bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid‐state curved focal plane arrays realized with simple approaches for compact and high‐performance optical systems
Authors: Nikzad Shouleh , Jones Todd J. , Hoenk Michael E. , von Allmen Paul
Published: November 2023

We present an overview of our work on design, development, and demonstration of simple and effective approaches to fabricating solid‐state curved focal plane arrays (CFPAs) that have spawned a novel class of detector arrays. CFPAs can dramatically alter the capability and size of image systems, with an especially high impact in scientific and space applications in terms of science‐instrument size, mass, simplicity, optical performance, and cost. The key to the simplicity of our approaches to curved focal plane arrays, implemented in thick, high‐purity silicon or thinned membrane low‐resistivity substrate detectors is that the curvature of the surface is independent of the VLSI fabrication process of imaging arrays. We present the principles of two approaches, results of fabrication of curved arrays, and results of analysis for limits of curving silicon arrays. New concepts and techniques were also developed as spin offs of this program for extreme curvature FPAs and infrared CPFAs.
Do people desire optimism from others during a novel global crisis?
Authors: Miller Jane E. , Strueder Jeremy D. , Park Inkyung , Windschitl Paul D.
Published: November 2023

During a global crisis, does the desire for good news also mean an endorsement of an optimistic bias? Five pre‐registered studies, conducted at the start of the COVID pandemic, examined people's lay prescriptions for thinking about uncertainty—specifically whether they thought forecasters should be optimistic, realistic, or pessimistic in how they estimated key likelihoods. Participants gave prescriptions for forecasters with different roles (e.g., self, family member, and public official) and for several key outcomes (e.g., contracting COVID and vaccine development). Overall, prescribed optimism was not the norm. In fact, for negative outcomes that were of high concern, participants generally wanted others to have a pessimistic bias in how they estimated likelihoods. For positive outcomes, people favored more accurate estimation. These patterns held regardless of the assumed forecaster's role. A common justification for advocating for a pessimistic bias in forecasts was to increase others' engagement in protective or preventative behaviors.
Digitale Zwillinge für Brücken mittlerer Stützweite – Pilotprojekt Brücke Schwindegg – Teil 1: Sensorik
Authors: Wimmer Johannes , Braml Thomas , Martinez Robert
Published: November 2023

Die Brückenerhaltung stellt in den nächsten Jahren eine wesentliche Aufgabe zur Aufrechterhaltung der Infrastruktur dar. Gerade bei Brücken mit kleinen und mittleren Stützweiten im kommunalen Straßennetz steht mittlerweile in vielen Fällen nicht mehr ausreichend Personal für Bauwerksprüfung und ‐unterhalt zur Verfügung. Es ist daher zukünftig erforderlich, Konzepte für eine teilautomatisierte Brückenprüfung zu entwickeln. Stehen Informationen aus Einwirkungen und Widerständen von Bauwerken zur Verfügung, so enthalten die Messwerte wichtige Informationen zum Bauwerkszustand. Ein Konzept hierfür können Digitale Zwillinge sein. Auf Basis von Digitalen Zwillingen und den darin enthaltenen Informationen kann ein intelligentes Erhaltungsmanagement umgesetzt werden. In einem zweiteiligen Beitrag wird das Konzept für Digitale Zwillinge für Brücken mittlerer Stützweite vorgestellt. Dieser erste Teil stellt die Sensorausstattung einer einfeldrigen Spannbetonrahmenbrücke für ein Monitoring mit der Perspektive eines Digitalen Zwillings vor.
Co‐current filtrate flow in TFF perfusion processes: Decoupling transmembrane pressure from crossflow to improve product sieving
Authors: Romann Patrick , Giller Philip , Sibilia Antony , Herwig Christoph , Zydney Andrew L. , Perilleux Arnaud , Souquet Jonathan , Bielser Jean‐Marc , Villiger Thomas K.
Published: November 2023

Hollow fiber‐based membrane filtration has emerged as the dominant technology for cell retention in perfusion processes yet significant challenges in alleviating filter fouling remain unsolved. In this work, the benefits of co‐current filtrate flow applied to a tangential flow filtration (TFF) module to reduce or even completely remove Starling recirculation caused by the axial pressure drop within the module was studied by pressure characterization experiments and perfusion cell culture runs. Additionally, a novel concept to achieve alternating Starling flow within unidirectional TFF was investigated. Pressure profiles demonstrated that precise flow control can be achieved with both lab‐scale and manufacturing‐scale filters. TFF systems with co‐current flow showed up to 40% higher product sieving compared to standard TFF. The decoupling of transmembrane pressure from crossflow velocity and filter characteristics in co‐current TFF alleviates common challenges for hollow fiber‐based systems such as limited crossflow rates and relatively short filter module lengths, both of which are currently used to avoid extensive pressure drop along the filtration module. Therefore, co‐current filtrate flow in unidirectional TFF systems represents an interesting and scalable alternative to standard TFF or alternating TFF operation with additional possibilities to control Starling recirculation flow.
Mental health criminal defenses in persons with neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Frierson Richard L. , Joshi Kaustubh G.
Published: November 2023

Persons with neuropsychiatric disorders present specific and unique challenges for forensic experts and defense attorneys in the criminal justice system. This article reviews two potential criminal defenses: legal insanity and the various legal standards or tests of criminal responsibility that are used in jurisdictions throughout the United States (i.e., the M’Naghten standard and the American Law Institute's Model Penal Code), and the partial legal defense of diminished capacity (lacking the mental state necessary to be found guilty of a specific intent crime). The process of evaluating criminal responsibility or diminished capacity is also presented with a specific emphasis on common issues that arise in evaluating defendants with Intellectual Developmental Disorder (Intellectual Disability), Parasomnias, Seizure Disorders, and Neurocognitive Disorders.
Efficiency of ultrafiltration/diafiltration in removing organic and elemental process equipment related leachables from biological therapeutics
Authors: Sun Bin , Hadidi Mahsa , Santiago Nuñez Jose , Song Benben , Tumambac Gilbert E. , Wong Ken , Kalinowski Gregor , Hathcock James J.
Published: November 2023

In the production of biological therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), ultrafiltration and diafiltration (UF/DF) are widely regarded as effective downstream processing steps capable of removing process equipment related leachables (PERLs) introduced upstream of the UF/DF step. However, clearance data available in the literature are limited to species with low partition coefficients (log P) such as buffer ions, hydrophilic organic compounds, and some metal ions. Additional data for a wide range of PERLs including hydrophobic compounds and elemental impurities are needed to establish meaningful, comprehensive safety risk assessments. Herein, we report the results from studies investigating the clearance of seven different organic PERLs representing a wide range of characteristics (i.e., log P (−0.3 to 18)), and four model elements with different chemical properties spiked into a mAb formulation at 10 ppm and analyzed during clearance using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography‐photodiode‐array‐mass spectrometry (LC‐PDA‐MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The clearance data showed ideal clearance and sieving of spiked organic PERLs with log P < 4, partial clearance of PERLs with 4 < log P < 9, and poor clearance of highly hydrophobic PERLs (log P > 9) after nine diafiltration volumes (DVs). Supplemental clearance studies on seven additional PERLs present at much lower concentration levels (0.1–1.5 ppm) in the mAb formulation upstream of UF/DF and three PERLs associated with the tangential flow filtration (TFF) equipment also demonstrated the similar correlations between log P and % clearance. For model elements, the findings suggest that UF/DF in general provides ideal clearance for elements. Evidence showed that the UF/DF process does not only help mitigate leachables risk from PERLs introduced upstream of UF/DF, but also from the TFF operation itself as all three TFF‐related PERLs were effectively cleared. Overall, the UF/DF clearance presented in this work demonstrated whereas highly hydrophobic PERLs and elements that exist as charged species, particularly transition metal ions, may not be as effectively cleared and thus warrant further risk assessment; hydrophilic and some hydrophobic PERLs (log P < 4) are indeed well‐cleared and thus present a lower overall safety risk.
Therapeutic alliance in psycho‐oncology: A systematic review
Authors: Flock Charlotte , Grapp Miriam , Oldsen Rahel , Friederich Hans‐Christoph , Bugaj Till Johannes
Published: November 2023

Objectives

There is evidence of a significant role for therapeutic alliance (TA) in psycho‐oncology care. This review aims to provide an overview by systematically identifying key characteristics of TA in this setting and exploring related concepts.

Methods

PubMed, PsycInfo and Web of Science were systematically searched for empirical studies on adult cancer patients receiving psycho‐oncological care considering TA. Quality assessment was undertaken using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Of the 4647 identified publications, 24 quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐methods studies were included. Characteristics of studies, interventions and samples were heterogenic. Patients consistently reported high TA scores. Favourable associations of TA with distress and well‐being and mixed results for further outcomes and compliance were detected. Associations between the patient's and therapist's characteristics yielded mixed results. Qualitative evidence pointed to a unique nature of TA in psycho‐oncology, for example, patients experiencing it in the context of other patient–provider relationships occurring in the context of the disease.

Conclusion

The review displays a unique synopsis of a heterogenic, quickly developing research field. First hints towards the efficacy and particularity of TA in psycho‐oncology are delivered. Results encourage further focus on TA, both in psycho‐oncological research and in clinical practice.
Long‐term follow‐up of a young male who developed acute macular neuroretinopathy following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Ikema Shunsuke , Miura Gen , Shimizu Daisuke , Baba Takayuki
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

This report presents the clinical findings and prognosis of a healthy male patient who developed acute macular neuroretinopathy after COVID‐19 vaccination. Abnormal findings improved about 1 month after the onset and disappeared 3 months later. The subjective symptoms disappeared in 3 months, and no recurrence was observed for 1 year.
Unravelling CO2 Reduction Reaction Intermediates on High Entropy Alloy Catalysts: An Interpretable Machine Learning Approach to Establish Scaling Relations
Authors: Roy Diptendu , Charan Mandal Shyama , Das Amitabha , Pathak Biswarup
Published: November 2023

Establishment of a scaling relation among the reaction intermediates is highly important but very much challenging on complex surfaces, such as surfaces of high entropy alloys (HEAs). Herein, we designed an interpretable machine learning (ML) approach to establish a scaling relation among CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) intermediates adsorbed at the same adsorption site. Local Interpretable Model‐Agnostic Explanations (LIME), Accumulated Local Effects (ALE), and Permutation Feature Importance (PFI) are used for the global and local interpretation of the utilized black box models. These methods were successfully applied through an iterative way and validated on CuCoNiZnMg and CuCoNiZnSnbased HEAs data. Finally, we successfully predicted adsorption energies of *H2CO (MAE: 0.24 eV) and *H3CO (MAE: 0.23 eV) by using the *HCO training data. Similarly, adsorption energy of *O (MAE: 0.32 eV) is also predicted from *H training data. We believe that our proposed method can shift the paradigm of state‐of‐the‐art ML in catalysis towards better interpretability.
Preparation and performance study of functional polymer with self demulsifying
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhao Lin , Zhang Ning , Wang Chengsheng , Wang Xiujun , Su Yanhui , Wu Xiaoyan , Liu Guanjun , Yi Fei
Published: November 2023

In polymer flooding, the residual polymer in the produced fluid can increase the stability of crude oil emulsion, thereby negatively affecting the demulsification process. Therefore, a polymer that has no effect on the stability of crude oil emulsion is required. Herein, a polymerizable monomer with a demulsification function (MD) was synthesized and then copolymerized with acrylamide, acrylic acid, and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid to prepare a novel copolymer (self‐demulsifying polymer, PDM). The dissolution time, solution viscosity, shear resistance, static adsorption on quartz sand, and the effect on the crude oil emulsion stability of PDM were compared with those of regular polyacrylamide (PAM). Experimental results showed that owing to the steric hindrance effect of MD, the molecular weight of PDM was lower than that of PAM. Both polymers exhibited satisfactory solubility, solution viscosity, shear resistance, and static adsorption, which can meet the requirements of polymer for use in oil displacement. However, in contrast to PAM, PDM had no negative effect on the crude oil emulsion stability. This study provides a new solution to the problem of increased crude oil emulsion stability in polymer flooding.
Benefit of primary and secondary prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator in elderly patients
Authors: Lewenhardt Marie , Kreimer Fabienne , Aweimer Assem , Pflaumbaum Andreas , Mügge Andreas , Gotzmann Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

The benefit of implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in elderly patients has been questioned. In the present study, we aimed to analyse the outcome of patients of different age groups with ICD implantation.

Methods

We included all patients who received an ICD in our hospital from 2011 to 2020. Primary endpoints were (1) death from any cause and (2) appropriate ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing/shock). A “benefit of ICD implantation” was defined as appropriate ICD therapy before death from any cause/or survival. “No benefit of ICD implantation” was defined as death from any cause without prior appropriate ICD therapy.

Results

A total of 422 patients received an ICD (primary prophylaxis n = 323, secondary prophylaxis n = 99). At the time of implantation, 35 patients (8%) were >80 years and 106 patients were >75 years (25%). During the study period of 4.2 ± 3 years, benefit of ICD occurred in 89 patients (21%) and no benefit in 84 patients (20%). In primary prevention, the proportion of patients who had a benefit from ICD implantation decreased with increasing age, and there were no patients who benefited from ICD therapy in the group of patients >80 years. In secondary prophylaxis, the proportion of patients with a benefit from ICD implantation ranged from 20% to 30% in all age groups.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the indication of primary prophylactic ICD in elderly and very old patients should be critically assessed. On the other hand, no patient should be denied secondary prophylactic ICD implantation because of age.
Cancer staging: The Goldilocks principle
Authors: Lydiatt William M.
Published: November 2023

Modifications are critical to cancer staging evolution. This piece seeks to contextualize key examples of the necessity for balance when considering and adopting these modifications.
Walking energetics and white matter hyperintensities in mid‐to‐late adulthood
Authors: Dougherty Ryan J. , Wanigatunga Amal A. , An Yang , Tian Qu , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Albert Marilyn S. , Resnick Susan M. , Schrack Jennifer A.
Published: November 2023

INTRODUCTION

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) increase with age and contribute to cognitive and motor function decline. Energy costs for mobility worsen with age, as the energetic cost of walking increases and energetic capacity declines. We examined the cross‐sectional associations of multiple measures of walking energetics with WMHs in mid‐ to late‐aged adults.

METHODS

A total of 601 cognitively unimpaired adults (mean age 66.9 ± 15.3 years, 54% women) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans and completed standardized slow‐ and peak‐paced walking assessments with metabolic measurement (V̇O2). T1‐weighted scans and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery images were used to quantify WMHs. Separate multivariable linear regression models examined associations adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

Lower slow‐paced V̇O2 (B = 0.07; P = 0.030), higher peak‐paced V̇O2 (B = –0.10; P = 0.007), and lower cost‐to‐capacity ratio (B = .12; P < 0.0001) were all associated with lower WMH volumes.

DISCUSSION

The cost‐to‐capacity ratio, which describes the percentage of capacity required for ambulation, was the walking energetic measure most strongly associated with WMHs.
Electroactive Prussian Blue Analogues/TiO2 Nanocomposites Obtained through SILAR Assembly in Mesoporous Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Vensaus Priscila , Caraballo Rolando M. , Tritto Emiliano , Fernández Cynthia C. , Angelomé Paula C. , Fuertes M. Cecilia , Williams Federico J. , Soler‐Illia Galo J. A. A. , Baraldo Luis M.
Published: November 2023

The preparation of nanomaterials for energy applications such as intercalation batteries and materials that can act as substrates for water oxidation is a subject of major interest nowadays. In this work, we report the deposition of Prussian blue (PB) and its cobalt analogue (CoPBA) on mesoporous titania thin films (MTTF) using the successive ionic layer adsorption reaction (SILAR) technique under soft conditions. A bifunctional ligand, 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐dione (pd), was used to functionalize the titania surface and promote the growth of PB and CoPBA. The resulting PB@MTTF and CoPBA@MTTF nanocomposites were characterized using several techniques and it was determined that PB and CoPBA grow in a controlled and sequential manner, maintaining the mesoporous architecture. Both PB@MTTF and CoPBA@MTTF demonstrated very good electroactive properties, while CoPBA@MTTF exhibited water oxidation capabilities. The flexibility of this PBA@MTTF platform allows the incorporation of any labile transition metal ion or fragment into the structure of the coordination polymer embedded into a mesoporous matrix, opening the door for (photo)electrochemical devices and catalysts.
If only they knew! A non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial comparing deceptive and open‐label placebo in healthy individuals
Authors: Druart L. , Graham Longsworth S. E. , Terrisse H. , Locher C. , Blease C. , Rolland C. , Pinsault N.
Published: November 2023

Background

Placebo use is widespread in clinical practice. However, they are most often administered deceptively rather than openly. It is often suggested that open‐label placebos (OLP) are less effective than deceptive placebos (DP). This study aimed to compare the use of DP and OLP treatments to reduce pain in healthy volunteers.

Methods

We conducted a non‐inferiority, parallel, randomized, controlled trial, which also included a nested cross‐over no‐treatment condition. This study was conducted at a university clinic in France.

Results

We included 60 subjects and the main result shows that the OLP was not inferior to the DP by a margin of 10 mm. The mean difference between both groups regarding intensity of pain was 0.7 mm with a 95% compatibility interval (95% CI) of ]−∞; 5.4], and 97.5% CI of ]−∞; 6.3]. Secondary outcomes require cautious interpretation of the effect of placebo versus no treatment due to a time–treatment interaction.

Conclusion

The study indicates that OLP may perform just as well as DP and could provide support for the use of OLP as an ethical alternative to DP when they are to be used in a clinical setting. If only patients knew about the placebo nature of some treatments they are receiving, unnecessary lies could be avoided while maintaining similar placebo effects.

Significance

This study is the first to show non‐inferiority of placebos administered honestly, also called OLP, compared to DP in reducing pain. This suggests that OLP could be as effective as their deceptive counterparts while having the ethical advantage of not being required to lie. If deception is not a necessary condition for efficacy, OLP should be preferred over DP.
Improved Synthesis of Chiral 1,4,7‐Triazacyclononane Derivatives and Their Application in Ni‐Catalyzed Csp3−Csp3 Kumada Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Hu Chi‐Herng , Byeong Chae Ju , Mirica Liviu M.
Published: November 2023

Herein, we report four new chiral 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane (TACN) derivatives and their corresponding nickel(II) chloride complexes. All TACN ligands are bearing one chiral N‐substituent and two alkyl (methyl or tert‐butyl) N‐substituents, and we have developed a new synthetic method for the dimethyl‐substituted TACN derivative, in order to prevent the rotational isomers that hinder the cyclization reaction. The nickel complexes change their coordination geometry significantly depending on the steric bulk of the N‐alkyl substituents, from a dinuclear tris(μ‐chloro)dinickel complex to mononuclear Ni‐dichloride and Ni‐chloride complexes. These complexes were then employed in the alkyl‐alkyl Kumada cross‐coupling reaction and revealed that the more sterically hindered ligands produced more homocoupled product rather than the cross‐coupled product, while the mononuclear Ni‐dichloride complex exhibited significantly lower catalytic activity. These chiral complexes were also employed in enantioconvergent cross‐coupling reactions as well, to afford significant enantioenrichment. Overall, the least sterically hindered Ni complex yields the best yields in the alkyl‐alkyl Kumada cross‐coupling reaction among the four complexes investigated, as well as the highest enantioselectivity.
Examining the female‐talker default in experimental language acquisition research
Authors: Holtz Annie , Papineau Brandon T.
Published: November 2023

Experimental research on language acquisition and development regularly employs auditory stimuli as part of the methodology. This project analyses the apparent standard practice of using female speakers to produce these experimental materials and the potential consequences of such a practice. To situate the discussion in the current scientific landscape we present a systematic review of published literature between 2017 and 2022 to establish how prevalent this practice is. The review finds a strong bias in favour of female‐spoken stimuli across publications in a curated set of nine journals. We discuss this result in light of gender‐based workplace inequality, changing caregiver expectations and the reliability of infants' assumed female voice preference. This project seeks to encourage researchers to consider how diversifying the stimuli used in these types of studies would lead to both a more inclusive and representative research landscape, as well as ensure that our research results are generalizable.
Sleep disorder identification using wavelet scattering on ECG signals
Authors: Sharma Manish , Lodhi Harsh , Yadav Rishita , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: November 2023

Sleep affects the functioning of all biological processes in the human body. Sleep disorders disrupt the well‐being of an individual and can potentially lead to other health complications. It affects a large part of the population, and their timely and efficient detection is crucial for improving the quality of health. Sleep disorders are generally analyzed using polysomnogram (PSG) signals, which must be captured in sophisticated laboratory settings. However, electrocardiogram (ECG) signals provide information about the electrical activity of the heart, which is strongly linked with disturbances in sleep and can be used as an indicator of disordered sleep. Along with that, the recording of ECG signals is much easier than other signals and can be done remotely without causing any significant disturbance to the subject. This brings practicality to the systems that are already being employed for sleep disorder detection. In this paper, we present a method for identifying types of sleep disorders using ECG signals. The objective of this paper is to investigate the use of ECG signals for the automated identification of insomnia, narcolepsy, periodic leg movement (PLM), rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder (RBD), and nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) against healthy subjects. We aim to develop a machine learning‐based algorithm that automatically classifies ECG signals into these sleep disorder categories. The cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) sleep database was used in this study, which contains PSG recordings from individuals with and without sleep disorders, including insomnia, narcolepsy, PLM, RBD, and NFLE. A wavelet scattering network has been used to extract features from the ECG signals. Various classifiers were tested, and the ensemble bag of trees classifier provided the optimum performance. An overall accuracy of 98% was obtained for the identification of sleep disorders, along with a classification accuracy of 99.37%, 99.45%, 99.23%, 99.4%, and 99.65% for insomnia, narcolepsy, NFLE, PLM, and RBD, respectively, for binary classification against healthy subject data. Our results show that wavelet scattering network and ensemble of bagged tree (EbagT) classification can accurately identify various sleep disorders. They provided evidence that ECG signals can be used to identify and diagnose sleep disorders, which could lead to the development of accurate detection of these sleep disorders. Also, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in identifying multiple sleep disorders, which could lead to more efficient and cost‐effective diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders.
Combined impact of myosteatosis and liver steatosis on prognosis in stage I–III colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Lee Dong Hee , Jo Il , Lee Hye Sun , Kang Jeonghyun
Published: November 2023

Background

Myosteatosis and liver steatosis (LS) have been recognized as patient‐derived image biomarkers that correlate with prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, the significance of considering fat deposition in multiple body areas simultaneously has been underestimated. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of myosteatosis and LS in stage I‐III CRC patients.

Methods

A total of 616 stage I‐III CRC patients were included in the study. Myosteatosis was assessed using skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD), and LS was estimated by calculating the Hounsfield unit of the liver and spleen ratio (LSR). Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to evaluate disease‐free survival (DFS). A combination of myosteatosis and LS was proposed, and its discriminatory performance was compared using the C‐index.

Results

Among the 616 participants, the median (interquartile) age was 64 (55–72) years, and 240 (38.9%) were female. The median and interquartile range of LSR were determined as 1.106 (0.967–1.225). The optimal cutoff value for LSR was identified as 1.181, leading to the classification of patients into low (410, 66.5%) and high LSR (206, 33.4%) groups. Among the patients, 200 were categorized into the low SMD group, while 416 were allocated to the high SMD group. Both myosteatosis and LS were identified as independent prognostic factors in the multivariable analysis. The combination of these two variables resulted in a three‐group classification: high SMD with low LSR group, high SMD with high LSR group, and low SMD group. When comparing the C‐index values, the three‐group classification exhibited superior discriminatory performance compared with considering myosteatosis and LS separately.

Conclusions

Myosteatosis was associated with poorer survival, while the presence of LS was linked to a better prognosis in non‐metastatic CRC patients. Simultaneously considering fat infiltration can serve as a more effective prognosticator in non‐metastatic CRC patients.
Orthodontics rewired: A new approach to predoctoral competency training
Authors: Lipp Mitchell J. , Clarke Christopher L. , Cho Kiyoung
Published: November 2023

Objective

To describe changes in a competency‐based orthodontics course in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, and compare outcomes before and after these adaptations.

Methods

Exempted by NYU IRB (#FY2021‐4795, #FY2021‐5748). At NYU College of Dentistry, assessments and surveys for D3 course groups were compared: 2018 (N = 89, in‐person) and 2022 (N = 109, hybrid; remote synchronous with cold‐calling). Assessments were identical and proctored. Pass rates, mean scores, and score distributions were compared using t‐tests and Z‐scores. Internal consistency of surveys was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Six paired Likert items were categorized into Positive, Neutral, and Negative and compared using Fisher's exact test and phi coefficients. Four items were added to the 2022 survey to assess students’ responses to “cold‐calling” and were evaluated using descriptive statistical methods.

Results

No significant differences in pass rates or mean assessment scores were found between 2018 (79.8%, 1.45 ± 1.11) and 2022 (80.7%, 1.50 ± 0.97) groups. Surveys demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.95 and 0.81). Response rates were 79% and 80% for both groups with a median score of 4 (Agree) or higher, indicating positive confidence and motivation. Fisher's exact test and phi coefficients did not find significant differences across surveys (p ≤ 0.05). The four additional Likert items in the 2022 group survey suggested that cold‐calling increased preparedness and anxiety. The median score for cold‐call items = 4 (Agree).

Conclusions

The null hypothesis was upheld. Assessment and survey outcomes for 2018 and 2022 were similar. Students displayed increased confidence and motivation. “Cold‐calling” was associated with increased preparedness, engagement, and anxiety.
A simplified low‐cost phantom for image quality assessment of dental cone beam computed tomography unit
Authors: Rabba James Anthony , Jaafar Hanis Arina , Suhaimi Fatanah Mohamad , Jafri Mohd Zubir Mat , Osman Noor Diyana
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A standardised testing protocol for evaluation of a wide range of dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) performance and image quality (IQ) parameters is still limited and commercially available testing tool is unaffordable by some centres. This study aims to assess the performance of a low‐cost fabricated phantom for image quality assessment (IQA) of digital CBCT unit.

Methods

A customised polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) cylindrical phantom was developed for performance evaluation of Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid digital dental CBCT unit. The fabricated phantom consists of four different layers for testing specific IQ parameters such as CT number accuracy and uniformity, noise and CT number linearity. The phantom was scanned using common scanning protocols in clinical routine (90.0 kV, 8.0 mA and 13.6 s). In region‐of‐interest (ROI) analysis, the mean CT numbers (in Hounsfield unit, HU) and noise for water and air were determined and compared with the reference values (0 HU for water and −1000 HU for air). For linearity test, the correlation between the measured HU of different inserts with their density was studied.

Results

The average CT number were −994.1 HU and −2.4 HU, for air and water, respectively and the differences were within the recommended acceptable limit. The linearity test showed a strong positive correlation (R2 = 0.9693) between the measured HU and their densities.

Conclusion

The fabricated IQ phantom serves as a simple and affordable testing tool for digital dental CBCT imaging.
Performance evaluation of fully automated cobas® 6800 CMV PCR for the detection and quantification of cytomegalovirus DNA in neonatal urine and saliva, and adult urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion
Authors: Tan Ngee Keong , Pope Cassie F. , Carrington David
Published: November 2023

Laboratory testing for cytomegalovirus (CMV) in bodily fluids is essential to manage congenital and prenatal CMV infection. The rapid and fully automated cobas® CMV PCR is approved only for the testing of plasma in transplant patients. To evaluate the performance of the cobas® CMV to detect and quantify CMV DNA in neonatal and adult female urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion, the limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantification (LoQ), imprecision, linearity, PCR efficiency, bias, analytical specificity, cross‐reactivity, and cross‐contamination of the cobas® CMV for urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion was determined. The performance of the assay was evaluated prospectively with two laboratory‐developed PCR assays using neonatal and adult urine, saliva swabs, and vaginal swabs. The LoD and LoQ were 31 and 100 IU/mL, respectively, for urine, and 81 and 100 IU/mL, respectively, for vaginal secretion. The LoD and LoQ for saliva were the same (200 IU/mL). The cobas® CMV was precise (coefficient of variation ≤10%), linear (R2 ≥ 0.995), and efficient (1.07 and 1.09) between 100 and 250,000 IU/mL for the sample types. The bias and analytical specificity was <±0.30 log10 IU/mL and 100%, respectively. Cross‐reactivity with non‐CMV pathogens was not detected. Cross‐contamination rate was 0.28%. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the cobas® CMV for neonatal urine and saliva were ≥95.0%, ≥93.3%, and ≥90.4%, respectively. The overall percent agreement for adult urine, saliva, and vaginal secretion was 86.6%, 94.5%, and 89.4%, respectively. Taken together, the cobas® CMV demonstrated acceptable analytical and diagnostic performance, and is suitable for routine diagnostic laboratory investigation of CMV infection in neonates and adults.
Zero to minimal fluoroscopy for cardiac electronic device implantation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luke Kevin , Milla Clonia , Tandi Joshua Kurnia , Julario Rerdin
Published: November 2023

Background

Fluoroscopy is conventionally performed for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy and carries radiation drawback for both patients and medical workers. Recently, zero to minimal fluoroscopy (ZMF) approach is introduced to reduce radiation exposure of fluoroscopy. This study compares the feasibility and safety of ZMF approach to fluoroscopy for CIEDs therapy in adults.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science in March 2023. All observational or experimental studies comparing ZMF approach to fluoroscopy for adult CIEDs therapy were included. Reviews, case report/series, animal studies, and non‐English articles were excluded. The success rate, procedural time, fluoroscopy time, radiation dose, and complications rate were compared for each approach.

Results

Seven articles for permanent and three articles for temporary CIEDs were included for analysis. The success rate of ZMF for permanent CIEDs was similar to fluoroscopy method (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.33–4.15). The procedural time of ZMF was similar to fluoroscopy for both permanent and temporary CIEDs (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.10, 95% CI: −0.35 to 0.55 and SMD: −0.71, 95% CI: −1.87–0.44, respectively). However, ZMF approach markedly reduced the fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure for permanent CIEDs (SMD: −1.80, 95% CI: −2.49 to −1.12 and SMD: −1.26, 95% CI: −2.24 to −0.29). The complication rate was similar for permanent CIEDs (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.41–2.84), yet lowered for temporary CIEDs (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20–0.59).

Conclusion

ZMF had similar success rate, procedural time, and sum complication rate for permanent CIEDs implantation with a significant reduction of fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure.
Parosteal Lipoma Overlying an Osteochondroma of the Hyoid Bone: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Green Allen , Wei Eric X. , Chang‐Graham Alexandra , Holmes Brittany , Smith Alden , Sung C. Kwang
Published: November 2023

Parosteal lipomas and osteochondromas of the head and neck are uncommon benign tumors, constituting a small fraction of lipoma and bone tumor cases. We present a unique case of a 66‐year‐old male with a parosteal lipoma overlying an osteochondroma in the anterior midline neck, causing dysphagia. Surgical excision confirmed the diagnosis, and a literature review revealed similar cases predominantly adjacent to the mandible or calvaria. This case emphasizes the need to have parosteal lipoma and osteochondroma on the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with a firm mass of the central neck, especially with a history of trauma. Laryngoscope, 134:2844–2847, 2024
Dominant VPS16 Pathogenic Variants: Not Only Isolated Dystonia
Authors: Monfrini Edoardo , Avanzino Laura , Palermo Giovanni , Bonato Giulia , Brescia Gloria , Ceravolo Roberto , Cantarella Giovanna , Mandich Paola , Prokisch Holger , Storm van's Gravesande Karin , Straccia Giulia , Elia Antonio , Reale Chiara , Panteghini Celeste , Zorzi Giovanna , Eleopra Roberto , Erro Roberto , Carecchio Miryam , Garavaglia Barbara , Zech Michael , Romito Luigi , Di Fonzo Alessio
Published: November 2023

Background

VPS16 pathogenic variants have been recently associated with inherited dystonia. Most patients affected by dominant VPS16‐related disease display early‐onset isolated dystonia with prominent oromandibular, bulbar, cervical, and upper limb involvement, followed by slowly progressive generalization.

Cases

We describe six newly reported dystonic patients carrying VPS16 mutations displaying unusual phenotypic features in addition to dystonia, such as myoclonus, choreoathetosis, pharyngospasm and freezing of gait. Response to bilateral Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation (GPi‐DBS) is reported in three of them, associated with significant improvement of dystonia but only minor effect on other hyperkinetic movements. Moreover, five novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants are described.

Conclusions

This case collection expands the genetic and clinical spectrum of VPS16‐related disease, prompting movement disorder specialists to suspect mutations of this gene not only in patients with isolated dystonia.
Persistence of multidimensional time‐varying skills of fund managers: A comparison of conventional and Islamic equity funds
Authors: Nabi Ghulam , ur Rehman Ramiz , Ali Rizwan , Jadoon Atif
Published: November 2023

This comparative study investigates the time‐varying skills of Shariah‐Compliant and conventional equity fund managers in selectivity, volatility, market return, liquidity, and higher‐order of Multidimensional Time‐Varying Skills of Fund Managers: A Comparison of Conventional and Islamic Equity Fundsco‐moments. Additionally, it examines the persistence and causal relationships among these timing abilities. The analysis utilizes equity mutual funds data from January 2010 to June 2022, encompassing three major Islamic countries: Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, representing over 80% of the Islamic funds market. Employing diverse time‐varying techniques, this study reveals the presence of selectivity, volatility, and co‐skewness timing skills while detecting the absence of a market, liquidity, and co‐kurtosis timing abilities among conventional and Islamic fund managers.
Effect of surface texture spacing on interface heat transfer and tensile property of laser‐welded steel/CFRTP joint
Authors: Zhang Zequn , Zhao Hongyun , Zhao Yixuan , Wang Shijia , Su Jianhui , Chen Bo , Song Xiaoguo , Tan Caiwang
Published: November 2023

Metal‐polymer hybrid joints can contribute to weight reduction and have potential use in transportation industries. In this work, laser texturing was used to enhance bonding strength of laser‐welded 304 stainless steel/carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) joint. The tight relationship between surface texture spacing and porosity characteristic as well as tensile property of joint was systematically investigated. The temperature field distribution during welding process was simulated and the mechanism of porosity suppression depending on grid spacing was discussed. The result showed that the number of pores at cross‐section decreased first and then rose with the increase of micro‐structure spacing, which corresponded to the variation trend of bonding strength and was inconsistent with the evolution of connecting area. The joint achieved the minimum porosity defect and reached maximum fracture load of 2594 N when the grid spacing was 1.2 mm, while the maximum joint width of 9.28 mm was obtained when 0.4 mm spacing was adopted, indicating that the joint quality rather than mechanical interlocking governed the mechanical property of joint. Appropriate interface contact conductance (TCC) related to texture spacing could optimize the interface heat dissipation rate, and was the key factor to efficiently control the shrinkage porosity. The TCC of small or large grid spacing was too high or too small, resulting in failure of the heat transfer path through the interface to metal during cooling process. Moreover, the proper texture spacing improved the uniformity of joint strain distribution in tensile‐shear testing, which benefited joint strength.

Highlights

Laser‐textured grid pattern spacing affected number and distribution of pores.

Heat dissipation rate varied with various spacing at joint interface.

1.2 mm spacing texture reduced stress concentration during tensile process.
Inoculation of black turtle beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) with mycorrhizal fungi increases the nutritional quality of seeds
Authors: Carrara Joseph E. , Reddivari Lavanya , Heller Wade P.
Published: November 2023

The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizers has proven successful in boosting the yield and nutritional quality of a variety of crops. AMF associate with plant roots and exchange soil nutrients for photosynthetically derived C in the form of sugars and lipids. Past research has shown that not all AMF species are equal in their benefit to nutrient uptake and crop health, and that the most beneficial AMF species appear to vary by host species. Although an important human food staple, especially in developing regions where nutrient deficiency is a prevalent threat to public health, little work has been done to test the effectiveness of AMF in enhancing the nutritional quality of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Therefore, our objective was to determine the most beneficial AMF species for inoculation of this important crop. We inoculated black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris black turtle beans) with eight individual AMF species and one mixed species inoculum in an outdoor pot trial over 3 months and assessed the extent to which they altered yield, mineral nutrient and anthocyanin concentration of seeds and leaf tissues. Despite seeing no yield effects from inoculation, we found that across treatments percent root length colonized by AMF was positively correlated with plant tissue P, Cu, and Zn concentration. Underlying these broad benefits, seeds from plants inoculated with three AMF species, Claroideoglomus claroideum (+15%), Funneliformis mosseae (+13%), and Gigaspora rosea (+11%) had higher P concentration than non‐mycorrhizal plants. C. claroideum also increased seed potassium (K) and copper (Cu), as well as leaf aluminum (Al) concentration making it a promising candidate to further test the benefit of individual AMF species on black bean growth in field trials.
Imperfect match between radiation exposure times required for conidial viability loss and infective capacity reduction attenuate UV‐B impact on Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Fernández‐Bravo María , Bonnet Jolijn , Quesada‐Moraga Enrique , Garrido‐Jurado Inmaculada
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

UV‐B radiation represents a significant challenge for the widespread use of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. This study focused on research of the asynchronous response between virulence and conidial viability against Ceratitis capitata adults using specific statistical models. Moreover, it was also investigated whether the observed differences in susceptibility to UV‐B radiation in in vitro assays among three selected isolates of Beauveria bassiana were reflected in the above‐mentioned asynchrony.

RESULTS

While the irradiation of the three isolates of B. bassiana was associated with a significant loss of conidial viability, their virulence was not significantly affected compared to nonirradiated treatments when exposed to 1200 mW m−2 for 6 h before or after the inoculation of C. capitata. In fact, the irradiation time needed to reduce the mortality to 50% compared to the controls was 34.69 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 16.36 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 24.59 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil. Meanwhile, the irradiation time necessary to reduce conidial viability to 50% was 9.89 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 8.74 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 4.71 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil.

CONCLUSION

These results highlight the importance of modeling the response of entomopathogenic fungi virulence and conidial susceptibility when exposed to UV‐B radiation for the selection of environmentally competent isolates, regardless of the results obtained in previous in vitro assays on conidial germination. This strategic approach is critical in overcoming the challenges posed by UV‐B radiation and holds the key to realizing the full potential of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Cerium Vanadate with Nitrogen Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide for Visible Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution and Dye Degradation
Authors: Alharthi Fahad A. , Marghany Adel El , Abduh Naaser A. Y. , Hasan Imran
Published: November 2023

The present work deals with precipitation followed by the hydrothermal method for the synthesis of cerium vanadate decorated nitrogen doped reduced graphene oxide (CeV/NRGO) nanocomposite. The crystallographic and Raman spectroscopic characterization confirm the formation of CeV/NRGO nanocomposite. A computational study on crystal structure using Material Studio, confirms the presence of zircon‐like CeV with VO4 tetrahedra sharing corners and edges with CeO8 dodecahedra in CeV/NRGO nanocomposite. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis supports the presence of Ce in +3 and +4 oxidation state. The optical characterization shows the decreased bandgap in CeV/NRGO nanocomposite (2.03 eV) compared to pristine CeV (2.35 eV). Enhanced photocatalytic activity is observed towards hydrogen evolution in CeV/NRGO (15 124 μmol) compared to CeV (7215 μmol) and NRGO (2034 μmol). In addition, CeV/NRGO, CeV, and NRGO are evaluated for degradation of Alizarin Yellow (AY) and Orange G (OG) dyes in presence of visible light. CeV/NRGO managed to degrade 97% and 94% of AY and OG, respectively in 80 min. The electron spin resonance (ESR) studies show superoxide radicals and hydroxyl ions are the active species responsible for photocatalytic reactions. Based on the liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC–MS) results, a possible photocatalytic mechanism has been discussed. The good stability and reusability of CeV/NRGO nanocomposite could be a choice of material for energy and environmental related research.