bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-lead seasonal precipitation forecast in northeastern Brazil using an ensemble of artificial neural networks
Authors: Pinheiro Enzo , Ouarda Taha B. M. J.
Published: November 2023

This study assesses the deterministic and probabilistic forecasting skill of a 1-month-lead ensemble of Artificial Neural Networks (EANN) based on low-frequency climate oscillation indices. The predictand is the February-April (FMA) rainfall in the Brazilian state of Ceará, which is a prominent subject in climate forecasting studies due to its high seasonal predictability. Additionally, the study proposes combining the EANN with dynamical models into a hybrid multi-model ensemble (MME). The forecast verification is carried out through a leave-one-out cross-validation based on 40 years of data. The EANN forecasting skill is compared with traditional statistical models and the dynamical models that compose Ceará’s operational seasonal forecasting system. A spatial comparison showed that the EANN was among the models with the smallest Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Ranked Probability Score (RPS) in most regions. Moreover, the analysis of the area-aggregated reliability showed that the EANN is better calibrated than the individual dynamical models and has better resolution than Multinomial Logistic Regression for above-normal (AN) and below-normal (BN) categories. It is also shown that combining the EANN and dynamical models into a hybrid MME reduces the overconfidence of the extreme categories observed in a dynamically-based MME, improving the reliability of the forecasting system.
Self-perception of dual career barriers and athletic identity in student-athletes with disabilities according to disability type and level of professionalization
Authors: Maciá-Andreu M. J. , Vaquero-Cristóbal R. , Meroño L. , Abenza-Cano L. , García-Roca J. A. , Cánovas-Álvarez F. J. , Díaz-Aroca A. , Capranica L. , Stanescu M. , Pereira A. , Doupona M. , Mendes F. , Figueiredo A. , Isidori E. , Sánchez-Pato A. , Leiva-Arcas A.
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to analyze the perceived barriers to dual career success and athletic identity of student-athletes according to disability type and level of professionalization. The final sample consisted of 203 student-athletes with disabilities from five European countries. The questionnaires used were ESTPORT, EBBS and AIMS. Depending on disability type, it was found that student-athletes with hearing and physical impairment showed the highest difficulty in reconciling sports and studies (p = 0.001); that student-athletes with a hearing impairment showed the highest score in the barrier ‘the cost of education is high’ (p = 0.023); that student-athletes with a physical impairment had the highest scores in the barrier ‘Exercise tires me’ (p = 0.013); that student-athletes with cerebral palsy showed the highest scores in the barrier ‘I do not have enough university/educational institution support’ (p = 0.014) and ‘Exercise facilities do not have convenient timetables for me’ (p = 0.001). Depending on sports professionalization level, semi-professional student-athletes showed the highest values in the barrier ‘the university/educational institution is far from my training center’ (p = 0.040); while professional student-athletes had the highest score in the barrier ‘exercise takes too much time from family responsibilities’ (p = 0.034). In most of the variables related to identity as athletes, professional student-athletes showed the highest values, followed by semi-professional athletes (p = 0.043- < 0.001). In conclusion, the self-perception of barriers is quite relevant, with differences arising from disability type and level of professionalization, whereas the identity as an athlete is only different according to the level of professionalization.
Adsorption behavior of trace elements of 90Sr on MnO2–ZrO2 loaded with polyacrylonitrile polymer from aqueous solutions
Authors: Akbari Neda , Ahmadi Seyed Javad , Pourmatin Akram , Heydari Mehran , Shiri-Yekta Zahra
Published: November 2023

A MnO2–ZrO2-polyacrylonitrile (MnO2–ZrO2-PAN) composite ion exchanger was produced and its properties were examined by Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, The BET (Brunauer, Emmett and Teller) surface area, X-Ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The adsorption of Strontium (Sr) from solutions by MnO2–ZrO2-PAN composite was studied thru batch experiments. The distribution Coefficient of Sr (II) on the composite sorbent was investigated against pH, interaction time, and primary concentration ion. To study the kinetics of adsorption, Pseudo-first-order and Pseudo second-order adsorption kinetics were studied and the results revealed that adsorption kinetics better fit to the pseudo-second-order model. Three iso-temperature models, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin were applied to fit the experimental results. Among those models, Langmuir revealed the most suitable one with minimum deviation. The created composite exhibited strong compatibility to the elimination of Y (III), Ni (II), Pb (II), and Co (II) from radioactive waste streams. On the other, it is evident from the data that the quantifiable extraction of Sr (II) ions from Zr (IV), Mo (VI), and La (III) is feasible. MnO2–ZrO2 Loaded with (PAN) Polymer was figured out to have high ion exchange capacity and thermal stability and selectivity for strontium.
Zonally asymmetric component of summer surface temperature trends caused by intraseasonal time-scale processes
Authors: Kim Dong Wan , Lee Sukyoung , Clark Joseph P. , Feldstein Steven B.
Published: November 2023

Recent years have witnessed extreme heatwaves in Europe and western North America. This study shows that these regions stand out in the zonally asymmetric component of the long-term trend of boreal summer surface temperature, and that intraseasonal timescale processes play an important role in shaping the zonally asymmetric trend pattern. However, these two regions have warmed by different mechanisms. Over Europe, the warming is mostly caused by the positive trend of the net (downward minus upward) surface shortwave radiation weighted by its intraseasonal timescale connection with the skin temperature. The long-term warming in western North America has been caused by the declining surface latent heat flux (weakened evaporative cooling) weighted by its intraseasonal connection with the skin temperature. These mechanisms are consistent with those identified in earlier studies of individual extreme events in the two regions, indicating that part of the long trends are a manifestation of extreme events. The overall findings indicate that to make accurate projections of regional climate change using climate model simulations, it is critical to ensure that the models also accurately simulate intraseasonal variability.
Gut microbiomes of cycad-feeding insects tolerant to β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) are rich in siderophore biosynthesis
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Karina , Whitaker Melissa R L , Bustos-Díaz Edder D , Salzman Shayla , Ramos-Aboites Hilda E , Reitz Zachary L , Pierce Naomi E , Cibrián-Jaramillo Angélica , Barona-Gómez Francisco
Published: November 2023

Ingestion of the cycad toxins β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) and azoxyglycosides is harmful to diverse organisms. However, some insects are specialized to feed on toxin-rich cycads with apparent immunity. Some cycad-feeding insects possess a common set of gut bacteria, which might play a role in detoxifying cycad toxins. Here, we investigated the composition of gut microbiota from a worldwide sample of cycadivorous insects and characterized the biosynthetic potential of selected bacteria. Cycadivorous insects shared a core gut microbiome consisting of six bacterial taxa, mainly belonging to the Proteobacteria, which we were able to isolate. To further investigate selected taxa from diverging lineages, we performed shotgun metagenomic sequencing of co-cultured bacterial sub-communities. We characterized the biosynthetic potential of four bacteria from Serratia, Pantoea, and two different Stenotrophomonas lineages, and discovered a suite of biosynthetic gene clusters notably rich in siderophores. Siderophore semi-untargeted metabolomics revealed a broad range of chemically related yet diverse iron-chelating metabolites, including desferrioxamine B, suggesting the occurrence of an unprecedented desferrioxamine-like biosynthetic pathway that remains to be identified. These results provide a foundation for future investigations into how cycadivorous insects tolerate diets rich in azoxyglycosides, BMAA, and other cycad toxins, including a possible role for bacterial siderophores.
Associations of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis with skin bacteria and fungi on Asian amphibian hosts
Authors: Sun Dan , Herath Jayampathi , Zhou Shipeng , Ellepola Gajaba , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: November 2023

Amphibian skin harbors microorganisms that are associated with the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes chytridiomycosis, one of the most significant wildlife diseases known. This pathogen originated in Asia, where diverse Bd lineages exist; hence, native amphibian hosts have co-existed with Bd over long time periods. Determining the nuances of this co-existence is crucial for understanding the prevalence and spread of Bd from a microbial context. However, associations of Bd with the natural skin microbiome remain poorly understood for Asian hosts, especially in relation to skin-associated fungi. We used 16 S rRNA and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing to characterize the skin microbiome of four native Asian amphibian species and examined the relationships between Bd infection and their skin bacterial and fungal communities; we also analyzed the correlates of the putative anti-Bd bacteria. We show that both skin bacterial and fungal community structure and composition had significant associations with infection status (Bd presence/absence) and infection intensity (frequency of Bd sequence reads). We also found that the putative anti-Bd bacterial richness was correlated with Bd infection status and infection intensity, and observed that the relative abundance of anti-Bd bacteria roughly correspond with changes in both Bd prevalence and mean infection intensity in populations. Additionally, the microbial co-occurrence network of infected frogs was significantly different from that of uninfected frogs that were characterized by more keystone nodes (connectors) and larger proportions in correlations between bacteria, suggesting stronger inter-module bacterial interactions. These results indicate that the mutual effects between Bd and skin-associated microbiome, including the interplay between bacteria and fungi, might vary with Bd infection in susceptible amphibian species. This knowledge will help in understanding the dynamics of Bd from a microbial perspective, potentially contributing to mitigate chytridiomycosis in other regions of the world.
Sensitive determination of 4,6-dinitro-o-cresol based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with Zr-UiO-66 metal–organic framework entrapped FMWCNTs
Authors: Hazarika Ranjit , Deffo Gullit , Wamba Honore Nogholesso , Hussain Nayab , Kalita Shyamali , Basumatary Mwina , Njanja Evangéline , Dasgupta Soumen , Puzari Panchanan
Published: November 2023

A DNOC electrochemical sensor has been developed by using a composite of Zr-UiO-66 and FMWCNTs on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and using the differential pulse voltammetry technique.
A general and expedient amination of alcohols catalysed by a single-site (NN)Co(ii)-bidentate complex under solventless conditions
Authors: Kumar Rohit , Srivastava Ankit Kumar , Nagarasu Palaniyappan , Madhu Vedichi , Balaraman Ekambaram
Published: November 2023

Here we designed and synthesized a NN–CoII bidentate complex and efficiently used it for general and expedient amination of alcohols under benign, solventless conditions.
Palladium-based nanocatalysts for NH3 synthesis through nitrate electroreduction: nanocomposites, alloys, and atomically precise nanoclusters
Authors: Tang Yujun , Qin Lubing , Liu Yonggang , Qiao Liang , Chi Kebin , Tang Zhenghua
Published: November 2023

This review summarizes the recent progress on nitrate electroreduction catalyzed by Pd-based nanocatalysts, along with the major challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
The protective effects of beta-mangostin against sodium iodate-induced retinal ROS-mediated apoptosis through MEK/ERK and p53 signaling pathways
Authors: Chang Yuan-Yen , Wang Meilin , Yeh Jui-Hsuan , Tsou Shang-Chun , Chen Tzu-Chun , Hsu Min-Yen , Lee Yi-Ju , Wang Inga , Lin Hui-Wen
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have indicated that NaIO3induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and has been used as a model for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) due to the selective retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell damage it induces.
Predicting nanocarriers’ efficacy in 3D models with Brillouin microscopy
Authors: Guerriero Giulia , Viel Alexis , Feltri Veronica , Balboni Alice , Yan Guqi , Monnier Sylvain , Lollo Giovanna , Dehoux Thomas
Published: November 2023

Thanks to their unique nanoscale properties, nanomedicines can overcome some of the shortcomings of conventional therapies.
A NIR-driven green affording-oxygen microrobot for targeted photodynamic therapy of tumors
Authors: Zhang Lishan , Zhang Xiaoting , Ran Hui , Chen Ze , Ye Yicheng , Jiang Jiamiao , Hu Ziwei , Azechi Miral , Peng Fei , Tian Hao , Xu Zhili , Tu Yingfeng
Published: November 2023

The NIR-driven green affording-oxygen microrobot (CurNPs-C) consists of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles and Chlorella. Under two NIR treatments, CurNPs-C accumulates in tumors and further produces oxygen, which enhances the photodynamic therapy.
Progress in the design of portable colorimetric chemical sensing devices
Authors: Kant Tushar , Shrivas Kamlesh , Tejwani Ankita , Tandey Khushali , Sharma Anuradha , Gupta Shashi
Published: November 2023

Developement of portable colorimetric devices for detection of heavy metals, anions, biomolecules, pesticides, drugs, and other substances is vital across clinical, environmental, and food safety domains.
Strong non-linear optical response of Sb2Se3 nanorods in a liquid suspension based on spatial self-phase modulation and their all-optical photonic device applications
Authors: Sen Nabanita , Chakraborty Nabamita , Das Biswajit , Chattopadhyay Kalyan Kumar
Published: November 2023

Progressive development of diffraction rings through the ‘Wind-Chime’ model and thermal distortion of diffraction rings.
White light emission from helically stacked humin-mimic based H-aggregates in heteroatom free carbon dots
Authors: Shaik Md. Abdus Salam , Samanta Dipanjan , Sharma Ankit Kumar , Shaw Manisha , Prodhan Sayan , Basu Rajarshi , Mondal Imran , Singh Shailab , Dutta Prasanta Kumar , Pathak Amita
Published: November 2023

White light emission (WLE), particularly from heteroatom free carbon dots (CDs), is unusual.
Visible light photoredox-catalyzed deoxydisulfuration of alcohols
Authors: Liu Chaoyang , Lin Xiaoman , An Delie , Wang Xi , Gao Qianwen
Published: November 2023

Herein, we present a versatile approach for the photoredox-catalyzed deoxydisulfuration of primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, utilizing tetrasulfides to facilitate the efficient synthesis of unsymmetrical disulfides.
The curious case of the crystalline tri-thorium cluster: cyclic delocalization without aromatic stabilization?
Authors: Szczepanik Dariusz W.
Published: November 2023

Actinides have been known to form weak homonuclear bonds with their d-type orbitals, and thus one should expect the superposition of cyclic resonance forms containing such bonds to bring rather marginal aromatic stabilization to the system, if any.
Ultrasensitive detection of flap endonuclease 1 using a chemiluminescence optical fiber biosensor with hybridization chain reaction
Authors: Yang Jinlan , Qin Yile , Li Dingsong , Jia Yaxue , Fu Jiahui , Yang Li
Published: November 2023

We reported a novel FEN1 sensing approach by combining the COFS and HCR amplification strategy. The approach is accomplished by capturing the 5′-flap sequences produced by FEN1-specific cleavage to trigger the HCR amplification reaction on COFS.
Precise design of dual active-site catalysts for synergistic catalytic therapy of tumors
Authors: Cheng Guodong , Chen Fuying , Li Shulian , Hu Yu , Dai Zhichao , Hu Zunfu , Gan Zibao , Sun Yunqiang , Zheng Xiuwen
Published: November 2023

A schematic of the fabrication of FePt-DAC/NC@HA and synergistic chemodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy for tumor catalytic therapy.
Temperament in Toddlers With and Without Prelingual Hearing Loss
Authors: Castellanos Irina , Houston Derek M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to examine parent-reported ratings of temperament in toddlers with and without prelingual hearing loss.

Method:

The parent-completed Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire (ECBQ) was used to assess temperament in toddlers aged 18–36 months. Three dimensions of temperament were examined: surgency, negative affectivity, and effortful control. Analyses were conducted to (a) examine differences in temperament across toddlers with and without prelingual hearing loss; (b) examine possible associations between temperament, demographic, and communication factors; and (c) determine if the ECBQ is sensitive to differences in hearing, communication, and listening skills among toddlers with prelingual hearing loss.

Results:

The parent-completed ECBQ revealed that toddlers with prelingual hearing loss differed from their hearing peers on some but not all dimensions of temperament. Specifically, children with prelingual hearing loss were rated as displaying higher levels of surgency and lower levels of effortful control but comparable levels of negative affectivity when compared to their hearing peers. Regression analyses revealed that chronological age and communication strategy predicted scores of effortful control in toddlers with prelingual hearing loss, whereas chronological age alone predicted scores of effortful control in toddlers with hearing. Finally, the ECBQ appears to contain “listening” items that skew (lower) levels of effortful control in toddlers with prelingual hearing loss, such that only the group effect of higher levels of surgency remained after removing these “listening” items. Correlations between the original and our modified ECBQ (removing the “listening” items) revealed strong associations, reflective of high construct validity.

Conclusions:

This was the first study to measure temperament in toddlers with prelingual hearing loss using the ECBQ. Our results revealed differences between children with and without prelingual hearing loss centering on the dimension of surgency. Examining differences in temperament during the toddler period of development may be particularly important and useful for predicting functional outcomes following prelingual hearing loss.
Trip purpose prediction using travel survey data with POI information via gradient boosting decision trees
Authors: Zhao De , Zhou Wei , Wang Wei , Hua Xuedong
Published: November 2023

At present, data obtained from the Global Positioning System (GPS) is significantly valuable in mobility research. However, GPS‐based data lacks include trip purpose information. Consequently, many researchers have endeavoured to predict or impute these missing attributes. Existing studies have focused on constructing more features to improve prediction accuracy, but paid less attention to the model's applicability and transferability. In this study, five trip purposes are extracted, including education, recreation, personal, shopping, and transportation, from Chengdu Household Travel Survey (HTS) data. The individual and trip characteristics that are common and can be easily derived from GPS data are carefully selected and extracted. Point of Interest (POI) data of the trip destination are also collected to enhance input characteristics. To obtain more accurate results, an ensemble learning model, Gradient Boosting Decision Trees (GBDT), is employed to predict trip purposes. grid search and cross‐validation techniques are used to optimize the hyper‐parameters. Empirical results show that the proposed model achieves 0.788 accuracy, which is 22.17%, 14.53%, 10.36%, and 6.77% higher than Multinominal Logit (MNL), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and Deep Belief Network (DBN), respectively. It is also found that although increasing trip features improve the model's accuracy, it simultaneously impairs model's transferability and generalizability.
Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism—Diagnostic and Therapeutic Considerations: An Update Based on the Revised AWMF S2k Guideline
Authors: Riess Hanno , Beyer-Westendorf Jan , Pelzer Uwe , Klamroth Robert , Linnemann Birgit
Published: November 2023

Patients with cancer are prone to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE) with negative impact on quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Treatment of established VTE is often complex in patients with cancer. Treatment of cancer-associated VTE (CAT) basically comprises initial and maintenance treatment, for 3 to 6 months, secondary preventions, and treatment in special situations. Therapeutic anticoagulation is the treatment of choice in CAT. In addition to the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) that had been recommended for decades, direct oral anti-factor Xa inhibitors, a subgroup of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), demonstrated their advantages along with the accompanying concerns in several randomized controlled treatment trials of CAT. The latest guidelines, such as the German AWMF-S2k Guideline “Diagnostics and Therapy of Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism,” agree with each other on most aspects with respect to the treatment of CAT. Encompassing recent clinical studies, and meta-analyses, as well as the focus on some special management aspects of CAT, the objective of this review is to present a current overview and recommendations for the treatment of CAT.
An mHealth Design to Promote Medication Safety in Children with Medical Complexity
Authors: Jolliff Anna , Coller Ryan J. , Kearney Hannah , Warner Gemma , Feinstein James A. , Chui Michelle A. , O'Brien Steve , Willey Misty , Katz Barbara , Bach Theodore D. , Werner Nicole E.
Published: November 2023

Background Children with medical complexity (CMC) are uniquely vulnerable to medication errors and preventable adverse drug events because of their extreme polypharmacy, medical fragility, and reliance on complicated medication schedules and routes managed by undersupported family caregivers. There is an opportunity to improve CMC outcomes by designing health information technologies that support medication administration accuracy, timeliness, and communication within CMC caregiving networks.

Objectives The present study engaged family caregivers, secondary caregivers, and clinicians who work with CMC in a codesign process to identify: (1) medication safety challenges experienced by CMC caregivers and (2) design requirements for a mobile health application to improve medication safety for CMC in the home.

Methods Study staff recruited family caregivers, secondary caregivers, and clinicians from a children's hospital-based pediatric complex care program to participate in virtual codesign sessions. During sessions, the facilitator-guided codesigners in generating and converging upon medication safety challenges and design requirements. Between sessions, the research team reviewed notes from the session to identify design specifications and modify the prototype. After design sessions concluded, each session recording was reviewed to confirm that all designer comments had been captured.

Results A total of N = 16 codesigners participated. Analyses yielded 11 challenges to medication safety and 11 corresponding design requirements that fit into three broader challenges: giving the right medication at the right time; communicating with others about medications; and accommodating complex medical routines. Supporting quotations from codesigners and prototype features associated with each design requirement are presented.

Conclusion This study generated design requirements for a tool that may improve medication safety by creating distributed situation awareness within the caregiving network. The next steps are to pilot test tools that integrate these design requirements for usability and feasibility, and to conduct a randomized control trial to determine if use of these tools reduces medication errors.
Effect of Sound Source Location and Spatial Hearing on the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex
Authors: Easterday Mary , Plyler Patrick N , Doettl Steven M , Johnstone Patti , McCaslin Devin
Published: November 2023

Background: There have been conflicting results on the effect of auditory stimulation on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) with some studies indicating suppression, enhancement, or no effect. No studies to date have assessed the effect of sound source location on VOR gain or the relationship between spatial hearing ability and VOR gain.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine if VOR gain was affected by moving the location of the sound source within participants and to determine if these effects were related to spatial hearing ability.

Research Design: A between subjects repeated measures experimental design was utilized.

Study Sample: Two groups of participants (adult and child) with normal otologic, vestibular, and neurologic function. 22 adults (20 female and 2 male; average age = 23 years) and 16 children (9 female and 7 male; average age = 7.5 years) were included in data analysis.

Data Collection and Analysis: VOR gain was measured using rotational chair stimulation in the following auditory conditions: silent, insert earphones, external loudspeaker at 0° azimuth rotating with participant, and external stationary speaker. Localization ability was measured using root mean square (RMS) error.
Results: Results indicated a significant effect for sound source location on VOR gain and VOR difference gain in both groups. RMS error was positively correlated for the moving and fixed sound source locations for both adults and children.

Conclusion: VOR gain was significantly affected by location of the sound source. Findings suggest the presence and location of an auditory stimulus during rotational testing can alter results during the assessment.
Characteristic endoscopic findings in early-stage autoimmune gastritis
Authors: Kotera Tohru , Ayaki Maki , Sumi Naoki , Aoki Rika , Mabe Katsuhiro , Inoue Kazuhiko , Manabe Noriaki , Kamada Tomoari , Kushima Ryoji , Haruma Ken
Published: November 2023

Background and study aims Until recently, autoimmune gastritis
(AIG) was usually diagnosed at late stages based on typical endoscopic findings, including
corpus-dominant advanced atrophy. Early-stage AIG prior to complete gastric atrophy had rarely
been diagnosed due to a lack of knowledge about its endoscopic characteristics. The present
study sought to identify the endoscopic characteristics of early-stage AIG, enabling its early
diagnosis.

Patients and methods The clinical and endoscopic findings of 12
patients diagnosed with early-stage AIG between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated.
Patients were included if they were: (1) positive for serum anti-parietal cell antibody; (2)
diagnosed with histological early-stage AIG; and (3) endoscopically positive for folds on the
greater curvature of the gastric corpus.

Results Two characteristic
endoscopic findings of early-stage AIG were identified: longitudinal alignment of pseudopolyps
(i.e., a bamboo joint-like appearance) and swelling of gastric areas with erythema (i.e., a
salmon roe-like appearance).

Conclusions Endoscopic findings characteristic of early-stage AIG
include a bamboo joint-like appearance and a salmon roe-like appearance. Studies in large
numbers of patients with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
Outcomes after Surgical Resection of Jugular Foramen Schwannomas: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hoffman Haydn , Maloney Brendan B. , Draytsel Dan Y. , Babu Harish
Published: November 2023

Objectives We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes after surgical resection of jugular foramen schwannomas (JFSs).

Design A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Setting PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched.

Participants Case series of at least five patients undergoing surgical resection of JFSs were included.

Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes included gross total resection (GTR) and near total resection (NTR) rates, as well as a composite of the two (GTR + NTR). Additional outcomes included new or worsening cranial nerve (CN) palsies and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Random effects models were used to generate pooled outcomes.

Results A total of 25 studies comprising 567 patients were included in the study. The proportions of each tumor grade were the following: grade A (33.1%), grade B (16.1%), grade C (9.2%), and grade D (41.6%). The pooled rate of GTR was 81% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70–88; I
2 = 78.9%) and the composite GTR + NTR rate was 88% (95% CI: 81–93; I
2 = 66.4%). Rates of new or worsening CN palsies were the following: 12% hearing loss (95% CI: 7–20; I
2 = 69.4%), 27% dysphagia (95% CI: 20–36; I
2 = 66%), 20% hoarseness (95% CI: 14–28; I
2 = 62.6%), and 19% facial palsy (95% CI: 13–28; I
2 = 64.6%). The pooled rate of CSF leak was 9% (95% CI: 6–15; I
2 = 43.9%).

Conclusion The literature suggests high GTR rates of JFSs can be achieved. However, new CN deficits are not uncommon.
Clinical Saccadometry: Establishing Evaluative Standards Using a Simplified Video Oculography Protocol in the Adult Population
Authors: Demian Daniel , Petrak Michelle , Zielinski Glen , Massingale Shelly , Alexander Amy , Fuemmeler Liz , Lin Chia-Cheng
Published: November 2023

Abstract Background Saccadometry is an advanced ocular motor test battery that allows for the functional evaluation of the varied brain regions and circuits involved in the generation of fast, purposeful, and accurate saccadic eye movements. The test battery
is composed of prosaccade (PS) and antisaccade (AS) tests that progressively increase cognitive demand. Existing saccadometry protocols qualitatively describe trends across the lifespan, but have not been widely adopted by clinicians. Purpose The aims of this study are to design
an efficient and simplified clinical saccadometry protocol using video oculography (VOG) equipment and establish associated evaluative standards across the lifespan. Study Sample Data were reported on 273 adults ages 18 to 69 years. Results Evaluative data on
four measures: directional error rate (DE), latency (Lat), peak velocity (Vel), and accuracy (Acc) during PS and AS measurements were provided. Age-group differences were found in Lat (p < 0.01) and Vel (p = 0.04) during PS and age-group differences
were found in DE (p = 0.04), Lat (p < 0.01) and Vel (p < 0.01) during AS. Gender differences were found in DE (p = 0.01) and Lat (p < 0.01) during AS. Conclusions This
study established a standardized and time-efficient protocol with evaluative standards for individuals ages 18 to 69 years old to enable the use of saccadometry as an objective measure in the clinic. Saccadometry allows clinicians to look beyond the traditional saccade test and evaluate complex
oculomotor and cognitive functions that will better help clinicians differentiate between peripheral and central diagnoses.
Strong German Hearts 2023: A Field Report
Authors: Rings Laura , Koechlin Luca
Published: November 2023

What do the special forces of the Federal Police and heart surgeons have in common? To find out, a team of the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG) started a pilot project called “Strong German Hearts” with an intensive 36-hour training supported by the special forces of the Federal Police.
The Impact of Clinical and Craniofacial Changes on the Surgical Outcomes of Lateral Pharyngoplasty in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Solcia-Filho Nelson , Duarte Bruno Bernardo , Almeida Aurélio Rochael , Aquino José Luis Braga de
Published: November 2023

Objective To verify if maxillomandibular retrusion, obesity, and increased neck circumference are factors of worse surgical prognosis for lateral pharyngoplasty in apneic patients.

Materials and Methods We evaluated 53 patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent lateral pharyngoplasty. Clinical evaluation was performed before the surgical procedure and included the measurement of body mass index (BMI) in kg/m2, neck circumference in centimeters, and a clinical evaluation of the facial profile obtained through the natural position of the oriented head. The polysomnographic evaluation was performed with at a minimum of 6 months after surgery, and polysomnographic results were correlated with the preoperative clinical data.

Results The mean age of the patients was 38.8 years; the mean BMI was of 29.28kg/m2, and 84.9% of the sample was composed of men and 15.1% of women. There was a significant reduction in the mean value of the main respiratory parameters verified by polysomnography, such as apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from 31.60 events per hour to 8.15 (p < 0.001); NadirO2 went from 81% to 85% (p = 0.002) and mean oxyhemoglobin saturation from 94% to 95% (p = 0.024). It was also observed that the greater the maxillomandibular retrusion, the lower the mean reduction of the AHI after surgery. The increase in neck circumference proved to be a factor associated with the surgical outcome, and for each 1-cm decrease in the neck circumference, the chance of surgical success increased 1.2-fold.

Conclusion Lateral pharyngoplasty is an efficient surgical obstructive sleep apnea treatment. The lower the neck circumference measurement, the greater the chances of surgical success, and clinically evaluated maxillomandibular retrusion can reduce the magnitude of improvement in respiratory parameters after lateral pharyngoplasty in apneic patients.
Mandibular Advancement Appliances in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Cozzi-Machado Carolina , Albertini Fátima Rosana , Silveira Silvana , Machado-Júnior Almiro José
Published: November 2023

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined as intermittent partial or complete collapse of the upper airway during sleep. It is a common condition in childhood, with an incidence ranging from 1.2% to 5.7%, and it can harm several aspects of children's life, such as cognitive, metabolic and cardiovascular functions, among others.

There are treatment options, such as adenotonsillectomy, myofunctional therapy, mandibular advancement appliances (MAAs), rapid maxillary expansion, and positive airway pressure devices, but there is still doubt about which method is more suitable for the treatment of OSA in children.

Objective To analyze the effectiveness of MAAs in the treatment of pediatric OSA.

Materials and Methods The search was conducted in August 2021 in different electronic databases, such as PubMed, EBSCO (Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source), LILACS, Ovid, SciELO, Web of Science, EMBASE BIREME, BBO BIREME, and the Cochrane Library.

Results Only three systematic reviews and two meta-analyses were included in the present study. All studies showed improvement in the score on the apnea-hypopnea index after using MAAs in the treatment of pediatric OSA.

Conclusion Although more randomized studies are needed, based on the present umbrella review, MAAs must be considered part of the multidisciplinary treatment for pediatric OSA.
Detecting Lucid Dreams by Electroencephalography and Eyebrow Movements
Authors: Raduga Michael , Shashkov Andrey
Published: November 2023

Objective When metacognition arises during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, people experience lucid dreaming (LD). Studies on this phenomenon face different obstacles. For example, its standard verification protocol requires at least three types of sensors. We hypothesized that preagreed frontalis movements (PAFMs), as a sign of lucidity, could be seen on electroencephalography (EEG) during REM sleep. In this case, only one EEG sensor would be needed to verify LD.

Method Under laboratory observation, five volunteers were instructed to induce LD, during which they needed to use the standard verification protocol with pre-agreed eye movements (PAEMs) and then immediately raise their eyebrows three times as a PAFM.

Results All participants were able to send signals from a total of eight LDs using one or both methods. Preagreed frontalis movements and PAEMs were equally distinctive on most EEGs, but PAFM quality was strongly dependent on the accuracy of the method. Preagreed frontalis movements exhibited two types of EEG patterns and led to immediate awakening when LD was not stable.

Discussion Though the outcomes show that PAFMs can be used to verify LD, this method was less consistent and apparent than PAEMs. Furthermore, accurate instructions are needed before using PAFMs. When polysomnography is unavailable, PAFMs can be applied, as it requires only one EEG sensor to detect REM sleep and consciousness simultaneously.
OphthoPods: An Analysis of the Educational Content and Changes of Ophthalmology Podcasts
Authors: Greene Isaiah I. , Gold Fradah E. , Tan Nicholas E. , Fang Alexander H. , Hodgson Nickisa M.
Published: November 2023

Objective Podcasts are a novel modality for digitally disseminating ophthalmic knowledge, yet minimal information exists on their offerings. This study sought to describe the growth of ophthalmology podcasts, characterize their features, and analyze clinically pertinent content trends.

Materials and Methods Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Google Search were queried for English- language shows relating primarily to ophthalmology. Ninety-six podcasts and 3,594 episodes were analyzed.

Results Of the 48 currently active shows, most cover general ophthalmology topics (n = 25, 52.1%) and are run by multiple hosts (n = 29, 60.4%) in both academics and private practice. The majority of podcasts released episodes monthly (n = 21, 21.9%) or less frequently than monthly (n = 36, 37.5%). Among all episodes, procedural topics (n = 951 episodes, 26.4%) and clinical education (n = 1385, 38.5%) were the most prevalent categories. Retina was the most represented subspecialty in podcast production, while oculoplastics and neuro-ophthalmology had the fewest podcasts. Episodes on disease pathophysiology (p = 0.04) and published research (p < 0.001) each declined over time. The proportion of episodes released from 2020 to 2022 that discussed digital technologies was 33.3% greater versus 2005 to 2019 (p = 0.005). Personal retrospective episodes doubled, career guidance and patient perspectives tripled, and wellness and social justice topics increased fivefold (all p < 0.001).

Conclusion In summary, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic coincided with a rise in ophthalmology podcasts and shifts in content. Podcasts have trended toward practical advice and technologies, reflecting their value in sharing modern, peer-to-peer pearls. Emphases on storytelling and social justice offer unique, clinically relevant perspectives compared with traditional modalities.
An field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based device for charge-state readout of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond with nanosecond feedback speed
Authors: Ye Runchuan , Zhai Yunpeng , Liu Yushan , Lin Xue , Xu Nanyang
Published: November 2023

Ionization of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond from the NV− to NV0 state is a destructive process in applications, where a large amount of time is cost for high-fidelity readout. To this end, real-time adaptive feedback would be helpful to improve the readout efficiency. Here, we develop a field programmable gate array-based device that supports complex calculation and real-time feedback at the nanosecond level. This device integrates a time tagger for photon input, a programmable logic arrays for real-time calculation, and a 20-channel pulse streamer for control output. Based on this device, we demonstrate a high-efficiency of real-time charge-state readout. With this device, the signal-to-noise ratio of maximal adaptive-decision-based charge-state readout can be significantly reduced. Moreover, we demonstrate an application of NV− purification with the real-time feedback, where the contrast of spin-state-dependent fluorescence is improved from 31.7% to 35.0%. The device can be easily extended to other quantum systems.
Control spin–orbit coupling through changing the crystal structure of the metal halide perovskites
Authors: Sun Jiaqian , Zhao Duo , Li Guanhua , Li Chao , Huang Zhitao , Dong Keqian , Zhao Jing , Lin Runkang , Li Yuan , Liu Kong , Wang Xiaohui , Li Zhaofeng , Yue Shizhong , Wang Zhijie , Qu Shengchun , Chen Yonghai
Published: November 2023

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted wide interest in spintronics. In addition, they also perform various spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength due to their complex crystal structures. The control of SOC strength has been an increasingly prevalent topic for the manipulation of the spin degree in spintronic devices. Here, we fabricate MAPbI3 films possessing cubic crystal phase and tetragonal crystal phase with Pb vacancies. Circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE) measurements indicate that CN, representing the difference between right and left circularly polarized photocurrents, of the tetragonal structure with Pb vacancies (CN = 0.6316) is almost three orders of magnitude larger than that of the cubic structure (CN = 0.0009). Combining with the density functional theory calculations, we confirm that the strength of SOC generating the CPGE could be tuned by crystal phases of MAPbI3, and the existence of Pb vacancies could remarkably enhance the spin splitting of the band structure. Our finding provides a possible way for clarifying various puzzling SOC performances in MHPs and paves the way for spintronic device applications and circularly polarized photoelectric detectors by controlling the crystal phases and defects.
Leveraging graph neural networks and neural operator techniques for high-fidelity mesh-based physics simulations
Authors: Jin Zeqing , Zheng Bowen , Kim Changgon , Gu Grace X.
Published: November 2023

Developing fast and accurate computational models to simulate intricate physical phenomena has been a persistent research challenge. Recent studies have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in predicting various physical outcomes through machine learning-assisted approaches. However, it remains challenging to generalize current methods, usually crafted for a specific problem, to other more complex or broader scenarios. To address this challenge, we developed graph neural network (GNN) models with enhanced generalizability derived from the distinct GNN architecture and neural operator techniques. As a proof of concept, we employ our GNN models to predict finite element (FE) simulation results for three-dimensional solid mechanics problems with varying boundary conditions. Results show that our GNN model achieves accurate and robust performance in predicting the stress and deformation profiles of structures compared with FE simulations. Furthermore, the neural operator embedded GNN approach enables learning and predicting various solid mechanics problems in a generalizable fashion, making it a promising approach for surrogate modeling.
Simple, near-universal relationships between bond lengths, strengths, and anharmonicities
Authors: Crittenden D. L.
Published: November 2023

Harmonic bond force constants and bond lengths are shown to generally obey the simple relationships, ke=ζ2Re−3 (hydrides) and ke=10ζ1/2Re−4 (all other bond types), where ζ is the reduced nuclear charge and Re is the equilibrium bond length. Equally simple power-law relationships are found for higher-order bond force constants. Although not spectroscopically accurate, these models are nonetheless of significant heuristic value for identifying strongly multireference states of diatomic molecules (including electronically coupled excited states ill-suited for inclusion in laser-cooling schemes), rationalizing the observed trends in vibrational frequencies for diatomics and/or local mode oscillators within molecules or complexes and estimating and/or validating covalent bonding parameters within molecular mechanics force fields. Particular advantages of our approach over other bond length-strength scaling relationships proposed in the literature include its simplicity and generality and its appropriate asymptotic behavior. Notably, the relationships derived in this work can be used to predict harmonic and higher-order force constant bonds between any pair of atoms in the Periodic Table (including transition metals and lanthanides) without requiring row- or column-dependent parameterization, to accuracies commensurate with conventional force field transferability errors. We therefore anticipate that they will expedite force field development for metal-containing complexes and materials, which are structurally well-characterized but challenging to parameterize ab initio.
A conceptual framework to support hospitals to measure and realise financial benefits from process improvement programs: perspectives from Australia, USA and UK
Authors: Evans Jane , Leggat Sandra G. , Samson Daniel
Published: November 2023

Objective The objective of this research is to appraise current practice in hospitals against the ‘Framework to achieve value in healthcare’ (the Framework) and to identify additional contributory factors that support or hinder its application. Methods A multi-site case study was undertaken with five hospitals in Australia, the USA and UK using purposeful sampling to identify hospitals to participate. Data collection took place between September and November 2022. The hospitals included in the study had Process Improvement (PI) programs of more than 5 years duration, with strong executive engagement and broad outcomes measurement, including financial benefits. All hospitals were acute public hospitals or private, not for profit. Results All hospitals indicated current practice according to Steps 1–5 for some part of their PI programs. All hospitals indicated that they were more likely to include financial benefits measurement for activities aimed specifically at improving cost rather than reducing non-value adding activities or improving the value of clinical care. Step 5 (reinvestment of cost savings) of the Framework is dependent on the accomplishment of Step 4 (measurement and realisation of financial benefits) and the contributory elements are important in supporting hospitals to utilise the Framework. Conclusions The ‘Framework to achieve value in healthcare’ provides a practical guide for hospitals to reduce non-value adding activities, improve the value of clinical care and reduce costs. Further research is indicated to establish its reliability in hospitals in other countries and hospitals that do not have an established PI program.