bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between antibiotic use during early life and early‐onset colorectal cancer risk overall and according to polygenic risk and FUT2 genotypes
Authors: Jiang Fangyuan , Boakye Daniel , Sun Jing , Wang Lijuan , Yu Lili , Zhou Xuan , Zhao Jianhui , Bian Zilong , Song Peige , He Yazhou , Zhu Yingshuang , Chen Jie , Yuan Shuai , Song Mingyang , Larsson Susanna C. , Giovannucci Edward L , Theodoratou Evropi , Ding Kefeng , Li Xue
Published: July 2023

Early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has been increasing worldwide. Potential risk factors may have occurred in childhood or adolescence. We investigated the associations between early‐life factors and EOCRC risk, with a particular focus on long‐term or recurrent antibiotic use (LRAU) and its interaction with genetic factors. Data on the UK Biobank participants recruited between 2006 and 2010 and followed up to February 2022 were used. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of the associations between LRAU during early life and EOCRC risk overall and by polygenic risk score (constructed by 127 CRC‐related genetic variants) and Fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2), a gut microbiota regulatory gene. We also assessed the associations for early‐onset colorectal adenomas, as precursor lesion of CRC, to examine the effect of LRAU during early‐life and genetic factors on colorectal carcinogenesis. A total of 113 256 participants were included in the analysis, with 165 EOCRC cases and 719 EOCRA cases. LRAU was nominally associated with increased risk of early‐onset CRC (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.01‐2.17, P = .046) and adenomas (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.17‐1.68, P < .001). When stratified by genetic polymorphisms of FUT2, LRAU appeared to confer a comparatively greater risk for early‐onset adenomas among participants with rs281377 TT genotype (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.79‐1.52, P = .587, for CC genotype; OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.16‐2.64, P = .008, for TT genotype; Pinteraction = .089). Our study suggested that LRAU during early life is associated with increased risk of early‐onset CRC and adenomas, and the association for adenomas is predominant among individuals with rs281377 TT/CT genotype. Further studies investigating how LRAU contributes together with genetic factors to modify EOCRC risk, particularly concerning the microbiome‐related pathway underlying colorectal carcinogenesis, are warranted.
Can we predict peritoneal adhesions formation after cesarean delivery?
Authors: Saban Alla , Shoham‐Vardi Ilana , Stein Liane , Eshkoli Tamar , Weintraub Adi Y.
Published: July 2023

Objective

To examine demographic and obstetrical factors that are associated with adhesion formation following cesarean delivery.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study that included all women over 18 years og age who underwent two cesarean deliveries between the years 1988 and 2016 in a large tertiary medical center. We excluded women with adhesions already diagnosed during the first cesarean delivery, history of other abdominal or pelvic surgery, history of pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease, history of endometriosis and history of uterine Müllerian anomalies. In addition, women with a classical or T‐shaped uterine incision, non‐singleton pregnancies, and fetal chromosomal or structural abnormalities were excluded.

Results

During the study period, 32.6% (n = 2283) of women were diagnosed with peritoneal adhesions during the second cesarean delivery. Factors found to be significantly associated with peritoneal adhesions were maternal age 35 years or older at the first cesarean delivery, Bedouin Arab ethnicity, composite of intrapartum and postpartum infectious morbidity, and cesarean deliveries that were performed after the onset of labor. In contrast, having a previous vaginal birth was found to be protective.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that a woman's characteristics at her first cesarean delivery and her obstetrical history may be predictive of the likelihood of adhesion formation.
Simultaneous robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair using a polypropylene mesh: Report of two cases
Authors: Yajima Shugo , Nakanishi Yasukazu , Hirose Kohei , Katsumura Sao , Kataoka Madoka , Masuda Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

We report two cases where robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair were performed simultaneously.

Case presentation

In case one, hernia repair was performed by implantation of 3D Max™ mesh and closure of the peritoneum. Total console time was 156 min, of which hernia repair took 21 min. In case two, hernia repair was performed using Ventralight™ ST mesh. Total console time was 181 min, of which hernia repair took 23 min. Pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in case two but not in case one. Both patients were discharged 7 days postoperatively without severe complications or mesh infection.

Conclusion

It may be possible to perform robotic‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and inguinal hernia repair simultaneously.
Research on 3D advertising placement based on virtual reality simulation
Authors: Xu Lijing
Published: July 2023

Virtual reality based on computer 3D technology has brought revolutionary changes in advertising creativity. To enhance the economic value of advertising itself, it is necessary to provide personalized and precise advertising placement for users from a massive advertising database. A recommendation system based on deep graph convolutional networks is a personalized system that can recommend based on their attributes and historical records. However, complex models are required to learn higher‐order feature information, and the mining of user interaction behavior is insufficient. This article proposes a graph convolutional network with multi‐head attention embedding for 3D advertising placement. We construct advertising graph data based on user behavior and multi‐feature embedding mapping. To exploit higher‐order features, a multi‐head attention mechanism is embedded in the graph convolutional network. The experimental results show that the proposed model achieves better performance compared to other depth models on Criteo and Avazu datasets. We will deploy the entire model on the server to achieve precise advertising placement.
Weakly Supervised MRI Slice‐Level Deep Learning Classification of Prostate Cancer Approximates Full Voxel‐ and Slice‐Level Annotation: Effect of Increasing Training Set Size
Authors: Weißer Cedric , Netzer Nils , Görtz Magdalena , Schütz Viktoria , Hielscher Thomas , Schwab Constantin , Hohenfellner Markus , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Maier‐Hein Klaus H. , Bonekamp David
Published: July 2023

Background

Weakly supervised learning promises reduced annotation effort while maintaining performance.

Purpose

To compare weakly supervised training with full slice‐wise annotated training of a deep convolutional classification network (CNN) for prostate cancer (PC).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

One thousand four hundred eighty‐nine consecutive institutional prostate MRI examinations from men with suspicion for PC (65 ± 8 years) between January 2015 and November 2020 were split into training (N = 794, enriched with 204 PROSTATEx examinations) and test set (N = 695).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 and 3T, T2‐weighted turbo‐spin‐echo and diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging.

Assessment

Histopathological ground truth was provided by targeted and extended systematic biopsy. Reference training was performed using slice‐level annotation (SLA) and compared to iterative training utilizing patient‐level annotations (PLAs) with supervised feedback of CNN estimates into the next training iteration at three incremental training set sizes (N = 200, 500, 998). Model performance was assessed by comparing specificity at fixed sensitivity of 0.97 [254/262] emulating PI‐RADS ≥ 3, and 0.88–0.90 [231–236/262] emulating PI‐RADS ≥ 4 decisions.

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) was compared using DeLong and Obuchowski test. Sensitivity and specificity were compared using McNemar test. Statistical significance threshold was P = 0.05.

Results

Test set (N = 695) ROC‐AUC performance of SLA (trained with 200/500/998 exams) was 0.75/0.80/0.83, respectively. PLA achieved lower ROC‐AUC of 0.64/0.72/0.78. Both increased performance significantly with increasing training set size. ROC‐AUC for SLA at 500 exams was comparable to PLA at 998 exams (P = 0.28). ROC‐AUC was significantly different between SLA and PLA at same training set sizes, however the ROC‐AUC difference decreased significantly from 200 to 998 training exams. Emulating PI‐RADS ≥ 3 decisions, difference between PLA specificity of 0.12 [51/433] and SLA specificity of 0.13 [55/433] became undetectable (P = 1.0) at 998 exams. Emulating PI‐RADS ≥ 4 decisions, at 998 exams, SLA specificity of 0.51 [221/433] remained higher than PLA specificity at 0.39 [170/433]. However, PLA specificity at 998 exams became comparable to SLA specificity of 0.37 [159/433] at 200 exams (P = 0.70).

Data Conclusion

Weakly supervised training of a classification CNN using patient‐level‐only annotation had lower performance compared to training with slice‐wise annotations, but improved significantly faster with additional training data.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Editorial for “A Channel‐Dimensional Feature‐Reconstructed Deep Learning Model for Predicting Breast Cancer Molecular Subtypes on Overall b‐Value Diffusion‐Weighted MRI”
Authors: Barzegar Mojtaba , Schiaffino Simone
Published: July 2023

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
When perceiving a coworker as creative affects social networks over time: A network theory of social capital perspective
Authors: Koseoglu Gamze , Breidenthal Amy P. , Shalley Christina E.
Published: July 2023

We conceptualize “perceived coworker creativity” as a resource that people seek to acquire through their relationships. Applying the Network Theory of Social Capital (NTSC), we examine whether perceiving a coworker as creative changes the closeness of the relationship an employee develops with this coworker and how being perceived as creative by others in the organization changes the weighted indegree centrality of this coworker in the organizational network over time. We also examine the role of gender and nationality similarity as moderators. We test our hypotheses in three studies: an experimental study of full‐time employees, a longitudinal study of full‐time employees over 8 weeks, and a longitudinal study of MBA students over 1 year. We find that employees tend to develop closer relationships over time with coworkers that they perceive as creative, and that this effect is generally stronger when these two individuals are of the opposite gender or different nationalities. Additionally, when more employees perceive a coworker as creative, it is more likely that this coworker will become more central in the network over time for those who belong to a minority group in terms of nationality.
Study of the acetylation‐induced changes in the physicochemical and functional characteristics of insoluble dietary fiber from wheat bran
Authors: Ke Sheng , Wang Xuanyu , Wang Anqi , Zhuang Min , Zhou Zhongkai
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Wheat bran is rich in dietary fiber (DF), particularly insoluble dietary fiber (IDF). Although the benefits for human health following the consumption of these DFs have been documented, the lower water retention capacity (WRC) and other properties still limit the applications of DF. Therefore, the current research investigated the impact of acetylation on the changes in the corresponding physicochemical and functional properties of DF.

RESULTS

The current results indicated the acetylated group restricted the alignment of the molecular chains, which led to an increased amorphous phase in the fiber structure, followed by an enhanced thermal sensitivity and a reduced crystallinity as evidenced by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the acetylation of the IDFs enhanced the cholesterol absorption capacity, but the corresponding antioxidant capacity and cation exchange capacity were reduced, which might be due to the partial loss of the phenolic compounds onto the polysaccharides during the modification. Interestingly, a lower degree of substitution (DS) of the IDF achieved from water‐acetic anhydride modification led to a higher WRC and water swelling capacity (WSC). In contrast, a higher DS from acetic anhydride modification demonstrated a greatly improved in vitro hypoglycemic performance of the IDF, including α‐amylase inhibitory activity and glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI), compared to the other samples.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights a new approach to modify the functionality of IDFs via acetylation and the design of a novel IDF with hypoglycemic activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
High‐frequency variability of carbon dioxide fluxes in tidal water over a temperate salt marsh
Authors: Song Shuzhen , Wang Zhaohui Aleck , Kroeger Kevin D. , Eagle Meagan , Chu Sophie N. , Ge Jianzhong
Published: July 2023

Existing analyses of salt marsh carbon budgets rarely quantify carbon loss as CO2 through the air–water interface in inundated marshes. This study estimates the variability of partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and air–water CO2 fluxes over summer and fall of 2014 and 2015 using high‐frequency measurements of tidal water pCO2 in a salt marsh of the U.S. northeast region. Monthly mean CO2 effluxes varied in the range of 5.4–25.6 mmol m−2 marsh d−1 (monthly median: 4.8–24.7 mmol m−2 marsh d−1) during July to November from the tidal creek and tidally‐inundated vegetated platform. The source of CO2 effluxes was partitioned between the marsh and estuary using a mixing model. The monthly mean marsh‐contributed CO2 effluxes accounted for a dominant portion (69%) of total CO2 effluxes in the inundated marsh, which was 3–23% (mean 13%) of the corresponding lateral flux rate of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from marsh to estuary. Photosynthesis in tidal water substantially reduced the CO2 evasion, accounting for 1–86% (mean 31%) of potential CO2 evasion and 2–26% (mean 11%) of corresponding lateral transport DIC fluxes, indicating the important role of photosynthesis in controlling the air–water CO2 evasion in the inundated salt marsh. This study demonstrates that CO2 evasion from inundated salt marshes is a significant loss term for carbon that is fixed within marshes.
Hyperuniform Disordered Solids with Morphology Engineering
Authors: Wan Dian , Li Ting , Chen Si , Chen Weicheng , Hu Haofeng , Set Sze Yun , Yamashita Shinji , Shen Li , Zou Yi , Liu Tiegen , Cheng Zhenzhou
Published: July 2023

Hyperuniform disordered solid (HUDS) structures can provide large, uniform, complete, and isotropic light confinement at the nanoscale after precise design. Based on the HUDS structures, in‐plane light confinement for developing photonic integrated circuits is also explored. To improve the performance of HUDS devices, researchers have mainly focused on cell size or cell distribution optimization in HUDS, which suffers from time‐consuming computation or moderate photonic bandgap (PBG) modification. Here, a morphology engineering method is demonstrated to tailor HUDS PBGs and improve HUDS waveguide devices for transverse electric mode. The results show that the Bezier‐curve‐decorated HUDS devices can achieve a maximum of about 75% PBG width increase, 1.5 dB transmittance improvement in a 10 µm long HUDS waveguide, improved quality factors of HUDS‐cladding microring resonators, and device fabrication compatibility with foundry processing. This study opens new avenues for the development of unprecedented devices for exploring light field regulation, nonlinear optics, and sensing.
Spherically complete models of Hensel minimal valued fields
Authors: Bradley‐Williams David B. , Halupczok Immanuel
Published: July 2023

We prove that Hensel minimal expansions of finitely ramified Henselian valued fields admit spherically complete immediate elementary extensions. More precisely, the version of Hensel minimality we use is 0‐hmix‐minimality (which, in equi‐characteristic 0, amounts to 0‐h‐minimality).
Development and characterization of titanium oxide filled ramie fiber based hybrid composites
Authors: Mahapatra Sourav Kumar , Satapathy Alok
Published: July 2023

This investigation aims to develop and characterize a class of multi‐phase hybrid composites consisting of bi‐directional ramie fibers, epoxy resin and micro‐sized titania (TiO2) particles in different proportions. Conventional hand layup technique is followed for fabrication of these composite slabs with fixed fiber fraction but different filler loadings of 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%. The composites are subjected to different physical, compositional, and mechanical characterization tests under controlled laboratory conditions. The microstructural features of the composites are studied using scanning electron microscopy and stereo‐microscopy. For the compositional analysis, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique are adopted. The functional groups present in the constituent materials are identified and so also the different phases in the composites. The different characterization tests reveal that with the incorporation of hard titania particles, the tensile, flexural, inter‐laminar shear strength, hardness, and impact strength improve. Similarly, the density and moisture absorption behavior are also found to be greatly affected by the inclusion of fillers. Armed with reasonably good mechanical properties and improved hardness, these epoxy‐ramie composites filled with titania micro‐particles may possibly find applications as functional materials in potential areas like wear prone situations.

Highlights

Hybridization of ramie‐epoxy composite by additional reinforcement of TiO2.

Physical properties of the composites are affected by the inclusion of fillers.

Mechanical properties of composites improved with filler content.

The developed composites can be used for wear resistant applications.
Artificial intelligence in obstetric ultrasound: A scoping review
Authors: Horgan Rebecca , Nehme Lea , Abuhamad Alfred
Published: July 2023

The objective is to summarize the current use of artificial intelligence (AI) in obstetric ultrasound. PubMed, Cochrane Library, andClinicalTrials.govdatabases were searched using the following keywords “neural networks”, OR “artificial intelligence”, OR “machine learning”, OR “deep learning”, AND “obstetrics”, OR “obstetrical”, OR “fetus”, OR “foetus”, OR “fetal”, OR “foetal”, OR “pregnancy”, or “pregnant”, AND “ultrasound” from inception through May 2022. The search was limited to the English language. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they described the use of AI in obstetric ultrasound. Obstetric ultrasound was defined as the process of obtaining ultrasound images of a fetus, amniotic fluid, or placenta. AI was defined as the use of neural networks, machine learning, or deep learning methods. The authors’ search identified a total of 127 papers that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The current uses of AI in obstetric ultrasound include first trimester pregnancy ultrasound, assessment of placenta, fetal biometry, fetal echocardiography, fetal neurosonography, assessment of fetal anatomy, and other uses including assessment of fetal lung maturity and screening for risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. AI holds the potential to improve the ultrasound efficiency, pregnancy outcomes in low resource settings, detection of congenital malformations and prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Safety and effectiveness of ambrisentan in real clinical practice in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Results from the Korean post‐marketing surveillance
Authors: Jeon Kina , Yoo Sang‐Bae , Lee Yoonhee , Lee Eun‐Bin , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Chang Hyuk‐Jae , Chang Sung‐A
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This regulatory post‐marketing surveillance (PMS) was organized to identify the safety and effectiveness of ambrisentan in the Korean population.

Method

This was an open‐label, multi‐center PMS conducted from 31 institutions in Korea for 6 years from August 2015 to 2021, to evaluate the use of ambrisentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Inclusion criteria are Korean subjects with the World Health Organization functional classification (WHO Fc) II or III PAH who are new users or repeated users with ambrisentan (Volibris®) Tablet 5 or 10 mg per day (age >18 years old).

Results

A total of 293 cases were analyzed. The overall incidence of adverse events (AE) was 52.22% and adverse drug reactions (ADR) was 10.92%. Severe AEs occurred in 20.82% of patients. However, only 2 subjects (0.68%) reported serious ADR. The difference in AE incidence was statistically significant for concomitant medications other than PAH medications in the safety analysis and the new users (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0299, respectively) and elderly population in the repeated users (p = 0.0319). Among the long‐term 223 subjects, the WHO Fc II and III were 41.26% and 58.74% before ambrisentan, and changed after treatment to 3.09%, 66.05%, and 30.86% for Fc I/II/III, respectively. 217 of 249 subjects (87.15%) considered their symptoms to have ‘improved’ after the last administration.

Conclusion

In real‐world practice, ambrisentan demonstrated tolerable safety and favorable effectiveness in PAH patients in Korea. Age and concomitant drug use can affect the occurrence of AE.
Effect of polycarbonate‐polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer and two commercial toughening agents on the flame retardancy and smoke emission of rigid polyvinyl chloride
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Jun , Xu Hua , Yuan Lijuan
Published: July 2023

In this work, different test methods were used to investigate the flame retardancy and smoke emission of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) toughened with polycarbonate‐polydimethylsiloxane block copolymer (PC‐b‐PDMS) and two other commercial toughening agents. The oxygen index result and heat release curves in the cone calorimetry test showed that toughened PVC has reduced flame retardancy compared to unmodified PVC. However, the vertical combustion test showed that all samples have achieved the highest flame retardant rating, indicating that the flame resistance of these toughened PVC is still adequate for use. In terms of smoke emission, the results of the cone calorimetry test and the smoke density test showed a significant difference. In the smoke density test, it was found that PVC toughened with PC‐b‐PDMS has less smoke generation in the early stage of combustion. In the cone calorimetry test, the total smoke production was lower for PVC and significantly higher for toughened PVC. This difference was mainly due to the different test conditions of these two tests.
Analysis of the crystal structure of a parallel three‐stranded coiled coil
Authors: de March Matteo , Hickey Neal , Geremia Silvano
Published: July 2023

Here, we present the crystal structure of the synthetic peptide KE1, which contains four K‐coil heptads separated in the middle by the QFLMLMF heptad. The structure determination reveals the presence of a canonical parallel three stranded coiled coil. The geometric characteristics of this structure are compared with other coiled coils with the same topology. Furthermore, for this topology, the analysis of the propensity of the single amino acid to occupy a specific position in the heptad sequence is reported. A number of viral proteins use specialized coiled coil tail needles to inject their genetic material into the host cells. The simplicity and regularity of the coiled coil arrangement made it an attractive system for de novo design of key molecules in drug delivery systems, vaccines, and therapeutics.
Clinical decision support for chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia using a hybrid pharmacodynamic/machine learning model
Authors: Hughes Jasmine H. , Tong Dominic M. H. , Burns Vanessa , Daly Bobby , Razavi Pedram , Boelens Jaap J. , Goswami Srijib , Keizer Ron J.
Published: July 2023

Consensus guidelines recommend use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor in patients deemed at risk of chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia, however, these risk models are limited in the factors they consider and miss some cases of neutropenia. Clinical decision making could be supported using models that better tailor their predictions to the individual patient using the wealth of data available in electronic health records (EHRs). Here, we present a hybrid pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD)/machine learning (ML) approach that uses predictions and individual Bayesian parameter estimates from a PKPD model to enrich an ML model built on her data. We demonstrate this approach using models developed on a large real‐world data set of 9121 patients treated for lymphoma, breast, or thoracic cancer. We also investigate the benefits of augmenting the training data using synthetic data simulated with the PKPD model. We find that PKPD‐enrichment of ML models improves prediction of grade 3–4 neutropenia, as measured by higher precision (61%) and recall (39%) compared to PKPD model predictions (47%, 33%) or base ML model predictions (51%, 31%). PKPD augmentation of ML models showed minor improvements in recall (44%) but not precision (56%), and data augmentation required careful tuning to control overfitting its predictions to the PKPD model. PKPD enrichment of ML shows promise for leveraging both the physiology‐informed predictions of PKPD and the ability of ML to learn predictor‐outcome relationships from large data sets to predict patient response to drugs in a clinical precision dosing context.
A comparative study on the short‐term clinical outcomes of Da Vinci SP versus Da Vinci Xi for rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Alshalawi Wed , Lee Chul Seung , Kim Byung Chul , Han Seung Rim , Kim In Kyeong , Bae Jung Hoon , Lee In Kyu , Lee Dosang , Lee Yoon Suk
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The Da Vinci SP robot system was recently introduced, but its safety and feasibility for rectal cancer compared with the currently used robot system have not been reported.

Methods

This was a single‐centre retrospective study. Data from patients who underwent abdominal total mesorectal excision (TME) from October 2015 to October 2022 were analysed. After propensity score matching, the short‐term outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 56 patient data were analysed. Intersphincteric resection was more common in the SP group (7 cases (25%) vs. 0 case (0%), p = 0.001). The operation time was significantly shorter in SP (184 vs. 227.5 min, p < 0.0001), but the docking time was similar. The postoperative complications were similar. There were no differences in the postoperative pain score and length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

The SP robotic system for abdominal TME has acceptable short‐term and is safe and technically feasible.
Forest floor and Na azide effect on elements in leachate from contrasting New Hampshire and Virginia forest soils
Authors: Street Bailee B. , Rice Alexandrea M. , Richardson Justin B.
Published: July 2023

As northeastern forests experience increased temperatures and fluctuations in precipitation patterns, montane soils will lose forest floor (Oi, Oe, Oa horizons) formation and their associated ecosystem services. Here, we conducted comparative laboratory soil column experiments to examine the effects of forest floor on sourcing and weathering of macroelements (Al, Si), macronutrients (Ca, Mg, P), and micronutrients (Cu and Zn) from two contrasting soils: a supraglacial‐till Inceptisol (Mt. Moosilauke, NH) and colluvium Ultisol (Lesesne State Forest, VA). Forest floor addition caused a significant increase in the leaching of Ca, Mg, and Mn in the two soils. The forest floor only control leachate indicates the two mineral soils were net accumulators of Al, Si, P, Cu, and Zn from the forest floor. Using partition coefficient, Kd, values, leachate Ca and Mg could be sourced directly from the forest floor traversing the soil column. We aimed to assess the biotic influence on element release from soil using a Na azide treatment to suppress microbial activities. Under Na azide treatments, Al, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cu leachate decreased significantly for both soils, but Na azide also did not affect or increased leachate Si, P, Cu, and Zn for the Lesesne soil. We attribute the effects from Na azide to changes in pH, dissolved organic carbon, and oxidation‐reduction potential as opposed to suppression of microbes. Thus, our results suggest that the loss of the forest floor will reduce the storage of nutrients in the mineral soil, even across varying parent materials.
Performance analysis of satellite link using Gaussian mixture model under rain
Authors: Kumar Rajnish , Arnon Shlomi
Published: July 2023

The evolution of communication systems to the next generation, for example, B5G and 6G, demands an ultrareliable performance regardless of weather conditions. Such ultrareliable system design will require that the effects of adverse weather events on the communication system have to be computed more accurately so that physical layer compensation should be optimally and dynamically adaptive to such events. The performance of satellite links is severely affected by dynamic rain attenuation, and thus, accurate and reliable modeling of performance parameters is essential for dynamic fade countermeasures, especially above 10 GHz. In this work, we model the energy per bit to noise spectral density ratio (
) using Gaussian mixture (GM) model during rainy events. The developed mathematical expression is used to accurately model the average
, bit error rate (BER), outage probability, and ergodic channel capacity of the link. The average BER, upper bound on BER, and average ergodic capacity of an M‐ary phase shift keying scheme (MPSK) using the GM model of
are derived to evaluate the performance of the link under such weather impairments. We then show the numerical results and analysis using the GM model of the measured
data obtained with the AMoS‐7 satellite at a site located in Israel.
Effective affordable housing provision in developing economies: An evaluation of expert opinion
Authors: Akinwande Timothy , Hui Eddie C. M.
Published: July 2023

Housing the urban poor is a prevalent challenge in developing economies, regardless of the research attention and policy interventions over the years. It becomes essential to employ innovative approaches in investigating the challenge of affordable housing (AH) provision to achieve effective AH provision in developing economies. It is pragmatic to thoroughly explore expert solutions to the difficult task of housing the urban poor. To achieve this, focus group discussion and semi‐structured interviews with housing experts in Nigeria were conducted in this study. The recordings were transcribed and analysed using NVivo; following descriptive, content and thematic analyses of data we found that deliberate government policies to include the urban poor are the most significant housing solutions consistent across the entire housing supply value chain (HSVC). Major findings are that mainstreaming the use of alternative housing construction materials and strategies, deliberate finance models to target the urban poor and deliberate reservation of some urban land for housing the urban poor are strategies that will enhance AH provision. These are insights into critical solutions to AH constraints and are informative for effective AH provision for the urban poor in Nigeria; an essential ingredient for sustainable development goals. This study is first to explore experts' opinions in relation to HSVC to showcase significant solutions to AH provision challenges. Data from this study are essential for future pro‐poor housing studies. Recommendations are that AH interventions should be informed by research for more effective and sustainable results.
A Water‐Stable Cationic SIFSIX MOF for Luminescent Probing of Cr2O72− via Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Transformation
Authors: Sahoo Rupam , Mondal Supriya , Chand Santanu , Manna Arun K. , Das Madhab C.
Published: July 2023

The sensing and monitoring of toxic oxo‐anion contaminants in water are of significant importance to biological and environmental systems. A rare hydro‐stable SIFSIX metal−organic framework, SiF6@MOF‐1, {[Cu(L)2(H2O)2]·(SiF6)(H2O)}n, with exchangeable SiF62− anion in its pore is strategically designed and synthesized, exhibiting selective detection of toxic Cr2O72− oxo‐anion in an aqueous medium having high sensitivity, selectivity, and recyclability through fluorescence quenching phenomena. More importantly, the recognition and ion exchange mechanism is unveiled through the rarely explored single‐crystal‐to‐single crystal (SC‐SC) fashion with well‐resolved structures. A thorough SC‐SC study with interfering anions (Cl−, F−, I−, NO3−, HCO3−, SO42−, SCN−, IO3−) revealed no such transformations to take place, as per line with quenching studies. Density functional theory calculations revealed that despite a lesser binding affinity, Cr2O72− shows strong orbital mixing and large driving forces for electron transfer than SiF62−, and thus enlightens the fluorescence quenching mechanism. This work inaugurates the usage of a SIFSIX MOF toward sensing application domain under aqueous medium where hydrolytic stability is a prime concern for their plausible implementation as sensor materials.
Controlled One‐Step Synthesis of MOF‐on‐MOF Cocatalysts for Two‐Channel Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid
Authors: Liu Shiyu , Song Liang , Liu Rui , Li Lei , Yang Dianhai , Yuan Shijie , Dai Xiaohu
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of efficient and highly selective catalysts and rational reactor design play decisive roles in the industrial application of the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR). In this study, a dual‐metal–organic framework (MOF) copper‐based catalytic electrode is designed and prepared in one step by in situ synthesis on a foamed copper substrate. The MOF‐on‐MOF structure can effectively inhibit the generation of H2 and CO, and further enhance the selectivity of HCOOH. Furthermore, by using cheap and durable poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) instead of an expensive and fragile GDE, the optimized reactor design improves the stability and durability of the gas channel and the replaceability of the electrode. The structure‐optimized reactor has a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 89.2% in neutral medium, and an average current density of 26.1 mA cm−2 in the flow cell, which has comparable performance to a GDE and can continue to operate stably. The use of PTFE improves the service life of the gas mass transfer channel, and the independent catalytic electrode can provide good catalytic efficiency. These results provide new insights into the reaction mechanism of structurally recombined double MOFs and PTFE‐optimized CO2RR reactor designs, providing technical support for the practical industrial application of the CO2RR.
Immobilization of Alpha‐Amylase onto Ni2+ Attached Carbon Felt: Investigation of Kinetic Parameters from Potato Wastewater
Authors: Acet Ömür , İnanan Tülden , Koc Eda Ondul , Sert Buse , Önal Acet Burcu , Odabaşı Mehmet , Ocakoglu Kasim , Dizge Nadir
Published: July 2023

α‐amylase is an important enzyme for textile, food, paper, and the pharmaceutical industrial areas. In this study, Ni2+ attached carbon felt structures with nitrogen active site (Ni2+‐N‐ACF) are produced. The surface morphologies of the N‐ACF and Ni2+‐N‐ACF are investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Ni2+ ions binding on the N‐ACFs are determined by energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis and a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The effect of pH, ionic strength, initial α‐amylase concentration, and temperature parameters is investigated for α‐amylase immobilization on Ni2+‐N‐ACF structures. In addition, pH and temperature effect on the activities of the free and the immobilized amylase, kinetic parameters, storage, and operational stabilities are made. Lastly, starch degradation in potato waste water is tested on Ni2+‐N‐ACF. The obtained results show that α‐amylase immobilized Ni2+‐N‐ACF can be used for starch degradation on an industrial scale.
Loss Evaluation of Magnetic Devices Used in Power Converters
Authors: Shimizu Toshihisa
Published: July 2023

Along with the commercialization ofSiC‐MOSFETs and progress in the development of GaN power devices, high‐speed, high‐frequency switching and reduction in conduction loss of power devices are expected. Hence reduction of the size and increase of conversion efficiency of power electronics equipment is greatly expected. On the other hand, even if power devices are switched at high speed and high frequency, the loss of passive devices such as transformers, inductors, and capacitors used in power converters increases, making it difficult to make the power converters smaller than expected. In other words, there is a demand for performance improvements of passive devices from various viewpoints, including miniaturization and low loss, which are compatible with high‐speed, high‐frequency switching operations of power devices. This paper introduces recent research results on loss evaluation methods considering the operating state of passive devices used in small‐to‐medium‐capacity power converters those perform high‐frequency switching operations. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
How Critical is Critical Enough: Forefronting Critical Consciousness When Engaging in Critical Online Reasoning and Evaluation (CORE)
Authors: Dobbs Christina L. , Forzani Elena , Leider Christine Montecillo
Published: July 2023

Effectively learning to evaluate sources, especially when conducting online research, is an essential skill for middle‐grade students. This article argues that supporting students in learning to evaluate sources must involve using critical consciousness skills to do so, or the evaluation is incomplete. In the article, the authors expand the critical online reasoning and evaluation (CORE) framework to support students in learning to read in a critically conscious way. Critical consciousness is a key means for students to use in learning and solidifying critical literacy skills, and this focus is essential if we are to support students in learning to “read the word and the world.”
Guardians’ perceptions of caring for a dog with canine cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Taylor Tracey L. , Smith Bradley P. , Hazel Susan J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to diagnose, as its clinical signs are similar to those of other age‐related conditions. The experience of caring for a senior dog with or without CCD is not well described.

Methods

Data were collected via an online survey. Using a mixed methods design, the level of CCD and burden of care were measured using validated tools, and open‐ended questions gathered qualitative data. A general linear model showed the factors associated with guardian burden of care.

Results

Sixteen percent of guardians experienced a clinically significant burden of care. Factors associated with burden of care included severity of CCD, sleep location, guardian employment, household size, dog age, guardian age and the dog taking medication. Few dogs with CCD were prescribed CCD medications to ameliorate clinical signs. Euthanasia, strong attachment mitigating burden and the complexities of caregiving were themes presented by guardians.

Limitations

Measures are based on self‐reports and as such the usual limitations apply.

Conclusions

The burden of caring for an older dog is greater if they have CCD. More attention to the treatment of senior dogs, including medications to reduce clinical signs of CCD, could improve the welfare of older dogs and decrease the clinical burden experienced by guardians.
Numerical study of Cattaneo‐Christov heat transfer in MHD Carreau‐Yasuda hybrid nanofluid subjected to Buoyancy force
Authors: Rana Shafia , Madkhali Hadi Ali , Nawaz Muhammad , Alharbi Sayer Obaid
Published: July 2023

Hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) have potentials applications in automotive industry, heating and cooling systems, biomedical and other fields due to their ability to introduce higher thermal conductivity than standard nanofluids. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare the thermal transport performance (in the presence of buoyancy force) of two sets of HNFs. The hybrid nanoparticles which is the combination of titanium carbide and aluminium oxide, and the combination of titanium carbide‐copper oxide are taken into account. Both types of hybrid nanoparticles are dispersed in as a subjective fluid over a vertical nonlinear stretching sheet embedded in a porous medium. This will be the first study on the MXene base material , making it possible for MXene‐based materials to enter the fluid dynamics field. Further, MXene material as heat transporting material is studied less and much more is needed for explore its various aspect. The specific combination of , and is considered because of their promising thermophysical and thermal transport properties. Moreover, considered combination of nanoparticles and the base fluid form a mixture which has thermal relaxation characteristics due to which its deviates from classical Fourier law of heat conduction. Therefore, instead of conventional Fourier's law of heat conduction, the non‐Fourier law of heat conduction is used to formulate the energy equation. It is first time that fhe finite element of method (FEM) is used for such a coupled and nonlinear complex problems of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The numerical and graphical impacts of magnetic fields, Grashof number, permeable parameter, and thermal relaxation time parameter on velocity, and heat transport are investigated by applying FEM on formulated boundary value problems. In each studied system, increasing the Hartmann number causes an increase the skin friction coefficient and a decrease in the Nusselt number. Moreover, by increasing the thermal relaxation parameter, the temperature of the fluid decreases significantly. The velocity of the modified nanofluids is directly proportional to the Grashof number. The thermal boundary layer thickness (TBLT) and momentum boundary layer thickness (MBLT) of Carreau‐Yasuda (CY)‐HNF (Set II) is greater than CY hybrid nanofluid (CY‐HNF) (Set I) and CY‐Nanofluid (NF), respectively. We believe that the current research work provides new insights to improve the heat transport of nanofluid using appropriate combination of hybrid nanoparticles for practical application.
Interdisziplinäre Trainingsprogramme in der Geburtshilfe
Authors: Hösli Irene , Gisin Martina , Redling Katharina , Monod Cécile
Published: July 2023

Eine geburtshilfliche Simulation gibt den Teilnehmenden die Möglichkeit, realitätsnah klinische Szenarien durchzuspielen und sowohl technische als auch „non technical skills“ im Team zu trainieren. Die anschließende Nachbesprechung evaluiert die Simulation. Mit zunehmender Verunsicherung im Ausführen geburtshilflicher Manöver durch fehlende praktische Erfahrung und Angst vor Verantwortung können Aufbau und Erhalt von Simulationstrainings auch einen attraktiven neuen Weg darstellen, das Interesse für die Geburtshilfe zu stärken und zu fördern. Bisher zeigten sich positive Ergebnisse in der Zufriedenheit der Teilnehmenden, in der Gewinnung von Sicherheit beim Durchführen der Manöver, in der Verbesserung der interdisziplinären Teamarbeit und im klinischen Outcome. Die Durchführung der Simulationen ist kosten- und zeitintensiv; Teamwork und Kommunikation lassen sich nur im interdisziplinären und interprofessionellen Setting (Hebammen, Geburtshelfer/innen, Anästhesisten/innen) trainieren. Grundvoraussetzungen der Simulation sind Unterstützung durch die Klinikleitung, Motivation der Teilnehmenden und in Debriefingverfahren geschulte Trainer.
Adapted differentials as a qfh-sheaf
Authors: Núñez Pedro
Published: July 2023

We consider differential forms associated to Campana’s geometric orbifolds from a new perspective, namely, as a qfh-sheaf on the variety underlying the geometric orbifold. This approach avoids having to choose a covering of the underlying variety, which is one of the drawbacks of a common way to work with these differential forms.
DC sputtered ZrO2/Zn(1−x)Sn(x)O thin-film transistors and their property evaluation
Authors: Bhat Prashant , Salunkhe Parashurama , Kekuda Dhananjaya
Published: July 2023

A bottom gate staggered 30 nm Zn(1−x)Sn(x)O (x = 0.14) (TZO)-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) were fabricated using DC magnetron reactive sputtering method. Highly transparent 120 nm dc sputtered ZrO2 was used as a gate dielectric. The oxygen flow rate was varied from 20 to 24% during channel layer (TZO) coating and its effect on structural, morphological, optical, chemical, and electrical parameters were systematically studied. A nano scale roughness was noticed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and ultra-smooth nature in root mean square roughness (RMS) was observed with an increment in the oxygen flow ratio. The increase in the oxygen-related defects with increase in the oxygen flow ratio in channel layer was evident from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrical characterization of gate dielectric was carried out for Al–ZrO2–Al structure. The high capacitance density ~ 121.9 nF/cm2 for 120 nm ZrO2 was obtained from the capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurement. The fabricated TFTs operated in n-channel depletion mode and indicated pinch-off region at lower source–drain voltages. In addition, the transfer characteristics of TFTs confirmed Ion/Ioff ratio of 105, with a field effect mobility of 23 cm2/V.s. This low temperature processed TFT unlocks the possibility of use in the next generation foldable display technology.
Rectal atresia and rectal stenosis: the ARM-Net Consortium experience
Authors: de Beaufort Cunera M. C. , Gorter Ramon R. , Iacobelli Barbara D. , Midrio Paola , Sloots Cornelius E. J. , Samuk Inbal , van Rooij Iris A. L. M. , Lisi Gabriele ,   for the ARM-Net Consortium, de Blaauw Ivo , Fascetti-Leon Francesco , Vázquez Araceli García , Krois Wilfried , Lacher Martin , Leva Ernesto , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Schukfeh Nagoud , Stanton Michael
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess the number, characteristics, and functional short-, and midterm outcomes of patients with rectal atresia (RA) and stenosis (RS) in the ARM-Net registry.

Methods

Patients with RA/RS were retrieved from the ARM-Net registry. Patient characteristics, associated anomalies, surgical approach, and functional bowel outcomes at 1 and 5-year follow-up were assessed.

Results

The ARM-Net registry included 2619 patients, of whom 36 (1.3%) had RA/RS. Median age at follow-up was 7.0 years (IQR 2.3–9.0). Twenty-three patients (63.9%, RA n = 13, RS n = 10) had additional anomalies. PSARP was the most performed reconstructive surgery for both RA (n = 9) and RS (n = 6) patients. At 1-year follow-up, 11/24 patients with known data (45.8%, RA n = 5, RS n = 6) were constipated, of whom 9 required stool softeners and/or laxatives. At 5-year follow-up, 8/9 patients with known data (88.9%, RA n = 4, RS n = 4) were constipated, all requiring laxatives and/or enema.

Conclusion

RA and RS are rare types of ARM, representing 1.3% of patients in the ARM-Net registry. Additional anomalies were present in majority of patients. Different surgical approaches were performed as reconstructive treatment, with constipation occurring in 46% and 89% of the patients at 1 and 5-year follow-up. However, accurate evaluation of long-term functional outcomes remains challenging.