bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mean squared prediction error paradox
Authors: Brown Pablo Pincheira , Hardy Nicolás
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we show that traditional comparisons of mean squared prediction error (MSPE) between two competing forecasts may be highly controversial. This is so because when some specific conditions of efficiency are not met, the forecast displaying the lowest MSPE will also display the lowest correlation with the target variable. Given that violations of efficiency are usual in the forecasting literature, this opposite behavior in terms of accuracy and correlation with the target variable may be a fairly common empirical finding that we label here as “the MSPE paradox.” We characterize “paradox zones” in terms of differences in correlation with the target variable and conduct some simple simulations to show that these zones may be non‐empty sets. Finally, we illustrate the relevance of the paradox with a few empirical applications.
Morphological and electrophysiological characterization of a novel displaced astrocyte in the mouse retina
Authors: Holden Joseph Matthew , Wareham Lauren Katie , Calkins David John
Published: April 2024

Astrocytes throughout the central nervous system are heterogeneous in both structure and function. This diversity leads to tissue‐specific specialization where morphology is adapted to the surrounding neuronal circuitry, as seen in Bergman glia of the cerebellum and Müller glia of the retina. Because morphology can be a differentiating factor for cellular classification, we recently developed a mouse where glial‐fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐expressing cells stochastically label for full membranous morphology. Here we utilize this tool to investigate whether morphological and electrophysiological features separate types of mouse retinal astrocytes. In this work, we report on a novel glial population found in the inner plexiform layer and ganglion cell layer which expresses the canonical astrocyte markers GFAP, S100β, connexin‐43, Sox2 and Sox9. Apart from their retinal layer localization, these cells are unique in their radial distribution. They are notably absent from the mid‐retina but are heavily concentrated near the optic nerve head, and to a lesser degree the peripheral retina. Additionally, their morphology is distinct from both nerve fiber layer astrocytes and Müller glia, appearing more similar to amacrine cells. Despite this structural similarity, these cells lack protein expression of common neuronal markers. Additionally, they do not exhibit action potentials, but rather resemble astrocytes and Müller glia in their small amplitude, graded depolarization to both light onset and offset. Their structure, protein expression, physiology, and intercellular connections suggest that these cells are astrocytic, displaced from their counterparts in the nerve fiber layer. As such, we refer to these cells as displaced retinal astrocytes.
Automated protocols for delineating human hippocampal subfields from 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging data
Authors: Hickling Alice L. , Clark Ian A. , Wu Yan I. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: April 2024

Researchers who study the human hippocampus are naturally interested in how its subfields function. However, many researchers are precluded from examining subfields because their manual delineation from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans (still the gold standard approach) is time consuming and requires significant expertise. To help ameliorate this issue, we present here two protocols, one for 3T MRI and the other for 7T MRI, that permit automated hippocampus segmentation into six subregions, namely dentate gyrus/cornu ammonis (CA)4, CA2/3, CA1, subiculum, pre/parasubiculum, and uncus along the entire length of the hippocampus. These protocols are particularly notable relative to existing resources in that they were trained and tested using large numbers of healthy young adults (n = 140 at 3T, n = 40 at 7T) whose hippocampi were manually segmented by experts from MRI scans. Using inter‐rater reliability analyses, we showed that the quality of automated segmentations produced by these protocols was high and comparable to expert manual segmenters. We provide full open access to the automated protocols, and anticipate they will save hippocampus researchers a significant amount of time. They could also help to catalyze subfield research, which is essential for gaining a full understanding of how the hippocampus functions.
Exploration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation teamwork training for maternal cardiac arrest using the SimMan intelligent simulation platform: A simulation teaching study
Authors: Zhang Ruirui , Liu Yu , Zhang Mingming , Ning Kejuan , Bai Hongliang , Guo Litao
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Maternal cardiac arrest is the most urgent clinical event in obstetrics and can lead to serious consequences, such as maternal or fetal death. Therefore, the training of team cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for obstetricians is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of applying intelligent simulation to CPR in maternal cardiac arrest teamwork training for obstetricians.

Methods

Twenty‐four obstetricians who participated in the “Maternal First Aid Workshop,” organized by our hospital in 2018, were selected as training participants. The SimMan intelligent comprehensive patient simulator was used to train the CPR team collaboration with first‐aid skills. Each team participating in the training was assessed before and after the training using a questionnaire survey.

Results

The evaluation of the results after the training showed that all four teams were qualified and that the timing of the cesarean section was 100% correct. The mean score, team collaboration score, and chest compression fraction were significantly higher than before training. Teamwork CPR assessment time, interruption time of chest compressions, and artificial airway establishment time were significantly shorter than before training. The questionnaire survey showed that 95.8% of the physicians reported that the training was rewarding and helpful to their clinical work, and 100% of the physicians believed that obstetricians require similar training.

Conclusion

Using the SimMan intelligent comprehensive patient simulator to train obstetricians for CPR of maternal cardiac arrest teamwork first‐aid skills can significantly improve the training effect, clinical first‐aid skills, and teamwork awareness.
Are we eating plastic? Science mapping of microplastic pollution in the aquatic food chain
Authors: Ahmad Md Faizal , Fauzi Muhammad Ashraf , Ahmad Mohd Hanafiah , Wider Walton , Lee Chia Kuang
Published: April 2024

This study evaluates the knowledge structure of microplastic pollution and its effects on the aquatic food chain. The presence of microplastics has seriously harmed the ecosystem. Through bibliometric analysis, 216 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2008 to 2023 (April), with no restriction in the time frame. Applying bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis, the emerging, current, and future themes of microplastic pollution are presented. Three research streams are derived from bibliographic coupling, centralized on the source of microplastic pollution and its impact. At the same time, research streams from co-word analysis are associated with overcoming the issue of microplastics in the ecosystem. This study's implications suggest three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution, (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies, and (3) developing treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. Microplastic pollution is a global concern, requiring a holistic and comprehensive approach to overcome it. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is a fundamental basis for future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1800–1811. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

This study explores the current knowledge structure with three themes identified: (1) sources of microplastic pollution, (2) microplastics in the ocean, and (3) impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on the ecosystem. The future research trends from the co-word analysis presented three themes: (1) microplastic pollution in freshwater environments, (2) protecting our seas: combating microplastic contamination, and (3) unveiling the hidden impacts of microplastic pollution. This study suggests three main principles to mitigate microplastic issues: (1) educating the public on the impact of microplastic pollution; (2) implementing holistic regulations and policies; and (3) treatment strategies through conventional, innovative, and hybrid approaches. This review is the first to present a scientific mapping of the microplastics literature, which is fundamental to future research on microplastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem.
Evaluation of a novel composite of expanded polystyrene with rGO and SEBS‐g‐MA
Authors: Fatima Mahrukh , Qamar Muhammad Tariq , Zahra Manzar , Sohail Muhammad Tahir , Bahadur Ali , Iqbal Shahid , Mahmood Sajid , Awwad Nasser S. , Ibrahium Hala A.
Published: April 2024

This study displays the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofiller and polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene‐ran‐butylene)‐b‐polystyrene‐grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) on the optical, thermal, and mechanical features of expanded polystyrene (EPS). First, the thin films of pristine EPS and composites were prepared using solution cast method. The prepared films were subjected to fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), SEM, UV–visible spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and universal testing machine for structural, morphological, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Optical study revealed a significant increase in refractive index and absorption of composites than EPS. Indirect band‐gap energy of EPS (~4.08 eV) was reduced to ~1.61 eV for rGO composite and ~ 2.23 eV for composite composed of rGO and SEBS‐g‐MA. Thermal analyses presented improvement in characterization temperatures such as T10, T50, Tp, Tm, and Tg of composites, which ultimately lead to the thermal stability of prepared composites than pristine EPS. Stress–strain curves displayed higher yield strength (46.62 MPa), Young's modulus (96.29 MPa), and strain at break (0.54%) for EPS+rGO composite than pure EPS having stress at break (1.01 MPa), Young's modulus (12.44 MPa), and strain at break (0.08%). Moreover, ductility with relatively higher strain at break (0.61%) and lower Young's modulus (79.32 MPa) and yield strength (32.98 MPa) was noticed in EPS+rGO+SEBS‐g‐MA composite than EPS+rGO composite film. Morphological analysis revealed a change in globular morphology of EPS and inhomogeneous dispersion of rGO in EPS to homogeneously dispersed rGO in EPS matrix without globules owing to the addition of SEBS‐g‐MA. The increase in compatibility of EPS and rGO due to SEBS‐g‐MA was also observed in FTIR spectra.

Research Highlights

Here, the solution casting approach was used to create the composite film of EPS and rGO with globules of various sizes.

After adding SEBS‐g‐MA, the shape altered to globular free films exhibiting homogenous dispersion of rGO in EPS matrix.

An optical investigation showed that composite materials had a significantly higher refractive index and absorption than EPS.

The optical, thermal, and mechanical investigations suggest that the produced composites may be a great substitute for virgin EPS, allowing for a wider range of applications.
Investigation of microstructural, micromorphology, and surface plasmon resonance characteristics in Ni/Al, Ni/Cu, and Ni/SS thin films
Authors: Mohammadi Saeedeh , Rezaee Sahar , Nia Borhan Arghavani , Boochani Arash , Ţălu Ştefan
Published: April 2024

As the first boundary between the environment and the material, the surface plays an important role in their interaction with each other, therefore, the use of appropriate tools and analysis to examine the mechanical properties and morphology of surfaces has particular importance in industry and research. In this research, a thin film of nickel was deposited on metal substrates made of aluminum, copper, and steel by using the RF magnetic cathode. Then, using a non‐contact atomic force microscope, the morphological properties of the nickel film with static parameters, Minkowski functionals (MF's), fractal, and multifractal were extracted to be analyzed and studied. After that, using parameters such as root mean square (RMS) roughness, skewness, and kurtosis, it was determined how the surface roughness, distribution, and probability density of particles on the film surface alters with the change of the substrate. Next, by examining and analyzing the Δα and Δf parameters obtained from the multifractal section, the morphology of the produced film on the metal substrates was investigated. Then, the change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak position is changed for the prepared film in the range of the absorption spectrum due to the substrate effect and the microstructural properties of the formed film.

Highlights

Ni film has been deposited by Rf magnetron sputtering.

The effect of metal substrates on the topography, fractality, and optical properties was studied.

Minkowski functionals were used to investigate the surface morphology of the samples.

Substrate's material and the topography of the formed film can changed the surface plasmon resonance position.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of human rhinovirus among patients with acute respiratory infections in China, 2012−2021
Authors: Cui Aili , Xia Baicheng , Jiang Haoran , Li Qi , Sun Liwei , Xu Jin , Hu Kongxin , Xie Zhibo , Wang Yage , Zhu Runan , Huang Chaoyang , Li Zhong , Xu Jing , Wang Wenyang , Zhang Hui , Gao Zhenguo , Zhang Feng , Xie Hui , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2024

To understand the prevalence of rhinovirus (RV) among acute respiratory infection (ARI) patients, 10‐year ARI surveillance in multiple provinces of China were conducted during 2012−2021. Of 15 645 ARI patients, 1180 (7.54%) were confirmed to have RV infection and 820 (69.49%) were children under 5 years of age. RV typing was performed on the 527 VP1 gene sequences, and species A, B, and C accounted for 73.24%, 4.93%, and 21.82%, respectively. Although no significant difference in the proportions of age groups or disease severity was found between RV species, RV‐C was more frequently detected in children under 5 years of age, RV‐A was more frequently detected in elderly individuals (≥60), and the proportions of pneumonia in RV‐A and RV‐C patients were higher than those in RV‐B patients. The epidemic peak of RV‐A was earlier than that of RV‐C. A total of 57 types of RV‐A, 13 types of RV‐B, and 35 types of RV‐C were identified in RV‐infected patients, and two uncertain RV types were also detected. The findings showed a few differences in epidemiological and clinical features between RV species in ARI patients, and RV‐A and RV‐C were more prevalent than RV‐B.
How extreme hydrological events correspond to climate extremes in the context of global warming: A case study in the Luanhe River Basin of North China
Authors: Gao Ge , Li Jianzhu , Feng Ping , Liu Jia , Wang Yicheng
Published: April 2024

The consensus on climate warming is well‐established, and extreme values inherently encapsulate more information than averages. Against the backdrop of frequent extreme climate events, studying extreme values holds profound significance. This study aims to reveal the characteristics of extreme climate events and their role in triggering extreme hydrological events in the typical North China basin, that is, the Luanhe River Basin. Trends of 25 extreme climate indices during 1960–2018 are analysed using the Sen's slope and MK significance test to study the changing characteristics of extreme climate. Characteristics of extreme flood and dry events are examined, encompassing trend analyses at different time scales (seasonal, interannual, decadal) and concentration analysis. Finally, and most significantly, correlation analysis is conducted on extreme climate indices and features of extreme hydrological events, followed by principal component analysis of extreme climate indices, to precisely quantify the impact of extreme climate on the occurrence of extreme hydrological events. The results indicate a warming trend in extreme temperature indices, with a more significant rise in minimum temperatures compared to maximum temperatures. There is a significant decrease in precipitation, but precipitation at higher magnitudes is less affected by the overall reduction in total precipitation. Extreme dry events have markedly increased, particularly concentrated in winter with delayed occurrences, primarily induced by extreme temperature events, that is, warming effects. Conversely, extreme flood events have significantly decreased, mainly concentrated in summer and early autumn, predominantly caused by extreme precipitation and extreme high‐temperature events. The climate and hydrological conditions in the study area have become more extreme and complex. Severe river droughts may occur more frequently in winter, while extreme flooding may happen in summer. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to these developments.
The effects of environmental factors on the synthesis of water‐soluble Monascus red pigments via submerged fermentation: a review
Authors: Li Ping , Zhou Yin , Wu Yingying , Jiang Xiao , Wang Xuan , Shi Xinyun , Wang Weiping
Published: April 2024

Monascus pigments (MPs) have been used as natural food pigments for many years. There is a high demand for Monascus red pigments (MRPs) to enhance color and for antibacterial and cancer prevention therapies in food and medicine. Most MRPs are not water soluble, and the yield of water‐soluble MRPs is naturally low. On the other hand, water‐soluble MRP is more cost effective for application in industrial mass production. Therefore, it is important to improve the yield of water‐soluble MRPs. Environmental factors have a significant influence on the synthesis of water‐soluble MRPs, which is crucial for the development of industrial production of water‐soluble MRPs. This review introduces the biosynthetic pathways of water‐soluble MRPs and summarizes the effects of environmental factors on the yield of water‐soluble MRPs. Acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl‐CoA) is a precursor for MPs synthesis. Carbon and nitrogen sources and the carbon/nitrogen ratio can impact MP production by regulating the metabolic pathway of acetyl‐CoA. Optimization of fermentation conditions to change the morphology of Monascus can stimulate the synthesis of MPs. The appropriate choice of nitrogen sources and pH values can promote the synthesis of MRPs from MPs. Additives such as metal ions and non‐ionic surfactants can affect the fluidity of Monascus cell membrane and promote the transformation of MRPs into water‐soluble MRPs. This review will lay the foundation for the industrial production of water‐soluble MRPs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid enhanced the yield and photosynthesis of soybeans by adjusting soil aggregates and water distribution
Authors: Jing Bo , Shi Wenjuan , Wang Ying
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is employed extensively in agriculture to enhance soil water retention; however, the underlying mechanism by which γ‐PGA improves soil structure and soybean productivity in arid regions remains poorly understood. A micro‐scale field experiment was conducted in the arid region of northwest China, employing five concentrations of γ‐PGA to investigate its impacts on soybean yield, photosynthesis, and water‐use efficiency, as well as soil aggregates and water distribution. The five levels of γ‐PGA were 0 (CK), 10 (P1), 20 (P2), 40 (P3), and 80 kg ha−1 (P4).

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that the application of γ‐PGA significantly improved soybean yield, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll content. It resulted in a decrease in soil aggregate content with a maximum diameter of less than 0.053 mm and an increase in the stability of soil aggregates in the uppermost layer of the soil (0–30 cm). The application of γ‐PGA significantly increased soil water content, particularly in the uppermost layer of the soil, and effectively reduced water consumption and improving water use efficiency in soybeans. Overall, the P3 treatment exhibited the most pronounced improvement of soybean yield, photosynthesis, water‐use efficiency, as well as distribution of soil aggregates and water. The correlation matrix heatmap also revealed a strong correlation between improvement of soybean yield or photosynthesis at various γ‐PGA application levels and the enhancement of soil stability or soil water content.

CONCLUSION

The multivariate regression analysis revealed that an optimal application level of 46 kg ha−1 γ‐PGA could enhance effectively both yield and water use efficiency of soybean in the arid region of northwest China. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Rapid analysis of wheat gluten composition using a triple ELISA
Authors: Schuster Clemens , Huen Julien , Weiss Thomas , Scherf Katharina Anne
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

Gluten composition is an important quality parameter of wheat flour. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) is a state‐of‐the‐art method for its analysis. As this is a very labour‐intensive and time‐consuming procedure, alternative faster methods are desirable. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a high‐throughput method often used for the analysis of gluten traces in gluten‐free products. In this proof‐of‐principle study, we introduce an experimental triple ELISA for the relative quantitation of gliadins, high‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (HMW‐GS) and low‐molecular‐weight glutenin subunits (LMW‐GS) of one wheat flour extract.

RESULTS

The results of 80 common wheat flour samples obtained from the triple ELISA and RP‐HPLC were correlated. The results for gliadins (r = 0.69) and HMW‐GS (r = 0.81) showed a medium and high correlation, respectively. Only a very weak correlation of ELISA and RP‐HPLC results was observed for LMW‐GS (r = 0.49). Results for glutenins (r = 0.69) and gluten (r = 0.72) had a medium correlation. The gliadin/glutenin ratio (r = 0.47) and LMW‐GS/HMW‐GS ratio (r = 0.40) showed a weak or no correlation. The gliadin, LMW‐GS and gluten contents were lower and the HMW‐GS content was higher in the ELISA measurement compared to RP‐HPLC.

CONCLUSION

The quantitation of gliadins and HMW‐GS by the experimental triple ELISA showed comparable results to RP‐HPLC, whereas no strong correlation between the results from the two methods was found for LMW‐GS. Overall, the experimental triple ELISA is suitable for relative gluten quantitation, especially for the analysis of large sample sets. Further work will focus on improving the experimental procedure of the ELISA. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultra‐Low‐Power Tunable Topological Photonic Filter on Hybrid Integrated Lithium Tantalite and Silicon Platform
Authors: Feng Chenglong , Zhang Yong , Shen Jian , Xu Zihan , Dong Yihang , Fu Xuecheng , Wang Ying , Sun Lu , Gan Xuetao , Su Yikai
Published: April 2024

Integrated tunable optical filters are essential components in photonic signal processors, telecom systems, sensors, and quantum optical devices. Two of the most important features of a tunable filter are its dimensions and power consumption. Herein, the design and experimental validation of an on‐chip optical filter composed of a 1D topological photonic crystal cavity based on a hybrid integrated lithium tantalite‐silicon platform is presented. The strong optical confinement of the boundary state allows the fabrication of a tunable filter with an ultra‐compact size of 1.14 × 75 µm2 is demonstrated. Moreover, lithium tantalite has excellent electro‐optic properties and enables ultra‐low‐power wavelength tuning of the topological boundary state. The measured power consumption and tuning efficiency of the device are 0.0218 nW pm−1 and 6.64 pm V−1, respectively. The anisotropy of thin‐film lithium tantalite is verified by evaluating its tuning efficiency at different optical angles. The device can compensate for thermally induced refractive index changes ≈20 °C, exhibiting operational robustness. High‐speed transmission experiments confirm the stability of the developed tunable filter. This optical filter implements a topological structure with a compact size and can potentially be applied in on‐chip quantum optics, nonlinear optics, and optical sensing.
Intelligent Laser Emitting and Mode Locking of Solid‐State Lasers Using Human‐Like Algorithms
Authors: Guo Pan , Fan Minyu , Li Hongru , Liu Kun , Pu Yongjie , Wang Sha
Published: April 2024

Solid‐state lasers based on mode‐locked technology are widely studied for their strong ability of average or peak power scaling and wide wavelength coverage. However, it usually takes a long time and a lot of effort to manually align an ultrafast solid‐state laser to achieve laser emission and stable mode‐locking. Here, an approach based on intelligent human‐like algorithms is proposed for aligning a solid‐state ultrafast laser system. The intelligent system is based on multi‐algorithm fusion and can fully simulate the process of observation, analysis, decision, and action of an experienced experimenter in the adjustment of the laser alignment and mode‐locking. The intelligent adjustment starts from the state of no laser emission, adopts the neural network, the modified augmented random search (ARS) algorithm, random search, and sliding window strategy, and takes the fluorescence and speckle patterns as indications to realize the laser emission and stable mode‐locking automatically. Several validation experiments are conducted using this intelligent system, and the stable mode‐locked pulses can be achieved within 40 s. This technology provides an efficient solution to the ultrafast solid‐state laser that requires full automatic laser emitting and stable mode‐locking for the first time.
A Hybrid Architecture for Programmable Meta‐System Using a Few Active Elements
Authors: Wang Zheng Xing , Wu Jun Wei , Yang Han Qing , Zhou Qun Yan , Wang Si Ran , Xu Hui , Wu Li Jie , Quan Yinghui , Cheng Qiang , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2024

Digital coding and programmable metasurfaces stand out as promising candidates in future wireless communications due to their low costs and fast‐action reprogrammable capability. However, 2 significant obstacles, namely integration and power consumption, must be addressed before large‐scale engineering application of the programmable metasurface. This work proposes an easy‐integration and energy‐saving meta‐system and demonstrates its application in wireless communications. The meta‐system features a hybrid architecture and consists of a programmable feed array and a metasurface lens. The feed array comprises 3 subarrays, in which active elements are doped with passive elements and interconnected configurations are used to efficiently reduce the number of active elements by one‐third. The meta‐lens acts as a passive phase shifter to enhance the beamforming performance, further reducing the number of active elements. Moreover, the meta‐system can switch between different modes to achieve various functions. In particular, the maximum power consumption of the meta‐system is only 54 mW, which can be considered nearly passive. A wireless communication experiment is presented, where the meta‐system simultaneously serves as the direct digital modulator and the transmitting antenna. Owing to the low cost, high integration, and nearly passive and programmable features, the meta‐system has remarkable potential for future applications in wireless communications.
Engineering Sulfur‐Containing Polymeric Fire‐Retardant Coatings for Fire‐Safe Rigid Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Fang Yang , Ma Zhewen , Wei Dewang , Yu Youming , Liu Lei , Shi Yongqian , Gao Jiefeng , Tang Long‐Cheng , Huang Guobo , Song Pingan
Published: April 2024

With the advantages of lightweight and low thermal conductivity properties, polymeric foams are widely employed as thermal insulation materials for energy‐saving buildings but suffer from inherent flammability. Flame‐retardant coatings hold great promise for improving the fire safety of these foams without deteriorating the mechanical‐physical properties of the foam. In this work, four kinds of sulfur‐based flame‐retardant copolymers are synthesized via a facile radical copolymerization. The sulfur‐containing monomers serve as flame‐retardant agents including vinyl sulfonic acid sodium (SPS), ethylene sulfonic acid sodium (VS), and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (VSS). Additionally, 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and 4‐hydroxybutyl acrylate are employed to enable a strong interface adhesion with polymeric foams through interfacial H‐bonding. By using as‐synthesized waterborne flame‐retardant polymeric coating with a thickness of 600 µm, the coated polyurethane foam (PUF) can achieve a desired V‐0 rating during the vertical burning test with a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) of >31.5 vol%. By comparing these sulfur‐containing polymeric fire‐retardant coatings, poly(VS‐co‐HEA) coated PUF demonstrates the best interface adhesion capability and flame‐retardant performance, with the lowest peak heat release rate of 166 kW m−2 and the highest LOI of 36.4 vol%. This work provides new avenues for the design and performance optimization of advanced fire‐retardant polymeric coatings.
Harmonizing Energies: The Interplay Between a Nonplanar SalEn‐Type Molecule and a TEMPO Moiety in a New Hybrid Energy‐Storing Redox‐Conducting Polymer
Authors: Vereshchagin Anatoliy A. , Volkov Alexey I. , Novoselova Julia V. , Panjwani Naitik A. , Yankin Andrei N. , Sizov Vladimir V. , Lukyanov Daniil A. , Behrends Jan , Levin Oleg V.
Published: April 2024

Redox‐conducting polymers based on SalEn‐type complexes have attracted considerable attention due to their potential applications in electrochemical devices. However, their charge transfer mechanisms, physical and electrochemical properties remain unclear, hindering their rational design and optimization. This study aims to establish the influence of monomer geometry on the polymer's properties by investigating the properties of novel nonplanar SalEn‐type complexes, poly[N,N'‐bis(salicylidene)propylene‐2‐(hydroxy)diaminonickel(II)], and its analog with 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐substituted bridge (MTS). To elucidate the charge transfer mechanism, operando UV–Vis spectroelectrochemical analysis, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance are employed. Introducing TEMPO into the bridge moiety enhanced the specific capacity of the poly(MTS) material to 95 mA h g−1, attributed to TEMPO's and conductive backbone's charge storage capabilities. Replacement of the ethylenediimino‐bridge with a 1,3‐propylenediimino‐ bridge induced significant changes in the complex geometry and material's morphology, electrochemical, and spectral properties. At nearly the same potential, polaron and bipolaron particles emerged, suggesting intriguing features at the overlap point of the electroactivity potentials ranges of polaron–bipolaron and TEMPO, such as a disruption in the connection between TEMPO and the conjugation chain or intramolecular charge transfer. These results offer valuable insights for optimizing strategies to create organic materials with tailored properties for use in catalysis and battery applications.
Is a Simple Checklist Associated With Improvement in Gender Representation at the AAO‐HNSF Annual Meeting?
Authors: Yesantharao Lekha V. , Sriram Shreya , Litvack Jamie R. , Chandrasekhar Sujana S. , Galaiya Deepa J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

In September 2017, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) added 2 questions querying panel organizers if gender/racial diversity was considered in selecting panel presenters, beginning with the 2018 Annual Meeting (AM). This study examines how this checklist impacted the gender diversity of panel presenters at the AAO‐HNS AM.

Study Design

This was a cross‐sectional investigation comparing female representation before and after the addition of questions inquiring about diversity in 2018.

Setting

A review of abstract submissions for the AMs from 2015 to 2021.

Methods

AM Official Program Abstracts were used to obtain presenter names and specialty area for each panel. The percentage of female presenters, in total and stratified by specialty area, were compared before and after 2018 to quantify changes following the addition of the checklist.

Results

There was a significant increase in the proportion of female panel presenters from 22.3% (total n = 1199) in 2015 to 2017 to 33.0% (total n = 1868) in 2018 to 2021 (P < .001) and in all panel specialties. The number of female moderated panels also significantly increased after checklist implementation from 22% to 38% (P < .001). Correspondingly, the number of panels with no female representation decreased from 42% in 2015 to 2017 to 23% in 2018 to 2021 (P < .001).

Conclusion

The addition of a checklist asking panel organizers to consider diversity in selecting panelists was associated with an increased proportion of female presenters at the AM. This simple strategy can be implemented by all medical conferences to help close the gender gap.
Phosphine‐incorporated Metal‐Organic Framework for Palladium Catalyzed Heck Coupling Reaction
Authors: Chen Wenmiao , Shaikh Insha , Ahmed Fatma , Karkoub Sahar , AlRawashdeh Mamoun , Zhou Hongcai , Madrahimov Sherzod
Published: April 2024

As an emerging material with the potential to combine the high efficiency of homogeneous catalysts and high stability and recyclability of heterogeneous catalysts, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been viewed as one of the candidates to produce catalysts of the next generation. Herein, we heterogenized the highly active mono(phosphine)‐Pd complex on surface of UiO‐66 MOF, as a catalyst for Suzuki and Heck cross coupling reactions. The successful immobilization of these Pd‐monophosphine complexes on MOF surface to form UiO‐66‐PPh2–Pd was characterized and confirmed via comprehensive set of analytical methods. UiO‐66‐PPh2–Pd showed high activity and selectivity for both Suzuki and Heck Cross Coupling Reactions. This strategy enabled facile access to mono(phosphine) complexes which are challenging to design and require multistep synthesis in homogeneous systems, paving the way for future MOF catalysts applications by similar systems.
Serum albumin is a potential predictor of delayed healing after minor dental surgery among older patients aged over 65 years: A retrospective study
Authors: Kimura Taku , Hato Hiroyuki , Sakata Ken‐ichiro , Hojo Takayuki , Asaka Takuya , Ohga Noritaka , Sato Jun , Satoh Chiharu , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: April 2024

Aim

With the increasing number of older people worldwide, dentists have more opportunities to manage patients whose oral health requires attention. Such patients often need to undergo minor dental surgery to restore their oral function; however, they usually experience post‐treatment complications that directly reduce their quality of life. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the frequency of complications occurring after minor dental surgery and identify predictors of delayed healing (one of the most frequent complications) among patients aged over 65 years.

Methods

Patients who visited the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Medicine at Hokkaido University Hospital from 2015 to 2022 were selected and classified into the non‐delayed (n = 87) and delayed (n = 19) healing groups. The clinical backgrounds of these patients were compared between the two groups.

Results

Among 106 patients aged over 65 years, delayed healing (17.9%) was the most frequent complication after minor dental surgery. Serum albumin levels (odds ratio: 10.0; 95% confidence interval: 2.15–46.6) significantly differed between the delayed and non‐delayed healing groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a serum albumin level of <3.5 g/dl (odds ratio: 10.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.83–56.2) was significantly associated with delayed healing.

Conclusion

This study proposed that serum albumin level is a potential predictor of delayed healing in patients aged over 65 years who undergo minor dental surgery. In clinical practice, dentists are required to evaluate and improve nutritional status of older patients even before minor dental surgery.
Chemical separation of petroleum crude oil emulsions using two new poly(ionic liquid)s
Authors: Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Al‐Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: April 2024

This work aims to prepare new poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) and use them for crude oil emulsion separation (EES). PILs were synthesized by an opening ring reaction of hexadecylsuccinic anhydride (HAS) using polyethyleneimine branched MW 600 (PEI) and triethylenetetramine (TTA) in a one‐step procedure, obtaining PILs, HSPI‐PIL, and HSTA‐PIL, respectively. Chemical structure, interfacial tension, aggregate size, and thermal behavior were verified using several techniques. The efficiency of HSPI‐PIL and HSTA‐PIL toward EES was explored using different parameters, including water content (WC), demulsifier concentration, temperature, and pH value. The results indicated that EES proportionally increased with increased WC and temperature. The data also revealed that increased demulsifier concentration improved EES at low WC, for example, 10% and 30%; however, this parameter showed no significant effect with crude oil emulsion containing high WC, for example, 50%. Furthermore, HSPI‐PIL and HSTA‐PIL gave the maximum EES values at a pH of 7, while they decreased in acidic and basic mediums.
Enhancing comprehensive performances of polybenzoxazine through integration of soft core–soft shell cellulose‐based nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Han Ding , Jiang Jin , Bu Tongan , Wang Zhi
Published: April 2024

To further increasing the toughness performance of thermoset resins without sacrificing their other properties is still a challenge task. In this study, the soft core–soft shell nanoparticles based on polydopamine‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (P‐CNC) were synthesized and seamlessly integrated with Bisphenol A‐aniline benzoxazine (BA‐a). Notably, the results underscore the remarkable impact of a mere 0.2 wt% of P‐CNC on BA‐a, boosting the impact strength of the modified system to 19.5 kJ/m2. This achievement represents a substantial 140.7% increase compared with pure polybenzoxazine. Moreover, the flexural strength reaches 133.4 MPa, surpassing pure polybenzoxazine by 16.2%. And the modified system exhibits a 10% weight loss temperature (Td10) at 321.7°C, accompanied by a char yield of 27.6%. This holistic approach results in a notable enhancement of the toughness performance while concurrently maintaining the flexural strength and the thermal stability of the modified system. Consequently, the integration of soft core–soft shell nanoparticles emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing thermoset resin properties without undermining their existing exceptional attributes.

Highlights

The core–shell nanoparticles were made by dopamine and cellulose nanocrystals.

The core–shell nanoparticles can enhance the toughness of polybenzoxazine.

Nanoparticle‐matrix interactions and deformation led to improved properties.
Analysis of mandibular jaw movements to assess ventilatory support management of children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treated with positive airway pressure therapies
Authors: Cassibba Julie , Aubertin Guillaume , Martinot Jean Benoit , Le Dong Nam , Hullo Eglantine , Beydon Nicole , Dupont‐Athénor Audrey , Mortamet Guillaume , Pépin Jean Louis
Published: April 2024

Background

The polysomnography (PSG) is the gold‐standard for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome diagnosis and assessment under positive airway pressure (PAP) therapies in children. Recently, an innovative digital medicine solution, including a mandibular jaw movement (MJM) sensor coupled with automated analysis, has been validated as an alternative to PSG for pediatric application.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the reliability of MJM automated analysis for the assessment of residual apnea/hypopnea events during sleep in children with OSA treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous PAP (CPAP).

Methods

In this open‐label prospective non‐randomized multicentric trial, we included children aged from 5 to 18 years with a diagnosis of severe OSA. The children underwent in‐laboratory PSG with simultaneous MJM monitoring and at‐home recording with MJM monitoring 3 months later. Agreement between PSG and MJM analysis in measuring the residual apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was evaluated by the Bland−Altman method. The treatment effect on residual AHI was estimated for both PSG and MJM analysis.

Results

Fifteen (60% males) children were included with a median age of 12 years [interquartile range 8−15]. Two (17%) were ventilated with NIV and 13 (83%) with CPAP. There was a good agreement between MJM‐AHI and PSG‐AHI with a median bias of −0.25 (95% CI: −3.40 to +2.04) events/h. The reduction in AHI under treatment was consistently significant across the three measurement methods: in‐laboratory PSG and MJM recordings in the laboratory and at home.

Conclusion

Automated analysis of MJM is a highly reliable alternative method to assess residual events in a small population treated with PAP therapies.
Content analysis of the Measure of the Quality of the Environment by linkage with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Alflen Vívian Elaine Vargas , Pereira Gabriela Santos , Condé Mariana De Souza , Andrade Fernanda Guimarães De , Fougeyrollas Patrick , Silva Soraia Micaela
Published: April 2024

Background

This study explores the linkage between the Measurement of Environmental Quality (MQE) and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Stemming from the Human Development Model—Disability Creation Process (HDM‐DCP), MQE enhances understanding of how environmental quality impacts disability development across diverse socio‐cultural contexts. Integrating MQE with ICF expands the perspective on disability formation beyond HDM‐DCP, encompassing ICF's functioning approach.

Objective

To link the MQE with the concepts and categories of the ICF.

Methods

Two health professionals with adequate taxonomic knowledge of the ICF performed the initial linkage, which was based on updated standardized rules considering all hierarchical levels of the ICF. Linkage agreement between the first two assessors was measured using the Kappa (k) coefficient and respective 95% confidence intervals. In the absence of a consensus between the two assessors (k > 0.60), a third assessor was consulted to make the arbitrary decision of the final categories linked to the MQE.

Results

Insufficient agreement between the two assessors was found for the linkage process (k = 0.52;p < 0.001), requiring the final decision from the third assessor. At the end of the process, 26 ICF categories were linked to the main concepts (MC) measured by the 26 items of the short version of the MQE. Ten ICF categories were linked to the additional concepts (AC) measured by the MQE. Moreover, the MQE addresses the five domains of the ICF component “environmental factors,” with a predominance of the “services, systems and policies” domain (MC = 45.8% and AC = 40%).

Conclusion

The linkage of the concepts measured by the MQE to ICF categories enabled mapping the content of the MQE, identifying it as a promising tool for measuring environmental factors in accordance with ICF percepts.
Successful embolization of a clinically significant pulmonary arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Fernandes Pedro , Silva João P. , Patrão Pedro , Reis António , Belo Teresa
Published: April 2024

The authors present the clinical case of a 59‐year‐old female patient with a history of peripheral desaturation, which was detected in the perioperative period 4 years earlier. She reported exertional dyspnea, quantified as grade 2 on the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale (walks slower than people of the same age because of dyspnea or has to stop for breath when walking at her own pace), and morning cough with mucoid sputum and denied platypnea, epistaxis, telangiectasias and hemoptysis. A computed chest tomography scan revealed a contrast‐enhanced lesion on the right upper lobe with an afferent and two efferent vessels compatible with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. The transesophageal echocardiogram revealed an important right–left shunt compatible with arteriovenous fistula in the pulmonary circulation. An angiography confirmed the diagnosis and a selective embolization of the afferent artery was performed with resolution of symptoms.
Misdiagnosis of lymphoma as vasculitis: A case report
Authors: Wei Shushan , Hu Haobin , Lan Haoyue Helena , Li Na , Zhang Qingling
Published: April 2024

NK/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is a highly aggressive malignant tumour with a very poor prognosis, which often poses diagnostic difficulties due to the non‐specificity of its clinical presentation. NK/T‐cell lymphoma with eosinophilic hyperplasia syndrome is extremely rare. This article describes a patient with NKTCL misdiagnosed as vasculitis who presented with sinusitis, abdominal pain, anorexia, and lung shadows. Additionally, the patient exhibited extremely high eosinophilia levels, which led to a further misdiagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma. We describe the clinical features, diagnostic methods and differential diagnosis of lymphoma and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Leaf‐density estimation for fruit‐tree canopy based on wind‐excited audio
Authors: Li Wenwei , Jiang Shijie , Yang Shenghui , Feng Han , Liu Weihong , Zheng Yongjun , Tan Yu , Su Daobilige
Published: April 2024

It is important to obtain real‐time leaf density of fruit‐tree canopies for the precision spray control of plant‐protection robots. However, conventional detection techniques for the characteristics of fruit‐tree canopies cannot acquire the canopy internal information, which may provide an unsatisfactory accuracy of detection of leaf densities. This paper proposes a method for estimating canopy leaf density of fruit trees based on wind‐excited audio. A wind‐exciting implement was used to force fruit‐tree canopy leaves vibrating to produce audio. Then, some correlation analysis methods were used to extract key characteristic parameters of wind‐excited audio that were significantly correlated with leaf density. Finally, based on the data set of wind‐excited audio, a few machine‐learning methods were used to develop leaf‐density estimation models. Test results showed that: (1) there were five key feature parameters of wind‐excited audio that were significantly correlated with leaf density: the short‐time energy, spectral centroid, the frequency average energy, the peak frequency, and the standard deviation of frequency. (2) the estimation model of leaf density developed based on backpropagation neural network for fruit‐tree canopy showed the optimal estimation results, which can achieve the estimation of leaf density of fruit‐tree canopies accurately. The overall correlation coefficient (R) of the estimation model was more than 0.84, the root‐mean‐square error was less than 0.73 m2 m−3, and the mean absolute error was less than 0.53 m2 m−3. This study is expected to provide a technical solution for the leaf‐density detection of fruit‐tree canopies of plant‐protection robots.