bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The goal of explaining black boxes in EEG seizure prediction is not to explain models' decisions
Authors: Pinto Mauro F. , Batista Joana , Leal Adriana , Lopes Fábio , Oliveira Ana , Dourado António , Abuhaiba Sulaiman I. , Sales Francisco , Martins Pedro , Teixeira César A.
Published: April 2023

Many state‐of‐the‐art methods for seizure prediction, using the electroencephalogram, are based on machine learning models that are black boxes, weakening the trust of clinicians in them for high‐risk decisions. Seizure prediction concerns a multidimensional time‐series problem that performs continuous sliding window analysis and classification. In this work, we make a critical review of which explanations increase trust in models' decisions for predicting seizures. We developed three machine learning methodologies to explore their explainability potential. These contain different levels of model transparency: a logistic regression, an ensemble of 15 support vector machines, and an ensemble of three convolutional neural networks. For each methodology, we evaluated quasi‐prospectively the performance in 40 patients (testing data comprised 2055 hours and 104 seizures). We selected patients with good and poor performance to explain the models' decisions. Then, with grounded theory, we evaluated how these explanations helped specialists (data scientists and clinicians working in epilepsy) to understand the obtained model dynamics. We obtained four lessons for better communication between data scientists and clinicians. We found that the goal of explainability is not to explain the system's decisions but to improve the system itself. Model transparency is not the most significant factor in explaining a model decision for seizure prediction. Even when using intuitive and state‐of‐the‐art features, it is hard to understand brain dynamics and their relationship with the developed models. We achieve an increase in understanding by developing, in parallel, several systems that explicitly deal with signal dynamics changes that help develop a complete problem formulation.
Increasing saltiness of salts (NaCl) using mid‐infrared radiation to reduce the health hazards
Authors: Umakanthan Thangaraju , Mathi Madhu
Published: April 2023

Table salt, rock salt, and iodized salts (composed principally of NaCl) are commonly used in many areas, such as medicine, cooking, industry, or personal care. Common fried, salty, and spicy foods contain an excess of added salt, which has detrimental health effects, especially on the kidneys. Our research aims to enhance the inherent saltiness of these three salts, which would reduce intake and thereby minimize salt's health hazards. We invented a water‐based 2–6 μm of Mid‐Infrared Generating Atomizer (MIRGA), which, when applied to salts, caused changes in the salts' chemistry and enhanced saltiness, thus allowing the reduction of salt intake by 25%–30%. This easy‐to‐use technology did not show any side effects. MIRGA was found to have enhanced the saltiness, thus allowing the reduction of salt intake by 25%–30%. MIRGA is safe, portable, highly economical, unique in the mid‐IR laser technology, and possesses vast research scope in other areas of food science.
Can decision field theory enhance our understanding of health‐based choices? Evidence from risky health behaviors
Authors: Meester David A. J. , Hess Stephane , Buckell John , Hancock Thomas O.
Published: April 2023

Discrete choice models are almost exclusively estimated assuming random utility maximization (RUM) is the decision rule applied by individuals. Recent studies indicate alternative behavioral assumptions may be more appropriate in health. Decision field theory (DFT) is a psychological theory of decision‐making, which has shown promise in transport research. This study introduces DFT to health economics, empirically comparing it to RUM and random regret minimization (RRM) in risky health settings, namely tobacco and vaccine choices. Model fit, parameter ratios, choice shares, and elasticities are compared between RUM, RRM and DFT. Test statistics for model differences are derived using bootstrap methods. Decision rule heterogeneity is investigated using latent class models, including novel latent class DFT models. Tobacco and vaccine choice data are better explained with DFT than with RUM or RRM. Parameter ratios, choice shares and elasticities differ significantly between models. Mixed results are found for the presence of decision rule heterogeneity. We conclude that DFT shows promise as a behavioral assumption that underpins the estimation of discrete choice models in health economics. The significant differences demonstrate that care should be taken when choosing a decision rule, but further evidence is needed for generalizability beyond risky health choices.
Computational Study on a Transfer Hydrogenation Catalysed by a Ru(II) Bis‐Pyrazolyl Pyridine Complex
Authors: Groß Jessica , van Wüllen Christoph
Published: April 2023

Density functional calculations were performed to investigate the Ru‐catalysed transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone to 1‐phenylethanol using isopropanol as the reducing agent. The catalyst is [Ru(bpp)Cl2(PPh3)], where bpp is a tridentate bis‐pyrazolyl pyridine ligand. We studied an inner sphere monohydridic mechanism where the active Ru centre binds, in addition to bpp, one of the original ligands as a spectator, which can be either chloride or triphenylphosphine. In both cases, catalyst initiation appears to be feasible (with triphenylphosphine being the preferred spectator ligand) and the catalytic cycle is efficient with a small energetic span. For which one of the cases the calculated energetic span is smaller depends on the treatment of entropy in solution. Since pathways involving dissociation of charged ligands are not preferred, the product is formed by a fast proton transfer within the Ru coordination sphere, from a coordinated isopropanol to the product alcoholate. Subsequently, both product release and catalyst regeneration can be accomplished by the dissociation of the charge neutral product alcohol. The β‐hydride transfer from a coordinated isopropanolate anion to ruthenium is slightly different depending on whether there is a chloride or phosphine present trans to the alcoholate. In both cases, this step contains the transition state with the highest Gibbs energy.
C−H Bond Activation in Ru‐Catalyzed Reactions of Arenes with Olefins: Theoretical Insights into Hydroarylation and Oxidative Coupling Mechanisms
Authors: Efremenko Irena , Martin Jan M. L.
Published: April 2023

A detailed mechanistic density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster study of Csp²−H activation in benzene and methyl acrylate by the catalyst RuClm(CO)n (m=2,3; n=0–4) is presented. We trace the entire reaction pathways from the precursor to the active form of the catalysts followed by catalytic hydroarylation and oxidative coupling reactions. Our results reveal that both computational methods provide very similar qualitative pictures, but only the coupled cluster DLPNO‐CCSD(T1) results are quantitatively consistent with experiment. At the latter level of theory, the Ru(II) and Ru(III) catalyst precursors transform into the same active form of the catalyst, which explains the experimental results. Oxidative addition is extremely endergonic, especially in the presence of CO. Oxidative hydrogen migration (OHM) occurs in complexes with a low Ru coordination number and leads to olefine hydroarylation. Strongly bound carbonyl ligands suppress this interaction. Concerted metalation‐deprotonation (CMD) of the aromatic C−H bond and σ‐bond metathesis mechanisms of catalyst regeneration do not involve Ru−H bonding and form the energetically favorable catalytic cycle of the oxidative coupling reaction. The key interaction in CMD mechanisms consists of proton abstraction by an inner‐sphere Cl‐anion. Carbonyl ligands facilitate CMD by weakening the Ru−Cl bond. An excess of CO slows the interaction by leading to replacement of the reactants in the Ru coordination sphere.
Promoting reflective practice in an infant and early childhood training program
Authors: Lombardi Caitlin , Bladen Anne , Foley Mary Tabb , Galante‐DeAngelis Meg , Larrabee Kim , Robinson JoAnn
Published: April 2023

Reflective practices provide a supportive base through which preservice infant and early childhood teachers and allied professionals can achieve knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions to support young children and their families. This paper is a program description that describes the rationale for infusing reflective practices into the learning goals for preservice early childhood training, highlighting the specific reflection skills from the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Competency Guidelines. We describe how one university early childhood training program promotes student reflection skills referencing three distinct perspectives: (1) why reflection is essential to developing knowledge and skills; (2) the role group reflection plays in sustaining deep knowledge and skill development for students and faculty; (3) how faculty promote students’ awareness of the connection between personal experience and professional dispositions through reflection during practicum experiences. The benefits and challenges of embedding reflective practices in preservice early childhood training are also discussed.
The role of glycan characterisation in ATMP development and evaluation
Authors: Joyce Kieran , Pandit Abhay
Published: April 2023

Advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMP) aim to transform treatment strategies for unmet clinical needs. ATMP development requires product standardisation, high‐quality consistent starting materials, and safety and efficacy, while reducing adverse reactions. Glycosylation is a common post‐translational modification of glycans to specific peptide sites. Changes in glycosylation in starting materials or culture can potentially affect the bioactivity, safety and efficacy of glycosylated products. Glycan analysis is applied to few biological products, most commonly monoclonal antibodies and glycoconjugate vaccines. Regulatory authorities are starting to scrutinise the glycan profiles of biomedical products more carefully since glycosylation‐mediated activity has been recognised to lead to adverse effects in this class of therapies, including allergic/hypersensitivity reactions, anti‐drug antibodies and product heterogeneity in biologic and advanced treatments. This review highlights the impact of glycosylation in cell and tissue substrates for use in advanced therapies, identifying the need for glycan analysis to design safer, consistent products.
Carbon mitigation payments can reduce the riskiness of bioenergy crop production
Authors: Majeed Fahd , Khanna Madhu , Miao Ruiqing , Blanc‐Betes Elena , Hudiburg Tara , DeLucia Evan
Published: April 2023

Perennial bioenergy crops provide substantial carbon mitigation benefits but have risky returns. We couple economic analysis with a biogeochemical model (DayCent) to examine the effect of carbon mitigation payments on the spatially varying bioenergy crop returns and risk profiles relative to conventional crops across the rainfed United States. These payments increase the likelihood of positive profit in the Midwest for miscanthus and southern states for switchgrass. At low biomass prices, these payments make bioenergy crops appealing to risk‐averse farmers. At moderate biomass prices, these payments make bioenergy crops appealing to all farmers regardless of risk preference.
MicroRNA‐19a‐3p Decreases with Age in Mice and Humans and Inhibits Osteoblast Senescence
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Saul Dominik , Doolittle Madison L. , Farr Joshua N. , Khosla Sundeep , Monroe David G.
Published: April 2023

Aging is a major risk factor for most chronic diseases, including osteoporosis, and is characterized by an accumulation of senescent cells in various tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of bone aging and cellular senescence. Here, we report that miR‐19a‐3p decreases with age in bone samples from mice as well as in posterior iliac crest bone biopsies of younger versus older healthy women. miR‐19a‐3p also decreased in mouse bone marrow stromal cells following induction of senescence using etoposide, H2O2, or serial passaging. To explore the transcriptomic effects of miR‐19a‐3p, we performed RNA sequencing of mouse calvarial osteoblasts transfected with control or miR‐19a‐3p mimics and found that miR‐19a‐3p overexpression significantly altered the expression of various senescence, senescence‐associated secretory phenotype‐related, and proliferation genes. Specifically, miR‐19a‐3p overexpression in nonsenescent osteoblasts significantly suppressed p16Ink4a and p21Cip1 gene expression and increased their proliferative capacity. Finally, we established a novel senotherapeutic role for this miRNA by treating miR‐19a‐3p expressing cells with H2O2 to induce senescence. Interestingly, these cells exhibited lower p16Ink4a and p21Cip1 expression, increased proliferation‐related gene expression, and reduced SA‐β‐Gal+ cells. Our results thus establish that miR‐19a‐3p is a senescence‐associated miRNA that decreases with age in mouse and human bones and is a potential senotherapeutic target for age‐related bone loss. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The power (and limits) of the therapeutic relationship: Working alliance, psychiatric distress, and the role of trait emotional intelligence
Authors: Rudenstine Sasha , Schulder Talia , Gvozdieva Kseniia
Published: April 2023

Objective

The working alliance between therapists and patients is an important factor in the psychotherapy processes. Trait emotional intelligence has also been found to be malleable in treatment and to play a significant role in patient outcomes. The present study investigated how the relationship between measured working alliance and patient symptoms may differ depending on changes in patient trait emotional intelligence capacities.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐nine adults at a community mental health clinic completed self‐report measures at the beginning of treatment, as well as 8 months into treatment. Hierarchical linear regressions were computed to assess the interaction of working alliance and trait emotional intelligence scores on patient symptom scores. Simple slope tests were used to probe significant interactions.

Results

Trait emotional intelligence served as a significant moderator on the relationship between working alliance and patient symptoms. Specifically, the relationship between working alliance and patient symptoms was only significant for participants who reported an improvement in trait emotional intelligence over the course of treatment.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate that the impact of working alliance on patient symptom outcomes depended on patient improvement in trait emotional intelligence capacities. Such findings emphasize the importance of investigating the nuanced individual factors that impact the ways in which working alliance relates to treatment outcomes.
How can we design a proper trial for vitamin D treatment of diseases? Facts and numbers
Authors: Zheng Shuang , Zhu Zhaohua , Ding Changhai
Published: April 2023

Vitamin D deficiency is a globally common situation and closely related with many chronic diseases. It is a hot topic to examine if vitamin D supplementation is effective for the treatment of diseases, and there have been dozens of clinical trials published in recent years. However, most studies have not proved the extra‐skeletal benefits of vitamin D supplementation on these diseases. Some inherent shortcomings of these trials, such as inclusion with vitamin D‐sufficient and obese participants, low response rate from participants and the insensitive changes in chosen outcomes over a shorter period, may be main reasons why most studies have yet to demonstrate effects of vitamin D supplementation. In this editorial, we aim to discuss the perspectives on how can we design a proper trial for vitamin D treatment of diseases based on the evidence‐based practice framework PICOS (participants, intervention, control, outcomes and study design) in the future. First, right participants should be chosen, which is crucial for the success of vitamin D clinical trials. Participants with vitamin D sufficiency (e.g., baseline 25(OH)D of >50 nmol/L), obesity (e.g., body mass index > 30 kg/m2) and/or high vitamin D response index could be excluded from the trials. Second, intervention with vitamin D in right forms or dosages should be used. Vitamin D3 supplementation with appropriate dosages that keep 25(OH)D levels between 75 and 100 nmol/L is recommended. Third, ‘contamination’ in the control groups needs to pay attention. To diminish this, it is ideal to include participants less interfered by sun exposure (such as living in places at a high latitude) or with greater compliance (less interference by supplemental vitamin D‐containing nutrients). Fourth, the outcome measures should be sensitive to change to avoid type II error. For outcomes such as bone density, radiographic osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases, follow‐up period of 3–5 years may be required to observe the changes. Last, precision clinical trials may be the only way to prove the benefits of vitamin D supplementation.
Filicide in Bangladesh: A case indicating the need for psychosocial support among mothers during peripartum
Authors: Arafat S. M. Yasir , Monira Shirajum , Lily Shakila Ashfia
Published: April 2023

We report a case of filicide which is an under‐researched entity in Bangladesh. A 28‐year‐old lady visited with complaints of irregular eating followed by self‐induced vomiting, poor anger control, irregular sleep, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts for the last year. On the third visit, she admitted that she killed her 32‐day‐old baby by keeping it in a refrigerator. The case raises some forensic psychiatric complexities as the patient confessed it to the psychiatrist while family members know it as an accidental aspiration. It indicates the complex nature and dire need for psychosocial support in Bangladesh.
Accuracy of models to prognosticate survival after surgery for pancreatic cancer in the era of neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Marcinak Clayton T. , Parker William F. , Parikh Alexander A. , Datta Jashodeep , Maithel Shishir K. , Kooby David A. , Burkard Mark E. , Kim Hong Jin , LeCompte Michael T. , Afshar Majid , Churpek Matthew M. , Zafar Syed Nabeel
Published: April 2023

Background

Outcomes for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain difficult to prognosticate. Multiple models attempt to predict survival following the resection of PDAC, but their utility in the neoadjuvant population is unknown. We aimed to assess their accuracy among patients that received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Methods

We performed a multi‐institutional retrospective analysis of patients who received NAC and underwent resection of PDAC. Two prognostic systems were evaluated: the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Nomogram (MSKCCPAN) and the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. Discrimination between predicted and actual disease‐specific survival was assessed using the Uno C‐statistic and Kaplan–Meier method. Calibration of the MSKCCPAN was assessed using the Brier score.

Results

A total of 448 patients were included. There were 232 (51.8%) females, and the mean age was 64.1 years (±9.5). Most had AJCC Stage I or II disease (77.7%). For the MSKCCPAN, the Uno C‐statistic at 12‐, 24‐, and 36‐month time points was 0.62, 0.63, and 0.62, respectively. The AJCC system demonstrated similarly mediocre discrimination. The Brier score for the MSKCCPAN was 0.15 at 12 months, 0.26 at 24 months, and 0.30 at 36 months, demonstrating modest calibration.

Conclusions

Current survival prediction models and staging systems for patients with PDAC undergoing resection after NAC have limited accuracy.
Microbial functional genes within soil aggregates drive organic carbon mineralization under contrasting tillage practices
Authors: Wang Weiyan , Zhang Houping , Vinay Nangia , Wang Dong , Mo Fei , Liao Yuncheng , Wen Xiaoxia
Published: April 2023

Soil organic carbon (SOC) transformation is susceptible to tillage practices. Conservation tillage is known to optimize soil structure, improve microbial community diversity and increase SOC storage. However, how soil aggregate distribution and microbial community structure and function within aggregates affect SOC transformation under long‐term conservation tillage remains unclear. In this study, SOC mineralization dynamics were studied in situ and under laboratory conditions to examine the mechanisms by which C functional genes within soil aggregates of different sizes (i.e., mega‐, macro‐, and micro‐aggregates) influence SOC mineralization under long‐term tillage (i.e., zero, chisel, and plow tillage) in a dryland. The results indicated that in the winter wheat and summer maize rotation cropping system, SOC‐derived CO2‐C emissions were 143.99 and 133.29 g CO2‐C m−2 h−1 lower under chisel and zero tillage than that under plow tillage, respectively. Moreover, after 180 days of laboratory incubation, SOC mineralization in micro‐ and macro‐aggregates was 1.98 and 1.63 mg CO2‐C g−1 d−1 higher than that in mega‐aggregates, respectively. The aggregate‐associated differential modules of bacterial co‐occurring networks may be directly governed by bacterial community diversity and composition, which might play critical roles in driving SOC mineralization in response to different tillage intensities. Moreover, aggregate‐associated functional genes involved in labile and recalcitrant C compositions, which were determined by shotgun metagenomic sequencing, were associated with SOC mineralization and were significantly affected by the legacy effect of tillage intensity and aggregate size. Particularly, partial least squares path modeling revealed that genes involved in simple sugar metabolism exerted significantly positive effects on SOC mineralization, except for the effects of tillage intensity and aggregate size. Overall, this study showed that decreased abundances of labile C decomposition‐related functional genes within aggregates and community composition changes, as elucidated by the differences in bacterial network modules, under conservation tillage inhibit SOC mineralization. These findings may help in the development of adaptive soil tillage strategies for reducing carbon emissions in agroecosystems.
Analysis of risk factors affecting olfactory dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: Highlighting the role of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wang Tao , Wang Zhu , Li Haifeng , Wu Yang , Guo Siquan , Li Wenjing , You Jianqiang , Chao Changjiang
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between chronic sinusitis (CRS) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in a Chinese population and to explore the risk factors for olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS.

Methods

A total of 387 CRS patients were enrolled. Olfactory function was assessed by the Sniffin’ Sticks 12‐item test and MS was diagnosed according to the guidelines. Logistic regression analysis was performed on CRS patients to screen independent risk factors of olfactory dysfunction, adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Among 387 patients, average age of visit and duration of onset were 48.7 years and 1.8 years, respectively. The prevalence of MS was 15.0%. CRS patients with MS were more likely to be older (51.2 vs. 46.8, p = .004), predominantly male (p < .001) and have a higher proportion of olfactory dysfunction (62.1% vs. 44.1%, p = .018) than those without MS. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MS was associated with olfactory dysfunction in CRS patients (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.14–3.72, p = .016). This association remained significant after controlling for confounding factors. In addition, nasal polyps (OR: 13.41, 95% CI: 8.11–22.17, p < .001) and allergic rhinitis (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.67–5.99, p < .001) were also risk factors for olfactory dysfunction after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusions

MS is associated with olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRS. MS, nasal polyps, and allergic rhinitis are risk factors for olfactory dysfunction in CRS patients.

Level of evidence

IV
Logarithmically improved extension criteria involving the pressure for the Navier–Stokes equations in Rn$\mathbb {R}^{n}$
Authors: Kanamaru Ryo , Yamamoto Tatsuki
Published: April 2023

We consider the Cauchy problem of the Navier–Stokes equations in ( and establish several new extension criteria involving the pressure or its gradient. In particular, we improve the previous results by means of the homogeneous Besov space with negative differential orders in the case . Our method is based on the interpolation inequality and the trilinear estimate due to Gérard–Meyer–Oru (Séminaire É. D. P. (1996–1997), Exp. No. IV, 1–8) and Guo–Kučera–Skalák (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 458 (2018) 755–766), respectively.
Gröbner deformations and F‐singularities
Authors: Koley Mitra , Varbaro Matteo
Published: April 2023

For polynomial ideals in positive characteristic, defining F‐split rings and admitting a squarefree monomial initial ideal are different notions. In this note, we show that, however, there are strong interactions in both directions. Moreover, we provide an overview on which F‐singularities are Gröbner deforming. Also, we prove the following characteristic‐free statement: If is a height h prime ideal such that contains at least one squarefree monomial, then is a squarefree monomial ideal.
Geometry of Prym semicanonical pencils and an application to cubic threefolds
Authors: Lahoz Martí , Naranjo Juan Carlos , Rojas Andrés
Published: April 2023

In the moduli space of double étale covers of curves of a fixed genus g, the locus formed by covers of curves with a semicanonical pencil consists of two irreducible divisors and . We study the Prym map on these divisors, which shows significant differences between them and has a rich geometry in the cases of low genus. In particular, the analysis of has enumerative consequences for lines on cubic threefolds.
Shear‐Triggered Release of Lipid Nanoparticles from Tissue‐Mimetic Hydrogels
Authors: Karaz Selcan , Akay Gizem , Karaoglu Ismail C. , Han Mertcan , Nizamoglu Sedat , Kizilel Seda , Senses Erkan
Published: April 2023

Shear forces are involved in many cellular processes and increase remarkably in the case of cardiovascular diseases in the human body. While various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, light, and electromagnetic fields, have been considered for on‐demand release, developing drug delivery systems that are responsive to physiological‐level shear stresses remains as a challenge. For this purpose, liposomes embedded in hydrogel matrices are promising as they can dynamically engage with their environment due to their soft and deformable structure. However, for optimal drug delivery systems, the interaction between liposomes and the surrounding hydrogel matrix, and their response to the shear should be unraveled. Herein, we used unilamellar  1,2‐Dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3phosphocholine (DMPC) liposomes as drug nanocarriers and polyethylene (glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels having different elasticities, from 1 to 180 Pa, as extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mimetic matrices to understand shear‐triggered liposome discharge from hydrogels. The presence of liposomes provides hydrogels with temperature‐controlled water uptake which is sensitive to membrane microviscosity. By systematically applying shear deformation from linear to nonlinear deformation regimes, the liposome release under transient and cyclic stimuli is modulated. Considering that shear force is commonly encountered in biofluid flow, these results will provide fundamental basis for rational design of shear‐controlled liposomal drug delivery systems.
Optimal interventions of infectious disease
Authors: Sun Xu , Liu Yunan
Published: April 2023

The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus has highlighted the need for a benefit‐cost framework to guide unconventional public health interventions aimed at reducing close contact between infected and susceptible individuals. In this paper, we propose an optimal control problem for an infectious disease model, wherein the social planner can control the transmission rate by implementing or lifting lockdown measures. The objective is to minimize total costs, which comprise infection costs, as well as fixed and variable costs associated with lockdown measures. We establish conditions concerning model primitives that guarantee the existence of a straightforward optimal policy. The policy specifies two switching points , whereby the social planner institutes a lockdown when the percentage of infected individuals exceeds , and reopens the economy when the percentage of infected individuals drops below . We subsequently extend the model to cases where the social planner may implement multiple lockdown levels. Finally, numerical studies are conducted to gain additional insights into the value of these controls.
Additional preparation program for bariatric surgery: Two‐year results of a large cohort study
Authors: Lodewijks Yentl , Luyer Misha , van Montfort Gust , de Zoete Jean‐Paul , Smulders Frans , Nienhuijs Simon
Published: April 2023

Background

Multidisciplinary screening of bariatric surgery candidates is recommended, and some centers provide an additional preparation program (APP) to optimize patients preoperatively.

Objective

To compare patients with APP to standard care 2 years after primary bariatric surgery regarding postoperative weight loss and resolution of obesity‐related comorbidities.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted for patients undergoing primary Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy between September 2017 and March 2019. The first 12 months patients received an APP, after September 2018, the APP was no longer part of the weight loss trajectory. A multivariable linear regression model was built.

Results

Of the 384 patients receiving an APP advice, 50 were lost to follow up. In total, 192 (57%) received the APP and 142 (43%) received standard care. Percentage total weight loss after 2 years was significantly different, 28.8% for the APP group versus 32% for the standard group (p = 0.001). Postoperative weight loss after 2 years was increased in patients who had a gastric bypass, a higher baseline body mass index, and female gender in multivariable analysis. An APP was predictive for decreased postoperative weight. Diabetes mellitus was in remission significantly more often in the preparation group (84.1% of the cases) compared with the standard group (61.9%, p = 0.028).

Conclusion

A weight loss trajectory is at least as effective without additional preparation in terms of 2 years postoperative %TWL for primary gastric bypass and sleeve procedures. For comorbidities, diabetes mellitus was in remission more often in the APP group.
Dimensionally stable, flame‐retardant, and leach‐resistant furfurylated wood prepared by incorporating ammonium polyphosphate and nano‐silica
Authors: Yi Xueer , Cao Shuqi , Hao Xiaohan , Wang Zhinan , Huang Yishuai , Li Liping , Guo Chuigen
Published: April 2023

Fast‐growing plantation typically has some undesirable inherent qualities that restrict their use as engineering materials, such as dimensional instability, poor mechanical strength, and flammability (Sangregorio et al., Green Chem, 2020, 22, 2786–2798; Zhang et al., Fire Saf J, 2021, 121, 103297). In this study, a simple and environmentally friendly method was applied to improve low‐quality poplar wood by building an organic–inorganic hybrid system with a combination of biomass‐derived furfuryl alcohol (FA), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and nano‐silica (nano‐SiO2). Different amounts of APP and nano‐SiO2 were mixed with a FA water solution, impregnated into the poplar wood followed by curing at 103°C to induce in situ polymerization of furfurylated wood (FW). The results showed that the FW/APP/SiO2 had strong self‐extinguishing properties, and passed the UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) value as high as 49.5%. Results from cone calorimetry and thermogravimetry suggested that APP and nano‐SiO2 could have a synergistic effect, which successfully inhibited heat transfer and suppressed the smoke emission during its combustion by promoting char formation. Scanning electron microscopy shows that FA, APP, and nano‐SiO2 can basically penetrate into the cell wall and modify the wood fundamentally. FW/APP/SiO2 also enhanced the phosphorus fixation in the wood and greatly reduced its leaching into water, indicating it has long‐term fire resistance in service.
Imaging of pediatric abdominal soft tissue tumors: A COG Diagnostic Imaging Committee/SPR Oncology Committee White Paper
Authors: Srinivasan Abhay , Parikh Ashishkumar , Pace Erika , Schechter Ann , Tang Elizabeth , Servaes Sabah
Published: April 2023

This paper provides imaging recommendations for pediatric abdominal tumors that arise outside of the solid viscera. These tumors are rare in children and have been categorized in two groups: abdominal wall and peritoneal tumors (desmoid tumor and desmoplastic small round cell tumor) and tumors that arise from the gastrointestinal tract (gastrointestinal stromal tumor and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumor). Authors offer consensus recommendations for imaging assessment of these tumors at diagnosis, during follow‐up, and when off‐therapy.
Germline genomic findings in children and young adults with melanocytic tumors
Authors: Nagel Margaret B. , Perrino Melissa R. , Nuccio Regina , Blake Alise K. , Harrison Lynn , Nichols Kim E. , Pappo Alberto S.
Published: April 2023

In this retrospective study, we examined the prevalence and spectrum of germline variants in selected cancer predisposition genes in 38 children and young adults with melanocytic lesions at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Diagnoses included malignant melanoma (n = 16; 42%), spitzoid melanoma (n = 16; 42%), uveal melanoma (n = 5; 13%), and malignant melanoma arising in a giant congenital melanocytic nevus (n = 1; 3%). Six patients (15.8%) harbored pathogenic germline variants: one with bi‐allelic PMS2 variants, one with a heterozygous 17q21.31 deletion, and one each with a pathogenic variant in TP53, BRIP1, ATM, or AXIN2. Overall, 15.8% of patients harbored a cancer‐predisposing genetic variant.
Digital tools for assessing chronic pain in children (5–11 years): Systematic review
Authors: Brigden Amberly , Garg Megha , Deighan Mairi , Rai Manmita , Leveret Jamie , Crawley Esther
Published: April 2023

Pediatric chronic pain places a significant burden on children, their families, and healthcare services. Effective pain measurement is needed for both clinical management and research. Digital pain measurement tools have been developed for adult and adolescent populations however less is known about measurement in younger children. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify, describe, and evaluate (in terms of acceptability) digital tools for the assessment of chronic pain in children (5–11 years). We searched five databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL), between January 2014 and January 2022. We included empirical studies which included digital tool/s to assess pain in children aged between 5–11 years with chronic pain conditions. We independently double‐screened the papers to determine eligibility. We followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting. A total of five papers, covering four digital tools, were included. The digital tools used ranged from a static online survey to a highly interactive, personalized tablet application. Two studies were cross‐sectional and two collected longitudinal pain data via electronic devices outside the clinical setting. Digital features of the tools included: dynamic testing (n = 2), notifications/prompts (n = 1), data transmission (n = 1), remote monitoring (n = 1), accessibility (n = 1), data visualization/feedback (n = 1), personalization/customization (n = 1), gamification (n = 1) and data labeling (n = 1). Qualitative usability data was only available for one of the tools, which indicated its acceptability and highlighted preferred features/functions by child users (creative and personalizable features, gamification features), and parental users (symptom tracking). This review has highlighted the limited number of digital assessment tools available for children with chronic pain aged 5–11. This review identified some examples of technology enabling the capture of longitudinal, repeated measurement of multiple dimensions of pain (intensity, location, quality). We suggest directions for future research.
Unusual Transport and Impact of Nonparabolic Electronic Band Structure on the Thermoelectric Performance in n‐Type In4Se3‐Based Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Das Anish , Banerji Pallab
Published: April 2023

Unusual thermoelectric (TE) transport in n‐type In4Se3 has been reported in the context of first‐principles electronic structure calculation and Boltzmann transport theory. The density of states (DOS) shows certain peaks due to a nontopological Mexican hat and parabolic capping around the edges of Kane bands. The effect of such hard shifts of bands shows anomalously high Seebeck coefficient (S = 550 μV K−1 at ≈1017 cm−3) at room temperature due to very slow decreasing S and rapidly increasing DOS effective mass with carrier concentration compared to that obtained from Kane and parabolic band model. The best TE performance is predicated in Kane transport region (≈1018 cm−3) over the wide range of temperature, 300–700 K. The calculated values of relaxation time (≈10−14 s at 660 K), electrical conductivity, power factor and figure of merit in iodine‐doped sample and those obtained from the rigid band model of pure sample show excellent agreement with the reported experimental results.
Scalable recursive state estimation for nonlinear two‐dimensional complex networks with switching topology
Authors: Rezaei Hossein , Farnam Arash , Crevecoeur Guillaume
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates a scalable recursive state estimation method for nonlinear two‐dimensional (2‐D) stochastic complex networks. In these networks, the switching topology is modelled by random variables generated by the Bernoulli distribution. Considering the Extended Kalman Filter structure, we employ the Taylor series expansion to handle the nonlinear functions in the model. Hence, high‐order terms emerging in the linearization process are modelled by norm‐bounded parameter uncertainties. Due to the uncertainty of such a system, we obtain an upper bound for the estimation error covariance. Furthermore, we obtain an upper bound for the cross covariance to reduce the proposed filter's computational complexity and improve scalability. Within the established setting, next, the proposed filter is designed in such a way that the presented upper bounds are minimized. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed state estimation algorithm.
Development, integration, and field evaluation of an autonomous citrus‐harvesting robot
Authors: Yin Hesheng , Sun Qixin , Ren Xu , Guo Junlong , Yang Yunlong , Wei Yujia , Huang Bo , Chai Xiujuan , Zhong Ming
Published: April 2023

Citrus harvesting is a labor‐intensive and time‐intensive task. As the global population continues to age, labor costs are increasing dramatically. Therefore, the citrus‐harvesting robot has attracted considerable attention from the business and academic communities. However, robotic harvesting in unstructured and natural citrus orchards remains a challenge. This study aims to address some challenges faced in commercializing citrus‐harvesting robots. We present a fully integrated, autonomous, and innovative solution for citrus‐harvesting robots to overcome the harvesting difficulties derived from the natural growth characteristics of citrus. This solution uses a fused simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm based on multiple sensors to perform high‐precision localization and navigation for the robot in the field orchard. Besides, a novel visual method for estimating fruit poses is proposed to cope with the randomization of citrus growth orientations. Further, a new end‐effector is designed to improve the success and conformity rate of citrus stem cutting. Finally, a fully autonomous harvesting robot system has been developed and integrated. Field evaluations showed that the robot could harvest citrus continuously with an overall success rate of 87.2% and an average picking time of 10.9 s/fruit. These efforts provide a solid foundation for the future commercialization of citrus‐harvesting robots.
Quantile partially linear additive model for data with dropouts and an application to modeling cognitive decline
Authors: Maidman Adam , Wang Lan , Zhou Xiao‐Hua , Sherwood Ben
Published: April 2023

The National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set includes test results from a battery of cognitive exams. Motivated by the need to model the cognitive ability of low‐performing patients we create a composite score from ten tests and propose to model this score using a partially linear quantile regression model for longitudinal studies with non‐ignorable dropouts. Quantile regression allows for modeling non‐central tendencies. The partially linear model accommodates nonlinear relationships between some of the covariates and cognitive ability. The data set includes patients that leave the study prior to the conclusion. Ignoring such dropouts will result in biased estimates if the probability of dropout depends on the response. To handle this challenge, we propose a weighted quantile regression estimator where the weights are inversely proportional to the estimated probability a subject remains in the study. We prove that this weighted estimator is a consistent and efficient estimator of both linear and nonlinear effects.
Two‐Dimensional Interlayer Space Induced Horizontal Transformation of Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets for Highly Permeable Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Wang Zheng , Nakagawa Keizo , Guan Kecheng , Song Qiangqiang , Zhou Siyu , Tanaka Shunsuke , Okamoto Yasunao , Matsuoka Atsushi , Kamio Eiji , Li Guangchao , Li Molly Meng‐Jung , Yoshioka Tomohisa , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: April 2023

Laminar membranes comprising graphene oxide (GO) and metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets benefit from the regular in‐plane pores of MOF nanosheets and thus can support rapid water transport. However, the restacking and agglomeration of MOF nanosheets during typical vacuum filtration disturb the stacking of GO sheets, thus deteriorating the membrane selectivity. Therefore, to fabricate highly permeable MOF nanosheets/reduced GO (rGO) membranes, a two‐step method is applied. First, using a facile solvothermal method, ZnO nanoparticles are introduced into the rGO laminate to stabilize and enlarge the interlayer spacing. Subsequently, the ZnO/rGO membrane is immersed in a solution of tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (H2TCPP) to realize in situ transformation of ZnO into Zn‐TCPP in the confined interlayer space of rGO. By optimizing the transformation time and mass loading of ZnO, the obtained Zn‐TCPP/rGO laminar membrane exhibits preferential orientation of Zn‐TCPP, which reduces the pathway tortuosity for small molecules. As a result, the composite membrane achieves a high water permeance of 19.0 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and high anionic dye rejection (>99% for methyl blue).
Light‐Driven MXene‐Based Microrobots: Mineralization of Bisphenol A to CO2 and H2O
Authors: Dekanovsky Lukas , Huang Hai , Akir Sana , Ying Yulong , Sofer Zdenek , Khezri Bahareh
Published: April 2023

Light‐driven magnetic MXene‐based microrobots (MXeBOTs) have been developed as an active motile platform for efficiently removing and degrading bisphenol A (BPA). Light‐driven MXeBOTs are facilitated with the second control engine, i.e., embedded Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) for magnetic propulsion. The grafted bismuth NPs act as cocatalysts. The effect of the BPA concentration and the chemical composition of the swimming environment on the stability and reusability of the MXeBOTs are studied. The MAXBOTs, a developed motile water remediation platform, demonstrate the ability to remove/degrade approximately 60% of BPA within just 10 min and achieve near‐complete removal/degradation (≈100%) within 1 h. Above 86% of BPA is mineralized within 1 h. The photocatalytic degradation of BPA using Bi/Fe/MXeBOTs demonstrates a significant advantage in the mineralization of BPA to CO2 and H2O.
3D Chiral Micro‐Pinwheels Based on Rolling‐Up Kirigami Technology
Authors: Wang Kun , Hou Chaojian , Cong Longqing , Zhang Wenqi , Fan Lu , Wang Xiaokai , Dong Lixin
Published: April 2023

Expanding micro‐/nanostructures into 3D ones results not only in boosting structural integration level with compact geometry but also enhancing a device's complexity and functionality. Herein, a synergetic 3D micro‐/nanoshape transformation is proposed by combining kirigami and rolling‐up techniques, or rolling‐up kirigami, for the first time. As an example, micro‐pinwheels with multiple flabella are patterned on pre‐stressed bilayer membranes and rolled up into 3D structures. The flabella are designed when they are patterned on a 2D thin film, facilitating the integration of micro‐/nanoelement and other functionalization processes during 2D patterning, which is typically much easier than post‐shaping an as‐fabricated 3D structure by removing redundant materials or 3D printing. The dynamic rolling‐up process is simulated using elastic mechanics with a movable releasing boundary. Mutual competition and cooperation among flabella are observed during the whole release process. More importantly, the mutual conversion between translation and rotation offers a reliable platform for developing parallel microrobots and adaptive 3D micro‐antennas. Additionally, 3D chiral micro‐pinwheel arrays integrated into a microfluidic chip are successfully applied to detect organic molecules in solution using a terahertz apparatus. With an extra actuation, active micro‐pinwheels can potentially serve as a base to functionalize 3D kirigami as tunable devices.
Photonic Hyperthermia Synergizes with Immune‐Activators to Augment Tumor‐Localized Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Tiankuan , Hu Zhongqian , Song Feifei , Wu Chenyao , Miao Qizeng , Wang Zhongmin , Feng Wei , Guo Jinhe , Chen Yu
Published: April 2023

Photothermal immunotherapy, the combination of photothermal hyperthermia and immunotherapy, is a noninvasive and desirable therapeutic strategy to address the deficiency of traditional photothermal ablation for tumor treatment. However, insufficient T‐cell activation following photothermal treatment is a bottleneck to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effectiveness. In this work, a multifunctional nanoplatform is rationally designed and engineered on the basis of polypyrrole‐based magnetic nanomedicine modified by T‐cell activators of anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 monoclonal antibodies, which have achieved robust near infrared laser‐triggered photothermal ablation and long‐lasting T‐cell activation, realizing diagnostic imaging‐guided immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment regulation following photothermal hyperthermia by reinvigorating tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes. By virtue of high‐efficient immunogenic cell death and dendritic cell maturation combined with T‐cell activation, this nanosystem markedly restrains primary and abscopal tumors as well as metastatic tumors with negligible side effects in vivo, exerting the specific function for suppressing tumor recurrence and metastasis by establishing a long‐term memory immune response.