bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated diffusion and relaxation‐diffusion MRI using time‐division multiplexing EPI
Authors: Ji Yang , Gagoski Borjan , Hoge W. Scott , Rathi Yogesh , Ning Lipeng 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo develop a time‐division multiplexing echo‐planar imaging (TDM‐EPI) sequence for approximately two‐ to threefold acceleration when acquiring joint relaxation‐diffusion MRI data with multiple TEs.MethodsThe proposed TDM‐EPI sequence interleaves excitation and data collection for up to 3 separate slices at different TEs and uses echo‐shifting gradients to disentangle the overlapping echo signals during the readout period. By properly arranging the sequence event blocks for each slice and adjusting the echo‐shifting gradients, diffusion‐weighted images from separate slices can be acquired. Therefore, we present 2 variants of the sequence. A single‐TE TDM‐EPI is presented to demonstrate the concept. Next, a multi‐TE TDM‐EPI is presented to highlight the advantages of the TDM approach for relaxation‐diffusion imaging. These sequences were evaluated on a 3 Tesla scanner with a water phantom and in vivo human brain data.ResultsThe single‐TE TDM‐EPI sequence can simultaneously acquire 2 slices with a maximum b value of 3000 s/mm2 and 2.5 mm isotropic resolution using interleaved readout windows with TE ≈ 78 ms. With the same b value and resolution, the multi‐TE TDM‐EPI sequence can simultaneously acquire 2 or 3 separate slices using interleaved readout sections with shortest TE ≈ 70 ms and ΔTE ≈ 30 ms. Phantom and in vivo experiments have shown that the proposed TDM‐EPI sequences can provide similar image quality and diffusion measures as conventional EPI readouts with multiple echoes but can reduce the overall relaxation‐diffusion protocol scan time by approximately two‐ to threefold.ConclusionTDM‐EPI is a novel approach to acquire diffusion imaging data at multiple TEs. This enables a significant reduction in acquisition time for relaxation‐diffusion MRI experiments but without compromising image quality and diffusion measurements, thus removing a significant barrier to the adoption of relaxation‐diffusion MRI in clinical research studies of neurological and mental disorders.
Mapping magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) in human brain at 7T: Protocol optimization under specific absorption rate constraints
Authors: Olsson Hampus , Andersen Mads , Wirestam Ronnie , Helms Gunther 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo optimize a whole‐brain magnetization transfer saturation (MTsat) protocol at 7T, focusing on maximizing obtainable MTsat under the constraints of specific absorption rate (SAR) and transmit field inhomogeneity, while avoiding bias and keeping scan time short.Theory and MethodsMTsat is a semi‐quantitative metric, obtained by spoiled gradient‐echo MRI in the imaging steady‐state. Optimization was based on an established 7T dual flip angle protocol, and focused on MT pulse, readout flip angle, repetition time (TR), offset frequency (Δ), and correction of residual effects from transmit field inhomogeneities by separate flip angle mapping.ResultsA 100% SAR level was reached at a 180° MT pulse flip angle, using a compact sinc main lobe (4 ms duration) and minimum TR = 26.5 ms. The use of Δ = +2.0 kHz caused no discernible direct saturation, while Δ = −2.0 kHz resulted in 45% higher MTsat in white matter (WM) compared to Δ = +2.0 kHz. A 4° readout flip angle eliminated bias while yielding a good signal‐to‐noise ratio. Increased TR yielded only a little increase in MTsat, and TR = 26.5 ms (scan time 04:58 min) was thus selected. Post hoc transmit field correction clearly improved homogeneity, especially in WM.ConclusionsThe range of MTsat is limited at 7T, and this can partly be overcome by the exploitation of the asymmetry of the macromolecular lineshape through the sign of Δ. To reduce scan time, a compact MT pulse with a sufficiently narrow frequency response should be used. TR and readout flip angle should be kept short/small. Transmit field correction through separate flip angle mapping is required.
Assessing the effect of nursing stress factors on turnover intention among newly recruited nurses in hospitals in China
Authors: Zhou Lulin , Kachie Tetgoum Arielle Doris , Quansah Prince Ewudzie , Owusu‐Marfo Joseph 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThis study sought to investigate some possible job stress factors that could influence newly recruited nurses’ behaviour to either continue or discontinue their job with their organization.DesignA cross‐sectional study design was adopted for this study.MethodUsing 654 responses from novice nurses working in 20 county Chinese hospitals, we estimated the effects of six job stressors from the perceived stress scale on the turnover intention with a structural equation model in AMOS version 21 software.ResultsThe results showed that four stressors, stress from taking care of patients (β = 0.111, p < .01), stress from roles and workload (β = 0.129, p < .001), stress from co‐workers and daily life (β = 0.323, p < .001) and stress from lack of professional knowledge and skills (β = 0.137, p < .001), from the perceived stress scale had a significant impact on turnover intention among nurses.
Parents' experiences on the combined use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and real‐time continuous glucose monitoring to manage Type 1 diabetes in their children: A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Luo Xiuwen , Pan Jie , Lu Haiyun , Li Xiaoxiao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimTo explore the experiences and perspectives of the combined use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on parents of children with TIDM on their daily life.DesignA systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies.MethodsA systematic literature search of English studies published in seven databases between 2006–2021: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Scopus. All included studies underwent the process of thematic interpretive integration by the author team.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six derived themes were generated which contained interacting with devices, interacting with glycaemic information, improving quality of life for parents of children with T1DM, burden of living with CSII therapy and CGM, impact on the parent–child relationship, requirement and expectation to advanced diabetes technology. Advanced diabetes technologies affect physical, emotional and relationship between the daily life of parents and their children with T1DM.
The protective effect of self‐esteem on suicidal ideation among nursing home residents with limited social support in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yang Yang , Wang Rui , Zhang Dan , Su Yonggang , Zang Yuli 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the impact of limited social support and loneliness on suicidal ideation, under the influence of self‐esteem, an important inner resource for quality living.DesignAn observational cross‐sectional study conducted from September 2018–April 2019.MethodsThe participants comprised 538 nursing home residents selected by a stratified sampling method from all seven administrative districts in a capital city of eastern China. All the participants completed the survey that constituted the measurement of suicidal ideation, self‐esteem, social support and loneliness. Path analysis was performed using the structural equation modelling method.ResultsA moderating effect, with satisfactory model fit indices and significant path coefficients, was detected between self‐esteem and suicidal ideation through limited social support and loneliness, revealing the multiple protective mechanisms of this psychological characteristic on the change of suicidal ideation.
Verifying intervention fidelity procedures for a palliative home care intervention with pilot study results
Authors: Piamjariyakul Ubolrat , Smothers Angel , Young Stephanie , Morrissey Elizabeth , Petitte Trisha , Wen Sijin , Zulfikar Rafia , Sangani Rahul , Shafique Saima , Smith Carol E. , Bosak Kelly 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFidelity (consistency of intervention implementation) is essential to rigorous research. Intervention fidelity maintains study internal validity, intervention reproducibility, and transparency in the research conduct. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe intervention fidelity strategies/procedures developed for a pilot study testing a new palliative care nursing intervention (FamPALcare) for families managing advanced lung disease. The procedures described herein are based on the fidelity best practices recommendations from the NIH Consortium. An evidence‐based checklist guided observational ratings of the fidelity procedures used and the intervention content implemented in each intervention session. Descriptive data on how participants understood (received), enacted, or used the intervention information were summarized. The fidelity checklist observational scores found ≥93% of the planned intervention content was implemented, and the fidelity strategies were adhered to consistently during each intervention session. The small variation (7%) in implementation was expected and related to participants' varying experiences, input, and/or questions. The helpfulness scale items include participants' ability to use home care resources, to anticipate and manage end‐of‐life symptoms, and to use Advance Directive forms. The high ratings (M = 4.4) on the 1–5 (very helpful) Likert Helpfulness Scale verified participants utilized the information from the intervention. Furthermore, there was an improvement in patients' breathlessness scores and completion of Advance Directive forms at 3 months after baseline. It is essential to plan intervention fidelity strategies to use throughout a study and to report fidelity results.
Electrical conductivity of polymer composites based on carbonized wood flour via plasma post‐treatment as an effective and economical filler
Authors: Kim Woo Young , Jang Ji‐un , Lee Hun Su , Kim Seong Yun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe recycling of waste resources is not optional but rather essential to achieve a sustainable human future. In this study, the feasibility of carbonized wood flour (CWF) as a conductive filler was evaluated for improving the electrical conductivity of polymer composites because wood flour is a sustainable and promising precursor for CWF filler, as a naturally abundant and industrially steady resource. The optimized electrical conductivity of the composite with 25 wt% CWF post‐treated by the inductively coupled plasma (ICP), proposed in this study, was 71 S/m, exceeding that of the carbon black (CB)‐filled composite (12 S/m). In addition, the estimated production cost of ICP treated CWF ($1.35–1.55/kg) was about 22.5%–32.5% lower than that of commercial CB ($2/kg). Therefore, the CWF was an effective, economical, and eco‐friendly conductive filler to enhance the electrical conductivity of polymer composites.
Polypropylene and hollow glass microspheres compatibilization via addition of compatibilizing agents
Authors: Eller Haverroth Guilherme , Guenther Soares Bluma 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe glass syntactic polypropylene composite highlights as the most used wet thermal insulation solution for subsea pipelines. The continuous and disperse phases of the material, however, show low interaction levels due to poor chemical compatibility between the polypropylene matrix and the hollow glass microspheres, ultimately leading to a premature failure when subjected to mechanical loads. This article assesses the use of poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) and ethylene‐acrylic ester‐glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer as compatibilizing agents to enhance the matrix–filler interaction. The effectiveness of the selected strategy is analyzed through mechanical stress–strain tests, evaluation of absorbed water during hot water immersion, and evaluation of thermal properties. The composites with polypropylene and heterophasic polypropylene matrices, 25% by the weight of hollow glass microspheres, and contents of compatibilizing agents spanning from 1% to 5% by weight were prepared and tested. The addition of compatibilizers increased the tensile strength by 9%–30% and reduced the elongation at break by 13% to 45%. Thermal analyses indicated no significant influence of compatibilizers on melting points and crystallization temperatures; meanwhile, water absorption studies indicated opposite effects of each compatibilizer on the absorbed water content. Finally, the main results observed were ratified through scanning electron microscopy.
Melt electrowriting of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene)
Authors: Kade Juliane C , Tandon Biranche , Weichhold Jan , Pisignano Dario , Persano Luana , Luxenhofer Robert , Dalton Paul D 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐co‐TrFE)) is an electroactive polymer with growing interest for applications in biomedical materials and flexible electronics. In this study, a solvent‐free additive manufacturing technique called melt electrowriting (MEW) has been utilized to fabricate well‐defined microperiodic structures of the copolymer (P(VDF‐co‐TrFE)). MEW of the highly viscous polymer melt was initiated using a heated collector at temperatures above 120 °C and required remarkably slow collector speeds below 100 mm min−1. The fiber surface morphology was affected by the collector speed and an increase in β‐phase was observed for scaffolds compared to the unprocessed powder. Videography shows vibrations of the P(VDF‐co‐TrFE) jet previously unseen during MEW, probably due to repeated charge buildup and discharge. Furthermore, piezo‐force microscopy measurements demonstrated the electromechanical response of MEW‐fabricated fibers. This research therefore achieves the melt electrohydrodynamic processing of fibers with micrometer resolution into defined structures with an important electroactive polymer. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Registration of Arkot 0822 cotton germplasm line
Authors: Bourland Fred , Jones Don 
Published: July 2021

AbstractArkot 0822 (Reg. no. GP‐1088, PI 697030) is a conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm line that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in October 2020. In 2008, ‘UA48’ was crossed with Arkot 0016 with the goal of developing lines having fiber quality of UA48 but with improved yields and broadened adaptation. Arkot 0822 is a sister line to ‘UA248’. Over 5 yr of Arkansas tests at four locations, lint yields of Arkot 0822 were 15.9% higher than UA48 and equal to UA248. Fiber quality of Arkot 0822 approaches that of UA48. In most tests, fiber length, length uniformity, and strength of Arkot 0822 were equal to UA248 and exceeded most entries except UA48. Micronaire of Arkot 0822 is comparable to UA48 and coarser than UA248. Arkot 0822 is an early‐maturity cultivar. It displays high resistance to bacterial blight and is equal to UA248 and ‘DP 393’ in its response to other diseases and to tarnished plant bug. Arkot 0822 combines fiber quality traits comparable to UA48 and UA248 with enhanced ability to yield.
Persistence of humoral response upon SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Knies Andrea , Ladage Dennis , Braun Ralf J. , Kimpel Janine , Schneider Miriam 
Published: July 2021

SummarySARS‐CoV‐2 continues to leave its toll on global health and the economy. Management of the pandemic will rely heavily on the degree of adaptive immunity persistence following natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Along with the progression of the pandemic, more literature on the persistence of the SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific antibody response is becoming available. Here, we summarize findings on the persistence of the humoral, including neutralizing antibody, response at three to eight months post SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in non‐pregnant adults. While the comparability of the literature is limited, findings on the detectability of immunoglobulin G class of antibodies (IgG) were most consistent and were reported in most studies to last for six to eight months. Studies investigating the response of immunoglobins M and A (IgM, IgA) were limited and reported mixed results, in particular, for IgM. The majority of studies observed neutralizing antibodies at all time points tested, which in some studies lasted up to eight months. The presence of neutralizing antibodies has been linked to protection from re‐infection, suggesting long‐term immunity to SARS‐CoV‐2. These neutralizing capacities may be challenged by emerging virus variants, but mucosal antibodies as well as memory B and T cells may optimize future immune responses. Thus, further longitudinal investigation of PCR‐confirmed seropositive individuals using sensitive assays is warranted to elucidate the nature and duration of a more long‐term humoral response.
Improved results on stability analysis of sampled‐data systems
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Jian , Dou Lihua 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article is concerned with the stability analysis of sampled‐data systems. Two new functionals are introduced to reduce the conservatism of stability conditions based on the looped‐functional approach. The first one is called a zero integral functional (ZIF) that is added to the derivative of a common Lyapunov functional. The second is a general looped‐functional (GLF), which is traditionally not well defined at sampling instants but redefined as its limits. Single‐ and double‐integral‐based ZIFs and GLFs are tailored for stability analysis. By virtue of the ZIFs and GLFs, less conservative stability criteria are derived and presented in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, several numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.
Design of high‐order sliding mode controller under asymmetric output constraints
Authors: Mei Keqi , Ma Li , Ding Shihong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article is devoted to the design issue of high‐order sliding mode (HOSM) controller subject to asymmetric output constraints. A barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is first developed to deal with the constraints. Subsequently, by implanting the BLF into the modified adding a power integrator technique, a HOSM control algorithm, which is able to handle the closed‐loop system simultaneously with and without asymmetric output constraints, has been presented. It has been shown on the basis of the rigorous mathematical proof that under the proposed control strategy, the finite‐time stability of the considered system with the asymmetric output constraints is ensured. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm also satisfies the requirement of the preset asymmetric output constraint. At last, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented algorithm.
The Janus face of artificial intelligence feedback: Deployment versus disclosure effects on employee performance
Authors: Tong Siliang , Jia Nan , Luo Xueming , Fang Zheng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCompanies are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to provide performance feedback to employees, by tracking employee behavior at work, automating performance evaluations, and recommending job improvements. However, this application of AI has provoked much debate. On the one hand, powerful AI data analytics increase the quality of feedback, which may enhance employee productivity (“deployment effect”). On the other hand, employees may develop a negative perception of AI feedback once it is disclosed to them, thus harming their productivity (“disclosure effect”). We examine these two effects theoretically and test them empirically using data from a field experiment. We find strong evidence that both effects coexist, and that the adverse disclosure effect is mitigated by employees' tenure in the firm. These findings offer pivotal implications for management theory, practice, and public policies.Managerial abstractArtificial intelligence (AI) technologies are bound to transform how companies manage employees. We examine the use of AI to generate performance feedback for employees. We demonstrate that AI significantly increases the accuracy and consistency of the analyses of information collected, and the relevance of feedback to each employee. These advantages of AI help employees achieve greater job performance at scale, and thus create value for companies. However, our study also alerts companies to the negative effect of disclosing using AI to employee that results from employees' negative perceptions about the deployment of AI, which offsets the business value created by AI. To alleviate value‐destroying disclosure effect, we suggest that companies be more proactive in communicating with their employees about the objectives, benefits, and scope of AI applications in order to assuage their concerns. Moreover, the result of the allayed negative AI disclosure effect among employees with a longer tenure in the company suggests that companies may consider deploying AI in a tiered instead of a uniform fashion, that is, using AI to provide performance feedback to veteran employees but using human managers to provide performance feedback to novices.
Nonlinear inelastic simulation of high‐rise buildings with innovative composite coupling shear walls and CFST columns
Authors: Tran Hau , Thai Huu‐Tai , Ngo Tuan , Uy Brian , Li Dongxu , Mo Jun 
Published: July 2021

SummaryThis paper investigates the behavior of high‐rise composite buildings with composite shear walls and concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFST) columns using a numerical model in OpenSees. In the model, the geometric and material nonlinearity of structural elements are captured by utilizing a fiber force‐based beam‐column elements with rigorously modified material stress–strain relationships. Besides, the confining effect of the concrete core, the semi‐rigid connections, and the coupling effect of composite shear walls is carefully taken into consideration. Finally, the case study of a 42‐storey composite building is conducted using the proposed model to provide a thorough understanding about the behavior of this kind of building. It shows that this innovative building has high loading capacity and significantly reduces the dimension of structural members (up to 50%) compared with the conventional RC building at the same loading capacity. Through the validation with test data, the suggested constitutive laws have shown the simplicity and high accuracy since the value of model error is only around 7%. In addition, the simulation results also indicate that the model can capture well the nonlinear behavior of tested specimens, especially, the failure and the formation of plastic hinges of coupling composite shear walls implicitly.
Low‐Current Sensing Analog‐to‐Digital Converter with Tuneable Resolution for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Singhal Navin , Santosh M. , Bose S. C. , Karmakar Abhijit 
Published: July 2021

A novel low‐power, tuneable resolution and low‐current sensing analog‐to‐digital converter is proposed in this paper. The proposed architecture consists of silicon neurons along with digital circuits. The architecture is tuned for input signal ranging from 100 nA to 3.3 μA with power supply of 1 V/3.3 V for digital blocks and silicon neurons respectively. The design is simulated using 0.18 μm CMOS 1P4M triple well process of Tower Jazz Semiconductor's technology. Total power consumption of the circuit is 98.8 μW and achieves FoM of 14.74 pJ/Conv for 8‐bits of operation. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.