bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Sustainable Circular Economy: Algae‐Based Bioplastics and the Role of Internet‐of‐Things and Machine Learning
Authors: Bin Abu Sofian Abu Danish Aiman , Lim Hooi Ren , Manickam Sivakumar , Ang Wei Lun , Show Pau Loke
Published: November 2023

The growing potential of sustainable materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polylactic acid (PLA), alginate, carrageenan, and ulvan for bioplastics production presents an opportunity to promote a sustainable circular economy. This review investigates their properties, applications, and challenges. Bioplastics derived from algae offer an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum‐based plastics, a shift of paramount importance to society due to the escalating environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics. The role of the internet‐of‐things (IoT) and machine learning in refining these bioplastics' production and development processes is emphasized. IoT monitors cultivation conditions, data collection, and process control for more sustainable production. Machine learning can enhance algae cultivation, increasing the supply of raw materials for algal bioplastics and improving their efficiency and output. The study results indicate the promise of algae‐based bioplastics, IoT, and machine learning in fostering a more environmentally sustainable future. By harnessing these advanced technologies, optimization of bioplastic production is possible, potentially revolutionizing the materials industry and addressing existing challenges toward achieving a sustainable circular economy.
Functionalised [Ge9Ni] Clusters as Homogeneous Single‐Site Catalysts for Olefin Isomerisation Reactions
Authors: Willeit Nicole S. , Klein Wilhelm , Coburger Peter , Fritz‐Langhals Elke , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: November 2023

Single‐site catalysis is an increasingly vital strategy to optimise heterogeneous catalytic reactions. In an ideal case, the nature and the population of catalytically active sites are all identical, which is impossible to realise on a solid support. The idea of single site catalysts is transferred from heterogeneous to homogeneous catalysis by the incorporation of a transition metal with oxidation state 0 in the surface of a small, soluble, molecular, homoatomic germanium atom cluster that also comprises main group atoms with oxidation state close to zero. An optimised synthetic protocol for four cluster compounds Hyp3Et[Ge9Ni]PR3 (R=Ph, ptolyl, iPr, Me) is presented, in which the transition metal is embedded in Ge atoms of a polyhedral cluster. The products were characterised by NMR spectroscopy, LIFDI/MS and elemental analysis and also structurally characterised for R=iPr and Me by single crystal X‐ray structure determination comprising a closo‐[Ge9Ni] core. The catalytic potential is investigated for various olefin isomerisation reactions. The formation of an active metal site is realized by ligand dissociation, which is observed for PPh3. DFT calculations of Hyp3Et[Ge9Ni]PR3 (R=Ph, iPr, Me), Hyp3Et[Ge9Ni](tolyl) and Hyp3Et[Ge9Ni](C6H12) show that ligand exchange with substrate molecules occurs during the catalytic reaction. Since the same principle, namely a bare metal atom site at the cluster surface, applies as in single‐site heterogeneous catalysis and since in contrast to classical homogeneous catalysis the metal atom is embedded in a cluster surface, the abbreviation SSHoC for Single Site Homogeneous Catalyst is proposed for this catalyst type. Since each metal atom is catalytically active, SSHoC enable a considerable increase in efficiency of catalysts and thus allow for sustainable use of expensive and less abundant transition metals.
Unprecedented Selective Synthesis of Imines by Photocatalytic Oxidative Coupling of Primary Amines under N2O Atmosphere**
Authors: Delaunay Oriane , Denicourt‐Nowicki Audrey , Roucoux Alain
Published: November 2023

In a climate change context, N2O contributes to global warming with CO2 and CH4. As an inert molecule, its upgrading as oxidant still constitutes a challenge in chemical synthesis. Here, the synthesis of imines was unprecedently performed using nitrous oxide (N2O) as a novel and highly selective oxidative agent for the photocatalytic homo‐coupling of amines. In a similar way, unsymmetric imines were produced through cross‐coupling of amines with alcohols. Promisingly, this greenhouse gas showed excellent performances towards the target reactions when photocatalytically activated at atmospheric pressure, with silver photodeposited on titanium dioxide as catalyst. Relevantly, reactions under N2O atmosphere exhibited high conversion rates and turn‐over frequencies, and higher selectivities than the ones carried out under a dioxygen atmosphere. Mechanisms for both reactions were detailed, showing the release of nitrogen and water as benign by‐products.
Rebound or Cage Escape? The Role of the Rebound Barrier for the Reactivity of Non‐Heme High‐Valent FeIV=O Species
Authors: Kumar Ravi , Ansari Azaj , Comba Peter , Rajaraman Gopalan
Published: November 2023

Owing to their high reactivity and selectivity, variations in the spin ground state and a range of possible pathways, high‐valent FeIV=O species are popular models with potential bioinspired applications. An interesting example of a structure–reactivity pattern is the detailed study with five nonheme amine‐pyridine pentadentate ligand FeIV=O species, including N4py: [(L1)FeIV=O]2+ (1), bntpen: [(L2)FeIV=O]2+ (2), py2tacn: [(L3)FeIV=O]2+ (3), and two isomeric bispidine derivatives: [(L4)FeIV=O]2+ (4) and [(L5)FeIV=O]2+ (5). In this set, the order of increasing reactivity in the hydroxylation of cyclohexane differs from that with cyclohexadiene as substrate. A comprehensive DFT, ab initio CASSCF/NEVPT2 and DLPNO‐CCSD(T) study is presented to untangle the observed patterns. These are well reproduced when both activation barriers for the C−H abstraction and the OH rebound are taken into account. An MO, NBO and deformation energy analysis reveals the importance of π(pyr) → π*xz(FeIII‐OH) electron donation for weakening the FeIII‐OH bond and thus reducing the rebound barrier. This requires that pyridine rings are oriented perpendicularly to the FeIII‐OH bond and this is a subtle but crucial point in ligand design for non‐heme iron alkane hydroxylation.
A fault detection method based on sparse dynamic canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Hu Xuguang , Wu Ping , Pan Haipeng , He Yuchen
Published: November 2023

Fault detection based on canonical correlation analysis (CCA) has received increased attention due to its efficiency in exploring the relationship between input and output. However, traditional CCA may generate redundant features in both the input and output projections while maximizing the correlations. In this paper, sparse dynamic canonical correlation analysis (SDCCA) is developed for dealing with the fault detection of dynamic processes. Through posing sparsity in the extraction of features, the interpretability of canonical variates is enhanced attributed to the sparsity of canonical weights. Based on the SDCCA model, the monitoring metric is established for fault detection. Moreover, the upper control limit (UCL) based on monitoring metrics is determined by the kernel density estimation (KDE) method to avoid the violation of the Gaussian assumption. The superiority of the proposed SDCCA‐based fault detection method is illustrated through a comparative study of the Tennessee Eastman process benchmark.
Two‐Membrane Dual Non‐Aqueous/Aqueous Electrolyte Flow Cell Operation for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Methyl Formate
Authors: Gautam Manu , Nkurunziza Francois , Mulvehill Matthew C. , Uttarwar Sandesh S. , Hofsommer Dillon T. , Grapperhaus Craig A. , Spurgeon Joshua M.
Published: November 2023

Recently, tandem cathodic reactions have been demonstrated in non‐aqueous solvents to couple CO2 reduction to a secondary reaction to create novel species that are not produced in aqueous CO2 electrolysis. One reaction that can be performed with high selectivity and durability is the electrochemical conversion of CO2 to formic acid and in‐situ esterification with methanol to produce methyl formate. However, the translation to a high‐performance flow electrolyzer is far from trivial, as the non‐aqueous catholyte leads to reactor challenges including flooding the gas diffusion electrode. Here, a two‐membrane flow electrolyzer with both anion and cation exchange membranes was used with flowing methanol catholyte and aqueous anolyte. This design prevented methanol from flooding the cathode, which was a pervasive limiting issue for electrolyzers with a single membrane. Methyl formate production at 42.9 % faradaic efficiency was achieved with pure methanol in a flow electrolyzer with stable performance beyond 80 min. However, low‐water‐content catholyte compositions also led to increased cell resistance and lower operating current densities. Thus, with the present ionomer materials there is a tradeoff between methyl formate selectivity and current density depending on water concentration, highlighting a need for new ionomers tailored for desirable non‐aqueous solvents such as methanol.
Metal‐Free Arylation of Pyridine/Quinoline N‐Oxides with Indoles
Authors: Tsunokawa Ryo , Karuo Yukiko , Tarui Atsushi , Sato Kazuyuki , Hosoya Takaaki , Agou Tomohiro , Kawai Kentaro , Omote Masaaki
Published: November 2023

We achieved metal‐free pyridine arylations via O‐triflated pyridine N‐oxides and N‐alkylated indoles. The reactions proceeded through reactive intermediates, obtained upon treatment of pyridine N‐oxides with Tf2O, which were sufficiently activated for preferentially installing various indoles at the nitrogen‐adjacent positions of pyridine. This protocol features mild conditions, short reaction times, and ease of handling under stirring and air at room temperature. Furthermore, no transition metal is required, which renders our procedure an environmentally benign approach to pyridine arylation.
Design of Micro Hydrokinetic Energy Harvester of Marine Animal Movement for Underwater Monitoring
Authors: Jiang Jiajia , Wei Bin , Chen Guocai , Guo Tongtong , Huang Lin , Yao Qingwang , Li Zhuochen
Published: November 2023

The underwater mobile monitoring platform that utilizes marine animals as carriers provides a new solution to address the issues of short endurance, high costs, and bulky size associated with traditional underwater mobile monitoring platforms. Based on most marine animals that have the behavioral habit of long‐duration swimming, a micro hydrokinetic energy harvesting system is proposed. This system applies a miniature vertical‐axis water turbine as its energy conversion component. The hydrokinetic energy is derived from the relative movement between marine animals and the surrounding seawater. A conceptual design of a novel underwater mobile monitoring platform is presented. A finite element model of the external‐rotor permanent magnet synchronous generator is established to comprehensively evaluate the performance of the generator. Numerical simulation is utilized to conduct a comparative analysis of different diversion channel designs. Preliminary water tank experiments show that the designed micro energy harvester can effectively capture the hydrokinetic energy generated by water flow movement. The startup flow rate of the harvester is around 0.16 m s−1. The output power increases with the increase in water flow velocity, reaching a maximum value of ≈57 mW within the range of water flow rate of about 0.2–0.5 m s−1.
Ultrasound‐modified whey protein‐enriched instant noodles: Enhancement in functional, rheological, cooking, and structural attributes
Authors: Khatkar Anju Boora , Kaur Amarjeet , Dhull Sanju Bala , Khatkar Sunil Kumar , Mehta Nitin , Kaur Jaspreet , Goksen Gulden
Published: November 2023

Instant noodles enriched with ultrasound‐modified whey protein (WP) were characterized for physical, technological, rheological, cooking, thermal, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), morphological, and sensory attributes to access the compatibility of ultrasound for actual food matrix. Semolina with sonicated WP (SWP) showed significantly (p < .05) higher water absorption capacity (1.586 g/g) than semolina with raw WP (1.512 g/g). Semolina with SWP also showed a significantly higher water solubility index, oil binding, and firmer gel, even at 5% concentration. The addition of SWP positively impacted pasting properties and improved dough handling, as also supported by the constantly increasing storage (G′) and loss (G″) modulus. SWP significantly decreased the cooking loss (7.48%) and considerably increased cooking weight (13.80%), water uptake ratio (14.35%), noodle diameter, expansion (4.47%), hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness of instant noodles. Thus, the instant noodles containing SWP imparted high resistance to tear and wear to noodle strands. The improved thermal, IVPD (90.46%), and acceptability with excellent structural (morphology) integrity authenticate SWP as a quality protein source for enrichment.
Overcoming the constraints of competitive clientelism? Explaining the success of Ghana's poorest region in reducing maternal mortality
Authors: Abdulai Abdul‐Gafaru
Published: November 2023

Maternal mortality remains a health challenge that many developing countries struggle to address. Drawing on 64 key informant interviews, this article shows how Ghana's most impoverished administrative region, the Upper East, emerged as a bureaucratic ‘pocket of effectiveness’ in reducing maternal mortality in a context where national political settlement dynamics are undermining progress in improving maternal health. At the national level, Ghana's progress in reducing maternal mortality has been disappointing because public investments are disproportionately directed to reforms that contribute to the short‐term political survival of ruling elites. Competitive electoral pressures have contributed to greater elite commitment towards health sector investments with visual impact, while weakening elite incentives for dedicating resources to interventions that are necessary for enhancing the quality of health. The relatively better performance of the Upper East Region in reducing maternal mortality has been driven by a hybrid form of accountability that combines top‐down pressures from the regional health directorate with horizontal forms of accountability that result in a competitive spirit among health workers. These findings show that even in contexts where resources are limited, the capacity of sub‐national leaders in devising local solutions to local problems can lead to improved performance of health systems at the sub‐national level. The findings also suggest the need for academic debates to go beyond the binary distinctions regarding the usefulness of top‐down versus bottom‐up accountability measures and focus on building effective and legitimate forms of accountability that run both top‐down and bottom‐up when seeking to improve health service delivery.
The ameliorative effects of cannabidiol on methotrexate‐induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis via inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress
Authors: Unlu Melike D. , Asci Halil , Yusuf Tepebasi M. , Arlioglu Melih , Huseynov Ibrahim , Ozmen Ozlem , Sezer Serdar , Demirci Serpil
Published: November 2023

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic agent and has neurotoxic effects. It exerts its toxic effect on the brain by triggering inflammation and apoptosis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an agent known for its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory effects in various tissues. The aim of this study is to examine the protective effects of CBD treatment in various brain structures from MTX damage and to evaluate the effect of intracellular pathways involved in apoptosis. Thirty‐two adult Wistar Albino female rats were divided into four groups as control, MTX (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]), MTX + CBD (0.1 mL of 5 mg/kg i.p.), and CBD (for 7 days, i.p.). At the end of the experiment, brain tissues collected for biochemical analyses as total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index (OSI), histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), serotonin, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) staining, genetic analyses as caspase‐9 (Cas‐9), caspase‐12 (Cas‐12), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and cytochrome‐c (Cyt‐c) gene expressions. In the histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, hyperemia, microhemorrhage, neuronal loss, and significant decreasing expressions of seratonin were observed in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum regions in the MTX group. mTOR, TNF‐α, Cas‐9, Cas‐12, CHOP, and Cyt‐c expressions with TOS and OSI levels were increased in the cortex. It was observed that these findings were reversed after CBD application in all regions. MTX triggers neuronal apoptosis via endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress while destroying serotonergic neurons. The reversal of the pathological changes with CBD treatment proves that it has anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic activity in brain.
IL7RA rs10491434 polymorphism is related to spontaneous HIV infection control in naïve HIV‐infected patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Sepúlveda‐Crespo Daniel , Jiménez‐Sousa María A. , Fernández‐Rodíguez Amanda , Muñoz‐Fernández María A. , Jiménez José L. , Caraciolo Begoña B. , Reus Bañuls Sergio , Vilchez Helem , Mothe Beatriz , Martínez Isidoro , Benito José M. , Rallón Norma , Resino Salvador
Published: November 2023

Interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) is vital in the adaptive immune response against human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). We assessed IL7RA polymorphisms (SNPs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve HIV patients for their association with spontaneous HIV infection control. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 667 ART‐naïve patients categorized by HIV progression (ordinal variable): 150 rapid progressors, 334 moderate/typical progressors, 86 long‐term nonprogressors elite controllers (LTNPs‐EC), and 97 LTNPs‐non‐EC. We genotyped three IL7RA SNPs using Agena Bioscience's MassARRAY platform. The association between IL7RA SNPs and spontaneous HIV infection control was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Individuals carrying the rs10491434 G allele have a higher likelihood of spontaneous HIV infection control (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.33; p = 0.023). Moreover, the IL7RA GCT haplotype, consisting of three specific SNPs (rs6897932, rs987106, and rs10491434), demonstrated an association with the control of untreated HIV infection (aOR = 1.34; p = 0.050). Remarkably, the rs10491434 SNP and the IL7RA GCT haplotype exhibited similar aOR values, suggesting that rs10491434 may be primarily responsible for the observed effect of the haplotype. IL7RA rs10491434 G allele is associated with a higher likelihood of spontaneous HIV infection control, indicating its significant role in the pathogenesis of HIV, possibly influencing infection course and viral replication control.
Safety of Ultrasound Contrast Agents in Pediatric Patients With Sickle Cell Disease and Trait
Authors: Ntoulia Aikaterini , Darge Kassa , Thompson Alexis A. , Back Susan J.
Published: November 2023

Ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) use is increasing. Recent isolated reports observed a rise in pain‐related adverse events with the intravenous administration of the UCA Definity in adults with sickle cell disease. To date, no studies have investigated the incidence of similar adverse events with UCA Lumason or Optison. We describe our experience regarding the safety of Lumason and Optison in children with sickle cell disease and trait who underwent contrast‐enhanced ultrasound exams in our department with intravenous, intravesical, and other intracavitary routes. No pain‐related or other adverse events were observed in this pediatric population with any route of UCA administration.
Paradigm Change for Intraoperative Surgical Margin Assessment for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tessler Idit , Marilena Vered , Alon Eran E. , Gecel Nir A. , Remer Eric , Gluck Iris , Yoffe Tal , Dobriyan Alex
Published: November 2023

Objective

Achieving clear surgical margins is one of the primary surgical goals in treating oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and thus aiming to improve overall and disease‐specific survival. Therefore, we developed the Goal‐Oriented Assessment for Intraoperative Margin (‘GAIM’) protocol, a novel intraoperative approach for margin assessment, and present here our 5‐year experience and outcomes.

Methods

‘GAIM’ is a 7‐step procedure comprising systematic ruler‐aided resection of labeled tumor‐bed margins, frozen section (FS) co‐produced by both pathologists and operating surgeons, and immediate extension of resection according to FS findings. Data from all patients operated using the ‘GAIM’ protocol at a single tertiary center between 2018 to 2022 were analyzed, including margin status on FS and final pathology (FP) records, recurrence, and mortality.

Results

A total of 196 patients were included, 56.6% (n = 111) stages I‐II, and 43.4% (n = 85) stages III‐IV. Using the ‘GAIM’ protocol, we achieved an overall 94.4% of clean and revised clean surgical margins. Patients with a 2‐year and longer follow‐up (n = 141) had local recurrence in 3.5% when both FS and final margins were clean, 8.1% when FP margins were clean, and 16.7% with close/positive final margins.

Conclusions

The proposed ‘GAIM’ protocol is a novel, effective, reproducible, and safe approach for margin evaluation that can be systematically applied. It can increase the rate of final clean surgical margins and potentially improve patients' outcomes.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:1725–1732, 2024
4DCT in Discordant Parathyroid Adenoma Scans: Case Series and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Warshavsky Anton , Rubin Raz , Carmel‐Neidermann Narin Nard , Brenner Adi , Shendler Genady , Kampel Liyona , Izkhakov Elena , Muhanna Nidal , Horowitz Gilad
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of four‐dimensional computerized‐tomography (4DCT) for localizing parathyroid adenomas (PTAs) in cases with discordant or non‐localizing ultrasonography (US) and Technetium‐99 sestamibi (MIBI) scans.

Data Sources

Retrospective case series and systematic review.

Review Methods

A case series and meta‐analysis of patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism and discordant US and MIBI scans who underwent 4DCT prior to surgery. A comprehensive search for all relevant publications in the English literature between December 2006 and March 2022 was conducted for the meta‐analysis. Patients undergoing parathyroidectomy between January 2015 and December 2021 were identified from the institutional electronic database for the case series. All studies were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the 4DCT adenoma localization capabilities.

Results

Thirteen retrospective studies that included 379 patients and one case series that included 37 patients were identified and analyzed. A per‐patient analysis revealed sensitivity for lateralization to the correct side (n = 181) ranging from 80% to 100% with a fixed effects model of 89% (95%confidence interval [CI]: 82%–93%) and a PPV for lateralization ranging from 63%–95% with a random effects model of 87% (95% CI: 77%–95%). Sensitivity of localization to the correct quadrant (n = 172) ranged from 53% to 100% with a random effects model of 90.4% (95% CI: 76%–99%), and the PPV for localization ranged from 52% to 100% with a random effects model of 82% (95% CI: 73%–89%).

Conclusion

4DCT enhances imaging capabilities of localizing PTAs in cases of discordant or non‐localizing US and MIBI scans.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:2198–2205, 2024
HOTFLOOR: A benthic chamber system to simulate warming on the seafloor
Authors: Göbeler Norman , Kauppi Laura , Gottberg Robin , Lundberg Göran , Norkko Alf , Norkko Joanna
Published: November 2023

The frequency of abnormally warm water events is increasing not only in surface waters, but also in subsurface layers, with major impacts on benthic ecosystems. Previous insights on heatwave effects have been obtained through field observations or manipulative laboratory experiments. Here, we introduce a system capable of inducing elevated water temperatures in benthic habitats in situ over several days. The system consists of a commercially available electric boiler, usually applied in domestic underfloor heating, and custom‐designed benthic acrylic glass chambers connected to individual thermostats. Furthermore, the chambers are semi‐open, allowing constant water exchange, maintaining otherwise near‐natural conditions, including oxygen concentrations, while the temperature is elevated. The water exchange can be stopped to facilitate incubations measuring changes in benthic fluxes. We conducted a 15‐d trial study in July 2021 on a bare‐sediment habitat at 2.5 m depth, exposing five chambers to water temperatures 5°C above ambient temperatures for 6 d and comparing with five control chambers. In this assessment, we demonstrate that the temperature control and stability were reliable while maintaining natural oxygen conditions. The modular character of the system permits adaptations for various benthic habitats, facilitating the investigation of elevated temperatures in situ for future climate change scenarios.
A product innovation game with managerial delegation
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Gori Luca
Published: November 2023

This research introduces sales delegation in a product innovation game by considering Cournot and Bertrand duopolies. The article first revisits the existing results with profit‐maximising firms, showing that a prisoner's dilemma with undifferentiated products cannot occur in a Bertrand rivalry setting. Then, by considering the separation between ownership and control, the work shows, when managers are delegated to choose only over quantity or price in the product market, that sales delegation (1) increases (resp. reduces) the likelihood to innovate (not to innovate) under Cournot competition, and (2) increases the likelihood to innovate under Bertrand competition compared to the profit‐maximising setting. Unlike this, if managers are delegated to choose over quantity or price in the product market and product innovation is in the decision‐making stage, sales delegation reduces the likelihood of innovation in both Cournot and Bertrand rivalry settings. Overall, results pinpoint the importance of the managerial delegation in affecting investments in product innovation compared to the profit‐maximising model.
Solvability and Mittag–Leffler–Ulam stability for fractional Duffing problem with three sequential fractional derivatives
Authors: Hamid Ganie Abdul , Houas Mohamed , AlBaidani Mashael M.
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we discuss the existence, uniqueness, and the Mittag–Leffler–Ulam stability of solutions for fractional Duffing equations involving three fractional derivatives. Uniqueness result for solution of the underlying Duffing problem is given with the help of Banach's fixed point theorem, where the existence result is computed using Leray–Schauder's alternative. Also, the Mittag–Leffler–Ulam stability results are computed by employing generalized singular Gronwall's inequality. An illustrative example is also given.
K‐t PCA accelerated in‐plane balanced steady‐state free precession phase‐contrast (PC‐SSFP) for all‐in‐one diastolic function evaluation
Authors: Xiang Jie , Lamy Jerome , Qiu Maolin , Galiana Gigi , Peters Dana C.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Diastolic function evaluation requires estimates of early and late diastolic mitral filling velocities (E and A) and of mitral annulus tissue velocity (e′). We aimed to develop an MRI method for simultaneous all‐in‐one diastolic function evaluation in a single scan by generating a 2D phase‐contrast (PC) sequence with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) contrast (PC‐SSFP). E and A could then be measured with PC, and e′ estimated by valve tracking on the magnitude images, using an established deep learning framework.

Methods

Our PC‐SSFP used in‐plane flow‐encoding, with zeroth and first moment nulling over each TR. For further acceleration, different k‐t principal component analysis (PCA) methods were investigated with both retrospective and prospective undersampling. PC‐SSFP was compared to separate balanced SSFP cine and PC‐gradient echo acquisitions in phantoms and in 10 healthy subjects.

Results

Phantom experiments showed that PC‐SSFP measured accurate velocities compared to PC‐gradient echo (r = 0.98 for a range of pixel‐wise velocities −80 cm/s to 80 cm/s). In subjects, PC‐SSFP generated high SNR and myocardium‐blood contrast, and excellent agreement for E (limits of agreement [LOA] 0.8 ± 2.4 cm/s, r = 0.98), A (LOA 2.5 ± 4.1 cm/s, r = 0.97), and e′ (LOA 0.3 ± 2.6 cm/s, r = 1.00), versus the standard methods. The best k‐t PCA approach processed the complex difference data and substituted in raw k‐space data. With prospective k‐t PCA acceleration, higher frame rates were achieved (50 vs. 25 frames per second without k‐t PCA), yielding a 13% higher e′.

Conclusion

The proposed PC‐SSFP method achieved all‐in‐one diastolic function evaluation.
Rapid motion estimation and correction using self‐encoded FID navigators in 3D radial MRI
Authors: Wallace Tess E. , Piccini Davide , Kober Tobias , Warfield Simon K. , Afacan Onur
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To develop a self‐navigated motion compensation strategy for 3D radial MRI that can compensate for continuous head motion by measuring rigid body motion parameters with high temporal resolution from the central k‐space acquisition point (self‐encoded FID navigator) in each radial spoke.

Methods

A forward model was created from low‐resolution calibration data to simulate the effect of relative motion between the coil sensitivity profiles and the underlying object on the self‐encoded FID navigator signal. Trajectory deviations were included in the model as low spatial‐order field variations. Three volunteers were imaged at 3 T using a modified 3D gradient‐echo sequence acquired with a Kooshball trajectory while performing abrupt and continuous head motion. Rigid body‐motion parameters were estimated from the central k‐space signal of each spoke using a least‐squares fitting algorithm. The accuracy of self‐navigated motion parameters was assessed relative to an established external tracking system. Quantitative image quality metrics were computed for images with and without retrospective correction using external and self‐navigated motion measurements.

Results

Self‐encoded FID navigators achieved mean absolute errors of 0.69 ± 0.82 mm and 0.73 ± 0.87° relative to external tracking for maximum motion amplitudes of 12 mm and 10°. Retrospective correction of the 3D radial data resulted in substantially improved image quality for both abrupt and continuous motion paradigms, comparable to external tracking results.

Conclusions

Accurate rigid body motion parameters can be rapidly obtained from self‐encoded FID navigator signals in 3D radial MRI to continuously correct for head movements. This approach is suitable for robust neuroanatomical imaging in subjects that exhibit patterns of large and frequent motion.
Current status in spatiotemporal analysis of contrast‐based perfusion MRI
Authors: Shalom Eve S. , Khan Amirul , Van Loo Sven , Sourbron Steven P.
Published: November 2023

In perfusion MRI, image voxels form a spatially organized network of systems, all exchanging indicator with their immediate neighbors. Yet the current paradigm for perfusion MRI analysis treats all voxels or regions‐of‐interest as isolated systems supplied by a single global source. This simplification not only leads to long‐recognized systematic errors but also fails to leverage the embedded spatial structure within the data. Since the early 2000s, a variety of models and implementations have been proposed to analyze systems with between‐voxel interactions. In general, this leads to large and connected numerical inverse problems that are intractible with conventional computational methods. With recent advances in machine learning, however, these approaches are becoming practically feasible, opening up the way for a paradigm shift in the approach to perfusion MRI. This paper seeks to review the work in spatiotemporal modelling of perfusion MRI using a coherent, harmonized nomenclature and notation, with clear physical definitions and assumptions. The aim is to introduce clarity in the state‐of‐the‐art of this promising new approach to perfusion MRI, and help to identify gaps of knowledge and priorities for future research.
High‐resolution spiral real‐time cardiac cine imaging with deep learning‐based rapid image reconstruction and quantification
Authors: Wang Junyu , Awad Marina , Zhou Ruixi , Wang Zhixing , Wang Xitong , Feng Xue , Yang Yang , Meyer Craig , Kramer Christopher M. , Salerno Michael
Published: November 2023

The objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate a DEep learning‐based rapid Spiral Image REconstruction (DESIRE) and deep learning (DL)‐based segmentation approach to quantify the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) for high‐resolution spiral real‐time cine imaging, including 2D balanced steady‐state free precession imaging at 1.5 T and gradient echo (GRE) imaging at 1.5 and 3 T. A 3D U‐Net–based image reconstruction network and 2D U‐Net–based image segmentation network were proposed and evaluated. Low‐rank plus sparse (L+S) served as the reference for the image reconstruction network and manual contouring of the left ventricle was the reference of the segmentation network. To assess the image reconstruction quality, structural similarity index, peak signal‐to‐noise ratio, normalized root‐mean‐square error, and blind grading by two experienced cardiologists (5: excellent; 1: poor) were performed. To assess the segmentation performance, quantification of the LVEF on GRE imaging at 3 T was compared with the quantification from manual contouring. Excellent performance was demonstrated by the proposed technique. In terms of image quality, there was no difference between L+S and the proposed DESIRE technique. For quantification analysis, the proposed DL method was not different to the manual segmentation method (p > 0.05) in terms of quantification of LVEF. The reconstruction time for DESIRE was ~32 s (including nonuniform fast Fourier transform [NUFFT]) per dynamic series (40 frames), while the reconstruction time of L+S with GPU acceleration was approximately 3 min. The DL segmentation takes less than 5 s. In conclusion, the proposed DL‐based image reconstruction and quantification techniques enabled 1‐min image reconstruction for the whole heart and quantification with automatic reconstruction and quantification of the left ventricle function for high‐resolution spiral real‐time cine imaging with excellent performance.
Impact of home confinement due to the COVID‐19 outbreak on vitamin D levels and trends among children with pneumonia aged 1–35 months
Authors: Wang Xueer , Chen Jianchuan , Huang Runting , Gong Ting , Zhu Lin , Luo Tingting , Yang Shu , Yan Li , Geng Gang , Dai Jihong , Li Xiaoqiang , Tian Daiyin
Published: November 2023

Vitamin D plays a vital role in immunity and is related to susceptibility and the severity of pneumonia. The home confinement caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) decreased sunlight exposure derived from outdoor activities in children, thereby possibly exerting an influence on 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. The aim of this study is to quantify vitamin D level changes and trends among infants and toddlers with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) during and post the home confinement period. This study included children who were hospitalized in the respiratory department of the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University with CAP between February 1 and July 31 from 2020 to 2022 (N = 397). We used propensity score matching to control the confounding bias. The levels and trends of the children's serum 25(OH)D concentrations overall and by age groups were compared between the different periods. The serum 25(OH)D concentration during the home confinement period was lower (p < 0.05) but was still at the vitamin D sufficiency level. There was a gradual decrease in the 25(OH)D concentrations in the subsequent several months after the beginning of home confinement, and the recovery time was delayed. When analyzed by age group, the serum 25(OH)D concentration of the toddler group changed more significantly than that of the infant group between the different periods. The insufficiency of sunlight exposure caused by home confinement resulted in a slight and gradual decrease in vitamin D levels among children with CAP. In addition, the impact was more significant for toddlers.
Development and validation of a model to predict acute kidney injury following high‐dose methotrexate in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Rice Mikhaila L. , Barreto Erin F. , Rule Andrew D. , Martin Catherine E. , Truong Huong L. , Mara Kristin C. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Thompson Carrie A. , Witzig Thomas E. , Barreto Jason N.
Published: November 2023

Study Objective

To develop and validate a model for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) after high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) exposure.

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Setting

Multisite integrated health system throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Patients

Adult patients with lymphoma who received HDMTX as a 4‐h infusion.

Measurements and Main Results

LASSO methodology was used to identify factors available at the outset of therapy that predicted incident AKI within 7 days following HDMTX. The model was then validated in an independent cohort. The incidence of AKI within 7 days following HDMTX was 21.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 18.4%‐24.8%) in the derivation cohort (435 unique patients who received a total of 1642 doses of HDMTX) and 15.6% (95% CI 5.3%‐24.8%) in the validation cohort (55 unique patients who received a total of 247 doses of HDMTX). Factors significantly associated with AKI after HDMTX in the multivariable model included age ≥ 55 years, male sex, and lower HDMTX dose number. Other factors that were not found to be significantly associated with AKI on multivariable analysis, but were included in the final model, were body surface area, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The c‐statistic of the model was 0.72 (95% CI 0.69‐0.75) in the derivation cohort and 0.72 (95% CI 0.60‐0.84) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

This model utilizing identified sociodemographic and clinical factors is predictive of AKI following HDMTX administration in adult patients with lymphoma.
Administrators' perception concerning the auxiliary (janitorial) staff: The hidden heroes of education
Authors: Karatas Suleyman , Caner Mustafa
Published: November 2023

The present study examined administrators' views on the working status, contributions to the education process, performance status, and employment processes of the school auxiliary staff. The research was conducted in a holistic multiple‐case study design, one of the qualitative research methods. The study group consisted of 22 school administrators who work in various K12 school settings in the central districts of a city in Turkey and voluntarily participated in the study. A maximum diversity sampling strategy, one of the purposeful sampling techniques, was employed in sample selection. The study's data were obtained using a semistructured interview conducted by the researchers. An inductive content analysis technique was utilized to analyze the data, and the results were interpreted accordingly. The study's findings revealed that administrators felt that their role is a very insignificant position in the recruitment of auxiliaries, the auxiliary staff has direct and indirect contributions to the education process, and they cause some unfavorable circumstances in some cases. In addition, it was found that school administrators think that the auxiliary staff could be efficient when employed through temporary recruitment procedures and if they have an active role in their recruitment.
Promoting organic room temperature phosphorescence through in situ polymerization
Authors: Yao Wanni , Xiong Haowei , Liao Qiuyan , Huang Arui , Li Qianqian , Li Zhen
Published: November 2023

Organic room temperature phosphorescence materials (RTP) have attracted much attention for their wide application in organic light‐emitting diodes, anti‐counterfeiting, and sensors. In this work, a series of organic luminogens containing carbonyl and aromatics were fixed in a three‐dimensional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) network by in situ polymerization. All organic luminogens‐doped in situ PMMA (s‐PMMA) columns achieved longer RTP lifetimes than those of doped commercial PMMA (c‐PMMA) films, especially, the RTP lifetime of NMP2O in these PMMA matrixes increased from 1.82 ms to 156.34 ms by about 86 times. It is mainly due to the restriction of molecular motions by highly entangled polymer chains and rigid environments to efficiently inhibit the non‐radiative transitions. Also, the excellent shielding effect toward oxygen by the in situ polymerization process can avoid possible quenching effects on triplet excited states, beneficial to RTP emission. Thus, it affords an efficient approach to achieving persistent RTP for three‐dimensional displaying applications.
Bioinspired total synthesis and biological activity of Pegaharine A
Authors: Liu Qichang , Zuo Mei , Song Yi , He Shuzhong , Huang Jian , Chen Yang
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Phytopathogens cause various diseases by parasitizing crops, reducing crop yield and resulting in substantial economic losses in agricultural production. A novel type isolated from the perennial herbaceous Peganum harmala L. seeds, β‐carboline alkaloids pegaharine A (PA), has become a hot topic in developing plant‐originated green pesticides owing to their significant physiological activities.

RESULTS

A scalable bioinspired total synthesis of PA is accomplished in the present work. The systematical biological assay study showed that PA exhibited moderate inhibitory activity against nine tested plant pathogenic fungi and showed significant inhibitory activity in vitro against the three tested plant pathogenic bacteria. Most noteworthy is the inhibitory rates of PA on Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) and X. axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) of 93.6%, 92.1% and 86.1%, respectively, which are better than the control drug, bismerthiazol (63.4%, 61.2% and 53.7% at 100 μg mL−1 concentration). Furthermore, the EC50 value of PA against Xoo, Xoc and Xac was 52.2, 60.0 and 65.1 μg mL−1, respectively, superior to 72.9, 64.2 and 70.1 μg mL−1 of the control drug. Moreover, the anti‐Xoo mechanistic studies revealed that PA exerted its antibacterial effects by increasing the permeability of the bacterial membrane, reducing the extracellular polysaccharide content and inducing morphological changes in bacterial cells.

CONCLUSION

A novel β‐carboline alkaloid, PA, was prepared by biomimetic total synthesis. Its significant antibacterial activity was closely related to the permeation of bacterial cell membranes, which was confirmed by anti‐Xoo mechanistic studies. More importantly, the structure could be regarded as a model for developing novel bactericides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Management of pulmonary hypertension associated with valvular heart disease with angiotensin‐receptor neprilysin inhibitor
Authors: Ali Hyeon‐Ju Ryoo , Thomas Jerome , Sahay Sandeep , Guha Ashrith
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary hypertension secondary to left‐sided valvular disease (VHD‐PH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Angiotensin‐receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) is a novel pharmacotherapy, which reduces afterload with natriuresis and peripheral vasodilation. Our cases demonstrate that ARNI may also have a role in the treatment of combined pre‐ and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension that is independent of its effect on pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and cardiac output. Future prospective trials are needed to evaluate role of ARNIs in treatment of VHD‐PH.
Machine learning based post‐processing of model‐derived near‐surface air temperature – A multimodel approach
Authors: Stachura Gabriel , Ustrnul Zbigniew , Sekuła Piotr , Bochenek Bogdan , Kolonko Marcin , Szczęch‐Gajewska Małgorzata
Published: November 2023

In this article, a machine‐learning‐based tool for calibrating numerical forecasts of near‐surface air temperature is proposed. The study area covers Poland representing a temperate type of climate with transitional features and highly variable weather. The direct output of numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is often biased and needs to be adjusted to observed values. Forecasters have to reconcile forecasts from several NWP models during their operational work. As the proposed method is based on deterministic forecasts from three short‐range limited‐area models (ALARO, AROME and COSMO), it can support them in their decision‐making process. Predictors include forecasts of weather elements produced by the NWP models at synoptic weather stations across Poland and station‐embedded data on ambient orography. The Random Forests algorithm (RF) has been used to produce bias‐corrected forecasts on a test set spanning one year. Its performance was evaluated against the NWP models, a linear combination of all predictors (multiple linear regression, MLR) as well as a basic Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Detailed evaluation was done to identify potential strengths and weaknesses of the model at the temporal and spatial scale. The value of RMSE of a forecast obtained by the RF model was 11% and 27% lower compared to the MLR model and the best‐performing NWP model respectively. The ANN model turned out to be even superior, outperforming RF by around 2.5%. The greatest improvement occurred for warm bias during the nighttime from July to September. The largest difference in forecast accuracy between RF and ANN appeared for temperature drops inApril nights. Poor performance of RF for extreme temperature ranges may be suppressed by training the model on forecast error instead of observed values of the variable.
A comparative analysis of motivational techniques in public and private schools: Implications for secondary education
Authors: Akram Shahla , Hameed Ume Ruman , Pervaiz Zahid
Published: November 2023

This study examines and compares the motivational techniques employed in public and private secondary schools. The study was conducted in Faisalabad, Pakistan. A mixed‐method approach was used by utilising qualitative as well as quantitative data collected through questionnaires filled out by students and interviews conducted with teachers from 12 secondary schools in the public and private sectors. Findings indicate that private schools outperform public schools in the use of effective motivational strategies. Lack of resources, large class sizes, limited access to professional development and the scarcity of technological resources were identified as some of the important challenges that teachers face in implementing motivation strategies. The research offers valuable insights for educators, policy makers, and stakeholders regarding the significance of motivation in education. The study recommends that resource constraints should be abolished, class sizes should be reduced to the optimal level and access to modern technology must be ensured, particularly in public schools, to enrich the learning environment.