bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An area‐effective and low‐power single‐slope ADC for DCG imaging CMOS image sensor
Authors: Yang Rui , Wang Xiuyu , Liu Changju , Ma Biao , Nie Kaiming , Xu Jiangtao
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces an area‐effective and low‐power readout circuit structure tailored for high dynamic range (HDR) CMOS image sensors (CISs) utilizing dual conversion gain (DCG) imaging technology. A switched capacitor amplifier, which is applied at the comparator input port of the column‐parallel single‐slope analog‐to‐digital converter (SS ADC), is proposed to compensate for the charge injection and clock feed‐through introduced when the pixel switches between high conversion gain (HCG) and low conversion gain (LCG) modes. The proposed SS ADC is supplemented by the integration of a configurable counter, and the counter is specifically crafted for performing the A/D conversion of the readout voltage within a DCG pixel. Compared to the conventional DCG readout circuit, the proposed readout circuit use only one ADC for A/D conversion of HCG signals and LCG signals, which greatly reduces the area and power consumption of the readout circuit. Simulation results under 110 nm CMOS technology illustrate that the proposed 10‐bit SS ADC has a DNL of +0.78/−0.91 LSB and an INL of +1.91/−1.69 LSB, with a SNR of 57.2 dB and a SNDR of 55.95 dB, corresponding to an ENOB of 9 bits. The power consumption of the proposed SS ADC is 56.4 μW per column with a conversion time of 12 μs, and the simulation results show that the power consumption is 23.35% lower than the conventional structure and the area is saved by 24.69%.
Quantitative liquid storage by billiards‐like droplet collision on surfaces with patterned wettability
Authors: Li Minghao , Yu Haoxu , Liu Zhirui , Gao Ziyue , Chen Faze
Published: May 2024

There has been significant interest in researching droplet transport behavior on composite wetting surfaces. However, current research is primarily focused on modifying individual droplets and lacks an in‐depth investigation into high‐precision droplet storage. This study introduces a “billiard ball” droplet transport and storage platform (TSP) with differentiated areas. Within this platform, the volume of droplets stored in the area reaches a consistent threshold through droplet “scrambling,” inspired by the water‐gathering behavior of spiders. The TSP involves connecting two regions of different sizes using a three‐dimensional stepped wedge angle structure. However, this connection is not seamless, leaving a 2‐mm gap between the regions. This gap is intentionally designed to enable continuous droplet transfer while preventing any static migration. Through systematic experimental and simulation analysis, we investigated the influence of superhydrophilic pattern structures and parameters on quantitative droplet storage. We established a functional relationship between the pattern area and the stored volume, and analyzed the intrinsic mechanism of droplet collision separation. This enabled us to achieve on‐demand quantitative droplet storage and autonomize the storage process. The “billiard ball” droplet transport–storage platform proposed in this study holds promising applications in the fields of biomedical and organic chemistry.
Inertial mixing of acoustically levitated droplets for time‐lapse protein crystallography
Authors: Tsujino Soichiro , Sato Yohei , Jia Shichao , Kepa Michal W. , Trampari Sofia , Tomizaki Takashi
Published: May 2024

Varying the chemical consistency of acoustically levitated droplets opens up an in situ study of chemical and biochemical reactions in small volumes. However, the optimization of the mixing time and the minimization of the positional instability induced by solution dispensing are necessary for practical applications such as the study of the transient state of macromolecules crystallography during the ligand binding processes. For this purpose, we study the inertial mixing in a configuration compatible with the room‐temperature crystallography using the acoustic levitation diffractometer, therein solution drops ejected at high velocity collide and coalesce with droplets dispensed on acoustically levitated and rotating polymer thin‐film sample holders. With the proposed method, we are able to achieve the mixing time of ∼0.1 s for sub‐micro and a few microliter droplets. The observed short mixing time is ascribed to the rapid penetration of the solution into the droplets and confirmed by a computational fluid dynamic simulation. The demonstrated accelerated solution mixing is tested in a pilot time‐lapse protein crystallography experiment using the acoustic levitation diffractometer. The results indicate the detection of transient ligand binding state within 2 s after the solution dispensing, suggesting the feasibility of the proposed method for studying slow biochemical processes.
A comparison of eDNA sampling methods in an estuarine environment on presence of longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) and fish community composition
Authors: Bowen Lizabeth , Waters Shannon , Rankin Lyndsay , Thorne Karen , Gille Daphne , De La Cruz Susan , Woo Isa , Lewis Levi , Karpenko Katie , Dean Cheryl , Schumer Gregg
Published: May 2024

The loss of tidal wetlands in the San Francisco Bay estuary have led to declines in native fish presence. Restoration of tidal wetlands in this area has intensified, with a primary goal of increasing the number of native fishes. We compared the presence of longfin smelt in naturally accreted and beneficial dredge reuse wetlands as a measure of successful restoration. We used environmental DNA (eDNA) analyses as our metric for fish presence and fish community composition, employing two different water sampling methods for comparison (standard and high‐volume). Longfin smelt were present in multiple sites, but at numbers too low for accurate comparisons across sites. Community composition varied based on the water sampling method, but the presence/absence of longfin smelt was consistent across sampling methods. As this represents a pilot study, further refinement of methodology is necessary, but the use of high‐volume water sampling methods is promising.
Demonstration of participation in the German balancing power market using a large‐capacity hybrid battery storage system
Authors: Hirose Keiichi , Tanaka Hirohide , Dewaki Masayuki , Hayashi Kazutaka , Mikami Yousuke , Hayashi Yoshiki , Arita Hiroshi , Hamamura Saori , Hirai Naoki
Published: May 2024

As one of NEDO's international demonstration projects, a large‐capacity hybrid battery storage system which consists of two types of battery cells with different charge‐discharge characteristics was constructed in the state of Lower Saxony in the Federal Republic of Germany. By using the hybrid battery system has a lithium‐ion which has an advantage in short time and high rate, and a sodium‐sulfur battery (NAS) which has an advantage in long time and low rate, the tender participation in the balancing power market in Germany had been executed. The hybrid battery storage system could successfully drive and provided services for primary and secondary control reserves, elimination of power imbalance, and reactive power injection, as well as a combination of these services.
Modelling, quantification and estimation of the soil water erosion using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation with Sediment Delivery Ratio and the analytic hierarchy process models
Authors: Fatima Belhaj , Rachid Hlila , Khalil El Kadiri , Abdessalam Ouallali , Abdeldjalil Belkendil , Mohamed Beroho , Tariq Aqil , Davis Brian J. , Soufan Walid
Published: May 2024

This research used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) with Sediment Delivery Ratio (SDR) model. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, while also incorporating the use of a geographic information system (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) to predict the annual soil loss rate and spatialise the processes of water erosion at the scale of the Loukkos Watershed, Morocco. The RUSLE model and AHP parameters were estimated using RS data, and the erosion vulnerability zones were determined using GIS. We used five parameters, including precipitation erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and soil erosion control practices in the RUSLE. For the AHP technique, we used seven geo‐environmental factors, including annual average precipitation, drainage density, lineament density, slope, soil texture, land use/land cover and landform maps. The results of RUSLE indicated that the average annual soil loss varied from 0 to 2388.27 
. The total estimated annual potential soil loss was approximately 40 790 220.11 
, and a sediment yield estimated by RUSLE‐SDR was 8 647 526.66 
, equivalent to 6.65 Mm3. This value is very close to the measured value of 6.81 Mm3, for a difference of 0.16 Mm3. Furthermore, the results of the AHP indicate that the soil erosion potential index varies from 0 to 0.205315 
. Overall, nearly 13.7% of the area suffered from severe soil erosion exceeding 50 
. Approximately 80% of the Loukkos Watershed area experienced only slight erosion, while the remaining 6% incurred moderate erosion. Integrating GIS and RS into the RUSLE model and AHP helped us robustly estimate the extent and degree of erosion risk. Territorial decision‐makers should adopt our results to develop soil conservation strategies, water management plans and other necessary soil and water conservation measures for this region.
Acute psychosocial stress modulates neural and behavioral substrates of cognitive control
Authors: Spencer Chrystal , Mill Ravi D. , Bhanji Jamil P. , Delgado Mauricio R. , Cole Michael W. , Tricomi Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Acute psychosocial stress affects learning, memory, and attention, but the evidence for the influence of stress on the neural processes supporting cognitive control remains mixed. We investigated how acute psychosocial stress influences performance and neural processing during the Go/NoGo task—an established cognitive control task. The experimental group underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) acute stress induction, whereas the control group completed personality questionnaires. Then, participants completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Go/NoGo task, with self‐report, blood pressure and salivary cortisol measurements of induced stress taken intermittently throughout the experimental session. The TSST was successful in eliciting a stress response, as indicated by significant Stress > Control between‐group differences in subjective stress ratings and systolic blood pressure. We did not identify significant differences in cortisol levels, however. The stress induction also impacted subsequent Go/NoGo task performance, with participants who underwent the TSST making fewer commission errors on trials requiring the most inhibitory control (NoGo Green) relative to the control group, suggesting increased vigilance. Univariate analysis of fMRI task‐evoked brain activity revealed no differences between stress and control groups for any region. However, using multivariate pattern analysis, stress and control groups were reliably differentiated by activation patterns contrasting the most demanding NoGo trials (i.e., NoGo Green trials) versus baseline in the medial intraparietal area (mIPA, affiliated with the dorsal attention network) and subregions of the cerebellum (affiliated with the default mode network). These results align with prior reports linking the mIPA and the cerebellum to visuomotor coordination, a function central to cognitive control processes underlying goal‐directed behavior. This suggests that stressor‐induced hypervigilance may produce a facilitative effect on response inhibition which is represented neurally by the activation patterns of cognitive control regions.
Co‐design of digital public health substance use resources: A collaboration between young people and experts
Authors: Debenham Jennifer , Birrell Louise , Newton Nicola C. , Devine Emma K. , Champion Katrina E. , Stapinski Lexine A. , Kershaw Stephanie , Arunogiri Shalini , Teesson Maree , Stockings Emily
Published: May 2024

Issue Addressed

Substance use and mental illness remain critical issues for young Australians, however, engagement with evidence‐based health resources is challenging among this age group. This study aimed to develop engaging, useful digital health resources, underpinned by neuroscience principles, to build awareness of the harms of electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) and concurrent alcohol and antidepressant use.

Methods

A mixed‐methods approach was adopted to co‐design two evidence‐based videos resources. The resources were co‐designed with the Matilda Centre's Youth Advisory Board Centre's Youth Advisory Board through a series focus groups and individual feedback reviews. Young people residing in New South Wales were then invited to complete a survey to evaluate the usefulness, relatability and impact on perceived harms associated with each substance pre‐ and post‐viewing resources.

Results

A total of 100 participants completed the survey (mean age = 21.5 years, SD = 2.77, 42% Female, 2% Non‐binary). The animated videos were well received, with the large majority (91% and 87% respectively) of participants rating them ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’. After viewing the videos, there was a significant increase in the perception of harm associated with e‐cigarette use, monthly (t(99) = 2.76, p = .003), weekly (t(99) = 4.82, p < .001) and daily (t(99) = 4.92, p < .001), and consuming alcohol whilst taking antidepressants both weekly (t(100) = 2.93, p = .004) and daily (t(100) = 3.13, p = .002).

Conclusions

This study describes a successful co‐design process demonstrating how meaningful involvement of young people, alongside traditional research methods, can produce substance use prevention resources that are useful, engaging and increase knowledge of harms among young people.

So What?

To achieve meaningful public health impact researchers, experts and digital creators can work together to co‐create substance use educational materials that are engaging, well‐liked, while imparting important health knowledge.
Sustainable investing in emerging markets: Evidence from the Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative
Authors: Dai Yuwen
Published: May 2024

In the rapidly growing world of sustainable finance, emerging markets saw a recent surge in their market share, which underscored the increasing investor appetite for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) products. In the literature on sustainable investing, most studies have focused on developed markets, and there are relatively few studies that have concentrated on emerging markets. To fill this research gap, we study sustainable investing in emerging markets, by examining the comparative performance of the sustainability indices in the partner exchanges of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative from emerging markets. In particular, we investigate three key issues that are of concern to most investors: (i) can the investment strategy of investing together in the themes of sustainability and emerging markets outperform the global sustainability benchmark? (ii) can this strategy outperform the global benchmark for emerging markets? (iii) can it improve portfolio diversification? Overall, our time series analysis and Monte Carlo simulation reveal the heterogeneity in sustainable investment performance across the world, and suggest the potential of obtaining superior risk‐adjusted returns in certain regions while benefiting from portfolio diversification.
Associations between the time interval from myomectomy to subsequent pregnancy and the obstetric outcomes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chen Wen‐Hsin , Ku Yu‐Lun , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Lee Chuan‐Pin , Chen Ko‐Jung , Ou Yu‐Che , Lai Yun‐Ju
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the associations between time interval from myomectomy to pregnancy (TIMP) and subsequent pregnancy and obstetric complications, and to explore whether these associations vary according to maternal age at birth.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based cohort study was conducted from 2008 to 2017. Data were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database and the Taiwan Maternal and Child Health Database, comprising 2024 379 births from 1 391 856 pregnancies. Eligible cases were identified using diagnostic and procedure codes; 4006 first singleton births in 4006 women after their first laparotomic myomectomy were identified. We estimated the risks of pregnancy and obstetric outcomes according to TIMP (<6, 6–11, and ≥12 months). Subgroup analysis was performed by further dividing according to maternal age at birth (18–34 vs ≥35 years old).

Results

We observed higher risks of gestational hypertensive disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–3.18, P = 0.005) and neonatal death (aOR 4.59, 95% CI 1.49–14.18, P = 0.008) for TIMP of <6 months versus TIMP of 6–11 months. Likewise, a TIMP ≥12 months was associated with increased risks of gestational hypertensive disorders (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.14–2.58, P = 0.010), and neonatal death (aOR 3.27, 95% CI 1.16–9.24, P = 0.025) versus a TIMP of 6–11 months. In subgroup analysis, women over 35 years old still had higher risks of gestational hypertensive disorders when TIMP was <6 months (aOR 2.26, 95% CI 1.17–4.37, P = 0.015) or ≥12 months (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.17–3.54, P = 0.012), and a higher risk of neonatal death when TIMP was <6 months (aOR 4.05, 95% CI 1.06–15.53, P = 0.041); whereas women aged 18–34 years old did not.

Conclusions

This study suggests that a TIMP between 6 and 11 months is associated with lower risks of gestational hypertensive disorders and neonatal death compared with a TIMP <6 months or ≥12 months, especially for women over 35 years old.
The Lebanese percreta group: A retrospective cohort study of both radical and conservative management outcomes of abnormally invasive placenta
Authors: Seoud Muhieddine , Chahine Rabih , Arab Wissam , Jaafar Iman , Moubarak Malak , El Kassis Nadine , Abdallah Reem , Ramadan Mohamad K. , Nassar Malek , Nassar Anwar , Ayoub Eliane Nasser , Atallah David
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to illustrate the outcomes of abnormally invasive placenta (AIP) cases managed in three leading centers in Lebanon.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study. Patients managed conservatively (cesarean delivery with successful placental separation) or radically (cesarean hysterectomy) were included in the study. Data included patient characteristics, surgical outcomes (blood loss, operative time, transfusion, partial bladder resection), maternal outcomes (death, length of stay, ICU admission, postoperative hemoglobin level) and neonatal outcomes (Apgar score, neonatal weight, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal death).

Results

The study included 189 patients. In the radical treatment subgroup (141/189), patients were para 3 and delivered at 34 4/7 weeks in average, bled 1.5 L and were transfused with three packed red blood cells, with operative time averaging 160 min. A total of 36% were admitted to the ICU and patients stayed on average for 1 week despite partial bladder resection in 19% of cases. Unscheduled radical delivery occurred at a lower gestational age, was associated with more blood loss, higher rate and volume of transfusion, and risk of maternal and neonatal death. In addition, patients delivered in an unscheduled fashion experienced higher rates of partial bladder resection and longer interventions. In the conservative treatment subgroup, on average patients were para 2 and delivered at 36 weeks, bled 800 mL on average with low rates of transfusion (35%) and ICU admission (22.9%). With regard to neonatal outcomes, the average neonatal birth weight was 2.4 kg in the radical subgroup and 2.5 kg in the conservative subgroup. Neonatal death occurred in 5.4% of cases requiring radical management while it occurred in 2% of patients treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Through their multidisciplinary approach, the three centers demonstrated that management of AIP in Lebanon has led to excellent outcomes with no maternal mortality occurring in scheduled radical treatment. By comparison of the three leading centers, pitfalls in each center were identified and addressed.
First‐trimester uterine artery Doppler and hypertensive disorders in twin pregnancies: Use of twin versus singleton references
Authors: Queirós Alexandra , Domingues Sofia , Gomes Laura , Pereira Inês , Brito Marta , Cohen Álvaro , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Simões Teresinha
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine the association of first‐trimester uterine artery Doppler with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twin pregnancies.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies followed at the University Hospital Center of Central Lisbon, Portugal, between January 2010 and December 2022. First‐trimester uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) was determined and compared between twin pregnancies (n = 454) and singleton pregnancies (n = 908), matched to maternal and pregnancy characteristics. Maternal characteristics and mean UtA‐PI were analyzed for gestational age, birth weight, gestational hypertension, early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia, HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome, and preterm birth. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used.

Results

The mean first‐trimester UtA‐PI was significantly lower in dichorionic twins than in singletons (P < 0.001). To study hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in twins, 390 pregnancies were included: 311 (79.7%) dichorionic and 79 (20.3%) monochorionic twins. The observed rates of early‐ and late‐onset pre‐eclampsia, gestational hypertension, and HELLP syndrome were 1.0%, 4.4%, 7.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. We achieved a 100% detection rate for early‐onset pre‐eclampsia using the UtA‐PI 90th centile for twins. However, when singleton references were considered, the detection rate decreased to 50%. UtA‐PI at or above the 95th centile was associated with increased odds for preterm birth before 32 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 4.1, 95% confidence interval 1.0–16.7, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Unless other major risk factors for hypertensive disorders are present, women with low UtA‐PI will probably not benefit from aspirin prophylaxis. Close monitoring of all twin pregnancies for hypertensive disorders is still recommended.
Limitations for the management of sexually transmitted infections in Peruvian indigenous pregnant women: Perspectives of midwives
Authors: De La Cruz‐Ramirez Yuliana Mercedes , Olaza‐Maguiña Augusto Felix , Cortez‐Orellana Santiago Angel
Published: May 2024

Synopsis

There are cultural and institutional limitations for the management of sexually transmitted infections in Peruvian indigenous pregnant women, highlighting the myths and lack of biomedical tools.
“Filling in the gap”: A qualitative case study about identity construction of siblings of youth with a neurodisability
Authors: Nguyen Linda , Jack Susan M. , Davis Hanae , Bellefeuille Samantha , Arafeh Dana , Di Rezze Briano , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Gorter Jan Willem
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In families of children with a neurodisability, siblings have unique experiences that can shape their identity. There is limited information about the developmental process of how siblings form their identity. This study aims to understand the identity construction of young siblings who have a sibling with a neurodisability.

Methods

As part of a patient‐oriented research program, we engaged with our Sibling Youth Advisory Council in Canada. In this qualitative case study, data from semi‐structured interviews augmented by photo elicitation and graphic elicitation of relational maps were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Nineteen sibling participants (median age = 19 years, range = 14–33 years) reflected on the uniqueness of their role during childhood. During adolescence and emerging adulthood, they became closer with their sibling with a neurodisability and increased communication with their parents about how to care for their sibling with a neurodisability. These experiences influenced how they explored and began to reconcile their sibling identity with their professional and social identities.

Conclusion

Siblings of youth with a neurodisability discover their unique identity and require support in this developmental process. Future interventions could evaluate how supports for siblings can have an impact on the positive development of their identity.
Promoting a product without increasing the promotion budget: How chance in promotions can heighten consumer demand
Authors: Fulmer Alexander Goldklank , Reich Taly
Published: May 2024

This research proposes a new promotional selection method, showing in seven laboratory studies, one field experiment, and five supplemental studies that consumers prefer promoted hedonic products when a company selects which products to promote using chance rather than more traditional intentional methods. This preference arises because consumers can perceive chance selection as fun and consequently view a company engaging in such chance selection as more fun. We find converging evidence for this preference, demonstrating the effect on consumer intentions, click‐through rates, and real consumption decisions, while ruling out a variety of alternative explanations. Importantly, because this increased preference is driven by heightened hedonic perceptions, we find that this preference emerges for hedonic products but not for utilitarian products, for which more traditional selection methods are preferred.
Impact of barriers and motivators on intention and confidence to undergo hereditary cancer genetic testing
Authors: Austin Sarah , Hanson Erika N. , Delacroix Emerson , Bacon Elizabeth , Rice John , Gerido Lynette Hammond , Rizzo Elizabeth , Pleasant Versha , Stoffel Elena M. , Griggs Jennifer J. , Resnicow Ken
Published: May 2024

Genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes can provide lifesaving information allowing for individualized cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. However, the determinants, both barriers and motivators, of genetic testing intention are not well described. A survey of barriers and motivators to genetic testing was emailed to adult patients eligible for genetic testing based on cancer diagnosis who previously have not had genetic testing (n = 201). Associations between barriers/motivators with testing intention and confidence were examined first by correlation followed by multivariable linear regression model holding constant potential covariates. Seven barrier items from two domains (logistics and genetic testing knowledge) were found to significantly negatively correlate with genetic testing intention. Unexpectedly, three barrier items had significant positive correlation with genetic testing intention; these were related to family worry (passing a condition on to future generations) and testing knowledge (needing more information on the genetic testing process and what it has to offer). Ten barrier items had significant negative correlation with confidence to get a genetic test and encompassed four domains: stigma, insurance/genetic discrimination, knowledge, and cost. All motivator items were associated with intention to get a genetic test, while none were associated with confidence. Multivariable analysis yielded six total barriers (five from the knowledge domain, one from cost domain) and two motivators (relieved to know and treatment impact) that were significantly associated with genetic testing intention or confidence when controlling for demographic characteristics. These findings indicate the need for tailored interventions to amplify motivating factors and counter‐message barriers to enhance patient motivation and confidence to undergo testing.
Effect of IWATE laparoscopic difficulty score on postoperative outcomes and costs for robotic hepatectomy: Are complex resections more expensive?
Authors: Sucandy Iswanto , Vasanthakumar Prakash , Ross Sharona B. , Pattilachan Tara M. , Christodoulou Maria , App Samantha , Rosemurgy Alexander
Published: May 2024

Background

The IWATE criteria, a four‐level classification system for laparoscopic hepatectomy, measures technical complexity but lacks studies on its impact on outcomes and costs, especially in robotic surgeries. This study evaluated the effects of technical complexity on perioperative outcomes and costs in robotic hepatectomy.

Methods

Since 2013, we prospectively followed 500 patients who underwent robotic hepatectomy. Patients were classified into four levels of IWATE scores; (low [0–3], intermediate [4–6], advanced [7–9], and expert [10–12]) determined by tumor characteristics, liver function and resection extent. Perioperative variables were analyzed with significance accepted at a p‐value ≤.05.

Results

Among 500 patients, 337 (67%) underwent advanced to expert‐level operations. Median operative duration was 213 min (range: 16–817 min; mean ± SD: 240 ± 116.1 min; p < .001) and estimated blood loss (EBL) was 95 mL (range: 0–3500 mL; mean ± SD:142 ± 171.1 mL; p < .001). Both operative duration and EBL showed positive correlations with increasing IWATE scores. Median length of stay (LOS) of 3 days (range: 0–34; mean ± SD:4 ± 3.0 days; p < .001) significantly correlated with IWATE score. Total cost of $25 388 (range: $84–354 407; mean ± SD: 29752 ± 20106.8; p < .001) also significantly correlated with operative complexity, however hospital reimbursement did not. No correlation was found between IWATE score and postoperative complications or mortality.

Conclusions

Clinical variables such as operative duration, EBL, and LOS correlate with IWATE difficulty scores in robotic hepatectomy. Financial metrics such as costs but not reimbursement received by the hospital correlate with IWATE scores.
Locking in overseas buyers amid geopolitical conflicts
Authors: Fan Di , Ma Pengcheng , Cui Lin , Yiu Daphne W.
Published: May 2024

Geopolitical conflicts, particularly economic ones, introduce significant uncertainties into the global supply chain. The impact of these conflicts on cross‐border buyer–supplier transactions remains underexplored, as does the capability of global suppliers to mitigate such risks by locking in their foreign buyers. Employing a combined perspective of resource dependence theory and transaction cost economics, we examine a natural experiment to investigate the effects of the 2018 U.S.–China trade war on the transactional relationships between Chinese suppliers and their U.S. buyers. Our study reveals that the trade war generally adversely affected these buyer–supplier transactional relationships, leading to a negative abnormal transaction value in the affected dyads, which amounted to 18.42% of their pre‐event level. However, we find that this adverse impact can be attenuated when Chinese suppliers demonstrate superior innovation capabilities, higher corporate social responsibility performance, or fewer local political ties. These findings yield insights for international suppliers and buyers on strategies to maintain buyer–supplier transactions and minimize the detrimental effects on global supply chain relationships during geopolitical conflicts.
Celiac disease in North America: What is the current practice of pediatric gastroenterology providers?
Authors: Singh Arunjot , Silvester Jocelyn , Turner Justine , Absah Imad , Sparks Brandon A. , Walsh Catharine M. , Bracken Julia M. , Stanisz Joanna , Hajjat Temara , Badalyan Vahe , Chugh Ankur , Hoffenberg Edward J. , Dowhaniuk Jenna K.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

While guidelines exist for the diagnosis and management of pediatric celiac disease (CeD), current practices in North America are not well‐described. This study aimed to explore current practice patterns to identify gaps and direct future clinical, training and research initiatives.

Methods

A 23‐item survey designed by the Celiac Disease Special Interest Group was distributed electronically to its members. Questions explored four themes: (1) screening and diagnosis pre and post the coronavirus disease (COVID)‐19 pandemic, (2) treatment and monitoring, (3) family screening and transition of care, and (4) CeD focused training.

Results

The survey response rate was 10.8% (278/2552). Most respondents were from the United States (89.9%, n = 250) and Canada (8.6%, n = 24). While endoscopy remained the gold standard, serology‐based diagnosis was accepted by 47.5% (132/278). In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, 37.4% of providers changed their diagnostic practice. Barriers to care included: lack of insurance coverage for dietitians, wait times, and lack of CeD focused training. During fellowship 69.1% (192/278) reported no focused CeD training.

Conclusion

Survey results revealed practice variation regarding the diagnosis and management of CeD in North America including a substantial proportion accepting non‐biopsy, serology‐based diagnosis, which increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Variations in screening, diagnosis, interval surveillance, and family screening were also identified. Dedicated CeD education in pediatric gastroenterology fellowship may be an opportunity for standardizing practice and advancing research. Future North American guidelines should take current care patterns into consideration and develop new initiatives to improve care of children with CeD.
Wound vacuum‐assisted closure temporization after tumor resection of soft tissue sarcomas—A cost analysis in a propensity‐score matched population
Authors: Gonzalez Marcos R. , de Groot Tom M. , Werenski Joseph O. , Fourman Mitchell S. , Morse Ashlyn S. , Lozano‐Calderon Santiago A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) temporization is a technique associated with high local control rates used in myxofibrosarcoma. We sought to compare the costs and postoperative outcomes of VAC temporization and single‐stage (SS) excision/reconstruction.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with myxofibrosarcoma surgically treated at our institution between 2000 and 2022. Variables of interest included total, direct, and indirect costs for initial episode of care, 90 days and 1 year after initial admission, and postoperative outcomes. Costs were compared between the VAC temporization and SS groups.

Results

After matching, 13 patients in the SS group and 23 in the VAC group were analyzed. We found no difference in median and mean total inpatient costs, between the VAC temporization and SS group. While total 90‐day and 1‐year costs were higher in the VAC group compared to the SS group, mean costs were similar. There were no differences in postoperative complications between groups. A subanalysis of the entire cohort (n = 139) revealed lower local recurrence and overall death rates in the VAC temporization group.

Conclusion

VAC temporization had similar inpatient costs and postoperative outcomes to SS excision/reconstruction. While median 90‐day and 1‐year costs were higher in the VAC group, mean costs did not differ.
A dermocosmetic regimen is effective and safe for mild to moderate acne in subjects of all skin phototypes
Authors: Flament Frédéric , Imko‐Walczuk Beata , Aslham Doarika Abdool , Prestat‐Marquis Elodie , Biassin Romain , Nioré Margot , Canchy Ludivine , Tan Jerry
Published: May 2024

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a multifactorial pathogenesis. The clinical appearance of acne and its sequelae may differ according to phototypes. Data regarding the potential benefit of dermocosmetics (DC) regardless of phototype are lacking and assessing acne improvement can be difficult, given the lack of visual support in people with skin of colour. A DC regimen, combining a cleanser and a cream, both containing thermal spring water, has been developed for the management of mild‐to‐moderate acne, for all skin phototypes studied.

Objectives

To assess the efficacy and local tolerance of a DC routine in mild‐to‐moderate acne and to visualize the clinical improvement in all skin phototypes.

Methods

In an open‐labelled, multicentre clinical study, subjects of any phototype aged above 11 years and above with mild (N = 48, 55.2%) or moderate (N = 39, 44.8%) facial acne applied the DC twice daily for 56 days. No other acne care was allowed. Acne severity, as well as inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts, were assessed at baseline, Days 28 and 56. Photographs were taken using a novel imaging tool based on multimodal acquisition, to show clinical improvement over time.

Results

Eighty‐seven subjects, 41 adults and 46 adolescents, were included; 59.8% were female and were aged between 11 and 44 years. The total acne lesion count decreased by 34%, the noninflammatory lesion count by 28%, and the inflammatory lesion count by 52% at Day 56. All % changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The GEA score decreased, with 25% of subjects showing at least a one‐grade improvement at Day 28 and 59% at Day 56. Local tolerance was excellent.

Conclusions

The tested DC care is beneficial for the improvement of acne and is very well tolerated in all skin phototypes studied.
Endoscopic malleostapedotomy versus incudostapedotomy for stapes fixation with or without lateral chain fixation: A comparative outcomes study
Authors: Son Hyo One , Moon Seoungjun , Sung Hanwool John , Choi Jin Woong
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate and compare the surgical outcomes of endoscopic malleostapedotomy (EMS) and endoscopic incudostapedotomy (EIS).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 consecutive ears in 33 patients who underwent stapes surgery using either EMS (EMS group) or EIS (EIS group). Operational practicability across surgical steps, postoperative hearing, operation time, switch of approach, and complications were compared between the two groups.

Results

The EMS and EIS groups comprised seven (19.4%) and 29 ears (80.6%), respectively. The EMS group exhibited a greater proportion of moderate practicability in anchoring site exposure (42.9%, three of seven) and in securing the prosthesis (100%, seven of seven) in comparison to the EIS group, which had 0% (0 out of 29) and 41.4% (12 out of 29), respectively. Postoperative hearing improvements were equivalent between the groups, with EMS achieving a mean air‐bone gap improvement of 28.8 dB and EIS of 23.2 dB. The ABG closure rates within 10 dB and 20 dB for the EMS group were 28.6% and 100%, respectively, and not significantly different from the EIS group (p = .103). However, the average surgical duration for EMS was extended by 77.4 min. The rate of complications was comparable between the groups (EMS 14.3%, EIS 10.3%, p = 1.000).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that while EMS requires a longer operation time because of decreased practicability in specific surgical steps, it provides comparable outcomes to EIS, underscoring the potential of endoscopic techniques to establish malleostapedotomy as a surgical option as it is with traditional incudostapedotomy.

Level of Evidence

4.
The role of a smile in customer–employee interactions: Primitive emotional contagion and its boundary conditions
Authors: Hofmann Verena , Stokburger‐Sauer Nicola E. , Wetzels Martin
Published: May 2024

By investigating emotional contagion in customer–employee interactions using the emotional facial action coding system, this study offers a means to separate primitive emotional contagion from its conscious counterpart. As an empirical validation of primitive emotional contagion and its impact on customer satisfaction, the multifaceted research approach, involving an experimental laboratory study and two field studies in hospitality and retail settings, reveals consistent findings. Additionally, the influence of emotional contagion on customer satisfaction is moderated by the esthetic appeal of the interior design. This work advances the theoretical understanding of the dynamics of primitive emotional contagion; it also offers practical insights regarding the importance of interior designs and busyness for enhancing service interactions.
Weak solutions of a nonlinear degenerate fourth‐order parabolic equation via the topological degree method
Authors: Yacini Soukaina , Allalou Chakir
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study the existence of weak solutions for the nonlinear parabolic problem associated with the following fourth‐order equation, under Navier boundary conditions:

where
is a bounded domain. Under some appropriate assumptions, we obtain the existence of a weak solution for the above problem by using the topological degree theory for operators of the type
, in the framework space
.
R‐MFE‐TCN: A correlation prediction model between body surface and tumor during respiratory movement
Authors: Wang Xuehu , Yang Chang , Liu Ziqi , Zhang Jushuo , Xue Chao , Xing Lihong , Zheng Yongchang , Geng Chen , Yin Xiaoping
Published: May 2024

Background

2D CT image‐guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an exciting minimally invasive treatment that can destroy liver tumors without removing them. However, CT images can only provide limited static information, and the tumor will move with the patient's respiratory movement. Therefore, how to accurately locate tumors under free conditions is an urgent problem to be solved at present.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a respiratory correlation prediction model for mixed reality surgical assistance system, Riemannian and Multivariate Feature Enhanced Temporal Convolutional Network (R‐MFE‐TCN), and to achieve accurate respiratory correlation prediction.

Methods

The model adopts a respiration‐oriented Riemannian information enhancement strategy to expand the diversity of the dataset. A new Multivariate Feature Enhancement module (MFE) is proposed to retain respiratory data information, so that the network can fully explore the correlation of internal and external data information, the dual‐channel is used to retain multivariate respiratory feature, and the Multi‐headed Self‐attention obtains respiratory peak‐to‐valley value periodic information. This information significantly improves the prediction performance of the network. At the same time, the PSO algorithm is used for hyperparameter optimization. In the experiment, a total of seven patients' internal and external respiratory motion trajectories were obtained from the dataset, and the first six patients were selected as the training set. The respiratory signal collection frequency was 21 Hz.

Results

A large number of experiments on the dataset prove the good performance of this method, which improves the prediction accuracy while also having strong robustness. This method can reduce the delay deviation under long window prediction and achieve good performance. In the case of 400 ms, the average RMSE and MAE are 0.0453  and 0.0361 mm, respectively, which is better than other research methods.

Conclusion

The R‐MFE‐TCN can be extended to respiratory correlation prediction in different clinical situations, meeting the accuracy requirements for respiratory delay prediction in surgical assistance.
Simplified method for estimating the impact of the underlying tunnel excavation on existing tunnel
Authors: Feng Guohui , Xu Changjie , Ding Zhi , Liang Luju , Li Yujie , Xu Liyang , Fan Xiaozhen
Published: May 2024

Tunneling underneath is bound to induce the free displacement of surrounding soil, which will further significantly affect the overlying tunnel's deformation. Based on this, a simplified method for calculating the deformation of the overlying tunnel due to shield tunnel excavation is proposed. Firstly, the Loganathan formula is selected to solve the additional stress along the pre‐existing tunnel induced by tunneling underlying, then the overlying tunnel is further simplified into an infinitely Euler‐Bernoulli beam resting on the Pasternak foundation. The influence of the lateral soil reaction on the existing tunnel is introduced, then adopting the energy method to describe the soil and tunnel response. The minimum potential energy principle is utilised to solving the variational energy solutions due to new tunnel excavation underlying and further obtain the explicit solutions of tunnel response. The proposed method's effectiveness is confirmed through comparisons with centrifuge tests and field case studies obtained from prior research. In comparison with the Pasternak foundation model degenerated from the proposed method, the outcomes produced using the proposed method align more closely with the measurement data. Further parameter studies show that skew angle between tunnels, depth of existing tunnel, and volume loss rate are significant factors affecting the tunnel behaviors due to tunneling underneath.
Characteristics of Aqueous Chemical Species Generation in Plasma‐Facing Liquid Systems Using Helium Jet Plasma
Authors: Park Joo Young , Bae Jin Hee , Lee Seunghun
Published: May 2024

Plasma‐facing liquids (PFLs) facilitate the storage of reactive O and N species (RONS), including H2O2 and NO2−, which remain in the PFL after plasma treatment, and they can continuously influence the target immersed in the liquid. However, their behaviors and levels of generation and extinction depend strongly on the plasma characteristics and liquid condition. Therefore, understanding the effects of the liquid type on the plasma discharge characteristics and the RONS generated via plasma discharge is necessary. We compared the RONS generation and storage trends of deionized H2O and a high‐conductivity PFL, RPMI 1640, which is a well‐known cell culture medium commonly used to culture mammalian cells. RPMI 1640 acted as an electrode and enhanced the plasma discharge power by supplying abundant radicals and RONS. The production of gaseous hydroxyl radicals and NO markedly increased, which facilitated H2O2 and NO2− production in the PFL for the first 200 s, and then the increase in the RONS concentration stagnated. With respect to storage, as the components within RMPI 1640 exhibited high reaction constants for their reactions with H2O2, H2O2 elimination was completed in <30 min. Unlike H2O2, the concentration of NO2− in the PFL was unchanged.
Investigating home‐based opioid use among youth with sickle cell disease using ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Valrie Cecelia , Crawford B. Sloan , Shipman‐Lacewell Jelaina , Ajibade Opeyemi , Fuh Beng , Smith Wally , Sisler India
Published: May 2024

Background

Opioids are a common and essential treatment for acute sickle cell disease (SCD) pain. However, opioids carry well‐known adverse side effects, including potential development of hyperalgesia and nociplastic pain. We characterized opioid use in youth with SCD using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data, and investigated the relationships between home‐based opioid use, pain, and a range of biopsychosocial factors.

Method

Eighty‐eight youth with SCD (aged 8–17 years) completed EMAs assessing home‐based opioid use, pain, and related factors. Analyses consisted of descriptive and multilevel logistic regression to predict daily home opioid use.

Results

Youth averaged 3.64 weeks of EMAs. Approximately 35% of the sample (n = 31) took an opioid during the EMA period, and used them on only 24% of reported pain days. Youth who took opioids reported a higher percentage of pain days (t = −2.67, p < .05) and mean pain severity scores (t = −2.30, p < .05) than youth who did not take opioids. Multilevel logistic regression analyses indicated that high daily pain severity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, p < .01), older age (OR = 1.324, p < .01), and low positive affect (OR = 0.91, p < .01) were each related to an increased likelihood of opioid use.

Conclusion

Youth with SCD take opioids appropriately in response to their pain, based on daily self‐report. Beyond daily pain severity, age, and daily variation in positive affect were related to home‐based opioid use. This suggests that behavioral interventions that enhance positive affect may promote reduced opioid use among youth with SCD.