bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the improvement mechanism of plasma etching treatment on oxygen reduction reaction catalysts
Authors: Rao Peng , Yu Yanhui , Wang Shaolei , Zhou Yu , Wu Xiao , Li Ke , Qi Anyuan , Deng Peilin , Cheng Yonggang , Li Jing , Miao Zhengpei , Tian Xinlong
Published: November 2023

Plasma etching treatment is an effective strategy to improve the electrocatalytic activity, but the improvement mechanism is still unclear. In this work, a nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotube‐encased iron nanoparticles (Fe@NCNT) catalyst is synthesized as the model catalyst, followed by plasma etching treatment with different parameters. The electrocatalytic activity improvement mechanism of the plasma etching treatment is revealed by combining the physicochemical characterizations and electrochemical results. As a result, highly active metal–nitrogen species introduced by nitrogen plasma etching treatment are recognized as the main contribution to the improved electrocatalytic activity, and the defects induced by plasma etching treatment also contribute to the improvement of the electrocatalytic activity. In addition, the prepared catalyst also demonstrates superior ORR activity and stability than the commercial Pt/C catalyst.
An immersed boundary method‐discrete unified gas kinetic scheme simulation of particle‐laden turbulent channel flow on a nonuniform orthogonal mesh
Authors: Karzhaubayev Kairzhan , Wang Lian‐Ping , Peng Cheng , Zhakebayev Dauren
Published: November 2023

Particle‐resolved simulations of turbulent particle‐laden flows provide a powerful research tool to explore detailed flow physics at all scales. However, efficient particle‐resolved simulations for wall‐bounded turbulent particle‐laden flows remain a challenging task. In this article, we develop a simulation approach for a turbulent channel flow laden with finite‐size particles on a nonuniform mesh by combining the discrete unified gas kinetic scheme (DUGKS) and the immersed boundary method (IBM). The standard discrete delta function was modified according to reproducible kernel particle method to take into account mesh non‐uniformity and correctly conserve force moments. Simulation results based on uniform and nonuniform meshes are compared to validate and examine the accuracy of the nonuniform mesh DUGKS‐IBM. Finally, the computational performance of the nonuniform mesh DUGKS‐IBM is discussed.
Business applications and state‐level stock market realized volatility: A forecasting experiment
Authors: Bonato Matteo , Cepni Oguzhan , Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: November 2023

We analyze the predictive value of (the surprise component of) state‐level business applications, as a proxy of local investor sentiment, for the state‐level realized US stock‐market volatility. We use high‐frequency data for the period from September 2011 to October 2021 to compute realized volatility. Using an extended version of the popular heterogeneous autoregressive realized volatility model and accounting for the possibility that users of forecasts have an asymmetric loss function, we show that business applications tend to have predictive value for realized state‐level stock‐market volatility, as well as for upside (“good”) and downside (“bad”) realized volatility, for users of forecasts who suffer a larger loss from an underprediction of realized volatility than from an overprediction of the same (absolute) seize, after controlling for realized moments (realized skewness, realized kurtosis, realized jumps, and realized tail risks). We also highlight that the COVID‐19 period is a major driver of our empirical results.
Alterations in the gut microbiota of toddlers with cow milk protein allergy treated with a partially hydrolyzed formula containing synbiotics: A nonrandomized controlled interventional study
Authors: Qian Mengyao , Liu Wei , Feng Xueying , Yang Zhaochuan , Liu Xiaomei , Ma Liang , Shan Yanchun , Ran Ni , Yi Mingji , Wei Changlong , Lu Chenyang , Wang Yanxia
Published: November 2023

Formulas containing intact cow milk protein are appropriate alternatives when human milk (HM) is not feasible. However, for babies with a physician‐diagnosed cow milk protein allergy (CMPA), hydrolyzed formulas are needed. We conducted a 3‐month, open‐label, nonrandomized concurrent controlled trial (ChiCTR2100046909) between June 2021 and October 2022 in Qingdao City, China. In this study, CMPA toddlers were fed with a partially hydrolyzed formula containing synbiotics (pHF, n = 43) and compared with healthy toddlers fed a regular intact protein formula (IF, n = 45) or HM (n = 21). The primary endpoint was weight gain; the secondary endpoints were changes in body length and head circumference of both CMPA and healthy toddlers after 3‐month feeding; and the exploratory outcomes were changes in gut microbiota composition. After 3 months, there were no significant group differences for length‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, or head circumference‐for‐age Z scores. In the gut microbiota, pHF feeding increased its richness and diversity, similar to those of IF‐fed and HM‐fed healthy toddlers. Compared with healthy toddlers, the toddlers with CMPA showed an increased abundance of phylum Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, class Clostridia, and Bacteroidia, and a decreased abundance of class Negativicutes, while pHF feeding partly eliminated these original differences. Moreover, pHF feeding increased the abundance of short‐chain fatty acid producers. Our data suggested that this pHF partly simulated the beneficial effects of HM and shifted the gut microbiota of toddlers with CMPA toward that of healthy individuals. In conclusion, this synbiotic‐containing pHF might be an appropriate alternative for toddlers with CMPA.
Dependence
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: November 2023

The Hastings Center Report's September‐October 2023 issue is about relying on others—on loved ones, clinicians, scientists, and institutions. The lead article explores how loving relationships support and reshape the agency of people who have dementia. Authors Eran Klein and Sara Goering argue that the understanding of agency as a shared, relational capacity has implications for the development of treatments for dementia, the role of caregivers, and the structuring of patients’ environments. In the second article, Anthony Wrigley and colleagues examine whether providers of assisted reproductive technologies market “add‐on” interventions by inappropriately exploiting their patients’ profound hope for a baby. Published with this issue of HCR is a special report, guest edited by health policy scholar Lauren A. Taylor and colleagues, on the need to rebuild public trust in science and health care.
Hope and Exploitation in Commercial Provision of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Wrigley Anthony , Watts Gabriel , Lipworth Wendy , Newson Ainsley J.
Published: November 2023

Innovation is a key driver of care provision in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). ART providers offer a range of add‐on interventions, aiming to augment standard in vitro fertilization protocols and improve the chances of a live birth. Particularly in the context of commercial provision, an ever‐increasing array of add‐ons are marketed to ART patients, even when evidence to support them is equivocal. A defining feature of ART is hope—hope that a cycle will lead to a baby or that another test or intervention will make a difference. Yet such hope also leaves ART patients vulnerable in a variety of ways. This article argues that previous attempts to safeguard ART patients have neglected how the use of add‐ons in commercial ART can exploit patients’ hopes. Commercial providers of ART should provide add‐ons only free of charge, under a suitable research protocol.
The Sociotechnical Construction of Distrust during the Covid‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Fleischmann Kenneth R.
Published: November 2023

What were the impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on trust in public health information, and what can be done to rebuild trust in public health authorities? This essay synthesizes insights from science and technology studies, information studies, and bioethics to explore sociotechnical factors that may have contributed to the breakdown of trust in public health information during the Covid‐19 pandemic. The field of science and technology studies lays out the dynamic nature of facts, helping to explain rapid shifts in public health messaging during Covid‐19 and reasons they produced a lack of trust in public health authorities. The information field looks at how facts are sociotechnically constructed through systems of classification, illustrating how extrascientific factors influence public health authorities. Putting these perspectives alongside bioethics principles raises additional factors to consider. The goal of this essay is to learn from past failures to point toward a brighter future where trust in public health authorities can be rebuilt, not on faith, but rather through striving for calibrated trust within which, through a virtuous circle, trust is validated.
Demonstrating Trustworthiness to Patients in Data‐Driven Health Care
Authors: Nong Paige
Published: November 2023

Patient data is used to drive an ecosystem of advanced digital tools in health care, like predictive models or artificial intelligence‐based decision support. Patients themselves, however, receive little information about these technologies or how they affect their care. This raises important questions about patient trust and continued engagement in a health care system that extracts their data but does not treat them as key stakeholders. This essay explores these tensions and provides steps forward for health systems as they design advanced health information‐technology (IT) policies and practices. It centers patients, their concerns, and the ways they perceive trustworthiness to reframe advanced health IT in service of patient interests.
Physician Perspectives on Building Trust with Patients
Authors: Greene Jessica , Wolfson Daniel
Published: November 2023

Prior research has documented how important it is to patients to be able to trust their physicians. In this essay, we introduce physician perspectives on the importance of earning patients’ trust. We conducted twelve semistructured interviews in late 2022, eleven with physicians and one with a patient‐experience expert. Physicians described earning patients’ trust as crucial for working effectively with patients, with several saying that it was as important as having medical knowledge. Physicians also expressed that feeling a patient trusting them is professionally rewarding and fulfilling. To build trust with patients, physicians reported, they make the medical interaction all about the patient, express their belief in their patients, share their personal experiences, and use other strategies identified in previous literature: communicating effectively, being compassionate, and demonstrating competence. Physicians also reported experiencing challenges in building trust with patients, most often because of patients’ lack of trust in other levels of the health care system and because of having inadequate time to spend with patients. Additionally, Black and Brown physicians described how patients’ bias often blocks trust.
Risk factors associated with prognosis of patients with medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Authors: Tadokoro Yoshiaki , Hasegawa Takumi , Takeda Daisuke , Murakami Aki , Yatagai Nanae , Arimoro Satomi , Iwata Eiji , Saito Izumi , Kusumoto Junya , Akashi Masaya
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe adverse effect of antiresorptive and/or antiangiogenic agents. As the treatment application for MRONJ is controversial, we aimed to identify the risk factors for poor prognosis and to help determine appropriate management.

Methods

This study included 119 patients. Relevant clinical data were obtained for all the patients. In computed tomography images, osteosclerosis, osteolysis, cortical perforation (buccal or lingual), periosteal reaction, and sequestration were evaluated.

Results

Multivariate analyses showed statistically significant associations between poor prognosis in patients with MRONJ and conservative treatment alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89), osteolysis (HR 4.67), and the absence of sequestration (HR 5.33).

Conclusions

Conservative treatment alone without clear objectives needs to be avoided, and osteolytic change could be the criteria for surgical intervention. As the boundary between the lesion and vital bone is indistinct, we recommend extensive surgery in cases with unpredictable sequestration.
STEM Structural Investigation of RE‐Au‐Si 1/1 Approximants
Authors: Bajoun Mbajoun Wilfried , Sršan Vinko , Huang Yu‐Chin. , Gebresenbut Girma Hailu , Pay Gómez Cesar , Migot‐Choux Sylvie , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Šturm Sašo , Fournée Vincent , Ledieu Julian
Published: November 2023

RE‐Au‐Si (RE=Ho, Tb) systems are 1/1 Tsai‐type quasicrystalline approximants with a cluster center decoration that can vary from a disordered tetrahedron to a rare‐earth atom. The local atomic structure of three different samples was observed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and interpreted in the light of high‐angle annular dark field simulated scanning transmission electron microscopy images. It is found that the combination of these two methods allows to identify differences in the chemical decoration of the cluster centers through quantitative analysis of line profiles.
Banks, financial markets, and income inequality
Authors: Makhlouf Yousef , Kellard Neil M. , Vinogradov Dmitri V.
Published: November 2023

While financial development is often found to raise income inequality, it remains unclear whether the composition of the financial system makes a difference. In our sample of 99 countries over the period 1975–2020, increased activity of banks relative to markets in the provision of financial services is robustly associated with less inequality in the developing world yet with more inequality in developed economies. Accounting for redistribution systems does not alter this finding; banking sector concentration amplifies the effects. Results suggest that banks work at the extensive margin at earlier stages of economic development yet shift to the intensive margin at higher levels of development, where they increasingly serve the interests of the rich. Higher market power enables banks to better pursue their objectives at each of the margins.
Advances in advanced solution‐synthesis‐based structural materials for tactile sensors and their intelligent applications
Authors: Niu Hongsen , Li Ning , Kim Eun‐Seoung , Shin Young Kee , Kim Nam‐Young , Shen Guozhen , Li Yang
Published: November 2023

Intelligent applications, with tactile sensors at their core, represent significant advancement in the field of artificial intelligence. However, achieving perception abilities in tactile sensors that match or exceed human skin remains a formidable challenge. Consequently, the design and implementation of hierarchical structural materials are considered the optimal solution to this challenge. In contrast to conventional methods, such as complicated lithography and three‐dimensional printing, the cost‐effective and scalable nature of advanced solution‐synthesis methods makes them ideal for preparing diverse tactile sensors with hierarchical structural materials. However, the process and applicability of advanced solution synthesis methods have yet to form a seamless system. Accordingly, the development and intellectualization of tactile sensors based on advanced solution synthesis methods are still in their early stages, and require a comprehensive and systematic review to usher in progress. This study delves into the advantages and disadvantages of various advanced solution synthesis methods, providing detailed insights. Furthermore, the positive effects of hierarchical structural materials constructed using these methods in tactile sensors and their intelligent applications are also discussed in depth. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities faced by this emerging field are summarized.

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Enhancement of adeno‐associated virus serotype 6 transduction into T cells with cell‐penetrating peptides
Authors: Moço Pablo D. , Dash Shantoshini , Kamen Amine A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Adeno‐associated viruses (AAVs) are gaining interest in the development of cellular immunotherapy. Compared to other viral vectors, AAVs can reduce the risk of insertional oncogenesis. AAV serotype 6 (AAV6) shows the highest efficiency for transducing T cells. Nevertheless, a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of up to one million viral genomes per cell is required to transduce the target cells effectively. Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) are short, positively charged peptides that easily translocate the plasma membranes and can facilitate the cellular uptake of a wide variety of cargoes, including small molecules, nucleic acids, drugs, proteins and viral vectors.

Methods

The present study evaluated five CPPs (Antp, TAT‐HA2, LAH4, TAT1 and TAT2) on their effects on enhancing transduction of AAV6 packaging a green fluorescent protein transgene into Jurkat T cell line.

Results

Vector incubation with peptides TAT‐HA2 and LAH4 at a final concentration of 0.2 mm resulted in an approximately two‐fold increase in transduced cells. At the lowest MOI tested (1.25 × 104), using LAH4 resulted in a 10‐fold increase in transduction efficiency. The peptide LAH4 increased the uptake of AAV6 viral particles in both Jurkat cells and mouse primary T cells. Regardless of the large size of the AAV6‐LAH4 complexes, their internalization does not appear to depend on macropinocytosis.

Conclusions

Overall, the present study reports an approach to significantly improve the delivery of transgenes into T cells using AAV6 vectors. Notably, the peptides TAT‐HA2 and LAH4 contribute to improving the use of AAV6 as a gene delivery vector for the engineering of T cells.
Retrogradation‐induced physicochemical changes in pre‐cooked rice noodles stored at different temperatures: a viewpoint from water dynamics and structure
Authors: Jeong Sungmin , Lee Suyong
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

There has been significant interest in pre‐cooked noodles that have a long shelf life and are convenient to cook. However, the thermal processes during preparation, and their high moisture content, can lead to significant quality deterioration during storage. Nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of these quality losses has not yet been conducted.

RESULTS

The effects of different storage temperatures (25, 4, and −20 °C) on the retrogradation‐related physicochemical changes in pre‐cooked rice noodles were elucidated mainly from the water dynamics and structural viewpoints. Thermal analysis demonstrated that amylopectin recrystallization took place in the noodles stored at refrigerated temperature, followed by room temperature. The refrigerated storage accelerated the starch retrogradation that caused the water molecules to become entrapped within the crystalline structure by lowering the water hydration properties and weighted T2 relaxation times of the pre‐cooked noodles. These water mobility patterns were correlated with the textural changes in the noodles (greater hardness and Rmax/extensibility). Furthermore, the higher structural density and thickness derived from starch retrogradation were observed in the tomographic and microscopic images of the refrigerated noodles. The principal component analysis demonstrated that various physicochemical changes of the pre‐cooked noodles during storage showed high correlations with the degree of starch retrogradation (r > 0.83).

CONCLUSION

The physicochemical features of the precooked noodles stored under refrigerated conditions were involved in the molecular dynamics of water, showing a notable water mobility reduction derived from the starch retrogradation, which contributed to their thermal, tomographical, and textural changes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The network structure of psychopathological and resilient responses to the pandemic: A multicountry general population study of depression and anxiety
Authors: Contreras Alba , Butter Sarah , Granziol Umberto , Panzeri Anna , Peinado Vanesa , Trucharte Almudena , Zavlis Orestis , Valiente Carmen , Vázquez Carmelo , Murphy Jamie , Bertamini Marco , Shevlin Mark , Hartman Todd K. , Bruno Giovanni , Mignemi Giuseppe , Spoto Andrea , Vidotto Giulio , Bentall Richard P.
Published: November 2023

Commonly identified patterns of psychological distress in response to adverse events are characterized by resilience (i.e., little to no distress), delayed (i.e., distress that increases over time), recovery (i.e., distress followed by a gradual decrease over time), and sustained (i.e., distress remaining stable over time). This study aimed to examine these response patterns during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Anxiety and depressive symptom data collected across four European countries over the first year of the pandemic were analyzed (N = 3,594). Participants were first categorized into groups based on the four described patterns. Network connectivity and symptom clustering were then estimated for each group and compared. Two thirds (63.6%) of the sample displayed a resilience pattern. The sustained distress network (16.3%) showed higher connectivity than the recovery network (10.0%) group, p = .031; however, the resilient network showed higher connectivity than the delayed network (10.1%) group, p = .016. Regarding symptom clustering, more clusters emerged in the recovery network (i.e., three) than the sustained network (i.e., two). These results replicate findings that resilience was the most common mental health pattern over the first pandemic year. Moreover, they suggest that high network connectivity may be indicative of a stable mental health response over time, whereas fewer clusters may be indicative of a sustained distress pattern. Although exploratory, the network perspective provides a useful tool for examining the complexity of psychological responses to adverse events and, if replicated, could be useful in identifying indicators of protection against or vulnerability to future psychological distress.
A 3D Analysis of Plating Strategies in Mandibular Reconstruction: A Randomized Control Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Tanya , Chan Harley H. L. , de Almeida John , Goldstein David P. , Gilbert Ralph W. , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Irish Jonathan C. , Davies Joel C.
Published: November 2023

Objective(s)

The purpose of this study was to compare computer‐assisted mandibular plating to conventional plating using quantitative metrics.

Methods

Patients scheduled to undergo mandibular reconstruction were randomized to three‐dimensional modelling for preoperative plate bending or intraoperative freehand bending. Preoperative and postoperative head and neck computed tomography scans were obtained to generate computer models of the reconstruction. The overall plate surface contact area, mean plate‐to‐bone distance, degree of conformance, and position of the condylar head within the glenoid fossa between pre‐ and post‐operative scans were calculated.

Results

Twenty patients were included with a mean age of 57.8 years (standard deviation [SD] = 13.6). The mean follow‐up time was 9.8 months (range = 1.6–22.3). Reconstruction was performed with fibular (25%) or scapular free flaps (75%). The percentage of surface contact between the reconstructive plate and mandible was improved with three‐dimensional models compared to freehand bending (93.9 ± 7.7% vs. 78.0 ± 19.9%, p = 0.04). There was improved overall plate‐to‐bone distance (3D model: 0.7 ± 0.31 mm vs. conventional: 1.3 ± 0.8 mm, p = 0.06). Total intraoperative time was non‐significantly decreased with the use of a model (3D model: 726.5 ± 89.1 min vs. conventional: 757.3 ± 84.1 min, p = 0.44). There were no differences in condylar head position or postoperative complications.

Conclusion

Computer‐assisted mandibular plating can be used to improve the accuracy of plate contouring.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:2182–2186, 2024
Retraction: A Photoclick Thiol‐Ene Collagen‐Based Hydrogel Platform for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Holmes Roisin , Yang Xuebin B. , Wood David J. , Tronci Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Macromol. Mater. Eng. 2023, 308, 2300029

DOI: 10.1002/mame.202300029

The above article, published online on April 18, 2023, in Wiley Online Library (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor‐in‐Chief, David Huesmann, the authors, and Wiley‐VCH GmbH. The retraction has been agreed on following concerns raised by third parties regarding Figures 8 and 9. Further investigation conducted by the journal concluded that elements of the figures in question were duplicated, affecting the interpretation of the associated data and related results. This issue was acknowledged by the authors, who were unable to access and provide the original data. Thus, this article was retracted based on the consequent uncertainty on parts of its conclusions. R.H. was not available to comment on the missing original data and approve the retraction.
Improving prediction of mountain snowfall in the southwestern United States using machine learning methods
Authors: Hoopes Charles Andrew , Castro Christopher L. , Behrangi Ali , Ehsani Mohammed Reza , Broxton Patrick
Published: November 2023

Snowfall forecasting has historically been an area of difficulty for operational meteorologists, particularly in regions of complex terrain, such as the western United States. Attempts at improving forecasts have been made, but skill is still poor, with snowfall routinely overpredicted. A major reason for this overprediction has been the failure to accurately predict snow–liquid ratios (SLR) ahead of major events. This research proposes, develops, and tests multiple machine learning methods for dynamic SLR prediction for the Sky Islands of southeast Arizona by objectively comparing a multiple linear regression (MLR) against several more complex and flexible machine learning methods. Input parameters for each method were chosen based on variables found by previous studies to have a regression‐based relationship with SLR, with a focus on the lower mid‐levels of the troposphere. These parameters were also used to construct the MLR model, and its performance was compared objectively with the machine learning methods. When tested on historical events, a very high percentage of the network‐predicted SLR values fall within the margin of error of observed SLRs, which were calculated using gridded snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) data from the University of Arizona daily 4‐km SWE, SD, and SCE dataset (UASnow). A support vector machine (SVM), a k‐nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm, and a random forest also showed high accuracies when tested on the dataset, and each showed a significant gain in skill compared with the MLR model, with skill being evaluated by multiple metrics.
Dosiomics and radiomics improve the prediction of post‐radiotherapy neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio in locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hou Runping , Xia Wuyan , Zhang Chenchen , Shao Yan , Zhu Xueru , Feng Wen , Zhang Qin , Yu Wen , Fu Xiaolong , Zhao Jun
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To develop and validate a dosiomics and radiomics model based on three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution map and computed tomography (CT) images for the prediction of the post‐radiotherapy (post‐RT) neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR).

Methods

This work retrospectively collected 242 locally advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (LA‐NSCLC) patients who were treated with definitive radiotherapy from 2012 to 2016. The NLR collected one month after the completion of RT was defined as the primary outcome. Clinical characteristics and two‐dimensional dosimetric factors calculated from the dose‐volume histogram (DVH) were included. A total of 4165 dosiomics and radiomics features were extracted from the 3D dose maps and CT images within five different anatomical regions of interest (ROIs), respectively. Then, a three‐step feature selection method was proposed to progressively filter features from coarse to fine: (i) model‐based ranking according to individual feature's performance, (ii) maximum relevance and minimum redundancy (mRMR), (iii) select from model based on feature importance calculated with an ensemble of several decision trees. The selected feature subsets were utilized to develop the prediction model with GBDT. All patients were divided into a development set and an independent testing set (2:1). Five‐fold cross‐validation was applied to the development set for both feature selection and model training procedure. Finally, a fusion model combining dosiomics, radiomics and clinical features was constructed to further improve the prediction results. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used to evaluate the model performance.

Results

The clinical‐based and DVH‐based models showed limited predictive power with AUCs of 0.632 (95% CI: 0.490‐0.773) and 0.634 (95% CI: 0.497‐0.771), respectively, in the independent testing set. The 9 feature‐based dosiomics and 3 feature‐based radiomics models showed improved AUCs of 0.738 (95% CI: 0.628‐0.849) and 0.689 (95% CI: 0.566‐0.813), respectively. The dosiomics & radiomics & clinical fusion model further improved the model's generalization ability with an AUC of 0.765 (95% CI: 0.656‐0.874).

Conclusions

Dosiomics and radiomics can benefit the prediction of post‐RT NLR of LA‐NSCLC patients. This can provide a reference for evaluating radiotherapy‐related inflammation.
The Steady Evolution of OLED Displays
Authors: Dickson Glen
Published: November 2023

OLED's flexibility has made it the dominant display technology in premium smartphones. As the technology continues to improve, it is gaining traction in the automotive, IT, and AR/VR markets.
Nanoscale creep mechanism of clay through MD modeling with hexagonal particles
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Song Xiaoyu
Published: November 2023

In this article, we investigate the creep mechanism of clay at the nanoscale. We conduct the molecular dynamics (MD) modeling of clay samples consisting of hexagonal particles under compression and shear. The MD simulations include oedometer creep, shear creep, direct shear tests, and stress relaxation. The numerical results show that the nanoscale creep mechanism of clay is related to particle rotation, translation, and stacking under different loading conditions. The clay sample under creep shows two types of particle arrangements, that is, the shifted face‐to‐face configuration and the face‐to‐edge configuration. The orientation angle of clay particles is computed to track the rotation of individual particles due to creep. The fabric variation of the clay under creep is characterized by the dihedral angle between the basal particle plane and the x‐y plane and the order parameter. It is found that the factors affecting the microstructure variation of the clay aggregate include stress levels, loading rates, and particle sizes. In the nanoscale shear creep test, the creep process comprises three stages, that is, primary, secondary, and tertiary. The microstructure change during creep depends on the initial alignment of clay particles. The clay creep under a more significant stress level results in a more considerable order parameter and a more orientated clay structure.
A generalization of the Riccati recursion for equality‐constrained linear quadratic optimal control
Authors: Vanroye Lander , De Schutter Joris , Decré Wilm
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces a generalization of the well‐known Riccati recursion for solving the discrete‐time equality‐constrained linear quadratic optimal control problem. The recursion can be used to compute problem solutions as well as optimal feedback control policies. Unlike other tailored approaches for this problem class, the proposed method does not require restrictive regularity conditions on the problem. This allows its use in nonlinear optimal control problem solvers that use exact Lagrangian Hessian information. We demonstrate that our approach can be implemented in a highly efficient algorithm that scales linearly with the horizon length. Numerical tests show a significant speed‐up of about one order of magnitude with respect to state‐of‐the‐art general‐purpose sparse linear solvers. Based on the proposed approach, faster nonlinear optimal control problem solvers can be developed that are suitable for more complex applications or for implementations on low‐cost or low‐power computational platforms. The implementation of the proposed algorithm is made available as open‐source software.
Optimization in the reprocessing of recycled polyamide 6 reinforced with 30 wt% Glass Fiber (PA6/GF30) using mixture design
Authors: Haddar Manel , Koubaa Sana , Issaoui Maryam , Frikha Ahmed
Published: November 2023

In the present study, polyamide 6 reinforced with 30 wt% Glass fiber (PA6/GF30) used in automotive industry was reprocessed via injection molding. The virgin and recycled PA6/GF30 samples were characterized by chemical, rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties as a function of the number of processing cycles. After each reprocessing cycle, a decrement in mechanical properties in tensile, bending, and impact strength was revealed for different combination of cycle number (N0 [for the virgin PA6/GF30], N1 [for the first recycled PA6/GF30], N2 [for the second recycled PA6/GF30], and N3 [third recycled PA6/GF30 sample]) in the composite mixture. A simplex‐centroid mixture design (SCMD) was used to evaluate the effect of combiningNi(i=0,1,2)on the mechanical properties of composite samples for optimization. Graphical comparison of experimental results using regression models showed a high degree of correlation. Results revealed that the ternary N0N1N2 blends composite made up of 67.97 wt% N0, 23.13 wt% N1, and 8.89 wt% N2 exhibited the best mechanical properties. Furthermore, a good correlation between the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and tensile test results was observed. Hence, the new reprocessed formulation presents a cost‐effective alternative of virgin PA6/GF30 for different engineering applications.
Comprehensive review of multidimensional biomarkers in the ShangHai At Risk for Psychosis (SHARP) program for early psychosis identification
Authors: Zhang TianHong , Xu LiHua , Tang XiaoChen , Wei YanYan , Hu YeGang , Cui HuiRu , Tang YingYing , Li ChunBo , Wang JiJun
Published: November 2023

Psychosis is recognized as one of the largest contributors to nonfatal health loss, and early identification can largely improve routine clinical activity by predicting the psychotic course and guiding treatment. Clinicians have used the clinical high‐risk for psychosis (CHR) paradigm to better understand the risk factors that contribute to the onset of psychotic disorders. Clinical factors have been widely applied to calculate the individualized risks for conversion to psychosis 1–2 years later. However, there is still a dearth of valid biomarkers to predict psychosis. Biomarkers, in the context of this paper, refer to measurable biological indicators that can provide valuable information about the early identification of individuals at risk for psychosis. The aim of this paper is to critically review studies assessing CHR and suggest possible biomarkers for application of prediction. We summarized the studies on biomarkers derived from the findings of the ShangHai at Risk for Psychosis (SHARP) program, including those that are considered to have the most potential. This comprehensive review was conducted based on expert opinions within the SHARP research team, and the selection of studies and results presented in this paper reflects the collective expertise of the team in the field of early psychosis identification. The three dimensions with potential candidates include neuroimaging dimension of brain structure and function, electrophysiological dimension of event‐related potentials (ERPs), and immune dimension of inflammatory cytokines and complement proteins, which proved to be useful in supporting the prediction of psychosis from the CHR state. We suggest that these three dimensions could be useful as risk biomarkers for treatment optimization. In the future, when available for the integration of multiple dimensions, clinicians may be able to obtain a comprehensive report with detailed information of psychosis risk and specific indications about preferred prevention.
CBSX2 is required for the efficient oxidation of chloroplast redox‐regulated enzymes in darkness
Authors: Li Yonghong , Zhang Lin , Shen Yurou , Peng Lianwei , Gao Fudan
Published: November 2023

Thiol/disulfide‐based redox regulation in plant chloroplasts is essential for controlling the activity of target proteins in response to light signals. One of the examples of such a role in chloroplasts is the activity of the chloroplast ATP synthase (CFoCF1), which is regulated by the redox state of the CF1γ subunit and involves two cysteines in its central domain. To investigate the mechanism underlying the oxidation of CF1γ and other chloroplast redox‐regulated enzymes in the dark, we characterized the Arabidopsis cbsx2 mutant, which was isolated based on its altered NPQ (non‐photochemical quenching) induction upon illumination. Whereas in dark‐adapted WT plants CF1γ was completely oxidized, a small amount of CF1γ remained in the reduced state in cbsx2 under the same conditions. In this mutant, reduction of CF1γ was not affected in the light, but its oxidation was less efficient during a transition from light to darkness. The redox states of the Calvin cycle enzymes FBPase and SBPase in cbsx2 were similar to those of CF1γ during light/dark transitions. Affinity purification and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry showed that the components of the ferredoxin‐thioredoxin reductase/thioredoxin (FTR‐Trx) and NADPH‐dependent thioredoxin reductase (NTRC) systems as well as several 2‐Cys peroxiredoxins (Prxs) can be co‐purified with CBSX2. In addition to the thioredoxins, yeast two‐hybrid analysis showed that CBSX2 also interacts with NTRC. Taken together, our results suggest that CBSX2 participates in the oxidation of the chloroplast redox‐regulated enzymes in darkness, probably through regulation of the activity of chloroplast redox systems in vivo.
Multidisciplinary collaborative consensus statement on the barriers and solutions to care access, patient and caregiver support, and clinical capacity and capability for patients with spasticity
Authors: Patel Atul , Gellhorn Alfred , Neerukonda Kavitha , Kwasnica Christina
Published: November 2023

Background

There is evidence that patients with spasticity are not receiving adequate care. Identifying the unmet needs of patients with spasticity is essential to develop services and treatment strategies to better support this population This is an effort to identify challenges related to treatment of spasticity and provide the springboard for the implementation of identified solutions.

Objective

To identify the main barriers to spasticity care and identify potential solutions.

Design

Delphi process.

Setting

Expert panel.

Participants

A total of 35 participants with diverse experience and knowledge related to spasticity care were invited and 29 attended an in‐person 2022 Spasticity Summit hosted by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Methods

The expert panel participated in a presummit survey to identify the main potential barriers to spasticity care. During the in‐person meeting the panel initially worked in small groups and then as whole to reach consensus through the Delphi process. The panel also completed a postsummit survey.

Results

Several barriers to spasticity care and potentials solutions were identified. Consensus was reached for the top three barriers and potential solutions (>50% and >75%, respectively). Top barriers included the need for a document listing all the challenges related to access of care for spasticity, increased caregiver and community awareness of spasticity, and education of clinicians regarding patient needs. Top solutions to barriers included increasing the number of providers who treat spasticity, enhancing patient and caregiver education, and developing and publishing a consensus guidance statement.

Conclusions

Consensus was achieved on the top three barriers to spasticity care and potential solutions. The purpose of this analysis is to pave the way for further development of solutions to improve the care of patients with spasticity.
Accelerating sexual maturation of male Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit flies by adding two juvenile hormone analogues
Authors: Arredondo José , Aguirre‐Medina Juan F , Meza‐Hernández José S , Cancino Jorge , Díaz‐Fleischer Francisco
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Improving the mating competitiveness and survival of sterile males are direct means to increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Some insecticide growth regulators, such as the juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) methoprene, have been used to improve the mating competitiveness of male tephritid flies by reducing their sexual maturation period. However, the application of methoprene reduces fly resistance to stress and decreases survival. Here, we compared the effects of methoprene and pyriproxyfen (PPF), another JHA, in Anastrepha ludens males. PPF is an insect growth regulator that exhibits higher negative effects on the larval molting process than methoprene or natural juvenile hormone. Both compounds were administered at two doses (0.05% and 0.10%) via the male diet immediately after emergence.

RESULTS

Our results show that both PPF and methoprene reduced male sexual maturation. However, PPF‐treated males exhibited a shorter maturation period and obtained more matings at a given age than methoprene‐treated males. No significant differences were observed between the two PPF doses tested (0.05% and 0.10%). Male survival was equally reduced by the two compounds.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that PPF accelerated sexual development without reducing the mating propensity of sterile male flies and can be used as a suitable alternative for methoprene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Non‐singular terminal sliding mode controller design for nonlinear systems with prescribed convergence time guarantees
Authors: Shi Shang , Dai Liaoxuan , Min Huifang , Hu Yinlong
Published: November 2023

This paper considers the prescribed‐time non‐singular terminal sliding mode control (TSMC) for nonlinear systems with uncertainties bounded by non‐negative functions. At first, a new Lyapunov theorem for prescribed‐time stability is introduced. Then, a novel terminal sliding surface together with a non‐singular TSMC input is constructed by using a time‐varying scaling function. Strict analysis shows that the proposed controller is able to ensure the exact reaching of the sliding surface as well as the system states to zero in a prescribed time independent of the system initial conditions. Moreover, all the state signals and the control input remain uniformly bounded. Finally, simulation comparison with the existing fixed‐ and prescribed‐time TSMC is given to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
A study on HyFRCC consisting of PE and carbon fiber: Investigation of electrical and fracture properties based on orthogonal design
Authors: Zhu Ji‐Hua , Shen Haowei , Wei Liangliang
Published: November 2023

Hybrid fiber‐reinforced cementitious composites (HyFRCC) consisting of polyethylene (PE) and carbon fiber (CF) have potential for use in advanced composite materials by integrating high mechanical performance with smart functions based on electrical properties. However, an evaluation of the electrical and fracture properties of HyFRCC has not yet been reported. An orthogonal experimental design was used to investigate the effect of the water‐to‐binder (w/b) ratio and volume fraction of PE and carbon fiber on the electrical properties and fracture behavior of HyFRCC in this paper. The results show that the w/b ratio plays a major role in controlling the electrical resistivity of HyFRCC. The larger the amount of hybrid fibers added, the higher the w/b ratio needed. In particular, the PE fiber must not exceed 1.5 vol% to obtain HyFRCC with low electrical resistivity. Carbon fiber has a significant effect on the initial fracture toughness of HyFRCC, while PE fiber determines its unstable fracture toughness. A hybrid fiber system containing 1.0 vol% PE fiber and 0.5 vol% carbon fiber at a w/b ratio of 0.35 was used to reach a compatible electrical property and fracture behavior of HyFRCC. The results of this work provide a novel approach for designing and developing multifunctional cementitious composites, which would be a promising building material for structural strengthening and protection of steel corrosion as well as structural health monitoring.
Bioprospecting and Incentives for Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from the History of Paclitaxel
Authors: Frisvold George B.
Published: November 2023

Plants and other organisms remain an important source of new medicines, either directly or as sources of molecular building blocks or information for drug development. Bioprospecting contracts between pharmaceutical companies and species-rich source countries have been touted as a way for developing countries to capture greater gains from their genetic resources and to increase their incentives to preserve their biodiversity. This case study of the discovery and commercial development of the anticancer drug paclitaxel from the Pacific yew tree highlights neglected issues in debates over bioprospecting and conservation incentives. Paclitaxel’s discovery, commercialization, and resource use illustrate how bioprospecting can substitute one biodiversity threat (habitat conversion, when genetic resources are not valued) for another threat (overharvesting, when they are valued). Whether creation of market demand for genetic resources encourages or discourages biodiversity conservation depends crucially on underlying property rights and management regimes for common property resources.
The Red Queen
Authors: Berck Peter
Published: November 2023

We professors are pledged to teaching, research, and public service. By far the best of it is teaching. I’ve taught you for 41 years, and every year you teach me something new, something radically new. I know I’ve taught many of you basic economics. Your exams reflect your knowledge quite well.
Integrated Management of Bark Beetles: Economic Contributions of Peter Berck and Foundational Entomological Research
Authors: Wood David L. , McPherson Brice A. , Templeton Scott R. , Gillette Nancy
Published: November 2023

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae,Scolytinae) are a major threat to coniferous forests across much of the northern hemisphere, especially in a warmer and drier climate (Fettig et al., 2013). Control of bark beetle outbreaks to protect forests has been a recurring quest for more than a century, with varying success. In the 1970s and 1980s, considerable efforts were directed toward resolving controversies over the application of persistent pesticides as the principal method to manage outbreaks. Advances in research on pheromones of bark beetles and other behavioral compounds during these decades were incorporated into more ecologically benign approaches to managing stands. What emerged was integrated pest management. “Integrated pest management is a process of synthesis where all aspects of the pest-host system are studied and evaluated to provide the resource manager with an information base for decision-making. These aspects include the ecological and socioeconomic components of the system, its interrelations with other resources, treatment tactics to be used, and their effects on the pest and other components of the ecosystem. Evaluation of the decisions implemented is the end of the process and the beginning of a new one, refining the various components of the system to improve the decision support base for future decisions” (Stark & Waters, 1985, pp. 50–52).