bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the spectrum of tyrosine kinase fusions in calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms: Identification of a novel PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion
Authors: Fisher Yael , Lacambra Maribel D. , Almohsen Shahd S. , Chow Chit , Hornick Jason L. , To Ka‐Fai , Dickson Brendan C.
Published: August 2023

Calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms represent a distinct, and recently recognized, spectrum of tumors. To date most cases have been reported to be characterized by FN1 gene fusions involving multiple potential tyrosine kinase partners. Following incidental identification of a tumor morphologically corresponding to calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasm, but with a PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion, we undertook a retrospective review to identify and characterize additional such cases. A total of four tumors were identified. Each was multilobulated and composed of polygonal‐epithelioid‐stellate cells with a background of chondroid matrix containing distinctive patterns of calcification. Targeted RNA sequencing revealed an identical PDGFRA (exon 22)::USP8 (exon 5) gene fusion in each case. Subsequent immunohistochemical staining confirmed the presence of PDGFRα overexpression. In summary, we report a series of four tumors within the morphologic spectrum of calcified chondroid mesenchymal neoplasms. In contrast to prior reports, these tumors harbored a novel PDGFRA::USP8 gene fusion, rather than FN1 rearrangement. Our findings expand the molecular diversity of these neoplasms, and suggest they are united through activation of protein kinases.
Community‐ and individual‐level correlates of HIV incidence in HPTN 071 (PopART)
Authors: Skalland Timothy , Ayles Helen , Bock Peter , Bwalya Justin , Shanaube Kwame , Kasese Nkatya , Dupré Michelle , Kosloff Barry , Floyd Sian , Wilson Ethan , Moore Ayana , Eshleman Susan , Fidler Sarah , Hayes Richard , Donnell Deborah ,   the HPTN 071 (PopART) Study Team
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Universal HIV testing and treatment aims to identify all people living with HIV and offer them treatment, decreasing the number of individuals with unsuppressed HIV and thus reducing HIV transmission. Longitudinal follow‐up of individuals with and without HIV in a cluster‐randomized trial of communities allowed for the examination of community‐ and individual‐level measures of HIV risk and HIV incidence.

Methods

HPTN 071 (PopART) was a three‐arm cluster‐randomized trial conducted between 2013 and 2018 that evaluated the use of two combination HIV prevention strategies implemented at the community level to reduce HIV incidence compared to the standard of care. The trial, conducted in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa, measured HIV incidence over 36 months in a population cohort of ∼2000 randomly selected adults per community aged 18–44. Multilevel models were used to assess the association between HIV incidence and community‐ and individual‐level socio‐demographic and behavioural risk factors, as well as prevalence of detectable virus (PDV) defined as the estimated proportion of the community with unsuppressed viral load.

Results

Overall HIV incidence was 1.49/100 person‐years. Communities with less financial wealth and communities with more individuals reporting having sex partners outside of the community or two or more sexual partners had higher HIV incidence. PDV at 2 years of study was 6.8% and was strongly associated with HIV incidence: for every 50% relative reduction in community PDV, there was a 49% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37%–58%, p < 0.001) relative decrease in HIV incidence. At the individual level; socio‐economic status, AUDIT score, medical male circumcision and certain sexual behaviours were associated with HIV risk.

Conclusions

Using data from the PopART randomized trial, we found several associations of HIV incidence with community‐level measures reflecting the sexual behaviour and socio‐economic make‐up of each community. We also found a strong association between community PDV and HIV incidence supporting the use of PDV as a tool for monitoring progress in controlling the epidemic. Lastly, we found significant individual‐level factors of HIV risk that are generally consistent with previous HIV epidemiological research. These results have the potential to identify high high‐incidence communities, inform structural‐level interventions, and optimize individual‐level interventions for HIV prevention.

Clinical Trial Number

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01900977, HPTN 071 [PopArt]
Client preferences for HIV Care Coordination Program features in New York City: latent class analysis of a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Conte Madellena , Zimba Rebecca , Fong Chunki , Carmona Jennifer , Gambone Gina , Robertson McKaylee , Kozlowski Sarah , Abdelqader Faisal , Nash Denis , Irvine Mary
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The PROMISE study, launched in 2018, evaluates the implementation of revisions to the HIV Care Coordination Program (CCP) designed to minimize persistent disparities in HIV outcomes among high‐need persons living with HIV in New York City. We conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) assessing the preferences of CCP clients to inform improvements to the program's design.

Methods

Clients chose between two hypothetical CCP options that varied across four program attributes: help with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence (directly observed therapy [DOT] vs. remind via phone/text vs. adherence assessment), help with primary care appointments (remind and accompany vs. remind and transport vs. remind only), help with issues other than primary care (coverage and benefits vs. housing and food vs. mental health vs. specialty medical care) and visit location (meet at home vs. via phone/video vs. program visit 30 or 60 minutes away). The latent class analysis identified different preference patterns. A choice simulation was performed to model client preferences for hypothetical CCPs as a whole.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐one CCP clients from six sites implementing the revised CCP completed the DCE January 2020–March 2021. Most clients had stable housing (68.5%), reported no problem substance use in the last 3 months (72.4%) and achieved viral suppression (78.5) with only 26.5% receiving DOT within a CCP. 77.3% of responses were obtained before the COVID‐19 pandemic. Preferences clustered into three groups. Visit location and ART adherence support were the most important attributes. Group 1 (40%) endorsed telehealth for visit location; telehealth for ART adherence support; and help with securing housing/food; Group 2 (37%) endorsed telehealth for visit location; telehealth for ART adherence support; and staff reminding/arranging appointment transportation; Group 3 (23%) endorsed staff meeting clients at program location and staff working with clients for medication adherence. In the choice simulation, Basic and Medium hypothetical CCPs were endorsed more than Intensive CCPs.

Conclusions

This DCE revealed a strong preference for telehealth and a relatively low preference for intensive services, such as DOT and home visits; preferences were heterogeneous. The findings support differentiated care and remote service delivery options in the NYC CCP, and can inform improvements to CCP design.
Global warming increases risk from compound dry‐hot events to human and agricultural systems
Authors: Zhang Yitong , Hao Zengchao , Jiang Yutong , Singh Vijay P.
Published: August 2023

Owing to their potentially amplified impacts, compound dry‐hot events (CDHEs) can pose serious risk to human life and ecosystems. However, studies have mainly assessed the risk related to CDHEs from the hazard or exposure perspective, while a system risk assessment incorporating the hazard, exposure and vulnerability at the global scale is lacking. This study assessed the risk from CDHEs based on model simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) models for different future periods, including near term (2021–2040), mid‐term (2041–2060) and long term (2081–2100) periods, under two different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios. Using cropland and population as exposure indicators, the risk from CDHEs to human and agricultural systems was investigated by combing the hazard (the frequency or duration of CDHEs) and vulnerability indicators (GDP and irrigation fraction). Results showed a widespread increase in the risk to human and agricultural systems (represented by the populations and cropland) under the two scenarios (SSP2‐4.5 and SSP5‐8.5) across the globe, particularly in North America, Europe, Africa and Oceania for population and northern South America, large parts of Europe, and southeast China for cropland. The median values of relative changes in risk to human (cropland) systems were 136%, 213% and 207% (102%, 161% and 225%) for the near term, mid‐term and long term, respectively. The increase in hazards was shown to primarily contribute to the increased population risk. This study may provide useful insights for future risk management of compound extremes in human and agricultural systems.
A critical re‐analysis of constraints on the timing and rate of Laurentide Ice Sheet recession in the northeastern United States
Authors: Halsted Christopher T. , Bierman Paul R. , Shakun Jeremy D. , Davis P. Thompson , Corbett Lee B. , Drebber Jason S. , Ridge John C.
Published: August 2023

We review geochronological data relating to the timing and rate of Laurentide Ice Sheet recession in the northeastern United States and model ice margin movements in a Bayesian framework using compilations of previously published organic 14C (n = 133) and in situ cosmogenic 10Be (n = 95) ages. We compare the resulting method‐specific chronologies with glacial varve records that serve as independent constraints on the pace of ice recession to: (1) construct a synthesis of deglacial chronology throughout the region; and (2) assess the accuracy of each chronometer for constraining the timing of deglaciation. Near the Last Glacial Maximum terminal moraine zone, 10Be and organic 14C ages disagree by thousands of years and limit determination of the initial recession to a date range of 24–20 ka. We infer that 10Be inherited from pre‐glacial exposure adds 2–6 kyr to many exposure ages near the terminal moraines, whereas macrofossil 14C ages are typically 4–8 kyr too young due to a substantial lag between ice recession and sufficient organic material accumulation for dating in some basins. Age discrepancies between these chronometers decrease with distance from the terminal moraine, due to less 10Be inherited from prior exposure and a reduced lag between ice recession and organic material deposition. 14C and 10Be ages generally agree at locations more than 200 km distal from the terminal moraines and suggest a mostly continuous history of ice recession throughout the region from 18 to 13 ka with a variable pace best documented by varves.
Combining surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and mid‐infrared spectroscopy in a data fusion model to forensic differentiate the electrostatic copying paper
Authors: Zhu Mi , Chen Yaoqing , He Jiangnan , Yi Rongnan
Published: August 2023

The aim of this paper was to explore the non‐destructive application of fusion spectra model for characterization and differentiation of electrostatic copying papers that could be favourable to give forensic aid in legal cases. Two hundred fifty electrostatic copy paper samples were collected from various markets. All samples were subjected to surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) analysis from 3500 to 400 cm−1 Raman shift range and attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectrum (ATR‐FTIR) analysis from 4000 to 400 cm−1 wavenumber range, respectively. The spectral data refracted the constituents present in the electrostatic copy papers were cellulose, inorganic filler calcium carbonate and barium sulfate. Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), multi‐class support vector machine (MSVM) and decision tree (DT) algorithms were used to build the model. The precision rate, recall rate, F‐score and total accuracy were considered as indicators to evaluate the model's performance. The results showed that fusion models were superior to single model. The feature layer fusion model based on MSVM algorithm gave a differentiating power of 100% by grouping all the sample groups. This study demonstrated that spectral fusion model is a feasible and reliable approach for fast and non‐destructive differentiation of electrostatic copying papers. It has great potential in real application scenarios.
DTAmetasa: An R shiny application for meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy and sensitivity analysis of publication bias
Authors: Mizutani Shosuke , Zhou Yi , Tian Yu‐Shi , Takagi Tatsuya , Ohkubo Tadayasu , Hattori Satoshi
Published: August 2023

Meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) is a powerful statistical method for synthesizing and evaluating the diagnostic capacity of medical tests and has been extensively used by clinical physicians and healthcare decision‐makers. However, publication bias (PB) threatens the validity of meta‐analysis of DTA. Some statistical methods have been developed to deal with PB in meta‐analysis of DTA, but implementing these methods requires high‐level statistical knowledge and programming skill. To assist non‐technical users in running most routines in meta‐analysis of DTA and handling with PB, we developed an interactive application, DTAmetasa. DTAmetasa is developed as a web‐based graphical user interface based on the R shiny framework. It allows users to upload data and conduct meta‐analysis of DTA by “point and click” operations. Moreover, DTAmetasa provides the sensitivity analysis of PB and presents the graphical results to evaluate the magnitude of the PB under various publication mechanisms. In this study, we introduce the functionalities of DTAmetasa and use the real‐world meta‐analysis to show its capacity for dealing with PB.
Phenotypical Characterization of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Premature Infants using Polysomnography
Authors: Zalzal Habib G. , Newman Daniel , Behzadpour Hengameh , Nino Gustavo , Lawlor Claire M.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To use objective quantification of polysomnographic (PSG) parameters in premature infants to define the severity and nature of obstructions (partial hypopnea vs. total obstruction), along with the impact on sleep fragmentation and oxygenation patterns.

Methods

Retrospective comparison of PSG features in 207 infants (<12 months) referred for sleep disordered breathing. Our study groups included term (> = 37 weeks GA, n = 162) and premature (<37 weeks GA, n = 45) infants. Groups were compared for OSA sleep‐stage—specific apnea hypopnea (AHI) indexes (REM and NREM), hypopnea indexes (HI), obstructive apnea indexes (OI) and arousal indexes. Oxygenation was assessed as % of time with SpO2 < 90%, nadir with apneic events and frequency of SpO2 desaturations (>3%) calculated as stage‐specific O2 desaturation indexes.

Results

Overall, premature infants had greater apnea severity (AHI premature 13.9/h vs. Term 7.9/h, p = 0.018). Additional analyses showed that the primary difference between premature and term infants is seen in the group with partial obstructions (HI index) and severe OSA (OAHI> = 10/h). Premature infants also had greater arousal indexes (premature 13.8/h vs. term 10.5/h, p = 0.003). Although the percentage of time <90% at night and the median SpO2 nadir during apneic events was similar in premature vs. term, O2 desaturation indexes were greater in premature infants (10.3/h in term vs. 18.3/h in prematurity, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Children born premature have an OSA phenotype in infancy characterized by greater severity mostly due to frequent partial obstructions (hypopneas) rather than full obstructions (obstructive apnea). Prematurity is also associated with more intermittent hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1933–1938, 2024
A regional assessment of ecological environment quality in Thailand special economic zone: Spatial heterogeneous influences and future prediction
Authors: Nguyen Can Trong , Kaewthongrach Rungnapa , Channumsin Sittiporn , Chongcheawchamnan Mitchai , Phan Thanh‐Noi , Niammuad Damrongrit
Published: August 2023

“Eastern Economic Corridor” is a development plan under the Thailand 4.0 scheme to revitalize the economy. However, it has influenced the environment through numerous infrastructural and industrial projects. The ecological environment is the most fragile component since it is susceptible to land use, land cover changes (LULCC) and rapid development. Meanwhile, there is currently a lack of comprehensive studies on spatial heterogeneity and future simulation of ecological environment quality (EEQ). Therefore, this study aims to analyze changes in EEQ and controlling factors and to predict near‐future EEQ by adopting an integrated approach of remote sensing and spatial analyses. It revealed that the regional EEQ has considerably fluctuated in the period 2013–2021. The dynamic areas, accounting for nearly half of the area, include ecologically degraded areas in coastal urban and surrounding areas and ecologically improved areas in the eastern forest and perennial plantations. Chonburi is the most vulnerable province due to its long coast with extensive urban infrastructures and industrial estates. These changes are an integrated consequence of natural and socioeconomic impacts. Particularly, LULCC, infrastructural projects, and climate are the most crucial contributors since they directly regulate the functions of the ecological environment, which will amplify the future changes of EEQ reflected via the near‐future prediction. This research identified key controlling factors and spatial heterogeneities that are useful for policymakers and local authorities to have appropriate local‐oriented plans for each area relevant to their uniqueness. Besides, regional plans should be also considered along with regional concerns such as LULCC, crop structures, water management, and green infrastructure, as well as legal interventions to promote sustainable development in this special economic zone.
Catalyst‐Free, Self‐Healing, and Recyclable Tung Oil‐Based Epoxy Vitrimers with Dynamic Ester Bonds
Authors: Chang Qianyong , Li Wenbin , Xiao Laihui , Zhang Kun , Huang Jinrui , Wang Yigang , Nie Xiaoan , Chen Jie
Published: August 2023

Low toughness and nonrecyclability severely limit the applications of traditional thermosets and are not in line with the concept of sustainable development. To solve these problems, water is used as the solvent, and a tung oil‐based tetrafunctional carboxylic acid (TFA) curing agent is obtained through a “one‐pot” method based on previous works. This green synthesis method is suitable for synthesizing tung oil‐based polycarboxylic acid curing agents from various olefin‐containing polyacids. At the same time, the vitrimers (DGEBA‐TFA) are prepared with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol (DGEBA) as the skeleton, and applied to carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRCs). The tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break of DGEBA‐TFA are 64.62 MPa, 2.55 GPa, and 4.31%, respectively, which are comparable to previous works. Hence, the performance of the vitrimers is not reduced while simplifying the experimental steps. Meanwhile, DGEBA‐TFA exhibits excellent self‐healing, shape memory, and recycling abilities. The vitrimers can be reprocessed without additional catalysts, and the recovery rate remained at 91.3% in the third cycle. DGEBA‐TFA‐CFs exhibite excellent tensile strength. This work solves the problems in previous works and makes TFA more likely to be applied into practical industrial production.
Development and benchmarking diffusion magnetic resonance imaging analysis for integration into radiation treatment planning
Authors: Elliott Andrew , Villemoes Emma , Farhat Maguy , Klingberg Embla , Langshaw Holly , Svensson Stina , Chung Caroline
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The rising promise in the utility of advanced multi‐parametric magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning creates a necessity for testing and enhancing the accuracy of quantitative imaging analysis. Standardizing the analysis of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to generate meaningful and reproducible apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) lays the requisite needed for clinical integration. The aim of the demonstrated work is to benchmark the generation of the ADC and FA parametric map analyses using integrated tools in a commercial treatment planning system against the currently used ones.

Methods

Three software packages were used for generating ADC and FA maps in this study; one tool was developed within a commercial treatment planning system, another by the Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain (FMRIB) Software Library FSL (Analysis Group, FMRIB, Oxford, United Kingdom), and an in‐house tool developed at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The ADC and FA maps generated by all three packages for 35 subjects were subtracted from one another, and the standard deviation of the images’ differences was used to compare the reproducibility. The reproducibility of the ADC maps was compared with the Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers Alliance (QIBA) protocol, while that of the FA maps was compared to data in published literature.

Results

Results show that the discrepancies between the ADC maps calculated for each patient using the three different software algorithms are less than 2% which meets the 3.6% recommended QIBA requirement. Except for a small number of isolated points, the majority of differences in FA maps for each patient produced by the three methods did not exceed 0.02 which is 10 times lower than the differences seen in healthy gray and white matter. The results were also compared to the maps generated by existing MR Imaging consoles and showed that the robustness of console generated ADC and FA maps is largely dependent on the correct application of scaling factors, that only if correctly placed; the differences between the three tested methods and the console generated values were within the recommended QIBA guidelines.

Conclusions

Cross‐comparison difference maps demonstrated that quantitative reproducibility of ADC and FA metrics generated using our tested commercial treatment planning system were comparable to in‐house and established tools as benchmarks. This integrated approach facilitates the clinical utility of diffusion imaging in radiation treatment planning workflow.
A recipient country‐centered approach to framing digital financial management information systems
Authors: Jeong Seongho , Kim Younhee
Published: August 2023

Developing countries have commonly adopted financial management information systems developed by prominent international organizations or developed countries to modernize their fiscal functions. However, these systems face limitations in effectively meeting the specific needs of recipient countries and maintaining their built‐in functionalities. This field report aims to investigate the module based adoption of South Korea's Integrated Financial Management Information System as a customized strategy that aligns with the demands and capacities of recipient countries. The implications of this report provide practical pathways to integrate the push for modernization efforts of donor countries and the pull for localization goals of recipient countries, improving the effectiveness of financial management systems in developing countries and promoting self‐sufficiency and adaptability.
Simulation‐based bronchoscopy training: Randomized trial comparing worked example to video introduction
Authors: Vieira Lais M. N. , Ibiapina Cassio da Cunha , Camargos Paulo A. M. , Brand Paul L. P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Learning the complex skill of bronchoscopy involves the integration of cognitive domains and motor skills. The development of simulators has opened up new possibilities in bronchoscopy training. This study aimed at evaluating how effective the modeling example methodology is in training this skill and assessed its effect on cognitive load in learning.

Methods

Forty‐seven medical students participating in a simulator‐based bronchoscopy training program were randomly allocated to a control group, receiving a video lesson, and the modeling example group. They were evaluated by the simulator's metrics at different time points: pre‐, posttest, and 15 days and 12 months after training. Cognitive load was assessed with the modified Paas scale.

Results

Simulation‐based training was effective for both groups, based on simulator metrics (p < .05). The modeling example group outperformed the control group in all measures at posttest and after 15 days (p < .001). After 12 months, there was a decline in skill in both groups, but the modeling example group performed better (p < .001). Simulation‐based training reduced cognitive load, more strongly so in the modeling example group (p < .001).

Conclusion

The modeling example group showed substantial benefits over the control group, both in reducing the cognitive load in learning and in retaining knowledge and skill after 15 days and 12 months.
Pediatric pulmonology 2022 year in review: Asthma
Authors: Stephenson Nicole , Espaillat Andre , Loughlin Ceila E.
Published: August 2023

In 2022, new research studies influenced the field of pediatric asthma with improvements in diagnosis and evaluation; new treatment options including biologic therapies; changes in risk factors for asthma; and increased discussion about the impact of social determinants of health on asthma. Additionally, three years after the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we continue to see the impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus on pediatric asthma care. In this review article, we summarize the significant findings from publications in Pediatric Pulmonology and other relevant journals from the last year. We hope this review will provide new insight within the field of pediatric asthma, as well as guidance for implementation into clinical practice.
An Inertial Noncontact Piezoelectric Rotary Energy Harvester with Linear Reciprocating Motion
Authors: Zheng Xiaotian , He Lipeng , Jiang Shuai , Sun Lei , Zhang Zhonghua , Cheng Guangming
Published: August 2023

Herein, an inertial noncontact piezoelectric rotary energy harvester with linear reciprocating motion (L‐PREH) is presented. The existing piezoelectric rotary harvester employing gravity excitation has limited performance when the rotation speed is high due to the negative influence of centrifugal force. L‐PREH translates rotational motion into linear motion via the transmission chain and employs inertial force excitation to overcome high‐speed performance limitations. Using the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, the motion governing equations of piezoelectric transducers have been derived, and an electromechanical coupling model has been constructed. Moreover, the piezoelectric transducer is simulated and analyzed. The control variable approach is used to explore the key parameters impacting output performance. When the mass is positioned in symmetrical method, the guide rod is fixed in noncentral place, the limiter is fixed in longest distance, the distance between the mass's center and the main frame is the maximum, and the rotating speed is 450 RPM, the maximum peak‐to‐peak output voltage of an L‐PREH single transducer is 24 V. The highest power of two piezoelectric transducers linked in parallel with a load resistance of 400 kΩ is 0.27 mW, which can light up more than 70 light‐emitting diodes. The L‐PREH can drive low‐power devices.
Nickel‐Related Centers in HPHT Microdiamonds for Near‐Infrared Luminescent Thermometry
Authors: Kurochkin Nikita S. , Sychev Vladimir V. , Gritsienko Alexander V. , Bi Dongxue
Published: August 2023

Nano‐ and microcrystals of diamond are attractive for optical thermometry applications and possess unique optical properties as well as high chemical stability and biocompatibility. For biological application, there are interests of diamonds with color centers that emit in the biological transparency window. One such defect is nickel‐related color centers that radiate in the near‐infrared range (1.4 eV Ni centers), but have not yet been sufficiently investigated. In this study, the optical characteristics of high‐pressure high‐temperature (HPHT) diamond microcrystals with average sizes of 4 and 30 μm containing 1.4 eV Ni centers are reported. The temperature dependence of the spectral and temporal properties of Ni center emissions in the range from room temperature to 85 °C is demonstrated and thereby the possibility of appliance these centers as temperature sensors. The relative temperature sensitivities of luminescence peak intensity and lifetime for Ni centers are found to be 1.3% K−1 and 0.42% K−1, respectively. Moreover, the temperature determination accuracy reaches better than 1 K.
Real‐world clinical practice of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Japan: Insights from a large administrative database
Authors: Omura Junichi , Kitahara Kazuki , Takano Masashi , Idehara Koki , Kim Seok‐Won
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a fatal disease that often occurs at an early age. In recent years, aggressive treatment with multiple drugs from the early‐stage diagnosis is expected to improve the prognosis. Indeed, a high rate of initial combination therapy and excellent treatment outcomes have been reported from specialized centers for PAH in Japan. However, information on PAH epidemiology, including non‐PAH specialized centers in Japan, is unclear. To address the above, we conducted a retrospective observational cohort study from April 2008 to September 2020 using real‐world evidence from a large‐scale administrative database (Medical Data Vision) to examine baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and treatment profiles of Japanese patients with PAH. Five hundred and eighteen patients with PAH (treatment‐naive PAH, age 67.2 ± 15.9) were identified through our comprehensive approach which combined PAH disease codes, medications, and diagnostic procedures. Moreover, we showed that a larger proportion of patients received monotherapy in their initial treatment (66%) compared to those receiving combination therapy (34%). During the 1‐year follow‐up after PAH diagnosis, 13% of patients increased their PAH medications while other patients either decreased their PAH medications (6%) or discontinued PAH treatment (27%). The 3‐ and 5‐year event‐free survival rates of all‐cause death were 72% and 64%, respectively. This is the first large‐scale administrative database study that provides insights into real‐world PAH management in Japan. This study highlighted a different PAH clinical landscape which included a larger portion of the elderly population, higher initial monotherapy treatment, and lower survival rates than previous studies.
Robot‐assisted transaxillary surgery for thyroid cancer: Oncologic and surgical outcomes in long term follow‐up
Authors: Papini Piermarco , De Palma Andrea , Ginesini Michael , Rossi Leonardo , Fregoli Lorenzo , Elisei Rossella , Matrone Antonio , Morganti Riccardo , Ambrosini Carlo Enrico , Materazzi Gabriele
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of robot‐assisted transaxillary thyroidectomy (RATT) has rapidly spread in the last 2 decades, although it is mostly limited to Asian countries.

Method

We retrospectively enroled all patients with histologic diagnoses of thyroid cancer who underwent RATT at the University Hospital of Pisa from May 2012 to September 2020.

Results

The study included 242 patients; 128 (47%) underwent total thyroidectomy and 114 (53%) underwent thyroid lobectomy, among which 28 patients (24.6%) required completion thyroidectomy. Radioactive iodine ablation therapy was required in 90 patients (37%). The complication rate was 5.3%. After a median follow‐up of 38 months, an excellent response to therapy was achieved in 107 patients (74%), whereas the response was indeterminate in 12 (8%) and incomplete in 16 (11%). No local or distant relapses or increases in thyroglobulin or antibody levels were documented.

Conclusions

In experienced hands, RATT represents a valid option for the treatment of thyroid cancer in selected cases.
A multiple catheter tips tracking method in X‐ray fluoroscopy images by a new lightweight segmentation network and Bayesian filtering
Authors: Tang Hui , Li Hao Kai , Yang Chun Feng , Dillenseger Jean‐Louis , Coatrieux Gouenou , Feng Juan , Zhou Shou Jun , Chen Yang
Published: August 2023

During percutaneous coronary intervention, the guiding catheter plays an important role. Tracking the catheter tip placed at the coronary ostium in the X‐ray fluoroscopy sequence can obtain image displacement information caused by the heart beating, which can help dynamic coronary roadmap overlap on X‐ray fluoroscopy images. Due to a low exposure dose, the X‐ray fluoroscopy is noisy and low contrast, which causes some difficulties in tracking. In this paper, we developed a new catheter tip tracking framework. First, a lightweight efficient catheter tip segmentation network is proposed and boosted by a self‐distillation training mechanism. Then, the Bayesian filtering post‐processing method is used to consider the sequence information to refine the single image segmentation results. By separating the segmentation results into several groups based on connectivity, our framework can track multiple catheter tips. The proposed tracking framework is validated on a clinical X‐ray sequence dataset.
Distributed observer‐based fixed‐time cooperative guidance law against maneuvering target
Authors: He Zhichuan , Fan Shipeng , Wang Jiang , Wang Peng
Published: August 2023

This paper presents a fixed‐time cooperative guidance law for leader‐following missiles, comprising one leader missile with the target seeker and several seeker‐less follower missiles. The aim is to achieve a simultaneous attack on a maneuvering target at desired impact angles. First, a guidance law with impact angle control for the leader missile against a maneuvering target is proposed based on nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control algorithm. Then, the design of cooperative guidance law for the follower missiles is composed of two parts: along the follower‐to‐leader line of sight (LOS) direction, the guidance command derived from bi‐homogeneous property is designed to ensure that the follower‐leader ranges keep proportional consensus with the range‐to‐go of the leader missile, thus avoiding the estimation of time‐to‐go (); in the normal follower‐to‐leader LOS direction, considering the relative impact angle constraints which is determined by the leader LOS angle, the guidance command is proposed based on predefined‐time sliding mode control method. What's more, a distributed fixed‐time observer is designed for the follower missiles to compensate for unobtainable leader missile information. The fixed‐time stability of the proposed methods is demonstrated using the Lyapunov theory and bi‐homogeneous property. Finally, simulation results confirm the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed fixed‐time cooperative guidance law with leader‐following strategy.
Spontaneous Chiral Symmetry Breaking and Lane Formation in Ferromagnetic Ferrofluids
Authors: Vilfan Mojca , Lampret Borut , Gregorin Žiga , Cmok Luka , Vilfan Andrej , Klepp Jürgen , Kohlbrecher Joachim , Hribar Boštjančič Patricija , Lisjak Darja , Mertelj Alenka
Published: August 2023

Ferromagnetic ferrofluids are synthetic materials consisting of magnetic nanoplatelets dispersed in an isotropic fluid. Their main characteristics are the formation of stable magnetic domains and the presence of macroscopic magnetization even in the absence of a magnetic field. Here, the authors report on the experimental observation of spontaneous stripe formation in a ferromagnetic ferrofluid in the presence of an oscillating external magnetic field. The striped structure is identified as elongated magnetic domains, which exhibit reorientation upon reversal of the magnetic field. The stripes are oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field and are separated by alternating flow lanes. The velocity profile is measured using a space–time correlation technique that follows the motion of the thermally excited fluctuations in the sample. The highest velocities are found in the depleted regions between individual domains and reach values up to several µm s−1. The fluid in adjacent lanes moves in the opposite directions despite the applied magnetic field being uniform. The formation of bidirectional flow lanes can be explained by alternating rotation of magnetic nanoparticles in neighboring stripes, which indicates spontaneous breaking of the chiral symmetry in the sample.
MOF‐Based Photocatalytic Membrane for Water Purification: A Review
Authors: Chen Cheng , Fei Lingya , Wang Boya , Xu Jiujing , Li Bisheng , Shen Liguo , Lin Hongjun
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic membranes can effectively integrate membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation processes to provide an eco‐friendly solution for efficient water purification. It is of great significance to develop highly efficient photocatalytic membranes driven by visible light to ensure the long‐term stability of membrane separation systems and the maximum utilization of solar energy. Metal‐organic framework (MOF) is an emerging photocatalyst with a well‐defined structure and tunable chemical properties, showing a broad application prospect in the construction of high‐performance photocatalytic membranes. Herein, this work provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in MOF‐based photocatalytic membranes. Initially, this work outlines the main tailoring strategies that facilitate the enhancement of the photocatalytic activity of MOF‐based photocatalysts. Next, this work introduces commonly used methods for fabricating MOF‐based photocatalytic membranes. Subsequently, this work discusses the application and mechanisms of MOF‐based photocatalytic membranes toward organic pollutant degradation, metal ion removal, and membrane fouling mitigation. Finally, challenges in developing MOF‐based photocatalytic membranes and their practical applications are presented, while also pointing out future research directions toward overcoming these existing limitations.
High‐Throughput Calculations for Screening d‐ and p‐Block Single‐Atom Catalysts toward Li2S/Na2S Decomposition Guided by Facile Descriptor beyond Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi Relationship
Authors: Wu Siyi , Wang Chenhui , Liang Haikuan , Nong Wei , Zeng Zhihao , Li Yan , Wang Chengxin
Published: August 2023

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are promising cathode materials for addressing issues faced by lithium–sulfur batteries. Considering the ample chemical space of SACs, high‐throughput calculations are efficient strategies for their rational design. However, the high throughput calculations are impeded by the time‐consuming determination of the decomposition barrier (Eb) of Li2S. In this study, the effects of bond formation and breakage on the kinetics of SAC‐catalyzed Li2S decomposition with g‐C3N4 as the substrate are clarified. Furthermore, a new efficient and easily‐obtained descriptor Li─S─Li angle (ALi─S─Li) of adsorbed Li2S, different from the widely accepted thermodynamic data for predicting Eb, which breaks the well‐known Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi relationship, is identified. Under the guidance of ALi─S─Li, several superior SACs with d‐ and p‐block metal centers supported by g‐C3N4 are screened to accelerate the sulfur redox reaction and fix the soluble lithium polysulfides. The newly identified descriptor of ALi─S─Li can be extended to rationally design SACs for Na─S batteries. This study opens a new pathway for tuning the performance of SACs to catalyze the decomposition of X2S (X = Li, Na, and K) and thus accelerate the design of SACs for alkaline‐chalcogenide batteries.
Preparation and Characterization of Rice Starch Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Onion Peel Extract
Authors: Siddiqui Nabia , Shaikh Marium , Butt Natasha Abbas , Haider Salman , Parveen Zehra , Sattar Dur‐e‐shahwar , Ali Tahira Mohsin , Abbas Tanveer
Published: August 2023

This study aims to develop and characterize rice starch nanocomposites containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) derived from onion peel extract (OPE) as a reducing agent. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal the formation of semi‐spherical shaped nanoparticles. Also, the peaks obtain at 3 keV using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) indicates the presence of elemental silver. Active films loaded with AgNPs are subjected to SEM and show that incorporation of AgNPs lead to the development of embedded starch matrix as compared to control sample. The decrease in moisture content and water vapor permeability is quite noticeable by increasing the AgNPs concentration and ranges between (8.58–11.32)% and (6.74–10.90) × 10−9 g−1 s−1 Pa−1, respectively. The results of tensile test suggest that tensile strength is significantly increased after incorporation of nanoparticles in films. The active films possess improved antibacterial activity against food pathogens. Hence, the present investigation suggests economical and advantageous way to formulate nanocomposite films from rice starch that are loaded with AgNPs derived from an agro waste material, i.e., onion peels that are rich in phenolic compounds but are usually discarded by food processors.
Mathematical modelling for peristaltic flow of fourth‐grade nanoliquid with entropy generation
Authors: Nisar Zahid , Hayat Tasawar , Alsaedi Ahmed , Momani Shaher
Published: August 2023

Nanomaterials having excellent thermal properties are employed in producing energy, extrusion processes, engineering processes, nuclear interactions, industrial domains and aero‐spaces, etc. Therefore, current study scrutinizes the aspects of entropy optimization and Ohmic heating on MHD peristalsis of fourth‐grade nanoliquid in a channel. Flexible channel walls retain concentration, thermal slip and velocity conditions. The consequences of viscous dissipation and Arrhenius activation have been accounted. The lubrication approximation is used in mathematical modelling. Nanofluid model is used by considering thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Furthermore, thermal radiation features are included in the energy equation. By using an appropriate similarity transformation, a system of PDEs is simplified to a solvable system of ODEs. Numerical techniques are used to solve the problem of governance. Detailed exploration of the sundry variables of concern on the flow quantities like velocity profile, nanoparticle concentration, temperature and entropy of the system is graphically examined. Heat transfer is examined in tabular form. Based on the derived outcomes, the velocity rises via thermal Grashof and slip variables. Further, an increment in Brownian motion and radiation parameters shows opposite behaviour on temperature.
Understanding Peer Feedback Contributions Using Natural Language Processing
Authors: Castro Mayara Simões de Oliveira , Mello Rafael Ferreira , Fiorentino Giuseppe , Viberg Olga , Spikol Daniel , Baars Martine , Gašević Dragan
Published: August 2023

Peer feedback has been widely used in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) setting to improve students’ engagement with massive courses. Although the peer feedback process increases students’ self-regulatory practice, metacognition, and academic achievement, instructors need to go through large amounts of feedback text data which is much more time-consuming. To address this challenge, the present study proposes an automated content analysis approach to identify relevant categories in peer feedback based on traditional and sequence-based classifiers using TF-IDF and content-independent features. We use a data set from an extensive course (N = 231 students) in the setting of engineering higher education. In particular, a total of 2,444 peer feedback messages were analyzed. The CRF classification model based on the TF-IDF features achieved the best performance. The results illustrate that the ability to scale up the automatic analysis of peer feedback provides new opportunities for student-improved learning and improved teacher support in higher education at scale.
PEER: Empowering Writing with Large Language Models
Authors: Seßler Kathrin , Xiang Tao , Bogenrieder Lukas , Kasneci Enkelejda
Published: August 2023

The emerging research area of large language models (LLMs) has far-reaching implications for various aspects of our daily lives. In education, in particular, LLMs hold enormous potential for enabling personalized learning and equal opportunities for all students. In a traditional classroom environment, students often struggle to develop individual writing skills because the workload of the teachers limits their ability to provide detailed feedback on each student’s essay. To bridge this gap, we have developed a tool called PEER (Paper Evaluation and Empowerment Resource) which exploits the power of LLMs and provides students with comprehensive and engaging feedback on their essays. Our goal is to motivate each student to enhance their writing skills through positive feedback and specific suggestions for improvement. Since its launch in February 2023, PEER has received high levels of interest and demand, resulting in more than 4000 essays uploaded to the platform to date. Moreover, there has been an overwhelming response from teachers who are interested in the project since it has the potential to alleviate their workload by making the task of grading essays less tedious. By collecting a real-world data set incorporating essays of students and feedback from teachers, we will be able to refine and enhance PEER through model fine-tuning in the next steps. Our goal is to leverage LLMs to enhance personalized learning, reduce teacher workload, and ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to excel in writing. The code is available at https://github.com/Kasneci-Lab/AI-assisted-writing.
Grundlagen der Politik und Demokratie
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Das Kapitel legt die Basis für eine fundierte Auseinandersetzung mit dem politischen System der Schweiz, indem es in gängige Politik- und Demokratiebegriffe einführt. Es behandelt die unterschiedlichen Erscheinungsformen von Politik und die für politische Willensbildungs- und Entscheidungsprozesse relevanten Akteurinnen und Akteure. Die von Robert Dahl formulierten Kriterien und Vorzüge der Demokratie werden ebenso diskutiert wie demokratietheoretisch relevante Themen während der Corona-Pandemie.
Das Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen aus ökonomischer Perspektive
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Das Kapitel stellt die ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen und Strukturmerkmale des Gesundheits- und Sozialwesens anhand von Kennzahlen zu öffentlichen und privaten Ausgaben für Gesundheit und Soziale Sicherheit sowie Branchen- und Arbeitsmarktdaten dar. Es vergleicht die Ausgaben von Gemeinden, Kantonen und Bund und setzt die Schweiz ins Verhältnis zur Situation in anderen Staaten. Insbesondere fokussieren wir auf die Beschäftigungsentwicklung im Sozial- und Gesundheitswesen, die Entwicklung der Spitex und den vieldiskutierten Personalmangel in Gesundheitsberufen.
Gesundheits- und Sozialwesen im Spannungsfeld der Sektoren
Authors: Kehl Konstantin
Published: August 2023

Das Kapitel verortet Sozial- und Gesundheitseinrichtungen zwischen Staat, Markt und dem Familien- bzw. Gemeinschaftssystem. Angelehnt an die Non-Profit-Theorie, zeigt es auf, wie sie neben ihrem Dienstleistungsangebot soziale, kulturelle und politische Beiträge zur Funktionsfähigkeit der Gesellschaft leisten. Die Leserinnen und Leser lernen, weshalb gemeinnützige (zivilgesellschaftliche), öffentliche und privatwirtschaftliche Leistungserbringende koexistieren und wie sie sich als Fach- und Führungspersonen politisch einzubringen vermögen.