bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of additively manufactured electrodes using methanol and ethanol solutions
Authors: Williams Rhys J. , Crapnell Robert D. , Brine Tom , Banks Craig E.
Published: June 2024

The use of polymer additive manufacturing to produce electrodes is an increasingly popular area of electrochemical research. However, one downside of additively manufactured electrodes is the frequent need to remove polymer from the electrode surface to reveal a triple‐phase boundary in order for improved electrode performance to be realized. A common way to achieve this, is surface activation via chronoamperometry within an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. However, it has not been investigated whether the same activation can be carried out effectively in solutions of sodium hydroxide in simple alcohols. Therefore, in this work, we study the effect of performing common chronoamperometric additive manufacturing electrode activation methodologies in methanolic and ethanolic solutions of 0.05 M sodium hydroxide and compare these to activation carried out in standard aqueous solutions at concentrations of both 0.05 M and 0.5 M. We show that the alcoholic solutions are more effective in removing polymer from the additive manufacturing electrode surface, but that this does not lead to any improvement in electrode currents, and furthermore appears to hinder electron transfer kinetics at the additive manufacturing electrode surface, with the latter effect shown to be related to differences in the surface functionality of the exposed carbon black filler particles. As well as being interesting chemical experiments in their own right, these results may well be of interest to electrochemists who intend for their additive manufactured electrodes to be applied in these alcohols or indeed other non‐aqueous solvents.
Structured multifractal scaling of the principal cryptocurrencies: Examination using a self‐explainable machine learning
Authors: Saâdaoui Foued , Rabbouch Hana
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a novel statistical testing technique known as segmented detrended multifractal fluctuation analysis (SMF‐DFA) to analyze the structured scaling properties of financial returns and predict the long‐term memory of financial markets. The proposed methodology is applied to assess the efficiency of major cryptocurrencies, expanding upon conventional approaches by incorporating different fluctuation regimes identified through a change‐point detection test. A single‐factor model is employed to characterize the endogenous factors influencing scaling behavior, leading to the development of a self‐explanatory machine learning approach for price forecasting. The proposed method is evaluated using daily data from three major cryptocurrencies spanning from April 2017 to December 2022. The analysis aims to determine whether the digital market has experienced significant changes in recent years and assess whether this has resulted in structured multifractal behavior. The study identifies common periods of local scaling among the three prices, with a noticeable decrease in multifractality observed after 2018. Furthermore, complementary tests on shuffled and surrogate data are conducted to explore the distribution, linear correlation, and nonlinear structure, shedding light on the explanation of structured multifractality to some extent. Additionally, prediction experiments based on neural networks fed with multi‐fractionally differentiated data demonstrate the utility of this new self‐explanatory algorithm for decision‐makers and investors seeking more accurate and interpretable forecasts.
Alcohol and substance use in older adults with treatment‐resistant depression
Authors: Srifuengfung Maytinee , Lenze Eric J. , Roose Steven P. , Brown Patrick J. , Lavretsky Helen , Karp Jordan F. , Reynolds Charles F. , Yingling Michael , Sa‐nguanpanich Naratip , Mulsant Benoit H.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Alcohol and substance use are increasing in older adults, many of whom have depression, and treatment in this context may be more hazardous. We assessed alcohol and other substance use patterns in older adults with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD). We examined patient characteristics associated with higher alcohol consumption and examined the moderating effect of alcohol on the association between clinical variables and falls during antidepressant treatment.

Methods

This secondary and exploratory analysis used baseline clinical data and data on falls during treatment from a large randomized antidepressant trial in older adults with TRD (the OPTIMUM trial). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with higher alcohol use. An interaction model was used to evaluate the moderating effect of alcohol on falls during treatment.

Results

Of 687 participants, 51% acknowledged using alcohol: 10% were hazardous drinkers (AUDIT‐10 score ≥5) and 41% were low‐risk drinkers (score 1–4). Benzodiazepine use was seen in 24% of all participants and in 21% of drinkers. Use of other substances (mostly cannabis) was associated with alcohol consumption: it was seen in 5%, 9%, and 15% of abstainers, low‐risk drinkers, and hazardous drinkers, respectively. Unexpectedly, use of other substances predicted increased risk of falls during antidepressant treatment only in abstainers.

Conclusions

One‐half of older adults with TRD in this study acknowledged using alcohol. Use of alcohol concurrent with benzodiazepine and other substances was common. Risks—such as falls—of using alcohol and other substances during antidepressant treatment needs further study.
Analytical Interference in Chemiluminescence Assay–Measured Angiotensin I, Angiotensin II, Aldosterone, and Renin
Authors: Xu Xiaohua , Xu Yongzhi , Liang Shengqiang
Published: June 2024

Background

The interference can be a significant source of laboratory errors with the potential to cause immunoassay results to drift. Therefore, we evaluated the interference in various endogenous and exogenous substances on immunoassay for angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone, and renin in vitro.

Methods

Ten endogenous and eight exogenous substances were evaluated at supraphysiologic or supratherapeutic plasma levels using the screening study to identify potential interfering substances. Subsequently, potential interfering substances were further tested within maximum pathological or therapeutic plasma concentration ranges using the dose–response study to determine whether the interference has a significant bias. According to preset acceptance criteria, the interference in potential interfering substances for Ang I, Ang II, and renin and aldosterone assays was determined.

Results

Six potential interfering substances for Ang I immunoassays were identified, namely valsartan, nifedipine, spironolactone, cholesterol, hemoglobin, and triglyceride. Meanwhile, ethanol, nifedipine, spironolactone, heparin sodium, warfarin, hemoglobin, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglyceride appeared to have potential interference in the Ang II assay. Three identified as possible interferents for aldosterone immunoassays were glucose, valsartan, and spironolactone. Moreover, warfarin, valsartan, spironolactone, uric acid, cholesterol, bilirubin unconjugated, triglyceride, and hemoglobin were potential interfering substances for renin immunoassays. However, only spironolactone of these potential interfering substances exceeded preset mean bias limits (less than ±10.0%) in aldosterone immunoassays.

Conclusion

Exogenous spironolactone caused clinically significant interference in aldosterone immunoassays. Moreover, the interference in other substances was acceptable in Ang I, Ang II, and renin and aldosterone immunoassays.
Parenting practices as a buffer in the relationship between exposure to community violence and bullying in Mexican adolescents
Authors: Valdés‐Cuervo Angel Alberto , Parra‐Pérez Lizeth Guadalupe , Yañez‐Quijada Adrian Israel , Reyes‐Rodríguez Ana Carolina
Published: June 2024

Multiple studies have shown that adolescents exposed to community violence are likely to engage in bullying behaviors. However, we still need to understand which variables can help reduce the influence of community violence exposure (CVE) on bullying. To investigate this question, a study was conducted with a sample of 568 Mexican adolescents, comprising 276 (48.6%) males and 292 (51.4%) females aged 12 to 16 years old (M age = 13.7 years, SD = 0.82). The study examined how parental support (PS) and parental induction to justice sensitivity (JS) can moderate the relationship between CVE and bullying. The study used structural equation modeling with latent variables. The results showed that CVE was positively associated with bullying, whereas PS and the induction to perpetrator JS were negatively associated. The moderation analysis suggests that the relationship between CVE and bullying was weaker among adolescents who received high PS. On the other hand, low and high parental induction to JS had the same moderating effect. Based on the findings, parental practices are critical when developing preventive programs to reduce the harmful effects of CVE on bullying behavior.
Aortic dissection: How to identify it during an abdominal ultrasound examination and achieve a potentially lifesaving diagnosis
Authors: Corvino Antonio , Lonardo Valeria , Tafuri Domenico , Cocco Giulio , Pizzi Andrea Delli , Boccatonda Andrea , Corvino Fabio , Costantino Thomas G. , Horer Tal , Catalano Orlando
Published: June 2024

Aortic dissection (AD) is a rare and potentially fatal condition that may be diagnosed late. During an emergency or elective abdominal ultrasound (US) examination, when going to evaluate the abdominal aorta for other reasons, it may happen that we find ourselves suspecting an AD. It is therefore important to know the US characteristics of this pathology to avoid wrong or missed diagnoses. Here, we present our practical experience regarding the application of US in the study of the abdominal aorta, which allowed us on several occasions to find an unexpected dissection in patients brought to our attention for other reasons.
Ultrasonographic characteristics of testicular renal cell carcinoma metastasis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Gökçek Özcan , Koptay Medine Sinem , Özkan Simay Bozpınar
Published: June 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) extremely rarely metastasizes to the testis. To date, only three reports have documented bilateral testicular metastasis of RCC. Here, we review the ultrasonographic characteristics of testicular metastasis of renal cell carcinoma cases in the literature and present a 43‐year‐old patient with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease who was diagnosed with bilateral testicular metastasis of RCC many years after nephrectomy, with ultrasonographic‐pathological correlation.
Comparative macroanatomical and scanning electron microscopy study of the eyeball in brachycephalic and mesocephalic dog breeds
Authors: Yılmaz Cengizhan , Kabak Murat , Selviler Sizer Sedef
Published: June 2024

The anatomical structures forming the eyeball differ among dog breeds, both morphologically and morphometrically. This study was aimed at determining the morphometric values of the eyeball layers of different dog breeds and the morphological structures of these layers using scanning electron microscopy. Thirty‐two eyeballs of 17 dogs belonging to 9 different breeds that died from traffic accidents, falling from a height, and naturally were used. These dog breeds were grouped according to their brachycephalic and mesocephalic skull structures, and morphometric measurements of the eyeballs of each group were obtained. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the morphological structure of the eyeball layers. The studied dogs' eyeballs comprised three layers: outer, middle, and inner. Thickness measurements obtained from three different regions of the eyeball indicated that the equatorial region was the thinnest among all dog breeds. Moreover, the cornea, which is covered by the sclera along its edges, was thicker at the corneal limbus than at the corneal vertex. A positive correlation was observed between lens thickness and the number of ciliary processes, which varied according to the dogs' head structures. Notably, depression was observed in the posterior surface of the lens in brachycephalic dogs. The morphometric values of the eyeball layers in the brachycephalic and mesocephalic dog breeds were also determined. These values will help researchers study this subject, and the determined morphometric and morphological values will contribute to the anatomy literature.

Research Highlights

This comprehensive study investigates the morphometric and morphological variations in the eyeball layers of different dog breeds, utilizing scanning electron microscopy to analyze eyeballs. It reveals significant breed‐specific differences, particularly between brachycephalic and mesocephalic dogs, regarding eyeball layer thickness, corneal structure, lens thickness, and the number of ciliary processes.
Observations Regarding the Detection of Abnormal Findings Following a Cancer Screening Whole‐Body MRI in Asymptomatic Subjects: The Psychological Consequences and the Role of Personality Traits Over Time
Authors: Conti Lorenzo , Mazzoni Davide , Marzorati Chiara , Grasso Roberto , Busacchio Derna , Petralia Giuseppe , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: June 2024

Background

The use of whole‐body MRI (WB‐MRI) in oncology has uncovered frequent unexpected abnormal findings (AFs). However, the impact of AFs on the patients' mental well‐being is still poorly examined.

Purpose

To investigate the long‐term psychological consequences of AF detection following WB‐MRI for cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal.

Population

121 consecutive subjects of the general population (mean age = 52.61 ± 11.39 years; 63% males) scheduled for cancer screening by WB‐MRI.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5‐T and 3‐T; protocol complied with Oncologically Relevant Findings Reporting and Data System (ONCO‐RADS) guidelines.

Assessment

Participants completed the first psychological investigation (T0) immediately after the WB‐MRI. Subsequently, it was repeated after 1‐year (T1), and 4‐years (T2, subgroup of 61 participants) without an MRI exam, assessing personality traits, tumor risk perception, quality of life, depressive, and anxious symptoms. Radiologists directly reported WB‐MRI findings to the participants, explaining the clinical implications and the location of the AFs. The number and severity of AFs were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Pearson's correlations and analysis of variance with repeated measures assessed the psychological health variables' relationship and their changes over time. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

All participants presented AFs, with 101 individuals categorized as ONCO‐RADS 2 and 19 as ONCO‐RADS 3. The AFs were most prevalent in bones (31.5%). The overall participants showed only a slight increase in depressive symptoms at T1 [F(1,112) = 7.54]. The severity and the number of AFs were not significantly related to psychological changes [ranging from P = 0.503 to P = 0.997]. Depressive and anxious symptoms over time were significantly affected by the traits of conscientiousness [T1: F(1,112) = 7.87; T2: F(1.708,90.544) = 3.40] and openness [T1: F(1,112) = 4.41].

Data Conclusion

Disclosing AFs by WB‐MRI exams for cancer screening may not lead to long‐term psychosocial consequences. Certain personality traits may, however, influence the psychological distress experienced by individuals with AFs after WB‐MRI exams.

Level of Evidence

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5.
The influence of tropical and subtropical modes of climate variability on precipitation in Mozambique
Authors: Chongue Luis Adriano , Nishii Kazuaki
Published: June 2024

This study investigated relationships between year‐to‐year variability in precipitation in the rainy season in Mozambique and major modes of climate variability in the Tropics and subtropics. The Niño3.4 index was strongly negatively correlated with precipitation in Mozambique's southern and central regions. We suggest that Rossby wave propagation reaching Southern Africa from the tropical Pacific is key to the relationship between precipitation in Mozambique and El Niño–Southern Oscillation. Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole did not lead rainy‐season precipitation, but showed a simultaneous correlation with precipitation in southern, central and northeastern regions. Benguela Niño was found to have a significant positive lead correlation by 6 months with precipitation in the southern, central and northwestern regions. In contrast, Indian Ocean Dipole led precipitation in the southern, central and northeastern regions by 3 months. Overall, the modes of climate variability exerted stronger control over precipitation variability in southern and central Mozambique, and weaker control in northern Mozambique, particularly in the northwestern region.
High‐intensity rainfall over northeast India: Spatial pattern, short‐term fluctuations and associated multiscale oscillations
Authors: Das Sunit , Mohapatra Mrutyunjay , Sahoo Uttam K. , Baisya Himadri
Published: June 2024

Northeast India (NEI) receives most of its rainfall in the southwest monsoon (SWM) season. The region is known to have frequent and persistent rainfall events of high intensities and the region is vulnerable to potential high‐impact meteorological events. This study analyses observed daily rainfall data for the SWM months (JJAS) during 1991–2020 to better understand the climatology of high‐intensity rainfall (HIR) occurrences and their persistence. The agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis has delineated four distinct clusters and Cramer's t test indicates no significant fluctuations at 5% significant level in the HIR events in these clusters. ERA‐5 reanalysis data have been used to find the moisture transport for synoptic‐scale (3–7 days), quasi‐bi‐weekly oscillations (10–20 days) and intraseasonal oscillations (30–60 days) for each cluster. Under positive synoptic‐scale phases, HIR in the clusters on southern latitudes of NEI occurs due to moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal from southwesterlies at 850 hPa, and in the clusters on the northern latitudes, it is primarily due to westerlies. For, quasi‐bi‐weekly oscillations, westerlies at 850 hPa are favourable for moisture transport in most of the clusters during its positive phase. On the other hand, for positive phase of intraseasonal oscillations, westerlies at 850 hPa dominate the moisture transport in all the clusters. Also, most of the HIR events occur whenever Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is in phase 1 and 2 with higher amplitude (RMM ≥1).
Study of green‐coloured gems of the Roman period from the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki (Greece) and their possible geographic origin
Authors: Nikopoulou Maria , Karampelas Stefanos , Tsangaraki Evangelia , Papadopoulou Lambrini , Katsifas Christos , Nazlis Ioannis , Touloumtzidou Annareta , Melfos Vasilios , Kantiranis Nikolaos
Published: June 2024

The study of gems in jewellery of the Roman period from known archaeological contexts may provide valuable information for the trading routes of gems in antiquity, the techniques of their manufacture and decoration, the popularity of certain gems or their relation to a specific type of jewellery. Moreover, by the correct identification of these gems, the museum will better inform its public. In the present work, 19 green‐coloured gems, which were integral parts of 14 Roman jewellery pieces, dated between the first and fourth century CE, from the collections of the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki in Greece, were studied. Most samples were found during rescue excavations in western and eastern Roman cemeteries of Thessaloniki, while one was found in Edessa, a city in northern Greece. All samples were investigated by using strictly non‐destructive techniques, for example, optical microscope as well as Raman and Vis‐NIR mobile instruments. For the chemical characterisation of the samples, micro‐EDXRF was used. Seventeen samples were identified as natural emeralds with characteristics similar to emeralds that originate from Egypt. Among the studied samples, a natural chrome chalcedony and an artificial glass were also identified. The geographic origin of the artificial glass is unknown and that of chrome chalcedony is under discussion with Turkey being the most possible source.
Evodiamine and its nano‐based approaches for enhanced cancer therapy: recent advances and challenges
Authors: Solanki Raghu , Patel Sunita
Published: June 2024

Evodiamine is a bioactive alkaloid extracted from the Evodia rutaecarpa plant. It has various pharmacological effects including anti‐cancer, anti‐bacterial, anti‐obesity, anti‐neurodegenerative, anti‐depressant, and cardiac protective properties. Evodiamine demonstrates potent anti‐cancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Despite the health‐promoting properties of evodiamine, its clinical use is hindered by low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and toxicity. Thus, there is a need to develop alternative drug delivery systems for evodiamine to enhance its solubility, permeability, and stability, as well as to facilitate targeted, prolonged, and controlled drug release. Nanocarriers can increase the therapeutic potential of evodiamine in cancer therapy while reducing adverse side effects. To date, numerous attempts have been made through the development of smart nanocarriers to overcome the drawbacks of evodiamine. This review focuses on the pharmacological applications, anti‐cancer mechanisms, and limitations of evodiamine. Various nanocarriers, including lipid‐based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, cyclodextrins, and so forth, have been discussed extensively for evodiamine delivery. Nano‐drug delivery systems could increase the solubility, bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic efficacy of evodiamine. This review aims to present a comprehensive and critical evaluation of several nano‐formulations of evodiamine for cancer therapy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
The adaptability and irrigation constraints analysis of the WOFOST model for grain production in the Songhua River Basin
Authors: Li Guanghua , Chen Wei , Cui Yafeng , Wang Han , Chi Yanbing
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The Songhua River Basin, a vital grain‐producing area in China, faces challenges due to the uneven distribution of water resources and the intensive water demands of agriculture. To enhance agricultural development and effectively manage water scarcity, it is essential to identify the water‐saving potential of major staple crops – corn, wheat, and rice. This study enhances the World Food Studies (WOFOST) model by refining the day of year for the developmental vegetative stage (DVS), thereby improving the representation of phenological stages for spring maize, spring wheat, and rice within the model. This refinement offers a detailed analysis of the potential and rainfed yields.

RESULTS

The results from the modified WOFOST model show promising simulation outcomes for the biomass and yield of maize, wheat, and rice, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) and index of agreement (IoA) values all exceeding 0.7. An analysis of photothermal potential yields (Yp) and rainfed yields (Yr) revealed minimal differences in yields for spring maize and rice across various rainfall frequencies. Specifically, the average photothermal utilization rates (LTs) are 93.57% for maize and 85.25% for rice. In contrast, the rainfed yield for wheat is lower than its photothermal yield, with an LT of 43.66%.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that in the Songhua River Basin, maize and rice offer greater potential for water conservation compared to wheat. It is recommended to judiciously reduce irrigation during the growing seasons of spring maize and rice to help alleviate agricultural water use pressures. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Separation of bufadienolides from Helleborus thibetanus Franch. by a combination approach involving macroporous resin column chromatography and gradient countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Guo Jinxing , Chen Feng , Zhang Wenzhen , Bai Huiyuan , Li Luqi , Ma Yatuan , Yang Zhi
Published: June 2024

In this study, a combination approach involving macroporous resin (MR) column chromatography and gradient countercurrent chromatography (CCC) was employed to enrich and purify bufadienolides from the roots and rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus Franch. Initially, a D101 MR‐packed column chromatography was utilized for fractionation and enrichment of the bufadienolides, which were effectively eluted from the column using a 60% ethanol solution. CCC was subsequently introduced to separate the enriched product using the ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/water (EBuWat, 4:1:5, v/v) and EBuWat (5:0:5, v/v) solvent systems in a gradient elution mode. As results, five bufadienolides, including 6.1 mg of hellebrigenin‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside (1), 2.2 mg of tigencaoside A (2), 8.3 mg of deglucohellebrin (3), 3.5 mg of 14 β‐hydroxy‐3β‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)oxy]‐5α‐bufa‐20,22‐dienolide (4), and 3.0 mg of 14β‐hydroxy‐3β‐[(β‐D‐glucopyranosyl)oxy]‐5α‐bufa‐20,22‐dienolide (5), were effectively separated from 300 mg of the enriched product. The respective high‐performance liquid chromatography purities were as follows: 95.2%, 75.8%, 85.7%, 82.3%, and 92.8%. This study provides valuable insights for the efficient enrichment and separation of bufadienolides from Helleborus thibetanus Franch.
Post‐Tonsillectomy Bleeding and Analgesic Use Before and After the FDA Boxed Warning Against Codeine
Authors: Cottone Chloe , Vijay Arunima , Chalamgari Anjalika , Carr Michele M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in post‐tonsillectomy analgesic utility and incidence of post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage before and after the 2013 FDA Boxed Warning against codeine use after pediatric tonsillectomy.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted using TriNetX. A search for patients up to 18 years from 2008 to 2022 within the US Collaborative Network identified 15,648,542 subjects. CPT and ICD‐10 codes were used to identify children who experienced post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage within 14 days of a tonsillectomy. Analgesics given within 14 days of tonsillectomy were tabulated annually from 2008 to 2022, including codeine, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, oxycodone, ketorolac, and hydrocodone. Bleeding percentage and analgesic utility were grouped into events before and after 2013.

Results

Mean age at tonsillectomy was 5.6 years (SD = 3.0). Before 2013, the median percentage of children who experienced postoperative bleeding was 1.8% with 0.73% returning to the OR for bleeding control. After 2013, the median percentage of children who experienced postoperative bleeding was 2.4% (p = 0.029), and 0.99% returned to the OR (p = 0.008). Use of post‐tonsillectomy codeine fell from 10.4% to 0.5% (p = 0.003) whereas ibuprofen rose from 2.0% to 63.9% (p = <0.001), acetaminophen from 42.8% to 77.2% (p = <0.001), ketorolac from 1.2% to 9.2% (p = <0.001), and oxycodone from 2.0% to 30.9% (p = <0.001). No change was detected in use of hydrocodone.

Conclusion

Analgesics used post‐tonsillectomy in children have changed since the FDA Boxed Warning against codeine. There has been a small but statistically significant increase in post‐tonsillectomy bleeding.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4783–4788, 2024
Transoral Excision of a Hypopharyngeal Liposarcoma
Authors: Kanaris Achilles , Larson Jeffrey , Obeidin Farres , Zhan Kevin , Burns James
Published: June 2024

Liposarcomas are the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults, whereas liposarcomas of the head and neck, particularly the hypopharynx, are incredibly rare ‐ with approximately 50 cases reported in the literature. We present a case of an otherwise healthy and asymptomatic 42‐year‐old male who presented dramatically after vomiting up a large soft tissue mass. The lesion was surgically removed via transoral approach with blue laser, and diagnosis of well‐differentiated liposarcoma was made via MDM2 gene amplification by FISH. Oral extrusion is a rare feature of this disease. This is the first documented case of an orally extruded liposarcoma to present in an otherwise asymptomatic and healthy patient, demonstrating how this entity may be indolent until initial presentation. Laryngoscope, 134:4688–4690, 2024
Dynamic Inverse Design of Broadband Metasurfaces with Synthetical Neural Networks
Authors: Jia Yuetian , Fan Zhixiang , Qian Chao , del Hougne Philipp , Chen Hongsheng
Published: June 2024

For over 35 years of research, the debate about the systematic compositionality of neural networks remains unchanged, arguing that existing artificial neural networks are inadequate cognitive models. Recent advancements in deep learning have significantly shaped the landscape of popular domains, however, the systematic combination of previously trained neural networks remains an open challenge. This study presents how to dynamically synthesize a neural network for the design of broadband electromagnetic metasurfaces. The underlying mechanism relies on an assembly network to adaptively integrate pre‐trained inherited networks in a transparent manner that corresponds to the metasurface assembly in physical space. This framework is poised to curtail data requirements and augment network flexibility, promising heightened practical utility in complex composition‐based tasks. Importantly, the intricate coupling effects between different metasurface segments are accurately captured. The approach for two broadband metasurface inverse design problems is exemplified, reaching accuracies of 96.7% and 95.5%. Along the way, the importance of suitably formatting the spectral data is highlighted to capture sharp spectral features. This study marks a significant leap forward in inheriting pre‐existing knowledge in neural‐network‐based inverse design, improving its adaptability for applications involving dynamically evolving tasks.
Utility of ultra‐high‐field magnetic resonance imaging in the detection and management of brain metastases
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Mohammadi Sana
Published: June 2024

This letter discusses the clinical utility of ultra‐high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 7 Tesla (7T) for the detection and management of brain metastases. Brain metastases are the most common intracranial tumors and their early detection and management are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Conventional MRI may miss subtle lesions, and 7T provides unprecedented anatomical details with high spatial resolution and improved contrast. It allows the visualization of fine tumor structures and margins, as well as early infiltration and angiogenesis. Techniques such as susceptibility‐weighted imaging and quantitative susceptibility mapping exploit the 7T increased sensitivity to magnetic susceptibility effects, facilitating the detection of additional small or hemorrhagic lesions. Advanced methods have also provided novel neuroimaging biomarkers that characterize neuroinflammation and neurovascular changes. While acknowledging limitations including cost and technical challenges, earlier detection and targeted treatment informed by 7T MRI insights could minimize brain metastasis damage and improve patient outcomes.
Development of thermodynamic database of the Mn‐RE (RE = rare earth metals) binary systems
Authors: Ye Hongjian , Wang Jiang , Chen Qing , Rao Guanghui , Zhou Huaiying
Published: June 2024

In this work, eight Mn‐RE (RE = Ce, Pr, Sm, Tb, Er, Tm, Lu, and Y) binary systems were reassessed thermodynamically by the CALPHAD method based on the reported optimizations and experimental information. Self‐consistent thermodynamic parameters to describe Gibbs energies of various phases in eight Mn‐RE binary systems were obtained. The calculated phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of eight Mn‐RE binary systems are in good accordance with the experimental results. Furthermore, phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of 13 Mn‐RE (RE = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu, and Y) binary systems were discussed systematically in combination with the present calculations and the reported optimizations. A trend was found for the variation of phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Mn‐RE binary systems. In general, as the RE atomic number increases, the enthalpies of mixing of liquid alloys as well as the enthalpies of formation of the intermetallic compounds become increasingly negative, and the formation temperatures of the intermetallic compounds become higher. The results provide a complete set of self‐consistent thermodynamic parameters for the Mn‐RE binary systems, and a thermodynamic database of 13 Mn‐RE binary systems was finally achieved.
Optimal design of high‐performance rare‐earth‐free wrought magnesium alloys using machine learning
Authors: Li Shaojie , Dong Zaixing , Jin Jianfeng , Pan Hucheng , Hu Zongqing , Hou Rui , Qin Gaowu
Published: June 2024

In this study, a small dataset of 370 datapoints of Mg alloys are selected for machine learning (ML), in which each datapoint includes five rare‐earth‐free alloying elements (Ca, Zn, Al, Mn and Sn), three extrusion parameters (extrusion speed, temperature and ratio), and three mechanical properties (yield strength [YS], ultimate tensile strength [UTS] and elongation [EL]). The ML algorithms, including support vector machine regression (SVR), artificial neural network, and other three methods, are employed, and the SVR has the best performance in predicting mechanical properties based on the components, and process parameters, with the mean absolute percentage error of YS, UTS, and EL being 6.34%, 4.19%, and 13.64% in the test set, respectively. The SVR model combined with multi‐objective genetic algorithm are successfully used to optimize mechanical properties of four extruded alloys from Mg‐Ca, Mg‐Ca‐Zn, Mg‐Ca‐Mn‐Sn, and Mg‐Ca‐Al‐Zn‐Mn series alloys, respectively, and the corresponding experimental results are in good agreement with the designed ones. Furthermore, new composition schemes are proposed from a wider range of elements and processing features to match the objectives of high‐strength, strength–ductility balanced, and high‐ductility Mg alloys, and the four‐, five‐ and six‐element alloying schemes are provided for the candidates of new‐generation wrought Mg alloys.
Spatial patterns caused by the intracellular time delay in a super‐diffusive HBV model with logistic hepatocyte growth
Authors: Gan Wenzhen , Jin Gongyi , Tian Canrong
Published: June 2024

A super‐diffusive HBV model with the intracellular time delay and logistic hepatocyte growth is studied. We discuss the local asymptotic stability of the unique positive equilibrium and prove that the intracellular time delay can cause spatial patterns. Furthermore, we find that system undergoes a Hopf bifurcation when the time delay increase to a critical value. By the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, we investigate the stability and direction of the bifurcating periodic solutions. Finally, we present how the initial condition, time delay, superdiffusion coefficient and the exponent of superdiffusion affect spatial patterns by numerical simulations.
Composite fault mechanism and vibration characteristics of high‐speed train axle‐box bearings
Authors: Zhao Weixu , Liu Yongqiang , Wang Baosen , Liao Yingying
Published: June 2024

Axle‐box bearings are crucial components of high‐speed trains and operate in challenging conditions. As service mileage increases, these bearings are susceptible to various failures, posing a safety risk to high‐speed train operations. Thus, it is crucial to examine the deployment methods of axle‐box bearings. A dynamic model of axle‐box bearings for high‐speed trains with compound faults is constructed by setting up separate faults in two rows of double‐row tapered roller bearings based on a single‐fault model. The model's high accuracy in expressing compound faults is verified through corresponding experimental results. Then, the frequency domain diagram of system vibration response under varying rotational speed conditions is obtained, and the amplitude corresponding to the single frequency is extracted and analyzed to identify the optimal rotational speed band for composite fault diagnosis. Finally, the optimal speed band is analyzed under different faults, different load sizes, and different composite fault types. It can be concluded that the determination of the optimal speed band is solely influenced by the composite fault type and is independent of the fault and load sizes. Finally, it is concluded that the energy proportion of faults in different positions changes periodically with the change in speed, and this phenomenon is not affected by the fault sizes or load magnitude.
Positional contrastive learning for improved thigh muscle segmentation in MR images
Authors: Casali Nicola , Scalco Elisa , Taccogna Maria Giovanna , Lauretani Fulvio , Porcelli Simone , Ciuni Andrea , Mastropietro Alfonso , Rizzo Giovanna
Published: June 2024

The accurate segmentation of individual muscles is essential for quantitative MRI analysis of thigh images. Deep learning methods have achieved state‐of‐the‐art results in segmentation, but they require large numbers of labeled data to perform well. However, labeling individual thigh muscles slice by slice for numerous volumes is a laborious and time‐consuming task, which limits the availability of annotated datasets. To address this challenge, self‐supervised learning (SSL) emerges as a promising technique to enhance model performance by pretraining the model on unlabeled data. A recent approach, called positional contrastive learning, exploits the information given by the axial position of the slices to learn features transferable on the segmentation task. The aim of this work was to propose positional contrastive SSL for the segmentation of individual thigh muscles from MRI acquisitions in a population of elderly healthy subjects and to evaluate it on different levels of limited annotated data. An unlabeled dataset of 72 T1w MRI thigh acquisitions was available for SSL pretraining, while a labeled dataset of 52 volumes was employed for the final segmentation task, split into training and test sets. The effectiveness of SSL pretraining to fine‐tune a U‐Net architecture for thigh muscle segmentation was compared with that of a randomly initialized model (RND), considering an increasing number of annotated volumes (S = 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40). Our results demonstrated that SSL yields substantial improvements in Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) when using a very limited number of labeled volumes (e.g., for
 = 1, DSC 0.631 versus 0.530 for SSL and RND, respectively). Moreover, enhancements are achievable even when utilizing the full number of labeled subjects, with DSC = 0.927 for SSL and 0.924 for RND. In conclusion, positional contrastive SSL was effective in obtaining more accurate thigh muscle segmentation, even with a very low number of labeled data, with a potential impact of speeding up the annotation process in clinics.
Diachronic changes in dental health of Bronze Age rural populations from Nahal Refaim, Israel
Authors: Chocholova Eva , Smith Patricia , Eisenberg Emmanuel , Horwitz Liora Kolska , Drozdova Eva
Published: June 2024

We present the results of a study of dental pathology (specifically dental wear, caries, dental calculus, and enamel hypoplasia) carried out on 1108 teeth and empty alveoli of Bronze Age human populations that inhabited the rural settlement of Nahal Refaim, on the outskirts of the city of Jerusalem. The remains derive from a tomb complex that spans three phases of the period; Intermediate Bronze Age and the Middle Bronze Age I and Middle Bronze Age II village that replaced them (ca. 2500–1550 BC).

Dental pathology can reflect diet and therefore offers a unique insight into the lifeways of past populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the dental health of this rural population was influenced by the far‐reaching socioeconomic changes associated with the regional shift to urbanism by the Middle Bronze Age II. Although constrained by small sample sizes, we found that the pattern of dental pathology varied in a nonlinear fashion over time and discuss the factors that may have attributed to this variation.
Predicting Adherence to Topical Medications in Chronic Rhinologic Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Monos Stylianos , Yan Flora , McLean Caitlin C.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To determine risk factors of medical adherence and describe strategies to increase adherence in patients with chronic rhinologic disease.

Data Sources

PubMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane.

Review Methods

Systematic review of 4 databases (PubMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Cochrane) from inception of databases to September 1, 2022 to identify studies that evaluated factors related to and affected by medical adherence in patients with chronic rhinologic disease.

Results

Of 1491 studies screened, 25 studies met inclusion criteria. Of these, 7 studies described how sensory attributes of intranasal sprays affect adherence, including odor, taste, aftertaste, and side effects. Five studies described record keeping diaries/notification systems to improve adherence, with demonstration of web‐based platforms to send reminders as well as keep record of medication usage to improve adherence. Eight studies described patient‐specific risk factors to nonadherence, with demonstration of increased age and conscientious personalities correlating with medical adherence. Five studies looked at pediatric patients specifically, with adherence rates in children parallelling that of adults. Additionally, nonadherence in children may have greater implications for school performance.

Conclusion

Overall, adherence to topical medical therapy in patients with chronic rhinologic disease is affected by patient‐related and medication‐specific factors which should be considered when counseling patients. Web‐based diary or notification systems may help increase adherence. Additionally, children are equally adherent to topical medical therapy as adults and nonadherence may have negative implications for school performance.
Automatic Recognition of Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using a Deep Learning‐Based Framework
Authors: Liang Sichao , Xu Jia , Liu Haixu , Liang Renhe , Guo Zhenping , Lu Manlin , Liu Sisi , Gao Juanjuan , Ye Zuochang , Yi Haijin
Published: June 2024

Objective

Recognition of auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms may be challenging, particularly for older individuals or those with hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate deep learning frameworks to improve the automatic recognition of ABR waveforms in participants with varying ages and hearing levels.

Study Design

The research used a descriptive study design to collect and analyze pure tone audiometry and ABR data from 100 participants.

Setting

The research was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center, specifically at the Clinical Audiology Center of Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital (Beijing, China).

Methods

Data from 100 participants were collected and categorized into four groups based on age and hearing level. Features from both time‐domain and frequency‐domain ABR signals were extracted and combined with demographic factors, such as age, sex, pure‐tone thresholds, stimulus intensity, and original signal sequences to generate feature vectors. An enhanced Wide&Deep model was utilized, incorporating the Light‐multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) model to train the recognition of ABR waveforms. The recognition accuracy (ACC) of each model was calculated for the overall data set and each group.

Results

The ACC rates of the Light‐MLP model were 97.8%, 97.2%, 93.8%, and 92.0% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively, with a weighted average ACC rate of 95.4%. For the Wide&Deep model, the ACC rates were 93.4%, 90.8%, 92.0%, and 88.3% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively, with a weighted average ACC rate of 91.0%.

Conclusion

Both the Light‐MLP model and the Wide&Deep model demonstrated excellent ACC in automatic recognition of ABR waveforms across participants with diverse ages and hearing levels. While the Wide&Deep model's performance was slightly poorer than that of the Light‐MLP model, particularly due to the limited sample size, it is anticipated that with an expanded data set, the performance of Wide&Deep model may be further improved.
Tracheostomy Incidence and Complications: A National Database Analysis
Authors: Strober William , Kallogjeri Dorina , Piccirillo Jay F. , Rohlfing Matthew L.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To describe the incidence of tracheostomy‐related complications and identify prognostic risk factors.

Study Design

Administrative database analysis.

Setting

Outpatient and inpatient insurance claims records obtained from a national database.

Methods

PearlDiver, a private analytics database of insurance claims from Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance companies, was used to identify patients who underwent tracheostomies and associated complications between January 2010 and October 2021 by CPT and ICD‐9/ICD‐10 codes.

Results

A total of 198,143 tracheostomies were identified from PearlDiver, and at least 1 tracheostomy‐related complication occurred within 90 days of the procedure in 22,802 (10.3%) of these cases. The proportion of tracheostomy‐related complications was 2.3 times higher in 2019 compared to 2010 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.18‐2.52). The risk of developing tracheostomy‐complications was associated with the hospital region (highest in the Midwest as compared to the West [odds ratio [OR] = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.25‐1.39]), provider specialty (highest for otolaryngologists as compared to nonsurgical physicians [OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 2.10‐2.34]), insurance plan type (lowest for cash payment compared to Medicaid [OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50‐0.94]), and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI) (highest in patients with ECI of 7+ compared to 0‐1 [OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 2.17‐3.24]), but was not significantly associated with patient age (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99‐0.99), or gender (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01‐1.07).

Conclusions

Complications after tracheostomy are common and sicker patients are at higher risk for complications. Identifying factors associated with increased risk for complications could help to improve patient and family counseling, guide quality improvement initiatives, and inform future studies on tracheostomy outcomes.
Simultaneously improving interfacial adhesion and toughness of carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites by grafting polyethyleneimine on the carbon fiber surface to construct a rigid‐flexible interface
Authors: Zhang Guosheng , Xu Haibing , Zhu Yingdan , Yan Chun , Liu Dong , Chen Gang , Xiao Zhiqiao
Published: June 2024

Chemical grafting is commonly employed to functionalize carbon fiber (CF) surface to enhance the interfacial properties of CF reinforced polymer composites (CFRP) by forming a robust interface. However, an overly rigid interface layer can result in relatively poor interface toughness. To balance interfacial strength and toughness, this paper proposes an effective method to simultaneously strengthen and toughen the interface of CF/epoxy composites by grafting branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) on CF surface using hexachlorophosphazene (HCCP) as active intermediate, which features a rigid ring structure and six active P‐Cl groups. The introduction of PEI provided a large number of amine and imine groups on CF surfaces, which were contributive to improving surface wettability and reactivity of CF, thus resulting in strong chemical bonding between CF and epoxy matrix. Additionally, the long and flexible molecular skeleton of PEI constructed a rigid‐flexible composite interface, which could effectively reduce stress concentration and absorb impact energy. After surface modification with PEI, the interfacial shear strength and fracture toughness of CF/epoxy composite were increased to 89.9 MPa and 200.3 J m−2, by 64.3% and 149.7%, respectively, in compared with desized CF reinforced epoxy composites.

Highlights

A rigid‐flexible interface was constructed between CF and epoxy resin.

The interfacial strength and toughness of CFRP were synergistically improved.

IFSS and interfacial toughness increased by 64.3% and 149.7%, respectively.