Giulia , Imbalzano Egidio , Mol Peter G.M. , Dahlström Ulf , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Ezekowitz Justin , Butler Javed , Lund Lars H. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: June 2023

Aim

We investigated the eligibility for vericiguat in a real‐world heart failure (HF) population based on trial, guideline and label criteria.

Methods and results

From the Swedish HF registry, 23 573 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) enrolled between 2000 and 2018, with a HF duration ≥6 months, were considered. Eligibility for vericiguat was calculated based on criteria from (i) the Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA) trial; (ii) European and American guidelines on HF; (iii) product labelling according to the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Estimated eligibility for vericiguat in the trial, guidelines, and label scenarios was 21.4%, 47.4%, and 47.4%, respectively. Prior HF hospitalization within 6 months was the criterion limiting eligibility the most in all scenarios (met by 49.1% of the population). In the trial scenario, other criteria meaningfully limiting eligibility were elevated N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide levels and nitrate use. In all scenarios, eligibility was higher among patients hospitalized for HF at baseline (44.3% vs. 21.4% [trial scenario] and 97.3% vs. 47.4% [guideline/label scenarios] for hospitalized vs. non‐hospitalized patients). Overall, eligible patients were older, had more severe HF, more comorbidities, and consequently higher cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalization rates compared with ineligible patients across all scenarios.

Conclusion

In a large and contemporary real‐world HFrEF cohort, we estimated that 21.4% of patients would be eligible for vericiguat according to the VICTORIA trial selection criteria, 47.4% based on guidelines and labelling. Eligibility for vericiguat translated into the selection of a population at high risk of morbidity/mortality.
Systematic selection of ancestry informative SNPs for differentiating Han, Japanese, Dai, and Kinh populations
Authors: Wan Wen , Zhang Hongling , Ren Zheng , Wang Qiyan , Liu Yubo , Ji Jingyan , Yang Meiqing , Zhang Han , Huang Jiang , Jin Xiaoye
Published: June 2023

Biogeographical origin inferences of different populations can provide valuable clues in the forensic investigation by narrowing down the detection scope. However, much research mainly focuses on forensic ancestral origin analyses of major continental populations, which may provide limited information in forensic practice. To improve the ancestral resolution of East Asian populations, we systematically selected ancestry informative single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (AISNPs) for differentiating Han, Dai, Japanese, and Kinh populations. In addition, we evaluated the performance of the selected AISNPs to differentiate these populations via multiple methods. Totally 116 AISNPs were selected from the genome‐wide data to infer the population origins of these four populations. Results of principle component analysis and population genetic structure of these populations indicated that the selected 116 AISNPs could achieve ancestral resolution of most individuals. Furthermore, the machine learning model built by 116 AISNPs unveiled that most individuals from these four populations could be assigned to correct population origins. To sum up, the selected 116 SNPs could be available for ancestral origin predictions of Han, Dai, Japanese, and Kinh populations, which could provide valuable information for forensic research and genome‐wide association study in East Asian populations to some extent.
Dual‐mode biosensing platform for ultrasensitive Salmonella detection based on cascaded signal amplification coupled with DNA‐functionalized Ag2S NPs@PB
Authors: Jiao Jing‐bo , Kang Qing , Du Ting , Cao Jiang‐li , Xiao Ze‐hui , Wei Li‐fei , Zhao Chu‐min , He Liu , Du Xin‐jun , Wang Shuo
Published: June 2023

Salmonella is one of the most common zoonotic foodborne pathogens and can cause serious threats to public health and global economy. A dual‐mode biosensing platform was demonstrated based on cascaded signal amplification coupled with DNA‐functionalized Ag2S NPs@PB (Ag2S NPs@PB‐DNA) for ultrasensitive and selective Salmonella detection. Specifically, once Salmonella was recognized and captured by the control probe, the primer was released to trigger rolling circle amplification and generate a multimeric single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) with repetitive sequences. The ssDNA could form multicomponent nucleic acid enzyme with cleavage activity to destroy multiple pieces of L‐DNA, achieving cascaded signal amplification and cleaving L‐DNA as a linker between DNA‐functionalized magnetite microspheres (MMs@DNA) and Ag2S NPs@PB‐DNA, leading to reduction in the capture of Ag2S NPs@PB by MMs@DNA. Due to the excellent photothermal properties of Ag2S NPs@PB under near‐infrared irradiation, the changes of temperature and pressure could be simultaneously monitored in the detection system, and the dual‐mode biosensing platform showed outstanding sensitivity, with a limit of the detection value of 100 CFU mL−1 in temperature and 101 CFU mL−1 in pressure. Moreover, the developed biosensing platform could successfully detect 5.7 CFU of Salmonella in spiked chicken breast after 4 h of enrichment. All the results show this study provides a new avenue for specific, sensitive, and convenient bacterial detection in food analysis and environment safety.
Evidence for sophisticated raw material procurement strategies during the Lower Paleolithic—Hula Valley case study
Authors: Finkel Meir , Bar Oded , Ben Dor Yoav , Ben-Yosef Erez , Tirosh Ofir , Sharon Gonen
Published: June 2023

The Hula Valley has two key Acheulian sites: Gesher Benot Ya'aqov (GBY), a large flake Acheulian site with hundreds of basalt bifaces and a significant number of flint handaxes, and Ma'ayan Barukh (MB), where more than 3500 flint handaxes were collected. Over the last one million years, the valley was filled by alluvium and basalt flows, devoid of flint sources suitable for handaxe production. We conducted archaeological and geological surveys combined with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry geochemical study to determine the source(s) of flint, comparing elemental compositions of handaxes from GBY and MB with those of different flint sources using a novel statistical method. The results demonstrate that Hula Valley Acheulian flint handaxes were derived from Eocene flint. For GBY, the nearest matching source for its small number of excavated handaxes is a secondary deposit of the Dishon streambed found ~8 km northwest of the site. A more likely source for both GBY and the thousands of MB handaxes is the Dishon flint extraction and reduction complex located 20 km to the west, a possibility also supported by the near absence of production waste flakes at the sites themselves. These findings support direct procurement strategy as early as the Lower Paleolithic.
Consumption of aspartame and other artificial sweeteners and risk of cancer in the Spanish multicase‐control study (MCC‐Spain)
Authors: Palomar‐Cros Anna , Straif Kurt , Romaguera Dora , Aragonés Nuria , Castaño‐Vinyals Gemma , Martin Vicente , Moreno Victor , Gómez‐Acebo Inés , Guevara Marcela , Aizpurua Amaia , Molina‐Barceló Ana , Jiménez‐Moleón José‐Juan , Tardón Adonina , Contreras‐Llanes Manuel , Marcos‐Gragera Rafael , Huerta José Mª , Pérez‐Gómez Beatriz , Espinosa Ana , Hernández‐Segura Natalia , Obón‐Santacana Mireia , Alonso‐Molero Jessica , Burgui Rosana , Amiano Pilar , Pinto‐Carbó Marina , Olmedo‐Requena Rocio , Fernández‐Tardón Guillermo , Santos‐Sánchez Vanessa , Fernández de Larrea‐Baz Nerea , Fernández‐Villa Tania , Casabonne Delphine , Dierssen‐Sotos Trinidad , Ardanaz Eva , Dorronsoro Ane , Pollán Marina , Kogevinas Manolis , Lassale Camille
Published: June 2023

Use of artificial sweeteners (AS) such as aspartame, cyclamate, saccharin and sucralose is widespread. We evaluated the association of use of aspartame and other AS with cancer. In total 1881 colorectal, 1510 breast, 972 prostate and 351 stomach cancer and 109 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cases and 3629 population controls from the Spanish Multicase‐Control (MCC‐Spain) study were recruited (2008‐2013). The consumption of AS, from table‐top sweeteners and artificially sweetened beverages, was assessed through a self‐administered and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Sex‐specific quartiles among controls were determined to compare moderate consumers (<third quartile) and high consumers (≥ third quartile) vs non consumers (reference category), distinguishing aspartame‐containing products and other AS. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted OR and 95%CI, and results were stratified by diabetes status. Overall, we found no associations between the consumption of aspartame or other AS and cancer. Among participants with diabetes, high consumption of other AS was associated with colorectal cancer (OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.05‐2.41, P trend = .03) and stomach cancer (OR = 2.27 [0.99‐5.44], P trend = .06). High consumption of aspartame, was associated with stomach cancer (OR = 2.04 [0.7‐5.4], P trend = .05), while a lower risk was observed for breast cancer (OR = 0.28 [0.08‐0.83], P trend = .03). In some cancers, the number of cases in participants with diabetes were small and results should be interpreted cautiously. We did not find associations between use of AS and cancer, but found associations between high consumption of aspartame and other AS and different cancer types among participants with diabetes.
Can market information outperform hard and soft information in predicting corporate defaults?
Authors: Filomeni Stefano , Bose Udichibarna , Megaritis Anastasios , Triantafyllou Athanasios
Published: June 2023

Recent evidence has shown that hybrid models for credit ratings are important when assessing the risk of firms. Within this stream of literature, we aim to provide novel evidence on how hard (quantitative), soft (qualitative), and market information predict corporate defaults for unlisted firms by implementing the Cox proportional hazard model. We address this research question by exploiting a unique proprietary dataset comprising of detailed information on internal credit ratings of European unlisted mid‐sized firms and compute their Merton's distance‐to‐default (DD) measure of credit risk with market data collected on comparable publicly listed companies. Our results show that the bank's use of hard, soft, and market information when assessing the credit ratings of borrowers has a significant influence on the prediction of their defaults. Further, we investigate the significant influence of soft information in predicting corporate defaults by drawing on two separate processes through which loan officers can inject soft information in credit scoring, that is, ‘codified’ and ‘uncodified’ discretion. Finally, when we distinguish between the loan officer's discretion to upgrade or downgrade an applicant's credit score, we find that it is the upgrade that is likely to predict a lower probability of a firm defaulting. This study contributes to the policy debate on safeguarding the banking sector's continuity by positing that integrating market information into banks' hybrid methods of credit rating helps to improve the accuracy in predicting unlisted firms' credit risk that is useful to policy makers for the design of future forward‐looking financial risk management frameworks.
Decline in positive future orientations among adolescents during covid‐19: The role of socioeconomic status, parental support, and sense of control
Authors: Fakkel Matthijs , Peeters Margot , Branje Susan , Stevens Gonneke W. J. M. , Vollebergh Wilma A. M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Before coronavirus disease (covid‐19), adolescents from a lower socioeconomic status (SES) background tend to have less positive future orientations, receive less parental support, and have a weaker sense of control than adolescents from a higher SES background. The covid‐19 pandemic has potentially increased the socioeconomic gaps in positive future orientations, parental support, and sense of control among adolescents who are currently in vocational education. As societies are aiming to return back to precovid norms, certain groups of adolescents might require more attention for ensuring a stable future than others.

Methods

Two‐wave questionnaire data of 689 Dutch adolescents (Mage = 17.8; 56% female) from the Youth Got Talent project was analyzed. Latent Change Score models are a relatively novel approach that allows two‐wave data to estimate associations between precovid predictor variables and changes in outcome variables from before to during covid‐19 (e.g., SES, positive future orientations, parental support, and sense of control). Analyses were preregistered.

Results

The precovid socioeconomic differences in adolescent's positive future orientations and sense of control remained stable during covid‐19, whereas the socioeconomic difference in parental support decreased during covid‐19. A decline in parental support, an increase in sense of control, and more covid‐19 hardships were associated with an increase in future orientations.

Conclusion

The covid‐19 situation has not substantially increased socioeconomic differences in positive future orientations and sense of control, but did decrease socioeconomic differences in parental support among adolescents. Short‐term policies should aim to facilitate parental support and positive future orientations to all adolescents who experienced a decline, while also long‐term focusing on the more consistent socioeconomic difference in sense of control among adolescents.
Injectable pulverized electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) fibers improve human adipose tissue engraftment and volume retention
Authors: Das Devleena , Lawrence William R. , Diaz‐Starokozheva Ludmila , Salazar‐Puerta Ana I. , Ott Neil , Goebel Erin R. , Damughatla Abhishek , Vidal Pablo , Gallentine Summer , Moore Jordan T. , Kayuha Douglas , Mendonca Natalia C. , Albert Jared B. , Houser Robert , Johnson Jed , Powell Heather , Higuita‐Castro Natalia , Stanford Kristin I. , Gallego‐Perez Daniel
Published: June 2023

Autologous adipose tissue is commonly used for tissue engraftment for the purposes of soft tissue reconstruction due to its relative abundance in the human body and ease of acquisition using liposuction methods. This has led to the adoption of autologous adipose engraftment procedures that allow for the injection of adipose tissues to be used as a “filler” for correcting cosmetic defects and deformities in soft tissues. However, the clinical use of such methods has several limitations, including high resorption rates and poor cell survivability, which lead to low graft volume retention and inconsistent outcomes. Here, we describe a novel application of milled electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) fibers, which can be co‐injected with adipose tissue to improve engraftment outcomes. These PLGA fibers had no significant negative impact on the viability of adipocytes in vitro and did not elicit long‐term proinflammatory responses in vivo. Furthermore, co‐delivery of human adipose tissue with pulverized electrospun PLGA fibers led to significant improvements in reperfusion, vascularity, and retention of graft volume compared to injections of adipose tissue alone. Taken together, the use of milled electrospun fibers to enhance autologous adipose engraftment techniques represents a novel approach for improving upon the shortcomings of such methods.
Engineering a multicompartment in vitro model for dorsal root ganglia phenotypic assessment
Authors: Caparaso Sydney M. , Redwine Adan L. , Wachs Rebecca A.
Published: June 2023

Despite the significant global prevalence of chronic pain, current methods to identify pain therapeutics often fail translation to the clinic. Phenotypic screening platforms rely on modeling and assessing key pathologies relevant to chronic pain, improving predictive capability. Patients with chronic pain often present with sensitization of primary sensory neurons (that extend from dorsal root ganglia [DRG]). During neuronal sensitization, painful nociceptors display lowered stimulation thresholds. To model neuronal excitability, it is necessary to maintain three key anatomical features of DRGs to have a physiologically relevant platform: (1) isolation between DRG cell bodies and neurons, (2) 3D platform to preserve cell–cell and cell‐matrix interactions, and (3) presence of native non‐neuronal support cells, including Schwann cells and satellite glial cells. Currently, no culture platforms maintain the three anatomical features of DRGs. Herein, we demonstrate an engineered 3D multicompartment device that isolates DRG cell bodies and neurites and maintains native support cells. We observed neurite growth into isolated compartments from the DRG using two formulations of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and laminin‐based hydrogels. Further, we characterized the rheological, gelation and diffusivity properties of the two hydrogel formulations and found the mechanical properties mimic native neuronal tissue. Importantly, we successfully limited fluidic diffusion between the DRG and neurite compartment for up to 72 h, suggesting physiological relevance. Lastly, we developed a platform with the capability of phenotypic assessment of neuronal excitability using calcium imaging. Ultimately, our culture platform can screen neuronal excitability, providing a more translational and predictive system to identify novel pain therapeutics to treat chronic pain.
Biochar‐C‐TETA as a superior adsorbent to acid yellow 17 dye from water: isothermal and kinetic studies
Authors: Eleryan Ahmed , Hassaan Mohamed A , Aigbe Uyiosa O , Ukhurebor Kingsley E , Onyancha Robert B , Kusuma Heri S , El‐Nemr Mohamed A , Ragab Safaa , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Adsorbents from local materials with high adsorption capacity (Qm) are strongly needed. In this study, mandarin peels (MP) as a local waste material were refluxed in 80% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) to produce a novel biochar, which was oxidized by boiling in 50% hydrogen perioxide (H2O2) and then aminated via refluxing in tetraacetic acid (TETA) to produce mandarin biochar‐C‐TETA (MBCT). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermgravimetric analysis (TGA) studied various characterizations of MBCT. The optimal pH for AY17 dye absorption was discovered to be 1.5 using 0.75 g L−1 MBCT, the maximum absorption capacity predicted for the MBCT was 1250 mg g−1. The high new absorption peaks at 1439.89 and 1362.38 cm−1 in MBCT imply that amino groups were successfully generated onto the surface of MBCT due to TETA treatment. The experimental data were examined using the Langmuir (LNR) and Freundlich (FRH) isotherm models. The FRH best explained the experimental MBCT data. The pseudo‐first‐order (PFOM) and pseudo‐second‐order (PSOM) models, intraparticle diffusion (INDM) and film diffusion (FDM) models were applied to calculate the kinetic data. The PFOM rate model ideally defined the absorption of AY17 dye to MBCT with a linear regression coefficient (R2 > 0.99). The key mechanism for absorbing AY17 dye molecules to MBCT was chemisorption, which entails the distribution or exchange of electrons between the absorbent and the dye due to the valency force. According to the findings, the novel MBCT adsorbent had a remarkable adsorption capacity (Qm = 1250 mg g−1) and could be reused without losing its absorption effectiveness. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Epidemiological characteristics of norovirus infection in pediatric patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Li Jiabin , Wang Binghan , He Xinyu , Li Ziqiao , Sun Lidan , Li Wei , Bai Guannan
Published: June 2023

To assess the epidemiological characteristics of norovirus infection. We included 5564 patients under the age of 18 years who visited the hospital in which the study took place from December 2020 to November 2022 with a primary diagnosis of acute diarrhea. Clinical information was extracted from the electronic health record system. We calculated the prevalence of norovirus infection by age, gender, season, year, and type of patients. A nonlinear association between age and prevalence rates was assessed using a restricted cubic spline regression model. A total of 5564 patients completed the test for human norovirus, among whom 1442 (25.9%) tested positive. The prevalence of norovirus infection was significantly lower in 2022 than in 2021 (35.9% vs. 53.7%, p < 0.001), and the highest prevalence was observed in winter (35.1%) and then followed by autumn (27.5%). Regarding the age pattern, the highest rate was seen in children aged 1–3 years (37.5%). Children at age 1.5 years may have the highest risk of having norovirus infection (Pnonlinear < 0.001). The prevalence of norovirus infection of norovirus during the COVID‐19 pandemic was similar to that before the pandemic shown in literatures. A relatively high rate was observed in cool seasons and in younger children (i.e., 1–3 years).
Reliability assessment of the 2018 classification case definitions of peri‐implant health, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis
Authors: Marini Lorenzo , Tomasi Cristiano , Gianserra Rodolfo , Graziani Filippo , Landi Luca , Merli Mauro , Nibali Luigi , Roccuzzo Mario , Sforza Nicola M. , Tonetti Maurizio S. , Deli Federico , Papi Piero , Murro Bianca Di , Rojas Mariana A. , Pilloni Andrea
Published: June 2023

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and accuracy in the assignment of the case definitions of peri‐implant health and diseases according to the 2018 Classification of Periodontal and Peri‐implant Diseases and Conditions.

Methods

Ten undergraduate students, 10 general dentists, and 10 experts in implant dentistry participated in this study. All examiners were provided with clinical and radiographic documentation of 25 dental implants. Eleven out the 25 cases were also accompanied by baseline readings. Examiners were asked to define all cases using the 2018 classification case definitions. Reliability among examiners was evaluated using the Fleiss kappa statistic. Accuracy was estimated using percentage of complete agreement and quadratic weighted kappa for pairwise comparisons between each rater and a gold standard diagnosis.

Results

The Fleiss kappa was 0.50 (95% CI: 0.48 to 0.51) and the mean quadratic weighted kappa value was 0.544. Complete agreement with the gold standard diagnosis was achieved in 59.8% of the cases. Expertise in implantology affected accuracy positively (p < 0.001) while the absence of baseline readings affected it negatively (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Both reliability and accuracy in assigning case definitions to dental implants according to the 2018 classification were mostly moderate. Some difficulties arose in the presence of specific challenging scenarios.
Treatment of comorbid sleep disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder in U.S. active duty military personnel: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Taylor Daniel J. , Pruiksma Kristi E. , Mintz Jim , Slavish Danica C. , Wardle‐Pinkston Sophie , Dietch Jessica R. , Dondanville Katherine A. , Young‐McCaughan Stacey , Nicholson Karin L. , Litz Brett T. , Keane Terence M. , Peterson Alan L. , Resick Patricia A. ,   Consortium to Alleviate PTSD
Published: June 2023

Insomnia and nightmares are common in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are associated with worse psychological and physical health and worse PTSD treatment outcomes. In addition, they are resistant to PTSD treatments, which do not typically address sleep disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia and nightmares (CBT‐I&N) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD are first‐line treatments, but limited evidence exists guiding the treatment of individuals with all three disorders. The current study randomized U.S. military personnel (N = 93) to one of three conditions: CBT‐I&N delivered before CPT, CBT‐I&N delivered after CPT, or CPT alone; all groups received 18 sessions. Across groups, participants demonstrated significantly improved PTSD symptoms. Because the study was terminated prematurely due to challenges with recruitment and retention, it was underpowered to answer the initially intended research questions. Nonetheless, statistical findings and relevant clinically meaningful changes were observed. Compared to participants who received CPT alone, those who received CBT‐I&N and CPT, regardless of sequencing, demonstrated larger improvements in PTSD symptoms, d = −0.36; insomnia, d = −0.77; sleep efficiency, d = 0.62; and nightmares, d = −.53. Compared to participants who received CBT‐I&N delivered before CPT, those who received CBT‐I&N delivered after CPT demonstrated larger improvements in PTSD symptoms, d = 0.48, and sleep efficiency, d = −0.44. This pilot study suggests that treating comorbid insomnia, nightmares, and PTSD symptoms results in clinically meaningful advantages in improvement for all three concerns compared to treating PTSD alone.
Anticancer effects of thymoquinone in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A scoping review
Authors: Kwan Kera , Han Albert Y. , Mukdad Laith , Barragan Frida , Selim Omar , Alhiyari Yazeed , St. John Maie
Published: June 2023

Objective

Thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been shown to have anticancer effects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review aims to outline the properties of TQ, the known drivers in HNSCC formation, and summarize the anticancer effects of TQ in SCC.

Data Sources

Three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar) were queried for the key words “thymoquinone squamous cell carcinoma.”

Review Methods

Publications that were not original research and publications that did not have full‐text available for review were excluded.

Results

Sixteen research articles met the inclusion criteria. Our review demonstrates that TQ‐induced cytotoxicity is associated with increased expression and activity of the tumor suppressor p53, proapoptotic proteins Bax and caspases, as well as decreased expression and activity of antiapoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Mdm2. Additionally, TQ modulates cell‐survival pathways such as the PI3k/Akt pathway. TQ synergizes with therapeutics including cisplatin and radiation. Early TQ administration may prevent carcinogenesis via upregulation of antioxidant enzymes, and TQ administration in the presence of cancer can result in disease mitigation via induction of oxidative stress.

Conclusion

TQ acts as an upregulator of proapoptotic pathways and downregulator of antiapoptotic pathways, modulates the oxidative stress balance in tumor development, and works synergistically alongside other chemotherapeutics to increase cytotoxicity. TQ has the potential to prevent carcinogenesis in patients who are at high‐risk for SCC and adjuvant treatment for SCC patients undergoing conventional treatments. Future studies should aim to identify specific populations in which TQ's effects would be the most beneficial.

Level of Evidence

Not available.
Phosphorus and Silicon‐Based Macromolecules as Degradable Biomedical Polymers
Authors: Haudum Stephan , Strasser Paul , Teasdale Ian
Published: June 2023

Synthetic polymers are indispensable in biomedical applications because they can be fabricated with consistent and reproducible properties, facile scalability, and customizable functionality to perform diverse tasks. However, currently available synthetic polymers have limitations, most notably when timely biodegradation is required. Despite there being, in principle, an entire periodic table to choose from, with the obvious exception of silicones, nearly all known synthetic polymers are combinations of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in the main chain. Expanding this to main‐group heteroatoms can open the way to novel material properties. Herein the authors report on research to incorporate the chemically versatile and abundant silicon and phosphorus into polymers to induce cleavability into the polymer main chain. Less stable polymers, which degrade in a timely manner in mild biological environments, have considerable potential in biomedical applications. Herein the basic chemistry behind these materials is described and some recent studies into their medical applications are highlighted.
Laboratory studies of fish entrainment sampling using a screw centrifugal impeller pump
Authors: White Michael S. , Patrick Paul H. , Mason Elaine , Wiemann Nichole , Tetreault Joe
Published: June 2023

Objective

Regulatory legislation in both the United States and Canada requires water users with medium to high intake volumes to monitor entrainment losses to determine effects and to assess potential mitigation strategies to reduce harm to fish. Recent studies have recommended the use of both increased sampling frequency and sampling volume to characterize fish entrainment for large power plants on the Great Lakes. There is little doubt that increasing the flow rate and volume of water collected for sampling reduces the uncertainty in estimates of annual entrainment. Depending on the type of pump and the pumping flow rate used for entrainment sampling, considerable damage to fish larvae can occur. A screw-type centrifugal pump has many qualities that make it ideal for entrainment sampling, but it has not yet been used as a sampling device for fish entrainment applications at power plants or other large industrial water users. The objective of this study was to determine mortality of entrainable fish eggs and larvae due to passage through a screw-type centrifugal pump.

Methods

In a laboratory setting, Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush eggs and larvae, Lake Whitefish Coregonus clupeaformis eggs, and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles were passed through a screw-type centrifugal pump at three treatment flow rates: 39.5, 47.3, and 59.1 m3/h. Fish and eggs were monitored for mortality posttreatment and again at 24 and 48 h.

Result

Across treatments, very few mortalities were observed. Species specific moralities were four larval Lake Trout, one Lake Whitefish egg, and one juvenile Rainbow Trout. No mortality was observed for Lake Trout eggs.

Conclusion

The present study identified high egg and larval survival (≥99%) after passage through a screw-type centrifugal pump. High survival reduces error associated with identification and counting of entrained organisms, which provides more accurate estimates of annual entrainment losses.
Topology optimization of thermo‐elastic structures with temperature‐dependent material properties under large temperature gradient
Authors: Tang Lei , Gao Tong , Zhang Weitao , Zeng Jun , Zhang Weihong
Published: June 2023

In this work, high temperature and large temperature gradient are addressed for the first time in the topology optimization of thermo‐elastic structures. The conventional assumption of constant material properties (CMPs) is broken through with the full consideration of temperature‐dependent material properties (TDMPs) including thermal conductivity, elastic tensor, and coefficient of thermal expansion. Nonlinear heat conduction is thus implemented to give varying temperature fields in thermoelasticity. The maximum displacement of the specified region is taken as the objective function in the formulation of the optimization problem. The Kreisselmeier‐Steinhauser (KS) function is employed to approximate the regional maximum displacement/temperature. Corresponding sensitivity analyses, which are carried out using the adjoint method, theoretically reveal how TDMPs affect the thermo‐elastic optimization problem. Typical numerical examples are investigated to validate the proposed approach. The results show that the use of TDMPs produces optimized structures of high fidelity with displacements precisely predicted and temperature constraints rigorously satisfied under large temperature gradient, while thermo‐elastic analysis and optimization with CMPs lead to undesirable designs with significant inaccuracy.
Expanded use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: Evidence beyond heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Schoenborn Erika Michelle , Skersick Preston Trudell , Thrasher Claire Maxine , Page Robert L.
Published: June 2023

Following the results observed in the DAPA‐HF trial and subsequent FDA approval of dapagliflozin in patients living with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), numerous trials quickly began to assess the effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in a wide range of cardiovascular (CV) conditions. Since the publication of those findings, multiple SGLT2i have demonstrated benefit in patients regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)—allowing the drug class to establish itself within the first line of guideline‐directed medication therapy. Although the full mechanistic properties of SGLT2i in heart failure (HF) have yet to be fully understood, benefits in other disease states have continued to emerge over the past decade. This review summarizes the findings of 14 clinical trials investigating the use of SGLT2i in various CV disease states, with a special focus on HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and acute decompensated HF (ADHF). Additionally, studies assessing the CV‐related mechanisms, cost‐effectiveness, and exploratory effects of dual SGLT1/2 blockade are described. A review of select ongoing trials has also been incorporated to further characterize the research landscape with this medication class. The aim of this review is to serve as a comprehensive tool for healthcare providers to better understand how this class of diabetes medications established its place in the treatment of HF.
Plasma polymerization of biogenic precursors
Authors: Loesch‐Zhang Amelia , Geissler Andreas , Biesalski Markus
Published: June 2023

Plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition is a highly promising tool for coating deposition due to its versatility, tunability, low chemical consumption, and cost‐effectiveness, with an increasing scope of deposition methods at both low and atmospheric pressure. Adhering to green chemistry principles, biobased precursors have recently shifted into the focus of research interests. This review gives an overview of the main biogenic substance classes that have been used for the deposition of plasma polymer coatings, including natural oils, terpenes, enzymes, and lactic acid‐based precursors. The common feature of these precursors is not only their biogenic origin, but additionally the manifold properties of the resulting plasma‐deposited thin films, ranging from antimicrobial properties to tunable surface‐wetting characteristics, electrical conductivity, or biodegradability. This combination of unique features makes plasma‐derived polymers based on natural precursors immensely attractive for manifold applications.
High‐Speed, microwave ignition: Antenna igniters with frequency and bandwidth selectivity
Authors: Lajoie Justin A. , Barkley Stuart J. , Sippel Travis R.
Published: June 2023

This effort demonstrates the development of (1) dielectric breakdown igniters and (2) bridgewire igniters powered by half‐wavelength dipole microwave microstrip antennas with bandwidth selectivity for use in standoff ignition applications. Dielectric igniters utilized a dielectric epoxy filled with up to 30 wt. % nanothermite cast between the gap of two quarter wavelength microstrips. Bridgewire igniters employed a wire soldered across the gap of two quarter wavelength microstrips. A variety of different bridgewire materials were tested in diameters ranging from 76 μm to 203 μm. The ignition delay of resonant microwave igniters is measured from high‐speed video observation of the microwave illumination process within a free‐space anechoic microwave cavity driven by a 2 kW continuous magnetron source. Dielectric breakdown igniters produced ignition delays ranging from 400 ms to 850 ms. Ignition delay decreased with higher loading of thermite. Bridgewires were found to be highly efficient and measured ignition delays ranged from 17 ms to 271 ms (24.4 J to 457.1 J ignition energy). Smaller diameter bridgewires and high resistivity metals were found to produce the shortest ignition delays. We demonstrate through S‐parameter measurements the bandwidth selectivity of bridgewire igniters and show that control of dipole geometry enables tuning of igniter center frequency and bandwidth and demonstrate experimentally the ability of bridgewire igniters to reject accidental ignition from an off frequency high power microwave field. The tunability, bandwidth selectivity, and low energy requirements, in particular of bridgewires, make them attractive for a number of new and challenging ignition applications.
The changing demography of hurricane at‐risk areas in the United States (1970–2018)
Authors: Park Gainbi , Franklin Rachel
Published: June 2023

Hurricanes have proven to be one of the most deadly and costly natural hazards in the Gulf and Atlantic coast regions of the United States. Looming climate change and increasing population in coastal areas means these hazards could become even more devastating in the future. This paper first develops estimates of areas most impacted by hurricane flooding and wind damage and then assesses the generalised patterns of demographic change in those at‐risk locations, disaggregating by both race and age to account for the complex shifts in demographic composition that have occurred over the past five decades. We find evidence of racial, ethnic, and age disparities in exposure to hurricane flooding and wind impacts. Our results highlight not only the uneven burden of risk placed on those unable or unwilling to move, but also the structural privilege that enables the white population to remain in place, even in the face of increased hurricane damage risk.
A systematic approach towards missing lab data in electronic health records: A case study in non‐small cell lung cancer and multiple myeloma
Authors: Sondhi Arjun , Weberpals Janick , Yerram Prakirthi , Jiang Chengsheng , Taylor Michael , Samant Meghna , Cherng Sarah
Published: June 2023

Real‐world data derived from electronic health records often exhibit high levels of missingness in variables, such as laboratory results, presenting a challenge for statistical analyses. We developed a systematic workflow for gathering evidence of different missingness mechanisms and performing subsequent statistical analyses. We quantify evidence for missing completely at random (MCAR) or missing at random (MAR), mechanisms using Hotelling's multivariate t‐test, and random forest classifiers, respectively. We further illustrate how to apply sensitivity analyses using the not at random fully conditional specification procedure to examine changes in parameter estimates under missing not at random (MNAR) mechanisms. In simulation studies, we validated these diagnostics and compared analytic bias under different mechanisms. To demonstrate the application of this workflow, we applied it to two exemplary case studies with an advanced non‐small cell lung cancer and a multiple myeloma cohort derived from a real‐world oncology database. Here, we found strong evidence against MCAR, and some evidence of MAR, implying that imputation approaches that attempt to predict missing values by fitting a model to observed data may be suitable for use. Sensitivity analyses did not suggest meaningful departures of our analytic results under potential MNAR mechanisms; these results were also in line with results reported in clinical trials.