bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated extraction of mining‐induced ground fissures using deep learning and object‐based image classification
Authors: Huangfu Wenchao , Qiu Haijun , Cui Peng , Yang Dongdong , Liu Ya , Ullah Mohib , Kamp Ulrich
Published: March 2024

Accurate extraction of ground fissures caused by intense coal mining has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of environmental monitoring in mining areas. However, the extraction results using previous methods have often exhibited issues of discontinuity and substantial deviation from ground truth data, resulting in low extraction accuracy. In this study, a novel approach, ENVINet5‐OBIC, for extracting ground fissures in mining areas is proposed, which integrates object‐based image classification (OBIC) with the pixel‐based deep learning model ENVINet5. ENVINet5‐OBIC uses OBIC to segment high‐resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images across different scales, effectively considering shape, texture and correlative information between adjacent pixels. Furthermore, by utilizing homogeneous objects as building blocks, it establishes a deep learning model for the automated extraction of ground fissures. Experimental results show that ENVINet5‐OBIC performs better when compared with OBIC, U‐Net, PSPNet and ENVINet5 methods in terms of continuity, accuracy and error reduction. In addition, the ground fissure area extracted by ENVINet5‐OBIC closely aligns with ground truth data. This study provides a more effective method for automatic extraction of ground fissures, which improves the efficiency of environmental monitoring in mining areas.
Fabrication of hierarchically structured supercapacitor using N and S co‐doped activated carbons derived from Samanea saman biomass
Authors: Sarmah Saswati , Kakati Biraj Kumar , Kucernak Anthony RJ , Deka Dhanapati
Published: March 2024

Biomass‐derived activated carbons have emerged as highly promising electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors due to their remarkable characteristics, such as high surface area, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. This study focuses on the synthesis of N and S co‐doped activated carbons (NSACs) from Samanea saman (rain tree) biomass through a combined hydrothermal‐chemical activation process. Leveraging the advantageous hierarchical structure inherent to biological sources, the resulting NSACs demonstrate enhanced ion transport, leading to remarkable capacity and power density. The NSACs synthesized by pyrolysis at 800°C exhibit exceptional specific capacitances of 434 and 401 Fg−1 in Na2SO4 and H2SO4 electrolytes, respectively, in a three‐electrode system. The capacitance retention of the same NSAC was found to be 77.6% at a corresponding current density of 10 Ag−1 in H2SO4 electrolyte. This outstanding electrochemical performance can be attributed to the material's high specific surface area (1402 m2 g−1), well‐defined hierarchical porous structure, and a substantial degree of graphitization. A symmetric supercapacitor constructed using the synthesized NSACs demonstrates notable energy densities of 14.5 and 25.0 Whkg−1, with H2SO4 and Na2SO4 electrolytes respectively. Furthermore, the symmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent stability, retaining 91.3%–94.3% of its capacity after 5000 consecutive GCD cycles with H2SO4 and Na2SO4 electrolytes, respectively. The synergistic combination of the unique characteristics of NSACs derived from Samanea saman biomass presents a promising avenue for the development of high‐performance and environment‐friendly supercapacitors.
Impact of a clinical pharmacist‐led COVID‐19 treatment consult service in two primary care seniors clinics
Authors: Hart Caitlin , Linnebur Sunny A. , Fixen Danielle R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Healthcare utilization due to COVID‐19 infection is more prevalent in the older adult population. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir is an oral antiviral option that can decrease the hospitalizations in older adults but has many of drug–drug interactions that need evaluation.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist COVID‐19 treatment consult service.

Methods

Clinical pharmacists were consulted to assess and provide COVID‐19 therapy recommendations for adults 65 years and older who tested positive for COVID‐19 in two primary care clinics. Recommendations for the most appropriate COVID‐19 therapy were sent to the primary care provider for review and discussed with the patient. Healthcare utilization, reinfection with COVID‐19, and safety of COVID‐19 therapies were evaluated.

Results

One hundred and twenty four patients, average age of 82 years, received clinical pharmacy assessment for COVID‐19 therapy. Pharmacists recommended treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in 80% of patients. Medication modifications due to drug–drug interactions were required in 88% of patients receiving nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Thirteen patients were recommended or opted to receive alternative COVID‐19 treatment while 36 patients declined COVID‐19 treatment, despite provider and pharmacist recommendations. Nineteen patients had an emergency department visit or hospitalization related to COVID‐19 within 30 days of pharmacy consult; 15 of the patients had been treated with COVID‐19 therapy and 4 declined therapy (p = 0.58). Eight patients experienced reinfection with COVID‐19. Only one patient reported an adverse event of hives within 30 days of receiving nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy.

Conclusion

A pharmacist‐led consult service for evaluating and recommending COVID‐19 antiviral therapies resulted in successful triage, while balancing management of drug interactions in a high‐risk patient population. No significant difference was found in healthcare utilization or reinfection between patients who received a COVID‐19 therapy and those who did not.
Clinical outcome of bevacizumab or ramucirumab combined with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors as the first line therapy in susceptible EGFR‐mutated advanced non‐small‐cell lung
Authors: Kuo Chia‐Yu , Tsai Ming‐Ju , Hung Jen‐Yu , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Wu Kuan‐Li , Tsai Yu‐Chen , Chuang Cheng‐Hao , Huang Chung‐Wen , Chen Chin‐Ling , Yang Chih‐Jen , Chong Inn‐Wen
Published: March 2024

Combining epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with an anti‐ vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent, bevacizumab or ramucirumab, is indicated for advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR mutation. This study aimed to show the real‐world data of combination therapy and compare the effectiveness between bevacizumab and ramucirumab in combination with an EGFR‐TKI. This retrospective study enrolled 47 patients diagnosed of stage IV lung adenocarcinoma with exon 19 deletion or L858R point mutation, receiving a first‐line EGFR‐TKI with anti‐VEGF agent, including 34 (72%) and 13 (28%) patients receiving bevacizumab and ramucirumab, respectively. The response rate was similar in both groups (p = 0.38). Patients receiving bevacizumab had similar progression free survival (PFS) as those receiving ramucirumab (median PFS: 21.9 vs. 24.2 months, p = 0.4871); similar finding was noted in overall survival (OS) (median OS: 33.5 months vs. not reached, p = 0.4618). Patients receiving ramucirumab experienced a significantly high‐grade hypertension compared to those receiving bevacizumab (p = 0.0351). Multivariable Cox regression analysis found independent risk factors for worse PFS included poorer ECOG performance status, multiple (≥3) metastatic sites, brain metastasis, and pleural metastasis/effusion, while the type of anti‐VEGF agent was not a risk factor. Pericardial metastasis/effusion was the only one independent risk factor for worse OS. In summary, ramucirumab may have similar effectiveness as bevacizumab in combination with an EGFR‐TKI as first line therapy for advanced lung adenocarcinoma harboring susceptible EGFR mutation. Further large‐scale registry‐based cohort studies may be needed to validate our findings.
Systemic Bevacizumab for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Single Institution's Experience
Authors: So Raymond J. , Rayle Christopher , Joo Henry H. , Huang Emily Y. , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Raabe Eric H. , Best Simon R.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Medical therapies to limit disease recurrence are critically needed for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). Systemic bevacizumab is emerging as an exciting adjuvant therapy toward this end, but uptake has been poor due to the lack of experience and awareness of best prescribing practices. The objective of this study was to describe a single tertiary care academic medical center's experience using systemic bevacizumab for the treatment of RRP.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed to identify patients with RRP on systemic bevacizumab. Demographic and clinical characteristics, findings on imaging reports, and disease response at all anatomic subsites involved in papilloma were documented.

Results

Of the 17 RRP patients on systemic bevacizumab, 9 (52.9%) were male, and 12 (70.6%) were diagnosed with juvenile‐onset RRP. The total lifetime number of surgeries was high, with more than half (n = 9; 52.9%) undergoing more than 50 surgeries. Following induction of systemic bevacizumab, a significant reduction in patients with laryngeal (n = 15; 94.1% vs. n = 7; 41.2%, p < 0.001) and tracheal (n = 11; 64.7% vs. n = 5; 29.4%, p = 0.04) RRP was noted. Surgical frequency was significantly lower following systemic bevacizumab (2.5 vs. 0.5 surgeries per year; p < 0.001). The most common complications were new‐onset hypertension (n = 4; 23.5%) and proteinuria (n = 5; 29.4%).

Conclusion

Systemic bevacizumab is effective in reducing the number of surgeries needed for RRP while exhibiting a relatively safe complication profile. Papillomas in the larynx and trachea are most responsive to systemic bevacizumab, while pulmonary RRP is most likely to exhibit a partial‐to‐stable response.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3253–3259, 2024
Inverse nodal problems for singular diffusion equation
Authors: Amirov Rauf , Durak Sevim
Published: March 2024

In this study, some properties of the pencils of singular Sturm–Liouville operators are investigated. Firstly, the behaviors of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions is learned, then for each discontinuity point

a solution of the inverse problem is given to determine the potential function and parameters
, and
with the help of a dense set of nodes. And finally, a constructive method is given for solving the given inverse problem.
Compartmental anisotropy of filtered exchange imaging (FEXI) in human white matter: What is happening in FEXI?
Authors: Shin Hyeong‐Geol , Li Xu , Heo Hye‐Young , Knutsson Linda , Szczepankiewicz Filip , Nilsson Markus , van Zijl Peter C. M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effects of compartmental anisotropy on filtered exchange imaging (FEXI) in white matter (WM).

Theory and Methods

FEXI signals were measured using multiple combinations of diffusion filter and detection directions in five healthy volunteers. Additional filters, including a trace‐weighted diffusion filter with trapezoidal gradients, a spherical b‐tensor encoded diffusion filter, and a T2 filter, were tested with trace‐weighted diffusion detection.

Results

A large range of apparent exchange rates (AXR) and both positive and negative filter efficiencies (σ) were found depending on the mutual orientation of the filter and detection gradients relative to WM fiber orientation. The data demonstrated that the fast‐diffusion compartment suppressed by diffusional filtering is not exclusively extra‐cellular, but also intra‐cellular. While not comprehensive, a simple two‐compartment diffusion tensor model with water exchange was able to account qualitatively for the trends in positive and negative filtering efficiencies, while standard model imaging (SMI) without exchange could not. This two‐compartment diffusion tensor model also demonstrated smaller AXR variances across subjects. When employing trace‐weighted diffusion detection, AXR values were on the order of the R1 (=1/T1) of water at 3T for crossing fibers, while being less than R1 for parallel fibers.

Conclusion

Orientation‐dependent AXR and σ values were observed when using multi‐orientation filter and detection gradients in FEXI, indicating that WM FEXI models need to account for compartmental anisotropy. When using trace‐weighted detection, AXR values were on the order of or less than R1, complicating the interpretation of FEXI results in WM in terms of biological exchange properties. These findings may contribute toward better understanding of FEXI results in WM.
3D balanced SSFP UTE MRI for multiple contrasts whole brain imaging
Authors: Shen Xin , Caverzasi Eduardo , Yang Yang , Liu Xiaoxi , Green Ari , Henry Roland G. , Emir Uzay , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a new high‐resolution MRI sequence for the imaging of the ultra‐short transverse relaxation time (uT2) components in the brain, while simultaneously providing proton density (PD) contrast for reference and quantification.

Theory

The sequence combines low flip angle balanced SSFP (bSSFP) and UTE techniques, together with a 3D dual‐echo rosette k‐space trajectory for readout.

Methods

The expected image contrast was evaluated by simulations. A study cohort of six healthy volunteers and eight multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was recruited to test the proposed sequence. Subtraction between two TEs was performed to extract uT2 signals. In addition, conventional longitudinal relaxation time (T1) weighted, T2‐weighted, and PD‐weighted MRI sequences were also acquired for comparison.

Results

Typical PD‐contrast was found in the second TE images, while uT2 signals were selectively captured in the first TE images. The subtraction images presented signals primarily originating from uT2 components, but only if the first TE is short enough. Lesions in the MS subjects showed hyperintense signals in the second TE images but were hypointense signals in the subtraction images. The lesions had significantly lower signal intensity in subtraction images than normal white matter (WM), which indicated a reduction of uT2 components likely associated with myelin.

Conclusion

3D isotropic sub‐millimeter (0.94 mm) spatial resolution images were acquired with the novel bSSFP UTE sequence within 3 min. It provided easy extraction of uT2 signals and PD‐contrast for reference within a single acquisition.
Automated tumor immunophenotyping predicts clinical benefit from anti‐PD‐L1 immunotherapy
Authors: Li Xiao , Eastham Jeffrey , Giltnane Jennifer M , Zou Wei , Zijlstra Andries , Tabatsky Evgeniy , Banchereau Romain , Chang Ching‐Wei , Nabet Barzin Y , Patil Namrata S , Molinero Luciana , Chui Steve , Harryman Maureen , Lau Shari , Rangell Linda , Waumans Yannick , Kockx Mark , Orlova Darya , Koeppen Hartmut
Published: March 2024

Cancer immunotherapy has transformed the clinical approach to patients with malignancies, as profound benefits can be seen in a subset of patients. To identify this subset, biomarker analyses increasingly focus on phenotypic and functional evaluation of the tumor microenvironment to determine if density, spatial distribution, and cellular composition of immune cell infiltrates can provide prognostic and/or predictive information. Attempts have been made to develop standardized methods to evaluate immune infiltrates in the routine assessment of certain tumor types; however, broad adoption of this approach in clinical decision‐making is still missing. We developed approaches to categorize solid tumors into ‘desert’, ‘excluded’, and ‘inflamed’ types according to the spatial distribution of CD8+ immune effector cells to determine the prognostic and/or predictive implications of such labels. To overcome the limitations of this subjective approach, we incrementally developed four automated analysis pipelines of increasing granularity and complexity for density and pattern assessment of immune effector cells. We show that categorization based on ‘manual’ observation is predictive for clinical benefit from anti‐programmed death ligand 1 therapy in two large cohorts of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer or triple‐negative breast cancer. For the automated analysis we demonstrate that a combined approach outperforms individual pipelines and successfully relates spatial features to pathologist‐based readouts and the patient's response to therapy. Our findings suggest that tumor immunophenotype generated by automated analysis pipelines should be evaluated further as potential predictive biomarkers for cancer immunotherapy. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Progress in photocontrolled radical polymerization for the synthesis of nonlinear polymer architectures
Authors: Lee Dongjoo , Wang Hanqing , Verduzco Rafael
Published: March 2024

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) techniques enable the preparation of diverse, chemically tailored polymers with a variety of chain architectures. Separately, light‐mediated polymerization reactions offer a number of advantages over thermal polymerizations in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, and versatility. Recent work has combined photopolymerization and CRP techniques to advance the synthesis of polymers with nonlinear architectures, including bottlebrush polymers, star polymers, hyperbranched polymers, and cyclic polymers. These photoCRP methods offer novel routes to nonlinear polymers using mild reaction conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of photoCRP techniques for the synthesis of nonlinear polymers. We start with a discussion of photoCRP applied to the synthesis of linear polymers and discuss the underlying reaction mechanisms. Then, we discuss photoCRP applied to the synthesis of bottlebrush, star, hyperbranched, cyclic, and surface‐initiated polymer brushes. For each case, we discuss the synthetic strategy and the unique properties and characteristics of the resulting polymers, and we provide a perspective on potential future directions for research.
N‐terminal modification of an LAH4‐derived peptide increases mRNA delivery in the presence of serum
Authors: Dussouillez Candice , Lointier Morane , Sebane Mohammed‐Karim , Fournel Sylvie , Bechinger Burkhard , Kichler Antoine
Published: March 2024

The recently developed mRNA‐based coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines highlighted the great therapeutic potential of the mRNA technology. Although the lipid nanoparticles used for the delivery of the mRNA are very efficient, they showed, in some cases, the induction of side effects as well as the production of antibodies directed against particle components. Thus, the development of alternative delivery systems is of great interest in the pursuit of more effective mRNA treatments. In the present work, we evaluated the mRNA transfection capacities of a series of cationic histidine‐rich amphipathic peptides derived from LAH4. We found that while the LAH4‐A1 peptide was an efficient carrier for mRNA, its activity was highly serum sensitive. Interestingly, modification of this cell penetrating peptide at the N‐terminus with two tyrosines or with salicylic acid allowed to confer serum resistance to the carrier.
Integrated management of childhood illness in Rwanda: Impact of mentorship on the quality of care in Nyanza and Huye districts
Authors: Mirindi Alain , Kayinamura Assumpta Mwali , Ndibaza Amedee Fidele , Uwamahoro Liliane , Ndatimana Dieudonne , Bikorimana Ferdinand , Mazimpaka Christian , Kalisa Richard
Published: March 2024

Background

In Rwanda, health posts (HPs) are intermediary primary care facilities that provide comprehensive primary care services to communities and are located at a reasonable walking distance from people's homes. We assessed the readiness of HPs for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) services and examined changes in the quality of care for IMCI services between districts that implemented IMCI mentorship program (Nyanza district) and Huye district which it did not.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess whether there was change in the quality of IMCI care provided at 17 Nyanza HPs 1‐year after IMCI mentorship implementation. The readiness of HPs for IMCI was assessed across nine factors, resulting in essential (all factors) and desirable (less than seven factors) composite scores. Unpaired t‐tests were used to measure changes in IMCI quality.

Results

The HPs with IMCI mentorship had an increase in mean desirable (0.7–0.89) and essential (0.61–0.78) composite scores compared to non‐mentored HPs in Huye. The nurses who received mentorship program had improved scores in factors like IMCI training, service package availability, register availability, supportive supervision, and basic equipment availability. Quality improvements in IMCI assessments were observed in vital sign registration, danger sign detection, cough identification, malnutrition screening, and tuberculosis sign identification in the mentored HPs.

Conclusion

Mentorship of nurses in HPs holds promise for enhancing facility readiness and IMCI service quality. Before expanding clinical mentorship, identified gaps such as staffing, supply chains, and health financing need to be addressed.
Study of the impurity profile of photodegradation in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops using liquid chromatography combined with ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zeng Hongxia , Yang Ying , Gao Jiarui , Zhou Yuping , Zheng Jinqi
Published: March 2024

Rationale

Lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops are highly unstable to light and prone to produce photodegradation impurities. These impurities might be related to the phototoxicity of lomefloxacin, which could seriously threaten the health of patients. In this article, the photodegradation impurity profile in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops was studied for further improvement of quality control of the drug.

Methods

By studying the chromatographic behavior of photodegradation impurities, the photodegradation impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops were separated and detected effectively. Liquid chromatography combined with ion trap/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was applied to characterize the structures of the photodegradation impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops.

Results

The structures of 17 impurities in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops were elucidated based on high‐resolution MSn data in positive ion mode, 12 of them being unknown impurities.

Conclusions

The structural characteristics and fragmentation patterns of the photodegradation impurities were also studied. The study of the photodegradation impurity profile in lomefloxacin hydrochloride ear drops provides a scientific basis for quality control of these ear drops and ensures the safety of drug use by the public.
Factors influencing household VMT considering differences between ICE and electric vehicles
Authors: Kwon Kihyun
Published: March 2024

This study examines factors affecting household vehicle miles traveled (VMT) with a focus on the differences between electric vehicles (EVs) and conventional internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This study mainly utilizes detailed individual‐level data from the 2017 National Household Travel Survey‐California Add‐on (2017 NHTS‐CA). We first classify households into three groups such as (1) households with only ICEVs, (2) households with only EVs, and (3) households with both ICEVs and EVs. We then employ ordinary least square regression models to analyze the determinants of household VMT across three groups. Second, we focus on households with both ICEVs and EVs to look at the substitute patterns between ICEVs and EVs. We employ a fractional logit model to analyze the factors affecting the share of EVs' VMT in total household VMT. Key findings are as follows. First, households with only EVs tend to have lower household VMT than others. Second, available charging stations near residential locations lead to longer households VMT in households with only EVs. Third, employment density has different effects on household VMT by groups. For instance, high employment density leads to shorter household VMT in households with only ICEVs and with both ICEVs and EVs. On the other hand, high employment density reveals a statistically positive effect on household VMT in households with only EVs. Lastly, in households with both ICEVs and EVs, the share of EVs' VMT is likely to increase in total household VMT if EVs are used more for work trips and shopping/family errands.
Supply chain management research productivity and topics: 2020–2022
Authors: Maloni Michael J. , Franza Richard M. , Lowman Graham H. , Naphsin Stuart A. , Golara Sina
Published: March 2024

This article continues the longest‐standing evaluation of publication productivity in the academic field of supply chain with the combined series spanning 55 years. In this edition, we update the schools and individual scholars producing the most supply chain publications from 2020 to 2022. Despite a new top‐ranked school, the top 10 list remains largely consistent with previous editions, as does the core set of top supply chain doctoral programs. In contrast, the list of the remaining top 25 schools continues to change and includes more international (i.e., non‐U.S.) schools. Additionally, the barriers to entry to become a strong supply chain research school are lower than in the past, while author concentration analyses confirm that the supply chain scholarly field has become more dispersed. Combined, the results support not only highly productive authors and schools with recognition and resource requests but also aspiring authors and schools with their research paths and benchmarking. We voice concerns, however, about both the supply of new supply chain scholars and the decreasing authorship of industry practitioners that had been a staple of our applied field. As a further contribution, we organize the most frequent keywords since 2020 to help scholars identify contemporary and understudied topics.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a 10‐week‐old Pembroke Welsh Corgi with renal dysplasia
Authors: Border Sophie Olivia , Chia Louis Julian , Lott Katie Michelle , Evans Alecia
Published: March 2024

A 10‐week‐old Pembroke Welsh Corgi was presented for unproductive retching and abdominal distension to a referral hospital in Brisbane, Australia. The puppy had a history of polydipsia and was reported to have been drinking excessively prior to presentation. A 360° gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) was diagnosed radiographically. The puppy underwent surgery for gastric derotation and incisional gastropexy. Follow‐up testing was consistent with congenital renal dysplasia. To the author's knowledge, there are no previous case reports of a GDV in a medium‐breed puppy. Overindulgence of water has not previously been identified as a risk factor for GDV in the literature.
Climate change science is evolving toward adaptation and mitigation solutions
Authors: Khojasteh Danial , Haghani Milad , Shamsipour Abbas , Zwack Clara C. , Glamore William , Nicholls Robert J. , England Matthew H.
Published: March 2024

Synthesizing the extensive and ever‐growing climate change literature is becoming increasingly challenging using conventional review processes, yet is crucial to understand key trends, including knowledge and policy related gaps, managing widespread impacts, and prioritizing future efforts. Here, we employ a systematic approach to interrogate ~130,000 international peer‐reviewed climate change articles published between 1990 and 2021. We examine the time–space evolution of research topics and international collaborations, providing insights into broad scale climate change research themes, how they are developed and/or are interconnected. Our analyses indicate that significant thematic adjustments have occurred over the past three decades. Whilst all major areas of climate research have grown in output metrics, there has been a relative shift from understanding the physical science basis toward evaluating climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation. There has also been a significant internationalization of climate research with the ratio of international over domestic research increasing from 0.05 in 1990 to nearly 0.60 in 2021. These findings reveal a growing need for collective and coupled adaptation‐mitigation actions to address climate change. The repeatable method and overall results presented herein can help to complement existing large‐scale literature assessments, such as future IPCC reports.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Disciplinary Perspectives

Integrated Assessment of Climate Change > Methods of Integrated Assessment of Climate Change
Flat-panel Detector Perfusion Imaging and Conventional Multidetector Perfusion Imaging in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Serrallach Bettina L. , Mujanovic Adnan , Ntoulias Nikolaos , Manhart Michael , Branca Mattia , Brehm Alex , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Kurmann Christoph C. , Piechowiak Eike I. , Pilgram-Pastor Sara , Meinel Thomas , Seiffge David , Mordasini Pasquale , Gralla Jan , Dobrocky Tomas , Kaesmacher Johannes
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Flat-panel detector computed tomography (FDCT) is increasingly used in (neuro)interventional angiography suites. This study aimed to compare FDCT perfusion (FDCTP) with conventional multidetector computed tomography perfusion (MDCTP) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

In this study, 19 patients with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation who had undergone mechanical thrombectomy, baseline MDCTP and pre-interventional FDCTP were included. Hypoperfused tissue volumes were manually segmented on time to maximum (Tmax) and time to peak (TTP) maps based on the maximum visible extent. Absolute and relative thresholds were applied to the maximum visible extent on Tmax and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) maps to delineate penumbra volumes and volumes with a high likelihood of irreversible infarcted tissue (“core”). Standard comparative metrics were used to evaluate the performance of FDCTP.

Results

Strong correlations and robust agreement were found between manually segmented volumes on MDCTP and FDCTP Tmax maps (r = 0.85, 95% CI 0.65–0.94, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.85, 95% CI 0.69–0.94) and TTP maps (r = 0.91, 95% CI 0.78–0.97, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.90, 95% CI 0.78–0.96); however, direct quantitative comparisons using thresholding showed lower correlations and weaker agreement (MDCTP versus FDCTP Tmax 6 s: r = 0.35, 95% CI −0.13–0.69, p = 0.15; ICC = 0.32, 95% CI 0.07–0.75). Normalization techniques improved results for Tmax maps (r = 0.78, 95% CI 0.50–0.91, p < 0.001; ICC = 0.77, 95% CI 0.55–0.91). Bland-Altman analyses indicated a slight systematic underestimation of FDCTP Tmax maximum visible extent volumes and slight overestimation of FDCTP TTP maximum visible extent volumes compared to MDCTP.

Conclusion

FDCTP and MDCTP provide qualitatively comparable volumetric results on Tmax and TTP maps; however, direct quantitative measurements of infarct core and hypoperfused tissue volumes showed lower correlations and agreement.
Uveitis anterior – Update
Authors: Teuchner Barbara , Prenner Veronika
Published: March 2024

Die Uveitis anterior, eine Entzündung des vorderen Teils der Uvea (Iris, Ziliarkörper), ist die häufigste Form der Uveitis (58–90 %) [1, 2]. Sie kann nach verschiedenen Merkmalen wie zeitlichem Verlauf, Erscheinungsbild oder Ursache unterschieden werden. Klinische Anzeichen einer akuten Uveitis sind ziliäre Injektion, Vorderkammerzellen, Tyndall-Reaktion und Miosis, die zur Bildung posteriorer Synechien prädisponieren. Darüber hinaus können im Verlauf Komplikationen wie Makulaödem, Glaukom oder Katarakt auftreten. Für die richtige Therapie ist es wichtig, die Ursache der Uveitis zu kennen oder zumindest einige wichtige Ursachen auszuschließen. Durch eine ausführliche Anamnese und wenige gezielte diagnostische Maßnahmen wie Blutabnahme, Lungenröntgenaufnahme oder Vorderkammerpunktion können die wichtigsten und häufigsten Differenzialdiagnosen ausgeschlossen oder bestätigt werden. Dennoch kann bei 20–50 % der Patienten keine Ursache gefunden werden und sie werden als idiopathisch eingestuft [3]. Die häufigste nichtinfektiöse Ursache ist ein positiver HLA-B27-Status, der häufig mit Systemerkrankungen wie axialer Spondyloarthritis oder chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen assoziiert ist. Die Therapie besteht je nach Schweregrad der Entzündung in lokaler und/oder oraler Kortisontherapie oder in einer langfristigen kortisonsparenden Immunsuppression. Die infektiöse Uveitis anterior wird häufig durch Viren (Herpesvirus, Zytomegalievirus) oder auch Bakterien wie Borrelien oder Treponema pallidum verursacht. Die Therapie besteht hier – je nach Genese – in der Gabe von Antibiotika oder antiviralen Medikamenten. Zusätzlich kann topisches oder orales Kortison verabreicht werden, um die Entzündung zu unterdrücken. Sonderformen wie die Fuchs-Uveitis oder das Posner-Schlossmann-Syndrom sind pathognomonisch und können klinisch diagnostiziert werden.
Academic self-concept, achievement, and goal orientations in different learning environments
Authors: Steinberg Olga , Kulakow Stefan , Raufelder Diana
Published: March 2024

Stage-Environment Fit Theory underlines the role of learning environments and their match with students’ needs as crucial for students’ motivation and learning. This study explores the mediation role of goal orientations in the interplay of academic self-concept and achievement in mathematics and verbal domains in student-directed and teacher-directed learning environments. The sample consists of 1153 adolescent students (Mage t1 = 13.97; SD = 1.37, 49% girls) from Germany. Multi-group cross-lagged panel analyses confirm the Reciprocal Effects Model for the student-directed learning environment only, as reciprocal relation of academic self-concept and grades over time has been found. The extension of the Reciprocal Effects Model with goal orientations as mediators could not be confirmed for any learning environment.
Giant Flexoelectric Effect in Snapping Surfaces Enhanced by Graded Stiffness
Authors: Zhao Chuo
Published: March 2024

Flexoelectricity is present in nonuniformly deformed dielectric materials and has size-dependent properties, making it useful for microelectromechanical systems. Flexoelectricity is small compared to piezoelectricity; therefore, producing a large-scale flexoelectric effect is of great interest. In this paper, we explore a way to enhance the flexoelectric effect by utilizing the snap-through instability and a stiffness gradient present along the length of a curved dielectric plate. To analyze the effect of stiffness profiles on the plate, we employ numerical parameter continuation. Our analysis reveals a nonlinear relationship between the effective electromechanical coupling coefficient and the gradient of Young’s modulus. Moreover, we demonstrate that the quadratic profile is more advantageous than the linear profile. For a dielectric plate with a quadratic profile and a modulus gradient of − 0.9, the effective coefficient can reach as high as 15.74 pC/N, which is over three times the conventional coupling coefficient of piezoelectric material. This paper contributes to our understanding of the amplification of flexoelectric effects by harnessing snapping surfaces and stiffness gradient design.
Interpretable linear dimensionality reduction based on bias-variance analysis
Authors: Bonetti Paolo , Metelli Alberto Maria , Restelli Marcello
Published: March 2024

One of the central issues of several machine learning applications on real data is the choice of the input features. Ideally, the designer should select a small number of the relevant, nonredundant features to preserve the complete information contained in the original dataset, with little collinearity among features. This procedure helps mitigate problems like overfitting and the curse of dimensionality, which arise when dealing with high-dimensional problems. On the other hand, it is not desirable to simply discard some features, since they may still contain information that can be exploited to improve results. Instead, dimensionality reduction techniques are designed to limit the number of features in a dataset by projecting them into a lower dimensional space, possibly considering all the original features. However, the projected features resulting from the application of dimensionality reduction techniques are usually difficult to interpret. In this paper, we seek to design a principled dimensionality reduction approach that maintains the interpretability of the resulting features. Specifically, we propose a bias-variance analysis for linear models and we leverage these theoretical results to design an algorithm, Linear Correlated Features Aggregation (LinCFA), which aggregates groups of continuous features with their average if their correlation is “sufficiently large”. In this way, all features are considered, the dimensionality is reduced and the interpretability is preserved. Finally, we provide numerical validations of the proposed algorithm both on synthetic datasets to confirm the theoretical results and on real datasets to show some promising applications.
Postbellum electoral politics in California and the genesis of the Chinese exclusion act of 1882
Authors: Geloso Vincent , Peng Linan
Published: March 2024

Why did the United States move from having nearly open borders from the 1840s to the 1870s to passing the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882, the first law in American history to ban people from entering the United States solely based on race? We argue that the standard story of nativist backlash based on wage pressure explains the demand for immigration restrictions, but not their timing or their racial focus. The demand for immigration restrictions was largely inchoate until the political restructuring that followed the Civil War. Finding themselves uncompetitive in much of the country, the Democrats seized on immigration restrictions, most notably in growing California, as a wedge issue. Chinese residents were unable to vote, thus making restrictions on Chinese entry an especially effective strategy in political economy.
Carceral Time at Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula: An Archaeological View of the Mechanisms of Convict Time Management in a Nineteenth Century Penal Landscape
Authors: Gibbs Martin , Tuffin Richard
Published: March 2024

Between 1833 and 1877 the Tasman Peninsula (Van Diemens Land/Tasmania) operated as a restricted penal zone for British convicts transported to Australia. The main penal settlement was situated at Port Arthur, with a series of substations spread across an area of 660 km2 (250 mi2). At its mid-1840s peak over 3,000 male convicts, military, and free resided on the peninsula. The vast majority of the men were engaged in diverse industrial activities, ranging from manufacturing to resource extraction, as well as the associated tasks of transport and communications. Archaeological and historical evidence demonstrates that this multiscalar penological industrial landscape was coordinated by an interlinked system of audio and visual signaling. Activity within settlements and the immediate economic hinterland was synchronized by bells, while more distant or topographically difficult sites incorporated visual signaling with time balls and semaphores. A GIS analysis of soundscapes and viewsheds shows that the latter afforded coordination of labor across the hinterland, as well as rapid complex messaging between different stations and beyond, while also spreading a net of time compliance and surveillance across the penal peninsula.
Porous Mg–Zn–Ca scaffolds for bone repair: a study on microstructure, mechanical properties and in vitro degradation behavior
Authors: Huo Lei , Li Qiang , Jiang Linlin , Jiang Huiqin , Zhao Jianping , Yang Kangjian , Dong Qiangsheng , Shao Yi , Chu Chenglin , Xue Feng , Bai Jing
Published: March 2024

Biodegradable porous Mg scaffolds are a promising approach to bone repair. In this work, 3D-spherical porous Mg–1.5Zn–0.2Ca (wt.%) scaffolds were prepared by vacuum infiltration casting technology, and MgF2 and fluorapatite coatings were designed to control the degradation behavior of Mg-based scaffolds. The results showed that the pores in Mg-based scaffolds were composed of the main spherical pores (450–600 μm) and interconnected pores (150–200 μm), and the porosity was up to 74.97%. Mg-based porous scaffolds exhibited sufficient mechanical properties with a compressive yield strength of about 4.04 MPa and elastic modulus of appropriately 0.23 GPa. Besides, both MgF2 coating and fluorapatite coating could effectively improve the corrosion resistance of porous Mg-based scaffolds. In conclusion, this research would provide data support and theoretical guidance for the application of biodegradable porous Mg-based scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.

Graphical Abstract
Attitudes to End-of-Life Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying Amongst Members of the Australian Jewish community
Authors: Janover Eli W. , La Brooy Camille , Philip Jennifer , Lewis Sophie , Kerridge Ian , Komesaroff Paul A.
Published: March 2024

The implementation of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in the Australian State of Victoria in 2019 has stimulated discussions about end-of-life care and dying in many communities. Various attempts have been made to represent the attitudes of the Jewish community, a distinct culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) group, in terms that suggest a unified set of opinions that opposes VAD policies. This research aimed to explore attitudes to VAD in the context of end-of-life care held by members of the Victorian Jewish community. A descriptive qualitative methodological design was employed. Ten Victorians who identify as Jewish were recruited and participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out on the transcripts to identify key themes, attitudes and preferences in relation to end-of-life care, death and dying, and VAD. Three themes were identified: “complexity and variation”, “similarities”, and “factors influencing attitudes to VAD and end-of-life care”. A significant degree of diversity was apparent, ranging from highly supportive of VAD to advocacy for a total repeal of the policy. The results indicate that images of how Victorian Jewish individuals feel towards VAD based on essentialised notions about the community and belief systems are not supported by the evidence. In reality, considerable diversity of attitudes exists towards VAD and end-of-life care. We conclude that it is important that policymakers and members of the broader society avoid stereotypes that falsely characterise this specific community and, by implication, other CALD groups, particularly in terms that ignore internal diversity regarding belief systems, social attitudes and ethical perspectives.
Integrability of $$ \Phi ^4$$ matrix model as N-body harmonic oscillator system
Authors: Grosse Harald , Sako Akifumi
Published: March 2024

We study a Hermitian matrix model with a kinetic term given by $$ Tr (H \Phi ^2 )$$

T
r
(
H

Φ
2

)

, where H is a positive definite Hermitian matrix, similar as in the Kontsevich Matrix model, but with its potential $$\Phi ^3$$

Φ
3

replaced by $$\Phi ^4$$

Φ
4

. We show that its partition function solves an integrable Schrödinger-type equation for a non-interacting N-body Harmonic oscillator system.
Identifying patients in need of psychological treatment with language representation models
Authors: Aygün İrfan , Kaya Buket , Kaya Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Early diagnosis of psychological disorders is very important for patients to regain their health. Research shows that many patients do not realize that they have a psychological disorder or apply to different departments for treatment. The detection of hidden psychological disorders in patients will both increase the quality of life of patients and reduce the traffic of patients who apply to the wrong department. This study aimed to determine whether patients who consult a physician for any reason need psychological treatment. For this purpose, the relationships, and similarities between the sentences of previous psychiatric patients and the sentences of newly arrived patients were analyzed. Domain-based trained ELECTRA language model was used to detect sentence similarities semantically. In the study, the dialogues of patients with physicians in 92 different specialties were analyzed using the MedDialog dataset, which consists of online physician applications, and the DAIC-WOZ dataset. As a result of the experiments, 90.49% success was achieved for the MedDialog dataset and 89.36% for the DAIC-WOZ dataset. With the proposed model, patients in need of psychological treatment were identified and the medical departments where psychological problems were revealed the most were determined. These divisions are Neurology, Sexology, Cardiology, and Plastic Surgery, respectively. With the findings obtained, complications caused by psychological problems and types of diseases that are precursors to psychological disorders were determined. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first study that aims to analyze all psychological illness instead of focusing on any of the psychological problems (depression, OCD, schizophrenia, etc.) and validated by electronic health records.
Heterogeneity in PhD entrepreneurship: strategic alignment of institutional, organisational, and individual factors
Authors: Muscio Alessandro , Kitagawa Fumi
Published: March 2024

Much of the existing research on PhD entrepreneurship is focused on Academic Spin-Offs (ASOs) within the parent institution’s formal intellectual property (IP) structure. Cross-level analysis of a survey administered to 23,500 PhD students in Italy shows the heterogeneity of PhD students’ entrepreneurial activities, which, in addition to ASOs, include start-ups, corporate spin-offs and other types of businesses. We examine the types of drivers that matter most for different forms of PhD entrepreneurial ventures. Our findings reveal two forces at play: a technology-push model where PhD students rely on IP and support from the parent university, and a demand-led model that involves support from industry and sources of external finance. This study highlights the strategic alignment among the determinants of PhD entrepreneurship at the micro, meso and macro levels. These determinants include the individual PhD student’s choices, the interactions with different stakeholders and reconciliation of the tensions represented by the organizational and institutional resources and infrastructures.