bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tubers Affecting the Fusiform Face Area Are Associated with Autism Diagnosis
Authors: Cohen Alexander L. , Kroeck Mallory R. , Wall Juliana , McManus Peter , Ovchinnikova Arina , Sahin Mustafa , Krueger Darcy A. , Bebin E. Martina , Northrup Hope , Wu Joyce Y. , Warfield Simon K. , Peters Jurriaan M. , Fox Michael D. ,   the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Network Study Group
Published: November 2022

Objective

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is associated with focal brain “tubers” and a high incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The location of brain tubers associated with autism may provide insight into the neuroanatomical substrate of ASD symptoms.

Methods

We delineated tuber locations for 115 TSC participants with ASD (n = 31) and without ASD (n = 84) from the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Autism Center of Excellence Research Network. We tested for associations between ASD diagnosis and tuber burden within the whole brain, specific lobes, and at 8 regions of interest derived from the ASD neuroimaging literature, including the anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal and posterior parietal cortices, inferior frontal and fusiform gyri, superior temporal sulcus, amygdala, and supplemental motor area. Next, we performed an unbiased data‐driven voxelwise lesion symptom mapping (VLSM) analysis. Finally, we calculated the risk of ASD associated with positive findings from the above analyses.

Results

There were no significant ASD‐related differences in tuber burden across the whole brain, within specific lobes, or within a priori regions derived from the ASD literature. However, using VLSM analysis, we found that tubers involving the right fusiform face area (FFA) were associated with a 3.7‐fold increased risk of developing ASD.

Interpretation

Although TSC is a rare cause of ASD, there is a strong association between tuber involvement of the right FFA and ASD diagnosis. This highlights a potentially causative mechanism for developing autism in TSC that may guide research into ASD symptoms more generally. ANN NEUROL 2023;93:577–590
Preparation and evaluation of acryloyl morpholine modified emulsion fracturing fluid thickener with high temperature resistance and salt resistance
Authors: Shi Shenglong , Sun Jinsheng , Lv Kaihe , Wen Qingzhi , Bai Yingrui , Wang Jintang , Jin Jiafeng , Liu Jingping , Huang Xianbin , Li Jian
Published: November 2022

To prepare the thickener of fracturing fluid with temperature resistance, salt resistance and quick dissolution, an emulsion thickener (ASC) was synthesized by acrylamide, acrylic acid, 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid, and acryloyl morpholine. The dissolution, salt resistance and drag reduction of ASC, and the viscoelasticity, temperature resistance and shear resistance and gel breaking properties of fracturing fluid formed by ASC and zirconium crosslinker were investigated. The results showed that the sticky time of ASC was less than 60 s and the drag reduction rate was 72.5% in 100,000 mg/L brine, showing that ASC had thickening ability in high salinity brine and satisfied the requirements of continuous fluid preparation on the fracturing process. The viscosity of ASC fracturing fluid was 98 mPa s after shearing at 200°C and 170 s−1 for 150 min when the salinity was 100,000 mg/L. When the ammonium persulfate concentration was 400 mg/L, the viscosity of the broken fluid was 4.0 mPa s. The temperature resistance, salt resistance and shear resistance of ASC emulsion fracturing fluid could be significantly improved by the introduction of acryloyl morpholine, ASC fracturing fluid had the characteristics of high elasticity and low viscosity, which could meet the application requirements under ultra‐high temperature reservoirs.
Biomimicking tendon by electrospinning tissue‐derived decellularized extracellular matrix for tendon tissue engineering
Authors: Ruhela Aakanksha , Bhatt Akshay , Rath Subha Narayan , Sharma Chandra Shekhar
Published: November 2022

Tendon injuries disturb the equilibrium between mobility and stability, resulting in impaired functions and disabilities. Clinically, it is still challenging to regenerate fully functional tendons. Here, by direct electrospinning, we fabricate goat tendon‐derived extracellular matrix (tdECM) fibers using polycaprolactone (PCL) as a supporting polymer. We observe that the incorporation of tdECM particles strongly influences the characteristics of the scaffold, such as wettability, water uptake ability, and mechanical properties. The contact angle of the PCL/tdECM scaffold decreases to zero as compared to 122° for only PCL, making the scaffold completely hydrophilic. The water uptake ability increases by 200% by adding tdECM. The Physicochemical properties are evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrospun fibers mimic the natural ECM structure, while tdECM can provide biochemical cues for the human mesenchymal stem cells to adhere to and differentiate. The scaffolds positively influence cell survival, proliferation, and alignment along the scaffolds of the human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs). This study demonstrates the potential of electrospun ECM/polymer as a bioactive scaffold for in situ tendon regeneration.
Experimental study on the constitutive model of optically clear adhesive films under rapid loading
Authors: Li Xiangzhe , Li Wenyu , Huo Mingchen , Xu Jinquan
Published: November 2022

The mechanical properties of optically clear adhesive (OCA) films can be anisotropy and viscoelasticity, and they are distinguished from conventional linear elasticity and hyper‐elasticity. These properties should be considered to analyze the interfacial stress, which plays an important role in evaluating the failure of a structure containing OCA. Based on well‐designed systematical experiments in the material's principal axes, a phenomenological constitutive model of OCA has been proposed in a transversely isotropic and rate‐dependent form. For the application to large deformation cases, the constitutive model was developed by using true stress and true strain. Results show that the well‐known assumption of volume‐incompressibility is not appropriate for OCA, and Poisson's ratio can vary with the loading rate and the current strain. Considering that the mono‐axial mechanical behaviors along the material's principal axes present strong non‐linearity, an incremental three‐dimensional constitutive model has been developed for finite element method (FEM) implementation. By comparing with traditional isotropic elastic and hyperelastic models, numerical examination results show that the proposed constitutive model can give a more accurate description of experimental stress–strain curves.
Finite‐time stabilization of output‐constrained planar switched systems via output feedback
Authors: Wei Zihang , Huang Jingxin , Lin Xiangze , Chen Chih‐Chiang
Published: November 2022

Finite‐time stabilization (FTS) problem of output‐constrained planar switched systems via output feedback is investigated in this paper. State feedback control laws are constructed in a systematic way by combining the revamped adding a power integrator technique (APIT) with the elaborately designed logarithm‐type barrier Lyapunov function (BLF). By merging the constructed variable‐gain switched observers, finite‐time output‐feedback stabilization, then, is achieved with the output constraint meets too. At the end, simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Chemical Diversity and α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity in Needles Essential Oils of Four Pinus Species from Northwestern Himalaya, India
Authors: Maurya Antim K. , Vashisath Sachin , Aggarwal Gaurav , Yadav Vikas , Agnihotri Vijai K.
Published: November 2022

This work describes the study of the chemical profiling and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of essential oils (EOs) from four Pinus species (P. wallichiana, P. patula, P. roxburghii and P. gerardiana). The identification and quantification of EOs metabolites were performed by GC/MS, GC‐FID and 13C‐NMR. The needles of P. wallichiana and P. gerardiana presented the highest oil yields (0.35 % and 0.36 %, respectively). Twenty‐four constituents were characterized in among samples exhibiting 93.8–97.7 % of the total EOs. The components and yields of the targeted samples were varied according to the species. Major components of the oils were α‐pinene (20.5–34.1 %), β‐pinene (1.4–53.0 %), δ‐3‐carene (0.2–47.0 %), limonene (1.7–13.4 %), β‐phellandrene (0.2–23.4 %), β‐myrcene (1.8–7.2 %) and α‐terpinolene (0.6–7.9 %). The extracted EOs showed strong α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, which was close to the positive control, acarbose. This study showed that the EOs of Pinus species may be used as natural antidiabetic.
An autopsy case of ovarian mucinous cystic tumor complicated by ovarian abscess and a review of the English literature
Authors: Suzuki Daisuke , Meguro Shiori , Inagaki Koji , Hashimoto Masahiro , Kawasaki Hideya , Kosugi Isao , Enomoto Yasunori , Sugiyama Miho , Fukushima Mayu , Iwashita Toshihide
Published: November 2022

Ovarian tumors are rarely associated with abscesses. Herein, an autopsy case of an ovarian mucinous cystic tumor complicated by an abscess, along with a review of previous cases, suggests the necessity of considering ovarian abscess as a cause of inflammation in patients with the ovarian tumors.
Process Intensification for the Recovery of Hydrogen Cyanide in the Andrussow Process
Authors: Lehrich Luca , Adiche Chafika
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work was to determine a cost‐optimal design of the distillation unit of the Andrussow process. For this purpose, a feed with a mass flow rate of 121 t h−1and a concentration of ca. 2 wt % hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was considered. An approach for a cost‐optimal process intensification was developed with the goal to achieve the desired product qualities, while minimizing the organonitrile accumulation in the column. For this purpose, the simple distillation column of the established cost‐optimal design of the base case was extended to a configuration with a side stripper with taking into consideration heat integration in the process. It was found that this new configuration allows a much smaller accumulation of organonitriles in the main column; reducing thereby the operation issues of the process while decreasing considerably the total annual cost of the distillation unit by 61 % as compared to that of the base case design.
Aromatische Weihnachten: Die Chemie des Zimts
Authors: Mittl Maximilian , Geue Niklas
Published: November 2022

Anlässlich des bevorstehenden Weihnachtsfestes stellen wir eine Aufgabe aus der Organischen Chemie vor, die sich speziell mit Zimtaldehyd und verwandten Aromastoffen befasst. Dabei werden zunächst grundlegende Konzepte und Reaktionstypen der Carbonylchemie angewendet, bevor die Cannizzaro‐Reaktion genauer diskutiert wird. Abgerundet wird die Aufgabe mit einer Diskussion zur Trennung der dabei entstehenden Reaktionsprodukte, die dann in einem weiteren Schritt zu zwei neuen, verschieden riechenden Aromastoffen umgesetzt werden können.
Perenniality drives multifunctional forage–biomass filter strips’ ability to improve water quality
Authors: Ashworth Amanda J. , Katuwal Sheela , Moore Philip A. , Adams Taylor , Anderson Kelsey , Owens Philip R.
Published: November 2022

Vegetative filter strip characteristics such as perenniality drive hydrology and subsequent ecosystem services. However, the extent and the potential for forage–biomass crops to improve water quality, provide fodder, and optimize nutrient cycling in multifunctional systems is unknown. We evaluated (a) how species, perenniality, and plant community composition are linked to water quality; and (b) the multiuse forage–biomass potential of filter strips. Whole plots were species [eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), Kernza [or intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium)], silphium (Silphium integrifolium), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)], with split‐plots receiving 0 or 5.6 Mg ha−1 broiler litter. Rainfall simulations were conducted at 5 cm h−1 (until 30 min of continuous runoff) in summer and fall of 2019 and 2021 with dual forage and biomass harvests occurring 2019–2021. Kernza and silphium had the lowest biomass regrowth after forage harvests relative to native grasses, suggesting they would not be ideal multifunctional forage–bioenergy crops. Among all soil–plant–water variables, canonical correlations indicate poultry litter (.97), and soil phosphorus saturation (.77) were the most influential variables for water quality. Water quality score, FWQ, which is inversely related to runoff water quality, was lowest for switchgrass (0.03) and greatest (P ≥ .05) for eastern gamagrass and wheat (1.77 and 3.33, respectively), but not different from Kernza (0.98) and silphium (0.31). Therefore, switchgrass resulted in the best water quality scores and highest forage–biomass yields, with Kernza and silphium also showing promise for reducing sediment and nutrient loads following poultry litter applications in multifunctional filter strip systems.
Asymmetrical 21‐level inverter topology with minimum variety of dc sources and reduced component counts
Authors: Arif M. Saad Bin , Mustafa Uvais , Ahmad Shahbaz , Ayob Shahrin Bin , Ashique Ratil Hasnat , Tayyab Mohammad
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes an asymmetrical multilevel inverter (MLI) topology. The inverter utilizes 12 switches, four dc sources, and two diodes to generate 21 levels. The main advantage of the converter is that it can generate 21 levels with a reduced number of switches, dc sources, and a variety of sources compared with other MLI topologies. It only utilizes two varieties of dc sources to generate the 21 levels. In addition, the topology can be easily extended to the n‐level topology. The efficiency of the proposed MLI is determined by considering switching and conduction losses in the switches using PLECS, and simulation is carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK. The nearest level control (NLC) technique is deployed to generate the switching signals. The inverter has 3.91% THD in the output voltage without filtering. The maximum voltage stress to withstand is found to be 0.7 per unit. Economic analysis of the topology is done to determine its feasibility, and the cost factor is found to be 1.53 per level, making it an economically viable option. To validate the performance of the proposed converter, an experimental prototype is developed in the laboratory and tested under different loading conditions. The comparison of the proposed topology with other MLI structures is based on the number of voltage levels, dc sources, variety of sources, driver circuits, and the TSV. Results obtained show that the proposed topology outperformed other topologies on many parameters.
Addressing prey naivety in native mammals by accelerating selection for antipredator traits
Authors: Moseby Katherine , Van der Weyde Leanne , Letnic Mike , Blumstein Daniel T. , West Rebecca , Bannister Hannah
Published: November 2022

Harnessing natural selection to improve conservation outcomes is a recent concept in ecology and evolutionary biology and a potentially powerful tool in species conservation. One possible application is the use of natural selection to improve antipredator responses of mammal species that are threatened by predation from novel predators. We investigated whether long‐term exposure of an evolutionary naïve prey species to a novel predator would lead to phenotypic changes in a suite of physical and behavioral traits. We exposed a founder population of 353 burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) to feral cats (Felis catus) over 5 years and compared the physical and behavioral traits of this population (including offspring) to a control (non‐predator exposed) population. We used selection analysis to investigate whether changes in the traits of bettongs were likely due to phenotypic plasticity or natural selection. We also quantified selection in both populations before and during major population crashes caused by drought (control) and high predation pressure (predator‐exposed). Results showed that predator‐exposed bettongs had longer flight initiation distances, larger hind feet, and larger heads than control bettongs. Trait divergence began soon after exposure and continued to intensify over time for flight initiation distance and hind foot length relative to control bettongs. Selection analysis found indicators of selection for larger hind feet and longer head length in predator‐exposed populations. Results of a common garden experiment showed that the progeny of predator‐exposed bettongs had larger feet than control bettongs. Results suggest that long‐term, low‐level exposure of naïve prey to novel predators can drive phenotypic changes that may assist with future conservation efforts.
Inflammation across universal definition of heart failure stages: the CASABLANCA study
Authors: Mohebi Reza , Liu Yuxi , van Kimmenade Roland , Gaggin Hanna K. , Murphy Sean P. , Januzzi James L.
Published: November 2022

Aim

We sought to investigate the association of inflammatory biomarkers with incident heart failure (HF) events in patients at different stages of HF.

Methods and results

Overall, 1231 study participants undergoing diagnostic coronary and/or peripheral angiography were categorized by Universal Definition of HF (UDHF) stage A (at risk), stage B (pre‐HF), and stages C or D (HF, including end‐stage). Twenty‐four inflammatory biomarkers were collected prior to angiography and unsupervised machine learning categorized levels of inflammation into three groups (low, medium, and high). Cox proportional hazard regression was implemented to assess the associations of inflammation level with incident HF hospitalization in each UDHF stage. Using machine learning, study participants were grouped into low (n = 443), medium (n = 570) and high inflammation categories (n = 230). Significantly higher concentrations of natriuretic peptide, troponin, and soluble ST2 were observed among those with high inflammation levels (p < 0.001). During 3.7 years of follow‐up, 123 (15.1%) HF hospitalizations occurred in stage A/B and 180 (41.8%) HF hospitalizations occurred in stage C/D. In multivariable model considering low inflammation level as a reference, among patients with stage A/B, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of incident HF was 2.31 (1.40–3.80) for moderate inflammation level, and 4.16 (2.35–7.37) for high inflammation level. Among patients with stage C/D, the corresponding HR (95% CI) of HF hospitalization was 1.98 (1.28–3.04) for moderate inflammation level, and 2.69 (1.69–4.28) for high inflammation level.

Conclusion

Patterns of inflammation severity may have differing prognostic meaning across UDHF stages.
The scope of the Kalman filter for spatio‐temporal applications in environmental science
Authors: Rougier Jonathan , Brady Aoibheann , Bamber Jonathan , Chuter Stephen , Royston Sam , Vishwakarma Bramha Dutt , Westaway Richard , Ziegler Yann
Published: November 2022

The Kalman filter is a workhorse of dynamical modeling. But there are challenges when using the Kalman filter in environmental science: the complexity of environmental processes, the complicated and irregular nature of many environmental datasets, and the scale of environmental datasets, which may comprise many thousands of observations per time‐step. We show how these challenges can be met within the Kalman filter, identifying some situations which are relatively easy to handle, such as datasets which are high‐resolution in time, and some which are hard, like areal observations on small contiguous polygons. Overall, we conclude that many applications in environmental science are within the scope of the Kalman filter, or its generalizations.
A hybrid convolutional neural network model to detect COVID‐19 and pneumonia using chest X‐ray images
Authors: Gupta Harsh , Bansal Naman , Garg Swati , Mallik Hritesh , Prabha Anju , Yadav Jyoti
Published: November 2022

A hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model is proposed in the article for accurate detection of COVID‐19, pneumonia, and normal patients using chest X‐ray images. The input images are first pre‐processed to tackle problems associated with the formation of the dataset from different sources, image quality issues, and imbalances in the dataset. The literature suggests that several abnormalities can be found with limited medical image datasets by using transfer learning. Hence, various pre‐trained CNN models: VGG‐19, InceptionV3, MobileNetV2, and DenseNet are adopted in the present work. Finally, with the help of these models, four hybrid models: VID (VGG‐19, Inception, and DenseNet), VMI(VGG‐19, MobileNet, and Inception), VMD (VGG‐19, MobileNet, and DenseNet), and IMD(Inception, MobileNet, and DenseNet) are proposed. The model outcome is also tested using five‐fold cross‐validation. The best‐performing hybrid model is the VMD model with an overall testing accuracy of 97.3%. Thus, a new hybrid model architecture is presented in the work that combines three individual base CNN models in a parallel configuration to counterbalance the shortcomings of individual models. The experimentation result reveals that the proposed hybrid model outperforms most of the previously suggested models. This model can also be used in the identification of diseases, especially in rural areas where limited laboratory facilities are available.
Impact of Alcohol on Bone Health in People Living With HIV: Integrating Clinical Data From Serum Bone Markers With Morphometric Analysis in a Non‐Human Primate Model
Authors: Denys Alexandra , Norman Allison , Perrien Daniel S , Suva Larry J , Simon Liz , McDaniel Lee S , Ferguson Tekeda , Pedersen Kim , Welsh David , Molina Patricia E , Ronis Martin JJ
Published: November 2022

People living with HIV (PLWH) represent a vulnerable population to adverse musculoskeletal outcomes due to HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and at‐risk alcohol use. Developing measures to prevent skeletal degeneration in this group requires a grasp of the relationship between alcohol use and low bone mass in both the PLWH population and its constituents as defined by sex, age, and race. We examined the association of alcohol use with serum biochemical markers of bone health in a diverse cohort of PLWH enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) study. To explore the effects of alcohol on bone in the context of HIV and ART and the role of estrogen, we conducted a parallel, translational study using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)+/ART+ female rhesus macaques divided into four groups: vehicle (Veh)/Sham; chronic binge alcohol (CBA)/Sham; Veh/ovariectomy (OVX); and CBA/OVX. Clinical data showed that both osteocalcin (Ocn) and procollagen type I N‐propeptide (PINP) levels were inversely associated with multiple measures of alcohol consumption. Age (>50 years) significantly increased susceptibility to alcohol‐associated suppression of bone formation in both female and male PLWH, with postmenopausal status appearing as an additional risk factor in females. Serum sclerostin (Scl) levels correlated positively with measures of alcohol use and negatively with Ocn. Micro‐CT analysis of the macaque tibias revealed that although both CBA and OVX independently decreased trabecular number and bone mineral density, only OVX decreased trabecular bone volume fraction and impacted cortical geometry. The clinical data implicate circulating Scl in the pathogenesis of alcohol‐induced osteopenia and suggest that bone morphology can be significantly altered in the absence of net change in osteoblast function as measured by serum markers. Inclusion of sophisticated tools to evaluate skeletal strength in clinical populations will be essential to understand the impact of alcohol‐induced changes in bone microarchitecture. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Controlling the 3D flower‐like ZnO via simple precipitation method and its formation mechanism and photocatalytic application
Authors: Mac Van Hung , Vu Anh‐Tuan
Published: November 2022

The stratified ZnO has been known to be an efficient photocatalyst. However, its morphological control is limited because of the strict conditions. In this study, the 3D flower‐like ZnO was synthesized by the simple precipitation method. Its morphology was simply controlled by changes in NaOH and trisodium citrate dihydrate content and reaction temperature. Flower‐like ZnO has been produced in different sizes and petals thicknesses with the variation of trisodium citrate dihydrate. Besides, at 0.25 M NaOH, the ZnO‐1NaOH was 5 μm in size assembled from numerous petals with an average thickness of 13 nm. The morphology changed at higher NaOH content, it was observed as a triangular prism for the ZnO‐2NaOH sample. While the reaction temperature changed the thickness of the petals. The plausible formation mechanism of flower structure was proposed. The catalytic activity of ZnO was demonstrated through the decomposition of tetracycline hydrochloride (THC) under visible light. In addition, the stability and photocatalytic mechanism of ZnO were studied.
Shear wave elastography to evaluate carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Li Xiya , Li Zhen , Zhang Mengmeng , Li Guangsen , Yu Tingting
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) by shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

Of the 92 drinkers with alcohol drinking for greater than or equal to 5 years, were fell into three groups depending on the liver ultrasound results: group B (without AFLD), group C (with mild AFLD), and group D (moderate‐to‐severe AFLD). Another 32 healthy adults were selected as the control group (group A). All participants had no significant carotid plaque. Gray scale ultrasound and color doppler ultrasound were used to obtain the left common carotid peak systolic velocity (PSV), carotid diastolic internal diameter (Dd), carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), carotid systolic internal diameter (Ds) and the stiffness coefficient (β). Mean values of mean elastic modulus (MEmean), minimum elastic modulus (MEmin), and maximum elastic modulus (MEmax) of the anterior wall of the left common carotid artery at end‐diastole were measured by SWE.

Results

Dd, Ds, and PSV among the four groups showed no differences. (all P > 0.05). Compared with groups A and B, MEmin, MEmax, and MEmean were significantly higher in group C (all P < 0.05), while IMT and β were not statistically different (all P > 0.05). MEmean, MEmin, MEmax, IMT, and β were significantly higher in group D compared with the other three groups (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in IMT, β, MEmean, MEmax, and MEmin between groups A and B (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography can provide a quantitative evaluation for the carotid artery elasticity in long‐term drinkers with varying degrees of AFLD.
Measuring quality and value in genetic counseling: The current landscape and future directions
Authors: Higgs Emily , Wain Karen E. , Wynn Julia , Cho Megan T. , Higgins Sonja , Blaisdell David , Dugan Donna , Valek Sara , Cohen Stephanie
Published: November 2022

Genetic counselors strive to provide high‐quality genetic services. To do so, it is essential to define quality in genetic counseling and identify opportunities for improvement. This Professional Issues article provides an overview of the evaluation of healthcare quality in genetic counseling. The National Society of Genetic Counselors' Research, Quality, and Outcomes Committee partnered with Discern Health, a value‐based healthcare policy consulting firm, to develop a care continuum model of genetic counseling. Using the proposed model, currently available quality measures relevant to genetic counseling in the US healthcare system were assessed, allowing for the identification of gaps and priority areas for further development. A total of 560 quality measures were identified that can be applied to various aspects of the care continuum model across a range of clinical specialty areas in genetic counseling, although few measures were specific to genetic counseling or genetic conditions. Areas where quality measures were lacking included: attitudes toward genetic testing, family communication, stigma, and issues of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We discuss these findings and other strategies for an evidence‐based approach to quality in genetic counseling. Strategic directions for the genetic counseling profession should include a consolidated approach to research on quality and value of genetic counseling, development of quality metrics and patient‐experience measures, and engagement with other improvement activities. These strategies will allow for benchmarking, performance improvement, and future implementation in accountability programs which will strengthen genetic counseling as a profession that provides evidence‐based high‐quality care to all patients.
Obliterative portal venopathy: A neglected and probably misdiagnosed disease with peculiar etiology in South America
Authors: Nunes Vinícius , de Freitas Luiz A R , de Freitas Juliana R , Araújo Caio , Junior Gildásio N , Schinoni Maria I , Bessone Fernando , Paraná Raymundo
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Obliterative portal venopathy (OPV) is one of the causes of non‐cirrhotic portal hypertension. However, many aspects of OPV remain unclear, including the etiology, pathogenesis, and natural history. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of OPV in a series of patients in Brazil in whom OPV was diagnosed through liver biopsy.

Methods

Forty‐three consecutive adult patients with OPV were retrospectively selected as a case series based on histologic criteria, defined by the presence of at least portal fibrosis, phlebosclerosis, disappearance and/or reduction of the caliber of portal vein branches, and exclusion of cirrhosis. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed. Clinically significant portal hypertension was considered in the presence of esophageal varices and/or ascites.

Results

The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 44.5 ± 11 years, who were predominantly female (81%). Clinically significant portal hypertension was found in 28% of cases. The most frequent indication for liver biopsy was the elevation of liver enzymes, mostly γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) in 76% of patients, averaging 222 IU/L (upper limit of normality up to 40 IU/L) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in 64%, mean 84 IU/L (38 IU/L). One‐third of our patients had exposure to medications, especially herbal medicines, at the time of enzymatic changes. Other risk factors highlighted were features of autoimmunity in 25% of patients or thrombophilia in 20%.

Conclusion

OPV can be diagnosed even before the onset of portal hypertension, ALT elevation, and especially GGT elevation in most cases. Its etiology is not defined, but autoimmune diseases, thrombophilia, and the use of medications or herbal medicines may play a role.
Septum Resection Prior to In Vitro Fertilization‐Embryo Transfer
Authors: Ouyang Yan , Chen Hui , Gong Fei , Lin Ge , Li Xihong
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness of surgery for septate uterus in infertile patients before in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer (IVF‐ET).

Methods

The data of 937 infertile patients with septate uterus and achieved singleton pregnancy after IVF‐ET from January 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Thousand five hundred seventy‐eight infertile patients with a normal uterus who achieved singleton pregnancy during the same period were selected as the control group. Patients with septate uterus were divided into two groups according to whether the septum was resected. The pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of the surgical group and the nonsurgical group were compared with the control group. The secondary infertility patients who were surgically corrected septa were also chosen as self‐controls and an analysis was performed on their fertility outcomes pre‐ and post‐surgery.

Results

Compared with the control group, the surgical group had increased rates of early miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birthweight and a significantly reduced live birth rate (P < .05). The outcomes of the nonsurgical and control groups were similar. Using secondary infertility patients who were surgically corrected septa as self‐controls, after surgery, the rates of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy were significantly lower and the live birth rate was significantly higher (P ≤ .001); however, perinatal mortality was not significantly different before and after surgery.

Conclusions

Patients with a septum depth greater than 10 mm or 5–10 mm associated with a history of unexplained recurrent miscarriage, IVF failure, or infertility might benefit from resection of the uterine septum with hysteroscopic metroplasty.
Key Points to Select a Device for Dermatologic Ultrasound
Authors: Wortsman Ximena
Published: November 2022

What points to consider when selecting a device for practicing dermatologic ultrasound is an excellent question. After we met the requisites published in the guidelines for practicing dermatologic ultrasound, it is necessary to consider the main objective of the use because it is not the same to be focused mostly on the avoidance of the puncture of important facial vessels such as the case of injectors of cosmetic fillers in comparison to the use of operators that need to deal with the diagnosis and monitoring of a wide range of dermatologic pathologies. Currently, a broad variety of ultrasound devices meets the minimum requirements for practicing these examinations in the market. Thus, small, portable, and high‐end devices may present advantages and limitations that must be balanced according to the primary purposes and the budget. Moreover, the shape and footprint of the probes can make difficult or facilitate a dermatologic procedure. Other points to consider are the type of storage and the need for technical service. In summary, there are key points that we need to consider when we select a dermatologic ultrasound device in dermatology or aesthetics.
Technical note: Phantom‐based training framework for convolutional neural network CT noise reduction
Authors: Huber Nathan R. , Missert Andrew D. , Gong Hao , Leng Shuai , Yu Lifeng , McCollough Cynthia H.
Published: November 2022

Background

Deep artificial neural networks such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been shown to be effective models for reducing noise in CT images while preserving anatomic details. A practical bottleneck for developing CNN‐based denoising models is the procurement of training data consisting of paired examples of high‐noise and low‐noise CT images. Obtaining these paired data are not practical in a clinical setting where the raw projection data is not available. This work outlines a technique to optimize CNN denoising models using methods that are available in a routine clinical setting.

Purpose

To demonstrate a phantom‐based training framework for CNN noise reduction that can be efficiently implemented on any CT scanner.

Methods

The phantom‐based training framework uses supervised learning in which training data are synthesized using an image‐based noise insertion technique. Ten patient image series were used for training and validation (9:1) and noise‐only images obtained from anthropomorphic phantom scans. Phantom noise‐only images were superimposed on patient images to imitate low‐dose CT images for use in training. A modified U‐Net architecture was used with mean‐squared‐error and feature reconstruction loss. The training framework was tested for clinically indicated whole‐body‐low‐dose CT images, as well as routine abdomen‐pelvis exams for which projection data was unavailable. Performance was assessed based on root‐mean‐square error, structural similarity, line profiles, and visual assessment.

Results

When the CNN was tested on five reserved quarter‐dose whole‐body‐low‐dose CT images, noise was reduced by 75%, root‐mean‐square‐error reduced by 34%, and structural similarity increased by 60%. Visual analysis and line profiles indicated that the method significantly reduced noise while maintaining spatial resolution of anatomic features.

Conclusion

The proposed phantom‐based training framework demonstrated strong noise reduction while preserving spatial detail. Because this method is based within the image domain, it can be easily implemented without access to projection data.
PK/PD model‐informed dose selection for oncology phase I expansion: Case study based on PF‐06939999, a PRMT5 inhibitor
Authors: Guo Cen , Liao Kai H. , Li Meng , Wang I‐Ming , Shaik Naveed , Yin Donghua
Published: November 2022

The optimal dose for targeted oncology therapeutics is often not the maximum tolerated dose. Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling can be an effective tool to integrate clinical data to help identify the optimal dose. This case study shows the utility of population PK/PD modeling in selecting the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) for the first‐in‐patient (FIP) study of PF‐06939999, a small‐molecule inhibitor of protein arginine methyltransferase 5. In the dose escalation part of the FIP trial (NCT03854227), 28 patients with solid tumors were administered PF‐06939999 at 0.5 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, or 8 mg once daily (q.d.) or 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, or 6 mg twice daily (b.i.d.). Tolerability, safety, PK, PD biomarkers (plasma symmetrical dimethyl‐arginine [SDMA]), and antitumor response were assessed. Semimechanistic population PK/PD modeling analyses were performed to characterize the time‐courses of plasma PF‐06939999 concentrations, plasma SDMA, and platelet counts collected from 28 patients. Platelet counts were evaluated because thrombocytopenia was the treatment‐related adverse event with clinical safety concern. The models adequately described the PK, SDMA, and platelet count profiles both at individual and population levels. Simulations suggested that among a range of dose levels, 6 mg q.d. would yield the optimal balance between achieving the PD target (i.e., 78% reduction in plasma SDMA) and staying below an acceptable probability of developing grade ≥3 thrombocytopenia. As a result, 6 mg q.d. was selected as the RDE. The model‐informed drug development approach informed the rational dose selection for the early clinical development of PF‐06939999.
Role of land‐surface vegetation in the march of Indian monsoon onset isochrones in a coupled model
Authors: Chakraborty Arindam , Samuel Jerry B. , Paleri Anagha
Published: November 2022

Although the Climate Forecast System version‐2 model simulates an overall dry bias in boreal summer mean rainfall over Indian land, the deficiency is particularly prominent over northwest India. The prevailing dryness limits the interannual prediction skill of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall and its subseasonal variability because of poor representation of latent heating due to weak moist convection and the resulting circulation. Here, we show that land‐surface vegetation plays a crucial role in determining the dry bias in the Climate Forecast System version‐2 model. We replaced the land‐surface model's existing vegetation type over India with that derived from recent satellite‐based observations. The modifications helped improve the seasonal mean rainfall over northwest India by 6%. The improvements are especially noticeable during the monsoon season's onset (14%) and withdrawal (10%) phases. Simulations with modified vegetation advanced the onset dates over Kerala, central India, and northwest India closer to that observed. This improvement in the mean onset dates is most prominent over northwest India. Such an improvement was possible owing to a substantial reduction of long rainfall hiatus after onset over Kerala in the simulation with modified vegetation. The modification makes the spatial orientation of monsoon onset isochrones more realistic. We found that although the vertically integrated moisture flux is eastward over most of the Indian monsoon region during its onset phase, its intraseasonal components are westward. In other words, at the intraseasonal time‐scale, moisture propagates against the prevailing low‐level westerlies. This intraseasonal eddy moisture transport advances onset from the Bay of Bengal toward the far northwest parts of the Indian land. The representation of such intraseasonal moisture seepage in the model updated with satellite‐derived vegetation types was improved. Our study indicates the necessity of greater attention to land‐surface representations for improved predictions of onset dates.
In Situ Reconstruction NiO Octahedral Active Sites for Promoting Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution of Nickel Phosphate
Authors: Cao Hongshuai , Qiao Panzhe , Zhong Qilan , Qi Ruijuan , Dang Yijing , Wang Lei , Xu Zhiai , Zhang Wen
Published: November 2022

Electrochemical activation strategy is very effective to improve the intrinsic catalytic activity of metal phosphate toward the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for water electrolysis. However, it is still challenging to operando trace the activated reconstruction and corresponding electrocatalytic dynamic mechanisms. Herein, a constant voltage activation strategy is adopted to in situ activate Ni2P4O12, in which the break of NiONi bond and dissolution of PO43− groups could optimize the lattice oxygen, thus reconstructing an irreversible amorphous Ni(OH)2 layer with a thickness of 1.5–3.5 nm on the surface of Ni2P4O12. The heterostructure electrocatalyst can afford an excellent OER activity in alkaline media with an overpotential of 216.5 mV at 27.0 mA cm−2. Operando X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy analysis and density functional theory simulations indicate that the heterostructure follows a nonconcerted proton–electron transfer mechanism for OER. This activation strategy demonstrates universality and can be used to the surface reconstruction of other metal phosphates.
Experimental investigation of corrosion effect on bending deflection of shield tunnel segment containing transverse cracks
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Yu Shuo , Jin Hao , Bi Xiangli , Zhou Shunhua
Published: November 2022

Corrosion of the steel rebar will be generated in the cracked concrete of the shield tunnel during the operation period, which will reduce the bending performance of the tunnel segment. In this study, the effect of the rebar corrosion on the bending deflection of the shield tunnel segment that contains transverse cracks is investigated by experimental tests. The initial transverse cracks of the segment are simulated by a bending load device, and the galvanostatic method is used to simulate the corrosion of the segment rebar. The degradation of the segment bending deflection after the rebar corrosion process is measured and compared with the non‐corroded segment. The results reveal that when the depth of the transverse crack does not exceed the thickness of the protective layer, the corrosion of the rebar has little effect on the bending degradation. However, when the width and depth of the transverse crack reach approximately 1.2 and 210 mm, respectively, the degradation rate of bending deflection begins to increase rapidly.
A CMOS Temperature Sensor with On‐chip Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Masui Yoshihiro
Published: November 2022

Energy harvesting technologies are attracting attention because they remove power supply lines and charging. However, energy harvesting has many problems such as small power generation and instability, and low output voltage. As a step toward putting this attractive technology to practical use, I have developed a CMOS temperature sensor with on‐chip photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.97 V, a short‐circuit current of 8.0 μA, and a maximum power generation of 6.5 μW in an area of 800 μm square. Experiments have shown that the prototype CMOS temperature sensor can operate without external power supply. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Positive Psychology in the Context of Religious Communities
Authors: Wang David C. , McMinn Mark R. , Wood Zachary , Lee Collin
Published: November 2022

This chapter explores the intersections of positive psychology, religion, and spirituality in the context of religious communities (e.g., churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples). We first argue that positive psychology provides an optimal vehicle for cultivating and demonstrating the mutual benefits of collaboration between psychology and religious communities by supporting adherents’ religiousness/spirituality, virtue development, and holistic well-being within the context of their religious community. Second, we review empirical research on how positive psychology and religion/spirituality interact reciprocally in the context of religious communities. Finally, we discuss implications for ongoing research.
Damping of neutrino oscillations, decoherence and the lengths of neutrino wave packets
Authors: Akhmedov Evgeny , Smirnov Alexei Y.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Spatial separation of the wave packets (WPs) of neutrino mass eigenstates leads to decoherence and damping of neutrino oscillations. Damping can also be caused by finite energy resolution of neutrino detectors or, in the case of experiments with radioactive neutrino sources, by finite width of the emitted neutrino line. We study in detail these two types of damping effects using reactor neutrino experiments and experiments with radioactive 51Cr source as examples. We demonstrate that the effects of decoherence by WP separation can always be incorporated into a modification of the energy resolution function of the detector and so are intimately entangled with it. We estimate for the first time the lengths σx of WPs of reactor neutrinos and neutrinos from a radioactive 51Cr source. The obtained values, σx = (2 × 10−5 − 1.4 × 10−4) cm, are at least six orders of magnitude larger than the currently available experimental lower bounds. We conclude that effects of decoherence by WP separation cannot be probed in reactor and radioactive source experiments.