bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the Voltage Deficit of Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells with Hydroxyurea‐Doped PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Cao Zhiyuan , Wang Shurong , Zhu Weike , Ding Liming , Hao Feng
Published: November 2022

Tin halide perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) have made great strides recently with an inverted device structure, in with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiphene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has been already widely applied as the hole transport layer (HTL) due to its optical transparency, easy processability, and good mechanical expandability. Nevertheless, the TPSCs still suffer from a severe voltage deficit from the carrier recombination loss and energy‐level mismatch. Herein, hydroxyurea (HYU)‐doped PEDOT:PSS to suppress the voltage loss at the PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface is applied. It has been revealed that HYU effectively tunes the conductivity and hole mobility of PEDOT:PSS. The interfacial nonradiative carrier recombination is effectively suppressed. The target device shows a 20% increase in the open‐circuit voltage together with an increased power conversion efficiency rising from 8.10% to 10.17%. Therefore, this work provides a feasible strategy to minimize the voltage deficit in TPSCs from the HTL side, which is highly important to further boost the performance of TPSCs.
PRBP: A prioritized replica balancing policy for HDFS balancer
Authors: Fazul Rhauani Weber Aita , Barcelos Patrícia Pitthan
Published: November 2022

Data replication is the main fault tolerance mechanism implemented by the Apache Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS). The placement of the data across the cluster directly affects replica balancing and data locality. The HDFS Balancer is the native solution to rebalance the data distribution by moving the blocks from over‐utilized to under‐utilized nodes. Nevertheless, its current balancing policy does not address the characteristics and specific needs of the applications during data rearrangement. In this work, we present the PRBP, a customized replica balancing policy for the HDFS Balancer. The PRBP is based on a system of priorities, which can be adapted and configured according to different demands of use, either these are related to heterogeneous environments or focused on improving data reliability and availability. The priorities define whether system metrics or aspects of the cluster topology should be considered during the execution of the HDFS Balancer, thus making the process of replica balancing in HDFS more flexible. Based on the priority system, we determine association rules that allow the use of multiple priorities simultaneously. Along with these rules, we present guidelines for using the PRBP as a specialized solution in scenarios that can benefit from reactive replica balancing. In addition, we conducted a practical experimentation to highlight the behavior and the applicability of the guidelines of the PRBP to prioritize replica rearrangement in the file system.
Flow Stress Characteristics and Constitutive Modeling of Typical Ultrahigh‐Strength Steel under High Temperature and Large Strain
Authors: Zhao Mingjie , Huang Liang , Li Changmin , Su Yang , Guo Shiqi , Li Jianjun , Sun Chaoyuan , Li Pengchuan
Published: November 2022

Hot compression experiments are conducted to explore the deformation behaviors of 300M steel under large strain, which can mimic the forging process of large components. It is found that the variations of flow stress are affected by the deformation parameters and the rivalry between work hardening and dynamic softening. A novel constitutive model is proposed to forecast the flow stress at different deformation parameters. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the experimental flow stress and the predicted flow stress by the newly proposed constitutive model is 3.489%, and the relative error is within the range of ±5%. It implies that the newly proposed constitutive model can describe the variations of flow stress appropriately. Furthermore, the prediction accuracy of the newly proposed constitutive model is compared with that of the strain‐compensated Arrhenius constitutive model, the modified Johnson–Cook constitutive model, and the Hensel–Spittel constitutive model. Results demonstrate that the novel constitutive model provides the highest accuracy, followed by the strain‐compensated Arrhenius constitutive model, then the Hensel–Spittel constitutive model, and the modified Johnson–Cook constitutive model has the weakest accuracy. The establishment of the novel constitutive model is helpful in accurately predicting the flow behavior of materials during the forging process.
Effect of nutrient and culture conditions on enhanced biodegradation of phenolic pollutants: A review on recent development and future prospective
Authors: Priyadarshini Ankita , Mishra Soumya , Sahoo Mitali Madhusmita , Rout Prangya Ranjan , Sahoo Naresh Kumar
Published: November 2022

The rapid growth and development of industrial sectors releases massive amounts of phenolic contaminants into the aquatic environment. Bioremediation is a long‐term and cost‐effective way of removing phenolic contaminants from the environment. The success of bioremediation depends heavily on the biomass growth, enzymatic activities of microbial communities, their interactions, and other cellular metabolic activities related to phenolic degradation. Thus, the current review paper focuses on evaluating the microbial remediation of phenolic contaminants as well as the many challenges that come with it, with special reference to: (i) uses, occurrence of phenolic pollutants, and contamination levels; (ii) factors affecting phenolic biodegradation and biomass growth, such as the effect of temperature, pH, agitation speed, carbon sources, inoculum size, and age. The nutritional requirements for improved microbial growth and biodegradation of phenolic from contaminated environments were also highlighted, with a particular emphasis on the role of culture medium components and various redox mediators in phenolic compound removal. The efficiency of phenolic biodegradation has also been compared with a number of previously described advanced oxidation processes.
An Invitation to Stochastic Differential Equations in Healthcare
Authors: Breda Dimitri , Canci Jung Kyu , D’Ambrosio Raffaele
Published: November 2022

An important problem in finance is the evaluation of the value in the future of assets (e.g., shares in company, currencies, derivatives, patents). The change of the values can be modeled with differential equations. Roughly speaking, a typical differential equation in finance has two components, one deterministic (e.g., rate of interest of bank accounts) and one stochastic (e.g., values of stocks) that is often related to the notion of Brownian motions. The solution of such a differential equation needs the evaluation of Riemann–Stieltjes’s integrals for the deterministic part and Ito’s integrals for the stochastic part. For A few types of such differential equations, it is possible to determine an exact solution, e.g., a geometric Brownian motion. On the other side for almost all stochastic differential equations we can only provide approximations of a solution. We present some numerical methods for solving stochastic differential equations.
Laparoscopic Appendectomy
Authors: Lawenko Michael M. , Sta Clara Eva Lourdes
Published: November 2022

Appedicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies. Traditionally it has been treated by doing open surgery. However, with the advent of minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic appendectomy has been gaining popularity. Laparoscopic appendectomy has several advantages over the open appendectomy like faster recovery and lesser post operative pain. This chapter aims to teach the reader on how to do laparoscopic appendectomy.
Meckel’s Diverticula
Authors: Sta Clara Eva Lourdes
Published: November 2022

Meckel’s diverticulum is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the small intestine, which resulted from the incomplete obliteration of the vitelline duct during embryogenesis. It is usually located at the terminal ileum 45–90 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve on its antimesenteric border. Almost half of the patients with this anomaly have ectopic gastric or pancreatic mucosa, which might cause some complications [1].
Image Systems in Endo-Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Lawenko Michael M. , Versoza-Delgado Angelica Feliz
Published: November 2022

The field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has seen tremendous growth and advancement since its advent in the 1980s. New procedures, MIS techniques, and instruments are evolving regularly which makes it important for surgeons to be familiar with these developments. MIS is a technologically dependent specialty and every surgeon is expected to have good background knowledge of new instruments and imaging systems. Endo-laparoscopic surgery is conducted using an array of imaging devices that are all interconnected.
Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy
Authors: Fuentes Marilou B. , Lutanco Rainier
Published: November 2022

With the advancement in different MIS procedures across subspecialties, endocrine surgeons convene and embark on improving thyroidectomy techniques adhering to proper management of thyroid pathology while achieving optimal cosmetic result and safety [1, 2].
Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy: Retroperitoneal Approach
Authors: Fuentes Marilou B. , Keat Cheah Wei
Published: November 2022

With the advent of advances in radiologic imaging, there is an increase in the number of diagnosed cases of Adrenal Incidentaloma (adrenal mass ≥ 1 cm diameter, discovered on imagining done for other organs). Prevalence of which is around 2% and noted to increase with age, affecting 4% of middle-aged and increases to 10% in elderly patients. Tumor of the adrenal gland more than 4 cm in diameter or if the mass enlarges by 1 cm during observation period is recommended to be surgically removed after thorough endocrine clearance. The concept of minimally invasive surgery changed the approach to adrenal tumors but did not changed the indications and goals of treatment [1–4]. Posterior retroperitoneal adrenalectomy has the advantage of direct approach without mobilizing adjacent structures justifying the shorter operative time and lower blood loss. The only drawback of this technique is the unfamiliar anatomic view of retroperitoneal space [5]. A study on learning curve for retroperitoneoscopic approach done by Barczynski and Walz showed that 20–25 cases should be done by an apprentice under the supervision of an experienced surgeon before being able to have a mean operative time of 90 min [6].
Laparoscopic Choledochotomy for Bile Duct Stones
Authors: Bac Nguyen Hoang , Hai Pham Minh , Tuan Le Quan Anh
Published: November 2022

Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration was first reported in the early 90′. Although this procedure has proved beneficial, the widespread adoption of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is limited because of the technical complex, the need for specialized instruments (choledochoscope), and limited exposure and training of the surgical team to LCBDE.
Endo-Laparoscopic Suturing and Knotting: Tips and Tricks
Authors: Shah Tuhin
Published: November 2022

During General Surgery training, suturing and knot-tying for open surgery is relatively easy and one of the initial skills to be acquired and mastered. In contrast, similar skills in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) are more challenging to acquire and take an eternity to achieve proficiency. Competence and confidence in laparoscopic suturing allow the surgeon to venture into complex procedures and is an indispensable skill for dealing with intraoperative events.
Totally Extraperitoneal Approach in Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Lomanto Davide , Sta Clara Eva Lourdes
Published: November 2022

Inguinal hernia can be repaired endoscopically via three methods namely total extraperitoneal (TEP), transabdominal pre-peritoneal (TAPP), and the less common intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) repair. The first two are widely utilized for the obvious advantages of lower recurrence and complication rates, and better outcome (less pain, less analgesic reqirement, less surgical site infection, reduced length of hospital stay, early return to daily activity, etc.) when compared to the open repair while covering all the potential hernia site in the myopectineal orifice with a large prosthesis [1, 2]. The TEP approach has a lower risk of intra-abdominal injury to organs and postoperative adhesions. On the other hand, in the TAPP approach, the contralateral side can be examined for occult or undiagnosed hernia and it can be useful as a diagnostic tool in an emergency hernia repair of irreducible cases.
Ergonomics: An Overlooked Training
Authors: Shah Tuhin
Published: November 2022

Ergonomics plays an important role in the work environment however it does not receive due attention. Many are unaware of the terminology much less the specifics it contributes to an efficient, safe, and productive workplace.
Extraperitoneal Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Imamura Kiyotaka , Radu Victor Gheorghe
Published: November 2022

“Bridged-IPOM” of Leblanc has been introduced in the 1990s [1]. IPOM is still the mainstay of the repair of ventral hernia, but it has not been without limitation. Adhesive bowel obstruction, mesh erosion, enterocutaneous fistula, and chronic pain are due to tight mesh fixations [2]. Extraperitoneal mesh placement offer advantages: the retromuscular positioning of the mesh permits the integration of both sides, providing the repair with superior tensile strength and costly coated mesh is unnecessary. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic extraperitoneal approach continues to pose limitation in available degree of freedom and significant ergonomic challenge to the operating surgeons.
Role of Botulinum Toxin-A in Chemical Component Separation Technique
Authors: Malik Sajid , Lomanto Davide
Published: November 2022

Ventral incisional hernia is one of the most common log-term surgical complications after open midline surgeries and accounts for almost 20–30% of the cases [1, 2]. Repair of this incisional hernia is always challenging for general surgeons, especially for complex abdominal wall hernia (CAWH) which also have a major physical, social, and mental repercussions on patients [3]. Ramirez et al. devised a component separation technique (CST) which aims medicalization of rectus abdominis muscles by complete division of bilateral external oblique aponeurosis [4].
Endo-laparoscopic Repair of Lateral Ventral Hernia
Authors: Kit James Lee Wai , Malik Sajid , Wijerathne Sujith , Lomanto Davide
Published: November 2022

Lateral ventral hernia (LVH) repair is a challenging procedure for surgeons because of the difficult anatomy, the difficult location, the little knowledge on treatment as compared to midline defects, and the scarcity of cases and experience. Till now the poor outcomes including the potential risks of postoperative pain, infection, and higher risk of recurrence have compromised the success of several approaches [1–5].
Robotic Surgery: Operating Room Setup and Docking
Authors: Malik Sajid
Published: November 2022

Robotic surgery (RS) continues to impart its role in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) since its first emergence. It has rapidly been adopted by different specialties including general surgery, urology, gynecology, and orthopedic surgery, and now is becoming a mainstay of MIS technique around the globe [1–3]. During the last 30 years, many different robotic systems came into surgical practice but the da Vinci® is currently the most commonly utilized and is available in four different models (standard, streamlined, streamlined High definition, S-integrated). Despite its enhanced view of 3D system and angulations of instruments, its practical application for training surgical residents is less emphasized and addressed [4, 5]. This chapter will guide in the basic principles of setting operating room and equipments for da Vinici®. It is further emphasized that hands-on training on simulators and in operating rooms under a trained mentor is highly suggestive of learning robotic skills.
Neoformation of exotic copper minerals from gel-like precursors at the Exótica deposit, Chuquicamata, Chile
Authors: Lambiel Frédéric , Dold Bernhard , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Fontboté Lluís
Published: November 2022

At the Exótica deposit, south of the giant porphyry copper deposit of Chuquicamata (Atacama Desert, Chile), Cu-rich groundwater seeped out at several locations in the Exótica open pit (Mina Sur) during sampling in 2009–2011. At their outflows, these solutions formed blueish and greenish copper-bearing gel-like precipitates. These gels contained atacamite and copper sulfate hydroxides such as devilline, spangolite, posnjakite, schulenbergite, and brochantite, which were identified by XRD, SEM, ESEM, and FTIR. The formation of the gel materials was studied under humid and dry conditions during and after maturation and water evaporation. Atacamite was found associated to outflowing saline solutions with pH 5.7, SO4/Cl weight ratios of 0.42–0.48, SO4/NO3 ratios of 0.48–0.50. These solutions are seen as an expression of the the lower aquifer of the Calama basin. Most copper sulfate hydroxides (spangolite, posnjakite, schulenbergite) were associated with slightly acidic freshwaters (pH 6.0 to 6.5, SO4/Cl ratios of 3.08–4.99, SO4/NO3 ratios of 2.52–3.13). In contrast, devilline formed in gels with near neutral to slightly alkaline water (pH 7.2 to 7.8, SO4/Cl ratio of 8.34, and SO4/NO3 ratio of 6.05). Non-copper-bearing precipitates formed by evaporation of the supernatant solutions from the gel. Gypsum precipitated first, then blödite (sodium-magnesium sulfate), and finally halite. Slightly negative sulfur isotope values suggest that the sulfur source in the neoformed gels is primarily the oxidation of sulfides rather than sulfate of sedimentary origin. The studied copper-gel seeps suggest that they might represent a modern precursor of the latest atacamite-brochantite-gypsum mineralization event at Exótica. These data support that the atacamite-brochantite-gypsum mineralization at Exótica is linked to the inflow of Cl-SO4-dominated groundwater from the lower saline aquifer of the Calama basin into the Chuquicamata-Exótica-Radomiro Tomic complex.
Moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases potency of two different drugs (the antifungal fluconazole and the antiepileptic valproate) in inducing craniofacial defects: prediction by the in vitro rat whole embryo culture
Authors: Metruccio Francesca , Battistoni Maria , Di Renzo Francesca , Moretto Angelo , Menegola Elena
Published: November 2022

The prenatal exposure to ethanol (Eth), fluconazole (FLUCO) and sodium valproate (VPA) is related to effects on development, producing characteristic syndromic pictures. Among embryotoxic effects described for the three molecules, the alteration on craniofacial morphogenesis is a common feature in humans and animal models, including rodent embryos developed in vitro. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the developmental effects of low Eth serum concentration (17 mM, corresponding to the legal limit to drive in UK, USA, Canada, and many other countries) in mixture with increasing realistic concentrations of the antifungal drug FLUCO (62.5–500 µM) or with increasing realistic concentrations of the antiepileptic drug VPA (31.25–250 µM). Groups exposed to Eth alone (17–127.5 mM), FLUCO alone (62.5–500 µM) or VPA alone (31.25–750 µM) were also included. The chosen alternative animal model was the post-implantation rat whole embryo culture (WEC). E9.5 embryos were exposed in vitro to the test molecules during the whole test period (48 h, corresponding to the developmental stages characteristics of any vertebrate, for human embryos post-fertilization days 23–31). Data were statistically analyzed and processed for modelling applying the benchmark dose (BMD) and relative potency factor (RPF) approaches. Concentration-related effects on facial outcomes were observed in all experimental groups, with a significant enhancement in the groups co-exposed with Eth in comparison to the single exposures. Data obtained by the present work suggest an additional alert for the assumption of even low levels of alcohol in pregnant women during FLUCO or VPA therapy.
Gravitational Collapse for Polytropic Gaseous Stars: Self-Similar Solutions
Authors: Guo Yan , Hadžić Mahir , Jang Juhi , Schrecker Matthew
Published: November 2022

In the supercritical range of the polytropic indices $$\gamma \in (1,\frac{4}{3})$$

γ
∈
(
1
,

4
3

)

we show the existence of smooth radially symmetric self-similar solutions to the gravitational Euler–Poisson system. These solutions exhibit gravitational collapse in the sense that the density blows up in finite time. Some of these solutions were numerically found by Yahil in 1983 and they can be thought of as polytropic analogues of the Larson–Penston collapsing solutions in the isothermal case $$\gamma =1$$

γ
=
1

. They each contain a sonic point, which leads to numerous mathematical difficulties in the existence proof.
A novel and improved selective media for the isolation and enumeration of Klebsiella species
Authors: Prasad Megha , Shetty Sindhu K. , Nair Bipin G. , Pal Sanjay , Madhavan Ajith
Published: November 2022

Bacterial pathogens are fostered in and transmitted through wastewater. Hence, monitoring their impact on sanitation and hygiene is imperative. As part of the monitoring process, culture-based methodologies are primarily used, which centre on the use of selective and differential media. Media available today are, at best, difficult to formulate and, at worst, prohibitively expensive. To address this lacuna, the study proposes a selective and differential medium for Klebsiella spp. Klebsiella blue agar (KBA) is completely selective against selected gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus aureus) and a few gram-negative bacteria (Acinetobacter baumanii, Serratia marcescens). On the other hand, it supports the growth of the chosen members of the Klebsiella pneumoniae species-complex with a characteristic green colouration. Methylene blue, tryptophan, and bile salt make up the selective components of KBA. Moreover, methylene blue, 0.6% NaCl, and glycerol render it differential. KBA was more selective than HiCrome™ Klebsiella Selective Agar Base (KSA) in replica plating experiments. KBA promoted only 157 CFUs against 209 CFUs in KSA when stamped with 253 CFUs grown on LB. The colonies so isolated were predominantly Klebsiella spp., on identification through colony polymerase chain reaction. Moreover, the differential nature of KBA distinguished Klebsiella aerogenes from other species. On the contrary, KSA lodged colonies indistinguishable from each other and Klebsiella spp. Due to its ease of formulation, high selectivity, differential nature, and cost-effective composition, KBA is a viable option for the routine culture of Klebsiella spp. in environmental and clinical settings.

Key points

• Formulated a novel selective and differential media for Klebsiella spp., named Klebsiella Blue agar

• Facile formulation methodology

• Can be employed to isolate Klebsiella spp. from complex sources such as wastewater
Pre-treatment soluble PD-L1 as a predictor of overall survival for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Széles Ádám , Fazekas Tamás , Váncsa Szilard , Váradi Melinda , Kovács Petra Terézia , Krafft Ulrich , Grünwald Viktor , Hadaschik Boris , Csizmarik Anita , Hegyi Péter , Váradi Alex , Nyirády Péter , Szarvas Tibor
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) such as anti-PD-L1 and anti-PD-1 agents have been proven to be effective in various cancers. However, the rate of non-responders is still high in all cancer entities. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers that could help to optimize therapeutic decision-making is of great clinical importance. Soluble PD-L1 (sPD-L1) and PD-1 (sPD-1) are emerging blood-based biomarkers and were previously shown to be prognostic in various clinical studies.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic relevance of sPD-L1 and sPD-1 in patients with different tumor entities who underwent ICI therapy.

Methods

We searched for articles in PubMed via Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS); furthermore, we analyzed on-treatment serum level changes of sPD-L1 and sPD-1 during ICI therapy.

Results

We synthesized the data of 1,054 patients with different cancer types from 15 articles. Pooled univariate analysis showed that elevated levels of sPD-L1 were significantly associated with inferior OS (HR = 1.67; CI:1.26–2.23, I2 = 79%, p < 0.001). The strongest association was found in non-small cell lung cancer, whereas weaker or no association was observed in melanoma as well as in renal cell and esophageal cancers. Pooled multivariate analysis also showed that elevated levels of sPD-L1 correlated with worse OS (HR = 1.62; CI: 1.00–2.62, I2 = 84%, p = 0.05) and PFS (HR = 1.71; CI:1.00–2.94, I2 = 82%, p = 0.051). Furthermore, we observed that one or three months of anti-PD-L1 treatment caused a strong (27.67-fold) elevation of sPD-L1 levels in malignant mesothelioma and urothelial cancer.

Conclusions

We found significantly inferior OS in ICI-treated cancer patients with elevated pre-treatment sPD-L1 levels, but this association seems to be tumor type dependent. In addition, sPD-L1 increases during anti-PD-L1 therapy seems to be therapy specific.
Influence of geometrical parameters on the hysteresis of flutter onset in confined configurations
Authors: Jankee Girish K. , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: November 2022

The interaction between a flow and a flexible structure can provide fascinating insight into the vortex shedding phenomenon and any propagation and mixing characteristics, which relate to a plethora of applications such as heat transfer, snoring, musical instruments, or propulsion mechanisms. In this investigation, the influence of confinement on the flapping behaviour of a flexible flag is explored. In particular, hysteresis, one of the least understood aspects of flapping flags, and its sensitivity on both the flexural rigidity of the flag and the confinement ratio is addressed. For the same test-section dimensions and flag material, variations in the flag thickness and flag length enable a range of mass ratios ($$M^*$$

M
∗

) and confinement ratios ($$C^*$$

C
∗

) to be studied. Pressure measurements and high-speed imaging allow quantification of the hysteretic behaviour. The results demonstrate that although confinement ratio does not contribute to the existence of hysteresis, the relation between the critical reduced velocities and the mass ratio is sensitive to the degree of confinement.

Graphical abstract
Gunshots through laminated glass: expelled compounded fragments as a function of bullet type
Authors: Lux Constantin , Krutzek Alexander , Reich Tobias , Welkerling Stephan , Federspiel Jan M. , Ramsthaler Frank , Gruber Hannes , Sauer Patrick , Kern Natascha , Verhoff Marcel A. , Kettner Mattias
Published: November 2022

In the frame of an experimental setting, the formation of round-shaped compounded glass fragments on the exit site after gunshots through a windshield was examined. For that purpose, a 9 × 19 mm pistol (HK P30) and two different cartridges containing (a) a full metal jacketed round-nosed projectile and (b) a deformation projectile were used. On the basis of 52 gunshots, the morphology, impact angles and terminal ballistics of occurring compounded glass fragments were examined. The results showed that the compounded glass fragments’ morphology allowed for the differentiation of two used projectiles. Fragments were able to cause round-shaped defects in a single cotton layer (T-shirt) with subsequent penetration of up to 2.4 cm into ballistic gelatin (10%, 4 °C). As a function of the projectile type, the compounded glass fragments showed different reproducible impact angles that differed notably from the known conical pattern of expelled glass fragments after bullet penetration. These findings might help to explain the atypical morphology of gunshot wounds with laminated glass as an intermediate target and prevent possible misinterpretations when reconstructing the sequence of events.
Lax eyelid condition (LEC) and floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) prevalence in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Gallo Afflitto Gabriele , Alessandri Bonetti Mario , Ceccarelli Francesca , Cesareo Massimo , Nucci Carlo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Lax eyelid condition (LEC) and floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) represent two distinct conditions which have been associated with several ocular and systemic comorbidities. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore the available literature to estimate the prevalence rate of LEC and FES in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO. Four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) were searched from inception to December 24, 2021. A random intercept logistic regression model was carried out for the analysis of overall proportions. Odds ratio and mean difference were reported as measures of the effect size in the presence of binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. The estimated numbers of LEC/FES patients in OSA were calculated by multiplying the prevalence rate determined by our random-effects model and the corresponding Benjafield et al.’s population prospect.

Results

We included 11 studies comprising 1225 OSA patients of whom 431 and 153 affected by LEC and FES, respectively. Our model estimated a pooled prevalence rate for LEC and FES in OSA patients of 40.2% (95%CI: 28.6–53.1%) and of 22.4% (95%CI: 13.8–34.2%), respectively. The number of LEC/FES affected individuals among OSA patients is expected to peak up to 376 and to 210 million, respectively. OSA patients appeared to have a 3.4 (95%CI: 2.2–5.2) and a 3.0 (95%CI: 1.7–5.5) increased risk of developing LEC and FES than the healthy counterpart.

Conclusion

Prevalence of LEC and FES is higher in OSA-affected patients compared to controls. More studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms leading to the development of LEC and/or FES in OSA patients, as well as the feasibility of the adoption of these clinical findings as screening tools for OSA.
Overlapping pathogenic de novo CNVs in neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital anomalies impacting constraint genes regulating early development
Authors: Safizadeh Shabestari Seyed Ali , Nassir Nasna , Sopariwala Samana , Karimov Islam , Tambi Richa , Zehra Binte , Kosaji Noor , Akter Hosneara , Berdiev Bakhrom K. , Uddin Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and congenital anomalies (CAs) are rare disorders with complex etiology. In this study, we investigated the less understood genomic overlap of copy number variants (CNVs) in two large cohorts of NDD and CA patients to identify de novo CNVs and candidate genes associated with both phenotypes. We analyzed clinical microarray CNV data from 10,620 NDD and 3176 CA cases annotated using Horizon platform of GenomeArc Analytics and applied rigorous downstream analysis to evaluate overlapping genes from NDD and CA CNVs. Out of 13,796 patients, only 195 cases contained 218 validated de novo CNVs. Eighteen percent (31/170) de novo CNVs in NDD cases and 40% (19/48) de novo CNVs in CA cases contained genomic overlaps impacting developmentally constraint genes. Seventy-nine constraint genes (10.1% non-OMIM entries) were found to have significantly enriched genomic overlap within rare de novo pathogenic deletions (P value = 0.01, OR = 1.58) and 45 constraint genes (13.3% non-OMIM entries) within rare de novo pathogenic duplications (P value = 0.01, OR = 1.97). Analysis of spatiotemporal transcriptome demonstrated both pathogenic deletion and duplication genes to be highly expressed during the prenatal stage in human developmental brain (P value = 4.95 X 10–6). From the list of overlapping genes, EHMT1, an interesting known NDD gene encompassed pathogenic deletion CNVs from both NDD and CA patients, whereas FAM189A1, and FSTL5 are new candidate genes from non-OMIM entries. In summary, we have identified constraint overlapping genes from CNVs (including de novo) in NDD and CA patients that have the potential to play a vital role in common disease etiology.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with and without affective dysregulation and their families
Authors: Treier A.-K. , Holas V. , Görtz-Dorten A. , Frenk F. , Goldbeck C. , Mücke K. , Hanisch C. , Ritschel A. , Roessner V. , Rothe J. , Ravens-Sieberer U. , Kaman A. , Banaschewski T. , Brandeis D. , Aggensteiner P.-M. , Kölch M. , Daunke A. , Döpfner M. ,   for the ADOPT Consortium
Published: November 2022

Analyzing COVID-19-related stress in children with affective dysregulation (AD) seems especially interesting, as these children typically show heightened reactivity to potential stressors and an increased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Children in out-of-home care often show similar characteristics to those with AD. Since COVID-19 has led to interruptions in psychotherapy for children with mental health problems and to potentially reduced resources to implement treatment strategies in daily life in families or in out-of-home care, these children might show a particularly strong increase in stress levels. In this study, 512 families of children without AD and 269 families of children with AD reported on COVID-19-related stress. The sample comprised screened community, clinical, and out-of-home care samples. Sociodemographic factors, characteristics of child and caregiver before the pandemic, and perceived change in external conditions due to the pandemic were examined as potential risk or protective factors. Interestingly, only small differences emerged between families of children with and without AD or between subsamples: families of children with AD and families in out-of-home care were affected slightly more, but in few domains. Improvements and deteriorations in treatment-related effects balanced each other out. Overall, the most stable and strongest risk factor for COVID-19-related stress was perceived negative change in external conditions—particularly family conditions and leisure options. Additionally, caregiver characteristics emerged as risk factors across most models. Actions to support families during the pandemic should, therefore, facilitate external conditions and focus on caregiver characteristic to reduce familial COVID-19-related stress. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), ADOPT Online: DRKS00014963 registered 27 June 2018, ADOPT Treatment: DRKS00013317 registered 27 September 2018, ADOPT Institution: DRKS00014581 registered 04 July 2018.
Gender and minority background as moderators of teacher expectation effects on self-concept, subjective task values, and academic performance
Authors: Timmermans Anneke C. , Rubie-Davies Christine M.
Published: November 2022

Two developments in teacher expectation research formed the basis for the current study. First, researchers have begun investigating the self-fulfilling prophecy effects of teacher expectations on a variety of psycho-social outcomes in addition to the effects on academic achievement. Second, researchers have started to realize that some groups of students appeared to be more vulnerable or susceptible to teacher expectations. The current study aimed to investigate whether students’ gender and minority background were moderators of teacher expectation effects for both academic outcomes and self-concept and subjective task value in the mathematics domain. The study is based on a sample of 1663 students (Grades 6 and 7) in 42 classes from three intermediate schools in New Zealand. Multilevel modeling was applied using MLwiN software. First, after controlling for students’ beginning-of-year mathematics achievement, teacher expectations were higher for Asian and lower for Māori, compared with New Zealand European students. Expectations within the domain of mathematics, however, were higher for girls than for boys. Second, teachers’ beginning-year expectations were predictive of achievement and self-concept of students at end-of-year, after controlling for beginning-of-year achievement and self-concept. Teachers’ expectations were, however, not predictive of end-of-year intrinsic and utility value. Third, we did not find evidence for moderation effects of students’ gender and minority background. These findings imply that despite the roughly similar magnitude of teacher expectation effects for various student groups, teacher expectations may contribute to gaps in students’ achievement and self-concept because of differential expectations at the beginning of the year.
Do Beliefs About Sexual Orientation Predict Sexual Identity Labeling Among Sexual Minorities?
Authors: Morandini James S. , Menzies Rachel E. , Moreton Sam G. , Dar-Nimrod Ilan
Published: November 2022

Research has found that sexual orientation beliefs predict heterosexuals’ attitudes toward sexual minorities, and important sexual identity outcomes in sexual minority populations. To this point, no studies have systematically examined how sexual orientation beliefs may be associated with sexual identity self-labeling among sexual minority individuals. The present study examined this question in a sample of 1840 same-gender attracted individuals recruited for a cross-sectional online survey. Beliefs in the naturalness and discreteness of sexual orientation categories were highest in gay/lesbian individuals, intermediate in bisexual people, and lower in queer and pansexual individuals. Beliefs in the importance of sexual orientation were highest in gay/lesbian and queer identified individuals and lower in bisexual people. Within-group analysis demonstrated that gay/lesbian individuals who reported more exclusive same-gender attraction reported higher naturalness, discreteness, and importance beliefs than those with less-exclusive same-gender attraction. However, naturalness, discreteness, and importance beliefs were not associated with sexual attraction patterns in bisexual individuals. Finally, among predominately same-gender attracted populations, the adoption of a queer identity (over a gay/lesbian identity) was predicted by lower naturalness and discreteness beliefs, and increased perceived importance in females. Among non-monosexual populations, adoption of a pansexual identity over a bisexual identity was predicted by lower naturalness beliefs in females, but not predicted by sexual orientation beliefs in males. Collectively, these findings suggest that sexual orientation beliefs differ between sexual identity groups and may partly explain the adoption of particular sexual identity labels among contemporary sexual minority populations.
Sharing the World With Bears: Conflict and Coexistence in the Siberian Taiga
Authors: Wiget Andrew , Balalaeva Olga
Published: November 2022

Conservation regimes and governmental relations with Indigenous peoples both vary widely. Successfully resolving conflicts arising from human-wildlife interactions (HWI) is complicated by the existence of multiple ontologies not only among various publics but within historically-marginalized and fragmented Indigenous communities. Current models of HWI are being reevaluated in order to better understand how humans and animals, including large carnivores, have learned to coexist. This article uses field interviews and Indigenous songs texts to describe the uniquely moral character of human-bear interactions among the elder generation of Siberian Khanty of Siberia. We outline the potential of such an ethos for developing more inclusive and just management policies and practices focused on tolerance and coexistence, while also identifying some limitations on developing such policies that emerge from acculturative stresses.
On some aspects of the binary in the context of the ternary and the plural in Juri Lotman’s semiotics of literature
Authors: Kroó Katalin
Published: November 2022

The paper raises the problem of binarisms in Juri Lotman’s conceptual and text analytical system from a new perspective. The approach combines several focal aspects of examination. It consist of the parallel study of the application of the notion of binarism in cultural semiotic theory and its active role as a crucial methodological tool for literary text interpretation (the question is: how binary notions in scientific interpretive metatexts are related to the examined culture texts and traditions). Binary models are put into a context of ternary models as interpreted by J. Lotman and B. Uspensky in their 1977 article “The Role of Dual Models in the Dynamics of Russian Culture (until the End of the Eighteenth Century).” The theory expounded by the two scholars is compared with Lotman’s overview of Russian literature of the classical period (1992) where he gives further details on the two models manifesting themselves in 19th-century authors’ poetics. In the paper, the role of the neutral, inbetween semantic sphere is accorded special attention so as to clarify the real nature of Lotman’s suggestion in indentifying the meaning-creative energy of this middle, mediatory semantic zone. Through the investigation, the coherence of Lotman’s oeuvre is revealed, which refutes the possibility of interpreting the functionalisation of binary notions and their different uses within the framework of the structuralist or the poststructuralis paradigm. The universal cultural nature of thinking in oppositions is interpreted in concrete terms of the semiotic principles of meaning-engendering, explaining the issues of semantic difference (deviation), meaning-transformation (text-dynamics), the shift from binarism to plurality, and semiotic mediation. The paper ends with outlining future perspectives in the investigation of the problem of binarisms.
On the convergence of randomized and greedy relaxation schemes for solving nonsingular linear systems of equations
Authors: Frommer Andreas , Szyld Daniel B.
Published: November 2022

We extend results known for the randomized Gauss-Seidel and the Gauss-Southwell methods for the case of a Hermitian and positive definite matrix to certain classes of non-Hermitian matrices. We obtain convergence results for a whole range of parameters describing the probabilities in the randomized method or the greedy choice strategy in the Gauss-Southwell-type methods. We identify those choices which make our convergence bounds best possible. Our main tool is to use weighted ℓ1-norms to measure the residuals. A major result is that the best convergence bounds that we obtain for the expected values in the randomized algorithm are as good as the best for the deterministic, but more costly algorithms of Gauss-Southwell type. Numerical experiments illustrate the convergence of the method and the bounds obtained. Comparisons with the randomized Kaczmarz method are also presented.
A scoping review of theories used to investigate clinician adherence to clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Stewart Derek , Al Hail Moza , Al-Shaibi Samaher , Hussain Tarteel Ali , Abdelkader Nada Nabil , Pallivalapila Abdulrouf , Thomas Binny , El Kassem Wessam , Hanssens Yolande , Nazar Zachariah
Published: November 2022

Background

Routine utilization of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is an effective strategy to optimize patient care and reduce practice variation. Healthcare professionals’ failure to adhere to CPGs introduces risks to both patients and the sustainability of healthcare systems. The integration of theory to investigate adherence provides greater insight into the often complex reasons for suboptimal behaviors.

Aim

To determine the coverage of literature surrounding the use of theory in studies of CPG adherence, report the key findings and identify the knowledge gaps.

Method

In April 2021, three bibliographic databases were searched for studies published since January 2010, adopting theory to investigate health professionals’ adherence to CPGs. Two reviewers independently screened the articles for eligibility and charted the data. A narrative approach to synthesis was employed.

Results

The review includes 12 articles. Studies were limited to primarily investigations of physicians, quantitative designs, single disease states and few countries. The use of behavioral theories facilitated pooling of data of barriers and facilitators of adherence. The domains and constructs of a number of the reported theories are captured within the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF); the most common barriers aligned with the TDF domain of environmental context and resources, fewer studies reported facilitators.

Conclusion

There is emerging use of behavioral theories investigating physicians’ adherence to CPGs. Although limited in number, these studies present specific insight into common barriers and facilitators, thus providing valuable evidence for refining existing and future implementation strategies. Similar investigations of other health professionals are warranted.
Resource-theoretic efficacy of the single copy of a two-qubit entangled state in a sequential network
Authors: Das Arun Kumar , Das Debarshi , Mal Shiladitya , Home Dipankar , Majumdar A. S.
Published: November 2022

How best one can recycle a given quantum resource, mitigating the various difficulties involved in its preparation and preservation, is of considerable importance for ensuring efficient applications in quantum technology. Here, we demonstrate quantitatively the resource-theoretic advantage of reusing a single copy of a two-qubit entangled state toward information processing. To this end, we consider a scenario of sequential entanglement detection of a given two-qubit state by multiple independent observers on each of the two spatially separated wings. In particular, we consider equal numbers of sequential observers on the two wings. We first determine the upper bound on the number of observers who can detect entanglement employing suitable entanglement witness operators. In terms of the parameters characterizing the entanglement consumed and the robustness of measurements, we then compare the above scenario with the corresponding scenario involving multiple pairs of entangled qubits shared among the two wings. This reveals a clear resource-theoretic advantage of recycling a single copy of a two-qubit entangled state in the sequential network.