bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Obesity on Timing of Tracheotomy: A Multi‐institutional Retrospective Study
Authors: Yousef Andrew , Soliman Shady I. , Solomon Isaac , Panuganti Bharat A. , Francis David O. , Pang John , Klebaner Dasha , Asturias Alicia , Alattar Ali , Wood Samuel , Terry Morgan , Bryson Paul C. , Tipton Courtney B. , Zhao Elise E. , O'Rourke Ashli , Santa Maria Chloe , Grimm David R. , Sung C.K. , Lao Wilson P. , Thompson Jordan M. , Crawley Brianna K. , Rosen Sarah , Berezovsky Anna , Kupfer Robbi , Hennesy Theresa B. , Clary Matthew , Joseph Ian T. , Sarhadi Kamron , Kuhn Maggie , Abdel‐Aty Yassmeen , Kennedy Maeve M. , Lott David G. , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To examine the impact of increased body mass index (BMI) on (1) tracheotomy timing and (2) short‐term surgical complications requiring a return to the operating room and 30‐day mortality utilizing data from the Multi‐Institutional Study on Tracheotomy (MIST).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients from the MIST database who underwent surgical or percutaneous tracheotomy between 2013 and 2016 at eight institutions was completed. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were used to assess the impact of obesity on tracheotomy timing and complications.

Results

Among the 3369 patients who underwent tracheotomy, 41.0% were obese and 21.6% were morbidly obese. BMI was associated with higher rates of prolonged intubation prior to tracheotomy accounting for comorbidities, indication for tracheotomy, institution, and type of tracheostomy (p = 0.001). Morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥35 kg/m2) experienced a longer duration of intubation compared with patients with a normal BMI (median days intubated [IQR 25%–75%]: 11.0 days [7–17 days] versus 9.0 days [5–14 days]; p < 0.001) but did not have statistically higher rates of return to the operating room within 30 days (p = 0.12) or mortality (p = 0.90) on multivariable analysis. This same finding of prolonged intubation was not seen in overweight, nonobese patients when compared with normal BMI patients (median days intubated [IQR 25%–75%]: 10.0 days [6–15 days] versus 10.0 days [6–15 days]; p = 0.36).

Conclusion

BMI was associated with increased duration of intubation prior to tracheotomy. Although morbidly obese patients had a longer duration of intubation, there were no differences in return to the operating room or mortality within 30 days.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:4674–4681, 2024
Recent Progress in Light Polarization Control Schemes for Silicon Integrated Photonics
Authors: Zafar Humaira , Pereira Mauro F.
Published: June 2024

Light polarization control is a target in photonics, and this paper provides a comprehensive review of research from various groups on the silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) platform. It draws comparisons between devices such as polarization splitters (PS), polarizers, and polarization splitters/rotators (PSR). These devices are fabricated using various technologies, including silicon nanowires, ridge waveguides, hybrid plasmonic waveguides, and subwavelength grating (SWG) waveguides. A detailed review of polarizers used as cleanup filters in splitters is initiated. Subsequently, various polarization splitters utilizing asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs), which typically exhibiting low extinction ratios (ERs), are delved. To enhance ERs, a detailed comparison of methods outlined in the literature is provided. One notable method includes integrating on‐chip polarizers at both ports to eliminate unwanted light fractions and achieve exceptionally high ERs. Furthermore, SWG‐based polarizers and splitters commonly face issues with Bragg reflections that can affect other photonic devices and lasers and ways to minimize unwanted polarization back reflections in SWG‐designed polarization control devices are examined. Finally, emerging applications in mid‐infrared (MIR) sensing are explored, highlighting the necessity of polarization rotators for on‐chip transverse electric (TE) operation, since quantum cascade lasers, the primary sources in this range, emitting radiation in the (TM) mode.
A Delaunay refinement algorithm for the particle finite element method applied to free surface flows
Authors: Leyssens Thomas , Henry Michel , Lambrechts Jonathan , Remacle Jean‐François
Published: June 2024

This article proposes two contributions to the calculation of free‐surface flows using the particle finite element method (PFEM). The PFEM is based upon a Lagrangian approach: a set of particles defines the fluid and each particle is associated with a velocity vector. Then, unlike a pure Lagrangian method, all the particles are connected by a triangular mesh. The difficulty lies in locating the free surface from this mesh. It is a matter of deciding which of the elements in the mesh are part of the fluid domain, and to define a boundary—the free surface. Then, the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved on the fluid domain and the particle position is updated using the velocity vector from the finite element solver. Our first contribution is to propose an approach to adapt the mesh with theoretical guarantees of quality: the mesh generation community has acquired a lot of experience and understanding about mesh adaptation approaches with guarantees of quality on the final mesh. The approach we use here is based on a Delaunay refinement strategy, allowing to insert and remove nodes while gradually improving mesh quality. We show that what is proposed allows to create stable and smooth free surface geometries. One characteristic of the PFEM is that only one fluid domain is modeled, even if its shape and topology change. It is nevertheless necessary to apply conditions on the domain boundaries. When a boundary is a free surface, the flow on the other side is not modeled, it is represented by an external pressure. On the external free surface boundary, atmospheric pressure can be imposed. Nevertheless, there may be internal free surfaces: the fluid can fully encapsulate cavities to form bubbles. The pressure required to maintain the volume of those bubbles is a priori unknown. For example, the atmospheric pressure would not be sufficient to prevent the bubbles from deflating and eventually disappearing. Our second contribution is to propose a multi‐point constraint approach to enforce global incompressibility of those empty bubbles. We show that this approach allows to accurately model bubbly flows that involve two fluids with large density differences, for instance water and air, while only modeling the heavier fluid.
Excellent thermal conductive epoxy composites via adding UHMWPE fiber obtained by hot drawing method
Authors: Shi Shanshan , Jiang Tao , Wang Ying , Sun Yongfei , Cao Shuai , Gui Xiaofan , Li Yifan , Yu Wei , Lin Donghai , Xie Huaqing , Li Xiaofeng , Li Wenge , Sun Kai , Yu Jinhong , Wu Xinfeng
Published: June 2024

The continuous updating and iteration of electronic devices brings about a significant accumulation of heat. It is urgent to enhance the thermal properties of polymer‐based composites to alleviate the heat dissipation problem in the microelectronics industry. In this paper, the hot drawing process was introduced to increase the crystallinity of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber and improve its thermal conductivity. The ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fiber/epoxy resin (UHMWPE fiber/Epoxy) composites with high thermal conductivity were prepared by compositing UHMWPE fiber with epoxy resin under vacuum conditions. Due to the good crystallinity of the UHMWPE fiber (86%), an efficient thermal conduction path is provided for phonons in the axial direction along the fibers. The results show that the thermal conductivity of the composites reaches a maximum of 3.51 W/mK (in‐plane), which is 17.47 times higher than that of the epoxy resin (0.19 W/mK). The thermography pictures indicate that the composites have better heat transfer capacity with an increase in the draw ratio (λ). In addition, the composites also have the characteristics of low density and low electrical conductivity. These researches will provide a new idea for the preparation of all‐polymer composites with high thermal properties.

Highlights

A hot drawing process was introduced to increase the crystallinity of UHMWPE fiber for improving thermal conductivity.

High crystallinity facilitates the reduction of phonon scattering and the transmission of thermal energy by phonons.

The obtained polymer composites exhibit an ultra‐high in‐plane thermal conductivity.
Flexural properties and evaluation of Al‐CFRP self‐pierce riveted laminates under three‐point bending loads
Authors: Wang Yazhe , Ma Qihua
Published: June 2024

This study aims to investigate the bending performance and evaluation of aluminum‐carbon fiber reinforced plastic (Al‐CFRP) riveted laminates under varying parameters via self‐pierce riveting and three‐point bending tests. Through the self‐pierce riveting process test, a riveted joint meeting standard requirement was obtained. Based on this joint combination form, Al‐CFRP self‐pierce riveted laminates were prepared. The bending performance test showed the riveted laminate with a span of 80 mm had the greatest bending resistance at a thickness of 2 mm, and the overall strain of the Al‐CFRP self‐pierce riveted laminates was observed by digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Subsequently, validated numerical simulation modeling was conducted by correlating with the test results. On this numerical simulation model basis, further parametric studies and bending performance evaluations (including number of rivets, CFRP lay‐up angle, and laminates width) of the Al‐CFRP self‐pierce riveted laminates were systematically carried out. It was found that the peak load F and bending strength R improved by 1.32% and 26.66%, respectively, while the mass M reduced by 8.99%, for the design variables of var1 of 20 mm, var2 of 6, and var3 of [0/90°]2s.

Highlight

An Al‐CFRP riveted laminate structure is proposed to improve the bending properties of riveted laminates by changing the rivet parameters and laminate parameters.

The bending properties of riveted laminates with different spans were investigated under three‐point bending loading conditions.

The DIC technique observed the changes in the strain field of riveted laminates during bending.

The effects of different structural parameters on the bending performance of Al‐CFRP riveted laminates were investigated by numerical simulation.

An evaluation method combining the gray correlation degree and the combination assignment method is proposed to obtain the optimum riveted laminate structure under bending load conditions.
The relationship between bullying victimization and academic performance among adolescents: The chain mediating roles of social anxiety and short video addiction
Authors: Jiang Yunpeng , Feng Yang , Qi Jianhao , He Ru , Chao Miao
Published: June 2024

To investigate how bullying victimization affects academic performance and the mediating effects of social anxiety and short video addiction among adolescents, a questionnaire survey was conducted on 2055 secondary school students in China. A Structural Equation Model was employed to analyze the data. The results showed that bullying victimization, social anxiety, short video addiction, and academic performance correlated significantly with each other. Bullying victimization directly influenced academic performance, and indirectly affected academic performance through the independent mediator of short video addiction, and the chain mediation of social anxiety and short video addiction. This study provides a novel perspective on understanding the underlying mechanisms through which bullying victimization impacts academic performance, emphasizing the importance of addressing the adverse effects of bullying among adolescents.
Assimilation of Transformed Retrievals from IASI radiances versus direct assimilation of IASI radiances at the Met Office
Authors: Levens Peter J. , Migliorini Stefano
Published: June 2024

Satellite radiances make up the vast majority of observations that are assimilated routinely at the Met Office and at other major numerical weather prediction (NWP) centres. Improvements in the use of these data have led to significant improvements in NWP forecast skill over the last 30 years. Since the advent of hyperspectral sensors, capable of measuring infrared radiance emerging from the atmosphere over thousands of channels, data providers and NWP centres have been facing the challenges of distributing, monitoring, and assimilating a considerable wealth of data. Forthcoming hyperspectral sensors such as the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer New Generation (IASI‐NG) on MetOp Second Generation (Metop‐SG) and the Meteosat Third Generation Infrared Sounder (MTG‐IRS) will increase the amount of data to be considered for assimilation even further. It has been shown that Transformed Retrievals (TRs) generated from a spectrum of radiances can represent most of the information content of the radiances in a significantly reduced set of TR components. In this article we show for the first time, to our knowledge, that by assimilating TRs in an operational data assimilation system it is possible to achieve forecast skill gains similar to those when the same radiances used to generate the TRs are assimilated directly. These results pave the way to exploiting an order‐of‐magnitude larger number of channels from hyperspectral sounders for operational NWP.
Rydberg‐Atom Graphs for Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization Problems
Authors: Byun Andrew , Jung Junwoo , Kim Kangheun , Kim Minhyuk , Jeong Seokho , Jeong Heejeong , Ahn Jaewook
Published: June 2024

There is a growing interest in harnessing the potential of the Rydberg‐atom system to address complex combinatorial optimization challenges. Here an experimental demonstration of how the quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem can be effectively addressed using Rydberg‐atom graphs is presented. The Rydberg‐atom graphs are configurations of neutral atoms organized into mathematical graphs, facilitated by programmable optical tweezers, and designed to exhibit many‐body ground states that correspond to the maximum independent set (MIS) of their respective graphs. Four elementary Rydberg‐atom subgraph components are developed, not only to eliminate the need of local control but also to be robust against interatomic distance errors, while serving as the building blocks sufficient for formulating generic QUBO graphs. To validate the feasibility of the approach, a series of Rydberg‐atom experiments selected to demonstrate proof‐of‐concept operations of these building blocks are conducted. These experiments illustrate how these components can be used to programmatically encode the QUBO problems to Rydberg‐atom graphs and, by measuring their many‐body ground states, how their QUBO solutions are determined subsequently.
Prevalence of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea in a cohort of women referred because of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Holzer Iris , Marculescu Rodrig , Begemann Vanessa , Haaser Sophie , Dewailly Didier , Ott Johannes
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To study how many women are misdiagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) instead of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), which is important to improve overall well‐being, long‐term health, and fertility issues.

Methods

The FHA prevalence in a cohort of 401 women previously diagnosed with PCOS (revised Rotterdam criteria) was estimated retrospectively based on experts and previous studies: luteinizing hormone (LH) <2 IU/mL, LH <5.36 IU/mL, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) >53.3 nmol/L, Testosterone <0.36 ng/mL, and the formula of Beitl et al. [(7.05*testosterone ng/mL) − (0.005*SHBG nmol/L) + (0.117*LH mIU/mL) − 2.463 < 0].

Results

The highest rate of women with suspicion of FHA in patients referred for PCOS was found when the SHBG cut‐off of ≥53.3 nmol/L was used (36.9%), followed by the use of the LH cut‐off of <5.36 IU/mL (12.5%). The minimal suspected rate was achieved with the LH cut‐off <2.0 IU/mL (1.7%). Women who fulfilled the criteria for PCOS phenotype D (ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovarian morphology) revealed the maximum rate for suspected FHA (up to 47.6%).

Conclusion

It is still necessary to evaluate reliable markers for the differential diagnosis between PCOS and FHA to avoid incorrect treatment, which might lead to negative long‐term effects in women with undiagnosed FHA.
The (de)motives for using food waste reduction apps among hospitality providers
Authors: Derqui Belén , Filimonau Viachaslau
Published: June 2024

Digital technology can aid in redistributing surplus meals in hospitality organisations, but little is known about the (de)motives for its use among industry professionals. Yet, a better understanding of these (de)motives can facilitate a more tailored design of technological solutions for sustainability purposes. This study examines managerial perceptions of Too Good To Go, a world's leading app for surplus food redistribution, according to the number of downloads and reviews in both Google Play and iPhone App Store. By applying qualitative methods, through in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews among foodservice providers in Barcelona, Spain (n = 42), the study showcases economic motives as a prime driver of this technology's adoption while environmental motives play a secondary role. Low awareness of food waste generation, a lack of technological expertise, and limited resources represent the main demotives. To facilitate surplus food redistribution, technological solutions should be simplified and enhanced with other functions, such as delivery. The economic benefits of technology use should be emphasised, while making a conscious effort to enhance food waste awareness among industry professionals.
Systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of green finance and renewable energy development
Authors: Muhmad Siti Nurain , Cheema Sadia , Mohamad Ariff Akmalia , Nik Him Nik Fadhilah , Muhmad Siti Nasuha
Published: June 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to ecosystems, the economy, human health, and livelihoods worldwide. Hence, it is imperative to establish international collaboration among governments and corporations to effectively address climate change through the reduction of emissions and preservation of the environment. This study aims to examine and deliberate on publications on green finance initiatives and renewable energy development. This study conducts a systematic literature review and a meticulous bibliometric analysis that examines 128 scientific papers from 2010 to 2023 on green finance and renewable energy development to address the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the fight against climate change. The analysis shows a significant increase in annual publications, revealing growth in global interest in green finance and renewable energy with high‐impact journals playing a vital role in publishing research outputs. Furthermore, China is the country with the most publications, holding a commanding position. Another finding from the analysis is that from an academic perspective, the United States is also a country that is heavily engaged in research on green finance and renewable energy development. The study confirms the positive relationship between green finance and renewable energy development, and it shows that there is an urgent need to have green finance initiatives in companies to accelerate the development of renewable energy. The findings emphasize the importance of further research and global collaborations to harness the potential of green finance for a sustainable, low‐carbon future.
Hematopoietic Function Restoration by Transplanting Bone Marrow Niches In Vivo Engineered Using Carbonate Apatite Honeycomb Bioreactors
Authors: Hayashi Koichiro , Kishida Ryo , Tsuchiya Akira , Ishikawa Kunio
Published: June 2024

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is used to treat blood and immunodeficient diseases. HSC expansion techniques must be developed to prevent complications and ensure reliable therapeutic efficacy. Hence, several studies have attempted in vitro expansion of HSCs using scaffolds but failed to mimic the diverse and complex nature of HSC environments. Herein, an artificial HSC microenvironment, bone marrow (BM) niches is created, through in vivo engineering using carbonate apatite honeycomb scaffolds and the potential of these scaffolds in restoring lost hematopoietic function and immunity is investigated. BM niches are generated in every honeycomb channel, wherein HSCs are gradually aggregated. Compared to the actual BM, the scaffolds exhibit a 9.9‐ and 78‐fold increase in the number of stored CD45− CD34+ side scatterlow cells that are mainly considered HSCs at 8 and 12 weeks, respectively. The transplantation of the honeycomb scaffold containing HSCs and BM niches into immunocompromised mice increases peripheral blood chimerism and restores hematopoietic function and the number of immunocytes (monocytes and lymphocytes) to normal levels. This study contributes to the development of efficient HSC transplantation techniques. Additionally, in vivo‐engineered integrated tissues using honeycomb scaffolds can be used to elucidate the interplay between the BM niches and resident cells.
Strategic Atomic Interaction Modification for Highly Durable Inorganic Solid Electrolytes in Advanced All‐Solid‐State Li‐Metal Batteries
Authors: Kim Heebae , Jang Eunbin , Cho Jinil , Pyo Seonmi , Yun Heejun , Lee Jeewon , Min Byeongyun , Han Juyeon , Yoo Jeeyoung , Kim Youn Sang
Published: June 2024

All‐solid‐state Li‐metal battery (ASSLB) represents advantageous energy storage system for automotive applications. For ASSLB, inorganic solid electrolyte is essential in determining safety and cycling performance. However, significant challenges persist in practical construction of ASSLB with optimized electrolyte. Specifically, electrolyte's structural instability influencing its electrochemical performance remains critical issue within typical operating temperatures for ASSLB in electric vehicles. Herein, this challenge is fundamentally addressed by substituting trace amount of lithium with cadmium, which lacks crystal field stabilization energy. This strategy of atomic interaction modification has induced electrolyte's structural distortion and electronic alteration by deliberately introducing disorder at local lithium sites. Li symmetric cell with cadmium‐substituted antiperovskite solid electrolyte exhibits outstanding critical current density of 11.5 mA cm−2 (5.75 mAh cm−2) and excellent stability for 3000 h at 10.0 mA cm−2 (5.0 mAh cm−2). This study highlights explicit research direction for breakthrough of ASSLB, focusing on understanding how local distortion affects complex inorganic materials.
Inhibitory modulation of action potentials in crayfish motor axons by fluoxetine
Authors: Wang Selene , Lam Si Seng , Aguilar Anisah , Ali Hani , Anakwe Stephanie , Barahona Katherine , Hunyadi Olivia , Jain Kaahini , Kolodziejski Derek , Lal Anindita , Li Man , MacKenzie Frank , Miller John , Nardin Oliviero , Nguyen Emily , Pappu Jaii , Rodriguez Melissa , Lin Jen‐Wei
Published: June 2024

The goal of this report is to explore how K2P channels modulate axonal excitability by using the crayfish ventral superficial flexor preparation. This preparation allows for simultaneous recording of motor nerve extracellular action potentials (eAP) and intracellular excitatory junctional potential (EJP) from a muscle fiber. Previous pharmacological studies have demonstrated the presence of K2P‐like channels in crayfish. Fluoxetine (50 µM) was used to block K2P channels in this study. The blocker caused a gradual decline, and eventually complete block, of motor axon action potentials. At an intermediate stage of the block, when the peak‐to‐peak amplitude of eAP decreased to ∼60%–80% of the control value, the amplitude of the initial positive component of eAP declined at a faster rate than that of the negative peak representing sodium influx. Furthermore, the second positive peak following this sodium influx, which corresponds to the after‐hyperpolarizing phase of intracellularly recorded action potentials (iAP), became larger during the intermediate stage of eAP block. Finally, EJP recorded simultaneously with eAP showed no change in amplitude, but did show a significant increase in synaptic delay. These changes in eAP shape and EJP delay are interpreted as the consequence of depolarized resting membrane potential after K2P channel block. In addition to providing insights to possible functions of K2P channels in unmyelinated axons, results presented here also serve as an example of how changes in eAP shape contain information that can be used to infer alterations in intracellular events. This type of eAP‐iAP cross‐inference is valuable for gaining mechanistic insights here and may also be applicable to other model systems.
A case study of an English teacher in Ukraine: Where gender and national identity intersect
Authors: Moroz Oksana
Published: June 2024

Using a transnational intersectionality framework that focuses on the interactions of multiple identities, this article reexamines the study conducted in 2017 on the experiences of one female in‐service English language teacher in the Ukrainian context. Employing a narrative inquiry approach, using an online autobiography, interviews, and lesson materials, Irene's multiple identities have intertwined with her gendered identity, shaping her experiences. This study's findings show that Irene's transnational gendered identity was influenced by her educational and professional paths, her position in the language teaching field, and various social identities. Irene used language strategically and negotiated power relations professionally to navigate her transition to becoming a transnational English language teacher. Moreover, she found a complex relationship between a teacher's gender and identity, which is related to the sociopolitical situation in Ukraine. The study aims to address the gap in the research on constructing a Ukrainian teacher's gendered identity. While a case study approach is not generalizable or applicable to other teachers, exploring Irene's narratives provides valuable insights into the complexities of identity and power dynamics within a transnational educational context.
Anaerobic treatment removing tetrabromobisphenol A and biota safety: How do tropical aquatic species respond to effluent toxicity over short‐ and long‐term exposures?
Authors: Bernegossi Aline Christine , Castro Gleyson Borges , Felipe Mayara Caroline , de Souza Tallyson Tavares Cunha , Macêdo Williane Vieira , Gorni Guilherme Rossi , Corbi Juliano José
Published: June 2024

Wastewater containing tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a commonly used flame retardant found in wastewater, can present significant toxic effects on biota, yet its impact on tropical freshwater environments is not well understood. This study explores the effectiveness of two independent anaerobic treatment systems, the acidogenic reactor (AR) and the methanogenic reactor (MR), for the ecotoxicity reduction of TBBPA‐rich wastewater in four tropical freshwater species. Despite presenting good physicochemical performance and reduced toxicity of the influent for most species, AR and MR treatments remain acute and chronic toxicity. Overall, MR exhibited greater efficacy in reducing influent toxicity compared with AR. TBBPA bioaccumulation was observed in Chironomus sancticaroli after short‐term exposure to 100% MR effluent. Multigenerational exposures highlighted changes in the wing length of C. sancticaroli, showing decreases after influent and AR exposures and increases after MR exposures. These findings underscore the need for ecotoxicological tools in studies of new treatment technologies, combining the removal of emerging contaminants with safeguarding aquatic biota.

Practitioner Points

Acidogenic and methanogenic reactors reduced the acute and chronic toxicity of wastewater containing tetrabromobisphenol A.

Both treatments still exhibit toxicity, inducing short‐ and long‐term toxic effects on four native tropical species.

The aquatic species Pristina longiseta was most sensitive to effluents from acidogenic and methanogenic reactors.

TBBPA concentrations recovered from Chironomus sancticaroli bioaccumulation analysis ranged from 1.07 to 1.35 μg g−1.

Evaluating new treatment technologies with multiple species bioassays is essential for a comprehensive effluent toxicity assessment and ensuring aquatic safety.
Using yeasts for the studies of nonfunctional factors in protein evolution
Authors: Potera Katarzyna , Tomala Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

The evolution of protein sequence is driven not only by factors directly related to protein function and shape but also by nonfunctional factors. Such factors in protein evolution might be categorized as those connected to energetic costs, synthesis efficiency, and avoidance of misfolding and toxicity. A common approach to studying them is correlational analysis contrasting them with some characteristics of the protein, like amino acid composition, but these features are interdependent. To avoid possible bias, empirical studies are needed, and not enough work has been done to date. In this review, we describe the role of nonfunctional factors in protein evolution and present an experimental approach using yeast as a suitable model organism. The focus of the proposed approach is on the potential negative impact on the fitness of mutations that change protein properties not related to function and the frequency of mutations that change these properties. Experimental results of testing the misfolding avoidance hypothesis as an explanation for why highly expressed proteins evolve slowly are inconsistent with correlational research results. Therefore, more efforts should be made to empirically test the effects of nonfunctional factors in protein evolution and to contrast these results with the results of the correlational analysis approach.
Algorithmic and Implementation-Based Threats for the Security of Embedded Machine Learning Models
Authors: Moëllic Pierre-Alain , Dumont Mathieu , Hector Kevin , Hennebert Christine , Joud Raphaël , Paulin Dylan
Published: June 2024

The large-scale deployment of machine learning models in a wide variety of AI-based systems raises major security concerns related to their integrity, confidentiality and availability. These security issues encompass the overall traditional machine learning pipeline, including the training and the inference processes. In the case of embedded models deployed in physically accessible devices, the attack surface is particularly complex because of additional attack vectors exploiting implementation-based flaws. This chapter aims at describing the most important attacks that threaten state-of-the-art embedded machine learning models (especially deep neural networks) widely deployed in IoT applications (e.g., health, industry, transport) and highlighting new critical attack vectors that rely on side-channel and fault injection analysis and significantly extend the attack surface of AIoT systems (Artificial Intelligence of Things). More particularly, we focus on two advanced threats against models deployed in 32-bit microcontrollers: model extraction and weight-based adversarial attacks.
Reconfigurable Antennas for Trustable Things
Authors: Groth Mateusz , Rzymowski Mateusz , Nyka Krzysztof , Kulas Lukasz
Published: June 2024

In modern applications, the Internet of Things plays a significant role in increasing the productivity, effectiveness or safety and security of people and assets. Additionally, the reliability of Internet of Things components is crucial from the application point of view, where a resilient and low-latency network is needed. This can be achieved by utilizing reconfigurable antennas to  enhance the capabilities of the wireless sensor network (WSN). Additionally, reconfigurable antennas can provide extended functionalities to the Internet of Things. One such aspect of wireless sensing is localization, where objects can be identified and positioned using radio frequency (RF) signals. For this purpose, analysis of spatial diversification of signals can be used by utilizing reconfigurable antennas. This work presents a design of a reconfigurable antenna that is applicable to Internet of Things WSNs and algorithms that utilize the antenna to provide additional localization functionalities.
Mean field theory for strongly coupled systems: Holographic approach
Authors: Sukrakarn Supalert , Yuk Taewon , Sin Sang-Jin
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we develop the holographic mean field theory for strongly interacting fermion systems. We investigate various types of the symmetry-breakings and their effect on the spectral function. We found analytic expressions of fermion Green’s functions in the probe-limit for all types of tensor order parameter fields. We classified the spectral shapes and singularity types from the analytic Green’s function. We calculated the fermions spectral function in the full backreacted background and then compared it with the analytic results to show the reliability of analytic results in the probe limit. The fact that all the main features of the spectral features in the current condensed matter physics including gaps of s-,p- waves, nodal rings and nodal shells, the flat band of dimension 1,2,3, can be obtained in the absence of the lattice as consequences of the order and symmetry breaking pattern, is a pleaseant surprise.
di-Langlands correspondence and extended observables
Authors: Jeong Saebyeok , Lee Norton , Nekrasov Nikita
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We explore the difference Langlands correspondence using the four dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 super-QCD. Surface defects and surface observables play the crucial role. As an application, we give the first construction of the full set of quantum integrals, i.e. commuting differential operators, such that the partition function of the so-called regular monodromy surface defect is their joint eigenvectors in an evaluation module over the Yangian Y$$ \left(\mathfrak{gl}(2)\right) $$

gl

2

, making it the wavefunction of a N-site $$ \mathfrak{gl}(2) $$
gl

2

spin chain with bi-infinite spin modules. We construct the Q- and $$ \overset{\sim }{\textbf{Q}} $$

Q
~

-surface observables which are believed to be the Q-operators on the bi-infinite module over the Yangian Y$$ \left(\mathfrak{gl}(2)\right) $$

gl

2

, and compute their eigenvalues, the Q-functions, as vevs of the surface observables.
Entanglement entropy and the boundary action of edge modes
Authors: Mukherjee Jyotirmoy
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We consider an antisymmetric gauge field in the Minkowski space of d-dimension and decompose it in terms of the antisymmetric tensor harmonics and fix the gauge. The Gauss law implies that the normal component of the field strength on the spherical entangling surface will label the superselection sectors. From the two-point function of the field strength on the sphere, we evaluate the logarithmic divergent term of the entanglement entropy of edge modes of p-form field. We observe that the logarithmic divergent term in entanglement entropy of edge modes coincides with the edge partition function of co-exact p-form on the sphere when expressed in terms of the Harish-Chandra characters. We also develop a boundary path integral of the antisymmetric p-form gauge field. From the boundary path integral, we show that the edge mode partition function corresponds to the co-exact (p − 1)-forms on the boundary. This boundary path integral agrees with the direct evaluation of the entanglement entropy of edge modes extracted from the two-point function of the normal component of the field strength on the entangling surface.
Localization of scalar field on the brane-world by coupling with gravity
Authors: Guo Heng , Lu Yong-Tao , Wang Cai-Ling , Sun Yue
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we consider a coupling mechanism between the kinetic term and the gravity, in which a coupling function F (R) is introduced into the kinetic term of the five-dimensional scalar field. Based on this scenario, we investigate the localization of scalar fields in three specific braneworld models: the Minkowski brane, the de Sitter brane, and the Anti-de Sitter brane. The brane models considered here are regular with no singularity for scalar curvature. For the Minkowshi brane case, the zero mode can always be localized on the brane, and the massive modes can be localized or quasi-localized on the brane. For the dS4 brane case, two forms of factor F (R) is considered. The zero mode can always be localized, and the massive modes could be quasi-localized on the brane. Besides, with the second coupling factor, the scalar zero mode could be localized on the both sides of the origin of extra dimension, while the massive modes could be quasi-localized on the origin. Lastly, for the AdS4 brane case, the localization of the scalar zero mode requires the consideration of a coupling potential V (Φ, φ), while the massive modes can still be localized on the brane with an infinite number.
Skyrmion crystals stabilized by ω-mesons
Authors: Harland Derek , Leask Paul , Speight Martin
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We investigate the ground state crystalline structure of nuclear matter in the ω-meson variant of the Skyrme model. After minimizing energy with respect to variations of both the Skyrme field and the period lattice, we find four distinct periodic solutions which are similar to those found in the standard Skyrme model. We use these crystals to calculate coefficients in the Bethe-Weizsäcker semi-empirical mass formula and the compression modulus of infinite nuclear matter, and find a significant improvement as compared with other variants of the Skyrme model.
Machine learning constructs a diagnostic prediction model for calculous pyonephrosis
Authors: Yang Bin , Zhong Jiao , Yang Yalin , Xu Jin , Liu Hua , Liu Jianhe
Published: June 2024

In order to provide decision-making support for the auxiliary diagnosis and individualized treatment of calculous pyonephrosis, the study aims to analyze the clinical features of the condition, investigate its risk factors, and develop a prediction model of the condition using machine learning techniques. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 268 patients with calculous renal pelvic effusion who underwent ultrasonography-guided percutaneous renal puncture and drainage in our hospital during January 2018 to December 2022. The patients were included into two groups, one for pyonephrosis and the other for hydronephrosis. At a random ratio of 7:3, the research cohort was split into training and testing data sets. Single factor analysis was utilized to examine the 43 characteristics of the hydronephrosis group and the pyonephrosis group using the T test, Spearman rank correlation test and chi-square test. Disparities in the characteristic distributions between the two groups in the training and test sets were noted. The features were filtered using the minimal absolute value shrinkage and selection operator on the training set of data. Auxiliary diagnostic prediction models were established using the following five machine learning (ML) algorithms: random forest (RF), xtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machines (SVM), gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT) and logistic regression (LR). The area under the curve (AUC) was used to compare the performance, and the best model was chosen. The decision curve was used to evaluate the clinical practicability of the models. The models with the greatest AUC in the training dataset were RF (1.000), followed by XGBoost (0.999), GBDT (0.977), and SVM (0.971). The lowest AUC was obtained by LR (0.938). With the greatest AUC in the test dataset going to GBDT (0.967), followed by LR (0.957), XGBoost (0.950), SVM (0.939) and RF (0.924). LR, GBDT and RF models had the highest accuracy were 0.873, followed by SVM, and the lowest was XGBoost. Out of the five models, the LR model had the best sensitivity and specificity is 0.923 and 0.887. The GBDT model had the highest AUC among the five models of calculous pyonephrosis developed using the ML, followed by the LR model. The LR model was considered be the best prediction model when combined with clinical operability. As it comes to diagnosing pyonephrosis, the LR model was more credible and had better prediction accuracy than common analysis approaches. Its nomogram can be used as an additional non-invasive diagnostic technique.
Prognostic analysis of rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: different prognostic factors in patients with different TRGs
Authors: Tang Yuan-ling , Li Dan-dan , Duan Jia-yu , Wang Xin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The extent of tumor regression varies widely among locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients who receive neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). The purpose of this retrospectively study is to assess prognostic factors in LARC patients with NCRT, and further to analyze survival outcomes in patients with different tumor regression grades (TRGs).

Methods

This study includes LARC patients who underwent NCRT and TME at our institution. We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of all patients, and performed subgroup analysis for patients with different TRGs. Survival differences were compared using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test. Additionally, a multiple Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

The study included 393 patients, with 21.1%, 26.5%, 45.5%, and 6.9% achieving TRG 0, TRG 1, TRG 2, and TRG 3, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rate and disease-free survival (DFS) rate for all patients were 89.4% and 70.7%, respectively. Patients who achieved TRG 0–3 had different 5-year OS rates (96.9%, 91.1%, 85.2%, and 68.8%, P = 0.001) and 5-year DFS rates (80.8%, 72.4%, 67.0%, 55.8%, P = 0.031), respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score was an independent prognostic indicator for both overall survival (OS) (HR = 4.040, 95% CI = 1.792–9.111, P = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 1.971, 95% CI = 1.478–2.628, P ˂ 0.001). In the subgroup analyses, the NAR score was found to be associated with DFS in patients with TRG 1 and TRG 2. After conducting multivariate analysis, it was found that ypT stage was a significant predictor of DFS for TRG 1 patients (HR = 4.384, 95% CI = 1.721–11.168, P = 0.002). On the other hand, ypN stage was identified as the dominant prognostic indicator of DFS for TRG 2 patients (HR = 2.795, 95% CI = 1.535–5.091, P = 0.001). However, none of these characteristics was found to be correlated with survival in patients with TRG 0 or TRG 3.

Conclusion

NAR score, in particular, appears to be the most powerful prognostic factor. It is important to consider various prognostic predictors for patients with different TRGs.
Hilbert polynomial of length functions
Authors: Fornasiero Antongiulio
Published: June 2024

Let

$$\lambda $$

λ

be a general length function for modules over a Noetherian ring R. We use

$$\lambda $$

λ

to introduce Hilbert series and polynomials for R[X]-modules, measuring the growth rate of 

$$\lambda $$

λ

. We show that the leading term

$$\mu $$

μ

of the Hilbert polynomial is an invariant of the module, which refines both the algebraic entropy and the receptive algebraic entropy; its degree is a suitable notion of dimension for R[X]-modules. Similar to algebraic entropy,

$$\mu $$

μ

in general is not additive for exact sequences of R[X]-modules: we demonstrate how to adapt certain entropy constructions to this new invariant. We also consider multi-variate versions of the Hilbert polynomial.
Revolutionary multi-omics analysis revealing prognostic signature of thyroid cancer and subsequent in vitro validation of SNAI1 in mediating thyroid cancer progression through EMT
Authors: Jin Xin , Fu Chunlan , Qi Jiahui , Chen Chuanzhi
Published: June 2024

Thyroid carcinoma (TC), the most commonly diagnosed malignancy of the endocrine system, has witnessed a significant rise in incidence over the past few decades. The integration of scRNA-seq with other sequencing approaches offers researchers a distinct perspective to explore mechanisms underlying TC progression. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a prognostic model for TC patients by utilizing a multi-omics approach. We acquired and processed transcriptomic data from the TCGA-THCA dataset, including mRNA expression profiles, lncRNA expression profiles, miRNA expression profiles, methylation chip data, gene mutation data, and clinical data. We constructed a tumor-related risk model using machine learning methods and developed a consensus machine learning-driven signature (CMLS) for accurate and stable prediction of TC patient outcomes. 2 strains of undifferentiated TC cell lines and 1 strain of PTC cell line were utilized for in vitro validation. mRNA, protein levels of hub genes, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes were detected by a series of in vitro experiments. We identified 3 molecular subtypes of TC based on integrated multi-omics clustering algorithms, which were associated with overall survival and displayed distinct molecular features. We developed a CMLS based on 28 hub genes to predict patient outcomes, and demonstrated that CMLS outperformed other prognostic models. TC patients of relatively lower CMLS score had significantly higher levels of T cells, B cells, and macrophages, indicating an immune-activated state. Fibroblasts were predominantly enriched in the high CMLS group, along with markers associated with immune suppression and evasion. We identified several drugs that could be suitable for patients with high CMLS, including Staurosporine_1034, Rapamycin_1084, gemcitabine, and topotecan. SNAI1 was elevated in both undifferentiated TC cell lines, comparing to PTC cells. Knockdown of SNAI1 reduced the cell proliferation and EMT phenotypes of undifferentiated TC cells. Our findings highlight the importance of multi-omics analysis in understanding the molecular subtypes and immune characteristics of TC, and provide a novel prognostic model and potential therapeutic targets for this disease. Moreover, we identified SNAI1 in mediating TC progression through EMT in vitro.
Three-Year Follow-up of PositiveLinks: Higher Use of mHealth Platform Associated with Sustained HIV Suppression
Authors: Bielick Catherine , Canan Chelsea , Ingersoll Karen , Waldman Ava Lena , Schwendinger Jason , Dillingham Rebecca
Published: June 2024

PositiveLinks (PL) is a mHealth platform to support care engagement by people with HIV (PWH). Daily reminders prompt the user to report medication adherence, mood, and daily stress. Higher response rate to PL check-ins has been associated with better suppression of viral load over 6–18 months. We conducted a retrospective chart review for a three-year period collecting demographic information, average mood and stress scores, and all viral loads obtained in usual patient care. We performed multivariable logistic regression modeling to identify factors associated with loss of viral load suppression and a time-to-event survival analysis until first unsuppressed viral load stratified by PL usage. Of the 513 PWH included, 103 had at least one episode of viral non-suppression. Low users of PL were more likely to have an unsuppressed viral load with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 5.8 (95% CI 3.0-11.5, p < 0.001). Protective factors included older age (aOR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.98, p = 0.003) and income above the federal poverty level (FPL) (aOR 0.996; 95% CI 0.995–0.998, p < 0.001). High PL use was also associated with better viral load suppression (VLS) over time (p < 0.0001 ((aHR) of 0.437 (95% CI 0.290–0.658, p < 0.001)) after adjusting for age and FPL. High stress scores were related to subsequent loss of viral suppression in an exploratory analysis. High check-in response rate on the PL app, older age, and higher income are associated with sustained VLS over time. Conversely, lack of response to check-ins or increased reported stress may signal a need for additional support.