bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of casing stress during multistage fracturing of shale gas horizontal wells considering thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling
Authors: Su Yu , Shilong Zhang , Fu Jianhong , Shen Xinyu , Yang Zhaoliang , Guo Jianhua , Xiong Yulou , Li Bin , Peng Chi
Published: June 2023

During the multistage fracturing of shale gas horizontal wells, casing damage frequently occurs, making it essential to evaluate casing stress and deformation. This paper establishes a mathematical model of thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupling and a finite element model of casing‐cement sheath‐formation (CCF). This paper examines the effects of temperature, casing thickness, nonuniform in situ stress, mechanical properties of cement sheath, and treating pressure on the stress and deformation of CCF. Finally, the study investigates the variation of local in situ stress at the heel and casing stress from toe to heel. The results show that the low temperature of CCF, high elastic modulus of cement sheath, small casing thickness, high treating pressure, and large nonuniform in situ stress can exacerbate casing stress. After pumping off, the local in situ stress and its nonuniformity near heel gradually increased, and the effective stress of casing increases compared with the pumping on the process. As the fracturing stages increase, the effective stress of casing at heel increases, and the casing at heel preferentially damages. The results provide a theoretical basis and guidance for maintaining wellbore integrity and preventing casing damage in the multistage fracturing of shale gas horizontal wells.
Research of cooling tower filler based on radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF ANN)
Authors: Zhang Lixin , Chen Jie , Zhao Shunan , Chen Yongbao , Song Huijuan , Liu Jingnan
Published: June 2023

The filler is the core component of the cooling tower, filler performance refers to both its thermal and flow resistance characteristics, which use empirical formulas of tower characteristic N, volumetric mass transfer coefficient βxv, and pressure drop ΔP obtained through experimentation under specific conditions. However, the performance equations for identical countercurrent fillers can vary at different heights or seawater concentrations. Linear interpolation is the conventional method for obtaining the filler performance under different conditions, but its uncertainty limits the application. This paper explores the use of the radial basis function artificial neural network (RBF ANN) to analyze filler performance based on existing performance equations. The data set is generated by the filler performance equations. The results demonstrate that RBF ANN has a preferable prediction effect with high correlation (the determination coefficient R2 > 0.99) and prediction accuracy (the proportion of relative error within 10% N10 > 90%). Furthermore, the predicted results are consistent with the experimental results of the filler performance. Therefore, RBF ANN can accurately predict filler performance at varying heights and seawater concentrations, making it universal and providing a basis for cooling tower design.
Effects of Life Stage on the Sensitivity of Folsomia candida to Four Pesticides
Authors: Fernandes Saúl , Buskermolen Kees , Ilyaskina Diana , Bakker Ruben , van Gestel Cornelis A. M.
Published: June 2023

The registration of pesticides in the European Union requires the assessment of the toxicity of active substances to soil invertebrates. The most commonly tested soil microarthropod species is Folsomia candida (Collembola), for which toxicity tests usually start with juveniles and determine survival and reproduction after 28 days of exposure, following Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development test guideline 232. Test duration may be shortened to 21 days by starting exposures with adult animals. The toxicity of chemicals can, however, vary significantly between different life stages (e.g., juveniles or adults) of the same species. In the present study, we assessed the toxicity of four active substances (cyproconazole, teflubenzuron, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid) to F. candida aged approximately 10 days (juveniles) and 20 days (adults) at the beginning of the tests. Tests were performed in LUFA 2.2 standard soil at 20 ±  2 °C, and effect concentration (ECx) values compared using likelihood ratio tests. The tests lasted 21 days for older springtails and 28 days for the younger ones. Life stage did affect the sensitivity of the springtails, with the survival and reproduction of younger animals being a factor of 2–6.5 more sensitive to the insecticides but not to the fungicide. For teflubenzuron and imidacloprid, the EC50 for younger springtails were 0.025 and 0.111 mg a.s. kg–1 soildw, respectively, and for adults 0.048 and 0.264 mg a.s. kg–1 soildw, respectively. For the younger animals the median lethal concentration values for teflubenzuron, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid were 0.353, 0.224, and 1.02 mg a.s. kg–1 soildw, respectively, and 0.571, 0.446, and 6.91 mg a.s. kg–1 soildw, respectively, for older animals. We discuss the implication of these differences for the risk assessment of pesticides to soil arthropods. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1782–1790. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Effects of the Herbicide Metolachlor and Pond Drying on Growth and Development of Wood Frog Tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Authors: Laporte Simon , Garant Dany , Bergeron Patrick
Published: June 2023

Pesticides and climate change are both thought to contribute to the global amphibian decline, yet their combined effects are still poorly understood. Metolachlor is a widespread herbicide applied across North America, but little is known about its effects on amphibians. We used a replicated mesocosm experimental design with different levels of drying (i.e., no drying and medium and rapid drying) and metolachlor concentrations (0, 0.8, 8, and 80 µg/L) to assess their respective and combined effects on wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) larvae throughout metamorphosis. Metolachlor had no significant effect on survival and development of tadpoles. However, metolachlor significantly interacted with drying levels to reduce the growth of tadpoles, which was mainly due to a difference detected among metolachlor concentrations under the rapid drying treatment. Drying also directly reduced growth and body mass at metamorphosis. Our results suggest that environmental stressors, such as drying, should be considered in toxicological experiments to provide relevant exposure conditions to pesticides for ephemeral pond species in the context of global climate change. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1772–1781. © 2023 SETAC
Sufficient Phosphorus Enhances Resistance and Changes Accumulation of Lead in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Guan Huize , Jiang Zhongquan , Sun Danqing , Wang Zhongyang , Sun Yutong , Huo Hongxun , Li Zhaoyan , Tang Lingyi , Li Zhen , Zhang Chunhua , Ge Ying
Published: June 2023

Phosphorus (P) is critical for algal growth and resistance to environmental stress. However, little is known about the effects of P supply on the lead (Pb) toxicity and accumulation in microalgae. We set up two P concentrations, 315 (PL) and 3150 μg L−1 (PH), in algal culture, and the responses of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to various Pb treatments (0, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 μg L−1) were investigated. Compared with the PL condition, PH promoted cell growth but reduced cellular respiration by approximately 50%. Moreover, PH alleviated damage to the photosynthetic system in algal cells after Pb stress. After exposure to 200–2000 μg L−1 Pb, higher Pb2+ concentrations and Pb removal were observed in the PL medium. However, under exposure to 5000 μg L−1 Pb, less Pb2+ was present but more Pb was removed by the algal cells in the PH medium. More P supply enhanced the secretion of extracellular fluorescent substances by C. reinhardtii. Transcriptomic analysis showed that genes associated with synthesis of phospholipids, tyrosine-like proteins, ferredoxin, and RuBisCO were up-regulated after Pb exposure. Together the findings of our study demonstrated the critical roles of P in Pb accumulation and resistance in C. reinhardtii. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1960–1970. © 2023 SETAC
Impact of Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging on the Intermediate Production of Anthracene and Anthraquinone in Fresh versus Saltwater Environments
Authors: St. Romain Scott J. , Basirico Laura M. , Kim Yong-Ha , Nolan Emily Vebrosky , Xu Wei , Armbrust Kevin L.
Published: June 2023

While salinity can alter the photodegradation of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), the cause of their altered kinetics in seawater is not well understood. Because HOC intermediate photoproducts are often more toxic than their parent compounds, characterizing the generation of intermediates in saline environments is needed to accurately predict their health effects. The present study investigated the influence of salinity on the generation of anthraquinone through the photolysis of anthracene and the generation of anthrone and 1-hydroxyanthraquinone from the photolysis of anthraquinone as well as their reactivities with hydroxyl radicals. This was conducted by measuring the photolysis rates of anthracene and anthraquinone and characterizing their product formation in buffered deionized water, artificial seawater, individual seawater halides (bromide, chloride, and iodide), dimethyl sulfoxide, furfuryl alcohol, and solutions of hydrogen peroxide. Salinity enhanced the persistence of anthraquinone by a factor >10 and altered its product formation, including the generation of the suspected carcinogen 1-hydroxyanthraquinone. In part, this was attributed to reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging by the seawater constituents chloride and bromide. In addition, anthraquinone and its hydroxylated products were found to be moderately to highly reactive with hydroxyl radicals, further illustrating their tendency to react with ROS in aqueous environments. The present study emphasizes the importance of considering the effects of salinity on organic contaminant degradation; it can significantly enhance the persistence of HOCs and alter their intermediate formation, subsequently impacting chemical exposure times and potential toxic effects on estuarine/marine organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1721–1729. © 2023 SETAC.
Parasites and Pollutants: Effects of Multiple Stressors on Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Grabner Daniel , Rothe Louisa E. , Sures Bernd
Published: June 2023

Parasites can affect their hosts in various ways, and this implies that parasites may act as additional biotic stressors in a multiple-stressor scenario, resembling conditions often found in the field if, for example, pollutants and parasites occur simultaneously. Therefore, parasites represent important modulators of host reactions in ecotoxicological studies when measuring the response of organisms to stressors such as pollutants. In the present study, we introduce the most important groups of parasites occurring in organisms commonly used in ecotoxicological studies ranging from laboratory to field investigations. After briefly explaining their life cycles, we focus on parasite stages affecting selected ecotoxicologically relevant target species belonging to crustaceans, molluscs, and fish. We included ecotoxicological studies that consider the combination of effects of parasites and pollutants on the respective model organism with respect to aquatic host–parasite systems. We show that parasites from different taxonomic groups (e.g., Microsporidia, Monogenea, Trematoda, Cestoda, Acanthocephala, and Nematoda) clearly modulate the response to stressors in their hosts. The combined effects of environmental stressors and parasites can range from additive, antagonistic to synergistic. Our study points to potential drawbacks of ecotoxicological tests if parasite infections of test organisms, especially from the field, remain undetected and unaddressed. If these parasites are not detected and quantified, their physiological effects on the host cannot be separated from the ecotoxicological effects. This may render this type of ecotoxicological test erroneous. In laboratory tests, for example to determine effect or lethal concentrations, the presence of a parasite can also have a direct effect on the concentrations to be determined and thus on the subsequently determined security levels, such as predicted no-effect concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1946–1959. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Reevaluation of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin Equivalency Factors for Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins, Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans, and Polychlorinated Biphenyls for Fishes
Authors: Doering Jon A. , Tillitt Donald E. , Wiseman Steve
Published: June 2023

An expert meeting was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 to streamline assessments of risk posed by mixtures of dioxin-like chemicals (DLCs) through development of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) equivalency factors (TEFs) for mammals, birds, and fishes. No reevaluation has been performed for fish TEFs. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to reevaluate the TEFs for fishes based on an updated database of relative potencies (RePs) for DLCs. Selection criteria consistent with the WHO meeting resulted in 53 RePs across 14 species of fish ultimately being considered. Of these RePs, 70% were not available at the time of the WHO meeting. These RePs were used to develop updated TEFs for fishes based on a similar decision process as used at the WHO meeting. The updated TEF for 16 DLCs was greater than the WHO TEF, but only four differed by more than an order of magnitude. Measured concentrations of DLCs in four environmental samples were used to compare 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEQs) calculated using the WHO TEFs relative to the updated TEFs. The TEQs for none of these environmental samples differed by more than an order of magnitude. Therefore, present knowledge supports that the WHO TEFs are suitable potency estimates for fishes. However, the updated TEFs pull from a larger database with a greater breadth of data and as a result offer greater confidence relative to the WHO TEFs. Risk assessors will have different criteria in the selection of TEFs, and the updated TEFs are not meant to immediately replace the formal WHO TEFs; but those who value a larger database and increased confidence in TEQs could consider using the updated TEFs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2215–2228. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Machine learning for the history of ideas
Authors: Brausch Simon , Graßhoff Gerd
Published: June 2023

The information technological progress that has been achieved over the last decades has also given the humanities the opportunity to expand their methodological toolbox. This paper explores how recent advancements in natural language processing may be used for research in the history of ideas so as to overcome traditional scholarship's inevitably selective approach to historical sources. By employing two machine learning techniques whose potential for the analysis of conceptual continuities and innovations has never been considered before, we aim to determine the extent to which they can enhance conventional research methods. It will amount to a critical evaluation of how the advantages of computational in‐breadth analysis could be combined with the merits of traditional in‐depth analysis in a philosophically fruitful way. After a brief technical description, the approach will be applied to an example: the conceptual (dis)continuity between medieval and early modern philosophy. All the challenges encountered during development and application will be carefully evaluated. We will then be able to assess whether these tools and techniques present promising extensions to the methodological toolbox of traditional scholarship, or whether they do not yet have the potential for a task as complex as the analysis of philosophical literature. The present investigation can thus be seen as an experiment on how far one can go with current machine‐learning techniques in this area of research. In doing so, it provides important insights and guidance for future advances in the field.
VIX futures pricing based on high‐frequency VIX: A hybrid approach combining SVR with parametric models
Authors: Qiao Gaoxiu , Jiang Gongyue
Published: June 2023

We propose a novel hybrid approach for volatility index (VIX) futures pricing by combining support vector regression (SVR) with parametric models. Realized semivariances calculated based on high‐frequency VIX are used to characterize the asymmetric shocks of VIX, and the direct pricing framework of the heterogeneous autoregressive model is extended by incorporating realized semivariances. VIX futures prices are first obtained via parametric models, then the predicted prices and realized semivariances are input into SVR to obtain the final predicted values. Empirical results indicate that the combination of SVR with parametric models significantly improves the pricing ability. This indicates the important information of high‐frequency VIX and the necessity of combining machine learning methods with parametric models to obtain more accurate predictions.
How does people's trust in automated vehicles change after automation errors occur? An empirical study on dynamic trust in automated driving
Authors: Tan Hao , Hao Yuyue
Published: June 2023

When errors of automated vehicles (AVs) occur, drivers' trust can easily be destroyed, resulting in the reduction of the use of AVs. This study aims to examine how error of AVs declines driver's trust by impacting their subjective perceptions. A driving simulator experiment is conducted, in which 104 participants (male = 58; female = 46) experienced automated driving with automation errors and rated their trust. The results indicate that automation error will affect the driver's perceived predictability, perceived reliability, and perceived safety, which will lead to the decline of trust and abandonment of automated driving. With the occurrence of automation error of AVs, perceived safety plays a more critical role in drivers' trust. In addition, when automation errors occur in specific tasks with low risk, the trust of drivers will drop faster than that in high‐risk tasks. This paper has explored the internal effects of the decline of driver's trust after automation errors of AVs, and further considers the influence of different external risks on these perception factors and trust. This study can help AVs manufacturers to formulate different degrees of trust repair strategies according to different driving tasks and accident severity.
Digital games for rehabilitation of speech disorders: A scoping review
Authors: Hajesmaeel‐Gohari Sadrieh , Goharinejad Saeideh , Shafiei Elaheh , Bahaadinbeigy Kambiz
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Digital games are among the treatment methods for speech disorders that serve purposes other than mere entertainment. These games have been used for different speech disorders at any age. This study aims to review articles that have used digital games for rehabilitating speech disorders.

Methods

This study was a scoping review. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on February 28, 2022, to access the articles on digital games used in rehabilitation of speech disorders without any date restrictions. The search strategy was as follows: (“video game [MeSH term]” OR “computer game” OR “mobile game” OR “serious game” OR gamification [MeSH term]) AND (“speech pathology” OR “speech therapy [MeSH term]” OR “speech disorder [MeSH term]” OR stuttering [MeSH term]). Original interventional and observational studies in English were included. The data were extracted from the relevant articles, including the first author's name, year of publication, country, target group, participants, mobile device/computer‐based, type of game design, language level, number of sessions, and outcome. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data.

Results

Of 693 retrieved articles, 10 articles were included in this study. Digital games were used for different speech disorders such as apraxia (20%), dysarthria (10%), articulatory hypokinesia in Parkinson's disease (10%), dysphonic disorder (10%), hearing disability (10%), phonological impairment (10%), and speech disorder in autism (10%). Most of the articles (60%) used a mobile device‐based game. Phonemes (30%), words (30%), and sentences (20%) were the most frequently used language levels in designing digital games. All the reviewed articles reported the positive effect of digital games on speech and the patients' motivation in therapy.

Conclusion

Digital games can improve patients' speech and motivation in therapy. Although studies showed the positive impact of digital games on speech disorders, personalized speech therapy should be considered in designing these games.
Effect and feasibility of the combination of branched chain amino acid and exercise therapy on muscle mass and echo intensity of muscle in orthopedic patients in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital: A crossover trial
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Suzuki Sadaoki , Aimoto Kenji , Kamono Arinori , Matsunaga Yuki , Noguchi Yu , Jinno Tetsuya , Kanzaki Koji
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

This study examined the feasibility of nutritional support combined with exercise intervention for restoring muscle and physical functions in convalescent orthopedic patients.

Methods

We used a crossover design in which nutritional support combined with exercise intervention was administered daily during the early (1 month) and late (1 month) cycles with a 1‐week washout period. The exercise intervention was performed twice daily for 2 months in the early and late groups. The exercise intervention consisted of one set of muscle strength, stretching, and physical activity exercises for 20 min each. Nutritional interventions were administered immediately after the exercise. A 3.4 g of branched‐chain amino acid supplements (BCAAs) or 1.2 g of starch was ingested. We measured the skeletal muscle mass and isometric muscle strength of the limbs and performed balance tests. After the crossover, the BCAA and Placebo groups were compared.

Results

The ratio of improvement in the echo intensity of the rectus femoris (RF) was significantly higher in the BCAA group. A comparison of the order of nutritional intervention showed a significant effect on the RF echo intensity in both groups only when BCAAs were administered.

Conclusion

This study's results suggest that the proposed combined intervention improves muscle quality and mass in convalescent orthopedic patients.
Digital diaphanoscopy of maxillary sinus pathologies supported by machine learning
Authors: Bryanskaya Ekaterina O. , Dremin Viktor V. , Shupletsov Valery V. , Kornaev Alexey V. , Kirillin Mikhail Yu. , Bakotina Anna V. , Panchenkov Dmitry N. , Podmasteryev Konstantin V. , Artyushenko Viacheslav G. , Dunaev Andrey V.
Published: June 2023

Maxillary sinus pathologies remain among the most common ENT diseases requiring timely diagnosis for successful treatment. Standard ENT inspection approaches indicate low sensitivity in detecting maxillary sinus pathologies. In this paper, we report on capabilities of digital diaphanoscopy combined with machine learning tools in the detection of such pathologies. We provide a comparative analysis of two machine learning approaches applied to digital diapahnoscopy data, namely, convolutional neural networks and linear discriminant analysis. The sensitivity and specificity values obtained for both employed approaches exceed the reported accuracy indicators for traditional screening diagnosis methods (such as nasal endoscopy or ultrasound), suggesting the prospects of their usage for screening maxillary sinuses alterations. The analysis of the obtained values showed that the linear discriminant analysis, being a simpler approach as compared to neural networks, allows one to detect the maxillary sinus pathologies with the sensitivity and specificity of 0.88 and 0.98, respectively.
A Photodissociation dynamics study utilizing spatial orientation control of asymmetric top molecules
Authors: Nakamura Masaaki
Published: June 2023

Background

The hexapole state selection had been developed mainly as a measure of rotational state selection and orientation control of symmetric top molecules.

Objective

This review aims to reorganize the results that the state selection technique was applied to study the photodissociation dynamics of an asymmetric top molecule 2‐bromobutane.

Methods

2‐Bromobutane molecules have been state‐selected and spatially oriented using a hexapole state selector. The oriented molecules were then photolyzed to emit Br (2P1/2) photofragments. The photofragments were observed by using the slice ion imaging technique.

Results

The photofragment scattering distribution was experimentally observed to present a characteristic top‐bottom asymmetry, which allows us to extract geometric information of molecular vector properties related to the photodissociation dynamics. Besides, a theoretical study suggested a possibility of chiral discrimination by the scattering angular distributions.

Conclusion

This review introduces the overview of the theoretical formulation of the angular distributions and representative experimental results using the orientational control technique as an effective tool for studies of photodissociation dynamics.
Solution to a conjecture on the mean subtree order of graphs under edge addition
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Wei Guangbiao , Lian Huishu
Published: June 2023

The mean subtree order of a graph is the number of vertices of all subtrees of this graph divided by the number of all subtrees of this graph. In 2021, Cameron and Mol constructed a special graph of order and proved that the addition of a single edge between a pair of nonadjacent vertices in the graph can decrease the mean subtree order by as much as when is large enough. Moreover, they left a conjecture that for every positive integer , there exists a graph obtained by adding edges to another graph , then the mean subtree order of is more than that of . In this paper, we confirm this conjecture.
Partitioning edges of a planar graph into linear forests and a matching
Authors: Bonamy Marthe , Czyżewska Jadwiga , Kowalik Łukasz , Pilipczuk Michał
Published: June 2023

We show that the edges of any planar graph of maximum degree at most 9 can be partitioned into four linear forests and a matching. Combined with known results, this implies that the edges of any planar graph of odd maximum degree can be partitioned into linear forests and one matching. This strengthens well‐known results stating that graphs in this class have chromatic index  and linear arboricity at most .
Triheptanoin for the treatment of long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders: Final results of an open‐label, long‐term extension study
Authors: Vockley Jerry , Burton Barbara K. , Berry Gerard , Longo Nicola , Phillips John , Sanchez‐Valle Amarilis , Chapman Kimberly A. , Tanpaiboon Pranoot , Grunewald Stephanie , Murphy Elaine , Lu Xiaoxiao , Rahman Syeda , Ray Kathryn , Reineking Bridget , Pisani Laura , Ramirez Antonio Nino
Published: June 2023

Long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC‐FAODs) result in life‐threatening energy metabolism deficiencies/energy source depletion. Triheptanoin is an odd‐carbon, medium chain triglyceride (that is an anaplerotic substrate of calories and fatty acids) for treating pediatric and adult patients with LC‐FAODs. Study CL202 (NCT02214160), an open‐label extension study of study CL201 (NCT01886378), evaluated the long‐term safety/efficacy of triheptanoin in patients with LC‐FAODs (N = 94), including cohorts who were triheptanoin naïve (n = 33) or had received triheptanoin in study CL201 (n = 24) or in investigator‐sponsored trials/expanded access programs (IST/EAPs; n = 37). Primary endpoint was the annualized rate of LC‐FAOD major clinical events (MCEs; rhabdomyolysis, hypoglycemia, cardiomyopathy). Mean ± standard deviation (SD) triheptanoin treatment durations were 27.4 ± 19.9, 46.9 ± 13.6, and 49.6 ± 21.4 months for the triheptanoin‐naïve, CL201 rollover, and IST/EAP cohorts, respectively. In the triheptanoin‐naïve cohort, median (interquartile range [IQR]) MCE rate significantly decreased from 2.00 (0.67–3.33) events/patient/year pre‐triheptanoin to 0.28 (0.00–1.43) events/patient/year with triheptanoin (p = 0.0343), a reduction of 86%. In the CL201 rollover cohort, mean ± SD MCE rate significantly decreased from 1.76 ± 1.64 events/patient/year pre‐triheptanoin to 1.00 ± 1.00 events/patient/year with triheptanoin (p = 0.0347), a reduction of 43%. In the IST/EAP cohort, mean ± SD MCE rate was 1.40 ± 2.37 (median [IQR] 0.57 [0.00–1.67]) events/patient/year with triheptanoin. Safety data were consistent with previous observations. Treatment‐related treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) occurred in 68.1% of patients and were mostly mild/moderate in severity. Five patients had seven serious treatment‐related TEAEs; all resolved. Our results confirm the long‐term efficacy of triheptanoin for patients with LC‐FAOD.
Thienoisoindigo‐Based Conjugated Polymers Synthesized by Direct Arylation Polycondensation
Authors: Wang Pai , Xu Chenhui , Zhang Xuwen , Shi Yibo , Wang Cheng , Han Yang , Deng Yunfeng , Geng Yanhou
Published: June 2023

A series of thienoisoindigo (TIG)‐based conjugated polymers (CPs) with high molecular weights are synthesized by direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) by using TIG derivatives as CBr monomer and multi‐halogenated thiophene derivatives, i.e., (E)–1,2‐bis(3,4‐difluorothien‐2‐yl)ethene (4FTVT), (E)–1,2‐bis(3,4‐dichlorothien‐2‐yl)ethene (4ClTVT), 3,3',4,4'‐tetrafluoro‐2,2'‐bithiophene (4FBT), and 3,3',4,4'‐tetrachloro‐2,2'‐bithiophene (4ClBT), as CH monomers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the high selectivity between α‐CH bonds in 4FTVT, 4ClTVT, 4FBT, and 4ClBT and β‐CH bonds in TIG CBr monomer. All four resulting CPs exhibit low optical bandgaps of ca. 1.20 eV and ambipolar transport characteristics with both electron and hole mobility above 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 as elaborated with organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). The polymer TIG‐4FTVT delivers the best device performance. With this polymer, n‐channel OTFTs with electron mobility up to 1.67 cm2 V−1 s−1 and p‐channel OTFTs with hole mobility up to 0.62 cm2 V−1 s−1 are fabricated by modifying source/drain electrodes with polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) and MoO3, respectively, to selectively inject electrons and holes.
Neuropathic Tremor in Guillain‐Barré Syndrome
Authors: Rajan Roopa , Anandapadmanabhan Reghu , Vishnoi Aayushi , Vishnu Venugopalan Yamuna , Latorre Anna , Agarwal Harsh , Ghosh Tamoghna , Mangat Navtej , Biswas Deblina , Gupta Anu , Radhakrishnan Divya Madathiparambil , Singh Mamta Bhushan , Bhatia Rohit , Srivastava Achal , Srivastava Madakasira Vasantha Padma , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: June 2023

Background

Neuropathic Tremor (NT) is a postural/kinetic tremor of the upper extremity, often encountered in patients with chronic neuropathies such as paraprotein‐associated and hereditary neuropathies.

Objectives

To describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of NT in a previously underrecognized setting‐ during recovery from Guillain‐Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Methods

Patients with a documented diagnosis of GBS in the past, presenting with tremor were identified from review of clinical records. Participants underwent structured, videotaped neurological examination, and electrophysiological analysis using tri‐axial accelerometry‐surface electromyography. Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn‐Tolosa‐Marin Tremor Rating Scale.

Results

We describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of 5 patients with GBS associated NT. Our cohort had a fine, fast, and slightly jerky postural tremor of frequency ranging from 8 to 10 Hz. Dystonic posturing and overflow movements were noted in 4/5 patients. Tremor appeared 3 months–5 years after the onset of GBS, when patients had regained near normal muscle strength and deep tendon jerks were well elicitable. Electrophysiological analysis of tremor strongly suggested the presence of a central oscillator in all patients.

Conclusion

NT is not limited to chronic inflammatory or hereditary neuropathies and may occur in the recovery phase of GBS. The tremor is characterized by a high frequency, jerky postural tremor with dystonic posturing. Electrophysiological evaluation suggests the presence of a central oscillator, hypothetically the cerebellum driven by impaired sensorimotor feedback.
Operation of a passively mode‐locked Tm:YAG laser with tantalum aluminum carbide as a saturable absorber
Authors: Qi Tianqi , Wu Haibin , Li Mingfeng , Hou Xueling , Shen Yingjie , Duan Xiaoming , Lu Wencheng , Bi Yingdong , Zhang Guomin , Pu Zigang , Yu Shuang , Zong TianHao , Li Linjun , Yang Yuqiang
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a compact diode‐pumped continuous wave (CW) and passively Q‐switched mode‐locked (QML) Tm:YAG lasers operation on the 3F4–3H6 transition is realized by using tantalum aluminum carbide (Ta4AlC3) phase ceramic (MAX) material as a saturable absorber (SA). The first stable QML operation of the mid‐infrared Tm:YAG laser at 2012.38 nm is demonstrated with a Ta4AlC3‐SA. A stable QML Tm:YAG laser was achieved when the absorption pumping power reached 14 W. Under QML mode, Tm:YAG laser generated a maximum average output power of 560 mW at 2012.38 nm with an optical‐to‐optical conversion efficiency of 4%, corresponding to a shortest pulse duration of 541 ps and a high repetition rate of 168 MHz. The experiment shows that Ta4AlC3‐SA is an attractive candidate for diode‐pumped CW and QML mid‐infrared all‐solid‐state lasers emitting around 2.0 μm.
A novel mapping approach to design FSS‐based microwave absorbers for relaxed manufacturing tolerances
Authors: Fu Bin , Wan Guo‐Bin , Ma Xin , Chen Yu‐Xu , Jiao Xin‐Hui
Published: June 2023

A novel mapping approach is proposed to relax the manufacturing tolerances of FSS‐based microwave absorbers (MAs). A general reverse formulation for multilayered FSS‐based MAs is first deduced, and then the design objective of reflection coefficient |Γ| is mapped to a solution region of FSS's surface impedance Zs. Together with HFSS, the base FSS configuration with maximum acceptable tolerance can be identified through optimization, where target parameters have the widest variations with Zs located in the solution regions. Compared with the conventional overdesign‐before‐verification strategy for tolerances, the proposed approach explicitly visualizes the design solutions and achieves the maximum acceptable tolerances without an empirical trial‐and‐error process. Finally, aiming at the standard manufacturing tolerance of sheet resistance R□, the proposed approach is experimentally verified by a wideband absorber designed with a maximum R□ tolerance of ±21.4%. The measured result shows that the structure can easily fulfill the objective under the standard ±20% R□ tolerance.
Immune‐Related Disorders Associated With Ménière's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Lopez‐Escamez Jose A. , Vela Jesus , Frejo Lidia
Published: June 2023

Objective

To analyze evidence supporting an association between immune‐related diseases and Ménière's disease (MD) since it has long been thought to be related to autoimmune disorders and allergies.

Data Sources

We retrieved records from Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library to identify studies published between January 2002 and October 2022.

Review Methods

Articles were independently assessed by 2 reviewers and verified by a third reviewer. Published cross‐sectional studies, cohort/longitudinal studies, case series, and noncomparative cohort studies were considered eligible for inclusion. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis according to a registered protocol on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines. Selected studies were classified into 2 groups: epidemiological and genetic association studies. Relative frequencies and odds ratios (ORs) for each autoinflammatory/autoimmune disease or genetic marker reported to be associated with MD.

Results

Fifteen studies from 6 countries met our inclusion criteria. Nine are epidemiological studies and 6 are genetic association studies. The epidemiological studies were used to perform 3 different meta‐analyses. Airway allergic disease and autoimmune thyroid disease showed a significant association with MD (OR = 2.27 [2.08‐2.48] and OR = 1.35 [1.25‐1.46]); while rheumatoid arthritis did not (OR = 0.63 [0.28‐1.41]). Other comorbidities also showed a significant association with MD like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vitiligo, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and psoriasis.

Conclusion

Epidemiological evidence supports an association between MD and immune‐related disorders in European and Asian populations, with population‐specific effects. The evaluation of thyroid diseases, airway allergic diseases, and other inflammatory diseases should be implemented in the clinical management of MD patients.
Comparative study of touchable plasma devices on transdermal drug delivery
Authors: Tian Di , Lv Yang , Nie LanLan , Li Xu , Liu Jialin , Lu XinPei
Published: June 2023

Low‐temperature plasma is a new transdermal drug delivery method that is different from the traditional physical and chemical methods. In this study, three touchable plasma jet devices are selected, such as direct current (DC) air plasma jet, DC helium plasma jet, and pulsed helium plasma jet. The patent blue V 1159.43 Da has been chosen for percutaneous penetration studies. The results show that 1 min DC air and helium plasma treatment significantly enhanced transdermal drug delivery by 9 and 26 times, respectively. The enhancement of pulsed plasma jet is the weakest. The skin histological analysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement shows that nonuniform distribution of ROS in DC helium and DC air plasma may cause perforation on the whole epidermis and allow more drug permeation.
Clinical profile of influenza virus‐related hospitalizations in children aged 1–59 months: A five‐year retrospective study from south India
Authors: Thangaraj Abarna , Anbazhagan Jagadeesh , Chandrasekaran Venkatesh , Philomenadin Ferdinamarie Sharmila , Dhodapkar Rahul
Published: June 2023

Background

Influenza is a seasonal acute respiratory tract infection with different strains in circulation at different time periods with varying spectrum of clinical presentation.

Objectives

To study the clinical presentation, morbidity, and mortality patterns associated with different strains of influenza virus, to identify the predominant strains related to hospitalization, and to identify the seasonal trend in hospitalization and risk factors for mortality in children aged 1–59 months hospitalized with influenza.

Materials and Methods

The records of children hospitalized with influenza were analyzed retrospectively (June 2013 to June 2018). Anonymized data from the Medical Records Department of our Institute, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), were used for the study and waiver of consent was obtained from the Institute Ethics Committee for Human Studies (JIPMER), which also approved the study. The data from the medical records were extracted as per the proforma and entered into Microsoft excel and summary statistics was obtained. Categorical data were expressed as proportion and analyzed using chi square test. Association was tested using odds ratio.

Results

Of the 693 children tested for influenza during the study period, 91 were found to be positive for influenza infection and out of which 68 (74.7%) were hospitalized. Infection was seen during both the summer and winter months. The predominant strain being A (H1N1) pdm09 (63.2%). The other strains found were A (H3N2) and Influenza B. The predominant diagnosis was pneumonia. The need for mechanical ventilation was more common with influenza B infection (p = 0.035). No significant risk factors for mortality could be found in our study.

Conclusion

An absence of seasonal predilection for the disease was noted with influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 being the predominant strain with influenza B seen as an emerging strain and an important contributor towards morbidity.
Study of the form function and combustion characteristics of partially‐cut stick propellants
Authors: Xue Shao , Wang Hao , Tao Ruyi , Cheng Shenshen
Published: June 2023

To study the form function and combustion characteristics of partially‐cut stick propellants, this paper derived and established the form function of this complex geometry propellant and analyzed the influence of cutting parameters on the form function. The analysis showed that partially‐cut stick propellants retain the high progressive combustion of multi‐aperture granular propellant, which is proportional to the distance between the notch and inversely proportional to the width of the notch. Based on this, partially‐cut stick propellants with different notches were prepared, and closed vessel tests were conducted. The experimental results showed that the notch had a significant effect on the combustion characteristics of the propellant. When there were notches, the wider the notch, the faster the pressure rise. The pressure in the closed vessel for stick propellants without notches rose the fastest. The burning rate of non‐notched or narrow‐notched fluctuated, while the burning rate of wide‐notched was stable. The dynamic vivacity data showed that the wider the notch, the more stable the change of the burning surface, and the combustion characteristic was closer to the granular propellant. Based on the analysis of form function and combustion characteristics, it is recommended that the notch width be 1 mm and the distance between notches on the same side should be the length of a granular propellant for the double‐base homogeneous 19‐perforated propellant studied in this paper.
Hard nut to crack: Solving the disulfide linkage pattern of the Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal protein 2
Authors: Váradi Györgyi , Kele Zoltán , Czajlik András , Borics Attila , Bende Gábor , Papp Csaba , Rákhely Gábor , Tóth Gábor K. , Batta Gyula , Galgóczy László
Published: June 2023

As a consequence of the fast resistance spreading, a limited number of drugs are available to treat fungal infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungal treatment strategies. The features of a disulfide bond‐stabilized antifungal protein, NFAP2 secreted by the mold Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri render it to be a promising template for future protein‐based antifungal drug design, which requires knowledge about the native disulfide linkage pattern as it is one of the prerequisites for biological activity. However, in the lack of tryptic and chymotryptic proteolytic sites in the ACNCPNNCK sequence, the determination of the disulfide linkage pattern of NFAP2 is not easy with traditional mass spectrometry‐based methods. According to in silico predictions working with a preliminary nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) solution structure, two disulfide isomers of NFAP2 (abbacc and abbcac) were possible. Both were chemically synthesized; and comparative reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography, electronic circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy analyses, and antifungal susceptibility and efficacy tests indicated that the abbcac is the native pattern. This knowledge allowed rational modification of NAFP2 to improve the antifungal efficacy and spectrum through the modulation of the evolutionarily conserved γ‐core region, which is responsible for the activity of several antimicrobial peptides. Disruption of the steric structure of NFAP2 upon γ‐core modification led to the conclusions that this motif may affect the formation of the biologically active three‐dimensional structure, and that the γ‐core modulation is not an efficient tool to improve the antifungal efficacy or to change the antifungal spectrum of NFAP2.
Ethnic context and fertility differential in post‐Soviet Kazakhstan
Authors: Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Liang Shengyuan , Lu Yun
Published: June 2023

Previous studies have often explained fertility differentials between racial groups by aggregate individual characteristics. Emphasizing a spatial perspective, this study argues that the fertility implications of race may depend on the ethnic composition of the local context. This study tested the explanatory power of contextual ethnic composition, measured by diversity and minority share, with the intriguing case of fertility differentials in post‐Soviet Kazakhstan. Multilevel Poisson regressions and decomposition techniques were performed on the pooled 1995 and 1999 Kazakhstan Demographic and Health Surveys. Further sensitivity tests were conducted with the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey‐Kazakhstan 2010–2011 and 2015 surveys. We found that both diversity and minority share are significant contributors to the majority‐minority fertility differential. Specifically, context‐level ethnic diversity is associated with lower fertility (−0.22, p < 0.001) for both Russians and Kazakhs, while a higher share of Russians in the local context reduces the differential between the two groups (−0.26, p < 0.05). Sensitivity test using data from the 2010s reproduced the significant effect of the context‐level share of Russians on fertility. The findings suggest that minority individuals exhibit lower fertility levels in places where their presence is more suppressed. This study contributes to population geography's recognition of the importance of spatial and contextual processes in shaping fertility outcomes for racial/ethnic minorities by impacting their living environment.
Effect Mechanism of Sc Addition and T6 Heat Treatment on Precipitated Phase and Mechanical Properties of Al‐Cu‐Mn Alloy
Authors: Tang Pang , Yu Kailai , Qin Luman , Huang Saisha
Published: June 2023

The microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy influenced by various Sc additions (viz. 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 wt%) are investigated. It is found that the grain size of α‐Al and the area proportion of the second phase are decreased with the addition of Sc. In addition, the morphology of the precipitated phase in Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy also evolves at different stages, and the solidification temperature range and initial enthalpy change of the alloy are changed, resulting in the formation of a variety of second‐phase containing Sc. Owing to the grain refinement and precipitation strengthening effects, the hardness of as‐cast alloys is better than T6 alloys. Moreover, it is observed that when the Sc content is 0.3%, the mechanical properties of the as‐cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy are the minimum, and the Al‐Cu‐Mn alloys after T6 heat treatment are the maximum. These results confirm that the mechanical properties improvement effect of the as‐cast Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy is greater than that of the T6 heat treatment Al‐Cu‐Mn alloy with the addition of Sc. Meanwhile, the Orowan strengthening mechanism is found to have lost its dominant position.