bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Assisted Metal Oxide‐Bismuth Oxy Halide Nanocomposite for Electrochemical Sensing of Heavy Metals in Aqueous Media
Authors: Kailasam Vijayalakshmi , Sankararajan Radha , Kailasam Muthumeenakshi , Suseela Sreeja Balakrishnapillai
Published: January 2024

Heavy metal in excess quantity is one of the major inorganic pollutants in water. It causes several hazards to human life and ecosystem. It exists in traces in most of the commonly available drinking water sources from lakes, ponds, wells, etc., However, their presence in treated water is relatively significant. As the treated water is primarily used for agricultural purposes, it is necessary to monitor and measure their concentration. This requires sensing of metals in aqueous medium with good sensitivity and stability. Recently, nanosensors coupled with electrochemical transducer is preferred for analyzing heavy metal in aqueous solutions. In this work, Silver oxide‐bismuth oxy bromide coated with nafion is proposed as an electrochemical sensor for detection of heavy metal ions in aqueous solution. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) behavior of the proposed electrode is observed in different electrolytes. Further, Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV) study shows that current increases with trace nickel and copper metal ions of different concentration. Further, machine learning (ML) algorithms such as Naïve Bayes, ANN, SVM and decision trees are employed for nickel ions to train the cyclic voltammetry data and evaluate its performance. Naïve Bayes algorithm provides the best accuracy of 93.2% among all the models.
Power allocation for enhancing energy efficiency in unmanned aerial vehicle networks
Authors: Rose J. T. Anita , Subasini C. A. , Vinnarasi F. Sangeetha Francelin , Karuppiah S. P.
Published: January 2024

The non‐orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) wireless networks are a robust multi‐access mechanism that serves multiple clients accessing the same resource block simultaneously. The fifth‐generation wireless networks offer huge efficiency in spectrum utilization, which can be exploited to deploy NOMA for LOS communication of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Previous research has extensively analyzed various aspects of NOMA‐UAV communication systems, including user access fairness, coverage, maximizing system capacity, and total energy efficiency. However, only a few researchers have focused on maximizing the EE of NOMA‐UAV wireless networks with user quality of service (QoS) constraints. This paper proposes a fuzzy logic‐based crossover‐based coati optimization algorithm for maximizing the energy efficiency of NOMA‐UAV, along with user scheduling. The main objective of this model is to offer a solution to the joint energy efficiency and user QoS scheduling problem. The fuzzy decision‐making strategy optimizes the energy efficiency (EE) of NOMA‐UAV by selecting appropriate power and time resources. Additionally, the crossover‐based coati optimization algorithm transforms the subchannel allocation problem into a two‐sided matching procedure. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is evaluated concerning overall residual energy, number of remaining nodes, and time consumption. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the capability of the proposed model in optimizing the energy efficiency of the NOMA‐UAV network by identifying the optimal resource set in terms of time and power while satisfying the clients' QoS.
A Water‐Stable Europium Metal‐Organic Framework as a Turn‐Off Fluorescence Sensor for Ascorbic Acid Detection in Human Serum
Authors: Yin Yu‐Xing , Liu Bing , Zheng Le‐Fang , Zhou Xin , Xu Ling
Published: January 2024

Ascorbic acid (AA) is a biomarker of some nervous system diseases, whose detection is of significance in many fields. The hydrothermal reaction of naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (H2NDBC) with Eu3+ produced a europium MOF, Eu‐NDBC. Eu‐NDBC emits the combined emissions from the intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) of NDBC2− ligand and 5D0→7Fj (j=1–4) transfers of Eu(III). The factors of MOF dosage, pH and fluorescence response time are optimized as 0.6 mg, 7.35, and 5 min respectively. The sensitivity test shows a linear fitting equation of I0/I=0.00239 ⋅ CAA+1.03774 (CAA=AA concentration), with its limit of detection calculated as 4.53 μM in a wide linear range of 0–900 μM. The linear fitting of Stern‐Volmer equation gives KSV=2.46×103 M−1 and Kq=4.96×106 M−1 S−1, suggesting Eu‐NDBC sensing AA is a dynamic fluorescence quenching process. Nine control amino acids can't affect Eu‐NDBC sensing AA and the emission intensity stay stable in five fluorescence quenching‐recovery cycles. The returned CAA closed to the set CAA and the recoveries around 100 % support the accurate AA detection by Eu‐NDBC in human serum. Totally, Eu‐NDBC can be regarded as a quantitative turn‐off fluorescence sensor to AA with high sensitivity and selectivity, rapid response and durability.
Eliciting and stop dose during oral food challenges for peanut and common tree nuts in different age groups
Authors: de Weger Wouter W. , Jansen Diede , van Lente Lidy , van der Meulen Gerbrich N. , Kamps Arvid W. A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Oral food challenges (OFCs) are used to confirm or reject a diagnosis of food allergy. However, younger children may encounter difficulties in consuming all offered doses during an OFC in the absence of symptoms, resulting in inconclusive outcomes. Our aim is to assess the eliciting dose for objective symptoms among various age groups and determine the necessity of consuming the final dose step during an uneventful OFC to avoid false negative outcomes.

Methods

OFCs for common food allergens performed between 2012 and 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome was the association of age with stop dose for OFCs with inconclusive outcome. Secondary outcome measures were the association of age with eliciting dose and the potential number of false negative outcomes.

Results

A total of 1327 OFCs were performed in 707 patients. Of these, 514 (38.7%) were positive, 589 (44.4%) negative, and 224 (16.9%) inconclusive. In OFCs with inconclusive outcome, age appeared to be a significant predictor of the stop dose only for almond (p = .005). Objective symptoms occurred after the last dose step in 2%–13% of all OFCs with positive outcome. In our cohort, potential false negative outcomes may have been drawn in 27.6% of uneventful OFCs.

Conclusions

Two third of children under 6 years of age successfully consumed all the provided doses during OFCs with a negative outcome. The eliciting dose for objective symptoms was not associated with age, and in a substantial number of OFCs with positive outcome, symptoms occurred after eating the final dose. These findings suggest that in case of an uneventful OFC, the outcome should be drawn only after a cumulative dose of 4.4 g has been consumed to avoid the risk of a potential false negative outcome.
Survival nomograms for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma based on the SEER database and a Chinese external validation cohort
Authors: Zhao Zhongyi , Zhen Shihan , Liu Ning , Ding Ding , Zhang Dandan , Kong Juan
Published: January 2024

Objective

The aim of study was to construct a nomogram to effectively predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC).

Methods

The training cohort consisted of 5405 patients with VSCC, extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. Eighty‐four patients with VSCC were selected from the disease database of the Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from 2014 to 2020, and enrolled as the external validation cohort. Significant independent prognostic factors were identified using Cox regression analysis and used to develop nomograms to predict 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS and CSS in patients with VSCC.

Results

The nomogram predicting OS was developed based on tumor size, histological grade, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, regional lymph node involvement, distant metastases, surgery, chemotherapy, age, and race. The nomogram for CSS was constructed using the similar factors, excluding race but including marital status. The nomogram for 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year OS demonstrated robust performance with receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) exceeding 80% (0.86, 0.84, and 0.82), outperforming the FIGO staging alone (0.77, 0.75, and 0.72). Similarly, for CSS, our nomograms achieved larger AUCs of 0.89, 0.88, and 0.86 compared with FIGO staging alone (0.81, 0.79, and 0.78).

Conclusion

The nomograms more accurately predict prognosis than simple FIGO staging. Moreover, the nomograms developed in this study provide a convenient, operable, and reliable tool for individual assessment and clinical decision‐making for patients with VSCC.
Tortoise health. Part 1: husbandry and husbandry‐related conditions
Authors: Kubiak Marie
Published: January 2024

Background: As with many non‐traditional companion animals, husbandry is a crucial part of maintaining the health of captive tortoises. Husbandry deficiencies are a common factor in the development of clinical disease, and awareness of the species‐specific requirements and common consequences of husbandry failings, are critical in managing these patients in practice.

Aim of the article: This article outlines basic husbandry requirements and husbandry‐related conditions for the more common tortoise species that may present to first‐opinion practice. Descriptions to assist in species identification are included, as these become relevant when assessing hibernation suitability of individual animals. Hibernation‐related health concerns are also discussed.
Managing weaning issues in lambs and ewes
Authors: Forster Rachel , Falder Nicola
Published: January 2024

Background: Weaning has long been considered a stressful time for both lambs and ewes and, as such, many problems can be encountered during this time. The timing of weaning is generally when lambs reach ages of between 12 and 14 weeks; however, rather than being a fixed time event this should be based on the grazing available, ewe body condition score and lamb growth rates.

Aim of the article: This article discusses common issues encountered by both ewes and lambs at weaning time and outlines how to minimise these problems.
Latest developments in testing for equine helminths
Authors: Matthews Jacqueline , Peczak Natalia , Engeham Sarah
Published: January 2024

Background: Helminths are found in most grazing horses. When high burdens occur, these worms can cause serious disease. Historically, the threat of parasite‐associated pathology led to control programmes that comprised regular all‐group anthelmintic treatments. Unfortunately, this approach encouraged selection for drug resistance, in particular, in cyathostomins. For over 25 years, parasitologists have recommended that prophylactic treatments be avoided and, instead, tests be applied to indicate which helminths are present in populations and at what levels worms are found in, or excreted by, individuals. These evidence‐based approaches have had variable uptake across regions. In the UK, there has been a gradual rise in testing, especially the use of faecal egg count analysis to inform treatment decisions to reduce egg shedding from horses that contribute most to pasture contamination. Antibody‐based tests are also being used to enable assessment of burdens of Anoplocephala perfoliata and cyathostomins in order to provide information on the presence of these parasites in populations.

Aim of the article: This article provides an update on how to use diagnostics alongside improved pasture management in equine worm control programmes to reduce anthelmintic treatment frequency.
Solvent‐cast 3D printing with molecular weight polymer blends to decouple effects of scaffold architecture and mechanical properties on mesenchymal stromal cell fate
Authors: Tolbert John W. , French Tyler , Kitson Andrew , Okpara Chiebuka , Hammerstone Diana E. , Lazarte Santiago , Babuska Tomas F. , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Tomas , Krick Brandon A. , Chow Lesley W.
Published: January 2024

The biochemical and physical properties of a scaffold can be tailored to elicit specific cellular responses. However, it is challenging to decouple their individual effects on cell‐material interactions. Here, we solvent‐cast 3D printed different ratios of high and low molecular weight (MW) poly(caprolactone) (PCL) to fabricate scaffolds with significantly different stiffnesses without affecting other properties. Ink viscosity was used to match processing conditions between inks and generate scaffolds with the same surface chemistry, crystallinity, filament diameter, and architecture. Increasing the ratio of low MW PCL resulted in a significant decrease in modulus. Scaffold modulus did not affect human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) differentiation under osteogenic conditions. However, hMSC response was significantly affected by scaffold stiffness in chondrogenic media. Low stiffness promoted more stable chondrogenesis whereas high stiffness drove hMSC progression toward hypertrophy. These data illustrate how this versatile platform can be used to independently modify biochemical and physical cues in a single scaffold to synergistically enhance desired cellular response.
MRI Assessment of Myocardial Deformation for Risk Stratification of Major Arrhythmic Events in Patients With Non‐Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Eligible for Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Authors: Ghanbari Fahime , Cirillo Julia , Rodriguez Jennifer , Yue Jennifer , Morales Manuel A. , Kramer Daniel B. , Manning Warren J. , Nezafat Reza , Ngo Long H.
Published: January 2024

Background

Implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) intervention is an established prophylactic measure. Identifying high‐benefit patients poses challenges.

Purpose

To assess the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters including myocardial deformation for risk stratification of ICD intervention in non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) while accounting for competing mortality risk.

Study Type

Retrospective and prospective.

Population

One hundred and fifty‐nine NICM patients eligible for primary ICD (117 male, 54 ± 13 years) and 49 control subjects (38 male, 53 ± 5 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

Balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP) and three‐dimensional phase‐sensitive inversion‐recovery late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences at 1.5 T or 3 T.

Assessment

Patients underwent MRI before ICD implantation and were followed up. Functional parameters, left ventricular global radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain, right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV FWLS) and left atrial strain were measured (Circle, cvi42). LGE presence was assessed visually. The primary endpoint was appropriate ICD intervention. Models were developed to determine outcome, with and without accounting for competing risk (non‐sudden cardiac death), and compared to a baseline model including LGE and clinical features.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon non‐parametric test, Cox's proportional hazards regression, Fine‐Gray competing risk model, and cumulative incidence functions. Harrell's c statistic was used for model selection. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Follow‐up duration was 1176 ± 960 days (median: 896). Twenty‐six patients (16%) met the primary endpoint. RV FWLS demonstrated a significant difference between patients with and without events (−12.5% ± 5 vs. −16.4% ± 5.5). Univariable analyses showed LGE and RV FWLS were significantly associated with outcome (LGE: hazard ratio [HR] = 3.69, 95% CI = 1.28–10.62; RV FWLS: HR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.30–3.22). RV FWLS significantly improved the prognostic value of baseline model and remained significant in multivariable analysis, accounting for competing risk (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.12–2.66).

Data Conclusions

In NICM, RV FWLS may provide additional predictive value for predicting appropriate ICD intervention.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
How do suppliers respond to institutional complexity? Examining voluntary public environmental disclosure in a global manufacturing supply network
Authors: Diebel William , Gualandris Jury , Klassen Robert D.
Published: January 2024

When making decisions about their commitments to environmental practices and performance, suppliers face heterogenous institutional logics and their diverse prescriptions for action. How do suppliers respond to such institutional complexity? We examine this question in the context of suppliers' voluntary public environmental disclosures (disclosure). Specifically, our study assembles a unique panel data set of global manufacturing suppliers and their annual contractual relationships with buyers. Building on the institutional logics perspective and the sustainable supply network literature, we hypothesize that suppliers selectively mimic the disclosure of their buyers by following market, corporate, and sustainability logics. Our study contributes to the institutional logics perspective and the sustainable supply network literature by indicating that in the context of disclosure, market and sustainability logics both actively shape suppliers' responses to institutional complexity. Furthermore, we find support for mimicry as a mechanism of buyer influence that can lead to disclosure heterogeneity across suppliers even when they follow the same logic, which opens new avenues for research. Our findings can be leveraged by buyers, policymakers, and other stakeholders interested in advancing transparency and sustainability in supply networks.
Pulling instead of pushing: A case report of gastrostomy‐assisted pull technique as an alternative method for endoluminal sponge placement in EVAC therapy
Authors: Trocchia Carolena , Shieh Hester F. , Dolan Isabella , Wilsey Michael , Smithers Charles J.
Published: January 2024

Endoscopic vacuum‐assisted therapy offers an easier and safer alternative to thoracic surgery, self‐expanding stents, or esophageal clips and has been shown to be a promising technique for management of pediatric esophageal perforations. In this report, we present a novel application of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy‐assisted pull technique, wherein a preexisting gastrostomy is reaccessed to allow safe placement of the vacuum sponge with a more comfortable and effective endoscopic vacuum‐assisted closure therapy compared to transnasal or transoral options. A 7‐year‐old male with a history of type C esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula complicated by leak and refractory esophageal stricture, severe tracheomalacia, and prior esophageal stricture resection presented for posterior tracheoplasty and tracheopexy complicated by esophageal perforation. A preexisting gastrostomy site was re‐accessed to allow for a novel approach for endoluminal sponge placement in endoscopic vacuum‐assisted closure (EVAC) therapy by gastrostomy‐assisted pull technique. The patient had appropriate healing without further leak 1 month after repair. This case highlights the use of EVAC as a minimally invasive option for repair of esophageal perforation using a pull‐through method at the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube site as gastric access. This method may improve control of placement and reduce sponge migration, reduce intraluminal distance of sponge placement, and reduce morbidity by avoiding thoracotomy.
Quantitative Evaluation of the Lumbar Multifidus Muscle by Shear Wave Dispersion in Healthy Adults: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Qiuxiang , Li Zhenzhou , Deng Meifang , Peng Jiayu , Zhu Xiangming , Zhang Chaoxue
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate the application value of shear wave dispersion (SWD) in healthy adults with the lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM), to determine the range of normal reference values, and to analyze the influences of factors on the parameter.

Methods

Ninety‐five healthy volunteers participated in the study, from whom 2‐dimensional, shear wave elastography (SWE), and SWD images of the bilateral LMM were acquired in three positions (prone, standing, and anterior flexion). Subcutaneous fat thickness (SFH), SWE velocity, and SWD slope were measured accordingly for analyses.

Results

The mean SWD slope of the bilateral LMM in the prone position was as follows: left: 14.8 ± 3.1 (m/second)/kHz (female) and 13.0 ± 2.5 (m/second)/kHz (male); right: 14.8 ± 3.7 (m/second)/kHz (female) and 14.2 ± 3.4 (m/second)/kHz (male). In the prone position, there was a weak negative correlation between the bilateral LMM SWD slope of activity level 2 and level 1 (β = −1.5 (2 versus 1, left), −1.9 (2 versus 1, right), all P < .05), and between the left SWD slope of activity level 3 and level 1 (β = −2.3 [3 versus 1, left], P < .05). The correlation between SWE velocity and SWD slope value changed with the position: there was a weak positive correlation in the prone position (r = 0.3 [left], 0.37 [right], both P < .05), and a moderate positive correlation in the standing and anterior flexed positions (r = 0.49–0.74, both P < .001). SFH was moderately negatively correlated with bilateral SWD slope values in the anterior flexion (left: r = −0.4, P = .01; right: r = −0.7, P < .01).

Conclusions

SWD imaging can be used as an adjunct tool to aid in the assessment of viscosity in LMM. Further, activity level, and position are influencing factors that should be considered in clinical practice.
An Update on the Epidemiology and Clinicodemographic Features of Meniere's Disease
Authors: De Ravin Emma , Quimby Alexandra E. , Bartellas Michael , Swanson Sydnie , Hwa Tiffany P. , Bigelow Douglas C. , Brant Jason A. , Ruckenstein Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To characterize the estimated prevalence and clinicodemographic features of Ménière's disease (MD) using current diagnostic criteria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken at our tertiary academic referral center. All patients seen in Otolaryngology clinic with ICD‐10 diagnoses of MD, from January 1, 2013 to July 31, 2022 were identified. Chart review was undertaken to determine the estimated prevalence of MD meeting AAO‐HNS diagnostic criteria. Clinicodemographic features were evaluated against a comparator group without MD seen in our health system.

Results

Of 806 ICD‐10 diagnoses of MD, we identified 480 MD cases meeting diagnostic criteria (168 definite). Mean age at presentation for MD cases was 49 years. Forty‐seven percent of cases were male. A significantly higher proportion of MD cases than comparators were white (76% vs. 66%, p < 0.001). Mean time since MD symptom onset was 6.7 years, with a mean attack duration of 4.6 h; 7.5% of MD cases reported a positive family history, and 7% had bilateral disease. The odds of reporting migraine were significantly greater among MD patients than comparators (OR 1.74 [1.26–2.42]); the odds of having autoimmune conditions were lower (OR 0.45 [0.28–0.74]); and the odds of reporting allergies were no different (OR 0.96 [0.74–1.25]) versus comparator patients after controlling for demographic characteristics.

Conclusions

Among MD diagnoses, there is a low estimated prevalence of MD meeting diagnostic criteria, and an even lower prevalence of definite MD. Compared to a comparator group of patients seen for any disorder, patients with MD are more likely to be white, male, and have a history of migraine.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3310–3315, 2024
Endoscopy‐Assisted Thyroglossal Duct Cyst Resection: A Scoping Review
Authors: Du Maoshan , Chen Shanwen , Wu Yu , Wang Dong , Wu Jing , Zhao Yi , Wu Kaile , Liu Yehai
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDCs) are a common congenital mass in the cervical region. As the traditional surgical approach for TGDC removal, the Sistrunk procedure, often leaves a visible neck scar, the demand for improved cosmetic outcomes has increased. Emerging endoscopy‐assisted approaches offer promise for addressing cosmetic concerns. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate the feasibility and safety of endoscopy‐assisted TGDC surgery.

Data Sources

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates to January 2023. Data on surgical approach, patient demographics, surgical procedure, and postoperative outcomes were extracted and analyzed. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist.

Results

The literature search yielded nine articles published between 2011 and 2022. Overall, 85 patients in these studies successfully underwent endoscopy‐assisted TGDC surgery using various approaches, including areolar, axillo‐breast, transoral‐vestibular, and transoral‐sublingual. The operative time varied across the studies, ranging from 50 to 480 min. TGDC sizes ranged from 1 to 3 cm in diameter. Complications, including infection, skin bruising, and dysarthria, were reported in seven patients (8%). No cases of conversion to open surgery or postoperative recurrences were reported.

Conclusion

Endoscopy‐assisted surgery is a potential alternative for patients seeking TGDC resection with satisfactory aesthetic results while ensuring safety. However, existing evidence is insufficient to support the superior effectiveness of endoscopy‐assisted TGDC surgery over the traditional Sistrunk procedure. Laryngoscope, 134:3038–3043, 2024
Assessment of a Novel Tool for the Clinical Grading of Nasal Septal Perforation
Authors: Miglani Amar , Rangel India , Smith Cody , Bansberg Stephen F. , Lal Devyani , Marino Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Nasal septal perforations (NSP) can have a heterogeneous appearance on endoscopic examination with varying degrees of crusting, inflammatory change, and associated septal deviation. The clinical applicability of these findings as contributors to patient symptoms may be enhanced by use of a standardized assessment.

Methods

Video nasal endoscopy recordings were obtained from 40 patients with NSP. Five raters with varied levels of training ranging from a senior resident to an experienced septal perforation surgeon independently reviewed the videos for the following exam findings: crusting, scarring, granulation tissue, septal deviation, and edema. Scoring for each item was reported on a 3‐point (0–2) scale, and each reviewer repeated scoring at a 14‐day interval. Interrater and intrarater agreement were calculated using Fleiss kappa for each item and the total scores. Additionally, endoscopy scores were correlated with patient‐reported NOSE‐Perf symptom scores.

Results

Interrater agreement for the overall instrument was in the “fair‐to‐moderate” range with the following interrater agreement for each item: crusting (0.458–0.575), scarring (0.286–0.308), granulation (0.403–0.406), deviation (0.487–0.494), and edema (0.253–0.406). Intrarater agreement was generally “substantial” for individual items as well as the overall instrument (0.688). The NSP endoscopy scores were moderately correlated with NOSE‐Perf scores (r = 0.44, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

An endoscopic evaluation of NSP comprising five exam findings has acceptable interrater and intrarater reliability and correlates with patient‐reported outcomes. NSP endoscopy may be applied to future clinical studies for characterization of NSP and assessment of treatment outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3049–3053, 2024
A new efficient flow continuity lubrication model for the cylinder liner‐piston ring based on the locally oriented roughness
Authors: Chen Wen‐Bin , Liu De‐Liang , Xu Jiu‐Jun
Published: January 2024

The locally oriented roughness is a common feature of surface finished by a machining process, such as the surface of the cylinder liner, and may significantly influence lubrication characteristic. A homogenised transient Reynolds equation for the locally oriented roughness is derived. The Jacobsson–Floberg–Olsson (JFO) boundary conditions was implicitly incorporated into the transient Reynolds equation to ensure the mass flow conservation. On this foundation, a model for the transient lubrication in the cylinder liner‐piston ring considering the effects of the surface roughness and cavitation is established. Then, the results of model developed here are compared with those from the stochastic model by Patir and Cheng. and the effect of the direction of roughness on the lubrication properties is analysed. The homogenised transient Reynolds equation and the lubrication model developed here have great potential for understanding and optimising the transient lubrication considering the surface local roughness orientation, cavitation and starved lubrication.
The role of on‐demand delivery platform in competition between manufacturer and retailer
Authors: Cheng Yini , Duan Yongrui , Huo Jiazhen
Published: January 2024

Traditional retailers can now partner with on‐demand delivery platforms to fulfill consumers' online orders to fight against manufacturers' direct channels. However, it is hard to say whether traditional retailers benefit from cooperating with such platforms due to market encroachment and high commission fees. We build a game‐theoretic model where the manufacturer could decide whether to introduce its direct channel, and the retailer could decide whether to cooperate with the on‐demand delivery platform. We show that when the platform adopts a reasonable pricing and service policy, the retailer can earn more profit when cooperating with the platform. When consumer acceptance of the manufacturer's direct channel is high, the manufacturer should strategically introduce its direct channel even when there are no sales. We also find that the introduction of the platform lowers the retail price at the offline channel, increasing the market's total demand, consumer surplus, and social welfare. The reason lies in the effect of intensifying downstream competition and satisfying the consumer's demand in more market segments.
Make‐or‐buy decisions in vertically differentiated input markets
Authors: Brito Duarte , Tselekounis Markos
Published: January 2024

We study the optimal regulatory policy when two qualitatively differentiated upstream inputs are available. We consider a setting where a vertically integrated incumbent invests in upgrading the quality of the basic upstream input it owns, whereas a rival entrant chooses between making its own upgraded input and buying either input from the incumbent at regulated prices. We show that each of the three options available for the entrant can be socially optimal, depending on the investment cost parameters. However, the socially optimal input pricing policy is quite unlikely to resolve the trade‐off between promoting welfare and encouraging investment in quality.
Issue brief responds to federal guidance on police alternatives
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2024

For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, a health‐focused team of workers with mental health expertise should be deployed instead of police, just as an ambulance would be dispatched to help someone experiencing a physical health emergency. Any failure to do so violates the civil rights of people with disabilities, according to a new issue brief released Jan. 16 by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and the Vera Institute of Justice.
Quantitative at‐line monitoring of enzymatic hydrolysis using benchtop diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: McCarney Evan R. , Kristoffersen Kenneth A. , Anderssen Kathryn E.
Published: January 2024

Benchtop diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to perform quantitative monitoring of enzymatic hydrolysis. The study aimed to test the feasibility of the technology to characterize enzymatic hydrolysis processes in real time. Diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) was used to measure the signal intensity and apparent self‐diffusion constant of solubilized protein in hydrolysate. The NMR technique was tested on an enzymatic hydrolysis reaction of red cod, a lean white fish, by the endopeptidase alcalase at 50°C. Hydrolysate samples were manually transferred from the reaction vessel to the NMR equipment. Measurement time was approximately 3 min per time point. The signal intensity from the DOSY experiment was used to measure protein concentration and the apparent self‐diffusion constant was converted into an average molecular weight and an estimated degree of hydrolysis. These values were plotted as a function of time and both the rate of solubilization and the rate of protein breakdown could be calculated. In addition to being rapid and noninvasive, DOSY using benchtop NMR spectroscopy has an advantage compared with other enzymatic hydrolysis characterization methods as it gives a direct measure of average protein size; many functional properties of proteins are strongly influenced by protein size. Therefore, a method to give protein concentration and average size in real time will allow operators to more tightly control production from enzymatic hydrolysis. Although only one type of material was tested, it is anticipated that the method should be applicable to a broad variety of enzymatic hydrolysis feedstocks.
Quantum dipole interactions and transient hydrogen bond orientation order in cells, cellular membranes and myelin sheath: Implications for MRI signal relaxation, anisotropy, and T1 magnetic field dependence
Authors: Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Sukstanskii Alexander L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Despite significant impact on the study of human brain, MRI lacks a theory of signal formation that integrates quantum interactions involving proton dipoles (a primary MRI signal source) with brain intricate cellular environment. The purpose of the present study is developing such a theory.

Methods

We introduce the Transient Hydrogen Bond (THB) model, where THB‐mediated quantum dipole interactions between water and protons of hydrophilic heads of amphipathic biomolecules forming cells, cellular membranes and myelin sheath serve as a major source of MR signal relaxation.

Results

The THB theory predicts the existence of a hydrogen‐bond‐driven structural order of dipole–dipole connections within THBs as a primary factor for the anisotropy observed in MRI signal relaxation. We have also demonstrated that the conventional Lorentzian spectral density function decreases too fast at high frequencies to adequately capture the field dependence of brain MRI signal relaxation. To bridge this gap, we introduced a stretched spectral density function that surpasses the limitations of Lorentzian dispersion. In human brain, our findings reveal that at any time point only about 4% to 7% of water protons are engaged in quantum encounters within THBs. These ultra‐short (2 to 3 ns), but frequent quantum spin exchanges lead to gradual recovery of magnetization toward thermodynamic equilibrium, that is, relaxation of MRI signal.

Conclusion

By incorporating quantum proton interactions involved in brain imaging, the THB approach introduces new insights on the complex relationship between brain tissue cellular structure and MRI measurements, thus offering a promising new tool for better understanding of brain microstructure in health and disease.
Characteristics and health risks of the inhalable fraction of metal additive manufacturing powders
Authors: Alijagic Andi , Wang Xuying , Vallabani Naga Vera Srikanth , Melin Pelle , Särndahl Eva , Karlsson Hanna L. , Odnevall Inger
Published: January 2024

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is gaining traction but raises worker health concerns due to micron‐sized powders, including fine inhalable particles. This study explored particle and surface characteristics, electrochemical properties, metal release in artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF), and potential toxicity of virgin and sieved virgin Fe‐based powders, stainless steel (316L), Fe, and two tooling steels. Virgin particles ranged in size from 1 to 100 µm, while sieved particles were within the respirable size range (<5–10 µm). Surface oxide composition differed from bulk composition. The Fe powder showed low corrosion resistance and high metal release due to a lack of protective surface oxide. Sieved particles of 316L, Fe, and one tooling steel released more metals into ALF than virgin particles, with the opposite was observed for the other tooling steel. Sieved particles had no notable impact on cell viability or micronuclei formation in human bronchial epithelial cells. Inflammatory response in human macrophages was generally low, except for the Fe powder and one tooling steel, which induced increased interleukin‐8 (IL‐8/CXCL‐8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL‐2) secretion. This study underscores distinctions between virgin and sieved Fe‐based powders and suggests relatively low acute toxicity.
Asenapine versus olanzapine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in patients with cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Kimura Tomohiko , Kanai Akifumi , Muraoka Hiroyuki , Takahashi Yuichiro , Ara Masatomo , Inada Ken
Published: January 2024

Aim

Patients with cancer often experience nausea and vomiting (N/V), but may have difficulty using olanzapine (OLZ), a common antiemetic. Asenapine (ASE) is a multi‐acting receptor‐targeted antipsychotic like OLZ, although there is little evidence that ASE serves as an antiemetic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of ASE compared to those of OLZ for the treatment of N/V in patients with cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study involved patients who received 5 mg ASE, 5 mg OLZ, or 2.5 mg OLZ for 2 days. Daily worst N/V was rated on a scale of 0 (none) to 3 (very much). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who had a response, defined as any reduction in N/V score. A complete response (CR) was defined as a score reduction to 0. Secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with CR and adverse events.

Results

Between April 2017 and March 2023, 212 patients were enrolled to receive treatment: 5 mg ASE (n = 34), 5 mg OLZ (n = 102), or 2.5 mg OLZ (n = 76). No significant differences in response rates (52.9% vs. 58.8% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.671) or secondary endpoints were observed between the groups. Patients receiving ASE were more likely to experience oral hypoesthesia (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that ASE may be effective for N/V. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Unveiling the microfoundations of philanthropic foundations: A call for comprehensive research of people and practices
Authors: Gartner Michele Fugiel
Published: January 2024

Focusing on the governance and leadership of philanthropic foundations has never been more important. In today's world, where societal changes are happening rapidly, and there is greater scrutiny of people and practices, it is crucial to go beyond viewing foundations solely as organizational entities. This response to the original paper highlights the unique independence of foundations and identifies the significant research gap in understanding their internal dynamics. To comprehend individual‐level decisions' impact on organizations, this response suggests adopting a microfoundations view. As part of this view, research should consider the variety of roles that influence foundations far beyond governance and internal leadership and how practices need to be both aspirational and implementable. Future research is urged to adopt an interest in the depth of foundations and their breadth across contexts and jurisdictions to generate a more nuanced and holistic understanding of these unique organizations and their roles in social change.
Effects of iron oxide and carbon nanotube contents on mechanical properties and shape memory behavior of biocompatible and biodegradable shape memory polymers
Authors: Kim Minseok , Kim Young Bin , Chun Heoung‐Jae
Published: January 2024

The shape memory polymers (SMPs) is a potential alternative material for conventional shape memory alloys (SMAs) in various fields. Previous studies have focused on the application of SMPs materials as an alternative to SMAs. However, considering problems such as the poor mechanical properties, its application has been limited. This study developed a biodegradable, magnetically responsive SMPs material that can be used for medical implants with shape memory behavior under magnetic force and improved mechanical properties by adding nanoparticles. Moreover, effect of the added nanoparticle was investigated due to contents ratio. Nanocomposite was synthesized with polycaprolactone which has shape memory properties, Fe3O4 that generates heat under magnetic field, and carbon nanotubes with reinforcing effect. The morphology analysis confirmed the homogeneous dispersion of the Fe3O4/Carbon‐nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer matrix. The tensile test shows that tensile strength (14.9–17.6 MPa) increased when Fe3O4 (0–20 wt%) was included and that it did not increase significantly when CNTs (0–0.8 wt%) were included. The shape memory test result confirmed that developed composite had a shape memory under a magnetic field. It was confirmed that even if Fe3O4 was incorporated into polycaprolactone, did not lose its exothermic properties under magnetic field. The developed polymer showed high shape memory ratio (91%–98%) in all the nanoparticle content rates. With regard to biodegradability, weight loss occurred over time in the phosphate‐buffered saline solution. Therefore, the biocompatible, biodegradable, magnetic response shape memory polymer developed in this study might applied to various medical implant as advanced shape memory materials.
Development of an intuitive visualization system for measuring the melt electrowritten (MEW) jet diameter along the spinline
Authors: Zhou Zhiguang , Lu Ke , Wang Haoxuan , Ashour Sherry , Chen Hangyue , Xu Huaizhong , Xu Ting
Published: January 2024

Melt electrowriting (MEW) is a young and promising additive manufacturing technology for producing high‐precision scaffolds. In this study, we develop an intuitive visualization system enabling users to measure MEW jet diameters along the spinline without programming knowledge. The digital measurement adopts the same theory as our reported manual measurement. The maximum error between the digitally and manually measured data is smaller than 9%, suggesting that the open‐source system developed here is reliable in measuring jet diameters.
A novel approach to enhance the mechanical behavior of glass epoxy laminates with sustainable recycled milled fillers
Authors: Elango Indhumathi , Santulli Carlo , Vellayaraj Arumugam
Published: January 2024

The aerospace, automotive, and energy industries can use fiber‐reinforced composites due to their high specific strength and stiffness. However, unexpected external impacts in work cause internal damage and residual strength loss in composite structures. Another ongoing issue is the sustainable management of composite materials' end‐of‐life. The quasi‐static indentation properties of glass epoxy composites are investigated in this study using different kinds of novel filler materials that are recycled from old composite materials: recycled milled carbon (rmCF), recycled milled Kevlar filler (rmKF), and an innovative hybrid filler (rmBF) composed of recycled milled carbon and Kevlar fillers (rmBF). Surface roughness and hardness studies assessed the quasi‐static indentation (QSI) response of neat glass epoxy and glass epoxy composites loaded with fillers using indentation force, absorbed energy, residual dent depth, and evolution of damage area. Compared to the baseline samples, the rmCF composites performed exceptionally well, showing a 16% increase in peak force, a 59% decrease in damaged area, and a 6.32% and 22.5% reduction in surface roughness, respectively (Ra and Sa). After QSI tests, rmC filler samples had 26.8% higher residual flexural strength than neat glass epoxy composites in a three‐point bending test. Through toughening mechanisms like filler interlocking and bridging, micrographs captured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that recycled fillers provide a higher level of stiffness, better energy dissipation, less damaged area, and overall improved hardness.

Highlights

Recycled milled carbon (rmCF) and Kevlar hybrid fillers (rmKF) have been integrated into glass/epoxy composites.

The damage tolerance of glass epoxy composites was as a whole significantly improved by the rmCF integration.

The Kevlar fillers' inadequate adhesion and interlaminar shear strength were compensated for by the Hybrid fillers (rmBF).

Micrographs taken with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) clearly show the fillers' role in the resistance to damage propagation processes.
The influence of motivation climate on university student engagement in distance education during the pandemic: Moderating role of self‐regulation
Authors: Fu Jianping , Li Xiaoshan , Yi Fang
Published: January 2024

To investigate the influence of motivation climate and self‐regulation on university student engagement in distance education (DE) during the pandemic, a total of 436 Chinese university students were invited to participate in the online survey (including demographic variables, Chinese version of engagement scale, the perceived motivational climate scale, and the self‐regulated learning abilities scale) in the Spring semester, 2020. Bicorrelation and regression analysis were used to explore the relationship among studied variables. Results showed that mastery motivation climate had a positive relation with student engagement, while performance motivation climate had a negative relation with it. Self‐regulation could strengthen the positive relationship between mastery motivation climate and student engagement. However, the moderating role of self‐regulation was not found in the relationship between performance motivation climate and student engagement. These findings could enrich our understanding about the motivation climate–student engagement relationship from self‐regulation perspective and have implications for DE during the pandemic.
The effect of peer bullying on academic achievement: A meta‐analysis study related to results of TIMSS and PIRLS
Authors: Ozyildirim Gulnar , Karadağ Engin
Published: January 2024

Focusing on the variables that can affect both academic achievement and the well‐being of students has been crucial for their development, making schools effective and designing educational policy as well as curriculum. The study has aimed to investigate the effect of peer bullying on academic achievement and to determine moderators in the relationship between these two terms by using TIMSS (The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) data through the meta‐analysis method. Based on seven international survey data sets from TIMSS (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015) and PIRLS (2006, 2011, and 2016), the current research has focused on 793 independent findings, including 3,503,005 students in 77 countries. In the analysis process, the mean effect size was measured by using the coefficient of standardized means (Cohen's d) based on the random effect model. In addition, the significance of the moderator variables was calculated by using the Q statistic. The findings of the study revealed that peer bullying had a significant effect on academic achievement, and in this effect, grades of the students and course types played moderator roles, while the culture of the countries was not a moderator. It could be concluded that the effect of peer relationships not only on the social development of students but also on their academic performance should not be ignored.