bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Profile Wideband High‐Gain Array Antenna With Quasi‐Microstrip Feeding Network
Authors: He Dinglun , Li Shufang , Deng Li 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn contemporary communication systems, especially military radar systems, there is a significant demand for low‐profile, wideband, high‐gain antennas that can operate across the X‐band (8–12 GHz). Despite numerous studies on X‐band antennas, they are often characterized by limitations such as low gain, narrow bandwidth, or a high profile. This letter presents a monopole array antenna that combines the advantages of low‐profile, wideband, and high‐gain. And a parallel feeding network based on a quasi‐microstrip structure is designed in this letter, which solves the problem of difficult feeding for this type of array. Through parameter optimization of the array antenna, its overall size is obtained as 76 mm × 63 mm × 5 mm, with an operational frequency range of 7.4–13.3 GHz and a relative bandwidth of 59%. Rigorous measurement of the array antenna's prototype has been conducted, revealing a high degree of congruence with simulation results. The measured results show that the antenna has a stable gain in the range of 13–14.3 dBi, and the highest measured aperture efficiency reached 47%. It is facile to fabricate and readily integrates with communication systems. This design also has a certain promotional effect on the research of wideband antennas.
Focused ultrasound–induced blood–brain barrier opening: A comparative analysis of permeability quantification based on Ktrans and PS
Authors: Hývlová Denisa , Jiřík Radovan , Vitouš Jiří , Macíček Ondřej , Krátká Lucie , Dražanová Eva , Starčuk Zenon 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeFocused ultrasound‐induced blood–brain barrier (BBB) opening is a promising method for neurotherapeutic delivery. The standard for quantifying induced BBB permeability is the parameter, which reflects both permeability and plasma flow. The influence of plasma flow can be eliminated by estimating the PS parameter. However, this parameter has been largely unexplored in this application. This study aims to compare permeability estimates based on and PS in focused ultrasound–induced BBB opening experiments.MethodsWe used the extended Tofts model (ETM) and the two‐compartment exchange model (2CXM) to estimate and PS parameters, respectively. Permeability estimates were compared using simulated concentration curves, simulated DCE‐MRI data, and real datasets. We explored the influence of spatially‐regularized model fitting on the results.ResultsFor opened BBB, was minimally influenced by plasma flow under the tested conditions. However, fitting the ETM often introduced outliers in estimates in regions with closed BBB. The 2CXM outperformed the ETM at high signal‐to‐noise ratios, but its higher complexity led to lower precision at low signal‐to‐noise ratios. Both these issues were successfully compensated by spatially‐regularized model fitting.ConclusionBoth and PS seem to be eligible options for the quantification of BBB opening, and the correct choice depends on the specifics of the acquired DCE‐MRI data. Additionally, spatial regularization has demonstrated its importance in enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of results for both models.
Amide mapping in the human brain using downfield MRSI at 3 T and 7 T
Authors: Özdemir İpek , Etyemez Semra , Barker Peter B. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeTo quantitatively compare signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNRs), linewidth values, and Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) for amide resonances in the human brain measured at 3T and 7T using downfield MR spectroscopic imaging (DF‐MRSI).MethodsSeven normal volunteers (25–52 years, 5 female) were imaged using Philips 3T Elition and 7T Achieva scanners. Both systems have 32‐channel receive head coils and 16‐channel local shim arrays (MRShim GmbH) in addition to high‐order spherical harmonic shims. Three‐dimensional DF‐MRSI data were collected using a previously developed pulse sequence with spectral‐spatial excitation and frequency‐selective refocusing pulses. Matched imaging protocols on both field strengths were applied to achieve a nominal voxel size of 7 × 7 × 15 mm in a scan time of 10.6 min. Spectral analysis was performed using the “LCModel” software package. SNR and CRLB values (%) were compared between 3T and 7T data using univariate general linear models.ResultsSignificantly increased amide SNR and decreased CRLB values (p < 0.05) were found at 7T. Averaged over all brain regions, SNR was 2.9 ± 1.1 at 3T and 5.4 ± 1.5 at 7T, and CRLBs were 11.4 ± 3.9 and 4.9 ± 1.5 respectively. 7T MRI and amide images did show some regional signal dropoff due to transmit B1 inhomogeneity, however.ConclusionThree‐dimensional DF‐MRSI at 7T showed 86% increased SNR and 57% decreased CRLB values compared with 3T, confirming the expected improvements at higher field. Improvements are probably due to multiple factors, including higher magnetization at 7T, the shorter minimum echo time available, among others.
Whole‐brain BOLD responses to graded hypoxic challenges at 7 T, 9.4 T, and 15.2 T: Implications for ultrahigh‐field functional MRI and BOLD–dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI
Authors: Le Thuy Thi , Choi Sang Han , Im Geun Ho , Lee Chanhee , Lee Dongkyu , Schulman Jacob , Cho HyungJoon , Uludağ Kamil , Kim Seong‐Gi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeBlood oxygen–level dependent (BOLD) functional MRI signals depend on changes in deoxyhemoglobin content, which is associated with baseline cerebral blood volume (CBV) and blood oxygen saturation change. To accurately interpret activation‐induced BOLD responses and quantify perfusion values by BOLD dynamic susceptibility contrast (BOLD‐DSC) with transient hypoxia, it is critical to assess Δ values in tissue and blood across varying levels of hypoxia and magnetic field strengths (B0).MethodsWhole‐brain BOLD responses were examined using 5‐s graded hypoxic challenges with 10%, 5%, and 0% O2 at ultrahigh field strengths of 7 T, 9.4 T, and 15.2 T. Both tissue and blood responses were analyzed for BOLD‐DSC quantification.ResultsSubstantial heterogeneity in hypoxia‐induced Δ was observed among regions under different hypoxic doses and B0. Nonlinear Δ responses with increasing field strength were observed, depending on hypoxic levels: 10% O2 condition exhibited pronounced supralinear trends, whereas 0% and 5% O2 conditions showed nearly linear dependencies. Blood arterial and venous responses showed a similar dependence as tissue. However, at 15.2 T, the venous signal saturated under 5% and 0% O2 conditions. Quantitative CBV values obtained from BOLD‐DSC data showed dependency on susceptibility effects, and higher B0 and hypoxic severity resulted in slightly higher CBV, indicating that caution is needed when comparing quantitative CBV values derived from different experimental protocols. Normalizing regional CBV values to those of white matter effectively reduced the impact of varying susceptibility contrasts.ConclusionsOur investigations provide biophysical insights into the BOLD contrast mechanism at ultrahigh fields, and address quantification issues in susceptibility‐based CBV measurements.
Concentric Needle Jitter Measurements in Voluntarily Activated Deltoid Muscle in Healthy Control Subjects
Authors: Kouyoumdjian João Aris , Graca Carla Renata 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsThe deltoid muscle demonstrates sensitivity in detecting abnormal decrement on repetitive nerve stimulation in cases of myasthenia gravis and congenital myasthenic syndromes. However, single‐fiber electromyography (concentric needle jitter) normative data is currently lacking, which this study aims to address.MethodsJitter, measured by the mean consecutive difference (MCD), was assessed in the voluntarily activated deltoid muscle of 32 healthy adults (16 men and 16 women) with no known or suspected neuromuscular disease. For each subject, the mean MCD of 20 pairs was calculated. The overall jitter reference value was the mean MCD across all subjects, while the 18th highest MCD among them defined the individual jitter reference value (outliers).ResultsThe average age of the male subjects was 42 years (ranging from 21 to 61), while the average age for females was 46 years (ranging from 32 to 65). The mean MCD values were 21.15 ± 3.42 μs for men and 19.50 ± 2.34 μs for women. For individual assessments, the 18th highest MCD was recorded as 27.84 ± 4.68 μs for men and 25.42 ± 3.19 μs for women.DiscussionThe proposed reference values for normal mean MCD are < 28 μs for men and < 26 μs for women. The normal outlier limits are < 38 μs for men and < 32 μs for women. No previously reported values for the deltoid muscle are available for comparison.
The comparison of radiological gastrostomy tube placement: Balloon and bumper: A retropective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Beizavi Zahra , Al‐Ogaili Mustafa , Ghozy Sherief , Khurana Aditya , Alzubaidi Sadeer J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) are used for gastric drainage, decompression, and feeding. Recent innovations enable bumper and balloon‐type tube placement via transabdominal approach under guidance of fluoroscopy or sonography.MethodThis is a single‐center retrospective cohort study to evaluate the outcomes of balloon and bumper gastrostomy tube placement under guide of fluoroscopy and ultrasound. The total sample size was 470 consecutive patients. The eligibility criteria included all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent a balloon or bumper‐type gastrostomy tube insertion for nutrition support in both the interventional radiology unit and at the bedside between 2017 and 2022.ResultThis study revealed no significant differences between the two types of tubes in terms of time to tube replacement or requiring a gastrostomy tube. There was a positive correlation between the time that a patient has a gastrostomy tube and major complications (P = 0.005) and a positive correlation between number of tubes replaced and minor complications (P < 0.001). Both types of tubes were associated with low rates of complications. However, patients with a balloon tube were more likely to experience gastric‐tube–related hospitalization/ED visits and require a >24‐h hospital stay postoperation.ConclusionThese findings can help healthcare providers make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate type of tube for their patients to have more durability with less complication.
Essential fatty acid deficiency in parenteral nutrition: Historical perspective and modern solutions, a narrative review
Authors: Wolff Jodi , Cober Mary Petrea , Huff Katie A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEssential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) may occur in the setting of inadequate fat intake, malabsorption, malnutrition, and altered fat metabolism. Humans lack the enzymes to synthesize the essential acids linoleic acid and alpha‐linolenic acid, so they must be obtained from the diet. Patients dependent on parenteral nutrition need adequate amounts of these essential fatty acids supplied in lipid injectable emulsions (ILEs). With the increasing use of multicomponent ILEs that are lower in linoleic and alpha‐linolenic acid, it is imperative that clinicians understand appropriate dosing to prevent EFAD. An understanding of fatty acid composition and metabolic pathways is important, as the use of the Holman Index (triene:tetraene ratio) alone may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis of EFAD.
Use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and incretin mimetics for type 2 diabetes and obesity: A narrative review
Authors: Zupec Jason , Munger Rebecca , Scaletta Alice , Quinn Diane H. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIncretin mimetics, including glucagon‐like peptide‐1 and glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonists, have become first‐line treatment options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Their therapeutic status is attributed to their high level of efficacy as well as positive impact on related comorbidities, such as sleep apnea and heart failure. Multiple incretin mimetics are currently available with different durations of drug action, dosing frequencies, and delivery devices. Patients may benefit from education on the proper drug administration, anticipated adverse effects, and nutrition considerations with treatment. Practitioners must monitor progress and support the patient to achieve maintenance doses for optimal weight reduction and diabetes‐related outcomes. This review aims to present the current literature supporting US Food and Drug Administration–approved indications of incretin mimetics, equip healthcare professionals to optimize care for patients who are prescribed these agents, and provide insights into potential future applications, which may include dual‐ or triple‐mechanism agents that are injected or administered orally. Additional studies are anticipated with existing and future incretin mimetics for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and related comorbidities in a rapidly developing therapeutic pipeline.
Hybrid Coping: The Impact of Covid‐19 on Social Enterprise Resilience
Authors: Hazenberg Richard , Paterson‐Young Claire 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis article explores the impact of Covid‐19 on nonprofit resilience, utilizing the UK social enterprise ecosystem as the area of focus. The article engages the theoretical concepts of organizational resilience and community engagement; specifically, how these are impacted by exogenous shocks that change ecosystem dynamics. The article focuses in particular on financial resilience within the context of social enterprises in the United Kingdom both before and during the Covid‐19 pandemic, explored through a grant funding program delivered between 2021 and 2023. The research utilizes quantitative financial and organizational data gathered from 1507 social enterprise applicants to this grant fund, based upon the period 2019–2022. This is supplemented by qualitative data in the form of interviews and focus groups held with social entrepreneurs (N = 17) and key ecosystem support stakeholders (N = 16), as well as researcher observations of discussions of social enterprise applications from the grant fund panel meetings. The research demonstrates how Covid‐19 impacted organizations' resilience over time, illustrating financial and social resilience among the social enterprise sample engaged during the period 2019–2022. The paper posits that this financial and social resilience is grounded within social enterprises' focus on their communities and their hybrid missions. The findings are useful to policy‐makers and practitioners looking to understand and support third‐sector resilience in the post‐pandemic world.
A Longitudinal Study of the Association of Blood Unsaturated Fatty Acids With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Authors: Inoue Tomoko , Ogawa Shintaro , Narita Zui , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Asari Yasushi , Kataoka Yuichi , Hattori Jun , Hori Hiroaki , Kim Yoshiharu , Inada Ken 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimThis study aimed to investigate the association between blood fatty acid fractions and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) judgment in individuals who have experienced physical trauma.MethodsPatients admitted to the emergency department for trauma, excluding those with brain damage or serious psychiatric disorders, were enrolled. Blood samples were collected on admission, and PTSD symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire 1 and 3 months after the injury. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between fatty acids and Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale severity scores, adjusting for age, sex, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the use of psychotropic medications.ResultsA significant association was observed between certain fatty acids and PTSD judgment. Mann‐Whitney U test results revealed that arachidonic acid was associated with PTSD judgment at 1 month and palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eicosenoic acid, and eicosadiene acid with PTSD judgment at 3 months. Multiple regression analysis revealed that stearic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, docosatetraenoic acid, lignoceric acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and total omega‐6 fatty acids (ω6) were associated with PTSD judgment after 1 month after trauma. In contrast, only linoleic acid and total ω6 were associated with PTSD judgment 3 months after trauma.ConclusionsThis study is the first to enroll patients with general physical trauma and examine the relationship between fatty acids and PTSD. The findings suggest a potential relationship between blood fatty acid fractions and the development of PTSD symptoms in individuals who have experienced physical trauma. However, further research is needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
Trends in educational inequalities in obesity‐attributable mortality in England and Wales, Finland, and Italy
Authors: Janssen Fanny , Gonzales Martinez Rolando , Zengarini Nicolás , Martikainen Pekka , Kunst Anton 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveWe assessed trends in educational inequalities in obesity‐attributable mortality (OAM) and their contribution to educational inequalities in all‐cause mortality for people aged 30 years and older, in England and Wales (1991–2017), Finland (1978–2017), and Italy (1990–2018).MethodsIn our population‐level study, we estimated the shares of all‐cause mortality due to OAM by educational level (i.e., low, middle, and high) by applying the population‐attributable fraction formula to harmonized obesity prevalence data by educational level, along with sex‐ and age‐specific relative risks of dying from obesity. We obtained OAM rates by multiplying the shares with individually linked all‐cause mortality data by educational level. We measured absolute inequalities in OAM and all‐cause mortality by the slope index of inequality.ResultsOAM largely increased for the different sex‐ and education‐specific populations and increased most strongly for those with low educational level up to 2010 to 2015. Educational inequalities in OAM initially increased but stabilized or declined from at least 2008 onward. Obesity contributed, on average, 15% to absolute educational inequalities in all‐cause mortality in 1991 through 2017.ConclusionsThe mortality impact of the obesity epidemic by educational level changed over time. Although the observed change from increasing to declining or stable educational inequalities is encouraging, reducing OAM in all socioeconomic groups remains a challenge.
Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction in Voice Feminization Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Lanham Kristopher , Melnick Bradley A. , O'Connor Madeline J. , Bartler Angelica , Fuentes Rolando J. Casas , Ho Kelly C. , Galiano Robert D. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and quality of life impact of voice feminization interventions in transgender women.Data SourcesWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science for RCTs and retrospective studies published between 2008 and 2023 that quantitatively evaluated any voice feminization procedure.Review MethodsStudies in English reporting quantitative measures of efficacy were included. Studies using qualitative methodology were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochran tools and a random‐effects model was applied using inverse‐variance pooling. Primary outcomes were fundamental frequency [F0]/speaking fundamental frequency [SF0] and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) (PROSPERO: CRD42023476192).ResultsTwenty‐four studies involving 893 participants showed significant SF0 improvements for voice therapy (VT, g = 0.86, [0.46, 1.26], P < .0001), Wendler glottoplasty (WG, g = 1.21, [0.65, 1.77], P < .0001), feminization laryngoplasty (FL, g = 3.05, [2.24, 3.86], P < .0001), and laser reduction glottoplasty (LRG, g = 12.28, [8.19, 15.64], P < .0001). PROs indicated enhanced quality of life for VT (g = 1.32, [0.68, 1.96], P < .0001), WG (g = 1.82, [1.07, 2.57], P < .0001), and LRG (g = 1.90, [0.72, 3.07], P = .0015), with a strong correlation between pitch alteration and QoL (r² = 0.83, P = .0001).ConclusionOur results indicate that both VT and surgical procedures enhance vocal pitch and strongly correlate with improved QoL. Our findings validate the role of voice feminization in gender‐affirming care, though methodological limitations prevent evaluation of newer interventions.
On the values of microbes: An ethical investigation of relational values associated with the microbial world
Authors: Bossert Leonie N. , Höll Davina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Current microbiome research has revealed that microbes support nearly all life on Earth, are essential for food production, affect human physical health and psychological well‐being and maintain ecological processes.

Consequently, there are many reasons to value them, especially in times of ecological crises and the pending end of the so‐called antibiotic era. However, a theoretical analysis of the existing values regarding microorganisms is still missing in environmental ethics and the environmental humanities.

In this paper, we provide such an ethical analysis. Therefore, we briefly introduce different value types (Section 2.1) and then discuss what values exist with respect to the microbial world, focusing on the various instrumental and especially relational values (Section 2.2).

The different values we examine are the direct use value, life support and ecological function value, scientific value, transformative and religious/spiritual value, existence value and aesthetic value. To introduce the latter, we use the example of visual and poetic art that humans co‐create with microorganisms to illustrate what this value encompasses.

Concluding, in Section 3, we argue why such values could be used as a cornerstone to establish distinct microbial ethics and human–microbe relations that do justice to the complexity of our human entanglement with microbes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Achieving exceptional mechanical and thermal properties in ABS/MWCNTs nanocomposites with minimal CNT loading via electromechanical dispersion technique
Authors: KarimzadGhavidel Ayub , Opoz Tahsin Tecelli , Mahdavinia Mahsa , Kiani Gholamreza , Moradi Mahmoud 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis research aims to decrease the concentration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) needed for enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/CNTs nanocomposites using the recently introduced electromechanically dispersion technique (EMDT). EMDT efficiently disperses CNTs' agglomerations, preventing structural damage. Nanocomposites with various CNT concentrations were produced with EMDT, followed by injection molding to provide tensile strength, thermal conductivity, and impact resistance samples. Raman and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) assessed CNT dispersion, revealing successful dispersion up to 0.2 wt% without structural damage. At this concentration, the tensile strength improved to 47.08 MPa, showing an increase of approximately 17.5%, and the thermal conductivity significantly increased to 0.29 W/mK, reflecting a 46% improvement. These results surpass those achieved by traditional dispersion methods, where 10 times the CNT concentration was required to reach similar enhancements. Higher injection temperatures and holding pressures improved CNT alignment and reduced entanglement, enhancing properties. However, no additional improvements were observed beyond 0.2 wt%. These findings highlight EMDT's potential in creating high‐performance nanocomposites with significantly lower CNT concentrations.Highlights
Utilization of the novel EMDT dispersion method in nanocomposite preparation.
Overcoming hindrances to commercializing CNT‐based polymeric nanocomposites.
Reducing the required CNT concentration to attain significant properties.
Improving tensile strength of ABS by ~17.5% with just 0.2 wt% of CNTs.
Remarkable 48.4% increase in ABS thermal conductivity with just 0.2 wt% of CNTs.