bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical phenotypes study of 231 children with Williams syndrome in China: A single‐center retrospective study
Authors: Li Fang‐fang , Chen Wei‐jun , Yao Dan , Xu Lin , Shen Ji‐yang , Zeng Yan , Shi Zhuo , Ye Xiao‐wei , Kang Dao‐huan , Xu Bin , Shao Jie , Ji Chai
Published: September 2022

Background

Williams syndrome (WS) is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder caused by microdeletions in 7q11.23. This study aims to characterize the clinical phenotypes of Chinese children with WS to help for the early diagnosis and intervention of this disease.

Methods

231 children diagnosed with WS were retrospectively recruited to the study. Clinical data were analyzed to obtain the incidence of different clinical phenotypes. The occurrence of phenotypes and the influence of gender and age on the incidence of different phenotypes were analyzed.

Results

All WS exhibited facial dysmorphism (100.0%). The majority had neurodevelopmental disorder (91.8%), hoarseness (87.4%) and cardiovascular anomalies (85.7%). The incidence of short stature (46.9%), inguinal hernia (47.2%), hypercalciuria (29.10%), hypercalcemia (9.1%), subclinical hypothyroidism (26.4%) and hypothyroidism (7.4%) were relatively higher. Gender differences were found in supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS, p < .001), ventricular septal defect (VSD, p < .05), inguinal hernia (p < .001), superior pulmonary stenosis (SVPS, p < .05) and neurodevelopmental disorder (p < .05). The incidence of neurodevelopmental disorder in WS increased with age (p < .05) while cardiovascular anomalies (p < .001), short stature (p < .001), hypercalciuria (p < .001) and hypercalcemia (p < .01) decreased with age.

Conclusions

Facial dysmorphism, neurodevelopmental disorder, hoarseness and cardiovascular anomalies were the most common phenotypes. Genetic testing should be suggested to confirm the diagnosis for children with the above abnormalities. Gender and age should be taken into account when making diagnosis and intervention.
Foraging Dynamics of a Domesticated Strain of Brook Trout
Authors: Sliger Ridge , Grossman Gary D.
Published: September 2022

The Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis is an economically important salmonid that has been stocked worldwide. Because of the difficulty of culturing southern Brook Trout, domesticated northern Brook Trout have been stocked throughout the southeastern United States. Little research has been dedicated to understanding the foraging dynamics of various forms of the species that occur within southeastern streams. Given that water velocity has been shown to have a strong influence on habitat selection and prey capture in drift feeders, we examined the effects of water velocity, fish size, days in captivity, dominance status, and size rank on prey capture success, holding velocity, and reactive distance for domesticated northern-strain Brook Trout. Prey capture success declined with increasing velocities (10–50 cm/s), holding velocity was positively related to water velocity, and dominant individuals captured more prey than subordinates. Reactive distances were not strongly or consistently affected by any treatment variables. Compared with recent studies on southern Brook Trout, there were few differences between the strains in their foraging behavior, suggesting that our results apply to the species generally. Various forms of the species should exhibit high prey capture success in velocities up to 30 cm/s.
The association between the tumor immune microenvironments and clinical outcome in low‐grade, early‐stage endometrial cancer patients
Authors: López‐Janeiro Álvaro , Villalba‐Esparza María , Brizzi María Emilia , Jiménez‐Sánchez Daniel , Ruz‐Caracuel Ignacio , Kadioglu Ece , Masetto Ivan , Goubert Virginie , Garcia‐Ros David , Melero Ignacio , Peláez‐García Alberto , Hardisson David , de Andrea Carlos E
Published: September 2022

Endometrial tumors show substantial heterogeneity in their immune microenvironment. This heterogeneity could be used to improve the accuracy of current outcome prediction tools. We assessed the immune microenvironment of 235 patients diagnosed with low‐grade, early‐stage endometrial cancer. Multiplex quantitative immunofluorescence was carried out to measure CD8, CD68, FOXP3, PD‐1, and PD‐L1 markers, as well as cytokeratin (CK), on tissue microarrays. Clustering results revealed five robust immune response patterns, each associated with specific immune populations, cell phenotypes, and cell spatial clustering. Most samples (69%) belonged to the immune‐desert subtype, characterized by low immune cell densities. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)‐rich samples (4%) displayed high CD8+ T‐cell infiltration, as well as a high percentage of CD8/PD‐1+ cells. Immune‐exclusion samples (19%) displayed the lowest CD8+ infiltration combined with high PD‐L1 expression levels in CK+ tumor cells. In addition, they demonstrated high tumor cell spatial clustering as well as increased spatial proximity of CD8+/PD‐1+ and CK/PD‐L1+ cells. FOXP3 and macrophage‐rich phenotypes (3% and 4% of total samples) displayed relatively high levels of FOXP3+ regulatory T‐cells and CD68+ macrophages, respectively. These phenotypes correlated with clinical outcomes, with immune‐exclusion tumors showing an association with tumor relapse. When compared with prediction models built using routine pathological variables, models optimized with immune variables showed increased outcome prediction capacity (AUC = 0.89 versus 0.78) and stratification potential. The improved prediction capacity was independent of mismatch repair protein status and adjuvant radiotherapy treatment. Further, immunofluorescence results could be partially recapitulated using single‐marker immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed on whole tissue sections. TIL‐rich tumors demonstrated increased CD8+ T‐cells by IHC, while immune‐exclusion tumors displayed a lack of CD8+ T‐cells and frequent expression of PD‐L1 in tumor cells. Our results demonstrate the capability of the immune microenvironment to improve standard prediction tools in low‐grade, early‐stage endometrial carcinomas. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Inside the Michelangelo effect: The role of art and aesthetic attractiveness on perceived fatigue and hand kinematics in virtual painting
Authors: Iosa Marco , Bini Fabiano , Marinozzi Franco , Antonucci Gabriella , Pascucci Simona , Baghini Giulia , Guarino Valeria , Paolucci Stefano , Morone Giovanni , Tieri Gaetano
Published: September 2022

It has recently been discovered that during a virtual reality task of painting, if the subjects have the illusion of recreating an artistic masterpiece, they improve their performances and perceive less fatigue compared to simply coloring a virtual canvas. This phenomenon has been called the Michelangelo effect. However, it was unclear if this effect was related to the aesthetic experience of beauty or if it was specific to artistic stimuli. To clarify this point, 26 healthy subjects performed the virtual task of erasing a blank sheet on the canvas, revealing an image that could be a painting or a photo, classified as beautiful or not. Beautiful paintings were famous artistic portraits, non‐beautiful paintings were rough reproductions of them. Photos of popular people were matched with paintings according to their similarity for somatic traits, posture, and clothes. Beautiful and non‐beautiful photos were classified according to whether the pictured person was famous or not for their beauty. For each stimulus the objective beauty, subjective beauty, and effort to complete the task perceived by the subject were self‐assessed on a numerical rating scale, recorded and analyzed. Furthermore, the hand kinematic trajectory was instrumentally recorded and its spatiotemporal parameters were computed. Less fatigue was perceived for the paintings than for the photos (p = .020), but not for beautiful versus non‐beautiful stimuli (p = .325). Only in the artistic stimuli, subjective beauty was found to be negatively correlated with perceived fatigue (p = .030) and performed errors (p = .005). The kinematic parameters were found to be affected by the interactions between the gender of the participant and that of the person in the photo. These results supported the idea that the Michelangelo effect was stronger when subjects interacted with artefacts, modulated by the perceived beauty of the artistic stimulus.
Gut microbiome health and dysbiosis: A clinical primer
Authors: Bidell Monique R. , Hobbs Athena L. V. , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: September 2022

The gut microbiome has been referred to as the “forgotten organ.” Although much about the gut microbiome remains incompletely understood, data on its clinical importance is emerging at rapid speed. Many practicing clinicians may be unaware of the essential role that the microbiome plays in both health and disease. This review aims to improve clinical understanding of the gut microbiome by discussing key terminology and foundational concepts. The role of a healthy microbiome in normal host function is described, as well as the consequences of a disrupted microbiome (i.e., dysbiosis). Management strategies to restore the gut microbiome from a disrupted to a healthy state are also briefly discussed. Lastly, we review emerging areas for therapeutic potential and opportunity to bring determinants of microbiome health from the bench to bedside.
Systematic evaluation of plasma signaling cascades by functional proteomics approaches: SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as model
Authors: Juanes‐Velasco Pablo , García‐Vaquero Marina L. , Landeira‐Viñuela Alicia , Lopez‐Campos José Luis , Marín Carmen , Lecrevisse Quentin , Arias‐Hidalgo Carlota , Montalvillo Enrique , Góngora Rafael , Hernández Ángela‐Patricia , Fuentes Manuel
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Acute phase reactants (APRs) play a critical role in inflammation. The difference in their physiological functions or the different dynamic ranges of these proteins in plasma makes it difficult to detect them simultaneously and to use several of these proteins as a tool in clinical practice.

Experimental Design

A novel multiplex assay has been designed and optimized to carry out a high‐throughput and simultaneous screening of APRs, allowing the detection of each of them at the same time and in their corresponding dynamic range.

Results

Using Sars‐CoV‐2 infection as a model, it has been possible to profile different patterns of acute phase proteins that vary significantly between healthy and infected patients. In addition, severity profiles (acute respiratory distress syndrome and sepsis) have been established.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Differential profiles in acute phase proteins can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, among patient stratification. The design of this new platform for their simultaneous detection paves the way for them to be more extensive use in clinical practice.
PDBe and PDBe‐KB: Providing high‐quality, up‐to‐date and integrated resources of macromolecular structures to support basic and applied research and education
Authors: Varadi Mihaly , Anyango Stephen , Appasamy Sri Devan , Armstrong David , Bage Marcus , Berrisford John , Choudhary Preeti , Bertoni Damian , Deshpande Mandar , Leines Grisell Diaz , Ellaway Joseph , Evans Genevieve , Gaborova Romana , Gupta Deepti , Gutmanas Aleksandras , Harrus Deborah , Kleywegt Gerard J. , Bueno Weslley Morellato , Nadzirin Nurul , Nair Sreenath , Pravda Lukas , Afonso Marcelo Querino Lima , Sehnal David , Tanweer Ahsan , Tolchard James , Abrams Charlotte , Dunlop Roisin , Velankar Sameer
Published: September 2022

The archiving and dissemination of protein and nucleic acid structures as well as their structural, functional and biophysical annotations is an essential task that enables the broader scientific community to conduct impactful research in multiple fields of the life sciences. The Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe; pdbe.org) team develops and maintains several databases and web services to address this fundamental need. From data archiving as a member of the Worldwide PDB consortium (wwPDB; wwpdb.org), to the PDBe Knowledge Base (PDBe‐KB; pdbekb.org), we provide data, data‐access mechanisms, and visualizations that facilitate basic and applied research and education across the life sciences. Here, we provide an overview of the structural data and annotations that we integrate and make freely available. We describe the web services and data visualization tools we offer, and provide information on how to effectively use or even further develop them. Finally, we discuss the direction of our data services, and how we aim to tackle new challenges that arise from the recent, unprecedented advances in the field of structure determination and protein structure modeling.
Expanding the eukaryotic genetic code with a biosynthesized 21st amino acid
Authors: Wu Kuan‐Lin , Moore Joshua A. , Miller Mitchell D. , Chen Yuda , Lee Catherine , Xu Weijun , Peng Zane , Duan Qinghui , Phillips George N. , Uribe Rosa A. , Xiao Han
Published: September 2022

Genetic code expansion technology allows for the use of noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) to create semisynthetic organisms for both biochemical and biomedical applications. However, exogenous feeding of chemically synthesized ncAAs at high concentrations is required to compensate for the inefficient cellular uptake and incorporation of these components into proteins, especially in the case of eukaryotic cells and multicellular organisms. To generate organisms capable of autonomously biosynthesizing an ncAA and incorporating it into proteins, we have engineered a metabolic pathway for the synthesis of O‐methyltyrosine (OMeY). Specifically, we endowed organisms with a marformycins biosynthetic pathway‐derived methyltransferase that efficiently converts tyrosine to OMeY in the presence of the co‐factor S‐adenosylmethionine. The resulting cells can produce and site‐specifically incorporate OMeY into proteins at much higher levels than cells exogenously fed OMeY. To understand the structural basis for the substrate selectivity of the transferase, we solved the X‐ray crystal structures of the ligand‐free and tyrosine‐bound enzymes. Most importantly, we have extended this OMeY biosynthetic system to both mammalian cells and the zebrafish model to enhance the utility of genetic code expansion. The creation of autonomous eukaryotes using a 21st amino acid will make genetic code expansion technology more applicable to multicellular organisms, providing valuable vertebrate models for biological and biomedical research.
Three‐Point Functions of Higher‐Spin Supercurrents in 4D N=1${{\cal N}}=1$ Superconformal Field Theory
Authors: Buchbinder Evgeny I. , Hutomo Jessica , Tartaglino‐Mazzucchelli Gabriele
Published: September 2022

We develop a general formalism to study the three‐point correlation functions of conserved higher‐spin supercurrent multiplets in 4D superconformal theory. All the constraints imposed by superconformal symmetry on the three‐point function are systematically derived for arbitrary , thus reducing the problem mostly to computational and combinatorial. As an illustrative example, we explicitly work out the allowed tensor structures contained in , where is the supercurrent. We find that this three‐point function depends on two independent tensor structures, though the precise form of the correlator depends on whether r is even or odd. The case reproduces the three‐point function of the ordinary supercurrent derived by Osborn. Additionally, we present the most general structure of mixed correlators of the form and , where L is the flavour current multiplet.
Engineering of ZnO/Graphene Nanocomposite for Enhancing Visible Photocatalytic Ability
Authors: Sang Nguyen Xuan , Na Tran Thi Ly , Anh Luu Thi Lan , Thuy Pham Thi , Tuan Nguyen Tri , Tung Tran Thanh , Tran Anh Tuan Trong , Pho Quoc Hue , Shearer Cameron James , Losic Dusan
Published: September 2022

Herein, the visible light‐photocatalytic performance of synthesized ZnO/Gr composite materials with different Gr content under various conditions, i.e., pH, dye concentration, and different scavengers (to understand the photocatalytic activity mechanism) is systematically investigated. Photocatalytic performance is evaluated with the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in solution under sunlight irradiation. The presence of graphene (Gr) in the ZnO/Gr composites shows enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure ZnO under natural sunlight illumination. The highest photodegradation efficiency of ≈94% when the content of Gr is 1 wt% in comparison to ≈76% for the pure ZnO, corresponding to reaction rate constants of 0.01038 and 0.00615 min−1, respectively. Compared to recent publications, the degradation efficiency is high with relatively high dye concentration, low catalyst amount, and large solution volume. The enhanced visible light absorption and the reduction of bandgap value are attributed to the enhanced photocatalytic properties of the hybridized composite. Moreover, the investigation of the effect of scavenger substances shows that H2O2 strongly enhanced their photocatalytic ability, suggesting that holes (h+) contribute as the reactive agent in the photodegradation process.
Growth Optimization of Nonpolar Al0.7Sc0.3N(112¯0)/Al2O3(11¯02) Thin Films Using Reactive Magnetron Sputter Epitaxy
Authors: Nair Akash , Kessel Maximilian , Kirste Lutz , Feil Niclas M. , Prescher Mario , Žukauskaitė Agnė
Published: September 2022

A‐plane Al0.7Sc0.3N) thin films are grown on r‐plane Al2O3() substrates using reactive pulsed‐DC magnetron sputter epitaxy. This is the first report of successful synthesis of nonpolar epitaxial AlScN films with a high scandium concentration (30%). The influence of different sputtering conditions, such as magnetron power, temperature, and process gas flow rates, is investigated. The film characteristics are also compared on different substrate offcuts. Controlling the diffusion of adatoms on surface of the substrate is found to have the highest influence on film quality. The X‐ray diffraction measurements confirm in‐plane oriented AlScN) layers and the final optimized films show significant improvement in rocking curve full width at half maximum (ω‐FWHM) of reflection. Corresponding atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements show mean root square surface roughness (R
q < 0.4 nm) nearing atomically smooth levels. The optimized films also exhibit anisotropic growth characteristics. A growth model for a‐plane AlScN has been proposed based on the growth parameters of the film.
Inorganic‐Alone Solid‐State Electrochromic Device for Application as Visible Near Infrared Region Electronic Curtain
Authors: Chaudhary Anjali
Published: September 2022

A prototype inorganic material‐based solid‐state electrochromic device (ECD) using an active WO3layer has been demonstrated followed by testing its potential application in blocking infrared (IR) radiation. A cost‐effective hydrothermal method has been used for fabricating WO3‐based electrodes. Prior to application, the structural and morphological characterization of the WO3has been done using X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. A solid‐state ECD has been fabricated in a sandwiched geometry with a supporting gel electrolyte. The solid‐state inorganic ECD displays a color contrast of more than 40% at 600 nm wavelength while toggling between transparent (OFF state) and blue (ON state) colors under a bias of as low as 2.5 V making it a power‐efficient device. The device is capable of maintaining its absorbance switching for longer than 2400 s without altering its absorbance rate. The device is capable of blocking IR radiation with more than 100% in its ON state as compared to its OFF state. A power‐efficient electrochromic performance has been reported from an inorganic‐alone solid state ECD while displaying its potential as an electronic curtain.
Shallow artificial networks with morphokinetic time‐lapse parameters coupled to ART data allow to predict live birth
Authors: Benchaib Mehdi , Labrune Elsa , Giscard d'Estaing Sandrine , Salle Bruno , Lornage Jacqueline
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to construct shallow neural networks (SNN) using time‐lapse technology (TLT) from morphokinetic parameters coupled to assisted reproductive technology (ART) parameters in order to assist the choice of embryo(s) to be transferred with the highest probability of achieving a live birth (LB).

Methods

A retrospective observational single‐center study was performed, 654 cycles were included. Three SNN: multilayers perceptron (MLP), simple recurrent neuronal network (simple RNN) and long short term memory RNN (LSTM‐RNN) were trained with K‐fold cross‐validation to avoid sampling bias. The predictive power of SNNs was measured using performance scores as AUC (area under curve), accuracy, precision, Recall and F1 score.

Results

In the training data group, MLP and simple RNN provide the best performance scores; however, all AUCs were above 0.8. In the validating data group, all networks were equivalent with no performance scores difference and all AUC values were above 0.8.

Conclusion

Coupling morphokinetic parameters with ART parameters allows to SNNs to predict the probability of LB, and all SNNs seems to be efficient according to the performance scores. An automatic time recognition system coupled to one of these SNNs could allow a complete automation to choose the blastocyst(s) to be transferred.
Robust tracking control of a robot arm actuated by permanent magnet synchronous motors
Authors: Borisov Oleg , Isidori Alberto , Kakanov Mikhail , Pyrkin Anton
Published: September 2022

In this article, we show the use of the recently developed enhanced extended observer design technique in tracking time‐dependent references by a PMSM‐actuated robot arm. It is proven that this robust control framework guarantees achievement of semiglobal practical stability and makes trajectories of the system arbitrarily close to those that would had been obtained by the non‐robust nominal feedback‐linearizing control if there were no plant uncertainties.
Internet‐of‐things architectures for secure cyber–physical spaces: The VISOR experience report
Authors: De Pascale Daniel , Cascavilla Giuseppe , Sangiovanni Mirella , Tamburri Damian A. , van den Heuvel Willem‐Jan
Published: September 2022

Internet of things (IoT) technologies are becoming a more and more widespread part of civilian life in common urban spaces, which are rapidly turning into cyber–physical spaces. Simultaneously, the fear of terrorism and crime in such public spaces is ever‐increasing. Due to the resulting increased demand for security, video‐based IoT surveillance systems have become an important area for research. Considering the large number of devices involved in the illicit recognition task, we conducted a field study in a Dutch Easter music festival in a national interest project called VISOR to select the most appropriate device configuration in terms of performance and results. We iteratively architected solutions for the security of cyber–physical spaces using IoT devices. We tested the performance of multiple federated devices encompassing drones, closed‐circuit television, smart phone cameras, and smart glasses to detect real‐case scenarios of potentially malicious activities such as mosh pits and pick‐pocketing. Our results pave the way to select optimal IoT architecture configurations—that is, a mix of CCTV, drones, smart glasses, and camera phones in our case—to make safer cyber–physical spaces' a reality.
Recent Advances in the Combined Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Light Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Jing , Gao You , Pan Yongyan , Ren Fumeng , Chen Rui , Meng Xin , Sun Derun , He Jizhou , Liu Zonghao , Chen Wei
Published: September 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are promising candidates for further photovoltaic technology. However, the instability issue remains a major obstacle hampering their commercialization. Since perovskites are sensitive to external stressors including elevated temperature, humidity, and light, and the decomposition of perovskite under these combined stressors could largely aggravate and accelerate PSCs degradation, the stability aging test under combined stressors has been recognized as the harshest and the most important requirements for PSCs stability evaluation. Herein, the degradation mechanisms of PSCs at elevated temperature, humidity, and light illumination conditions are analyzed. Further, the recent progress on improving the stability of PSCs under combined stressors including 85% relative humidity/85 °C damp heat aging test and light and elevated temperature induced degradation aging test is summarized. The predictions for the further development of effective strategies for improving the stability of PSCs are provided at the end of this review.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Argon–Steel (–Slag) Multiphase Flow in an Ruhrstahl–Heraeus Degasser: A Review of Past Numerical Studies
Authors: Chen Gujun , Wang Qiangqiang , He Shengping
Published: September 2022

Many metallurgical functions such as dehydrogenation, decarburization, and inclusion removal are achieved during Ruhrstahl–Heraeus (RH) treatment. The realization of these functions is closely related to argon–steel–slag flow in an RH degasser. Recently, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods have been widely adopted to understand such multiphase flow. This review summarizes and analyzes CFD modeling of argon–steel (–slag) flow from the aspect of fundamentals of the numerical approach, focusing on CFD models and validation (homogeneous fluid model, volume of fluid–discrete phase model, and Eulerian model), bubble behaviors (deformation, expansion, coalescence, and breakup), interfacial closure laws (drag, turbulent dispersion, lift, virtual mass, and wall lubrication forces), and turbulence closures (Reynolds‐averaged approach with standard, renormalization group, and realizable k–ε models, and large eddy simulation with Smagorinsky–Lilly model). This review also suggests that future challenge is to further develop a model for coupling the dispersed interface with a wide bubble size distribution and the sharp interface with a large interfacial scale, accompanied by appropriate bubble behaviors and general closure laws of interfacial forces. As a precondition for the development of CFD models, more experiments are required to fully understand the multiphase flow in a real RH degasser.
Physical Simulation of Powder Spraying at the Bottom of a Converter
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Wang Lijun , Liu Shiyuan , Chou Kuochih
Published: September 2022

Herein, a converter model is established to study the powder spraying process. The effects of powder spraying speed, solid–gas ratio, particle size, and powder spraying position on the distribution of powder in a molten bath and the molten iron splash on a liquid surface are quantitatively studied by using image technology. Increasing the carrier gas flow to 2 m3 h−1 can effectively promote the movement and mixing of the powder in the molten bath, but at the same time, this leads to a degree of splash of 50.61% above the molten bath. A similar situation occurs with increasing solid–gas ratio and decreasing particle size. However, as the powder injection position is gradually moved away from the center of the furnace bottom, the powder distribution before 3 s is more advantageous, and the degree of splash decreases from 25.39 to 12.40%.
Emergency department care transition barriers: A qualitative study of care partners of older adults with cognitive impairment
Authors: Gettel Cameron J. , Serina Peter T. , Uzamere Ivie , Hernandez‐Bigos Kizzy , Venkatesh Arjun K. , Cohen Andrew B. , Monin Joan K. , Feder Shelli L. , Fried Terri R. , Hwang Ula
Published: September 2022

INTRODUCTION

After emergency department (ED) discharge, persons living with cognitive impairment (PLWCI) and their care partners are particularly at risk for adverse outcomes. We sought to identify the barriers experienced by care partners of PLWCI during ED discharge care transitions.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study of 25 care partners of PLWCI discharged from four EDs. We used the validated 4AT and care partner‐completed AD8 screening tools, respectively, to exclude care partners of older adults with concern for delirium and include care partners of older adults with cognitive impairment. We conducted recorded, semi‐structured interviews using a standardized guide, and two team members coded and analyzed all professional transcriptions to identify emerging themes and representative quotations.

RESULTS

Care partners’ mean age was 56.7 years, 80% were female, and 24% identified as African American. We identified four major barriers regarding ED discharge care transitions among care partners of PLWCI: (1) unique care considerations while in the ED setting impact the perceived success of the care transition, (2) poor communication and lack of care partner engagement was a commonplace during the ED discharge process, (3) care partners experienced challenges and additional responsibilities when aiding during acute illness and recovery phases, and (4) navigating the health care system after an ED encounter was perceived as difficult by care partners.

DISCUSSION

Our findings demonstrate critical barriers faced during ED discharge care transitions among care partners of PLWCI. Findings from this work may inform the development of novel care partner‐reported outcome measures as well as ED discharge care transition interventions targeting care partners.
Development of a vadose zone advanced monitoring system: Tools to assess groundwater vulnerability
Authors: Linneman Dorothy C. , Strickland Christopher E. , Appriou Delphine , Rockhold Mark L. , Thomle Jonathan N. , Szecsody James E. , Martin Paul F. , Vermeul Vince R. , Mackley Rob D. , Freedman Vicky L.
Published: September 2022

Performing repeat pore‐fluid sampling over long time‐scales can provide valuable information on unsaturated zone contaminants and their potential flux to ground water. This information can be used to manage groundwater remedies and identify contaminants that need to be sequestered in the vadose zone to minimize flux to ground water. Pore‐water samples are commonly used to obtain contaminant concentrations within the vadose zone, but existing methods are limited as they only provide a single sample at one location and time. The vadose zone advanced monitoring system (VZAMS) has been designed to integrate multiple technologies into a single down‐borehole system that allows for sampling of pore fluids (liquid and gas) to provide information about contamination and hydraulic conditions at multiple depths (∼0.3‐m intervals) within a cased borehole. Testing has been completed at the laboratory scale to verify the sampling elements of VZAMS, including geochemical testing for representative contaminants known to exist at the Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington State. Physical tests focused on the ability of the sampler to draw fluid under unsaturated conditions. Initial geochemical testing showed that the stainless steel material used with the porous cuff may affect the sampled concentrations of redox‐sensitive contaminants under very dry conditions. Additional laboratory testing demonstrated that the VZAMS components are able to collect representative samples for substances of interest under expected field conditions. In this paper, the design and functionality of a novel instrument are demonstrated in support of subsequent testing in the field.
Evolution of precision oncology‐guided treatment paradigms
Authors: DasGupta Ramanuj , Yap Aixin , Yaqing Elena Yong , Chia Shumei
Published: September 2022

Cancer treatment is gradually evolving from the classical use of nonspecific cytotoxic drugs targeting generic mechanisms of cell growth and proliferation. Instead, new “patient‐specific treatment paradigms” that are based on an individual patient's tumor‐specific molecular features are emerging, and these include “druggable” genomic alterations such as oncogenic driver mutations, downstream activities of cancer‐signaling pathways, and the expression of specific genes involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This evolving landscape of making evidence‐based treatment decisions forms the foundation of precision oncology, which aims to deliver “the right drug, to the right patient and at the right time”. The long‐term vision for this approach is to maximize the treatment efficacy while minimizing exposure to ineffective therapy and reducing co‐morbidity‐related side effects. Successful clinical translation and implementation of this vision have the potential to revolutionize treatment paradigms from predominantly reactive, to more evidence‐based, proactive and predictive care. In this article, we review the past and current approaches in precision oncology, and describe their remarkable power and limitations. We also speculate on the evolution of newly emerging methodologies of the future that can be used to address some of the key challenges associated with the existing paradigms.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Cancer > Computational Models
β‐Diketiminate Aluminum Dihydride is a Valuable Precursor for the Preparation of Acyclic and Cyclic Systems
Authors: Huo Shuai‐Cong , Li Yao , Ji Peng‐Fei , Zhang De‐Xiang , Zhang Zhi‐Jiao , Yang Ying , Roesky Herbert W.
Published: September 2022

Treatments of β‐diketiminate aluminum dihydride LAlH2 (L=HC[C(Me)N(Ar)]2, Ar=2,6‐iPr2C6H3) with (2‐chlorophenyl)methanol, 2,3‐dimethylbutane‐2,3‐diol, 2,2‐dimethylpropane‐1,3‐diol, 2,2‐bis(bromomethyl)propane‐1,3‐diol, and p‐diphenol resulted in the formation of compounds containing the C−O−Al−O−C linkages, including the acyclic LAl[(μ‐O)CH2(o‐Cl−C6H4)2]2 (1), the five‐membered ring LAl[(μ‐O)CMe2]2 (2), the six‐membered ring LAl[(μ‐O)CH2]2CMe2 (3) and LAl[(μ‐O)CH2]2C(CH2Br)2 (4), and the macrocyclic [LAl(μ‐O)2(p‐C6H4)]4 (5), respectively. These practices prove that β‐diketiminate aluminum dihydride is a valuable precursor for the preparation of acyclic and cyclic systems. 1–5 were characterized by melting point, 1H and 13C NMR, FT‐IR, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Synthesis and Complexation Study of New Aminoalkynyl−amidinate Ligands
Authors: Wang Sida , Liebing Phil , Engelhardt Felix , Hilfert Liane , Busse Sabine , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: September 2022

The current library of amidinate ligands has been extended by the synthesis of two novel dimethylamino‐substituted alkynylamidinate anions of the composition [Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NR)2]−(R =iPr, cyclohexyl (Cy)). The unsolvated lithium derivatives Li[Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NR)2] (1: R =iPr,2: R = Cy) were obtained in good yields by treatment ofin situ‐prepared Me2N−CH2−C≡C−Li with the respective carbodiimides, R−N=C=N−R. Recrystallization of1and2from THF afforded the crystalline THF adducts Li[Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NR)2] ⋅ nTHF (1 a: R =iPr,n=1;2 a: R = Cy,n=1.5). Precursor2was subsequently used to study initial complexation reactions with selected di‐ and trivalent transition metals. The dark red homoleptic vanadium(III) tris(alkynylamidinate) complex V[Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NCy)2]3(3) was prepared by reaction of VCl3(THF)3with 3 equiv. of2(75 % yield). A salt‐metathesis reaction of2with anhydrous FeCl2in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 afforded the dinuclear homoleptic iron(II) alkynylamidinate complex Fe2[Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NCy)2]4(4) in 69 % isolated yield. Similarly, treatment of Mo2(OAc)4with 3 or 4 equiv. of2provided the dinuclear, heteroleptic molybdenum(II) amidinate complex Mo2(OAc)[Me2N−CH2−C≡C−C(NCy)2]3(5; yellow crystals, 50 % isolated yield). The cyclohexyl‐substituted title compounds2 a,4, and5were structurally characterized through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies.
Gravity at the tip of the throat
Authors: Bento Bruno Valeixo , Chakraborty Dibya , Parameswaran Susha , Zavala Ivonne
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study the gravitational signatures that arise from compactifying Type IIB supergravity on a compact space containing a Klebanov-Strassler warped throat. After reviewing the dimensional reduction of the 10d graviton and explicitly obtaining the equa- tions of motion for the 4d tensor hμν, vector hμn and scalar hmn modes, we find the masses and wavefunctions of the Kaluza-Klein tower of spin-2 states. We explore how the masses and wavefunctions depend on the balance between the strength of the warping and the size of the bulk, and how these relate to the range and strength of the interactions which correct the Newtonian gravitational potential. By computing the modified Newtonian potential for sources on a brane somewhere along the throat, and applying consistency constraints on the Klebanov-Strassler parameters, we obtain predictions for the phenomenological pa- rameter space. In the case of a fully warped throat, and depending on where the brane is along the throat, these predictions are narrow in range and consistent with current obser- vational and experimental constraints. We also begin an exploration of gravitational wave signatures of KK gravitons in warped throats, finding that strong warping can bring the corresponding frequencies down to the windows of current and proposed experiments.
Developing a Consistent Travel-Time Framework for Comparing Three-Dimensional Velocity Models for Seismic Location Accuracy
Authors: Begnaud Michael L. , Davenport Kathy , Conley Andrea , Ballard Sanford , Hipp James , Porritt Robert W.
Published: September 2022

Location algorithms have historically relied on simple, one-dimensional (1D) velocity models for fast seismic event locations. 1D models are generally used as travel-time lookup tables, one for each seismic phase, with travel-times pre-calculated for event distance and depth. These travel-time lookup tables are extremely fast to use and this fast computational speed makes them the preferred type of velocity model for operational needs. Higher-dimensional (i.e., three-dimensional—3D) seismic velocity models are becoming readily available and provide more accurate event locations over 1D models. The computational requirements of these 3D models tend to make their operational use prohibitive. Additionally, comparing location accuracy for 3D seismic velocity models tends to be problematic, as each model is determined using different ray-tracing algorithms. Attempting to use a different algorithm than the one used to develop a model usually results in poor travel-time prediction. We demonstrate and test a framework to create first-P and first-S 3D travel-time correction surfaces using an open-source framework (PCalc + GeoTess, https://www.sandia.gov/salsa3d/software/geotess) that easily stores 3D travel-time and uncertainty data. This framework produces fast travel-time and uncertainty predictions and overcomes the ray-tracing algorithm hurdle because the lookup tables can be generated using the exact ray-tracing algorithm that is preferred for a model.
Besonders geschützt oder ausgestoßen? Wie Personen im Alter über 65 Jahre die Coronapandemie erlebten
Authors: Aversa Rosangela , Fluri Stefanie , von Wyl Agnes
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Zu Beginn der Coronapandemie wurden auch in der Schweiz Personen im Alter ab 65 Jahren der besonders gefährdeten Bevölkerungsgruppe zugeordnet. Aufgrund vermehrter Vorerkrankungen wurde vermutet, sie seien einem erhöhten Risiko für schwere Krankheitsverläufe ausgesetzt. Dadurch rückten ältere Personen in den Fokus der Aufmerksamkeit, wodurch deren gebrechliche und hilflose Seite betont wurde. Dies lässt Fragen offen, bezüglich der Selbsteinschätzung der älteren Menschen, was ihr konkretes subjektives Befinden und Erleben während der Pandemie betrifft.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die Studie ergründet die subjektive Sichtweise von Personen ab 65 Jahren und hat zum Ziel, ihre Alltagsbewältigung während der Pandemie zu untersuchen, insbesondere in Bezug auf die Auswirkungen auf ihre Lebenssituation, ihre Selbsteinschätzung als vulnerable Gruppe und ihre Ängste rund um COVID-19.

Material und Methoden

Es handelt sich um eine Längsschnittstudie im Mixed-Methods-Design, bei welcher von Ende April bis Mitte Juni 2020 2‑wöchentlich ein leitfadengestütztes Telefoninterview mit geschlossenen und offenen Fragen durchgeführt wurde. Es wurden 40 Personen (m = 18, w = 22) im Alter zwischen 65 und 90 Jahren zu verschiedenen Aspekten der Alltagsbewältigung während der Coronapandemie und ihren Folgen befragt. Die quantitativen Daten wurden deskriptiv ausgewertet. Die qualitativen Daten wurden mittels strukturierter Inhaltsanalyse mit induktiver Kategorienbildung evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Studie zeigte, dass sich das Alltagsleben der Befragten trotz des Lockdowns zu Hause kaum veränderte. Auch wurde mehrheitlich über eine gute Stimmungslage berichtet. Als große Belastung wurden die sozialen Einschränkungen erlebt. Die Einordnung als Risikogruppe wurde als undifferenziert und willkürlich empfunden. Angst oder Sorgen hinsichtlich einer Ansteckung mit dem Coronavirus waren wenig vorhanden.

Diskussion

Die Befragten schienen die Krise deutlich besser bewältigt zu haben, als der öffentliche Diskurs nahelegte. Aktivitäten und Routinen können als Strategien im Alltag schützend gewirkt haben. Eine homogene Einteilung der älteren Personen als Risikogruppe vernachlässigt deren Ressourcen und fördert sowohl negative Stereotype als auch Altersdiskriminierung.
Medical instrument detection in ultrasound: a review
Authors: Yang Hongxu , Shan Caifeng , Kolen Alexander F. , de With Peter H. N.
Published: September 2022

Medical instrument detection is essential for computer-assisted interventions, since it facilitates clinicians to find instruments efficiently with a better interpretation, thereby improving clinical outcomes. This article reviews image-based medical instrument detection methods for ultrasound-guided (US-guided) operations. Literature is selected based on an exhaustive search in different sources, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. We first discuss the key clinical applications of medical instrument detection in the US, including delivering regional anesthesia, biopsy taking, prostate brachytherapy, and catheterization. Then, we present a comprehensive review of instrument detection methodologies, including non-machine-learning and machine-learning methods. The conventional non-machine-learning methods were extensively studied before the era of machine learning methods. The principal issues and potential research directions for future studies are summarized for the computer-assisted intervention community. In conclusion, although promising results have been obtained by the current (non-) machine learning methods for different clinical applications, thorough clinical validations are still required.
CBI-time-changed Lévy processes for multi-currency modeling
Authors: Fontana Claudio , Gnoatto Alessandro , Szulda Guillaume
Published: September 2022

We develop a stochastic volatility framework for modeling multiple currencies based on CBI-time-changed Lévy processes. The proposed framework captures the typical risk characteristics of FX markets and is coherent with the symmetries of FX rates. Moreover, due to the self-exciting behavior of CBI processes, the volatilities of FX rates exhibit self-exciting dynamics. By relying on the theory of affine processes, we show that our approach is analytically tractable and that the model structure is invariant under a suitable class of risk-neutral measures. A semi-closed pricing formula for currency options is obtained by Fourier methods. We propose two calibration methods, also by relying on deep-learning techniques, and show that a simple specification of the model can achieve a good fit to market data on a currency triangle.
Department for Education Statutory Guidance for Relationships and Sex Education in England: A Rights-Based Approach?
Authors: Setty Emily , Dobson Emma
Published: September 2022

In England, the Children and Social Work Act (HMSO, 2017) bestowed compulsory status on relationships and sex education (RSE), which means that young people’s right to receive RSE has been codified in law. This paper analyzes how this right is upheld and enacted within the Department for Education (DfE) (2019) statutory guidance on RSE for schools in England. The analysis suggests that the guidance features contradictory discourses in which young people’s rights are ostensibly advanced, but remain structured by adult-centric, heteronormative understandings of sex and relationships. It upholds a decontextualized and legalistic approach to rights, responsibilities, informed choice, and decision making. A narrow conception of rights is particularly evident regarding young people’s digital sexual cultures, which are predominantly framed in terms of risk and harm. We argue that scholars should investigate how educators are designing and delivering RSE in light of the guidance, and the opportunities for and obstacles to a genuinely “rights-based” approach to RSE. While the policy discussed in this article is specific to England, the discussion has wider relevance for practitioners and policymakers across cultural and geographic contexts as it draws upon a model for analyzing how young people’s sexuality is presented and addressed in legislative and curricular documentation.
Gold functions and switched cube functions are not 0-extendable in dimension n > 5
Authors: Beierle Christof , Carlet Claude
Published: September 2022

In the independent works by Kalgin and Idrisova and by Beierle, Leander and Perrin, it was observed that the Gold APN functions over $$\mathbb {F}_{2^5}$$

F

2
5

give rise to a quadratic APN function in dimension 6 having maximum possible linearity of $$2^5$$

2
5

(that is, minimum possible nonlinearity $$2^4$$

2
4

). In this article, we show that the case of $$n \le 5$$

n
≤
5

is quite special in the sense that Gold APN functions in dimension $$n>5$$

n
>
5

cannot be extended to quadratic APN functions in dimension $$n+1$$

n
+
1

having maximum possible linearity. In the second part of this work, we show that this is also the case for APN functions of the form $$x \mapsto x^3 + \mu (x)$$

x
↦

x
3

+
μ

(
x
)

with $$\mu $$
μ
being a quadratic Boolean function.