bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed and multi‐layer hierarchical controller placement in software‐defined satellite‐terrestrial network
Authors: Xu Shuang , Wang Hao , Fang Yang , Zhao Zhengpeng , Wang Xingwei , Huang Min 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAiming at the controller placement in software‐defined satellite‐terrestrial network, a distributed and multilayer hierarchical controller placement mechanism is proposed to improve the reliability and scalability. First, the metrics of network reliability, maintenance cost and usage cost are defined to establish the controller placement optimization model for the software‐defined satellite‐terrestrial network. Then, a distributed and hierarchical control structure composed of super controller, master controller, and slave controller is presented to enhance the scalability. Furthermore, according to the latitude variation of the LEO satellites, a time‐slot division method is proposed to staticize the network control topology. It reduces control link handover and enhances the stability of control links. In addition, a LEO satellite latitude based slave controller selection strategy and a shortest distance based inter layer control strategy are proposed to facilitate cost reduction and stability enhancement. Finally, extensive simulations demonstrate that the proposed control structure not only obtains high stability and scalability, but also efficiently saves the maintenance and usage cost. Besides, the impacts of service request distribution and satellite number on the control structure are analyzed.
Targeting systems not individuals: Institutional and structural drivers of absenteeism among primary healthcare workers in Nigeria
Authors: Agwu Prince , Onwujekwe Obinna , Obi Uche , McKee Martin , Odii Aloysius , Orjiakor Charles , Hutchinson Eleanor , Balabanova Dina 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUniversal Health Coverage (UHC) can only be achieved if people receive good quality care from health workers, yet in Nigeria, as in many other low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), many health workers are absent from work. Absenteeism is a well‐known phenomenon but is often considered as the self‐serving behaviour of individuals, independent from the characteristics of health systems structures and processes and the broader contexts that enable it. We undertook a qualitative inquiry among 40 key informants, comprising health facility heads and workers, community leaders and state‐level health policymakers in Nigeria. We employed a phenomenology approach to examine their lived experiences and grouped findings into thematic clusters. Absenteeism by health workers was found to be a response to structural problems at two levels –midstream (facility‐level) and upstream (government level) – rather than being a result of moral failure of individuals. The problems at midstream level pointed to an inconsistent and unfair application of rules and regulations in facilities and ineffective management, while the upstream drivers relate mainly to political interference and suboptimal health system leadership. Reducing absenteeism requires two‐pronged interventions that tackle defects in the upstream and midstream rather than just focusing on sanctioning deviant staff (downstream).
Optimization of rifled tube by parametric changes using CFD for goodness factor enhancement
Authors: Negi Vinay Pratap Singh , Pandey Vishwas Kumar , Ranganayakulu Chennu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn this study, extensive research was conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) ANSYS®–FLUENT, with the k–ε turbulence heat transfer module to optimize the rifled‐tube heat exchanger through parametric modifications for heat transfer and Goodness factor enhancement. This is based on predicting the performance of various heat transfer surfaces such as rectangular and two opposite right‐angled triangular ribs. The objective of this research was to enhance the heat transfer efficiency of a rifled tube with rectangular ribs, a height of 0.775 mm, and helix angles of 30° and 58°. The research findings demonstrated that the heat transfer rate improved owing to the establishment of a secondary helical or swirl flow near the wall region, leading to an enhanced heat transfer. The modification of the rib geometry from rectangular to two opposite right‐angled triangles increased the heat transfer by 17%, whereas the pressure drop remained relatively constant at 0.62 mm of rib height. This benefit is directly translated into heat transfer without any change in pressure drop. The values of the friction factor (f), Nusselt number (Nu), and goodness factor are appropriate for the new geometry in relation to the reference geometry. Rifled‐tube designers can use CFD heat transfer analysis to optimize the design, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and test similar applications and rib configurations.
Teaching development practices post‐Covid‐19: Findings from a literature review, a survey and interviews in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Prinsen Gerard , Kiddle Gabriel Luke , Nyman Mikaela , de la Torre Parra Lorena 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article details findings from research to re‐design a postgraduate course on development practices in Development Studies in Aotearoa New Zealand, aiming to include the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Reviewing literature, surveying recently graduated students and interviewing senior staff in international development organisations, five topics emerged as forces shaping development practices in a post‐covid‐19 world. Analysis suggests interviewed staff aligned with views in literature. However, comparing views of the current and next generation of development practitioners reveals quite diverging views as to what would be most important for a course on development practices.
The cerebral lymphatic drainage system and its implications in epilepsy
Authors: Peng Tingting , Xie Yinyin , Liu Fengxia , Lian Yajun , Xie Yi , Ma Yunqing , Wang Cui , Xie Nanchang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe central nervous system has long been thought to lack a clearance system similar to the peripheral lymphatic system. Therefore, the clearance of metabolic waste in the central nervous system has been a subject of great interest in neuroscience. Recently, the cerebral lymphatic drainage system, including the parenchymal clearance system and the meningeal lymphatic network, has attracted considerable attention. It has been extensively studied in various neurological disorders. Solute accumulation and neuroinflammation after epilepsy impair the blood–brain barrier, affecting the exchange and clearance between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Restoring their normal function may improve the prognosis of epilepsy. However, few studies have focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the brain clearance system and its significance in epilepsy. Therefore, this review addressed the structural composition, functions, and methods used to assess the cerebral lymphatic system, as well as the neglected association with epilepsy, and provided a theoretical basis for therapeutic approaches in epilepsy.
Air pollution associate with advanced hepatic fibrosis among patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Jang Tyng‐Yuan , Ho Chi‐Chang , Liang Po‐Cheng , Wu Chih‐Da , Wei Yu‐Ju , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Hsu Po‐Yao , Hsieh Ming‐Yen , Lin Yi‐Hung , Hsieh Meng‐Hsuan , Wang Chih‐Wen , Yang Jeng‐Fu , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Chung‐Feng , Chuang Wan‐Long , Huang Jee‐Fu , Cheng Ya‐Yun , Dai Chia‐Yen , Chen Pau‐Chung , Yu Ming‐Lung 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the association between air pollution and advanced fibrosis among patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. A total of 1376 participants who were seropositive for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies to HCV (anti‐HCV) or had abnormal liver function in a community screening program from 2019 to 2021 were enrolled for the assessment of liver fibrosis using transient elastography. Daily estimates of air pollutants (particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter [PM2.5], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], ozone [O3] and benzene) were aggregated into mean estimates for the previous year based on the date of enrolment. Of the 1376 participants, 767 (52.8%) and 187 (13.6) had MAFLD and advanced fibrosis, respectively. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with advanced liver fibrosis were HCV viremia (odds ratio [OR], 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05–4.77; p < 0.001), smoking (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; p = 0.01), age (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.05; p < 0.001) and PM2.5 (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05–1.16; p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that LSM was independently correlated with PM2.5 (β: 0.134; 95% CI: 0.025, 0.243; p = 0.02). There was a dose‐dependent relationship between different fibrotic stages and the PM2.5 level (the PM2.5 level in patients with fibrotic stages 0, 1–2 and 3–4: 27.9, 28.4, and 29.3 μg/m3, respectively; trend p < 0.001). Exposure to PM2.5, as well as HBV and HCV infections, is associated with advanced liver fibrosis in patients with MAFLD. There was a dose‐dependent correlation between PM2.5 levels and the severity of hepatic fibrosis.
Primary Site Surgery in Distantly Metastatic Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Carey Ryan M. , Prasad Aman , Wei Kimberly , Brant Jason A. , Brody Robert M. , Leibowitz Jason M. , Civantos Francisco J. , Sweeny Larissa 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesDetermine if intensive local therapy (i.e., local surgery or radiation) has a survival benefit for patients presenting with distantly metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).MethodsRetrospective population‐based cohort study of patients in the National Cancer Database presenting with distantly metastatic OPSCC. Overall survival (OS) was compared for patients receiving systemic therapy alone or in combination with local surgery or curative dose radiation, controlling for various clinicodemographic factors.ResultsBetween 2010 and 2015, 627 patients presented with newly diagnosed, metastatic OPSCC and an initial treatment course including systemic chemotherapy. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that local radiation therapy was independently associated with improved OS (OR 0.64, CI [0.51–0.81]); local surgery was not independently associated with improved OS (OR 0.99, CI [0.65–1.53]). Higher T stages were associated with worse OS (OR 1.69, CI [1.14–2.50] for T3 and OR 1.77, CI [1.22–2.58] for T4 compared to T1). HPV‐positive (HPV+) tumors were associated with improved OS compared to HPV‐ (OR 0.79, CI [0.64–0.97]). Multiagent chemotherapy was associated with improved OS compared to single‐agent (OR 0.78, CI [0.62–1.00]). The best survival for the entire cohort and for HPV+ patients was for radiation with systemic therapy and the worst survival for systemic therapy alone.ConclusionsCurative dose local radiotherapy in addition to systemic therapy is associated with improved OS compared to systemic therapy alone in patients presenting with distantly metastatic OPSCC. There is not a significant survival benefit for local surgery in addition to systemic therapy in this patient population, regardless of HPV status.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:2243–2251, 2024
On‐Chip Light Polarization Management by Mapping the Polarization Information to Phase Shift
Authors: Deng Qingzhong , Jin Ming , Qin Jun , Sun Pengfei , Shu Haowen , Ju Cheng , Neutens Pieter , Tao Zihan , Zhou Peiqi , Wang Bo , Tao Yuansheng , Zhang Xuguang , Shi Jingbo , Bai Bowen , Liu Lu , Xiao Xi , Van Dorpe Pol , Wang Xingjun , Zhou Zhiping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe comprehensive management of light polarization states has significantly advanced various fields into a new era. With the advent of photonic integration, there has been a persistent desire to replace the bulky optical components with compact chip‐scale circuits. Nonetheless, the complete integration of polarization‐dependent systems has not yet been accomplished due to the absence of a mature polarization management scheme that possesses a tiny form factor and high foundry process compatibility meanwhile maintaining low operation complexity. Here, to overcome these limitations a novel concept called polarization phase mapping, which encodes the information between the light polarization in one waveguide and the relative light phase shift in another two waveguides, is proposed. With this bi‐directional mapping approach, the fundamental basis of polarization management has shifted from polarization adjustment to phase regulation. All essential polarization‐related functions including synthesizing, stabilizing, measuring, rotating, splitting, and mixing are demonstrated with the standard process in foundries. The size of the polarization rotating unit is pushed down to a few light wavelengths while keeping a competitive performance. Moreover, the proposed concept can be readily applied to other integrated photonics platforms. It is expected to unlock new opportunities for complex polarization‐related applications.
Revolutionizing the battle against locally advanced breast cancer: A comprehensive insight into neoadjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Kong Xiangyi , Song Jiarui , Gao Peng , Gao Ran , Zhang Lin , Fang Yi , Wang Yipeng , Gao Jidong , Wang Jing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) constitutes one of the most pervasive malignancies affecting the female population. Despite progressive improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, leading to an increased detection of early stage BCs, locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) persists as a significant clinical challenge. Owing to its poor overall survival (OS) rate, elevated recurrence rate, and high potential for distant metastasis, LABC prominently impacts the comprehensive efficacy of BC treatments. Radiotherapy, encompassing preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative modalities, is acknowledged as an effective strategy for mitigating BC metastasis and enhancing survival rates among patients. Nevertheless, the domain of preoperative neoadjuvant radiotherapy (NART) remains conspicuously underexplored in clinical studies. Available research suggests that NART can induce tumor volume reduction, provoke fibrotic changes in tumor and adjacent normal tissues, thereby mitigating intraoperative cancer propagation and enhancing the quality of life for LABC patients. This manuscript seeks to provide a review of contemporary research pertaining to LABC and its preoperative radiotherapy.
Temporal Trends in Pediatric Acute Sinusitis Surrounding the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kalavacherla Sandhya , Hall Madelyn , Jiang Wen , Carvalho Daniela 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe assessed patterns in the national incidence of pediatric acute sinusitis and associated complications surrounding the initial COVID‐19 lockdown.Study DesignRetrospective National Database review.SettingThe Pediatric Health Information System.MethodsAcute sinusitis and associated complication incidence data from 2015 to 2022 were queried. Three time periods of T1, T2, and T3 were defined as: pre‐COVID‐19 baseline, initial pandemic, and postpandemic. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank sum tests, multivariable logistic regressions, and autoregressive integrated moving averages (ARIMA) to assess differences between the observed complication rates in T2 and T3 and the expected incidence rates in these time periods as estimated from T1 data.ResultsWe identified 2535 acute sinusitis admissions across 42 centers. The incidence differed between T1 (31.5 cases/month), T2 (15.8 cases/month), and T3 (29 cases/month). Children aged 10 to 14 years had the highest acute sinusitis incidence rate (32.5%) compared to other ages in T2. At T1, acute sinusitis and associated complication rates followed parallel seasonal patterns. Although sinusitis incidence decreased during T2, complications increased significantly during T2 and T3 compared to T1 (37.4% and 39% vs 27.5%,P < .001). In the ARIMA model, the ratio of the observed to expected incidence (95% confidence interval) of complications was 1.09 (0.69, 2.60) in T2 and 1.14 (0.73, 2.62) in T3.ConclusionWe report the simultaneous decrease in acute sinusitis incidence and an increase in associated complications during and after the initial COVID‐19 pandemic compared to the prepandemic baseline, reflecting changing patterns in viral infection due to the pandemic.
Deficiency of inflammation‐sensing protein neuropilin‐2 in myeloid‐derived macrophages exacerbates colitis via NF‐κB activation
Authors: Li Tong , Ran Jingjing , Miao Zhiyong , Yang Min , Mou Dachao , Jiang Yunhan , Xu Xiaoqiu , Xie Qibing , Jin Ke 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNeuropilin‐2 (NRP2) is a multifunctional protein engaged in the regulation of angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, axon guidance, and tumor metastasis, but its function in colitis remains unclear. Here, we found that NRP2 was an inflammation‐sensing protein rapidly and dramatically induced in myeloid cells, especially in macrophages, under inflammatory contexts. NRP2 deficiency in myeloid cells exacerbated dextran sulfate sodium salt‐induced experimental colitis by promoting polarization of M1 macrophages and colon injury. Mechanistically, NRP2 could be induced via NF‐κB activation by TNF‐α in macrophages, but exerted an inhibitory effect on NF‐κB signaling, forming a negative feedback loop with NF‐κB to sense and alleviate inflammation. Deletion of NRP2 in macrophages broke this negative feedback circuit, leading to NF‐κB overactivation, inflammatory exacerbation, and more severe colitis. Collectively, these findings reveal inflammation restriction as a role for NRP2 in macrophages under inflammation contexts and suggest that NRP2 in macrophages may relieve inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. © 2023 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Beta‐blocker use and survival after pancreatic cancer surgery: A nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kirkegård Jakob , Cronin‐Fenton Deirdre , Lund Andrea , Mortensen Frank Viborg 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPurposeWe examined the association between use of beta‐blockers and survival in pancreatic cancer patients after curative‐intent surgery.MethodsUsing Danish healthcare registries, we conducted a population‐based cohort study of all patients undergoing curative‐intent surgery for pancreatic cancer in Denmark 1997–2021. We defined beta‐blocker use according to exposure before surgery as current (≤90 days), recent (91–365 days), or former (366–730 days) use, requiring at least one filled prescription. Patients were followed from the date of surgery for up to 5 years. We used Cox regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of deaths with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age, sex, year of diagnosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, alcohol, and smoking. We also conducted an active comparator analysis, where we used angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin‐receptor blockers as comparators instead of nonusers.ResultsWe included 2592 patients, of which 16.7% were beta‐blocker users. Median survival for the entire population was 24.4 months. Beta‐blocker use was associated with increased mortality (adjusted HR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04–1.34). This was evident in current (adjusted HR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.02–1.38) and recent (adjusted HR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04–1.59) but not former (adjusted HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.64–1.43) users. In the active comparator analysis, the association between beta‐blocker exposure and mortality attenuated slightly (adjusted HR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.93–1.35).ConclusionsWe observed an association between beta‐blocker use and increased mortality in patients operated for pancreatic cancer. Findings are likely explained by confounding by indication.
Intercropped Flemingia macrophylla successfully traps tea aphid (Toxoptera aurantia) and alters associated networks to enhance tea quality
Authors: Gao Jie , Tang Jianwei , Zhang Sen , Zhang Chunyan 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe tea aphid, Toxoptera aurantia is a destructive pest causing severe damage to the quality and yield of tea, Camellia sinensis. Relying on chemical insecticides to control this pest causes adverse ecological and economic consequences. Trap plants are an eco‐friendly alternative strategy to mitigate pest damage on focal plants by attracting target insects and natural enemies. Yet, the utilization of trap plants in tea plantations remains limited. Besides, the effects of the trap plant on the tea aphid–ant–predator community and tea quality and yield are unknown.RESULTSIntercropped Flemingia macrophylla successfully trapped tea aphids and enhanced the complexity of aphid–ant–predator networks over three consecutive years compared to monoculture management. Moreover, F. macrophylla significantly increased the abundance of natural predators by 3100% and species richness by 57%. The increasing predators suppressed the aphid population and hampered its spillover to neighbouring tea plants. Consequently, F. macrophylla improved tea quality by an 8% increase in soluble sugar and a 26% reduction in polyphenols to amino acids ratio.CONCLUSIONThe study illustrated that F. macrophylla is a suitable trap crop for tea aphid control in tea plantations. This legume increases species nodes and strengthens multiple connections in aphid‐associated communities through its cascade effects, improving tea quality. These findings shed light on the potential application of trap plants in tea plantations as an efficient integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identifying drug targets with thermal proteome profiling using IBT‐16plex
Authors: Shi Zhaomei , Ren Yan , Li Shuwei , Hao Piliang 
Published: November 2023

RationaleThermal proteome profiling (TPP) has been widely used for the identification of drug targets for several years, and TMTpro‐16plex has recently been evaluated for TPP of vehicle‐ and drug‐treated samples in a single labeling process to reduce missing values and save instrument time. A novel isobaric labeling reagent, IBT‐16plex, was developed with slightly better performance in protein identification and quantification than the commercially available TMTpro‐16plex.MethodsIn this study, we applied the newly developed IBT‐16plex for target identification of methotrexate and panobinostat using TPP.ResultsThe known targets of these two drugs were successfully identified with elevated melting temperatures, and some known off‐targets and potential new off‐targets were also identified.ConclusionsIBT‐16plex can be a cost‐effective replacement for TMTpro‐16plex for TPP applications.
Adaptive event‐triggered fault detection for Markov jump nonlinear systems with time delays and uncertain parameters
Authors: Qin Chuancheng , Lin Wen‐Juan , Yu Jinpeng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article proposes a fault detection (FD) method for a class of Markov jump nonlinear systems with time delays and uncertain parameters. The FD problem is transformed into a filtering question by designing a FD filter that satisfies appropriate performance index. An adaptive event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to conserve network resources, and the impact of time‐varying and network‐induced delay on the system is fully considered. Then, stochastical stability and appropriated performance index of the residual system are guaranteed using the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional theory, discrete Wirtinger inequality and extended reciprocally convex matrix inequality. Finally, a simulation example verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the designed FD filter.