bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety gaps in medical team communication: Closing the loop on quality improvement efforts in the cardiac catheterization lab
Authors: Doorey Andrew J. , Turi Zoltan G. , Lazzara Elizabeth H. , Casey Molly , Kolm Paul , Garratt Kirk N. , Weintraub William S.
Published: April 2022

Closed‐loop communication (CLC) is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, critical in the cardiac catheterization laboratory (cath lab) where physician orders are verbal. Complete CLC is typically a hospital and national mandate. Deficiencies in CLC have been shown to impair quality of care. Single center observational study, CLC for physician verbal orders in the cath lab were assessed by direct observation during a 5‐year quality improvement effort. Performance feedback and educational efforts were used over this time frame to improve CLC, and the effects of each intervention assessed. Responses to verbal orders were characterized as complete (all important parameters of the order repeated, the mandated response), partial, acknowledgment only, or no response. During the first observational period of 101 cases, complete CLC occurred in 195 of 515 (38%) medication orders and 136 of 235 (50%) equipment orders. Complete CLC improved over time with various educational efforts, (p < 0.001) but in the final observation period of 117 cases, complete CLC occurred in just 259 of 328 (79%) medication orders and 439 of 581 (76%) equipment orders. Incomplete CLC was associated with medication and equipment errors. CLC of physician verbal orders was used suboptimally in this medical team setting. Baseline data indicate that physicians and staff have normalized weak, unreliable communication methods. Such lapses were associated with errors in order implementation. A subsequent 5‐year quality improvement program resulted in improvement but a sizable minority of unacceptable responses. This represents an opportunity to improve patient safety in cath labs.
Reasons for lesion uncrossability as assessed by intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Salem Hanan , Mintz Gary S. , Matsumura Mitsuaki , Zhang Mingyou , Usui Eisuke , Seike Fumiyasu , Fujimura Tatsuhiro , Noguchi Masahiko , Hu Xun , Jin Ge , Li Chenguang , Fall Khady N. , Ali Ziad A. , Kirtane Ajay J. , Collins Michael B. , Kodali Susheel K. , Nazif Tamim M. , Leon Martin B. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Maehara Akiko
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The purpose of the current study was to use intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to clarify anatomical and morphological lesion characteristics of uncrossable lesions.

Background

Uncrossable lesions are not always severely calcified. The prevalence of uncrossable lesions that are nonseverely calcified as well as other mechanisms for uncrossability has not been well clarified.

Methods

A total of 252 de novo uncrossable lesions in native coronary arteries that underwent either rotational or orbital atherectomy due to inability of any balloon to cross the lesion and 38 lesions with severe calcium in which IVUS crossed preatherectomy were included. Severe calcium is defined as maximum arc of calcium ≥270°.

Results

Severe calcification was absent in 16% of uncrossable lesions, 83% of which had a significant vessel bend. Compared with crossable lesions with severe calcium, uncrossable lesions with severe calcium more often had a bend in the vessel (71% vs. 21%, p < 0.001) and a longer length of continuous severe calcium (median length of calcium ≥270° 3.8 mm vs. 1.9 mm, p = 0.001). Other than severe calcium (especially long continuous calcium) or a bend in the vessel, anatomical factors associated with uncrossabilty were aorto‐ostial lesion location and small vessels.

Conclusions

Uncrossable lesions are not always severely calcified. The interaction of lesion morphology (continuous long and large arcs of calcium) and vessel geometry (bend in the vessel or ostial lesion location) affect lesion crossability.
Conversion of CH4 Catalyzed by Gas Phase Ions Containing Metals
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhao Yan‐Xia , He Sheng‐Gui
Published: April 2022

Methane is an abundant and cheap feedstock to produce valuable chemicals. The catalytic reaction of methane conversion generally requires the participation of multiple molecules (such as two or three CH4 molecules, O2, CO2, etc.). Such complex process includes the cleavage of original chemical bonds, formation of new chemical bonds, and desorption of products. The gas phase study provides a unique arena to gain molecular‐level insights into the detailed mechanisms of bond‐breaking and bond‐forming involved in complicated catalytic reactions. In this Review, we introduce the methane conversion catalyzed by gas phase ions containing metals and three topics will be discussed: (1) the direct coupling of methane molecules, (2) the conversion of CH4 with O2, O3 and N2O, and (3) the conversion of CH4 with CO2 and H2O. The obtained mechanistic aspects may provide new clues for rational design of better‐performing catalysts for conversion of methane to value‐added products.
The Role of Radical Bridges in Polynuclear Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Nguyen Giang Truong , Ungur Liviu
Published: April 2022

Employing radical bridges between anisotropic metal ions has been a viable route to achieve high‐performance single‐molecule magnets (SMMs). While the bridges have been mainly considered for their ability to promote exchange interactions, the crystal‐field effect arising from them has not been taken into account explicitly. This lack of consideration may distort the understanding and limit the development of the entire family. To shed light on this aspect, herein we report a theoretical investigation of a series of N
‐radical‐bridged diterbium complexes. It is found that while promoting strong exchange coupling between the terbium ions, the N
‐radical induces a crystal field that interferes destructively with that of the outer ligands, and thus reduces the overall SMM behavior. Based on the theoretical results, we conclude that the SMM behavior in this series could be further maximized if the crystal field of the outer ligands is designed to be collinear with that of the radical bridge. This conclusion can be generalized to all exchange‐coupled SMMs.
Green‐Light Activatable BODIPY and Coumarin 5’‐Caps for Oligonucleotide Photocaging
Authors: Kaufmann Janik , Müller Patricia , Andreadou Eleni , Heckel Alexander
Published: April 2022

We synthesized two green‐light activatable 5’‐caps for oligonucleotides based on the BODIPY and coumarin scaffold. Both bear an alkyne functionality allowing their use in numerous biological applications. They were successfully incorporated in oligonucleotides via solid‐phase synthesis. Copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) using a bisazide photo‐tether gave cyclic oligonucleotides that could be relinearized by activation with green light and were shown to exhibit high stability against exonucleases. Chemical ligation as another example for bioconjugation yielded oligonucleotides with an internal strand break site. Irradiation at 530 nm or 565 nm resulted in complete photolysis of both caging groups.
Selective Labeling of Peptides with o‐Carboranes via Manganese(I)‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Jei Becky Bongsuiru , Yang Long , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2022

A robust method for the selective labeling of peptides via manganese(I) catalysis was devised to achieve the C‐2 alkenylation of tryptophan containing peptides with 1‐ethynyl‐o‐carboranes. The manganese‐catalyzed C−H activation was accomplished with high catalytic efficiency, and featured low toxicity, high functional group tolerance and excellent E‐stereoselectivity. This approach unravels a promising tool for the assembly of o‐carborane with structurally complex peptides of relevance to applications in boron neutron capture therapy.
Characterization of Asx Turn Types and Their Connate Relationship with β‐Turns
Authors: D'mello Viola C. , Goldsztejn Gildas , Mundlapati Venkateswara Rao , Brenner Valérie , Gloaguen Eric , Charnay‐Pouget Florence , Aitken David J. , Mons Michel
Published: April 2022

Invited for the cover of this issue are David J. Aitken, Michel Mons, and co‐workers at Université Paris–Saclay. The image depicts the investigation strategies used to document the intrinsic structures of an important secondary structure in proteins, the so‐called Asx turn. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202104328.
Scoring systems of metabolic syndrome and prediction of cardiovascular events: A population based cohort study
Authors: Motamed Nima , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Karbalaie Niya Mohammad Hadi , Panahi Mahshid , Farahani Behzad , Rezaie Nader , Nikkhah Mehdi , Faraji Amir H. , Hemmasi Gholamreza , Perumal Dhayaneethie , Ashrafi G. Hossein , Safarnezhad Tameshkel Fahimeh , Gholizadeh Esmaeel , Khoonsari Mahmoodreza , Zamani Farhad
Published: April 2022

Background and Aims

Continuous scoring systems were developed versus traditional dichotomous approaches to define metabolic syndrome. The current study was carried out to evaluate the ability of scoring systems to predict fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events.

Materials and Methods

The data of 5147 individuals aged 18 years or more obtained from a population‐based cohort study were analyzed. The occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the period of 7 years follow‐up was considered as the associated outcome. Joint Interim Statement (JIS) definition, as a traditional definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and two versions of MetS scoring systems, based on standardized regression weights from structural equation modeling (SEM) and simple method for quantifying metabolic syndrome (siMS) were considered as potential predictors.

Results

The scoring systems, particularly, based on SEM, were observed to have a significant association with composite cardiovascular events (HR = 1.388 [95% CI = 1.153–1.670], p = .001 in men and HR = 1.307 [0.95% CI = 1.120–1.526] in women) in multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, whereas the traditional definition of MetS did not show any significant association. While both two scoring systems showed acceptable predictive abilities for cardiovascular events in women (MetS score based on SEM: area of under curve [AUC] = 0.7438 [95% CI = 0.6195–0.7903] and siMS: AUC = 0.7207 [95% CI = 0.6676–0.7738]), the two systems were not acceptable for identifying risk in men.

Conclusion

Unlike the dichotomous definition of MetS, the scoring systems showed an independent association with cardiovascular events. Scoring systems, particularly those based on SEM, may be useful for the prediction of cardiovascular events in women.
Distinguishing exercise intolerance in early‐stage pulmonary hypertension with invasive exercise hemodynamics: Rest VE/VCO2 and ETCO2 identify pulmonary vascular disease
Authors: Raza Farhan , Dharmavaram Naga , Hess Timothy , Dhingra Ravi , Runo James , Chybowski Amy , Kozitza Callyn , Batra Supria , Horn Evelyn M. , Chesler Naomi , Eldridge Marlowe
Published: April 2022

Background

Among subjects with exercise intolerance and suspected early‐stage pulmonary hypertension (PH), early identification of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) with noninvasive methods is essential for prompt PH management.

Hypothesis

Rest gas exchange parameters (minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production ratio: VE/VCO2 and end‐tidal carbon dioxide: ETCO2) can identify PVD in early‐stage PH.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of 55 subjects with early‐stage PH (per echocardiogram), undergoing invasive exercise hemodynamics with cardiopulmonary exercise test to distinguish exercise intolerance mechanisms. Based on the rest and exercise hemodynamics, three distinct phenotypes were defined: (1) PVD, (2) pulmonary venous hypertension, and (3) noncardiac dyspnea (no rest or exercise PH). For all tests, *p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age was 63.3 ± 13.4 years (53% female). In the overall cohort, higher rest VE/VCO2 and lower rest ETCO2 (mm Hg) correlated with high rest and exercise pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (r ~ 0.5–0.6*). On receiver‐operating characteristic analysis to predict PVD (vs. non‐PVD) subjects with noninvasive metrics, area under the curve for pulmonary artery systolic pressure (echocardiogram) = 0.53, rest VE/VCO2 = 0.70* and ETCO2 = 0.73*. Based on this, optimal thresholds of rest VE/VCO2 > 40 mm Hg and rest ETCO2 < 30 mm Hg were applied to the overall cohort. Subjects with both abnormal gas exchange parameters (n = 12, vs. both normal parameters, n = 19) had an exercise PVR 5.2 ± 2.6* (vs. 1.9 ± 1.2), mPAP/CO slope with exercise 10.2 ± 6.0* (vs. 2.9 ± 2.0), and none included subjects from the noncardiac dyspnea group.

Conclusions

In a broad cohort of subjects with suspected early‐stage PH, referred for invasive exercise testing to distinguish mechanisms of exercise intolerance, rest gas exchange parameters (VE/VCO2 > 40 mm Hg and ETCO2 < 30 mm Hg) identify PVD.
Impact of Covalent Modifications on the Hydrogen Bond Strengths in Diaminotriazine Supramolecules
Authors: Petelski Andre Nicolai , Pamies Silvana Carina , Márquez María Josefina Verónica , Sosa Gladis Laura , Peruchena Nélida María
Published: April 2022

Melamine (M) is a popular triamine triazine compound in the field of supramolecular materials. In this work, we have computationally investigated how substituents can be exploited to improve the binding strength of M supramolecules. Two types of covalent modifications were studied: the substitution of an H atom within an amine group −NHR, and the replacement of the whole −NH2 group (R=H, F, CH3 and COCH3). Through our dispersion‐corrected density functional theory computations, we explain which covalent modification will show the best self‐assembling capabilities, and why the binding energy is enhanced. Our charge density and molecular orbital analyses indicate that the best substituents are those that generate a charge accumulation on the endocyclic N atom, providing an improvement of the electrostatic attraction. At the same time the substituent assists the main N−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds by interacting with the amino group of the other monomer. We also show how the selected group notably boosts the strength of hexameric rosettes. This research, therefore, provides molecular tools for the rational design of emerging materials based on uneven hydrogen‐bonded arrangements.
Association of lipoprotein (a) and 1 year prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Li Zhiming , Liu Jingguang , Shen Jian , Chen Yumin , He Lizhen , Li Menghao , Xie Xiongwei
Published: April 2022

Aim

Current study was to evaluate relationship between baseline serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] level and prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and to explore whether the relationship would be modified by baseline high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP) level.

Methods and results

This is an observational prospective study. HFrEF patients from outpatient clinic were consecutively recruited (n = 362). Based on Lp(a) cutoff (30 mg/dL), patients were divided into normal and high Lp(a) groups; and based on Hs‐CRP cutoff (3 mg/dL), patients were divided into low‐degree and high‐degree groups. The 1 year rate of HF rehospitalization was similar between these two groups (22.7% vs. 24.1%, P = 0.18), while the 1 year rate of cardiovascular mortality was higher in Lp(a) ≥ 30 mg/dL versus Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL groups (20.3% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.009), as was composite endpoint (44.4% vs. 36.0%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, elevated Lp(a) level remained associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.22 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.64, P = 0.02] and composite endpoint (HR 1.38 and 95% CI 1.16–2.01, P = 0.006). In Hs‐CRP ≥ 3 mg/dL group, elevated Lp(a) level was associated with HF rehospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, and composite endpoint, which was not observed in Hs‐CRP < 3 mg/dL group. The association was greater for cardiovascular mortality (P‐interaction = 0.04) and composite endpoint (P‐interaction = 0.02) in Hs‐CRP ≥ 3 mg/dL versus Hs‐CRP < 3 mg/dL groups.

Conclusion

Elevated Lp(a) level is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in HFrEF patients, which might be due to enhanced systemic inflammation.
Total Synthesis of 12,13‐Dibenzyl‐banistenoside B and Analogs
Authors: Patil Suhag S. , Jachak Gorakhnath R. , Rama Krishna Gamidi , Argade Narshinha P. , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: April 2022

Banistenosides A and B possessing a unique “azepino(1,2‐a)tetrahydro‐β‐carboline” carbon framework were isolated from the stem of Banisteriopsis caapi and showed MAO‐A inhibition. Herein, we report the total synthesis of dibenzyl derivative of the untouched natural product in the last two decades, Banistenoside B. The key steps involve construction of 6.5.6.7 tetracyclic core using Pictet−Spengler reaction and intramolecular amide coupling. The stereoselective glycation was achieved through Hotha's protocol using gold catalyst, and silver triflate in the late stage of synthesis. The stereochemistry of most of the essential compounds were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography.
Flexible Prussian Blue‐Au Fibers as Robust Peroxidase – Like Nanozymes for Wearable Hydrogen Peroxide and Uric Acid Monitoring
Authors: Li Jiahui , Jiao Lei , Xiao Xiao , Nashalian Ardo , Mathur Shaurya , Zhu Zhijun , Wu Weitai , Guo Weiwei , Zhai Yanling , Lu Xiaoquan , Chen Jun
Published: April 2022

Fiber‐based electronics technology has been making significant strides towards applicable emergence into many fields. One such field is the use of fiber‐based electronics in the development of smart textiles. Here, we report the use of stretchable styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene (SEBS) fibers as a conductive substrate to simultaneously load Au nanowire and Prussian blue (PB) as biosensing interfaces. Accordingly, due to the synergistic catalytic effect between Au nanowire and Prussian blue, the as‐obtained flexible PB/Au fibers can not only show the potential as wearable biosensors but also serve as high‐performance peroxidase‐like nanozymes. The functional fibers can be used for colorimetric detection of H2O2 and uric acid, exhibiting satisfactory sensitivity and selectivity in serum sample analysis. The flexible PB/Au fibers represent a new form of Peroxidase‐like nanozymes, which could open doors to various wearable biosensing applications.
Multidimensional Co3O4/NiO heterojunctions with rich‐boundaries incorporated into reduced graphene oxide network for expanding the range of lithiophilic host
Authors: Meng Qianqian , Guan Minrong , Huang Yongxin , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: April 2022

The commercial application of lithium (Li) metal anode is hindered by the growth of Li dendrites. Here, we develop a multidimensional composite structure composed of Co3O4/NiO heterojunction particles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets, that allows Li to nucleate and deposit selectively in one direction. Among, two transition metal oxides (TMOs) without lithiophilicity are transformed into lithiophilic species due to the rich phase boundaries and high Li adsorption energies on interfaces, which can provide uniform active sites and reduce nucleation overpotential for Li deposition. Meanwhile, the rGO substrate with high electrical conductivity and large specific surface area can form a conductive network between TMOs and alleviate volume expansion caused by Li deposition. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of the heterojunctions and carbon substrate, the Co3O4/NiO‐rGO regulates the local current density and enables the dendrite‐free Li plating/stripping behavior. At a current density of 1 mA cm−2, the Li metal anode with the Co3O4/NiO‐rGO host exhibits remarkable electrochemical performance, consistently maintaining high Coulombic efficiency (>93.8%) over 1000 cycles. Additionally, the full cells matched with LiFePO4 cathode also display high rate capability of 130 mAh g−1 at 1 C and stable cycling life over 500 cycles.

image
COVID‐19 behavioral questionnaire (CoBQ): Comparing the pandemic's impact on health behavior in three US states
Authors: Mercadante Amanda R. , Chu Vivian , Chen Aleda M. H. , Wong Jason C. , Khare Manorama M. , Law Anandi V.
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted daily routines for a majority of the population, with implications for their health behaviors. Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID‐19. The novel COVID‐19 Behavioral Questionnaire (CoBQ) was developed in Fall 2020 to provide a means to measure the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the United States population. The study utilized behavioral domains to determine which demographic groups reported that they were made the most vulnerable during Fall‐Winter 2020–2021 of the pandemic.

Objectives

The study aimed to further validate and test the CoBQ in varied US regions and compare the scores obtained from three states, California, Ohio, and Illinois.

Methods

A prospective, multi‐site survey‐based study was designed to further validate and test the 17‐item CoBQ in varied populations. Respondents included patients on routine visits at each pharmacy or clinical site who agreed to complete the survey online via Qualtrics. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, psychometric testing, and comparison of groups using Analysis of Variance.

Results

Completed surveys (n = 507) between October 2021 and March 2021 were analyzed. Respondents were mostly female, white, and had some college education. The CoBQ showed improved reliability compared with previous testing and strong construct validity through factor analysis. Overall scores were similar between three states. The most impacted groups included those who reported within the 18–49 age group, a yearly household income <$50 000, or education up to high school.

Conclusions

The CoBQ is the first validated tool to measure the negative impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on health behaviors. Results could serve as a baseline to address the most vulnerable patient groups and support identified behavioral needs during a similar pandemic situation.
Identification of autophagy‐related biomarker and analysis of immune infiltrates in oral carcinoma
Authors: Fu Honghai , Zhao Dianguo , Sun Legang , Huang Yumei , Ma Xiangrui
Published: April 2022

Background

Autophagy plays a vital role in the progression of the tumor. We aimed to investigate the expression, prognostic value, and immune infiltration of autophagy‐related genes in oral carcinoma via bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The microarray datasets (GSE146483 and GSE23558) of oral carcinoma were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between normal and diseased groups were identified by the Limma package. The screened autophagy‐related gene was further validated by the human protein atlas (HPA) database, TCGA database, and GSE78060 dataset.

Results

A total of 18 upregulated (top 10: EGFR, TNF, FADD, AURKA, E2F1, CHEK1, BRCA1, BIRC5, EIF2AK2, and CSF2) and 31 downregulated (top 10: MAP1LC3A, PARK2, AGT, IGF1, TP53INP1, CXCL12, IKBKB, SESN1, ULK2, and RRAGD) autophagy‐related (DEGs) were identified, and FADD was found to be related to the prognosis of oral cancer patients. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that FADD‐associated genes were significantly enriched in immune‐related pathways. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that FADD expression was associated with immune infiltrates. Upregulation of FADD is associated with poor survival and immune infiltrates in oral cancer.

Conclusion

We speculated that FADD is involved in the immune regulation of oral cancer, as well as autophagy.
Circulating cell‐free circRNA panel predicted tumorigenesis and development of colorectal cancer
Authors: Qi Le , Pan Ying , Tang Min , Chen Xi
Published: April 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is reported with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, the sensitivity of diagnostic markers for colorectal cancer is low. Therefore, further exploration of new plasma diagnostic markers for early detection of colorectal cancer is of great value. We aimed to explore potential circRNAs in plasma as biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRC.

Methods

We employed the circRNA microarray to investigate dysregulated circRNAs in plasma samples of CRC patients, colorectal adenoma patients (CRA), and healthy controls. Through in‐depth analysis, significantly differentially expressed circRNAs were screened as candidate targets.

Results

Eight circRNAs (hsa_circ_104885, hsa_circ_100185, hsa_circ_103171, hsa_circ_001978, hsa_circ_105039, hsa_circ_103627, hsa_circ_101717, and hsa_circ_104192) were obtained as candidate circRNAs with upregulation in CRC comparing with both CRA and healthy control. Through detecting the plasma expression levels of eight candidate targets, we identified three circRNA (hsa_circ_001978, hsa_circ_105039, and hsa_circ_103627) with increased level which were consistent with the microarray results in training set. Further validation found the circRNA panel was consistent with training set. The ROC curve also revealed a high diagnostic ability of hsa_circ_001978, hsa_circ_105039, and hsa_circ_103627 in predicted the CRC from CRA patients (AUC = 0.966) as well as healthy controls (AUC = 0.969).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that hsa_circ_001978, hsa_circ_105039, and hsa_circ_103627 might be a CRC‐specific biomarker for early diagnosis.
Learning from maternal voices on COVID‐19 vaccine uptake: Perspectives from pregnant women living in the Midwest on the COVID‐19 pandemic and vaccine
Authors: Redmond Michelle L. , Mayes Paigton , Morris Kyla , Ramaswamy Megha , Ault Kevin A. , Smith Sharla A.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to understand COVID‐19 vaccine perceptions and decision‐making among a racially/ethnically diverse population of pregnant and lactating women in the Midwest. Pregnant female participants (N = 27) at least 18 years. or older living in the Midwest were recruited to participate in a maternal voices survey. A mix‐methods approach was used to capture the perceptions of maternal voices concerning the COVID‐19 vaccine. Participants completed an online survey on COVID‐19 disease burden, vaccine knowledge, and readiness for uptake. A total of 27 participants completed the Birth Equity Network Maternal Voices survey. Most participants were African American (64%). Sixty‐three percent intend to get the vaccine. Only 25% felt at‐risk for contracting COVID‐19, and 74% plan to consult their provider about getting the COVID‐19 vaccine. At least 66% had some concerns about the safety of the vaccine. Participants indicated a willingness to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine, especially if recommended by their provider. We found little racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of COVID‐19 and low vaccine hesitancy.
Current State of MRI‐Guided Endovascular Arterial Interventions: A Systematic Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Nijsink Han , Overduin Christiaan G. , Willems Loes H. , Warlé Michiel C. , Fütterer Jurgen J.
Published: April 2022

Background

MRI guidance of arterial endovascular interventions could be beneficial as it does not require radiation exposure, allows intrinsic blood‐tissue contrast, and enables three‐dimensional and functional imaging, however, clinical applications are still limited.

Purpose

To review the current state of MRI‐guided arterial endovascular interventions and to identify the most commonly reported challenges.

Study Type

Systematic review.

Population

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library were systematically searched to find relevant articles. The search strategy combined synonyms for vascular pathology, endovascular therapy, and real‐time MRI guidance.

Field Strength/Sequence

No field strength or sequence restrictions were applied.

Assessment

Two reviewers independently identified and reviewed the original articles and extracted relevant data.

Statistical Tests

Results of the included original articles are reported.

Results

A total of 24,809 studies were identified for screening. Eighty‐eight studies were assessed for eligibility, after which data were extracted from 43 articles (6 phantom, 33 animal, and 4 human studies). Reported technical success rates for animal and human studies ranged between 42% to 100%, and the average complication rate was 5.8% (animal studies) and 8.8% (human studies). Main identified challenges were related to spatial and temporal resolution as well as safety, design, and scarcity of current MRI‐compatible endovascular devices.

Data Conclusion

MRI guidance of endovascular arterial interventions seems feasible, however, included articles included mostly small single‐center case series. Several hurdles remain to be overcome before larger trials can be undertaken. Main areas of research should focus on adequate imaging protocols with integrated tracking of dedicated endovascular devices.
Supply chain transparency: Consumer reactions to incongruent signals
Authors: Mollenkopf Diane A. , Peinkofer Simone T. , Chu Yu ( Jade)
Published: April 2022

In response to consumers' growing interest in how products are sourced, produced, and distributed, organizations are increasingly transparent about their supply chain sustainability practices. Supply chain transparency (SCT) efforts are intended to signal positive information about the company to consumers but the benefits are often unclear, especially when consumers receive multiple, but mixed signals that include negative events. We draw on signaling theory to explore how consumers develop impressions of a company's products based on different evaluative dimensions: the positive integrity signal of SCT and the negative capability signal of a product recall. The incongruent signal set creates ambiguity for consumers in assessing product quality and subsequent purchase decisions. We develop two scenario‐based experiments to test aspects of interdimensional signal incongruence. Experiment 1 investigates the magnitude of signal incongruity by considering combinations of different levels of SCT and product recall severity. Experiment 2 investigates the temporal effect of the incongruent signals, considering the restorative effect of SCT after a product recall signal has been received. While product recall signals are salient for consumers in shaping perceptions of product quality and purchase intentions across both experiments, we demonstrate the strategic value of SCT as a positive integrity signal to consumers.
Evaluating habitat selection models to predict critical habitat for mountain goats in northwest British Columbia
Authors: Wolf Jesse F. , MacAulay Kara M. , Kriss Krystal D.
Published: April 2022

Anthropogenic activity imposes increasing pressure on wildlife populations globally; these pressures can affect habitat suitability and function, modify wildlife space use, and influence population viability. Native mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus) populations can be negatively affected by anthropogenic disturbance and modify their space use in response to land development and recreational activity. From 2018 to 2020, we studied space use of mountain goats northeast of Smithers, British Columbia, Canada, an area that is subject to increasing anthropogenic development and yearlong recreational activities. We aimed to generate models that would improve our ability to identify habitat for mountain goats relative to existing survey data and established ungulate winter ranges. Using resource selection function (RSF) analyses generated from global positioning system (GPS) collar data, we identified influential habitat covariates and compared these covariates and RSF values to existing habitat models. Additionally, we compared the extent to which our models were congruent with existing resource selection probability functions, were congruent with aerial survey data, and overlapped existing ungulate winter ranges previously derived from predictive models inside and outside of the study area. Overall, our models noted higher RSF values among GPS data relative to aerial survey data for winter months, while results for summer habitats were comparable. In extending our RSFs outside of the study area and evaluating the overlap with ungulate winter ranges in adjacent areas, values were similar, albeit lower, as is expected given that the models were developed elsewhere. Ultimately, these models, combined with existing methods, improve the accuracy and reliability of identified, important areas of habitat for mountain goats. We recommend that the RSF models generated here be used in conjunction with aerial survey data and existing methods to delineate ungulate winter ranges for mountain goats in similar eco‐regions in British Columbia. The models developed here support existing methods that have been used to delineate or validate ungulate winter ranges for mountain goats in British Columbia and help facilitate mitigation measures to support the continued use of important winter habitat and significant landscape features that play a role in ensuring population viability and resilience through time.
SexEst: An open access web application for metric skeletal sex estimation
Authors: Constantinou Chrysovalantis , Nikita Efthymia
Published: April 2022

Skeletal sex estimation is an essential step in any osteoarcheological study; hence, several metric and morphological methods have been developed for this purpose, employing different skeletal elements. This paper has a dual purpose: (1) test the performance of several machine learning classification models for skeletal sex estimation using worldwide samples of cranial and postcranial measurements and (2) present a free web application for the implementation of the models that exhibit the highest accuracy so that the sex of unknown skeletons can be straightforwardly estimated. Regarding the first objective, using the Goldman database of postcranial metrics and the William W. Howells craniometric database, machine learning classification models were constructed for sex prediction. The models were optimized with respect to their hyperparameters and cross‐validated reaching accuracies ranging from 80.8%–89.5% for the postcranial data and 81.2%–87.7% for the cranial data. The models offering the highest rates of correct sex classification (Extreme Gradient Boosting, Light Gradient Boosting, and Linear Discriminant Analysis) were then selected to construct an open access and open source web application, SexEst, for predicting the sex of unknown skeletons.
Luminescence imaging of solar modules in full sunlight using ultranarrow bandpass filters
Authors: Rey Germain , Kunz Oliver , Green Martin , Trupke Thorsten
Published: April 2022

Photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation is the fastest growing energy source globally and also humanity's best opportunity to achieve the urgently required deep decarbonisation of the energy sector. As PV enters the terawatt scale, with millions of modules in a single PV power plant, quality testing of installed PV modules becomes indispensable to guarantee PV as a reliable long‐term source of electricity. We present a method that extends the use of photoluminescence (PL) imaging to field‐deployed solar modules in full sunlight. The method takes advantage of sunlight absorption in the Earth's atmosphere in a narrow spectral range around 1,135‐nm wavelength and recent developments in ultranarrow bandpass optical filter technology. The technical principles and experimental data are provided. This method lays the foundations for PL imaging, a powerful inspection method for the PV industry and research, to be applied to routine high‐volume inspection of fielded PV modules on large‐scale solar power plants.
Teaching self‐management strategies to upper‐elementary students: Evidence of promise from the We Have Choices program
Authors: Smolkowski Keith , Marquez Brion , Marquez Jessie , Vincent Claudia , Pennefather Jordan , Walker Hill , Strycker Lisa A.
Published: April 2022

Student behavior problems in general‐education classrooms present a major barrier to effective teaching. Behavior challenges, such as disruptions, noncompliance, and peer conflicts, reduce instructional time, whereas prosocial behaviors, such as paying attention, being ready to work, asking for help, participating in class, and completing homework, improve academic performance. Most interventions developed to address student behavior problems were not designed for general‐education students in typical classrooms. The purpose of this paper is to present preliminary results from a novel intervention developed to enhance behavioral self‐management skills among all upper‐elementary students in general‐education classrooms. We Have Choices, a universal intervention, was designed to increase students' capacity to make appropriate behavioral choices and decrease teachers' responsibility by transferring behavior management to students. An initial randomized controlled trial with 86 fourth‐ to sixth‐grade teachers and 2055 students suggested that We Have Choices was associated with improvements in student‐reported use of self‐management strategies, teacher‐reported student prosocial behavior, and teacher‐reported self‐efficacy in behavior management and instruction. Teachers gave the program high scores for social validity, suggesting a good fit for their classrooms.
Spinal muscular atrophy: Surviving respiratory failure, intensive care and pursuing creatively fulfilled life
Authors: Cheng James W. C. H. , Lai Kwan Yi , Yam Shirley W. L. , Leung Karen K. Y. , Lee Lilian P. Y. , Hon Kam Lun Ellis
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Spinal muscular atrophy is a congenital condition associated with mutations in the SMN1 gene. Patients have normal intellectual development, but the natural history is progressive respiratory failure resulting in premature death.

Case

Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 2 in early primary school, the wheelchair‐bound girl developed severe pneumonia on one occasion, when she became critically ill and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit with multiorgan dysfunction, requiring mechanical ventilation and high inotropic support. Parents and the patient expressed strong desire for full respiratory and intensive care support to be given. Survived the episode, she is wheelchair ambulatory and continues to pursue a creative artistic career.

Discussion

Children with SMA and their families need to be supported by a comprehensive multi‐disciplinary team to manage this illness. Pediatricians and healthcare givers must provide up‐to‐date health advice on COVID‐19 prophylaxis and management to special groups of patients with respiratory and neurological risks.
Characteristics of Low‐Energy Phases of Hafnia and Zirconia from Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Azevedo Antunes Luis , Ganser Richard , Kuenneth Christopher , Kersch Alfred
Published: April 2022

A systematic simulation study of low‐energy phases of HfO2 and ZrO2, including 24‐atomic cells derived from 180° interphases, leads to a new monoclinic Pc phase (mIII) with a monoclinic angle and a polarization of 0.3 C m−2. This opens up a new transition path toward the monoclinic P2

1

/c phase (m) starting from the tetragonal P4

2

/nmc phase (t), with comparable lower‐energy barriers, where the high‐symmetric phases show the largest temperature dependence. The tetragonal P4

2

/nmc phase, the cubic (c) phase, and the less investigated cubic (cII) phase are favored.
Crystalline Covalent Triazine Frameworks with Fibrous Morphology via a Low‐Temperature Polycondensation of Planar Monomer
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Manying , Wang Xueqing , Wang Xiaoyan , Tan Bien
Published: April 2022

The morphology regulation of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) is a great challenge, which may be due to the difficulty in controlling its morphology by traditional synthesis methods. Herein, a general approach to fabricate morphology controllable CTFs by a mild polycondensation reaction in mixed solvents without any templating agents is reported. As a proof of concept, a type of crystalline CTFs with distinctive fibrous morphology (MS‐F‐CTF‐1) (MS: Mixed Solvent; F: Fibrous Morphology) is developed by adjusting the ratio of mixed solvents to control the solubility of monomers, so that the nucleation, crystal growth, and subsequent self‐assembly are controlled, which facilitates the formation of fibrous morphology. The resultant crystalline MS‐F‐CTF‐1 shows uniform fibrous morphology with a diameter of about 100 nm and a length of several micrometers. Notably, the fibrous morphology of CTFs can efficiently improve the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance, in which the hydrogen evolution rate can be boosted by about two times in comparison to block ones.
Use of native chicken breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus) for the development of suitable methods of Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) semen cryopreservation
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Castaño Cristina , Toledano‐Díaz Adolfo , Caamaño José Néstor , Hidalgo Carlos , Fidalgo Luis Eusebio , López‐Beceiro Ana María , Esteso Milagros Cristina , Balsera Ramón , García‐Casado Pedro , Łukaszewicz Ewa , Santiago‐Moreno Julián
Published: April 2022

Background

The Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) is critically endangered. This subspecies has the lowest genetic variability and it is in regression. It belongs to Phasianidae family; therefore, the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) could be a good model for developing reproductive technologies for use in capercaillie populations with low availability of animals.

Objectives

In this study, we analyzed the response of capercaillie sperm to the freezing–thawing process for contributing to the development of a semen cryobank of Cantabrian capercaillie.

Methods

We used domestic chicken as the animal model in order to obtain the freezing protocol before applying on capercaillie. In the first experiment, two different extenders (EK and LR84) and different concentrations [4% and 6% dimethyl‐acetamide (DMA) v:v] of cryoprotectants were evaluated using in‐straw freezing method in domestic chickens. A pilot study in capercaillie males, using the same conditions evaluated in chicken, was performed.

Results

In chicken, we found that the LR84‐4% DMA media provided the best results for freezing semen. In capercaillie study, LR84 extender seemed to be the most appropriate diluent and 4% was the better dose of DMA cryoprotectant agent. Further, based on previous studies carried out in rooster samples, we also tested the glycerol (8% v/v) as a cryoprotectant for capercaillie semen cryopreservation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sperm from both domestic and wild species had a similar response to freezing–thawing processes. Mediterranean chickens may be used as a suitable model for developing sperm freezing protocols that can be extrapolated to threatened capercaillie populations. In addition, LR84 media with glycerol was the most efficient extender to freeze capercaillie sperm native.
A Versatile Route To Cyclic (Alkyl)(Amino)Carbene‐Stabilized Stibinidenes
Authors: Philipp Michael S. M. , Radius Udo
Published: April 2022

A convenient route for the synthesis of the cAACMe (cAAC=cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene, cAACMe=1‐(2,6‐di‐iso‐propylphenyl)‐3,3,5,5‐tetramethyl‐pyrrolidin‐2‐ylidene) and cAACCy (cAACCy=2‐azaspiro[4.5]dec‐2‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐3,3‐dimethyl‐1‐ylidene) stabilized stibinidenes cAACMe⋅SbMes (2 a) (Mes=2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl) and cAACCy⋅SbMes (2 b) is reported. A mechanism for the formation of [cAACRCl][SbCl3Mes] 1 and cAACR⋅SbMes 2 from the reaction of cAAC with the antimony(III) precursor SbCl2Mes, which proceeds via the isolable intermediate [cAACRSbClMes][SbCl3Mes] (3), is proposed.
Sizing of a stand-alone PV–wind–battery–diesel hybrid energy system and optimal combination using a particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: El Boujdaini Latifa , Mezrhab Ahmed , Moussaoui Mohammed Amine , Jurado Francisco , Vera David
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the main objective is the simulation of the electric supply for homes in remote areas located in Morocco (Oujda and Ouarzazate), Spain (Granada), and Algeria (Bechar). This simulation study is divided into two ideas, the first one is to optimize the hybrid system under a varied number of houses and the second part is to fix it in chosen values. This work relied on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method to optimize and analyze the proposed stand-alone photovoltaic/wind/diesel/battery hybrid system. MATLAB software is used to run the simulations and to carry out the optimal solutions of the optimized system using a developed PSO algorithm. The PSO approach contains five principal operator axes, which are problem definition, PSO initial parameters, initialization, PSO main loop, and then run of the algorithm. Optimizing the system component sizes and reaching the minimum cost of energy (COE) were the function objectives of this optimization study. Moreover, calculation of the hydrogen production from the generated energy by PV and wind systems is performed.
A deep learning masked segmentation alternative to manual segmentation in biparametric MRI prostate cancer radiomics
Authors: Bleker Jeroen , Kwee Thomas C. , Rouw Dennis , Roest Christian , Borstlap Jaap , de Jong Igle Jan , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Huisman Henkjan , Yakar Derya
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the value of a deep learning masked (DLM) auto-fixed volume of interest (VOI) segmentation method as an alternative to manual segmentation for radiomics-based diagnosis of clinically significant (CS) prostate cancer (PCa) on biparametric magnetic resonance imaging (bpMRI).

Materials and methods

This study included a retrospective multi-center dataset of 524 PCa lesions (of which 204 are CS PCa) on bpMRI. All lesions were both semi-automatically segmented with a DLM auto-fixed VOI method (averaging < 10 s per lesion) and manually segmented by an expert uroradiologist (averaging 5 min per lesion). The DLM auto-fixed VOI method uses a spherical VOI (with its center at the location of the lowest apparent diffusion coefficient of the prostate lesion as indicated with a single mouse click) from which non-prostate voxels are removed using a deep learning–based prostate segmentation algorithm. Thirteen different DLM auto-fixed VOI diameters (ranging from 6 to 30 mm) were explored. Extracted radiomics data were split into training and test sets (4:1 ratio). Performance was assessed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

In the test set, the area under the ROC curve (AUCs) of the DLM auto-fixed VOI method with a VOI diameter of 18 mm (0.76 [95% CI: 0.66–0.85]) was significantly higher (p = 0.0198) than that of the manual segmentation method (0.62 [95% CI: 0.52–0.73]).

Conclusions

A DLM auto-fixed VOI segmentation can provide a potentially more accurate radiomics diagnosis of CS PCa than expert manual segmentation while also reducing expert time investment by more than 97%.

Key Points

• Compared to traditional expert-based segmentation, a deep learning mask (DLM) auto-fixed VOI placement is more accurate at detecting CS PCa.

• Compared to traditional expert-based segmentation, a DLM auto-fixed VOI placement is faster and can result in a 97% time reduction.

• Applying deep learning to an auto-fixed VOI radiomics approach can be valuable.