bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation on Consumer Sleep Technology Metrics and Patient Symptoms
Authors: Cai Yi , Zheng Yixuan James , Cheng Chloe M. , Strohl Kingman P. , Mason Ashley E. , Chang Jolie L. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is usually assessed at discrete and infrequent timepoints. Wearable consumer sleep technologies (CST) may allow for more granular and longitudinal assessments of OSA therapy responses and OSA‐related symptoms.MethodsIn this case series, we enrolled hypoglossal nerve stimulator (HGNS) patients who had an effective treatment response for an 8‐week study using a wearable CST. Participants started with “HGNS‐on,” were randomized to turn off HGNS therapy during either week 4 or 5 (“HGNS‐off”), followed by a return to therapy, “HGNS‐resume.” Participants completed validated symptom questionnaires assessing sleepiness, insomnia symptoms, functional status, and overall sleep health (Satisfaction, Alertness, Timing, Efficiency, and Duration, SATED) each week. CST metrics and survey scores were compared between HGNS treatment phases. Associations between CST metrics and survey scores were assessed.ResultsSeven participants with a total of 304 nights of CST data showed no statistically significant changes in total sleep time (TST), wake time after sleep onset, or sleep efficiency (SE) across the study periods. During HGNS‐off, survey scores indicated significantly worsened OSA‐related symptom scores. Two participants had significantly higher heart rate variability (HRV) during HGNS‐off (by 3.3 and 6.3 ms) when compared to HGNS active therapy periods. Amongst CST metrics, SATED scores correlated with TST (r = 0.434, p < 0.0001), HRV (r = −0.486, p < 0.0001), and SE (r = 0.320, = 0.0014). In addition, FOSQ‐10 scores correlated with average HR during sleep (r = −0.489, p < 0.001).ConclusionA 1‐week HGNS therapy withdrawal period impacted OSA‐related sleep symptoms. Sleep‐related metrics measured by a wearable CST correlated with symptom scores indicating potential value in the use of CSTs for longitudinal sleep‐tracking in OSA patients.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3406–3411, 2024
Investigation of gender‐based needs in academic otolaryngology
Authors: Yalamanchi Pratyusha , Dombrowski Janet , Pynnonen Melissa A. , Malloy Kelly M. , Prince Mark E. , Kupfer Robbi A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveGaps in gender‐based equity persist in academic otolaryngology. Here we present a needs‐based assessment of otolaryngology faculty and trainees regarding facilitators and barriers to professional satisfaction and career development in academic medicine.MethodsA qualitative study of otolaryngology faculty, trainees, and administrators who identify as women at an academic tertiary care center was performed from 2020 to 2021 using focus groups and semi‐structured interviews. Five confidential, virtual focus group sessions moderated by a third‐party executive coach were audio‐taped, transcribed, and reviewed for thematic content.ResultsOf 48 women invited, 77% participated (18 faculty/administrative leaders, 10 residents/fellows, 4 audiologists). Participants noted direct patient care, support from colleagues who identify as women, and the transition to virtual meetings as facilitators of current professional satisfaction. Five themes emerged as barriers to workplace satisfaction and career development including (1) limited professional schedule flexibility, (2) competing commitments such as childcare exacerbated by pandemic, (3) lack of visible departmental leadership who identify as women, (4) perceived lack of organic sponsorship within subspecialty divisions, and (5) frequent identity‐associated microaggressions from patients and staff outside the department. Strategies identified for improving gender‐based equity included (1) promoting department‐wide awareness of workplace gender‐based differences, (2) implicit bias training within established programming such as grand rounds conferences, and (3) novel faculty programming such as leadership development training and formal junior faculty mentorship.ConclusionConfidential needs‐based assessment of otolaryngology faculty and trainees identified both persistent gaps and strategies to enhance recruitment, support career development, and grow professional satisfaction of women within academic otolaryngology.Level of Evidence3.
Seamless, Self‐Transformation of Thermoplastic Polyesters into Vitrimers Through Bond Exchange‐Triggered Cross‐Linking
Authors: Isogai Taketo , Hayashi Mikihiro 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this study, a seamless, self‐transformation system of linear thermoplastic polyesters into the sustainable cross‐linked polymers, vitrimers, is demonstrated. The key is the use of polyesters bearing abundant hydroxyl side groups, which are synthesized via the reaction using dithiol molecules bearing ester units and diepoxy molecules. The polymerization reaction progresses efficiently at relatively low temperature due to the click nature of the thiol‐epoxy reaction, which provides the hydroxyl side groups along the polyester chain. The tin catalyst (stannous octoate) is added in the initial polymerization, and the catalyst also works to cross‐link the polyesters via intermolecular transesterification bond exchange simply by heating at high temperatures. By adjusting the degrees of cross‐linking, the mechanical properties as well as the thermal properties are well tuned. The bond exchange can still be activated in the final cross‐linked sample; and thus, the material behaves as vitrimers, exhibiting mechanical recyclability. The application of a new type of hot melt adhesive, where the post‐coating tuning/enhancement of adhesion strength is realized, is also demonstrated. On the whole, the present system is very simple but proposes a new application window of bond exchange concept into self‐transformation polymers.
Comparison of conventional hydrothermal and microwave‐assisted synthesized g‐C3N4/MoS2 nanocomposite coated steel substrate by tribological measurement
Authors: Saxena M. , Sharma A. K. , Singh N. , Dixit A.R. , Srivastava A. K. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMolybdenum disulfide is an effective solid lubricant, but it suffers from oxidation and moisture absorption issues, resulting in insufficient wear resistance and a shortened lifespan. This study introduces an innovative approach, integrating graphitic carbon nitride with molybdenum disulfide via advanced microwave‐assisted synthesis, offering precise control over synthesis parameters. The research assesses the tribological performance, comparing it with conventional hydrothermal synthesis. The study extensively investigates the morphology, microstructure, and tribology of a g‐C3N4/MoS2 nanocomposite created through novel microwave (g‐C3N4/MoS2‐MW) and hydrothermal techniques (g‐C3N4/MoS2‐HT). MoS2 exhibits a flower‐like structure, while graphitic carbon nitride has a layered structure, as confirmed by elemental analysis via energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. X‐ray diffraction identifies g‐C3N4 peaks at 13.0° (100) and 27.5° (002) and hexagonal MoS2 peaks at 14° (002), 32.7° (100), 35.8° (102), and 58.3° (110). The Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum reveals peaks at 1237.4 and 808 cm−1 (aromatic and triazine ring breathing modes in g‐C3N4), 1407.1 and 1638.9 cm−1 (C=N and C−C heterocyclic structures), and 3432 cm−1 (vibrations due to −NH and −OH). The coefficients of friction for microwave‐assisted and traditional hydrothermal synthesized nanocomposites are 0.22 and 0.34, respectively. The wear depths are 98 microns and 141 microns, with a wear scar diameter of 2.87 mm for g‐C3N4/MoS2‐MW and 3.45 mm for g‐C3N4/MoS2‐HT, indicating superior lubrication with the microwave‐assisted coating.
Using meta‐analysis to understand the impacts of dietary protein and fat content on the composition of fecal microbiota of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): A pilot study
Authors: Phimister Francis D. , Anderson Rachel C. , Thomas David G. , Farquhar Michelle J. , Maclean Paul , Jauregui Ruy , Young Wayne , Butowski Christina F. , Bermingham Emma N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe interplay between diet and fecal microbiota composition is garnering increased interest across various host species, including domestic dogs. While the influence of dietary macronutrients and their associated microbial communities have been extensively reviewed, these reviews are descriptive and do not account for differences in microbial community analysis, nor do they standardize macronutrient content across studies. To address this, a meta‐analysis was performed to assess the impact of dietary crude protein (“protein”) and dietary crude fat (“fat”) on the fecal microbiota composition in healthy dogs. Sixteen publications met the eligibility criteria for the meta‐analysis, yielding a final data set of 314 dogs. Diets were classed as low, moderate, high, or supra in terms of protein or fat content. Sequence data from each publication were retrieved from public databases and reanalyzed using consistent bioinformatic pipelines. Analysis of community diversity indices and unsupervised clustering of the data with principal coordinate analysis revealed a small effect size and complete overlap between protein and fat levels at the overall community level. Supervised clustering through random forest analysis and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis indicated alterations in the fecal microbiota composition at a more individual taxonomic level, corresponding to the levels of protein or fat. The Prevotellaceae Ga6A1 group and Enterococcus were associated with increasing levels of protein, while Allobaculum and Clostridium sensu stricto 13 were associated with increasing levels of fat. Interestingly, the random forest analyses revealed that Sharpea, despite its low relative abundance in the dog's fecal microbiome, was primarily responsible for the separation of the microbiome for both protein and fat. Future research should focus on validating and understanding the functional roles of these relatively low‐abundant genera.
Efficacy of far infrared functional glasses in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction‐related dry eye
Authors: Tian Lei , Guo Yihan , Wang Silu , Li Zhongying , Wang Ningli , Jie Ying 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMeibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)‐related dry eye disease (DED) is a significant subtype of DED. In this research, we investigate the effectiveness of far infrared (FIR) functional glasses in the treatment of MGD‐related DED. According to the TFO DEWS II diagnostic criteria, 61 eyes with MGD‐related DED were included. All participants wore functional FIR glasses throughout the day for a period of 4 weeks and were followed up three times during the treatment. All subjects were followed up thoroughly in accordance with the DED clinical examination procedure. Ultimately, the treatment's impact was assessed. We found the Visual Analogue Scale and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores after FIR treatment were significantly lower than the baseline values (p < 0.05). Compared with the baseline, fluorescein tear breakup time and corneal fluorescein staining score after FIR treatment were significantly improved (p < 0.05). The eyelid margin signs, meibum quality, and meibomian gland expressibility after the 4‐week treatment were significantly better than those at baseline (p < 0.05). We can see that wearing the FIR functional glasses significantly relieves the symptoms and signs of patients. We believe FIR therapy could be considered as a new method of MGD‐related DED.
High efficiency GaN power amplifier with compact harmonic tuning network
Authors: Cai Qi , Gao Zicheng , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOne high efficiency second harmonic tuned (2HT) power amplifier (PA) with a compact multi‐harmonic tuning network is presented. The proposed design method can drive the third harmonic impedance to short‐circuit condition to achieve an ideal 2HT PA operation. Then the second harmonic impedance is controlled to proper position to improve the PA efficiency. Meanwhile, the fundamental impedance is also transferred to 50 Ω load by making the most of this tuning network. Consequently, the proposed output network can be designed to a compact size and is suitable for high frequency PA applications. For demonstration, a PA using Cree CGH40010 GaN high‐electron‐mobility transistor is designed and fabricated at 3.5 GHz. The measured results show that the PA achieves peak power added efficiency of 72.8%, output power of 41.3 dBm and drain efficiency of 80.2% at 3.3 GHz.
The rationale for bladder washouts in children with neurogenic bladder
Authors: Singh Gopal‐Krsna , Deshpande Aniruddh V , Schlegel Gemma , Starkey Malcolm Ronald , Taghavi Kiarash 
Published: March 2024

AbstractChildren with a neurogenic bladder are at risk of developing recurrent urinary tract infections and long‐term kidney failure. Due to an altered lower urinary tract, children may be overtreated for simple bacteriuria or undertreated for a potentially severe urinary tract infection. This group of patients represent high users of healthcare, and are at risk of colonization and development of antibiotic resistance. Bladder washouts with non‐antibiotic electrochemically activated solutions are a potential new prophylactic option for patients with bladder dysfunction when clean intermittent catheterization has resulted in chronic bacteriuria.
Engineered selective biotoxin‐binding hydrogels for toxin sequestration
Authors: Morris Melody A. , Yang Yun Jung , Mai Danielle J. , Olsen Bradley D. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe development of synthetic selective membranes that separate materials of similar sizes, charges, and/or polarities remains a difficult challenge, and looking towards biology provides inspiration for new designs. In this work, a series of cholera toxin binding peptides (CTBPs) are identified, spanning a range of binding inhibitions, and integrated into chemically cross‐linked cholera toxin binding gels (CTBGs) via thiol‐Michael polycondensation reactions. All gels demonstrate rheological profiles consistent with elastic solids. The CTBGs are probed via small‐angle neutron scattering and exhibit a correlation length, ξ, smaller than most proteins (1.3–2.5 nm). Thus, an effective entropic mesh is formed to block non‐targeted proteins. However, the CTBGs have a dynamic mesh size, Ξ, that is larger than cholera toxin (CT) to allow the transport of target proteins. The CTBGs with the highest binding inhibitions both show high selectivity and permeation of CT, rejecting all other tested proteins. In total, two new highly selective CTBGs are synthesized and validated for use in cholera toxin remediation. Together, this platform demonstrates the wide applicability of selectively‐diffusive materials for difficult separations.
Role of upper airway evaluation in the multidisciplinary management of obstructive sleep apnea in children below two years of age
Authors: Blancke Hanne , Platteau Charlotte , Slosse Emma , Verhulst Stijn , Installé Sophie , Jouret Nathalie , Van Hoorenbeeck Kim , Boudewyns An 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants and young children is challenging because of its clinical heterogeneity and lack of age‐specific guidelines.AimWe report the management and treatment outcome of OSA in children below 2 years of age. Treatment decisions were based upon the pattern of upper airway (UA) obstruction, clinical presentation and OSA severity.MethodsRetrospective, non‐randomized observational cohort study at a tertiary center. Children with OSA who underwent an UA evaluation (drug‐induced sleep endoscopy or direct laryngoscopy) were included.ResultsWe studied 100 patients, 57 boys and 43 girls, age 0.72 years (0.0–2.0) and OSA confirmed by polysomnography. Multilevel UA collapse was present in 26%, (adeno)tonsillar hypertrophy in 31% and 21% had laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia was more common in children below 6 months of age and adenotonsillar hypertrophy was observed mainly in children >1.5 year of age. Surgical and nonsurgical treatment guided by UA findings, improved OSA severity at group level with a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in obstructive apnea/hypopnea index from 10.8/h (2.1–99.1) to 1.7/h (0.0–73.0), an improvement in mean oxygen saturation from 96.9% (88.9–98.4) to 97.4% (92.3–99.0), in minimal oxygen saturation from 85.4% (37.0–96.0) to 88.8% (51.0–95.5) and oxygen desaturation index from 5.1/h (0.2–52.0) to 1.3/h (0.0–47.8).ConclusionMultidisciplinary management of young children with OSA guided by the pattern of UA obstruction and OSA severity, reduces OSA severity. The pattern of UA obstruction changes in the first 2 years of life from a dynamic collapse to structural abnormalities.
Attribute statistical process control under nonconstant process deterioration
Authors: Cobb Barry R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA statistical process control (SPC) model is introduced that incorporates sample data on the number of defectives and allows the probability that an assignable cause of variation in each time interval of a finite production process to be nonconstant. A Limited Memory Influence Diagram (LIMID) model is implemented to facilitate the decision in each time interval on whether or not to investigate the potential presence of the assignable cause of variation and restore the process to working condition. The method determines control limits that minimize the costs of inspection, repair, sampling, and operating under the assignable cause of variation. Sample size and sampling intervals can also be adjusted to further reduce the costs of maintaining quality control. This method expands on the capabilities of models that assume that the conditional probability of an assignable cause occurring remains constant throughout the production horizon.
Directionally sensitive adaptive MEWMA charts with fixed and variable sampling rates
Authors: Haq Abdul , Khoo Michael B. C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA primary objective in detecting disease outbreaks is to precisely identify substantial increases in process means to control the spread of outbreaks. In this paper, we introduce a novel directionally sensitive adaptive multivariate exponentially weighted moving average chart for efficiently detecting either increases or decreases in the mean vector of a multivariate normally distributed process. In addition, the chart's sensitivity is enhanced through features such as variable sample size, variable sampling interval, and a combination of both. Monte Carlo simulation is employed to estimate zero‐state and steady‐state average time‐to‐signal (ATS) profiles. Performance measures, including expected weighted and relative ATS, are used for evaluating the performances of multivariate charts. Our results indicate that the proposed charts outperform existing charts in detecting various mean shift sizes. The application of these multivariate charts is demonstrated through illustrative examples.
Detection‐based compound event‐triggered secure control for nonlinear multiagent systems
Authors: Zhu Tianfei , Cao Liang , Ren Hongru , Xue Hong 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis paper designs a distributed dynamic‐detection‐based event‐triggered control method to address the secure tracking control problem. A distributed online iterative dynamic detection mechanism is designed to detect denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks. The detection results are transmitted into a proposed ET method to adjust the triggering threshold, which can mitigate the impact of DoS attacks. Moreover, the signals of state, observations of disturbance observers and adaptive laws are calculated to generate the trigger signals in the control signal simultaneously, which can help conserve communication resources and reduce the occurrence of pulse phenomenon. Meanwhile, since the predictor exists certain prediction errors that will reduce the tracking performance, a speed function is introduced to ensure the achievement of the control objective. The designed solution guarantees semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded for all signals within the closed‐loop system. Finally, the effectiveness of control scheme is demonstrated through several simulation results.
The role of social capital in community development: Insights from behavioral game theory and social network analysis
Authors: Sakamoto Maiko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examined the multifaceted nature of Social Capital (SC) in community development projects by using Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) interventions in three urban Bangladeshi slums as a case study. Despite its recognized importance, the ambiguity surrounding SC has led to mixed outcomes, necessitating a more theorized approach to quantitatively assess SC. To address this, a comprehensive methodology was developed, specifically crafted for a community development context and incorporating standard SC questions, social network analysis indices, and an adherence to social norms through behavioral game theory. The analysis revealed varied SC profiles, with one slum achieving successful community toilet management through strong reciprocal ties. The other slums faced challenges due to community division and weakened SC among key individuals. These findings underscore the necessity of tailoring interventions to community‐specific SC characteristics. The streamlined approach derived from the study provides guidance for both enhancing the effectiveness of community interventions and advancing sustainable development.
Encapsulation of Enzymes into Hydrophilic and Biocompatible Metal Azolate Framework: Improved Functions of Biocatalyst in Cascade Reactions and its Sensing Applications
Authors: Zhao Qilin , Wu Donghui , Wang Yu , Meng Tian , Sun Jian , Yang Xiurong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMultiple enzyme‐triggered cascade biocatalytic reactions are vital in vivo or vitro, considering the basic biofunction preservation in living organisms and signals transduction for biosensing platforms. Encapsulation of such enzymes into carrier endows a sheltering effect and can boost catalytic performance, although the selection and preparation of an appropriate carrier is still a concern. Herein, focusing on MAF‐7, a category of metal azolate framework (MAF) with superiority against the topologically identical ZIF‐8, this enzyme@MAF system can ameliorate the sustainability of encapsulating natural enzymes into carriers. The proposed biocatalyst composite AChE@ChOx@MAF‐7/hemin is constructed via one‐pot in situ coprecipitation method. Subsequently, MAF‐7 is demonstrated to exhibit an excellent capacity of the carrier and protection against external factors in the counterpart of ZIF‐8 through encapsulated and free enzymes. In addition, detections for specific substrates or inhibitors with favorable sensitivity are accomplished, indicating that the properties above expectation of different aspects of the established platform are successfully realized. This biofunctional composite based on MAF‐7 can definitely provide a potential approach for optimization of cascade reaction and enzyme encapsulation.