bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI Applications to Breast MRI: Today and Tomorrow
Authors: Lo Gullo Roberto , Brunekreef Joren , Marcus Eric , Han Lynn K. , Eskreis‐Winkler Sarah , Thakur Sunitha B. , Mann Ritse , Groot Lipman Kevin , Teuwen Jonas , Pinker Katja
Published: April 2024

In breast imaging, there is an unrelenting increase in the demand for breast imaging services, partly explained by continuous expanding imaging indications in breast diagnosis and treatment. As the human workforce providing these services is not growing at the same rate, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast imaging has gained significant momentum to maximize workflow efficiency and increase productivity while concurrently improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Thus far, the implementation of AI in breast imaging is at the most advanced stage with mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis techniques, followed by ultrasound, whereas the implementation of AI in breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not moving along as rapidly due to the complexity of MRI examinations and fewer available dataset. Nevertheless, there is persisting interest in AI‐enhanced breast MRI applications, even as the use of and indications of breast MRI continue to expand. This review presents an overview of the basic concepts of AI imaging analysis and subsequently reviews the use cases for AI‐enhanced MRI interpretation, that is, breast MRI triaging and lesion detection, lesion classification, prediction of treatment response, risk assessment, and image quality. Finally, it provides an outlook on the barriers and facilitators for the adoption of AI in breast MRI.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 6
Evaluation of the effect of small single intravenous dose of amiodarone on the prevention of arrhythmias in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Azemati Simin , Dehghanpisheh Laleh , Vatankhah Pooya , Khademi Saeed , Ghazinour Mohammad , Eghdami Sima
Published: April 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia after cardiac surgery causing a range of clinical symptoms and treatments that develop in around one‐third of coronary artery bypass surgery patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of Amiodarone in preventing arrhythmia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

Method

In this double‐blind randomized clinical trial, 60 patients candidate for coronary artery bypass surgery above the age of 18 were included and randomly divided into two groups of intervention, receiving an infusion of Amiodarone (3 mg/kg) 10 min (in 100 cc Normal saline) before declamping of the aorta, and a control group, receiving 100 cc of saline 10 min before declamping of the aorta. The patient's demographic, clinical features, and hospital and clinical course were recorded.

Results

After undergoing operation, 22 (36.67%) of patients were developed arrhythmia. The Amiodarone group demonstrated significantly lower reperfusion ventricular fibrillation (RVF) rates (26.7% vs. 70%; p = .001) and AF occurrence (13.3% vs. 60%; p < .001) during the initial 24 h after surgery compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the need for D/C shock after removing the aortic clamp. (p = .117) Furthermore, the intensive care unit stay among the amiodaron group was significantly lower than the control group (2.43 vs. 3.07 days; p = .013).

Conclusion

The predictive properties in the administration of single intravenous low‐dose Amiodarone 10 min before the declamping of the aorta can significantly lower the rates of RVF and AF after coronary artery bypass grafting, while also decreasing hospitalization duration.
Mid‐term outcomes of delivery catheter‐based and stylet‐based right ventricular septal pacing: Follow‐up results from a multicenter, prospective, randomized study
Authors: Tsurumi Naoki , Naruse Yoshihisa , Kurebayashi Nobutake , Morikawa Shuji , Sano Makoto , Shiozawa Tomoyuki , Takano Shintaro , Ogano Michio , Kimura Kei , Miyajima Keisuke , Sugiura Ryo , Henmi Ryuta , Muto Masahiro , Hosoya Natsuko , Hasebe Hideyuki , Mizukami Akira , Iguchi Keisuke , Atsumi Akiko , Odagiri Keiichi , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Inden Yasuya , Murohara Toyoaki , Maekawa Yuichiro
Published: April 2024

Background

The Mt FUJI study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized, single‐blind, controlled trial comparing delivery catheter‐based and stylet‐based right ventricular (RV) lead placement at the RV septum. This study extended the follow‐up duration to 1 year after implantation.

Methods

Seventy patients with pacemaker indications for atrioventricular block were randomly assigned to the delivery catheter and stylet groups. We compared the mid‐term efficacy and safety between the two groups at 1 year after implantation. The primary outcome was the change in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and the secondary outcomes were changes in brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, lead parameters, paced QRS duration, and the incidence of adverse events.

Results

At the 1‐year follow‐up, no significant differences were observed in the changes in the LVEF (+1.0% ± 8.6% vs. +3.1% ± 8.1%, p = .332), BNP levels (+8.0 [−11.1, 26.5] pg/mL vs. −8.7 [−15.3, 13.2] pg/mL, p = .193), or lead performance between the delivery catheter and stylet groups. The QRS duration was significantly shorter in the delivery catheter group than in the stylet group (128 ± 23 ms vs. 146 ± 17 ms, p < .001). All‐cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, new development of atrial fibrillation, and pacing‐induced cardiomyopathy occurred in seven patients in the delivery catheter group and five in the stylet group.

Conclusion

The delivery catheter system was similarly useful and safe compared to the stylet system in the mid‐term follow‐up from the Mt FUJI trial. Further long‐term evaluations are warranted.
Characteristics of radiofrequency lesions in patients with symptomatic periesophageal vagal nerve injury after pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Yoshimura Shingo , Take Yutaka , Kaseno Kenichi , Goto Koji , Matsuo Yuji , Aoki Hideyuki , Sasaki Takehito , Miki Yuko , Nakamura Kohki , Naito Shigeto
Published: April 2024

Background

Periesophageal vagal nerve injury (PNI) is an unpredictable and serious complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to identify the factors associated with symptomatic PNI.

Methods

This study included 1391 patients who underwent ablation index‐guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the CARTO system. The target ablation index was set at 550, except for the left atrial (LA) posterior wall near the esophagus, where radiofrequency (RF) power and duration were limited. Ten patients (0.72%) were diagnosed with symptomatic PNI. We randomly selected 40 patients without PNI (1:4 ratio) matched based on age, sex, body mass index, LA diameter, type of AF, and esophageal location. We measured the shortest distance from the RF lesions to the esophagus (LED) and classified the RF lesions according to the LED into four groups: 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, and 15–20 mm. We conducted a comparative analysis of classified RF lesions between patients with PNI (n = 10) and those without (n = 40).

Results

The contact force at LED 0–5 mm was significantly higher in patients with PNI than in those without (14.6 ± 1.7 vs. 12.0 ± 2.9 g; p = .01). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that the independent factor for PNI was contact force at an LED of 0–5 mm (odds ratio: 1.506; 95% confidence interval: 1.053–2.153; p = .025).

Conclusions

The symptomatic PNI was significantly associated with a higher contact force near the esophagus. Strategies for regulating contact force near the esophagus may aid in the prevention of PNI.
Diagnostic Value of Point‐of‐Care Ultrasound‐Guided Assessment of Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect in Adult Ocular Trauma Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department
Authors: Ramamoorthy Thirumoorthy , Manu Ayyan S. , Deb Amit Kumar
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Early diagnosis of relative afferent pupillary defects (RAPDs) in patients with ocular trauma is crucial for timely management and improved outcomes. However, clinical examination can be challenging for patients with periorbital ecchymosis. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) and clinical examination by emergency physicians for detecting RAPD in adult ocular trauma patients and to evaluate the proportion of RAPD in patients with ocular trauma who presented to the ED.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted at an academic emergency department in South India. Adult ocular trauma patients were assessed for RAPD using clinical examinations by emergency physicians and POCUS. The diagnostic accuracies of both methods were compared, with the ophthalmologist's final diagnosis serving as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for both techniques.

Results

A total of 376 patients (median age, 35 years) were included in this study. RAPD was identified in 14.63% of the patients. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS in detecting RAPD were 92.73% and 99.38%, respectively, which were higher than those of clinical examination, with a sensitivity of 81.82% and specificity of 99.07%. The PPV and NPV of the clinical examination were 93.75% and 96.95%, respectively, whereas the PPV and NPV of POCUS were 96.23% and 98.76%, respectively. POCUS accurately diagnosed RAPD in patients with periorbital ecchymosis.

Conclusion

POCUS‐guided RAPD assessment proves to be a better diagnostic adjunct compared to clinical examination in patients with ocular trauma presenting to the emergency department.
Ultrasound Evaluation and Guided Injection of the Subscapularis and Serratus Anterior Muscles Between the Scapula and the Thoracic Cage
Authors: Su Daniel Chiung‐Jui , Hung Chen‐Yu , Lam King Hei Stanley
Published: April 2024

Most subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles lie between the scapula and the thoracic cage. Evaluation of this area in patients with scapulothoracic dyskinesis, snapping scapular syndrome, or interscapular pain can provide valuable information to clinicians. However, ultrasound scanning of pathologies in this area is hindered by anatomical limitations. In this study, we described a simple patient setup position and scanning method for ultrasound evaluation and guided intervention of the subscapularis and serratus anterior muscles between the scapula and thoracic cage.
Assessing the Influence of B‐US, CDFI, SE, and Patient Age on Predicting Molecular Subtypes in Breast Lesions Using Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Liu Weiyong , Wang Dongyue , Liu Le , Zhou Zhiguo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Our study aims to investigate the impact of B‐mode ultrasound (B‐US) imaging, color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), strain elastography (SE), and patient age on the prediction of molecular subtypes in breast lesions.

Methods

Totally 2272 multimodal ultrasound imaging was collected from 198 patients. The ResNet‐18 network was employed to predict four molecular subtypes from B‐US imaging, CDFI, and SE of patients with different ages. All the images were split into training and testing datasets by the ratio of 80%:20%. The predictive performance on testing dataset was evaluated through 5 metrics including mean accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐scores, and confusion matrix.

Results

Based on B‐US imaging, the test mean accuracy is 74.50%, the precision is 74.84%, the recall is 72.48%, and the F1‐scores is 0.73. By combining B‐US imaging with CDFI, the results were increased to 85.41%, 85.03%, 85.05%, and 0.84, respectively. With the integration of B‐US imaging and SE, the results were changed to 75.64%, 74.69%, 73.86%, and 0.74, respectively. Using images from patients under 40 years old, the results were 90.48%, 90.88%, 88.47%, and 0.89. When images from patients who are above 40 years old, they were changed to 81.96%, 83.12%, 80.5%, and 0.81, respectively.

Conclusion

Multimodal ultrasound imaging can be used to accurately predict the molecular subtypes of breast lesions. In addition to B‐US imaging, CDFI rather than SE contribute further to improve predictive performance. The predictive performance is notably better for patients under 40 years old compared with those who are 40 years old and above.
Ultrasound‐Guided Vs Non‐Guided Prolotherapy for Internal Derangement of Temporomandibular Joint. A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alhaj Kheder Mohammad Badr , Kandil Nour Mohamed , El‐Ghareeb Tarek , Abdel Aziz Omniya Mohamed , Zeitoun Rania
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This randomized clinical trial study aims to compare ultrasound‐guided versus non‐guided Dextrose 10% injections in patients suffering from internal derangement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Material and Methods

The study population included 22 patients and 43 TMJs suffering from unilateral or bilateral TMJ painful clicking, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) proved disc displacement with reduction (DDWR), refractory to or failed conservative treatment. The patients were divided randomly into two groups (non‐guided and ultrasound (US)‐guided groups). The procedure involved injection of 2 mL solution of a mixture of 0.75 mL 0.9% normal saline solution, 0.3 mL 2% lidocaine and 0.75 mL dextrose 10% using a 25G needle in the joint and 1 mL intramuscular injection to the masseter muscle at the most tender point. The Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to compare joint pain intensity over four different periods, beginning with pre‐injection, 1‐, 2‐, and 6‐months postinjection.

Results

Twenty‐two patients 5 males (n = 5/22, 22.7%) and 17 females (n = 17/22, 77.2%) were included in this study. The mean age was 27.3 ± 7.4 years (30.2 ± 7.0) for the non‐guided group and 24.3 ± 6.9 for the US‐guided group. The dextrose injection reduced intensity over time in both groups with statistically significant improvement (P value <.05) at 2 and 6 months in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in VAS assessment between both groups.

Conclusion

Intra‐articular injection of dextrose 10% for patients with painful clicking and DDWR resulted in reduced pain intensity in both US‐guided and non‐guided groups with significant symptomatic improvement over time in both groups. US guidance allowed accurate anatomical localization and safe procedure with a single joint puncture.
Feedback of litter decay to temporal stability of biomass under N‐inputs
Authors: Verma Preeti , Sagar R. , Pandey Aakansha
Published: April 2024

Nitrogen (N) input affects litter decay and ecosystem functioning. However, the mechanism of litter decay under temporal N‐inputs has rarely been observed. Here we show that three‐year experimental N‐inputs significantly stimulated the rate of litter decay to some extent and then inhibited it with increasing N‐inputs. The N‐inputs affected the litter's mass loss by directly influencing the temporal stability of aboveground biomass (BS) and diversity while indirectly changing soil pH, C: N ratio, and synergistic interactions of soil, vegetation, and microbial traits. The BS has emerged as a significant regulatory factor for the litter decay of tropical grassland. The outcome of the present study will be helpful in predicting the global feedback of litter decay on the N inputs and the amount of N required for the sustainable functioning of the degraded tropical or similar grasslands.
Sedimentary DNA reveals phytoplankton diversity loss in a deep maar lake during the Anthropocene
Authors: Yan Dongna , Picard Maïlys , Han Yongming , An Zhisheng , Lei Dewen , Zhao Xue , Zhang Luyuan , Capo Eric
Published: April 2024

Anthropogenic‐driven environmental change, including current climate warming, has influenced lake ecosystems globally during the Anthropocene. Phytoplankton are important indicators of environmental changes in lakes and play a fundamental role in maintaining the functioning and stability of these ecosystems. However, the extent to which lake phytoplankton were affected by anthropogenic or climatic forces during the Anthropocene remains unclear. Here, we investigated the 160‐yr‐long dynamics of the phytoplankton community (cyanobacteria and eukaryotic microalgae) in response to anthropogenic forcing in Sihailongwan Maar Lake—a candidate for a Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for demarcation of the Anthropocene—using DNA metabarcoding and traditional paleolimnological approaches. Our results show a significant decline in phytoplankton diversity and an abrupt shift in community composition around the 1950s, corresponding to the beginning of the “Great Acceleration” period. Specifically, phytoplankton taxa coexistence patterns, niche differentiation, and assembly mechanisms changed significantly after the 1950s. Overall, increases in air temperature and anthropogenic forcing appear to be the dominant controls for community reorganization and diversity decline of the phytoplankton from this deep maar lake. A neutral community model suggests that phytoplankton community composition was mainly controlled by stochastic processes before the 1950s; however, as time progressed, deterministic effects driven by anthropogenic global warming increased. The results of this study imply that anthropogenic perturbations have led to a loss of phytoplankton diversity and a further decline in ecological resilience in deep lakes, with likely knock‐on effects on the productivity and function of lake ecosystems.
Effect of Ageing of Rolling Oil on the Performance of Cold‐Rolled Steel
Authors: Chakraborty Subho , Giri Suvendu Sekhar , Pandit A. , Bhagat A. N. , Prakash Ravi , Jha Ajay Kumar
Published: April 2024

Interaction between the cold rolling oil and substrate at the roll bite has always intrigued the tribologists. In plant conditions, it has been observed that occurrences of surface defects on cold‐rolled FHCR coils increase with the ageing of cold rolling emulsion. In this study, the rolling oil was aged at different lab conditions to replicate 6 and 11 months of rolling oil ageing from a particular cold rolling mill. The studies indicated an increase in acid number of the oil. Tribological studies indicated an increase in CoF along with an increase in wear phenomenon on the substrate. The removability of the surface oil becomes difficult with ageing which could lead to potential surface oil residues remaining on the strip after degreasing, resulting in surface defects and dirty coils after annealing. Deterioration in anti‐stain property is also observed as ageing progresses. The deterioration in performance is mainly governed by the depletion in additives and generation of free fatty acids within the rolling oil bath. Proper maintenance of the bath ensures lesser defect formation.
On noncompact warped product Ricci solitons
Authors: Borges V.
Published: April 2024

The goal of this paper is to investigate complete noncompact warped product gradient Ricci solitons. Nonexistence results, estimates for the warping function and for its gradient are proven. When the soliton is steady or expanding these nonexistence results generalize to a broader context certain  estimates and rigidity obtained when studying warped product Einstein manifolds. When the soliton is shrinking, it is presented as a nonexistence theorem with no counterpart in the Einstein case, which is proved using properties of the first eigenvalue of a weighted Laplacian.
Absorptive capacity, product heterogeneity and technology licensing under different fee scenarios
Authors: Wenqing Huang , Jie Wang
Published: April 2024

Since a licensee does not always fully absorb technology in the process of technology licensing, based on the consideration of incomplete absorption, this paper establishes a game model consisting of a technology research and development firm and two licensee firms, to explore the most licensing strategies of the licensing firms as well as the optimal social welfare of the licensee under different fee scenarios. The results of the study show that (1) under the flat fee scenario, technology R&D enterprises will choose royalty licensing in most cases, but when the gap in the absorptive capacity of the licensed enterprise is small and the difference in the quality of the products between the two licensing parties is large, fixed‐fee licensing is a more preferable option;(2)in the differential fee scenario, technology R&D firms prefer differential fixed fee licenses;(3)when technological empowerment occurs, local social welfare is enhanced;(4)technology development firms prefer firms with high absorptive capacity, but also charge higher fees;(5)differential fees charged by technology R&D firms to authorized firms do not always lead to a relative decline in local social welfare; they can lead to a greater enhancement of social welfare within a certain interval, and the enhancement is even greater than the enhancement of social welfare brought about by uniform fees.
Product rolling strategies in competitive scenarios based on differential games
Authors: Li Huijie , Tan Deqing
Published: April 2024

In competitive scenarios, we analyze the optimal pricing, launch timing, and influencing factors of new products by establishing three differential game models. The findings indicate that (1) the depreciation rate of old products directly impacts the pricing strategies of advantaged and disadvantaged enterprises. Enterprises with competitive advantages tend to set higher prices for new products when old products depreciate faster, while those with fewer advantages adjust their pricing strategies by initially increasing prices for the latest prices and eventually reducing them. (2) The rate of old‐product depreciation also affects the timing of new‐product launches. Advantaged enterprises tend to delay their product launches when the impact of the new product on the old ones is significant, while disadvantaged enterprises opt for earlier launches under similar circumstances. (3) The technological level of the new product influences the timing of its launch for both advantaged and disadvantaged enterprises. Higher technological levels prompt advantaged enterprises to launch earlier and disadvantaged enterprises tend to follow suit. (4) High levels of innovation in new products by advantaged enterprises prompt earlier launches by disadvantaged enterprises. These results may offer valuable insights for enterprises in formulating effective product rollover strategies.
∂¯‐problem for a second‐order elliptic system in Clifford analysis
Authors: Alfonso Santiesteban Daniel
Published: April 2024

In the framework of Clifford analysis, we study a second‐order elliptic (generally nonstrongly elliptic) system of partial differential equations of the form:
, where
stands for the Dirac operator with respect to a structural set
. The solutions of this system are known as
‐inframonogenic functions. Our main purpose is to describe necessary and sufficient conditions for the solvability of a
‐problem associated with the sandwich operator
.
Bcat2‐Mediated Branched‐Chain Amino Acid Catabolism Is Linked to the Aggravated Inflammation in Obese with Psoriasis Mice
Authors: Wang Yazhuo , Zhao Ning , Meng Yujiao , Chen Jia , Qi Cong , Hu Xueqing , Zhu Haoyue , Yang Danyang , Zhang Xiawei , Ma Huike , Zhao Jingxia , Di Tingting , Li Ping , Wang Yan
Published: April 2024

Scope: The global prevalence of obesity has significantly increased, presenting a major health challenge. High‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity is closely related to the disease severity of psoriasis, but the mechanism is not fully understood.

Methods and results: The study utilizes the HFD‐induced obesity model along with an imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis‐like mouse model (HFD‐IMQ) to conduct transcriptomics and metabolomic analyses. HFD‐induced obese mice exhibits more severe psoriasis‐like lesions compared to normal diet (ND)‐IMQ mice. The expression of genes of the IL‐17 signaling pathway (IL‐17A, IL‐17F, S100A9, CCL20, CXCL1) is significantly upregulated, leading to an accumulation of T cells and neutrophils in the skin. Moreover, the study finds that there is an inhibition of the branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) catabolism pathway, and the key gene branched‐chain amino transferase 2 (Bcat2) is significantly downregulated, and the levels of leucine, isoleucine, and valine are elevated in the HFD‐IMQ mice. Furthermore, the study finds that the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) is inhibited, while STAT3 activity is promoted in HFD‐IMQ mice.

Conclusion: HFD‐induced obesity significantly amplifies IL‐17 signaling and exacerbates psoriasis, with a potential role played by Bcat2‐mediated BCAAs metabolism. The study suggests that BCAA catabolism and PPAR γ‐STAT3 exacerbate inflammation in psoriasis with obesity.
Naringenin Alleviates Radiation‐Induced Intestinal Injury by Inhibiting TRPV6 in Mice
Authors: Ling Zhi , Wang Zheng , Chen Lin , Mao Jingxian , Ma Dongmei , Han Xiao , Tian Linlin , Zhu Qingtian , Lu Guotao , Yan Xuebing , Ding Yanbing , Xiao Weiming , Chen Yong , Peng Aijun , Yin Xudong
Published: April 2024

Scope

Naringenin (NAR) possesses unique anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptosis effects and various bioactivities; however, its role against radiation‐induced intestinal injury (RIII) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether NAR has protective effects against radiation‐induced intestinal injury and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

C57BL/6J mice are exposed to a single dose of 13 Gy X‐ray total abdominal irradiation (TAI), then gavaged with NAR for 7 days. NAR treatment prolongs the survival rate, protects crypts and villi from damage, alleviates the level of radiation‐induced inflammation, and mitigates intestinal barrier damage in the irradiated mice. Additionally, NAR reduces immune cell infiltration and intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. NAR also shows radioprotective effects in human colon cancer cells (HCT116) and human intestinal epithelial cells (NCM460). It reduces cell damage by reducing intracellular calcium ion levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. NAR‐mediated radioprotection is associated with the downregulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 (TRPV6), and inhibition of apoptosis pathway. Notably, treatment with NAR fails to further increase the protective effects of the TRPV6 inhibitor 2‐APB, indicating that TRPV6 inhibition is essential for NAR activity.

Conclusion

NAR inhibits the apoptosis pathway by downregulating TRPV6 and reducing calcium ion level, thereby alleviating RIII. Therefore, NAR is a promising therapeutic drug for RIII.
Design of dual‐band FPD with high selectivity based on QMRLR
Authors: Zhang Tian T. , Chen Lei , Liu Meng , Wei Feng
Published: April 2024

In this brief, a filtering power divider (FPD) with independently controllable four transmission zeros (TZs) and low insertion loss is designed and analyzed by using quad‐mode ring‐loaded resonator (QMRLR). The equivalent circuit of the proposed FPD is given, and the resonant characteristics of the resonator are analyzed. Due to the horizontal transmission interference of QMRLR, two TZs are realized. In addition, two TZs and one transmission pole are achieved by stepped impedance lines, achieving high selectivity within the passbands. The insertion loss is less than 0.5 dB, which is better than other FPDs. For demonstration, a prototype with center frequencies at 1.45 and 2.75 GHz is fabricated and measured. The measured and simulated results are presented with good agreement.
Bacterial community of Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii and the potential of nauplii as a vector for early probiotic supply to fish larvae
Authors: Amador-Marrero Ulises , Dumas Silvie , Martínez-Díaz Sergio F. , Contreras-Olguín Mauricio , Flores-Montijo Laura , González-Acosta Bárbara , Vázquez-Juárez Ricardo , Estrada Norma , Ramírez-Arenas Patricia J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

The copepod Parvocalanus crassirostris has recently increased its use as live food in marine fish hatcheries.

Methods

To investigate the bacterial community of P. crassirostris nauplii and explore the potential use of nauplii as a vector for probiotics, adult copepods were reared with or without a probiotic consortium (Bacillus spp. and Lactobacillus spp.). Nauplii from both treatments were either enriched with probiotics or not, resulting in four treatments: control rearing and nonenriched, control rearing and probiotic enriched, probiotic rearing and nonenriched, and probiotic rearing probiotic enriched. A next-generation sequencing analysis of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was performed.

Result

The bacterial community of nauplii without probiotics was dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria (mean ± standard deviation = 51.5 ± 8.0%) and Bacteroidetes (27.6 ± 6.7%); from these phyla, the most abundant orders were Rhodobacterales (21.8 ± 2.0%), Flavobacteriales (13.5 ± 9.4%), Chitinophagales (9.7 ± 1.8%), Alteromonadales (9.5 ± 4.0%), and Burkholderiales (3.8 ± 0.8%). Opportunistic pathogenic bacterial genera, such as Vibrio spp. and Pseudomonas spp., were detected at very low relative abundances (<1.2%), indicating that P. crassirostris nauplii could be considered a safe microbiological live feed. Furthermore, P. crassirostris nauplii were a good vector for probiotics delivery, as the adhesion of probiotics on the copepod exoskeleton was successful. Bacillus spp. abundance was 5–6× greater than the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in P. crassirostris nauplii. The highest mean values of probiotics relative abundance (Bacillus spp. 41 ± 6.0%, Lactobacillus spp. 6.0 ± 3.0%) were observed in nauplii that were reared with probiotics and also enriched with probiotics.

Conclusion

Parvocalanus crassirostris nauplii stages I–II appear to be good vectors to provide probiotics to first-feeding fish larvae.
Higher‐order generalized‐α methods for parabolic problems
Authors: Behnoudfar Pouria , Deng Quanling , Calo Victor M.
Published: April 2024

We propose a new class of high‐order time‐marching schemes with dissipation control and unconditional stability for parabolic equations. High‐order time integrators can deliver the optimal performance of highly accurate and robust spatial discretizations such as isogeometric analysis. The generalized‐ method delivers unconditional stability and second‐order accuracy in time and controls the numerical dissipation in the discrete spectrum's high‐frequency region. We extend the generalized‐ methodology to obtain high‐order time marching methods with high accuracy and dissipation control in the discrete high‐frequency range. Furthermore, we maintain the original stability region of the second‐order generalized‐ method in the new higher‐order methods; we increase the accuracy of the generalized‐ method while keeping the unconditional stability and user‐control features on the high‐frequency numerical dissipation. The methodology solves matrix problems and updates the system unknowns, which correspond to higher‐order terms in Taylor expansions to obtain ‐order method for even and ‐order for odd . A single parameter controls the high‐frequency dissipation, while the update procedure follows the formulation of the original second‐order method. Additionally, we show that our method is A‐stable, and for we obtain an L‐stable method. Furthermore, we extend this strategy to analyze the accuracy order of a generic method. Lastly, we provide numerical examples that validate our analysis of the method and demonstrate its performance. First, we simulate heat propagation; then, we analyze nonlinear problems, such as the Swift–Hohenberg and Cahn–Hilliard phase‐field models. To conclude, we compare the method to Runge–Kutta techniques in simulating the Lorenz system.
A multiscale anisotropic polymer network model coupled with phase field fracture
Authors: Arunachala Prajwal Kammardi , Abrari Vajari Sina , Neuner Matthias , Sim Jay Sejin , Zhao Renee , Linder Christian
Published: April 2024

The study of polymers has continued to gain substantial attention due to their expanding range of applications, spanning essential engineering fields to emerging domains like stretchable electronics, soft robotics, and implantable sensors. These materials exhibit remarkable properties, primarily stemming from their intricate polymer chain network, which, in turn, increases the complexity of precisely modeling their behavior. Especially for modeling elastomers and their fracture behavior, accurately accounting for the deformations of the polymer chains is vital for predicting the rupture in highly stretched chains. Despite the importance, many robust multiscale continuum frameworks for modeling elastomer fracture tend to simplify network deformations by assuming uniform behavior among chains in all directions. Recognizing this limitation, our study proposes a multiscale fracture model that accounts for the anisotropic nature of elastomer network responses. At the microscale, damage in the chains is assumed to be driven by both the chain's entropy and the internal energy due to molecular bond distortions. In order to bridge the stretching in the chains to the macroscale deformation, we employ the maximal advance path constraint network model, inherently accommodating anisotropic network responses. As a result, chains oriented differently can be predicted to exhibit varying stretch and, consequently, different damage levels. To drive macroscale fracture based on damages in these chains, we utilize the micromorphic regularization theory, which involves the introduction of dual local‐global damage variables at the macroscale. The macroscale local damage variable is obtained through the homogenization of the chain damage values, resulting in the prediction of an isotropic material response. The macroscale global damage variable is subjected to nonlocal effects and boundary conditions in a thermodynamically consistent phase field continuum formulation. Moreover, the total dissipation in the system is considered to be mainly due to the breaking of the molecular bonds at the microscale. To validate our model, we employ the double‐edge notched tensile test as a benchmark, comparing simulation predictions with existing experimental data. Additionally, to enhance our understanding of the fracturing process, we conduct uniaxial tensile experiments on a square film made up of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber embedded with a hole and notches and then compare our simulation predictions with the experimental observations. Furthermore, we visualize the evolution of stretch and damage values in chains oriented along different directions to assess the predictive capacity of the model. The results are also compared with another existing model to evaluate the utility of our model in accurately simulating the fracture behavior of rubber‐like materials.
Assessment of socio demographic factors on termination of pregnancy in Ghana
Authors: Armah‐Mensah Mavis Akosuah Serwah , Armah‐Mensah Isaac
Published: April 2024

Aim

Assessing the socio‐demographic factors on termination of pregnancy in Ghana.

Design

Cross‐sectional study, using data source from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS).

Methods

Data pooled from the most recent DHS conducted in Ghana, with variables of interest with rural and urban population coverage. A systematic search of the literature was performed using PubMed, Google Scholar and Elsevier PubMed for the secondary data. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was performed using Python Pandas' software to estimate the independent effects of the socio‐demographic factors on termination of pregnancy in Ghana.

Results

Reported using odds and adjusted OR AOR at 95% confidence level and statistical significance at a p‐value of (p > 0.05). Age, place of residence, occupation, currently pregnant, woman's individual sample weight, completeness of current pregnancy, living children + current pregnancy, ethnicity and number of living children significantly predicted the outcome variable.

Patient or Public Contribution

Nurses have an important role to play in providing support, education and counselling to people, and must be equipped with the knowledge and skills (including non‐judgmental and compassionate care) necessary to provide care that is sensitive to the diverse needs of people from different socio‐demographic backgrounds.
Intensification of polyethylene devolatilization in twin‐screw extruder with additives
Authors: Fang Zibin , Shuai Yun , Huang Zhengliang , Wang Jingdai , Yang Yongrong
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problem of difficult to remove high‐carbon α‐olefin in polyethylene, the influences of operation conditions and devolatilization additives on the devolatilization of LLDPE/1‐octene system in an exhaust twin‐screw extruder are studied by headspace gas chromatography. The results showed that the devolatilization efficiency increases with the devolatilization temperature and vacuum. With the screw rotational speed, the content of liquid additives and the gas velocity of gas additives increasing, the devolatilization efficiency first increases and then decreases. The devolatilization difficulty of different grades of polyethylene varies due to the difference of the viscosities. When the volatile content is high, the effect of devolatilization additives is anhydrous ethanol > surfactant > water > nitrogen. When the volatile content is low, the effect of nitrogen on devolatilization is obviously better than anhydrous ethanol and water. Finally, a novel devolatilization process is proposed, that is, an evacuation system (vacuum degree 0.08–0.1 MPa) is set up in each stage of the devolatilization section, the anhydrous ethanol is introduced in the first stage, and high‐purity nitrogen is introduced in the second, third, and fourth stages, which can ultimately reduce the VOC content of LLDPE products to less than the target value of 50 ppm.

Highlights

The devolatilization process is used to remove high carbon α‐olefins from LLDPE.

Each additive has an optimal injection value.

Ethanol is the most effective in the foam‐dominated devolatilization stage.

Nitrogen is the most effective in the diffusion‐dominated devolatilization stage.

A new additive‐enhanced twin‐screw extruder devolatilization process is proposed.
Evaluation of the impact of natural weathering on the properties of high‐density polyethylene bottles by experimental approach
Authors: Elkori Rabiaa , Lamarti Amal , El Had Khalid , Hachim Abdelilah , Yamari Imane
Published: April 2024

This work presents an in‐depth experimental study aimed at assessing the impact of natural weathering on the behavior of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles. To this end, several analytical techniques were employed, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to examine molecular changes, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study morphology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess thermal properties, and tensile and compression tests to evaluate mechanical properties. The results obtained reveal significant changes in HDPE exposed to natural weathering. FTIR analysis enabled us to identify that the HDPE bottles had been subjected to an oxidation process initiated by the absorption of solar radiation during natural weathering treatments, while SEM analysis showed the presence of holes resulting from the detachment of material fragments after exposure, TGA analysis confirms the impact of natural exposure time on the decrease in the average molecular weight and chemical degradation of HDPE macromolecules, through a reduction in the initial degradation temperature and the maximum thermodegradation temperature. However, tensile and compressive tests showed a reduction in the mechanical strength of HDPE after exposure to natural conditions, with notable variations depending on environmental conditions, making the material damaged. These results enabled us to calculate the damage caused by three damage laws. These results offer important insights into the mechanisms of HDPE degradation under the influence of natural climatic factors, paving the way for the development of more resistant and durable packaging materials in the face of variable environmental conditions.

Highlights

The objective of this study is to analyze and describe the effects of natural weathering on high‐density polyethylene bottles. This involves evaluating the deterioration of physicochemical, mechanical, and morphological properties. Additionally, three damage laws are employed to assess the extent of damage inflicted by this material.

Analytical techniques were used, including SEM, FTIR, and TGA, tensile and compressive test.
Efficacy of arm crank ergometry on individuals with spinal cord injury: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Alashram Anas R.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To investigate the efficacy of arm crank ergometry (ACE) on physical, psychological, and quality of life outcomes in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Literature Survey

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Web of Science, REHABDATA, and Embase from inception until July 2023.

Methodology

Studies were included if the sample was composed of individuals with SCI, the intervention followed an ACE intervention, and the study was a randomized controlled trial including at least one outcome measure evaluating physical, psychological, or quality of life. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. The meta‐analysis was not feasible due to the heterogeneity in the treatment protocols and outcome measures among the selected studies.

Synthesis

Of 1013 articles, seven studies (n = 200), with 16% of participants being female, were included in this review. The scores on the PEDro scale ranged from 6 to 8, with a median score of 7. There were variations in treatment protocols and outcome measures, resulting in heterogeneous findings. The effects of the ACE interventions on physical, psychological, and quality of life outcomes showed inconsistency.

Conclusions

ACE training proves to be a suitable and safe intervention for individuals with traumatic SCI. Nevertheless, the existing evidence concerning its effects on physical, psychological, and quality of life outcomes in individuals with SCI is limited. Further trials are required to investigate the effects of various ACE training protocols on SCI populations.
Investigation of the effect of permeation and antifouling characteristics of hybrid poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes tailored with ZIF‐67 metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Rameesha Laila , Rana Dipak , Nagendran Alagumalai
Published: April 2024

Herein the ZIF‐67, a hydrophilic cobalt‐based zeolitic imidazolate framework is synthesized and incorporated with a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to fabricate hybrid ultrafiltration membranes by phase inversion method. The characteristics of PVDF/ZIF‐67 membranes are examined using different analytical techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, and contact angle analysis. The membrane performance is probed using pure water flux (PWF), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and humic acid (HA) rejection. The maximum water flux of 162.5 Lm2 h−1 with BSA and HA rejection of 97% and 98.2%, respectively, exhibited by 1.5 wt% ZIF‐67. The contact angle value is reduced from 83.5 to 58.6° indicating the increase in hydrophilic nature of PVDF membranes by the addition of ZIF‐67. The presence of ZIF‐67 in the PVDF membrane matrix showed outstanding anti‐bacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the PVDF/ZIF‐67 ultrafiltration membranes demonstrate the potential for water treatment applications.
Experimental and molecular dynamics study on thermal‐mechanical properties of epoxy shape memory polymers
Authors: Yang Yawen , Liu Bei , Li Yufeng , Yin Haibin
Published: April 2024

Experimental and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate epoxy shape memory polymers' thermal‐mechanical properties and shape memory characteristics, utilizing polyether amine and modified hexanediamine as curing agents following the material prerequisites for variable stiffness fixtures. Glass transition temperature and Young's modulus of epoxy shape memory polymers are characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis. The consistency of the glass transition temperature between the simulation model and the experimental findings verified the accuracy of the molecular dynamics simulation. The uniaxial tensile simulation revealed that non‐bond energy predominantly exerts its influence in stretch. After reaching the yield stress, the weight fraction of the curing agent affects the generation of internal pores, with the yield stress of systems exhibiting substantial pores being minor. Systems characterized by a higher weight fraction of curing agents are more prone to pore formulation. Simulation of shape memory properties demonstrates that the entropy resulting from differences in molecular weight impacts the simulated system's shape fixation ratio and shape recovery ratio.
Preparation of CO2 responsive PVDF membranes using PDMAEMA‐PMMA‐PDEAEMA triblock copolymer
Authors: Luo Xin , Wang Zhuqing , Yan Mengxia , Xin Jianhui , Yang Yongqi , Zheng Longpo , Zhang Haijun
Published: April 2024

CO2‐responsive based separation membranes are attractive in the field of membrane separation, not only for their ability to modulate the pore size of the membrane in response to CO2 stimulation, but also for their ability to facilitate the removal of contaminants from the membrane surface. However, the introduction of CO2‐responsive polymers by simple blending often results in membranes that are not responsive enough to last. In this study, we synthesized a hooked triblock copolymer and used it as an additive to prepare CO2‐responsive PVDF membranes. The modified membrane combines the advantages of the PVDF material with the CO2 response of the triblock copolymer. It not only has good CO2 responsiveness, but also removes organic contaminants from the membrane surface well. The water flux of the hybrid membranes is 4 to 11 times higher than that of pure PVDF membranes, indicating that the triblock copolymer also has some porogenic ability. Surprisingly, the static contact angle on the membrane surface increased from 67° to 86° with the increase of the triblock copolymer content in the PVDF membrane. This suggests that modified PVDF membranes have some potential in the field of switchable oil–water separation.
Impedance matching design of capacitively coupled plasma with fluid and external circuit coupled model
Authors: Zhao Lifen , Yu Shimin , Wang Yu , Chen Zili , Liu Xiangmei , Wang Hongyu , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ya
Published: April 2024

This paper establishes a fully self‐consistent coupled model of fluid and external circuits. The Kirchhoff equation, the charge conservation equation, and Poisson equation are coupled via boundary conditions and integrated into the fluid model for iterative parameter solution. On the basis of this model, we investigate the influence of impedance matching on single‐frequency capacitively coupled plasma characteristics under different parameters and topological structures. The findings suggest that after several iterations the matching parameters converge. Using different initial circuit parameters, the adjustable capacitance and inductance are eventually adjusted to approximately equal values, resulting in the same optimal matching state, whereas diverse discharge parameters led to different outcomes. Under fixed parameters for two topologies, the power absorption efficiency increases, and the reflection coefficient approaches zero, and the best matching is found. This model can be extended to different fluid programs to investigate the impact of complex external circuits with impedance matching network on plasma discharge while simultaneously seeking best impedance matching.