bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of the proximal contact area gap change characterization under intercuspal occlusion by intraoral 3D scanning: Food impaction with tight proximal contact
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Chen Hu , Tian Sukun , Sun Yuchun , Wu Feng
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to present three indicators that represent the proximal contact area gap change under intercuspal occlusion and to see if and how these indicators influence food impaction with tight proximal contact.

Materials and Methods

Ninety volunteers were recruited for bite force measurement and intraoral scanning. Three‐dimensional surface data and buccal bite data were obtained for 60 impacted and 60 non‐impacted teeth. The scanning data were imported into the Geomagic Studio 2013 to measure three indicators, which included the gap change maximum (Δdm, μm), the buccolingual position of Δdm (P), and the gap expanded buccolingual range (S, mm). The difference between two groups of three indicators and their relationship with food impaction with tight proximal contact were analyzed by the t test, the Pearson chi‐squared test, the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test, and the binary logistic regression analysis (a = 0.05).

Results

All indicators (Δdm, P, and S) were statistically different (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001) in the impacted and non‐impacted groups. Food impaction with tight proximal contact was affected by Δdm and S (p < 0.001, p = 0.039), but not by P (p = 0.409).

Conclusion

The excessive increase of the gap change maximum and the gap expanded buccolingual range under bite force promoted the occurrence of food impaction with tight proximal contact.

Clinical Significance

The use of intraoral scanning to measure the characteristics of the proximal contact area gap change under bite force may help to deepen our understanding of the pathogenesis of food impaction with tight proximal contact. Importantly it can provide a reference basis for individualizing and quantifying occlusal adjustment treatment.
Effects of an individualized nutritional educational program in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial in Japan
Authors: Fujimoto Hisae , Iida Mariko , Takeuchi Shoko , Shinohara Eriko , Kubota Kazumi , Nakamura Sachiyo
Published: April 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized nutritional education program in promoting adequate nutrient intake in pregnant women.

Methods

A stratified randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants were stratified by factors affecting the primary outcome and randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. Intervention group participants received an individualized 30‐min booklet‐based education program in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters; the control group received usual care. The primary outcome was protein intake after the intervention, which was compared between the intervention and control groups. Secondary outcomes included comparing the amount of increase of protein before and after the intervention. Nutrient intake was measured using a self‐administered short dietary history questionnaire, and analyses of covariance and t tests were performed.

Results

Of the 130 participants, 66 were assigned to the intervention group and 64 to the control group. There was no difference in protein intake between the two groups after the intervention (p = .051, 95% CI [−0.021, 12.4]). Comparing the increase in protein intake before and after intervention, the intervention group was 7.4 g/day higher than that of the control group (p = .040; F = 4.31; effect size = 0.36).

Conclusions

The primary outcome, a comparison of protein intake between the groups after the program, revealed no significant differences. However, on comparing the amount of protein increase before and after the intervention, the intervention group's increase was significantly higher than that of the control group. Results indicate the potential for individualized face‐to‐face interventions for pregnant women in Japan.
Therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms after treatment for ovarian cancer: A retrospective single‐center case series
Authors: Matsuoka Ayumu , Tate Shinichi , Nishikimi Kyoko , Otsuka Satoyo , Usui Hirokazu , Tajima Shinya , Habu Yuji , Nakamura Natsuko , Okuya Rie , Katayama Eri , Shozu Makio , Inaba Yosuke , Koga Kaori
Published: April 2024

Objective

Therapy‐related myeloid neoplasms (t‐MNs) are often fatal and arise as late complications of previous anticancer drug treatment. No single‐center case series has examined t‐MNs in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

Methods

All patients with EOC treated at Chiba University Hospital between 2000 and 2021 were included. We retrospectively analyzed the characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes of patients who developed t‐MNs.

Results

Among 895 cases with EOC, 814 cases were treated with anticancer drugs. The median follow‐up period was 45 months (interquartile range, 27–81) months. Ten patients (1.2%) developed t‐MNs (FIGO IIIA in one case, IIIC in three, IVA in one, and IVB in five). Nine patients were diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome and one with acute leukemia. One patient with myelodysplastic syndrome developed acute leukemia. The median time from the first chemotherapy administration to t‐MN onset was 42 months (range, 21–94 months), with t‐MN diagnoses resulting from pancytopenia in four cases, thrombocytopenia in three, and blast or abnormal cell morphology in four. The median number of previous treatment regimens was four (range, 1–7). Paclitaxel + carboplatin therapy was administered to all patients, gemcitabine and irinotecan combination therapy to nine, bevacizumab to eight, and olaparib to four. Six patients received chemotherapy for t‐MN. All patients died (eight cancer‐related deaths and two t‐MN‐related deaths). None of the patients was able to restart cancer treatment. The median survival time from t‐MN onset was 4 months.

Conclusions

Patients with EOC who developed t‐MN were unable to restart cancer treatment and had a significantly worse prognosis.
Metabolic activity of Planktothrix rubescens and its consequences on oxygen dynamics in laboratory experiment: A stable isotope study
Authors: Dordoni Marlene , Tittel Jörg , Rosenlöcher Yvonne , Rinke Karsten , Barth Johannes A. C.
Published: April 2024

Fluctuations in dissolved oxygen (DO) contents in natural waters can become intense during cyanobacteria blooms. In a reconnaissance study, we investigated DO concentrations and stable isotope dynamics during a laboratory experiment with the cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens in order to obtain insights into primary production under specific conditions. This observation was extended to sub‐daily timescales with alternating light and dark phases. Dissolved oxygen concentrations and its isotopes (δ18ODO) ranged from 0.02 to 0.06 mmol · L−1 and from +9.6‰ to +23.4‰. The δ18ODO proved to be more sensitive than concentration measurements in response to metabolic variation and registered earlier shifts to dominance by respiration. Oxygen (O2) contents in the headspace and its isotopes (δ18OO2) ranged from 2.62 to 3.20 mmol · L−1 and from +9.8‰ to +21.9‰. Headspace samples showed less fluctuations in concentration and isotope trends because aquatic processes were hardly able to alter signals once the gas had reached the headspace. Headspace δ18OO2 values were corrected for gas–water equilibration and were determined to be higher than the mean δ18OH2O of −8.7‰. This finding suggests that counteracting respiration was important even during the highest photosynthetic activity. Additionally, headspace analyses led to the definition of a fractionation factor for respiration (αR) of this cyanobacterium with a value of 0.980. This value confirms the one commonly used for cyanobacteria. Our findings may become important for the management of water bodies where decreases in DO are caused by cyanobacteria.
Sleep studies in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea: Pulse oximetry as a diagnostic tool
Authors: Gowai Hani , Ugonna Kelechi
Published: April 2024

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with many co‐morbidities in children and young people. Obesity has long been recognised as an important risk factor associated with obstructive sleep apnea. Currently, polysomnography is regarded as the gold‐standard diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea. The validity of oximetry as a screening and diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea has been the subject of several studies in the literature. There is little published evidence on the use of oximetry in children with obesity. This study assesses whether oximetry is a reliable diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea in obese children. We reviewed the medical records of obese children with a suspected diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea who underwent oximetry and cardiorespiratory polygraphy or full polysomnography at Sheffield Children's Hospital between January 2010 and March 2022. We compared oximetry results with the apnea–hypopnea index from cardiorespiratory polygraphy or full polysomnography for each patient. A total of 60 patient records were included in the analysis. The sensitivity of oximetry in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea was 70.9%, with a specificity of 65.5% and a positive predictive value of 68.75%. In the subgroup of subjects with severe obstructive sleep apnea (apnea–hypopnea index > 10), oximetry had a sensitivity of 87.5%. We concluded that oximetry could be a helpful initial diagnostic tool for obstructive sleep apnea in obese children, but is not entirely reliable. A negative oximetry result in a symptomatic individual should prompt a referral for more detailed investigations, while a positive result can help in treatment decisions without needing a polysomnography.
Individualised prediction of resilience and vulnerability to sleep loss using EEG features
Authors: Subramaniyan Manivannan , Hughes John D. , Doty Tracy J. , Killgore William D. S. , Reifman Jaques
Published: April 2024

It is well established that individuals differ in their response to sleep loss. However, existing methods to predict an individual's sleep‐loss phenotype are not scalable or involve effort‐dependent neurobehavioural tests. To overcome these limitations, we sought to predict an individual's level of resilience or vulnerability to sleep loss using electroencephalographic (EEG) features obtained from routine night sleep. To this end, we retrospectively analysed five studies in which 96 healthy young adults (41 women) completed a laboratory baseline‐sleep phase followed by a sleep‐loss challenge. After classifying subjects into sleep‐loss phenotypic groups, we extracted two EEG features from the first sleep cycle (median duration: 1.6 h), slow‐wave activity (SWA) power and SWA rise rate, from four channels during the baseline nights. Using these data, we developed two sets of logistic regression classifiers (resilient versus not‐resilient and vulnerable versus not‐vulnerable) to predict the probability of sleep‐loss resilience or vulnerability, respectively, and evaluated model performance using test datasets not used in model development. Consistently, the most predictive features came from the left cerebral hemisphere. For the resilient versus not‐resilient classifiers, we obtained an average testing performance of 0.68 for the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.72 for accuracy, 0.50 for sensitivity, 0.84 for specificity, 0.61 for positive predictive value, and 3.59 for likelihood ratio. We obtained similar performance for the vulnerable versus not‐vulnerable classifiers. These results indicate that logistic regression classifiers based on SWA power and SWA rise rate from routine night sleep can largely predict an individual's sleep‐loss phenotype.
IDDSI‐compliant recipes containing oral contrast agents for radiological dysphagia diagnostics
Authors: Ihrke M. , Beck A. , Mürbe D. , Voß L. J.
Published: April 2024

Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), alongside flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, represents the gold standard for diagnosing swallowing disorders and to determine severity, pathophysiology, and effective interventions, including texture modification. The clinical swallowing examination and assessment supplements these instrumental methods and serves as the basis for the modules of swallowing diagnostics. The adaptation of food and drink consistencies in dysphagia management has become widespread. For valid results of a VFSS with respect to confirming swallowing safety and efficiency of different liquid and food consistencies and textures, the use of uniform recipes containing radio‐opaque contrast media is important. Our goal was to identify recipes that would produce consistencies that conform to the liquid and food levels of 0–7, as defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI), with barium‐ and iodine‐based contrast media, xanthan gum‐based thickeners, and other edible components, which also show sufficient contrast on VFSS. In this study, we determined the different recipes using IDDSI testing methods and explored their radiological characteristics using a Philips MultiDiagnost Eleva fluoroscopy system and two different fluid contrast agents: barium‐ (Micropaque®) and iodine‐based (Telebrix®). All recipes showed sufficient contrast on fluoroscopy and could be visualized in the amounts used for swallowing examinations. They were practical and easy to implement in terms of production and availability of the components. The homogeneity of the recipes diminished with higher IDDSI levels, which represent transitional food, but appeared still sufficient for fluoroscopic examination. The opacity did not significantly differ between the barium‐ and iodine‐based contrast media.
Three new species of Peperomia Ruiz and Pav. (Piperaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Da Silva Larissa Cristina Castro , Queiroz George Azevedo De , Da Silva Diego Ferreira , Da Silva Nílber Gonçalves , Guimarães Elsie Franklin
Published: April 2024

Peperomia (Piperaceae) is a pantropical genus comprising approximately 1700 species, primarily found in the Neotropics. The species are rupicolous, epiphytic, or terrestrial herbs that inhabit humid areas and, occasionally rupestrian fields. In this study, three new species of Peperomia, namely P. ilheusensis, P. itaimbense, and P. mendanhensis, belonging to the subgenus Multipalmata, are described from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The descriptions include detailed information, illustrations, distribution maps, and an identification key to species of P. subgen. Multipalmata in Brazil.
Predominant CD8+ cell infiltration and low accumulation of regulatory T cells in immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced tubulointerstitial nephritis
Authors: Tominaga Kenta , Toda Etsuko , Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Takakuma Shoichiro , Sakamoto Emi , Kuno Hideaki , Kajimoto Yusuke , Terasaki Yasuhiro , Kunugi Shinobu , Mii Akiko , Sakai Yukinao , Terasaki Mika , Shimizu Akira
Published: April 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can provide survival benefits to cancer patients; however, they sometimes result in the development of renal immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is the most representative pathological feature of renal irAEs. However, the clinicopathological entity and underlying pathogenesis of ICI‐induced TIN are unclear. Therefore, we compared the clinical and histological features of this condition with those of non‐ICI drug‐induced TIN. Age and C‐reactive protein levels were significantly higher in ICI‐induced TIN, but there were no significant differences in renal function. Immunophenotyping of ICI‐induced TIN showed massive T cell and macrophage infiltration with fewer B cells, plasma cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils. Compared with those in non‐ICI drug‐induced TIN, CD4+ cell numbers were significantly lower in ICI‐induced TIN but CD8+ cell numbers were not significantly different. However, CD8/CD3 and CD8/CD4 ratios were higher in ICI‐induced TIN. Moreover, CD25+ and FOXP3+ cells, namely regulatory T cells, were less abundant in ICI‐induced TIN. In conclusion, T cell, B cell, plasma cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers proved useful for differentiating ICI‐induced and non‐ICI drug‐induced TIN. Furthermore, the predominant distribution of CD8+ cells and low accumulation of regulatory T cells might be associated with ICI‐induced TIN development.
Noninvasive evaluation of the skin barrier in reconstructed human epidermis using speckle analysis: Correlation with Raman microspectroscopy
Authors: Habib Léa , Nassif Léa Abi , Abboud Marie , Michael‐Jubeli Rime , Tfayli Ali , Lteif Roger
Published: April 2024

Background

Reconstructed epidermis models, obtained from 3D keratinocytes culture, have gained significant prominence as prototypes for safety and efficacy testing in skin research. To effectively evaluate these models, it is essential to perform molecular and functional characterization. The skin's barrier function is one of the essential aspects of the epidermis that needs to be assessed. A noninvasive method is thus required for the evaluation of the skin barrier in these models. With this perspective, the aim of this feasibility study is to apply the speckle technique for the assessment of the skin barrier in the Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE).

Materials and methods

Speckle analysis as well as Raman microspectroscopy were performed on RHE samples at two maturation days, D17 and D20.

Results

Between D17 and D20, our study showed an increase in various Raman parameters, including stratum corneum percentage, lateral lipid packing, lipid‐to‐protein ratio, and protein secondary structure. Furthermore, the degree of light polarization and the speckle grain size also increased over this period.

Conclusion

The speckle technique proved to be effective for evaluating the skin barrier in Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE) models. Comparison with Raman validates this approach and provides comprehensive molecular and functional characterization of reconstructive skin models.
A reasoning method for rice fertilization strategy based on spatiotemporal knowledge graph
Authors: Lin Yiting , Li Daichao , Peng Peng , Liang Jianqin , Ding Fei , Jin Xinlei , Zeng Zhan
Published: April 2024

The lack of multidimensional knowledge means that current reasoning methods for rice fertilization cannot make decisions accurate when faced with complex spatiotemporal conditions in general. Therefore, we propose a reasoning method for rice fertilization strategy based on spatiotemporal knowledge graph. First, we systematically organize multisource expert knowledge about rice fertilization, and construct an ontology for rice fertilization consisting of five core elements: rice variety, planting environment, nutrition diagnosis, fertilization schemes, and time and place. Spatiotemporal differences in rice fertilization knowledge are expressed by assessing spatiotemporal concepts, relations, and state instances. Second, we propose a reasoning method for rice fertilization strategy based on the constructed knowledge graph. This method leverages a certainty factor model for nutrition diagnosis and integrates case‐based and rule‐based reasoning to determine fertilization schemes for different stages. Finally, taking Pucheng County, China, as an example, knowledge from crowd‐sensing data is obtained to construct a knowledge graph using the proposed method. The results demonstrate the method can support the expression and complex reasoning of rice fertilization decisions under different spatiotemporal conditions.
Estimating the serological underrecognition of patients with weak or partial RHD variants
Authors: Ramsey Glenn , Barriteau Christina M.
Published: April 2024

Background

For patients with weak or discrepant RhD RBC phenotypes, RHD genotyping is employed to determine need for RhD‐negative management. However, many RHD variants are type D‐negative or D‐positive. Serological recognition rates (RRs) of weak and partial RHD variants are poorly characterized.

Study Design and Methods

Four US studies employing RHD genotyping for weak or discrepant RhD phenotypes provided data for race/ethnicity‐specific serological recognition. Three studies used microplate, and 1 used gel and tube; 2 had anti‐D data. We obtained White and Hispanic/Latino allele frequencies (AFs) of weak D types 1, 2, and 3 single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD, v4.0.0) and devised Hardy–Weinberg‐based formulas to correct for gnomAD's overcount of hemizygous RHD SNVs as homozygous. We compiled common partial RHD AF from genotyped cohorts of US Black or sickle cell disease subjects. From variant AF, we calculated hemizygous‐plus‐homozygous genetic prevalences. Serological prevalence: genetic prevalence ratios yielded serological RRs.

Results

Overall RRs of weak D types 1–3 were 17% (95% confidence interval 12%–24%) in Whites and 12% (5%–27%) in Hispanics/Latinos. For eight partial RHD variants in Blacks, overall RR was 11% (8%–14%). However, DAR RR was 80% (38%–156%). Compared to microplate, gel–tube recognition was higher for type 2 and DAU5 and lower for type 4.0. Anti‐D was present in 6% of recognized partial RHD cases, but only in 0.7% of estimated total genetic cases.

Discussion

Based on AF, >80% of patients with weak or partial RHD variants were unrecognized serologically. Although overall anti‐D rates were low, better detection of partial RHD variants is desirable.
El conocimiento de Dios en las cartas de Ignacio de Antioquía
Authors: Zapata Grajales Sergio
Published: April 2024

El corpus ignaciano se refiere al conocimiento de Dios con la afirmación conocer a Dios es conocer a Jesucristo (Ignatius, Ef 17,2a). Si bien esta afirmación se ve cualificada en otros pasajes (Ignatius, Rm 8,2b), no es claro inmediatamente cómo es Jesús el conocimiento de Dios. Es decir, no es claro si el conocimiento de Dios trata de escuchar a Jesús, mirar y seguir su ejemplo, o si conocer a Jesús es conocer a Dios; porque Jesús y Dios son uno, lo cual implica que conocer uno es conocer el otro.La tesis de este ensayo consiste en que, para Ignacio, Jesucristo es el conocimiento de Dios, porque él revela en su vida y proceder, hasta su muerte, los propósitos de Dios. Recientes acercamientos a los estudios epistemológicos de los textos del Nuevo Testamento sugieren la necesidad de tratar el tema del conocimiento enfocándose en los lexemas que expresan dicho tema o concepto.Tal ejercicio permite ordenar y categorizar los distintos usos y da claridad sobre cómo se entienden los distintos tipos de conocimiento. Al aplicar el trabajo de Ian W. Scott, se sugiere que Ignacio trata por lo menos cuatro tipos de conocimiento: conocimiento del mundano (conocimiento que se aprehende por observación de fenómenos de la esfera pública); conocimiento teológico (conocimiento sobre Dios, que requiere que Dios se revele a sí mismo); conocimiento ético (conocimiento sobre cómo comportarse como miembros de la iglesia); conocimiento experiencial (cuyo conocimiento no implica la concepción de un objeto, sino tiene que ver con saber algo por experimentarlo). Es una aplicación de esta taxonomía a Ignacio, quien al hablar de conocimiento de Dios o conocimiento teológico, se concentra en Jesús quien es el revelador de los propósitos de Dios con su muerte y los eventos de su vida.
Error Budget of Wafer Bonding Alignment System Based on Vision
Authors: Wang Rui , Lu Sen , Yang Kaiming , Zhu Yu
Published: April 2024

Accurate wafer alignment is the key to achieving wafer bonding accuracy. High-precision wafer alignment systems typically use vision to locate the aligned Mark on two wafers, and use complex mechanisms to perform multiple composite movements to achieve functionality, making the coupling effect of multiple types of errors more complex and challenging the error budget of wafer alignment systems. This paper proposes an error budgeting method for such vision based multibody precision systems. This method takes the homogeneous transformation matrix (HTM) method as the core to model the system error and establish two types of error transfer chains. For the error chain involving visual measurement, an analysis method based on geometrical optics is proposed to consider the influence of the position and orientation errors of the optical path components. Then organize the possible error sources in the system and model the parameters of each error based on actual test results. Combined with the process flow, customize the error model for each link. Finally, perform Monte Carlo simulation. Using the aforementioned method to budget errors for a certain configuration of wafer alignment system, main error sources were identified, and accuracy indicators were proposed based on the alignment accuracy requirements of ± 200 nm. The rationality of the error budget conclusion in this study has been verified through experiments on the construction machine.
Optimization of Discrete Film Hole Arrangement on a Turbine Endwall With Middle Passage Gap
Authors: Zhang Weixin , Liu Zhao , Song Yu , Lu Yixuan , Feng Zhenping
Published: April 2024

For the design of modern gas turbine, cooling sources such as middle passage gap leakage flow, upstream slot leakage flow, and discrete film holes are designed to protect the blade. This research included middle passage gap leakage flow and two shapes of film holes (cylindrical holes and fan-shaped holes). First, experiment was carried out to verify the turbulence model at an inlet mainstream Reynolds number of 340,000, blowing ratio (M) of 1.0, and middle passage gap leakage mass flow ratio of 0.5%. Then, the circumferential positions of the endwall discrete film holes were optimized, and 100 samples were generated through Latin hypercube sampling (LHS) method, among which 80 samples were selected as the training data and 20 samples were selected as the verification set of radial basis function (RBF) neural network. Then particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was adopted for the optimization. Finally, the flow structure, adiabatic film cooling effectiveness, and aerodynamic losses of four surrogate models were analyzed to achieve the most effective film hole arrangement on endwall. The results draw a conclusion that compared with the baseline and the best sample model, the area-averaged film cooling effectiveness of the endwall for most effective case increased by 188% and 9.6%, respectively. The area-averaged aerodynamic loss along the blade height at the endwall outlet decreased by 1.7% and 0.96%. Finally, the staggered arrangement of film holes shows the best film cooling performance.
Bayesian estimation of dissipation and sound speed in tube measurements using a transfer-function model
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Xiang Ning
Published: April 2024

This study discusses acoustic dissipation, which contributes to inaccuracies in impedance tube measurements. To improve the accuracy of these measurements, this paper introduces a transfer function model that integrates diverse dissipation prediction models. Bayesian inference is used to estimate the important parameters included in these models, describing dissipation originating from various mechanisms, sound speed, and microphone positions. By using experimental measurements and considering a hypothetical air layer in front of a rigid termination as the material under test, Bayesian parameter estimation allows a substantial enhancement in characterization accuracy by incorporating the dissipation and sound speed estimates. This approach effectively minimizes residual absorption coefficients attributed to both boundary-layer effects and air medium relaxation. The incorporation of dissipation models leads to a substantial reduction (to 1%) in residual absorption coefficients. Moreover, the use of accurately estimated parameters further enhances the accuracy of actual tube measurements of materials using the two-microphone transfer function method.
Articulatory and acoustic differences between lyric and dramatic singing in Western classical music
Authors: Echternach Matthias , Burk Fabian , Kirsch Jonas , Traser Louisa , Birkholz Peter , Burdumy Michael , Richter Bernhard
Published: April 2024

Within the realm of voice classification, singers could be sub-categorized by the weight of their repertoire, the so-called “singer's Fach.” However, the opposite pole terms “lyric” and “dramatic” singing are not yet well defined by their acoustic and articulatory characteristics. Nine professional singers of different singers' Fach were asked to sing a diatonic scale on the vowel /a/, first in what the singers considered as lyric and second in what they considered as dramatic. Image recording was performed using real time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 25 frames/s, and the audio signal was recorded via an optical microphone system. Analysis was performed with regard to sound pressure level (SPL), vibrato amplitude, and frequency and resonance frequencies as well as articulatory settings of the vocal tract. The analysis revealed three primary differences between dramatic and lyric singing: Dramatic singing was associated with greater SPL and greater vibrato amplitude and frequency as well as lower resonance frequencies. The higher SPL is an indication of voice source changes, and the lower resonance frequencies are probably caused by the lower larynx position. However, all these strategies showed a considerable individual variability. The singers' Fach might contribute to perceptual differences even for the same singer with regard to the respective repertoire.
Isotopic evidence of long-lived volcanism on Io
Authors: de Kleer Katherine , Hughes Ery C. , Nimmo Francis , Eiler John , Hofmann Amy E. , Luszcz-Cook Statia , Mandt Kathy
Published: April 2024

Jupiter’s moon Io hosts extensive volcanism, driven by tidal heating. The isotopic composition of Io’s inventory of volatile chemical elements, including sulfur and chlorine, reflects its outgassing and mass-loss history and thus records information about its evolution. We used submillimeter observations of Io’s atmosphere to measure sulfur isotopes in gaseous sulfur dioxide and sulfur monoxide, and chlorine isotopes in gaseous sodium chloride and potassium chloride. We find
34
S/
32
S = 0.0595 ± 0.0038 (equivalent to δ
34
S = +347 ± 86‰), which is highly enriched compared to average Solar System values and indicates that Io has lost 94 to 99% of its available sulfur. Our measurement of
37
Cl/
35
Cl = 0.403 ± 0.028 (δ
37
Cl = +263 ± 88‰) shows that chlorine is similarly enriched. These results indicate that Io has been volcanically active for most (or all) of its history, with potentially higher outgassing and mass-loss rates at earlier times.
Exposing belowground plant communication
Authors: Guerrieri Emilio , Rasmann Sergio
Published: April 2024

Root exudation could be harnessed for ecological and applied research
Developing transmissible vaccines for animal infections
Authors: Streicker Daniel G. , Griffiths Megan E. , Antia Rustom , Bergner Laura , Bowman Peter , de Moraes Maria Vitoria dos Santos , Esvelt Kevin , Famulare Mike , Gilbert Amy , He Biao , Jarvis Michael A. , Kennedy David A. , Kuzma Jennifer , Wanyonyi Carolyne Nasimiyu , Remien Christopher , Rocke Tonie , Rosenke Kyle , Schreiner Courtney , Sheen Justin , Simons David , Yordanova Ivet A. , Bull James J. , Nuismer Scott L.
Published: April 2024

Intrinsically safe designs and a staged transparent development process will be essential
In Science Journals
Authors: Maroso Mattia , Lavine Marc S. , Grocholski Brent , Smith Keith T. , Stajic Jelena , Szuromi Phil , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Berry Brandon , Alderton Gemma , Funk Michael A. , Ash Caroline , Stern Peter , Yashinski Melisa , Olingy Claire , Ross Sarah H.
Published: April 2024

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Magnitude and determinants of excess total, age-specific and sex-specific all-cause mortality in 24 countries worldwide during 2020 and 2021: results on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic from the C-MOR project
Authors: Pallari Chryso Th. , Achilleos Souzana , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Gabel John , Critselis Elena , Athanasiadou Maria , Rahmanian Haghighi Mohammad Reza , Papatheodorou Stefania , Liu Tianyu , Artemiou Andreas , Rodriguez-Llanes Jose M , Bennett Catherine M , Zimmermann Claudia , Schernhammer Eva , Bustos Sierra Natalia , Ekelson Reindert , Lobato Jackeline , Macedo Laylla , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Critchley Julia , Goldsmith Lucy , Denissov Gleb , Le Meur Nolwenn , Kandelaki Levan , Athanasakis Kostas , Binyaminy Binyamin , Maor Tamar , Stracci Fabrizio , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Davletov Kairat , Glushkova Nataliya , Martial Cyndy , Chan Sun Marie , Hagen Terje P , Chong Mario , Barron Manuel , Łyszczarz Błażej , Erzen Ivan , Arcos Gonzalez Pedro , Burström Bo , Pidmurniak Nataliia , Verstiuk Olesia , Huang Qian , Polemitis Antonis , Charalambous Andreas , Demetriou Christiana A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality, we estimated excess all-cause mortality in 24 countries for 2020 and 2021, overall and stratified by sex and age.

Methods

Total, age-specific and sex-specific weekly all-cause mortality was collected for 2015–2021 and excess mortality for 2020 and 2021 was calculated by comparing weekly 2020 and 2021 age-standardised mortality rates against expected mortality, estimated based on historical data (2015–2019), accounting for seasonality, and long-term and short-term trends. Age-specific weekly excess mortality was similarly calculated using crude mortality rates. The association of country and pandemic-related variables with excess mortality was investigated using simple and multilevel regression models.

Results

Excess cumulative mortality for both 2020 and 2021 was found in Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Cyprus, England and Wales, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, Northern Ireland, Norway, Peru, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the USA. Australia and Denmark experienced excess mortality only in 2021. Mauritius demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in all-cause mortality during both years. Weekly incidence of COVID-19 was significantly positively associated with excess mortality for both years, but the positive association was attenuated in 2021 as percentage of the population fully vaccinated increased. Stringency index of control measures was positively and negatively associated with excess mortality in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of substantial excess mortality in most countries investigated during the first 2 years of the pandemic and suggests that COVID-19 incidence, stringency of control measures and vaccination rates interacted in determining the magnitude of excess mortality.
Feasibility of implementing a rapid-learning methodology to inform radiotherapy treatments: key professional stakeholders’ views
Authors: Kapadi Arbaz , Price Gareth , Faivre-Finn Corinne , Holley Rebecca , Wicks Kate , Banfill Kathryn , Webster Gareth , Franks Kevin , McDonald Fiona , Johnson Daniel , French David P
Published: April 2024

Objective

Pragmatic methodologies, often termed rapid-learning, are being pursued that can match the pace of innovation in radiotherapy and generate evidence from the real-world treatment setting. It is important to understand the feasibility of implementing such pragmatic approaches before their application in practice. This study investigated key professional stakeholders’ perceptions and opinions of rapid-learning and real-world data (RWD).

Methods and analysis

Twenty-three interviews were conducted with key professional stakeholders based across five UK radiotherapy cancer centres. Centres varied in size and reflected different healthcare environments. Data were collected between December 2022 and May 2023, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were generated: (1) the alignment of rapid-learning methodologies with the reality of practice, (2) concerns related to the variability of RWD, (3) the maturity of data infrastructures and capacity for rapid-learning and (4) further support, education and evidence needed to convince stakeholders to adopt rapid-learning approaches.

Conclusion

The potential of rapid-learning to help address evidence gaps in radiotherapy development was positively received by different professional stakeholders. However, the effectiveness of rapid-learning was viewed as being highly dependent on the collection of quality data in the routine setting, while the variable set-up at different cancer centres is also likely to be a key challenge for potential implementation. Developing data infrastructures to improve data interoperability was considered crucial for rapid-learning implementation, along with method clarity, educational support and training for radiotherapy teams.
Economic evaluation of newborn deafness gene screening as a public health intervention in China: a modelling study
Authors: Shu Jun-Tao , Gu Yuan-Yuan , Zhai Pei-Yao , Wen Cheng , Qian Min , Wu You-Jia , Zhuang Xun , Zhu Qing-Wen , Zhang Lu-Ping , Jiang Shan , Wang Xiao-Mo , Jiang Yin-Hua , Huang Li-Hui , Qin Gang
Published: April 2024

Background

While global newborn hearing screening programmes (NHSP) are far from the optimal level, the combined hearing and genetic screening has emerged as an innovative approach of early healthcare interventions. There is a clear need for economic evaluation to establish whether newborn deafness gene screening (NDGS), currently mandated by many cities in China, is a good investment.

Methods

A decision-tree model was constructed to simulate a hypothetical 10-million Chinese newborn cohort over a lifetime with three strategies: (1) no screening, (2) NHSP (standard screening) and (3) NHSP+NDGS (combined screening). The presence of permanent congenital hearing loss (PCHL) and genetic mutation were assigned at birth and held constant for all strategies. Input parameters were obtained from the Cohort of Deafness-gene Screening study and literature review. The government contract price for genetic screening was US$77/child. Outcomes of interest included the number of early diagnosed PCHL, prelingual deafness, total deafness, special education referral, incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and benefit–cost ratio (BCR).

Results

Both standard and combined screening strategies were more effective and more costly than ‘no screening’. Compared with standard screening, combined screening led to 9112 (28.0%) more PCHL cases early detected, avoiding 4071 (66.9%) prelingual deafness cases and 3977 (15.6%) special education referrals. The ICER and BCR for combined screening were US$ 4995/disability-adjusted life-year (95% uncertainty interval, 2963 to 9265) and 1.78 (1.19 to 2.39), from healthcare sector perspective. Combined screening would dominate standard screening from societal perspective. Moreover, it remained cost-effective even in pessimistic scenarios.

Conclusions

Our findings have particular implication for the ‘scale-up’ of genetic screening at the national level in China. The model may serve as a feasible example for hearing screening strategies in other countries, as well as genetic screening for other diseases.
Associations between lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection rates: a cross-sectional analysis in the USA
Authors: Shaheen Razaz , Beeson W Lawrence , Paalani Michael , Dos Santos Hildemar , Alismail Abdullah , Spencer-Hwang Rhonda K
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the vital connection between lifestyle factors and health outcomes, highlighting the need to understand how lifestyle choices influence both chronic and infectious diseases. Despite known links between lifestyle factors and chronic diseases, the relationship between these factors and infectious diseases like COVID-19 warrants further investigation.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used an anonymous survey collected from a diverse sample of US residents aged 18 or older. Excluding individuals under 18 or residing outside the USA, the survey captured data on diet, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sleep duration, COVID-19 infection status, socio-demographics and other potential confounders. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2tests and logistic regression to explore the associations between lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection, with a particular focus on gender differences.

Results

Among 1032 participants, the prevalence of COVID-19 was higher in women (42.8%) compared with men (32.0%). Significant associations were found between inadequate sleep (less than 4 hours per day) and increased risk of COVID-19 in both genders (OR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.13 to 7.35, p=0.02 for men; OR=5.69, 95% CI: 3.14 to 10.29, p<0.00 for women). Additionally, a significant association was observed between a lifestyle index, incorporating multiple lifestyle factors and COVID-19 infection in women (OR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.025, p=0.03).

Conclusions

The findings indicate a potential link between lifestyle factors and susceptibility to COVID-19, with inadequate sleep identified as a significant risk factor. These results suggest that promoting a healthy lifestyle could be an effective strategy for controlling the pandemic and mitigating the impact of infectious diseases. Further research is recommended to explore the role of restful sleep in preventing COVID-19 for men and women (including multiple lifestyle factors among women).
The weighted Bergman kernels and projections on a class of unbounded Hartogs domains
Authors: Su Guicong , Tang Yanyan , Zhang Shuo
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study the weighted Bergman kernels and projections on a class of unbounded Hartogs domains. As applications of our main results, we can obtain the explicit formulas for the weighted Bergman kernels on a wide class of unbounded Hartogs domains with different types of weight functions, and show that the associated weighted Bergman projections are bounded on the weighted [Formula: see text] spaces if and only if [Formula: see text].
Disorder-Induced Dynamics in Complex Networks
Authors: Palacios Antonio , In Visarath , Amani Mani
Published: April 2024

Disorder in parameters appears to influence the collective behavior of complex adaptive networks in ways that might seem unconventional. For instance, heterogeneities may, unexpectedly, lead to enhanced regions of existence of stable synchronization states. This behavior is unexpected because synchronization appears, generically, in symmetric networks with homogeneous components. Related works have, however, misidentified cases where disorder seems to play a critical role in enhancing synchronization, where it is actually not the case. Thus, in order to clarify the role of disorder in adaptive networks, we use normal forms to study, mathematically, when and how the presence of disorder can facilitate the emergence of collective patterns. We employ parameter symmetry breaking to study the interplay between disorder and the underlying bifurcations that determine the conditions for the existence and stability of collective behavior. This work provides a rigorous justification for a certain barycentric condition to be imposed on the heterogeneity of the parameters while studying the synchronization state. Theoretical results are accompanied by numerical simulations, which help clarify incorrect claims of disorder purportedly enhancing synchronization states.
Dynamic Analysis of the Bolted Joint Structure with Interval Uncertainties
Authors: Liu Yong , Qu Jie , Yan Fangchao
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the dynamic influence of joint interfaces in bolted joint structures subjected to uncertain-but-bounded parameters. Firstly, applying the thin layer elements (TLE) represents the contact interfaces with nonuniform stiffness distribution. The stochastic model updating method is employed to identify the uncertain parameters of TLE. Secondly, the Legendre interval method (LIM) is applied to calculate the natural frequencies of bolted lap joints with uncertain parameters. By introducing the elastic modulus of TLE as interval vectors, relations between the natural frequencies and uncertain parameters could be analyzed using the LIM. Furthermore, the dependence of the dynamic response on TLE parameters can be established based on the modal superposition principle. Considering the influence of uncertain parameters, an uncertain acceleration frequency response surrogate function (UAFRSF) is proposed to predict the dynamic behavior and qualitatively analyze the parameter sensitivity of the bolted lap joints. The elastic modulus of TLE in different contact regions is selected as the interval variable. The acceleration frequency responses of the bolted lap joints under uncertain parameters are investigated. Compared with MCs simulations with 200 samples and Chebyshev interval method results, the effectiveness of the proposed method for solving the uncertain acceleration frequency response of bolted lap joints is verified. This research will provide theoretical support for improving the design of aero-engine joint structures.
The dual vector spaces of symmetric tensor powers of composition algebras
Authors: Razon Aharon
Published: April 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a quaternion algebra or an octonion algebra over a field [Formula: see text] of characteristic [Formula: see text]. In a previous work, we show that the [Formula: see text]th symmetric power [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to a direct sum of central simple algebras [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In this work, we study the dual vector spaces of the [Formula: see text]’s. We show that [Formula: see text], under the isomorphism induced by the isomorphism [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]-linear map [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being the normalized trace and involution, respectively, of [Formula: see text].
A New Star in Energy Utilization: Solid–Liquid Triboelectric Nanogenerator
Authors: Gao Qi , Zeng Qunfeng
Published: April 2024

In the context of limited energy resources in the World energy resources, improving energy utilization and finding new energy has always been the goal of the scientific community. In addition, new opportunities brought by the production of new quality productive forces have made it a new pursuit for scientists to find a small energy source that can provide disorderly dispersion for micro/nano electromechanical systems and self-driving devices. Solid–liquid triboelectric nanogenerator (SL-TENG) is based on the contact electrocution (CE) and electrostatic induction (EI). It has attracted much attention with its benefits such as exquisite structure, convenient manufacturing, low cost and unparalleled advantages in collecting droplet energy. Since its discovery, it has gradually become a new research direction for TENG. This paper first elaborates on the electrification mechanism of SL-TENG and introduces its main working modes. Subsequently, a review is focused on the influencing factors and latest research of SL-TENG. Then, the commonly used manufacturing methods to improve the performance of frictional power generation were introduced, and the practical applications of SL-TENG were summarized and analyzed, as well as the relevant technological progress and research directions. Finally, the significance and challenges of SL-TENG are summarized, and its future development trend is prospected.