bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An evaluation with shear wave elastography of kidney elasticity in patients with familial Mediterranean fever
Authors: Kayalı Alperen , Öztürk Keleş Fatma , Seyfettin Ayça , Dirican Emre , Çelik Muhammed Murat
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To investigate the changes in kidney elasticity in patients with familial Mediterranean fever using the non‐invasive diagnostic method of shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

The kidney elasticity of 35 FMF patients and 23 healthy control subjects was evaluated with SWE. The relationships were evaluated of the SWE values with eGFR, microproteinuria, FMF severity score, number of attacks per month, and colchicine doses of the FMF patients.

Results

The kidney stiffness and velocity values of the FMF patients were found to be higher than those of the control group (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was found between the renal stiffness and velocity values and the colchicine dose (r = −0.48, p = 0.004, and r = −0.50, p = 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion

The results of the current study demonstrated that the SWE values of the FMF patients were significantly higher than those of the control group. SWE can be used as an alternative method in the follow up of FMF patients. In addition, a negative correlation was determined between the colchicine dose and renal stiffness. This suggests that SWE values could be used in the adjustments of colchicine doses. However, there is a need for further studies with greater numbers of patients to support this hypothesis.
Introducing dental students to complete denture treatment in times of COVID‐19: Students’ responses
Authors: Bak Sun‐Yung , Saglik Berna , Inglehart Marita R.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic required changes in the complete denture courses to comply with lock‐in and social distancing requirements. The objectives were to assess (a) dental students’ interest in a required complete denture course and the prosthodontics specialty, (b) how much time students spent on studying background, lab, and clinical content, and (c) how difficult and helpful course components were. Additionally, open‐ended responses concerning what the students liked and what they wanted to have changed were analyzed as well.

Methods

After this “complete denture” course, 81 of 109 students responded to a web‐based survey with questions about course content and design. This hybrid course consisted of weekly asynchronous virtual lectures, in‐person simulated laboratory (sim lab) exercises, and synchronous virtual workshops.

Results

Exactly 53.7% were much/very much interested in this course, with nobody considering prosthodontics as their specialty. The students studied on average of 79.61 minutes for 1 hour (of background‐related lecture, 69.92 minutes for a lab‐based lecture, and 77.00 minutes for a clinical‐content lecture (p < 0.001). They evaluated clinical content as most difficult, lab content as less difficult, and background material as least difficult (3‐point scale with 1 = not at all difficult: means = 1.90/1.85/1.80; p < 0.001). They rated background lectures as least helpful, clinical material as more helpful, and lab content as most helpful (5‐point scale with 1 = most helpful: means = 2.33/2.67/2.96; p < 0.001). Open‐ended answers showed exceptionally positive responses for content and pedagogy of sim lab and clinical content.

Conclusions

Gaining a better understanding of students’ responses to hybrid “complete denture” courses is critical for optimally teaching this material in times of COVID‐19.
Microscopic visualization of the antibiofilm potential of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Sarwar Warda , Ali Qurban , Ahmed Safia
Published: October 2022

Biofilms are known to pose great risks in clinical settings, drinking water systems, and food industries as they show considerable resistance to various environmental stresses. This study investigates the antibiofilm potential of different essential oils against the test organisms Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883). Moreover, different stages of biofilm formation were also assessed using light microscopic assays. For determining the antibiofilm activity, a total of five essential oils namely cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), lavender (Lavandula), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) were tested for their ability to inhibit the initial attachment of microbial cells as well as the eradication of mature biofilm using the microtitre plate assay. For both the test strains (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) the concentration of 30 μl/100 μl of cinnamon oil exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity followed by the activity of peppermint oil at the same concentration. These results were further validated by employing the light microscopy assay for observing the antibiofilm potential of cinnamon and peppermint essential oils.
Facility‐based HIV self‐testing strategies may substantially and cost‐effectively increase the number of men and youth tested for HIV in Malawi: results from an individual‐based mathematical model
Authors: Nichols Brooke E. , de Nooy Alexandra , Benade Mariet , Balakasi Kelvin , Mphande Misheck , Rao Gabriella , Claassen Cassidy W. , Khan Shaukat , Stillson Christian , Russell Colin A. , Doi Naoko , Dovel Kathryn
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Malawi is rapidly closing the gap in achieving the UNAIDS 95‐95‐95 targets, with 90% of people living with HIV in Malawi aware of their status. As we approach epidemic control, interventions to improve coverage will become more costly. There is, therefore, an urgent need to identify innovative and low‐cost strategies to maintain and increase testing coverage without diverting resources from other HIV services. The objective of this study is to model different combinations of facility‐based HIV testing modalities and determine the most cost‐effective strategy to increase the proportion of men and youth testing for HIV.

Methods

A data‐driven individual‐based model was parameterized with data from a community‐representative survey (socio‐demographic, health service utilization and HIV testing history) of men and youth in Malawi (data collected August 2019). In total, 79 different strategies for the implementation of HIV self‐testing (HIVST) and provider‐initiated‐testing‐and‐counselling at the outpatient department (OPD) were evaluated. Outcomes included percent of men/youth tested for HIV in a 12‐month period, cost‐effectiveness and human resource requirements. The testing yield was assumed to be constant across the scenarios.

Results

Facility‐based HIVST offered year‐round resulted in the greatest increase in the proportion of men and youth tested in the OPD (from 45% to 72%–83%), was considered cost‐saving for HIVST kit priced at $1.00, and generally reduced required personnel as compared to the status quo. At higher HIVST kit prices, and more relaxed eligibility criteria, all scenarios that considered year‐round HIVST in the OPD remained on the cost‐effectiveness frontier.

Conclusions

Facility‐based HIVST is a cost‐effective strategy to increase the proportion of men/youth tested for HIV in Malawi and decreases the human resource requirements for HIV testing in the OPD—providing additional healthcare worker time for other priority healthcare activities.
Research on quality control methods for surface temperature observations via spatial correlation analysis
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Jiang Zhongbao , Tang Hongsheng , Zhang Yinchao , Ye Xiaoling
Published: October 2022

This article proposed a new quality control method (CS‐MSF) to identify potential outliers in the surface temperature observations. The CS‐MSF method employed cosine similarity and moving surface fitting to obtain the estimated value of the target station. For the regions with complex terrain and low weather station density, another quality control method (CE‐GBDT) was employed to compensate for the shortcomings of CS‐MSF. Compared to the spatial regression test method (SRT) and inverse distance weighting method (IDW), the results indicated that CS‐MSF outperformed SRT and IDW in all the cases. And CE‐GBDT was superior to the other methods for the regions with complex terrain and low weather station density. The comparison results led to the recommendation that the two proposed methods are effective quality control methods in identifying the seeded errors for the surface temperature observations.
Effects of the GABA(B) agonist baclofen on volitional swallowing in normal subjects
Authors: Hung Jui‐Sheng , Liang Shu‐Wei , Omari Taher , Wong Ming‐Wun , Lei Wei‐Yi , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Lin Lin , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: October 2022

The GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen is known to suppress the rate of spontaneous swallowing but not pharyngeal muscle contraction. The extent to which baclofen may alter volitional swallowing is not currently known. We investigated the effects of baclofen in healthy subjects, hypothesizing that baclofen exposure would alter volume‐regulation and/or piecemeal deglutition behaviors during volitional swallowing attempts. Pharyngeal high‐resolution manometry impedance (P‐HRM‐I) protocol was used to assess swallowing function of 22 healthy adult volunteers (median 29 years) who were investigated on two occasions, receiving 40 mg baclofen (oral) 1 h before study, or placebo (randomized). Standard swallow function variables recommended by the pharyngeal HRM Working Group were derived for 5 ml, 10 ml, and 20 ml volumes of thin and extremely thick liquid challenges. Multiple swallow behaviors, comprising two swallows <5 s apart, were characterized. The spontaneous swallow rate was also determined. Baclofen exposure had no overall significant effect on swallow variables. Upper esophageal sphincter pressure was weaker during exposure to baclofen, during both the pre‐deglutitive and post‐deglutitive phases of the swallow (p < 0.05 during thick liquid swallows). Piecemeal swallows, where the bolus is separated in two potions, were significantly more common during 20 ml boluses (p = 0.002). Baclofen decreased the frequency of piecemeal deglutition overall. Baclofen has limited to no effect on volitional swallowing measures, however, does reduce the likelihood of initiation of piecemeal deglutition to large volume challenges.
The Quality of Otolaryngology‐ Head and Neck Surgery Literature over the Last Decade
Authors: Coulter Michael , Greene Howard , Miller Tanner , Brady Rebecca , Bennett Chandler , Johnson Christopher
Published: October 2022

Objective

To describe the changes in the quality of the Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery (OTOHNS) literature over the last decade, and compare it to other surgical‐based fields.

Methods

Based on impact factors, the top eight clinical U.S. OTOHNS journals were selected, and articles were analyzed from 2020 (Oto 2020) and compared to 2010 (Oto 2010). This was done similarly for Neurosurgery, Orthopedic, Ophthalmology, and General Surgery journals in 2020 (non‐Oto). To limit bias and account for random variability, the first 10 research articles from each journal in each group were included. Data regarding the study type, level of evidence, use of confidence intervals, and funding source were collected.

Results

Based on an a priori power analysis, 160 articles were analyzed for Oto 2010 and Oto 2020. Compared to Oto 2020, Oto 2010 had more level 1 and 2 evidence (12 vs. 4; p = 0.032) and less reporting of confidence intervals (10 vs. 32; p < 0.001). Comparing the top 160 articles from 2020 from Non‐Oto and OTOHNS (Oto), Non‐Oto had more level 1 and 2 evidence (19 vs. 6; p = 0.0047), more randomized controlled trials (8 vs. 1; p = 0.016), and less reporting of confidence intervals (42 vs. 58; p = 0.009).

Conclusion

High quality studies remain relatively scarce in the OTOHNS literature. Although reporting of confidence intervals has improved over the last decade, aggregate levels of evidence and extramurally funded studies lag behind other surgical‐based fields. Better study design will provide stronger evidence basis, in hopes of improving clinical care.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:1853–1856, 2023
Multiple/Two‐Way Shape Memory Poly(urethane‐urea‐amide) Elastomers
Authors: Li Zhen , Mei Shuxiang , Luo Lu , Li Siyuan , Chen Xiaoyin , Zhang Yuancheng , Zhao Wei , Zhang Xiaomeng , Shi Ge , He Yanjie , Cui Zhe , Fu Peng , Pang Xinchang , Liu Minying
Published: October 2022

Multiple and two‐way reversible shape memory polymers (M/2W‐SMPs) are highly promising for many fields due to large deformation, lightweight, strong recovery stress, and fast response rates. Herein, a semi‐crystalline block poly(urethane‐urea‐amide) elastomers (PUUAs) are prepared by the copolymerization of isocyanate‐terminated polyurethane (OPU) and amino‐terminated oligomeric polyamide‐1212 (OPA). PUUAs, composed of OPA as stationary phase and PTMEG as reversible phase, exhibit excellent rigidity, flexibility, and resilience, and cPUUA‐C7‐S25 exhibits the best tensile property with strength of 10.3 MPa and elongation at break of 360.2%. Besides, all the PUUAs possess two crystallization/melting temperatures and a glass transition temperature, which endow PUUAs with multiple and reversible two‐way shape memory effect (M/2W‐SME). Physically crosslinked PUUA‐C0‐S25 exhibits excellent dual and triple shape memory, and micro chemically crosslinked cPUUA‐C7‐S25 further shows quadruple shape memory behavior. Additionally, both PUUA‐C0‐S25 and cPUUA‐C7‐S25 have 2W‐SME. Intriguingly, cPUUA‐C7‐S25 can achieve a higher temperature (up to 165 °C) SME, which makes it suitable for more complex and changeable applications. Based on the advantages of M/2W‐SME, a temperature‐responsive application scenario where PUUAs can transform spontaneously among different shapes is designed. These unique M/2W‐SME and high‐temperature SME will enable the applications of high‐temperature sensors, actuators, and aerospace equipment.
Associations of mitochondrial DNA copy number with incident risks of gastrointestinal cancers: A prospective case–cohort study
Authors: Guan Xin , Li Mengying , Bai Yansen , Feng Yue , Li Guyanan , Wei Wei , Fu Ming , Li Hang , Wang Chenming , Jie Jiali , Meng Hua , Wu Xiulong , Deng Qilin , Li Fangqing , Yang Handong , Zhang Xiaomin , He Meian , Guo Huan
Published: October 2022

Epidemiological investigations implied that mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) variations could trigger predisposition to multiple cancers, but evidence regarding gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) was still uncertain. We conducted a case‐cohort study within the prospective Dongfeng‐Tongji cohort, including incident cases of colorectal cancer (CRC, n = 278), gastric cancer (GC, n = 138), and esophageal cancer (EC, n = 72) as well as a random subcohort (n = 1173), who were followed up from baseline to the end of 2018. We determined baseline blood mtDNAcn and associations of mtDNAcn with the GICs risks were estimated by using weighted Cox proportional hazards models. Significant U‐shaped associations were observed between mtDNAcn and GICs risks. Compared to subjects within the second quartile (Q2) mtDNAcn subgroup, those within the 1st (Q1), 3rd (Q3), and 4th (Q4) quartile subgroups showed increased risks of CRC (hazard ratio [HR] [95% confidence interval, CI] = 2.27 [1.47–3.52], 1.65 [1.04–2.62], and 2.81 [1.85–4.28], respectively) and total GICs (HR [95%CI] = 1.84 [1.30–2.60], 1.47 [1.03–2.10], and 2.51 [1.82–3.47], respectively], and those within Q4 subgroup presented elevated GC and EC risks (HR [95% CI] = 2.16 [1.31–3.54] and 2.38 [1.13–5.02], respectively). Similar associations of mtDNAcn with CRC and total GICs risks remained in stratified analyzes by age, gender, smoking, and drinking status. This prospective case‐cohort study showed U‐shaped associations between mtDNAcn and GICs risks, but further research works are needed to uncover underlying biological mechanisms.
Numerical simulation of SIR childhood diseases model with fractional Adams–Bashforth method
Authors: Rahul  , Prakash Amit
Published: October 2022

This work investigates a fractional Susceptible Infected Recovered (SIR) model to study childhood disease. We analyzed the proposed model by applying Caputo, Caputo–Fabrizio, and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives. Here, we use the fractional Adams–Bashforth method to solve the childhood disease model with nonlocal operator. The proposed numerical technique is developed by combining the fundamental theorem of integral calculus with Lagrange's interpolation. This numerical approach is more efficient than the other existing numerical techniques and is easily computed using Matlab as a programming language. The existence and uniqueness of this fractional model are studied with the fixed‐point theorem. These fractional derivatives show different asymptotic behaviors for the distinct values of the fractional order. The numerical results are presented graphically as well as in tabulated form for some value of fractional order.
Research and analysis of voids in semiconductor laser diode packaging reflow soldering
Authors: Xu Peidong , Qian Yang , Wang Bin , Wang Yong , Yue Yuxin , Teng Yunjie , Wang Xiantao
Published: October 2022

The causes of voids in the soldering layer during vacuum reflow soldering of semiconductor laser devices are investigated, as are the movement and change laws of bubbles in the voids under different reflow chamber settings. An ultrasonic scanner is used to test and experiment with a series of 1064 nm wavelength semiconductor lasers. A technique for detecting the void rate based on the wavelength difference is proposed based on the association between the device wavelength, junction temperature, and voids. The average void rate error when comparing measured and calculated values is just 1.5%, demonstrating the validity of this estimation technique for defining the void rate of the device and providing a theoretical and practical reference to analyze the void rate of the device.
Microscopic investigation of the influence of complex stress states on internal erosion and its impacts on critical hydraulic gradients
Authors: Zhou Chuang , Qian Jian‐Gu , Yin Zhen‐Yu
Published: October 2022

Internal erosion involves the loss of fine particles within the matrix of coarse particles under seepage flow, posing a severe threat to hydraulic structures. This paper focuses on internal erosion considering anisotropic stress conditions. The influence of the anisotropic stress state, represented by vertical stress equal to, bigger than, or smaller than horizontal stress, was investigated using coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM). Results show that the loss of fine particle specimens under anisotropic stress conditions is greater than that for samples under isotropic stress states, as the loss of fine particles leads to an evolution of anisotropy into isotropy, with local contact force chains gradually forming spatially isotropic structures. The strong force chains of specimens under triaxial compression were also found to develop a dominant orientation in the vertical direction, leading to clogging in the upward migration of fine particles and increasing the critical hydraulic gradient. In addition, the evolution of void ratio, hydraulic drag force, connectivity, and coordination number has also been analyzed to exhibit the influence of stress anisotropy on internal erosion.
Determinants of missed nursing care in Jordanian hospitals during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Khrais Huthaifah , Alsadi Mohammad , Oweidat Islam , Ahmad Muayyad
Published: October 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of perceived organizational support, accountability and nurses' characteristics on missed nursing care under the impact of COVID‐19.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was used to describe and predict nurses' characteristics.

Methods

A sample of 536 Registered Nurses participated in the study from eight hospitals in different health sectors in Jordan (three public hospitals, three private hospitals and two teaching hospitals).

Results

Communication problems had the highest impact on missed nursing care, compared with labour resources and material resources reasons. Higher patient: nurse ratio aggravated by COVID‐19 pandemic, years of experience, satisfaction with the income, perception of accountability and organizational support were among the factors associated with the levels of missed nursing care.
Relationship between gonial angle and articular disk position of the temporomandibular joints: A retrospective study
Authors: Muraoka Hirotaka , Hirahara Naohisa , Tokunaga Satoshi , Okada Shunya , Ichiki Shungo , Kondo Takumi , Kaneda Takashi
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is frequently used to diagnose temporomandibular joint disease. However, very few studies have assessed the relationship between the mandibular gonial angle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders using panoramic radiography and MRI. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the gonial angle and articular disk position of the TMJs using panoramic radiography and MRI.

Material and method

The patients underwent panoramic radiography and MRI simultaneously at a university hospital between April 2017 and March 2018. We analyzed the records of 109 patients with and without disc displacement. Among these, 88 patients had disc displacement of the TMJ, while 21 patients were normal. The variable “mean mandibular gonial angle” was evaluated as a predictor. The primary outcome was the presence or absence of disc displacement in the TMJs. The other variables included sex and age. Data were analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, the Mann–Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

There was no significant difference between men and women in mean gonial angle, and there was no correlation with age (P > 0.05). Moreover, the mean mandibular gonial angle in the disc displacement group was significantly higher than that in the nondisc displacement group (P < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed a cutoff mandibular gonial angle of 120.23° for predicting the development of disc displacement.

Conclusions

Mandibular gonial angle is a useful parameter for predicting disc displacement of the TMJs.
High frequency of heat shock protein 27 overexpression is a highly effective, high‐coverage marker for minimal residual disease detection in children with B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Chou Shu‐Wei , Su Ying‐Hui , Lu Meng‐Yao , Chang Hsiu‐Hao , Yang Yung‐Li , Lin Dong‐Tsamn , Lin Kai‐Hsin , Coustan‐Smith Elaine , Jou Shiann‐Tarng
Published: October 2022

Background

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer. Minimal residual disease (MRD) detection is the most powerful prognostic tool for monitoring treatment efficacy and predicting clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify key leukemia‐associated markers, the proportions of differential expression in patients, and the most effective marker combination for MRD detection by flow cytometry.

Methods

Bone marrow samples were collected from 132 pediatric patients with newly diagnosed (n = 115) or relapsed (n = 17) B‐cell precursor (BCP)‐ALL. We used CD19, CD10, CD34, CD45 as backbone markers to identify immature B cells and analyzed the differential expression of 18 leukemia‐associated markers using seven‐color multiparameter flow cytometry.

Results

Leukemic cells in all 132 patients expressed leukemia‐associated markers. The most commonly overexpressed marker was heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) (108 patients, 81%), followed by CD73 (102 patients, 77%) and CD123 (80 patients, 60%). CD38 was underexpressed in 64 patients (48%). Hsp27 overexpression persisted in 50 out of 57 follow‐up MRD bone marrow samples (87%) and was associated with older age at diagnosis. Hsp27 overexpression was not associated with MRD levels or genetic abnormalities including hyperdiploidy, t(12;21)/ETV6‐RUNX1, t(1;19)/TCF3‐PBX1, t(9;22)/BCR‐ABL1, or 11q23/KMT2A rearrangements. Four remaining leukemia‐associated markers (Hsp27, CD73, CD58, CD24) after in silico deletion from the original panel could collectively detect leukemia‐associated cell profiles in 100% of cases in this cohort and 98% of cases in a validation cohort.

Conclusion

Hsp27 combined with CD73, CD58, CD24, and backbone markers allows monitoring MRD in virtually all patients with BCP‐ALL.
Heat conduction joining with the multispot focusing lens
Authors: Halbhuber Cornelia
Published: October 2022

Despite the rapid development of modern lasers, the Gaussian intensity distribution often leads to problems, especially in laser material processing. When welding wide weld seams, a top‐hat profile would often make much more sense in order to heat the weld seam as homogeneously as possible. In narrow curves, the different feed rates on the inside and outside of a wide weld seam result in further inhomogeneity. For this reason, a special optical system was developed that delivers homogeneous intensity distribution – both in straight lines and in narrow curves. The intensity distribution of a wide top‐hat profile can be changed locally and temporally by nine parallel beams. The welding head is installed on a robotic arm that travels along the weld seam and temperature homogeneity of >90 % within the spot can be achieved.
Lasers in plastic processing, a big impact in the industry
Authors: Castelo‐Porta Antonio
Published: October 2022

Plastic materials continue to be of great importance for a large number of industries. Environmental regulations are moving towards the reduction and control of their presence in the market to avoid an increase in waste, but their properties have made them the preferred material for numerous applications. The use of lasers in industrial applications has been extended to the processing of this family of materials due to their advantages when cutting, marking, drilling or welding these components.
Development of thermoplastic recycled blends from biomedical waste: evaluation of properties and value addition thereof
Authors: Raghavan Ashish , Mohanty Smita , Biswal Manoranjan , Vardikar Himalaya S , G S Wasim Feroze , Nayak Sanjay K
Published: October 2022

The recycled polyolefin waste which included polypropylene (PP) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were collected from hospital and subsequently sterilized by 1% sodium hypochlorite and followed by microwave disinfection. The sterilized BMW were analyzed for growth of pathogens if any. FTIR analysis was performed to analyze the composition of the waste as well as Carbonyl index to evaluate the extent of degradation post sterilization process. Recycled blends were prepared using melt extrusion technique and ethylene diene monomer was added to balance the interface between the varied polyolefin waste. Blends were studied for mechanical and morphological properties. Thermal analysis employed DSC revealed two different peaks of crystallization and melting revealing incompatibility in the blends. DMA showed reduction in the modulus with incorporation of LDPE and EPDM. SEM analysis confirmed the homogeneous distribution of RLD droplets with reduction in the interparticle distance indicates the partial miscibility. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Evaluation of thermal boundary conditions in floating photovoltaic systems
Authors: Amiot Baptiste , Le Berre Rémi , Giroux‐Julien Stéphanie
Published: October 2022

Reconciling the use of space and the production of low‐carbon electricity is a key challenge in the face of changing human needs. In this context, floating photovoltaics (FPV) is proving to be a key application to colocate energy production with several activities (hydroelectricity and aquaculture). A major benefit of FPV technologies is the reduced module temperature. However, the causes of this thermal observation are still unknown. The density of the distribution of the floaters and the thermal behavior of the waterbody are two postulated roots that show positive correlations with regard to the module temperature. Therefore, there is interest in identifying precise thermal features in the application because the yield surplus promised in FPV technology is based on this cooling effect. This research aims to understand the heat mechanisms that arise in this application in comparison with ground‐mounted photovoltaics (PV). A special framework based on 1‐D thermal modeling and statistical classification of the results by dimensionless related features is proposed. This strategy offers a possibility to differentiate the influence of the thermal modes separately over the module temperature. First, a gain of 20% to 50% in the convective transfers is demonstrated for FPV compared with ground‐mounted applications. Data exploitation associates these gains with the forced convective effects of the wind blowing on the front of the modules. Gains in free convective transfers are associated to the airflow around the module rear face, reducing the phenomenon of thermal buffering. The framework also demonstrates that the emissivity‐based correlations for the radiative boundaries are in good agreement with the radiative phenomena involved in FPV. When convection preferentially cools down the module, the participating media nearby acts as a heat source, warming the installation. Thus, understanding these mechanisms in the FPV application would provide opportunities for improved temperature management through floats or array‐scale optimizations.
Mechanically robust and rapidly degradable hydrogels for temporary water plugging in oilfields
Authors: Yuan Zhaoyang , Cao Zhenxing , Wu Rui , Xu Qiongjun , Xu Hu , Wu Haitao , Jin Biqiang , Wu Wenqiang , Zheng Jing , Wu Jinrong
Published: October 2022

Hydrogels have been widely used for in‐depth water control and water plugging in most mature oilfields; however, the poor mechanical properties as well as non‐degradable characteristics severely limit their applications. Herein, a multifunctional macromolecular cross‐linker (GA) based on a natural macromolecule, gelatin, is fabricated and used to prepare polyacrylamide hydrogels. Cross‐linking with GA leads to a special network involving physical entanglements that dissipate energy and topological cross‐links that distribute stress. Therefore, the hydrogels manifest remarkable mechanical strength, toughness and tear‐resistance. At the same time, GA can be readily degraded at high temperature, leading to disintegration of the hydrogels. The flow model in porous media reveals that the hydrogels present a significant ability of water plugging and rapid degradation, where the plugging ratio and degradation ratio reach 99% and 100%, respectively. Such mechanical properties and degradation performance enable the hydrogels to serve as a novel temporary water plugging agent for heterogeneous reservoirs of oilfield.
Selecting interventions for a psychosocial support program for prostate cancer patients undergoing active surveillance: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Donachie Kim , Adriaansen Marian , Nieuwboer Minke , Cornel Erik , Bakker Esther , Lechner Lilian
Published: October 2022

Objective

Curative treatment of low‐risk prostate cancer (LR‐PCa) does not improve cancer specific survival and active surveillance (AS) is recommended. Although AS is cost‐effective and reduces treatment‐related complications, it requires psychosocial support. Research on psychosocial interventions specifically focused on men undergoing AS is limited. Aim of this study is to reach consensus amongst relevant stakeholders on selecting interventions offering psychosocial support to PCa patients during AS.

Methods

In accordance with the RAND/UCLA method, a modified Delphi approach was used to establish consensus on selecting interventions. During phase one, interventions were identified through a literature review and open survey among all participants. During phase two, three consensus rounds were conducted to rate potential interventions and obtain statistical consensus. The IQ healthcare consensus tool was used to calculate statistical consensus.

Results

After the first consensus round, 31 participants scored individual interventions on relevance using a 9‐point Likert scale resulting in the selection of six interventions. During the second consensus round 13 discussion items were reviewed during a focus group. After the third consensus round, seven additional interventions were selected by 23 participants.

Conclusions

In total, 13 interventions were selected for inclusion in a support program. This included four interventions within the domain information and education, three within coping and support, one intervention within physical wellbeing and four within the domain lifestyle.
Should asymptomatic patients with congenital lung malformations undergo surgery? A decision analysis
Authors: Yang Weili , Gao Ya , Li Peng , Eckman Mark H.
Published: October 2022

Background

Congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are being detected more frequently during pregnancy. There is controversy regarding the optimal treatment for an asymptomatic child with prenatally diagnosed CLMs. Due to the paucity of information from clinical trials, we developed decision analytic models to compare two treatment strategies for such patients—elective surgical resection versus expectant management.

Methods

We built decision analytic models stratified by lesion size. We used data from English language literature identified through PubMed searches along with estimates from expert opinions of surgical colleagues. We analyzed results for two hypothetical asymptomatic 6‐month‐old children with CLMs; one has a large lesion occupying more than 50% of the involved lobe, while the other has a small lesion occupying less than 50% of the involved lobe. We used quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) to measure effectiveness.

Results

For an asymptomatic child with a small or large lesion, expectant management resulted in a small gain of 0.09 or 0.15 QALYs, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed that surgical resection would be preferred if the probability of remaining asymptomatic was low.

Conclusions

In contrast to current practice, expectant management may be a better alternative for asymptomatic children born with CLMs. More longitudinal studies are required to improve the accuracy of the model.
SeO2Microwires Designed as Low‐Temperature Abrupt Microelectronic Switches, Negative Resistance, and Negative Dielectric Constant Sources
Authors: Qasrawi Atef F. , Ghannam Wala S.
Published: October 2022

Herein, the structural, morphological, compositional, and electrical properties of SeO2microwires are studied and analyzed. Microwires of SeO2with dimensions of 460 m are electrically characterized in the temperature range of 17–300 K. SeO2microwires are observed exhibiting nanocrystalline structures relating to a tetragonal phase. The microwires contained excess oxygen leading to some Se vacancies. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of the microwires displayed temperature‐dependent abrupt switching property revealing an “ON/OFF” current ratio of ≈90 at a threshold voltage of 0.48 V at 300 K. These features of the microwires remained down to 250 K. In addition, the temperature‐dependent electrical resistivity measurement showed that the microwires perform as a degenerate (metal like) semiconductors with quadratic temperature dependence (ρ). Moreover, impedance spectra analysis has shown that SeO2microwires exhibit negative resistance and negative dielectric constant effects in the spectral ranges of 20–1800 MHz. The work here indicates that SeO2microwires can perform much better than powders in pellets form or in thin‐film form. The resonance–antiresonance of dielectric constant and abrupt switching properties are accounted as remarkable features of the SeO2microwires nominating them as abrupt electronic switches and signal amplifiers at workable in microelectronics.
Temperature, Bias, Angle, and Thickness‐Dependent Magnetoresistance in a Vertical Spin Valve Structure CoFe/TiO2/CoFe
Authors: Elahi Ehsan , Dastgeer Ghulam , Sharma Pradeep Raj , Chavan Vijay D. , Noh Hwayong
Published: October 2022

Metal‐oxide spin valve junctions are the building blocks for spintronic devices and are to be utilized for miniaturized magnetic sensors. Here, the fabrication and characterization of the vertical spin valve (VSV) based on the CoFe/TiO2/CoFe structure are described. A spacer layer (TiO2) of different thicknesses in the spin valve is utilized and the effect on MR is studied. This VSV showed significant positive magnetoresistance (MR) at different temperatures from low to room temperature. The maximum value of tunneling MR is investigated to be 3.4% at 30 K and 1.03% at room temperature (300 K), and the spin polarization obtained at 30 K is 12.8%. The MR of the spin valve is investigated by changing the orientation of the device at different angles with respect to an applied magnetic field, the switching points shifted toward the higher magnetic fields and the signal became wider. Interestingly, a negative tunneling MR is observed when the thickness of the spacer layer (TiO2 = 5.5 nm) is enhanced which may be due to the spin filtering effect. The demonstrated devices identify TiO2 as favorable spacer material in spin valves and open a way to integrate high‐performance memory storage devices.
One (vis‐à‐vis Planetary, Eco) health: A landscape analysis of educational programs
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Daptardar Monal , Kurup Karishma Krishna , Panwar Divya , Bongcac Marianne , Santos Mara Ysabella De Los , Guinto Renzo R. , Saxena Deepak , Tiwari Simmi
Published: October 2022

To sustain the health of humans, animals, and their shared environment, global advocacy in policy, funding, education, and training in multi‐actor, multi‐domain, and multi‐level collaboration is required. Emerging interdisciplinary concepts such as One Health, Planetary Health, and Eco‐Health (OH/PH/EH) have flagged opportunities to promote health across species; however, there is a lack of understanding about the extent and type of available education and training of professionals working in these disciplines. Therefore, this review aims to identify the ongoing efforts in the pedagogy of imparting OH/PH/EH education across the globe. We conducted a systematic Google database search between August and October 2021. The specific course types covered in this review were limited to degree programs and short courses. All courses using the terms “One Health,” “Planetary Health,” and “Eco health” were included. A descriptive analysis was conducted to understand the distribution of these courses based on the course type, geographic region, mode of delivery, duration, and course fees. A total of 61 courses delivered across the globe were identified in this review. Among these courses, there were three doctoral degrees, 31 master's degrees, two bachelor's degrees, and 25 short courses documented. The majority of the courses were related to OH (n = 43), followed by PH (n = 10), and EH (n = 08). Overall, there are still a limited number of courses or programs offered on OH/PH/EH, especially for PH and EH. There was geographic inequity as the reviewed courses were centered around the European region. There were also differences in the mode of delivery, as there was a preference for online delivery of courses, and many of them were diploma or certificate courses. Acknowledging the essence of these frameworks in tackling real‐world issues, OH/PH/EH education should be made more available in higher education to help mould OH/PH/EH‐oriented professionals.
Validation of the Aeolus L2B Rayleigh winds and ECMWF short‐range forecasts in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere using Loon super pressure balloon observations
Authors: Bley Sebastian , Rennie Michael , Žagar Nedjeljka , Pinol Sole Montserrat , Straume Anne Grete , Antifaev James , Candido Salvatore , Carver Robert , Fehr Thorsten , von Bismarck Jonas , Hünerbein Anja , Deneke Hartwig
Published: October 2022

The novel Aeolus satellite, which carries the first Doppler wind lidar providing profiles of horizontal line‐of‐sight (HLOS) winds, addresses a significant gap in direct wind observations in the global observing system. The gap is particularly critical in the tropical upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). This article validates the Aeolus Rayleigh–clear wind product and short‐range forecasts of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) with highly accurate winds from the Loon super pressure balloon network at altitudes between 16 and 20 km. Data from 229 individual balloon flights are analysed, applying a collocation criterion of 2 hr and 200 km. The comparison of Aeolus and Loon data shows systematic and random errors of 0.31 and 6.37 ms, respectively, for the Aeolus Rayleigh–clear winds. The horizontal representativeness error of Aeolus HLOS winds (nearly the zonal wind component) in the UTLS ranges from 0.6–1.1 ms depending on the altitude. The comparison of Aeolus and Loon datasets against ECMWF model forecasts suggests that the model systematically underestimates the HLOS winds in the tropical UTLS by about 1 ms. While Aeolus winds are currently considered as point winds by the ECMWF data assimilation system, the results of the present study demonstrate the need for a more realistic HLOS wind observation operator for assimilating Aeolus winds.
Machine learning approach for the prediction of surface tension of binary mixtures containing ionic liquids using σ‐profile descriptors
Authors: Benmouloud Widad , Si‐Moussa Cherif , Benkortbi Othmane
Published: October 2022

Ionic liquids (IL) are a new class of liquids considered as green solvents; less toxic, less flammable, and less polluting which retain their liquid state over wide temperature ranges and are considered alternatives to volatile organic solvents. The surface tension of IL‐organic solvent mixtures plays an important role in the design and development of many industrial processes. This work investigated the capability and feasibility of four ANN model topologies (“trainbr, logsig”; “trainbr, tansig”; “trainlm, logsig”; “trainlm, tansig”), a PSO‐SVM model, and an LSSVM model to predict the surface tension of binary systems containing IL. For this purpose, 1623 data points corresponding to the experimental surface tension values of binary mixtures containing IL were collected from the literature. The surface tension values were between 18.9 and 72.7 mN m−1. The temperature, the composition in mole fraction of IL (XIL), descriptors based on the sigma profiles, relating to the H‐bond donor and to the H‐bond acceptor character, the anion, the cation and the solvent were used as input variables of the model in order to differentiate the different compounds involved in the binary systems. A comparison of the experimental and the predicted values in terms of several statistical metrics showed good agreement, however, the prediction (trainbr, logsig) was better than the other approaches with an overall average absolute relative deviation of .8466% and a mean square error of .4952. These results are very encouraging for future projects modeling other physical and chemical properties of ILs.
Survival benefit of combinatorial osimertinib rechallenge and entrectinib in an EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patient with acquired LMNA‐NTRK1 fusion following osimertinib resistance
Authors: Wang Jiao‐Li , Wang Liu‐sheng , Zhu Jun‐qi , Ren Jie , Wang Di , Luo Man
Published: October 2022

Acquired resistance to osimertinib is inevitable and heterogeneous despite its documented efficacy against EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Subsequent therapeutic options assume the dominant form of the resistance mechanism; however, the more rare oncogenic driver, NTRK1 fusion, has also reportedly conferred osimertinib resistance. Nevertheless, clear‐cut options when NSCLCs are driven by EGFR mutation and the subsequent NTRK fusion are lacking. This is a case of NSCLC wherein exon 19 deletion in EGFR (19del) and acquired LMNA‐NTRK1 fusion were accompanied by the persistence of EGFR T790M. The patient underwent peritoneal metastasis after multiple targeted therapies: gefitinib, osimertinib, chemotherapy, and anlotinib plus docetaxel (in clinical trials). Osimertinib was subsequently re‐administered with the NTRK fusion inhibitor entrectinib, resulting in remission of peritoneal metastases even after slow progression of pancreatic metastasis over the following 5 months. An extensive literature review to identify the efficacies of therapies for NTRK fusion as the means to acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs revealed that blocking both the EGFR mutation and the subsequent NTRK fusion can provide clinical benefits following EGFR TKIs resistance; however, the efficacy and safety of combination therapies must be further investigated. To precisely manage EGFR‐mutated NSCLCs, it is also essential to identify the resistance mechanisms by repeating biopsies.
Equity closed‐end fund discounts and taxes
Authors: Paudel Shishir , Silveri Sabatino (Dino) , Wu Mark
Published: October 2022

After documenting CRSP errors in classifying the tax status of distributions, we make use of two important institutional features that the related literature has ignored: (i) tax rate changes and (ii) non‐taxable distributions. We find that taxable distributions lead to discount reductions, and the reduction is greater during high tax periods than during low tax periods. By contrast, non‐taxable distributions have no discernible impact on the discount, consistent with a tax‐based explanation. Importantly, we are able to rule out a competing short‐term trading hypothesis. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of personal taxes in explaining closed‐end fund discounts.
High‐order robust command filtered backstepping design for strict‐feedback systems: A high‐order fully actuated system approach
Authors: Liu Weizhen , Duan Guangren , Hou Mingzhe
Published: October 2022

A high‐order fully actuated (HOFA) system approach is invoked to construct a high‐order robust command filtered backstepping (HORCFB) controller to track a feasible desired output trajectory for the second‐ and high‐order strict‐feedback systems (SFSs) subjected simultaneously to nonlinear uncertainties, where the subsystems of the SFSs possess a common full‐actuation structure. Unlike the existing classical first‐order state‐space approach, the proposed HORCFB scheme avoids converting the high‐order systems into first‐order ones, and thus simpler to implement and needs fewer steps. Moreover, the presented result avoids the complexity arising due to repeatedly differentiating, namely, the problem of “explosion of complexity.” Stability analysis of the closed‐loop system shows that all the states of the closed‐loop system are kept uniformly ultimately bounded, and the output is driven to track a feasible desired output trajectory with an arbitrarily small error by proper selection of the design parameters. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is demonstrated by the trajectory tracking control problem of a single‐link robot arm with the elastic revolute joint.