bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major intracranial arterial stenosis influence association between baseline blood pressure and clinical outcomes after thrombolysis in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Gao Lijie , Li Zuoxiao , Yuan Zhengzhou , Yi Xingyang , Li Jie , Cui Chaohua , Chen Ning , He Li
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline blood pressure (BP) and clinical outcomes after thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in different intracranial arterial stenosis subgroups.

Methods

AIS patients from multicenter with intravenous thrombolysis were retrospectively enrolled from January 2013 to December 2021. We categorized participants into severe (≥ 70%) and nonsevere (< 70%) stenosis of major intracranial arteries subgroups. The primary outcome was unfavorable functional outcome defined as 3‐month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥2. The association coefficients between baseline BP and functional outcomes were estimated in general linear regression model. The interactive effect was tested to determine the influence of intracranial arterial stenosis on the association between BP and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 329 patients were included. Severe subgroup was detected in 151 patients with average age of 70.5. Association between baseline diastolic BP (DBP) and unfavorable functional outcome in intracranial artery stenosis subgroups was significantly different (p for interaction < .05). In nonsevere subgroup, higher baseline DBP was associated with higher risk of unfavorable outcome (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.20, p = .009) compared with severe subgroup (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.08, p = .341). Besides, intracranial artery stenosis also modified association between baseline systolic BP (SBP) and 3‐month death (p for interaction < .05). In severe subgroup, higher baseline SBP was associated with decreased 3‐month death risk (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78 to 1, p = .044) compared with nonsevere subgroup (OR 1, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.07, p = .908).

Conclusions

The major intracranial artery state modulates association between baseline BP and 3‐month clinical outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis.
Regeneration of spent lithium manganate into cation‐doped and oxygen‐deficient MnO2 cathodes toward ultralong lifespan and wide‐temperature‐tolerant aqueous Zn‐ion batteries
Authors: Yao Qi , Xiao Fuyu , Lin Chuyuan , Xiong Peixun , Lai Wenbin , Zhang Jixiang , Xue Hun , Sun Xiaoli , Wei Mingdeng , Qian Qingrong , Zeng Lingxing , Chen Qinghua
Published: May 2023

Manganese‐based compounds have been regarded as the most promising cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, aqueous Zn–manganese dioxide (MnO2) batteries have poor cycling stability and are unstable across a wide temperature range, severely limiting their commercial application. Cationic preinsertion and defect engineering might increase active sites and electron delocalization, which render the high mobility of the MnO2 cathode when operated across a wide temperature range. In the present work, for the first time, we successfully introduced lithium ions and ammonium ions into manganese dioxide (LNMOd@CC) by an electrodeposition combined with low‐temperature calcination route using spent lithium manganate as a raw material. The obtained LNMOd@CC exhibits a high reversible capacity (300 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and an outstanding long lifespan of over 9000 cycles at 5.0 A g−1 with a capacity of 152 mAh g−1, which is significant for both the high‐value recycling of spent lithium manganate batteries and high‐performance modification for MnO2 cathodes. Besides, the LNMOd@CC demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance across wide temperature ranges (0–50°C). This strategy simultaneously alleviates the shortage of raw materials and fabricates electrodes for new battery systems. This work provides a new strategy for recovering cathode materials of spent lithium‐ion batteries and designing aqueous multivalent ion batteries.
#sustainablefashion on Instagram: A content and network analysis of user‐generated posts
Authors: Skinner Erin A. , Le Busque Brianna , Dorrian Jillian , Litchfield Carla A.
Published: May 2023

The social and environmental impacts of the global fashion industry face increasing scrutiny. As such, consumers and brands look towards ‘sustainable fashion’ for low‐impact alternatives. Simultaneously, visual social media platforms such as Instagram have become prevalent places for fashion advertising and discourse. To investigate this under‐researched area, the current study utilises visual content and social network analysis to explore how sustainable fashion is presented on Instagram, specifically: (a) what visual characteristics are present within sustainable fashion content, and (b) in what broader contexts and communities is discussion of sustainable fashion taking place? Posts included under the hashtag #sustainablefashion (N = 650) were inspected for visual characteristics, including type of clothing, presence of person, post setting, presence of nature, and post format. Most posts were photographs located indoors with no person and no nature‐based elements. The hashtags used alongside #sustainablefashion were analysed with Gephi software to establish a social network and community groups of related topics. Network analysis revealed four key community groups: online‐promotional, artisan‐traditional, eco‐ethical, and Malay‐online‐selling. Secondhand fashion also appeared to be the most prominent sustainable fashion alternative on Instagram. This study is one of the first to investigate the characteristics of user‐generated #sustainablefashion content on Instagram. Whilst social media is a burgeoning avenue for research, existing studies primarily investigate how these platforms can be harnessed for advertising, rather than what users themselves are already posting. Implications for brands who use this platform and opportunities for future research are discussed.
Untargeted metabolomics reveals hepatic metabolic disorder in the BTBR mouse model of autism and the significant role of liver in autism
Authors: Cao Can , Wang Dan , Zou Mingyang , Sun Caihong , Wu Lijie
Published: May 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, and the etiology is unknown. Metabolic dysfunction is present in patients with ASD. In the current study, untargeted metabolomics was employed to screen the differential metabolites in the liver of BTBR mouse model of autism, and MetaboAnalyst 4.0 was used for metabolic pathway analysis. Mice were killed, and liver samples were collected for untargeted metabolomics analysis and examination of histopathology. Finally, 12 differential metabolites were identified. The intensities of phenylethylamine, 4‐Guanidinobutanoic acid, leukotrieneD4, and SM(d18:1/24:1(15Z)) were significantly upregulated (p < .01), and the intensities of estradiol, CMP‐N‐glycoloylneuraminate, retinoyl β‐glucuronide,4‐phosphopantothenoylcysteine, aldophosphamide, taurochenodesoxycholic acid, taurocholic acid, and dephospho‐CoA were significantly downregulated (p < .01) in the BTBR group compared with C57 control group, indicating that differences between BTBR and C57 groups were observed in metabolic patterns. Disturbed pathways of the BTBR mice involved lipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, and amino acid and energy metabolism, revealing that bile acid‐mediated activation of LXRα might contribute to metabolic dysfunction of lipid and leukotriene D4 produced by the activation of 5‐LOX led to hepatic inflammation. Pathological changes in the liver tissue, such as hepatocyte vacuolization, and small amounts of inflammatory and cell necrosis, further supported metabolomic results. Moreover, Spearman's rank correlation revealed that there is a strong relationship between metabolites across liver and cortex, suggesting liver may exert action by connecting peripheral and neural systems. These findings were likely to be of pathological importance or a cause/consequence of autism, and may provide insight into key metabolic dysfunction to target potential therapeutic strategies relating to ASD.
Becker muscular dystrophy and successful intervention with mechanical thrombectomy of right atrial clot‐in‐transit with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Haque Mahfujul Z. , Akbar Taha , Saleem Abdulmalik , Husain Mashkur
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report discusses the effectiveness of the Inari FlowTriever system in treating a right atrial (RA) clot in‐transit in a 55‐year‐old male patient with Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD). BMD is an X‐linked recessive muscle disease caused by mutations in the gene that code for the protein dystrophin, which is associated with partially functional dystrophin in variable amounts. Right heart thrombi (RHT) are thrombi that can be visualized in the right atrium, right ventricle, or proximal surrounding vasculature. The Inari FlowTriever system was used to treat RA clot in‐transit and removed acute, subacute, and chronic clot in a single session without the use of thrombolytics and subsequent ICU stay. The estimated blood loss with the FlowSaver system was approximately 150 mL. This report complements the FLARE study by highlighting the effectiveness of the FlowTriever system for mechanical thrombectomy of RA clot‐in‐transit in a patient with BMD.
Highly Efficient Synthesis of High‐Value Olefins from Syngas over Layered Fe‐Mn/Magadiite Catalyst
Authors: Xue Shujie , Song Wenlong , Wang Kangzhou , Zhu Rui , Zhang Xingjun , Yang Xiaojiao , Bae Jong Wook , Gao Xinhua , Ma Qingxiang , Zhang Jianli , Zhao Tiansheng
Published: May 2023

The simultaneous realization of high olefin/paraffin (O/P) ratio and low CH4 selectivity has always been a bottleneck for the conversion of syngas to high‐value olefins (HVOs). Magadiite (MAG) is a layered silicate material with active SiOH, which increases the interlayer charge density and ion‐exchange ability. Herein, a MAG‐supported, Mn‐modified Fe3O4 microsphere catalyst exhibits excellent CO conversion of 76.5 % and HVO selectivity, with a high O/P ratio of 5.02 and low CH4 selectivity of 16.1 % for conversion of syngas to HVOs. The layered structure of the MAG support promotes dispersion of the active centers and the Mn promoter improves the basic properties of the catalyst. Moreover, the Mn promoter and MAG support have a synergistic effect, which promotes CO dissociation and suppresses H2 adsorption, thereby resulting in high HVO selectivity and low CH4 selectivity.
CFD‐DEM Modeling of Shaft Furnaces Using the Volume Fraction Smoother Approach
Authors: Spijker Christoph , Pollhammer Werner , Raupenstrauch Harald
Published: May 2023

Shaft furnaces are widely used in high‐temperature processes for granular materials due to their high energy efficiency. The modeling of these furnaces is challenging because of large domains and long process times. Small geometric details like the natural gas burner nozzles demand a fine grid on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) side, resulting in a grid size smaller than the particle size. Resolving a discrete element particle over several cells is computationally expensive. Interpolation methods on non‐structured grids are complex. In order to provide a fast and simple solution, the volume fraction smoother was developed, and to shorten the calculation time, the time scale splitting method, which separates the time steps for CFD and the discrete‐element method (DEM), was introduced.
Through‐Space, Lone‐Pair Promoted Aromatic Substitution: A Relay Mechanism Can Beat Out Direct Activation
Authors: Kazim Muhammad , Feng Zhitao , Vemulapalli Srini , Siegler Maxime A. , Chopra Anant , Minh Nguyen Phuong , Gargiulo Holl Maxwell , Guan Liangyu , Dudding Travis , Tantillo Dean J. , Lectka Thomas
Published: May 2023

We report a detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of through‐space arene activation with halogens, tetrazoles and achiral esters and amides. Contrary to previously assumed direct activation through σ‐complex stabilization, our results suggest that these reactions proceed by a relay mechanism wherein the lone pair‐containing activators form exothermic π‐complexes with electrophilic nitronium ion before transferring it to the probe ring through low barrier transition states. Noncovalent interactions (NCI) plots and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analyses depict favorable interactions between the Lewis base (LB) and the nitronium ion in the precomplexes and the transition states, suggesting directing group participation throughout the mechanism. The regioselectivity of substitution also comports with a relay mechanism. In all, these data pave the way for an alternate platform of electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions.
Production Scheduling Using Deep Reinforcement Learning and Discrete Event Simulation
Authors: Hubert Stefan , Meintschel Jonas , Bleidorn Dominik , Ortmanns Yak , Wallrath Roderich
Published: May 2023

Scheduling in the process industry is a highly demanding task. Having access to optimal production schedules at short notice, for instance, after spontaneous changes, offers numerous advantages in terms of robustness, economics, and ultimately customer satisfaction, as delays are minimized. In this work, we describe our initial efforts to apply and evaluate deep reinforcement learning (DRL) for optimized scheduling in a typical fill‐and‐finish batch production plant in the chemical industry. Our pilot study demonstrates how DRL can be implemented using an approach based on discrete event simulation. We discuss the results and benefits of DRL, compare it to mathematical programming approaches, and outline a potential path forward. Our study suggests that the application of DRL in the chemical industry is a promising research direction and that DRL can complement established methods such as process simulation and mathematical programming.
The efficacy of using psychotherapy treatments for obsessive–compulsive disorder on minimizing suicidal thoughts and behaviours: A scoping review
Authors: Abu Sabra Mohammad A. , Al Kalaldeh Mahmoud , Khalil Malek , Abualruz Hasan , Hamdan‐Mansour Ayman M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs) are significant public health challenges that affect a variety of individuals and communities. Despite numerous efforts to discover and refine psychotherapy treatments to minimize STBs, the efficacy of STB treatments remains unclear.

Objective

Conduct a scoping review to assess the efficacy of using psychotherapy treatments to minimize STBs among individuals with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Method

A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA‐ScR) to screen 163 studies published between 2010 and 2021.

Results

A total of seven articles that fulfil the eligibility criteria reported that psychotherapy treatments for obsessive–compulsive disorder were found to be effective and applicable approaches to minimize the severity of the OCD symptoms and STBs, despite variance in studies' target samples, types of interventions, periods and indicators.

Conclusion

The current review has provided evidence showing the significant effects of psychotherapy treatments on various health‐related aspects of life for individuals diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder, and it is recommended to use them for enhancing treatment outcomes and minimizing STBs.

Implication for Practice

This scoping review verifies the formalization and incorporation of psychotherapy treatments for OCD to minimize STBs into standard practice and highlights the importance of mental health professionals being part of the implementation of these treatments.
Physician Perspectives on the Food and Drug Administration's Decision to Grant Accelerated Approval to Aducanumab for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Dhruva Sanket S. , Kesselheim Aaron S. , Woloshin Steven , Ji Robin Z. , Lu Zhigang , Darrow Jonathan J. , Redberg Rita F.
Published: May 2023

In June 2021, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to aducanumab, a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The accelerated approval decision was controversial due to concerns about the use of an unvalidated surrogate measure, beta‐amyloid, as the basis for approval and a lack of clinical outcome benefit. Between October 2021 and September 2022, we conducted a survey of a nationally representative group of internists, medical oncologists, and cardiologists to understand perspectives around aducanumab's approval and how this FDA decision may influence trust in other drugs approved through the accelerated approval program. Among 214 physician respondents familiar with the accelerated approval of aducanumab, 184 (86%) would not prescribe or recommend aducanumab. Further, 143 (67%) physicians reported losing trust in other drugs approved through the accelerated approval program due to the FDA's decision with aducanumab. As a growing number of similar novel Alzheimer's disease treatments are on the horizon, the first of which, lecanemab, already has received accelerated approval in January 2023, our survey findings provide insight into the impact of the FDA's regulatory decisions on the perspectives and prescribing behavior of physicians concerning these novel drug treatments.
Synthesis of Dinucleotide Non‐Symmetrical Triester Phosphate Phosphoramidites and Their Incorporation Within Oligonucleotides
Authors: Desaulniers Jean‐Paul , Tsubaki Kouta , Hammill Matthew L. , Kitamura Mitsuru , Okauchi Tatsuo
Published: May 2023

In this protocol article, the synthesis of dinucleotide non‐symmetrical triester phosphate phosphoramidites will be highlighted. Specifically, we use a selective transesterification starting with tris(2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl) phosphate to afford a dinucleotide derivative phosphate ester. Substitution of the final trifluoroethyl group with various alcohols affords a dinucleotide triester phosphate with a hydrophobic group, which can then be deprotected and converted to a phosphoramidite for incorporation within oligonucleotides. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of a DMT‐ and TBS‐protected unsymmetrical dinucleotide

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of a DMT‐protected unsymmetrical dinucleotide phosphotriester monoalcohols

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of DMT‐protected phenylethyl phosphotriester dinucleotide phosphoramidites

Basic Protocol 4: Synthesis, purification, and characterization of RNAs containing triester phosphate modifications
Synthesis of 3,3’‐(Ethane‐1,2‐diylidene)bis(indolin‐2‐one) Promoted by Thermally‐activated Electron Transfer and Photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 and CO
Authors: Chen Yen‐Yu , Lai Yu‐Ying
Published: May 2023

A Sonogashira coupling reaction leads to the formation of a serendipitous product C with the 3,3’‐(ethane‐1,2‐diylidene)bis(indolin‐2‐one) unit. To our knowledge, our study provides the first example demonstrating that electron transfer between isoindigo and triethylamine can be thermally activated and can be employed in synthesis. The physical properties of C suggest that it possesses decent photo‐induced electron‐transfer capabilities. Under the illumination of 136 mW cm−2 intensity, C yields ≈2.4 mmol gcat−1 (per gram of catalyst) of CH4 and ≈0.5 mmol gcat−1 of CO in 20 h in the absence of additional metal, co‐catalyst, and amine sacrificial agent. The primary kinetic isotope effect suggests that the bond cleavage of water is a rate‐determining step in the reduction. Moreover, the CH4 and CO production can be boosted as the illuminance increases. This study demonstrates that organic donor‐acceptor conjugated molecules are potential photocatalysts for CO2 reduction.
A novel gain‐boosting structure with Z‐embedding and parallel pre‐embedding network for amplifiers at near‐fmax frequencies
Authors: He Fei , Xie Qian , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a novel gain‐boosting structure with Z‐embedding and parallel pre‐embedding network (Z/pre‐Y‐embedding) is proposed to improve the power gain of amplifier at near‐fmax frequencies. Gain‐plane approach has been adopted to study the proposed Z/pre‐Y‐embedding technique. Analytical formula has been derived to calculate the required embedding elements to achieve the upper limit of the maximum available gain. The proposed technique exhibits an attractive advantage that it can absorb the external parasitics of the transistor into the Z/pre‐Y‐embedding network. Based on the proposed gain‐boosting structure, a three‐stage amplifier is designed in a 130 nm SiGe process to verify the power gain improvement. It exhibits a power gain of 21.1 dB at 230 GHz, which is 11.1 dB higher than the three‐stage amplifier without any gain‐boosting technique.
A new generalized floor function based high switching frequency modulation and control technique: Multilevel inverters
Authors: Bhanuchandar Aratipamula , Murthy Bhagwan K.
Published: May 2023

A new generalized floor function (F2) based single carrier pulse width modulation (F2SC‐PWM) technique has been proposed in this paper by considering a single‐phase 9‐level T‐type packed U‐cell (PUC) inverter topology. In literature, the conventional level‐shifted PWM technique requires (level‐1) carriers, and the unipolar phase disposition (UPD) PWM technique requires (level‐1)/2 carriers to produce a particular level of output. To reduce the complexity of control, the authors have developed single‐carrier‐based PWM techniques. However, these are not generalized in a simple manner and are especially applicable only to particular inverter topologies. In this paper, a new F2SC‐PWM technique with a single modulating signal has been introduced that is applicable to any multilevel inverter (MLI) topology. This technique is very simple to implement, and it does not internally require any large number of mathematical operations and if‐else loops. Finally, a laboratory prototype has been used to verify the operation of the 9L‐TPUC topology considering R and RL loads with respect to step change of load, step change of modulation index (MI), and step change of modulation frequecy (MF) via with new proposed control technique (PCT).
OMIP‐93: A 41‐color high parameter panel to characterize various co‐inhibitory molecules and their ligands in the lymphoid and myeloid compartment in mice
Authors: Brandi Johannes , Wiethe Carsten , Riehn Mathias , Jacobs Thomas
Published: May 2023

This 41‐color panel has been designed to characterize both the lymphoid and the myeloid compartments in mice. The number of immune cells isolated from organs is often low, whilst an increasing number of factors need to be analyzed to gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of an immune response. With a focus on T cells, their activation and differentiation status, as well as their expression of several co‐inhibitory and effector molecules, this panel also allows the analysis of ligands to these co‐inhibitory molecules on antigen‐presenting cells. This panel enables deep phenotypic characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, regulatory T cells, γδ T cells, NK T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils. Whilst previous panels have focused on these topics individually, this is the first panel to enable simultaneous analysis of these compartments, thus enabling a comprehensive analysis with a limited number of immune cells/sample size. This panel is designed to analyze and compare the immune response in different mouse models of infectious diseases, but can also be extended to other disease models, for example tumors or autoimmune diseases. Here, we apply this panel to C57BL/6 mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA, a mouse model of cerebral malaria.
Offer cohorts for adult learners by balancing institutional mission and finances
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2023

CHICAGO — Studies show that adult learners tend to do better in higher education when they make personal connections with your campus — and with their peers. At George Fox University in Portland, Oregon, cohorts have facilitated successful connections between adult learners and the institution and helped boost retention and completion rates.
Stackable credentials benefit low‐income students
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2023

Low‐income students are more likely to earn, and benefit from, stackable credentials, or “a series of postsecondary credentials that can be earned over time and that build on each other to prepare individuals for different needs for knowledge and skills throughout a career,” than their peers, according to a new report from the RAND Corporation, a nonpartisan policy think tank, and researchers from the University of Michigan.
Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of active Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy in persons with diabetes mellitus (IWGDF 2023)
Authors: Wukich Dane K. , Schaper Nicolaas C. , Gooday Catherine , Bal Arun , Bem Robert , Chhabra Avneesh , Hastings Mary , Holmes Crystal , Petrova Nina L. , Santini Araujo Maria Gala , Senneville Eric , Raspovic Katherine M.
Published: May 2023

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence‐based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease since 1999. This is the first guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of active Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy in persons with diabetes published by the IWGDF. We followed the GRADE Methodology to devise clinical questions in the PACO (Population, Assessment, Comparison, Outcome) and PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, conducted a systematic review of the medical literature, and developed recommendations with the rationale. The recommendations are based on the evidence from our systematic review, expert opinion when evidence was not available, and also taking into account weighing of the benefits and harms, patient preferences, feasibility and applicability, and costs related to an intervention. We here present the 2023 Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of active Charcot neuro‐osteoarthropathy in persons with diabetes mellitus and also suggest key future topics of research.
Chemodosimetric Mechanistic Insight through Trapping Intermediate for Selective Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Medium by a Dinuclear CdII Complex
Authors: Pramanik Abhishek , Majumder Samit , Das Rampada , Mohanta Sasankasekhar
Published: May 2023

A fluorescent dinuclear cadmium(II) based discrete metal complex of composition [CdII2L(μ‐Cl)Cl2](1) is used {HL=2,6‐bis[2‐(methylamino)ethyliminomethyl]‐4‐Ethylphenol} for the specific recognition of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (picric acid; PA) via fluorescence quenching phenomenon among various nitroaromatic compounds through a chemodosimetric approach. It has been established that 1 is a chemodosimeter in pure water. We have successfully been able to isolate three compounds: chemodosimeter 1; an intermediate complex 2 of composition [CdII(LH2)Cl2](Picrate) and final association complex 3 of composition [NH3(CH2CH2)NH2CH3](Picrate)2. Compounds have been characterised by CHN elemental analyses, single crystal X‐ray crystallography, PXRD, NMR and FTIR. Selective interaction of 1 with PA was evaluated by fluorescence, UV‐Vis and life time measurements. Fluorescence quenching of 1 occurs definitely due to the formation of compound 3 via intermediate 2 involving partial decomplexation, hydrolysis and proton transfer phenomena in solution during the course of sensing. The quenching constant (Ksv), association constant (Ka) and detection limit (LOD) of the complex 1 for picric acid are ∼1.55×105 M−1, ∼1.8×1010 M−2 and ∼0.47 μM (0.108 ppm), respectively. Mechanism of sensing is proposed and the very rare case of isolation and characterization of intermediate in picric acid sensing is discussed.
Self‐organizing systems in the construction industry
Authors: Lohmann Jessica , Kölzer Thomas , Schaan Gunnar , Schmidt‐Döhl Frank
Published: May 2023

Self‐organization is found in numerous natural and artificial systems. For the construction industry, self‐organizing processes are not only applicable in managing or organizing tasks, they also provide insight into materials or can be implemented into operations on building sites. In this paper, the terms feedback, agents, emergence and self‐organization are described to provide an insight into the complex processes relevant to a lot of fields in the construction industry. For this, the principles of adaptive processes are transferred to artificial systems. Besides self‐organization in building materials, an outlook is given to describe construction sites as cyber‐physical systems. Inside such systems, agents learn to organize work tasks more efficiently, particularly with the help of reinforcement learning. In this regard, a transfer of natural self‐organization—which also exist in materials—to building processes is made. A combination of natural and artificial systems is presented to promote self‐organization for various fields of application in the construction industry, especially for building sites.
Ice‐stream shutdown during deglaciation: Evidence from crevasse‐squeeze ridges of the Iceland Ice Sheet
Authors: Aradóttir Nína , Benediktsson Ívar Örn , Ingólfsson Ólafur , Brynjólfsson Skafti , Farnsworth Wesley R. , Benjamínsdóttir Margrét Mjöll , Ríkharðsdóttir Lena Björg
Published: May 2023

Both modern and palaeo‐ice streams experience shutdown, which has critical implications for their mass balance and influence on relative sea level. Reconstructions of palaeo‐ice streams have mainly focused on their phase of active flow and thus less is understood of their shutdown and style of deglaciation. Mapping of streamlined subglacial bedforms (SSBs), including drumlins and mega‐scale glacial lineations, in northeast Iceland reveals cross‐cutting flow‐sets of palaeo‐ice streams within the Iceland Ice Sheet (IIS) during and following the last glacial maximum (LGM). Here we map geometrical ridges (linear and reticular) within the Bakkaflói and Þistilfjörður flow‐sets and combine the morphological data with sedimentological analyses to increase our understanding of the dynamics of the IIS during deglaciation in northeast Iceland. We interpret the ridges as crevasse‐squeeze ridges (CSRs), based on their interconnected network, primary orientation transverse and/or oblique to former ice flow and internal composition of homogenous subglacial till. In both areas, the CSRs are superimposed on the SSBs, indicating that they post‐date the SSBs and signify the waning stage of ice streaming associated with the readvance of the IIS during the Younger Dryas period. The preservation of the CSRs suggests ice stagnation following the readvance and ice‐stream shutdown. The morphological difference of the CSRs between the flow‐sets is taken to indicate different kinematic setting within the ice streams; the linear CSRs in Bakkaflói formed further upstream where extensional forces parallel to ice flow were dominant, whereas the reticular CSRs in Þistilfjörður are more indicative of transverse and longitudinal forces near the terminal zone. Future research reconstructing past ice‐sheet behaviour and ice‐stream dynamics would benefit from high‐resolution bathymetric data from the adjoining shelf as well as enhanced geochronological constraints.
Development of chicken tender pops by utilizing pomegranate peel powder
Authors: Basharat Zunaira , Imran Maryam , Fatima Naeem , Sajid Muhammad Wasim , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Ali Shinawar Waseem , Umer Zujaja , Safdar Waseem , Garti Humphrey
Published: May 2023

Pomegranate peel powder (PPP) is a rich source of many bioactive components particularly polyphenols that are interlinked to various technological and functional properties. In the present study, chicken tender pops were developed with incorporation of PPP, and its effect on quality attributes and storage stability of the product were evaluated. The treatments were formulated using 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% PPP in replacement of chicken. The physicochemical properties, texture profile, instrumental color, sensory attributes, and storage stability were assessed for 21 days at refrigeration temperature, at a regular interval of 7 days. The results indicated that the inclusion of PPP significantly (p < .05) increased the dietary fiber from 0.25% in T0 to 1.45% in T3 at Day 0 and WHC 43.60% ± 0.02 in T0 to 49.36% ± 0.02 in T3 at Day 0, whereas the moisture content significantly reduced from 60.05% ± 0.03 in T0 to 55.08% ± 0.01 in T3 at the start of the study. In addition, the values of TBARS were significantly (p < .05) reduced for treated samples 0.72 mg MDA/Kg in T3 as compared to control 1.17 mg MDA/Kg on the 21st day of storage, whereas a significant increase (p < .05) in TPC from 0.90 mg GAE/g to 3.87 mg GAE/g in T0 to T3 was observed at the start of the study. For TPA, a significant (p < .05) increase was noticed in hardness, chewiness, and gumminess, whereas cohesiveness and springiness showed a non‐significant (p > .05) change in treated samples in relation to control, and the instrumental color (L* and a*) decreased significantly. However, pH, crude fiber, fat, ash, and protein content showed non‐significant (p > .05) variations over time. The sensory evaluation suggested that chicken tender pops supplemented with 6% PPP (T2) presented high overall acceptability and balanced organoleptic properties. Hence, it can be concluded that PPP can be effectively utilized as a natural fiber source, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agent in novel functional foods.
Spillover effect of the Patient Drive Payment Model on skilled nursing facility therapy delivery among Medicare Advantage enrollees
Authors: Rahman Momotazur , Meyers David , White Elizabeth M. , McGarry Brian E. , Santostefano Christopher , Resnik Linda , Grabowski David C.
Published: May 2023

In a multi‐payer health care system, economic theory suggests that different payers can impose spillover effects on one another. This study aimed to evaluate the spillover effect of the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) on Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees, despite it being designed for Traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries. We applied a regression discontinuity approach by comparing therapy utilization before and after the implementation of PDPM in October 2019 focusing on patients newly admitted to skilled nursing facilities. The results showed that both TM and MA enrollees experienced a decrease in individual therapy minutes and an increase in non‐individual therapy minutes. The estimated reduction in total therapy use was 9 min per day for TM enrollees and 3 min per day for MA enrollees. The effect of PDPM on MA beneficiaries varied depending on the level of MA penetration, with the smallest effect in facilities with the highest MA penetration quartile. In summary, the PDPM had directionally similar effects on therapy utilization for both TM and MA enrollees, but the magnitudes were smaller for MA beneficiaries. These results suggest that policy changes intended for TM beneficiaries may spillover to MA enrollees and should be assessed accordingly.
Challenges and barriers faced by older adults to access legislative e‐participation platforms in Brazil
Authors: Junqueira Luiza , Freire André P. , Grützmann André , Zitkus Emilene
Published: May 2023

With the steady increase of the aging population in Brazil, older adults demand government services and actions more than ever. The present exploratory study analyzed the challenges and barriers faced by older adults when accessing legislative e‐participation platforms, considering whether the challenges would interfere with these citizens' empowerment. The study employed qualitative evaluations with 20 participants over 60 years old on the e‐Cidadania and e‐Democracia platforms. It involved responding to a questionnaire, using the platform—while usability tests and observation were conducted—and a post‐test interview. The results showed that, in general, the participants were interested in contributing to the e‐participation platforms and considered that these systems provide representativeness to them. However, the negative aspects of the design contribute to skepticism among older adults, which can demotivate them to use the resources. The results highlight how the interface features reinforce participants' distrust in the government and distrust in the e‐participation process as soon as they realize the information and language are complicated and the resource is difficult to use. They stressed that a more accessible language and a simplified organization of web pages could facilitate the use and boost older people's engagement with these platforms. The results provide reflections on the design of e‐participation systems and processes to promote real political participation of older adults in society. Although the study is not representative of the Brazilian older adult population, the qualitative findings and recommendations were delivered to the Accessibility commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and have been used for guidance and improvements in the platforms.
Impact of erosion and aging simulation on chairside materials
Authors: Mourouzis Petros , Tsiveli Aikaterini , Tsetseli Petroula , Gogos Christos , Tolidis Kosmas
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the influence of acid exposure and thermocycling simulating erosion tooth wear, on the optical properties and surface roughness of chairside materials. Resin‐ceramic, lithium disilicate, premium zirconium oxide and resin composite material comprise the materials tested. To simulate the dental erosion and aging, specimens from each material were immersed in hydrochloric acid, while the thermocycling procedure included 10,000 cycles. The translucency, the color differences and the surface roughness were calculated. The materials phase composition was tested using X‐ray diffraction analysis to evaluate T‐M phase transformation. The CIEDE2000 color difference and the translucency parameter were tested different significantly among groups. Data were statistically analyzed via independent samples t‐test, and paired samples t‐test. The thermocycling procedure and the exposure to the acid solution had different effect on the surface roughness of CAD/CAM materials. The present result demonstrated the negative effect the acid exposure has on the zirconia material in terms of color difference. However, no color differences over the threshold of acceptability were recorded after the thermocycling procedure. Both polymer materials exhibit an increase of the surface roughness when they were immersed in acid but they did not display an increase in roughness when they were thermocycled.
Deep Learning Detection and Segmentation of Brain Arteriovenous Malformation on Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Authors: Hong Jia‐Sheng , You Weir‐Chiang , Sun Ming‐Hsi , Pan Hung‐Chuan , Lin Yi‐Hui , Lu Yung‐Fa , Chen Kuan‐Ming , Huang Tzu‐Hsuan , Lee Wei‐Kai , Wu Yu‐Te
Published: May 2023

Background

The delineation of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) is crucial for subsequent treatment planning. Manual segmentation is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Applying deep learning to automatically detect and segment bAVM might help to improve clinical practice efficiency.

Purpose

To develop an approach for detecting bAVM and segmenting its nidus on Time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography using deep learning methods.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

221 bAVM patients aged 7–79 underwent radiosurgery from 2003 to 2020. They were split into 177 training, 22 validation, and 22 test data.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, Time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography based on 3D gradient echo.

Assessment

The YOLOv5 and YOLOv8 algorithms were utilized to detect bAVM lesions and the U‐Net and U‐Net++ models to segment the nidus from the bounding boxes. The mean average precision, F1, precision, and recall were used to assess the model performance on the bAVM detection. To evaluate the model's performance on nidus segmentation, the Dice coefficient and balanced average Hausdorff distance (rbAHD) were employed.

Statistical Tests

The Student's t‐test was used to test the cross‐validation results (P < 0.05). The Wilcoxon rank test was applied to compare the median for the reference values and the model inference results (P < 0.05).

Results

The detection results demonstrated that the model with pretraining and augmentation performed optimally. The U‐Net++ with random dilation mechanism resulted in higher Dice and lower rbAHD, compared to that without that mechanism, across varying dilated bounding box conditions (P < 0.05). When combining detection and segmentation, the Dice and rbAHD were statistically different from the references calculated using the detected bounding boxes (P < 0.05). For the detected lesions in the test dataset, it showed the highest Dice of 0.82 and the lowest rbAHD of 5.3%.

Data Conclusion

This study showed that pretraining and data augmentation improved YOLO detection performance. Properly limiting lesion ranges allows for adequate bAVM segmentation.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Preparedness to assume professional roles: experiences of recently qualified radiographers: A qualitative study
Authors: Kasita Rauna Etuhole Ndahambelela , Daniels Edwin Ralph , Karera Abel
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recently qualified health workers including radiographers struggle with workplace integration. Similarly, in our local context, undocumented complaints were received from the various heads of departments and radiologists regarding recently qualified radiographers' ability to fully assume their professional roles. In light of the complaints, this study sought to explore and describe the lived experiences of recently qualified radiographers from one local University on their readiness to assume their professional roles.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive research design with a phenomenological approach was used to conduct the study. Ten (10) diagnostic radiographers who graduated between 2018 and 2020 from the local university were sampled using the snowball sampling technique. Telephonic interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were analysed using Tesch's open coding method.

Results

The findings of this study have shown a combination of positive and negative experiences by recently qualified radiographers. The positive experiences (satisfactory work engagement) emanate from increased confidence and creativity, responsibility consciousness and teamwork. Negative experiences (reality shock and professional role conflict) emanated from excessive workload, patient care impediments, the burden of student supervision and lack of professional trust.

Conclusion

Though the recently qualified radiographers from our local University experienced some contextual challenges upon assuming their professional roles, they appeared well‐prepared for their clinical roles. Standardised induction and mentorship programmes should be implemented to facilitate the transition process from student to qualified radiographer.
Artificial neural network based prediction of the lung tissue involvement as an independent in‐hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation risk factor in COVID‐19
Authors: Parczewski Miłosz , Kufel Jakub , Aksak‐Wąs Bogusz , Piwnik Joanna , Chober Daniel , Puzio Tomasz , Lesiewska Laura , Białkowski Sebastian , Rafalska‐Kosior Milena , Wydra Jacek , Awgul Krystian , Grobelna Milena , Majchrzak Adam , Dunikowski Kosma , Jurczyk Krzysztof , Podyma Marek , Serwin Karol , Musiałek Jakub
Published: May 2023

Introduction

During COVID‐19 pandemic, artificial neural network (ANN) systems have been providing aid for clinical decisions. However, to achieve optimal results, these models should link multiple clinical data points to simple models. This study aimed to model the in‐hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation risk using a two step approach combining clinical variables and ANN‐analyzed lung inflammation data.

Methods

A data set of 4317 COVID‐19 hospitalized patients, including 266 patients requiring mechanical ventilation, was analyzed. Demographic and clinical data (including the length of hospital stay and mortality) and chest computed tomography (CT) data were collected. Lung involvement was analyzed using a trained ANN. The combined data were then analyzed using unadjusted and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Overall in‐hospital mortality associated with ANN‐assigned percentage of the lung involvement (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–7.43, p < 0.001 for the patients with >50% of lung tissue affected by COVID‐19 pneumonia), age category (HR: 5.34, 95% CI: 3.32–8.59 for cases >80 years, p < 0.001), procalcitonin (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.59–2.76, p < 0.001, C‐reactive protein level (CRP) (HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.25–3.56, p = 0.004), glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.37–2.42, p < 0.001) and troponin (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.69–2.72, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the risk of mechanical ventilation is also associated with ANN‐based percentage of lung inflammation (HR: 13.2, 95% CI: 8.65–20.4, p < 0.001 for patients with >50% involvement), age, procalcitonin (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.14–3.2, p = 0.14, eGFR (HR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.2–2.74, p = 0.004) and clinical variables, including diabetes (HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.91–3.27, p < 0.001), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (HR: 3.16, 95% CI: 2.38–4.2, p < 0.001) and chronic pulmonary disease (HR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.44–3.7, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

ANN‐based lung tissue involvement is the strongest predictor of unfavorable outcomes in COVID‐19 and represents a valuable support tool for clinical decisions.
Detection of JCV or BKV viruria and viremia after kidney transplantation is not associated with unfavorable outcomes
Authors: Querido Sara , Weigert André , Pinto Iola , Papoila Ana Luísa , Pessanha Maria Ana , Gomes Perpétua , Adragão Teresa , Paixão Paulo
Published: May 2023

Studies analyzing the relationship between BK polyomavirus (BKV) or JC polyomavirus (JCV) infection and kidney transplant (KT) long term clinical outcomes are scarce. Therefore, we evaluated this relationship in a single‐center retrospective cohort of 288 KT patients followed for 45.4(27.5; 62.5) months. Detection of BKV viremia in two consecutive analyses led to discontinuation of antimetabolite and initiation of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor. Outcome data included de novo BKV and/or JCV viremia and/or viruria after KT, death‐censored graft survival and patient survival. BKV viruria and viremia were detected in 42.4% and 22.2% of KT recipients, respectively. BKV viremic patients had higher urinary BKV viral loads at the onset of viruria, when compared to nonviremic patients (7 log10 vs. 4.9 log10 cp/mL, p < 0.001). JCV viruria was identified in 38.5% of KT patients; the 5.9% of KT recipients who developed JCV viremia had higher JCV urinary viral loads at the onset of viruria, when compared to non‐viremic patients (5.3 vs. 3.7 log10 cp/mL, p = 0.034). No differences were found in estimated glomerular filtration rate at the end of follow up, when comparing BKV or JCV viruric or viremic patients with nonviremic patients. No association was found between JCV or BKV viruria or viremia and death/graft failure. Therefore, higher BKV urinary viral loads at the onset could serve as an early maker of over immunosuppression. JCV and BKV replication was not associated with inferior clinical outcomes in KT patients with the above‐mentioned immunosuppression strategy.