bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geometric dual and sum‐rank minimal codes
Authors: Borello Martino , Zullo Ferdinando
Published: February 2024

The main purpose of this paper is to further study the structure, parameters and constructions of the recently introduced minimal codes in the sum‐rank metric. These objects form a bridge between the classical minimal codes in the Hamming metric, the subject of intense research over the past three decades partly because of their cryptographic properties, and the more recent rank‐metric minimal codes. We prove some bounds on their parameters, existence results, and, via a tool that we name geometric dual, we manage to construct minimal codes with few weights. A generalization of the celebrated Ashikhmin–Barg condition is proved and used to ensure the minimality of certain constructions.
When do photos on products hurt or help consumption? How magical thinking shapes consumer reactions to photo‐integrated products
Authors: Wu Freeman , Samper Adriana , Morales Andrea C. , Fitzsimons Gavan J.
Published: February 2024

Consumers and companies frequently integrate products with lifelike photographs of people, animals, and other entities. However, consumer responses to such products are relatively unknown. Drawing on magical thinking and moral psychology, we propose that, due to a photograph's lifelike resemblance to its referent, consumers believe that photo‐integrated products embody the depicted entity's underlying essence. As such, in cases where consumption compromises the product's integrity (e.g., food, disposable goods), people are less likely to consume photo‐integrated products because doing so is perceived as destroying the depicted entity's essence, which elicits moral discomfort. In contrast, when the photographic image remains intact through consumption, as is the case with durable goods (e.g., magnets), people increase consumption of photo‐integrated products relative to products without photo integration, consistent with their popularity in the marketplace. We highlight two strategies to promote more positive outcomes for managers and consumers alike: (1) choose images of entities whose essence destruction is perceived as less immoral, and (2) increase the durability of the product so the depicted entity's essence is preserved through consumption.
Amine‐modified acid‐activated attapulgite as efficient and stable adsorbents for CO2 capture from flue gas
Authors: He Zhong , Liu Wenjie , Han Kun , Hu Jiangjun
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Fossil fuel power plants are the primary contributors to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, necessitating effective and stable methods for adsorbing CO2 from flue gas under diverse conditions. Achieving this remains challenging due to the complexity of flue gas compositions and the prolonged operation of adsorption processes.

RESULTS

This study focuses on enhancing CO2 adsorption in flue gas using attapulgite (ATP), activated by acid and modified with tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) via an impregnation method. Characterization through X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and N2 adsorption–desorption revealed that acidic treatment removed impurities, enhancing BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) surface area. TEPA modification significantly increased CO2 adsorption capacity by providing more active sites. Notably, 30TEPA/HATP exhibited the best performance at 3.28 mmol g−1. Optimal CO2 adsorption occurred at 60 °C in simulated flue gas, with water improving amine utilization. Furthermore, 30TEPA/HATP demonstrated consistent CO2 adsorption capacity (3.04 mmol g−1) across concentrations (10–20 vol%) and maintained stability after ten cycles, experiencing only a 7.0% decrease.

CONCLUSION

The findings underscore the success of low‐cost ATP, modified with TEPA, in achieving excellent CO2 capture and stability under diverse flue gas conditions. This material holds promise for practical engineering applications in mitigating carbon emissions from fossil fuel power plants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Optimized self‐attention based cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network adopted melanoma classification from dermoscopic images
Authors: Harini P. , Madhavi N. Bindu , Latha S. Bhargavi , Sasikumar A. N.
Published: February 2024

Skin is the exposed part of the human body that constantly protected from UV rays, heat, light, dust, and other hazardous radiation. One of the most dangerous illnesses that affect people is skin cancer. A type of skin cancer called melanoma starts in the melanocytes, which regulate the colour in human skin. Reducing the fatality rate from skin cancer requires early detection and diagnosis of conditions like melanoma. In this article, a Self‐attention based cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network optimized with Archerfish Hunting Optimization Algorithm adopted Melanoma Classification (SACCGAN‐AHOA‐MC‐DI) from dermoscopic images is proposed. Primarily, the input Skin dermoscopic images are gathered via the dataset of ISIC 2019. Then, the input Skin dermoscopic images is pre‐processed using adjusted quick shift phase preserving dynamic range compression (AQSP‐DRC) for removing noise and increase the quality of Skin dermoscopic images. These pre‐processed images are fed to the piecewise fuzzy C‐means clustering (PF‐CMC) for ROI region segmentation. The segmented ROI region is supplied to the Hexadecimal Local Adaptive Binary Pattern (HLABP) to extract the Radiomic features, like Grayscale statistic features (standard deviation, mean, kurtosis, and skewness) together with Haralick Texture features (contrast, energy, entropy, homogeneity, and inverse different moments). The extracted features are fed to self‐attention based cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network (SACCGAN) which classifies the skin cancers as Melanocytic nevus, Basal cell carcinoma, Actinic Keratosis, Benign keratosis, Dermatofibroma, Vascular lesion, Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. In general, SACCGAN not adapt any optimization modes to define the ideal parameters to assure accurate classification of skin cancer. Hence, Archerfish Hunting Optimization Algorithm (AHOA) is considered to maximize the SACCGAN classifier, which categorizes the skin cancer accurately. The proposed method attains 23.01%, 14.96%, and 45.31% higher accuracy and 32.16%, 11.32%, and 24.56% lesser computational time evaluated to the existing methods, like melanoma prediction method for unbalanced data utilizing optimized Squeeze Net through bald eagle search optimization (CNN‐BES‐MC‐DI), hyper‐parameter optimized CNN depending on Grey wolf optimization algorithm (CNN‐GWOA‐MC‐DI), DEANN incited skin cancer finding depending on fuzzy c‐means clustering (DEANN‐MC‐DI).

Research Highlights

This manuscript, self‐attention based cycle‐consistent.

SACCGAN‐AHOA‐MC‐DI method is implemented in Python.

(SACCGAN‐AHOA‐MC‐DI) from dermoscopic images is proposed.

Adjusted quick shift phase preserving dynamic range compression (AQSP‐DRC).

Removing noise and increase the quality of Skin dermoscopic images.
Pollen morphology of Acanthoideae species from the Shivalik Foothills in Rajaji National Park (Uttarakhand, India)
Authors: Rawat Ruchita , Negi Shivani , Tiwari Prabhawati
Published: February 2024

Apart from its role in plant taxonomy, the understanding of pollen morphology is considered an essential interdisciplinary tool in diverse applied fields, including plant systematics, melissopalynology, aeropalynology, forensic palynology, paleopalynology, and copropalynology. In palynotaxonomy, it is frequently employed to classify and validate natural groups across a range of hierarchical levels, from higher categories down to the infrageneric level. The subfamily Acanthoideae, within the Acanthaceae family, consists of a diverse group of flowering plants that are distributed globally. The present study attempted a comprehensive analysis of the pollen morphology, employing both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), for a total of 13 Acanthoideae species from the Shivalik Foothills in Rajaji National Park (located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya). The findings indicated that the Acanthoideae is characterized by eurypalynous features, and the studied species exhibited pollen grains that were monads, radially symmetrical, and varied in size from small to large. The pollen grains were predominantly tricolporate or heteroaperturate, with porate occurrences being rare. The significant variation in exine sculpturing, including reticulate, coarsely reticulate, and bireticulate patterns, holds substantial taxonomic significance. The detailed presentation encompasses pollen morphological characters described with LM and SEM micrographs, along with a species‐level identification key.

Research Highlights

This article provides a thorough analysis of the pollen morphology of Acanthoideae taxa using both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, covering 13 species across 10 genera and revealing a broad spectrum of pollen characteristics, including size, shape, aperture type, and exine sculpturing.

The microscopic investigation of these Acanthoideae species not only enhances our understanding of their pollen morphology but also aids in species identification through the development of a pollen‐based key.
Implementing mainstream genetic counseling within the area‐wide network of the German Consortium Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (GC‐HBOC): Satisfaction of primary care providers with the provided state‐of‐the‐art training by the Cologne Center
Authors: Herold Natalie , Bredow Kathrin , Ernst Corinna , Tüchler Anja , Blümcke Britta , Waha Anke , Keser Ebru , Hauke Jan , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Hahnen Eric , Schmutzler Rita Katharina , Rhiem Kerstin
Published: February 2024

The German Cancer Society (Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft DKG) has published a position paper to address the challenges of cancer patient care in the era of genomic medicine. The German Consortium Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (GC‐HBOC) has implemented this recommendation in its care concept for families at risk. Core elements are the outcome‐oriented evaluation of structured and standardized clinical measures and reporting recommendations derived therefrom to primary care providers and patients. A cross‐sector network with certified breast cancer and gynecological cancer centers was founded in 2015, starting from the Cologne Center of the GC‐HBOC. To guarantee the knowledge transfer for mainstream genetic counseling, the Cologne center has established an educational program for physicians and specialized nurses in order to pilot trans‐sectoral knowledge transfer on risk assessment and risk‐stratified care. It consists of face‐to‐face lectures with written knowledge test, attending a genetic case conference and genetic counseling sessions with the opportunity to counsel under supervision. The lectures were accompanied by a structured evaluation of the participants' satisfaction and feedback of the needs in mainstream genetic counseling. Thereby, the network ensures that genetic counseling and testing is provided according to state‐of‐the‐art knowledge and allows physicians to participate in knowledge‐generating care outside the university setting and patients to receive care close to home. After multiple feedback cycles to improve the educational program, the GC‐HBOC, in cooperation with the German Cancer Society, has now adopted this concept and developed a common and uniform online curriculum funded by the Federal Ministry of Health. https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/fortbildung‐familiaerer‐krebs.html.
Beyond multiple choice: Clinical simulation as a rigorous and inclusive method for assessing genetic counseling competencies
Authors: Cho Megan T. , Davis Claire , Lowe Chenery , Flynn Maureen , Jamal Leila , Bajaj Komal , Atzinger Carrie , Erby Lori H.
Published: February 2024

Educational use of clinical simulation is a way for students to immerse themselves within a realistic yet safe and structured environment as they practice clinical skills. It is widely used in healthcare training and evaluation, and there are best practices for design, implementation, debriefing, and assessment. An increasing number of genetic counseling graduate programs use simulation in various ways, ranging from role‐plays to working with professional simulated/standardized patient (SP) actors. At this time, there is very little consistency across programs, research on the approaches, and standards by which simulation is incorporated into training. Simulation is an understudied but promising approach for genetic counselor (GC) education and assessment. After graduation, GCs demonstrate their competence as entry‐level providers through American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) multiple‐choice examination (MCE), along with their participatory clinical encounters from graduate training. Data from genetic counseling and other professions highlight the limitations and biases of MCEs, suggesting they not only fail to accurately capture competency, but also that they disadvantage underrepresented individuals from entering the field. In addition, MCEs are limited as a tool for assessing nuanced counseling and communication skills, as compared to more quantitative scientific knowledge. We propose that innovative, evidence‐based approaches such as simulation have the potential to not only enhance learning, but also to allow GCs to better demonstrate competency during training and in relation to the board examination. Collaborative approaches, research, and funding are needed to further explore the viability of routinely incorporating simulation into GC training and assessment.
The overfull conjecture on graphs of odd order and large minimum degree
Authors: Shan Songling
Published: February 2024

Let be a simple graph with maximum degree . A subgraph of is overfull if . Chetwynd and Hilton in 1986 conjectured that a graph with has chromatic index if and only if contains no overfull subgraph. Let , be sufficiently large, and be graph on vertices with minimum degree at least . It was shown that the conjecture holds for if is even. In this paper, the same result is proved if is odd. As far as we know, this is the first result on the Overfull Conjecture for graphs of odd order and with a minimum degree constraint.
Synthesis of tricyclic pyrazolopyrimidine arylidene ester derivatives and their cytotoxic and molecular docking evaluations
Authors: Lu Tong , Nie Lifei , Tang Dan , Bozorov Khurshed , Zhao Jiangyu , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: February 2024

Our research team has synthesized 33 tricyclic pyrazolopyrimidine arylidene ester derivatives using the lead compound CAM551 as a starting point. This was achieved by a designed five‐step synthesis strategy. The synthesized compounds' inhibitory activities against HT‐116 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line and HGC27 human gastric cancer cells were assessed through traditional MTT assays. The designed and synthesized compounds demonstrated superior inhibition against both types of cancer cells. Additionally, compound 7b, which contains a long‐chain substituent, exhibited improved inhibition against hepatocellular carcinoma cells and a greater safety profile. These findings indicate that compound 7b has the potential as an antitumor lead compound for future research.
Clinicians' interpretation of thresholds in hospital antibiograms for gram‐negative rod infections: A survey and contingent valuation study of hospitalists
Authors: Hasegawa Shinya , Harris Che M. , Gupta Vineet , Pappas Matthew , Vaughn Valerie M. , Perencevich Eli N. , Dukes Kimberly C. , Goto Michihiko
Published: February 2024

Clinical guidelines suggest that hospital antibiograms are a key component when deciding empiric therapy, but little is known about how often clinicians use antibiograms and how they influence clinicians' empiric therapy decisions. We surveyed hospitalists at seven healthcare systems in the United States on their reported practices related to antibiograms and their hypothetical prescribing for four clinical scenarios associated with gram‐negative rod pathogens. Each was given a randomly assigned antibiogram susceptibility percentage, and we used contingent valuation analysis to assess whether the antibiogram susceptibility percentage was associated with prescribing practices. Of the 193 survey responders, only 52 (26.9%) respondents reported using antibiograms more than monthly. Across all four clinical scenarios, there was no evidence that antibiogram susceptibility levels influenced antibiotic prescribing practices. With limited utilization and no evidence that they influenced practice, antibiograms may have a limited role in hospitalist care delivery for common gram‐negative rod infections.
Rich Club Reorganization in Nurses Before and After the Onset of Occupational Burnout: A Longitudinal MRI Study
Authors: Chen Miao , Su Qian , Zhao Ziyang , Li Tongtong , Yao Zhijun , Zheng Weihao , Han Lin , Hu Bin
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies on potential disruptions in rich club structure in nursing staff with occupational burnout are lacking. Moreover, existing studies on nurses with burnout are limited by their cross‐sectional design.

Purpose

To investigate rich club reorganization in nursing staff before and after the onset of burnout and the underlying impact of anatomical distance on such reconfiguration.

Study Type

Prospective, longitudinal.

Population

Thirty‐nine hospital nurses ( years old at baseline, years old at a follow‐up within 1.5 years, 38 female).

Field Strength/Sequence

Magnetization‐prepared rapid gradient‐echo and gradient‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequences at 3.0 T.

Assessment

The Maslach Burnout Inventory and Symptom Check‐List 90 testing were acquired at each MRI scan. Rich club structure was assessed at baseline and follow‐up to determine whether longitudinal changes were related to burnout and to changes in connectivities with different anatomical distances (short‐, mid‐, and long range).

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square, paired‐samples t, two‐sample t, Mann–Whitney U tests, network‐based statistic, Spearman correlation analysis, and partial least squares regression analysis. Significance level: Bonferroni‐corrected .

Results

In nurses who developed burnout: 1) Strengths of rich club, feeder, local, short‐, mid‐, and long‐range connectivities were significantly decreased at follow‐up compared with baseline. 2) At follow‐up, strengths of above connectivities and that between A5m.R and dlPu.L were significantly correlated with emotional exhaustion (r ranges from −0.57 to −0.73) and anxiety scores (r = −0.56), respectively. 3) Longitudinal change (follow‐up minus baseline) in connectivity strength between A5m.R and dlPu.L reflected change in emotional exhaustion score (r = 0.87). Longitudinal changes in strength of connectivities mainly involving parietal lobe were significantly decreased in nurses who developed burnout compared with those who did not.

Data Conclusion

In nurses after the onset of burnout, rich club reorganization corresponded to significant reductions in strength of connectivities with different anatomical distances.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Evaluation of enterovirus concentration, species identification, and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in patients of different ages with aseptic meningitis in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Honorato Layla , Ferreira Noely Evangelista , Domingues Renan Barros , Senne Carlos , Leite Fernando Brunale Vilela de Moura , Santos Márcio Vega dos , Fernandes Gustavo Bruniera Peres , Paião Heuder Gustavo Oliveira , Vilas Boas Lucy Santos , da Costa Antonio Charlys , Tozetto‐Mendoza Tânia Regina , Witkin Steven S. , Mendes‐Correa Maria Cássia
Published: February 2024

Human enteroviruses (EV) are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Data on EV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and related epidemiological studies are scarce in Brazil. This study investigated the influence of EV viral load on CSF parameters, as well as identifying the involved species. CSF samples were collected in 2018–2019 from 140 individuals at The Hospital das Clínicas, São Paulo. The EV viral load was determined using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while EV species were identified by 5′UTR region sequencing. Median viral load was 5.72 log10 copies/mL and did not differ by subjects' age and EV species. Pleocytosis was observed in 94.3% of cases, with the highest white blood cell (WBC) counts in younger individuals. Viral load and WBC count were correlated in children (p = 0.0172). Elevated lactate levels were observed in 60% of cases and correlated with the viral load in preteen‐teenagers (p = 0.0120) and adults (p = 0.0184). Most individuals had normal total protein levels (70.7%), with higher in preteen‐teenagers and adults (p < 0.0001). By sequencing, 8.2% were identified as EV species A and 91.8% as species B. Age‐specific variations in CSF characteristics suggest distinct inflammatory responses in each group.
Standardization of 3D printing parameters to control the size and shape of pores in Polylactic acid scaffolds
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Lucía , Ortiz de la O Misael A. , Álvarez‐Pérez Marco A. , Llaguno‐Munive Monserrat , Chanes‐Cuevas Osmar A. , Serrano‐Bello Janeth
Published: February 2024

The challenge of three‐dimensional (3D) printing by polymeric extrusion in tissue bioengineering is to control with precision the microarchitecture and porous interconnectivity of scaffolds, as well as search for models that allow and facilitate the development of personalized constructs that meet optimal characteristics for the regeneration of significant bone defects. In this study, anatomically accurate scaffolds were designed and printed to a critical size defect from a microtomography image of the rat calvaria. Different software is used to design a scaffold with exact anatomy. With Ultimaker Cura software, distinct printing parameters were standardized, permitting the printing of different types of pores and graded porosity scaffolds, with exact adaptation to the bone defect, utilizing a commercial 3D printer with a fused deposition modeling technique and compensating for the limitations of the method. The scaffolds were characterized by evaluating their mechanical properties and surface characteristics (pore size and porosity), employing scanning electron microscopy images, verifying that the size and shape of the pores were controlled, and evaluating cell viability and cell distribution on the 3D printed scaffold. Therefore, this work proves that by standardizing the printing parameters, it was possible to print a unique customized scaffold, controlling the shape and size of pores.
Analyzing the effect of user‐generated content on studio performance: A combined approach
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: February 2024

This research explores how user‐generated content (UGC) influences the performance of studios. Our dataset included both structured and unstructured UGC, analyzed through a hybrid of statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms. The findings revealed a positive relationship between UGC and both box office revenues and stock market performance. Additionally, classical machine learning methods demonstrated exceptional capabilities in accurately classifying the data. The insights from this study offer valuable marketing strategies for studio marketing managers and studio executives in leveraging social networks effectively.
On the local energy decay of the synchronizable solutions of a coupled wave equations system
Authors: Nunes Ruikson S. O.
Published: February 2024

This paper concern to determine a local energy decay estimate for synchronizable solutions of a coupled system of linear wave equations. Here, it is shown that the energy for such solutions decays at a rate of
(
is the space dimension) when the coupling matrix satisfy the positive
‐compatibility condition.
Perspectives of the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines among patients with musculoskeletal conditions: A mixed‐methods survey
Authors: Rickenbach Amelia , Acheampong Michael Kyereme , Bogar Alison , Booth Gregory
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) promotion is a core element of musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Many people with musculoskeletal conditions do not meet PA guidelines, such as those provided by the World Health Organization (WHO). This study aimed to explore the level of awareness and perspectives on the WHO PA guidelines among people with musculoskeletal conditions and identify how patients can be supported with PA in clinical practice.

Methods

A mixed‐method cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a uniquely developed questionnaire, which was disseminated to patients attending outpatient physiotherapy or occupational therapy appointments. The questionnaire collected data on participant characteristics, awareness and perspectives on the WHO guidelines and suggestions for supporting patients with PA in clinical practice. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.

Results

One‐hundred and two responses were included in the analysis. Forty‐two percent of respondents were aware of the guidelines, 50% knew why they existed and 53% felt they were achievable. Perspectives varied, ranging from the guidelines being positive and aiding motivation to being unachievable. Some respondents felt an individualised approach is required. Suggestions for supporting patients with PA included facilitating social support, providing education, exercise groups and personalised advice, and signposting to community services.

Conclusion

There is limited awareness of the WHO PA guidelines and a variety of perspectives on the guidelines among patients with musculoskeletal conditions. There is a need to enhance the promotion of the guidelines in clinical practice, whilst considering local context and individual patient's circumstances.
A computational dual‐porosity approach for the coupled hydro‐mechanical analysis of fractured porous media
Authors: Khoei Amir R. , Taghvaei Mahtab
Published: February 2024

Dual‐porosity simulation is one of the most used and efficient approaches in modeling fractured porous media. The performance of this approach is highly dependent on the accuracy of the definition of matrix‐fracture transfer shape factor. In this paper, a two‐step computational algorithm is developed to enhance the accuracy of the dual‐porosity method in modeling large‐scale deformable porous media, particularly in the transient stage when the conventional dual‐porosity models are associated with some errors. Moreover, in the proposed finite element method (FEM)‐based algorithm, the interaction between the fluid and solid phases is taken into account using a modified expression for the conventional shape factor. To this end, an extended relationship is derived to calculate the hydro‐mechanical shape factor for deformable saturated porous media. An appropriate unit cell along with the consistent boundary conditions is introduced, and the corresponding hydro‐mechanical shape factor is numerically evaluated for the unit cell at each time step. Finally, the calculated time‐varying shape factors are employed in a dual‐porosity framework to simulate various case studies and investigate the influence of different parameters, including the boundary conditions, the fracture to matrix permeability ratio, and the fracture compressibility coefficient on the hydraulic and hydro‐mechanical time‐varying shape factors. Numerical simulations are carried out by employing the proposed dual‐porosity algorithm through two general problems and the results are compared with the fine‐grid direct numerical simulation. The results are promising and show that the present algorithm effectively and efficiently increases the precision of the dual‐porosity method in modeling large‐scale deformable problems.
Comparison of health care costs following sleeve gastrectomy versus Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Argetsinger Stephanie , LeCates Robert F. , Zhang Fang , Ross‐Degnan Dennis , Wharam James F. , Arterburn David E. , Fernandez Adolfo , Lewis Kristina H.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on overall and diabetes‐specific health care costs among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examined patients with type 2 diabetes after SG and RYGB using data from Optum's deidentified Clinformatics® Data Mart database. The matched study group included 9608 patients who underwent SG or RYGB and were enrolled between 2007 and 2019. The primary outcomes assessed were overall and diabetes‐specific health care costs.

Results

Health care costs associated with type 2 diabetes declined substantially in the first few years following both SG and RYGB. RYGB was associated with a larger decrease in pharmacy costs, as well as type 2 diabetes‐specific office and laboratory costs. SG was associated with lower total health care costs in the first three follow‐up periods and lower acute care costs in the first 2 years after surgery.

Conclusions

In this nationwide study, patients with type 2 diabetes at baseline undergoing RYGB appear to experience a reduced need for ambulatory type 2 diabetes monitoring and reduced requirements for antidiabetes medication but, despite this, did not experience an overall medical cost–benefit in the first few years after RYGB versus SG.
Lightweight three‐dimensional woven Kevlar/glass hybrid composites with enhanced mechanical, dielectric, and thermal insulation properties
Authors: Zheng Liangang , Wang Ruijie , Yang Xiaori , Zhang Kun , Chen Yi , Xu Fujun
Published: February 2024

Polymer composites with lightweight, ultralow dielectric constant, excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties are in high demand in aerospace, transport, wireless communications and other fields. In this work, the three‐dimensional woven Kevlar/glass hybrid composites (3DKGC) with lightweight, high strength, excellent dielectric and thermal insulation properties were obtained with the Kevlar fiber and glass fiber as the raw materials. The results showed that the volume content of air in 3DKGC is over 82% and the volume density is as low as 0.29 g·cm−3, while the compression strength is as high as 7.68 MPa. 3DKGC exhibits an ultra‐low dielectric constant of 1.21. The wave transmission performance of 3DKGC was simulated using the CST software. The simulation results showed that 3DKGC has a return loss of 0.036 and a gain of 0.9982. Moreover, the 3DKGC provides superior thermal insulation than three‐dimensional woven Kevlar composites (3DKC) and conventional polystyrene foams. In summary, this work offers an attractive material that holds significant potential for application in aerospace, wireless communications and other fields where lightweight multi‐purpose composites are required.

Highlights

3D woven Kevlar/glass hybrid composites (3DKGC) were proposed and fabricated.

3DKGC exhibits low density of 0.29 g·cm−3 but high compression stress (7.68 MPa).

3DKGC possesses outstanding dielectric and thermal insulation properties.

3DKGC leverages the benefits of cost‐effectiveness and holistic functionality.
Treatment readiness and prognosis for problematic smartphone use: Evaluation of the Stages of Change, Readiness, and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) and log data
Authors: Kobayashi Nanase , Jitoku Daisuke , Mochimatsu Ryoko , Hamamura Toshitaka , Honjo Masaru , Takagi Shunsuke , Sugihara Genichi , Takahashi Hidehiko
Published: February 2024

Aim

While moderate smartphone use contributes to information gathering and relationship building, excessive smartphone use, also referred to as problematic smartphone use (PSU), has raised concerns because of its addictive nature and associated health consequences. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between treatment readiness and prognosis in individuals with PSU and to assess the predictive ability of smartphone log data in evaluating treatment readiness.

Methods

A sample of 47 patients with PSU participated in this study. Treatment readiness was assessed using the Stages of Change, Readiness, and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), and log data were collected using a smartphone log application.

Results

The results showed a significant correlation between baseline SOCRATES scores and the difference in Global Assessment of Functioning scores between baseline and 6 months (Spearman's ρ = 0.640, P‐value = .001), suggesting that treatment readiness may explain part of the treatment outcomes (Pearson's r2 = 0.379, P‐value = 0.032). In addition, baseline log data, including the log acquisition rate, showed a positive correlation with treatment readiness (Spearman's ρ = 0.328, P‐value = 0.045).

Conclusion

These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between treatment readiness and clinical outcomes in patients with PSU, and suggest the potential of log data as objective indicators of treatment motivation.
Pregabalin in treating challenging behaviour in patients with ID
Authors: Javaid Amir , Adeoye Sunday , Manivannan Geeva
Published: February 2024

There is a limited but important role for pharmacological interventions (psychotropics) in the management of challenging behaviours in patients with intellectual disability. Due to limited number of psychotropics licensed for the treatment or management of challenging behaviours, this case series will further expand the horizon of research to explore the role of pregabalin in the treatment or management of complex patients with intellectual disability presenting with severe challenging behaviours.
Seizure frequency in patients with epilepsy and ID after COVID vaccine
Authors: Rathinasamy Poorani , Adetoki Adeniyi , Hewitt Amanda
Published: February 2024

Observing the relationship between COVID‐19 vaccination and the neurological side‐effect of worsening seizure frequency, this case series offers insight into the impact of vaccine administration on seizure frequency in three individuals with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. With questions still remaining with regard to vaccine safety, this article provides an example of the unique challenges faced by this patient population. It is hoped that the publication will stimulate further investigation into related issues and will also help to further inform vaccination strategies.
Impact of applying the STOPPFrail criteria in patients with dementia
Authors: Velani Bharat , Witter Katherine , Walker Michael , Shah Chetan
Published: February 2024

Excessive polypharmacy in the elderly carries a high burden of drug‐related morbidity and contributes negatively to the environmental impact of health care systems. The aim of the project was to evaluate the outcomes of implementing the STOPPFrail tool within a mental health service for older people (MHSOP) inpatient setting in a population of patients with dementia. The authors demonstrate that the STOPPFrail guidelines can be implemented to help to overcome barriers to deprescribing.
Integrated environmental and genomic analysis reveals the drivers of fine‐scale divergence and local adaptation in northern populations of two wild rice species in China
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Chen Hao , He Zhi‐Zhou , Tian De Feng , Dong Shanshan , Liu Yan , Wang Yuguo , Zhang Wenju , Li Linfeng , Yang Ji , Song Zhiping
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Crop wild relatives represent precious genetic resources for crop improvement. Investigating their local adaptation to marginal environments is important for the utilization of wild genetic resources. Oryza officinalis and Oryza granulata are wild relatives of cultivated rice and possess genes that convey resistance to insects, disease, and tolerance to shade and drought. The northern edge for the distribution of these two lies in China where populations are facing habitat destruction. This study found that the northern marginal populations of both species have adapted to local conditions, with specific implications for the conservation and utilization of wild rice.

O. officinalis and O. granulata, wild relatives of cultivated rice, represent important gene reservoirs with the potential to improve rice with respect to insect resistance and stress tolerance. However, the northern marginal populations of these two species in China are facing habitat destruction.

Here, we investigated the genetic diversity and divergence of northern marginal populations of O. officinalis and O. granulata. The genomic variation of two species was examined by whole‐genome sequencing on 357 individuals. Generalized dissimilarity modeling was applied to investigate the effects of geographic and environmental isolation on population differentiation. Genetic‐environment association analysis and genome‐wide FST outlier scans were used to identify environmentally driven signals of selection.

The marginal populations of both species exhibited low genetic diversity and obvious genetic differentiation stemmed from the joint effects of isolation by geographic distance and the environment. Both genomes exhibited specific signals of adaptation to cold environments in the north.

Investigation of the divergence and adaptation of marginal populations of O. officinalis and O. granulata will help us to determine how wild rice can adapt to local environments, thus allowing for the development of scientific conservation policies and the identification of new genetic resources for rice with improved resistance.
Management of surgical problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation
Authors: Ergun Ergun , Gollu Gulnur
Published: February 2024

The management of surgical problems in children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) requires a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. HIMV is a critical intervention for children with chronic respiratory failure, as it allows them to live at home with their families while receiving life‐sustaining ventilatory support. However, the long‐term use of HIMV exposes these children to potential surgical complications related to their underlying conditions, tracheostomy tubes, ventilator devices, and gastrostomy tubes for enteral feeding. This manuscript aims to provide a detailed overview of the identification and recognition of surgical problems in children on HIMV, as well as strategies to solve these problems effectively.
Effects of highly effective modulator therapy on the dynamics of the respiratory mucosal environment and inflammatory response in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Atteih Samar E. , Armbruster Catherine R. , Hilliam Yasmin , Rapsinski Glenn J. , Bhusal Junu Koirala , Krainz Leah L. , Gaston Jordan R. , DuPont Matthew , Zemke Anna C. , Alcorn John F. , Moore John A. , Cooper Vaughn S. , Lee Stella E. , Forno Erick , Bomberger Jennifer M.
Published: February 2024

Background

While the widespread initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) has led to dramatic clinical improvements among persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), little is known about how ETI affects the respiratory mucosal inflammatory and physiochemical environment, or how these changes relate to lung function.

Methods

We performed a prospective, longitudinal study of adults with CF and chronic rhinosinusitis (CF‐CRS) followed at our CF center (n = 18). Endoscopic upper respiratory tract (paranasal sinus) aspirates from multiple visit dates, both pre‐ and post‐ETI initiation, were collected and tested for cytokines, metals, pH, and lactate levels. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify relationships between ETI and upper respiratory tract (URT) biomarker levels, and between URT biomarkers and lung function or clinical sinus parameters.

Results

ETI was associated with decreased upper respiratory mucosal cytokines B‐cell activating factor (BAFF), IL‐12p40, IL‐32, IL‐8, IL‐22 and soluble tumor necrosis factor‐1 (sTNFR1), and an increase in a proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) and IL‐19. ETI was also associated with decreased URT levels of copper, manganese, and zinc. In turn, lower URT levels of BAFF, IL‐8, lactate, and potassium were each associated with ~1.5% to 4.3% improved forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), while higher levels of IFNγ, iron, and selenium were associated with ~2% to 10% higher FEV1.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest a dampening of inflammatory signals and restriction in microbial nutrients in the upper respiratory tract with ETI. These findings improve our understanding of how ETI impacts the mucosal environment in the respiratory tract, and may give insight into the improved infectious and inflammatory status and the resulting clinical improvements seen in pwCF.
The impact of undergoing elective pediatric lung resection during respiratory syncytial virus peak season on patient outcomes: A nationwide retrospective analysis
Authors: Salvi Pooja S. , Canner Joseph K. , Coons Barbara , Cowles Robert A. , Engwall‐Gill Abigail J. , Kunisaki Shaun M. , Penikis Annalise B. , Schneider Eric , Sferra Shelby R. , Solomon Daniel G.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Observational data to support delaying elective pediatric thoracic surgery during peak respiratory viral illness season is lacking. This study evaluated whether lung surgery during peak viral season is associated with differences in postoperative outcomes and resource utilization.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed using the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Patients with a congenital lung malformation (CLM) who underwent elective lung resection between 1 January 2016 and 29 February 2020 were included. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) incidence was used as a proxy for respiratory viral illness circulation. Monthly hospital‐specific RSV incidence was calculated from PHIS data, and peak RSV season was defined by Centers for Disease Control data. Multivariable regression models were built to identify predictors of postoperative mechanical ventilation, which was the main outcome measure, as well as secondary outcomes including 30‐day readmission after lung resection, postoperative length of stay (LOS) and hospital billing charges.

Results

Of 1542 CLM patients identified, 344 (22.3%) underwent lung resection during peak RSV season. 38% fewer operations were performed per month during peak RSV season than during off‐peak months (p < .001). Children who underwent surgery during peak RSV season did not differ from the off‐peak group in terms of age at operation, race, or comorbid conditions (i.e., congenital heart disease, newborn respiratory distress, and preoperative pneumonia). There was no association between hospital‐specific RSV incidence at the time of surgery and postoperative mechanical ventilation, postoperative LOS, 30‐day readmission rate or hospital billing charges.

Discussion

Performing elective lung surgery in children with CLMs during peak viral season is not associated with adverse surgical outcomes or increased utilization of healthcare resources.
Hydrogen safety effect calculation (dispersion and thermal radiation effects) for determination of siting and safe distance
Authors: Venkatesan Rubachandran , Harun Razif , Mohamed Yusoff Hamdan , Abdul Razak Musab
Published: February 2024

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of dispersion, thermal radiation, and explosion from a poly‐bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) unit with its surrounding facility to determine its safety distance. Thus, the Shell FRED (fire, release, explosion, and dispersion) consequence modeling was used to predict the impact of a release scenario and assist in designing, developing, and maintaining safe operation. This study was intended to calculate dispersion contours to 50% lower flammable limit (LFL) and 100% LFL, thermal impacts of radiation flux levels of 4, 5, 12.5, and 37.5 kW/m2 at a distance, and including explosive effects of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.35 bar to the chosen target. Based on the findings, it was found that, to avoid exposure to heat radiation of 12.5 kW/m2 from the PSA unit, equipment should be located at a minimum distance of 20.84 m. Meanwhile, process modules and buildings must be located at a minimum distance of 13.8 m. The explosive nature of hydrogen makes on‐site handling and storage more challenging than fossil fuels. The findings of this study will have important implications for the future handling and storage of hydrogen as a potential fuel.
Layer‐by‐layer assembled decomposable nanocapsules for light‐responsive release of pesticide imidacloprid on Aphis craccivora Koch
Authors: Gao Yiyun , Xiao Wenjun , Gu Chenhua , Yu Sheng , Li Shengke , Zou Aihua
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Conventional pesticide formulations are often inefficient because of low biological uptake after spraying. Controlled release nanopesticides can release pesticides precisely in response to specific stimuli, thereby killing pests and pathogens using the least effective concentration. This study aims to develop nanocapsule‐based photo‐decomposable nanopesticides for efficient pesticide control.

RESULTS

The target nanopesticides were successfully fabricated using layer‐by‐layer assembly of the negative azobenzene‐grafted hyaluronic acid (azo‐HA) and positive polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC), confirmed by UV‐visible, dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential and transmission electron microscopy measurements. The particle size and Zeta potential of the fabricated nanocapsules were 220 nm and +46.1 mV, respectively, and the nanocapsules were found to remain stable for up to 30 days. The optimized drug loading and encapsulation ratio of imidacloprid (IMI) in IMI/azo‐HA@polyDADMAC were 21.5% and 91.3%, respectively. Cumulative release of IMI from the nanopesticides increased from ~50% to ~95% upon UV light irradiation (365 nm). The half lethal concentration (LC50) value of the nanopesticides toward Aphis craccivora Koch decreased from 2.22 to 0.55 mg L−1 upon UV light irradiation.

CONCLUSION

The trans to cis transformation of the azo group in HA decomposed IMI/azo‐HA@polyDADMAC nanopesticides upon UV irradiation, thus facilitating the release of IMI, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of pesticides required for efficient pesticide control. Our work demonstrated the great potential of light‐responsive nanocapsules as a controlled release nanocarrier for efficient and eco‐friendly pesticide control in sustainable agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Thickness‐Dependent Bandgap and Atomic Structure in Elemental Tellurium Films
Authors: Sun Yuting , Gotoh Tamihiro , Li Bowen , Li Huanglong , Zhu Min
Published: February 2024

Elemental tellurium electrical switch, relying on a transient crystal–liquid–crystal phase transition, has recently been proposed as a promising selector candidate for the next‐generation 3D high‐density memory, bridging performance gap in today's computer. Further miniaturization of the switch cell to increase memory density strongly depends on the scalability of the tellurium film, which, however, has not been experimentally studied. Herein, the tellurium films are prepared with the thickness downscaled from 400 to 2 nm and a significant increase is found in the bandgap from 0.29 to 0.91 eV, as predicted by ab initio molecular dynamics. Interestingly, the as‐deposited tellurium films with a thickness above 3 nm are in the crystalline trigonal phase, whereas 2 nm thick film suddenly becomes amorphous, observed by both Raman and transmission electron microscopies. In this finding, since the leakage current of the elemental tellurium switch is determined by both the Schottky barrier between tellurium/electrode interface and the bandgap of the tellurium film, a reduction in leakage current is predicted with further miniaturization.