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Aims Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate relationships between plasma concentrations of belantamab mafodotin, total monoclonal antibody, and its payload and changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma from the DREAMM‐1 and DREAMM‐2 studies.Hysteresis plots and linear regression analyses of pharmacokinetic (PK) analyte (belantamab mafodotin, total monoclonal antibody, and cytotoxic cysteine‐maleimidocaproyl monomethyl auristatin F payload) concentrations vs. time‐matched ECG parameters (absolute/change from baseline in QT interval corrected for RR interval [QTc/ΔQTc] and QT interval corrected for heart rate by Fridericia's formula [QTcF/ΔQTcF]) were performed. Concentrations of PK analyte required for a 10‐ms increase in QTc in DREAMM‐2 were calculated via simulation, as was the probability of ΔQTc/ΔQTcF exceeding 10 ms for the expected Cmax of PK analyte concentrations associated with the doses (2.5 and 3.4 mg/kg) administered in DREAMM‐2.Time‐matched PK and ECG data from 290 patients (DREAMM‐1, n = 73; DREAMM‐2, n = 217) were analysed. Hysteresis plots did not clearly indicate any concentration‐related prolongation in QTc or QTcF; regression analyses indicated a very small rate of increase in ΔQTc and ΔQTcF with increasing concentrations of PK analytes. Calculated concentrations of PK analyte required for a 10‐ms prolongation in QTc were higher than the maximum analyte concentrations observed following treatment with belantamab mafodotin in DREAMM‐2; the probability that each dose would prolong ΔQTc and ΔQTcF by >10 ms was 0 and <0.25%, respectively.This study of belantamab mafodotin and its payload did not provide evidence of QT prolongation in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma at clinically relevant doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and is endemic in many regions of the world and Iran, and annually imposes a large burden on the health system. This study was conducted to identify the effective factors in the preventive behaviors of CL based on the BASNEF model in endemic areas in the northwest of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bileh-Savar, 'endemic areas of Ardabil Province, Iran', from June 2022 to October 2022. 200 non-patients were included in the study by a multi-stage sampling method. A standard questionnaire based on the BASNEF model was applied for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Means and standard deviations were calculated to describe the continuous variables, and multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine the prediction of intention and behavior by the model structures. The BASNEF constructs predict 27% of behavioral intention changes. Among the constructs, attitude has a greater contribution in predicting changes (R2 = 0.27, p < 0.01). Also, the results showed that the BASNEF constructs predict 23% of behavior changes. Among the constructs, enabling factors have a greater contribution to predicting changes (R2 = 0.23, p < 0.01). This finding shows that behavior is more influenced by environmental factors, and educational interventions based on behavior change models, along with providing environmental conditions, can facilitate behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To map the current state of precision prevention research in the workplace setting, specifically to study contexts and characteristics, and to analyze the precision prevention approach in the stages of risk assessment/data monitoring, data analytics, and the health promotion interventions implemented. Methods: Six international databases were searched for studies published between January 2010 and May 2023, using the term "precision prevention" or its synonyms in the context of worksite health promotion. Results: After screening 3,249 articles, 129 studies were reviewed. Around three-quarters of the studies addressed an intervention (95/129, 74%). Only 14% (18/129) of the articles primarily focused on risk assessment and data monitoring, and 12% of the articles (16/129) mainly included data analytics studies. Most of the studies focused on behavioral outcomes (61/160, 38%), followed by psychological (37/160, 23%) and physiological (31/160, 19%) outcomes of health (multiple answers were possible). In terms of study designs, randomized controlled trials were used in more than a third of all studies (39%), followed by cross-sectional studies (18%), while newer designs (e.g., just-in-time-adaptive-interventions) are currently rarely used. The main data analyses of all studies were regression analyses (44% with analyses of variance or linear mixed models), whereas machine learning methods (e.g., Algorithms, Markov Models) were conducted only in 8% of the articles. Discussion: Although there is a growing number of precision prevention studies in the workplace, there are still research gaps in applying new data analysis methods (e.g., machine learning) and implementing innovative study designs. In the future, it is desirable to take a holistic approach to precision prevention in the workplace that encompasses all the stages of precision prevention (risk assessment/data monitoring, data analytics and interventions) and links them together as a cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the relationships between handheld dynamometer (HHD), isokinetic and Nordic hamstrings exercise (NHE) measurements of knee flexor strength and their association with sprinting performance. Design: Cross-sectional Methods: The relationships between HHD (prone isometric, prone break and supine break knee flexor strength tests), isokinetic and NHE peak knee flexor strength measures were examined using Pearson product correlations on 38 female footballers. A linear regression analysis was also performed for each pair of dependent variables (10 and 30 metre sprint times) and independent predictor variables (average relative peak torque for HHD, isokinetic and NHE testing). Results: There were good correlations between HHD tests (r = 0.81–0.90, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.65–0.82), moderate correlations between HHD and isokinetic peak torque, (r = 0.61–0.67, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.37–0.44) and poor association between the HHD peak torques and isokinetic work (r = 0.44–0.46, p = 0.005–0.007, R2 = 0.20–0.21) and average power (r = 0.39–0.45, n = 36, p = 0.006–0.019, R2 = 0.15–0.22). There was a poor association between NHE peak torque and isokinetic total work (r = 0.34, p = 0.04, R2 = 0.12). No associations between knee flexor strength and sprint times were observed (p = 0.12–0.79, r2 = 0.002–0.086). Conclusions: Moderate to good correlations within HHD testing and poor to moderate correlations between HHD and isokinetic testing were observed. HHD knee flexor torque assessment may be useful to regularly chart the progress of hamstring rehabilitation for female footballers. Knee flexor strength assessments were not associated with sprint times in female footballers. Other aspects of knee flexor strength and sprint performance should be investigated to assist clinicians in making return to running and sprinting decisions in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes and illustrates a convenient, new method for checking repeatability and reproducibility by direct comparisons of measured heights. Focus variation, confocal, and interferometric optical areal profiling have been integrated as modes on the Sensofar S neox and are used here. Repeated, sequential measurements are made with these different types of measurement without repositioning the measurand. Several different positions are measured on the same measurand, an electroformed, standard areal surface with an irregular topography. Height (z) measurements at individual locations (x,y) are plotted between repeated measurements at the same position on the measurand, and are called H–H plots. These plots can be used for rapid evaluations of topographic measurement repeatability on ordinary topographic measurements. Exceptionally, such plots can also be used to see how well one type of measurements can reproduce another, such as confocal, focus variation, and interferometric, when they are integrated as modes on the same measurement instrument. Only when different types of measurement are included as modes on the same instrument can different measurement types be compared directly for reproducing each of the large numbers of locations (>105) in topographic measurements at the same position on a measurand. One way of quantifying repeatability and reproducibility is with coefficients of determination (R2) and slopes of linear regression analyses on these H–H plots. • Direct comparison of heights in repeated topographic measurements by linear regression. • Reproducibility between confocal, focus variation and interferometric measurements. • Method for estimating topographic measurement repeatability in actual conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article focuses on suppressing mode-coupling instability in frictional systems, which can cause unwanted vibrations such as squeal in braking systems. Mode-coupling instability occurs when two or more modes of a system approach each other. This article proposes the use of resonant velocity feedback control to eliminate friction-induced oscillations generated by mode-coupling instability. A two degree-of-freedom linear model is used to capture the instability due to friction-induced mode coupling. The efficacy of the control is demonstrated through linear stability analysis, and by optimizing control parameters using pole crossover method to minimize the transient time of the response. The robustness analysis demonstrates the ability of the control to effectively mitigate the instability even under parametric perturbations. The controlled system is simulated in MATLAB Simulink to validate analytical results. The effects of time delay, which is commonly present in feedback systems, are also investigated. Finally, the effectiveness of the control is studied in the presence of nonlinearity in the system. The nonlinear dynamics are analyzed by creating bifurcation diagrams with different bifurcation parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Corrigendum" in Molecular Ecology acknowledges an error in a previous article entitled "Epigenetics and island-mainland divergence in an insectivorous small mammal." The error involved misidentifying six individuals in the dataset, which affected the number of tissue samples used for analysis. However, after removing the misidentified samples and re-running the analyses, the patterns from the original paper remained unchanged. The article provides updated tables and figures for reference. The authors have also corrected the sample record on NCBI. [Extracted from the article]

Spatio-temporal running parameters and their variability help to determine a runner's running style. However, determining whether a change is due to the measurement or to a specific condition such as an injury is a matter of debate, as no recommendation on the number of steps required to obtain reliable assessments exists. What is the optimal number of steps required to measure different spatio-temporal parameters and study their variability at different running speeds? Twenty-five runners performed three experimental sessions of three bouts of treadmill running at 8, 10 and 12 km/h separated by 24 h. We measured cadence, stride, step, contact and flight time. We calculated the duty factor and the leg stiffness index (Kleg). Mean spatio-temporal parameters and linear (coefficient of variation, standard deviation) and non-linear (Higuchi fractal index, α1 coefficient of detrended fluctuation analysis) analyses were computed for different numbers of steps. Relative reliability was determined using the intraclass coefficient correlation. The minimal number of steps which present a good reliability level was considered as the optimal number of steps for measurement. Absolute reliability was assessed by calculating minimal detectable change. To assess the mean values of spatio-temporal running parameters, between 16 and 150 steps were required. We were unable to obtain an optimal number of steps for cadence, stride and step-time variabilities for all speeds. For the linear analyses, we deduced the optimal number of steps for Kleg and the contact time (around 350 steps). Non-linear analyses measurements required between 350 and 540 steps, depending on the parameter. Researchers and clinicians should optimize experimental conditions (number of steps and running speed) depending on the parameter or the variability analysis targeted. Future studies must use absolute reliability metrics to report changes in response to a specific condition with no bias due to measurement error. • The number of steps for a reliable measurement depends on speed and analysis targeted. • The assessment of the mean values of spatio-temporal parameters required from 16 to 144 steps. • The assessment of linear variability of spatio-temporal parameters required from 112 to 384 steps. • The assessment of non-linear variability of spatio-temporal parameters required from 144 to 544 steps. • Cadence, stride and step time variability couldn't be reliably measured with 6 min of running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differences between the acoustic tones generated by impinging jets with laminar and highly-disturbed nozzle-exit boundary layers are investigated. For that, jets at Mach numbers between 0.6 and 1.3 impinging on a flat plate at a distance of 8 nozzle radii from the nozzle exit are computed using large-eddy simulations. The amplitudes of the tones generated by the jets through feedback loops establishing between the nozzle and the plate are found to be significantly affected by the exit turbulent disturbances. In the present study, overall, they are lower for the initially laminar jets than for the initially disturbed ones. The level decrease varies from a few dB up to 15 dB, depending on the tones, which can change the frequencies of the dominant tones and the numbers and azimuthal structures of their associated feedback modes. For Mach numbers 0.75 and 0.8, for instance, the dominant tone frequencies are approximately two times lower for the initially laminar jets than for the other ones, yielding a better agreement with experiments of the literature in the former case. For a Mach number of 1.1, as a second example, the dominant tone is associated with the axisymmetric third feedback mode in the laminar case but with the helical fifth feedback mode in the disturbed case. The differences in the tone amplitude are finally discussed by estimating the power gains of the shear-layer instability waves between the nozzle and the plate using linear stability analysis for the axisymmetric mode. In most cases, at the frequency of a specific tone, the higher the gain, the stronger the acoustic tone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with the buckling of a film-substrate bilayer in a state of plane strain when it is subjected to a uni-axial compression along its free surface. Previous numerical simulations have indicated that pre-stretching the substrate in such a bilayer may lead to the formation of a mountain ridge mode as a secondary bifurcation. We present a scenario in which such a localized mode is also possible as a first bifurcation. It is first shown through a linear bifurcation analysis that by applying a pre-compression to the substrate, the stretch λ versus wavenumber k may develop a local minimum in addition to the local maximum that already exists in the absence of a pre-compression when the film is stiffer than the substrate. As a result, the λ at k = 0 may become larger than the local maximum if the pre-compression exceeds a threshold value, and hence becomes the critical stretch for bifurcation. This case is considered in this article, and it is shown through a weakly nonlinear analysis that multiple long wavelength modes may bifurcate subcritically from the uniform solution and quickly localize in the form of a mountain ridge. The solutions thus found are probably unstable, but form an essential part in the understanding of the global bifurcation behavior. It is hoped that our analytical results will guide future numerical simulations and experimental studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the second paper in a series of papers addressing the characteristic gluing problem for the Einstein vacuum equations. We solve the codimension-10 characteristic gluing problem for characteristic data which are close to the Minkowski data. We derive an infinite-dimensional space of gauge-dependent charges and a 10-dimensional space of gauge-invariant charges that are conserved by the linearized null constraint equations and act as obstructions to the gluing problem. The gauge-dependent charges can be matched by applying angular and transversal gauge transformations of the characteristic data. By making use of a special hierarchy of radial weights of the null constraint equations, we construct the null lapse function and the conformal geometry of the characteristic hypersurface, and we show that the aforementioned charges are in fact the only obstructions to the gluing problem. Modulo the gauge-invariant charges, the resulting solution of the null constraint equations is C m + 2 for any specified integer m ≥ 0 in the tangential directions and C 2 in the transversal directions to the characteristic hypersurface. We also show that higher-order (in all directions) gluing is possible along bifurcated characteristic hypersurfaces (modulo the gauge-invariant charges). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physiological thoracic kyphosis (TK) allows sagittal balance of human body. Unlike lumbar lordosis (LL), TK has been relatively neglected in the literature. EOS is an imaging technique employing high-sensitivity xenon particles, featured by low-dose exposure combined with high accuracy compared to conventional radiography. The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of TK in patients with phyiological spine morphology using EOS imaging. Methods: EOS images of 455 patients without spinal anomalies were retrospectively assessed for TK (T1- T12), upper thoracic kyphosis (UTK, T1-T5), lower thoracic kyphosis (LTK, T5-T12), LL (L1-S1) and pelvic incidence (PI). The latter curves were measured by two researchers separately and the average of the two measurements was used for further analysis. Spearman non-parametric correlation was estimated for age, PI, LL, LTK, UTK and TK. Multiple robust linear regression analysis was employed to estimate TK, controlling for the effect of age, sex, LL and LTK. Results: The mean age of patients was 28.3 ± 19.2 years and 302 (66.4%) of them were females. The mean TK, UTK and LTK was 45.5° ± 9.3, 16 ± 7.4° and 29.7° ± 8.9, respectively. The mean UTK in people under 40 years of age was 17.0° ± 7.2, whereas for patients 40+ years old it was 13.6° ± 7.4. At univariable analysis TK positively correlated with UTK (p<0.001), LTK (p<0.001) an LL (p<0.001). At multivariable linear regression TK increased with LTK (RC = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.59; 0.75) or LL (RC = 0.12; 95%CI: 0.06; 0.18), whereas it decreased with age (RC = -0.06; 95%CI: -0.09;—0.02). Conclusion: If EOS technology is available, the above linear regression model could be used to estimate TK based upon information on age, sex, LL and LTK. Alternatively, TK could be estimated by adding to LTK 17.0° ± 7.4 for patients < 40 years of age, or 13.6° ± 7.4 in patients 40 + years old. The evidence from the present study may be used as reference for research purposes and clinical practice, including spine examination of particular occupational categories or athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and the Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) has not been extensively investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the independent relationship between FAR and SIRI in people with osteoporotic fractures (OPF). A cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data from 3431 hospitalized OPF patients. The exposure variable in this study was the baseline FAR, while the outcome variable was the SIRI. Covariates, including age, gender, BMI, and other clinical and laboratory factors, were adjusted. Cross-correlation analysis and linear regression models were applied. The generalized additive model (GAM) investigated non-linear relationships. Adjusted analysis revealed an independent negative association between FAR and SIRI in OPF patients (β = − 0.114, p = 0.00064, 95% CI − 0.180, − 0.049). A substantial U-shaped association between FAR and SIRI was shown using GAM analysis (p < 0.001). FAR and SIRI indicated a negative association for FAR below 6.344% and a positive correlation for FAR over 6.344%. The results of our study revealed a U-shaped relationship between SIRI and FAR. The lowest conceivable FAR for a bone-loose inflammatory disease might be 6.344%, suggesting that this has particular significance for the medical diagnosis and therapy of persons with OPF. Consequently, the term "inflammatory trough" is proposed. These results offer fresh perspectives on controlling inflammation in individuals with OPF and preventing inflammatory osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insular gliomas' management challenges are attributed to their complex shape, proximity to critical vasculature, and organization. However, cytoreductive surgery's role in maximal extent of resection (EOR) improves survival. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) aids in defining tumor border, detecting residual, and guiding access. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using intraoperative ultrasound on the extent of resection of insular gliomas, and the postoperative outcomes in a prospective cohort of 20 patients operated at Alexandria main university hospital and followed up for a period of at least 3 months. Results: The Near total resection rate was 45% with 70% of patients having no neurological morbidity postoperatively. The median EOR was 81% with a range of 44 to 96%. The mean duration of IOUS setup was 19.6 ± 5.04 min, while the additional resection rate following IOUS assessment for residual tumor was 65% (n = 13). In addition, there was a significant increase in Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) from the preoperative through to the 90-day follow-up period (p = 0.012). Finally, following multivariate linear regression analysis, the EOR was identified as having a statistically significant correlation with the postoperative KPS (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Intraoperative ultrasonography is a valuable modality for strategizing the most efficient route to the tumor, promptly detecting any remaining tumor tissue, and optimizing the extent of resection for insular gliomas, while taking into consideration the phenomenon of brain shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sunlight is closely intertwined with daily life. It remains unclear whether there are associations between sunlight exposure and brain structural markers. General linear regression analysis was used to compare the differences in brain structural markers among different sunlight exposure time groups. Stratification analyses were performed based on sex, age, and diseases (hypertension, stroke, diabetes). Restricted cubic spline was performed to examine the dose–response relationship between natural sunlight exposure and brain structural markers, with further stratification by season. A negative association of sunlight exposure time with brain structural markers was found in the upper tertile compared to the lower tertile. Prolonged natural sunlight exposure was associated with the volumes of total brain (β: − 0.051, P < 0.001), white matter (β: − 0.031, P = 0.023), gray matter (β: − 0.067, P < 0.001), and white matter hyperintensities (β: 0.059, P < 0.001). These associations were more pronounced in males and individuals under the age of 60. The results of the restricted cubic spline analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between sunlight exposure and brain structural markers, with the direction changing around 2 h of sunlight exposure. This study demonstrates that prolonged exposure to natural sunlight is associated with brain structural markers change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Child health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been shown to improve after epilepsy surgery and is linked to parent HRQOL. We postulated that the HRQOL of parents whose children underwent epilepsy surgery would improve over two years compared to those treated with medical therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the trajectory of HRQOL of parents whose children received treatment with epilepsy surgery or medical therapy over two years. Methods: This multi-center study recruited parents whose children were evaluated for epilepsy surgery. Parents completed measures of care-related QOL (CarerQOL) at the time of their children's surgical evaluation, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years later. Additional measures included parent anxiety and depression, satisfaction with family relationships, family resources and demands, and child clinical variables. A linear mixed model was used to compare the trajectories of parent HRQOL of surgical and medical patients, adjusting for baseline clinical, parent, and family characteristics. Results: There were 111 children treated with surgery and 154 with medical therapy. The trajectory of parent HRQOL was similar among parents of surgical and medical patients over the two-year follow-up. However, HRQOL of parents of surgical patients was 3.0 points higher (95%CI − 0.1, 6.1) across the follow-up period compared to parents of medical patients. Parents of seizure-free children reported 2.3 points (95%CI 0.2, 4.4) higher HRQOL relative to parents of non-seizure-free children across the two-year follow-up. Conclusion: Parent HRQOL did not improve after their children were treated with epilepsy surgery, possibly related to ongoing comorbidities in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An alternative local electrostatic gyrokinetic eigenvalue code is developed for the ion-temperature-gradient-driven mode, the trapped-electron mode (TEM), and the electron-temperature-gradient (ETG)-driven mode. It numerically solves the linear eigenvalue problem for the electrostatic drift waves in the Fourier transformed space and benchmarks well with the HD-7 code and FULL code. The linear ETG and TEM instabilities in the electron thermal internal transport barrier (eITB) with dominant electron heating in experimental advanced superconducting tokamak are analyzed by using this code. The linear analysis results are consistent with that from the critical electron-temperature-gradient threshold analysis. Moreover, the sensitivity of ETG and TEM instabilities to parameters during the eITB formation has been investigated. For the typical eITB discharge, it is found that the instability of ETG mode is more sensitive to the stabilizing effect of the electron–ion temperature ratio (τe), while the instability of TEM is more sensitive to the destabilizing effect of η e . In addition, mixing length estimation of the turbulent transport in the eITB is also discussed, which suggests that the TEM may be saturated by other nonlinear effects than the resonance broadening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unsteady three-dimensional simulations are performed to elucidate the hidden transitional flow dynamics and Hopf bifurcations along the topological corelines of the created von Kármán streets behind a pair of square cylinders positioned in tandem. Our simulations provide significant new insight into the three-dimensional wake evolution and governing flow physics. We explain how pressure, velocity, and vorticity fluctuation along the Kármán vortex corelines in the increasingly unstable wake amplify, facilitating the growth of various modal instability patterns. The existing knowledge of wake transition through the intertwining of modes A, B, and C instabilities and associated linear stability analysis helped to gain some insight into the overall wake feature. The current study explains how exactly the transitional disturbances physically spread behind a pair of inline and tandem cylinders through the self-excited spanwise-periodic oscillation of the wake and created a sequence of variable length scaled Hopf bifurcations and their swapping for varied gaps between the cylinders and Reynolds number. The growth of a slow mode of the spectral frequency at the bifurcation points seemed crucial in initiating the near-transitional flow irregularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed linear stability analysis to investigate the Prandtl number (Pr) effect and rotation-depth coupling effect on the complex flow instability in a cylinder with a top disk. The dependence of the critical Rayleigh number on the Pr number, as well as the relationship between the critical disk rotation rate and the aspect ratio at Pr = 6.7, were obtained. Results reveal that the flow stability increases with increasing Pr number, and the convection instability stems from the inertial mechanism for 0.011 ≤ Pr ≤ 0.0258 and thermal buoyancy mechanism for 1.4 ≤ Pr ≤ 28.01. Regarding the rotation-depth coupling effect for the melt with Pr = 6.7, a decreasing melt level leads to a general increase in the critical disk rotation rate. Furthermore, within the interval of aspect ratio (ratio of depth to cylinder radius) 0.7 ≤ Γ ≤ 1.62, multiple transitions of the flow state from stable to unstable and then back to stable were observed with increasing disk rotation rate before finally becoming unstable. Energy analysis reveals that multiple transitions in the flow state are attributed to the competition between thermal buoyancy and inertial mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the dynamics of various kinds of optical dark solitons like, chirped, chirp-free, M-shaped & wing shaped dark solitons using higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation. To obtain the exact analytical solution, we employed mathematical techniques such as the extended rational sinh-cosh and sin-cos methods. Our investigation shows that one can manipulate the shape of both chirp and chirp free dark solitons by properly tuning the magnitude of the self steepening and self phase modulation. The stability of the obtained dark soliton solutions are verified by using linear stability analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Testosterone plays an important role in collagen metabolism, transforming growth factor‐β1 expression, and wound healing, which are all critical factors in pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease. Some clinical studies have suggested an association between Peyronie's disease and hypogonadism. Objective: We sought to investigate whether baseline total testosterone levels influence response to intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum in Peyronie's disease. Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections with available total testosterone levels within 1 year of initial injection was conducted at a single institution. Baseline demographics, hypogonadal status, total testosterone, number of collagenase clostridium histolyticum cycles, and pre‐ and post‐treatment degrees of curvature were collected. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone <300 ng/dL. Results and discussion: Thirty‐six men were included with mean age of 58.2 years (SD 10.4) and mean body mass index 26.8 (SD 3.2). The mean total testosterone was 459.2 ng/dL (SD 144.0), and four (11.1%) were hypogonadal. Mean pre‐treatment curvature was 47.6°, and mean post‐treatment curvature was 27.8°, with mean improvement of 19.9° (40.1%). Hypogonadal status was not significantly associated with more severe curvature, 46.4° among hypogonadal men as to 57.5° among eugonadal men (p = 0.32). On linear regression analysis, total testosterone did not significantly predict improvement in degrees (β = –0.02; R2 = 0.06; p = 0.14) or percent (β = 0.0; R2 = 0.05; p = 0.18). Improvement in neither degrees nor percent differed significantly by hypogonadal status (p = 0.41 and 0.82, respectively). The cycle number did significantly predict greater improvement in curvature on both univariate and multivariate analyses (β = 5.7; R2 = 0.34; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Neither total testosterone nor hypogonadism is associated with a degree of improvement after collagenase clostridium histolyticum treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the dimensional stability of maxillary diagnostic casts fabricated from a biobased model resin, which consists of 50% renewable raw materials for sustainable production, a model resin, and stone, over one month. A master maxillary stone cast was digitized with a laboratory scanner to generate a reference file. This master cast was also scanned with an intraoral scanner to additively manufacture casts with a biobased model resin (BAM) and a model resin (AM). Polyvinylsiloxane impressions of the master cast were also made and poured in type III stone (CV) (n = 8). The same laboratory scanner was used to digitize each model one day (T0), 1 week (T1), 2 weeks (T2), 3 weeks (T3), and 4 weeks (T4) after fabrication. Deviations from the reference file were calculated with an analysis software and analyzed with generalized linear model analysis (α = 0.05). The interaction between the material and the time point affected measured deviations (p < 0.001). Regardless of the time point, CV had the lowest and AM had the highest deviations (p < 0.001). BAM mostly had lower deviations at T0 and mostly had higher deviations at T4 (p ≤ 0.011). AM had the highest deviations at T4 and then at T3, whereas it had the lowest deviations at T0 (p ≤ 0.002). The measured deviations of CV increased after each time point (p < 0.001). BAM casts had deviations within the previously reported clinically acceptable thresholds over one month and had acceptable dimensional stability. Therefore, tested biobased resin may be a viable alternative for the sustainable manufacturing of maxillary diagnostic casts that are to be used clinically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Addressing extensive and deep burn wounds poses considerable challenges for both patients and surgeons. The NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) emerged as a novel dermal substitute and has been subjected to evaluation in large burn wound cases, with a specific focus on identifying risk factors associated with suboptimal take rates. Methods: All patients with burn wounds greater than 10% body surface that underwent BTM treatment between March 2020 and November 2023 were eligible for inclusion. Univariate analyses and linear regression models were employed to discern risk factors and predictors influencing the take rates of both the BTM and split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs). Results: A total of 175 patients (mean age 56.2 ± 19.8 years, 70.3% male) were evaluated. The mean take rates of the BTM and STSGs were 82.0 ± 24.7% and 87.3 ± 19.0%, respectively. There were significant negative correlations between BTM take and the number of surgeries before BTM application (r = −0.19, p = 0.01), %TBSA and STSG take (r = −0.36, p = <0.001) and significant positive correlations between BTM and STSG take (r = 0.41, p ≤ 0.001) in addition to NPWT and STSG take (r = 0.21, p = 0.01). Multivariate regression analyses showed that a larger number of surgeries prior to BTM application (OR −3.41, 95% CI −6.82, −0.03, p = 0.04) was associated with poorer BTM take. Allograft treatment before BTM application (OR −14.7, 95% CI −23.0, −6.43,p = 0.01) and failed treatment with STSG before BTM application (OR −20.8, 95% CI −36.3, −5.23, p ≤ 0.01) were associated with poorer STSG take, whereas higher BTM take rates were associated with overall higher STSG take (OR −0.15, 95% 0.05, 0.26, p = 0.01). The Meek technique was used in 24 patients and showed similar take rates (BTM: 76.3 ± 28.0%, p = 0.22; STSG: 80.7 ± 21.1, p = 0.07). Conclusions: This study summarizes our findings on the application of a BTM in the context of large burn wounds. The results demonstrate that successful treatment can be achieved even in patients with extensive burns, resulting in satisfying take rates for both the BTM and STSG. The data underscore the importance of promptly applying a BTM to debrided wounds and indicate good results when using Meek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) commonly experience pulmonary exacerbations, and it is recommended by the TOPIC study to treat this with tobramycin at a dose of 10 mg/kg once daily. The aim of this study was to evaluate the target attainment of the current dosing regimen. Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study of child and adult patients with CF who received tobramycin between 2019 and 2022 was conducted. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed models were used to assess target attainment for tobramycin. Results: In total, 25 patients (53 courses), of which 10 were children (12 courses) and 15 were adults (41 courses), were included. Those 25 patients all received 10 mg/kg/day. The tobramycin peak concentrations were supratherapeutic in 82.9% and therapeutic in 100.0% of adults and children, respectively. The trough concentrations were outside the target range in 0% and 5.1% of children and adults, respectively. We found lower tobramycin concentrations with the same dose in children compared to adults. Conclusions: This study illustrates the need to validate dosing advice in a real-world setting, as supratherapeutic concentrations of tobramycin were prevalent in adults with CF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a post hoc analysis and critical reflection of an unplanned methodology change made in the face of the unforeseen disruption brought by Covid-19 pandemic to a longitudinal study on children (N=462) from low-income families in Singapore. The research team was thrown into a state of intense ambivalence between waiting for life to come back to normal so that face-to-face survey could be resumed or to reformulate the methods and keep to the designed time intervals. This paper documents the framework that guided the urgent decision made for the change of data collection methods from f2f to video call survey, the trade-offs, implications on ethics and implementation results. Corroborating mixed post-hoc analysis methods of five qualitative focused group discussions with 39 survey interviewers who implemented the video-call survey, and statistical analysis of the consistencies of survey results over 3 time points, it was found that utilizing video call methodology did not lead to substantial difference in survey quality. The findings of this paper underscore the need for social science researchers to recognize the inevitability of uncertainties in the research fields and the need to strengthen one's preparedness for change while closely attending to the possible ethical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular potassium concentration might modify electrophysiological properties in the border zone of ischemic myocardium. We evaluated the depolarization and repolarization characteristics across the ischemic–normal border under [K+] variation. Sixty-four-lead epicardial mapping was performed in 26 rats ([K+] 2.3–6.4 mM) in a model of acute ischemia/reperfusion. The animals with [K+] < 4.7 mM (low–normal potassium) had an ischemic zone with ST-segment elevation and activation delay, a border zone with ST-segment elevation and no activation delay, and a normal zone without electrophysiological abnormalities. The animals with [K+] >4.7 mM (normal-high potassium) had only the ischemic and normal zones and no transitional area. Activation–repolarization intervals and local conduction velocities were inversely associated with [K+] in linear regression analysis with adjustment for the zone of myocardium. The reperfusion extrasystolic burden (ESB) was greater in the low–normal as compared to normal-high potassium animals. Ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation incidence did not differ between the groups. In patch-clamp experiments, hypoxia shortened action potential duration at 5.4 mM but not at 1.3 mM of [K+]. IK(ATP) current was lower at 1.3 mM than at 5.4 mM of [K+]. We conclude that the border zone formation in low–normal [K+] was associated with attenuation of IK(ATP) response to hypoxia and increased reperfusion ESB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the Reichert® Tono‐Vera® Vet rebound tonometer for canine intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Animals Studied: Five normal canine ex vivo globes. Procedures: The anterior chambers of five freshly enucleated normal canine eyes were cannulated and connected to a reservoir of Plasma‐Lyte A and a manometer. Starting at a manometric IOP of 5 mmHg, the pressure was progressively increased to 80 mmHg by raising the reservoir. Triplicate IOP measurements were taken with the Tono‐Vera® Vet from the central cornea using the dog setting and compared to the manometric pressure by linear regression analysis and Bland–Altman plots. Results: There was a strong positive linear regression trend when comparing central corneal Tono‐Vera® Vet IOPs to manometric pressures (r2 =.99) with solid agreement between the two methods. Compared to manometric IOPs, the Tono‐Vera® Vet underestimated IOPs at higher pressures ≥70 mmHg. Conclusions: Measurement of IOPs from the central cornea with the Tono‐Vera® Vet provided accurate results over a large range in normal canine globes compared to direct manometry. The mild to moderate underestimation of IOPs at high pressures was not considered clinically relevant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The quality of life in people with psychosis has been consistently demonstrated to be lower than those without, with self‐stigma contributing greatly to this impairment. Hence, it is imperative to address this gap in order to facilitate recovery‐oriented and other outcomes. This study investigates the potential of religiosity in moderating the effects of self‐stigma on quality of life among those with psychosis. Methods: Adults with psychosis (n = 99) were recruited from the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme in Singapore from 2018 to 2021, and administered the self‐report Religious Commitment Index, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, and Abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument. Linear regression analyses were conducted and the interaction between self‐stigma and religious commitment scores calculated to investigate the moderation effects of religiosity on the relationship between stigma and quality of life. Results: Preliminary regression analyses revealed a significant association between sex and psychological quality of life. After controlling for sex, religiosity was found to moderate the relationship between self‐stigma and psychological quality of life. Conclusions: The results of the study demonstrate the potential of religiosity in buffering the effects of self‐stigma on quality of life. This reveals an area that can be easily targeted and addressed in treatment programs to improve outcomes beyond the clinical setting among people living with psychosis, to facilitate their recovery journey and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While low‐resolution climate models at present struggle to appropriately simulate convectively coupled large‐scale atmospheric disturbances such as equatorial Kelvin waves (EKWs), superparameterization helps better reproduce such phenomena. To evaluate such model differences based on physical mechanisms, a linearized theoretical framework of convectively coupled EKWs was developed in a form readily applicable to model evaluation by allowing background stability and diabatic heating to have arbitrary vertical profiles rather than assuming simplified ones. A system of linearized equations of convection‐coupled gravity waves was derived as a two‐dimensional model of the convectively coupled EKWs. In this work, the basic states are taken from observations, CTL‐MIROC and SP‐MIROC experiments introduced in Part 1. The tendency of convectively coupled gravity waves to grow faster under top‐heavy heating is confirmed for realistic stratification profiles, as found in previous studies under constant stratifications. A comparison of linear unstable solutions with basic states taken from SP‐MIROC and CTL‐MIROC shows that the top‐heavy heating profile in SP‐MIROC largely contributes to the enhancement of the EKW‐like unstable modes, while subtle differences of stratification profiles considerably affect EKW behaviors. The bottom‐heavy heating bias in the CTL‐MIROC likely originates from insufficient modeling of subgrid stratiform precipitation in tropical organized systems. It is desirable to incorporate such stratiform components in cumulus parameterizations to achieve better EKW reproducibility. Plain Language Summary: Present global climate models (GCMs) cannot resolve small‐scale cumulus convection. Hence, they cannot reproduce sufficient amplitudes of convectively coupled large‐scale atmospheric disturbances such as the equatorial Kelvin wave (EKW). In contrast, high‐resolution models that explicitly simulate cumulus convection can reproduce these disturbances better. In this study, a linearized theoretical framework of the convectively coupled EKW was developed to interpret and evaluate model behavior. Using this framework, EKWs simulated by different models were compared based on their physical mechanisms. The basic states were taken from observations and MIROC simulations introduced in Part 1. The tendency of EKWs to grow under a top‐heavy heating condition was confirmed under realistic stratification profiles as found in previous studies under constant stratifications. A comparison of linear unstable solutions with the basic states taken from the MIROC simulations showed that the heating altitude is the most important factor for enhancing the EKW‐like unstable modes, while stratification profiles can sometimes considerably affect EKW growth. Bottom‐heavy heating bias in the conventional MIROC likely originates from insufficient parameterization of organized precipitating systems in the tropics. It is desirable to incorporate such stratiform components in the cumulus parameterization to achieve better EKW reproducibility. Key Points: A linearized model of the EKW is derived in a form readily applicable to evaluation of numerical simulationsSuperparameterized MIROC enhanced EKW amplitudes through top‐heavy heating profilesTo improve EKW reproducibility, GCMs need better representation of tropical stratiform precipitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the interaction between dark matter and curvature-driven dark energy within viable f (R) gravity models, employing the phase-space analysis approach of linear stability theory. By incorporating an interacting term, denoted as Q = α H ρ ~ m (κ 2 3 H 2 ρ curv + 1) , into the continuity equations of both sectors, we examine dynamics of two f (R) gravity models that adhere to local gravity constraints and fulfill cosmological viability criteria. In de Sitter phase, our investigation reveals modifications of critical points compared to the conventional form, attributed to the introduced interaction. Through a comprehensive phase-space analysis, we illustrate the trajectories near critical points and outline the constraints on the phase space based on cosmological and cosmographic parameters. Furthermore, we can also observe stable behavior of this interacting system during the de Sitter phase of the Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) can predict elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) but it is not known whether diagnostic characteristics differ between men and women. This observational study was performed at the Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden to assess sex differences in diagnostic accuracy for ONSD. We included 139 patients (65 women), unconscious and/or sedated, with invasive ICP monitoring. Commonly used ONSD derived measurements and associated ICP measurements were collected. Linear regression analyses were performed with ICP as dependent variable and ONSD as independent variable. Area under the receiver operator characteristics curve (AUROC) analyses were performed with a threshold for elevated ICP ≥ 20 mmHg. Analyses were stratified by sex. Optimal cut-offs and diagnostic characteristics were estimated. The ONSD was associated with ICP in women. The AUROCs in women ranged from 0.70 to 0.83. In men, the ONSD was not associated with ICP and none of the AUROCs were significantly larger than 0.5. This study suggests that ONSD is a useful predictor of ICP in women but may not be so in men. If this finding is verified in further studies, this would call for a re-evaluation of the usage and interpretation of ONSD to estimate ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the service quality (SQ) for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension in primary healthcare settings from the perspective of service users in Iran. Methods: The Cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2020 in urban and rural public health centers in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran. A total of 561 individuals aged 18 or above with either or both conditions of T2DM and hypertension were eligible to participate in the study. The study employed a two-step stratified sampling method in East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A validated questionnaire assessed SQ. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression statistical models in STATA-17. Results: Among the 561 individuals who participated in the study 176 (31.3%) were individuals with hypertension, 165 (29.4%) with T2DM, and 220 (39.2%) with both hypertension and T2DM mutually. The participants' anthropometric indicators and biochemical characteristics showed that the mean Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) in individuals with T2DM was 174.4 (Standard deviation (SD) = 73.57) in patients with T2DM without hypertension and 159.4 (SD = 65.46) in patients with both T2DM and hypertension. The total SQ scores were 82.37 (SD = 12.19), 82.48 (SD = 12.45), and 81.69 (SD = 11.75) for hypertension, T2DM, and both conditions, respectively. Among people with hypertension and without diabetes, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 7.03; p = 0.001) compared to their peers who did not have specific service providers. Those who resided in rural areas had lower SQ scores (b = -6.07; p = 0.020) compared to their counterparts in urban areas. In the group of patients with T2DM and without hypertension, those who were living in non-metropolitan cities reported greater SQ scores compared to patients in metropolitan areas (b = 5.09; p = 0.038). Additionally, a one-point increase in self-management total score was related with a 0.13-point decrease in SQ score (P = 0.018). In the group of people with both hypertension and T2DM, those who had specific service providers had higher SQ scores (b = 8.32; p < 0.001) compared to the group without specific service providers. Conclusion: Study reveals gaps in T2DM and hypertension care quality despite routine check-ups. Higher SQ correlates with better self-care. Improving service quality in primary healthcare settings necessitates a comprehensive approach that prioritizes patient empowerment, continuity of care, and equitable access to services, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has considerably strained health care providers and family caregivers. Double-duty caregivers give unpaid care at home and are employed as care providers. This sequential mixed-method study, a survey followed by qualitative interviews, aimed to comprehensively understand the experiences of these Canadian double-duty caregivers amidst the pandemic and the transition to the endemic phase. The multi-section survey included standardized assessments such as the Double-duty Caregiver Scale and the State Anxiety Scale, along with demographic, employment-related, and care work questions. Data analysis employed descriptive and linear regression modeling statistics, and content analysis of the qualitative data. Out of the 415 respondents, the majority were female (92.5%) and married (77.3%), with 54.9% aged 35 to 54 years and 29.2% 55 to 64 years. 68.9% reported mental health decline over the past year, while 60.7% noted physical health deteriorated. 75.9% of participants self-rated their anxiety as moderate to high. The final regression model explained 36.8% of the variance in participants' anxiety levels. Factors contributing to lower anxiety included more personal supports, awareness of limits, younger age, and fewer weekly employment hours. Increased anxiety was linked to poorer self-rated health, and both perceptions and consequences of blurred boundaries. The eighteen interviewees highlighted the stress of managing additional work and home care during the pandemic. They highlighted the difficulty navigating systems and coordinating care. Double-duty caregivers form a significant portion of the healthcare workforce. Despite the spotlight on care and caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic, the vital contributions and well-being of double-duty caregivers and family caregivers have remained unnoticed. Prioritizing their welfare is crucial for health systems as they make up the largest care workforce, particularly evident during the ongoing healthcare workforce shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission and its successor, GRACE-follow on (GRACE-FO), have played a vital role in climate research. However, the absence of certain observations during and between these missions has presented a persistent challenge. Despite numerous studies attempting to address this issue with mathematical and statistical methods, no definitive optimal approach has been established. This study introduces a practical solution using Linear Regression Analysis (LRA) to overcome data gaps in both GRACE data types—mascon and spherical harmonic coefficients (SHCs). The proposed methodology is tailored to monsoon patterns and demonstrates efficacy in filling data gaps. To validate the approach, a global analysis was conducted across eight basins, monitoring changes in total water storage (TWS) using the technique. The results were compared with various geodetic products, including data from the Swarm mission, Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation (IGG), Quantum Frontiers (QF), and Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) coefficients. Artificial data gaps were introduced within GRACE observations for further validation. This research highlights the effectiveness of the monsoon method in comparison to other gap-filling approaches, showing a strong similarity between gap-filling results and GRACE's SHCs, with an absolute relative error approaching zero. In the mascon approach, the coefficient of determination (R2) exceeded 91% for all months. This study offers a readily usable gap-filling product—SHCs and smoothed gridded observations—with accurate error estimates. These resources are now accessible for a wide range of applications, providing a valuable tool for the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perforated beams can bring countless benefits compared to traditional plain-webbed beams. However, steel beams with sequential web openings are more susceptible to instabilities, and special care must be taken in a design concerning the failure modes these structures can present. The study presented herein explicitly dealt with the stability behavior of perforated beams with sinusoidal openings. This type of perforated member features smooth-lined openings constructed from a single thermal cut in conventional plain-webbed steel profiles. A broad study was carried out through numerical simulation using the ABAQUS software, in which perforated profiles manufactured with S600E high-strength stainless steel were studied. The use of high-strength steels in perforated profiles is a little explored topic in the literature, despite having a significant impact on the behavior of these elements. With the study carried out, a broad overview of the stability behavior of these members was obtained, especially concerning global stability. A total of 5940 FE models were developed, considering the application of different types of loads. In these models, linear buckling analysis (LBA) and geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis with imperfections (GMNIA) were performed. The results obtained were compared with international design codes, and it was found that some codes fail to represent the behavior of members that present lateral-distortional buckling (LDB) and interactions between local and global failure modes. This behavior is a significant design concern since the studied members had high yield strength, making them more susceptible to interaction-governed failure modes than usual-yield strength members. Additionally, the study found that some design codes do not accurately represent the behavior of members loaded outside the shear center due to the destabilizing effect of loading on these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pretreatment CT Perfusion (CTP) parameter rCBV < 42% lesion volume has recently been shown to predict 90-day mRS. In this study, we aim to assess the relationship between rCBV < 42% and a radiographic follow-up infarct volume delineated on FLAIR images. In this retrospective evaluation of our prospectively collected database, we included acute stroke patients triaged by multimodal CT imaging, including CT angiography and perfusion imaging, with confirmed anterior circulation large vessel occlusion between 9 January 2017 and 10 January 2023. Follow-up FLAIR imaging was used to determine the final infarct volume. Student t, Mann-Whitney-U, and Chi-Square tests were used to assess differences. Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression analysis were used to assess associations between rCBV < 42% and follow-up infarct volume on FLAIR. In total, 158 patients (median age: 68 years, 52.5% female) met our inclusion criteria. rCBV < 42% (ρ = 0.56, p < 0.001) significantly correlated with follow-up-FLAIR infarct volume. On multivariable linear regression analysis, rCBV < 42% lesion volume (beta = 0.60, p < 0.001), ASPECTS (beta = −0.214, p < 0.01), mTICI (beta = −0.277, p < 0.001), and diabetes (beta = 0.16, p < 0.05) were independently associated with follow-up infarct volume. The rCBV < 42% lesion volume is independently associated with FLAIR follow-up infarct volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we developed and validated a measure of couple-based reported behavior interactions (RBI). Specifically, Study 1 was designed to describe the development of the scale and to examine its reliability; Study 2 (N = 222), was designed to examine factors that could differentiate men and women. Additionally, we tested if women's behaviors could predict their partner's behavior. Results from the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a three-factor structure for couples' RBI which were labelled: Social Companionship and Affective Behavior Interactions (SAI) (Factor 1), Fulfilling Obligations and Duties of the Partner (FOD) (Factor 2) and Openness in the Relationship (OR) (Factor 3). In linear regression analyses, there was a significant difference between men and women in the second factor, which represents behaviors associated with fulfilling the responsibilities of a partner. On the other hand, neither the SAI factor nor the OR factor showed any distinct gender differences. The SPSS PROCESS analysis revealed that women's Social Companionship and Affective Behavior Interactions (Factor 1), and Openness in the Relationship (Factor 3) significantly predicted their male partner's behaviors. The relationship duration significantly moderated the association between women's and men's behaviors for both factors. Results are discussed in light of the need for a broader understanding of romantic behavioral interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to highly unmet medical needs in rare disease areas, there is great desire to speed up the drug development process. A two-stage adaptive design option for a placebo-controlled registration study is being evaluated. Stage 1 consists of participants in an ongoing phase 2 study with 1-year double blinded (DB) treatment and Stage 2 includes newly enrolled participants with 2-year DB treatment period. The primary endpoint is the annualized rate of change (slope) for a continuous longitudinal measurement, which will be evaluated through a random coefficient linear mixed model. An unblinded interim analysis will be performed using Stage 1 data to re-estimate the sample size for Stage 2, followed by another interim analysis for potential early efficacy stopping when all participants completed the 1-year DB treatment. To control the overall Type 1 error rate, rather than using a conservative approach, the actual correlation between the interim and final test statistics will be taken into account to determine the final significance level given the pre-specified significance level for the interim efficacy analysis. Multiplicity adjustments for secondary endpoints including considerations for order switching between interim and final analysis in this specific case study will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Molecular testing (MT) has become standard practice to more accurately rule out malignancy in indeterminate Bethesda III (BIII) thyroid lesions. We sought to assess the adoption of this technology and its impact on cytology reporting, malignancy yield, and rates of surgery across community and academic sites affiliated with a tertiary medical center. Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study including all fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) analyzed at our institution from 2017 to 2021. We analyzed trends in MT utilization by platform and by community or academic site. We compared BIII call rates, MT utilization rates, rates of subsequent surgery, and malignancy yield on final pathology before and after MT became readily available using chi-square analysis and linear regression. Results: A total of 8960 FNAs were analyzed at our institution from 2017 to 2021. There was broad adoption of MT across both community and academic sites. There was a significant increase in both the BIII rate and the utilization of MT between the pre- and post-MT periods (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). There was no significant change in the the malignancy yield on final pathology (57.1% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.347), while the positive predictive value of MT decreased from 85% to 50% (p = 0.008 [confidence interval 9.5–52.5% decrease]). Conclusions: The use of MT increased across the institution over the study period, with the largest increase seen after a dedicated pass for MT was routinely collected. This increased availability of MT may have led to an unintended increase in the rates of BIII lesions, MT utilization, and surgery for benign nodules. Physicians who use MT should be aware of potential consequences of its adoption to appropriately counsel patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancement in high‐throughput sequencing technologies has stimulated intensive research interests to identify specific microbial taxa that are associated with disease conditions. Such knowledge is invaluable both from the perspective of understanding biology and from the biomedical perspective of therapeutic development, as the microbiome is inherently modifiable. Despite availability of massive data, analysis of microbiome compositional data remains difficult. The nature that relative abundances of all components of a microbial community sum to one poses challenges for statistical analysis, especially in high‐dimensional settings, where a common research theme is to select a small fraction of signals from amid many noisy features. Motivated by studies examining the role of microbiome in host transcriptomics, we propose a novel approach to identify microbial taxa that are associated with host gene expressions. Besides accommodating compositional nature of microbiome data, our method both achieves FDR‐controlled variable selection, and captures heterogeneity due to either heteroscedastic variance or non‐location‐scale covariate effects displayed in the motivating dataset. We demonstrate the superior performance of our method using extensive numerical simulation studies and then apply it to real‐world microbiome data analysis to gain novel biological insights that are missed by traditional mean‐based linear regression analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viscoelastic materials (VEMs) have gained increasing popularity for their ability to dampen vibrations in various structural applications in recent years. The mechanical characteristics of VEMs can be effectively described using constitutive models featuring both integer and fractional derivatives. This study examines the mechanical behavior of VEMs using fractional Zener models with four, five, and six parameters, as well as the generalized Maxwell model with 16 parameters, which relies on integer derivatives. To accomplish this, the study formulates an optimization problem with the aim of minimizing an error function defined by the quadratic relative distance between theoretical model responses and experimental data. Solving the optimization problem involves the use of a hybrid optimization technique, which combines genetic algorithms and non-linear programming. After obtaining optimal designs for each viscoelastic model, qualitative assessments demonstrate that all analytical models provide satisfactory fits to the experimental data. Subsequently, a statistical analysis employing Akaike's Information Criterion is conducted to identify the models that best describe the mechanical behavior of the analyzed VEMs. In this quantitative evaluation encompassing all viscoelastic models, it is noted that the generalized Maxwell model with 16 terms produces a lower relative error and statistically outperforms the fractional Zener models only in a global analysis. However, in a temperature-by-temperature analysis, the GMM16 proves to be inferior to all fractional models. Furthermore, when focusing solely on the fractional models, the five-parameter Fractional Zener Model exhibits the best statistical fit to the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonlinear crime model is generalized by introducing self- and cross-diffusion terms. The effect of diffusion on the stability of non-negative constant steady states is applied. In particular, the cross-diffusion-driven instability, called Turing instability, is analyzed by linear stability analysis, and several Turing patterns driven by the cross-diffusion are studied through numerical investigations. When the Turing–Hopf conditions are satisfied, the type of instability highlighted in the ODE model persists in the PDE system, still showing an oscillatory behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current article focuses on the examination of nonlinear instability and dynamic transitions in a double-diffusive rotating couple-stress fluid layer. The analysis was based on the newly developed dynamic transition theory by T. Ma and S. Wang. Through a comprehensive linear spectrum analysis and investigation of the principle of exchange of stability (PES) as the thermal Rayleigh number crosses a threshold, the nonlinear orbital changes during the transition were rigorously elucidated utilizing reduction methods. For both single real and complex eigenvalue crossings, local pitch-fork and Hopf bifurcations were discovered, and directions of these bifurcations were identified along with transition types. Furthermore, nondimensional transition numbers that signify crucial factors during the transition were calculated and the orbital structures were illustrated. Numerical studies were performed to validate the theoretical results, revealing the relations between key parameters in the system and the types of transition. The findings indicated that the presence of couple stress and a slow diffusion rate of solvent and temperature led to smoother nonlinear transitions during convection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The question of collapse (blow-up) in finite time is investigated for the two-dimensional (non-integrable) space-time nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Starting from the two-dimensional extension of the well known AKNS q , r system, three different cases are considered: (i) partial and full parity-time (PT) symmetric, (ii) reverse-time (RT) symmetric, and (iii) general q , r system. Through extensive numerical experiments, it is shown that collapse of Gaussian initial conditions depends on the value of its quasi-power. The collapse dynamics (or lack thereof) strongly depends on whether the nonlocality is in space or time. A so-called quasi-variance identity is derived and its relationship to blow-up is discussed. Numerical simulations reveal that this quantity reaching zero in finite time does not (in general) guarantee collapse. An alternative approach to the study of wave collapse is presented via the study of transverse instability of line soliton solutions. In particular, the linear stability problem for perturbed solitons is formulated for the nonlocal RT and PT symmetric nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equations. Through a combination of numerical and analytical approaches, the stability spectrum for some stationary one soliton solutions is found. Direct numerical simulations agree with the linear stability analysis which predicts filamentation and subsequent blow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiorgan procurement (MOP) represents a chance for the general surgery resident to learn the fundamental steps of open abdominal surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of MOP on the residents' open surgical skills. Residents' surgical skills were assessed during a 6-month transplant rotation (October 2020-March 2021) using a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills with the global rating scale. The surgeries were self-assessed by residents and tutors based on 9 specific steps (SS) and 4 general skills (GS). Each item was rated from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) with a maximum score of 45 points for SS and 20 for GS. A crossed-effects linear regression analysis was performed both to evaluate any associations between GS/SS scores and some prespecified covariates , and to study differences in the assessments performed by residents and tutors. Residents actively participated in a total of 59 procurements. In general, there were no significant differences in SS/GS mean scorings between residents (n = 15) and tutors (n = 5). There was a significantly positive association between mean GS/SS scorings and the number of donor surgeries performed (at least 5). Comparing the evaluations of the tutors with the residents, this significance was retained only when scorings were assigned by the tutors. MOP was shown to improve basic open surgical skills among residents. Awareness of the utility of a clinical rotation in transplant surgery should be raised also on an institutional level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To study the effect of ocular biomechanics on the prediction error of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation. Setting: Centro Hospitalar Universita' rio do Porto, Porto, Portugal. Design: Prospective longitudinal study. Methods: This study included 67 subjects. Before cataract surgery subjects underwent biometry with IOLMaster 700 and biomechanical analysis with Corvis Scheimpflug technology. The targeted spherical equivalent was calculated with SRK-T and Barrett Universal II. Associations between prediction error (PE), absolute prediction error (AE), and biometric and biomechanical parameters were performed with stepwise multivariate linear correlation analysis. Results: Using the SRKT formula, there was association between PE and Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI, B = -0.531, P = .011) and between AE and the horizontal offset between the center of the pupil and the visual axis (angle k, B = -0.274, P = .007). Considering the Barret Universal II formula, PE was independently associated with anterior chamber depth (B = -0.279, P = .021) and CBI (B = -0.520, P = .013) and AE was associated with angle k (B = -0.370, P = .007). Conclusions: A large angle k may reduce the predictability of IOL power calculation. Ocular biomechanics likely influence the refractive outcomes after IOL implantation. This study showed that eyes with softer corneal biomechanics had more myopic PE. This may relate to anteriorization of the effective lens position. Dynamic measurements may be the way to progress into future formulas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A minimalist approach to the linear stability problem in fluid dynamics is developed that ensures efficiency by utilizing only the essential elements required to find the eigenvalues for given boundary conditions. It is shown that the problem is equivalent to a single first-order ordinary differential equation, and that studying the argument of the unknown complex function in the eigenvalue space is sufficient to find the dispersion relation. The method is applied to a model for relativistic magnetized astrophysical jets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the flow of a thin film inside a uniformly heated/cooled cylinder rotating at various inclinations. The governing equations for mass, momentum, and energy are simplified using lubrication approximation and asymptotic analysis. The resulting spatiotemporal equation for film height evolution incorporates dimensionless parameters representing gravity, viscous drag, surface tension, and thermocapillary stress. Two-dimensional, steady-state solutions are derived, revealing that under the dominance of gravity over viscous drag, a liquid pool forms at the bottom of the horizontally rotating cylinder. This pool transforms into a more uniformly distributed thin film as the cylinder is rotated at slopes. Three-dimensional solutions show a ring structure for horizontally rotating cylinder, whereas it disappears for a cylinder rotating at slopes. Introducing infinitesimal axial perturbations to the steady solutions allows for the examination of their stability. The study finds that the thin film flow becomes unstable for a sloped cylinder. The gravitational force stabilizes (destabilizes) the flow for horizontal (vertical) cylinders. It is reported that thermocapillary stress has a stabilizing effect for a uniformly cooled cylinder. Additionally, the outcomes obtained through linear stability analysis have been corroborated through nonlinear computations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]