bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Radiomics Model of Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI for Evaluating Vessels Encapsulating Tumor Clusters and Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Dong Xue , Yang Jiawen , Zhang Binhao , Li Yujing , Wang Guanliang , Chen Jinyao , Wei Yuguo , Zhang Huangqi , Chen Qingqing , Jin Shengze , Wang Lingxia , He Haiqing , Gan Meifu , Ji Wenbin
Published: April 2023

Background

Vessels encapsulating tumor cluster (VETC) is a critical prognostic factor and therapeutic predictor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, noninvasive evaluation of VETC remains challenging.

Purpose

To develop and validate a deep learning radiomic (DLR) model of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) for the preoperative discrimination of VETC and prognosis of HCC.

Study type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 221 patients with histologically confirmed HCC and stratified this cohort into training set (n = 154) and time‐independent validation set (n = 67).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T and 3.0 T; DCE imaging with T1‐weighted three‐dimensional fast spoiled gradient echo.

Assessment

Histological specimens were used to evaluate VETC status. VETC+ cases had a visible pattern (≥5% tumor area), while cases without any pattern were VETC−. The regions of intratumor and peritumor were segmented manually in the arterial, portal‐venous and delayed phase (AP, PP, and DP, respectively) of DCE‐MRI and reproducibility of segmentation was evaluated. Deep neural network and machine learning (ML) classifiers (logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, SVM, KNN, and Bayes) were used to develop nine DLR, 54 ML and clinical–radiological (CR) models based on AP, PP, and DP of DCE‐MRI for evaluating VETC status and association with recurrence.

Statistical Tests

The Fleiss kappa, intraclass correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve (AUC), Delong test and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. P value <0.05 was considered as statistical significance.

Results

Pathological VETC+ were confirmed in 68 patients (training set: 46, validation set: 22). In the validation set, DLR model based on peritumor PP (peri‐PP) phase had the best performance (AUC: 0.844) in comparison to CR (AUC: 0.591) and ML (AUC: 0.672) models. Significant differences in recurrence rates between peri‐PP DLR model‐predicted VETC+ and VETC− status were found.

Data Conclusions

The DLR model provides a noninvasive method to discriminate VETC status and prognosis of HCC patients preoperatively.

Evidence Level

4.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Unblinding de Quervain: A systematic review of ultrasound‐guided injection of corticosteroids for treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis of the 1st extensor compartment
Authors: He Kathy Shiqi , He Kevin Shixiao , Cheah Andre , Al‐Halabi Becher , Danino Michel Alain , Efanov Johnny Ionut
Published: April 2023

A systematic review was conducted on studies reporting steroid injections with ultrasound for de Quervain. From 10 studies included and 379 wrists, 73.9% reported complete resolution of symptoms, 18.2% with partial and 7.9% without resolution. When compared to the landmark‐guided technique, ultrasound guidance showed significantly higher rates of symptom resolution (P = 0.0132) and lower pain scores (P < 0.0001). Twenty‐nine patients out of 163 who initially showed complete resolution of symptoms reported subsequent recurrence. We conclude that steroid injections guided by ultrasound present high rates of symptomatic relief through precise needle insertion, especially in cases of anatomic variability with subcompartments.
Approaches to check unauthorized genetically modified events in supply chain: Challenges and solutions in the Indian context
Authors: Singh Monika , Papazova Nina , Aminedi Raghavendra , Fraiture Marie‐Alice , Roosens Nancy , Randhawa Gurinderjit
Published: April 2023

The approval status of a genetically modified (GM) event varies from country to country. GM events approved in one country (considered as authorized GM or AGM) may not necessarily have the same approval status in other countries (considered as unauthorized GM or UGM). Detecting UGM in the supply chain is a challenge as the genetic information is not always available. In India, four Bt cotton events are approved, whereas several other GM events have been imported for research purposes. Many food derivatives (non‐GM) are being imported from the countries where GM events of food crops are approved so it is necessary to track the unauthorized entry of GM products. Selected consignments or food products need to be checked for GM status for regulatory compliance. In farmers' fields, the chances of unintentional introgression or adventitious presence of transgenes also need to be monitored in a systematic manner. An appropriate strategy needs to be developed to check for UGM in the food and agricultural supply chain. In this article, approaches for UGM detection have been discussed with a focus on application in the Indian context. Detection methods based on the GMO matrix, multiplex PCR, real‐time PCR (qPCR), and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) could be employed keeping in view the regulatory requirement or practical application. For checking UGM with unknown genetic construct, methods such as next‐generation sequencing (NGS) may be employed. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed in the function of the analytical strategy and its application for control purposes.
Biotive protease inhibitor from leaves of Capsicum annuum L.: Potential use as an antifungal molecule against Colletotrichum scovillei
Authors: Pereira Lídia S. , Taveira Gabriel B. , Souza Thaynã A. M. , Carvalho André O. , Carvalho Virginia S. , Rodrigues Rosana , Fernandes Katia Valevski S. , Mello Erica O. , Gomes Valdirene M.
Published: April 2023

Background

A diverse set of antimicrobial molecules have been found mainly in the seeds and fruits of Capsicum annuum UENF1381, accession resistant to different phytopathogenic microorganisms, like bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas and fungi of the genus Colletotrichum. However, there is little information about the defense mechanisms in other plant organs. The work aimed to study the induction of resistance in leaves and roots of C. annuum through the identification and characterization of antimicrobial peptides against Colletotrichum scovillei, one of the main pathogens of the crop.

Results

Based on the results of differential protein expression in response to infection, the extracts, LC48 (Control Leaf mock inoculated 48 h), and RC48 (Control Root mock inoculated 48 h) were selected. Analysis on the HPLC system resulted in 23 fractions (L1 to L23) obtained from the LC48 extract and 27 fractions from the RC48 extract (R1 to R27). Our results show that 10 μg mL−1 of the L1 fraction is able to inhibit 88.4% of fungal growth, causing cell membrane permeabilization, endogenous reactive oxygen species induction and mitochondrial activity reduction. The peptide in the L1 fraction, named CaLPI, showed similarities with different sequences of proteinase inhibitors.

Conclusion

The study provides information on the diversity of antimicrobial proteins and peptides present in the leaves and roots of C. annuum UENF1381. With these results, we hope to contribute to the use of peptides as potential molecules in microbial control.
Kaempferol counteracts bupivacaine‐induced neurotoxicity in mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons by regulating TRAF6‐dependent NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhuang Ke
Published: April 2023

Kaempferol (KA), a widely recognized anti‐oxidation and anti‐inflammation agent, has been reported to have neuroprotective effects. This work aimed to investigate whether KA protects mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons against bupivacaine (BU)‐stimulated neurotoxicity and explore the underlying mechanisms. In this study, BU treatment suppressed DRG neuron viability and promoted LDH leakage, which was partially abated by KA. Besides, BU‐triggered DRG neuron apoptosis, and changes in Bax and Bcl‐2 levels were attenuated by KA treatment. In addition, pretreatment with KA substantially reduced interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels in BU‐treated DRG neurons. In addition, KA administration abrogated BU‐induced decline in CAT, SOD, and GSH‐Px levels, as well as the increase in the malondialdehyde level. Interestingly, we found that KA significantly attenuated BU‐induced TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) upregulation as well as NF‐κB activation. Furthermore, oe‐TRAF6‐mediated TRAF6 overexpression promoted NF‐κB activation and partly abolished KA‐induced protection against BU‐triggered neurotoxic effects on DRG neurons. Our results revealed that KA mitigated BU‐induced neurotoxic effects on DRG neurons by deactivating the TRAF6/NF‐κB signaling.
Transcanal Transpromontorial Approaches to the Internal Auditory Canal: A Systematic Review
Authors: Palmisciano Paolo , Doyle Edward J. , Hoz Samer S. , Cass Daryn , Samy Ravi N. , Andaluz Norberto , Zuccarello Mario
Published: April 2023

Objective

Exclusive endoscopic (EETTA) and expanded (ExpTTA) transcanal transpromontorial approaches have shown promising results for treating internal auditory canal (IAC) lesions. We reviewed the literature to answer the question: “Do EETTA and ExpTTA achieve high rates of complete resection and low rates of complications in treating patients with IAC pathologies?”

Data Sources

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched.

Review Methods

Studies reporting EETTA/ExpTTA for IAC pathologies were included. Indications and techniques were discussed and meta‐analyzed rates of outcomes and complications were obtained with random‐effect model meta‐analyses.

Results

We included 16 studies comprising 173 patients, all with non‐serviceable hearing. Baseline FN function was mostly House‐Brackmann‐I (96.5%; 95% CI: 94.9–98.1%). Most lesions were vestibular/cochlear schwannomas (98.3%; 95% CI: 96.7–99.8%) of Koos‐I (45.9%; 95% CI: 41.3–50.3%) or II (47.1%; 95% CI: 43–51.1%). EETTA was performed in 101 patients (58.4%; 95% CI: 52.4–64.3%) and ExpTTA in 72 (41.6%; 95% CI: 35.6–47.6%), achieving gross‐total resection in all cases. Transient complications occurred in 30 patients (17.3%; 95% CI: 13.9–20.5%), with meta‐analyzed rates of 9% (95% CI: 4–15%), comprising FN palsy with spontaneous resolution (10.4%; 95% CI: 7.7–13.1%). Persistent complications occurred in 34 patients (19.6%; 95% CI: 17.1–22.2%), with meta‐analyzed rates of 12% (95% CI: 7–19%), comprising persistent FN palsy in 22 patients (12.7%; 95% CI: 10.2–15.2%). Mean follow‐up was 16 months (range, 1–69; 95% CI: 14.7–17.4). Post‐surgery FN function was stable in 131 patients (75.8%; 95% CI: 72.1–79.5%), worsened in 38 (21.9%; 95% CI: 18.8–25%), and improved in 4 (2.3%; 95% CI: 0.7–3.9%), with meta‐analyzed rates of improved/stable response of 84% (95% CI: 76–90%).

Conclusion

Transpromontorial approaches offer newer routes for IAC surgery, but their restricted indications and unfavorable FN outcomes currently limit their use. Laryngoscope, 133:2856–2867, 2023
Options for treatment of a small glottic gap
Authors: Heman‐Ackah Yolanda D. , Ivey Chandra M. , Alexander Ronda
Published: April 2023

Background

Glottic insufficiency, or glottic gap as it is commonly called, is a common cause of dysphonia, producing symptoms of soft voice, decreased projection, and vocal fatigue. The etiology of glottic gap can occur from issues related to muscle atrophy, neurologic impairment, structural abnormalities, and trauma related causes. Treatment of glottic gap can include surgical and behavioral therapies or a combination of the two. When surgery is chosen, closure of the glottic gap is the primary goal. Options for surgical management include injection medialization, thyroplasty, and other methods of medializing the vocal folds.

Methods

This manuscript reviews the current literature regarding the options for treatment of glottic gap.

Discussion

This manuscript discusses options for treatment of glottic gap, including the indications for temporary and permanent treatment modalities; the differences between the available materials for injection medialization laryngoplasty and how they affect the vibratory function of the vocal folds and vocal outcome; and the evidence that supports an algorithm for treatment of glottic gap.

Level of Evidence

3a—Systematic review of case–control studies.
Dry‐Spinning of Artificial Spider Silk Ribbons From Regenerated Natural Spidroin in an Organic Medium
Authors: Wang Man‐Yu , Zhang Jia‐Peng , Chen Shuang‐Lu , Qi Bei , Yao Xin‐Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hua , Li Yi‐Tan , Yang Zhao‐Hui
Published: April 2023

Natural spider silks with striking performances achieve extensive investigations. Nonetheless, a lack of consensus over the mechanism of the natural spinning hinders the development of artificial spinning methods where the regenerated spider silks generally show poor performances compared with the natural fibers. As is known, the Plateau–Rayleigh instability tends to break solution column into droplets and is considered a main challenge during fiber‐spinning. Here in this study, by harnessing the viscoelastic properties of the regenerated spidroin dope solution via organic salt–zinc acetate (ZA), this outcome can be avoided, and dry‐spinning of long and mechanically robust regenerated spider silk ribbons can be successfully realized. The as‐obtained dry‐spun spider silk ribbons show an enhanced modulus up to 14 ± 4 GPa and a toughness of ≈51 ± 9 MJ m−3 after the post‐stretching treatment, which is even better than that of the pristine spider silk fibers. This facile and flexible strategy enriches the spinning methodologies which bypass the bottleneck of precisely mimicking the complex natural environment of the glands in spiders, shining a light to the spider‐silk‐based textile industrial applications.
Self‐supervised denoising of projection data for low‐dose cone‐beam CT
Authors: Choi Kihwan , Kim Seung Hyoung , Kim Sungwon
Published: April 2023

Background

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown promising results in image denoising tasks. While most existing CNN‐based methods depend on supervised learning by directly mapping noisy inputs to clean targets, high‐quality references are often unavailable for interventional radiology such as cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Purpose

In this paper, we propose a novel self‐supervised learning method that reduces noise in projections acquired by ordinary CBCT scans.

Methods

With a network that partially blinds input, we are able to train the denoising model by mapping the partially blinded projections to the original projections. Additionally, we incorporate noise‐to‐noise learning into the self‐supervised learning by mapping the adjacent projections to the original projections. With standard image reconstruction methods such as FDK‐type algorithms, we can reconstruct high‐quality CBCT images from the projections denoised by our projection‐domain denoising method.

Results

In the head phantom study, we measure peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) values of the proposed method along with the other denoising methods and uncorrected low‐dose CBCT data for a quantitative comparison both in projection and image domains. The PSNR and SSIM values of our self‐supervised denoising approach are 27.08 and 0.839, whereas those of uncorrected CBCT images are 15.68 and 0.103, respectively. In the retrospective study, we assess the quality of interventional patient CBCT images to evaluate the projection‐domain and image‐domain denoising methods. Both qualitative and quantitative results indicate that our approach can effectively produce high‐quality CBCT images with low‐dose projections in the absence of duplicate clean or noisy references.

Conclusions

Our self‐supervised learning strategy is capable of restoring anatomical information while efficiently removing noise in CBCT projection data.
3D analytical and numerical upper‐bound homogenization approaches to the in‐plane strength domain of a running‐bond masonry wall
Authors: Donval Elodie , Pham Duc Toan , Hassen Ghazi , de Buhan Patrick , Vigroux Martin
Published: April 2023

The present paper proposes a new homogenization method in order to determine the in‐plane strength domain of a single‐wythe, running‐bond masonry wall. Two approaches, one analytical and one numerical, relying on the limit analysis/yield design framework, are introduced. The main novelty of these two approaches is that they allow to take into account a finite strength for the blocks and the mortar, as well as a non‐zero thickness for the joints, without any specific assumption on the state of stress or strain of the structure. For that purpose, 3D virtual failure mechanisms are considered. A comprehensive parametric study is performed, showing that in many cases, the analytical approach is as precise as the numerical one for a much lower computational cost. Finally, the strength domains obtained by the proposed approaches are compared to the results of an extensive experimental study on reduced‐scale masonry wallettes available in the literature, showing a good agreement in the compression‐compression range.
Coupled model for one‐dimensional nonlinear consolidation and organic contaminant transport in a triple‐layer composite liner considering the nonisothermal distribution condition
Authors: Jiang Wenhao , Ge Shangqi , Feng Chen , Huang Xiao , Li Jiangshan
Published: April 2023

The transport characteristics of organic contaminants are significantly affected by nonlinear consolidation and thermal‐diffusion behaviors. However, there is currently a lack of associated theoretical research on this topic. This study develops a coupled model for one‐dimensional (1D) nonlinear consolidation and organic contaminant transport in GM/GCL/CCL (geomembrane [GM], geosynthetic clay liner [GCL], and compacted clay liner [CCL]) composite liner considering the nonisothermal distribution condition. In particular, the influences of temperature on the parameters are incorporated, and the corresponding finite difference solutions are obtained. Furthermore, the rationality of the proposed theoretical model is effectively verified by conducting comparative analysis under different circumstances. Following this, the transport behaviors are investigated based on the defined breakthrough time . Compared with the isothermal distribution state (temperature difference ), the at equal to 10, 20, 30, and 40 K decreases by 25.4%, 41.3%, 52.2%, and 60.1%, respectively. The effect of thermal‐diffusion on the transport process is notable when the Soret coefficient ranges between 0.01 and . Moreover, compared with the case of no consolidation (loading rate ), the at equal to 50, 100, 150, and increases by 27.1%, 49.9%, 68.1%, and 83.9%, respectively. As the diffusion coefficient in GM changes from to , is observed to have a marked effect on the transport behavior.
Snapshot CEST++: Advancing rapid whole‐brain APTw‐CEST MRI at 3 T
Authors: Sedykh Maria , Liebig Patrick , Herz Kai , Fabian Moritz S. , Mennecke Angelika , Weinmüller Simon , Schmidt Manuel , Dörfler Arnd , Zaiss Moritz
Published: April 2023

APTw CEST MRI suffers from long preparation times and consequently long acquisition times (~5 min). Recently, a consensus on the preparation module for clinical APTw CEST at 3 T was found in the community, and we present a fast whole‐brain APTw CEST MRI sequence following this consensus preparation of pulsed RF irradiation of 2 s duration at 90% RF duty‐cycle and a B1,rms of 2 μT. After optimization of the snapshot CEST approach for APTw imaging regarding flip angle, voxel size and frequency offset sampling, we extend it by undersampled GRE acquisition and compressed sensing reconstruction. This allows 2 mm isotropic whole‐brain APTw imaging for clinical research at 3 T below 2 min. With this sequence, a fast snapshot APTw imaging method is now available for larger clinical studies of brain tumors.
Black women's distress matters: Examining gendered racial disparities in psycho‐oncology referral rates
Authors: Aburizik Arwa , Brindle Madeline , Johnson Ebonee , Provencio Alyssa , Kivlighan Martin , LeBeau Brandon
Published: April 2023

Objective

Presently, there is a lack of research examining gendered racial disparities in psycho‐oncology referral rates for Black women with cancer. Informed by intersectionality, gendered racism, and the Strong Black Woman framework, this study sought to examine the possibility that Black women are adversely affected by such phenomena as evidenced by lower probability of being referred to psycho‐oncology services compared to Black men, White women and White men.

Methods

Data for this study consisted of 1598 cancer patients who received psychosocial distress screening at a comprehensive cancer center in a large Midwest teaching hospital. Multilevel logistic modeling was used to examine the probability of referral to psycho‐oncology services for Black women, Black men, White women, and White men while controlling for patient‐reported emotional and practical problems and psychosocial distress.

Results

Results indicated that Black women had the lowest probability of being referred to psycho‐oncology services (2%). In comparison, the probability of being referred to psycho‐oncology were 10% for White women, 9% for Black men, and 5% for White men. Additionally, as nurses' patient caseload decreased, the probability of being referred to psycho‐oncology increased for Black men, White men, and White women. In contrast, nurses' patient caseload had little effect on the probability of being referred to psycho‐oncology for Black women.

Conclusions

These findings suggest unique factors influence psycho‐oncology referral rates for Black women. Findings are discussed with particular focus on how to enhance equitable care for Black women with cancer.
Stiffening of polydimethylsiloxane surface as result of exposure to low‐pressure argon discharge plasma
Authors: Tifui Garbiela , Dobromir Marius , Sirghi Lucel
Published: April 2023

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface has been exposed to negative glow discharge plasma of a low‐pressure discharge in pure argon for a duration varying from 10 s to 2 min. Shallow atomic force microscopy indentation experiments were performed to investigate the effect of plasma treatment on PDMS surface stiffness and adhesion energy to the silicon nitride indenter surface. The results showed an important increase in Young's modulus and a slight increase of work of adhesion. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of plasma‐treated PDMS surface showed a decrease of atomic content of carbon accompanied by an increase of oxygen content and suggests that the stiffening of PDMS surface can be attributed to generation of new cross‐linking Si–O–Si and Si–CH2–CH2–Si bonds between PDMS molecules.
Development of a PBPK model to quantitatively understand absorption and disposition mechanism and support future clinical trials for PB‐201
Authors: Zhang Miao , Lei Zihan , Yu Ziheng , Yao Xueting , Li Haiyan , Xu Min , Liu Dongyang
Published: April 2023

PB‐201 is the second glucokinase activator in the world to enter the phase III clinical trials for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Combined with the efficacy advantages and the friendly absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics, the indication population of PB‐201 will be broad. Because the liver is the primary organ for PB‐201 elimination, and the elderly account for 20% of patients with T2DM, it is essential to estimate PB‐201 exposure in specific populations to understand the pharmacokinetic characteristics and avoid hypoglycemia. Despite the limited contribution of CYP3A4 to PB‐201 metabolism in vivo, the dual effects of nonspecific inhibitors/inducers on PB‐201 (substrate for CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 isoenzymes) exposure under fasted and fed states also need to be evaluated to understand potential risks of combination therapy. To grasp the unknown information, the physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was first developed and the influence of internal and external factors on PB‐201 exposure was evaluated. Results are shown that the predictive performance of the mechanistic PBPK model meets the predefined criteria, and can accurately capture the absorption and disposition characteristics. Impaired liver function and age‐induced changes in physiological factors may significantly increase the exposure under fasted state by 36%–158% and 48%–82%, respectively. The nonspecific inhibitor (fluconazole) and inducer (rifampicin) may separately increase/decrease PB‐201 systemic exposure by 44% and 58% under fasted state, and by 78% and 47% under fed state. Therefore, the influence of internal and external factors on PB‐201 exposure deserves attention, and the precision dose can be informed in future clinical studies based on the predicted results.
Sensor drift compensation for gas mixture classification in batch experiments
Authors: Oh YongKyung , Lee Juhui , Kim Sungil
Published: April 2023

Sensor drift in batch experiments is a well‐known problem in mixed gas classification. In batch experiments, gas sensors can be easily affected by environmental covariates that hinder mixed gas classification. To address this problem, we propose a novel end‐to‐end deep learning model comprising a drift‐compensation module and classification module. Utilizing the nonlinear relationship between sensor readings and environmental covariates, the drift‐compensation module corrects the drifted sensor readings in batch experiments by minimizing a scatteredness‐based fitness function. The corrected values are then fed into the classification module. To train the proposed model, which involves optimizing two different objectives simultaneously, the hypernetwork‐based optimization approach with the stochastic gradient descent is employed. We validated the effectiveness of the proposed method for mixed gas classification using synthetic and real gas mixture data collected from the UCI machine learning repository.
Fatal sequelae of hydrogen sulphide poisoning
Authors: Goolam Nadirah , Bhikoo Raisa , Koegelenberg Coenraad F. N. , Lalla Usha
Published: April 2023

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a toxic, colourless gas abundantly present at waste plants and sewers due to the presence of anaerobic forming organisms. Hazardous exposure via accidental, intentional or occupational contact results in endothelium disruption, cellular instability, decreased respiratory functional capacity and cardiovascular compromise with a rapidly fatal clinical course. Clinical manifestations are variable depending on the level of exposure with moderate or heavy exposure associated with rapid fatality. Respiratory manifestations remain the primary reason for admission to critical care facilities. We describe a case of a 30‐year‐old sewer worker with a history of heavy accidental occupational exposure of inhaled H2S admitted with acute respiratory distress syndrome and a rapid respiratory decline ultimately leading to death.
Spontaneous pulmonary herniation in COVID‐19
Authors: Macdonald Andrew , Butcher Cameron , Nguyen Thuy Nhu
Published: April 2023

Spontaneous pulmonary hernia (SPH) is a rare condition. We report a case secondary to extreme coughing and COVID‐19 infection. The patient displayed several clinical features typical of this diagnosis; difficult to manage pain on coughing, flank haematoma and bulging of the chest wall on coughing. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors and clinical features of SPH to aid diagnosis of this rare condition.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the trachea mimicking asthma
Authors: Wickramasinghe Sugeesha , Munavvar Mohammed , Bittar Mohamad Nidal , Jacob Deepa , Nicholson Sarah , Stockwell Robert , Devineni Thyusha
Published: April 2023

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is primarily a salivary gland tumour that rarely involves the respiratory tract. A 58‐year‐old lady was admitted with worsening dyspnoea, cough and wheezing for 2 days. CT pulmonary angiogram was done due to persistent dyspnoea which revealed a 12 mm mass protruding into the posterior aspect of the trachea with multiple enlarged nodes. There was a complete collapse of the left lower lobe and right middle lobe with right upper lobe pulmonary embolism which was thought to be contributing to her hypoxia. She was struggling with secretion clearance and initial measures to clear her secretions were not successful. She was treated with a tracheal stent, followed by an interval endoscopic ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the tracheal wall lesion which revealed ACC. She was referred to cardiothoracic surgeons for excision of the tumour after discussing in MDT. Surgery followed by radiotherapy is advised in cases with incomplete resection margins.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on students with relatives with addiction problems: A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: van Namen Dorine M. , Hilberink Sander R. , de Vries Hein , Nagelhout Gera E. , van Staa AnneLoes
Published: April 2023

Addiction problems impact not only the persons with these problems but also family members. This study aims to examine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on stress, strain on health, study experiences, coping strategies, and access to support of students with relatives with addiction problems. Thirty students, aged 18–30 years, from a University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands participated in a three‐year qualitative longitudinal interview study. One round of individual semi‐structured interviews was conducted before the COVID‐19 pandemic, and three during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Directed Content Analysis was applied, using the Stress‐Strain‐Information‐Coping‐Support‐model. Four major themes were identified: (1) Increase in stress and strain; (2) Decrease in stress and strain; (3) Coping strategies, and (4) Access to social, professional, and educational support. Before the pandemic, most participants had health problems, especially mental health problems, including problems with their own substance use. Some had study delay. Analysis revealed that during the pandemic, most participants experienced an increase in these problems. This appeared to be related to their living situation: An increase in violence and relapse of relatives increased stress, especially for those living with their relatives. The coping strategies ‘standing up’ or ‘putting up’, and a decrease in support—social, professional, and educational—also contributed to stress. A few participants experienced less health problems and study problems. This was related to diminishing addiction problems of relatives, less social pressure, available help, and the coping strategy ‘withdrawing’. Withdrawing was much easier for participants who did not live with their relatives with addiction problems. It is recommended to keep schools and universities open during pandemics, offering a safe haven for students at risk in the home situation.
Technology use, work adaptation, and economic vulnerability during COVID‐19
Authors: Khademorezaian Kasra , Kosmopoulou Georgia , Connelly Shane , Fichtel Mark , Gujar Yash , Sun Heshan
Published: April 2023

We explore how technology use helped to cope with the stresses of social distancing during the pandemic contributing insights about the impact of work adaptation enabled by technology on economic vulnerability and resilience. Using a three‐wave survey conducted across 10 states in the United States, we found evidence that a high level of technology use was linked to a greater chance of maintaining employment during the pandemic. We evaluate job retention as a function of an index based on the prevalence of information technology (IT) usage in the workplace and psychological and somatic well‐being, controlling for technology use outside of the workplace, and socioeconomic and demographic characteristics.
Stable and Efficient Large‐Area 4T Si/perovskite Tandem Photovoltaics with Sputtered Transparent Contact
Authors: Singha Abhijit , Paul Ananta , Koul Sakshi , Sharma Vikas , Mallick Sudhanshu , Balasubramaniam Kavaipatti Ramanathan , Kabra Dinesh
Published: April 2023

Si‐perovskite tandem photovoltaic devices in the four‐terminal (4T) configuration could proffer a solution to the problems associated with the stability gap between the component perovskite and Si devices. The fabrication of NIR‐transparent perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with the stable triple cation perovskite as the photo‐absorber and subsequent integration with a Si solar cell in a 4T tandem device is reported. The critical development of the sputtered top transparent conducting electrode (TCE) layer and oxide buffer layer at room temperature (25 °C) leads to reproducible, highly efficient NIR‐transparent PSCs of both small area (0.175 cm2) with power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.1% and large area (0.805 cm2) with PCE of 16.0%. Electrically disparate, optically coupled 4T tandem devices of the optimized PSCs with commercial monocrystalline PERC Si solar cells exhibit greater than 26% PCE. In addition to enabling industry‐compatible TCE‐based low‐cost Si/perovskite tandem photovoltaics, this study could also be the gateway for the potential use in niche applications like building integrated photovoltaics.
In Situ Generating YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ Downshifting Phosphors in SiO2 Antireflection Coating for Efficiency Enhancement and Ultraviolet Stability of Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Gu Siwei , Lu Zheng , Zou Shuai , Wu Chengkun , Peng Chen-wei , Ni Mengfei , Chen Zhenzhen , Huang Hao , Sun Hua , Wang Haibo , Zhang Xiaohong , Su Xiaodong
Published: April 2023

Herein, a solid strategy to prepare bifunctional SiO2 coatings (BSCs) with both antireflection and luminescence downshifting properties by in situ generating YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ phosphors in SiO2 antireflection coatings (ARCs) is reported. Namely, a self‐prepared precursor solution of the downshifting phosphors is added to a mixture of commercial SiO2 sol solution and ethanol to uniformly coat the surface of quartz glass; therefore, a novel composite porous SiO2 coating containing in situ generated YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ phosphors (labeled SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ coating) is formed on the glass surface after annealing. The SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ BSCs can effectively convert ultraviolet (UV) region photons to visible photons that are well absorbed by silicon solar cells and have better transmittance than pure SiO2 ARC. As proof‐of‐concept applications, the as‐prepared optimal SiO2@YVO4:Eu3+,Bi3+ coating can effectively improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of tunnel oxide passivated contact solar cells by 0.18%abs and decrease the UV‐induced degradation value of the PCE of silicon heterojunction solar cells by 0.62%abs compared to the pure SiO2 ARC. The results demonstrate that in situ generating luminescence downshifting phosphors in the SiO2 ARC of photovoltaic glass is a promising way to improve the PCE and UV stability of silicon solar cells.
QoS‐aware resource scheduling using whale optimization algorithm for microservice applications
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Samriya Jitendra Kumar , Dubey Kalka , Gill Sukhpal Singh
Published: April 2023

Microservices is a structural approach, where multiple small set of services are composed and processed independently with lightweight communication mechanism. To accomplish the end‐user demand in minimum delay and cost without violating the service level agreement (SLA) constraints and overhead is a challenging issue in cloud computing. In addition, existing framework tries to deploy the microservice over the best computing resource for latency‐sensitive applications, but long boot‐time, and low resource utilization still remains a challenging task. To find the solution for aforementioned issues, we propose a Quality of Service (QoS) aware resource allocation model based on a Fine‐tuned Sunflower Whale Optimization Algorithm (FSWOA) that find the best resources for microservice deployment and fulfill the objectives of users as well as service provider. The proposed technique deploys the container‐based services over the physical machine based upon the capacity, to execute the micro services by utilizing the CPU and memory maximally. The proposed work aims is to distribute the workload in efficient manner and avoid the wastage of resources that leads to optimize the QoS parameters. The experimental results conducted in simulation environment demonstrates that proposed approach perform superior over baseline approaches and reduces the time, memory consumption, CPU consumption, and service cost up to 4.26%, 11.29%, 17.07% and 24.22% compared to SFWAO, GA, PSO and ACO.
On the occurrence of rare nannoliths (calcareous nannofossils) in the Early Jurassic and their implications for the end‐Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Paulsen Maria , Thibault Nicolas
Published: April 2023

A peculiar record of previously undescribed and/or rarely described nannoliths from the Hettangian to lower Pliensbachian of the Llanbdr (Mochras Farm) core, Wales (UK) is documented here. Some of the observed morphotypes are assigned to didemnid ascidians, commonly observed in the upper Rhaetian, as evidence of the resilience of ascidian tunicates during the end‐Triassic mass extinction. One newly described nannolith present throughout the Hettangian and Sinemurian,Quadrifolium hesselboi, is similar to forms previously observed in the upper Rhaetian, and is therefore considered to be a new nannofossil survivor from the end‐Triassic mass extinction. High‐amplitude changes observed in the absolute and relative abundances of nannoliths, schizosphaerellids and coccoliths across the Hettangian suggest a recovery interval from the end‐Triassic crisis spanning theplanorbis–liasicusammonite zones in four distinct steps with high volatility in environmental conditions, followed by the establishment of more stable environmental conditions in theangulataammonite zone.
Hot Deformation Behavior of a Novel Cr–Mo–V Hot Work Die Steel
Authors: Zhao Chao , Tan Shiyuan , Jia Xiaobin , Hu Yongping , Wang Yingying , Bai Shaobin , Li Qiang , Huang Jinfeng
Published: April 2023

Herein, high‐temperature hot compression tests are carried out to investigate the hot deformation behavior of a novel Cr–Mo–V hot work die steel. Meanwhile, a strain compensation Arrhenius constitutive equation is created, and the fitting correlation coefficient R between the experimental and predicted values is 0.98921, with a mean average absolute relative error (AARE) of 3.82%. According to the results, the hot deformation constitutive equation of the novel Cr–Mo–V steel can predict the flow stress of hot deformation with high accuracy. Furthermore, the equations for critical stress (strain), peak stress (strain), and Zener–Holomon parameters are constructed, and they demonstrate a satisfactory linear fit. Additionally, a hot processing map of the novel Cr–Mo–V steel is developed at strains of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7. By analyzing the hot processing map and viewing the microstructure, this study concludes that the optimal hot processing parameters of the novel Cr–Mo–V steel are 1050–1150 °C and 0.8–1 s−1 at a strain of 0.7, with a peak power dissipation efficiency of nearly 0.68.
A Comprehensive Review Resistant Starch‐Containing Bread as a Functional Food: Its Effect on Appetite, Glycemic Index, and Glycemic Response
Authors: Tekin Tuba , Fisunoglu Mehmet
Published: April 2023

Resistant starch (RS) passes through the small intestine undigested and is fermented in the large intestine. Due to this feature, RS functions as a prebiotic and, RS is added to various foods as a functional fiber. RS for traditional fiber has various advantages, such as increased viscosity, gel form, and volume increase. In terms of these advantages, RS, which is commercially produced, is used in the food industry for bread, breakfast cereals, cooked products, and pasta products. Bread is a food that is frequently consumed in human nutrition. Although bread is a frequent food, the fiber content of the bread is low and the glycemic index (GI) of the bread is high. For this reason, bread‐RS is used to convert the bread into a healthier version. Adding RS to bread increases the bread's fiber content and decreases the GI of the bread. RS reduces not only the GI of foods but also the glycemic response of individuals after consumption. RS, which can be fermented in the colon, is converted into short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) because of fermentation. RS affects glucose and insulin levels through the production of SCFA, which increases glucose uptake in the muscles and liver, releases intestinal hormones, and increases insulin sensitivity. The addition of RS to bread results in a product with a high fiber content and a low GI.
Normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Flenghi Lucas , Mazouffre Maeva , Le Loc'h Aurélie , Le Loc'h Guillaume , Bulliot Christophe
Published: April 2023

Background

Rabbits often suffer from dental disease, including dental abscesses and periodontal/apical infections. With odontogenic infection and abscessation, a bacterial aetiology can be proven by bacterial culture and identification. Although studies exist on the bacterial flora of dental abscesses, the information available to date on the bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy rabbits is limited.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the cultivable bacterial flora in the oral cavity of healthy, young, pet rabbits and to compare this flora with the pathologic flora of odontogenic abscesses described in the literature.

Methods

Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 33 healthy, young pet rabbits undergoing routine procedures. Oral cavity culture specimens were collected by rolling a sterile flocked paediatric swab in the mouth. Identification was first attempted by morphological assessment, Gram staining and mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF). Colonies that could not be identified by mass spectrometry were identified by amplification and molecular sequencing of a part of the 16s rRNA gene.

Results

Bacteria were recovered from 100% of oral swabs; 220 isolates of 35 different genera of bacteria were cultured. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus sp. (19.8%), Rothia sp. (17.9%), Enterobacter sp. (7%), Staphylococcus sp. (6.6%) and Actinomyces sp. (5.7%). Four phyla are represented: Proteobacteria (38.3%), Firmicutes (30.5%), Actinobacteria (26.9%) and Bacteroidota (4.3%).

Conclusions

A wide range of commensal bacteria are present in the mouths of rabbits. Bacterial cultures taken from cases of dental abscesses often reveal bacteria. Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Actinomyces sp. are frequently found in cultures from dental abscesses, in contrast to Rothia and Enterobacter species. Our findings enhance the knowledge of rabbit microbial communities throughout oral cavity.
Transforming Vision: The Pastoral, the Georgic, and Evolutionary Thought in Booker T. Washington
Authors: Klestil Matthias
Published: April 2023

This chapter proposes an alternative ecocritical angle on two of Booker T. Washington’s autobiographies,Up from Slavery(1901) andWorking with the Hands(1904), to show how this writer’s post-Emancipation vision rests on revised forms of environmental knowledge and how this knowledge interacts with contemporary evolutionary thought. Washington transforms the strategic pastoral of the fugitive slave narrative and introduces, especially inWorking with the Hands, an African American georgic that seeks to root black life and culture in dignified and communal forms of labor. Washington’s pastoral and georgic environmental knowledge thereby becomes both part of his own evolutionism and a means of criticizing racist ideas of U.S. evolutionary thought.
On History-Deterministic One-Counter Nets
Authors: Prakash Aditya , Thejaswini K. S.
Published: April 2023

We consider the model of history-deterministic one-counter nets (OCNs). History-determinism is a property of transition systems that allows for a limited kind of non-determinism which can be resolved ‘on-the-fly’. Token games, which have been used to characterise history-determinism over various models, also characterise history-determinism over OCNs. By reducing 1-token games to simulation games, we are able to show that checking for history-determinism of OCNs is decidable. Moreover, we prove that this problem is$$\textbf{PSPACE}$$PSPACE-complete for a unary encoding of transitions, and$$\textbf{EXPSPACE}$$EXPSPACE-complete for a binary encoding and undecidable for one-counter automata (OCA), which are OCNs that can test for zeroes.

We then study the language properties of history-deterministic OCNs. We show that the resolvers of non-determinism for history-deterministic OCNs are eventually periodic. As a consequence, for a given history-deterministic OCN, we construct a language equivalent deterministic OCA. We also show the decidability of comparing languages of history-deterministic OCNs, such as language inclusion and language universality.
Model and Program Repair via Group Actions
Authors: Attie Paul C. , Cocke William L.
Published: April 2023

Given a textual representation of a finite-state concurrent program$$P$$P, one can construct the corresponding Kripke structure$$\mathcal {M}$$M. However, the size of$$\mathcal {M}$$Mcan be exponentially larger than the textual size of$$P$$P. This state explosion can make model checking properties of$$P$$Pvia$$\mathcal {M}$$Mexpensive or even infeasible. The action of a symmetry group$$G$$Gon$$\mathcal {M}$$Mcan be used to produce a smaller Kripke structure$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯. Various authors have exploited the direct correspondence between$$\mathcal {M}$$Mand$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯to perform model checking. When the structure$$\mathcal {M}$$Mdoes not satisfy a formula, one can look for a substructure that will satisfy the formula. We call thissubstructure-repair: identifying a substructure$$\mathcal {N}$$Nof$$\mathcal {M}$$Mthat satisfies a given temporal logic formula.

In this paper we extend previous work by showing that repairs of$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯lift to repairs of$$\mathcal {M}$$M. In other words, we can repair a computer program$$P$$P, which exhibits a high degree of symmetry, by repairing the smaller Kripke structure$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯and then symmetrizing the corresponding program. To do this we arrange the substructures of$$\mathcal {M}$$Mand$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯into substructure lattices that are ordered by substructure inclusion. We show that the substructures of$$\mathcal {M}$$Mpreserved by$$G$$Gform a (sub)lattice that maps to the substructure lattice of$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯. When restricted to the lattice of substructures of$$\mathcal {M}$$Mthat are “maximal” with the action of$$G$$Gon$$\mathcal {M}$$M, the above map is a lattice isomorphism.

These results enable us to repair$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯and then to lift the repair to$$\mathcal {M}$$M. In cases where a program has a high degree of symmetry, such as in many concurrent programs, we can repair the program by repairing the small Kripke structure$$\overline{\mathcal {M}}$$M¯.