bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concise Four‐Component Synthesis of Solid‐State Fluorescent α‐Sulfenylated Enaminones
Authors: Hendrik Schmitz Gereon , Kramer Wiebke , Karl Leonard , Ganter Christian , Müller Thomas J. J.
Published: December 2024

Acid chlorides, alkynes, amines, and N‐thiosuccinimides react in a consecutive four‐component alkynylation‐addition‐sulfenylation sequence to give α‐sulfenylated enaminones in good to excellent yields. The terminal sulfenylation step is catalyzed by Yb(OTf)3 and both N‐arylthiosuccinimides and N‐alkylthio succinimides can be successfully employed. Most products are solid‐state luminescent with fluorescence quantum yields up to 84 % and lifetimes up to 4.9 ns. Additionally, TD‐DFT calculations rationalize the electronic structure of the absorption characteristics of the dyes.
Anomaly Detection in IoT Network Traffic Using Bidirectional 3D Quasi‐Recurrent Neural Network Optimize With Coati Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Deivakani M
Published: December 2024

Anomaly detection in Internet of Things (IOT) network traffic involves identifying abnormal patterns or behaviors, enabling early detection of potential security threats or system malfunctions in the IOT ecosystem. IoT encompasses a variety of networks, addressing not only security challenges within sensor networks, the internet, and mobile communication networks but also specifically focusing on issues related to privacy protection, information management, network authentication, and access control. In this manuscript, Anomaly Detection in IoT Network Traffic using a Bidirectional 3D Quasi‐Recurrent Neural Network with Coati Optimization Algorithm (ADIOT‐B3DQRNN‐COA) is proposed. Initially, the input data are collected from the DS2OS Dataset. Then, the collected data is fed into pre‐processing utilizing an Implicit Unscented Particle Filter (IUPF). The IUPF is used to remove the invalid data. Subsequently, the preprocessed data are sent into the Archimedes optimization algorithm (AOA) to select features. Seven characteristics from the DS2OS dataset are chosen using AOA. The selected features are then fed into a Bidirectional 3D Quasi‐Recurrent Neural Network (Bi‐3DQRNN) to classify anomaly detection in an Internet of Things network into the following categories: data probing, malicious control, malicious operation, scan, spying, incorrect configuration, DOS attack, and normal. To guarantee accurate classification of anomaly detection in IoT networks, Bi‐3DQRNN generally does not express any adaptation of optimization algorithms for figuring out the best parameters. Hence, the Coati Optimization Algorithm (COA) to optimize Bi‐3DQRNN accurately classifies anomaly detection in the IOT network. The proposed ADIOT‐B3DQRNN‐COA approach is implemented in MATLAB. The performance of the proposed method was examined utilizing performance metrics like Accuracy, Computational Time, F‐measure, Precision, Recall, and ROC. The proposed ADIOT‐B3DQRNN‐COA approach contains 32.15%, 28.31%, and 24.18% higher accuracy, 28.69%, 33.54%, and 19.46% higher Precision, and 24.50%, 32.34%, and 24.18% lower Error Rate compared with existing methods, such as Anomaly Detection in IOT network depend on enhanced metaheuristic feature selection optimization and hybrid deep neural network (DNN‐ADIOT‐NTT), Investigation on the stability of DRNN depend on the oversampling method in IDIIOT (DRNN‐PSO‐IDIIOT) and light gradient boosting machine in Anomaly Detection in IOT network: concurrent feature selection with hyperparameter tuning concurrent feature selection with hyperparameter tuning (SMSG‐SCADA‐SNN) respectively.
A case of bladder paraganglioma completely resected by transurethral endoscopic en‐bloc resection of bladder tumor
Authors: Matsumoto Shunya , Ishikawa Yudai , Fukushima Hiroshi , Yamamoto Kouhei , Tsujimoto Kazutaka , Kimura Koichiro , Waseda Yuma , Tanaka Hajime , Yoshida Soichiro , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: December 2024

Introduction

En‐bloc resection of bladder tumors is performed for bladder cancer with the goal of achieving precise tumor resection and providing an informative pathology specimen. We report the first case of a safely resected bladder paraganglioma by en‐bloc resection.

Case presentation

A 57‐year‐old woman presented with an incidental bladder tumor detected on computed tomography. Cystoscopy revealed a 10 mm submucosal tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated a suspected bladder paraganglioma, whereas endocrinological tests showed no abnormalities. The tumor was completely resected in one piece without an intraoperative increase in blood pressure or bladder perforation. Pathological examination revealed a bladder paraganglioma with negative surgical margins. No evidence of recurrence was observed at 9 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

En‐bloc resection of bladder tumors may be a useful approach for selected cases of bladder paragangliomas, potentially decreasing the risk of intraoperative blood pressure fluctuations and ensuring complete tumor resection.
Association between phosphorus‐to‐calcium ratio at ICU admission and all‐cause mortality in acute pancreatitis: Insights from the MIMIC‐IV database
Authors: Han Yimin , Chen Fan , Wei Wanzhen , Zeng Jiahui , Song Yiqun , Wang Zheng , Cao Fang , Wang Yaochun , Xu Kedong , Ma Zhenhua
Published: December 2024

Background

Serum phosphorus and serum calcium are important electrolytes in the body. The relationship between them and acute pancreatitis (AP) has been previously discussed. However, the results seem to lack credibility due to the neglect of mutual influence between them. Thus, a comprehensive indicator is needed.

Methods

In this study, AP patients with intensive care unit (ICU) treatment were extracted from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) database. The outcomes included in‐hospital mortality and ICU mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Cox proportional hazard regression model and restricted cubic spline were employed to investigate the association between the phosphorus‐to‐calcium ratio (PCR) index and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 719 AP patients (57.2% male) were enrolled. The in‐hospital and ICU mortality were 11.4% and 7.5%, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, Cox proportional hazard analysis indicated patients with a higher PCR index had a significant association with in‐hospital mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.34–6.19; p = .007). Restricted cubic splines revealed that a progressively increasing risk of all‐cause mortality was associated with an elevated PCR index.

Conclusion

The PCR index has a strong correlation with in‐hospital and ICU all‐cause mortality in AP, which provides a reference for clinical decision‐making.
Performance Optimization of a Large Geometry High Resolution‐Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (HR‐SIMS) for High Precision Measurements of Oxygen Isotopic Composition (δ18O) and U–Pb Geochronology in Zircon
Authors: Khandelwal Deeksha , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar P. V. , Singh Atul K. , Rawat Mahadev , Dawar Anit , Sharma R. , Ojha S. , Gargari S. , Mukherjee P. K. , Chopra S. , Pandey A. C.
Published: December 2024

A large geometry high resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer (HR‐SIMS) has been established as a part of the National Geochronology Facility (NGF) at Inter‐University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi. The performance of the instrument related to high spatial resolution, high mass resolving power (MRP), sensitivity of the instrument to measure low abundant isotopes, and sensitivity of the instrument for 206Pb signal under different conditions are optimized and presented in this paper. We report the precision of the order of ~ 0.2‰ for oxygen isotopes measurement in 91500 reference material zircon and measured δ18O value of 10.08‰ ± 0.18‰ (2SD), which is in agreement with the recommended values. For U–Pb age measurement in zircon, Plešovice and FCT reference materials are measured as unknown and their 206Pb/238U ages agree with the reported values within the uncertainties. A long‐term evaluation of 206Pb/238UO and 206Pb/238U isotopic measurement ratio is also presented.
Cryogenic TOF‐SIMS Around Sublimation Temperature of Quench‐Condensed Noble Gas (Ne, Ar, and Kr) Films
Authors: Suzuki Taku T.
Published: December 2024

A possible TOF‐SIMS analysis of surface phase transitions has recently been proposed for limited cases such as polymers and ionic liquids. In the present study, we have extended this analysis to quench‐condensed noble gas films. The newly developed cryogenic TOF‐SIMS allowed both measurements of TOF‐SIMS below 4 K, and low‐energy ion scattering spectroscopy that is used to prepare a clean surface. It was found that the TOF‐SIMS intensity variation by increasing the temperature at a constant ramp rate (temperature‐programmed TOF‐SIMS) shows steep changes due to sublimation. Thus, the possibility of analyzing the surface phase transition at the local region defined by the incident ion beam of (cryogenic) TOF‐SIMS was demonstrated in the present study.
Management of patients following implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy—The importance of a multifaceted approach
Authors: Selvarajah Karshana , Khan Parisha , Jahagirdar Nishat , Cannatà Antonio , Mukherjee Rahul , Bromage Daniel I. , McDonagh Theresa , Murgatroyd Francis , Scott Paul A.
Published: December 2024

Background

The most effective way to treat patients following a first ICD therapy is unclear. We hypothesised that following first ICD therapy, combining different treatment strategies would be associated with a reduction in the risk of subsequent therapy compared to single strategies alone.

Methods

Data was collected from consecutive patients undergoing ICD implantation at King's College Hospital between January 2009 and December 2019. We assessed the use of 7 specific treatment strategies, introduced after the 1st therapy—start/increase the dose of beta‐blockers, prognostic heart failure medications, antiarrhythmic drugs as well as ICD reprogramming, ablation, ICD upgrade/revision and coronary revascularisation. We evaluated the association between these treatment strategies and the risk of a subsequent ICD therapy.

Results

During a mean 50 months follow‐up, 267 patients experienced 1st ICD therapy (212 appropriate and 55 inappropriate). Combining treatment strategies was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of subsequent therapy for appropriate therapy compared to 0/7 strategies (1st appropriate ICD therapy, 1/7 treatment strategy (n = 80), 43% lower risk and  ≥2/7 treatment strategies (n = 73) 58% reduction, p = <.001). This was also true for inappropriate therapy (1st inappropriate therapy, 1 treatment strategy (n = 22) 86% lower risk and  ≥2/7 treatment strategies (n = 25), 94% reduction, p < 0.001) compared to patients with 0/7 treatment strategies (n = 8).

Conclusion

An approach combining treatment strategies may be more effective than using single strategies alone to prevent subsequent therapy in patients presenting following a 1st ICD therapy.
Lower Palaeolithic small flake prehension: Use‐wear and residue analyses reveal hominin grasping potential at late Acheulean sites in Israel and Italy
Authors: Marinelli Flavia , Nunziante‐Cesaro Stella , Barkai Ran , Lemorini Cristina
Published: December 2024

There is currently substantial debate over the use of prehension or hafting of tools by hominins. Many studies have been carried out to understand the prehension and hafting of hominin tools through experiments and through study of the anatomy and muscle system of both non‐human primates and humans. This paper discusses the results of the analyses of macro‐traces and micro‐residues of prehension found on small flakes from the late Acheulean sites of Revadim (Israel), Jaljulia (Israel) and Fontana Ranuccio (Italy). Small flakes are ubiquitous in many Late Lower Palaeolithic sites where they were used for various activities, including butchering. Their reduced size leads us to consider how they were handled and if solutions including hafting techniques were adopted. In this paper, the experimental protocol adopted, and the results obtained from macro‐traces and micro‐residues allowed us to develop hypotheses regarding free‐hand gripping of the small flakes by hominins at Revadim, Jaljulia and Fontana Ranuccio and the role that strength and pressure played in ensuring a good grip to enable the optimal use of these tools.
Socioeconomic and Ethnic Disparities in Timing and Outcome of Interarytenoid Injection Augmentation
Authors: House Trenton , Richardson Clare M. , Williams Dana , Gerber Mark E. , Curtis Stuart , Schroeder Shauna , Lozada Leyden , Woodward James , Ramirez Ashley , Killeen Stacey , Scheffler Patrick
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between social determinants of health and timeliness of management, adherence to follow‐up, and outcomes of treatment with interarytenoid injection augmentation (IAIA).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all pediatric patients treated with IAIA at a large pediatric institution's multidisciplinary aerodigestive clinic between August 2022 and February 2024. Retrieved demographic factors, dates of referral, consultation, treatment, and follow‐up, as well as objective measures of dysphagia and aspiration via videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) reports, using dysphagia outcome and severity scale (DOSS) scores and the greatest unsafe thickness, or ‘aspiration score’. These factors were analyzed for correlation with social determinants of health determined through the Area of Deprivation Index (ADI).

Results

A total of 120 patients, median age 15 months were included. All underwent IAIA for the indication of persistent pharyngeal dysphagia. The median national ADI score was 45. Patients experienced average improvement in laryngeal penetration and aspiration from an aspiration score of slightly thick preoperatively to thin postoperatively, and improvement in dysphagia from mild–moderate to mild. No correlation was identified between ADI, race and ethnicity, or sex and measures of timeliness of treatment, loss to follow‐up, receipt of feeding therapy, or outcome of treatment.

Conclusion

Addressing persistent dysphagia in pediatric patients with IAIA seems to be equivalently efficacious across a wide population, and outcome did not vary significantly depending on patients' race or socioeconomic contexts. This finding may be due in part to the utilization of a well‐organized multidisciplinary center to treat these complex patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2024
Guided‐Mode Resonance Polarization‐Sensitive Narrowband InGaAs Photodetector
Authors: Jang Junho , Geum Dae‐Myeong , Kang Il‐Suk , Oh Yeon‐Wha , Jung Sanghee , Cho Huijae , Kim SangHyeon
Published: December 2024

The increasing demand for extracting comprehensive information from light through multispectral and polarization imaging has driven the development of advanced photodetection technologies. In response, a polarization‐sensitive narrowband InGaAs photodetector (PD) operating in the short‐wave infrared (SWIR) range is proposed, capable of capturing wavelength, intensity, and polarization data concurrently without additional optical components. The device is formed by integrating an InGaAs PD onto a silicon grating, utilizing the guided‐mode resonance (GMR) effect to amplify absorption at specific target wavelengths. The intrinsic polarization dependence of the 1D GMR structure allows for distinct absorption peaks for TE and TM polarized light. The detection performance of the device, including spectral rejection ratios greater than 30, peak responsivities of 0.46 A W−1, and polarization extinction ratios of up to 41.3 is demonstrated. Precise design of the period and arrangement of the grating enables fabrication of pixel arrays with diverse detection wavelengths and polarization directions, in a single process eliminating the process complexity. This is the only capability of this study among previously reported devices.
Polycondensation‐Derived High‐Molecular Weight Lignin as Nonblended Precursor for Carbon Fibers
Authors: Clauss Manuel M. , Frank Erik , Bauch Volker , Kuske Lisa , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: December 2024

A new concept for the controlled chain‐extension of lignin has been developed. A mixture of trioxane as formaldehyde source, resorcinol as chain extender, and lignin allows to prepare high molecular weight precursor fibers by melt‐spinning, which can be spun on a semitechnical scale. Chain extension with resorcinol bridged by methylene groups is achieved during the stabilization process of the precursor fiber. After carbonization, carbon fibers (CFs) with an average diameter of 18 µm show an average tensile strength of 0.78 GPa and a Young's modulus of 106 GPa. A maximum tensile strength of 2.44 GPa and a Young's modulus of 294 GPa are reached with fibers 9.7 µm in diameter.
A One‐Stone‐Two‐Birds Strategy for Photothermal Shape Memory Polyurethane Utilizing Lignin as Monomer and Internal Photothermal Agent
Authors: Li Jinxing , Peng Jin , Huang Jinhao , Chen Shusheng , Liu Weifeng , Qiu Xueqing
Published: December 2024

Photothermal‐triggering shape memory polyurethane allows for precise and controllable shape transformation under remote light stimulation, making it highly desirable for applications in intelligent devices. This study develops a sustainable and high‐performance lignin‐based polyurethane (LPU) using a one‐stone‐two‐birds strategy, wherein lignin serves as both a synthetic monomer and an internal photothermal agent. The incorporation of lignin significantly improved the mechanical properties of LPU, achieving a tensile strength of 42.1 MPa and an impressive elongation at break of 1558%. Additionally, the LPU exhibited exceptional photothermal heating capabilities due to the inherent intramolecular π–π conjugations and intermolecular π–π stacking effects of lignin, which facilitated the precise and contactless remote photoheating. Furthermore, the rigid structure of lignin and robust hydrogen bonding interactions provided LPU with excellent multi‐cycle shape memory performance, with shape fixation and shape recovery rates exceeding 93% after five cycles. Under near‐infrared irradiation, LPU demonstrated precise non‐contact heating and remote photothermal shape‐control capabilities. This research not only offers a sustainable and high‐value application for lignin but also advances the development of environmentally friendly intelligent shape memory polyurethane materials.
Striatal Dopaminergic Function and Motor Slowing in Essential Tremor Plus
Authors: Kuusela Aino M. , Honkanen Emma A. , Jaakkola Elina , Myller Elina , Eklund Mikael , Nuuttila Simo , Murtomäki Kirsi‐Marja , Mertsalmi Tuomas , Levo Reeta , Ihalainen Toni , Noponen Tommi , Vahlberg Tero , Joutsa Juho , Scheperjans Filip , Kaasinen Valtteri
Published: December 2024

Background

While previous imaging studies have generally shown normal striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding in essential tremor (ET), emerging evidence suggests a partial dopaminergic mechanism in this condition and an epidemiological link between ET and Parkinson's disease (PD). This link seems particularly meaningful in ET patients with additional neurological signs, such as slowness of movements, rigidity, or rest tremor (ET+).

Objectives

To investigate the potential dopaminergic pathophysiology of ET+ and to compare it to PD.

Methods

Fourty‐three ET+ patients, 115 PD patients and 40 healthy controls were studied using [123I]FP‐CIT SPECT imaging and clinical examinations. A median follow‐up of 3.0 years was carried out to confirm the diagnoses. ET+ patients underwent an extended follow‐up with a median of 7.7 years (range 4.3–9.8 years). Region‐specific binding ratios of striatal DAT binding were compared among the groups and correlated with the MDS‐UPDRS motor scores.

Results

Bradykinesia scores were negatively associated with posterior putamen DAT binding in both the ET+ and PD groups, with the strongest correlation observed in finger tapping (F = 11.1, β = −0.10, 95%CI −0.16 to −0.04, P = 0.001). In ET+ patients, kinetic tremor asymmetry correlated with posterior putamen DAT binding asymmetry (r = 0.33, P = 0.043), indicating a relationship between more severe tremor and subtle contralateral DAT loss.

Conclusions

In ET+, subtle increases in bradykinesia scores correlate with striatal dopaminergic dysfunction, while kinetic tremor asymmetry is associated with hemispheric DAT binding asymmetry. These findings support the concept of partial dopaminergic involvement in the pathophysiology of ET+.
Enhanced Phase Coherence in Series‐Fed Patch Array Antenna: A Design Method for Uniform Element Spacing With Low Sidelobe Levels
Authors: Jung Jaewoong , Park Yunsik , Ryu Jongin
Published: December 2024

Microstrip series‐fed patch array antenna (SFPA) is increasingly prominent in millimeter‐wave radar systems. Especially, SFPA with tapered amplitude using Dolph–Chebyshev, Taylor, and Binomial distribution has been developed to reduce a sidelobe level (SLL), which is critical to radar resolution. Even though reported designs of SFPA have achieved notable reductions in SLLs, the patch element and inter‐element spacing optimized by simulation over the entire array design can't guarantee perfect in‐phase radiation. Consequently, for nonuniform SFPA designs, achieving precise in‐phase radiation necessitates a theoretical approach and a thorough phase analysis of each element. In this article, we present a noniterative design method to ensure in‐phase feeding to each patch element by accurately compensating for the phase difference encountered in nonuniform SFPA. This approach begins with designing the electrical length of each patch element to be equal to 35 GHz. Subsequently, delay lines are then designed to provide in‐phase feeding across the array while maintaining uniform spacing between elements. Consequently, we fabricated three 8‐element SFPAs operating at 35 GHz and compared their performance, and the proposed design shows an SLL of –20.7 dB with a radiation angle of .
Deep denoising approach to improve shear wave phase velocity map reconstruction in ultrasound elastography
Authors: Sahshong Phidakordor , Chandra Akash , Mercado‐Shekhar Karla P. , Bhatt Manish
Published: December 2024

Background

Measurement noise often leads to inaccurate shear wave phase velocity estimation in ultrasound shear wave elastography. Filtering techniques are commonly used for denoising the shear wavefields. However, these filters are often not sufficient, especially in fatty tissues where the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) can be very low.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a deep learning approach for denoising shear wavefields in ultrasound shear wave elastography. This may lead to improved reconstruction of shear wave phase velocity image maps.

Methods

The study addresses noise by transforming particle velocity data into a time‐frequency representation. A neural network with encoder and decoder convolutional blocks effectively decomposes the input and extracts the signal of interest, improving the SNR in high‐noise scenarios. The network is trained on simulated phantoms with elasticity values ranging from 3  to 60 kPa. A total of 1 85 570 samples with 80%–20 split were used for training and validation. The approach is tested on experimental phantom and ex‐vivo goat liver tissue data. Performance was compared with the traditional filtering methods such as bandpass, median, and wavelet filtering. Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis of variance was performed to check statistical significance. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test and Holm–Bonferroni adjustment of .

Results

The results are evaluated using SNR and the percentage of pixels that can be reconstructed in the phase velocity maps. The SNR levels in experimental data improved from –2 to 9.9 dB levels to 15.6 to 30.3 dB levels. Kruskal–Wallis one‐way analysis showed statistical significance (). Multiple comparisons with p‐value corrections also showed statistically significant improvement when compared to the bandpass and wavelet filtering scheme (). Smoother phase velocity maps were reconstructed after denoising. The coefficient of variation is less than in CIRS phantom and less than in ex‐vivo goat liver tissue.

Conclusions

The proposed approach demonstrates improvement in shear wave phase velocity image map reconstruction and holds promise that deep learning methods can be effectively utilized to extract true shear wave signal from measured noisy data.
Detection of an internal density change in an anthropomorphic head phantom via tracking of charged nuclear fragments in carbon‐ion radiotherapy
Authors: Schweins Luisa , Kirchgässner Rebekka , Ochoa‐Parra Pamela , Winter Marcus , Harrabi Semi , Mairani Andrea , Jäkel Oliver , Debus Jürgen , Martišíková Mária , Kelleter Laurent
Published: December 2024

Background

Carbon‐ion radiotherapy provides steep dose gradients that allow the simultaneous application of high tumor doses as well as the sparing of healthy tissue and radio‐sensitive organs. However, even small anatomical changes may have a severe impact on the dose distribution because of the finite range of ion beams.

Purpose

An in‐vivo monitoring method based on secondary‐ion emission could potentially provide feedback about the patient anatomy and thus the treatment quality. This work aims to prove that a clinically relevant anatomical change in an anthropomorphic head phantom may be detected via charged‐fragment tracking during a treatment fraction.

Methods

A clinically representative carbon‐ion treatment plan was created for a skull‐base tumor in an anthropomorphic head phantom. In order to imitate an inter‐fractional anatomical change — for example, through tissue swelling or mucous accumulation — a piece of silicone was inserted into the nasopharynx. Fragment distributions with and without the silicone insert were subsequently acquired with a mini‐tracker made of four hybrid silicon pixel detectors. Experimental irradiations were carried out at the Heidelberg Ion Beam Therapy Centre (HIT, Germany). FLUKA Monte Carlo simulations were performed to support the interpretation of the experimental results.

Results

It was found that the silicone causes a significant change in the fragment emission that was clearly distinguishable from statistical fluctuations and setup uncertainties. Two regions of fragment loss were observed upstream and downstream of the silicone with similar amplitude in both the measurement and the simulation. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the observed signature is a consequence of a complex interplay of fragment production, scattering, and absorption.

Conclusions

Carbon‐ion therapy monitoring with charged nuclear fragments was shown to be capable of detecting clinically relevant density changes in an anthropomorphic head phantom under realistic clinic‐like conditions. The complexity of the observed signal requires the development of advanced analysis techniques and underscores the importance of Monte Carlo simulations. The findings have strong implications for the ongoing InViMo clinical trial at HIT, which investigates the feasibility of secondary‐ion monitoring for skull‐base cancer patients.
Coupling of state space modules and attention mechanisms: An input‐aware multi‐contrast MRI synthesis method
Authors: Chen Shuai , Zhang Ruoyu , Liang Huazheng , Qian Yunzhu , Zhou Xuefeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Medical imaging plays a pivotal role in the real‐time monitoring of patients during the diagnostic and therapeutic processes. However, in clinical scenarios, the acquisition of multi‐modal imaging protocols is often impeded by a number of factors, including time and economic costs, the cooperation willingness of patients, imaging quality, and even safety concerns.

Purpose

We proposed a learning‐based medical image synthesis method to simplify the acquisition of multi‐contrast MRI.

Methods

We redesigned the basic structure of the Mamba block and explored different integration patterns between Mamba layers and Transformer layers to make it more suitable for medical image synthesis tasks. Experiments were conducted on the IXI (a total of 575 samples, training set: 450 samples; validation set: 25 samples; test set: 100 samples) and BRATS (a total of 494 samples, training set: 350 samples; validation set: 44 samples; test set: 100 samples) datasets to assess the synthesis performance of our proposed method in comparison to some state‐of‐the‐art models on the task of multi‐contrast MRI synthesis.

Results

Our proposed model outperformed other state‐of‐the‐art models in some multi‐contrast MRI synthesis tasks. In the synthesis task from T1 to PD, our proposed method achieved the peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) of 33.70 dB (95% CI, 33.61, 33.79) and the structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.966 (95% CI, 0.964, 0.968). In the synthesis task from T2 to PD, the model achieved a PSNR of 33.90 dB (95% CI, 33.82, 33.98) and SSMI of 0.971 (95% CI, 0.969, 0.973). In the synthesis task from FLAIR to T2, the model achieved PSNR of 30.43 dB (95% CI, 30.29, 30.57) and SSIM of 0.938 (95% CI, 0.935, 0.941).

Conclusions

Our proposed method could effectively model not only the high‐dimensional, nonlinear mapping relationships between the magnetic signals of the hydrogen nucleus in tissues and the proton density signals in tissues, but also of the recovery process of suppressed liquid signals in FLAIR. The model proposed in our work employed distinct mechanisms in the synthesis of images belonging to normal and lesion samples, which demonstrated that our model had a profound comprehension of the input data. We also proved that in a hierarchical network, only the deeper self‐attention layers were responsible for directing more attention on lesion areas.
Cyclosporine A Delays the Terminal Disease Stage in the TfamKO Mitochondrial Myopathy Mouse Model Without Improving Mitochondrial Energy Production
Authors: Chatel Benjamin , Varlet Isabelle , Ogier Augustin C. , Pecchi Emilie , Bernard Monique , Gondin Julien , Westerblad Håkan , Bendahan David , Gineste Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Introduction and Aims

Mitochondrial myopathies are rare genetic disorders for which no effective treatment exists. We previously showed that the pharmacological cyclophilin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) extends the lifespan of fast‐twitch skeletal muscle‐specific mitochondrial transcription factor A knockout (Tfam KO) mice, lacking the ability to transcribe mitochondrial DNA and displaying lethal mitochondrial myopathy. Our present aim was to assess whether the positive effect of CsA was associated with improved in vivo mitochondrial energy production.

Methods

Mice were treated with CsA for 4 weeks, beginning at 12 weeks (i.e., before the terminal disease phase). Hindlimb plantar flexor muscles were fatigued by 80 contractions (40 Hz, 1.5 s on, 6 s off) while measuring force and energy metabolism using phosphorus‐31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Force decreased at similar rates in Tfam KO mice with and without the CsA treatment, reaching 50% of the baseline value after ~14 ± 1 contractions, which was faster than in control mice (25 ± 1 contractions). Phosphocreatine (PCr) decreased to ~10% of the control concentration in Tfam KO mice, independent of the treatment, which was larger than the ~20% observed in control mice. The time constant of PCr recovery was higher in untreated Tfam KO than that in control muscle (+100%) and similar in untreated and CsA‐treated Tfam KO mice.

Discussion

The results do not support improved mitochondrial energy production as a mechanism underlying the prolonged lifespan of Tfam KO mitochondrial myopathy mice treated with CsA. Thus, other mechanisms must be involved, such as the previously observed CsA‐mediated protection against excessive mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation.
A Critical Need for Advanced Practice Nurse Education in Sub‐Saharan Africa and Lessons Learned From the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Discursive Review
Authors: Itambo Jacqueline , Owusu Brenda , McCamey Danielle , Baptiste Diana‐Lyn
Published: December 2024

Aim

To discuss the need to expand advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa as a strategic response to the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

Discursive paper.

Method

Searching international literature in PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar databases, we explored the impact of COVID‐19 in Sub‐Saharan Africa and the advanced practice nurse role and education in the pandemic response.

Discussion

The COVID‐19 pandemic served as a barrier to healthcare access and disrupted routine immunizations and care, reduced facility‐based healthcare services, increased disease burden and mortality, strain and is expected to worsen the healthcare workforce shortage in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The COVID‐19 pandemic has further emphasised the necessity to strengthen advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Conclusion

This discursive paper underscores the critical role of advanced practice nurse education in Sub‐Saharan Africa as a proactive strategy to strengthen the healthcare workforce and systems. The lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic highlight the urgency to invest in advanced practice nurse education and training programmes in the region.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no patient or public involvement in the design or drafting of this discursive paper. The authors reviewed the literature to develop a discussion about advanced nursing practice.
GLP1Ra‐based therapies and DXA‐acquired musculoskeletal health outcomes: a focused meta‐analysis of placebo‐controlled trials
Authors: Beavers Kristen M. , Cortes Tiffany M. , Foy Colleen M. , Dinkla Lauren , Reyes San Martin Fernando , Ard Jamy D. , Serra Monica C. , Beavers Daniel P.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP1Ra)‐based therapies on change in dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA)‐acquired lean mass (LM) or bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science were searched from database inception through January 29, 2024, for randomized, placebo‐controlled trials reporting on change in DXA‐acquired LM or BMD measures associated with 12+ weeks of GLP1Ra‐based treatment. Of 2618 articles, 9 trials met prespecified search criteria, with 7 reporting on change in total body LM and 2 reporting on change in BMD. For LM outcomes, a hierarchical Bayesian model was used to estimate treatment mean differences. BMD outcomes were described narratively.

Results

LM was reported in a total of 659 participants (GLP1Ra‐based therapies: n = 419; placebo: n = 240), with follow‐up times ranging from mean (SD) 12 to 72 (33.5) weeks. At baseline, participants were aged mean (SD) 41.7 (7.6) years, and 75% were female, with BMI values ranging from 30 to 43 kg/m2. Compared with placebo, GLP1Ra‐based treatment was associated with significantly reduced total body weight (−6.9 kg; 95% credible interval [CI]: −10.7 to −3.0). GLP1Ra‐based treatment was also associated with significantly reduced LM (−1.9 kg; 95% CI: −3.5 to −0.2).

Conclusions

Approximately 30% of body weight lost with GLP1Ra‐based therapy is LM. More data are needed assessing BMD outcomes.
Siesta behavior and genetics interact to influence obesity risk
Authors: Rodríguez‐Martín María , Salmerón Diego , Dashti Hassan S. , Isabel Cascales Ana , Aragón‐Alonso Aurora , Scheer Frank A. J. L. , Saxena Richa , Garaulet Marta
Published: December 2024

Objective

In this cross‐sectional study, we aim to investigate the interactions between obesity, siesta behavior, and the genetic propensity for siesta in a Mediterranean population, in whom siesta is deeply rooted.

Methods

We applied a previously generated Siesta‐Polygenic Score (PGS) in the ONTIME study (n = 1278). Siesta and other Mediterranean lifestyle behaviors were characterized using questionnaires. We further determined obesity grade. Secondarily, we measured weight loss during treatment as well as long‐term weight‐loss maintenance. Logistic regression analyses were performed to address our aim.

Results

A total of 42.4% of the population usually took siesta. A significant genetic influence on siesta propensity was found, with a higher genetic predisposition linked to taking siesta more frequently (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.03–1.32; p = 0.015). Participants with a higher genetic propensity for siesta showed poorer dietary habits (p < 0.05). Among individuals with a high genetic propensity for siesta, we found that those who usually take siesta have lower odds of having obesity (p = 0.038) compared with those who do not. Similarly, in exploratory analysis, among individuals with a high genetic propensity for siesta, we found that those who usually take siesta have higher odds of weight‐loss success (p = 0.007) compared with those who do not.   

Conclusions

Considering the ongoing debate regarding whether siesta is beneficial or detrimental, our findings suggest that individual genetic predisposition to siesta might influence the association between siesta and health.

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Not a border crisis, but a labor market crisis: The often overlooked “pull” factor of U.S. border crossings
Authors: Bahar Dany
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the link between Southwest U.S. border crossings and labor market tightness, measured by the job openings to unemployed ratio, over nearly 25 years (2000 to 2024). Analyzing monthly data, it finds a strong positive correlation, suggesting that increased border crossings strongly align with greater job availability. Exploiting data across different presidential administrations reveals no statistically significant differences in this relationship, regardless of the President's party. The findings suggest a natural economic adjustment mechanism in which crossings naturally decrease as the labor market cools.
Acid–Base Interaction Induced Removal of Methylene Blue From Wastewater by Using Ring Cross‐Linked Polyphosphazene Material
Authors: Song Linhua , Mu Yonghang , Yang Hailiang , Zhao Xiaodong , Li Zhiheng , Wang Zi
Published: December 2024

Dye‐containing wastewater (DCW) has become a serious environmental issue worldwide. In this work, thepoly(cyclotriphosphazene‐co‐2,4‐diamino‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐triazine) (PBMA) material was synthesized by precipitation polymerization method to probe the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from DCW. The adsorption conditions were optimized as pH = 7, initial MB concentration = 100 mg L−1, and adsorption time = 800 min. Based on the acid–base interaction, the MB molecules in the DCW was adsorbed over the surface of PBMA. The surface morphology, surface elemental composition and surface functional group changes of PBMA were monitored by scanning electron microscopy images, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the removal of MB prefers a single‐layer adsorption over PBMA surface according to the good fitness of the adsorption results by using Langmuir isotherm (R
2 = 0.9906). The kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorptive removal of MB follows the pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, with intra‐particle diffusion and external diffusion as the dominant factors. The PBMA maintained a high adsorption capacity even after undergoing five consecutive adsorption–desorption experiments (Over 90%). The development of polyphosphazene material provides potential application in the field of dye removal from DCW.
Development of a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model for Ritonavir characterizing exposure and drug interaction potential at both acute and steady‐state conditions
Authors: Ngo Lien Thi , Jung Woojin , Bui Tham Thi , Yun Hwi‐yeol , Chae Jung‐woo , Momper Jeremiah D.
Published: December 2024

Ritonavir (RTV) is a potent CYP3A inhibitor that is widely used as a pharmacokinetic (PK) enhancer to increase exposure to select protease inhibitors. However, as a strong and complex perpetrator of CYP3A interactions, RTV can also enhance the exposure of other co‐administered CYP3A substrates, potentially causing toxicity. Therefore, the prediction of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) and estimation of dosing requirements for concomitantly administered drugs is imperative. In this study, we aimed to develop a physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) model for RTV using the PK‐sim® software platform. A total of 13 clinical PK studies of RTV covering a wide dose range (100 to 600 mg including both single and multiple dosing), and eight clinical DDI studies with RTV on CYP3A and P‐gp substrates, including alprazolam, midazolam, rivaroxaban, clarithromycin, fluconazole, sildenafil, and digoxin were used for the model development and evaluation. Chronopharmacokinetic differences (between morning vs. evening doses) and limitations in parameter estimation for biochemical processes of RTV from in vitro studies were incorporated in the PBPK model. The final developed PBPK model predicted 100% of RTV AUClast and Cmax within a twofold dimension error. The geometric mean fold error (GMFE) from all PK datasets was 1.275 and 1.194, respectively. In addition, 97% of the DDI profiles were predicted with the DDI ratios within a twofold dimension error. The GMFE values from all DDI datasets were 1.297 and 1.212, respectively. Accordingly, this model could be applied to the prediction of DDI profiles of RTV and CYP3A substrates and used to estimate dosing requirements for concomitantly administered drugs.
A Cost Comparison of Pump‐and‐Treat and In Situ Colloidal Activated Carbon for PFAS Plume Management
Authors: Birnstingl Jeremy , Wilson John
Published: December 2024

This article compares the full installation and operational costs of a hydraulic containment (“pump‐and‐treat,” P&T) system with those of a hypothetical contemporary in situ colloidal activated carbon (CAC) barrier. Worked examples are provided using public domain data from the FT‐02 fire‐fighting training site on the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI. The projected CAC costs are approximately a third of the P&T costs over projection periods of 15–100 years ($ 7.2 M vs. $ 19 M at 30 years; 38%). Hydraulic containment and CAC remediation systems prevent the spread of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)‐contaminated groundwater. Hydraulic containment works by extracting contaminated groundwater, removing the contamination using activated carbon or other means, and re‐injecting the cleaned groundwater. The arrangement of extraction and injection wells and the related groundwater pumping rates create a hydraulic barrier that captures and contains the PFAS plume. In situ CAC barriers work as passive underground filters. Micron‐scale particles of activated carbon are injected into contaminated aquifers using drilling equipment or injection wells. Once injected, the carbon particles attach to the soil. An in situ permeable barrier is installed across a contaminant plume through the injection of a number of points at suitable spacings. Groundwater flows through the barrier zone unimpeded while PFAS contamination is captured and contained by the activated carbon. The longevity of the barrier is determined by the quantity of carbon emplaced relative to the contaminant flux. Barriers are typically designed to last for years (decades), after which time, carbon re‐applications can be made, if required. Principal differences between the approaches are the scale of operation and maintenance requirements, and, for P&T, the bringing of PFAS‐impacted water above ground to treat. This generates a filtration medium that is contaminated with PFAS, and which therefore requires handling as a PFAS waste with attendant liability. Hydraulic containment is also an active technology (requiring external energy input) and requires the operation and maintenance of pumping and filtration equipment. In situ CAC barriers are passive (powered by natural groundwater flow) and have no operation and maintenance requirements. They do not bring PFAS‐impacted material above ground and do not generate waste. Performance data of the installed P&T hydraulic containment system were analyzed to estimate the time to remedial completion using the system alone. Data extrapolation supported by statistical analysis indicates clean‐up targets will not be reached within 100 years of pumping. It is not realistic for P&T to be regarded as a means of aquifer clean‐up as the aquifer will remain contaminated for the realistic future. Comparison is made between P&T and CAC on their common basis as containment approaches. The goal is to reduce the exposure of down‐gradient receptors to PFAS.
Development of a New Emotional Intelligence Tool for Facilitating Systemic, Second‐Order Change Among Individuals, Teams and Organizations
Authors: Wilke Stephen D. , Wilke Jared R. D. , Viglione Donald J. , Gustaveson Cody , McGraw Danielle
Published: December 2024

The Developing Emotional Competency Questionnaire (DECQ) is designed to measure emotional intelligence (EI) to aid EI improvement within organizational interventions. It is unique in that one rates not only oneself but also one's work team and organization. It aims to induce mental constructs of EI at these three levels within a training intervention that focuses on systemic and second‐order change elements. This focus of the DECQ as a training tool to enhance EI necessitates balancing technical and psychometric concerns with utility and applied instructional realities. Thus, (a) measuring EI at three levels and (b) using this measurement as the foundation to train workforces about EI are the two distinctive qualities of the DECQ that distinguish it from other EI measures. Accordingly, it acts as both an instrument and an intervention. Archival, de‐identified data from 1058 individuals undergoing organizational consultations were accessed to maximize ecological validity. Internal consistency reliability, structural validity, factorial invariance and the normative foundation are presented. Findings are consistent with Goleman's EI model and recent revisions. Results provide initial support for DECQ ratings of self, work team and organization to identify EI strengths and weaknesses to target interventions.
Mobilität und Daseinsvorsorge zwischen Staat und Markt
Authors: Gegner Martin
Published: December 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird die Relation von Daseinsvorsorge und Verkehr nachgezeichnet: Von den Anfängen der begrifflichen Fassung der Daseinsvorsorge in den 1930er-Jahren über die Karriere des Konzepts in der alten Bundesrepublik und über den Versuch der konzeptionellen Harmonisierung mit dem französischen service public in der Europäischen Gemeinschaft/Union bis hin zu ihrer Renaissance in verschiedenen sozial- und wirtschaftspolitischen Kontexten im Angesicht von multiplen Krisen zu Beginn der 2020er-Jahre. Dabei wird argumentiert, dass eine begriffliche und inhaltliche Neufassung des Konzepts notwendig ist, um einerseits das existenzialphilosophische und politisch belastete Erbe des Begriffs abzuschütteln. Anderseits soll eine Neufassung unter dem Dach eines Existenzvorsorgegesetzes den aktuellen sozial- und krisenpolitischen Rahmenbedingungen besser gerecht werden und die verschiedenen Aspekte von Verkehr, digitaler Mobilität, sicherer Energieversorgung und Gesundheitspolitik aufeinander abgestimmt bündeln. Damit soll ein gesetzlicher Rahmen der wirtschaftlichen und politischen Kopplung der genannten Sektoren vorgegeben werden.