bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Course of Impulse Control Disorder Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease: Deep Brain Stimulation Versus Medications
Authors: Hernandez‐Con Pilar , Lin Iris , Mamikonyan Eugenia , Deeb Wissam , Feldman Robert , Althouse Andrew , Barmore Ryan , Eisinger Robert S. , Spindler Meredith , Okun Michael S. , Weintraub Daniel , Chahine Lana M.
Published: April 2023

Background

The effect of surgery on impulse control disorders (ICDs) remains unclear in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Objective

To examine changes in ICD symptoms in PD patients undergoing DBS compared to a medication‐only control group.

Methods

The study was a 2‐center, 12‐month, prospective, observational investigation of PD patients undergoing DBS and a control group matched on age, sex, dopamine agonist use, and baseline presence of ICDs. Questionnaire for Impulsive‐Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease‐Rating Scale (QUIP‐RS) and total levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) were collected at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Linear mixed‐effects models assessed changes in mean QUIP‐RS score (sum of buying, eating, gambling, and hypersexuality items).

Results

The cohort included 54 participants (DBS = 26, controls = 28), mean (SD) age 64.3 (8.1) and PD duration 8.0 (5.2) years. Mean baseline QUIP‐RS was higher in the DBS group at baseline (8.6 (10.7) vs. 5.3 (6.9), P = 0.18). However, scores at 12 months follow‐up were nearly identical (6.6 (7.3) vs. 6.0 (6.9) P = 0.79). Predictors of change in QUIP‐RS score were baseline QUIP‐RS score (β = 0.483, P < 0.001) and time‐varying LEDD (β = 0.003, P = 0.02). Eight patients (four in each group) developed de novo ICD symptoms during follow‐up, although none met diagnostic criteria for an impulse control disorder.

Conclusions

ICD symptoms (including de novo symptoms) at 12 months follow‐up were similar between PD patients undergoing DBS and patients treated with pharmacological therapy only. Monitoring for emergence of ICD symptoms is important in both surgically‐ and medication‐only‐treated PD patients.
A modified Ishikawa iteration scheme for b‐enriched nonexpansive mapping to solve split variational inclusion problem and fixed point problem in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Phairatchatniyom Pawicha , Kumam Poom , Berinde Vasile
Published: April 2023

In this article, an Ishikawa iteration scheme is modified for
‐enriched nonexpansive mapping to solve a fixed point problem and a split variational inclusion problem in real Hilbert spaces. Under some suitable conditions, we obtain convergence theorem. Moreover, to demonstrate the effectiveness and performance of proposed scheme, we apply the scheme to solve a split feasibility problem and compare it with some existing iterative schemes.
Peripheral nerve stimulation informed design of a high‐performance asymmetric head gradient coil
Authors: Davids Mathias , Dietz Peter , Ruyters Gudrun , Roesler Manuela , Klein Valerie , Beckett Alexander J.S. , Vu An T. , Guérin Bastien , Feinberg David A. , Wald Lawrence L.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) limits the image encoding performance of both body gradient coils and the latest generation of head gradients. We analyze a variety of head gradient design aspects using a detailed PNS model to guide the design process of a new high‐performance asymmetric head gradient to raise PNS thresholds and maximize the usable image‐encoding performance.

Methods

A novel three‐layer coil design underwent PNS optimization involving PNS predictions of a series of candidate designs. The PNS‐informed design process sought to maximize the usable parameter space of a coil with <10% nonlinearity in a 22 cm region of linearity, a relatively large inner diameter (44 cm), maximum gradient amplitude of 200 mT/m, and a high slew rate of 900 T/m/s. PNS modeling allowed identification and iterative adjustment of coil features with beneficial impact on PNS such as the number of winding layers, shoulder accommodation strategy, and level of asymmetry. PNS predictions for the final design were compared to measured thresholds in a constructed prototype.

Results

The final head gradient achieved up to 2‐fold higher PNS thresholds than the initial design without PNS optimization and compared to existing head gradients with similar design characteristics. The inclusion of a third intermediate winding layer provided the additional degrees of freedom necessary to improve PNS thresholds without significant sacrifices to the other design metrics.

Conclusion

Augmenting the design phase of a new high‐performance head gradient coil by PNS modeling dramatically improved the usable image‐encoding performance by raising PNS thresholds.
A total Lagrangian, objective and intrinsically locking‐free Petrov–Galerkin SE(3) Cosserat rod finite element formulation
Authors: Harsch Jonas , Sailer Simon , Eugster Simon R.
Published: April 2023

Based on more than three decades of rod finite element theory, this publication combines the successful contributions found in the literature and eradicates the arising drawbacks like loss of objectivity, locking, path‐dependence and redundant coordinates. Specifically, the idea of interpolating the nodal orientations using relative rotation vectors, proposed by Crisfield and Jelenić in 1999, is extended to the interpolation of nodal Euclidean transformation matrices with the aid of relative twists; a strategy that arises from the ‐structure of the Cosserat rod kinematics. Applying a Petrov–Galerkin projection method, we propose a rod finite element formulation where the virtual displacements and rotations as well as the translational and angular velocities are interpolated instead of using the consistent variations and time‐derivatives of the introduced interpolation formula. Properties such as the intrinsic absence of locking, preservation of objectivity after discretization and parameterization in terms of a minimal number of nodal unknowns are demonstrated by representative numerical examples in both statics and dynamics.
Frontline nurses experiences about human caring during pandemic of COVID‐19: A directed content analysis study
Authors: Taheri‐Ezbarami Zahra , Ghanbari Atefeh , Panahi Latif , Pouy Somaye
Published: April 2023

Aim

This study aims to investigate experiences of frontline nurses about human caring during COVID‐19 pandemic based on the Ten Caritas Processes® of Watson's Human Caring Theory.

Design

A directed content analysis was performed.

Methods

A total of 15 frontline nurses were recruited by purposive sampling from Razi hospital (north of Iran), in 2020 and semi‐structured interviews were conducted.

Results

Extracted categories based on Ten Caritas Processes® included feeling satisfied in providing care to patients, effective presence with patients, moving towards self‐actualization (moving towards transcendence), care with trust and compassion, experience positive and negative emotions, creativity in providing care, self‐directing learning experience in the field of care, unfavourable environment for providing care, feeling acceptance and worth, uncertainty (facing the unknown). This study showed that communication skills, self‐sensitivity, patient dignity, teaching‐learning and problem‐solving skills, holistic attention to the patient, and the provision of a healing environment are necessary for patient care.
Artificial Intelligence for Upper Aerodigestive Tract Endoscopy and Laryngoscopy: A Guide for Physicians and State‐of‐the‐Art Review
Authors: Sampieri Claudio , Baldini Chiara , Azam Muhammad Adeel , Moccia Sara , Mattos Leonardo S. , Vilaseca Isabel , Peretti Giorgio , Ioppi Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Objective

The endoscopic and laryngoscopic examination is paramount for laryngeal, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, nasal, and oral cavity benign lesions and cancer evaluation. Nevertheless, upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) endoscopy is intrinsically operator‐dependent and lacks objective quality standards. At present, there has been an increased interest in artificial intelligence (AI) applications in this area to support physicians during the examination, thus enhancing diagnostic performances. The relative novelty of this research field poses a challenge both for the reviewers and readers as clinicians often lack a specific technical background.

Data Sources

Four bibliographic databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar.

Review Methods

A structured review of the current literature (up to September 2022) was performed. Search terms related to topics of AI, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL) in UADT endoscopy and laryngoscopy were identified and queried by 3 independent reviewers. Citations of selected studies were also evaluated to ensure comprehensiveness.

Conclusions

Forty‐one studies were included in the review. AI and computer vision techniques were used to achieve 3 fundamental tasks in this field: classification, detection, and segmentation. All papers were summarized and reviewed.

Implications for Practice

This article comprehensively reviews the latest developments in the application of ML and DL in UADT endoscopy and laryngoscopy, as well as their future clinical implications. The technical basis of AI is also explained, providing guidance for nonexpert readers to allow critical appraisal of the evaluation metrics and the most relevant quality requirements.
Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flap: A Middle Ground Between Anterolateral Thigh and Radial Forearm Flaps
Authors: Danielian Arman , Cheng Melodyanne Y. , Han Peter S. , Blackwell Keith E. , Kerr Rhorie P. R.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap has gained popularity in head and neck reconstruction primarily as a less morbid alternative to the radial forearm free flap (RFFF). However, no direct comparison of thickness exists among the MSAP, RFFF, and anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps, which together represent the commonly utilized nonosseus‐free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Thus, this study aimed to compare these flap sites and identify predictors of thickness that will aid in reconstructive surgical planning.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital.

Methods

The thickness of skin and subcutaneous tissue at the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT donor sites were measured in 54 adult patients using Doppler ultrasound. General linear models were generated to identify predictors of flap thickness.

Results

The mean thickness of the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps was 3.8 ± 2.2 mm, 7.4 ± 3.8 mm, and 9.6 ± 4.7 mm. Body mass index (BMI) was the only statistically significant contributing factor (p < .0001, coefficient: 0.15) for the RFFF. MSAP was affected by age (p = .006, coefficient = 0.06), female gender (p < .0001, coefficient = 3.2), and BMI (p < .001, coefficient = 0.25), while the ALT was affected by female gender (p = .0005, coefficient = 3.3) and BMI (p < .0001, coefficient = 0.35). Thus, the ratio of increase for flap thickness with respect to BMI is 3:5:7 for the RFFF, MSAP, and ALT flaps, respectively.

Conclusion

The MSAP is about twice the thickness of the RFFF and 2 mm thinner than the ALT; however, 22% of patients had thicker MSAP than ALT flaps. As the strongest predictors of flap thickness, female gender, and BMI may be taken into consideration during surgical planning for reconstruction.
Tracheostomy Outcomes on Trauma Patients
Authors: Del Toro‐Diez Edgar , Ríos De Choudens Camila S. , Lajud Shayanne A. , Pascual‐Marrero Jeamarie , Baez‐Bermejo Adriana
Published: April 2023

Objective

Tracheostomies are performed in trauma patients for multiple purposes. Approaches to the procedure are usually directed by individual expertise and local preferences. Though generally safe, a tracheostomy can cause serious complications. This study aims to identify complications associated with tracheostomies performed at the level I Trauma Center of the Puerto Rico Medical Center (PRMC) to have an advanced foundation to develop and implement guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

Study Design

A retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Level I Trauma Center of the PRMC.

Methods

Medical charts of 113 trauma adult patients that underwent tracheostomy at the PRMC from 2018 to 2020 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical approach, initial tracheostomy tube size (ITTS), intubation period, and flexible laryngoscopic findings. Complications occurring during and after tracheostomy were documented. The unadjusted relationship of the independent variables and outcome measures was assessed using χ2 and Fisher's test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon‐Mann‐Whitney rank‐sum test for continuous ones.

Results

Abnormal airway findings detected on flexible laryngoscopic examination were reported in 30 patients in the open tracheostomy (OT) group and 43 patients in the percutaneous tracheostomy group (p = 0.007). Peristomal granulation tissue was reported in 10 patients with an ITTS 8, while in only 1 patient with an ITTS 6 (p = 0.026).

Conclusion

This study showed several key findings in our cohort. The OT surgical approach was associated with fewer long‐term complications when compared to the percutaneous approach. Also, a statistically significant difference in peristomal granulation tissue findings was found between the ITTS, ITTS‐6 and ITTS‐8, the smaller size being associated with fewer abnormal findings.
Parental perspective on the risk of infertility and fertility preservation options for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease considering hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sinha Cynthia B. , Meacham Lillian R. , Bakshi Nitya , Ross Diana , Krishnamurti Lakshmanan
Published: April 2023

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) performed in children from human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐identical related donors is associated with very high survival rates and disease‐free survival. Patients are exposed to gonadotoxic alkylating agents or irradiation in the HCT conditioning regimen. Consequently, infertility is a major long‐term complication of HCT for sickle cell disease (SCD). We sought to understand how caregivers perceive the risk of infertility from HCT, how they perceive the options for fertility preservation, and how this risk perception impacted their decision‐making to pursue HCT.

Procedures

We conducted qualitative interviews with primary caregivers after a consultation for HCT for SCD. Data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis.

Results

We interviewed 19 primary caregivers who had attended a consultation with an HCT physician (female, age 25–59 [median 39] years). Eleven participants reported that their child had an available HLA‐matched donor. Analysis revealed that (i) mothers were worried about death and graft‐versus‐host disease from HCT, more than about the risk of infertility; (ii) parents have a realistic understanding of the risk of infertility after HCT and take it into consideration in decision‐making; (iii) parents report multiple barriers to fertility preservation.

Conclusion

For parents actively considering HCT for their child with SCD, the risk of infertility while important was not a barrier to pursuing HCT. Inconvenience and invasiveness of fertility preservation procedures are some of the barriers to pursuing fertility preservation for their child. Future research must aim at addressing these barriers to fertility preservation.
Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in children with hepatoblastoma using a risk‐stratified approach
Authors: Srinivasan Shyam , Prasad Maya , Parambil Badira C. , Shrimal Anurag , Gollamudi Venkata Rama Mohan , Subramani Vignesh , Ramadwar Mukta , Khanna Nehal , Baheti Akshay D , Gala Kunal , Patil Vasundhara , Laskar Siddhartha , Qureshi Sajid , Chinnaswamy Girish
Published: April 2023

Background

Not all the significant progress made in the management of children with hepatoblastoma (HB) has translated into improved outcomes in limited‐resource settings. There are limited data on outcomes in children with HB from India.

Methods

All patients diagnosed with HB between July 2013 and December 2020 were risk‐stratified and treated as per International Liver Tumor Strategy Group (SIOPEL). Patients with standard‐risk HB received cisplatin monotherapy and those with high‐risk HB received alternating cycles of cisplatin and the combination of carboplatin plus doxorubicin. Data regarding demographic details, chemotherapy, surgery, liver transplantation, outcomes, prognostic factors, and toxicity were collected.

Results

Of 157 patients with HB, 117 (74%) were high risk, 31 (20%) were standard risk, and nine (6%) unknown. Patients with standard‐risk disease had excellent outcomes, with 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of 96% and 100%, respectively. Among high‐risk HB, six underwent orthotopic liver transplantation of which four were alive at last follow‐up. The 3‐year EFS and OS of patients with high‐risk disease was 56% and 66%, respectively. Outcomes of patients with PRETEXT IV (3‐year EFS: 42%, 3‐year OS: 50%) and metastatic disease (3‐year EFS: 30%, 3‐year OS: 50%) were dismal. Patients with serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) reduction greater than 90% following two courses of chemotherapy had favorable outcomes; 3‐year EFS: 80% versus 58% (p = .013) and 3‐year OS: 95% vs. 68% (p < .01). Only two (6%) of 31 patients with relapse/refractory HB were alive at a median follow‐up of 36 months, and both had received salvage chemotherapy and surgery.

Conclusions

While children with standard‐risk HB had excellent outcomes, those with high‐risk disease continue to do poorly. Serial monitoring of serum AFP values is a cost‐effective and reliable predictor of outcomes. Orthotopic liver transplantation remains a viable option for inoperable disease in resource‐limited settings as well.
Feasibility study of busulfan, fludarabine, and thiotepa conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stemcell transplantationfor children and young adults with nonmalignant disorders
Authors: Fraser Ally , Castillo Paul , Cascio Erika , Moore‐Higgs Giselle , Farhadfar Nosha , Fort John , Slayton William , Lamba Jatinder , Horn Biljana
Published: April 2023

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only curative treatment for several pediatric non‐malignant disorders. A widely used conditioning backbone is busulfan, fludarabine, and rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG). Thiotepa has improved engraftment when added to this regimen, however the minimum effective dose (MED) of thiotepa to achieve engraftment while minimizing toxicities has not been well established.

Objectives

The primary objective of this prospective feasibility study was to determine the MED of thiotepa (5mg/kg) in combination with reduced‐dose busulfan, fludarabine or cyclophosphamide, and rATG required to achieve engraftment in >90% of HSCT recipients for non‐malignant disorders with acceptable toxicity.

Results

Six patients who received fully matched HSCT were enrolled. Patient diagnoses included Wiskott‐Aldrich syndrome (n = 1), CD40L deficiency (n = 1), sickle cell disease (n = 2), autoinflammatory syndrome (n = 1), and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (n = 1). All six patients achieved engraftment prior to Day +42 and five patients had stable full donor engraftment. Two of the six patients (33%) developed acute GVHD and/or chronic GHVD, both of whom had sickle cell disease. At a median follow‐up of 2.25 years post‐transplant, all patients were alive without evidence of disease recurrence. None of the patients experienced grade 4 or 5 toxicities. Three out of six patients (50%) developed grade 3 adverse events. Neurocognitive functioning of children under 10 years of age was not adversely affected by this regimen.

Conclusion

This approach shows acceptable toxicity and reliable engraftment in children with non‐malignant disorders receiving related or unrelated HLA‐matched transplants.
Sulbactam‐durlobactam: A novel β‐lactam‐β‐lactamase inhibitor combination targeting carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections
Authors: El‐Ghali Amer , Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Caniff Kaylee , Bleick Callan , Rybak Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) is a difficult‐to‐treat nosocomial pathogen responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. Sulbactam‐durlobactam (SUL‐DUR), formerly ETX2514SUL, is a novel β‐lactam‐β‐lactamase inhibitor designed specifically for the treatment of CRAB infections. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fast‐track approval of SUL‐DUR for the treatment of CRAB infections is currently pending after completion of the phase III ATTACK trial, which compared SUL‐DUR to colistin, both in combination with imipenem‐cilastatin (IMI) for patients with CRAB‐associated hospital‐acquired bacterial pneumonia, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, and bacteremia. The results of this trial demonstrated that SUL‐DUR was non‐inferior to colistin for CRAB while also possessing a much more favorable safety profile. SUL‐DUR was well‐tolerated with the most common side effects being headache, nausea, and injection‐site phlebitis. With the current landscape of limited effective treatment options for CRAB infections, SUL‐DUR represents a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of these severe infections. This review will discuss the pharmacology, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, in vitro and clinical studies, safety, dosing, administration, as well as the potential role in therapy for SUL‐DUR.
Extremely early onset of nonlinear viscoelasticity in dynamic shear of ideally monodisperse DNA
Authors: Banik Sourya , McKenna Gregory B.
Published: April 2023

This work reports that the rheology of ideally monodisperse lambda () phage DNA solutions is extremely sensitive to the applied strain in dynamic oscillatory experiments. DNA exhibits nonlinearity at strains far smaller than what is observed in conventional synthetic polymers. However, it is found that polydisperse calf thymus DNA does not exhibit the extreme strain sensitivity. By mixing samples of monodisperse DNA with the polydisperse calf thymus DNA, we correlate the molecular weight distribution (or polydispersity) to the onset of nonlinear viscoelasticity. We demonstrate that the strain sensitivity weakens as the polydispersity index increases. This is the first work correlating the inception of nonlinear viscoelasticity in entangled polymer system such as lambda DNA solution to the polydispersity of the samples. The experimental data suggests that ideally monodisperse polymer systems are very sensitive to the applied strain and have a very early transition to the nonlinear regime. We conclude that nominally monodisperse synthetic polymers are not sufficiently monodispersed to exhibit the early onset.
Cholesterol impacts the formation of huntingtin/lipid complexes and subsequent aggregation
Authors: Stonebraker Alyssa R. , Beasley Maryssa , Massinople Sophia , Wunder Michelle , Li Peng , Valentine Stephen J. , Legleiter Justin
Published: April 2023

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from an expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) domain within the huntingtin protein (htt). PolyQ expansion triggers toxic aggregation and alters htt/lipid interactions. The first 17 amino acids at the N‐terminus of htt (Nt17) have a propensity to form an amphipathic α‐helix crucial to aggregation and membrane binding. Htt interacts closely with a variety of membrane systems including those of the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, nuclear envelope, and plasma membrane. Membrane composition heavily influences both htt aggregation and lipid interactions, and cholesterol is a crucial membrane component that modulates properties such as fluidity, permeability, and organization. In HD, cholesterol homeostasis is disrupted, and likely plays a role in toxicity. The objective of these studies was to identify the impact of cholesterol on htt aggregation and lipid interactions in various lipid systems. Lipid systems of POPC, DOPC, and POPG with varied levels of exogenously added cholesterol were exposed to htt, and the influences on aggregation, lipid binding, and htt/lipid complexation were evaluated using thioflavin‐T aggregation assays, atomic force microscopy, colorimetric lipid binding assays, and mass spectrometry. The addition of cholesterol to DOPC vesicles enhanced htt aggregation. In the presence of vesicles of either POPC or POPG, the addition of cholesterol reduced htt aggregation. Htt/lipid binding decreased for POPC and increased for both DOPC and POPG with increasing cholesterol content, with observed differences in htt/lipid complexation. Altered cholesterol content influences htt aggregation, lipid binding, and complexation differently depending on overall lipid composition.
RASA3 is a candidate gene in sickle cell disease‐associated pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Prohaska Clare C. , Zhang Xu , Schwantes‐An Tae‐Hwi L. , Stearman Robert S. , Hooker Stanley , Kittles Rick A. , Aldred Micheala A. , Lutz Katie A. , Pauciulo Michael W. , Nichols William C. , Desai Ankit A. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Machado Roberto F.
Published: April 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. RASA3 is a GTPase activating protein integral to angiogenesis and endothelial barrier function. In this study, we explore the association of RASA3 genetic variation with PH risk in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD)‐associated PH and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Cis‐expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) were queried for RASA3 using whole genome genotype arrays and gene expression profiles derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of three SCD cohorts. Genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near or in the RASA3 gene that may associate with lung RASA3 expression were identified, reduced to 9 tagging SNPs for RASA3 and associated with markers of PH. Associations between the top RASA3 SNP and PAH severity were corroborated using data from the PAH Biobank and analyzed based on European or African ancestry (EA, AA). We found that PBMC RASA3 expression was lower in patients with SCD‐associated PH as defined by echocardiography and right heart catheterization and was associated with higher mortality. One eQTL for RASA3 (rs9525228) was identified, with the risk allele correlating with PH risk, higher tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity and higher pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with SCD‐associated PH. rs9525228 associated with markers of precapillary PH and decreased survival in individuals of EA but not AA. In conclusion, RASA3 is a novel candidate gene in SCD‐associated PH and PAH, with RASA3 expression appearing to be protective. Further studies are ongoing to delineate the role of RASA3 in PH.
Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in patients with COVID‐19 related lung disease listed for lung transplantation: A UNOS registry analysis
Authors: Thomas Christopher , Chandel Abhimanyu , King Christopher S. , Aryal Shambhu , Brown A. Whitney , Khangoora Vikramjit , Nyquist Alan , Singhal Anju , Fonseca Onix Cantres , Shlobin Oksana , Nathan Steven D.
Published: April 2023

COVID‐19 related lung disease (CRLD) has emerged as an indication for lung transplantation (LT) in highly select patients. The prevalence and prognostic implication of coexisting pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with CRLD listed for LT is not known. Adult patients in the United Network for Organ Sharing database listed for LT for COVID‐19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome or fibrosis through March 2022 were identified. The prevalence and impact of precapillary PH on pre‐ and posttransplantation survival was determined. Time‐to‐event analysis was used to compare outcomes between those with and without precapillary PH. We identified 245 patients listed for LT for CRLD who had right heart catheterization data available at the time of registry listing. Median age of the cohort was 54 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 46, 60), 56 (22.9%) were female, and the median lung allocation score was 81.3 (IQR: 53.3, 89.4). The prevalence of precapillary PH at the time of transplant listing was 27.9%. There was no significant difference in pretransplant mortality in patients with and without precapillary PH (sHR: 0.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–1.7, p = 0.261). A total of 187 patients ultimately underwent LT; of those, 60 (31.0%) were identified as having precapillary PH during the waitlist period. Posttransplantation survival was similar between patients with and without pretransplant precapillary PH (hazard ratio: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.2–3.7, p = 0.953). We observed a high rate of concomitant precapillary PH in patients listed for LT for CRLD. Though common, coexisting precapillary PH was not associated with a significant difference in either pre‐ or post‐transplantation outcomes.
Classifying and clustering noisy images using subset learning based on convolutional neural networks
Authors: Jeng Shuen‐Lin , Chang Yin‐Chen
Published: April 2023

A high yield rate is a key factor related to success in the competitive global semiconductor manufacturing business market. Wafer bin maps (WBMs) can be used as one measure of the output quality of a semiconductor manufacturing process. A WBM is the image results from a number of circuit probe (CP) tests on a wafer after the completion of a manufacturing process. The specific defect patterns on WBMs provide crucial information for engineers to trace the causes of defects in the complicated manufacturing process. This study is aimed toward investigating major practical challenges in current WBM analyses. Our approach involved utilizing a small, carefully labeled subset to reduce the labor requirements and human recognition bias related to identification of very noisy images. The first proposed procedure classified the noisy defect patterns by using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with a small subset of labeled WBMs in the early batches. The second proposed procedure provided the proper clusters of noisy defect patterns using the features extracted from the trained CNNs. This procedure made it possible to generate various clusters of WMBs and integrate them in label space. The third procedure separated the new pattern from the existing defect patterns with the help of a supplemental dataset from a similar wafer product. The evaluation of the three proposed procedures was done with simulation data generated from real sets of WBMs, which were added with random noise to maintain confidentiality. The evaluation results demonstrated the practical validity of the proposed procedures.
Simplicial depth: Characterization and reconstruction
Authors: Laketa Petra , Nagy Stanislav
Published: April 2023

Statistical depth functions have been designed with the intention of extending nonparametric inference toward multivariate setups. As such, the depths should serve as multivariate analogues of the quantile functions known from the analysis of real‐valued data. The so‐called characterization and reconstruction questions are among the fundamental open problems of the contemporary depth research. Roughly speaking, they ask: (a) Is it is possible that two different datasets, or more generally, two different probability distributions, correspond to identical depths, or does the depth function uniquely characterize the underlying distribution? (b) Knowing a depth function, can we reconstruct the corresponding distribution? For any given depth to constitute a fully‐fledged alternative to the quantile function, the depth must characterize wide classes of probability measures, and these measures must be simple to recover from their depths. We investigate these characterization/reconstruction questions for the classical simplicial depth for multivariate data. We show that, under mild conditions, datasets (represented by measures putting equal mass to each datum in a dataset of size ) and atomic measures are characterized by, and can be easily reconstructed from, their simplicial depth.
How to further develop the integrated planting and breeding mode: A case study of the western region of Shandong Province
Authors: Xu Yuan , Wang Guangrui , Yang Shuo , Liu Mingqiang , Wang Qingsong , Tian Shu , Zhang Yujie , Xu Yue , Yuan Xueliang , Ma Qiao , Ma Haichao , Zhang Huibin
Published: April 2023

Under the climate change aggravating the issues of energy security and food shortage, global agriculture suffers from great pressure, and how to promote sustainable agriculture has become one of the hot issues of concern in academia. This paper focuses on China, where efforts are being made to develop sustainable agriculture, and takes the western part of Shandong Province as the target of study. Based on the identification of factors that affect the promotion of the local circular agriculture implementation, AMOS was applied to construct and test the structural equation model and to explore the interaction mechanism between each variable. The study breaks through the traditional modes of data collection and is based on the actual farming conditions of the farmers currently, choosing to obtain data by means of questionnaires and field surveys. The 24 selected factors were analyzed by SPSS and AMOS software, and the total model weight of each factor were calculated separately. The top five key factors affecting the advancement of the model, namely government policy encouragement, preferential agricultural loans support, participation of specialized agricultural organizations, estimated revenue of the mode and farmers' awareness of environmental protection, are obtained with weight of 6.08%, 5.60%, 5.59%, 5.26% and 5.09%, respectively. Combined with data to focus on analysis, this paper puts forward some relevant countermeasures and suggestions to promote the integrated planting and breeding mode in accordance with local conditions, which can provide beneficial reference for government departments to make relevant policies.
Amplification‐Free Detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 Down to Single Virus Level by Portable Carbon Nanotube Biosensors
Authors: Liang Yuqi , Xiao Mengmeng , Xie Jing , Li Jiahao , Zhang Yuyan , Liu Haiyang , Zhang Yang , He Jianping , Zhang Guojun , Wei Nan , Peng Lian‐Mao , Ke Yuehua , Zhang Zhi‐Yong
Published: April 2023

The rapid and sensitive detection of trace‐level viruses in a simple and reliable way is of great importance for epidemic prevention and control. Here, a multi‐functionalized floating gate carbon nanotube field effect transistor (FG‐CNT FET) based biosensor is reported for the single virus level detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 virus antigen and RNA rapidly with a portable sensing platform. The aptamers functionalized sensors can detect SARS‐CoV‐2 antigens from unprocessed nasopharyngeal swab samples within 1 min. Meanwhile, enhanced by a multi‐probe strategy, the FG‐CNT FET‐based biosensor can detect the long chain RNA directly without amplification down to single virus level within 1 min. The device, constructed with packaged sensor chips and a portable sensing terminal, can distinguish 10 COVID‐19 patients from 10 healthy individuals in clinical tests both by the RNAs and antigens by a combination detection strategy with an combined overall percent agreement (OPA) close to 100%. The results provide a general and simple method to enhance the sensitivity of FET‐based biochemical sensors for the detection of nucleic acid molecules and demonstrate that the CNT FG FET biosensor is a versatile and reliable integrated platform for ultrasensitive multibiomarker detection without amplification and has great potential for point‐of‐care (POC) clinical tests.
Multiscale Structural Engineering of Sulfur/Carbon Cathodes Enables High Performance All‐Solid‐State LiS Batteries
Authors: Xu Guobao , Yan Zhihao , Yang Hengyu , Zhang Xuedong , Su Yong , Huang Zhikai , Zhang Liqiang , Tang Yongfu , Wang Zhenyu , Zhu Lingyun , Lin Jianguo , Yang Liwen , Huang Jianyu
Published: April 2023

Constructing all‐solid‐state lithium–sulfur batteries (ASSLSBs) cathodes with efficient charge transport and mechanical flexibility is challenging but critical for the practical applications of ASSLSBs. Herein, a multiscale structural engineering of sulfur/carbon composites is reported, where ultrasmall sulfur nanocrystals are homogeneously anchored on the two sides of graphene layers with strong SC bonds (denoted as S@EG) in chunky expanded graphite particles via vapor deposition method. After mixing with Li9.54Si1.74P1.44S11.7Cl0.3 (LSPSCL) solid electrolytes (SEs), the fabricated S@EG‐LSPSCL cathode with interconnected “Bacon and cheese sandwich” feature can simultaneously enhance electrochemical reactivity, charge transport, and chemomechanical stability due to the synergistic atomic, nanoscopic and microscopic structural engineering. The assembled InLi/LSPSCL/S@EG‐LSPSCL ASSLSBs demonstrate ultralong cycling stability over 2400 cycles with 100% capacity retention at 1 C, and a record‐high areal capacity of 14.0 mAh cm−2 at a record‐breaking sulfur loading of 8.9 mg cm−2 at room temperature as well as high capacities with capacity retentions of ≈100% after 600 cycles at 0 and 60 °C. Multiscale structural engineered sulfur/carbon cathode has great potential to enable high‐performance ASSLSBs for energy storage applications.
Graphene‐Encapsulated Bifunctional Catalysts with High Activity and Durability for Zn–Air Battery
Authors: Ha Seong‐Ji , Hwang Jongha , Kwak Myung‐Jun , Yoon Jong‐Chul , Jang Ji‐Hyun
Published: April 2023

Carbon‐based electrocatalysts with both high activity and high stability are desirable for use in Zn–air batteries. However, the carbon corrosion reaction (CCR) is a critical obstacle in rechargeable Zn–air batteries. In this study, a cost‐effective carbon‐based novel material is reported with a high catalytic effect and good durability for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), prepared via a simple graphitization process. In situ growth of graphene is utilized in a 3D‐metal‐coordinated hydrogel by introducing a catalytic lattice of transition metal alloys. Due to the direct growth of few‐layer graphene on the metal alloy decorated 3d‐carbon network, greatly reduced CCR is observed in a repetitive OER test. As a result, an efficient bifunctional electrocatalytic performance is achieved with a low ΔE value of 0.63 V and good electrochemical durability for 83 h at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in an alkaline media. Moreover, graphene‐encapsulated transition metal alloys on the nitrogen‐doped carbon supporter exhibit an excellent catalytic effect and good durability in a Zn–air battery system. This study suggests a straightforward way to overcome the CCR of carbon‐based materials for an electrochemical catalyst with wide application in energy conversion and energy storage devices.
Recent Progress in Large‐Area Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Ben , Yang Fu , Li Yaowen
Published: April 2023

Organic solar cells (OSCs) attract significant attention due to their great potential in flexible, lightweight, and low‐cost photovoltaic technology. Given the reformation of non‐fullerene acceptors, the certificated power conversion efficiency (PCE) of single‐junction OSCs has developed rapidly over 19% in the small device size (<1 cm2). However, the PCEs of large‐area OSCs are significantly lower than that of small‐area devices. Several essential issues in upscaling OSCs from small‐area to large‐area need to be overcome to bridge the efficiency gap, including coating techniques, material requirements, morphology optimization, flexible transparent electrodes development, and devices stability research. Herein, recent progress and challenges in materials and processing technologies of large‐area OSCs are summarized. Based on the analysis, strategies and opportunities are proposed to promote the development of large‐area efficient OSCs toward mass production.
Numerical Study on the Effect of Low‐Frequency Power Supply on Desulfurization in the Electroslag Remelting Process
Authors: Duan Yiru , Li Baokuan , Liu Zhongqiu , Huang Xuechi , Li Donghui , Wang Fang
Published: April 2023

In the electroslag remelting (ESR) process, low‐frequency power supply can significantly reduce power consumption and achieve three‐phase balance of power supply. Therefore, a transient coupling model of fluid flow, heat transfer, and component transport in the ESR process, which is coupled to the electromagnetic field calculated using Maxwell 3D software, is established to study the influence of low‐frequency power supply on desulfurization. When a 50 Hz power supply is used, a skin effect is observed in the metal, and the direction of the Lorentz force at the slag/metal interface changes. However, this effect becomes less pronounced with decreasing current frequency. Sulfur is mainly transferred at the electrode tip, and the desulfurization rate is approximately 50%. Electrochemical reactions mainly occur at the electrode tip/slag interface and the metal pool/slag interface. The removal rate of sulfur using direct current (DC) power supply is less than that using an alternating current power supply. The DC reverse polarity power supply leads to higher desulfurization rate than DC straight polarity, which is 74% and 31%, respectively. The sulfur removal rate increases from 81.37% to 84.59% as the frequency decreases from 50 to 2 Hz because of the longer electrochemical reaction time at this lower frequency.
Aggrecan and Hyaluronan: The Infamous Cartilage Polyelectrolytes – Then and Now
Authors: Plaas Anna H. K. , Moran Meghan M. , Sandy John D. , Hascall Vincent C.
Published: April 2023

Cartilages are unique in the family of connective tissues in that they contain a high concentration of the glycosaminoglycans, chondroitinsulfate and keratan sulfate attached to the core protein of the proteoglycan, aggrecan. Multiple aggrecan molecules are organized in the extracellular matrix via a domain-specific molecular interaction with hyaluronan and a link protein, and these high molecular weight aggregates are immobilized within the collagen and glycoproteinnetwork. The high negative charge density of glycosaminoglycans provides hydrophilicity, high osmotic swelling pressure and conformational flexibility, which together function to absorb fluctuations in biomechanical stresses on cartilage during movement of an articular joint. We have summarized information on the history and current knowledge obtained by biochemical and genetic approaches, on cell-mediated regulation of aggrecan metabolism and its role in skeletal development, growth as well as during the development of joint disease. In addition, we describe the pathways for hyaluronan metabolism, with particular focus on the role as a “metabolicrheostat” during chondrocyte responses in cartilage remodeling in growth and disease.

Future advances in effective therapeutic targeting of cartilage loss during osteoarthritic diseases of the joint as an organ as well as in cartilage tissue engineering would benefit from ‘big data’ approaches and bioinformatics, to uncover novel feed-forward and feed-back mechanisms for regulating transcription and translation of genes and their integration into cell-specific pathways.
A Gendered Approach to Understanding Climate Change Impacts in Rural Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Standal Karina , Daloz Anne Sophie , Kim Elena
Published: April 2023

This chapter explores climate change impacts and the related experiences and realities of local women in rural Kyrgyzstan by combining research on the physical impacts of climate change in the Central Asian region with an analysis of ethnographic accounts of local people’s farming and energy-use practices. Our analysis reveals how interlinked material, social and cultural realities of local communities manifest in social differentiation that enables or limits women’s capacities to cope with climate change and engage in adaptation practices. The post-Soviet period has diminished rural women’s access to social protection and economic opportunities while reinforcing patriarchal gender norms, depriving women of land ownership rights and decision-making power over strategic life decisions.
Climate Change: A Growing Threat for Central Asia
Authors: Daloz Anne Sophie
Published: April 2023

Central Asia is highly vulnerable to climate change owing to a set of critical interactions between the region’s socio-economic and environmental contexts. While some of the Central Asian countries are among the states contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, they are already suffering directly from the effects of climate change. This chapter presents an overview of the physical impacts of climate change in Central Asia using the most recent literature, including the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It identifies climate change-related risks and sectoral vulnerabilities for the region, providing background information to serve as context for the later chapters.
Decarbonisation Opportunities and Emerging Carbon Pricing Instruments in Central Asia
Authors: Abdi Gulim , Zhakiyev Nurkhat , Toilybayeva Shynar
Published: April 2023

Central Asian countries are highly vulnerable to climate change and heavily reliant on fossil fuel resources. All countries need to decarbonise their economies for sustainable growth and to meet their Paris Agreement goals. Within this global challenge, there are significant opportunities for Central Asian countries, such as attracting green investment through the expansion of renewable energy, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and improving energy efficiency. This chapter presents the results of a study that investigated how carbon pricing instruments are currently used in Central Asia and what the future holds. The study determined that CPI and decarbonisation strategies are now being considered by Central Asian countries at different levels. A SWOT analysis of carbon pricing instrument implementation revealed ways to facilitate the implementation of carbon pricing to decarbonise the regional economy. The study also identified a list of mid- and long-term decarbonisation activities for governments and other stakeholders, and analysed opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation.
Semiclassical Measures for Higher-Dimensional Quantum Cat Maps
Authors: Dyatlov Semyon , Jézéquel Malo
Published: April 2023

Consider a quantum cat map M associated with a matrix $$A\in {{\,\textrm{Sp}\,}}(2n,{\mathbb {Z}})$$

A
∈

Sp

(
2
n
,
Z
)

, which is a common toy model in quantum chaos. We show that the mass of eigenfunctions of M on any nonempty open set in the position–frequency space satisfies a lower bound which is uniform in the semiclassical limit, under two assumptions: (1) there is a unique simple eigenvalue of A of largest absolute value and (2) the characteristic polynomial of A is irreducible over the rationals. This is similar to previous work (Dyatlov and Jin in Acta Math 220(2):297–339, 2018; Dyatlov et al. in J Am Math Soc 35(2):361–465, 2022) on negatively curved surfaces and (Schwartz in The full delocalization of eigenstates for the quantized cat map, 2021) on quantum cat maps with $$n=1$$

n
=
1

, but this paper gives the first results of this type which apply in any dimension. When condition (2) fails we provide a weaker version of the result and discuss relations to existing counterexamples. We also obtain corresponding statements regarding semiclassical measures and damped quantum cat maps.