bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Free‐Breathing 3D Phase‐Resolved Functional Lung (PREFUL) MRI With Dynamic 19F Ventilation MRI in Patients With Obstructive Lung Disease and Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Klimeš Filip , Obert Arnd J. , Scheller Julienne , Wernz Marius M. , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Gutberlet Marcel , Grimm Robert , Suhling Hendrik , Müller Robin A. , Kaireit Till F. , Glandorf Julian , Moher Alsady Tawfik , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens
Published: January 2024

Background

Non‐contrast‐enhanced 1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with full lung coverage shows promise for assessment of regional lung ventilation but a comparison with direct ventilation measurement using 19F MRI is lacking.

Purpose

To compare ventilation parameters calculated using 3D phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI with 19F MRI.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Fifteen patients with asthma, 14 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, and 13 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3D gradient‐echo pulse sequence with golden‐angle increment and stack‐of‐stars encoding at 1.5 T.

Assessment

All participants underwent 3D PREFUL MRI and 19F MRI. For 3D PREFUL, static regional ventilation (RVent) and dynamic flow‐volume cross‐correlation metric (FVL‐CM) were calculated. For both parameters, ventilation defect percentage (VDP) values and ventilation defect (VD) maps (including a combination of both parameters [VDPCombined]) were determined. For 19F MRI, images from eight consecutive breaths under volume‐controlled inhalation of perfluoropropane were acquired. Time‐to‐fill (TTF) and wash‐in (WI) parameters were extracted. For all 19F parameters, a VD map was generated and the corresponding VDP values were calculated.

Statistical Tests

For all parameters, the relationship between the two techniques was assessed using a Spearman correlation (r). Differences between VDP values were compared using Bland–Altman analysis. For regional comparison of VD maps, spatial overlap and Sørensen–Dice coefficients were computed.

Results

3D PREFUL VDP values were significantly correlated to VDP measures by 19F (r range: 0.59–0.70). For VDPRVent, no significant bias was observed with VDP of the third and fourth breath (bias range = −6.8:7.7%, P range = 0.25:0.30). For VDPFVL‐CM, no significant bias was found with VDP values of fourth–eighth breaths (bias range = −2.0:12.5%, P range = 0.12:0.75). The overall spatial overlap of all VD maps increased with each breath, ranging from 61% to 81%, stabilizing at the fourth breath.

Data Conclusion

3D PREFUL MRI parameters showed moderate to strong correlation with 19F MRI. Depending on the 3D PREFUL VD map, the best regional agreement was found to 19F VD maps of third–fifth breath.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Guidance for assessment of the inflammation etiologic criterion for the GLIM diagnosis of malnutrition: A modified Delphi approach
Authors: Jensen Gordon L. , Cederholm Tommy , Ballesteros‐Pomar Maria D. , Blaauw Renee , Correia M. Isabel T. D. , Cuerda Cristina , Evans David C. , Fukushima Ryoji , Gautier Juan Bernardo Ochoa , Gonzalez M. Cristina , van Gossum Andre , Gramlich Leah , Hartono Joseph , Heymsfield Steven B. , Jager‐Wittenaar Harriët , Jayatissa Renuka , Keller Heather , Malone Ainsley , Manzanares William , McMahon M. Molly , Mendez Yolanda , Mogensen Kris M. , Mori Naoharu , Muscaritoli Maurizio , Nogales Guillermo Contreras , Nyulasi Ibolya , Phillips Wendy , Pirlich Matthias , Pisprasert Veeradej , Rothenberg Elisabet , de van der Schueren Marian , Shi Han Ping , Steiber Alison , Winkler Marion F. , Compher Charlene , Barazzoni Rocco
Published: January 2024

Background

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) approach to malnutrition diagnosis is based on assessment of three phenotypic (weight loss, low body mass index, and reduced skeletal muscle mass) and two etiologic (reduced food intake/assimilation and disease burden/inflammation) criteria, with diagnosis confirmed by fulfillment of any combination of at least one phenotypic and at least one etiologic criterion. The original GLIM description provided limited guidance regarding assessment of inflammation, and this has been a factor impeding further implementation of the GLIM criteria. We now seek to provide practical guidance for assessment of inflammation.

Methods

A GLIM‐constituted working group with 36 participants developed consensus‐based guidance through a modified Delphi review. A multiround review and revision process served to develop seven guidance statements.

Results

The final round of review was highly favorable, with 99% overall “agree” or “strongly agree” responses. The presence of acute or chronic disease, infection, or injury that is usually associated with inflammatory activity may be used to fulfill the GLIM disease burden/inflammation criterion, without the need for laboratory confirmation. However, we recommend that recognition of underlying medical conditions commonly associated with inflammation be supported by C‐reactive protein (CRP) measurements when the contribution of inflammatory components is uncertain. Interpretation of CRP requires that consideration be given to the method, reference values, and units (milligrams per deciliter or milligram per liter) for the clinical laboratory that is being used.

Conclusion

Confirmation of inflammation should be guided by clinical judgment based on underlying diagnosis or condition, clinical signs, or CRP.
Clinical performance of the infant nutrition early warning score in routine practice across four international clinical settings in Europe: A study by the ESPGHAN special interest group in clinical malnutrition
Authors: Bamkole Omowunmi , Huysentruyt Koen , Watson Jennifer , De Mulder Nele , Katsagoni Christina N. , Chaloutsi Despoina , Kontostavlou Michaela , Pancheva Rouzha , Vladimirova Irina , Gerasimidis Konstantinos
Published: January 2024

There is a scarcity of nutritional screening tools for use in infants (<1 year). The infant Nutrition Early Warning Score (iNEWS) has been developed to identify infants who need further dietetic review. We introduced the iNEWS into clinical practice and evaluated its performance in Scotland, Belgium, Athens and Bulgaria. Of the 352 infants screened, 72 (20%) were placed in the high iNEWS category, and of these, 70 (97%) were reviewed by a hospital dietitian. iNEWS produced a true positive rate of 80% which increased to 96% after accounting for anticipated misclassified cases due to prematurity. In Belgium, false positive screens had a shorter length of stay (p = 0.014). Otherwise, misclassification was not related to a specific iNEWS component. This study corroborates previous research, underscoring the validity of iNEWS as a dietetic referral tool and demonstrating that it can be integrated into “real‐world” clinical practice across international settings with diverse healthcare resources.
Evaluation of foaming agents for high‐temperature, high‐pressure, and high‐salinity reservoirs based on a new foam evaluator
Authors: Li Longjie , Ge Jijiang , Shi Xiaojuan , Pan Yan , Guo Hongbin , Wang Wenhui , Wang Jianhai , Jiao Baolei
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel high‐temperature and high‐pressure foam evaluator with variable diameters inner cell and cylinder flip function was designed on our own, which can solve the problems such as difficulties in foam generation and inaccurate determination of various foam parameters by the same type of instruments, through which the foaming performance of more than 10 betaine surfactants was evaluated. The results show that: (1) the higher the pressure, the higher the foaming rate of the foaming agent and the more stable the foam, but the foam stability of the foamers at low and high pressures, and low and high temperatures do not correspond exactly, and the foaming agent used needs to be screened under simulated reservoir conditions. (2) The comprehensive foaming performance of different types of foamers with different molecular structures found that hydroxy sulfobetaine with longer carbon chains has a relatively better foaming performance. Therefore, for the reservoir conditions of temperature 130°C, pressure 30 MPa, and salinity 22 × 104 mg/L, hydroxy sulfobetaine, which does not contain an amide group in the molecule, can be considered preferentially as a foaming agent. The results can guide the selection of foaming agents for high‐temperature and high‐salinity reservoirs.
Chemical composition and absorption characteristics of Raw and Prepared Cassiae Semen extracts based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Yingying , Wu Hongwei , Wang Lixia , Yue Chunyu , Chen Xiaoxu , Wu Tong , Yang Yang , Tang Liying , Wang Zhuju
Published: January 2024

In traditional Chinese medicine, the two commodity forms of Cassiae Semen Raw and Prepared Cassiae Semen, exert different clinical applications, in which Prepared Cassiae Semen is commonly used to treat liver and eye diseases. However, the material basis of Raw and Prepared Cassiae Semen remains unclear due to the limited studies on their overall composition and metabolism in vivo. In this study, an integrated analysis strategy based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry was established to systematically screen the prototype and metabolite constituents of Raw and Prepared Cassiae Semen. Automatic matching analysis of metabolites was performed on Compound Discoverer software based on the function of predicting metabolites. Using this strategy, a total of 77 compounds in Raw Cassiae Semen and 71 compounds in Prepared Cassiae Semen were identified. Furthermore, in vivo study, 46 prototype components and 104 metabolites from the Raw Cassiae Semen group and 41 prototype components and 87 metabolites from the Prepared Cassiae Semen group were unambiguously or preliminarily identified in mice (plasma, urine, feces, eye, and liver). This is the first study of chemical component analysis and in vivo metabolite profiling of Raw and Prepared Cassiae Semen.
Exploring the on‐site experience of slow tourists from an embodied practice perspective
Authors: Wu Jing , Wang Xiaofeng , Zhang Chunhui
Published: January 2024

The rise of slow tourism reflects tourists' high‐quality needs under the accelerated pace of contemporary life. However, the on‐site slow tourism experience remains underexplored despite its importance to both tourists and destinations. This study aims to explore how on‐site experiences are created and identifies the features of the on‐site experiences of slow tourism. From the perspective of embodied practice, the study finds that two patterns, slow‐moving‐and‐pausing in the context of the local landscape environment and consuming‐and‐engaging in the context of local life and culture, account for the slow‐tourist‐oriented individuals creating their autotelic tourism experiences. Intra‐personal and inter‐personal experiences are found in the two different patterns that indicate the existential experience is, in essence, the slow tourists' emotional quest. Further, this study argues that slow tourism can be seen as an extension or intensification of daily routine experience.
The moderating effect of safety image on Guests' perceived risk and revisit intentions in luxury hotels
Authors: Pai Chen Kuo , Chen Haoran , Wang Yang
Published: January 2024

This study explores the relationship between perceived risk and intention to revisit, based on four core dimensions of the subjectively perceived risk of luxury hotel guests to hotel safety image. In particular, this study innovatively uses the four dimensions of hotel safety image as moderating variables to explore how the relationship between perceived risk and intention to revisit is affected. The results from the 573 valid questionnaires show that perceived risk has significant negative effects on revisit intention, hygiene control significantly and negatively moderates the negative relationship between perceived risk and revisit intention, and self‐service technology significantly and positively moderates the negative relationship between perceived risk and revisit intention. These results complement the application of customer perceived risk and hotel safety image in luxury hotels in the context of natural disasters and provide hotel managers with new perspectives on marketing and decision making and how to improve competitiveness.
Timing of First Set of Pressure Equalization Tubes in Pediatric Patients With Cleft Deformities
Authors: Greenlund Lindsey K. , Sajjadi Autefeh , Nowariak Meagan , Chinnadurai Siva , Tibesar Robert , Morrell Noelle , Roby Brianne
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Children with cleft palates often have comorbid eustachian tube dysfunction requiring pressure equalization tubes (PETs). PETs can relieve middle ear effusions that impede hearing. Ideal PET placement timing in this population is controversial. In this study, the audiologic exam passing rates of patients with cleft palate prior to and following PET insertion were assessed. Rates for patients receiving PETs at different ages were compared. It was hypothesized that earlier PET placement may benefit patients with additional months of improved hearing.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with cleft palate between November 22, 2016 and November 22, 2021 at a tertiary center. Statistical analysis compared passing/normal audiologic exams in patients receiving PETs at different ages.

Results

A total of 348 patients had cleft palate diagnoses, received PETs, and had adequate hearing data for inclusion. Those with PETs inserted at 3 months of age or less had an increase in percent of patients passing audiologic exams following versus prior to PET insertion of 13% (1.3 times improvement). Those receiving PETs between 7‐ and 12‐months had the largest rate of improvement (42%) (2.4 times improvement); other groups had changes in passing rates between 31% and 40%. The rate of passing audiologic exams following PET insertion was high across all groups, ranging from 66% to 81%.

Conclusion

This is one of the first studies exploring the timing of PET placement in this population and showed that patients receiving PETs at 3 months of age or younger passed subsequent audiologic exams at similar rates relative to those receiving PETs later in life.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3391–3394, 2024
Evaluation of farmland soil health and optimization of evaluation system under different green manure applications in a semi‐arid irrigation area
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Zhang Jiudong , Zhao Yiming , Liu Xiaoyi , Gao Haining , Cheng Miaomiao , Zhang Gaosen , Chen Yong
Published: January 2024

Healthy soil is essential for maintaining food security and enhancing ecosystem functions. Green manure application improves soil fertility and is an alternative to chemical fertilizers; however, research on optimizing soil health assessment systems and providing comprehensive and accurate information for local farmland green manure management models remains limited. In this study, we used maize and potato intercropped with green manure farmland in the main crop production area of a semi‐arid irrigation area in Northwest China as the research object, integrated the regional soil environment characteristics, and used principal component analysis and other methods to establish a minimum index data set including physicochemical, biological, and yield indices. A soil health assessment system applicable to the study region was constructed and optimized by drawing the scoring curve. The results showed that green manure treatment exerted a positive effect on the soil bulk density, nutrient content, extracellular enzyme activity, and the yield of maize and potato fields. This evaluation method showed that both green manure treatments could improve the soil health index of two major crop fields, with scores of 6.9 (3.7–8.6) and 6.2 (4.5–7.0) for maize and potato farmland, respectively, with a greater positive effect caused on maize. This evaluation system can not only reflect the soil conditions of farmland accurately given the application of green manure in the semi‐arid irrigation areas of northwest China but also provide reference for the promotion of organic fertilizers such as green manure and the resolution of regional soil health differences.
Bionic Diffractive Meta‐Silk Patch for Visually Flexible Wearables
Authors: Dong Kaiyi , Wei Meng , Zhou Qian , He Bingfang , Gao Bingbing
Published: January 2024

Rapid humidity response contributes tremendously to visually flexible wearables. However, sluggish response, infrequent reproducibility, and biotoxicity restrict the development of wearable humidity response devices. Here, inspired by the changes in the color of Dynastes hercules, a flexible wearable, rapid response, stretchable, rewritable meta‐silk fibroin diffractive film (mSFD) is presented. The film is generated by spin‐coating silk protein and polyurethane (PU) cross‐linking, followed by hot pressing of meta‐structures. Owing to the diffraction and stable combination of the SF β‐structure and PU hydrogen bond, mSFDs exhibit excellent coloration, rapid response, and erasability. Notably, the microcolumns and microporous structures on the meta‐membrane endow the membrane with unparalleled rapid response features. Fast color disappearance and reappearance are observed under high humidity conditions (response time <2 ms, cycle in 1 s). In particular, the rapid humidity responsiveness of mSFP induces a change in the color of the membrane, which enables its application in real‐time biomonitoring (wound management, mask regulation) and anticounterfeiting (medicine storage, fingerprint recognition). These properties endow bioinspired mSFD P with high potential in the field of robotic skin.
Enhanced Water Flux of Aromatic Polyamide Membranes by Grafting Imidazolium‐Type Ionic Liquids Containing Silsesquioxane Frameworks
Authors: Zheng Feng‐Tao , Su Ke
Published: January 2024

An imidazolium‐type room‐temperature ionic liquid containing silsesquioxane frameworks is successfully prepared. The polar ionic liquid products are grafted onto the surface of prepared aromatic polyamide (PA) membranes to improve water flux of PA membranes. Membranes grafted with an ionic liquid exhibit a water flux of 1.89 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), 48% higher than that of pure PA membranes while the salt rejection still remains at 96%. This improvement can be attributed to the enhanced hydrophilicity of the membrane surface, as evidenced by the reduced water contact angle.
Counterfeits can benefit original products when people are caught using counterfeits
Authors: Wang Liangyan , Wang Qin , Chan Eugene Y. , Keller L. Robin
Published: January 2024

Existing literature has examined the influence of a counterfeit on the original brand in the prior or middle purchase phases. Our work aims to expand the literature by analyzing the post‐purchase phase of counterfeit consumption. In four studies, we examine the effects of product message appeal (symbolic vs. utilitarian) and self‐construal (interdependent vs. independent) on preference changes and purchase intentions of consumers toward original products when they are caught using counterfeits. Individuals with interdependent (vs. independent) self‐construal are more likely to increase their preference and purchase intention for original products after being caught using symbolic rather than utilitarian counterfeits. Moreover, face restoration mediates the interaction effect between product message appeal and self‐construal on the purchase intent of consumers in procuring original products. The patterns are consistent in both hypothetical scenarios and counterfeit consumption experience. Our work suggests that companies or brand, whose products are often copied or imitated should pay more attention to establishing their unique characteristics and the primary value of their product delivered to the consumers through product design and marketing mix strategies.
Constructing Novel High Dielectric Constant Polyimides Containing Dipolar Pendant Groups with Enhanced Orientational Polarization
Authors: Tang Yadong , Xu Wenhan , Yao Hongyan , Qin Hao , Jiang Zhenhua , Zhang Yunhe
Published: January 2024

Polymer dielectrics with high dielectric constant are urgently demanded for potential electrical and pulsed power applications. The design of polymers with side chains containing dipolar groups is considered an effective method for preparing materials with a high dielectric constant and low loss. This study synthesizes and comprehensively compare the dielectric properties of novel polyimides with side chains containing urea (BU‐PI), carbamate (BC‐PI), and sulfonyl (BS‐PI) functional groups. The novel polyimides exhibit relatively high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss values due to the enhanced orientational polarization and suppressed dipole‐dipole interactions of dipolar groups. In particular, BU‐PI containing urea pendant groups presents the highest dielectric constant of 6.14 and reasonably low dielectric loss value of 0.0097. The strong γ transitions with low activation energies derived from dielectric spectroscopy measurements have been further evaluated to demonstrate the enhanced free rotational motion of urea pendant dipoles. In energy storage applications, BU‐PI achieves a discharged energy density of 6.92 J cm−3 and a charge‐discharge efficiency above 83% at 500 MV m−1. This study demonstrates that urea group, as dipolar pendant group, can provide polymers with better dielectric properties than the most commonly used sulfonyl groups.
A compact microstrip second‐order lossy bandpass filter with improved simplified composite right‐/left‐handed zeroth‐order resonator
Authors: Gong Jianqiang , Chen Yu , Chen Bin , Zhao Jiaqi , Xu Kan , Zhong Zhisheng , Liu Mingping
Published: January 2024

A novel compact microstrip second‐order lossy bandpass filter (BPF) based on an improved simplified composite right‐/left‐handed zeroth‐order resonator (ISZOR) is presented in this paper. The microstrip ISZOR (MISZOR) features miniature topology and ample adjustable physical parameters accompanied by its easily controllable zeroth‐order base mode and first harmonic. Its layout can be quickly generated by applying the implicit space mapping technique. By virtue of the lossy coupling matrix synthesis method, the finite unloaded quality factor of the MISZOR can be taken into account in advance to foretell the insertion loss level. A new definition of the external quality factor as well as its full‐wave extraction method is introduced, enabling the targetted second‐order lossy BPF to be directly implemented as in the classical lossless design, despite the existence of the parallel resistor loaded nonresonant node at each terminal. A succinct inductive coupled microstrip corner is conceived to achieve the relatively strong terminal coupling strength. The exemplified lossy BPF centers at 3.1 GHz with a fractional bandwidth of 5%, which is automatically optimized with the Nelder–Mead simplex algorithm. A prototype measurement is carried out, and good agreement is achieved with simulation, testifying the proposed design concept.
A preliminary study of multispectral Cherenkov imaging and a Fricke‐xylenol orange gel film (MCIFF) for online, absolute dose measurement
Authors: Han Haonan , Geng Changran , Deng Xinping , Li Jun , Shu Diyun , Tang Xiaobin
Published: January 2024

Background

Cherenkov luminescence imaging has shown potential for relative dose distribution and field verification in radiation therapy. However, to date, limited research utilizing Cherenkov luminescence for absolute dose calibration has been conducted owing to uncertainties arising from camera positioning and tissue surface optical properties.

Purpose

This paper introduces a novel approach to multispectral Cherenkov luminescence imaging combined with Fricke–xylenol orange gel (FXG) film, termed MCIFF, which can enable online full‐field absolute dose measurement. By integrating these two approaches, MCIFF allows for calibration of the ratio between two spectral intensities with absorbed dose, thereby enabling absolute dose measurement.

Methods

All experiments are conducted on a Varian Clinac 23EX, utilizing an electron multiplying charge‐coupled device (EMCCD) camera and a two‐way image splitter for simultaneous capture of two‐spectral Cherenkov imaging. In the first part of this study, the absorbance curves of the prepared FXG film, which receives different doses, are measured using a fluorescence spectrophotometer to verify the correlation between absorbance and dose. In the second part, the FXG film is positioned directly under the radiation beam to corroborate the dose measurement capacity of MCIFF across various beams. In the third part, the feasibility of MCIFF is tested in actual radiotherapy settings via a humanoid model, demonstrating its versatility with various radiotherapy materials.

Results

The results of this study indicate that the logarithmic ratios of spectral intensities at wavelengths of 550 ± 50 and 700 ± 100 nm accurately reflect variations in radiation dose (R2 > 0.96) across different radiation beams, particle energies, and dose rates. The slopes of the fitting lines remain consistent under varying beam conditions, with discrepancies of less than 8%. The optical profiles obtained using the MCIFF exhibit a satisfactory level of agreement with the measured results derived from the treatment planning system (TPS) and EBT3 films. Specifically, for photon beams, the lateral distances between the 80% and 20% isodose lines, referred to as the penumbra (P80‐20) values, obtained through TPS, EBT3 films, and MCIFF, are determined as 0.537, 0.664, and 0.848 cm, respectively. Similarly, for electron beams, the P80‐20 values obtained through TPS, EBT3 films, and MCIFF are found to be 0.432, 0.561, and 0.634 cm, respectively. Furthermore, imaging of the anthropomorphic phantom demonstrates the practical application of MCIFF in real radiotherapy environments.

Conclusion

By combining an FXG film with Cherenkov luminescence imaging, MCIFF can calibrate Cherenkov luminescence to absorbed dose, filling the gap in online 2D absolute dose measurement methods in clinical practice, and providing a new direction for the clinical application of optical imaging to radiation therapy.
Reduction of cone‐beam CT artifacts in a robotic CBCT device using saddle trajectories with integrated infrared tracking
Authors: Wei Chengtao , Albrecht Johanna , Rit Simon , Laurendeau Matthieu , Thummerer Adrian , Corradini Stefanie , Belka Claus , Steininger Philipp , Ginzinger Felix , Kurz Christopher , Riboldi Marco , Landry Guillaume
Published: January 2024

Background

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is widely used in many medical fields. However, conventional CBCT circular scans suffer from cone beam (CB) artifacts that limit the quality and reliability of the reconstructed images due to incomplete data.

Purpose

Saddle trajectories in theory might be able to improve the CBCT image quality by providing a larger region with complete data. Therefore, we investigated the feasibility and performance of saddle trajectory CBCT scans and compared them to circular trajectory scans.

Methods

We performed circular and saddle trajectory scans using a novel robotic CBCT scanner (Mobile ImagingRing (IRm); medPhoton, Salzburg, Austria). For the saddle trajectory, the gantry executed yaw motion up to using motorized wheels driving on the floor. An infrared (IR) tracking device with reflective markers was used for online geometric calibration correction (mainly floor unevenness). All images were reconstructed using penalized least‐squares minimization with the conjugate gradient algorithm from RTK with voxel size. A disk phantom and an Alderson phantom were scanned to assess the image quality. Results were correlated with the local incompleteness value represented by , which was calculated at each voxel as a function of the source trajectory and the voxel's 3D coordinates. We assessed the magnitude of CB artifacts using the full width half maximum (FWHM) of each disk profile in the axial center of the reconstructed images. Spatial resolution was also quantified by the modulation transfer function at 10% (MTF10).

Results

When using the saddle trajectory, the region without CB artifacts was increased from 43 to 190 mm in the SI direction compared to the circular trajectory. This region coincided with low values for . When was larger than 0.02, we found there was a linear relationship between the FWHM and . For the saddle, IR tracking allowed the increase of MTF10 from 0.37 to 0.98 lp/mm.

Conclusions

We achieved saddle trajectory CBCT scans with a novel CBCT system combined with IR tracking. The results show that the saddle trajectory provides a larger region with reliable reconstruction compared to the circular trajectory. The proposed method can be used to evaluate other non‐circular trajectories.
Establishing initial resting abdominal pressure in children undergoing urodynamics
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Vasudeva Pawan , Panda Arabind , Khattar Nikhil , Patel Anita , Agarwal Mayank M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The International Continence Society recommends zeroing of transducers to the atmospheric pressure for invasive urodynamics. The range of abdominal pressure relative to atmospheric pressure is well‐known in adults but has not been described in children. This prospective observational study was carried out to establish baseline abdominal in children.

Materials and Methods

Prospective, multicenter, observational study of 100 children aged 0‐18 years undergoing invasive urodynamics using water‐filled systems. Initial resting abdominal pressure, intravesical pressure and detrusor pressure were recorded in supine, sitting, and standing position (as age‐ and diagnosis‐appropriate). This data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0.0 with regard to age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, and underlying diagnosis (classified as neurogenic or non‐neurogenic). Nonparametric tests were used (2‐sided p < 0.05, significant).

Results

Initial resting abdominal pressure (inter‐quartile range) in children was between 5 and 15 cmH2O in the supine, 13−20 cmH2O in the sitting, and 15−21 cmH2O in the standing position. These pressures were not consistently influenced by age, gender, height, weight or underlying diagnosis. The initial resting detrusor pressure was noted to be 0−4 cmH2O without any difference based on posture. Limitations include use of two‐tube technique, relatively small number of subjects across each age group, wide range of underlying diagnoses and need for manual smoothing of some traces.

Conclusion

This study defines initial resting abdominal pressure at urodynamics in children and notes that, as with adults, it is possible to define widely applicable ranges regardless of individual characteristics. These pressures appear lower than those noted historically in adults.
Fractional non‐fungible tokens: Overview, evaluation, marketplaces, and challenges
Authors: Choi Wonseok , Woo Jongsoo , Hong James Won‐Ki
Published: January 2024

Fractional non‐fungible tokens (NFTs) have emerged at the forefront of blockchain innovation, merging tokenization, NFTs, and fractional ownership to democratize access to high‐value digital assets. In this paper, we explore the fundamental concepts of blockchain technology, smart contracts, NFTs, and tokenization to lay the groundwork for understanding fractional NFTs. We investigate key ERC standards, including ERC‐20, ERC‐721, and ERC‐1155, which are pivotal in enabling the creation and management of fractional NFTs on the Ethereum blockchain. Then, we present two major processes in fractional NFTs, minting and reconstitution. We develop fractional NFTs based on ERC standards and evaluate their gas consumption. Furthermore, through a comprehensive review of existing platforms, we analyze their minting and reconstitution processes and underlying ERC standards. Challenges, such as regulatory compliance and security, are also examined. We highlight the significance of robust security measures and transparency to build trust in fractional NFT ecosystems. While the field is still evolving, fractional NFTs have the potential to disrupt traditional ownership models and revolutionize industries. We envision fractional NFTs fostering a more inclusive and decentralized digital economy as technology advances and adoption grows.
The experiences of public health nurses during the COVID‐19 in Taiwan: A qualitative study
Authors: Wu Fei‐Ling , Sun Jui‐Chiung , Wu Hsueh‐Ching , Su Mei‐Chen , Lin Chia‐Ling
Published: January 2024

Aim

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a substantial effect on frontline health care workers and caused public health nurses (PHNs) to come under various forms of pressure. PHNs face high‐risk challenges in their work environment, and their professional commitment and adaptability are key concerns. The aim of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences of PHNs during the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods/Design

Twenty PHNs who worked during the COVID‐19 outbreak were recruited from seven public health centres through posters. Data were collected through in‐depth interviews that comprised semi‐structured and open‐ended questions; subsequently, the data were analysed through content analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged from the study findings, namely (1) the disorderliness of COVID‐19 pandemic prevention work, (2) managing stress and fear, and (3) the establishment of a new normal. Because of the severity of the pandemic, the workload and stress associated with epidemic prevention policies continue to increase. PHNs may infect their family members and experience a sense of alienation and distance. They must also deal with irrationality and reactions in the people within their community.

Conclusion

Health department directors and policymakers should provide the necessary support and assistance to frontline pandemic prevention workers to increase the efficiency of pandemic prevention efforts.

Patient or Public Contribution

The participants agreed to participate in the qualitative study during the study period.
Feasibility and acceptability of study methods and psychosocial interventions for body image among women diagnosed with breast cancer: A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Brunet Jennifer , Price Jenson , Baillot Aurélie , Dann Erica , Vani Madison F.
Published: January 2024

Objective

This systematic review aimed to summarize evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of psychosocial interventions for body image among women diagnosed with breast cancer and the study methods used to evaluate the interventions in question.

Methods

Articles were identified via MEDLINE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PsychINFO, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer‐reviewed publication in English from 2000 onward with accessible full‐text, (2) reported data on the feasibility and/or acceptability of psychosocial interventions and/or study methods, (3) included at least one measure of body image or reported a body‐related theme, and (4) sample comprised women diagnosed with breast cancer. All study designs were eligible. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment.

Results

Sixty‐two articles were included. Participants and comparator groups varied as did interventions. Feasibility and acceptability of the interventions and study methods were inconsistently operationalized and reported across studies. Evidence of feasibility and acceptability was heterogeneous within and across studies, though mostly positive.

Conclusion

Published psychosocial interventions for body image and study methods are generally feasible and acceptable. Findings should be used to advance the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions designed to improve outcomes (body image or otherwise) for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Systematic review registration

This review was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; ID: CRD42021269062, 11 September 2021).
Pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma in a 7‐year‐old child
Authors: Denamur Sophie , Hervieux Erik , Cosson Laure , Sileo Chiara , Coulomb Aurore , Nathan Nadia , Corvol Harriet
Published: January 2024

A 7‐year‐old boy presented with exertional dyspnea and cough, initially misdiagnosed as asthma. Imaging revealed a mass obstructing the left main bronchus, later identified as a pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). Following surgical sleeve resection, complete tumor removal occurred without malignancy in surrounding lymph nodes, resulting in symptom resolution without additional therapy. Pulmonary MEC, uncommon in pediatric patients, poses diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Typically managed via complete surgical resection, MEC offers a favorable prognosis, primarily affecting central airways and requiring conservative surgical approaches to preserve lung tissue. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges of primary pulmonary MEC in pediatric patients. It stresses the need to consider unusual causes in pediatric respiratory symptoms and highlights the critical role of precise diagnostic methods and personalized surgical strategies in managing such rare pulmonary malignancies for optimal outcomes.
Relationship between independence in activities of daily living at discharge and physical activity at admission of older postoperative hip fracture rehabilitation inpatients: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Shimizu Tomoko , Kanai Chiaki , Asakawa Yasuyoshi
Published: January 2024

Background and Purpose

Hip fractures are associated with a reduction in activities of daily living (ADL) and require long‐term care. The physical activity of patients with hip fractures is temporarily impaired immediately after surgery, causing difficulty in the measurement of physical activities at the time of rehabilitation admission. This study examined the relationship between ADL at discharge and light‐ and moderate‐intensity physical activity at the time of rehabilitation admission by determining a cut‐off value predicting ADL independence.

Methods

This retrospective case control study analyzed 43 postoperative hip fracture patients aged ≥65 years admitting into inpatient rehabilitation. ADL at discharge was assessed using the Functional Independent Measure motor items (FIM‐m). The duration of physical activity at the time of rehabilitation admission was measured using an activity tracker equipped with an accelerometer. Prehospital frailty was evaluated using Clinical Frailty Scale. The relationship between these variables was examined using Spearman's product‐moment correlation coefficient. Differences in physical activity between patients requiring and not requiring assistance with ADLs were examined using the analysis of covariance. A receiver operating characteristic curve of the need for ADL assistance at discharge was constructed from the duration of physical activity.

Results

The duration of physical activity at the time of rehabilitation admission was related to FIM‐m at discharge. The cut‐off value of the duration of physical activity for predicting the need for ADL assistance at discharge was 135 s, with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 68.4% (area under the curve: 0.76).

Discussion

The duration of physical activity at the time of rehabilitation admission may be a factor that can quantitatively predict the risk of requiring assistance with ADLs at discharge in older hip fracture patients. The duration of light‐and‐moderate intensity physical activity may be a component of multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation to improve patients' ADL.
Does frequent internet use increase the propensity to change address? UK evidence from Understanding Society on mobility preferences, expectations and moves
Authors: Rowland Neil , Shuttleworth Ian
Published: January 2024

Long‐term declines in rates of internal migration have been widely documented in many developed economies. Accompanying this decline has been a proliferation in the everyday use of new technologies such as the internet. New communication technologies have been theorised to influence migration decisions, but the direction of this influence is ambiguous, with some studies finding that they decrease migration, others that they increase it. Using data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, this paper assesses the relationship between internet use and preferences/expectations to change address as well as the decision to move. Although frequent users of the internet tend to be more mobile on average, longitudinal analysis offers no evidence that internet use influences migratory preferences and expectations or actual moves. This paper contributes to the literature by studying a developed country with high levels of internet penetration, by engaging not only with actual moves but also with preferences and expectations to move, and by drawing on longitudinal data to address unmeasured confounding in so far as possible. More broadly, it provides a reference point for future studies which might consider whether internet use plays a different role in the aftermath of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Ab Initio Investigation of Optical and Electronic Properties of Pt‐Doped Pentagonal PdSe2 Monolayer
Authors: Chettri Bibek , Karki Prasanna , Chettri Pronita , Das Sanat Kr. , Das Suman , Sharma Bikash
Published: January 2024

Density functional theory based on projector‐augmented wave methodology is employed to conduct an in‐depth investigation into the structural, optical, and electrical properties of pristine PdSe2 and Pt‐doped PdSe2 monolayers. The computational framework uses the Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof functional within the generalized gradient approximation. Evaluation of the calculated formation energy (Eform) and binding energy (Eb) demonstrates the thermodynamic favorability of Se vacancy on PdSe2 and the formation of a strong PtPdSe2 bond. The intrinsic indirect bandgap of PdSe2 (1.2 eV) undergoes a transition to a direct bandgap (0.71 eV) following Pt doping. In the context of optoelectronic applications, the investigation of optical properties reveals an elevated dielectric constant of 4.6 and 1.9 in the XX and ZZ planes for Pt‐doped PdSe2. Enhanced optical absorption is observed at ≈6.8 and 10.7 eV in the XX and ZZ planes, respectively. A notable redshift in the absorption coefficient and reflectivity constitutes significant findings. These results underscore the potential of tailoring PdSe2 optical and electrical properties, offering promising avenues for applications, particularly in the domain of nanoelectronics and optoelectronics devices.
Flexible Electronics Applications of Ge‐Rich and Se‐Substituted Phase‐Change Materials in Nonvolatile Memories
Authors: Pady Joe , Costa Julio , Ramsdale Catherine , Alkhalil Feras , Nevill Aimee , Craciun Monica F. , Wright C. David
Published: January 2024

Flexible electronics which are easy to manufacture and integrate into everyday items require suitable memory technology that can function on flexible surfaces. Herein, the properties of Ge‐rich GeSbTe (GST) and Se‐substituted GeSbSeTe (GSST) phase‐change alloys are investigated for application as nonvolatile write‐once and rewritable memories in flexible electronics. These materials have a higher crystallization temperature than the archetypal composition of Ge2Sb2Te5 and hence better data retention properties. Moreover, their high crystallization temperature provides for a particularly straightforward implementation of a write‐once memory configuration. Material properties of Ge‐rich GST and GSST are measured as a function of temperature using four‐point probe electrical testing, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Following this, the switching of flexible memory devices is investigated through both simulation and experiment. More specifically, crossbar memory devices fabricated using Ge‐rich GST are experimentally fabricated and tested, while the operation of GSST pore cell structures suitable for flexible memory applications is demonstrated through simulation.
Prevalence, trends, and inequality in noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys 2011 and 2017–2018
Authors: Ali Masum , Amin Md. Ruhul , Jarl Johan , Saha Sanjib
Published: January 2024

We investigated the change of the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh from 2011 to 2018 across different socioeconomic groups as well as the factors associated with the changes in prevalence. We used the two waves of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2011 and 2017–2018. Modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate the prevalence rate and ratio of NCDs and to test the association with different demographic and socioeconomic variables. The study found an upward trend of NCDs from 2011 to 2017 in which overweight and obesity, hypertension, and diabetes increased by 1.8, 1.5, and 1.1 times, respectively. In 2011, people from the richest households had 5.6 higher odds of being overweight compared to the poorest, which was reduced to 3.0 in 2017. However, the increment for overweight and hypertension was the highest among the poor and manual workers from 2011 to 2017. The age‐adjusted prevalence ratio of overweight increased 4.4 times for the poorest, compared to 1.7 times for the richest. For manual workers, overweight increased 3.8 times, whereas hypertension increased by 2.4 times. The pooled analysis revealed that participants from the richest households have the highest risk of NCDs, with 3.3 times for overweight, 2.3 times for diabetes, and 1.3 times for hypertension, compared to the poorest. However, the prevalence of NCDs is rising quickly among the low socioeconomic groups in Bangladesh, narrowing the gap with higher socioeconomic groups. Our findings call for immediate policy interventions and targeted programs to curb NCD escalation in Bangladesh.
Coupling Bertoin's and Aldous–Pitman's representations of the additive coalescent
Authors: Kortchemski Igor , Thévenin Paul
Published: January 2024

We construct a coupling between two seemingly very different constructions of the standard additive coalescent, which describes the evolution of masses merging pairwise at rates proportional to their sums. The first construction, due to Aldous and Pitman, involves the components obtained by logging the Brownian continuum random tree (CRT) by a Poissonian rain on its skeleton as time increases. The second one, due to Bertoin, involves the excursions above its running infimum of a linear‐drifted standard Brownian excursion as its drift decreases. Our main tool is the use of an exploration algorithm of the so‐called cut‐tree of the Brownian CRT, which is a tree that encodes the genealogy of the fragmentation of the CRT.