bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dans une cure Rêve Eveillé, régression vers la vie fœtale
Authors: Passerini Alberto
Published: March 2014

La définition “Esperienza Imaginativa (E.I.)” (Expérience Imaginative) est la traduction italienne la plus récente du Rêve-Éveillé en séance. De récentes études développées par les neurosciences sur l’imagination, la perception, les neurones-miroir, la mémoire et l’oubli, contribuent à l’explication neurophysiologique de l’Esperienza Immaginativa (Passerini 2009). Le sujet adulte donne à des vécus et des autoreprésentations dans l’imaginaire le sens d’expériences émotionnelles de son histoire archaïque voire intra-utérine. Certains Stimoli Percettivi (ou images de départ du Rêve-Eveillé) sont tout à fait appropriés pour évoquer ces émotions (Desoille 2010) (Toller, Passerini 2007). Grâce à la régression qui va se manifester spontanément et physiologiquement, il est possible d’accéder aux vécus très archaïques. L’auteur présente le cas d’une femme de 53 ans, atteinte d’un Trouble Bipolaire qui en revivant son Esperienza Immaginativa (Rêve-Éveillé) « régresse jusqu’à son vécu le plus fusionnel ». « La régression est expérimentée dans le vécu spécifique des Rêves-Éveillés » dans « le vu, le toucher, le souffle, les sensations corporelles ». Mais « l’immersion dans l’archaïque est infiniment plus riche et complexe que la simple recherche d’une union fusionnelle », c’est « un afflux de sensations, comme une chaleur qui m’envahit » donnant des sensations de paix et de bien-être (Fabre 1981).
Une expérience de possession collective transculturelle au Japon
Authors: Murasawa Mahoro , Nadaud Stéphane
Published: March 2014

Cet article rend compte de l’expérience de possession vécue, lors du pèlerinage des 88 temples dans l’île de Shikoku au Japon, par un Occidental. Y est décrit l’origine bouddhiste de ce pèlerinage ainsi que les éléments de la religion animiste du Japon, le shintoïsme. Une présentation de la spécificité des phénomènes de possession dans cette dernière religion est également exposée. Après une description de l’expérience subjective de possession par le voyageur occidental, le point de vue d’un Japonais et de son fils permet de la mettre en perspective. Pour tenter d’appréhender cette expérience de possession, dans ce contexte animiste, l’hypothèse émise est celle d’une expérience collective. Afin de la soutenir, le concept de « subjectivité collective » est développé. En conclusion est montré pourquoi, au Japon où l’animisme est toujours présent, ce concept est particulièrement utile pour expliquer ce cas de possession transculturelle.
Autisme chez des enfants d'immigration récente : modèles explicatifs de familles originaires du Maghreb
Authors: Ben-Cheikh Imen , Rousseau Cécile
Published: March 2014

Cette étude qualitative ethnographique documente les systèmes de croyance et les choix thérapeutiques de dix parents immigrants originaires du Maghreb et ayant un enfant diagnostiqué avec un trouble du spectre autistique au Québec. Des entrevues semi-structurées des parents et une observation participante lors de rencontres de soutien pour les mères ont été effectuées. Nos résultats montrent un tableau polysémique où coexistent des systèmes explicatifs biomédicaux, religieux et traditionnels. Ces différentes croyances influencent les choix thérapeutiques des parents qui font appel à la fois aux approches modernes communément acceptées au Canada et aux thérapies spirituelles ou traditionnelles acceptées au Maghreb. La religion joue un rôle particulièrement important dans l’acceptation de la condition de l’enfant. Une ouverture et un respect face aux croyances des parents et leurs choix thérapeutiques sont des éléments-clés pour faciliter l’alliance avec ces derniers.
Influence of sea-bottom temperature and depth on swept area estimation from trawl surveys
Authors: Brčić Jure , Grilli Federica , Sala Antonello
Published: March 2014

The methodological approach to data collection and analysis in Mediterranean bottom trawl surveys has changed considerably since their beginnings in the mid-1980s. The introduction of new technologies in surveys greatly improved knowledge on trawl underwater geometry, but also raised a question on the reliability of the data obtained. The most commonly used trawl monitoring systems in the Mediterranean use the constant speed of sound when calculating horizontal distance from one sensor to another. However, the speed of the sound in seawater is not constant because it depends on water temperature, pressure, and salinity. This is known to affect the performance of the horizontally transmitting sonars, and it is reasonable to assume that unless it is properly compensated for, the readings from trawl monitoring systems can be incorrect, resulting in biased swept area estimates, and hence potentially producing bias in abundance estimates. In the knowledge that speed of sound depends on temperature, salinity and pressure, the Del Grosso (1974) equation was used to calculate the compensation coefficient for a series of theoretical depth and temperature data. A simple model is proposed in the current paper for the manual correction of the horizontal net opening and swept area estimates. Temperature and depth data obtained from the MEDATLAS project are used to show seasonal and spatial variation in the near-bottom speed of sound, and the results demonstrate that, unless compensated for properly, the error in the horizontal net spread ranges from –1.5% to 2.9%.
Reproductive phase determination in male meagre (Argyrosomus regius, Sciaenidae): testis development and histologic corroboration of a gross anatomical scale
Authors: Prista Nuno , Gordo Leonel , Lino Costa José , Costa Maria José , Jones Cynthia
Published: March 2014

Reproductive stage determination of male gonads has received sparse attention in fish biology literature with few studies detailing the building of gross anatomical- and histologic scales. The meagre (Argyrosomus regius) is one of the world’s largest sciaenids and supports a significant regional fishery in European and North African waters whose reproductive patterns are yet to be fully investigated. In the present study, we derive a macroscopic grading system for meagre testis using semi-quantitative graphs that feature the testis variability along the species size range and time of the year. We then describe the histological stages and reproductive phases of male testes and determine the extent to which they corroborate the anatomical scale. Our results indicate that gross anatomical analyses are accurate in assessments of the meagre spawning season but may not precisely distinguish the testes of well-mature fish and first spawning virgins. Furthermore, we show that milt expression varies widely with size and misclassifies as immature many smaller fish in spawning-capable condition. We discuss these findings in terms of their contribution to the understanding of testes development and the uncertainties involved in determining the size-at-maturity of male fish using gross anatomical scales.
Ultrastructural study of oogenesis in Marphysa sanguinea (Annelida: Polychaeta: Eunicida) from the Lagoon of Tunis
Authors: Elbarhoumi Monia , Scaps Patrick , Djediat Chakib , Zghal Fathia
Published: March 2014

Ultrastructural features of oogenesis of the iteroparous and long lived eunicid polychaete Marphysa sanguinea (Montagu, 1815) from the Lagoon of Tunis were studied using both light and transmission electron microscopy methods. The ovaries consist of coelomic germ-cell clusters surrounded by a thin envelope of follicle cells derived from the peritoneum. They are attached to the genital blood vessels. Oogenesis is asynchronous; therefore, germ cells in premeiotic and previtellogenic phases are observed in one cluster. The oogenesis is of the extraovarian type. In each cluster the more differentiated oocytes detach and float free in the coelomic cavity where they undergo vitellogenesis as solitary cells. Inside the ovary, follicle cells are connected to young oocytes by intercellular bridges and data suggest that in the early stages of vitellogenesis, ribosomes, multivesicular bodies and dense bodies are transferred from the follicle cells to the oocytes through the intercellular bridges. Different morphological evidence supports the heterosynthetic (presence of endocytotic vesicles, abundant microvilli adorning the surface of the egg) and autosynthetic (proteosynthetic organelles well developed, formation of blebs by the external membrane of the nuclear envelope) origin of yolk in M. sanguinea. The cytoplasmic material of the mature oocytes is asymmetrically distributed; large lipid droplets (1.5 μm in size) and large yolk spheres (6 μm in size) occupy the vegetal pole of the oocyte while small yolk spheres (2-3 μm in size) and numerous membranous organelles (mitochondria, cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum) occupy the animal hemisphere. Spherical to elongated cortical granules up to 1.8 μm in size are located in the cortex of the mature oocytes. Finally, fibrogranular aggregates (“nuage”) similar to that within the nucleus are observed in the cortical ooplasm located in the animal pole of mature oocytes. These aggregates probably come from the nucleus and represent maternal cytoplasmic determinants of embryonic cell fate. Oocytes that have completed vitellogenesis measure 250–300 μm in diameter.
Characteristics (abundance, type and origin) of beach litter on the Galician coast (NW Spain) from 2001 to 2010
Authors: Gago Jesús , Lahuerta Fernando , Antelo Pilar
Published: March 2014

In order to assess the situation of beach litter on the Galician coast (NW Spain), we conducted a seasonal series of sampling on three beaches: A Lanzada, Baldaio and O Rostro. A total of 79 surveys were conducted from 2001 to 2010 on a stretch of 100 m and a stretch of 1 km. A total of 37862 beach litter items were counted and classified on the 100-m stretch and 7845 on the 1-km stretch. The average annual value of litter items for the 100-m beach stretch was 1016±633, 88±31 and 332±183; for the 1-km stretch, the average value of litter items was 163±87, 42±31 and 81±38, for A Lanzada, Baldaio and O Rostro beaches, respectively. The most common element found in beach litter was made of plastic, with average percent of 63, 38 and 83 for A Lanzada, Baldaio and O Rostro, respectively. We found that the main source of beach litter was the fishing and aquaculture sector, with an average percent value of 23, 14 and 38 for A Lanzada, Baldaio and O Rostro, respectively.
Feeding of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus) in the northwestern Mediterranean: from late larvae to adults
Authors: Costalago David , Palomera Isabel
Published: March 2014

We assessed the relative importance of different prey types of the European pilchard (European sardine) from the late larval to the adult stage. Two different methodologies for analysing stomach contents were used to describe the trophic dynamics of sardine and the relationship of sardine feeding behaviour with the ontogenetic development of body structures used for feeding, such as gill rakers and pyloric caeca. This information is essential to accurately depict the use of the planktonic resources in the area by sardine and to discuss the extent to which the sardine population could be affected by environmental changes in the Mediterranean Sea. We showed that cladocerans in summer and diatoms in winter were numerically the most important prey types for both juveniles and adults. However, decapod larvae were the most important prey during all seasons in terms of carbon content. Accordingly, differences in methodology should be considered in the analysis of sardine diets. An analysis of the composition of the plankton showed that small copepods were strongly selected by sardines at all ages and in both seasons. We also observed that the pyloric caeca began to grow when the sardines were approximately 4-5 cm standard length (SL) and ended their development when the sardines reached approximately 8 cm SL, whereas the gill rakers appeared to be completely functional when the sardines reached 7 cm SL. Therefore, filter feeding of small particles could be performed with total efficacy beginning at 7-8 cm SL. In view of the energetic advantage of filter feeding in a well-adapted filter-feeding species such as sardine, the prospective limited availability of small particles hypothesized by certain authors for the Mediterranean could have negative consequences for sardine. This study demonstrates that sardine populations, given their extremely high dependence on the lower marine trophic levels, could be strongly affected by alterations in the environment and in the planktonic community.
BREAST MASS SEGMENTATION ON BREAST MRI USING THE SHAPE-BASED LEVEL SET METHOD
Authors: Huang Chieh-Ling
Published: March 2014

Breast cancer is the most common threat to the health of women. Breast masses are usually important signs of breast cancer. Therefore, a level set method (LSM) with a shape model is proposed to segment breast masses in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images in this paper. Since the SM proposed by Chan and Vese does not work well on breast mass segmentation, this paper adds shape knowledge into the segmentation method. We first apply the Chan–Vese LSM to obtain a pre-segmented breast mass and then the position and size of the pre-segmented breast mass are calculated to establish the initial shape model. This paper uses dilation processing to calculate the distance to the shape model contour since it takes into consideration the need to update the level set function. Finally, the proposed method is applied to segment the breast mass in the MRI image of the breast. In order to eliminate noise interference in other regions of the breast, we also address the concept of region of interest (ROI). In the experiment, the proposed method is compared with the Chan–Vese method to prove that the proposed method can achieve better performance. The experimental results show that the breast mass can be correctly segmented by the above mechanism.
Developing Intercultural Competence through Glocal Activity Theory Using the Connect-Exchange Study Abroad App
Authors: Rice Rich , Lauren Ben
Published: March 2014

This chapter lays a theoretical foundation for the development of an emerging model of studying intercultural communication through problem-based study abroad pedagogy. At the center of this model is a new computer tool called the Connect-Exchange App, which is meant to facilitate transactional learning between users with varying cultural backgrounds. To research how different audiences might use the app, the authors draw upon activity theory to guide their iterative design process to facilitate users' deepening glocal, intercultural competence. Developing intercultural competence is a process of iterative experiences connecting, exchanging, and filtering information.
Ground deformation observed near Cold Lake, Alberta, by RADARSAT-2 DInSAR during 2008-2013
Authors: Samsonov S V
Published: March 2014

Ground deformation in the Cold Lake, Alberta, region was measured with Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) from RADARSAT-2 imagery acquired during 2008-2013. Deformation maps presented here show subsidence and uplift produced during oil
extraction. Typical values of ground deformation were in the range of and sometimes exceeding 10-30 cm over the 24 day satellite repeat period, which is more than 10 times faster than in other oil sands region that CCMEO has studied in collaboration with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).
Significant deformation, both uplift and subsidence, was observed in regions where oil leaks were reported. These regions are shown as brown rectangles. This analysis may be significantly improved if ground based data such as, steam pressure, injection steam and oil extraction rates were
used.
Turbulent dispersion properties from a model simulation of the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Nefzi H. , Elhmaidi D. , Carton X.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Using a high-resolution primitive equation model of the western Mediterranean Sea, we analyzed the dispersion properties of a set of homogeneously distributed, passive particle pairs. These particles were initially separated by different distances D0 (D0 = 5.55, 11.1 and 16.65 km), and were seeded in the model at initial depths of 44 and 500 m. This realistic ocean model, which reproduces the main features of the regional circulation, puts into evidence the three well-known regimes of relative dispersion. The first regime due to the chaotic advection at small scales lasts only a few days (3 days at 44 m depth, a duration comparable with the integral timescale), and the relative dispersion is then exponential. In the second regime, extending from 3 to 20 days, the relative dispersion has a power law tα where α tends to 3 as D0 becomes small. In the third regime, a linear growth of the relative dispersion is observed starting from the twentieth day. For the relative diffusivity, the D2 growth is followed by the Richardson regime D4/3. At large scales, where particle velocities are decorrelated, the relative diffusivity is constant. At 500 m depth, the integral timescale increases (> 4 days) and the intermediate regime becomes narrower than that at 44 m depth due to the weaker effect of vortices (this effect decreases with depth). The turbulent properties become less intermittent and more homogeneous and the Richardson law takes place.
Effect of Biopsy Technique on the Survival Rate of Malignant Melanoma Patients
Authors: Yamashita Yutaro , Hashimoto Ichiro , Abe Yoshiro , Seike Takuya , Okawa Katsumasa , Senzaki Yuichi , Murao Kazutoshi , Kubo Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Hideki
Published: March 2014

Background Cutaneous malignant melanoma has a poor prognosis. The detrimental effect of incisional biopsies on the outcome of malignant melanoma has been debated. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the presence and type of biopsy on the prognosis of malignant melanoma.

Methods The medical records of 109 malignant melanoma patients treated at Tokushima University Hospital from 1983 to 2007 were reviewed. After excluding 28 cases with stage 0 disease or incomplete data, 81 cases were analyzed in detail with respect to patient sex, age, tumor site, clinical stage at diagnosis, presence of ulceration or lymph node metastasis, and prognosis. The five-year survival and five-year disease-free survival rates of patients who underwent incisional or excisional biopsies were compared with those who did not undergo a biopsy.

Results The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.19. The mean age was 61.3 years (range, 19-93 years). The most common site was a lower extremity, and the most common clinical stage was stage II. No significant differences in clinicopathological features, five-year survival rates, and five-year disease-free survival rates were observed among the three groups.

Conclusions The presence and type of biopsy neither affected the metastatic rate nor the prognosis of malignant melanoma. The use of incisional biopsies is not encouraged because tumor thickness cannot be measured accurately. However, they may be helpful for confirming the diagnosis if an excisional biopsy cannot be performed.
Evidências de lixo doméstico na área de mangue em Barra de Catuama, Goiana (PE)
Authors: Albuquerque Filipe Henrique Cabral de , Silva Thaisa Renata Barbosa da , Santos Raysa Tavares dos , França Ana Maria , Anjos Fálba Bernadete Ramos dos
Published: March 2014

Os manguezais são ecossistemas costeiros que se originaram nas Regiões dos oceanos Índico e Pacífico e que distribuíram suas espécies pelomundo com auxílio das correntes marinhas durante o processo da separação dos continentes. O ecossistema de mangue é um dos ecossistemas mais produtivos do mundo, servindo como meio de subsistência para muitas comunidades. No entanto, tem sofrido degradação pela ação humana, e isso vem causando consequências negativas no âmbito econômico e ambiental. Uma constatação dessa realidade é mostrada neste trabalho, que foi realizado nas proximidades das áreas de mangue em Barra de Catuama, Pernambuco. Este trabalho objetivou observar a deficiência de infraestrutura da comunidade estabelecida próximo ao manguezal de Barra de Catuama, situado no litoral Norte de Pernambuco, bem como a poluição gerada por essa comunidade. Foram realizadas incursões, nos períodos de estiagem e chuvoso, nos anos de 2006 a 2013 na praia de Barra de Catuama, no município de Goiana, situado entre as coordenadas 7° 33' 38? S, 35° 0' 9? W. As avaliações ocorreram através de captura de imagem como forma de registro, que serviu para comparações da evolução da construção de moradias em partes da praia e a poluição ambiental.Foi observada que há poluição gerada por moradores da localidade, porém percebem-se também possíveis soluções para a preservação desse ecossistema a partir de programas de educação ambiental.
Intoxicação por agrotóxicos na sub-bacia do Natuba, município de Vitória de Santo Antão (PE), Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Rogéria Mendes do , Montenegro Suzana Maria Gico Lima , Lyra Marília Regina Costa Castro , Silva José Aleixo da , Silva João Clodoberto da , Marques Jonathas Gomes de Carvalho
Published: March 2014

A pesquisa foi realizada na região do Baixo Natuba, município de Vitória de Santo Antão – PE, Brasil, que é conhecida pela produção de hortaliças com a utilização de diversos tipos de agrotóxicos. Foram realizadas visitas para identificar e diagnosticar como era procedido o manejo de agroquímicos pelos produtores rurais da agricultura familiar. Posteriormente foram coletadas 36 amostras de sangue dos produtores rurais por uma enfermeira cadastrada no Conselho Regional de Enfermagem-CRM. O material recolhido foi analisado pelo Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública - LACEN PE para aferir os níveis da enzima Butiril Colinesterase (BuChe) e Autil Colinesterase (AChe) que são possíveis indicadoras de intoxicação aguda e crônica por agrotóxicos, especificamente por organofosforados e carbamatos. Desse modo, as análises mostraram que 53 % dos agricultores estavam com níveis abaixo do considerado normal, sendo a ocorrência maior dos “resultados indesejáveis” nas mulheres, das quais 67 % apresentaram resultado abaixo do normal enquanto os homens apresentaram 33 % de seu contingente abaixo do normal, sinalizando possível intoxicação por agrotóxicos nessa região. Assim faz-se necessária intervenção urgente do governo para averiguação das causas e investir na prevenção e tratamento por meio de seus diversos órgãos competentes.
Medical and Educational Indebtedness Among US Health Care Workers
Authors: Himmelstein Kathryn E. W. , Tsai Alexander C.
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates medical and educational debt among the US health care workforce and explores factors associated with higher debt burdens.
Readability and Information Quality in Cancer Information From a Free vs Paid Chatbot
Authors: Musheyev David , Pan Alexander , Gross Preston , Kamyab Daniel , Kaplinsky Peter , Spivak Mark , Bragg Marie A. , Loeb Stacy , Kabarriti Abdo E.
Published: July 2024

Importance

The mainstream use of chatbots requires a thorough investigation of their readability and quality of information.

Objective

To identify readability and quality differences in information between a free and paywalled chatbot cancer-related responses, and to explore if more precise prompting can mitigate any observed differences.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study compared readability and information quality of a chatbot’s free vs paywalled responses with Google Trends’ top 5 search queries associated with breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin cancers from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2023. Data were extracted from the search tracker, and responses were produced by free and paywalled ChatGPT. Data were analyzed from December 20, 2023, to January 15, 2024.

Exposures

Free vs paywalled chatbot outputs with and without prompt: “Explain the following at a sixth grade reading level: [nonprompted input].”

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome measured the readability of a chatbot’s responses using Flesch Reading Ease scores (0 [graduate reading level] to 100 [easy fifth grade reading level]). Secondary outcomes included assessing consumer health information quality with the validated DISCERN instrument (overall score from 1 [low quality] to 5 [high quality]) for each response. Scores were compared between the 2 chatbot models with and without prompting.

Results

This study evaluated 100 chatbot responses. Nonprompted free chatbot responses had lower readability (median [IQR] Flesh Reading ease scores, 52.60 [44.54-61.46]) than nonprompted paywalled chatbot responses (62.48 [54.83-68.40]) (P < .05). However, prompting the free chatbot to reword responses at a sixth grade reading level was associated with increased reading ease scores than the paywalled chatbot nonprompted responses (median [IQR], 71.55 [68.20-78.99]) (P < .001). Prompting was associated with increases in reading ease in both free (median [IQR], 71.55 [68.20-78.99]; P < .001)and paywalled versions (median [IQR], 75.64 [70.53-81.12]; P < .001). There was no significant difference in overall DISCERN scores between the chatbot models, with and without prompting.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, paying for the chatbot was found to provide easier-to-read responses, but prompting the free version of the chatbot was associated with increased response readability without changing information quality. Educating the public on how to prompt chatbots may help promote equitable access to health information.
ER-Targeted PET for Initial Staging and Suspected Recurrence in ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Ulaner Gary A. , Silverstein Mel , Nangia Chaitali , Tetef Merry , Vandermolen Louis , Coleman Colleen , Khan Sadia , MacDonald Heather , Patel Trushar , Techasith Tust , Mauguen Audrey
Published: July 2024

Importance

There are insufficient data comparing 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-estradiol (FES) positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) with standard-of-care imaging (SOC) for staging locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) or evaluating suspected recurrence.

Objective

To determine the detection rate of FES PET/CT and SOC for distant metastases in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive LABC and recurrences in patients with ER-positive BC and suspected recurrence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This diagnostic study was conducted as a single-center phase 2 trial, from January 2021 to September 2023. The study design provided 80% power to find a 20% detection rate difference. Participants included patients with ER-positive LABC (cohort 1) or suspected recurrence (cohort 2). Data were analyzed from September 2023 to February 2024.

Exposure

Participants underwent both SOC imaging and experimental FES PET/CT. When there were suspicious lesions on imaging, 1 was biopsied for histopathological reference standard to confirm presence (true positive) or absence (false positive) of malignant neoplasm.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome of interest was the detection rate of FES PET CT vs SOC for distant metastases and recurrences.

Results

A total of 124 patients were accrued, with 62 in cohort 1 (median [IQR] age, 52 [32-84] years) and 62 in cohort 2 (median [IQR] age, 66 [30-93] years). In cohort 1, of 14 true-positive findings, SOC imaging detected 12 and FES detected 11 (P > .99). In cohort 2, of 23 true-positive findings, SOC detected 16 and FES detected 18 (P = .77). In 30 patients with lobular histology, of 11 true-positive findings, SOC detected 5 and FES detected 9 (P = .29). There were 6 false-positive findings on SOC and 1 false-positive finding on FES PET/CT (P = .13).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this diagnostic study with pathological findings as the reference standard, no difference was found between FES PET/CT and current SOC imaging for detecting distant metastases in patients with ER-positive LABC or recurrences in patients with ER-positive tumors and suspected recurrence. FES PET/CT could be considered for both clinical indications, which are not part of current Appropriate Use Criteria for FES PET. The findings regarding FES PET/CT in patients with lobular tumors, and for lower false positives than current SOC imaging, warrant further investigation.
Development of an Automated Free Flap Monitoring System Based on Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kim Jisu , Lee Sang Mee , Kim Da Eun , Kim Sungjin , Chung Myung Jin , Kim Zero , Kim Taeyoung , Lee Kyeong-Tae
Published: July 2024

Importance

Meticulous postoperative flap monitoring is essential for preventing flap failure and achieving optimal results in free flap operations, for which physical examination has remained the criterion standard. Despite the high reliability of physical examination, the requirement of excessive use of clinician time has been considered a main drawback.

Objective

To develop an automated free flap monitoring system using artificial intelligence (AI), minimizing human involvement while maintaining efficiency.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prognostic study, the designed system involves a smartphone camera installed in a location with optimal flap visibility to capture photographs at regular intervals. The automated program identifies the flap area, checks for notable abnormalities in its appearance, and notifies medical staff if abnormalities are detected. Implementation requires 2 AI-based models: a segmentation model for automatic flap recognition in photographs and a grading model for evaluating the perfusion status of the identified flap. To develop this system, flap photographs captured for monitoring were collected from patients who underwent free flap–based reconstruction from March 1, 2020, to August 31, 2023. After the 2 models were developed, they were integrated to construct the system, which was applied in a clinical setting in November 2023.

Exposure

Conducting the developed automated AI-based flap monitoring system.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Accuracy of the developed models and feasibility of clinical application of the system.

Results

Photographs were obtained from 305 patients (median age, 62 years [range, 8-86 years]; 178 [58.4%] were male). Based on 2068 photographs, the FS-net program (a customized model) was developed for flap segmentation, demonstrating a mean (SD) Dice similarity coefficient of 0.970 (0.001) with 5-fold cross-validation. For the flap grading system, 11 112 photographs from the 305 patients were used, encompassing 10 115 photographs with normal features and 997 with abnormal features. Tested on 5506 photographs, the DenseNet121 model demonstrated the highest performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.960 (95% CI, 0.951-0.969). The sensitivity for detecting venous insufficiency was 97.5% and for arterial insufficiency was 92.8%. When applied to 10 patients, the system successfully conducted 143 automated monitoring sessions without significant issues.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that a novel automated system may enable efficient flap monitoring with minimal use of clinician time. It may be anticipated to serve as an effective surveillance tool for postoperative free flap monitoring. Further studies are required to verify its reliability.
Topographical changes in extracellular matrix during skin fibrosis and recovery can be evaluated using automated image analysis algorithms
Authors: Wyetzner Rachel H. , Segal Ella X. , Jussila Anna R. , Atit Radhika P.
Published: July 2024

Skin fibrosis is characterized by fibroblast activation and intradermal fat loss, resulting in excess deposition and remodeling of dermal extracellular matrix (ECM). The topography of the dominant ECM proteins, such as collagens, can indicate skin stiffness and remains understudied in evaluating fibrotic skin. Here, we adapted two different unbiased image analysis algorithms to define collagen topography and alignment in a genetically inducible and reversible Wnt activation fibrosis model. We demonstrated that Wnt‐activated fibrotic skin has altered collagen fiber characteristics and a loss of collagen alignment, which were restored in the reversible model. This study highlights how unbiased algorithms can be used to analyze ECM topography, providing novel avenues to evaluate fibrotic skin onset, recovery, and treatment.
Cortical atrophy patterns in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease
Authors: Schneider Ruth , Kogel Ann‐Kathrin , Ladopoulos Theodoros , Siems Nadine , Krieger Britta , Bellenberg Barbara , Gold Ralf , Ayzenberg Ilya , Lukas Carsten
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Global brain volume changes in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease compared with healthy controls (HC) could be revealed by magnetic resonance imaging, but specific atrophy patterns of cortical structures and relation to cognitive impairment are not yet comprehensively known. Thus, we aimed to investigate cortical thickness differences in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease compared with HC.

Methods

3‐Tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 23 patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease and 49 HC for voxel‐wise group comparisons and neuropsychological testing in patients. Surface‐based morphometry with region of interest‐based surface analysis and region of interest‐based extraction of cortical thickness was performed in patients compared with HC and in patient subgroups with and without cognitive impairment.

Results

Comparing patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease with HC, exploratory surface‐based morphometry demonstrated cortical volume reduction in pericalcarine and lingual cortical regions. Region of interest‐based surface analysis specified reduced cortical thickness in the adjacent pericalcarine and orbitofrontal regions in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease, as well as reduced temporal cortical thickness in patients with cognitive impairment (n = 10). Patients without cognitive impairment (n = 13) showed only circumscribed cortical brain volume loss compared with HC in the pericalcarine region.

Interpretation

In conclusion, cortical atrophy in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody‐associated disease was characterized by cortical thickness reduction in the adjacent pericalcarine and orbitofrontal regions, with a tendency of temporal thickness reduction in cognitively impaired patients.
Quasi‐2D Phonon Transport in Diamond Nanosheet
Authors: Zhu Yunting , Ye Tian , Wen Hailang , Xu Rongbin , Zhong Yi , Lin Guangyang , Liang Dongxue , Cai Weiwei , Yu Daquan , Lin Weiyi
Published: July 2024

Nanomaterial phonon transport is crucial for miniaturized devices and superior thermophysical properties in condensed matter physics. Diamond nanosheets, applicable in nanoelectronics/optoelectronics, offer availability to explore dimensionality's impact on phonon transport. Raman spectroscopy is used to study the thermal conductivity (κ) of diamond nanosheets with a thickness below 100 nm. Results show a law above 140 K, highlighting Umklapp phonon scattering. Despite the reduced thickness, κ (1100‐2000 W/mK) remains higher than metals and most semiconductors, showcasing diamonds' remarkable in‐plane heat transfer. Intriguingly, the research uncovers unique length‐dependent behavior , consistent with graphene, the two‐dimensional (2D) allotrope. This research offers insights into thermal transport in quasi‐2D nanosheets, with significant implications for nanoscale heat management and highly efficient thermal devices.
Regulation of High‐Index Crystal Facets with Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures on CoFe2O4 Epitaxial Films for Ethanol Gas Sensing
Authors: Fan Lisha , Xue Xianqiang , Wu Ling , Zhang Shuowen , Zhao Tianzhen , Wang Tingbin , Qian Haoyu , Xie Bo , Tofil Szymon , Yao Jianhua
Published: July 2024

Control of exposed crystal facets in nanostructures is scientifically important, but technically challenging due to the inherent difficulty in manipulating surface energy of crystals. Here, laser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) induced by femtosecond laser is applied to produce periodic subwavelength 1D nanostructures with high index crystal facets on epitaxial CoFe2O4 surfaces, providing an efficient, maskless, cost‐effective “top‐down” method for nanostructure fabrication. Homogenous 1D LIPSSs (1D‐LIPSSs) with a period of 131 ± 15 nm and a depth of 90 ± 5 nm are obtained. The orientation of LIPSS nanostructures is finely controlled by tuning the polarization of fs laser beam, therefore flexibly producing 1D‐LIPSSs along various crystallographic orientations. Gas sensing performance evaluation shows that the fabrication of 1D‐LIPSSs on CoFe2O4 enlarges its surface area and contributes to enhanced gas sensing response. Compared to CoFe2O4 with LIPSSs faceted along {100} orientation, CoFe2O4 with LIPSSs faceted along high‐index {110} facets exhibits further improved gas sensing performance, suggesting the critical role of high‐index crystal facets in promoting surface reactivity and sensing sensitivity. The development of a laser‐based nanostructure fabrication route with high controllability of exposed crystal facets provides a novel solution for high‐density film‐based gas sensing applications.
Monomicelle‐Directed Synthesis of Mesoporous Carbon Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Zhang Zhenghao , Zhai Yunpu , Zhao Dongyuan , Li Wei
Published: July 2024

Mesoporous carbon materials have attracted much attention in a wide range of applications due to their fascinating properties, including high surface areas, large pore sizes, good conductivity, and easy functionalization. In this review, the synthesis of mesoporous carbon nanomaterials via the monomicelle‐directed assembly route, where mechanisms and determining factors are highlighted in detail is first summarized. Following the rational functionalization and pore engineering, the applications of mesoporous carbon nanomaterials in energy conversion and storage devices are discussed. Finally, the extant challenges are pointed out and a brief outlook on both synthesis and applications of advanced mesoporous carbon nanomaterials is also discussed.
Rationalizing the Amplified Spontaneous Emission Mechanism in CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Films by means of Optical Gain Measurements
Authors: Milanese Stefania , De Giorgi Maria Luisa , Anni Marco , Bodnarchuk Maryna I. , Cerdán Luis
Published: July 2024

With their exceptional optoelectronic properties, CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are promising materials for light‐emitting devices. Elucidating their stimulated emission mechanisms is fundamental to grasp the limitations hindering their use as electrically pumped lasers. In particular, two questions remain open: why the Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) band is significantly shifted from the fluorescence one, and why the former seems to suddenly emerge from, and coexist with, the latter. Here, these questions are addressed through experimental ASE measurements, combined with numerical simulations and a comprehensive assessment of the performance of different analytical expressions used in the literature to retrieve the optical gain from these experiments. This multi‐facet study shows that the ASE behavior in CsPbBr3 NCs thin films stems from four distinctive processes: reabsorption due to a large overlap between the absorption and fluorescence spectra, a strong contribution of excited state absorption within the fluorescence window, the excitation of differently polarized waveguide modes, and the coexistence of short‐ and long‐lived localized excitons. The results in this work delineate the best practices to analyze the optical gain in perovskite samples, help to understand their ASE mechanisms, and provide insights to boost their lasing efficiency.
Aldehyde‐Mediated Open‐Air Stereoselective β‐Glycosylation of Glycals: An Expeditious Route towards Glycosyl‐Ester Synthesis
Authors: Maheshwari Mittali , Hussain Nazar
Published: July 2024

The study introduces a method for achieving a selective synthesis of β‐glycosyl esters through the reaction of glycals with carboxylic acids. This process is characterized by stereoselectivity, operating under mild reaction conditions and in an open‐air environment mediated by an aldehyde. Detailed investigations and control experiments indicate the significance of benzaldehyde in conjunction with atmospheric air in facilitating this transformation. The method's versatility is evident in its broad substrate scope, accommodating various carboxylic acid derivatives with electron‐releasing and electron‐neutral functional groups. The practical applicability of the protocol is demonstrated by successfully esterifying different drugs, including indomethacin, tolmetin, and stearic acid, resulting in the production of novel compounds with excellent yields. Mechanistic studies, supported by controlled experiments, highlight the formation of glycal epoxide as an intermediate in the reactions.
Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Assisted Construction of Silk Nanofibrils/Boron Nitride Nanosheets Membranes with Enhanced Heat‐Dissipating Efficiency
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Zhaohui , Jia Bingzheng , Chen Lan , Yan Chuanyu , Peng Feng , Mu Tiancheng , Xue Zhimin
Published: July 2024

Natural polymer‐derived nanofibrils have gained significant interest in diverse fields. However, production of bio‐nanofibrils with the hierarchical structures such as fibrillar structures and crystalline features remains a great challenge. Herein, an all‐natural strategy for simple, green, and scalable top‐down exfoliation silk nanofibrils (SNFs) in novel renewable deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed by amino acids and D‐sorbitol is innovatively developed. The DES‐exfoliated SNFs with a controllable fibrillar structures and intact crystalline features, novelty preserving the hierarchical structure of natural silk fibers. Owing to the amphiphilic nature, the DES‐exfoliated SNFs show excellent capacity of assisting the exfoliation of several 2D‐layered materials, i.e., h‐BN, MoS2, and WS2. More importantly, the SNFs‐assisted dispersion of BNNSs with a concentration of 59.3% can be employed to construct SNFs/BNNSs nanocomposite membranes with excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 416.7 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.86 GPa and toughness of 1295.4 KJ·m−3) and thermal conductivity (in‐plane thermal conductivity coefficient of 3.84 W·m−1·K−1), enabling it to possess superior cooling efficiency compared with the commercial silicone pad.
Programmable Bacteria with Dynamic Virulence Modulation System for Precision Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Wu Leyang , Li Lin , Qiao Liyuan , Li Chenyang , Zhang Shuhui , Yin Xingpeng , Du Zengzheng , Sun Ying , Qiu Jiahui , Chang Xiaoyao , Wang Bohao , Hua Zichun
Published: July 2024

Engineered bacteria‐mediated antitumor approaches have been proposed as promising immunotherapies for cancer. However, the off‐target bacterial toxicity narrows the therapeutic window. Living microbes will benefit from their controllable immunogenicity within tumors for safer antitumor applications. In this study, a genetically encoded microbial activation strategy is reported that uses tunable and dynamic expression of surface extracellular polysaccharides to improve bacterial biocompatibility while retaining therapeutic efficacy. Based on screening of genes associated with Salmonella survival in macrophages, a novel attenuated Salmonella chassis strain AIS (htrA gene‐deficient) highly enriched in tumors after administration and rapidly cleared from normal organs are reported. Subsequently, an engineered bacterial strain, AISI‐H, is constructed based on the AIS strain and an optimized quorum‐sensing regulatory system. The AISI‐H strain can achieve recovery of dynamic tumor‐specific bacterial virulence through a novel HTRA‐RCSA axis‐based and quorum‐sensing synthetic gene circuit‐mediated increase in extracellular polysaccharide content. These strains act “off” in normal organs to avoid unwanted immune activation and “on” in tumors for precise tumor suppression in mice. The AISI‐H strain shows significant tumor inhibition and potent activation of anticancer immunity in a melanoma mouse model. The AISI‐H strain exhibits excellent biocompatibility. This bacterial regulation strategy expands the applications of microbe‐based antitumor therapeutics.
Investigating tradeoffs in perennial ryegrass turfgrass performance and seed yield capacity in the US Midwest
Authors: Heineck Garett C. , Ehlke Nancy J. , Watkins Eric
Published: July 2024

Understanding the trade‐offs between improving turfgrass performance and seed production capacity would improve acceptance and accelerate the release of new perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars. An experiment was designed to measure the turfgrass quality, seed yield, and component traits among 20 perennial ryegrass entries grown in turfgrass and seed production swards at two locations in Minnesota, a seed production region of the United States. Turfgrass quality scores, when averaged across collection dates, were not strongly correlated with seed yield at either location. However, data from several individual turfgrass quality rating dates were moderately correlated with seed yield at both locations (p < 0.100). Within the dates that correlated with seed yield, turfgrass component traits were regressed against quality scores. Crown rust severity, color, and density were important in the first year, and winter injury and texture were important in the second year. Plots with more fertile tillers were associated with higher seed yield and lower turfgrass quality (p < 0.050), but there was no relationship between entries in the two growing environments for fertile tiller production (p > 0.250). Entries that exhibited a faster vertical growth rate in turfgrass swards tended to mature earlier in seed plots, a trait that was correlated with higher seed yield (p < 0.001). However, the vertical turfgrass growth rate was not directly correlated with seed yield (p > 0.800). Few tradeoffs between the growing environments were found under the growing conditions and germplasm employed.
Crop type classification, trends, and patterns of central California agricultural fields from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Smith Britt W. , Soulard Christopher E. , Walker Jessica J.
Published: July 2024

California produces many key agricultural products in the United States. Current geospatial agricultural datasets are limited in mapping accuracy, spatial context, or observation period. This study uses machine learning and high‐resolution imagery to produce a time series of crop maps to assess crop type trends and patterns across central California from 2005 to 2020. National Agriculture Imagery Program and Landsat imagery were used to classify nine crop types that are common in the study region: grain crops, field crops, rice, citrus and subtropical, deciduous fruit and nut, vineyard, berry and vegetable, pasture, and fallow/young perennial crop types. To create labeled data, we sampled 1253 fields and manually identified crop types for each examined year using high‐resolution imagery and Landsat normalized difference vegetation index time series. We applied a random forest machine learning algorithm in Google Earth Engine. Results show that the mean overall classification accuracy of the nine‐class map was 93.1%, with individual accuracies ranging from 99.3% (rice) to 89.5% (fallow/young perennial). Mann–Kendall trend tests showed significant (p < 0.05) declines in field crop and pasture area during the study period, while deciduous fruit and nut, citrus and subtropical, and fallow/young perennial crop types experienced significant increases. At an aggregate level, there was a general shift from annual crop types to perennial crop types. These data provide a 16‐year time span of spatially explicit crop type classifications, trends, and patterns in central California that can be used to aid managers and decision makers for resource planning or hazard mitigation.