bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating individual‐ and sample‐level response to treatment for inpatients with eating disorders: Is change clinically significant?
Authors: Schreyer Colleen C. , Pletch Allisyn , Vanzhula Irina A. , Guarda Angela S.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Evaluating treatment efficacy solely on whether sample‐level change is statistically significant does not indicate whether clinically significant change (CSC) has occurred at the individual‐level. We assessed whether change in measures of eating disorder psychopathology was statistically significant at the sample‐level and clinically significant at the individual‐level for inpatients treated in a hospital‐based eating disorder program.

Method

Participants (N = 143) were consecutive underweight distinct admissions diagnosed with anorexia nervosa or other specified feeding and eating disorder. The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ) and Eating Disorder Recovery Self‐efficacy Questionnaire (EDRSQ) were assessed at admission and program discharge. CSC was defined as individual score change that was both statistically reliable and shifted from dysfunctional to normative.

Results

Mean EDRSQ and EDEQ scores significantly improved with treatment across the sample; effect sizes were moderate to large. Individual‐level analyses demonstrated that 85%, 50%, and 20–35% of participants had CSC or statistically reliable change in BMI, eating symptomatology, and body image respectively. One‐third of participants showed CSC on BMI and on at least one self‐report measure.

Discussion

Individual‐level analyses offer more nuanced outcome data that could identify patients at higher risk of relapse who may benefit from adjunctive interventions during or immediately post‐discharge.

Public Significance Statement

This study examined change in eating pathology for inpatients with eating disorders using sample‐ and individual‐level analyses, including whether change was statistically reliable and clinically significant (scores statistically improved and moved into the healthy range). Only half of patients responded robustly to treatment, which may be related to high relapse rates following discharge. Individual‐level analyses provided a detailed view of treatment response and may identify patients at higher relapse risk.
Density and characteristics of tree cavities inside and outside Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Authors: Niringiyimana Augustin , Nzarora Alphonse , Twahirwa Jean Claude , van der Hoek Yntze
Published: October 2022

Tree cavities, formed by animal excavation or processes of fungal decay and mechanical damage, may provide nesting, roosting, or resting opportunities to many invertebrate and vertebrate species. Although cavity availability has been linked to patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning elsewhere, there have been few such studies in the Afrotropics. Here, we present a baseline survey of cavity availability inside the high elevation (2200–3714 m) Afromontane forest ecosystems of Volcanoes National Park (VNP), Rwanda. We aimed to provide such reference data in the form of summary statistics on cavity density and characteristics in a collection of 400 m2 plots that together cover 8.8 ha inside and 0.68 ha outside VNP. We also explored the relative importance of fungal decay vs. excavators in the formation of cavities, tested for the relative role of standing dead trees and living trees as cavity substrates, considered differences in diameter and height between cavity‐bearing trees and trees without cavities, tested whether cavity density varies across elevation, and determined the orientation of cavity entrances. We found 109 cavities in 52 cavity‐bearing trees (dominated by Hagenia abyssinica) inside VNP, for a density of 12.4 cavities and 5.9 cavity‐bearing trees per hectare, and none outside the park. More cavities were decay‐formed (n = 90) than excavated (n = 19), and though most cavities were found in living trees (n = 44), the number of cavities in dead trees (n = 8) was high relative to dead tree substrate availability. We also found that cavity‐bearing trees were larger than those without cavities, that excavated cavities were predominantly oriented toward the southeast and decay‐formed cavities to the northeast, and that cavity density declined with increases in elevation. Our results show that large and dead trees of particular species are important cavity substrates that need to be given attention in conservation and management, as is clearly illustrated by the lack of cavities in the highly managed Eucalyptus stands outside VNP.
Effects of CaF2 on the direct reduction of beach titanomagnetite at different temperatures
Authors: Gao Enxia , Zhou Yuzhao , Geng Chao , Cui Shiyan , Sun Tichang , Jiang Man
Published: October 2022

Effects of CaF2 on the mineralogical composition and microstructure of reduction products at different temperatures during direct reduction of beach titanomagnetite is investigated. In the absence of CaF2, armalcolite and a large number of small‐size metallic iron particles in reduction products at different temperatures prevented the separation of Ti and Fe. The metallization rate of reduction products was only 90.32 wt% at 1350°C. CaF2 reduced the activation energy of reduction reaction and promoted the reduction of armalcolite, further achieving the separation of Ti and Fe on the mineral phase. When 5 wt% CaF2 was added at 1250°C, the metallization rate of reduction products could reach 90.88%. The effect of CaF2 on the metallization rate was better than that of increasing temperature by 100°C. Besides, CaF2 also reduced the melting point and viscosity of the roasting system, and significantly promoted the aggregation and growth of metallic iron particles, thus optimizing the conditions for the separation and enrichment of Ti and Fe, respectively. Adding 10 wt% CaF2 promoted the growth of MgTi2O5 into a mineral with regular boundary, which created conditions for the recovery of titanium resources. By comparison, the promotion effect of CaF2 on the increasing the metallization rate of reduction products, aggregation and growth of metallic iron particles was obviously better than that of increasing the reduction temperature without CaF2. Therefore, CaF2 could also significantly reduce the energy consumption on the basis of promoting the separation of Ti and Fe.
Seismic fragility models for base‐isolated unreinforced masonry buildings with fibre‐reinforced elastomeric isolators
Authors: Losanno Daniele , Ravichandran Nagavinothini , Parisi Fulvio
Published: October 2022

Unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings are highly vulnerable to seismic ground motion, calling for quantitative risk assessment and mitigation programmes in different earthquake‐prone countries to reduce future losses. Despite the effectiveness of base isolation technology in reducing seismic response of buildings, the high costs of conventional isolators prevent their application to low‐cost housing in developing countries. Fiber‐reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) have been recently developed as low‐cost isolators suitable for application to URM buildings. The structural performance assessment of base isolated URM buildings using FREIs can be a sustainable solution for a large‐scale mitigation of seismic risk. In this context, the present study presents the seismic fragility analysis of both fixed‐base and base‐isolated URM buildings. Five URM building archetypes were considered to account for variation in geometry and building configuration. A number of static pushover analyses and nonlinear time history analyses were carried out to assess the capacity and demand of the selected buildings, respectively, while considering the uncertainties associated with material properties, capacity model, damage state and earthquake ground motion. The fragility curves were developed for both fixed‐base and base‐isolated configurations of the different archetypes. The results show that the probability of slight to moderate damage to fixed‐base URM buildings is significantly higher than their base‐isolated counterparts, demonstrating that FREIs significantly improve their seismic performance. These outcomes address further research in promoting the development of FREIs to reduce the vulnerability of URM buildings in developing countries.
Understanding the non‐professional needs of early career doctors: An interview‐based study
Authors: Gurney Tiana , O'Sullivan Belinda , McGrail Matthew , Martin Priya
Published: October 2022

Speciality colleges and health services are often well attuned to professional factors, but non‐professional needs are less acknowledged and are the focus of this study. This likely relates to limited research about the non‐professional needs of early career doctors. This study aimed to describe the non‐professional needs of doctors in their early postgraduate career, including how they intersect with career and training experiences. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 32 male and female medical graduates working across all Australian states and territories, spanning a variety of speciality areas and early career stages. Participants were asked about their career journey to date including non‐professional factors related to their experiences. This study identified important non‐professional needs, that strongly interplayed with career and training experiences, including: children's education; partner's career needs; family stability; major life stages; proximity to the extended family; and spending time with immediate family. Results suggested clear gender differences, with female doctor's needs orientated to partner work and carer responsibilities, while male doctor's needs were oriented to spending time with family and meeting the family's needs. Non‐professional needs should be considered as legitimate needs within health service employment and speciality training arrangements enabling early career doctors to realise their full potential.
The effects of natural products and bioactive ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine on apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Zhong Lulu , Luo Yue , Zhou Feng , Yang Xuebin , Tan Yang , Li Shunmin , Pei Gang
Published: October 2022

Abnormal ovarian function is the main manifestation of female reproductive toxicity. Granulosa cells (GCs) play an important role in determining the fate of follicles and are the main effector cells of the female reproductive system. Excessive apoptosis of GCs leads to pathological folliculogenesis and further reproductive damage. However, drugs available for treatment of female reproductive toxicity are limited. Recent studies have confirmed that various natural products and bioactive ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can inhibit apoptosis of GCs and protect ovarian function. In this review, the mechanisms underlying the proapoptotic and antiapoptotic effects of natural products and bioactive ingredients of TCM on the proliferation, function, and apoptosis of GCs are summarized based on the findings of reports published over the past 10 years as reference for the treatment of female reproductive toxicity.
Modulation of tumor‐associated macrophages in colitis‐associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Dong Yingjie , Yang Qiuli , Niu Ruiying , Zhang Zhiyuan , Huang Yijin , Bi Yujing , Liu Guangwei
Published: October 2022

Intestinal macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in the small and large intestine, which maintain intestinal homeostasis by clearing invading bacteria and dead cells, secreting anti‐inflammatory cytokines, and inducing tolerance to symbiotic bacteria and food particles. In addition, as antigen‐presenting cells, they also participate in eliciting adaptive immune responses through bridging innate immune responses. After the intestinal homeostasis is disrupted, the damaged or apoptotic intestinal epithelial cells cannot be effectively cleared, and the infection of exogenous pathogens and leakage of endogenous antigens lead to persistent intestinal inflammation. Long‐term chronic inflammation is one of the important causes of colitis‐associated carcinogenesis (CAC). Tumor microenvironment (TME) is gradually formed around tumor cells, in which tumor associated macrophage (TAMs) is not only the builder, but also regulated by TME. This review just briefly summarized the role of intestinal macrophages under physiological and pathological inflammatory and cancerous conditions, and current therapeutic strategies for intestinal diseases targeting macrophages.
Evolution in reproductive tempo and investment across the Peromyscus radiation
Authors: Wilsterman Kathryn , Cunningham Kirksey
Published: October 2022

Mammals display diverse reproductive strategies, however, the ultimate and proximate mechanisms that underlie this diversity and its composite traits remain poorly understood from both evolutionary and physiological perspectives. The Peromyscus genus of rodents, which is found throughout the north and central Americas, has diversified along life history gradients, varying both within and among species in reproductive strategies. This variation provides a useful model for studying reproductive diversity. Here, we combine a literature review with new analyses of captive colony breeding records from six Peromyscus species to assess our current understanding of how plasticity and local adaptation contribute to diversity in two classes of reproductive traits: phenology and litter investment. There is substantial evidence that many traits underlying phenology and litter investment have diverged among populations in ways that are likely to be locally adaptive, though plasticity in these traits remains common. However, these conclusions are largely based on data collected from the two most widespread Peromyscus species: P. maniculatus and P. leucopus. The majority of Peromyscus species diversity remains understudied regarding reproductive phenology and litter traits. We conclude by discussing key challenges and considerations relevant to using Peromyscus as a mammalian model for reproductive trait diversity and evolution moving forward.
Latinx attitudes, barriers, and experiences with genetic counseling and testing: A systematic review
Authors: Dron Heather A. , Bucio Daiana , Young Jennifer L. , Tabor Holly K. , Cho Mildred K.
Published: October 2022

As genetics is increasingly used across clinical settings, there is a need to understand the impact and experiences of diverse patients. This review systematically examined research literature on Latinx experiences with genetic counseling and genetic testing (GC/GT) in the United States, synthesizing key themes and knowledge gaps pertaining to both patient experience and hypothetical scenarios. Findings were based on a systematic search, inclusion, and thematic analysis of 81 empirical peer‐reviewed articles published from January 1990 to July 2019 pertaining to Latinx populations and GC/GT. Studies most commonly addressed Latinas' perspectives on GC/GT in prenatal settings or for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Costs, referrals, and communication were significant barriers to accessing genetic services for many Latinx patients, particularly those with low English proficiency (LEP). Studies highlighted difficulties accessing and communicating in healthcare settings, and how medical context and prior experience with healthcare workers and institutions influenced GC/GT decision‐making. Providers' implicit biases about Latinx patients negatively impacted their care and impeded communication. Despite low awareness of cancer GT, Latinx patients often reported interest in learning more about GC/GT or unmet needs for GT discussion and provider involvement. This systematic review identified areas where providers can take action to improve Latinx experiences with GC/GT. Clinicians should elicit and respond to patient preferences about shared decision‐making. For patients with low numeracy or LEP, providers should consider tailored educational and communication techniques. Most studies focused on HBOC and prenatal testing, and Latinx patients are heterogeneous, leaving many research questions about Latinx experience with GT/GC in other clinical areas.
Task interdependence and the gender wage gap: The role of the gender composition of an occupation
Authors: Meuris Jirs , Elias Allison
Published: October 2022

People increasingly need to collaborate with others in their workplace to perform their jobs. Studies have shown that task interdependence can have important consequences for teams and organizations, and emerging research suggests that it may be contributing to gender inequality. In this paper, we expand upon this literature to propose a relationship between interdependence and the gender wage gap. Relying on the lack‐of‐fit model, we predicted that the relationship between interdependence and the gender wage gap would vary with the gender composition of the occupation. This prediction was evaluated using multi‐source panel data from a US sample of approximately 8000 individuals. We found that higher levels of interdependence were positively associated with gender differences in wages among people working in male‐dominated occupations but negatively associated with gender differences in wages among those working in female‐dominated occupations. Supplemental analyses using individual fixed effects, an expanded sample, and alternative job characteristics provide support for our arguments. Taken together, our theory and findings offer novel insight into the consequences of rising interdependence for individuals and their career outcomes.
Serum antibodies to periodontal pathogens are related to allergic symptoms
Authors: Du Mi , Xu Shulan , Qiu Bingjiang , Hu Shixian , Tjakkes Geerten‐Has E. , Li An , Ge Shaohua
Published: October 2022

Background

The association between periodontitis and allergic symptoms has been investigated. However, the difference in immune signatures between them remains poorly understood. This cross‐sectional study assessed the relationship between serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to periodontal pathogens and allergic symptoms in a nationwide population cohort.

Methods

Two phases of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were used as discovery dataset (n = 3700) and validation dataset (n = 4453), respectively. Based on the antibodies against 19 periodontal pathogens, we performed an unsupervised hierarchical clustering to categorize the population into three clusters. In the discovery dataset, cluster 1 (n = 2847) had the highest level of IgG antibodies, followed by clusters 2 (n = 588) and 3 (n = 265). Data on allergic symptoms (asthma, hay fever, and wheezing) were obtained using a self‐reported questionnaire. Survey‐weighted multivariable logistic regression evaluated the association between these clusters and allergic symptoms.

Results

In the discovery dataset, the participants with lower levels of antibodies to periodontal pathogens exhibited a higher risk of asthma (odds ratio [OR]cluster 3 vs. cluster 1 = 1.820, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.153–2.873) and wheezing (ORcluster 3 vs. cluster 1 = 1.550, 95% CI: 1.095–2.194) compared to those with higher periodontal antibodies, but the non‐significant association with hay fever. Consistent results were found in the validation dataset.

Conclusions

Serum IgG titers to periodontal pathogens were inversely associated with the risk of asthma and wheezing, suggesting the potentially protective role against allergic conditions.
Management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail in the elderly
Authors: Boutros Christina S. , Hue Jonathan J. , Elshami Mohamedraed , Rothermel Luke D. , Hoehn Richard S. , Ammori John B. , Winter Jordan M. , Ocuin Lee M. , Hardacre Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Elderly patients with adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head can achieve reasonable survival with multimodal therapy. An analysis specific to cancers of the pancreatic tail has not been published.

Methods

We identified patients ≥65 years with localized adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail in the National Cancer Database (2011–2017). Patients were grouped by age (65–79 and ≥80 years) and categorized by treatment regimen. Postoperative outcomes and survival were analyzed using propensity score matching and multivariable logistical regression.

Results

2168 patients were included: 73.9% were 65–79 years and 26.1% were ≥80 years. 34.1% of octogenarians did not receive any treatment, relative to 15.9% of younger patients (p < 0.001). Thirty‐day mortality rates were similar in operatively managed patients; however, the 90‐day mortality rate among octogenarians was greater (3.0% vs. 7.8%, p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07‐3.19). Age ≥ 80 was not associated with survival on multivariable hazards regression (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.95–1.24). After propensity matching, the addition of chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival relative to distal pancreatectomy alone among octogenarians (HR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.72–1.65).

Conclusions

Management of adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic tail varies based on patient age. Resection appears to play a key role in management, but there is substantial upfront risk. Shared decision making should be employed to balance the chance for long‐term survival with the risk of early mortality.
Cognitive Assessment in Elderly Cochlear Implant Recipients: Long‐Term Analysis
Authors: Herzog Jacques A. , Buchman Craig A. , Kallogjeri Dorina , Chen Stephanie , Wick Cameron , Durakovic Nedim , Shew Matthew A.
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To examine long‐term speech and cognition outcomes in older adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients. First, by evaluating if CI performance was maintained over an extended follow‐up period regardless of preoperative cognitive status. Secondly, by evaluating if there was a difference in the rate of cognitive decline between preoperative mild and normal cognition following CI over an extended period of time.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

CI recipients ≥65 years of age implanted between 2009 and 2014 with 4+ years follow up. Pre‐ and postoperative audiometric and speech outcome assessments were collected. Cognitive status was measured using the mini mental status examination (MMSE) at numerous time points.

Results

Fifty‐three patients met inclusion. Patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative MMSE with scores considered normal (28–30) and those with mildly impaired cognition (MIC, scores 25–27). Audiometric and speech performance improved significantly at one‐year post implantation and this was maintained without significant change at 4+ years, regardless of cognitive status. Mixed modeling analysis controlling for age demonstrated no significant difference in the rate of cognitive decline at 4+ years post implantation between the normal cognition cohort (1.74; 95%CI 0.89–2.6) and MIC (2.9; 95%1.91–3.88).

Conclusion

Speech performance was significantly improved and sustained after CI in both normal cognition and MIC patients. The rate of cognitive decline in older adult CI patients appears to be similar regardless of preoperative cognitive status. Although results demonstrate rates of cognitive decline following CI did not differ between cognition groups over 4+ years, future studies will need to further investigate this over extended time periods with a more comprehensive cognitive testing battery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:2379–2387, 2023
Net primary productivity changes associated with landslides induced by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Yang Yinshuang , Fan Xuanmei , Wang Xin , Lv Linyi , Zou Chengbin , Feng Zetao
Published: October 2022

The 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake triggered massive landslide erosion, especially in mountainous terrain, which had a great impact on carbon storage of the local terrestrial ecosystem. However, variation in carbon flux and restoration of ecosystem function after the Wenchuan Earthquake remain open issues. In this study, we evaluated the current restored vegetation productive capability on the coseismic landslide scars through moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) net primary productivity (NPP) imagery, and explored their sensitivity to meteorological, topographical, and geological factors. The spatio‐temporal evolution and future sustainability of NPP of the landslides after the Earthquake were revealed. The following results were obtained: (i) After 13 years, only 45.36% of the vegetation productivity capability of the landslide scars reached the pre‐earthquake level. (ii) Meteorological factors (precipitation and temperature) have strongest influences on vegetation productivity capability recovery over the coseismic landslide scars, followed by topography (aspect, slope, and altitude) and the lithology of landslides. (iii) The extremely significant improvement (p < 0.01) and significant improvement (0.01 ≤ p < 0.05) in annual NPP pixel values from 2008 to 2021 accounted for 18.92% and 28.30% of the total area, respectively. The slight degradation (p < 0.1) in annual NPP pixel values from 2008 to 2021 account for 0.01% of the total area. In general, the NPP has shown an improving trend since the Wenchuan Earthquake. Moreover, 60.95% of the total area shows the trends of continuous improvement in the future. This study provides important insight into how mega‐earthquakes affect regional ecosystem carbon flux and contributes to our understanding of ecosystem carbon cycles along with earthquake‐induced geohazard chains.
Anatomic and audiometric outcomes of porcine intestinal submucosa for tympanic membrane repair
Authors: Dontu Pragnya , Shaigany Kevin , Eisenman David Jeffrey
Published: October 2022

Objective

Surgical repair of tympanic membrane perforations has been traditionally performed with autologous soft‐tissue grafts with high success rates. Newer allografts such as porcine small intestine submucosa (pSIS) have been employed as alternatives to minimize donor morbidity and surgical time, and in cases where autologous tissue may not be available. The comparative anatomic and audiometric success rates of these tissues is still unclear.

Study design

Retrospective case–control series of anatomic and audiometric outcomes of autologous soft tissue versus pSIS graft for primary, isolated transmeatal tympanic membrane repair.

Methods

Analysis of patients undergoing primary transmeatal tympanic membrane repair with autologous soft tissue or pSIS. Patients with otorrhea, cholesteatoma or retraction pockets, those who had cartilage grafts or ossicular reconstruction, and revision procedures were excluded. Pre‐ and post‐surgery air–bone gaps (ABG) and pure tone averages (PTA) were compared. Graft success was defined as closure of the perforation at 2‐month follow‐up visit.

Results

The success rate for both the autologous soft tissue and the pSIS arm is 93.8%. There was no statistical significance (p < .05) between the post‐op ABG, change in ABG, post‐op PTA, change in PTA, or graft success rate between the two groups with either lumped cohort or matched‐pairs analysis.

Conclusions

pSIS grafts are effective for repair of tympanic membrane perforations with hearing outcomes and graft success rates comparable to autologous soft tissue.

Lay summary

Repair of tympanic membrane perforations is traditionally done using a soft‐tissue graft harvested from the patient at the time of surgery. pSIS is a newer graft material that is equally effective in terms of anatomical and audiometric outcomes.

Level of evidence

Level 3b.
Thiol‐yne 3D Printable Polymeric Resins for the Efficient Removal of a Model Pollutant from Waters
Authors: Shahzadi Lubna , Maya Fernando , Breadmore Michael C. , Thickett Stuart C.
Published: October 2022

A new 3D printable resin formulation is developed and optimized from commercially available thiol (pentaerythritol tetrakis(3‐mercaptopropionate); PETMP) and alkyne (3‐butyn‐1‐ol; BA) monomers. Printed objects are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The extraction efficiency of the printed thiol‐yne device is then investigated using a model dye – malachite green (MG). The results displayed excellent dye removal efficiency with > 95% MG removed within 5 min. The 3D‐printed devices are reusable and show 100% removal over six cycles after washing with deionized water and methanol. The presence of surface hydroxyl groups derived from the BA monomer is shown to enhance dye adsorption in comparison to control materials. The printing procedure and resin formulation are robust and consistent when devices from different resin batches are compared for MG dye removal. The thiol‐yne 3D printed devices demonstrated excellent dye removal (> 99%) from water samples collected from a tap and a nearby river source. The successful development of this resin provides a new thiol‐yne‐based resin system for stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater and presents a potential for broad applications in water treatment.
A Review on Current Nanofiber Technologies: Electrospinning, Centrifugal Spinning, and Electro‐Centrifugal Spinning
Authors: Xu Huaizhong , Yagi Shinichi , Ashour Sherry , Du Lei , Hoque Md Enamul , Tan Lin
Published: October 2022

Nanofiber‐based products are widely used in the fields of public health, air/water filtration, energy storage, etc. The demand for nonwoven products is rapidly increasing especially after COVID‐19 pandemic. Electrospinning is the most popular technology to produce nanofiber‐based products from various kinds of materials in bench and commercial scales. While centrifugal spinning and electro‐centrifugal spinning are considered to be the other two well‐known technologies to fabricate nanofibers. However, their developments are restricted mainly due to the unnormalized spinning devices and spinning principles. High solution concentration and high production efficiency are the two main strengths of centrifugal spinning, but beaded fibers can be formed easily due to air perturbation or device vibration. Electro‐centrifugal spinning is formed by introducing a high voltage electrostatic field into the centrifugal spinning system, which suppresses the formation of beaded fibers and results in producing elegant nanofibers. It is believed that electrospinning can be replaced by electro‐centrifugal spinning in some specific application areas. This article gives an overview on the existing devices and the crucial processing parameters of these nanofiber technologies, also constructive suggestions are proposed to facilitate the development of centrifugal and electro‐centrifugal spinning.
You ought to know: Why consumers think companies can foresee bad (but not good) side effects
Authors: Reich Brandon J. , Laurent Sean M.
Published: October 2022

Routine business activities often lead to unintended side effects. Prior research suggests that consumers ascribe greater corporate foreknowledge when side effects are harmful (vs. helpful) but offers a controversial explanation and insufficient exploration of its consequences. The current research fills these gaps, offering a heuristic‐based explanation steeped in consumer behavior, while demonstrating the importance of this asymmetry to consumer response. First, a Pilot Study confirms the theoretical processes underlying our explanation. Study 1 tests the role of this foreknowledge asymmetry in predicting implicit bias toward the company. Studies 2 and 3 provide moderation evidence for our heuristic‐based explanation and connect the phenomenon to motive inferences and blame judgments, respectively. In sum, this work provides a novel explanation for a common marketplace phenomenon while establishing its effects on several important consumer response variables.
Mutational profiling of circulating tumor DNA and clinical characteristics in lymphoma: Based on next generation sequencing
Authors: Hou Yue , Zi Jie , Liu Shuo , Ge Qinyu , Ge Zheng
Published: October 2022

Liquid biopsy has been experimented with to identify the mutation of lymphoma based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS). We applied NGS analysis to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in 20 lymphoma patients. Then, we compared treatment outcomes, and clinical characteristics among these patients, then investigated mutational profiling. Two independent cohorts of 241 patients with mature B cell lymphoma in Mature B‐cell malignancies data set (MBN) data set and 50 diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients in DLBCL data set, were used to examine the association between gene mutations and prognosis. We found ctDNA positive group had significantly more relapsed/PD (7/12, 58.3%) and less CR/PR patients (1/12, 8.3%) compared to negative group (0, 0%) (5/8, 62.5%) (p < 0.001). Somatic alterations were identified in 12 of 20 patients and the total 11 mutations were: Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), TP53, BCL2, BTG2, CD28, EP300, IDH2, IRF8, JAK3, NOTCH1, and NRAS. ATM (S2168L) was found in SLL and TLBL for the first time. BTG2 (c.292_293del), CD28 (P119T), IRF8 (E74D) and NOTCH1 (c.4348 G > A) were newly detected in DLBCL, angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, and BCL for the first time respectively. We also disclosed an unreported mutation EP300 (c.1058_1059insC) in DLBCL. Our cases implied ctDNA detection consistent with the FISH of tissue samples to some extent, speculating new molecular subtypes of DLBCL, finding some potential drug‐resistant mutations, and suggesting disease recurrence. Moreover, in MBN and DLBCL datasets, patients with TP53 mutation had a significantly shorter OS (all p < 0.05) in both circulating free DNA and tumor tissue. The mutations (no SNP) of NOTCH1 (all p < 0.05) significantly contributed to worse OS in the two cohorts.
High‐resolution climate characteristics of the Arabian Gulf based on a validated regional reanalysis
Authors: Dasari Hari Prasad , Viswanadhapalli Yesubabu , Langodan Sabique , Abualnaja Yasser , Desamsetti Srinivas , Vankayalapati Koteswararao , Thang Luong , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: October 2022

The regional climate of the Arabian Gulf (AG) and its variability are examined based on a 40‐year (1980–2019), 5‐km regional reanalysis of the Arabian Peninsula (AP reanalysis). The AP reanalysis fields were first validated against the available observations over the AG, suggesting that this high‐resolution reanalysis well reproduces the spatio‐temporal features of the AG atmospheric circulations. The validated AP reanalysis fields were then analysed to examine the climatic characteristics over the AG including the monthly mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, and the seasonal variations in winds, relative humidity and rainfall over the AG. The AG climate is mostly dry between May and October, and experiences moderate rainfall between December and January. The higher (lower) pressure difference between the northwest and southeast AG during summer (winter) generates the northwesterly Shamal winds over the north (central) AG. The mean Shamal winds are relatively stronger (weaker) and prolonged (shorter) during summer (winter); however, the short lived Shamal jet events in winter can be occasionally stronger than summer. In terms of interannual variability, the Shamal winds are stronger and more persistent in summer during El Niño years and in winter during La Niña years. These differences are mainly associated with changes in temperature gradients between the eastern AG and northwestern AP.
Inhibitor Assessment against the LpxC Enzyme of Antibiotic‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Using Virtual Screening, Dynamics Simulation, and in vitro Assays
Authors: Zoghlami Manel , Oueslati Maroua , Basharat Zarrin , Sadfi‐Zouaoui Najla , Messaoudi Abdelmonaem
Published: October 2022

Background: Bacterial resistance is currently a significant global public health problem. Acinetobacter baumannii has been ranked in the list of the World Health Organization as the most critical and priority pathogen for which new antibiotics are urgently needed. In this context, computational methods play a central role in the modern drug discovery process. The purpose of the current study was to identify new potential therapeutic molecules to neutralize MDR A. baumannii bacteria. Methods: A total of 3686 proteins retrieved from the A. baumannii proteome were subjected to subtractive proteomic analysis to narrow down the spectrum of drug targets. The SWISS‐MODEL server was used to perform a 3D homology model of the selected target protein. The SAVES server was used to evaluate the overall quality of the model. A dataset of 74500 analogues retrieved from the PubChem database was docked with LpxC using the AutoDock software. Results: In this study, we predicted a putative new inhibitor for the Lpxc enzyme of A. baumannii. The LpxC enzyme was selected as the most appropriate drug target for A. baumannii. According to the virtual screening results, N‐[(2S)‐3‐amino‐1‐(hydroxyamino)‐1‐oxopropan‐2‐yl]‐4‐(4‐bromophenyl) benzamide (CS250) could be a promising drug candidate targeting the LpxC enzyme. This molecule shows polar interactions with six amino acids and non‐polar interactions with eight other residues. In vitro experimental validation was performed through the inhibition assay. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that suggests CS250 as a promising inhibitory molecule that can be exploited to target this gram‐negative pathogen.
Considerations on boundary conditions in transformation optics for complete field computation in generic waveguides
Authors: Gentili Gian Guido , Giannetti Giacomo , Pelosi Giuseppe , Selleri Stefano
Published: October 2022

Transformation optics is a powerful tool allowing remapping a generic domain into another yet maintaining a correspondence of the solution of Maxwell's equations within the two domains. Transformation optics has been used in the past to conveniently solve for modes in a generic waveguide by transforming its cross‐section into a circular one. Such a transformation needs particular care in enforcing boundary conditions in the transformed, circular, domain. In this paper, a theoretical treatment of boundary conditions is presented, allowing for an accurate computation of all field components in a generic waveguide.
Multiband millimeter‐wave patch antenna with parasitic element
Authors: Abo. El‐Hassan M. , Farahat Asmaa E. , Hussein Khalid. F. A.
Published: October 2022

The present paper introduces a novel design of a triple‐band millimeter‐wave printed antenna. The proposed antenna radiates at 28 and 43 GHz as its first‐order and second‐order resonances, respectively. Also, the antenna is designed to radiate efficiently in a third higher frequency band of about 2 GHz bandwidth (from 46 to 48 GHz). The design method depends on a composite‐patch structure where the primary radiating element is a circular patch of modified geometry to radiate at 28 and 43 GHz. An arc‐shaped parasitic printed element is capacitively‐coupled to the primary patch so that it can efficiently radiate over the wideband (46–48 GHz). The primary patch is fed through a microstrip line with an inset feed for impedance matching over the desired frequency bands. The antenna structure and the feeding line are printed on a thin dielectric substrate of low loss to be suitable for millimeter‐wave operation. The antenna has high radiation efficiency, excellent impedance matching, and satisfactory values of the antenna gain over the operational frequency bands. A prototype is fabricated and subjected to experimental assessment of the antenna performance including the return loss and radiation patterns. It is shown that the experimental measurements are in agreement with the simulation results over the three frequency bands.
Enhancing linguistic research through 2‐mm isotropic 3D dynamic speech MRI optimized by sparse temporal sampling and low‐rank reconstruction
Authors: Jin Riwei , Shosted Ryan K. , Xing Fangxu , Gilbert Imani R. , Perry Jamie L. , Woo Jonghye , Liang Zhi‐Pei , Sutton Bradley P.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To enable a more comprehensive view of articulations during speech through near‐isotropic 3D dynamic MRI with high spatiotemporal resolution and large vocal‐tract coverage.

Methods

Using partial separability model‐based low‐rank reconstruction coupled with a sparse acquisition of both spatial and temporal models, we are able to achieve near‐isotropic resolution 3D imaging with a high frame rate. The total acquisition time of the speech acquisition is shortened by introducing a sparse temporal sampling that interleaves one temporal navigator with four randomized phase and slice‐encoded imaging samples. Memory and computation time are improved through compressing coils based on the region of interest for low‐rank constrained reconstruction with an edge‐preserving spatial penalty.

Results

The proposed method has been evaluated through experiments on several speech samples, including a standard reading passage. A near‐isotropic 1.875 × 1.875 × 2 mm3 spatial resolution, 64‐mm through‐plane coverage, and a 35.6‐fps temporal resolution are achieved. Investigations and analysis on specific speech samples support novel insights into nonsymmetric tongue movement, velum raising, and coarticulation events with adequate visualization of rapid articulatory movements.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional dynamic images of the vocal tract structures during speech with high spatiotemporal resolution and axial coverage is capable of enhancing linguistic research, enabling visualization of soft tissue motions that are not possible with other modalities.
An improved asymmetric susceptibility tensor imaging model with frequency offset correction
Authors: Feng Ruimin , Cao Steven , Zhuang Jie , Zhao Jiayi , Guan Xiaojun , Zhang Yuyao , Liu Chunlei , Wei Hongjiang
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To improve susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) reconstruction using the asymmetric STI model with the correction of non‐bulk‐magnetic‐susceptibility (NBMS) effects.

Method

A frequency offset term was introduced into the asymmetric STI model to account for the bias between measured MRI frequency signals and conventional susceptibility tensor models because of NBMS contributions. Experiments were conducted to compare the proposed model with conventional STI, conventional STI with the proposed frequency offset correction, and asymmetric STI on simulation, ex vivo mouse brain, and in vivo human brain data.

Results

In the simulation where NBMS contributions are head rotation‐invariant, the proposed method achieves the lowest errors in mean magnetic susceptibility (MMS) and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy (MSA) and is more robust to noise in the estimation of principal eigenvector (PEV). When considering the head orientation dependency of NBMS contributions, the proposed method shows advantages in estimating MSA and PEV. On the mouse and human brain data, the proposed method produces more reliable MSA maps and more consistent white matter fiber directions when referring to those from DTI than the compared STI methods.

Conclusion

The proposed method can reduce the effects of NBMS‐related frequency shifts on the susceptibility tensors in the brain white matter. This study inspires STI reconstruction from the perspective of better modeling the sources of frequency shifts.
Risk factors for atlantoaxial dislocation in rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative study
Authors: Ben Tekaya Aicha , Rezgui Soumaya , Tbini Houssem , Bellil Mehdi , Bouden Selma , Rouached Leila , Tekaya Rawdha , Mahmoud Ines , Saidane Olfa , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: October 2022

Background

The objective of the study was to assess clinical and imaging features of rheumatoid arthritis associated with atlantoaxial dislocation (RA‐AAD) in comparison to RA without AAD (RA‐C) and to identify the associated factors to AAD.

Methods

This was a retrospective comparative study including RA patients over 18 years old. The control group of RA‐C was matched according to age (±2 years), gender, and RA duration (±2 years). General data, RA characteristics, AAD features, and treatment modalities were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors of AAD.

Results

A total of 120 patients were included (78 RA‐AAD and 42 RA‐C); sex‐ratio was 0.15. Mean age was 58.55 ± 9.14 years (RA‐AAD) versus 60.43 ± 10.78 years (RA‐C), (p = 0.31). Regarding RA features, RA‐AAD patients have significantly a higher rheumatoid factor (RF) rate (p = 0.002), extra‐articular manifestations (p = 0.009) especially osteoporosis (p < 10−3), eye involvement (p = 0.02), coxitis (p < 0.0001), Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (p < 10−3), and global health status scale (HAQ) (p = 0.003).

X‐ray analysis showed pathologic PADI (<14 mm) in 51.6% of cases. The AADI was pathological (>3 mm) in 100% of patients with the following distribution: 67.9% between (3–6 mm) and 23.3% between (6–9 mm). Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) was presumed anterior (85.4%), lateral (7.3%) and rotatory (7.3%). The abnormalities observed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were: C1–C2 synovitis (61%), confirmed AAD (34.1%) and basilar impression (4.9%). AAD diagnosed by cervical MRI was anterior in 89.8% of cases, lateral (5.3%) and with a double ascending and anterior component in 4.9% of cases. An immobilisation with a type C4 cervical collar was indicated for all the patients and five of them had boluses of corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 g/day) for three consecutive days. C1–C2 arthrodesis by trans‐articular screwing was performed in four patients with neurological signs or pathological measurements on cervical MRI. The outcome was favourable in 100% of cases after surgical treatment with improvement in neck pain and neurological condition within a mean decline of 4 ± 3 years [1–7].

Multivariate analysis identified coxitis, osteoporosis, high baseline DAS28, and a high rate of RF positivity as predictive factors of AAD.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that predictive factors of AAD were related to higher disease activity and structural damage. These modifiable factors may be prevented by tight control, early treatment, and educating RA patients to improve treatment adherence.
Simplified method for evaluating the response of existing tunnel induced by adjacent excavation
Authors: Feng Guohui , Xu Changjie , Liang Luju , Tey Ming‐wang , Chi Min‐liang , Ge Shangqi
Published: October 2022

Adjacent excavation may have a negative influence on the existing tunnel underneath. Thus, it is important to evaluate the response of the tunnel due to adjacent excavation. However, there is little report about using the Kerr foundation model to simulate the tunnel‐soil interaction. Meanwhile, the Timoshenko beam, which can take the tunnel shearing effect into consideration, is more suitable to estimate the behavior of the tunnel. To simulate the interaction between soil and tunnel, the existing tunnel is simplified as a Timoshenko beam lying on the Kerr foundation model, and a simplified theoretical method is proposed to calculate the response of the existing tunnel induced by adjacent excavation. The proposed method is validated by two field case studies. Results indicate that the predictions given by the proposed method show great agreement with field measurements and it is more accurate to evaluate the tunnel‐soil interaction compared with the previous method. The further parametric study shows that the relative position between excavation and tunnel, the ground Young's modulus, the depth of existing tunnel centerline, and length and width of excavation are both significant factors governing the tunnel response induced by adjacent excavation, while the influence of tunnel shear stiffness and skew between tunnel and excavation are slight. The proposed method can be applied to predict the potential risk of existing tunnels induced by adjacent excavation in relevant engineering projects.