bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Seasonal and Spatial Dimensions of Sorghum Market Liberalization in Mexico
Authors: Bivings E. Leigh
Published: July 2006

Mexico's attempt to deregulate its sorghum market in 1990 was unsuccessful because policy analysts failed to consider the seasonal and spatial dimensions of trade. In this paper I present a detailed, seasonal, and spatially dissaggregated nonlinear programming model of the Mexican sorghum market calibrated with survey data of storage and transport costs in Mexico, and compare the results obtained with models that ignore these characteristics. The comparison demonstrates that the failure to incorporate these costs in trade models may lead to misleading conclusions and inappropriate policies.
A Spatial Analysis of Maize Marketing Policy Reforms in Zambia
Authors: Mwanaumo Anthony , Masters William A. , Preckel Paul V.
Published: July 2006

In this study we analyze recent and proposed maize marketing reforms in Zambia. To capture the effects of changing transport systems, we use a continuous‐space model in place of the traditional point‐representation model of Takayama and Judge. This method permits us to use prereform data on supply, demand, and transport costs to infer both intra‐ and interregional effects of liberalization and shows that the welfare gains from liberalization are larger than commonly thought. These results provide policy makers with estimates of the magnitude of change associated with alternative reform programs, beyond what would be available from a conventional approach.
Returns, Interest Rates, and Inflation: How They Explain Changes in Farmland Values
Authors: Moss Charles B.
Published: July 2006

Weather in the Corn Belt and northern plains and the elimination of traditional commodity programs have refocused attention on farmland valuation. This study uses a statistical formulation of information provided by individual regressors to examine the sensitivity of farmland values to changes in inflation, returns on agricultural assets, and the cost of capital. The results indicate that inflation provides the most information on changes in farmland values; however, the regional results indicate that regions that tend to be more sensitive to changes in the return on agricultural assets also rely more heavily on government payments.
The Performance of Nested Logit Models When Welfare Estimation Is the Goal
Authors: Herriges Joseph A. , Kling Catherine L.
Published: July 2006

In this paper we examine the performance of nested logit models in the face of two specification errors. The first specification error arises when a nested logit model is appropriate, but the wrong nesting structure is chosen. The second specification error occurs when the underlying stochastic process is not consistent with nested logit. Particular attention is placed upon the impact that these errors can have on welfare predictions. Monte Carlo experiments are used, together with analytical results, to examine the resulting bias to welfare estimates. In addition, we explore the value of alternative model selection criteria in choosing nesting structures.
Dynamic Optimization of Nitrogen Use When Groundwater Contamination Is Internalized at the Standard in the Long Run
Authors: Yadav Satya N.
Published: July 2006

An economic relationship between agricultural production and groundwater pollution is established first by analyzing the problem in a dynamic setting. Using experimental data from 1987 to 1990 from three sites, optimal policy rules that would maintain the nitrate contamination level at the 10 mg/l standard over time are determined next. Nitrogen application rates are then determined based on the optimal policy rule and available residual nitrogen in the root‐zone layer. It is shown that in the first year one of the sites should be fertilized at a lower‐than‐profit‐maximizing rate while the other two sites should not be fertilized at all.
Trade‐off between Structural Diversity and Economic Objectives in Forest Management
Authors: Önal Hayri
Published: July 2006

A measure of divergence (NAD) between the distribution of individuals in a community and a target distribution is presented. When the latter is uniform, NAD measures evenness and exhibits a strong correlation with the widely used Shannon index. However, NAD offers the capability to incorporate an arbitrary composition in an economic optimization model where the Shannon index is not applicable. An empirical application to optimum management of a multispecies forest is presented, and the trade‐off between ecological and economic objectives is investigated.
Budgetary and Producer Welfare Effects of Revenue Insurance
Authors: Hennessy David A. , Babcock Bruce A. , Hayes Dermot J.
Published: July 2006

The efficiency of redistribution of government‐provided revenue insurance programs is compared with the efficiency of the 1990 farm program. The results indicate that revenue insurance would be more efficient because it would provide subsidies when and only when revenue is low and marginal utility is high, and it works on the component of the objective function (revenue) that is of greatest relevance to producers. Simulation results indicate that a revenue insurance scheme that guarantees 75% of expected revenue to risk‐averse producers could provide approximately the same level of benefits as the 1990 program, at as little as one‐fourth the cost.
Policy Evaluation with Combined Actual and Contingent Response Data
Authors: Nestor Deborah Vaughn
Published: July 2006

The City of Marietta, Georgia, experimentally switched from flat fee financing to volume‐based pricing for its trash services in January 1994. Both before and during the experiment, detailed data on individuals' observed responses to the actual introduction and contingent behavioral responses to a hypothetical introduction of volume‐based pricing were collected. This study applies these data, and investigates the methodology of collecting contingent behavior data and their use in policy analysis. In particular, this study empirically evaluates the effect of experience with the policy on responses to contingent behavior questions, and tests for potential bias in the contingent behavior data.
Employment Stability and the Role of Sectoral Dominance in Rural Economies
Authors: Fawson Christopher , Thilmany Dawn , Keith John E.
Published: July 2006

Rural development has received renewed attention, particularly in the West, where there are opportunities for enhancing tourism in communities once reliant on extractive resources. The historical focus of rural development has been on economic growth, with little concern about the sustainability or socioeconomic impacts of such growth. This study analyzes and discusses the employment dynamics of rural economies with varying employment bases to illustrate some possible impacts of targeting specific employment sectors as part of a rural economic development strategy. The empirical research focuses on the rural counties of Utah, where the trade and service sectors associated with increased tourism and retirement communities have been rapidly expanding throughout the past two decades.
Better Confidence Intervals: The Double Bootstrap with No Pivot
Authors: Letson David , McCullough B.D.
Published: July 2006

The double bootstrap is an important advance in confidence interval generation because it converges faster than the already popular single bootstrap. Yet the usual double bootstrap requires a stable pivot that is not always available, e.g., when estimating flexibilities or substitution elasticities. A recently developed double bootstrap does not require a pivot. A Monte Carlo analysis with the Waugh data finds the double bootstrap achieves nominal coverage whereas the single bootstrap does not. A useful artifice dramatically decreases the computational time of the double bootstrap.
Mother's Nutrition Knowledge and Children's Dietary Intakes
Authors: Variyam Jayachandran N. , Blaylock James , Lin Biing‐Hwan , Ralston Katherine , Smallwood David
Published: July 2006

This article uses U.S. food consumption data to examine the effect of maternal nutrition knowledge on the dietary intakes of children between two and seventeen years of age. Results show that maternal knowledge influences children's diets and that such influence decreases as children grow older. Nutrition knowledge acts as a pathway through which maternal education influences children's diets. This finding supports the hypothesis that education affects health‐related choices by raising the allocative efficiency of health input use. The results suggest that nutrition education may be more effective if targeted both toward mothers with young children and directly toward school‐age children.
Some Productivity‐Increasing and Quality‐Changing Technology for the Soybean Complex: Market and Welfare Effects
Authors: Gallagher Paul W.
Published: July 2006

Simulations suggest that soybeans with less protein and more oil would alter quality and change quantities on the market. Substitution toward other protein feeds, like fishmeal, would mitigate the benefits from restricted soymeal supply. Thus, there would not be a net welfare gain for the United States, only a redistribution of benefits. But a joint yield increase and composition change would benefit the United States, mainly because livestock producers would pay lower feed prices. Also, industrial processing of soybean oil would become competitive. Hence, soybean research should pursue yield increases by allowing protein reductions.
Testing Homogeneity in the Linearized Almost Ideal Demand System
Authors: Buse Adolf
Published: July 2006

The behavior of exact tests for homogeneity (F and Hotelling T2) is compared with size‐adjusted LR tests in the linearized AIDS model with different approximating price indexes (Stone, Paasche, Laspeyres). The Monte Carlo evidence shows that test size distortions are sensitive to the correlation structure of prices, the time‐series properties of the data, and the choice of price index. None of the results explains the persistent over‐rejection of homogeneity in applied work.
Bipartite containment control of nonlinear multi‐agent systems with unknown inputs and state constraints
Authors: Zhao Younan , Zhu Fanglai
Published: March 2024

This article addresses the issue of bipartite containment tracking for nonlinear strict feedback multi‐agent systems (MASs) with disturbances and measurement uncertainties. To provides a better performance against strong disturbance, a coordination transformation is applied such that all the nonlinear functions, controller disturbances and measurement uncertainties are lumped into a single disturbance signal in the last state equation. Then, the lumped disturbance is compensated through a novel disturbance rebuilding method. Moreover, in order to get better control performance, state constraints are also considered through a nonlinear transformation function (NTF). Different from traditional methods dealing with the state constraint problems, the NTF method can avoid using any discontinuous Lyapunov function. Finally, an adaptive finite‐time distributed controller is established via the disturbance estimates, backstepping technique and fuzzy logic system (FLS). The performance of the controller is illustrated by a simulation example in which the bipartite containment formation of followers is realized in a practical finite time.
Peptide‐Based Hydrogel for Nanosystems Encapsulation: the Next Generation of Localized Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Intestinal Inflammations
Authors: Andretto Valentina , Rosso Annalisa , Zilio Serena , Sidi‐Boumedine Jacqueline , Boschetti Gilles , Sankar Sharanya , Buffier Marie , Miele Adriana Erica , Denis Morgane , Choffour Pierre‐Antoine , Briançon Stéphanie , Nancey Stéphane , Kryza David , Lollo Giovanna
Published: March 2024

Conventional therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases are mainly based on systemic treatments which cause side effects and toxicity over long‐term administration. Nanoparticles appear as a valid alternative to allow a preferential accumulation in inflamed tissues following oral administration while reducing systemic drug exposure. To increase their residence time in the inflamed intestine, the nanoparticles are here associated with a hydrogel matrix. A bioadhesive peptide‐based hydrogel is mixed with nanoemulsions, creating a hybrid lipid‐polymer nanocomposite. Mucopenetrating nanoemulsions of 100 nm are embedded in a scaffold constituted of the self‐assembling peptide hydrogel product PuraStat. The nanocomposite is fully characterized to study the impact of lipid particles in the hydrogel structure. Rheological measurements and circular dichroism analyses are performed to investigate the system's microstructure and physical properties. Biodistribution studies demonstrate that the nanocomposite acts as a depot in the stomach and facilitates the slow release of the nanoemulsions in the intestine. Efficacy studies upon oral administration of the drug‐loaded system show the improvement of the disease score in a mouse model of intestinal inflammation.
An Ultra‐Low Modulus of Ductile TiZrHfTa Biomedical High‐Entropy Alloys through Deformation Induced Martensitic Transformation/Twinning/Amorphization
Authors: Qian Bingnan , Li Xiaoqing , Wang Yu , Hou Junhua , Liu Jikui , Zou Sihao , An Fengchao , Lu Wenjun
Published: March 2024

Biomedical alloys are paramount materials in biomedical applications, particularly in crafting biological artificial replacements. In traditional biomedical alloys, a significant challenge is simultaneously achieving an ultra‐low Young's modulus, excellent biocompatibility, and acceptable ductility. A multi‐component body‐centered cubic (BCC) biomedical high‐entropy alloy (Bio‐HEA), which is composed of non‐toxic elements, is noteworthy for its outstanding biocompatibility and compositional tuning capabilities. Nevertheless, the aforementioned challenges still remain. Here, a method to achieve a single phase with the lowest Young's modulus among the constituent phases by precisely tuning the stability of the BCC phase in the Bio‐HEA, is proposed. The subtle tuning of the BCC phase stability also enables the induction of stress‐induced martensite transformation with extremely low trigger stress. The transformation‐induced plasticity and work hardening capacity are achieved via the stress‐induced martensite transformation. Additionally, the hierarchical stress‐induced martensite twin structure and crystalline‐to‐amorphous phase transformation provide robust toughening mechanisms in the Bio‐HEA. The cytotoxicity test confirms that this Bio‐HEA exhibits excellent biocompatibility without cytotoxicity. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the development of biomedical alloys with a combination of ultra‐low Young's modulus, excellent biocompatibility, and decent ductility.
Synthesis of 3‐Arylazoindoles through Iron(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Azolation of Indoles and Arylhydrazines
Authors: Li Kun , Zhang Jin‐Qi , Liao Wei‐Cong , Liang Cui , Ma Xiao‐Pan , Mo Dong‐Liang , Chen Chun‐Hua
Published: March 2024

A variety of functionalized 3‐arylazoindoles were prepared in good to excellent yields through an iron(III)‐catalyzed C−H azolation of 2‐substituted indoles with arylhydrazines under mild reaction conditions. The reaction underwent an initial TBN‐mediated nitrosation, 1,5‐hydrogen migration, intramolecular condensation, and 1,5‐hydrogen migration over four steps in one pot. A paracyclophane‐derived 3‐phenylazoindole could be prepared in 25% yield over three steps and some prepared 3‐arylazoindoles showed a different fluorescence emission wavelength and existed obvious pH conditions response. The present method highlights broad substrate scope of easily available starting materials, wide range of functional group compatibility, gram scalable preparations, high atom economy, avoidance of unstable and explosive azolation reagents, and simple purification operations by extraction, washing, and recrystallization without flash column chromatography.
A Chiral B−N Adduct as a New Frontier in Ferroelectrics and Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
Authors: Sahoo Supriya , Mukherjee Supratik , Sharma Vijay Bhan , Hernández Wilfredo Ibarra , Garcia‐Castro Andrés Camilo , Zaręba Jan K. , Kabra Dinesh , Vaitheeswaran Ganapathy , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: March 2024

Within the burgeoning field of electronic materials, B−N Lewis acid‐base pairs, distinguished by their partial charge distribution across boron and nitrogen centers, represent an underexplored class with significant potential. These materials exhibit inherent dipoles and are excellent candidates for ferroelectricity. However, the challenge lies in achieving the optimal combination of hard‐soft acid‐base pairs to yield B−N adducts with stable dipoles. Herein, we present an enantiomeric pair of B−N adducts [R/SC6H5CH(CH3)NH2BF3] (R/SMBA‐BF3) crystallizing in the polar monoclinic P21 space group. The ferroelectric measurements on RMBA‐BF3 gave a rectangular P‐E hysteresis loop with a remnant polarization of 7.65 μC cm−2, a value that aligns with the polarization derived from the extensive density‐functional theory computations. The PFM studies on the drop‐casted film of RMBA‐BF3 further corroborate the existence of ferroelectric domains, displaying characteristic amplitude‐bias butterfly and phase‐bias hysteresis loops. The piezoelectric nature of the RMBA‐BF3 was confirmed by its direct piezoelectric coefficient (d33) value of 3.5 pC N−1 for its pellet. The piezoelectric energy harvesting applications on the sandwich devices fabricated from the as‐made crystals of RMBA‐BF3 gave an open circuit voltage (VPP) of 6.2 V. This work thus underscores the untapped potential of B−N adducts in the field of piezoelectric energy harvesting.
Fused Azulenyl Squaraine Derivatives Improve Phototheranostics in the Second Near‐Infrared Window by Concentrating Excited State Energy on Non‐Radiative Decay Pathways
Authors: Gao Heqi , Yao Yiming , Li Cong , Zhang Jingtian , Yu Haoyun , Yang Xiaodi , Shen Jing , Liu Qian , Xu Ruitong , Gao Xike , Ding Dan
Published: March 2024

The second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) theranostics offer new opportunities for precise disease phototheranostic due to the enhanced tissue penetration and higher maximum permissible exposure of NIR‐II light. However, traditional regimens lacking effective NIR‐II absorption and uncontrollable excited‐state energy decay pathways often result in insufficient theranostic outcomes. Herein a phototheranostic nano‐agent (PS‐1 NPs) based on azulenyl squaraine derivatives with a strong NIR‐II absorption band centered at 1092 nm is reported, allowing almost all absorbed excitation energy to dissipate through non‐radiative decay pathways, leading to high photothermal conversion efficiency (90.98 %) and strong photoacoustic response. Both in vitro and in vivo photoacoustic/photothermal therapy results demonstrate enhanced deep tissue cancer theranostic performance of PS‐1 NPs. Even in the 5 mm deep‐seated tumor model, PS‐1 NPs demonstrated a satisfactory anti‐tumor effect in photoacoustic imaging‐guided photothermal therapy. Moreover, for the human extracted tooth root canal infection model, the synergistic outcomes of the photothermal effect of PS‐1 NPs and 0.5 % NaClO solution resulted in therapeutic efficacy comparable to the clinical gold standard irrigation agent 5.25 % NaClO, opening up possibilities for the expansion of NIR‐II theranostic agents in oral medicine.
Rechargeable Afterglow Nanotorches for In Vivo Tracing of Cell‐Based Microrobots
Authors: Ma Gongcheng , Dirak Musa , Liu Zhongke , Jiang Daoyong , Wang Yue , Xiang Chunbai , Zhang Yuding , Luo Yuan , Gong Ping , Cai Lintao , Kolemen Safacan , Zhang Pengfei
Published: March 2024

As one of the self‐luminescence imaging approaches that require pre‐illumination instead of real‐time light excitation, afterglow luminescence imaging has attracted increasing enthusiasm to circumvent tissue autofluorescence. In this work, we developed organic afterglow luminescent nanoprobe (nanotorch), which could emit persistent luminescence more than 10 days upon single light excitation. More importantly, the nanotorch could be remote charged by 660 nm light in a non‐invasive manner, which showed great potential for real‐time tracing the location of macrophage cell‐based microrobots.
A new Crocodyloidea from the middle Eocene of Zamora (Duero Basin, Spain)
Authors: Narváez Iván , de Celis Ane , Escaso Fernando , Martín de Jesús Santiago , Pérez‐García Adán , Ortega Francisco
Published: March 2024

The eusuchian crocodyliforms recorded in the Eocene levels of the Spanish Duero Basin belong to three lineages: Planocraniidae, with the species Duerosuchus piscator; Alligatoroidea, represented by several specimens of the genus Diplocynodon; and Crocodyloidea, which includes several specimens traditionally attributed to Asiatosuchus. The genus Asiatosuchus, established in 1940 based on a middle Eocene species from Mongolia, has subsequently served as a wastebasket taxon for Paleogene remains belonging to several species, not only from Asia but also belonging to the European and North American records. Many of these species are known by highly fragmentary remains, sharing the presence of characters such as a flat and triangular skull, and long symphyses in the lower jaw, recognized as characteristic for the crocodyloids. In addition to isolated cranial remains, among the material traditionally attributed to Asiatosuchus at the Duero Basin stands out a nearly complete skull and a left mandible, from the middle Eocene area of Casaseca de Campeán (Zamora Province). The present study analyses in detail these specimens, previously reported during the 1980s, but analyzed in a very preliminary way. They are included for the first time in a phylogenetic analysis to establish the systematic position of this Spanish form. The results confirm that it corresponds to a new species of basal crocodyloid, defined here as Asiatosuchus oenotriensis sp. nov.
Decadal co‐variation of the aerosols over East Asia and the East Asian jet streams in the boreal winter
Authors: Hu S. H. , Kuang X. Y. , Zhuang B. L. , Huang D. Q.
Published: March 2024

The changes in the East Asian polar‐front jet (EAPJ) and the East Asian subtropical jet (EASJ) profoundly impact the weather and climate in East Asia. However, the link between aerosols and the jet streams is still unclear. Here, we investigated the decadal co‐variation of aerosols and the East Asian jet streams in the boreal winter during the period of 1980–2019. In synch with a positive change in aerosol optical depth over East Asia, 300‐hPa winds show an equatorward shift of the land branch of the EASJ, and weakened EAPJ and oceanic branch of the EASJ. This can be linked to the enhanced meridional temperature gradient along 30°–50° N but weakened in northern regions and the decreasing synoptic‐scale transient eddy kinetic energy over subtropical Pacific. Relative importance estimation of aerosols and ocean signals emphasized the contributions of aerosols in jet variations. In turn, meteorological conditions related to jet streams also contribute to variations in aerosols, the decadal co‐variations are a result of their interactions, particularly for the oceanic branch of EASJ. The findings would be helpful in providing potential indicators of climate change.
The effect of maturity learn element in Enterprise risk management and corporate social responsibility on the level of digital transformation
Authors: Djakman Chaerul Djusman , Siregar Sylvia Veronica
Published: March 2024

Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has emerged as a response to globalization and regulatory pressure on firms to manage their risk comprehensively. CSR is related to corporate risk management, as by engaging in CSR activities firms can be more effective in managing stakeholder relationships. Extant studies rarely examine both issues to the level of digital transformation. In the coming years, the issue of digital transformation will have an even bigger impact on business models. The first step in the effective implementation of ERM is the ability of the organization to learn and understand the requirements of ERM implementation in its company. Thus, it is important to examine the effect of the maturity learn element in ERM and CSR as risk management on the level of digital transformation. In addition, this paper also examines the moderating role of CSR on the association between ERM and the level of digital transformation. Our samples consist of manufacturing companies of developed countries in the European Union (which consists of Italy, Spain, Belgium Switzerland, Germany, France, and UK). The paper found evidence that enterprise risk management has a positive significant effect on the level of digital transformation. The paper also found evidence that CSR has a direct effect on the level of digital transformation. However, the paper failed to provide supporting evidence on the moderating role of CSR on the association between ERM and the level of digital transformation.
Preparation of Activated Biocarbons from Cones and their Potential Application for Adsorption of Antibiotics (Tetracycline)
Authors: Jedynak Katarzyna , Charmas Barbara , Wawrzaszek Barbara
Published: March 2024

The pine cones (PC), spruce cones (SC) and fir cones (FC) were used for biocarbons preparation. Chemical activation with sodium hydroxide was applied to prepare activated biocarbons. All the materials under investigation were characterized by the N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (CHNS), infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT‐IR), and the Boehm's titration method. Moreover, pHpzc (the point of zero charge) was determined. It was shown that cones are a good, cheap precursor from which biocarbons with a developed porous structure, characterized by good adsorption properties, can be obtained. All the obtained adsorbents are characterized mainly by a microporous structure. Moreover, they contain both acidic and basic surface functional groups (acidic ones prevail over basic ones). The tested activated biocarbons have large specific surface area values ranging from 578 to 1182 m2 g−1. The efficacy of selected materials in the adsorption of an essential contaminant of increasing concern, tetracycline (TC), was investigated. The experimental data were described using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The maximum adsorption capacity of the tested biocarbons ranges from 200 to 392 mg g−1. Thermodynamic studies proved that adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic process. In summary, economical and environmentally friendly adsorbents were obtained.
Impact of Dipole Effect on Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Dong Kaiwen , Yang Guangyue , Wang Minhuan , Bian Jiming , Zhu Lina , Zhang Fengshan , Yu Shitao , Liu Shiwei , Xiao Juan‐Ding , Guo Xin , Jiang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

Interface modification and bulk doping are two major strategies to improve the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Dipolar molecules are highly favored due to their unique dipolarity. This review discusses the basic concepts and characteristics of dipoles. In addition, the role of dipoles in PSCs and the corresponding conventional characterization methods for dipoles are introduced. Then, we systematically summarize the latest progress in achieving efficient and stable PSCs in dipole materials at several key interfaces. Finally, we look forward to the future application directions of dipole molecules in PSCs, aiming at providing deep insight and inspiration for developing efficient and stable PSCs.
Recent advances in mitochondria‐targeting theranostic agents
Authors: Qian Kun , Gao Shu , Jiang Zhaoning , Ding Qihang , Cheng Zhen
Published: March 2024

For its vital role in maintaining cellular activity and survival, mitochondrion is highly involved in various diseases, and several strategies to target mitochondria have been developed for specific imaging and treatment. Among these approaches, theranostic may realize both diagnosis and therapy with one integrated material, benefiting the simplification of treatment process and candidate drug evaluation. A variety of mitochondria‐targeting theranostic agents have been designed based on the differential structure and composition of mitochondria, which enable more precise localization within cellular mitochondria at disease sites, facilitating the unveiling of pathological information while concurrently performing therapeutic interventions. Here, progress of mitochondria‐targeting theranostic materials reported in recent years along with background information on mitochondria‐targeting and therapy have been briefly summarized, determining to deliver updated status and design ideas in this field to readers.
Pediatrician perspectives on barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence for parents of children with medical complexity
Authors: Glick Alexander F. , Yin H. Shonna , Silva Benjamin , Modi Avani C. , Huynh Vincent , Goodwin Emily J. , Farkas Jonathan S. , Turock Julia S. , Famiglietti Hannah S. , Dickson Victoria V.
Published: March 2024

Background

High rates of posthospitalization errors are observed in children with medical complexity (CMC). Poor parent comprehension of and adherence to complex discharge instructions can contribute to errors. Pediatrician views on common barriers and facilitators to parent comprehension and adherence are understudied.

Objective

To examine pediatrician perspectives on barriers and facilitators experienced by parents in comprehension of and adherence to inpatient discharge instructions for CMC.

Design, Settings, and Participants

We conducted a qualitative, descriptive study of attending pediatricians (n = 20) caring for CMC in inpatient settings (United States and Canada) and belonging to listservs for pediatric hospitalists/complex care providers. We used purposive/maximum variation sampling to ensure heterogeneity (e.g., hospital, region).

Main Outcome and Measures

A multidisciplinary team designed and piloted a semistructured interview guide with pediatricians who care for CMC. Team members conducted semistructured interviews via phone or video call. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. We analyzed transcripts using content analysis; codes were derived a priori from a conceptual framework (based on the Pediatric Self‐Management Model) and a preliminary transcript analysis. We applied codes and identified emerging themes.

Results

Pediatricians identified three themes as barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence: (1) regimen complexity, (2) access to the healthcare team (e.g., inpatient team, outpatient pediatrician, home nursing) and resources (e.g., medications, medical equipment), and (3) need for a family centered and health literacy‐informed approach to discharge planning and education. Next steps include the assessment of parent perspectives on barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence for prents of CMC and the development of intervention strategies.
Internal wave resonance, surges, and strong nonlinear damping differentiated in two elongated lakes with the aid of an original Green's function
Authors: Long James P. , Halfman John D. , Hawley Nathan
Published: March 2024

While the analogy between the wind‐pumped internal seiche in a lake and the driven damped‐harmonic oscillator is recognized, use of a damped‐oscillator model to understand internal‐wave behavior is seldom attempted due to the irregular waveforms arising from variable winds, and to the presence of nonlinear waves like surges. Using a new variable‐frequency Green's function derived for a damped oscillator within the context of the two‐layer model of a stratified basin, we examine internal wave behaviors in Seneca and Owasco Lakes, two elongated lakes in New York state with very different lengths and depths. Our approach reproduces the measured undulations of the lowest horizonal‐mode internal‐seiche with surprising fidelity. It also yields the seiche's seasonal variation of frequency, primarily due to changes in the stratification intensity and thermocline depth. Notably, our model also estimates the seiche amplitude decay‐time, a key quantity difficult to obtain for a constantly agitated seiche. The decay time matches the computed surge‐formation time, which limits seiche lifetimes to as little as one seiche period. Surges also strongly affect the undulating internal‐wave waveforms in a manner consistent with tank experiments. Finally, we find that the internal seiche in Owasco Lake exhibits a uniquely well‐defined resonance with the diel wind pattern, and, for Seneca Lake, that surges propagate bidirectionally, augmenting an oft‐cited report of surges traveling only in one direction.
Functional assessment of a novel biallelic MYH3 variation causing CPSKF1B (contractures, pterygia, and spondylocarpotarsal fusion syndrome1B)
Authors: He Qing‐bing , Wu Cai‐hong , Sun Dong‐lan , Yuan Jia‐yu , Hu Hua‐ying , Yang Kai , Chen Wen‐qi , Yan You‐sheng , Yin Guang‐yue , Zhang Jing , Li Ya‐zhou
Published: March 2024

Background

The MYH3‐associated myosinopathies comprise a spectrum of rare neuromuscular disorders mainly characterized by distal arthrogryposis with or without other features like pterygia and vertebrae fusion. CPSKF1B (contractures, pterygia, and spondylocarpotarsal fusion syndrome1B) is the only known autosomal recessiveMYH3‐associated myosinopathy so far, with no more than two dozen cases being reported.

Materials and Methods

A boy with CPSKF1B was recruited and subjected to a comprehensive clinical and imaging evaluation. Genetic detection with whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed on the patient and extended family members to identify the causative variation. A series of in silico and in vitro investigations were carried out to verify the pathogenicity of the two variants of the identified compound heterozygous variation.

Results

The patient exhibited moderate CPSKF1B symptoms including multiarticular contractures, webbed neck, and spondylocarpotarsal fusion. WES detected a compound heterozygous MYH3 variation consisting of two variants, namely NM_002470.4: c.3377A>G; p. (E1126G) and NM_002470.4: c.5161‐2A>C. It was indicated that the NM_002470.4: c.3377A>G; p. (E1126G) variant mainly impaired the local hydrogen bond formation and impacted the TGF‐B pathway, while the NM_002470.4: c.5161‐2A>C variant could affect the normal splicing of pre‐mRNA, resulting in the appearance of multiple abnormal transcripts.

Conclusions

The findings of this study expanded the mutation spectrum of CPSKF1B, provided an important basis for the counseling of the affected family, and also laid a foundation for the functional study of MYH3 mutations.
Two novel pathogenic variants in the TCOF1 found in two Chinese cases of Treacher Collins syndrome
Authors: Zhuang Dan‐Yan , Sun Shu‐Ni , Hu Zhuo‐Jie , Xie Min , Zhang Yu‐Xin , Yan Lu‐Lu , Pan Jie‐Wen , Li Hai‐bo
Published: March 2024

Background

Treacher Collins Ι syndrome (TCS1, OMIM:154500) is an autosomal dominant disease with a series of clinical manifestations such as craniofacial dysplasia including eye and ear abnormalities, small jaw deformity, cleft lip, as well as repeated respiratory tract infection and conductive hearing loss. Two cases of Treacher Collins syndrome with TCOF1(OMIM:606847) gene variations were reported in the article, with clinical characteristics, gene variants and the etiology.

Methods

The clinical data of two patients with Treacher Collins syndrome caused by TCOF1 gene variation were retrospectively analyzed. The whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to detect the pathogenic variants of TCOF1 gene in the patients, and the verification of variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

Proband 1 presented with bilateral craniofacial deformities, conductive hearing loss and recurrent respiratory tract infection. Proband 2 showed bilateral craniofacial malformations with cleft palate, which harbored similar manifestations in her family. She died soon after birth due to dyspnea and feeding difficulties. WES identified two novel pathogenic variants of TCOF1 gene in two probands, each with one variant. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the heterozygous variation NM_001371623.1: c.877del (p. Ala293Profs*34) of TCOF1 gene was detected in Proband 1, which was evaluated as a likely pathogenic (LP) and de novo variant. Another variant found in Proband 2 was NM_001135243.1: c.1660_1661del (p. D554Qfs*3) heterozygous variation, which was evaluated as a pathogenic variation and the variant inherited from the mother. To date, the two variants have not been reported before.

Conclusion

Our study found two novel pathogenic variants of TCOF1 gene and clarified the etiology of Treacher Collins syndrome. We also enriched the phenotypic spectrum of Treacher Collins syndrome and TCOF1 gene variation spectrum in the Chinese population, and provided the basis for clinical diagnosis, treatment and genetic counseling.
Non‐singular complexiton, singular complexiton and complex multiple soliton solutions to the (3 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear evolution equation
Authors: Wang Kang‐Jia , Shi Feng , Xu Peng , Li Shuai
Published: March 2024

This research mainly concerned with some new solutions of the (3 + 1)‐dimensional nonlinear evolution equation (NEE). First, we extract the resonant multiple soliton solutions (RMSSs) by taking advantage of the linear superposition principle (LSP) and weight algorithm (WA). Then the non‐singular complexiton and singular complexiton solutions are developed by introducing pairs of the conjugate parameters. Besides, the complex multiple‐soliton solutions are also explored with the aid of the bilinear approach. The graph descriptions of the attained solutions are paraded to show the dynamical properties. The outcomes of this work are all new and are desirous to bring some new perspective to the investigation of the complexiton solutions to the other partial differential equations (PDEs).
Prevalence of low calf circumference in hospitalized patients classified by raw or body mass index–adjusted values
Authors: de Sousa Iasmin M. , Fayh Ana Paula Trussardi , Gonzalez Maria Cristina , Silva Flávia M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Adiposity can influence the estimation of muscle mass using calf circumference (CC) and underestimate the frequency of low CC. An adjustment for CC using body mass index (BMI) was proposed to reduce this effect. We aimed to compare the low CC frequency in hospitalized patients when considering raw and BMI‐adjusted values and explore data by sex, age, and race (white and non‐white).

Methods

Secondary analysis from two cohort studies conducted with adult hospitalized patients using BMI and CC data collected in the first 72 h after hospital admission. We classified low CC by two approaches: (1) raw CC; (2) BMI‐adjusted CC for patients with BMI ≥ 25. Cutoff values for low CC were ≤34 cm (men) and ≤33 cm (women).

Results

Among 1272 patients (54.1 ± 15.3 years old; 51.7% women; 82.1% White race), low CC frequency was 30.6% and low BMI‐adjusted CC was 68.9%. For all elevated BMI categories, the low CC frequency was higher when considering BMI‐adjusted values (P < 0.001). Low CC was more frequent (P < 0.001) in older adults (38.7% by raw; 79.1% by BMI‐adjusted value) than in younger adults (27.6% by raw; 65.2% by BMI‐adjusted value) and it was not associated with race. Low CC by raw values was more frequent in men than in women (35.0% versus 26.4%; P = 0.001), but did not differ between sexes when classified by BMI‐adjusted values (70.7% versus 67.1%; P = 0.184).

Conclusion

Low CC BMI adjusted was 2.2 times more frequent in comparison with raw CC values, and it was identified in >60% of patients with BMI ≥ 25.
Agreement and diagnostic differences among three definitions of sarcopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: de Vries Thais Pontello , Pires Aline Marcos , Diniz Kiara Gonçalves Dias , Chagas Anna Luiza Soares , Vieira Diego Alves , Kakehasi Adriana Maria , Suen Vivian Marques Miguel , Bering Tatiana , Colosimo Enrico Antonio , Rocha Gifone Aguiar , de Paula Farah Kátia , Silva Luciana Diniz
Published: March 2024

Background

There is neither a gold standard definition nor a universal consensus to diagnose sarcopenia in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Thus, we aimed to compare the prevalence of sarcopenia and the agreement and discrepancies between European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP1), EWGSOP2, and Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Biomarkers Consortium Sarcopenia Project (FNIH) definitions in chronic hepatitis C.

Methods

Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry was used to assess muscle mass by quantifying appendicular lean mass (ALM) adjusted for squared height (ALM/ht2) or for body mass index (ALMBMI). Muscle function was evaluated by handgrip strength. Subjective Global Assessment was used to assess the nutrition status.

Results

This cross‐sectional study included 103 outpatients (mean age, 50.6 ± 11.3 years; 33.0% with compensated cirrhosis). Sarcopenia prevalence was 8.7%, 9.7%, and 9.7%, according to EWGSOP1, EWGSOP2, and FNIH definitions, respectively. There was neither a sex‐ nor a liver disease severity–specific difference in the prevalence of sarcopenia between the criteria applied. Sixteen (15.5%) patients fulfilled at least one of these criteria, and 3 out of 16 (18.8%) simultaneously had sarcopenia by consensus of the three criteria. Sarcopenic obesity was identified in 9 out of 16 (56.3%) patients, and 6 out of 9 (66.7%) of these only met FNIH consensus.

Conclusions

In patients without cirrhosis or with compensated cirrhosis, and with chronic hepatitis C, the agreement between EWGSOP1 and EWGSOP2 classifications was substantial for sarcopenia diagnosis. Concerning EWGSOP and FNIH criteria, a fair agreement and limited overlap were found in these patients.
Nonlinear statics of three‐dimensional curved geometrically exact beams by a hierarchal quadrature element method
Authors: Liu Bo , Xie Pan
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear static analyses of three‐dimensional (3D) curved geometrically exact beams are carried out using a hierarchal quadrature element method (HQEM) in this work. The initial value of the rotational quaternions is computed from an initial‐value problem with arc‐length as the “time” variable, so that the quaternions can be differentiated in subsequent computation. The 3D curved geometrically exact beams are first expressed by NURBS and then transformed to be expressed by the hierarchical quadrature bases. The geometrically exact beams are then analyzed by the same hierarchical quadrature bases, which conforms to the isogeometric concept. This procedure of analysis is new. The weak‐form quadrature element method (QEM) is a special case of the hierarchical quadrature element method (HQEM). It is found that the best accuracy may be obtained when the number of integration nodes is one degree less than the nodal points, instead of taking them the same as in the weak‐form QEM. Numerical tests through several examples show that the HQEM can present results with high accuracy using only a few degrees of freedom and is not sensitive to shear locking.
Supporting the support person: Oncologists' roles in reducing support people's uncertainty and facilitating psychological adjustment
Authors: Broadbridge Elizabeth , Venetis Maria K. , Devine Katie A. , Lee Lauren E. , Banerjee Smita C. , Greene Kathryn
Published: March 2024

Objective

Support people of cancer patients are at significant risk for psychological distress. Additionally, cancer patients' well‐being is reciprocally associated with support peoples' psychological well‐being. Informed by Uncertainty in Illness Theory, this study tests whether support person psychological well‐being is influenced by provider communication and uncertainty reduction.

Methods

We tested a multiple mediation model to investigate how empathic communication facilitates psychological adjustment in support people of cancer patients and how this process is mediated by support peoples' illness uncertainty and caregiver burden. Support people of cancer patients (N = 121; including spouses, adult children, etc.) completed an online questionnaire about their perceptions of oncologists' empathy, uncertainty about the cancer patients' illness, perceived caregiving burden, and their psychological adjustment to diagnoses.

Results

Path analysis revealed that (1) more perceived oncologist empathy was associated with less illness uncertainty, (2) more illness uncertainty was associated with worse psychological adjustment and more perceived caregiver burden, and (3) more burden was associated with worse adjustment (χ2(2) = 1.19, p = 0.55; RMSEA < 0.01; CFI = 1.00; SRMR = 0.02).

Conclusions

Given the reciprocal nature of well‐being between cancer patients and their support people, it is critical to understand and bolster support people's psychological well‐being. Results demonstrated how empathic provider communication can support psychological well‐being for support people of cancer patients. Additionally, this study offers theoretical contributions to understandings of illness uncertainty in caregiver populations.
Therapeutic potential of saffron in brain disorders: From bench to bedside
Authors: Bej Erjola , Volpe Anna Rita , Cesare Patrizia , Cimini Annamaria , d'Angelo Michele , Castelli Vanessa
Published: March 2024

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus L., which has been used for centuries as a coloring and flavoring agent, as well as a source of medicinal compounds. Saffron contains various bioactive constituents, such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, picrocrocin, and kaempferol, that have shown potential benefits for human health. Among them, crocin is the most abundant and characteristic constituent of saffron, responsible for its bright red color and antioxidant properties. One of the most promising applications of saffron and its constituents is in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders. Saffron and its constituents have been reported to exert neuroprotective effects through various mechanisms, such as modulating neurotransmitters, enhancing neurogenesis, reducing neuroinflammation, regulating oxidative stress, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and modulating epigenetic factors. Several clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of saffron and its constituents in improving cognitive function, mood, and other neurological outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current evidence on the therapeutic potential of saffron and its constituents in neurological disorders, from bench to bedside. We also discuss the challenges and future directions for the development of saffron‐based therapies for brain health.
Robust Kalman filters under epistemic uncertainty for non‐Gaussian systems with multiplicative noise
Authors: Yu Xingkai , Wu Jiaojuan , Xin Dongjin , Li Jianxun
Published: March 2024

This article proposes two robust Kalman filters to solve the issue of inaccurate modeling in multiplicative noise systems due to epistemic limitations. First, we construct all conceivable state/measurement transition probability densities as an ambiguity set. This ambiguity set chooses the Wasserstein distance or the moment‐based metric as the distance metric. Besides, this set is an inequality set with a chosen tolerance, which can be seen as a non‐negative radius ball. Then, by combining the robust solution of the least favorable model in that ball with the alternating direction method of multipliers or an efficient direct solution method, we propose two robust Kalman filters based on the minimum mean square error criterion. A classical example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed robust filters in comparison to existing state‐of‐the‐art filters.