bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal saturation recovery time for minimizing the underestimation of arterial input function in quantitative cardiac perfusion MRI
Authors: Fan Lexiaozi , Hong Kyungpyo , Hsu Li‐Yueh , Carr James C. , Allen Bradley D. , Lee Daniel C. , Kim Daniel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine an optimal saturation‐recovery time (TS) for minimizing the underestimation of arterial input function (AIF) in quantitative cardiac perfusion MRI without multiple gadolinium injections per subject.

Methods

We scanned 18 subjects (mean age = 59 ± 14 years, 9/9 males/females) to acquire resting perfusion data and 1 additional subject (age = 38 years, male) to obtain stress‐rest perfusion data using a 5‐fold accelerated pulse sequence with radial k‐space sampling and applied k‐space weighted image contrast (KWIC) filters on the same k‐space data to retrospectively reconstruct five AIF images with effective TS ranging from 10 to 21.2 ms (2.8 ms steps). Undersampled images were reconstructed using a compressed sensing framework with temporal‐total‐variation and temporal‐principal‐component as 2 orthogonal sparsifying transforms. The image processing steps included, same motion correction across five different AIF images, signal normalization by the proton‐density‐weighted‐image, signal‐to‐T1 conversion using a Bloch equation, T1‐to‐gadolinium‐concentration conversion assuming fast water exchange, T2* correction to the AIF, and gadolinium‐concentration to myocardial blood flow (MBF) conversion based on a Fermi model.

Results

Among five TS values, the shortest TS (10 ms) produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher peak AIF and lower resting MBF (13.73 mM, 0.73 mL g−1 min−1) than 12.8 ms (11.24 mM, 0.89 mL g−1 min−1), 15.6 ms (9.56 mM, 1.05 mL g−1 min−1), 18.4 ms (8.55 mM, 1.17 mL g−1 min−1), and 21.2 ms (7.95 mM, 1.27 mL g−1 min−1). Similarly, shorter TS reduced underestimation of AIF (or overestimation of MBF) for both during stress and at rest, but this effect was canceled in myocardial‐perfusion‐reserve (MPR).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that TS of 10 ms reduces the underestimation of AIF and, hence, the overestimation of MBF compared with longer TS values (12.8‐21.2 ms).
Preconditioners for fractional diffusion equations based on the spectral symbol
Authors: Barakitis Nikos , Ekström Sven‐Erik , Vassalos Paris
Published: April 2022

It is well known that the discretization of fractional diffusion equations with fractional derivatives , using the so‐called weighted and shifted Grünwald formula, leads to linear systems whose coefficient matrices show a Toeplitz‐like structure. More precisely, in the case of variable coefficients, the related matrix sequences belong to the so‐called generalized locally Toeplitz class. Conversely, when the given FDE has constant coefficients, using a suitable discretization, we encounter a Toeplitz structure associated to a nonnegative function , called the spectral symbol, having a unique zero at zero of real positive order between one and two. For the fast solution of such systems by preconditioned Krylov methods, several preconditioning techniques have been proposed in both the one‐ and two‐dimensional cases. In this article we propose a new preconditioner denoted by which belongs to the ‐algebra and it is based on the spectral symbol . Comparing with some of the previously proposed preconditioners, we show that although the low band structure preserving preconditioners are more effective in the one‐dimensional case, the new preconditioner performs better in the more challenging multi‐dimensional setting.
Disciplinary proper orthogonal decomposition and interpolation for the resolution of parameterized multidisciplinary analysis
Authors: Berthelin Gaspard , Dubreuil Sylvain , Salaün Michel , Bartoli Nathalie , Gogu Christian
Published: April 2022

This article proposes a new method for the resolution of parameterized coupled systems of equations, such as typical in multidisciplinary analysis (MDA). It is based on the use of disciplinary surrogate models within a multi‐query context. The main idea is to replace the costly disciplinary solvers of the MDA by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Interpolation models. The main challenge we address is the high‐dimensional coupling variables whose ranges are unknown. To overcome this issue, a training strategy is developed by uncoupling the disciplinary solvers from the MDA context. This new surrogate MDA called Disciplinary Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Interpolation is iteratively enriched to solve the analysis with an estimation of the error made by the surrogate models. The disciplinary surrogate model which has the most influence on this error is determined by a sensitivity analysis and thus enriched. This approach allows to uncouple the disciplinary solvers during the training and enrichment phases. The approach is applied to various aeroelastic problems of an aircraft wing and allows to reduce by a factor of 5 the mean number of disciplinary solver calls needed for the resolution of the MDA.
A robust optimization formulation for dynamic pricing of a web service with limited total shared capacity
Authors: Safari Ehram , Roshanaei Vahid , Rastpour Amir
Published: April 2022

This article provides a robust optimization formulation to tackle the demand uncertainty in the web service dynamic pricing problem where a provider offers a web service with different service levels (i.e., web service classes) to manage capacity and maximize profit. Consumers may buy their required web service through a reservation system and have the right with no obligation to cancel their purchases as long as they pay the penalty. In this article, we develop a robust optimization formulation for the model in which the demand of a service class is a linear function of the price; the total shared capacity of the provider for the web service is limited; the demand function coefficients and cancelation rate are time‐dependent. We demonstrate that the robust formulation is of the equivalent order of complexity as the nominal problem. Eventually, we obtain the optimality condition and some managerial insights into the problem according to the maximum principal and provide an algorithm to find the optimal pricing policy as a function of the time on a finite time horizon. Numerical analyses are performed to evaluate the effect of uncertainty on the objective function. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is compared with some existing approaches. The preliminary results show that the proposed algorithm offers better results than other algorithms such as QCP, NLP, GA, and SA in terms of time and accuracy.
When Molecules Meet in Water‐Recent Contributions of Supramolecular Chemistry to the Understanding of Molecular Recognition Processes in Water
Authors: Kubik Stefan
Published: April 2022

Molecular recognition processes in water differ from those in organic solvents in that they are mediated to a much greater extent by solvent effects. The hydrophobic effect, for example, causes molecules that only weakly interact in organic solvents to stay together in water. Such water‐mediated interactions can be very efficient as demonstrated by many of the synthetic receptors discussed in this review, some of which have substrate affinities matching or even surpassing those of natural binders. However, in spite of considerable success in designing such receptors, not all factors determining their binding properties in water are fully understood. Existing concepts still provide plausible explanations why the reorganization of water molecules often causes receptor‐substrate interactions in water to be strongly exothermic rather than entropically favored as predicted by the classical view of the hydrophobic effect.
Detecting drug resistance in pancreatic cancer organoids guides optimized chemotherapy treatment
Authors: Hennig Alexander , Baenke Franziska , Klimova Anna , Drukewitz Stephan , Jahnke Beatrix , Brückmann Sascha , Secci Ramona , Winter Christof , Schmäche Tim , Seidlitz Therese , Bereuter Jean‐Paul , Polster Heike , Eckhardt Lisa , Schneider Sidney A , Brückner Stefan , Schmelz Renate , Babatz Jana , Kahlert Christoph , Distler Marius , Hampe Jochen , Reichert Maximilian , Zeißig Sebastian , Folprecht Gunnar , Weitz Jürgen , Aust Daniela , Welsch Thilo , Stange Daniel E
Published: April 2022

Drug combination therapies for cancer treatment show high efficacy but often induce severe side effects, resulting in dose or cycle number reduction. We investigated the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (neoCTx) adaptions on treatment outcome in 59 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Resections with tumor‐free margins were significantly more frequent when full‐dose neoCTx was applied. We determined if patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) can be used to personalize poly‐chemotherapy regimens by pharmacotyping of treatment‐naïve and post‐neoCTx PDAC PDOs. Five out of ten CTx‐naïve PDO lines exhibited a differential response to either the FOLFIRINOX or the Gem/Pac regimen. NeoCTx PDOs showed a poor response to the neoadjuvant regimen that had been administered to the respective patient in 30% of cases. No significant difference in PDO response was noted when comparing modified treatments in which the least effective single drug was removed from the complete regimen. Drug testing of CTx‐naïve PDAC PDOs and neoCTx PDOs may be useful to guide neoadjuvant and adjuvant regimen selection, respectively. Personalizing poly‐chemotherapy regimens by omitting substances with low efficacy could potentially result in less severe side effects, thereby increasing the fraction of patients receiving a full course of neoadjuvant treatment. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Retrospective and integrative analyses of molecular characteristics and their specific imaging parameters in pediatric grade 1 gliomas
Authors: Coutant Marie , Lhermitte Benoit , Guérin Eric , Chammas Agathe , Reita Damien , Sebastia Consuelo , Douzal Valérie , Gabor Flaviu , Salmon Alexandra , Chenard Marie‐Pierre , Todeschi Julien , Coca Andres , Heng Marie‐Amelie , Vincent Florence , Entz‐Werlé Natacha
Published: April 2022

Background

Pediatric low‐grade gliomas (PLGG) are the most common brain tumors diagnosed during childhood and represent a heterogeneous group associating variable molecular abnormalities. To go further and develop specific statistical patterns between tumor molecular background, imaging features, and patient outcome, a retrospective study was performed in a group of non‐neurofibromatosis type 1 (non‐NF1) grade 1 PLGGs.

Patients and methods

Seventy‐eight children, followed from 2004 to 2017, were retrospectively reported. In this population, we analyzed radiological and molecular parameters. Their therapeutic management comprised surgery or surgery plus chemotherapies.

Results

Considering all 78 patients, 59 had only a surgical removal and 19 patients were treated with postoperative chemotherapy. Twelve progressions were reported in the partially resected and chemotherapeutic groups, whereas four deaths occurred only in the highly treated patients. As expected, in the global cohort, PLGG with BRAF p.V600E and/or CDKN2A loss exhibited poor outcomes and we evidenced significant associations between those molecular characteristics and their imaging presentation. In the chemo‐treated patients, when associating initial and 6‐month magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters to the molecular features, the good risk situations were significantly linked to the presence of a large tumor cyst at diagnosis and the appearance during treatment of a higher cystic proportion that we called cystic conversion.

Conclusion

So, additionally to the presence of BRAF p.V600E or CDKN2A deletion in grade 1 PLGGs, the absence on diagnostic MRI of cystic parts and/or cystic conversion at 6‐month chemotherapy were significantly linked to a worst prognosis and response to treatment. These imaging features should be considered as prognostic markers in future PLGG studies.
Regional anesthesia for sickle cell disease vaso‐occlusive crisis: A single‐center case series
Authors: Karsenty Cecile , Tubman Venée N. , Liu Chyong‐jy Joyce , Fasipe Titilope , Wyatt Karla E. K.
Published: April 2022

Pain management is challenging for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who present in vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC). Opioid therapy is highly effective, nevertheless undesirable side effects can hinder their effectiveness. Regional anesthesia with deposition of perineural anesthetic offers nociceptive blockade, local vasodilatation, and reduces the inflammatory response. Among pediatric patients, continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) for perioperative adjunctive analgesia is safe. Herein, we describe the trajectory of a cohort of pediatric SCD patients with opioid‐refractory upper‐extremity VOC following placement of CPNBs for analgesia; highlighting reduced opioid consumption, improved pain scores, and decreased length of hospitalization.
Photon versus proton whole ventricular radiotherapy for non‐germinomatous germ cell tumors: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Mak David Y. , Siddiqui Zain , Liu Zhihui Amy , Dama Hitesh , MacDonald Shannon M. , Wu Shengjie , Murphy Erin S. , Hall Matthew D. , Malkov Victor , Onar‐Thomas Arzu , Ahmed Sameera , Dhall Girish , Tsang Derek S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To determine if proton therapy reduces doses to cranial organs at risk (OARs) as compared to photon therapy in children with non‐germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCT) receiving whole ventricular radiotherapy (WVRT).

Methods and materials

Dosimetric data for patients with NGGCT prospectively enrolled in stratum 1 of the Children's Oncology Group study ACNS1123 who received 30.6 Gy WVRT were compared. Target segmentation was standardized using a contouring atlas. Doses to cranial OARs were compared between proton and photon treatments. Clinically relevant dose‐volume parameters that were analyzed included mean dose and dose to 40% of the OAR volume (D40).

Results

Mean and D40 doses to the supratentorial brain, cerebellum, and bilateral temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes were statistically significantly lower amongst proton‐treated patients, as compared to photon‐treated patients. In a subgroup analysis of patients uniformly treated with a 3‐mm planning target volume, patients who received proton therapy continued to have statistically significantly lower doses to brain OARs.

Conclusions

Children treated with proton therapy for WVRT had lower doses to normal brain structures, when compared to those treated with photon therapy. Proton therapy should be considered for patients receiving WVRT for NGGCT.
The seed‐specific transcription factor DPBF2 modulates the fatty acid composition in seeds
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Lee Kyeong‐Ryeol , Park Mid‐Eum , Kim Hyun Uk
Published: April 2022

Triacylglycerol (TAG), an ester derived from glycerol and three fatty acids (FAs), is synthesized during seed development and controlled by transcriptional regulation. We examined the mechanism regulating the FA composition of developing Arabidopsis thaliana seeds. The seed‐specific DC3 PROMOTER‐BINDING FACTOR2 (DPBF2) transcription factor was upregulated by LEAFY COTYLEDON2 (LEC2). DPBF2 showed transcriptional activity in yeast and localized to the nucleus in Arabidopsis protoplast cells. The Arabidopsis dpbf2‐1 homozygous T‐DNA mutant and transgenic lines overexpressing of DPBF2 using a seed‐specific phaseolin promoter in wild‐type (WT) Arabidopsis and in dpbf2‐1 showed similar FA composition profiles in their seeds. Their 18:2 and 20:1 FA contents were higher, but 18:1 and 18:3 contents were lower than that of WT. Transcript levels of FATTY ACID DESATURASE2 (FAD2), FAD3, LYSOPHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE ACYLTRANSFERASE1 (LPCAT1), LPCAT2, PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE DIACYLGLYCEROL CHOLINEPHOSPHOTRANSFERASE (PDCT), and FATTY ACID ELONGASE 1 (FAE1) are increased in DPBF2‐overexpressing seeds. Besides, PDCT and FAE1 were upregulated by DPBF2, LEC1‐LIKE (L1L), and NUCLEAR FACTOR‐YC2 (NF‐YC2) transcriptional complex based on tobacco protoplast transcriptional activation assay. These results suggest that DPBF2 effectively modulates the expression of genes encoding FA desaturases, elongase, and acyl‐editing enzymes for modifying the unsaturated FA composition in seeds.
Soy isoflavones protects against cognitive deficits induced by chronic sleep deprivation via alleviating oxidative stress and suppressing neuroinflammation
Authors: Lu Cong , Wei Zhen , Jiang Ning , Chen Ying , Wang Yongquan , Li Shuying , Wang Qiong , Fan Bei , Liu Xinmin , Wang Fengzhong
Published: April 2022

Mounting evidence suggests that there is a close association between chronic sleep deprivation (CSD) and cognitive deficits. The animal model of CSD‐induced cognitive deficits is commonly used to seek potential treatments. Soy isoflavones (SI) have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti‐inflammation, and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, the effects of SI on CSD‐induced memory impairment were investigated. The mice were subjected to the sleep interruption apparatus and continuously sleep deprived for 2 weeks, while orally administrated with SI (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) or Modafinil (MOD,100 mg/kg) during the CSD process. Immediately after the SD protocol, cognitive performance of mice was evaluated by the object location recognition (OLR) test, the novel object recognition (NOR) test, and the Morris water maze (MWM) task, as well as the hippocampus, was extracted for evaluation of oxidative stress parameters and inflammation levels through biochemical parameter assay and western blotting analysis. The results showed that SI administration remarkably improved the cognitive performance of CSD‐treated mice in OLR, NOR, and MWM tests. In addition, SI significantly elevated total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities, decreased malondialdehyde level, promoting antioxidant element nuclear erythroid‐2‐related factor 2, and its downstream targets, including heme oxygenase 1, and quinone oxidoreductase 1 protein expressions. Moreover, SI treatment significantly suppressed nuclear factor kappa B p65, nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase 2 activation, as well as the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (Tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], and interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β]) release in the hippocampus of CSD‐treated mice. In summary, the current study provides an insight into the potential of SI in treatment of cognitive deficits by CSD.
A new deep‐learning model using YOLOv3 to support sperm selection during intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure
Authors: Sato Takuma , Kishi Hiroshi , Murakata Saori , Hayashi Yuki , Hattori Toshiyuki , Nakazawa Shinji , Mori Yusuke , Hidaka Miwa , Kasahara Yuta , Kusuhara Atsuko , Hosoya Kayo , Hayashi Hiroshi , Okamoto Aikou
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To create and evaluate a machine‐learning model for YOLOv3 that can simultaneously perform morphological evaluation and tracking in a short time, which can be adapted to video data under an inverted microscope.

Methods

Japanese patients who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection at the Jikei University School of Medicine and Keiai Reproductive and Endosurgical Clinic from January 2019 to March 2020 were included. An AI model that simultaneously performs morphological assessment and tracking was created and its performance was evaluated.

Results

For morphological assessment, the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of this model for abnormal sperm were 0.881 and 0.853, respectively. The sensitivity and PPV for normal sperm were 0.794 and 0.689, respectively. For tracking performance, among the 51 objects, 40 (78.4%) were mostly tracked, 11 (21.6%) were partially tracked, and 0 (0%) were mostly lost.

Conclusions

This study showed that evaluating sperm morphology while tracking in a single model is possible by training YOLO v3. This model could acquire time‐series data of one sperm, which will assist in acquiring and annotating sperm image data.
Comparison of the Two Carbon Allotropes as Solid Support: Catalytic Efficiency of the Supported Metalloporphyrins for the Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Nejabat Fatemeh , Rayati Saeed
Published: April 2022

In the present research, a new method for the aerobic oxidation of aromatic and cyclic aliphatic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketone was developed in the presence of two supported metalloporphyrins. The prepared heterogenized catalysts were fully characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR) and Ultra Violet‐Visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy. The role of structural and textural properties of carbon‐based materials as solid support on the catalytic efficiency of the supported catalysts was compared with each other and the results shows higher efficiency of the supported Fe‐porphyrin on multi‐walled carbon nanotube [Fe(THPP)Cl/MWCNT] compared to the anchored Fe‐porphyrin on the graphene oxide [Fe(THPP)Cl/GO]. The study on the aerobic oxidation of alcohols in the presence of the supported Fe‐porphyrins proved that the addition of isobutyraldehyde as reducing agent in several portions during the catalytic reaction significantly increased the product yields. The separation and recovery of the nanocatalyst was simple, effective and economical in this green oxidation method and the supported catalyst can reuse at least eight times without significant loss of activity.
Phenothiazine‐Tethered Biaryls as Fluorescent Probes for Multi‐Analyte Detection
Authors: Santharam Roja Somi , Raja Rubina Stephen , Shylaja Adaikalam , Kumar Raju Ranjith
Published: April 2022

The one‐pot three‐component domino reaction of 2‐acetylphenothiazine, 4‐Cl/4‐Me benzaldehyde and malononitrile afforded 3‐amino‐4′‐chloro/4′‐methyl‐5‐(10H‐phenothiazin‐2‐yl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2,4‐dicarbonitriles in good yields. These phenothiazine‐tethered biaryls exhibited strong red fluorescence under UV lamp in solid state and green fluorescence in DMSO. These probes were sensitive towards multi‐analytes like Fe3+, Cu2+, picric acid and 4‐nitrophenol with good lower limit of detection.
Seasonal Qualitative Variations of Phenolic Content in the Stem Bark of Prunus persica var. nucipersica ‐ Implication for the Use of the Bark as a Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Beszterda Monika , Frański Rafał
Published: April 2022

The seasonal variations of the phenolic content in the stem bark of Prunus persica var. nucipersica were analyzed by using high pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Great differences were observed for flavanone 5‐O‐glycosides, rutin and acetylated p‐coumaroylsucrose conjugates containing 0–4 acetyl groups. It is a matter of discussion in which period of the year, May‐August or September‐April, the bark of Prunus persica is the most valuable source of bioactive constituent. If the presence of rutin is desirable, May‐August is the appropriate harvest period, whereas September‐April is appropriate if the presence of flavanone 5‐O‐glycosides is of interest.
2,2′‐Azodi(2‐methylbutyronitrile) (AMBN) Promoted Alkenylation of Cyclic Ethers via Radical Addition to β‐Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Shan Xiaojie , Gao Pan , Zhang Shuwei , Jia Xiaodong , Yuan Yu
Published: April 2022

It is reported the alkenylation of cyclic ethers via radical addition to β‐nitrostyrenes in the presence of AMBN without any other additives under mild conditions. A wide range of β‐nitrostyrenes and various ethers are tested in this reaction, most cases are happed smoothly with excellent to good yields. Cyclohexane also could be reacted under the conditions with moderate yield. According to the control experiments, the reaction mechanism was proposed. It is found that AMBN could induce to hydrogen abstraction from sp3 carbon under oxygen atmosphere. This reaction system possesses the advantages of very high reactivity, stability, and convenient preparation method. Especially, it is very useful in the pharmacy industry due to the metal‐free and easy treatment conditions.
Interfacial Rearrangements of Block Copolymer Micelles Toward Gelled Liquid–Liquid Interfaces with Adjustable Viscoelasticity
Authors: Prasser Quirin , Steinbach Daniel , Münch Alexander S. , Neubert Richard , Weber Christian , Uhlmann Petra , Mertens Florian , Plamper Felix A.
Published: April 2022

Though amphiphiles are ubiquitously used for altering interfaces, interfacial reorganization processes are in many cases obscure. For example, adsorption of micelles to liquid–liquid interfaces is often accompanied by rapid reorganizations toward monolayers. Then, the involved time scales are too short to be followed accurately. A block copolymer system, which comprises poly(ethylene oxide)110‐b‐poly{[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]diisopropylmethylammonium chloride}170 (i.e., PEO110‐b‐qPDPAEMA170 with quaternized poly(diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate)) is presented. Its reorganization kinetics at the water/n‐decane interface is slowed down by electrostatic interactions with ferricyanide ([Fe(CN)6]3–). This deceleration allows an observation of the restructuring of the adsorbed micelles not only by tracing the interfacial pressure, but also by analyzing the interfacial rheology and structure with help of atomic force microscopy. The observed micellar flattening and subsequent merging toward a physically interconnected monolayer lead to a viscoelastic interface well detectable by interfacial shear rheology (ISR). Furthermore, the “gelled” interface is redox‐active, enabling a return to purely viscous interfaces and hence a manipulation of the rheological properties by redox reactions. Additionally, interfacial Prussian blue formation stiffens the interface. Such manipulation and in‐depth knowledge of the rheology of complex interfaces can be beneficial for the development of emulsion formulations in industry or medicine, where colloidal stability or adapted permeability is crucial.
Hybrid Deep Learning Crystallographic Mapping of Polymorphic Phases in Polycrystalline Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 Thin Films
Authors: Kim Young‐Hoon , Yang Sang‐Hyeok , Jeong Myoungho , Jung Min‐Hyoung , Yang Daehee , Lee Hyangsook , Moon Taehwan , Heo Jinseong , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Eunha , Kim Young‐Min
Published: April 2022

By controlling the configuration of polymorphic phases in high‐k Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films, new functionalities such as persistent ferroelectricity at an extremely small scale can be exploited. To bolster the technological progress and fundamental understanding of phase stabilization (or transition) and switching behavior in the research area, efficient and reliable mapping of the crystal symmetry encompassing the whole scale of thin films is an urgent requisite. Atomic‐scale observation with electron microscopy can provide decisive information for discriminating structures with similar symmetries. However, it often demands multiple/multiscale analysis for cross‐validation with other techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, due to the limited range of observation. Herein, an efficient and automated methodology for large‐scale mapping of the crystal symmetries in polycrystalline Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films is developed using scanning probe‐based diffraction and a hybrid deep convolutional neural network at a 2 nm2 resolution. The results for the doped hafnia films are fully proven to be compatible with atomic structures revealed by microscopy imaging, not requiring intensive human input for interpretation.
Two‐Photon 3D Printing in Metal–Organic Framework Single Crystals
Authors: Zhang Yusheng , Su Yuming , Zhao Yi , Wang Zhiye , Wang Cheng
Published: April 2022

Two‐photon polymerization (TPP) is a micro/nano‐fabrication technology for additive manufacturing, enabling 3D printing of polymeric materials using ultrafast laser pulses. In this work, two‐photon polymerization is realized inside a metal–organic framework (MOF) crystal. Intricate structures are built in the porous crystal to create a microstructure‐in‐crystal hybrid. Furthermore, the MOF can be removed by acid treatment to release the printed structure. The two‐photon polymerization inside the crystal has the potential for MOF sensing device fabrication and data storage applications. In the future development, printing different materials in the same MOF crystal for creating functional 3D devices is hoped.
A review of bus arrival time prediction using artificial intelligence
Authors: Singh Nisha , Kumar Kranti
Published: April 2022

Buses are one of the important parts of public transport system. To provide accurate information about bus arrival and departure times at bus stops is one of the main parameters of good quality public transport. Accurate arrival and departure times information is important for a public transport mode since it enhances ridership as well as satisfaction of travelers. With accurate arrival‐time and departure time information, travelers can make informed decisions about their journey. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) based methods/algorithms to predict the bus arrival time (BAT) is reviewed in detail. Systematic survey of existing research conducted by various researchers by applying the different branches of AI has been done. Prediction models have been segregated and are accumulated under respective branches of AI. Thorough discussion is presented to elaborate different branches of AI that have been applied for several aspects of BAT prediction. Research gaps and possible future directions for further research work are summarized.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology

Technologies > Artificial Intelligence

Technologies > Prediction
The Code of Silence and Disciplinary Fairness
Authors: Kutnjak Ivković Sanja , Maskály Jon , Kule Ahmet , Haberfeld Maria Maki
Published: April 2022

This chapter expands the police integrity approach by focusing on the link between the evaluations of disciplinary fairness and the code of silence. Based on the writings by Klockars and Kutnjak Ivković (The code of silence and the Croatian police. In Pagon M (ed) Policing in central and Eastern Europe: organizational, managerial, and human resource aspects. College of Police and Security Studies, Ljubljana, Slovenia, 329–347, 1998), this chapter presents three potential theoretical approaches hypothesizing the relationship between police officers’ willingness to report misconduct and disciplinary fairness. We rely on the data from one mid-sized police department in the United States to test the effects across 12 scenarios depicting police corruption, use of excessive force, interpersonal deviance, and organizational deviance. Our multivariate models show that perceptions of disciplinary fairness are independently related to the police officers’ willingness to adhere to the code of silence. Discipline that is viewed as too harsh does not entice police officers to report; rather, in such cases, police officers are more likely to say that they would not report than police officers who evaluated discipline as fair. The effects are not as clear for the cases in which police officers evaluated discipline as too lenient.
Beschreibung und Einordnung der Covid-19-Pandemie
Authors: Grill Eva , Lange Berit
Published: April 2022

Die Menschheitsgeschichte ist auch eine Geschichte ihrer Pandemien. Dieser Beitrag untersucht die typischen Charakteristika von Pandemien am Beispiel historischer und gegenwärtiger Ausbrüche übertragbarer Erkrankungen und ordnet die Covid-19-Pandemie hier ein. Ziel des Beitrages ist es, die Besonderheiten der Covid-19-Pandemie aus epidemiologischer Sicht darzustellen, die einen Einblick auf ihren Verlauf geben. Neuheit des Erregers, fehlende Populationsimmunität, hohe Befallsrate, schnelle Ausbreitung, hohe Infektiosität Pathogenität sowie weite und schnelle geographische Verbreitung werden als Charakteristika eines pandemischen Erregers diskutiert. Neben den Eigenschaften des Erregers begünstigen weitere Faktoren, dass Pandemien entstehen. Das sind unter anderem die individuelle Suszeptibilität des Individuums, die soziale Lage, politische Systeme und in der Neuzeit die Auswirkungen der Klimakatastrophe. Die Folgen der Covid-19-Pandemie betreffen nicht nur die individuelle Gesundheit, sondern die Leistungsfähigkeit von Gesundheitsversorgung und Prävention, die wirtschaftliche Stabilität von Volkswirtschaften und Regionen, aber auch den gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt. Allerdings haben Pandemien in der Vergangenheit aber auch die Entwicklung medizinischen Wissens, epidemiologischer Methodik und akademischer und praktischer Public-Health-Strukturen vorangebracht. Für den Verlauf der Covid-19-Pandemie wird relevant sein, wie sich Populationsimmunität und Impfkampagnen entwickeln, welche Virusvarianten entstehen und wie erfolgreich politische Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung sind.
Stationäre Versorgung und Patientensteuerung während der Covid-19-Pandemie in Israel
Authors: Brammli-Greenberg Shuli , Buda Inon , Weiss Yoram
Published: April 2022

Wie in vielen anderen Länder kam es Ende Februar 2020 auch in Israel zu den ersten flächendeckenden Covid-19-Ausbrüchen. Die Pandemie, die inzwischen seit mehr als 18 Monaten andauert, wies mehrere aufeinanderfolgende Wellen auf, die meist mit dem Auftreten neuer Varianten des SARS-CoV-2-Virus zusammenhingen. Die Verantwortlichen in allen Bereichen des Gesundheitswesens mussten sich an die Situation anpassen, mit großen Unsicherheiten umgehen und tagtäglich Lösungen finden, um trotz Personalknappheit und mangelnder Schutzausrüstung die gesamte Bevölkerung – mit oder ohne Covid-19 – zu versorgen.

Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die stationäre Versorgung und die Patientensteuerung in Israel während der Covid-19-Pandemie. Angesichts der Erkenntnis, dass das Krankenhausmanagement in der Lage sein muss, auf ständige Veränderungen rasch zu reagieren und sich an die weiterhin vorliegenden pandemischen Bedingungen anzupassen, um allen Patientinnen und Patienten die bestmögliche medizinische Versorgung zu bieten, schlagen die Autoren einen vierstufigen Aktionsplan vor, den das Krankenhaussystem in Erwägung ziehen sollte, um der anhaltenden Covid-19-Pandemie besser begegnen zu können.
Die Pandemie und die zunehmende Bedeutung der Verteilungsgerechtigkeit: Der Versuch einer wirtschaftsethischen und gesundheitsökonomischen Analyse
Authors: Beivers Andreas
Published: April 2022

Die Corona-Pandemie und die daraus resultierende (Welt-)Wirtschaftskrise reißt tiefe Löcher in das Finanzierungssystem der gesetzlichen Krankenkassen – und damit auch in die Krankenhausfinanzierung. Es droht die Gefahr impliziter Rationierung und ein Handeln im Affekt mit Spar-Gesetzen, die schnelle Wirkung entfalten. Die Frage nach der gerechten Allokation knapper Ressourcen stellte und stellt sich in mannigfaltiger Art und Weise. Auch die Ausgleichszahlungen für Krankenhäuser in der Pandemie führen zu Verteilungseffekten, die kontrovers diskutiert wurden. Im Zwischenfazit scheinen sich sehr unterschiedliche Effekte auf Krankenhausebene abzuzeichnen, die zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt leider noch nicht abschließend und mit der nötigen Validität beurteilt werden können. Der effiziente Einsatz knapper Ressourcen hingegen ist eine zentrale Grundlage ökonomischen Denkens und reicht lange zurück: Mit Fragen des gerechten Preises hat sich schon Aristoteles im Rahmen der nikomachischen Ethik beschäftigt. Führende Wohlfahrtsökonomen attestieren, dass keine Konkurrenz zwischen Effizienz und Verteilungsgerechtigkeit existiert. Es ist Zeit für ein Umdenken, für das Etablieren neuer, gerechter Ansätze. Zeit, mit neuen Anreizen Effizienz und Gerechtigkeit gegenüber allen Beteiligten zu verbinden. Zeit, auch wirtschaftsethische und philosophische Ansätze zu integrieren. Zeit für einen neuen, moralisch geformten Ordnungsrahmen auch im Gesundheitswesen, wie es Homann fordert. Klassische, ökonomische Anreize werden sicherlich helfen, greifen aber alleine zu kurz, wie die Historie zeigt. Es ist Zeit anhand von konkreten Verteilungsprinzipien einen neuen, moralisch geformten Ordnungsrahmen zu schaffen. Ein Prinzip ist dabei besonders zentral: Die Generationengerechtigkeit. Deswegen bedeutet effizienter Einsatz von Ressourcen vor allem auch eines: Gerechtigkeit gegenüber der Generation unserer Kinder – der Zukunft unseres Sozialstaates.
Statistische Krankenhausdaten: Grunddaten der Krankenhäuser 2019
Authors: Bölt Ute
Published: April 2022

Dieser Beitrag fasst die Ergebnisse der Krankenhausstatistik zu den Grunddaten der Krankenhäuser für das Berichtsjahr 2019 zusammen. Er gibt einen Überblick über die sachlichen und personellen Ressourcen (z. B. Betten, Fachabteilungen, Personal) sowie die Inanspruchnahme von Krankenhausleistungen (Patientenbewegungen). Die Krankenhausstatistik ist eine seit 1991 bundeseinheitlich durchgeführte jährliche Vollerhebung. Auskunftspflichtig sind die Träger der Krankenhäuser.
Stationäre Versorgung während der ersten Welle der Covid-19-Pandemie in Europa: ein internationaler Vergleich
Authors: Winkelmann Juliane , Berger Elke , Panteli Dimitra , Reichebner Christoph , Eckhardt Helene , Nimptsch Ulrike , Rombey Tanja , Busse Reinhard
Published: April 2022

Die Covid-19-Pandemie stellt seit Anfang 2020 insbesondere die Gesundheitssysteme weltweit vor ungeahnte Herausforderungen und führte u. a. dazu, dass ursprüngliche Intensivkapazitäten in einigen Ländern nicht zur Behandlung aller Patienten ausreichten. In diesem Beitrag werden die Entwicklungen der Covid-19-Hospitalisierungen und der Ausbau der Intensivkapazitäten in Europa im Verlauf der ersten Pandemiewelle vor dem Hintergrund der jeweiligen Ausgangsbedingungen veranschaulicht und darüber hinaus Unterschiede in der Patientensteuerung aufgezeigt. Dazu wurde auf zwei Datenbanken zurückgegriffen, die mit dem Ausbruch der Covid-19-Pandemie vom Fachgebiet Management im Gesundheitswesen der Technischen Universität Berlin und dem European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies im März 2020 ins Leben gerufen wurden. Der Beitrag zeigt auf, dass viele europäische Länder auf das Verschieben planbarer Eingriffe und die Aufstockung von Intensivbetten gesetzt haben, um dem rasanten Anstieg an Covid-19-Patienten zu begegnen. Weiterhin wird gezeigt, dass dies in den meisten Ländern ausreichend war und initiale Kapazitätsgrenzen in der Akutversorgung nicht überschritten wurden. In einigen stärker betroffenen Ländern wie Schweden und den Niederlanden hätten jedoch die verfügbaren Intensivbetten ohne Aufstockung nicht ausgereicht.
Die stationäre Behandlung von Patientinnen und Patienten mit Herzinfarkt und Schlaganfall während der Covid-19-Pandemie
Authors: Drogan Dagmar , Gerloff Christian , Scholz Karl Heinrich , Günster Christian
Published: April 2022

Auf Basis von Abrechnungsdaten von AOK-Versicherten liefert die vorliegende Studie weitere Belege für eine veränderte Inanspruchnahme von Notfallbehandlungen während des ersten Jahres der Covid-19-Pandemie. So nahm die Zahl der Krankenhausbehandlungen aufgrund von ST-Hebungsinfarkt (STEMI), Nicht-ST-Hebungsinfarkt (NSTEMI), Hirninfarkt/-blutung oder transitorischer ischämischer Attacke (TIA) während der ersten (März bis Mai 2020) und zweiten (Oktober 2020 bis Februar 2021) Pandemiewelle im Vergleich zu den jeweiligen Vorjahresperioden deutlich ab. In beiden Pandemiewellen fiel der Fallzahlrückgang bei weniger schweren Ereignissen (NSTEMI, TIA) stärker aus als bei den schwereren Ereignissen (STEMI, Hirninfarkt/-blutung). Bei Behandlungsfällen mit Hirninfarkt/-blutung ging der Fallzahlrückgang mit einem relativen Anstieg neurologischer Symptome und der 30-Tage-Sterblichkeit einher. Auch STEMI-Fälle, die während der ersten beiden Pandemiewellen behandelt wurden, wiesen gegenüber Behandlungsfällen des Vorjahres erhöhte Sterblichkeitsraten auf. Diese Ergebnisse könnten eine Verschiebung in der Fallzusammensetzung widerspiegeln, die auf verzögerte oder vermiedene medizinische Behandlungen – insbesondere bei Patientinnen und Patienten mit milderen Symptomen – zurückzuführen ist, beispielsweise aus Angst vor einer Covid-19-Infektion oder als unbeabsichtigte Folgeerscheinung der Vorgaben zur sozialen Isolation. In einer Auswertung der Todesursachenstatistik zeigten sich keine Hinweise auf eine höhere Sterblichkeit an Herzinfarkt oder zerebrovaskulären Erkrankungen, die im Zusammenhang mit der verminderten Inanspruchnahme der Notfallbehandlung stehen könnte.
Perspektiven für die Krankenhausfinanzierung und -struktur in Krisenzeiten
Authors: Malzahn Jürgen , Scheller-Kreinsen David
Published: April 2022

Der Beitrag skizziert Perspektiven für eine angemessene Krankenhausfinanzierung und -struktur in Krisenzeiten. Ausgangspunkt sind dabei die Erfahrungen, die im Jahr 2020 im Zuge der Bewältigung der Covid-19-Pandemie gesammelt wurden. Inhaltlicher Anker ist die These, dass die Finanzierung der Krankenhausversorgung in Krisen- und Normalzeiten grundsätzlich anderen Mechanismen folgen muss. Während in Normalzeiten die grundlegenden Ziele des SGB V wie „medizinische Notwendigkeit, Zweckmäßigkeit, Angemessenheit und Wirtschaftlichkeit“ von zentraler Bedeutung für das Gesundheitswesen ist, erlangen in Krisenzeiten Punkte wie „Systemstabilität, Leistungsfähigkeit jenseits des Normalmaßes und kurze Adaptionszeit“ eine herausragende Bedeutung. Auf Basis dieser Kernthese werden im vorliegenden Beitrag acht Empfehlungen formuliert, die zu einer nachhaltigeren Krisenbewältigung beitragen sollen. Wesentliche Aspekte sind: Eine prospektive Gesetzgebung für Krisensituationen, eine klare Definition der Finanzierungsverantwortung zwischen öffentlicher Hand und Krankenkassen, das Primat der Liquiditätssicherung der Akteure im Gesundheitswesen, die Zulässigkeit von Selbstkostendeckung in Krisenzeiten, eine situationsgerecht adaptierte Rechnungsprüfung und Qualitätssicherung, ein Fokus auf schnelle Evidenzgewinnung, Entscheidungsfindung sowie Datengewinnung und -verfügbarkeit für Steuerungsprozesse in Krisenzeiten und nicht zuletzt eine Stärkung der Krisenreaktionsfähigkeit durch stringente regionale und einrichtungsbezogene Pandemieplanungen.
Pharmacokinetics and toxicity evaluation following oral exposure to bisphenol F
Authors: Lee Somin , An Kyu Sup , Kim Hye Jin , Noh Hye Jin , Lee JaeWon , Lee Jiho , Song Kyung Seuk , Chae Chanhee , Ryu Hyeon Yeol
Published: April 2022

Bisphenol F is a substitute material for bisphenol A and is widely used in household products as a raw material for polycarbonate resin, epoxy resin, and plastic reinforcement. It is known to be mainly used in food containers, thermal paper for receipts, and coatings for water pipes. In some countries, bisphenol F has been detected in drinking water and human urine samples. However, due to the lack of safety evaluation data on bisphenol F, it is difficult to establish appropriate guidelines for the proper use of the substance, and social anxiety is increasing accordingly. This study investigated the use, exposure route, and distribution flow of bisphenol F, a household chemical. To determine the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and target organ of bisphenol F after exposure, a single-dose oral toxicity, dose-range finding (28 day oral), repeated dose toxicity (90 day oral), and genotoxicity (reverse mutation, chromosomal abnormality, in vivo micronucleus test) tests were performed. The pharmacokinetic profile was also obtained. The test results are as follows: in the pharmacokinetic study, it was confirmed that single oral exposure to BPF resulted in systemic exposure; in single oral dose toxicity test, the approximate lethal dose was found to be 4000 mg/kg and confusion and convulsion was shown in the test animals; NOAEL was determined to be 2 mg/kg/day for male and 5 mg/kg/day for female, and the no-observed-effect level (NOEL) was determined to be 2 mg/kg/day for males and 1 mg/kg/day for females, and the target organ was the small intestine; genotoxicity tests confirmed that BPF does not induce genotoxicity.
Critical Analysis of the Causes of In‐Hospital Mortality following Colorectal Resection: A Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality (QASM) Registry Study
Authors: Mao Derek , Rey‐Conde Therese , North John B. , Lancashire Raymond P. , Naidu Sanjeev , Chua Terence C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Colorectal resection is a major gastrointestinal operation. Improvements in peri‐operative care has led to improved outcomes; however, mortalities still occur. Using data from the Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality (QASM), this study examines the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who died in hospital following colorectal resection, and also reports the primary cause of death in this population.

Methods

Patients who died in hospital following colorectal resection in Queensland between January 2010 and December 2020 were identified from the QASM database.

Results

There were 755 patients who died in the 10 year study period. Pre‐operatively, the risk of death as subjectively determined by operating surgeons was ‘considerable’ in 397 cases (53.0%) and ‘expected’ in 90 cases (12.0%). The patients had a mean of 2.7 (±1.5) co‐morbidities, and a mean American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3.6 (±0.8). Operations were categorised as emergency in 579 patients (77.2%), with 637 patients (85.0%) requiring post‐operative Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support. The primary cause of death was related to a surgical cause in 395 patients (52.7%) and to a medical cause in 355 patients (47.3%). The primary causes of death were advanced surgical pathology (n=292, 38.9%), complications from surgery (n=103, 13.7%), complications arising from pre‐existing medical co‐morbidity (n=282, 37.6%) or new medical complications unrelated to pre‐existing conditions (n=73, 9.7%).

Conclusions

Patients who died had significant co‐morbidities and often presented emergently with an advanced surgical pathology. Surgical and medical causes of death both contributed equally to the mortality burden.
Assessing free tropospheric quasi-equilibrium for different GCM resolutions using a cloud-resolving model simulation of tropical convection
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Guang J. , Suhas E.
Published: April 2022

This study examines the free-tropospheric quasi-equilibrium at different global climate model (GCM) resolutions using the simulation of tropical convection by a cloud-resolving model during the Tropical Western Pacific International Cloud Experiment. The simulated dynamic and thermodynamic fields within the model domain are averaged over subdomains of different sizes equivalent to different GCM resolutions. These coarse-grained fields are then used to compute CAPE and its change with time, and their relationships with simulated convection. Results show that CAPE change with time is controlled predominantly by variations of thermodynamic properties in the planetary boundary layer for all subdomain sizes ranging from 64 to 4 km. Lag correlation analysis shows that CAPE generation by the free-tropospheric dynamical advection (dCAPEls) leads convective precipitation but is in phase with convective mass flux at 600 mb and 500 mb vertical velocity for all subdomain sizes. However, the correlation coefficients and regression slopes decrease as the subdomain size decreases for subdomain sizes smaller than 16 km. This is probably due to increased randomness of convection and more scale-dependence of the relationships when the subdomain size reaches the grey zone. By examining the sensitivity of the relationships of convection with dCAPEls to temporal scales in different subdomain size, it shows that the quasi-equilibrium between dCAPEls and convection holds well for timescales of 30 min or longer at all subdomain sizes. These results suggest that the free tropospheric quasi-equilibrium assumption may still be useable even for GCM resolutions in the grey zone.