bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tube voltage in chest and abdomen DR imaging: Which settings return maximal non‐prewhitening model observer with eye filter (NPWE) detectability?
Authors: Moore Craig S. , Wood Tim J. , Saunderson John R. , Beavis Andrew W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe non‐prewhitening computational model observer with eye filter (NPWE) has been shown to reasonably predict human observer performance in general radiography and is an appropriate substitute when real clinical trials are not feasible. In this study, the NPWE model observer is used to detect specific tasks (circular designer nodules) ranging between 1 and 30 mm in diameter using chest and abdomen phantom images acquired across the diagnostic energy range (60–125 kVp) with and without an anti‐scatter grid.PurposeThe aim of this study was to derive tube voltage (kVp) settings that return maximal NPWE detectability (d’) of designer nodules, for digital radiography (DR) chest and abdomen imaging.MethodsImages of a chest phantom (LucAl phantom) and a surrogate for an abdomen (18.5 cm PMMA) were acquired across the diagnostic energy range (60–125 kVp) with matched effective dose (for the respective anatomies), with and without an anti‐scatter grid, on a general x‐ray system. Images were captured using an Agfa DX‐D 40C wireless indirect caesium iodide (CsI) imaging panel. Modulation transfer function (MTF), normalized noise power spectrum (NNPS), and contrast (C) were measured in each image and the detectability index d’ was calculated for circular designer nodules with diameters ranging from 1 to 30 mm (in steps of 1 mm).ResultsThe calculated d’ peaked at a nodule diameter of 3 mm irrespective of tube voltage, for both chest and abdomen images. A tube voltage of 80 kVp returned maximal d’ for chest imaging across all nodule diameters both with and without an anti‐scatter grid. A tube voltage of 70 kVp returned maximal d’ for abdomen imaging.ConclusionThe NPWE observer model has been used to derive tube voltages (kVp) that return maximal detectability (d’) of designer nodules for chest and abdomen radiography using a modern DR imaging system. This will provide the medical physicist with a starting point in the task of optimising tube voltage range for chest and abdomen imaging.
Changes in interoception before and after treatment in patients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Shimohara Chika , Kagaya Ariyuki , Akita Tomoyuki , Tsukue Ryotaro , Shimohara Atsushi , Machizawa Maro G. , Yamawaki Shigeto , Tanaka Junko , Okamura Hitoshi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimsTo investigate the factors associated with interoception in patients with alcohol use disorder and determine whether treatment causes changes in their interoception.MethodsThe Body Perception Questionnaire‐Body Awareness ultra‐short version Japanese version (BPQ‐BAVSF‐J) was used to measure interoception in 50 alcohol‐dependent participants (27 in the inpatient group and 23 in the outpatient group). The BPQ‐BAVSF‐J was administered and data on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GTP), mean corpuscular volume, platelet count, and Fib‐4 index were extracted at admission and immediately before discharge for the inpatient group and at the first outpatient visit and approximately 3 months after the visit for the outpatient group.ResultsThe mean age of the 50 participants was 51.0 ± 12.3 years. Significant associations were found between the BPQ‐BAVSF‐J and Fib‐4 index and AST. The BPQ‐BAVSF‐J score significantly decreased at discharge in the inpatient group. AST, ALT, γ‐GTP, and Fib‐4 index of liver function were also significantly lower at discharge. In contrast, in the outpatient group, there were no significant changes in the BPQ‐BAVSF‐J score, AST level, ALT level, γ‐GTP level, and Fib‐4 index between at the first outpatient visit and approximately 3 months after the visit.ConclusionsInteroception in patients with alcohol use disorder increased with worsening liver function and decreased with improvement in liver function owing to treatment. This suggests that the BPQ‐BAVSF‐J score, an easily accessible scale, may be used to detect early deterioration of liver function through regular administration.
Optimal Control Allocation for 2D Reaction‐Diffusion Equations With Multiple Locally Distributed Inputs
Authors: Cristofaro Andrea 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIn this article, the problem of stabilization of a 2D unstable parabolic equation with multiple distributed inputs is addressed using a spectral decomposition approach. Furthermore the underlying redundancy of the actuation arrangement is exploited and actively used by introducing a suitable control allocation architecture. In particular, two optimal allocation policies have been considered: gradient descent and linear quadratic allocation. A simulation study supports and illustrates the theoretical findings.
PD‐L1 Acts Independently of PD‐1 as a Marker of Pathologic Fibroblasts in Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Authors: Davis Ruth J. , Talatala Edward Ryan R. , Wu Hongmei , Zhang Yueli , Park Jason S. , Gelbard Alexander 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveLaryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) describes fibrotic airway obstruction that is life‐threatening without treatment. Targeted therapies are needed as an adjunct to surgical management. We have previously observed the upregulation of immune checkpoint programmed cell death (PD)‐1 and its ligand, PD‐L1, in patients with LTS. This study aims to determine whether PD‐1 and PD‐L1 play a role in the pathophysiology of LTS.Study DesignBasic science.SettingLaboratory.MethodsFibroblasts derived from the subglottic scar of 5 iSGS patients were cultured ex vivo with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), PD‐L1 agonist (PD‐1), and PD‐L1 blockade (anti‐PD‐L1). PD‐L1, TGFβ receptor II (TGFβRII), and Collagen‐1 expression were quantified by flow cytometry. A validated chemomechanical injury model of subglottic stenosis was applied in PD‐1 knockout and wild‐type (WT) mice, and subglottic thickening was assessed by histologic analysis.ResultsTGFβ significantly increased the expression of PD‐L1 and Collagen‐1 in human airway scar fibroblasts (P < .05). PD‐1 knockout mice demonstrated no significant difference in subglottic airway fibrosis compared to WT mice. Ex vivo PD‐L1 modulation had no impact on fibroblast Collagen‐1 expression. PD‐L1 high‐intensity fibroblasts expressed greater Collagen‐1 and TGFβRII compared to PD‐L1 low‐intensity fibroblasts.ConclusionPD‐1 knockout does not protect mice from the development of laryngotracheal fibrosis. However, its ligand, PD‐L1 is highly expressed on pathologic fibroblasts unique to scar, characterized by high Collagen‐1 and TGFβRII expression. PD‐L1 is also upregulated in conjunction with Collagen‐1 by TGFβ stimulation. PD‐L1 may act independently of PD‐1 to sensitize fibroblasts to TGFβ, suggesting direct targeting of PD‐L1 may have therapeutic potential in LTS.
sesA: A Program for the Analytic Computation of Solvent‐Excluded Surface Areas**
Authors: Wang Lincong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe surface area of a molecule, an inherent geometric property of its structure, plays important roles in its solvation and functioning. Here we present an accurate and robust program, sesA, for the analytic computation of solvent‐excluded surface (SES) areas. The accuracy and robustness are achieved through the analytic computations of all the solvent‐accessible surface (SAS) regions for a surface atom and probe‐probe intersections. The detailed comparisons of the areas for a large set of protein structures by sesA and msms, a de‐facto standard for analytic SAS and SES computations, confirm sesA’s accuracy to a good extent and in the same time reveal significant differences between them. The unprecedented accuracy and robustness of sesA make it possible to analyze in great detail the surface areas of any molecules in general and biomolecules in particular.
Determination of the mechanical properties of the sacroiliac joint of a dog by imaging measurement methods and model update in a multi‐body model
Authors: Daniel Christian , Burkhardt Sarah , Röhrmann Nicole , Wagner Franziska C. , Woschke Elmar 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is the articulated connection between the sacrum and the ilium and is a tight, combined, and only slightly mobile joint. In many dogs, the joint becomes stiff with age. As a result, the animal experiences pain while moving. Too little information is known about the degree of stiffening and the physiological range of motion for therapy. Consequently, recording the range of motion of different individuals (healthy and diseased) is a step toward a better understanding of the SIJ syndrome. For the basic investigation of the mechanical properties of the SIJ, post‐mortem examinations are performed on different individuals. To determine the mobility of the joint, the sacrum is fixed and a movement is forced on the ilium using actuators and recording the required forces. In addition, the spatial movement of the ilium and sacrum is measured. The kinematic and dynamic variables can be used to determine the translational and rotational stiffness of the SIJ. As it is not possible to apply directed loads to the ilium, the measurement data is used to determine the elastic parameters of the joint ligaments using heuristic methods. The multi‐body model includes the ilium, the ligaments, and the actuators of the test rig with their spatial orientation.
Coastal fisheries adaptations to increasing climate change exposure in Japan
Authors: Elías Ilosvay Xochitl Édua , Kumagai Naoki H. , García Molinos Jorge , Ojea Elena 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Climate change‐driven ocean warming is altering the geographic ranges of species, leading to a poleward shift of tropical species into temperate regions (tropicalisation). This threatens the native marine community assemblages by changing the availability of traditional marine resources, thus impacting the livelihood and well‐being of coastal fisheries. Fishers' individual responses are expected to transition from remaining to coping and from adapting to transforming as climate change exposure increases, yet empirical evidence is limited.

The existing strong thermal gradient along the western coast of Shikoku (Japan), an area experiencing tropicalisation, provides a unique opportunity to analyse how regions facing different climate change exposure levels (North: low, Centre: medium and South: high) affect fishers' responses in relation to their adaptive capacity. Data from 92 face‐to‐face interviews with small‐scale fishers from 25 locations revealed that the largest proportion of coping and adaptive responses is in the Central region, while remaining responses predominated in the Northern and Southern regions.

Results from a multinomial logistic model indicate that the exposure level is a good predictor for coping and adaptive responses but not for transformative ones. This possibly reflects the fact that these fishers might have exited coastal fisheries prior to our study as suggested by the strong fisher population decrease in the communities from the Southern region over the last three decades.

This study provides novel empirical evidence on how climate change exposure influences fishers' responses to past and current climate change impacts, highlighting the intricate interplay between exposure level and individual adaptive capacity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
What factors affect the ‘flocking’ of birdwatchers during bird rarity observations?
Authors: Tryjanowski Piotr , Jankowiak Łukasz , Mikula Peter , Czechowski Paweł , Menzel Annette , Polakowski Michał 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Detecting rare bird species is an essential aspect of ornithological culture. The pursuit of observing rare bird species is not only a key facet of birdwatching tourism but also a fascinating intersection between ornithology and sociology. However, patterns in birdwatcher gatherings around rare birds and the factors affecting these patterns in situ are largely unexplored.

We directly asked 50 birdwatchers and analysed available photos to obtain details on birdwatcher gatherings at the occasion of 103 observations of 71 rare species recorded in 1996–2022 in Poland.

Our analysis revealed that the number of people participating in rare bird observations was influenced by the rarity status of the species (rarer species attracted larger groups), the year (with an increase in recent years) and the interaction between these factors (there was an increasing trend for birdwatchers to ‘twitch’, that is participate in sightings of very rare bird species, in recent years). Furthermore, distance to urban centres significantly negatively affected the size of birdwatcher groups. In addition, we found that the proportion of observers who successfully saw a birding rarity at each site decreased in recent years but increased during the weekend.

We also found that the proportion of women in these crowds has grown in recent years and that female birdwatchers were more willing to participate in observations of more common rarities than male birdwatchers.

Our results indicate that birdwatching gatherings around bird rarities can be impacted by several factors, including the general rarity of species, year and distance to cities. A dynamic increase in the proportion of females participating in birdwatching in Poland resembles trends reported in other countries. Increased female engagement in observations of more common rarities may be potentially influenced by distinct motivations.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Nanoparticle positioning effect on the percolation phenomenon of the polyethylene oxide/iron nanocomposite films
Authors: Al‐Bataineh Qais M. , Ahmad Ahmad A. , Migdadi A. B. , Salameh Areen Bani , Toader Gabriela , Kasawneh Awni M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this research, we demonstrate the influence of compelled iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) up to the surface on the percolation phenomenon and the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films by applying a uniform magnetic field. The electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films exhibits a sharp increase from to 390 S∙cm−1 as the FeNPs volume fraction rises from 0.12 to 0.24, where the FeNPs form percolating networks and interparticle contacts. Applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the surface of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films and consequently increases the electrical conductivity of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films up to 1960 S∙cm−1. The morphological features of the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films with different concentrations of FeNPs upon applying a magnetic field towards the surface were investigated. Finally, the corrosion protection efficiency of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite films increases as FeNPs increase from an insulating zone to a conductive zone. On the other hand, applying a magnetic field drives the FeNPs towards the PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite surfaces, increasing the corrosion protection efficiency from 92.67% to 98.09%.Highlights
The nanoparticle positioning effect on nanocomposite films is investigated.
The electrical conductivity of PEO/FeNPs nanocomposite film reaches 390 S∙cm−1.
Electrical conductivity increases to 1960 S∙cm−1 upon nanoparticle positioning.
Corrosion protection efficiency increases to 98.09% after nanoparticle positioning.
Delirium or Mood Disorder: The Role of Relative in Correcting the Misdiagnosis in an Intellectual Disability Patient
Authors: Javaid Amir , Boyle Erin , Natasha Nadia 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTDiagnostic overshadowing is common in patients with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This interesting case highlights the importance of making the correct diagnosis by taking a comprehensive history and working closely with family members or carers. Delirium can be underdiagnosed in patients with ID. It is vital to take all the relevant collateral information from the families and carers about the patients. Also, the case highlights the importance of empowering relatives, family members and carers to question the diagnosis if needed.
Probability‐Based Finite‐Time Security Control for Switched Stochastic Systems via a Novel Event‐Triggered Mechanism and Its Application
Authors: Xia Yude , Lin Xiangze , Lee S. M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the finite‐time boundedness (FTB) issue and ‐gain analysis for switched stochastic systems, particularly under the dual influence of DoS attacks and false data injection attacks, by employing a novel event‐triggered mechanism. Different from the moment calculation method, a probability‐based FTB is studied which offers more pertinence. To obtain a less conservative condition of FTB, a switched Lyapunov function is constructed. Additionally, a memory‐based dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is designed to reduce the amounts of triggering and mitigate the state response fluctuations. Based on the incomplete information above, state feedback controllers are devised to satisfy stochastic FTB, ensuring the successful attainment of finite‐time ‐gain. Sufficient conditions are cast into a convex optimization problem by LMIs which can be solved easily. Finally, a compared numerical example and an RLC series circuit are adopted to demonstrate the availability of the theoretical results.
Enhancing regional sustainable industrialisation and poverty reduction post‐COVID. The case of the common market for the eastern and southern Africa region
Authors: Mateko Freeman Munisi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIndustrialisation is important for attaining economic development in an economy as well as other macroeconomic objectives, such as economic growth and low levels of unemployment. This research aimed to examine how the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa can use industrialisation for effective poverty reduction. The research adopted the panel autoregressive distributed lag model. Data were sourced from the World Bank from 1994 to 2022. The results demonstrated that social security, remittances, industrial development and development aid are crucial factors that can be leveraged to reduce poverty in the COMESA region. It was established that if industrialisation increases by 1%, poverty will decrease by 19% in the long run. It was suggested that trade barriers be removed, and modern technology be harnessed to ensure the value‐benefit of the beneficiation of raw materials for effective poverty reduction.
Functional Principal Component Analysis for Continuous Non‐Gaussian, Truncated, and Discrete Functional Data
Authors: Dey Debangan , Ghosal Rahul , Merikangas Kathleen , Zipunnikov Vadim 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTMobile health studies often collect multiple within‐day self‐reported assessments of participants' behavior and well‐being on different scales such as physical activity (continuous scale), pain levels (truncated scale), mood states (ordinal scale), and the occurrence of daily life events (binary scale). These assessments, when indexed by time of day, can be treated and analyzed as functional data corresponding to their respective types: continuous, truncated, ordinal, and binary. Motivated by these examples, we develop a functional principal component analysis that deals with all four types of functional data in a unified manner. It employs a semiparametric Gaussian copula model, assuming a generalized latent non‐paranormal process as the underlying generating mechanism for these four types of functional data. We specify latent temporal dependence using a covariance estimated through Kendall's bridging method, incorporating smoothness in the bridging process. The approach is then extended with methods for handling both dense and sparse sampling designs, calculating subject‐specific latent representations of observed data, latent principal components and principal component scores. Simulation studies demonstrate the method's competitive performance under both dense and sparse sampling designs. The method is applied to data from 497 participants in the National Institute of Mental Health Family Study of Mood Spectrum Disorders to characterize differences in within‐day temporal patterns of mood in individuals with the major mood disorder subtypes, including Major Depressive Disorder and Type 1 and 2 Bipolar Disorder. Software implementation of the proposed method is provided in an R‐package.
Bioinspired Hierarchical Porous Architecture for Enhanced Kinetics and Mechanical Integrity in Thick Cathode
Authors: Wang Ying , Song Jihun , Huang Luyao , Xu Leidong , Xu Hongyi , Zhu Juner , Zhu Hongli 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIncreasing the thickness of the electrodes is considered the primary strategy to elevate battery energy density. However, as the thickness increases, rate performance, cycling performance, and mechanical stability are affected due to the sluggish ion transfer kinetics and compromised structural integrity. Inspired by the natural hierarchical porous structure of trees, electrodes with bioinspired architecture are fabricated to address these challenges. Specifically, electrodes with aligned columns consist of tree‐inspired vertical channels, and hierarchical pores are constructed by screen printing and ice‐templating, imparting enhanced electrochemical and mechanical performance. Employing an aqueous‐based binder, the LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode achieves a high areal energy density of 15.1 mWh cm−2 at a rate of 1C at mass loading of 26.0 mg cm−2, benefitting from the multiscale pores that elevated charge transfer kinetics in the thick electrode. The electrodes demonstrate capacity retention of 90% at the 100th cycle at a high current density of 5.2 mA cm−2. To understand the mechanisms that promote electrode performance, simplified electro‐chemo‐mechanical models are developed, the drying process and the charge‐discharge process are simulated. The simulation results suggested that the improved performance of the designed electrode benefits from the lower ohmic overpotential and less strain gradient and stress concentration due to the hierarchical porous architecture.
Copper‐Driven Formation of Prothioconazole Nanocomplex: An Innovative Strategy to Prepare Nanopesticide with Improved Bioactivity and Reduced Environmental Impacts
Authors: Xu Chunli , Cao Lidong , Chen Huiping , Liu Tingting , Liang Wenlong , Li Yuanbo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDeveloping cost‐effective, energy‐saving, and eco‐friendly methods to construct nanopesticides fulfill the requirement of modern agriculture. Benefiting from the versatility of metal‐based complexes, a facile copper‐driven method is discovered for the formation of a fungicide prothioconazole nanocomplex (Cu‐Pro) with the particle size of ≈300 ± 85 nm. Interestingly, adding 0.5–1% of anionic surfactants could generate nanocomplexes within 60 ± 12 nm and form stable dispersed nanosuspensions. Both nanocomplexes exhibit remarkable control efficacy against six plant pathogenic fungi, and the EC50 values are 1.4–4.8 times lower than that of prothioconazole technical concentrate (Pro TC). In addition, the novel nanocomplexes demonstrate better resistance against UV irradiation and the half‐lives are 3.27‐ and 1.56‐times longer than that of Pro TC, respectively. The acute toxicity of prothioconazole nanocomplexes against non‐target organism zebrafish is decreased. Due to the small size and chelation with metals, the uptake and accumulation of prothioconazole in wheat plant is promoted, and the metabolites prothioconazole‐desthio is significantly decreased by 42–48% than that of Pro TC. This metal coordination‐based strategy seeks to open a new avenue for the high‐throughput preparation of nanopesticides, providing an innovative toolbox for reducing the input of agrochemicals in sustainable plant protection.