bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between hospital racial composition and aortic valve replacement outcomes: A national inpatients sample database analysis
Authors: Chen Yanfei , Xiao Yue , Huang Ruijian , Jiang Feng , Zhou Jifang , Su Cunhua , Yang Tianchi
Published: February 2024

Background

Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, it is unclear whether hospital racial composition contributes to these racial disparities.

Methods

We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2015 to 2019 to identify patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who received SAVR and TAVI. The Racial/Ethnic Diversity Index (RDI) was used to assess hospital racial composition as the proportion of nonwhite patients to total hospital admissions. Hospitals were categorized into RDI quintiles. Textbook outcome (TO) was defined as no in‐hospital mortality, no postoperative complications and no prolonged length of stay (LOS). Multivariable mixed generalized linear models were conducted to assess the association between RDI and post‐SAVR and post‐TAVI outcomes. Moreover, quantile regression was used to assess the additional cost and length of stay associated with the RDI quintile.

Results

The study included 82,502 SAVR or TAVI performed across 3285 hospitals, with 47.4% isolated SAVR and 52.5% isolated TAVI. After adjustment, quintiles 4 and 5 demonstrated significantly lower odds of TO than the lowest RDI quintile in both the SAVR cohort (quintile 4, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73–0.85]; quintile 5, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.73–0.86]) and TAVI cohort (quintile 4, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.82–0.95]; quintile 5, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.74–0.86]). Despite non‐observable differences in in‐hospital mortality across all RDI quintiles, the rate of AKI and blood transfusion increased with increasing RDI for both cohorts. Further, Higher RDI quintiles were associated with increased costs and longer LOS. From 2015 to 2019, post‐TAVI outcomes improved across all RDI quintiles.

Conclusions

Hospitals with a higher RDI experienced lower TO achievements, increased AKI, and blood transfusion, along with extended LOS and higher costs. Importantly, post‐TAVI outcomes improved from 2015 to 2019 across all RDI groups.
Expanding the Application of Alcohol Dehydrogenases in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: A Focus on Piperidone Synthesis
Authors: Li Fulong , Wei Yuwen , Du Yan , Liang Youxiang , Zheng Yukun , Yuan Shuting , Yu Huimin
Published: February 2024

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) have garnered recognition for their potential in the synthesis of pivotal pharmaceutical compounds. However, their utilization in the context of piperidone synthesis remains an area ripe for exploration. In this study, we examine the performance of an alcohol dehydrogenase derived from Corynebacterium glutamicum (CgADH) using a substrate analogue functional screening (SAFS) method to elucidate its substrate specificity. To improve the catalytic activity of CgADH, a phenylalanine/alanine‐scanning and iterative saturation mutation (PAS‐ISM) method was used. The most active variant, I151F/I195A, exhibited a remarkable 10.6‐fold increase in catalytic activity compared to the wild‐type. Structural analysis revealed that the introduction of residues 151F and 195A led to a remodeling of the substrate‐binding pocket, enabling additional p‐π hydrophobic interactions with the substrate, ultimately promoting a more favorable substrate binding pose. This study introduces the SAFS screening method, which enables the identification of enzymes with no sequence homology to known enzymes. Furthermore, the application of PAS‐ISM presents an efficient approach for the engineering of alcohol dehydrogenases. These findings open up promising avenues to expand the utility of ADHs in the synthesis of piperidone, thereby advancing the field of pharmaceutical chemistry.
2D Boron Nanosheets for Photo‐ and Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Pratihar Bitan , Jana Animesh , Kumar De Arup , De Sirshendu
Published: February 2024

Borophene, a new member of the two‐dimensional (2D) materials family, has attracted researchers since its first experimental synthesis. Borophene (2D boron nanosheet) differs significantly from other 2D materials due to its low energy requirement to form defects, anisotropy, electron‐deficient structure, multicentered bonding, etc. The uniqueness in properties of borophene compared to other 2D materials makes it suitable for applications in catalysis, sensing, energy storage, etc. The present review summarizes the development of borophene synthesis and emphasizes its applications in catalysis. Different synthesis approaches and their advantages and limitations are discussed briefly as substantial reviews are available on borophene synthesis. The applications of pristine borophene and their modified heterostructure in the field of catalysis were thoroughly reviewed, focusing on the electrocatalysis applications. Finally, the review discussed the future scope of borophene in designing new materials as well as opportunities to be utilized for other application fields. Since there is a lack of a good number of experimental reports on the applications of borophene and its derivatives, a huge opportunity is waiting for the researchers to explore the unknown world of borophene. In this regard, this review will help the researchers in an excellent manner.
A Photocatalytic Approach for the Synthesis of L‐Shape Bicyclic NHC Ligands
Authors: Kittikool Tanakorn , Phakdeeyothin Kunita , Morales Agustín , Barthes Cécile , Vendier Laure , Yotphan Sirilata , Bontemps Sébastien , Bastin Stéphanie , Lledós Agustí , Baslé Olivier , César Vincent
Published: February 2024

L‐shape N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) based on the imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine (ImPy) scaffold have recently gained considerable interest as the true carbene ligand analogues of the popular dialkylbiarylphosphines, better known as Buchwald phosphines. Nevertheless, the substitution pattern of ImPy ligands is still rather limited due to synthetic access issues. We report herein an efficient and versatile visible light photocatalytic strategy to access L‐shape bifunctional ImPy ligands laterally‐functionalized by a phenol group. Mechanistic investigations supported by density functional theory (DFT) reveal that the excited state of the iridium photocatalyst undergoes either a reductive quenching (SET process) or an energy‐transfer quenching (EnT process) depending on the nature of the counterion of the 5‐bromoimidazo[1,5‐a]pyridinium substrate salt. Moreover, the bifunctional character of these new family of L‐shape ImPy ligands is demonstrated by the preparation of a gold(I) complex exhibiting a free OH function capable of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. This work highlights the advantage of visible light photocatalysis in the synthesis of advanced NHC ligand structures, a strategy that has not yet been considered despite its potential benefits in terms of versatility, diversity and practicability.
Structural modulation of ionic liquids as efficient catalysts for esterification reaction
Authors: Xie Ping , Zhong Tianhao , Li Tao , Lu Yiwu , Yu Yingmin , Zhao Qingshan , Li Zhongtao
Published: February 2024

There is an urgent need to develop green catalytic transesterification technology to reduce liquid waste and instrument corrosion. Ionic liquids with controlled activity, easy recovery, and corrosion resistance have great potential as catalysts for transesterification reactions. In this paper, a series of ionic liquids were prepared using imidazole and ammonium compounds as cations, and sulphuric acid, p‐toluenesulfonate, and bistrifluoromethanesulfonate anions as anions. In comparison, the ionic liquid made from imidazole with H2SO4 (IMIHS) was found to be the best catalyst for the esterification reaction with high speed, high activity, low corrosion, and high stability, and its catalytic performance was superior to that of sulphuric acid. The optimum reaction conditions were as follows: the molar ratio of ethanol to acetic acid was 1:1, the catalyst amount was 5 wt.%, the reaction temperature was 80°C, and the reaction time was 120 min. The maximum yield of ethyl acetate was 66.2% under the optimum reaction conditions. The catalytic activity was not declined obviously by reusing six times. The activation energy of the reaction is 48.748 kJ/mol.
Effects of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the postoperative stress state and short‐term complications in elderly patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Han He , Wan Rong , Chen Jixiang , Fan Xin , Zhang LiWen
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and necessity of enhanced recovery after surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer by observing inflammatory markers and postoperative complications.

Methods

Hospitalized colorectal cancer patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2021 to September 2022 were included in the study and divided into two groups: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) and non‐ERAS. Data on postoperative inflammatory markers and complications were also collected.

Results

A total of 313 patients with colorectal cancer were included: 182 in the ERAS group and 131 in the non‐ERAS group. The patients in the ERAS group had significantly shorter days of postoperative hospitalization, urinary catheter and drainage tube withdrawal times, and recovery of bowel function (P < .05) than those of the non‐ERAS group. Moreover, the ERAS group had lower hospitalization expenses than those of the non‐ERAS group (P < .05). However, the procalcitonin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels in the ERAS group was significantly lower than those in the non‐ERAS group on postoperative days 1 and 3 (P < .05), and the interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 levels in the ERAS group were significantly lower than those in the non‐ERAS group on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th postoperative days (P < .05). The C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) levels in the ERAS group were lower than those in the non‐ERAS group on postoperative days 3 and 5 (P < .05). However, the hemoglobin levels did not differ significantly (P > .05). The albumin levels did not differ significantly between the two groups before surgery (P > .05); however, the albumin level in the ERAS group was higher than that in the non‐ERAS group on postoperative days 3 and 5 (P < .05). The ERAS patients had lower albumin levels after surgery than those of the non‐ERAS patients (P < .05).

Conclusion

ERAS leads to a series of perioperative optimization measures, thereby reducing the postoperative stress response in elderly patients with colorectal cancer and the occurrence of perioperative complications.
Vicuña antipredator diel movement drives spatial nutrient subsidies in a high Andean ecosystem
Authors: Monk Julia D. , Donadio Emiliano , Gregorio Pablo F. , Schmitz Oswald J.
Published: February 2024

Large animals could be important drivers of spatial nutrient subsidies when they ingest resources in some habitats and release them in others, even moving nutrients against elevational gradients. In high Andean deserts, vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) move daily between nutrient‐rich wet meadows, where there is abundant water and forage but high risk of predation by pumas (Puma concolor), and nutrient‐poor open plains with lower risk of predation. In all habitats, vicuñas defecate and urinate in communal latrines. We investigated how these latrines impacted soil and plant nutrient concentrations across three habitats in the Andean ecosystem (meadows, plains, and canyons) and used stable isotope analysis to explore the source of fecal nutrients in latrines. Latrine soils had higher concentrations of nitrogen, carbon, and other nutrients than did nonlatrine soils across all habitats. These inputs corresponded with an increase in plant quality (lower C:N) at latrine sites in plains and canyons, but not in meadows. Stable isotope mixing models suggest that ~7% of nutrients in plains latrines originated from vegetation in meadows, which is disproportionately higher than the relative proportion of meadow habitat (2.6%) in the study area. In contrast, ~68% of nutrients in meadow latrines appear to originate from plains and canyon vegetation, though these habitats made up nearly 98% of the study area. Vicuña diel movements thus appear to concentrate nutrients in latrines within habitats and to drive cross‐habitat nutrient subsidies, with disproportionate transport from low‐lying, nutrient‐rich meadows to more elevated, nutrient‐poor plains. When these results are scaled up to the landscape scale, the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus subsidized in soil at plains latrines was of the same order of magnitude as estimates of annual atmospheric nitrogen and phosphorus deposition for this region (albeit far more localized and patchy). Thus, vicuña‐mediated nutrient redistribution and deposition appears to be an important process impacting ecosystem functioning in arid Andean environments, on par with other major inputs of nutrients to the system.
Allure of HFIP in Unsaturated Carbon−Carbon Bond Functionalization
Authors: Ghosh Suman , Patra Koushik , Baidya Mahiuddin
Published: February 2024

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) stands out as a versatile solvent in synthetic chemists’ repertoire, facilitating a diverse array of intricate chemical reactions. It demonstrates a multifaceted role that extends beyond conventional uses and, in many cases, the mechanism appears to be complicated. This feature article elucidates the significance of HFIP in the context of Lewis and Brønsted acid‐catalyzed reactions with a specific emphasis on the regio‐ and stereoselective functionalization of unsaturated carbon‐carbon bonds.
A proposal of teaching operational research in online contexts: An experience with SageMath in Brazil
Authors: Assumpção Georgia de Souza , Santos Carolina Maia dos , Campello Daniele de Lima , de Lima Leonardo Silva , Castro Alexandre de Carvalho
Published: February 2024

The paper analyzes how to improve the teaching of Operational Research, focusing on distance learning courses where professors and students are separated through space and time. This case study was done in a public Industrial Engineering undergraduate course, and the work structure is divided into three main parts: an exploratory‐descriptive documentary analysis, application of free software, and evaluation of learning. The authors showed the feasibility of using the SageMath tool in the teaching‐learning process. The study revealed the importance of developing alternative solutions to educational realities marked by economic and financial constraints, where structure teaching with free software is a ruling factor once Engineering education is not a similar global event everywhere. Distance learning is a phenomenon that has been growing over the last 20 years in Brazil, but this was one of the first experiences with the use of SageMath. So, it can serve as a reference for countries with socioeconomic conditions similar to Brazil. Also, this case study can help other professors to enhance their teaching in a distance learning context even in scarcity scenarios of educational resources. The software implementation would be justified in part of the groups studied.
Global conservation assessment and taxonomic notes of Brachanthemum mongolorum Grubov (Asteraceae) endemic to Mongolia
Authors: Baasanmunkh Shukherdorj , Oyuntsetseg Batlai , Tsegmed Zagarjav , Munkhtulga Dariganga , Nyambayar Nyamjantsan , Wang Long , Choi Hyeok Jae
Published: February 2024

Brachanthemum mongolorum Grubov (Asteraceae) has been previously reported as endemic and narrowly distributed in eastern Mongolia. Since 2017, we have conducted field surveys across the eastern part of this country to gain a better understanding of this species because of the scarcity of herbarium collections deposited at GAT, MW, LE, and UBA. According to ConR package, B. mongolorum have been assessed as Vulnerable based on the extent of occurrence (3337 km2) and the area of occupancy (40 km2) at global level. We also provided a distribution map, photo illustrations, and taxonomic notes of the species in question.
Hyperuricemia and associated factors: The case of outpatients at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital‐ Cameroon, an analytical cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tuono Romaric De Manfouo , Samou Aude Bernie Famessi , Mbiandjeu Marius Tchoumke , Well A Well Pascal Blaise A Koul , Chuisseu Pascal Dieudonne Djamen
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims

Hyperuricemia constitutes a major public health issue due to its implication in many chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes. We propose to study the prevalence and associated factors of hyperuricemia to diagnose asymptomatic patients and make prognoses on the state of health of the patients.

Methods

An analytic cross‐sectional study has been carried out at the Bafoussam Regional Hospital and the Biochemistry laboratory of the Université des Montagnes over 2 months. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristic was obtained; a blood sample was collected from the chosen patients and a biochemical test (uric acid, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, triglyceride) was analyzed by spectrophotometric method. Statistical tests were carried out using SPSS statistical software. Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with variables of interest. The significance was measured by a p < 0.05 with a confidential level of 95%.

Results

The patient population was made up of 100 patients. The sex ratio was 1.22 in favor of men. The prevalence of hyperuricemia in our study was 28.0% with 31.1% in women and 27.3% in men. The mean average of uric acid in the hyperuricemia population was 7.50 ± 1.24 mg/L and the normal uricemia population was 4.69 ± 1.49 mg/L (p < 0.0001). The mean average triglyceride in the hyperuricemia population was 143 ± 14 and 117.55 ± 55.52 mg/dL in normal uricemia with p = 0.046. Age range [35–45] and hypertriglyceridemia have been associated with hyperuricemia with respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 4.07, p < 0.015) confidence interval, CI: [0.89: 97.0]) and ([OR = 2.50, p < 0.046] CI: [1.01: 6.09]).

Conclusion

The prevalence of hyperuricemia was relatively high and has been associated with metabolic disorders in the population. It is necessary to focus on early diagnoses, treatment, and early intervention in view to prevent chronic diseases associated with hyperuricemia.
Pointing out geographic and gender disparities related to productivity indicators among Brazilian ecotoxicologists
Authors: Silva Freitas Livia , Lima Brum Rodrigo , Rosa Moraes Niely G. , dal Pizzol Juliana L. , Amado Lilian L. , Nilin Jeamylle , Salla Raquel F. , Rocha Thiago L. , Camargo Letícia S. , Coronas Mariana V. , Silva Pereira Tatiana , Silva Júnior Flavio M. R.
Published: February 2024

Policies and actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion have been discussed recently in Brazil, but there is still limited information available for most academic and knowledge fields, including ecotoxicology. This study aimed to describe the profile of Brazilian ecotoxicologists and assess gender and geographical disparities, especially regarding productivity indicators. An ecological study was conducted using data of the researchers registered in the open-access database of the Brazilian Society of Ecotoxicology, along with their respective curriculum data available on the Lattes Platform, which is the main registry portal for Brazilian researchers. The target population of our study was ecotoxicology researchers in academic educational institutions with a focus on human resource training. The data, collected in 2021, led to the inclusion of a total of 177 researchers in this study, with 62 men and 115 women, and 42.37% working in the southeastern region. Female researchers generally showed lower rates of scientific productivity when the analyzed metrics included research productivity scholarships, the number of articles published in scientific journals, and the number of articles published with international collaborations, compared to male researchers. Researchers from the southeastern and southern regions also had higher rates of productivity and human resource training compared to those from other regions of the country. The proportion of funding grants received was significantly higher among men, and this profile was also observed among researchers from the southern and southeastern regions, although with a smaller disparity. This means that there is an uneven distribution of funding grants from funding organizations, which favors men and urban centers. Our findings highlight gender and geographic disparities in the scientific production of ecotoxicologists working in Brazil and reinforce the existence of complex obstacles that need to be addressed and combated within scientific societies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1209–1216. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

There is a scenario of regional and gender disparity for most productivity indicators among Brazilian ecotoxicologists. The proportion of funding grants received was significantly higher among men. Researchers from the southeastern and southern regions had higher rates of productivity and human resource training compared to those from other regions of the country.
Bilateral diffuse metastases in advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations was associated with a favorable prognosis to EGFR‐TKIs
Authors: Gu Zhenbang , Huang Peng , Zhao Jiali , Luo Chen , Liao Lingmin , Liu Anwen , Huang Long
Published: February 2024

Bilateral diffuse metastatic lung adenocarcinoma (BLDM‐LUAD) is a special imaging pattern of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We retrospectively assessed survival outcomes and co‐mutation characteristics of BLDM‐LUAD patients harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations who were treated with EGFR‐yrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). From May 2016 to May 2021, among 458 patients who submitted samples for next generation sequencing (NGS) detection in 1125 patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and 44 patients were diagnosed as BLDM‐LUAD. In order to analyze the survival outcomes of BLDM‐LUAD patients harboring EGFR mutations who were treated with EGFR‐TKIs, the factors age, gender, smoking history, hydrothorax, site of EGFR mutations and EGFR‐TKIs treatment were adjusted using propensity score‐matching (PSM). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and log‐rank test were used to analyze progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The co‐mutation characteristics of BLDM‐LUAD patients harboring EGFR mutations were analyzed by NGS panels. 64 patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutations and first‐line treatment of EGFR‐TKIs were successfully matched. BLDM‐LUAD (n = 32) have significantly longer median PFS than control group (n = 32) (mPFS: 14 vs 6.2 months; p = .002) and insignificantly longer median OS than control group (mOS: 45 vs 25 months; p = .052). The patients with BLDM‐LUAD have the higher frequency of EGFR mutation than control group (84.1% vs 62.0%) before PSM. The co‐mutation genes kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) (9.4%), ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated (ATM) (7.4%) and mesenchymal‐epithelial transition (MET) (3.1%) only appeared in the control group after PSM. The BLDM‐LUAD harboring EGFR mutations was associated with a favorable prognosis to EGFR‐TKI.
The asymmetric role of temperature deviations in economic growth: Fresh evidence from global countries and panel quantile estimates
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Rehman Mobeen Ur
Published: February 2024

This work explores the role of weather shocks, measured as temperature deviations from their normal, in affecting GDP growth through a panel of 148 countries, spanning the period 1960–2019 and a panel quantile approach. The findings show that GDP growth is negatively affected by such deviations at higher quantiles, with the results receiving robust support from three alternative methodologies. The analysis also identifies two channels through which the findings receive further support, such as, the ‘heat‐exposed’ sectors effect on labour productivity, and the impact of temperature deviations on the capital accumulation capacity. The results also survive the role of the country development status. Finally, the analysis identifies the role of the countries' geographical location. The results can have substantial merit for policymakers in terms of the role of climate conditions in the growth process, especially in poor countries.
PRICELESS: Privacy enhanced AI‐driven scalable framework for IoT applications in serverless edge computing environments
Authors: Golec Muhammed , Golec Mustafa , Xu Minxian , Wu Huaming , Gill Sukhpal Singh , Uhlig Steve
Published: February 2024

Serverless edge computing has emerged as a new paradigm that integrates the serverless and edge computing. By bringing processing power closer to the edge of the network, it provides advantages such as low latency by quickly processing data for time‐sensitive Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Additionally, serverless edge computing also brings inherent problems of edge and serverless computing such as cold start, security and privacy that are still waiting to be solved. In this paper, we propose a new Blockchain‐based AI‐driven scalable framework called PRICELESS, to offer security and privacy in serverless edge computing environments while performing cold start prediction. In PRICELESS framework, we used deep reinforcement learning for the cold start latency prediction. For experiments, a cold start dataset is created using a heart disease risk‐based IoT application and deployed using Google Cloud Functions. Experimental results show the additional delay that the blockchain module brings to cold start latency and its impact on cold start prediction performance. Additionally, the performance of PRICELESS is compared with the current state‐of‐the‐art method based on energy cost, computation time and cold start prediction. Specifically, it has been observed that PRICELESS causes 19 ms of external latency, 358.2 watts for training, and 3.6 watts for prediction operations, resulting in additional energy consumption at the expense of security and privacy.
Statistically identified structural VAR model with potentially skewed and fat‐tailed errors
Authors: Anttonen Jetro , Lanne Markku , Luoto Jani
Published: February 2024

We introduce a structural vector autoregressive model in which the mutually independent errors follow skewed generalized t‐distributions, whose flexibility compared with commonly considered Student's t‐distributions diminishes the risk of misspecification and strengthens identification. Because of statistical identification due to non‐Gaussianity, the plausibility of economic identifying restrictions can be formally assessed. In an empirical application, the data support narrative sign restrictions in identifying the US monetary policy shock. In contrast to some of the previous literature, we find a strong negative response of real activity to contractionary monetary policy after a few months' delay.
Identifying factors via automatic debiased machine learning
Authors: Maasoumi Esfandiar , Wang Jianqiu , Wang Zhuo , Wu Ke
Published: February 2024

Identifying risk factors that have significant explanatory power for the cross‐sectional asset returns is fundamental in asset pricing. We adopt a novel automatic debiased machine learning (ADML) method proposed by Chernozhukov, Newey, and Singh (2022) to robustly estimate partial pricing effect of a certain factor controlling for a large number of confounding factors under a nonlinear stochastic discount factor (SDF) assumption. The ADML resolves biased estimation, non‐robustness, and overfitting issues that are common to traditional machine learning approaches. We find that the most significant factors selected by the ADML outperform the Fama–French sparse factors and factors identified via the double‐selection LASSO method under a linear factor model assumption. Out of a high‐dimensional zoo of US stock market factors commonly tested in the finance literature, we identify approximately 30 to 50 factors having significant but declining pricing power in explaining the cross‐section of stock returns. Our findings are robust to hyperparameter settings and choices of test assets and machine learning methods.
Two‐step reconstruction framework of fluorescence molecular tomography based on energy statistical probability
Authors: Zhao Yizhe , Li Shuangchen , Zhang Lizhi , Tang Zijian , Wei De , Zhang Heng , Xie Qiong , Yi Huangjian , He Xiaowei
Published: February 2024

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT), as a promising technique for early tumor detection, can non‐invasively visualize the distribution of fluorescent marker probe three‐dimensionally. However, FMT reconstruction is a severely ill‐posed problem, which remains an obstacle to wider application of FMT. In this paper, a two‐step reconstruction framework was proposed for FMT based on the energy statistical probability. First, the tissue structural information obtained from computed tomography (CT) is employed to associate the tissue optical parameters for rough solution in the global region. Then, according to the global‐region reconstruction results, the probability that the target belongs to each region can be calculated. The region with the highest probability is delineated as region of interest to realize accurate and fast source reconstruction. Numerical simulations and in vivo experiments were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed framework. The encouraging results demonstrate the significant effectiveness and potential of our method for practical FMT applications.
“On‐the‐fly” Crystal: How to reliably and automatically characterize and construct potential energy surfaces
Authors: Aarabi Mahdi , Pandey Ankit , Poirier Bill
Published: February 2024

In this work, the  code, developed previously by the authors to find “holes” as well as legitimate transition states in existing potential energy surface (PES) functions [JPC Lett. 11, 6468 (2020)], is retooled to perform on‐the‐fly “direct dynamics”‐type PES explorations, as well as automatic construction of new PES functions. In all of these contexts, the chief advantage of  over other methods is its ability to globally map the PES, thereby determining the most relevant regions of configuration space quickly and reliably—even when the dimensionality is rather large. Here,  is used to generate a uniformly spaced grid of density functional theory (DFT) or ab initio points, truncated over the relevant regions, which can then be used to either: (a) hone in precisely on PES features such as minima and transition states, or; (b) create a new PES function automatically, via interpolation. Proof of concept is demonstrated via application to three molecular systems: water (HO), (reduced‐dimensional) methane (CH), and methylene imine (CHNH).
A review of touch research in consumer psychology
Authors: Krishna Aradhna , Luangrath Andrea Webb , Peck Joann
Published: February 2024

This article details the theoretical foundation of haptics in consumer research. We structure the review using a continuum from proximal touch‐based interactions to increasingly distal interactions through devices, imagery, or language use. We begin with a focus on product/object touch in marketing highlighting touch for haptic information, touch for haptic pleasure, and touch for nonhaptic functional reasons. We then elaborate on research considering work compensating for actual touch through various mechanisms including device‐mediated touch and imagery processing. Next, we examine interpersonal touch followed by a discussion on touch in sensory words and textual paralanguage. The authors note various avenues for future research in haptics with the aim to encourage research in consumer psychology and marketing.
Lipid profile of circulating placental extracellular vesicles during pregnancy identifies foetal growth restriction risk
Authors: Klemetti Miira M. , Pettersson Ante B. V. , Ahmad Khan Aafaque , Ermini Leonardo , Porter Tyler R. , Litvack Michael L. , Alahari Sruthi , Zamudio Stacy , Illsley Nicholas P. , Röst Hannes , Post Martin , Caniggia Isabella
Published: February 2024

Small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) neonates exhibit increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, and a greater risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood. Currently, no effective maternal blood‐based screening methods for determining SGA risk are available. We used a high‐resolution MS/MSALL shotgun lipidomic approach to explore the lipid profiles of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) released from the placenta into the circulation of pregnant individuals. Samples were acquired from 195 normal and 41 SGA pregnancies. Lipid profiles were determined serially across pregnancy. We identified specific lipid signatures of placental sEVs that define the trajectory of a normal pregnancy and their changes occurring in relation to maternal characteristics (parity and ethnicity) and birthweight centile. We constructed a multivariate model demonstrating that specific lipid features of circulating placental sEVs, particularly during early gestation, are highly predictive of SGA infants. Lipidomic‐based biomarker development promises to improve the early detection of pregnancies at risk of developing SGA, an unmet clinical need in obstetrics.
Degree criteria and stability for independent transversals
Authors: Haxell Penny , Wdowinski Ronen
Published: February 2024

Anindependent transversal(IT) in a graph with a given vertex partition is an independent set of vertices of (i.e., it induces no edges), that consists of one vertex from each part (block) of . Over the years, various criteria have been established that guarantee the existence of an IT, often given in terms of being ‐thick, meaning all blocks have size at least . One such result, obtained recently by Wanless and Wood, is based on themaximum average block degree. They proved that if then an IT exists. Resolving a problem posed by Groenland, Kaiser, Treffers and Wales (who showed that the ratio 1/4 is best possible), here we give a full characterization of pairs such that the following holds for every : whenever is a graph with maximum degree , and is a ‐thick vertex partition of such that , there exists an IT of with respect to . Our proof makes use of another previously known criterion for the existence of ITs that involve the topological connectedness of the independence complex of graphs, and establishes a general technical theorem on the structure of graphs for which this parameter is bounded above by a known quantity. Our result interpolates between the criterion and the old and frequently applied theorem that if then an IT exists. Using the same approach, we also extend a theorem of Aharoni, Holzman, Howard and Sprüssel, by giving a stability version of the latter result.
Adherence to treatment in dermatology: Literature review
Authors: Lo Angela , Lovell Katie K. , Greenzaid Jonathan D. , Oscherwitz Max E. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: February 2024

Poor adherence to therapies in dermatology remains a prevalent issue associated with treatment failure, poor clinical outcomes, and reduced quality of life. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature on medical adherence specifically in dermatology, including ways to measure treatment adherence, factors contributing to nonadherence, interventions to increase adherence, and the impact of adherence on patient outcomes. We conducted a MEDLINE search between the years 2006 and 2023 using the following term: [adherence AND dermatology AND treatment]. The search was limited to English article types: clinical study, clinical trial, observational study, and randomized controlled trials in human subjects. The literature search yielded 323 articles. 52 of these articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed to define, measure, understand, and suggest means to increase adherence in dermatology. Additional articles were added from in text citations. Adherence can be measured using subjective and objective methods. Patient‐, treatment‐, and disease‐centered factors are important to consider when prescribing medications and implementing interventions to increase adherence. Reducing treatment adverse reactions, simplifying treatment regimens, and eHealth, education, communication, and psychological interventions are associated with improved adherence and disease outcomes. Understanding and enhancing adherence is crucial because of its impact on costs, treatment efficacy, and healthcare outcomes.
To collaborate or not? Analysis of competitive manufacturers' green innovation strategy toward sustainability
Authors: Liu Wen , Han Hongshuai , Hou Pengwen , Li Huimei
Published: February 2024

In response to the demand for carbon emission reduction, enterprises engage in green technology innovation. Technical collaboration between rival companies has emerged as a strategy to lower the costs of green innovation, reduce uncertainties and risks, and meet market demands by accelerating the introduction of new products. This paper establishes three game models based on the different cooperation contracts of the heterogeneous brand firms: the non‐cooperative model, the innovation cost‐sharing contract model, and the technology licensing contract model. Comprehensive analysis shows that competing firms intend to cooperate based on reducing green innovation costs and producing products with higher green levels to meet the market. Although cooperation between competing firms is beneficial for the profit gaining of both firms, the cooperation does not necessarily lead to an increase in the green level of products. Comparing with the cost‐sharing contract, although technology licensing may highlight the brand disadvantage of the emerging enterprise under significant disparity in brand differentiation, the emerging enterprise can still benefit from increased sales generated by the dominant enterprise and achieve higher gains. Furthermore, competing firms can achieve a win‐win‐win situation in terms of profit, environment, and social welfare through both cost‐sharing contract and technology licensing contract under certain circumstances.
Assessing the Gut Microbiota's Ability to Metabolize Oligomeric and Polymeric Flavan‐3‐ols from Aronia and Cranberry
Authors: Lessard‐Lord Jacob , Roussel Charlène , Guay Valérie , Desjardins Yves
Published: February 2024

Clinical trials investigating the health effects of flavan‐3‐ols yield heterogeneous results due to interindividual variability in the gut microbiota metabolism. In fact, different groups in the population have similar metabolic profiles following (−)‐epicatechin and (+)‐catechin gut microbial metabolism and can be regrouped into so‐called metabotypes. In this study, the capacity of 34 donors to metabolize polymeric B‐type flavan‐3‐ols from aronia and oligomeric A‐type flavan‐3‐ols from cranberry is investigated by in vitro fecal batch fermentations. Less than 1% of the flavan‐3‐ols from both sources are converted into microbial metabolites, such as phenyl‐γ‐valerolactones (PVLs). To further confirm this result, gut microbial metabolites from flavan‐3‐ols are quantified in urine samples collected from participants, before and after a 4‐day supplementation of cranberry extract providing 82.3 mg of flavan‐3‐ols per day. No significant difference is observed in the urinary excretion of flavan‐3‐ols microbial metabolites. Hence, it demonstrates by both in vitro and in vivo approaches that flavan‐3‐ols from aronia and cranberry are poorly degraded by the gut microbiota. The beneficial health impacts of these molecules likely stem from their capacity to affect gut microbiota and their interactions with the gut epithelium, rather than from their breakdown into smaller metabolites.
Training of a deep learning based digital subtraction angiography method using synthetic data
Authors: Duan Lizhen , Eulig Elias , Knaup Michael , Adamus Ralf , Lell Michael , Kachelrieß Marc
Published: February 2024

Background

Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a fluoroscopy method primarily used for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Deep learning‐based DSA (DDSA) is developed to extract DSA‐like images directly from fluoroscopic images, which helps in saving dose while improving image quality. It can also be applied where C‐arm or patient motion is present and conventional DSA cannot be applied. However, due to the lack of clinical training data and unavoidable artifacts in DSA targets, current DDSA models still cannot satisfactorily display specific structures, nor can they predict noise‐free images.

Purpose

In this study, we propose a strategy for producing abundant synthetic DSA image pairs in which synthetic DSA targets are free of typical artifacts and noise commonly found in conventional DSA targets for DDSA model training.

Methods

More than 7,000 forward‐projected computed tomography (CT) images and more than 25,000 synthetic vascular projection images were employed to create contrast‐enhanced fluoroscopic images and corresponding DSA images, which were utilized as DSA image pairs for training of the DDSA networks. The CT projection images and vascular projection images were generated from eight whole‐body CT scans and 1,584 3D vascular skeletons, respectively. All vessel skeletons were generated with stochastic Lindenmayer systems. We trained DDSA models on this synthetic dataset and compared them to the trainings on a clinical DSA dataset, which contains nearly 4,000 fluoroscopic x‐ray images obtained from different models of C‐arms.

Results

We evaluated DDSA models on clinical fluoroscopic data of different anatomies, including the leg, abdomen, and heart. The results on leg data showed for different methods that training on synthetic data performed similarly and sometimes outperformed training on clinical data. The results on abdomen and cardiac data demonstrated that models trained on synthetic data were able to extract clearer DSA‐like images than conventional DSA and models trained on clinical data. The models trained on synthetic data consistently outperformed their clinical data counterparts, achieving higher scores in the quantitative evaluation of peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM) metrics for DDSA images, as well as accuracy, precision, and Dice scores for segmentation of the DDSA images.

Conclusions

We proposed an approach to train DDSA networks with synthetic DSA image pairs and extract DSA‐like images from contrast‐enhanced x‐ray images directly. This is a potential tool to aid in diagnosis.
Forensic geochemistry identifies the illegal introduction of Walleye into Lake Cascade, Idaho
Authors: Whitman George , Messner Jordan , Johnson Rachel C. , Willmes Malte , Kennedy Brian P. , Jeffres Carson
Published: February 2024

Objective

The illegal introduction of fish species can disrupt ecosystems, collapse food webs, and undermine recreational fishing opportunities. Determining whether introduced fish are locally reproducing is important for resource managers. Here, we used the geochemical analysis of otoliths to investigate the potential illegal introduction of a Walleye Sander vitreus caught in 2022, in Lake Cascade, Idaho. Lake Cascade is known for its recreational Yellow Perch Perca flavescens fishery and has no documented resident population of Walleye.

Methods

To determine if the Walleye was spawned in Lake Cascade or introduced from elsewhere, we analyzed otoliths for strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) and compared them to local water samples and three locally caught Yellow Perch.

Result

The Walleye otolith revealed a shift from higher 87Sr/86Sr values (0.70878) in its early life to a period of intermediate value (0.70842) equal to Payette Lake water, then finally to a lower value (0.70807) comparable to the Lake Cascade water and resident Yellow Perch otoliths.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the Walleye was initially transplanted to the Payette Lake area from a currently unknown source in 2020, 2 years before its capture. It resided there briefly before migrating south into Lake Cascade. This study further highlights the benefit of geochemical analyses to identify the illegal introduction of fish and to provide resource managers with a powerful tool for early detection and prevention of the establishment of illegally introduced fish species.
Cochlear Implant Qualification in Noise Versus Quiet: Do Patients Demonstrate Similar Postoperative Benefits?
Authors: Schauwecker Natalie , Patro Ankita , Holder Jourdan T. , Bennett Marc L. , Perkins Elizabeth , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To assess patient factors, audiometric performance, and patient‐reported outcomes in cochlear implant (CI) patients who would not have qualified with in‐quiet testing alone.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Methods

Adult CI recipients implanted between 2012 and 2022 were identified. Patients with preoperative AzBio Quiet > 60% in the implanted ear, requiring multitalker babble to qualify, comprised the in‐noise qualifying (NQ) group. NQ postoperative performance was compared with the in‐quiet qualifying (QQ) group using CNC, AzBio Quiet, and AzBio +5 dB signal‐to‐noise ratio. Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ), Cochlear Implant Quality of Life scale (CIQOL‐10), and daily device usage were also compared between the groups.

Results

The QQ group (n = 771) and NQ group (n = 67) were similar in age and hearing loss duration. NQ had higher average preoperative and postoperative speech recognition scores. A larger proportion of QQ saw significant improvement in CNC and AzBio Quiet scores in the CI‐only listening condition (eg, CI‐only AzBio Quiet: 88% QQ vs 51% NQ, P < .001). Improvement in CI‐only AzBio +5 dB and in all open set testing in the best‐aided binaural listening condition was similar between groups (eg, Binaural AzBio Quiet 73% QQ vs 59% NQ, P = .345). Postoperative SSQ ratings, CIQOL scores, and device usage were also equivalent between both groups.

Conclusion

Patients who require in‐noise testing to meet CI candidacy demonstrate similar improvements in best‐aided speech perception and patient‐reported outcomes as in‐QQ, supporting the use of in‐noise testing to determine CI qualification for borderline CI candidates.
High Altitude Head and Neck Paragangliomas: A First Sub‐Himalayan Experience
Authors: Kumar Sudesh , Gupta Niraj , Thakur Priyanka , Gupta Nitin , Bodh Anita
Published: February 2024

Objectives

High‐altitude natives have a high incidence of parangangliomas (PGL) of the head and neck, especially the carotid body tumor. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical presentation, pattern, altitude of residence, distribution, management, and follow‐up of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGL) in our sub‐Himalayan population.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Academic tertiary care hospital.

Methods

Hospital records of 20 patients of HNPGL diagnosed from December 2017 to December 2021 were retrieved for analysis.

Results

Twenty patients with 23 HNPGL, with a mean age of 41.74 years were managed in our institute. The female‐to‐male ratio was 2.3: 1 and the mean follow‐up was 29.95 months. Nine had carotid body (CBPGL), 7 had tympanic (TPGL), 2 had jugular (JPGL), and 2 had vagal paragangliomas (VPGL). Multiple PGL were seen in 4 patients (20%). Majority of cases (all CBPGL and 57.14% of TPGL) were residents of the high altitude, and the rest were from the low altitude. Fifteen patients (8 CBPGL, 7 TPGL) were operated. There were no major complications except in a patient with large carotid body tumor required anastomosis of carotid artery. Five patients received stereotactic radiotherapy, and 1 malignant PGL received chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusion

In this study, JPGL and VPGL are common at low altitudes, whereas carotid body and tympanic PGL were the most common tumor at high altitudes. Being a retrospective and study small sample size, a definite conclusion is not established, however, a genetic analysis and inclusion of a wider population in a future prospective study may establish the hypothesis.