bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of waiting time for radiotherapy after last induction chemotherapy on prognosis of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Kui‐Xuan , Ding Ting , E Yi‐Min , Yang Hong‐Wei , Wu Rui‐Ping , Liu Run‐Jia , Zhou Ling‐Li , Fu Wen‐Jie , Jiang Mei‐Ping , Wang Xiao‐Li
Published: February 2024

Background

The effect of radiotherapy waiting time after last induction chemotherapy (IC‐RT) on prognosis of patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) needs further discussion.

Methods

Three hundred and six patients with LANPC diagnosed pathologically by induction chemotherapy (IC) and radiotherapy (RT) from 2013 to 2018 were selected for this study.

Results

The IC‐RT was a risk factor for the post‐treatment progression of LANPC (OR = 1.017 95%CI: 1.003–1.031), For patients with LANPC, the IC‐RT > 40 days significantly reduced 5‐year PFS (70% vs. 55%; p = 0.0012), 5‐year OS (84% vs. 73%; p = 0.028), 5‐year DMFS (80% vs. 66%; p = 0.003), 5‐year LRFS (77% vs. 67%; p = 0.012). Indicating that patients with stage IVa who IC‐RT > 40 days were found to be a significant predictor of aggravated PFS (HR = 2.69; 95%CI: 1.57–4.6), OS (HR = 2.55; 95%CI: 1.29–5.03), DMFS (HR = 3.07; 95%CI: 1.64–5.76) and LRFS (HR = 2.26; 95%CI: 1.21–4.21).

Conclusion

The prognosis of patients will be adversely affected if the IC‐RT exceeds 40 days, especially for stage IVa patients.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone in elderly patients with stage III‐IVa nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A real‐world study based on medical comorbidities
Authors: Jin Ya‐Nan , Xiao Zhi‐Wen , Yao Wei , Yu Jing , Zhang Wang‐Jian , Marks Tia , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Yao Ji‐Jin , Xia Liang‐Ping
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes and toxicities of adding neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in elderly (≥65 years) patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC, stage III‐IVa).

Methods and Materials

Using an NPC‐specific database, 245 elderly patients with stage III‐IVa NPC, receiving CCRT +/− NAC, and an Adult Co‐morbidity Evaluation 27 (ACE‐27) score <2 were included. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) based on TNM stage and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA were applied for risk stratification. The primary end point was disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Two risk groups were generated by the RPA model. In the high‐risk group (EBV DNA < 4000 copy/ml with stage IVa & EBV DNA ≥4000 copy/ml with stage III‐IVa), patients treated with NAC plus CCRT achieved improved 5‐year DFS rates compared to those who received CCRT alone (56.9% vs. 29.4%; p = 0.003). But we failed to observe the survival benefit of additional NAC in the low‐risk group (EBV DNA <4000 copy/ml with stage III). The most common severe acute toxic effects were leucopenia (46.8% vs. 24.4%) and neutropenia (43.7% vs. 20.2%) in the NAC plus CCRT group versus CCRT group with statistically significant differences.

Conclusions

The addition of NAC to CCRT was associated with better DFS for the high‐risk group of elderly LANPC patients with ACE‐27 score <2. However, the survival benefit of additional NAC was not observed in low‐risk patients.
Effects of the active botanical blend “WKUP GT” on attention and cognitive functions after lunch in healthy volunteers
Authors: Nadam Irit Schwartz , Bellamine Aouatef , Salom Rafael , Guilera Sonia , Inarejos‐Garcia A. M. , Pillar Giora
Published: February 2024

Objectives

“WKUP GT”, a low caffeine beverage consisting of carob, Guarana, Green Tea and Elderberry extracts was studied on attention and cognitive functions post‐lunch in a pilot randomized double blind placebo controlled trial.

Methods

Thirty healthy volunteers were included in a crossover design trial, presenting five beverages randomly assigned to the following groups: placebo, “WKUP GT” (single, double or triple doses), or “caffeine” as an active control. Hemodynamic measurements were assessed as safety outcomes.

The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), was used to evaluate the patients when beverages were consumed 30 and 120 min after lunch (respectively Delta30 and Delta120 considering baseline).

Results

Drinking “caffeine” or “WKUP GT” after lunch, showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in rapid visual information processing compared to placebo (Delta120 of “caffeine”, “WKUP” single and double). In addition, improvement in Multitasking Test (Delta30 for “WKUP” double, and Delta120 for “caffeine” and “WKUP” triple compared to placebo) was observed. “WKUP” triple also showed significant improvement for “memory” when compared to placebo (Delta120). Compared to “caffeine”, WKUP GT did not increase systolic blood pressure.

Conclusion

“WKUP GT” showed improvements for attention, memory, psychomotor and executive function tasks after lunch without increase in pulse rate.
Efficacy and immunogenicity of AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine in females with existing cervical HR‐HPV infection at first vaccination: A pooled analysis of four large clinical trials worldwide
Authors: Wen Tian‐Meng , Xu Xiao‐Qian , Zhao Xue‐Lian , Pan Cheng‐Hao , Feng Yu‐Shu , You Ting‐Ting , Gao Meng , Hu Shang‐Ying , Zhao Fang‐Hui
Published: February 2024

Females with existing high‐risk HPV (HR‐HPV) infections remain at risk of subsequent multiple or recurrent infections, on which benefit from HPV vaccines was under‐reported. We pooled individual‐level data from four large‐scale, RCTs of AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine to evaluate efficacy and immunogenicity in females DNA‐positive to any HR‐HPV types at first vaccination. Females receiving the AS04‐HPV‐16/18 vaccine in the original RCTs constituted the vaccine group in the present study, while those unvaccinated served as the control group. Vaccine efficacy (VE) against new infections and associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ in females DNA‐negative to the considered HR‐HPV type but positive to any other HR‐HPV types, VE against reinfections in females DNA‐positive to the considered HR‐HPV type but cleared naturally during later follow‐up, and levels of anti‐HPV‐16/18 IgG were assessed. Our final analyses included 5137 females (vaccine group = 2532, control group = 2605). The median follow‐up time was 47.88 months (IQR: 45.72‐50.04). For the prevention of precancerous lesions related to the non‐infected HR‐HPV types at baseline, VE against HPV‐16/18 related CIN 2+ was 82.70% (95% CI: 63.70‐93.00%). For the prevention of reinfections related to the infected HR‐HPV types following natural clearance, VE against HPV‐16/18 12MPI was non‐significant (p > .05), albeit robust immunity persisted for at least 48 months. Females with existing HR‐HPV infections at first vaccination still benefit from vaccination in preventing precancers related to the non‐infected types at baseline. VE against reinfections related to the infected types following natural clearance remains to be further investigated.
Quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos on back pain during pregnancy
Authors: Karataş Özlem , Karataş Selim
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Back pain during pregnancy is a common issue that impacts the quality of life for many women. YouTube has become an increasingly popular source of health information. Pregnant women often turn to YouTube for advice on managing back pain, but the quality of available videos is highly variable. This study aimed to assess the quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos related to back pain during pregnancy.

Methods

A YouTube search was conducted using the keyword “back pain in pregnancy”, and the first 100 resulting videos were included in the study. After a thorough review and exclusion of ineligible videos, the final sample consisted of 71 videos. Various parameters such as the number of views, likes, viewer interaction, video age, uploaded source (healthcare or nonhealthcare), and video length were evaluated for all videos.

Results

Regarding the source of the videos, 44 (61.9%) were created by healthcare professionals, while 27 (38%) were created by nonprofessionals. Videos created by healthcare professionals had significantly higher scores in terms of DISCERN score, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) score, and Global Quality Scale (GQS) (P < 0.001). Our findings indicate a statistically significant and strong positive correlation among the three scoring systems (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Videos created by healthcare professionals were generally of higher quality, but many videos were still rated as low‐moderate quality. The majority of videos focused on self‐care strategies, with fewer discussing other treatment options. Our findings highlight the need for improved quality and comprehensiveness of YouTube videos on back pain during pregnancy.
Methods for aggregating multi‐source heterogeneous data in the IoT based on digital twin technology
Authors: Li Min
Published: February 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) technology can currently enable devices and systems in various fields to achieve interconnectivity, intelligence, and automation, which is significant for improving daily life. It connects objects through the Internet, achieving information exchange and sharing, bringing many conveniences to humanity, and improving the efficiency and quality of various industries. However, precisely because everything is interconnected, most IoT systems have high data throughput, which leads to issues such as reduced operational efficiency of IoT systems. Therefore, this article used digital twin (DT) technology to aggregate multi‐source heterogeneous data of the IoT, overcoming the problems of diversity and differences in massive data, and thus accelerating the system's data processing. Moreover, in the end of this article, an experiment was conducted on the IoT system of a certain university. Taking the system running 10 times as an example, the packet loss rate of the experimental group using DT technology was only 3.48%, while the packet loss rate of the control group running alone was 4.36%. This indicates that DT technology has improved the performance of the IoT system. This study highlights the role of digital twin technology in solving the low operational efficiency, diverse data, and data differences in data aggregation of the Internet of Things. It plays a significant role in improving the operational efficiency of the Internet of Things and improving the performance of the Internet of Things system.
Impact of microfinance on income generation: Evidence from a rural community‐driven development programme in Myanmar
Authors: Chung Jongwoo , Kim Booyuel
Published: February 2024

This paper evaluates the impact of a rural community‐driven development programme in Myanmar, which promoted village‐level microfinance for income generation. Utilizing a three‐round household survey consisting of 100 treatment and 50 comparison villages with approximately 8500 households per round, we employ difference‐in‐differences and two‐stage least squares estimations. Our analysis shows three key findings. First, the programme significantly increased access to microfinance, primarily for production. Second, formal and informal finance were substituted in part with village‐level microfinance. As a result, treated households were less likely to borrow money from formal banks or informal lenders such as their relatives, friends or neighbours. Third, the village‐level microfinance nudged rural households to harvest, yield and sell their products more, which led to increase in seasonal income. Our study suggests that microfinance targeted for productive investment can significantly improve income of rural households in developing economies.
The effect of tessellation on stiffness in the hyoid arch of elasmobranchs
Authors: Wilga Cheryl , Dumont Elizabeth , Ferry Lara
Published: February 2024

Tessellated cartilage forms much of the skeleton of sharks and rays, in contrast to most other aquatic vertebrates who possess a skeleton of bone. Interestingly, many species of sharks and rays also regularly generate exceptionally high forces in the execution of day‐to‐day activities, such as when feeding on bony fish, mammals, and hard‐shelled invertebrates. Tessellated cartilage differs from other types of cartilage in that they are covered by an outer layer of small mineralized tiles (tesserae) that are connected by fibrous connective tissue. Tesserae, therefore, are hypothesized to play a role in stiffening the cartilaginous skeleton for food capture and other activities that require the generation of high forces. In this study, the hyomandibula and ceratohyal cartilages, which support the jaw and throat regions of sharks and rays, were tested under compressive load in a material testing system to determine the contribution of tesserae to stiffness. Previous hypotheses suggest an abrupt upward shift in the slope of the stress–strain curve in tessellated materials due to collision of tesserae. Young's Modulus (E) was calculated and used to evaluate cartilage stiffness in a range of elasmobranch species. Our results revealed that there was an abrupt shift in Young's Modulus for elements loaded in compression. We postulate that this shift, characterized by an inflection point in the stress–strain curve, is the result of the tesserae approaching one another and compressing the intervening fibrous tissue, supporting the hypothesis that tesserae function to stiffen these cartilages under compressive loading regimes. Using published data for nontessellated cartilage for comparison, we show that this shift is, as expected, unique to tessellated cartilage.
Parameteric optimization of SiGe S/D NT JLFET using analytical modeling to improve L‐BTBT induced GIDL
Authors: Thakur Anchal , Dhiman Rohit , Wadhwa Girish , Bhandari Sheetal
Published: February 2024

In the present work, we investigate the impact of structure dimensional parameters on the short channel effects which occurs especially below 20 nm regime particularly gate induced drain leakage (GIDL) current. Using technology computer aided design simulation (TCAD), we have examined the GIDL for SiGe as source/drain in NTJLFET. The structural dimensional parameters such as the nanotube thickness, core and outer gates thickness and gate electrode work function shows the significant impact on the band to band tunneling in lateral direction (L‐BTBT) which induced GIDL current. It is analyzed that increase in the nanotube thickness and physical oxide thickness increase the GIDL current, while increasing the gate electrode work function, core gate and outer gate thicknesses gives reduced GIDL current. The SiGe S/D NTJLFET produce a remarkable high ION/IOFF ratio ~ 1011. A compact model for GIDL current is also developed which shows the dependency of structure parameters on leakage current. The SiGe has been incorporated as source and drain in NTJLFET which creates the energy band discontinuity. Furthermore, SiGe S/D NTJLFET is fairly compared with the conventional NT JLFET and nanowire (NW) JLFET and shows an improved performance.
Comparison of iliopsoas tendonitis after hip resurfacing arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty: A case‐controlled investigation using a validated simulation
Authors: Hardwick‐Morris Max , Twiggs Joshua , Miles Brad , Al‐Dirini Rami M. A. , Taylor Mark , Balakumar Jitendra , Walter William L.
Published: February 2024

Iliopsoas tendonitis, typically caused by impingement with the acetabular cup, occurs in up to 18% of patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and up to 30% of patients after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). We have developed a simulation for detecting iliopsoas impingement and validated it in a previous study of THA patients. However, due to the difference in incidence between HRA and THA, this study had two aims. First, to validate the simulation in a cohort of HRA patients and, second, to comparethe results of the HRA and THA patients to understand any differences in their etiology. We conducted a retrospective search in an experienced surgeon's database for HRA patients with iliopsoas tendonitisand control patients without iliopsoas tendonitis, resulting in two cohorts of 12 patients. Using CT scans, 3D models of the each patient's prosthetic and bony anatomy were generated, landmarked, and simulated. Regarding validation of the simulation for HRA patients, impingement significantly predicted the probability of iliopsoas tendonitis in logistic regression models and the simulation had a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 100%, and an AUC ROC curve of 0.95. Unexpectedly, the HRA cohort exhibited less impingement than the THA cohort. Our novel simulation has now been demonstrated to detect iliopsoas impingement and differentiate between the symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts in investigations of THA and HRA patients. This tool has the potential to be used preoperatively, to guide decisions about optimal cup placement, and postoperatively, to assist in the diagnosis of iliopsoas tendonitis.
Self‐assembly and solution behavior of cationic surfactants in water‐trifluoroethanol environment: An experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Padsala Shailesh , Mayursing Girase , Ray Debes , Aswal Vinod Kumar , Kuperkar Ketan , Bahadur Pratap
Published: February 2024

The micellization behavior of conventional cationic surfactant: tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), and Gemini surfactant (GS): N,N′‐ditetradecyl‐N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl‐N,N′‐ethanediyl‐diammonium dibromide (14‐2‐14) in water and water‐trifluoroethanol (TFE) solvent mixture has been examined using tensiometric and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS) techniques. Critical micelle concentration (CMC), and various interfacial parameters such as surface tension at CMC (γCMC), surface pressure at CMC (πCMC), maximum surface excess concentration (Γmax), and minimum area occupied by the head group (Amin) were evaluated for our examined systems at 303.15 K. It was observed that with the increase in TFE concentration, the CMC of the tested cationic surfactants decreased, thereby favoring the micellization in the presence of the surface‐active TFE. Furthermore, the geometry and aggregation number (Nagg) of surfactant micelles were inferred using SANS that revealed the decrease in micelle size of cationic surfactants. Additionally, the computational simulation study provided an insight into the molecular interactions in the examined system that validated our experimental findings.
Cost Analysis of High‐Signal Approach in Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Residency
Authors: Erickson Taylor S. , Warren Brooke R. , Pletcher Steven D.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to analyze a high‐signal approach for otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery (OHNS) residency applicants and calculate cost savings for programs and applicants.

Methods

Data from both the 2022–2024 Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and a data model were used to demonstrate cost savings with a high‐signal approach. Modeled data assumed that the number of applications per applicant would be equal to the number of signals allowed. Predicted and real‐world cost savings across the five other specialties participating in a high‐signal approach were calculated.

Results

ERAS data cost savings for the entire OHNS applicant pool amounted to $365,950. In the modeled data, cost savings amounted to $825,921. When extrapolated to include all five high‐signal specialties, total cost savings amounted to $2,570,464 (ERAS data) and $6,359,478 (modeled data). Otolaryngology programs were predicted to experience significant time savings, resulting in cost savings of $437,883 and $1,113,342 for ERAS data and modeled data, respectively.

Conclusions

The study highlights the advantages of a high‐signal approach, including financial advantages or increased time for programs to engage in holistic review and diversify the pool of interview candidates. Cost savings in this study were shown to be significant when extrapolated across all specialties using a high‐signal approach. Further research is needed to optimize the signaling system and confirm the favorable interview distribution and equity data from the low‐signal OHNS experience with a high‐signal approach.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:2684–2688, 2024
Automated Detection of Pediatric Foreign Body Aspiration from Chest X‐rays Using Machine Learning
Authors: Truong Brandon , Zapala Matthew , Kammen Bamidele , Luu Kimberly
Published: February 2024

Objective/Hypothesis

Standard chest radiographs are a poor diagnostic tool for pediatric foreign body aspiration. Machine learning may improve upon the diagnostic capabilities of chest radiographs. The objective is to develop a machine learning algorithm that improves the diagnostic capabilities of chest radiographs in pediatric foreign body aspiration.

Method

This retrospective, diagnostic study included a retrospective chart review of patients with a potential diagnosis of FBA from 2010 to 2020. Frontal view chest radiographs were extracted, processed, and uploaded to Google AutoML Vision. The developed algorithm was then evaluated against a pediatric radiologist.

Results

The study selected 566 patients who were presented with a suspected diagnosis of foreign body aspiration. One thousand six hundred and eighty eight chest radiograph images were collected. The sensitivity and specificity of the radiologist interpretation were 50.6% (43.1–58.0) and 88.7% (85.3–91.5), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm were 66.7% (43.0–85.4) and 95.3% (90.6–98.1), respectively. The precision and recall of the algorithm were both 91.8% with an AuPRC of 98.3%.

Conclusion

Chest radiograph analysis augmented with machine learning can diagnose foreign body aspiration in pediatric patients at a level similar to a read performed by a pediatric radiologist despite only using single‐view, fixed images. Overall, this study highlights the potential and capabilities of machine learning in diagnosing conditions with a wide range of clinical presentations.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3807–3814, 2024
Cascaded Second Harmonic Generation for Deep‐UV Radiations with a 2D Nonlinear Photonic Quartz Crystal
Authors: Zhang Zhongmian , Shao Mingchuan , Liang Fei , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Wu Yicheng
Published: February 2024

Harmonic generation can broaden the laser wavelength in a great scope and is rich in physics, but the efficient cascaded second harmonic generation especially those directly deep into deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) with one single crystal seems to be impossible, due to the extremely strict phase‐matching conditions and relative narrow bandgap of present nonlinear optical crystals. Here, this work designs a nonlinear photonic quartz crystal where the phase difference of interacted light waves is manipulated in two dimensions and realizes an unprecedented cascaded phase‐matched 2nd–5th harmonic generation simultaneously with the photon energy up to 6 eV, representing the shortest wavelength by cascaded second harmonic generation in the solid‐state nonlinear medium. The generated light is located in the visible‐DUV region with a total conversion efficiency of 2.7%. The present nonlinear photonic quartz scheme not only provides a multi‐wavelength solid‐state laser source applied in modern devices but also develops a new route for studying the light‐matter nonlinear interaction in the DUV region.
Sub‐Nominal Resolution Fourier Transform Spectrometry with Chip‐Based Combs
Authors: Sterczewski Lukasz A. , Bagheri Mahmood
Published: February 2024

Chip‐based optical frequency combs address the demand for compact, bright, coherent light sources of equidistant phase‐locked lines. Traditionally, the Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTS) technique is considered a suboptimal choice for resolving comb lines in chip‐based sensing applications due to the requirement of long optical delays, and spectral distortion from the instrumental line shape. Here, a sub‐nominal resolution FTS technique is developed that extracts the comb's offset frequency in any spectral region directly from the measured interferogram without resorting to nonlinear ‐to‐ interferometry. This in turn enables 10's of MHz resolution spectrometry with millimeter optical retardations currently limited by the emission linewidth and phase noise of the used lasers. Low‐pressure Doppler‐broadened absorption lines probed by widely‐tunable chip‐scale mid‐infrared optical frequen with electrical pumping are fully resolved over a span of tens of nanometers. This versatile technique paves the way for compact, electrostatically‐actuated, or even all‐on‐chip high‐fidelity FTS, and can be readily applied to boost the resolution of existing commercial instruments with compact interferometers several hundred times.
Study on corrosion performance and corrosion product composition of weathering steel and high‐performance steel in simulated C3 environment
Authors: Xie Shengju , Li Huaiguang , Zhang Yu , Zheng Kaifeng , Hu Bo
Published: February 2024

Weathering steel (WS) and high‐performance steel (HPS) have been widely used in bridge engineering. Investigating the corrosion performances of WS and HPS is of great significance to the safety evaluation and maintenance of uncoated WS or HPS bridges, especially aging bridges. This study focused on the correlation between the corrosion performance and composition of the rust layer. Accelerated corrosion tests were conducted on Q345CNH and HPS 70 W to observe their corrosion performance under salt‐spray corrosive environment. Based on the results of corrosion test and the existing corrosion attack evaluation theories, the empirical formulae of uniform corrosion and pitting corrosion were derived. X‐ray diffraction experiments were performed to analyze the composition of the rust layer formed on the surface of steel specimens after various corrosion cycles. The relationship between the composition of the rust layer and the corrosion performance was established. The test corrosive environment was verified to be consistent with the C3 environment. The conclusions of this study could provide guidance for the corrosion evaluation in the following test or practical application.
Clickable Polymerization‐Induced Emission Luminogens Toward Color‐Tunable Modification of Non‐Traditional Intrinsic Luminescent Polymers
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Li , Xue Hong , Gu Xi‐Yao , Li De‐Shan , Xiao Hang , Wan Wen‐Ming
Published: February 2024

Non‐traditional intrinsic luminescent (NTIL) polymer is an emerging field, and its color‐tunable modification is highly desirable but still rarely investigated. Here, a click chemistry approach for the color‐tunable modifications of NTIL polymers by introducing clickable polymerization‐induced emission luminogen (PIEgen), is demonstrated. Through Cu‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition click chemistry, a series of PIEgens is successful prepared, which is further polymerized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Interestingly, after clickable modification, these monomers are nonemissive in both solution and aggregation states; while, the corresponding polymers exhibit intriguing aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics, confirming their PIEgen characteristics. By varying alkynyl substitutions, color‐tunable NTIL polymers are achieved with emission wavelength varying from 448 to 498 nm, revealing a series of PIEgens and verifying the importance of modification of NTIL polymers. Further luminescence energy transfer application is carried out as well. This work therefore designs a series of clickable PIEgens and opens a new avenue for the modification of NTIL polymers via click chemistry, which may cause inspirations to the research fields including luminescent polymer, NTIL, click chemistry, AIE and modification.
Do college anti‐plagiarism/cheating policies have teeth in the age of AI? Exploratory evidence from the Internet
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Nelson Michael A.
Published: February 2024

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has challenged academic institutions to ensure ethical practices and reward/promote merit. Adding formal insights into the importance of maintaining academic integrity, this paper examines the association of anti‐plagiarism/anti‐cheating policies with resources that facilitate such behavior. Using unique internet search indices of policies and resources, we find that the two are positively associated. This association is robust when internet policies are restricted to news searches, and include course syllabi. The findings reinforce the view that policies to check plagiarism/cheating likely lack teeth and maybe a step behind the resources that facilitate unethical behavior.
Fluorescent imaging probes for in vivo ovarian cancer targeted detection and surgery
Authors: Solidoro Roberta , Centonze Antonella , Miciaccia Morena , Baldelli Olga Maria , Armenise Domenico , Ferorelli Savina , Perrone Maria Grazia , Scilimati Antonio
Published: February 2024

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological cancer, with a survival rate of approximately 40% at five years from the diagno. The first‐line treatment consists of cytoreductive surgery combined with chemotherapy (platinum‐ and taxane‐based drugs). To date, the main prognostic factor is related to the complete surgical resection of tumor lesions, including occult micrometastases. The presence of minimal residual diseases not detected by visual inspection and palpation during surgery significantly increases the risk of disease relapse. Intraoperative fluorescence imaging systems have the potential to improve surgical outcomes. Fluorescent tracers administered to the patient may support surgeons for better real‐time visualization of tumor lesions during cytoreductive procedures. In the last decade, consistent with the discovery of an increasing number of ovarian cancer‐specific targets, a wide range of fluorescent agents were identified to be employed for intraoperatively detecting ovarian cancer. Here, we present a collection of fluorescent probes designed and developed for fluorescence‐guided ovarian cancer surgery. Original articles published between 2011 and November 2022 focusing on fluorescent probes, currently under preclinical and clinical investigation, were searched in PubMed. The keywords used were targeted detection, ovarian cancer, fluorescent probe, near‐infrared fluorescence, fluorescence‐guided surgery, and intraoperative imaging. All identified papers were English‐language full‐text papers, and probes were classified based on the location of the biological target: intracellular, membrane, and extracellular.
Hope, but never expect? Comparing parents' pre‐ and post‐disclosure attitudes toward return of results from diagnostic exome sequencing for their child
Authors: Cornelis Candice , Tibben Aad , Brilstra Eva , Bolt Ineke , van Summeren Marieke , Knoers Nine , Bredenoord Annelien L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Counseling for whole‐exome sequencing (WES) could benefit from aligning parents' pre‐ and post‐disclosure attitudes. A few studies have qualitatively compared parents' pre‐ and post‐disclosure attitudes toward receiving WES results for their child in a diagnostic setting. This study explored these attitudes in the context of children with a developmental delay.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with parents (n = 27) of 16 children undergoing diagnostic WES in trio‐analysis, both before and after receiving results.

Results

Three key insights emerged. First, the distinction between hoping and expecting was relevant for shaping parents' experiences with receiving results related to the primary indication. Second, parents of young children whose development of autonomous capacities was uncertain sometimes found themselves in a situation resembling a Catch‐22 when confronted with decisions about unsolicited findings (UFs): an important reason for consenting to WES was to gain a better picture of how the child might develop, but in order to make responsible choices about UFs, some ideas of their child's development is needed. Third, default opt‐ins and opt‐outs helped parents fathom new kinds of considerations for accepting or declining UFs in different categories, thereby aiding decision‐making.

Conclusion

Results from this study are relevant for counseling and policy development.
Design of a broadband high‐efficiency extended resistive continuous Class‐B/J power amplifier with novel drain voltage waveforms
Authors: He Xin , Dong Jin Sheng , Yang Yong Mu , Xu Xin , Lin Xian Qi
Published: February 2024

This article presents an extended resistive continuous broadband Class‐B/J (ERCB/J) power amplifier (PA) that incorporates two newly designed parameters in the drain voltage waveform. The incorporation of these newly designed parameters enables the PA to achieve a lower degradation rate of efficiency and output power over a wide bandwidth. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a PA was designed, fabricated, and measured. The PA adopting commercially available GaN high electron mobility transistor technology operates from 1.0 to 3.0 GHz, exhibiting a fractional bandwidth of 100%. Across this frequency range, the PA delivers more than 39.6 dBm of saturated output power and more than 62% of drain efficiency. The measured results show good agreement with theoretical analysis and simulation, confirming the validity of the proposed method.
Research on electromagnetic scattering characteristics of dipole clusters
Authors: Yang Haohui , Fu Yang , Yang Helin , Ding Fan , Chen Shiju
Published: February 2024

This paper equates chaff clouds to dipole clusters and studies the electromagnetic scattering problem of dipole clusters based on the linear method of moment (LMM) that solve the electric field Integral equation with the pulse basis function. Firstly, the radar cross section (RCS) of three dipole elements is calculated. The dipole element is divided into 11 segment line units using pulse basis functions. The actual chaff clouds are modeled as two nearest dipole cluster models, which are cubic dipole cluster with uniform distribution formed and spherical dipole cluster with Gaussian distribution formed. The total RCS and total E‐Field magnitude of two dipole cluster models were calculated. Finally, two physical models are constructed based on the simulation models and an experiment is designed. The electromagnetic scattering characteristics of the two models are measured, which verifies the accuracy of the simulation results and the operability of the experiment.
A travel though the atrane route, a versatile tool for the materials soft‐synthesis: A twenty‐five years perspective
Authors: Garrido María Dolores , Benítez Miriam , Ros‐Lis Jose V. , Amorós Pedro
Published: February 2024

The use of triethanolamine in the preparation of materials has been a fertile area of research during the last decades. It is used in sol‐gel synthesis because of its ability to regulate pH, act as a structure‐directing agent, and form atrane complexes with a wide variety of elements. The atranes harmonize the hydrolysis and condensation processes of inorganic species with their interaction with surfactant molecules or micelles for the obtention of homogeneous materials. This review describes the basic principles of the formation of atrane complexes and their use in material synthesis, followed by a compilation of the main examples found in the bibliography. These materials include pure and doped silicas by using micelles as porogen species (MCM‐41, SBA‐15, UVM‐7, etc.), or without using template agents (TUD‐1, UVM‐11, etc.), non‐silica oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, etc.), mesoporous phosphates and phosphonates, zeotypes (zeolites, aluminophosphates or silicoaluminophosphates, and layered double hydroxides. The atrane route shows a versatile approach for the preparation of these materials with up to three elements simultaneously. The focus of the review centers on the synthesis of the materials and the discussion of their main applications. These examples enrich with a discussion about the future perspective of the topic.
Using clinical simulation to assess a new paediatric ESCALATION system education package: Empirical research mixed methods
Authors: Cooper Alannah , Iten Rebecca , Leslie Gavin D. , Barrett David , Lane Marguerite , Mould Jonathon , Hamsanathan Prasanthy , Stokes Scott , Falconer Pania , Wood Margaret , Cheesman Samantha , Gill Fenella J.
Published: February 2024

Aim

The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of an online education package to prepare health professionals to use a new paediatric early warning system.

Design

Quasi‐experimental mixed methods using co‐production.

Methods

Participants completed the Package and participated in up to four clinical scenarios. Data were collected using self‐report surveys, and during clinical scenarios; escalation of care, documentation, family involvement, communication handovers were assessed, and recorded debriefings were thematically analysed. Data were integrated using tabulated joint displays.

Results

Eleven nurses and three doctors were recruited from three mixed adult and paediatric hospitals. Following completion of the Package and clinical scenarios 13/14 (93%) participants agreed preparedness and confidence to use the ESCALATION System had increased. For 53% handovers, the communication framework was followed, for 79% charts, documentation was complete. Participants engaged with the parent (actor) for 97% scenario interactions. The Package was effective and participation in clinical scenarios appeared to enhance learning.

Patient or public contribution

Consumers participated in the steering group overseeing the study and in the expert panel who reviewed the education package and clinical scenarios.
On strong convergence of a fully discrete scheme for solving stochastic strongly damped wave equations
Authors: Xu Chengqiang , Wang Yibo , Cao Wanrong
Published: February 2024

This article develops an efficient fully discrete scheme for a stochastic strongly damped wave equation (SSDWE) driven by an additive noise and presents its error estimates in the strong sense. We use the truncated spectral expansion of the noise to get an approximate equation and prove its regularity. Then we establish a spatio‐temporal discretization of the approximate equation by a finite element method in space and an exponential trapezoidal scheme in time. We prove that the combination can derive higher strong convergence order in time than the use of the piecewise approximation of the noise and the exponential Euler scheme or the implicit Euler scheme in time. Particularly, the temporal strong convergence order of the fully discrete scheme reaches for the one‐dimensional space‐time white noise, which overcomes the order barrier one. Moreover, we allow the covariance operator of the noise to be noncommutative with the Dirichlet Laplacian, which weakens the common assumptions on the noise in the literature. Finally, some numerical experiments in different spatial dimensions are presented to support our theoretical findings. By means of the piecewise spectral approximation of the noise, a piecewise version of the fully discrete scheme is constructed to fulfill a long‐time simulation.
How do we study resilience? A systematic review
Authors: le Polain de Waroux Yann , Carignan Marie‐Claude , del Giorgio Olivia , Díaz Leandro , Enrico Lucas , Jaureguiberry Pedro , Lipoma María Lucrecia , Mazzini Flavia , Díaz Sandra
Published: February 2024

The concept of resilience has gained immense popularity as a way to frame social and environmental challenges. However, its empirical operationalization and the integration of social and ecological dimensions continue to present difficulties.

In this paper, we conduct a systematic review of existing empirical studies of resilience in social, ecological and social‐ecological systems (SESs) and examine how and to what extent these studies have achieved the operationalization of the concept of resilience.

We evaluate the operationalization of resilience in 463 papers based on whether they define the system of interest and disturbances, whether they define resilience, whether they evaluate resilience, and for papers focusing on SESs, whether that evaluation integrates social and ecological dimensions.

We find that 51% of empirical studies do not meet at least one of these operationalization criteria, and that even those that do often lack key features for effective operationalization, such as clear system boundaries and baseline state or an effective integration of social and ecological dimensions. Of the papers examining SESs and evaluating resilience, only 54% integrate social and ecological dimensions in that evaluation.

Building on these findings, we propose some design guidelines for operationalizing future empirical studies of resilience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Optimization of AWJ parameters for improved material removal and hole geometry in drilling of Glass Fiber/Aluminum mesh epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Seif Amr , Fathy A. , El Aal Mohamed Ibrahim Abd , Megahed A. A.
Published: February 2024

This study explores the application of abrasive waterjet drilling (AWJD) for varied patterns of GF/Al mesh hybrid composites (neat glass NG, AG: Al in the exterior surface, and GA: Al in the center). Key parameters such as jet pressure (P), standoff distance (S), and traverse speed (V) are systematically varied, influencing material removal rate (MRR), hole taper ratio (), and roundness error (). Employing a Taguchi approach with an L9 design. It was indicated that the optimal conditions for maximum MRR are (P: 150 MPa, S: 2 mm, and V: 900 mm/min). V and S are the main influential parameters on and . Gray relational analysis (GRA) is employed for simultaneous optimization, enhancing drilling performance. The optimal parameters P of 150 MPa, S of 2 mm, and V of 300 mm/min are determined. Validation trials confirm the effectiveness of the determined parameters. A robust multiple regression equation is formulated, providing a predictive model that aligns closely with experimental observations.

Highlights

The hybrid composites were drilled via a nontraditional process.

The attributes of the hole geometry and the material removal impacts were studied.

Operation parameters were optimized to improve MRR, , and .

A multiple regression model and a confirmation test were performed and validated.
Wear performance of short fiber added polyamide composites produced by additive manufacturing: Combined impacts of secondary heat treatment, reinforcement type, and test force
Authors: Bolat Çağın , Ergene Berkay
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the number of studies focusing on the additive manufacturing has increased seriously to elucidate the critical points such as physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Contrary to common trends and for the first time in the literature, this experimental endeavor aims to comprehend the combined impact of reinforcement type and heat treatment on the wear features of additively manufactured polyamide 6 (PA6) composites. As reinforcement materials, glass, and carbon fibers were utilized and all samples were created through the fused filament fabrication. Half of the samples were subjected to annealing treatment after the main production, and characterization works were performed using a fused emission scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanic analysis. From the outcomes, it is seen that heat treatment has a positive effect on the hardness, and wear resistance of the composites. Besides, glass fiber‐reinforced samples display lower friction coefficient and lower volume loss results than other samples. For all samples, secondary annealing causes a positive impact on wear endurance in most cases. On the other side, the wear mechanism of the tested samples changes with the test force level and reinforcement type. At lower test forces, abrasive wear‐induced debris parts are detected on the deformed surfaces of PA6 and carbon‐added samples, but this case is opposite for the highest force of 40 N.

Highlights

Additive manufacturing was underlined as a promising way to create polymer composites with high dimensional accuracy.

The combined effect of secondary annealing and reinforcement type on the wear resistance of 3D‐printed PA6 composites was examined for the first time in the literature.

Carbon and glass fibers were compared to explore their effect on friction coefficient and wear behavior of polymer composite samples produced via FFF technology.

Hardness and surface roughness measurements were used to comprehend the dry sliding wear results.

Depending on the increasing test force levels and reinforcement type, deformation, and abrasion mechanisms were analyzed.
High performance fluoroelastomer composites filled with graphite and/or bismuth oxide for applications in gamma‐ray shielding
Authors: Magnere Santiago Maldonado , Toledo Ernesto Aguila , Yazdani‐Pedram Mehrdad , Fuentealba Pablo , Contreras‐Soto Angelo , Bascuñan‐Heredia Allan , Alvarez‐Cortes Gabriela , Zagal Alejandro , Molina Francisco , Hernández‐Santana Marianella , Aguilar‐Bolados Héctor
Published: February 2024

Fluoroelastomer‐based composites with nano‐sized bismuth oxide (B) and/or graphite (G) as fillers were prepared and characterized using FKM type 1 fluoroelastomer as a matrix. The effects of these fillers used singly or in combination on the crosslinking process, mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, electrical, optical, and high‐energy radiation attenuation properties of FKM were investigated. The results showed that graphite significantly increased the moduli E50 (MPa) of FKM/G and FKM/GB composites by 1026% and 1459%, respectively, compared to FKM. On the other hand, bismuth(III) oxide did not affect the stiffness or elongation at break of FKM significantly. Graphite also imparted electrical conductivity to FKM (10−6 Scm−1), which was reduced by bismuth oxide to 10−12 Scm−1. Furthermore, the linear attenuation coefficients (μ), half‐value layer (HVL), and tenth‐value layer (THV) of pure FKM and FKM composites were evaluated using a 137Cs (662 keV) source, revealing that FKM/B and FKM/GB composites show 47.4% and 35.8% higher μ values, respectively, than FKM. Taking into consideration that the attenuation coefficient of FKM is 10 times higher than conventional elastomers such as natural rubber, these results indicate that thin flexible shielding against high electromagnetic radiation can be achieved to protect different sensitive equipment such as electronic devices used in nuclear power plants, gamma radiation facilities, telescopes, and artificial satellites.

Highlights

A fluoroelastomer‐based composite containing 40 phr of bismuth(III) oxide nanopowder presents a gamma attenuation coefficient 47.4% higher than that of the polymer matrix.

A fluoroelastomer‐based composite containing bismuth(III) presents a band gap of 2.40 eV.

Bismuth(III) oxide nanopowder hinders the electrical conductivity imparted by a conducting filler contained in the fluoroelastomer‐based composite.

Fluoroelastomer‐based composites containing graphite or bismuth(III) oxide present enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.