bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Procedural task trainer gaps in emergency medicine: A rift in the simulation universe
Authors: Stapleton Stephanie N. , Cassara Michael , Moadel Tiffany , Munzer Brendan W. , Sampson Christopher , Wong Ambrose H. , Chopra Eisha , Kim Jane , Bentley Suzanne
Published: June 2022

Objectives

We identified and quantified the gap between emergency medicine (EM) procedures currently taught using simulation versus those that educators would teach if they had better procedural task trainers. Additionally, we endeavored to describe which procedures were taught using homemade models and the barriers to creation and use of additional homemade models.

Methods

Using a modified Delphi process, we developed a survey and distributed it to a convenience sample of EM simulationists via the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Simulation Academy listserv. Survey items asked participants to identify procedures they thought should be taught using simulation ("most important"), do teach using simulation (“most frequent”), would teach if a simulator or model were available (“most needed”), and do teach using simulation with "homemade" models (“most frequent homemade”).

Results

Thirty‐seven surveys were completed. The majority of respondents worked at academic medical centers and were involved in simulation‐based education for at least 6 years. Three procedures ranked highly in overall teaching importance and currently taught categories. We identified four procedures that ranked highly as both important techniques to teach and would teach via simulation. Two procedures were selected as the most important procedures that the participants do teach via simulation but would like to teach in an improved way. We found 14 procedures that simulationists would teach if an adequate model was available, four of which are of high importance.

Conclusions

This study captured data to illuminate the procedural model gap and inform future interventions that may address it and meet the overarching objective to create better and more readily available procedure models for EM simulation educators in the future. It offers an informed way of prioritizing procedures for which additional homemade models should be created and disseminated as well as barriers to be aware of and to work to overcome. Our work has implications for learners, educators, administrators, and industry.
From intern to “accepted”: A guide to preparing for fellowship in emergency medicine
Authors: Schnapp Benjamin H. , Cassara Michael , Fisher Jonathan , Guttman Joshua , Kayden Stephanie , Kivlehan Sean M. , Kuzel Aaron R. , Reznek Martin A , Schertzer Kimberly , Sun Wendy W. , Rathlev Niels
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The number of fellowship options for emergency medicine (EM) physicians continues to expand. While guides exist to help residents explore individual fellowship pathways, we aimed to create a comprehensive guide for all residents considering fellowship.

Methods

At the direction of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) Board, 9 members of the Fellowship Guide Workgroup, including members of the Fellowship Approval Committee, and 2 members of SAEM Residents and Medical Students (RAMS) group collaboratively developed the guide using available evidence and expert opinion when high‐quality evidence was unavailable. The guide was reviewed and approved by all members.

Results

The guide offers advice to EM residents on how to conceptualize key aspects of their training with respect to preparation for fellowship, including scholarship, teaching, leadership, and electives. Additionally, it offers perspective on selecting a fellowship that matches the resident's interests and goals and successfully applying.

Conclusion

This fellowship guide for EM residents considering fellowship summarizes the best currently available advice for residents considering fellowship training after residency.
Prioritizing homelessness in emergency medicine education: A concept paper
Authors: Del Buono Benedict C. , Salhi Bisan A. , Kimmel Alexis E. , Santen Sally A. , Jarrell Kelli L. , White Melissa H. , Brown Christopher K. , Moll Joel L.
Published: June 2022

Patients experiencing homelessness visit the emergency department (ED) often and have worse clinical outcomes. Caring for this patient population is complex, challenging, and resource‐intensive. Emergency medicine (EM) education is lacking in formal curricula on the topic of homelessness, despite benefits for resident morale and patient care. Our goals were to identify a gap in EM education and training of the intersection of housing and health and propose educational topics and teaching methods to be included in residency curricula. Methodology was based on the development of a didactic session at the 2021 SAEM Annual Meeting. A needs assessment was performed through a review of medical education literature, a national survey of EM residency curricula, the individual curricula utilized by respective team members, and perspective from the team's own individual experiences with teaching about homelessness. Topics presented were chosen through discussion between the authors and determined to be common and relevant and cover a broad spectrum of content. The four presented topics included the intersection of COVID‐19 and housing, the impact of LGBTQIA+ status on homelessness, housing status related to health system utilization and health outcomes, and housing inequity as a means of perpetuating structural racism. Suggestions for education of these topics included case‐based learning, journal clubs, simulation, collaboration with social work, quality improvement projects, and engagement with community leaders. The ED is uniquely positioned to encounter the impacts of homelessness on health. Emergency physicians should be prepared to effectively care for these patients with complex social needs. Structured learning on this topic would benefit EM resident growth and lead to better patient care through improved screening, recognition of risk factors, and use of social resources.
Sex, gender, and the opioid epidemic: Crucial implications for acute care
Authors: Walter Lauren A. , Bunnell Savannah , Wiesendanger Kathryn , McGregor Alyson J.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The opioid epidemic continues to escalate in the United States, exacerbated significantly by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Necessary steps in acute care medicine to expand efforts to combat this epidemic involve increased emergency department engagement of patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) and an incorporation of evolving sex‐ and gender‐based factors that affect this disease presentation and management course.

Methods & Aims

An ever‐increasing amount of peer‐reviewed, evidence‐based literature has shed light on the important biologic and sociocultural variables, specifically sex and gender, which impact OUD trajectory and outcomes. As a collaborative effort of the Sex and Gender in Emergency Medicine (SGEM) Interest Group, a community within the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM), we sought to consider, review, and summarize clinically pertinent information as a comprehensive introduction to this topic for the emergency medicine (EM) clinician and educator.

Results

A selected overview of current evidence‐based data and publications, to include current epidemiologic trends, opioid‐based physiology and pathophysiology, as well as opioid use disorder management and outcomes, through a sex‐ and gender‐based lens, was reviewed and included in this summary. Also discussed are implications and recommendations for EM educators seeking insight and resources for continuing, graduate, and/or undergraduate education on this topic.

Conclusion

Incorporation of emerging sex‐ and gender‐specific scientific knowledge into clinical context represents a critical link to effective management of the OUD patient in the ED. Similarly, integration of this information into EM education represents an essential step for both sex‐ and gender‐based medicine and opioid‐specific training.
Hopes and fears: A qualitative analysis of the intern perspective at the start of EM residency
Authors: Zink Korie , Clugston Cory , Regan Linda
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Most emergency medicine (EM) residency programs have orientation curricula to guide interns through the transition from medical school to residency, although no standard components are required. This transition is recognized as a challenging time for young physician learners; however, there is no current understanding of the perspective of incoming interns as they enter residency. We sought to identify themes, examine the current literature, and reflect on the experiences of our residency leadership to inform the creation of orientation activities that foster positive experiences, as well as directly address intern fears and anxieties.

Methods

This qualitative study collected free text responses on the first day of EM orientation regarding areas of high excitement and high fear as interns entered residency. Data were collected from 2011 to 2019 in a 4‐year EM residency program and a 6‐year combined EM‐Anesthesia residency program in the Mid‐Atlantic. An inductive approach was used to code intern responses and develop themes within each category, and a frequency analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 112 interns participated. Thematic analysis of coded responses yielded 11 themes around “most excited” and 13 themes around “most scared.” The most frequent themes for “most excited” were: (1) Forming new relationships, (2) Building and applying knowledge, and (3) Being responsible for the care and education of others. For “most scared,” the most frequent themes were: (1) work–life balance and burnout, (2) making harmful mistakes, and (3) knowledge wealth and retention.

Conclusions

We identified themes of high excitement and high fear for interns entering residency orientation. Based on the themes developed and current literature, recommendations for residency programs regarding intern orientation are provided, specifically that programs intentionally address opportunities for professional identity formation, building relationships with new people/places, emphasizing wellness, and mitigating burnout.
Optimizing maize–bean cropping systems for sustainable intensification in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yimer Tigist , Abera Girma , Beyene Sheleme , Rasche Frank
Published: June 2022

Declining productivity and scarcity of cultivable land in smallholder systems call for exploring sustainable intensification options to increase productivity. Field experiments were conducted at five sites (Sites 1–5) of the Sidama region, southern Ethiopia, in 2018 and 2019 to determine the effects of cropping systems on maize (Zea mays L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity. The intercropping of common bean with maize at varying planting times (simultaneous, relay) and number (frequency) of legume intercropping (once or twice) per growing season were compared with monocultures of the components in randomized complete block design with four replications. Cropping system affected the agronomic parameters (pod number plant−1 and 100‐seed weight) of common bean, more so than maize. Specifically, the results revealed that cropping systems affected both maize and bean yields, although the magnitude of the effect varied with sites. The highest maize yield was recorded in fertilized monoculture maize at Sites 1, 2, and 5, and in relay and sequential bean intercropping at Sites 3 and 4, respectively. Moreover, the highest bean yields were obtained in double common bean monoculture whereas, the lowest yields were recorded in relay intercropping. The total land equivalent ratio (LER) ranged from 1.2 to 1.8 and partial LER of maize was higher than that of the common bean. Sequential intercropping (Sites 1, 2, and 5) and relay intercropping (Sites 3 and 4) were economically more beneficial than the other cropping systems. Therefore, farmers could benefit more from maize–bean intercropping systems than monocultures in areas where maize is a staple crop.
Mechanical and physical characterizations of compatibilizer‐free recycled plastics blend composites modified with carbon nanotube and clay nanofiller
Authors: Nor Arman Nur Syafiqaz , Chen Ruey Shan , Ahmad Sahrim , Shahdan Dalila
Published: June 2022

Excessive amount of disposable and reusable plastic wastes has increasingly gained a great environmental concern. This present article aims to investigate the individual effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and clay loadings at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 phr on the tensile, impact, density, and water absorption properties of polymer blend made from recycled high‐density polyethylene and recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Both nanocomposites were melt‐blended using a twin screw extruder before compression molding. For MWCNT nanocomposite, 4 phr showed the optimum tensile strength (14.5 MPa), Young's modulus (587.4 MPa), and strain at break (4.2%) as compared to other loadings. For clay nanocomposite system, the optimum tensile properties (13.9 MPa tensile strength, 525.7 MPa Young's modulus, and 4.7% strain) were achieved at 1 phr. The impact strength of the nanocomposites was reduced with both nanofillers' content. With the increment of MWCNT and clay loadings, the percentages of water uptake increased but the values were still considered low (<0.26% upon 35 days immersion) capacity. These research findings with the effect of nanofiller types and loadings were statistically significant as proven in ANOVA analysis. This study formalizes a chemical‐free environmental strategy to produce nanocomposite as a plastic‐replacement product.
Rapid chiral separation of potential antibiotics using supercritical fluid chromatography
Authors: Ali Imran , Raja Rupak , Dilshad Alam Syed , Jain Arvind Kumar , Yusuf Kareem , Aljuwayid Ahmed muteb , Sillanpää Mika
Published: June 2022

WHO is searching most active antibiotics due to the bacterial resistance problem. The activities of the racemic antibiotics may be augment by preparing optically active antibiotics by the chiral separation. Chiral separation of potential antibiotics such as cefotaxime and ofloxacin was studied using amylose‐based packing chiral stationary phases (CSPs) such as Chiralpak IA and Chiralpak IG. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was employed to carry out this study. Both immobilized CSPs such as Chiralpak IA and IG have sown remarkable selectivity for the reported drugs by using SFC. The values of retention factor (k) for ofloxacin enantiomers were 9.63 and 11.81, followed by 2.94 and 5.96 for cefotaxime enantiomers. The values of separation factor (α) for both the reported drugs were 1.22 and 2.03, respectively Similarly, the values of resolution factor (Rs) for both the enantio‐selective drugs were 1.49 and 2.06, separately and respectively. The chiral recognition mechanism was developed and it was observed that the π‐π interactions are playing a major role. The developed method is effective, reproducible, eco‐friendly, and may be used to discriminate the enantiomers of the reported drugs in any sample.
Considerations for Human ADME Strategy and Design Paradigm Shift(s) – An Industry White Paper
Authors: Young Graeme C. , Spracklin Douglas K. , James Alexander D. , Hvenegaard Mette G. , Scarfe Graeme , Wagner David S. , Georgi Katrin , Schieferstein Hanno , Bjornsdottir Inga , van Groen Bianca , Romeo Andrea A. , Cassidy Kenneth C. , Da‐violante Georges , Bister Bojan , Blech Stefan , Lyer Ramaswamy , Schulz Simone I. , Cuyckens Filip , Moliner Patricia
Published: June 2022

The human absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (hADME) study is the cornerstone of the clinical pharmacology package for small molecule drugs, providing comprehensive information on the rates and routes of disposition and elimination of drug‐related material in humans through the use of 14C‐labeled drug. Significant changes have already been made in the design of the hADME study for many companies, but opportunity exists to continue to re‐think both the design and timing of the hADME study in light of the potential offered by newer technologies, that enable flexibility in particular to reducing the magnitude of the radioactive dose used. This paper provides considerations on the variety of current strategies that exist across a number of pharmaceutical companies and on some of the ongoing debates around a potential move to the so called “human first/human only” approach, already adopted by at least one company. The paper also provides a framework for continuing the discussion in the application of further shifts in the paradigm.
How to Select a Graduate School Program for a PhD in Biomedical Science
Authors: Lancaster Carly L. , Higginson Lauryn , Chen Brandon , Encarnacion‐Rivera Lucas , Morton Derrick J. , Corbett Anita H.
Published: June 2022

The goal of this article is to provide guidance for those who have decided to apply to graduate school with the plan to obtain a PhD in biomedical science. Choosing an appropriate graduate school and program can seem like a daunting choice. There are numerous graduate training programs that offer excellent training with multiple specific program choices at any given institution. Thus, identifying a program that provides an optimal training environment, which aligns with the applicant's training and career goals, can be daunting. There is no single training program that is ideal for all applicants, and, fortunately, there is no sole perfect place for any individual applicant to obtain a PhD. This article presents points to consider at multiple phases of this process as collected from the authors, including a senior faculty member, a junior faculty member, and four current graduate students who all made different choices for their graduate training (Fig. 1). In Phase I of the process, the vast number of choices must be culled to a reasonable number of schools/programs for the initial application. This is one of the most challenging steps because the number of training programs is very large, and most applicants will rely primarily on information readily available on the internet. Phase II is the exciting stage of visiting the program for an interview where you can ask questions and get a feel for the place. Finally, Phase III suggests information to collect following the interview when comparing choices and making a final decision. While the process may feel long and can be stressful, the good news is that making informed decisions along the way should result in multiple options that can support excellent training and career development. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Measuring quality of popular annual financial reports: Features of the rewarded US reporting municipalities
Authors: Raimo Nicola , Rubino Michele , Esposito Paolo , Vitolla Filippo
Published: June 2022

The advent of New Public Management has brought significant changes in accountability mechanisms. In recent years, the information needs of citizens interested in financial issues and the nonfinancial aspects of public management have increased. Regulators' commitment to transparency has led US municipalities since the 1990s to adopt Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR). This reporting tool, capable of transmitting information to citizens clearly and simply, has also attracted the attention of academics. Despite the presence of several studies on the subject, the quality of the information contained within the popular annual financial reports remains an unexplored topic. This study aims to fill this gap by examining a sample of 100 rewarded US municipalities. The results show a low quality of the popular annual financial reports and demonstrate a positive effect of the population size and a negative impact of the population average age on the quality of these documents.
Prospects and limitations of ‘Responsible Agricultural Investment’ for governing transboundary agri‐food systems in Mekong Southeast Asia: Implications for upland maize in the Lao‐Vietnamese borderlands
Authors: Cole Robert
Published: June 2022

Agri‐food production in the Mekong countries of Southeast Asia, as is the case globally, has become increasingly dominated by commodity crops, often produced in transboundary networks of smallholder farmers, traders and downstream agribusiness firms. These trends are likely to continue along with regional demand, raising questions of how to address impacts on communities and the environment from conversion of diverse farm‐forest landscapes towards monocultures. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations recently endorsed guidelines on ‘Responsible Agricultural Investment’ (ASEAN‐RAI) as a transboundary governance framework for improving the social and environmental outcomes of agribusiness. Application of this voluntary framework remains in its infancy and has so far received limited research attention. This article aims to contribute to this nascent evidence base by examining the prospects and limitations of ASEAN‐RAI in the context of a transboundary maize network spanning the Lao‐Vietnamese borderlands. One area of potential for ASEAN‐RAI to have a positive impact is by influencing higher visibility firms with interests in demonstrating social and environmental commitments. However, transboundary agribusiness somewhat undermines this by spatially separating lead firms from responsibility for impacts, and crossing different regulatory jurisdictions via networks of intermediaries. The article elaborates on such limitations, though argues that voluntary governance frameworks such as ASEAN‐RAI can make an important contribution as part of wider multi‐stakeholder movements to sharpen attention and policy debates on agribusiness impacts that may otherwise go unchallenged.
Rat liver ECM incorporated into electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds as a platform for hepatocyte culture
Authors: Bate Thomas S. R. , Shanahan William , Casillo Joseph P. , Grant Rhiannon , Forbes Stuart J. , Callanan Anthony
Published: June 2022

Liver disease is expanding across the globe; however, health‐care systems still lack approved pharmaceutical treatment strategies to mitigate potential liver failures. Organ transplantation is the only treatment for liver failure and with increasing cases of liver disease, transplant programs increasingly cannot provide timely transplant availability for all patients. The development of pharmaceutical mitigation strategies is clearly necessary and methods to improve drug development processes are considered vital for this purpose. Herein, we present a methodology for incorporating whole organ decellularised rat liver ECM (rLECM) into polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds with the aim of producing biologically relevant liver tissue models. rLECM PCL scaffolds have been produced with 5 w/w% and 10 w/w% rLECM:PCL and were analyzed by SEM imaging, tensile mechanical analyses and FTIR spectroscopy. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2, was cultured upon the scaffolds for 14 days and were analyzed through cell viability assay, DNA quantification, albumin quantification, immunohistochemistry, and RT‐qPCR gene expression analysis. Results showed significant increases in proliferative activity of HepG2 on rLECM containing scaffolds alongside maintained key gene expression. This study confirms that rLECM can be utilized to modulate the bioactivity of electrospun PCL scaffolds and has the potential to produce electrospun scaffolds suitable for enhanced hepatocyte cultures and in‐vitro liver tissue models.
Boron based intramolecular heterocyclic frustrated Lewis pairs as organocatalysts for CO2 adsorption and activation
Authors: Faizan Mohmmad , Pawar Ravinder
Published: June 2022

The massive increase in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has led to serious environmental problems. One of the best ways to tackle this problem is the CO2 capture and its utilization as a C1 carbon source for the production of industrially valuable chemicals. But the thermodynamic stability of the CO2 molecule poses a great challenge in its transformation. Since the last two decades, various metal‐based and organic catalysts have been developed for the adsorption and activation of CO2. Among all the catalysts the Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) have been shown great potential in CO2 capture and conversion. Thus, in the present work, Intramolecular Frustrated Lewis pairs (IFLP) based on N‐Heterocycles with boron group functionalization at the α‐position to N has been theoretically investigated for CO2 activation. Thorough orbital analysis has been carried out to investigate the reactivity of the proposed catalytic systems. The result shows that the considered IFLPs are capable of activating CO2 with minimum energy requirements. The CO2 activation energy range between 8 and 14 kcal/mol. The non‐polar solvent was found to be the suitable medium for the reaction. Also, the reversibility of the adducts formed with the IFLPs can be controlled by appropriate substitution at B atom in the IFLPs.
Psychosocial hazards, posttraumatic stress disorder, complex posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety in the U.K. rail industry: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Carnall Laurence A. , Mason Oliver , O'Sullivan Michelle , Patton Robert
Published: June 2022

This study examined posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety among U.K. rail workers. A cross‐sectional survey examining exposure to seven psychosocial hazards (bullying/harassment; verbal abuse; physical and sexual assault; and hearing about, seeing the aftermath of, or witnessing a fatality), working conditions, physical health, and the impact of COVID‐19 was administered to 3,912 participants. Outcome measures were the ITQ, PHQ‐9, and GAD‐7. Among trauma‐exposed participants, 24.3% met the criteria for PTSD or CPTSD; 38.6% and 29.2% of all participants scored in the moderate‐to‐severe range on the PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7, respectively. Data were analyzed using logistic and linear regression. Bullying/harassment was positively associated with GAD‐7 scores, f2 = .001, and PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.83–2.02. Hearing about and witnessing a fatality were associated with PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.77–2.10. Poorer ergonomics at work were positively associated with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scores, f2 = .001. Higher job satisfaction was associated with lower odds of PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 0.87–0.91, and negatively associated with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scores, f2 = .008–.01. Work intensity was associated with PTSD and CPTSD, ORs = 1.79–1.83, and positively associated with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scores, f2 = .02–.03. Reporting more physical health problems was associated with PTSD, OR = 1.07, and positively associated with GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9 scores, f2 = .008–.01. The results suggest bullying/harassment and work intensity are important variables in employee mental health and could drive future research and industry initiatives.
Imports, technology, and employment: Job creation or creative destruction
Authors: Sharma Chandan , Mishra Ritesh Kumar
Published: June 2022

This study examines the employment impact of technology by using firm‐level survey data for a large number of developing countries. We not only examine the impact of technology on overall employment but also investigate the effect on different types of employment, such as skilled, unskilled, temporary, and seasonal. Considering asymmetric distribution of employment, we utilize quantile regression for empirical analysis. Our findings unequivocally suggest that technology does not kill jobs. Further, we could not find any skill‐biased impact of technology. Finally, results suggest that technology received through alternative sources works in combination, enhances absorptive capacity and promotes employment.
An improved iterative neural network for high‐quality image‐domain material decomposition in dual‐energy CT
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Long Yong , Chun Il Yong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) has widely been used in many applications that need material decomposition. Image‐domain methods directly decompose material images from high‐ and low‐energy attenuation images, and thus, are susceptible to noise and artifacts on attenuation images. The purpose of this study is to develop an improved iterative neural network (INN) for high‐quality image‐domain material decomposition in DECT, and to study its properties.

Methods

We propose a new INN architecture for DECT material decomposition. The proposed INN architecture uses distinct cross‐material convolutional neural network (CNN) in image refining modules, and uses image decomposition physics in image reconstruction modules. The distinct cross‐material CNN refiners incorporate distinct encoding‐decoding filters and cross‐material model that captures correlations between different materials. We study the distinct cross‐material CNN refiner with patch‐based reformulation and tight‐frame condition.

Results

Numerical experiments with extended cardiac‐torso phantom and clinical data show that the proposed INN significantly improves the image quality over several image‐domain material decomposition methods, including a conventional model‐based image decomposition (MBID) method using an edge‐preserving regularizer, a recent MBID method using prelearned material‐wise sparsifying transforms, and a noniterative deep CNN method. Our study with patch‐based reformulations reveals that learned filters of distinct cross‐material CNN refiners can approximately satisfy the tight‐frame condition.

Conclusions

The proposed INN architecture achieves high‐quality material decompositions using iteration‐wise refiners that exploit cross‐material properties between different material images with distinct encoding‐decoding filters. Our tight‐frame study implies that cross‐material CNN refiners in the proposed INN architecture are useful for noise suppression and signal restoration.
Estimating 3‐D whole‐body composition from a chest CT scan
Authors: Pu Lucy , Ashraf Syed F. , Gezer Naciye S. , Ocak Iclal , Dresser Daniel E. , Leader Joseph K. , Dhupar Rajeev
Published: June 2022

Background

Estimating whole‐body composition from limited region‐computed tomography (CT) scans has many potential applications in clinical medicine; however, it is challenging.

Purpose

To investigate if whole‐body composition based on several tissue types (visceral adipose tissue [VAT], subcutaneous adipose tissue [SAT], intermuscular adipose tissue [IMAT], skeletal muscle [SM], and bone) can be reliably estimated from a chest CT scan only.

Methods

A cohort of 97 lung cancer subjects who underwent both chest CT scans and whole‐body positron emission tomography‐CT scans at our institution were collected. We used our in‐house software to automatically segment and quantify VAT, SAT, IMAT, SM, and bone on the CT images. The field‐of‐views of the chest CT scans and the whole‐body CT scans were standardized, namely, from vertebra T1 to L1 and from C1 to the bottom of the pelvis, respectively. Multivariate linear regression was used to develop the computer models for estimating the volumes of whole‐body tissues from chest CT scans. Subject demographics (e.g., gender and age) and lung volume were included in the modeling analysis. Ten‐fold cross‐validation was used to validate the performance of the prediction models. Mean absolute difference (MAD) and R‐squared (R2) were used as the performance metrics to assess the model performance.

Results

The R2 values when estimating volumes of whole‐body SAT, VAT, IMAT, total fat, SM, and bone from the regular chest CT scans were 0.901, 0.929, 0.900, 0.933, 0.928, and 0.918, respectively. The corresponding MADs (percentage difference) were 1.44 ± 1.21 L (12.21% ± 11.70%), 0.63 ± 0.49 L (29.68% ± 61.99%), 0.12 ± 0.09 L (16.20% ± 18.42%), 1.65 ± 1.40 L (10.43% ± 10.79%), 0.71 ± 0.68 L (5.14% ± 4.75%), and 0.17 ± 0.15 L (4.32% ± 3.38%), respectively.

Conclusion

Our algorithm shows promise in its ability to estimate whole‐body compositions from chest CT scans. Body composition measures based on chest CT scans are more accurate than those based on vertebra third lumbar.
Asymptomatic syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) following duloxetine treatment for pain with depression: Two case reports
Authors: Sato Aoi , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Oda Yumiko , Yang Misa , Suzuki Yudai , Shinozaki Masataka , Shimizu Taro , Shimoda Kazutaka
Published: June 2022

Background

Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) is a common side effect in patients treated with SSRIs and venlafaxine, while there is little information on SIADH in the treatment of duloxetine for pain.

Case presentation

The patients were an 83‐year‐old Japanese male and a 71‐year‐old Japanese female. Several years earlier, they complained of pain. Accidentally, blood tests revealed hyponatremia of 110 mmol/L and 108 mmol/L 35 days and 40 days after initiating duloxetine 20 mg/day, respectively. The hyponatremia of both patients recovered after switching from duloxetine to mianserin.

Conclusion

We conclude that asymptomatic SIADH was induced by use of duloxetine. Psychiatrists should be aware of this syndrome.
Investigation and prediction of mechanical properties of hot water treated jute/poly(lactic acid) composite laminates using response surface methodology and genetic algorithm
Authors: Zhang Weixing , He Chunxia
Published: June 2022

The main objective of this work was to estimate the usefulness of response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithm (GA) in modeling and predicting the strength of jute/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite laminates. Firstly, the impact of the hot water treatment on the thermal, molecular structure, and morphological characterizations as well as kinetic analysis of jute fibers were performed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR results showed that the hot water treatments reduced the content of lignin, hemicellulose, and impurities of the fibers. Hot water treated fibers exhibited higher thermal stabilities compared with untreated fibers as shown with TGA results. The SEM results showed effect contact surface area improved after the hot water treatment, leading to better mechanical properties of bio‐composites. Secondly, the influences of the ply orientation, plies and fiber content on the tensile strength and flexural strength of the hot water treated fibers composites were evaluated by RSM. RSM with the Box Behnken Design was utilized to establish the quadratic models of two objectives in response to input parameters. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine percentage contribution of various parameters on two quality objectives. According to the ANOVA results, ply orientation had the most important impact on tensile strength while the ply orientation‐fiber content interaction had the most important impact on flexural strength. Finally, multi‐objective optimization was carried out to maximize tensile strength and flexural strength using the desirability function and GA. The optimized results both showed an acceptable relative error between experimental and optimized values.
Investigation of chemical degradation and water states in the graft‐type polymer electrolyte membranes
Authors: Hieu Dinh Tran Trong , Hao Lam Hoang , Long Tran Hoang , Van Tien Vo , Cuong Nguyen Tien , Van Man Tran , Loan Truong Thi Hong , Tap Tran Duy
Published: June 2022

Chemical degradation in the presence of H2O2 aqueous solution and water states of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) grafted poly(ethylene‐co‐tetrafluoroethylene) polymer electrolyte membranes (ETFE‐PEMs) with grafting degree (GD) of 8.8%–21.1% are investigated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The ETFE‐PEMs show the complete detachment at the α‐hydrogen atoms of the whole graft PSSA chains from the ETFE backbones, while their precursor polystyrene‐grafted ETFE films do not. This chemical degradation exhibits independently with GDs and takes place even at very low GD (<10%). Water molecules of the membranes dried at 40°C are not completely de‐absorbed. The remains are partial non‐bonded water molecules, which are assumed to locate within the lamellar amorphous domains (constrained water molecules) of the crystalline phases. These constrained water molecules exist independently with the PSSA groups and do not detach together with them during the degradation. Note that the water molecules remained at 40°C show the additional contribution of 18%–19% to the total water uptake but do not contribute clearly to the conductance.
Dynamic matching—Revisiting the Carpenter model
Authors: Pandey Priyanka , Keshavamurthy Srihari
Published: June 2022

The phenomenon of dynamic matching was proposed by Carpenter nearly four decades ago. In this work, we perform detailed dynamical studies of the original model studied by Carpenter. Existence of competing mechanisms that influence the extent of dynamic matching with varying depth of the caldera well, as noted by Carpenter, is confirmed. A phase space dynamical viewpoint is provided for the origin of the competing mechanisms. Our results show that the extent of dynamic matching is significantly influenced by the amount of excess energy above the transition state that controls the entrance into the caldera region. Moreover, we find that dynamic matching can persist for fairly deep caldera wells. Quantum dynamical studies are performed to assess the extent of classical‐quantum correspondence in the system and the robustness of the dynamic matching mechanism.
Treatment and outcome of a patient with pleural unilocular cystic mesothelial proliferation
Authors: Zhang Guoliang , Wang Rui , Qiao Xueying , Li Jing
Published: June 2022

Pleural cystic mesothelial proliferation is an extremely uncommon disease arising in the mediastinal pleura. Usually, the cysts are incidentally found and preoperative diagnosis is difficult due to their atypical appearance. To date, only seven cases of pleural mesothelial proliferation have been reported, and only one patient with unilocular has been reported. Here, we report a case of a 55‐year‐old woman with a mediastinal pleural unilocular cystic mesothelial proliferation that was completely resected by video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery. After 2 years of follow‐up, the patient had no evidence of recurrence. In conclusion, our case report may contribute to the understanding of pleural unilocular cystic mesothelial proliferation.
Assessment of upbasin dam impacts on streamflow at Chiang Saen gauging station during the period 1960–2020 in the context of statistical studies
Authors: Nguyen Tien Giang , Nguyen Huu Duy , Hoang Thu Thao , Pham Duy Huy Binh , Tran Ngoc Anh , Dang Dinh Kha , Nguyen Huy Phuong
Published: June 2022

The Langcang‐Mekong River Basin is the most important transboundary river basin in Asia. However, over the recent decades, dam construction has had increasingly profound effects on hydrological processes and aquatic, particularly riparian, ecosystems. Understanding these impacts is critical for the foundation of sustainable runoff surface management. In this study, different methods, based on both graphical and statistical techniques, were applied to assess the effects of the dams on annual, seasonal and monthly runoff and to detect hydroclimatic trends in the Upper Mekong Basin during the period 1960–2020. The results reveal two change points with respect to seasonal and annual flow regimes; that is, 2003 for the flood season and annual flows and 2013 for the dry season flow. The duration of the flood season and the volume of annual discharges have both significantly decreased since 2003 and the dry season discharge has significantly increased since 2013 (with both p‐values <.05). The quantitative assessment suggests that, due to the effect of dams, the monthly discharges increased by 10–450 m3/s during the dry season (December–May), while the flood season's monthly flows decreased significantly, by 1,028–2,150 m3/s, from July to October at Chiang Saen station. The study of hydrological changes in the Mekong watershed is expected to be a significant contribution towards a better understanding of large watersheds in which the hydrological effects are influenced not only by climate change at large spatial and temporal scales but also by changes in the physical environment due to the construction of dams.
Self‐Powered Non‐Contact Motion Vector Sensor for Multifunctional Human–Machine Interface
Authors: Cao Jie , Fu Xianpeng , Zhu Hao , Qu Zhaoqi , Qi Youchao , Zhang Zhi , Zhang Zhongqiang , Cheng Guanggui , Zhang Chi , Ding Jianning
Published: June 2022

Sensors as the significant units of the Internet of Things play an important role in the field of information interaction. Non‐contact sensors have the advantages of flexible manipulation and a longer lifespan but it is constrained in motion detection due to their relative single detection function. Herein, a self‐powered non‐contact motion vector sensor (NMVS) for the multifunctional human–machine interface is reported. Based on the electrostatic induction effect, the motion vector is measured according to the output electrical signals from the non‐contact triboelectric nanogenerator (NC‐TENG). By simulation analysis and experimental validation, the output characteristics of NC‐TENG dependence on structural and motion parameters are investigated in detail. On this basis, the resolution of NMVS is improved and exhibits for non‐contact micro‐vibration monitoring, rehabilitation gait detection, contactless smart lock, and the non‐contact limit alarm. This work not only proposes an ingenious strategy for non‐contact motion vector detection but also demonstrates the promising prospects of a multifunctional human–machine interface in intelligent electronics, health rehabilitation, and industrial inspection.
Microstructure Characteristics and Corrosion Behavior of Low‐Alloy High‐Strength Steel used for Armor Layer under Exposure to H2S‐Saturated Solution
Authors: Liu Zhen-Guang , Zhou Xiang , Pan Nan , Qiao Yan-Xin , Zheng Chuan-Bo , Liu Chuan , Gao Xiu-Hua
Published: June 2022

The corrosion behavior of low‐alloy steel exposed to saturated H2S solution is systematically studied using electron backscattered diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. The experimental results suggest that the corrosion rate decreases with prolonged immersion time because more corrosion products are formed on the steel surface. The corrosion products consist of mackinawite, greigite, and molybdenite regardless of the corrosion time. The structure of the corrosion products transforms from a single layer into two layers with increasing corrosion time. The Cr content in the corrosion products is similar to that in the steel substrate. The corrosion products are rich in molybdenum owing to the formation of molybdenite.
Praxisgerechte Gestaltung von Diagonalrohr‐Anschlüssen im Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau
Authors: Kuhlmann Ulrike , Gölz Lisa‐Marie
Published: June 2022

Im Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau steht der Anschluss von außen‐ oder innenliegenden Diagonalen mittels eingestecktem Knotenblech wegen der Ermüdungsbeanspruchbarkeit in der Diskussion. Derzeit kommen verschiedene Ausführungsvarianten zum Einsatz, die grundlegend unterschiedliche Kerben aufweisen und nicht durch DIN EN 1993‐1‐9 bzw. DIN EN 1993‐2 oder Nationalen Anhang geregelt sind. Ziel des DASt‐AiF‐Forschungsvorhabens 20452 „Praxisgerechte Gestaltung von Diagonalrohr‐Anschlüssen im Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau“ war die Entwicklung allgemeingültiger Regelungen, um einen wirtschaftlicheren und abgesicherten Ansatz für die Bemessung und Ausführung von Stahl‐ und Verbundbrücken zu ermöglichen. Dazu wurden innerhalb des Vorhabens experimentelle Untersuchungen an drei unterschiedlichen Ausführungsvarianten von Diagonalrohr‐Anschlüssen mittels eingestecktem Knotenblech durchgeführt, um die charakteristische Ermüdungsfestigkeit zu ermitteln, die als Grundlage für den Normvorschlag in prEN 1993‐1‐9 dient. Weitere geometrische Parameter wurden in numerischen Untersuchungen herausgearbeitet und fließen u. a. in die Ausführungs‐ und Bemessungsempfehlungen des Bundes (RE‐ING bzw. BEM‐ING) ein.
Triaxial compression test study on the influence of single crack on the mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete
Authors: Wang Zhe , Feng Mingyu , Zhang Yanbin
Published: June 2022

To investigate the influence of crack‐type defect and confining pressure on the mechanical properties of brittle materials, conventional triaxial compression tests were conducted on five types of prismatic samples with the same size of 41 mm × 70.7 mm × 175 mm at six confining pressures of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 70 MPa, respectively. Among the five types of samples, one is intact, with uniaxial compressive strength of 140 MPa, and the other four are all defective and contain a single prefabricated crack with the length of 10 mm and the inclination angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°, respectively. All samples are made of reactive powder concrete with the same mix proportion. According to the test results, the following conclusions are obtained. (1) For any kind of defective sample and any confining pressure, relative values of the strength deviation that the defective samples deviating from the intact sample are all less than relative values of the strength range (max–min) of the five samples. (2) There exist two critical values p1 and p2 of the confining pressure p, the inclination angle of the prefabricated crack has significantly different impact on the compressive strength in the interval of 0 ≤ p < p1, p1 ≤ p < p2, and p ≥ p2, respectively.
Data mining in predictive maintenance systems: A taxonomy and systematic review
Authors: Esteban Aurora , Zafra Amelia , Ventura Sebastián
Published: June 2022

Predictive maintenance is a field of study whose main objective is to optimize the timing and type of maintenance to perform on various industrial systems. This aim involves maximizing the availability time of the monitored system and minimizing the number of resources used in maintenance. Predictive maintenance is currently undergoing a revolution thanks to advances in industrial systems monitoring within the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Likewise, advances in artificial intelligence and data mining allow the processing of a great amount of data to provide more accurate and advanced predictive models. In this context, many actors have become interested in predictive maintenance research, becoming one of the most active areas of research in computing, where academia and industry converge. The objective of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review that provides an overview of the current state of research concerning predictive maintenance from a data mining perspective. The review presents a first taxonomy that implies different phases considered in any data mining process to solve a predictive maintenance problem, relating the predictive maintenance tasks with the main data mining tasks to solve them. Finally, the paper presents significant challenges and future research directions in terms of the potential of data mining applied to predictive maintenance.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Industry Specific Applications

Technologies > Internet of Things