bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wearing individualized 3D printed oral stent to protect normal tissues in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma during radiotherapy
Authors: Yang Wanfu , Yang Zhihua , Pan Wenyan , Li Hailiang , Zhao Ting , Meng Yin , Ma Guofeng , Ye Hongqiang , Shang Jun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To demonstrate a new individualized 3D printed oral stent in radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and carry out a comparative analysis combining with clinical case.

Material and Methods

Thirty NPC patients treated in our institution from September 2021 to October 2022 were prospectively enrolled. An individualized 3D printed oral stent was designed for each patient, and one set of computed tomography (CT) slices were obtained with /without wearing the oral stent, respectively. After delineation of target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) on the two CT slices, we finished two treatment plans by using the same target objectives, critical constraints and plan setup for each patient. Finally, the dose distribution and other dosimetric parameters of target volumes and OARs between the two plans were compared.

Results

Tongue volume and tongue length outside of mouth was 10.4 ± 2.5 cm3 and 2.8 ± 0.6 cm, respectively, distance between dorsal surface of oral tongue and plate increased from 0.3 ± 0.3 cm to 2.2 ± 0.5 cm by wearing the oral stent. For the target volume, there was no significant difference. However, Dmax of tongue, tongue tip and periglottis decreased significantly from 6352.6 ± 259.9 cGy to 5994.9 ± 478.9 cGy, 3499.8 ± 250.6 cGy to 3357.7 ± 158.0 cGy and 6345.5 ± 171.0 cGy to 6133.4 ± 263.3 cGy, respectively (p = 0.000); Dmean of tongue, tongue tip and periglottis decreased significantly from 3714.7 ± 204.2 cGy to 3169.7 ± 200.9 cGy, 3060.8 ± 216.2 cGy to 2509.6 ± 196.7 cGy and 3853.3 ± 224.9 cGy to 3079.3 ± 222.0 cGy, respectively (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

The individualized 3D printed oral stent can reduce the dose of oral tissues and organs, so as to reduce the oral adverse reactions and improve the compliance of patients and the quality of their life. The technique can be used in radiotherapy of NPC patients.
Uracil Induced Simultaneously Strengthening Grain Boundaries and Interfaces Enables High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells with Superior Operational Stability
Authors: Wang Min , Sun Haoxuan , Wang Meng , Meng Linxing , Li Liang
Published: September 2023

The operational stability is a huge obstacle to further commercialization of perovskite solar cells. To address this critical issue, in this work, uracil is introduced as a “binder” into the perovskite film to simultaneously improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational stability. Uracil can efficiently passivate defects and strengthen grain boundaries to enhance the stability of perovskite films. Moreover, the uracil also strengthens the interface between the perovskite and the Tin oxide (SnO2) electron transport layer to increase the binding force. The uracil‐modified devices deliver a champion PCE of 24.23% (certificated 23.19%) with negligible hysteresis at active area of 0.0625 cm2. In particular, the optimal device exhibits over 90% of its initial PCE after tracking for ≈6000 h at its maximum power point under continuous light, indicating its superior operational stability. Moreover, the devices also show great reproducibility in both PCE and operational stability.
Deciphering the mandibular shape variation in a group of Malagasy primates using Fourier outline analysis
Authors: Miarisoa Jeanne Emma , Raveloson Herimalala , Randrianambinina Blanchard , Couette Sébastien
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Among living Malagasy primates, the family Lemuridae has previously been recognized as presenting a higher mandibular morphological variation than other families. We conducted a quantitative analysis of mandibular size and shape within the five genera (Lemur,Eulemur,Hapalemur,Prolemur, andVarecia) associated with a set of covariables that could explain this variation.

Materials and Methods

We used Fourier outline analysis on the left hemimandible of 182 specimens covering the Lemuridae family. The influence of the phylogeny but also seven covariables (genus, diet, sex, sexual behavior, mating system, ecoregion, and forest type) on mandibular variation was examined using multivariate statistics and model selection.

Results

Our results indicate that the high level of morphological variation within the family, associated with a phylogenetic effect and differences in diet, is due to a strong distinction between the generaProlemurandHapalemurand the other genera of the family. A second analysis, correcting this strong effect, indicates that mandibular shape variation is influenced not only by the phylogeny and the diet but by a combination of all the covariables.

Discussion

The analysis of morphological variation is a powerful tool with major applications, both for the estimation of biological diversity and for the understanding of the fundamental parameters of species' ecology. Our work indicates that, if mandibular shape variation is mainly driven by dietary adaptation, other variables describing ecology and habitat should be considered and taken into account for an integrative understanding of species resources and the establishment of conservation measures.
A novel radiological assessment to identify acute vertebral compression fractures: A pilot observational study
Authors: Tsuruta Keisuke , Ueyama Toru , Watanabe Tomoo , Kobata Yasunori , Nakano Kenichi , Fukushima Hidetada
Published: September 2023

Aim

The diagnosis of acute vertebral compression fractures (AVCFs) is often challenging. An alternative to magnetic resonance imaging, which may not always be available, includes a comparison of supine and sitting/standing position radiographs. However, this cannot be accomplished in patients with acute vertebral compression fractures who require emergency transport and are in severe pain. In this study, aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of comparing lateral‐view radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine in supine and 30° head‐elevated positions, which are less painful.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 30 patients with AVCFs who were transported by ambulance to our emergency department between June 2018 and May 2019. All underwent 30° head‐elevated lateral‐view thoracolumbar spine radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated vertebral fractures by examining changes in vertebral wedging ratio (WR) from supine to 30° head‐elevated position (Δ WR) using the following equation: Δ WR = WR (30° head‐elevated) – WR (supine). We compared Δ WR to that of unfractured vertebrae as control.

Results

A total of 176 vertebrae were included (fractured, 32 and non‐fractured, 144). Δ WR of fractured vertebrae ranged between 5.1% and 24.4%, whereas non‐fractured vertebrae ranged between −6.7% and 4.3%. Median Δ WR of fractured vertebrae was significantly higher than non‐fractured vertebrae (12.6% versus −0.5%, p < 0.001). No patients reported pain during 30° head‐elevated positioning.

Conclusions

Lateral radiographs in supine and 30° head‐elevated positions can accurately diagnose of AVCF, without worsening pain. This study showed a Δ WR value of ≥5.1% for AVCFs.
The complex relationship between creativity and consumer ethics depending on endemic corruption in emerging and developed countries
Authors: Li Zhen , Gentina Elodie , Maille Virginie
Published: September 2023

Creativity and ethics are two topics that are extremely important to business managers and researchers. However, only limited research has examined their relationship and has shown contradictory results: the effect of creativity on unethical behavior proves to be sometimes positive, sometimes negative. In this vein, building on social cognitive theory, we examine whether this relationship depends on a macroeconomic factor – endemic corruption – as a boundary condition. We further consider the mechanism through which creativity can lead to unethical behavior and focus on the role of subjective well‐being. We collect data from 1463 individuals in two high‐corruption and emerging countries, Brazil and China, and two low‐corruption and developed countries, France and the United States. Based on a multi‐level (or hierarchical) analysis, our results show that, in high‐corruption countries, creativity is negatively related to unethical behaviors. Conversely, in low‐corruption countries, the relationship is positive and mediated by subjective well‐being.
Urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis in the hemophilia a patient with chronic kidney disease: A case report
Authors: Li Fang‐Fang , Guan Yu‐Xia , Wang Long‐Fei , Zhou Zi‐Juan
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case illustrates that under comprehensive management of individual and clinical needs, urgent‐start peritoneal dialysis can be performed safely without bleeding complications in patients with hemophilia A who developed end‐stage renal disease. Patients in these cases can benefit from synthetic strategy.

Hemophilia A is a serious inherited bleeding disorder resulting from a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involvement in hemophilia is relatively rare, but there has been an upward trend in the survival time of patients with prolonged hemophilia. Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often used as the first treatment modality for renal replacement treatment, limited data are available on comprehensive management in the hemophilia A population, especially for urgent‐start PD. A 56‐year‐old man who had hemophilia A, was diagnosed with CKD 3 years ago and developed end‐stage renal disease was admitted to our hospital after contracting pneumonia and undergoing subsequent Type I respiratory failure. Urgent‐start PD improved his condition and health outcomes, and protected his residual renal function. This case is the first study of a Chinese male patient with hemophilia A who developed end‐stage renal disease. We summarize the clinical treatment and nursing care strategies of urgent‐start PD in a hemophilia A patient with end‐stage renal disease. This case illustrates that under comprehensive management of individual and clinical needs, urgent‐start PD can be performed safely without bleeding complications in patients with hemophilia A.
Was Menschen bewegt, die etwas bewegen
Authors: Walter Johannes
Published: September 2023

Der promovierte Chemieingenieur Dr.‐Ing. Johannes Walter wird mit dem Friedrich‐Löffler‐Preis des VDI ausgezeichnet. Der Experten für Partikelmesstechnik ist Arbeitsgruppenleiter “Advanced Colloid Characterization” am Lehrstuhl für Feststoff‐ und Grenzflächenverfahrenstechnik an der Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg und Geschäftsführer des Sonderforschungsbereichs 1411 “Design of Particulate Products”.
C2,α$C^{2,\alpha }$ regularity of free boundaries in optimal transportation
Authors: Chen Shibing , Liu Jiakun , Wang Xu‐Jia
Published: September 2023

The regularity of the free boundary in optimal transportation is equivalent to that of the potential function along the free boundary. By establishing new geometric estimates of the free boundary and studying the second boundary value problem of the Monge‐Ampère equation, we obtain the regularity of the potential function as well as that of the free boundary, thereby resolve an open problem raised by Caffarelli and McCann.
Connecting higher‐order interactions with ecological stability in experimental aquatic food webs
Authors: Shen Chenyu , Lemmen Kimberley , Alexander Jake , Pennekamp Frank
Published: September 2023

Community ecology is built on theories that represent the strength of interactions between species as pairwise links. Higher‐order interactions (HOIs) occur when a species changes the pairwise interaction between a focal pair. Recent theoretical work has highlighted the stabilizing role of HOIs for large, simulated communities, yet it remains unclear how important higher‐order effects are in real communities. Here, we used experimental communities of aquatic protists to examine the relationship between HOIs and stability (as measured by the persistence of a species in a community). We cultured a focal pair of consumers in the presence of additional competitors and a predator and collected time series data of their abundances. We then fitted competition models with and without HOIs to measure interaction strength between the focal pair across different community compositions. We used survival analysis to measure the persistence of individual species. We found evidence that additional species positively affected persistence of the focal species and that HOIs were present in most of our communities. However, persistence was only linked to HOIs for one of the focal species. Our results vindicate community ecology theory positing that species interactions may deviate from assumptions of pairwise interactions, opening avenues to consider possible consequences for coexistence and stability.
Examining beliefs about reconciliation and social integration in Kosovo: Testing effects of interethnic contact and differences in perspective among ethnic Albanians and Serbs
Authors: Morhayim Liora , Tropp Linda R. , Maloku Edona
Published: September 2023

Across two studies, this research examined belief that reconciliation is necessary, belief that reconciliation is possible and belief in the value of social integration and willingness to integrate socially among Kosovar Albanians and Kosovar Serbs. Study 1 assessed these beliefs through a general population survey distributed via social media, whereas Study 2 assessed them before and after Kosovar youth participated in a program encouraging cross‐ethnic contact. Results show that these beliefs are modestly correlated and they show significant differences across ethnic groups. As the ethnic minority in Kosovo, Serbs are less likely to believe that reconciliation is possible and less willing to integrate socially than Kosovar Albanians. Moreover, across both studies, contact experience is a significant predictor of reconciliation beliefs regardless of ethnicity. Study 2 revealed that Kosovar youth can become more likely to believe that reconciliation is possible and social integration is valuable through participating in a cross‐ethnic contact program.
Energy systems modeling for maximizing renewable energy share in fossil fuel dominated Mediterranean climate
Authors: Noorollahi Younes , Rezaei Mohammadmahdi , Mirzaei Mohammadreza
Published: September 2023

Increasing energy production and consumption and the need to save and increase its efficiency will lead us to manage the energy system on both supply and demand sides with higher accuracy. This study presents a new model scheme for Mediterranean climate areas' energy systems due to the importance of energy modeling to meet energy systems' needs. This model aims to provide an interactive energy system for two short and medium‐term time horizons (2025 and 2030, respectively) by targeting three main objectives: total primary energy supply, greenhouse gas emissions, and system cost. North Khorasan province in northeastern Iran has been selected for the case study as an example of mountainous and Mediterranean climates. EnergyPLAN has been used as a modeling tool. Accordingly, after examining the study area's current state, its future needs are forecasted using the support vector machine algorithm. The study area's optimal energy system is modeled within the desired time horizons by applying and comparing four different scenarios, including business as usual (BAU), power plant optimization, and demand response with wind or solar power plants. The results show that the part of the energy demand provided by wind scenario's situation is favorable and can meet the study area's future demands. This scenario will reduce CO2 emissions in 2025 and 2030 by 93.87 and 227.78 kilotonnes per year, respectively, compared to the BAU scenario. It is also estimated that this scenario's implementation will save the total annual cost of 8.27 and 156.06 million euros compared to the BAU scenario in 2025 and 2030.
The effects of oral sodium bicarbonate supplementation on anthropometric measures in patients with chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Navab Fatemeh , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Moeinzadeh Firouzeh , Clark Cain C. T. , Ziaei Rahele
Published: September 2023

Metabolic acidosis (MA) may play a key role in the pathogenesis of protein‐energy wasting (PEW) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To present a comprehensive synthesis of the effect of oral sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on anthropometric measures in patients with CKD, a systematic review was undertaken in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar, of relevant articles published prior to September 2022. The summary statistics of effect size, nonstandardized weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to compare the effects of SB supplementation on anthropometric parameters vs. control group. To detect probable sources of heterogeneity, a series of predefined subgroup analyses were conducted. In total, 17 studies with 21 treatment arms, including 2203 participants (1149 cases, 1054 controls), met our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. SB supplementation had no significant effect on body weight (BW), midarm muscle circumference (MAMC), or lean body mass (LBM) in patients with CKD. There was a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) (MD: 0.59 kg/m2, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.93, p = 0.001) after SB supplementation in the overall analysis. In subgroup analysis, LBM was increased in studies that were ≥ 24‐week duration (MD: 1.81 kg, 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.81) and in participants with BMI lower than 27 kg/m2 (MD: 1.81 mg/L, 95% CI: 0.81 to 2.81). SB supplementation may yield increases in BMI in predialysis CKD patients. However, our findings did not support the beneficial effects of SB supplementation on other anthropometric outcomes. There is an evident need for long‐term high‐quality interventions to confirm these findings.
A database of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Lu–Hf isotope of sediments in the South China Sea
Authors: Huang Yu , Hu Lisha
Published: September 2023

Source‐to‐sink analysis examines the effects of source areas and basin (sink) dynamics on the generation, transport, composition, distribution and deposition of sediment in modern and ancient sedimentary systems. Detrital zircon, as one of the most stable detrital minerals, its U–Pb geochronology and geochemistry is pivotal for sedimentary provenance analysis and reconstructing palaeogeography. The South China Sea (SCS), as the largest marginal sea in the Southeast Asia, is closely related to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the evolution of Chinese rivers. In this study, we mainly collect published detrital zircon of Cenozoic sediments in the SCS (include Hainan and Taiwan Islands). These detrital zircon were concentrated on Cenozoic multiple episodic rift basins in the northern part of the SCS. A total of 21,760 detrital zircon U–Pb data from 293 samples and 995 detrital zircon Lu‐Hf isotope data from 22 samples were collected in this dataset, with the main study epochs being the Palaeogene and Neogene. Best ages of these grains are range from 4,691 to 10 Ma and more than half of them within age less than 500 Ma. The 176Hf/177Hf ratios of the SCS samples ranging from 0.280509 to 0.28306 and the εHf(t) values from −63.8 to 24.6. The main age group of the SCS Cenozoic sediments were at 130–95 Ma, 175–130 Ma and 265–230 Ma. The detrital zircon U–Pb age and Lu–Hf isotope data contained in this dataset is an important geological record of the sedimentary and tectonic evolution of the SCS and the evolution of rivers such as the ancient Pearl River and the ancient Red River, which can provide a basis and important clues or exploring the source of sediments in the SCS, the dynamical processes of basin evolution, the evolution of the coastal drainage system and the tectonic uplift of the Tibetan Plateau.
Establishing novel diagnostic criteria for the glucose tolerance test for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and gestational hyperglycemia
Authors: Sfameni Salvatore F. , Wein Peter , Sfameni Amelia M.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To establish diagnostic criteria for the 75‐g 2‐h glucose tolerance test (GTT) to diagnose gestational diabetes and define the clinical entity of gestational hyperglycemia.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of the results from 500 patients who had a 75‐g 1‐h glucose challenge test (GCT) in early pregnancy as part of a two‐step approach to screening and testing for gestational diabetes. The selected cohort was considered to have normal islet β‐cell function, and upper glycemic levels of normal glucose tolerance in the third trimester were statistically calculated, taking the cutoff threshold values to be the diagnostic criteria for the 75‐g 2‐h GTT. Gestational hyperglycemia was diagnosed from the false‐positive GCT result when ≥8.0 mmol/L (144 mg/dL).

Results

The diagnostic criteria for the 75‐g 2‐h GTT were calculated as follows: fasting plasma glucose ≥5.4 mmol/L (97 mg/dL); 1‐h plasma glucose ≥10.5 mmol/L (189 mg/dL); and 2‐h plasma glucose ≥8.4 mmol/L (151 mg/dL). The new criteria confirmed a prevalence of gestational diabetes of 11.1% and gestational hyperglycemia of 13.6% in the study population.

Conclusion

Novel diagnostic criteria for the 75‐g 2‐h GTT were established by statistical analysis. This resulted in a more acceptable prevalence of gestational diabetes in our community and the false‐positive GCT allowed the detection of gestational hyperglycemia.
Physicochemical, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of VEGF loaded PCL‐mPEG and PDGF loaded PCL‐Chitosan dual layered vascular grafts
Authors: Sultana Tamanna , Fahad Md. Abdullah Al , Park Myeongki , Kwon Soon Ha , Lee Byong‐Taek
Published: September 2023

The present study has attempted to evaluate the endothelialization and smooth muscle regeneration efficiency of a novel dual‐layer small‐diameter vascular graft. Two types of layers (PCL‐mPEG‐VEGF and PCL‐Chitosan‐PDGF) were fabricated to find out the best layer giving endothelialization support for the lumen and unique contractile function for outer layer of blood vessels. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) and chitosan were immobilized onto PCL surface by aminolysis‐based surface modification technique. Besides, Poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were directly blended with PCL. Morphological analysis of membranes ensured consistency of average fibers diameter with native extracellular matrix. A favorable interaction of PCL‐mPEG‐VEGF with cow pulmonary endothelial cells (CPAEs) and PCL‐Chitosan‐PDGF with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (RBMSCs) was obtained during in vitro study. Controlled growth factor release patterns were found from both layers. Further, PCL‐mPEG‐VEGF exhibited endothelial markers expression properties from RBMSCs. Up‐regulation of SMCs markers expression was significantly ensured by the PCL‐Chitosan‐PDGF membrane. Thus, PCL‐mPEG‐VEGF and PCL‐Chitosan‐PDGF were preferred as inner and outer layers respectively of a finally prepared tubular hybrid tissue engineered small diameter vascular graft. Finally, the dual‐layer vascular graft was implanted onto a rat abdominal aorta model for 2 months. The extracted samples exhibited the presence of endothelial marker (ICAM 1) in the inner layer and smooth muscle cell marker (αSMA) in the outer layer as well as substantial amount of collagen deposition was observed in the both layers.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of microalgal biomass using portable attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and machine learning analytics
Authors: Sweiss Mais , Assi Sulaf , Barhoumi Lina , Al‐Jumeily Dhiya , Watson Megan , Wilson Megan , Arnot Tom , Scott Rod
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Using microalgae for wastewater treatment offers an environmentally friendly method to produce microalgal biomass that can be used for many applications. However, the biochemical characteristics of microalgal biomass vary from species to species, from strain to strain, and between different growth stages within the same species/strain. This study utilized portable attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the composition of freeze‐dried microalgal biomass corresponding to eight different locally isolated microalgae and a reference strain that were grown in wastewater and then harvested at the log and stationary phases, respectively.

RESULTS

The results showed that the portable ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy offered a rapid, non‐destructive, and accurate technique for monitoring changes in the biochemical composition of algal biomass at stationary and log phases, as well as quantifying their main constituents. For qualitative analysis of species, two machine learning analytics (MLAs; correlation in wavenumber space and principal component analysis) were able to differentiate between microalgae isolates in both their stationary and log phases. For quantification, univariate or multivariate regression offered accuracy in quantifying key microalgal constituents related to proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. In this sense, multivariate methods showed more accuracy for quantifying carbohydrates, yet proteins and lipids were more accurately quantified with univariate regression. Based on quantification, the highest relative content of carbohydrates in the log phase was for Jordan‐23 (Jo‐23; Desmodesmus sp.), whereas the highest content in the stationary phase was that for Jordan‐29 (Jo‐29; Desmodesmus sp). Regarding the relative lipid content in the log phase, Jo‐23 had the highest lipid content, while the highest content in the stationary phase was for Jo‐29.

CONCLUSION

ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy offered a rapid and sustainable method for monitoring the microalgal biomass produced during wastewater treatment processes. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Effect of a demineralization model on the microhardness, surface roughness and topography of giomers: An in vitro study
Authors: Hernández‐Mendieta Luz Alejandra , Scougall‐Vilchis Rogelio José , Rodríguez‐Vilchis Laura Emma , Teutle‐Coyotecatl Bernardo , Velázquez‐Enríquez Ulises , Contreras‐Bulnes Rosalía
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of a demineralization model on the microhardness, surface roughness, and topography of giomers.Seventy‐two discs of six different dental materials in three different presentations (pit and fissure sealant (PFS), flowable and restorative materials) were divided into six groups (n = 12 p/g). Three experimental groups (giomers) consisted of BeautiSealant, Beautifil Flow Plus, and Beautifil II, and three control groups (resin‐based materials) were formed using ClinproTM, FiltekTM Z350 XT Flow, and Filtek™ Bulk Fill materials. Vickers microhardness, surface roughness, and topographic analysis with atomic force microscopy were measured at the beginning (0) after four (1) and 7 days (2) of immersion in a demineralizing model. Statistical analysis was performed using One‐way and Repeated Measures ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient (p ≤ .05). The microhardness values showed significant variations, except for the G_RM group. All the groups presented significant increases in roughness through the experiment stages, except for RB_PFS in the Ra parameter. The topographic analysis showed variations in the micromorphology, especially in the experimental group at the end of the demineralization model. Finally, there was no correlation between microhardness and surface roughness. The demineralization model decreased the microhardness, with the lowest reductions in the giomers groups. The effect of the demineralizing model on the surface roughness and topography showed an increase in specific patterns for the experimental and control groups. Therefore, their clinical use is recommended.

Research Highlights

The demineralization model decreased the microhardness property of the evaluated materials, with better performance for the giomer groups.

The effect of the demineralizing model on surface roughness showed an increase with specific patterns for the experimental and control groups.

Although the materials presented changes in their microhardness, roughness, and topography, their clinical use is recommended.
Anatomy of an agricultural antagonist: Feeding complex structure and function of three xylem sap‐feeding insects illuminated with synchrotron‐based 3D imaging
Authors: Clark Elizabeth G. , Cornara Daniele , Brodersen Craig R. , McElrone Andrew J. , Parkinson Dilworth Y. , Almeida Rodrigo P. P.
Published: September 2023

Many insects feed on xylem or phloem sap of vascular plants. Although physical damage to the plant is minimal, the process of insect feeding can transmit lethal viruses and bacterial pathogens. Disparities between insect‐mediated pathogen transmission efficiency have been identified among xylem sap‐feeding insects; however, the mechanistic drivers of these trends are unclear. Identifying and understanding the structural factors and associated integrated functional components that may ultimately determine these disparities are critical for managing plant diseases. Here, we applied synchrotron‐based X‐ray microcomputed tomography to digitally reconstruct the morphology of three xylem sap‐feeding insect vectors of plant pathogens: Graphocephala atropunctata (blue‐green sharpshooter; Hemiptera, Cicadellidae) and Homalodisca vitripennis (glassy‐winged sharpshooter; Hemiptera, Cicadellidae), and the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (meadow spittlebug; Hemiptera, Aphrophoridae). The application of this technique revealed previously undescribed anatomical features of these organisms, such as key components of the salivary complex. The visualization of the 3D structure of the precibarial valve led to new insights into the mechanism of how this structure functions. Morphological disparities with functional implications between taxa were highlighted as well, including the morphology and volume of the cibarial dilator musculature responsible for extracting xylem sap, which has implications for force application capabilities. These morphological insights will be used to target analyses illuminating functional differences in feeding behavior.
Technical Challenges for Laryngeal Electromyography
Authors: Lin R. Jun , Munin Michael C. , Belsky Michael , Smith Brandon , Grose Elysia , Nisenbaum Rosane , Rosen Clark A. , Smith Libby J.
Published: September 2023

Background/Objective

Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is a useful diagnostic test in the evaluation of vocal fold paralysis (VFP). This study investigates factors that can make LEMG challenging to perform.

Methods

Patients with subacute unilateral VFP presented for LEMG were prospectively enrolled. Demographic data including BMI, previous neck surgery, and anatomic factors were collected. Patient‐reported pain related to the procedure was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Electromyographer and otolaryngologist recorded a consensus rating of the perceived difficulty in performing the test and confidence in using the results for clinical decision‐making.

Results

A total of 111 patients (56.8% female) were enrolled between August 2015 and August 2018. The mean age was 55 ± 14 years, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 28.5 ± 6.4. The mean patient‐reported VAS score for pain was 35 ± 24. Notably, 31.2% of the tests were considered “very easy,” 32.1% were considered “mildly challenging” and 23.9% and 12.8% were considered “moderately challenging” and “extremely challenging,” respectively, by the clinicians. Common factors affecting LEMG difficulty included poorly palpable surface anatomy (50.5%) and patient intolerance (15.6%). Clinicians felt confident in 76.1% of the test findings. Bivariate analyses showed that prior neck surgery is associated with elevated VAS (p = 0.02), but clinician‐perceived difficulty of performing the test is not associated with elevated VAS scores (p = 0.55).

Conclusions

Majority of LEMG tests are well tolerated by patients. Physicians reported more confidence using LEMG for clinical decision‐making when the test was easier to perform. Difficult surface anatomy and patient intolerance affects clinician confidence in integrating the test results with clinical care.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:831–834, 2024
The state of scientific PDF accessibility in repositories: A survey in Switzerland
Authors: Darvishy Alireza , Sethe Rolf , Engler Ines , Pierrès Oriane , Manning Juliet
Published: September 2023

This survey analyzes the quality of the portable document format (PDF) documents in online repositories in Switzerland, examining their accessibility for people with visual impairments. Two minimal accessibility features were analysed: the PDFs had to have tags and a hierarchical heading structure. The survey also includes interviews with the managers or heads of multiple Swiss universities' repositories to assess the general opinion and knowledge of PDF accessibility. An analysis of interviewee responses indicates an overall lack of awareness of PDF accessibility, and shows that online repositories currently have no concrete plans to address the issue. This paper concludes by presenting a set of recommendations for online repositories to improve the accessibility of their PDF documents.
Profiling of SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibody‐associated antigenic peptides signature using proteome microarray
Authors: Wu Mingkun , Liu Jiangfeng , Wang Xinming , Zhang Xiaomei , Liang Te , Chen Lan , Huang Tingxuan , Li Yanan , Zheng Chang , Yang Yehong , Wang Jianwei , Yu Xiaobo , Guo Li , Yang Juntao , Ren Lili
Published: September 2023

The profile of antibodies against antigenic epitopes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) during neutralizing antibody (NAb) decay has not been clarified. Using a SARS‐CoV‐2 proteome microarray that contained viral antigenic peptides, we analyzed the characteristics of the humoral response in patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) in a longitudinal study. A total of 89 patients were recruited, and 226 plasma samples were serially collected in 2020. In the antigenic peptide microarray, the level of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against peptides within the S2 subunit (S‐82) and a conserved gene region in variants of interest, open reading frame protein 10 (ORF10‐3), were closely associated with the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 NAbs. In an independent evaluation cohort of 232 plasma samples collected from 116 COVID‐19 cases in 2020, S82‐IgG titers were higher in NAbs‐positive samples (p = 0.002) than in NAbs‐negative samples using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. We further collected 66 plasma samples from another cohort infected by Omicron BA.1 virus in 2022. Compared with the samples with lower S82‐IgG titers, NAb titers were significantly higher in the samples with higher S82‐IgG titers (p = 0.04). Our findings provide insights into the understanding of the decay‐associated signatures of SARS‐CoV‐2 NAbs.
Measuring treatment adverse event burden in myasthenia gravis: Single‐center prospective evaluation utilizing the Adverse Event Unit (AEU)
Authors: Hehir Michael K. , Conaway Mark , St. Sauveur Avery B. , Feb Kendall , Kolb Noah A. , Waheed Waqar , McNeish Brendan L. , Tweedy Nicole , Burns Ted M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction/Aims

We developed a patient‐ and physician‐weighted consensus unit called the adverse event unit (AEU) that quantifies and compares adverse event (AE) burden among any group of medications in neurological patients. In this study we evaluated preliminary validity and feasibility of measuring AE burden with the AEU in myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

This is a single‐center, prospective, 1‐year, observational study of adult MG patients presenting for routine care between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022. The MG Activities of Daily Living (MG‐ADL), the 15‐item MG Quality of Life revised (MG‐QOL15r), MG‐Composite, and AEU scores were obtained at all visits. A priori primary feasibility metric was AEU completion rate equal to (within 3.8%, one‐sided 95% confidence interval [CI]) or better than MG‐ADL completion rate. Time to administer AEU and MG‐ADL/MG‐QOL15r, correlation between AEU total score and MG‐QOL15r, and median AEU scores for each MG medication were evaluated.

Results

Fifty‐four patients completed 67 study visits; side effects were reported at 75% of the visits. The study met the primary feasibility endpoint; AEU and MG‐ADL were recorded at all visits. Times to administer the AEU (median 5 minutes) and MG‐ADL/MG‐QOL15r were similar. We observed a weak correlation of 0.29 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.51, P = .032) between AEU and MG‐QOL15r scores. Non–statistically significant differences in median AEU scores were observed among MG medications.

Discussion

Our data demonstrate preliminary feasibility and validity of using the AEU to measure AE burden in MG. Future studies will compare AE burden among MG treatments and evaluate clinically meaningful AEU scores in MG.
Steady and transient rheological properties of four polysaccharides with different chain conformations
Authors: Hu Shihao , Cui Manli , Li Xuan , Xu Xiaojuan
Published: September 2023

Carbohydrate polymers have broad application prospects, especially in food and cosmetic fields, and rheology is very important for controlling the quality and functions of their final products. Therefore, the steady and transient rheological behaviors of polysaccharides with different chain conformations of triple helix, double helix, and random coils were studied systematically. In our findings, the extraordinary low‐shear thickening phenomena of polysaccharides (lentinan, curdlan, and xanthan) with helix conformation were observed at a certain concentration depending on the stiffness and molecular weight, different from the steady‐shear rheological property of pullulan, which was attributable to the arrangement from order to disorder of stiff chains at the shear rate of < 0.1 s−1. Lentinan, curdlan, and xanthan in solution showed obvious viscoelasticity and thixotropic behavior with significant concentration and stiffness dependence, while the flexible pullulan only exhibited Newtonian viscous fluid even at high concentration of 20%. Stress overshoot for the four polysaccharides occurred after shearing, and the higher stiffness and molecular weight delayed the occurrence of stress overshoot. Obviously, chain conformation plays a key role on controlling the rheology of polysaccharides. This work provides scientific basis for the application of these polysaccharides in food and cosmetics field.
Magnetic Behavior of Light Lanthanide (La–Tb) in Linear‐Chain Nitrilo‐Tris‐Methylenephosphonates with Different Structures
Authors: Lomova Natalya V. , Chausov Feodor F. , Dobysheva Lyudmila V. , Ul'yanov Aleksandr I. , Zverev Nikolay N.
Published: September 2023

The magnetic susceptibility is measured for two series of linear organic–inorganic coordination polymers I‐Ln and II‐Ln (Ln = La–Tb). The structure of the polymers (isostructural in each series I‐Ln and II‐Ln) differs in the length and structure of the bridges and in the nearest environment of the lanthanides. The effective magnetic moments of lanthanide atoms are determined from the magnetic susceptibility. The measured magnetic moments agree with the values characteristic of isolated trivalent 3+ ions for all cases, except for Tb which demonstrates a higher value of 12.25 μB in one of the complexes. An analysis of the X‐ray photoelectron spectrum of Tb 5s makes it possible to estimate the spin magnetic moment of the Tb ion.
Finite‐time boundedness and control design of uncertain switched systems with time‐varying delay under new switching rules
Authors: Wang Wenqin , Qi Xin , Zhong Shouming , Liu Feng
Published: September 2023

In this article, the finite‐time boundedness and control problem for time‐delay switched systems with uncertainties are studied. The delay is considered as time‐varying delay rather than constant delay, which is more suitable for practical engineering. First, the property of finite time boundedness for uncertain switched system without control input is researched by constructing a proper Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional (LKF) with three integral terms and the minimum LKF switching rules. Then, a state feedback controller with switching is designed. By utilizing Finsler's Lemma and singular value decomposition (SVD), sufficient conditions for finite‐time boundedness of time‐delay switched systems with control input and controller gain are presented. Additionally, a filter system is designed. The finite time boundedness and filter parameters of the closed‐loop error system are obtained by using the auxiliary matrix method. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed methods and the significance of switching rule are demonstrated through two numerical examples.
Opening the gates: The increasing impact of papers beyond the top five and other changes in economic publishing
Authors: Caviglia‐Harris Jill
Published: September 2023

The field of economics is undergoing a paradigm shift, marked by what has become known as the “credibility revolution.” This shift has impacted what economists write about, how they organize and structure their papers, and where they chose to publish their findings. This paper traces publishing trends from the 100 most cited papers in the decades from 1970 to 2019 (500 papers in total). Data suggest that the field has become more empirical and that the structure of papers is more standardized, often following a format that is closer to that of scientific papers. Increases in the percentage of women first‐listed authors and the gender ratio are noted and found to be correlated with emerging fields. Most interestingly, a decreasing number of highly cited papers are from what are generally considered the “Top 5” journals in economics, suggesting increasing importance of articles published outside of the Top 5.
A multi‐objective structural optimization method for serviceability design of tall buildings
Authors: Huang Ming‐Feng , Wang Chun‐He , Lin Wei , Xiao Zhi‐Bin
Published: September 2023

Structural optimization design aims to identify optimal design variables corresponding to a minimum objective function with constraints on performance requirements. To this end, many optimization frameworks have been proposed to determine optimal structural systems that are subjected to seismic and wind hazards in isolation. However, some modern tall buildings are sensitive to seismic and wind excitation owing to their complex structural systems and geographic regions. Therefore, a proper structural optimization method for such buildings is required to ensure that the expected performance is achieved in a multi‐hazard scenario. This study proposes a multi‐objective serviceability design optimization methodology for buildings in multi‐hazard seismic and wind environments by combining optimality criteria and the nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II). Seismic and wind effects can be instantaneously updated due to changes in the structural dynamic properties during the optimal design process. A neural‐network‐based surrogate model with self‐updating is proposed to predict the structural natural frequency so that the overall computation time of the optimization process can be reduced. The proposed method was used to optimize a 50‐story frame‐tube building and was compared against the general genetic algorithm and general NSGA‐II to verify the feasibility and effectiveness.
Angiogenic markers and maternal echocardiographic indices in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Giorgione V. , Di Fabrizio C. , Giallongo E. , Khalil A. , O'Driscoll J. , Whitley G. , Kennedy G. , Murdoch C. E. , Thilaganathan B.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The maternal cardiovascular system of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can be impaired, with higher rates of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and diastolic dysfunction compared to those with normotensive pregnancy. The primary objective of this prospective study was to correlate cardiac indices obtained by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and circulating angiogenic markers, such as soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) and placental growth factor (PlGF).

Methods

In this study, 95 women with a pregnancy complicated by HDP and a group of 25 with an uncomplicated pregnancy at term underwent TTE and blood tests to measure sFlt‐1 and PlGF during the peripartum period (before delivery or within a week of giving birth). Spearman's rank correlation was used to derive correlation coefficients between biomarkers and cardiac indices in the HDP and control populations.

Results

The HDP group included 61 (64.2%) pre‐eclamptic patients and, among them, 42 (68.9%) delivered before 37 weeks' gestation. Twelve women with HDP (12.6%) underwent blood sampling and TTE after delivery, and, as they showed significantly lower levels of angiogenic markers, they were excluded from the analysis. There was a correlation between sFlt‐1 and LV mass index (LVMI) (r = 0.246; P = 0.026) and early diastolic mitral inflow velocity (E) and early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e′) ratio (r = 0.272; P = 0.014) in the HDP group (n = 83), while in the controls, sFlt‐1 showed a correlation with relative wall thickness (r = 0.409; P = 0.043), lateral e′ (r = −0.562; P = 0.004) and E/e′ ratio (r = 0.417; P = 0.042). PlGF correlated with LVMI (r = −0.238; P = 0.031) in HDP patients and with lateral e′ (r = 0.466; P = 0.022) in controls. sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio correlated with lateral e′ (r = −0.568; P = 0.004) and E/e′ ratio (r = 0.428; P = 0.037) in controls and with LVMI (r = 0.252; P = 0.022) and E/e′ ratio (r = 0.269; P = 0.014) in HDP.

Conclusions

Although the current data are not able to infer causality, they confirm the intimate relationship between the maternal cardiovascular system and angiogenic markers that are used both to diagnose and indicate the severity of HDP. © 2023 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
A Critical Evaluation of International Agreements Towards a Revised Categorization for Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs)
Authors: Retief Francois Pieter , Alberts Reece Cronje , Lubbe Willem Daniel , Roos Claudine , Cilliers Dirk Petrus
Published: September 2023

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are widely promoted as an international instrument to achieve certain conservation, cooperation and developmental goals, especially within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In the SADC context, the status of TFCAs is categorized based on the extent to which international agreements have been signed. These agreements take different forms such as treaties, memorandums of understanding (MoUs), protocols and bilateral agreements. However, the efficacy of agreement-based approaches towards the categorization of TFCAs has been questioned because it does not acknowledge the implementation complexities of TFCAs and lacks a sound conceptual basis. This research evaluates the international TFCA agreements in SADC with a view to recommending a revised categorization. This is achieved by applying Theory of Change (ToC) to a sample of ten signed TFCAs agreements. The results show a lack of enforcement mechanisms, weak provision for implementation and poorly defined objectives. These weaknesses of agreement-based approaches can best be addressed by expanding the categorization of TFCAs to also include the extent of legislative and operational alignment. The revised categorization supports a more complete understanding of TFCA implementation.