bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wideband black‐blood late gadolinium enhancement imaging for improved myocardial scar assessment in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices
Authors: Gut Pauline , Cochet Hubert , Caluori Guido , El‐Hamrani Dounia , Constantin Marion , Vlachos Konstantinos , Sridi Soumaya , Antiochos Panagiotis , Schwitter Jürg , Masi Ambra , Sacher Frederic , Jaïs Pierre , Stuber Matthias , Bustin Aurélien
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Wideband phase‐sensitive inversion recovery (PSIR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) enables myocardial scar imaging in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) patients, mitigating hyperintensity artifacts. To address subendocardial scar visibility challenges, a 2D breath‐hold single‐shot electrocardiography‐triggered black‐blood (BB) LGE sequence was integrated with wideband imaging, enhancing scar‐blood contrast.

Methods

Wideband BB, with increased bandwidth in the inversion pulse (0.8–3.8 kHz) and T2 preparation refocusing pulses (1.6–5.0 kHz), was compared with conventional and wideband PSIR, and conventional BB, in a phantom and sheep with and without ICD, and in six patients with cardiac devices and known myocardial injury. ICD artifact extent was quantified in the phantom and specific absorption rate (SAR) was reported for each sequence. Image contrast ratios were analyzed in both phantom and animal experiments. Expert radiologists assessed image quality, artifact severity, and scar segments in patients and sheep. Additionally, histology was performed on the sheep's heart.

Results

In the phantom, wideband BB reduced ICD artifacts by 62% compared to conventional BB while substantially improving scar‐blood contrast, but with a SAR more than 24 times that of wideband PSIR. Similarly, the animal study demonstrated a considerable increase in scar‐blood contrast with wideband BB, with superior scar detection compared with wideband PSIR, the latter confirmed by histology. In alignment with the animal study, wideband BB successfully eliminated severe ICD hyperintensity artifacts in all patients, surpassing wideband PSIR in image quality and scar detection.

Conclusion

Wideband BB may play a crucial role in imaging ICD patients, offering images with reduced ICD artifacts and enhanced scar detection.
Evaluating cerebrovascular reactivity measured by velocity selective inversion arterial spin labeling with different post‐labeling delays: The effect of fast flow
Authors: Xu Feng , Xu Cuimei , Zhu Dan , Liu Dapeng , Lu Hanzhang , Qin Qin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Velocity selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) quantification assumes that the labeled bolus continuously moves into the imaging voxel during the post‐labeling delay (PLD). Faster blood flow could lead to a bolus duration shorter than the applied PLD of VSASL and cause underestimation of cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study aims to evaluate the performance of velocity‐selective inversion (VSI) prepared arterial spin labeling (ASL) with different PLDs and pseudo‐continuous ASL (PCASL) for quantification of hypercapnia‐induced cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), using phase‐contrast (PC) MRI as a global reference.

Methods

We compared CVR obtained by VSI‐ASL with PLD of 1520 ms (VSASL‐1520), 1000 ms (VSASL‐1000), and 500 ms (VSASL‐500), PCASL with PLD of 1800 ms (PCASL‐1800), and PC MRI on eight healthy volunteers at two sessions.

Results

Compared with PC MRI, VSASL‐1520 produced significantly lower global CVR values, while PCASL‐1800, VSASL‐1000, and VSASL‐500 yielded more consistent results. The reduced CVR in VSASL‐1520 was more pronounced in carotid territories including frontal and temporal lobes than in vertebral territories such as the occipital lobe. This is largely caused by the underestimated perfusion during hypercapnia due to the reduced bolus duration being less than the PLD.

Conclusion

Although VSASL offers certain advantages over spatially selective ASL due to its reduced susceptibility to delayed ATT, this technique is prone to biases when the ATT is excessively short. Therefore, a short PLD should be employed for reliable perfusion and CVR quantification in populations or conditions with fast flow.
Enhanced parameter estimation in multiparametric arterial spin labeling using artificial neural networks
Authors: Ishida Shota , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Matta Yuki , Takei Naoyuki , Kanamoto Masayuki , Kimura Hirohiko , Tsujikawa Tetsuya
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Multiparametric arterial spin labeling (MP‐ASL) can quantify cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial cerebral blood volume (CBVa). However, its accuracy is compromised owing to its intrinsically low SNR, necessitating complex and time‐consuming parameter estimation. Deep neural networks (DNNs) offer a solution to these limitations. Therefore, we aimed to develop simulation‐based DNNs for MP‐ASL and compared the performance of a supervised DNN (DNNSup), physics‐informed unsupervised DNN (DNNUns), and the conventional lookup table method (LUT) using simulation and in vivo data.

Methods

MP‐ASL was performed twice during resting state and once during the breath‐holding task. First, the accuracy and noise immunity were evaluated in the first resting state. Second, CBF and CBVa values were statistically compared between the first resting state and the breath‐holding task using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test and Cliff's delta. Finally, reproducibility of the two resting states was assessed.

Results

Simulation and first resting‐state analyses demonstrated that DNNSup had higher accuracy, noise immunity, and a six‐fold faster computation time than LUT. Furthermore, all methods detected task‐induced CBF and CBVa elevations, with the effect size being larger with the DNNSup (CBF, p = 0.055, Δ = 0.286; CBVa, p = 0.008, Δ = 0.964) and DNNUns (CBF, p = 0.039, Δ = 0.286; CBVa, p = 0.008, Δ = 1.000) than that with LUT (CBF, p = 0.109, Δ = 0.214; CBVa, p = 0.008, Δ = 0.929). Moreover, all the methods exhibited comparable and satisfactory reproducibility.

Conclusion

DNNSup outperforms DNNUns and LUT with respect to estimation performance and computation time.
ssVERDICT: Self‐supervised VERDICT‐MRI for enhanced prostate tumor characterization
Authors: Sen Snigdha , Singh Saurabh , Pye Hayley , Moore Caroline M. , Whitaker Hayley C. , Punwani Shonit , Atkinson David , Panagiotaki Eleftheria , Slator Paddy J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Demonstrating and assessing self‐supervised machine‐learning fitting of the VERDICT (vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumors) model for prostate cancer.

Methods

We derive a self‐supervised neural network for fitting VERDICT (ssVERDICT) that estimates parameter maps without training data. We compare the performance of ssVERDICT to two established baseline methods for fitting diffusion MRI models: conventional nonlinear least squares and supervised deep learning. We do this quantitatively on simulated data by comparing the Pearson's correlation coefficient, mean‐squared error, bias, and variance with respect to the simulated ground truth. We also calculate in vivo parameter maps on a cohort of 20 prostate cancer patients and compare the methods' performance in discriminating benign from cancerous tissue via Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test.

Results

In simulations, ssVERDICT outperforms the baseline methods (nonlinear least squares and supervised deep learning) in estimating all the parameters from the VERDICT prostate model in terms of Pearson's correlation coefficient, bias, and mean‐squared error. In vivo, ssVERDICT shows stronger lesion conspicuity across all parameter maps, and improves discrimination between benign and cancerous tissue over the baseline methods.

Conclusion

ssVERDICT significantly outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods for VERDICT model fitting and shows, for the first time, fitting of a detailed multicompartment biophysical diffusion MRI model with machine learning without the requirement of explicit training labels.
A decay‐modeled compressed sensing reconstruction approach for non‐Cartesian hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI
Authors: Plummer Joseph W. , Hussain Riaz , Bdaiwi Abdullah S. , Soderlund Stephanie A. , Hoyos Xavier , Lanier John M. , Garrison William J. , Parra‐Robles Juan , Willmering Matthew M. , Niedbalski Peter J. , Cleveland Zackary I. , Walkup Laura L.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI benefits from non‐Cartesian acquisitions that sample k‐space efficiently and rapidly. However, their reconstructions are complex and burdened by decay processes unique to hyperpolarized gas. Currently used gridded reconstructions are prone to artifacts caused by magnetization decay and are ill‐suited for undersampling. We present a compressed sensing (CS) reconstruction approach that incorporates magnetization decay in the forward model, thereby producing images with increased sharpness and contrast, even in undersampled data.

Methods

Radio‐frequency, T1, and decay processes were incorporated into the forward model and solved using iterative methods including CS. The decay‐modeled reconstruction was validated in simulations and then tested in 2D/3D‐spiral ventilation and 3D‐radial gas‐exchange MRI. Quantitative metrics including apparent‐SNR and sharpness were compared between gridded, CS, and twofold undersampled CS reconstructions. Observations were validated in gas‐exchange data collected from 15 healthy and 25 post‐hematopoietic‐stem‐cell‐transplant participants.

Results

CS reconstructions in simulations yielded images with threefold increases in accuracy. CS increased sharpness and contrast for ventilation in vivo imaging and showed greater accuracy for undersampled acquisitions. CS improved gas‐exchange imaging, particularly in the dissolved‐phase where apparent‐SNR improved, and structure was made discernable. Finally, CS showed repeatability in important global gas‐exchange metrics including median dissolved‐gas signal ratio and median angle between real/imaginary components.

Conclusion

A non‐Cartesian CS reconstruction approach that incorporates hyperpolarized 129Xe decay processes is presented. This approach enables improved image sharpness, contrast, and overall image quality in addition to up‐to threefold undersampling. This contribution benefits all hyperpolarized gas MRI through improved accuracy and decreased scan durations.
A reusable 3D printed brain‐like phantom for benchmarking electrical properties tomography reconstructions
Authors: Meerbothe T. G. , Florczak S. , van den Berg C. A. T. , Levato R. , Mandija S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In MR electrical properties tomography (MR‐EPT), electrical properties (EPs, conductivity and permittivity) are reconstructed from MR measurements. Phantom measurements are important to characterize the performance of MR‐EPT reconstruction methods, since they allow knowledge of reference EPs values. To assess reconstruction methods in a more realistic scenario, it is important to test the methods using phantoms with realistic shapes, internal structures, and dielectric properties. In this work, we present a 3D printing procedure for the creation of realistic brain‐like phantoms to benchmark MR‐EPT reconstructions.

Methods

We created two brain‐like geometries with three different compartments using 3D printing. The first geometry was filled once, while the second geometry was filled three times with different saline‐gelatin solutions, resulting in a total of four phantoms with different EPs. The saline solutions were characterized using a probe. 3D MR‐EPT reconstructions were performed from MR measurements at 3T. The reconstructed conductivity values were compared to reference values of the saline‐gelatin solutions. The measured fields were also compared to simulated fields using the same phantom geometry and electrical properties.

Results

The measured fields were consistent with simulated fields. Reconstructed conductivity values were consistent with the reference (probe) conductivity values. This indicated the suitability of such phantoms for benchmarking MR‐EPT reconstructions.

Conclusion

We presented a new workflow to 3D print realistic brain‐like phantoms in an easy and affordable way. These phantoms are suitable to benchmark MR‐EPT reconstructions, but can also be used for benchmarking other quantitative MR methods.
Identifying critical demand scenarios for the robust capacitated network design problem using principal component analysis
Authors: Bley Andreas , Hahn Philipp
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we consider the single‐commodity robust network design problem. Given an undirected graph with capacity installation costs on its edges and a set of scenarios with associated flow balance vectors that represent different scenarios of node supplies and demands, the goal is to find integer edge capacities that minimize the total installation cost and permit a feasible single commodity flow for each scenario. This problem arises, for example, in the design of power networks, which are dimensioned to accommodate many different load scenarios. We propose a new method to identify a small subset of the given scenarios, such that solving the robust network design problem for the smaller scenario set leads to almost the same capacities as solving it for the full scenario set . By considering only the scenarios in , the size of the model that needs to be solved can be reduced substantially, while the error introduced by neglecting the remaining scenarios is kept very small. Our method only employs simple techniques from statistical data analysis, namely principal component analysis (PCA), and convex hull computations in low dimensions. Thus, its computational effort is very small and it is easily applicable to more complex network design problems. We evaluate the effectiveness of the method in computational experiments for instances stemming from offshore power grid planning and telecommunication networks. Our results show that the proposed techniques are indeed well suited to identify small scenario subsets that lead to significantly reduced models with high quality solutions.
Psychological Status as an Effect Modifier of the Association Between Allergy Symptoms and Allergy Testing
Authors: Kim Minjee , Li Anne , Prince Anthony A. , Nadkarni Ashwini , Louisias Margee , Corrales Carleton Eduardo , Gilani Sapideh , Shin Jennifer J.
Published: June 2024

Objective

Patient‐reported outcome measures, while valuable, may not correlate with diagnostic test results. To better understand this potential discrepancy, our objective was to determine whether psychological health is an effect modifier of the association between patient‐reported allergy outcome scores and allergy test results.

Study Design

Prospective outcomes study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital and community‐based clinic.

Methods

This study included 600 patients at least 18 years of age who presented for symptoms related to allergic rhinitis and completed the related sinonasal outcome test (SNOT), which includes validated nasal, allergy, and psychological domains. Stratified analyses of odds ratios and Spearman correlation coefficients were utilized to assess for effect modification by psychological status.

Results

Worse patient‐reported allergic rhinitis symptoms were significantly associated with positive allergy test results (odds ratio [OR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22‐2.34, P = .002) in patients with better psychological health. In contrast, there was no association in patients with worse psychological health (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.36‐3.10, P = .92). These findings were corroborated by assessments of correlation: allergy domain scores were positively correlated with allergy testing scores (Spearman rho 0.18, 95% CI 0.10‐0.25, P < .001) in patients with better psychological health, while there was no correlation in patients with worse psychological health (−0.02, 95% CI −0.16‐0.12, P = .77).

Conclusions

Psychological status was an effect modifier of the association between allergy domain and allergy testing data. When assessing the relationship between subjective measures, such as sinonasal validated instruments, and objective measures, such as allergy test results, accounting for effect modifiers such as psychological state can provide clinical and research‐related insights.
Ultra‐high bonding strength of carbon fiber–doped polyamide–aluminum alloy composite structure achieved by changing crystallinity
Authors: Zhao Wei , Qiu Jianhui , Sakai Eiichi , Wu Haonan , Zhao Yang , Feng Huixia , Guo Shaoyun , Wu Hong
Published: June 2024

Lightweight and high‐strength polymer–metal hybrid structures are favored for reducing material and energy consumption. In this study, carbon fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (CFPA) composite materials were prepared through melt blending, and 30 wt% CFPA exhibited the highest shear strength and lowest shrinkage rate among other carbon fiber contents. With pretreatments of anodizing and etching treatment, injection molded direct joining was employed to create polyamide 6 (PA)/CFPA–Aluminum alloy (Al) composites. The impacts of the injection temperature and speed on the bonding strength of the PA/CFPA–Al composite materials were investigated. The characterization results confirmed that carbon fiber doping reduces the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) and enhances crystallization ability of PA. The higher injection temperatures and lower injection speed significantly increase the crystallinity of PA and the infiltration of the molten polymer into the nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide films. When the injection temperature was 270°C and the speed was 6 mm/s, the bonding strength of the PA–Al hybrid structure reached a maximum of 36.6 MPa. When the injection temperature was 300°C, the bonding strength of the CFPA–Al hybrid structure reached a maximum of 40.8 MPa. Adhesive parts with high shear bonding strength are critical to satisfying engineering requirements and have significant potential, particularly in polymer–metal composite structures. The polymer‐metal hybrid structure can meet the high interfacial bonding strength required in most engineering applications.

Highlights

Injection temperature and speed in IMDJ affect PA crystallinity.

Carbon fiber doping reduces the CLTE of PA and increases the shear strength.

High temperatures and low injection speeds are beneficial to adhesives.

The bonding strength of PA–Al reached a maximum of 36.6 MPa.

The bonding strength of CFPA–Al reached a maximum of 40.8 MPa.
Nocturnal enuresis in early adolescence and neurodevelopmental delay in infancy: A population‐based study
Authors: Kanata Sho , Ando Shuntaro , Yamasaki Syudo , Fujikawa Shinya , Morimoto Yuko , Kiyono Tomoki , Morita Masaya , Hiraiwa‐Hasegawa Mariko , Nishida Atsushi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: June 2024

Aim

The neurodevelopmental delay hypothesis may explain the mechanism of nocturnal enuresis (NE), but whether the hypothesis holds in early adolescence remains unknown, considering NE frequency. Therefore, we aimed to identify whether neurodevelopmental delays in infancy were associated with the frequency of NE in early adolescence.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Tokyo Early Adolescence Survey, in which 4478 children (mean age: 10.2 years) and their parents participated. Twelve developmental delays (eight motor, four verbal) were extracted from the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. The NE frequency was obtained from a parent‐answered questionnaire, which divided children into three categories according to DSM‐5 criteria (none, infrequent [<1 time a week], and frequent [≥2 times a week]). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether delayed developmental milestones in infancy were predictive of frequent/infrequent NE in early adolescence.

Results

Developmental delays, particularly those related to motor development but not verbal, such as holding their head up (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 2.1 [1.1–4.2]), crawling (2.1 [1.0–4.4]), walking with support (4.0 [1.9–8.4]), walking independently (5.8 [2.2–15.4]), and drawing a circle (5.0 [2.0–12.3]), were significantly associated with an increased risk of frequent NE in early adolescence (all ps < 0.05). However, an association with infrequent NE was not found.

Conclusion

This population‐based epidemiological study revealed that motor developmental delays increased the risk of frequent NE in early adolescence, but not of infrequent NE. This finding reinforces the neurodevelopmental delay hypothesis, which provides a biological explanation for the involuntary nature of enuresis. All children in early adolescence with frequent NE should be evaluated and treated by a medical expert.
Constraints of commercially available seed diversity in restoration: Implications for plant functional diversity
Authors: Andres Samantha E. , Atkinson Joe , Coleman David , Brazill‐Boast James , Wright Ian J. , Allen Stuart , Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: June 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Large quantities of diverse native seeds are required to scale up global restoration efforts. However, it remains unclear for many ecosystems how the diversity of available seed in commercial stocks reflects the composition of the ecosystems where vegetation is being remade. This study highlights existing shortfalls in the diversity of seed presently available for use in restoration and identifies gaps in the seed supply chain while providing a new method for optimising species selection given these constraints. This work underscores how improved collaboration between stakeholders is required to strengthen the seed supply chain and help remake functionally diverse vegetation.

Restoration using native seed is frequently implemented to restore degraded ecosystems. However, it remains unclear how constraints on the diversity of germplasm available for use in restoration may limit the recovery of both species and plant functional diversity.

Using a dataset of seed availability for Australia's major vegetation types, we explore variation in the diversity and breadth of functional traits (leaf mass per area, seed mass, plant height) for species where seed is available on commercial markets relative to unavailable. Using these data, we simulate theoretical seed mixes derived from two species pools: (1) constrained by the current market of commercially available seed, and (2) assuming all native species can be planted; then we compare differences in functional diversity (dispersion) as an exercise to explore possible limitations within the current seed supply.

Seed from only 12% of Australian plant species (2992 species) is presently available for immediate purchase. Seed was more frequently available for trees and shrubs than for understorey species. Available species were on average taller, with thicker, longer‐lived leaves than unavailable species. Overall, functional dispersion was lower for seed mixes generated using available seed compared with those drawn from all species.

Solutions are required to address seed shortfalls so that plantings are not only species rich but also functionally diverse. We develop two options: (1) quantifying and addressing gaps in the seed supply chain that currently limit the capacity for practitioners to restore diverse vegetation; and (2) applying a trait‐informed species‐selection method to plantings that maximises functional diversity using available seed.
The partnership between statisticians and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
Authors: Potter David , Bradstreet Thomas , Sargsyan Davit , Tan Xiao , Bonato Vinicius , Li Dingzhou , Liang John , Libiger Ondrej , Sendecki Jocelyn , Stansfield John , Tatikola Kanaka , Xu Jialin , Campbell Brandy
Published: June 2024

In this tutorial we explore the valuable partnership between statisticians and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) in the context of animal research, shedding light on the critical role statisticians play in ensuring the ethical and scientifically rigorous use of animals in research. Pharmaceutical statisticians have increasingly become vital members of these committees, contributing expertise in study design, data analysis, and interpretation, and working more generally to facilitate the integration of good statistical practices into experimental procedures. We review the “3Rs” principles (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) which are the foundation for the humane use of animals in scientific research, and how statisticians can partner with IACUC to help ensure robust and reproducible research while adhering to the 3Rs principles. We also highlight emerging areas of interest, such as the use of virtual control groups.
Spontaneous dual ectopic pregnancies in the ipsilateral fallopian tube and ovary: A case report and literature review
Authors: Young Brenda , Carter Emily , Colletta Kassandra
Published: June 2024

Background

Concurrent ectopic pregnancies in differing anatomical locations are a rarity. It is imperative to be able to identify these cases as extrauterine pregnancies require emergent evaluation and treatment.

Case

We describe a case of suspected ruptured ectopic pregnancy in a low‐risk multiparous female found to have ipsilateral ovarian and tubal ectopic pregnancies on laparoscopy and subsequent pathology.

Conclusion

Although the co‐occurrence of these pregnancies presented as a diagnostic challenge, preoperative ultrasound imaging increased our suspicion in conjunction with laparoscopic findings. Thorough examination of the uterus and bilateral adnexa during laparoscopy is essential in identifying pathology and reducing morbidity. Furthermore, sampling or removal of suspicious concomitant lesions may aid in diagnosis. Following beta HCG trends may provide additional information in patients with unclear findings on laparoscopy.
COVID‐19 as a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Childs Hannah , Bickerstaff Cayman , Stoikov Teodora , Xu Hongyan , Marino Katherine , Li Cynthia , Nguyen Lina , Rodgers Bailey , Allen Jennifer T.
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess whether coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection during pregnancy is a risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on obstetric patients who gave birth between March 2020 and December 2021 at an academic urban referral center. The patients were categorized as COVID‐19‐positive or COVID‐19‐negative during pregnancy. The primary outcome was the development of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included preterm delivery, mode of delivery, maternal death, maternal intensive care unit (ICU) admission, neonatal ICU admission, intrauterine fetal demise/stillbirth, fetal growth restriction and prolonged hospital stay. χ2 tests, Fisher's exact tests, Student's two‐sample tests and multiple logistic regressions were used to evaluate the association between COVID‐19 status and outcomes.

Results

Of 2760 reviewed charts, 2426 (87.9%) met the inclusion criteria. Of 2426 patients, 203 were COVID‐positive and 2223 were COVID‐negative. There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. After adjusting for confounding effects, COVID‐19 was determined to be a risk factor for combined hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–2.66) and pre‐eclampsia specifically (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.38–2.88). COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy was weakly associated with an increased risk of caesarean delivery (p = 0.046) on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis, whereas it was associated with an increased risk of maternal ICU admission (p = 0.003), and prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.001) both before and after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that COVID‐19 infection during pregnancy is a risk factor for pre‐eclampsia. The study was unable to draw conclusions about more severe hypertensive conditions of pregnancy hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count; Eclampsia. COVID‐19 was determined to be a risk factor for prolonged hospital stay and maternal ICU admission, but there was no significant correlation between COVID‐19 and caesarean delivery on multivariate analysis.
High‐order robust control design with optimized parameters based on confidence index
Authors: Li Chenming , Zhao Yibo , Zhu Weiyong , Ma Chao , Yu Rongrong
Published: June 2024

Under the theoretical support of fuzzy sets theory and confidence index, the proposed approach involves the development of a high‐order robust control method that incorporates optimization techniques to address uncertain systems. First, the utilization of fuzzy sets theory is employed to establish a fuzzy dynamical model. Second, the design of a high‐order robust controller is performed. Third, the design parameters are optimized based on confidence index, and the values are found that minimize the control cost. The simulation results show that this high‐order robust control has significant advantages in dealing with uncertainty, as well as minimizing the control cost. It can be ensured the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness. Thus, this proposed method offers the advantage of achieving both robustness and optimality simultaneously.
Knockin' on the bank's door: The impact of U.S. bank branch closures on self‐employment dynamics
Authors: Malkova Alina
Published: June 2024

The U.S. bank branch network has contracted since the 2010s, limiting borrowers' access to credit institutions. This paper analyzes the changes in banks' branch concentration and their effect on borrowers' choices of being self‐employed. To evaluate the impact of the bank branch closings, I use a shift‐share research design to assess self‐employment exits using zip code variation in preexisting bank market shares. I disaggregate the self‐employed into two categories: entrepreneurs whose businesses depend on business loans (incorporated self‐employed) and other self‐employed individuals (unincorporated self‐employed). Using a Community Advantage Panel Survey, I find that the proximity of credit market institutions has heterogeneous effects on self‐employment exits. While bank branch closures lead to a decline in incorporated businesses, particularly within a five‐mile radius, unincorporated businesses appear insignificantly affected.
Harnessing Surface Dipole for CsPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Iqbal Zafar , Gries Thomas W. , Musiienko Artem , Abate Antonio
Published: June 2024

The efficient functioning of perovskite solar cells largely depends on the interaction between perovskite halide materials and the hole‐transport layer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT). However, a high rate of nonradiative recombination often hampers this interaction, leading to poor performance of the solar cells. We have developed a technique to modify the interface using a long‐chain alkyl halide molecule called n‐hexyl trimethylammonium bromide to address this issue. This modification technique significantly improves hole extraction, leading to an impressive open‐circuit voltage of 1.14 V and a power conversion efficiency of 15.8% for inorganic perovskite CsPbI3 with P3HT as a dopant‐free hole‐transport layer. This breakthrough can pave the way for developing more efficient and sustainable solar cells.
Seismic performance of conrete‐filled steel tube column‐reinforced concrete beam frame using 100% recycled coarse aggregate
Authors: Xu Dingyi , Chen Zongping , Mo Linlin
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an experimental study of recycled concrete‐filled steel tube (CFST) columns with reinforced concrete (RC) beam frames using recycled aggregate under cyclic loading. A 1/3‐scale model of a CFST column‐RC beam frame with 100% recycled coarse aggregate was tested, the failure process and mode were monitored, and the hysteresis and skeleton curves were obtained. The seismic performance indexes were analyzed based on the test data, including the seismic force, plastic hinge sequence, ductility coefficient, inter‐story drift, dissipation capacity, and stiffness degeneration. The general behavior of the CFST column‐RC beam frame is discussed and compared with that of a normal aggregate concrete‐RC frame structure. The test results demonstrate that CFST column‐RC beam frames with 100% recycled coarse aggregate exhibit remarkable seismic performance and can be applied and popularized for construction in aseismic regions.
Material optimization of reinforced concrete structures in multiple limit states
Authors: Larsen Jeff , Poulsen Peter Noe , Olesen John Forbes , Hoang Linh Cao
Published: June 2024

A common limitation in current material optimization methods for reinforced concrete structures is that they often concentrate solely on either the serviceability limit state (SLS) or the ultimate limit state (ULS). In response, this paper introduces a novel approach to optimize the material layout in planar reinforced concrete structures in plane stress, accounting for both limit states simultaneously. The proposed method employs an iterative strategy, integrating criteria for serviceability and ultimate limit states while approximating the elastoplastic behavior of cracked reinforced concrete. Here, the criteria for the limit states are incorporated as limits on the strains. The methodology initiates with a finite element limit analysis for the preliminary layout. The minimum potential energy principle is utilized to determine the strains for the nonlinear material response, and subsequently, an iterative linearized method is applied for material optimization. The research showcases the successful application of this approach to simple examples and presents improved and optimized solutions that adhere to the limit criteria for more complex structural scenarios.
Nomenclature governance of algae, fungi, and plants can become a more democratic process at the Madrid Nomenclature Section
Authors: Landrum Leslie R.
Published: June 2024

The governance of the nomenclature of algae, fungi, and plants as prescribed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants is presently undemocratic in six ways: (1) the selection of the officers of nomenclature and the committee members; (2) restricted attendance to the Nomenclature Section because of the expense of attending; (3) attendees at the Nomenclature Section may carry up to 14 institutional votes and institutions have from 1 to 7 institutional votes; (4) the preliminary guiding vote carries little weight; (5) the General Committee can overturn decisions of the Specialist Committees; and (6) decisions of the General Committee can be approved in the Nomenclature Section by a minority (40% plus 1 vote). There is an opportunity to make nomenclature governance more democratic at the Nomenclature Section at Madrid by allowing virtual attendance, giving one and only one institutional vote to each institution, and changing approval of the decisions of the General Committee to a simple majority of 50%.
Complexes of bacteria‐recognizing engineered phage lysin and red‐colored bacteria microparticles as optical bioprobes for simple, rapid, naked‐eye detection of syphilis‐specific antibodies from clinical samples
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhang Lin , Tan Ye , Luo Jian , Xin Jingping , Zhang Gen , Xu Jinyin , Zhang Yangyang , Xu Ya , Li Ke , Zhang Yan , Mao Chuanbin
Published: June 2024

Serological detection of syphilis‐specific antibodies is the most widely used clinical method for diagnosing syphilis. However, the current methods in clinical practice are too diverse, complicating result interpretation and wasting medical resources. To meet the resultant demand for a simple fast naked‐eye detection method, we employed the bacterial cell‐binding domain (CBD) of bacteriophage lysin to functionalize bio‐microparticles (engineered non‐culturable red‐colored Staphylococcus aureus bacteria), forming a bioprobe that can detect the syphilis‐specific antibodies from human serum in 5 min with naked eyes. Specifically, CBD is bioengineered by fusion with one of three antigens of the syphilis‐causing bacteria Treponema pallidum separately. The three resulting fusion proteins bind to the bacteria surface through the CBD motif, generating a bioprobe with the antigens exposed. When the bioprobe is added to the serum samples collected from the syphilis patients, the syphilis‐specific antibodies bind the antigens on the bioprobes and cross‐link them, forming eye‐visible red aggregates for the naked‐eye antibody detection. The bioprobe was validated on 209 clinical samples, revealing its high clinical sensitivity and specificity. Exploiting the natural biorecognition between the bacteria‐specific phage‐derived species and the phage host bacteria represents a promising strategy for producing facile probes for rapid point‐of‐care testing of infectious diseases.
Introduction
Authors: Labriet Maryse , Espegren Kari , Giannakidis George , Ó Gallachóir Brian
Published: June 2024

The tools and capabilities offered by ETSAP have been shaped by the evolving challenges related to the energy systems, from the oil crisis of the 70s, the air pollution concern of the 80s to the climate challenge from the 90s and now, the more holistic perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The book collates together 15 case studies at global, regional (eg. Europe, Nordic countries), national (eg. Algeria, France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Ukraine) and local scales (eg. Swedish municipalities), examining the co-benefits and trade-offs across SDGs associated directly or indirectly with the changes in the energy systems. The case studies discuss the needed adaptation of energy systems models to inform SDGs, including both endogenous improvements and novel applications of the models. They illustrate how energy systems models are used to assess the role of renewable energy and energy security in the implementation of the energy transition, considering the challenges of variable sources of energy, materials scarcity, and dependence on international energy markets, amongst others. The book also demonstrates how energy systems models are used to interact with policymakers in national and municipal debates. The book is the third of a series already edited by IEA-ETSAP. Its responds to the requirement of combining global ambitions in a more holistic and coherent way to pave the way for concrete and urgent steps to a sustainable future.
Translating Research Results into Policy Insights to Underpin Climate Action in Ireland
Authors: Ó Gallachóir Brian , Deane Paul , Rogan Fionn
Published: June 2024

This chapter presents innovative processes that have been developed and used to bridge the interface between the research ecosystem and policy-making ecosystem. It focuses on a specific case study, namely how energy systems modelling has been used to inform energy and climate mitigation policies in Ireland. We trace the development of energy systems modelling tools and capacity in Ireland over the past 15 years, and the key role it has played in addressing important policy questions related to delivery of a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We also outline the parallel evolution of novel research communications methods, proactive engagement programmes with policy practitioners and co-production processes. Specific examples of energy and climate mitigation policies are highlighted to demonstrate how the research results have been used together with the communication and engagement methods not only to inform but also to underpin policy developments. The contributions of this work to the SDGs are highlighted, in particular SDG 13 on climate and SDG 7 on energy, but also SDG 12 on sustainable consumption and production and SDG 17 on partnerships. We conclude with a proposed seven stage approach, for energy modellers who wish to successfully bridge between the research and policy eco-systems, namely (1) undertake scientifically robust research, making methods and results openly and publicly available (2) frame research questions that respond to specific policy needs, (3) translate research results into policy insights (4) improve communications of research findings including through use of infographics (5) engage actively with policy practitioners and policy makers (6) co-produce policy with policy practitioners and (7) build absorptive capacity in the policy system.
Implications of the Net Zero Transition Scenarios on SDG Indicators: Linking Global Energy System, CGE and Atmospheric Source-Receptor Models
Authors: Chepeliev Maksym , Giannakidis George , Kanudia Amit , van der Mensbrugghe Dominique
Published: June 2024

This study contributes to a better understanding of synergies and trade-offs between climate mitigation and sustainable development goals, covering 17 indicators across various SDGs. Our assessment employs a multi-model framework, which includes a global computable general equilibrium model (ENVISAGE), an energy system model (KINESYS) and an atmospheric source-receptor model (TM5-FASST). This combination of modeling tools allows us to provide a detailed representation of the energy-related SDG indicators while accounting for their interactions with climate mitigation and socio-economic dimensions. We find that out of 17 analyzed SDG indicators, seven experience co-benefits from implementing mitigation efforts (including improved environmental footprints, energy efficiency and clean energy), six SDG indicators are subject to trade-offs (energy and food affordability, economic growth and labor participation), while the remaining four SDG indicators show mixed trends (distributional aspects and energy diversity). The identified trade-offs could be substantially reduced through specific policy solutions. We find that if the revenue collected from carbon pricing is recycled via reductions in factor taxes in selected low-carbon activities, as opposed to lump-sum payments to households, 11 out of 13 SDG dimensions analyzed in this regard would improve—reducing energy prices, increasing the share of renewable energy, improving distributional outcomes and decreasing welfare losses. In addition, we showcase the need for properly capturing interactions across various SDG dimensions by monetizing the co-benefits from improved air quality. We find that such co-benefits outweigh mitigation costs by more than a factor of two, thus changing trade-offs earlier identified for the case of economic growth into synergies. A higher ratio of air quality co-benefits relative to mitigation costs observed for developing countries could also lead to reductions in between-country inequality.
Amtliche Untersuchungsergebnisse von Einweg-E-Zigaretten aus dem Jahr 2022 in Deutschland
Authors: Kirsch Frauke , Kröner Eva-Maria , Lange Robert , Niemeyer Julia , Laible Miriam , Seidel Julia , Paulus Katrin , Stephani Annette , Tamosaite Sandra , Dünnebier Katja
Published: June 2024

Gesetzliche Regelungen legen fest, welchen Vorgaben E-Zigaretten entsprechen müssen, damit sie rechtmäßig in Verkehr gebracht werden können. Diese Regeln gelten auch für Einweg-E-Zigaretten, deren Nutzung insbesondere unter Jugendlichen verbreitet ist. Im Rahmen amtlicher Untersuchungen in verschiedenen deutschen Bundesländern wurden im Jahr 2022 bei 250 Einweg-E-Zigaretten einige dieser rechtlichen Vorgaben mit Blick auf die Verkehrsfähigkeit untersucht. Neben der Kennzeichnung (Nikotingehalt, Füllvolumen/Zuganzahl, Nikotinwarnhinweise, Beipackzettel, Gefahrstoffkennzeichnung) wurden auch die Produktsicherheit (Kindersicherung) sowie Aspekte der Täuschung von Verbraucherinnen und Verbrauchern und die Erfüllung der Meldepflicht im einheitlichen elektronischen Portal der EU (EU-CEG) (https://health.ec.europa.eu/eu-common-entry-gate-eu-ceg/providing-information-tobacco-products-e-cigarettes-and-refill-containers-eu-common-entry-gate-eu_de%20%20Zugriff:%2013.05.2024) betrachtet. Keine der untersuchten Einweg-E-Zigaretten erwies sich als verkehrsfähig, da mindestens bei einem beanstandungsfähigen Kriterium erhebliche Mängel festgestellt wurden.
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 promotes HuR/ELAVL1 cytoplasmic localization and inflammatory gene expression by regulating p38 MAPK activity
Authors: Fu Xingyue , Zhang Jiaqi , Sun Keke , Zhang Meiqi , Wang Shuyan , Yuan Meng , Liu Wenguang , Zeng Xianlu , Ba Xueqing , Ke Yueshuang
Published: June 2024

Post-transcriptional regulation of cytokine/chemokine mRNA turnover is critical for immune processes and contributes to the mammalian cellular response to diverse inflammatory stimuli. The ubiquitous RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is an integral regulator of inflammation-associated mRNA fate. HuR function is regulated by various post-translational modifications that alter its subcellular localization and ability to stabilize target mRNAs. Both poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been reported to regulate the biological function of HuR, but their specific regulatory and crosstalk mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we show that PARP1 acts via p38 to synergistically promote cytoplasmic accumulation of HuR and stabilization of inflammation-associated mRNAs in cells under inflammatory conditions. Specifically, p38 binds to auto-poly ADP-ribosylated (PARylated) PARP1 resulting in the covalent PARylation of p38 by PARP1, thereby promoting the retention and activity of p38 in the nucleus. In addition, PARylation of HuR facilitates the phosphorylation of HuR at the serine 197 site mediated by p38, which then increases the translocation of HuR to the cytoplasm, ultimately stabilizing the inflammation-associated mRNA expression at the post-transcriptional level.
Uniform convergence of solutions to stochastic hybrid models of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Dobrick Alexander , Hölz Julian
Published: June 2024

In a recent paper by Kurasov et al. (Math Biosci 305:170–177, 2018), a hybrid gene regulatory network was proposed to model gene expression dynamics by using a stochastic system of coupled partial differential equations. In more recent work, the existence and strong convergence of the solutions to equilibrium were proven. In this article, we improve upon their result by showing that the convergence rate is independent of the initial state, therefore proving that the solutions converge not only strongly but even uniformly to equilibrium. To this end, we make use of a recent convergence theorem for stochastic, irreducible semigroups that contain partial integral operators.
Vertical maximal functions on manifolds with ends
Authors: Sharma Himani , Sikora Adam
Published: June 2024

We consider the setting of manifolds with ends which are obtained by compact perturbation (gluing) of ends of the form $${\mathbb {R}}^{n_i}\times {\mathcal {M}}_i$$

R

n
i

×

M
i

. We investigate the family of vertical resolvent $$\{\sqrt{t}\nabla (1+t\Delta )^{-m}\}_{t>0}$$

{

t

∇

(
1
+
t
Δ
)

-
m

}

t
>
0

, where $$m\ge 1$$

m
≥
1

. We show that the family is uniformly continuous on all $$L^p$$

L
p

for $$1\le ~p~\le ~\min _{i}n_i$$

1
≤

p

≤

min
i

n
i

. Interestingly, this is a closed-end condition in the considered setting. We prove that the corresponding maximal function is bounded in the same range except that it is only weak-type (1, 1) for $$p=1$$

p
=
1

. The Fefferman-Stein vector-valued maximal function is again of weak-type (1, 1) but bounded if and only if $$1<p<\min _{i}n_i$$

1
<
p
<

min
i

n
i

, and not at $$p=\min _{i}n_i$$

p
=

min
i

n
i

.