bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation for MHD slip flow with heat transfer over a stretching bullet‐shaped object
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Goyal Mamta , Dadheech Amit
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) boundary layer slip flow with heat transfer over a bullet shaped object. The study addresses a significant problem in fluid dynamics and heat transport with applications in various engineering and industrial domains, including aerospace, material processing, and energy systems. The governing equations are resolved using the bvp4c, an inbuilt MATLAB tool, and the arithmetic computation for the momentum and thermotic equations are executed. The results are exhibited graphically. Numerical outcomes are graphically depicted with the aid of velocity and temperature profiles for several model variables. The achieved results exhibit a promising agreement with the previously established findings available in the open literature. The heat transfer processes and fluid flow are remarkably influenced by means of the ratio of surface thickness and stretching potential. The results obtained designated that the Mixed convection parameter λ increases momentum BL thickness, whereas the temperature profile diminishes. Furthermore, momentum and temperature profile improve for surface thickness parameter . The current investigation highlights the potential utility of heat transport rate and friction factor in the industrial divisions for regulating cooling rates and enhancing the quality of end products.
Pirfenidone use in fibrotic diseases: What do we know so far?
Authors: Torre Aldo , Martínez‐Sánchez Froylan David , Narvaez‐Chávez Sofía Mercedes , Herrera‐Islas Mariana Ariel , Aguilar‐Salinas Carlos Alberto , Córdova‐Gallardo Jacqueline
Published: July 2024

Background

Pirfenidone has demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in both animal models and some clinical trials. Its potential for antifibrotic activity positions it as a promising candidate for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases. Pirfenidone exerts several pleiotropic and anti‐inflammatory effects through different molecular pathways, attenuating multiple inflammatory processes, including the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and fibroblast activation.

Objective

To present the current evidence of pirfenidone's effects on several fibrotic diseases, with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic option for managing chronic fibrotic conditions.

Findings

Pirfenidone has been extensively studied for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, showing a favorable impact and forming part of the current treatment regimen for this disease. Additionally, pirfenidone appears to have beneficial effects on similar fibrotic diseases such as interstitial lung disease, myocardial fibrosis, glomerulopathies, aberrant skin scarring, chronic liver disease, and other fibrotic disorders.

Conclusion

Given the increasing incidence of chronic fibrotic conditions, pirfenidone emerges as a potential therapeutic option for these patients. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm its therapeutic efficacy in various fibrotic diseases. This review aims to highlight the current evidence of pirfenidone's effects in multiple fibrotic conditions.
Effects of epidural analgesia at 1 cm cervical dilatation on multiparae: A retrospective cohort study using propensity score‐matching
Authors: Chen Shunbin , Wu Chenhua , Zeng Xiaomei
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of epidural analgesia (EA) administered at cervical dilatation of 1 cm on multiparae who underwent vaginal delivery.

Methods

This propensity score‐matched retrospective cohort research was conducted between 2021 and 2022. All the singleton multiparae who had previous successful vaginal deliveries and epidural analgesia during this delivery were screened for eligibility. The primary outcome was the effect of EA on the duration of labor. The main secondary outcomes included the incidence of cesarean delivery and umbilical arterial pH.

Results

This study incorporated 686 multiparae who were divided into two cohorts: EA 1 (cervical dilatation = 1 cm, n = 166) and EA 2 (cervical dilatation >1 cm, n = 520). In the propensity score‐matched cohort (including 164 women in each group), there were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of cesarean delivery (4 [2.4%] vs 4 [2.4%], P = 1.000), umbilical arterial pH (7.28 ± 0.06 vs 7.28 ± 0.07, P = 0.550) and other secondary outcomes between the two groups. Based on a comparative assessment of the women who delivered vaginally to the Kaplan–Meier curves and propensity score‐matching (including 160 women in each group), there was no statistical significance in the duration of the first, second and third stages of labor (log rank P, P = 0.811; P = 0.413; P = 0.773, respectively).

Conclusion

Initiation of epidural analgesia at cervical dilatation of 1 cm in multiparae did not cause adverse effects with regard to the duration of labor, increased cesarean deliveries, and bad neonatal outcomes.
The design and hydraulic performance studies of a Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitter
Authors: Xu Tianyu , Lin Changjiang , Yu Qiuyue , Zheng Ennan
Published: July 2024

The Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitter is a novel type of drip irrigation emitter that allows one‐way fluid flow and sharp water flow diversion. Orthogonal test schemes were employed to analyse the impact of structural parameters and energy dissipation mechanisms on hydraulic performance. The effect of vortex partitioning in forward and reverse flow channels on hydraulic performance was analysed. A prediction model for the emitter discharge exponent (flow index) of the structural parameters was established. The results indicated that the emitter discharge exponents of forward‐Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitters (FTEs) ranged from 0.47 to 0.506, and those of reverse‐Tesla valve‐type drip irrigation emitters (RTEs) ranged from 0.51 to 0.533. There was a significant disparity in the distribution of vortex zones between the FTE and RTE. The local loss coefficients of the FTE were 2.12–10.84, and those of the RTE were 1.00–3.71. The channel width D had a substantial impact on the emitter discharge exponents of the FTE and RTE, whereas the inlet length of diverter K, the length of the bevelled edge of raindrop‐type diverter B and the opening angle of raindrop‐type diverter θ had relatively smaller effects on the emitter discharge exponent. The determination coefficients of the regression model for the FTE and RTE were 0.89 and 0.84, respectively. The relative errors between the simulated and estimated values were −4.57% to 1.21%, and the experimental and estimated values were −3.72% to −1.45% in the FTE. The relative errors between the simulated and estimated values were −0.98% to 2.86%, and the experimental and estimated values were −3.72% to 1.45% in the RTE. These relative errors were all under 5%, indicating that the estimation of the emitter discharge exponent can be more accurate.
Breaking the culture of silence: An analysis of traditional media versus alternative media coverage of a social tragedy in Guatemala
Authors: Ortiz Jose
Published: July 2024

The media are core to the successful functioning of democracy. They are responsible for scrutinizing state institutions. The media, thus, must remain independent of political control and power elites seeking to shape public consciousness. Nonetheless, historical precedents of political censorship and the high concentration of media ownership in Latin America have prevented the media from exercising its accountability duties. Information and communication technology (ICT) has recently enabled alternative media outlets to increase their reach in recent years. In contrast to traditional media, alternative media seek to challenge the status quo and engage in causes of social or political change. By analyzing traditional and alternative media coverage of a social tragedy in Guatemala, this study contributes to the ICT for development literature by showing how alternative media can leverage ICT to create accountability through frame diversification. The concept of frame diversification advanced in this study recognizes the possibilities enabled by ICT for disseminating views that break from the “culture of silence” that has historically permeated the media in Latin American countries like Guatemala.
Comparison of Anti‐Hepatitis A Antibody Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Australian Subjects Receiving Standard or Weight‐Based Dosing of Polyvalent Immunoglobulin
Authors: Young Megan K , Ng Shu‐Kay , Faddy Helen M , Nimmo Graeme R
Published: July 2024

This randomized controlled trial compared two dosing regimens of the polyvalent immunoglobulin available for hepatitis A post‐exposure prophylaxis in Australia. Participants were randomized to receive either 270 IU (standard dose) or 3.375 IU/kg (dose by weight). Quantitative serial serum hepatitis A antibody concentrations were measured at baseline and then on days 1, 3, 7, 28, and 50. Fifteen participants completed the trial. Serum hepatitis A antibody concentrations were not different between the study groups at any time point. Pharmacokinetic parameters estimated from participant data were not different between the study groups. The hepatitis A antibody level of all participants exceeded 10 mIU/mL at day 50. While no difference between dosing regimens was found in this study, further research should examine dosing at the lower limit of current Australian recommendations before making policy decisions.
Brain structure alterations following neonatal exposure to low‐frequency electromagnetic fields: A histological analysis
Authors: Sissons Stephanie M. , Dotta Blake T.
Published: July 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) and electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been extensively studied for their roles in neurobiology, particularly in regulating cerebral functions and synaptic plasticity. This study investigates the impact of EMFs on NO modulation and its subsequent effects on neurodevelopment, building upon prior research examining EMF exposure's consequences on Wistar albino rats. Rats were exposed perinatally to either tap water, 1 g/L of L‐arginine (LA) or 0.5 g/L of N‐methylarginine (NMA). Half of the rats in each group were also exposed to a 7‐Hz square‐wave EMF at three separate intensities (5, 50 and 500 nT) for 2–14 days following birth. Animals were allowed to develop, and their brains were harvested later in adulthood (mean age = 568.17 days, SD = 162.73). Histological analyses were used to elucidate structural changes in key brain regions. All brains were stained with Toluidine Blue O (TBO), enabling the visualization of neurons. Neuronal counts were then conducted in specific regions of interest (e.g. hippocampus, cortices, amygdala and hypothalamus). Histological analyses revealed significant alterations in neuronal density in specific brain regions, particularly in response to EMF exposure and pharmacological interventions. Notable findings include a main EMF exposure effect where increased neuronal counts were observed in the secondary somatosensory cortex under low EMF intensities (p < 0.001) and sex‐specific responses in the hippocampus, where a significant increase in neuronal counts was observed in the left CA3 region in female rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed females (t(18) = 2.371, p = 0.029). Additionally, a significant increase in neuronal counts in the right entorhinal cortex was seen in male rats exposed to EMF compared to unexposed males (t(18) = 2.216, p = 0.040). These findings emphasize the complex interaction among sex, EMF exposure and pharmacological agents on neuronal dynamics across brain regions, highlighting the need for further research to identify underlying mechanisms and potential implications for cognitive function and neurological health in clinical and environmental contexts.
Comparison of postoperative clinical outcomes and knee stability of cruciate‐retaining total knee arthroplasty using the tibia‐first gap navigation technique with a computer‐aided system and measured‐resection technique: A retrospective analysis of a propensity‐matched cohort
Authors: Iguchi Masaki , Takahashi Tsuneari , Ae Ryusuke , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to clarify whether the range of motion (ROM), anterior and posterior (AP) stability and other clinical measures changed in patients who underwent tibia‐first total knee arthroplasty (TF‐TKA) using navigation with a computer‐aided system after surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective study and we conducted a matched cohort analysis of 60 measured resection (MR)‐TKAs and 52 TF‐TKAs performed by a single surgeon. All the surgeries used the same implant and approach. Baseline differences between the groups were adjusted using propensity score matching. We compared each patient's measured ROM and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and performed knee AP laxity measurements by using a device during routine follow‐ups.

Results

A total of 40 MR‐TKAs with a mean age of 73.5 ± 5.6 years and sex (male 10, female 30) were compared to 40 TF‐TKAs with a mean age of 74.0 ± 5.7 years and sex (male 13, female 27) at 2‐year follow‐ups. Two years postoperatively, there was a significant difference in the AP laxity at 30° of knee flexion between both groups (7.0 ± 3.4 mm vs. 5.2 ± 2.3 mm, p < 0.01). In contrast, no differences were found between both groups for knee flexion (120.8 ± 9° vs. 116.7 ± 9.8°, p = 0.07) and OKS score (41.8 ± 6.9 vs. 41.0 ± 5.9, p = 0.61).

Conclusion

The AP stability in the midflexion obtained using the tibia‐first technique remained consistent even after 2 years. However, OKS and ROM were not significantly different from those of the MR‐TKA group.

Level of Evidence

Retrospective comparative LEVEL III study.
Women's preferences for HIV prevention service delivery in pharmacies during pregnancy in Western Kenya: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Mugambi Melissa Latigo , Odhiambo Ben O. , Dollah Annabell , Marwa Mary M. , Nyakina Judith , Kinuthia John , Baeten Jared M. , Weiner Bryan J. , John‐Stewart Grace , Barnabas Ruanne Vanessa , Hauber Brett
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pharmacy‐delivered HIV prevention services might create more options for pregnant women to use HIV prevention tools earlier and more consistently during pregnancy. We quantified preferences for attributes of potential HIV prevention services among women of childbearing age in Western Kenya.

Methods

From June to November 2023, we administered a face‐to‐face discrete choice experiment survey to women aged 15–44 in Kenya's Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya counties. The survey evaluated preferences for HIV prevention services, described by seven attributes: service location, travel time, type of HIV test, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, partner HIV testing, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and service fee. Participants answered a series of 12‐choice questions. Each question asked them to select one of two service options or no services—an opt‐out option. We used hierarchical Bayesian modelling levels to estimate each attribute level's coefficient and understand how attributes influenced service choice.

Results

Overall, 599 participants completed the survey, among whom the median age was 23 years (IQR: 18–27); 33% were married, 20% had a job and worked regularly, and 52% had been pregnant before. Participants, on average, strongly preferred having any HIV prevention service option over none (opt‐out preference weight: −5.84 [95% CI: −5.97, −5.72]). The most important attributes were the availability of PrEP (relative importance 27.04% [95% CI: 25.98%, 28.11%]), followed by STI testing (relative importance 20.26% [95% CI: 19.52%, 21.01%]) and partner HIV testing (relative importance: 16.35% [95% CI: 15.79%, 16.90%]). While, on average, participants preferred obtaining services at the clinic more than pharmacies, women prioritized the availability of PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing more than the location or cost.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the importance of providing comprehensive HIV prevention services and ensuring PrEP, STI testing and partner HIV testing are available. If pharmacies can offer these services, women are likely to access those services at pharmacies even if they prefer clinics.
A significant outbreak of respiratory human adenovirus infections among children aged 3−6 years in Hokkaido, Japan, in 2023
Authors: Fukuda Yuya , Togashi Atsuo , Hirakawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Masaki , Fukumura Shinobu , Nawa Tomohiro , Kushima Nana , Nakamura Satoshi , Kunizaki Jun , Nishino Kouhei , Kimura Ryoma , Kizawa Toshitaka , Yamamoto Dai , Takeuchi Ryoh , Sasaoka Yuta , Kikuchi Masayoshi , Ito Takuro , Nagai Kazushige , Asakura Hirofumi , Nishimura Sayaka , Yoshida Masaki , Tsuchida Kousuke , Tsugawa Takeshi
Published: July 2024

Human adenovirus (HAdV) infections present diverse clinical manifestations upon infecting individuals, with respiratory infections predominating in children. We surveyed pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory HAdV infections across 18 hospitals in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, from July 2019 to March 2024, recording 473 admissions. While hospitalizations remained below five cases per week from July 2019 to September 2023, a notable surge occurred in late October 2023, with weekly admissions peaking at 15−20 cases from November to December. There were dramatic shifts in the age distribution of hospitalized patients: during 2019−2021, 1‐year‐old infants and children aged 3−6 years represented 51.4%−54.8% and 4.1%−13.3%, respectively; however, in 2023−2024, while 1‐year‐old infants represented 19.0%−20.1%, the proportion of children aged 3−6 years increased to 46.2%−50.0%. Understanding the emergence of significant outbreaks of respiratory HAdV infections and the substantial changes in the age distribution of hospitalized cases necessitates further investigation into the circulating types of HAdV in Hokkaido Prefecture and changes in children's neutralizing antibody titers against HAdV.
Exploring trends and variability of climate change indices in the agro‐ecological zones of Pakistan and their driving mechanisms
Authors: Hina Saadia , Saleem Farhan , Hina Alina , Ullah Irfan , Bibi Tehmina , Mahmood Tariq
Published: July 2024

Anthropogenic climate change induced weather and climate extremes have led to frequent heat waves, droughts and floods threatening water resources and food security for an agricultural country like Pakistan. Despite their significance, the trends and variability of extreme temperature and precipitation indices and associated large‐scale drivers in the agro‐ecological zones (AEZs) of Pakistan remain unknown and need urgent attention because of abrupt climate change. The present study documents the spatiotemporal variations of climate change indices together with the elevation‐dependent variability trends over various AEZs in Pakistan for the period of 42 years (1979–2020). Nonparametric Mann–Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope (SS) estimator tests have been employed for trend estimation. Results indicated linearly increasing (warming) and statistically significant trends in Tmean, TNx, WSDI and TR20 whereas significant decreasing (cooling) trends in cool nights (−1.73 days·decade−1) and cold spells (−1.28 days·decade−1). The spatial distribution of temperature indices trends depicts robust warming over southwestern and central zones while cooling trends over northern zones. Regarding precipitation extremes, all indices have shown increasing (wetter) trends with a significant increase in PRCPTOT and RX5day. The stations in northern and subhumid AEZs received more precipitation compared to other zones. Elevation‐dependent trends in temperature indices exhibited a statistically significant positive (negative) relationship with cold (warm) tails. Most of the extreme precipitation indices have a weak, but positive association with elevation except SDII. The weakening of South Asian subtropical upper‐level jet by a high‐pressure system over northeast Pakistan resulted in amplified land surface temperatures. However, the spatial patterns of zonal winds indicate a trough over Pakistan's southern and central parts, with warmer sea‐surface temperature, low sea‐level pressure and easterly anomalies, favour moisture transport and precipitation in Pakistan. The outcomes of present study will be useful in addressing various climate‐induced disasters occurring in various AEZs of Pakistan.
Early signs of osteoarthritis in differing rat osteochondral defects
Authors: Chihab Samir , Eng Tracy , Kaiser Jarred M. , Khan Nazir M. , Doan Thanh N. , Drissi Hicham
Published: July 2024

Preclinical models of osteochondral defects (OCDs) are fundamental test beds to evaluate treatment modalities before clinical translation. To increase the rigor and reproducibility of translational science for a robust “go or no‐go,” we evaluated disease progression and pain phenotypes within the whole joint for two OCD rat models with same defect size (1.5 x 0.8 mm) placed either in the trochlea or medial condyle of femur. Remarkably, we only found subtle transitory changes to gaits of rats with trochlear defect without any discernible effect to allodynia. At 8‐weeks post‐surgery, anatomical evaluations of joint showed early signs of osteoarthritis with EPIC‐microCT. For the trochlear defect, cartilage attenuation was increased in trochlear, medial, and lateral compartments of the femur. For condylar defect, increased cartilage attenuation was isolated to the medial condyle of the femur. Further, the medial ossicle showed signs of deterioration as indicated with decreased bone mineral density and increased bone surface area to volume ratio. Thus, OCD in a weight‐bearing region of the femur gave rise to more advanced osteoarthritis phenotype within a unilateral joint compartment. Subchondral bone remodeling was evident in both models without any indication of closure of the articular cartilage surface. We conclude that rat OCD, placed in the trochlear or condylar region of the femur, leads to differing severity of osteoarthritis progression. As found herein, repair of the defect with fibrous tissue and subchondral bone is insufficient to alleviate onset of osteoarthritis. Future therapies using rat OCD model should address joint osteoarthritis in addition to repair itself.
Wide‐viewing‐angle dual‐view integral imaging display
Authors: Zhao Bai‐Chuan , Jia Wei , Fan Wei , Yang Fan , Fu Yang
Published: July 2024

A wide‐viewing‐angle dual‐view integral imaging display is proposed. A micro‐lens array, a polarizer parallax barrier, and a display panel are aligned in sequence. The display panel is covered with the polarizer parallax barrier. Two types of orthogonal polarizer slits in the polarizer parallax barrier are alternately aligned. Two types of orthogonal polarizer slits polarize the lights from two types of elemental images. The micro‐lens array propagates two types of polarized lights into two primary viewing zones, which coincide at the optimal viewing distance. Different 3D images are, respectively, observed through two types of polarizer glasses. The viewing angle is enhanced and unrelated to the number of elemental images.
Genetic Study and Temporal Dynamics of the Reaction to Ascochyta rabiei Epidemic in Improved Lines and Cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Bayahi Kaouthar , Chaar Hatem
Published: July 2024

Ascochyta blight is the most devastating worldwide disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). It is caused by Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) an airborne pathogenic fungus which is common in rainy climates and warm temperatures. Despite the efforts deployed by genetic improvement to develop highly resistant varieties, a total resistance to Ascochyta blight is lacking in chickpea. From 2015 to 2019 season, a study was carried out to develop highly resistant lines at the experimental station of the National Agronomical Institute of Tunis (INAT).

In this genetic program, four crosses were realized: Nour x ILC154986, Nour x ILC154445, Béja1x ILC155064, and Béja1x ILC154449. Nour and Béja1 varieties were respectively tolerant and susceptible to Ascochyta blight and were used as female parents. The genetic study showed a total of six genes controlling the resistance to Ascochyta blight. The disease progress was analyzed under inoculation in the field on seven dates, and the plant infection rate r was recorded on the parental cultivars and the lines developed from crosses. The temporal progress of the disease was studied by using statistical and mathematical tools. A logistic model was tested and then applied to describe the Ascochyta rabiei progress over time in the field. The fitting adequacy of the logistic model was estimated by the determination coefficient R2 which value exceeded 0.98 and justified this selection. The logistic curves analysis showed a slow blighting and an infection progress decrease of lines issued from Béja1 x desi1 and Nour x Kabuli1 crosses. These lines obtained by transgressive segregation in the Nour x Kabuli1 and Beja1 x Desi2 populations can develop a stable resistance and prevent its overcoming.
Unabsorbed Fecal Fat Content Correlates with a Reduction of Immunoglobulin a Coating of Gut Bacteria in High‐Lard Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Katsumata Emiko , Tsuruta Takeshi , Sonoyama Kei , Yoshida Takashi , Sasaki Mio , Teraoka Mao , Wang Tianyang , Nishino Naoki
Published: July 2024

Scope

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) selectively coats gut bacteria and contributes to regulatory functions in gastrointestinal inflammation and glucose metabolism. Excess intake of lard leads to decrease in the IgA coating of gut bacteria, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This study validates how unabsorbed fat derived from a high‐lard diet in the gut affects the IgA coating of bacteria, as assessed in mouse models using three types of dietary fat (lard, medium‐, and long‐chain triglycerides [MLCTs], and medium‐chain triglycerides [MCTs]) exhibiting different digestibilities.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice are maintained on diets containing lard, MLCTs, or MCTs at 7% or 30% w/w for 10 weeks (n = 6 per group). The fecal fatty acid concentration is measured to quantify unabsorbed fat content. The ratio of IgA‐coated bacteria to total bacteria (IgA coating ratio) in the feces is measured by flow cytometry. Compared to lard‐fed mice, MLCT‐ and MCT‐fed mice exhibit lower fecal concentrations of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid and higher IgA coating ratios at both 7% and 30% dietary fat, and these parameters exhibit significant negative correlations.

Conclusion

Unabsorbed fat content in the gut may result in attenuated IgA coating of bacteria in high‐lard diet‐fed mice.
Nonlinear behavioral analysis of diode model using Volterra series
Authors: Bie Zhi , Liu Jun , Chen Linxin
Published: July 2024

This article proposes a new nonlinear behavioral analysis of the Spice diode model by using Volterra series theory, in which the expression of the third‐order intermodulation was expressed. Moreover, the impact on the behavior of diode CV characteristic parameters Zero‐bias Junction capacitance Cjo, gradient coefficient M, and built‐in potential Vj are discussed. Two‐tones harmonic balance simulations are performed with the hpeesofsim circuit simulator. Results are consistent with the Volterra series analysis, showing the rationality and validity of this behavioral modeling method.
A novel fast robust optimization algorithm for intensity‐modulated proton therapy with minimum monitor unit constraint
Authors: Fan Qingkun , Zhao Lewei , Li Xiaoqiang , Hu Jie , Lu Xiliang , Yang Zhijian , Zhang Sheng , Yang Kunyu , Ding Xuanfeng , Liu Gang , Dai Shuyang
Published: July 2024

Background

Intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) optimizes spot intensities and position, providing better conformability. However, the successful application of IMPT is dependent upon addressing the challenges posed by range and setup uncertainties. In order to address the uncertainties in IMPT, robust optimization is essential.

Purpose

This study aims to develop a novel fast algorithm for robust optimization of IMPT with minimum monitor unit (MU) constraint.

Methods and Materials

The study formulates a robust optimization problem and proposes a novel, fast algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) framework. This algorithm enables distributed computation and parallel processing. Ten clinical cases were used as test scenarios to evaluate the performance of the proposed approach. The robust optimization method (RBO‐NEW) was compared with plans that only consider nominal optimization using CTV (NMO‐CTV) without handling uncertainties and PTV (NMO‐PTV) to handle the uncertainties, as well as with conventional robust‐optimized plans (RBO‐CONV). Dosimetric metrics, including D95, homogeneity index, and Dmean, were used to evaluate the dose distribution quality. The area under the root‐mean‐square dose (RMSD)–volume histogram curves (AUC) and dose–volume histogram (DVH) bands were used to evaluate the robustness of the treatment plan. Optimization time cost was also assessed to measure computational efficiency.

Results

The results demonstrated that the RBO plans exhibited better plan quality and robustness than the NMO plans, with RBO‐NEW showing superior computational efficiency and plan quality compared to RBO‐CONV. Specifically, statistical analysis results indicated that RBO‐NEW was able to reduce the computational time from to s () and reduce the mean organ‐at‐risk (OAR) dose from % of the prescription dose to % of the prescription dose () compared to RBO‐CONV.

Conclusion

This study introduces a novel fast robust optimization algorithm for IMPT treatment planning with minimum MU constraint. Such an algorithm is not only able to enhance the plan's robustness and computational efficiency without compromising OAR sparing but also able to improve treatment plan quality and reliability.
Data‐driven inventory control involving fixed setup costs and discrete censored demand
Authors: Katehakis Michael N. , Teymourian Ehsan , Yang Jian
Published: July 2024

We investigate a data‐driven dynamic inventory control problem involving fixed setup costs and lost sales. Random demand arrivals stem from a demand distribution that is only known to come out of a vast ambiguity set. Lost sales and demand ambiguity would together complicate the problem through censoring, namely, the inability of the firm to observe the lost portion of the demand data. Our main policy idea advocates periodically ordering up to high levels for learning purposes and, in intervening periods, cleverly exploiting the information gained in learning periods. By regret, we mean the price paid for ambiguity in long‐run average performances. When demand has a finite support, we can accomplish a regret bound in the order of which almost matches a known lower bound as long as inventory costs are genuinely convex. Major policy adjustments are warranted for the more complex case involving an unbounded demand support. The resulting regret could range between and depending on the nature of moment‐related bounds that help characterize the degree of ambiguity. These are improvable to when distributions are light‐tailed. Our simulation demonstrates the merits of various policy ideas.
Increasing driver flexibility through personalized menus and incentives in ridesharing and crowdsourced delivery platforms
Authors: Horner Hannah , Pazour Jennifer , Mitchell John E.
Published: July 2024

This article formulates and solves a stochastic optimization model to investigate the impact of crowdsourced platforms (e.g., ridesharing, on‐demand delivery, volunteer food rescue, and carpooling) offering small, personalized menus of requests and incentive offers for drivers to choose from. To circumvent nonlinear variable relationships, we exploit model structure to formulate the program as a stochastic linear integer program. The proposed solution approach models stochastic responses as a sample of variable and fixed scenarios, and to counterbalance solution overfitting, uses a participation ratio parameter. The problem is also decomposed and iterated among two separate subproblems, one which optimizes menus, and another, which optimizes incentives. Computational experiments, based on a ride sharing application using occasional drivers demonstrate the importance of using multiple scenarios to capture stochastic driver behavior. Our method provides robust performance even when discrepancies between predicted and observed driver behaviors exist. Computational results show that offering menus and personalized incentives can significantly increase match rates and platform profit compared to recommending a single request to each driver. Further, compared to the menu‐only model, the average driver income is increased, and more customer requests are matched. By strategically using personalized incentives to prioritize promising matches and to increase drivers' willingness to accept requests, our approach benefits both drivers and customers. Higher incentives are offered when drivers are more likely to accept, while fewer incentives and menu slots are reserved for driver‐request pairs less likely to be accepted.
Memory‐efficient compression of 𝒟ℋ2‐matrices for high‐frequency Helmholtz problems
Authors: Börm Steffen , Henningsen Janne
Published: July 2024

Directional interpolation is a fast and efficient compression technique for high‐frequency Helmholtz boundary integral equations, but requires a very large amount of storage in its original form. Algebraic recompression can significantly reduce the storage requirements and speed up the solution process accordingly. During the recompression process, weight matrices are required to correctly measure the influence of different basis vectors on the final result, and for highly accurate approximations, these weight matrices require more storage than the final compressed matrix. We present a compression method for the weight matrices and demonstrate that it introduces only a controllable error to the overall approximation. Numerical experiments show that the new method leads to a significant reduction in storage requirements.
Stabilized time‐series moving morphable components method for topology optimization
Authors: Hu Xueyan , Li Zonghao , Bao Ronghao , Chen Weiqiu
Published: July 2024

The moving morphable components (MMC) method has been widely used for topology optimization due to its ability to provide an explicit description of topology. However, the MMC method may encounter the instability issue during iteration. Specifically, the iteration history is highly sensitive to parameters of the optimizer, that is, the move limits in the method of moving asymptotes (MMA). Additionally, the final topology obtained from the MMC method usually depends on the initial values. To address these issues and improve the stability of the MMC method in practical applications, this article introduces two strategies. The first strategy is based on the time‐series MMC (TSMMC) method, which proposes a unified description of curved components. However, the use of control‐points‐based design variables may introduce instability into the iteration process due to the strong locality associated with these variables. To mitigate this, global design variables have been incorporated into the formulation. Numerical examples demonstrate that this mixed formulation, combining global and local design variables, can enhance stability significantly. To further enhance stability, the second strategy involves using the trust region‐based moving asymptotes (TRMA) method as the optimizer instead of MMA. The TRMA method incorporates an accuracy control mechanism, resulting in stable and fast convergence behavior, as demonstrated in the numerical examples.
Estimating intralimb proportions for commingled remains
Authors: Cao Doudou , Crema Enrico R. , Pomeroy Emma
Published: July 2024

Intralimb proportions provide insights into growth, development, populations history, and adaptation across human groups. However, the conventional approach of calculating brachial and crural indices for individual skeletons and comparing assemblages using sample means is not feasible in commingled remains. This study aims to assess the reliability of an “aggregate method” based on the ratio of sample means of limb bone lengths as an alternative to conventionally calculated indices. We examined the correlation between the aggregate and conventional indices using data from ≥124 worldwide groups (≥2000 adults). The impact of sample size, commingling degree, and within‐group variation on the correspondence between conventional and aggregate indices was further evaluated using simulated datasets. Reliability was measured using the absolute differences between the aggregate and “true” population mean indices and the proportion of simulations producing large errors (>0.02, the average within‐group variation among observed populations). Strong correlations are observed between the aggregate and conventional indices across groups in the empirical dataset. Simulation analyses indicates that larger samples improve prediction reliability, while increased commingling and within‐group variation reduce accuracy. The aggregate method is robust when upper limb samples contain >30 bones (lower limb >50), with more than half of the bones representing proximal and distal elements from the same individuals, and the standard deviation in the index is smaller than 0.02. With sufficient sample sizes, the “aggregate method” is a reliable alternative for estimating average intralimb proportions in commingled and poorly preserved skeletal assemblages, enhancing the research potential of such collections.
Video Otoscopy as a Novel Teaching and Remote Otolaryngology Consultation Tool at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Winchester Arianna , Chow Michael , Chiang William , Rickert Scott
Published: July 2024

Objective

Assess the use of video otoscopy (VO) as a tool for teaching Emergency Department (ED) residents and remote Otolaryngology consultation.

Study Design

Survey and retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Methods

Emergency Medicine resident physicians completed an otologic skill self‐assessment and pathology followed by an interactive training on VO and postintervention assessment after 9 months of use. Outcomes compared change in pre‐ to posttraining scores. ED consultations using VO during this time period were reviewed to detect differences between the presumed diagnosis/treatment based only on phone consultation and VO image compared to the final diagnosis/treatment after in‐person Otolaryngology consultation.

Results

Forty‐six (63.1%) ED residents participated. Diagnostic accuracy improved by 20.7% overall. The most improved diagnoses were of a normal ear canal (+75%), tympanosclerosis (+58.4%), and ear canal foreign body (+57.1%); most challenging were external auditory canal cyst (−13.6%), hemotympanum (−11.3%), and cerumen (−1.9%). Cholesteatoma did not improve because all responses were incorrect; neither did tympanic membrane perforation because all were correct. Confidence in the otologic exam and anatomy also increased (P < .01). Thirteen consults used VO and 3 (23.1%) had a change in diagnosis/treatment after in‐person Otolaryngology evaluation.

Conclusion

Training on the use of VO significantly improves the confidence and diagnostic skills of ED providers for many pathologies. This application suggests the efficacy of an otologic e‐consultation model.
ChatGPT Responses to Frequently Asked Questions on Ménière's Disease: A Comparison to Clinical Practice Guideline Answers
Authors: Ho Rebecca A. , Shaari Ariana L. , Cowan Paul T. , Yan Kenneth
Published: July 2024

Objective

Evaluate the quality of responses from Chat Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) models compared to the answers for “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for Ménière's disease (MD).

Study Design

Comparative analysis.

Setting

The AAO‐HNS CPG for MD includes FAQs that clinicians can give to patients for MD‐related questions. The ability of ChatGPT to properly educate patients regarding MD is unknown.

Methods

ChatGPT‐3.5 and 4.0 were each prompted with 16 questions from the MD FAQs. Each response was rated in terms of (1) comprehensiveness, (2) extensiveness, (3) presence of misleading information, and (4) quality of resources. Readability was assessed using Flesch‐Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES).

Results

ChatGPT‐3.5 was comprehensive in 5 responses whereas ChatGPT‐4.0 was comprehensive in 9 (31.3% vs 56.3%, P = .2852). ChatGPT‐3.5 and 4.0 were extensive in all responses (P = 1.0000). ChatGPT‐3.5 was misleading in 5 responses whereas ChatGPT‐4.0 was misleading in 3 (31.3% vs 18.75%, P = .6851). ChatGPT‐3.5 had quality resources in 10 responses whereas ChatGPT‐4.0 had quality resources in 16 (62.5% vs 100%, P = .0177). AAO‐HNS CPG FRES (62.4 ± 16.6) demonstrated an appropriate readability score of at least 60, while both ChatGPT‐3.5 (39.1 ± 7.3) and 4.0 (42.8 ± 8.5) failed to meet this standard. All platforms had FKGL means that exceeded the recommended level of 6 or lower.

Conclusion

While ChatGPT‐4.0 had significantly better resource reporting, both models have room for improvement in being more comprehensive, more readable, and less misleading for patients.
Parameter estimation of epoxy resin cure kinetics by dynamicsDSCdata
Authors: Puhurcuoğlu Nihal , Arman Yusuf
Published: July 2024

This study focused on determining the curing kinetic parameters of amine‐epoxy resin by performing dynamic DSC tests. The Kissinger and Crane equations were used to determine the activation energy, the pre‐exponential factor, and the reaction order as kinetic parameters for curing. The Ozawa equation was also used to determine the activation energy that changes at different levels of cure during the reaction. The average activation energy obtained by the Ozawa method was compared with the Kissinger activation energy. In addition, the T‐β extrapolation method was used to determine the optimum curing temperature. The kinetic parameters obtained from the Kissinger and Crane equations were used in the nth‐order kinetic model to predict the degree of cure at a given time and temperature. The linear regression fitting method was used in Minitab software to determine the curing parameters. The results were evaluated based on the fitting parameters. This study provides a theoretical basis for the curing mechanisms of epoxy matrix fiber composites used in the manufacture of wind turbine blades.
Global, regional, and national burden of thalassemia during 1990‐2019: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Wang Rui , Ma Xiao‐Hong , Qin Ze‐Zhen , Hu Xin‐Xuan , Mo Zhi‐Yang , Zhao Ya‐Ye , Zheng Ping , Lu Qiao‐Shan , Li Qiao , Tang Xian‐Yan
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Thalassemia represents a significant public health challenge globally. However, the global burden of thalassemia and the disparities associated with it remain poorly understood. Our study aims to uncover the long‐term spatial and temporal trends in thalassemia at global, regional, and national levels, analyze the impacts of age, time periods, and birth cohorts, and pinpoint the global disparities in thalassemia burden.

Methods

We extracted data on the thalassemia burden from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. We employed a joinpoint regression model to assess temporal trends in thalassemia burden and an age‐period‐cohort model to evaluate the effects of age, period, and cohort on thalassemia mortality.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the number of thalassemia incident cases, prevalent cases, mortality cases, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) decreased by 20.9%, 3.1%, 38.6%, and 43.1%, respectively. Age‐standardized rates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY declined across regions with high, high‐middle, middle, and low‐middle sociodemographic index (SDI), yet remained the highest in regions with low SDI and low‐middle SDI as well as in Southeast Asia, peaking among children under five years of age. The global prevalence rate was higher in males than in females. The global mortality rate showed a consistent decrease with increasing age.

Conclusion

The global burden of thalassemia has significantly declined, yet notable disparities exist in terms of gender, age groups, periods, birth cohorts, SDI regions, and GBD regions. Systemic interventions that include early screening, genetic counseling, premarital health examinations, and prenatal diagnosis should be prioritized in regions with low, and low‐middle SDI, particularly in Southeast Asia. Future population‐based studies should focus specifically on thalassemia subtypes and transfusion requirements, and national registries should enhance data capture through newborn screening.
Co‐reinforcing sustainable graphenes from thermoset/thermoplastic wastes for enhanced polypropylene matrix composites in automotive engineering
Authors: Yahyapour Ramisa , Baskan‐Bayrak Havva , Yagcı Yavuz Emre , Saner Okan Burcu
Published: July 2024

Talc is widely used in the automotive industry as a primary reinforcement in part manufacturing. However, its relatively high density, low impact strength, and difficulty in recycling pose challenges. The present study investigates the utilization of graphene grown on talc derived from waste polypropylene (PP) and graphene nanoplatelet obtained from waste tires by recycling and upcycling processes to be used as reinforcing agents in thermoplastic processing by keeping mechanical integrity and part performance properties the same compared to the part used in serial production. The whole value chain was examined by developing compound formulation, scaling up with a high shear mixer, and injection molding of the selected exterior part of the glass front grill with its part performance tests with the real‐case thermal and structural finite element analysis. Regarding the mechanical performance analysis, the developed compound formulation having 9 wt% micron scale talc with graphene nanoparticles and hybrid additive yielded substantial enhancements of 32% and 22% in flexural and tensile strength, respectively, in the homopolymer polypropylene (HomoPP) matrix by achieving 10% weight reduction. With a systematic life cycle assessment study, CO2 reduction was provided by 55% for the selected part by replacing virgin HomoPP with mechanically recycled waste PP originally unknown.
Registration of ‘Denali’ white kidney bean
Authors: Gomez Francisco E. , Kelly James D. , Wright Evan M. , Awale Halima E. , Bales Scott
Published: July 2024

‘Denali’ (Reg. no. CV‐360, PI 705152) white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2022 as a midseason, disease‐resistant, bush bean cultivar with uniform dry down. Denali was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 8 years of field trials across Michigan, Denali yielded 3500 kg ha−1, flowered in 37 d, and matured in 97days on average. Plants averaged 46 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.3 and seed size of 62 g 100 seed−1. Denali combines high yield potential with midseason maturity in a white kidney seed type. Denali outyielded ‘Beluga’ by 13% years and matured 5 days earlier. It is well adapted to the irrigated production systems on coarse‐textured soils where kidney beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Denali is resistant to Bean common mosaic virus and exhibits significantly higher levels of tolerance to root rot than ‘ND Whitetail’. Tolerance to common bacterial blight and white mold exhibited by Denali is comparable with ND Whitetail, ‘Yeti’, and ‘Snowdon’. Denali is susceptible to anthracnose. Seed size of Denali (0.62 g) is slightly smaller than Snowdon (0.69 g) and equivalent to seed produced by other white kidney bean cultivars. Seed of Denali meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the white kidney bean seed class.