bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalized pain management: Is it time for process‐based therapy for particular people with chronic pain?
Authors: McCracken Lance M.
Published: February 2023

Background and Objective

Psychological treatments for chronic pain have helped many people around the world. They are among the most researched and best evidenced treatments a person can receive when they have persistent, disabling and distressing pain. At the same time, improvements in the effectiveness of these treatments appear to be at a standstill. This may be due to an inherent lack of generalizability from aggregated group data to the individual, limited utility of our current schemes for categorizing people with pain conditions, faced with their inherent heterogeneity, our relatively coarse categories of treatment types and focus on treatment packages rather than individual methods, and our current failures to find adequate predictors of outcome, or to assign people their best‐suited treatment methods, based on group data. In this review, it is argued that the development and examination of truly personalized treatment is a next logical step to create progress and improve the results people achieve.

Methods

Key research studies pertaining to psychological treatments, treatment outcome, heterogeneity in chronic pain, prediction of treatment outcome, subtyping and treatment tailoring are reviewed.

Results and Conclusion

It is suggested that development of future treatments for chronic pain ought to incorporate an idiographic, process‐based approach, focused on evidence‐based mechanisms of change, individually and dynamically addressed, based on contextually sensitive ongoing assessment. Knowledge and practical solutions needed to make process‐based therapy for chronic pain happen are discussed.

Significance

Psychological approaches to chronic pain have been highly successful in the past but improvement in the effectiveness of these over time is slow to nonexistent. It is argued here that this has happened due to a failure to adequately consider the individual. Future psychological treatments for chronic pain ought to incorporate an idiographic, process‐based approach, focused on evidence‐based mechanisms of change, individually and dynamically addressed, grounded in ongoing contextually sensitive assessment.
Establishing copper‐zinc alloying strategy via active screen plasma toward stabilized zinc metal anode
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Kehua , Zhu Xiao , Huang Zhiquan , Chen Daming , Sun Shangqi , Chen Jian
Published: February 2023

The problematic Zn dendrite for Zn anodes remains a great challenge. Constructing an artificial Cu‐Zn alloy layer is one of the most potential solutions. However, it is still challenging to prepare an ideal Cu‐Zn alloy layer with good morphology and controllable thickness. Herein, a special plasma‐based method of active screen plasma (ASP) is first reported to create a hexagonal close‐packed CuZn5 alloy layer with controllable morphology and thickness. Meanwhile, a “vaporization‐redeposition” mode is proposed to illustrate the alloying process. Based upon system analysis, the CuZn5 layer with good uniformity and appropriate thickness can regulate the behavior of Zn‐ion at electrode/electrolyte interface. The former homogenizes the electric field distribution, while the latter enhances de‐solvation ability of Zn‐ion, facilitating Zn‐ion diffusion. Consequently, the CuZn5‐coated Zn anodes display lower polarization potential and longer cycling life. Such CuZn5‐coated Zn anodes enable an outstanding cycle stability for Zn‐based devices, and the pouch devices also deliver practicality.

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Surrogate modeling of structural seismic response using probabilistic learning on manifolds
Authors: Zhong Kuanshi , Navarro Javier G. , Govindjee Sanjay , Deierlein Gregory G.
Published: February 2023

Nonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) is generally considered to be a reliable and robust method to assess the seismic performance of buildings under strong ground motions. While NLRHA is fairly straightforward to evaluate individual structures for a select set of ground motions at a specific building site, it becomes less practical for performing large numbers of analyses to evaluate either (1) multiple models of alternative design realizations with a site‐specific set of ground motions, or (2) individual archetype building models at multiple sites with multiple sets of ground motions. In this regard, surrogate models offer an alternative to running repeated NLRHAs for variable design realizations or ground motions. In this paper, a recently developed surrogate modeling technique, called probabilistic learning on manifolds (PLoM), is presented to estimate structural seismic response. Essentially, the PLoM method provides an efficient stochastic model to develop mappings between random variables, which can then be used to efficiently estimate the structural responses for systems with variations in design/modeling parameters or ground motion characteristics. The PLoM algorithm is introduced and then used in two case studies of 12‐story buildings for estimating probability distributions of structural responses. The first example focuses on the mapping between variable design parameters of a multidegree‐of‐freedom analysis model and its peak story drift and acceleration responses. The second example applies the PLoM technique to estimate structural responses for variations in site‐specific ground motion characteristics. In both examples, training data sets are generated for orthogonal input parameter grids, and test data sets are developed for input parameters with prescribed statistical distributions. Validation studies are performed to examine the accuracy and efficiency of the PLoM models. Overall, both examples show good agreement between the PLoM model estimates and verification data sets. Moreover, in contrast to other common surrogate modeling techniques, the PLoM model is able to preserve correlation structure between peak responses. Parametric studies are conducted to understand the influence of different PLoM tuning parameters on its prediction accuracy.
Smart packaging—An overview of concepts and applications in various food industries
Authors: Thirupathi Vasuki Mithulesh , Kadirvel Vijayasri , Pejavara Narayana Gururaj
Published: February 2023

Contamination of food may occur at any stage in the process from “farm to fork”. The consumption of food contaminated with infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites, and noninfectious chemicals and toxins may cause over 200 diseases that range from diarrhea to cancers. Conventional packaging systems are sophisticated, and passive and only protect the environment. Currently, there is an elevation in new consumer demands such as improved communication capabilities in packaging systems. To satisfy the demand, smart packaging systems may be designed and employed. In this review, the mode of action adopted to ensure safety and security by various smart packaging techniques for food products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, meat products, beverages, and space foods is discussed. Active packaging technology focuses on maintaining the quality and enhancing the shelf‐life of food products. The elements of active packaging systems meet up the real market needs by incorporating functional agents into the packaging material. Intelligent packaging technology indicates the freshness, quality, safety, and security of food products and posses quality identification systems to effectively communicate with consumers. This review aims to analyze and interpret the concept of smart packaging systems, consumer perception, and their application in various food sectors.
Advances in Activity‐Based Protein Profiling of Functional Tyrosines in Proteomes
Authors: Brulet Jeffrey W. , Ciancone Anthony M. , Yuan Kun , Hsu Ku‐Lung
Published: February 2023

Activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) is a chemical proteomic method for investigating functional states of proteins in native biological settings. By quantifying changes in probe binding states of active and regulatory protein sites, ABPP reveals functional information on protein regulation and can be configured in competitive settings to determine global selectivity profiles of tool compounds and drugs in lysates, cells, and animals. Chemical probes used for ABPP analyses can target protein families with conserved enzymatic or structural features or can broadly profile the proteome using electrophiles with reactivity towards functional groups on amino acid side chains. The latter approach has provided insights to protein sites involved in allosteric regulation and non‐enzymatic functions. This review introduces quantitative ABPP workflows and discusses electrophilic groups used for ABPP profiling of functional sites in the proteome with an emphasis on tyrosine residues.
TECoSA – Trends, Drivers, and Strategic Directions for Trustworthy Edge Computing in Industrial Applications
Authors: Gross James , Törngren Martin , Dán György , Broman David , Herzog Erik , Leite Iolanda , Ramakrishna Raksha , Stower Rebecca , Thompson Haydn
Published: February 2023

TECoSA – a university‐based research center in collaboration with industry – was established early in 2020, focusing on Trustworthy Edge Computing Systems and Applications. This article summarizes and assesses the current trends and drivers regarding edge computing. In our analysis, edge computing provided by mobile network operators will be the initial dominating form of this new computing paradigm for the coming decade. These insights form the basis for the research agenda of the TECoSA center, highlighting more advanced use cases, including AR/VR/Cognitive Assistance, cyber‐physical systems, and distributed machine learning. The article further elaborates on the identified strategic directions given these trends, emphasizing testbeds and collaborative multidisciplinary research.
Conducting Design Reviews in a Digital Engineering Environment
Authors: Blackburn Mark R. , Kruse Benjamin
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses how digital signoffs can enable new operational paradigms for business operations, digital engineering reviews, and contracts. The paper explains what digital signoffs are in the context of their use with model‐based systems engineering methods, which is how this concept and construct has evolved. The paper discusses how they are created in the current toolset. This paper explains the benefits of why digital signoffs are valuable, in addition to where they can be placed within models, and when they might be used. Finally, we discuss how digital signoffs might evolve as add‐on capabilities for digital engineering more broadly.
Pairing Bayesian Methods and Systems Theory to Enable Test and Evaluation of Learning‐Based Systems
Authors: Wach Paul , Krometis Justin , Sonanis Atharva , Verma Dinesh , Panchal Jitesh , Freeman Laura , Beling Peter
Published: February 2023

Modern engineered systems, and learning‐based systems, in particular, provide unprecedented complexity that requires advancement in our methods to achieve confidence in mission success through test and evaluation (T&E). We define learning‐based systems as engineered systems that incorporate a learning algorithm (artificial intelligence) component of the overall system. A part of the unparalleled complexity is the rate at which learning‐based systems change over traditional engineered systems. Where traditional systems are expected to steadily decline (change) in performance due to time (aging), learning‐based systems undergo a constant change which must be better understood to achieve high confidence in mission success. To this end, we propose pairing Bayesian methods with systems theory to quantify changes in operational conditions, changes in adversarial actions, resultant changes in the learning‐based system structure, and resultant confidence measures in mission success. We provide insights, in this article, into our overall goal and progress toward developing a framework for evaluation through an understanding of equivalence of testing.
Modular Over‐the‐air Software Updates for Safety‐critical Real‐time Systems
Authors: Helms Domenik , Uven Patrick , Grüttner Kim
Published: February 2023

Automotive software is undergoing a rapid change toward artificial intelligence and towards more and more connectedness with other systems. For both, an incremental design paradigm is desired, where the car's software is frequently updated after production but still can guarantee the highest automotive safety standards. We present a design flow and tool framework enabling a DevOps paradigm for automotive software development. DevOps means that software is developed in a continuous loop of development, deployment, usage in the field, collection of runtime data and feedback to the developers for the next design iteration. The software developers get support in defining, developing, and verifying new software functions based on the data gathered in the field by the previous software generation. The software developers can define contracts describing the time and resource assumptions on the integration environment and guarantees for other dependent software components in the system. These contracts allow a composition of software components and proof obligations to be discharged at design time through virtual integration testing and runtime through continuous monitoring of assumptions and guarantees on the software component's interfaces. An update package, consisting of the software component and its contracts, is then automatically created, transferred over the air, and deployed in the car. Monitors derived from the contracts allow for supervising the system's behavior, detecting failures at runtime, and annotating the situation to be included in a data collection, fueling the next design iteration.
Impacts of environmental sustainable performance reporting on the stock price crash risk and stock liquidity: The mediating role of predictability and comparability
Authors: Pahlavan Morteza , Anvary Rostamy Ali Asghar , Darabi Roya
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, sustainability performance reporting plays an important role in corporates’ success. Since sustainability reporting improves the quality of disclosure and financial transparency, it is expected to have positive effects on stock prices and liquidity and reduce the crash and liquidity risk. This research investigates the impacts of environmentally sustainable performance reporting on the stock price crash and liquidity risks and the mediating role of earnings predictability and comparability using structural modeling equations. Using the systematic elimination sampling method, 147 companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange were selected. The studied period was from 2011 to 2020 and PLS software was used for data analysis. The results show that environmental sustainability performance reporting enhances earnings comparability and mitigates the crash and liquidity risks. The findings also show that comparability has a mediating impact on the relationship between environmentally sustainable performance reporting with the crash and liquidity risk. Although the accuracy of forecasted earnings significantly reduces the crash and liquidity risks, however, we find no evidence for its mediating impact on the relationship between environmentally sustainable performance reporting with crash and liquidity risks.
The impact of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act on the integrity of financial reporting: Was it meritorious?
Authors: Bajra Ujkan Q. , Aliu Florin , Krasniqi Armand , Fejza Ejup
Published: February 2023

This study investigates whether compliance with the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) sections 302 (financial reporting) and 404 (internal controls) enhances both corporate governance and financial reporting integrity (FRI). It is focused on EU publicly traded companies that are cross‐listed in the US markets. Using a novel approach with respect to operationalization of the SOX, the empirical research integrated into this paper advances the understanding of financial reporting integrity for both practitioners and policymakers. The study argues that financial reporting integrity increased after SOX entered into force but, notably, we find that financial statement assertions improve with compliance with SOX302 but not with SOX404. Examination of the latter relationship at the subsection level also reveals that compliance with certain SOX requirements is not satisfactory.
Daikenchuto significantly improves stool consistency and lower gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with chronic constipation
Authors: Manabe Noriaki , Nakajima Atsushi , Odaka Takeo , Haruma Ken
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

A number of basic and clinical studies have confirmed that the traditional Japanese herbal medicine, Daikenchutou (DKT) has a pharmacological effect on cholinergic and serotonergic mechanisms with a favorable safety profile and an improving effect on lower gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including abdominal pain or bloating. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DKT on chronic constipation.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded clinical trial enrolled 67 patients with chronic constipation fulfilling Rome III criteria. After a 2‐week observation period, 63 patients with persistent symptoms were finally randomized to a 4‐week course of treatment with DKT or placebo. The primary endpoint consisted of a global assessment of overall treatment effect (OTE), while the secondary endpoints consisted of improvements in stool consistency, spontaneous bowel movements, lower GI symptoms related to constipation, and quality of life. Factors associated with OTE were also investigated.

Results

After 4 weeks administration of DKT, OTE was significantly higher than placebo. No side effects were observed. Significant improvement in stool consistency and lower GI symptoms was observed in the DKT group. The improvements in lower GI symptoms as well as stool consistency were associated with OTE. OTE was higher in patients with greater improvement in lower GI symptoms with mental component summary scores close to normal before treatment.

Conclusion

DKT was effective and safe in treating chronic constipation, especially in patients having symptoms related to constipation with no impaired mental component summary score.
Red blood cell alloantibodies in paediatric transfusion in sub‐Saharan Africa: A new cohort and literature review
Authors: Gadji Macoura , Cobar Guéda , Thiongane Alioune , Senghor Alioune Badara , Seck Rose , Faye Blaise Félix , Seck Moussa , Guéye Youssou Bamar , Sy Diariétou , Sall Abibatou , Toure Awa Oumar , Diéye Tandakha Ndiaye , Diop Saliou
Published: February 2023

Blood transfusion support predisposes transfused children to the risk of erythrocyte alloimmunization in Sub‐Saharan Africa. A cohort of 100 children receiving one to five blood transfusions were recruited for screening and identification of irregular antibodies using gel filtration technique. The mean age was 8 years and the sex‐ratio at 1.2. The retrieved pathologies were: major sickle cell anaemia (46%), severe malaria (20%), haemolytic anaemia (4%), severe acute malnutrition (6%), acute gastroenteritis (5%), chronic infectious syndrome (12%) and congenital heart disease (7%). The children presented with haemoglobin levels ≤6 g/dl, and 16% of them presented positive irregular antibodies directed against the Rhesus (30.76%) and Kell (69.24%) blood group systems. A literature review shows that irregular antibody screenings vary from 17% to 30% of transfused paediatric patients in Sub‐Saharan Africa. These alloantibodies are in particular directed against the Rhesus, Kell, Duffy, Kidd and MNS blood group and generally found in sickle cell disease and malaria. This study highlights the urgent need of extended red blood cell phenotyping including typing for C/c, E/e, K/k, and Fya/Fyb, and if possible Jka/Jkb, M/N, and S/s for children before transfusion in Sub‐Saharan Africa.
A multiparameter optimization in middle‐down analysis of monoclonal antibodies by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Dhenin Jonathan , Dupré Mathieu , Druart Karen , Krick Alain , Mauriac Christine , Chamot‐Rooke Julia
Published: February 2023

In antibody‐based drug research, a complete characterization of antibody proteoforms covering both the amino acid sequence and all posttranslational modifications remains a major concern. The usual mass spectrometry‐based approach to achieve this goal is bottom‐up proteomics, which relies on the digestion of antibodies but does not allow the diversity of proteoforms to be assessed. Middle‐down and top‐down approaches have recently emerged as attractive alternatives but are not yet mastered and thus used in routine by many analytical chemistry laboratories. The work described here aims at providing guidelines to achieve the best sequence coverage for the fragmentation of intact light and heavy chains generated from a simple reduction of intact antibodies using Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Three parameters were found crucial to this aim: the use of an electron‐based activation technique, the multiplex selection of precursor ions of different charge states, and the combination of replicates.
Separation and identification of cetirizine enantiomers in human urine by capillary electrophoresis and circular dichroism independent of their standards
Authors: Chen Lixia , Tian Tingting , Yang Sen , Dong Yalei , Cui Hong , Li Xiangjun
Published: February 2023

Enantioseparation and determination of chiral drugs are of vital importance in biochemical and pharmaceutical research due to the different biological activity, mechanism, and toxicity of individual enantiomers. As a second‐generation H(1)‐antagonist, cetirizine's pharmaceutical activity is mainly derived from the levocetirizine while the dextro‐enantiomer is ineffective and even associated with side effects. Herein, the enantiomers of cetirizine were separated by capillary electrophoresis and identified by electronic circular dichroism. Satisfactory linear relationship was found between the circular dichroism signal at λmax and the electrophoretic peak area difference in the nonracemic mixture of enantiomers. It made possible identification and quantification of cetirizine enantiomers independent of single enantiomer standards. The method's feasibility was demonstrated on the enantiomeric excess experiments of oral drugs measured in human blank urine. Additionally, the separation and determination of cetirizine in human urine after administration were also realized by capillary electrophoresis, indicating the method was sensitive enough for pharmacokinetic study.
Tracing basal resource use across sea‐ice, pelagic, and benthic habitats in the early Arctic spring food web with essential amino acid carbon isotopes
Authors: Vane Kim , Cobain Matthew R. D. , Trueman Clive N. , Vonnahme Tobias R. , Rokitta Sebastian , Polunin Nicholas V. C. , Flores Hauke
Published: February 2023

A rapidly warming Arctic Ocean and associated sea‐ice decline is resulting in changing sea‐ice protist communities, affecting productivity of under‐ice, pelagic, and benthic fauna. Quantifying such effects is hampered by a lack of biomarkers suitable for tracing specific basal resources (primary producers and microorganisms) through food webs. We investigate the potential of δ13C values of essential amino acids (EAAs) (δ13CEAA values) to estimate the proportional use of diverse basal resources by organisms from the under‐ice (Apherusa glacialis), pelagic (Calanus hyperboreus) and benthic habitats (sponges, sea cucumber), and the cryo‐pelagic fish Boreogadus saida. Two approaches were used: baseline δ13CEAA values, that is, the basal resource specific δ13CEAA values, and δ13CEAA fingerprints, or mean‐centred baseline δ13CEAA values. Substantial use of sub‐ice algae Melosira arctica by all studied organisms suggests that its role within Arctic food webs is greater than previously recognized. In addition, δ13CEAA fingerprints from algae‐associated bacteria were clearly traced to the sponges, with an individually variable kelp use by sea cucumbers. Although mean‐centred δ13CEAA values in A. glacialis, C. hyperboreus, and B. saida tissues were aligned with microalgae resources, they were not fully represented by the filtered pelagic‐ and sea‐ice particulate organic matter constituting the spring diatom‐dominated algal community. Under‐ice and pelagic microalgae use could only be differentiated with baseline δ13CEAA values as similar microalgae clades occur in both habitats. We suggest that δ13CEAA fingerprints combined with microalgae baseline δ13CEAA values are an insightful tool to assess the effect of ongoing changes in Arctic basal resources on their use by organisms.
Alkalinity contributes at least a third of annual gross primary production in a deep stratified hardwater lake
Authors: Perolo Pascal , Escoffier Nicolas , Chmiel Hannah E. , Many Gaël , Bouffard Damien , Perga Marie‐Elodie
Published: February 2023

In alkaline freshwater systems, the apparent absence of carbon limitation to gross primary production (GPP) at low CO2 concentrations suggests that bicarbonates can support GPP. However, the contribution of bicarbonates to GPP has never been quantified in lakes along the seasons. To detect the origin of the inorganic carbon maintaining GPP, we analyze the daily stoichiometric ratios of CO2–O2 and alkalinity–O2 in a deep hardwater lake. Results show that aquatic primary production withdraws bicarbonate from the alkalinity pool for two‐thirds of the year. Alkalinity rather than CO2 is the dominant inorganic carbon source for GPP throughout the stratified period in both the littoral and pelagic environments. This study sheds light on the neglected role of alkalinity in the freshwater carbon cycle throughout an annual cycle.
Poly(lactic acid) based Pearl Layer Moistureproof Membrane for Flexible Laminated Packaging
Authors: Ma Ying , Zhao Jingming , Wang Yanqing , Pang Bo , Wu Yumin , Gao Chuanhui
Published: February 2023

The development of bio‐based polymer materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA) ‐based polymers, is an effective strategy to reduce dependence on petrochemical‐based polymers. However, the preparation of bio‐based polymers with high barrier properties is a major challenge. To overcome this challenge, a nacreous layer structure with a ‘ brick and mud ’ pattern is mimicked to improve the overall performance of the material. In this paper, Poly (L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and Polypropylene Glycol (PPG) was combined to prepare bio‐based polyurethane (PU‐PLLA), which is used as the slurry structure of nacreous layer. The bio‐based biomimetic composite membrane (PU‐PLLA/BN) is then obtained by adding boron nitride (BN, brick structure of pearl layer) to it. The water vapor permeability test results show that the permeability of PU‐PLLA material can be reduced by more than 50% by 5 wt.% BN, which is because the addition of BN can increase the length and tortuosity of the gas molecular diffusion path in the composite. Therefore, this pearl‐inspired PU‐PLLA/BN film has excellent moisture resistance, which opens up a broad road for the practical application of PLLA in flexible laminated packaging.
Photodynamic therapy: Innovative approaches for antibacterial and anticancer treatments
Authors: Kolarikova Marketa , Hosikova Barbora , Dilenko Hanna , Barton‐Tomankova Katerina , Valkova Lucie , Bajgar Robert , Malina Lukas , Kolarova Hana
Published: February 2023

Photodynamic therapy is an alternative treatment mainly for cancer but also for bacterial infections. This treatment dates back to 1900 when a German medical school graduate Oscar Raab found a photodynamic effect while doing research for his doctoral dissertation with Professor Hermann von Tappeiner. Unexpectedly, Raab revealed that the toxicity of acridine on paramecium depends on the intensity of light in his laboratory. Photodynamic therapy is therefore based on the administration of a photosensitizer with subsequent light irradiation within the absorption maxima of this substance followed by reactive oxygen species formation and finally cell death. Although this treatment is not a novelty, there is an endeavor for various modifications to the therapy. For example, selectivity and efficiency of the photosensitizer, as well as irradiation with various types of light sources are still being modified to improve final results of the photodynamic therapy. The main aim of this review is to summarize anticancer and antibacterial modifications, namely various compounds, approaches, and techniques, to enhance the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy.
Estimates for singular numbers of Hausdorff–Zhu operators and applications
Authors: Grudsky Sergei , Karapetyants Alexey , Mirotin Adolf
Published: February 2023

We continue the study of the so‐called Hausdorff–Zhu operators. In this paper, we study the behavior of the singular values of such operators. We prove the general fact that the sequence of singular numbers tends to zero, as well as we prove power‐type estimates for such behavior under additional conditions on the kernel of the operator. We give application of these results to the boundedness of Hausdorff–Zhu operators in general classes of analytic functions in the unit disc and also in some special classes of analytic functions defined in terms of conditions on Taylor or Fourier coefficients.
A mathematical model of brain tumor
Authors: Ashi H. A. , Alahmadi Dua M.
Published: February 2023

Malignant glioma is an aggressive primary brain tumor. Due to its location, the interactions of glioma and the immune system are complex. We start this paper by proposing a simple mathematical model that describes the interaction among glioma cells, microglia and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The existence and stability conditions of the equilibrium points are analyzed. Numerical results showed that neither microglia nor CTLs has the ability to eradicate the tumor. As a result, we extend the model by including the chemotherapeutic agent. The model has six equilibrium points, and one of these points represents a cured state. Through local stability, we found a range of values for the infusion rate that guarantees the elimination of glioma, as well as preventing the glioma from reoccurring.
Learning topology optimization process via convolutional long‐short‐term memory autoencoder‐decoder
Authors: Ma Qiaochu , DeMeter Edward C. , Basu Saurabh
Published: February 2023

This article proposed an autoencoder‐decoder architecture with convolutional long‐short‐term memory (ConvLSTM) cell for the purpose of learning topology optimization iterations. The overall topology optimization process is treated as time‐series data, with each iteration as a single step. The first few steps are fed into the encoder to generate encoder embedding, which is fed into the decoder. The decoder uses the encoder embedding as input and generates the result at each future step until the end of iteration. To train the proposed neural network, a large dataset is generated by a conventional topology optimization method, that is, solid isotropic material with penalization for intermediate densities, with randomly picked boundary conditions, load conditions, and volume constraints. Unlike other deep learning models introduced before, the proposed method can learn each topology optimization step iteratively and present the full optimization path. Furthermore, the proposed method can be extended to give solutions to unseen boundary and load conditions with a significant reduction in computation cost in a little sacrifice on the performance of the optimum design.
Comparing Myringoplasty to Type I Tympanoplasty in Tympanic Membrane Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Nicholas Jungbauer Walter , Jeong Seth , Nguyen Shaun A. , Lambert Paul R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To compare the anatomic success rates of type I tympanoplasty (tympanoplasty) versus myringoplasty. By our definition, tympanoplasty involves entering the middle ear via elevation of a tympanomeatal flap, while myringoplasty involves surgery to the drumhead without middle ear exposure.

Data Sources

PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane.

Review Methods

To be included, studies must have documented surgical technique, tympanic membrane (TM) perforation size (as % of TM), and success rate using tissue or alloplastic grafts. Exclusion criteria included series with more than 10% of patients with cholesteatoma or middle ear pathology. A meta‐analysis of weighted summary proportions under the random effects model was performed, and proportion differences (PD) were calculated. A secondary analysis of hearing outcomes was performed.

Results

Eighty‐five studies met inclusion, with a tympanoplasty cohort of n = 7966 and n = 1759 for myringoplasty. For perforations, less than 50% of the TM, the success rate for tympanoplasty and myringoplasty was 90.2% and 91.4%, respectively (PD: 1.2%, p = .19). In perforations greater than 50%, tympanoplasty and myringoplasty success rates were 82.8% and 85.3%, respectively (PD: 2.5%, p = .29). For both procedures, perforations less than 50% of the TM had higher success rates than perforations greater than 50% of the TM (p < .01). Both techniques endorsed significant improvements to air‐bone gap (ABG) metrics.

Conclusion

Our analysis suggests that the anatomic success rate is similar for tympanoplasty and myringoplasty, regardless of perforation size, and that smaller perforations experience higher success rates in both techniques. ABG outcomes were also similar between procedure techniques.
Longitudinal Patient‐Reported Voice Quality in Early‐Stage Glottic Cancer
Authors: Dorr Maarten C. , Sewnaik Aniel , Andrinopoulou Elrozy , Berzenji Diako , Dronkers Emilie A.C. , Bernard Simone E. , Hoesseini Arta , Tans Lisa , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , Offerman Marinella P.J.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Patient‐reported voice quality is an important outcome during counseling in early‐stage glottic cancer. However, there is a paucity of adequate longitudinal studies concerning voice outcomes. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal trajectories for patient‐reported voice quality and associated risk factors for treatment modalities such as transoral CO2 laser microsurgery, single vocal cord irradiation, and local radiotherapy.

Study Design

A longitudinal observational cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary cancer center.

Methods

Patients treated for Tcis‐T1b, N0M0 glottic cancer were included in this study (N = 294). The Voice Handicap Index was obtained at baseline and during follow‐up (N = 1944). Mixed‐effects models were used for investigating the different trajectories for patient‐reported voice quality.

Results

The mean follow‐up duration was 43.4 (SD 21.5) months. Patients received transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (57.8%), single vocal cord irradiation (24.5%), or local radiotherapy (17.5%). A steeper improvement during the first year after treatment for single vocal cord irradiation (−15.7) and local radiotherapy (−12.4) was seen, compared with a more stable trajectory for laser surgery (−6.1). All treatment modalities showed equivalent outcomes during long‐term follow‐up. Associated risk factors for different longitudinal trajectories were age, tumor stage, and comorbidity.

Conclusion

Longitudinal patient‐reported voice quality after treatment for early‐stage glottic cancer is heterogeneous and nonlinear. Most improvement is seen during the first year of follow‐up and differs between treatment modalities. No clinically significant differences in long‐term trajectories were found. Insight into longitudinal trajectories can enhance individual patient counseling and provide the foundation for an individualized dynamic prediction model.
Experimentation, simulation, and statistical analysis of nanofillers reinforced bio‐based polyurethane foam for acoustical applications
Authors: Selvaraj Vinoth Kumar , Subramanian Jeyanthi
Published: February 2023

This research aims to develop bio‐based polyurethane foam (PU) with nanofillers to absorb sound energy across a broad frequency range and compare experimental results to those from simulation and optimization. PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride), MgO (Magnesium oxide), and Ni (Nickel) nanofillers were incorporated into bio‐based PU through absorption and hydrothermal reduction technique, which includes mechanical stirring, compressing, heating, and evaporating. To determine the weight percentages of nanofillers, the design of the experimental approach was utilized. As per ASTM standard E 1050‐12, the bio‐based PU foam composite's sound absorption coefficient (SAC) was assessed using an impedance tube setup. Response Surface Methodology was utilized to estimate optimum sample weight percentages using a central composite design (CCD) with weight percentages of the three nanofillers as input and the noise reduction coefficient (NRC) as response output. According to the CCD results, the combination of 15 wt% PVDF, 10 wt% MgO, and 5 wt% Ni shows the highest NRC value of 0.66. Then, a confirmation sample was prepared, and the NRC was calculated. The NRC achieved for the confirmation sample was 0.62. SAC simulation results are contrasted with experimental data using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5. The confirmation sample's average sound pressure level (SPL) reduction ranges from 2 to 29 dB, according to the SPL plot. The conclusion shows that bio‐based composite foam may be an excellent material for absorbing sound in vehicles and aircraft and reducing industrial noise.
The crying child and dacrystic seizures: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Datta Aarti , Chakrabarti Sulagna
Published: February 2023

Psychiatric comorbidities are common in epilepsy. Common conditions such as depression and anxiety, and neurodevelopmental conditions ADHD and autism are also more prevalent in people with epilepsy. This article discusses a girl with a background of controlled epilepsy who was referred to the paediatric psychiatry clinic. It demonstrates a clear need for joint working between neurologists and psychiatric services to optimise the quality of life of such individuals.
The neurology ‐ psychiatry interface: variations on a diagnostic theme
Authors: Larner Andrew J
Published: February 2023

Despite the panoply of clinical assessment and neuroimaging modalities at the disposal of clinicians today, the diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders may still prove challenging, particularly in the early stages, because of the subtlety of early changes and/or their overlap with (so‐called) psychiatric disorders. A case illustrating these difficulties is presented, in which long‐term follow‐up proved to be the most important investigation to establish the correct diagnosis.
Considering capacity to use sex toys in secure care: two case reports
Authors: Shaddel Farshad , Mayes Danielle
Published: February 2023

The promotion and enabling of vulnerable and long‐stay inpatients’ sexualities is a largely neglected practice. This paper offers a novel contribution to the existing literature by considering the assessment of capacity to use sex toys. It describes the development of a set of guidelines and application of these in two clinical cases. It is hoped that the paper will provide a start point from which the guidelines could be scrutinised and refined by professional bodies and legal review.
Evolutions of the LOPA method to a fully quantified method
Authors: Iddir Olivier
Published: February 2023

LOPA (Layer Of Protection Analysis) is a risk analysis method developed to highlight various layers of protection from the process design to the emergency response. In its basic conception, each barrier is associated with a Risk Reduction Factor (RRF) corresponding to the inverse of the probability of failure (e.g., RRF = 10 corresponds to a probability of failure on demand [PFD] = 0.1). In its most common form, the LOPA method uses orders of magnitude for the probability of failure and frequency values generally inspired by those reported by the center for chemical process safety books. Frequency of accidents then consists of multiplying the frequency of the initiating event by the PFD allocated to each barrier. The LOPA method is an attractive approach because, at first sight, it is relatively easy to implement and can be used by engineers who are not necessarily specialists in industrial risk analysis. In reality, this approach can quickly lead to an erroneous estimate of accident frequency. This article presents how LOPA can be applied in a quantified way and the expected benefits. A practical application example related to tank overflow will highlight the advantages of using a fully quantified method.
The Introduction of Intermediate Layers for InGaN Growth on ScAlMgO4 through Trihalide Vapor‐Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Kobayashi Iori , Hieda Ryohei , Murata Hiroto , Murakami Hisashi
Published: February 2023

Herein, the effect of intermediate layers for high‐speed InGaN growth using trihalide vapor‐phase epitaxy (THVPE) on ScAlMgO4 (SAM) is investigated. The coverage and thickness of the intermediate layer have a significant impact on both composition and crystalline quality. Herein, InGaN is successfully fabricated with 17% of indium on SAM in a lattice‐matched state employing THVPE, showing the X‐ray rocking curve full width at half maximum values less than 1000 arcsec, in a two‐step growth. THVPE is used to indicate the possibility of fabricating high‐quality InGaN quasi‐substrate with high indium composition.
Redesigning the appearance of recycled containers for packaging applications: The effect of paper waste physicochemical properties on the performance of paperboards with obvious recycled content
Authors: Chacon Lisandra , Lavoine Nathalie , Venditti Richard A.
Published: February 2023

Significant efforts have been made over the past decade to facilitate the recognition of environmentally friendly packaging and promote sustainability. Yet, consumers remain confused by the excess of labels and claims used to communicate sustainability. In our previous work, we modified the appearance of recycled fibre‐based packaging by incorporating visible particles of fibre‐based waste. This strategy enabled consumers to better identify packages with a high recyclability level, enhancing their environmental perception towards sustainable products. However, the incorporation of such large waste particles proved to be detrimental to the mechanical properties of the paperboards. In this study, we further investigate the influence of the physicochemical properties of the added fibre‐based waste on packaging performance. Using a similar strategy to enhance the environmental perception, we herein studied the effect of mixed office waste (MOW), old magazines (OMG), and polylactic acid (PLA) paper cups. The presence of hydrophobic and difficult‐to‐process and difficult‐to‐disperse waste, such as the PLA paper cups, significantly altered the mechanical performance of the paperboards, whereas more hydrophilic and easy‐to‐disintegrate waste (MOW and OMG) had a lesser effect regardless of the size of the particles. Strength agents such as cationic starch (CS) and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) successfully restored the properties of the paperboards containing MOW and OMG but were less effective for PLA paper cups. A multi‐ply strategy overcame the limitations of CS and CMFs using the redesigned paperboard as an outer ply for aesthetic purposes and a 100% recycled inner ply for restoring strength.
How to improve the clinical outcome of round spermatid injection (ROSI) into the oocyte: Correction of epigenetic abnormalities
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Watanabe Seiji
Published: February 2023

Background

First successful human round spermatid injection (ROSI) was conducted by Tesarik et al. in 1996 for the sole treatment of nonobstructive azoospermic men whose most advanced spermatogenic cells were elongating round spermatids. Nine offsprings from ROSI were reported between 1996 and 2000. No successful deliveries were reported for 15 years after that. Tanaka et al. reported 90 babies born after ROSI and their follow‐up studies in 2015 and 2018 showed no significant differences in comparison with those born after natural conception in terms of physical and cognitive abilities. However, clinical outcomes remain low.

Method

Clinical and laboratory data of successful cases in the precursor ROSI groups and those of Tanaka et al. were reviewed.

Results

Differences were found between the two groups in terms of identification of characteristics of round spermatid and oocyte activation. Additionally, epigenetic abnormalities were identified as underlying causes for poor ROSI results, besides correct identification of round spermatid and adequate oocyte activation. Correction of epigenetic errors could lead to optimal embryonic development.

Conclusion

Correction of epigenetic abnormalities has a probability to improve the clinical outcome of ROSI.
Acutalourin and Acutalourone: New Metabolites Isolated from Folk Medicinal Plant Argyreia acuta Lour.
Authors: Liao Guang‐Feng , Li Yun‐Qing , Teng Ming‐Xue , Zeng Yu‐Xian , Pang Chao‐Lin , Lu Ru‐Mei
Published: February 2023

A pair of new 8‐oxa‐bicyclo[3,2,1]oct‐3‐en‐2‐one derivative enantiomers, (±)‐acutalourin [(±)‐1], a new racemic linear sesquiterpenoid acutalourone (2), along with five known caffeic acid derivatives (3–7), were isolated from Argyreia acuta Lour. The structures were determined by a combination of spectroscopic data interpretation. The absolute stereochemistry of (+)‐acutalourin and (−)‐acutalourin were proposed by comparison of their experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves with the time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT)‐calculated curves.
Preparation of Monolayer Dispersed Fe/Attapulgite Desulfurizer and Its Desulfurization Performance at Low Temperature
Authors: Xu Fan , Zhang Zhihong , Shi Yuanyuan
Published: February 2023

Fe/ATP (attapulgite) desulfurizers with different loads were prepared by precipitation method. XRD profiles revealed that the loading threshold of monolayer dispersion was 28.75 %. The desulfurizers were characterized by UV‐vis, FT‐IR, TPR, BET, and SEM. The performances of desulfurizers with different loads were compared. When the loading reached the threshold, both the sulfur capacity of the desulfurizer and the availability ratio of iron oxides were the highest. Beyond the threshold, the amount of Fe3+bound to the skeleton of ATP increased to form skeleton iron, and some iron oxides gathered together, causing decreases in the sulfur capacity. The dissolution amount of Fe3+showed the bonding strength between active components and ATP by acid dissolution experiments, which became stronger with increases of skeleton iron. Processes of deactivation were fitted by the deactivation model, which revealed that the changes in loadings would impact the deactivation of desulfurizers.