bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications related to thyroidectomy among patients with hyperthyroidism: Exploring the potential for ambulatory surgery
Authors: Zhang Faye G. , Ow Thomas J. , Lin Juan , Smith Richard V. , Schiff Bradley A. , DeBiase Carolyn A. , McAuliffe John C. , Bloomgarden Noah , Mehta Vikas
Published: January 2024

Background

Total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism is typically followed by overnight admission to monitor for complications including thyrotoxicosis. Outpatient thyroid surgery is increasingly common, but its safety in patients with hyperthyroidism has not been well studied.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed 183 patients with hyperthyroidism who underwent total thyroidectomy from 2015 to 2022 at one urban, academic center. The main outcomes were rates of thyroid storm, surgical complications, and 30‐day ED visits and readmissions.

Results

Among 183 patients with hyperthyroidism (mean age, 45 ± 14.5 years; 82.5% female), there were no cases of thyroid storm and complications included recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (7.0%), symptomatic hypocalcemia (4.4%), and hematoma (1.6%). ED visits were present in 1.1% and no patients were readmitted.

Conclusion

Total thyroidectomy was not associated with thyroid storm and <6% of patients required inpatient management. Ambulatory total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism warrants further consideration through identification of predictive factors for postoperative complications.
“Et tu, Bruté?”: Do audit committees besmirch investors’ desire for increased disclosures?
Authors: Grossman Amanda , Sahyoun Najib , Twardus Ian
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the results of a content analysis of the comment letters submitted in response to the SEC concept release on the enhancements of audit committee disclosures. The comment letters were drafted by investors and a cross‐section of various governance actors or practitioners, such as audit committees, management, legal advisers, and auditors. Hence, the letters provide insights as to how these different groups interpret the proposed revisions and try to adapt them according to their needs and context. The comment letters are analyzed through the framework of the behavioral theory of boards and corporate governance, which arguably better explains the analysis results over the traditional agency theory framework. The theory examines governance actors’ interactions and behavioral processes and asserts that the corporation is a nexus of stakeholders’ coalitions, who render decisions primarily through engaging in political bargaining rather than through evaluating investor needs. Results show that, while investors are urging enhanced disclosures, audit committee respondents are against the suggested improvements. These results are consistent with the behavioral theory of boards and corporate governance but inconsistent with an agency theory perspective.
Spatiotemporal variability and trends of droughts in the Mediterranean coastal region of Türkiye
Authors: Kesgin Erdal , Yaldız Sait Genar , Güçlü Yavuz Selim
Published: January 2024

Drought, defined as the period when water availability considerably remains below normal levels for a certain time period, has devastating social, economic and environmental impacts. It is significant to closely monitor the temporal and spatial variability of drought in order to implement policies to mitigate the drought risk and ensure the sustainable management of water resources. In this study, three different drought indices, standard precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and reconnaissance drought index (RDI), are calculated for 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month time scales from the precipitation and temperature data measured in 11 meteorological observation stations within the Mediterranean coastal region of Türkiye during 1972–2020. Initially, two absolute homogeneity tests were applied, namely the standard normal homogeneity test (SNHT) and the Pettitt test, to detect abrupt changes in drought index time series. Then, trend analysis was carried out with the innovative trend analysis (ITA) and improved visualization of ITA (IV‐ITA) methods to determine the temporal variation of the drought in the region. A graphical representation is developed for the drought classifications based on IV‐ITA. As a result of the SNHT and Pettitt test, significant change points were found at a 5% significance level in 91.92% and 85.86% of all indices, respectively. In both tests, breaks were detected at similar times (between 1972 and 1974) at Marmaris station, while at Alanya station, changes were found between 1972 and 1973 for the SNHT and in 2008 for the Pettitt test. The trend differences between extreme conditions (extremely dry and wet) decreased with an increase in time scale, distinctively. The ITA trends were almost identical for 3‐month time scales, and they started to differ with time scale increases. Particularly, the presence of negative differences in data points contributes to the augmentation of drought periods, despite a few instances of extreme cases and minor fluctuations that can also be observed in IV‐ITA. The findings obtained from the study are expected to provide valuable information about the recent shifts in drought in the Mediterranean basin.
Long‐term evolution and non‐stationary behaviours of daily and subdaily precipitation extremes in China
Authors: Liu Yangyi , Chen Jie , Xiong Lihua , Liu Dedi , Xu Chong‐Yu
Published: January 2024

The rise of extreme precipitation events has attracted wide attention throughout the world. However, the analysis of precipitation extremes is not sufficient in the short period of instrumental observation and it is complicated by their non‐stationary behaviours. As a period dominated by natural forcing, the last millennium is helpful for understanding long‐term changes in precipitation extremes. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) investigate changes in daily and subdaily precipitation extremes in China from the last millennium to the end of the twenty‐first century, (2) detect the non‐stationarity of precipitation extremes and (3) compare design storms by using stationary and non‐stationary distributions. The annual maximum 1‐day precipitation (RX1day) and annual maximum 3‐hour precipitation (RX3hour) are used to quantify variations of precipitation extremes. The results show that the trend of RX1day was insignificant for the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, 950–1250) and the Little Ice Age (LIA, 1500–1800). For the historical period (1850–2014), the trend of RX1day and RX3hour was insignificant in most subregions. In addition, the differences for RX1day between the historical period and the MCA/LIA were mostly in the range of −5% to 5%. For the future period (2015–2100), RX1day and RX3hour are projected to increase in almost all land grids compared with the historical period, and they show greater increases in western China than eastern China. The non‐stationarity of RX1day and RX3hour is mainly found under the high‐emission scenario. Moreover, stationary generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution underestimates 50‐year return levels for RX1day and RX3hour in most areas compared with non‐stationary GEV distribution under the high‐emission scenario. Overall, this study suggests that daily and subdaily extreme precipitation will intensify over China in the future. For design storms, non‐stationary methods need to be used for risk management and engineering design under the high‐emission scenario.
Nonpharmacological treatment of rumination syndrome in childhood: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sartori Roberta , Della Torca Aurora , Bramuzzo Matteo , Barbi Egidio , Tessitore Antimo
Published: January 2024

Rumination syndrome (RS) is a complex functional disorder characterized by recurrent, repetitive regurgitation of recently swallowed food. RS may have medical and psychosocial implications, compromising the quality of life and causing high rates of school absenteeism. Pediatric RS has been poorly studied and little evidence regarding its treatment is available. This systematic review aims to evaluate the literature on the nonpharmacological treatment of RS in childhood. A systematic literature search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and PEDro, from 2000 to 2023. The methodological quality of the publications was assessed by applying the guidelines proposed by the Equator network, according to the different designs of study, and the risk of bias was evaluated with the Risk Of Bias In Non‐Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS‐I). Five hundred ninety‐six studies were screened, and 7 studies were included in the review. Diaphragmatic breathing was the most used nonpharmacological treatment, and it was always combined with other therapeutic strategies. The vast heterogeneity of the physical or mental comorbidities and the methodology adopted in the publications did not allow a comparative analysis of the different treatments. Regardless of the type of treatment, high‐intensity therapeutic programs and specific operators' training emerged as the most influencing factors for patients' outcomes. According to the available evidence, there is not enough high‐quality evidence to suggest a defined therapeutic strategy. Large observational studies on selected patients accounting for possible confounders, with adequate follow‐up times, and with clearly defined treatment regimens are needed to identify the best therapeutic approach.
Prebiotics in the management of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders: Position paper of the ESPGHAN special interest group on gut microbiota and modifications
Authors: Indrio Flavia , Dinleyici Ener Cagri , Berni Canani Roberto , Domellöf Magnus , Francavilla Ruggiero , Guarino Alfredo , Gutierrez Castrellon Pedro , Orel Rok , Salvatore Silvia , Van den Akker Chris H. P. , Weizman Zvi
Published: January 2024

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Compared to probiotics there are few studies with prebiotics in children. Most studies have been performed using infant formula supplemented with prebiotics, while add‐on prebiotic supplementation as prevention or treatment of childhood gastrointestinal disorders has rarely been reported. The aim of this position paper was to summarize evidence and make recommendations for prebiotic supplementation in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Recommendations made are based on publications up to January 1, 2023. Within the scope of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications, as in our previous biotic recommendations, at least two randomized controlled clinical trials were required for recommendation. There are some studies showing benefits of prebiotics on selected outcomes; however, we cannot give any positive recommendations for supplementing prebiotics in children with gastrointestinal disorders.
Increasing the efficiency of cumin essential oil extraction using cold plasma pretreatments
Authors: Shokoohi Fatemeh , Ebadi Mohammad‐Taghi , Ghomi Hamid , Rezaeinezhad Ali Reza , Faghih Haghani Saeedeh
Published: January 2024

Background

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, and its essential oil (EO) varies between 2.5% to 5% depending on differences in climate. The extraction method plays a significant role in the market price of EOs. In this study, the effect of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) pretreatments (using air and argon (Ar) gases) for different times on the EO yield and on the quality, color, surface morphology, and wettability of cumin seeds were studied.

Results

The scanning electron microscope analysis results revealed that the formation of fissures and cracks caused by ACP pretreatments was directly related to increasing the efficiency of EO extraction. Comparing the two gas treatments, the highest total color changes ΔE were related to the Ar and the lowest to the air treatment, and the highest amount of browning index was related to the Ar ACP pretreatment. In general, the ACP pretreatments improved the extraction efficiency compared with the control, so that the highest increase was observed in the Ar ACP pretreatment at the rate of 44%. Ar ACP pretreatments were observed to have a higher extraction efficiency than air ACP did. In the Ar ACP‐treated samples, cumin aldehyde, as the most important component of EO, was increased compared with the control (47.9–56.4%).

Conclusion

The data obtained in this study showed that ACP pretreatment of cumin seeds could increase EO extraction efficacy. Thus, ACP could be a promising technique to enhance the cumin seed EO extraction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Systematic Review on Heritability of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Yélamos Lorente Mª Á. , Perez‐Carpena Patricia , Lopez‐Escamez Jose A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the evidence supporting the heritability and genetic basis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Data Source

Records were extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.

Review Methods

The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022357389) and includes a systematic review on the genetic contribution to SSNHL. The search strategy yielded 1.483 articles from electronic databases. After quality assessment, 34 records were selected, including 369.650 patients with SSNHL from nine prevalence studies, two familial aggregation studies, one twin study, and 22 genetic studies. The prevalence of SSNHL was calculated from data on its incidence from population‐based studies (period prevalence). To evaluate the heritability of SSNHL, the sibling recurrence risk ratio (λs) was calculated, by comparing the prevalence of SSNHL among siblings within the same generation to the estimated prevalence in the overall population. Genetic variants were grouped, based on the pathological mechanism related to SSNHL.

Results

The prevalence of SSNHL ranged from 0.1% to 0.0003% in America to 0.12%–0.0093% in Asia. The estimated sibling recurrence risk ratio for SSNHL (λs = 20.8–83.3) supports a significant familial aggregation. Although several genetic variants were reported to be associated with SSHL in controlled studies, neither was replicated in an independent cohort.

Conclusions

Evidence supporting heritability of SSNHL is limited to epidemiological studies showing prevalence differences across different populations and familial aggregation. Genetic studies are of low quality and they lack replication cohort to confirm their findings. According to its low prevalence, exome or genome sequencing familial‐based studies are needed to identify rare genetic variants in SSNHL.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:3447–3457, 2024
Restoring soil properties in the Hyrcanian forests from machine induced compaction: Reforestation of N2‐fixing black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.)
Authors: Kiumarsi Fatemeh , Jourgholami Meghdad , Jafari Mohammad , Lo Monaco Angela , Venanzi Rachele , Picchio Rodolfo
Published: January 2024

Among the various species of trees, black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) is one of the most commonly used trees for the reforestation and restoration programs of degraded forestlands in the Hyrcanian forest, particularly in the skid trails. The effects of reforestation with black alder on the recovery of litter (thickness, C, N, C/N) and soil physicochemical, biochemical, biological, and microbial properties in the skid trails with three levels of compactions were examined over a 27‐year period. Results showed that the litter characteristics such as thickness, carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and C/N were at the highest level in low intensity traffic as compared to those of medium and frequent intensities. Results showed that the values of total porosity, macroporosity, aggregate stability, silt, and clay were at the lowest level in the natural stand. The highest values of soil pH, C, C/N ratio, and C storage were recorded under the skid trail with frequent machine passages. The restoration values of soil physical and chemical properties were significantly higher in the low level of machine traffic after a period of 27 years where black alder reforestation was performed on the skid trails, as compared to the medium and frequent machine traffic levels, as well as the undisturbed area. Black alder litter affected soil nitrogen and the maximum amounts of earthworm density and dry mass. This also includes fine root biomass. These data were recorded in the trails with low machine traffic as compared to those of medium and frequent traffic. The results clearly showed that black alder is effective in reaching the objectives of restoration programs, given that it promotes soil organic matter, builds up soil structure via root‐soil feedback, and improves the soil by creating a major source of nitrogen through enhancing the nitrogen cycle.
Efficient Parametric Frequency Conversions in Chalcogenide‐Loaded Etchless Thin‐Film Lithium Niobate Waveguides
Authors: Song Jingcui , Peng Yuanqiang , Guo Xiaojie , Chen Zhirong , Xiao Mingkun , Feng Tianhua , Fu Zhihao , Yang Shuixian , Wan Lei , Li Yan , Lu Chao , Li Zhaohui
Published: January 2024

Parametric frequency conversion based on second‐order nonlinearity (χ(2)) is critical in many applications. The implementation of second‐order nonlinearity on integrated photonic platforms, in particular on the lithium niobate‐on‐insulator platform, has attracted considerable interest due to its low power consumption and small footprint. However, high‐efficiency on‐chip parametric frequency conversion remains challenging due to fabrication complexity. Here, efficient parametric frequency conversions via modal phase matching (MPM) in etchless thin‐film lithium niobate (TFLN)‐chalcogenide glass (ChG) hybrid waveguides fabricated by a simplified process free from domain engineering and etching of TFLN are proposed and demonstrated. An overall conversion efficiency of 25.55% W−1 for second‐harmonic generation is experimentally achieved in a 1‐cm‐long waveguide, significantly over the reach of the etchless counterparts and in the same order of magnitude as those of the etched cases based on MPM. Broadband frequency conversion with a 3‐dB bandwidth of 57 nm is achieved based on cascaded second‐harmonic generation and difference‐frequency generation via MPM in a nanophotonic waveguide using a continuous‐wave pump. This device shows great promise for efficient on‐chip parametric frequency conversion, enabling a wide range of photonic applications, and paving the way for further integration with various advanced ChG photonic devices toward on‐chip multifunctional microsystems.
Discordance between Reports of Internalized Symptoms in Persons with Parkinson's Disease and Informants: Results from an Online Survey
Authors: Kaplan Rini I. , McDowell Celina Pluim , Wall Juliana , Kinger Shraddha B. , Salazar Robert D. , Neargarder Sandy , Cronin‐Golomb Alice
Published: January 2024

Background

Self‐report of motor and non‐motor symptoms is integral to understanding daily challenges of persons with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Care partners are often asked to serve as informants regarding symptom severity, raising the question of concordance with PwPD self‐reports, especially regarding internalized (not outwardly visible) symptoms.

Objectives

Concordance between PwPD and informant ratings of motor and non‐motor symptoms was evaluated across multiple domains.

Methods

In 60 PwPD‐informant pairs, we compared ratings on 11 online self‐report measures comprising 33 total scores, 2/3 of which represented purely internalized symptoms. For discordant scores, multiple regression analyses were used to examine demographic/clinical predictors.

Results

Though concordant on 85% of measures, PwPD endorsed more non‐motor symptoms, bodily discomfort, stigma, and motor symptoms than informants. For PwPD, younger age, greater disease severity, and female gender predicted discordance.

Conclusions

Discordance between PwPD and informants on measures assessing symptoms that cannot be outwardly observed may require targeted education.
Research on pricing models for technology‐trading platforms with different business models: A two‐stage dynamic game model
Authors: Zhao Yan , Ni Yuan
Published: January 2024

Using the differences in user attribution and profitability among different business models employed by technology‐trading platforms, a two‐stage dynamic game pricing model was constructed considering three pricing strategies. The research found that (1) in the information‐intermediary business model, technology‐trading platforms should adopt a two‐stage pricing model that first emphasizes transaction fees followed by mixed system charges. (2) In the one‐stop service business model, technology‐trading platforms can achieve higher returns by comprehensively using big data analysis to tailor mixed fees. (3) The traditional information‐intermediary platform can adopt a pricing model with mixed system charges to transition to a one‐stop service platform.
Patient and Caregiver Perception of Adenoidectomies: A Non‐Real‐World Social Media Analysis
Authors: Godbole Nikhil B. , Paliwoda Ethan D. , Gajjar Avi A. , Gupta Nithin , Nguyen Alexander , Nguyen Andrew , Alexander Richard
Published: January 2024

Objective

To survey the social media outlets Twitter and Instagram for public posts related to adenoidectomy surgery. This study aims to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of patients and caregivers on social media, through thematic content‐analysis of social media posts regarding adenoidectomy.

Study Design

Non‐real world qualitative study.

Setting

Twitter and Instagram social media platforms.

Methods

Public posts uploaded between February, 2021 and February, 2023 using the hashtags “#adenoidectomy,” and “#adenoidectomyrecovery” were searched. Posts were excluded if they were unrelated to adenoidectomy or were in a non‐English language. Relevant posts were stratified demographically as patient or caregiver and pre‐ or postoperative, and categorized into relevant themes for analysis. Outcomes were measured as the total number of posts.

Results

A total of 394 relevant posts were analyzed. A significance threshold of P < 0.05 was used. Patients posted significantly more posts regarding procedure pain (P = 0.002) and concern for appearance (P = 0.048) compared to caregivers. Caregivers posted significantly (P < 0.001) more posts regarding condition awareness and were significantly (P < 0.001) more likely to spread positivity in their posts compared to patients themselves. Posts made by female caregivers were more likely to reference fear, while those made by male caregivers were more likely to provide education (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Patients may worry about appearance and mental health while caregivers are more likely to spread information and positivity. Male and female caregivers may also use social media differently. A better understanding of patient and caregiver concerns may optimize physician interaction and involvement.
Symptom patterns of comorbid depression and anxiety among older adults in China and their predictors
Authors: Yu Lingling , Chen Chuqian
Published: January 2024

Comorbid depression and anxiety causes serious psychological and physiological damage for older people. This study aimed to identify heterogeneous classes of comorbid depression and anxiety (CDA) among older people in China and to ascertain predictors of latent class membership. Cross‐sectional data of 10,919 cases were extracted from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify symptom patterns of comorbid depression (measured by the 10‐item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and anxiety (measured by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item Scale). Multinomial logistic regressions following bivariate analyses were used to explore the relationship between the derived classes and individual‐ and social‐level factors. Four patterns of CDA were identified: low symptoms of depression and anxiety (30.52%; n = 3333), mild depression only (53.26%; n = 5815), moderate depression and anxiety (13.82%; n = 1509), and severe depression and anxiety (2.40%; n = 262). Older people who are male, suffer from multimorbidity, and lack a healthy lifestyle are more likely to have problematic symptom profiles. While intimate relationships with partners and children significantly predicted CDA patterns, the effects of sibling relationships, daily life, and emotional support from the community were insignificant. LPA identified four distinct CDA patterns among a representative sample of older Chinese people. While restless sleep, lack of positive emotions, uselessness, and weak concentration are salient across all profiles, “difficult to relax” is prominent in profiles high in anxiety. In addition to individual‐level variables, social‐level factors, especially intimate relationships with partners and children rather than general links to siblings or the community, have unneglectable impacts on whether and to what extent older Chinese adults suffer from CDA in the cultural context of relationism, patriarchy, and filial piety.
Performance reliability degradation analysis and lifetime prediction based on generalized normal grey cloud Bayesian Wiener process
Authors: Niu Cuiping , Fang Zhigeng
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the problem of performance reliability degradation and lifetime prediction in complex systems with high reliability but insufficient information. It comprehensively considers the effects of various uncertainties, such as measurement, cognitive, and stochastic uncertainties, and proposes a generalized normal grey cloud Bayesian Wiener process (GNGCBWP) stochastic degradation model. First, based on the historical degradation information of the system, the interval grey number sequence of the degradation increment is constructed, and the performance degradation path of the system is analyzed to determine the degradation model type. Then, combining the normal grey cloud and Bayesian estimation theory, the relevant definitions and theorems of generalized normal grey cloud Bayesian estimation (GNGCBE) are proposed. Finally, the parameter estimation results obtained using the GNGCBE method are substituted into the grey Wiener process degradation model to dynamically analyze performance reliability degradation and predict the remaining useful life (RUL) in real‐time. And the validity and scientificity of the proposed model is verified through a case study of laser equipment. Moreover, the comparison results of the models indicate that the proposed model has advantages in dynamic analysis of performance reliability degradation and real‐time RUL prediction for highly reliable complex systems with limited or poor degradation information. It can significantly reduce the impact of multiple uncertainties on the analysis results and improve the accuracy and reliability of the final prediction results.
Structural, electronic, and optical properties of Cd‐halide‐based inorganic LiCdX3 (X = F, Cl) perovskites for photovoltaic applications: A density functional theory study
Authors: Ghani Muhammad Usman , Sagir Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Bilal , Ullah Sami , Assiri Mohammed Ali
Published: January 2024

Halide base perovskite LiCdX3 (X = F, Cl) is tested by CASTEP (Cambridge Serial Total Energy Package) based on density function theory (DFT). The presented discussion is to explore the structural, electronic, and optical properties of LiCdX3 (X = F, Cl). The calculated values of the lattice parameter are found to be 3.8 Å and 5.27 Å of LiCdF3 and LiCdCl3 respectively. The ideal structure of LiCdX3 (X = F, Cl) is cubic and dynamically stable. Electronic properties show that materials are semiconductors. The results from band structure are further evaluated by the total and partial density of states. The partial and total density of states confirms the degree of localization of electrons. In optical properties, the highest absorption coefficient is observed in LiCdCl3. The material is half metallic and has a narrow indirect band gap which may be used in photovoltaic applications.
Randomly Pruning the Sachdev‐Ye‐Kitaev Model
Authors: Berkovits Richard
Published: January 2024

The Sachdev‐Ye‐Kitaev model (SYK) is renowned for its short‐time chaotic behavior, which plays a fundamental role in its application to various fields such as quantum gravity and holography. The Thouless energy, representing the energy scale at which the universal chaotic behavior in the energy spectrum ceases, can be determined from the spectrum itself. When simulating the SYK model on classical or quantum computers, it is advantageous to minimize the number of terms in the Hamiltonian by randomly pruning the couplings. In this paper, it is demonstrated that even with a significant pruning, eliminating a large number of couplings, the chaotic behavior persists up to short time scales. This is true even when only a fraction of the original couplings in the fully connected SYK model, specifically , is retained. Here, represents the number of sites, and . The properties of the long‐range energy scales, corresponding to short time scales, are verified through numerical singular value decomposition (SVD) and level number variance calculations.
Untangling asthma, inducible laryngeal obstruction, and dysfunctional breathing in a competitive sportsperson
Authors: Crawford Alice L. , Setty Niranjan , Kyle Brooke , Baumwol Kate , Blakey John D.
Published: January 2024

A young woman with historically mild asthma experienced worsening breathlessness and cough with competitive ice skating. Despite optimizing and escalating treatment for her eosinophilic asthma, and addressing known exacerbating factors, her symptoms remained uncontrolled and refractory to bronchodilators and oral corticosteroids. Objective testing suggested her presentation was out of keeping with asthma alone, and she was suspected to have comorbid dysfunctional breathing and/or inducible laryngeal obstruction. Evidence was required to confirm the diagnoses, assess each condition's contribution to her symptom burden, and guide therapy. As exercise was a predominant trigger, she proceeded to cardiopulmonary exercise test with continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CPET‐CLE). Testing confirmed the presence of two forms of inducible laryngeal obstruction and evidence of hyperventilation predominant dysfunctional breathing. This case highlights the importance of identifying coexisting conditions in difficult‐to‐treat asthma, and the value of structured multidisciplinary assessment in referral centres for such individuals.
Study of a bounded interval perks distribution with quantile regression analysis
Authors: Al‐Essa Laila A. , Shafiq Shakaiba , Ozonur Deniz , Jamal Farrukh
Published: January 2024

In this article, a novel bounded interval model called the unit‐Perks model is developed by suitably transforming the positive random variable of the Perks distribution. Numerous statistical features of the bounded interval Perks model are being explored based on the expansion of the density function. Eight distinct estimation approaches are being used to estimate the parameters of the unit‐Perks model. A throughout simulation analysis is also included to evaluate the precision of the resulting estimators from eight estimating approaches. Two real bounded interval data sets are being utilized to investigate the practical applicability of the unit‐Perks model. A comparison is also made to determine which method of estimation works better for the given model. According to a comparison of eight different estimation approaches, the maximum likelihood estimation approach outperformed than the other seven estimating approaches. The unit‐perks model is then used to introduce the quantile regression model named as quantile unit‐Perks distribution. Application to real data set for the quantile unit‐Perks distribution is also performed. The quantile residuals are used for the residual analysis of the fitted regression model. On the basis of mathematical, computational, and pictorial evidences, it is concluded that the presented model exhibited greater modeling capabilities.
Optimizing dynamic predictions from joint models using super learning
Authors: Rizopoulos Dimitris , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: January 2024

Joint models for longitudinal and time‐to‐event data are often employed to calculate dynamic individualized predictions used in numerous applications of precision medicine. Two components of joint models that influence the accuracy of these predictions are the shape of the longitudinal trajectories and the functional form linking the longitudinal outcome history to the hazard of the event. Finding a single well‐specified model that produces accurate predictions for all subjects and follow‐up times can be challenging, especially when considering multiple longitudinal outcomes. In this work, we use the concept of super learning and avoid selecting a single model. In particular, we specify a weighted combination of the dynamic predictions calculated from a library of joint models with different specifications. The weights are selected to optimize a predictive accuracy metric using V‐fold cross‐validation. We use as predictive accuracy measures the expected quadratic prediction error and the expected predictive cross‐entropy. In a simulation study, we found that the super learning approach produces results very similar to the Oracle model, which was the model with the best performance in the test datasets. All proposed methodology is implemented in the freely available R package JMbayes2.
Ce‐Modified MgFe−LDH Supported Au Particles: An Efficient Catalyst for Base‐Free Selective Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Moradi Hanieh , Kulinich Sergei A. , Wunderlich Wilfried , Ghiaci Mehran
Published: January 2024

5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was selectively oxidized to 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) using an effective catalytic system made of Au particles supported on Ce‐modified MgFe layered double hydroxide. The structural features and performance of the as‐prepared catalysts were examined using a range of characterizations, and the impact of altering reaction parameters was explored. It was demonstrated that the presence and quantity of Ce and Mg species in the catalyst formulation were the primary determinants of the activity of the Au@Mg−N−M−LDH catalysts (M=Ce, Cu, Mn, Zr, and N=Fe, Al). The catalyst Au@MgFeCe−LDH, loaded with 1 wt % Au, exhibited outstanding catalytic activity in the production of FDCA, achieving complete HMF conversion and 90 % FDCA selectivity. This was accomplished through a two‐step heating procedure, involving initial heating of the reaction medium at 40 °C for 2 hours followed by a subsequent heating at 100 °C for 6 hours, conducted under an oxygen pressure of 5 bar.
X‐Ray Crystallography and Antimicrobial Activity of Synthetic Cyanoguanidinophenytoin Cocrystals
Authors: Mabied Ahmed F. , Moustafa Amr H. , Abdelhamid Antar A. , Tiama Taha M. , Amer Amer A.
Published: January 2024

A novel series of 1 : 1 cocrystals of 2‐cyanoguanidinophenytoin (CNG‐DPH) with primary, secondary, and tertiary aliphatic amines has been presented through this work. The antimicrobial activities of all new CNG‐DPH‐amine cocrystals were studied. The existence of cocrystals has been proven through crystal structure results. The 5‐Oxo‐4,4‐diphenylimidazolidin‐2‐ylidenecyanamide‐piperidine cocrystal (10) is located in an orthorhombic crystal system, and the cocrystal is connected via the N−H−N hydrogen bond between the cyanide group and the piperidine molecule. Hirshfeld surface analysis authenticated supramolecular contacts. Ring puckering analysis revealed a chair stereochemistry at the 6‐membered piperidine. The crystal packing has been stabilized through intermolecular forces, hydrogen bonds, and interactions within the gravity center of rings (Cg). The antimicrobial activities of the newly synthesized compounds were only effective against Gram‐positive bacteria, demonstrating that the antibacterial spectrum of these compounds was restricted. In vitro cytotoxicity of the synthesized cocrystals was assessed in normal cells, giving the highest half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ratio (637.63 μg/ml) and the lowest value (181.98 μg/ml).
Infant emotion regulation in the context of stress: Effects of heart rate variability and temperament
Authors: Weiss Sandra J. , Keeton Victoria F. , Leung Cherry , Niemann Sandra
Published: January 2024

Stressful events are inherently emotional. As a result, the ability to regulate emotions is critical in responding effectively to stressors. Differential abilities in the management of stress appear very early in life, compelling a need to better understand factors that may shape the capacity for emotion regulation (ER). Variations in both biologic and behavioural characteristics are thought to influence individual differences in ER development. We sought to determine the differential contributions of temperament and heart rate variability (HRV; an indicator of autonomic nervous system function) to infant resting state emotionality and emotional reactivity in response to a stressor at 6 months of age. Participants included 108 mother‐infant dyads. Mothers completed a measure of infant temperament at 6 months postnatal. Mother and infant also participated in a standardized stressor (the Repeated Still Face Paradigm) at that time. Electrocardiographic data were acquired from the infant during a baseline resting state and throughout the stressor. Fast Fourier Transformation was used to analyse the high frequency (HF) domain of HRV, a measure of parasympathetic nervous system activity. Infant ER was measured via standardized coding of emotional distress behaviours from video‐records at baseline and throughout the stressor. Severity of mothers' depressive symptoms was included as a covariate in analyses. Results of linear regression indicate that neither temperament nor HRV were associated significantly with an infant's emotional resting state, although a small effect size was found for the relationship between infant negative affectivity and greater emotional distress (β = 0.23, p = 0.08) prior to the stressor. Higher HF‐HRV (suggesting parasympathetic dominance) was related to greater emotional distress in response to the stressor (β = 0.34, p = 0.009). This greater emotional reactivity may reflect a more robust capacity to mount an emotional response to the stressor when infants encounter it from a bedrock of parasympathetic activation. Findings may inform eventual markers for assessment of ER in infancy and areas for intervention to enhance infant management of emotions, especially during stressful events.
Piezo‐catalysis in BiFeO3@In2Se3 Heterojunction for High‐Efficiency Uranium Removal
Authors: Guo Rongshuo , Jin Linghua , Zhang Ye
Published: January 2024

Piezo‐catalysis emerges as an efficient, safe, and affordable strategy for removing hazardous substances from aquatic environments. Here, the BiFeO3@In2Se3 heterojunction demonstrates remarkable prowess as a piezo‐catalyst, enabling the high‐efficiency removal of uranium (U) from U(VI)‐containing water. A total U(VI) removal efficiency of 94.6% can be achieved under ultrasonic vibration without any sacrificial agents. During the entire catalytic process, piezo‐induced electrons, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide radicals play important roles in U(VI) removal, while the generated H2O2 is responsive to the transformation of soluble U(VI) into insoluble (UO2)O2•2H2O and UO3. Furthermore, auxiliary illumination can accelerate the increase of free charges, enabling the piezo‐catalyst to retain more charges. This leads to an improved U(VI) removal efficiency of 98.8% and a significantly increased reaction rate constant. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the fabrication of high‐efficiency piezo‐catalysts in the removal or extraction of U(VI) from U(VI)‐containing water.
Enhanced Spin‐Polarized Electric Field Modulating p‐Band Center on Ni‐Doped CdS for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Wu Fei , Zhang Xinlei , Wang Lei , Li Guicun , Huang Jianfeng , Song Aili , Meng Alan , Li Zhenjiang
Published: January 2024

It is a challenge to regulate charge separation dynamics and redox reaction kinetics at the atomic level to synergistically boost photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution. Herein, a robust Ni‐doped CdS (Ni‐CdS) photocatalyst is synthesized by incorporating highly dispersed Ni atoms into the CdS lattice in substitution for Cd atoms. Combined characterizations with theoretical analysis indicate that local lattice distortion and S‐vacancy of Ni‐CdS induced by Ni incorporation lead to an increased dipole moment and enhanced spin‐polarized electric field, which promotes the separation and transfer of photoinduced carriers. In this contribution, charge redistribution caused by enhanced internal electric field results in the downshift of the S p‐band center, which is conducive to the desorption of intermediate H* for boosting the H2 evolution reaction. Accordingly, the Ni‐CdS photocatalyst shows a remarkably improved photocatalytic performance with an H2 evolution rate of 20.28 mmol g−1 h−1 under visible‐light irradiation, which is 5.58 times higher than that of pristine CdS. This work supplied an insightful understanding that the enhanced polarization electric field governs the p‐band center for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution activity.
Flexural behavior of cold‐formed U‐shaped steel members encasing concrete composite beam using continues stud bolts
Authors: Al‐Lami Karrar , Jabir Hussain A. , Shamsaldeen Hassan A. , Algasham Thaar , Mhalhal Jasim M. , Goaiz Hussam A. , Abid Sallal
Published: January 2024

The current paper presents an innovative form of the cold‐formed U‐shape steel encasing concrete composite beam (CUCB). The suggested CUCB consists of a cold‐formed U‐shaped steel encasing plain concrete beam which are connected to each other using continuous transversal threaded stud bolts. The experimental program consisted of eight beam specimens tested in the four‐point bending set‐up. One of them was a normal reinforced concrete beam and considered as a reference specimen while the remaining specimens were CUCB specimens without ordinary flexural and shear reinforcement. Four parameters were studied in this paper: (i) the thickness of the U‐shaped steel, (ii) the spacing between the stud bolts, (iii) the arrangement of the bolts, and (iv) the number of the bolt's rows. Results indicated an overall improvement in the load‐carrying capacity and stiffness of most CUCB specimens in comparison with the reference specimen. It was found that the using of three rows of bolts can significantly improve the ductility and toughness of the CUCB specimen in comparison with two rows of bolts. On the contrary, an increase in the bolt spacing entails a decrease in the CUCB specimens' toughness.
Causal‐mechanical explanations in biology: Applying automated assessment for personalized learning in the science classroom
Authors: Ariely Moriah , Nazaretsky Tanya , Alexandron Giora
Published: January 2024

One of the core practices of science is constructing scientific explanations. However, numerous studies have shown that constructing scientific explanations poses significant challenges to students. Proper assessment of scientific explanations is costly and time‐consuming, and teachers often do not have a clear definition of the educational goals for formulating scientific explanations. Consequently, teachers struggle to support their students in this process. It is hoped that recent advances in machine learning (ML) and its application to educational technologies can assist teachers and learners in analyzing student responses and providing automated formative feedback according to well‐defined pedagogical criteria. In this study, we present a method to automate the entire assessment‐feedback process. First, we developed a causal‐mechanical (CM)‐based grading rubric and applied it to student responses to two open‐ended items. Second, we used unsupervised ML tools to identify patterns in student responses. Those patterns enable the definition of “meta‐categories” of explanation types and the design of personalized feedback adapted to each category. Third, we designed an in‐class intervention with personalized formative feedback that matches the response patterns. We used natural language processing and ML algorithms to assess students' explanations and provide feedback. Findings from a controlled experiment demonstrated that a CM‐based grading scheme can be used to identify meaningful patterns and inform the design of formative feedback that promotes student ability to construct explanations in biology. We discuss possible implications for automated assessment and personalized teaching and learning of scientific writing in K‐12 science education.
Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: A revolution?
Authors: Fortuny Marta , Sanduzzi‐Zamparelli Marco , Reig Maria
Published: January 2024

The evolution in systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) signifies a strategy of high‐cost, high‐gain innovation that originated with sorafenib, despite its limited impact on tumor response. This strategic approach paved the way for the emergence of a second wave of the short‐lived competitive advantage, exemplified by the incorporation of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab and tremelimumab plus durvalumab. In the context of safety concerns within the liver cancer domain, the IMBRAVE150 and HIMALAYA trials boldly incorporated bevacizumab and tremelimumab, respectively, demonstrating the continuation of the high‐risk, high‐reward innovation paradigm. This review delves into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis of systemic therapies in the field of HCC.
An experimental study on the identification of the root bolts' state of wind turbine blades using blade sensors
Authors: Gao Feng , Qian Chenkai , Xu Lin , Liu Juncheng , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

Bolt looseness may occur on wind turbine (WT) blades exposed to operational and environmental variability conditions, which sometimes can cause catastrophic consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the loosening state of WT blade root bolts. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a method to monitor the looseness of blade root bolts using the sensors installed on the WT blade. An experimental platform was first built by installing acceleration and strain sensors for monitoring bolt looseness. Through the physical experiment of blade root bolts' looseness, the response data of blade sensors is then obtained under different bolt looseness numbers and degrees. Afterwards, the sensor signal of the blade root bolts is analyzed in time domain, frequency domain, and time‐frequency domain, and the sensitivity features of various signals are extracted. So the eigenvalue category as the input of the state discrimination model was determined. The LightGBM (light gradient boosting machine) classification algorithm was applied to identify different bolt looseness states for the multi‐domain features. The impact of different combinations of sensor categories and quantities as the data source on the identification results is discussed, and a reference for the selection of sensors is provided. The proposed method can discriminate four bolt states at an accuracy of around 99.8% using 5‐fold cross‐validation.
Discrete fracture‐matrix model of poroelasticity
Authors: Březina Jan , Stebel Jan
Published: January 2024

The paper presents the derivation and analysis of a poroelasticity model in a domain with fracture represented by a codimension‐one manifold. The system of saturated flow and linear elasticity both in the rock matrix and in the fracture coupled through an appropriate interface condition is obtained from a continuum description by integration and semi‐discretization in the normal direction of the fracture. The existence and uniqueness of a weak solution are proved with the help of an iterative splitting, whose convergence rate is analyzed. The analysis is complemented by a numerical example.